Under Her Wing

Chapter 76

Danielle POV

"No,"

"No they can't,"

"Mom please no,"

"No no no,"

Amalia had pushed herself out of my arms and had begun pacing back and forth, her voice laced with panic as her hands flapped anxiously.

I watched as Stefania scanned the letter again before she met my gaze.

I looked at her, silently begging her to have a solution or at least something comforting to say.

"I d-don't know b-bellina," she stuttered, unable to make sense of the situation either.

"No no,"

"No,"

"No no no," Amalia kept repeating.

I watched as she brought her hands to her hair, gripping on tighter than I'd ever seen her do. She began pulling, almost clawing at her head.

"Okay sunshine no," I said, snapping back into mom mode.

Ignoring the panic I was feeling myself, I got to my feet. I had to be strong for my girl.

"Sweetheart come here to me," I said calmly, holding out my hands for her.

In a world of her own, she continued to spiral, her breathing almost out of control.

"Mali baby, come to mommy," I repeated slowly, taking a few steps towards her.

"No they can't. No," she breathed out, shaking her head from side to side.

"Amalia we'll sort it. We'll sort it all out," I assured her.

"No,"

"No,"

I sighed, not knowing what to do for her. 

"C-can't b-breath," she said, gasping for air.

"Bambina you need to calm down," Stefania said firmly.

Amalia carried on pulling at her hair and struggling to keep still.

"Bambina breathe," Stefania said. "Let go of your hair," she added.

"C-can't," Amalia replied, shaking her head.

"You can Mali, let go baby girl," I said, feeling my eyes fill with tears.

"M-Mom," she cried helplessly.

"I'm here sweetheart. Tell me what you need," I said softly.

"Help," she sobbed, her knuckles turning white as she gripped tightly.

"Okay okay we're here," I said, moving closer.

I placed my hands on hers but she shook her head, begging me with her eyes to not stop her.

"I can't let you baby, Dani can't see you hurt yourself sunshine," I whispered, prying her fingers open.

She continued to struggle to breathe, her chest rising and falling rapidly between the odd big gasp for air.

"Okay bella come here," Stefania said, taking control and coming to lift Amalia into her arms.

She took a few steps back to sit on the garden furniture, now holding Amalia on her knee.

"Mama no," Amalia fought, attempting to break free from Stef's hold.

I watched helplessly as Stefania pulled Amalia's arms down, forcing her to release the grip she'd had on her hair.