| Beyond my Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Eleven |
As they settled into their sitting room, lovingly, Catherine served Vincent his tea,
as he intently listened to the recorded lecture.
After hearing what the homework was, he said he was overjoyed by this
assignment. In a clarifying manner, he admitted, though it was quite challenging,
he couldn't wait to get started.
So late into the night, with plenty of tea steeping, and several added torches
burning, they each sat at their perspective drafting tables, working on their own
distinct designs.
Luckily for Catherine, the way their tables were arranged, she had a perfect
view of Vincent, and she couldn't help looking over at him as he worked totally
immersed, in his project at his drafting table.
She fancied he looked so handsome, and appeared quite determined as he
worked, a combination which was quite irresistible to her. Though she would
have loved to distract him, she didn't. She didn't want to be a diversion in this
endeavor, because she knew how important it was to him. And so she sat
watching him, from time to time, contented in the notion, this would be the way
it would always be from now on, together, working near one another, for the
rest of their lives.
Whenever time would allow during the next few days, Vincent and Catherine
worked on their prints, and although the drafting suited Vincent, and came quite
naturally to him, for Catherine it was quite a different story.
Once in a while, he would hear her heavily sigh out of frustration, and as he
would look over to check on her, she would be frantically erasing, and
re-drawing her lines. Guiltily, Vincent found her adorable in this slightly inferior
role, and enjoyed helping her when he could.
Finally, they both felt they were finished and Vincent confidently, rolled his
blueprint, and slid it into the cardboard tube. As he looked over, he noted
Catherine was having difficulty with hers. So gallantly, he walked over, and
offered, "Allow me Catherine. You must use the influence of a feather, as not to
damage your blueprint. See here? You have a crease."
Regretfully, Catherine said, "Awe...I've ruined it."
Calmly, Vincent told her, "It's not ruined, I am able to smooth it out for you, I
only meant, nimbly does it."
Gratefully, Catherine replied, "Thank you for helping me."
Narrowing his eyes as he looked back at his wife, he said, "Just remember, a
creation such as a architectural blueprint, must be handled gently. It is a labor of
love after all. A vision of the heart, made tangible with dimensions of depth,
texture and color."
Hearing Vincent describe how he felt about Architectural expression, struck
Catherine quite deeply. With admiration, she told him, "Vincent...I am only
coming to realize what this really means to you. I knew you always appreciated
the architectural medium, but I didn't know to what extent, until the other day at
the Falls...and for this understanding, I am even more pleased we are taking this
course together."
With complete sincerity, Vincent replied, "The day I earn my degree, will be
one of my most gratifying moments of my life Catherine."
Meanwhile, it was announced, the exile of both Jacob and Eric was over!
Joyfully they returned to the community, with Eric feeling 100%. Both
Catherine and Vincent showered him with affection, and it was cute that Jacob
required some extra attention from everyone too! And their first meal time back
in the Dining Hall, turned into a real occasion.
The children under Rolley's tutelage, planned a concert in Jacob and Eric's
honor, and while everyone enjoyed the Bread Pudding, William baked, they
sang their little hearts out! It was a wonderful night for all.
As the children welcomed Eric to sing along with them, Jacob beamed as Eric
smiled a toothless grin at him as he initiated the song, "What's the matter with
Father".
Jacob clearly enjoyed the homage that was paid to him.
After the singing, Jacob looked about the hall, and confided in Catherine and
Vincent, how lonely he had gotten, and of how he truly missed his daily routine,
and the camaraderie he had grown so accustomed too.
Soberly, Vincent gazed at his Father and said, "It had been a time for us as
well...we all missed you Father."
Warmly, he replied, "It is nice to be missed, however understand, I would not
have had it any other way. The good health of my patient, and the rest of the
tunnel community, is my upper most concern. Ahhh, however I am glad it is
over."
Changing the subject, Jacob asked, "Tell me, how is the class at Pratt University
coming along?"
Catherine looked at her husband, proudly listening as he answered, "It is beyond
words Father. I feel as if finally...I have found what I was meant to do."
Encouragingly, Jacob told his son, "I have always been proud of you
Vincent...however, listening to you, I sense, this profession shall bring a pride to
yourself. I am pleased for you."
Vincent nodded humbly, feeling so happy his Father was approving of this
endeavor.
Leaving for their class, Ronald and Catherine met Jennifer as planned, and as
Catherine wrestled with her and Vincent's blueprint tubes, she was a bit
discombobulated as she entered her classroom.
Receiving a helping hand from her instructor, she told him, how much she and
her husband enjoyed the assignment he had given out. Happy to hear his idea
was well received by at least a couple of his students, he replied, "Wonderful. I
am certainly looking forward to how our guest will critique them tonight."
Catherine had no sooner settled into her seat, cuing up her recorder, when Mr.
Lobell announced, "Well as soon as everyone is ready, we will begin."
Mr. Lobell, addressed his class and as he collected all the prints, he gave each
student a number to coincide with their prints, in an attempt at a sort of an
anonymity for the critiquing process.
With an air of curiosity, Mr. Lobell then shifted through his class's work, and
Catherine noted he stopped when he came to Vincent's print, and noticed Mr.
Lobell spent an extra minute or so, pleasantly scanning it.
Feeling very impressed by what he saw, he nodded to himself, and glancing up
at the clock, he told everyone, their guest should be arriving any moment, He
then said, "I am very pleased you will be able to meet, question, and learn from
a man who has made his wealth, based on the profession you are all aspiring to
become. Its because of architects, that developers gain vision to finance our
future, and keep us rolling in the right direction, which is forward."
After a slight knock on the lecture room door, the guest walked in, and nodded
to the class as he approached Mr. Lobell. After they shook hands, Mr. Lobell
introduced him to the class, "Everyone I am proud to introduce you to Elliot
Burch."
Elliott smiled at everyone, and as his eyes met Catherine's, he felt a huge lump
grow in his throat, and his heart broke in two. She was still able to take his
breath away, and was still there...there between he, and whom ever he
attempted a relationship with. Even a beautiful woman such as Lisa couldn't
change the way he felt about her. How desperate he felt...and so very hopeless.
Now here he was in his own realm both working and living, trying to put one
foot in front of the other, filling his day with all the extra work he can find,
when suddenly, unexpectedly, Catherine is there, catching him off guard.
Catherine warmly smiled, as she nodded at him, trying to put him at ease, even
though she felt as shocked as he was at seeing each other.
Elliot smiled back and gained his composure, before continuing on with the
lecture he had planned, and had given to several other architectural classes
before this one.
As he began, his mind was racing. He normally would include a word or two
about his fated dream structure, the Burch tower...that had never been realized!
How can he broach this subject with Catherine present? How can he tell this
group of students, how sometimes...fortunes are lost, when ventures are
thwarted by interest groups or because of politics? How can he tell them,
sometimes, a man's vision can be tainted by wealth...as his had been, and if not
for Catherine, his blinders would still be in place, and when all is said and
done...all things played out to God's plan.
And so he began by saying, "What you do will matter to many, whether you are
designing a home, office, shopping mall, or a mammoth high rise building...I
promise you...if you are talented, money will be laid at your feet...but always
remember 3 things during your career, number one, remember where you came
from, two, be mindful of the environment...and three, always consider the
people...because ultimately, its the people who are at the heart of the domain."
Elliot continued on, and as he spoke, Catherine felt so proud of him. She knew
the journey he had been on, and it appears as if, he had crossed through his
seduction triumphantly, and now...she was happy to be able to call him a friend.
As Elliot stood before the class, he told them, "Inspiration sometimes comes
quite unexpectedly to us developers. We may search and scrounge for
months...maybe years for the right design for a specific purpose." He then
shared, "For instance, I myself have been in search of a style for the John
Merrick Memorial Foundation. It is a cause I have been involved in for many
years, for the families of the sufferers of Proteus Syndrome."
Raising a finger into the air, he added, "Ah but when and if the right design does
present it self to me, I will know it. And it will be at that moment, I will do what
I do...which is get the wheels in motion. "
Everyone clapped, and Elliot seemed pleased, he made his point, hopefully in an
interesting manner, and then stepped aside of Mr. Lobell, waiting for him to
take over. Mr. Lobell relinquished his seat, which was the drivers seat for the
overhead projector, and said, "If you will be so kind to go over the blueprints
for us, and help our future architects with the points you look for, and what
they could do to improve upon their style and approach?"
Elliot sat down, and said "Of course." Slipping the first of the prints on the
lighted surface, he pointed to errors and explained certain points of contention,
and continued through till he came to Vincent's print. It was as if a light went on
inside his heart and mind, and he nearly jumped from his seat with excitement.
Excitedly, he called off the number on the print, and called it again, asking,
"Who is the architect that drew #55?"
"55!" Catherine realized, 55 was Vincent's number! Hesitantly, she stood, and
said, "That would be Vincent Wells blueprint...but he isn't here. He is a
correspondence student."
Turning to Mr. Lobell, Elliot asked, "May I have a moment to speak with
Cath...err... this student?"
Seeing there had been a revelation of some sort with this famed developer, he
excitedly said, "Certainly!"
He then took back his class after offering them a quiet space in his office.
Eagerly, Catherine asked, "What is it Elliot, what is it about Vincent's print?"
Gleefully he explained, "This is the design I have been searching for Cathy! It
has soul, it has depth! I have to meet this Vincent Wells right away! I want to
use his blueprint for the Merrick foundation!"
"You can't meet him!" Realizing she sounded abrupt, she quickly added, "I
mean, not in person anyway..."
Quizzically, he asked, "Why Cathy? Who is he? And how is it you know him?"
Carefully she answered, "He is my husband..."
Though he was still eager to learn more about his new found talent, the wind
was sucked from his sails, when he heard Catherine use the term "husband".
Sadly he inquired, "You are married?"
Knowing he had to hear it straight, she answered, "Yes Elliot, I am married."
Sadly he smiled, and quipped, "And I wasn't even invited."
Taking his hand, she told him, "You would have been, had it been at all
possible. I consider you to be one of my dearest friends Elliot. And I am so
proud of you. You are a good man with a good heart."
With a scoff like laugh, he inserted, "Ahh but not good enough to win you."
In reply, Catherine softly said, "I am not a prize Elliot, I am no one special, just
a person like you. As much as I would have liked you to have been the
one...well, there is just no explaining the human heart, and why we love who we
love."
Taking her hands in his, he sincerely asked, "Does he make you happy?"
With a tearful smile, she answered, "Very much...now what I want to know is,
can we go forward from this moment Elliot? Do you think we can really ever be
just friends?"
With a resolution, he gave, "I guess if I want you in my life at all, friends will
have to be good enough...and you have been a real friend to me lady. Because
of you, I now have a future I am proud to strive for."
He then added, "Besides, you are my link to a most talented man, who I just
gotta talk to somehow! I need his permission to build his design Cathy!"
Excitedly, she bit her lip, and said, "Ok...hmmm, can I see your cell phone?"
Reaching into his pocket, he said, "Sure why?"
Catherine took it, and said, "Call your number at about 9:00 tonight, and you
can talk to him."
Learning from past experience, he did not question Catherine any further, but
simply excepted her terms, and so he said, "All right then, 9:00. Thank you
Cathy...and I guess I should also offer my congratulations."
Sweetly, she answered, "Thank you Elliot."
After class, Catherine filled Jennifer and Ronald in on this exciting news, and
they could not wait to get back to the tunnels to tell Vincent!
To be continued
Chapter Twelve
as he intently listened to the recorded lecture.
After hearing what the homework was, he said he was overjoyed by this
assignment. In a clarifying manner, he admitted, though it was quite challenging,
he couldn't wait to get started.
So late into the night, with plenty of tea steeping, and several added torches
burning, they each sat at their perspective drafting tables, working on their own
distinct designs.
Luckily for Catherine, the way their tables were arranged, she had a perfect
view of Vincent, and she couldn't help looking over at him as he worked totally
immersed, in his project at his drafting table.
She fancied he looked so handsome, and appeared quite determined as he
worked, a combination which was quite irresistible to her. Though she would
have loved to distract him, she didn't. She didn't want to be a diversion in this
endeavor, because she knew how important it was to him. And so she sat
watching him, from time to time, contented in the notion, this would be the way
it would always be from now on, together, working near one another, for the
rest of their lives.
Whenever time would allow during the next few days, Vincent and Catherine
worked on their prints, and although the drafting suited Vincent, and came quite
naturally to him, for Catherine it was quite a different story.
Once in a while, he would hear her heavily sigh out of frustration, and as he
would look over to check on her, she would be frantically erasing, and
re-drawing her lines. Guiltily, Vincent found her adorable in this slightly inferior
role, and enjoyed helping her when he could.
Finally, they both felt they were finished and Vincent confidently, rolled his
blueprint, and slid it into the cardboard tube. As he looked over, he noted
Catherine was having difficulty with hers. So gallantly, he walked over, and
offered, "Allow me Catherine. You must use the influence of a feather, as not to
damage your blueprint. See here? You have a crease."
Regretfully, Catherine said, "Awe...I've ruined it."
Calmly, Vincent told her, "It's not ruined, I am able to smooth it out for you, I
only meant, nimbly does it."
Gratefully, Catherine replied, "Thank you for helping me."
Narrowing his eyes as he looked back at his wife, he said, "Just remember, a
creation such as a architectural blueprint, must be handled gently. It is a labor of
love after all. A vision of the heart, made tangible with dimensions of depth,
texture and color."
Hearing Vincent describe how he felt about Architectural expression, struck
Catherine quite deeply. With admiration, she told him, "Vincent...I am only
coming to realize what this really means to you. I knew you always appreciated
the architectural medium, but I didn't know to what extent, until the other day at
the Falls...and for this understanding, I am even more pleased we are taking this
course together."
With complete sincerity, Vincent replied, "The day I earn my degree, will be
one of my most gratifying moments of my life Catherine."
Meanwhile, it was announced, the exile of both Jacob and Eric was over!
Joyfully they returned to the community, with Eric feeling 100%. Both
Catherine and Vincent showered him with affection, and it was cute that Jacob
required some extra attention from everyone too! And their first meal time back
in the Dining Hall, turned into a real occasion.
The children under Rolley's tutelage, planned a concert in Jacob and Eric's
honor, and while everyone enjoyed the Bread Pudding, William baked, they
sang their little hearts out! It was a wonderful night for all.
As the children welcomed Eric to sing along with them, Jacob beamed as Eric
smiled a toothless grin at him as he initiated the song, "What's the matter with
Father".
Jacob clearly enjoyed the homage that was paid to him.
After the singing, Jacob looked about the hall, and confided in Catherine and
Vincent, how lonely he had gotten, and of how he truly missed his daily routine,
and the camaraderie he had grown so accustomed too.
Soberly, Vincent gazed at his Father and said, "It had been a time for us as
well...we all missed you Father."
Warmly, he replied, "It is nice to be missed, however understand, I would not
have had it any other way. The good health of my patient, and the rest of the
tunnel community, is my upper most concern. Ahhh, however I am glad it is
over."
Changing the subject, Jacob asked, "Tell me, how is the class at Pratt University
coming along?"
Catherine looked at her husband, proudly listening as he answered, "It is beyond
words Father. I feel as if finally...I have found what I was meant to do."
Encouragingly, Jacob told his son, "I have always been proud of you
Vincent...however, listening to you, I sense, this profession shall bring a pride to
yourself. I am pleased for you."
Vincent nodded humbly, feeling so happy his Father was approving of this
endeavor.
Leaving for their class, Ronald and Catherine met Jennifer as planned, and as
Catherine wrestled with her and Vincent's blueprint tubes, she was a bit
discombobulated as she entered her classroom.
Receiving a helping hand from her instructor, she told him, how much she and
her husband enjoyed the assignment he had given out. Happy to hear his idea
was well received by at least a couple of his students, he replied, "Wonderful. I
am certainly looking forward to how our guest will critique them tonight."
Catherine had no sooner settled into her seat, cuing up her recorder, when Mr.
Lobell announced, "Well as soon as everyone is ready, we will begin."
Mr. Lobell, addressed his class and as he collected all the prints, he gave each
student a number to coincide with their prints, in an attempt at a sort of an
anonymity for the critiquing process.
With an air of curiosity, Mr. Lobell then shifted through his class's work, and
Catherine noted he stopped when he came to Vincent's print, and noticed Mr.
Lobell spent an extra minute or so, pleasantly scanning it.
Feeling very impressed by what he saw, he nodded to himself, and glancing up
at the clock, he told everyone, their guest should be arriving any moment, He
then said, "I am very pleased you will be able to meet, question, and learn from
a man who has made his wealth, based on the profession you are all aspiring to
become. Its because of architects, that developers gain vision to finance our
future, and keep us rolling in the right direction, which is forward."
After a slight knock on the lecture room door, the guest walked in, and nodded
to the class as he approached Mr. Lobell. After they shook hands, Mr. Lobell
introduced him to the class, "Everyone I am proud to introduce you to Elliot
Burch."
Elliott smiled at everyone, and as his eyes met Catherine's, he felt a huge lump
grow in his throat, and his heart broke in two. She was still able to take his
breath away, and was still there...there between he, and whom ever he
attempted a relationship with. Even a beautiful woman such as Lisa couldn't
change the way he felt about her. How desperate he felt...and so very hopeless.
Now here he was in his own realm both working and living, trying to put one
foot in front of the other, filling his day with all the extra work he can find,
when suddenly, unexpectedly, Catherine is there, catching him off guard.
Catherine warmly smiled, as she nodded at him, trying to put him at ease, even
though she felt as shocked as he was at seeing each other.
Elliot smiled back and gained his composure, before continuing on with the
lecture he had planned, and had given to several other architectural classes
before this one.
As he began, his mind was racing. He normally would include a word or two
about his fated dream structure, the Burch tower...that had never been realized!
How can he broach this subject with Catherine present? How can he tell this
group of students, how sometimes...fortunes are lost, when ventures are
thwarted by interest groups or because of politics? How can he tell them,
sometimes, a man's vision can be tainted by wealth...as his had been, and if not
for Catherine, his blinders would still be in place, and when all is said and
done...all things played out to God's plan.
And so he began by saying, "What you do will matter to many, whether you are
designing a home, office, shopping mall, or a mammoth high rise building...I
promise you...if you are talented, money will be laid at your feet...but always
remember 3 things during your career, number one, remember where you came
from, two, be mindful of the environment...and three, always consider the
people...because ultimately, its the people who are at the heart of the domain."
Elliot continued on, and as he spoke, Catherine felt so proud of him. She knew
the journey he had been on, and it appears as if, he had crossed through his
seduction triumphantly, and now...she was happy to be able to call him a friend.
As Elliot stood before the class, he told them, "Inspiration sometimes comes
quite unexpectedly to us developers. We may search and scrounge for
months...maybe years for the right design for a specific purpose." He then
shared, "For instance, I myself have been in search of a style for the John
Merrick Memorial Foundation. It is a cause I have been involved in for many
years, for the families of the sufferers of Proteus Syndrome."
Raising a finger into the air, he added, "Ah but when and if the right design does
present it self to me, I will know it. And it will be at that moment, I will do what
I do...which is get the wheels in motion. "
Everyone clapped, and Elliot seemed pleased, he made his point, hopefully in an
interesting manner, and then stepped aside of Mr. Lobell, waiting for him to
take over. Mr. Lobell relinquished his seat, which was the drivers seat for the
overhead projector, and said, "If you will be so kind to go over the blueprints
for us, and help our future architects with the points you look for, and what
they could do to improve upon their style and approach?"
Elliot sat down, and said "Of course." Slipping the first of the prints on the
lighted surface, he pointed to errors and explained certain points of contention,
and continued through till he came to Vincent's print. It was as if a light went on
inside his heart and mind, and he nearly jumped from his seat with excitement.
Excitedly, he called off the number on the print, and called it again, asking,
"Who is the architect that drew #55?"
"55!" Catherine realized, 55 was Vincent's number! Hesitantly, she stood, and
said, "That would be Vincent Wells blueprint...but he isn't here. He is a
correspondence student."
Turning to Mr. Lobell, Elliot asked, "May I have a moment to speak with
Cath...err... this student?"
Seeing there had been a revelation of some sort with this famed developer, he
excitedly said, "Certainly!"
He then took back his class after offering them a quiet space in his office.
Eagerly, Catherine asked, "What is it Elliot, what is it about Vincent's print?"
Gleefully he explained, "This is the design I have been searching for Cathy! It
has soul, it has depth! I have to meet this Vincent Wells right away! I want to
use his blueprint for the Merrick foundation!"
"You can't meet him!" Realizing she sounded abrupt, she quickly added, "I
mean, not in person anyway..."
Quizzically, he asked, "Why Cathy? Who is he? And how is it you know him?"
Carefully she answered, "He is my husband..."
Though he was still eager to learn more about his new found talent, the wind
was sucked from his sails, when he heard Catherine use the term "husband".
Sadly he inquired, "You are married?"
Knowing he had to hear it straight, she answered, "Yes Elliot, I am married."
Sadly he smiled, and quipped, "And I wasn't even invited."
Taking his hand, she told him, "You would have been, had it been at all
possible. I consider you to be one of my dearest friends Elliot. And I am so
proud of you. You are a good man with a good heart."
With a scoff like laugh, he inserted, "Ahh but not good enough to win you."
In reply, Catherine softly said, "I am not a prize Elliot, I am no one special, just
a person like you. As much as I would have liked you to have been the
one...well, there is just no explaining the human heart, and why we love who we
love."
Taking her hands in his, he sincerely asked, "Does he make you happy?"
With a tearful smile, she answered, "Very much...now what I want to know is,
can we go forward from this moment Elliot? Do you think we can really ever be
just friends?"
With a resolution, he gave, "I guess if I want you in my life at all, friends will
have to be good enough...and you have been a real friend to me lady. Because
of you, I now have a future I am proud to strive for."
He then added, "Besides, you are my link to a most talented man, who I just
gotta talk to somehow! I need his permission to build his design Cathy!"
Excitedly, she bit her lip, and said, "Ok...hmmm, can I see your cell phone?"
Reaching into his pocket, he said, "Sure why?"
Catherine took it, and said, "Call your number at about 9:00 tonight, and you
can talk to him."
Learning from past experience, he did not question Catherine any further, but
simply excepted her terms, and so he said, "All right then, 9:00. Thank you
Cathy...and I guess I should also offer my congratulations."
Sweetly, she answered, "Thank you Elliot."
After class, Catherine filled Jennifer and Ronald in on this exciting news, and
they could not wait to get back to the tunnels to tell Vincent!
To be continued
Chapter Twelve
