Forget-Me-Not Chapter 2

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119 Responses

  1. Chiaroscuro says:

    Dear Ms Puddle,
    Thank you for resuming your creative content with regards to writing and drawing. It’s always a pleasure receiving further updates.
    I have enjoyed reading your most recent story and I have also found some time to catch up with your previous stories posted on your forum. Based on my reading of your work so far, I would say that “Peculiar Relationship” is by fay one of my favourite. However, there are so many others which I find just as rewarding to read such as “LNF”.
    Most grateful for your contributions and I anticipate further discussions with you as your perspectives are sensibly balanced, rational and intelligent. Your forum is a refreshing exception to various sordid and toxic ones slithering about. Your integrity and class definitely do not go unnoticed; on the contrary the educated and respectable critical readers of the CC community know how to appreciate your hard work and the high calibre of your character.
    With Kind Regards and Many Thanks.

    • Chiaroscuro says:

      Apparently, I meant to say [..by far one of my favourite..]. Pardon for that minor typing error and thank you again for your time.

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Thank you so much @Chiaroscuro for your kind words and positive feedback, and most of all, reading my fanfics❣️

      So glad you like “Peculiar Relationship” too. Some of my favourite fanarts are dedicated to this fanfic as well. 🤗 “Love Never Fails” is my longest and will always be special to me. 🥰

      • Chiaroscuro says:

        Have you ever considered drawing George? He’s arguably the most underrated character in the novel but I regard him as one of the most complex too. I’ve been reading from various online sources that the older versions of this novel had devoted extensive material concerning his youth and especially his unrequited love for Rosemary. Is this true? Whilst he being held in very high esteem in the new novel (even the rather cranky Aunt Elroy reveres him), it appears that much of his past and his character have been left to the imagination of the reader.

        • Chiaroscuro says:

          And here’s another typing error-or rather, omission..
          The final sentence needs a verb, apparently:
          [..Whilst he is being held in very high esteem in the new novel…].

        • Ms Puddle says:

          Thanks for asking, @Chiaroscuro! Yes, I really like Georges myself and even wrote a fanfic from his first person perspective.

          About drawing him though, I’m not sure at this point because the other artist and also fanfic writer Gosie has done excellent works by drawing Georges a few times already. I won’t rule him out yet, of course. 😉

          About Georges’ past, the story in the old novel, from my vague memory, is almost the same as in CCFS. The only differences are his unrequited love for Rosemary and his assistance to her elopement (which was also omitted in CCFS).

          Have you heard of the rumours circulated decades ago that Candy might be Rosemary’s illegitimate child? Because in the story Candy was told that she looked like Rosemary, remember?

          Perhaps because of that Nagita-sensei eliminated everything suggestive of their resemblance and if I’m not mistaken, in the novel nobody said Candy looked like Rosemary anymore.

          • Chiaroscuro says:

            Thank you for clarifying, Ms Puddle.

            As for various rumours circulating, I really don’t bother with any of them. My only concern is what the author says herself as well as her team of authorized professionals such as the editors and translators. When I refer to the editors and translators, I’ll reiterate that the only ones I take seriously with regards to the CCFS are the ones which have provided official translations of Nagita’s CCFS text and have been endorsed by her which are three being (in chronological order of publication) Kappalab, PIKA and Arechi Manga. Everything else is just noise. As for those who claim to be self-proclaimed Nagita ‘experts’ or so-called ‘scholars’ of Nagita, they are laughable to say the least. Needless to mention that those terms are utterly ridiculous and pitifully pretentious. It’s such a pity that those who use such pompous terms to adorn their ego aren’t ashamed or embarrassed for continuously humiliating themselves in the end. That simply shows the level of their unlimited imbecility and delusional disposition, both of which are probably ‘incurable’. They are divorced from any form of self-knowledge and self-awareness.

            Therefore, it doesn’t matter what sort of gossip or rumours disseminate online because they are not authorized, confirmed or endorsed by Keiko Nagita. Some delusional people can say whatever they want but no one in their right frame of mind takes them seriously.

            • Ms Puddle says:

              You’re absolutely right, @Chiaroscuro. Sadly some fans spread rumours with intentions to confuse readers or cause the fans of the other side to doubt. The aforementioned rumour concerning Rosemary and Candy was one of them, which started decades ago unfortunately.

  2. Lakewood says:

    Hello Ms Puddle,

    Wonderful chapter and artwork (I’m referring to the fanart from your previous post)!

    So far, your new fanfiction seems to be engaging and I like the way you have pronounced the growing tension between Candy and Albert. Delving into their thoughts and inner insecurities further develops their characters into well-rounded ones and not mere caricatures or tropes. TBH, I prefer this version of Candy who is less of a simplistic “happy-pants” but more of a relatable and intricate character who is capable of getting a bit wary and angry from time to time. Who doesn’t?

    IMO, I think that Candy was always too forgiving and tolerant of others who abused her physically and psychologically; she would easily forgive Eliza and Neil as she would easily forgive Anthony and Terry for having hit her. This could be a contributing reason for Candy having lukewarm-if not frigid-appeal to the younger generations of women because modern-day women would neither tolerate nor forgive anyone hitting and demeaning them. Some folks are stuck in the 70s and 80s but the world has moved on, thankfully, and so have mentalities.

    I’m looking forward to the progress of this new story you’re writing but without that having to compromise your much needed leisure time. Are you planning on going on vacation this summer? I hope you get some rest and recharge those batteries.

    Stay safe!

    • Myra says:

      Well said @Lakewood!

      In contrast to Candy’s previous relationships, Albert never abused Candy physically or psychologically. On the contrary, Albert always demonstrated utmost respect and gratitude to Candy.

      Needless to mention that it’s a refreshing note to see that modern day women – at least those who are erudite and respect themselves – have zero tolerance for toxic male characters who abuse women whether in fiction or in real life. As for those insignificant and decadent aging few who desperately try to advocate in favour of such toxic male characters, they are nothing but pitifully wretched creatures nobody holds in esteem or any form of infinitesimal respect.

      Apparently, you’re right about how times have changed even though some older folks are still fixated in the past. The world moves on, however, and that’s what matters. For those who lag behind and loiter, it’s their problem and nobody’s else’s.

      Hope you have a pleasant summer!

  3. Lakewood says:

    Hello Ms Puddle,

    Wonderful chapter and artwork (I’m referring to the fanart from your previous post)!

    So far, your new fanfiction seems to be engaging and I like the way you have pronounced the growing tension between Candy and Albert. Delving into their thoughts and inner insecurities further develops their characters into well-rounded ones and not mere caricatures or tropes. TBH, I prefer this version of Candy who is less of a simplistic “happy-pants” but more of a relatable and intricate character who is capable of getting a bit wary and angry from time to time. Who doesn’t?

    IMO, I think that Candy was always too forgiving and tolerant of others who abused her physically and psychologically; she would easily forgive Eliza and Neil as she would easily forgive Anthony and Terry for having hit her. This could be a contributing reason for Candy having lukewarm-if not frigid-appeal to the younger generations of women because modern-day women would neither tolerate for forgive anyone hitting and demeaning them. Some folks are stuck in the 70s and 80s but the world has moved on, thankfully, and so have mentalities.

    I’m looking forward to the progress of this new story you’re writing but without that having to compromise your much needed leisure time. Are you planning on going on vacation this summer? I hope you get some rest and recharge those batteries.

    Stay safe!

  4. Lakewood says:

    Hello Ms Puddle,

    Wonderful chapter and artwork (I’m referring to the fanart from your previous post)!

    So far, your new fanfiction seems to be engaging and I like the way you have pronounced the growing tension between Candy and Albert. Delving into their thoughts and inner insecurities further develops their characters into well-rounded ones and not mere caricatures or tropes. TBH, I prefer this version of Candy who is less of a simplistic “happy-pants” but more of a relatable and intricate character who is capable of getting a bit weary and angry from time to time. Who doesn’t?

    IMO, I think that Candy was always too forgiving and tolerant of others who abused her physically and psychological; she would easily forgive Eliza and Neil as she would easily forgive Anthony and Terry for having hit her. This could be a contributing reason for Candy having lukewarm-if not frigid-appeal to the younger generations of women because modern-day women would neither tolerate for forgive anyone hitting and demeaning them. Some folks are stuck in the 70s and 80s but the world has moved on, thankfully, and so have mentalities.

    I’m looking forward to the progress of this new story you’re writing but without that having to compromise your much needed leisure time. Are you planning on going on vacation this summer? I hope you get some rest and recharge those batteries.

    Stay safe!

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Hello @Lakewood, thank you so much for your positive feedback regarding my fanfic and fanart❣️

      To me, Candy is already more human in CCFS, where she’s actually angry at Albert when she discovered his identity. In the manga, it’s a very touching episode filled with beautiful illustrations, but Candy forgave Albert at once about lying to her. I guess back then Nagita-sensei was really pressured to end the story soon?

      About Candy’s forgiveness to Anthony and Terry, I absolutely agree with you. I think her love for those two is part of the reason. It’s the case for many women, even nowadays, when dealing with their abusive partners, not necessarily in North America but in Asia. Cultures still play significant roles, unfortunately.

      Thank you for asking about my vacation plan. I don’t know yet, because the current situation is still unstable. Perhaps I’ll think about road trips. 😉

      Take care and stay safe too, my friend 🤗

      • Lakewood says:

        Unfortunately, some women are too tolerant and, even worse, they tend to blame themselves for being victims of abuse. Some go as far as to believe that they deserved being hit as in Candy’s case where she kept on trying to pardon Anthony and Terry for having hit her. In both cases and especially in Anthony’s case, Candy believed that she deserved to be hit because Anthony was worried about her after she had run away. This is absolutely unacceptable because no one has the right to exert any form of physical and/or psychological abuse no matter how worried or stressed or ‘concerned’ he/she is. Abuse is abuse irrespective of the impetus or driving force behind it. Best to call it what it is. Therefore, nobody has the right to abuse another person and there are so many other ways to express one’s concern for someone else. Hitting someone does not mean love or concern; it means utmost disrespect, abuse and violence. End of.

        • Sarah says:

          That’s exactly the case @Lakewood and it appears that Candy remains way too tolerant when it comes to such forms of abuse in all versions of this story-manga, anime and novel.
          Perhaps the TOEI producers tried to modernize Candy a bit by making her less tolerant to such toxic masculinity and also by trying to convert her character into a more empowered and feminist one given the fact that the anime was addressing a 1980s instead of 1970s audience.
          It’s a pity though that Nagita made no effort to modernize and empower Candy, however, even though she had the liberty to do so being the sole author and exclusive intellectual property owner of this story. Apparently, certain mindsets do not manage to change and keep up with our progressive times even if they have all the available opportunities to do so.

          • Lakewood says:

            You’re making an excellent point and it could also explain the reason why the anime version of Candy’s character had a stronger and far more widespread appeal than the other versions.

            A similar situation has occurred in other stories as well such as the “Lord of the Rings” and “Last of the Mohicans”. In the film version of LOTR, Arwen’s character is far more dynamic and resourceful than the original text. Accordingly, the film version of the LOTM paints Cora in a more independent and rebellious light, as opposed to the original text where she’s more shy and timid.

            It’s often the case where subsequent versions of an original text not only receive equivalent but even greater acclaim. It’s ironic but not impossible. In the “Last of the Mohicans”, for example, most critics consider the film to be superior in terms of character development than the original text by Cooper. In this case, it seems that the director of the film has surpassed the author of the original text. Such a phenomenon does not constitute an isolated case.

            • Sarah says:

              Not isolated cases at all! On the contrary, there are many instances where the movie surpasses the novel. Even though I prefer reading the original text to watching the movie, there are quite a few movies which turned out to be much better than the novel it was originally based on. Naming but only a few, I would add the following movies to the two you’ve already mentioned:

              1. The Godfather;
              2. The Shining;
              3. Misery;
              4. No Country for Old Men;
              5. Blade-Runner.

              However, I do consider the Lord of the Rings trilogy to be a literary masterpiece which the movie, albeit close to perfection in terms of visuals, could never come close. Nonetheless, Peter Jackson did a fine job with Tolkien’s grand tale of Middle-Earth and I agree with you that his depiction of Arwen is different to the original (textual) one. I think that Arwen’s character in the movie is closer to Eowyn’s character in the trilogy.

              • Michelle says:

                I would agree with both of you and add another book by Stephen King which turned out to be much better as a film production which is “Christine”. Not that King isn’t an adept writer. On the contrary, he’s superb and one of the best in the relevant genre of horror and mystery. However, there are cases when the subsequent film productions manage to outshine the actual author.

                In Nagita’s case, the anime turned out to have far greater popularity than the manga and novel put together. Let’s face it.. Had it not been for the anime, hardly anyone would have bothered even casting a simple glance at the novel. Or rather, this story belongs to the category of a ‘light novel’ as specified in the Manga Barcelona Festival in 2020.

                https://tinyurl.com/3eve3h4w

                Either way, what captured the attention and appeal of so many kids and adolescents back in the 1970s and 1980s were the visuals and, in particular, the ‘eye Candy’ of the handsome male characters in Candy’s life as depicted in the anime and manga.

                Those who pretentiously try to downgrade the impact visuals and other forms of pictorial representations and cinematography have on people are simply deceiving themselves and no one else. There are instances where novels cannot stand on their own without the visual representation and Nagita’s CCFS is indisputably one of them. She even admits so herself in the “Author’s Note” of the CCFS and thus advices her readers to bring into mind Igarashi’s illustrations of her characters when reading the text. Unfortunately, the narrative techniques as deployed by the author did not suffice so as to liberate this text from the aforementioned visual impact and appeal. Unless the circumstances change anytime soon, the greatest majority of CC enthusiasts will remember and cherish the story of Candice White thanks to the anime. The manga would come as a distant second and the novel a very far away third..

                • Lakewood says:

                  Agreed. Much as I enjoyed reading Nagita’s novel, I can understand why it no longer appeals to the younger generations and it doesn’t appeal to the majority of older ones which had grown up with the anime either.

                  It’s beyond any shadow of a doubt that the story of Candy hasn’t aged well and the fact that Nagita decided not to provide a decent plot and definitive ending to the story sever the appeal of this novel even further.

                  For my part, I had no issue navigating myself through this narrative since I was already acquainted with the story from the anime and manga, beforehand. Yet, that’s the problem because this novel was supposed to disassociate itself from the anime and manga but it failed completely in both aspects. Needless to mention that this novel achieved the opposite effect in making the greatest majority of readers yearn for the anime and manga even more. The irony is rich in that respect.

                  Perhaps Nagita will revise her text and provide a novel of better quality content in the near future. Based on her interviews, she does not wish to write anything more about Candy but you never know as the material circumstances may change.

                  Nothing is set in stone.

            • Lynn says:

              Your example regarding the “Last of the Mohicans” is spot on, @Lakewood. At least in the case of James Fenimore Cooper’s book, it was purported to be more of a historical novel and less of an adventure story or romance. This is, arguably, one of the reasons why it was harder to follow than the aforesaid movie by Michael Mann; the book was apparently more ‘cumbersome’ than the lyrical style of the movie.

              Resuming to Keiko Nagita’s 2010 novel, however, the issue lies elsewhere as the story suffers from a severe lack of congruent plot and it’s also utterly devoid of an ending proper. Not even the most famous of writers would have ever dared to pull a stunt like that by bringing such profound disappointment and horrendously embittered online feuds amongst the fans.

              The question remains whether this mess ensued was made deliberately or inadvertently by the relevant parties involved in the making, editing and subsequent marketing of this novel. Much has been said (and interpreted) as many voices have been heard surrounding this debacle but there is no conclusive evidence to support any such claim or opinion.

          • Ms Puddle says:

            Interesting thoughts, @Sarah. 🤗 But if I’m not mistaken, the anime version started about a year after the manga was first serialized in Nakayoshi Magazine, so the anime was still in the 70s. They finished roughly the same time in 1978 or so. If I have time I’ll double check the dates. 😉

            Candy might be tolerant but she did fight back by hitting Terry too and scolded him harshly. The way she reacted to Anthony’s slap was such a huge contrast. 🤔

        • Ms Puddle says:

          I couldn’t agree more with you, @Lakewood, especially about the victims’ mindsets. Nobody has the right to use any form of abuse, regardless of their excuse.

          Speaking of which, I must say I was shocked when I first read that a gentle boy like Anthony would slap Candy out of anger. It goes without saying that he was still very immature. At least he apologized afterwards, and it never happened again.

  5. Jesse says:

    Hello!

    Pleased to read the second chapter of your updated fanfic. I am curious to know more about Albert’s alleged affair with this beautiful American nurse during his stay in Kenya. Even though Keiko Nagita wrote very little about her, it seems that this young lady had made quite an impression on Albert. I wonder why the author didn’t write more about her. To be fair though, Nagita did mention in her latest interview that she had intended to write much more about Terry and Albert (their past, in particular) but she had to disembark from that venture due to editorial constraints. That’s such a pity because I’m sure many readers would have wanted to know more about those two male characters which played such an important roles in Candy’s adolescent and adult life, respectively.

    Nonetheless, I’m glad there are adept writers like you around to shed some light into these characters even if it’s fanfiction. Your literary approach to Keiko Nagita’s characters is always manifested in the form of sensitivity, intelligence and respect.

    Best Regards!

    • Jesse says:

      Typo – “..which played such an important role in..”.

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Hello @Jesse, thanks for reading! Your positive feedback is greatly appreciated❣️

      I totally agree with you regarding Albert’s stay and the nurse he met in Africa. It seems the author implied something about them, and even Candy and Terry were very curious what the nurse looked like (in the manga version).

      Thanks again for your encouraging words to my writing, and to be honest I don’t consider myself an adept writer. However, I’ll try my best for sure. 💪💪 Hope you’ll like how the story unfolds.

      Take care and best regards! 🤗

      • Jesse says:

        Didn’t Terry and Candy also comment about Albert mentioning the American nurse in the novel too? I had the impression that the manga scene and novel were similar at this point. Do correct me if I’m wrong here. When I’ll get the chance, I’ll read that section again and let you know. Just bear in mind that I’ve got access to the translated novel but it’s an official translation as it’s the Kappalab one as published in 2015. I haven’t got the original text and, apparently, I don’t know Japanese. Therefore, I am not in the position to say whether the original text is slightly different or almost the same with the official translated texts.

        As for you being an adept writer, the positive feedback you keep on getting by so many readers confirms this. I’m sure that your subsequent work will be just as awesome.

        Best Regards!

        • Ms Puddle says:

          You’re right about that, @Jesse. I should have said “also in the manga”. 😉 Yet, I prefer the manga version, including Albert’s letter from Kenya and Candy and Terry’s reactions after reading.

          • Jesse says:

            In what way was the manga different in that respect?

            • Ms Puddle says:

              Hi @Jesse, I guess I really like the visuals provided by Igarashi’s brilliant illustrations for this particular episode. 😉

              • Jesse says:

                Who could blame you? It appears that Igarashi could convey more nuanced meaning via her illustrations than Nagita via her textual narrative. Irrespective of her controversial character and dubious practices, Igarashi is indisputably one of the finest manga artists of our modern era. She is truly charismatic and the absence of her illustrations from Nagita’s storyline has left a massive void in its wake.

                • Ms Puddle says:

                  Sigh… I couldn’t agree with you more, @Jesse. Igarashi has her flaws but I really admire her drawings and illustrations 🥰

                • Jesse says:

                  It’s a pity that Igarashi’s greed and massive ego weighed in and superimposed her artistic talent.

  6. Fay says:

    As always, you have given us a wonderful piece of writing, Ms. Puddle. Your new story is very intriguing, especially since you have introduced for the first time the American nurse Albert met in Africa who seems to be a new love interest for him (or an old flame, maybe). Also Candy’s reaction to Albert’s new identity is quite interesting as it differs from the original story. You have developed a new possibility in your story. Candy is angry with Albert because he kept his secret from her, whatever his reasons might be. Besides, she doesn’t give him the chance to explain to her since she’s been avoiding him. Maybe that’s a little unfair on her part, but it’s natural. I can’t wait to see how their last meeting will evolve.

    I’m glad you added that particular scene from the manga colored by you. One of the most beautiful and expressive illustrations of Igarashi. So many feelings depicted there. It’s a pity that some people can’t see it and keep deceiving themselves.

    Thank you again for your hard work. Take care.

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Hi @Fay, first of all, so glad you like the coloured manga picture I posted for this chapter❣️ Like you, I think this particular scene speaks volumes of their relationship, and it’s too bad some people choose to ignore the evidence.

      About my new fanfic, yes, I’ve exaggerated Candy’s reaction to Albert’s identity but I hope it’s not too far off 😂 After all, in Albert’s reply to Candy’s letters in CCFS Epilogue, he did mention she had reasons to be angry. In her letter to Georges she also directly quoted Albert’s asking her for forgiveness again (with exasperation). I think in the official translations this part is different, unfortunately.

      About Albert’s relationship with the nurse in Africa, l’ll write a bit more in chapter 3. Please stay tuned. 🤗

  7. Halcyon Days says:

    Excellent job, Ms Puddle, and I appreciate the fact that you take the time to share your thoughts and creativity with us even though you’re so busy. Your commitment and respect for your work and the CC community are indisputable.

    The only “problem” is that this new fanfiction you’re currently writing is making us eager to know what’s next. Of-course, you should take your time and provide updates to your work-whether it be fanfiction or articles-whenever convenient for you. No pressure at all.

    Thank you again, Ms Puddle!

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Thank you @Halcyon Days for your positive feedback and highly encouraging words, considered you’re a good writer yourself 🤗

      Hope you don’t mind the “problem” lol 😅 Appreciate your understanding and patience!

  8. Anita says:

    Hello Ms Puddle,

    This new fanfic of yours is quite gripping and the tension between Candy and Albert appears to be more pronounced than in the novel. That would make sense given that the young American nurse was not re-introduced in Nagita’s original novel. Had she reappeared in the novel as well, I’m certain that the tension between Candy and Albert would have been more severe.

    The common denominator, nonetheless, is the complex conjunction of mutual feelings of apprehension and awkwardness between Candy and Albert following the revelation of his identity as WAA. This is in tandem with both of them struggling to come to terms with the inner realization that they’ve got feelings for each other which apparently transcend mere paternal or fraternal ones. In the novel, Candy is much more expressive than Albert and she admits to herself that even though she was supposed to be living with Albert like a brother and sister would have done, that was never the case. She makes it perfectly clear in the novel that she does not perceive Albert as a brother but as man who is very special to her.

    That said, the author of this novel is giving her readers ample information that the relationship between Candy and Albert is proceeding into a different level which is a far cry from anything paternal or fraternal. Those who keep on repeating those same old junk arguments and lame excuses that Albert is like a father or brother to Candy are dwelling in denial and refuse to read the actual textual evidence as clearly indicated in this novel.

    I would like to thank you for taking the time in producing such high quality fan-art and fan-fiction. I’m so looking forward to delving into more of your written work. Your contributors also do a fine job and offer excellent commentary surrounding the nuanced meanings of this novel and its characters involved.

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Hello @Anita, nice to hear from you. Have you decided about the vaccines yet?

      Thank you so much for reading, and yes, I did take some liberty with my writing this time. The periods between Candy’s discovery and the other events like Stear’s Memorial or Archie’s engagement are vague. That’s why I let my imagination run wild by involving the American nurse ☺️

      About the rest of your comment, I couldn’t agree with you more. In short, Albert was clearly a man to Candy, not father or brother. They began as friends and pretended to be siblings, but her feelings for him undoubtedly changed over time. Like you said, Albert held a special place in her heart. 💕

      • Anita says:

        Yes, I’ve already had the first shot with Pfizer. So far, no side-effects.

        As for Candy and Albert, certain biased fans have no other alternative but to respect the wishes of Keiko Nagita for creating the character of Albert purported as a prospective suitor for Candy during her legal adulthood.

        In Keiko Nagita’s own words during the interview held in Paris by PIKA in 2019, “..it’s up to Candy to decide whether she will be with Terry or Albert”. This statement is powerful as it eradicates all those inane claims that Albert was nothing more than a paternal or brotherly-like figure for Candy. None of that lurking and loitering minority of desperate and delusional fans can spin-doctor Nagita’s words because they are crystal-clear. It’s beyond any doubt that Anthony, Terry and Albert constitute love interests for Candy. The story ends with the reader never knowing whether Candy selected Terry or Albert but both male characters have the exact same possibility of being Candy’s partner or spouse during the Interbellum.

        • Ms Puddle says:

          Wonderful news, @Anita! So glad to hear that you had no side effects after the first shot. Are you planning to get your second dose soon?

          Regarding Candy and Albert, I honestly don’t understand why some people just can’t see they have developed romantic feelings for each other by the time Candy was an adult.

          Yes you’re absolutely right that those fans should really respect the author’s own words and authority. It’s her story after all, and it’s clear since the beginning that Albert was one of Candy’s loves, never a father figure to her. Though she might have regarded him as a big brother initially, it doesn’t mean her feelings would not evolve. 😉

          • Anita says:

            Very soon and my doctor is keeping a close monitor of my blood tests, especially with regards to the blood platelets. We’ll see how it goes..

            Did you experience any side-effects?

            As for Candy and Albert, their romantic relationship began only after Candy became an adult. There was absolutely nothing going on between them before that time; Candy was still trying to cope with her grief over the tragic loss of Anthony whilst becoming attracted to Terry; and Albert had his own inner ‘demons’ to combat in tandem with his own turmoil and escapism. That said, the two of them were just friends during Candy’s adolescence and nothing more than that. Neither Candy nor Albert had any form of romantic interest for each other during that time. Instead, Candy was torn between her mourning for Anthony and growing dependence on Terry whilst Albert’s main goal was to leave everything behind and pursue a new life in Africa, independent and free from all the ties of his traumatic past.

            Yet, Nagita had other plans in store for both Candy and Albert and she brought them together following Albert’s amnesiac state. During their adulthood and having spend many years together, Candy and Albert eventually albeit unexpectedly and unbeknownst to them developed a mutual attraction and reciprocal love for one another. It couldn’t be stressed enough, however, that this romantic courtship began when both Candy and Albert were two legally consenting adults. I want to make this crystal clear for all parties involved irrespective of their personal preferences concerning the said CCFS characters.

            It would be wise for all readers of Keiko Nagita’s CCFS novel to respect her indisputable intention which has already been uttered and specified by her which is the notion that it is up to Candy to decide whether she chooses Terry or Albert as her love interest and, apparently, it is also up to Terry and Albert if they’re still interested. In a consensual relationship, it takes both individuals to agree and want to further this intimate bond.

            • Ms Puddle says:

              Hi @Anita, wish you all the best when it’s time to get your second dose. 🙏 I didn’t experience side effects after my second shot even though I was mentally prepared, because many of my friends have various reactions for their 2nd doses.

              I couldn’t agree more with you re your analysis of Candy and Albert’s relationship and how their friendship evolved. May I quote you in my next post?

              • Anita says:

                Pleased to know that you haven’t experienced any side-effects from the vaccine.

                On a different note, you’re always welcome to quote my commentary as long as it’s useful to the discussion and analysis.

                If you would like further references, just let me know.

  9. Aurora says:

    Very intriguing chapter! This story is so vivid that it’s as if you’re watching it on Netflix.😹

    Interestingly enough, Keiko Nagita had mentioned during her interview in Paris about a couple of years ago that she had always wanted to write much more about Albert and Terry but she would have to fill entire volumes of written work in order to achieve that. She also wanted to write more about Susanna and her achievements as a thespian, albeit short-lived, because she considered her to be a fascinating character.

    Have you ever considered writing about Albert’s travel experiences, especially his life and activism in Africa? Nagita had wanted to write more about him but she was limited by the publishers to limit her work to up to two volumes max. At least this is what she had claimed during the said interview in Paris.

    Your new story seems great and I can’t wait to read the chapters which will follow.

    Thank you!

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Awww, @Aurora, thank you! Your positive comment made my day! 😍

      About the interview in Paris, it’s very interesting Nagita-sensei wanted to write more about Susanna. After all, the author made her die too young and suffer a lot. 🙁 Susanna might not be a beloved character, but I think she deserves better, IMHO. Eliza should be the one being punished, lol.

      Come to think of it, the author could not exceed the limit, so Nagita sensei ended up sacrificing Terry but elevated both Albert and Archie.

      • Aurora says:

        Exactly! The fact that Nagita reduced Terry’s character whilst improving Archie’s and amplifying the significance as well as relevance of Albert’s character is indicative of this author’s true intentions. Since this novel has been written by Nagita and the rights as well as characters in this story belong to her exclusively, it is noteworthy that Albert’s character has been given far greater weight and importance in this new novel-especially with regards to his profound bond with Candy. Nagita has made her point crystal clear and those with a sharp mind and adept reading comprehension skills definitely understand this.

  10. lalaland007 says:

    Hi Ms puddle,

    Really enjoying this story! I have been binge-reading all your stories during this lockdown, please upload the next chapter soon 🙂
    I have always wondered what happened to Albert and Candy’s relationship after Candy returned to Pony’s home to help out. Also love that you’re writing about Albert’s life in Africa, he has always been a mysterious character but I have no doubt he’s had interesting experiences travelling the world. As for the “young American nurse” he met in Africa, I agree that Albert probably had other loves before falling in love with Candy. It would explain why he was so mature when giving Candy advice about Terry.

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Thank you @lalaland007 for your highly encouraging feedback and thanks for reading my fanfics ❣️ Nice to meet you here 🤗

      At this point I still have not decided how much I’m going to write about Albert in Africa, but I’ll definitely write about Albert and Kim (American nurse). Please stay tuned. 😉

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