Disclaimer: I don't own Candy, Candy and it's charaters. Candy Candy and all characters belong to Kyoko Mizuki, images to Yumiko Igarashi and anime a Toei Animation.

Thank you to all readers and reviewers. I rush on this one because I am so excited that I might forget what I want to write. I found any grammatical errors pls kindly let me know so I can correct it. I am weak at that area. I have to divide this chapter it was getting longer. Thank you again.

Summary

Albert finally arrived at Lakewood. He wanted to see Candy. However, his plan was interrupted by his Great Aunt Elroy. Aunt Elroy planned a welcoming party for Albert, to officially introduce him as the head of the Ardley family. She also thought that Albert should find a wife for himself and a husband for Candy at the same time. She thought if Candy will find her own husband she will stop bothering William.

Albert of course new that his Aunt will device some devious plan such as this so, Albert decided to confront Candy about his feelings. He planned to propose to her in an unusual way. Will they finally be together at last? Please read and find out.

Chapter 3 – Lost in translation part 1

Lakewood palace was so busy; servants were running around like scattered ants trying to prepare for the important celebration of that night.

"Everything has to be perfect.", commanded Aunt Elroy to all of her servants.

Meanwhile, Albert was in his study, lost in thought. He couldn't believe that he is finally home; building enough courage to propose to the woman he truly loves. He imagined over and over again in his head what to say, what to do, how to touch her, and so on. He also prepared a beautiful but yet not too extravagant green dress for her. For he knows that Candy only like simple but yet elegant dress. Albert couldn't wait to hold her and dance with her.

Candy on the other hand, woke up early to help around Pony Hill before leaving to Lakewood. All of the children knew about the party, there were so excited to see Candy's dress. To their disappointment, the dress wasn't there. Oh how they wish that they can see her. Candy said that she will try to bring the dress for them to see. All the children got excited and run outside to play.

After helping around Candy got ready. As she prepared for their meeting her body and hands were trembling. She doesn't want to show that she is too eager to show her feelings like a mad woman desperately in love with a man whom she doesn't know if he will love her in return.

She couldn't decide either what time to come. If she arrives early, it may mean that she is too eager. If late, then she is too important. Aghh….I was never like this with Albert before,thought Candy. Candy packed lightly for she doesn't plan to stay there for long. She also brought Flammy's letter to show Albert.

Finally, she arrived around three in the afternoon, the party starts at six in the evening. Just enough time to catch up with Albert and get ready for the evening. Albert was in his study, looking at the window every now and then, watching for her.

When he saw her, he studied her and all of their lovely memories came alive. His spirit and strength renewed. I need to meet with her before Aunt Elroy sees her, Albert quickly thought.

As he stepped out his room, he runs across Aunt Elroy.

"William, there you are. I have been looking for you. Come now I need to go over things with you before the evening starts." Aunt Elroy said with a commanding tone.

"Eyy? Now? Can I meet you there in thirty minutes?", Albert replied.

"Very well then just make sure you will come."

"Yes, my dear Aunt."

Albert quickly runs outside. Candy was still standing in front of the door of the mansion, breathing heavily, eyes close, trying to hold her emotions and clearing her head. I can do this. I've been waiting for this although I wish for a different place, Candy thought.

The moment she open her eyes, Albert opened the door. Finally, their longing eyes met, trying to convey all of their hidden emotions inside. Both were breathing heavily and slowly. The moment seemed to last for eternity. Oh, I would like to embrace her right now. She is so beautiful now a full grown woman, waiting to be my wife, Albert thought sincerely. Although, he wished that he could have said it out loud.

Candy thought, Albert how handsome you are. Your skin looked tan and your endearing eyes and smile feels like you long for me, Albert could this be true?

The two stand there with amazement, until George cleared his throat and said, "Sir Albert, aren't you going to invite Miss Candy inside?"

"Oh yes, Candy how are you? Come in I am glad that you arrived." Albert said trying to restraint his longing for her.

"Ttthank you, Albert. I am …. glad to be here as well." Candy replied nervously.

Candy walked inside, Albert closed the door. Albert standing behind Candy, neither were saying anything, waiting for someone to start. Candy felt Albert breathing behind her neck. Albert was trying to savour Candy's scent. Eyes closed and heart racing. They stand like this before but this time it felt different, the awkwardness, the shyness but yet lovely.

Then Candy turned around to face Albert and both said simultaneously. "Albert" , "Candy"

Both laugh at their silliness. Then Albert smiled at her and said, "You looked lovely Candy. Come I will show you your room and your dress."

Candy smile and nodded. She thought, he didn't say that he missed me? Maybe he didn't or he is just waiting for the right time.

As they headed towards Candy's room, Albert was thinking, that's all I said? What happened to my lines; that I miss you, that every moment of time I thought about you, that I couldn't live without you, and that I love you and will you marry me. No, that last line is for later. Man, I feel stupid right now.

When finally they reached the room, as Candy put her hand at the door knob so did Albert. At last their hand touched. Both gasped and instinctively withdraw their hands. "I am sorry Candy I was merely opening the door for you." Albert explained.

"Yes, I forgot. I am so used being on my own." Candy said blushing.

Those words caused a sharp pain right at Albert's heart. Candy is alone. Doesn't she need me now since she is so independent? Am I too late? Albert thought with uncertainty.

Candy stepped inside; her room was same as before. This time Albert was a few steps behind her although he wanted to hold her. He is restraining himself for they are in her room. Concentrate Albert he kept repeating to himself.

She saw the beautiful green gown resting on the bed. Albert settled Candy's luggage near her dresser. Candy picked the gown and studied it. Albert said, "That's for you. I hope you will like it. I pick it myself."

Candy replied as she traced the delicate embroidery around the neck, , "It is lovely, Albert you know you didn't need to spend for me. But thank you."

"Ahh, Candy I only wants the best for you." Albert explained. Then he thought, Does Candy realize that I don't call her my little girl? Since she's not my adopted daughter ever since the lawyer fixed everything also she is a full grown woman. Does she realize the way I look at her now?

Another awkward moment, a servant happed to pass by. She noticed Sir William therefore she reminded him that Aunt Elroy was waiting for him.

Blasted, my plan is not working. "Candy I would like to speak with you around five, an hour before the event. I have very important things to say."

"Ok Albert I will meet you in your study then?"

"Yes, I will be waiting till then."

Looking at the mirror, feeling the silkiness of the fabric Candy was dreaming her dance with Albert. It will be perfect. She thought with a dreamy sighed.