Forget-Me-Not Chapter 7
Disclaimer: Candy Candy and all characters belong to Keiko Nagita, character images to Yumiko Igarashi and anime to Toei Animation.
Thank you very much for all the encouraging words and positive feedback to my fanfic Forget-Me-Not so far, and most of all, your understanding that I won’t be able to update much for now is much appreciated! 🥰 To compensate for the relatively short chapter, I will present my new fanart as well. I started drawing it a while back but didn’t have time to polish it till recently. I hope you will like both this chapter and the new illustration. 😘
— Ms Puddle
Chapter 7
Georges has been working hard with his boss since their arrival at the villa yesterday, except when the young heir left the study to visit his friends from Kenya at the mountain lodge. His boss urged Georges to take some rest before the formal dinner later that evening. Initially, Georges politely declined the invitation to that dinner, but his boss insisted, “Do join us, Georges, as my friend.”
Georges could not say no to this. However, not only Sir William showed up late, he was exceptionally quiet over the course of dinner. When it was time for the guests to have desserts, coffee or tea afterwards, Sir William came up with an excuse to retreat. Before he left his seat, he did cast an apologetic glance at his loyal assistant. Georges had no idea that his boss had been greatly affected by Jagdeep’s account of his real relationship with Kim, and Jagdeep passed her letter to him when he had to leave the mountain lodge, saying, “Feel it. Looks like she’s written a very long letter to you, Albert. If I were you, I’d read it after the formal dinner.” Albert paid heed to his advice and could scarcely wait to get back to his room to tear open the sealed envelope.
This morning, Sir William returned to the dining room for breakfast and sat beside Georges again. Yet, this time the boss was seemingly back to his normal self, engaging in conversations with the guests. Later, when Georges had clearly finished eating, the boss also took the last sip of his coffee. The footman behind him swiftly came near the table, ready to refill his cup, but the young master placed his hand over his cup and shook his head. As the footman backed up, Sir William murmured to his assistant, “Shall we resume going through the financial reports after this?”
Since then, the two have not stopped working, even having their lunch delivered to the study, until someone raps on the door. “Come in!” says Sir William.
A messenger, sent by the butler, walks into the spacious room and gives a slight bow before announcing, “As per your request, Master William, Master Archibald has just arrived with his friends, waiting for you at the drawing room.” Georges does not expect this unfamiliar looking messenger to know Miss Candice. Prior to this gathering, the Ardlays have kept minimal staff to maintain this grand mansion.
“Got it,” the master replies with a nod and then turns to his assistant. “Let’s wrap things up.”
Then Georges follows his boss, heading towards the drawing room. When they are near, they both hear Madam Elroy’s condescending question, “Archie, why is Candice’s neck bare?”
Sir William immediately speeds up his walking pace. Then comes Archie’s reply in a low voice, “Pardon me, Great Aunt Elroy… I ran out of time…”
Presently, Georges sees that the young people are all standing in the middle of the room to greet the matriarch, who must have just entered the drawing room with Mr. And Mrs. Cornwell. All three young ladies are consciously avoiding the matriarch’s scrutinizing stare, their backs slightly leaning forward.
Out of the corner of Archie’s eye he spots the approach of his uncle and his assistant, so Archie stands taller and in a louder voice he continues to explain, “But the main reason is, I forgot to ask you, Great Aunt Elroy, whether you have a budget in mind.”
“Budget?” the old lady echoes incredulously, as though she’s never heard of such a thing in her life.
At this point, Candy decides to speak up for herself; she’s not ashamed of her lowly status, but her eyes remain downcast as she utters in a grateful tone, “Great Aunt Elroy, thank you so much for your kindness and generosity-”
Before the girl finishes talking, much to everyone’s surprise, Albert passes his aunt and marches right into the room, taking Candy’s right hand in his left hand. He then spins sideways to face his aunt near the door, asking, “What’s the matter?”
Needless to say, his action has effortlessly distracted his aunt, and the girl is caught off guard but at the same time the warmth from his large hand goes straight to her heart. As always, his presence gives her a marvelous sense of security, especially right now.
Compared to his stern aunt, the patriarch’s voice is much more casual, and he’s smiling. He has no intention to confront his aunt for trivial matters such as this.
On one hand, the matriarch is displeased to see her nephew’s affection towards the orphan girl, but on the other hand, what he does is not totally unexpected. In fact, this is one of the reasons why the matriarch wanted Candice to come to this family gathering. Hence, the matriarch masks her feelings by deliberately softening her tone, “No worries, William.”
Then the matriarch remarks to everyone around her, “Shall we sit down?”
The servants take this as a signal and begin to serve tea and snacks. No one can deny that the mere presence of the patriarch is enough to get both Archie and Candy out of the awkward situation. Unlike the matriarch, Archie is fairly delighted to see that his uncle and Candy are on very good terms. On the way to Lakewood, Candy informed her friends about her reconciliation with Albert without any details. She simply said that they were friends again and would keep in touch by writing letters to each other.
When Madam Elroy sits down in the only armchair in the room, Mr. Cornwell mingles with Georges and Mrs. Cornwell wraps her arms around Archie first and then gives Annie a light hug. After that, Mrs. Cornwell embraces Patty with a motherly hug. Patty responds by hugging her back without a word, but her body language shows that she appreciates Mrs. Cornwell’s welcome. They need comfort from each other after all.
When the spotlight is no longer on Candy, Albert releases her hand. She misses the warmth of his hand but hides it by thanking him with her signature smile, and she mumbles under her breath, “Thanks, Albert. I read your letter, and yes.”
He understands her cryptic message, but Candy misinterprets his expression. He seems to be at a loss, so she clarifies herself, “I’ll write to Dr. Martin as soon as possible, for you.”
The truth is, Albert didn’t notice until now that Candy appears more feminine and mature than usual with a light makeup and neat hairdo. Moreover, her sparkling emerald orbs, though partially obscured by a veil, have captivated him. He must say she looks remarkable and striking today. At this instant, Kim’s comment from her lengthy letter rings in his ears,
“Al, admit it. Candice White is more than a friend to you…”
Yet, he reasons with this inner voice that he has always cared about Candy and wanted to protect her, so he chases this thought from his mind and forces himself to regain his composure. The fact that Candy has just mentioned Dr. Martin helps, so he puts his palm on his forehead and feigns, wearing a dashing smile, “Oh yes! Thank you, Candy! A letter from you will work like a charm, no doubt about that.”
When she chuckles in response, her bright eyes alight with excitement. He immediately looks away and beckons her to join the other guests in the room. As soon as Candy sits down on the sofa beside Patty, Annie, and Archie, Albert goes to take his seat between his aunt and Archie’s parents. Georges remains standing however.
After having some refreshments, Archie excuses himself, “The service will begin in less than an hour, Granduncle William and Great Aunt Elroy. As the person in charge, I want to make sure everything is ready as planned.”
But the matriarch stops him, “Wait, Archie.”
Then she turns around to give a cue to her maid. As Lucy brings the purse to the old lady, Madam Elroy says in a murmur like talking to herself, “I had a feeling I should bring this with me for the trip, and I was right.”
The old lady then shifts her focus back on the orphan girl, and in an authoritative voice she requests, “Candice, come here.”
Archie swiftly exchanges glances with his uncle, and apparently, his uncle is just as astonished and clueless what’s going on. Then they hear Candy reply in a firm voice, “Yes!”
Despite not knowing what the old lady wants from her, Candy braces herself and does her best to take graceful steps toward the matriarch. If a stranger walks in now, the stranger would have mistaken Candy for a lady with a high social status.
While Albert and Archie wait on pins and needles, Annie and Patty are nervous too, wondering what will occur this time. Likewise, Georges observes everything with apprehension. In fact, nobody says a word as though they are holding their breath, including the household staff in the room.
When the young lady stops in front of the matriarch at last, the matriarch explains in a kind voice that sounds so foreign to Candy, “Earlier this year, I picked this for you, Candice.”
That piques everyone’s interests. The matriarch then retrieves a flat, rectangular black velvety box from her purse, flips it open and displays what’s inside to people around her. It’s a silvery necklace with a solitaire, lush green oval emerald pendant adorned with a sparkling diamond secured in a prong. At that, Candy appears stupefied, because she has never dreamed of getting anything directly from Great Aunt Elroy. Her close friends also find the matriarch’s behaviour bizarre, and their jaws drop without knowing.
The old lady assumes the orphan girl is nonplussed due to her lack of knowledge about jewelleries, so she adds, “It’s white gold, not silver. The green color of this gemstone, although not extraordinarily brilliant, matches your eyes perfectly.” Then the old lady brings it closer to Mrs. Cornwell, who examines the pendant and affirms with eagerness, “Yes indeed, Aunt Elroy. It’s outstanding!”
After throwing another glance at the necklace, Candy musters her courage and responds, “Thank you very much, Great Aunt Elroy, but… but…”
The girl falters, unable to explain why she’s feeling uncomfortable accepting a costly present, even though Great Aunt Elroy said she had bought this necklace early this year. About ten seconds later, the blond girl lowers her head to avoid the old lady’s intense gaze and forges her words cautiously, “But it’s more than enough for me that you have bestowed upon me the privilege to be a part of this special occasion, Great Aunt Elroy.”
The matriarch is not accustomed to rejection; she suppresses her displeasure nonetheless and demands, “What do you mean, Candice?”
The tension in the room is palpable. Albert is inwardly debating whether to “rescue” Candy at this point. While his aunt might mean well, there is nothing wrong for Candy not wanting to accept the gift. Then he hears Candy continue, “So please let me express my utmost gratitude to you.”
With that, the girl performs a deep curtsy for Madam Elroy like a ballerina performing a grande reverence, paying her profound respect to the powerful matriarch. This appeases the old lady to some degree, and as Candy straightens up, the girl appears so elegant yet confident that Albert decides not to intervene. He believes Candy is able to get herself out of this trouble. The last thing he wants is to do anything that causes more ill feelings between Candy and his aunt and further damages their cold relationship.
The matriarch scrutinizes the girl’s face carefully, weighing up her options. Just then, the butler knocks at the door frame and bows before he announces that the minister and some other guests have arrived. Archie grasps this opportunity and speaks up, “Great Aunt Elroy, I’d better get going.”
Within seconds, the matriarch lets out a sigh of resignation and says to the girl, “Very well then, Candice. I’ll keep it for you for now.” Then she looks at Archie and gives her grandnephew a nod of approval.
“With your permission,” Archie replies before exiting with the butler.
The matriarch then closes the velvety box, putting it back into her purse. Candice is more difficult than the matriarch has anticipated; the matriarch did not lie about buying this necklace for the girl, but nobody else in this room has a clue that it was meant to be a present for her engagement with Neal. Back then, Madam Elroy did not spend much time looking for a decent present for Candice and actually bought this necklace on a whim; the old lady was preoccupied with chagrin that Neal had chosen a poor girl of unknown origin. Even so, if letting him marry this orphan girl could stop him from enlisting, the matriarch was more than willing to risk upsetting her nephew. However, it turned out that her nephew cared more about the girl’s happiness than the old lady had ever imagined, so at this moment Madam Elroy deems it not the right time to make a scene, not when her nephew is watching.
Relief washes over Candy. Nevertheless, the fact that Great Aunt Elroy is acting like a completely different person to her fills Candy with consternation. Candy wonders if the change has anything to do with her nephew, and yet Candy sincerely thanks the matriarch for her kindness and thoughtfulness one more time. The matriarch acknowledges by nodding once without saying anything else. As the guests begin murmuring to one another, Albert can’t help but suspect his aunt has something else in mind, but he’s aware that he might be imagining things, jumping to conclusions. At any rate, he’d better keep a close eye on his aunt for Candy’s sake.
During the memorial service, the minister preaches a touching message and speaks highly of those brave souls sacrificing their precious lives for their loved ones back home. Patty looks rather dejected and weeps non-stop, but Candy shows her support by squeezing her hand from time to time. Before the service, Candy has spoken to Patty and urged her not to bottle up her emotions, and Annie has given Patty her moral support as well. Candy recalls that early morning at the train station when Stear came to see her off. Now that Candy looks back, if she had known that Stear was decisively leaving the country for the war, would she have persuaded Stear not to go? That is likely why Stear chose not to tell his brother or Patty before his departure.
Annie honestly feels pity towards Patty; Annie cannot even fathom what it feels like losing the man she loves with all her heart. The young ladies are not sitting together with the Ardlays, and Annie steals a glance at Archie out of the corner of her eye. He has remained absorbed in his thoughts for some time now, understandably pensive and withdrawn. His father keeps his head down during the service while his mother is shedding silent tears like Madam Elroy.
Archie is not really listening to the sermon at the moment. Rather, he’s “talking” to his brother. Stear, have you found Anthony up there yet? If I see you one day in Heaven, I’ll most definitely ask you this question right off the bat. Did you regret the choice you had made?
But Archie seems to hear an answer in his heart, that the only regret Stear had was he only had one life to give for the sake of world peace. Archie wishes he had paid more attention back when Stear was talking to him fervently about the Great War. Perhaps Archie could have prevented this from happening. There were different things Stear could have done instead of volunteering, but Archie must confess he still did not comprehend what had truly motivated Stear. Even to this day, Archie is unhappy that Stear has chosen this route, leaving his loved ones behind. Yet, Archie is also proud of his brother. Archie used to think Stear was an inventor with many crazy ideas, but now people would remember Stear as a courageous pilot who laid down his life for a good purpose.
Stear, I promise you that I will do my best not to live idly anymore. One day, when I see you and Anthony again, you will be proud of your younger brother too!
An informal reception follows the memorial service, but Madam Elroy has informed Archie beforehand that William has gladly assumed the responsibility of being the host so that she can rest in her private room. “Archie, I trust that you can assist William?”
“Yes, Great Aunt Elroy. You can count on me,” Archie replied in understanding. He perceived she was not feeling her best after the service.
During the reception, Candy stays with Annie and Patty the whole time, secretly and sullenly dealing with her disappointment. Albert, as the patriarch and the host, is constantly receiving or entertaining the guests. Candy can only observe him from afar, and it looks like he doesn’t even have much time to eat. She thought she would have time to ask Albert why he had visited Mr. Cartwright yesterday. Or better yet, she had high hopes she could have a chance to discuss with him how she planned to convince Dr. Martin to accept his offer. Candy was incredibly touched after reading Albert’s heartfelt letter yesterday, in which Albert sincerely wished to pay back Dr. Martin’s kindness to both him and Candy. Albert also mentioned how he would never forget those days living in that tiny apartment even though they could barely make ends meet.
Near the end of the reception, when the guests are gradually leaving one after another, the patriarch, Archie and his parents are busy bidding them goodbye. Patty asks Annie, “Annie, do you know where the powder room is?”
“I want to go myself. Let me take you there, Patty.”
As soon as Annie and Patty leave Candy’s side, Madam Elroy’s maid appears out of nowhere, saying, “Excuse me, Miss Candice. Madam Elroy wants to talk to you.”
Candy hesitates a bit before she slowly pulls herself up from her seat. “Thank you, and your name?”
“My name is Lucy, Miss Candice,” Lucy says in a way that she knows what Candy is thinking. “The previous maid got married.”
Though feeling jittery about meeting with Great Aunt Elroy alone, Candy acknowledges by pasting a smile on her face. Candy darts a fleeting glance at Albert. As expected, he’s fully engaged with the guests, talking to them or shaking their hands. If she leaves with Lucy now, would he or her friends know where she’s gone? Therefore, Candy asks, “Lucy, is Great Aunt Elroy all right? Why does she want to talk to me?”
The maid replies, “I’m sorry I don’t know, Miss Candice. Madam Elroy did say that it shouldn’t take long.”
Candy finds it somewhat comforting that Lucy is not at all snobbish like the ones Candy encountered years ago after the adoption. Thus, Candy trails after Lucy, and as Lucy takes Candy down a shortcut through the manicured garden right outside the reception hall, Candy spots a woman with long blond curls, who just got off a carriage at the grand entrance, clad in a dark cloak.
Another guest for the memorial service? Why so late?
But when the footman approaches the lady guest, Candy realizes the lady has a suitcase with her. Besides, the footman seems to recognize the guest and helps to carry her luggage. At this precise moment, the lady guest happens to turn her lovely face in the right direction, and Candy believes she knows who the guest is. Is she Kimberly, the American nurse who worked with Albert in Kenya?
Then realization hits Candy like a brick to her head, and before Candy knows it, she feels tears sting her eyes.
Is Kimberly moving in? What’s her relationship with Albert?
Candy instantly bites her lip and blames her emotions on the eventful day. On top of that, she’s been struggling with the dismay in her heart since her arrival. Therefore, she quickens her steps and catches up with Lucy, walking back into the mansion through a side entrance.
=o=o=o=
Writer’s note:
Thank you for reading this chapter! I repost the drawing of Archie, which I did last year. If you spots any mistake or typo please kindly let me know. Hope to hear from you soon.
Comence esta historia ayer y no la pude soltar!!!! Wow !!! Eres excelente ya estoy de nervios y esperando el proximo capitulo !!! Esa Kim me tiene intrigada y como siempre albert y candy no se dan cuenta que están enamorados… gracias por tan buena historia y estoy al pendiente … saludos !!!!
¡Muchas gracias por leer, Danny! 💞 Your encouraging feedback is much appreciated, and I’ll start writing the next chapter as soon as I’m less busy with my studies. Many thanks again ❣️
So pleased to have read this continuation to your fanfiction. It appears that you have created a well-thought-of plot in tandem with a solid structure because your story doesn’t have any loopholes or naiveties as of yet. Your writing style is impressive too because it’s simple but not simplistic. Sadly, some people tend to conflate those two terms and consider it a negative feature to write in a simple fashion where, in fact, it’s the exact opposite. On the contrary, the pretentious ones are those who tend to write tediously long and wordy narratives, hence, taking ages to get to the bloody point. Let’s not forget the renowned phrase of “less is more”, shall we?
I’m glad you’re focusing on balancing your leisure time with your job. Both are awesome but in order to remain as such, we need to be able to tend to the needs of both of these vital contributing factors in our lives.
Best wishes for you and to those dearest to you.
Thank you so much for your compliments, @Leda❣️ So happy to hear that you think my plot is making sense so far. About my writing, I do admire other writers who like writing each of their scenes with detailed description. It’s just not my style. That being said, I’m glad you don’t mind I let the readers imagine a lot of things lol 😅
Yes this month is going to be tough for me but hopefully it will work out. I want to be able to resume writing or drawing soon, but I’ll see how it goes.
Best wishes to you too! Stay safe and take care 🙏
Dear Ms Puddle,
Thank you for being so generous as to share your wonderful fanfiction and fanart with us. Your recent illustration of Candy is so nuanced because it brings out the inner beauty of Candy’s character which is her sensitivity and thoughtfulness. I agree with fellow commenters who consider your portrayal of Candy to be much akin to Taylor Swift, whose beauty is not skin-deep but emits elegance and strength, simultaneously.
I am also pleased to read the ways in which your story progresses via the use of excellent English. You’re to-the-point without being verbose. This is what true writing is all about.
With Kind Regards.
Thank you so much @Chiaroscuro❣️ I’m so blessed with kind supporters like you who keep me motivated and inspired. 🤗
As I mentioned to others, my written English is rather simple and nothing fancy. But I’m delighted to hear that you’ve enjoyed how the story progresses so far. Thank you!
Best wishes to you too!
Very interesting chapter and it’s a great idea that you have added your impressive artwork. Candy looks stunning in those new drawings of yours. I like both the sepia and the coloured ones. It’s impossible for me to choose which one I prefer because both are amazing in their own distinct way.
Thank you @DanielleV for your highly encouraging feedback❣️ I can’t decide myself which one I prefer either, and what a delight to hear that you like both too! 🤗
Take care and stay safe.
You needn’t be concerned because both versions are equivalently superb.
Thanks again @Chiaroscuro for your positive feedback 😘
You take care too!
How are you, Ms Puddle?
Your new entry has been an enjoyment to read. I can’t wait for your next chapter. You bring so much life into these characters which are already much appreciated by us. I wonder whether the author of CCFS/CCHD had intended to elaborate more on Albert’s past experience in Africa-in particular, with regards to his relationship with the nurse from the States.
What do you think?
Hi Valkyrie!
It seems that in some of Nagita’s more recent interviews, she mentioned that she had wanted to write more about Neil, Susanna, Terry and Albert but certain obstacles came in the way including editorial restrictions regarding word limit. In her 2019 interview in Paris, she had addressed this issue albeit briefly. She seemed pretty keen on wanting to expand more on Susanna’s character because she found it fascinating (I would disagree with her but I’m not the writer of this story). She also appeared to be quite sympathetic towards Neil’s character for some bizarre reason.
Anyway, no matter how much I personally disagree with her viewpoints on Susanna and Neil, she’s the legit writer and she’s the one who calls the shots.
That’s interesting.. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll look into it. It’s ironic though that Nagita doesn’t share that same deranged hatred against Susanna as some of those frothing-at-the-mouth hysterical Terrfans do.
Just like you, I’m not particularly fond of Susanna and I am not fond of Annie either. Both of those characters represent traits which I neither approve of nor respect, irrespective of one’s gender or orientation.
Glad to be of help. Finding that interview is easy because both A&T fans have it available on their social media pages. If you have any trouble finding it, let me know.
I also find it ironic that Keiko Nagita is fond of Susanna, in stark contrast to certain Terry’s ageing and mentally decadent fans who consider her to be the root of all evil. It’s really weird that they get all wired up over a make-believe character. Apparently, they have no meaningful personal and social life of their own.
However, it’s not the first time Keiko Nagita has contradicted and refuted many of those ludicrous and nonsensical arguments coming from those poor old Tfans and it certainly won’t be the last.😉
Thank you @Myra. Like you and @Valkyrie, I’m not particularly fond of Susanna and Annie. To me, they are slightly better than Eliza, who’s the worst for sure. I wish Nagita sensei could write more about Patty though. I like her a lot more than Annie.
@Valkyrie, I agree with you that the author does not hate Susanna at all. The beautiful actress was the author’s means to break up Terry and Candy after all. Albert was the destined love all along, and the author did not yield to the pressure in spite of Terry’s popularity back then.
Agreed. Eliza’s character is ridiculously wicked to the point where she’s reduced to a mere character.
Meant to say “caricature”.
Yeah, Eliza is unrealistically evil to the point where she’s no longer intimidating or menacing but simply comical.
Agree with you both @Myra and @DreamCatcher. But Eliza played a crucial role in “breaking up” Terry and Candy’s relationship. Since then, the two went separate paths.
That’s correct but Eliza was never an obstacle for Terry being able to keep contact with Candy after he had visited the orphanage where the latter grew up. Eliza is evil but she’s nothing but a cunning-fool..
Furthermore, Eliza has no ability or power to coerce or convince Terry to refrain from keeping in touch with Candy after leaving for the USA. All he had to do was provide his own or his mother’s contact details to the directors of the orphanage so as to maintain contact with the person he supposedly loved.
In addition, it wasn’t Eliza who told or forced Terry to keep his mouth shut when rumours were spreading that he and Susanna were a couple. Again, all he had to do was to refute and negate those claims and mention that he was already in a relationship or he didn’t have to mention anything at all. It would suffice simply to state that he and Susanna are only colleagues and nothing more than that. But he didn’t do that and Eliza has got nothing to do with his controversial silence and his lack of respect for Candy.
Lest we should forget, Terry is a dude who is outspoken and has no qualms in telling others off if they mess with him. However, he recoiled like a spineless coward and kept silent when those aforesaid rumours were spreading like wildfire. With that being said, those who really care about their significant other transcend all obstacles and boundaries possible in order to defend their relationship with the person they love.
Albert, for instance, jeopardized the already volatile relationship with the Ardlay elders in order to clear Candy’s name by getting Sarah Lagan to publicly announce that Candy was neither a liar nor a thief. There was so much at stake for Albert but he had Candy’s back without ever expecting anything in return. It takes fortitude and integrity to fight for the person you love and Terry failed miserably in that respect whilst Albert fully confirmed how much he respects, appreciates and above all, honours Candy’s good name and dignity as well as he honours his own personal integrity.
Well said, @Myra!! I agree with you 100%. May I quote your comment in my new post (it will be some time much later this month)?
Sure! Thanks for considering my comment. That’s so nice of you.
I’m the one who should thank you, @Myra 😊
That sure is an excellent commentary, Myra!
However, I have got some queries and I wonder if they simply have to do with the fact that there are overt inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the CCFS. The first query has to do with Susanna’s accident. How is it possible that Candy didn’t know about this and nobody didn’t inform her about it either? Terry and Susanna were high-profile thespians, both of whom were constantly in the spotlight to the point where their personal lives were trespassed by various tabloids and gossip columns. Based on the text itself, Annie would always know about Terry and Susanna as she apparently enjoyed reading such cheap tabloid magazines and gossip columns. How did such a glaring even escape her notice? Secondly, why didn’t Terry inform Candy about this whole predicament himself? Only a mindless fool would believe that Candy would have not caught wind of this situation during her stay in New York, especially during the major theatrical production of the play where Terry and Susanna were supposed to be stars. This tragic event would have been the talk of the town (or rather city, in this respect). Third, why did Terry so easily prefer Susanna over Candy? Only the intellectually impaired would claim that he was guilty or should feel guilty for an accident which was a result of a failure regarding the health and safety of the employees involved in this theatrical production. It was not Terry who hurled that spotlight on Susanna’s leg nor did he thrust her body under it during its descent. He’s really just as much of a victim as she is. He could have been injured or killed due to the criminal negligence of the technical crew. Why is he carrying the weight of a tragedy in which he has neither responsibility nor fault? Why is Nagita keeping Terry silent on this matter? To be honest, it really doesn’t matter what Candy or Susanna have to say regarding Terry’s feelings as both these women are only in a position to speak for their own feelings. The only character in this story who is in a legit position to speak for and about Terry’s feelings is Terry himself and for some bizarre reason Nagita has pressed the mute button, if not eliminating Terry’s role altogether.
Just to avoid any confusion, I meant to type “glaring event” and not “glaring even”.
Thank you @Ms Puddle and @DreamCatcher!
As for you, @DreamCatcher, your questions are astute and spot on. I have also been wondering how the hell Candy didn’t know about Susanna’s accident beforehand. Apparently, Terry had decided to keep it from her and didn’t even have the good grace to discuss the matter with her as all couples do when one respects the other and regards the significant other as an equal.
I’m also wondering how nobody had read about this aforementioned accident since Candy, Albert and their friends would be keen enough to read the news. Apparently, Albert was no dimwit, shallow and vacuous moron like Annie who would waster time flipping through gossip columns, but he was definitely an avid reader due to his academic education and inquisitive nature irrespective of his temporary amnesiac state. That said, he would have read about this tragic accident from the serious newspapers because Susanna’s accident was not limited to gossip columns but to nationwide discussions dealing with health hazards within the workforce along with workers’ rights.
These issues were already going rampant in the early 20th century and there were many a trade union which focused on fighting for financial rights and well-being of artists and actors alike. Susanna’s accident would have sent shock-waves throughout the theatre world and also inspire many journalists to report this event within a socio-political scope and landscape.
Let’s take the modern-day event of the tragedy and possible crime (depends how the court of justice in the US determines it) which occurred during the making of the movie “Rust” where the Hollywood actor, Alec Baldwin allegedly shot and killed a member of the technical crew, the cinematographer-Halyna Hutchins. These events are never limited within the visual arts world since they involve health hazard and even the loss of human life. It’s impossible for anyone not to be informed of these events unless they live under a rock.
Good points, @DreamCatcher and @Myra. I really don’t know what to say. It could be an oversight of the author and/or the editorial board. However, one point remains valid — the people in New York had undoubtedly heard of the accident that Susanna had taken Terry’s place.
Why did Terry feel responsible? First, he was fully aware of Susanna’s feelings for him, and I suppose he was quite affected by her sacrificial act. Secondly, deep inside he was probably attracted to her as well. At any rate, he did not have the heart to leave Susanna, who became handicapped because of him. Candy sensed his struggles and subsequent decision simply by the way he rushed to the hospital and carried Susanna in his arms. If I were Candy, I would have left him too. Candy would not be genuinely happy with Terry because of Susanna. Their long-distance relationship had to end one way or another, because even if Candy had insisted, Terry might have to tell her point blank that he had decided to take care of Susanna from now on. Just my two cents. 😉
I agree with you, Ms Puddle. Deep down inside, Candy had probably sensed that something was going on between Terry and Susanna. Perhaps they weren’t a couple yet or maybe they were albeit a clandestine one. Apparently, Susanna denies all that in her letter to Candy but who wouldn’t? Only a complete moron would actually believe that Susanna would be upfront about this. Let’s face it, when rumours like that emerge between two people, it’s almost certain that something is really going on between them. There’s no smoke without fire. Besides, in both the anime and the manga, Terry admits (to himself) that he’s attracted to Susanna.
Regarding Albert, I would have liked to know how he felt and what he thought about this whole mess. Given the fact that he was an astute and acutely intelligent young man, he probably would have also suspected that there was more going on than originally fathomed by the relative parties involved.
Agree with you, @Myra. I wonder what Albert thought about this too, and indeed it was a mess. Yet he must know how Candy felt as he was there for her until she recovered. That was probably why it took Albert so long before he could talk about Terry casually again (as Candy wrote in her unsent letter to Terry in CCFS).
In the manga I think Terry only said he did not dislike Susanna (in Japanese text), but his actions betrayed him. I don’t remember right now whether he was aware Susanna had lied to Candy back in Chicago, but I remember Terry was very forgiving. It’s time to double check my manga version lol 😅
Thank you @Valkyrie for your positive feedback! 💗 I don’t know if Nagita sensei ever planned to elaborate on Albert’s story while he was in Africa, and in my fanfic I just let my imagination run wild, because Candy seems very curious about his experience in Africa too.
Besides, he’s a handsome man with athletic build, so it’s hard to believe he’s got no secret admirers, don’t you think?
Many thanks for your insightful information, Ms Puddle! I am in full agreement with you and only a delusional fool would actually believe that such a charismatic, noble and beautiful character such as Albert did not have his fair share of admirers. Even the author had mentioned that her heart would always beat very fast whenever she wrote about him. Perhaps Albert is nothing else but a figment of her imagination; alternatively, he could be an ideal character or an idealized version of someone she had fallen in love with in the past. There are rumours that Albert’s character is an allusion to the author’s husband but none of these rumours have been confirmed or substantiated. Instead, they’re just online gossip floating around the internet but it’s fun to toy around with the idea, nonetheless.
Yes @Valkyrie I heard of those rumours too, and you’re right that Albert could be purely an imagination or an idealized version of a man Nagita-sensei knows or has fallen in love with. If it’s the latter case, lucky for her to have known such a man of high quality. 😉
When I am writing about Albert, my heart beats faster too, lol 😅
Couldn’t agree more with you!
Irrespective of the various rumours which circulate about the CCFS characters, what matters is what the author says herself and she has clearly and undeniably stated publicly via her official interviews that her heart beats fast with excitement whenever she writes about Albert.
It’s interesting that Candy’s heart also beats fast whenever she hears “anohito’s” voice and she says so in the conclusion of the said novel.😉
Right on, @Valkyrie!
Also, didn’t Candy tell Albert honestly that her heart skipped a beat when she saw him come to Pony’s Home (just before his confession)? That speaks volumes, doesn’t it?
That’s a great point, Ms Puddle, and I’ll add that Candy had also developed a rather possessive streak when it came to Albert because in her letters to him she expressed that she wanted to see him again and have him all to herself. She was never satisfied with his brief visitations and encounters, hence, demanding more and more from him as time went by. This isn’t coming from a fanfic but from the official text as written by Nagita herself. Therefore, this textual evidence cannot be contested or denied.
My sentiments exactly, @Valkyrie!
As you said, it’s all written in the novel (mainly the epilogue) where Terry was only mentioned once by name, as someone in Candy’s past. The other time Candy alluded to him without a name, also as a man in her past.
On the other hand, Candy was clearly acting like Albert’s girlfriend, and as you said, she wanted more and more from Albert that she refused to reply to his letter and demanded his presence. LOL…
Hi there!
I am so impressed with your new fanart. Both the sepia and the colored version of Candy in formal attire are absolutely stunning. Her beautiful wide-set eyes are so expressive.
No need to worry about typos because we’re all susceptible to making them. Moreover, your English is excellent so you needn’t be concerned about that either.
Best Wishes!
Thank you so much @Irana93❣️ What a delight to hear that you’re impressed! So glad you found Candy’s eyes expressive 🤗 Also thanks for your encouraging words about my written English. I’ll continue to try my best 💪
Christmas is around the corner and if time permits I’d like to draw something with the Xmas theme. However, that might mean I won’t have much time to write. So yes, I’m having a debate with myself lol 😅
Take care!
Couldn’t agree more.. Ms Puddle’s latest drawing is so lovely.
This is such a lovely illustration of Candy. I have read all the commentary so far and I am in full alignment with those who demonstrate an affinity for the retro. My husband and I are avid collectors of antique merchandise such as furniture, paintings and manuscripts. Had I not been a lawyer in profession, I would have definitely chosen to become an librarian, antiquarian or a palaeographer-medievalist as my craft. My only complaint is that neither Nagita nor Igarashi had been competent in attaining the ambience surrounding the early 20th century. Instead, Igarashi’s drawing are too 1970s in style and Nagita’s writing suggests zero identity when it comes to the early 1900s and Interbellum as her narrative style is far too vague and generic. In contrast, your drawing of Candy is much more engaging with regards to the ways in which women dressed and behaved during the aforesaid century and your writing also offers better insight to these times of the past.
Hi @Lakewood, as much as I value your positive feedback, I don’t deserve such compliments. 🤗 That being said, I truly appreciate your kind and encouraging words❣️ I do agree with you that Igarashi’s designs, though beautiful, were heavily influenced by the fashion trend in the 1970s. Candy, Annie and Patty should not wear knee-length skirts, for example.
I’m not a collector myself, but I like visiting heritage museums and browsing the antique furniture and classic stuff. They are fascinating to say the least.
That’s great! I’m glad that that you also enjoy items of historical significance. My husband and I are not the only antique geeks an history buffs, as it seems.😉
-and-
Happy to hear that you and your husband share common interests, @Lakewood! 🤗
It sure is!
What a beautiful illustration of Candy, @Ms Puddle! I’m pleased that you have included both versions of this illustration-sepia and coloured. Candy looks so much like Taylor Swift in this illustration.
It goes to show that nobody can buy class and Candy’s character musters utmost class and integrity irrespective of her humble financial and social background. Keiko Nagita had done an awesome job in depicting this aspect by juxtaposing Candy’s superior character to Eliza’s lowest of the low disposition. No matter how affluent Eliza and Neal are, they are utterly impoverished and destitute in terms of dignity; neither do they demonstrate nor do they receive any respect. It’s beyond any shadow of a doubt that they don’t deserve any iota of respect and that’s the reason why they are diseased with such nonsensical enmity and jealousy against Candy.
That said, both Candy and Albert are so deserving for one another as they share such personal integrity and respect for others as well as for themselves. Nagita was adept at creating these fine individuals with such depth of character.
What a beautiful illustration of Candy, @Ms Puddle! I’m pleased that you have included both versions of this illustration-sepia and coloured. Candy looks so much like Taylor Swift in this illustration.
It goes to show that nobody can buy class and Candy’s character musters utmost class and integrity irrespective of her humble financial and social background. Keiko Nagita had done an awesome job in depicting this aspect by juxtaposing Candy’s superior character to Eliza’s lowest of the low disposition. No matter how affluent Eliza and Neal are, they are utterly impoverished and destitute in terms of dignity; neither do they demonstrate nor do they receive any respect. It’s beyond any shadow of a doubt that they don’t deserve an iota of respect and that’s the main reason why they are diseased with such nonsensical enmity and jealousy against Candy.
That said, both Candy and Albert are deserving on one another as they share such personal integrity and respect for others as well as for themselves. Nagita was adept at creating such fine individuals with such depth and quality of character.
Well said @DreamCatcher about Candy’s noble character when compared to Eliza and Neal!
Yes Nagita-sensei did show that one’s origin does not necessarily shape one’s personality or how one treats the others. Indeed, Candy and Albert deserve each other. Neither is perfect but they are no doubt my favourite characters in CC.
Thank you very much for your compliment concerning my new fanart❣️ The fact that you compared my illustration of Candy to Taylor Swift makes me so happy! 🥰
I noticed there is a duplicate comment. Did you experience any glitches when you posted your comment the first time, DreamCatcher?
It’s true that the Candy-Albert couple has become increasingly popular over this past decade by the younger generations, in stark contrast to the older conservative folks who were fixated on toxic characters and abusive relationships. Fortunately, times are getting better and people worldwide mock and dispense with ludicrously toxic male characters such as Terry and Neal, both of which have been reduced to mere caricatures by younger people who respect and value themselves. Characters such as Albert, who respect and appreciate empowered women, are massively popular in both the creative industry as well as in real life.
As for the duplicate comment, I had received a notification that my first attempt didn’t go through so I tried again.
I guess so too, @DreamCatcher. Not only that, I was told some Terry fans were “converted” when they grew older and wiser lol…
I have a feeling that many of them were misled by the Anime version, which put way too much emphasis on Terry as though he was “the one”. Hence, the fans felt terribly let down at the end. Compared to the manga, the ending of the anime was rushed and poorly done. Candy’s lukewarm (casual) reaction to “reuniting” with her prince left many question marks about her true feelings for Albert.
Sorry about the glitches that you experienced, DreamCatcher. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble for you to repost your comment. I’ll delete that later (if I remember lol).
The irony is that the reason Terry fans exist in the first place is due to the anime. What’s even more ironic-if not utterly moronic-is that some of those fans desperately try to trash the anime even though it’s thanks to the TOEI producers that Terry’s character has any worth to begin with. The TOEI producers extracted the finest qualities of Albert’s character and then “grafted” them into Terry’s character.
In reality, Terry’s character, as depicted in the anime, constitutes a “medley” of Albert’s noble character and the “positive” traits of Terry’s own character in tandem with removing most of the violent and self-destructive features which rendered the latter an acutely toxic and chauvinist woman-beater as in the case of the manga and, in particular, the revised novel. Notable examples are the removal of Terry’s violent and abusive acts against Candy in the May Fest scene as well as adding scenes where Terry is constantly supportive and present in Candy’s life, whether physically or emotionally or both. However, such supportiveness is only found in the anime and neither in the manga nor novel.
Therefore, it was only when people started to read the manga and novel that Albert’s character started to be appreciated, especially as a prospective suitor for Candy. In the anime, Albert is always a highly respected character but he is perceived mainly as a form of “guardian angel” or “bosom friend” for Candy, whereas in the manga and novel the author makes it clear that there is a romantic relationship brewing between an adult Candy and an adult Albert.
The bottom line is that the anime has created many misconceptions about the actual story as written by Keiko Nagita. If she had wanted to maintain the favourable portrayal of Terry as in the anime, she would have made maintained that image in the novel as well. Yet, Keiko Nagita not only maintains the manga version of Terry’s toxic and abusive nature but makes him even more violent against Candy in the novel. On the other hand, Keiko Nagita elevates Albert’s character in the manga and even more so in novel. She further reinforces Albert’s high calibre in terms of his noble character as well as his utmost respect for women.
That said, it’s not surprising that the younger generations and those who have read the manga and novel developed a much greater admiration and respect for Albert’s character, hence, tossing toxic male characters (which used to be popular amongst the older people) into the hot dumpster fire where they belong.
Excellent comment!👍👍
Thanks @Michelle! Just ignore a minor typo towards the end of my comment. I wanted to remove the word “made” (wanted to say: “..she would have maintained..”) but I guess I simply forgot..;-)
No worries.. I make such typing errors all the time.😅
Well said, @DreamCatcher! My sentiments exactly! I don’t have much to add except that some people said that TOEI producers had tried to downplay Candy and Albert’s romantic development because they lived together. They also put them in different bedrooms. The target audience was elementary school kids after all.
Therefore, I’m so glad Nagita sensei did stick to her plot and character development in the new novel. Like you said, she could have made Terry nicer or more gentle, but she did the opposite.
I agree. Both you and @DreamCatcher have elucidated intelligent argumentations.
Thank you very much for your kind words and feedback.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to “spoil” us with your beautiful illustration of Candy as well as an update to your intriguing fanfiction. It’s always forthcoming and a delight to receive such notifications and updates from you.
Looking forward to your next work and projects!
Thank you @Gabriella you’re so kind!💗 I actually enjoyed the process of writing or drawing. Knowing that people like you have enjoyed the end products have encouraged me and kept me motivated or inspired. 🤗💪
In turn, I would like to thank you for inspiring us to delve further into this story by Keiko Nagita. Your class and civilized demeanour is so refreshing and forthcoming within this otherwise rather toxic CC community.
***are so refreshing***
Well said!
Awwww… @Gabriella. I don’t know how else to thank you for your encouraging words 🤗💞
You deserve all the praise! Can’t wait to read your new chapter but as long as that doesn’t put any strain on your important work and much needed quality time.
Many thanks again!