"Shall I take you home?" the young man asked out of place, not moving.
The unexpectedness of this statement made Candy even stop crying.
"Home? With you? After all, that had happened?"
Neil raised his eyebrows and smiled slightly:
"Look, they will soon come down, and, believe me they do not wish to see today neither me, nor you. It is better for us, both, to get out of here, and as quickly as it is possible. If you want , your may go by your feet, but I offer you my services."
He offered a hand to help the girl get up, but Ms. White pretended that she didn't notice it, and got up by herself. Her head was spinning, and there were front sights before eyes. She was very tired.
"I'm afraid of you," she said simply, leaning on the railing and avoiding his gaze.
Legan sighed.
" Listen, Candy, why do you fear? Of the two of us the strength has always been on your side."
Candy heard footsteps on the stairs and said quickly, still weighing in mind the pros and cons.
"Let's go! Hurry!"
Neil opened the car door and she sat down. Distance from the hospital porch to the car she crossed hardly.
Neil pressed the gas pedal, and the hospital was out of sight. There was a bouquet of flowers near Candy's seat.
"That's for me?" She asked, putting face to the wind and sun. Everything was indifferent to her.
"Yes, " Legan said grimly, without taking his eyes off the road. "I thought to spend this evening differently..."
Candy put her finger to the bud of claret-red rose and sighed:
"What are you hoping Neal? After all, we have discussed everything with you... I had answered to you."
"I can not take "no" as an answer."
"Why?"
"I just can not, that's all."
... Agonizing headache, and the mist before his eyes ... What had happened, where is he? Archie saw the frail figure of a girl which was approaching to him. Who is it? Candy?
"It's me, Archie," softly sweet voice said, and he went hot with shame for himself. He had broken the engagement, but she immediately came to him ... She came...
The young man barely lifted a hand and touched his cheek, feeling the plasters and bandages.
"I look just awful..."
Annie rushed up to him and took his hands in hers:
"Fool..." she cried. "You're always very, very handsome for me," she whispered, kissing his hand, and Archie closed his eyes, feeling that he was crying too.
"I'm such a fool, Annie..."
At that moment he realized that he was chasing for a mirage, for a pipe dream, but a real native person have always been near him. And will never betray and will always be wait for him wherever he did. Annie was always with him, when he was ill she visited him, she embroidered gifts to him for the holidays, she made sure that he was warmly dressed, she was asking whether he had lunch today... And what he have done for her? Just accepted her love?
" I'm sorry, dear, I'm sorry ," Archie whispered, feeling that the pain recedes because Annie was nearby. " Look, Annie, let us be a secret engagement, only we and our parents? Without this fuss? Please, Annie, even a single chance! I'I will correct everything..."
She stroked his hand
"Archie, everything will be as you wish. Do not hurry, think. I'll wait."
"I want it as soon as possible!"
"Let's you make decision, when you get well, okay? She said softy, but at the same time, seriously.
"Okl," Archie said softly . "But shall you come to me... again?"
"Of course, Archie!" Annie smiled, and Archie realized that he loved her. Here, such Annie and at that moment. What a fool he was! "See you tomorrow, Archie!"
The door closed behind Miss Brighton, and the young Cornwell was alone with his thoughts...