This minifict is dedicated to Sabrina Cornwell (also known as Sabrina Weasley)...

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Candy Candy manga is written by Kyoko Mizuki, Yumiko Igarashi

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One year after the manga ended...

Albert, as Sir William, and Candy were attending a conference about health care workers from around the world.

"Ladies and gentleman, we just heard the presentation of Dr. Meredtih Kleypas about her experience as a health worker in Africa," said the announcer at the end of Dr. Kleypas' presentation.

Everyone clapped hands rapturously. Candy too, but she noticed Albert didn't. He stared blankly to the front as if he's not aware of what happened surrounded him. She nudged him.

"Albert... Clap your hands," whispered Candy. As Sir William, she knew that all eyes were at him.

Her nudge alerted him, and right away he clapped as she instructed.

"Something wrong?" asked Candy.

"No... Nothing...," said Albert.

Meredith, thought Albert. Good grief!

At the end of the conference as usual Sir William was surrounded by press and reporters.

Candy watched him from the far. This time, he didn't look like himself. His mind seemed to be far away and wasn't focus as he usually did. She went to the center of the crowd and pulled Albert's hand much to his gratitude.

"Albert, are you alright?" asked Candy. "Is there a problem?"

"I'm fine. Thanks for saving me," said Albert. He heaved a huge sigh, couldn't feel more relieved. "Let me take you home."

He dropped her off at her home and kissed her cheek as usual.

As soon as she entered her house, he talked to George.

"George, ask Dr. Meredith Kleypas to come to my office today if possible, if not then tomorrow, as soon as her schedule permits," said Albert. "Also, pick up Pouppe, bring him to my office."

Helpful as usual, George successfully managed to arrange for Dr. Meredith Kleypas to meet Albert that late afternoon. He also brought Pouppe to Albert's office.

"Dr. Kleypas, thanks for coming with such a short notice," said Albert shaking her hands.

"Sir William, not at all," returned Meredith equally formally.

"Dr. Kleypas, you worked in Africa? I was there too once," said Abert opening the conversation.

After some discussions, which made him sure she's the one he's been looking for, Albert called Poupple. Pouppe ran to Albert and directly sat on his shoulder.

"This is Pouppe, Dr. Kleypas," said Albert, patting Pouppe's head at the same time. "I wonder, do you know him?"

"Pouppe," said Meredith surprised, didn't expect to meet the skunk in Sir William's office. Pouppe jumped to her lap showing he recognized her.

Forgetting all formality, right away she stared at Albert's face... The gentle blue eyes, kind smile, dashing face... Pouppe, but it can't be. His hair was brown? And Sir William...?

"Meredith," said Albert calling her using the first name, softly, "I'm Albert."

"Albert..."

"That day, I went to the town to buy you a surprise engagement ring, but my train exploded. Then, I had amnesia..."

"But, how come?" she stared at him, eyes open widely.

"Albert is Sir William. My real hair is blonde," explained Albert. "Meredith, my love to you stays unchanged. I didn't abandon you, I had amnesia. After I got well, I was looking for you. But I lost track of you. You never told me your last name..."

"Albert," she cried tearfully. "Oh Albert! My love!"

She slammed herself to his arms... He welcomed her, kissed her...

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One year later... After the wedding ceremony of Meredith and Albert was over and the bride and the groom had left for the honeymoon...

Candy strolled alone along the lake. Albert, her prince of the hill, had married. What seemed like a fairy tale story didn't actually end up like one. She went to Anthony's grave. She stared at it, thinking that he would have been her real prince, if only he were still here. She then walked to Stear's grave nearby and saw Patty kneel down praying.

Candy stood silently until Patty noticed her. She smiled at Candy.

"Candy, I'm going back to Pony's home this evening," said Patty.

Patty had been working as a teacher in Pony's home. She came today just to attend Albert's wedding.

"You won't stay here for a few more days?" asked Candy.

"Teachers don't have time for a holiday," she smiled. "My students are waiting for me tomorrow morning."

"Patty, it's been two years... I know many single doctors, I can introduce you to ..."

"Candy, thank you. But, I never believe he's dead. I'll wait for him to return," she said. She hugged Candy and left.

Candy stared sadly at her back. Her devotion to Stear was more serious than what she thought. Candy stood in front of Stear's tomb thinking about him, wondering if he's actually dead or alive. It's a fact that his body was never found. If only they could know for sure what happened to him. She sighed, then went back to the mansion.

At the gate, she saw Neal. Hurriedly she threw her face and fastened her step.

"Candy wait...," called Neal, chasing her.

She turned around abruptly and hissed, "What do you want?"

"Candy, forgive me."

After all the hardship he made her suffer suddenly he asked for forgiveness! How dared he! How would she know that this wasn't his other awful trap?

"Go away!" she said with hatred and continued walking.

"Candy, give me one minute, please."

"One minute," said Candy looking at her watch.

"In Florida, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I've wronged you. Not a single day pass by which I don't regret my atrocity towards you. Please forgive me. And about the engagement proposal, I proposed to you because I love you, truly love you. I don't lie about that."

She didn't give a response.

"I'll do anything to amend my mistake. I get you the water from the moon..."

"I have no use of the water from the moon," cut Candy.

"Then, let me do something else," begged Neal.

"I don't need anything, especially from you. Request is rejected, you may leave now," said Candy. "Your one minute is over."

"Candy, give me a second chance, please," said Neal still following her.

"Go away, even if we're the only two humans left on earth, I still don't want to see you."

But Neal kept following her.

"Fine, I give you one task," said Candy. "Go find Stear. Bring him back to Patty, alive! If you can do that, I'll forgive you."

She left.

-To Be Continued-

Thanks for reading.

NOTE:

Pouppe or Poppi: Albert's pet, the skunk.