SO WE COULD BE TOGETHER…
Chapter 10
"My sister dearest…."
When Candy was free in the beginning of the evening she went to see Georgie. She went to the Grey Manor and asked to see Georgie. She arrived and greeted her with a big smile.
- Candy!
Candy hugged her a little longer than usual. Georgie notices her emotion.
- Are you ok, Candy?
- Georgie, thank you again for saving me.
- You're very welcome. The pleasure is all mine. Were you able to see you husband?
Candy told her what happened the night before, how she almost missed Terry.
- Hum this Susanna… started Georgie
- I know, she must be in love with Terry
- She practically did everything to stop you from seeing Terry… I hope she stops there… anyway!
While they were talking, they were walking toward one the many living rooms of the manor. They sat down next to each other.
- Where's Laurent? Asked Candy
- He went out, he'll be back in a little while
- I have something to tell you, it's pretty important
- You can't be pregnant, or at least know about it already said Georgie, you puzzle me…
Candy had a nervous laugh. She started telling her about what had happened with Mr. Macgregor, the visit to the Pony house and finally the bracelet.
- A bracelet? Asked Georgie softly, like she was afraid to talk
- Yes, said Candy and not any bracelet…
While saying that, she took out the bracelet from her purse and Georgie screamed with surprise.
- Oh my God, Candy! She said with tears in her eyes, it's identical to mine !
Candy nodded.
- It was in your basket, so it means…
- …that we are sisters ? Said Candy a little worry
As a response, Georgie hugged her and started crying. Candy started crying too. They remained that way for a while.
- Did somebody died? Said Laurent's voice
The two young girls turned their head without letting each other go. Their faces were wet with tears. They laughed in the middle of tears.
- Georgie? Candy? Laurent asked not getting it
- Oh Laurent said Georgie a wonderful thing just happened…
- Wonderful? And you're crying?
- It's from joy assured Candy
They told him what had happened, until the final conclusion. Laurent was stunned. He suspected that Candy and Georgie might be sisters, but to get the proof with the bracelet was more than he could hope for. He hugged Georgie than Candy.
- I'm very happy for the both of you. Did you tell Terry? He asked Candy
- Yes and he couldn't believe his ears either
- Now all you have to do is wait for the return of your parents
- Well said Candy, I wanted to talk to you about that. My training period at the hospital is almost over. I can go live at the Andrew mansion, but I'd rather have my own apartment. And in case Terry comes to visit, it will be easier to be together, than at the mansion. Georgie what would you say if I ask you to come and live with me, for a while, so we can make up for lost time? At least until I leave for New York to be with Terry.
Georgie looked at Laurent and he nodded.
- I can't stop you from being with your sister
- Thank you Laurent said Georgie
- You have money to leave alone?
- Terry left me some money and I will be earning a salary soon
- I have a salary too said Georgie. It's perfect.
- How can I fight with two minds so independent? You're going to let me at least find you a decent apartment?
- Not too expensive and not too luxurious either said Candy
- Ok he said, I'll do my best.
- I'm not working tomorrow said Candy, do you want to come with me at the Pony House? I will like you to see where I grew up
- Ok said Georgie
- I'll come and pick you up in the morning around 10 o'clock
- Do you want to have diner with us? Asked Laurent
- Say yes please, sister…
- Ok, say Candy
They had diner with Laurent's family. After diner, Candy went to the Andrew mansion to talk to Stear and Archie. She found them with Annie and Patty.
- Candy said Annie, what a nice surprise!
- Are you going to spend the night? Asked Archie, this mansion is also yours…
- No, I have to get back to the hospital, but I have something to tell you. You all know Georgie?
- The girl that comes from Australia said Stear
- And that looks like you said Annie, yes we saw her in London when she took you place…
- And at the theatre and the reception the other night
- Yes, what I haven't told you, it's how we met…
She told them how Terry had bought the bracelet for her at the flea market, how Laurent mistook her for Georgie, how Terry mistook Georgie for Candy and the reunion at the ball.
- I gave the bracelet to Georgie, since it was hers anyway, and the only link to her real mother. Her research brought her here in Chicago. Her parents are abroad, she's waiting for them to come back.
She told them the story of Mr. McGregor, the visit to the Pony House and the bracelet.
- You're sure it's the same? Ask Annie
- I just came from Georgie's. They're identical said Candy
- So it means that Georgie and you are… said Archie
- …sisters ! Said Patty
- Oh Candy that's wonderful said Annie
- That's why you look alike so much! Said Archie
- So if she finds her parents… said Candy
- Oh my God Candy, said Stear that's great!
She took Annie on the side.
- Are you ok with this? It doesn't bother you…?
- That's really you Candy, worrying about me, instead of being happy! Candy, you'll always be my sister. I'm very happy for you!
- Thanks Annie. I'm going to the Pony House tomorrow with Georgie; you want to come with us?
- I'm not going to bother you?
- Georgie and I are going to live together in a few days, we'll have all the time in the world to be together
- Ok. I'll see if Patty wants to come with us too. I wanted to ask you…
Patty arrived at that moment.
- For you and Terry… you were together in London…
Candy blushed. She couldn't tell them about her marriage her passionate nights with Terry. It was still a secret.
- Well, we had separate rooms…
- And on the boat? Asked Patty
- Euh I was with Georgie she lied
- Oh said Annie, Terry and you have plans?
- He asked me to marry him at the ball…
- WHAT ? Cried Annie, and you're just telling us now? You little secretive!
- I suppose that you said yes, add Patty
- Where's the ring? Asked Annie
- In my stuff, I don't want to ruined it at the hospital
- But Candy, Why did you hide it from us?
Having a secret marriage, made her forget all the rest.
- Annie it's not official yet, Terry's father wants him to marry the daughter of one of his associates, a certain Elizabeth Barrington…
- An arranged marriage, that's still exist?
- More than you think! He, wants to marry me. So he wants to become independent and provide for himself so we could get married. You have to promise not to say anything. Please, can you keep my secret ?
- Sure Candy said Patty, you can count on us
- Did you see this Elizabeth asked Annie
- I saw her at the ball with Terry's brother…
- Terry's brother? Asked Patty
- Yes, Richard Jr
She narrated them what happened at the ball and at the theatre.
- He's a snotty-nosed kid! Said Patty
They all started laughing. Stear took her back to the hospital with his car. Candy hardly slept that night. All those emotions were keeping her awake. Stear came to pick her up in the morning around 9 o'clock. They went to the manor pick Annie and Patty who spend the night there. Neil and Eliza were there too.
- Stear can you take me to the store? I have to buy a new dress…
- I'm sorry said Stear, I'm taking Candy to the train station
- This stable girl has precedence over me…
- But Eliza said Archie, the stable girl made the Prince of Liege walk literally …
- Because of you of course… If you hadn't set that trap…said Stear
- Her grade has increase because of your jealousy said Archie
Candy couldn't miss this opportunity.
- Thank you Eliza, thanks with all my heart. Because of you, I found Terry, I went to the ball and open the dance with a Prince… your gesture was very generous…
- OH SHUT UP ! She said getting out of the room.
- I'm sorry said Candy, it was irresistible …
- Don't apologize, said Stear, it was long overdue!
Annie and Patty arrived and they went to pick up Georgie and Laurent and went to the train station. The whole Pony House was waiting for them, two old boarders and two new friends.
- Everybody, this is Patty and Georgie said Candy
- Hello said Miss Pony. Wow Georgie, you look a lot like our Candy… and your bracelets, identical!
- Do you how to climb trees like our boss?
- Yes said Georgie, I was a real tomboy, too!
- Impossible said Sister Maria, I wish I could've had you both!
- It's great that you found each other said Miss Pony.
Georgie and Patty were adapting quickly to the children. Candy and Annie were glad to be back in their old house. They spend a memorable day, full of games and laughs. Candy took Georgie to see her "Pony hill".
- This is where I come when I'm feeling good or when I'm feeling bad. I shared it with Terry, the man I love, my husband. He told me that love is not looking at each other, but looking together in the same direction. You don't know what it does to me to have found you, my sister… or you do. I'm not alone in the world anymore! I have a sister! I love you Georgie !
- I grew up in a family that took me in. They never officially adopted me. The father and the boys loved me, but the mother was always treating me coldly. It got worse when my father died saving my life. My two brothers loved me a lot, to the disarray of their mother. I think she died of a broken heart. But now I know I'm not alone anymore, I found my sister. It's a miracle! I felt close to you since the moment I met you. It probably was the voice of blood… I love you Candy.
They hugged each other. Georgie was looking at their identical bracelets.
- Matilda the Brydon's cook said that Roxanne had three bracelets like this one. You have one, I have one, she must have the third one
- It's going to be a sign that it's maybe our mother said Candy, do you know when she's coming back?
- In a few months. With everything that's happening in Europe, I hope they'll come back in one piece…
- You have to be optimist Georgie, we found each other, we will find them. Life is finally smiling at us. Soon I'll be with Terry and you with Laurent and we'll finally have a mother and a father.
- What if she doesn't want us? She abandoned us after all…
- If we get our generous nature from her, she's going to be glad to see us, you'll see. Then again, who wouldn't want two pretty girls like us?
They started laughing and went back to the pony house join the others.
- So sisters said Miss Pony, are you ok?
- I was showing her my Pony hill said Candy
At the hospital, there was a new patient. It was an old lady who came for a little operation. The old lady was very grouchy, she was never happy and was complaining about all the nurses. When Candy came to work, the doctor called her.
- Miss Andrew! You're back!
- Yes doctor. Can I do something for you ?
- Yes, you're "Little Mary Sunshine" and I mean it in a good way, I need you to some rub off on someone…
- Rub….?
- Yes, there's a new patient, an old lady who's really grouchy…I would like you to personally take care of her
- Ok, what's her room number?
- Room 312, Mrs Madeline Thorpe. She's here for an operation. Thank you Miss Andrew
- Don't thank me, doctor, it's my job
Candy went to room 312 and entered. The room was dark and murky. The windows and the curtains were closed.
- It's dark in here said Candy, there's a nice sun outside
She went to the windows and open the curtains, letting that way the sun come into the window.
- But who? Started the old lady
- Good morning, my name is Candice White Andrew, you can call me Candy. I'm your nurse starting today
- How dare you open my curtains? Close them at once!
- You wouldn't want to stay in the dark complaining… look at the nice sun! Come on your ill, but you're still alive. Think about all the people that died today. You're lucky to be alive and in the hospital to get well thus you're staying alive. Why not smile? Let's see what we have to do today.
Saying that, she had her most beautiful smile. She started taking care of the old lady who wasn't saying anything but she was obeying. She had stopped complaining. The doctors were glad and congratulated Candy.
Candy had a day off and was not at work. She took advantage of her free time to moved into the apartment Laurent had found for her and Georgie. The two sisters were having so much fun during the move; their friends couldn't believe it.
- I've never seen two young girls as happy as you two said Laurent The jolly sisters
The "jolly sisters" continued laughing. They spend a nice day and a nice evening, talking laughing and fix the apartment. Annie and Patty stayed late to help them finish. Laurent Stear and Archie were there mainly to carry furniture. Laurent had a phone install despite the two young girls protests.
- I will feel better to know that you can contact me with a phone call
- Ok said Georgie, but don't bother us too much
- Candy that's great said Patty, we can call each other now
- And you can give the number to Terry so he check up on you regularly instead of waiting the letters said Laurent
- Yes, you're right said Candy, Oh, I'm so happy today!
When the two sisters were alone, Georgie asked Candy;
- You know where to call Terry or you have to write to him?
- I know where to get him. With everything that happened the last time, he gave me a number where I could join him
- Great, you can call him tomorrow to give him the number
The next day, when she got to the hospital, to work, the doctors had a sight of relief.
- Oh Candy said a nurse, Thank God you're here! Your patient is very upset. She wants nobody else
- Mrs. Thorpe? Said Candy surprised
- Where were you, Miss Andrew? Asked the doctor
- Euh… it was my day off
- Oh, ok. But please, take care of her…
Candy went to room 312 and you could hear the old lady saying;
- Get out of here! I want my nurse! Where's Candy?
- I'm here said Candy. Mrs Thorpe! What's with this kind of behaviour?
- Candy! Where were you? Asked Mrs.Thorpe, how could you abandoned me ?
- It was my day off said Candy, I have to rest too, don't I?
- Yes, but you should've told me…
- I'm sorry, the next time I will tell you. Come on let me take care of you now
- You're very sweet, you remind me of my Roxie
- Roxie?
- My grand-daughter… you have the same hair if my eyes are not mistaken
- Really? Mrs.Thorpe, promise me you won't make any problems the next time I'm not here?
- Ok, I promise to behave myself
When Candy got back to the apartment, she decided to call Terry to give him her phone number. The connection was made and she talked.
- Hello? Hello?
- Hello?
- Yes, hi!
- Hi!
- Can I speak with Terrence Grandchester please?
- Yes. Who's calling?
- Candy
- Candy? Hi! It's Mr. Hathaway. Are you al right?
- Yes, I'm fine.
- Wait, I'll get him for you.
After the fiasco the other night, Hathaway was nice to Candy. He was a little mad at Susanna for misguiding him. A few minutes later Candy heard;
- Hello? Freckles? How are you
- I'm fine my love, what about you? It's so good to hear your voice…
- I miss you so much… is there a problem?
- No, honey. I'm sorry; I didn't want to worry you. I'm calling to tell you that I'm living with Georgie now and we have a telephone
- A telephone? In the apartment?
- Yes, Laurent insisted
- Tell him I said Thank you, that's great! I'll have one installed in my apartment too. We'll be able to talk often. Let me get something to write on… no just give it to me, I will remember it.
- Are you sure? It would be better if you write it down…
- Candy, I will never forget the number that will allow me to hear your voice
She laughed and gave him the number.
- How's Georgie?
- She's not back from work yet
- Say hello to her from me. How is it between you two?
- Oh Terry, it's wonderful! She took the news pretty well that we might be sisters. She doesn't even doubt it!
- Are you leaving far from Laurent?
- No, we're renting a place in town not too far from where Laurent lives. He didn't want to be far from Georgie. I'll send you the address in my next letter. I have so much to tell you… it would be too long over the phone
- Ok. So let me hang up so you won't have to pay too much… The next time, I will call you.
- I love you
- I love you and good night
- Good night
She hung up the phone and felt happy and sad at the same time. She was happy to have talked to her beloved and sad that he's so far away. Georgie arrived at that moment.
- That was Terry?
- Hi! Yes…
- Hi! You miss him…hein?
- A lot. I hope I'll be with him soon…
A few days later, they bought a man that had been hurt in Europe in the hospital. The rumour said that he was a spy and that he'd been hurt in an explosion in Europe.
Candy was working in the emergency room that day and saw the man… It was Mr. Albert! But, how? She thought he was still in Africa. After he received the proper treatment for his condition, he was asleep in his room. When he woke up, a few hours later, Candy went to see him. He was standing and was looking at the window.
- Mr Albert? Mr. Albert?
He didn't respond. Candy approached him.
- Mr. Albert? Can you hear me?
- You're talking to me?
- Yes. Mr. Albert, it's me Candy…
- Albert? Is that my name? I don't remember anything…
- You have amnesia? Oh my God, that's awful! But most cases of amnesia are temporary. You'll get your memory back, you'll see!
- Yeah. Now can you leave me alone, please, I have to rest.
- Ok. I'll come back and see you tomorrow. Bye.
Albert didn't say anything. This nice young girl, so warm, he knew her? He couldn't remember anything and it was frustrating! The doctors told him not to force it. His memory will come back in due time. Time passed and Albert was better and had to leave the hospital. Since he still had amnesia, Candy offered him to come and live with her and Georgie.
- With you?
- Yes. I live with my sister. So when you get your memory back….
- And you trust me? You're not afraid?
- Mr. Albert, for now, I think I know you better than yourself…
Albert laughed.
- Yes, you're right.
- So it's settle. You're coming with me tonight after work…
Candy knew she had to talk to Georgie and especially to Terry. During lunch time, she went home to call Terry.
- Freckles?
- Hello Terry
- Are you ok?
- Yes. I have something to tell you
- Is there a problem?
- Mr. Albert was hurt and he's at the hospital where I'm working.
- Oh, is he all right?
- Yes and no
- What do you mean?
- Physically he's fine, but he lost his memory…
- My God!
- So, I'm bringing him here so he could live with us. Since he has no memory of himself
- WHAT!
- Terry please... Understand me. Mr. Albert always helped me when I needed it and you too, for that matter.
- Ok, you're right. That's my Candy, always thinking about others. Go ahead, do it.
- Thanks Honey. I have to go back to work. Bye, I love you.
- I love you. I'll talk to you later
She hung up. Georgie and Laurent arrived.
- Candy?
- Hi Georgie, Laurent. I came to call Terry. And I have to talk to you two.
She explained to them the situation with Albert.
- I'm with you Candy said Georgie. This man is your friend and you must help him
- Me too said Albert
- You're not afraid of "what will people say?" The two jolly sisters living with a man
- We know the truth, you're married and I'm with Laurent… the rest of the world? We don't care!
Candy hugged her.
- You're wonderful, Georgie. I have to go. See you tonight.
Mrs Thorpe had to leave the hospital too the next day. Her family will come and get her. Every time the family came, Candy left the room. Mrs Thorpe told her about it.
- I will like you to meet the members of my family
- Ok, when I'll have less work and your family come, I'll stay and meet them.
But she had a lot of work every time and Mrs Thorpe had to leave the hospital now.
- I'm going to miss you Candy said Mrs Thorpe, if I need a personal nurse at home, I'll come personally to hire you.
- That's very nice of you. I'm going to miss you too. Have a nice convalescence!