Chapter 7
    “Drastic measures”

    I will like to thank candyloveterry for her unexpected help with the chapters to come.

    The apartment in New York was huge, but it felt like he was suffocating inside. He thought he was claustrophobic for a second. This was not a good life. He wanted to become an actor, he put Candy in his plans and after seeing her again in Chicago, he was sure they were going to end up together. But like they say: “Man proposes, God disposes”…he lost Candy, the only woman he had ever loved, to his duty… Now he was unhappy and cranky and he had no choice. She was with him in the living room, pressuring him to get married…

    - Terry, I’m still waiting for you to make me an honest woman

    “Honest? Thought Terry, that’s debatable” thought Terry

    - I wrote a letter to my father…

    - What on earth for?

    - To ask him for his permission

    - His permission? What are you 5?

    - Susanna, you might not be aware of this, but I’m the son of an English duke

    - A duke? Really? You’re not making this up?

    - Why would I make this up?

    - To keep me away from you? You want to make me believe that you come from a noble family?

    - What I don’t understand is why you find it so hard to believe…

    - Your father is a duke, so he must be wealthy with all the dukedom… why would his son become an actor?

    - Because I didn’t want anything to do with his money… I want to make it on my own…

    - You mean you’re rich?

    - My father is rich, not me… but I’m not complaining, I’m making good money at the theatre

    - I can’t go back on stage with one leg…

    - You can put on a prosthesis…And go back on stage, you’re not the first human being to be mutilated, you know…

    Susanna remained silent. Learning that Terry was the son of a very wealthy English duke, was making her think. She needed to be on 2 feet… Terry was a future very wealthy, English duke.

    - Yes, I guess I can look into it…

    - Make an appointment…

    - All right. Did you get a reply from your father?

    - He’s a very busy man, and I doubt he’s going to care about me getting married.

    - Oh…,why don’t you send him a telegram or something…

    - I don’t know, said Terry careless, maybe I will…

    - You should

    - I have to go to the theatre

    - We haven’t discussed our marriage…

    - That can wait until we hear from my father…

    - Send him a telegram

    Terry was getting annoyed.

    - Telegram is for people in a rush… I’m actually in no rush to marry you…

    And Terry got out the door. Susanna was used to Terry’s indifference. She had managed to make him write his father about her, it will take the time needed, but it will eventually happen. Her mother arrived in the living room.

    - Where’s Terrence?

    - He left for the theatre…

    - It’s too early for the theatre…

    - He probably went to see some friends before he gets there

    - Some lady friend if you ask me…

    - Well I didn’t ask you, mother!

    - Susanna, when is he going to marry you?

    - Soon …

    - How soon?

    - Sooner than you think, he wrote his father about me…

    - His father?

    - He has parents mom and get this… his father is an English duke, a very rich English duke…

    - He’s really English? I thought he was faking his accent…

    - Mom!

    - Well he is an actor…

    - His accent is real mom!

    - He’s really the son of a duke? Well he has no manner whatsoever! What kind of education did he get in England?

    - Mon, he’s the man I love… and he’s very rich… we’re waiting for his father to write him and say it’s ok for us to get married…

    - I hope you’re right, said Mrs. Marlowe

    **********


    Terry went by his mother to have breakfast with her like he did almost every morning.

    - Good morning mother

    - Terry, good morning

    - How are you today

    - I’m fine, you?

    - I’ve been better, he said indifferent, what’s new?

    - It’s funny that you ask, because I got news from your father…

    - Did you, said Terry coldly

    - Yes… he got your letter

    - Why didn’t he answer me?

    - Well what he had to say, is not what you want to hear

    - What is it…

    - He told me to tell you that he would never approved of you marrying the woman who saved your life, because he had already made a deal with one of his friends to marry you to his daughter…

    - The more the merrier! Everybody wants to marry me to someone without asking for my opinion! You think he cares about it? It’s only my life!

    - Terry, I know you’re under pressure to marry Susanna

    - Oh gee, you think?

    - I’m not the enemy…

    - I’m sorry mum, he said hugging her

    - It’s ok baby, you’ve got a lot on your mind…what do you plan to do about your father’s decision…

    - Susanna is expecting me to marry her mum, for saving my life

    - And you father is expecting you to marry his friend’s daughter

    - And I want to marry Candy… we can’t always have what we want, I find that out the hard way!

    - Terry…

    - There’s more, right?

    - He’s on his way here…

    - With my “fiancée”?

    - Yes…

    - Oh bloody hell!

    - Terry, I know what you’re thinking, but think about it… it’s not like you love Susanna or anything

    - She saved my life…

    - That’s the only thing she has on you…

    - Mum what are you saying?

    - I’m saying, meet the fiancée your father is bringing…

    - And…

    - And if you like her…

    - I won’t , I only want Candy…

    - Well you can’t have Candy, you have Susanna, but you can have another fiancée ….

    - You want me to use the fiancée as a way to get rid of my moral duty… to get rid of Susanna?

    - She might be likeable… and you can hide behind your father and his orders…

    - Why does it feel like a weakness

    - Weakness? Terry you took care of the Susanna matter on your own and what was the result? You lost the woman you love, I never see you smile again…you’re cranky, you’re a boar, a lout

    - Gee thanks mum…

    - I’m telling you the truth! If you had come to me, I would’ve been able to discuss with Mrs. Marlowe and defend you!

    - I’m sorry I didn’t come to you…it’s not because I didn’t want to,…I’m just used to solve my problems on my own

    - It’s ok. Now if your father can get you out of this situation, let him!

    - To get out of the rain to get in the water…?

    - Just keep an open mind… if you like the girl better than you like Susanna

    - That shouldn’t be too hard

    - Then go all the way…if your father is ready to make you his heir, if you comply, go for it…

    - What about Susanna?

    - You want to marry her?

    - No…

    - Then, you don’t care about her

    - I have to care, she saved my life

    - From what I understand, Candy saved her life too… why didn’t she ask for something in return?

    - Because Candy is goodness incarnate…

    - Candy gave you to Susanna because this last one saved your life…without Susanna you would’ve been dead

    - That’s debatable …I should’ve taken my chances, I would’ve stepped away, but she didn’t give me the time to react… if I didn’t know better I’d say that she wanted to be in my place, so I’d be indebted to her…no, that’s nonsense!

    - Anything is possible… I guess…well with Candy, that ship has sailed…now you have Susanna and a new girl…

    - I guess avoiding dad is going to be useless; I might as well meet the woman I’m supposed to marry…

    - Remember keep an open mind… you might like her…

    - There’s only one woman for me mum…

    - If you keep saying that…

    - What?

    - You need to move on, honey…

    - Move on… I’ve been trying that with Susanna for years

    - You wrote your father…

    - I was hoping he forbids me to get married…

    - Your wish is granted…

    - Only he’s bringing me his own bride…

    - Be careful what you wish for…

    - No kidding!

    - Terry, this can be your saving grace… if you like your fiancée , let your father handle Susanna and her mother…

    - What if she looks like Mrs. Grandchester?

    - Well, then you’ll have to chose between staying with the woman who caused your break up with Candy, or the fiancée who saved you from Susanna’s obsession with you…

    - Even if she looks like Mrs.Grandchester… I might chose the latter… just to get away from Susanna… why didn’t she let me take my chances?

    - You could’ve died baby, and I will be eternally grateful to Susanna for saving you…

    - Maybe I didn’t need any saving, maybe I would’ve moved on my own… I’m sorry I can’t be grateful to her for causing my break up with Candy…

    - You could’ve died

    - I’m dead without Candy anyway… I would’ve been better off…

    - Terrence!

    - I’m sorry mum…

    - Well your father is going to be here in a week… I’ll let you know.

    They finished their breakfast and Terry went to the theatre. Could he really marry the girl his father was bringing to him? And be free of Susanna? Candy…

    **********


    Candy woke up, still thinking about Terry. She needs to let go of him. It’s been a few years. But Terry still hasn’t married Susanna.

    “Oh Candy you can’t get on that boat again! Let it go!!! Even if it hurts! If you wanted to stay with him you should’ve! Now it’s to late… You and Terry, it’s over… Life goes on…you did kiss Alistair, not once but twice, by “accident”, but it was great both times, not like Terry, of course not, they’re two different person…can you be happy without Terry? When you were first adopted by the Andrews, you thought you had your happiness, until Dorothy showed you that you needed to find your own happiness, you had it and you let it go for another woman… that was probably the biggest mistake of your life, but … Susanna needed him… It was not meant to be, Terry…Why is life dead set on making my life complicated?” thought Candy

    She got ready and went downstairs for breakfast. Everybody was there. Archie all dressed up to go to the office. Alistair, Annie and the great aunt.

    - What’s your plan today Candy?

    - Well said Alistair, we’re going to look for some renting space

    - Renting? Said Annie

    - Yes, Mr. Georges is our first investor, said Candy

    - Oh that’s wonderful! Said Annie smiling

    - So you want to leave the mansion to go work elsewhere? Said the Great aunt

    - Yes, said Alistair, it was only temporary great aunt, you know that

    - But I like having you on the property. Even if you worked late, I knew you were on the property…We have enough space for you, don’t we?

    - Yes, but we need to build our company and have some headquarters, were we can have visitors, potential investors…

    - I understand, said the great aunt sadly, you said Mr. Johnson was your first investor, what about your brother?

    There was a little silence. Everybody was looking down… The great aunt thought it was weird.

    - Archibald? You didn’t give your brother money?

    - Well Aunt Elroy, you know I can’t just give money away like that

    - HE’S YOUR BROTHER!!! Yelled the great aunt, HE’S FAMILY!!!

    - I don’t believe in his inventions! They always end up blowing up! I don’t want to throw money out the window!

    - Your brother survived the war! He was presumed dead! I thought you’d be willing to help him realize his dreams! How could you do this to your brother

    - Aunt Elroy… , said Archie

    - Aunt Elroy, it’s ok…, said Alistair, all Archie ever saw was my inventions blowing up… he’s got the right to be skeptical …

    - You’re his brother! Said Aunt Elroy

    - Yes, and I’m going to succeed to prove to him he was wrong not to trust me…, said Alistair

    Then he looked at Candy.

    - Are you ready to go Candy?

    Mr. George entered the dinning room.

    - Master Alistair, Miss Candy, he said, I think I can help you find a space for your headquarters.

    - Really? Thank you Mr. George, let’s go Candy. Bye! Said Alistair to the others

    - Bye said Candy

    They left with George. The Great Aunt looked at Archibald with mean eyes.

    - How could you do this to your brother?

    - Aunt Elroy, please stay out of this…, said Archie

    - May I be excused, said Annie

    - Yes, said the great aunt

    Annie left the dinning room. Archie and the great aunt were alone.

    - Archibald, family always comes first

    - I know what I’m doing…

    - This has nothing to do with business, right?

    - What do you mean, aunt Elroy

    - You know what I mean! This is about Candy!!!!

    - I don’t understand, said Archie blushing

    - I knew that girl was trouble from the first day, you all fell for you like those shipmen and the song of the mermaids which lead them to crash on rocks!

    - Aunt Elroy, you’re being over dramatic!

    - Am I? You all fell for her, but since she liked Anthony, you and your brother stepped aside… then my poor Anthony was gone, you all went to England and I was surprise that one of you was not her new beau… especially you… you came back and you were going out with Annie Brighton… Alistair hid his feelings, but you… Alistair had that poor girl Patricia… then he was presumed dead, Patricia passed away and he came back from the dead; free!!! That’s where all your problems started, that Alistair was free to go after Candy…

    - Aunt Elroy…

    - Setting Candy up with Brandon Sutton, was a way for you to keep her away from your brother…

    - I love my brother

    - You’re jealous! You’re even mean to Candy now, you used to defend her no matter what!!!

    Archie remain silent, yes, he was jealous, he was angry, he wished he had a shot with Candy…

    - You need to get your act together! You have a wife and a baby to come! Said aunt Elroy. I want to know something; why didn’t you go after Candy when you were in England…

    - She fell in love with that actor…

    - Right! And you ended up with her best friend…

    - She asked me to take care of her, he said with a little voice

    - Candy asked you to take care of Annie? Why?

    - Because Annie was in love with me…

    - And you married her… You should’ve gone after what you wanted, not settle for the best friend… you made your bed, lie in it!

    - Aunt Elroy, I love my wife and my child

    - But you can’t help thinking about what could’ve been, right? Angry at your bro, because he’s getting close to Candy, angry at Candy for making you promise to look after Annie… I don’t think she knew what was going to happen… life is complicated Archie, we have to live with the choices we’ve made… I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but if your brother loves Candy, I hope they end up together…She’s good for him. Alistair is your brother, be happy for him…

    The great aunt left the table and Archie went to work, thinking about the Great aunt’s words. He had to let go of his jealousy, but it’s not something he could control. He will have to make peace with that sooner or later, but for the moment, he was angry at his brother and his best friend…

    Mr. George took Alistair, Joe and Candy to see a warehouse and another little building next to it.

    - This is just perfect! Said Alistair

    - The building could be our offices, said Candy

    - The warehouse so close, perfect, said Joe

    - Thank you Mr. George, said Alistair, how much is the rent?

    - Well Master Alistair, this is actually an old warehouse we used when your great grandfather was still alive… it has been abandoned, we’ve rented it sometimes, but now it’s empty…

    - I want to pay something…

    - Your great grand father wouldn’t want his great grandson to pay him rent…

    - But…

    - Just start to work on your business and succeeding would be the best present you’ll make to this family…don’t worry about the rent…

    - Yes, Alistair, we’ll have to hire people, saving on the rent is going to be great! Said Joe

    - I agree… for now worry about your engines, said Candy with a soft voice

    Alistair looked at her. He felt so good when he looked at her. He now could show her how he felt. Candy looked at him, she looked in his eyes and she could feel the love, she was feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Could she really love Alistair? She already loved him as a friend, as a cousin… but has a potential mate?

    “What is happening to me? I’m in love with Terry! But Alistair, ever since he came back… oh my God! Maybe I should stop working with him? Yes, that’s it, I’m going to stop! I can’t be confuse like that! I’m sorry Alistair, you’ll have to find another … whatever I am for you!” she thought

    - We need to buy furniture! Said Joe

    - I can take care of that, said Mr. George

    - But

    - Take it as another part of my investment, said Mr. George

    - All right, said Alistair, I promise you you’re going to get a return on your investment if it’s the last thing I do…

    - Don’t worry about it Master Alistair, believe in yourself… that’s all it takes to make your dream come true…

    They spent the rest of the day buying material to build engines. Candy was learning a lot, with the names of the pieces to buy. Alistair was very patient explaining everything to her, what does what , what goes where, etc…it was complex, but it was also fun to learn.

    **********


    During dinner that evening the Reagan’s were there and Alistair was so excited, he was telling his great aunt about the new place, the furniture, the material they bought, he couldn’t stop talking and Candy was happy for him. She was sad at the idea of leaving him, but she had no choice, she needed some time to think.

    - By the way, your uncle William is coming back in a few days, maybe tomorrow

    - That’s wonderful! Said Alistair

    - Maybe you could ask him for help, said Annie to Alistair

    - I know he’s going to support your venture, said Aunt Elroy

    - Well I’ll support you, said Mr. Reagan

    - What? Said his wife, but honey…

    - I like the ambition of your nephew, I wish your son was more like him! Said Mr. Reagan

    - Well it’s easy to start a company when you have a family with money to support you, said Eliza

    - You really think so, said her father, you think it’s that easy?

    - Yes, said Neil…

    - Then why don’t you do it? Said his father, I got you job and you couldn’t even keep them!

    - Honey, leave the children alone!

    - You son need to learn about responsibilities…

    - I thought he was our son, said Sarah ironically

    - That’s enough, said Aunt Elroy. Neil, since you think it’s easy to build a company that works, I’m going to give you money so you can start a company from scratch like Alistair and see if you can do it…

    - What? Said Eliza, just like that? You’re going to give him money?

    - At least Aunt Elroy believes in him…

    - I want him to show what he can do, and Alistair, I’m giving you money too…

    - Thank you Aunt Elroy, said Neil

    - Thank you Aunt Elroy, said Alistair

    - Honey? Said Sarah to her husband

    - Sorry dear, I believe in Alistair only…, said Mr. Reagan

    - How could you do that to your own son? Said Sarah

    - I’ve been a business man for years, and I know a good investment when I see one…

    - Do you hear that Archibald? Said Aunt Elroy

    Archie was looking at his plate like he wasn’t hearing anything. Annie looked at him and shook her head. Mrs. Reagan continue pleading the cause of her son, but her husband turned the deaf hear…

    After dinner they were having tea and coffee in the living room. Annie was too tired to play anything on the piano that evening. Her husband attitude turned her off.

    Candy wanted to speak to Alistair, so they went outside on the terrace. There was a little bench there, so the sat down.

    - Candy, said Alistair, what is it?

    - I… I wanted to tell you that I can’t work with you anymore…, said Candy

    - What?

    - Why not?

    - I… just need some time to myself…

    - Is it something I did? Is this about the kiss? I promise, it won’t happen again…

    - No, no, the kiss was wonderful… I just need to find out where I am, and where I’m going…

    - But this is our dream, you’ve been there from the start… you can’t quit now, please Candy, we need you…

    - No you don’t you and Joe are the brains of this venture

    - You’re part of it…

    “I want to make this dream come true for you! So you’d be proud of me! You can’t leave us now, you’re…” He thought

    - You’re my muse! He said

    - Muse? Said Candy

    - My inspiration!

    - You were inventing stuff before you met me…

    - And Archie was right, they kept blowing up… the music box I gave you…

    - Worked like a charm, and I gave it to Patricia to give her hope and it stopped working

    - I promise to make a new one that will never stop working… Candy I need you in this venture, please don’t leave… my brother is not supporting me… I need you

    - You’ll always have my support Alistair, no matter what…

    - Candy…”Die of shame and suffer”…

    - What?

    - It means if you’re too shy to say what’s in your heart, you’re going to suffer alone…

    - Alistair…

    - I’m saying it… I love you Candy…

    - Oh my God!

    - And I need you for this venture; I need your support, your presence, to continue. You made it so much easier for me, so much fun and together we’re going to make it … Ever since I’ve come back, you’ve believed in me, you’ve been my rock, my comfort, you can’t leave me now…I love you Candy

    - Alistair, I still think about Terry… I’m confused

    - That’s why you want to leave me… it’s normal for you to be confused. You loved Terry a lot. Did you like my kisses?

    - Yes, said Candy blushing

    Alistair looked at her with love. She was so beautiful.

    - I loved kissing you too… you’re the only woman I’ve ever kissed

    - Maybe that’s why you love it, you have no point of comparison…

    - You’ve kissed Terry…

    - Yes…

    - So?

    - It can’t be the same since you’re two different people, but I liked your kisses…

    - That’s music to my ears

    - Alistair…

    - I’ll be patient, take all the time you need… I mean I’m not being presumptuous, thinking that the confusion is coming from your blossoming feelings for me…?

    - No, you’re not, she said softly

    Candy smiled. Alistair leaned and took her lips. Candy put her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Candy thought that for a third kiss, Alistair was doing a pretty good job. They stopped after a while, breathless.

    - So?

    - All right, I’ll stay… just be patient with me

    - Candy, did you know I was in love with you from the start?

    - I had no idea… although I remember in college, Archie saying that you’d forgive me anything, when I broke your flying boat…

    - And I told him to shut up, said Alistair smiling

    - Oh my God! Said Candy, I was clueless, I knew about Archie’s feelings, but you…

    - I love you Candy…the first time I saw you, I recognized you from Archie’s description…

    - You gave me a ride in the car you made yourself, and you almost killed me…

    - I love it when you climbed on me… Oh Candy…

    - We ended up in the river…then climbing trees…

    - I loved every second, he said with a soft voice…

    They kissed again, passionately, both learning the art tongues caressing each other, sucking each other, making each other feel wonderful.

    Archie was looking at them from the window heartbroken. He had to be happy for his brother, maybe he will in the future, but for the moment, he was jealous…A tear came down his cheek…

    Later that night, Annie was stunned to have a very passionate partner in her bed.

    Chapter 8