Like a Greek Tragedy
Part 44, by Annie Brighton
Albert was convinced of one thing: Candy and Anthony must be alone together for their
reunion. At least for a moment. And above all he wanted to prevent Elroy and, even worse, the Reagans from being there even accidentally. He was also thinking that Christmas Eve was the right moment. A few days ago he had put Georges in charge of arranging his little house in the wood. And, of course, then a big Christmas tree must be trimmed with nice decorations and so on…and a Christmas Eve dinner must be prepared for a private Christmas Eve party.
He advised Elroy that Flammy and himself were going out for Christmas Eve, with Terry and Candy, Archibald and Annie, Patricia and Alistair.
He knew she was going to object. What about the traditional Christmas dinner? What about the Reagans who must come as usual? What about…
"The Reagans can come as usual, of course "Albert said "And they can stay here with you for Christmas Eve. That's all."
Elroy disagreed with him but she saw that it must be like that. He had decided and he was the head of the family. There was nothing she can do against this nonsense.
He then took Flammy aside.
"I am going to the Dreams "he explained"I will come back with Anthony and Caroline."He told her his plans for the evening. If she could go to the little house with Stair, Archie, Patty, Annie, Candy and Terry; before the arrival of the Reagans of course.
Of course she would do it.
They went for a ride and he showed her where the house was, explaining her the details of what he had planned for this reunion….Flammy completely agreed with him.That was the best thing to do…
They talked and walked on the forest path on their way back to the residence and they were happy,they were in love, they were partners, the evening would be wonderful….Really.
Albert took the car and drove to the Ranch.Even the winter sun was shining in spite of the season…And his heart was bursting with joy and gratitude…God was good and life was marvellous…
He arrived to the ranch.
The whole family was there.They welcomed him.
"Hello Albert!"
"Hello everybody! Happy to see you again."
He hugged Anthony and Caroline.
"I have come to take Anthony and Caroline along .If you still agree to let her spend some time with us of course,and if she wants to come…"
"Of course I want"Caroline exclaimed."It is so kind of you to offer me to come.I will ever be grateful to you for that. I want to help Anthony, I really want ,I…."
I will always love him .I want him to be happy .I will do my best to help him to remember his past life, his family and his love…
"Mom, Daddy, I can, can't I?" She asked hopefully and eagerly.
"Of course you can, darling" they answered.
She rushed into their arms.
"Mom, daddy, I love you so much"
She hugged her grandma and grandpa too.And they all embraced her.
Caroline dear, how we love you too…You are so gentle, so ready to help; you are our angel, our happiness, our life…
Albert talked a bit with them all and told them again he would hope they would be there the next afternoon for his marriage.Yes of course they would come.
Albert left with Anthony and Caroline.He explained to them his plans for the evening.
"My fiancée Flammy, your cousins and their fiancées will be there"he explained to Anthony. "And your sister and her fiancé will be present too.You didn't know neither him nor Flammy
but I am sure you will like them .They are kind and straightforward.Flammy and I have organized a Christmas Eve evening in a little house I have in the forest, not far from the Andrew residence."
Anthony nodded. He loved Albert and completely trusted him.
"I am sure you will like them too, Caroline"Albert added.
Caroline was sure of that too.
Albert went on:
"As it is Christmas tomorrow we will have to go to the residence after, for Christmas lunch. Your great aunt really loves you and it would be cruel to say nothing to her for Christmas"
Anthony thought of this great aunt he didn't remember with sympathy. Poor old woman! Of course he would love her too…
"However I must tell you that your other cousins will be at the manor.They are mean and will probably not be nice, as usual. But don't worry for that. I am here and I am the head of the family.And the others will be there too.Everything will be all right.I will see to it."
Anthony and Caroline listened to him with gratitude and love.He was really both kind and determined.
Albert continued:
"But before you must meet your sister .I told you who she is because, as I said, you will never remember that, you didn't know anything about it.And neither did we. I will announce it to the family for Christmas.But.you must remember her by yourself .And you must meet her alone first, because, you see, it will be a marvellous surprise for her to see you alive again. She loves you so much.She has arrived today with her fiancé .We had all been thinking for years that we would never see you again …That's why I told her nothing on the phone…"
Albert was so moved that he was silently crying saying that.
Anthony felt that his "sister"must be someone very important in his life.So he was moved too and he was looking forward to seeing her…
They had almost reached the residence .The night was starry ,the moon was shining softly and the lights he had put Georges in charge of placing were there, bringing mellow light into the gate of the manor and into the vase nearby; the vase with white Christmas roses…The setting was magnificent, magical…Just as he had wished.
He parked his car in the forest, not very far from the gate, but unseen from anyone, hidden by the trees and the relative darkness of the wood.
Stair's car was there, not far…Flammy had brought Candy here with his car, as Albert had asked her to. It would soon be midnight. But not at once, however...He had just the time needed to prepare Candy for a wonderful surprise, for a miracle.
He asked Caroline to stay in the car. Flammy would be there in a few minutes with her. She wouldn't be alone on this Christmas night…He explained to Anthony what he was expected to do as soon as Caroline would be safe with Flammy in the car.
Anthony felt how important it was, he felt Albert's emotion.And so did Caroiline They nodded and waited for Flammy in the car, saying nothing as they were asked to.They mustn't be seen and they mustn't be heard, they were completely understanding this…
Candy was in Stair's car with Flammy. She was wondering what she was doing there on Christmas Eve. At first they had all followed Flammy who had explained that Albert had planned a Chritmas Eve dinner. Stair, Archie, Patty and Annie had taken Stair's car following Terry's. Flammy had driven to the little house, and Candy had been so happy to see that the dinner would be in Albert's little house in the wood! She had really been filled with wonder at this sight.
They had entered the dear little house. Everything was wonderful and ready for Christmas Eve. It was marvellous. The Christmas tree seemed to say gently "Hello! Merry Christmas!" to them. The candles were shining softly…And a sumptuous dinner was served on the nice wooden table which was covered with a light green Christmas tablecloth and decorated with multicoloured garlands…and with some bunches of white Christmas roses.The fan-shaped napkins in the crystal glasses were matching the tablecloth…A dream setting.
However Albert wasn't there, and Flammy had explained that Candy must come with her. It was for a surprise especially for her and Albert would be waiting for them.
Candy wasn't understanding.Why not wait for Albert here? She looked at Terry.To leave him like that on Christmas Eve…It was weird…And she felt a bit guilty about the surprise…A surprise which didn't seem to include them all, and above all to include him….
Annie noticed her hesitation.
"It is a marvellous surprise, Candy" she said "And we all know about it. Except for Terry of course but that's only because you weren't there.You should go with Flammy, Candy .I can't tell you why and ruin the surprise but…"
There were tears in her eyes, and Candy also realized that everybody was so moved. Especially Archie and Stair who were on the verge of tears…
Terry understood that it must be something very important for all of them, and certainly especially for Candy herself.Whatever Albert may have planned tonight it must be for Candy's sake and happiness.
"Freckles, go on" he smiled to her "I trust Albert.He must have a nice surprise, especially for you for Christmas…"
She looked thankfully at him.Then she tenderly kissed him and followed Flammy outside.
"Albert would explain."Flammy had said. He could explain better than she could ever do.
"But it is really a miracle, Candy" she had just added.
She had parked Stair's car in the forest, not far from the gate.But they can't see it from where they were.
They saw Albert coming towards them. Flammy left Candy to join Caroline..
Albert sat in Stair's car, near Candy.
Candy felt how touched he was with every fibre of his being.She waited for him to talk.
"Candy…"he started.
"I have an incredible thing to tell you. It is a miracle, Candy…We will never thank God enough for it."
In spite of the darkness, the car being under the trees in the wood, Candy noticed he was going to cry…
"Albert…."
"Candy, you remember that awful day when Anthony…"
She shivered.Yes she would never forget .They were happy, they were sharing emotions, secrets and love, they were riding in a total ecstasy…Yes, bliss was really existing…when all of a sudden everything had been ruined forever…Despair would be there forever, a part of her own self was gone and would never come back…
"Anthony…"she was already crying, remembering his sudden fall, remembering again he would never be there again.
"Anthony…Why…"
"Candy…"She was hearing Albert's gentle voice as if it was unreal,coming from far, from so far….
"Candy, don't cry. What I mean is not that. I asked Flammy to bring you here tonight because there has been a miracle, Candy. Life can sometimes be too wonderful to seem true…."
Candy stared at Albert through her silent tears.
A miracle?
She kept hearing Albert's voice in the distance. Calm, gentle, soft…
"Candy…A miracle, yes…We all were sure Anthony was gone for ever…But I have just discovered that miracles exist Candy…And that's why you are here tonight …Dreams can become true, Candy…Anthony is not…Anthony is…"
Candy didn't dare to hope…Could Albert meant that…But even for Christmas some things are not possible, alas…Anthony couldn't be…
"Yes, Candy. You can hope and be grateful to God…You must believe that miracles really exist…."
"Anthony would be…"
She was looking at Albert and she was weeping deeply, praying God with all her soul that the dream may be true….
Albert was crying. He looked up at her.
"Yes, Candy, yes, Anthony is alive".
He stopped for a moment. She was so touched.
"Candy"he said "You see, we don't know how this may be possible.Anthony has lost his memory. And I discovered everything about it just a few days ago.I told him you were his sister and I told him it was important for him to know it because he never knew anything about it.And thus…
And thus he will never be able to remember …
Albert had guessed she had understood what he meant.
"Yes, he never knew. And neither did you.I told him for his sake and he understood I did that for him because he trusts me, he doesn't remember us but he feels our love for him and he loves us too…I went to see him with Archie, Annie and Stair the other day….He had been received in a nice ranch which happened to belong to Patricia's American unknown family….He was very happy there…He just couldn't remember …
Candy was still crying in Albert's arms now, like a child who comes alive again for real, like a child who believes in life, in God and in all the dreams, miracles or whatever that may exist on earth or in heaven…
"Tonight Candy, it is almost midnight and the dream is going to come true.Just go to the gate…"
The gate? The gate where …?
"Yes, just go to the gate, now Candy…"Albert gently helped her to get out of the car.He supported her, because her legs could no longer carry her. After a while she was able to use them again.
"Albert…."
He nodded.
"Yes, Candy. It's Christmas and everything is possible."
"Go on.You can do it"
Candy came out of the darkness of the forest and headed towards the gate of the residence.
The gate where she had first met him, the magnificent gate of a fairy-tale manor…for the little girl she was…A little girl who was crying so hard that day that she hadn't seen anything…Neither him nor the wonderful roses surrounding both the gate and the vase at the edge of which he was seated…But she had heard his gentle voice and she had seen him…
"Don't cry, little girl. You're much prettier when you laugh than when you cry"…
She looked up in the starry night. The moon was still there for them and the setting was magnificent, thanks to Albert who had thought of every single fairy detail…
But ...But…That's not what was wonderful…Bliss was coming from the miracle really coming true….There he was. Just like that marvellous day she had never forgotten…
She stopped for a moment, motionless, speechless…She just watched, lost in silent wonder…
"Anthony!"
She wanted to fly into his arms but her legs failed her and she fell down on the grass.
"Anthony!"
She was crying.
Anthony was there. Anthony was alive, Anthony she loved…
Anthony wanted to rush towards her to help her. And suddenly…
I remember that day…She was there crying , and I told her not to. I was so unhappy to see her crying. She was such a kind and nice little girl. And she was crying there, alone…desperate…I wanted to help her, I wanted to be her friend and to support her…I was loving her already……
Candy!
Anthony ran to help her up.
"Candy!"
She then flew into his arms, hugging him, silently crying.
"Anthony!"
He was hugging her too, crying also, as much as her.
"Candy!"
They were there, looking at each other with tears in their eyes. Bliss was there. Happiness existed…And so did miracles.
Yes, it was midnight and it was Christmas…And God was really there, that night…With them…And everywhere …
"Anthony!"
"Candy!"
And suddenly she realized how he had called her…
"Anthony"she asked eagerly "do you…."
"I had a flash, Candy. When you have fallen down crying just now. I remembered our first meeting here. I remembered a poor little girl crying in despair… I remembered you…I remembered us… I can't remember me….or my name…But I remember yours now."
Some memories rushed into his mind. His rides with Candy, the white rose he had created for her "Sweet Candy", their dance somewhere in a big mansion…What mansion? Where? When? He didn't know. But he remembered their mutual affection and love…
He told Candy about his flashes.
"That's wonderful, Anthony!"
"But I still can't remember who I am. I just remember you and some of the things we did…."
"You will remember, Anthony, don't worry…"
"Thanks, Candy"he replied gently "I remember that was what I used to say to you…"
He saw that she was so happy really, but a bit anxious.
"Don't worry, Candy" he gently said, I remembered what Albert told me the other day..."
Candy nodded, reassured for him, grateful to him to tell her about it.
"I am your brother and you are my sister, Candy. And I will never thank God enough for having reunited us at last. Because I remember how much I loved you, and I will always love you. I will always love my sister... I want you to be happy Candy, forever"
"And I thank God for being your brother, with all my soul. Otherwise I would have been unhappy forever. I would have accepted the situation for your sake. Because I love you and I sincerely would have been happy for you because I want you to be happy. It is my reason for living. However, even if I would have never told you about it, my life would have been completely destroyed without you if we hadn't been brother and sister. Whereas being your brother I am really happy…I will love my sister forever, my "sweet Candy," without ever being sad or desperate…Yes, the goodness of God is incommensurable…We are reunited, you will be happy with your fiancé, I am sure of it, you will be happy… and I feel so happy too, so grateful to God for being your brother…Candy…"
He had felt it necessity to reassure her, and he wasn't feeling guilty. Although he couldn't tell her what he had just realized, he was thinking what he had said. He loved her and he wanted her to be happy, that was the truth.
Candy hugged him again."I will always love you too, Anthony. I'm happy to be Rosemary's baby and I am proud to have you as a brother as."
"And above all"she added in tears "I thank God for this miracle. Because I thought I would never see you again, and a part of me died when I was sure of that…"
"I can't tell you why I was sure I would never see you again, Anthony. You must remember by yourself. Yet what I said was true. I told you the truth…Anthony!… how I wished you were there…And you are …You are alive…My Lord,thanks for your kindness ,thanks for everything…I will be grateful to you as long as I live…"
They embraced again under the starry night…
He gently picked up a white Christmas rose and offered it to her.
"For my sister I will always love and help against everything"he said kindly.
She took the white rose and put it in her fair hair.
"Thanks Anthony. I too, will love and help my brother forever".
They were alive again.They could hardly believe it but it was true. They were alive.
They came back to Albert's car. Albert was there with Flammy and Caroline and he had introduced them.Caroline had liked Flammy at once.She had kindly talked with her.And Flammy too thought Caroline must be a really nice person. Now the three of them were chatting merrily..
Albert introduced his fiancée to Anthony and Caroline to Candy.
"Anthony, this is Flammy, my fiancée. You didn't know her. Flammy, this is my nephew Anthony…"
Albert was on the verge of tears again.
"Candy, Caroline is Patricia's first cousin. Candy is my adoptive daughter."
"And much more than that. But I must announce it officially tomorrow. It must be an official declaration, the whole family must be present"…
Anthony didn't understand. However he was trusting Albert.So he didn't say anything.
Candy took him aside."Albert will annouce it officially at lunch"she said, explaining why to him.
They join the others and Candy told them about the flashes Anthony had just had.They were so glad for him.Flammy said she was sure that living at lakewood, surrounded with his family, he would soon remember everything.
"Flammy is a very qualified nurse.You can trust her with that"Candy exclaimed.
"So are you, Candy!" Flammy answered.
Albert suggested that it was time for them to join the others in the little house for Christmas Eve's dinner... Anthony, Caroline and Candy got into his car and Flammy drove Alistair's.
Meanwhile Stair explained to Terry what was happening.
"Terry," Stair exclaimed "You didn't know Anthony, but we were loved him. I had a flash about him, so I can tell you how much we loved him".
Terry was puzzled. Why was Alistair talking to him about Anthony? He couldn't know he was Candy's brother. Candy told to him that Albert would announce that officially the next day. However, Alistair was clever enough to have guessed his jealousy...And Alistair wasn't like his brother. He couldn't broach the suject to provoke him.So why?
Stair saw Terry's reaction. He went on kindly.
"I'm telling you that, Terry, because, you see, there was a miracle…"
" ?? "
"We were all sure Anthony had died.And we were very sad about it...But the other day…"
"The other day, what?"
"Albert has brought us to Caroline's ranch.Caroline is Patty's cousin, you know. And there our dream came true…Albert had just discovered that…"
There were tears in Stair's eyes.Terry noticed how moved he was.
"But Anthony couldn't possibly…"
"Yes, Terry, Albert had just discovered Anthony was alive."
"He couldn't tell her on the phone.So he thought what a marvellous surprise it would be for Candy for Christmas.They are going to come back aftter midnight with Anthony and Patty's cousin."
Terry said nothing. However Alistair understood he was happy for Candy. He was relieved. Terry had reacted as he had hoped him to …
Everybody seemed as relieved as Stair was.
Terry noticed that obvious fact.
"I can't be jealous of your brother, Freckles …Otherwise I would have been. May God forgive me. I couldn't have prevented myself from being deeply jealous of him…"
The atmosphere became less tense at once and soon, it was quite relaxed.
Annie played the piano all for them. And then they danced waltzs and quadrilles…winding up the gramophone in turn.They would have Christmas Eve dinner later, of course, with the others…They were all merry and happy…
Meanwhile Albert, Flammy, Caroline, Anthony and Candy had almost reached the little house.They heard music in the distance. It was a quadrille. Stair, Archie, Patty and Annie must dance together. Albert had asked Georges to bring a gramophone with a pile of records. And also, of course, a piano and scores.
They parked, got out of the cars and entered the dear little house.
The dancers stopped their quadrille and Terry stopped winding up the gramophone.
Archie and Stair hugged Anthony. Patricia embraced her first cousin.Annie smiled to Candy, happy to see her again…
Albert introduced Caroline and Anthony to Terry.
"Terry, this is Caroline, Patricia's cousin, and this is Anthony, my nephew".
"Anthony, Caroline, this is Candy's fiancé, Terry".
"Hello" Caroline exclaimed kindly.
"Hello" Anthony said gently.
He wanted to say "I am happy to meet my sister's fiancé" but it was impossible tonight.
Caroline smiled to Terry. So did Anthony.
"Hello" Terry answered them both. He couldn't smile to them. He didn't know them…Later on perhaps…
Even tomorrow he won't be able to admit that he would have been jealous of him if he hadn't known.
However Anthony seemed to guess what wasn't said to him. He couldn't remember who he was but he felt things, he had always been so sensitive…He felt Terrence had been really jealous of him in the past …He also guessed Terrence must know now…Candy must have told him.
"I hope we will be able to be friends Terry, for Candy's sake and happiness."
The Christmas Eve party went on with the dinner. Then they danced and Annie played the piano again.
They were happy, bliss was there for ever for Candy and Anthony at last reunited. What a marvellous Christmas Eve! Life was wonderful and God was really so good…Everyone here was feeling deeply the importance and the extent of this miracle.
Apart from Anthony who didn't remember them, all of them knew that in a few hours, in the morning, the fight with the Reagans couldn't be avoided .But that night they couldn't care less.
They were just happy.
And also tomorrow would still be a beautiful day. Christmas remains Christmas, and in the afternoon Albert and Flammy would marry…Yes, in spite of the Reagans, it would be a beautiful and magic day too…That's how it had to be anyway… Yes, indeed!
