| Beyond my Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Eight |
As Catherine descended the iron metal rungs, Vincent was there waiting for her.
Sweetly, she hugged him, and happily said, "I was hoping you would be here."
Reverently, he held her, and said, "I wanted to greet you upon your return
home."
Upon hearing Vincent referring to the tunnels as her home now, Catherine softly
replied, "Home...I love the sound of that."
She then excitedly said, "Oh Vincent, I was able to contact Mr. Child's, and he
will look into the contents of Father's estate, and see if his Mother's portrait is
included on the list. Since Peter is his official legal liaison, he will be contacting
him from here on out. So we should know something soon."
Eager to also hear what Catherine found out about the court date, he
concernedly asked, "And what did you find out about the trial? When is it going
to be?"
Looking up at her husband, Catherine ecstatically answered, "Since Mr. Wilkin's
agreed to a plea bargain, we won't have to testify. Our previous depo's are being
submitted as our testimonies to aid the prosecution in its case, so it appears,
THAT is the end of that."
Feeling immense relief, Vincent replied, "I am thankful for this news Catherine."
Being back in Vincent's stirring presence, Catherine could no longer identify
with those melancholy feelings, the career side of her nature experienced earlier,
and so she could truthfully say, "Yes. Me too."
Feeling uplifted from the burden of worry, Vincent lightheartedly asked, "Tell
me...how was your time with Jennifer?"
Beginning their walk back to their home chamber, Catherine giggled as she
answered, "How it always is...extremely fun and very eventful."
She then asked, "And what about you? How was your day with Mouse?"
Mimicking his wife's reply, Vincent answered, "Fun and very eventful."
After the subtle smile left his lips, he relayed, "Mouse was so enthralled with our
streetcar discovery Catherine, he in fact, couldn't wait to present Father with the
idea, of bringing it back to our home tunnels."
Curiously, Catherine asked, "I hope Father says yes. Do you think it really is
possible?"
With an assured nod, Vincent replied, "Yes. I have a plan drawn up to aid us in
the venture. I believe it would be a project the whole community could unite
behind."
Eagerly she then asked, "And what about the Golden Cavern? Did you
rediscover it with Mouse?"
He then leaned his head to the side, and expressed, "The joy Mouse
experienced as he rediscovered the Golden Crystal Cavern, is beyond words
Catherine."
He then reached in his pocket, and displayed an array of golden crystals in his
splayed out hand, causing Catherine to gasp, and say, "Now we can officially
turn our crystal into a keepsake! I won't have to hide it anymore."
Catherine, then teasingly added, "I hope I will have some where to put it on my
person! Between the broach Father gave me, a necklace from both you and
Peter, I am going to be decked out like the Queen of England!"
Over to See Catherine's Photo
Passing by the Hospital Chamber, they joined Mary as she was departing with
the empty luncheon trays, from both Jacob and little Eric. As Vincent took the
trays to carry them for her, Catherine noticed the plates were basically scraped
clean! And so she noted, "It looks like both Eric and Father have healthy
appetites today!"
Gleefully, Mary responded, "Oh my yes Dear! Indeed they do. And you will be
happy to know, Eric is very much looking forward to the concert tomorrow.
How thoughtful of you to initiate such a treat for the boy."
Catherine was so pleased to know, the little she could do for Eric, mattered in
such a big way to him.
As they dropped off the trays at the Dining Hall, they told Mary, they would see
her there later on for supper, and after they said goodbye, Vincent put his arm
around Catherine, and the newlyweds headed home.
Once they settled in, Catherine decided she would brew them some tea. And as
she opened the cupboard for their tea cups, she noticed Vincent had stocked
their cupboards with the groceries left over from their honeymoon. And so she
excitedly told him, "I am so happy you brought back our leftovers! This
zucchini bread will make a delicious snack for you."
Slipping off his boots, Vincent stretched out on their bed, and said, that yes,
although he had worked up an appetite on his day of scouting, he was thinking it
might be nice to rest for a little while before dinner.
As he undid the clasp of his thick leather belt, he looked at Catherine and said,
"Come lay with me..."
Beguiled by the look in his blue, blue eyes, she put down the tray, and
approached their bed. Knowing her husband desired her nearness, she curled up
into him, and sighed, "Yes, I have to admit...this is a much better idea."
As Vincent held her, he stroked Catherine's hair, and confessed, "I miss the
complete privacy we owned during our honeymoon Catherine, knowing we
were totally alone, and there was no one else near by..."
Seductively, Catherine said, "We're alone right here, right now."
In reply, Vincent huskily whispered, "So true..."
As he lovingly held her, she closed her eyes, loving so much being with her
husband after a day in the city.
As they laid together, she softly told him, the way their new master bedchamber
was tucked way back into the furthest alcove from the tunnel threshold, it
almost felt like they were back in their secluded suite, far, far away from the
rest of the world.
To which Vincent replied, that was his plan, when he plotted out their
chamber's design.
She then mentioned, "Speaking of designs, Are you ready to begin your college
career? Tomorrow is the big day."
Keeping his excitement at a low ebb, Vincent answered, "Yes Catherine...I am
ready, and I am grateful to both you and Peter, for making my dream, a reality."
With a defiant tone, Catherine reminded Vincent, it was because of his own
exceptionally high scoring, that got him into Pratt, not her or Peter, and he
should be proud of himself alone, because he was a very, very brilliant man!
Contentedly, Vincent sighed, feeling bolstered by his wife's biased pep talk,
secure in the knowledge, his wife was his biggest admirer.
Reluctantly, Catherine was the first to say, they should get up, because it was
time to start getting ready for supper. Vincent stayed in bed, as he watched
Catherine gather their toiletries for the Hot Springs Chamber.
He loved how she moved in such an elegant lady-like fashion, and she knew he
liked watching her, but never did she take advantage of his obsessive devotion
of her, but did secretly enjoy the flattering attention he would give her.
When Catherine was ready with all the supplies they needed, she smiled at her
relaxed, horizontal husband, and prompted him to get up, because they were
running low on time.
As they exited their threshold, they met up with Jamie and Laura, who were just
coming back from bathing. Excitedly, they told the newlyweds, there were
bubbles all over in the Hot Springs Chamber!
Curiously, Vincent asked, "How did this happen?"
Laughing as she replied, Jamie explained how Arthur followed Mouse, and
accidentally knocked the crock of soap into the springs by the slope! And
although it was an unfortunate waste of supplies, everyone was enjoying the
huge bubble bath!
Laura then signed, how poor Mouse got in trouble with Mary, over the whole
thing! In fact they better watch out, because Mary was there now, and she was
steaming.
Expecting to find Mary in a bad mood, Catherine and Vincent were surprised to
find her giggling along with Rebecca, and Olivia over the abundance of bubbles!
In a gentlemen like manner, Vincent asked, "May we join you?"
Cordially, Mary twittered, and said, "Yes, yes...come in and bubble yourselves
clean!"
Catherine looked at Vincent and privately widened her eyes, surprised by the
obvious change in Mary's opinion of the Bubble Fiasco!
The bubbles turned out to be a wonderful change of pace, and in the end, even
Mary said how much fun it was!
Supper was always the most gratifying part of the day below in the tunnels.
Chores that had been mapped out earlier, had been completed, everyone has
bathed, and feeling relaxed, and readied for the camaraderie, meal time provided
them. And because William was such an excellent cook, the food was always a
great treat too. On the menu for tonight was, Corned Beef Brisket with Cabbage
and a yummy Cheesecake for dessert.
Because Jacob had to stay near Eric in the Hospital chamber, he was very much
missed, as he always presided over mealtime, beginning with a prayer of thanks.
And so with him being absent, Vincent stepped up into his father's place. There
was a time, when such a task would have unnerved him, but more and more,
Vincent now considers it a duty and a privilege to do so.
As they ate, the bubbling Hot Springs Chamber was of course the main topic of
discussion, when in the end, Mary apologized to Mouse for being so harsh with
him.
Even though Mouse appreciated Mary's apology, he was still upset with her,
because she chased Arthur off with a broom! And so he replied, "Not Mouse
you should say you are sorry to, but to Arthur!"
Feeling embarrassed, she nodded in agreement to appease Mouse, and said she
would speak to Arthur the first chance she got.
Changing the subject, Mary put on a wide grin, when she told Ronald, with the
help of Rebecca, his chamber was completed late that afternoon, and ready for
him.
With much gratitude, Ronald replied, "Hey that's great! I can't wait to move in
Mary. Thank you too Rebecca. Both the ladies told him they enjoyed doing it
for him.
Inquisitively, Catherine asked, "Did you have a theme for Ronald's chamber?"
To which Mary said, "Oh yes...we tried to stay true to his Native American
culture, by having all accents, and colors in natural tones. For instance the quilt I
had been working on for his room, is in varying shades of burnt oranges and
browns. Oh my it is lovely, and I am quite pleased with the finished project."
Eagerly adding, Rebecca told Catherine, the wax she poured for Ronald's
candles, was in the warmest shade, of a toasted tan.
Catherine thought the way they described his chamber, it sounded warm and
very cozy. And so she told them she couldn't wait to see it. Then it was decided
by popular demand, that a tour would take place for the community to see
Ronald's new digs, immediately after supper.
Just then a sentry placed a note in front of Vincent, and because he recognized
the writing to be Devin's, he urgently opened it. After silently reading it, he
lowered the note, and sat thoughtful for a moment. Worriedly, Catherine asked,
"Is everything all right?"
Nodding, he quickly answered, "I am sorry if I concerned you, but
yes...everything is fine. It's a message from Devin. He wrote, telling me, both
he and Lisa are getting ready for another trip. She has been invited to join a
ballet troupe during the summer, and he would be going along with her. He
apologizes that he doesn't have time to come and say goodbye, but will visit as
soon as they come back into town. I suppose I am disappointed. I was looking
forward to him coming home tomorrow."
Irritated by the fact, Devin is off gallivanting, so soon after returning home,
Pascal quipped, "Wait until Father hears this! Sounds like the same old Devin!"
Sternly, Vincent corrected him by reminding him, "Not so Pascal. The old
Devin would not have bothered to even tell us of his plans. No, I do sense a
more considerate man in these written words."
Cocking a brow, Catherine suggested, "Maybe its because he is a man in love."
Nodding, Vincent thoughtfully agreed, by saying, "Perhaps..."
The notion of Devin being in love, caused Pascal to respond with a most
unusual skeptical manner! And so he scoffed, "Poor Lisa! She better keep her
guard up. If she thinks she can depend on Devin, she better think again."
In his brother's defense, Vincent replied, "My concern with the pairing of Lisa
and Devin, is not for Lisa, Pascal...but rather, for Devin! Just a few weeks ago,
Lisa seemed very much in love with another man. I don't wish to see Devin
hurt, while Lisa is rebounding from a broken heart."
Having some insight in this area, Mary earnestly revealed, "Well...Lisa
confessed to me, she never really felt things were going to work out with the
other man, because he seemed to be still in love with another woman. So I think
she was quite open to a relationship with Devin, and he to her."
In a peeved off manner, Pascal replied, "Well that makes it all just perfect then!"
He then turned on his heels, and began clearing the table.
Privately, Vincent approached Pascal, to ask him why he seemed so angry,
whenever Devin's name has been brought up.
Thoughtfully Pascal looked downward, feeling hesitant to say what was in his
heart.
Vincent could see he was battling with himself, and so he urged,
"Pascal...please...tell me."
Taking in a deep breath, Pascal warned, "Once I say what I am feeling, I can
never take it back Vincent. I'm not sure I care to say anything more."
With a loving arm around his lifelong friend, Vincent replied, "Pascal, I always
thought we could tell each other anything. Has Devin hurt you in some way?"
To be continued
Chapter Nine
Sweetly, she hugged him, and happily said, "I was hoping you would be here."
Reverently, he held her, and said, "I wanted to greet you upon your return
home."
Upon hearing Vincent referring to the tunnels as her home now, Catherine softly
replied, "Home...I love the sound of that."
She then excitedly said, "Oh Vincent, I was able to contact Mr. Child's, and he
will look into the contents of Father's estate, and see if his Mother's portrait is
included on the list. Since Peter is his official legal liaison, he will be contacting
him from here on out. So we should know something soon."
Eager to also hear what Catherine found out about the court date, he
concernedly asked, "And what did you find out about the trial? When is it going
to be?"
Looking up at her husband, Catherine ecstatically answered, "Since Mr. Wilkin's
agreed to a plea bargain, we won't have to testify. Our previous depo's are being
submitted as our testimonies to aid the prosecution in its case, so it appears,
THAT is the end of that."
Feeling immense relief, Vincent replied, "I am thankful for this news Catherine."
Being back in Vincent's stirring presence, Catherine could no longer identify
with those melancholy feelings, the career side of her nature experienced earlier,
and so she could truthfully say, "Yes. Me too."
Feeling uplifted from the burden of worry, Vincent lightheartedly asked, "Tell
me...how was your time with Jennifer?"
Beginning their walk back to their home chamber, Catherine giggled as she
answered, "How it always is...extremely fun and very eventful."
She then asked, "And what about you? How was your day with Mouse?"
Mimicking his wife's reply, Vincent answered, "Fun and very eventful."
After the subtle smile left his lips, he relayed, "Mouse was so enthralled with our
streetcar discovery Catherine, he in fact, couldn't wait to present Father with the
idea, of bringing it back to our home tunnels."
Curiously, Catherine asked, "I hope Father says yes. Do you think it really is
possible?"
With an assured nod, Vincent replied, "Yes. I have a plan drawn up to aid us in
the venture. I believe it would be a project the whole community could unite
behind."
Eagerly she then asked, "And what about the Golden Cavern? Did you
rediscover it with Mouse?"
He then leaned his head to the side, and expressed, "The joy Mouse
experienced as he rediscovered the Golden Crystal Cavern, is beyond words
Catherine."
He then reached in his pocket, and displayed an array of golden crystals in his
splayed out hand, causing Catherine to gasp, and say, "Now we can officially
turn our crystal into a keepsake! I won't have to hide it anymore."
Catherine, then teasingly added, "I hope I will have some where to put it on my
person! Between the broach Father gave me, a necklace from both you and
Peter, I am going to be decked out like the Queen of England!"
Over to See Catherine's Photo
Passing by the Hospital Chamber, they joined Mary as she was departing with
the empty luncheon trays, from both Jacob and little Eric. As Vincent took the
trays to carry them for her, Catherine noticed the plates were basically scraped
clean! And so she noted, "It looks like both Eric and Father have healthy
appetites today!"
Gleefully, Mary responded, "Oh my yes Dear! Indeed they do. And you will be
happy to know, Eric is very much looking forward to the concert tomorrow.
How thoughtful of you to initiate such a treat for the boy."
Catherine was so pleased to know, the little she could do for Eric, mattered in
such a big way to him.
As they dropped off the trays at the Dining Hall, they told Mary, they would see
her there later on for supper, and after they said goodbye, Vincent put his arm
around Catherine, and the newlyweds headed home.
Once they settled in, Catherine decided she would brew them some tea. And as
she opened the cupboard for their tea cups, she noticed Vincent had stocked
their cupboards with the groceries left over from their honeymoon. And so she
excitedly told him, "I am so happy you brought back our leftovers! This
zucchini bread will make a delicious snack for you."
Slipping off his boots, Vincent stretched out on their bed, and said, that yes,
although he had worked up an appetite on his day of scouting, he was thinking it
might be nice to rest for a little while before dinner.
As he undid the clasp of his thick leather belt, he looked at Catherine and said,
"Come lay with me..."
Beguiled by the look in his blue, blue eyes, she put down the tray, and
approached their bed. Knowing her husband desired her nearness, she curled up
into him, and sighed, "Yes, I have to admit...this is a much better idea."
As Vincent held her, he stroked Catherine's hair, and confessed, "I miss the
complete privacy we owned during our honeymoon Catherine, knowing we
were totally alone, and there was no one else near by..."
Seductively, Catherine said, "We're alone right here, right now."
In reply, Vincent huskily whispered, "So true..."
As he lovingly held her, she closed her eyes, loving so much being with her
husband after a day in the city.
As they laid together, she softly told him, the way their new master bedchamber
was tucked way back into the furthest alcove from the tunnel threshold, it
almost felt like they were back in their secluded suite, far, far away from the
rest of the world.
To which Vincent replied, that was his plan, when he plotted out their
chamber's design.
She then mentioned, "Speaking of designs, Are you ready to begin your college
career? Tomorrow is the big day."
Keeping his excitement at a low ebb, Vincent answered, "Yes Catherine...I am
ready, and I am grateful to both you and Peter, for making my dream, a reality."
With a defiant tone, Catherine reminded Vincent, it was because of his own
exceptionally high scoring, that got him into Pratt, not her or Peter, and he
should be proud of himself alone, because he was a very, very brilliant man!
Contentedly, Vincent sighed, feeling bolstered by his wife's biased pep talk,
secure in the knowledge, his wife was his biggest admirer.
Reluctantly, Catherine was the first to say, they should get up, because it was
time to start getting ready for supper. Vincent stayed in bed, as he watched
Catherine gather their toiletries for the Hot Springs Chamber.
He loved how she moved in such an elegant lady-like fashion, and she knew he
liked watching her, but never did she take advantage of his obsessive devotion
of her, but did secretly enjoy the flattering attention he would give her.
When Catherine was ready with all the supplies they needed, she smiled at her
relaxed, horizontal husband, and prompted him to get up, because they were
running low on time.
As they exited their threshold, they met up with Jamie and Laura, who were just
coming back from bathing. Excitedly, they told the newlyweds, there were
bubbles all over in the Hot Springs Chamber!
Curiously, Vincent asked, "How did this happen?"
Laughing as she replied, Jamie explained how Arthur followed Mouse, and
accidentally knocked the crock of soap into the springs by the slope! And
although it was an unfortunate waste of supplies, everyone was enjoying the
huge bubble bath!
Laura then signed, how poor Mouse got in trouble with Mary, over the whole
thing! In fact they better watch out, because Mary was there now, and she was
steaming.
Expecting to find Mary in a bad mood, Catherine and Vincent were surprised to
find her giggling along with Rebecca, and Olivia over the abundance of bubbles!
In a gentlemen like manner, Vincent asked, "May we join you?"
Cordially, Mary twittered, and said, "Yes, yes...come in and bubble yourselves
clean!"
Catherine looked at Vincent and privately widened her eyes, surprised by the
obvious change in Mary's opinion of the Bubble Fiasco!
The bubbles turned out to be a wonderful change of pace, and in the end, even
Mary said how much fun it was!
Supper was always the most gratifying part of the day below in the tunnels.
Chores that had been mapped out earlier, had been completed, everyone has
bathed, and feeling relaxed, and readied for the camaraderie, meal time provided
them. And because William was such an excellent cook, the food was always a
great treat too. On the menu for tonight was, Corned Beef Brisket with Cabbage
and a yummy Cheesecake for dessert.
Because Jacob had to stay near Eric in the Hospital chamber, he was very much
missed, as he always presided over mealtime, beginning with a prayer of thanks.
And so with him being absent, Vincent stepped up into his father's place. There
was a time, when such a task would have unnerved him, but more and more,
Vincent now considers it a duty and a privilege to do so.
As they ate, the bubbling Hot Springs Chamber was of course the main topic of
discussion, when in the end, Mary apologized to Mouse for being so harsh with
him.
Even though Mouse appreciated Mary's apology, he was still upset with her,
because she chased Arthur off with a broom! And so he replied, "Not Mouse
you should say you are sorry to, but to Arthur!"
Feeling embarrassed, she nodded in agreement to appease Mouse, and said she
would speak to Arthur the first chance she got.
Changing the subject, Mary put on a wide grin, when she told Ronald, with the
help of Rebecca, his chamber was completed late that afternoon, and ready for
him.
With much gratitude, Ronald replied, "Hey that's great! I can't wait to move in
Mary. Thank you too Rebecca. Both the ladies told him they enjoyed doing it
for him.
Inquisitively, Catherine asked, "Did you have a theme for Ronald's chamber?"
To which Mary said, "Oh yes...we tried to stay true to his Native American
culture, by having all accents, and colors in natural tones. For instance the quilt I
had been working on for his room, is in varying shades of burnt oranges and
browns. Oh my it is lovely, and I am quite pleased with the finished project."
Eagerly adding, Rebecca told Catherine, the wax she poured for Ronald's
candles, was in the warmest shade, of a toasted tan.
Catherine thought the way they described his chamber, it sounded warm and
very cozy. And so she told them she couldn't wait to see it. Then it was decided
by popular demand, that a tour would take place for the community to see
Ronald's new digs, immediately after supper.
Just then a sentry placed a note in front of Vincent, and because he recognized
the writing to be Devin's, he urgently opened it. After silently reading it, he
lowered the note, and sat thoughtful for a moment. Worriedly, Catherine asked,
"Is everything all right?"
Nodding, he quickly answered, "I am sorry if I concerned you, but
yes...everything is fine. It's a message from Devin. He wrote, telling me, both
he and Lisa are getting ready for another trip. She has been invited to join a
ballet troupe during the summer, and he would be going along with her. He
apologizes that he doesn't have time to come and say goodbye, but will visit as
soon as they come back into town. I suppose I am disappointed. I was looking
forward to him coming home tomorrow."
Irritated by the fact, Devin is off gallivanting, so soon after returning home,
Pascal quipped, "Wait until Father hears this! Sounds like the same old Devin!"
Sternly, Vincent corrected him by reminding him, "Not so Pascal. The old
Devin would not have bothered to even tell us of his plans. No, I do sense a
more considerate man in these written words."
Cocking a brow, Catherine suggested, "Maybe its because he is a man in love."
Nodding, Vincent thoughtfully agreed, by saying, "Perhaps..."
The notion of Devin being in love, caused Pascal to respond with a most
unusual skeptical manner! And so he scoffed, "Poor Lisa! She better keep her
guard up. If she thinks she can depend on Devin, she better think again."
In his brother's defense, Vincent replied, "My concern with the pairing of Lisa
and Devin, is not for Lisa, Pascal...but rather, for Devin! Just a few weeks ago,
Lisa seemed very much in love with another man. I don't wish to see Devin
hurt, while Lisa is rebounding from a broken heart."
Having some insight in this area, Mary earnestly revealed, "Well...Lisa
confessed to me, she never really felt things were going to work out with the
other man, because he seemed to be still in love with another woman. So I think
she was quite open to a relationship with Devin, and he to her."
In a peeved off manner, Pascal replied, "Well that makes it all just perfect then!"
He then turned on his heels, and began clearing the table.
Privately, Vincent approached Pascal, to ask him why he seemed so angry,
whenever Devin's name has been brought up.
Thoughtfully Pascal looked downward, feeling hesitant to say what was in his
heart.
Vincent could see he was battling with himself, and so he urged,
"Pascal...please...tell me."
Taking in a deep breath, Pascal warned, "Once I say what I am feeling, I can
never take it back Vincent. I'm not sure I care to say anything more."
With a loving arm around his lifelong friend, Vincent replied, "Pascal, I always
thought we could tell each other anything. Has Devin hurt you in some way?"
To be continued
Chapter Nine
