Meanwhile, as they all returned from the Cemetery, everyone's emotions were
spent. And little Noodles, barked, as he made his rounds to everyone, because
he was so happy to have company again.

As Catherine sweetly greeted him, she sat down on the couch so she could hold
him, and then sadly said,  "Oh Noodles, how are you little buddy."

The others sat down too, and discussed how lovely the Church service had
been, with Peter noting how Mother Alcott's  grave-site was so perfect,
overlooking the pond at the cemetery.

It was then Pauline got up to putt around in the kitchen, and as she set out a
meat tray, casseroles and salads on the table, she warmly said, "Come on
everyone, there is plenty of food, now come on and eat something."

Although no one was hungry, they all politely filed into the kitchen, with Peter
asking, "Any Coffee sis?"

As Pauline picked up the decanter, she said, "I was just going to make us a
fresh pot. I thought a hot cup of coffee, would taste so good with all of these
delicious desserts the neighbors have brought over to us, and I'm steeping some
tea for you Jacob."

To which Jacob replied, "Ah very good my dear."

As Pauline set out the mini buffet of desserts from all the loving neighbors, with
emotion she said, "Look at all this...Mom certainly had made a lot of friends
here."  

They all agreed she had, and by all the condolences and words of kindness
everyone bestowed upon them, was proof she left her mark on this world.

And so They all gathered around the kitchen table, and spoke of many things as
they ate together, they then began to talk of their travel plans.

It was then they discussed and decided that Charles would definitely stay on  
with Peter and Pauline, so he can help with any legal matters, and they would
leave for home on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on when they could get a
flight.

And so next, it was up to Jacob how long he wanted to stay.

To which Jacob, because of feeling a bit anxious to go back, mentioned he
would most likely head home on the next available flight.

And then Charles turned to his daughter, and asked, "What are you going to do
honey?"

To which Catherine mentioned, "Well as you mentioned, I do have the
Benjamin case in the morning...but I am thinking you could use my help doing
the leg work Dad, so if you think it's all right, I'll ask Harvey to take lead on the
case, after all, he's been working on it right along with me."

And because Charles knew Mr. Benjamin requested Catherine's expertise
specifically, Charles raised his brow in angst, but didn't say anything, trying not
to influence his daughter's decision.

But a very astute Peter saw the look on Charles' face, and guessed the case
must be an important one, and so he offered, "As much as I would love you to
stay and help too, if you have a case Cathy, you should go...you wouldn't want
to let your client down."

Yes, Catherine did feel a client obligation, and was also anxious to clear things
up with Vincent back home too! But she still felt conflicted. The grief was still  
hovering so close, and this made her unsure what to do. And so with a sad
questioning look, Catherine replied, "But I feel needed here too..."

Reaffirming his last suggestion, Peter said, "If you really want to be of some
help, you will accompany Jacob back home, it would sure be a load off my
mind knowing you two are traveling together."

In agreement, Pauline nodded, and said, "Peter is right. They say no one should
travel alone these days."

And because Catherine hated to think of Jacob travelling by himself, this helped
her to decide! And so she answered, "I will leave when Jacob does."

To which Jacob commented, "If I may say, I will certainly enjoy your company
going back home Cathy, err Catherine."

And so Catherine sweetly replied, "Me too Jacob, I didn't mean to make it
sound other wise."

To which Jacob kindly said, "You didn't, I know you feel torn."

It was then Pauline politely excused herself, so she could make a telephone call
to her daughter.

So now, with just the four of them sitting around the table, they were able to
talk freely, and conclusively told Peter, that all was out in the open between
them. There are no longer any secrets to keep.

And so upon hearing this update, Peter was so relieved to know all was out in
the open between his friends. But he wasn't out of the woods yet! As Charles
took exception, feeling left out, on a major part of Peter's life, saying, "You
have been helping Jacob...All these years...and never a hint, or anything! I mean
there were times, I wondered why you couldn't join us, but nothing! You never
shared any of this with me! At the very least, maybe I could have been a
Helpmate Too!"

Peter laughed as he corrected Charles saying, "It's a Helper..."

And then Peter turned serious as he continued, "...and yes, it was hard...I admit
it! I had to keep Jacob's tunnel world a secret...and I am sorry...that was the
tough part keeping secrets from you, from Cathy...but their existence depended
on it, Vincent's survival depended on it...and thinking on that, made it a little
earier...made it a necessity...I hope you understand."

Peter then turned to Jacob, and jokingly asked, "What do you think Jacob, need
a couple of more HelpMATES?"

With a humble chuckle, Jacob nodded, as he said, "I dare say...it would be an
honor to have these two fine people aid us in our endeavor."

Happy now to be included, Charles expounded, "Well now we are talking...so
tell us more about all of this!"

As Charles learned the full scope of the underground community, he was truly
fascinated by it, and had many questions for Jacob about its origin.

And so with pride, Jacob invited Charles to visit as soon as possible, and
whenever he could, he would be most welcome.

And then Charles asked, "So you say, your community and Vincent's survival
depends on secrecy?"

To which Jacob nodded, saying, "Yes...it is hard for outsiders to understand...so
we have found, privacy and secrecy are imperative for us to live out our lives in
the manner we have chosen...contented, unencumbered...and happy."

With a shake of his head, Charles had to vent once more, saying, "I just can't
believe you have been a part of all this Peter...unbelievable!"

And then Charles wore his daddy hat as he asked, "And Vincent..."

To which Peter butted in to give Charles his assurances, as he attested to his
long close friendship he has shared with Vincent all through his life.

The fact Peter knew Vincent, did seem to ease Charles mind, and as he looked
over at his daughter, who was learning much this night too, about Vincent and
his world, smiled an understanding smile, knowing this was much for them both
to take in.

So it was then, after the summit had been completed, that Pauline re-joined
them, and happily said, "Little Petey was holding his own, and his recovery
seemed to be on track."

To which Peter said, that was great, and thought he would call Petey's doctor
too, just to get a mano a mano account.

So with Charles in charge of making the arrangements, and travel plans, both
Peter and Pauline called Jacob and Catherine into the guest room. They wanted
to offer them some keepsakes of Mother Alcotts'. This was such an emotional
gesture to Catherine, that she didn't know what to say. Jacob too felt
overwhelmed, and so they humbly, and proudly accepted the artifacts from their
dear friends.

Well after packing their bags, simultaneously Jacob and Catherine met in the
hallway. This gave them a private moment to express their eagerness to speak to
Vincent, and straighten out the unfortunate chain of events.

And so Jacob expressed, "It will work out, you will see Catherine."

Upon hearing how Jacob addressed her, with a smile, Catherine privately
thought, "Hmm, Jacob finally settled on calling me Catherine!"

And so in reply, Catherine said, "I hope  you are  right..."

Then it was time to leave for the airport, and it was difficult for Catherine and
for Jacob to say their good-byes, knowing the ones they were leaving behind,
would be facing some heart-wrenching work, straightening out Mother Alcott's
estate.

And as Catherine petted Noodles on the head, she said,  "Ah Noodles, I will
miss you."

Somberly Catherine looked up at Peter, and asked, "What will become of  
Noodles?"

Shaking his head, Peter unknowingly said, "I am not sure Cathy, one of the
neighbors expressed an interest, but they already have a dog, and he and
Noodles have never really gotten along..."

Peter then hopefully asked, "Why do you ask? Would you like to have
Noodles?"

Sadly Catherine said, "I would love to have Noodles, but I am gone all day, I'm
not sure that would be fair to him."

To which Peter informatively said,  "Just to let you know, Mom was gone much
of the day too doing her volunteer work, so Noodles is used to being alone. But
don't feel like you have to take him. The only reason I mentioned it was
because you seem to be very attached to Noodles."

And then Pauline noted, "And he to her!"

To which Peter said, "Ah yeah that's true Pauline, he is like a puppy around
Cathy."

Not wanting to make Catherine feel obligated, Peter then finished up by saying,
"But no worries Cathy, I am sure we will find him a good home."

Just then, Charles reluctantly announced it was time to go, and since he was the
acting chauffeur, it was his duty, to get them to the airport on time.

And so Charles playfully shouted through his cupped hands, "All aboard who's
going aboard."

Everyone laughed at Charles clowning, and then Catherine and Jacob took
turns, giving hugs to Peter and Pauline, and then of course, Catherine stooped
to give one last hug to Noodles as well.

It was then, Jacob and Catherine walked out together, to join Charles in the car,
and just as they were about to pull away, Catherine suddenly said, "Wait Dad, I
forgot my book."

As Catherine rushed into the house, she gathered up Wordsworth from the
nightstand of her room, and as she walked by Noodles, he began wagging his
tail, and tilted his head to one side, waiting for Catherine to give him some
acknowledgment.

As Catherine tried to walk straight out the door, she couldn't...

She turned around, looked at Peter, and said, "I can't leave Noodles behind!"

To which Peter knowingly smiled, as he brought out the little cage he had hiding
behind his back, and said, "Oh how I was praying you would say that!"

Mysteriously, he then said, "It looks like Wordsworth worked his magic again!
If you hadn't forgotten your book, then you wouldn't have come back for
Noodles!"

Meanwhile, as Charles and Jacob sat waiting in the car, they both started
laughing at the sight of Catherine carrying Noodles!

As Charles looked at Jacob, with a smile, he said, "I had a hunch!"

After arriving at the airport, they just finished checking in their luggage...and
Noodles, when the last call for boarding rang out.

To which Charles said, "Well looks like this is goodbye uh?"

Charles hated to say goodbye to his daughter, knowing whatever she was about
to face back home, she would be doing it alone. And so with tears welled up in
his eyes, he kissed his daughter sweetly on the forehead, and asked Jacob,  "I
won't be there, so Father to Father may I ask you..."

To which Jacob solemnly answered, "Of course Charles, I'll look out for
Catherine, as if she were my own."

Nodding gratefully, Charles said, "Thank you Jacob, she is all I have."

Tearfully, Catherine hugged her Dad, and said, "I'll miss you Dad, see you
when you get home."

As Charles gave her one last hug, he said, "I'll be home as soon as I can."

Then as the two men first went to shake hands, they feeling like old friends,
also gave each other a hug, and Charles then said, "Safe flight to you both."

             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile,  in the tunnels, they had just finished a delicious lunch of Pasta ala
William. It was his very own recipe he concocted, by utilizing the leftovers,
from the previous nights dinner.

Todays dish consisted of  Chicken,  veggies,  and  pasta, mixed with some
seasoning, and then William served some nice warm Sourdough bread, hot out
of the oven, to go with it.

And this time....Pascal made sure he sat by Brigit! And after he seated himself,
he hopefully asked her, "Brigit do you still wanna have a go at skating? I will be
glad to take you tonight."

To which Brigit looked charmingly at Pascal, and said, "I'll get back with ye
'bout that activity Piscal."

As Pascal automatically corrected Brigit, he then said, "That's Pascal! Anyway,
I have someone to cover the pipes for me tonight, so let me know if you care to
go, cuz I am FREE!"

Meanwhile, watching from the sidelines, Mary and Rebecca could see how
annoying Pascal was to Brigit, and they secretly got a kick out of seeing Pascal
so flirtatious.

And so Rebecca and Mary put their heads together, and tried to think of another
activity for Brigit to do with them! So with  a stroke of genius, Rebecca came
up with the perfect place for she and Mary to take her!

And so Rebecca told Vincent, "We know you have duties to perform for Father,
and cannot entertain Brigit all day long. So, I thought...that is we, Mary and I,
thought Brigit would enjoy the Hot Springs chamber. We would love to include
her when we go later on..."

As Vincent looked at Brigit, he informed her, "I believe you would enjoy going
Brigit."

But before Brigit could say no thank you, Vincent turned back to Mary and
Rebecca, and thankfully said, "That is most generous of you both to think of
Brigit."

And because Brigit wanted to make a pleasant impression upon Vincent, with a
forced smile, she sweetly added, "Aye, most generous indeed!"

As the two ladies coyly smiled back, feeling quite triumphant with their plan, it
was then they were summoned to help Laura and Jamie with the children in the
community chamber. And so for now they said goodbye, and would track Brigit
down later on.

And so since Brigit hasn't had a chance to do any sight seeing as yet, Vincent
turned to her and said, "In the meantime, I do have some time, and would like
to take you somewhere special..."

Upon thinking this was too good to be true, Brigit hopefully asked, "Ye mean
jist ye 'n me?"

With a gallant nod, Vincent replied, "Yes, there is a place, I would like to take
my very special friend to."

As her joy turned to fear, Brigit quickly asked, "It wouldn't be to the candle
makin' chamber would it?"

With a smile in his eyes, Vincent offered his arm, and replied, "No Brigit, this is
a place I think you will like very much indeed..."

And the trek toward their destination, was filled with meaningful conversation,
seeming to get their friendship back on track. Which pleased Vincent, so very
much. And so as they then arrived at the Chamber of the Falls, Brigit walked in
awestruck by the sight! Running to the edge, she suddenly stopped when
Vincent cautioned her that the stone could break away, and to stand back a bit.

Turning back, she promised, "I will Vincent! I will! Dinny worry 'bout me...I
'ave climbed enuf cliffs and crags to know the danger...but Vincent I will tell ye,
I 'ave never seen such a sight in me life! Thank ye fer bringin' me 'ere!"

Upon seeing Brigit so joyful, truly brought some joy to his heart too, and so as
they settled in, leaning against the stony wall, their friendship seemed to be just
that, a friendship, and they talked of many things...

With wonder, Brigit then expressed, "How happy I am, that cuz of my writin',
ye first reached out to me...or I never would've met ye...or visited here!"

To which, with humbleness, Vincent expressed, "Yes...I am grateful I wrote to
you as well. But though, because of who I am, I never imagined we would
meet...or save yet, you would be this kind accepting me, after we did."

In response, Brigit smiled and said, "Ah Vincent...kindness has nothin' to do
with it! We became friends through our writin' to one another, and knowing ye
better now, has reminded me of how limitless life can be! Achievin' yer state of
bein', so carin', strong, and brilliant...under the limited care and tutelage of only
yer Father, well, ye are a great example to others Vincent, whether ye know it
or not!"

As Vincent listened to Brigit's kind words, he simply nodded, as he pondered
what she had said, before saying, "If I can influence others in a positive way,
then what more should I really ask."

Vincent then gave Brigit a look of thanks, and then he moved on, telling her
details and facts about these enchanting falls. And about the several escapades
that happened there, when they were children.

Brigit loved listening to Vincent's tales of his life here in the tunnels, and she
even gave an understanding ear, when Vincent spoke of Catherine, offering
words of comfort and advice. Yes, Brigit hung on to his every word, and she
imagined the books that could be written about this man, and this place...

And then Brigit in turn, told Vincent stories of her own childhood, and also
talked about her Father.

These two have shared much in their letters, and now they were sharing much
face to face. For Vincent, talking with Brigit like this, was a dream come true,
but because of the current state of his fate, it did not hold the magic, it would
have held, only a mere month ago, before he met Catherine!

To be continued
Chapter Twenty-one
Hero of my Heart!
By Sharon Holtz
Chapter Twenty
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