Annette looked to Debra. ‘I’d like a copy of Ryan’s progress report, please.’
Debra quickly handed it over. ‘We love having him here.’
Annette scanned the paper. ‘I’m sure he can stay a member.’ The words seemed to bite her.
Harry smiled at Debra. ‘We’re going to head home. I’m sorry it got a little heated in here.’
Debra stepped forward to pat Ryan’s shoulder. ‘I’m just glad things are sorted.’
Annette ignored her as she headed outside.
‘Ryan knows to use his voice to communicate what he wants now,’ said Spencer, smiling down at the boy. ‘Don’t you?’
A nod and a slight murmur came from the boy before he spoke. ‘I didn’t mean to get you into trouble, Spencer. And I didn’t know my mum would try to close the centre.’
Spencer lowered to Ryan’s height. ‘Hey, it’s okay. It’s sorted now, and your dad’s home. How great is that? You can bring him to the festival. Show him what the Sunshine Superheroes achieved.’ It was a relief to see Ryan looking settled.
Ryan nodded, then headed outside with his dad.
Spencer stood in the office doorway, seeing them off, then turned to Bonnie and Chris, his thoughts still with Ryan as the other parents entered the room.
Bonnie blinked hard. ‘I think I need an hour in the quiet room after hearing that.’ She turned to Leo. ‘Go sit back with Jax while we talk about your progress.’
‘Oh, he left,’ said Leo, pointing towards the door.
‘What do you mean he left?’ asked Chris, rushing back outside, quickly followed by everyone.
‘He walked out. He was worried the centre was going to close because Ryan’s mum said it didn’t build confidence.’ He lowered his eyes. ‘We were listening at the door with Ryan.’
Spencer was just as alarmed as Chris. ‘Where did he go?’
Leo shrugged. ‘He didn’t say.’
Everyone ran out into the car park, calling out for Jax, but he was nowhere to be found. The whole centre was thoroughly searched, but the boy was gone.
Chapter 28
Beth
After a long chat with Jan, Beth was feeling quite refreshed as she walked down to Harbour End Road. It was a mild day, with a blue sky and fluffy white clouds. She folded her arms, then dropped them to her sides before shoving her hands in her jacket pockets. She really had no idea what to do with her hands anymore when not pushing Archie’s pram.
Beth said hello to a young couple passing by who she’d once helped serve in the flower shop when she was there talking to Lottie and a wave of customers had entered. It felt nice strolling along and seeing people she knew. The Port Berry community was definitely rubbing off on her. An elderly man waved to her, stopping to let her know he had a box of cereal for the food bank at the Hub.
Helping others had lifted Beth’s spirits, and the peace she had in her life had made such a difference to her anxiety levels. It was good to inhale the fresh air and have it fill her lungs.
She took the box of cereal from the man and carried on with her journey home. Just thinking about heading to Spencer’s brought fizz to her stomach, even though she knew he was at the Sunshine Centre for the morning.
Archie was in Berry Blooms with Lottie and Samuel, and Beth had to wonder if her son would one day work in the shop. She was happy he had so much love surrounding him. She was sure no matter what path he chose in life, he would walk it with a smile.
Beth’s smile grew as she turned the corner to meet the harbour. The seagulls seemed as settled as the small boats bobbing on the dark waves. She decided she’d drop the cereal into the Hub, fetch Archie, then send Spencer a message to lethim know they were in Harbour Light Café for lunch, in case he wanted to join them.
A pink bicycle came whizzing past, bell jingling and sparkly tassels flapping, and Beth was sure Jax was the rider.
The boy almost toppled off the bike as he came to an abrupt halt outside Treasure Chest newsagents.
‘Jax?’ she called, seeing it was him.
He turned, face flushed and alarmed.
