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

31. Her light

    Mr. Arnolds was sitting on his desk in the teacher's office and was looking at the third year students' application papers. The big percentage of students was applying to technical schools in Harrisonburg or Richmond, another one chose to work in the fields and a very small percentage was applying to university. Of course, there were also students who hadn't decided their future plans. From the sixty individuals in third year, only ten of them were applying for upper education. Five of them were from Green Hill.

He knew that Amanda Fritz and Stefan Barton could afford to go to the university. The other three were Steven Charles, Justin Andrews and Andrea Walls. It was a surprise from him seeing Andrea's application. He was watching these students and knew that Steven and Justin were aiming for a scholarship. Justin had already taken part to a writing competition to gain points. As far as Steven concerned, he was studying really hard to have perfect score at school and he has already started to write an essay which was one of the requirements of the scholarship's program.

Mr. Arnolds knew that Andrea was a diligent student but she hadn't so good score as Steven. It could be difficult for her to get a scholarship. It was a pity because he knew her potential. In the end, Mr. Arnolds visited Alice Stevens' office. Knowing that she was a member of the charity organization, he wanted to talk about Andrea and students who had the potential to study in university. Some of the students hadn't given their answer yet, so maybe, there were more with high aspirations.

Alice was aware of this problem and New Leaf had already prepared the amount of a scholarship. However, this time the organization had a lot of expenses and didn't know if they could afford anything else. She had to talk about it with Addie.

-"What about Margaret Belt?" Alice asks.

-"She hasn't given her answer."

-"I think that she has talent in drawing and painting." Alice says.

-"I wouldn't know. Maybe, Mrs. Gilberts can inform us."

Mrs. Gilberts arrives some minutes later. When Alice talked about Margaret Belt, she sighed.

-"I know, right? She is so talented. But I think that she won't apply to a school of Fine Arts. I think there is some problem in her family." Mrs. Gilberts says with sadness.

-"What kind of problem?" Alice asks.

-"I don't know specifics but it seems that her mother died two years ago and her father has money difficulties." Mrs. Gilberts informs.

-"If the problem is about money, then New Leaf could support them." Mrs. Arnolds suggests.

-"Mrs. Gilberts, you need to encourage her and push her to try this option." Alice says passionately.

-"I'll do my best."

-"However, my biggest surprise was Simon Spencer." Mr. Arnolds continues his chat with Alice.

-"Yes. That boy's life change a lot and the changes won't stop." Alice says with a smile.

****

I am really happy today. I just received an answer from the university of my choice. I had collected the practical points and the only thing left is my final exam. With a high enough score, I will be a student at Columbia University in New York. For a change I wanted to celebrate my half success so I called my friends. Yes, they are my friends already.

I didn't believe that I could have friends before leaving this place. My lonely teenage life stopped with the arrival of these five eccentric and different personas. I like the atmosphere between us. It was so natural for me to be with them that it was really surprising. Even now, I want to share my happiness with them.