Vincent and Catherine entered the tunnel main, and were warmly greeted by
some of the tunnel residents. And after exchanging hellos, and receiving an
update on Eric's condition, they quickly headed for the Hospital Chamber.
However, before they entered, they were met by Jacob and Peter.
Lovingly they swapped hugs, and all parties expressed, how good it was to see
each other.
As Catherine made a motion to go to Eric's bedside, she said, "Well, I am going
to let Eric know we are here Vincent. I am so anxious to see him."
This prompted the two Docs, to caution her to wait, and then they looked at
one another, wondering how to broach the topic. Peter stood waiting for Jacob
to explain, and Jacob waited...just because he did not want to admit being in
error asking them to come home early from their honeymoon for nothing.
Finally clearing his throat, Jacob reluctantly began to carefully relay, "I am a
little embarrassed. I should not have told Mouse to suggest your coming
home...AND...I shouldn't have listened to Mary who insisted upon it!"
In his fellow Doctor's defense, Peter stated, "I don't blame you Jacob, Mary can
be quite persuasive. Not to mention the fact, Eric WAS asking for Vincent and
Catherine."
Then because of being angry at himself, Jacob gruffly discounted Peter's
commiserating explanation, and argued, "Yes, I considered all those emotional,
and sentimental factors, however...I ignored the scientific! After all, I am a
Physician!"
Catherine and Vincent by now, were totally riveted, yet confused by this
conversation between Peter and Father! After all, what has this to do with them
coming home to see sick little Eric!
Haltingly, Vincent asked, "Father...Peter, what are you two getting at? Can
Catherine and I go see Eric, yes or no?"
Quickly, Jacob replied, "No..."
To which he went on to explain, "You see, as Peter reminded me after his
arrival, that Chicken pox acquired during pregnancy causes an increase in the
risk of complications to the mother and the infant. The time of Chicken Pox
infection during early pregnancy, or near delivery, determines a risk to the
mother and child."
Clueless, Vincent questionably asked, "What has this to do with us?"
Stepping in, Peter suggestively said, "Any young couple just coming off of a
Honeymoon should be cautious."
Seriously, both Peter and Jacob looked at them to professionally explain,
"Cathy, even though both you and Vincent have been immunized as children,
the fact is, we have never been able to estimate the efficiency of the vaccination
on Vincent."
As they realized everything Peter had said made sense, Catherine and Vincent
silently stood, feeling a little bit funny, that Peter and Jacob in so many
words...were discussing the possibility of a pregnancy with them!
Jacob broke the silence, by solemnly urging, "So what we are suggesting, or
rather saying, is you must wait until he is better, and then see him. Why not go
back and continue your honeymoon, and forget we asked you to come back
early."
Emotionally, Catherine shook her head no, and said, "With little Eric sick, I
couldn't go back..."
She then looked at Vincent and asked, "Could you?"
Vincent considering it a distinct possibility, began to say, "If Father and Peter
think we should."
Catherine could not believe her ears! Anxiously, she clarified, "What? You
could go back while little Eric is lying in there sick?"
Knowing he better change his answer, and put his dream of an extended
Honeymoon to rest, Vincent wisely said, "No...I suppose not."
Curtly Catherine replied, "I didn't think you could!"
Vincent discreetly shared a look with the two older, and more experienced men
standing before him, and with approving nods from them, he knew he had said
the right thing.
With concern, Catherine asked, "Could you both at least tell him we are here,
and WANT to see him very much?"
Jacob put a hand on Catherine's shoulder, and another on Vincent's, and
subtlety he redirected them in the other direction, and said, "Of course we will.
So perhaps in 4-5 days..."
In disbelief, Catherine asked, "Four to Five days? That will seem like a forever
to a little boy, who's just lying there isolated from everyone."
In an understanding tone, Peter said, "It does, I agree."
Encouragingly, Peter then added as they walked to the hub of the tunnels,
"Cathy, how about preparing some activities for him? Right now he is feeling
sickly, but in a couple of days, he will be wanting something to do. Maybe have
the other children make him some cards...things like that. See what you can
come up with, you're creative, I am sure those kinds of things will all help."
Meekly smiling, she said, "All right...I suppose that is something I can do..."
Reaching into her pocket, she handed Jacob a crystal from the caverns she had
extracted for Eric, and asked, "Father, will you give this crystal to Eric for me?"
"Yes, of course." In a fatherly tone, Jacob added, "In the mean time, it is late,
get some rest, and we will see you in the morning."
Smiling at her new Father-in-law, Catherine said, "All right Father."
Vincent thinking his Father looked tired, urged, "You get some rest as well
Father."
To which he replied, "Oh I will, I am sleeping right here, on my old friend
tonight."
In disbelief, Peter asked, "On that old cot? You will not! Your going to sleep in
your chamber tonight! I am staying."
Defiantly, Jacob replied, "Poppykosh! You are going to sleep in YOUR
chamber, and that's final!"
Smiling, Peter said, "I HAVE been up since 4 this morning, and I am too tired to
argue. Good night Jacob."
Vincent held back a moment as Catherine, and Peter headed for the expansion
tunnel that hosts their home chambers. Turning to his Father, Vincent asked,
"The illness Eric has...is really the Chicken Pox? It isn't anything more serious
than that is it Father?"
Shaking his head, he answered, "Not at all, he merely has a case of the
varicella-zoster virus, he will be fine."
Clearing his throat, Jacob then asked, "How...ahem, how was your Honeymoon
Vincent?"
Huskily, Vincent answered, "It was a time...one I shall never forget. I will tell
you about some of the adventures and discoveries tomorrow. You look tired,
and I will let you get some rest."
Vincent then embraced his Father and lovingly said, "It is good to be home.
Goodnight Father."
Standing there alone, Jacob watched as his unique son walked away, and was
happy to see a contentment that seemed to envelope him now. Vincent has
found a happiness, Jacob feared he would only be able to read or dream
about...but thankfully, it is now his life...it is his reality.
Checking on Eric one last time before retiring, Jacob, heaved a sigh, as he
turned to his bed for the night. Looking down at its rumpled old cover, and
flattened worn out pillow, he grumbled, "Ah...so we meet again!"
Unexpectedly, from the threshold, he heard Mary softly call out his name.
Turning around, he scolded, "Mary, I told you I didn't want you here! You
never had this childhood disease, and were you to get it now...it could be quite
serious!"
Standing with an armload of bedding, she apologetically replied, "I know, but I
just wanted to bring these to you. I noticed the last time I was here, the linen on
that old cot should be refreshed."
Taking the pillow and blanket from her arms, he felt badly for snapping at her
and said, "Thank you Mary...you are most thoughtful."
Self-consciously she said he was welcome, then worriedly she asked, "How is
Eric?"
Heaving a sigh, Jacob replied, "He is comfortable and resting. Peter had brought
some benadryl, and that is helping calm the itchiness. Other than that, there is
not much more we can do, except wait for the virus to run its course."
Smiling shakily, Mary said, "Well that's good news...err, would you like me to
at least make the bed up for you?"
Assuredly, Jacob replied, "No...no, I can do that...truthfully, I don't want you
any closer than this."
Warmly he then said, "Good night Mary."
With a nod, Mary replied, "Good night Father."
When Vincent caught up with Peter and Catherine, he had arrived in the middle
of their conversation, concerning Lisa and Devin. It would seem that while they
were gone Honeymooning, Lisa and Devin have struck up a rekindled
friendship!
To which Vincent asked, "Devin is still here then?"
Nodding, Peter replied, "Oh yes! I don't know for how much longer, but he said
he at least wanted to stay until you both returned from your honeymoon, so he
could visit with you for a while."
Happy to hear this news, Vincent smiled downward, and whispered, "Good."
With a stretch and a broad yawn, Peter said, "Well good night you
two...oh...and welcome home."
Just then Jamie peaked out of her chamber, and squealed, "You're home!"
She then ran over to Laura's to alert her too of the newlyweds arrival!
Both girls then ran up and gave welcome home hugs, and then Jamie relayed,
"It has been so boring around here since you guys left!"
To which Laura agreeably signed, "Now that your wedding is over, there is
nothing to look forward to anymore!"
With a commiserating smile, Catherine replied, "I know what you girls mean, I
feel a void too. It feels like I should be doing, planning, or picking up
something."
With a sigh Catherine then admitted, "But as much fun as it all was, I am kinda
glad to settle back into a daily routine."
Vincent then assured the two star struck romantics, "Everyone has been so busy
helping us with our most auspicious day...perhaps it will be good to settle back
and relax for a time. I am certain there will be other events in the future to look
forward to."
Jamie then hugged Vincent once more, and gushed, "I guess so..but there won't
be anything as romantic as your wedding! Well anyway, I am just so glad you
guys are back. Oh, and there are tons of things to tell you about too! For one,
Eric is sick, and two..."
To which Vincent inserted, "We do know about Eric, he is why we are back
early. Perhaps you can fill us in on the other things tomorrow. It is late, and you
two should be retired."
Guiltily, they replied they knew, and then Jamie said, "Well, goodnight then. We
will tell you the other scoops tomorrow."
Laura gave goodnight hugs too, and as Vincent and Catherine returned them,
Vincent warmly told them both good night.
Before they were too far, Vincent asked, "Is Ronald sleeping?"
To which the girls smiled at one another, and Jamie teasingly answered, "Ronald
who? We hardly see him anymore after supper! He is always topside with
Jennifer! That was one of the scoops we wanted to tell you about!"
And then Laura signed, "Sometimes Jennifer comes here too!"
Catherine looked up at Vincent and said, "Sounds like things are progressing!"
She then watched the two girls return to their chambers, and with a thoughtful
smile, said, "I know I have mentioned this before, but sometimes those two
remind me of myself and Jenny at that age. Just waiting for romance to strike!"
And just before she turned to enter their chamber, Vincent stopped her, and
said, "Speaking of romance..."
Turning, she quizzically asked, "Yes Vincent?"
Scooping her up, he replied, "Allow me..."
Enjoying being scooped, Catherine hugged him around his neck, and observed,
"I love this tradition."
As they entered, their cozy decorated chamber, Vincent traveled through the
area Catherine's original bedroom chamber was, and into their new one. Gently
he put her down, and together, they lit the many candles, whose flames
embraced the rocky walls, illuminating the crevasses, enhancing even more the
homey-ness of it.
Happily, Catherine looked around, and said sweetly "I am glad to be home
Vincent. I didn't know it, but I was ready to come back and get into a routine,
and I so missed teaching the children."
Taking her into his arms, he sighed, "As for me...I could have stayed longer. I
loved having you all to myself..."
Sweetly, Catherine replied, "And I loved having you all to myself..."
Raising a brow, Vincent sensually stated, "However alas, real life has called us
back..."
And as they snuggled in under their covers, they both realized the new life they
had begun together, involves the people they love too, and were quickly
reminded of how much they were needed. Ultimately feeling so happy to be
back home.
The next morning before breakfast, Vincent and Catherine entered the tunnels,
about to go to the hospital chamber, to check on Eric and Father, when they
met up with Peter.
Cheerfully, he said, "Good morning you two. You are up early!"
To which Catherine gave him a hug, and asked, "You too! Were things quiet
through the night with Eric?"
With a nod, Peter replied, "I am assuming so kiddo, I didn't hear anything to the
contrary. In fact I am heading there now to relieve Jacob."
To which Vincent said, "We were going there as well. Not trying to visit, but
Catherine felt it was important for him to know we were near by."
With concern, Catherine added, "I just want him to know we are here for him,
the best we can right now."
With an affectionate nod, Peter said, "I wouldn't have expected anything less
from you two."
Caringly, Catherine then mentioned, "You couldn't have had time for breakfast
yet..."
To which Peter explained, "William will be sending a tray for both me and Eric
soon."
With a loving hug, he told Catherine, "Don't worry kiddo, I won't be missing a
meal."
As Peter entered the hospital chamber, he told them he would tell Eric they are
here, and added, "Jacob will give you an update after I boot him out!"
As the newlyweds waited at the hospital chamber's threshold, Jacob finally
appeared, and as he arched his back to stretch, with a tired smile, said,
"G'morning...Eric knows you are here...and knowing such, brought about a
smile, and he said to tell you both hello. He rested well through the night, and I
would say his virus is progressing as normal."
With concern, Catherine asked, "What about you Father? Did you sleep?"
With honesty, Jacob admitted, "Here and there I caught a cap nap. Truth be
told, I would much rather be upright beside my patient, then over there on that
old cot!"
Jacob then added, "I promised Peter, right after breakfast, I would report to MY
bed, in my own chamber for a few hours, before I come back to relieve him.
Firstly however, I am going to go and scrub down!"
Vincent then said, "We will meet you in the Dining Hall then Father."
Jacob began to hobble off in the direction of the hot springs chamber, and
stopped, turned and said, "You two...well suffice it to say, I am happy you are
home."
In reply, Vincent humbly replied, "We are happy to be home as well Father."
As the couple entered the dining hall, anyone who had not had a chance to see
Vincent and Catherine yet, approached them and welcomed them home.
It wasn't long then, for William to sound the breakfast announcement. Vincent
and Catherine sat down next to the newly refreshed Jacob, Mary and Ronald,
and reverently bowed their heads, as Jacob stood to say a prayer of thanks.
Afterwards, conversation about Eric, the Honeymoon, and events the couple
missed while they were away flew about. And it was very fun for Vincent and
Catherine to hear stories, of all that went on in their absence.
Catherine mentioned they heard Devin and Lisa were seeing one another, to
which Ronald said, "Yes, in fact he accompanied her out of town for a few days
to Boston. The Boston Center for the Arts, asked Lisa to perform in a special
event of some sort."
Thinking that sounded very impressive, Catherine replied, "Wow, that's quite an
honor. I visited the Center with my parents once when I was a young girl...it is
very beautiful there."
To which Mary replied, "Yes, it is Catherine, and from what I could tell, Lisa
was quite pleased to be asked."
Vincent then clarified, "They will return in a few days then?"
Supposing that to be the case, Jacob answered, "So Devin says, but one never
knows!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, and a few chuckles erupted as well, because
Jacob was right...one never did know when it came to Devin!
Curiously, Jacob noticed Vincent looking about the Hall, and with concern
asked, "Looking for something Vincent?"
Preoccupied by his search, he slowly answered, "Not something Father, but
rather someone. I was merely wondering where Mouse is...I haven't seen him
yet."
Carefully, Jacob broached the subject, by telling Vincent, "That could be
deliberate. Perhaps he is waiting for you to go to him. He told Mary he is
worried you are put out with him for staying hidden while delivering the
provision cart."
With an understanding nod, Vincent said, "He does take his stealthiness
seriously, and when I detected him, I imagine it took a little wind from his sails.
However Catherine and I thought nothing of it...nor did we mind."
As Mary feared Jacob was not going to broach the deeper subject of Mouse
feeling left out, she took it upon her self to add, "It could be a little more than
that, you see he is saddened by the fact his role in your life has changed."
Jacob gave Mary a sideways glance, thinking he was going to approach this
subject more privately, and so he tried to diffuse the accusation by inserting,
"Which we all know you are trying to rectify, thus by for instance, your hike to
the Crystal Canyons before your wedding."
Jacob then added, "Its just with Mouse's child like demeanor, it will take just a
little more assurances and time for him to understand you are still friends."
Just then Catherine noticed Mouse across the room, looking downhearted, and
sitting at the children's table. Tugging on Vincent's sleeve, Catherine whispered,
"Vincent...Mouse is over there. Sitting by Kipper and Samantha."
Standing, Vincent looked over at Mouse, and waited until he caught his eye.
Once he did, Vincent waved, and motioned for him to come over and sit by him.
Trying to act like he didn't see Vincent, he sunk down as far as he could, and
tried to disappear amongst the munchkins!
Vincent decidedly said, "I will go talk to him."
As Vincent approached, the children all rallied around him, telling him how
much they missed him. Hugging each child with a loving squench, he told them,
he missed them very much too. Still unable to get Mouse to look over at him,
Vincent directly addressed him, by cheerfully saying, "Hello Mouse."
After receiving a very weak "Hello" in return, Vincent asked, "Are you angry
with me?"
Shaking his head no, Mouse finally replied, "Maybe you are at me for spying."
Reaching into his pocket, Vincent asked, "If I were mad at you, would I have
brought you this?"
Discreetly looking over, Mouse perked right up when he saw Vincent was
holding a New York City Transit BMT Division three cent child fare token!
Vincent then added, "I know you collect tokens, and this is one I don't believe I
have seen yet in your collection. It is for you."
With his eyes held steadfast on the token, Mouse verified, and said, "Nope!
Never seen one like this before...where did you find it?"
Over to see the Token
In an adventurous tone, Vincent told him about the cave he and Catherine had
found, and how he hoped he and Mouse could explore there again very soon.
Happily Mouse smiled, and eagerly asked, "Today?"
Vincent knowing he needed to go back to the crags anyway, because there were
some perishable supplies he and Catherine had left behind, nodded, and said, "I
do need to go back and retrieve the cart and other supplies, so if you would like,
I believe we could go today. Come sit over with me as we have our breakfast,
and we can talk about it."
And so a beaming Mouse, inhabiting his old familiar place, at his buddy's side
walked together through the hall.
It wasn't long after, the gay conversation was at a fever pitch, with Vincent in
the center telling tales of his and Catherine's discovery of the old trolley car.
It was then, Mouse excitedly reminded Vincent, about their plans to go exploring
there, in the old closed off train tunnel today.
Looking up at Vincent, Catherine inquisitively asked, "You and Mouse made
plans for today?"
Raising his brow, he answered "Yes Catherine." He then grew anxious, as he
hoped she did not have plans of her own, for them to share.
As it were, Mouse must have thought the very same thing, because right away,
he rolled his eyes, and began to pout as he waited to hear Catherine say Vincent
couldn't go.
As Vincent realized he should have asked Catherine first, he thought to himself,
how all his life, he was used to doing as he pleased, whenever he wanted, with
no one to be accountable to. Now however, since he is a married man...well
things are different. So politely, he then added, "I thought Mouse and I could
pick up the perishables, you and I left behind at the crags as well as inspect the
old train car."
But instead of saying no, Catherine agreeably said, "Great, because Ronald just
mentioned Jenny redecorated her office, and was eager for me to see it. So
since you and Mouse have plans, then maybe today would be a good day for
me to visit Jenny. I will go right after class with the children."
To which Ronald then added, "Oh, and also, Jen said Joe needs you both to go
over your depositions as soon as possible, because the trial begins in a couple of
weeks."
Mouse heaved a relieved sigh, and happily told Mary, "OK Good, OK fine,
Catherine is letting Vincent go exploring!"
Overhearing Mouse, Vincent did a double take in his direction, and would have
corrected his pal, telling him he really didn't need to ask Catherine's permission
to go exploring, but rather, he asked out of politeness!
And he would have told him, but the fact Catherine was going above, needed a
more immediate response, and so he asked his wife to clarify, "You are going
above, THIS morning Catherine?"
Nodding she replied, "I think I will, since you have plans. I won't be gone long
just a couple of hours."
Seeing his concerned frown, Catherine said, "I really should go over everything
for the trial this week."
Realizing he was acting like an overly doting husband, he laughed at himself,
and said, "Of course. In truth, this trial, has been ominously looming, and I will
be happy when it is over."
To be continued
Chapter Seven
| Beyond my Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Six |
