Under Her Wing

Chapter 77

Amalia POV

"Mali sunshine we need to leave," I heard Danielle shout through the house.

I took one last look at myself in the mirror.

I looked tired.

I sighed and grabbed my phone, really not in the mood to go back to set today.

"Come on bubs, we don't wanna be late for the first day back," Danielle smiled softly when I joined her and Stefania in the the hall.

"I guess," I shrugged.

"Can Jeff come today?" I asked hopefully, looking over at Stef.

"I'm sorry bambina, not today, we'll be stuck inside one of the meeting rooms for the table read. There won't be room for her today," mama explained sadly.

"Okay," I nodded, wishing Jeff would be there with me.

"You both ready?" Danielle asked, pulling on her jacket.

"Si bellina," Stefania smiled.

"Let's go," Mom grinned, unlocking her front door.

I held back, unable to get my legs to take a step forward. Danielle opened the door for Stefania then looked over her shoulder at me, expecting me to follow.

"We'll be right behind you babe," she called after Stefania.

Danielle turned around fully, taking a few steps towards me to close the gap between us.

She took my hands in hers and crouched down a little, now at my height.

"Mali, we're sorting it I promise," she told me, repeating what she'd already told me a thousand times.

I just wasn't letting myself believe it.

"We've been looking forward to getting back to work haven't we?" She said excitedly, squeezing my hands.

I nodded, feeling my bottom lip begin to quiver.

"Oh sunshine what is it?" She asked gently when tears began to fall.

"I'm s-scared," I cried, unable to lift my gaze to meet hers.

"One step at a time Mali. Today is just the table read," she assured me.

"I w-want you," I admitted, reaching my hands for her.

I watched as her face softened even more.

She pulled me into her arms and held my head over her heart.

"I'm not going anywhere, today's just the table read," she repeated.

"I can be with you the whole time," she added.

I nodded against her chest, reassured we wouldn't have to be apart today.

"And mama?" I asked, pulling away from the hug.

"She'll be there sweetheart," Danielle smiled.

"Ready?" She asked gently.

I nodded, taking hold of her hand again.

"That's my girl," she winked.

Stefania was waiting patiently in the car, scrolling through her phone.

"Both okay bellas?" She asked as I buckled the seatbelt in.

"A little wobbly," Danielle informed her, turning the engine on and beginning to reverse off the driveway.

Stefania turned around and placed her hand on my knee.

"We've got this bambina," she winked, squeezing my leg gently.