Architect of paradise (PART I: Out of the Ruins)

9. Preparations

     It was three days ago, on Monday morning, after I got out of my house, I saw Mr. Jackson in my front yard. He was driving a small white Ford. He got out and approached me.

-"What do you think?" he asked me and his gaze was on the car. I furrowed my eyebrows curiously.

-"I am talking about the car. You asked transportation and I am giving it to you." He said and I opened my eyes widely.

-"This is for me?"

-"Of course."

-"How? I don't have the money."

-"This is my old car. I don't use it usually, unless I have to do far distances. My track is enough for me." He said. I looked at him with gratitude and surprise. In this sudden way, I obtained a car.

With this car I could travel to Redville and Eagleden to meet the other two recommended members of the organization. As a leader, it was my responsibility to find members. 

     My meeting with Mrs. Ernest was quick and successful. She accepted my offer immediately and I could see her satisfaction and happiness when I proposed to her to be a member to a charitable organization with the aim of improvement of the area. I think she is a sensitive and good manner lady who couldn't find her other half. 

     On the other hand, Mr. Rosewalt was skeptical, hesitant and troubled. He was showing unwillingness to process the situation. I tried to prove myself too much, I think. In the end, he accepted too.

We had to start from the beginning. That is why we are at Mrs. Falcon house at the moment drinking coffee and talking about the organization, "New Leaf". It has a lot of needs and responsibilities.

-"I am willing to provide a stable amount of money, so that the organization can operate even when the charity in people's hearts is running out." Mrs. Ernest says.

-"How much?" Mr. Locust asks.

-"About three thousand dollars per six months and at least three workers who I will pay for their work at the center."

-"Are you sure, Mrs. Ernest?" I ask her with surprise. She smiles at me sincerely and all of us accept her proposal.

-"It is not enough. Not if we really want to change the area."

-"I can come in touch with the women of the town. I can ask them for old clothes, edible food and a lot of other things." Mrs. Locust says very eager to help.

-"It's a start but we need a way of stable income. We will have to use services that can't be paid with things, but with money." Mr. Rosewalt is a realist and he is right.

-"We can operate a shop at Harrisonburg. The profits from it can be income for the organization." Lily suggests.

-"What a wonderful idea! What kind of shop will that be?" Mrs. Locust asks.

-"Whatever the shop, the goods that we will sell must cost us nothing, otherwise it won't gain us anything." Mr. Rosewalt meddles in.

-"We can open a multi store, with a lot of different things that the locals can provide. It is easier to ask for something they usually produce, than money." I suggest and Mrs. Falcon looks at me smiling. Mr. Rosewalt agrees. So do the other women.

-"Where will be the central base?" Mr Rosewalt asks.

-"In Mr. Stiller's factory, on the edge of Green Hill." Mrs. Locust explains.

The smoke factory Stiller was known in the area. It was operating for over fifty years, until the owner died from old age and nobody wanted to continue it. His daughter married and move out of Green Hill. She doesn't want to involve herself with that factory and the people of the town. However, they found a way to come in contact with her. Mrs. Locust explains to Mr. Rosewalt and Mrs Ernest their plan. Both of them are surprised but in the end they had no other idea.