‘Quite right,’ said the team leader, turning to flap a hand at the lad.
Beth glanced at Leo, who was as quiet as a mouse. Maybe she’d got it wrong about which boy didn’t like to talk in front of strangers. She was sure it was Jax, and she was good at remembering traits about kids, thanks to her job.
‘We’ll leave you to it,’ said Spencer, but the leader didn’t get the hint.
His grin was almost sinister as he leaned closer to Spencer. ‘Or we could have ourselves some friendly competition.’
Spencer shook his head. ‘No thanks.’
‘Oh, stop pampering the boys. My team is ready for anything.’
‘We’re happy doing some quiet litter picking to help the community,’ Spencer told him, sounding quite firm about it.
‘Let’s see who can collect the most rubbish around here in one minute.’ The man turned to the boys with him. ‘Twigs included.’ They nodded eagerly, but Beth was watching Spencer shaking his head.
‘I said no.’
‘They wouldn’t win anyway,’ said one of the other boys.
‘We did win,’ snapped Ryan, holding his grabber aloft. ‘We already cleared the path.’
‘Right, well, we’re off now,’ said Spencer. ‘Good luck with your gardening. Nice and mild for it.’ He turned his back, but Beth could see he had his eye on Ryan.
She was glad to see the group take the hint and walk away. ‘Well, he was just charming,’ she muttered.
‘Old school enemy of mine,’ Spencer told her, not sounding too bothered. ‘We used to get into a lot of fights. Guess he still doesn’t like me.’
Beth turned as Leo had sniffled. ‘Hey, are you okay?’ she asked softly, trying to lift his chin.
Leo was still so pale. He pointed to his chest, then tapped a couple of times. ‘My anxiety levels are rising,’ he replied, gasping. ‘Mum says to tell a grown-up when it happens.’
Beth managed to meet his watery eyes. ‘Focus on me, Leo. We’re going to take some deep breaths, okay?’
He nodded but didn’t look hopeful.
‘In through the nose,’ said Beth, joining in with the breathing exercise. ‘Out through the mouth.’
Jax was doing it too.
Spencer went to wrap an arm around Leo, but Beth stopped him.
‘Give him some space,’ she said quietly. ‘Now, Leo, keep concentrating on your breath. We’re going to count to three as we inhale, then hold it for two seconds, then count to six as we exhale. Count in your head. Ready, and . . . In through the nose two, three. Hold. Out through the mouth, two, three, four . . .’ She trailed off, giving him some peace to count.
Poor little Leo. He was staring at her with such hope. It was all she could do to stop herself from wrapping him up in her arms.
‘More breaths, Leo. Well done. You’re doing great. This technique will calm you.’
‘It’s calming me,’ said Jax, and his words alone made Leo smile. Oh, how it was a sight for sore eyes.
Beth smiled at the boy taking his breathing seriously while Spencer stood to his side, as stiff as a soldier standing to attention. It took a while, but the colour started to slowly creep back into the lad’s cheeks.
Leo’s head bobbed slightly. ‘Anxiety levels decreasing, Miss Horton.’
‘You can call me Beth.’
‘Doesn’t seem right when you’re a teacher.’
Jax poked him in the arm with his grabber. ‘Hunger increasing yet, Leo? You ready to leave?’
