SO WE COULD BE TOGETHER…
Chapter 16
"Random meetings"
A few days later, Terry took Candy, Georgie and Laurent to the train station. He hugged his wife hard.
- Come back to me fast, honey and take care of junior. Junior don't make your mother suffer he said touching Candy's belly.
He kissed her on the lips and Candy got on the train. She had tears in her eyes. Georgie held her in her arms.
- Soon, you'll be together for good, honey.
- I know, I miss him so much already
- Our parents should be back soon. What about your uncle William, you have any news?
- No, I will ask Georges. At least Terry accomplished his dream. Junior she said touching her belly, daddy will be with us soon….
Roxanne, Nathan and the children were having a good time on the boat. They had prolonged their trip to spend some more time together as a family. Even though the war situation in Europe, the people on the boat were happy to be going to America where there was peace… Roxanne was happy for the first time in almost 20 years. She had found the man she loved, married him and now she had a family. Nathan had met an Englishman and they were discussing business in the dining room. Roxanne arrived with the children.
- Oh, Roxie, said Nathan, children, may I introduce you to Richard Grandchester. Richard, this is my family, my wife, Roxanne and our children, Cassandra and Steven
- Pleased to meet you said Roxanne
- I'm very pleased to meet you madam, children…
- Hello said the children
- You're talking business? Asked Roxanne
- Yes, the war in Europe has ruined most of the markets…Richard and I are trying to see which market is still good
- Men, you are incorrigible, always business! Europe is tearing itself apart, and you are talking business? Are you travelling alone Mr. Grandchester? Asked Roxanne
- Yes, said Richard, I'm going to America to get my son so he could get married…
- An arranged marriage? Asked Roxanne on the defensive
- Yes, said Richard, that's how it's always been in my family
- Let me guess, said Roxanne, you come from a long line of Kings…
- Roxie… said Nathan
- That's correct said Richard
- You're not asking yourself if your son has already a young girl he's in love with? Asked Roxanne
- He's in love with this American girl, but I was in love with his mother, I had to leave her to fulfil my duty…
- You abandoned the woman you loved with a child to fulfil your duty? Said a stunned Roxanne, taking care of her and her child was worthless?
- Euh…I …I took my son…
- Roxanne said Nathan, leave Mr. Grandchester alone
- You can't condone this after what happened to us?
- That's not our problem. I want to do business with him, that's all!
- Don't marry Cassandra in the process!
- Roxie…
- Excuse-me Mr. Grandchester, I didn't mean to offend you. Come on children let's go for a walk. Let's leave daddy do his business
Roxanne went for a walk with the children. She was outraged to see that arranged marriages were still on. When will men understand, progress and leave their children make their own choices? She thought about Richard's son who had to fulfil his duty. She also prayed the young girl doesn't make the same mistake as her, she should fight for the man she loves, not let duty steal him away.
- Are you ok, Roxanne? Asked Cassandra
- Yes, I'm fine, honey. Don't worry about me
Later when Nathan came back in the suite. Roxanne greeted him at the door.
- Good evening honey she said
- Good evening…
- I'm sorry I got angry she said hugging him
- I don't know if I can forgive you he joked, after all, you almost ruined a very important business transaction
She kissed him on the neck.
- What if I do this? She said with a soft voice, kissing him on the lips, and this…?
She was kissing him everywhere, Nathan looked for her lips, and they kissed.
- There's nothing to forgive said Nathan, I understand you…
- You won't do that to our kids?
- After what happened to us? I will never force our children in an arranged marriage, but if they are really in love, and the marriage is good for business… Now show me again how sorry you are…
- With pleasure! She said taking him to their room
Life was continuing for Candy and Georgie. Candy told the doctor what happened in New York, and he gave her a week off. She stayed in bed or on the couch getting spoiled by Georgie, Albert and all her friends. But there was another surprise. She received a nice bouquet of flowers, very beautiful red roses. Candy was with Annie in the living room when the roses arrived at her door. Georgie and Albert were out shopping, Annie went to get the flowers and took them to Candy who was lying on the couch.
- Oh the nice bouquet! She said, who send it?
- I don't know said Annie, read the card
Candy took the card and read it. She couldn't believe her eyes! Annie saw her stunned face.
- Who is it from, Candy? She asked
- You'll never guess….
- Who?
- Neil Reagan!
- Neil? What's up with him?
- In New York at the premiere, he smiled and answered my "good evening" and I told you that I helped him during the fight…
- Oh Candy, you defended him, in spite of everything he's done to you over the years? I think he's falling in love with you…
- What? No, there must be another explanation….
- Which one?
- Maybe it's a scheme from his sister…
- To pretend to be in love with you? What was Eliza's reaction when he answered you smiling?
- She seemed as stunned as I was… you're right, Annie, he's in love with me! Oh that's horrible!
- I know some who would have been flattered…
- You don't understand, Annie. Neil is a spoiled brat, his parents give him whatever he wants…
- You think they are going to agree if he wants to marry you? The orphan
- Who was adopted by the Great Uncle William, one of the richest man in America…. Oh Annie, this is a disaster waiting to happen. They are not going to see the orphan, they will see uncle William's heir
- Calm down, Candy. It can't be that awful
- You're kidding right? With Neil Reagan? Oh my God. I have to tell Terry! I feel sick she said running to the bathroom to throw up.
Saying that she had her hand instinctively on her belly. Annie noticed the gesture, it wasn't the first time Candy did it. When Candy came back her face was a little pale and her eyes a little red. Annie was looking at her strangely. Candy still had her hand on her belly.
- What? Asked Candy going back on the couch
- Candy, do you have something to tell me?
- Why?
- The nausea, the hand on your belly… are you… having a baby?
Candy was speechless. Annie was very shrewd, especially with Candy.
- Annie it's not what you think…
- It's Terry's…?
- Of course!
- So Candy, that means that you've….
- …made love? Yes Annie, you can say it…
- Oh… I thought you said, you wanted to wait until you're married before doing it…
- Yes, and I haven't changed my mind…
- What do you mean, you haven't changed your mind? But you've…
She looked at her friend for a while.
- Wait a minute, you haven't change your mind… that means… you married Terry!
She looked at Candy who nodded. Annie opened her eyes very big.
- You're married! You're married! How could you hide this from me?
- Calm down Annie. I wanted to tell you, but we had to keep it a secret.
- When did that happen?
- On the boat…
- On the boat? Oh Candy, I wish I were there!
- I know, I wish you were there too… forgive me Annie. Don't tell anybody.
- Ok, Candy I forgive you. I'm going to keep your secret
She came near her and leaned on Candy's belly.
- Hello there! Hello baby! How are you? It's auntie Annie! We can't wait to see you!
Candy and Annie started laughing.
- How long do you intend to keep the secret?
- Terry is looking for a bigger house or apartment in New York. He has to talk to his father. Georgie and I, are waiting for the return of our parents. I'm waiting for Uncle William to tell him the news.
- But you're going start to show
- We have time, don't worry
- Ok, now, tell me everything, you hear me? I want details and don't forget the wedding night…
Candy had time she thought, but that was without counting Neil Reagan….
The following days, Neil Reagan sent her flowers everyday. When Candy went back to work, he came and waited for her at the door.
- Neil, she said the first day, can I do something for you?
- Do you want to have diner with me?
- Have diner with you? You've go to be kidding me!
- No, I'm very serious
- And I'm very serious when I tell you, no I will not have diner with you…
- Why? You didn't like the flowers? I love you Candy
- WHAT? You love me? After everything you've done to me over the years? That's incredible!
- But I love you!
- Really? I'll let my dog know!
She continued her walk enraged. When she told Georgie and Albert about the incident, they couldn't believe it.
- You think he's going to continue to bother you? Asked Albert
- It's official said Georgie, this time Terry is right, all the male members of your adoptive family are in love with you!
- Stop it Georgie. Neil Reagan is a suitor I can happily do without!
Mean while, at the Reagan's, Neil was down in the dumps. Candy had blown him off. He couldn't take it! His sister asked him what he was thinking about.
- Candy he said without thinking
- Candy? What has she done now?
- Nothing! Leave her alone!
- But. I didn't say anything! What's wrong with you? You're dreamy and you smiled at her in New York the other night… don't tell me you fell under her so-called charm?
- I was attacked the other day by crooks, and she fought to save me… even after everything I've done to her over the years…
- Oh my God! Said Eliza, you're in love with her! Neil, it's the orphan, the stable girl! She beat you up!
- Don't call her that! She's the woman I love…
- Oh my God, said Eliza who couldn't believe her ears, wait until mom hears about this… MOM! MOM!
She ran to look for her mother. She found her in the living room with the Great Aunt Elroy.
- What is it Eliza? Asked Mrs. Reagan
- It's Neil
- What has he done now?
- Did he commit a crime? Asked the Great Aunt Elroy
- You can say that, you'll never guess…
- So, say it said Mrs. Reagan who was becoming impatient
- He fell in love with Candy!
There was a silence in the room. Neil in love with Candy! Not possible, but the little orphan was now the adoptive daughter of the Great Uncle William, she was worth millions now! If Neil marries her…
- Well he has good taste said Mrs. Reagan
- He could've done worse said the Great Aunt Elroy
Eliza was flabbergasted! Who were those two women, and what had happened to her mother and her aunt?
- Hello? Anybody home? Said Eliza, I'm talking about Candy White Andrew…
- Exactly, "Andrew" said Mrs. Reagan
- She was adopted by William said the Great Aunt Elroy
- …and she's now worth a fortune, whether we like it or not said Mrs. Reagan
- A marriage with Neil… said Eliza
- …will be good for our business said Mrs. Reagan
- And will leave Terrence free said Eliza for herself
- Neil is already in love with her, he will be happy with the woman he loves said Mrs. Reagan
It was incredible how the people in that family were plotting on the spot, like that! Eliza thought about Candy's pregnancy, should she tell them the truth? Or will she let her brother marry a pregnant woman? Terrence Grandchester… no, she won't say anything.
- But Candy will never agree to marry Neil said Eliza, she hates him…
- We'll tell her that it's an order from Uncle William, she won't be able to refuse said Mrs. Reagan
- Who won't be able to refuse? Asked Neil entering the room
- Candy, said his mother, she won't be able to refuse to marry you, if we tell her that Uncle William ordered it…
Neil didn't understand what she was talking about.
- Did I miss something? He asked
- Eliza just told us that you're in love with Candy said Mrs. Reagan
- Why aren't you mad? Asked Neil sceptical
- Because we are glad! Said Mrs. Reagan
- Glad? What's the catch? Asked Neil
- There's no catch said the Great Aunt, you're going to marry the woman you love; Candy
Neil had a mean expression on his face. He was still sceptical, since when did his mother and his aunt wanted Candy as his wife?
- Neil, said his sister, we are giving you what you want; Candy
- But she can't stand me! Said Neil
- That's why we are going to tell her that it's an order from Uncle William to marry you
- Ok, but that still doesn't tell me why you're glad about it. I thought you hated Candy…
- But said Eliza, she's charming…
- Absolutely adorable said Mrs. Reagan
- ENOUGH! Cried Neil, the truth, now!
- Alright said the Great Aunt Elroy, no need to shout. She was adopted by William, so she's rich, very rich
- I see, said Neil, her purity will be good for our business…
"Purity", thought Eliza, the little slut already lost it!
- You finally get it! Said Mrs. Reagan
- Super! Said Neil, when are we going to tell her the good news?
- Give us a few days to organise everything. Then we will put her in front of a fait accompli: a big engagement party…
Neil started to bother Candy even more than before and she didn't know how to get rid of him. He went to the chief of staff, Dr. Roberts to ask him to let Candy go, or they will stop getting donation from the Reagan family.
Dr. Roberts call Candy in his office.
- Miss Andrew, there's a young man, Neil Reagan who had asked me to let you go, or we won't get anymore donations from his family. As you know the hospital need that money…
- I understand doctor. I'm going to pack up my stuff and leave.
- I'm very sorry to do this to you, said the doctor sadly, you're the patient's favourite nurse.
- That's ok, doctor said Candy sadly, I like taking care of the patients. I'm not sad about the money, I'm sad of leaving all the patients. Goodbye doctor, I will come for my consultations.
- Goodbye, Miss Andrew. Take advantage of the time to rest.
Candy left the hospital cursing Neil Reagan! That idiot will never have her, even if he were the last man on earth! She went back home and saw that Albert wasn't there. She called Terry in New York.
- Hello, my love? Said Terry, how's junior?
- He's fine, honey, I'm the none who's not well
- Oh… you miss me too much?
- That too. I lost my job…
- What? Why?
- Because of that idiot, Neil Reagan!
- Neil Reagan?
- Oh Terry, you're not going to believe this, that imbecile fell in love with me…
- WHAT? Well, he's not as stupid as we thought, he has good taste…
- Terry! Stop joking, it's not funny at all!
- I'm sorry honey, go ahead…
- Well he went to see the chief of staff and got me fired, by threatening to cut off the donations from the Reagan family
- What an idiot! Said Terry. I'm sorry, honey.
- That's okay. I would've had to leave to come to New York anyway. I can take advantage and rest
- But the fact that the idiot is after my wife doesn't please me at all…
- Me neither. But honey, be ready, because I think the only way for him to understand that I will never be with him, it's to know that we are…and I will need you to convince him. I know you're busy…
- Honey, you come first, even before the theatre. I will wait for your call
- Ok, thank you. I have to go, my love. I miss you. I love you
- I miss you too, and I love you. Take care of junior.
She hung up the phone feeling a little better. The money her work was bringing her was not important, Terry will take care of her. It's the fact of taking care of the patients, cheer them up that was more satisfying for her. Well she decided to take advantage of her free time to sleep. She woke up in early evening. She got out of her room and saw Georgie in the kitchen preparing the diner.
- Good evening said Candy
- Hey, sleepy head! Said Georgie smiling
- Oh… I'm so tired! Said Candy yawning
- It's Junior. That's normal. You know where Albert is?
- No I haven't found him when I came back. He's still not here?
- No
- Oh…I'm beginning to worry, he's got amnesia
- Maybe he had things to do…
- Or his memory his back and he's disorientated… we have to find him…
- Candy, if his memory is back, he now knows who he is, he'll be fine. Otherwise, he'll be back, don't worry
- Ok. I have enough problems as it is…
- What sweetie? What's happening?
- Neil…
- Oh oh, what has he done now?
- He got me fired from my job…
- WHAT!
- By threatening the chief of staff to cut off the Reagan Family donations…
- What an idiot!
- I know…
- You want Laurent to help you? He can use his influence…
- No, thanks. I have to go to New York soon to be with Terry and junior is making me tired anyway. I'm going to take advantage of my free time and rest. It's a blessing in disguise…
- Only you can make the best out of a bad situation…
- You would've done the same thing and you know it!
- We're incorrigible!
They started laughing hugging each other. So, Candy spend her time resting, her friends would visit her and they had a good time together.