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He shakes his shiny mane of hair. ‘What if the person who borrows me is one of the bullies from school?’
My shoulders relax. ‘Oh, Alfie, I hope you haven’t been worrying about that all morning? I’d never let them borrow you! They’ve had their chance at making friends with the world’s cleverest boy and theyblewit! No, no, your borrowers are all lovely kids. Don’t you worry about a thing in that regard OK?’It hurts to think he’s still carrying around scars left from those children. While he’s usually bubbly and happy, it’s clear the abhorrent treatment he’s received for being deemed different has left its mark. If all goes well today, perhaps we need to schedule some parents to ‘borrow’ Alfie so they can see the effect bullying has on a little psyche. ‘And remember, Alfie, you’re in control. One word from you and it can stop right there.’
‘You think I’m the world’s cleverest boy?’
‘I sure do. I don’t know anyone as clever as you, Alfie. Not only clever but funny, charming and a joy to be around.’
He gives me a proud smile. ‘Thanks, Elodie.’
‘Here comes Harry with your hot chocolate.’ While they sit around and chat, I excuse myself and get to work. I give the carpets a quick vacuum. It’s become a morning ritual and one I find quite soothing. I do my best thinking while the machine is humming nosily beside me. Once that’s done, I empty the bins. Who knew I’d become a fan of cleaning and sorting? Back home, we had a crew who did all those tasks, but I relish doing them myself. I check everything is in order for the People Library. I switch on the library computers and boot up the antiquated lending system.
Back at my desk, I’m checking membership numbers as Jo pulls me to one side for a chat. ‘I’m doing the right thing, aren’t I?’
I stash my paperwork. ‘You are, Jo. Remember it’s an experiment and we can shut it down anytime. My money is on Alfie surprising us all with how well he handles it. Doesn’t he always?’ Her face is pinched as if she’s still not sure this is the right step. I feel it too. I want so much for this to be a way for Alfie to make friends, but we won’t know until we try.
She bites her lip. ‘I just don’t want him talked about all over town in a derogatory way or anything. Or laughed at. If he gets flustered and stims, you know? Or he might put his headphones on and go blank. I don’t want it to make things worse.’
‘And if that happens, it’s the perfect way to show his potential new friend what he does when he needs to regroup. Alfie shouldn’t have to hide that side of himself to suit others, right? He’s perfect just the way he is, stimming and all. I’ll be right there. I vetted all the borrowers carefully for Alfie. They’re all similar ages and have some degree of understanding about autism. As much as I want Alfie to make friends organically, I also want him to feel secure being in the spotlight so we can help foster some early friendships if we can. It’ll be up to Alfie to see how he gels with them.’
‘You’re so right. Why should he have to hide that side of himself? That’s a part of who he is.’ She runs her hands through her hair. ‘I’ve never thought about it like that before …’
The sugar has worked its magic as Alfie bounds over. ‘Look at all the people!’ he says, happily. Outside a line snakes around the corner out of view. Finn knocks at the front door and I motion for him to come in. He’s press after all. He approaches us and says a friendly hello. What was I expecting, a great big hug in front of everyone? Still, he doesn’t give me a special look, a clue to how he’s feeling, which concerns me but there’s no time to fixate on it. ‘Hey, Alfie,’ he says. ‘You remember me from theChronicle, right?’ Alfie nods. ‘Would it be OK with you if I take some photos of your first session?’
‘Sure, my best angle is slightly left of centre. It makes me look more mature.’
Finn and I exchange a look and I have to bite my tongue not to laugh. He really is the bees knees, this extraordinary child.
‘Left of centre, got it.’
I bend down to Alfie’s level. ‘Do you need anything before we let them in, Alfie?’
He taps a finger to his chin. ‘Maybe my headphones. If it’s too loud, then what?’
‘Yes, it will be louder than normal, because there’s so many people who want to visit the People Library and see about borrowing our very special book today. To counter that, we’ve set you up in the cubicle at the back. That way it’ll be quieter, and you can tell your story without needing your headphones, but take them just in case, yeah?’
‘OK, that makes sense. Do you want to learn the hand signal in case I need to abort the mission?’
‘Yes I’d love to. Do you have one for abort the mission and one to tell me you’re OK?’
Alfie shows me both hand signals, and I realise I’ve seen him use them with his mum before. They’re quick ways of communicating that Alfie needs help without having to say it. Jo’s such a good mum and has no idea how amazing she is. This bright little boy is a credit to her.
‘OK, I’m ready.’ He thrusts his hands deep in his pockets.
Maisie comes over and asks Alfie if she can give him a hug. Maisie has been anything other than supportive of the People Library experiment but she has a soft spot for Alfie, like the rest of us …
Alfie confirms she may hug him, which is basically Alfie dipping his head into her upper arm, rather than any arms tangling around one another. ‘I’m proud of you, Alfie.’
‘Thanks, Maisie. Keep those biscuits coming when I give you the signal. And don’t forget the water. None of that sparkling stuff – it tastes like electricity and I can’t stand it.’
She grins. ‘Will do.’
‘Right, ready?’ I ask.
He gives me a nod. ‘I’m going to wait in the room with Mum.’
‘See you in a bit.’
ALFIE
