Votes taken by Gentillefille

The winds of winter

Chapter 12
“The nosey parker”

Eliza Legan was at the manor where the great aunt Elroy lived when she surprised a conversation between two maids.

- Have you heard the latest?

- No, what is it?

- I heard Esther’s new nanny got it on with her father!

- No! He finally succumbed! He’s been unfaithful to his princess?

- She left four years ago! I say it’s about time!

- What about the little one?

- She was sick last night and she asked for the nanny who wasn’t there. He sent a private jet to go get her in New York! Do you realise that?

- So she can back for the little one and took advantage of the situation to seduce her father when he was vulnerable… She played her cards right!

- Are you sure about that?

- She spent the night in his room!

- The lucky girl! I also want to be a nanny and get it on with Master Terrence…He’s so handsome!

- And it had been a while since his own wife had left, that he hadn’t been with a woman, at least in his manor…

- I heard the queen of mean tried to seduce him in vain. And little Esther doesn’t like her!

- The little angel probably felt she was a demon and she wanted to replace her mother…

They burst out laughing good heartily. The two maids shut up when they saw that Eliza was listening to them. They walked away quickly.


But Eliza had heard enough. She had to go see that nanny and get rid of her! There was no way she was going to steal her Terrence away from her, one more time! So she want at Terry’s and the butler told her that Master Terrence was out with his daughter.

- Are they out with the new nanny?

- No, Miss Graham went out on her own.

She came in and took her coat off to put in closet in the hallway. She saw Candy’s luxury coat, she thought it was great and she wished it was hers, but she wasn’t able to find one like that in Lakewood! The nanny had such a beautiful coat? She got in the living room to have a drink and put on music. Then she decided to go snoop into the new nanny’s room, she had spent the night with Terry. The staff let her do whatever she wanted, she was Master Terrence’s cousin and they got along great. So she went upstairs to Candy’s room and started looking around a little. She looked in the closet and saw the luxury clothes, designer suits. This nanny seemed very rich, to afford that kind of clothes. She didn’t seem like someone who needed to work. She saw lots of bags from New York luxury boutiques. She took her cellphone and dialed a number.

- Mrs Harriet? Eliza Legan. I would like more information on Esther’s new nanny… You hired her, right?

- Yes, is everything all right? All the other candidates refused to go to Lakewood, saying it was in the middle of nowhere! Miss Graham was a godsend!

“Why would someone with such a designer wardrobe agree to a position as a nanny in a middle of nowhere? “ Eliza asked herself.

- Could you sent me her file please? I just want to make sure everything is in order…

- Is there a problem?

- Don’t worry about that, Mrs. Harriet, you won’t be in any trouble.

- But Master Grandchester…

- I’ll take care of Master Grandchester… did you check her references?

- They were excellent… she worked for royalties in Europe!

- Well, well, well! What do you know! Said Eliza ironically.

She thought about Candy who was with a prince before she seduced Terry.

- I’ll send you the file right away on your email.

- Thank you, I’ll call you back if I need anything else… good bye.

- Good bye, Miss Legan,

Eliza got out of the room and went to Terry’s office to used the computer that was there. She went on her email and she opened the file on Esther’s new nanny, Blanche Graham… She looked at her picture, she saw a young woman with auburn hair and big thick glasses… kind of ordinary…
“A redhead, like me? He was probably thinking about me! She’s kind of ordinary and those thick glasses! What does Terry sees in her?” Eliza asked herself.

She looked at the references, they were excellent, as a matter of fact. That nanny was perfect, too perfect to be honest! She must have some skeleton in her closet and she was going to find out about it. She heard noises and voices. Terry and Esther were back. She got out of the office. She walked towards the hallway.

- There you are! Said said smiling, you’re finally here!

Terry raised his head to look at her.

- Hello Eliza, he said

- Hello aunty Eliza, said Esther.

- Hello Terrence, hello Esther, I heard you were sick? Are you feeling better?

- Yes, said Esther, I’m feeling better, we did some cross county skying

- Cross Country skying, corrected Terry smiling

- Cross country skying, repeated Esther, I’m going to go see if Snow White is in the kitchen
!
- Snow-White! Said Esther

- My nanny, said Esther.

Her father was taking off her little snow boots. A voice was heard…

- You’re finally back! Said Candy, I was starting to be bored!

- Snow-White! Said Esther running to her, I was bored without you too!

Candy crouched to hug the little one in her arms with love.

- You had fun with your daddy? She asked.

- Yes, but next time, you’re coming with us. Daddy is going to show you how to ski…

- Really? I’d love to learn so that I could come with you…

- Blanche, said Terry, let me introduce you to Eliza Legan, my cousin.

Candy looked at Eliza. She hadn’t changed at all. Still fake and mean.

- Pleased to meet you, said Candy coldly.

- Hello, said Eliza coldly, you’re the new nanny I’ve heard so much about!

- I didn’t know I was so popular, said Candy a little dryly.

- You come highly recommended, very impressive and a designer’s wardrobe of luxury. A present from your former employers?

- I beg your pardon/? Said Candy looking at her.

- The jeans you’re wearing is at least 500$ and that silk shirt…

- I like quality things, there’s nothing wrong with that, said Candy

- You’re used to luxury, looks like it…, continued Eliza

- Snow-White? Said Esther impatiently, you’re coming?

- Your princes must have been generous with you, apparently

- One moment honey, said Candy to Esther.

Then she turned to Eliza and looked at her with her big blue eyes behind her glasses. She had let her hair down, the Terry liked it.

- I worked for princes, like you said, I didn’t spend my time doing nothing, I was getting paid and it allowed me to buy nice clothes.

- Luxury clothes?

- To each their own, Miss Legan, when you work with the princes, you shop with the princes… I’m sorry I have to go take care of Esther. Let’s go honey.

Esther took her hand smiling and they left together. Terry had looked at the scene without saying a word. This whole conversation with the princes he hated it!

- Are you all right , Terrence, asked Eliza

- What are you doing here, Eliza? Asked Terry irritated

- I came to see how Esther was doing? I heard she had been sick…

- Thank you, you could’ve called, said Terry.

- But I wanted to see you in person…

They walked together to one of the living rooms where a maid brought a tray with hot tead and sandwiches on a little table. She poured some tea for them in the living room.

Terry took a sandwich with ham and ate it. He had some tea, Eliza took a cup of tea that was poured for her to drink.

- The new nanny, did you investigate her? Asked Eliza.

- No, no need. She;’s efficient and Esther adores her…

- Apparently, Esther is not the only one who likes her…, said Eliza ironically.

- What are you insinuating?

- Nothing… she has designer clothes…

- She liked quality things…

- She’s wearing stuff worth more than a nanny’s salary…

- Eliza, why are you looking for trouble?

- Because I don’t trust her. She’s too good to be true… with her wardrobe, she doesn’t need to be a nanny.

- Maybe she loves children, that’s all, said Terry

- She’s used to luxury and have you seen her hands?

- Her hands?

- Yes, they’re perfectly manicured

- You wanted her hands to be dirty?

- You’re defending her…

- I don’t know what you’re looking for Eliza.

- In fact, I came because the great aunt sent me

- Really?

- Yes, she would like Thanksgiving to take place here, since Esther was sick, the whole family would like to come and see her…

- Thanksgiving? Said Terry

- Yes… we could take care of everything…

- I was thinking of having Jones and Ashley…

- Well now you’ll have everybody…

- All right, said Terry with a weary tone. Tell the great aunt I accept.

- It’s perfect. So I’ll see you on Thursday?

- All right.

- I could pay hostess if you want…

- That’s not going to be necessary…

- The nanny bewitched you?

- I beg your pardon?

- Rumour has it that she spent the night in your room.

- I didn’t know that a lady like you listened to unfounded rumours.

- Terrence, I never heard the rumour on you, you know?

- Becaue there’s nothing to tell.

- But this time, there’s a rumour… where there’s smoke, there’s fire, And I’m not hearing you denying it.

- My private life is my business, Eliza…

- I’m glad to see thatyou’re not longer faithful to your charming wife, but I wish it was with me…

Terry had stood up and Eliza too.

- Eliza, you know that I’m faithful to my wife. That should tell you that the rumour on my and the nanny is completely false…

Eliza looked at him. Was he telling the trurh? Did he yes or no sleep with the nanny? He started by not denying it… then…

Terry took his cup and few sandwiches.

- I’m going to my office, I have work to do.

- Terrence, you should contact your wife and ask her for a divorce, You can’t live with the incertainty like that for ever… The great aunt is for a mariage between us, that way the money stays in the family…

Terry didn’t want to have that conversation again.

- Are you staying for dinner?

- Yes…

- I’ll see you later Eliza… said Terry leaving the room.

Eliza, stayed alone. Ever since their rocky beginning, with Terry, she saw him fall in love with her cousin Antonia and when ANtonria died, before he married Candy, she was sad, of course, but also happy inside, The man she loved was free! Only he never looked at her with love. Then he came back with that princess eurotrash, She and her brother did everything to cause them problem,b ut the idiot got pregnant… But the pregnancy turned out to be a blessing in disguise… because, the slut was gone… but unfortunately, Terry was faithful to his wife…

oOoOoOoOoOo

Terry was in his office. He had defended Candy to Eliza. Whatever the state she had put him the night before, he didn’t want her to leave.

He took his phone to call Jones.

- Are you alright Terry?

- Yes, that business trip…

- You want us to go?

- I need a few days to breathe…

- Far away from your wife?

- I don’t want to leave her, but I need some space. She’s driving me crazy…

- What else is new…?

- Jones, the trip!

- I’ll take care of it. We’ll leave tomorrow morning. I heard Thanksgiving is at your place this year?

- I just learned about it, Eliza was here.

- What does the queen of mean wanted?

- She heard the rumours that said I slept with Esther’s nanny…

- I wonder where she heard that… did you deny it?

- She said where there’s smoke, there’s fire…

- Well, it’s not like you have to justify yourself to her. You owe her nothing! Especially since you’re doing your conjugal duty…

- Well,… get that trip ready, all right?

- All right.

Terry hungup and wondered if he was going to sleep with his wife again, or not.

“Look at what I’m reduced to! She’s my wife, for God’s sake!!!” He said to himself.

oOoOoOoOoOo

During dinner in the dinning room, Candy was sitting next to Esther. They were eating and Eliza was observing them and she had the weird impression that they looked alike. But he said to herself that she must’ve been imagining things. What a proprosteous idea!

During dinner, Terry seemed h appy and at easy with his daughter and the nanny, Eliza was jealous. She had to find something on that fake nanny right away and quickly.

- I have bad news, said Terry all of a sudden.

- What? Said Esther.

- I‘m leaving on a trip tomorrow morning…

- Oh daddy! Said Esther.

- I’m not going to be long, honey, I’ll come back just before Thanksgiving.

- All right, said Esther, I have Snow white with me, I’ll be fine.

- So I’ll give you your bath tonight…

- Yay! Said Esther smiling.

Candy smiled to. Terry was leaving? She had to talk to him, absolutely.

- I’ll come back just in time for Thanksgiving, said Terry and you know what, everybody is coming here to celebrate.

- That’s great! We’re going to have a turkey and all the trimmings?

- Yes, the turkey and all the trimmings, said Terry.

- Thanksgiving, is to sa thank you to God, continued Esther.

- I’m going to tell you the story of Thanksgiving, said Candy, we’re going to do some activities while daddy is on his trip.

- Great! Said Esther smiling.

Eliza was sick by the whole conversation. She couldn’t have a normal conversation with Esther. And that nanny was perfect, she managed to make Terry smile he was eatin gout of her hand!

After dessert…

- Let’s go give you a bath, said Terry to Esther, bye Eliza.

- Bye aunty Eliza, said Esther, Snow-White, I’m waiting for you…

- I’m coming, said Candy smiling

Her daddy took her in his arms and they left the dinnin room. Terry went upstairs with Esther to give her her bath/ Candy stayed with Eliza. She finished her dessert to join Terry and Esther upstairs.

- You’re happy with yourself, right?

- I don’t know what you’re talking about, said Candy

- You’re not fooling me for second! You’re too rich for this job, you want a rich husband. Well you’ve knocked on the wrong door… because Terrence is mine!

Candy looked at her with mocking tone.

- Sorry, I was let to believe that Master Andreww didn’t belong to anybody. That I was hired for Esther…

- Yes, limit yourself to Esther. Leave her father alone! He’s a married man…

- Ah… I thought he was yours?

- His slut of a wife left, but he seems to be waiting for her… you’re wasting your time!

- That’s not the impression I had last night, said Candy standing up to leave.

Eliza just got the confirmation from the horse’s mouth. She was fuming, She stood up from the table, swearing to find a way to get rid of the nanny… if it’s the last thing she does. She left the manor on that charming note.

oOoOoOoOoOo

After they put little Esther to bed, the little one fell asleep during the story telling. They got out of the room, they stopped in front of Candy’s room.

- I’m leaving tomorrow, he said

- I heard, she replied.

- It’s a very important matter…

- I don’t doubt it, she said dryly.

He looked at her. Why did he felt like he had to justify himself to her? Because shewas his wife, but he had to play along, he had made love to her the night before.

- We need to talk, he said.

- All right.

- Not nowa. When I come back from my trip.

- It’s going to be Thanksgiving…and your whole family is coming.

- Well talk later…

- We could've talked today, if you hadn't left for the whole day with Esther…

- Are you insinuating that I avoided you?

- You’re saying it.

He took her hand and got her in his room. He was in an impossible situation, terribly attracted by his wife… and jealous at the same time… but it was his Candy, his Candy…

- You let your hair down, he said.

He put his hands in her auburn hair.

- You like it that way, right? She said with a soft and sensual voice.

He leaned and took her lip and she was waiting for him, She put her arms around his neck… during the hwole day she had waited for this wonderful moment. They will talk when he comes back, for the moment they were climbing to seventh heaven together.

The winds of winter

Chapter 10
“A weekend of relaxation”

Candy’s plane landed in New York in the beginning of the afternoon. She had to call upon all the forces of the universe not to go back and stay with her daughter… and her husband. She arrived at her mother’s who was waiting for her. She ran into her arms.

- But, who are you? Said Eleonor, what are you doing here?

- Mum! This is not the time for jokes! Said Candy angry.

- I’m sorry honey, said her mother hugging her hard.

Candy hugged her back hard. She had tears in her eyes. They went to sit in the living room to relax and where there was a big tail piano, all white. They went to sit on the loveseat to talk.

- What’s going on? Why did you come back?

- There’s a signature needed on some documents with dad’s lawyer.

- Ah…

- I know, you’re against it…

- Candy, how was it to live with your daughter and your husband?

- It was absolutely divine mum! I really felt like I was living a waken dream…

- So why do you want to wake up from that dream?

- What do you mean?

- There is a simple way to make that dream forever…

- He lied to me mum, how could he make me believe that my baby was dead? Esther si so beautiful mum. I missed her first moments on this earth and I will never get them again!

- Candy… you still love your husband…

- That lout? He hit on me! The bastard!

- He was hitting on you? Said her mother looking at her

- Yes, do you realise that?

- And what did you do?

- I threatened to sue him for sexual harassment…

- And…?

- He said I loved Esther too much to do it! And he was right!

Eleonor thought for a moment and she said to herself that maybe Terry knew that Bl anche was Candy… if that was the case, then Terry probably had a plan for his wife… Candy was too implicated in this story to think rationally.

- Candy honey. Try to relax a little… over here you can be yourself.

- Yes, it’s good to be able to talk with my British accent, she said smiling.

She went to her bedroom to freshen up, take off her make up and her contact lenses. Her freckles were back and so were her emerald eyes. She left her hair down on her shoulders, she didn’t tied them up. It was good to be herself! She didn’t know how long she was going to continue this comedy. But the thought of Esther gave her the courage to continue. But she should’ve made a decision, but she was taking her time because she wanted to be with her daughter and it was absolutely wonderful.

She went downstairs to go to her father’s lawyer’s office. Her mother looked at her smiling.

Candy hugged her mother.

- I’m going to my appointment mum.

She went to the lawyer’s office. Her mother had lend her the car and the driver. During the ride, she was thinking. She missed Esther and Terry horribly, she wanted to call them, but she was only the nanny. If she took her place back, she would be able to call and hear her voice. She missed her daughter to much! What about Terry? She missed Terry too, even if her “boss” was hitting on her. What should she do? Should she abandon everything and reunite her family? She was confused…

In the lawyer’s big office, she was sitting on a chair and she was signing the papers in question.

- I’m going to make sure everything is in order, so you won’t have to come back to New York for a simple signature.

- There’s a reason for everything, said Candy, I needed to get away a little…

- Is everything all right?

- Everything is perfect, being with my daughter is a dream I don’t ever want to wake up from…

- Have you made a decision? Because your father seemed to say…

- I haven’t made any decisions yet, all right?

- Don’t forget to let me know, so that I can send the papers… you still have your copy? Don’t forget to sign it.

- All right…

- Candy, listen, I see that you’re very emotional with all this, are you sure you want to continue?. -- What do you mean?

- I mean, since you came back, why not send him the papers to your husband and end it once and for all?

- But I promised Esther I was coming back, I can’t break my promise! She ‘s going to be heartbroken. You should’ve seen her face when I left! I had all the pain in th world to leave her…

“To leave them, terry and her” she rectified in her head.

- You know, I’ve had lots of divorce cases, in most cases, the children are the ones suffering the most…

- I know, I have to think about Esther… but her father lied to me and he also lied to her too, in a way didn’t he?

But she didn’t want to show Esther’s father to her on a bad note, for some reason… Esther loved her father. It would be easier to send the papers to Terry , but not, she was going to go back and see her daughter again, she had promised her she was going to come back. She left the lawyer’s office to go shopping for Esther. She didn’t want to spoil her too much, but she couldn’t help herself either.She was deprived of her daughter for four years…
She went back home with lots of bags, her mother looked at her with big eyes.

- What did you do?

- Shopping for my daughter…

- And you’re going to give that to her as the nanny?

- Mum…

- Oh you’re going to give fight for your daughter’s custody? That’s going to be the consolation price when she cries for her daddy?

- Mum, you’re not funny at all!

- I’m not trying to be funny…but how did you find your daughter?

Candy was taking her coat off while the staff was bringing her bags in her bedroom.

- What do you mean?

- Is she a happy little girl?

- Yes she loves her daddy and prays for her mummy to come back…

- I think that your daughter is giving you the answer to your problem, don’t you think so ? You’re what’s missing to the picture…

Candy didn’t answer. Her mother was right, she knew it. Esther was happy, she wanted her mummy, she was her mummy.

- You’re going to the theatre tonight, mum? She asked to change the subject.

- Yes…

- I want to come to see you…

- All right, There’s a reception afterwards… do you need a date?

- Mum! I’m a married woman!

Eleonor smiled. Candy after what happened to her, never stopped considering herself as a married woman… she still loved her husband.

They went to the theatre and Eleonor shined on stage as usual, Candy was in the family loge, but she was thinking about Esther and Terry. What her mother had told her was still on her mind. What the lawyer had told her too… Should she serve Terry with the papers or go back like she promised Esther. She was absent for 4 years, she wasn’t going to leave her now , that she found her… She was going to go back for Esther…

oOoOoOoOoOo

Esther spent time with her father, but she didn’t spend two minutes without talking about “Snow-White”… Snow-White thins, Snow-White that…It would’ve been annoying if it came from someone else,but it came from the mouth of little Esther and it was music to his ears. He was smiling. Candy-Blanche, he missed her too, he couldn’t wait to see her again, if she came back like she promised. He was convinced that Candy wasn’t going to abandon her daughter a second time, not after spending time with her, Esther was a lovey little girl, everybody loved her and her mother even more,he was sure of it.
The next day, his friend Jones came to spend time with Esther and Terry. He had brought his children too; he had a daughter and a son with Ashley.

- So any news from your wife?

- No…

- You think she’s going to come back?

- Yes…

- And what if she doesn’t?

- She’s going to come back…

- You didn’t think she would abandon you either with a baby…

- I don’t know what happened for her to leave me, but this time around, she met Esther… the last time she left without seeing her… I’m sure that if she had seen Esther, she wouldn’t have abandoned her… sometimes mother have post partum depression after the birth fo their child, right? Post partum depression…

- Her depression lasted four years…, said Jones

- That’s why I have to talk to her…

- When do you intend to do that?

- Soon, said Terry, I want to have fun with her first…

- With her? All right! I sincerely thought you’ve taken the vow of chastity!

- I’m a married man, Jones…

- Oh, I know that! You changed from the moment you laid your eyes onher! The fact that she was dating a prince didn’t stop you…

Terry smiled thinking about the moment when he saw Candy for the first time… Esther interrupted his memories.

- Daddy?

- Yes honey?

- My head hurts…

Terry took her in his arms and touched her forehead, she was burning.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Time didn’t go fast enough for Candy, she wanted to back home…

- I can’t wait to go back home, she told her mother.

- Yes, and to see your daughter and your husband…

- Yes… No! Only my daughter!

Eleonor looked at her smiling and she said:

- If you say so… but you called it “home”

- Mum, please…

- Candy, you know what I’m thinking… make up with your husband and raise your daughter together.

- What makes you think it’s going to work out?

- Why are you angry at him?

- Because he hid my daughter from me…

- I’m not talking a about that… I’m talking about now… didn’t you tell me he hit on you?

- He did more than that, he kissed me! Twice!

- Ah!

- What

- Well, it’s going to be easier to seduce him than I thought!

- I’m not going to seduce him…

- Candy, he’s your husband…the only man you’ve loved, the only man you’ve made love with,… the only man with whom you can let go of yourself! You can have your cake and eat it too…

- Mum…

- I know, he lied to you… so explain yourselves , kiss and make up!

- You think he stayed celibate too?

- I don’t know, but I know he had to take care of a baby on his own.

- Whose fault it that?

- You’re not going to know if you don’t talk to him… this time you have to talk to him, Candy, or II’m going to do it…

- Mum!

- I restrain myself because it was your life… I’m even starting to understand his expression of surprise that night…. His great aunt took him away fast from me… I’m wondering if Terry wanted to tell me about Esther…

Candy looked at her surprised. She was looking at her cellphone which was off. She could turn it on to see if she got some calls.

- You think so, mum?

- I’m not sure? But I know the great aunt didn’t want us to talk, she interrupted our conversation…

- You’re Terry’s lawyer, mum

- I’m on Esther’s side. I want her to have both her parents. Well at least this time, talk to Terry…

Candy wanted to answer, when her cellphone rang and she looked at the display, it was Terry’s number. She had to go back to her American accent. She answered saying:

- Sir? Is Esther all right? She asked

- No, she’s sick. She’s asking for you. Can you come back?

Candy’s heart sank. Esther was sick…

- Very well sir. Is it serious?

- She has a high fever… sore throat, headache, she’s vomiting. Her case got worse… according to the doctor, she doesn’t need to stay in the hospital, At least not at the moment… but she’s asking for you. I promised her to call you, I’ve been trying to reach you all day today…

- I accidentally switched off my phone. I’m sorry… I’m on my way.

- I knew I could count on you… I’m sending the private jet…it’s in New York already, waiting for you.

- Perfect, I’m rushing to the airport

- Good. I’m going to stay by Esther’s side . The driver is going to be waiting for you. Thank you , Miss Graham.
He hung up.

- What’s going on? Asked her mother.

- Esther is sick. I have to go back home, mum.

- Ah… home.

Candy frowned.

- Don’t start…

- The place where Terry is.

- The place where Esther is, she corrected dryly. She’s not feeling well. I have to go.

- You don’t need to convince me. And kudos for your American accent! You’re brilliant! And you wanted to go back home, I’m sure you’re glad you have to go back earlier than predicted…

- The private jet is waiting for me at the airport,,, he’s been trying to call me all day…

- Your phone was off?

- Yes. I was avoiding a phone call from dad and I wanted to think… I have to remember that I have a daughter now…
She went upstairs to get her luggage… twenty minutes later, Candy was in her mother’s limousine, on her way to the airport.

oOoOoOoOoOo

The winds of winter



Chapter 9
“Confusion…”

The return to the manor happened happily as Esther couldn’t stop talking to both her parents. When getting out of the car, after unbuckling Esther’s car seat, Candy turned to Terry to say:

- I spent an excellent day. Thank you for inviting me…, she said smiling.

Terry looked at her, was she giving him an opening?

- You’re very welcome Miss Graham… he said, with a mocking tone.

- I was trying to be polite …

- I know. And thank you.

- Snow White? Are you coming? Yelled Esther from the door.

- I’m coming honey, said Candy walking to the Manor door.

Terry looked at her go. He has to restrain himself so he wouldn’t admit everything to her. But he liked having her near him and Esther.

He had thought about moving on with his life, the great Aunt Elroy even encouraged her grand-niece Eliza to spend more time with Terry and Esther… Eliza… Their relationship had started bad… but after Antonia’s death, they had become friends… When he came back with a wife he had met during this business trip, she wasn’t happy and accused him to using her and being on the rebound with the first socialite he met during a business trip in Gstaad. The fact that Candy had broken up with her prince to marry Terry, didn’t give her a good reputation… But Terry knew his Candy and he had accepted her the way she was… He remembered a conversation he had with the great aunt Elroy when he came back with his wife.

- Come on terry, you don’ even know her!

- Yes, I do…

- But she was with another man when you met her…

- A prince in fact! Which means she’s very attractive and she would rather have me than a prince! Do you realise that?

- Come on Terry…

- I love her… in fact that’s all that matters…a nd I’m very happy with her.

The great aun didn’t reply. Ever since Antonia’s death, she had had a heart attack and she was very close to Terry who had taken care of her. They shared the same grief.

- I hope she can take living as a married woman for long…

Everything was fine between them, until Eliza and her brother started to come visit very often, Eliza of course was trying to seduce Terry in vain and Neil was being sweet to Candy…. When Terry would go on a business trip, Candy would go to receptions alone and she would meet Neil who would defend her if someone hit on her, while hitting on her himself. He started to spread the rumours that he was her lover… which wasn’t true of course. The great aunt, couldn’t stop at every occasion to tell Terry about it. Terry didn’t believe a word…. But his business trips were frequent.

- Terry, you’re leaving again? I miss you when you leave…

- Just go to those receptions you like so much with my cousin…

Candy looked at him surprised.

- What are you insinuating? Said Candy, that I spend my time in receptions?

- It’s your favourite hobby, right?

- Yes, a hobby for the poor little rich girl that’s bored?

- When I met you…

- I was on a weekend with the prince? I dumped him for you! You know how much my father was upset with me? I was going to marry a prince…

- I hope the sacrifice was worth it…

- It wasn’t a sacrifice Terry. It was love.; I love you Terry…

- Listen, I have to go on a business trip, it’s important!

- You trips are more important than me! You probably have a mistress…

- If I have one, at least she’s not going to bore me with constant whining!

- How could you say that to me?

- Candy, that’s enough! I have to go… we’ll talk when I come back!

- I you think I’m going to stay here and wait for you like a little girl, you’re mistaking!

- Do what you want! Said Terry leaving!

That’s how they started not getting a long. Terry would go on business trip and would stay and go to receptions alone… with Daniel. She didn’t know he was spreading the rumour he was her lover. Terry didn’t want to believe what Daniel was saying…

When Candy got pregnant, it was paradise for them again. Candy had decided not to go to recepions anymore. She would stay home and was feeding herself well for the baby. The great aun who was happy when they had trouble, didn’t like seeing them all lovey dovey again when they were expecting the baby.

- Are you sure it’s yours? Because Daniel…

- Aunt Elroy,I trust my wife…

- But Daniel said… you know they were going out together to those receptions, right?

- Well Daniel is a liar…

oOoOoOoOoOo

Candy was in Esther’s room the little was colouring with coloured pencilsin a beautiful book with images of Christmas. Her mind started wondering in the past…

She and Terry had a lot of fun learning how to “sky” together. They went inside an inn in the mountains where they served hot chocolate. They took off their snow suits and both had a big mug of hot chocolate sitting facing each other.

- I have a confession to make, said Candy

- Yes?

- I know how to sky…I can even sky very well…

- No! Said Terry ironically, I hadn’t noticed!

- You knew?

- You were trying too hard to be clumsy…

- And it doesn’t bother you?

- I said to myself, you went to all that trouble to be near me, it meant you really wanted to keep me company!

- I came with other people…

- Yes among which a prince…

- The prince…

- You’re dating the prince?

She looked at him with her big green emerald eyes.

- We’ve known each other forever….

- Do you love him?

- You know morst royal weddings are arranged? He’s a very good friend…

- Oh…

- I can tell you that during the time we spent together, I never felt so good…

- You’re not in love with your prince?

- ♪♪What’s love got to do with it?♪♪ she said smiling, I become a princess and life is beautiful!

- ♪♪A second hand emotion?♪♪

- ♪♪Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?♪♪

Terry looked at her. She was right, his heart had been broken with Antonia’s death, but he wouldn’t have traded those moments for all the moneyin the world.
- It’s true the sensations love brings are incomparable, There is no stronger strength than love…

- I know, it scares me.

- What are you afraid of?

- All those feelings, all those sensations of feel good… it scaring me

- It shouldn’t… this hot chocolate excellent!

- How could you jump from one subject to another like that, she said smiling

- What? You don’t see the point betweent chocolate and making love?

- The poll says that women would rather have chocolate than make love?

- You don’t agree?

- I love chocolate a lot

- Does it take you to seventh heaven?

- What kind of questions is that? You’re very curious….

- Curious to know if you had the opportunity to comparare the two… he said with a malicious smile

- And why is that? She asked smiling

- How high was it on the Richter scale?

- You’re way too curious, Master Americain… A lady doesn’t kiss and tell and a gentleman either…

- You’re right… but will there be a way to find out about it?

- The only thing that will give you that incredible privilege is marriage…

- Ah…, said Terry smiling, you’re playing hard to get

- What would life be if everything was easy, my dear Master?

Terry had burst out laughing looking at her. He was very attracted to her. She was dating a prince, her life was all traced, what was he doing? Competing with a prince? The moments he spent with her were wonderful, he never had felt that way. She was afraid of love. What he going to convince her to try? There was music playing and people were dancing.

- Would you dance with me? Asked Terry

- With pleasure, smiling

They went together on the dance floor to join other people dancing. They danced facing each other, then came a series of slows and he took her in his arms. He didn’t want to let he go. He never thought he would feel that way about another woman, such strong feelings. He couldn’t let her go. He had to call upon all the strength of the world not to kiss her on that dance floor. She had also noticed.

- Why don’t we go back? Said Terry

- Yes, I have to go see my gang, they must be wondering where I’m at…

They went back to their hotel. Jones wasn’t happy, because he had to meet their appointments on his own… and the prince was not happy either with Candy.

Candy realised she didn’t care what the prince thought and she broke up with him, because she was feeling better with Terry…
- Come one Candy, you ‘re going to ruin everything on a whim?

- It’s not a whim… I’m in love…

- You know that in a few hours? What if he only wants to play with you?

- It’s a risk I’m willing to take…

- Candy…

- I’m sorry…

- You don’t have to break up… you can see where that goes and have him as a lover…

- Are you out of your mind? If I get married, I don’t want to be unfaithful… it’s over.

- You’ve spent all that time with him, you probably kissed him already…

- You know me right?

- You’re breaking up with me to kiss him? And what if I give you permission to kiss him?

- I don’t need your permission…

- Your father is going to be angry

- Well too bad for him. It’s my life…

- You’re really giving up on becoming a princess? That’s what I’m offering you…

- You’ll find another girl with whom you can have an arranged marriage with ,,,

Maybe she was crazy, but she had to follow her heart. Her father didn’t take long to call her and yell at her.

- Candy! What are you doing? Do you know wha I had to do to arrange that marriage?

- If you tell me you sold your soul to the devil, I wouldn’t be surprised…

- You can’t do that to me…

- If daddy darling, I can. It’s my life and I’m doing what I want…

- You don’t have to break up…

- Yes, I do, I’m not a two timing slut…

- Sometimes I wish you were…

- Daddy!

- Candy…

- Good bye daddy.

Candy had hung up the phone. She was throwing away everything her father had arranged for her by the window and what for? Because she spent one afternoon with a man she didn’t know from Adam? But she knew one thing, she felt good with him and everything she felt, all those feelings were awaken in her were also scaring her, but she was sure that with him, everthing was going to be fine… At least she hoped so. He hadn’t told her anything concrete. They had a talk on the dance floor, their bodies were in harmony… she slept very well and to her big surprise, she was at peace. She woke up in the morining , showered and got ready. She went to the restaurant and she saw her gang was already there. They were all looking at her.

- What? Said Candy

- Candy, said one of her friends, you don’t have to break up and ruin it with the prince, have fun and come back to him…

- I can’t believe what you’re telling me! I should have a fling and come back to the prince?

- Since your marriage is an arrangement, you can talk…

- Well, for me love is more important…

- You’re going to throw everything away on a whim? Incredible!

- I looked up your boyfriend, he’s not poor, but he’s not a prince… ,said another girl from her group

Candy looked around, she saw terry and his friend at a table in a corner.

- Well, I have to go. Have a nice day…

- Candy! Said her friend sorry

Candy didn’t listen and she walked to Terry’s table. The latter looked up, he had seen her since she arrived and he was observing her. He looked at her without smiling. They separated the night before under tension… He hadn’t kissed her, even if he was dying to do it, ut she was dating another man.

- Good morning, she said

- Good morning, said Jones

- You’re sure you’re at the right table? Said Terry ironically.

- - No, said Candy, this is where I should be, ifyou still want me…

She was familiar with him… he looked at her.

- What do you mean?

- I mean, I’m free as a bird… I broke up with the prince.

Terry couldn’t believe his ears! She had left a prince for him? There’s a woman the way he liked them! One who would follow her heart and not the princess title!

- Oh my God! Said Terry standing up

took her in his arms and put his lips on hers. Candy put her arms aroung his neck and kissed him back. She felt like she was floating in the air… no man had had that effect on her during a kiss. She knew she had made the good decision.

- I love you Candy, he said between two kisses

- I love you too…

- I know that love scares you… but I promise to always be there for you…

Everything was spinning around Candy, the kiss, the love declaration and…

- Will you marry me?

- Terry, you don’t have to marry me…

- I want you to be just for me… I love you

- Then yes, I want to be your wife! I love you too!

He had a scream of joy and spun with her laughing and screaming. Jones shook his head smiling. They got married two hours later. The duke was very angry. He was hoping to have time to convince Candy to get back together with the prince. But his daughter was doing whatever she wanted…

Meanwhile, during their wedding night, what Terry suspected but didn’t hope for was true. A true lady doesn’t kiss and tell, because she had nothing to tell…

- Oh my God! Said terry

- What?

- But…

- Ever since I was little, my father told me I was going to marry a prince and that I had to behave like a nice girl…

- Oh…

- But I told him he was wasting his time, that I had sold my royal oats…

- Why?

- To make him mad! How dare he make decision about my life like that?

- He’s your father, he wanted what was best for you…

- He wanted power, you mean!

- But you ended up agreeing to a marriage of convenience…

- Maybe the fact that I was getting insulted by my stepmonster, gave me the will to become a real princess just to stick it to her…

They burst out laughing and they made love again…

Candy came back to reality, all that was so far away… She joined her daughter and they coloured the books, she showed her how to do it properly…

During dinner, everything was fine, Esther couldn’t stop talking with Candy and Terry. After dinner, she bathed her daughter and arranged her for bed. After her prayer, she lay down. Candy read her a story before she fell asleep, Esther told her:

- You know Snow While, I like you a lot!

- I like you a lot too!

- I wish you could stay with us forever!

She jumped to her neck saying that. Candy hugged her back, with tears in her eyes. She also wanted to stay forever with her daughter… and Terry! What was going on He had lied to her, didn’t he?

She kissed her daughter on the forehead, turned off the lights and got out of the bedroom. She checked her messages and she found one from her father’s lawyer. She had to go to New York to sign some documents, or he would have to send them by carrier. She didn’t want Terry to learn she had a lawyer… but Terry didn’t know it was her ! Why was she panicking? She wanted to see her mother, but she didn’t want to leave Esther… but she knew were she was now, right? She had to talk to her mother. She was confused… She had to go see Terry in his office. She went downstairs and walked towards the office. She knocked at the door.

- Come in! Said Terry’s deep voice

Candy opened the door and got in.

- Miss Graham?

- I… I need to take a few days off…

Terry’s heart exploded. She was leaving?

- You want to take a few days off? Why?

- I’ve got some business to take care of…

- What kind of business?

- Personnel…

- All right… in fact, I think it’s a good thing.

Candy looked at him surprised.

- What do you mean?

- Well, it’s good for you to take a few days off, at least Esther is not going to get too close to you…

- Oh…

- Yes, she loves you a lot. She would be heartbroken when you’ll have to leave…

- I have no intention of leaving, said Candy

Was Terry sending her away indirectly?

- Miss Graham, you’re young and beautiful. One day, you’re going to meet someone who would want to live his life with you.

- Sir, I have not immediate project… You have nothing to fear. I like Esther a lot…

He stood up and approached her. He took her in his arms and kissed her. This time she kissed him back and her world was spinning. It had been a long time. He kissed her for a long time and he let her go. She almost fell…

- Why did you do that? I could sue for harassment…

- I don’t think you’re going to . You like Esther too much…

The bastard! He was so sure of himself! And he was right…

- Why did you do that?

- Oh why? Said Terry thoughtful, well, you’re a big girl, do you need me to draw you a picture?

- I’m not that kind of girl, sir! Said Candy upset

- I sure hope so! Otherwise you wouldn’t stay a minute longer near Esther!

- But…

- Take your few days off… and come back or Esther is going to be devastated…

He had just kissed her to discourage her, He knew she was was going to come back for her little girl. She walked to the door and she heard:

- … and me too.

Candy went back to her bedroom to pack her bags and she booked a place for the next flight to New York. The kiss had upset her. Those few days far from Terry would be good, even if Esther was going to miss her terribly. She spent an agitated night.

The next morning, she got dressed to leave. The butler arrived to take her luggage. She went down the stairs. She found Terry with Esther by the door.

- You’re coming back, right Snow White? You’re coming back? Asked Esther the chin shaking.

- Of course honey, said Terry

- I’m going to miss you, said Esther.

- Oh, said Candy heartbroken, I’m going to miss you too, honey.

She hugged her hard, while she was still in Terry’s arms, so it was like she was hugging Terry too. Tears came to her eyes. She let go of them to leave. The car was waiting. She got in quickly. Terry and Esther were looking at her sadly. She waived at them with her hand and they waived back. She left her family and her heart was broken…

The winds of winter

Chapter 8
“For Esther…”

Terry looked at Jones. Having someone else saying it had reassured him. He wasn’t going crazy. But the mystery remained whole. She had red hair… and she probably dyed them… Her eyes colours, they were bleu, because Candy had emerald green eyes. The freckles… a good foundation could hide them and the accent… Everything was almost perfect, except for her laugh… she didn’t think about her laughter… He now understood the attraction he felt in her presence.

- What are you going to do? Asked Jones, are you going to confront her and tell her you know it’s her?

Terry remained silent for a long time before he answered:

- No…

- No? Come one! Why?

- She came here for a reason. I want to know that reason…

- She wants to spend time wth her daughter…

- So why didn’t she just simply ask to speak to me? Why all this comedy?

- Well you’ll have to ask her…

- No… I want to find out what she wants first…

- Terry…

- Esther prays for her mother’s return every nights…

- Looks like God granted her prayer…

- Looks like it as a matter of fact…

- If you really believe it’s devine intervention, everything should be fine.

- It’s her daughter too, don’t forget about that… She could’ve taken and left with her while we were on the business trip…

- She could’ve indeed… Maybe she changed her mind, or she wants Esther to get used to her… in any case, I’m no going to let her take my daughter!

- Terry… it’s Candy. I know how much you were hurt when she left with out a word… You should talk to her. You have a child together.

- Esther…

- Wants her mommy, you can give her the best Christmas present by giving her not only a mommy, but her real mommy.

- Jones, you’re going to fast, I need to think…

- What are you going to do?

- Don’t worry about that. But I’m going to ask you not to tell your wife Ashley please.

- You know I don’t like hiding things from her

- And you know she doesn’t like Candy at all…

- You’re right. I won’t tell her. But think about what I said. Esther’s prayers were answered… Ok, I have to go and go spend some time with Ashley. She wasn’t very happy to see me go out, just as I came back from a trip.

- Tell her I’m sorry…

- She will always excuse you, you know that, said Jones leaving.


Esther’s prayers… he thought about his mommy Maria at the orphanage, he knew what she was going to tell him, but he needed to hear it. He took the phone to call the orphanage.

- This it the Pony Home, hello, said Sister Maria’s voice.

- Mommy Maria? Said Terry’s voice

- Terry? What’s wrong my boy?

- How do you know something is wrong with me?

- I heard it in your voice…

- In my “Mommy Maria”? Said Terry surprised

- I’ve raised you, Terry. I know you. So what’s wrong? Is it Esther? Is she fine? When are you bringing her over?

- Esther is fine. She has a new nanny to play with her…

- Oh… so she won’t be coming here to play anymore?

- Yes, she will, because she need to be with children of her own age too…

- Good, I want to see you both.

Terry said to himself that the conversation he wanted to have with his Mommy Maria would be better in person.

- You know what? I’m going to take Esther and the nanny and come to the Pony Home now.

- Fantastic! You’re going to be just in time for lunch… see you later.

- See you soon.

Terry put on his coat and his boots and went to the back of the house to see Candy and Esther who had built a snowman. They were so happy to be together. Now that he knew it was really Candy, he saw how much they looked alike physically. It’s a vision he wished he had seen sooner. Why did she leave? Why did she come back now? Her maternal instinct just woke up? He had lots of questions without answers. He wanted to see what Candy was going to do, how far was going going to go, before he confronts her. Because she didn’t do all this comedy for nothing. He knew that sooner or later, she was going to confront him… and he will be waiting patiently and he wasn’t going to pressure her.

Candy was outside with her daughter building the snowman. She had put an old hat on the head of the snowman, an old scarf that Mrs. Smith had given them. Esther had put dry branches for the arms and a carrot for the nose. The corncob was the pipe, coals for the eyes.

- The song said a button for the nose…, said Esther

- But don’t you think that a carrot is more visible? The button wasn’t really going to show…

- He’s perfect! Said The little girl smiling.

Esther, saw her daddy and her face lit up.

- Daddy! Look at our snowman! She said full of joy.

Candy turned around and looked at Terry who was smiling to his daughter. She had a weird feeling. She felt like something was happening…

- He’s wonderful! You did a good job, by George!

- Tomorrow, we’re going to make a snow woman to keep him company! You want to help us?

- Tomorrow? Why not? Said Terry smiling. We’re going to have lunch at the Pony Home!

- Yay! Jumped Esther, Snow-White can come with us?

Terry turned to Candy… He really wanted to take her in his arms and tell her he knew who she was… He wanted to kiss her to punish her…

- Miss Graham? You want to come with us at the Pony Home?

- I know Esther likes to go ether, she told me. Yes, I’d like to come with you!

- Yay! Yelled Esther smiling

The little girl was ectatic to have both her parents with her. Terry and Candy realisent how much their daughter was happy. Everything in fact depended on the little one… Terry put Esther in her carseat at the back of the car, Candy sat in front with Terry. The tension between the two of them… For Candy, she was very nervous, but as time went by, she felt good by her husband side… He had lied to her, didn’t he? But for now, she felt good with her husband and her daughter. Esther couldn’t stop talking to Candy and Terry at the same time. They were talking, like a real family. They arrived at the Pony Home and the children came to greet Esther with joy. Mina, the big Saint Bernard dog came to greet them. She spend some time on Candy…

- Hello you! Said Candy smiling, how are you?


Mina licked her face with joy.

- Yes, my pretty one… yes, said Candy you’re beautiful!

- Mina! Said Terry loud, that’s enough! Leave her alone!

- No, it’s ok, said Candy, Mina, calm down…

The dog listen to Candy and she calmed down right away. Miss Pony and Sister Maria arrived and looked at the scene.

- Hello everybody! Said Sister Maria


Esther ran to her. Sister Maria crouched to greet the little one in her arms.

- Hello honey, how are you?

- I’m great! Ever since Snow-White is with me!

- Snow White? Asked Sister Maria

- Yes, my new nanny! Said Esther all proud

Sister Maria looked at Candy smiling.

- Hello, she said

- Miss Graham, Let me introduce you to Sister Maria and Miss Pony, the two women who took me in as a baby and raised me until I go adopted. Mommy Maria, Mommy Pony, let me introduce you to Miss Blanche Graham, Esther’s new nanny.

- I’m please to make your acquaintance, said Candy smiling

- Same here,said Miss Pony, Mina likes you a lot, yet she’s difficult with strangers…

- I love animals a lot, said Candy smiling

She couldn’t tell them of course, that Mina had recognised her… Esther kissed Miss Pony and she went to play with her little friends.

- Don’t last too long, lunch is almost ready

- Come with me Snow White, said Esther

- All right, said Candy, glad to get away from Terry’s two mothers.

She followed the children… Terry went inside the Pony Home and helped his two mothers to set the table with the help of the cook.

- Terry, said Sister Maria, is everything all right? Esther seems very happy with her new nanny.

- I’ve never seen her so happy, said Miss Pony

- It’s the presence of a woman she needed, well looks like it

- My cousins come to see her, don’t they?

- Your cousins? Eliza too? Asked Miss Pony

- Eliza too, said Terry, she’s very nice with Esther…

- She wants more, said Sister Maria

- Of course she wants more, said Miss Pony, she’s not the mommy you’re going to give her, I hope?

- Well, she’s nice with her…

Sister Maria looked at Terry.

- I’ve n ever seen Esther this happy with her new nanny, said Miss Pony

Terry looked at his two mommies.

- You wouldn’t want me to marry the nanny?

- Well, why not? Said Sister Maria, Esther likes her!

- Well, Esther doesn’t need to be married, and I’m still married to my wife! Said Terry

The table was ready, so they changed conversation. Sister Maria called the children outside to come and eat. For about an hour, there was noise from the children in the dinning room. Candy and Esther were part of it and everything went fine.

After the meal, every child cleaned up after themselves to put the plate in the sink in the kitchen. The cook and some volunteers put the plated in the dishwasher. Then it was time for the children’s nap. Candy helped the volunteers and Esther to sleep.

Meanwhile, Terry was in Miss Pony’s office with Sister Maria to talk.

- What’s going on Terry? Asked Sister Maria, every since you called me earlier, I’m questioning myself

- Is something going on? Asked Miss Pony

- Yes, said Terry, it’s Candy

- What’s going on? You found another article in a magazine talking about her partying?

- No, said Terry.

His mind went back to the moment when he would read some article in the papers and magazines showing Candy having fun with her friends from the upper class. They would pair her with rich men, but it was just rumours, never confirmed… His heart didn’t hurt any less. Rumours or not…

- So what’s going on? Asked Sister Maria

- It’s Candy…

- Candy? Asked Miss Pony

- What did she do again? Asked Sister Maria

- Well, a good thing this time, for a change

Terry felt he had the obligation to defend Candy to his two mommies.

- A good thing? She came back to be a mommy? Asked Sister Maria.

- In a way, said Terry

- In what way? What do you mean by that? Asked Miss Pony

- I mean, she came back to be the mother her daughter needs, said Terry

His two mommies looked at him like he had just fallen from the sky.

- Your wife came back! And you’re just telling us now? Said Miss Pony looking at him with big eyes

- Where is she? Asked Sister Maria, why didn’t you bring her with you here?

- In fact, she’s here, said Terry

- She’s here? Said Miss Pony repeating

- She’s here, confirm Terry

- Where? Asked Miss Pony

- With Esther…

- With Esther? Repeated Sister Maria this time

- The nanny is with Esther, said Miss Pony

- Exactly, said Terry.

- The nanny is your wife? Said Sister Maria

- It’s Candy in a disguise, said terry

- What? Said his two mommies

- You’ve heard me

- How do you know?

- I had a funny feeling in her presence

- That’s all?

- And her laugh… she was able to changer her appearance, but she couldn’t change her laugh… it’s her!

- And Mina recognized her earlier, said Sister Maria, oh my God!

- What are you going to do now, Terry? Asked Miss Pony

- Esther likes her already. You saw how much she was happy… She prays every night for her mommy’s return.

- Looks like The Lord answered her prayer, said Sister Maria

- I know what you’re going to say, Mommy Maria

- You want me to say it so you can hear it? Said Sister Maria, Terrence, your daughter prayed, God Answered her prayer and her mother came back. The rest is up to you… You can reconcile with her mother to make her happy…

- For Esther?

- For Esther! Said Miss Pony.

- What do you really want to do?

- I want to know what she came to do, why all this comedy?

- Why don’t you ask her?

- Why didn’t she just come to talk to me? After all, she was the one who left Esther and I… You know, I met her mother once at a reception in Chicago, she didn’t even ask about Esther!!!! It was like Esther didn’t exist for her!

- It must’ve hurt you

- Yes, it did! I didn’t sleep that night! End now she comes here in a disguise to see her won daughter? I want to know what she wants. She will end up talking to me…

- You are both very stubborn said Miss Pony

- Terry, said Sister Maria, find out what she wants and make up with her I know you still love her. You’re angry, but think about Esther. I’ve never seen her so happy.

Terry didn’t answer. He had to admit that he had never seen Esther that happy. That night Candy comforted her with she cried for her mommy, Candy had to have been touched and moved to be where they wanted her to be. The question that was tormenting him, why now? Four years later?

oOoOoOoOoOo

Candy was outside during the kid’s nap to make a phone call to her mother.

- Mum? I’m not disturbing you?

- Never, honey. How are you?

- Oh mum…

- Is everything all right?

- Yes, everything is too fine…

- What do you mean?

- We came to the Pony Home for lunch… the trip with the car, all three of us… it was wonderful. It’s my place, mum!

- You’re going to abandon you plan to get sole custody?

- I don’t know… how could I take Esther from her daddy? But he lied to me mum. I missed four years of my daughter’s life I will never get back!!!

- Candy, destiny is giving you the opportunity to rebuild your family…

- Esther prays every night for me to come back…

- Well, looks like God is on his side too… Think about Esther honey. For Esther…

- For Esther…

For Esther. She didn’t know she existed not too long ago, but now, she can’t imagine her life without her… and without Terry. No, she hated her husband who had lied to her!!!

Edited by Gentillefille - 25/8/2018, 18:44

The winds of winter

Chapter 7
“The clue…”

Not too far before midnight, Candy woke up suddenly. She sat up and she listened. It was what she thought… a sharp scream coming from the room next door. Candy got out of bed and put on her silk robe and ran out in the darkness. She got into Esther’s room and turn on the table lamp. The little girl was moving in her sleep whining.

- Esther, wake up, honey, whispered Candy taking her in her arms tenderly.
-
The little one opened her eyes, terrified, then she curled up into the young woman’s arms.

- Mommy… mommy…

Candy’s heart exploded in her chest! Oh my God!!

- It’s going to be ok, honey, she said rocking her softly…

She had to bite her tongue so she wouldn’t tell her she was her mother. How hard that was. She conforted the little girl who went back to sleep. She put her back to bed and tucked her back in. She covered her. She kissed her on the forehead. She didn’t move for a moment, her face was showing so much love, the love of a mom for her little girl. She wanted to take her little girl and run away with her far away… But she was still a stranger for her daughter who wanted her to come and live back with them and destiny and its whims had made that a reality, or was it an God’s answer to an innocent little girl’s prayer? She has a deep sigh and she walked to the door. She better go back to sleep if she wanted to wake up on time the next morning…

She turned of the light, then she stopped, so she would get used to the darkness. To her big surprise, she saw the light turn on coming from the hallway. Stunned, she got out of Esther’s room… ans she fell into Terry’s arms. She screamed of surprise.

- Oh Terry! I got scared! She said without realising she called him by his given name.

She tried to push him away.

- I’m sorry. You didn’t see me?

- No.

- Of course…

- How?

- You’re not wearing your glasses.

She panicked for a second, she looked for a reason…

- You can’t see anything…

Oh yeah! She said she was very near sighted!

- The little one was crying, I didn’t think about putting them on.

- You way more pretty like this.

She took a step back. Terry’s voice was threatening to her. The insolent look, looking at her from head to toe. Her silk robe shaping her body wearing the matching nightgown with a deep v neck, showing her neck. Her sensual mouth, the blue eyes veiled the beautiful arcade… Slowly, he was noticing all the details of her face.

- Better and better, Miss Graham. Your disguise is perfectly done, You ‘ve hidden your wonderful charms..

- Stop talking like a Casanova!

- You’d rather have action than pretty words?

Terry looked at her. The attraction he felt for her was irresistible. He thought about Jones words…he grabbed her by the shoulders, forcing her to get closer to him. Candy had a little whine, but he ignored it and pressed his mouth on hers. To the price of a great effort, the young woman managed not to react. He pushed her away, his eyes shinning with anger.

- You’re not fooling me, you know. You’re not a frigid woman!

- Are you looking for a reason to fire me, sir?

- Five minutes ago you were calling me by my given name. the answer is no. Esther loves you and that’s what’s important. I just wanted to let you know about the danger in hiding yourself behind a fake identity.

- Is that how you do it with women?

- I think you better go back to sleep…

“Before I change my mind tan take you to my room! “ He said to himself.

- If you touch me again, I’m going to leave and I will press charges for sexual harassment!

She was glad to see Terry still wanted her without knowing it was her, but at the same time, she was jealous of herself! She was the other woman!

- It’s called blackmail.

He had to walk away from her fast, otherwise he wouldn’t be responsible for his actions. Thank God for him, Candy left. She was surprise by the will she had to wanting to stay with him and admit everything to him… No, no and no! She didn’t come to reconcile with her husband, she came to get her daughter back! But it looked like her heart was telling her otherwise…

- Good night, Miss Graham.

Candy was in her bedroom and went back to bed. Her head was spinning. She had asked herself the question asking herself if she could live with Terry again. He had just got her reply. It took her all the strength of the world and her actress talent not to kiss him back… She hated Terry with all of her strength. He was her husband, and he had kissed her, she who was another woman! But she was his wife, so he wasn’t cheating, but Terry didn’t know that! Why did he kiss her? Was it because she had that effect on him? There was a joy in her heart…

“There’s a fine line between love and hate” her mother had said.

Should she call her? No, it was late, her mother was probably asleep or not. But she chose not to do it. She ended up falling asleep with difficulty.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Terry was in his room asking himself a thousand questions. Why did he listened to Jones? Why did he kiss her? Why didn’t she kiss him back? He was upset in his male pride… What about Candy in all that? Why the heck was he thinking about Candy? She was his wife and he was still married to her.

And Esther, she hadn’t cried during her sleep, Ever since she started praying for her mommy’s return in fact… She had calmed down fast with the arrival of Miss Graham in her room… Usually, she would take longer to go back to sleep. Maybe she needed a feminine touch? Or was it something else? Because it was the first time a woman was consoling her… He needed Miss Graham for Esther… He needed Miss Graham, period.

oOoOoOoOoOo

The next morning, Candy woke up and she got ready; she put on on of her designer jeans with a green silk shirt. When she was done, there was a knock on the door; it was Esther.

- Good morning, Snow-White! What are we going to do today?

- Good morning honey, did you have a good night?

- Yes…

- Good… we’re going to work a little bit this morning, some school work, is that ok?

- What are we going to do?

- We’re going to write, you’re going to learn to write your name.

- And yours too? And daddy’s?

- Of course!

- Let’s go and eat our breakfast.

They went downstairs together in the kitchen. They founf Terry at the table with Jones!

“Great, his inseparable pot of glue!” Said Candy to herself.

If she was surprised to see Jones, she didn’t show it.

- Good morning daddy! Good morning Uncle Jones! Said Esther

- Good morning honey, said Jones

- How’s my favourite little girl? Asked Terry

- Daddy! I’m your only little girl! Said Esther laughing.

She went to kiss her daddy and uncle Jones before sitting next to Candy.

- Sirs, said Candy

- Miss Graham, said Terry, let me introduce you to Arnie Jones, my best friend.

- Good morning, said Candy without a smile.

She had to play the young woman strict and severe. Her hair were held in a severe updo. She of course had ignore Terry’s suggestions to let her hair down on her shoulders.

She went to sit at the table and Mrs. Smith brought her toast with sunny side up eggs and baked beans, with a cup of tea. Esther had cereal with milk in a bowl.

Terry looked at her plate.

- There’s a typically British dish! Said Terry looking at Candy’s plate.

- I went to London with my school, said Candy and I like their breakfast.

- You’re the only person like that foul British breakfast! Said Terry

Candy looked at him coldly.

- Well I usually don’t like to do like everybody else. And you don’t discus taste and colours. Different strokes for different folks, she said dryly.

- I found it curious that an American like yourself like a typically British breakfast, most people find foul…

- What’s “foul”? Asked Esther innocently

Candy gave Terry and Jones the look and she turned to her daughter to say:

- “Foul” honey, means not very good… your daddy and his friend don’t like my British breakfast…

- Why is it British? We eat sunny side up eggs here, don’t we?

- Yes, but not with baked beans…

Terry wasn’t hearing anything. He was gone back four years ago…

They were in the dinning room in the morning, when they lived in Chicago at the manor. The maid had brought a plate for Candy; it was sunny side up eggs, sausages and baked beans, on the same plate.

- What are you eating? Had asked Terry surprised.

- Sunny side up eggs and baked beans? It’s a British specialty

- “Baked beans” ? It’s really in an oven?

- I guess so, or it would be called something else…

- You didn’t eat that before today…

- Well, I suddenly had an urgent craving of it…

- The baby…

- Well yes! Said Candy smiling, it’s really good, you know that?

- Beans are good, I agree but not at breakfast!

- Different strokes for different folks! You don’t discuss taste and colours!

- As a matter of fact! He said bursting out laughing.

He came back to reality… Candy had given some baked beans to Esther with some toast.

- It’s really good daddy, you should taste it…

- I’m going to trust you honey. If you say it’s good, then it’s good…, said Terry still in his memories.

- Are you all right Terry? Asked Jones seeing his friend a little disoriented

- Yes, I’m fine, said Terry finishing his plate and his cup of coffee.

A few minutes later, he stood up followed by Jones.

- I’ll be in my office, honey, if you need me.

- Ok, daddy, said Esther

Terry got out of the kitchen with his friend Jones. They arrived in the office and Jones closed the door behind him.

- So? Asked Terry

- “So” what?

- How do you find her?

- Who? Esther? She seems happy…

- NO! The nanny!

- Ah, the nanny… what do you want me to find in her? You do know that I’m married to your cousin, right?

- Jones, stop joking!

- Why don’t you tell me what’s going on first?

- She doesn’t remind you of Candy?

- Candy? Why would she be reminding me of Candy? She’s a redhead with the American accent, as opposed to Candy who was blond with her charming British accent…

- Well she reminds me of Candy…

- Well you were up close and personnel with Candy, I wasn’t…

- I’m not sure, I even kissed her…

- Not possible! You followed my advice! So?

- She was cold as ice!

- Terry! Did you lose your touch?

- And she threatened to sue me for sexual harassment if I do it again…

- Ok… what did you feel when you kissed her?

- She didn’t kiss me back, so…

- Ok… otherwise, you have something else aside from a kiss she didn’t respond to?

- Just an impression…

- It’s not enough… did you investigate her?

- Yes, since the first night to check her references, I’m waiting for the results of the investigation…

- Well wait then…

They started working while they were talking.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Candy and Esther were working in her room for a moment, not for too long. Then they decided to get out to build a snowman. They got dressed with their snow suits and all the accessories.

- Mrs. Smith must have gotten a big carrot for the nose and an scarf and a hat, said Candy.

- What are we going to use for the eyes? Asked Esther

- Coal, said Candy

- We will need a button, like in the Frosty song…
♪♪Frosty the Snowman,
Frosty, le bonhomme de neige
was a jolly happy soul,
était une âme joyeuse
With a corn cob pipe
Avec une pipe de maïs
and a button nose,
et un nez de bouton
and two eyes made of coal
et deux yeux faits de charbon♪♪
So we will need a corncob of his pipe…

- Well, he’s going to be tasty this snow man! Carrots, corn… when he melts, we’re going to make a vegetable soup with it…

They burst out laughing together heartedly, while walking to the kitchen to get out by the back door and go outside.

Candy’s crystal laugh resonated in the whole house and was heard even to Terry’s office where Jones had opened the door when he had heard the voices… and he turned around to look at Terry , the face stunned by consternation.


- Oh my God! He said, that’s Candy’s laugh!

oOoOoOoOoOo

Edited by Gentillefille - 18/8/2018, 21:41

The winds of winter

Chapter 6
“Memories…”

Terry had trouble sleeping after his conversation with Jones. Jones was his best friend, his brother who would always tell him the truth. He hadn’t desire another woman since Candy… and Candy was the only woman he had desire since Antonia…

Antonia… She was so beautiful, so sweet. He was on orphan, abandoned at the door of an orphanage the same day as his friend Jones. They grew up together and Jones got adopted. Terry stayed at the orphanage. He was taken in charge later by a the Legan family. But that didn’t really work, to the point where Mrs. Legan’s nieces, Allyson, Ashley and Antonia, decided to ask their aunt AWhilemina to officially adopt Terry. He then became Whilemina Andrew adoptive son and he had fallen in love with her favourite niece, Antonia Brown. They went to school together, they finished school and they were supposed to get married and start their lives together. It was not too long before their wedding, they went for a ride with their horses. There was a trap, the horses foot got trapped and he kicked Antonia off the horse, she fell breaking her neck and died on the spot. Terry was inconsolable for months. He had got in contact with Jones again and soon they were the best friends in the world. They worked together and they were doing good business together. Terry had done medical school, but after Antonia died , he didn’t practice. He threw himself into the family business for a change of scenery… Jones had come to work with him and they would travel together across the country and the world. Jones had married Ashley Cornwell, whom he loved like crazy.

During one of their business trips, they ended up in Gstaad for a few days. They stayed in a luxury hotel with lots of rich people and even members of the royal family. Terry was a very handsome man, he was very popular with women, but he wasn’t interested since Antonia’s death. Eliza Legan did everything to seduce him and replace her cousin, in vain.

He was in a party in a hotel with jones, he went out of the balcony to breathe some fresh air. The music was very loud. He looked at the mountains covered with snow and he saw her. She had the same hair colour as her. His heart jumped. It couldn’t be her of course, He approached her and he saw a young woman crying… She looked so vulnerable, he almost wanted to take her in his arms and console her and tell her everything is going to be al right. She wiped her tears and turned around.

- Good evening, he said, are you all right?

- I’m fine… why?

- Because you look so sad…

- I look sad? No I don’t!

She burst in a crystal laughter. He looked at her surprised. He knew she was pretending and he understood her. Hasn’t he been doing the same thing since Antonia’s death? He realised that, all of a sudden looking at this young woman, of the time he was wasting, Antonia wouldn’t have wanted him to be always sad… This young woman gave him the will to continue living…with her.

- I’m sorry then, said Terry

- I was just breathing some air, the wind is blowing in my eyes…

- Ah… otherwise, you’re having fun?

- Yes, I am! What about you?

- The music is a little too loud for me…

- You don’t look like someone who likes to party…

- What do I look like?

- Of a business man who is bored to death…

They burst out laughing together. Jones arrived with someone else, who was looking for the woman.

- You’re here honey? You want to come and dance?

She looked at TEsrry and she turned to the man who had just spoken to her and left with him. Jones looked at Terry.

- What where you doing? Hitting on her?

- No…

- You were talking to her…

- I can’t talk to her?

- Dude, she part of the royal group…

- Which means?

- From the group wit the princes… that’s a prince who just came to take her back inside…

- Ah… ok.
He was disappointed of course. He thought she was interesting and he wanted to continue talking to her. It was the firs time he was interested in a woman since Antonia’s death… She had big green eyes and freckles on her noce… so, he couldn’t stop thinking about her for the whole night. The next day, he had seen her in the morning at breakfast with her whole clan…

- You can’t stop looking at her, said Jones, you’re not afraid to get killed by a prince?

- You’re talking nonsense, Jones… I just lookinga t her without all the make up she had last night, that’s all…

- Terry…

- Are you done? I wanted to go ski for a while

- Our appointment is in the afternoon…

Jones stood up and say:

- You know, you can always try… you ‘ve got nothing to loose.

- I’m going to screw up…

- Maybe not…

- It’s a prince…

- Do you know how many would rather have you than a prince?

- I’m not going to compete with a prince…

Terry got out of the hotel, the white snow was blinding his view with the sun reflexion on it. He went to put on his skis. Then he followed the other skiers on the hill… he started coming down, he got down the hill and there was a girl in her skis who had fallen down. It was very difficult to get back on your feet with skis on. Terry left his sticks in the snow to help her get back up.

- Thank you so much, he heard with the British accent…

It was the young woman from the balcony.

- You! She said when she recognized him, looks like you keep finding me in a compromising position…

- Do you think destiny is trying to tell us something? Asked Terry without thinking.

What was he doing? She was not available.

- That I can trust you? She said smiling

- I can give you some ski lessons…

She looked at him smiling.

- You think you can teach me not to fall on the ground? She said smiling

- Yes… Let’s go back up and I will show you…

- All right…

- My name is Terrence. Terry for friends, he said

- And I’m Candice, Candy for friends.

They went back up with the cable car to go back on the hill… Once they were up, he gave her advice and the spent a great time together, they forgot about the rest of the world.

Jones went to the appointment alone that day… And the prince waited for Candy in vain, she never came back from her sky ride…

Candy and Terry became inseparable, She broke up with the prince and her father the duke got very angry. Terry asked her to marry him and she said yea. They got married. Jones wanted him to continue living, but he wasn’t expecting that. They went back to America together… Then they got o the manor, the whole family was surprised… The great aunt, Eliza… But Terry was happy and that’s all that mattered. Candy had given up her prince for love…

oOoOoOoOoOo

Candy woke up a little uneasy, She had thought about her meeting with Terry. Did Terry think about their meeting too? There was a knock on the door.

- Come in!

Mrs. Smith showed her head.

- I have your breakfast.

- How nice of you! Am I late?

- It’s after 10, but it’s ok. The Master took the little one downtown. He told me not to disturb you.

- Thank you, you’re adorable. When are they coming back?

- After lunch, I think. Take your time.

So, they went down down without inviting her? Whey would they invite her? As a nanny, paid for her job, she would probably appreciate a little rest in the morning… But reality was different, ans she felt jealous and very alone. Terry and her daughter left to have fun without her. She was Esther’s mother. Logically, she should’ve been with them. Candy started thinking at what her mother was telling her, Maybe she should’ve simply just spoken to Terry… Her mother might have been right…

Candy was in her room on he r laptop wriing when she heard the car arrive. A few moments later, Esther was knocking on her door and she got in, followed by Terry.

- Snow While! Daddy and I are going sleigh ride. You want to come too?

Candy looked at Terry: he was imperturbable.

- Come on, Snow-White, we’re going to have fun!

- All right, let’s go put on our snow suits!

Terry was still silent, but at one point when she passed in front of him he whispered with a low voice:

- Did you have a good night Miss Graham?

A light of anger flared in her fake glasses.

- Not particularly.

- Bad conscience?

- I have nothing to feel guilty about

- I’m not that sure.

- Hurry up, Snow-White! Yelled the little girl impatient

It was a sunny day and it was cold. The sky was blue, the snow was spotless and light under their steps. Two crows flew screeching in the pur air. They went up the hill behind the house, then they walked to the little mountain a little more severe.

- We’re not going down that way? Asked Candy faking surprise

Esther sat on the slide.

- Sit behind me, Snow-White and hold on!

Candy obeyed and put her legs aroung Esther’s body while holding her by the waist. Terry sat behid her. Candy had to fight again the will to lean on her husband and she was angry at herself for her own weakness. Terry gave the signal, slowly at first, then faster and faster… the slide swiped the snow. They did it again 5 or 6 times: their screams of joy were heard all over the countryside. Terry seemed particularly relaxed.

- This is the last time, he said, ignoring Esther’s protests, I’m too old for this kind of sport.

His tall figure was shaped in the blue background of the sky, the sun was shinning on his blond hair. Candy was moved… She thought about their time in Gstaad… She was suddenly aware of being observed… In her hoy, she forgot to say Miss Graham. Her red ski suit, her hair under the red hat, her red cheeks didn’t really give the picture of a serious nanny and… strict. The fake glasses gave her a mysterious look.

- Two more turns daddy!

- No, this was the last one!

This time yet, when the slide hit the hill, it landed on the wrong angle and they were thrown off all at once. Esther stood up first, her eyebrows covered with snow.

- Hey daddy! You’re going to squish her!

As a matter of fact, Candy was lying on the back. In their fall, Terry found himself on her.

- Are you all right? He asked

She burst out laughing.

- There’s snow in my neck?

Her eyes were full of malice, he took some snow and put some on her face. She fought.

- Daddy! You’re mean!

He turned around to answer his daughter.

- Who? Me?

It was an ideal moment. Taking advantage of Terry inattention, Candy managed to free herself from his arms and threw some snow on his face. He smiled, and then he stood up.

- You’re going to be sorry. Where are we putting her Esther?

- In the snowdrift! In the snowdrift!

Candy was fighting fiercely.

- Put me down, put me down now!

- If that’s what you want…

Terry dropped her just like that. Tears of laughter came down because she was laughing so hard. Candy looked at them, full of happiness. Terry gave her his hand to help stand up.

- Esther, you take care of the slide? Miss Graham, I see in you infinite possibilities.

She didn’t have time to react; he had pull her hat and her hair just fell on her shoulders. He took a strand.

- You have wonderful hair, benice and don’t tie them inthat horrible updo.

Hypnotized by his eyes, she didn’t find anything to answer him, They were on their way home, The rest of the afternoon was fun. Terry didn;’t make any special remarks. Dinner was fine, they looked like a real family; they were a family.

Candy gave Esther her bath, she brushed her hair and then she put her to bed, Terry arrived at that moment.

- Daddy! You’re going to tuck me in with Snow-White?

- All right! Said Terry

- You’ll read me a story?

- You pray first, because you’re going to fall asleep while we read.

Esther kneeled and said her prayer. Terry was looking at Candy while his daughter was praying. Her expression changed or was it in his mind?

He read a story to Esther who fell asleep right away. Candy kissed her on the forehead and she stood up to leave fast, before Terry could talk to her.

Once in her room, she thought she was getting too confortable. She had to give me the custody papers and the divorce papers… But she like the time she spent with her family and she didn’t want to ruin it… The papers would have to wait a little…

Terry, in his room, talked to his friend Jones. Candy’s crystal laugh was echoing in his head.

- So you’re seducing the nanny?

- No Jones, stop …

- You haven’t kissed her yet?

- Can you come and see her? He said ignoring the question

- Come and see her? Why?

- To make sure I’m not going crazy…

- Terry, I’m worried… I’ll come by tomorrow.

- Thanks dude. Good night.

- Good night Terry.

The crystal laughter, the silky hair and wavy… It wasn’t the same colour as Candy’s…so why the heck was he thinking about Candy???!!!

The winds of winter

Chapter 5
“The confrontation”

She was a little afraid. She had to remember that Terry didn’t recognize her. She called her mother.

– Are you all right?

– Mum, Terry came back...

– Calm down, tell yourself that he doesn’t know who you are...

– He said I remind him of someone…

– He can't recognize you... everything is going to be fine! When are you talking to him?

– In an hour...

– it's going to be fine. You can do it! You're the daughter of the great Eleonor baker!

– Thanks for your encouragements mum.

She was nervous and decided to go for a walk, she wen t out. She put on her boots and her coat and she went outside. It was very dark. An icy wind was blowing. She went up the hill behind the house, her feet were making noises on the snow garden by the frost. It was cold so she could think calmly. She walked only for half an hour. It was the first time she saw Terry since their last fight. He had left for a trip, she got sick and had the baby,... How much she missed him during that time. Seeing Terry again had bothered her more than she was willing to admit. He still had that power over her. As angry as she was, she wanted to curled up in his arms!


“No, no, no Candy! Stop it! You hate him, remember?” She Said to herself.


Her head was telling her she hated him but her heart was saying… no, she didn’t want to know what her heart was saying. She hated Terry who had lied to her! He had hidden the existence of her daughter! He must’ve really hate her to do something so cruel. How much she wanted to go see him and hit him with all her strength … But she couldn’t. She couldn’t risk Terry getting rid of her again… she had the support of her father, but she didn’t want to separate from her daughter. So she was going to put up with the situation until she finds a solution. Did Terry recognize her? He said she reminded him of someone? Did he have an unconscious seed planted? Well, she’ll see after their conversation. While she was going back to her room, she knew she was right to take that walk. Her fears had vanished…


She tied her hair in a severe tight up do. Her blue contact lenses were on, she added her fake tainted glasses she wore for the illusion. She put on a gray skirt, she was wearing gray, all over, maybe she will be unnoticed.


Candy had never been to Terry’s office. She was alone for a little while and she looked at the room waiting his arrival. All the walls were in clear wainscoting. On one side there was a chimney, on the other side there was a bookshelf full of books. A few armchairs, a desk in oak looking severe with an computer on top of it with a flat screen, a keyboard and a printer/scanner. A great sound system, a television set, a DVD player, Blue Ray player completed the furniture. There was a warmth coming from the whole thing, which didn’t exist in the master bedroom. This office was more like the Terry she had known.

- You look thoughtful…

She was startled, She turned around to face him, she was wondering how much her face showed her feelings.

- What are you thinking about?

- I… was admiring this room.

- Do you want something to drink? He asked in an ironic tainted voice.

- Nothing, thank you.


There was some drinks on a little rolling table not too far from the book shelf. He poured himself a glass of sparkling water. He drank a sip while looking at her. Candy was looking at him. He didn’t recognize her, she thought… Yet she was conscious that she wanted to be his once again. She cursed him in her heart. In any case, he shouldn’t suspect anything. If he finds out who she was, she would be lost. She walked away and she walked towards the window.


Terry kneeled in front of the chimney to lit the fire. Candy was able to look at him. He had changed in four years. He was slightly older of course. When he stood up it was to look at her intensely…

- Where do you come from Miss Graham?

- New York, she said

- Yes, your accent doesn’t lie. Why did you leave New York?

- I felt the need for a change.

- Good for us. Esther seems happy and it’s shared, right?

- Esther is a charming little girl. She doesn’t feel in security.

He squinted his eyes.

- Explain yourself. I thought you were hired as a nurse, not a psychologist.

- You don’t need to be a psychologist to realise that. She misses you a lot when you’re not here… maybe she’s suffering for not having a mommy.

- Miss Graham, he said, let’s get something straight right now. Esther’s mother is a problem that concerns me personally. Not you. Do you understand?

- Not talking about it is not going to solved the problem…

He looked at her surprised. The audacity!

- The problem with my wife is none of your concern!

- But it concerns Esther! Do you know she prays every night for her mother’s return?

- Of course I know. I’m her father…

- And you have no solution to the problem…?

He had a sigh and he said a little against his will.

- She’s praying God…

Candy looked at him, surprised.

- So what? She asked.

- Well, God will answer her…

- What?

- You heard me…

- You can’t be serious…

- I’m very serious… on the contrary. My daughter wants her mommy to come back. She’s asking God.

- She never asked you where her mommy was?

- Yes, I told her the truth. That her mommy is gone…

Candy had to restrain herself not to scream!

- So she asked me if she could pray the Lord to get her mommy back…
Candy couldn’t believe it. She was there, she was Esther’s mommy! The Lord really did make her daily prayer come true!

- You’re not a psychologist,,, you don’t approve of my methods?

- You sincerely think that God is going to answer her?

By saying that, she realised that God had made Esther’s pray come true, because she was there. But

Esther’s prayer was asking God so that she could come back and stay with them… She came back to get her daughter back… Unless… No! Terry had hidden her baby from her! She was not ready to forgive!!!


“… I also pray for my mommy, where ever she is. Please make it that she comes back with us Lord. Amen”


She heard in her head. The little one was praying for her to come back and she was bac,k… to break up her family?! No, she wasn’t going to let herself be soften…


Terry was looking at her, but what was her problem? She took her job way too seriously. But he had a funny feeling in her presence.

- I thought my daughter to pray and believe in God. I told her that he always answer our prayers, one way or another. You see Miss Graham, I’m very pragmatic…

- How long since she’s been praying for her mommy’s return?

- It hasn’t been that long, admitted Terry, with God, you have to be patient. It was a little bit before my trip…

More or less at the moment she found out she had a daughter and that he was looking for someone to take care of her. Candy said to herself that it was probably a coincidence…

- Before that, she would wake up almost every nights crying for her mommy…

Candy felt sad and she cursed Terry for the umpteenth time for hiding her daughter from her! She had to do an effort not to jump on him.

- She misses you a lot when you leave. When I got her, I found out she barely left her room when you’re not here. It’s unhealthy for a four year old little girl. Especially if you travel a lot.

- I am forced to travel for my business. It’s inevitable. It’s also the reason why I hired you, Miss Graham… To keep her company when I’m not here. I would be grateful to you to do your job.

Candy looked at him. He was marking his territory. She made the ultimate effort not to explode and she replied:

- Yes, sir.

Terry looked at her. This woman had a lot of audacity, she reminded him of Candy… without the British accent.


- Do you know miss Graham, he said with suave voice, you intrigue me? You’re here in front of me and very severe outfit in your gray suit. You’re woman enough to realise by yourself, it seems; this outfit doesn’t suit you at all. Your hair are too tight and your nose is shinny… You look like Victorian young lady… I’m ready to bet you’re hiding something behind that cold mask, a fiery temper.

- Maybe Victorian young girl have the duty to look submitted to a society dominate by men… thus their passivity or precocity, if you prefer.

- Ah…

- Only there, we’re not in the 19th Century anymore, she continued.

- Yet, you were wearing pants earlier on. Why did you change?

To be invisible, but it failed.

- When I took the job, I was told to dress in a way to please my boss.

To her big surprise, Terry burst out laughing frankly.

- One point for you!

He’s always had a communicative laugh. Candy couldn’t help smiling.

- But you just prove my point, he said, you realise that, I hope. If you were really uptight, you wouldn’t have dared to be impertinent with me.

- The reciprocity is true.

- Take off our glasses, he ordered out of the blue.


Candy was startled.

- I… I’m very near sighted.

- Really?

He didn’t believe her…

- What a pity, it must be inconvenient sometimes.

- I… I don’t understand.

- Come one, you’re not a child… haven’t you been disappointed by someone? Haven’t you been knocked down by love for example?


She looked at him. She wanted to tell him how much he had disappointed her, four years ago. A feeling of anger got into her. Yet, Esther’s image came to her mind. She couldn’t risk destroying so fast their new friendship. What wouldn’t she do for her daughter?

- Fortunately, no, sir. I probably have less experience than yourself.

- Experience, is gain, Miss Graham.

She had to get out of there, so she told him all of a sudden.

- Would you excuse me please? I’m tired.

- Are you afraid, Miss Graham?

- Of what?

- Of me maybe?

- Good night sir.

- Good night dear. See you tomorrow.

Candy got out of the office to go back to her room, she had a sigh of relief. What an ordeal! To be in the same room as Terry had troubled her more than she thought. She had the impression he was deliberately provoking her. She peeked Terry’s curiosity. Was he suspecting something? She didn’t sleep well a big part of the night; her eyes were open in the dark. She was wondering if Terry had recognized her, Then she told herself no, she didn’t have the same voice, not the same accent and not the same hair colour… he didn’t recognize her.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Terry stayed in his office and looked at her go. There was something about this woman. Why did she refuse to take her glasses off? He wanted to look her in the eyes to see what exactly? He had a funny feeling when he was in the same room as her. He took his phone and dialled a number. I was ringing.

- Jones?

- Terry? You’re not sleeping yet?

- I’m about to…

- What’s going on?

- Esther’s new nanny…

- Yes…?

- She’s…

Terry had a little pause, He was looking for the exact word.

- She’s...?

- Intriguing…

- Mysterious?

- Ah… you like her?

- It’s not that…

- You don’t feel like hitting on her…?

- Yes I do, but, it’s more than that. She’s go something…

- Terry, it’s the first time I hear you so interested in a woman since…

- I…

- Why don’t you seduce her?

- Seduce her?

- I really have to teach you everything? Kiss her…

Terry didn’t think the idea was stupid, for the first time in four years… For the first time since Candy, he wanted another woman!!!

- I’m not going to kiss her…

- Why not?

- I’m still married…

- Incredible! You’re the only man I know who is faithful to a wife that abandoned you four years ago!

Why was he thinking about Candy? In fact ever since he’d come back, he was thinking about Candy, ever since he got into his daughter’s room in fact… Why was that? “Blanche Graham” What was the point with Candy? Candy’s name was “Candice Bianca Grandchester”…Bianca meant “Blanche” in French. That was probably why… Why would he be thinking about his wife after meeting Blanche Graham?

- I’m going to go to bed Jones… Good night.

- Good night Terry! Sleeping alone is boring… go see the nanny.

- Shut up!

oOoOoOoOoOo