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.
To Charmichan: yes I thought it was funny too, I'm glad that you liked it.
To Claridad: you are right, I was thinking of my story the whole trip but couldn't do anything for there was no computer. Also my whole body was aching from skiing. lol.
To : Albert was very cautious considering their delicate and unique relationship. And yes I said to myself if was single I will be looking for Albert look alike. But it's too late for me.
To Enaka: sorry that this must be but don't worry there will be light at the end let's say double lights :)
This was sooooo difficult to write because I have to set the main conflict of my story that will change everything. I have to edit this chapter over and over again until I couldn't take it anymore that I needed to move on to the next chapter. I couldn't think of a name for the dr so I used my favourite dr. only for his intelligence though. Well here it is and hope you all like it and please kindly review it helps this humble writer get motivated. Thank you.
Note: This line from Candy's note to George was suppose to be scratch off but it won't appear when I post it. I thought he loves me and was going to ask me…I'm such a fool to believe that.
Chapter 5 – The day my heart died
The beautiful sunset added splendour to the ambience, the mixture of orange, red, and yellow colours provided soothing and calming feeling to anyone that gaze upon it. The music started playing softly setting the mood and filling the air with warmth and serenity. Candy began to watch as people started to gather inside the mansion, until she noticed two familiar faces. The woman seems to ask her escort how does she looks like while the man carefully observing the woman nodded with a smile of approval. Candy thought, how blessed these two couple finding each other and knowing that they love each other. What if she didn't refused her adoption with the Brighton's, will her fate be different? There are so many questions, the 'what ifs', but later on concluded that there were no regrets for Annie is her best friend.
She walked towards them. Upon noticing Candy, Annie jumped for joy and said, "Candy you're here I am so glad! At least I won't be just talking to Archie here. It can be boring sometimes."
"Well, hello Candy, nice to see you. And excuse me Annie I do feel the same way about you." Archie said laughingly.
Annie stuck her tongue out and hit his shoulder. Archie made a grumpy face.
Amused by the couple Candy suggested to find their seats. The threesome found their way amidst the sea of guest, where they can talk and catch up. Candy mentioned about Franny's letter and how she worked with Michael. However she mentioned not neither Franny's invitation nor Michael's feelings for her for she deemed it unnecessary at that time.
As the night progress, the guests started to dance. Archie danced with both Annie and Candy. All this time, Candy was searching for Albert and wondering when she will dance with him. Suddenly, Candy stepped on someone's foot, she turned around, and it was Albert standing, waiting for her. He was staring upon her, yearning for her. He offered his hand and asked Candy to dance with him. Candy couldn't believe that it was finally happening. I am so nervous, excited, and my stomach is aching! What is happening to me? Candy thought while examining herself. Then she curtsied and gladly accepted his invitation.
Albert thanked Archie and Annie for accompanying Candy all this time. He bowed and led Candy to the dance floor. Time seemed to stop, the mansion seemed to be empty, and both couldn't hear anything except the beating of their hearts playing as a sweet melody. Albert broke the silence, "My dearest Candy, I am lost for words to describe how you are tonight. Beautiful is under rated. I am in awe of your radiance and presence my lovely sweet Candy."
Sweet Candy, she thought and remembered Anthony. Candy gazed at Albert and believed that he looks so much like Anthony.
Candy blushed and replied, "Oh, Albert you are too kind. I say, you look pretty dashing tonight. Most of the ladies are waiting for their turn. I, on the other hand I like the other Albert I know, where we can just climb trees and be ourselves."
"Yes, so am I. But tonight is a very special night for you and me." Albert smiled with sparkles in his eyes.
Candy remembered the box. Curiously, she asked, "What is so special about tonight?"
"Tonight, our lives will forever change. You and I will be…" , Albert trailed off. I simply can't just say it that tonight I will ask you to marry me. No I have to be on my knees for that. So how can I say it to her?
Concerned Candy asked, "Are you ok Albert?"
"Yes, my lov… I mean my lovely lady, I am just excited and nervous. You see I never done this before and I am not sure how to approach." Albert explained trying to compose himself.
I really wanted to kiss her but not right now, later, after their engagement announcement. Aha, that will be a big shocked for Aunt Elroy. I need to bring her someplace where we can be alone. Yes, I know the garden. Albert thought.
Then Albert added, "You see Candy, Aunt Elroy arranged this party to announce our engagement to those two individuals sitting across the corner table near the musicians. Do you see them? They are brother and sisters. But don't worry I have a plan and I will take care of everything."
"What? Are you serious? I don't even know who they are."
"Damn it, Aunt Elroy is signalling us towards them. I will tell you my plan later when we dance again ok. Just stay calm." Albert reassured her.
"Are you sure about your plan?" concerned Candy asked.
Albert smiled and nodded. Albert offered his arms and Candy accepted, so the two walked towards Aunt Elroy's table.
The older man stood up, offering a hand shake and said, "Greetings, Sir William, and is this the ever astonishing lady Miss Candy?" Candy nodded with a fake smile.
"I am Mr. Roosevelt and these are my children, my daughter, Andrea and my son, Marcus." As their names were called each stood up and they all shook hands.
"Very well pleased to me you." Candy and Albert replied. "Welcome again to the Ardley mansion." Albert added.
"Albert you should come and do business with me in New York." Mr. Roosevelt suggested.
Candy said New York softly. She turned pale and Albert noticed. Albert thought she still loves him, what I am going to do now? Will she accept me? Is it too early to confess my feelings for her?
But Marcus heard her so he came towards Candy so close almost knocking Albert off but Candy didn't notice for she was like in a trance. Albert was so annoyed that he wanted to punch Marcus then Andrea walked beside Albert and held his other arm. This startled Albert and he tensed up while holding his composure.
Then Marcus said proudly, "Yes dearest Candy, we live in New York. Father is a business man and currently we are expanding to purchase a theater. It seems to be popular now in these days. People search for entertainment to help them forget about the war. You should come with me someday. There is a great rising star; I believe his name is Terrance Granchester. Did you hear about him?"
Terry! Candy thought. Candy was still holding Albert's other arm accidentally squeezed his biceps as she got tensed. Albert felt some pain his arm, which was nothing compare to the pain inside his heart. He also felt her hands getting cold.
Marcus said, "Are you alright Candy?"
Albert nudged her and she snapped out of her trance. What am I thinking? It is over now and I am here with Albert. Oh Albert, he can feel what I am feeling now and I am probably hurting him. Oh what I have done. I have to let him know that I am over Terry now. Breathe Candy breathe.
Candy replied, "Terry, we call him. We went to school together at St. Paul in London."
"I see that's good then. Did you know that he is engaged with the lovely Susana, she's an actress too."
"Engaged, yes I know. Candy said gravely.
"They belong together." She said with a smile, looking at Albert; trying to convey to him that she doesn't love Terry but you Albert, you my Prince.
But Albert was seemed to be lost in translation.
Andrea was getting bored so she said, "William will you dance with me?"
Candy looked at Albert then forced herself to smile and let go of Albert's arm.
Marcus said, "That's great, Candy will you dance with me?"
Candy thought, do I have a choice? All this time Albert never turned his eyes away from Candy searching for answers.
Throughout the scene Aunt Elroy observed that William loves Candy and Candy still loves Terrance. She will do everything not to let her nephew get hurt by this insolent, ungrateful lady. Therefore she commanded them to dance.
It was the most boring dance ever! Andrea and Marcus didn't stop talking about themselves that they partners hardly speak. Candy just wanted to kick this guy so he will stop talking. While Albert on the other hand was so confused whether to pursue his proposal but he knew that he had too or else Aunt Elroy will announce their engagement with these two lunatics.
When the music stopped, Candy excused herself and rushed towards the garden. She wanted some fresh air to breathe. She felt suffocated. Albert followed her. He gave Candy some space, thus Candy was unaware of Albert's presence.
Candy repeated saying to herself, "Terry is the past, it is over, yes, yes, and I am over him. I need to compose myself and move on. He is someone that I used to love and will always has a special place in my heart. That stupid Marcus is so annoying I should chop his head off. Oh where is Albert, I wonder how is he doing?"
Albert was so pleased from what he heard. It was confirmed that Terry was her past. Now he can be her future. So Albert made his presence known. "Candy is everything alright?"
"Oh Albert," Candy stood up and straightening herself.
"Aren't they something else?" Candy added.
"Andrea and Marcus? Yes they are. Let's forget about them. Come let's dance here in the garden for I have something to tell you."
The music echoed through the garden. Hand in hand, slowly they dance. Albert even hums the tune while Candy giggles like a child. Everything was perfect, well almost.
Aunt Elroy was looking for William she wanted to make the announcement. Albert heard her and knew what it meant so hurriedly he told Candy about his plan.
"Candy I don't have much time, Damn it I am trying to make things perfect for you and none worked. Candy, I wanted to… what I mean to say that.." Albert was beginning to kneel but he heard Aunt Elroy screaming for his name and she is almost near the garden. Albert cursed and quickly said something without thinking properly.
"Candy, I found a man for you and I found a woman for me to marry. So we don't have to marry those two lunatics. I will explain everything later but I need to stop Aunt Elroy before she makes the announcement." Albert was smiling hoping that Candy understood that he's for her and she's for him. In his hurry, he only saw Candy nodded, he kissed her brow and left trying to stop Aunt Elroy.
Candy just froze or yet died. He found another man for me and he found another woman for him? Is that why he never mention anything about us because there's 'no us'? What about the box? So it was not intended for me? I am such a fool! The wind became cold as winter frost. Her heart stopped beating, her world stopped spinning. It is over. There is nothing for me here.
Frantically, Candy run back to her room she needed to change and leave as soon as she can. Albert who was talking to Aunt Elroy saw her running towards her room. He didn't saw her face. "See, Aunt Elroy you need to give us time, Candy is changing her dress for the special announcement." Albert explained. Since Aunt Elroy saw Candy too, she agreed.
In a hurry, some of her clothes fell on the floor including Franny's letter. She was shaking, she couldn't see much for her tears were overwhelming. Hurriedly she changed her clothes; she looked at the window and saw George getting ready to leave. "Ha, George will give me a ride back to town."
Candy rushed to the back door. Trying to compose herself controlling her voice, she asked George, "George, where are you going at this time?"
"Hello, Miss Candy, William instructed me to bring the Dr. House here, since the incident with Madam Elroy earlier this evening." George explained and noticed that Candy seemed to be in a rush.
"So you're going to town, can I come with you?"
"What business you have there?"
"Oh, you see, I..I… need to buy some feminine stuff. You know that comes every month." Candy tries to make a convincing face. She hated herself for lying but there's nothing she can do.
George felt embarrassed and said, "Oh that, I understand, you can go to the store while I pick the doctor."
"Yes, yes, that's sounds like a plan."
Meanwhile back in the mansion, what's taking Candy so long? Maybe she needs help. Wait I didn't have any other clothes for her, what is she doing back in her room? Albert thought, so he decided to follow her.
However, a crowd of women prevented him to leave sooner. Feeling compelled he danced for a few minutes and then said his goodbyes. He finally reached her room. He knocked a few times but no one answered. So he declared that he was coming in but still no answered. He was surprised seeing the room with clothes everywhere while the jewelleries were carefully placed on top of her dresser. Albert sensing that there's something wrong carefully examined her clothes. He came upon Franny's letter. He sat on her bed and read the letter. Cold sweats dripping from his brow, his hands were shaking. What is the meaning of this? Going to France? Michael is in love with her? Who's Michael? Where is Candy? It looks like she left in a hurry but why? Then in dawned to him that probably Candy misunderstood what he meant, his face turned pale as if he has seen a ghost, he couldn't breathe as if someone stuff a pillow against his face. He felt terribly devastated and then shouted, NOOOOOOOOOO!
On the other side of town, Candy found a paper and pen inside the car and began to write a note for George. From the rear view mirror, George noticed that Candy was writing something and she looked very distressed so he inquired, "Miss Candy is everything alright?"
Realizing that she needed to lie again, Candy made a brave face and said, "Nothing, I am merely writing the things I need to buy, in case I forget. Also, I am having some discomfort from mine.. ah you know what."
"Sorry, for that I don't mean to be nosy. We are almost there." George answered.
"Not to worry George."
Later, "Here we are, there's the store, I will park the car here and walk over across to pick Dr. House. I will see you in few minutes then?"
"Yes, yes," and with her guilt, Candy run towards George and hugged him, "Thank you George for everything."
Not understanding, George hugged her back and said, "Don't worry Ms. Candy everything will be fine."
Candy dare not to look upon George for her tears might betray her. Instead she runs heading to the store. Seeing George had entered Dr. House's residence, Candy clipped the note at the windshield wiper and quickly looked around for carriage that can bring her back to Pony Hill so she can say goodbye to her two mothers and the children and get some of her belongings before going to see Headmistress Mary Jane tomorrow.
Miraculously, a carriage headed towards her, she bravely stopped the driver and asked if she can give her a ride to Pony Hill. "Pony Hill?" the man looked up and said, "Is that you Candy?" Mr. Matthew the humble mail man asked.
"Ahhh, Mr. Matthew! I am so glad to see you." In relief Candy jump and hugged him.
"What are you doing here Candy at this hour?" Confused Mr. Matthew inquired.
"Oh I left the Ardley mansion, the party is getting to boring, they will not miss me. So I left."
Mr. Matthew wanted to ask some more questions, but Candy interrupted since she doesn't want to lie anymore. So she asked him questions. "What are you doing here Mr. Matthews?"
"Oh, yes, you see the person who used to get the mail from the town is sick so I have to take these mails and bring it back to our little town. And yes I can give you a ride back to Pony Hill."
"Thank you, thank you very much. Do you mind if I stay here inside the carriage along with the mails and parcels? I needed to rest?"
"Of course you can, but I'm afraid it will not be comfortable."
"Don't worry about it." Truly after her adrenalin rush, Candy was crashing, her flight and fight response to stress. At the same time she doesn't want George to see him.
"By the way Mr. Matthew if anyone asked about me, please kindly tell that you didn't see me. I don't want to go back to that mansion. It is not for me."
"I understand. Go to rest now Candy."
George came back with Dr. House. Noticing that Candy wasn't there yet he looked around while Dr. House got inside the car. George explained that he was waiting for Ms. Candy. Then Dr. House noticed the piece of paper, "George, there's a note over there on your windshield wiper."
George took and read the note, it stated,
Dearest George, first of all thank you very much for everything. Next, please do not wait for me for I don't intend to go back to the mansion ever. I am so sorry that I mislead you. I have no intention to marry someone I hardly know. I thought he loves me and was going to ask me…I'm such a fool to believe that. Please give my regards to Albert and his future wife. Please don't look for me this is my farewell to everybody. There is nothing here for me.
Sincerely, Candy.
The paper was slightly wet and the words were smudge. George thought, she was crying while she was writing. I need to go back and show this to Albert immediately.
As he drove back he pass by a carriage, he stopped and asked the man if he saw a young woman, with curly blond hair with freckles. Mr. Matthew saw the car and it was an Ardley's car. He said, "I am so sorry I believe I cannot help you." Inside the carriage, Candy was fast asleep.
George gave his thanks and went back to the mansion with a broken heart.
Back at the mansion, Albert was so angry at himself, he nervously searched for Candy. Luckily, there was no announcement made by Aunt Elroy for she hasn't seen William or Candy. At last, George arrived, he found Albert near the garden and he knew that he was looking for her. Albert saw George and was hoping that Candy was with him.
Looking at each other with tension and full of sadness in their eyes, George shook his head. Albert closed his eyes and lowered his head. Dr. House stepped out and greeted Albert. "Mr. Ardley, good evening thank you for inviting me here."
However, Albert was too devastated to speak, just look at Dr. House, with a wry smile gestured him to go inside. George led Albert into the garden. "Albert I am so sorry, she asked if I can give her a ride for she needed some feminine things. I didn't know that she wanted to escape. Albert what happened?"
Albert couldn't speak. Then George said, "I believe you need to see this." he gave the note to him.
Albert read the note over and over again shaking his head. He couldn't believe what he had done. He couldn't forgive himself. Albert knelt down and wept bitterly. George placed his hand on Albert's shoulders and let him cry. "George, I am such a fool. I am the man, a man should confess their feelings first. No I was such a coward. I wanted everything to be perfect for her and all I did was hurt her. Before she used to run to me whenever she feels lonely, afraid, hurt and now she is running away from me. I waited long enough, long enough to only lose her. Noooo! I can't accept it. What should I do?"
When Albert couldn't cry anymore, George comforted him and said, "We can try to see if she went back to Pony Hill, maybe we still have time to stop her."
Albert looked up and said, "We should leave now!" More determined than ever the two men drove towards Pony Hill. Albert could care less of what Aunt Elroy would think or what will happen to the party. This time Albert doesn't care anymore he only has one mission: to win Candy back!