Fulfilled Destiny

    by Mariadelmar

    (translated by Terry4ever and edited by Eleonor)

    Preface

    A few weeks had already gone by since the day everything was revealed. Albert was Great Uncle William and he had taken over his responsibilities. Candy still remained at Pony’s Home, but soon she would return to Chicago, to her job. Everything seemed to be in order, everything was going to be OK from now on, she had decided. Yet… There was still something that hurt, something that she hadn’t gotten over. Her break-up with Terry was too recent and despite all her efforts, she had not managed to get over it. She had read in a newspaper that he had returned to the Stratford Theatre Company. She was certain his life had taken its course now. He would marry Susanna, just as it was supposed to be. It was the proper thing to do.

    Why was she in so much pain then? No matter how hard she tried, she could not move on. She could not forget-not even for a moment -their last meeting and their separation.

    It was Sunday and there was a glorious sunshine outside. It was quite early in the morning and none of the children had woken up yet. Mrs. Pony and Sister Maria would be quietly having their tea at the moment. Soon the Sunday mass would begin and they had to prepare for it. She quietly and slowly got out of bed and put on a simple airy pink dress, brushed her hair and as always wore it in two tight pigtails. She then left her room and went to meet Mrs. Pony and Sister Maria.

    -“Candy child you are very early today! Are feeling OK? Is there something wrong?” asked Sister Maria.

    -“No, I am absolutely fine Sister Maria. I want to help you with the preparation of the children for the mass,” Candy replied.

    -“Oh, I am very happy you want to help us my child,” said Mrs. Pony.

    They had their tea in silence and went to prepare the children.

    Father Leonard was a new priest in the chapel. This Sunday’s mass was beautiful and Candy was being very thoughtful throughout it.

    -“Let us pray for our brothers who are in the war now,” father Leonard said, almost with no voice.

    -“Dear God, please look after Terry and Susanna. Make it so that they are always happy with each other and always well. Please never let them suffer and please help me come out of this difficult path,” was Candy’s prayer and a small tear run down her cheek.

    Following the end of the mass, Candy was sitting talking with the kids. Jimmy had an idea:

    -“You know what Candy, since you are here now, it would be nice to take us on a day-out somewhere!”

    -“Hmmm, I don’t know Jimmy, I am not sure this is a very good idea. I have a lot on my mind lately. Also, I can’t stay here much longer, I have to return to my job in the little clinic and Dr. Martin,” she answered.

    -“But I thought you would be spending some more time with us Candy," Jimmy said.

    -“I don’t know Jimmy, I will try…….”

    A few paces away, Mrs. Pony, Sister Maria and father Leonard were having a discussion.

    -“This war is really horrible,” father Leonard was saying.

    Of course! Father Leonard had just returned from the heart of the war. He had gone there to offer as much help as he could give. This was proving too much for his age though, so he chose to return to the USA and now he was at Pony’s home. Mrs. Pony was silently nodding.

    On hearing this, Candy suddenly had an idea, something she hadn’t thought at all before. She turned around and asked:

    -“Father Leonard, they need doctors and nurses in the war don’t they?”

    -“But of course they do, child. There are thousands of wounded. They are always looking for volunteers,” he answered.

    “This is it!” Candy thought. “God is sending me his message!” Mrs Pony immediately felt chills down her spine.

    -“Candy, what are you thinking of??? I hope you don’t want to…”

    -”Mrs. Pony, I am a nurse. I have to do my duty. My duty in helping as many people as I can,” she cut her off. “Perhaps some nurse helped Stear just before he died,” Candy was thinking, “My good dearest Stear….” and a soft tear left her eye.

    -“But Candy," Sister Maria said in alarm, “Something like this is very dangerous, my child!”

    -“It is what I have to do Sister Maria,” Candy answered.
    “And it is the only way to forget Terry,” she thought to herself.

    Chapter 1