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

Note: I can't express my appreciation enough for the reviews and feedback from you! I hope you will like this update. Reviews in any language are more than welcome.

-Ms Puddleglum

Chapter 29: Forgiveness

When Candy regained consciousness, behind her closed eyelids, a rather dreary image appeared in her mind. She envisioned that Albert was devastated, weeping with his head between his hands. Her chest instantly tightened, and she almost forgot how to breathe.

Has he found out that I have left...

In no time, she shook her head stubbornly while covering her face with her hands. Oh God... I can not think of him like that again. I have to forget him.

After some struggles in trying to chase away the disturbing thoughts, she finally opened her eyes, and she found that she was lying in a large, comfortable four poster bed inside a dim lit bedroom.

Where am I? How did I get here?

Feeling alarmed, she lifted off her blanket and found that someone had changed her. Her hair remained damp, but she was dressed in a lady's nightgown. Then, her stomachache reminded her of what had happened before she had passed out. I was with Herbert... did he change me?

While she felt mortified, someone opened the door ajar. Candy instantly hid herself under the blanket and asked, "Who is it?"

"Oh great! You came to already!" a woman exclaimed when she peeped her head in.

Before Candy could utter a word, the woman entered the room and closed the door with her elbow. Then she walked over to the bed, a kind smile adorning her wrinkled face; she set down the tray in her hands on the bed near Candy's thighs and said, "Don't worry, young lady. I'm Herbert's mother."

Candy let out a sigh of relief and dropped her guard right away, returning a smile at the elderly woman. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Walter. My name is Candy."

"Yes, my son told me already," she replied with a knowing smile. Under the subdued lights, Mrs. Walter resembled an older version of Miss Pony, having a similar body frame with a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles perched on her nose.

At this moment Candy smelled something good. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a bowl on the tray, and her stomach rumbled loudly in response. Candy nervously put a hand over her stomach and gave a sheepish laugh. The old woman laughed as well and brought the tray closer to Candy, saying kindly, "It's time for some homemade soup to warm you up."

The blond girl couldn't resist for her hunger had become unbearable. As she began to savor the hearty soup, Mrs. Walter pulled a chair near the bed and lowered herself down. For the time being, Candy couldn't help but wonder whose bedroom this was. She observed that although the square-shaped bedroom was far from luxurious like her bedroom in Lakewood, it was well furnished. All furniture was made of mahogany wood with matching design. She assumed there was a large window behind the drawn curtain. Under the window there was a nice desk with drawers. Adjacent to it there was a bureau, on top of which a delicate candelabra had been placed, but the candles weren't lit. Instead, a blazing fire in the in-room fireplace illuminated the otherwise dim room. That was where she saw her own clothes being hung to dry on a rack around the hearth.

Then she suddenly remembered the scene only about half a day ago. She and Albert had visited the Jenkins with the intention of telling them their good news, and their clothes had been drenched too. Within seconds, she lost her appetite, her heart flooded with guilt of breaking her promises to Albert. At this instant, the old lady's voice jolted her back to the present. "Candy, I hope you don't mind wearing my granddaughter's clothes? I really didn't have a choice. Herbert had just asked me to change you before he left in a hurry."

Candy was about to ask where he had gone, but Mrs. Walter unexpectedly questioned in a tender voice, "How old are you? Do you mind me asking?"

The young lady shook her head and told Mrs. Walter that she had turned seventeen not long ago. To Candy's surprise, tears started to well in the old lady's eyes. Then she wiped her own tears with her thumb before she got up from her chair and took the tray with her, saying in an emotional voice, "Let me bring you another bowl."

"Wait!" Candy cried out and swiftly stumbled off the bed. When her bare feet landed on a soft, fluffy rug, the first thought that came to her mind was that this bedroom belonged to Miss Walter, Herbert's daughter. But where is she now? Is she married?

Anyway, Candy strode across the room and grabbed the kind old woman's arm. "No thanks, Mrs. Walter. I think I have enough already. May I ask..."

Candy faltered, swallowing her question. She had a hunch that something had happened to Miss Walter, and it would be inconsiderate if she brought it up at this moment. Just then, they could see that someone had just flickered the lights on from under the crack of the door. Presumably, someone had come home. Next, they heard footsteps heading their way.

"Mother? Is Candy alright now?"

Candy recognized his voice, and Mrs. Walter answered behind the closed door, "Yes, son. Were you able to find her fiancé?"

The young lady took a sharp intake of breath when she heard that.

(flashback begins)

When Candy collapsed, Herbert thought of taking her to Dr. Martin, but nobody was in Happy Clinic. Just when he returned to his driver's seat, Candy fidgeted in her sleep, brow furrowing with displeasure. Then she whimpered with tears coming out of her closed eyes, "I love you so... why... you... Uncle William..."

What she muttered didn't quite make sense to him; while she continued to murmur inaudibly, her tears hadn't stopped. It was a disheartening sight, and Herbert thought perhaps he should take her to Albert's place, so he started the engine and raced towards that apartment building.

"Albert... forgive me... I can't..." muttered Candy.

Something dawned on Herbert. He deduced from her incoherent mumbling that she had plausibly found out the truth about her fiancé. Yet Herbert couldn't help questioning how exactly she had discovered it. Did someone tell her? Where is Albert now? Why and how did she end up with Neil Leagan?

When he reached the apartment building, he took off his suit jacket and used it to cover Candy, who was soaking wet and shivering in cold. He ran up the stairs and knocked hard on Albert's front door a few times in a row. Unfortunately, he got no response, and he started to worry about Candy's safety. What if someone spots her alone in my car, unconscious?

Therefore, he made up his mind to bring her to his home first. His mother should be able to take care of her while he continued his search for Albert.

Afterwards, he went straight to the restaurant where Albert worked, but the host told him that Albert had left already. Herbert groaned inwardly at his bad luck. He wondered whether Albert had gone home. Does he know that Candy has learned his real identity?

Herbert determined to inform Albert anyway, so he drove back to Albert's place again. However, the result was the same. Nobody answered the door. Feeling weary beyond words, Herbert decided to write him a note instead.

'Albert,

Candy was not feeling well and fainted. Don't worry. She is with my mother. Once she feels better, I'll take her home.

Herbert'

Then he slid the note under the door and went home to check on Candy. Later, when he stepped through the door's threshold, he overheard the conversation between his mother and Candy, and he knew that it was probably time to take the young lady home.

(flashback ends)

"No, mother, I couldn't locate him," Herbert answered her question with a tired voice, shaking his head. Candy had been worried that Herbert had brought Albert with him, but now that she knew that Albert wasn't here, she was disappointed. At the same time, she was mad at herself for wanting to see Albert again.

Then Herbert added, "Candy, are you feeling better? Ready to go home?"

Candy finally opened the door and spoke for herself, "Yes, Herbert. Thank you very much."

Mrs. Walter draped a morning robe over Candy's shoulders and said, "But Herbert, her clothes aren't quite dry yet."

"It's fine," said Candy appreciatively. She could see that the Walters lived in an apartment bigger than hers. Unlike the bedroom she was in, the living room was bare except for minimal furniture. Interestingly, there was no family portrait at all. Nonetheless, Candy was more convinced ever that the nice bedroom belonged to Herbert's daughter. "Thank you both for your kindness. I would like to go home now if possible."

Herbert thought for a moment before he voiced his concern, "Candy, you can't leave here wearing a nightgown." Then he turned to his mother and asked, "Can you find her one of Abby's dresses?"

Candy thought, so Abby must be his daughter. Where is her mother?

When they were ready to go, Candy thanked old Mrs. Walter once again by hugging her, "I will miss you, Mrs. Walter."

The old lady folded her arms around Candy and remarked in a sincere tone, "Then come visit me whenever you can!"

Candy released her and waved goodbye without answering; she didn't promise the old lady anything because she had resolved to leave Chicago very soon.

=o=o=o=

Albert deliberately left the kitchen light on so that Candy would know that he had been here. Then he locked her door and went back to George. They exchanged a long glance. Albert could grasp that George hadn't spotted anyone like Candy, and George understood that Candy wasn't home. Then Albert got inside the car and breathed out a heavy sigh of exhaustion. While George remained quiet, raindrops were battering the front windshield. Some moments later Albert spoke up in a low voice as if he was talking to himself, "The deluge has gone on for hours... where can she possibly be at this time?"

Anxiety was evident in his voice, but George could not answer his question. Albert peered out of the window, watching the raindrops. As a youngster many years ago, he had often been confined indoors with private tutors. Most of his days had been spent in gazing out the windows, and naturally, one of his hobbies was to watch the raindrops race across the windows in his study. How he had longed to be free like the other kids of his age, to be able to enjoy the lush green pasture and clear blue sky whenever possible.

The voice from his loyal companion interjected his gloomy thoughts, "Sir William, is there anything else I can do?"

Albert cast him a quick glimpse and replied with a sigh, "It's late, George. I shouldn't be keeping you up."

George knew that Sir William had always been considerate, like his late sister. After not seeing him for longer than a year, Sir William had definitely changed. Apart from being physically more sturdy, possibly due to working hard in the kitchen for months, he seemed even more attentive than before. On one hand, George had to admit that the aimless search had been tiring, especially because he hadn't had much sleep the night before. On the other hand, George was aware that his young master wanted to find the woman he loved, so he stated, "I want to help."

A bitter chuckle escaped Albert's throat. Then he gave his assistant a pat on his shoulder and said, "I think you should rest. I've left a note for Candy already. I'll be back here tomorrow morning." Albert secretly hoped that she was waiting for him back at his place, even though he knew this was close to wishful thinking. No matter what, Albert decided not to drag George into his personal matter anymore.

"Certainly, Sir William, but..."

George wasn't sure where to take his master now. Should I drive him back to the Chicago mansion?

Albert had no problem comprehending why George hesitated, so he answered his unspoken question, "George, I still have a few belongings in my place. Also, I want to pick up Pouppe too."

Thus, Albert instructed George how to get to his place, and during the short ride, Albert asked, "How's my aunt? How is she coping?"

Then George relayed to him how brave she had been throughout the entire time even though deep inside she had been gradually losing hope that she would ever see her nephew alive again. Albert didn't say a word, but since he was facing the window the whole time, George wasn't sure what went on in Sir William's mind. When they arrived at their destination, Albert was discouraged that Candy wasn't there, but he hid his emotion and said to George in a level tone, "You don't have to come again, George. I'll go to Candy's place myself in the morning."

While George gave him an understanding nod, Albert added, "One more thing. Don't inform my aunt of my whereabout yet. I'll go see her as soon as possible."

The black haired man was apparently perplexed, but he soon composed himself and obeyed without a question. "No problem, Sir William."

After George had driven the car away, Albert staggered up the stairs to his suite. When he swung open his door, Pouppe wasn't sleeping as he had expected. In fact, she seemed busy chewing something. He turned on the light and crouched down. Then he realized that it was a piece of paper. His heartbeat increased instantaneously when he thought this note could be from Candy. Thus, he coaxed his pet skunk into giving it up. About ten seconds later, Pouppe was willing to let go and skittered away. Yet the paper was torn and smeared already, and the only words he could read were 'Candy... Don't worry... I'll take her home. Herbert'.

Although he didn't know why she was with Herbert, instant relief washed over him nonetheless, knowing that she was safe and would go home later. Otherwise, he really had no idea where else he could find her.

He took a quick shower to remove his wet clothes, changing into his pajamas afterwards. Then he turned off the lights and literally collapsed in his bed with his face down, unmotivated to move an inch. He had never felt so completely spent. After all, he had just recovered. However, some moments later, he realized that Candy had worn these pajamas when she had been here last time, and he couldn't help but relive what had occurred that night. He had desired her to the point that he had lost his self-control and nearly crossed the boundary of no return.

So he grabbed a pillow and buried his face against it, wishing the morning would come sooner so that he could go to her place and talk to her. He had to clarify to her that he had never regarded her as his daughter, not even before the train accident in Italy. Back then, he had wanted to watch over her as her friend, not her guardian.

Having been sleep deprived lately, he could feel his limbs become heavy before long, and his eyes started to close as he slipped into oblivion.

=o=o=o=

"Herbert, I must thank you for coming to my rescue. Without you, Neil could have snatched me away to be his slave girl," said Candy with gratitude while Herbert was driving her home.

He waved a hand and passed her a fleeting glance. He wanted to ask her many questions, but he contemplated how to do so without being offensively inquisitive. Just then, he heard her inquire, "So were you looking for me tonight? I mean I was more than relieved that you showed up out of nowhere, but-"

His laughter cut her off. "I wasn't looking for you, Candy. I was on my way to see Albert actually, but I happened to drive nearby and your loud scream caught my attention."

When she heard Albert's name, her heart sank. She folded her hands in her lap and turned to face the window inadvertently. With unsettling feelings, her jaw tightened as she fought not to speak a word regarding Albert. Yet she felt apprehensive about him, wondering why the reporter had sought him earlier. Besides, she couldn't stop herself from wanting to ask the details why the reporter had failed to locate Albert when she had been with his mother.

Needless to say, her awkwardness and nervous gestures didn't escape Herbert's sharp eyes. He was now positive that something had happened between the lovers. Now that she was dressed in his late daughter's clothes, he felt a nudge in his heart, and the right words flashed across his mind. "Candy, I honestly believe that Albert is devoted to you. Do not let reality discourage you by any means."

No sooner had he said it than she snapped, "I love him too! I wish I could..." She paused abruptly, knowing that she wasn't supposed to tell others about Albert's identity. Then she looked away and mumbled in exasperation, "I'm sorry... you just don't know."

He shook his head. "What makes you think I don't know? I have it figured out already. He is the only male descendant of-"

She gasped with wide eyes, interrupting his sentence. "How did you-"

Before she could finish, he commented in a solemn tone, "I think I know more about Sir William Ardlay and his ancestors than you do, young lady, but anyway, emotions can really cloud your judgement sometimes, so don't act on your impulse."

She couldn't come up with a riposte right away. Later, she asked in a voice barely over a whisper, looking down her lap, "But do you know that he is betrothed to someone else?"

To her astonishment, he replied, "Yes, Madam Elroy has informed me. It's confidential, and only a handful of people are aware of that."

While she didn't say anything, he appended, "Their engagement was scheduled to take place a few years back, but for some reason it didn't."

She recalled George had said something along that line; she gathered that Albert had likely refused to cooperate. Then she remarked, avoiding his eyes, "I know he's a man who follows his heart... so I chose to leave him."

The reporter could hear the authentic sorrow in her voice, so he uttered, sounding confused, "I don't think I follow your logic, but why Albert let you go really puzzles me."

Herbert didn't know what exactly had transpired, but he said that to bait her into telling him more. As expected, a look of remorse was painted all over her. Her shoulders slumped, and she lowered her eyes next. A thought struck him. "Don't tell me you're running away from him."

She nodded, albeit reluctantly, and after a moment of struggle, she briefly told him why she had left Albert in a haste. "If I had stayed behind and talked to him, I would have wavered... I wouldn't have the courage to leave his side at all."

"But didn't you promise him to fight together?"

She unintentionally raised her voice to argue, "I know! But back then it was completely opposite! I love him with all my heart, and I could readily give up my so-called status for him-"

"Wait a minute," he interjected, a frown creasing his brows. "So you think he can't do the same?"

"No, I didn't mean that!" she retorted, shaking her head in frustration. "I don't doubt his love for me, but this was also one of the reasons why I decided to give him up. I've got nothing to lose, but his situation is drastically different from mine."

Misery was palpable in her voice, and he began to see her point. Thus, he fell silent, but only for a moment. "Are you feeling unqualified to be-?"

He saw her grimace worsen and her expression contort into one of agony. Her ears burned from the slap of his words, and she diverted her eyes to her lap. A couple of minutes later, she reasoned in a forlorn tone, "He has a huge family business to take care of, and if he insists to marry me, I can't imagine the consequences... he might be chastised and rejected by the society."

Neither of them said a word for the next little while, and by the time they had arrived at the apartment building, Herbert turned off the car and heaved a deep sigh. The rain had stopped at long last. Except for the faint rustle of the wind stirring through the trees, everything was deathly silent. At this instant, Candy remembered Sophie Jenkins' story. The man who loved her had eloped with her, living in poverty in a suburb for years. Candy undeniably believed Albert would have done the same thing if necessary, but she didn't want him to sacrifice for her.

Out of the blue, Herbert's brisk voice broke into her thoughts. "I can perceive what you have been anxious about. Albert's nonconformity may cost him the things our culture valued, but what if he doesn't care?"

She kept quiet with her eyes closed; she knew he might be right, but what he said next totally caught her off guard, "Abigail passed away soon after her husband's death."

She opened her eyes and looked at him, stunned. Then he resumed, "We called her Abby, and she was my only child. My wife had been too weak to give birth, and she had died in labor, so my mother had brought up Abby for me."

The blond girl was speechless, and he carried on, "Shawn came to Abby's life as her private tutor, and they fell in love months later. She was merely eighteen when they got married. To celebrate their first anniversary, Shawn took her to England to visit his hometown. On their way back, he didn't survive the Titanic disaster. You know, only women and children were allowed in the lifeboats."

Candy felt her tears beginning to form. Little did she know that Herbert had buried this pain deep in his heart. In fact, he had avoided talking about his late daughter ever since, and right now, his voice sounded uneven to his own ears. Yet he continued, "Abby wanted to stay with her husband when he managed to get her to a lifeboat, but he urged her to be brave and raise their unborn child."

A few teardrops escaped Candy's eyes. She believed if she were Abby, she might not want to get on the lifeboat either. Then Herbert went on after taking some measured breaths, "She came home a totally different person. I saw her wither away. After her miscarriage, her depression was eating her alive. She didn't even want to cure herself. She was essentially dead."

He couldn't quite control the quiver in his voice. She was at a loss of what to say. At the same time, she couldn't comprehend why he was telling her all this. After another few minutes of silence, he stated in a solemn voice, "Candy, when you think you're doing something good for someone, that someone may not appreciate it, and he or she might even suffer from your decision."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air; all she could do was to stare at her own hands. A while later, he suggested with a sigh, "Let me walk you to the door."

When she inserted her key into the keyhole, he remarked with moist eyes, "Sometimes, I'd rather Abby had died in her husband's arms."

More than startled, she covered her mouth with her free hand. Then he admonished, his voice hoarse, "Talk to Albert, Candy, and let him know what bother you the most... tell him your real concerns."

He stressed the word 'real', which meant that he could sense that she hadn't been entirely truthful with him. Then he added in a reflective tone, "After what you two have been through, can't you trust him? Perhaps he has something in mind that you aren't aware of."

She flushed with color, unable to deny that she was being unfair to Albert. Then he said, "Goodnight, young lady. Please pass my regards to Albert."

She nodded without a word. Then he tipped his hat and disappeared into the darkness. Only when she opened her door, she found that the kitchen light was on. She sucked in a breath with mixed feelings. Is Albert around?

With her heart thumping furiously, she remained standing by the door, undecided what to do. About a minute later, her instinct told her he must have gone. It didn't take her long to discover his letter and the ring on the table. Looking at the sparkling ring, her stomach clenched with nostalgia. She could hardly believe things had changed so much in a matter of few hours. Nevertheless, she braced herself and sat down; then she picked up the piece of paper with shaky hands, unfolding it carefully. She let her tears fall freely as she read, making the letter wet and full of smudges. When she was done, she brought it to her chest and mourned, leaning on the table with her head on her arms. Conflicting emotions tore at her, and she didn't know what to feel anymore.

=o=o=o=

Albert woke up before the crack of dawn feeling famished. Then he remembered he had skipped his dinner last night, so he slid off the bed and grabbed something to eat in the kitchenette. When his strength was renewed, he hastily freshened up and got dressed, trying not to disturb Pouppe's slumber. He wanted to see Candy as soon as possible without any distraction, so he didn't plan on bringing his skunk with him. Before he left his suite, he gazed at the portrait on the wall, the one Anna had perfectly captured the instant when Candy had kissed him. I know you love me, Candy, so please wait for me at home.

As he hastened down the stairs, he ran into his landlord. Albert took this opportunity to apprise the landlord of his rental termination. The landlord then said, "Ok, Albert. Thanks for letting me know. By the way, are you interested in buying the bicycle that you have used before?"

"Why?" Albert was visibly surprised.

His landlord shrugged. "My son just bought a new one himself and told me to sell his old one."

"Really? How much?"

When Albert heard the price, it was so cheap that he didn't think twice. He recalled that he and Candy had shared this bicycle once, and it was a memorable experience. He trailed after his landlord to check its conditions, and it was in good shape still. Maybe I can show it to Candy later to cheer her up.

Riding on the bicycle, Albert felt hopeful. The rainstorm was over even though the streets were still wet. Gray clouds had dissipated, and the rising sun in the east was making that part of the sky red like fire. He believed Candy was still sleeping, so he sped up, his legs pedaling faster and faster, lost in his happy thoughts. He didn't realize that he had drifted a little across the center line until a car honked at him.

He immediately turned the handlebar to the right and was barely able to avoid the collision. Unfortunately, his bicycle skidded on the slippery street, heading straight towards a lamppost. When the bicycle smashed into that lamppost in high speed, he was flung through the air. Luckily, he landed on his back on the sidewalk, but the impact had knocked every wisp of air from his lungs. He lay there, struggling to breathe, but at least he was conscious.

Moments later, some passersby gathered around him, and one man knelt down beside him. "Are you ok, mister?"

Albert blinked and was able to move his arms. So he lifted his hand, and the man gripped it. Then he held Albert's other arm and helped hoist him up very cautiously. Albert felt pain all over his body, but he managed to speak in a strained voice, "Thank you, sir."

An old man sauntered over and shook his head disapprovingly. "Your bicycle was totally ruined, young fellow. Next time you won't be as fortunate you know!"

At his reproof, Albert's distress was obvious. The bicycle was ruined... is it a bad omen?

With difficulties, Albert pushed the wrecked bicycle along the sidewalk, slowly pacing his way towards the House of Magnolia. His back still hurt, so he couldn't walk fast. He thought of hiring a carriage, but so far he hadn't seen any on his way. It was full morning by the time he arrived at Candy's front door. He tried knocking on it a few times. When there wasn't any response, he pulled out his key to unlock it, trying not to think negatively. Unfortunately, her place was noiseless, and to his dismay, the emerald ring and the letter were still on the dining table. While he began to worry if Candy had come home last night or not, he realized that the wire puzzles were gone and the light was off. In addition, the letter wasn't in his handwriting.

'Dearest Albert,

I love you so much so that you'll always be a part of me. You have claimed a special place in my heart, and no one can ever replace you. But I beg you for your forgiveness. I beg you for your understanding. Just like you have done to me in the past as my legal guardian.

To be honest, I wish you were still the carefree vagabond I used to know, but in fact you're a man of significance in the high society. You might have taken pity on me and offered me a glimpse of the life I could have lived as your adoptive daughter. Unfortunately, I never feel I belong to your family.

It's not an illusion that your aunt despises me. In the past, over and over she plainly asserted that your decision to adopt me had been your impulsive action. Her attitude toward me never ceases to make me feel that I'm a blob of mud that she can't wait to be scraped off her shoe. More than once she openly deems me as unworthy to be known as an Ardlay, so the chance that she will accept me as the spouse of the heir is near zero. Yet I don't blame her at all. I have long observed that not everyone is able to receive a person with questionable background with open arms.

Therefore, I can foresee that your attachment with me will cause you nothing but troubles in your life. The last thing I want is to drive a wedge between you and your aunt. Nor do I want you to walk away or abandon your responsibilities because of me. Please don't do anything you will regret. You understand me better than anyone does, so you should know that I won't have the peace of mind if you end up living in self-reproach later.

There are other reasons as well, but I'm running out of time.

Albert, you've always been someone I look up to-strong, wise and optimistic. Now that you have recovered, you will be able to get over me one day. Hence, please don't look for me. It will only make my life more difficult than it already is. When I'm ready, we shall meet again.

I will not stop praying for you, and I will treasure the precious moments in our time together.

Best wishes,

Candy

p.s. Uncle William, please accept my deepest gratitude and warmest appreciation to you for the generosity and kindness you have bestowed upon me over the years. Also, I have a separate letter for my friends in an envelope, so please pass that to Archie at your earliest convenience.'

Her letter was smeared with tear stains, and in the last part she sounded so formal. He felt like a sword had slashed at his chest again and again when she referred herself as his daughter and even addressed him as Uncle William. He slid down on to the floor, leaning against the wall as though he had lost all his energy. Striving to overcome the despondency which was seizing his heart and mind, he scanned her place through the blur of his tears. At the realization that she might have left the city by now, he was overwhelmed with melancholy.

Candy, why can't you see that our love for each other should be able to conquer the obstacles to our happiness?

At that moment, he resolved to track her down regardless, but first and foremost, he would visit his aunt.

=o=o=o=

Candy dozed off as soon as she found her seat in the train. It had been a stressful night, and she hadn't rested at all. She had fumbled for the right words to write to Albert, and when she had finished the letter, she couldn't have felt more drained and dejected. Yet she had managed to pack her belongings and catch the first train in the morning.

When she settled down inside a carriage hours later, she replayed, for the hundredth time, the way she had torn herself away from the man she loved. She straightened up, unsure whether she should feel proud or upset that she had made it this far. A part of her longed to return to Albert, telling him that she was terribly sorry, and yet a part of her reprimanded herself for being selfish, thinking that she had caused enough problems in his life and actually done the right thing to leave him.

As the carriage began to move, she sank in her seat, her heart thudding with nervous uncertainty. How am I going to explain to my foster mothers? Should I tell them who Albert really is?

During the rest of the ride, she had tried not to think of him, but her thoughts kept straying from other things back to him; in particular, she pondered how he would respond to her departing letter. With a heavy heart, she mused pensively, he may be completely disappointed at me by now... which is good... it will help him to forget about me...

The carriage halted, breaking through her tangled thoughts, and she heard the driver ask, "Miss, this is the right place, isn't it?"

She slid across the seat to peer out the window and saw Miss Pony with some children around her. Then Candy heard the driver hop down, and he reached for the handle on the carriage door. Suddenly, the scene that she had come home with Albert last time resurfaced in her mind, and her throat thickened in no time.

As she blinked back her tears and stepped down from the carriage, Miss Pony approached her with a wide grin. "Candy! What a pleasant surprise!"

Then she seemed to look behind Candy, as though she was expecting another person. Candy pursed her lips and shook her head. "No, he's not here." Her voice was dry, and her expression disconsolate.

Candy saw a frown knit her grey brow, her eyes behind her eyeglasses widened in shock. Staring at the glint in the young lady's eyes, Miss Pony was trying to figure out the meaning behind her words. Finally, she exclaimed, "My goodness! What's happened?"

Miss Pony sounded apprehensive, and Candy could no longer stand it. She flung herself at her mother, who caught her and wrapped her arms around her petite frame.

"I broke up with him!" she bawled.

=o=o=o=

Candy awoke the next morning not knowing where she was, but the confusion didn't last long. The bright sunlight seeped in through the slats of the small shuttered window. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and found that the kids sharing the same large bedroom were not around. She stumbled over to her suitcase to get dressed and shoved her feet into her shoes. She made up her mind not to worry her mothers anymore. Neither of them had asked her a single question yesterday, and they had urged her to rest in her own bed for the rest of the day, even breaking their rules by bringing dinner to her. When Jimmy had returned from work in the evening, the first thing he had asked her was whether Albert had betrayed her, and after she had told him that Albert had done nothing wrong and it had been her own decision, he had left her alone without any more interrogation.

When Candy paced towards the kitchen, she eavesdropped that her mothers were talking about her.

"What's gone wrong? They were so in love..." murmured Sister Lane in a low voice.

"Candy must have a reason," replied Miss Pony with a draw out sigh. "She won't bother anyone if she can help it. We have to wait until she is ready to tell us why. That is just how she is."

There was a long sigh of resignation after this. Then Miss Pony resumed, "I actually have sent a letter to Mary Jane for her, and I don't know if-"

Miss Pony paused when Candy suddenly appeared. She put up a cheery smile and said, "Miss Pony and Sister Lane, I'm about to inform you both that I'm going to apply for Mary Jane Nursing School again."

After some discussions, they concluded that Candy should go talk to the principal herself a few days later, and by then Miss Pony's letter should have arrived. Perhaps the principal would consider hiring Candy again.

Since that day, Candy had often gone to Pony's Hill alone. No one dared to disturb her knowing that hill had always been her favorite refuge. Her foster mothers could see that she had obviously lost her vivacity and cheerfulness, but neither of them pushed her to open up.

On the day she would leave for the Nursing School, she went up Pony's Hill once more around sunrise, and she didn't know that Jimmy was following her. From afar, Jimmy perceived that she just stood there, apparently not admiring the spectacular view. As a matter of fact, her face took on the look of a lost fawn, and he could no longer keep his mouth shut. A loud gasp came from her throat as he landed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Candy," he uttered as he turned her around to face him, noting her pallid features and her bloodshot eyes while she struggled to avert her gaze. "You need to let it out. I promise not to tell anyone, not even Miss Pony or Sister Lane."

She bit the inside of her cheek, uncertain what to say. How was Jimmy supposed to know that she pined for Albert so much now that she had hard time breathing, as though some invisible large hands were squeezing her around her middle? Albert had been here with her a week ago, watching sunrise together at the same spot. She had not only lost her fiancé but also her best friend and his unflagging support. Whenever she thought of her future without him, she couldn't keep the desolate feeling from swelling inside her, forming a hard knot in her stomach.

Jimmy was too young to handle this. To see Candy suffering so evidently, in solitude, was enough to make him pull her into a hug, attempting to console her. Yet he was fully aware that only the presence of a certain someone could give her the comfort she desperately needed right now. Hence, Jimmy responded in a sorrowful tone, "I'm sorry... please... how can I help?"

She shook her head wistfully and gently untangled herself from him. With a huge effort, she pushed her longings about Albert away, strolling down the hill by herself. These thoughts won't do me any good, and hopefully I can move on when I start working again...

=o=o=o=

The principal of Mary Jane Nursing School was peering at Candy with great intensity. The blond girl could feel heat suffusing her face.

"Dr. Leonard from St. Joanna sent me a letter a while ago justifying why they had to fire you, Candy. In the letter he criticized your conduct, do you know?" she finally spoke, her expression stern as usual.

Her direct question made Candy want to shrink with embarrassment, but she forced herself to meet the principal's eyes, answering in a firm voice, "I have not done anything inappropriate. All I wanted was to take care of my friend, who suffered from amnesia."

The principal continued to scrutinize her face for a long moment, and then she breathed out a puff of air through her nose. "I believe you."

The young lady's eyes brightened up immediately, and the principal added, "I actually got a letter from Pony just yesterday. She implored on your behalf and asked me to hire you again. She assured that your patient was a gentleman."

The memories of their times together in that apartment hit her full on, reminding her of everything she had buried in the back of her mind. Just when she reached a fretful hand to her face, the principal remarked, "One of the nurses had resigned and just left for Chicago on Sunday. Her bed is available for you in the dormitory. When are you ready to start?"

The blond girl couldn't have responded faster, "Anytime!"

While the principal lifted her eyebrow dubiously, Candy promised, "I'll do my best!"

"I have no doubt of your devotion," she explained, "but don't you need to check with your fiancé first? Pony said in her letter that you two were getting married. Is that right?"

Candy's countenance changed, but she diverted her eyes to the principal's desk and managed to reply in a murmur, "It should be fine."

Candy didn't want to explain at this moment, and when someone rapped on the door to the principal office, she felt relieved.

"Come in!" said the principal.

A young nurse whom Candy couldn't recognize entered and gave Candy a polite nod. Then she talked to the principal about a patient in the hospital. It sounded urgent, so the principal said to Candy, "I have to go now, Candy. If you like, you can move in today. Have a good rest tonight and come to see me tomorrow first thing in the morning."

Candy made a bow in reverence and gratitude. "Yes, madam!"

The principal then asked the young nurse to show Candy her room in the dormitory. "She will take Charlotte's room."

Candy believed this Charlotte was the one she knew. At any rate, she was pleased to have a fresh start. While unpacking her belongings in her room, she accidentally dropped a big envelope, which contained a bunch of portraits Anna had given her. When leaving her apartment in a rush around dawn on Sunday morning, Candy had had inner struggles of whether to bring these drawings with her or not. She had removed them from her suitcase but at the last minute she had changed her mind, putting them back because she had thought these drawings might give her the solace later. Her time with Albert had been indelible after all.

Meanwhile, she couldn't help re-reading his last letter to her once more, and she promised herself not to read it again after this. Then, while sifting through each portrait one by one, she told 'Albert' that she was doing well and asked him not to worry about her. At the same time, with tears streaming down her cheeks, she prayed that he would get used to his original life as a rich guy with the authority to order people around.

She plopped down on her bed with a small huff, wiping her tears with her hands. She knew it all too well that wasn't the same man she was familiar with. Come on, Candy, cheer up. Time can heal all wounds...

Indeed, time had passed by so fast, and it had been close to three weeks since Candy had left Chicago. Even though she had worked in this hospital before, most nurses didn't know her because she had gone last August. Not only that, the nurses who had graduated here might now work in other hospitals. Unfortunately, there were some who recognized her; and they had heard of the rumors from St. Joanna. While they hadn't been rude to her face, there were always a lot of murmurs whenever she walked past them. Yet the blond nurse was able to laugh it off, and she did her work as best she could.

She still missed Albert and dreamed of him frequently, but she didn't burst into tears over nothing anymore. Unlike her previous roommate, her current one, Molly, was a pleasant girl one year younger than her. Molly was like herself a year ago, a nurse student with brown curly hair so eager to learn and friendly to all people around her. More importantly, she didn't mind Candy stay up late to write in her journal, the one she had started when she had begun her relationship with Albert. It was the only time when she could be true to her own feelings.

Tonight, she wrote,

'... I am slightly happier lately. Considering the loneliness I still feel, it may not have been much of a progress, but work has indeed kept my mind occupied. I try not to think about Albert. Although every time I remember him, I will pray for him...
… Albert, how are you doing? I wish you well...
Sometimes I still wonder if we would get married if I had not known your true identity, but I shove the speculation from my mind, reminding myself that it doesn't help if I keep imagining the impossible...'

Her resolve to start over and make a new beginning was as steadfast as it had been, and when she finished writing, she switched off her desk lamp and went to bed.

During her lunch break the next day, her roommate Molly joined her in the garden, bringing a magazine with her. "Candy, have you read this yet?"

They were going to find a bench to sit down, and Candy casually took the magazine from her friend's hand. The title said, "Terrence Graham returns to Stratford Theatre!"

Candy felt relieved and glad. But why does the cover photo show that his arm was supported by a sling?

Before she could flip through the pages, Molly abruptly clutched her arm and asked in a hurried voice, "Candy, do you know him?"

Candy thought she meant Terry, so she was taken aback. When she contemplated whether to tell Molly the truth or not, Molly uttered aloud, "He's really coming toward us, Candy. Oh gosh, look at his blue eyes! What a handsome man!"

Only then Candy lifted up her eyes. His wavy blond hair framed a pair of striking blue eyes, and he was smiling at her. She lost count of how many times she had dreamed of him, so she thought she must be hallucinating right now-that his face had somehow replaced another man's face. When he was near enough, he parted his mouth, showing the evenness of his white teeth.

"Candy," came a familiar voice.

At that, she dropped everything in her hands, including her lunch and the magazine.

=o=o=o=

Author's note:

Thank you for reading! I know some of you have been upset with Candy, but I am trying to keep her in character based on the manga and CCFS. For example, Candy returned to Pony's Home even though she knew she would miss Albert. In CCFS, she knew she had brought troubles to Albert because of her adoption, and at the grand opening of the hotel in Florida, she didn't want to stand next to him when taking a family picture. Obviously, it took Albert a lot of convincing to do. I will put my thoughts in my blog later about this. For your interest, you can find the link to my blog on my profile page. I have shared some of my drawings there as well.

I would love to hear from you. Your feedback is very much appreciated, and please feel free to write in a language of your choice. Thank you!