Jacob then marveled, "Ah, the children, they all love Vincent so, and do you know...never once...had there ever been a child who feared him! Now mind you....they are quite curious about him at first...but this passes, and soon there is nothing left but love for him. They give him so much...and Vincent gives so much back in return."
Catherine smiled as she recollected, "Vincent had told me he found teaching the children so very rewarding. I remember he looked so happy as he spoke of the children."
With a nod and a smile, Jacob then unexpectedly let go of a yawn, prompting Catherine to kindly suggest, "Why don't you get a little rest before we land Jacob...I will be fine."
With a tip of head, Jacob nodded, and nestled in, as he agreeably said, "If you insist my Dear...I think I will do just that."
Nestling deeper still, it wasn't a minute later, when Catherine looked over, and saw Jacob had fallen asleep!
With affection she looked on him, rationalizing, This was Vincent's Father! This man who had become her friend on his own merit, and endeared himself to her before she knew who he was.
Catherine could not believe how miraculously things had worked out. She never could have guessed, a day ago, the endearing man across the aisle from her on the plane flight down to Florida, would turn out to be so instrumental in helping her find her way back to Vincent!
As their plane safely landed, both Jacob and Catherine, were so happy to be back home in New York City. And it was then they made plans to first drop off Catherine's things at her apartment, and get Noodles settled in, before they would head for the tunnels.
And so after gathering their luggage and Noodles, together they entered the taxicab, where Catherine then carefully placed Noodles cage on her lap, and gently talked to him, wanting to help keep him restful and calm until she could let him out of his travel cage.
Kindly, Jacob smiled at the sight, and said, "Oh my, I can see you have a way with him my Dear..."
To which Catherine replied, "Awe...well Noodles and I have always gotten along..."
And so as they traveled through the city streets, the snow started falling now at a slow silent pace, and as Catherine leaned her head back, she watched the snowflakes as they landed on the window. And the loveliness of the snowfall only added to her excitement of seeing Vincent again.
Once more Jacob looked over at Catherine, this young woman, who treated him so kindly before she knew who he was. And he realized how truly pure at heart she was. Indeed, Jacob thought of how much was shared between them these past few days, and he could say, that he felt truly fond of Catherine. And then he privately thought, "It is no wonder she won over Vincent's heart."
And then Jacob conceded, if it was Vincent's destiny to have someone in his life, Jacob was pleased it would be Catherine.
Meanwhile, Catherine started to privately question her going along with Jacob to see Vincent this night. Would it be better for Jacob to smooth away the misunderstandings, and then if Vincent wanted, he could come see her?
So as Catherine looked over at Jacob, she hesitated for a moment before she confided, "I am having second thoughts, should we surprise Vincent like this? I mean, should I go along with you tonight?"
To which Jacob calculated, "Yes, surprise being the operative word, indeed! I see your point, but since there is no time to message ahead, we have no other recourse...and believe me Dear, I do believe it would be best for Vincent to hear directly from you."
And then thoughtfully, Jacob concluded, "And I dare say, the quicker we straighten things out with Vincent, all the better."
As Jacob then looked dreamily toward the window, he worriedly confided, "You see, Vincent's physical, and emotional makeup is different from yours or mine..."
Now looking intently at Catherine, he carefully added, "...it is not good for him to wallow within a distraught state of mind for too long."
Catherine nodded, thinking she understood, knowing that wallowing was not good for anyone. However, in reality, she had no clue what all Jacob was trying to tell her about the dark, unpredictable side of Vincent's nature.
But though she couldn't know, she deliberately decided not to dig any deeper into this conversation right now...no instead she wanted to think positively, about a happy reunion with Vincent.
As they arrived, Catherine greeted Leo, her doorman, who asked, "Good trip Cathy?"
In response, Catherine thoughtfully said yes, it was sad, but good...and then she turned to Jacob, and after introducing the two, she lifted the cage, and said, "And this is Noodles!"
To which Leo said, "Well, he's a cute little fella, is he yours?"
In reply, Catherine smiled, and said, "Yes. He was Mother Alcott's pet, and well, he needed a home."
With a nod, Leo held the door open, and said, "Well, I would say he is one lucky little doggy. Now, when you need to take him out, go right around the back there...that's where all the other pet owners go. Some of the tenants team up for safety sake, if you know what I mean, and the group is called "Pet Pals", it's posted on the bulletin board."
And because she appreciated this info, Catherine thanked him, and said she would look into it."
And so finally at home, Catherine turned the key to her apartment, and she welcomed Jacob inside.
Asking Jacob to make himself comfortable, she promised she wouldn't take long, and as Jacob looked about, he said, "Won't be difficult my Dear, as you have a quite comfortable abode here...and quite lovely indeed."
And so as she prepared a spot for Noodles, Catherine replied, "Thank you Jacob...I moved in here after college...and its been a great apartment for me. Its right across from the park, and close to work and shopping...Oh and there is a balcony too."
To which Jacob clarified, "A balcony you say? Yes...Vincent did mention something about a balcony..."
Politely, Catherine then offered, "Feel free to investigate if you like..."
Suddenly feeling the pain from every arthritic joint in his body, Jacob smiled, and kindly said, "I would love to another time, as for right now...I am not moving a muscle my Dear..."
And then as a thought occurred to him, Jacob happily noted, "Perhaps the balcony will provide a safer option, as opposed to going outside at night with Noodles! You know, a litter box of sorts for a dog?"
Jacob then continued to say, "And even though Leo informed you about the Pals of Pets group, I am still concerned about you walking him outside! Especially after work for instance..."
Catherine couldn't help but appreciate Jacob's concern, and had to smile at the way he inverted the name of the pet owner group!
And so in reply, Catherine mentioned, "That is a great idea Jacob...I haven't really thought everything out yet, but I was considering something like that too."
Catherine then looked around her confined apartment, and thoughtfully added, "I only hope Noodles will be happy here with me...but I do believe the balcony will help add an accessible outside dimension for him."
Catherine then finished filling his food and water bowls, and they watched with amazement at his resiliency, as he ate and contentedly settle in, prompting them to note, Noodles acted as if this had been his home forever!
And so since Noodles was settled, Catherine said, "Well I guess its all right to go..."
But then nervously Catherine shared, "I still can't shake this feeling...wondering if I should go with you or not."
To which Jacob, calmly, and assuredly inserted, "Tut, tut...have faith my Dear, have faith."
With a grateful nod, Catherine smiled, and then remembered she wanted to give Vincent her copy of Wordsworth.
And so as she picked it up, Catherine asked, "Would you mind if I took an extra moment to prepare a gift for Vincent?"
To which Jacob, assured her he didn't mind, and not to worry, he was needing a moment more to catch his breath before they journey onto the tunnels.
With a thankful nod, Catherine then sat at her table to write an inscription inside the book cover. She thought for a moment and then wrote,
To Vincent As you gave your treasure to me I give mine to you along with my heart... Forever yours Catherine
Upon closing the cover, she then said, "Well, I guess I am as ready as I will ever be."
Jacob, understanding her nervousness, relayed, "You know Catherine, I promised your Father, I would look out for you, as well as for my own son. I intend to make good on my promise."
Thankfully, Catherine smiled at Jacob, and after bestowing upon him a sweet daughterly hug, she told him thanks for his support.
And as Catherine closed the door to embark on her journey to the tunnel world, she told her new little acquisition, "I'll be back Noodles."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Pascal paid a visit to Brigit, asking if she would like to take a stroll through the tunnels.
To which Brigit quickly answered, "I dinny think I should, ye see Vincent may look fer me..."
In reply, Pascal suavely said, "No problemo! He is off by himself in the Hot Springs Chamber taking a soak...so what do you say? Do you wanna take that stroll?"
Upon hearing Vincent's current locale, Brigit looked slyly at Pascal and clarified, "Sooooo Vincent is in the Hot springs chamber ye say?"
To which Pascal proudly and informatively answered, "Yes indeedy he is!"
Knowing this may be her chance to be alone with Vincent, Brigit's mind began to reel, and so feigning fatigue, she wearily said, "Ye know Piscal..."
To which Pascal butted in to correct her once more, saying, "That's Pascal!"
With a wave of her hand, Brigit impatiently said, "Of course its Pascal, of course...Pascal, Pascal, Pascal!! Well anyway PASCAL...I am a bit tired. I would like to jist rest a bit longer. Please tell me ye understand?"
As Brigit batted her eyelashes at him, Pascal sheepishly said, "Of course Brigit. I will just see YOU later on then. Have a good rest!"
With Pascal out of her hair, and armed with information of where Vincent was, Brigit decided to go take a dip herself!
So after waiting a moment or two, Brigit peeked down the tunnel, wanting to be certain Pascal was out of sight.
Yes, Brigit's plans have changed, and things are looking up! So Brigit put on her robe, and peaked out again, and seeing there was no one hovering about, she ran with warp speed down the tunnel toward the Hot Springs chamber, and to Vincent!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meantime, since Jacob knew of all the portals in and out of his world, he led Catherine to one of them, via her building's basement. And so as he surveyed the storage boxes, he aloud surmised, "Let's see, it should be right here..."
And as Jacob guessed correctly, and moved the box away from the hidden door, he expounded, "Eureka, what are the odds I got it on the first try!"
And as Catherine saw there was an opening of sorts, Catherine quizzically asked, "So this is where we are entering?"
To which Jacob matter-of-factly, answered, "Yes Catherine, we are at one of the many entrances into our world. Ah there are several accesses we could take, but to have one in your very own building, well it is quite convenient, not to mention serendipitous, don't you think?"
Thinking it was so very serendipitous, Catherine dazedly replied, "Yes..."
So as Jacob was first to enter, he warned, "Now come along, and be careful climbing down these rungs!"
And it was then a thought occurred to Jacob, and he with concern mentioned, "Deary me...I wonder what Leo will think when he doesn't see me leave!"
With a smile, Catherine replied, "Needn't worry Jacob, Leo was just about to leave for the day."
Happy to hear his comings and goings would not be an issue for Catherine, Jacob chuckled as he said, "Well, onward, and downward!"
So as they descended safely onto the tunnel floor, Jacob humorously replied, "Ah the eagle has landed!"
Catherine giggled at Jacob's comment, and as they entered the tunnels, Jacob then lead a spellbound Catherine along the way.
Since it was mid-evening, things had quieted down in the tunnels, and as they passed by a security check, Jacob spoke to Simon, the Sentry on duty, and requested, "Simon Please summon a runner would you? I could use a bit of help."
Efficiently, Simon replied that he would send someone right away. Feeling happy this was so, Jacob then turned to Catherine to explain, "I dare say, the keepsakes Peter wanted me to have, added quite a bit of weight to my satchel!"
To which Catherine commiserated with Jacob, saying, "I know...me too, but it's so nice to have such lovely treasures to remember Mother Alcott by."
And then Catherine thought to offer, "May I help? I can carry it for a bit..."
And because they had walked quite a distance, Jacob grumbled, "Oh no Catherine, however I do have to wonder where the runner is!"
And as the runner finally showed up, Jacob scolded, "Land sakes! What took so long? And..."
It was then, when Jacob saw who the runner was, to which he sternly noted, "...you are that Mack fella, are you not?"
To which Mack tipped his hat, as he responded, "At your service!"
With a perturbed frown, Jacob curtly responded, "Service indeed! Dear man we requested your help some time ago!"
With a cockeyed grin, Mack shook a leg as he responded, "I came as quick as I could, I was finishin' up in the latrine chamber, if you get my drift!"
Taken aback by Mack's manner in front of Catherine, Jacob cleared his throat, as he responded, "Ahem, I see, not much we can say about that I suppose..."
Meanwhile, Catherine stood in fascination, at the security process here, and found humor in the lack there of as well...
And it was then Jacob wanted to insert a bit of authority, by asking, "And speaking of service, have the seriousness of your duties been addressed? Any news must be delivered expediently here!"
To which Mack crudely answered, "Ya, Governor! At the meeting! In fact it was quite a pow wow! And both Daniel and Vincent talked to me about my job, and the mistakes I've been makin', breaches in security they called them, and so I sure know how important it is now!"
Pleased to know Vincent conducted the Common Meeting as requested, Jacob nodded as he said, "Good, then may I assume there won't be any more, ahem, breaches in security?"
In response, Mack replied, "Not on my watch Governor!"
And it was then Jacob introduced Catherine, saying, "By the way, this is Catherine, and she happens to be, the very young lady, who nearly froze to death the other night at the park entrance, because of one of your breaches!"
Tipping his hat once again as he checked out Catherine, Mack responded, "Ooops, beg my parden Catherine!!! Hey, had I known such a lovely Lass such as you was waitin', I'd a been there lickety-split!"
Upon disapproving of this Mack's manners, Jacob's annoyance grew, and so he scolded him, saying, "Watch your manners young man! Don't go cracking wise! Understand?"
To which Mack adamantly answered, "Yes sir Govenor...I mean No Sir! I mean sorry, beg my pardon!"
Reluctantly accepting his apology, Jacob handed off his satchel, and then said, "Mack, when you deliver my bag, please ready my chamber as well."
With a questioning look, Mack asked, "Hmmm, hate to ask, but wonderin' what readyin' your chamber means governor, I don't think we talked about that at the meetin'!"
Feeling a little embarrassed to have such an inept runner, Jacob cleared his throat, as he noted, "Since it appears you were not trained properly, permit me to instruct! For future reference, readying my chamber, would require you to light the candles, torches, and the chamber warmer, oh, and then, if you would, after that, find Vincent for me, and tell him I wish to see him."
To which Mack over-zealously answered, "Yes sir! I can do that! Right away Governor!"
With a nod, Jacob thanked him, and then as Mack clumsily handled his satchel, Jacob cautioned, "Egad! Easy with my bag...there are a few breakables in there!"
With a tip of his hat, Mack tried to walk more gingerly, and off he went!
After Mack departed, Jacob shook his head in wonder, as he jokingly said, "Well, let's see how he does Catherine...however unfortunately, Me thinks Mack needs to be re-placed, NOT just re-trained!"
Catherine couldn't help but giggle at Jacob's comment, and then responded, "He is quite a colorful character that is for sure!"
Seeing a bit of humor in this situation, Jacob let go of a chuckle himself, saying, "INDEED! Too colorful for my liking!"
Since his hands were now freed up, he offered an escorting arm to Catherine and warmly said, "Shall we continue my Dear?"
To which Catherine said, "Lead the way Jacob."
And as they walked, Catherine was awestruck by the things she saw in passing. There were groups of people gathered, performing their duties and chores, and some were warming themselves at community fire barrels, talking and visiting with each other, causing Jacob to explain that the fire barrels, served as a place to meet at the end of a long day.
To which Catherine with a comical tone, asked, "So the fire barrels are the tunnels version of the water cooler?"
Thinking that YES, indeed it was, prompted Jacob to jovially reply, "Exactly my Dear!"
And so because Jacob was Jacob, everyone they passed, excitedly greeted him, and told him they were happy to have him back home. To which Jacob graciously greeted them in turn, and said he was happy to be back home as well.
And as Jacob greeted them, he took time to also introduce Catherine at each exchange, seeing and knowing they were all wondering who the beautiful top sider was.
Yes, as they passed each security check point, word spread quickly to everyone of the tunnel community that Jacob had returned.
That is to almost everyone, unfortunately the one person who did not know...was Vincent!
Yes Vincent was isolated, and all alone in the Hot Springs chamber, wondering how he could put his life back together, imagining a life now, without Catherine.
Still though, Vincent could not deny the bond between them, he could not ignore all the emotions he was sensing, which caused him to worry about her still...even now.
Meanwhile, upon arriving at the Hot Springs Chamber, stealthily Brigit peeked in, and when she did, she saw Vincent dive into the water. As Brigit witnessed the fine form in which he was in, she thought to herself, "Aye, look at that physique!" Ready or not...here I come!"
So while Vincent was submerged, Brigit slipped into the chamber without him hearing her. Quickly taking off her robe she quietly lowered herself into the water. Adjusting her hair attractively about her shoulders, she then poised herself seductively as she nestled in the corner of the springs.
As Vincent came up out of the water, he then saw her, and shouted, "Brigit what are you doing here? Didn't you know the water was occupied?"
Seductively Brigit answered, "Aye...I knew ye were here Vincent."
Wiping the water from his eyes, he replied astonishingly, "Brigit! I am without words!"
Smiling, Brigit, added, "And.....without any britches I see!"
Vincent wondered how to get out of the chamber gracefully, because Brigit was right...he was INDEED without any britches!
Embarrassingly Vincent then insisted, "You must leave at once!"
Brigit not the least bit modest, started to gleefully comply!
Matter-of-factly, she feigned, "Aye I will leave, however ye must know, I am as naked as the day I was born..."
Vincent quickly stopped her and said, "Wait then! Don't get out...I will."
With glee, Brigit said, "Aye now yer talkin'!"
Shyly Vincent then said, "There is a bit of a problem with this option too. Please turn around."
Brigit shook her head no, and sensually said, "I have waited too long for a chance like this Vincent Wells, I am not turnin' away now!"
Vincent with a flustered helplessness, explained, "Your coming here was not a good idea. Now here we are, both unclothed, in the water! You have your reputation to think about."
And because she had one thing on her mind, Brigit waded through the water toward him, and with a mock shyness, said, "Aye, me reputation...I'm a wee innocent flower that's aboot to wilt away...and just BEGGIN' to be picked! Now come here and start prunin'! Come on Vincent, I 'ave waited long enoof, let's have a bit o' fun, give ole' Brigit a kiss!"
In the meantime, Mack had been told by Pascal, exactly where he could find Vincent, and so he headed directly for the Hot springs Chamber!
And soooo, as luck would have it, Mack overheard Brigit's flirtatious comments, and as he peeked in, he saw Brigit put her arms around Vincent's neck!
And so silently, Mack naughtily slunk away, thinking, "Why Vincent! That luck sack son of a gun!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, upon entering Jacob's chamber, Catherine looked around as if she were Alice in Wonderland.
She could not believe this place. All the timely artifacts, and the numerous candles which gave off such an illuminating charm to the chamber, and not to mention...all the books! Catherine was in Heaven!