First of all, I must say that Candy Candy story belongs to Kyoko Mizuki and the images belong to Yumiko Igarashi. The anime series belong to Toei Animation.

Please, bear in mind that this story is developed in an alternate universe, where new characters will be encountered. The story eventually will take the time line of the manga and the anime, yet in this first period it will describe what happened before the young Andley boys met Candice White.

Created for your entertaining and pleasure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

SweetCandyAndley.

CHAPTER 3

LAKEWOOD

A great celebration was about to take place at the majestic mansion in Lakewood.

Although not everything was happiness, the roses in the garden were falling and the cold wind was blowing slowly. A young boy was running looking for his mother. Rosemary Brown was taking care of her great passion. She was gazing at the result of her hard and constant work, her love for roses. The beauty in Lakewood lied upon the color and scent of her owner's favorite flower. Many would say that the rose garden's beauty portrayed its creator's, that her pure soul was reflected in each and every rose. Life itself was drawn every spring and it was always a unique and special view. The little boy was learning the art of gardening and botany. He loved to share those hobbies with his mother because the time they spent together filled him with joy.

However, there was something different that afternoon, the air was dense and heavy.

- Mom! Mom! – The young boy's voice was heard calling her from the distance.

She raised her head, looking for her son. She raised her voice to show him where she was. – What is it, Anthony? – She asked him.

- The roses are falling! – Was the answer the boy gave her after spotting where she was. He ran into her embracing arms.

- Oh, Anthony! The flowers are beautiful because their leaves grow and fall, once and again and they live forever. They don't die. – Said the Lady while holding him hard in her arms. They sat down on one of the benches placed in the beautiful garden.

- Neither do you! – The boy exclaimed feeling some fear and anguish in his voice.

- If I die, I will live forever in your memory. – When she said this, a shadow of sadness crossed her features and she tenderly hugged her boy between her arms. She caressed his blond hair in a lovely and cherishing action. They spent a moment together until the cold temperature made them return to the mansion.

During the afternoon, Anthony didn't want to be separated from his mother, who enjoyed watching him play on the rug in front of the fireplace. They were both enjoying their time inside their happiness bubble. Nothing seemed to affect their good mood.

- Mom, when is dad going to arrive? Do you think he will be here for my birthday? –

- I am absolutely sure about it. You know that he always spends those days with us. You are also very important for him, you know that, don't you? –

- And do you think he will stay longer this time?-

- I really hope so, darling. Well it is about time for dinner, so go and get ready. I will be waiting for you in the Dining Room.

- Yes, mom! - And after saying that he ran to his room.

- Don't run, Anthony!

- No! – He suddenly stopped and a giggle came out from his chest.

-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-

Finally, the day so long awaited arrived, it was September thirty nineteen hundred and three. It was still early in the morning, but certainly many surprises were already expecting for him. He was up, more cheerful than usual. –He changed his pajamas a fast as he could and he was ready to start his eighth anniversary. He was looking good wearing a sailor's type suit. The one his father had send him a few days before. It was specially selected for his birthday. Undoubtedly his father would be one of the first people he wanted to greet. Later he would welcome his Great Aunt Elroy, the family's Matriarch. She was a strongly feared and respected woman, but to him, she was cherished. Purely and immensely cherished.

Once he reached the Great Hall, he realized that the servants were already busy, the decoration was almost finished. His mother was absolutely gorgeous, she looked like an angel. Her outfit was a beautiful champagne dress, with elegant bead brocades that shined perfectly. Her long blond hair was combed in a magnificent bun, with some curls falling carelessly. She wore a pair of pink diamond earrings and a fine white gold necklace with a heart shaped diamond. A light make-up enhanced her natural beauty, a touch of color in her cheeks and some pink glimmer in her lips. Her green emerald eyes were full of love, watching her son proudly. Anthony was looking at her with joy in his blues eyes, his admiration towards his mother was obvious.

A carriage came near the entrance of the mansion, Rosemary took her son's hand and they walked to the door to receive the first guest. Just as Anthony had felt when he woke up this morning, a tall, elegant and masculine figure descended from the carriage. The man could observe a pair of beautiful green eyes that were watching at him with love and devotion, while a second pair of blue eyes watched at him with joy and emotion.

- Dad! Dad! It's so good to have you here! – The little boy released himself from his mother's hand and ran towards the man who was smiling at him pleased with their welcome. He opened his arms and received the boy in a strong and long hug. He spun him in the air until laughter was heard all around. He put him down, took his hand and said softly – You have grown up so much! You are becoming into a little gentleman already. Have you been good with your mother? Have you behaved appropriately? Have you made any mischievousness?

- Of course dad! I'm already eight years old! And I don't like to see my mom sad, that's why I always try to behave. – He said smiling, feeling proud of himself.

- I'm glad to hear that! So it is time for me to give you your present. – He took a small wooden box out from his suitcase and gave it to the little boy. Then he walked towards his beloved wife and with a big smile he said – My love, I have missed you so much! –

- And I have missed you too, Vincent! I'm happy to have you home! We have both needed your company! – She hugged him and they all together went inside the mansion.

- Look, mom! It's a boat! Just like dad's ship! – Said Anthony, holding a wooden boat in his hands. It was an exact scale copy of the Montgomery. (1)

- Well honey. Let's leave dad so that he can relax and prepare himself to receive the guests. – That was how Vincent Brown was no longer the Captain but the husband and father of the family for the next few days.

Two hours later, another carriage arrived to the front door of the mansion, and this time Antony knew that it was his Great Aunt Elroy. He rushed to the entrance to receive her personally. As the carriage was approaching, Anthony's heart began to accelerate, he wasn't able to understand why. Once it stopped in front of him, he observed how Jeffrey, the butler, opened its door. To his surprise, a little beautiful girl appeared, she looked at him shyly with her deep gray eyes.

- Who is she? I had never seen her before. Why is she with Great Aunt Elroy? – He wondered.

In that moment, Jeffrey helped the little girl to get off the carriage, a beautiful brown haired girl, with big and expressive gray eyes and a mischievous smile. Her hair was tied with a ribbon that matched the one she had in her waist. She was wearing a delicate sky blue dress with small details in a darker shade color at the edges. The girl waited for Great Aunt in order to follow her and to be introduced.

Meanwhile, she observed that blond haired boy, with big eyes, in a shade of blue as deep as the ocean. His look, intense and tender at the same time, a very interesting combination. His perfect nose and his lightly pink lips, all his features made him a very handsome young boy. He was already very tall, in spite of his age, he couldn't deny the essence of his family lines.

Anthony's eyes opened widely in astonishment and intrigue. The Lady realized it and she just smiled with tenderness and care towards the young boy, who was still standing in the same place. She was wearing an elegant and beautiful violet dress, with a few shades of black.

- Anthony, my dear! Aren't you going to greet you Great Aunt? – She said with a cheerful reproach in her voice. - I have traveled from Chicago just to see you! –

- Hello Auntie! We were waiting for you. My dad has already arrived. – Said the boy cheerfully, while he hugged the old Lady by the waist.

- Well, that's enough then. I'm glad to see you young little man. You don't celebrate your birthday every day. Let's get inside, and join your parents. I want to introduce someone to you. – She turned around to reach for the girl so she could come closer. Then she went into the mansion followed by two young children who looked at each other with curiosity.

- Aunt Elroy, welcome! – Rosemary greeted her warmly.

- Welcome, Madame Elroy! – Said Vincent in a polite manner while kissing her hand.

- Dear Rosemary, Vincent, Anthony. I would like you to meet this little girl, who is my protégée from now on. - She made a sign with her hand, indicating the girl to approach them.

- Elaine, they are your Uncle Vincent and your Aunt Rosemary. This young boy here, is Anthony, your cousin. –

The little girl made a light bow and introduced herself. – Good morning! My name is Elaine Wellington Andley, but I'd like you to call me Lainie. –

When the girl raised her eyes to see them, a smile was drawn into her face. She looked at her Great Aunt, searching for her approval. When she saw her nodding, she turned towards a package next to a coffee table right beside the entrance door. She took it in her hands and walked until she was standing by Anthony's side.

- I know it's your birthday. That's why I brought you this. I hope you like it. – Right then she gave him a present, wrapped in sky blue silk paper, tied with a navy blue ribbon. – Happy Birthday! -

The young boy felt a little shy and he gladly received the gift.

- Can I open it now? - He asked looking for his parents' approval and getting a nod from everyone in the room. His immediate task was to discover what was inside. Once he removed the paper, he saw an oil painting of a beautiful white foal, behind it a hypnotizing view of Lake Michigan at sunset. He was completely astonished, and a contagious joy was shown in Lainie's face.

- Do you like it? – She asked him.

- Of course, it is beautiful. I'll hang it in my bedroom. – He answered smiling, while he continued contemplating the picture. He liked to paint and he was able to appreciate all the details drawn in that particular gift.

- Well, I mean, do you like the foal? – She asked again.

- Certainly, it is very beautiful. It seems as if it was about to come out from the picture. It looks so real. – He said, although he didn't know exactly how to make an interpretation of that particular question. What draw his attention was the mischievous smile in her face when she asked him.

Once again, Lainie openly smiled at him and raising her chin she said – I knew it! I knew you would like it! But you will even like it better when you see it arrive. – And she winked him an eye.

What exactly did this little girl mean? There must be something else between the lines. He turned around to look at his Great Aunt, who couldn't keep her joy hidden. Finally, she said – Anthony, that foal is about to arrive to Lakewood. It is your birthday present.

- What? How? When? – Anthony's eyes opened widely and they showed surprise, joy and excitement all at once.

- Why don't you go to the stables? Probably you can both see it before the rest of the guests start arriving. Anthony, take Lainie with you.

- All right. Shall we, Lainie?

- Yes. – She replied.

While they were walking towards the stables, they started talking about each other to know themselves better.

- Lainie, do you live with Great Aunt Elroy?

- Yes, it's been a while already. I believe it was March when we arrived.

- Who else came with you? Have you come with your parents?

- No. I came with my nanny, her name is Nina. There was also Jack, although I don't know where he is right now. Since we arrived he was sent to work somewhere else.

- Where are you from?

- I was born in Scotland. My parents are living there.

- So far? Do you like to live in Chicago?

- I don't know Chicago yet, I have only been in the Great Aunt's mansion. Is this place Lakewood?

- It's not exactly a place. It is more like the name of this mansion. Well, you can say so. This is Lakewood Mansion.

- It's a big house too.

- Now that you mention it, it is. But it's not as big as Chicago's, where you live. Do you like to explore? Have you had enough time to discover every corner in it?

- No, I haven't seen it all. There are some areas where I am not supposed to be.

- It must be the left wing, isn't it?

- How do you know?

- It's been a forbidden area for everyone. It's a mystery, maybe someday we can discover what it is. Well, here it is. These are the stables. Joseph is in charge of all the green areas and stables. Right now he takes care of my parents' horses. Beauty and Sapphire.

- Let's hurry, I want to see them already.

Inside the stables, the hiss of two horses that were being groomed by a young man could be heard. He was 23 years old, he had red hair and light brown eyes. There were some freckles in his face but his features were handsome overall. His nature was friendly and most of the time he was willing to help. While he was gently brushing Beauty he spoke to it. Sapphire had already been brushed and it was quiet.

- Joseph!

- Master Anthony! Happy birthday!

- Thank you, Joseph. Is there something for me?

- Oh yes! It arrived about fifteen minutes ago. I left it outside, under the cherry tree so that it could rest for a while before I brought it into the stable. It is a magnificent foal. I think you will like it very much.

- This is my cousin Elaine. Can you take us with it?

- Nice to meet you Miss. Of course, please follow me.

The painting that Lainie had given him earlier, when they were inside the mansion, reflected the essence and did honor to the specimen in front of them. In general, the majesty of his bearing was undeniable. His fur was white with little gray details. The urge to touch and caress it increased and after receiving each of them a brush and a stool to reach it, they began the task of brushing it carefully.

- How will you name it Anthony?

- I'm not sure. It must be a name that represents its personality and beauty. Besides, I would like to know it better before I decide myself. I can imagine it will run as fast as the wind.

- Great Aunt Elroy said it was a pure blood foal. And that it comes from the Arab countries.

- Undoubtedly, it can't deny its good birth.

- And it is undeniably beautiful.

- Do you want to ride?

- I can't do it myself. Besides I am not dressed properly.

- I'll take you. And Joseph can join us. As this is the first time for us to ride it.

- Is it safe? Don't you think Great Aunt will be upset?

- She can't be. After all, she gave it to me, remember?

- All right, but just a short ride. I don't want to upset her.

However, Joseph considered it inadequate to ride the foal, because even though it seemed calm, they should finish its training first. At his suggestion, they agreed to ride Beauty instead, his mother's mare. It was a specimen that definitely honored its name, besides it was absolutely tame and it enjoyed to be guided by its rider.

The morning passed by really fast and when they saw the guests were already arriving, they rushed back. Joseph left them near the kitchen's entrance at the back of the mansion. They had enough time to wash their faces and get ready to join the rest of the reception guests. Nina, who had also come, was waiting for Lainie in order to help her getting ready. As soon as they finished, she left her next to Anthony in the Great Hall.

Everything was ready, each person was in the correct place. Everything was perfect and the banquet to honor Anthony Brown Andley was only waiting for the order to be served.

The fabulous feast parade began. They served duck, beef, salads, and fruits of all kinds, assorted desserts and finally the chocolate cake, Anthony's favorite one.

They sang happy birthday and Anthony blew the candles representing the eight years he had just turned into. They gave him more gifts that were put at his right side and later were transferred to his bedroom so that he could open them once he was alone.

Once they finished eating, the children and the teenagers went out to play in the wide garden, while the adults remained inside the mansion.

As some introductions were still missing, Anthony took Lainie's right hand and they went to the garden together.

- Come with me, I want you to meet my cousins. - When they were outside, Anthony was able to see them in the distance and after making some arm movements, he asked them to come closer.

- Stear, Archie, I want you to meet someone, please come closer. -

- Hello Anthony, who is she? – Stear asked him, quite intrigued by the little girl who was standing next to Anthony.

- Hello Anthony! – Archie greeted him, offering his right hand, showing his good manners.

- This is Elaine Wellington Andley. She is living with Great Aunt Elroy now. -

- Nice to meet you, my name is Alistair Cornwell Andley, but you can call me Stear. – He made a bow. He was a black haired young boy. His face was gentle and serene. His expressive brown eyes were hidden behind a pair of glasses. – This is my brother. - He said while pointing his right side.

- I am Archibald Cornwell Andley, but you can call me Archie. – He introduced himself, kissing Lainie's hand. A light brown haired young boy with blue eyes.

- Nice to meet you too, Stear, Archie. Just call me Lainie. – She made a bow herself finishing with the introduction.

- So, if you live with Great Aunt Elroy and you are an Andley yourself, you are also our cousin. How do you feel living in Chicago? Don't you get bored? – Stear asked her.

- Of course not. I actually don't have time for that. I have a lot of activities to do during the day. And by the time it is dark, I am already tired. - Her answer was straight and honest, she thought about her multiple responsibilities.

- So, you must know a plenty number of games, if you have such a busy day. – Archie said.

- It's nothing like that! I am taking lessons. – She denied with her head and moving her right hand index finger.

- It's typical about Great Aunt Elroy. She is already introducing you into her world of discipline and duties. - Anthony exclaimed when he heard about the lessons. - But, don't worry. Today we will not talk about lessons. It is a day for having fun and play. What would you like to do first? – He invited them to join him.

- What about some races? The first one to reach the main gate wins. – Said Stear.

- That sounds interesting. We will give a few seconds to Archie and Lainie in advantage, because they are younger. – Anthony said.

- Let's let Lainie to start first, because her dress won't let her run as fast as us. Besides it would be a pity if she gets dirty, it is a beautiful dress anyway. – Archie said, observing the disadvantage that Lainie's dress meant.

- Don't worry about it! You will find out that I can follow you. But don't take too long, I wouldn't like to be waiting alone for so long. – Suddenly she started running towards the gate. She could feel the freedom caressing her cheeks. It had been a while since the last time she felt so alive. She proved them that her dress was not an obstacle to run as fast as she could. Soon enough she felt their steps behind her and making an extra effort she managed to reach the gate first, followed by Stear, Anthony and Archie.

Recovering herself, without being able to stop laughing, she said – Do you see? I told you! Ha, ha, ha!

- You are really fast! I didn't expect that! – Anthony exclaimed.

- I used to play in wide open areas, back home, with my parents. Daddy liked to challenge me in races. Sometimes he let me win, but I know he did that on purpose. I loved to be outdoors and I already missed that feeling. - Her eyes filled with sadness for an instant, but she changed as she heard Stear say:

- As you won the race, it's your turn to choose the next game.

- Really Stear? What about hide and seek? –

- That sounds interesting. But first, we need to choose an area to play. So that it becomes easier and we can have enough time to play something else. – The boy wearing glasses had said.

- Well, then let's play in the rose garden. - Archie suggested.

- All right. Whose turn will it be the first to do the search? – Anthony asked them.

- What if it's Archie, he was the last to reach the gate. - Lainie said.

- Archie are you okay with that? - Asked his brother and Anthony at the same time.

- Yes, that's fair enough to me -. He nodded smiling.

- You have to count to ten and then go out to look for us. - Said Lainie.

- Sure, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. Ready or not, here I come!

Everyone had their turn to search and they found out that Lainie was an expert in the game of hide and seek, actually, she was more than resourceful and she found the strangest places. When they looked for her, they had to make an extra effort to find her. If it hadn't been for her contagious laugh that betrayed her once she got bored of waiting, it would have been harder to find her.

It didn't matter if the game was for boys, she would dare and try. It didn't matter if it required courage, she wasn't left far behind. So the hours passed by and when the sunset was already in the sky, they realized it was time to return to the mansion.

The guests left and only the closest family members remained. They stayed in Lakewood for the night. Great Aunt Elroy seemed to be pleased with the way Anthony, Stear and Archie got along with Lainie.

The young children were exhausted after playing all day long. So once they finished dinner, they all fell into a deep and restful sleep.

The next morning came and the moment of saying goodbye too. The Cornwell family was the first to withdraw. After them it was Great Aunt and Lainie's turn.

It had been a weekend full of fun, but the time to return to Chicago was inevitable. Nina had prepared the luggage that was already in the carriage where she was waiting for Lainie and Madame Andley.

- Lainie, It has been a great pleasure to meet you. I hope we can see each other soon. Have a good trip and remember not to upset Great Aunt very often. - He kissed her hand and led her outside.

- Thank you, Anthony. I was really happy to share your birthday with you. And it was a great gift for me to meet you all. –

- A gift? – Anthony asked her completely intrigued.

- That's right. My birthday was just a few days ago, on the twenty sixth. There were no guests like in your party, it was just Great Aunt and me. That's why I consider it as my party too. Thank you very much for accepting me.

- Why didn't you say so before? I would have had time to prepare a gift for you too. –

- It wasn't necessary. The best gift you could have ever given to me, is your friendship. – When she said it, Great Aunt Elroy appeared at the front door, ready to get into the carriage. It meant they were about to leave to Chicago.

- Well, Rosemary, please take care of yourself. You must keep me well informed. You already know that I will be in Chicago in case you need me. There are other situations I have to solve as soon as possible.-

- I know. Could you please give this letter to Great Uncle William? I would have loved to see him. I believe he will be glad to receive it. –

- All right. I will hand it to him. – Then she addressed to the butler and asked him. – Is everything ready? -

- Yes, Madame. Everything is ready, besides Miss Nina is already waiting for you outside. – He answered politely.

- Where is Elaine?

- She is outside, waiting with Master Anthony. –

- Very well. -

- Lainie, the next time we meet, I will have a present for you. – Anthony said seriously.-

- See you soon Anthony! - She approached her Aunt Rosemary and kissed her in her cheek. – See you soon Aunt Rosemary, Uncle Vincent. – After that, Jeffrey helped her to get into the carriage, where her Great Aunt was already waiting.

-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-

(1) The Montgomery is Captain Vincent Brown's ship. It is according to my own story.

-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-

I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. See you next time.

-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-

Please, leave a review. I would appreciate your comments.

-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-

My best regards to Ms Puddle. Thank you for your observations, they are really helpful.