Once Upon A Time…
Chapter 14
"Life and its surprises"
Candy was leaving India for good. She had to concentrate on her family. Her son had suffered a lot of her absence. She has in a way punishing him for her drunken night. She hadn't drank another drop of alcohol ever since that day. It was time for her to accept what happened and move on with her life. Terry… She always had a twinge in her heart when she thought about him. She had punished him too, and it wasn't his fault… The punch was laced with alcohol by Neil Reagan! She was still thinking about Terry, she would see him in her dreams, but she didn't dare looking for him. She wanted to see him again some day to tell him that she was sorry for the way she treated him, all those years ago… and also to tell him that the infamous night, had produce a fruit that was his spitting image… Yes, it was time to give Terry the new, before she continued her life with Justin. Terry had the right to know that he had a son. What if he was married? What if he had a family? Did she have the right to disturb him? Nevertheless, she had to tell him that he had a teenage son… Well, she will ask William if he could give her Terry's phone number, because he was probably still doing business with Terry's father, the Duke of Grandchester. Yes, William will help her find Terry.
She was with Justin on the plane, on her way to Chicago. She wanted to go there to spend time with her mother and her grand-mother. She also wanted to help them with the orphanage and to raise the children of the street. Then, she'll go to the May Festival in Saint Paul College and she will take advantage of that time to see Terry, who must be living in London, to break the news to him that he has a son, so he could meet him. She also owed it to Marcus, to show him his father and her family too. If something was to ever happen to her, Terry would be there for his son…
She got William's message asking her to come and join him in Los Angeles before going to Chicago.
- Los Angeles? She said out loud.
- What is that honey? Asked Justin
- William wants me to go see him in Los Angeles!
- Why?
- I don't know… he's talking about a charity gala…
- You're going to go?
- To a charity gala? Why not?
- But I thought you retired…
- I won't be a missionary in India anymore, it doesn't mean that I'm going to neglect charity work…
- Los Angeles?
- We just came from Bollywood, why not go to Hollywood?
- Ah, at least you know that Los Angeles is Hollywood?
- But of course! Said Candy, I'm not completely clueless when it comes to Showbiz…
- One would've thought the opposite…
- I just think it's useless to waste my time reading their gossips and watch their movies… there are other things more important in life than movie stars full of themselves who think that the world revolves around them…
- You're always right, of course…, said Justin smiling.
Once in Chicago, Candy and Justin took the connecting flight to Los Angeles, William had made the arrangements… Only, there was a delay, they got to Los Angeles around 8:30 PM…
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It was Oscar night, on the red carpet, Terry was with his protégé, they were taking their pictures, calling them "father and son" because their friendship had arrived to the reporter's ears, who admired Terrence Grandchester, for guiding the young actor full of talent on the right path by protecting him from the jungle Hollywood was.
- My mother was very strict with me, without her I would probably be drinking and doing drugs… so there was no way I was going to let a young boy, I brought into showbiz fall in the hell that Hollywood could be…
- And what about you Marcus? Did it bother you to have a "father hen"?
- No, not at all! I admire Terrence a lot and I trust his judgement… but the most important for me, it's the time we spend together…
- You look so much alike, it's incredible! Even the way you talk!
- I found Marcus completely by chance, well, thanks to my little sister… I went to see her school play and he was the star of the show!
- A real miracle that you met while you were looking for a young man to play your younger self in your movie…
- Yes, and we've been inseparable ever since! Said Terry smiling.
- Do you hope you're going to win tonight?
- Yes, who doesn't hope to win? Said Marcus.
- As a matter of fact, said the reporter, good luck to the both of you!
In the room they found Terry's family who had come. Terry had a place on the first row with Eleonor who was waiting.
- Marcus, said Eleonor, I saw you on the big screen, but it's earie how much you look like Terrence at the same age! You even have the same mimes…
Marcus, just laughed. He went to sit next to Terry who was next to his mother. He had his cellphone and he got a text from William. His mother's plane was late… She was going to miss the ceremony! Incredible! Even with the time difference, she still wasn't able to make it on time for the Oscars!
- What's going on? Asked Terry who saw him having a sigh.
- My mother's plane is delayed… she won't be able to be here…
- Oh, I'm sorry buddy, said Terry.
- It's awful, but it's not like she never missed any of my shows… but my oncle is going to bring her to the reception…
- Ok then…
- You thought you got away with it right? I'm serious Terry, you're going to meet my mother, whether she's late for the Oscars or not!
- Yes boss! Said terry smiling.
- Please, it's very important for me… I'd like to have a family with you…
- Marcus…
- I know, it's going to happen only if you both like each other of course… But promise me that you'll make an effort… if you don't like my mother… but if you fall in love with her…
- You're lucky I like your cute face, because it looks like mine!
They burst out laughing. The Oscars started… the host was making jokes, everybody was laughing, there were songs, dances. Susanna was a little late and she wasn't able to sit next to Terry. The organisers had put Susanna far away from Terry, since the predictions were not picking her as a winner. She hadn't won anything until now.
- Susanna is sitting far, said Terry.
- Yes… tonight, it's for my mother… please Terry.
- I don't think I'm going to get lucky with your mother tonight, buddy…
- Terry!
- Ok, I'm joking… it's just physical with Susanna, you know that, there are no feelings involved…
- Your feelings will be for my mum…
- If you say so, said Terry with mocking smile…
The Oscars presentations started… The first one is for the best supporting actor, so Marcus had butterflies in his stomach… the long awaited moment had come for him. He held his breath…
- And the Oscar goes to…
The actress opened the envelope and Marcus felt like she was taking forever to do it!
- Marcus Williams, for "The trials of life".
Marcus felt like he was in a bubble where he heard unclear voices, like if they came from under the water… Terry told him:
- Go ahead buddy! You deserved it…
They both stood up. Marcus hugged Terry first, then he hugged Eleonor. Then he walked to the stairs to go up the stage to get his Oscar. He held it in his hands. It was heavier than he thought, but for him it was light as a feather…
- Oh my God! Oh my God! I wasn't expecting this! Well we still hope it's going to happen, but we don't really believe it… I would like to thank God for this wonderful moment…and I would like to thank Terrence Grandchester, who discovered me and who guided like a father… I thought he was going to be full of himself, but he surprised me… He taught me everything… Thank you from the bottom of my heart Terry. This Oscar, it's because of you! Good luck! I would like to thank my friends, my family, my mother, my uncle… hey nunky, you're going to agree to raise my allowance now?
William who was in the audience, burst out laughing with everybody, he was another person in the audience among others…
He continued his speech thanking the technical team, talking faster, because the music showing he had to end his speech was starting… And at the end he said:
- TERRY! WE DID IT! He yelled smiling.
Terrence Grandchester was clapping his hands and he couldn't help a tear of joy. He had the impression that it was his son who had won, his protégé, he was a little like his son, in all cases, the emotions were too strong… Even if he didn't win, his evening was already the best ever…
Marcus left the stage under a thunder of applaud, everybody was laughing, because of his speech a little clumsy but his spontaneity came from the bottom of his heart. He didn't prepared his speech… It was better that way, he thought that planned speeches sounded pompous on television…
The rest of the evening happened on a cloud for Marcus and the smile never left his lips. The only thing missing was his mother… William was there, without his mother of course who had missed the most important moment of his life… But he was hoping to see her later, at the party at Terry's manor…
For Terry, the evening was taking too long, the Oscar for best actor was always given towards the end of the show, so, Terry had to wait 3 hours to know if he had won… Marcus was also very excited for his mentor…
- It's like the time is not moving, he said.
- No kidding! The minutes seem like hours…
- You're going to win, you'll see…
- I agree, said Eleonor smiling, trust in yourself darling…
When the time came… Terry's heart was beating wildly… When he heard his name, even if he had won before, the euphoric moment was the same, if not bigger than the first time… He hugged his mother then he hugged Marcus and went up on the stage… Susanna was faraway and she was sulking, because she didn't get to sit next to Terry.
- I know I've already been on this stage, but I can assure you that it's even better the second time around! (Laugh of the spectators), I would like to thank God, without whom, all this wouldn't have been possible… My mother for her support for this very big project, my producers, the other actors and especially the one playing myself as a teen… Marcus Williams, my protégé, whom I love like a son. It was a joy working with you, you've got a naturel talent and you deserve your Oscar…
He thanked his whole cinematographic team and then he put his Oscar up and looking at Marcus saying:
- MARCUS! WE DID IT MY SON!
Marcus was crying of joy; hearing Terry calling him "my son", seemed so right, he felt all weird. William in the room was crying of joy again. Terry and Marcus were behaving like father and son, without knowing it. The voice of blood was really louder than anything else…
The cherry on the cake was that the movie had won in other categories too and one of the biggest, the one for best movie. So Terry, Marcus and Susanna, all went on stage with their whole team this time.
After the show, which ended a little after 9 PM Los Angeles time, it was the interviews, the picture taking… Terry and Marcus were inseparables, they answered questions together, they poses for pictures together. Terry had organized a party at his manor for after the show. So they didn't go to the numerous parties organized by other people and other organisations. At Terry's the table was full of food and lots of drinks. There was the biggest flat screen television you had ever seen, where you could see images of the Oscars, when Marcus won, when Terry won and when their movie won with the other categories, their interviews, the pictures they took… Terry had hired people to look after the teenagers during the evening; they were not to have any alcohol, no drugs and no orgies… Ever since Marcus had entered his live, his reputation as a strict parent was known everywhere, so Hollywood parents would rather have their kids at Terry's. Those who liked to party with booze and drugs, didn't like to come at Terry's.
Marcus was looking at his watch. He was waiting for William and his mother, resolutely.
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Candy was in the family apartment in Los Angeles, where she had found a dress waiting for her. It was green, skin tight. Simple with very elegant. One of the maids did her a brushing after she took a shower to get ready. She had washed her long and thick and wavy hair.
- Do you know what time William is coming Wanda? Asked Candy to the maid.
- He said he was going to come at 9h30 PM…
- It's not too late for a charity dinner?
- No ma'am, said Wanda.
- All right…
Justin arrived wearing a tuxedo… Candy was putting on her shoes, green like her dress.
- Hey penguin, said Candy laughing.
- Hello Sweetie, you look wonderful.
- Thank you, said Candy smiling.
- Your tan makes you look even more radiant…
- Flattery won't take you in my bed, you know that…
- I had to try! Said Justin smiling.
- After the wedding, you little joker…
- Not if your son has anything to say about it…
- Oh stop it…
- You did told me that he wants you to meet a man had chosen himself, didn't you?
- Yes… I don't want to hide anything from you.
- He doesn't want me to marry you…
- He's a teenager; he doesn't want his mother to get married, that's normal.
- But, he wants you to marry the one he'll find for you…
- It doesn't mean it's going to happen like that, because at the end of the day, the decision is mine… And you're the one I chose…
In saying that, she saw Terry's image pass through her mind… She had to talk to Terry and to her son before imposing him a new stepfather…
- And I'm happy that you've chosen me. I love you Candy…
Candy didn't reply. Did she have the right to say she loved him when Terry was on her mind, while she had Terry's son? She had to put order in her life…
They heard some noise and a voice:
- Candy? Where are you? Are you ready?
- William! Said Candy relieved.
She was saved by the bell! She ran out of the room and jump into William's arms.
- Oh my God! I've missed you! Said Candy.
- I've missed you too, little sister.
- I came back for good.
- Really?
- Yes, really! It's time for me to spend time with Marcus and my mother and my grandmother… and my aunt and my brother…
- That wonderful, you're ready to go?
- Yes, wait… Justin!
The latter was there and he looked at them.
- Ah, you're here… Let me introduce you to my brother, William. William, this is Justin…
- Her fiancé, said Justin shaking William's hand smiling.
- Fiancé? Said William surprised, Candy?
- Justin, you should've let me tell him…
- You're engaged?
- Yes, Marcus, need a father and I need a man…
- But Candy! You can't just get engaged like that! This world is full of fortune hunters, you have to be careful!
- William, how could you be so rude in front of Justin? You couldn't have waited until we were alone?
- I've got nothing to hide, said William, well, we're going to be late, let's go.
- I don't feel like going anymore, said Candy sulking.
- Come on Candy. I beg your pardon. I always say what I think, you know that don't you? Come on, let's go to the dinner, I have to introduce you to my friends… Please forgive me.
- All right…
William turned to Justin.
- Excuse me for being so rude. I worry about my sister.
- I understand, said Justin.
They took the limousine which took them to Terry's villa. During the ride, Candy was talking to William.
- I have something to ask you.
- What?
- I'll talk to you about it tomorrow, ok?
- Ok…
- There are lot of people tonight, said Justin.
- Yes, if you're lucky, you might see some movie stars, said William.
- Really? Said Justin, there's a special event?
- We just came from Bollywood, Hollywood is unknown to us, said Candy laughing.
- Oh, said William, of course… euh, it's Hollywood, you meet movie star at every corner of the street.
- Well for me it's all the same, since I don't know them! Said Candy.
- Me too, said Justin, when you're a missionary in India, it's the least of our worries…
- You have to come back among the living, you're really disconnected from the world!
- What do you think we're doing back in America? Asked Candy smiling.
- That's a good start in fact, said William smiling.
The limousine stopped in front of the villa. They got out of the car. William took Candy's arm, leaving Justin behind. There was music playing, the manor was full of people…
Marcus was watching the door and he finally saw William's blond mane, enter with his mother at his arm. He smiled.
Terry was talking with his mother and Susanna was on his heels. She was hoping again that Terry's joy would take her to bed, once again…
Marcus approached Terry and told him:
- Terry, my mother is finally here…
- No kidding…, all right, I'm waiting…
- All right. I'm going to go get her, said Marcus walking away smiling.
Candy was at William's arm and she was wondering where were his friends, but she really had a weird feeling. There was a giant flat screen TV on the wall of the living room, but since she never watched television, she didn't care what was on the screen.
- William, where are your friends? Do you recognize them among all these people? Asked Candy.
- Be patient, Candy. Wait.
Then she had the impression of having a vision. Terry was walking towards her. Her heart skipped a beat and she held her breath… He came closer and closer and closer… It wasn't Terry, it was Marcus! She must've really be tired, must be the time change.
- Mum? Good evening!
And he took her in his arms.
- Marcus? Said Candy astonished, but what are you doing here? You're not in boarding school? William? What the heck is going on? What is my son doing here in Los Angeles?!
- Mum, mum, calm down…, said Marcus, I'm going to explain it to you…
- That better be a damn good explanation, young man, because I don't understand a thing! Said Candy louder.
Marcus had been so excited to see his mother that he forgot she was going to be angry finding him in Hollywood when he was supposed to be in school. He was disconcerted for a few moments.
- Mum, you remember the job I had last summer?
- Yes. You didn't come to see me in India, because you had to work as a waiter…
- That wasn't exactly the truth…
- What? You didn't have a summer job?
- Yes, only it wasn't what you thought it was…
- You lied to me?
- I wanted to surprise you…
- What did you do during the summer Marcus?
- I shot a movie…
- I beg your pardon?
Candy looked at him like he had just fallen from the rain.
- I shot a movie…
- You shot a movie during the summer? Is that why we're in Hollywood? Said Candy.
- It's Oscar night mum…
- Oscar night?
- Yes and I won…
- What?! You won an Academy Award? You're putting me on…!
- Mum, I'm telling the truth… come, I want to introduce you to the one who gave me my first role in a movie and who guided me…
- What? But Marcus… You…
Marcus took her harm and walked with her where Terry was…
- Marcus we're not done talking!
- Later mum, please. You have to meet my mentor…
William and Justin followed them. Justin didn't know what to think… they all got to the destination.
- Terry, said Marcus smiling, let me introduce you to my mother…
Terry turned around smiling and his smile faded…
- Candy? He said surprised.
- Terry?! Said Candy who couldn't believe her eyes.
- You two know each other?! Said Marcus smiling, but that's great…!
But seeing his mother and Terry remaining silent, ten thousand questions come to his mind… what the heck was going on? His mother knew Terry? Since when? He looked like Terry… He had been feeling it since their first meeting, that warm and fuzzy feeling when he was with Terry, his heart was beating louder when he was with Terry, all that love, they had the same gestures, the same mimes, they looked alike… How could he have not thought about it sooner?!. The scales he had on his eyes fell, all of a sudden.
- Mum, said Marcus, how do you know Terry? Or do I really need to ask? Everything is clear now!
He turned to Terry…
- DAD!
Once upon a time, a family reunited, by the biggest chance ever…
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