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“There’s volunteer work going at a local play centre for children with hearing impairments. I only know some, and to volunteer, I need to know at least the basics.”
“Is that the centre off of George Street?” she asks.
I nod. “You know it?”
She smiles wide. “Yeah, my mum helps run it.”
“That’s amazing. I’ve always loved volunteering. My last placement before…” I drift off, realising I was about to say, ‘my sister’s death’ to a somewhat stranger. I blink, shaking it off. “It was at a bird home. I cleaned out cages, helped feed baby parrots and some other cool stuff. I really enjoyed it.”
Jordan sits forward, seeming interested. I’m used to people tuning out. It was only ever my sister or Lake who would listen to me talk about my Saturdays volunteering.
“How long have you been doing it?”
“I changed it up every six months, but I started when I was fourteen. It was hard to find places until I was sixteen. I’ve volunteered at a vet practice, a care home, a children’s hospital, and you know about the bird home.”
“It sounds amazing. I’ve volunteered for things, but nothing like those. It’s noble of you to give so much of your time, especially so young. Most girls your age just want to go out with their friends.”
I shrug, shaking my head. “I don’t think it matters where you volunteer, it’s the volunteering that helps. Everybody needs that little bit of extra help. And I didn’t mind. I loved doing it.”
“Well, I’ll set up something for you, but I’m sure if you explain you’ll be taking classes, they’ll find something for you to do in the meantime. Can you cook or bake?”
“I can do both,” I tell her, confused as to why she asked.
She beams. “Brilliant. My mum is always moaning that they don’t get enough help with cooking. They do a little bake sale every few months. Maybe you’ll want to help her. I help out on the day, but I can’t cook for the life of me. I mess up toast,” she tells me, and I begin to laugh.
“Tell her I’d love to. If you let me know how many cupcakes or cakes you want, then I can prepare what I’ll need beforehand.”
“I’ll text her now,” she says, getting her phone out.
I glance out the window, mesmerised by the rain falling onto the pavement and road. It’s coming down fast now, large puddles already flooding parts of the road.
I love rain, the sound of it and being out in it. Snow and heat, I’m terrible in. I hate being cold, but I hate being hot too. I’m one of those people who complain whatever the weather.
My eyes drift over to a shop across the way, when a dark figure catches my attention. I blink, trying to get a clearer look—and notice they’re staring in my direction.
The man steps forward, pulling his wet hood back, revealing his face, leaving me freezing in my seat. I blink rapidly, shaking my head.
I’m seeing things. I must be.
I turn to Jordan, who is still texting on her phone, ready to ask her if she can see the person, but when I chance a quick look back, he’s gone.
I get up from my seat, causing Jordan to look up, her eyebrows lined with worry.
“You okay?” she asks, glancing around the coffee shop.
No, I’m not okay.
“I have to go. I forgot I have something I need to do. Can we meet up another day?”
Her face is still creased with worry, but she nods anyway. “Do you want me to walk back with you or are you meeting your cousin?”
I grab my bag off the chair, my hands shaking. “I need Mark,” I tell her, not meaning to. “I mean—I need to go to Mark.”
“All right,” she says softly. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“I’m fine,” I tell her, zipping my coat up. “Sorry for rushing off.”
“It’s fine. Text me later, okay?”