And so after Vincent had left, Catherine called Jennifer, who excitedly answered, "Cathy! I am dying here! I don't know if I should tell Tom I will go to his firm's Christmas Party or not, and he is going to call me back first thing in the morning!"
To which Catherine wisely replied, "Jen...you know all the gory details of his and my relationship. You know what my advice will be."
As Jennifer heaved a sigh, she disappointedly said, "Yes...yes I suppose I do."
And so in a empathetic tone, Catherine clarified, "This has to be your decision though Jen, all I can tell you, is Tom can be a phony, and I don't want to see you deceived and hurt down the road."
In an effort to rationalize why she would say "yes", Jennifer in a pouting manner said, "But it sure would be nice to have someone to date over the Holidays."
But then that quick, she came down to earth, and with clarity said, "However...I guess I would rather be alone than be with a jerk, sooooo, I am going to tell him He can just take someone else to share the mounds of delectable shrimp cocktail, the decadent Caviar, the scrumptious salmon in aspic, AND not to mention the bubbly champagne fountain!"
Relieved, Catherine lovingly told her friend, "You deserve someone much nicer than Tom. When the right man comes along, you will know him...there will be no questions in your heart."
To which Jennifer hopelessly said, "I am beginning to wonder, if he is ever going to show up!"
Jennifer then, calmed by a resolve, said "All right, all right, I better get to bed. Work tomorrow! Ah gee, I sure dread it after the long Holiday weekend! Should we plan on meeting for lunch?"
The thought of seeing her dear friend tomorrow, made Catherine smile, and she happily agreed, "Oh yes Jenny, that will help me get through the morning and give me something to look forward to. Where do you want to meet?"
In reply, Jennifer decadently said, "Hmm how about Poppy's? I am dying for something that is cheesy and saucy. I need to eat something totally different from Turkey, gravy and dressing!"
In agreement, Catherine said, "Sounds good Jen, around noon then?"
To which Jennifer said, "Yeppers, see you then. Nighty night!"
As Catherine settled into bed, she smiled as she looked over at a totally "out-of-it" Noodles! She then set the time on her alarm clock, and smiled as she noticed the book Jacob had lent to her, sitting beside the clock on her nightstand.
As she carefully picked up "Paradise Lost", and looked at the old worn cover, she then brought it affectionately to her heart, as she thought of Jacob, and the world he had vision to develop.
As she thought about this secret world below the city, she marveled at how the timely antiquated romantic feel of the tunnels, had managed to totally enrapture her, just as Vincent had.
This was Vincent's world, and the fact he chose it to be the place he wanted to first reveal his deepest most solitary self to her...made it her world now too.
The sweet memories of that enchanted hidden chamber, filled her heart and would forever connect her...not only to Vincent, but to the tunnels below.
As she contemplated this thought, she suddenly became aware of the ticking of her clock. As the rhythmic tic-tocking brought her reluctantly up out of Vincent's world, it plunged her consciously back into her own.
As she glanced at the late hour, she realized she better go to sleep, cuz in about six hours, she will be getting up for work.
Tomorrow, she would be holding down the fort for her Dad. And as the new day dawns, it will bring the beginning of an end. It will be the start of her last 2 weeks at her Father's firm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, back in his world, Vincent checked with Pascal for any updates, wanting to make certain everything went smoothly in his absence. After Pascal said there were no problems, Vincent then told Pascal, Catherine had talked to Father, and he had arrived safely down in Florida. And so they discussed transmitting this information over the pipes, so everyone else could know, and so they did.
Thoughtfully, Vincent then shared his conversation with Catherine, concerning Brigit. With care Vincent said, "I received a letter from Brigit today, asking if she may accept your invitation to attend Winterfest. I want to say..."
With regret, Pascal inserted, "About that invitation Vincent, I asked her before I knew she hid Catherine's letter from you. Otherwise I never would have asked her to come."
After hearing the downhearted tone in Pascal's voice, Vincent replied, "Shall I tell Brigit it would be best for her to visit us at a later time?"
To which Pascal sadly answered, "Yeah, the more I think about it, I think it is too soon to see her again anyway. She really hurt MY feelings, and it sure wasn't right, what she did to you, and Catherine! Yeah, I am totally decided...just tell her to skip Winterfest. It might make Catherine feel kinda weird to have her there anyway."
With an understanding pat on his good friend's shoulder, Vincent said, "Yes, I believe you are right, even though Catherine did say, if you wanted Brigit to come, she would accept that decision."
To which Pascal suspiciously said, "Ah Vincent, I don't think you should fall for that one! I mean down deep, though Catherine might say she would accept it, I don't see how she could possibly want Brigit there."
With an affirmative nod, Vincent agreed, and then complimented his friend by saying, "May I say, you have a comprehensive understanding of women, though they may say one thing, and think they mean it, tomorrow, the tides could turn..."
To which, Pascal agreed, and added, "And you find yourself up a creek without a paddle!"
And then with care, Pascal asked, "No, for this occasion, Catherine's feeling should come first...but, ahem...you will be nice when you write to Brigit won't you? I mean, I know you will be nice, but you'll let her down gently, and explain she can come later on...right?"
Resignedly, Vincent then said, "When I reply, I shall be as delicate as I can. And as you say...in time...Brigit will be welcome to visit again...perhaps she just came too soon after her Father's death...I believe she has a good heart, but it seems all her emotions were heightened, and jumbled...causing her to make a few bad decisions..."
With a nod, Pascal sadly smiled up at Vincent, and said, "Yeah...guess that was it, I will admit, Brigit sure turned my head. Well at least she didn't cause any permanent damage...seems you were able to get things back on track with Catherine."
With gratitude, Vincent said, "Indeed, and thanks for covering for me this evening."
To which Pascal said, "No problem, but I am kinda surprised you are back so early."
In reply Vincent said, "I didn't want to take advantage of your good nature, and I know Father is counting on me to be accessible in his absence. Well good night. I will see you tomorrow."
Vincent then retired to his chamber, and pensively he sat at his writing table and opened his journal to write:
Dearest Catherine,
Holding you protectively in my arms, has always been a source of immense pleasure for me.
Your possessive embrace when we meet, or saying goodbye, warms my heart, and makes me want to protect and keep you safe for always.
You are so lovely, and until today, I dared to want anything more, for fear of losing myself.
Today, you reminded me of what was in my heart. And I have to learn to accept others love, as well being able to love.
To have someone know and trust in me as you do, is something I have thought much about and wished for.
And because you own that trust in me, you have now forever changed my life's course, and the dreams in which I allow my heart to dream.
You have become my everything. Your love has made clear to me,
what the poets and writers for centuries have tried to convey about love, however, ultimately...there are no words.
Leaving you tonight was arduous, as I want to be in your presence, to see you, to feel you, to know you are near.
I will live for tomorrow's descending dusk when we can be together. As for tonight...I shall think of your beauty, and of how sweetly you love me.
Be well Catherine
Vincent
As Vincent put down the pen and closed his journal, he thought of the warm soothing waters of the hot springs, and decided to go there for a soaking before he retired.
As he walked through the tunnels, leading down to the hot springs chamber, he thought of how he must have taken this familiar path, thousands of times. However...now as he traveled it...he did so as a different man. Catherine's bond has gifted him with the knowledge of being in love and feeling loved in return.
Sinking into the water, he thought of how Catherine's trusting love, had transformed and empowered him to show her how much he loved her in return, erasing any existing doubts from her heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Jacob, Charles and Peter mentioned, since it was after midnight, they should probably turn in.
And so wistfully, Jacob said, "Yes, yes I suppose I should try and rest. After all that is what I am here for."
Peter turned to give Jacob a hopeless look, and said, "And I am here to make sure you do!"
To which Jacob thoughtfully nodded, and then said, "Yes, and I already am my friend...I have no worries not really, I know with Vincent in charge, there is no need for such trepidation."
As the three were all in agreement about retiring, they then all went around the beach house turning off lights and such, when Jacob looked outside at the midnight sky, and commented, "Ah look at that full moon! I dare say I cannot recall ever seeing one so bright!"
Because they wanted to see too, Peter and Charles walked to the window, and stood along side Jacob for a moment, and they too marveled at the awesome sight.
As they stepped out onto the patio for a more scenic view, Jacob reflectively said, "Ah, the moon in its magnificent staging sky...it is beautiful..."
To which Charles, as he looked upward, silently recalled how his late wife would moon gaze, she would be mesmerized by the moon, and the infinite beauty of this universe, as she would look skyward.
And as he looked at the moon now, he suddenly felt overwhelmed, as those old familiar feelings of grief, washed over him once again.
These were feelings he has had to routinely reconcile away, as they resurface time and time again, causing him to wonder why he was left behind here on this earth...and why his wife was taken so young, leaving him a widower to raise a young Catherine without her.
And then, it was almost as if Peter could tell what Charles was thinking, that he instinctively placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, and he too because of just losing his Mother, introspectively said, "All this beauty around us, is kind of like an affirmation, uh? Life is a gift, no matter how hard it can be. We must somehow try to make the most of each day."
Humbly, Charles looked downward, knowing he would blatantly reveal his heartache to his friend if he looked at him, simply reached up and in turn, patted Peter's hand that comforted him.
Meantime, Jacob still looking up, was caught up in his own inner turmoil, had not noticed the slight exchange between the other two men, nodded, and said, "Yes a gift. Here we are living out a life, wondering if we have chosen the right path, for ourselves and for others around us."
Moved by his tone, Charles and Peter looked to Jacob, both struck by the seriousness of his words.
To which Peter questionably said, "Jacob...what are you getting at?"
In reply, Jacob shakily smiled as he spoke, saying, "It is times such as this, I do miss my life above...all this beauty...I cannot help but wonder if in creating my alternative world, I have cheated others out of the challenge of making a consequential life here above...like a thief in the night, perhaps I have stolen this beauty from them."
Peter assuredly reminded Jacob, his world had provided a safe haven for those of the tunnel community. A place they could leave at any time, and he reaffirmed the fact, the tunnels were a life style they had freely chosen above all else.
He then inserted, "And what of Vincent? What kind of life would he have had...if it had not been for the tunnels?"
As Charles stood listening to talk about Vincent, he thought about his daughter's future, if she were to remain with him. Would she too one day, wish to make the tunnels her home? As this thought enveloped him, he thought back on his visit there, and of how happy everyone seemed to be...how happy his own daughter seemed to be.
The beauty of the tunnels seemed to be a result of the camaraderie, and this warmed his heart thinking Catherine may one day be a part of it, and he then said, "Jacob...you should not doubt the essence of your world, as an outsider looking in, it is truly heartwarming to see people helping people, and working together."
Jacob, with heavy emotion in his voice said, "Thank you...thank you both for making this solitary life seem worthwhile. Well it would seem the moon has detoured us from our sleep. Suddenly...I am very tired. Goodnight gentlemen."
To be continued
Chapter Sixteen
To which Catherine wisely replied, "Jen...you know all the gory details of his and my relationship. You know what my advice will be."
As Jennifer heaved a sigh, she disappointedly said, "Yes...yes I suppose I do."
And so in a empathetic tone, Catherine clarified, "This has to be your decision though Jen, all I can tell you, is Tom can be a phony, and I don't want to see you deceived and hurt down the road."
In an effort to rationalize why she would say "yes", Jennifer in a pouting manner said, "But it sure would be nice to have someone to date over the Holidays."
But then that quick, she came down to earth, and with clarity said, "However...I guess I would rather be alone than be with a jerk, sooooo, I am going to tell him He can just take someone else to share the mounds of delectable shrimp cocktail, the decadent Caviar, the scrumptious salmon in aspic, AND not to mention the bubbly champagne fountain!"
Relieved, Catherine lovingly told her friend, "You deserve someone much nicer than Tom. When the right man comes along, you will know him...there will be no questions in your heart."
To which Jennifer hopelessly said, "I am beginning to wonder, if he is ever going to show up!"
Jennifer then, calmed by a resolve, said "All right, all right, I better get to bed. Work tomorrow! Ah gee, I sure dread it after the long Holiday weekend! Should we plan on meeting for lunch?"
The thought of seeing her dear friend tomorrow, made Catherine smile, and she happily agreed, "Oh yes Jenny, that will help me get through the morning and give me something to look forward to. Where do you want to meet?"
In reply, Jennifer decadently said, "Hmm how about Poppy's? I am dying for something that is cheesy and saucy. I need to eat something totally different from Turkey, gravy and dressing!"
In agreement, Catherine said, "Sounds good Jen, around noon then?"
To which Jennifer said, "Yeppers, see you then. Nighty night!"
As Catherine settled into bed, she smiled as she looked over at a totally "out-of-it" Noodles! She then set the time on her alarm clock, and smiled as she noticed the book Jacob had lent to her, sitting beside the clock on her nightstand.
As she carefully picked up "Paradise Lost", and looked at the old worn cover, she then brought it affectionately to her heart, as she thought of Jacob, and the world he had vision to develop.
As she thought about this secret world below the city, she marveled at how the timely antiquated romantic feel of the tunnels, had managed to totally enrapture her, just as Vincent had.
This was Vincent's world, and the fact he chose it to be the place he wanted to first reveal his deepest most solitary self to her...made it her world now too.
The sweet memories of that enchanted hidden chamber, filled her heart and would forever connect her...not only to Vincent, but to the tunnels below.
As she contemplated this thought, she suddenly became aware of the ticking of her clock. As the rhythmic tic-tocking brought her reluctantly up out of Vincent's world, it plunged her consciously back into her own.
As she glanced at the late hour, she realized she better go to sleep, cuz in about six hours, she will be getting up for work.
Tomorrow, she would be holding down the fort for her Dad. And as the new day dawns, it will bring the beginning of an end. It will be the start of her last 2 weeks at her Father's firm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, back in his world, Vincent checked with Pascal for any updates, wanting to make certain everything went smoothly in his absence. After Pascal said there were no problems, Vincent then told Pascal, Catherine had talked to Father, and he had arrived safely down in Florida. And so they discussed transmitting this information over the pipes, so everyone else could know, and so they did.
Thoughtfully, Vincent then shared his conversation with Catherine, concerning Brigit. With care Vincent said, "I received a letter from Brigit today, asking if she may accept your invitation to attend Winterfest. I want to say..."
With regret, Pascal inserted, "About that invitation Vincent, I asked her before I knew she hid Catherine's letter from you. Otherwise I never would have asked her to come."
After hearing the downhearted tone in Pascal's voice, Vincent replied, "Shall I tell Brigit it would be best for her to visit us at a later time?"
To which Pascal sadly answered, "Yeah, the more I think about it, I think it is too soon to see her again anyway. She really hurt MY feelings, and it sure wasn't right, what she did to you, and Catherine! Yeah, I am totally decided...just tell her to skip Winterfest. It might make Catherine feel kinda weird to have her there anyway."
With an understanding pat on his good friend's shoulder, Vincent said, "Yes, I believe you are right, even though Catherine did say, if you wanted Brigit to come, she would accept that decision."
To which Pascal suspiciously said, "Ah Vincent, I don't think you should fall for that one! I mean down deep, though Catherine might say she would accept it, I don't see how she could possibly want Brigit there."
With an affirmative nod, Vincent agreed, and then complimented his friend by saying, "May I say, you have a comprehensive understanding of women, though they may say one thing, and think they mean it, tomorrow, the tides could turn..."
To which, Pascal agreed, and added, "And you find yourself up a creek without a paddle!"
And then with care, Pascal asked, "No, for this occasion, Catherine's feeling should come first...but, ahem...you will be nice when you write to Brigit won't you? I mean, I know you will be nice, but you'll let her down gently, and explain she can come later on...right?"
Resignedly, Vincent then said, "When I reply, I shall be as delicate as I can. And as you say...in time...Brigit will be welcome to visit again...perhaps she just came too soon after her Father's death...I believe she has a good heart, but it seems all her emotions were heightened, and jumbled...causing her to make a few bad decisions..."
With a nod, Pascal sadly smiled up at Vincent, and said, "Yeah...guess that was it, I will admit, Brigit sure turned my head. Well at least she didn't cause any permanent damage...seems you were able to get things back on track with Catherine."
With gratitude, Vincent said, "Indeed, and thanks for covering for me this evening."
To which Pascal said, "No problem, but I am kinda surprised you are back so early."
In reply Vincent said, "I didn't want to take advantage of your good nature, and I know Father is counting on me to be accessible in his absence. Well good night. I will see you tomorrow."
Vincent then retired to his chamber, and pensively he sat at his writing table and opened his journal to write:
Dearest Catherine,
Holding you protectively in my arms, has always been a source of immense pleasure for me.
Your possessive embrace when we meet, or saying goodbye, warms my heart, and makes me want to protect and keep you safe for always.
You are so lovely, and until today, I dared to want anything more, for fear of losing myself.
Today, you reminded me of what was in my heart. And I have to learn to accept others love, as well being able to love.
To have someone know and trust in me as you do, is something I have thought much about and wished for.
And because you own that trust in me, you have now forever changed my life's course, and the dreams in which I allow my heart to dream.
You have become my everything. Your love has made clear to me,
what the poets and writers for centuries have tried to convey about love, however, ultimately...there are no words.
Leaving you tonight was arduous, as I want to be in your presence, to see you, to feel you, to know you are near.
I will live for tomorrow's descending dusk when we can be together. As for tonight...I shall think of your beauty, and of how sweetly you love me.
Be well Catherine
Vincent
As Vincent put down the pen and closed his journal, he thought of the warm soothing waters of the hot springs, and decided to go there for a soaking before he retired.
As he walked through the tunnels, leading down to the hot springs chamber, he thought of how he must have taken this familiar path, thousands of times. However...now as he traveled it...he did so as a different man. Catherine's bond has gifted him with the knowledge of being in love and feeling loved in return.
Sinking into the water, he thought of how Catherine's trusting love, had transformed and empowered him to show her how much he loved her in return, erasing any existing doubts from her heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Jacob, Charles and Peter mentioned, since it was after midnight, they should probably turn in.
And so wistfully, Jacob said, "Yes, yes I suppose I should try and rest. After all that is what I am here for."
Peter turned to give Jacob a hopeless look, and said, "And I am here to make sure you do!"
To which Jacob thoughtfully nodded, and then said, "Yes, and I already am my friend...I have no worries not really, I know with Vincent in charge, there is no need for such trepidation."
As the three were all in agreement about retiring, they then all went around the beach house turning off lights and such, when Jacob looked outside at the midnight sky, and commented, "Ah look at that full moon! I dare say I cannot recall ever seeing one so bright!"
Because they wanted to see too, Peter and Charles walked to the window, and stood along side Jacob for a moment, and they too marveled at the awesome sight.
As they stepped out onto the patio for a more scenic view, Jacob reflectively said, "Ah, the moon in its magnificent staging sky...it is beautiful..."
To which Charles, as he looked upward, silently recalled how his late wife would moon gaze, she would be mesmerized by the moon, and the infinite beauty of this universe, as she would look skyward.
And as he looked at the moon now, he suddenly felt overwhelmed, as those old familiar feelings of grief, washed over him once again.
These were feelings he has had to routinely reconcile away, as they resurface time and time again, causing him to wonder why he was left behind here on this earth...and why his wife was taken so young, leaving him a widower to raise a young Catherine without her.
And then, it was almost as if Peter could tell what Charles was thinking, that he instinctively placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, and he too because of just losing his Mother, introspectively said, "All this beauty around us, is kind of like an affirmation, uh? Life is a gift, no matter how hard it can be. We must somehow try to make the most of each day."
Humbly, Charles looked downward, knowing he would blatantly reveal his heartache to his friend if he looked at him, simply reached up and in turn, patted Peter's hand that comforted him.
Meantime, Jacob still looking up, was caught up in his own inner turmoil, had not noticed the slight exchange between the other two men, nodded, and said, "Yes a gift. Here we are living out a life, wondering if we have chosen the right path, for ourselves and for others around us."
Moved by his tone, Charles and Peter looked to Jacob, both struck by the seriousness of his words.
To which Peter questionably said, "Jacob...what are you getting at?"
In reply, Jacob shakily smiled as he spoke, saying, "It is times such as this, I do miss my life above...all this beauty...I cannot help but wonder if in creating my alternative world, I have cheated others out of the challenge of making a consequential life here above...like a thief in the night, perhaps I have stolen this beauty from them."
Peter assuredly reminded Jacob, his world had provided a safe haven for those of the tunnel community. A place they could leave at any time, and he reaffirmed the fact, the tunnels were a life style they had freely chosen above all else.
He then inserted, "And what of Vincent? What kind of life would he have had...if it had not been for the tunnels?"
As Charles stood listening to talk about Vincent, he thought about his daughter's future, if she were to remain with him. Would she too one day, wish to make the tunnels her home? As this thought enveloped him, he thought back on his visit there, and of how happy everyone seemed to be...how happy his own daughter seemed to be.
The beauty of the tunnels seemed to be a result of the camaraderie, and this warmed his heart thinking Catherine may one day be a part of it, and he then said, "Jacob...you should not doubt the essence of your world, as an outsider looking in, it is truly heartwarming to see people helping people, and working together."
Jacob, with heavy emotion in his voice said, "Thank you...thank you both for making this solitary life seem worthwhile. Well it would seem the moon has detoured us from our sleep. Suddenly...I am very tired. Goodnight gentlemen."
To be continued
Chapter Sixteen
Dearest Catherine,
Holding you protectively in my arms, has always been a source of immense pleasure for me.
Your possessive embrace when we meet, or saying goodbye, warms my heart, and makes me want to protect and keep you safe for always.
You are so lovely, and until today, I dared to want anything more, for fear of losing myself.
Today, you reminded me of what was in my heart. And I have to learn to accept others love, as well being able to love.
To have someone know and trust in me as you do, is something I have thought much about and wished for.
Holding you protectively in my arms, has always been a source of immense pleasure for me.
Your possessive embrace when we meet, or saying goodbye, warms my heart, and makes me want to protect and keep you safe for always.
You are so lovely, and until today, I dared to want anything more, for fear of losing myself.
Today, you reminded me of what was in my heart. And I have to learn to accept others love, as well being able to love.
To have someone know and trust in me as you do, is something I have thought much about and wished for.
And because you own that trust in me, you have now forever changed my life's course, and the dreams in which I allow my heart to dream. You have become my everything.
Your love has made clear to me,
what the poets and writers for centuries have tried to convey about love, however, ultimately...there are no words.
Leaving you tonight was arduous, as I want to be in your presence, to see you, to feel you, to know you are near.
I will live for tomorrow's descending dusk when we can be together. As for tonight...I shall think of your beauty, and of how sweetly you love me.
Be well Catherine
Vincent
| Protector of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Fifteen ____________________________________ |