Vincent turned to Pascal, and asked, “Did you ever find out what kind of stone that was you had found by the old pipes?”
Nodding, Pascal looked to Ronald, as he told Vincent, “I showed it to Ronald, who's an expert in this area, and he thinks it is some sort of Limestone.”
And because Vincent also knew Ronald's family worked in a quarry when he was a boy, he knew Ronald would be quite knowledgeable about different types of stone.
Yes, Ronald had shared some childhood stories, of how he would go exploring as a young boy, and uncover many buried fossils, arrowheads, and other treasures. In fact, Ronald also told his tunnel family, that for a short time, he wanted to become a Paleontologist. That was until his family advised him otherwise. His parents felt that because of his ease with numbers, he would be assured a career in bookkeeping. And so he changed his major, and went into accounting instead.
And so, Vincent turned then to Ronald, as he asked, “Of course! Well Ronald, what do you make of this stone?”
Thoughtfully, Ronald leaned forward in his seat, as he addressed Vincent, saying, “Well I suggested to Pascal it may be worthwhile to investigate this area further, to determine if we are on a vein. Because Limestone is an important building stone, it might be useful to us."
Continuing, Ronald excitedly added, "Limestone is a soft stone that can be carved or ground up to be used as a component for cement or concrete. When heated it may be used as flux for smelting copper, and lead ores because of the fact that heat changes it to calcium oxide.”
Upon hearing the compound Calcium Oxide, Catherine recalled some of her Chemistry from her old college days, questionably asked, “Let’s see Calcium Oxide is the chemical name for Lime?”
To which Ronald smiled as he impressively nodded, and answered, “Yes it is Catherine.”
Turning back to Vincent, Ronald added, “At any rate I feel this could be valuable to us Vincent. Maybe we could discuss it with Father.”
Taken back a bit by the camaraderie between Ronald and Catherine, Vincent looked at Catherine for a moment, and then to Ronald, nodded his head, and agreed, “Yes, we shall meet with Father. Pascal, I hope you are free...”
To which Pascal excitedly told Vincent, “Of Course!”
Meanwhile, Ronald sat wondering about Catherine's knowledge on the subject, and so he asked, “You seem knowledgeable...is this area of interest to you?”
Humbly, Catherine smiled as she related, “Well yes, sort of, I actually started going into Paleontology in college.”
And because Pascal and Vincent knew Ronald’s past, the looked at one another, surprised by this coincidence.
And so in an astounded tone, Ronald asked, “You too?”
Catherine smiled as she nodded, admitting, “Yes well actually, my friend Jen and I both did. I suppose you might say it was during my rebellious stage. I wanted to break away from the expectations that were put on me to follow in Daddy’s footsteps. And also because, well, it seemed to be so adventurous and exciting!"
Catherine then embarrassingly revealed, "You see at the time, there was a movie out back then called, “Indiana Jones” and Jen and I must have seen it a million times! We both longed to do something brave and exciting with our lives!”
Upon hearing Catherine's confession, Ronald bent his head laughing, because he himself felt the same way. He smiled at Catherine as he said, “I loved that Movie, and I saw it many times too. Yes I longed to be just like Indie!”
Catherine laughed heartily and said, “You too? What a small world.”
And then thoughtfully, Ronald inquired, “Did you do any excavating?”
To which Catherine excitedly went on to relate the story when her class excavated an old Civil War Battle ground, when suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, she realized Vincent had his eyes downward, looking a bit sullen, as he was left out of the conversation. And so she quickly finished up by saying, “At any rate, it was only a dream, one I never followed through with."
And because Ronald didn't follow his dream either, he nodded relating, “Yes...if we were only taught and pushed to follow our dreams as children, instead of being so practical.”
Totally agreeing, Catherine said, “Yes, children should be encouraged to follow their dreams. Don’t you agree Vincent and Pascal?”
And because meantime, Pascal started to sense Vincent's heavy heart, he cleared his throat trying to ease the uncomfortable atmosphere, as he said, “Yes I do, in fact, that was how my Father raised me; and because he did, I did! And I am happy that I gained my position here monitoring the pipe communication system.”
And so as everyone began to sense Vincent's demeanor, Pascal once again broke the silence, as he asked, “Well Vincent, should we ask Father if he has time for a meeting?”
To which Vincent nodded and quietly told him, “Yes Pascal. I will go ask Father, to see if he is available.”
As Vincent left the three, Ronald was the first to speak about making Vincent feeling uncomfortable, as he apologetically said, “I am sorry if Vincent felt left out. I DO go on when I talk about my favorite subject.”
To which Catherine guiltily added, “Me too. I think I may have hurt Vincent.”
Upon hearing how bad these two good people felt, Pascal assured them both, “He will be fine, sometimes we all must take a step back and see things from his perspective. His lack of experience in the outside world leaves him feeling inadequate at times. Although let me assure you this, there is no smarter man on this earth, or more knowledgeable about so many things as he is.”
Meanwhile, Ronald looked downward, as he thought to himself, that the first time he had felt free enough to laugh aloud in years, he managed to hurt his good friend. Thinking this will not happen again, he quietly excused himself.
Upon seeing the sadness in Ronald's eyes, Catherine tried to stop him by calling out to him, and as he kept on walking, she turned back to Pascal, and when she did, she locked eyes with Vincent, who had been looking at her from his seat beside his Father, and by the cold look on Vincent's face, she could tell he was not in a good place.
And so a bit later, as Catherine helped with the kitchen duties, she turned as she heard Vincent speak her name, "Catherine..."
Turning to face Vincent, Catherine looked hopeful that he was no longer upset. But when he spoke, it was clear he was, for Vincent slightly hesitated, as he told her, “I will be meeting with Father, Pascal, and …Ro…Ronald. If you should need me…”
Catherine forced a smile, trying to act like nothing was amiss, and told him, “I will be fine, have a good meeting. Will I be…”
As Catherine was about to ask if she would see him later, he turned and sullenly walked away from her.
Turning back to her task at hand, she felt stunned, and terrible her conversation with Ronald made Vincent feel left out. How would she ever broach this subject with him, and clear all this up? Her heart went out to Ronald too. His sorrow is so near to the surface, that to see him smile, was really rare. Now he feels badly too.
Catherine made small talk with everyone, but her heart and mind was else where. How quickly her blissful life had changed. Rebecca and Mary reminded Catherine of the Sewing Circle in the morning, and when Mary noticed Catherine's mood, she asked, “Is everything all right Dear?”
Catherine nodded, “Yes Mary, I’m just tired that’s all.”
Rebecca offered, “Feel free to go on to bed when ever you like Catherine. Samantha asked that I make her some special candles for their concert, so I will be busy till quite late.”
Mary added, “Yes Catherine you may as well go about your own business. When they have meetings discussing things with Father, there is no telling how late Vincent will be!”
Rebecca turning to Mary, and pleaded, “You will help me won’t you?”
Mary pondered a moment, and said, “Well, I was planning on catching up on a bit laundry, but sure I can help you.”
Rebecca sighed feeling so relieved, “Thank you.”
Mary turned and cheerfully relayed, “Remember, directly after breakfast we have...”
She then Operatically sang, “...SEWING CIRCLE! Have a good nights rest Dear!"
Catherine gratefully smiled, and then told them both Good night.
As she walked back to Rebecca’s chamber, she impulsively took a detour to the Guest Chamber instead. She suddenly wanted to confront her sorrow, and perhaps there, she could feel close to her Father, for she felt so confused, and with Vincent unhappy with her, she felt so alone.
As she laid upon the bed, she suddenly turned to the entrance where Ronald stood.
She quickly sat up, and asked, “Is everything all right?”
Ronald apologized, “I’m sorry Catherine I didn’t realize you would be here. I thought you were staying in Rebecca’s chamber.”
Catherine stood up as she explained, “I am. I only came here because I wanted...well this may sound strange, but I wanted to feel close to my Dad. I stayed here after he died, and my feelings are so
strong here, though it makes me sad, it is comforting to me right now for some reason.”
Ronald looked downward, as he shook his head in wonderment, causing Catherine to ask, “What is it Ronald?”
Ronald looked at Catherine, as he told her, “The reason is the same for me. Before I was issued a chamber of my own, I too stayed here after the death of my family. I come here often to feel close to them too.”
Catherine looked at Ronald and with sorrow in her eyes, she could only imagine what pain Ronald must have to live with.
Painfully, Catherine asked, “How did you ever get through it?”
Ronald scoffed, “Get through it Catherine? Get through it? I don’t believe I will ever get through it! I am alive, I eat, I walk and talk, but I am just existing. The pain will always be there. I have just learned to co-exist with my grief, that is all.”
Ronald continued, “Talking to you at supper tonight, felt so wonderful to think about the days when I was young and hopeful, long before I loved and lost my family. My family I let down...”
Ronald bent his head shedding grief stricken tears. Catherine went to him, and putting her arms around him, comforted him. He placed his head on her shoulder, and hugged her back.
Catherine told him, “The accident wasn’t your fault, and it is as Vincent told me only tonight, Love is never lost, it lives on for always, even after the death of someone.”
Ronald’s sobbing finally subsided, and Catherine pulled gently away. Ronald stepped away too and told her, “I am sure tomorrow I am going to be very embarrassed you saw me like this, but right now, I am too sad to care. Thank you for your kind words tonight.”
Catherine told him, “We all need a shoulder now and then. Please don’t feel uncomfortable about needing someone. I am just glad I was here for you.”
They looked at one another sharing a familiar moment knowing and understanding each other’s pain.
Then just as suddenly, an uncomfortable silence fell between them, knowing after the way Vincent re-acted at supper to their growing friendship, he would never understand if he were to find them both here together like this, what ever the reason may be!
Catherine started to speak and at the very same moment Ronald spoke too, “Well I guess…”
Catherine urged Ronald to finish, “I am sorry Ronald, what were you saying?”
Ronald politely gave the floor to Catherine, saying, “No you Catherine. You go first.”
Catherine looked downward as she said, “I was just wondering why you didn’t go to the meeting with the others.”
Ronald lowered his head, and simply said, “I thought it was for the best. Vincent seemed distant, and displeased with me for…”
Ronald was not sure if he should acknowledge the jealousy he felt from Vincent or not, so he ended his sentence there, but Catherine understood exactly what he wasn’t saying.
Catherine nodded and said, “Maybe it was nothing Ronald. I’ll go on to Rebecca’s now. So please, you stay and have your time here Ronald.”
Ronald politely said, “Thank you Catherine for being a good friend.”
Catherine smiled, and told him “Any time Ronald. I do understand.”
Ronald was still standing at the entrance when Catherine had to pass by him to exit. And as she did, their closeness was felt by them both. They had shared their sorrows with one another, and their friendship was deepening in such a way that made them both feel a bit guilty.
To be continued
Chapter Thirteen
Nodding, Pascal looked to Ronald, as he told Vincent, “I showed it to Ronald, who's an expert in this area, and he thinks it is some sort of Limestone.”
And because Vincent also knew Ronald's family worked in a quarry when he was a boy, he knew Ronald would be quite knowledgeable about different types of stone.
Yes, Ronald had shared some childhood stories, of how he would go exploring as a young boy, and uncover many buried fossils, arrowheads, and other treasures. In fact, Ronald also told his tunnel family, that for a short time, he wanted to become a Paleontologist. That was until his family advised him otherwise. His parents felt that because of his ease with numbers, he would be assured a career in bookkeeping. And so he changed his major, and went into accounting instead.
And so, Vincent turned then to Ronald, as he asked, “Of course! Well Ronald, what do you make of this stone?”
Thoughtfully, Ronald leaned forward in his seat, as he addressed Vincent, saying, “Well I suggested to Pascal it may be worthwhile to investigate this area further, to determine if we are on a vein. Because Limestone is an important building stone, it might be useful to us."
Continuing, Ronald excitedly added, "Limestone is a soft stone that can be carved or ground up to be used as a component for cement or concrete. When heated it may be used as flux for smelting copper, and lead ores because of the fact that heat changes it to calcium oxide.”
Upon hearing the compound Calcium Oxide, Catherine recalled some of her Chemistry from her old college days, questionably asked, “Let’s see Calcium Oxide is the chemical name for Lime?”
To which Ronald smiled as he impressively nodded, and answered, “Yes it is Catherine.”
Turning back to Vincent, Ronald added, “At any rate I feel this could be valuable to us Vincent. Maybe we could discuss it with Father.”
Taken back a bit by the camaraderie between Ronald and Catherine, Vincent looked at Catherine for a moment, and then to Ronald, nodded his head, and agreed, “Yes, we shall meet with Father. Pascal, I hope you are free...”
To which Pascal excitedly told Vincent, “Of Course!”
Meanwhile, Ronald sat wondering about Catherine's knowledge on the subject, and so he asked, “You seem knowledgeable...is this area of interest to you?”
Humbly, Catherine smiled as she related, “Well yes, sort of, I actually started going into Paleontology in college.”
And because Pascal and Vincent knew Ronald’s past, the looked at one another, surprised by this coincidence.
And so in an astounded tone, Ronald asked, “You too?”
Catherine smiled as she nodded, admitting, “Yes well actually, my friend Jen and I both did. I suppose you might say it was during my rebellious stage. I wanted to break away from the expectations that were put on me to follow in Daddy’s footsteps. And also because, well, it seemed to be so adventurous and exciting!"
Catherine then embarrassingly revealed, "You see at the time, there was a movie out back then called, “Indiana Jones” and Jen and I must have seen it a million times! We both longed to do something brave and exciting with our lives!”
Upon hearing Catherine's confession, Ronald bent his head laughing, because he himself felt the same way. He smiled at Catherine as he said, “I loved that Movie, and I saw it many times too. Yes I longed to be just like Indie!”
Catherine laughed heartily and said, “You too? What a small world.”
And then thoughtfully, Ronald inquired, “Did you do any excavating?”
To which Catherine excitedly went on to relate the story when her class excavated an old Civil War Battle ground, when suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, she realized Vincent had his eyes downward, looking a bit sullen, as he was left out of the conversation. And so she quickly finished up by saying, “At any rate, it was only a dream, one I never followed through with."
And because Ronald didn't follow his dream either, he nodded relating, “Yes...if we were only taught and pushed to follow our dreams as children, instead of being so practical.”
Totally agreeing, Catherine said, “Yes, children should be encouraged to follow their dreams. Don’t you agree Vincent and Pascal?”
And because meantime, Pascal started to sense Vincent's heavy heart, he cleared his throat trying to ease the uncomfortable atmosphere, as he said, “Yes I do, in fact, that was how my Father raised me; and because he did, I did! And I am happy that I gained my position here monitoring the pipe communication system.”
And so as everyone began to sense Vincent's demeanor, Pascal once again broke the silence, as he asked, “Well Vincent, should we ask Father if he has time for a meeting?”
To which Vincent nodded and quietly told him, “Yes Pascal. I will go ask Father, to see if he is available.”
As Vincent left the three, Ronald was the first to speak about making Vincent feeling uncomfortable, as he apologetically said, “I am sorry if Vincent felt left out. I DO go on when I talk about my favorite subject.”
To which Catherine guiltily added, “Me too. I think I may have hurt Vincent.”
Upon hearing how bad these two good people felt, Pascal assured them both, “He will be fine, sometimes we all must take a step back and see things from his perspective. His lack of experience in the outside world leaves him feeling inadequate at times. Although let me assure you this, there is no smarter man on this earth, or more knowledgeable about so many things as he is.”
Meanwhile, Ronald looked downward, as he thought to himself, that the first time he had felt free enough to laugh aloud in years, he managed to hurt his good friend. Thinking this will not happen again, he quietly excused himself.
Upon seeing the sadness in Ronald's eyes, Catherine tried to stop him by calling out to him, and as he kept on walking, she turned back to Pascal, and when she did, she locked eyes with Vincent, who had been looking at her from his seat beside his Father, and by the cold look on Vincent's face, she could tell he was not in a good place.
And so a bit later, as Catherine helped with the kitchen duties, she turned as she heard Vincent speak her name, "Catherine..."
Turning to face Vincent, Catherine looked hopeful that he was no longer upset. But when he spoke, it was clear he was, for Vincent slightly hesitated, as he told her, “I will be meeting with Father, Pascal, and …Ro…Ronald. If you should need me…”
Catherine forced a smile, trying to act like nothing was amiss, and told him, “I will be fine, have a good meeting. Will I be…”
As Catherine was about to ask if she would see him later, he turned and sullenly walked away from her.
Turning back to her task at hand, she felt stunned, and terrible her conversation with Ronald made Vincent feel left out. How would she ever broach this subject with him, and clear all this up? Her heart went out to Ronald too. His sorrow is so near to the surface, that to see him smile, was really rare. Now he feels badly too.
Catherine made small talk with everyone, but her heart and mind was else where. How quickly her blissful life had changed. Rebecca and Mary reminded Catherine of the Sewing Circle in the morning, and when Mary noticed Catherine's mood, she asked, “Is everything all right Dear?”
Catherine nodded, “Yes Mary, I’m just tired that’s all.”
Rebecca offered, “Feel free to go on to bed when ever you like Catherine. Samantha asked that I make her some special candles for their concert, so I will be busy till quite late.”
Mary added, “Yes Catherine you may as well go about your own business. When they have meetings discussing things with Father, there is no telling how late Vincent will be!”
Rebecca turning to Mary, and pleaded, “You will help me won’t you?”
Mary pondered a moment, and said, “Well, I was planning on catching up on a bit laundry, but sure I can help you.”
Rebecca sighed feeling so relieved, “Thank you.”
Mary turned and cheerfully relayed, “Remember, directly after breakfast we have...”
She then Operatically sang, “...SEWING CIRCLE! Have a good nights rest Dear!"
Catherine gratefully smiled, and then told them both Good night.
As she walked back to Rebecca’s chamber, she impulsively took a detour to the Guest Chamber instead. She suddenly wanted to confront her sorrow, and perhaps there, she could feel close to her Father, for she felt so confused, and with Vincent unhappy with her, she felt so alone.
As she laid upon the bed, she suddenly turned to the entrance where Ronald stood.
She quickly sat up, and asked, “Is everything all right?”
Ronald apologized, “I’m sorry Catherine I didn’t realize you would be here. I thought you were staying in Rebecca’s chamber.”
Catherine stood up as she explained, “I am. I only came here because I wanted...well this may sound strange, but I wanted to feel close to my Dad. I stayed here after he died, and my feelings are so
strong here, though it makes me sad, it is comforting to me right now for some reason.”
Ronald looked downward, as he shook his head in wonderment, causing Catherine to ask, “What is it Ronald?”
Ronald looked at Catherine, as he told her, “The reason is the same for me. Before I was issued a chamber of my own, I too stayed here after the death of my family. I come here often to feel close to them too.”
Catherine looked at Ronald and with sorrow in her eyes, she could only imagine what pain Ronald must have to live with.
Painfully, Catherine asked, “How did you ever get through it?”
Ronald scoffed, “Get through it Catherine? Get through it? I don’t believe I will ever get through it! I am alive, I eat, I walk and talk, but I am just existing. The pain will always be there. I have just learned to co-exist with my grief, that is all.”
Ronald continued, “Talking to you at supper tonight, felt so wonderful to think about the days when I was young and hopeful, long before I loved and lost my family. My family I let down...”
Ronald bent his head shedding grief stricken tears. Catherine went to him, and putting her arms around him, comforted him. He placed his head on her shoulder, and hugged her back.
Catherine told him, “The accident wasn’t your fault, and it is as Vincent told me only tonight, Love is never lost, it lives on for always, even after the death of someone.”
Ronald’s sobbing finally subsided, and Catherine pulled gently away. Ronald stepped away too and told her, “I am sure tomorrow I am going to be very embarrassed you saw me like this, but right now, I am too sad to care. Thank you for your kind words tonight.”
Catherine told him, “We all need a shoulder now and then. Please don’t feel uncomfortable about needing someone. I am just glad I was here for you.”
They looked at one another sharing a familiar moment knowing and understanding each other’s pain.
Then just as suddenly, an uncomfortable silence fell between them, knowing after the way Vincent re-acted at supper to their growing friendship, he would never understand if he were to find them both here together like this, what ever the reason may be!
Catherine started to speak and at the very same moment Ronald spoke too, “Well I guess…”
Catherine urged Ronald to finish, “I am sorry Ronald, what were you saying?”
Ronald politely gave the floor to Catherine, saying, “No you Catherine. You go first.”
Catherine looked downward as she said, “I was just wondering why you didn’t go to the meeting with the others.”
Ronald lowered his head, and simply said, “I thought it was for the best. Vincent seemed distant, and displeased with me for…”
Ronald was not sure if he should acknowledge the jealousy he felt from Vincent or not, so he ended his sentence there, but Catherine understood exactly what he wasn’t saying.
Catherine nodded and said, “Maybe it was nothing Ronald. I’ll go on to Rebecca’s now. So please, you stay and have your time here Ronald.”
Ronald politely said, “Thank you Catherine for being a good friend.”
Catherine smiled, and told him “Any time Ronald. I do understand.”
Ronald was still standing at the entrance when Catherine had to pass by him to exit. And as she did, their closeness was felt by them both. They had shared their sorrows with one another, and their friendship was deepening in such a way that made them both feel a bit guilty.
To be continued
Chapter Thirteen
| All of My Life! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twelve |
