Not just me & you anymore (G!P)

C. 29 - Maya

I redeem myself from my moment of shock by running to the kitchen, where I find Viviana crouched next to her mother and Amelia laughing at me. I have absolutely no energy to deal with Amelia now and her teasing, rather I point my alarmed eyes at Carina.

M < is it now? In what sense is it now? Why didn't you tell me?> I fill her with questions and see her suppress a cry of pain: at the same time, however, she grabs my hand and squeezes it so hard I think she broke it.

M < we are not ready, it was supposed to happen in a week!> I exclaim as soon as she seems to finish her contraction. Carina sighs, looking at me.

C < instead it looks like we should be ready..> she replies to me patiently.

M < but how!? We haven't even picked a name yet!> I exclaim, putting my hands in my hair.

C < love, please..> Carina implores me, of I don't really know what, because she clenches her teeth and eyes clearly preventing herself from screaming.

M < okay, okay, what can I do?> I finally lavish myself.

C < I asked Amelia to keep Viviana until your mother arrives for the night, but can you warn her, please?> I nod, pulling my phone out of my pocket, and finally my eyes settle on Viviana, who is watching me attentively.

V < MayMay you're a little white..> I hear Amelia laughing out loud and again I roll my eyes: if only Viviana could hear how much I'm shaking and sweating...!

M < I know little one. Is it okay then to stay with Aunt Amy and then sleep with Grandma? We'll call her together now..>

C < love..> both Viviana and I turn toward Carina, but she asks the little girl to come closer to her. She holds her tightly against her, whispering sweet words to her and then waves goodbye, pushing her toward me. < walk her that way while Amelia takes me to the car okay?>

M < I can do it!> I exclaim resentfully and she shakes her head, taking my hand again, if only for a moment.

C < amore, I need you to take care of Vivi now. I'll be waiting for you in the car...> I nod and Viviana is ushered to our brand new couch, crawling her feet on the floor with little energy.

C < Maya!> Carina calls me back after just two steps. I turn to look at her questioningly. < hurry up!> she intimates and I become even more agitated. However, Carina knows that entrusting me with tasks is the best strategy to keep my anxiety at bay, because I can devote all my energy to completing said task. A little voice preyed upon by anxiety though makes room inside me, wondering if I should not be the one to take charge now.

V < I am sad!> Viviana exclaims as soon as we are out of "prying" ears. I sigh, stopping and kneeling in front of her.

M < for what? > I ask and she looks at the ground, conveying all her sadness to me.

V < it's the first night in the new house...we had to..> I interrupt her, smiling.

M < I know, little one, it wasn't supposed to be like this. We were supposed to build the fort and keep all our promises, but I promise we will do it very soon. As soon as I get home..>

V < mom told me that tomorrow you will accompany me to meet my little brother..> I frown: this is new news for me, but evidently Carina already has a whole super plan laid out in her mind.

M < you'll be the first to meet him, my love, right after me and mom..> she nods.

V < so I'll be waiting for you?> she asks for further reassurance, making my heart go tiny.