Maya's Next Step

Part 139

Carina POV

"Mommy," Elva whimpered in my arms as the door closed behind Maya.

I sighed, the usual anxious knot in my stomach appeared, the same one that's permanently there whenever Maya is on shift.

"When is she back?" Elva said, tears falling down her soft cheeks.

"She won't be long bella," I smiled, faking composure for my daughter.

"Let's go finished dinner," I said, returning to the table, Elva back on my lap.

"No mama," she whined when I attempted to feed her again.

"I know bambina shhh,"

"I know you're upset but you need to finish your food," I said calmly but firmly.

I finished my own meal at the same time as ensuring Elva ate hers despite neither of us having much of an appetite anymore.

"Shall we go get you ready for bed bambina?" I suggested once she'd eaten enough.

I felt her nod against my chest.

"Come on then piccola," I smiled, standing up from the table and heading towards the bathroom.

I placed her down and began preparing the bath for her.

"Pink or purple bubbles?" I asked her, holding up two bottles.

"P-purple," she stuttered, still trying to calm herself down.

"Good choice," I winked, pouring some in.

"With mama?" Elva asked as I began helping her get unchanged.

"Mama's already had a bath today bella," I said softly.

She looked down and the floor and nodded her head, not bothering to try and fight or convince me.

I grabbed an extra towel and pulled my shirt over my head before unfastening my bra.

"Mama?" Elva questioned, her head tilting to the side.

"I suppose you can never be too clean bella," I smiled, seeing her face light up a little more.

"In you get bambina," I said as I lifted her in before stepping in behind her.

For the second time today, I found myself relaxing into the water, a very different kind of bath this time though.

Now I had Elva's little body laying against me as I reached for her sponge, wetting it and squeezing the warm water over her.

"Mommy doesn't have a bath normally," Elva said.

"Si you're right bella. Your mommy is more of a shower person," I chuckled, thinking of Maya's efficient nature.

"Mama?" She asked, now more talkative now that she'd calmed down, the water doing its magic.

"Si bella?" I replied, trickling more water down her arms.

I smiled as it made her shiver.

"Am I really going back to school on Monday?" She asked, turning herself around to face me.

"Si bambina, the holidays are over," I nodded.

"What's the matter tesoro?" I frowned, cupping her cheek as her face fell.

"I like just being with you and mommy?" She shrugged.

"We've enjoyed all our Elva time too but you get to see Molly and Lola," I said positively.

"That's true," she agreed, laying forward against my chest.

I tried not to laugh at her and moved her wet hair out of her face as she turned to the side.