What if chance had Candy meet Albert on board the ship on the way to England? This idea hit me and this is the short story that came out.
This is, of course, an AU, what-if kind of fling, with all due respect to the Terry canon. I was very hesitant to upload it here, because I was warned that some fans might flame me. But then again, my good friend and beta-reader supported me and urged me to share it. So... here I go.
Disclaimer: I do not own Candy Candy.
What if chance...
Candy
The New Year's party was going wonderful. Traveling luxury class over the Atlantic certainly had its advantages. Candy was feeling like a princess. And how could she not, she was an Ardlay on her way to England, to London. She would give her best to study and be a real lady. For Great Uncle William's sake. And for Anthony's.
After her second glass of champagne though, Candy decided that the bubbly drink had gotten a little too much hold on her. She needed some fresh air in order to stop making a fool of herself in front of all those high class people. She politely excused herself from George, put on her coat, found the closest exit to the deck and walked towards it.
The crisp ocean air did help. Taking a deep breath of it, Candy felt refreshed. It was a beautiful clear night, the waves passing calmly by the ship, the stars shining up above. A smile formed on her lips and stayed there.
There was no one else on that part of the deck. Everyone was enjoying the New Year's Party inside. Candy's smile broadened as an idea formed in her mind. She would walk all the way to the front of the ship to enjoy the view alone. Perfect!
Along the way though, way up front, Candy stopped. A figure, a man judging from his long dark grey coat, collar turned upwards, was leaning against the bulwarks, alone, gazing out to the ocean.
She walked silently towards him. And some feet away, she froze on the spot.
"Anthony?..." she almost gasped.
For a few moments, she actually believed it was Anthony, her heart racing. Blond hair and a bit of his face visible, his back half turned to her. But after the initial shock, reality hit her. It couldn't be Anthony.
"No... No, he's not Anthony..." she thought. "He is blond yes, but much taller. And he looks older too."
A part of her mind also processed the obvious. He couldn't be Anthony because he was gone. She shivered and sighed.
The man turned in full profile then and her heart skipped. His expression was that of sadness, mouth set downwards. A few moments later, he raised one hand to wipe his eyes.
"Is he crying?..." Candy wondered. "Or is it just the cold night air?".
Just then, the man sighed, lowered his head, and with the corner of his eye caught sight of something, turning sharply to his left.
He noticed Candy.
Candy felt her heart skip yet another beat. The man's similarity to Anthony face on was striking. He was older yes, somewhere in his mid-twenties she would guess, but the blond hair, the -from what she could see- blue eyes, the shape of his features... If Anthony had reached this age, she bet he would have looked very much like him.
She fought the knot that formed in her throat.
The man regarded her first with surprise, then with a slight frown and then with a strange look on his face.
Swallowing hard and shaking her head to clear it, Candy blushed. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, "I didn't mean to stare rudely at you... It's just that..." she trailed, "you reminded me of someone," she added sheepishly.
The man's expression softened and he smiled softly. "It's OK," he said in a low gentle voice.
Taking courage from his answer and noting the sad look in his eyes, Candy had to ask.
"Are you alright, sir? You seem a little sad, if you don't mind me saying."
The stranger's smile grew at her question, he blinked lowering his head and then looked away. After a couple of moments, he took a deep breath and turned his eyes back to her.
"Thank you for your kind concern, miss. I'll be alright," he almost whispered.
Candy nodded and shifted on her spot. She could tell that something was still saddening him, but he wasn't lying, he would be alright.
She should leave him alone, not impose anymore.
"Happy New Year then," she wished him with a smile and took a step back.
"You too," he genuinely smiled back
Candy turned on her heel and started to walk away, wondering why she suddenly felt warm. Not being able to stop herself, she cast one last look at the man over her shoulder, almost stumbling when she realized that he was still looking at her as well. From that distance, it was as if Anthony was staring back at her, his eyes shining.
Or was it maybe... the Prince of the Hill?
She had no idea where that thought had come from. She bit her lip.
"That's it, Candy, no champagne for you ever again..." she chided herself and hurried towards her cabin.
Author's Note:
I'd love to read reviews. Reviews are a great honor. :-)
The second chapter, with Albert's point of view, to follow soon.
Thank you! :-)