Maya's Next Step

Part 119

Maya POV

"Is mama out with her friends now?" Elva asked as I helped her climb out of the car.

"She is my little love," I smiled, keeping hold of her hand while we crossed the parking lot.

"At a party?" She asked curiously.

"Sort of," I chuckled, hoping Carina was finally able to forget about Gabriella and enjoy the rest of her day and evening out.

I headed over to the desk to buy our tickets, Elva looking all around with wide eyes having never been here before.

"Elvie do you know what happens next?" I asked her excitedly, crouching down to her height.

"What mommy?"

"We get to choose candy and popcorn," I grinned, placing my hands on her hips and making her wriggle about.

Giggling happily, she smiled and let me lead her over to the snack counter.

"Can we share mommy?" She asked sweetly, standing close beside me.

"Of course, you're my new movie buddy. Your mama can never stay still long enough to finish a movie," I joked as I bent down to lift her up onto my hip so she could see.

"Wanna see mommy's secret trick?" I whispered playfully just as a teenage boy stepped up to serve us.

Elva nodded, holding onto the collar of my shirt.

"A medium popcorn and share bag of M&M's please," I ordered.

Once I'd paid, Elva and I made our our way towards Screen 5.

"It's dark mommy," she panicked as we entered.

"It's okay, it's supposed to be," I assured her.

"No mommy don't want to," she said, stopping and not walking any further.

"Hey, you're with mommy. You're safe Elvie," I said calmly, not wanting her to get anymore worked up.

"Come on baby girl, let's go find some seats," I said, trying to sound excited.

She nodded apprehensively and reached up to hold onto my arm.

"Go down there bub," I whispered, pointing down an empty row of seats. There weren't many people in here so far, just a few family groups and I doubted it would get much busier.

"Wanna see my trick now?" I said playfully when we'd sat down.

She nodded excitedly, her attention fully on me.

I opened the bag of M&M's and tipped them into the bag of popcorn.

"Shh don't tell your mama," I winked.

"It's a secret mommy," she giggled.

I held the popcorn out to her to take a handful.

"Here Elvie hold this," I instructed, passing her the entire bag so I could quickly take a picture of her.

"Send to mama," she said.

"And Auntie Andy," she smiled.

"Okay little love," I giggled, sending it straight to them both.

The lights suddenly dimmed even more, leaving us practically in full darkness.

"Mommy," she panicked, instantly reaching for me.

"Shhh baby, we need to be quiet now," I whispered.

"Look at the screen Elvie," I said softly, pointing to the large screen that had just lit up.