CANDY CANDY: The story goes on…

(This story follows the last pages of the manga… Candy visited Pony's Home and discovered that her friends were already there preparing a feast for her.)

Chapter 1

She went up Pony's Hill like she used to do when she was a little girl. There, right on the top of the hill, she breathed the fresh air. She looked far away. The light breeze made her hair wave.

"Anthony was not able to come here… And that winter day, when Terry climbed up here all alone… I have so many memories on this hill… Tears… Laughters…"

Candy's heart filled with sorrow. Tears fell down from her eyes…

"Little girl, you are much prettier when you smile!"

Candy was astonished. What was that voice? Who was there? Candy turned around and saw… Albert!

"Those words… you are much prettier when you smile… That sweet voice… Blonde hair… Blue eyes…"

Candy was dumbfounded. "My Prince of the Hill!!" She could hardly believe in her eyes!

"Albert!" She cried. "First Uncle William… and then my Prince of the Hill!!"

She could not help crying. She ran into his arms.

Albert embraced her. "I will never forget your smile," he said in a calm voice.

"My Prince!!" Candy exclaimed. She was excited; she could still not believe that her Prince, whom she had met more than ten years ago on this hill, was her friend Albert.

"Oh, stop calling me like that! You make me feel embarrassed!"

"But, how, why…"

"Candy, I'm not a Prince. I'm still your old friend, Albert."

"Why haven't you said anything to me all these years?"

"What was it to say, that I saw you crying on the top of a hill when you were a little girl? I think that more things to talk about have happened since then."

He kissed her hair gently.

"Stop crying, little girl…" he said in a childish voice.

"Oh, these tears are tears of joy, Albert! I'm so glad that you are here. You are always here for me. I'm so grateful. You are more than a friend; you are like a brother to me, like a real family!"

"I know that my girl, I know…"

"Come, let's go, the others wait for us!" he told her in a demanding way and released her from his arms.

They went down the hill together; Candy could hardly contain her excitement. Yet, Albert was a little bit thoughtful. As usual, he was worried about her even when she smiled…

Inside the house a little party for Candy had been already prepared by her friends, Miss Pony, Sister Maria and the children. The latter were celebrating the return of their boss. They had no idea what Candy had been through the last weeks, and why she needed to go there. They were just happy to see her.

They spent the whole day laughing, singing, playing and everybody seemed happy. Indeed they were satisfied. Miss Pony, Sister Maria and Annie were able to see each other after almost a decade, since she was adopted. Archie was always curious to see the place where Annie and Candy had grown up, and found it wonderfully warm. Patty was feeling well and calmed, for the first time after Stear's death. And Candy… Candy was among friends -that always made her happy, even when things didn't go right, when she had to face the worst difficulties. Moreover, she had met her prince again, after so many years. Who could ever believe that it was her dear Albert!

The party lasted for hours. Late in the evening, as the sun was setting, the routine of the day came back. The table was to be cleaned, the dishes were to be washed, the children were to go to bed, and everybody was prompt and helpful.

After the party, the visitors stayed at Pony's Home. In fact, they were planning to spend some days there. Annie was touched and would like to remember her childhood memories, after all those years she had been away. Archie was enthusiastic about that. The whole day he was praising this cosy place and repeating how nice it would be if they stayed there, where his girlfriend had spent the first years of her life.

As for Patty, Stear's death was too recent and devastating for her. She didn't, she couldn't stand being alone right now. After all, she was alone all her life. And when at last she found someone who loved her, it was only just to lose him again. She enjoyed Candy's company and took courage when she was nearby. She was hoping that her days there would be more cheerful and carefree than if she came back to England.

All the visitors stayed at Pony's Home, except one. Albert excused himself saying that he had some matters to arrange. He said goodbye to everyone, while Miss Pony thanked him for everything he had done. Candy saw him off to his car.

"I promise, I'll write to you the next days. I'm afraid I cannot visit you soon. I'm leaving this to you," Albert said in a determined voice.

"I promise, too", she replied.

"Take good care of yourself, my little girl!"

"You, too, Albert!"

They embraced and hold each other tight. Neither of them wanted to part so soon. Candy insisted for him to stay there at least for a day, but Albert said that he had some issues to resolve; he was a businessman after all.

He rode his car and Candy stood there in the dark watching the lights draw away. A deep sigh escaped from her.

"Goodbye, Albert… Goodbye, my friend…"

She smiled.

"Goodbye my Prince…"