AN UNFORGETTABLE LOVE
By Mallory Quinn
Chapter 6
"Shattered dreams"
Six months later, on July 7th, Candy was finishing her last day of work at Chicago's General Hospital. She had asked for a transfer to New York's General Hospital. She was ready to go. Her little group of friends, Annie, Archie, Albert, Patty were waiting for her at the Andrew Manor. Miss Pony and Sister Maria came with the children to say goodbye to their "boss". Her suitcases were ready and Annie will send her the rest of her stuff later. Albert insisted to go with her to New York; he wanted to make sure that everything would be all right for her. Maybe he was secretly hoping that Terry would not show up. He arranged for a small apartment for her to live until she gets settle. He wanted to offer to live in the Andrew Manor they had in Mew York, but he knew she would refuse. She liked her independence too much.
- Well Candy, it seems like you are living us for good this time, said Archie.
- It seems so. But I'm not going that far. New York is almost next door, said Candy
- You'll come to see us? Asked Miss Pony.
- Of course! And you can come and see me too! Said Candy
Archie looked her in the eyes.
"She's so happy, he thought to himself I hope her deserves her."
- You have to call us everyday, Patty said.
- If you send me the money for the bill, why not? She joked.
- I think I would come to see you every week if I could, said Annie, Oh Candy, I'm going to miss you so much.
They went to the train station with Candy and Albert, so they could take the train going to New York. To a new start in life. There were cries, tears hugs and kisses. The train left and Candy left to be with Terry.
Annie had just put her children to bed. She went to the living room where Archie was sitting. He was in a bad mood ever since the came back from the train station, and Annie had noticed. She knew her husband had a crush on Candy. But Candy saw him only as a friend. To see Candy with Albert was a little normal for him, since her was his uncle and the head of the family. But to know that she was in love with that actor…
- Is everything ok, Archie?
- Are you sure that Candy is going to be all right? That it's not just an illusion?
- Dear, Candy is old enough to know what she's doing. She's sure about hers and Terry's feelings.
- Terry? You call him "Terry" too?
- Come on! That's how Candy calls him!
- I don't understand how she could dump Albert for …for…
- …the love of her life? Look Archie, Candy has always been there for us, especially when we needed her. She always thinks of others before thinking of herself. She met someone and she fell in love with him. Did you want her to continue with Albert, when her heart was with someone else? Candy is the most honest person I know. She couldn't do that to Albert.
- What if that actor doesn't come? You told me they made their appointment 6 months ago…
- She'll cross that bridge when she gets there. Candy trusts their love.
- But…
- Archie, darling. It's not very fun to hear your husband talk about another woman, even if it's my "sister" and best friend.
- Forgive-me, my dear he said taking her to kiss her. The kids are asleep?
- Mmmm.
- There will be no interruption then, he said kissing her in the ear.
- No…
Archie kissed his wife who kissed him back.
New York, July 8th, 8 am. Terrence Grandchester woke up and got ready for an appointment he made 6 months ago. He actually was quite impatient about it. He's finally going to see her, he'll be able to hug her, kiss her, and be with her. He didn't go to the theatre that day, he had asked to director for a day off. His mother had called the night before to ask him if his feelings hadn't change. He assured her that they were stronger than ever and that he couldn't live without Candy.
Mrs. Henderson saw that her boss was twice as happy these last couple of days. She was glad that Susanna wasn't in her boss' personal life anymore; she knew he wasn't in love with her. She was secretly blessing the woman who opened his eyes to love. It would have been a mistake to marry Susanna.
Terry went to the art gallery to sell a few paintings. He had sold a lot of paintings in the last months. Candy was his muse, his inspiration.
He ran some errands. He bought a big bouquet of white roses, and an engagement ring. He passed by his mother's apartment to say hello and went home to get ready. It was almost 5 pm. He went to the Empire State Building, and took the elevator to the roof.
Candy was getting settle in the small apartment Albert had arranged for her. She didn't want to unpack her stuff too much, because she knew she was going to go live with Terry soon. She took a shower and got dressed. She went shopping with Albert who insisted in buying her a few clothes.
- After all, I'm your adoptive father, he said.
- It's almost 5 pm, Albert. I've got to go. Can you get the clothes delivered to my place, please? Thank you for everything
She started going to look for a taxi.
- The Empire State is on the other side, he said.
- Oh, my God, I'm distracted. Thanks Albert!
She stopped a taxi and got in.
- The Empire State Building, she said to the driver.
- Ok, my little lady! Said the driver.
The cab took her to the said destination. It was peek hours, there was a lot of traffic, the taxi was moving very slowly. Candy was getting more and more impatient.
"Quickly, quickly she said to herself. It's almost 5pm. I'm going to meet my future husband, whom I love with all my heart."
The taxi stopped at a block from the Empire State Building because of the traffic jam. Candy decided to get off the taxi, she couldn't take it anymore.
- Stop, please, I'll get off here.
- Ok. My little lady, the driver said as he stopped. That will be 3 $.
Candy gave him a 20 $ bill.
- Keep the change! Said Candy
- Wow, thank you little lady!
- I'm getting married she said, getting off the car.
- Congratulations! Little lady, your fiancé is very lucky!
- Thank you.
Candy almost ran towards the Empire State Building. She looked up and saw the tall building, crossed the street running. She didn't see the car that was coming fast and brutally ran her over! The taxi driver heard the sound of the brakes and people screaming, he got out of his car to see what was happening. He saw his "little lady" lying on the street, ran down by a car. She was bleeding at the head, she was unconscious.
- Call an ambulance! A man said.
Mean while, Terry was on the top of the Empire State Building, a few meters from there, not knowing the tragedy that had just happened. He was looking at every person that was coming out of the elevator. 5:30 pm, no one. 6 pm, Candy was still not there. 6:30 pm, it started to rain hard, there was a storm with thunder and lighting. He waited until midnight, until the building closed their doors to visitors.
Terry was completely depressed. She didn't come! She didn't love him anymore? How could he have made a mistake like that? He knew there was a chance she wouldn't show up, but he trusted their love so much that he didn't even consider that possibility.
He went back home completely discouraged. His life made no more sense. Just a few hours ago, he was so happy that he was going to see her again and they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. But now, nothing! They had to respect their agreement. He won't try to know what happened to her. Even though he was dying to move heaven and earth to find her and to ask her what happened.
"
Oh, Candy, my love, why didn't you come? What happened? How would I live without you? Those last six months, it was the fact that I was going to see you that gave me the courage to live without you, he said, talking to himself."
He was sitting on his bed. Tears were coming out of his eyes. He had lost the love of his life, because she didn't love him anymore he thought, she never loved him. He didn't know that at the same time, his beloved was crying because she missed their meeting.
Meanwhile, in the hospital Albert, Annie, Archie and Patty were waiting in the hall way. Albert had called them as soon as the hospital contacted him finding his number in Candy's purse. They've called Albert in Chicago and they got Albert's New York number. He went to the hospital as fast as possible. Archie and the others had arrived very late that night. They went straight to the hospital without passing at the Andrew Manor in New York.
- Albert, what happened? Asked Annie.
- She was run down by a car….
- But how? Asked Archie
- But her meeting…said Patty
- It was not far from the Empire State Building, Albert said, maybe he didn't show up…
- You think that she was so upset she wasn't watching where she was going? Annie asked. Oh my God!
- That bastard ! Yelled Archie.
- Let's not jump to conclusions, said Patty, let's wait and hear what Candy has to say.
The doctor that was looking after Candy was walking towards them.
- Mr. Andrew? He called. You can go and see her, she's regained consciousness. But not for too long. She needs her rest.
- Thank you, doctor.
They all entered Candy's room. Her eyes were closed and she had a bandage on her head. She was pale.
- Candy? Annie said softly.
Candy slowly opened her eyes with difficulty.
- Wh…where… a …am I? She asked, why… is my head so heavy?
- You're in the hospital, darling, you had an accident, said Annie.
- An accident… what accident? She asked still feeling the effect of the pain killers.
She didn't understand what her friend was telling her.
- I had to go to New Yo…no I'm already in New York, I had to go to my meeting and….
Her face became paler. The memory came back to her, she missed the meeting of her life !
"Oh my God, Terry! She thought to herself, he must think that I didn't want to be with him."
- Annie, Terry, oh my God Terry! She said crying, he doesn't know, he thinks I abandoned him!…. Terry, Terry, I need Terry! I missed the meeting! The most important meeting of my life! Annie, I won't see him again! Oh Annie, I love him so much! Terry oh Terry! I got to get up and go see him go see him…what's happening? Why, why aren't my legs moving? I…I can't feel my legs! I'm paralyzed! Annie, I can't walk! Oh my God! Oh my God!
- Candy you've got to calm down, please, all this agitation is not good for you! Archie, Albert, get the doctor or a nurse.
Candy was not listening. She was almost hysterical. She didn't even realize the others were there.
- Terry, Terry, she repeated, I need Terry! Terry my love, I love you, I was there, and I was almost there!
And she continued crying and calling him.
The doctor came and gave her a sedative, which calmed her almost instantly and she fell deep asleep.
An atmosphere of sadness was in the room all of a sudden. Annie and Patty were crying. Archie wasn't saying anything and was starring outside the window. For Albert, Candy's crisis, brought reality crashing back to him. Candy was really very in love with her actor. Every one of Candy's words was like sharp objects piercing his heart.
The news of Candy's accident had saddened all her friends and close friends. Miss Pony and Sister Maria, had to calm the children at the Pony house, they wanted to go visit their "boss" and cheer her up. Candy was inconsolable for weeks. She, who was usually a ray of sunshine for everybody, needed some of that ray herself, to warm up her depressed heart. She'll cry herself to sleep every single night. She was paralyzed and she'd lost Terry, the love of her life. The doctors had told her that her paralysis was temporary. She should be able to walk soon. But Candy didn't feel anything. She was discouraged and wasn't doing any efforts either physically or morally.
Albert decided to bring her close friends, so they could give her a little courage. Miss Pony, Sister Maria and the children took the trip to New York to cheer her up. They met Flammy at the train station and they did trip together. Little Rosemary was as upset to hear the news as the others. She begged her mother to give her permission to go see Candy. Eliza finally accepted just so her daughter will stop bothering her. So she went with Albert and the others.
When they got to the hospital, Candy was in the garden, outside. Her eyes lit up when she saw everybody.
- You all came to see me! She said unable to continue being sad in front of all her friends.
- Hi "boss", said the kids from the Pony house.
- Hello Candy, said Sister Maria.
- How are you little one? Asked Miss Pony.
- Candy! Said Rosemary jumping to her neck, I was so worried about you!
Candy was speechless; she had tears in her eyes. All the love her friends felt for her warmed her heart. Life was going on. It couldn't stop there because of an accident.
- Candy, Flammy said, I'm sorry for what happened to you. All the patients that know you were asking where you went. They miss your smiles and you warmth. They were all sorry to ear about your accident, and they're sending their wishes for a prompt re-establishment on this card.
She gave her a card with lots of signatures and nice words from her patients. And she continued talking.
- I know I wasn't your biggest fan when we first started. I thought you were wasting your time in nursing school. But through the years, I've seen that you were a qualified nurse, not for your competence, that you have anyway, but for your joy of life that you communicate to your patients. Believe me; all your patients miss you! I hope you have someone as warm as you to encourage you in this moment of distress. Have courage, Candy. We're all thinking about you, in our prayers.
- Thank you, Flammy; thank you all so much, said Candy.
- Candy, you were always the patients' favorites, because of your joy of life, we could only do the same to you, said Miss Pony.
- You need to have courage, Candy, said Sister Maria, I pray for you every day. The Lord has a wonderful plan for each and every one of us.
- Thank you to all of your for your support! She said with a little smile and tears of joy coming down her cheeks.
The visit continued and the children cheered her up by telling her stories about themselves, all their latest gags and by singing songs. Candy forgot about her problems during the visit. When everybody left, she felt better. She read the card her ex-patients sent her, all those nice encouraging words, made her shed a tear of joy. Little by little she was accepting her situation. She was sad to have missed Terry. In the beginnings she refused to eat because she was so mad at herself. How could she have crossed the street without looking? She was looking at the building, she knew she wouldn't see Terry, it was too far, but she looked by reflex, he was there, she felt it. She started a re-education program. It was very hard and very painful, but Candy was determined to walk. She had to walk for Terry. She wanted to explain to him that she had a very good reason to have stood him up, but she had to walk first. The doctors had told her that it would take months for her to walk. She still didn't feel anything in her legs.
Albert wanted to take her back to Chicago to take care of her. But Candy refused. She wanted to stay in New York, even though her plans didn't go through, she decided to live there. Albert decided to look for another apartment, on the ground floor. It was a little bigger so she could move with her wheel chair. And a nurse came to help her everyday with her exercises. Annie, who came to see her almost every week, one day, she had a very good news to tell her one day.
- Candy, I'm pregnant!
- Congratulations, dear. Is Archie happy? When are you due?
- Yes, he's happy and it's for the end of March.
- That's wonderful!
- Candy, don't you think you should contact Terry? To tell him at least what happened. I'm sure he'll understand.
- No, Annie. I don't want him to feel obligate to be with me because of my paralysis. There's a possibility that he didn't come…
- You don't believe that Candy….
- No, but it's a possibility I have to consider, and if that's the case, I'll only humiliate myself in front of him. I have to walk, so that if he didn't show…..
- …he won't pity you? But Candy, if he loves you as much as you love him, I'm sure he'll understand.
- Please, Annie, let's talk about something else, it hurts too much.
- Ok. I'm sorry. You still love him as much as before?
- I can't stop thinking about him. I didn't know you could love someone this much. Ok, that's enough! Let's really talk about something else. So, you want a boy or a girl this time ?
- I want a healthy baby. But Archie wants a boy so he can name him after Alistair.
- I hope he'll be happy no matter the result.
The hospital where Candy had been transferred offered her a position taking care of special sick children. Life was going on, without Terry. She couldn't stop thinking about him. He must've thought that she didn't love him anymore. Oh! If only he knew! She loved him with all the fibers of her body. But she didn't want him to see her in a wheel chair. She didn't want his pity. She wanted to walk before she could go see him; she was there, she wanted to explain herself, but she had to walk first.