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

11. Family

Christmas Eve. Green Hill is in a celebrating vibe. The school festival began from the morning. The students got ready their benches for the bazaar and the artists began their rehearsals for their theatrical works. Some of the parents came with their kids to help them at the bazaar. That day, the organization committee was really busy. So, in the New Leaf, Jane was the only one to come and help.

     In our organization, Mrs. Falcon and Mrs. Locust helped early in the morning to set up the goods for sale in front of the building into a beautiful and attractive layout. They put a simple desk in front of the entrance where the donations would be accepted. Mrs. Falcon brought delicious pastries and confectioneries from her bakery to treat the guests. 

    We had prepared pamphlets to distribute and make known the charitable organization that we had found. It is not common for a organization like this to be found in the countryside. It's something new and novel. Jane had the idea to put some music to attract the guests and she was right. Lily put some Christmas songs on the CD-player.

     Our first guests were the Jackson couple. Mrs. Jackson adored the jewels and she bought some pieces. Mr. Jackson bought some pottery for his plants. They wished us good luck and their next destination was the school festival. After the major and his wife, some other people came. They bought some jewels and pottery and left. They didn't ask much. They were uninteresting. At least, they got the pamphlets.

Mr. Rosewalt and Mrs. Ernest came to free the other two women. They needed some relax. Our grand opening was not something big or fantastic. The school festival was the protagonist of the day but it is alright.

In the afternoon, a black big car stops in front of the building. When I see the people that get out of it, I froze. My heart is beating really fast and my eyes are ready to let the tears running. It's Alice and John. I run and get in her arms. 

She came! I can feel her warm embrace and her familiar aroma.

-"You came!" I whisper.

-"Of course. I wouldn't let you be alone in these days." She says and my tears are running.

-"Alice didn't come alone." I hear John say. I let her and embrace him. He is strong and muscular as I remember. He is my savior.

-"I am really happy you came." I tell him. He smiles warmly.

-"Wow!!! Look at this!!!" Alice yells with enthusiasm. John looks at the building and the bazaar and smiles. 

    I guide them inside to show them the rooms and their use. While I explain to them they seem to be proud and satisfying with my work.

-"My dear, everything here is perfect. I knew it. From our days in college, I knew that you could succeed in everything you were going to undertake." Alice says with shining eyes.

     I blush. I want to say that it is only the beginning but Alice gaze tells to only think positive. Then I introduce to Alice and John Mr. Rosewalt and Mrs. Ernest. Of course, Alice is familiar with Mrs. Falcon and Mrs. Locust.

Mrs. Locust doesn't forget her habits and wants to learn about John. However, there is nothing to hide. These two is a couple. They are engaged and plan to get married in future. Alice admits that she came to visit me. They are going to stay a few days. 

    Mrs. Falcon is more familiar with Alice and her family, when they were alive. She suggests her to take John and see the school festival. I agree with her. Jane noticed my happiness when the couple came. I explain to her that Alice is my only friend from my years in college.

-"You went to college?" Jane asked and she draws the attention of the others. I never told them about my studies. Most of them believes that I studied something about literature or librarian. I cough with anxiety.