Tomorrow in your life
By Mallory Quinn
Chapter 11
"Romania, here we come!"
School in England finished during the week of July 22. There was a vacation trip organized in Romania for the students that wanted to participate. They had to sign up early, because places were limited. Candy had signed up because she wanted to visit that country and it could be fun. She had also put Terry's name on the list. They hadn't talked about it yet, but they were on the same page.
Later that night, in Candy's bedroom, Terry was there to see her.
- By the way Freckles he said, I signed you up for the trip to Romania…
- You don't say…she smiled
- What… you did the same thing?
- Hun hun…
- Without asking me?
- Look who's talking!
- Romeo and Juliet on the same page…? What are the odds?
- It could've been worse; we could've not be on the list at all…
- But we would've still have been on the same page!
- Don't you just love us as a couple?
They bust out laughing and started to talk about the trip and what to bring.
- Thanks, Romeo for thinking about me…
- I love that you thought about me too, Juliet…
There was a county fair the last day, in the court of the school. All the students were there. There will be a party in the evening before the beginning of the holidays.
During the fair, Candy was talking to her friends about the school trip.
- Are you coming Annie? Asked Candy
- I'm tempted…
- Come on, when school is over, we will return to America. For the moment, we are in Europe; why not take advantage to visit other countries? Said Candy
- Ok, I'm going to see if I can still sign up said Annie, Tani, Patty?
- We're behind you! They said at the same time
Candy was looking for Terry, and she met her cousins.
- Stear, Archie! She said smiling, are you coming to Romania?
- Yes said Stear, I'm curious to see Dracula's country…
- Super!
- Grandchester is coming too? asked Archie
- What do you think? Asked Stear, that he's going to spend his vacations without her?
- Yeah! Said Archie
- Dream on! Said Stear
Candy just smiled. Terry arrived
- Freckles, how are you? Stear, Cornwell. You want to come help me win a teddy bear for you?
- Ok. I'll see you later, guys. Ok?
She left with Terry under the Archie's sad look. Terry won a big teddy bear for Candy. Every body was having fun; maybe it was also because it was the last day of school.
The party on the last day happened without the supervision of the teachers for once. It was a goodbye present from the teachers. So the students were free to hold themselves the way they wanted. The slows were happening in the dark, and the majority didn't dance…well actually they were trying to dance, while their mouths were busy welded to each other. Patty was dancing with Stear. Tani was with her boyfriend. Annie was with another boy, but she was not kissing him.
The students were having a lot of fun at the party. The nuns were kind of reticent at first to leave them alone.
- Come on sisters, said one of the teachers, you know that they always find a way to see each other alone, it's the last day of school, let them have fun...
The nuns agreed against their better judgment.
So the party happened without any supervision from the teachers, no "police". Those doing ecstasy took advantage to have more fun. The sensations of that drug made it irresistible to those who did it. Candy after he awful experience, didn't even want to see it.
- Every body is taking advantage to make out on the dace floor, said Candy
- I wondering how they can concentrate on the dance said Terry
- We can try it to see said Candy with a soft voice…
- I thought you'd never ask, Juliet
They went on the dance floor during the series of slows and they were able to dance and make out. It was dark, but Archie was watching them heartbroken. He didn't know if he would ever get over his grief for Candy.
The following days, the school had to get ready for the trip to Romania. The students and the teachers had to stay at the local diplomats' house. The students received the names of the families that were going to host them.
- What name did you get? Asked Annie to Candy
- The Cranes, what about you?
- The Parkers
- Mine are called the Macdonalds, said Tanisha, like the restaurant
- Mines are the O'Malley, said Patty
- How appropriate said Candy smiling, don't forget to bring your GSM and adapt them for Romania
- Ok, said Annie, let's go pack!
Melissa was feeding her baby, when Philippe arrived.
- Honey, good evening he said
- Good evening, honey
He came near her and kissed her on the cheek and kissed the baby on the forehead
- Our young boarder is arriving tonight, said Philippe
- I'm happy you signed us up for that program. It would be good for us to have a guest during the summer… What's her name again, it's a girl right?
- Yes, her name is Candice White Andrew…
- I wondering if she has any relation to William Andrew, a business man from Chicago…
- You can ask her in a while, when you see her. Is the guest room ready?
- Yes the maid took care of it. Diner is ready. All you have to do is to change and go get our boarder
- You seem really excited…
- I don't know why I'm so happy about this…
- Well she'll be welcome here, that's for sure. Ok, I'm going to change
The students and the teachers were at Heathrow airport, ready to go to Romania. There were a lot of students and among them, Candy's friends but also her enemies; Eliza, Neil, Lizzie, Ethan etc. Candy wished they weren't there, but life was not always that simple.
- Freckles, I'm going to see if I can get us on first class …
- But I think that the school is in business class or economic…
- There's no problem, without a solution
Terry went to make the arrangements at the counter and managed to put his and Candy's name on first class. The teachers realized only when they got on the plane. They couldn't do anything. Eliza and Lizzie were angry. Annie was happy for her friend. Archie was fuming in silence.
- You're not possible, said Candy when they were alone
- I wanted to be alone with you, away from the teachers' eyes; we won't be able to see each other every night…
- You're right. What's your family's name?
- Santarelli, it's the Ambassador of Italy
- Wow, you have an Ambassador! I think mine is in the military…
- You have your laptop? We can send each other e-mails like in the beginning…
- Yes, back to the source of our relationship…
He arranged the seat to have her near him. They were cuddling and kissing for the whole trip. The airhostesses were looking at them with a smile. They were talking among them;
- Did you see the young couple in first class? Said one
- They're so cute I could eat them! Said the other one
Lizzie that was walking toward the toilets heard them talk and knew instinctively that they were talking about Candy and Terry. She cursed herself for the thousandth time, she lost Terry by her own fault, now it was over, he loved Candy and didn't even look at her anymore. She went back to her plane next to Eliza.
- I have to find a way to get Terry back… she said
- Forget about that. What ever you try it won't work said Eliza, I personally give up trying to hurt her or I'm trying not to. But she gets on my nerves. I have to find myself a guy to keep me busy with more important things, you too for that matter. You have a new boyfriend, stop running after Terry, because he only has eyes for Candy
- Never! I want him back. You don't understand; Terry is the best boyfriend I've ever had. He treated me like a princess…and in bed… You heard what he did for Candy for her birthday? He's the one I want, Eliza
- But he wants Candy and he's the one she wants. You've ruined your chances. What you should've done, is become Candy's friend. She's so damn loyal to her friends, that she would've never gone out with Terry if her life depended on it, out of friendship for you. But now it's too late… you burned that bridge the second you laid your eyes on her…
- Too late, said Lizzie
Annie heard what Eliza and Lizzie were saying. That's true, if Lizzie had been Candy's friend, Candy would've never gone out with Terry. Like she will never be with Archie because by friendship for her.
" You're too good Candy" said Annie in her head.
The flight to Bucharest lasted about 3 and a half hour. They arrived at Otopeni airport in Bucharest, the Romanian capital around 6h30 pm. There were a lot of people, because a lot of airplanes had arrived at the same time. The administrative procedures took a while, but the students were not in a hurry. They were talking among them. Candy was with her friends and her beloved.
- I can't wait to be in my family said Candy
- Why? Asked Annie
- I don't know why she said, I'm just so happy to be here
- Well I hope everybody will be as happy as you, said Terry
- There, the line is moving, finally said Patty, we're getting out!
Everybody was finally walking towards the exit of the airport. The people that were going to receive the students in their home were there with sign with the student's name on it. Candy saw a man with a sign that said, " Candice White Andrew" on it. Her heart jumped of joy in her chest. Why? She didn't know. But she approached the man with a big smile.
Philippe Crane was holding the sign and felt a little funny. Did Melissa's excitement rubbed off on him? He saw a young girl walking towards him with a smile, he smiled back at her. She was radiant with her green eyes and blond hair… like Melissa… He had the impression of seeing Melissa 17 years ago… No, that was his boarder for the summer; his mind and imagination were playing tricks on him…
- Good evening said Candy smiling putting her bag on the ground
- Good evening, Candice?
- Call me Candy, like everybody
Candy felt like hugging him. They say the firs impression is often the good one…so she did. Philippe was a little surprised, but hugged her back. This young girl was the joy of life.
- Thank you, she said, for agreeing to have me stay with you
- You're very welcome, said Philippe a little emotional
He felt good with this young girl and he was happy to have been chosen to stay with her. He went to see the teachers and the coordinator to tell them that he had found his boarder. Then they were ready to go.
- Wait, Mr. Crane, I have to say good bye to someone
- You can all me Philippe. Ok, go ahead
She went to see her friends to say goodbye and then she went to see Terry who was with the driver of the Italian Embassy.
- Romeo? I have to go
- Bye, Juliet he said, kissing her quickly since they already kissed on the plane a lot, good luck
- You too, you'll be able to practice your Italian… Ciao!
Meanwhile, Philippe called Melissa from his cell phone
- Honey?
- Yes, dear is everything all right?
- Yes. The boarder…
- Is she all right?
- You're going to love her! There's something about her…
- Oh honey, you intrigue me… come home quickly!
- See you later. Bye
Candy came back to Philippe in front of the door.
- Your Lover boy?
- Yes, she said blushing lightly
Philippe just smiled, During the ride in the car, they were at the back, they had a driver. They talked about all and nothing. They were feeling very comfortable together.
- I have a wife and three kids, two girls and one boy
- Oh super! I love being in a family…
- The whole family is going to love you, I sure of it
Candy just laughed. They finally arrived at the Crane's villa.
- Wow, it's big! Said Candy
- Yes, and there's a garden and playground for the kids said Philippe
They walked to the door to ring, but the door opened and Melissa appeared. Candy looked at Melissa and felt all sort of emotions submerging her. Melissa looked at Candy, and didn't know what to say. They continued staring at each other.
- Good evening, said Candy to break the silence, Mrs. Crane
- Melissa, call me Melissa
Candy hugged her. Melissa was waiting for the hug; she wanted to hug her too.
- Good evening Melissa, said Candy
- Good evening, Candice said Melissa
- Candy, please…
- Candy repeated Melissa, let me introduce you to the kids, this is Carissa, James and little Cassandra that we call Cassie
Candy went near the kids.
- Hello little ones! Said Candy happily, how are you?
- Fine said the kids
Little Carissa was looking at her. Candy crouched down. Carissa hugged her.
- You're like mummy said Carissa
- Oh… thank you said Candy hugging her back
James imitated his big sister and hugged her too. Candy took Cassie in her arms and kissed her on the cheek. Melissa and Philippe were looking at the scene, fascinated.
- I now get what you meant on the phone, honey she said whispering, there's something about this girl… she's the joy of life… but
- I told you… I don't know what it is…
- Well in any case, I'm happy that she came
The diner was fine; they were like one big happy family.
Terry arrived at the residence of the Italian Ambassador and was greeted by the Ambassador, his wife, their three daughters and his son.
- Good evening said Terry
- Terrence Grandchester? Asked the Ambassador, Beneto Santarelli
- Pleased to meet you, Your Excellency, Madam
- These are my kids, Ornella, Francesca, Alessandra and Enzo
- Hi, said the kids
- As you can see, we all speak English, my wife is American
- Oh, that's great! Call me Terry, please
Francesca who was 16, found Terry really handsome. She was blond with straight hair and grey eyes. She started to talk with Terry and didn't leave his side. Terry liked the attention, but he found it a little annoying. His heart was with Candy, if he had been free, he would've spend some good time with Francesca. But he didn't regret anything, he had Candy and he was happy.
After diner, Francesca took him to his room. She stayed with him while he was arranging his stuff. They were talking about everything in the beginning, then, she made him understand that she wanted more.
- I'm looking for my cell phone to call my girlfriend said Terry to show her that he wasn't available
- Oh… did she stay in London?
- No, she's here at the Cranes
- Oh…but she's not in this house
- Francesca, I'm the faithful kind
- Pity… just once would have been enough
Terry couldn't believe his ears. She had the nerve…!
- Do you have a boyfriend?
- Yes, but he's on vacation
- You think he's going to like that you're flirting with me?
- He doesn't need to know. I won't tell him. I'm not married yet, I'm young and pretty. I can have a little fun, can I? You will probably feel lonely without your girlfriend. I just wanted you to know that I'm available
- Thanks, but, no thanks
- If you change your mind…
- I won't…
Terry's cell phone started to ring, taking him out of this uncomfortable conversation.
- Candy? He said relieved
- Terry? You sound weird. A girl is hitting on you?
(Silence)
- "Ye who doesn't say word, consents"… be nice to her, she can help you with the Romanian language
- Freckles, you're incredible!
- Why? Because I trust my Romeo? By the way, my family here is great! The father, the mother, the kids are beautiful! I feel so good here!
- Good for you Juliet, I'm happy…
- … that there's no young man my age here? She joked
- What are you talking about? I trust you completely, my Juliet
- I sure hope so! OK, honey, I have to go. I have to read a story to the kids. Call me before you go to bed.
- Ok, talk to you later, I love you
- Bye, I love you
Terry put the cell phone on his night table. Francesca didn't miss a word of the conversation, at least on Terry's side.
- You must love her a lot… she said
- Yes…
- She's lucky… I'm going to leave you. You can come down when you're done
- I don't know if I can find myself in this big house. It's so big in here
- So, I'll wait for you
Terry finished to arrange his things and went down the stairs with Francesca to be with the rest of the family in one of the living rooms.
The rest of the band was fine in their host family. Most of them were happy about their boarder, except of course those of Lizzie and Eliza. Neil was in a family that had a 15-year-old named Tracy and started to flirt immediately with her. All the boys that found themselves in families with teen-age girls were in 7th heaven.
Annie found herself in the Parker family, they had a boy Warren who was 17, and he had two sisters; Libby who was 16 and Carrie who was 14. The mother was from Sweden and the father American. Warren was on Annie's heels and was giving her all of his attention. That was a big change for Annie compare to Archibald's indifference. She called Candy on her cell phone. This last one was in her bedroom installing her laptop.
- Hello, Candy?
- Annie, How are you?
- Fine… I think
- Hum… what's wrong?
- Well, there's a boy here, Warren, he's 17
- Oh…
- He's very likeable…
- He's flirting with you, you mean
- Yes. Candy I spent my time pursuing Archie… Warren's attention it's… Great!
- I'm happy for you, Annie, be careful
- I know, don't worry. Thanks. How are you in your family?
- Annie, like you said, "my family"… I'm feeling like I'm in my family, it's a strange feeling. There's no teen boy, the kids are small and adorable. I'm in seventh heaven!
- I'm very happy for you… I've never heard you so…happy!
- Thanks. See you tomorrow. Goodnight, Annie
She was just finished when the phone rang again
- Freckles?
- Romeo
- I calling to wish you a goodnight
- Goodnight Romeo, she said smiling
- Goodnight Juliet. See you tomorrow
- I miss you
- I miss you too…
Melissa was passing by and she knocked on her door.
- Come in!
Candy had just finished her conversation with Terry.
- Who was that? If I'm not too nosy
- Terry, my boyfriend
- Oh…how long have you been together?
- We've met on December 31, but we started going out in April
- And you love him…
- When we met, I had just lost my fist boyfriend in a car crash. I never thought I would love another one…
Melissa was looking at her; she had freckles, like her. She like being in her presence.
- You want me to brush your hair? She asked
- That would be nice, thank you. I was adopted, I never had a mother
- Oh… you're from the family of William Andrew?
- Yes…
- I met him a few times in some receptions
- Well at least you've seen him… I've never seen him
- But he adopted you
- It was to pleased Anthony, my first love… he's always on a business trip
- Oh…I can mother during your stay
- That would please me a lot, thank you
- You're welcome. It's a pleasure for me too.
Candy sat in front of the dresser, and Melissa was standing behind her and brushing her long blond and curly hair. They continued talking. Candy told her what had happened with Terry. They were laughing.
Philippe was passing by and looking by the half-opened door. For a split of a second, he thought " Mother and daughter"… but he stopped his line of thinking that he judge ridiculous. But, was it? He went to get his digital camera. He knocked on the door.
- Can I come in?
- Of course said Candy
- What are you doing with the camera, honey? Said Melissa
- I want to immortalize the moment…can I ? He asked Candy
- Of course
They said both "cheese" . he took a picture, then another one, and another one… He went on his computer and got the pictures out right away. The two young women were still talking. Candy was now brushing Melissa's hair. Philippe arrived with the pictures.
- Already? Said Melissa seeing her husband
- The magic of technology said Philippe
- They're beautiful said Candy
- You can keep these
- Thank you very much, Philippe
- We're going to let you sleep, said Melissa, goodnight
- Goodnight and thank you again
They left Candy and she sent an e-mail to Terry.
My Romeo darling,
I was used to seeing you every nights. I missed you. Philippe (Mr. Crane) took some pictures of Melissa (Mrs. Crane) and I. They are very beautiful. I'll show them to you tomorrow.
If your situation is a little weird (the Ambassador's daughter is hitting on you) I know you'll know what to do. I trust you. I'm going to bed. See you later, my love. I love you.
Juliet
She got almost an immediate answer from Terry.
My darling Juliet,
Those six weeks are going to be a torture for me, because I won't see you every night.
But tomorrow, I won't leave your side. I want to spend the maximum time with you during the day.
See you tomorrow. I love you.
RomeoMelissa and Philippe were in their room.
- Honey, you're overjoyed! The last time I saw you this happy, was when Cassie was born
- Does that bother you?
- On the contrary, I'm as happy as you
- Hold me tight said Melissa closing her eyes.