Chapter 22

    “The Mass interruption”

    Terry was in his cabin, on his bed, thinking about that girl he had met the other night:

    “That’s Candice Grandchester, daughter of the Duke of Grandchester…She once dated Andrea Casiraghi of Monaco, to name only him…that was Ernest-August of Hanover VI with her… She’s got royal blood…”

    That’s all Terry could hear in his head. Georgina’s words were playing inside his head like a broken record. Things would have been much easier if he could stop thinking about that spoiled little brat… He just couldn’t get her out of his head. And he felt bad, because Antonia hasn’t been gone for that long!

    “I’m so sorry baby, for betraying you. You’re the only girl I love… but I can’t stop thinking about that girl I met last night, whom I thought was you for a moment and now I wonder why, because aside from the hair colour, you two look nothing like each other. You were nice and kind, she’s loud and obnoxious, rude…and she has a dirty little mind. She saw me with Georgina and she assumed I was her lover!!! Why couldn’t she think she was my mother? Why do I even care! I’m no prince…! Usually I’m sensible about things like that… but what is happening to me? I can’t think!!! This girl is driving me crazy!!!!”

    It was January 1st, a New Year, a new country, a new home, a new school was waiting for him in England. The change of scenery, was working fine, it started on the boat... with his meeting with Candice Grandchester… That girl was not his type. He liked the quiet girls, the nice and soft ones, but he did go out with Brittany, but that was for his grief. If anything, it showed him how a girl, who seemed tough and mean at first, became a good girl, while he was going out with her. Candice Grandchester dated princes… She was unavailable.

    “Why on earth am I thinking about that? I’m never going to see her again!” he thought

    For the last days of the cruise, he was looking at her from afar. He would stare at her and turned his head when she would turn in his direction. She was so beautiful, so sophisticated. He would hear her laugh and his heart would burst, making him feel all funny. He would be with Georgina, talking and laughing and he would feel her eyes on him. He was glad she was checking him out. Something was happening…

    **********

    Candice Grandchester spent the rest of the evening dancing with her date the night before, but her thought was with the sapphire eyes boy. Those eyes, they were so beautiful, he was so handsome and charming and dating an older woman! Who was he? What was he? A playboy for hire? How could he do something like that?

    “Why do I care? I’m not going to see him again! After I go to the stupid prison of boarding school…” She thought

    But every time she saw him with Georgina, her heart would jump and she was feeling jealous! That was so odd and weird. She had seen that boy for 5 seconds and now she’s jealous about his older girlfriend?

    “I’m probably too young for him, anyway!” She thought

    Her prince was trying to distract her and she had trouble concentrating and following his conversation. All that because of a boy with sapphire eyes she met the night before who made fun of her nose and her freckles! What the hell was happening to her? She was usually in charge with guys. She would dumped them without a second though. Some would be begging her to give them a second chance…and she didn’t care. She never loved them, she was just having fun and taking advantage of her young and beautiful years. She thought about her father, who was going to be glad she went to America, with Ernest without telling him. Her stepmum is not going to miss the opportunity to insult her again. It was the house from hell and it was hers. Her trip was an attempt to find another solution, but it fell through… She was a good actress, because aside the moment of weakness, that boy caught her crying, she was a playing the tough girl. Ernest was sweet, she didn’t want to rely on him. He had his problems. She had no one to turn to, only herself. All the boys she goes out with, none of them is capable of making her feel complete. She was looking for something in life, and she still hasn’t found it yet.

    **********

    The boat finally arrived at Southampton. The passengers were happy to have made it safe and sound.

    Terry was glad to finally be in England. He saw Allyson and Ashley waving at him from afar.

    - Terry!!!! Over here!!!!! They yelled

    - Hey guys! Said Terry waving back at them

    He was making his way slowly, with the other passengers. When he was finally off the boat, he ran to his cousins and hugged them hard.

    - It’s so good to see you!! He said

    - Terry, said Ashley, I missed you so much

    - I missed you too, Ash, he said moved

    - How are you coping? Said Allyson

    - One day at a time…

    - I heard you went out with Brittany, said Ashley dryly

    - You heard right, said Terry

    - How could you? Said Ashley, she hated Antonia!!!!

    - Brittany helped me a lot, Ash...

    - So you slept with her???

    - Ashley! Said Allyson, leave him alone!!!! He just got her and you’re grilling him with question?

    - What’s with the third degree Ash? Said Terry

    Ashley was a little ashamed.

    - Sorry Terry, she said, I was just… She hasn’t been gone that long…and you and Brittany….

    - Brittany was there for me, Ash… she helped me a lot…

    - If you say so!

    - Come on guys, let’s go! Here’s Georgina with the luggage

    Terry looked at Georgina and he smiled at her, waving at her. Georgina waved back at him smiling.

    Candy was behind Georgina and she had followed the scene. She felt a twinge in her heart. They seemed so close. And who were those girls with him. She had seen them somewhere before. Ernest took her arm and walked with her to the Rolls Royce that was waiting for them at the harbour. She got in, not with one last look at Terry. He was also looking at her…

    - Terry! Said Georgina, you’re dreaming

    Terry looked at her and she winked at him. He smiled. She had followed his eyes, while Allyson and Ashley were walking to their car. It was also a Rolls Royce.

    - I’m ready Georgina…, said Terry

    - Are you glad to be in England?

    - It’s kind of weird to see the car with the steer wheel on the right and driving left side…

    - I know, and when you cross the street, you actually have to run towards the end instead of the beginning, because the cars are coming on the other side

    They got in the car. Allyson and Ashley were already there, waiting for them.

    - So how was the cruise? Asked Allyson

    - It was great! Said Terry, interesting too…

    - Well you came back just in time for school, said Ashley

    - Georgina, do we have time for some sight seeing?

    - We need to get Terry to Saint Paul as soon as possible, said Georgina, but we can do some sight seeing on our way there…

    - Well, it’s better than nothing, said Allyson

    So they drove, until they got to London. Allyson was showing Terry all the places he had seen in books, magazine and on television. Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the House of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, the Tower Bridge, the Post office tower and so many more.

    - Well, said Allyson, we’ll take you when we get to go out on week ends

    - That would be more fun, actually, said Terry, because now it’s like when I saw those place on television, I couldn’t stop to see it closer…

    - No kidding! Said Ashley

    They all burst out laughing. They finally got to Saint Paul Academy. There was a big gate, closed.

    - It looks like a prison, said Terry

    - Maybe because it is? Said Allyson

    - I say boarding school is a smart way for parents to dump their offspring on other people to raise them for them

    - It’s perfect for our absentee parents, said Terry

    - We’ve got a very big back ground, said Ashley, we can find something to do that’s not going to be too boring

    - Some rich girl has her horse at school and she’s allowed to ride it after hours while we’re locked in our rooms!

    - Well I don’t like horses anymore after what happened to…, started Terry

    But he stopped. He had just had another flash of the fatal accident which took the life of his beloved. He closed his eyes. Allyson put an arm around his shoulders.

    - I miss her too, she said, hang in there…

    A tear come down on Terry’s cheek. He wiped it with his hand. They got inside the school and they went to the principal’s office. Mother Grey was the principal. She was cold and her face seemed to have been sculpted in wood. Terry wondered if she could even smile. She looked like a statue.

    - Welcome to Saint Paul Academy, young man, she said looking at Terry

    - Thank you, said Terry

    - I’ve got your file and your transcript from your former school, everything seems to be normal. You were a straight A student back in America, there’s no reason you can’t do the same here… Sister Margaret is going to show you to your room. Allyson, Ashley, you can go with him and see where your cousin is going to sleep.

    They all went to the boys dorm to Terry’s room.

    - You’ve got a room alone, said Ashley, lucky

    - Don’t forget, he’s Maximilliana's son, said Allyson

    - Right!

    - It’s so big, said Terry

    - You can have posters on the wall, descent posters, no porn! Said sister Margaret, Come on girls, let’s leave your cousin in his new room

    - All right, bye Terry, I’ll call you, said Allyson

    - Bye Terry, said Ashley

    - Bye guys, said Terry without enthusiasm

    He turned to Georgina and hugged her.

    - Bye Georgina, he said

    - Bye baby, she said moved, call me if you need anything

    - I will, he said moved to tears

    Georgina left and Terry was alone in his room. He was putting his stuff away when there was a knock on his door.

    - Come in! He said

    A young boy came in, about his age, he was wearing glasses and he was a little chubby.

    - Hi, he said, my name is Patrick O’Brien

    - Hi, I’m Terrence White Andrew, you can call me Terry

    - Hi Terry…

    **********

    Meanwhile Candice Grandchester was in her room taking some clothes, her uniform to bring to school. As the butler was helping her with her suitcase.

    - I’m going back to school, father…

    - Can you tell me what possessed you to pick up and leave for New York with your boyfriend on a spur of a moment?

    - I was safe …with Ernest

    - It’s not because you’re with your prince that you’re safe…

    - But it makes sure to show us what a slut you really are, said her stepmonster

    - Mellicent , said the duke

    - What? She changes men like she changes her shirts! Just like her mother…

    - Well it takes one to know one, said Candy bitter

    - How dare you talk to me like that? Richard did you hear what she just said to me? You should cut her off financially!

    - If I cut her off, I won’t be able to trace her coming and going, said Richard, I don’t want my daughter begging her lovers for money

    - You’re spoiling her rotten!!!!

    - Well she’s my daughter! Said the duke

    - Please father, don’t fight over me…, said Candy, I’m sure you treat your other children the same way

    - I don’t want her in my house! Said the stepmonster

    - Don’t worry about that, boarding school is a breeze compare to this hell hole!

    - Of course, you probably sleep with a different boy every night! You big fat trollop…

    - Giving you raised since I was a child, that says a lot about your educational skills

    - How dare you?!

    - All that make up you put on your face, you should try putting some on your heart too…Even though no amount of make up can make your ugly face look prettier…

    - Richard, are you going to let her insult me like that?

    - You are provoking her, Millicent, said the duke

    - Bye father, said Candy kissing him on the forehead

    - Goodbye Candice, said the duke

    Candy left the room with her suitcases. The duchess was bright as red with anger.

    - Why are you tolerating her like that?

    The duke looked at his wife a little stunned.

    - She’s my daughter?

    - Are you sure about that? She doesn’t look anything like you…

    - She’s her mother’s splitting image…

    - You’re spoiling her…

    - She gets good grades, Mellicent

    - She’s a slut…

    - She is right on one point; you raised her, did you teach her how to be promiscuous?

    - How dare you say that to me??!

    - Mellicent, put a sock in it! Said the duke leaving the room

    **********

    Candy had her father’s driver at her disposition. It was always the same scenario with her stepmonster. That woman had been mean to her from the beginning. Candy was a little girl, she only realised how different she was treated when her half brother was born. Her father, tried to give her some affection, but he was also infatuated by his first son, so Candy was set aside, on the back burner. Fortunately she had nannies, who showed her some affection, she didn’t get from her stepmonster. Boarding school was her saving grace, she was away from the suffocating atmosphere at the castle, she was finally able to breathe. She was doing good in school, but she still wanted her father’s attention, so she would sometimes to crazy stuff so he would be called to school, but he would just pay off the nuns to keep her in the school.

    She arrived at school and she went to her room. She didn’t have any friends, because most of them only wanted to be seen with her, the most popular girl in school and they would just spy on her and spread vicious rumours about her. So she was a solitary. She was privileged in school, she had a television set, vcr, dvd player, sound system. But she didn’t care a bit. Life was boring at school. But in a weird way, she was glad to be back.

    It was morning, time for mass. She could hear all the students getting ready. She continued sleeping. Mass, what a snooze! Then she decided to go to mass after all. The school uniform was grey pants or skirt, white shirt , blue jumper, dark blue blazer. The blazer was mandatory for the mass. She put on a skirt which was very short, she put on pantyhose she also has long socks on. She put her shirt on, she chose one that was a bit smaller so it would be tight on her bosom, and barely buttoned the middle. She left the top buttons open so the her breast would show, she undid the buttons of the bottom part and tied a knot with both parts of the shirt, showing her belly button which had a ring on it. She put her long thick hair in half a pony tail, having the back fall on her shoulders in waves. She put on some make up, she looked irresistible. The nuns are going to be outraged, and her father is going to get yet another phone call from the nuns… She up on her blazer and she went outside towards the church.

    Terry was going to mass and he must’ve been distracted, because he forgot his blazer… he was only wearing his white shirt under his coat.

    - Terry! Said Allyson, where’s your blazer?

    - Blazer? He asked

    - Yes, you’re supposed to wear you blazer for mass, it’s mandatory! Said Allyson

    - I forgot it on my bed, said Terry, let me go get it…

    - You don’t have the time, said Allyson, we can’t be late for mass! Let’s go…

    They all went to the church. A nun was at the door looking at the students. When Terry arrived…

    - Where is your blazer young man?

    - I forgot it, sister, said Terry

    - You’re the new boy?

    - Yes…

    - It’s fine for this time, don’t forget it next time

    - Thank you sister, said Terry

    Terry got in and sat down with his cousins. He was the only one without a blazer. The mass started and Terry was bored. He was falling asleep, so were most of the students. They had another long half hour to go when they heard the door slam and someone with heals coming in the steps were very loud, like the person was doing it on purpose. Terry looked and was surprised to see the girl from the boat, by the way she was dressed, she was a student at Saint Paul Academy! Her belly was showing and he saw the ring, her breast looked like it wanted to burst out of her tight shirt.

    “She’s so desirable! Oh my God, I’m in church!!! What am I thinking! This girl would make a saint curse!!! She’s so beautiful”

    The reverend mother spoke up:

    - Candice Grandchester, you’re late! Please have a seat

    - That’s very nice of you, as nice as that sounds; reverend mother, but I didn’t come her to pray…

    - Then why did you come her then?

    - To take a nap…

    The other students burst out laughing.

    - Oh my God! Said the reverend mother, a nap? What happened to your warm and fluffy bed in your room?

    - Well you know how much I love changes…

    Ashley was looking at her with disdain:

    - Maybe that’s why you have a different guy in your bed every night! She whispered

    Terry looked at Ashley. A different guy every night in her bed?

    - Every night? Said Terry

    - Yes, why? You want a piece of her? Said Ashley

    - Maybe, said Terry

    - Oh my God! What do you all see in her?

    - Have you looked at her, Ashley? said Terry

    - She’s just a stupid bimbo! Said Ashley

    - Never mind, said Terry

    Meanwhile the conversation with the reverend mother continued.

    - You think the students are praying? I bet you all the money in the world, that all the boys are lusting after me at this moment and even some girls!!!

    - Candice Grandchester I will not tolerate this kind of language in church!

    All the boys looked at each other with a little smile saying: “You bet your life, we are”. Some girls were laughing and others were jealous and sulking.

    Ashley was one who was sulking.

    - And she’s arrogant, on top of that!!!

    - No she isn’t , said Terry, she’s right!

    - Oh my God! Said Ashley

    Allyson and Terry were laughing, so were most of the students. The reverend mother was still talking.

    - Candice Grandchester you…

    - Go to your office? Said Candy, with pleasure! You’ve got the coolest drink in your little fridge!

    The reverend mother blushed.

    - Candice…If you don’t …

    - I’m leaving, said Candy, chill… ok?

    She turned around and started walking away with her high heal. She got close to a very cute blond boy.

    - Can you tell me when the mass is over, honey?

    - Yes, said the boy

    - Cheers, you’re a sweetheart

    She kissed him on the cheek. The boy was bright as red, he was almost going to pass out, having Candy’s breast so close to him and touching him, even for a second, he was in seventh heaven.

    Terry was looking at her as she was walking away. Their eyes meet. If she was surprised to see him there, she didn’t show it, but there was this spark in her eyes, and Terry was melting. Ashley was next to Terry sulking and looking at her with mean eyes, but all Candy could see was Terry, all the other students had disappeared, it was only the two of them for a few seconds. Then she remembered she had to leave the church and continued her walk holding her blazer over her shoulder and she left the church.

    The students were whispering…

    - Silence!!! You’re getting an extra half an hour to expiate the sin you just made because of that girl!

    The students were now sulking and angry against Candy. Terry didn’t really mind staying longer, for he knew he had sinned ever since Candy came in the church…

    When the mass was over, Terry went for a walk in the court, leaving Ashley and Allyson with their girlfriends. Every body was talking about Candice Grandchester and her drama. Terry went to sit by a tree, thinking about her.

    “Why does she have to act like a spoil brat?? She’s probably trying to get her parents’ attention! Funny how we orphans want parents, and those who have them, are not happier than we are? Is it true what they say about her? A new guy every night? She must be suffering to act that way… why am I making excuses for her???”

    Then he heard;

    - Candy! Candy!!!

    - What?? Said a girl’s voice coming from behind a tree

    Terry stood up and he saw. There she was in front of him.

    - The reverend mother is looking for you! Said the girl

    - She’s an old witch! I’m coming!

    She looked at Terry.

    - Sapphire eyes…hi

    - Hi, Freckles…

    - How’s Mrs. Robinson?

    - Peachy, said Terry, how’s prince Euro trash?

    - Perky, she said smiling

    She liked that boy!! He had a great sense of humour.

    - I’ll see you around, Sapphire eyes!!!

    Candy walked away to go to the reverend mother’s office. She met the blond boy who told her that mass was over. Candy smiled at him, and kissed him on cheek again to thank him. He started to follow her like a little dog.

    Terry looked at the scene and a bell was heard. It was time for class.

    Chapter 23