9
Stefan
Stefan’s week was going well. Lindy and Florence were getting on like a house on fire, and all his daughter could talk about was the fun she was having each day. She’d been to the beach and drew seashells, visited Pepper Pot Farm and learned all about how milk is turned into cheese, was taught how to knit by Nana Blackcurrant, which was now a hobby Lindy included into her day, and went to Silver Wish Farm for a botany lesson with one of the owners, Willow Sullivan.
It was such a relief to see his daughter settling into their new home. If only he could get her to make friends with other children. She used to have so many.
Stefan had driven to the other side of the island to a therapy centre that specialised in children’s mental health. He’d seen online they used art and crafts in their methods, so he was sure Lindy would feel relaxed there.
‘You feeling okay?’ he asked, pulling up in the car park.
Lindy shrugged as she took off her seatbelt.
Stefan got out the car and stared at the red-brick building. It looked new, and the large flowers planted out front gave off a cheerful vibe.
‘It’s worth a look.’ He’d already assured her they could leave at any time.
A young woman with auburn hair greeted them in the foyer. ‘Hi, you must by Lindy and Stefan.’ Her smile was wide and friendly. ‘I’m Bethany, and I’m going to be your counsellor, if you’ll have me.’
Clutching her drawing pad close to her chest whilst snuggled into Stefan’s side, Lindy offered a small smile to the woman.
Bethany looked to Stefan. ‘The first thing we like to do here is show you around. See what you think of our little haven.’ She tapped her collarbone. ‘I might sound biased, but I happen to think the Seaside Centre is the happiest place on the planet. I love being here.’
Stefan glanced out the window at the view of the sea, then over at the wall behind the reception desk at the colourful paintings. ‘Those are lovely.’
‘Creations from the children who attend.’ Bethany turned to Lindy. ‘Is that a drawing pad I see in your arms?’
Lindy nodded, her shy eyes rolling up. ‘I like to draw.’
‘Then you’ll love our art room. Shall we visit that first?’
Lindy nodded, then looked at her dad.
Stefan smiled. ‘Sounds good.’
They followed Bethany along a corridor that had many open doorways leading to big rooms looking like play areas and classrooms.
‘We have some full-time students at the small school we also have.’ Bethany stopped at one doorway so they could peer inside at three kids, around Lindy’s age, making clay models. ‘The centre started off as a therapy clinic, but the owner quickly realised some of the children didn’t feel comfortable with mainstream school, so she expanded. We only have twelve children full-time, ages seven to eleven. And we have five Saturday students.’
I did read something about that online,’ said Stefan. ‘But not much because I was only interested in the therapy sessions you offer.’
Bethany smiled. ‘That’s okay, but good to know we have other services available.’ She leaned closer to him as Lindy peered over at the children enjoying their activity. ‘You did mention she’s home-schooled.’
He nodded, watching his daughter, wondering if the Seaside Centre could work as a school for her too.
Bethany dipped her head towards Lindy. ‘Would you like to join in making some clay models? I can teach you.’
Lindy stepped back from the door to slink around her dad’s leg. ‘No,’ she replied quietly.
‘That’s all right,’ said Bethany. ‘Let’s go check out the art room.’
Right at the end of the corridor, doors opened to reveal a wide room, with large windows, lots of tables and chairs, easels set up, and rows of drawers filled with art supplies. A flowery garden could be seen outside, with snaking pathways and mini water features trickling away.
Stefan gazed around at all the art work covering the walls as the smell of fresh paint wafted up his nostrils. ‘Now this is your kind of room, right, Lind?’
Lindy was smiling, so he took that as a win.
‘We also bake cookies here sometimes,’ said Bethany, earning her another smile from Lindy.
‘Can I do some painting today?’ asked Lindy, looking from Bethany to her dad.
Bethany nodded. ‘You certainly can. Come on, let’s see what you need.’
Stefan went over to the opened doorway to the garden to peer outside as Lindy went with Bethany to the art supplies. The warm sunshine and sea salty air soothed his worries, and just for a moment he close his eyes.
Make this the place she needs, Belinda. Send our child all the healing you can .
He opened his eyes and smiled to himself, as each time he spoke to Lindy’s mother, he was pretty certain he was just talking to himself, but sometimes, he couldn’t help himself.
Lindy asked if she could sit outside to paint a picture of the gnome by a rockery, so Bethany opened a bright blue parasol so they would be shaded at the table.
‘Do you have any NHS funding?’ asked Stefan as they sat, and Lindy got busy with her drawing.
‘Unfortunately, no. But we do have benefactors who help keep us up and running. Also charity funded.’ Bethany’s blue eyes twinkled. ‘Feel free to become a helper at one of our fundraising days. You could be our first-aid guy.’
Stefan grinned. ‘How often do you need one at those events?’
‘You can never tell. We always have a first-aid tent set up, just in case, and we’re only a ten-minute ride from the hospital. Sometimes nothing happens at all, other times, grazed knee, cut finger, that sort of minor incident. Ooh, and there was this one time when a lady got a rather large lolly stuck in her hair. It was attracting all the wasps.’
‘When is your next event?’ asked Stefan.
‘End of July.’ Bethany beamed. ‘So, can I put your name down?’
Lindy glanced up and smiled at him, and he knew that was her approving.
‘Sure.’
‘Dad’s a guest judge at the farm animal show as well.’
Bethany laughed. ‘Ooh, good luck with that.’
He frowned, intrigued by her amused tone. ‘Why do you say that?’
‘It’s just, well, the competition can be fierce, and there has been occasions where the losers don’t always agree with the judges’ choices.’
Stefan wrinkled his nose. ‘That bad?’
‘My family farm sheep, so I’ve grown up going to these things, and yep, sometimes it can be that bad.’ Bethany shook her head. ‘Honestly, they shouldn’t have given you the role when you’re new to the island. Just make sure you tell Gordon Mass his alpacas look well.’ She tapped the side of her nose, and Stefan made a mental note.
The rest of the morning at the centre whizzed by, and Lindy opened up a little more to Bethany, talking all things horses and Florence, which seemed to be her new two favourite subjects. She even displayed her glittery pink fingernails and told her therapist all about the half-price offer at the salon in Sandly.
Bethany gave them five minutes to themselves to discuss if they wanted to sign up to the centre.
‘What do you think, Lind?’ Stefan sat opposite her next to a big leafy green plant and a fish tank filled with colourful guppies and angel fish.
‘Will I just paint each time?’
He shook his head, wanting to be honest with her. ‘No. You’ll talk with Bethany as well. Let her know if anything is troubling you, but she won’t push you. That’s not what they do here. You’ll attend for two hours each Thursday morning, and I’ll drop you off and pick you up.’
‘Like school?’
‘Sort of. Only this isn’t school.’
‘Some parts are. I saw.’
There was no denying that, but Stefan needed her to know he wasn’t enrolling her into the school.
‘That part isn’t for you. You’ll be home-schooled, as promised. When you’re here, you’ll just be with Bethany. She’ll even go to the bathroom with you when you need the loo. She’ll stand by the sink and talk to you, if that’s what you want. At no time will you be left alone or with the other children.’ He smiled softly. ‘Bethany knows about your past, Lindy. She’s here to help.’
Lindy twiddled with her hair. ‘Will you stay with me for my first day?’
‘Of course. I can stay each time until you feel ready for it to be just you and Bethany.’
‘Okay. I’ll join.’
Stefan controlled his breathing. Slow and steady was needed for this major breakthrough. ‘Proud of you, Lindy.’
Her smile was sweet, like her mother’s, and he hoped angels were watching over his kid, because he hadn’t been able to when she had needed him the most.
Wiping the guilt from his mind, he got up to speak to Bethany and sign some forms.
‘Can we have lunch at the pub in Pepper Lane?’ asked Lindy as they headed back to the car. ‘Florence said it has the best chicken and chips.’
He quirked an eyebrow, amused. ‘Pub lunch, eh? You know you’re nine, right?’
Lindy stopped at the vehicle. ‘I won’t drink the alcohol, Dad.’
‘Oh, that’s not what I meant.’
‘Florence said it has a garden out the back where you can sit and eat.’
Stefan nodded. ‘Sure, we can do that.’
Lindy smiled, but it seemed sad. ‘Then we can go over the road to Edith’s Tearoom for cake.’
‘Sounds like you’ve got your day planned.’
Her smile brightened. ‘I can take you up to Pepper Pot Farm to see the cows as well. Daisy’s mum said I’m welcome anytime. She owns the dairy shop by the pub, so we can go and see her. Her name’s Tessie.’
Stefan clambered in the car. ‘I think we’ve got ourselves a lovely afternoon sorted.’
Lindy strapped herself in. ‘I liked our morning as well.’
He turned to face her. ‘You did?’
She nodded. ‘Bethany is nice.’
‘I thought so.’ He turned back to start the engine. He’d made the right decision moving to the Isle of Wight. Things were working out, and Lindy had come out of her shell a lot more ever since he’d told her of their move. It was a relief to think life would be good again for his little girl.
They sang some songs as they drove back to Pepper Bay, Lindy pointing out wildlife along the way, and all seemed right in the world.
The family friendly pub, with its outer white-washed walls and wooden beams, held the scent of sizzling sausages as Stefan and Lindy entered. He headed straight for the long dark bar, where the menus sat, and picked out two, then gestured down the end to the entrance to the beer garden.
Winding pathways led to tables and benches, and decking was at the back flanked by two Victorian street lamps. A colourful flower chain was draped across rope rails, stretching from each upright sleeper to the other, creating a charming scene.
‘Ooh, Dad, can we sit up there by the flowers?’
‘Sure.’
They slipped onto the wooden bench seat and perused the menu.
‘Is it worth looking at this if we’re both getting chicken and chips?’
Lindy giggled. ‘And lots of salt and vinegar.’
‘Ooh, I heard that,’ said a middle-aged woman with spikey white hair. ‘Hello, I’m Elaine Sparrow, owner.’
‘Pleased to meet you. I’m Stefan Bedford, and this is my daughter, Lindy.’
Lindy gave a small wave.
‘Oh, the new doctor. Yes, I’ve heard about you.’
Stefan laughed. ‘All good, I hope.’
Elaine nodded. ‘Settled in well?’
‘Yes, it’s really nice here.’
She glanced around the beer garden. ‘It certainly draws you in.’
He had to agree.
‘Now,’ she said, motioning towards his menu. ‘Shall I take your order while I’m out here? Saves you going to the bar.’
‘Thank you. Chicken and chips, twice.’
Elaine nodded. ‘I’ll bring the salt and vinegar out with your food,’ she said to Lindy, who smiled. ‘And I hear you’ve been up to my daughter’s farm, Lindy.’
‘The one with the cows?’ asked Stefan.
‘That’s right. My Tessie lives there with her family. The farm’s been in her husband’s family for years.’
‘I’m going to take Dad there to see the cheese,’ said Lindy.
Elaine thumbed behind her. ‘Pop in the dairy shop and try some of their cheese. There’s always a sample on offer.’
‘Will do, thanks.’ Stefan handed over their menus.
‘Drinks?’ asked Elaine.
‘Apple juice, please,’ replied Lindy.
‘Orange juice for me.’ Stefan paid for their order, then smiled as the owner walked away. His new home was so lovely. Filled with so many friendly people. He hadn’t been sure on his first day, then what with the news article Florence wrote, it was all a bit much. But now he could see he was going to enjoy small-town life.
‘Florence is going to help decorate my room on Saturday,’ said Lindy, bringing him out of his trance with a seagull perched close by.
‘Erm, I don’t recall arranging that.’
Lindy frowned and crossed her arms. ‘You said I could decorate my bedroom.’
‘Yes, but I wasn’t expecting you to get Florence to help decorate. I can do that.’
‘She wants to help. And she’s going to bring me a horseshoe for my dressing table.’
He laughed to himself. ‘Well, I can’t say no to that.’ He was glad he’d sorted things with Florence, as she was nice company and great with Lindy. If she wanted to help, then why not? It made his daughter happy, and that was the most important thing.
Lindy side-eyed the seagull. ‘Do you think he’ll pinch our chips?’
‘I think he might try.’
They shared a laugh, then Lindy pulled out her drawing pad to sketch the greedy bird, and Stefan’s thoughts drifted to Florence, wondering what she was doing with her day off.
He quickly shook off the thought, deciding it was for the best if he didn’t allow her entrance to his mind, especially now she was working for him. He’d stay professional, with the exception of letting her help decorate his home. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, because he already liked her way more than he should. But with so much going on in his life, he figured they wouldn’t spend too much time around each other anyway. There was only the lunchtimes they shared with Lindy, Sundays for horse riding lessons, and now a one-off Saturday.
Stefan sighed silently. He really didn’t need to complicate his life. Not now. His full attention had to be on his daughter.