Under Her Wing

Chapter 163

Amalia POV

It was time for therapy.

Stefania had come home from set and was in charge of getting me there while Danielle had a couple of meetings.

The hum of the car engine filled the comfortable silence between us. I stared out the window, my fingers twisting the hem of my sweater. The familiar streets blurred past, and my stomach twisted with each passing block, bringing me closer to Carla's office.

Mama glanced at me from the corner of her eye, her concern clear. The memory of my earlier tantrum and meltdown was still fresh. I didn't want her to be mad at me.

"Amalia, bambina," Mama began, her voice soft but firm.

"I know you're nervous about the session, but Carla is here to help." Stef said, knowing excited what was going through my mind.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "I know, Mama. I just... "

"Che tesoro ?" She asked.

"I didn't mean to yell at mom earlier, or throw my pencils. I'm sorry." I apologised.

"Stefania's grip on the wheel loosened slightly. She reached over and placed a comforting hand on my knee.

"I know you didn't mean it bambina. We'll get through it all together." She assured me.

I nodded, but the knot in my stomach remained. I hated how my emotions always seemed to get the best of me, making me lash out at the people I loved most. "

"I'm just scared, mama. What if I can't fix this?"

"What if I shout at mom or you again?"

Her expression softened, her eyes full of love.

"You're stronger than you think, Amalia. And you don't have to fix everything all at once. Carla will help you take it one step at a time."

"And so will Danielle and I," she smiled lovingly.

"Also Bella, I'd be worried if you went through your teenage years without shouting at us," she winked.

I smiled and took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I looked at Mama, my eyes still filled with uncertainty.

"Do you really think I can do this?" I asked again.

Stef smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"I know you can. You're my brave bambina."

The car turned the final corner, and Carla's office came into view. My heart pounded in my chest, but mama's words gave me a small spark of courage. I could do this. I had to.
As we pulled into the parking lot, she squeezed my hand one last time before letting go.

"I'll be right here when you're done," she promised.

I nodded, taking one last deep breath before opening the car door.

I stepped out of the car, my legs feeling like jelly. The building loomed in front of me, and each step toward Carla's office felt heavier than the last. Stefania took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. But as we approached the door, panic started to bubble up inside me.

"I don't want to go in," I whispered, my voice trembling. I clung to Stefania's arm, my fingers digging into the fabric of her shirt .

"Please, Mama."

Stef knelt down, her eyes level with mine. She brushed a strand of hair out of my face and smiled softly.

"Amalia, I know it's a lot, but you know how good Carla is. She always helps you feel better."