MARK AND MANDY “I still can´t believe that it all happened and I wasn´t even around, Mandy.” “You were in my mind and in my heart the whole time, Mark. It helped a lot.” “I can´t imagine what you went through.” “It was painful. I saw him hurt Steph and I was helpless there. Nobody could do anything because Clayton surprised us all.” “If the bodyguards were present they would probably just shoot him.” “I´m sure they would. With their training, they could manage between the time that Steph was hit and the moment he put the knife on my throat. But they were outside.” “Arthur was furious with them.” “Yes. He already gave new orders. When I´m not home, or at his place, they should not let me out of their eyesight.” “Good.” “You know, I feel sorry for Clayton´s mom. Her son is only a sick person. And we shouldn´t hate him either, Mark. Some people have diseases in the lungs or the kidney. He has it in his brai

MAMA CASTLE People talk. It was impossible to avoid the news completely. Since reporters had been at the school during Mandy´s rescue, they interviewed many people there. Then Mama Castle heard about it and was more than relieved to see all her family well after the ordeal. But she wouldn´t rest assured until she heard all the details. “Is the aggressor in jail, son?” “He is under police supervision. And some of my guys are there too. For the moment he is at the hospital, healing from a concussion and some broken bones. He is stable.” “Mandy, maybe you should change schools.” “I don´t know Mama Castle. I only have one year until graduation. The school is pretty safe. It was an unlucky isolated case.” “Isolated case? Carol, what do you say about it?” “You know, Mama Castle, all my life I had a feeling about being my destiny to watch over my daughter very closely. It´s like I knew something like this was going to

AT SCHOOL When Mandy was walking down the school corridor, hand in hand with Mark, it seemed that everybody had a nice word to say to her. She was indeed lovable and friendly. By now, people knew what she had gone through and made sure they transmitted her a warm welcome. As a matter of fact, many of them visited Steph at the hospital and her room there was completely full of flowers. All the students had a sense of realization that a big tragedy had passed them by and the relief was enormous. It touched Mandy´s heart to witness all that. There was so good in the world despite the bad that tried to have a say in it. A TEACHER´S SORROW Professor Jackson wanted to have a private word with Mandy and Mark, because most of all he wanted to apologize. “Mandy, I am so happy that everything worked out in your favor. And thanks to your mother. It was like it was something that she was destined to do.” “Thanks, mr. Jackson. Mom f

When Arthur saw Carol in her beautiful wedding dress, using the tiara and other jewelry he had given her, his heart raced. His mind became very alert because he knew that he was going to memorize this moment. They were not only images. Those, a camera could capture. It was a deep emotion that was being exchanged between Arthur and his bride. All the guests could feel it. They were the reason why people still believed in true love. It was there for anyone to see. When Paul gave her to him at the altar, their hands touched and it was like healing was taking place. Undescribable. Their eyes locked and there were many promises there, ready to become reality. All the beauty, the goodness and the happiness seemed to enter their lives when they were declared man and wife in this touching ceremony. When the priest said that he could kiss his bride, many people present had happy tears in their eyes, not only the closest family. It is like when

When they were back from the honeymoon, Arthur and Carol soon heard that Mama Castle was going back to Europe in a week or so. She had things that needed to be done in her home, the castle. She insisted that they should visit her soon and many promises were made to her. The grandparents also returned to their farms, using a new jet plane that Arthur had purchased recently. It should stay at Paul´s farm, to be used as often as they wanted. It was a fact that they would see one another much more from now on. At his house, Arthur felt lighthearted, because now he had a family. It meant to him more than any currency, metal or steel. Carol and Mandy filled those walls with their love. Arthur enjoyed their simplest gestures because they were cute and fun to be with. AT THE OFFICE Mandy was told by George that Arthur had made his morning free because he wanted a meeting with her. So she knocked at his door and walked in. “Did you want

One evening Professor Jackson went to visit his friend Arthur and his small family. “Jackson, for a best man, you sure keep your distance.” “I could say I am busy, Arthur, but if we consider your schedule it´s a miracle we ever meet.” They laugh about it, nonetheless, it has a truthful ring to it. They are sitting in the living room and Carol joined them. “Mandy will be here soon with Mark. I phoned her and told that her favorite teacher is here.” “Thanks for the compliment, Carol. Before she arrives, I want to apologize to you and Arthur. I already said it to Mandy, I feel terrible about Clayton´s behavior. It´s not your fault if you blame me for what happened. I should have come before to say how sorry I am.” “What is this nonsense, Jackson? Even his parents couldn´t tell that the guy was sick. He was hiding his feelings.” “I agree Arthur. It´s just that something inside me bothers me for my lack of perception about Clayton´s

Since the theme for the prom was ‘Under the Sea’, Mandy, Steph, and Dorothy decided to go as mermaids. They went together to get the outfits. For Mandy, it was in the mixture of colors of green and blue. It looked great and shiny. Steph had chosen a combination of red and pink that really became her. And Dorothy got a yellow outfit with touches of golden color. They looked like princesses of the ocean. The boys used costumes of sailors. Charlie commented with them, “I should have dressed as a fisherman. To fish this golden mermaid to me.” “But you already fished me.” And for that answer, Dorothy got herself a passionate kiss. “Maybe it could be a good suggestion for me.” This was spoken by the third sailor who had joined their party. His name was Andrew and he had invited Steph to the prom. But he didn´t get aby kiss by saying that. Steph only gave him a polite smile. Mandy saved the situation suggesting that they should all hit the dance floor. The music was

OPENING IN NEW YORK When Steph saw New York from the plane, she felt that it was the right place to start the tour. The skyscrapers looked like toys and the beautiful modern city was like a scale model to her first impression look. Every known talented artist in the world had at least once, performed there. Being a huge metropolis of more than ten million inhabitants, there was a public for every taste. Jazz, rock, country, or blues, New York welcomed all the musical styles. Since Steph sang pop music, she sold thousands of tickets to her show there. After the safe landing and short tour of the airport, because her mother couldn´t resist buying some souvenirs there, they were riding to the hotel as it was pre-arranged. Steph had a big team traveling with her and they were all excited for her opening night in three days. While they chatted with her parents, she looked out the window of the car and tried to absorb the thrills of the city

Different from the previous year in the farms, this time Mark was included in his parents´ plans to take a tour of Europe. He was reluctant at first, but Mandy encouraged him. She found it important for him to spend time with his parents and strengthen their bond. “It will be the first time that we stay apart for so long, Mandy.” “I know, Mark. I am already suffering from anticipation.” “Maybe it is not such a good idea.” “Of course it is a good idea. You told me many times how you longed to be with your parents on their many trips.” “But I was a child then. Now I long to be with you. Can´t you come with us?” “I would love to. But I promised my mom and my grandparents I would be at the farms. Also, dad wants to show me the advances in the construction of the college there. He values my opinions. I also promised to take the jet and go to some of Steph´s concerts, during this spring break. When classes begin I won´t be able to go

ABOUT HIM Mark was sure that Mandy would apologize to him after their argument. When she came to her senses she would realize that eleven weeks were just too much to be apart. She had to. Eleven days were already too much. So he waited for her call. He packed his clothes for the vacation on the farms and he waited. The call never came. He had to empty his bag and throw some clothes that were more accordingly to European weather at this time of the year. He followed his parents across the crowded airport, expecting a surprise appearance from Mandy. She didn´t show. Her absence was the real surprise. He never expected that and he was very impatient and rude at times when it seemed that the stewardess wouldn´t give him peace. He declined her offerings of food and drinks and reclined his chair for the long and boring trip. ABOUT HER Mandy, in her turn, was aching inside every minute of every day. Mark´s words kept repeating inside her head like so