One Night Stand
Chapter 4
"Now you know…"
By Liberty
Candy's plane landed. She got off and saw her father, her mother and her two siblings waving at her. She felt relieved at once. Then she put her hand on her belly.
"Let the show begin little one. Now the difficult part begins…Wait till you meet the mean old hag. I'm sure you'll be able to hear her."
Saying that to herself Candy left a little smile escape from her lips. She got to her family and hugged them really hard. She was home again, amongst her beloved ones. Only one matter kept torturing her. How would she tell them about the baby? Her mother would be the first to know, but how would she find the strength and courage to share it with her and what would she think of her. She was always her little girl who had dignity, self – control and above all self- respect. Giving herself to a perfect stranger that night, and then he pretended not to know her, was not the best thing that could happen to her. Plus, he had to save the last word… The little life that Candy was carrying now in her. But these thoughts were not going to make her feel worried right now. Right now, she needed to be with her family and go back home. The Andrews got in the limo that waited for them and headed towards the mansion. Candy was talking about her days at university with enthusiasm and she was sure that she managed to keep her secret very well hidden for the moment. Or at least she believed so. Clysen knew her daughter too well. And as all the mothers, she knew how to recognize when a woman is carrying something so important in her.
Candy's look was always a sweet one but now it was very sweet. A motherly look of love and sweetness was giving Candy a strange harmony to all her moves. Clysen had been to a "mother- to – be" state three times. So she knew that look. But then again, it was hard for her to believe it. Candy had never mentioned any boy's name on the phone except Michael's, Tom's and Arthur's but she was certain about the friendly role that these boys had in Candy's life. So she was sure that when time comes Candy would tell her if anything was going on. But for now she kept hugging her all the time till they reached the mansion. The driver entered the big gate. Roses of all colors had already bloomed, creating a joyful and colourful atmosphere in the garden. The driver parked the car in front of the main entrance and carried Candy's things. Candy got in the house surrounded by her family.
- So I see you came back. What a nerve. This house was peaceful enough without your presence.
- Good to see you too aunt Elroy. Candy said.
- Elroy, this is not the time for this. I believe we talked about it, Albert said and made aunt Elroy stop talking.
- Come on baby. You must be really tired. Let's go to your room. Clysen said.
- Sure mom. But right now, I really want to use the bathroom.
- Yes of course.
- Probably I ate something on the plane. Candy said afraid of her secret. After a while, Ok let's go.
They were in Candy's room unpacking her things.
- So did you bring us anything? Junior asked.
- Of course I did silly. Here's the jersey you ordered and a collective figure of your favourite Michael Jordan. And this is for you sweetie..
- Oh what is it? Billie Jean asked.
- What do you think it is?
- Cookies and a set of color pencils from Harrods's?
- They sure are.
- Thank you Candy, thank you., said her little sister hugging her.
- Now why don't you go play in your rooms and let your sister rest for a while?
- Oh yes sure. See you later Candy, Junior said.
- See ya Candy, Billie Jean added and they left, closing the door behind them.
- So honey are you ok?
- Sure mom. I feel much better.
- Everything's fine? Candy looked down.
She took a deep breath and answered.
- Everything's under control. I'm just a little tired that's all.
- Ok angel, I'll let you to rest.
Clysen kissed Candy's forehead and left the room. When Candy made sure that her mother was not around she got up and locked her door. Then with gentle moves she lifted her blouse. There was a bandage which was carrying her belly so it wouldn't look round as it had already begun taking shape. She took it off and let a sign of relief come out. She held her belly, singing silently some kind of lullaby. It was her baby and she was going to protect it no matter what.
oOoOoOoOoOo
In Albert's office.
- Hey darling. Is Candy taking a nap?
- Yes she is. Have you noticed something weird on her?
- No why?
- Nothing, maybe it was just me… So what kind of papers are you looking at?
- Oh, you know about the merger that our company is willing to make with Grandchester Enterprises.
- Yes I do…
- Well Richard is thinking of "merging" our families as well.
- Really how will he do that? Marry aunt Elroy?
They both started laughing.
- No, no. You see he has a son. He's around Candy's age.
- Don't tell me you're thinking about giving Candy to him , after all she's been through.
- Well it's not this my idea. I couldn't do that you know me. But I can't say that I'm not thinking about his proposition.
- I hope you'll think something good.
oOoOoOoOoOo
England, Oxford University.
- You're kidding right? You think that I'm a pawn in your business deals doing whatever you want?
- Terrence this is not something that you can chose. This is business and in order to keep all these you have to make sacrifices.
- Like marrying someone that I'm not in love with? Great dad. One more of your brilliant ideas!
- You were fine with this before you left for America. You agreed to this marriage with a member of the Andrew family
- I changed my mind!
- That's enough young man! I don't know from where you took this arrogance of yours but…
- But maybe I can help you. Have you ever heard the name of a famous American actress? I believe that her name is Eleanor Baker.
- How did you…?!
- How did I what, father?
- In June you'll be in America or else the consequences will be terrifying. End of conversation. Richard said by hanging up the phone.
Richard Grandchester was a powerful man, who many times seemed motionless. His older son was Terrence, or just Terry. That older son was the result of a "love at first sight" situation that Richard had with one actress from America. She wasn't a big name back then but now she was one of the most well-paid Hollywood actresses and an Oscar winner, Eleanor Baker. Richard had managed to keep that little secret of his to Terry when one day that last one found some photos and some letters of his mother. So he went to find her and finally met her. It was not the nicest welcoming and Terry found himself traveling by ship back to England on Christmas Holidays.
Terry got out of his dorm room. He was walking on the corridors when he run into Tom.
"It's him. The boy that Candy hangs out with."
He was ready to lose sight of him when...
- Hey you!
- Me? Tom asked.
- Yes. Can I ask you something?
- Sure.
- Where's Candy?
- You know Candy?
- She's in my class.
- Oh well she's went back home.
- America? Terry asked surprised.
- Yes, well have to go.
- Ok thanks. Terry said.
"Back to America?"
oOoOoOoOoOo
Chicago, Andrew mansion
- Yes?
- Annie?
- Oh my God Candy how are you? Back home huh? How was your trip?
- Annie… One by one the questions please.
- Oops sorry.
- That's ok. Well I'm fine and the trip was nice too. Oh and it's great to be back home.
- No kidding. Guess who's here!?
- Who?
- Pattie. She wants to speak with you.
Candy talked with Pattie.
All the three of them were talking on the phone. Annie had connected another device on the spare line so they could speak at the same time. Candy opened her drawer and found a photo… Anthony and her were among roses. She started crying without even noticing it.
- Candy? What's wrong?
- Oh Annie!
Candy couldn't keep it anymore from her friends and so she told them the whole story.
- Oh my God, that's terrible. Pattie said.
- And you don't know the worst thing yet. It was New Year's Eve and…
Candy told them about her night with Terry, and how good it felt. Like a pill to relieve her from her pain.
- …so a couple months later I found out that I was pregnant.
- You what?! Her both friends said.
In the mean time Clysen took the phone to make a call.
- I'm pregnant. That's why I left earlier than expected.
"Oh my… So I understood well." Clysen thought holding her chest and she hanged up the phone.
- That was unexpected… And now? Annie asked.
- Well…
There was a knock on her door.
- Oh someone's knocking. Say hello to Tom from me.
- Bye Candy
- Bye… Oh mom it's you.
- Did you get some rest?
- Yes…
- Candy I want you to know that I'm here for you, anything you need, anything you're afraid to tell…
- Oh mom! Candy said and left herself lost in her mother's hug crying.
And she told her everything.
- Baby…this is something you have to feel joy about. After all it's Anthony's.
"Anthony's… It should have been Anthony's instead of that jerk's. Besides it was conceived when it was supposed to be my wedding night.".
Candy didn't answer yes or no.
- We should tell the family. Clysen added.
- Well…
- Your father is going to be so happy, Clysen said and left to tell her husband.
- Albert!
- Yes honey?
- I have to tell you something. Candy is carrying Anthony's baby.
- What?!
- Yes! She just told me. That's why she finished the business program earlier.
- That's wonderful. And I know with whom I'll marry Terrence.
- With whom?
- Well you'll find out at dinner. When we'll announce Candy's pregnancy.
- Ok. Although I don't know if I can be so patient.
- Patience my dear, patience.
It was dinner time for the Andrews. Since Candy came back all the family members were there to welcome her. Even Eliza and Neil. After they ate William got up.
- May I have your attention please?
Candy's knees were already trembling.
- After the tragedy that hit our family God thought of giving us a new hope. A new life is going to come in this world, because Candy is carrying Anthony's child.
A complete silence was in the room for a few seconds. Aunt Elroy almost lost her senses. Anthony's child! That was a blessing! Eliza couldn't believe in her ears.
- Candy! Congratulations! Stear was the first one to break the silence. He got up and hugged her with a tear rolling down his cheek.
- Candy… You are going to be the sweetest mommy in the whole world, Archie replied and hugged her too.
Suddenly aunt Elroy got up of her sit and approached a very surprised Candy.
- Darling I'm so happy for you. Please forgive the foolishness of this old woman. Thank you for this gift.
- Aunt Elroy…
"Of course Anthony was her beloved nephew. That's why she asks forgiveness. I'm going to bring "his" baby in the world."
- Now if you don't mind I would like to have a private conversation with Eliza, William said.
After a while William and Eliza got out of the office.
- And now it's time for the second announcement.
- I hope we will survive the heart attack uncle on today's dinner, Archie said and Stear laughed as he was eating a muffin.
- Don't worry Archie you will survive that one. Eliza said.
- Well as all of you know our company is talking business with Grandchester enterprises. The head of the enterprises, Richard Grandchester himself, proposed to merge our families as well so our company merger succeeds. Eliza is going to marry Richard's son.
- Well, well, well Eliza found a man, Archie said and that time Stear almost choked with his muffin.
- Keep your mouth shut Archie! Eliza shouted.
- Yes Archie! You should congratulate our dear cousin Eliza, Stear said ironically after he drank some water.
oOoOoOoOoOo
After a while dinner was over and Candy got up to take a walk to the garden.
- Hey cousin…
- Oh Eliza it's you.
- Well drama, drama…Anthony is dead but you're carrying his baby. What a fascinating news!
- What do you mean Eliza?
- Me nothing… but Oh my God… I mean this is so…fake.
- What?!
- Come on Candy. You are so cheap. He's dead. He can't say a word about it, it's truly his child. Who knows with whom you did it?
- Eliza! I forbid you! Candy said crying.
- Oh cry as you want! At least I'm getting married to the most gorgeous guy.
- Of course you are. You are so pathetic and desperate that you needed a merger to get a husband!
- You're jealous Candy! At last I'm one step ahead of you. He's the most gorgeous man, and he'll be mine. Here take a look.
- I don't want to see the photo.
- No look! Eliza showed her the picture.
Candy was ready to freak out! Terry! It was Terry!
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