Skinwalker (Shadowborn Rebellion #3) - Cyndi Friberg Page 0,70
closets, even a small clinic.
“The large area in the center of it all will be set up for meals and assemblies. I want to foster a sense of community by encouraging the occupants to interact in constructive ways.”
The stipulation made Nikki smile. Clearly, Natalie knew enough about children to anticipate arguments and fights, bullying and mischief. “If this is a community center rather than an orphanage, are adults allowed, or will you only accept children?”
“Children will have priority access to all of the services, but I can’t see leaving beds empty if all the children have been accommodated. Homelessness is a crisis in many parts of the city. We will offer meals and a place to sleep under strict supervision, but adults will need to leave after breakfast. All of the activities during the day are for children and only children.”
Again, Nikki agreed with Natalie’s approach. “At the risk of sounding unsympathetic, how are you paying for all of this?”
Natalie smiled, clearly not insulted. “You’re practical. I like that. Many people are moved by a worthy cause, but few stop to think what actually goes into operating a charity. The answer is pretty straightforward, fundraisers, monthly donors, and sponsorship drives. Most of the occupants in Ghost City can’t donate monetarily, but I already have fourteen volunteers. And thanks to Salvo’s family, I have access to some of the wealthiest merchants in the capital.”
“Salvo’s parents live in Riverside?”
Natalie grinned. “His father is governor of Riverside and, as you know, his mother is Prime Healer Arpovae.”
“And his big brother commands the military.” Nikki whistled. “That’s quite a pedigree.”
Natalie took Nikki to the small yard behind the warehouse and showed her the basketball courts and playground. “Keeping kids active helps minimizing fights and misbehavior. They’ll still need close supervision, but I want them to feel comfortable here.”
“What about their education? Is there a public school nearby?”
A heavy sigh escaped Natalie as she pivoted to face Nikki. “We’re still working on that. Because there is no longer a centralized government in Ghost City, schools are coops sponsored by each community. This sector is almost entirely commercial, so educating children isn’t a priority for them. Our best bet is to hire a teacher and maybe a couple of assistant teachers. There are several teachers among the Outcast wives, but so far none have agreed to relocate to Ghost City.”
Nikki’s mind spun into problem solving mode. This project appealed to her on every level. It was clearly needed and promised both ongoing challenges and potential rewards. “My mother is a retired teacher. I don’t think she would be interested in taking this on, but she has numerous friends that are either teachers or have children that teach. Let me make some calls. I can’t promise results but I’ll put the word out that there is a really interesting opportunity.”
“That would be amazing.” Natalie motioned toward the warehouse turned community center with a hopeful smile. “I know your education was interrupted, but how much do you know about dealing with traumatized children?”
“After Geoff moved to LA, I was determined to finish my degree. I took a bunch of online courses, but they were really expensive. I was about a semester short when I ended up here. So I have a fairly solid foundation but not the diploma to hang on my wall. Anyway, I intend to start expanding my knowledge base immediately. I’d like to incorporate Sarronti techniques into what I learned back on Earth. I’m hoping there are ways to incorporate my new abilities into therapy sessions. You know, what would be perfect is if I can find a Sarronti child psychologist who would be willing to train me. Maybe Arpovae can help me with that.”
Natalie’s brow arched and her smile broadened. “Does this mean I have a new partner?”
“I’d be honored,” Nikki said sincerely. “This is the sort of project I had in mind when I chose my major back on Earth.”
They hugged then chatted happily about their mutual project as the automated shuttle returned them to the detention center.
“Why don’t we go have lunch,” Natalie suggested. “United Council meetings can go on for hours. It’s better than pacing the hallways of the detention center.”
“That would be great. It will give us a chance to get to know each other.”
Lunch was wonderful. They took their time, sharing stories from their pasts as well as plans for the future. At one point Natalie stopped the server and quizzed him about the dish she had just eaten.