A LITTLE FALL OF RAIN
CHAPTER 1
At the beginning he had counted the hours. And when he had enough of that, he had counted the days and then finally the weeks. But he had always known the number – he knew exactly how many hours and days and weeks it was since he had last seen Magnolia Villa. Since he had last seen Candy.
William Albert Andrew felt uneasy that he had seized the easiest solution to end his bittersweet torture. Even before his memory came back to him, he had known. He had known that simple fact; that he had fallen for her. It was more than gratitude that had won him over. It was her smile, her dedication, her sincerity and straightforwardness. And yes, cliché as it may sound, he had found everything about her utterly beautiful. He loved how he felt whenever he was with her; how free and natural he had been able to speak and laugh with her on any subject. For a long time all he could think about are ways to please her. Anticipating her needs and putting them above his own, caring for her gave him something that no amount of money could ever buy. She made him happy. She gave him peace.
Yet, he had to leave. It wouldn't have been appropriate to continue the charade. He knew that playing the role of her brother was at its end. Living with an attractive young woman and all the while sharing the same room? What was he thinking? Surely in time, he would have succumbed into this madness and ruined her. In the end, he feared, she would've hated him for it, especially if she knew the truth- the truth that he was her mysterious benefactor. He decided that their relationship could go no further than friendship - after all he was her legal guardian.
The neighbors were right; he was nothing but a crooked man fooling no one. Finally, the day of reckoning had come.
AS HE RODE BACK to the mansion with George, he had seen a glimpse of what his future would've looked like. He saw himself entertained, surrounded by countless ladies in balls and social events. His Great Aunt Elroy would be sitting in the corner of a grand room feeling proud of herself as he danced with the finest picks of the season. And at the end of it all, he would have found some unsuspecting heiress to propose to. Although second best, his choice would have served his mission. It would have cemented the dynasty that was entrusted to him. He would have done his duty and it would be the end of it.
From a distance he had kept her safe. He employed men to watch over her day and night. If only he could even buy happiness for her, in a blink of an eye he would... Until one day, the opportunity came.
In one last act of kindness, he resolved a way to set her free and then perhaps, he would finally accept living a life without her.
He imagined how Candy's face would've lighted up when she saw her Terry again; proving that he had been right to leave. So he penned his own death, and sentenced himself to a lifetime imprisonment in a golden cell. Dark shadows surrounded his eyes as he mailed the package addressed from Rocktown.
IN THE END he was stuck in Lakewood. His life was not much different from before, except that this time, the family – meaning Aunt Elroy- had it mind that it was the right moment for his grand revelation.
As usual, he was scanning through his letters of business when the French doors suddenly flung open.
"Uncle William," She said, her voice shaking. "I am very grateful that you've adopted me."
Behind the large swivel chair his heart stopped as he recognized her voice. Candy? What are you doing here?
"Forgive me if I have disturbed you." She continued. "But I… I have something to tell you. First of all, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the things that you have done for me. You are very dear to me… but Neil… I just can't accept him!"
If there is one thing he positively loathed in the world, it would be surprises. That and one that is compounded with another surprise. 'Neil? The Reagan boy? What has he done now?
"I have always respected you, even if we haven't even met each other. But Neil… please you can ask me anything… anyone but Neil. I beg you; you must break off the engagement!"
Her speech left her breathless and he, with eyebrows mashed together. An engagement? Surely if anyone in his family would be 'engaged' he would be first to know it.
"I am not a rag doll that your family could pass around and play with. I have feelings. I'm a real person… Uncle William?" She called desperately. "Are you really Uncle William?"
The rag doll comment sent a bullet through his heart. He knew about her fondness for his late nephew Anthony and how the cousins were at constant competition against each other on winning her affection. And now, he as well as young Neil, have also been trying their hand to covet this blonde nurse. If they were in medieval times, people could have easily solved the situation and declared her a succubus. Or the male of his family twisted. He cleared his throat and pushed the uncomfortable thought away from his mind.
The moment he had feared the most had come. He was unprepared for the moment. Her sudden appearance was anti-climactic and turned his plans to smoke. But her distress over the said engagement weighed more than his distaste for surprises. Candy was in serious situation and he would never have any harm come to her, let alone have someone take her against her will. Slowly, he turned his chair and stepped out of his covered stance.
"Is that all you want to say Candy?"
There it was. She was standing face to face with the last man she expected to see. Albert, the vagabond in shabby clothes with a shaggy beard; also the debilitated man whom she had nursed back to health, was standing behind the magnificent mahogany desk in perfect health and impeccably dressed in expensive clothes.
"I… I don't understand. A-Albert? Is this a trick? Did Neil put you talk you into this?"
He was losing her, as he feared he would. "Candy, listen to me. I don't know where to begin to tell you how sorry I am. But I'm still me. Albert. William Albert."
"William…? Albert? William Albert Andrew? But… but you are so young."
"I feel so old. And I have been so lonely without you. Candy…" He opened his arms and welcomed her with their familiar greeting.
Without hesitation, she ran towards his open arms as she did in the streets of London. Instead of spinning, he wrapped his arms around her and rested his cheek on her golden head.
"Where have you've been Albert? I have been looking all over for you. I've been so worried!"
"Yes I know. George told me."
She pushed him away in disbelief. "You know Mr. George? But how?! Oh…"
"I'm so sorry I could not tell you. I have been a selfish coward. I thought leaving you was for your best interest. Forgive me?"
Her answer came in a form of a punch in the arm. "You have been hiding here all this time? I thought the mafia threw you out in the lake!"
"I would throw myself if you got engaged without me knowing. Why are you dressed like that?"
"Yes, you see, they sent people to prepare me for this dinner party. Neil said we are being publicly engaged tonight!"
"Tonight?!"
"Yes, tonight! Why else do you think I would run over here like a madwoman? But that's not the only reason. Neil said that Uncle William wills it."
"William wills nothing but your happiness. Let's sit down, I would like to hear more."
After the initial shock subsided, she felt safe and comfortable again. She told him all the things that happened after he left and how she got to this predicament. He listened and was disgusted at the sneakiness of the Reagans and was again grateful to his loyal friend George.
CANDY LEFT LAKEWOOD VILLA in the family car with orders to go back to her apartment. She went with reassurance that, Albert, now the influential head of the family would set things straight. However, her conscience told her to go against his instructions. That it was a matter to be dealt with in person, and that she should tell Neil herself and refuse him face to face unlike the coward that he had been.
Little did she know that Albert was also planning a personal appearance. Just minutes after she left, he decided that Uncle William was also in need for a party.