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The winds of winter Chapter 4 The well being sensation Candy was feeling by having her little girl in her arms was incomparable! She had never felt something so strong in her life. She didn’t want to let go of the little one, but she had to do it. Otherwise she was going to scare her. She let go of her with regrets. - What’s the name of your stuffed animal? Asked Candy. - Well… Winnie! Of course… she knew it, but she was still a little overwhelmed… - Ah! In that case, he must love honey! - Me too. Candy burst out laughing. - Do you have honey for breakfast or for snack? - We put some on our toast. But sometimes Mrs. Smith burns the toast. I don’t like the black parts, it’s bitter. The funny face the child made had Candy smile… - We are going to get along great, I’m sure of it. - You’re going to tell me stories before I go to bed? Daddy always tells me one when he’s there. “Daddy”. She was talking about him with so much love. Candy looked down: she was upset at herself for being uneasy by hearing about her husband. In the future, she will pay attention. And she was starting think that her mother was right. Esther loved her father a lot… - Of course. Can you show me where the kitchen is? Mrs. Smith made a meal for me. Together, they went down the stairs to the lobby. Candy had a nice evening. Mrs. Smith had served her meal in alcove, a little room next to the kitchen, with flowered wallpaper. Esther was telling her stories about her stuffed animal. She told her about her new sled and her greatest desire, a new pair of ice skates. - Daddy is going to bring some for me, maybe. I hope he didn’t forget. She talked a lot about her daddy… after the meal, the little one gave her the tour of the hosue. They started with the storage room, where the skis where kept. - Do you know how to ski? Asked Candy. - Yes, I go skiing with daddy! She said proudly. She talked a lot about her Terry with so much love. Candy’s heart was ripped. She loved her daughter and she was starting to ask herself if she could take her from her father… Probably not! Her mother knew that her mummy’s heart was going to speak to her once she was on location! But Terry has lied ot her! He had hidden her baby from her! She looked at Esther and her heart was melting! Oh my God! Where was all her good resolutions? Then they went to Esther’s room, a charming little girl’s room just next to Candy’s. The young woman noticed all the expensive toys tossed in every corner. There was a little too much for her taste. Yet, she was reassured when she saw the shelf full of books. - You’ve got a beautiful room… - Thank you, said Esther smiling Then they went to see another room. - And here is my daddy’s room! She said all proud. The white carpet, the curtains and the bedspread were dark blue. The walls were gray, the chimney was gray… The only happy note in the room was the book shelf. Candy was startled by Esther’s voice. - You want to come and read me a story now? - Yes, of course. Let’s go. They went together to her room and Candy helped her put on her night gown with was pink. She went to brush her teeth and then she went to sit on the stool at her little dresser. She took her little brush. - You want to brush my hair, Miss Gra… Miss Graham? - Why don’t you call me by my given name? It’s C… Blanche. - Blanche? That means “white” - Yes! Said Candy. - Your name Blanche, white, like Snow-White? - Yes, like Snow-White! - That’s easier for me to say! And easy to remember too! Snow-White! They burst out laughing. Candy took the brush, took off the ribbons and the rubber bands witch was holding her pigtails and brushed her daughter’s hair until they were bright and shinny. Esther went to lay down she was ready to sleep. Candy felt at that moment the will to kiss her. But she restrained herself. She had already hugged her earlier, she didn’t want to scare the little one… She took a book to read her a story. It was a story from the Bible. - You like stories from the Bible? - Yes! You know “Esther” was a queen in the Bible? - Yes! Said Candy smiling - She saved her people! When Candy finished her reading, Esther was practically asleep. - Snow-White? - Yes, Esther? - Can you hug me before I fall asleep. Candy felt her heart explode in her chest. She was wondering how she could’ve lived without the love of her daughter until then…She hugged her tenderly. - I’m happy you came to take care of me. - Me too. You want to say your prayer? - Now that I lay down to sleep, I pray to God by soul to keep. And If I die before I wake, I pray to God my soul to take. Lord Jesus, I’m also praying for my mommy, where every she is. Make it so that she come back to us, Lord. Amen. Hearing her daughter’s innocent prayer brought tears to Candy’s eyes. Her baby was praying for her to come back to them! Oh my God! And how long has she thought her baby was in heaven with the Lord? While she was in good health with her father! The anger came back to her heart, She made the ultimate effort not to show it. - Good night Esther. I’m right next door. If you need me, you can call me. - All right, she said with a sleepy voice. She got out of the room to go back to hers. She took her cellphone to call her mother. - Candy! Finally! So how is it going? Asked her mother worried. - I got here fine. But the job is not in Chicago. - Where is it? - In Lakewood… - Oh… - It’s absolutely wonderful here, mum! The snow, the house… - And the child… - Oh mum, said Candy with tears in her voice,if you could see her! You’d think it’s me as a little girl! - Oh my God! You didn’t take any picture? - I didn’t get the opportunity yet, I just got here! But tomorrow, I’ll send you some and you’ll be the judge. - Oh I can’t wait! What about Terry? - Well, he’s on a trip… - Ah… - It gives me time to learn to know my daughter… Eleonor must’ve felt something in her voice, because she asked. - She loves her daddy? - Oh mum! You were right! - You have time to think and when Terry comes back you’ll see where you’re at… - Whatever time I spend with her, if I take her from her father, she’s going to be unhappy! - A child need both of her parents…. - Mum… he hid my daughter’s existence from me! - Candy… - I’m going to go to bed mum… - Sleep on it. Think, honey. A family I reunited is better than a thorn family. I’m very happy you found your daughter again. What you’re going to do after that depends on you… - Thank you mum. Thanks for everything. I love you. - I love you too, honey. She hung up her phone. What should she do? She knew the child was her daughter. Should she ask for custody and a divorce? She was going to wait Terry’s return. For the moment, she’s going to take advantage of her presence in that house to spend time with her wonderful little girl. She went to shower and took off all her makeup and her contact lenses, Aside from her hair colour, she was herself again, Angry with Terry? No, she was too happy to have found her darling little girl! She went to bed after saying her prayer to thank God for giving her her daughter back. But she remembered that she had to speak to her father to keep him posted. - Daddy! - Candy! Finally! So? - I got the papers you sent me with your men! Where do you get those guys!? - It’s better if you don’t know… - All right… - I’m still waiting Candy… - I got here all right. The job was in Lakewood in the end… - I know that…. - How? - Well, you wanted the job absolutely, didn’t you? Candy smiled, Her father never did things half way. - Candy… - Then you must know already, right? Since you know everything… I even wondering how we didn’t find that out before… - You asked me not to bother your husband… - And I’m surprised you listened to me. - I always listen to you my darling. Candy had to admit that her father listened to her and did whatever she wanted… - It’s yes, daddy. She’s my daughter…, finally confirmed Candy to her father. - Oh my God! You have pictures? - I’ll take some tomorrow and send them to you by email. - I’ll be patient… - That means you’re not going to ask your men to take pictures… - What are you saying honey? Pervert do things like that… - Good night daddy. The duke wanted to add something but he didn’t. - I’ll wait for the pictures. Good night angel. Candy slept very well to her big surprise. She felt a little like at home, that’s where her husband and her daughter lived… She woke up happy. She got ready knowing she was going to see her daughter again. She felt like she already knew her. She saw how much the little girl regretted her father’s absence. Her well being, her good manners, her lack of timidity towards her new friend was surprising for a child that young. It was probably the voice of blood. She knew instinctively that she could trust Candy or was it because she was lonely? But Candy made the promise that from now on, her daughter will never be alone… When she got to the kitchen, she saw her daughter already sitting at the table. She was eating cereals. But Mrs. Smith offered the same menu to the young woman. - Good morning, Esther, started Candy sitting down. - Good morning, Snow White. Candy noticed the child was pale. - We’re going to play outside after breakfast, ok? Esther was playing with her spoon. - I usually play outside with my daddy. - Why? - Mrs. Smith doesn’t like to go out. I have nobody to play with me. When daddy is here, he takes me to sled… I want to see my daddy. - You miss him a lot… Esther nodded and hugged her stuffed animal. - You don’t have any friends? - There are children at the orphanage, but it’s not close by and I can’t go there by myself. It’s too far. - If you want, I could take you… so what do you do when your daddy is not home? - I watch television and I play in my room. Sometimes, I help Mrs. Smith bake a cake. - I like to walk outside, You want to make me happy? - Maybe. - You’re going to show me your garden. We could maybe bring your sled. - All right. - Perfect… You want a toast with honey? - Yes! Said Esther smiling After breakfast, they both put on their snow suit. Candy helped the little with her boots and the zippers. They took the sled. With her finger, Esther showed her the house Mrs. Smith used with her husband, then the tool house. - Daddy says I could have a vegetable garden here, I’m going to plant a pumpkin and radishes, it has a nice colour. - Carrots too, and it’s delicious. They arrived on the top of the hill behind the house. Candy showed Esther how to stand on a sled and control with the ropes. Pleased the little girl tried a lot of time this new technic. But it was already noon. The little one was showing signs of tiredness. - Let’s go back now, said Candy, I’m starving! - Me too! Said Esther smiling Candy took pictures of Esther she sent to her mother the same evening before she called her. - Oh my God! Said Eleonor, it’s incredible how much she looks like you! I want to see her! - Patience, mum… you’re going to see her. - You’re still thinking…? - Mum, whatever my decision is, Esther is going to be part of my life, of our lives! - Yes, you can have a family… think honey… - I’m going to call daddy, Bye mum. - Bye honey. Candy sent the pictures to her father and called him. - Oh my God, Candy! She’s so beautiful! She’s your spitting image! - She’s absolutely wonderful - I want to see her! You’re going to serve him with the custody papers and the divorce? - He’s not here, daddy, He’s on a business trip… - On word, Candy and I will destroy him and with his family… - No, there is no way you’re destroying him. He’s my little girl’s father. He’s part of the family. - You’re getting soft on my… - He hid my daughter from me, daddy. The duke didn’t reply. He felt that his daughter was weakening. - So, if he could come back, you will serve him with the custody papers and the divorce? - Yes, I’m going to take advantage to know my daughter better. - I can send a team to come and extract both of you… - Where do you think you are daddy? In a spy movie? I’m going to take care of this problem my way. The duke burst out laughing, but he felt that his daughter might change her mind if her husband came back… and they had a daughter together. - All right, have fun with your daughter and don’t forget about your mission. - I’m not going to forget. Good bye daddy and thank you again! - Good bye honey. Candy wondered why she was ready to defend Terry to her father? Didn’t he hid her daughter from her? But Esther loved Terry… she stopped thinking and she went to bed. oOoOoOoOoOo The following days, they learned to know each other more, Esther was taking naturally Candy’s hand and they would go get the mail together in the mailbox at the end of the alley. Esther would tell her about her desire to have a dog. - Daddy, said I’m too young, maybe next year… Finally one night, after her prayer, Esther put her little arms around Candy’s neck and said: - I like you, you know that? I’m happy you came here. You’re going to stay with me my whole life? - I like you too, honey, said Candy blinded by tears. But the little girl got stiff all of a sudden. - What’s going on? Asked Candy - Daddy! Daddy! Esther freed herself from her friend’s hug and ran into the arms of the man who was standing at the door. Candy didn’t move. The moment so feared: she was in front of Terry. She didn’t get the time to get a hold of herself. She remembered that she was in disguise ant that Terry couldn't recognize her. Thank God, she was wearing a black jeans with a gray pull over, her hair was in a very strict up do, She looked at the father and daughter, She saw the love they felt for each other. - You didn’t tell me you were coming back, daddy! - I found out at the last minute, honey. - It was a surprise? - Exactly… He stopped talking and looked at the shape by the bed. - Can you introduce me Esther? - It’s Blanche! It means white, like in Snow White! Candy remained calm. - My name is Blanche Graham, Sir. I hope it doesn’t bother you that Esther calls me by my first name? Miss Graham was a little difficult for her to say and to ceremonious. - Not at all. I think that Blanche is a very pretty name… - It means while like in Snow White, said Esther - Like Snow-White, said Terry smiling Terry approached the bed and stop at 1 metre of the young woman. He was dominating her with all his height. She stood up. - It’s strange. You remind me of someone… - Really? May I ask who? - It’s not important A spark of anger went through Candy’s eyes. - As far as I’m concern, sir, I’m sure we’ve never met before He raised his eye brows with disdain. - I didn’t think you were that person. Miss… euh… Graham Candy was feeling uneasy, fortunately, Esther intervene one more time at the right moment. - Can I stay up late, daddy? Please… Terry looked at his daughter and took her in his arms. She screamed of joy. Silently, Candy was looking at them. She felt like a third wheel… apparently, Terry adored his daughter. - If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go to my room. Terry looked at his watch. - Please. Could you join me in my office, let’s say in an hour? - It’s late and… - Come on , Miss Graham, you probably have time to talk with me. I promise not to keep you up for too long. - Very well… In a rush to run away, she kissed Esther on the cheek. - See you tomorrow honey. - Good night… you’re not happy to see my daddy ? - Yes, of course. She avoided Terry’s eyes and got out of the room in a hurry to go to hers. |
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