Dahlia parked her car and began to pull out what she’d needed for the day.
“Hey Dahlia, need some help?” Dahlia looked up to see Adam, Kate, and Jason heading her way.
“Actually, that would be great,” Dahlia smiled, piling their outstretched arms with a few boxes and bags, while she pulled her small trolley with more things.
“I’m heading to the Home Ec room,” she said.
“Hey, Dahlia, I just um wanted to say thanks for the tutoring club you volunteer at after school on Tuesdays. I got my maths test, and I passed. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a pass before,” Jason laughed.
“Oh, that’s awesome! And you’re welcome. I’m just glad I could help. I remember learning that in when I was in grade 10 and it was a lot,” Dahlia smiled.
“Yeah, thanks for always helping; it does mean a lot to us,” Kate agreed. She’d been tutored for English and her grades had improved too.
“Aww, I’m so glad I love helping,” she smiled.
“Have fun with the Grade 8’s this afternoon. I think my brother Eli has a crush on you.” Adam laughed; he and his friends headed off to class.
Dahlia shook her head, laughed and thanked them for their help in helping her carry everything.
That afternoon Dahlia grinned down at the muffins in her hand. They were perfectly fluffy and fat.
Double chocolate chip banana; those were the most popular at the shelter and were the first that she always ran out of.
“How are you going, Dahlia?” Mrs. Morgan asked as she walked over to her.
“Ooh, so good, this is my fifth batch,” she smiled, offering one to Mrs. Morgan.
“Thank you, Dahlia, but I’d rather they all make it to the shelter where it’s needed.”
“Ok” she smiled cheerily. Putting in the last batch before the school bell rang, in 20 minutes.
“Dahlia, that smells so good,” Ally and Eli, two of the Grade 8 students, smiled up at her.
“Aww, thank you guys, and you’re doing an amazing job too.” She winked just as Eli poured too much milk in the cake batter they were tasked to make.
“Oops” Eli said, his eyes widening.
“It’s okay, here, let me help,” Dahlia smiled, showing them how they could remedy their cake disaster.
“Wow, thanks, Dahlia,” Ally said, looking up at her.
“Yeah, I’m glad you’re allowed to be in our class during this time,” Eli giggled nervously.
“Well, my lack of sporting ability makes that possible,” Dahlia laughed. She was lucky that she’d been given permission to join the Grade 8’s during their home economics class on a Wednesday afternoon since she didn’t like sports and right now all the seniors were off at various venues jumping, running and competing. Plus Mr Harrods, the school principal, had said her work was important, and they were happy to support her volunteering at the shelter by giving her this time.
Making sure her two little friends were comfortable with their project, she moved out of the cooking area to a small sofa to continue her knitting. Winter was getting closer, and she really wanted to have scarves to hand out for the homeless. She volunteered every Monday night.
Feeling a slight vibration in her pocket, Dahlia pulled out her phone and read the reminder.
Oh yeah, she needed to stop by the shops and pick up some snacks for her Bible study students she met with on a Thursday afternoon.
She knew that most of their families were struggling financially, which is why she always took them snacks.
The ding of the oven alerted Dahlia that her muffins were done and she’d soon need to leave.
“Thank you, Mrs Morgan. I’ll see you next week,” Dahlia waved, pulling a small trolley behind her with all her things.
“Take care, Dahlia,” she smiled before looking back to one of her students.
Dahlia made it to her small car and stacked everything neatly inside. Nothing would topple over.
She couldn’t wait to see the joy on everyone’s faces when she surprised them with their favourite muffins.
PICTURE CREDIT – Canva AI
