Let’s imagine…
How are you doing? It’s hard to believe I’ve been working from home since mid-March, and today I was told in a meeting that there was no plan to bring us back to office yet. How about you ladies?
As far as I know, unlike other Candy Candy characters, Albert does not have his birthday officially published. He was supposed to remain mysterious till the very end, but some CC fans came up with the date June 28. Please correct me if I am wrong. 😉 Nonetheless, let me present my new fanart for this special day. Hope you like it! ❤️
I was inspired by a letter in Candy Candy Final Story. Can you guess which letter it is? 🙂
Imagine yourself as Candy. What would you have written in your diary on that day? I’d love to hear from you, and I will select the entry that is closest to what I have in mind and update this post. The deadline is Sunday, July 5, 12 PM Pacific Time. You can submit more than one entry, if you desire. 😊 It does not have to be long, and you can write in a language of your choice. ✍️
My friends, as I mentioned before, I did not have high expectation, which explained why my original deadline was only a few days after publishing this post. Thank you very much for your participation, and I am humbled and impressed by the amazing quality of the 20+ submissions! The selection process has been quite challenging, and I have shortlisted and re-read half of the fanfics more than twice. Nevertheless, I must say I have enjoyed reading every diary entry, including the one I’ve rejected (after all, I let out a hearty chuckle 😛 ). Seriously, you all should consider writing English fanfics for Candy Candy. Also, to the newcomers, nice to meet you and hope to see you around more! I appreciate your patience and persistence for waiting for your comments (entries) approved and/or re-submitting. Due to unknown glitches I sometimes don’t get notified of new comments pending for approval. 🙁
Before I make the announcement, I’d like to point out that some of you probably have misunderstood my criteria. Therefore, I will not pick any story if it is not based on any letter in CCFS. Rest assured it does not mean your story is not good.
So, which letter? 😉 My fanart is originally based on the first letter in Candy Candy Final Story Epilogue. I wanted Albert to appear particularly young, and that he was serious and nervous at the same time. You might not have noticed this in my fanart — Candy was holding Albert’s badge in her hand. 🙂 Yet, after I finished drawing, I realized it may not be as obvious as I had expected. Therefore, I will accept any entry that is based on Candy’s letter to Little Bert as well.
Some of you have guessed this right and provided great summaries, like Avon and Fay. However, I was looking for some elements and found them in my final shortlist, which consists of the entries from Michelle (Albert’s confession and Candy’s shock), DanielleV (Albert’s reactions when listening to Candy’s story with her POTH), Lynn (Albert’s face when returning the diary and Candy’s feelings afterwards) and Anita (the embrace in the forest). After careful contemplation, I have decided to select Anita’s entry, even though it’s considerably shorter than most other entries. Yet, I like the intensity of the descriptions of that unforgettable embrace that transformed Candy as well as her realization and acceptance of Anthony’s death being nobody’s fault. Congratulations, Anita! ✨Here let me post your diary entry verbatim.
Without even realizing it, I was swept into Albert’s arms when I felt that my legs could no longer support me as I was overcome with grief standing there at that field where Anthony had lost his life at such a young age. Albert’s initiative came as a surprise to me even during that sorrowful moment because he had never acted that way before. It was me who always ran into his arms and sought comfort in him. This time, however, it was him who took me into his strong arms but in such a gentle and tender way. He did not do this only because he wanted to comfort me but because he also sought comfort from me which I gave to him wholeheartedly. This is really the first time this has ever happened between us and, above all, it’s the first time I felt something different when enveloped in his warm embrace which kept me nestled like a bird seeking shelter from the torrential rain. I had wrapped my arms so tightly around his torso and weeping so profusely that I must have ruined his fine shirt. He didn’t seem to mind as he not only accepted my tight embrace but reciprocated it with equivalent intensity. Without saying much, we shared our grief, guilt and inner turmoil which we had both kept inside our souls for far too long. We didn’t need to seek forgiveness from others or from each other but from our own selves as we were not to blame for this tragic accident which had claimed Anthony’s life. For the first time, I had bid my true farewell to Anthony without being forced into it but because I wanted to liberate myself from years of accumulated guilt burdening my psyche. I wanted Albert to be liberated from his guilt too because it wasn’t his fault. How could anyone have predicted that such a horrific event would have unfolded within a fraction of a second? I wanted to comfort Albert that moment as he had always comforted me throughout these years but I was lost for words. All I did was cry incessantly locking my arms around Albert’s firm body. My head was pressing against his chest to the point where I could hear his heart beating rapidly. I could hear my heart beating just as fast. I’ll never forget the fragrance emanating from him. I don’t know whether he was wearing cologne or if it was the wind carrying the scent of the roses encircling us but I felt that our bodies had become one just like our inner pain and suffering. I wanted the pain to end but not our embrace. As usual, however, Albert was the one who tried to assume the role of the sensible being and pulled back albeit gently. He wiped the tears from my eyes with his long pearl-white fingers and looked at me with those sky-blue eyes of his. He then proposed we go back into the study room as it was getting dark. He was worried that I would catch a cold because the temperature had fallen. But for me, all I could feel was infinite warmth and tenderness in the arms of the man who means the world to me and I want him by my side all the time for the rest of my life.
Hi Ms Puddle! I had sent my entry to your email address a couple of days ago but I’ll also post it in this comment section because I haven’t received a reply form you and I’m not sure you have received it.
A brief introduction about my story first..
In my opinion, this drawing is based on Candy’s first reaction to Albert’s confession about being the Prince of the Hill. I could be wrong but my story is based on this assumption.
Candy’s Diary-
There’s no way I can get any sleep tonight even though I’m tired from all the work and then putting the kids to bed. I love those kids but they can be so boisterous!
The fact that Albert is the Prince is something which still can’t sink in. How did I not realize it sooner?
We’ve spent more than two years living together and not once had it ever crossed my mind that he was my prince. Needless to mention the times I’ve spoken to him about this mysterious lad adorned with the traditional Scottish costume. Albert just stood there listening to me going on and on and on about this beautiful boy with the bright blonde hair and crystal blue eyes.
However, there were times when Albert’s eyes and gentle voice did remind me of someone but with all the trials and tribulations I had to go through, I just didn’t have the peace of mind to put two and two together and solve this mystery which was in front of me all the time.
After the train accident, Albert’s appearance as well as his character seemed different to me. First off, his hair was naturally blonde and not that darker hue I had known. Was he dying his hair? Why would he do that? I want to ask him more about that. Of-course, he’s not a criminal and thankfully it’s been proven that he was never a spy on the train en route to Italy but I still can’t understand why all that hiding and the disguise. He even wore strange dark glasses to conceal his identity. What would make someone want to hide his identity to such an extent? I have the impression that his disguise is also linked to his escapism. He just left for Africa without telling anyone about it-not even his most loyal caseworker, George. When we meet again, I am going to confront him with all my questions. I’ll refrain from doing so in writing because it will probably make him too uncomfortable. Albert tends to avoid getting too personal and talking about his life but I’m determined to find a way to open his heart. I’ll just have to find a way to do it tactfully..
Come to think of it, I could completely off the bat suggest we go to Lakewood but maybe that would be too bold.. What about dropping a few hints here and there asking about his experience in Africa? Who was that young blonde American nurse who looked like me? Was she his girl-friend? No, I can’t ask him that question. That would be so rude!
But I got to admit that I am a bit jealous about the women in Albert’s life. It had never bothered me before but it sure does bug me now! On the other hand, I have no right to impose on Albert’s personal life because he’s had to put up with my past loves. How many times have I talked about them to Albert.. At least I had also been talking a lot about the Prince too. But still.. It’s a bad idea talking about former loves to the man you’re now in love with. But I didn’t know then. To me, Albert was my best friend-almost like a brother-at least that is what I believed or wanted to believe..
I might as well admit it that Albert was always someone very special to me. Even though our relationship was heavily based on friendship, it irrevocably turned into something much more intimate during our time living together at the House of Magnolia.
Albert is such a beautiful man and I had noticed many women looking at him at the hotel resort in Florida. A tall and elegant young lady was flirting with him and that got me so angry to the point that I didn’t want to be in that same photograph with him. I went next to George to be taken a photograph with him, instead. I know.. My behavior was so childish but I just couldn’t help it. I was frigid on the train back to Chicago too. Albert tried to deal with it with his well-known humor by trying to laugh it off but that made me even angrier. In retrospect, I’m relieved that Albert is such a calm and gentle person and knows how to maintain his resolve. I wish I were as cool-headed and calm as he is.
After my silly antics over there at the resort, I was certain that Albert wouldn’t want to have anything to do with me and I wouldn’t blame him. He had gone out of his way to clear my name from that theft accusation. He even got Mrs Lagan to declare in public that she was wrong for having called me a thief. How did I repay him? By behaving like a spoiled brat and getting jealous over other women swooning at him. It would be natural for women to find Albert attractive and it isn’t his wealth alone. He’s tall, athletic, eloquent and cultivated. He’s got such a beautiful face with that warm smile and stunning blue eyes which are like the clear blue sky.
When I had lost hope of ever seeing him again, Albert suddenly appeared at Pony’s Home and the directors and I were so shocked but also delighted to see him. When the directors went to the kitchen to prepare a meal for us, Albert suggested that he and I go to Pony’s Hill and the rest is history..
He was obviously nervous but he didn’t have to try too hard to remind me of the Prince. By looking at him and standing in front of him on Pony’s Hill everything became clear to me and I instantly knew who he was-or who he has always been. He’s the true Prince of my heart but I have no idea how I’m going to be able to say that to him. Does he feel the same about me or will he just laugh it off?
I hope I manage to somewhat sleep this off and wake up afresh and with a much better approach to this situation. I don’t want to ruin my chance with the man I love. Not this time. So, I’ll be patient and see how it goes. One step at a time..
I hope he replies to my letter soon.
End of story (for now..).
Hi Michelle, my honour indeed! 🤗
You’re right I’m unaware that you have sent your entry to me. I’m working right now so might check my junk folder later.
I’ll definitely read this asap and thanks again for submitting this 👍
It’s my honor writing a story for your fantastic blog.🙏
I hope you like my story. This version is slightly ‘trimmed’ because I edited some phrases which seemed rather verbose. You’ll find the lengthier version sent to your email address.
A few of my friends on F/B and Insta want to submit an entry too but they got your message on such short notice. Maybe you should provide an extension to your deadline because I only got your invite a couple of days ago. As we’re all working during the week, a further week’s extension would be forthcoming, provided that it’s also convenient for you.
Alternatively, you could post one of the entries already submitted by Albert’s (alleged) birthday on the 28th of June and give the opportunity for more people to post their fanfic. This is a suggestion because a few of my friends are intrigued by your request and they would like to have a bit more time to write a story worth submitting.
Hi Michelle I forgot to mention that if there would be more entries to come I’d better not comment on each one. Let me update my post and shift the deadline to July 5. Thanks for your suggestion. I’ll try to stick to my original idea of posting only one entry, but nothing is set in stone. 😉
Glad to be of help. I hope I’m not putting you in any inconvenience. Extending the deadline to July 5 is sensible, IMO.
Don’t worry about providing immediate feedback. As you have astutely pointed out, this is a hobby and not a life-determining activity or a bread-winning job. We’re here to have fun and enjoy our discussions. Beyond that, however, there’s a personal and social life to focus on. We all understand that-at least those who actually have a personal life and don’t obsess over fictional characters during their menopausal stage.
Thanks again and your idea for this fanfic competition is a really cool idea.👍
Yes indeed we are here to have fun. Well said, @Michelle. Most of us experience a fair share of stress in our lives after all.
Hello Michelle, I’ve read your story already and thank you it’s very nice! 👏
I like your idea. Initially I wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested so I didn’t want to wait too long. However, I can extend the deadline but please post the stories here for everyone to read, if your friends don’t mind. 🤗
On the contrary, many of my friends on social media are interested but you had posted the notification only a couple of days ago. I got my notification on the 24th of June and today is the 26th. It’s virtually impossible to get a story ready as we work from Monday to Friday.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I really appreciate it.
I should be the one who thank you, Michelle! I still can’t find your email. Glad that you’ve posted it here instead 👍
Just read your fanfic and it’s so well-written. Love the details about Candy’s insecurities and ambivalence in communicating with Albert without appearing too overbearing. How long did it take you to write that story given the fact that you didn’t have much time?
Very nice of you to say, Sarah. Thank you!
It didn’t take me long to write that story, surprisingly. I got it done in the morning before heading off to work. Yeah.. I’m one of those who read the paper and do all types of work (writing, editing, etc) on the kitchen table even during meals. My husband does the same, so there are no grievances.😉
What about you? Are you going to submit one?
I don’t know. It depends on my very limited free-time. I’ll try to get one in since @Ms Puddle has been kind enough to provide an extension.
Thank you Sarah for considering! 👍
Hi Ms Puddle, I should manage to get a story completed in a few days. Thanks for extending the deadline because it wouldn’t have been possible for me to write a story until the 28th of June. I’ve got something in mind.
Wonderful, @Sarah! Looking forward to reading your entry 👍
Hello Ms Puddle,
It’s been a while since we last discussed but I’ve been immensely busy at work. Thank you for uploading that beautiful illustration of Candy thinking about Albert. The fact that she’s lost her sleep is yet another indication that she’s becoming more and more attracted to Albert. From her very first letter to him, she has no qualms in revealing that she had never forgotten her lovely prince and she’s overjoyed to know that it’s been her dearly beloved Albert all along.
As I’m not much of a writer but a lawyer, I’ll give it a go in writing my first fanfic even though it’s a very brief one. This is how I imagine Candy would have written about Albert in her diary based on the textual evidence already available in the Epilogue of the CCFS:
“Dear Diary,
Much has happened in my life but these past few years have been one of the most fascinating. Despite having been rather upset about Albert hiding the truth about his identity after recovering his memory, I began to understand his intentions and I’m grateful that he’s finally opening up to me. There are still so many unanswered questions though. I won’t pressure him too much and wait patiently for him to reveal more and more about himself.
Each person is different and I should not expect that Albert would be just as extrovert and talkative as I am. On the other hand, he has such a wonderful character and I love the ways in which he always respects me. In all our years living together at the Magnolia, he never made any advances nor lost his temper against me.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t received the same treatment from Terry even though I loved him so much. When times were good, he was great to be with but when times were difficult for him, Terry would often resort to verbally or even physically abusing me, especially when he got drunk. Back then I was only a vulnerable child and didn’t know any better but to accept Terry’s abuse against me. I probably thought that my love for him would have sufficed to make him less violent and self-destructive. I was wrong, however. When a man hits a woman once, he’ll definitely do it again. Anyway, I’m glad that he’s found solace in Susanna and his decision to take care of her is noble of him. Hopefully, he won’t get into the temptation of drinking again and resorting to his violent acts. He will eventually have to learn to deal with his problems and battle his own personal demons. I wish him and Susanna all the best in their life together.
As for me, I have decided to move on and focus on furthering my relationship with a man I have fallen profoundly in love with even though I hadn’t realized it, initially. My relationship with Albert was supposed to be that of a brother and sister living together but that was never the case. We were simply fooling ourselves but we never had the courage to express what we really felt for one another. I’m sure Albert had been reluctant in expressing his feelings for me due to my painful separation with Terry. I had unintentionally driven Albert further away from me because he had thought that I wasn’t over Terry. That wasn’t true though. I am over and done with that phase in my life and I have no regrets. My only regret is that I should have been more upfront with Terry and I should have never tolerated any of his abuse. As an adult woman, I have the maturity to know what’s right for me and I deserve the respect that I, in turn, give to others. That passive little teenager back at St Paul’s is nothing but a distant memory. My present lies with the man I truly love and that’s been my beautiful prince all along.
What makes Albert a “prince” is neither his social status or material wealth but his remarkable character and kind disposition. He is a true man who knows how to respect women and his love for nature is something I share deeply with him. I hope we unite our lives and live somewhere in nature for the rest of our lives.
I’ll end this trail of thoughts with a wish that Albert will manage to find some free time to visit me at Pony’s Home again soon. I’m now sure that he’ll do whatever possible to make that happen even though he’s not particularly expressive about it. I’ll also try to find a way to see him in Chicago again very soon. Besides, Chicago is not too far away from here. Despite my complaining, I know that Albert has so many responsibilities as head of the Ardlay family. Yet, he always manages to squeeze in a bit of time for me irrespective of his highly demanding career as a business entrepreneur. When we meet again, I’ll give him back my diary as a token of my love and respect for him-just as he had returned his badge to me.
I can’t wait for that moment and I should forget being able to sleep tonight..”
There goes my first fanfic.
I’m looking forward to your feedback.
Thanks, in advance.
Wow, @Lakewood, I feel so honoured to have received your first ever fanfic. 🤗 It’s basically a summary of Candy’s feelings for Albert in the Epilogue and her determination to leave Terry behind. You’ve nailed it! By then she was truly looking forward to seeing Albert again to return her diary. After all, she was already over Terry and could sincerely wish him happiness living with Susanna.
Bravo! 👏👍
Thank you, Ms Puddle. I’m glad you like it. As mentioned before, I simply relied on what was already going on in the CCFS. It’s obvious that Candy had fallen deeply in love with Albert. The relationship between the two of them may be much more complex than her brief teenage fling with Terry but it’s far more meaningful and worthwhile.
Can’t agree with you more about Candy’s relationship with Albert, Lakewood! Thanks again for submitting your story despite your hectic schedule 🤗
I have enjoyed reading this one. Well done @Lakewood. For a lawyer, your fan-fiction is very intriguing. You’ve developed Candy’s character into a more intellectual and empowered woman who is mature and knows what she wants and that’s a real man who knows how to respect women and not beat and demean them as Terry does when he loses his temper and heads for the bottle.
Interesting story and analysis @Lakewood. I’m pleased to see that you’ve elucidated the meaning of the word “prince” and what its significance was to Candy. She called him like that not because she was expecting some knight in shining armor to save his damsel in distress but because this mysterious lad was so kind and considerate to her after seeing her crying alone on Pony’s Hill. She loved both his voice and smile so much because they excited her and alleviated her emotional pain.
Thank you for your positive feedback @Ms Puddle, @DanielleV and @Myra. I consider that Candy had moved on in her life and she wasn’t that same naive girl being a passive recipient to the abuse of toxic white-privileged males. Instead, she was gradually becoming more mature and learning to value herself more.
Hello Ms Puddle,
It’s been a while since we last discussed but I’ve been immensely busy at work. Thank you for uploading that beautiful illustration of Candy thinking about Albert. The fact that she’s lost her sleep is yet another indication that she’s becoming more and more attracted to Albert. From her very first letter to him, she has no qualms in revealing that she had never forgotten her lovely prince and she’s overjoyed to know that it’s been her dearly beloved Albert all along.
As I’m not much of a writer but a lawyer, I’ll give it try in writing my first fanfic even though it’s a very brief one. This is how I imagine Candy would have written about Albert in her diary based on the textual evidence already available in the Epilogue of the CCFS:
“Dear Diary,
Much has happened in my life but these past few years have been one of the most fascinating. Despite having been rather upset about Albert hiding the truth about his identity after recovering his memory, I began to understand his intentions and I’m grateful that he’s finally opening up to me. There are still so many unanswered questions though. I won’t pressure him too much and wait patiently for him to reveal more and more about himself.
Each person is different and I should not expect that Albert would be just as extrovert and talkative as I am. On the other hand, he has such a wonderful character and I love the ways in which he always respects me. In all our years living together at the Magnolia, he never made any advances nor lost his temper against me.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t received the same treatment from Terry even though I loved him so much. When times were good, he was great to be with but when times were difficult for him, Terry would often resort to verbally or even physically abusing me, especially when he got drunk. Back then I was only a vulnerable child and didn’t know any better but to accept Terry’s abuse against me. I probably thought that my love for him would have sufficed to make him less violent and self-destructive. I was wrong, however. When a man hits a woman once, he’ll definitely do it again. Anyway, I’m glad that he’s found solace in Susanna and his decision to take care of her is noble of him. Hopefully, he won’t get into the temptation of drinking again and resorting to his violent acts. He will eventually have to learn to deal with his problems and battle his won personal demons. I wish him and Susanna all the best in their life together.
As for me, I have decided to move on and focus on furthering my relationship with a man I have fallen profoundly in love with even though I hadn’t realized it, initially. My relationship with Albert was supposed to be that of a brother and sister living together but that was never the case. We were simply fooling ourselves but we never had the courage to express what we really felt for one another. I’m sure Albert had been reluctant in expressing his feelings for me due to my painful separation with Terry. I had unintentionally driven Albert further away from me because he had thought that I wasn’t over Terry. That wasn’t true though. I am over and done with that phase in my life and I have no regrets. My only regret is that I should have been more upfront with Terry and I should have never tolerated any of his abuse. As an adult woman, I have the maturity to know what’s right for me and I deserve the respect that I, in turn, give to others. That passive little teenager back at St Paul’s is nothing but a distant memory. My present lies with the man I truly love and that’s been my beautiful prince all along.
What makes Albert a “prince” is neither his social status or material wealth but his remarkable character and kind disposition. He is a true man who knows how to respect women and his love for nature is something I share deeply with him. I hope we unite our lives and live somewhere in nature for the rest of our lives. I just can’t wait to see him again. I know I have been nagging him to see me again here at Pony’s Home but I just can’t help expressing how much I want to be with him again. Since we have promised to share everything together, I am keeping that promise and sharing my feelings of longing with him. I’m so happy that he’s also starting to express his feelings for me too. He’s difficult but with time he’ll become more open with me. I know where his heart lies and he doesn’t need to say it in words as I see his love for me in actions and above all, in his utmost respect for me.
I’ll end this trail of thoughts with a wish that Albert will manage to find some free time to visit me at Pony’s Home again soon. I’m now sure that he’ll do whatever possible to make that happen even though he’s not particularly expressive about it. I’ll also try to find a way to see him in Chicago again very soon. Besides, Chicago is not too far away from here. Despite my complaining, I know that Albert has so many responsibilities as head of the Ardlay family. Yet, he always manages to squeeze in a bit of time for me irrespective of his highly demanding career as a business entrepreneur. When we meet again, I’ll give him back my diary as a token of my love and respect for him-just as he had returned his badge to me.
I can’t wait for that moment and I should forget being able to sleep tonight..”
It appears that you have attracted that same old psychotic Terry-troll again, Ms Puddle.😂 That poor old woman is really obsessed with you. Apparently, her blog isn’t doing too well and she’s jealous of yours which attracts so much participation. Just ignore her. She’s pathetic.
My dear Diary💓💓💓💓💓
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? ON THE DAY OF ALBERT’S BIRTHDAY I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM T.G.!!!! I HAVE BIG NEWS… I AM PACKING MY THINGS🧳🧳🧳🧳… THE WEDDING WILL BE IN TWO WEEKS HERE AT PONY`S AND AFTER THAT I WILL GO WITH HIM TO STRATFORD AVON AVON… ALBERT WILL GIVE ME AWAY! I CANNOT SLEEP! MY HAPPINESS IS HERE! INSIDE THIS LETTER! I HAVE NOT CHANGED EITHER!!!💘💘💘💘💘💘
Good try, but unfortunately you have completely misunderstood my request.
It wasn’t about Albert’s birthday at all. It was about something Albert had done to Candy which made her unable to fall sleep. My fanart was based on a letter in CCFS that has absolutely nothing to do with Terry or T.G..
In case you’re unaware, by then Candy has undoubtedly changed and moved on in her life.
Try again if you like. Just so you know, if it’s about Terry or has nothing to do with any letter in CCFS, I will simply ignore your entry.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
I don’t think, I have misunderstood your request Puddles. You said to send you what in our view would have been Candy’s entry in her diary and the day of Albert’s birthday. And that is what I imagined she’d write. As far as I know, I’m the only one who actually bothered to read your entire post. The rest were busy, like little housewives to start their weekly Terry fan bashing, LMAO!
Let me clarify. I present my fanart for Albert’s birthday but the diary entry is NOT about his birthday. It’s something about a letter in CCFS.
Thanks for reading my post even though you have misunderstood it, but you know you’re not the only one responding to my request. I know someone else is actually considering writing too. At least she has no problem understanding that it is not about Albert’s birthday.
You appear to have a vitriolic stalker @Ms Puddle. That desperate Terry-fan probably got bored with her anime character and has found a new object of desire in you. She’s been after you for quite a long time. Talk about commitment.
🤣🤣🤣
Just ignore that clown. She’s not worth any of your time.
By the way, I’ve sent my entry to your email address. Have you received it? I’ll post my entry in this comment section too just in case.
Anyhow, I leave you to continue your Albert worship. Pardon my naughtiness. I felt sorry for reading your enthusiastic post and no-one really paying any attention to it.
No I don’t worship any fictional character, LOL, not even Albert or Candy. My blog is mainly about them just because I enjoy reading their love story.
Why would you feel sorry? I did not have a high expectation. At the end of the day, nobody can force anyone to do anything. Besides, blogging is just one of my many hobbies. 😉
Ms Puddle, you missed posting some of my comments! LOL! It’s ok. Most probably, you won’t post this one either. But you leave your troll readers comments without censor against me. Anyhow, I don’t expect much from an Alfan. See, how a little post from me and everyone rushed to write an entry. You deserve more than the same old pissy comments under your every post. You must be getting tired of the same Terry bashing posts every single time. 😛
Triggered much, you filthy old hag? With all those slaps and punches you keep on getting from your drunken actor, you shouldn’t be complaining about a few bashes. Besides, you like the abuse and keep begging for more.
Admit it.. You’re fascinated with this blog because yours sucks as no one gives a rat’s ass about the junk you post.
You’re not a hater. You’re a fan.😉
You again, hag? What’s wrong? Haven’t you taken your medication today? You seem awfully triggered. Well, that’s what you get for stalking other people and their forums. I would have advised you to get a life and stop being such a loser and sugar momma for lazy dudes but at your old age, that’s too late.
It’s as the saying goes: “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
@Ms Puddle: Please ignore that miserable old Terry troll. She’s that same psychopathic granny who keeps on trying to pollute your blog with her brain-dead and monotonous shitposts. Her obsession with you is creepy and it’s obvious that she has far too much free-time, hence, lurking and spying over your social media 24/7. She’s a cesspool in appearance and in character.
In response to your request, a couple of friends of mine want to submit an entry but they would prefer to write in Spanish. Is that alright with you? Mine is in English but I need a couple of days to convert it into a form worth submitting. I should have it ready during the weekend when I’m not at work. Do you want us to submit it here or via email?
Thanks Lynn and please tell your friends that Spanish stories are welcome too! As I said to Michelle please post it here if you don’t mind. 🤗 Thank you for trying 👍
Awesome! I had been wondering whether you wanted us to post our entries here or send them to you at your email address. My friends wanted to know your email but I told them that I would ask you first. Good to know that they can post here directly.
No need to thank me because I didn’t even have to try. My friends contacted me about your blog on their own accord.
Thanks again @Lynn and I’m looking forward to hearing from your friends soon 👍
You’re confused, you poor “anonymous” Terry-troll. Your letter about Terry should have been about the ways you enjoy getting beaten up by drunken douche-bags such as him. Too bad your already feeble mind got dislocated along the way.😉
Nice to hear from you again @Ms Puddle. I always enjoy reading your post. Needless to say that this new drawing of yours is fantastic.
I’m no longer working at home because the lock-down has been eased. Many people aren’t taking this virus seriously and that’s so annoying. Even some of my own friends believe that we’re not in too much danger of this virus because we’re in our early 30s. Just because we aren’t 50-60 yet doesn’t mean that we’re not immune to this lethal virus.
Although I’m glad that i can resume my daily jogging and other outdoor sports no longer worried about breaking the quarantine, I’m concerned with the ways in which so many people are not protecting themselves and others from this pandemic. Easing the lock-down doesn’t mean resuming normality but resuming work and other necessary activities whilst maintaining all precautionary measures.
I’ll get back to you regarding my thoughts about your drawing and how it’s connected to Candy and Albert as their relationship is furthered on and developing into a deeper and far more meaningful bond. Interestingly enough, the two ladies responsible for translating the Spanish CCFS specified that after the correspondence between Candy and Albert, the nature of their relationship becomes far more complex and profound. Nagita herself had also clarified that she wanted the Epilogue to go after Terry’s brief note because she wanted to establish a greater impact.
Both the translators and the author are spelling this out but some delusional fans continue to stubbornly and stupidly believe that there’s nothing going on between Candy and Albert. I wouldn’t be surprised if those fans are also Flat-Earthers. Lol
Hi @Myra, thank you for your encouraging feedback! 🤗 I’m looking forward to hearing from you about your thoughts on my new drawing 👍
I totally agree with the translators’ remarks concerning Candy and Albert’s relationship in the Epilogue. @Myra, you might be right that those stubborn fans could also be the same people who claim the Earth is flat, lol 😁
Unfortunately, as you said, many people around the world do not take this virus seriously, and I’ve read different stories that some people down in US still believe the lies that this virus is fake. 🙄
For us we just do our best to protect ourselves and continue to be vigilant.
Thank you for your reply @Ms Puddle. I agree with you about the need to be vigilant against this virus but many people tend to be reckless against others and against their health. They’re just too ignorant and this is having an impact on all of us.
Precisely, and this happens to the people in our neighboring country too. Glad that our borders will remain closed for an extended period.
As for those stubborn and silly fans who continue to rant about Candy and Albert not displaying any romantic feelings for each other, even if Nagita told them to their faces that Candy’s partner is Albert, they would still deny it. Their attempts to dismantle and disparage the Epilogue as well as all those references to Albert are pathetically desperate. Nonetheless, what matters is the author’s voice and not their ridiculous opinion.
Hahaha, you’re probably right, @Myra. They likely continue to keep their eyes blind or their ears deaf. It’s their choice and IMHO the author has said enough, both in her novel and latest interviews. 😉
Perhaps it’s their defense mechanism because they fail to cope with reality. Their obsession with Terry is unhealthy to say the least. Apparently, many of us are fond of Albert as well as other characters in the novel but our lives aren’t reliant upon any of those characters of this story, whether it be Terry or Albert or anyone else. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t mind at all if Candy had chosen Terry or Albert as her partner. However, the author has decided to keep it an open ending and there’s nothing that those crazy Terry fans can do about it. No matter how hard they try to force-feed their ridiculous claims, people are intelligent enough to simply brush them aside as one does with an insignificant albeit annoying gnat.
Hello Ms Puddle and thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork with us.🙏
Concerning the CC characters’ date-of-birth, Keiko Nagita doesn’t offer any information apart from vaguely explaining some age differences between the characters. For example. Anthony was 2 years older than Candy, Archie was the same age as Anthony and Stear was 2 years older than his brother-which would make him 4 years older than Candy, apparently.
We never get to know how old Terry is. Candy only mentions that he seems more ‘manly’ than Anthony, presumably, because he was older. Maybe he was as old as Stear because they were attending the same classes at St Paul’s. We get to know how old Albert is because he mentions that he was 17 when Candy was 6, therefore, they’ve got an 11-year age difference which is quite common between couples. Take Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, for instance. They actually remind me a bit of the relationship between Candy and Albert, not only because there’s also an 11-year age difference between them but because their relationship is based on mutual humor, respect and companionship. The teasing going on between Blake and Ryan reminds me a lot of the teasing and jokes exchanged between Candy and Albert.
You’re right about Blake Livesly & Ryan Reynolds. They’re such an adorable couple and their pranks on social media are hilarious. Their teasing is mutual and friendly and it’s got nothing to do with the nasty and one-sided teasing Terry deployed against Candy. Come to think of it, there was never any reciprocal teasing between Candy and Terry as she was always on the receiving end of his nastiness. However, the jokes and pranks between Candy and Albert were always mutual and of good intention. Terry would constantly demean and belittle Candy-physically and psychologically-but Albert would never stoop as low as Terry because he respected Candy and he respected his own self.
@Jesse, yes I completely agree with you about the one-sided teasing Terry deployed against Candy. She was probably either too young or naïve to know any better. With Albert, she practically did the same to him, especially after her discovery of his true identity. It was after his confession that she became less annoying and more forgiving.
Her feelings for Terry had changed significantly by the time she wrote her mental letter to Anthony. She said she was strongly attracted to this guy and learned a different kind of love from him.
Well said, Ms Puddle. If you have read the Spanish translation, you may have noticed that the translators have used the phrase “someone I was attracted to” and not “someone I fell in love with” in Candy’s mental letter to Anthony. The Spanish translation hasn’t leaned on Terry as the Italian one did. Instead, it retains the ambiguity of the original novel without giving any leverage to Terry.
When it comes to Candy’s passivity towards Terry’s demeaning trolling at her expense, don’t forget that Candy was an orphan without any reliable support group. She had no mother or father to confide in and seek advice. Many of us have been fortunate enough to have our parents or siblings as well as close friends to confide in when we were facing issues during our adolescence. Candy, however, didn’t really have anyone to turn to for help. She had no parents or siblings, her directors were far away in the United States, and Albert had left for Africa. He was never a father-figure to her or anyone else because he was a young and an immature person himself. He just wanted to make sure Candy and everyone else was fine so he can pursue his own dreams in Africa away from everyone.
As for Candy’s friends, she never confided in Annie or Patty. She even admits so herself in the novel where she explains that Albert was the only one she had opened up to. She had never opened up to Terry and that’s why he was shocked when Stear told him the whole truth about Candy’s predicament and what a rough life she had. This is what prompted him to help Candy because he suddenly realized that she hadn’t been truthful to him about her multiple problems. He thought that Candy may have been an orphan but at least she had been properly adopted by parents as Annie was. This wasn’t the case though and Terry discovered that Candy had been hiding most of her feelings and details of her life from him. She was just as tight-lipped with the rest of her friends, including Annie and Patty.
This may also explain why Candy became angry with Albert after his revelation as the “Grand Patriarch” of the Ardlays. In the third section of the novel, Candy complains about having expected Albert to trust and confide in her as she had done with him. She had opened up to him but he remained reserved. His intention wasn’t to hurt her but she was hurt eventually by his refusal to be honest and upfront with her. He had promised to share everything with her and she keeps on reminding him of that because she’s so hurt to the point that she even refused to stand beside him in that photograph taken at the Florida Hotel Resort. Albert got to understand how seriously angry Candy is at him and, presumably, this is the reason why he decided to tell her that he’s POTH. Candy kept wanting more from Albert so she kept on pressuring him to become even more open with her. No woman or man would ever urge someone else to be so open with them unless there was some form of sexual attraction and romantic feelings brewing.
That’s interesting, @Jesse, because if I remember correctly Candy in Japanese version said she had been *strongly* attracted to that guy (without writing his name). Soon after that she wrote in some cases people couldn’t see each other even though both were alive. She sounded so matter-of-fact (showed no emotions) too. Is it the same in the Spanish version?
My sentiments exactly about Candy having no guidance during her adolescence. You brought up an important point too, that Candy could confide in Albert but not her other friends, including Terry. Well said, @Jesse. 👏 I don’t have much to add, except to remind others that Candy had told only Anthony and Albert about the mysterious Prince on the Hill.
About why Albert decided to tell her that he’s POTH, I figure that Candy’s anger was not the only reason. I think something significant had happened during their trip to Miami, and I let my imagination run wild when writing my fanfic Peculiar Relationship.
Yes I agree with you that there was sexual tension between the two. They were undoubtedly more than just friends by then. In fact, if Albert had no romantic feelings for Candy, he would have casually revealed this last secret and might even tell her to forget about the childish dream, as I have explained in another post before. 😉
Thank you @Sarah 😊
About the birthdays in CCFS, I remember Candy mentioned Anthony had died as a fifteen-year-old, right? I will double check CCFS later tonight.
Otherwise, I think the age differences you’ve provided are correct. This reminds me, do you think Susanna was as old as Terry?
I like the beautiful couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively too! Speaking of age gaps, I personally know a few couples with age gaps around ten years or more. 😉 As you said, it’s not uncommon at all.
The ten-year age difference is a nothing burger as it always has been throughout human history. During Candy’s times, it was actually a very small age gap since most men were much older than their spouse. Even in our times we have loads of examples of men and women dating and getting married to partners even 20 years younger or older than them. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is madly in love with Ewan McGregor and their age gap is over 13 years. He has even divorced his wife who’s about the same age as him to marry the much younger and far more beautiful Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Idk.. I’ve noticed that a few of those Terry fans get too hyper and hysterical about the loving relationship between Candy and Albert. They keep on screaming about the age difference which is so asinine from their part. 10-11 years is nothing as so many people in their 20-30s become attracted to people in their 30-40s and vice-versa. I gather that those Terry fans have probably been dumped or about to get dumped by their partners for a younger woman and that’s why they’re lashing out against Albert. Almost 100% of Terry’s fans are middle-aged and elderly women so perhaps their hatred against Albert is personal and involves their own failed sexual life and irreversible loss of youthfulness.
Just a thought.😉
Hahaha… seriously, @Sarah, I feel that they screamed about the age gap because Terry was much younger and they rather pair him with Candy. Their hatred against Albert was rooted in, may I say ‘jealousy’? 🙄 Decades ago, the end of manga showed that Candy did not reunite with Terry but instead, she was happily running to Albert’s open arms (the adult version of her Prince on the Hill).
What’s even worse is that those middle-aged Terry fans go out of their way to slut-shame younger women at every given opportunity. Yet, they fail to comprehend that people inevitably become attracted to men or women who are or look younger and fresh-faced. Terry, for example, would have never cast a second glance at those wrinkly middle-aged fans of his but focus on admiring the beauty of much younger consenting adult women.
Tbh, I’m glad that Terry isn’t a real person but a mere cartoon character. Otherwise, I would have felt so sorry for him for having such a whiny, annoying and demented fan-base, most of which are already senior citizens. They probably even need walking sticks to go on simple hiking trips. lol
Those poor ageing Terry-trolls are insanely jealous of younger women and they’ll stoop as low as possible to try to denigrate them. Fortunately, there are only those mere handful of middle-aged Terry fans who persistently try to deride Albert and all those people who are fond of such awesome men. Apparently, those poor old women live dreary lives with partners who are unattractive and downright boring as they themselves are just as old, unattractive and boring. That’s why they keep on fantasizing about getting beaten by douche-bags such as Terry because their real life is flatter than a pancake and they are alone in their own delusions and bizarre fantasies.
No matter how hard they try to shame and disparage the Albert-fans, those ageing Terry-fans lack the vigor, intelligence and dignity to understand that characters such as Terry are toxic, repulsive and outdated.
No modern woman who respects herself would ever fall for such a dude as Terry. That’s the reason why Terry’s appeal has declined so dramatically amongst the younger generations whereas highly educated, intelligent and dynamic men as Albert are not only appealing but inspire so much respect, especially among the younger and empowered women.
The bottom line is that those Terry-hags are already severely disadvantaged by time and progress, both of which are relentlessly hammering down on their idiotic and sick desires for women-beaters such as Terry. Those old women are so delusional that they actually believe that “passion” only derives from getting beaten and humiliated by toxic males such as Terry. Perhaps that’s the message they got from the men in their miserable lives. It’s likely that their father, brother or husband also beats and demeans them so they really have no other concept of what being respected and appreciated means since they have never been the recipient of either those two amazing qualities from anyone.
I agree with all of you and I’ll just add that you’ll find women who are infested with such internalized misogyny within the older generations. One’s background also plays a major role as well as environment when it comes to one’s upbringing.
That doesn’t mean that all women who are 50 and older fall into that sordid category. To be more specific, the older women of my social and personal environment are predominantly feminists and they have zero tolerance for such toxic guys such as Terry and Neal. These women have benefited from earning an academic education as well as excellent upbringing from their own parents who always encouraged them to be independent and never tolerate any form of abuse. In turn, these older people have encouraged people of my age and younger to be equivalently independent and erudite.
It’s all a matter of upbringing, mentality and most of all, one’s own initiative to promote his or her integrity and never allow any clownish Terry or Neal caricature to abuse it.
You gotta laugh at some of those fans. They keep on yapping about passion and they have never even experienced it. Sadly, they’re just living vicariously through a make-believe anime character and they’re acting like cats in heat over that pseudo-macho Terry-bozo.
Terry is not even a strong man. He pretends to be an alpha male but when times are getting tough, he becomes a whimpering puppy begging for a hug and some treats.
He only becomes abusive to those women who, unfortunately, tolerate it and that’s his mom and Candy.
When coming across strong women, however, Terry backs down and doesn’t dare provoke them. Even with Susanna, he’s so tender and respectful to her to the point of deciding to be by her side and tossing Candy aside like a used rag into the dumpster.
Let’s call it what it is.. Terry was never a real man but a melodramatic attention-seeking manchild with mommy and daddy issues.
Thank you for the update. You illustrations are getting better and better.👍👍
Are those birthdays from the manga because there’s no mention of specific dates in the novel? The Spanish version mentioned that Candy was born on the 5th of May but that was a translation error and the Arechi Manga editorial team rectified this issue in their next edition of the novel.
Sorry, meant to say *Your illustrations..”.
Thank you @DanielleV and I’m happy to know you like my new fanart 🤗
Yes the birthdays I mentioned were based on the manga version and the various artworks or publications around that time too.
Thank you for letting me know. It’s a bit strange that Nagita didn’t want to include any of the details surrounding the age and birth dates of the characters of her novel. What’s the point of her being so vague?
To me it’s ok to be vague about birthdays, @DanielleV, because not many well-known characters have their birthdays clearly written either. 😊
Glad you’re safe and working from your home, Ms Puddle. I’m back at work but I drive so as to avoid congestion via public transport. I’m trying to get used to that facial mask but with the rise in temperature it’s difficult.
As for your drawing, you’ve made Albert look absolutely stunning. No wonder Candy was captivated by his eyes which “are blue as the clear morning sky”.
She would probably be swooning over his eyes in her diary too because she never stops talking about his beautiful blue eyes. Interestingly enough, she never talked about Terry’s eye color. We only get to know the eye color of Candy, Anthony and Albert in the CCFS.
Hi @Lynn, I don’t like wearing facial mask either. I’ve tried both cotton ones and disposable surgical ones. However, despite the warm temperature I put on a mask whenever I go out now. 😷 No choice, I suppose. Best wishes to you too! 🤗
Thank you for your encouraging feedback and I spent quite a bit if time drawing Albert’s blue eyes. So glad that you noticed 😘
Yes Candy was apparently captivated by his eyes even when she was merely a little girl. In CCFS I thought only Anthony and Albert’s eye color was specified? I might have missed Candy’s eyes. 😅 Just know that she has bright colored hair, as mentioned when she returned to Lakewood with Georges as the adopted daughter.
Hi Ms Puddle,
You’re fortunate to have the opportunity to work from home. Your employer must be very conscientious. My colleagues and I have had to go back to work irrespective of the pandemic which has not appeased in the slightest. All we can do is take the necessary precautions and hope for the best. Those of us who are under 50 years old have been urged to go back to work but those who are in their late 40s and older are advised to work from home for the time-being because COVID-19 is far more lethal for those older people.
On a happier note, I really like your new fanart of Candy and Albert. They both look amazing. I’m not sure but this drawing may have been inspired by Candy’s letter to Albert after he signed his last letter as “Bert”. I think it’s her final letter to Albert where she says that she won’t be able to sleep that night but she wishes Albert a wonderful dream. She appears to be head over heels in love with him in that letter.😉
Interesting observation @Anita. I thought that Ms Puddle’s drawing is alluding to Candy’s first letter to Albert after she discovered that he’s been the “Prince of the Hill” all along because she ends her letter to Albert that she won’t be able to sleep that night due to her excitement.
I agree with you, Leda. It could be Candy’s first letter to Albert. Besides, both her first and her final letter to Albert end in a similar way that she will not be able to sleep. Candy explains in the Epilogue that she will not be able to sleep because she’s so elated after discovering that Albert is her POTH and that they are continuing their relationship even though they are apart. She’s made it clear that she is no afraid of farewells because she’s confident that she’ll see those who are dear to her again as long as they’re alive and well.
It’s a bit like a cycle, isn’t it? Her first and last letter to Albert seem to link so harmoniously together. Those fans (or trolls) who continue to scream and shout that there is no romance between Candy and Albert are either delusional or in denial or both.
Exactly! That “invisible bond” which had always enveloped Candy and Albert never diminished even when they were physically apart. On the contrary, readers can easily observe the yearning which is growing between Candy and Albert as they are so intent on seeing each other again. It’s silly that some of those pro-Terry trolls desperately try to downplay the significance of the Epilogue, yet, these are the same old trolls who desperately cling onto withered daffodils and a mere scrap of paper with the initials “T.G.”
Talk about double-standards.😉
That’s the problem with a few of those Terry fans. They only want to see their side of the story and ignore all the other compelling details in tandem with textual evidence pointing out that “anohito” could either be Terry or Albert. Keiko Nagita has made it very clear that she wants to maintain a duality in her novel where Candy-and not the fans-decides who she wants to be with. Case closed.
Yes @Michelle, these fans have turned their blind eyes and ignored the clear evidence in CCFS that Candy had developed feelings for Albert.
It’s alright. I won’t argue with anyone who believe their own lies. They’ve missed a significant section of the story and it’s their loss.
Yes, they are known to have double standards. In addition to what you said, @Anita, those who claimed that Albert was too busy for Candy have conveniently ignored the fact that Terry had put his career first and did not even try to visit Candy in Chicago. 😉
Can’t agree with you more, @Leda.
Yes @Anita in Candy’s first and last letters to Albert she said she would not be able to sleep, albeit for different reasons. Nevertheless, it was because of him, she happily ‘suffered from insomnia’. 😉
Hi @Leda in that letter Candy predicted that she wouldn’t be able to sleep that night. I wonder how the pro-Terry fans explained that 😉
They’ll probably try to spin-doctor it as they always do. Those pro-Terry fans are too predictable and monotonous. They’ll most certainly claim that Candy couldn’t sleep because she had eaten too many cheese & sausage pies and suffering from indigestion.😂
This is incredibly funny, @Leda… LOL 🤣
Brilliant comment, Leda! 😂 😂 😂
Relying on pro-Terry fans (not all of them) to make any form of logical assumption constitutes a futile and unavailing attempt. Even if Candy was pregnant with Albert’s third child, those fans would continue to deny that there’s anything romantic going on between those two gorgeous blondes. If you want to have a good laugh, check out some of their fatuous comments on social media. Grab some popcorn and enjoy their circus-freak show. 😎
Hi @Anita yes I’m fortunate. My company has offices around the world, including US, UK and India, and they want to make it consistent everywhere. Best wishes to you and your colleagues!
Thank you for your kind words and glad to hear you like my new drawing 🤗 I won’t reveal which letter until this Sunday afternoon.
To me, Candy was head over heels in love with Albert in the entire Epilogue 💕, haha.