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

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 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

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

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