Home Alone Christmas Song
Peter then stepped out from behind his desk and added, “It would mean so much to them...they, ah...they speak about you a lot ya know.”
With a bit of sarcasm, Devin asked, “Well it can’t be about anything good.”
Happy to say it was, Peter went on to inform him, “As a matter of fact, it may surprise you to know it was good!"
As Devin stood humbled, he with hope and hesitancy asked, "Uh...like what?"
To which Peter then relayed the context, in which Devin was most recently mentioned, by asking, "Do you remember the snow globe you gave Vincent one Christmas?”
Devin did remember, and also remembered his Father’s insinuating harshness. Funny how that feeling of smallness resonated with him still. And so he replied, “Yeah, Father was sure I had stolen it.”
With an understanding tone, Peter said, “Well, Jacob now knows the good-hearted reason why you wanted to give that snow globe to your brother...AND...he knows he handled the situation all wrong. The truth is, your father feels very guilty about it, and realizes there were many other times he fell short as well. He told me the other day, that as much as he loved you, he just never quite knew how to talk and reach out to you after a certain age.”
With a sincere neediness in his voice, Devin revealed, “I guess I always knew he loved me, but the funny thing is, I wanted him to like me too. Like me as much as he liked Vincent, that’s all, just like me."
Thinking back on his own complicated issues he himself had with his own father, Peter replied, "I get that..."
Devin then continued on as he reminisced, “You know those two would play Chess for hours on end, and one game went on for 4 straight days? Can you believe that? Four straight days of just the two of them, sitting across from one another? I really cannot imagine ever doing that! Or else, they would go on and on, discussing some ancient book Shakespeare had written, and if it wasn't a book they were talking about, they would talk some artsy mumbo jumbo as they interpreted an artist's painting, or talk non-stop analyzing the music of the master composers! And all the while, I would be trying to find something to say or add, but it just all went over my head! I always came up empty.”
In an attempt to explain his unruly behavior, Devin analyzed, “As I look back now, maybe that’s why I would do things to get on his nerves, at least then the ole man would HAVE to talk to me, the son he had nothing in common with, except for the blood that was runnin’ through our veins.”
With a bit of a tragic smile, Peter nodded and said, “Well you know that’s the funny thing about families, families are made up of people, and hey, people don’t always click. I know me and my Dad, well it was the same situation. My sister was the princess, and I was the pauper.”
Peter laughed and shared, “But we found our way to each other eventually. What I am trying to say, you shouldn’t give up trying. Jacob is a good man, you are too, and your brother, he misses you.”
With tears welling up in his eyes, Devin said, “Well I miss Vincent too. I even miss the ole’ man.”
Prodding a bit, Peter urged, “Then maybe you should go.”
Thoughtfully, Devin added, “I will think about it, but if our reunion doesn't pan out, the last thing I want to do is ruin Christmas for everyone.”
To which Peter said, “Should you decide to go home, I really think you will find Jacob has, well he has softened up a bit. Seems like ever since Cathy met Vincent, Jacob had a metamorphosis of sorts. He had to accept certain things are out of his control. And, he has also cut the apron strings, accepting the fact that Vincent must live his life his own way.”
“Cutting the ole’ apron strings…” Said Devin, “…now that is a biggie!”
He then added, “This Cathy must be very special if she were able to accomplish all that.”
Softly Peter replied, “She is...and what I can also say is, she and Vincent together, have touched all our hearts. They give us hope.”
Clearing his throat of emotion, Peter then told Devin, “Our visit is confidential by the way. No one knows I contacted you, so there is no pressure on you what so ever.”
Peter then too felt inclined to apologize for times he may have come down too hard on Devin as well, and so he added, "And for what it is worth, I am sorry too Devin. I think I could have stepped up and been more of an advocate for you. I only listened to Jacob's side...only saw his side. I, of all people, should have understood what it was like to be the odd man out. I hope...uh, well I hope you can forgive me for not speaking up for you."
Appreciating Peter's words of apology, Devin replied, "Maybe you don't remember, but there were a few times you stood up for me...and the other times, well I am thinking I deserved what I got. You have nothing to feel badly about Peter..."
The two stood with a history based on human frailties between them, and now because of Peter reaching out to this wounded young man, there was much healing too.
As Devin contemplated what to do, he looked back at Peter, and said, “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, I don’t honestly know if I am ready, ready to face them, so I really can’t make any promises. But I want to thank you for contacting me. It means so much.”
To which Peter sincerely said, “I understand, and well if our talk helped you personally in any way, then this meeting between us was worth it.”
As Devin turned to leave, he looked back once more and said, “If I don't see you...Merry Christmas Peter…”
Warmly, Peter replied, “Merry Christmas to you Devin.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as the children returned to the home tunnels, they laughed, as they sang their version of the old holiday song, "Over the river and through the woods".
Over the rocks and through the crags
to Narcissa’s moor we go
Vincent knows the way
To take us today
To wish her Merry Christmas ”
By now Vincent was holding a tuckered out little Natalie, which was a task he did not mind in the least. Fiddling with his hair, she expressed, “Since Narcissa’s eyes don’t work, I hope she doesn’t fall into the abyss when she goes home.”
Assuredly Vincent explained, “Narcissa knows every inch of these tunnels, and even though she cannot see with her eyes, she can with her hands and feet. So you needn't worry."
Samantha who was walking next to Vincent then said, “I am so glad we went to see her today. I think we should go once a week!”
In reply, Vincent said, “Every week may be an unrealistic expectation. Remember Narcissa likes being alone. Visiting too often, would infringe upon her privacy.”
“I think you are right Vincent.” Replied Zach. He then continued, "Cuz when I asked her if she was coming to see us on Christmas Eve, she said she couldn't because she had cyclical deeds and chores to do. What ever that means!”
To which Vincent explained, "Living as Narcissa does, she has certain elements which sustain her life, that need cultivating, or tending to. So essentially Narcissa was saying she will be doing her own thing."
Natalie hoping Catherine would be coming Christmas Eve, asked, “What about Catherine? Is she coming, or is she going to be doing her own thing?”
With a smile, Vincent told her, “Yes, Catherine will be coming, also Peter, and Catherine's father will be coming as well.”
“Oh Goody!” Said Natalie, to which Samantha then offered, “I think William is gonna sing another song for us. At least I think so. I heard him practicing this morning.”
Confirming her suspicions, Vincent said, “Father did ask him if he would sing some Christmas Carols after we dine on Christmas Eve, and you are right, William happily agreed to do so.”
It was then Mouse came running up to Vincent, saying. “You are back! Sam brought you a message from Catherine, and good news! She can meet you at Pai’s tonight.”
Vincent looked irritatingly at Mouse as he unfolded the note, and said, “I guess there is no need for me to read this…since you already had.”
In defense, Mouse explained, “Had to know if it was an emergency, or if it could wait when you got back!”
Holding something which was written by Catherine’s own hand, soften Vincent’s demeanor a bit, and so he said, “I see your point Mouse…”
Kipper then butted in and asked, “When you are at Pai’s, do you think you could get me a fortune cookie?”
In reply, Vincent said, “If Lin or Henry offer, then I shall.”
To which Samantha scolded, “Yeah it would be rude to ask for stuff, you should know that. Besides they usually give us some anyway.”
Vincent smiled as he said, “Yes, they do when they can.”
With a teasing tone, Zach asked, “So Vincent are you gonna put on some smelly stuff for your date with Catherine?"
Wanting to get into the act, Kipper then added, "Yeah and are you gonna get all cleaned up and wear something fancy?"
Upon thinking he would like to make a quick trip to the hot springs chamber, Vincent answered the two jokesters by saying, “I thought I would, and I may even shine up my boots!"
The children all laughed, loving the conversation about Vincent's big date, and Vincent tolerated all the teasing he could, before he calmed the children down, saying, "Alright now, enough questions about my personal hygiene."
Vincent then remembered to ask Mouse a favor, and so he kindly requested, "Oh and Mouse...I will need your assistance finishing Catherine’s gift in the morning. Will you help?”
Proud to say yes, Mouse puffed up his chest and said, “Glad to help.”
Patting his friend on the back, Vincent said, “I knew I could count on you.”
It was then Vincent, Mouse and the children arrived at their chamber, where Jamie, Brooke, and Laura were waiting. As they saw all the happy faces, the girls asked,
"Hey did you have fun?"
With everyone sharing information at once, the girls discerned that YES they did have fun sharing a picnic with NARCISSA!
Happy to hear it was a fun excursion, they told Vincent his timing was perfect, and then Brooke then took charge, saying, "Well Children, It's time to deliver the Helpers Christmas Cards! Let's get you all bundled up in your winter garb before we go up top...it's cold out."
As the children all began to scramble, finding their coats, hats and gloves, Jacob stepped through the threshold, and gleefully said, “Ahh you have returned safely! How was your journey?"
To which the children all yelled, "It was great Father! We had a picnic with Narcissa and everything! She even said William was a good cook!"
In concurrence, Zach said, "Yeah, she liked the ham, but said William let his bread rise too much...what ever...tasted good to me!"
To which Samantha gushed, "Me too! Everything tastes better on a picnic!"
Jacob chuckled away, and then said, "Ahh cheer, very good then, and Vincent, you don't look any worse for the wear, did you enjoy your visit?"
With a nod, Vincent warmly added, “Yes Father, Narcissa looked well, and I believe she was genuinely moved by the children’s greetings of good will toward her.”
As Vincent looked over the group of children, he with pride added, “You can be proud of the children Father. They were all so well behaved.”
With an over view of the children, Jacob warmly said, “Good…good to hear, and I dare say, I am proud…very proud of you all.”
Jacob then added, “Well I don't wish to hold you up! I understand you have greetings to deliver up top.”
To which the children all cheered saying "We sure do!"
And with that said, they hugged and thanked Vincent for the fun afternoon, and as they ran off, they sang, “Over the rocks and through the crags, to Narcissa’s moor we go….”
Jacob then curiously addressed Mouse, asking, “I take it you gave Vincent Catherine's message?”
To which Mouse proudly stated, "Yep, sure did!"
Happy this was so, Jacob turned to tell his son, “So since Catherine can meet you at Pai’s this evening…I need you to pickup something for me…”
Surprised, yet not surprised by the fact Jacob also knew the contents of his note from Catherine, Vincent sarcastically asked, “Is everyone aware Catherine is free to meet me this evening, or shall I send a message through the pipes informing the rest of the community?”
Matter-of-factly, Jacob replied, “No need, most everyone knows, however…getting back to what I was saying, I need you to pick up some more of that Sassafras tea from Lin and Henry for me. I want to give it to Mary for Christmas. She enjoys it so.”
Sensing his discourse about lack of privacy went un-noticed; Vincent smiled to himself as he mentally threw up his arms, thinking…oh what’s the use?
Vincent, then instead of making a point, politely answered, “Of course I will Father.”
Slapping his hands together, thinking the tea will be a splendid gift for Mary, Jacob turned to his son, and said, "Have a good time, and do send my regards to Lin, Henry, and of course to Catherine as well."
And so with a parting embrace, Vincent left them to get ready for his date with Catherine.
So as Vincent walked through the vacated home tunnels toward the hot springs chamber, he noticed how quiet it was! In fact the silence was almost eerie quiet…almost too quiet…and then a feeling came over him he wasn’t alone.
With his emphatic powers kicking in, Vincent stopped in his tracks, and with a tipping of his head, he calmly said, “Paracelsus?”
And though there was no answer, Vincent knew he was there somewhere...and then the feeling was fleeting...and he knew Paracelsus was gone...
Shaking the uneasiness from his bones, Vincent continued on, and readied himself for his date with Catherine.
To be continued
Chapter Fifteen
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| Destiny of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Fourteen ________________________________________________ |
