Well if that wasn’t a sign from above to confirm she wasn’t dreaming, she didn’t know what was.
Beth’s jelly legs normally got her home, but today her racing heart and light head were freaking out about something else. At least this time she could understand why her nerves were playing up. The panic often came out of nowhere for no reason, adding confusion into the mix. Still, the feeling had her hurry home, because if she was going to be afraid of whatever was happening to her body, she wasn’t about to do it in public.
Bumping the hefty pram up three flights of stairs to her front door, while the lift was being fixed, only caused her chest to constrict even more. The back of her lungs felt so bruised, and the fluttering in her heart couldn’t be healthy.
Relieved to finally be indoors, Beth cried, covering her mouth to hold in any possible noise she might make. She fumbled her way around the small kitchen, dropping things and losing count of the scoops of baby formula. But still she rushed, hoping the activity would ease the fear she was feeling. If she just kept going, it would fade. How else could she make it go away? She didn’t even know what was happening to her.
Chapter 5
Spencer
‘Flower arranging badge?’ questioned Leo. ‘I didn’t think you were serious about that.’
Spencer held back his laugh. ‘It’s still arts and crafts. I find it quite relaxing. Afterwards we can pop in the café and have hot chocolate.’
‘I’m for the hot chocolate part,’ said Jax.
Ryan quirked one eyebrow. ‘It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow?’ He turned to his friends. ‘It’s the busiest time for flower shops. My dad told me.’ He motioned towards Spencer. ‘We can help you with that.’
‘That’s two badges then,’ said Leo.
‘How is it two?’ asked Spencer.
Leo flipped his cape off his shoulder. ‘One for flower arranging, and one for being kind by helping you.’
Spencer chuckled. There was no arguing with that. ‘Yes, great idea. A kindness badge it is.’
Jax removed his coat. ‘So, what do we have to do?’
Lottie came out of the back room of the shop. ‘Ooh, hello.’
Spencer raised a finger. ‘And . . .’
On cue, the lads started singing ‘Happy Birthday’, making her smile stretch as wide as possible.
‘Well, thank you,’ said Lottie. ‘But my birthday is tomorrow.’
‘But we won’t see you then,’ said Leo, chewing his cape.
‘In that case, and after that wonderful performance, you can all take a small bouquet home with you later.’
Leo and Jax followed her into the back room while Ryan stayed in the shopfront with Spencer.
‘There is so much red in here.’ Ryan was gazing up at hanging paper love hearts.
Spencer grinned. ‘It doesn’t always look like this. We’re just getting ready for the big day.’
Ryan gestured at the back room. ‘Not sure Jax will like it out here when the customers come in. You know he has to get to know people first.’
‘We’re making flower arrangements out back, and it’s only Lottie working today. He won’t be asked to do anything else or be out the front.’
Ryan nodded his approval, then joined the others, leaving Spencer feeling proud of how the boy looked out for his friends. They were a small circle but had bonded well at the Sunshine Centre. There was real trust between them, and it was nice to witness, especially seeing Leo put his trust in any child.
Debra had told Spencer that Leo wouldn’t make friends with any children at first. His nerves were too rattled from being bullied at school.
Spencer remembered the fights he’d get into himself, and how often his aunt was called to the school. Rebecca was so lovely, talking things through with him, rather than shouting. Sometimes he was sure it was only the love from her that held him together.
He entered the back room to see the boys gathered around the large table, with Lottie handing out instructions. She too was a member of the Sunshine Centre, so it was easy for the children to settle with her, having seen her around often.
