Had it not been for Lottie’s accident, he would have never entered the place. He’d heard of it, most had, but it wasn’t something he’d thought about. Perhaps he should have joined a long time ago so he had somewhere to go to help clear his head, rather than a pub and a one-night stand. He was so glad he had moved on from that chapter of his life.
‘We’ve had another idea for a badge,’ said Leo.
Spencer was loving the enthusiasm. ‘Let’s hear it then.’
Leo let the cord from his cape slip from his mouth. ‘Festival badge.’
Spencer had to laugh. ‘You want me to take you to a festival?’
Ryan shook his head. ‘No, he means we organize one.’
That idea was even more bizarre.
‘Hear them out,’ said Lottie.
Leo raised his index finger. ‘There are lots of people at the centre who need help.’ He moved his finger to his chest. ‘So we could have an awareness day. Mum always says the world needs more love. So how about a kindness festival?’
Jax agreed. ‘I wish everyone was kind.’
‘A kindness awareness day,’ said Lottie.
Leo beamed. ‘We can make noise at our festival.’
Spencer raised his brow. ‘Noise?’
Leo shrugged and started cutting some ribbon. ‘Mum says you have to make noise sometimes to be heard. She likes to go on protests at times.’ He turned sharply to Jax. ‘Oh, my mum’s going to give your dad information on home-schooling for you. She’s been speaking to your dad.’
Jax turned to Ryan as though asking for his thoughts.
‘It’s up to you, Jax,’ he told him.
Jax nodded. ‘Yes, I’d like to do that.’
Spencer pulled some of the stems towards him as he sat. ‘That’s nice of your mum, Leo.’
‘Wish I could be home-schooled,’ said Ryan. ‘My school is boring.’
Jax frowned. ‘Your school has its own swimming pool.’
Judging by the scowl on Ryan’s face, Spencer thought it best to change the subject.
‘So, Lottie, where you off to for your birthday?’
The boys all looked up.
‘Once we’ve finished here on Valentine’s Day, we’re off to a hotel in Devon for a couple of nights. But I already can’t wait to come back and help you lot organize the festival of the century.’
Leo giggled. ‘Mum knows a man who plays in a band. Has a banjo and everything. We can ask him to play songs at the festival.’
‘Good idea,’ said Lottie. ‘And we can put up a notice in the Hub asking for volunteers.’
‘And set up stalls,’ said Spencer. ‘I’ll talk to Debra first. See if we can make our festival part of the Sunshine Centre’s fundraising events.’
Leo fist-bumped the air, then stayed in a superhero pose for a moment before reaching out for some flowers.
Spencer made a mental note to tell Luna more badges had been invented.
‘We’re better than any other team,’ scoffed Jax.
