Page 62 of Always Be My Pumpkin

I notice that Maria’s plans incorporate all the features that Gertrude and I told Gemma we were missing, and this fills me with pride. Gemma really listened and took our ideas on board. She also tells me she’s keen to conserve as many original features as possible and use reclaimed materials for the upgrade, and I know Pat will love that.

‘It’s going to be beautiful,’ I say, and my chest aches at the thought of not being part of it all.

‘Why don’t we take the plans over to the house now,’ Maria suggests. ‘It will all make more sense when we’re in the actual space.’

Gemma picks up her phone. ‘I’ll text Pat and let him know we’re on our way.’

‘I hear congratulations are in order, Gracie,’ Pat says as we watch Gemma unlock the emerald panelled door that leads into his former home. ‘I knew you’d do it, girl. Never doubted it.’ He sighs happily. ‘I thought long and hard about whether I should sell this place, but knowing you’ll be the one to take care of it makes all the difference. You’ll do a great job.’

My stomach drops. His smile is full of hope, his voice filled with pride. Because, of course, he has no clue that I’ve been thinking about letting down the people who believe in me, who’ve helped me believe in myself. My mouth goes dry as my brain scrambles for words, but I can’t think what to say because I’m still not sure what my decision is.

Pat’s eyes narrow as he watches me. ‘Come inside, Gracie,’ he says softly. He holds open the door. ‘I’m sure it must be daunting. I know you’ll want to do this right and keep everybody happy.’ He places his hand lightly at my back and guides me into the wide, open hallway. ‘But I’ve every faith in you. And if you follow your heart, you won’t go wrong.’

I swallow and nod and let him lead me inside, and my eyes widen as I move through the space. I haven’t been in this house since I was a teenager, when Flynn’s gran lived here and he’d bring me along to visit. It was darker then and filled with heavy furniture and floral drapes. Now, the walls are fresh and white, and two large skylights fill the double-height hallway with a soft autumn glow. The windows and doors need replacing but Maria has ideas for how to do that tastefully and bring in even more light.

She pulls out her drawings as we reach the top of the stairs, and I listen as she explains about our proposed gallery and activity space, the cosy reading nooks and sensory-friendly spaces, and the dedicated teen corner we hope to include.

My heart lightens as I picture it all. And I know I can’t leave these plans to someone else to make real. This is my world and I have a chance to make it better. To make a difference to the place and the people I care about. There’s no way I can run away from this.

And there’s no way I will. Even though it will be hard, even though some memories will hurt for a while. I think about my evening with Mam. I don’t have to give up my dream just because it’s not perfect, just because some parts feel hard. If I want it badly enough, it’s worth fighting for. And I know for sure. I want this.

I catch Gemma on her own while Maria’s showing Pat where they’ll open the wall to connect to the existing library space.

‘I can’t believe this is finally happening,’ I say. Then I breathe deep and tell her what I want. ‘I hope you know how much this means to me, Gemma. To manage Oakwood, to be part of all this. I know there are two positions available, but I want to stay right here. It’s always been Oakwood for me.’

‘Gracie.’ Gemma beams at me. ‘I wouldn’t dream of placing you anywhere else. I agree with Pat completely. I can’t think of anyone who’ll take better care of our new upgraded library.’

‘Thank you.’ My face erupts in a smile. ‘I can’t wait to get started, and I promise I won’t let you down.’

‘I know you won’t. And my door is always open if you need support.’

‘There is one favour I’d like to ask now, if you have time.’

She chuckles. ‘Ah, and so it starts. Go on.’

‘Would you mind if I popped back to cover the library? I’d like to send Gertrude and Ella to take a look at the plans and see our new space. It’s their library too and I want them to feel part of this.’

‘That’s an excellent idea.’ She smiles. ‘I’ll make time.’

29

Olena, one of our festival volunteers, arrives as Gertrude and Ella are on their way out. She leans on the counter and waves what looks like a bundle of drawings.

‘Is it okay if I photocopy these for the treasure trail?’

‘Of course.’ I peer at the pages. ‘Are those the clues?’

‘Yes.’ Her face lifts. ‘Look.’ She thrusts them towards me. ‘Aren’t they great?’

I take the bundle and leaf through the sheets. There’s a very simple map of the picnic area where we’re holding the trail. And further pages, each with a funny character or item, and a one-line clue to where the treasure is. Perfect for young children and families.

‘These are fab. They’re Flynn’s, aren’t they?’

I’d recognise his drawings anywhere. I have every drawing he sketched for me back at school tucked away in a pretty floral box in Mam’s attic. I look up at Olena. ‘When did he give you these?’

‘He started working on them as soon as we volunteered. He gave them to me before he left, in case his flight gets delayed. And he left maps too, with all the locations to hide the treasure.’

‘Wow, he’s covered everything.’ I don’t add the thought that occurs to me now. In case he doesn’t make it back to say goodbye. ‘What are you using for the treasure?’