Maya's Next Step

Part 155

*TWO DAYS LATER*

Maya POV

I stood in the doorway of Winter's new bedroom, staring at what the team and I had managed to achieve in under 48 hours. It looked like it belonged to a preteen girl and I couldn't wait for Winter to fill it with her things and make it her own.

"Mommy,"

"Mommy look,"

I was broken from my thoughts by Elva running down the hallway towards me.

"Bubba you shouldn't be running on that knee," I sighed, putting my arms out to stop her crashing into me.

"Mommy come on," she said urgently, tugging on my arm to follow her.

"Elva your knee," I said again, worried about her stitches, trying to slow her down.

"It doesn't hurt mommy,"

"Come on," Elva said desperately, dragging me to the window in the lounge.

"What is it bubbie?" I asked, standing behind her.

"Winter's here," she said excitedly, pointing to the street below where Carina's car had pulled up.

"Mama was supposed to call me on her way home," I said, mainly to myself, immediately scanning the apartment to make sure it looked perfect.

I quickly folded a blanket on the sofa, plumped the cushions and attempted to neaten Elva's toy box.

"She's here mommy," Elva said, jumping up and down.

"She's really here mommy,"

"I know sweetie, listen, come here for a moment," I said, trying to keep her calm.

I sat her on the armchair and knelt down in front of her.

"Elva look at me," I said softly, wanting her full attention.

"Remember when you first came to stay with mama and I? It was all new and a little bit scary wasn't it,"

She nodded slightly, not knowing where I was going with this.

"Well Winter might be feeling a little scared and nervous as well. She's never been here before and it might take a little time to get used to," I tried to explain.

"Winter can play with me and I'll share my toys," Elva said hopefully.

"That's really kind of you bubbie and I'm sure Winter will play with you but we might need to give her some space first while she settles in," I added.

"Like ten minutes?" Elva asked genuinely, not fully grasping my point.

"Maybe a little bit longer than that," I smirked, still finding her adorable.

Neither Elva or I got a chance to say anything else before we heard Carina's key in the door.

"Well here we go," I whispered to myself.

Suddenly a little nervous now reality was in front of her, Elva took a few steps closer to me, her arms wrapping around my leg.

I reached down and ran my fingers through her hair.

"It's okay," I whispered.

"Ciao bellini," Carina greeted warmly when she saw us.

Winter followed her in, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar home.

"Hi my love," I replied.

"Winter welcome sweetheart," I said, not wanting to rush over to her and overwhelm her even more.