Disclaimer: Candy Candy and all characters belong to Kyoko Mizuki, images to Yumiko Igarashi and anime to Toei Animation.

Note: I appreciate all of you who have encouraged me by writing reviews, especially those who have been with me for a long time. I saw new names (welcome!) and recognized some of you too (thanks for your renewed interest!).

Once again, I'd like to thank my beta reader for promptly getting back to me! I truly appreciate her support and feedback.

-Ms Puddleglum

Chapter 25: Storm

"You are leaving Chicago?" asked Dr. Martin, clearly shocked.

Albert nodded while pulling up his pants. "Candy and I already decided to leave Chicago right after our engagement, but we did plan to discuss with her father first. Unfortunately, because of what Neil Leagan has done to us, she doesn't feel safe around here anymore."

Earlier this morning, when Albert had come with Candy to work, the kind doctor had offered to check his injuries. After all, it had been several days since the assault. The bruises on his shins were still quite serious, resulting from being kicked with heavy boots, but those on his thighs and arms were getting better. There were no more swollen bruises. The black ones had turned bluish, and the purple ones to yellow.

Candy had been too shy to stay, but before she had left the clinic, she had quitted her job. The doctor had actually anticipated this because she would get married soon, but he had never once thought that they would relocate.

While Albert was buttoning up his shirt, Dr. Martin followed up, "So you will quit your job too?"

"Yes," said Albert. "I'm on my way to the restaurant to do just that. We both have some savings that can keep us going for at least a month or so, and Candy believes that we can stay temporarily at Pony's Home until one of us finds a new job."

Dr. Martin gave him an understanding nod. "When are you leaving then?"

"We have not fixed the date yet, but Candy has just received a letter from George Villers, the personal assistant of her father. In his letter he said that he wanted to pay her a visit. When he does come, which may be anytime soon, we will apprise him of our plan."

"What if her father disagrees?"

Albert considered the question for a while before he asked, "Disagreement of our relationship or relocation?"

The doctor cleared his throat. "Well... I guess your relationship with her?"

Albert shrugged at the question. "We are both prepared for this day. Yes, it may take us a lot of effort to persuade him to accept us, but if he's unwilling to compromise, she's ready to leave her family."

The doctor moved his head up and down in agreement. "In the end it's her life."

"That's right," admitted Albert. "She remains optimistic however. Based on her past experience, she perceives that Uncle William is quite open-minded."

"True," the doctor muttered in a reflective tone. "Otherwise, she wouldn't have been here working as a nurse."

Albert nodded again. "In any case, Candy already talked to her landlady today. The rental agreement will terminate by the end of July, and I will also inform my landlord when I go home later today."

Having said that, Albert raised himself from the bed and shook hands with the doctor. "Thank you, Dr. Martin. Candy and I will never forget your kindness."

The doctor wrapped his arms around him, giving him a warm hug. "I will miss you both, and please do not forget to invite me to your wedding."

"Of course your name is on our list," said Albert with a reassuring smile. While they were walking towards the door, the doctor suddenly remarked, "Silly me... Candy's resignation must have thrown me off balance. I can't believe I forgot to ask this... how's your head? Does it still hurt?"

Albert let out a sigh. "Yes, but only intermittently during the day. However, in the evenings the headache lasts much longer, and it seems to be getting worse every day."

His white brows furrowed as he raised his next question with a solemn look. "Why do you think so?"

"The tightening sensation made me feel nauseous and dizzy last night," he replied grimly.

"Have you had any memory flash from your past?"

"Not yet." Albert rubbed his face then raked his wavy blond hair in exasperation. "I must admit that it's getting frustrating, but Candy... she's the one who keeps my spirits up. The fact that my identity remains a mystery to her doesn't seem to bother her very much."

"She is an excellent young lady," the doctor agreed with a fatherly smile, giving light pats on Albert's back. "She will make you a good wife."

Albert permitted himself a most contented smile. "Oh definitely, and I love her more with each passing day. She's so beautiful inside out."

Then the doctor sincerely offered, "Anyway, when you have a serious headache again, do come back here."

The young man attempted to decline, "Dr. Martin, I don't want to take advantage-"

"Hush!' the doctor cut him off, his forehead creasing and his white eyebrows knitting together. "How can you say that to me, Albert? That's what friends are for, right?"

Albert finally acquiesced and expressed his heartfelt appreciation. The doctor left the clinic with Albert because he wanted to see Candy again. Soon they found her sitting down near a tree, leaning herself against the trunk while reading storybooks to a group of young children in the park. They all knew her as the nurse in Happy Clinic.

The doctor then winked at Albert. "It looks like she will be a great mother to your babies too!"

The young man caught the teasing tone, and yet he admitted, "Yes... both Candy and I love children." A satisfied smile crept across his handsome face.

Dr. Martin burst out laughing in response. When Albert sped up to join Candy, the doctor composed himself and prayed for the young couple. Dear God, please shower your blessings upon them and give them the strength to overcome their barriers.

When Dr. Martin approached them, most of the kids stood up to greet him. He was known as the kind doctor from Happy Clinic, who charged much less than the other doctors in the neighborhood. Otherwise, some of these kids could not afford to see a doctor at all.

Before long, it was time for Albert to head to the restaurant, so he gently pulled Candy up from her sitting position. Then Dr. Martin gave Candy a few of his treasured wire puzzles as his parting gift. With moist eyes, he said, "Candy, I'm so thankful to have you worked for me, but I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!"

They shared a hug, and Candy promised, "Dr. Martin, we will come to visit you again before leaving Chicago."

Then they bid a sad goodbye to the doctor and the children.

=o=o=o=

"Why is Stear blind?" asked Madam Elroy in a tremulous voice.

Dr. Morrison didn't answer her question directly. "Please understand that it could have been much worse if Mr. Cornwell hadn't been rescued in time. Otherwise, he might suffer some permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen."

Archie's heart constricted in anguish, noting that his mother was weeping on his father's shoulder. They had just returned to Chicago, and now they were all in Dr. Morrison's office, listening to his diagnosis.

The doctor further explained, "According to the X-ray images, it appears that the main problem lies in his optic nerve, which might have been damaged due to his head injury weeks ago. The blindness that resulted may be temporary or permanent. We can't be sure until after the surgery to examine if the optic nerve is too damaged to be recovered at this stage."

"Can you please elaborate more?" asked Archie with a frown.

Dr. Morrison gave him a nod and patiently explained, "The optic nerve is a vital sensory tissue needed for vision. It is essentially a collection of nerve cells, which bring the images from the eyes to the brain. Without the optic nerve, sight becomes impossible."

Madam Elroy then followed up, "But didn't you tell us that a brain surgery had risks and complications?"

The doctor nodded again. "Every surgery involves risks, and it doesn't guarantee a positive outcome. Sometimes a surgery may lead to other surgeries as we may be able to discover something unknown to us before. Rest assured that although Mr. Cornwell is weak, his vital signs are fine."

As the family members were exchanging worried glances with one another, the doctor added, "We need your consent before we proceed. Just so you know, I will be out of town in two weeks for personal reasons."

Archie managed to put a smile on his face and stated, "Oh yes. I have heard that you are getting married, Dr. Jacob Morrison. Congratulations!"

=o=o=o=

While waiting for Archie and others, Patty and Annie were the only ones waiting in the spacious hospital room, watching Stear sleeping in his bed. He had just arrived at St. Joanna yesterday, and his family members weren't allowed to visit him until today. Yet ever since the moment they had entered his room, he had been sleeping like he was extraordinarily tired. Not to mention that he appeared emaciated and bony.

Patty had mixed feelings. She was grateful that Stear had finally returned in one piece, but at the same time she was worried how he could cope with his new disability and the problems that came with it. What about their relationship? Did Stear still love her? Had he changed somehow after his accident?

Then Annie's voice jolted her out of her train of thought. "Patty, I will be back soon."

Patty didn't ask Annie where she would be going. There was a bathroom inside this private room, so clearly it wasn't why she needed to leave. Patty didn't see Archie by the door, who had actually beckoned Annie to come out.

When Patty was the only one left, Stear finally stopped feigning sleep. He opened his eyes and whispered her name.

His voice was a bit coarse, but that was enough to startle Patty, and she practically jumped. How he wished he could see her face, but he could only hear her gasp. He then raised his hands trying to reach out to her, and she promptly grasped his hands in hers and said in earnest, "Stear, I'm here. I'm so glad that you made it home safely!"

Soon, her tears dropped onto his hands as she started to pray quietly, possibly thanking God for bringing him back to her. At this moment, Annie and Archie were about to come in, but they saw Stear talking to Patty, so they immediately closed the door to give them privacy. Stear heard that and asked, "Is there anyone else in this room?"

"No, Stear. Only me and you."

"Good," he said. "Patty, may I say something to you now?"

"Yes, of course," she replied, wondering why he sounded so serious. "Do you need anything?"

He shook his head and removed his hands from hers, which troubled Patty. He was going to carry out what he had planned to do ever since he had come out of his coma. He drew a sharp breath and plunged on, "Patty, I'm sorry to say that... we are over."

=o=o=o=

George arrived at the House of Magnolia and double checked the address in his notebook. After reading Candy's letter yesterday, goosebumps had chilled his neck. Since then, he had found it impossible to banish the dreadful doubt from his mind. He could hardly fall asleep last night, partly because his body clock was still London time but mainly because he was very anxious to meet this Albert whom Candy had mentioned in her letter. Although George kept reminding himself that 'Albert' was a very common name, the fact that this male patient was suffering from amnesia worried George immensely. Are they still together? It's been a while now... or has he recovered?

Nevertheless, George decided not to spill anything to Madam Elroy yet because of what had happened to Mr. Alistair Cornwell. The old family matriarch already had enough to deal with for the time being, so George determined to meet with Candy himself first.

He knocked on her door a few times but nobody responded. Then a middle-aged woman passed by and remarked, "Sir, Candy has already left with her brother, and she won't be back till much later I think."

"Is that right?" asked George. "Thank you, ma'am."

"You're welcome."

"Have a good day."

"Same to you."

George was always proactive, so he had already prepared a note in case this would happen. He unfolded his note one more time just to make sure.

'Miss Candice,

I have read your letter, and I would like to meet Albert on behalf of Sir William. Unfortunately, you're not home. I'll drop by again this evening around eight o'clock. If it turns out that we will miss each other again, I hope we will be able to meet tomorrow morning around nine o'clock.

Best regards,

George'

Then he slid his note underneath the door before he walked away.

=o=o=o=

While Candy was waiting for Albert in his old car right beside Parkview Restaurant, she had difficulties containing her excitement. Albert had relayed to her that he had planned to take her to the countryside once more to visit Peter and Judy. After the trip, he would return this old car back to Daniel because they would not need the car any more.

Before long, Albert appeared and positioned himself on the driver's side before he slammed the car door closed. When she frowned at his rueful look, he said, "Candy, the main chef didn't want to let me go just like that."

Her frown deepened. "Why not?"

"It's Saturday today. It is expected that the restaurant will be busiest during the evening dinner hours," he explained patiently.

"I see," she murmured, heaving a sigh of discouragement.

Yet he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and smilingly said, "Fortunately, this will be my last day today, and as long as I come back to help out later this afternoon, it's fine with him."

Her eyes brightened in response. "So that means-"

He helped her finish, tapping on her nose, "Yes, oh yes, that means we still have time to go to the countryside before my shift."

"Hurray!" she exclaimed with glee, leaning her face forward to rub her nose against his-a playful show of her affection. He then brought her head closer and trapped her lips in his, but only for a couple of seconds. Then he drew away and suggested, "Let's go now. The weather doesn't look very promising."

Since it was a spontaneous decision to go to the countryside today, they didn't bring anything to eat. On their way there, they stopped by a place to have a quick bite. However, as the sky was getting more and more cloudy, portending rain, they gulped down their food and hurried back to the car right away.

Although Candy had recovered from her ankle sprain, Dr. Martin had advised her not to push it too much still. Therefore, Albert drove around the place trying to find the brown house where Mrs. Jenkins had pointed out to them.

"A storm is brewing," commented Albert, a bit worried. "Shall we head back instead?"

She protested slightly, "But I bet we are very close now. I can hear the river here so clearly."

"I know... but it's not a good idea to drive amidst a storm."

She couldn't stop feeling disappointed. "Last time when we were here, we weren't a couple yet..."

As her voice trailed off, he understood what she had in mind. "You want to inform them of our good news."

She nodded with a small smile, meeting his tender gaze. He heaved a deep sigh and remarked, "So do I... as a matter of fact."

Little by little the sky was darkened; the sun was completely hidden behind the grey thick clouds. Moments later, lightning flashed, followed by some thunder in a distance. Albert promptly parked the car near a house and opened the folding top attached to the car body. A light rain had begun to fall, pattering against the car.

Then an old couple from that house rushed out to collect the laundry on the clothing line, and the woman spotted the car and approached them, "Young people, are you alright?"

So Albert told her that he and his fiancée were looking for the Jenkins. Meanwhile, thunder exploded above them, and the rain began coming down in sheets, forming puddles in the dirt.

The old lady then pointed to a brown house and uttered, "Oh, their house is the last one down there."

Albert was ecstatic that they had essentially arrived at their destination. Unfortunately, when he stepped on the gas, the car didn't budge. Then he realized that one of the car's front wheels was stuck in the mud. Therefore, both of them decided to proceed on foot instead.

After asking the old couple for permission to park his car right in front of their house, Albert insisted on carrying Candy on his back so she wouldn't strain her right ankle. They reached the house in a short time, though completely drenched. Once Albert lowered Candy down, she rapped on the front door with her knuckles. Before long, the door was swung open.

They both greeted the one who answered the door, "Mrs. Jenkins!"

It took her almost a minute to recognize them. "Albert? Candy?"

"Yes!" they exclaimed with glee.

"Oh dear! You're soaking wet!" She observed that they were shivering in cold, so she hastily urged them to come in. "Welcome to our humble abode!"

Next, she scurried to the fireplace; she grabbed some logs and kneeled on the hearth, working for a few minutes until she had a fire going in the fireplace.

Mrs. Jenkins wasn't being modest when she referred the house as their 'humble abode'. The furniture was old and shabby, and parts of the window frames were worn out, reminding the blond couple of Pony's Home. The air inside was musty too.

Yet Albert and Candy expressed their sorrow for bringing troubles to Mrs. Jenkins. She waved her hands dismissively and uttered, "Don't mention it. I'm all alone by myself today anyway. I'm glad to have some company."

The blond couple exchanged a dubious glance, wondering what she meant. Then Mrs. Jenkins smilingly explained, "Oh, my husband took the children to their grandparents for the day."

"I see," murmured Candy, somewhat relieved.

"Anyway, please feel free to warm up yourselves by the fireplace while I grab some clean clothes for you both to change." After that, she disappeared into one of the bedrooms.

When Mrs. Jenkins came out again, she saw that Albert and Candy were looking at the only family picture hung above the fireplace. His arm was on her shoulder, and she had her arm around his waist. Mrs. Jenkins truly felt happy for them, so she said from behind them, "Peter and Judy still mention you both from time to time, and I'm sure they will be very happy to know that you're in love now."

They hadn't expected that she would be back that soon, and they hadn't heard her footsteps either, so her voice had startled them both. As they withdrew from each other, slightly embarrassed, Candy began, "Mrs. Jenkins-"

"Candy and Albert, please just call me Sophie."

Then she passed different sets of clean clothes with towels to the couple and remarked, "You can get changed in the bathroom or in one of the bedrooms."

Even the clothes had patches. When they were done changing, they hung their wet clothes by the fireplace to dry. By then, Sophie had already prepared some snacks for them. While they gathered around the table to enjoy the hot soup, Candy started telling Sophie briefly how they had begun their relationship.

After Sophie had extended her congratulations on their engagement, Albert thanked her and asked, "I almost forgot. Sophie, why didn't you go with your husband and the children today? Are you not feeling well?"

She shook her head and casually replied, "Albert, thanks for asking, but I'm actually fine. It's just that Oliver's parents don't like me."

Both Candy and Albert were struck by her words. From the family picture, the Jenkins family looked very happy. Candy then uttered in a regretful tone, "Sophie, I'm sorry..."

"Please don't. It's been buried in my heart for far too long," she replied. She didn't sound self-pitying however. Then she added, her mouth curved up into a faint smile, "I feel like telling the truth... even though I barely know you both."

So they straightened up as though this helped them listen better, and Sophie began her story. "Oliver is the oldest child; he has a brother and a sister. I actually grew up with Oliver as I also served in the house because I'm the daughter of the butler."

Candy took a sharp breath, and Albert squeezed her hand. Then Sophie continued, "Oliver has always loved me. I love him too, but I wasn't brave enough to accept him because he actually had a betrothed, his cousin whom he didn't love. One day, when my father discovered our forbidden love, he decided to send me to work for another rich family. That was when Oliver openly expressed his wish to marry me. His love confession seriously offended his parents, and they threatened to sever all ties with him. Yet, he insisted, and one day, I finally agreed to elope with him."

Sophie paused here, and neither Candy nor Albert dared to make any comment. Then Sophie let out a bitter laugh. "When Oliver's parents found out afterwards, they had no choice but forced us to get married. However, they refused to receive us... though Oliver's mother secretly assisted us financially by paying my father occasionally."

She then took a sip of her drink before she carried on, "Last time when you both were here, you talked about taking the kids to Chicago, remember?"

The blond couple nodded, and Sophie said, "When I told Oliver afterwards, he suggested that it was time for us to bring the kids to Chicago to visit their grandparents. I didn't go with them, but only then Oliver found out that his father had had a stroke. It was a minor one with no significant damage, but old Mr. Jenkins broke down in tears when he saw that Peter was his exact replica, in every way. Hence, Oliver promised his father that he would try to bring the grandchildren to Chicago every other week."

Albert noticed Candy's emerald eyes were brimmed with tears, so he moved closer to wrap his arm around her. Candy tilted her head against his broad shoulder before she asked, "Sophie, have you paid them a visit at least once?"

Sophie shook her head. "But eventually I will. We are selling our house now. Oliver's parents actually came about a week ago and implored us to move in with them."

Candy ventured softly, "Are you happy about this?"

Sophie shrugged her shoulders with a strained smile. "Think about it, they had never come to visit us before, so I must say that things have changed for the better now. I sense that they still don't like me, but they adore their only grandchildren, Peter and Judy, very much."

"How about the kids? Do they want to move?" asked Albert, evidently concerned about them.

"Peter seems willing, and Judy always looks up to him, so I figure they will be able to adapt to their new lifestyles."

Then Sophie found a piece of paper and scribbled something down. "Candy, this will be our new address in Chicago. Please feel free to write to us anytime. I hope you both will soon settle down, and I'm sure Peter and Judy will be delighted to attend your wedding."

They continued to chit chat some more until their clothes were nearly dry. The rain had turned light, and the clouds had begun to break up. It was time for them to leave anyway, and by the time they got back to the car, the sun had come out. This time, after some struggles by moving the car back and forth, Albert managed to drive the car away.

Unexpectedly, he parked the car near that particular tree again, where he and Candy had shared a sandwich before. They didn't get off the car this time because they could see pools of water everywhere shimmering in the sunlight. Then all of a sudden, Albert remarked, "I was quite astonished that Sophie would tell us her story in such details."

"Me too!" Candy affirmed exaggeratedly. "It even scared me a little."

"Why?" Albert's brows were creased together in puzzlement.

"That Oliver's parents could be so stubborn of not visiting them for these many years."

"Neither did Oliver and Sophie," he replied in a level tone. "But I'm glad that their situation seems to be improving overall."

"You're right," she said, lovingly tracing a finger along his jaw. Then she remarked, "I never thought they had eloped by the way."

He slipped his arms around her, drawing her body into his. As she leaned on him, he said, "I suppose true love gave them the courage to face whatever it took as long as they were together?"

"Yes," she murmured, looking straight into his blue eyes. "True love never fails... it just that sometimes people may give up before trying?"

"That's so sad, isn't it?" he answered, holding her gaze.

When she acknowledged by nodding, he drew her even nearer. He relished the feel of her petite frame close to his because it gave him the sense of completeness. Then he began nuzzling against her neck, inhaling her familiar scent while enjoying the sensation of her warm breath in his ear, and soon he lifted his head and showered kisses on her cheeks, savoring her velvety skin.

Later, he whispered, his breath hot against her earlobe. "Candy, I want you to know that I will not give up... even though it means I'll always get wet when I go out with you."

She giggled and then sighed happily, wrapping her arms affectionately around his torso in response. He then held her tight in his arms and confessed, "Candy, guess what? I'm getting very impatient to meet George."

"Really?" she asked, her voice muffled as she had buried her face in the crook of his neck. All that she could think of for the time being was that she needed him.

"Yes," he answered, gently running his fingers through her curls. "I'm going to convince this right hand man of Sir Ardlay that you are the girl of my dreams, and that my love for you will last forever."

"Albert..." she murmured, her voice croaked, as she slowly pulled away to face him. His words touched her heart immeasurably because she had no doubt that he meant them truthfully.

He could see tears welling in her eyes, so he asked in a tender voice, "Candy, will you regret?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, her hand quickly brushing away the tear that trickled down her cheek.

"That you might lose everything because of me?" He sounded heavy hearted. In his mind he could easily imagine how the Jenkins must have a hard time making ends meet over the years.

Through her tears, she saw two beautiful blue orbs looking at hers with a mixture of uncertainty and sadness. Instantly, she slipped her hand into his, her fingers intertwining with his, and the next thing he knew she closed their distance and gave him a long and passionate kiss. He loved to taste the sweetness of her breath and feel her tongue against his own; deep inside his heart, he was certain that he would not love anyone the way he loved Candy.

=o=o=o=

After talking with Dr. Leonard, the director of St. Joanna's Hospital, Herbert left and closed the door to his office. In previous encounters, Dr. Leonard had been reluctant to tell the reporter much about the blond nurse who had been fired by the hospital. Today, when the reporter had shown up again, to Dr. Leonard's surprise, the reporter had asked many questions about the amnesiac male patient in room 0 instead. The reporter could tell that the director had been trying to cover up the existence of room 0, but the reporter had got enough evidence to prove him wrong.

While pacing in the hospital corridor, the reporter disliked the antiseptic odor that always reminded him of diseases and death. Then all of a sudden, he spotted Madam Elroy and possibly her relatives turning around the corner. He couldn't believe his luck, and apparently, Madam Elroy saw him too. She gave him a simple nod, signaling that she recognized him.

Hence, Herbert approached her and cordially shook hands with her. At this moment, he courteously requested if he could talk to her in private for about two minutes. She didn't seem to mind, and after informing her relatives that she would be away for a few minutes, she followed the reporter to the garden, a strong looking man in a dark suit trailing after her.

When Herbert made sure they had reached a secluded corner, he cleared his throat and inquired, "Madam Elroy, would you mind telling your bodyguard to keep some distance from us?"

"Why so?" She looked a little defensive, her brow lifted.

The reporter strived his best to look solemn and reasoned, "It's highly confidential."

Madam Elroy demanded, "Alright, but only two minutes as you said."

A chuckle escaped his throat. "That's more than enough because I only have one question for you, Madam Elroy."

When the bodyguard was out of earshot, Herbert broached the subject head on, lowering his voice nonetheless, "He is not in Europe. He's missing, isn't he?"

For a split second something like consternation flickered across her features, but she recovered so fast that normally people wouldn't have noticed it, but that wasn't the case for Herbert Walter, the most senior reporter from Chicago Tribune.

Then he heard her firm voice, "What nonsense are you talking about, Mr. Walter?"

She was obviously annoyed, but her reaction was enough to confirm his suspicion. In other words, the reporter had got the answer to his question.

=o=o=o=

Author's note:

Thank you for reading! Please drop me a few words telling me what you think, and feel free to write in a language you like. Thank you in advance!