Once Upon A Time
Chapter 2
"Walking in the air"
Candy woke up earlier the next day, since Tom wasn't going to give her a lift anymore. Her grandmother was surprised to see her earlier at the table.
- Well you're earlier than usual...
- Good morning nana! Good morning mom! Tom is not picking me up today.
- Why? Said her grandmother.
- We broke up, said Candy.
- Oh… I'm sorry, said her grandma.
- Why did you break up with him? Said her mother.
- He broke up with me! Why do you assume I did the breaking up?!
- He's a nice local boy, he was perfect for you.
- He wants me to sleep with him, mom!
- Oh…he wants to go and have fun elsewhere… since I'm assuming you're not sexually active… you can still wait until he's done having fun…
- Mom! How could you say that to me? No way in hell!
- Watch your language young lady!
- Just because you didn't get married, it doesn't mean you have to force me to settle for a boy who'd rather sleep with other women than to be with me…
- At least he was honest…
- Mom! It's my life ! If I get married, I'll marry a man I chose, not one you chose! Why are you so bitter, mom?
- Life is cruel…
- I have to go, I'll see you after work!
Candy was tired of her mother's coldness. She took the bus to work and met Annie at the door of the dinner.
- Hey Candy!
- Hey Annie!
- You look bummed…
- My mother…
- Again? Candy about those rumours…
- I don't want to hear it! Please Annie...
- All right… let's get to work it should keep your mind busy…
Candy worked in the kitchen that day to keep her mind busy… those rumours…the people in town loved to gossip a lot and her mother was not one to confide in anyone…She didn't really cared about the rumours but it was now starting to take the toll on her. Unless her mother speaks to her, she was not going to listen to them.
Another one of their colleague Brenda arrived late as usual.
- Hey ladies, sorry I'm late.
- Long night? Said Annie.
- Yes, with Neil Reagan…
- Brenda, he's playing you , said Candy.
- You're just jealous! He loves me!
- Why? Because you spread you legs for him? Said Annie.
- Of all the rich guys, you chose the creepiest! He's mean! Said Candy.
- Show me your rich guy! Tom dumped you for girls who spread their legs… you should take the hint.
- What hint, to sleep with everybody like you? Said Candy.
- Well you mother was a slut, getting pregnant out of wedlock when she was about to become a nun! You don't even know who your father is! Probably a one night stand! She was so desperate she started the rumour that…
- Brenda, call me names all you want, but you leave my mother alone! Said Candy angry, spread your legs all you want leave my mother out of it!
- Chill…, said Brenda, I'm having fun with Neil, he's the best lover.
- Ewww! Said Annie, well good for him, you're his personal slut!
- He loves me! Said Brenda.
- Keep telling yourself that, it might come true! Said Annie.
- Would you girls stop talking and start working! Yelled the manager.
The girls started working until their shift was over.
oOoOoOoOoOo
The rich kids were at their country club, but they were still bored. Terry decided to go for a walk in town, Eliza followed him.
- Terry you like going out a lot, we have a swimming pool at home …
- I had a swimming pool back in England too. I would like to see the town a little more.
- All right then… I thought you were more of a bad boy.
- I am, but I'm punished for being a bad boy, so I'm chilling for now…
- Too bad, said Eliza holding his arm.
They were inside the mall and he was looking at a sports store. Then they went to the food court to grab a bite to eat. They each got a sandwich, when they walked to find a table they saw Tom smooching with another girl. Terry was stunned.
"Isn't that girl's boyfriend, with another girl?" He thought.
Eliza laughed out loud.
- Isn't that that obnoxious waitress' boyfriend? He's cheating on her! Good for him! She was so smug!
- Eliza, we don't know the girl, so it's none of our business…
- Oh I'm going to make it my pleasure to tell her! She said.
- Suit yourself, maybe they broke up…, said Terry.
- They were all over each other yesterday…no, they're still together!
Terry was secretly hoping she broke up with Tom, so he could have his chance…
"What am I thinking? I don't want any drama, I'm here for the summer only… but I can't get her out of my mind!"
Terry and Eliza went back to Andrew castle. Eliza was still talking about seeing Tom with another girl… Terry was silent.
- You mean, she's free? Said Neil.
- No, he's cheating on her!
- Maybe they broke up , said Anthony, I can try to go out with her…
- Not if I get there first, said Archie.
- Where did you guys put me? Said Alistair.
Eliza looked at the boys stunned.
- I can't believe what I'm hearing! You all want to go out with her? Terry?
- Well she's likeable, said Terry.
- She was awful to me!
- That's because you provoked her, said Anthony.
William was passing by, wondering what they were talking about.
- Hey kids! What's new?
- That cute waitress at the diner is free…
- You don't know that! Said Eliza.
- If her boyfriend is cheating on her, it's only a matter of time, said Archie.
- And we all want to ask her out, said Alistair.
William looked at them. They were talking about Candy … their aunt!
- You guys know better than to date the local girls, he said.
- She's really nice…
- Well she's my protégée, said William and I don't want any of you to date her! Is that clear?
The boys looked at him surprised. What the hell was going on? William? Did he have a crush on the same girl?
- But Uncle William…, started Anthony.
- I said she's off limits! He said louder, leave her alone!
- Ok, said Archie, we'll leave her alone.
- If any one of you bothers her, you would have to answer to me! He said dead serious.
Albert was serious and Terry was puzzled…Why was Albert so strict about any of them dating Candy? Something else must be going on. Albert left them, hoping they would listen to him. Candy would tell him if any of them try something. The situation was getting complicated. He needed to tell Candy about her identity to avoid any incestuous relationships.
The rich kids were invited by some of their friends for a little party. They were in Alistair's car, when they saw William with Candy. They were smiling and Candy was hugging him.
- Check out the waitress! Said Eliza smiling, she's getting some from Uncle William!
- That's why she's off limits! She's with him! The little slut! Said Neil, getting banged by the richest guy in town!
- I can't believe it! Said Archie.
- If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it! Said Alistair.
- The slut! Said Eliza smiling.
Terry didn't say a word. Somehow, Candy didn't strike him like that kind of girl…
"There's got to be something else!" He thought.
- Terry? Said Eliza, you're not saying anything?
- Well we really don't know what's going on, said Terry.
- They were hugging! Said Neil.
- He did say she was his protégée, said Terry, maybe he helped her and she was just thanking him…
- She's a tramp! Said Eliza, stop making excuses for her! You don't know her!
- You don't know her either! Said Terry.
- All right, said Alistair, let's just forget about the waitress and go have fun.
They all agreed. They went to the party and they had a lot of fun. Terry was still thinking about Candy and what he saw.
oOoOoOoOoOo
Candy was hugging Albert and smiling.
- Thank you so much for helping me with my shopping and paying for it… but I shouldn't accept it…
- Candy, come on, let me help you…
- Mr. William…
- All right, what if I find another way to help you…officially?
- Officially? How?
- You could work with me at the castle,… as my personal assistant.
- Don't you have one already?
- At the office yes, not at home. You're going to take care of my stuff at home, I work a lot from home…this way I can give you money, your salary and you're not going to protest…
- How much are we talking about?
- A lot more than the minimum wage…
- I'm a student…
- You're my employee, so I can pay you whatever I want…
- Mr. William… why are you so nice to me?
- I'll tell you one day why I like you and don't worry, it's nothing romantic…
- That's good to hear since I'm a minor, said Candy smiling, I think of you as my big brother…
Albert smiled, truer words were never spoken!
- As a matter of fact, I think of you as my little sister! You can trust me… and you can start by calling me William, drop the Mr…
- All right William, I accept the job! Said Candy.
- Wonderful! My driver will come and get you on Monday, so you have time to make arrangements with the diner…
- Yes, thank you! I'll have a few days off …, she said smiling.
- You can come to the castle and hang out with the others if you like…
- Really? I'm not sure…
- The teens are going to be there, you might have a lot in common…
- I don't think so, your niece is always nasty with me…
- She jealous of every girl, who is remotely more attractive than her…
- I saw them the day you picked me up after Tom broke up with me… there was one with the English accent…
- That's Terrence Grandchester, he's the son of a duke, one of my friends and associates. He's actually here as a punishment for going on a joy ride with his father's brand new Rolls Royce and crashing it… he injured his girlfriend …
- Oh he has a girlfriend….
- I think her parents broke them up…
- But he's a bad boy…
- Candy, I wouldn't want you to get hurt…
William was relieved to see that Candy was interested in the only teen who wasn't a member of her family. But Terry's bad boy image he just gave her, was so she would be discouraged… if she becomes interested in his nephews, he would be forced to tell the truth!
- Don't worry William, I'll be there to work, not to play with boys…
- That's the spirit! And I know you're a good girl…
- A virgin you mean?
- Yes…
- I'm going to behave, don't worry. Now I have to tell my mother, she's going to have a cow!
- You want me to be there?
- No, I'll handle her… You've done too much already!
- All right! So Saturday, I'll send a car to pick you up in the morning.
- Can I bring my friend Annie? So I won't feel too out of place?
"It's your rightful place", said Albert in his mind.
- Of course, he said out loud.
- Thank you.
He drove her back home.
- Good bye William! And thank you again.
- You're very welcome, said William smiling.
Candy entered her house, her mother was looking out the window.
- What were you doing with him again? She asked.
- Mom… Hi…
- What were you doing with him?
- Nana…, said Candy.
- Hi angel, said her grandma.
- He gave me a ride… and a job!
- What? Said her mother.
- Yes as his personal assistant at the castle…
- You're not taking that job!
- I already accepted… it pays more …
- This is about money?
- I also want another kind of job…
- Candy…
- Mom, please let me do this… please! I have so many project in mind for the town I would like to discuss them with him…please mom…
Maria looked at her daughter. She was getting pulled into her father's world and there's nothing she could do. Her brother was taking care of her…he seemed genuine…unlike he's heartless father. Maybe she should trust him with her daughter…
- Fine! She said against her will, just don't let yourself dream about becoming one of them!
- Why would I dream about that? I'm my own self… Thank you so much mom! Said Candy hugging her mother! I love you!
- I love you too…
Candy hugged her grandma and she ran to her room. Maria was with her mother.
- You're coming to your senses…, said her mother.
- I know I'm going to regret this! Said Maria.
- Stop thinking negatively, be optimistic!
- Why? After that old fool slept with me, then he told me he couldn't marry me because of some stupid society rule, like he couldn't change it!
- He came back to take care of you when you got pregnant…and you send him away. I'm sure he provided for his daughter in his will, that's how his son knows… and he found a smart way to give Candy money and have her near him…at least she's safe with him, he's going to protect her with his life…
- If anything happens to my daughter while in his house…
- He's going to protect her and whatever happens, he'll take care of it… now Maria. Stop worrying…
- I wish…
- You're so worried you're not even enjoying having a daughter. It's her senior year after the summer, then she'll be off to Chicago…for college…you're going to miss your baby so show her some affection already!
- You're right mother… but I'm so afraid for her… I love her so much.
Candy was in her bedroom calling Annie.
- He gave you a job at the castle?
- Yes!
- The pay must me great!
- It is…
- So you're quitting?
- Yes, I have to
- Of course…
- I'll see you after work… you can call Shannon and offer her my job…
- I will…
- Saturday there's a pool party, you want to come with me?
- At the castle?
- Yes, you'll be able to see the dandy in his bathing suit!
- Yes! I'll be there! Thanks Candy!
- No thank you, I didn't want to be alone with them…
- Ok…
- I need my best friend.
- I'm here for you…
- Thank you.
When Candy hung up the phone, she started thinking about Terry. Bad boy… instead of turning her off, it make her more excited to know him… What is it with girls and bad boys?
"No I want a good guy! That English…" She thought.
But none of the others looked appealing to her. She could only think about Terry…
The next day during work, Terry was with Eliza at the diner at lunch time. Annie saw them and she looked at Candy who was looking at them too.
- The mean redhead is here, said Annie.
- With "English", said Candy.
- "English"? said Annie clueless.
She looked at her friend…
- Oh my God! You've got a crush on him!
- What?
- "English", you gave him a name! You like him, you care!
- What if I do?
- Candy, he's one of them rich kids!
- From England…
- Candy!
- A girl can dream can't she?
- Dream? But you always said instead of staying and dreaming about stuff, why don't you do something about it?
Candy looked at Annie smiling.
- Candy, you're not thinking…
- On the contrary, I'm thinking clear for the first time in my life…
- Candy…he just wants to play with you
- What if I want him to play with me? I'm feeling stuff I've never felt before in my life just by looking at him…These summer vacations are going to be ones I will never forget for as long as I live, even if nothing happens with "English", the fact that my heart is jumping and dancing when I look at him, is enough to make these the most memorable vacations on earth.
- Oh my God! Well go get their order before Brenda steals it from you…
Brenda, as a matter of fact was coming. Candy went to get the order at the table.
- Hello, can I take your order? She asked.
- Well if it isn't the waitress with a smart mouth! Said Eliza, by the way, I saw your boyfriend at the mall the other day smooching some girl…
- I don't remember hiring you as my private investigator, to spy on Tom, said Candy.
- I thought you'd want to know what he was up to…, said Eliza.
- Since we broke up and he's no longer my boyfriend, I don't give a damn whom he kisses… now can I take your order? Or you came here just to gossip about my love life? Don't you have anything better to do?
- How dare you talk to me like that? Do you know who I am?
- Who you are doesn't give you the right to gossip about me… now can I take your order or not?
Eliza was sulking, she wanted to leave.
- Why don't you make up your mind…. Said Candy.
Candy turned to Terry who was looking at her fascinated.
- English? Can I take you're order? She said looking.
Terry looked at her with a mocking smile.
- I actually don't know what to order. What would you recommend? What did you have for lunch?
- I had a smoked turkey and ham with bacon, said Candy smiling, with a fruit juice…
- Sounds delicious! I'll have the same! He said smiling.
- Very well, said Candy, Miss? She asked Eliza, did you make up your mind?
- I'll be fine! Said Eliza.
- Come on Eliza, said Terry you were starving…
- Well…I'll have a Caesar salad, said Eliza with a bottle of water.
Candy was taking notes and she was restraining herself not to laugh. Eliza was ordering a salad with water!
- Your order will be ready soon, said Candy.
Candy went to the kitchen to give the order. Annie was looking at her.
- So, how was it? She asked.
- I wanted to jump on him! But…
- Candy!
- I don't know what it is…it's so sudden!
- Candy, said Annie, oh Candy!
- I'll sleep it off, said Candy, and it's going to be over…
- Do you hear yourself? Said Annie.
- Yes… I can't go back there, you bring them the food…,said Candy.
- Brenda! Take the food at the table in the corner! Said Annie
- Ok! Said Brenda.
Brenda took the tray with the food to Terry and Eliza's table. She smiled when she saw Eliza.
- Hello! She said, Caesar salad bottle of water.
- That's for me, said Eliza coldly.
- Here you go, said Brenda putting the food on the table, Smoke turkey and ham sandwich with bacon and a fruit juice?
- That's for me, said Terry.
- Here you go and there's your fruit juice. Enjoy your meal. Say hi to your brother! She told Eliza.
- My brother, you know my brother?
- Yes, he's my boyfriend.
- Your boyfriend? Said Eliza with a disgusted face, give me a break! My brother would never go out with the likes of you!
- He is! Said Brenda upset.
- Stop spreading lies! Said Eliza, or I'll get you into trouble!
- Why? Because you brother is sleeping with me? Said Brenda.
- Shut your mouth! I don't want to hear your lies…
Annie saw what was happening.
- Brenda! We need you in the kitchen!
- Ok, I'm going to get you for this! Said Brenda leaving.
Eliza was sulking. Terry was looking at her.
- You're a very entertaining girl to be with! People change the way they talk when they're addressing you!
- How dare she spread lies on my brother?
- Eliza, giving your brother's charming character, why on earth would a girl lie about being with him?
- But…
- Your brother is getting some from that girl and he loves it! Just get used to it!
- Terry…
- If you're trying to impress me… not working!
Eliza was sulking some more!
Candy's shift was over, her last day. She was leaving with Annie and Brenda. They were talking and laughing when…
- Hello, Miss Freckles, they heard.
The three girls turned around.
- Oh, hello, said Candy smiling.
She felt her legs shaking and her heart racing. But she looked calm.
- That smoked turkey and ham with bacon sandwich was delicious, he said, I wanted to thank you for recommending it…
- You came all over here to thank me? Said Candy.
- Well, since you didn't come back to our table, I wanted to tip you properly…
- That's not necessary…, said Candy smiling, you're very welcome
Annie felt that Terry wanted to talk to Candy alone.
- Come on Brenda, let's get going.
- Why? I want to know…, said Brenda.
- Brenda! Said Annie, let's go! Bye Candy, bye English!
- Bye Candy, bye English! Said Brenda being pulled by Annie.
Candy was alone with Terry, they were both smiling.
- What is your name, Miss Freckles? You never wear your name tag…, said Terry.
- My name is Candice, but people call me Candy, she said.
- Hello Candy, my name is Terrence but they call me Terry…
- Hello Terry, she said smiling.
- Candy, can I walk you home?
- I have to take the bus…
- The bus, well I might learn a thing or two about buses...
- You've never taken the bus? Said Candy surprised.
- No, I've always had drivers or my own car… a part from school buses for field trips; I've never taken public transportation…
- Aren't you the little prince! Said Candy smiling.
- You want to show me how to take the bus? He said.
- I can show you how to get to my house… you'll have to go back to the castle alone
- I can manage… don't worry about me…, he said smiling.
- All right…, she said smiling too, let's go…
Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Candice who had freckles on her nose and she met this English boy named Terrence. He walked her to the bus stop and he learned a thing or two about buses, having a lot of fun talking with his Miss Freckles at the same time and they were both walking in the air…
We're walking in the air
We're floating in the moonlit sky
The people far below are sleeping as we fly
I'm holding very tight
I'm riding in the midnight blue
I'm finding I can fly so high above with you
Far across the world
The villages go by like trees
the rivers and the hills
The forest and the streams
Children gaze open mouth
Taken by surprise
Nobody down below believes their eyes
We're surfing in the air
We're swimming in the frozen sky
We're drifting over icy
mountains floating by
Suddenly swooping low on an ocean deep
Arousing of a mighty monster from its sleep
We're walking in the air
We're floating in the midnight sky
And everyone who sees us greets us as we fly