| Beyond my Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Two |
Walking hand in hand when the path's width would allow, they traveled up and
down the stony way, until suddenly, the trail opened up into a beautiful
twinkling cavern!
Catherine and Vincent at the Crystal Cavern
Surprised, Catherine gasped as she looked around, totally spellbound, and
unable to speak!
Vincent smiled at Catherine's reaction, pleased to have surprised her as he had.
Purposefully, he told her nothing to prepare her that this jeweled cavern was a
major feature of their hike this day, deciding it would have much more impact,
for her to simply happen upon this place, just as they had.
Astounded by the glimmering ambiance which surrounded her, she then
whispered, "The Crystal Caverns..."
Proudly, Vincent inserted, "Yes..."
Letting go of his hand, she raced over to touch a crystal stalactite, and said,
"Magnificent! I've not seen any formations like this anywhere else! They look
like diamond icicles!"
Agreeing with Catherine's interpretive description, Vincent replied, "Indeed."
Catherine looked mindful as she remembered Vincent telling her, he had
traveled there to excavate the stone for her necklace.
So quizzically she asked, "Show me where you found my crystal?"
Stepping over to a particular stalagmite, and eagerly showed her where he had
chipped away the crystal stone for her anniversary gift.
Placing her hand tenderly over the necklace she wore continually near her heart,
she tearfully said, "When you gave this to me for our first anniversary...I was
taken back, it was so beautiful..."
Humbly, Vincent said, "Because it was our first anniversary, I wanted it to be
so. After all...it had been the most profound year...of my life."
As she stood in his protective embrace, she told him it had been extraordinary
for her too.
Lovingly she embraced him and looked around once more, and said, "Vincent, it
is so beautiful here...thank you for bringing me."
Heaving a sigh, he admitted even though he had taken her to many of the other
magnificent sights the tunnels owned, he knew none of them would be as
spectacular as this for Catherine to see.
She then asked, "Would it be all right if I gathered a few crystals as souvenirs
for the children and maybe one for Jenny?"
Thinking this was a splendid idea, Vincent replied, "I was just thinking of
gathering one for you as well, commemorating our honeymoon."
So as they had fun chipping and gathering new crystals, Catherine then
unbelievably stated, "Wait until Ronald brings Jenny here! She will absolutely
love it here."
Nodding in agreement, Vincent stepped back, realizing there was a bit of history
to tell, and so he then gave Catherine a mini history lesson about the tunnel's
crystal caverns.
He then told her about the cave-in 15 years ago, which destroyed the Original
Crystal Cavern, explaining that would've been the cavern, he had first visited
when he was a boy.
And it wasn't until Mouse found this...what is referred to as the sister cavern,
there was a Crystal Cavern for us to travel to again.
"With a smile in his eyes, Vincent relayed, "Of course, when he first claimed he
found another Crystal Cavern, we all thought it was another one of Mouse's
tales, until he brought us here, proving it was true. He even claims there is
another cavern of a golden hue which he once stumbled upon, however he
could never find it again. One day Mouse said he will."
To which Catherine asked, "Was the original Crystal Cavern as beautiful as this
one?"
A smile came to his eyes as he became thoughtful, and admittedly, he sighed,
"Oh, it was just as stunning...I was five when Father took Devin and I there for
the first time..."
He then with a melancholy, continued, "...there were times when Father felt
adventuresome, and he would gather us, and together, we would go exploring
the different regions of our province."
Catherine tried to imagine Jacob as a young "Dad" taking his two boys hiking!
For some reason...she had trouble with such a notion. So with a slight giggle to
her tone, she noted, "Somehow it doesn't seem as though Father and Hiking
should be in the same sentence?"
Understanding Catherine's perception of his aged parent's ability to traipse
around the tunnels pathways, he clarified, "Father was quite nimble in his day
Catherine, and though he loved the opportunity to teach us all he knew about
everything cultured, and polished, he owned that same zeal when it came to
showing us everything about our world. Much of which he was only newly
discovering for himself as well."
With fondness, Vincent added, "Needless to say, when Father received reports
about a sparkling cavern from some scouting sentries, my family universally
decided our next destination...would be the mythical Glass Cavern. We felt it
was our duty to see IF it really did exist!"
Reminiscently Vincent continued, "So we set out on our quest, and along the
way we excitedly speculated, what the cavern would be like. When we
arrived...our expectations paled to the spectacular sight the cavern boasted. I
will never forget the look in Father's eyes as he stepped forth through the
threshold. He was as gleeful as a child, to discover the reporting was valid. I can
still hear him proudly tell us, there was so much to our world than merely brick,
stone and dirt. And Devin, well he was ecstatic as well. At first believing, we
had found our fortune in that cave full of diamonds."
Catherine loved hearing about Jacob and Devin, but she was dying to know
what he thought! So amusedly she queried, "What about you? What did you
think?"
Looking over at his Catherine, he answered, "Me? Well...as you might have
guessed, I was very excited as well. I remember thinking it looked like we were
walking into a serpents mouth full of jagged crystal teeth...and I was stunned,
never having seen any such hues like this on any chamber wall before..."
Walking forward, he hesitated for a moment, and thoughtfully continued, "...and
of course, Devin, well Devin had dreams of using our part of the fortune, to one
day buy my freedom from these tunnels."
Wondering how they could buy Vincent's freedom, she asked, "Buy your
freedom, from whom? Father?"
Amused by Devin's boyhood grandiose schemes, Vincent explained, "No not
Father, rather, he planned to buy the most brilliant of disguises for me, from the
most talented costume designers. And then thought better yet, he was going to
hire the best surgeon in the world to transform my face, so together we could
escape these tunnels...to travel unfettered around the world..."
Then a sad, laden laugh escaped, as Vincent recalled "...how disappointed Devin
was, to learn those crystal rock formations, would not bring us riches after all."
Hearing Vincent say it was only Devin who was disappointed, she had to ask,
"What about you? Were you disappointed your plan to buy your escape didn't
work out?"
With mindful casualness, Vincent responded, "I suppose I was. In our childish
dreams, where such a surgery was possible, it would have given me the chance
to travel for travel's sake...but to label it as a means of escape...I never felt that
need...it was Devin's dream to escape these tunnels...never mine. He just
wanted me at his side when he did."
Vincent then continued, "Devin wanted this so much for me...I believe it was he
who harbored the burden of my appearance, much harder than anyone else,
myself included..."
Catherine found herself entranced by Vincent's story, and imagined how his
differences must have impacted his loved ones around him. It seemed to her,
any stories she heard of Devin in his early childhood, had sounds of hope mixed
in to change what was different about him. Feeling saddened by this fact, she
asked, "When did it stop Vincent?"
Wondering what she meant, he softly asked her when did what stop?
To which she tearfully clarified, "When did Devin stop hoping to change what is
so beautifully different about you?"
Thoughtfully he answered, "I suppose when a maturing reality took hold,
pushing out our fused boyhood dreams...and...when Devin ultimately
understood, he had his own dream which he was destined to follow."
Catherine was so amazed by the virtuous ability Vincent owned to justify his
loss, and proudly told him how impressive, and inspiring his attitude was for her
to emulate.
Loving he held her respect in such a matter, he humbly thanked his sweet wife.
Staying silent as she thought of the relationship between Vincent and his family,
and how it had been severed, and repaired several times over and over.
And so she asked, "Do you think things will stay on track with you, your Father
and Devin this time Vincent?"
With an affectionate smile about his eyes, he answered, "We are all wiser...and
quite a bit older...I believe so Catherine..."
Back to the subject of the cavern, he carried on with what he felt was the most
impressive feature of a crystal cavern.
So he waved the lantern by one of the tallest stalagmite crystals, until he finally
saw the flashes of light he was opting for! Extraordinary reflecting beams of
light, dancing about on the darken cavern's surface.
Catherine then gasped, "How spectacular! Prisms always enthralled me when
studying different gems and crystals...but to see such vivid colors from these
here...amazing!"
Answering, "Yes...a prism's ability to separate light, seemed like pure magic to
me as a child...I suppose it still does."
He then continued, "We must have needled Father to take us back there every
other week, until we were old enough to go ourselves with the other children."
Nodding, Vincent looked around once more with a fresh new perspective, and
gratefully said, "Its nice being here...being able to look upon this place anew,
through your eyes..."
Taking Catherine by the hand, he suggested they continue on their journey.
As they walked, Vincent and Catherine spoke of many things, including their
upcoming Pratt courses.
With enthusiasm, Catherine complimented Vincent's natural architectural talent,
and eagerly conveyed how excited she was for him to expand on his skills, with
text book knowledge.
Once again Vincent told her going to a university was a dream of his coming
true. And he himself could not wait to get started on his degree. It seemed as
though their conversation made the time speed by, and as they neared their
destination, Vincent noted, the cart was at the crossroad, straight ahead.
Feeling playful, Catherine challenged, "I'll beat you to it!"
And off she ran, with Vincent right behind her, as he caught up, and then passed
her, he turned to run backwards, teasing, "You wear the look of determination
quite well Catherine!"
Knowing the race was lost, she slowed down to catch her breath, and laughed
as she said, "I must be crazy to think I could out run you!"
And just as Vincent slowed till she caught up to him, she picked up speed again,
and won!
They both laughed, enjoying the spontaneous childish challenge, and then as
they approached the cart, they sorted through the supplies, and were delighted
by all the goodies William sent them to enjoy.
With their arms full, Catherine placed the thank you note she had prepared
earlier that morning for William, into the emptied cart.
Turning to head back to their suite, Catherine suddenly, noticed Vincent tip his
head, as if he had heard something.
Realizing his intuitive wife was looking at him, he brought a finger to his lips,
cautioning Catherine to stay quiet.
It was then she saw a smile in his eyes, and though she still didn't know what
was up, she knew it was nothing to be frightened of.
Vincent, was privately amused by this lame attempt to spy on them. After all,
everyone knew how keen all his senses were, and he knew there was only one
person who would dare to even try, and so, over his shoulder, Vincent
nonchalantly said, "Thank you Mouse."
Without thinking, Mouse stood up and happily answered, "You're welcome
Vincent!"
Catherine and Vincent both began to laugh, as they heard Mouse audibly
whisper, "OOPS!"
And without looking back, they continued on their journey back to their haven.
To be continued
Chapter Three
down the stony way, until suddenly, the trail opened up into a beautiful
twinkling cavern!
Catherine and Vincent at the Crystal Cavern
Surprised, Catherine gasped as she looked around, totally spellbound, and
unable to speak!
Vincent smiled at Catherine's reaction, pleased to have surprised her as he had.
Purposefully, he told her nothing to prepare her that this jeweled cavern was a
major feature of their hike this day, deciding it would have much more impact,
for her to simply happen upon this place, just as they had.
Astounded by the glimmering ambiance which surrounded her, she then
whispered, "The Crystal Caverns..."
Proudly, Vincent inserted, "Yes..."
Letting go of his hand, she raced over to touch a crystal stalactite, and said,
"Magnificent! I've not seen any formations like this anywhere else! They look
like diamond icicles!"
Agreeing with Catherine's interpretive description, Vincent replied, "Indeed."
Catherine looked mindful as she remembered Vincent telling her, he had
traveled there to excavate the stone for her necklace.
So quizzically she asked, "Show me where you found my crystal?"
Stepping over to a particular stalagmite, and eagerly showed her where he had
chipped away the crystal stone for her anniversary gift.
Placing her hand tenderly over the necklace she wore continually near her heart,
she tearfully said, "When you gave this to me for our first anniversary...I was
taken back, it was so beautiful..."
Humbly, Vincent said, "Because it was our first anniversary, I wanted it to be
so. After all...it had been the most profound year...of my life."
As she stood in his protective embrace, she told him it had been extraordinary
for her too.
Lovingly she embraced him and looked around once more, and said, "Vincent, it
is so beautiful here...thank you for bringing me."
Heaving a sigh, he admitted even though he had taken her to many of the other
magnificent sights the tunnels owned, he knew none of them would be as
spectacular as this for Catherine to see.
She then asked, "Would it be all right if I gathered a few crystals as souvenirs
for the children and maybe one for Jenny?"
Thinking this was a splendid idea, Vincent replied, "I was just thinking of
gathering one for you as well, commemorating our honeymoon."
So as they had fun chipping and gathering new crystals, Catherine then
unbelievably stated, "Wait until Ronald brings Jenny here! She will absolutely
love it here."
Nodding in agreement, Vincent stepped back, realizing there was a bit of history
to tell, and so he then gave Catherine a mini history lesson about the tunnel's
crystal caverns.
He then told her about the cave-in 15 years ago, which destroyed the Original
Crystal Cavern, explaining that would've been the cavern, he had first visited
when he was a boy.
And it wasn't until Mouse found this...what is referred to as the sister cavern,
there was a Crystal Cavern for us to travel to again.
"With a smile in his eyes, Vincent relayed, "Of course, when he first claimed he
found another Crystal Cavern, we all thought it was another one of Mouse's
tales, until he brought us here, proving it was true. He even claims there is
another cavern of a golden hue which he once stumbled upon, however he
could never find it again. One day Mouse said he will."
To which Catherine asked, "Was the original Crystal Cavern as beautiful as this
one?"
A smile came to his eyes as he became thoughtful, and admittedly, he sighed,
"Oh, it was just as stunning...I was five when Father took Devin and I there for
the first time..."
He then with a melancholy, continued, "...there were times when Father felt
adventuresome, and he would gather us, and together, we would go exploring
the different regions of our province."
Catherine tried to imagine Jacob as a young "Dad" taking his two boys hiking!
For some reason...she had trouble with such a notion. So with a slight giggle to
her tone, she noted, "Somehow it doesn't seem as though Father and Hiking
should be in the same sentence?"
Understanding Catherine's perception of his aged parent's ability to traipse
around the tunnels pathways, he clarified, "Father was quite nimble in his day
Catherine, and though he loved the opportunity to teach us all he knew about
everything cultured, and polished, he owned that same zeal when it came to
showing us everything about our world. Much of which he was only newly
discovering for himself as well."
With fondness, Vincent added, "Needless to say, when Father received reports
about a sparkling cavern from some scouting sentries, my family universally
decided our next destination...would be the mythical Glass Cavern. We felt it
was our duty to see IF it really did exist!"
Reminiscently Vincent continued, "So we set out on our quest, and along the
way we excitedly speculated, what the cavern would be like. When we
arrived...our expectations paled to the spectacular sight the cavern boasted. I
will never forget the look in Father's eyes as he stepped forth through the
threshold. He was as gleeful as a child, to discover the reporting was valid. I can
still hear him proudly tell us, there was so much to our world than merely brick,
stone and dirt. And Devin, well he was ecstatic as well. At first believing, we
had found our fortune in that cave full of diamonds."
Catherine loved hearing about Jacob and Devin, but she was dying to know
what he thought! So amusedly she queried, "What about you? What did you
think?"
Looking over at his Catherine, he answered, "Me? Well...as you might have
guessed, I was very excited as well. I remember thinking it looked like we were
walking into a serpents mouth full of jagged crystal teeth...and I was stunned,
never having seen any such hues like this on any chamber wall before..."
Walking forward, he hesitated for a moment, and thoughtfully continued, "...and
of course, Devin, well Devin had dreams of using our part of the fortune, to one
day buy my freedom from these tunnels."
Wondering how they could buy Vincent's freedom, she asked, "Buy your
freedom, from whom? Father?"
Amused by Devin's boyhood grandiose schemes, Vincent explained, "No not
Father, rather, he planned to buy the most brilliant of disguises for me, from the
most talented costume designers. And then thought better yet, he was going to
hire the best surgeon in the world to transform my face, so together we could
escape these tunnels...to travel unfettered around the world..."
Then a sad, laden laugh escaped, as Vincent recalled "...how disappointed Devin
was, to learn those crystal rock formations, would not bring us riches after all."
Hearing Vincent say it was only Devin who was disappointed, she had to ask,
"What about you? Were you disappointed your plan to buy your escape didn't
work out?"
With mindful casualness, Vincent responded, "I suppose I was. In our childish
dreams, where such a surgery was possible, it would have given me the chance
to travel for travel's sake...but to label it as a means of escape...I never felt that
need...it was Devin's dream to escape these tunnels...never mine. He just
wanted me at his side when he did."
Vincent then continued, "Devin wanted this so much for me...I believe it was he
who harbored the burden of my appearance, much harder than anyone else,
myself included..."
Catherine found herself entranced by Vincent's story, and imagined how his
differences must have impacted his loved ones around him. It seemed to her,
any stories she heard of Devin in his early childhood, had sounds of hope mixed
in to change what was different about him. Feeling saddened by this fact, she
asked, "When did it stop Vincent?"
Wondering what she meant, he softly asked her when did what stop?
To which she tearfully clarified, "When did Devin stop hoping to change what is
so beautifully different about you?"
Thoughtfully he answered, "I suppose when a maturing reality took hold,
pushing out our fused boyhood dreams...and...when Devin ultimately
understood, he had his own dream which he was destined to follow."
Catherine was so amazed by the virtuous ability Vincent owned to justify his
loss, and proudly told him how impressive, and inspiring his attitude was for her
to emulate.
Loving he held her respect in such a matter, he humbly thanked his sweet wife.
Staying silent as she thought of the relationship between Vincent and his family,
and how it had been severed, and repaired several times over and over.
And so she asked, "Do you think things will stay on track with you, your Father
and Devin this time Vincent?"
With an affectionate smile about his eyes, he answered, "We are all wiser...and
quite a bit older...I believe so Catherine..."
Back to the subject of the cavern, he carried on with what he felt was the most
impressive feature of a crystal cavern.
So he waved the lantern by one of the tallest stalagmite crystals, until he finally
saw the flashes of light he was opting for! Extraordinary reflecting beams of
light, dancing about on the darken cavern's surface.
Catherine then gasped, "How spectacular! Prisms always enthralled me when
studying different gems and crystals...but to see such vivid colors from these
here...amazing!"
Answering, "Yes...a prism's ability to separate light, seemed like pure magic to
me as a child...I suppose it still does."
He then continued, "We must have needled Father to take us back there every
other week, until we were old enough to go ourselves with the other children."
Nodding, Vincent looked around once more with a fresh new perspective, and
gratefully said, "Its nice being here...being able to look upon this place anew,
through your eyes..."
Taking Catherine by the hand, he suggested they continue on their journey.
As they walked, Vincent and Catherine spoke of many things, including their
upcoming Pratt courses.
With enthusiasm, Catherine complimented Vincent's natural architectural talent,
and eagerly conveyed how excited she was for him to expand on his skills, with
text book knowledge.
Once again Vincent told her going to a university was a dream of his coming
true. And he himself could not wait to get started on his degree. It seemed as
though their conversation made the time speed by, and as they neared their
destination, Vincent noted, the cart was at the crossroad, straight ahead.
Feeling playful, Catherine challenged, "I'll beat you to it!"
And off she ran, with Vincent right behind her, as he caught up, and then passed
her, he turned to run backwards, teasing, "You wear the look of determination
quite well Catherine!"
Knowing the race was lost, she slowed down to catch her breath, and laughed
as she said, "I must be crazy to think I could out run you!"
And just as Vincent slowed till she caught up to him, she picked up speed again,
and won!
They both laughed, enjoying the spontaneous childish challenge, and then as
they approached the cart, they sorted through the supplies, and were delighted
by all the goodies William sent them to enjoy.
With their arms full, Catherine placed the thank you note she had prepared
earlier that morning for William, into the emptied cart.
Turning to head back to their suite, Catherine suddenly, noticed Vincent tip his
head, as if he had heard something.
Realizing his intuitive wife was looking at him, he brought a finger to his lips,
cautioning Catherine to stay quiet.
It was then she saw a smile in his eyes, and though she still didn't know what
was up, she knew it was nothing to be frightened of.
Vincent, was privately amused by this lame attempt to spy on them. After all,
everyone knew how keen all his senses were, and he knew there was only one
person who would dare to even try, and so, over his shoulder, Vincent
nonchalantly said, "Thank you Mouse."
Without thinking, Mouse stood up and happily answered, "You're welcome
Vincent!"
Catherine and Vincent both began to laugh, as they heard Mouse audibly
whisper, "OOPS!"
And without looking back, they continued on their journey back to their haven.
To be continued
Chapter Three
