Thinking perhaps unnerved was the wrong word to use, Jacob altered his description, as he then said, "Well maybe not unnerved, but anxious."
Vincent then stalled for time, as he got up to pace, and asked, "Anxious, do I appear anxious to you? I don't think..."
As Jacob became a little exasperated with the battle of the adjectives, he finally said, "Well, I don't care how you care to characterize your demeanor, I will say plainly, you appear to be nervous to me, and are making me nervous as well! Now out with it, and tell me what is on your mind Vincent."
And then as a thought crossed his mind, Jacob then asked, "This doesn't have anything to do with Brigit O'Donnell, and the very LATE, or should I say extremely EARLY hour you returned this morning?"
As Vincent sat back down, he tried to truthfully answer, as he carefully said, "Well Father, no, and yes. You see I met someone last night. Someone other than Brigit, although I did have the opportunity to meet Brigit too, however, it is not Brigit I am now talking about. Although it was wonderful meeting her as well, however, in truth...she is not the one who has..."
In a failing attempt to follow Vincent's confusing train of thought, Jacob butted in to ask, "Brigit is not the one who has what, Vincent?"
Raising only his eyes, to look back at his Father, Vincent directly, yet softly said, "Brigit is not the one...who has captured my heart."
Unsure he heard, what he thought he heard, Jacob in a clarifying tone, asked, "Captured your what? Captured your Heart? Did you say someone has captured your heart?"
To which Vincent meekly replied, "Yes. Last night at the masquerade, I meant someone...and her name is...Catherine."
As he heard his Father expel a fateful breath, Vincent lovingly continued, "I know you will want to caution me, by saying things I already know! Never the less Father, there is something...something profound between us..."
Jacob in an unbelievable voice, prophesied, "I was afraid something like this could happen, I don't see how anything good can come of this Vincent..."
With conviction, Vincent asked, "How can you say nothing good can come of this? When you have always said, that friendships...and relationships are gifts...what harm could there be in knowing Catherine?"
To which Jacob said, "Friendships are one thing, however, a relationship is another! A relationship is deeper...and the harm is, becoming vulnerable, by opening your self up, and ultimately...getting hurt!"
And then Jacob asked, "So how profound can this interaction be, if you only just met her?"
To which Vincent carefully explained, "Although we only just met last night, our connection really began earlier, through Wordsworth, the book I requested from Mr. Smythe..."
In complete puzzlement, Jacob asked, "Wordsworth?!"
To which Vincent collectedly implored, "Yes you see...yesterday, Peter brought my book by Wordswoth to me, and...well it's really all quite complicated, but what you need to know, is Catherine is a good person, and because of her heart, she can see beyond our differences."
With alarm, Jacob then stood up and asked, "See beyond your differences? Vincent? What have you told her?"
As Vincent meekly bowed his head, he quietly confessed, "Everything, I have told her everything."
Resignedly, Jacob sat back down, and for the moment silently he stared off, contemplating what his son had told him.
In the past, Vincent never groveled, but because of his great love for his Father, he needed him to understand, and to accept Catherine in his life.
So lovingly, he knelt at his Father's side, and took his hand in his, as he said, "I'm not sure I can accurately convey what has happened between Catherine and I...Father, she has spoken to my heart...and I, to hers. When I realized this bond was real between us...I could not deceive her, I had to tell her who I was, and I did so knowing I could lose her."
Helplessly, Jacob looked down at his son, and said, "But Vincent, in doing so, you risked everything, not only your own safety, but the community's as well. How do you know you can trust her?"
To which, Vincent calmly replied, "Catherine is not out to hurt me, or anyone. She is the kindest, most beautiful person I have ever met. You will think so too when you meet her."
Vincent then clarified his intent, as he told him, "Because one day, I would like to bring her here to meet you, and show her our world."
To which Jacob asked, "Bring her here on MONday?!!"
Correcting his Father, Vincent said, "Not Monday Father...but ONE day..."
With much regret, Vincent couldn't believe this talk with his Father had begun so badly, and wondered how he can make him understand there was nothing to fear from Catherine, and so he mentioned, "There is something else, Catherine is a close friend of Peter's."
Upon hearing Peter's involvement, Jacob looked narrowly at Vincent, and expounded, "Good Heavens! I didn't know Peter was in the matchmaking business! Hasn't he enough top-sider friends to micro manage?"
To which Vincent exasperatingly explained, "Peter didn't introduce us, but because of what I earlier mentioned about a connection concerning Wordsworth...well, aside from this, I hoped the fact that Peter knows Catherine would put you at ease..."
And so Jacob despairingly said, "So it is inevitable...you will be seeing her again..."
Just then the sound of the dinner announcement rang through the tunnels pipe system. It was time to gather in the Dining Hall, and part-take in the evening meal.
However, neither Vincent, or Jacob felt hungry...not now. Yes, even before Vincent approached his Father with this news, he knew it would be difficult for his Father to except he could be in a relationship, however Vincent prayed to find a way to present it to him, and knew he had to share this...because of the way Vincent felt about Catherine.
And so with an urgency, Vincent asked, "What can I say to you to make you understand. Yes, I will see her again I MUST! Asking me not to is out of the question."
Hesitantly, Jacob looked at his son, and said, "You are forcing me to bring up painful memories. Have you forgotten what can happen when your passions rise up out of control?"
Feeling as though he had been struck, Vincent stepped back, surprised at Jacob for bringing up this incident from so very long ago. And so a very hurt Vincent, answered, "I was young, it was not intentional, and I have total control over that side of my nature, you know this. I thought we have all moved past this long ago...and for you to bring it up again..."
Sorrowfully, Jacob took in a deep breath, as he saw the anguish his words had caused his son.
And so upon realizing he had been out of line, Jacob's heart softened, as he walked over to comfort him.
Touching his son's back, Jacob said, "I know better than anyone what kind of a man you are. You have been a caring, loving son. I do know you are able to control your other side..."
To which Vincent quietly asked, "Do you Father? Then why would you make me question myself? All the self-doubts that creep back, are so heart wrenching and painful."
In reply, Jacob, stoically, yet softly said, "I am a parent who must do, and say hard things. I only want you to think this through, that is all. I have been cruelly harsh, I am sorry."
As Jacob could see the tears in his son's eyes, with remittance he then inserted, "Let's try to forget I said anything about it...shall we? I never meant to have you question who we all know you are...it's just this talk of your meeting someone has taken me by surprise..."
But because Vincent didn't reply as yet, Jacob softened his tone further in an attempt to make amends, and added, "I can see by the way you speak about her...she must be quite special indeed."
To which Vincent, who was still hosting a tragic air, explained, "Catherine is so pure of heart, she is able to see me as I have longed to be seen."
With a weak humbled smile, Jacob said, "Let's give it time shall we, give me time, and I promise to search my heart, and make an earnest attempt to be open to such changes."
Vincent spoke quietly, and said, "That is all I ask of you."
The next message clanging through the pipes, was asking for a response from Jacob or Vincent, as everyone was becoming concerned at the Dining Hall, wondering why they have not arrived yet.
And so, Vincent stoically approached the pipe in his Father's chamber, and tapped back they would be there momentarily.
And so with a lighter tone, Jacob then added, "Let's go dine, shall we?"
Taking in a deep breath, Vincent answered, "Yes, or William will become upset. He takes such care with his Sunday meal."
Jacob smiled, thinking to himself that Vincent, in all his own heartache, still thinks of others. He truly is a kind soul.
Vincent then caringly put his arm through his Father's, to assist him to the Hall.
Upon their arrival to the Hall everybody expressed their relief they had arrived, and all was well.
It was customary for Jacob to preside over the meal, and to begin it with a Prayer of Thanks.
Taking his place at the front of the table Jacob collected his thoughts. Vincent who had been looking downward in reverence, then raised his eyes, to look over to his Father, wondering why he had not yet begun his prayer.
Then one by one, everyone else started looking toward the patriarch of their world...waiting and wondering why he remained silent.
As he finally gathered himself, he cleared his throat, and as Jacob looked at Vincent, he then began, "We give thanks for all the gifts you have bestowed upon us. For the loved ones you have delivered to us, give us the wisdom, and heart to be open and worthy of this great privilege to mentor and influence them. Also grace us with the humbling acceptance of being influenced. As we can learn much from the adventurous, hope-filled young. God Bless us all. Amen."
Vincent knew his Father was really saying he would try to accept change, and felt warmed by this effort his Father had professed to put forth.
Although Vincent had not yet received his Father's pure and total blessing, he felt they had reached a place tonight, where Jacob accepting Catherine in his life...may one day be...a possibility...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Catherine and Jennifer exited the Rep Theatre, and discussed how much they enjoyed Ron Perlman in the flick.
To which Jennifer excitedly said, "I predict one day Ron's talents will be finally recognized, and he will be a huge Star!"
In reply, Catherine smiled, and said, "I hope he does get his due, because he's so underrated."
Decadently, Jennifer then asked, "How about stopping at Starbucks? I am dying for a cup of mud."
Because Catherine was tired and ready to call it a day, but mainly, the reason was because she was anxious to see if there would be a message of some sort from Vincent. And so humbly Catherine asked, "I'm kinda tired...do you mind if I pass?"
And because Jennifer was beginning to realize the heartache all best friends go through when Romance is introduced into the Friendship Dynamic, and that is "Change".
So in an effort to fight against "Change", Jennifer who knew her friend too well, knew that fatigue was NOT why Catherine didn't want to get coffee! And so she irritatingly said, "Oh just great!"
Knowing Jennifer more than likely knew why she really wanted to skip, made Catherine feel a little shameful for her lack of total disclosure, and so she guiltily asked, "Just Great what?"
To which Jennifer resignedly stated, "You are A "Hanger"!"
Questioning, Catherine asked, "A Hanger?"
In reply, Jennifer informed her dear friend, "Yes! A "Hanger"! A person who HANGS around the phone, hoping for a phone call!"
Upon hearing Jennifer's summation, caused Catherine to smile as she contemplated what she suggested. Hmmm, a phone call from Vincent? Maybe nothing quite so conventional, or modern, yet thinking...a note perhaps would be more his style.
But in pleading her case, Catherine admitted, "All right I confess, I do wonder if I have heard from Vincent, but it is 6:30 already, and tomorrow IS a work day. And further more, I think you just made up the term Hanger!"
As Jennifer admitted to being guilty as charged, she also knew if she pushed just a little bit more, Catherine would give in, and so Jennifer begged, "All I know is you never hung around waiting to hear from some guy before! Come on Cathy, one itty bitty cup of coffee. I don't wannna go by myself!"
As Catherine looked into Jennifer's hopeful eyes, she finally agreed, saying, "All right, one cup! I sure don't want you to go alone."
To which Jennifer clapped like a little child would, and gleefully said, "Oh goody! Since you are going...it'll be my treat!"
Although stopping at Starbucks made Jennifer soooo happy...little did Catherine know the despair this one cup of coffee, would end up bringing to both her, and Vincent...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile...below in the tunnels, after the completion of the meal, as everyone disbanded, only Vincent, Pascal, and Rebecca's remained, as it was their night for K.P. Duty.
And so because both Pascal and Rebecca were wondering what the problem was between Jacob and Vincent earlier on, Rebecca gave Pascal a nudge, indicating it was a good time to get the scoop.
So, nonchalantly Pascal cleared his throat, and as he gathered a stack of plates, he asked, "Heya Vincent? Is a....is something going on between you and Father?"
To which as Vincent also stacked a pile of plates, he softy asked his intuitive friend, "So you noticed?"
And because Rebecca wanted to back up Pascal, she eagerly inserted, "We both did!"
As Pascal nodded in concurrence with Rebecca, he added, "Well yeah, sure we noticed! I mean at first you both were late coming to eat, and then during the evening petition, there was a moment when it seemed like Father was talking only to you."
Thoughtfully, Vincent reflectively responded, "We had a difference of opinion earlier, and like you, I felt he was speaking directly to me as well...perhaps apologizing in his own way."
And so as Rebecca stacked the cutlery onto her tray, she curiously asked, "What would he have to apologize for?"
Upon fielding both Pascal and Rebecca's questions, Vincent thoughtfully paused doing his task at hand, as he contemplated telling his dear friends his news tonight as well.
And because Vincent very much needed the support and understanding his oldest friends would provide...he decided he would.