Under Her Wing

Chapter 168

Danielle POV

"I'm not going," Amalia said angrily, crossing her arms firmly.

I sighed, running my hands through my hair.

"Come on Mali," I said, holding my hand out to her.

"I'm not going," she said again, making no attempt to move from her spot across the room.

I was doing everything I could to remain calm and not raise my voice at her.

"Amalia we're going to be late for Carla if we don't leave now," I explained.

"Then let's just not go," she said.

"Bubs we have to, we're going to Europe in 10 days, you need to feel ready,"

"No I'm fine, I want to go to the conventions with you,"

"I know sweetheart but we need you to be able to cope while we're there," I said gently, wanting her to understand.

"No you want me to stop cuddling you and holding you," she snapped.

"You want to stop me pulling on your clothes,"

"You don't want me anymore,"

"You want to get rid of me,"

"And you're going to tell Carla everything,"

She stood there in tears, sobbing her little heart out. I glanced over at Stefania helplessly.

"I'll call and see if Carla can come here instead," she said, pulling her phone out of her back pocket and stepping out of the room.

"Amalia," I said calmly, walking over to her.

"No no no," she cried, bringing her hands up to her head.

"No go away,"

"You don't want me anymore,"

"You hate me,"

"You don't want me,"

This was one of the worst meltdowns I think I'd seen her have.

"Sweetheart," I said, taking another step towards her.

"No no," she sobbed, continuing to shake her head.

"Mali, mommy's here," I said calmly.

"Mommy's here and I'm gonna help you calm down,"

"No no no," she cried.

I reached for her hands to try and pull them away from her head.

"Shhhh Amalia, let me help,"

"15 minutes," Stefania said, coming back into the room. I nodded, relieved Carla would shortly be here.

"Come here to me Amalia," I tried again when she flinched away from me.

"You're mad," she cried, still shaking her head.

"I'm not mad sweetheart,"

"Mali, I want to help you calm down," I assured her.

"Bambina it's okay," Stefania tried.

I crouched down in front of Amalia, holding my arms out for her to come to me.

"Mali take a big breath for me,"

I moved instead to sit on the floor, wanting her to come to me.

"I'm here when you're ready," I assured her.

I sat there, watching her pace around in distress.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Amalia flinched at the sound.