Maya's Next Step

Part 90

Carina POV

"Are you sure you don't want to spend the day with Elva and I?" I asked Maya again as she was about to leave for work.

She kissed me, holding my face in her hand and adding an extra kiss to my cheek before pulling back.

"I would love to but I think you need some one to one Elva time just as much as she does. I'll finish early though so I can take you to the airport," she replied as she put on her jacket.

"Okay bellina. Stay safe," I smiled.

"Oh and I'm going to ask Andy to watch Elva while I take you," she added before leaving.

"Are you sure?" I frowned.

"Yeah, I think it will be easier than putting her through an airport drop off," she said decisively.

"Bye my love," she smiled, blowing my a kiss from the doorway before turning and heading to work.

While Elva was still asleep, I finished packing my suitcase and made another coffee. I sat peacefully reading and making some notes on a research paper when I heard Elva awaken.

"Mama,"

"Mama,"

I made my way into her bedroom to find her still half asleep, tossing and turning while crying out for me.

"Elva it's okay," I said calmly, joining her on her bed.

I sat on the edge and gently stroked through her hair.

"Mama," she wined.

"Wake up bambina. Mama's here," I said softly, shaking her ever so slightly.

Her eyes opened, unease filling them until they landed on me.

"Good morning bambina," I smiled warmly.

"Mama," she said, yawning and stretching out.

"You in my dream mama," she said sleepily.

"I know bella, you were saying mama's name in your sleep," I told her.

"I didn't want you to leave," she frowned.

"I'm sorry bambina, I promise you I'll be back so soon," I assured her.

"Don't go mama," she said sadly, tears filling her eyes again.

"Oh bella," I sighed, standing and lifting her out of bed. I carried her through to the lounge and held her in my arms.

Still not fully awake, she lay her head on my shoulder, watching out the window as I swayed from side to side with her.

"Mama,"'she whimpered, clinging onto me tightly.

"I'm here bambina," I said softly, resting my hand on her back.

Her cries softened but were very much still there, I continued swaying gently, the movement helping her settle.

I thought back to how my own mama would comfort Andrea and I. My mind instantly went to the old Italian lullaby she would sing to us every evening before bed.

"Quanne nasciette ie nasciette a mare,
nasciette fra li Turche e fra li More,
me pigliave e me metteve m'bracce
chi me riceve figlie viene a me."

I sang to her softly, holding her close and smiling as her cries eventually stopped.

"I've got you bambina," I whispered.

She lifted her head up and turned around to face me.

"Are you alright my little love?" I asked her, tucking her hair back behind her ear.