HE'S MY HEART'S DESIRE…
Chapter 4
"Let the party begin…."
The next day during recess, Eliza and her group came near Candy, Annie and Patty.
- Here's the little slut that provoked the fight between Anthony and Terry said Eliza with a triumphant smile.
Candy didn't answer, she wasn't in the mood to confront Eliza and her friends.
- Leave her alone, Eliza said Annie, you've done enough…
- Me? She said innocently
- Oh, don't play innocent said Patty, you're the one that sent your brother plant the seed of doubt in Anthony's ear
- Where is Anthony? Said Annie, still not with you? Crying over Candy? Did your plan work, Eliza?
- SHUT UP! Said Eliza, I'll have him you'll see!
- For the moment you have nobody said Annie, Candy has 2 boys interested in her, to talk only about those two, what about you? Zero!
- You dirty little orphan!
- Change your tune, Eliza said Patty, that one is becoming tiresome…
Eliza and her group of friends left angry.
- Thanks, girls said Candy, I wasn't really in the mood to confront Eliza
- The pleasure was all ours said Annie smiling
Stear and Archie approached Candy.
- Hi girls, hi Candy said Stear.
- I'm angry with you said Candy
- Come on said Archie, don't sulk…
- How could you have helped Anthony be so violent? I understand Anthony's jealousy, but you two? Instead of calming him, you helped him hit Terry!
- Candy forgive us, said Stear, it was the craze of the moment
- We found you in his arms… said Archie
- And that gives you the right to hit him? I'm not your private property. I'm free to have friends, even if it's Terrence Grandchester!
She left them and went behind the school on her pretend Pony hill.
- Candy said Archie, wait!
- Let her go, Archie said Annie, she needs to calm down…
- You're mad at us too? Asked Stear
- You could've handled the situation better…said Patty
- Fighting was not the way to go, not a good move…. Said Annie
- You got her closer to Terry said Patty
The boys had a sigh. Anthony was not with them, always angry by the events of the night before.
Candy arrived on her pretend Pony hill and saw Terry from afar smoking.
- TERRENCE GRANDCHESTER! She cried imitating Sister Grey, get rid of that cigarette at one!
Terry startled and turn around a little surprised and saw Candy smiling
- You scared me, Freckles. For a while I thought that it really was Sister Grey…
- That was my intention. Give me that cigarette she said taking it from his hand and throwing it on the ground.
- But… said Terry surprised
- Here!
She gave him a little packet. He opened it and saw an harmonica.
- An harmonica? What's this for?
- So you can play instead of smoking, silly!
- Oh, thanks Miss Tarzan!
- How are you bruises?
- I'm used to it, don't worry about me
- I didn't apologized for last night…
- You don't need to apologise. You stood up for me in front of your boyfriend…
- Terry…
- You may never admit it, but I know that you like me…
Candy blushed and said nothing, at first. Finally she asked;
- What do you mean? Are you feeling something for me?
- You think I kiss every girl I see?
- You saw me for a few seconds…
- That was enough for me…
He had come closer to her and their faces were almost touching. Candy was feeling funny. Terry was thinking about her? Was he in love with her? Anthony… she was confused. She was happy, Terry was thinking about her and she was confused at the same time because of Anthony. Why was life so complicated? She had to get out of there!
- I have to go Terry, she said leaving, I'll see you in rehearsals…
A week passed before Anthony and Candy finally talked. He went to see her in her room.
- Candy? He called
- Anthony? Come in, please
He entered the room and sat on the couch.
- How are you? He asked, your jaw I mean.
- I'm fine, what about you?
- I'm fine thank you. Candy what happened? How did we get here?
- Anthony, you have to trust me, you have to stop listening to Neil and Eliza…
- But you were with him!
- He's a friend Anthony, just a friend
- I can see he likes you
- I like him too, otherwise, I wouldn't be his friend. Anthony, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you
- I love you too Candy but…
- There is no "but", either you love me or not
- It's not that simple…
- It's simple for me. Terry is just a friend. If I wasn't with you…
- You admit being attracted to him?
- Anthony, he's handsome, I find him likeable but… you're the one I love and you're the one that I want
- Candy, I feel that you're attracted to Grandchester. I don't want any half portion, I want all or nothing…
Candy remained silent for a while. Did she have the right to promise Anthony an unconditional love, when she was attracted to Terry?
- Ok. I'm going to spend a lot of time with Terry because of the play, are you ready for that? Neil and Eliza are going to try t make you believe what is not…
- I'm sick just thinking about it…
- You want to make peace?
- Oh. Candy, I'm sorry for hitting you
- That's all in the past. It's forgotten
Anthony approached her and hugged her.
- Oh Candy, I missed you some much
- I missed you too, Anthony
He leaned and looked for her lips. He kissed her passionately. It was the first time he kissed her. When the kiss was over, Anthony left to go back to his room. Candy was completely stunned by Anthony's kiss. It wasn't unpleasant, but… she couldn't help comparing it to Terry's kiss….Her life was perfect until that night on the boat… Terry was a complication to her life, but a complication she didn't feel like getting rid of …. She talked to Annie about Anthony's kiss.
- Wow, Candy you're lucky. I'm looking for the attention of one boy and you have two boys after you!
- Annie, I assure you, that there's nothing funny about it! It's hell!
- Really?
- Anthony kissed me…
- Oh! So…?
- It was fine…
- "Fine"? Said Annie, oh Candy…. I'm sorry
Annie understood that Candy meant Terry's kiss was better.
- I can't think like that, she said, I love Anthony…
- Candy you can't continue like this…
- What are you suggesting?
- That you explore your feelings for Terry…
- What? Explore…
- Yes, so you'll know...
- Annie, I can't do that. That would be cheating on Anthony…
- But you don't have a ring on your finger yet. You can explore other horizons and I'm just talking about Terry. It's a choice that can affect the rest of your life. Candy you have to be sure that you're with the right person. You can tell Anthony, so that there won't be any fights if he sees you together.
- Annie you're crazy! I love Anthony!
- Keep telling yourself that, maybe you'll end convincing yourself…said Annie ironically
- Annie…
- Candy you're situation, opened my eyes. I was pining over Archie, who doesn't even see me. Seeing Anthony and Terry running after you, showed me that I deserved a boy that comes after me too. I decided not to pursue Archie anymore to let myself open to others… You're lucky to have not one, but two boys that love you… if you love one more than the other, you have to decide. And if that means being with Terry to see where your feelings are…
- I don't know Annie… I'm afraid of what I'm feeling for Terry… I love Anthony, but Terry…
- Maybe you love Anthony like a brother and Terry as man?
- Like a brother?
- That's why his kiss was nice and Terry's kiss was wonderful…
- Maybe you're right, but I can't hurt Anthony. For now, things will remain the way they are
- As you wish Candy, but you are making a mistake…
Annie did change her attitude. She stopped pursuing Archie and started talking to other boys. Archie was relieved the first day, but Annie indifference towards him started to bug him. He talked to his brother about it.
- Stear, did you see Annie these last days?
- From a far with Candy and Patty, why?
- She doesn't come and see me anymore…
- Oh… and that bothers you because….?
- I got used to her attention, now…
- Now, she got tired of the one sided and she's ignoring you…
- What do I have to do?
- Well try to get her back and if you succeed, you'll have to behave accordingly…
Archie had a sigh and Anthony started laughing.
- How are you with Candy? Asked Stear to Anthony
- Those rehearsals with Grandchester are not killing you? Asked Archie
- Don't remind me! But short of asking Candy to give up her role, which she will never do, I can't do anything.
- You think she has a thing for him?
- Without a doubt. If I didn't exist, she would have been with him, I'm sure of it. I have the impression she's staying with me out of an obligation…said Anthony
- Come on Anthony, said Stear, Candy loves you.
- Yes, she loved you long before she met that damned English guy! Said Archie
- That's just it, she met him! Said Anthony
The date for the play was getting closer. The rehearsals were getting more intense. Candy knew her role by heart. The others too. Everybody was ready. The play was suppose to take place in May and there was suppose to be a big party and dance in the evening.
Candy and Anthony were fine. Anthony was restraining himself not to do a scene when he watched Candy and Terry act together. But once the play is over, he won't tolerate Terry's presence. He was jealous of the chemistry Candy and Terry had.
Annie was talking to a boy, Bertrand Chandler, who had the role of Chrysale. Archie was still irritated to see Annie with another one. He took her for granted, and now he had lost her. He tried to talk to her sometime, but she always seemed to be busy doing something else.
Patty and Stear realised they like being together for reading, talking and spending time together walking.
Eliza was trying in vain to get Anthony's attention. She was mad that her original plan didn't work. After everything that happened, Anthony didn't want to break up with Candy. He was still with her. What did he see in her? How did Candy managed to have two handsome boys at her feet, that even with all the problems, none of them wanted to let her go? But she swore that she will get rid of Candy and get Anthony, if it's the last thing she does on this earth.
The day of the play finally arrived, but in the morning, they had bad new; Bertrand Chandler, the boy who was suppose to play the role of Chrysale, fell suddenly ill. They had to take him to the hospital and the doctors that he had an acute appendicitis. They had to operate. But by the time they got in surgery, his appendice had burst. The play was in danger; no Chrysale, he was one of the main character. Bertrand's roommate, named Parker Peterson who was helping him learn his lines had to get ready in the last minute to replace him in the play.
The student's parents were invited to see the play. Candy hoped Uncle William will be there. The girls were getting dressed and getting their hair done. Eliza was playing the maid, so she didn't get to wear all those nice extravagant dresses from the 17th century. She was really mad, but couldn't do anything, if she wanted to be in the play.
The play started and everything went well. The scene between Candy and Terry were so powerful, that the public had the impression that they were really in love. It made Anthony mad and rejoiced Eliza. Candy had followed Terry's advice and her performance was impeccable. The first scene between Candy and Terry happened as followed: Act 1 Scene 2
HENRIETTE (Candy)
To draw me from a doubt where my sister throws me,
Between it and me, Clitandre, explain your heart;
Discover the bottom, and condescend to us to learn
Who of us with your wishes has the right to claim.
ARMANDE (Annie)
Not, not: I do not want with your passion
To impose the rigour of an explanation;
I spare people, and know as embarrasses
Constraining effort of these consents opposite.
CLITANDRE (Terry)
Not, Madam, my heart, which dissimulates little,
Does not feel null constraint to make a spontaneous acknowledgment;
In any embarrassment such a step does not throw me,
And I will acknowledge high, of an honest and clear heart,
That the tender bonds where I am stopped,
My love and my wishes are very on this side.
Saying that, Terry came near her took her hand and kissed it, looking at her with love. Candy was looking at him smiling with love. He continued his speech. And it was like that for all their love scenes together.
Annie who was playing Armande, saw the look the two of them exchanged.
"They are really in love, it's incredible! If I see it, everybody sees it she thought".
Anthony was looking at the scene from behind, was not feeling well. During rehearsals, they were not that close… what was going on?
Neil Reagan looked at the scene with the public. He looked at Candy "the orphan" and he had the impression that a thousand candles were lighten in his heart. He didn't understand what was happening to him. He was jealous of Terry and wanted to be in his place, not only on scene, but in real life. He wanted Candy to be with him… What? No, it's not possible! He was in love with Candy! He couldn't tell his sister, she would throw a tantrum. But he was now going to do his best so she won't be with Anthony and he will need Terrence Grandchester to do that. But he'll think about that later, for now, he was looking at Candy with a new fascination….
Around the end of the play, Act 5 scene 4, there was a scene where Henriette refuses to marry Clitandre because of her parent's bankruptcy.
HENRIETTE (Candy)
Not, my mother: I change now thought.
Suffer that I resist your will.
CLITANDRE (Terry)
What? you oppose my happiness?
And when with my love I see each one going.
HENRIETTE (Candy)
I know the little of although you have, Clitandre,
And I always wished you for husband,
When while satisfying my softest wishes,
I saw that my hymen adjusted your business;
But when we have the so contrary destinies,
I cherished you enough in this end,
To charge you not of our adversity.
CLITANDRE (Terry)
Any destiny, with you, can be pleasant for me;
Any destiny would be, without you, unbearable for me.
Terry improvised and played the hurt lover to the extreme, a thing he didn't during the rehearsals. Candy was surprised by that improvisation and decided to improvise too. When it was revealed in the play that the parents weren't bankrupt, that it was only to show that Trissotin only wanted their money:
ARISTE (Stear)
the reason which we have just heard
Who makes you resist the hymen of Clitandre?
HENRIETTE
Without that, you would see all my heart running there,
And I flee his hand only for too much cherishing.
ARISTE
Thus let you bind by so beautiful chains.
I carried you only false news;
And it is a stratagem, one surprising help,
That I wanted to try to serve your loves,
To undeceive my sister, and to make known to him
What its philosopher with the test could be.
Candy jumped to Terry's neck who hugged her, which they never did either during the rehearsals. Their improvisations, made the play better. Anthony felt his heart hurting again. Candy liked playing Terry's lover too much in the play. Once the play was over they had a big ovation from the public.
They went to change for the party and the dance. While they were changing, Annie told Candy;
- Your improvisation, super! You showed your feelings to everybody, but you can pretend that it was for the play…
- Annie, don't start, please…
- What? I only speak of what I saw…
- You saw it because you know the truth, mum's the word… by the way, are you going to America for the summer?
- I don't know yet, what about you?
- I don't know. I'm waiting for news from George so he could tell me what Uncle William decided for me.
The boys were also talking about the play, while changing.
- Did you see how they acted? Said Anthony
- It was for the play said Stear
- They were not like that during rehearsals…
- They probably kept it as a surprise for the final representation said Stear, what do you think Archie? Archie?
Archie was thinking about Annie. Since she was ignoring him, he seemed interested by her.
- What? Oh yeah… it was certainly a surprise for the representation
- I hope you're right said Anthony
They arrived at the party, there was music and drinks and food. The young people were dancing and the parents that were there were looking at them and others were dancing.
Archie was looking for Annie to spend time with her. He saw her dancing with a young man. He stayed there, staring at them and was waiting impatiently for her dance to be over.
Patty was dancing with Stear, with their glasses, they formed a nice couple. Anthony found Candy and didn't leave her for a second. Now that the play was over, he hoped Candy wouldn't spend so much time with Terry. He hoped to dance with her all night, stopping her that way to dance with Terry. Candy was regretting the play was over; no more rehearsals with Terry, it was fun to act with him, she stay with like she wanted because of the play. Was Annie right? Should she explore her feelings for Terry? Anthony was following her everywhere. She was wondering where Terry was.
- Can I have this dance, Candy, said a voice.
Candy turned around and saw Neil Reagan. She couldn't believe her ears!
- Neil? You've got to be kidding me! Said Candy
- Yeah, I don't think I heard you right said Anthony, come again…
- I want to dance with Candy…
- Neil, I wouldn't dance with you if you were the last man on earth! Said Candy
- I couldn't have said it better myself said Anthony laughing, come on Candy, let's go dance
They went on the dance floor leaving Neil fuming. Candy will be his, against all odds he said to himself.
Candy saw Terry from afar, he was on the other side of the room. Annie saw what was happening' Anthony was on Candy's heels preventing her to go to Terry. She decided to help her. She walked towards them with a big smile.
- Anthony. You want to dance with me?
- I think that Archibald would prefer that invitation…
- And I would rather dance with you for the moment, come on we have to party…
- But…
- Go ahead Anthony, don't make a lady wait said Candy
Anthony went on the dance floor with Annie who took him on the other side of the room. Candy understood her game and thanked Annie inside her head. She went where Terry was it was behind the back doors that were leading outside.
- Would you like to dance with me Henriette?
- Of course, Clitandre, with pleasure…
They started to dance and find themselves outside in the garden; other couples were dancing outside too. They were that way, out of sight from the people in the room.
- Your improvisation came right on cue said Candy
- It was hard to distinguish reality from fiction said Terry
- Really? I had no problem making the difference said Candy
- Your boyfriend was always on your heels…
- Thank Annie for the diversion… Terry, thanks for staying far. We don't need any trouble today
- I spend the best time of my life on scene today, nothing and nobody will be able to ruin this day for me
- Me neither said Candy, the play was great!
Meanwhile, Anthony was still dancing with Annie and was asking where Candy was. When the dance was almost over, Annie did a sign to Patty to come and replace her. Patty arrived and took Anthony on the dance floor before he could say anything.
Candy was still with Terry and had no intention of leaving him. They find themselves in an isolated corner.
- I have to go back to the party said Candy, Anthony…
- Your boyfriend will survive without you for a little while… you intent to ignore the attraction between us forever? Said Terry with a sensual voice?
- Terry… I'm with Anthony…
- But you would like to be with me, come on admit it…
- No! Stop, please…
She wanted to get away but she stayed there and Terry's face was getting closer to hers. He put his lips on hers in a passionate kiss. Candy felt a chill all over her body. She put her hand around his neck and responded to the kiss with passion. All those months of tension, of abstinence… she wanted Terry to kiss her like she never wanted anything before. She started caressing his back…. Their pleasure was intense.
Annie was looking at them and shook her head. Why was Candy torturing herself that way? All she had to do is to tell Anthony that she loved Terry and her problem would be solved. But Candy with her big heart, didn't want to hurt Anthony. But she didn't know that hidden feelings had a way of coming out when you least expect it. Annie pretended to arrive and said;
- Candy? Candy are you there?
Candy and Terry stopped kissing. Candy was a little ashamed and step away from Terry.
- I'm here Annie she said with an uncertain voice
- Anthony is looking for you, said Annie coming closer, hi Terry
- Hi …
- Let's go said Candy
- Euh… said Annie, wait. Let me fix your make up a little said Annie taking some lipstick from her purse
She fixed Candy a well as she could.
- Terry you should take off the lipstick on your lips too said Annie smiling
- Thanks said Terry with a mocking smile
He took an handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his lips
- Thanks Annie said Candy
- Hum hum said Annie. Why are you torturing yourself like this, Candy?
- Let's go find Anthony said Candy
They went back to the party room and found Anthony that was talking with Stear and Archie.
- Candy! Where were you?
- I was getting some fresh air said Candy, do you want to dance?
- Ok, said Anthony
- Anthony said Eliza's voice, do you want to dance with me?
- I'm going to dance with Candy, Eliza. Maybe later
Eliza was mad. Candy, Candy, Candy! What did he see in her? She was looking for her brother, and she saw him staring at something. She followed his eyes and realised he was looking at Candy. Why was he looking at her that way?
- Annie said Archibald, would you like to dance with me?
Annie was now making Archie, sweat, she changed and was not the sweet and shy anymore, but sure of herself and she knew what she was going. It was the third time he was asking.
- Ok, said Annie, just one. My dance book is full…
Archie just smiled and took her to the dance floor. Candy was dancing and she thinking about Terry's kiss. This time she wanted it… but how could she have let him kiss her? It was like her head was saying no and her body was saying yes! She was with Anthony and wanted to be loyal, not kiss another boy behind his back! Oh, life was so complicated!