Page 44 of Sanctuary at MacLeod's Cove
As Jen navigated the playground during the school’s lunch break, she watched the children milling around, playing, laughing, some sitting quietly reading and imagined Liam there. It was a nice thought.
‘You must be Jenny MacLeod,’ said a voice behind her, interrupting her reverie.
She turned to see Lucy’s friend, Megan. She recognised her from the café. ‘That’s right. And you must be Megan.’
‘Megan Thompson. New entrants’ teacher. Kate told me you’re interested in looking around the school.’
‘Nice to meet you, Megan.’ They shook hands. ‘Thanks for offering to show me around.’
‘No problem. Shall I show you the classroom first? It’ll give you a feel for the environment and the work we’re doing here.’
‘That would be great, thank you.’
As they walked across the playground, Megan greeted every child they passed with a personalised word or smile. Jen liked that. And she also liked the classroom. She recognised it once she was inside. She’d been through the school, along with all of her siblings, but there had been a lot of exterior changes, and inside it was very unlike her day.
‘I don’t remember it being so creative,’ she said, looking around at the colourful posters and children’s projects which adorned the walls. ‘And so…’ she searched for the right adjective, ‘so… well, warm and inviting, I guess.’
Megan shot her a grateful smile. ‘That’s the aim. Certainly don’t want it to look cold and uninviting. The children do better when they feel secure and relaxed. They’re like flowers unfurling, showing their full glory, not scared of anything.’ Megan laughed. ‘You’ve got me waxing lyrical. Sorry, I’m a bit of a nut for providing a nurturing environment.’
‘Do you have children yourself?’
Megan pressed her lips together, shook her head, and glanced away. Jen regretted asking, but Megan’s caring streak was so obviously strong that she’d made that assumption.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to ask such a personal question.’
‘It’s fine,’ said Megan, looking back at her with a polite smile fixed on her face. ’Truth is, I guess I was in a mothering role for a long time. It’s no secret. I’m surprised Kate didn’t mention it. Your mother has been such a help to me over the years with my brother.’ She blinked and took a few moments. ‘I lost him recently. He had a physical disability. Anyway,’ she said, walking towards the door, obviously wanting the conversation to be at an end, ‘how about I show you the school library — Kate’s domain — and then the children’s garden? Kate said Liam was interested in gardening.’
As they walked around the children’s garden, with its environmental messages, worm farm and so much more, the truth of Jen’s situation finally hit home. She was no longer alone. Liam wouldn’t only be raised by her, but by her family and the community, which was exactly the way it should be.
By the end of her visit, Jen had had her hopes confirmed and her fears put to rest.
‘Thanks,’ she said. ‘I really appreciate you giving me your time. I love what you’re doing here, and I think Liam will too. Will it be possible to bring him for a visit before we register him?’
‘Of course. Here’s my phone number.’ Megan plucked a business card from her pocket. ‘Call me and we’ll arrange a time. I know Liam will enjoy it here.’
Jen got home just in time for Kate to leave for her school library shift.
‘I read to kids, tidy the shelves, and just help the librarian, really. It’s lovely. No responsibilities, just fun,’ said Kate. ‘You know, it’s nice to leave home, knowing there will be someone here when I return.’ She opened the front door and turned to Jen. ‘Oh, a package was delivered earlier. And…’ she grinned, ‘Liam has something he wants to show you.’ She walked away with a last wave.
Jen glanced around for the package as she entered the house but didn’t see it. No doubt it was for Lucy, or maybe Ellie sending something for Kate ahead of her birthday.
‘Mum!’ shouted Liam, running up to her and hugging her legs. ‘Look!’ He held out his hand and showed her a piece of wood carved like a seashell. ‘Grandma said it’s a gift from Sam to me! She said that’s what nice people do.’
‘It’s true.’ She held out her hand. ‘Can I have a look?’
Liam showed it to her but kept a possessive hold on it.
Clever Sam, thought Jen. Soothing Liam’s fears without confronting him again immediately.
‘Wow, that’s beautiful. I bet Sam made it. He always used to enjoy making things with his hands.’
Liam didn’t reply, but Jen knew he was listening as he traced his fingers around the shape Sam had carved, following the grain of the wood.
‘We’ll have to start a treasure box for you to keep things like that in.’
He nodded and looked up earnestly. She wondered if he was going to ask her a question about trust, about love, about how to tell when someone was good, and when someone was bad. She hoped she’d be able to answer it.
‘Mum?’
