The concert went beautifully, and when it ended, Catherine did not disappoint the children. She excitedly yelled "Bravo" and "Encore" loudly at the conclusion, much to all of their delight, and of course, Jennifer joined in too!
As Catherine looked up at Vincent, with tears in her eyes she said, "Oh Vincent they were so wonderful!"
Afterwards, William served everyone Apple Cider from the barrel, he usually reserved for Winterfest, Holidays, or for other special occasions. He also served freshly baked, Oatmeal cookies too.
Everyone stood around enjoying the refreshments, and talked to the children, praising them for their performances. It was a wonderful afternoon, filled with visiting and fellowship down within the tunnel community.
Peter told Mary, he had to get going, because he was to be the guest speaker at his Country Club. He then concluded their conversation, by saying, "I will see you Tuesday night, about 7 Mary?"
Happy to hear Peter was coming, she replied, "Yes! And I should say we all missed you at our last meeting."
Truthfully, Peter said, "And I missed being there! I would have liked to have heard everyone's final take on the Raven!"
Mary assured Peter, "Then we shall re-cap for you at the beginning of the next meeting."
Pleased to know Mary is willing to accommodate him, Peter said, goodbye, and In a soft reply, Mary said, "Goodbye Peter take care."
Lisa stood in the background, allowing the children to take full credit, and she spent much of the time with Ronald, as they were becoming acquainted with one another.
Jennifer tried not to be hurt, as she saw the two laughing, and flirting with each other, but she could tell a romance, was definitely brewing between the two of them.
As the time came for Jennifer to return above, she made her rounds, telling everyone goodbye. She approached Jacob, and gave him a hug, as she told him, "Thanks so much Pops for letting me visit."
Jacob blushed as he smiled at Mary, who was looking on, and said, "Yes, of course Jennifer. You are welcome here any time."
Appreciatively, Jennifer added, "Now that I have been included in Cathy's secret life, I feel so much better. Oh, and I should have something concerning the communication system by Tuesday."
With a chuckle, Jacob said, "I shall look forward to it Jennifer. I am most anxious to see what you come up with as a, shall I say a solution to our problem Jennifer."
Jennifer turned to Mary and said, "Goodbye Mary, I am really looking forward to discussing and probing this whole Heathcliffe thing! I promise I will read my assignment, so I am fully prepared to discuss the topic!"
Cheerfully, Mary smiled and said, "It shall be a delight to have you join the discussion group my Dear."
As Jennifer walked away, Mary grimaced a bit at Jacob, and said, "Father, our communication system over the Master Pipes has served us well for many years now...or so I thought! Is there a problem I have not been apprised of?"
Jacob smiled and said, "Well only in Jennifer's eyes Mary. She finds the pipe system a bit startling. Catherine tells me as a child, Jennifer always had inner ear problems, and her sensitivity to sound is heightened. However, I thought it may be interesting to see what, Jennifer finds as a solution to our, so-called problem!"
As Mary laughed at what Jacob had told her, he thought to himself, how lovely Mary was when she smiled.
Meanwhile, Jennifer gathered herself up, and when she found the nerve, she then walked over to Ronald to say goodbye. Unfortunately, he was still with Lisa, so softly, Jennifer said, "Well Ronny, I must get going now. I just wanted to say goodbye."
Ronald put down his mug, and reached for Jennifer's hand to say goodbye, and said, "Jennifer, I want to thank you for seeing me through a rough time. I will always be grateful to you."
Jennifer blushed as she said, "That's what friends are for, right Ronny? I am glad I was there to help."
Sadly, she lowered her head, as she drew her hand back, and said, "I will see you Tuesday, and I will bring those brochures along with me about the Pratt classes."
In reply, Ronald said, "Great Jennifer."
She then turned to Lisa, and said, "It was very nice meeting you Lisa, maybe we can do lunch sometime up in the Big Apple."
Elegantly, Lisa said, "I would like that."
Catherine walked Jennifer back to the threshold of the apartment building, and sternly said, "Now promise me you will not go any where near my apartment. It may not be safe yet Jen!"
Jennifer promised, "I won't Cath, I am going to hook a Taxi and head straight to the party. I am already a little late! I will probably stay at Mom's tonight."
Happy to hear Jennifer had a plan, Catherine added, "I'll call you Tuesday, so we can make plans for Mary's meeting. Don't forget to finish reading the next two chapters. Love ya Jen, and be careful."
Jennifer hugged her friend goodbye, and lamented, "I hate leaving knowing Lisa will have Ronny all to herself at the picnic, but at this point it seems hopeless. It looks like Ronny is attracted to Lisa doesn't it Cath?"
Even though it was difficult, Catherine had to be honest with her friend, as she sadly admitted, "I suppose it does Jen, but I will keep my eyes open and give you a full report."
Pointing at her, Jennifer firmly stated, "I'm counting on you Chandler!"
Sadly, Catherine watched as Jennifer climbed the rungs, leading back to the world above, and her heart was breaking for her heartbroken friend.
Gallantly, Vincent met Catherine as she was returning to her chamber, and she hugged him about the waist, as she asked, "Vincent, do I have time to rest before the picnic? I think our late night is catching up with me."
Regretfully, Vincent answered, "William has already prepared our picnic basket, and everyone is waiting for us in the main tunnel."
He then thoughtfully offered, "Would you prefer not to go?"
In an attempt to dispel the impression, she unintentionally made, Catherine replied, "Oh no Vincent, I don't want to miss going to the Falls! Give me a moment to grab my things."
Vincent stepped into Catherine's sitting room, as he waited for her, and gazed upon her gallery wall. Vincent was drawn to the painting of the Mother Mermaid, and he thought of how he loved looking at that portrait, sensing the love portrayed there between mother and child.
Catherine came up behind him and said, "I'm ready Vincent..."
As Catherine followed his gaze she could see he was looking at the Mother and baby painting.
Intertwining her arm with his, she rested her head on his shoulder, and for a moment they both stood...dreaming the same dream.
Deciding it was time to go, they were walking hand in hand, when Catherine heard Vincent take in a breath, as if he was about to speak, and then expelled it without a word.
She then could feel Vincent's grip tighten, as his large hand held hers. It seemed to Catherine as if Vincent had something on his mind.
She turned to him and asked, "Vincent...what is it? It seemed as if you wanted to say something, but then you changed your mind."
Stopping for a moment, he admitted, "Yes, I suppose I was."
He then said, "We have spoken of many things during our relationship..."
Nodding in agreement, Catherine said, "Yes we have."
He then continued, "I have told you things...revealed things I have told no other."
Catherine replied, "As I have told you before, you can tell me anything."
As he looked downward, he said, "I can remember a time when I didn't think that would be possible. I didn't think I would ever be able to share my inner thoughts, and desires with you...or anyone."
Guardedly, Catherine asked, "And now?"
Softly, he expressed, "Now I know I can tell you everything."
He pulled Catherine close to him, and as he hugged her, Vincent lovingly said, "Still, there are things that are difficult for me to express to you. Feelings I have, fantasies, images burning in my mind, and I have questions."
Looking up at Vincent, Catherine said, "I know it is hard to say what you feel when you have a shy side to your nature, as you have. I suppose I have a shy side too at times. But I just tell myself, that I can still say what must be said, even though I am shy. That thought usually sees me through the uncomfortable moment."
With a shaky sigh, he went forward, and said, "What I wanted to say, concerns the moments when we are close."
Amorously, she asked, "Yes?"
Vincent nuzzled his head downward, to take in the scent from Catherine's hair, he said, "I feel now, I would die without those moments."
Catherine touched Vincent's face, and said, "I am most certain I would too...I need you so much."
She then asked, "Is that what you were wanting to say?"
Thoughtfully Vincent admitted, "Yes, I suppose so, I just wanted to convey how much I need you and how much you mean to me. I am so happy now that you are here."
Suddenly they could hear the others talking and laughing, as they stood waiting for them at the end of the tunnel.
Catherine and Vincent resignedly looked at one another, knowing their conversation could continue later, and went on to join the others.
They were cheerfully greeted, as they came into view, and once everyone took their turn teasing the two for taking so long, the group headed for the Falls.
Lisa, Pascal and Vincent all reminisced about their boldness as children when they dove from the cliffs, and how Jacob would never have allowed them to go swimming there, if he had known!
Looking enamored with Ronald, Lisa listened as he relayed a story too, of when he was a child. He spoke about swimming in a similar spot near the reservation where his Great-Grandfather lived. In wonderment, Ronald said, "Yes we all wanted to be brave, and to prove we were not afraid. Looking back, I wonder how it was that none of us were killed!"
In agreement, Lisa replied, "Yes Ronald as children we do such foolish things to prove things to ourselves, and to others."
Thinking Rebecca seemed kinda quiet, Catherine wanted to say something to her, that would help make her feel more comfortable around Lisa. But before she could speak, she noticed Rebecca was looking very white, and ashen!
Out of concern, Catherine privately asked, "Rebecca are you all right? You look faint!"
Rebecca gulped as she whispered, "I am afraid of heights, and the mere thought of diving from those cliffs, makes my blood run cold, but I hate to be ole scaredy cat Becca again, so I guess I am going to do it today."
Catherine assured her, "Well if it makes you feel any better, I'm not sure I can do it either."
Rebecca thankfully smiled at Catherine for understanding, and asked, "You don't? Well let me tell you, the cliffs are high, and I think it IS dangerous. But usually, I am the only one to chicken out."
So in a vow of friendship, Catherine promised, "If you don't think you can do it, then I won't either. We will just have to stick together."
To which Rebecca thankfully said, "Yes...sounds like a plan Catherine!"
To be continued
Chapter Twenty Four Final Chapter
As Catherine looked up at Vincent, with tears in her eyes she said, "Oh Vincent they were so wonderful!"
Afterwards, William served everyone Apple Cider from the barrel, he usually reserved for Winterfest, Holidays, or for other special occasions. He also served freshly baked, Oatmeal cookies too.
Everyone stood around enjoying the refreshments, and talked to the children, praising them for their performances. It was a wonderful afternoon, filled with visiting and fellowship down within the tunnel community.
Peter told Mary, he had to get going, because he was to be the guest speaker at his Country Club. He then concluded their conversation, by saying, "I will see you Tuesday night, about 7 Mary?"
Happy to hear Peter was coming, she replied, "Yes! And I should say we all missed you at our last meeting."
Truthfully, Peter said, "And I missed being there! I would have liked to have heard everyone's final take on the Raven!"
Mary assured Peter, "Then we shall re-cap for you at the beginning of the next meeting."
Pleased to know Mary is willing to accommodate him, Peter said, goodbye, and In a soft reply, Mary said, "Goodbye Peter take care."
Lisa stood in the background, allowing the children to take full credit, and she spent much of the time with Ronald, as they were becoming acquainted with one another.
Jennifer tried not to be hurt, as she saw the two laughing, and flirting with each other, but she could tell a romance, was definitely brewing between the two of them.
As the time came for Jennifer to return above, she made her rounds, telling everyone goodbye. She approached Jacob, and gave him a hug, as she told him, "Thanks so much Pops for letting me visit."
Jacob blushed as he smiled at Mary, who was looking on, and said, "Yes, of course Jennifer. You are welcome here any time."
Appreciatively, Jennifer added, "Now that I have been included in Cathy's secret life, I feel so much better. Oh, and I should have something concerning the communication system by Tuesday."
With a chuckle, Jacob said, "I shall look forward to it Jennifer. I am most anxious to see what you come up with as a, shall I say a solution to our problem Jennifer."
Jennifer turned to Mary and said, "Goodbye Mary, I am really looking forward to discussing and probing this whole Heathcliffe thing! I promise I will read my assignment, so I am fully prepared to discuss the topic!"
Cheerfully, Mary smiled and said, "It shall be a delight to have you join the discussion group my Dear."
As Jennifer walked away, Mary grimaced a bit at Jacob, and said, "Father, our communication system over the Master Pipes has served us well for many years now...or so I thought! Is there a problem I have not been apprised of?"
Jacob smiled and said, "Well only in Jennifer's eyes Mary. She finds the pipe system a bit startling. Catherine tells me as a child, Jennifer always had inner ear problems, and her sensitivity to sound is heightened. However, I thought it may be interesting to see what, Jennifer finds as a solution to our, so-called problem!"
As Mary laughed at what Jacob had told her, he thought to himself, how lovely Mary was when she smiled.
Meanwhile, Jennifer gathered herself up, and when she found the nerve, she then walked over to Ronald to say goodbye. Unfortunately, he was still with Lisa, so softly, Jennifer said, "Well Ronny, I must get going now. I just wanted to say goodbye."
Ronald put down his mug, and reached for Jennifer's hand to say goodbye, and said, "Jennifer, I want to thank you for seeing me through a rough time. I will always be grateful to you."
Jennifer blushed as she said, "That's what friends are for, right Ronny? I am glad I was there to help."
Sadly, she lowered her head, as she drew her hand back, and said, "I will see you Tuesday, and I will bring those brochures along with me about the Pratt classes."
In reply, Ronald said, "Great Jennifer."
She then turned to Lisa, and said, "It was very nice meeting you Lisa, maybe we can do lunch sometime up in the Big Apple."
Elegantly, Lisa said, "I would like that."
Catherine walked Jennifer back to the threshold of the apartment building, and sternly said, "Now promise me you will not go any where near my apartment. It may not be safe yet Jen!"
Jennifer promised, "I won't Cath, I am going to hook a Taxi and head straight to the party. I am already a little late! I will probably stay at Mom's tonight."
Happy to hear Jennifer had a plan, Catherine added, "I'll call you Tuesday, so we can make plans for Mary's meeting. Don't forget to finish reading the next two chapters. Love ya Jen, and be careful."
Jennifer hugged her friend goodbye, and lamented, "I hate leaving knowing Lisa will have Ronny all to herself at the picnic, but at this point it seems hopeless. It looks like Ronny is attracted to Lisa doesn't it Cath?"
Even though it was difficult, Catherine had to be honest with her friend, as she sadly admitted, "I suppose it does Jen, but I will keep my eyes open and give you a full report."
Pointing at her, Jennifer firmly stated, "I'm counting on you Chandler!"
Sadly, Catherine watched as Jennifer climbed the rungs, leading back to the world above, and her heart was breaking for her heartbroken friend.
Gallantly, Vincent met Catherine as she was returning to her chamber, and she hugged him about the waist, as she asked, "Vincent, do I have time to rest before the picnic? I think our late night is catching up with me."
Regretfully, Vincent answered, "William has already prepared our picnic basket, and everyone is waiting for us in the main tunnel."
He then thoughtfully offered, "Would you prefer not to go?"
In an attempt to dispel the impression, she unintentionally made, Catherine replied, "Oh no Vincent, I don't want to miss going to the Falls! Give me a moment to grab my things."
Vincent stepped into Catherine's sitting room, as he waited for her, and gazed upon her gallery wall. Vincent was drawn to the painting of the Mother Mermaid, and he thought of how he loved looking at that portrait, sensing the love portrayed there between mother and child.
Catherine came up behind him and said, "I'm ready Vincent..."
As Catherine followed his gaze she could see he was looking at the Mother and baby painting.
Intertwining her arm with his, she rested her head on his shoulder, and for a moment they both stood...dreaming the same dream.
Deciding it was time to go, they were walking hand in hand, when Catherine heard Vincent take in a breath, as if he was about to speak, and then expelled it without a word.
She then could feel Vincent's grip tighten, as his large hand held hers. It seemed to Catherine as if Vincent had something on his mind.
She turned to him and asked, "Vincent...what is it? It seemed as if you wanted to say something, but then you changed your mind."
Stopping for a moment, he admitted, "Yes, I suppose I was."
He then said, "We have spoken of many things during our relationship..."
Nodding in agreement, Catherine said, "Yes we have."
He then continued, "I have told you things...revealed things I have told no other."
Catherine replied, "As I have told you before, you can tell me anything."
As he looked downward, he said, "I can remember a time when I didn't think that would be possible. I didn't think I would ever be able to share my inner thoughts, and desires with you...or anyone."
Guardedly, Catherine asked, "And now?"
Softly, he expressed, "Now I know I can tell you everything."
He pulled Catherine close to him, and as he hugged her, Vincent lovingly said, "Still, there are things that are difficult for me to express to you. Feelings I have, fantasies, images burning in my mind, and I have questions."
Looking up at Vincent, Catherine said, "I know it is hard to say what you feel when you have a shy side to your nature, as you have. I suppose I have a shy side too at times. But I just tell myself, that I can still say what must be said, even though I am shy. That thought usually sees me through the uncomfortable moment."
With a shaky sigh, he went forward, and said, "What I wanted to say, concerns the moments when we are close."
Amorously, she asked, "Yes?"
Vincent nuzzled his head downward, to take in the scent from Catherine's hair, he said, "I feel now, I would die without those moments."
Catherine touched Vincent's face, and said, "I am most certain I would too...I need you so much."
She then asked, "Is that what you were wanting to say?"
Thoughtfully Vincent admitted, "Yes, I suppose so, I just wanted to convey how much I need you and how much you mean to me. I am so happy now that you are here."
Suddenly they could hear the others talking and laughing, as they stood waiting for them at the end of the tunnel.
Catherine and Vincent resignedly looked at one another, knowing their conversation could continue later, and went on to join the others.
They were cheerfully greeted, as they came into view, and once everyone took their turn teasing the two for taking so long, the group headed for the Falls.
Lisa, Pascal and Vincent all reminisced about their boldness as children when they dove from the cliffs, and how Jacob would never have allowed them to go swimming there, if he had known!
Looking enamored with Ronald, Lisa listened as he relayed a story too, of when he was a child. He spoke about swimming in a similar spot near the reservation where his Great-Grandfather lived. In wonderment, Ronald said, "Yes we all wanted to be brave, and to prove we were not afraid. Looking back, I wonder how it was that none of us were killed!"
In agreement, Lisa replied, "Yes Ronald as children we do such foolish things to prove things to ourselves, and to others."
Thinking Rebecca seemed kinda quiet, Catherine wanted to say something to her, that would help make her feel more comfortable around Lisa. But before she could speak, she noticed Rebecca was looking very white, and ashen!
Out of concern, Catherine privately asked, "Rebecca are you all right? You look faint!"
Rebecca gulped as she whispered, "I am afraid of heights, and the mere thought of diving from those cliffs, makes my blood run cold, but I hate to be ole scaredy cat Becca again, so I guess I am going to do it today."
Catherine assured her, "Well if it makes you feel any better, I'm not sure I can do it either."
Rebecca thankfully smiled at Catherine for understanding, and asked, "You don't? Well let me tell you, the cliffs are high, and I think it IS dangerous. But usually, I am the only one to chicken out."
So in a vow of friendship, Catherine promised, "If you don't think you can do it, then I won't either. We will just have to stick together."
To which Rebecca thankfully said, "Yes...sounds like a plan Catherine!"
To be continued
Chapter Twenty Four Final Chapter
| Dreams of Gold! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twenty-Three |
