Tomorrow in your life…
By Mallory Quinn
Chapter 19
"The Ice Princess"
The Reagans learned that Neil was expelled because of Candy and they became very angry. The great Aunt Elroy gave the order to bring all the children back.
Candy was sad to leave her friends, but happy to go back to America. She could see the Pony house again, her two mothers and all the little ones. Annie arrived in Candy's room in tears; she couldn't believe what had just happened.
- Candy, you're leaving? For good? And Archie too? Said Annie
- You can go back with us if you want, you know…said Candy
- Yes, I think that's what I'm going to do… if you're not coming back, I'm going to tell my parents I want to stay in America too…I won't go to Scotland with the school
Tanisha and Patty arrived in the room all panicked. They heard Annie's last words.
- What! Said Patty, it's not enough that Stear is leaving, I have to lose my two best friends, too?
- It's not fair, Candy you're innocent said Tani
- I'm going to miss you, said Patty, you too, Annie
- You could come and visit us during the holidays said Annie
Candy and Annie were talking while packing Candy's luggage. They were taking just a few things, the rest will be sent to her by the sisters later. Then, they went to Annie's room to do her luggage. Annie called her parents and told them she was coming home. They didn't protest too much, they were glad to have their daughter coming home. Since the young Cornwell was also coming home…
That's how everybody went back to America, a few days only after Terry's departure. Candy left England without receiving Terry's letter. Her computer crashed before she left England; she won't be able to receive any emails either. She didn't have time to contact the Cranes with all the craziness.
Once in America, she went to the Pony House to spend her summer vacations with her first family. Annie came to see her from time to time. Miss Pony and Sister Maria were glad to have their little protégée. Candy told them what happened at St. Paul.
- But Candy, St. Paul Academy is a very good school, it's a pity said Sister Maria
- I'm sure that Georges will find me a very good private school her too, said Candy
- Did you have a boyfriend? That Terry you talked so much about in your e-mails…? Asked Miss Pony
- Yes, he graduated this year…
- That's why you're not sad for leaving England…
Candy blushed and smiled.
- Miss Pony, Sister Maria, I'm so happy to have come back among you…
- Boss! Said the kids, come and play with us!
She went to play with the kids. With her computer crashed, she decided to take a break from technology for a little while. But she thought about Melissa and Philippe, they were going to worry it they don't hear from her.
"I'll call her once I'm in Chicago she said to herself, and I should find Terry's letter with my stuff from St. Paul, with an address where to write to him. Oh Terry I miss you so much"
So she spent the rest of her vacation without checking her e-mails.
Georges Johnson enrolled the kids in a Private School of Chicago; Academy St. Dominic, for their senior year. They had to wear uniform again. Annie was also enrolled in the same school; with Archie there, there was no way her mom would put her in another school. She wanted her daughter to marry Archie Cornwell, who was from a rich family and related to William Andrew. Stear went to Chicago University and was studying engineering. Candy had to leave at the Andrew Manor with the rest of the family including the Great Aunt Elroy. Fortunately the manor was big enough for the two ladies; they barely saw each other, except some times at dinner. Candy signed up for all the extra-curricular activities she could, so would spend as much time as possible at school and less time at the manor. She also spent a lot of time at Annie's with or without Archie.
Since the school was private, it was full of spoiled, rich, snob and obnoxious kids from Chicago. In the school's hallway, the richest had their group, then the less rich and those who came from the other side of the track on a special scholarship because of their excellent grades, since their parents couldn't afford to pay for a private school.
Candy was in the hallway with Annie and Archie; they were talking.
- Did they really had to put us in this school? Asked Candy, I would've been happy in a public school…
- With your good grades, they probably would've transferred you here anyway said Archie
- I'm so glad you're here with me said Candy, thanks Annie, thanks Archie
Neil arrived and was also standing and talking with them. The others were looking at the new comers who had been expelled from St. Paul Academy in London, England. The news of course, had travelled its own way, with numerous versions… The group of the richest kids was looking at them; there was a girl name Mireille Robin with long brown hair who was looking at Candy with mean eyes; her boyfriend, Pascal Colin he had light brown hair and was looking at Candy with desire eyes.
- Look at her, said Mireille she looks so pure and innocent, she was busted with drugs in her room!
- Mireille said Pascal, you also do drugs… and that's not what's bothering you, what's bothering you it's that she's William Andrew's daughter…
- Adopted…
- Whatever… adopted means she's his daughter on the same page as any other biological children he'll have…. And for the moment, she's the only heir to his fortune, which means she's richer than you… and so nice and innocent
- Innocent? You think she's a virgin? She probably had a lot of boyfriends…said Mireille
- Like you? Said Pascal, I don't think so. According to her cousin Neil, she only had one boyfriend at St.Paul…
- You've done your homework on her, said Mireille, you want to go out with her? Don't you?
- Mireille, what are you talking about? You're the only one in my heart he said with an ironic tone
Mireille looked at Candy; she was richer than her? More pretty, she wanted to have her close to her, to keep an eye on her. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer". She had to become her friend. She approached Candy with her group.
- Hi, I'm Mireille Robin and he's Pascal Colin, Nathalie Sailor, Sherry Mann… welcome to St. Dominic… we're the group of the richest kids of the school and we would want you to join us, Candy…
- Just me? What about my friends? Said Candy
- They're not as rich as you…said Mireille
- Oh… it's our parents' bank account that counts?
- Of course, said Mireille
- So, tell me, what did you do to contribute to your parents' fortune? Asked Candy
- Well…
- That's what I thought, all you did was being born in a rich family… not with a silver spoon in your mouth
- You're adopted! Your real parents abandoned you…
- Yes, I know. I didn't contribute in anything to my adopted family's fortune. I'm going to make my own fortune by having a good career later…If you want me to be in your group just because my adoptive father is one of the richest man in America, don't hold your breath, because I'm not interested.
The other burst out laughing, and Pascal looked at her with fascination. Candy left with her friends and Mireille was furious.
- The bitch! She said
Pascal tried to hit on Candy in class. She was polite with him to a point, but when he star to go too far, she completely shot down. Pascal was surprised to see how she could be so nice one minute and turned to ice next minute as soon as you talk about relationship.
- I can come to your house after school… said Pascal
- What for? Said Candy
- To see you, we could work together on our science assignment, he said
- Mireille will be there?
- No, of course not…
- So, if you want to work on our assignment or anything else, it would have to be here in school. You see, my Great Aunt doesn't like be bringing boys from school, home…
- But she doesn't need to know…
- I don't think we need to be at my house to work together. You wouldn't want Mireille to suspect anything…
Pascal insisted, but Candy wouldn't budge. Other boys wanted to have her too; they talked to Pascal.
- She's so happy and smiling said one boy
- Yeah, until you start to hit on her, said Pascal, she turns to stone, ice… the Ice Princess…
- That's because you have a girlfriend said one, she must be the loyal kind, said another boys, I'll have her
- Good luck! Said Pascal ironically
The boy tried in vain, Candy was a stone, it was the same with every other boys who tried… It was no use. Some even wanted to drug her, but since she never went to parties, or dances… Candy was still nice and smiling, but she just blew off all the guys that wanted her; which won her the title of "The Ice Princess". Neil listened to comments other boys were making and he didn't say anything. He knew Candy was only thinking about Terry and that she was far from being the Ice Princess with the boy she loved. Terry was not contacting her. He wanted to let her time to grieve and next year he was going to try to be with her when they go to university.
Eliza wanted to be part of the richest kids group, but her parents weren't rich enough. Mireille refused to include her. Eliza was angry. That idiot Candy, the orphan, the stable girl was richer than her! Mireille had asked her to be in her group, which never happened and the stable girl refused!
Candy finally called the Cranes in Romania.
- Hello? Melissa?
- Candy! Oh my God! It's been so long! Your emails were coming back…
- I know, my computer caught a virus, so I took a break from technology for a few weeks. I'm back in America for good. I'm sending you an email to tell you what happened. I have a new email address my account was deactivated… I was resting at the Pony House where I was raised, near Lake Michigan. I was taking care of the children. How's Carissa?
- She's fine thank you. She has completely recovered, thanks to you
- Thank God. I'm emailing you as soon as I hang up. How's your belly?
- It's getting bigger said Melissa laughing
- That's good. Give Philippe and the kids a kiss from me. Talk to you later. I miss you all!
- Bye Candy. Thank you for calling. We miss you too!
Candy was Annie and Archie at school. They were avoiding the snobs. Annie had Archie and she was in seventh heaven. Archie was teasing her about her nickname.
- Candy he said, "The Ice Princess"? Come on, you're not going to stop living because Grandchester isn't here…
- Archie, honey said Candy, thanks for worrying about me, but I'm fine, really.
- But did he even write you? Asked Archie
- He thinks I'm still at St. Paul…
- But we got our stuff from St. Paul; there was nothing from him, right?
- Nothing…
- Forget about him! He probably already replaced you…
- Archie, said Annie, leave her alone. She wants to wait for him. They love each other
- I just hope that you're not deluding yourself, "Ice Princess"! Said Archie
- Don't call me that! Said Candy laughing
But she was wondering in her head, why she didn't have any news from Terry. Her computer was down during the summer, her account was deactivated…but the regular mail was working, she should've received his letter.
She was not the only one wondering about that. In Los Angeles, Terry was in an Internet-café, during his lunchtime and he was trying to send an email to Candy. She didn't answer his letter, and he had moved since the redaction of that letter.
"What's happening, Freckles? Where are you? Why aren't you answering me? I miss you so much…"
His lunchtime was over, and he went back to work, in the nice restaurant where he had found work. The luxurious restaurant, where all the big people of Hollywood came for lunch and dinner. He had let his pictures to numerous agencies. He tried to find an agent, but no one wanted and unknown actor. But he was not discouraging himself. He went to auditions, for the roles he wanted only. One day in the waiting room, he was talking to other young wannabe actors, who advised him to go to all auditions; you never know who could see them. That's how he started to go to all auditions, when he had a free time. When he was getting a little discouraged, he thought about his Freckles and he remembered the definition or the perseverance; never move back in front of difficulties to attain your goal…
Eliza was looking for her photo-album in her stuff, when she saw an envelope addressed to Candy; Terry's letter. She had a twinge in her heart. She, of course, opened the letter.
Candy my love,
How are you? I miss you so much! I arrived in Los Angeles well. It's very hot here. I have a room in a small motel and I'm looking for a job while I'm doing auditions. It's hard but once I reach my goal, it's going to be worth it. That goal is you, I want to make my dreams come true so I could be with you, my darling. Of all the things I don't have anymore, money, my computer, my cell phone etc. it's the warmth of your body against mine I miss the most. Especially the beautiful gift you gave me before I left.
I love you Candy, don't forget it, don't ever forget it. I will come and get you. You're my wife in my heart. We've exchanged our vows in private in a church. I'm your husband in your heart.
Ok, I have to go, honey and I'm waiting for your letter.
Take care, Freckles
I love you
Your Romeo
Terry
Eliza was green with jealousy. There was no way Candy would see that letter; she would be reassured by Terry love and she didn't want that! She wants Candy to think that Terry abandoned her. Candy will never see this letter, never! Damn that Candy! She though, if Terry doesn't make it in Hollywood, he's got his family business to fall back on. That stable girl was a winner either way!
Christmas time came. Candy was communicating with Melissa who was ready to have her baby. She was due in the beginning of January. She didn't want to know the sex of the baby, she wanted to be surprised.
Patty and Stear were emailing each other every night. Patty was also emailing her friends, Candy and Annie. So did Tanisha. They will both come to America in the summer.
Melissa gave birth to a little boy on January 1st, New Year's Day. She was so happy; she now had two boys and two girls.
" I would've had three boys she thought for a moment"- Philippe, did you think of a name?
- Why not "Andrew" after Candy for saving Carissa…
- What a great idea, Philippe! She's going to be so happy!
Candy was speechless on the phone when Philippe told her the news.
- But Philippe, you don't have to. I was happy to help you
- That's why we're thanking you
- Thanks, she said with tears in her voice and congratulations. Happy New Year! Kiss the children especially little Andrew! Not to mention, Melissa…
- Thanks, you too. And I will…Bye Candy
- Bye Philip
- I'm sending you picture by email
- I can't wait to see him…
Candy was in her room later with Annie and told her what happened.
- You saved their daughter, it's nice of them
- I didn't want to be rewarded
- Candy come on, you have a baby called Andrew in your honour. He must be absolutely adorable… do you have any pictures?
- Philippe has to send them to me via email later or now for that matter Let me go see
She went to the computer to check her emails. She was right, there were a lot of pictures of little Andrew…
- Candy, said Annie, he's adorable! He's got freckles like you…
- He's a beautiful baby
- I don't know if it's the freckles, but I think he looks like you
- Annie, come on… Let's go see the others downstairs
Candy's experience with Carissa's leukemia, gave her the idea to become a doctor. She sent letter to all the great universities of the country. She also decided to take driving lessons, because Georges told her that Uncle William was offering her a car as a graduation gift.
Annie wanted to do, business management. Archie wanted to become a lawyer. Patty wanted to become a journalist; she was hoping to go tot school in Chicago so she would be near Stear.
At the end of the school year, the students started to receive letters of admissions to colleges and universities. Candy received a letter to go pass a test at the University of Chicago and she passed, brilliantly.
They all graduated from high school and they were ready to go to college and university. Everybody ended up going to the University of Chicago, even Neil and Eliza.
Patty and Tanisha came to Chicago for the summer. They arrived at the beginning of August, since school was finishing in July in England. The four friends were so happy to be together again. They had a group hug for a long time. They were laughing and crying of joy.
- So, How is St. Paul? Asked Candy
- Always the same, Lizzie was the terror, said Patty
- With her new boyfriend, said Tani
- Is she still doing drugs? Asked Annie
- Yes, said Tani
- She's going to end up bad… at her age, said Candy
- Her parents are in denial, they're refusing to admit that their daughter has a drug problem said Tani
- That a pity for her. She doesn't have people that love her enough to have an intervention, said Annie
- Maybe we should've done it, said Tani
- But she was so mean and she would've discourage any attempts we could've made said Patty, I just avoided her
- I hope her family help her one day, said Candy
- Enough with that mean girl, said Annie let's talk about something else…
They spent very good vacations together. Patty was very happy to see Stear again. They became inseparable for the whole summer. Patty decided to stay in Chicago and she told her parents.
Candy still had no news from Terry. She was very sad when she thought about it.
"Terry, I miss you so much, my love. I left St, Paul. I've changed email, my account was deactivated… Terry I love you".
Eliza didn't miss an occasion of rubbing it to Candy's face that Terry had forgot about her. Even if she knew it was not the case, because she hid Terry's letter.
- So stable girl, where's your lover boy? He probably forgot about you by now…
- How would you know Eliza, do you know something I don't? Asked Candy
- Euh… no she said a little puzzled…
- So you're just being mean to me as usual? Asked Candy
- Of course, said Archie, what else could it be?
Neil was looking at his sister and shook his head. But he couldn't stop thinking about Candy.
During the new academic year, Neil started to pursue Candy, whom, of course was not interested. She heart was with Terry. Eliza was making fun of her brother in his bedroom.
- She loves Terry, Neil, you're wasting your time…
- But he didn't even contact her, he didn't even write…
- That's where you're wrong
- What do you mean…?
- He wrote her…
- How do you know that?
- I got the letter by mistake with the stuff from St. Paul
- And you didn't give it to Candy? It's a federal offense to open someone's mail…
- What? The FBI is going to arrest me for stealing Candy's letter? Give me a break!
- What did the letter said?
- It was full of love, you would've been sick if you'd seen it, you'd want to puke…
- She didn't get the letter and she's still waiting for him? Said Neil sadly
- Apparently they exchange wedding vows in private in a church or something, so they think as themselves as "married in their hearts" can you believe that? She's faithful to her "husband in her heart"! Ridiculous!
- Oh… Candy, said Neil heartbroken, that's why she's in Ice Princess mode…
- The Ice Princess with you, but with Terry she was far from being of ice…
- Shut up Eliza!
- She was doing it with him, Neil. Get it through you thick skull!
- Enough! You don't need to put salt in my wounds! At least, she's not a slut like you!
- Neil!
- Sorry sis…
- You don't need to be mean because I'm telling you the truth...Sorry bro, your wasting your time. But I can understand you. If I knew where Terry was, I'll go see him and seduce him just to see what Lizzie was talking about... But for now, I'm having fun...
- Are you using protection?
- Yes, I promised you
- Good. But try to stay with the same partner
- Just one, what about all the others that want me? I'm going to stop once I'm married...
- At this rate, I'm wondering if you're ever going to get married...
Eliza burst out laughing. Neil knew that his advices were falling in deaf ears. He hoped she was protecting herself, at least, she said she was. But Eliza usually says one thing and does another thing.