Destiny is a fragile flower…
By Candylyna
This is a "what if…" fic, from episode 112. What if Terry had gone to see Candy instead of going back to New York without seeing her?
It's also my first fic solo and I would like to thank Mallory, for all her help, CCLady Gato and CandyTerry for their encouragements. I hope you like it, enjoy!
Chapter 1
"Another chance at happiness…"
The children were laughing at the Happy Clinic, listening to the young nurse in front of them. The young nurse had long wavy and thick hair she held in a scarf. She had green eyes and freckles on her nose, and her smile illuminated her face. That was the image a young man looking at her from afar was seeing. She was there, the object of his affection, the reason he came all the way to Chicago. But instead of talking to her, he was getting drunk in bars. He had abandoned everything just to see her again. Their common friend had found him and he was telling him how courageous she was and how she had moved on with her life. So he decided to leave without talking to her, to go back to his responsibilities in New York…
It had been a long day. Candy was at the market buying food for her dinner. She was now living alone, but she liked it. She missed Albert, but his staying with her was only temporary. Life continued, everything comes to an end eventually. She was an orphan, got adopted, when to college in England, come back to America, went to nursing school and she saw all her dreams get shattered. She had so many plans in her head, but nothing happened like she wanted to. Her heart was bleeding, but she had to live with that.
She stayed at the market longer than expected and it was getting dark. The fruit vendor was a cheerful man.
- There you go, Miss! Those fruits are the best, you'll see, he said
- I know they are, said Candy laughing, it they're not good, I will come back here and get a refund
- I can guaranty you that you're going to eat the best fruits in the world. But hurry home, little lady, it's getting dark…
- Yes, I know. The shopping took me longer than expected, I was almost out of everything…
- That's not too heavy for you?
- A little, but I'll be fine…bye sir…
- Cheers!
Candy left the market with her groceries. She was walking in a dark alley to get to her apartment faster. She saw some people there, but she didn't really pay attention. She was walking fast to get home. The people in the alley were young men…
- There she is! Said one of them, the girl who humiliated us the other day…
- Really, we're going to take care of her tonight, said another boy
- What? Said Candy, look guys, I'm tired, I only want to get home….leave me alone
- Not before we take care of you…, said the first one
- NO! Leave-me alone!
But one of the guy took the groceries from her, and dropped them on the ground. Another one came from behind wanting to grab her, he pulled her hair.
- Ouch! Stop it!
Another one in front of her wanted to hit her, but he was stopped by a hand, and he got a fist on his nose.
- She said to leave her alone! Said a voice
He grabbed the one pulling her hair and punched him in the stomach and the face. Another one wanted to come and the young man punched him in the jaw.
- Now, you guys beat it! Said the voice
The young man weren't prepare to fight with a strong guy, they wanted to attack a poor young woman, so the ran out of there. Candy was picking up her groceries on the ground. The young man helped her and carried the bag for her. He followed her in silence until they got to her apartment building. They got in and climbed the stairs to her door. She opened it and the young man got in with her. He went to put the bag of groceries on the kitchen counter.
- Thank you, said Candy, and thank you for saving me from those thugs…
- You're welcome, he said, what did they meant by you humiliated them?
- I helped Neil one day while they were attacking him…
- You beat them up?
- Well, let's just say I was lucky…
- I wouldn't want to be in Neil's shoes… a girl saving me…what a bloody coward!
- Right, you're too strong for that, aren't you? She said ironically
Terry didn't answer, he knew she was upset. She started to put the groceries away. He was just standing there looking at her. Then he decided to help her. She wasn't even looking at him. Did he make a mistake by coming to see her? Well he didn't come to remain silent…
- Candy…. talk to me
She had her back turned, overwhelmed by emotions. Her eyes were starting to get filled with tears. Her head was spinning, she got an instant headache.
- Candy, please…I came all the way here…
She finally turned around crying.
- Why did you come here, Terry? She said, why are you here?
- Well, I could say it was to save you from those thugs, but you wouldn't believe me…, he joked
- You think this is funny?
- I'm trying to break the tension here…I don't want to upset you…
- But you are upsetting me…why did you come here?
- To see you… isn't it obvious?
- You left Susanna…and your work…
- That's not important to me anymore…
- Don't say that
- My work was important to me when I was with you, when I wanted a future with you…now that I lost you….
- Terry, it was your dream….
- A dream that I wanted to share with you and only you…I had to see you…
- Why? To make things more difficult for me, for you, for us?
- Everything happened so fast in New York, we didn't get to talk…
- Talk about what? About the fact that your colleague, who was madly in love with you saved your life and lost her leg in the process? Now, let me think, when could you have told me about that…? Oh yeah, in a telegram, or when I got to the train station… that would have been a good time… or then again, when we went to see your apartment…or when you took me to my hotel… you had lots of occasion to tell me the news, but you didn't! I had to find out by myself, by hearing people gossiping during the intermission at the premiere of your play… silly me, I wanted to go and tell Susanna not to use her injury to force you to be with her… what I found; her on the verge of suicide and when I hung on to her to save her, I realized that she was missing a leg….from that moment on, I saw my whole world crumble around me, my future with you, our plans, everything…I came back here heartbroken and I'm trying to move on with my life, and there you are again!
- I didn't come here to upset you…I came to talk to you…
- Talk about what? When you should've to talked to me, you didn't…
- I know, I'm sorry about that…you made the decision to leave me without talking to me either…I just have a feeling that we left things unfinished…
- Unfinished? It's over between us! You told me to be happy…you made me promise…
- Are you happy Candy? Are you really happy without me?
- It hasn't been that long….I'll find someone…I even got a marriage proposal….
- From whom? Albert? He asked jealous
- Albert? She asked surprised, why would Albert want to marry me?
- Well, gee, I don't know, he's a guy and you're a woman and you lived together…
- I was taking care of him until he got better…it was not romantic. If anything, I think of him as a big brother…
Terry looked at her, she was still so naïve on some point. He felt that Albert had a thing for Candy, the way he spoke of her so passionately…
- But you're not here to talk about Albert, Terry…
- You're right, I'm here to talk to you…maybe I'm going to look weak in your eyes, but I can't live without you, I can't take the pain of our break up…I've been drowning my sorrow in alcohol…I can't take care of Susanna either, every time I look at her, I see you running away from me on those hospital stairs…
Candy was hearing what she always dreamt about ever since that painful stair separation. But she knew it was an illusion.
- Terry, you shouldn't think like that. You have to take care of her, she saved your life…and I will forever be grateful to her for that, you're alive today because of her…
- So I have to pay for it for the rest of my life? My duty is to do the honorable thing and be with her…but… I can't!
- You have to, Terry…
- No, I don't have to… I want you and only you…Please Candy, I love you
- No Terry, please, don't say that…
She was crying her eyes out, it was much too painful. She thought she had gotten used to the break up, but all it took was to see him. He walked towards her in the kitchen.
- Yes, I'm going to say it…
Candy turned her back, still crying.
- Candy please, look at me…
She left the kitchen and walked to the sitting room. He followed her.
- I know it's painful… It's painful for me too…I love you so much my heart bleeds
- Oh Terry, she said turning around to look at him with her crying eyes…
- I didn't get to talk to you, to tell you how I felt… It's like Susanna's accident froze me in a way…the pressure from her mother…prevented me to say anything because I knew I would have to break up with you…but we left things unfinished…
- You want closure Terry? Is that why you're here? To put salt on my wounds by showing up here unexpectedly…?
- I don't know what I want Candy, all I know it's that I want you…I've wanted you ever since the first time I saw you on that boat…
- Terry, please, stop! Why are you doing this to me?
- Tell me you don't love me, and I'll go and you'll never hear from me again…
- I can't….
- So tell me you love me as much as I love you….
- What would be the purpose of that? Susanna would still be missing a leg…
- Candy, we were robbed of our time together… I wanted to kiss you at the train station…
- Why didn't you?
- After your reaction the first time I kissed you…and the pressure…
- You have no idea how much I thought about that kiss, how much I dreamt about it…How much I wanted you to kiss me in New York…I thought it was going to be all romantic between us…
- Believe me, I had it all planned until the accident…Sometimes I wish she had let me die in that accident, because being without you, it's like being dead…
- Don't say that Terry. I'm glad she saved you….even though it came at a very high price, I'm glad you're alive….
She still hadn't told him she loved him, he needed to hear that from her.
- I'm sorry we didn't get to be together, she continued, I wanted to be with you so much…when I realized Susanna was missing a leg, I didn't have the courage to tell her that I loved you and I would've died without you….
- Say that again, he said holding her by the shoulders and raising her chin with his right hand…
She was still crying silently.
- Why? Why would you want to suffer like that? Love hurts….She said
- I want to hear you say it…
She was actually dying to say it to him…
- I…I love you Terry, she finally said, I love you with all my heart!
He hugged her and he closed his eyes relieved. Candy was sobbing against his chest. She felt good in his arms.
- Candy, please don't cry my love, I'm here to be with you…
- We can't, Terry…
- Says who? Duty and obligations? The rest of the world? Mrs. Marlowe?
- You can't just pick up and leave Susanna like that…She loves you so much
- More than you?
- As much as me…
- You see, that's where I don't care. I don't care if Susanna loves me… I only care about your feelings, they're the one that matters…
- In time, you'll learn to love her…said Candy crying, you have to be with her...
- That's really what you want? For me to be with her?
- No, you know I want us to be together…
- That's why I'm here, to try to find another solution to our problem…the current one isn't working…unless it's working for you… you did say you had a marriage proposal…anybody I know?
Candy didn't want to talk about Neil's crazy obsession with her. She just wanted to be in Terry's arms.
- I don't want to talk about that, she said, just hold me in your arms Terry
He kept her in his arms; the warmth of her body was making him dizzy. Candy's head tried to reason with her again. She freed herself from his arms.
- No, stop it Terry! This is not going to work! You have a duty to fulfill! You can't come here and tell me you love me…
- Yes, I can, he said going after her, because it's the truth…I love you Candy
- Terry….she said crying, please
He caught up with her, turned her around, took a handkerchief and wiped her tears.
- Don't cry my love, love is not suppose to hurt you or make you cry, it's suppose to make you feel good…
- I feel good Terry, I'm crying because we can't be together…
- I don't see anybody here stopping us…but us…
He was right. All those months, she regretted not doing anything with him, she didn't have the time… Terry felt the same way, he came to see her for…closure. He leaned and took her lips, she closed her eyes waiting…Terry's lips were on hers in a fiery kiss they should've shared months ago. They were hungry for each other since their separation in college…New York was supposed to be their big reunion and time to make up for lost time, but that was a big bust….Susanna happened, putting a halt to their plans for good. Candy was kissing him back with a passion that surprised even her. She had no idea her body would respond like that, it was so good, so overwhelming, her head wanted her to think, but she didn't let go of him. She had been suffering for months from her break up, and she had the opportunity to find some closure… so why not? Terry was right, nobody was stopping them, but them…Terry was kissing her neck.
- Oh Candy…he said
- Oh Terry…
His hands were looking for a way to get under her clothes to caress her body…She had no idea what she was doing, she wanted to feel her body against him…so they started to take their clothes off…They ended up on Candy's be getting passionate. He knew he was her first so he was very soft…Candy knew from the moment Terry touched her that she would feel good with him, no matter what he did to her…and he did a lot of things she never dreamed about, everything was new to her, so was the sharp pain and the delicious sensation that followed…they were so happy.
- Terry…
- Yes?
- I'm hungry…
- We just made love for the first time and you're thinking about food? He joked
- Well you interrupted my routine, I was suppose to cook something for myself, I did spend the whole day working…and in school they told us that this act of…
- Making love…
- Right, burns a lot of calories…
- You've got a lot of information from a medical point of view…
- Now I've got some in practice too…she said with a smile
- Let's go cook something to eat, he said pulling her to kiss her on the lips
They got dressed and they went in the kitchen and they started to cook their dinner, while laughing, joking and making out.
- I have a room in small hotel, he said
- You want to go? She asked a little sad
- You want me to go?
- No, I want you to stay with me…
- You have room for me on your small bed?
- Well, we just shared the most intimate moments of our lives there…
- The most wonderful moments… I came here to see you. I was in a bar getting drunk, when Albert found me… he showed me how strong you were from afar, how you lost your job but you got another one, how you wouldn't let anything stop you from getting on with your life… I looked at you I was so proud and so ashamed of my weakness and I decided not to speak to you and go back to New York and take my responsibility, so I could make you proud…I didn't want to open old wounds
- You were really going to leave without talking to me? She asked surprised
- Yes… but on my way to my hotel, I said to myself, that it was ridiculous…that I was there to see you, to speak to you and I might as well do it…old wounds or not…
- You mean, you didn't believe I was happy without you… you were right. Ever since I learned you left New York, I've been expecting you to come for me…to tell me we've made a mistake that you couldn't live without me… that's how that moron tricked me…
- Moron?
- Yes, the marriage proposal I got was from Neil….
- WHAT? You saved him, so he fell in love with you? Figures….
- He supposedly fell in love with me after the fight, yes…He pretended to be you wanting to meet me, and like a fool I fell for it…
- You thought you were going to see me… that bloody idiot!
- I literally jumped out the window, in the cold water to escape him…He's really serious, Terry, and I'm afraid he's going to use the big guns…
- I will never let that bloody bastard marry you, if it's the last thing I do!
- You might not have the choice. Unless my uncle William shows up and I convince him to stop the wedding…And I don't want you mix up in this, Terry, you've got your own problems with Susanna…
- I hate this situation so much…you want to be with me, Freckles…?
- I just gave myself to you, Terry. Yes, yes, I want to be with you…
- So let's fix our current situations and get together later so we can get married…
- How long?
- Well, I have to go back to Broadway and get my job back, I have to find a solution and end things with Susanna…give me 3 months, honey, or less depending on what I'm going to find there…Can you fix the problem with Neil as fast?
- I don't know, but I'm going to do everything in my power to stop his plans…
- Ok, if it gets too tough, you come to New York…
- Ok, my love, she said with a smile, when are you leaving?
- I want to spend my time with you…
- It's Friday night, I only work till noon tomorrow…
- We can spend the week end together and I can leave on Sunday night…
- Since we're supposed to be broken up, you don't mind hiding here?
- As long as I can see you, I don't mind. If I have to go out, I'll wear a disguise. Tomorrow when you go to work, I'll go check out at my hotel…
- Are we doing the right thing?
- Think Candy, how does it feel when you think of the two of us together?
- It feels great! She said with a smile
- So it's the right thing…don't doubt it…
They finished their dinner happily and they went back to bed to have a lot of fun.
- By the way asked Terry, where's Albert?
- Well, I don't know, he left me a note thanking me; he's gone. I looked for him to tell him he could stay with me longer if he wanted to, that I liked taking care of him, but I couldn't find him….
- Oh sorry, said Terry who was thinking about his meeting with him not too long ago
- It's ok. I saw Patricia in a church, she was praying for Alistair, you know he went to war, the day I took the train to come to the premiere…
- I didn't know…I'm sorry
- Thanks. He wrote her a letter to tell him that his friend Dominic, whom he met at war, had just died…and Patty had a bad feeling. Alistair gave me a happiness box when he drove me to the station when I came to see you, he called it the "box of happiness"…Ironic isn't it ? Since I found no happiness in New York what so ever…
- That's all going to change said Terry hugging her harder and kissing her hair…
- Thank you Terry. I gave the "happiness box" to Patty so she would feel better, and it worked, she was smiling…When I think of all those poor young people who are dying… I don't take anything for granted anymore…especially not my life with you… I love you Terry…
- I love you Candy…
The next day, Saturday at work, Candy was on cloud nine. Dr. Martin was wondering what got into her.
- Candy, what's with the perkiness? Asked Dr. Martin
- I'm always happy doctor…
- There's something more… did Albert come back and said something to you?
- Albert? Why would Albert make me happy?
- Because he has feelings for you….
- Albert? No, he's my big brother…that's all. We get along great…We have patients doctor, enough with my perkiness…let's get to work!
Doctor Martin looked at her smiling. It was nice to see her so happy, but if Albert wasn't responsible, then who was?
It was a short day, and Candy was walking home to buy more food, for her and Terry. She met Patty, Annie and Archie on her way back. She didn't see them at first, she was singing and humming…
- Candy, said Annie, Candy! Candy!
She finally heard her the third time. She turned around smiling.
- Oh, hi! She said happily with a beautiful smile
Annie and Archie looked at each other. Patty was smiling.
- Candy, said Annie, what's got into you?
- What? Said Candy smiling, it's a beautiful day…
- It is indeed, said Archie, let me buy you girls some ice cream…
Archie parked his car, and bought ice cream for them. Annie took Candy aside, to whisper in her ears.
- Candy, what are you hiding?
- Nothing…
- I know you…
- Not now Annie, I'll tell you another time…
- All right. But it's good to see you smile again
- It's good to be smiling again…
They dropped off Candy in front of her building.
- Thanks guys, she said smiling, I'll see you later…
- Bye Candy, said her friends…
Candy went to her apartment and she found Terry in front of the door waiting for her.
- Oh, Terry, honey, sorry…
- It's ok, I just got here, Freckles…
She opened her door and they went inside. Candy made a quick lunch for them. They spend a good time together. The whole weekend was bliss.
In New York, Susanna Marlowe, was praying every day for the return of Terry. She loved him so much, and she wanted them to have a life together. But he had disappeared for days….Where was he? He probably went back to his dear Candy! How could he treat her like that? She saved his life! Without her he would be dead! He should show more gratitude towards her… all she wanted was for him to marry her and make her his, to bear his children. She had lost her leg, so she deserved to have a happy ending with Terry.
- Susanna, said her mother, you have to stop moping around…
- I'm not moping around, mother, I'm praying for Terry's safe return…
- He disappeared, he couldn't get away from you fast enough….
- He's going to marry me, mother, I saved his life…that's all I ever wanted from him…
- "Be careful what you wish for"…you wanted another woman's man, at all cost… you got him, but not his heart…you have to deal with that
- He will end up loving me, mother, I'm much more beautiful than his dear Candy…
- Well she's much more beautiful on the inside, for leaving her man to you a perfect stranger….
- Mother! Which side are you on?
- Yours of course, baby. But I just want you to be prepared…
- Terry needed a little time to get used to the new situation, but he will come back to me, you'll see…I'm praying for that everyday, and God is going to grant my wishes…
Mrs. Marlowe shook her head, but she was supporting her daughter. If Terrence Grandchester is giving so much hope to her daughter she wasn't thinking about suicide anymore, he was the man for her. She prayed with her daughter, for Terry's safe return.
Terry was living a dream with his beloved Candy. He was so happy to be with her, she gave him hope, courage. He needed her in his life. Sunday arrived way too soon for our two love birds. They still didn't have enough of each other. On Sunday night, she took him to the train station. She was sad to he was leaving, but it was for the best. Soon, they were going to be together.
- I love you Freckles, he said, don't ever forget it. Here's the theatre's number where you can join me if need be. I'm going to miss you
- I'm going to miss you too, she said with tears in her eyes, I love you Terry, come back to me quick…
- I will, he said…the thought of the two of us together is what's giving me the courage to go back to New York and fix things.
He leaned and kissed her for a long time on the lips. Then he got on board. He stayed at the window until he couldn't see her anymore. Candy was crying, but she had hope, she knew he was going to come back to get her…
Not too long after that, they were very sad news to report, Alistair had died at war. Candy felt so sad; she couldn't believe he was gone. Not too long ago, Patty noticed that the "happiness box" had stopped working. She had a bad feeling which was confirmed. Her worst nightmare had come true. Alistair was gone. At the burial, Patty kneeled on the grave, crying her beloved…
Alistair's death only made Candy more determined to be with Terry, the love of her life. Patty thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with Alistair…All her plans went up in smoke.
But Candy had another chance with Terry and she had no intentions of letting it pass this time around. Life was too short.