There was a full crew at work in the new expansion area, and they all worked very hard, even though the conditions were a bit stifling for them, because of the poor ventilation in this section of the tunnels.
Tomorrow they would be remedying this problem, as they would be re-opening the old air ventilation system, that was still closed off. But everyone had agreed, the first thing to be done, was to secure all the chamber walls.
Vincent in particular worked tirelessly, all through the day. He stopped only to eat the food Mary had brought to him, and insisted he eat!
Vincent spent his breaks in between all the heavy lifting, to work on the stained glass windows for Catherine's Chamber. These windows were nearly completed when Vincent had first discovered them within these long ago abandoned chambers. As if they were in a time capsule, halted in their creation, until Vincent claimed them, to complete for his Catherine. So his main task, will be the installation of these windows. He planned to chip away at the stone in her chamber walls, where he would securely mount them.
He was clearly a man with a mission, which was, to prepare and complete Catherine's new home for her. Vincent wanted to add a few Top-Sider aspects to Catherine's chamber, to reflect some of the comforts she was used to, yet he wanted to also have the collectic feel of the tunnels, Catherine had mentioned intrigued her so.
Carefully, Vincent planned the renovation, and worked very hard to make certain she would be happy, and comfortable in her new home.
Vincent worked along with Ronald, enforcing the beams, firstly within Catherine's chamber, before they moved on to the other chambers. They implemented the plans Vincent had drawn up, using the brilliant cantilever methods, as developed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The two men decided early on, the work within these new chambers, far surpassed their daily workout in the Community Chamber, and as far as their daily ritual of shooting hoops, well that would be placed on the back burner for a few days.
As the morning played out, Ronald's concern for his friend grew, as he noticed Vincent was clearly not himself. He was fairly certain, it was out of concern for Catherine, he seemed so serious. So in an understanding tone, Ronald tried to bolster his mood by saying, "I am sure Catherine will come home safely."
Vincent put down his mallet and confided, "I know I must keep the faith Ronald...but it is hard. I am sorry to be so introspective today, but I must keep open to the bond I share with Catherine. I need to do what I can to help guard her. Our bond is all I am armed with, with this distance that spans between us. Ah Ronald...I count the seconds until Catherine has returned safely home."
Ronald patted his powerful friend on the back, and said, "I understand Vincent. Then silently we will work, so you can keep your bond open, and keep Catherine safe. I do believe in the power of such a bond."
Ronald sadly continued, "I shared a similar kind of communication with my wife...and you are right to hone in to it, you don't want to wane from it as I did."
Vincent bent his head, feeling terrible he had been so self-reflective, when Ronald has suffered through a true tragedy in his own life. Vincent decided at that moment to lighten up, and yes, to still be open to Catherine's bond, but to look outside of his worry, and try to be a friend to Ronald too.
Vincent sincerely said, "I do cherish each moment I am given with Catherine."
He then placed his hand on Ronald's shoulder, and as the two striking men looked at each other, Vincent's crystal blue eyes, meeting Ronald's deep warm brown, he solemnly continued, "...and I do cherish my time with a good friend like you. Thank you for understanding."
Ronald nodded and humbly said, "No thanks is necessary. I have a sense of what you are feeling. And it is mutual Vincent."
There was a special friendship between these two intuitive men. They knew they shared something...perhaps a past life...just something that could not be defined or explained, but simply treasured.
As the day waned on, Vincent and Ronald had taken their shirts off as the sweat poured off them! They were the ones to lift and move the heavy support timbers, and position the counterbalancing boulders into place. Mouse did a lot of work too, but just not the same capacity, in which the extremely muscle bound Vincent and Ronald could do!
Mouse was still considered to be in charge of this whole operation, though Vincent and Jacob were there in the background to oversee things. Jacob was pleased to say, he could see a change in Mouse, as he took his responsibility to heart. He timidly issued the construction assignments, as Vincent drew them up, and he worked along with Jacob figuring out the schedules for the workers.
Jacob felt this was an important step for Mouse to gain a little maturity. However if truth be told, it took a lot of prompting from Jacob at first, to make sure everyone answered to Mouse, and not to him or Vincent!
There had been many visitors to the expansion site throughout the day, to check on the exciting progress of the new chambers. However, there were two visitors in particular, who were especially interested, and that was Jamie and Laura!
Yes, thanks to Vincent’s prompting, Jacob had given Laura his permission, for her to choose a new chamber of her very own too.
So, the news flash around the tunnels was, the chamber Laura and Jamie shared in the present section of the tunnels, would be up for grabs!
Well it didn’t take Mary long to claim it! She wanted it to be the new Reading Chamber. The acoustics there were wonderful, and she thought it would be perfect for the formal Reading appreciation class, she was going to form, thinking this chamber, would be a lovely place to hold these sessions.
Vincent said hello to Jamie and Laura, as the two exalted girls entered Catherine’s chamber, and noted what a great chamber this was and how it was really coming along!
To which Mouse beamed, "We are working on chambers for you girls too! Nearly done there too!"
At the sound of this wonderful news, Jamie asked excitedly, "Really Mouse, you're almost finished?"
Gallantly, he nodded, and said, "Yes! We haven't stopped all day. Trying to hurry to get done."
Jamie said, "I owe all this to you Mouse! If you hadn't discovered these chambers and worked so hard, then we wouldn't be getting new chambers."
She then hugged Mouse, and then turned to Jacob, Vincent, and Ronald and said, "I am so excited to be getting my own chamber!"
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent told the girls, "We are finished enforcing the support braces. So, soon you will be able to move into your new chambers."
Laura signed, "What of the Furniture that was left behind in these old chambers Father?"
Jacob asked Vincent to sign for him, as he was never able to catch on to this beautiful language. And so he relayed to Laura, "All the furniture is being cleaned in the 42nd street Hall. Mary and Rebecca are in charge of its restoration and distribution. Ask them what is available, and what ever you pick, you two are most welcome to have."
Excitedly, Laura and Jamie said they would have to go and check it out!
As William pounded away on the pipes, announcing Supper was prepared, everyone headed for the Dining Hall. Everyone that is, except for Jacob and Vincent!
Jacob noticed Vincent, made no sign of stopping, and continued to saw away at a timber he needed to cut down to size.
Causing Jacob to scold, "EGAD Vincent, you must take a break! Didn't you hear William's message?"
Precisely, Vincent answered, "Yes I did Father."
He then continued to measure the timber once more, and pounded it into place. He then stepped back to make certain it was in line with the others.
Jacob impatiently asked, "Well then if you heard William, why aren’t you stopping? Aren’t you going to Sup with us?"
Vincent turned to Jacob and said, "You know time is of the essence. I want everything finished upon Catherine's return."
Urgently, Jacob reminded Vincent, "But you have days until Catherine can actually move in here. Perhaps weeks, you know she has many loose ends to tie up."
Vincent nodded resignedly, saying, "I know you are right, however, I hoped to show Catherine her newly completed chamber when she comes home."
Adding angrily, "Home, from this obligation she felt she needed to meet!"
Jacob noticed Vincent's tone, indicated perhaps he didn't approve of Catherine's assignment!
And so he inquired, "You don't agree with Catherine? You felt this trip was not necessary?"
Vincent’s answer to Jacob, had a bit of an edge, as he said, "I do trust Catherine's judgement, from the stand point of the case they are working on, but still it is dangerous! She is this delicate flower out in an evil world. How can I keep her safe from harm when she is so far away?"
He then calmed down, as he continued, "It is just, I miss her, and am most anxious in her absence."
Jacob put his hand on Vincent, and said, "Keep your Faith strong my boy and try to be patient. Catherine is a strong willed person! I know! As I have seen it emerge at different times throughout your history together. Yes…yes…why…"
Jacob chuckled a bit, as he continued, “Why she has stood up to even me a few times in the past!”
Vincent heaved an anguished breath, and said, "Yes you are right, her will is strong."
Jacob gave Vincent a Fatherly pat, and thinking on his wound, turned Vincent's arm over to check on it, and noted, "Ah your injury has healed beautifully Vincent! Your healing properties are awesome! Yes I have always been amazed by it!"
Vincent nodded as he said, "Yes, so you have said Father."
Vincent tried to be polite, as he acknowledged Jacob's comment, but he must have heard his father, and others make that same statement, a million times all through his life.
However, it was true, thankfully he did heal quickly.
Jacob looked around the chamber, and astonishingly said, "You and the men have done a remarkable job! And your construction methods you have used and coordinated, I am most proud."
Jacob looked at his son through misted eyes, and said, "As someone once said, I am not sure who it was, but still the same, as this someone once said, "Times they are a changing" And Vincent, I feel times are changing! And they are wonderful times which lie ahead for you...for all of us."
Vincent felt emotional, and inspired hearing these words from Jacob. Vincent cleared his throat of emotion as he said, "Dylan, Father."
Jacob queried, "Dylan Vincent? What ever do you mean?"
Putting his arm around his Father, he explained, "It was Dylan who wrote those words you quoted. "Times they are a changing."
Jacob nodded and said, "Ah yes Dylan...Dylan Thomas...I should have remembered! Why can't I recall the piece in which that quote is from Vincent? Ah my memory...is not what it was. I feel as if I am loosing my grip!"
As Vincent bent his head smiling, he politely corrected Jacob as he informed him, "Not Dylan Thomas, but rather Bob. And those are words from a song he had written in the late 60's. It is no wonder you would not recognize the exact source, as it is doubtful you ever listened to any main-stream music."
Jacob smugly looked at his son, and cocked an eyebrow as he said, "I am not so out of it, that I do not know who Bob Dylan is! I have heard of him! I do try to keep in touch with all aspects of the world
above us you know Vincent. Why only yesterday, I was reading "The Hurling Stone" a magazine Peter brought down. Why the things that go on in the world of music and entertainment Vincent...you would be amazed!"
Deciding not to correct his father on the name of the magazine, Vincent smiled instead as he envisioned his Father reading a Rock 'N Roll Magazine, and simply said, "I am sure I would be."
Jacob hooked his arm through Vincent's for support, and as he looked downward, he became very introspective as he asked, "So what more do you wish to do before Catherine's return this weekend?"
Vincent pointed to the windows and said, "The windows Father, they too need to be mounted into the chamber walls. But I suppose it can wait until after supper."
Jacob patted his son on the back, and said, "Good then...you will stop to dine with the rest of us?"
Vincent slipped his shirt on over his head, and conceded; "Of course, shall we go?"
As Vincent looked down at his Father, he thought he noticed a look, a flash that crossed over his face. And so Vincent asked him, "What is it?"
Jacob looked around as if he had not heard Vincent at all, which really worried him. As Vincent noticed Jacob's reflective look he asked again, "Father? Are you all right? What is it?"
Jacob hobbled over to a boulder, and as he sat down, he softly asked Vincent, "What made you pick this chamber, I mean to say, out of all of the newly re-opened chambers? What made you choose this one for Catherine?"
Vincent wiped the sweat from his brow, as he walked over to his Father's side. Thoughtfully, he answered, "I don't know, the feel of this chamber is, is very warm and inviting, and I do like the small alcoves off to the side, providing a sort of a separate living space."
As Vincent looked around and with a smile in his eyes, he continued, "I suppose they all have their own charm, but this one, I don't know, I was drawn to it."
Vincent looked back at Jacob, and saw a look there, he had not seen in Father's eyes before.
Nervously, he asked, "What is it Father? What has you so disturbed?"
Jacob shook the thought from his head, and as he looked back at Vincent, he wondered if he should tell him the truth about this chamber. Perhaps he should have told him right away, before he began to make it Catherine's.
Lowering his head, he let his heart guide him. Jacob knew he had to tell Vincent, for there were others who knew its legend. And if he kept the truth from him, Vincent could resent him later, for not telling him.
Vincent asked again, "Father...please what is it?"
To be continued
Chapter Three
Tomorrow they would be remedying this problem, as they would be re-opening the old air ventilation system, that was still closed off. But everyone had agreed, the first thing to be done, was to secure all the chamber walls.
Vincent in particular worked tirelessly, all through the day. He stopped only to eat the food Mary had brought to him, and insisted he eat!
Vincent spent his breaks in between all the heavy lifting, to work on the stained glass windows for Catherine's Chamber. These windows were nearly completed when Vincent had first discovered them within these long ago abandoned chambers. As if they were in a time capsule, halted in their creation, until Vincent claimed them, to complete for his Catherine. So his main task, will be the installation of these windows. He planned to chip away at the stone in her chamber walls, where he would securely mount them.
He was clearly a man with a mission, which was, to prepare and complete Catherine's new home for her. Vincent wanted to add a few Top-Sider aspects to Catherine's chamber, to reflect some of the comforts she was used to, yet he wanted to also have the collectic feel of the tunnels, Catherine had mentioned intrigued her so.
Carefully, Vincent planned the renovation, and worked very hard to make certain she would be happy, and comfortable in her new home.
Vincent worked along with Ronald, enforcing the beams, firstly within Catherine's chamber, before they moved on to the other chambers. They implemented the plans Vincent had drawn up, using the brilliant cantilever methods, as developed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The two men decided early on, the work within these new chambers, far surpassed their daily workout in the Community Chamber, and as far as their daily ritual of shooting hoops, well that would be placed on the back burner for a few days.
As the morning played out, Ronald's concern for his friend grew, as he noticed Vincent was clearly not himself. He was fairly certain, it was out of concern for Catherine, he seemed so serious. So in an understanding tone, Ronald tried to bolster his mood by saying, "I am sure Catherine will come home safely."
Vincent put down his mallet and confided, "I know I must keep the faith Ronald...but it is hard. I am sorry to be so introspective today, but I must keep open to the bond I share with Catherine. I need to do what I can to help guard her. Our bond is all I am armed with, with this distance that spans between us. Ah Ronald...I count the seconds until Catherine has returned safely home."
Ronald patted his powerful friend on the back, and said, "I understand Vincent. Then silently we will work, so you can keep your bond open, and keep Catherine safe. I do believe in the power of such a bond."
Ronald sadly continued, "I shared a similar kind of communication with my wife...and you are right to hone in to it, you don't want to wane from it as I did."
Vincent bent his head, feeling terrible he had been so self-reflective, when Ronald has suffered through a true tragedy in his own life. Vincent decided at that moment to lighten up, and yes, to still be open to Catherine's bond, but to look outside of his worry, and try to be a friend to Ronald too.
Vincent sincerely said, "I do cherish each moment I am given with Catherine."
He then placed his hand on Ronald's shoulder, and as the two striking men looked at each other, Vincent's crystal blue eyes, meeting Ronald's deep warm brown, he solemnly continued, "...and I do cherish my time with a good friend like you. Thank you for understanding."
Ronald nodded and humbly said, "No thanks is necessary. I have a sense of what you are feeling. And it is mutual Vincent."
There was a special friendship between these two intuitive men. They knew they shared something...perhaps a past life...just something that could not be defined or explained, but simply treasured.
As the day waned on, Vincent and Ronald had taken their shirts off as the sweat poured off them! They were the ones to lift and move the heavy support timbers, and position the counterbalancing boulders into place. Mouse did a lot of work too, but just not the same capacity, in which the extremely muscle bound Vincent and Ronald could do!
Mouse was still considered to be in charge of this whole operation, though Vincent and Jacob were there in the background to oversee things. Jacob was pleased to say, he could see a change in Mouse, as he took his responsibility to heart. He timidly issued the construction assignments, as Vincent drew them up, and he worked along with Jacob figuring out the schedules for the workers.
Jacob felt this was an important step for Mouse to gain a little maturity. However if truth be told, it took a lot of prompting from Jacob at first, to make sure everyone answered to Mouse, and not to him or Vincent!
There had been many visitors to the expansion site throughout the day, to check on the exciting progress of the new chambers. However, there were two visitors in particular, who were especially interested, and that was Jamie and Laura!
Yes, thanks to Vincent’s prompting, Jacob had given Laura his permission, for her to choose a new chamber of her very own too.
So, the news flash around the tunnels was, the chamber Laura and Jamie shared in the present section of the tunnels, would be up for grabs!
Well it didn’t take Mary long to claim it! She wanted it to be the new Reading Chamber. The acoustics there were wonderful, and she thought it would be perfect for the formal Reading appreciation class, she was going to form, thinking this chamber, would be a lovely place to hold these sessions.
Vincent said hello to Jamie and Laura, as the two exalted girls entered Catherine’s chamber, and noted what a great chamber this was and how it was really coming along!
To which Mouse beamed, "We are working on chambers for you girls too! Nearly done there too!"
At the sound of this wonderful news, Jamie asked excitedly, "Really Mouse, you're almost finished?"
Gallantly, he nodded, and said, "Yes! We haven't stopped all day. Trying to hurry to get done."
Jamie said, "I owe all this to you Mouse! If you hadn't discovered these chambers and worked so hard, then we wouldn't be getting new chambers."
She then hugged Mouse, and then turned to Jacob, Vincent, and Ronald and said, "I am so excited to be getting my own chamber!"
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent told the girls, "We are finished enforcing the support braces. So, soon you will be able to move into your new chambers."
Laura signed, "What of the Furniture that was left behind in these old chambers Father?"
Jacob asked Vincent to sign for him, as he was never able to catch on to this beautiful language. And so he relayed to Laura, "All the furniture is being cleaned in the 42nd street Hall. Mary and Rebecca are in charge of its restoration and distribution. Ask them what is available, and what ever you pick, you two are most welcome to have."
Excitedly, Laura and Jamie said they would have to go and check it out!
As William pounded away on the pipes, announcing Supper was prepared, everyone headed for the Dining Hall. Everyone that is, except for Jacob and Vincent!
Jacob noticed Vincent, made no sign of stopping, and continued to saw away at a timber he needed to cut down to size.
Causing Jacob to scold, "EGAD Vincent, you must take a break! Didn't you hear William's message?"
Precisely, Vincent answered, "Yes I did Father."
He then continued to measure the timber once more, and pounded it into place. He then stepped back to make certain it was in line with the others.
Jacob impatiently asked, "Well then if you heard William, why aren’t you stopping? Aren’t you going to Sup with us?"
Vincent turned to Jacob and said, "You know time is of the essence. I want everything finished upon Catherine's return."
Urgently, Jacob reminded Vincent, "But you have days until Catherine can actually move in here. Perhaps weeks, you know she has many loose ends to tie up."
Vincent nodded resignedly, saying, "I know you are right, however, I hoped to show Catherine her newly completed chamber when she comes home."
Adding angrily, "Home, from this obligation she felt she needed to meet!"
Jacob noticed Vincent's tone, indicated perhaps he didn't approve of Catherine's assignment!
And so he inquired, "You don't agree with Catherine? You felt this trip was not necessary?"
Vincent’s answer to Jacob, had a bit of an edge, as he said, "I do trust Catherine's judgement, from the stand point of the case they are working on, but still it is dangerous! She is this delicate flower out in an evil world. How can I keep her safe from harm when she is so far away?"
He then calmed down, as he continued, "It is just, I miss her, and am most anxious in her absence."
Jacob put his hand on Vincent, and said, "Keep your Faith strong my boy and try to be patient. Catherine is a strong willed person! I know! As I have seen it emerge at different times throughout your history together. Yes…yes…why…"
Jacob chuckled a bit, as he continued, “Why she has stood up to even me a few times in the past!”
Vincent heaved an anguished breath, and said, "Yes you are right, her will is strong."
Jacob gave Vincent a Fatherly pat, and thinking on his wound, turned Vincent's arm over to check on it, and noted, "Ah your injury has healed beautifully Vincent! Your healing properties are awesome! Yes I have always been amazed by it!"
Vincent nodded as he said, "Yes, so you have said Father."
Vincent tried to be polite, as he acknowledged Jacob's comment, but he must have heard his father, and others make that same statement, a million times all through his life.
However, it was true, thankfully he did heal quickly.
Jacob looked around the chamber, and astonishingly said, "You and the men have done a remarkable job! And your construction methods you have used and coordinated, I am most proud."
Jacob looked at his son through misted eyes, and said, "As someone once said, I am not sure who it was, but still the same, as this someone once said, "Times they are a changing" And Vincent, I feel times are changing! And they are wonderful times which lie ahead for you...for all of us."
Vincent felt emotional, and inspired hearing these words from Jacob. Vincent cleared his throat of emotion as he said, "Dylan, Father."
Jacob queried, "Dylan Vincent? What ever do you mean?"
Putting his arm around his Father, he explained, "It was Dylan who wrote those words you quoted. "Times they are a changing."
Jacob nodded and said, "Ah yes Dylan...Dylan Thomas...I should have remembered! Why can't I recall the piece in which that quote is from Vincent? Ah my memory...is not what it was. I feel as if I am loosing my grip!"
As Vincent bent his head smiling, he politely corrected Jacob as he informed him, "Not Dylan Thomas, but rather Bob. And those are words from a song he had written in the late 60's. It is no wonder you would not recognize the exact source, as it is doubtful you ever listened to any main-stream music."
Jacob smugly looked at his son, and cocked an eyebrow as he said, "I am not so out of it, that I do not know who Bob Dylan is! I have heard of him! I do try to keep in touch with all aspects of the world
above us you know Vincent. Why only yesterday, I was reading "The Hurling Stone" a magazine Peter brought down. Why the things that go on in the world of music and entertainment Vincent...you would be amazed!"
Deciding not to correct his father on the name of the magazine, Vincent smiled instead as he envisioned his Father reading a Rock 'N Roll Magazine, and simply said, "I am sure I would be."
Jacob hooked his arm through Vincent's for support, and as he looked downward, he became very introspective as he asked, "So what more do you wish to do before Catherine's return this weekend?"
Vincent pointed to the windows and said, "The windows Father, they too need to be mounted into the chamber walls. But I suppose it can wait until after supper."
Jacob patted his son on the back, and said, "Good then...you will stop to dine with the rest of us?"
Vincent slipped his shirt on over his head, and conceded; "Of course, shall we go?"
As Vincent looked down at his Father, he thought he noticed a look, a flash that crossed over his face. And so Vincent asked him, "What is it?"
Jacob looked around as if he had not heard Vincent at all, which really worried him. As Vincent noticed Jacob's reflective look he asked again, "Father? Are you all right? What is it?"
Jacob hobbled over to a boulder, and as he sat down, he softly asked Vincent, "What made you pick this chamber, I mean to say, out of all of the newly re-opened chambers? What made you choose this one for Catherine?"
Vincent wiped the sweat from his brow, as he walked over to his Father's side. Thoughtfully, he answered, "I don't know, the feel of this chamber is, is very warm and inviting, and I do like the small alcoves off to the side, providing a sort of a separate living space."
As Vincent looked around and with a smile in his eyes, he continued, "I suppose they all have their own charm, but this one, I don't know, I was drawn to it."
Vincent looked back at Jacob, and saw a look there, he had not seen in Father's eyes before.
Nervously, he asked, "What is it Father? What has you so disturbed?"
Jacob shook the thought from his head, and as he looked back at Vincent, he wondered if he should tell him the truth about this chamber. Perhaps he should have told him right away, before he began to make it Catherine's.
Lowering his head, he let his heart guide him. Jacob knew he had to tell Vincent, for there were others who knew its legend. And if he kept the truth from him, Vincent could resent him later, for not telling him.
Vincent asked again, "Father...please what is it?"
To be continued
Chapter Three
| 09-12-2001 As the news hit yesterday, of the staggering reports of the loss of life and destruction, it made me realize, each day from this day forward, will be different for us, and for the world. But listen carefully to the miracles that keep unfolding, and listen to the stories of the heroes who have emerged from all of this horror. The human spirit is wonderful and will prevail. Don't ever lose sight that our faith, and the hope we hold in our hearts, will see us through. So let us take each day, one at a time, and let us keep our beloved New York City in tact in our hearts as well. |
| Dreams of Gold! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Two |
