Chapter 16
Jamie
Jamie had no idea what to expect as he started his evening shift at Harbour Light Café. Will was there, helping the cooks in the kitchen set up, and two women were ready to serve anyone that came through the door.
‘Hi, I’m Kaz,’ said a young woman with red curls. ‘I’ve been volunteering like this for a good while now, so feel free to ask me for any help. I know how nerve-wracking it can be when you’re new.’
Jamie smiled. ‘Thanks. To be honest, I don’t feel nervous, more inexperienced. I know I’ll be clearing up and serving food, but I’m not sure what else happens on these evenings.’
Kaz pointed at the door. ‘Basically, people on low incomes, or even homeless, come in for a free meal and a chat. We don’t just feed them. Some people like a bit of company, so just greet them when they come in, and see if you can pick up on whether they want to be left alone or not.’
‘And the one’s that want a chat?’
‘Sit with them. As long as we’re not rushed off our feet, which we never are around here, you’ll have time to keep them company.’
Jamie was only just starting to get used to the quiet life he now had, but knew from other inmates that some people needed others around them. He used to be that way too but, as the years passed, he found he enjoyed time to himself.
The door opened and a man in his early twenties entered, giving a small wave to Kaz.
‘Hey, Henry. How you getting on?’ asked Kaz.
Henry’s gaunt face showed how worn through he was. ‘Doing okay, but Mum’s in hospital again.’
‘Oh no. Hopefully she won’t be in too long this time.’ Kaz gestured at Jamie. ‘Henry, this is Jamie. He’s new to the scheme.’
Once again, Henry offered a small wave, and Jamie figured the young man didn’t want to shake hands so didn’t bother to try.
‘Hello,’ said Henry. ‘You can sit with me for a bit, if you like. I’ll help you get settled.’
Jamie smiled. ‘Thanks. Very kind of you.’
‘What can I get you to eat, Henry?’ asked Kaz. ‘I happen to know chicken and chips is on the menu.’
Henry looked at Jamie. ‘She knows that’s my favourite.’ He glanced up at Kaz as he sat. ‘I’ll take that, please.’
Kaz smiled. ‘Coming right up.’
Jamie sat opposite him. ‘The chicken does smell nice.’ He sniffed the air as if to prove his point.
‘They have lovely food in here. I’m glad they started offering this kind of help. I get some bits from the food bank at the Hub, but there’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal. I’m not very good at coping by myself when Mum is away.’
‘When will she be home from hospital?’
Henry started to unravel his knife and fork from a white paper napkin. ‘Next week, which is good. I wished so hard for her to be home for Christmas. I’ve never spent that day alone before, so I’ve been stressed in case it happened.’
Jamie had spent many a Christmas without family.
He knew how hard it was. Some of the men in his wing were really run down on the day, as no visits were allowed due to staff shortages.
He’d often sit with someone, trying to keep their spirits up, speaking of better times to come, especially Boxing Day, when the families were allowed to visit.
It was hard for Alice to find an excuse to visit him on that day, only managing it once by pretending she was helping a poorly friend for a couple of days.
That was the best Boxing Day ever, and when it was over, he’d gone back to his cell, cuddled the Christmas card she’d sent him, and quietly shed a few tears.
Some men were okay about being inside, but Jamie hated that life, and after he’d got his head straight, all he focused on was making a better future for himself. And every interaction with Alice fed him strength and hope.
Jamie sat and chatted with Henry for a while, mostly talking about basketball, which Jamie knew little about, but Henry loved.
More and more blessings were counted as the evening went on. Talking to people in need of food took Jamie back to his prison life, where many a story of hardship floated around. He was so grateful he had a roof over his head and a full stomach.
Matt entered and called Jamie over to a table by the door, on which he started to place pamphlets. ‘See if you can get anyone to have a nosey at these.’
Jamie spotted one for The Butterfly Company.
‘They’re places people can go for guidance, respite, advice, that sort of thing,’ added Matt. ‘Brought them in from the Hub. Thought they might be of use to someone.’
‘Good idea.’ Jamie browsed the information about the Sunshine Centre, liking the look of their art classes.
‘What are these?’ asked Henry, peering around Jamie. He picked one up. ‘Oh, my mum goes to Sunshine sometimes. The centre helps her mental health. She’s in hospital having treatment for her mind now,’ he told Matt.
Jamie didn’t know Henry’s mother was away because of something like that. He’d assumed she was having an operation. ‘You could join too. I’m thinking of checking it out.’
Henry smiled. ‘I normally just drop Mum off.’
‘They have lots of different things there,’ said Matt. ‘My friend Demi hosts cookery classes, and I know someone else who likes to go just to draw.’
Henry’s eyes sparkled a touch. ‘Mum never said they cook there.’
Matt shrugged. ‘It’s pretty new. Demi was helping women build confidence through gaining a new skill, but now she’s giving classes to anyone.
Worth a look, I say. I know she’s hosting a class next week where they’re going to learn how to cook a chicken and make stuffing for Christmas.
You could pop along beforehand and ask to join in with the fun. ’
Jamie nodded. ‘That sounds great, Henry. Would you like to learn how to cook?’
Henry nodded. ‘Yes, I would love that. And Mum would be so surprised if I made stuffing.’
‘Would you like me to come with you at all?’ asked Jamie.
‘That’s okay. I know Debra who runs things there. I can see her by myself, but thank you.’ Henry pointed his pamphlet towards the door. ‘I’m going to go home now and make plans.’
Jamie felt so happy for the young man, and Henry had a real skip in his step as he walked away, only stopping for a moment to take the blueberry muffin Kaz was offering.
‘Makes you feel good, doesn’t it?’ said Matt.
For so long, Jamie had only felt empty. Giving back to his community by helping in any way he could had sparked joy.
‘Do a shift at the Hub, Jamie.’
Jamie glanced at the table, then Matt. ‘What would I be expected to do?’
‘Pretty much the same thing you’re doing now. Talk to people. See what they need. Make up food parcels. I can put your name down to work a couple of hours with me, then I can show you the ropes if you like.’
It didn’t take a lot of thought. Jamie already knew he wanted to be part of the Hub. It was one of Alice’s favourite subjects, so he knew some things about the role. He just wasn’t sure if he’d be the right fit.
As if reading his mind, Matt offered a sympathetic smile. ‘Are you worried someone might come in and tell you you’re not welcome or something?’
‘I guess I’m just finding my feet around here, and even though so far no one has had a go at me, I’m still expecting someone to say something at some point.’ He didn’t include Lizzie, as he understood she was just concerned about her daughter.
Matt patted his arm. ‘Look, if someone comes into the Hub with something to say, that’s your chance to tell them you’ve changed and you’re now someone who volunteers and helps. It’s up to them what they do with that info, but at least they can see the man you are now.’
‘I suppose.’
‘So, should I put your name down? We really could do with an extra set of hands this time of year. It gets busy.’
Jamie nodded. ‘Okay. Oh, and, Matt — thanks.’
Matt smiled. ‘No worries, mate. Don’t know if you know my story, but when I arrived here, I was homeless and the Hub helped me no end.
Mostly Jed, who was on a mission to give me a new life.
Seriously, the man went above and beyond.
A real diamond he is. Don’t get me wrong, I had already reached a stage where I’d started fighting for myself, but to have that kind of support makes all the difference. ’
Jamie’s thoughts were with Alice. ‘Port Berry has always been a friendly place.’ He hated himself for being one of the few that had caused problems and trouble.
‘I love it here,’ said Matt.
Jamie grinned. ‘Sophie have something to do with that?’
Matt laughed. ‘Yep. It wasn’t just the harbour I fell in love with.’ He shook his head. ‘When I think back to life before Sophie Moore, it’s hard to believe someone as wonderful as her was in my future. It does blow my mind sometimes.’
‘You just never know what’s around the corner, right?’
‘I never had the best life, Jamie, and I had no idea where I would end up when I started walking away from London. Even though I had goals, never in my wildest dreams did I think my life would ever be this happy. I’m not just grateful to Jed and Sophie and the people around here for their help and kindness, I’m also grateful for whatever it was inside my brain that pushed me towards change.
Lord knows where I’d be today if I didn’t make that decision to change my life. ’
Jamie knew the feeling.
An elderly couple came in, so Jamie went over to show them to a table and see how he could assist. He carried on working through his shift with a pleasant smile for everyone and a real sense of belonging.
And when Alice popped in at the end of the night to playfully ask if he wanted someone to walk him home, his joy lifted to the highest level.