Mommy Dearest
by Mallory Quinn
Chapter 9
"Daring Miss Andrew"
Steven Lloyd came back from his business trip. He was done with most of the big meetings, putting the Lloyd's Bank back in business, because it wasn't enough to have the money, you had to convince the business world to trust you again, which was what Steven was doing during his trips. His brother really had made a big mess of the family business. Having the Rothschild as partners, had helped their business a lot.
He was with his wife in the bedroom.
- How are the babies? He asked
- Babies?
- Yes, the one to come and the one we have…
- Candy? Oh…
- Did you see her again?
- Yes… at the Wallace's party. She was still very angry at me.
- Why?
- She asked me if I was ready to present her to my family, I told her I had to get ready, well actually I wanted you to be with me, but I didn't get the chance to explain myself… she took it really bad …so I left the party…
- I'm sorry
- But a few moments later, she came to see me….here
- She did? He said surprised
- Yes… she was worried about the baby, since I was upset. She wanted to make sure the baby was fine…
- Oh, she's compassionate…
- Yes… I was so happy. She asked about you…
- Really?
- Yes, she was saying that this baby was going to be her half sibling and I told her no… that I had married you…
- And…
- Well it's like it made her sad, she left shortly after…
- I'm sorry….
- No. I was glad… she's coming around…we're taking baby steps…
- I would like to see her… do you know where I can see her?
- No, she said, I'm sorry…
- What's her name again? Candy?
- Yes, Candice White Andrew…
- That's a beautiful name… that's my daughter's name…
- Yes…
- What does she look like?
- She looks a lot like me, I think…the freckles, the green eyes
- Now, I'm going to start to observe every young girl to see if it's her…
- I know what you mean, I was looking at every young girl who looked like they could be her age and imagined in my head it was her…
- I'm sorry you had to live that alone…
- It was my own fault… I should've told someone, I should've told you…but my pride…No wander she doesn't want to be with me…I tossed her aside like yesterday's trash… All I cared about was hiding it from my parents, from the world…Keeping up appearances…
- That's what you were thought…
- My mother's instinct should've kicked in… I could've find a way to hide her and go see her whenever I could…and eventually tell my parents…because she was real, she was concrete and she wasn't going anywhere…but
- Lynda, come on. Stop thinking about that. We're going to fix this…and your family will have to accept it…
- After everything I did to rebel against my parents, ruining all their attempts to marry me for their business deal, I didn't even have the guts to tell them I've had a beautiful baby girl…
- Lynda, think positive…
- All right…
They continued talking and thinking of a way to announce the news to their families.
Candy woke up with a smile on her face, in a good mood. She was working with Georges in opening a shelter for pregnant young girls. The people weren't very happy with that. An unwanted pregnancy was something you shouldn't talk about…
- Are you sure you want to this, Miss Candy? Said George
- George, I'm the result of a teenage unwanted pregnancy…if my mother had a place to go to have me and still take care of me, she wouldn't have dumped me on the doorstep of an orphanage… I'm not encouraging teenage pregnancies, but I just want those young girls to have a place to stay when they found themselves out in the streets…
- That's very generous of you, said Georges
- And I can also talk to some store owners to give the mothers some work…in the meantime, we can take care of the young girls in the… like paying them something for their participation in keeping the shelter running…We have the millions, we can finance this on our own, but I want the rich people to help out…
- Why? Since we have enough money…
- They spend their money on nonsense things…while they hide their dirty little secrets…how many had kids out of wedlock and just dumped them on the doorstep of orphanages…or even married women abandoning their children born of an adulterous affairs…something tells me a lot of people are going to feel guilty and they're going to come up with the money…And I don't care what they think about me… not talking about it is not going to make it go away…
George looked at Candy. If the Great Aunt could see her, she was going to have a heart attack…He smiled…. So a big gala was organised to raise money for a shelter for homeless, teenage mothers. The socialites were talking and sulking.
Anna Jarvis heard the rumours about the gala and she wanted to see Candy. She asked around and she was able to send an invitation to Candy for one of her tea parties. Candy went with Jade who was glad to assist her in her work.
- Miss Andrew, said Anna, I'm happy to meet you!
- Miss Jarvis, said Candy, it's an honour to meet you! I admire what you did, with Mother's Day….
- Yes, that's why I like your daring idea of opening a shelter for homeless and teenage mothers… motherhood shouldn't have a price…unfortunately in our society it does…
- The shelter will also be for poor little rich girls who partied too much and found themselves in trouble…
- That's very generous…
- Like you said, motherhood shouldn't have a price… rich or poor when you found yourself in trouble and on the streets alone…you need help.
- A young girl like you should be celebrating life, with all the money you have…
- Well after a time you kind of get bored… and if my money can help out, why not? I'd rather see a young mother radiant with her baby and a job, than buy myself a diamond necklace I certainly don't need!
- Well Miss Andrew, I have to admit, I had mixed feelings about you, I didn't know what to expect…but I have to say you're for real!
- I'm glad your mind is made up! Said Candy, why don't men listen more to women? We can't even vote! Aren't we people? Our votes doesn't count? Our opinion doesn't count? Those leaders are making decisions for the whole country and they don't even let us the courtesy of choosing them???
- Well men think we should just shut up and be pretty… I'm glad you and I are not listening to that nonsense!
They burst out laughing. Jade was looking at them. Candy was so full of surprise. She was nurse, when she had millions, she was Terrence Grandchester's ex-girlfriend, and she didn't breathe a word about it…now she was opening a shelter for teenage and homeless mothers! People were talking…And her mother and her aunt Allyson…Candy wasn't going to let the stupid rules of society slow her down…
Before she left, Anna Jarvis hugged Candy.
- There should be more women like you! Said Anna, I'm going to help you…
- Help me how?
- I'm going to help you get some government founding, regularly…
- You can really do that?
- Yes, I can. Your little shelter is going to take a life of its own…
- Well you've manage to make the government recognise "Mother's Day"! Said Candy I have total faith in you!
Candy left with Jade. In the car, Jade was impressed by Candy's courage.
- Candy, I'm impressed! My mother thinks you're a suffragette …
- Well I want the right to vote…men and women were created equal…who put men in charge…?
- Euh… God with Adam…, said Jade, he did tell Eve : "you would give birth in pain and your husband is going to dominate you…."
- But we still should have the right to chose who we want for a leader…we should be allowed to vote…
- Boy, my mother is saying you're a bad influence on me… she lets me be with you because you're William Andrew's daughter….
- I don't want you to be at odds with your mother…You're very lucky to have one…she loves you and she wants what's best for you. She's been with you all your life…
Jade looked at Candy, she sounded so sad saying that.
- Candy, I don't know… but it looks like you're keeping your mind busy to cover up something else…
- They say when, you've got a problem, do something else to forget about it…
- And is it working?
- Not really…but I'm glad I can help out those young girls and those orphans…this is only the beginning…I should have a place for young boys too, who left out in the streets become criminals…but all in due time…
- Wow! You're goodness incarnate. You've got all the money in the world and you think about the less fortunate? I'm impressed! I almost died with my surgery…I want to have fun…but you made me see that I was given another chance at life, that I should do something good with it…like helping the less fortunate than us…and it feels good to help people…thank you Candy!
- You're very welcome Jade. But we can continue to have fun you know…
- I'm glad to hear that! Said Jade smiling
Candy went to have fun with Jade….They went to the park and they played with little girls!!!
Candy had sent invitations for her gala to most people in the high society. George had given her a list of names. But she still had a lot to send.
- You need help with all this, Miss Candy; I'm going to send some people to help you out…
- Some people?
- You need a personal assistant…with all the work you're doing…a personal assistant…
- A personal assistant?
- Yes… who can keep track of your appointments, who can cancel them if need be…send out invitations, look for places to hold galas…
- You're right…I didn't realise it was so much work…thank you Georges!
So Georges hired an assistant for Candy to help her out in her charity work. It was young woman named Dusty Belanger. She was perky and she got the job done. She was able to make sure the room was alright, that the caterer had all the menus, send out the rest of the invitations. She was happy to work for Candy. At first she though Candy was one of those spoiled brat who needed an assistant to tell them when the store are open…but she quickly realised that Candy was nothing like that. Candy helped her as much as she could.
- Miss Andrew, said Dusty, you don't have to do that…
- Dusty, I told you to call me Candy…
- I'm your assistant…
- I realise that…I just want you to feel good. You're not my slave…
- But Miss… Candy. You want me to make you a cup of tea?
- And I told you, you bring me a cup of tea, only if you're doing one for yourself and don't hesitate do tell me what you think…
- Thank you so much Miss… Candy. To tell you the truth I thought you were one of those spoiled brats who take everybody for their personal slave… You're actually a very decent person and I'm proud to be working with you…
- I'm glad to have you too…
- The rest of the invitations are sent and we got a lot of RSVPs…which proves that people only say things and they act differently…
- Well let's hope they're generous too…
- You also got a call from Eleonor Baker…
- Really, what did she want?
- She wanted to meet with you…
- Oh… sure. When?
- In an hour…at Dana's?
- That will be fine. Thanks Dusty.
She was wondering what Terry's mother would want from her? She went to the appointment. Dana's was a little restaurant, very chic. They showed her Eleonor Baker's table. Eleonor stood up when she saw her…
- Candy!
- Miss Baker!
They hugged.
- How are you doing? Asked Candy
- I'm fine, said Eleonor, what about you?
- I'm fine…
- You've been busy…
- Yes… I decided to take a sabbatical from work and enjoy life!
- But you're still thinking about the less fortunate…that's what I wanted to talk to you about…
Candy had a sight of relief. She was happy Eleonor wasn't going to talk to her about Terry… Ever since she kissed him, she couldn't get him out of her head… like she could before???? So, she stayed away from her.
- I wanted to organise a play where all the money would go to your cause for young mothers… I surely can relate. I wish I had a place where to go when I found myself pregnant with Terry and realise that his father had no intention of marrying me…So you're idea is just wonderful… I kept my baby, but a lot of my friends just abandoned their babies…
Candy remained silent. Her mind was back to her mother, Lynda de Rothschild, full of money who abandoned her to keep up appearances…
- I was abandoned as a baby… so if I could help the young mothers in trouble, with their medical care, finding jobs or even finding a family to adopt their baby… it would be a good thing, said Candy
- I'm so glad you're doing something good with your money… but that aside, how could you be in New York for so long and not come to see me??? I thought we were friends!
- Oh, but we are! Said Candy. I came here for a job, taking care of Jade Wallace… and I stayed…since my adoptive father has lots of properties and I decided to do some charity work…while I have a little fun too… Jade almost died so I was having fun with her
- Have you met Terry since you've been here?
- Yes, said Candy and Susanna too…I saw them at Jade's birthday party
- So he knows you're in New York? He didn't tell me… well he spends most of his time with Lynda de Rothschild…
Candy was looking at her plate…Eleonor saw that Candy was a little uncomfortable.
- Candy I promise you, they're only friends…don't believe the rumours
- I'm not here for Terry, Miss Baker. And what he does with Lynda de Rothschild is none of my business…
- All right then, if you say so. He still loves you. Like I told you, seeing you in that theatre helped him
- I walked out on him, Miss Baker…
- He thought he was hallucinating, so seeing you in tears, so sad… hurt him. He was making you cry, so he sobered up and he didn't ever wanted to make you cry like that again…you helped him. You're what he needs… He loves you…
- He's got a fiancée... please Miss Baker, let's drop the subject…
- All right, I'm sorry I brought that up… I will come to your gala. Did you invite Terry too?
- With Susanna, hoping they won't come…
- Dream on! Terry will jump at the occasion to see you again, and Susanna is not going to let him come alone to a gala you're organising. She must be cursing because you now live in New York…
They burst out laughing. They continued talking about the shelter and making plans for the future young women.
- I could even mentor those who have talent and want to try out as actresses…
- That would be great! Said Candy…
- Could you come and have dinner with me on Sunday night?
- I'd be delighted, Miss Baker
- You can call me Eleonor…
- All right.
- Thank you for seeing me Candy…
- You're very welcome. Thank you for helping out…
Candy went back home thinking about Terry, the kiss. Would she ever be able to forget about it???
The invitation to Candy's gala arrived and Susanna opened it. "Candice White Andrew" was opening a shelter for young women?? She wanted to hide it, but Terry arrived.
- What's that? He asked
- Nothing…
- Susanna, it looks like an invitation…who is it from?
- It's just junk mail…
- Lynda told me Candy was organising a gala… did you get the invitation yet?
- Well…
- That's the one isn't it? You were trying to hide it from me???
- Terry… Candy is organising it…
- And…?
- I don't want you to go!
- You're not my mother Susanna, and even my mother can't forbid me to go to the gala… what am I, 5? If you don't want to go, you're free… But I'm not going to miss an opportunity to help out young women
- You mean an opportunity to see Candy again…you're engaged to me!
- Then you don't have anything to worry about!
- With Candy around? You're kidding right?
- Susanna…I'm not having this conversation with you again! I have to go…if you don't want to come you stay home. But I'm going to and donate some money for the shelter…
- I'll be ready, said Susanna
Terry left. Susanna's mother arrived.
- He's gone without breakfast again? Said Mrs. Marlowe
- Why do I even bother??? Mom… I want a prosthesis…
- What?
- I want to wear a prosthesis…
- Why?
- Candy is organising a gala for charity…I want to be able to walk and keep up with Terry when he goes after her…
- Just for that?
- She's got two legs… I need to keep up with her!
- Candy is giving you the motivation to walk again, so you could run after your fiancée when he goes to her??? Well I guess we take the motivation wherever we can…. Thank you Candy!
- Mom!
- What? She's the one giving you suddenly a boost of courage to take your life back by getting a prosthesis and walk again… that girl is really an angel…
- Mom! I don't need you to praise Candy too!!!
- I have a confession to make… I've ordered a prosthesis months ago hoping to convince you to try it…
- You did?
- Yes…we're going to try it and get you ready for that party. We need a new dress
They spend the morning trying the prosthesis. They went to the doctor just to make sure Susanna's stump was ready for that. Susanna was going to surprise Terry on the reception night….
Candy was in a restaurant, a buffet in fact. She was getting some food. A man who was New York's Casanova, had heard about Miss Andrew and her angelic face and looks. He wanted to have her… He was talk dark and very handsome…He's name was Nicholas Pratt. He cornered Candy at the buffet table. Candy had heard about him, had seen him in parties, but she had never spoken to him.
- Miss Andrew, he said, you're even more beautiful than what I've heard…
- Thank you, said Candy, and you are???
- Nicholas Pratt…
- Oh, New York's Casanova…
- I'm flattered to see that my reputation precedes me…
- I wouldn't be if I were you…being a Casanova is not an honour…
- I can't help it of women find me irresistible…
- You could turn down married women, but that would be too much to ask, right?
- You're not married…
- I'm not interested…
- Everybody is interested in me…
- You over estimate yourself
Candy had finished getting her food and she wanted to go back to her table, but Nicholas stopped her…
- Say you would have a drink with me…and I will let you go
- How dare you? Let me through!
- Just one drink…
- No…!
- Come on…
- The lady said "no" which part of that don't you understand Pratt??? Said a man's voice
- This is between the lady and I, said Nicholas
- She said "no", said the man, is that how you gain your Casanova's reputation by not hearing the "no"? Now you leave her alone…or you'll have to answer to me!
- Who do you think you are? Her father?
- I'm protecting her from the likes of you…, said the man, now get lost!
Nicholas Pratt left to go back to his table, angry. Candy turned around and she smile at the man.
- Thank you, so much, sir
The man looked at her smiling.
- It was my pleasure… I wouldn't want him to take advantage of you…he's a smooth talker…
- Who can't hear a "no" from a woman until she says "yes"…I've heard about him; a lot of married women succumbed to his charms…
- And I've heard about you, Miss Andrew, said the man, your charity work and your goodness
- I'm glad I'm able to help the less fortunate…
- I will like to help you too if you let me…
Candy thought he was likable. He was tall, he had light brown hair and he was very attractive…she felt good with him…
- I'm hosting a gala, said Candy, if you give me your name I will make sure you get an invitation today if possible…
- Honey? Said a woman, what's taking you so long…?
She stopped talking. Candy was startled, she looked at the woman…
- You??? She said what is this? An ambush?
- Candy, I swear this meeting was by chance, said Lynda who was the woman, this is Steven, your father…Steven as you already know, this is Candice, our daughter…
Candy looked at the man. She was feeling so good with him... but now...
- I would've known her anywhere, said Steven, I'm so glad to finally see you and meet you…
- You tricked me! Gaining my sympathy by helping me with that Casanova so I would befriend you…!
- It was by chance, said Steven, Candy please… we just want to know you…
- I don't want to know you! Leave me alone! Said Candy
- I didn't know about you until recently…, said Steven
- That doesn't excuse what you did… I have to go back to my table, said Candy who had tears in her eyes
She left them. Seeing her father was too overwhelming. Steven wanted to go after her, Lynda held him back.
- Leave her alone, she's not ready honey, said Lynda
- I just wanted to instinctively protect her from that pig! I was overwhelmed, she reminds me of you…my little girl. Oh my God! I didn't know I would feel this way when I see her for the first time…all those feelings….Oh my God! It took me everything, not to hug her hard!
- I know honey, it's incredible…
- I want to see her again…
- She sent us an invitation for her gala. I came after you left for work… She's opening a shelter for young women… she's William Andrew's adoptive daughter…
- She got adopted by one of your father's associate?
- Small world isn't it?
- You can say that again…I can't wait to see her again…
- You and me both, said Lynda.
He hugged his wife, kissed her hair and they took their food and they went to their table. Lynda had come to have lunch with her husband. She looked around, Candy was gone.
As a matter of fact, Candy had asked for her food to be packed to go and she had left the restaurant with Jade.
- Candy, said Jade, what's wrong?
- I just remembered I have an appointment, said Candy upset
- Oh…ok, said Jade. Let's go then…
Seeing her parents together… she was drawn to them…but she was still angry at them. Her anger came back running as soon as she saw Lynda and realised that the man who was helping her was Lynda's husband… her father!!!!
"I don't understand why I can't let go of this anger… maybe Albert is right, I need to speak to a psychiatrist…I need help to get over this rage that's boiling inside of me…I guess I'll have to ask Dusty to make me an appointment with Smiley Blanton…Let's hope is name works on me…and I'll be able to smile again like before…Oh Terry…I need you so much…but I can't depend on you and I'm still angry at you too…but I can't get you out of my head!!!"
Candy and history
Anna Jarvis, daughter of Anna Reeves Jarvis, who had moved from Grafton, West Virginia, to Philadelphia, in 1890, was the power behind the official establishment of Mother's Day. She swore at her mother's gravesite in 1905 to dedicate her life to her mother's project, and establish a Mother's Day to honour mothers, living and dead. 1914: the U.S. Congress passed a Joint Resolution, and President Woodrow Wilson signed it, establishing Mother's Day, emphasizing women's role in the family (not as activists in the public arena)