Page 87 of Black and White, Twice the Might

Xander walks in after me, carrying some papers andBlu-tack. I look at him. “What’s that?”

“I wrote room names that can be stuck to the doors so everyone knows what goes where.”

“That’s really good thinking, thanks, Xand. Off you trot and get sticking.”

Xander laughs and starts naming the rooms.

Jude and Adhan walk in carrying a wardrobe.

“Where do you want this?” Jude asks.

“I’ll show you,” Xander says, leading the way upstairs.

Everyone starts bringing boxes in and depositing them in the relevant rooms. I really should look at going to the baker’s and buying a late lunch for everyone. I’m just about to say something when Emily and Nora come walking in, carrying a couple of picnic baskets and bags.

“Hi, Emily, Nora.”

“Hello, Ebby. We brought lunch for everyone,” Emily says.

“Thanks. I was about to get everyone’s order and go to the bakers.”

“Kean texted and asked for food, as did Jude. They said the food you provided was lovely, but as they worked hard, they needed more sustenance,” she says with a laugh.

“And I stand by what I say,” Kean says, walking in carrying a couple of boxes. Titus is carrying a couple more.

“Then you can tell everyone food is in the kitchen,” Emily tells him, as she and Nora head that way.

“FAMILY, MUM BROUGHT FOOD!”

“Wow, I never knew someone could yell that loudly,” Titus comments.

Kean grins. “I can yell louder, wanna hear?”

“No thanks. We could hear you outside,” Sal replies, walking in with Temp carrying a coffee table.

“In that room, please,” I say, pointing to one of the front rooms. “Then come into the kitchen for food.”

Bless Emily,she made enough food to feed an army. She even brought drinks with her. We stand around eating and drinking coffee, and just generally chatting.

“Is there much more left to bring in from the cars or the lockups?” she asks.

“The lockups are just over half empty, so they should be cleared out tomorrow,” Sly says.

“And there is just Titus’ and Sal’s cars left to empty,” Temp adds.

“We have a few more bits in the van. Just the beds and then the van is empty,” Adhan says.

“If you want, I can put together anything that needs building tomorrow and then come and join you when I’m done,” Jude offers.

“Thanks, Jude,” I say. “It should just be the beds and some bookcases.”

“But don’t join us at the lockups, there will be enough of us there,” Sly replies.

“Jude, can I help you build?” Nora asks.

Nora still has a broken arm, so one arm building should be interesting.

“Sure, sweet pea,” Jude replies, smiling at her.