Catherine went straight to Vincent’s chamber, because she was so anxious to show him what she had made for him!
However, since he was not there, Catherine decided maybe it was more fun this way. Because now, she could surprise him!
She went ahead and hung up what she had made, and then she stepped back away to have a look at it from the perspective of the chamber threshold.
Excitedly, she thought “Perfect!” as she smiled with anticipation! She could not wait to see Vincent’s reaction when he walked in! Now to find Vincent!
As Catherine passed Samantha, and Eric, she lovingly greeted them, and as always, young Eric instinctively gave Catherine a hug, while smiling up at her, saying, “Hi Catherine!”
Lovingly she tapped his freckled little nose, and in reply, said, "Hi there to you handsome!"
Every time Catherine looked at his little face, her heart went out to him, she figured it was because his eyesight was so poor, his prescription glasses, seemed to make his eyes look even larger than they were! And for some reason this tugged at her heart a little bit.
She then cheerfully inquired, "What's up with you two?"
Excitedly he answered, “We are heading for practice. The ENCORE is in three days, and Lisa will be back then too.”
Samantha next chimed in, “Yes, in three days! We should be perfect by the time you and Vincent finally see our concert!”
Catherine smiled, as she complimented Samantha, “Perfect is your smile when ever you talk about performing. Remember, many times, joy is found in the trying, so just have fun, and don’t worry so much about being perfect.”
Samantha nodded, and told Catherine, “OK Catherine, I'll try!”
Catherine then asked, “By the way, have you two seen Vincent?”
Happy to be in the know, Samantha quickly answered, “He is in the Community Chamber for his work-out.”
Catherine smiled, as she received some new info about Vincent! And so she clarified, asking the children, “For his work-out? Vincent works out?”
Eric informatively, told Catherine, “Yeah he and some of the other guys go there most everyday. Well we better go, see you later.”
Smiling, Catherine said, “Have a great practice.”
As the two ran down the tunnel away from her, Catherine marveled at how happy Eric seemed down in this tunnel world. Even after the death of his sister, he had managed to find a foothold, and smile again. Eric would always hold a special place in Catherine’s heart, and her, in his.
Well...now that Catherine knew where to find Vincent, she continued on her way, and thought to herself, So, Vincent works out! Hmmm, she should have known, after all to have a build like his, he would have to do some kind of a disciplined daily workout!
Catherine then thought, this just might be fun, to catch Vincent lifting weights or something! So, on to The Community Chamber!
The Community Chamber, was a wide-open space, that was set up as a sort of gym for everyone. It was where the children have their activities, play sports, and as it turns out, where some go to exercise.
As Catherine stood at the entrance, she was pleasantly aghast, and stunned by the sight before her! There Vincent was, shooting hoops, without a shirt, looking excellently buff and cool, and she couldn't help but notice, Ronald was in remarkable shape as well!
These two were quite a site indeed, with their contrasting long hair, loosely flying about, and their remarkable muscular statures, made them look like two Gothic warriors, in all of their raging glory, having the time of their lives!
Catherine saw Vincent in a new light this day, which was, Vincent the Jock!
Aware of Catherine's presence, Vincent held up a hand to Ronald as if to say “Time out". They both greeted her, and then Vincent breathlessly asked, “Has Sewing Circle concluded?”
Smiling widely at the two, she answered, “Yes, but I don’t want to interrupt your and Ronald's game. You two continue and I will catch up with you later.”
Vincent nodded, and agreed, “Will you wait for me within my Chamber Catherine?”
Catherine smiled and said, “Sure, have fun.”
Catherine then turned away from the entrance, smiling as she was treated to this unexpected gift of seeing Vincent doing an every day activity, a guy above might be doing. As she continued her walk, back to Vincent’s chamber, the whole while wearing a smile, that would not fade, mostly because of how happy she was, and because she was so very thankful, and pleased Vincent recovered from his accident so quickly. Then a dread suddenly came over her. The thought of going above to begin her exodus from her other life. Yes, she so very much dreaded the goodbyes, and the questions she wouldn't be able to answer, from the people who love and will miss her.
First however, she should talk to Jacob, and get his opinion on Vincent’s recovery. Although from what she just saw, her prognosis was that Vincent never looked more magnificent!
Politely, Catherine approached Jacob, asking, “Father? Are you busy?”
Jacob stood as he welcomed her, replying, “I was merely catching up on some correspondence. Come in Catherine. Tell me, what fortunate happenstance brings you to see me this morning?”
Intently, Catherine explained, “I need your opinion. I wanted to know if you thought it would be all right for me to return above today. I am anxious to give Joe my 2 weeks notice, and begin arrangements to move here.”
Jacob nodded, and reiterated, “You mean if it would be all right from the stand point of Vincent’s recovery?”
Catherine solemnly replied, “Yes.”
Jacob pulled out a chair for Catherine to sit down, and confidently answered, “I believe so.”
He then sat down too, as they both shared a mutual concern. He listened as Catherine mentioned, “I am a little worried, during the time I am above finalizing my plans, well, that it may be hard on Vincent.”
Jacob nodded as he noted, “It may be, however, no harder than your past arrangement had been. I believe he will be fine knowing it is only temporary. Besides he has much to keep himself busy. He wishes to prepare your chamber during the time you are above.”
Catherine looked downward as she said, “I must confess, I, myself hate to leave.”
Jacob reached for Catherine’s hand, and asked, “I have sensed you two have become closer.”
Catherine shyly looked downward, and said, “Yes, we have.”
Thoughtful for a moment, Jacob finally said, “You have made my son very happy. Happier than I ever thought would be possible for him in this lifetime.”
Mindfully, she contended, “It is not a one way relationship. He has done the same for me too.”
Catherine stood, and she took in a deep breath as she told him, “Well, I guess I will go back above later today then. Thank you for helping me decide what to do.”
Just as she was about to leave, she remembered Jacob had said, he was catching up on some correspondence, so Catherine thoughtfully offered, “Did you need those letters delivered?”
Jacob looked down uncomfortably, and stammered, “Letters? Oh these letters! NO, I wouldn't want to trouble you. Thank you just the same.”
Catherine started to say it was no trouble, when she noticed the envelope had Lisa’s name scripted on it. Woefully, she nodded in answer to Jacob, but deep down, she felt horrible, everyone was
uncomfortable talking about the relationship they shared with Lisa, in front of her.
Sadly Catherine said, “Very well Father.”
As she walked out into the tunnel, she heard Jacob call her back. “Catherine!”
Stepping back into Jacob’s chamber she answered, “Yes?”
Jacob hung his head slightly as he apologized. “I am sorry I responded in such a dubious manner. I should have just told you the truth. This is a letter to Lisa.”
Further explaining his actions, he added, “Naturally I did’t think you would be comfortable with such an errand.”
Catherine thought for a moment, and told him, “In truth, I suppose I'm not, but I don’t want everyone else to be uncomfortable. I know Lisa will be returning home here often, and since this will be my home too, well, I was thinking, perhaps a meeting would clear the air between us, and be beneficial to everyone.”
Catherine stepped up to Jacob and decided, “I will be glad to deliver it Father, I believe it is time for me to face her.”
Jacob handed Catherine the letter, and praised her for her courage, saying, “I do admire, all you have faced for Vincent. All you will be facing…”
Helplessly, Catherine replied, “I have no choice Father, all of my life I have been searching for Vincent, now that I have found him, I could never walk away.”
As a tear fell, Catherine discreetly wiped it away, and this act, softened Jacob’s heart. Stepping forward, he put out his arms, and welcomed Catherine to a Fatherly hug.
As Catherine returned his embrace, she was surprised at the tears that flowed. His kindly, loving hug, released all of her pent up anxieties she had, in terms of their relationship. Well, now it looked to her, as if Jacob truly accepted her now.
Jacob soothed her by saying, “There, there now dear girl. Everything will fall into place, you’ll see.”
As Catherine looked at Jacob, she was embarrassed to tell him, his kindness overwhelmed her, and so she said, “I don’t know what has come over me Father.”
To which Jacob jested, “I dare say, my hug is that pitiful is it?”
Catherine smiled, and decided to happily admit, “Oh no Father, it was that sweet, and very much needed. Thank you.”
To be continued
Chapter Seventeen
| All of My Life! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Sixteen |
