My best friend's wife…
Chapter 1
"The misunderstanding"
Terrence Grandchester had just arrived on the American ground… He came from the military base which was in the Netherlands. His brother, Richard was waiting for him at the airport… They were both very tall, they were two years apart and they got along great. They hugged for a while.
- How's dad?
- He's fine…
- But…?
- What do you mean, by "but"?
- Rick, out with it!
- Well, the other day, I went to see him in the morning, the door was open, and I got in without making any noise… and I went to the kitchen and…
- And…?
- I still can't believe it…
- Richard Junior!
- Well, our father was in the arms of a beautiful blonde…
- What?
- They were sucking their faces off, like there was no tomorrow…
- What did you do?
- Once the stupor passed, I went back to the living room and I slammed the door and I screamed to show my presence… when I got to the kitchen, she was by the stove and he was sitting at the table… like there was nothing…
- Incredible!
- He introduced me to his pretty lady… and he wants to marry her very fast.
- There's no rush…
- According to you…
- How old is she?
- She's probably in her 30s, 40s, I don't know…
- She's not a little young for him?
- Dad is not that old, you know… he got married young. He obeyed his father's demands and he did his duty…
- He really wants to get married?
- Yes…. He must be in love…
- But he just lost his wife barely six months ago…
- Well he's going to tell you that exactly, that life is nothing, it could end any moment, like with mum…
- But she just died…!
- Life goes on…
- Anyway, I quit the army to come and see him…
- He's going to tell you that you shouldn't have done that…
- He's really going to get married? Incredible!
- I also took a leave of absence to spend time to talk to him…
- All right little bro… the two of us might be able to convince him…
- "Might be"? You don't seem very convincing…
- You and I know that when dad has an idea in his head…
- …it's practically impossible to make him change his mind.
- How's your love life?
- Nothing good, it's over with Nadine…
- Oh…
- We were not on the same wave length… and what about you, what was the name of our dutch girl? Inga?
- Inge…
- You manage to pronounce her name well every time?
- Yes… but it won't work…
- What do you mean? You don't love her…?
- You know, the heart is an involuntary muscle, in the human body, literally, it beats when it wants to and it also stops when it wants… we have no control over it…
His brother looked at him and didn't say a thing. They continued talking until they got home… They were talking about other things, not about their love lives anymore… Junior was driving without going too fast and they soon reached their villa… But their father of course, was out with his new conquest… The two brothers went to the living room.
- Does he go out much? Asked Terry to his brother
- Every night, I'm telling you, I don't see him anymore…
- He forgot his grief pretty fast…
- Terry, it doesn't mean that he wasn't sad when mum died…
Richard Grandchester Senior didn't take long to come back home. The two men heard noise at the door and voices. Their father appeared in the living room. He wasn't very old, he seemed still young and his girlfriend seemed even younger than him. Terry was stunned! She was so beautiful! She had a "je ne sais quoi" that attracted him to her, but not sexually…
- Well well well, my eldest son is back! Said their father smiling
He came closer to hug Terry hard in his arms. Terrence was surprised by his joy and his exuberance. That woman had a good effect on him… But what was going on? Now he was for it?
- Dad! Said Terry, it's so good to see you so happy!
- Terry! Let me introduce you to the person responsible for my state of mind…
His girlfriend approached them smiling. She was the opposite of their mother, she was tall and breath taking. You'd wonder what she was doing with their father… who was not ugly, but who was older… she could've found a man her own age…
- This is Eleonor Graham, we call her Nelly…
The latter was smiling with all her teeth.
- Hello, he said looking at her.
He didn't know what it was, but there was something about this woman. To his big surprise, Nelly hugged him tenderly in her arms… He could feel a lot of love coming from her… what was that about?
- Pleased to meet you, said Terry surprised.
- I am pleased to meet you too, answered Nelly smiling.
Junior was looking at the scene and he was wondering what was going on. He looked at his father who was smiling. He wasn't worried to see his future wife so nice to Terry?
- When are you getting married? Asked Terry
- In two days, said his father
- What's the rush? Asked Terry.
- We just want to be married as soon as possible.
- Mum just died…
- That means I'm free like a bird, said is father and let me remind you that I'm not getting any younger…
Terry looked at Nelly who didn't seem bothered at all by the remark.
- Terry, she said, I'd like you to walk me to the altar…
He looked at her stunned…
- You don't have any family? He asked.
- No… I really would like that…
- Euh… if dad doesn't see anything wrong with it…
- I would like that a lot, said his father.
- All right then, said Terry still a little stunned…
- Great! Said his father, why don't we and have dinner at the restaurant to celebrate? My treat!
- I'm going to go change first, let's go Junior…
- I'm behind you, he said.
The two brothers left the living room to go to Terry's room.
- What was that with the future stepmum?
- She's likable…
- She put a spell on you too?
- Not the way you think, it would be disgusting! She's with dad!
- You could get rid of her…
- Shut up Junior ! I won't do that to dad.
- You're going to walk her to the altar too…
- For dad…that's what he wants and he's right, he's not getting any younger…
A part of Terry wanted to be a horrible person who would've tried to seduce his father's fiancée… but he couldn't do that to his father or to Nelly, for that matter… For an unknown reason, he seemed to like her a lot…
oOoOoOoOoOo
- Candy? Said her sister, it's for you.
- Thanks Georgie, she said, walking to go get the phone to answer it.
She went to sit on the leather couch in her sister's modern living room.
- Hello?
- Candy!
- Hi Great Aunt Elroy, how are you?
- I should be asking you how you are…
- I'm fine.
- And the baby?
- The baby is fine…
- When are you coming back to Lakewood?
- Well the doctor said that I'm too far along to travel… I'm afraid I'm going to have the baby here…
- In New York? But it's so far from Lakewood! I thought you'd come back to have the baby here!
- I'm sorry, said Candy who wasn't thinking that at all.
In fact being in New York with her sister, far away from Anthony's family…
- Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?
- I want to be surprised…
- You're not making this easy for us for the colours…
- You could wait for the birth before you buy the gifts if you want…
- We also want to do a baby shower…
- You can have one after the birth, said Candy calmly
- When are you coming back home Candy?
Candy felt her stomach get tied up. How many times had she heard that questions in the last six months she was in New York?
She came from Lakewood, that's where she grew up and met Anthony very young… They had gotten married very young, just after Candy finished high school. Anthony became an airline pilot in the military and they had traveled so much for his job around the world, so the expression "home" didn't make any sense… And Lakewood, less than before, now that Anthony was no more. It had been almost a year since her husband had hugged her for the last time. That morning, when she looked at him leave from the English base for one of his mission at NATO, Candy far from thinking that those arms would never hug her ever again… She was at least grateful she was able to join him when he came back before he did his plane demonstration in Italy… She had the time to tell him that the insemination was a success. That they were going to have a baby. The happiness in his voice would be her last memory of him.
Anthony had refused to adopt a child before trying all the treatment possible, to the potion that was supposed to make his sperms more efficient. The in-vitro fecundation was their last hope. After a lot of failure, doctors had managed to fertilize one of Candy's eggs with a frozen sample and get a viable embryo once implanted. Anthony had know, before he died that he was going to become a father. Today, she could console herself thinking she gave him that joy. Their ultimate phone communication had made them even closer then they ever been for a long time. They had talked about the future of the future baby, of the family they were going to have all three of them. And they had exchanged love words. Candy had known some military wives like her, who had lost their husbands after a fight and they would blame themselves forever for leaving things on bitter words. On that point, she thought she was blessed.
- Candy? Are you listening to me? I wanted to do a baby shower before the birth…
- It will have to be later, Great aunt Elroy. But I won't be able to travel either after the birth of the baby, let's be realistic. The best thing would be to push the shower after my post natal exam, it would be better for everybody, I'll come with the baby and…
- Sounds like you're avoiding us Candy. We're Anthony's family! What do you think he would say if he was there? You've changed so much since the funerals. Don't we count for you anymore?
- Of course you count for me Great aunt Elroy, you're Anthony's family so you're the baby's family too. We're linked forever…
- But we're always going to be far, right?
- There is public transportation…
- You're running away from us…
- It's not you aunt Elroy, but I had to face the fact that Anthony would never come back. And I realised that the change of scenery made things easier for me. A new place were nothing reminds me of the past. Georgie and her husband helped me get through the pain.
Georgie's eyes became wet. They both knew how hard it was. Six months earlier, Candy didn't think that her foetus would resist the devastation. Her baby owed a lot to her family who had taken her in. Georgie and Candy got along great and helping her sister had come naturally to her…
- What about our pain, do you think about it? Haven't you thought for second that we might need you?
- Of course aunt Elroy, but you're not alone, you have other family members with you, which rejoice me that you can console each other…
- So you decided… Anthony was my favourite, you know that… You want to take the opportunity to exclude us from your life?
- No! I'll come back…
- You'll come back or you'll come home?
Good question to which Candy couldn't answer right away. Once again, she desperately hanged on to her sisters eyes.
- I don't know yet. For the moment, I'm just getting ready fore the baby's birth in the happiest environment as possible.
She would never thank Georgie and Lowell enough for insisting, after the funerals for her to come with them to New York, saving her from the big and powerful family in law whose well intentioned care, suffocating her.
- Please Aunt Elroy, try to understand. Think that you will soon be a great grandmother of Anthony's baby… rejoice, that's what he would've wanted.
- Anthony would be appalled that his pregnant wife is deliberately getting away from us.
This conventioneer had no hope.
- I'm really sorry you're feeling that way, she said, it was not my intention…
- When you're going to be a mother too, maybe you'll start to understand
- Aunt Elroy…
- I think it's better if we avoid talking to each other for a while. I don't recognize you Candy. Anthony fell in love with a nice girl, it's not you anymore…
A click sound was heard ending finally this conversation.
Candy had a big sigh. She would rather spend time with her sister and her husband far away from Anthony's family, which she didn't see that much, thank God, because of his job, that took them a little bit everywhere around the world. Anthony was an only child, he had lost his mother when he was very young and his father was in the marine, which had given him the taste to get into the army but he liked planes better. The Great aunt Elroy, that's how they called her, but Anthony called her "grand-mother" and she had been a mother for him when he had lost his and he was her favourite, but she loved all of her family members…
Her sister was sitting by her side and took her in her arms with love.
- Everything is going to be fine sweetie…
- I don't like making them sad…
- I know, I know… we're going to the Carlton for the reception this weekend and were going to stay at the hotel and have room service, spa and all that jazz without the children!
- Georgie!
- What? I love my little angels, but sometimes spending time far from them is good ! You'll see when you'll have your little angel!
- I believe you! Said Candy smiling.
They burst out laughing, both of them.
oOoOoOoOoOo
Two days later, he was at New York City hall to assist to the wedding of Richard Grandchester Senior and Nelly Graham… She was wearing a pink suit, very elegant with a hat of the same colour. Richard was wearing a black suit. The ceremony was simple and happened fast. They went to a luxury hotel to celebrate the event.
When they arrived at the hotel, his heart jumped in his chest. There was a couple who had just arrived and they were walking towards the elevator. The women was blond and the man too. They were smiling and the woman was pregnant! He felt like they gave me him a blow in his guts. Anthony's widow very pregnant! Anthony died six months ago and they had just came out of a special assignment which has lasted almost six months and they had no contact with the outside world, so Anthony couldn't be the father of that baby… His wife probably had an affair… the long absences of their job, a lot of women consoled themselves elsewhere. But Anthony loved his wife so much. He had met her only once, he went to see Anthony during the summer in Lakewood and he had the pleasure of meeting the object of his best friend's affection. He had seen pictures of her but to see her in person… He would rather not think about it… After that, he avoided all the opportunity to see her again… He had seen her once and that was enough for him for the rest of this life… and now here she was in New York, as if by magic, after his best buddy's death… Very pregnant! She was probably already pregnant when Anthony died… Maybe he was distracted when he learned that his wife consoled herself elsewhere, because he couldn't be the baby's father… he approached the reception and he asked:
- Hello, excuse-me, I wanted to know if Mrs. Brown had arrived. I was supposed to meet her here…
- Brown? Said the man looking at his list, we have no one of that name on our list or on the reservations. Would you like me to call her out?
- It's not necessary, she's probably not here yet, I must've confused her with someone else…
There were a lot of people at the hotel 's restaurant, because there was a conference, so another reception at the same time as their little celebration. They were talking and Terry was looking at people who were at the restaurant at the same time as them. He eyes were attracted by a blond couple; Anthony's wife and her new love! They were smiling. They went to sit at one of the tables on the other side of the restaurant. Anthony died 6 months ago, it was two days before the death of his own mother. He couldn't go to his best friend's funeral because of that… Anthony died knowing that his wife was unfaithful, the baby would be the fruit of betrayal… he got very angry all of a sudden… Nelly was looking at him…
- Terry? Are you all right ?
- What ? he said distracted.
- May I have this dance please ?
- Of course Nelly, he said
They stood up and they walked to the dance floor. And they started dancing.
- You know Terry, your father and I have never made love… I've never spent the night in your house… your father respected me…
- That's good to know, said Terry who was happy deep down inside.
- I love your father, you know that?
- Thank you, said Terry hugging her tighter
He still didn't know what it was but he felt the need to hug her and what she had told him, that his father respected her… He was happy. They started talking about different things…
oOoOoOoOoOo
Candy was at a table with her sister and her brother in law. She was getting ready to eat her lamb chop with she saw him. Her fork stopped half way. He wasn't wearing the uniform but was it Terrence Grandchester?
She had met him once at Lakewood and it was a very long time ago. But she had in her closet hundreds of pictures and dozens of videos immortalizing Anthony's career and his best friend friend was very present on them. She knew he lived in New York. He had sent her a very moving letter… Unfortunately, swamped by the letter people had sent and thank you letters to send out, Candy had sent him only a printed card for a reply. Putting her fork down, she leaned to her brother in law.
- Lowell? Can you do something for me? Take me to the dance floor, fast…
- You mean right now? Right away? He replied while eating his meat.
- The latest song, if it's not too late.
Georgie looked at her surprised. Feeling the urgency, Lowell wiped his mouth and stood up to take her to the dance floor right away.
- Do you see the handsome dark guy other there? I think I know him. Would you take me to him without being too obvious?
He brother in law looked at her big belly with a teasing eye.
- I'm going to try…
Lowell wasn't an exceptional dancer, but Candy didn't need one , she just needed him to escort her to her destination. And the closer they got, the more convince she was it was Terry, Anthony's friend whom he admired above all.
The classic suit dark blue didn't put his solid body at its disadvantage like the pilot costume made him look so good on the pictures. The day they had met, Terry made her think of an athlete, a skier with his body on the top of its physical shape. Of course, she never told Anthony that, as he wasn't as tall at Terry…There are some things a new bride shouldn't tell her husband.
When she got close to him, the man had his back turned. Letting go of Lowell, she put her hand on his sleeve.
- Terry? It's you, right?
He stopped abruptly, his arms falling like she was hit by a bullet. His dance partner made herself scarce while, Terrence Grandchester, because it was him, turned around slowly.
It had been nine years since the last time they saw each other. He looked more mature than in her memory, but his expression was cold as ice and his blue-green eyes were totally unknown to her.
Moving his elbows to avoid her contact, he held his fist tight and he didn't say a word, but he was diffusing a negative energy so palpable that Candy lost her assurance and look for Lowell to lean on.
- You probably don't remember me, it's been years. I'm…
- I know who you are, he interrupted her dryly. If you'll excuse me, I'm attending a wedding, they're waiting for me.
While he was turning around, walking away with big steps, she would've swore she heard him whisper:
- And keep it up!
Fortunately, Lowell was there, holding her in his arms, stopping her from falling, Candy put her face on his shoulder just in time to get a hold of herself, ashamed.
- Sorry. Walk me to the elevator, please.
Her brother in law was red with rage and indignation.
- The lout! Who does he think he is, to treat you with so much rudeness?
- It's ok. Just don't tell Georgie, I'm feeling a little tired…
In the fog, she let herself taken to the door of her suite, but once she got there she pushed him away when he wanted to come in to comfort her.
- Go take advantage of the evening with your wife.
Candy stayed alone and tears started coming down her cheeks. She was very emotional as a pregnant woman, the hormones… She hadn't cried for months.
" What did I do to Terry ? Why did he behaved like that ?" She asked herself.