Upon their return to New York in the mid-afternoon, Charles and Catherine decided to stop by the office, to catch the office bunch, before they left for the day.
And so, as they stepped into the foyer of the law office, squeals of delight came from every corner of the suite, everyone was so happy to see the traveling duo was back, safe and sound, and in the PINK!
As Charles greeted everyone, he then said, "I just had to stop by, and thank everyone for your kind words, get well cards, stuffed animals and flowers! Terrific! All of you are just terrific! Oh yes, and the smiley face balloons were a nice touch too!"
Everyone spoke at once, saying the tokens of concern, were the least they could do for their fearless leader, and they all then commenced to a lawyer style form of questioning, asking Charles for all the details of his illness.
Needless to say, Charles was definitely in his element, as he fielded questions about his bout with food poisoning, and all the while, Catherine stood back beaming, as she saw how loved her Dad was, by his fellow lawyers, and the young pages alike.
They were all comfortable around him, and he let them all know how much he liked them too by his warm generous graciousness, as he answered their questions.
As Catherine listened, she once more thought of what a wonderful man her Dad was, and realized it was her good fortune, to be his daughter.
As the excitement died down, everyone returned to their final tasks of the day, before clocking out for the weekend.
And it was then, Catherine and Charles settled into his office, to have a quick impromptu meeting with Rita and Marilyn, where the two filled them in, with only necessary issues, saying the other things could wait until Monday.
To which Charles said, "Great, Monday we we will tackle the rest then..."
And as Charles took Mother Alcott's estate files from his brief case, he said, "Please see these papers are filed on Peter's behalf this afternoon."
To which Marilyn said, "No problem, I'll get right on it."
But because she knew how much work wrapping up an estate can be, Rita asked, "So this is it? You don't need to go back down to Florida?"
With a proud nod, Charles looked at Catherine, and said, "Thanks to Cathy, we were able to wrap up all the legalities this week."
And so as Charles slipped his coat back on, he helped Catherine with hers, and with much gratitude, he told them, "Thanks for keeping the place afloat for us...you two are the best. I will see you both on Monday."
With loving hugs all around, they bade each other goodbye.
And so after a quick conversation with Bruno, who told Charles he didn't look any worse for the wear, he then hailed a taxi for them, and with affection, told them both to have a good weekend.
As the taxi traveled the snow covered streets to the Chandler estate, Catherine excitedly announced, "Look Dad, it is beginning to snow. What a wonderful welcome home!"
A hearty laugh escaped from Charles, as he marveled, "I believe you are the only person in this city that does not complain about the snow!"
Charles then dreamily remembered, "Even as a very small girl, you loved the snow."
As Charles then settled on his side, he lovingly looked at Catherine, as he relayed, "Here you were, this pudgy little toddler, in this quilted over stuffed snowsuit playing in the snow...and when it was time to come inside, your Mother had to struggle to carry you, because you would never want to come in. I can still see you now, your little button nose would be bright red, and your cheeks would be just as rosy, and you would wiggle and squirm out of your Mother's arms, and waddle away just as fast as you could!"
Charles warmly chuckled, as he thought back, and confessed, "We couldn't help but laugh at your determination, even though your stubbornness could be challenging at times."
Catherine herself, could not help but to laugh, at the picture her Dad had painted, of the stubborn little girl, she had been.
With tears gathering in her eyes, Catherine's laugh subsided, as she began to wish so badly, she could remember...remember every moment she shared with her Mother.
She then shook off her melancholy, and teased, "Well I do have to wonder, where I got all my stubbornness from DAD?"
With umbrage, Charles brought his hand up to his chest, and innocently asked, "You are not implying that you got it from the Chandler side Dear Daughter?"
With an astounded look, Catherine dramatically said, "Oh no, I would never imply that Dad!"
As they arrived home, they walked into the front foyer, and they both took in the delicious aromas that were in the air! Yes, their return home was definitely enhanced by the warm homey aromas emanating from the kitchen. And so, Charles looked at Catherine and noted, "Hmm, Willie's cooking!"
And as he closed the front door, Charles then called out, "Anybody home?"
To which Willie came running out, and welcomed them both with a warm hug, and asked how their flight was.
And so after they filled Willie in on their flight, and everything pertaining to Charles' health, he added, "Cathy is planning on staying for a few days...I guess my dear daughter wants to keep an eye on me."
Well this news delighted Willie to no end, saying it was a great idea, and it will be just like old times."
With a warm smile, Catherine reflectively said, "Yes...it will be nice..."
And then she mentioned, "Well, something sure smells good!"
With a nod, Willie replied, "As per your request darlin', I prepared a menu from the list of foods your Dad can have. So come on and sit down, everything is ready."
To which Catherine said, "Before I sit down, I better call Jenny, and ask if Noddles can stay a day or two more at her Mom's."
Upon which Charles offered, "Hey Noodles is welcome here! That's not a problem."
With a nod, Catherine said, "Oh okay Dad...I'll make it a quick call, I promise."
And so as Charles and Willie continued to get caught up on his health issue, Willie set the food on the table.
It was then Catherine rejoined them saying, "Jenny said to tell you she is so happy you are all right Dad, and as far as getting Noodles, she is going to call her Mom, and see what will work out best..."
Yes, and as they all sat and actually enjoyed the lean roast beef, with roasted vegetables, both Charles and Catherine said even though it was all low-fat, Willie managed to make it all quite delicious!
And while they ate, the phone rang, causing Catherine to anxiously run to answer, knowing Jennifer would be calling back, but privately, hoping it would be Peter.
And so, as expected, the call was from Jennifer, and with much angst, Jennifer relayed that when she asked her Mom about Catherine picking up Noodles, she began to cry, because she had grown so attached to the little fella.
As Catherine and Jennifer talked about Noodle's and Mrs. Aranson's welfare, Catherine had to sadly admit, that although she loved Noodles too, Noodles really would be better off with her Mom, who was home all day.
And since her Mom loved Noodles so much, it sounds as if they were a good fit for one another.
And so, Catherine promised to talk to Peter, to see how he felt about it. Happy to hear there was a possibility that Noodles could stay with her Mom, Jennifer gratefully replied, "If you decide to let Noodles stay, I promise you, Noodles will have it made at Mom's."
It was then, Jennifer invited Catherine to go to an Art exhibit her agency was sponsoring of this new Irish artist! Saying enticingly, "Oh Cath, he has the most awesome collection!"
And though she was tempted, Catherine said no thank you to, because she did not want to leave her Dad's side so soon after just getting home. And so the two friends said bye for now, and Catherine promised to call just as soon as she talked to Peter.
With a thoughtful look, Catherine sat back down, and shared, "Jenny just told me her Mom would love to keep Noodles...permantently."
To which Charles asked, "How do you feel about that honey?"
With a sadness, Catherine revealed, "I suppose kind of stunned. I have grown so attached, but truthfully, I have to admit, Noodles would probably be better off there. Mrs. Aranson has a yard, and is home all day...I suppose I need to ask Peter about it too."
In response, Charles agreed, saying, "Yes, asking Peter's permission would be the nice thing to do."
And so, as Catherine took a sip of her coffee the phone rang again!
This time it was Steven! He had managed to track Catherine down at her Father's home from Rita at work, and he told Catherine of how he had been leaving her messages all week, and knew there had to be something wrong! And so finally he thought to call the office, where Rita filled him in on the circumstances. Conveying he was pleased her Dad was all right, and that she was now back in New York.
In reply Catherine explained how she didn't have time to call all around, and her first priority had to be her Dad.
Saying he totally understood, and was mainly calling to invite her to an Art Exhibit, coincidentally, it was the same Exhibit Jennifer had just invited her to.
To which Catherine adamantly told Steven, the same thing she had just told Jennifer, which was she did not want to leave her Dad since they had just gotten home.
And so because Charles had overheard the phone conversation, he told Catherine she should go, in fact...he insisted on it!
As Catherine covered the phone, she softly asked, "Are you sure Dad? If I go, I would get to see Jenny, in fact she had also invited me...Jenny says this Irish artists' paintings are brilliant!"
In affirmation Charles nodded, and said he really wanted her to go, and that he could use a little time to himself, and she could use a change of pace.
Upon hearing her Dad's answer, Catherine turned back to the phone, and told Steven, "Well it looks like Dad is trying to get rid of me! I will go, but I don't want to stay out late..."
Upon which Steven happily told her he would be by, and pick her up in about an hour.
As Catherine stood for a moment more, she then sadly hung up the phone, feeling disappointed she had not heard from Peter yet.
And so as she thoughtfully stepped back into the Dinning room, her Dad asked, "What's up kiddo? Not excited about going out with Steven? Maybe I shouldn't have butted in uh? I guess I have forgotten all he put you through back in the day."
To which Catherine confessed, "No its okay Dad. I am actually trying to be a friend to Steven right now. You see, he stopped by the same night I saw him at Pai's, and he confided in me, that he has a terminal illness...and since his parents died, he has no one else...so without any encouragement of a possible relationship, I told him I could offer friendship, but nothing more."
With a nod, Charles replied, "Terminal uh? Gee that's tough...well bless your heart Cathy for being there for him even after...well you know...anywhooo, you are a good, kind person, and I am proud of ya."
Appreciating her Dad's kind words, Catherine replied, "Well thanks Dad..."
And then Catherine worriedly noted, "Do you think it is strange we haven't heard from Peter by now. We left a message, nearly an hour ago, letting him know we were back home."
With assurance, Charles told his daughter that since he is a Doctor, there could be a million reasons why they had not heard from him yet. It could have been a medical emergency or something.
In response, Catherine asked, "I suppose you are right Dad...well if he should call when I am out tonight, do you want to ask him how he feels about giving Noodles to Mrs. Aranson?"
To which Charles said, "Sure, I can do that."
And meantime, little did Charles know how right he was, because in fact..Peter did have a medical emergency. Little Petey had took a fever, and Peter was standing watch at his bedside, along with the rest of his family.
However, not hearing anything from Peter, had left both Vincent and Catherine anxious, because he was their go between, and they were both longing to hear something encouraging about one other.
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Meanwhile, below in the tunnels, Jacob passed by Vincent, who was just coming from the Park entrance with his cloak on.
And so with concern, Jacob asked his son, "Were you out in the park...at this early hour?"
To which Vincent softly answered, "Only to peer out Father. Some of the children said it was snowing, and I wanted to see."
Upon hearing Vincent's answer, Jacob began to laugh as he placed his hand on his son's shoulder and said, "Vincent...your love of a fresh snowfall has not diminished any, not since you were a boy."
As a sweet recollection came to mind, Jacob brought his hand to his chin, and said, "I recall one winter snowy night...let's see you must have been 2 years old, or maybe 3, and you were no where to be found! Oh I was so frantic! We had everyone looking, and then finally, your brother and Winslow located you..."
Jacob chuckled as he concluded, "...you were in the tunnel which runs beneath the bandstand in the park! And the snow was filtering in through the grating there, and you were just sitting there covered with snow...snow in your hair and on your eyelashes..."
Jacob's eyes misted over as he recalled, "...and you hosted the biggest smile I had ever seen you own up until that period in time."
Jacob continued with a chuckle, saying, "When I appeared on the scene, you looked at me as you pointed upward, and declared, "Look Father! It's raining crystals!"
Vincent himself had a slight smile in his eyes, as he recalled, "That was the first time I had ever witnessed the snow, and it reminded me of the crystals I had seen in the Crystal Cavern...and...I recall thinking how wondrous it was!"
In agreement, Jacob amusedly said, "Yes...you were enchanted by it."
Jacob let go of another chuckle under his breath, as he fondly repeated, "Raining Crystals! Brilliant..."
As the Father walked with his son, he gently broached the subject of Catherine. And carefully he asked, "Any word yet from Peter?"
To which Vincent concernedly replied, "Not as yet Father...not as yet."
Just then Pascal came running up and announced, "I just received a note from Brigit! She is in town, and is asking if she may visit."
Pascal then looked disappointedly at Vincent as he relayed, "Brigit wrote she never heard back from YOU Vincent! I thought you were gonna write back and tell her not to come! So now she is asking me if she is still welcome to celebrate Winterfest with us tomorrow night! Awe geeze, now I gotta tell her no!"
Vincent heaved a sigh, and responded, "I am sorry Pascal, I intended to, but then because Father left home, and not to mention my issues with Catherine...well sad to say, I neglected to respond."
Knowing it wasn't kind of Brigit to conceal Vincent's letter from Catherine, Pascal felt guilty for still wanting her to visit. And so he replied, "Well, I know we spoke about this before, and even though Catherine said it was all right for Brigit to come to Winterfest, we know better uh? Kanin told me, women may say one thing, but really mean another, and it can get you into BIG trouble."
With a sorrowful nod, Vincent replied, "Catherine gave her approval before Pascal...when we were in accordance with one another...however now…"
Vincent then set his own problems aside, and as he looked at his pal, Vincent felt so badly that Pascal should be in such a spot, because of his own negligence.
And so Vincent relented, "Pascal, you have every right to extend Brigit an invitation to visit, and if you wish, invite her to Winterfest as well."
Happy to hear how Vincent felt, Pascal excitedly started to walk backwards as he said, "Well, call me a fool, but I would very much like to see her again. Awe man, I need to get a Winterfest Candle from Rebecca and let Brigit know right away she is welcome!"
And so after Pascal left them, Jacob thoughtfully, looked up at his son, and asked, "Assuming you and Catherine reconcile, will it be an issue having Brigit's friendship reinstated?"
Looking downward as they walked, Vincent searched his heart for an answer, and he then said, "Should my plea for forgiveness be granted, nothing can touch, or harm us again Father."
With humility, Vincent then questioned, "How can I deny Pascal his feelings for Brigit?"
To which, in reply, Jacob nodded as he raised a brow, and agreeably observed, "Pascal does seem quite smitten with Brigit, does he not? I do not believe I have ever seen any other girl turn his head as Brigit has."
In reply, Vincent tipped his head, as he replied, "Nor have I Father...nor have I."
Jacob then thought to ask, "Speaking of Candles, had you the chance to give Catherine her Winterfest Candle, before you...well you had your...ahem, issues?"
Saying he had not, Vincent relayed, "They had only been dipped the day before, and now since Catherine has not responded to my message of apology, I cannot imagine she would accept it now..."
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Meanwhile, Catherine and Steven entered the Exhibit Hall, and when Jennifer caught sight of Catherine, she happily greeted her by saying, "I am so happy you decided to come! I missed you while you were gone!"
To which Catherine replied, "I missed you too!"
It was then Jennifer turned toward Steven, and even though she did not like Catherine's ex-boyfriend, she tried to be nice because of his illness, and said, "Long time no see Steven."
And since Steven always sensed Jennifer disliked him, he didn't like her either, and didn't even try to be nice!
And so, as Steven continued to look around the Hall, he replied, "Yeah no joke, it has been a long time."
And then Steven with a preoccupation of the art work, said, "There are some really cool paintings here. Hey, point out the artist to us."
And though Jennifer didn't like being called "Hey" she did look around as she sipped her champagne, and then pointed to the young red haired gentleman, in the corner of the room, saying, "That's him over there, he's the one with the..."
And just at the same time, Jennifer compliantly pointed out the artist, Steven spotted an old college chum! And so, he rudely cut off Jennifer, as he turned to Catherine, to say, "There's my old pal Reginald! I gotta go say hi, excuse me?"
To which Catherine kindly replied, "Sure, go on ahead, we'll be around."
And so as Steven left them, for only Catherine to hear, Jennifer said, "Don't hurry back!"
After giving Jennifer, a shame on you look, Catherine did have to giggle, as she said, "You two never did hit it off, did you?"
To which Jennifer humorously admitted, "Hmmm, let me think, ah NO, not so much! But you heard the whole exchange, since he is supposedly dying, I tried to be nice."
But then Jennifer, who managed to ignore Catherine's shaming look, turned serious, as she asked, "So tell me about your Dad...all is well?"
In reply, Catherine thankfully said, "Yes, Dad is expected to be just fine. He just needs to watch his diet a little bit, but other than that, he received a clean bill of health."
It was then Catherine with much gratitude, shared, "You know, I keep thinking, if you had not been there when I received that call about Dad...I don't know what I would have done."
With a nod, Jennifer replied, "I know me too! If I hadn't needed that five bucks, I wouldn't have been around to help. But I am so glad I was...and so thankful your Dad is OK."
With much relief, Catherine replied, "Me too."
And because they haven't broached the subject of Vincent, Jennifer announced, "And I am not going to grill you about you know who. I just want this to be a fun night for you."
With gratefulness, Catherine sadly said, "I appreciate that Jen."
And so upon changing the subject, Catherine with kindness said, "And I still haven't talked to Peter yet. We left him a message...but I promise, as soon as I do, I will let your Mom know about Noodles."
With her eyes Heavenward, Jennifer said, "Oh I hope he gives you the go ahead. Mom has lit every votive candle she has, praying she gets to keep him."
And it was then, that a thought struck Jennifer, and so as she giggled a bit, she relayed, "Oh, and guess who has been e-mailing me...your cousin Robert!"
To which Catherine laughingly asked, "Oh no Jen! Well, I am not surprised, after all, we both know he has had a crush on you, and, you DID give him your e-mail."
Admittedly, Jennifer replied, "Awe, well I am not complaining, he is so sweet, and I do like talking to him. And after I told him, we would just be friends, well I don't get the sense he is expecting anything more. But anywhooo, what I am getting at, is according to him, he and Gerty, are anxious to take you up on your invitation to visit before the Holidays! He said especially since your Dad was sick, they are really wanting to see him too."
Thinking that would be so nice to have her cousins visit, Catherine warmly smiled and said, "Whenever they can make it should be fine. I have to admit I always enjoy being around them. It takes me right back to a much simpler time..."
After Jennifer nodded in agreement, she noticed the artist was finally alone! And so she grabbed Catherine by the hand, and said, "Come on, it looks like a good time for me to introduce you to cutie-patootie, Patrick'O."
And so as they stepped up to the artist, Jennifer introduced Catherine, saying, "Patrick, I want you to meet my oldest friend in the world, and Cathy, this is Patrick'O."
And because Patrick'O was taken aback by Catherine's beauty, his eyes lit up, and he said, "Well glad to meet ye!"
And Catherine in turn shook his hand, and expressed how much she liked what she has seen of his work so far, saying, "I want to compliment you. Your painted landscapes of Ireland are breathtaking."
With a bit of a blush, Patrick replied, "Thank ye kind lady."
And as the three of them spoke for a few minutes, Patrick'O suddenly became distracted, by the person who had just entered the room.
To which Patrick'O turned to Jennifer and Catherine, explaining, "Excuse me ladies, but I see me cousin jist walked in...and looks like she is searchin' fer me! May I look ye up in a moment or two?"
To which Catherine replied, "Of course...in the meantime, I will enjoy checking out more of your paintings."
After being excused by Jennifer and Catherine, Patrick excitedly called out, "Brigit, ye made it! I was afraid ye had gotten lost!"
As Catherine heard Patrick'O say the name "Brigit", she looked over, and could not believe her eyes! It turned out that Patrick's cousin Brigit, is THE Brigit O'Donnell!
As Catherine took in a deep breath, she turned to Jennifer, and asked, "So, I take it that the O in Patrick'O stands for O'Donnell?"
And so as the pieces began to fit together, with shock and awe, Jennifer shrieked, "Oh my God! I never put 2 and 2 together!"
And so as Jennifer's excitement caught Brigit's attention, she looked over, and was equally surprised, as she spotted Catherine!
And so as Brigit warmly hugged her cousin, and after a moment or two of chit chat, she then excused herself, as she turned toward Catherine.
As Jennifer and Catherine saw Brigit approach, Jennifer took in a huge gulp and said, "Oh no, she is coming your way, and you were right! She does have big boobs!"