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

22. Ambitious ideas

The last two days, Justin follows the plan. He teams up with Andrea for the school project in humanities studies. In the beginning, there was no reaction, but Justin can be really naughty. He meets Andrea every day after school. They study at the school library and when the school is over, they come at the town's library. They study about the project and I think, Justin has become the first friend of Andrea.

Of course, I have teamed up with Steven and study at the library, too. I can see Addie watching us from time to time with a cunning smile. I couldn't do anything about this, so I went to their desk.

-"Hi, are you doing the project of humanity studies?" I ask.

-"Of course." Justin answers.

-"Can you help us?"Andrea seemed to be shy but Justin answers for her. Then, Steven and I move to their desk.

I can see her confusion and nervousness, but she is going to get used to it. We studied about half an hour and then, I started to talk about other things. The conversation started to be about our dreams. Steven talked about his dream to be a doctor and he said that he was really thankful to Addie Mars and New Leaf which were trying to make his dream come true.

Andrea understood that Steven had no problem to talk about his family condition in front of others and more specifically, in front of friends. The most important thing was that now she learned that there people or organizations which could help her with her dream.

-"Justin, what is your dream?" Andrea asks suddenly.

-"To study at the university." He answers. She was surprised. Well, Justin's family couldn't afford to send him at the university. However, he was determined.

-"How?" She asks again.

-"Well, I am going to study hard and take a scholarship." He says seriously. Andrea stays silent and surprised.

-"There is a lot of competition." She says.

-"I know, but I am not going to let my dream go." His words touched her and I could see a light in her eyes.

-"Well, it could be a pro for your biography letter, if you work as a volunteer in the organization." Addie says.

-"What can we do?" I ask. I know that New Leaf is a new organization that was under the state's jurisdiction. Other than the nursery, there is nothing that some teenagers like us, can help with.

-"There are a lot of things you can do now and in the near future. Think about it!" Addie answers.

Next day at school, I watch as Simon looks at Justin with a very jealous gaze. My plan works. Now, it's all up to him to act for the girl he likes. I really hope that but I am really surprised when I see him approaching Justin. I fear for the worst and I want to meddle but Steven stops me.

-"I need to work on my grades. This project is a good start. I want to be in your team." Simon says to Justin and he looks really surprised. I am totally stunned. I didn't think that he was going to lower his head.

Justin was astonished, too. He was late to answer. He just looks at him.

-"We are serious. This project can give us a really good grade." He says after a while.

-"I know."

-"This is a rare opportunity for people like me and Andrea."

-"I know."

-"Then, I hope you will not destroy it." He answers and I smile. Justin seems cranky but he is kind and generous. However, the first step was done.

-"Don't underestimate a teen love." Steven whispers in my ear and I shudder. My heart is pounding really fast. I can feel my cheeks burning. He is so sly!