‘Good idea, we might have to put lots together, so it was big enough. What about Sam…’ Sylvie made her tone gentle, ‘…did you have a wish?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did you want to tell us?’
‘Um… um… do you have a wish, Mummy? Alex?’
‘Alex?’ Sylvie echoed her son.
‘Oh, I don’t know. I’m pretty happy with things, I don’t know what I’d wish for. I suppose I should go big, I don’t know, world peace? Yep, I’m going to use my wish on world peace.’
‘That’s cheating, we all want world peace, don’t we?’ Sylvie laughed loudly and the children nodded vigorously, although they didn’t really know what she meant.
‘It’s not cheating.’
‘OK, it’s not, and it’s a very admirable wish. But what about something more… more personal.’
‘Oh, ah, I don’t know. Do you know what, actually I do. I’ve had an idea bubbling and I don’t know if I’m ready to verbalize it yet. I don’t want to jinx it before I’ve seen if I can get it off the ground.’
‘Maybe we can help you get it off the ground.’
‘Maybe you can.’ Alex found himself giving her a glance that was far too flirtatious. OK, he was going to have to explain now, give it some context, so he didn’t look like a complete creep. ‘I’ve been toying with doing some fundraising, serious fundraising to help kids caught up in civil war. I’m just not sure how yet, it’s the beginnings of a plan, a kernel, that’s all.’
‘That sounds like an ace plan. I’d love to help if I could. Let me know when it takes shape and I’ll help in any way I can.’
‘Only if you promise not to be bossy.’
‘I can’t promise that.’ Sylvie scrunched her face up mischievously.
‘Yes. Don’t be bossy to my daddy.’
‘No, Ellie, I was teasing, of course she wouldn’t. She was being helpful and I was just joking. I shouldn’t have said that and thank you for standing up for me but you mustn’t be rude to our guests.’
Ellie didn’t look convinced.
‘I promise not to boss your daddy about.’ Sylvie smiled.
‘OK. What about you, Sam’s mum, do you have any wishes?’
‘Do you, Mum?’
‘Yes, I suppose I do. Although now I feel bad because they’re pretty selfish compared to Alex’s. I’d really like to get the chance to learn more about Berber, North African, dance – it’s always fascinated me. I was going to be part of an educational exchange thing when I was working but then became pregnant and someone else had to go instead…’ She was aware that Sam was watching and listening to every word. ‘…and I had my baby, which was the best thing in the world, far better than any dance stuff, and now I’m the happiest mummy ever.’
‘That’s good, it’s nice to be a happy mummy.’ Alex smiled down at Sam before continuing, ‘But you’d still like to explore it? What sort?’
‘Yes, that’s hard to answer, there are so many different types and I guess that’s part of what fascinates me. There are three main types of Berber folk music, and the dances are often tied to rituals and have meaning. They can be to celebrate masculinity or femininity, obviously some are for ceremonies such as weddings, some have been repurposed and in modern use have become quite political. They even have a dance for exorcism and their musicians are seen as doctors for the body and soul. It’s fascinating, I love it, I love the way dance is an embedded and valued part of culture, I could ramble on about it for ever. I used to dream about it. I guess it’s just an itch that hasn’t been scratched.’
‘I like dance too. Is that your best wish?’ Ellie asked. They were obviously no longer mortal enemies.
‘Hmm, I guess whilst I’m wishing, a house in the village for me and Sam would be great, oh, and a new job to help pay for it.That’s three wishes. Am I allowed that many or does it make me greedy?’
‘Oh no, that’s OK, three wishes is what it is in stories,’ Sam reassured her.
‘That’s true.’
‘I wished…’ Sam spoke quietly but was obviously now happy to share, ‘I wished Ellie would be my friend for ever.’
‘Course I am! For ever and ever and ever and ever and ever.’ Ellie’s mouth dropped open and her eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing, and then pulling herself together rubbed his shoulder quite hard as she answered. Hard enough to almost unbalance him. ‘Wanna go play teddies? We could take them some of your pizza if you don’t want it.’
