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

23. Confessions

Mr. Jackson invited me to the Town Hall. The experts, who he called, have come and he wanted me to be there. We were going to go to the mountain again and of course we will travel to Eagleden and Redville. Those people would decide if the area could become a natural park and have a really big development which could help the local economy. This could help and my original project. If the results were positive, then I could enforce my petition.

Mr. Jackson took over the role of the guide. He guided us up the mountain via beautiful routes. We did a lot of pauses, while the experts examined the ground, the trees, the bushes and the flowers. They even took some samples of the water. It took us a whole day to do a very thorough walk around the mountain and to end up at the river. The experts stayed there for some time to make measurements. We returned late in the evening and we could continue the next day.

I was really tired after so much walking but it was really a very good experience. While the experts were examining the environment, I asked a lot of things about the opportunities that a natural park could offer to the local society.

     Tourism could be a very strong section to improve life in this place. There were going to be new jobs, like tour guides, guards and of course there could be a lot of traditional jobs that could attract more visitors. There could be built motels, restaurants, athletic centers with a lot of events for the nature lovers or the families who want to do some vacations together. As some of my questions were answered, I was excited and at the same time I was planning for the future.

-"Your eyes are shining. Now, I can finally see the old Addie." Alice says as she approaches me with a cup of tea and some cake.

-"You think so?"

-"Of course. You are more optimistic and energetic these days. This is my old friend." She says. I smile.

-"There is only one more step and then you can be yourself again." She says smiling but I sigh. I don't know if I can do that step.

-"That stupid Daniel is so rough and insensitive. If he could be a gentleman, he could help you. Damn him!" Alice curses and I laugh.

I know it myself. If I had chosen Mr. Arnolds, he could have helped me to get out of my fears. But the aggressive Daniel took me in the abyss of love. I think I am in love with him even though I am afraid of his touch and his aggressive behavior.

-"My poor Addie. I know that if you got in the trap of love, there is no escape."

-"Oh, do you have some experience?" I ask smiling.

-"Of course. I fell in the love trap of John." She answers and we laugh.

-"Addie, if you love him, you must explain to him properly. I think that if he knows he will be more patient and gentle with you." Alice advices me.

The next day, as we travel to the other two villages with Mr. Jackson and the experts, I think her words all the time. This whole project gave me a lot of confidence. I will talk to him properly after this tour.

The same evening, I went to the bar. I hoped to find him there with Tony. It was about ten when I got inside. My gaze scanned the whole room to find him, but he was nowhere. I approached the bar and got a beer.

-"What a surprise, Miss Mars." Samantha says.

-"Yeah. However, you can call me Addie." I correct her and she smiles. She gives me the beer and she follows my gaze.

-"He is not here."

-'Who?"

-"Whoever you are looking for." She says and I blush.