Morning came, and as Catherine descended the steps, she entered the kitchen, and gave her Dad a good morning peck on the cheek, to which Charles declared, "Well, there's my girl! Good morning Cathy!"
As Catherine thought her Dad looked well rested, she smiled, and said, "Good morning Dad. You're looking well! How are you feeling?"
To which Charles took a huge bite of his buttered Pumpernickel toast, and said, "I feel great, and I have my appetite back."
Upon seeing the butter drenched toast, Catherine raised her brow, and astonishingly said, "I see! But remember...we have to watch your cholesterol levels!"
With a grimace, Charles informatively answered, "Don't worry, it's low-fat! Willie has replaced everything around here with low-fat products, so nary a gram of fat can be found!"
Happy to hear this news, Catherine replied, "Well good Dad, we have to keep you healthy."
As Charles smiled, he then informed his daughter, "Well you gals are doing a great job, and in fact, I feel so good, I wanted to tell you, if you have things to do, and didn't want to stay again tonight, you wouldn't have to."
Upon detecting a sadness come over Catherine, Charles realized with Noodles gone, and Vincent issues, maybe Catherine was lonely and wanted to stay. So he quickly added, "But on the other hand...it is so nice having you back home honey...I am hoping you may stay for a few."
As Catherine thoughtfully tipped her head, with an uplifted tone, she answered, "I have to say, I AM encouraged by the color in your cheeks this morning, so unless I start getting on your nerves...I would love to stay."
To which Charles said, "Sounds great honey."
Then changing the subject, Charles repeatedly mentioned, "So you say you had a good time last night?"
To which Catherine smiled, and said, "I did, Steven is Steven, and I don't think he will ever change...but Jenny is great, and always fun being around..."
And then Catherine relayed, "...Jenny mentioned again, that her Mom would like to keep Noodles. She is really enjoying his company, and it sounds like Noodles has settled right in, and doing great."
With a thoughtfulness, Charles had to agree with Catherine, that giving Noodles up, really may be for the best. Especially after discussing how her new job, could be quite demanding.
So as Catherine sat down with only a cup of black coffee in front of her, Charles gave her a sideways glance, and mentioned, "Willie has some eggs in the warmer for you."
In reply, Catherine sighed and said, "Oh she has? Hmm, actually, just coffee is fine."
Not liking Catherine's reply, with great Fatherly concern, Charles asked, "You're not going on a hunger strike every time you and Vincent have a small disagreement are you?"
As the stress of their breakup, was beginning to sink in, Catherine tragically said, "This is more than a small disagreement Dad, and unless he has a change of heart..."
Upon hearing Catherine's hopelessness, Charles knew he had to draw her out, and so he nodded, and matter-of-factly surmised, "Ah I see, well then...are you going to start seeing Steven steadily again?"
Just hearing her Dad ask this question, made Catherine cringe! Because since her magical time with Vincent, she knew no one else could ever interest her now, let alone Steven!
And so Catherine incredulously replied, "I could never go back with Steven..."
And then with a broken hearted tone, Catherine continued, "...and what can I say about the special bond I once had with Vincent..."
And because Charles wanted his daughter to have a full and happy life in every way, Charles couldn't help but to privately consider this break up, maybe was for the best.
But still, Charles couldn't deny, he also had a sense of this bond Catherine spoke of! And he hated seeing his daughter so genuinely unhappy.
And so Charles then sagely prodded, "So you are saying this bond with Vincent was just a temporary phenomenon? And it is over?"
With a determination, Catherine looked up at her Dad, and said, "Until Vincent admits otherwise..."
And then Catherine hesitantly added, "And...there is another factor at play...I haven't mentioned this yet, but coincidentally, the brilliant new artist I went to see last night, Patrick'O? Well he turned out to be Brigit O'Donnell's cousin, and I saw her there. So I imagine she is most likely going to be attending the Winterfest celebration too."
Notably Charles informed Catherine, "Ya know, George, Brigit's agent said they would be back before Christmas to button up a few additional copyright details. So...between legal matters and her cousin, maybe that is why she is here. It may have nothing to do with Vincent."
In reply, Catherine resignedly nodded, and to end any back and forth, she compliantly said, "Maybe...I suppose that could be why."
Just then the phone rang, and Willie stepped in to tell Charles he had a phone call, and to Catherine, say, "Good morning Sweetie!"
And so, as Charles took the call, Willie prepared Catherine a plate of eggs, along with a croissant, and as she set it in front of her, Willie, with a raised brow, sternly said, "At least pretend to eat!"
And because it looked so delicious, Catherine smiled, and thanked Willie, as she said, "I won't need to pretend...I am hungry."
Happily, Willie hugged Catherine about her shoulders, and continued on with her chores. And as Willie cleaned off the counter, she moved a candle so she could dust around it.
And so as Catherine noticed it, she asked, "That's an interesting looking candle Willie. Very pretty shades of oranges."
With a nod, Willie said, "It is isn't it. I keep meaning to ask your Dad if he might have dropped it outside, because I found it on the welcome mat the other day."
Meanwhile, Charles re-joined the gals, and after Willie asked him about the candle, he stated, "Hmm, not me. I thought it was something you bought. You are always sprucing up the place with some new doodad."
So dropping the subject of the candle, Charles gave Catherine a thumbs up at the plate of food in front of her, and then informatively said, "By the way, that was Peter on the phone! He had just gotten home from the hospital, and wanted to let us know what was going on. He and his family have been standing by all night, waiting for Petey's fever to break! Finally...it did. And so their expectations are now on an upswing!"
After hearing this good news, Catherine sighed, "Oh good Dad, I am so glad Petey is better. So that is why we haven't heard from him...poor man, he must be exhausted."
With a nod, Charles said, "Yes evidently it has been a grueling 24 hours or so. Oh, and I told him about Mrs. Aranson wanting to keep Noodles. He said, he knows she would give him a good home. So it is up to you honey, Peter will trust your decision."
With a nod, Catherine stood up and resignedly replied, "I will call Jenny..."
But before Catherine left the room, Charles handed her a transcribed message from Peter, and added, "And Oh yes...because Peter can now make it to Winterfest, he asked if you would deliver this message for him. He would like you to tell Jacob he WILL be coming tonight after all."
With suspicion, Catherine looked helplessly at her Dad, and said, "Oh Dad...I think Peter is just inventing a reason for me to go to the tunnels."
In reply, Charles shrugged his shoulders, and said, "Could be, but all I know is he asked you to do this for him..."
Charles then checked the time, and said, "OOOO, maybe you better go now...Peter seemed eager for Jacob to receive this information about his change of plans."
Looking up at her Dad, Catherine resignedly blinked as she replied, "I'll call Jen, and then get ready."
So after a failed attempt to reach Jennifer on the phone, Catherine walked slowly up the winding staircase to her bedroom, and was surprised to find that deep down, she was excited to have an excuse to visit the tunnels, and hopefully see Vincent.
Yes, as nervous as she was, she suddenly could not wait to go. Maybe Vincent would tell her he was sorry for the false truth he wrongly held in his heart, depriving them of a happiness they once knew.
As Catherine stood in front of the mirror checking her image once more, she felt like an insecure little girl again, not wanting to expect anything from Vincent, but yet wanting him to offer her...everything.
And so Catherine tried to brace herself, for what ever may happen, and as she heard the honking horn of the Taxi outside, she knew it was time...
As Catherine put on her coat, she told her Dad, since she has been gone nearly a week, she would also stop at her apartment to check on things, and while there, she would also try calling Jennifer again, to give her the news about Noodles.
So Catherine cautioned, "It may be a few hours until I get back."
With a loving hug, Charles told his daughter to be careful, and replied, "Well, I'll see ya for supper, be careful honey."
As Catherine hopped inside the Cab, she asked the driver to take her into Manhattan. Dreamily looking out the window, Catherine wiped a tear away, wondering what was to be her fate this day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the tunnels below, both Pascal and Brigit appeared at Vincent's threshold, and asked if they could all walk together to the Dining Hall for breakfast.
To which Brigit informatively said, "Aye, Piscal, err pardon me, PAScal called upon me quite early! And I insisted we git ye too!"
With a compliant nod, Vincent replied, "I am pleased you have, and together we shall escort Father to breakfast as well."
And so as they entered Jacob's chamber, Vincent greeted his father, and without looking up, Jacob said, "I am nearly ready Vincent, I CANNOT find my Damn walking stick! I know the God-forsaken thing is here someplace!"
As Vincent spotted the cane leaning against his father's night table, he cleared his throat, and said, "Father...Brigit and Pascal are with me as well."
To which Pascal gleefully said, "Yea Father, isn't it great! Brigit is here for Winterfest!"
Well even though Jacob harboured bad feelings toward Brigit, he was put on defence, feeling embarrassed Brigit heard him cussing like a sailor!
So in response to Pascal, Jacob nodded, and then asked, "Oh Deary, pardon my French, won't you Brigit?"
To which Brigit humbly asked, "Of course Jacob, I am only hopin' you will pardon me as well...and please know how sorry I am fer what I had done in regards to Catherine's letter."
And because of Pascal's hopefulness, Jacob replied, "If Vincent has forgiven you, than I shall too."
Pleased this was so, Brigit replied, "I do thank ye Jacob. I do want to be a true friend to all of ye here."
As Jacob straightened his tunic, and with a nod of thanks, he accepted his cane from Vincent, and declared, "You found it! Let us go to brekky, shall we?"
And after smiling at Vincent, who did not look back at him, Jacob could tell Vincent was quite heavy hearted. And so he cleared his throat, and asked Brigit and Pascal, "Just give Vincent and I a moment please, we shall meet you in the Tunnel main."
And so now standing alone with his son, Jacob touched his arm, and expressed, "Vincent...I detest seeing this sadness in your eyes...It is not healthy for you to wallow. We will hear from Peter soon, I am sure."
To which Vincent nodded, but then shared with his Father, "There is no longer any need, Brigit had seen Catherine last evening, and she was in the company of her ex-beau, so it seems all is now over."
Feeling this was an unfortunate happenstance indeed, Jacob still advised, "Vincent, if you truly care for Catherine, then fight for her, win her back! It may take more than the abbreviated apology Peter had forwarded down to Florida for you. Sometimes women need repeated efforts before they can accept an apology for a wrong doing."
Jacob also urged his Son, to stop thinking so much, and take a moment, to just feel, and listen to his heart, and added, "...the truth you seek concerning Catherine, will lead you on the right path."
With a humble nod, Vincent said he would try, and thanked his Father for his caring advice.
Then after offering his Father his arm, the two met back up with Brigit and Pascal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Catherine exited the Taxi in front of her building, she heard Jennifer, who was stuck in traffic, call out, "Cath! Cath!"
And so as Catherine approached Jennifer's car, she said, "Hi Jen, I tried calling you earlier."
To which Jennifer said, "I've been on the go running some errands. Hey, wanna grab lunch?"
In reply, Catherine said not today, because she was on her way to deliver a message to a man named Father, who was the founder of a secret tunnel world, which exists right below the city, where dozens of people live along with Vincent, the gothically different looking Romeo, of whom she was hopelessly connected to.
But of course Catherine couldn't say that! Soooo, after telling Jennifer she had just eaten a huge breakfast, she then told Jennifer, the reason she tried to call her earlier, was because they had heard from Peter.
And so Catherine with a mix of melancholy and joy, relayed, "Peter said he knows your Mom will give Noodles a good home...and so....if your Mom would like to adopt Noodles, it would be more than fine with him."
As Jennifer pounced on this news, she said, "Oh thank you Cath! I know you will miss him, but just know he will be well cared for at Mom's..."
Catherine smiled, knowing the happiness this will bring Jennifer's Mom, and then said, "If you want to meet me at my apartment in a little bit, you can pick up the rest of Noodles things."
To which Jennifer said that sounded perfect, and because a honking horn alerted the two friends the traffic was flowing again, they said goodbye, and would meet up later.
Now standing alone, Catherine's mind drifted to the task before her...which was a trip to the tunnels.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, below in the tunnels, the preparations for the fest were in full swing, but truthfully there was a pall which had settled upon the tunnel residents, and it was all due to the break up of Vincent and Catherine.
But even still, as everyone carried this broken hearted feeling on behalf of their beloved Vincent...an excitement began to brew, and it could not be denied, that this was the most special day of the year for the tunnels, and for its helpers.
Since the Great Hall, was now ready for the celebration, the ladies decided it was time to converge upon the Hot Springs chamber to ready themselves.
And so as Rebecca and Mary walked together, Rebecca commented, on how excited she was to be wearing such a grand new dress tonight!
And then she complimented Mary by saying, "...and honestly your dress is so pretty too. Lin was right about the color she chose for you. It suits you perfectly."
As Mary modestly glanced downward, she replied, "Thank you Rebecca. I hope to look maybe a little special tonight for...well for Winterfest."
Girlishly, Rebecca giggled, as she teasingly said, "You want to look a little special for Father you mean!"
In reply, Mary shyly admitted, "Well yes I suppose I do. Am I being silly Rebecca?"
To which Rebecca assuredly said, "No Mary. I have sensed you have had feelings for Father, well...for a long time now."
Resignedly, Mary sighed as she said, "Yes, even though I know I haven't any right to do so."
Upon hearing Mary's comment, Rebecca questioned, "What do you mean Mary?"
Thinking it was obvious, Mary looked to Rebecca, as she blurted out, "Well because, Father is special to all of us, it is not right for me to...well never mind all that! But...still I hope maybe he will notice the extra care I have taken with my dress tonight."
To which Rebecca sweetly said, "I don't see how he could not notice Mary."
They then spoke about Peter's absence, and the impact it will have on this years celebration!
And because Vincent and Catherine have yet to reconcile, Catherine won't be there, which means Charles will not be coming either.
With emotion, Mary concluded, "What was to be a truly jubilant evening, will be lacking the luster we all hoped for, especially for poor Vincent."
With a comforting tone, Mary replied, "Well Rebecca, we must be there for him, and be extra joyful."
And then seeing how depressed Rebecca still looked, in an attempt to cheer up her cohort, Mary teased, "Now Dear, though Peter, Catherine and Charles won't be attending, cheer up! Remember...we do have BRIGIT!"
Well Mary's comment DID help shake off Rebecca's funk, and with a wide eyed response, Rebecca giggled as she responded, "Yes, and in all her glory too!"