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

14. The first case

Some days later, an envelope arrived at home. It was from Richmond, from the Well Fare Services. It was about the results of my exam. I passed. I was a formal social service agent. 

   I had to travel at Richmond again to make a form about my active services and my post on a charitable organization. John suggested driving me there while Alice stayed behind. It was going to be a day full of bureaucratic procedures, something really boring for Alice. 

    Because I was going to work for a personal organization, my duties had to be signing in a different procedure, so my actions and doings to be legal. After filling up all these papers I won't only manage the financial part of the organization but even the social one. I will have the authority to meddle in difficult situations between the human relationships and constitutions.

We returned late in the evening and Alice was waiting for us with a rich and tasty dinner. She congratulated me sincerely. At the same time, she had to announce something amazing.

-"I will stay here." She says and from the surprised face of John, I think that he didn't know.

-"I will be part of the organization. I know that it is charitable and for that reason, I am going to work at Harrisonburg in my own office." Her gaze is at John. She scans his face for any reaction. In my opinion, John is really patient with the willful and energetic Alice.

-"I can't stay." He just says.

-"I know."

-"Then, I will try to visit often." Alice smiles at him. John is the perfect man for a woman. Alice was really lucky.

-"Then, boss I need you to find me my office." She tells me with a cunning tone in her voice.

-"I will leave with John in two days to pack my things and return soon."

-"Then, I will have your office ready until then." I answer.

The next morning, in my meeting with Daniel in the forest, I start to tell him about Alice and her decision. I see his eyes shining with cunning. Then he asks me about me and Alice. He wants to know how we met, how long we know each other and how deep is our friendship. After I answer his question, it's my turn to make mine. But I really don't know what I can ask him, without offending him or reminding him something bad. I can only ask him about his current occupation.

Our time together finished soon and we got apart.

    It is one more peaceful day at the library. Well, it was until Jane came after school. She comes at my desk and she looks at me intensely.

-"I didn't know that the drama is more effective in the countryside." She says with irritation.

     Of course, I can't understand what she means. Before she continues to talk, she notices Justin sitting in a corner. Her irritation worsens. She clicks her tongue and leaves. I look at Justin but he doesn't say anything. This is strange.

The next day, she comes again more angry and irritated than the day before but she doesn't explain anything.

-"If you want to say something, say it." I say when I see her like this. She tightens her hands. I think that something serious happened at school.

I sit next to Justin. Jane's character can't help me to learn. Justin is hesitant but I won't leave his side until he tells me everything.

-"Well, do you remember the festival and its charitable purpose? Mrs. Gilberts announced that the money that was collected will be given to Steven Charles. He is a second year student from a poor family. He has no father. His sister is sick and after school he must work to support his family and pay for the treatment of his sister together with his mother."