Do you hear what I hear
As Vincent guided them to the threshold, their conversation covered the many events which took place that evening, and then Charles cautiously asked, "Vincent if I may ask, tonight was the first time Jacob ever mention he had another son...so you have a brother?”
With a lonesome fondness, Vincent answered, “Yes I do, his name is Devin, and he is Father’s biological son…”
Thinking back on the many years which his Father and Devin had been estranged, Vincent shared, “…however, their relationship has been difficult to sustain. They seem to gain ground, only to have an argument, then Devin would leave, and we would not hear from him for years....”
Vincent then shared, “Each year I have hopes he will come home for Christmas. And each year, I know Father privately prays for the same thing.”
Curiously, Peter then asked, “Where has he been last sighted?”
In reply to Peter's question, Vincent thoughtfully said, “A helper told us he crossed paths with him working for the Humane Society as a Veterinarian in Ocean City.”
Resignedly, Vincent then added, “However…that was over eleven months ago.”
"Knowing Devin’s restless nature..." Peter scoffed, “…what are the odds he would still be there…or still a vet for that matter…but I would be glad to check into it.”
Catherine then curiously asked, “What do you mean…he may not still be a vet?”
Looking over at Vincent, Peter smiled and explained, “Well…Devin is a bit of a chameleon. He has cunningly passed himself off as many different professionals throughout the years.”
To which Charles asked, “So he is not a licensed Vet?”
In turn, Peter replied, “I don’t see how he would have time to get a degree? A vet would take years of college, and it wasn’t that many years ago he was known to be a practicing CPA, and before that, he was spotted as a Chef in Danbury.”
To which Catherine incredulously asked, “How does he manage to get these prestigious positions without a degree?”
With a down hearted tone, Vincent explained, “This is the deceiving side of Devin, which makes Father the most angry. Father considers it the ultimate in disrespect, for Devin to pass him off in such positions, when others are willing to work hard for their professions,"
And then Vincent continued, "But in answer to your question of how does Devin manage to gain access to these professional positions...all I can tell you is…if ever you meet him...you would understand.”
With that said, Peter nodded, signaling, yes Vincent was right. And there was nothing more to add.
As they reached the threshold, Charles quipped, “I sure get a kick out of this unconventional way of traveling to and from these tunnels. I love it!”
Peter laughed, and said, “I know…but trust me the novelty wears off, and all you have on your mind, is being careful not to be detected. That thought must always be upper most on all of our minds.”
The newbie’s, upon hearing Peter’s caution of vigilance, felt humbled, as they were reminded of the responsibility they now owned.
So with a solemn nod, Charles indicated he understood, and felt quite honored with this trusted vow of secrecy.
Catherine then turned to Vincent to say, “Well, thank you for such a wonderful evening.”
In response, Vincent thanked Catherine, and the two gents for accepting the invitation, adding, “It meant so much to Father you were all able to attend.”
To which Peter said, "It sure took me back hearing about the early days...Ah, well goodnight Vincent, I’ll see ya tomorrow.”
Charles said goodnight too, and said he would see him Christmas Eve.
So being in the presence of her Dad and Peter, Catherine and Vincent did not linger as they said a sweet goodnight to one another, saying they would look forward to seeing each other Christmas Eve
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back up top in their world, as Peter and Charles walked Catherine to her door, she slipped her arm through each of theirs, and said, “Dad told me of the New Year's Eve plans with Sylvia and Evelyn...”
To which Peter raised a brow and said, “Yeah how do ya like that? It looks like we have dates to ring in the New Year!"
Feeling pleased that both her dad and Peter have met these nice ladies, Catherine happily said, “Sounds nice...I was teasing Dad, they must really like you both to fly North during winter.”
Feigning a conceited demeanor, Peter looked at Charles, and speaking for them both, he said, "Hey when you got it..."
They all three laughed at Peter's comment, and then as they arrived at her door, Catherine asked, “Can I offer a night cap?”
They both declined because of work in the morning, to which Catherine responded, “Yes! What am I thinking? I do too!”
After each gave Catherine a loving hug, they said goodnight.
Catherine stood watching them as they gingerly walked toward the elevator, and for some reason, a sadness came over her. Maybe it was the sight of her Dad’s gray hair from the back, along with Peter’s slight limping, that served as a reminder...they were getting older.
As the elevator door began to close, they both spotted Catherine and waved, so with a concealing smile, she waved back, and conjured up a cheerful, “Goodnight!”
Closing her door, Catherine wiped the lone tear from her cheek, and prayed God would keep them healthy, and bless her by having them both around for many more years to come.
Noticing the blinking light on her answering machine, Catherine went to check out the message, which said, “Cath! I have some exciting news about Jimmy…errr James. Call when you get home…no matter how late!”
Thinking aloud as she dialed the phone, “Hmmm, I wonder what it….Hi Jen…what’s the news about James?”
Excitedly, Jennifer informed Catherine, “Well…James invited me AND Mom over to his Mother’s for Christmas Dinner! Do you believe it?”
Nodding with approval, Catherine said, “I would say things are moving right along Jen! How sweet he included your Mom too.”
In agreement Jennifer said, “I know! I thought so too. And he has been around her enough to know how she is, and he still invited her!”
Jennifer then continued, “Mrs. Ames is a widow too, and actually our Mom's do know each other. Do you remember when they chaperoned our 8th grade dance together?"
To which Catherine humorously replied, “Do I remember? I'll never forget seeing your Mom out in the middle of the dance floor doing the twist!"
Recalling, Jennifer added, “Mrs. Ames was out there too! They were both snockered on that spiked punch!"
Thinking back Jennifer continued, "Remember, Mr. Wisenheimer caught Billy Abrams and Douggy Hayes in the act!”
With a serious tone Catherine added, “Yes, and they were suspended for three days?”
To which Jennifer recalled, “And because of the headache Mom had the next day, she said that three days was not long enough for those two hoodlums!”
As talk of the humorous event trickled to a close, Jennifer informatively said, “Mom and Mrs. Ames do cross paths from time to time, Mom is the sub for Mrs. Ames' Bunco group, so it should be fun.”
Catherine giggled as she suggested, “Just keep any kind of alcoholic beverages away from those two ladies!”
To which Jennifer incredulously said, “And miss some good entertainment? I don’t think so.”
And then it was that Jennifer thought to ask, "Hey, how was your date with Vincent?"
In reply, Catherine softly said, "It was really nice Jen...we enjoyed a small children's choir, and then some refreshments...I had fun..."
Happy to hear, Jennifer excitedly said, "I love it! No drama...things seem to be going in the right direction for both of us!"
With a smile, Catherine said, "I think so, well good night Jen...sleep tight."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning as Catherine walked through the city to work, the blustery winter air chilled her cheeks, but the memories of last nights festivities still warmed her heart.
Yes, the sweet thoughts of Vincent’s world were still with her. And as she looked around at the festiveness of the merchant’s windows, she thought of how everything just seemed so much more Christmassy this year for her than they had in a very long, long time.
As the snow began to pick up, she gathered up her collar, and smiled as she looked upward into the snowy meteor shower above her. Loving this season as well as the weather, she thought of Vincent, knowing he loved it too.
As she walked along, realizing she was a bit early, Catherine decided she could duck into Louis Vuitton, and pick up Jennifer's Christmas gift! Yes she knew exactly what she was getting her.
So as she stealthily and triumphantly exited the store with Jennifer's gift in hand,she heard Peter call out to her from his Van, asking, “Hey Cathy! Need a ride?”
Running up to his vehicle, she said, “Thank you Peter, but I am enjoying the walk.”
Shaking his head in wonder, he said, “Of course…I should have known that! Well I saw you, and had to ask.”
Knowing he was going to do the annual exams below, she asked, “Are you heading for the tunnels?”
With a nod, he smiled and said, “Yes I am. Any messages for anyone in particular?”
Thinking it would be nice to let Vincent know she was thinking of him, Catherine said, “Yes…tell Vincent hello for me.”
Cheerfully, Peter replied, “Will do kiddo, well I better go, if I know Mary, she has everything ready for me.”
With a loving smile, Catherine said, “Safe travels.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile below, “Mouse!” called Mary, “I need some firewood to stoke the stove in the examining room. We need to have it as toasty as we possibly can, since Peter and Father will be doing exams in there.”
Confused by what Mary demanded, Mouse answered, “Already did! You told me earlier! Remember?”
Bringing her hands to her face, Mary embarrassingly said, “I did, didn’t I! Oh my, I suppose I am just a bit nervous wanting everything to go smoothly. So here I am repeating myself.”
With a sly smile, Mouse asked, “Want me to do anything else Forgetful Mary?”
Giving Mouse an agitated look, Mary scolded, “Now don’t go crackin’ wise young man.”
But as it so happened, Mary did think of one more thing Mouse could get, and so kindly she asked, “As a matter of fact Mouse since you asked, go and get two more pitchers of fresh water…and get one of the bigger boys like Kipper or Zach to help you. Now hurry please, Peter and Father should be here any moment.”
Speaking on his departure, Mouse laughed as he replied, “OK, Be right back Forgetful Mary!”
And then poof, Mouse was gone before he could get yelled at!
Meantime, upon hearing Mouse refer to her as Forgetful Mary again, she nervously smoothed her hair back, as Mary lamented aloud, “Oh Dear…knowing Mouse, he will NOT allow me to live this down! That little stinker!”
As Jacob entered the Medical chamber, he overheard Mary, but saw no one else present. And so curiously, Jacob asked, “Did you…err…say something Mary?”
Spinning around, Mary was mortified that she was overheard by Jacob! And so she stammered a bit as she said, “No nothing Father…I was just thinking aloud that’s all.”
With a hesitant nod, Jacob said, “I see…"
And then as Jacob looked about, he noted, "...well it appears you have everything in order.”
As Jacob continued to inspect the setups, supplies and cleanliness of the chamber, he finally said, “Good, good. We could however use some more fresh water.”
In reply Mary hastily, with a tone of efficiency said, "I just instructed Mouse to retrieve a few more pitchers! He should be returning shortly...”
Impressively, Jacob said, “As always Mary, you have thought of everything.”
Releasing an angst filled sigh, Mary answered, “Thank you, I try Father.”
As Jacob slipped on his scrubs shirt, he motioned that he needed help tying the ties in the back, and then said, “It was quite an evening last night uh?”
Mary stepping up behind him, to assist, gleefully said, “Yes! It truly was a grand evening. And may I be so bold to say; your were at your absolute best. The way you told the story, it was so heart warming."
Feeling as if he had regained all of his lost footing with Mary, Jacob tipped his head as he absorbed the compliment, and then enthusiastically asked, “You really do think so?”
Emphatically, Mary responded, "Absolutely! Everyone thought so. The whole event, well it just turned into the most enchanted evening."
Then with a sly look in his eye, he added, “And, we owe it all to you and Vincent, don't we Mary?”
Thinking she and Vincent had been ratted out by someone, Mary incredulously asked, “Vincent and I? What ever do you mean Father?”
To be continued
Chapter Twelve
: }
As Vincent guided them to the threshold, their conversation covered the many events which took place that evening, and then Charles cautiously asked, "Vincent if I may ask, tonight was the first time Jacob ever mention he had another son...so you have a brother?”
With a lonesome fondness, Vincent answered, “Yes I do, his name is Devin, and he is Father’s biological son…”
Thinking back on the many years which his Father and Devin had been estranged, Vincent shared, “…however, their relationship has been difficult to sustain. They seem to gain ground, only to have an argument, then Devin would leave, and we would not hear from him for years....”
Vincent then shared, “Each year I have hopes he will come home for Christmas. And each year, I know Father privately prays for the same thing.”
Curiously, Peter then asked, “Where has he been last sighted?”
In reply to Peter's question, Vincent thoughtfully said, “A helper told us he crossed paths with him working for the Humane Society as a Veterinarian in Ocean City.”
Resignedly, Vincent then added, “However…that was over eleven months ago.”
"Knowing Devin’s restless nature..." Peter scoffed, “…what are the odds he would still be there…or still a vet for that matter…but I would be glad to check into it.”
Catherine then curiously asked, “What do you mean…he may not still be a vet?”
Looking over at Vincent, Peter smiled and explained, “Well…Devin is a bit of a chameleon. He has cunningly passed himself off as many different professionals throughout the years.”
To which Charles asked, “So he is not a licensed Vet?”
In turn, Peter replied, “I don’t see how he would have time to get a degree? A vet would take years of college, and it wasn’t that many years ago he was known to be a practicing CPA, and before that, he was spotted as a Chef in Danbury.”
To which Catherine incredulously asked, “How does he manage to get these prestigious positions without a degree?”
With a down hearted tone, Vincent explained, “This is the deceiving side of Devin, which makes Father the most angry. Father considers it the ultimate in disrespect, for Devin to pass him off in such positions, when others are willing to work hard for their professions,"
And then Vincent continued, "But in answer to your question of how does Devin manage to gain access to these professional positions...all I can tell you is…if ever you meet him...you would understand.”
With that said, Peter nodded, signaling, yes Vincent was right. And there was nothing more to add.
As they reached the threshold, Charles quipped, “I sure get a kick out of this unconventional way of traveling to and from these tunnels. I love it!”
Peter laughed, and said, “I know…but trust me the novelty wears off, and all you have on your mind, is being careful not to be detected. That thought must always be upper most on all of our minds.”
The newbie’s, upon hearing Peter’s caution of vigilance, felt humbled, as they were reminded of the responsibility they now owned.
So with a solemn nod, Charles indicated he understood, and felt quite honored with this trusted vow of secrecy.
Catherine then turned to Vincent to say, “Well, thank you for such a wonderful evening.”
In response, Vincent thanked Catherine, and the two gents for accepting the invitation, adding, “It meant so much to Father you were all able to attend.”
To which Peter said, "It sure took me back hearing about the early days...Ah, well goodnight Vincent, I’ll see ya tomorrow.”
Charles said goodnight too, and said he would see him Christmas Eve.
So being in the presence of her Dad and Peter, Catherine and Vincent did not linger as they said a sweet goodnight to one another, saying they would look forward to seeing each other Christmas Eve
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back up top in their world, as Peter and Charles walked Catherine to her door, she slipped her arm through each of theirs, and said, “Dad told me of the New Year's Eve plans with Sylvia and Evelyn...”
To which Peter raised a brow and said, “Yeah how do ya like that? It looks like we have dates to ring in the New Year!"
Feeling pleased that both her dad and Peter have met these nice ladies, Catherine happily said, “Sounds nice...I was teasing Dad, they must really like you both to fly North during winter.”
Feigning a conceited demeanor, Peter looked at Charles, and speaking for them both, he said, "Hey when you got it..."
They all three laughed at Peter's comment, and then as they arrived at her door, Catherine asked, “Can I offer a night cap?”
They both declined because of work in the morning, to which Catherine responded, “Yes! What am I thinking? I do too!”
After each gave Catherine a loving hug, they said goodnight.
Catherine stood watching them as they gingerly walked toward the elevator, and for some reason, a sadness came over her. Maybe it was the sight of her Dad’s gray hair from the back, along with Peter’s slight limping, that served as a reminder...they were getting older.
As the elevator door began to close, they both spotted Catherine and waved, so with a concealing smile, she waved back, and conjured up a cheerful, “Goodnight!”
Closing her door, Catherine wiped the lone tear from her cheek, and prayed God would keep them healthy, and bless her by having them both around for many more years to come.
Noticing the blinking light on her answering machine, Catherine went to check out the message, which said, “Cath! I have some exciting news about Jimmy…errr James. Call when you get home…no matter how late!”
Thinking aloud as she dialed the phone, “Hmmm, I wonder what it….Hi Jen…what’s the news about James?”
Excitedly, Jennifer informed Catherine, “Well…James invited me AND Mom over to his Mother’s for Christmas Dinner! Do you believe it?”
Nodding with approval, Catherine said, “I would say things are moving right along Jen! How sweet he included your Mom too.”
In agreement Jennifer said, “I know! I thought so too. And he has been around her enough to know how she is, and he still invited her!”
Jennifer then continued, “Mrs. Ames is a widow too, and actually our Mom's do know each other. Do you remember when they chaperoned our 8th grade dance together?"
To which Catherine humorously replied, “Do I remember? I'll never forget seeing your Mom out in the middle of the dance floor doing the twist!"
Recalling, Jennifer added, “Mrs. Ames was out there too! They were both snockered on that spiked punch!"
Thinking back Jennifer continued, "Remember, Mr. Wisenheimer caught Billy Abrams and Douggy Hayes in the act!”
With a serious tone Catherine added, “Yes, and they were suspended for three days?”
To which Jennifer recalled, “And because of the headache Mom had the next day, she said that three days was not long enough for those two hoodlums!”
As talk of the humorous event trickled to a close, Jennifer informatively said, “Mom and Mrs. Ames do cross paths from time to time, Mom is the sub for Mrs. Ames' Bunco group, so it should be fun.”
Catherine giggled as she suggested, “Just keep any kind of alcoholic beverages away from those two ladies!”
To which Jennifer incredulously said, “And miss some good entertainment? I don’t think so.”
And then it was that Jennifer thought to ask, "Hey, how was your date with Vincent?"
In reply, Catherine softly said, "It was really nice Jen...we enjoyed a small children's choir, and then some refreshments...I had fun..."
Happy to hear, Jennifer excitedly said, "I love it! No drama...things seem to be going in the right direction for both of us!"
With a smile, Catherine said, "I think so, well good night Jen...sleep tight."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning as Catherine walked through the city to work, the blustery winter air chilled her cheeks, but the memories of last nights festivities still warmed her heart.
Yes, the sweet thoughts of Vincent’s world were still with her. And as she looked around at the festiveness of the merchant’s windows, she thought of how everything just seemed so much more Christmassy this year for her than they had in a very long, long time.
As the snow began to pick up, she gathered up her collar, and smiled as she looked upward into the snowy meteor shower above her. Loving this season as well as the weather, she thought of Vincent, knowing he loved it too.
As she walked along, realizing she was a bit early, Catherine decided she could duck into Louis Vuitton, and pick up Jennifer's Christmas gift! Yes she knew exactly what she was getting her.
So as she stealthily and triumphantly exited the store with Jennifer's gift in hand,she heard Peter call out to her from his Van, asking, “Hey Cathy! Need a ride?”
Running up to his vehicle, she said, “Thank you Peter, but I am enjoying the walk.”
Shaking his head in wonder, he said, “Of course…I should have known that! Well I saw you, and had to ask.”
Knowing he was going to do the annual exams below, she asked, “Are you heading for the tunnels?”
With a nod, he smiled and said, “Yes I am. Any messages for anyone in particular?”
Thinking it would be nice to let Vincent know she was thinking of him, Catherine said, “Yes…tell Vincent hello for me.”
Cheerfully, Peter replied, “Will do kiddo, well I better go, if I know Mary, she has everything ready for me.”
With a loving smile, Catherine said, “Safe travels.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile below, “Mouse!” called Mary, “I need some firewood to stoke the stove in the examining room. We need to have it as toasty as we possibly can, since Peter and Father will be doing exams in there.”
Confused by what Mary demanded, Mouse answered, “Already did! You told me earlier! Remember?”
Bringing her hands to her face, Mary embarrassingly said, “I did, didn’t I! Oh my, I suppose I am just a bit nervous wanting everything to go smoothly. So here I am repeating myself.”
With a sly smile, Mouse asked, “Want me to do anything else Forgetful Mary?”
Giving Mouse an agitated look, Mary scolded, “Now don’t go crackin’ wise young man.”
But as it so happened, Mary did think of one more thing Mouse could get, and so kindly she asked, “As a matter of fact Mouse since you asked, go and get two more pitchers of fresh water…and get one of the bigger boys like Kipper or Zach to help you. Now hurry please, Peter and Father should be here any moment.”
Speaking on his departure, Mouse laughed as he replied, “OK, Be right back Forgetful Mary!”
And then poof, Mouse was gone before he could get yelled at!
Meantime, upon hearing Mouse refer to her as Forgetful Mary again, she nervously smoothed her hair back, as Mary lamented aloud, “Oh Dear…knowing Mouse, he will NOT allow me to live this down! That little stinker!”
As Jacob entered the Medical chamber, he overheard Mary, but saw no one else present. And so curiously, Jacob asked, “Did you…err…say something Mary?”
Spinning around, Mary was mortified that she was overheard by Jacob! And so she stammered a bit as she said, “No nothing Father…I was just thinking aloud that’s all.”
With a hesitant nod, Jacob said, “I see…"
And then as Jacob looked about, he noted, "...well it appears you have everything in order.”
As Jacob continued to inspect the setups, supplies and cleanliness of the chamber, he finally said, “Good, good. We could however use some more fresh water.”
In reply Mary hastily, with a tone of efficiency said, "I just instructed Mouse to retrieve a few more pitchers! He should be returning shortly...”
Impressively, Jacob said, “As always Mary, you have thought of everything.”
Releasing an angst filled sigh, Mary answered, “Thank you, I try Father.”
As Jacob slipped on his scrubs shirt, he motioned that he needed help tying the ties in the back, and then said, “It was quite an evening last night uh?”
Mary stepping up behind him, to assist, gleefully said, “Yes! It truly was a grand evening. And may I be so bold to say; your were at your absolute best. The way you told the story, it was so heart warming."
Feeling as if he had regained all of his lost footing with Mary, Jacob tipped his head as he absorbed the compliment, and then enthusiastically asked, “You really do think so?”
Emphatically, Mary responded, "Absolutely! Everyone thought so. The whole event, well it just turned into the most enchanted evening."
Then with a sly look in his eye, he added, “And, we owe it all to you and Vincent, don't we Mary?”
Thinking she and Vincent had been ratted out by someone, Mary incredulously asked, “Vincent and I? What ever do you mean Father?”
To be continued
Chapter Twelve
: }
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| Destiny of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Eleven ______________________________________ |
