Mommy Dearest
by Mallory Quinn
Chapter 10
"The Gala"
Candy was very upset after meeting both her parents at the same time. She needed to confide in someone. Jade was her friend… but she thought that part of her life was too personal for her new found friend. She was in the living room alone, crying. Dusty, her personal assistant had gone home. Candy felt so lost… she knew who her parents were, but she was incapable of enjoying it. She always thought that you could chose to be happy or sad, because she was always happy… And Terry…she wanted to be with him so much, but… the last time she saw him, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other There was a ring at the door. The butler opened the door. Candy was surprise to see…
- Annie!!!
- Candy!! Said Annie
Candy ran to hug her sister.
- What on earth are you doing here??? Where's Archie?
- Oh Candy! I'm so happy to see you! I had a fight with Archie… we broke up!
- You what??? You're kidding me!
- Do I look like I'm kidding??? Said Annie serious
- Oh Annie, what happened?
- Candy, you've been crying, said Annie looking at her, what's wrong?
- We were talking about you…
- My problem can wait, said Annie, come on tell me what's wrong honey…
Candy looked at Annie and she hugged her again.
- Oh Annie, you're timing is perfect! I needed you so much!
Candy burst into tears. Annie hugged her back and they went to sit on the living room's couch… Candy told her what happened to her and Annie was speechless… when Candy was done, Annie finally talked.
- Candy, that's supposed to be wonderful news for you…
- I can't be happy, and I don't know why… I'm so angry!
- Your mother and your father…, said Annie
- Ok, enough about me. What happened with Archie?
- Eliza brought one of her friend, Penelope Sanders, a little tramp and she put on a play for Archie…
- What?
- And he was tempted enough to kiss her…, said Annie
- Oh my God!
- I had to get away… so I came here to see you…
- I'm so glad you came, said Candy!
- I heard you've become quite the socialite! I like your new hair do, did you buy any clothes?
- Yes…
- Let's go to your room
The two sisters when to the bedroom to play dress up. They needed to have fun to forget about their personal problems.
- Let's go out tonight! Said Annie, let's go and have fun for a few hours and forget about our problems…
- All right, said Candy we need that!
Candy and Annie got dressed and they went out for dinner and then they went dancing, to forget about their problems…
Annie stayed with Candy. Archie was calling, but Annie refused to take the phone. Candy was playing mediator.
- Come on Annie, you know you want to…
- No! Said Annie, I don't want to!!!
- Archie, I'm sorry, she won't take the phone…
- I'll come to New York then, said Archie over the phone
- My gala is in two days, said Candy
- I'll be there! Said Archie.
Annie was looking at her sister.
- Why is it so easy for you to fix other people's problem and you can't fix yours? Said Annie
- I don't know, a doctor doesn't heal himself…
- You need someone to help you…what about Terry…?
- Terry is the last one I need!
- You said he was friend with your mother…
- I can't be near Terry…
- Why?
- I just can't! Said Candy
- There's only one reason…you still love him…
- Yes, I do! And he's engaged to Susanna…!
- You can take him back…
- I won't … I'm angry at him too…oh Annie, what's wrong with me???!
- You've got a lot going on… finding out you're actually a Rothschild…
- I was called a monkey, a thief, a good for nothing, I was sent to Mexico like a common parcel, I was sold… I could've had it all...
Candy continued talking to her sister and they laughed together, cried, talking about their problems.
The next day, Archie arrived early in the morning. Candy and Annie were still in bed. They heard the noise. Annie woke up and went to get ready in the bathroom. Candy joined her in the bathroom.
- Archie is here, said Candy
- I know, said Annie, I love him so much…
- Then, make up with him…you don't know how lucky you are, said Candy softly
Annie thought about what Candy was going through and she considered herself very lucky.
- I will, said Annie
She finished getting ready and she went to see Archie.
- Annie… he said
- What do you want?
- You…
- Then why were you kissing Penelope?
- She was kissing me…
- I didn't see you pull away…
- I was just surprised…Please Annie, don't throw away everything we have…
- I'm not the one kissing other people…!
- I'm sorry, Annie, please forgive me…
They continued talking and by the time Candy came out of her bedroom, Annie and Archie were kissing.
- Hey! Said Candy, don't mind me!
They stopped and burst out laughing. Archie hugged Candy.
- Since when do you live like a socialite? Asked Archie
- Since I'm taking a sabbatical, said Candy
- Something else is going on…Does the King of Broadway has anything to do with you staying in New York? Is he two timing his fiancée? I heard a rumour about this older woman, Lynda de Rothschild…
Candy felt a sharp pain in her heart.
- All the way from Chicago you listen to New York's rumours, Archie? Said Candy
- It's hard not too…
- Well don't believe everything you hear…
- You're defending your ex…, said Archie smiling
They went to have breakfast and they continued talking.
Patty arrived for the gala with her boyfriend Jacques, later that afternoon. Archie felt a little weird seeing Patty with another guy. Candy was happy to see Patty with Jacques.
- Well, you two are still together! Said Candy
- Yes! Said Patty smiling
- I'm happy for you, said Candy
- And I'm proud of you! Said Patty, a shelter for young girls and women? Homeless, pregnant…
Patty looked at Archie. They hugged.
- Archie, she said, how are you?
- Fine, Patty, said Archie, you've moved on, he whispered
- I had to, said Patty, you're brother is gone for good…I'm happy with Jacques
- It's kind of weird, but I'm happy for you too, said Archie
They hadn't been together like that in a long time….since Scotland… They were glad to be altogether even if it was without Alistair and Terry…
Susanna was excited to go to the reception with Terry. She was going to surprise him by wearing her prosthesis in front of him for the first time.
- You think he's going to notice? Said Susanna to her mother
- Well I think you'd be lucky if he realises you're standing…
- Mom!
- You wanted my honest opinion…
- Sometimes I wonder if you're my mother!
Terry was ready to go to Candy's Gala. He was going to see her again. Ever since they exchanged that kiss, he hadn't seen her… he actually didn't know where she lived… He was going to see her tonight. He went downstairs and he was surprise to see Susanna standing!!! He was so surprised he opened his mouth.
- Susanna? He said
- Yes, Terry, it's me, I'm standing...
She took a few steps.
- And walking, she said smiling
Terry was speechless.
- Ready to go? Said Susanna smiling
- Yes. This is wonderful!
Terry approached her and took her arm smiling and they walked to his car. Mrs. Marlowe was waiting for them outside. Terry was so relieved to see Susanna walking and standing…The evening was going to be full of surprises.
Lynda was ready for the reception too. Steven was very excited to see Candy again…
- Honey, are you ok?
- You've had time to get use to this, said Steven, I'm so excited!
- I can see…, said Lynda smiling, I can't wait to see her again too…even if she's angry at me…
- You look very beautiful in that dress, you should wear green more often
- Thank you honey. You look handsome too.
They went to the party all excited; they were going to see their daughter. When they got there, they found their parents there.
- Steven, our parents are there…, said Lynda
- I can see that…I guess she invited everybody…
- I'm not ready to face them…
- You don't have to do anything…just smile and be nice. No stress, you're pregnant and Candy knows it. She won't upset you…
They walked to their parents and they started talking.
Eleonor Baker arrived at the party and Candy walked to her and hugged her.
- Candy! Said Eleonor
- Thank you for coming, said Candy
- I've got the proceeds from the play as promised…
- Thank you so much! Said Candy smiling, you're the best!
Lynda was looking at Candy and Eleonor hugging and she was jealous. She wanted to hug her daughter …. More than anything. Steven saw her sad face and he held her hand to encourage her.
Terry, Susanna and her mother were also looking at Candy with Eleonor.
- I didn't know your mother and Candy were so close, said Susanna upset, she's never been nice to me!
- Susanna, my mother and Candy met in Scotland, years ago, said Terry, I can't help it if they're close…
- I'm sure you love it! Said Susanna
- Susanna…Candy and I were together, we wanted to get married. She had met my mother and they became friends…you came with all the drama and now I'm with you, Candy is alone and still close to my mother… what do you want me to do?
- Candy alone? Said Susanna with a mocking tone
- Why do you say it like that? Said Terry
- See for yourself! Said Susanna smiling
Terry looked and he saw Candy hugging a young man and smiling to him. Who the hell was that? He felt like they were sticking a knife in his heart. Susanna looked and she saw Terry's pain.
Candy was hugging a young man, she was so happy to see him.
- Michael!!! She said I'm so happy you came back alive!
- Candy! Said Michael, climb any towers lately?
They bust out laughing. Archie, Annie, Patty and Jacques also came to say hello to Michael.
- It's good to see you again lieutenant! Said Archie
- It's good to see you, said Michael, where's your brother?
Everybody became sad all of a sudden. Michael was a little surprise.
- My brother went to war, said Archie, as a pilot, he didn't make it…
- I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for opening old wounds, said Michael. I lost a lot of friend too…
- Thanks, said Archie
- Well Candy, when my pal told me to come to a gala with him, I wasn't up to it, until I saw the invitation…and I saw a name that sounded familiar…I wasn't sure it was you, I just had a feeling…
- I'm glad you came Michael, said Candy smiling and holding his arm… Since you're here, we can talk business…
- Business? Said Michael, and I thought you wanted to talk to me about my good looks!
Everybody was laughing.
Terry's heart was ripped to shreds. He wanted to go there, but… Susanna was gloating… Terry felt a hand on his arm.
- Lynda! He said, good evening…!
They hugged.
- Terrence, Susanna, Mrs Marlowe…, said Lynda
- Where's your husband? Said Susanna bitter
- He's talking to some acquaintance, said Lynda, Terrence…you want to know who that is, go to her…
- How could you say that? Said Susanna
- Well, he's not going to find out anything if he stays here, is he? Said Lynda
- How dare you interfere in our lives?! Said Susanna
- You have no business telling Terry what to do, said Mrs. Marlowe outraged
- Leave her alone, said Terry, she's right…
- But Terry…, said Susanna
- Candy is walking towards us…, said Lynda, with her friend
While they were talking, Candy approached them with Michael.
- Terrence, Susanna, Mrs. Marlowe, Mrs. Lloyd, said Candy, thank you all for coming!
- You're welcome, said Lynda smiling
- This is Dr. Michael, said Candy, he just came back from the war…
- Pleased to meet you, said Michael smiling
- You knew each other from before? Asked Lynda
- Yes, said Michael, I met Candy at the Andrew mansion, then I helped her come down the tower with a rope…
- A tower? Said Lynda
- Yes, said Candy it was scary…
- You were very good, said Michael looking at her… then we danced all night…
It was an exaggeration from his part, but Candy was glad. Terry looked so hurt. He wasn't smiling.
- Then, continued Michael, I gave her a ride to the hospital before I left…
- Did you stay in touch? Asked Lynda
Terry was too hurt to say anything. Lynda was asking the question so Terry would hear the answers and Susanna was sulking.
- No, said Michael, I was in such a hurry that I didn't take her address…
- But I thought of him a lot, said Candy, in the middle of the war, he was a student doctor and I was a student nurse
- And now we both finished our studies and we're doctor and nurse, said Michael
- Well I think you two make a beautiful couple, said Susanna smiling, the doctor and his nurse!
Candy looked at her with mean eyes for a split of a second. She wanted to reply, but she was the hostess she had to be nice…
- I asked Michael if he could help me open a free clinic at the shelter, and he said yes! Candy said smiling
- Anything for you Candy, said Michael looking at her with fondness, what you're doing with your money is just wonderful! I knew you were a wonderful person the first time I saw you…
Terry was about to burst. Who the heck was Michael and why was Candy so nice and stuck to him? But he couldn't really make a scene, since he was in a public place with his fiancée. Michael talked to Terry.
- Terrence Grandchester, the King of Broadway? I saw you on stage last night, you were magnificent
Terry who wanted to hate Michael, had to be nice; Michael was a fan of his.
- Thank you very much, said Terry, next time stop by my loge so we could have a drink after the play…
- Thanks! Said Michael, I'll come with Candy…if she agrees of course. Have you seen his play yet?
Candy hated that situation, she was looking at Terry.
- No, Michael, I haven't…, said Candy
- Really? You've been in New York all this time and you haven't seen your friend's play? Said Michael surprised
- Yes, Candy, said Terry, I'm kind of offended…I thought we were friends…
- I haven't gotten around to doing that…, said Candy a little embarrassed
- Well, I'm going to take you, said Michael, if you'll go with me, of course
- Of course I will, said Candy smiling to Michael
- Then it's a date!!! Said Michael smiling
Susanna was rejoicing at that scene. Terry was a great actor and he played along, even though he wanted to strangle Michael.
- By the way Candy, said Terry, our manager Robert Hathaway has sent the proceeds of our last play for your shelter…
He gave her an envelope with a cheque inside. Candy was surprised, she took the envelope. She smiled at Terry, a very nice smile.
- Thank you so much Terry, I will thank Mr. Hathaway when I see him, said Candy
They looked at each other with fondness, with love. For a second they were the only two people in the world…It was like the others had stopped talking at the same time and they were looking at them. Susanna could see the chemistry between them, so did Lynda, Michael and Mrs. Marlowe. Michael was the first to break the silence.
- I thought I saw Eleonor Baker, said Michael
- Oh…Yes, said Candy coming out of her mini trance, she's a good friend of mine; she also brought the proceeds of her play for the shelter…
- Can I meet her? Asked Michael, I've always thought she was marvellous and she's so beautiful!
- Of course, Michael, let's go and I'll introduce you, she's been like a mother to me, said Candy, I'll see you all later…!
Candy left at Michael's arms. She had said that last remark about motherhood to hurt Lynda, and it worked. Lynda was hurt. Terry was hurt to see Candy leave at Michael's arm. Susanna was gloating. Terry knew Lynda hurt by Candy's last remark; he took her arm and walked away with her. Susanna was upset, again. Her mother was mocking her.
- Susie honey…, said Mrs. Marlowe, I see a lot of young men here, why don't you go and make conversation?
- Because I want Terry…
- He's treating you, like he always treats you…like crap!
- Mom, please, not tonight!
A man approached them.
- Excuse-me, are you Susanna Marlowe? He asked
- Yes, she said smiling
- I was a big fan of yours, he said I was so sorry to hear about your accident…
- Thank you…
- Nicholas Pratt…
- Oh, said Susanna sadly, you're the local Casanova…
- My reputation precedes me as usual , said Nicholas smiling
- I'm not interested in being on the list of your many conquests…
- Many conquests…you're not even interested in finding out how I got my many conquests?
Susanna looked around; Terry was Lynda, hurting about Candy who had a new boyfriend. Nobody was even paying attention that she was now walking! Everybody was focusing on Candy and her stupid shelter!! Candy managed to outshine her again…Nicholas' attention was making her feel good…
- I see you're walking now…, continued Nicholas
That was it for Susanna… she smiled back at him and they started talking and they walked away.
- It's actually the first time I use my prosthesis in public, said Susanna smiling
- You're like a pro, said Nicholas smiling…
Mrs. Marlowe looked at the daughter walking away with New York's Casanova. Susanna needed a man's attention… she might as well get it from the local womaniser…
Terry was with Lynda, drinking.
- She did that on purpose to hurt me, said Terry and the crack about my mother was to hurt you! Why is she so mean? She used to be such a nice person…
- She's very angry at me…and apparently at you too…
- Probably for not fighting hard enough to stay with her…, said Terry angry, and that Michael, where the bloody hell does he come from? That's the first I heard about him! They came down a tower together and they danced all night?
- Terry you have to calm down…that's all in the past…
- But that Michael is here now… and she's free to be with him…
- She loves you…the looks you've exchange proves it…
- That was priceless for a few seconds, but…I'm not available
- Well, he's available and she needs somebody to lean on and he looks more than eager to be that somebody…so Terrence you have the choice to sit back and watch the woman you love get involve with the good doctor…or you can go after her, and convince her that the two of you belong together…
- Lynda…
- I let my pride guide me when I realised Steven didn't remember our night together… and I abandoned my daughter and lost valuable time with her…this arranged marriage could've happened years ago, if only I had told Steven the truth back then…don't make the same mistake I made. You love her, go after her and don't take "no" for an answer… She loves you…
- But…
- You managed to make her kiss you…you'll be able to convince her you belong together…I have to go look for my husband. Are you going to be ok?
- I'm fine, don't worry about me. Worry about the baby...
Lynda went to find her husband and her parents.
- Lynda, said her father, you can't stay away from your boy toy, said her father
- Father, Terrence is just a friend, Steven understands it…
- Well he doesn't really have the choice does he?
- Father! Said Lynda
- I think I got this one, honey, said Steven, Mr. de Rothschild, I know this is going to sound weird to you, but I actually love your daughter, for real and we're expecting a baby…
- What? Said Mrs. de Rothschild, you're pregnant? And you're sure it's not your boy toy's?
- Oh my God! Thanks for the vote of confidence, mother! Said Lynda
- I'm the father of this baby, said Steven, I trust my wife…I love her and she loves me…
- Since when? Asked Lynda's father
- Since we were in school, said Lynda, so this…arranged marriage, is a real one!
- I'm so glad, said her mother, thank you Lynda for the grandbaby!
Her mother hugged her and her father had a satisfying smile on his face.
- I'm glad I could help, said her father, hugging her
Steven's parents who had remained silent, were glad everything worked out for their son and their business. They all hugged and kissed…
- So everything is settle, said Steven, now, let's be generous to this shelter's cause…
- I think this young Miss Andrew has guts, a shelter for young girls and women? Said Mr. de Rothschild, how old is she? Why isn't she partying with her friends?
- She'd rather use her money to do some good in the community, said Lynda, I admire her…
- Me too, said Mr. de Rothschild, I'm going to cut her a very big cheque for her cause… she reminds me a little of you Lynda, rebellious, refusing the arranged marriages, until I arranged one with the man you love, without even knowing it…
Lynda and Steven looked at each other.
- Honey, he said, you want to breathe some fresh air on the terrace?
- Yes, thank you she said, I feel a little nauseous, mother, father, excuse us…
They walked to the terrace and Lynda sat on a chair, breathing fresh air.
- Oh my God! She said, this is so hard! They're praising their granddaughter and they don't even know it!
- It's so hard for me not to be able to tell them yet…, maybe we should tell them
- Maybe we should, but I don't need all the stress for the moment…
- All right… I'll go get you some fruit juice…
- Thank you honey…
Lynda was taking big breath of fresh air…
- Are you ok? Said a voice
Lynda looked up.
- Candy…
- I hope you're not too nauseous…
- No, I'm fine
- Your father made a very big cheque for the shelter… thank you
- I didn't do anything, they just admire your courage, like me…
Steven arrived with the fruit juice.
- Candy…
- Hi, said Candy, I'm… I have to go back to my guests…
She left before Steven could say anything. Steven gave the glass of juice to Lynda who was ecstatic.
- It's so good to see her talk to me, even for a second, she wanted to know if I was ok…
- She's nice… she's just so angry at us.
Candy went in the hallway to get the ladies room. She met Terrence coming out of the men's room.
- Freckles…he said
- Terry…
- Are you ok? You look upset…
- I'm fine…
- Where's your date, the good doctor?
- He's over there…
- Are you dating him?
- That's none of your business
- I didn't know he existed; did you meet him after our break up?
- I was a student nurse …so it was before we even saw each other again here in America
- Oh… and you danced with him all night long? When you stepped on my feet at the May Festival…?
- He didn't try to kiss me to make me forget about my former boyfriend!
- Did he try to kiss you now? You didn't answer my question, are you two dating?
- Why are you interested? You're engaged to another woman!
- So what was that in my loge the other day? That kiss…?
Candy blushed when he mentioned their fiery kiss…
- That was you, playing with my mind again!
- Me playing with your mind? Did I force you?
- Yes…No!
- Which is it? Yes or no?
- Terry, I have guests to get back to, after I go to the little girl's room. I don't have time to deal with you tonight! What Michael and I do is none of your business! And one more thing; I don't kiss and tell!
Candy left Terry there heartbroken… He couldn't believe how she was acting and he had to make a decision…to go after her and try to get her back before it was too late, before she gets too involve with Michael…or honour is commitment to Susanna…