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

32. Unknown futures

    I don't believe what I see. This serious and introvert boy is smiling and laughing like a kid and the cause of this strange phenomenon is Maggie. The two of them seem close enough to be so happy and bright. I didn't meet them for two days. What happened? Who says that life in countryside is slow and boring?

-"Maggie, I heard that you will apply for a scholarship program of a School of Fine Arts." Andrea says.

-"Yes, it is true. Justin and Mrs. Gilberts convinced me." Maggie says and she looks at Justin. Her gaze is so bright and lively that I am surprised.

-"You have talent, so you must try your best for your future." Justin says something so optimistic that I think I didn't hear right. I look at Steven and he smiles. I think that he also realized that there is something romantically between these two.

-"I already sent one of my sketch books in that school. It is the first phase of the program. The best sketch books will move to the next phase." Maggie explains.

-"I am so happy about you, Maggie."I say.

-"Well, there is one more that hasn't decided what she wants to do with their life." Justin notices and looks at me. Well, I don't know what I want to do. There is nothing that interests me particularly. One choice would be to work at my family's company. However, I don't like it.

-"You have a couple of months to decide. Don't stress about it." Steven says. I am surprised. I thought that he would press me to decide, even Justin mentioned it. I don't know how to feel about it. I look at Simon looking for a scapegoat.

-"What about you Simon?" I ask. He smiles cunningly.

-"I wanted to be a surprise but I can't keep it a secret anymore. I am applying to a police school. I have already prepare myself for the physical test and Mrs. Stevens helps me with my studies."

-"No way!!!"I scream. Simon smiles with satisfaction because it is not only me surprised. Justin is also flabbergasted. A punk will be a police officer. It is irony. Our time was funny and lively but I had the thought of my future in mind all the time.

****

I come inside the cafeteria. I find Tony in a table and approach him. He has already ordered beer for himself.

-"You seem really in bad mood. I wouldn't believe that you would be so unhappy if a woman wasn't beside you." Tony says and he is right. Addie is in Washington three days now and I miss her so much. I don't believe it either.

-"You sure fell so deep in love, aren't you?"

-"You are not one to speak. Before Lily Shelton, you are like a dreamy kid."

-"I deserved that." He says and laughs.

In a short while, Samantha approaches to take my order. I want some beer, too.

-"Look at you two. Both of you are melting for love." She jokes.

-"Is it so obvious?" Tony asks.

-"Obvious? Even a toddler can realize about your feelings. So, how is it going?" She asks and sit beside us.

-"Hey, what about my beer?" I say.

-"Later." She says so directly ignoring me.

-"Well, we had some dates. The atmosphere is really good between us but I think that she is hesitant to take the next step." Tony explains.

-"What do you want to be the next step, Tony?" Samantha asks. Tony looks at her decisively.

-"I want to spend my whole life beside her. I want to marry her. However, it is to early to talk about marriage." Samantha sighs.