Suddenly a commotion sounded out from the balcony wall, and as everyone looked to the corner, they saw Vincent climb over, pulling up Mouse!
Worriedly, Catherine rushed over, and anxiously asked, "Vincent, you brought Mouse with YOU?"
But before Vincent could answer, Mouse himself inserted, "Sure did! But Vincent didn't know I was following him at first! Not until the 6th story!"
Angrily Vincent shook his head as he spoke, saying, "Mouse, you should never have followed me!"
Then as his voice shook with emotion, Vincent hugged his pixilated friend, and continued, "One false move, you could've fallen...there is no other way for me to move about above, but you...you should have stayed with the others."
Looking up sheepishly, Mouse told Vincent, "Awe...but nothin' happened! See, Mouse can go anywhere Vincent can go. Almost fell only 2 times!"
Stepping up so he could better hear what was going on, Jacob clarified asking, "Did I hear this right Vincent? You brought Mouse with you?"
Vincent not wanting to get Mouse in trouble, but at the same time, didn't want his Father to think he would have been that irresponsible! And so he looked over at Mouse, waiting for him to own up.
Everyone else looked at Mouse too, no one wanting to be the one to squeal on Mouse, but because Mouse was so proud, he spilled the beans on himself, saying, "Vincent didn't know I was following him! Mouse is sneaky!"
Upset by the danger aspect of this exploit, Jacob stepped closer toward Mouse so there would be no doubt, and could be heard loud and clear, scolding, "You are never to climb up here again Mouse! Is that clear?"
Scrunching his face in an unhappy manner, Mouse argued, saying, "Only wanted to come to the party like Vincent."
Sternly reprimanding him again, Jacob told him, "We all know your capabilities Mouse, however in the world above, we cannot take such chances!"
Standing firm, Jacob repeated, "Promise me you won't climb up here again!"
"OK Fine! I won't." Sighed a very unhappy mouse.
Catherine shared a relieved look with her husband, that Mouse had managed to scale the building safely along with him.
Happy everyone was all right, Jennifer went back to hosting, putting everyone at ease, saying now the excitement was over, they should all relax and have a good time.
And so they did! As gaiety and laughter filled the apartment and balcony once more, Catherine noticed Mouse looking at the two gadgets in the corner, and then told him, "This is a Cotton Candy and a Popcorn machine."
Just then Jennifer walked up too, and said, "Mouse, Cathy has told me how great you are with machinery. I was hoping maybe you would be in charge of running these things for me tonight."
Feeling instantly bolstered by Catherine's compliment, Mouse totally shook off the fact he
was in deep doo doo mere moments ago, and gleefully agreed to the task!
Happily, Jennifer said, "Great! Let me show you how to run them."
And so after a quick lesson, Mouse was in business, and had a great time with these new gadgets!
Upon seeing Mouse had it under control, it was then Jennifer heard a knock on the door, and so she turned to Catherine and said, "Come with me! Let's see who else has arrived!"
Happy to see it was Peter, both girls gave him a loving welcome hug, and then Catherine told him how much he was missed this week.
Happy to be missed, Peter with a thankful sigh said, "Thanks kiddo, I missed everyone too. I survived my tour of duty, but just barely! Being the doctor on call for these past four days, was kinda hard on me this time. I hate to admit to getting old, but I have noticed it is getting harder and harder each time I have to pull off this gig."
Both Catherine and Jennifer dismissed his getting old, and teased him he was as spry as ever! And then Catherine rubbed his back and said, "But on the other hand Peter, when you feel ready to retire, there will be no shame in that. Your doctoring has been a vocation, to which you served faithfully and proudly."
Appreciating Catherine's kind words, Peter nodded, and said, "Maybe it is knowing I have this great place waiting for me to retire to, that is making work more and more difficult lately. At any rate, I am here now, and I am ready to P-A-R-T-Y! Oh and incidentally girls, is Jacob here yet?"
Jennifer said, "Oh yes! He is out on the balcony with the others right now."
To which Peter happily relayed to Catherine, "Great, because I have the "ITEM" out in the hall. Shall I bring it in?"
Catherine then excitedly squealed, "You mean you have the portrait?"
To which Peter proudly said, "Sure do! Mr. Child's had it delivered to my office today, and so I thought I may as well bring it with me tonight. I hope that's all right."
Excitedly, Catherine said, "By all means Peter! Vincent will be so glad. He was hoping to get it before Father's birthday."
To which Jennifer offered, "We can hide it in the closet until you and Vinny are ready to give it to him."
And so the three hid the portrait before joining everyone outside, and as Peter made his entrance, everyone greeted him, and welcomed him to the party.
As they caught up with one another, Peter was happy to see Jacob was out of quarantine, and was eager to ask how little Eric was.
Informatively, Jacob filled Peter in on the medical issues concerning Eric, but ended up saying, all in all his chicken pox uneventfully ran its course, and then added, "And...as of now, thanks to Rebecca's quick thinking, there doesn't seem to be any additional cases."
Rebecca blushed and humbly accepted the kudos, as everyone gave her, her due.
As the conversation came around to the great gathering tonight, Jennifer felt badly she had
been remiss! And so upon seeing Peter's hand was still empty, she quickly rectified it by presenting him with a tall iced tea.
Accepting the refreshing beverage, Peter smiled as he said, "Thank you Jennifer! Now I would say this is just what the Doctor ordered!"
Everyone laughed, and it was then because Mary was still a little shaken by Mouse's stunt, she told Peter of how Mouse scaled the building tonight along with Vincent!
Rebecca and Jacob too added their two-cents worth to the story, and meanwhile, seeing she had a chance to tell Vincent about the portrait, Catherine took his hand, and took him aside. Settling in to privately talk, she told him Peter had brought the portrait with him, and when ever he felt the moment was right, they could give it to him tonight if he wanted.
So happy to hear this news, Vincent said he was most eager to present it to him later on tonight.
Looking out, onto the beautiful city, Vincent tipped his head, and looked at Catherine. Seeing he had a bit of a glint in his eyes, she smiled and asked "What is it?"
Looking downward, he then shared, "It is nice sitting here talking...just as we used to do not so very long ago."
Softly Catherine replied, "Yes...it is nice. This place will always hold a special meaning for us."
They then spoke a bit about their past, but then talked too, of the future. And as they looked outward, they talked about the day, when Vincent's building designs will be adding to the skyline they so admired. And with a subtle awing tone, Catherine admiringly said, "Just look how far you have come. Your dreams have turned into something tangible. Something that will touch and impact many lives."
With humbled astonishment coloring his voice, he simply whispered, "Yes..."
And as he continued to look outward, he thoughtfully said, "One day I want to take you somewhere...to a place I used to go to watch the sun as it would set...and sometimes stay...to watch it rise."
Excitedly, Catherine asked, "Where would that be Vincent?"
Pointing over to a the Ritz-Carlton, he thoughtfully informed Catherine, "There...there I would perch myself, and conceive my dreams, which have actually paled when compared to my truth now."
Thinking he would love to show Catherine the awesome sight from atop the Ritz, Vincent suggested, "Perhaps...for tomorrow's dawn..."
Ecstatically, Catherine asked, "Do you think we could?"
"Yes..." Secretively, Vincent added, "...however, I better caution you...we should keep this excursion to ourselves."
In agreement Catherine said, "Yes you are right! Father would argue, and Mouse would want to come!"
After toasting one another in honor of their adventure to come, they then rejoined the others.
Catherine approached Mary as she stood looking out over the city from the far side of the balcony, and asked if she was having a nice time.
To which Mary answered, "Oh my yes...this is such a lovely party, and this apartment has a most glorious view Catherine! I can see why you chose it originally as your home. The view from this balcony is breathtaking."
Dreamily Catherine noted, "Funny, how things work out. I originally rented the apartment across the hall, and the day I was moving in, the landlord casually mentioned the vacancy here, and I asked how much more the rent would be if I switched my lease over to this apartment. Well, since it was still within my budget, I moved in here instead."
Glancing over toward Vincent, Catherine pensively added, "Thank heavens because this balcony was our window to the world back then, providing us a place where we could be together, a place for our 2nd beginning."
With a quizzical smile, Mary inquired, "A 2nd beginning? Can there be such a thing?"
Nodding thoughtfully, Catherine told her, "For us, yes. It was here, many months after I came back home after my stay in the tunnels, when we met again on a level where we were equals. I was no longer just an injured person, needy and helpless to Vincent. This was where we began to truly know and accept each other."
To which Mary shyly smiled, and added, "And fall in love..."
With a sweet thoughtful smile, Catherine replied, "Yes..."
With admiration, Mary said, "You both fought so hard through some unsurmountable odds..."
Carefully, Catherine then shared, "Yes we did...we truly did, ahh but it was so worth it...just look at what we have."
Mary, then with a proud motherly demeanor, said, "It just goes to show you, true love is worth fighting for, a lesser person would have given up."
In reply, Catherine said, "I guess giving up had never crossed my mind."
To which Mary said, "Yes, from the moment I first saw you, it was clear you were a fighter. In fact...Father sensed it too!"
It was then, Catherine thought it may be a good moment to mention something which had been on her mind. And so hesitantly, Catherine revealed, "I sensed some things too."
Catherine then looked into Mary's eyes, as she questionably continued, "I had the feeling neither you or Father were thrilled about Vincent bringing me there to the tunnels. Was I wrong Mary?"
Feeling a little guilty, Mary admitted, "No Dear...you were not wrong..."
And then Mary declared, "So you DID sense our trepidation..."
Sheepishly, Catherine admitted she had, and said, "Even though you were kind, and Father was too, I knew for some reason, my being there was a problem of sorts."
Because she could see Catherine seemed to need validation, Mary kindly expressed, "You see Dear, when Vincent found you and brought you to the tunnels, well, both Father and I feared Vincent would grow attached to you."
Upon hearing the word fear, mindfully Catherine asked, "Why fear?"
To which Mary carefully explained, "Because...because of Vincent's contingent constitution. We just worried his feelings for you might upset the balance he fought so hard for. Oh my, it all sounds like such ancient history now, however, right or wrong, that is the reason why we lamented over Vincent becoming involved. And...we knew one day you would have to leave and come back here above."
Understanding the situation better now, Catherine softly replied, "I see."
And then Mary guiltily asked, "Forgive me Dear?"
With an understanding smile, Catherine told her she understood, and there was nothing to forgive. She was most thankful for the care Mary too gave her.
She then added, "It is amazing...how something so terrible had changed my life for the good, it gave me the strength...the strength to follow my heart, and allow this amazing bond between Vincent and I grow far beyond friendship or love."
With wisdom born of her own adversity, Mary told her how her and Vincent's struggles renewed all of their faith in the power of love, and warmly told her, "Your bond has empowered us all on different levels."
Just then Jamie and Brooke joined the two women talking, and lightened the conversation when Brooke artfully asked, "So tell us Catherine, how long do you think it will be until Jennifer and Ronald get married?"
Smiling as she looked over at the happy couple, she surmised, "I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if during this upcoming year they at least become engaged. And what about you, any guesses?"
Giggling, Brooke said, "Engaged by Christmas...married in the spring. What do you think Jamie?"
Thoughtfully tapping her chin, Jamie said, "I say...engaged by Thanksgiving, and married before the New Year."
They all looked over at Mary, waiting for her to place her bet. And as she picked up on their waiting for her to chime in, she reluctantly estimated, "Oh how I hate to wager on such things, but if I must, I will say, engaged on Christmas, and married on Valentine's Day."
Catherine laughed and said, "I hate to say it, but I can see Mary's scenario actually happening. Jenny always said she would love to have a Valentine's Day Wedding."
Twittering, Mary asked, "Oh my really? We dares'nt forget Ronald has something to say about it as well! I guess time will tell."
But no one could deny Ronald DID look happy. He seemed to feel right at home and comfortable at Jennifer's side, playing the role as host. It was clear to everyone else there too, where their relationship was headed, and they could not be happier for Ronald, that he was finally able to let go of the tragedies in his life, and allow himself to be happy once more.
Gently suggesting Ronald should start grilling, Jennifer said, "I think I have everything ready Ronny."
Efficiently Ronald replied, "All right then, I'll ask Vincent to help."
As Ronald stepped up to Vincent, who at the moment was in a deep conversation with Peter and Jacob, talking about the authentic Renoir Jennifer owned.
As their discussion came to a conclusion, Ronald said to Jacob and Peter, "I hate to interrupt, but I was hoping to get this guy to help me with the grilling."
To which Vincent directed his comment to the older gents, saying, "Pardon me, but duty calls."
Peter and Jacob both excused him, and it was Jacob who jovially replied, "When duty calls one must render!"
The two tunnel hunks then donned spatulas and with their women at their sides, they flipped the burgers and dogs.
Jacob and Peter stepped up, to join the camaraderie around the grill. Intending to help, Jacob offered, "I used to enjoy cooking out of doors, and as I recall, I was quite good at it too. Now you're cooking the hamburgers at least 12 minutes per side aren't you?"
To which Peter piped up, "12 minutes per side? That's old school! They're cooking on direct flames here man! They should grill 8 minutes per side tops!"
Looking at each other, Vincent and Ronald shared a smile, and then told the two helpful Hanna's, Mary also stopped by, and instructed them to go 10!
As an all out discussion erupted on the correct cooking time, William joined in, and while no one was paying attention, Ronald took a chance and went with his own where-with-all, and cooked them 7 minutes per side. Which was perfect!
Served along with all the side dishes Jennifer's crew and William prepared, the guests felt they were treated to a real feast.
It was after they had eaten, and conversation came around to Jacob's upcoming birthday, that Vincent knew the time was right to present his Father his gift. With Peter's help, they posed it on the couch in the living room. Once they were all set, Peter nonchalantly asked Jacob to come in and see a painting Catherine and Vincent thought he may like.
As he wiped his mouth, he excused himself from his captive audience, which was Mouse, Pascal, Jamie, Laura, Brooke and Rebecca, and promised to finish telling them the conclusion of his boyhood story.
Passing over the threshold, he called out, saying, "Now where is this paint..."
As he caught site of the glorious vision before him, he ambled forward for a closer look.
With tears in his eyes, he was too stunned to speak!
And then when the words did come to him, he asked, "Who is responsible for this?"
Everyone was taken back for just a moment, because they were not sure if the emotion Jacob was displaying, was of gratitude or of dissatisfaction!
And so, not wanting to put the blame on Peter, Catherine stepped up saying, "I guess you might say I am Father...as it was my idea."
Vincent ever the protector, inserted, "It was OUR idea Father...it is your birthday present."
Peter too thinking Jacob was angry, hurriedly added, "But it was me who brought the portrait here Jacob...so if you are going to be angry at anyone...be angry at me!"
With a tremble to his lips, he with emotion asked, "Angry? I am not angry...I am overwhelmed! Overwhelmed by this gesture...it is the most wonderful gift anyone has ever given me..."
Jacob then gave a round of hugs to the three co-conspirators thanking them each one by one, expressing what this really meant to him.
Relieved the gift was perceived for the intent in which it was intended, everyone heaved a sigh, and then gleefully, they inspected the fine quality of the portrait, and of how well it had been preserved.
By now everyone gathered around, excited for a glimpse into the man they all admired so!
Looking around at all who were there, he thoughtfully shared, "When I was a boy, I was sure I had the most wonderful, Mother in the world. Though life was hard for her, she never complained."
This comment caused Vincent to ask, "How so Father?"
Looking at his son, he recalled, "As a girl, her paternal Grandmother lived with her family after suffering a stroke, and she helped take care of her into her teen years. Then after she and Father married, she took care of her own parents, who in the end were bed-ridden, needing round the clock care. And all the while she would go next door to tend to my Father's elderly parents as well."
Glancing over toward Mary, Jacob added, "She, like Mary, was a nurse at heart."
Humbly Mary smiled, appreciating Jacobs compliment, and listened as Jacob continued, "And though my Father was a good provider, there was never enough to go around back then, because of medical expenses and what not. I tried to help with any menial jobs I could get, but it was always a struggle to stretch out what we had. But as I say...Mother never complained. Ahh, she was a lovely, lovely lady. And seeing this portrait again...takes me back...though life was difficult, it was a simpler time...and we appreciated what we had."
As they all stood mesmerized, looking at the portrait, it was Jamie who said, "She was so beautiful Father."
To which Jennifer added, "I agree! A real knock out for sure!"
With a nod, Jacob responded, "Yes she really was..."
It was then Mouse noted, "Hey, your Mom has on Catherine's broach!"
The sweetness of Mouse's comment, caused everyone to giggle a bit, and gave Jacob a chance to explain, "Actually Mouse, it is the other way around. It was my Mother's and I passed it onto my son Vincent's wife, which is Catherine you see. A passing of an heirloom down through our family is a right of passage...it is a tradition."
Looking at Catherine, he then added, "And I am so very proud it is Catherine who wears it now."
The look they shared, could culminate no other way, but into an embrace. A heartfelt embrace conveying all they now meant to one another.
Everyone there was touched by the emotion Jacob displayed, each thinking about their own mothers, knowing when in their presence, either in thoughts or otherwise, we all revert back to a child in our hearts.
Everyone stayed till about midnight, and after the yawns started making its rounds, the tunnel guests decided it was time to leave. And as they gathered everyone together, Jacob called out to Mouse, saying, "You walk with me young Man! I am keeping an eye on you. No more building scaling, is that clear?"
With his head hung low, Mouse replied, "Yes Father!"
Jennifer then thanked everyone for coming, and they thanked her in kind, because she had made sure they had a wonderful time, and they truly appreciated it.
Catherine and Vincent said goodbye to everyone too, and remained behind, wanting to help clean up, also thinking that would take them right to the brink of their sunrise adventure.
After all the work was done, Jennifer said, "That didn't take much time. All I have left to do is return the Popcorn and Cotton Candy machines to A-Z Rental in the morning."
To which Catherine excitedly remarked, "That was a great idea Jen. Everyone really enjoyed the popcorn, and I myself cannot remember the last time I had Cotton Candy."
With surprise, Jennifer asked, "You don't? I sure do. It was when we went on that fateful double date with those two guys I met at the art museum. We had gone to the Central Park Carousel on 65th Street. Remember?"
Smiling Catherine said, "Ah yes! Poindexter and Harvey! How could I have forgotten?"
To which Jennifer answered, "Because we were bored to death that's how! But I do remember the cotton candy, because Harvey got his stuck in my hair!"
Catherine started laughing, and added, "Then it started to rain, and it crystallized every strand of hair on your head."
Jennifer dreadfully recalled, entertainingly relaying the story to Ronald and Vincent saying, "Yes, and when I came home, my mother about had a heart attack, thinking I had put a weird hair color on my hair."
Vincent and Ronald laughed along with the girls, and commented they sure had a lot of interesting adventures together.
Catherine and Jennifer looked at one another with the love only an aged friendship can nurture, admitting, that yes...they had been through so much. And happily, now that Jennifer has been included in the secret Tunnel world which was now Catherine's new home, their friendship shall keep growing.
To be continued
Chapter Seventeen The Final Chapter
| Beyond my Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Sixteen |
