Meantime, Catherine sat chatting with the ladies, along with Jennifer, when the talk turned to the children’s concert later today, and so of course to the homecoming of Lisa.
Incredulously, Jamie asked, “Won’t that bug you having Lisa here Catherine?"
Pleased for the opportunity to talk about how she felt about Lisa, and smooth out any animosities toward her, Catherine explained, “No Jamie, that would be wrong of me to feel that way. This is her home, and it is good she has found her way back here again, because she considers everyone here...her family.”
Rebecca and Catherine shared a knowing look between them. After their talk the other night, Rebecca knew Catherine had personal feelings of jealousy where Lisa was concerned. So when Father mentioned to Rebecca, Catherine would be delivering some correspondence to Lisa, well Rebecca was taken aback, and could not help but wonder how Catherine and Lisa's encounter went.
Carefully, Rebecca said, “I was surprised when Father told me you were going to deliver letters to her...that must have been a difficult task for you.”
Catherine nodded, and with much thoughtfulness, told Rebecca, “I have to admit it was, but, I felt it was something I had to do. I needed to face her, not just for myself, but for everyone. I don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable when we are all together, or take anything away from Lisa, because of my relationship with Vincent.”
Kindly, Catherine looked to Rebecca and added, “I understand her feelings for Vincent so much better now that I have talked to her.”
Rebecca understood, because she too had softened her heart toward Lisa, and saw things differently after she and Vincent had their talk.
Curiously, Brooke asked, “What was she like…was she friendly?”
Catherine smiled, as she calmly explained, “She was very nice Brooke, and she explained how important the Tunnels and everyone here, are to her.”
Laura surprisingly signed, “Wow, you are very brave to face her!”
Catherine signed back, as she answered, “Not so brave, you see, I wanted to do it for Father, Mary, Vincent, the children and for everyone who love her as family. I know they are very much looking forward to Lisa's homecoming today, and are hoping for it to be a frequent occurrence. Today will set the precedence on how it will go, so it is very important for us all to treat her kindly, and fairly, after all she has had a very hard life. Being so alone for much of it.”
Jamie frowned as she skeptically argued, “Yeah, but still she nearly busted you and Vincent up!"
Catherine stopped Jamie, as she said, “I know it appeared that way at the time, but in truth, she was really the only person who had the power, to bring Vincent and I truly together. Lisa and Vincent had many feelings to sort out, and they were able to help heal the wounds of each other’s aching hearts, Father’s too. So we must be fair and kind to Lisa when she comes home, for Father and Vincent’s sake, and I know Mary loves her very much too.”
Mary was so happy to know Catherine felt this way. Her heart was broken all those years ago when Lisa was sent away. Mary looked respectfully at Catherine, as she said, “That is most noble of you to convey such feelings of good will toward Lisa.”
Mary looked about the circle, as she enforced, “I hope you will all take heed to what Catherine has said. Lisa returned above to New York City for good, and would like to come to the tunnels frequently. She wishes to rebuild her ties with all of us here. You all need to understand, Father now regrets sending her away as he did, when she was in such dire need of love and support, and he would like to try to make up for those years.”
Mary smiled at Catherine, and said, “So it is a good time to start anew, and if Catherine can, then so can all of you. Never forget, The spirit of Good Will of the Tunnels. We...each one of us, have been united here for a reason, and each of us found the tunnels for a purpose. Don’t betray that Spirit, and never forget we are a family.”
As Jennifer looked at her friend, and then around this group of people, she started to understand, and began to feel the magic of these tunnels. And as Mary’s words settled and warmed each of their hearts, they were all reminded of the magic as well.
Mary lightened the mood, as she asked Laura, “I noticed Dear, you still have one more box to remove from your old chamber.”
Anxiously, Laura conveyed, “Yes, it is too heavy for me!”
Concisely, Mary suggested, “We will ask one of the crew to move it for you then. They are back and forth between the tunnels all day long, so I am sure they won't mind.”
Then, Mary eagerly reminded everyone, “Oh! Don’t forget Tuesday night, I will be holding my “Reading Appreciation” session in Laura’s old chamber, which is our new meeting place! Ah the acoustics of that chamber are wonderful! So every one, finish your “Wuthering Heights” reading assignment, so we may have a spirited discussion! You must finish chapters one through three by Tuesday.”
Mary smiled at Jennifer, and invited her as well, saying, “Please feel free to join us won’t you Dear?”
Curiously, Catherine looked at her friend, and was very interested to know how she would answer Mary! Catherine knew Jennifer’s idea of a good read, was Cosmo!
In reply, Jennifer turned to Mary, and excitedly said, “Yes, I will be there Mary, thank you for asking me. I would love to discuss the book! Of course, I should re-read it first! But I just loved the movie with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon! Did you know that Olivier, was separated from Vivien Leigh at the time he made that movie? I always thought his acting was so wonderful in Wuthering Heights, but later found out, that it was actually all of his real life pain, just gushing out of him! Oh but he was so darkly handsome in it, in a very deranged sort of way!”
In response, Catherine looked at Jennifer and chuckled, “I have an extra copy of the book Jen, and maybe this time you will read the book, and not just the Cliff Notes like in High School!”
Humorously, Jennifer, admitted, “I know...my bad, but I always needed motivation to learn, if only Mrs. Roetter would have been more interesting, maybe I would have been stimulated to do more reading!”
To which Catherine teased, “Oh you were stimulated in Mrs. Roetter’s class all right, by that cute boy Jeremy!”
All the ladies laughed as Jennifer admitted, “He was cute wasn’t he? I guess he did have all of my attention that year!”
She then astonishingly added, “Oh Cath, did I tell you I ran into him not too long ago at Starbucks? He's bald as an Eagle!”
Everyone giggled, as Catherine exclaimed, “Oh no Jen! And he had all that gorgeous blond hair!”
Admittedly, Jennifer shook her head, and informed her friend, “I know! Oh how I wish I could have ran my fingers through it just once before it disappeared! Oh well, Sa-le-vies!”
Jennifer turned back to Mary, and assured her, “I will read it this time though, so I can discuss it intelligently Mary!”
Happy for the new addition to her class, Mary smiled and said, “Splendid Jennifer, we shall look forward to your insightful input!”
After the girls returned to Catherine's chamber, she handed Jennifer her copy, and thought they would begin their assignment as they waited for Vincent to escort them to breakfast.
Silently, Vincent stood at Catherine’s threshold, and a smile came to his eyes, as he saw Catherine and Jennifer, both intently reading!
Before Vincent could make himself known, William alerted everyone on the pipes, that Breakfast was ready. Jennifer looked up from her book, and asked Catherine, “What in the @#$# is that clanging?”
Catherine started laughing, and said, “You have been cussing a blue streak lately! I hope you don’t let any off-color words fly around Father!”
Jennifer was very curious about “Father,” and started to ask, “Cath…tell me about this Father is he a Priest or some…”
Upon hearing Vincent clear his throat, as he was wanting to make his presence known, Catherine looked to her threshold. There he stood, happily waiting not wanting to interrupt.
Hopping off her bed to greet him, she said, “Vincent, you are right on time. I just heard William.”
Vincent knowing Jennifer’s appetite, teasingly offered, “I understand if you two would rather skip breakfast, as you seem to be so enthralled in your reading.”
Quickly, Jennifer jumped up from her chair, and said, “Are you kidding Vinny? I am starving! OLE Heathcliff can wait!”
As Vincent escorted Catherine, and Jennifer into the dining Hall, they met Jacob, who was standing at the threshold, as usual, welcoming everyone.
Warmly, he greeted them, and said, “Good morning Catherine, and this must be your friend Jennifer.”
Nervously, Catherine smiled at Vincent, and took in a deep breath thinking, oh boy here goes nothin’!
Politely though, she answered, “Good morning Father, yes this is Jennifer.”
Catherine turned to Jennifer, and with a “Lick-and-a-Prayer” she introduced them! “Jennifer I am proud to introduce you to…Father.”
Jennifer heartily shook his hand, as she said, “Hi! I am so happy to meet you…and I am to call you…Father too?”
Jacob nodded graciously, and said, “Yes...most people do.”
Jennifer wanting to clarify his title, quizzically asked, “So I simply call you Father…just…Father…or is it Father Something or another?”
Jacob cleared his throat, and again, said, “Simply Father.”
Vincent quickly stepped in, and said, “You see Jennifer, Father is the founder of our world, and we all look up to him in such a manner, that warrants that title.”
Jennifer understanding better, after Vincent’s explanation, then expounded, “Oh I see! So it’s not like you are a Priest or anything!”
Jacob shakily grinned an amused smile, and said, “No Jennifer, I am not a Priest!”
Anxiously, Catherine interjected, “Father is a Doctor. That is how he knows Peter, they met as Interns in England.”
Jennifer then said, “Oh I see! Cool.”
Jacob tipped his head downward, as he amusingly looked back up at Jennifer, and said, “Yes indeed Jennifer...cool.”
He then continued, “Vincent told me all about the incident last night with the Drug dealers! You two girls are to be commended! Yes indeed, we are most thankful no ill will befell you last night!”
To which Jennifer replied, “We are thankful too! And it was all due to Vinny! Oh it was like a scene out of an action movie, the way Vinny flew into the room, and knocked out those three thugs! He saved our lives!”
Jacob cocked an eyebrow, as he looked at Vincent, and smugly asked, “So you fly now Vincent?”
Vincent embarrassingly looked downward, and said, “Well not actually FLY Father.”
Clarifying, Jennifer said, "Well you know what I mean, I guess if it wasn't for this wireless communication thing going on between Vinny and Catherine, we'd have been toast!"
Wanting to downplay the danger aspect a little, knowing how Jacob feels about putting Vincent in harms way, Catherine added, "Let's just say, we are so thankful Vincent arrived when he did."
To which Jacob firmly inquired, "This was your last assignment, correct Catherine?"
Knowing they were on the same wave length, she assuredly replied, "It was Father."
Heaving a relieved sigh, he said, "Good, now I can stop worrying about you both!"
Jacob cleared his throat and looked back at Jennifer to lighten the mood, and asked, "Tell me Jennifer, how do you like your stay with us thus far?”
Exuberantly, she answered, “I love it here! It is hard for me to comprehend, you planned all of this Fath…Father!”
Jacob proudly stated, “Yes, I suppose it may seem like one huge laid out plan Jennifer, but in truth we have evolved into what we are today. A Haven born out of necessity!”
With great admiration, she noted, “Still, it boggles the mind Fa…ther!”
Jacob admitted, “Well I suppose much of this is a realized dream, or a vision if you will!”
But he then dreamily, added, “Yes I am proud of our world…yes indeed!”
Jennifer then mentioned, “And to think, Peter has been coming here in secret all these years! Wow, amazing!”
Jacob started to smile, as he thought about Jennifer putting Peter through the ringer, thinking he was Catherine’s secret suitor! This thought caused Jacob to query, “I understand you and Peter had, well shall I say, had a misunderstanding as far as Catherine is concerned!”
Jennifer laughed heartily, as she explained, “Oh that poor man, when I think of how I interrogated him! But until I met Vinny, Peter was the only guy I knew Cath spoke to Fath…er!”
Jacob frowned a bit, and asked, “Jennifer, is it uncomfortable for you to call me Father?”
Helplessly, Jennifer nodded, as she looked at Jacob sideways, and admitted, “I am sorry I just can’t do it. The name Father is just too priestly! It brings back all those old Parochial School hang-ups! I mean when a Priest walked by it was like being right next to God! I am sorry”
Jacob raised his brows, and suggested, “Then please call me by my given name of Jacob.”
Jennifer thoughtfully sighed, as she declined, “Well, I do like the idea of the whole Father thing, because you do deserve the respect, but still, let’s see, maybe a less coveted title. Would you mind if I just called you…Pops?”
Catherine could have died! She looked up at Vincent, all wide-eyed, and...she could see Vincent was surprised too! He tried to stifle his amusement, as they could not believe Jennifer asked to call an astute dignified man like Jacob…POPS!
However, to their surprise, Jacob responded with a chuckle, and said, “Pops, oh my Pops indeed, yes well Jennifer, I suppose.”
Jacob looked to Catherine, and Vincent, stating, “No one has ever called me that before! I believe I do enjoy the informality of that title!”
Quickly though, he reiterated, “However, only in private. I don’t want the children to get carried away with losing site of proper protocol with their elders you understand.”
Jennifer smiled as she nodded in agreement, “Yes I will agree to that!”
Holding out his arm to escort Jennifer, he asked, “Won’t you do me the honor of sitting at my side, so I may better get to know Catherine’s good friend!”
Politely, Jennifer answered, “I would love it!”
Catherine and Vincent followed them to the table, and exchanged mutual looks of shock and surprise, at the fact, sometimes strange bedfellows, make great friends.
William loved people who could eat, and he loved Jennifer! He had prepared a huge vat oatmeal, served with a sprinkling of brown sugar and on the side, he had made some homemade cinnamon rolls, topped with a sweet glaze.
After breakfast, some of the children ran up to Catherine, and she introduced them all to Jennifer. Samantha stepped forward and asked, “You will stay for the concert today won’t you Catherine?”
Excitedly, Catherine said, “Oh yes Samantha, I wouldn’t miss it for the world! I specifically invited Jenny, so she could enjoy it too! What time is it going to be?”
Questionably, Eric replied, I think its around 2:00 isn’t it Samantha?”
Annoyingly, Samantha answered him, “Yes it is AT 2:00! Pay attention Eric!”
Excitedly, Samantha told Catherine, “Oh I am so glad you will be here Catherine, it wasn’t the same without you.”
Samantha then turned to Vincent, and in her young girlish dire emergency manner, asked, “Vincent, have you seen Lisa yet today? Oh she has to come, she just has too!”
Assuredly, Vincent replied, “I am sure she will arrive soon. Now do not forget, you all have your Saturday morning chores to complete, before any concert can take place. So work hard, so you may enjoy your day.”
Vincent saw Joseph, trying to sneak away, and so he stopped him in his tracks, saying, “Joseph…you haven’t forgotten your additional contribution to our community this morning have you.”
Joseph turned to face Vincent, and said excitedly, “I did them already Vincent, you only said two days worth of extra chores!”
Vincent brought his hand to his chin and said, “Yes you are most accurate Joseph, I did say two. All right then, you are excused.”
Joseph walked away shaking his head saying, “Boy oh boy, look at the trouble girls can cause, just because they find you attractive!”
He then headed off down the tunnels, causing Catherine to laugh, as she explained to Jennifer, the problem started, when Natalie gave Joseph a kiss!
As Jacob stood up, and looked toward the entryway, the buzz about the Dining Hall died down as he happily smiled and said, “Lisa…welcome.”
To be continued
Chapter Twenty
Incredulously, Jamie asked, “Won’t that bug you having Lisa here Catherine?"
Pleased for the opportunity to talk about how she felt about Lisa, and smooth out any animosities toward her, Catherine explained, “No Jamie, that would be wrong of me to feel that way. This is her home, and it is good she has found her way back here again, because she considers everyone here...her family.”
Rebecca and Catherine shared a knowing look between them. After their talk the other night, Rebecca knew Catherine had personal feelings of jealousy where Lisa was concerned. So when Father mentioned to Rebecca, Catherine would be delivering some correspondence to Lisa, well Rebecca was taken aback, and could not help but wonder how Catherine and Lisa's encounter went.
Carefully, Rebecca said, “I was surprised when Father told me you were going to deliver letters to her...that must have been a difficult task for you.”
Catherine nodded, and with much thoughtfulness, told Rebecca, “I have to admit it was, but, I felt it was something I had to do. I needed to face her, not just for myself, but for everyone. I don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable when we are all together, or take anything away from Lisa, because of my relationship with Vincent.”
Kindly, Catherine looked to Rebecca and added, “I understand her feelings for Vincent so much better now that I have talked to her.”
Rebecca understood, because she too had softened her heart toward Lisa, and saw things differently after she and Vincent had their talk.
Curiously, Brooke asked, “What was she like…was she friendly?”
Catherine smiled, as she calmly explained, “She was very nice Brooke, and she explained how important the Tunnels and everyone here, are to her.”
Laura surprisingly signed, “Wow, you are very brave to face her!”
Catherine signed back, as she answered, “Not so brave, you see, I wanted to do it for Father, Mary, Vincent, the children and for everyone who love her as family. I know they are very much looking forward to Lisa's homecoming today, and are hoping for it to be a frequent occurrence. Today will set the precedence on how it will go, so it is very important for us all to treat her kindly, and fairly, after all she has had a very hard life. Being so alone for much of it.”
Jamie frowned as she skeptically argued, “Yeah, but still she nearly busted you and Vincent up!"
Catherine stopped Jamie, as she said, “I know it appeared that way at the time, but in truth, she was really the only person who had the power, to bring Vincent and I truly together. Lisa and Vincent had many feelings to sort out, and they were able to help heal the wounds of each other’s aching hearts, Father’s too. So we must be fair and kind to Lisa when she comes home, for Father and Vincent’s sake, and I know Mary loves her very much too.”
Mary was so happy to know Catherine felt this way. Her heart was broken all those years ago when Lisa was sent away. Mary looked respectfully at Catherine, as she said, “That is most noble of you to convey such feelings of good will toward Lisa.”
Mary looked about the circle, as she enforced, “I hope you will all take heed to what Catherine has said. Lisa returned above to New York City for good, and would like to come to the tunnels frequently. She wishes to rebuild her ties with all of us here. You all need to understand, Father now regrets sending her away as he did, when she was in such dire need of love and support, and he would like to try to make up for those years.”
Mary smiled at Catherine, and said, “So it is a good time to start anew, and if Catherine can, then so can all of you. Never forget, The spirit of Good Will of the Tunnels. We...each one of us, have been united here for a reason, and each of us found the tunnels for a purpose. Don’t betray that Spirit, and never forget we are a family.”
As Jennifer looked at her friend, and then around this group of people, she started to understand, and began to feel the magic of these tunnels. And as Mary’s words settled and warmed each of their hearts, they were all reminded of the magic as well.
Mary lightened the mood, as she asked Laura, “I noticed Dear, you still have one more box to remove from your old chamber.”
Anxiously, Laura conveyed, “Yes, it is too heavy for me!”
Concisely, Mary suggested, “We will ask one of the crew to move it for you then. They are back and forth between the tunnels all day long, so I am sure they won't mind.”
Then, Mary eagerly reminded everyone, “Oh! Don’t forget Tuesday night, I will be holding my “Reading Appreciation” session in Laura’s old chamber, which is our new meeting place! Ah the acoustics of that chamber are wonderful! So every one, finish your “Wuthering Heights” reading assignment, so we may have a spirited discussion! You must finish chapters one through three by Tuesday.”
Mary smiled at Jennifer, and invited her as well, saying, “Please feel free to join us won’t you Dear?”
Curiously, Catherine looked at her friend, and was very interested to know how she would answer Mary! Catherine knew Jennifer’s idea of a good read, was Cosmo!
In reply, Jennifer turned to Mary, and excitedly said, “Yes, I will be there Mary, thank you for asking me. I would love to discuss the book! Of course, I should re-read it first! But I just loved the movie with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon! Did you know that Olivier, was separated from Vivien Leigh at the time he made that movie? I always thought his acting was so wonderful in Wuthering Heights, but later found out, that it was actually all of his real life pain, just gushing out of him! Oh but he was so darkly handsome in it, in a very deranged sort of way!”
In response, Catherine looked at Jennifer and chuckled, “I have an extra copy of the book Jen, and maybe this time you will read the book, and not just the Cliff Notes like in High School!”
Humorously, Jennifer, admitted, “I know...my bad, but I always needed motivation to learn, if only Mrs. Roetter would have been more interesting, maybe I would have been stimulated to do more reading!”
To which Catherine teased, “Oh you were stimulated in Mrs. Roetter’s class all right, by that cute boy Jeremy!”
All the ladies laughed as Jennifer admitted, “He was cute wasn’t he? I guess he did have all of my attention that year!”
She then astonishingly added, “Oh Cath, did I tell you I ran into him not too long ago at Starbucks? He's bald as an Eagle!”
Everyone giggled, as Catherine exclaimed, “Oh no Jen! And he had all that gorgeous blond hair!”
Admittedly, Jennifer shook her head, and informed her friend, “I know! Oh how I wish I could have ran my fingers through it just once before it disappeared! Oh well, Sa-le-vies!”
Jennifer turned back to Mary, and assured her, “I will read it this time though, so I can discuss it intelligently Mary!”
Happy for the new addition to her class, Mary smiled and said, “Splendid Jennifer, we shall look forward to your insightful input!”
After the girls returned to Catherine's chamber, she handed Jennifer her copy, and thought they would begin their assignment as they waited for Vincent to escort them to breakfast.
Silently, Vincent stood at Catherine’s threshold, and a smile came to his eyes, as he saw Catherine and Jennifer, both intently reading!
Before Vincent could make himself known, William alerted everyone on the pipes, that Breakfast was ready. Jennifer looked up from her book, and asked Catherine, “What in the @#$# is that clanging?”
Catherine started laughing, and said, “You have been cussing a blue streak lately! I hope you don’t let any off-color words fly around Father!”
Jennifer was very curious about “Father,” and started to ask, “Cath…tell me about this Father is he a Priest or some…”
Upon hearing Vincent clear his throat, as he was wanting to make his presence known, Catherine looked to her threshold. There he stood, happily waiting not wanting to interrupt.
Hopping off her bed to greet him, she said, “Vincent, you are right on time. I just heard William.”
Vincent knowing Jennifer’s appetite, teasingly offered, “I understand if you two would rather skip breakfast, as you seem to be so enthralled in your reading.”
Quickly, Jennifer jumped up from her chair, and said, “Are you kidding Vinny? I am starving! OLE Heathcliff can wait!”
As Vincent escorted Catherine, and Jennifer into the dining Hall, they met Jacob, who was standing at the threshold, as usual, welcoming everyone.
Warmly, he greeted them, and said, “Good morning Catherine, and this must be your friend Jennifer.”
Nervously, Catherine smiled at Vincent, and took in a deep breath thinking, oh boy here goes nothin’!
Politely though, she answered, “Good morning Father, yes this is Jennifer.”
Catherine turned to Jennifer, and with a “Lick-and-a-Prayer” she introduced them! “Jennifer I am proud to introduce you to…Father.”
Jennifer heartily shook his hand, as she said, “Hi! I am so happy to meet you…and I am to call you…Father too?”
Jacob nodded graciously, and said, “Yes...most people do.”
Jennifer wanting to clarify his title, quizzically asked, “So I simply call you Father…just…Father…or is it Father Something or another?”
Jacob cleared his throat, and again, said, “Simply Father.”
Vincent quickly stepped in, and said, “You see Jennifer, Father is the founder of our world, and we all look up to him in such a manner, that warrants that title.”
Jennifer understanding better, after Vincent’s explanation, then expounded, “Oh I see! So it’s not like you are a Priest or anything!”
Jacob shakily grinned an amused smile, and said, “No Jennifer, I am not a Priest!”
Anxiously, Catherine interjected, “Father is a Doctor. That is how he knows Peter, they met as Interns in England.”
Jennifer then said, “Oh I see! Cool.”
Jacob tipped his head downward, as he amusingly looked back up at Jennifer, and said, “Yes indeed Jennifer...cool.”
He then continued, “Vincent told me all about the incident last night with the Drug dealers! You two girls are to be commended! Yes indeed, we are most thankful no ill will befell you last night!”
To which Jennifer replied, “We are thankful too! And it was all due to Vinny! Oh it was like a scene out of an action movie, the way Vinny flew into the room, and knocked out those three thugs! He saved our lives!”
Jacob cocked an eyebrow, as he looked at Vincent, and smugly asked, “So you fly now Vincent?”
Vincent embarrassingly looked downward, and said, “Well not actually FLY Father.”
Clarifying, Jennifer said, "Well you know what I mean, I guess if it wasn't for this wireless communication thing going on between Vinny and Catherine, we'd have been toast!"
Wanting to downplay the danger aspect a little, knowing how Jacob feels about putting Vincent in harms way, Catherine added, "Let's just say, we are so thankful Vincent arrived when he did."
To which Jacob firmly inquired, "This was your last assignment, correct Catherine?"
Knowing they were on the same wave length, she assuredly replied, "It was Father."
Heaving a relieved sigh, he said, "Good, now I can stop worrying about you both!"
Jacob cleared his throat and looked back at Jennifer to lighten the mood, and asked, "Tell me Jennifer, how do you like your stay with us thus far?”
Exuberantly, she answered, “I love it here! It is hard for me to comprehend, you planned all of this Fath…Father!”
Jacob proudly stated, “Yes, I suppose it may seem like one huge laid out plan Jennifer, but in truth we have evolved into what we are today. A Haven born out of necessity!”
With great admiration, she noted, “Still, it boggles the mind Fa…ther!”
Jacob admitted, “Well I suppose much of this is a realized dream, or a vision if you will!”
But he then dreamily, added, “Yes I am proud of our world…yes indeed!”
Jennifer then mentioned, “And to think, Peter has been coming here in secret all these years! Wow, amazing!”
Jacob started to smile, as he thought about Jennifer putting Peter through the ringer, thinking he was Catherine’s secret suitor! This thought caused Jacob to query, “I understand you and Peter had, well shall I say, had a misunderstanding as far as Catherine is concerned!”
Jennifer laughed heartily, as she explained, “Oh that poor man, when I think of how I interrogated him! But until I met Vinny, Peter was the only guy I knew Cath spoke to Fath…er!”
Jacob frowned a bit, and asked, “Jennifer, is it uncomfortable for you to call me Father?”
Helplessly, Jennifer nodded, as she looked at Jacob sideways, and admitted, “I am sorry I just can’t do it. The name Father is just too priestly! It brings back all those old Parochial School hang-ups! I mean when a Priest walked by it was like being right next to God! I am sorry”
Jacob raised his brows, and suggested, “Then please call me by my given name of Jacob.”
Jennifer thoughtfully sighed, as she declined, “Well, I do like the idea of the whole Father thing, because you do deserve the respect, but still, let’s see, maybe a less coveted title. Would you mind if I just called you…Pops?”
Catherine could have died! She looked up at Vincent, all wide-eyed, and...she could see Vincent was surprised too! He tried to stifle his amusement, as they could not believe Jennifer asked to call an astute dignified man like Jacob…POPS!
However, to their surprise, Jacob responded with a chuckle, and said, “Pops, oh my Pops indeed, yes well Jennifer, I suppose.”
Jacob looked to Catherine, and Vincent, stating, “No one has ever called me that before! I believe I do enjoy the informality of that title!”
Quickly though, he reiterated, “However, only in private. I don’t want the children to get carried away with losing site of proper protocol with their elders you understand.”
Jennifer smiled as she nodded in agreement, “Yes I will agree to that!”
Holding out his arm to escort Jennifer, he asked, “Won’t you do me the honor of sitting at my side, so I may better get to know Catherine’s good friend!”
Politely, Jennifer answered, “I would love it!”
Catherine and Vincent followed them to the table, and exchanged mutual looks of shock and surprise, at the fact, sometimes strange bedfellows, make great friends.
William loved people who could eat, and he loved Jennifer! He had prepared a huge vat oatmeal, served with a sprinkling of brown sugar and on the side, he had made some homemade cinnamon rolls, topped with a sweet glaze.
After breakfast, some of the children ran up to Catherine, and she introduced them all to Jennifer. Samantha stepped forward and asked, “You will stay for the concert today won’t you Catherine?”
Excitedly, Catherine said, “Oh yes Samantha, I wouldn’t miss it for the world! I specifically invited Jenny, so she could enjoy it too! What time is it going to be?”
Questionably, Eric replied, I think its around 2:00 isn’t it Samantha?”
Annoyingly, Samantha answered him, “Yes it is AT 2:00! Pay attention Eric!”
Excitedly, Samantha told Catherine, “Oh I am so glad you will be here Catherine, it wasn’t the same without you.”
Samantha then turned to Vincent, and in her young girlish dire emergency manner, asked, “Vincent, have you seen Lisa yet today? Oh she has to come, she just has too!”
Assuredly, Vincent replied, “I am sure she will arrive soon. Now do not forget, you all have your Saturday morning chores to complete, before any concert can take place. So work hard, so you may enjoy your day.”
Vincent saw Joseph, trying to sneak away, and so he stopped him in his tracks, saying, “Joseph…you haven’t forgotten your additional contribution to our community this morning have you.”
Joseph turned to face Vincent, and said excitedly, “I did them already Vincent, you only said two days worth of extra chores!”
Vincent brought his hand to his chin and said, “Yes you are most accurate Joseph, I did say two. All right then, you are excused.”
Joseph walked away shaking his head saying, “Boy oh boy, look at the trouble girls can cause, just because they find you attractive!”
He then headed off down the tunnels, causing Catherine to laugh, as she explained to Jennifer, the problem started, when Natalie gave Joseph a kiss!
As Jacob stood up, and looked toward the entryway, the buzz about the Dining Hall died down as he happily smiled and said, “Lisa…welcome.”
To be continued
Chapter Twenty
| Dreams of Gold! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Nineteen |
