One Night Stand
Chapter 6
"Truth revealed"
By Liberty
The next morning Terry was dressed and ready to leave his suite so he could go find Candy and talk to her, since he knew everything about her with her file in his hands. He was practically daydreaming after their kiss last night, which Candy and he shared, a fact that showed him that she still cared for him. He just had to make up for their college days. He had to, he loved her. With these thoughts he opened his door when he saw Richard's face in front of him with a look that didn't seem to say "Good morning son…"
- Father?
- Terrence. We really need to talk.
- Talk? I really don't have the time right now.
- You have it, you know you do. Richard said and showed him the couch which was back inside Terry's suite.
Terry got in and sat down.
- What is it?
- What was that last night?
- What was what?
- You showed your interest in Albert's pregnant daughter!
- Well, she's much more better than that superficial creature Eliza, with whom you want me to get married with.
- Superficial or not you're going to get married to her. That IS the deal!
- How can you do that? The only thing that you look for around you is deals! Nothing else….In your world aren't there any emotions?!
- Watch it Terrence! You were always a difficult child to deal with! Stubborn and troublemaker. These characteristics of your personality don't seem to go away.
- Well they are probably in my genes.
Richard gave him a mean look.
- In your genes? No one from the Grandchesters has that kind of genes, not even your mother.
- You mean my step-mother!
- I thought you were talking nonsense the other day on the phone but you still seem to insist.
- Nonsense?! You took me from my…
- Don't you even dare say that word! She was nothing. Richard said, and he was practically ready to hit his son. I don't want to see you around Candice Andrew anymore! She's carrying a baby which is not yours and the deal is with Eliza Reagan.
- My heart is not yours to make a deal with it.
- I know, but I still have the upper hand and although I can't change your emotions I can still control them. Richard said and shut the door behind him.
Terry was left alone in his suit. He didn't have the strength to get up from his seat and go search for her. Although she was the only one on earth which, by only being around her made him happy. He leaned back, holding his head in his hands. Thinking and thinking and thinking. He thought about everything, his father, his childhood, the truth about Eleanor Baker, his night with Candy, how it felt to have really fallen in love… He knew that in the afternoon he had to go again for dinner at Andrews. Having Eliza hanging on him the whole time was not his cup of tea, especially when he wanted to see Candy and talk to her again. He knew the baby was his. He just knew it. Candy had to just admit it. He took her file again in his hands and started reading it…
oOoOoOoOoOo
Candy was in her room thinking.
"He kissed me! How did he dare to kiss me?! But it felt good and warm. But he is engaged to be married with my cousin! For God's sake he has some nerve!"
The baby kicking made her stop wondering.
"Hey little one… How's my Anthony today? Sorry, mommy will not get angrier with daddy for today." by saying this Candy held her head. "What am I thinking? So are you hungry today? Because I am…" Candy said to herself by holding her belly and getting out of the room.
She went downstairs where she saw her father.
- Good morning daddy.
- Good morning angel. How did you sleep?
- Fine…
- And how's our little one?
- Hungry!
Albert started laughing.
- Oh by the way dad, where are mom and the kids? Candy asked.
- They went downtown for some kind of business.
- What kind of business?
- Our company is putting up a movie.
- A movie?
- Yes it's the new box office hit "Days to Remember" with Eleanor Baker.
- The well-known Eleanor Baker?
- Yes…so your mom and the kids went to the Hilton to arrange the reception. We are going to have a party for the promotion of the movie at the Hilton's Big Hall. All the cast and the crew are going to be there.
- I see…well, I'll go eat my breakfast.
- Ok honey.
Albert dialed a number on his phone.
- Well, how's the investigation going? Do we have any clues?
- We believe that by this afternoon we are going to have everything ready Mr. Andrew.
- Finally!
- If it is what we have found till now, you are going to be very surprised, sir.
- Well, I guess I'll have to wait. I'm expecting a final answer by the afternoon. Albert said and hanged up the phone.
Candy had her breakfast and was ready to go for a walk when her friends came inside the dining room.
- Good morning Candy!
- Hey girls! Come in.
- How are you today? Annie asked.
- Better….after yesterday's shock I'm trying to get used to the idea that he is going to be my cousin's fiancé.
- But you can still change this. You saw how he tried to be near you.
- Pattie, I can't do that. It will be awful.
That time Archie and Stear appeared.
- Oh look who's here! Archie exclaimed.
- Good morning Pattie…
- Good morning Stear, Pattie replied while blushing, how are you today?
- Fine, fine…You?
- I'm ok too.
- Annie, won't you say hello to me? Archie said.
- Hi Archie, looking good today.
- Well thanks, you look nice too Annie.
Candy was laughing inside her. All the four of them were so funny.
The afternoon arrived and it was time for dinner. Candy had made a lot of effort to get used to the idea that Terry would be again near her that afternoon, but something kept pulling her next to him…Like a magnet or something.
The limo with the G monogram on the door arrived at the Andrews mansion. Eliza was more than just excited.
Clysen kept looking at her daughter and her reaction when Terry's figure came out of the car. They had a great chemistry together and above all something inside her was telling her that Candy was hiding something from her. Something that probably would change the whole events. But she was going to wait for the right time, when Candy would be ready to confess…
Terry tried to not look at candy, but that was impossible. Her eyes kept imprisoning him in a single gaze and although she was avoiding his eyes, he had "caught" her looking at him with that look. Instead he had to show patience with Eliza and tried to be as more polite as he could with her annoying presence around him. Richard was obviously disappointed with his son's behavior but he couldn't do anything in front of William and his family.
It was strangely funny, that they had the same order of seats again. Terry sitting next to Candy. Clysen was observing them, thinking, what a nice couple they were. But then again, she was thinking about all the mess. Terry is Eliza's fiancé and Candy carrying Anthony's child, well it was not the best picture.
The dinner was over and Candy went to her room for a while so she could relax a couple of minutes. Terry looked for her but without any luck.
There was a phone call in Albert's office.
- Yes?
- Mr. Andrew? We have what you asked for.
- I'm waiting…
- Well, you will be surprised to know that the poacher is…
- Tell me!
- …is your nephew, Neil Reagan. He had made a deal for fox's fur with one of the most wanted poachers.
- What?! Are you sure you're not mistaken?
- It's definitely him, Mr. Andrew. Neil was the one who put the traps. We even found something at the "crime scene" which belongs to him and makes quite obvious his involvement.
- Neil Reagan is responsible for Anthony's death?!
- Noooo!
Candy's scream was heard all over the house. She was coming downstairs and heard her father yelling that last line.
- Oh my God! Thank you for everything I have to…Candy!
- No, this can't be happening!
In the meantime Candy's family, Terry and Richard came to where Albert and Candy were. She was screaming, yelling and crying. She couldn't stop. Albert tried to calm her down but with no use. She saw Neil and she just ran to him and started to hit him hysterically.
- Murderer! Murderer! You did this! You killed my Anthony! You're a monster! I'm going to kill you!
- Get away from me! Said Neil.
She was hitting him hard and Neil was trying not to respond, but he pushed her away and she fell. Everybody ran to see if Candy was all right. Neil took advantage of the little distraction to disappear, incognito. Candy was screaming and pushing people away.
- This is crazy! Tell me I didn't hear this, tell me it's a lie! She said.
- Candy…, said Albert.
- No, get away from me. I don't anyone to touch me!
She was acting crazy they all tried to come near her, her condition could put her and the baby in trouble. The shock was too much, especially after he fell so violently.
- I can't believe this is happening to me! No it can't be! Continued Candy.
- Candy honey… Clysen said.
- No everything is a lie! I'm going to wake up and all this is just going to be very bad dream. A nightmare!
Terry managed to go near her. Candy continued ranting.
- If it wasn't for Neil this would've been Anthony's baby! She said, Why? Why? She said crying.
- Candy calm down! Clysen said…
No one paid attention to THAT last line except for…
"This would've been Anthony's baby. I knew it!"…Terry thought.
While Candy was still screaming in a crazy way he went near her and grabbed her. He held her face into his hands.
- Candy look at me. Look at me Candy! He shook her so she could respond.
- Terry! I… Anthony is dead because of him…
- I know. And I'll make sure he won't get away with this. But you need to calm down. You just had a bad fall…Think about the baby Candy. You're putting your life and your baby's in danger.
Candy looked straight into his blue eyes. He was there for her. He was the only one who managed to calm her down. Of course Clysen saw that, how they matched. It was like they were created to find each other.
Candy looked in Terry's eyes again, she had tears in her eyes when suddenly she fainted. A big scream was heard from everyone in the room. Terry caught her and lifted her in his arms.
- Let me through. I have to take her to her room.
- This way Terrence, Clysen said showing the way.
Eliza was fuming. For once more Candy was the centre of attention.
Terry carried her to her room and gently he put her on the bed. Her parents were there looking at the scene helpless; they were still in shock. Terry took some water and wet her face. Candy slowly opened her eyes.
- What's going on? What happened?
- You fainted…
- I'm feeling weird, a pain…
- What kind of pain, asked Clysen worried.
- Like when I have my period…
- Oh my God! That's contractions! Said Clysen.
Terry approached Candy.
- Terry, am I having my baby now, it's too soon…what's going to happen to my baby?
- Nothing, you have to stay calm. Candy tell me where is the phone number of your ob-gyn, please, he has to come here…
- It's in my purse, Candy said and showed him where her purse was.
Terry opened her agenda and dialed Dr. Martin's office, who came near his patient in no time. Terry got out of the bed room with Albert and Clysen stayed. Dr. Martin got out of the room and he saw Terry and Albert.
- Well doctor? Asked Terry.
- Hmm, she's been through a shock… it was quite normal that reaction of hers. I gave her something to stop the contractions; she started having them because of her crisis and after that nasty fall. Thank God her water didn't break. I told her that in our hospital they do Lamaze classes, she can come so she can relax a little bit…
- Ok, thanks doctor.
- You're welcome.
- Thank you doctor, said Albert.
Dr. Martin said and shook Terry's and Albert's hand. He saluted the rest of the family and the guests and he left.
Terry got in the room where Clysen was holding Candy's hand while she was sleeping. Albert went to his room with a horrible headache.
- Terry…thanks for everything.
- Don't even mention it. How is she?
- She's sleeping… Can you stay with her for a sec? I have to go get a pill for my headache…
- Sure.
Clysen got out of the room and Terry got near Candy's bed.
"You're stubborn Freckles and I really can't understand you sometimes. But as someone has said, women are not meant to be understood, are meant to be loved." by thinking this Terry leaned and kissed her forehead.
Clysen came back…
- So was she quiet?
- She is sleeping calmly…Well I have to go. Bye Mrs. Andrew…
- Call me Clysen. Bye Terrence.
Terry got out of the room and headed for the limo where Richard was waiting for him still upset. While he was ready to enter the car, Eliza jumped practically on him and whispered a "Good night Terry". Terry gave a try and smiled and wished her a good night too.
In the car father and son wouldn't talk at all and they entered the Hilton. Richard went straight to his suit while Terry observed the preparations at the Big Hall. He found a bell boy and asked him about what was going on…
- Oh we are going to have a reception for the movie "Days to Remember", even Eleanor Baker will come.
- Eleanor Baker, the actress?!
- Yes, her. The bell boy said and left in a hurry to continue his work.
"Great" Terry thought, "Life could not be funnier" he said ironically to himself and headed for his suite.
oOoOoOoOoOo
The next morning Candy woke up and went downstairs to have a glass of water.
- Candy! We've been so worried last night! Annie and Pattie said.
- I acted like…
- Like crazy! We couldn't come near you, calm you down.
- Only Terry made it, Annie said.
- I take my hat off to him, Archie replied who just entered the room.
- Well, today I am going to the hospital and take some Lamaze classes. I really need them.
- Do you want me to come with you?
- No it's not necessary. I will go to the hospital and in a couple of hours I'll be back. No need for worries.
- Ok. The others said.
Candy got ready and left for the hospital. She was at the hospital's reception hall waiting to call her name for her group when a figure stopped in front of her. Candy lifted her eyes and saw Terry.
- Good morning Candy, how are you today?
Candy wanted to hug him. She didn't remember many things from last night but she did remember Terry being near her, being there for her. But instead…
- I've been better thank you.
- What are you doing in the hospital in the morning? Did you come for Lamaze classes?
- How did you…?
- The doctor said so yesterday.
- Oh and how come you're here?
- I was passing outside the hospital and I saw you, so I thought I'd come and keep you company…
- You mean you're here because you accidentally saw me entering the hospital…?
- Something like that…
- I don't want you here Terry.
In the mean time a nurse came out and asked Candy to follow her in the room where the Lamaze classes were taking place.
- Oh how nice! The baby's father is with you too!
- What?! Well wait a sec… Candy tried to explain.
- You know it is great when both parents participate in the Lamaze classes. Please sir follow me with your lady.
- After you, Terry said with a smile.
- What do you think you're doing? Candy whispered in his ear.
- I just help you get through with this. You owe me for yesterday, so play nice with me just for once.
Candy thought that he had a point and that at least she couldn't keep him away from that. Besides it was his child too. A little detail of course which she tried to forget, but seemed unwilling to do. She was starting to like the idea…
They got in the room where there were four more couples and they started the exercise. It was really interesting how the rhythm of the breathing could do miracles to a pregnant woman's psychology. Candy had already calmed down and Terry was there helping her and holding her hand. She was feeling happy. Bliss of happiness was all over her, inside her soul. She just had to admit it. And she did to herself. She had fallen in love with her jerk, with the father of her baby. He was there and with his every touch Candy's heart was jumping in her chest. Terry put his hand on her belly. The little life responded to his touch by giving a kick that Terry's hand felt. He looked Candy stunned who looked back at him with her eyes shining of sweetness and love. She was smiling, with a smile that made her face glow. He smiled back at her. They were sharing an intimate moment. In fact he was ready to kiss her right then and there, when the irritating voice of the nurse was heard in the room.
- Well we're finished for today. I'll see you next time.
She walked towards Candy and Terry
- You are great together, she said and she winked them, Miss Andrew, it's so good for you and your baby to have the father here with you, especially for your peace of mind. You won't be alone when the time comes…
Candy just smiled. Terry helped Candy stand up…
- I have to go to the little girl's room, said Candy.
- Of course, I'll wait for you, said Terry.
- You don't need to…
- I'm waiting for you, insisted Terry.
- Whatever, said Candy…
She went to the bathroom and she found her Lamaze colleagues and she smiled.
- I guess we all have to pee, said Candy smiling.
- Hi, said one my name Pascale, said a African American pregnant girl.
- And I'm Amalia, said the other one, hi!
- Hi, I'm Candy…
- Was that the father of your baby? He's gorgeous, said Pascale.
- And that British accent is to die for! Said Amalia smiling.
Candy said she might as well tell them.
- Yes, he's the father, but I don't want him in my life
- Are you kidding? What did he do? Asked Pascale.
- It was a one night stand and he snubbed me…
- Oh…, said the girls.
- Yeah a jerk!
- But he's here now, said Amalia.
- So? Said Candy.
- Well the guys who are with us are not our babies fathers, said Pascale, mine took off and refuses to assume is responsibilities
- Mine won't even acknowledge he's the father, said Amalia.
- You've got your father's baby, jerk or not he's here and wants you, said Pascale.
- You're very lucky, said Amalia…I wish the father of my baby would come to me at Lamaze…
- Me too…and not for the financial part, because judging from your clothes you don't need money, but for moral support, said Pascale.
- So hang on to the father of your baby, said Amalia, he wants to be there for you? Let him!
Candy smiled. She finished her business and she was ready to go holding her belly.
- I can't wait to give birth so I can sleep on my belly again, said Candy smiling.
- Well, my mom told me you can even if it's that big, said Pascale.
- Really? Said Candy, you're not kidding?
- No, I'm not, said Pascale I tried it with my big belly, it works.
- You're not going to suffocate the baby?
- If the baby is in distress, you're going to feel bad too, so if you don't feel it, you're fine… just push the belly on the side…, said Pascale.
- I'm going to try it, said Candy smiling, thanks for the tip!
- Anytime! Said Pascale smiling.
- Thanks guys, I think about what you said, see you next time…, said Candy smiling.
- Bye Candy, said her new friends, see you next time!
Candy went back to the room to pick up her stuff and Terry was still there waiting for her.
- You're still here…, she said.
- I told you I'd wait for you…
- Yes, you did…
- Do you need a ride?
- No thanks, Terry. The driver is waiting for me downstairs.
- Ok then…
- Umm Terry…
- Yes?
- Well today we have a reception at Hilton's Big Hall for the promotion of a movie.
- I know.
- Well I'll be there, with your fiancée of course, Candy said looking down. I was wondering if…if…
- I'll be there Candy.
- Oh great! I mean ok. I'll see you then. Thanks Terry.
- Bye Candy.
Candy was feeling happy, but after a while that feeling got lost. The baby's father was something that should be solved…
oOoOoOoOoOo
It was the evening; they were all ready to go to the reception. The Hilton was great that night. It had Hollywood's magic all over it. A red carpet was at the hall waiting for the guests. Servers were carrying champagne ready to serve the guests. Everything was in perfect order. Candy was wearing a wonderful green dress which matched the color of her eyes. She had her hair in a very nice up do and she had a very light make up on. They got in the Hilton and she looked for Terry with her eyes. She saw him sitting at the bar, holding a glass of champagne. She felt warmth inside her. Unconsciously she wanted to be next to him…Just like a couple. He saw her and was ready to go to her when a redheaded woman jumped in front of him.
- Hello Terry!
- Oh, eh hi Eliza. Terry said and kissed her hand.
- How are you today Terrence?
- Fine, fine
- We couldn't do much talking yesterday because my stupid cousin…
- Eliza! Terry interrupted her, what are you talking about? Candy was in danger last night. As well as her baby. Terry said irritated and left her alone.
Eliza started sulking. Neil was no where to be found. Although everyone was looking for him, even Albert's investigators, he had probably found a hole and was crawling inside. But sooner or later they would find him. After a while a white limo arrived in front of Hilton's entrance. An astonishingly beautiful woman came out of the car. She was wearing a purple long dress and she had her blonde hair made to a very nice up do. Her beautiful blue eyes were shining and her elegant figure was moving harmonically into the Hall. She had some sort of sorrow in her look that was giving her more charm. She was Eleanor Baker, the great actress, the Academy Award winner. She got in the Big Hall and everyone started clapping.
Candy was looking for Terry when she saw him and observed something really bizarre. Terry was standing still watching Eleanor Baker from afar. But also, so did she. Suddenly he got angry all of a sudden. After a while Candy saw Terry walking out of the hall heading for the hotel's garden. She was ready to go find him again when she saw Eleanor heading towards the same direction. She followed her and from her corner she saw Terry and Eleanor talking. In fact Terry was not talking he was fighting.
- Terry!
- I told you, I didn't want to hear anything from you.
- Please Terry forgive me.
- How can you ask this from me?
- You have to understand. It would be a huge scandal. You know how these things are. When you are famous everything comes to light.
- So you were ashamed of me?
- Terry…
- I came all the way to New York just to find you. I was waiting for you in the cold, waiting for a warm welcome from my true mother…and all I got was a picture with your autograph on it which your manager had the kindness to give me. I left in the snow, still having the hope that I would listen you calling my name.
- Terry, please forgive me my son.
- Now it's too late! You come here expecting me to accept you? When it was you who rejected me. You are not my mother!
Candy was shocked. Eleanor Baker was Terry's mother? That was the reason he was crying when he met her on the ship. He had told her his story but he had never mentioned his mother's name. So this is why he got angry when he saw her in front of him.
- Terry, please! Forgive me.
Eleanor made an effort to hug him.
- It's too late! Terry said and pushed her away. You are such a great actress. Even you can control emotions and imitating them. That's where both you and my father lost me, Terry said and walked away leaving Eleanor on the ground crying.
She lifted her eyes and saw Candy. Eleanor run away hiding her face. Candy followed the same direction that Terry took. She found him, sitting on a bench holding his head in his hands while looking down. He heard steps and he lifted his eyes just to see Candy's surprise.
- What is it Candy?
- Terry, you…and…
- What?
- You and Eleanor Baker…
- I guess you heard the whole story now, didn't you?
Candy walked and sat next to him.
- Why didn't you tell me?
- It's an odd story Candy. A story that even my…"mother" doesn't seem interested in sharing it.
- But Terry, you have to give her a chance.
- I did! I went to find her after all these years, she didn't even want to see me.
- But she said she…
- This is none of your business Candy!
- It IS my business. I want to help you and this is my business mister!
Terry looked at her puzzled.
- She is your mother and she seemed to regret refusing to see you the first time. People make mistakes, but we forgive them because we care about them and we love them. You had hopes when you went to New York to find her. Now your hopes will become true. And you're pushing them away!
- Candy…
Candy took Terry's hands.
- You have to give her a chance, you just have to do it Terry… Candy said and kissed him on his cheek. I have to go now. Terry please make an effort…For me…
Terry smiled. She did it again. She could do anything she wanted with him when she was looking at him with that smile. Terry smiled back.
- I will Candy. I will…
He watched as she was going back to the reception. He was in love with her and that was the only thing that mattered for him right now. It was like they made a truce. He didn't know what to expect but from the moment that she came back in his life again everything seemed easier, simpler. Even the reconciliation with his mother…
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