| gg |
Turning to Vincent, Catherine asked, "Are you ready to go back?"
To which Vincent replied, "No Catherine, not yet...you?"
As she nestled in under his chin, Catherine adamantly said, "Not even!"
Happy this was so, Vincent stayed quiet for a bit, taking in the whole ambience of the night. The crickets chirping, the cool air, the brightness of the moon and stars, causing Vincent to note, "Without the lights of the city diffusing the celestrial luminations, they are brighter than I had ever seen. Spectatular."
After Catherine agreed, they talked on and on for quite a span of time, until the night chill began to set in, and the cold air could not be denied.
And although they were really enjoying the beautiful night, they knew the hour was late, and so they decided to head back to the cabin.
Since they were the last to turn in, they were left to carry back all the blankets, and things the others had left behind. And so upon seeing Catherine gather up the folded pile of blankets, Vincent insisted, "Allow me to carry those Catherine."
To which Catherine consented, saying, "Thank you Vincent...""
Upon taking her portion, while balancing the other items, Vincent noted, "I guess being the last to retire has its disadvantages Catherine!"
In agreement, Catherine said, “Yes you are right, but it did have its advantages too. I wouldn't trade our time alone for anything."
Loving to hear Catherine’s perspective, he ended up agreeing with her, and said, "Neither would I Catherine, neither would I!"
They entered the cabin as quietly as they could, but Catherine had a hunch there would most likely be at least one person awake, awaiting their return, which would be Jacob. But to both her and Vincent's surprise, not only was Jacob still up, but Mary was as well! And there they were, sitting on the couch, sipping tea, deep in conversation, by the inviting warm fire.
As Vincent shut the door, in an almost accusing manner, he exclaimed, "Father? Mary?"
Jacob casually looked over at the two, as he quite charmingly asked, "Back so soon?"
Looking towards the mantle clock, Vincent incredulously asked, "So soon Father? It is nearly 2:15!"
"Oh my! I hadn't realized.” said Jacob, looking a bit astonished. "Where has the time gone?"
Catherine discreetly gave Vincent a look, thinking he was sounding a bit harsh with his Father. And so she attempted to take the focus off the late hour, as she asked, "Are you enjoying the fire Mary?"
To which Mary exclaimed, "Oh yes, Catherine, not to mention the conversation! In fact, I was just telling Father, I don't think I have ever had such a relaxed conversation with him, as I have had tonight. And I have learned things about him which I never knew before. For instance, did either of you know that Father, besides being his school chess champion, AND President of the Thespian club, was also on the football team?"
Raising a brow, Vincent gave his father a shrewd, sly look, as he replied, "I believe I have heard about his football career a time or two!"
Apparently, Mary had not realized Jacob was trying to impress her by doing a bit of bragging, and so she exclaimed, "Well, I never had!"
Mary then proudly continued, "But did you also know, it was due to Jacob calling a very unorthodox play at the end of the second half, which led to his school winning that years championship!"
Jacob was blushing, knowing Vincent and Catherine could detect a show-off when they saw one, and knew he was caught red-handed, being a braggart.
Vincent having a bit of fun, unnerving his Father, decided to date him by asking, "And what year would that Championship have been FATHER?"
Nearly falling into his son's verbal trap, Jacob replied, "Uh, year? Why it's was 194...THE year, oh never mind the year! Now Mary that will be enough, I don't think Vincent and Catherine want to hear about the glory days of an old geezer!"
To which Mary defended, "Old geezer, why Father, you are not old! You have more stamina than any man half your age. The way you orchestrate the chores and activities below, and manage still to illustrate the importance of the humanities to us all. Why Father, I am amazed!"
Mary looked at Jacob as if they were the only two in the room, and as Jacob returned her gaze, he cleared his throat realizing he was seeing Mary in a different light this night, and suddenly felt a little self conscience in front of Vincent and Catherine.
A very astute Catherine, kindly broke the silence, and said, "I, for one am exhausted! I'm going to bed. Will you two excuse us?"
Vincent, not quite getting the hint that maybe these two would like to be alone, snapped out of it and finally said, "Oh yes of course I am as well. Shall I escort you to your room Catherine?"
In reply, Catherine answered, "That would be very nice. Well, goodnight Father. Goodnight Mary."
Catherine led the way to the staircase, anxious to get out of earshot of the two obvious lovebirds, and eagerly said, "I do believe there was something besides tea brewing here tonight!"
Vincent couldn't help but smile. "Mary and Father? I don't know, it always seemed like a practical union, being in the tunnels together. Yet, they never seemed to find their way to one another. Now here, tonight, it's as if they're a couple of kids on a date."
In agreement, Catherine then stated, "And they're so cute together."
As they climbed the stairs, Catherine slipped her arm though his, sadly thinking they had to say goodnight. As they approached her room, she leaned against the door frame, and finally said, "Well, I guess this is goodnight Vincent."
As he bent his head to rest upon hers, in his soft yet husky voice, he whispered, "Yes."
The sound of his voice always affected Catherine, and made her feel as if she was just about to melt away.
With a final embrace, he looked down at her, his blue eyes penetrating her green, and with a tremble in his voice, he reluctantly said, "Until tomorrow, Catherine."
At first, all she could do was nod, and then finally finding her voice, she repeated, "Tomorrow."
Vincent turned to leave, when Catherine called out, "Vincent?"
He was at her side at once, asking, "Yes Catherine?"
She searched for something to say, and when she came up empty, she admitted, "I don't know, I guess I forgot what I wanted to say."
To which Vincent offered, "Shall I wait until you remember?"
With a sweet smile, Catherine replied, "If it meant you would stay waiting for me to remember, then I would be most happy to be so forgetful!"
With a raised brow, Vincent returned, "And I would be pleased you were forgetful, if it meant I could stay."
With a contented smile, Catherine looked up at him, both feeling so happy for even one more minute together. After a final embrace, with regret, Vincent sighed as he then said, "Well, it is late, goodnight Catherine."
He then turned to leave, but as he descended the stairs, Vincent turned once more and looked back at his Catherine.
She knew all she would have had to do was make the slightest overture, and Vincent would come back to her, but she knew in her heart, an eternity still wouldn't be long enough at his side, and so with a final goodnight, she went inside her room.
Quietly tiptoeing, so as not to wake up Jamie, Catherine settled into bed, and cuddled under the comforter, letting out a sigh she wasn't even aware she was holding in.
"Goodnight, forgetful Catherine!" Chuckled Jamie in a mocking sing-song way!
Embarrassed, Catherine sat up, and exclaimed, "Jamie! Were you listening?"
To which Jamie devilishly said, "Yes! I overheard everything!"
The two girls started laughing, when Jamie admitted, "I really couldn't hear everything, but I did hear all that "Forgetful" Shakespearean mumbo jumbo stuff. It was cute, kinda reminded me of that one scene in Romeo and Juliet."
To which Catherine self-consciously replied, "Though we didn't say so, that's what we were aiming for...at least I was."
Wanting to change the subject, Catherine cleared her throat, and asked, "So are you having fun so far?"
Excitedly, Jamie said, "Are you kidding? I am having a riot! We all are, and I can tell Vincent is too."
Happy to hear Jamie say this, caused Catherine to say, "I hope so."
"Heck yeah he is!" In fact, since you started hanging around, there has been a real change in Vincent. Well what can I say, I can see it. In fact, we all do."
Leaning up on an elbow, Catherine turned to Jamie and asked, "How so?"
Introspectively, Jamie explained, "Well, Vincent has always been, Vincent! Someone we all looked up to, and relied on. It's odd to say, but I don't think any of us wondered what his hopes and dreams were as a person. I guess he always seemed to be above all that, maybe because he was so strong and wise, always helping us with our issues. Now I realize maybe, he just didn't let himself think in those terms, until he met you. Now he is, I don't know, he's happy."
Thoughtfully, Catherine laid back, and confessed, "Vincent has done the same for me too."
As Catherine stayed silent for a moment, contemplating what Jamie had told her about the ways she's affected Vincent's life, caused Jamie to ask, "Catherine? Are you still awake?"
To which Catherine replied, "Yes, just thinking..."
And then added, "...but I guess we should get some sleep, uh? Swimming tomorrow."
As Jamie rolled over to close her peepers, she contentedly said, "Guess we better...goodnight Cathy."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, everyone woke up to the delicious smells of freshly brewed coffee and bacon frying. Mary, having put herself in charge of kitchen duties, got things started, and felt happily at home behind the counter.
Meanwhile, after Jacob cheerfully readied himself for the day, feeling a bit anxious to see how Mary slept, he stepped from his room, and could hear voices! My my, it sounded like Mary and Peter!
Upon realizing he was missing out on something, he hurried toward the kitchen, where he saw Mary pouring Peter another cup of coffee, as he was relaying a story of a life-saving emergency operation he had performed on a patient.
And because he was feeling a little off-putting, Jacob stood on the sidelines, taking a moment to buck himself up.
So as he felt ready to face his verbose pal, Jacob stepped up, cheerfully saying, "Ah I see you are telling that story again uh Peter? Great! I never tire of hearing it. Well, good morning Mary!"
As Jacob retrieved himself a mug, he asked, "The coffee smells delightful, please tell me Peter didn't drink it all."
To which Mary replied, "There's enough for one more cup, and it has your name on it Father. I will pour, and then brew up another pot."
As Jacob thanked Mary, he then politely asked, "Did you both sleep well?"
Mary answered first by saying, "Yes Father, better than I thought I would, being in a different place other than my cozy chamber back home. But it's cozy here as well. Don't you think?"
Thoughtfully, he replied, "Yes, cozy and very homey, yes homey is the word I would use to describe this place, a very homey atmosphere."
Jacob then cleared his throat, as he asked Peter how he slept, and with a cocked grin, Peter replied, "I slept like a babe, but then I did turn in early, earlier than you two did."
With a bit of a flush to her cheeks, Mary smiled at Jacob, and he back at her, and finally Jacob said, "We were up late, were we not? Ah so much to say, so much to talk about. It was a lovely time."
In reply, Mary smiled and said, "Indeed it was Father, indeed it was."
Meanwhile, Catherine and Jamie teased one another about being the first one into the shower, and so the race was on!
Jamie took to the stairs, skipping every other step, but it was Catherine who had the advantage, because she knew all the tricks of getting around the cabin, in the quickest possible time. And so she chose the banister!
As timing would have it, Vincent was coming out of his room, rounding the corner at just that moment Catherine reached the bottom of the banister, sliding right into his arms.
With concern, Catherine asked, "Oh my, Vincent are you all right?"
To which he replied, "Catherine my dear, I have never been better!"
Everyone roared with laughter. Yes, even Jacob let out a stifled chuckle! So Jamie might have been the first one in the shower, but Catherine felt she was the real winner!
Once they regrouped, Catherine smiled as she noted, "Hmmm Bacon! Smells good Mary! I am ready to do my part and make my specialty, Strawberry pancakes!"
Thinking Strawberry Pancakes sounded pretty good, Vincent replied, "Sampling your cuisine would alone make this whole weekend a memorable experience!"
Loving the thought of cooking for Vincent, Catherine mixed her batter and warmed up the huge flat skillet, which could hold eight good-sized pancakes.
Meanwhile, Vincent joined Jacob, Peter, and Mary, as they sat enjoying their coffee, planning out the day.
They all, one by one, began to look Catherine's way to see how she was doing, and as she felt their eyes upon her, she did her best to look experienced in the kitchen.
As she flipped the last pancake, she then proudly handed each of them a plateful, saying, "I just need to add the strawberries."
As Catherine spooned the huge ripe strawberries over each plate, she finished up the recipe with a special strawberry syrup, whipping cream and a side of bacon.
After refilling everyone's coffee, Catherine pulled up a chair next to Vincent, waiting for a reaction to his first bite.
Vincent gathered up a fork full to taste, and very pleasingly, he looked at Catherine, and stated, "Very delicious!"
Everyone else followed up Vincent's compliment with their own, and so happily, Catherine said she was so pleased everyone was enjoying their breakfast.
Meanwhile, Pascal, Jamie, and Mouse entered the kitchen, ready to put in their breakfast orders too.
Catherine adjusted her apron, poised herself, and was more than prepared to meet this challenge head on. But as she headed for the stove, Catherine glanced back at Vincent who was totally enjoying his breakfast. And though she was happy to cook for the others, all she really wanted to do was to sit and watch Vincent!
After breakfast, they each went their own ways. Peter gave speedboat rides to Jamie, Pascal, and Mouse. Mary and Jacob went berry picking, and Catherine wanted to take Vincent to the meadow she had told him about. If they were lucky maybe, they would see a deer.
Manned with a picnic lunch, and a blanket, they started out. As they walked along the path, Catherine noticed, Vincent's footwear! And so she commented, "Vincent, I like your leather sandals. I thought you said, you would never be comfortable wearing anything other than your boots."
In reply, Vincent light heartedly said, "Well, perhaps once that was true...however when in Rome..."
Catherine grinned, loving the fact he was relaxed enough to change things up a bit, and so teasingly, she told him, "I guess this Holiday idea is paying off already!"
Arriving at their secluded spot, they unfolded their blanket, and made a cozy little nest for two. As Vincent stretched out, he looked up into the cloudless blue sky, and with a sigh, shared, "Once again, because your descriptions have been so vivid, I feel as if I have been here before...yes just as I imagined."
Vincent then looked deeply into Catherine's eyes, as he revealed, "Ahh, the imagination is a wondrous tool."
Thinking he was making a flirtacious implication, Catherine admitted, "I've allowed my imagination to wander at times too."
Upon raising a brow, Vincent replied, "Yes I know."
Looking downward with embarrassment, Catherine realized she must be more careful where her thoughts take her in the future! But still, though romantic innuendos were there between them, Catherine imagined more - a real life together in every way.
Just then, they heard a cracking sound, like twigs breaking under foot, and so they rolled over just in time to see a doe step into the clearing. Catherine excitedly looked at Vincent as she whispered, "I love this front row seat we have!"
To which Vincent softly replied, "Yes! What splendor."
They watched in silence for about five minutes, when out of the woods came Jacob and Mary.
And they heard Jacob sternly caution, "Mary, slow down, We are in unfamiliar territory, and you don't know the dangers which may lie ahead."
Being the first one to see the deer, Mary exclaimed, "Father look, a deer! Oh, fiddle sticks, we scared him, and now he is running away. Wasn't he beautiful?"
Catherine and Vincent had to make a decision, either make themselves known immediately, or remain still until Mary and Jacob departed from the meadow.
However, their choice of action was taken away from them, for all at once the deer came back, startling Mary so, she jumped into Jacob's arms, saying, "Jacob! Jacob! The deer! The deer!"
To which Jacob calming her, softly said, "Yes Mary, I see..."
After watching for a moment or two, the deer sauntered off, causing Mary to sadly say, "Awe there he goes again..."
Upon realizing she was in Jacob's embrace, she pulled back, straightened herself, and said, "Oh Deary me! I am so sorry Father, I just was so excited the deer came back, and I suppose I was a bit startled too!"
To which Jacob unequivocally replied, "No apologies Mary! Truth be told, I enjoyed it, and I feel fortunate to have shared this experience with you."
In soft reply, Mary said, "I did too...ahem...still, I shouldn't be so jumpy."
In an understanding tone, Jacob said, "I believe the deer surprised us both."
As Jacob noticed Mary's berry basket was akimbo from all the excitement, he said, "Awe what a pity, I do believe you dropped your berries!"
To which Mary anxiously queried, "Dropped my what?"
And as she then looked downward at herself, to see what could have DROPPED, she quickly figured it out, and with relief said, "Oh you said the berries! Yes,well we can always pick more, but luckily, I think I can retrieve most of these...the ones I hadn't squished that is."
So kindly Jacob helped pick up what they could, and they seemed to be having fun doing it!
Meanwhile Catherine and Vincent simultaneously looked at one another, and with a twinkle in her eye, Catherine noted, "Wow!"
To which Vincent whispered, "Indeed!"
Meanwhile, back to the other couple, Jacob, kindly said, "Perhaps we should head back, we mustn't wonder too far from the cabin."
Jacob then bent down to pick a flower near the pathway, and gave it to Mary.
Because she was so touched by this gesture, she brought her hand to her heart, as she thanked him, as he guided her back toward the cabin.
Rolling back over to look upward, Catherine noted, "Father can be quite suave, uh Vincent?"
In agreement, Vincent marveled, "Yes, I must admit Father always has been..."
Vincent then pondered, "...how are we going to look those two in the eyes after witnessing this moment between them?"
With a smile, Catherine enforced, "Somehow we'll have to manage."
Looking back over the meadow, Catherine stood up saying, "I think Father had the right idea though, I want to pick some of these flowers for the cabin..."
And so Vincent watched Catherine with her carefree demeanor, and thought she was adorable in this casual attire she had on. And he, ever the gentlemen, never allowed himself to look at Catherine in A "check her out" type of fashion. Well maybe once in a while, he would drop his eyes, but it was always under the guise of maybe searching for a word, or maybe tipping his head in an agreeable manner. But today he couldn't resist.
Had Catherine caught him looking at her like that, it would have dissolved this illusion she had of him. Vincent always seemed so in control and oh so proper. However, as it turned out, he really was like any other man in the respect that, yes, he enjoyed looking at a beautiful woman, and he loved looking at his Catherine.
Coming back to the blanket with a fistful of flowers, she took in their scent, and as she noticed a thoughtful look in Vincent's eyes, she asked, "What is it?"
Knowing he was beyond acting as if nothing was on his mind, he softly said, "You are so lovely Catherine."
Pulling a flower from her bouquet, she presented it to him, and said, "Thank you kind sir, and...I am also hungry, how about you?"
After admitting he was, Catherine then brought out the peanut butter, along with some bread, and as Vincent looked at the label, he noted, "Hmmm, Extra crunchy."
Upon hearing Vincent's comment, Catherine acknowledged, "You like the crunchy style better than the smooth, right?"
In reply, Vincent said, "It happens to be my favorite. William grinds ours himself, delicious."
He then added, "I must admit, I am un-able to resist a good scoop of peanut butter."
With a smile, Catherine plunged a spoon deep into the jar and presented it to Vincent, and said, "Allow me to accommodate you, enjoy!"
As he accepted the spoon, Vincent replied, "Looks most tempting, thank you."
Catherine continued to prepare their sandwiches, trying to hide her smile, as she thought he looked so charming looking around at the scenery, enjoying his treat!
She then handed Vincent his prepared lunch plate, which had a peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich, pork rinds, and an iced cold Red Pop.
Seeing all of his favorite treats before himself, he quizzically noted, "I do wonder who your informant is. You seem to know all of my favorites! Things I know we haven't discussed."
Confessing it was Peter who had been quite helpful in this area. Catherine shared, "I had asked Peter a while ago about the things you like, because I had this idea to one day bring a picnic lunch for us to share at the Chamber of the Falls...but there never seemed to be a good time to plan it...we've both been so busy."
In reply, Vincent said, "Then we must make a point to plan such an enchanting time in the near future."
And then Vincent firmly said, "However when we do, I insist on preparing our picnic basket....so if I may ask, what are your favorite treats?"
To which Catherine pondered, and said, "Well, I suppose cheese curls, maybe a glass of wine, and Chinese food."
With a nod, Vincent said, "I believe that sounds attainable...I am sure the Pais would help provide two of the three anyway."
Thinking this sounded like an event to look forward to, Catherine smiled and said, "Nice...now I can't wait for our picnic date back home."
After lunch they relaxed a bit, when Catherine asked, "Having fun?"
In reply, Vincent sighed, "Oh yes...very much...if only you could sense my joy."
To which Catherine supposed, "You know, I think I can."
As Vincent smelled one of the wildflowers, he shook his head, and as he looked back at Catherine he said, "Hmmm, I don't believe you can."
Feeling a bit put out, Catherine argued, "How do you know I can't?"
To which Vincent teased, "Because if you could Dear Catherine, I do believe I would have had my face slapped once or twice today!"
This remark both shocked and pleased her, causing her to blush thinking Vincent must have envisioned her in a romantic way today. And so she humbly smiled, as she inquired, "Oh really?"
Vincent tilted his head, as he replied, "Ahhh Catherine, if you only knew what thoughts do plague me."
Catherine then confessed, "So maybe I can't tune in to you, like you can me..."
And then Catherine continued with the kuddos by admitting, "...and you have been there for me, when there is undeniably no other explanation. And...you have said you can sense many of my thoughts and daydreams."
Admitting this was true, Vincent then lovingly explained, "Yes, and knowing your sweet daydreams, gives me hope."
Wondering if she should ask, and then deciding she would, she inquired, "Then would you at least tell me this?"
In reply, Vincent asked, "What is it you wish to know, Catherine?"
She looked down and then asked haltingly, "If I were to know those thoughts you say plague you, would they give me hope as well?"
Vincent lifted her chin to look into her questioning eyes. "Most certainly sweet Catherine, most certainly."
He then enforced his answer, with the gentlest of kisses upon her hand.
Loving this sweet gesture, and confession, they stayed silent for a bit before Catherine sighed, saying, "Though I don't want to leave here, the sun is getting quite hot. Should we go for a swim?"
Loving the suggestion, Vincent replied, "Yes, a swim sounds delightful."
So they gathered their things, and headed for the cabin.
To be continued
Chapter Four
To which Vincent replied, "No Catherine, not yet...you?"
As she nestled in under his chin, Catherine adamantly said, "Not even!"
Happy this was so, Vincent stayed quiet for a bit, taking in the whole ambience of the night. The crickets chirping, the cool air, the brightness of the moon and stars, causing Vincent to note, "Without the lights of the city diffusing the celestrial luminations, they are brighter than I had ever seen. Spectatular."
After Catherine agreed, they talked on and on for quite a span of time, until the night chill began to set in, and the cold air could not be denied.
And although they were really enjoying the beautiful night, they knew the hour was late, and so they decided to head back to the cabin.
Since they were the last to turn in, they were left to carry back all the blankets, and things the others had left behind. And so upon seeing Catherine gather up the folded pile of blankets, Vincent insisted, "Allow me to carry those Catherine."
To which Catherine consented, saying, "Thank you Vincent...""
Upon taking her portion, while balancing the other items, Vincent noted, "I guess being the last to retire has its disadvantages Catherine!"
In agreement, Catherine said, “Yes you are right, but it did have its advantages too. I wouldn't trade our time alone for anything."
Loving to hear Catherine’s perspective, he ended up agreeing with her, and said, "Neither would I Catherine, neither would I!"
They entered the cabin as quietly as they could, but Catherine had a hunch there would most likely be at least one person awake, awaiting their return, which would be Jacob. But to both her and Vincent's surprise, not only was Jacob still up, but Mary was as well! And there they were, sitting on the couch, sipping tea, deep in conversation, by the inviting warm fire.
As Vincent shut the door, in an almost accusing manner, he exclaimed, "Father? Mary?"
Jacob casually looked over at the two, as he quite charmingly asked, "Back so soon?"
Looking towards the mantle clock, Vincent incredulously asked, "So soon Father? It is nearly 2:15!"
"Oh my! I hadn't realized.” said Jacob, looking a bit astonished. "Where has the time gone?"
Catherine discreetly gave Vincent a look, thinking he was sounding a bit harsh with his Father. And so she attempted to take the focus off the late hour, as she asked, "Are you enjoying the fire Mary?"
To which Mary exclaimed, "Oh yes, Catherine, not to mention the conversation! In fact, I was just telling Father, I don't think I have ever had such a relaxed conversation with him, as I have had tonight. And I have learned things about him which I never knew before. For instance, did either of you know that Father, besides being his school chess champion, AND President of the Thespian club, was also on the football team?"
Raising a brow, Vincent gave his father a shrewd, sly look, as he replied, "I believe I have heard about his football career a time or two!"
Apparently, Mary had not realized Jacob was trying to impress her by doing a bit of bragging, and so she exclaimed, "Well, I never had!"
Mary then proudly continued, "But did you also know, it was due to Jacob calling a very unorthodox play at the end of the second half, which led to his school winning that years championship!"
Jacob was blushing, knowing Vincent and Catherine could detect a show-off when they saw one, and knew he was caught red-handed, being a braggart.
Vincent having a bit of fun, unnerving his Father, decided to date him by asking, "And what year would that Championship have been FATHER?"
Nearly falling into his son's verbal trap, Jacob replied, "Uh, year? Why it's was 194...THE year, oh never mind the year! Now Mary that will be enough, I don't think Vincent and Catherine want to hear about the glory days of an old geezer!"
To which Mary defended, "Old geezer, why Father, you are not old! You have more stamina than any man half your age. The way you orchestrate the chores and activities below, and manage still to illustrate the importance of the humanities to us all. Why Father, I am amazed!"
Mary looked at Jacob as if they were the only two in the room, and as Jacob returned her gaze, he cleared his throat realizing he was seeing Mary in a different light this night, and suddenly felt a little self conscience in front of Vincent and Catherine.
A very astute Catherine, kindly broke the silence, and said, "I, for one am exhausted! I'm going to bed. Will you two excuse us?"
Vincent, not quite getting the hint that maybe these two would like to be alone, snapped out of it and finally said, "Oh yes of course I am as well. Shall I escort you to your room Catherine?"
In reply, Catherine answered, "That would be very nice. Well, goodnight Father. Goodnight Mary."
Catherine led the way to the staircase, anxious to get out of earshot of the two obvious lovebirds, and eagerly said, "I do believe there was something besides tea brewing here tonight!"
Vincent couldn't help but smile. "Mary and Father? I don't know, it always seemed like a practical union, being in the tunnels together. Yet, they never seemed to find their way to one another. Now here, tonight, it's as if they're a couple of kids on a date."
In agreement, Catherine then stated, "And they're so cute together."
As they climbed the stairs, Catherine slipped her arm though his, sadly thinking they had to say goodnight. As they approached her room, she leaned against the door frame, and finally said, "Well, I guess this is goodnight Vincent."
As he bent his head to rest upon hers, in his soft yet husky voice, he whispered, "Yes."
The sound of his voice always affected Catherine, and made her feel as if she was just about to melt away.
With a final embrace, he looked down at her, his blue eyes penetrating her green, and with a tremble in his voice, he reluctantly said, "Until tomorrow, Catherine."
At first, all she could do was nod, and then finally finding her voice, she repeated, "Tomorrow."
Vincent turned to leave, when Catherine called out, "Vincent?"
He was at her side at once, asking, "Yes Catherine?"
She searched for something to say, and when she came up empty, she admitted, "I don't know, I guess I forgot what I wanted to say."
To which Vincent offered, "Shall I wait until you remember?"
With a sweet smile, Catherine replied, "If it meant you would stay waiting for me to remember, then I would be most happy to be so forgetful!"
With a raised brow, Vincent returned, "And I would be pleased you were forgetful, if it meant I could stay."
With a contented smile, Catherine looked up at him, both feeling so happy for even one more minute together. After a final embrace, with regret, Vincent sighed as he then said, "Well, it is late, goodnight Catherine."
He then turned to leave, but as he descended the stairs, Vincent turned once more and looked back at his Catherine.
She knew all she would have had to do was make the slightest overture, and Vincent would come back to her, but she knew in her heart, an eternity still wouldn't be long enough at his side, and so with a final goodnight, she went inside her room.
Quietly tiptoeing, so as not to wake up Jamie, Catherine settled into bed, and cuddled under the comforter, letting out a sigh she wasn't even aware she was holding in.
"Goodnight, forgetful Catherine!" Chuckled Jamie in a mocking sing-song way!
Embarrassed, Catherine sat up, and exclaimed, "Jamie! Were you listening?"
To which Jamie devilishly said, "Yes! I overheard everything!"
The two girls started laughing, when Jamie admitted, "I really couldn't hear everything, but I did hear all that "Forgetful" Shakespearean mumbo jumbo stuff. It was cute, kinda reminded me of that one scene in Romeo and Juliet."
To which Catherine self-consciously replied, "Though we didn't say so, that's what we were aiming for...at least I was."
Wanting to change the subject, Catherine cleared her throat, and asked, "So are you having fun so far?"
Excitedly, Jamie said, "Are you kidding? I am having a riot! We all are, and I can tell Vincent is too."
Happy to hear Jamie say this, caused Catherine to say, "I hope so."
"Heck yeah he is!" In fact, since you started hanging around, there has been a real change in Vincent. Well what can I say, I can see it. In fact, we all do."
Leaning up on an elbow, Catherine turned to Jamie and asked, "How so?"
Introspectively, Jamie explained, "Well, Vincent has always been, Vincent! Someone we all looked up to, and relied on. It's odd to say, but I don't think any of us wondered what his hopes and dreams were as a person. I guess he always seemed to be above all that, maybe because he was so strong and wise, always helping us with our issues. Now I realize maybe, he just didn't let himself think in those terms, until he met you. Now he is, I don't know, he's happy."
Thoughtfully, Catherine laid back, and confessed, "Vincent has done the same for me too."
As Catherine stayed silent for a moment, contemplating what Jamie had told her about the ways she's affected Vincent's life, caused Jamie to ask, "Catherine? Are you still awake?"
To which Catherine replied, "Yes, just thinking..."
And then added, "...but I guess we should get some sleep, uh? Swimming tomorrow."
As Jamie rolled over to close her peepers, she contentedly said, "Guess we better...goodnight Cathy."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, everyone woke up to the delicious smells of freshly brewed coffee and bacon frying. Mary, having put herself in charge of kitchen duties, got things started, and felt happily at home behind the counter.
Meanwhile, after Jacob cheerfully readied himself for the day, feeling a bit anxious to see how Mary slept, he stepped from his room, and could hear voices! My my, it sounded like Mary and Peter!
Upon realizing he was missing out on something, he hurried toward the kitchen, where he saw Mary pouring Peter another cup of coffee, as he was relaying a story of a life-saving emergency operation he had performed on a patient.
And because he was feeling a little off-putting, Jacob stood on the sidelines, taking a moment to buck himself up.
So as he felt ready to face his verbose pal, Jacob stepped up, cheerfully saying, "Ah I see you are telling that story again uh Peter? Great! I never tire of hearing it. Well, good morning Mary!"
As Jacob retrieved himself a mug, he asked, "The coffee smells delightful, please tell me Peter didn't drink it all."
To which Mary replied, "There's enough for one more cup, and it has your name on it Father. I will pour, and then brew up another pot."
As Jacob thanked Mary, he then politely asked, "Did you both sleep well?"
Mary answered first by saying, "Yes Father, better than I thought I would, being in a different place other than my cozy chamber back home. But it's cozy here as well. Don't you think?"
Thoughtfully, he replied, "Yes, cozy and very homey, yes homey is the word I would use to describe this place, a very homey atmosphere."
Jacob then cleared his throat, as he asked Peter how he slept, and with a cocked grin, Peter replied, "I slept like a babe, but then I did turn in early, earlier than you two did."
With a bit of a flush to her cheeks, Mary smiled at Jacob, and he back at her, and finally Jacob said, "We were up late, were we not? Ah so much to say, so much to talk about. It was a lovely time."
In reply, Mary smiled and said, "Indeed it was Father, indeed it was."
Meanwhile, Catherine and Jamie teased one another about being the first one into the shower, and so the race was on!
Jamie took to the stairs, skipping every other step, but it was Catherine who had the advantage, because she knew all the tricks of getting around the cabin, in the quickest possible time. And so she chose the banister!
As timing would have it, Vincent was coming out of his room, rounding the corner at just that moment Catherine reached the bottom of the banister, sliding right into his arms.
With concern, Catherine asked, "Oh my, Vincent are you all right?"
To which he replied, "Catherine my dear, I have never been better!"
Everyone roared with laughter. Yes, even Jacob let out a stifled chuckle! So Jamie might have been the first one in the shower, but Catherine felt she was the real winner!
Once they regrouped, Catherine smiled as she noted, "Hmmm Bacon! Smells good Mary! I am ready to do my part and make my specialty, Strawberry pancakes!"
Thinking Strawberry Pancakes sounded pretty good, Vincent replied, "Sampling your cuisine would alone make this whole weekend a memorable experience!"
Loving the thought of cooking for Vincent, Catherine mixed her batter and warmed up the huge flat skillet, which could hold eight good-sized pancakes.
Meanwhile, Vincent joined Jacob, Peter, and Mary, as they sat enjoying their coffee, planning out the day.
They all, one by one, began to look Catherine's way to see how she was doing, and as she felt their eyes upon her, she did her best to look experienced in the kitchen.
As she flipped the last pancake, she then proudly handed each of them a plateful, saying, "I just need to add the strawberries."
As Catherine spooned the huge ripe strawberries over each plate, she finished up the recipe with a special strawberry syrup, whipping cream and a side of bacon.
After refilling everyone's coffee, Catherine pulled up a chair next to Vincent, waiting for a reaction to his first bite.
Vincent gathered up a fork full to taste, and very pleasingly, he looked at Catherine, and stated, "Very delicious!"
Everyone else followed up Vincent's compliment with their own, and so happily, Catherine said she was so pleased everyone was enjoying their breakfast.
Meanwhile, Pascal, Jamie, and Mouse entered the kitchen, ready to put in their breakfast orders too.
Catherine adjusted her apron, poised herself, and was more than prepared to meet this challenge head on. But as she headed for the stove, Catherine glanced back at Vincent who was totally enjoying his breakfast. And though she was happy to cook for the others, all she really wanted to do was to sit and watch Vincent!
After breakfast, they each went their own ways. Peter gave speedboat rides to Jamie, Pascal, and Mouse. Mary and Jacob went berry picking, and Catherine wanted to take Vincent to the meadow she had told him about. If they were lucky maybe, they would see a deer.
Manned with a picnic lunch, and a blanket, they started out. As they walked along the path, Catherine noticed, Vincent's footwear! And so she commented, "Vincent, I like your leather sandals. I thought you said, you would never be comfortable wearing anything other than your boots."
In reply, Vincent light heartedly said, "Well, perhaps once that was true...however when in Rome..."
Catherine grinned, loving the fact he was relaxed enough to change things up a bit, and so teasingly, she told him, "I guess this Holiday idea is paying off already!"
Arriving at their secluded spot, they unfolded their blanket, and made a cozy little nest for two. As Vincent stretched out, he looked up into the cloudless blue sky, and with a sigh, shared, "Once again, because your descriptions have been so vivid, I feel as if I have been here before...yes just as I imagined."
Vincent then looked deeply into Catherine's eyes, as he revealed, "Ahh, the imagination is a wondrous tool."
Thinking he was making a flirtacious implication, Catherine admitted, "I've allowed my imagination to wander at times too."
Upon raising a brow, Vincent replied, "Yes I know."
Looking downward with embarrassment, Catherine realized she must be more careful where her thoughts take her in the future! But still, though romantic innuendos were there between them, Catherine imagined more - a real life together in every way.
Just then, they heard a cracking sound, like twigs breaking under foot, and so they rolled over just in time to see a doe step into the clearing. Catherine excitedly looked at Vincent as she whispered, "I love this front row seat we have!"
To which Vincent softly replied, "Yes! What splendor."
They watched in silence for about five minutes, when out of the woods came Jacob and Mary.
And they heard Jacob sternly caution, "Mary, slow down, We are in unfamiliar territory, and you don't know the dangers which may lie ahead."
Being the first one to see the deer, Mary exclaimed, "Father look, a deer! Oh, fiddle sticks, we scared him, and now he is running away. Wasn't he beautiful?"
Catherine and Vincent had to make a decision, either make themselves known immediately, or remain still until Mary and Jacob departed from the meadow.
However, their choice of action was taken away from them, for all at once the deer came back, startling Mary so, she jumped into Jacob's arms, saying, "Jacob! Jacob! The deer! The deer!"
To which Jacob calming her, softly said, "Yes Mary, I see..."
After watching for a moment or two, the deer sauntered off, causing Mary to sadly say, "Awe there he goes again..."
Upon realizing she was in Jacob's embrace, she pulled back, straightened herself, and said, "Oh Deary me! I am so sorry Father, I just was so excited the deer came back, and I suppose I was a bit startled too!"
To which Jacob unequivocally replied, "No apologies Mary! Truth be told, I enjoyed it, and I feel fortunate to have shared this experience with you."
In soft reply, Mary said, "I did too...ahem...still, I shouldn't be so jumpy."
In an understanding tone, Jacob said, "I believe the deer surprised us both."
As Jacob noticed Mary's berry basket was akimbo from all the excitement, he said, "Awe what a pity, I do believe you dropped your berries!"
To which Mary anxiously queried, "Dropped my what?"
And as she then looked downward at herself, to see what could have DROPPED, she quickly figured it out, and with relief said, "Oh you said the berries! Yes,well we can always pick more, but luckily, I think I can retrieve most of these...the ones I hadn't squished that is."
So kindly Jacob helped pick up what they could, and they seemed to be having fun doing it!
Meanwhile Catherine and Vincent simultaneously looked at one another, and with a twinkle in her eye, Catherine noted, "Wow!"
To which Vincent whispered, "Indeed!"
Meanwhile, back to the other couple, Jacob, kindly said, "Perhaps we should head back, we mustn't wonder too far from the cabin."
Jacob then bent down to pick a flower near the pathway, and gave it to Mary.
Because she was so touched by this gesture, she brought her hand to her heart, as she thanked him, as he guided her back toward the cabin.
Rolling back over to look upward, Catherine noted, "Father can be quite suave, uh Vincent?"
In agreement, Vincent marveled, "Yes, I must admit Father always has been..."
Vincent then pondered, "...how are we going to look those two in the eyes after witnessing this moment between them?"
With a smile, Catherine enforced, "Somehow we'll have to manage."
Looking back over the meadow, Catherine stood up saying, "I think Father had the right idea though, I want to pick some of these flowers for the cabin..."
And so Vincent watched Catherine with her carefree demeanor, and thought she was adorable in this casual attire she had on. And he, ever the gentlemen, never allowed himself to look at Catherine in A "check her out" type of fashion. Well maybe once in a while, he would drop his eyes, but it was always under the guise of maybe searching for a word, or maybe tipping his head in an agreeable manner. But today he couldn't resist.
Had Catherine caught him looking at her like that, it would have dissolved this illusion she had of him. Vincent always seemed so in control and oh so proper. However, as it turned out, he really was like any other man in the respect that, yes, he enjoyed looking at a beautiful woman, and he loved looking at his Catherine.
Coming back to the blanket with a fistful of flowers, she took in their scent, and as she noticed a thoughtful look in Vincent's eyes, she asked, "What is it?"
Knowing he was beyond acting as if nothing was on his mind, he softly said, "You are so lovely Catherine."
Pulling a flower from her bouquet, she presented it to him, and said, "Thank you kind sir, and...I am also hungry, how about you?"
After admitting he was, Catherine then brought out the peanut butter, along with some bread, and as Vincent looked at the label, he noted, "Hmmm, Extra crunchy."
Upon hearing Vincent's comment, Catherine acknowledged, "You like the crunchy style better than the smooth, right?"
In reply, Vincent said, "It happens to be my favorite. William grinds ours himself, delicious."
He then added, "I must admit, I am un-able to resist a good scoop of peanut butter."
With a smile, Catherine plunged a spoon deep into the jar and presented it to Vincent, and said, "Allow me to accommodate you, enjoy!"
As he accepted the spoon, Vincent replied, "Looks most tempting, thank you."
Catherine continued to prepare their sandwiches, trying to hide her smile, as she thought he looked so charming looking around at the scenery, enjoying his treat!
She then handed Vincent his prepared lunch plate, which had a peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich, pork rinds, and an iced cold Red Pop.
Seeing all of his favorite treats before himself, he quizzically noted, "I do wonder who your informant is. You seem to know all of my favorites! Things I know we haven't discussed."
Confessing it was Peter who had been quite helpful in this area. Catherine shared, "I had asked Peter a while ago about the things you like, because I had this idea to one day bring a picnic lunch for us to share at the Chamber of the Falls...but there never seemed to be a good time to plan it...we've both been so busy."
In reply, Vincent said, "Then we must make a point to plan such an enchanting time in the near future."
And then Vincent firmly said, "However when we do, I insist on preparing our picnic basket....so if I may ask, what are your favorite treats?"
To which Catherine pondered, and said, "Well, I suppose cheese curls, maybe a glass of wine, and Chinese food."
With a nod, Vincent said, "I believe that sounds attainable...I am sure the Pais would help provide two of the three anyway."
Thinking this sounded like an event to look forward to, Catherine smiled and said, "Nice...now I can't wait for our picnic date back home."
After lunch they relaxed a bit, when Catherine asked, "Having fun?"
In reply, Vincent sighed, "Oh yes...very much...if only you could sense my joy."
To which Catherine supposed, "You know, I think I can."
As Vincent smelled one of the wildflowers, he shook his head, and as he looked back at Catherine he said, "Hmmm, I don't believe you can."
Feeling a bit put out, Catherine argued, "How do you know I can't?"
To which Vincent teased, "Because if you could Dear Catherine, I do believe I would have had my face slapped once or twice today!"
This remark both shocked and pleased her, causing her to blush thinking Vincent must have envisioned her in a romantic way today. And so she humbly smiled, as she inquired, "Oh really?"
Vincent tilted his head, as he replied, "Ahhh Catherine, if you only knew what thoughts do plague me."
Catherine then confessed, "So maybe I can't tune in to you, like you can me..."
And then Catherine continued with the kuddos by admitting, "...and you have been there for me, when there is undeniably no other explanation. And...you have said you can sense many of my thoughts and daydreams."
Admitting this was true, Vincent then lovingly explained, "Yes, and knowing your sweet daydreams, gives me hope."
Wondering if she should ask, and then deciding she would, she inquired, "Then would you at least tell me this?"
In reply, Vincent asked, "What is it you wish to know, Catherine?"
She looked down and then asked haltingly, "If I were to know those thoughts you say plague you, would they give me hope as well?"
Vincent lifted her chin to look into her questioning eyes. "Most certainly sweet Catherine, most certainly."
He then enforced his answer, with the gentlest of kisses upon her hand.
Loving this sweet gesture, and confession, they stayed silent for a bit before Catherine sighed, saying, "Though I don't want to leave here, the sun is getting quite hot. Should we go for a swim?"
Loving the suggestion, Vincent replied, "Yes, a swim sounds delightful."
So they gathered their things, and headed for the cabin.
To be continued
Chapter Four
| Holiday Anyone? By Sharon Holtz Chapter Three |
