Tomorrow in your life
Chapter 6
"Cooling…"
The next day, Candy didn't see Terry in the morning. Anna Rose told her that he went for a horse ride, very early in the morning.
"Oh… I wanted to go with him… she said to herself with sadness"
Maybe she should've sent him the e-mail? Tom called her to ask her to come and meet her at Victoria station. She decided to get there alone with busses, trains and the underground. She asked the driver Mr. Holmes to tell her how to get to Victoria station.
- The trip is very long, Miss Andrew, I can drive you…
- No, thanks. I want to try and get there by myself
- Ok, but I'll give you my mobile phone number, if you ever get lost, or you're in trouble; give me a call, Ok?
- OK. And Thank you Mr. Holmes
Candy told the rest of Terry's family that she was going to spend the day with her friend Tom. She left the Chateau and went to the corner store to buy a "Travelcard" for zones 1 to 6. The city of London is so big that it's divided in 6 zones for the public transportation. The busses were from zone 1 to 4; the trains and the underground, from zone 1 to 6. The zone 1 was for the centre of London, so it was also the most expensive one. The Travelcard for zones 1 to 6 was the most expensive one. Candy bought it so she could travel anywhere in case she gets lost. She took the bus to an underground station and went to the centre of London, at Victoria station. She had a little trouble, she made a mistake of direction a few times, because the British drove on the left side, but she finally arrived.
- Tom! She said
- Candy! He said coming near her, hugging her briefly, finally! It took you long enough!
- I'm sorry she said, I got a little lost
- I'm joking! I happy to see you!
- Let's go eat, I'm starving!
They went to eat in a restaurant with unlimited buffet servings.
- So, said Tom, are you ok? I learned about Anthony's death… I'm sorry
- Thanks. It's hard, but life goes on
- And your friend who invited you at his place, there's something between you two?
- No. We're just friends
Candy told him how they met on the plane, then at boarding school. She also told him what happened with Ethan.
- He broke up with the girl? For me, it was a "good riddance"
- What do you mean?
- Well, I think he took advantage of the situation to be free… so he could be with you
- You think…? Oh…
- Would that bother you?
- Euh… said Candy blushing
- Come on, Candy, it's me! The one who told Miss Pony and Sister Maria that I heard you cry, Annie and you. You're my sister, don't be afraid!
- To tell you the truth, I feel good in his presence. I can't stop thinking about him…
- So, why don't you tell him?
- I don't know if I'm ready, I'm still thinking about Anthony…
- And you will still think about Anthony. You have to get use to live with his memory.
- I don't know if I can…
- You have to Candy, otherwise, you won't be able to move on with your life
Tom was right, but she had to do it gradually, slowly. She thought she had accepted Anthony's death, until she saw that movie last night
- Thanks Tommy.
- What are big brothers for? Let's go. I have a digital camera, we're going to take pictures and send them to the Pony House by e-mail. We are going to do the tour of London together, well, at least the centre of London…
- Yeah, London is way too big!
She spent a very good day in London with her big brother Tom. They took the tour on the bus tour; a double-decker with a roofless top. They saw Buckingham Palace, the house of parliament, Westminster abbey, the Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, the crown jewels, the post office tower etc. After that, they went to the museum of history, it was huge! It took them almost three hours to see everything and there were a lot of tourists. Then they went to Madame Tussaud's wax museum. There were a lot of people there too; the line was going very slowly. At the entrance of the museum, the visitors posed for a picture with the wax statue of Arnold Swarzenegger. They then gave them a coupon so they could buy the picture at the exit if they wanted to. Inside they took picture with all the statues of dead or alive celebrities, in diverse positions; holding them, sitting next to them, almost kissing them… They took pictures with other tourists too… Four hours later, they finally got out tired and breathless. They bought the picture with the Statue of Arnold Swarzenegger.
- Let me take you back, we're going to take a cab, said Tom
- But it would be too expensive
- Let me spoil you, little sister
They took a cab. Candy fell asleep in Tom's arms, until they arrive at the Chateau of flowers in front of the gate.
- Candy wake up! Said Tom, that's your Prince's palace? Impressive!
He got out of the cab to say goodbye
- I'm going to call you in front of my computer to send you the pictures
- Ok. Tommy, thanks for this beautiful day, I had a lot of fun
- You're very welcome, sis. It was a pleasure to spend the day with a familiar face and a familiar accent!
Candy started to laugh and Tom too. He leaned to kiss her on the cheek and she moved her head at the same time and Tom's lips landed very close to her lips…
Terry was looking at them from afar and from where he was, Candy was kissing Tom on the lips! His heart was broken into a thousand pieces.
Candy finished with her goodbyes to Tom, he left and she rang the gate and the door opened.
It was almost diner time. Candy went to her room, took a quick shower and changed for diner. Rose Anna came to see her in her room.
- Hey, long time no see! Did you have fun?
- Yes, thanks. Said Candy smiling. Do you know where Terry is?
- He must be somewhere
- I haven't seen him today
- You weren't here
- He wasn't here this morning
- You miss him
Candy blushed.
- Well, I'm his guest after all…
- Yes, of course said Rose Anna, You're ready? We have visitors…
They went to the leaving room join the others while waiting for the diner to be served. There was Terry, Junior, Anna Rose, the Grandmother, a young girl name Miranda, another one name Bianca, a young man name Winston and his brother Preston. Candy looked for Terry with her eyes, he was standing near Miranda and Bianca. He didn't even look at her. What was happening? Why was Terry ignoring her? She hadn't seen him all day, and now he was giving her the cold shoulder? Rose Anna introduced her to Winston and Preston who started to talk with her. Junior came and joined them. Candy was wondering when Terry was going to come and save her…
Anna Rose went to Terry while Rose Anna was talking to Miranda and Bianca.
- Terry are you mad at Candy?
- What makes you say that?
- You're ignoring her. Listen, I don't know what's going on between you two, but she's your guest. You brought her here and you have to take care of her… you're going to spend the next two weeks ignoring her?
Terry remained silent. His sister was right; he couldn't ignore her during all the vacations. But she was kissing another one boy, that Tom! Last night she was crying Anthony… he was jealous. But Candy was his guest and he had to swallow his pride and take care of her like he should. He walked towards Candy who was in the middle of Winston, Preston and Junior.
- Candy, good evening. Can I talk to you?
A smile illuminated Candy's face.
- Yes of course, Terry. Excuse-me gentlemen…
She left them and followed Terry aside.
- Finally! I thought you'd never come! What took you so long? Asked Candy
- You left without seeing me
- You too… I missed you
- You had fun with Tom?
- Yes the day was great, but exhausting…
- That, I'm sure of! Said Terry ironically
- What's with the sarcasm?
Candy didn't understand where the sarcasm was coming from. She wanted to ask him, but they announced that diner was served.
The diner went fine. They talked of all and nothing. After diner, they all took the tea in the leaving room. Terry stayed next to Candy, that way, stopping the other boys from coming near her. But Candy still felt the chill from Terry. He was very formal with her. When the guests left, everybody went to bed. Terry walked her to her bedroom door.
- Good night, he said and he wanted to go
Candy held him back by the arm.
- Terry? Do you want to come in for a moment?
- I don't think…
- Please, I have to talk to you
The others were looking at them. Terry was a little uncomfortable
- Ok, he finally said
He got into the room with her.
- Terry, what's going on?
- What?
- Why are you giving me the cold shoulder?
- I…
- It's because I spent the day with Tom? I wanted you to come with me, but you weren't there…
- I went horse riding…
- Without me? I wanted to come with you
There was a moment of silence. Terry knew he behaved badly with her, but… he was jealous.
- Terry she continued, you invited me to spend the Easter vacations with you. I'm here because of you. If I'm bothering you, I can go back to St. Paul or even go to Oxford and see Tom…
"Tom, that Tom again!" said Terry to himself
- If you go to Oxford, you're going to stay with him…? Asked Terry
Candy realised that Terry was very uncomfortable, every time she mentioned Tom's name. That was it! He was jealous! Candy felt all happy inside.
- Oh Terry, Tom is a brother. You do know that I'm adopted? We were in the same orphanage. In fact he's the one who heard Annie and I cry in front of the door the night we were abandoned and he alerted Miss Pony and Sister Maria.
"But she was kissing him on the lips…" he thought
- We know each other since childhood… continued Candy, he's my big brother
- Ok. Said Terry. I apologise Candy. You're my guest and I promise you I wont behave that badly again
- And I promise you not to go anywhere without seeing you or talk to you. I'm sorry Romeo
- I'm going to bed he said smiling
- Good night Romeo
- Good night, Freckles
Candy felt a lot better after Terry left. He was jealous of Tom! Super! She decided to send him the e-mail she wrote the night before.
Terry turned on his computer to check his e-mail. His heart jumped with joy. There was finally an e-mail from Candy. When he finished reading it, he felt a lot better. She knew he had seen her cry and she wanted to reassure him.
The rest of the vacations went very well starting from that night on. Candy and Terry became inseparable. They were doing everything together, horse riding, in the morning, they played Tennis, ball etc. The twins joined them when they were available. Junior was sulking the majority of the time. Candy preferred Terry's company and he couldn't get her attention. Every time they all went out for shopping or for fun, they would meet Lizzie, Ethan and her group. Junior was calling Lizzie to tell them where they would be. She always came just to see Terry.
Candy finally received the phone call from Georges, two days before the end of vacations. He told her that Uncle William would meet her in nice restaurant in London.
- Come with me please, she begged Terry
- You don't want to be alone with him?
- I want you to come with me she said
- Ok he said, I'll come with you
Candy got dressed for the occasion, a nice restaurant… they were both very elegant; Candy had a nice black dress, short with no sleeves and thin strap. Terry was wearing a nice black suit, a black shirt with a white tie.
- Wow, you two make a beautiful coupe said Rose Anna
- Thanks Rose Anna said Terry. Let's go Freckles
They took Terry's Jaguar because Junior had other plans with the driver. They had to find a parking spot, that's one of the reasons Terry like to be with the driver, so he won't have to look for parking spaces. They arrived at the restaurant and asked for William Andrew's table. They were taken to a table near the window. Uncle William wasn't there yet.
- I feel like we're on our first date said Terry
- Me too said Candy smiling, I wonder where Uncle William is…?
The waiter brought some bread and butter. They order their dinner and started to talk. Candy saw a man from a far. He was tall and blond she smiled at him and he came near their table.
- Mr. Albert said Candy standing up to kiss him
She hugged her, Albert smiled.
- Terry said Albert
- Albert what are you doing here? Asked Terry
- Terry, you know Mr. Albert?
- We've met already said Albert
- When I sneak out at night… said Terry
- Sneak out at night? Said Candy, you mean you get out of boarding school at night to go drink in bar? Never mind, I don't want to know
- Have a sit Albert, said Terry
- I have a business meeting said Albert with a man, but I think he stood me up
- Stay with us said Candy, we're waiting for my Uncle William, but I think he stood me up too… He must be very busy
- Ok, said Albert calling the waiter with the hand so he could place his order
He ordered his dinner and then he asked Candy;
- So Candy, how are you? The last time I saw you…
- …I was crying Anthony said Candy softly. I'm better, a lot better she said looking at Terry, I'm spending my Easter vacations in Terry's family. His parents are not there.
- Oh… said Albert
- My brother and sisters are there, so is my Grandmother to keep an eye on us said Terry
- You see, Mr. Albert, we're not alone, in fact I think we had more freedom in boarding school, said Candy
- You reassured me, said Albert
They had dinner together and they talked of this and that. Albert told them he was working a the London zoo but he was thinking of going to Africa, in Congo more precisely, in a few months to go defend the mountain gorillas who was a species in extinction.
- Do you realise that those poor gorillas are killed just for their hands… they are sold very expensive as ashtray! Said Albert
- And also for their heads said Terry
- My God, said Candy, that's awful!
- I read that they are less than 200 left said Terry and the numbers are going down by the day
- And that sometimes they killed females that are pregnant, which means that they are killing gorillas that aren't even born yet said Candy
- I hope I can make a difference for those remaining said Albert
- Good luck, Mr. Albert said Candy
- Yes, good luck said Terry
- Thank you, I will need it said Albert
Candy and Terry told him how they met on the plane and at school.
- Terry is the "King" of the school, he created terror said Candy and the girl with whom I had words with, was his girlfriend
- My girlfriend at the time, had told me that this girl humiliated her, I had to make a decision…
- …between leaving me alone our ban me…
- Boy, wasn't I surprised to see that the girl in question…
- …was me!
Albert was looking at them smiling while they were telling their story the both of them, finishing each other's sentences.
" Those two are in love, he said to himself, their chemistry is incredible. They look at each other with so much love… Candy, I hope you give him a chance…"
Once the dinner was over, they had tea and Albert had to leave.
- Thanks for keeping us company Mr. Albert said Candy, Uncle William must have been detained somewhere on business… at least he paid for the dinner
- The pleasure was all mine Candy, said Albert, good night
- Good night said Candy and Terry at the same time
Albert left. Later in the car, Terry asked;
- Candy, you want to go somewhere before we go back home? It's still early…
- Where?
- In a club… I promise you, I won't drink…
- Ok, she said
They went in a club in vogue. Terry took his tie off. There were a lot of people, smoke and not a single clear light. They danced a little and had a lot of fun. About an hour later, they met Junior and Lizzie. They seemed…stoned.
- Terry? Said Lizzie smiling, good evening! Candy! Hi! You're very beautiful as usual…
- Terrence! Said Junior jumping to his neck, my brother dearest!
Candy and Terry looked at each other. What was going on?
- They're stoned said Candy, Ecstasy… I did some research after my bad experience, they have all the symptoms…
- Oh, Junior, Lizzie! Said Terry exhausted, we better get out of here.
- Ok, said Candy
Terry took Junior and Candy took Lizzie. They went outside, the driver, Mr. Holmes was waiting for them in front of the door. He got out of the car to help them; he opened the door to let them in the car.
- Mr. Holmes said Terry, can you drive Lizzie to her home? I'll follow you with my car. Come on, Candy
They went to get the Jaguar and followed Mr. Holmes to the Barrington's then to the Chateau. Junior was still on his ecstatic cloud.
- Candy said Junior softly, you're very beautiful, Terrence you are very lucky… what are you waiting for, to j…
- Shut up Junior! Said Terry
- Why are you mad? You have to be happy… like me… you want some ecstasy? You're going to feel happy… I promise you…
- No, thanks Junior
They took him to his room and laid him on the bed. They then went to their bedrooms. The nice evening had now a bitter taste. Junior and Lizzie drugged, made them think about Candy's experience. Lizzie had drugged her so her cousin could abuse her… that was painful!
- Good night Candy
- Good night Terry
Candy in her bed saw feeling sad. All the sadness and the horrible sensation she felt the next morning of her experience, came back running. She spent a very bad night.
Terry also felt bad. Him and his brother didn't get along, but he couldn't leave him on that path to perdition. It would be like watching a friend drowning and doing nothing. They didn't report Candy's incident because they didn't want to answer too many questions and Candy would have been in trouble for having drugs in her system, voluntarily or not. He had to talk to his grandmother, so she could call his parents. Junior and Lizzie needed help.
The drug ecstasy, even though it had a temporally incredible effect, it was like all the drugs, bad for your health. In the beginning, it was a legal drug; used to help manic-depressive people. All those events reminded Terry of Candy's case. The memory was enough to bring a dark cloud to their vacations.
The next day, Terry told his grandmother about the incident. She was horrified and called Terry's parents who decided to come back sooner to take care of the problem; unfortunately, they couldn't find any flight that same day. But they were going to come in the next day. Junior was in the state you get after taking drugs; he wasn't hungry, no, he was hungry but didn't feel like eating. The twins were very sad to see their brother in that state.
The grandmother also called Lizzie's parents to talk to them. They took it very bad. Their daughter? Doing drugs? No! They refuse to believe it. By doing that, they were not doing their daughter a favour; she was going to continue doing drugs.
Candy had lost her usual happy mood. Terry saw the change in her. He decided to take her back to St.Paul earlier than they planned, and before his parent's return.
- Freckles! Are you ok?
- Not really…
- You want to go back to St.Paul?
- That wouldn't bother you?
- No, on the contrary! I have to get out of this house…. Go get ready; I'm going to tell the others.
The grandmother and the twins were sorry to see them leave.
- You're running away from Mom and Dad, aren't you Terry? Said Rose Anna
- Maybe, but Candy is a little shaken up by Junior's actions. She may not remember anything from her own experience, but she remembered the horrible sensation the following days.
- Oh… we understand said Anna Rose, have good ride. I keep you in touch…
Miller took Candy's luggage in Terry's car. Candy came down to say goodbye to the twins and the grandmother
- Bye girls said Candy, it was a pleasure spending time with you. Bye Grandma, see you next time, maybe
She hugged them one by one.
- Good bye, little one said the grandmother, I'm sorry to see you leave so soon
- Good bye Candy said the twins, see you next time
- Goodbye said Terry kissing them
The trip back was gloomy, they barely talked. The drug incident had put a black cloud into their almost perfect vacations. Once in school, he took her to her room with her luggage.
- Thanks said Candy
- Ok, Good night
- Good night, Romeo