CHAPTER 13
Finally, the big day has arrived. Candy wakes up and looks around. She is all alone upstairs and is glad of it. At least she won't have to pretend to be happy. Today is her birthday. Happy Birthday to me, whoopee! she thinks. There's nothing for me to be happy about. Jeremy isn't here and he hasn't even sent me a card or letter wishing me a happy birthday. Maybe this is his way of letting me know he isn't coming home ever. Oh Jeremy, why?
Biddie comes running upstairs to Candy's bed to see if she is awake. "Well, it's time to get up Miss Birthday Girl. You haven't forgotten that we're going to spend the whole morning together, have you?"
Shaking her head and throwing the covers off, Candy looks sadly at Biddie. "No, I haven't forgotten. But Biddie, what exactly can we do that will take all morning?"
"Why, Candy Pruitt! If I didn't know better, I would think you didn't want to spend time with me," Biddie giggles. "But I know that's not true. We always have fun together."
Not wanting to hurt Biddie's feelings, Candy says, "Yes, we do, Biddie. Well, most of the time." They laugh as she gets up and dresses. As they go downstairs, about 75 brides serenade Candy with the Happy Birthday song.
Candy is touched by the outpouring of love and friendship being shown to her. After they eat, Candy sits and opens her gifts, The first one she opens is a sampler for her and Jeremy's home. The next one is a beautiful quilt, and the next one is doilies. Most of the gifts turn out to be for their home. "Thank you all for the lovely gifts, but Jeremy and I don't have a home to put them in." Tears fill her eyes. "And I don't kn-know if we ever will," she stammers as she runs out the door crying. She winds up at the big boulder.
Biddie walks up quietly and sits beside Candy. "Candy, we're sorry. We thought getting things for your new home would make you happy. You've been so sad lately, and all we wanted to do was to cheer you up." Now Biddie is crying too.
"I'm sorry too, Biddie. The girls must hate me now for being so rude. They're really lovely gifts and I know they've worked so hard on them. If Jeremy and I ever have a home, I'll be so proud to use them." She takes a hankie out of her pocket and dabs at her eyes. "It's just I haven't heard anything from Jeremy in so long, I'm afraid he's forgotten all about me and he won't be coming back to Seattle like he promised me he would." Tears start falling again.
"Oh Candy, I don't believe that for a minute. Jeremy would never leave Seattle for good. He loves you," Biddie says as she pats Candy's hand.
"I hope you're right Biddie, but I've just about given up all hope." She takes one last wipe at her eyes. "Thanks for being here for me, and for trying to make this a happy occasion. My heart is just not in it though. I'm sorry. Come on, I have a lot of friends I need to apologize to." They walk back to the dormitory arm in arm.
As it gets to be mid morning, the Shamus O'Flynn pulls into port. A small crowd gathers to welcome it back to Seattle. Dr. Wright waves to the crowd and waits for the gangplank to be put in place. She debarks the ship and is greeted by Candy who has left Biddie alone to do a jigsaw puzzle they were working on.
"Happy Birthday, Candy! I told you I would be back for your birthday. How's your day been so far?" Allyn greets her happily.
"All right, I guess. Where's Jeremy? I guess he didn't make it back in time. Did he at least send me a letter or card?"
"No, not with me. I'm sorry," Allyn replies.
"So am I," Candy says as her eyes mist over. Blinking back the tears she asks, "So, how is Jeremy? Did he even mention my name?"
Allyn puts her arm around Candy. "Jeremy is doing very well actually. What's wrong Candy?"
Biting her lip Candy replies, "Allyn, I'm just afraid Jeremy isn't coming home ever. I think he's forgotten all about me. It's been so long since I've even heard from him. If he still cares, he could have at least sent a message of three little words. I know he can't be that busy." She wipes tears from her face.
"Candy, I'm so sorry. Don't give up hope. I'm sure he's thinking of you, especially today."
"You think so? I don't think he's thought of me in a long time. Maybe he thinks of Frankie now. I'm sorry, Allyn. I didn't mean to dump my problems on you as soon as you got here."
Jason and Josh walk up and hug Allyn. Turning to Candy, they give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Happy Birthday," they tell her.
"Thank you," she says with a quivering smile. "Jason, Joshua, I don't feel much like going out tonight. Would you mind if we just forget about our plans for supper?"
"Yes Candy, we would mind very much. We were looking forward to spending the evening with you," Joshua says.
"Now Candy, what's wrong?" Jason asks in his fatherly voice.
"Everything."
"I'm afraid Candy is just a little upset because Jeremy didn't send her a card or letter," Allyn tells them. "Candy, how about if I invite myself to tag along on your birthday date with these two good looking men? And instead of tonight, why don't we make it around 3:00? I'll come over after we've both had our baths and help you get ready."
"I don't really feel. . ."
In Jason's loud booming voice he says, "I think that's a splendid idea. Don't you Josh?"
"Sounds like fun to me," Josh answers.
"Please Candy? I could use a hot delicious meal and some good company after being on that boat." Allyn looks at Candy with pleading eyes.
"Oh all right. I don't know how good of company I'll be, but I'll give it a try. I guess I better go take my bath then."
They watch Candy walk slowly back to the dormitory. "Thanks Allyn. Candy has been so depressed lately. I can't believe Jeremy didn't send her anything for her birthday. I'd like to go down there to San Francisco and give him a good talking to," Jason says angrily.
Touching Jason's arm Allyn says, "Don't be too hard on Jeremy. He's had an awful lot to handle these past few months. I'm sure he'll hate himself once he realizes how he has made Candy feel unwanted and unloved."
"You're probably right. I guess I better go tell Lottie that our time has changed to 3:00. We wouldn't want to upset the cook, now would we?" Jason holds his arm out for Allyn. "May I walk you home?"
"You go ahead. I forgot to tell the Captain something. I'll go talk to him and then I'll see you both at 3:00 at the dormitory." With that said, Allyn hurries back on board the Shamus O'Flynn to take care of some business while Jason and Josh go to Lottie's to take care of their business.
