Page 57 of Versions Of Us

“Now, as you guys are probably aware,” Jules continues, “the annual Cliff Haven carnival is coming up soon and this year the helpline will be holding a stall of its own to raise funds for new equipment.”

“Wow, that’s cool,” I say.

“It’s very cool. We’re talking new desks, a few extra chairs and most importantly, headsets.”

“Ooh, fancy.” Chase wiggles an eyebrow up and down and gives me a wink.

“Exactly,” Jules agrees with a chuckle. “We’ll no longer have to use these phones that look like they come from the stone age. And it also means we might be able to take on more volunteers and therefore, help more people.”

“That’s great, Jules!” I’m genuinely excited to see the helpline get an upgrade. It’s become a cause close to my heart. “If there’s anything I can do, I’d love to be involved.”

“Yeah, me too.” Chase pipes up from beside me.

“Good, because that’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about,” Jules says, a sense of relief washing over her features. “The thing is, I’m having trouble coming up with ideas on how we can raise the money. James suggested a car wash, but we don’t really have easy access to water on site. It has to be something fairly simple.”

I chew on my bottom lip, mulling over some ideas in my head. “Well, what about a bake sale?” I offer. “I work at the Haven café and I’m sure my boss would be happy to donate some baked sweets. I bet she’d even let me use the commercial ovens after hours to make a few things. Muffins, cakes, that sort of thing.”

“Sounds perfect,” Chase approves. “And we could maybe run a raffle. See if a few local businesses will donate a couple of prizes.”

“Yes! I bet Ben would donate some vouchers for Ben’s Harvest. He’s always been big on donating to charity,” I suggest.

“I knew you guys would be good at this,” Jules says, rubbing her hands together with glee. “I just have one more favour to ask.”

“What is it?” we both ask in unison.

“James and I can run the stall in the morning, but neither of us are available to run it from the late afternoon into the night. Is there any chance you guys might be able to help us out?”

“Not a problem,” I say. “I can do it.”

“Yeah,” Chase shifts in his chair beside me. “I can be there too.”

“Okay. That’s awesome. James and I can run the stall from say, nine to three? And then you guys can take over from there. I think it ends around ten.”

“No problem at all,” Chase says.

“The other thing I wanted to mention is that as of next week the helpline is going to serve as a collection point for food and essential items for the homeless. We’ll be liaising with the homeless shelter in Little Bay to get items to the people who really need them.”

“That’s awesome,” I comment.

I remember back to the time when my mother and I had fled our hometown with little but the clothing on our backs to start our new life in Cliff Haven. We were better off than a lot of others, but we still spent a few nights sleeping in the car and even had a few hot meals in the women’s shelter in Little Bay before Mum found us a house to rent.

“It’s a great initiative,” Jules agrees. “But it means more work for us. Compiling things into hampers, transporting the items over there, it will all be quite time-consuming. So, I’ll be putting out the feelers for a few extra volunteers to assist but I might need you guys to be prepared to help sort things.”

“No worries. Sounds like a plan,” Chase says.

“Anyway, that’s all I needed to tell you. Great work, team. I’ll let you get back to it.”

After Jules and Chase both wander back to their desks, I sit and think of all the recipes I can make to earn money for the helpline.

I’m grateful for the distraction this new task has given me. Maybe I’ll be able to keep Henley out of my head for more than a few seconds.

I form a list of baked items in my head. Strawberry danish, almond friands and passionfruit slice. Banana muffins are always a hit at the café and people love my chocolate brownies.

Henley loved my chocolate brownies.

Damnit.

I couldn’t go more than ten seconds without him intruding on my thoughts.

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