Maya's Next Step

Part 82

Maya POV

I helped Elva out of the car while Carina lifted Molly down.

Carina and I had booked a day off work for Elva's birthday but the zoo still appeared to be fairy busy despite it being mid-week.

"Make sure you stay close to us girls. We don't want you getting lost," I warned them when we were in the entrance queue.

Elva glanced around at the large crowds of people and took a step closer to me, wrapping her arm around my leg as we waited in line. I rested my hand on her upper back.

"Have you ever been here Molly?" I asked the little girl.

"Mommy said I have when I was little but I don't remember," she replied sweetly.

"What are you most excited to see?"

"Penguins," she replied.

"They walk funny," she added with an excited giggle.

"What about you Elvie?" I asked my girl.

"I want to see a tiger," she said, looking up at me with big, wide eyes.

"Let's go bambine ," Carina said, leading us all forward to pay.

"Wow!" The girls said I sync when we got through.

Carina looked over at me and smiled, pointing out how cute the girls were.

"Come on mommy," Elva said energetically, taking my hand and pulling me forward.

"Okay baby let's go," I laughed, following her lead.

"What's in there bambina?" Carina asked Elvie when we got to the first animal.

I lifted her up so she could sit on the barrier, standing behind her to hold her waist. Carina did the same with Molly so she could see clearer.

"A lion!" Elva gasped.

"Look it's got a big mane," Molly pointed.

"That means it's a boy lion," Carina explained to them.

"Mama what's lion in Italian?" Elva asked Carina.

"If it's a boy, it's leone," Carina replied.

All of a sudden, the lion let out a huge roar, taking everyone in the vicinity by surprise. I felt Elva jump back. If I hadn't have had hold of her, she would've gone flying backwards.

"Mommy's got you," I whispered, keeping tight hold of her.

"He was telling the zoo keepers he's hungry," I told her.

She nodded but kept quiet.

"Shall we go see the next animal?" Carina suggested.

The girls agreed and we lifted them both down. Molly kept hold of Carina's hand and I couldn't believe that Elva didn't even react. She was now more than happy to share her mama with her best friend. I doubt she'd have the same reaction if it was a different child.

My phone buzzed. I checked it to see that Andy had messaged to let me know she'd arrived.

I replied to let her know where we were, we hadn't gotten far.

"Let's wait here for a moment for Auntie Andy to catch up," I told everyone.

"Andy here?" Elva asked excitedly.

"She is my little love," I smiled.

A few minutes later, I glanced up and spotted Andy walking towards us.