Meanwhile, the sound of the breakfast announcement panged, and William,
proudly set out platefuls of pancakes, berries and syrups!
Yes indeed! William, wanted to serve something special on Vincent and
Catherine's first meal back, so he made his specialty...Sausage and Potato
Pancakes, one of Vincent's faves.
Happy the syrup finally found its way to their end of the table, Vincent told
Catherine, "You must try this thick maple syrup instead of the berries
Catherine."
Giggling, she replied, "But I like blueberries! They are lower in calories, and are
high in antioxidants, and are good for you."
Pouring the thick sweet syrup over his stack of cakes, he replied, "Well...I
believe I shall indulge in the sap of the maple tree."
Catherine watched as he enjoyed a rich forkful, and looking across the table, she
smiled at Jacob and said, "Well I tried Father!"
In amusement, Jacob replied, "Good effort my dear, but you may as well give
up. When it comes to sweets, Vincent is as powerless as I."
And with that, Jacob poured a long high stream of syrup over the top of his
pancakes too!
Mary watching Jacob smother his pancakes with syrup, giggled with chagrin,
and said, "You needn't pour on extra just to prove a point Father!"
Everyone laughed, and Jacob did too, enjoying the levity at the table.
William was finally able to sit down to a plate of Sausage Pancakes for himself,
and as you might have guessed...he opted for the syrup as well!
Looking down toward Jacob, William informed him that Rebecca and Brooke
has taken breakfast to Peter and Eric.
With a note of gratitude, Jacob replied, "Thank you my good man! If one of
your sausage pancakes doesn't help Eric to rally, then nothing will!"
Everyone laughed, and with a solemn tone, all then too agreed with Jacob.
Vincent and Catherine were glad to have a little time to visit with William, as
they wanted to thank him for all he had done, to make their Wedding so special,
and for all the delicious food he had prepared for their Honeymoon provisions
too.
With heart-felt sentiment, William expressed, "It was my pleasure, and I really
mean that. Cooking is my life, and I am proud and I considered myself lucky, to
do it for you both on your special day. I mean hey, you are kinfolk to me."
Warmed by his humbled attitude, Catherine graced him with a hug, and a kiss
on his cheek, which caused a teasing reverberation to erupt around the Hall...not
to mention a blush to his rounded face as well.
It was when breakfast was nearly over, when Catherine asked Jacob, "Father, I
was wondering, if it would be all right for the children to sing a few songs to
Eric from outside the hospital chamber. Maybe tomorrow?"
Thoughtfully, Jacob replied, "Tomorrow? What a thoughtful idea! Yes, I would
permit this without a doubt. It could be just what the doctor ordered, or so to
speak!"
Everyone laughed at Jacob's humorous take on words, and privately, Catherine
was so happy to have received Jacob's permission.
Jacob then told them, he was going to rest for a few hours before relieving
Peter. He then added, "Peter is on duty at the hospital starting tomorrow
morning, so we won't be seeing him for a few days."
To which Mary inserted, "Which means Father will be with Eric around the
clock! I wish there was someone else to fill in when Peter can not!"
Assuredly, Jacob replied, "I will be fine Mary. When Eric is awake, I am reading
to him, and trying to keep the little fella entertained best I can, AND I am
organizing and cataloguing the supplies, also updating our list of things we are
low on. Oh my there is much to be done."
In reply, Vincent told his Father, "I am here now, so Father if there is anything
at all needing to be done, please let me know."
Warmly and proudly, Jacob responded, "I shall Vincent...I shall."
Upon everyone's departure from the Dining Hall, they paired up with their
perspective comrades, to carry out the customary tunnel's daily chores, and
activities.
Vincent and Catherine were walking with their usual group, when the children
brushed by them, racing to gather in the Library.
Catherine and Vincent smiled at each other, as they both found amusement in
their youthful, bubbling excitement.
With a smile, Catherine told Vincent, "Looks like the children are beating me to
class!"
She then thoughtfully added, "I have been thinking a lot about Father lately,
and of how selfless he is."
In agreement, Vincent said, "Yes...it is his nature, and apparent in all he is.
From choosing his profession, to developing this world..."
He then looked at his wife, and with a tilt of his head, Vincent replied, "Sounds
as if you have something in mind."
With a smile, Catherine admitted, "I do...I was thinking it would be nice to do
something special for him..."
She then thoughtfully continued, "...it was something Father had mentioned
when he gave me his Mother's broach, he told me she loved it so, and in fact, it
was this very broach she chose to wear for a portrait his father had
commissioned of her. And he told me he assumed the painting was most likely
tucked away somewhere. Well I was thinking we could contact Mr. Child's and
see if the portrait is still a part of Father's estate."
Thinking that was a lovely thought, Vincent softly said, "Having his Mother's
portrait would mean so much to Father. It would be such a perfect gift."
Happy Vincent liked the idea, Catherine replied, "I will look into it. I know he's
Peter's
attorney now too. He will know how to get in touch with him."
Stopping now at the Library chamber, Catherine sighed, "Well Vincent...I will
see you later on this afternoon then."
Vincent held Catherine's gaze for a moment longer than usual, trying not to, but
yet ultimately cautioned, "When you are above...go with care Catherine."
Promising she would, she then herself cautioned, "You too! Be careful on your
trip back to the trolley, and also to the you know where!"
Knowing Catherine was implying the Golden Crystal Cavern, with a smile in his
eyes, Vincent said, "It should be a time."
With one last embrace, Vincent lovingly kissed her hair, and so with the
honeymoon officially over, the two would go their separate ways today, at least
for a little while.
As Catherine stepped in, the children spoke about the wedding, and of how
much fun they had at the reception, and how beautiful she looked!
Samantha gushed, saying she thought Catherine looked, "Just like a princess!"
Then Kipper asked, "So what are we supposed to call you now? Mrs. Wells?"
Catherine laughed, and gently said, "You can continue to call me by my first
name. That'll be just fine."
She then took control of her class, by getting their attention when she asked,
"Now...I wonder...who can tell me who wrote, The Adventures of Huckleberry
Finn?"
Kipper was the first to give the right answer of Mark Twain!
Pleased with his eagerness, Catherine rewarded him with praise, saying, "Very
good Kipper, that's right! You know, Mark Twain, loved to write stories about
friendships, and the story of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, is one of the most
beloved and familiar stories from this genera. Maybe its because childhood, is
something we all have in common! We have all either gone through it, or are in
it! So, next week, we are going to begin reading this classic tale, but until then,
we will prepare ourselves leading up to it, by being a friend ourselves, to
someone we know."
With concern, she thoughtfully said, "Now as you all know, right now, we have
a friend who is sick, and is probably getting pretty lonely by now, being isolated
from us."
In unison, the children all sadly moaned Eric's name, and wishful chatter buzzed
through the Library, hoping he was gonna be better soon.
Nodding, Catherine pleasantly said, "That's right, Eric. So, to help cheer him up,
I thought it would be nice, if we made him some "Get Well Cards", and
tomorrow, Father will permit us, to sing a song to him, from the Hospital
Chamber's threshold."
Joseph eagerly offered, "I know his favorite song Catherine, its Do your ears
hang low! Maybe we could sing that one!"
Gently, Catherine steered the children away from that selection, by suggesting
instead, "I suppose we could sing that song too, but I was thinking more on the
lines of a song, that would also represent a childhood friendship, such as Puff
the Magic Dragon."
Kipper nixed Catherine's selection by saying, "Ah that's for kids!"
In agreement, Catherine said, "That's the point! Look, I'm pretty old right? But I
still love singing songs from my childhood, which was a very long time ago. And
Kipper, I know you're getting up there too, but I think you could still enjoy the
memories of being a kid...can't ya?"
Embarrassingly, he smiled, and admitted, "Yea, I guess so."
After getting him to admit to this, Catherine then said, "So it is decided, we shall
sing Puff, and as Joseph suggested, Do your ears hang low, and any other
suggestions?"
To which Zach asked, "What about a song for Father too? Couldn't we sing that
one song, What's the matter with Father again?"
With a smile, Catherine thinking on the cute little ditty of a song, knew Jacob
would certainly get a kick out of it, and so she replied, "Of course, what a great
idea Zach. And you are right to think of Father too. They are both in quarantine
really. Well now, let's get busy with our cards."
Samantha thinking about what Catherine said, then asked, "Should we make a
card for Father too? Maybe a missing you...or thinking of you..."
And then Kipper chimed in adding, "Or how 'bout a thank you card! Thank you
for taking care of Eric!"
Feeling badly she didn't think of it herself, Catherine applauded the children's
thoughtfulness, and then suggested, "I absolutely love this idea everyone, but
why don't you decide which sentiment you would like to extend to Father. That
way he will get a variety of cards. Some will be missing you, and some may be
a thinking of you, or a thank you card!"
Catherine then organized the craft area for the children to make their individual
Get Well Cards for Eric, and also now, special cards for Jacob.
It was quite a lively room, for as they painted, colored and pasted, they
practiced singing their songs too.
After class was over, Catherine instructed the children, "Meet here as usual
tomorrow, and together, we will take a field trip to the Hospital Chamber."
Just then Vincent arrived, and as the children all filed out, they teasingly said,
"Catherine your Husband is here!"
Surprised, Catherine looked over in his direction, and with a smile, she said, "So
he is."
She then said, "I thought you and Mouse had left already."
Kindly he said "There were some issues in Ronald's chamber, which we needed
to address first, and so I thought I would take a moment to escort you to the
threshold before we depart on our journey."
As they walked toward her old apartment's threshold, they took a slight detour
by the Hospital Chamber, wanting to talk to Peter about Mr. Child's.
As luck would have it, there had been a changing of the guards, and Peter was
just coming from the hot springs chamber and heading to his chamber for a rest.
Happy to see the couple, Peter beamed as he said, "What's up kids?"
To which they filled Peter in about their days activities, and then Catherine said,
"But before I meet up with Jenny, I was hoping to talk to you."
She then told Peter her idea, and all that prompted it, and then asked if he could
help her get in touch with Mr. Childs.
To which Peter said, "I don't have his number on me here, but if you call my
office, Betty will give it to you. And by the way Cathy, I think that's a great
idea. I have noticed Jacob bringing up memories of his Mother lately, and I
think he would love having such a keep sake with him here."
With caution, Catherine said, "Hopefully, the portrait does still exist and is
accessible."
To which Vincent added with a thoughtful pose, "And if it does exist, perhaps
you could receive it in time for his Birthday."
Excitedly, Peter replied, "Hey hey, now wouldn't that be a great gift for him."
Seeing how tired Peter was, Catherine then said, "Well thanks for the
information and sleep well, and we'll see you in a few days."
With a warm smile, Peter replied, "Yeah, see you both soon."
Trying not to get too excited, Catherine told Vincent how much she was hoping
to be successful in this endeavor. Changing the subject, she then told Vincent
some humorous antidotes about the children, and even though Vincent was
listening, he managed to work up a new set of worries about her going above!
So much so, his over protective side managed to take over!
Casually, Catherine said goodbye to Vincent, who urgently and intently looked
at his wife, telling her to wait just a moment. He then corrected the collar of her
blouse, brushed back a wisp of her hair, and nervously tried to find something
else on her person to fix, in an effort to delay her departure.
Sensing his hesitation to separate from her, she assuredly said, "Vincent, I will
be all right."
Humbly he smiled as his wife saw through him, and so he then reminded her, "I
know...remember Catherine, I am only a tap away..."
Teasingly, she corrected him, saying, "You mean an "anxious thought" away."
Sweetly she then added, "I love you, and I will see you this afternoon."
Leaning upon the broken bricked threshold, he watched her ascend, and knew
he wouldn't be able to breath again, until she returned safely to him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Catherine's visit with Jennifer was fun as usual, and absolutely loved all the
redecorating Jennifer had done in her office!
And so as they walked in, Catherine with awe, told her freind, "Jen, your office!
What you have done here, and the changes you have made are so awesome! I
love it! It is sorta...well sorta Victorian Chic!"
Look Over to See Jen's new office
To which Jennifer excitedly replied, "That was the look I was shooting for! You
are the only one who has gotten it so far! You would think all these
Artsy-minded people around here, would appreciate the eclectic feel of this
space...but oh no! I will tell you Cathy, they are the most conventional group of
people, I have ever seen!"
Catherine noticing the balloons, asked, "What's this? Flowers and balloons?"
Sweetly, Jennifer said, "From Ronny! A sort of a office warming gift. He is so
thoughtful!"
To which Catherine warmly said, "So...things are moving along I hear. The girls
said you have been together all week. I am so excited for you!"
In reply, Jennifer shared, "Oh yes its true! And a few days this week, he met me
for lunch, and we've been shooting hoops out in the parking lot. He really
missed working out with Vinny this week, and so I told him I'd shoot hoops
with him. I figure it could only help me get in shape and drop a few lbs. too."
Feeling hungry, Jennifer then said, "Speaking of lunch..."
To which Catherine asked, "Before we go Jen, could I use your phone? I would
like to contact Jacob's lawyer, who is now Peter's as well, since Dad died.
Anyway, I want to see if we can retrieve Jacob's mother's portrait from his
estate, I thought it might be nice way to commemorate his birthday."
Jennifer loving this surprise for Pops, told her sure. Do what she needed to do.
So after getting the number from Peter's receptionist, Catherine then called Mr.
Child's who said he would look into it and get back with Peter about it, because
Peter is Jacob's legal power of attorney.
Thanking him profusely, Catherine asked he do what ever it took to track it
down.
She then turned to Jennifer and asked, "Shall we?"
And so the girl's headed out the door for lunch, opting for a stacked Corned
Beef on rye from the Carnegie deli!
As Catherine and Jennifer walked into the crowded deli, they were warmly
greeted by Milton, who happened to be the owner of the place!
Boisterously, he said, "Hello Cathy and Jenny! How the heck are you girls? I
haven't seen you two for quite awhile. Hey...have you mugged any thugs lately?"
Smiling, Jennifer replied, "Not lately Milty!"
Catherine sweetly hugged her late-father's long time buddy, and said, "I have
missed you Uncle Milty. How are you, and how is your family?"
Nodding, he replied, "Great! Great! Everyone is Great! The kids are draining
my bank account dry though, because they keep changing their majors! But
hey...at least they are going to college and not just lying around the house!"
Agreeably, Catherine responded, "I know you are proud of them."
To which Milton replied, "Yeah...you know me too well, I am proud."
Jennifer laughed and then asked, "How is Sanford? My mother would kill me if
I don't check on him! She has such a crush on him!"
Motioning toward the kitchen, Milton answered, "He's back there of course...he
still can't stay away from the kitchen. He always has to check on THINGS! I
keep askin' him, What things? He just says "Things!" oy vey!"
Milton then seated the girls, and told them their orders would be right out.
The girls chowed down on their platters of stacked sandwiches, and it wasn't
long before Jennifer got down to brass tacks, asking, "So tell me! How was the
Honeymoon?"
Beaming, Catherine said it was wonderful, and although she didn't give any
detailed information, which Jennifer was hoping for, she did tell her Vincent was
a very sweet, loving husband.
Catherine then excitedly told her, they also did some site seeing, and visited
some very exotic locations. She then brought out the crystal souvenir, and gave
it to Jennifer, as a memento of this secret new world, they were both now privy
to.
Jennifer loved it, and said she wanted to have it mounted on her charm bracelet,
along with all of her other tokens of favorite remembrances.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the mean time, a very suspicious Mouse asked, "Are you sure Vincent?"
Confidently, he answered his doubting friend, "Trust me."
Just then, they entered the old hidden tunnel, that housed the old train car!
Excitedly Mouse hopped on and said, "Yahoo! You were right! Gotta get this
back home somehow Vincent!"
Looking approvingly at him, Vincent told him, he thought the same thing, and
added, "I do agree Mouse, we need a plan to do so."
And so they schemed as they continued on their trail, scouting out other new
alcoves, as adventurous buddies again, while Vincent discretely aimed Mouse
toward the Golden Crystal Cavern!
Look Over to See Vincent and Mouse on Train Car
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile back in Manhattan...now that they were sufficiently stuffed,
Catherine and Jennifer, decided to walk instead of ride to the D.A.
Catherine visited with all of her old co-workers for a few minutes, before
surprising Joe!
Peaking inside, Catherine said, "Knock knock Joe..."
Leaping from his desk, he said, "Hey Cath, and Jenny!"
Both girls gave Joe a hug, and with one under each arm, Joe said, "I am so
happy to see you two! In fact, I just left a message for you at your office
Jenny...I have good news!"
Eagerly, they both asked, "What is it Joe?"
He then excitedly, explained, "You will never guess in a million years! But that
ole @&*$#!@ Wilkins, just agreed to a plea bargain!"
Clueless to how the law works, Jennifer asked, "So what does that mean? And
why is this so wonderful?"
Precisely, Joe spelled out, "This means, dear girl, you will not have to testify,
because he pleaded guilty! He knew he didn't stand a chance with all the dirt we
had on him...all due to YOU two sleuths...so he's gonna do some
time...willingly!"
With concern Catherine asked, "But how much time, Joe? Is it worth it?"
Nodding Joe said, "Long enough for us to hone up the other cases we can hold
against him. So don't fret Cath...he's not gonna see the sunshine for a long, long
time."
Smiling, Catherine said, "Wow! What a relief! I guess we can put this whole
thing behind us then uh?"
Assuredly, Joe said, "Looks like it Kid!"
Disappointedly, Jennifer then said, "I was kinda looking forward to it! Just think,
our pictures would have been in the papers again, reporters bugging us for
scoops..."
Joe knowingly butted in, and sarcastically added, "Wilkin's henchmen trying to
kill ya..."
With a frightened expression, Jennifer replied, "Ooh yeah! I forgot about the
danger aspect. Well then...I guess it is for the best. My Mom's gonna be
disappointed though. She was hoping for some bragging rights. Oh well.
Se-sela-vi..."
Sadly, Joe looked at Catherine, and too confessed, "Ya know...I was looking
forward to working with you on this case Radcliffe. Being a team again."
Genuinely, Catherine answered, "You know what? I guess a little part of me
was too..."
They then hugged goodbye, and after Jennifer left, Catherine turned around one
last time, and sadly said, "I'll see ya around Joe."
Left standing at his work laden desk, he resignedly replied, "Yeah...see ya
around."
As the two friends walked out into the sunshine, Catherine sadly said, "Jenny, I
feel kinda bad. I could never tell Vincent this, but a part of me really does miss
the action."
She then quickly added, "But only when I am here...I never think of it when I
am with Vincent."
Matter-of-factly Jennifer said, "That's natural Cath. It's the outa sight, outa mind
complex. Don't give it too much credence. Come on walk me back to work."
As they said goodbye, Jennifer reminded Catherine, they would be starting their
Pratt night courses tomorrow. Excitedly, Catherine replied, "How could I
forget...its all Vincent talks about...he is so excited."
Catherine hugged Jennifer goodbye, and as the hot July sun was beating down
on her, she felt fortunate to be retreating back to the coolness of the tunnels,
and to her Vincent.
To be continued
Chapter Eight
| Beyond my Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Seven |
