As Catherine looked up at Vincent, and then to her Father, she was so happy to see the genuine look of acceptance in her Dad's eyes.
To which, Vincent in turn warmly greeted Charles, by saying, "Welcome Charles, it's wonderful to have you with us this evening, and Catherine, if you permit me to assume, I believe you think so as well."
And because it was true, Catherine smiled as she said, "Guilty as charged..."
Just then, Jacob and Peter walked up too, and Jacob said, "All I can say, it is so delightful you two gents came to visit us on this auspicious Holiday."
To which Charles humbly replied, "Well, as I was leaving Peter's home after dinner, he came up with the idea of coming here, so I could see my daughter. Hope it's all right..."
With much joy, Jacob expressed, "All right? Indeed it's all right!"
And turning to Peter, Jacob declared, "Once in a while you do have a few brilliant ideas my friend, and this was indeed one of them!"
Wanting to express her joy too, Catherine turned to Peter and said, "You must have been reading my mind, because I've been thinking about you two, and wondering how your Thanksgiving went."
To which both Peter and Charles began to say how their day had gone as nice as could be expected with Petey's situation, when Mary, Rebecca and Pascal walked up, wanting to meet Catherine's Dad too.
And so Catherine firstly turned to Mary, and warmly said, "I would like you to meet my Dad, Charles, and this is Mary, and this is Rebecca"
To which Rebecca gleefully said, "I am so happy to meet you."
Mary then nodded at Catherine and said, "Yes indeed me as well! And may I say, we all simply loved having your daughter with us today!"
To which Charles proudly said, "Well thank you, so very nice to hear."
Turning to Pascal Catherine next introduced him, saying, "And I would like you to meet Pascal."
As the two men shook hands, Vincent befittingly explained, "Pascal is in charge of the Pipe chamber here Charles. The Pipe chamber is the hub, or cross section of all the master pipes, which run throughout the tunnels, and the city as well, which is how we communicate."
Impressed to hear about this method to communicate, Charles inquired, "Oh really? Communication system with the pipes?"
Vincent nodded toward his Father, and explained, "Father and his co-founder, set up the code system. We simply tap out the codes on the pipes, and the sound is transmitted throughout the tunnels. Pascal's job is to monitor the pipes, not only for communications sake, but for our safety as well."
To which Pascal modestly said, "I merely do my part, as my Father before me had. I just keep an eye, or should I say, an ear on things."
Jacob chuckled at Pascal's pun, and then as he put his hand on Pascal's humble shoulder, he proudly added, "An integral part of our existence."
Jacob then turned to Charles and said, "Though Pascal may be modest, I can boast! Yes I have seen him grow up from a good boy, into a fine, dedicated young man"
Jacob chuckled a little as he continued, "Although, I do recall having to scold him once or twice as he, along with Winslow, Devin, AND Vincent, got into mischief when they were boys!"
To which Pascal timidly smiled, as he agreed, saying, "Yes I remember too Father."
And because the tunnel children were all listening, while making their friendship charms, Kipper asked, "You got in trouble as a kid Pascal! What kind?"
As Pascal looked down at Kipper, he replied, "I'll tell you about it another time kiddo."
Then the rest of the children chimed in, wanting to hear too. So as Pascal received an approving nod from Jacob, Pascal humorously relayed, "Well, if you really wanna hear...I guess I can tell ya about one time in particular, but you hafta keep working on your charms, Okay?"
After all the kids said they would, Pascal who kinda enjoying being center stage, animatedly began, "Well, we were all playing tag ya see, and Winslow, Devin and I, were all three chasing after Vincent, who I might add, we could never catch!"
Turning to Vincent, Pascal said, "Man you could always run the fastest...you ran like the wind! Still do as a matter of fact!"
Vincent, with a smile in his eyes, looked downward, and felt a bit embarrassed by Pascal's compliment, knowing everyone, especially Catherine was looking at him.
So happily for Vincent, Pascal continued with his tale, saying, "Anyway, here we are running as fast as we could, and as we rounded the corner, we ran right into Father! Well down Father went, and I found myself on top of him, eyeball to eyeball!"
Upon hearing this, the children all gasped, and Samantha asked, "Did you get hurt Father?"
To which Jacob shook his head no, and then Vincent, recalling the incident, added, "As I remember Pascal, Father had you by the collar, and you couldn't get away."
Pascal raised a brow, as he reminded Vincent, "Ah...but the other two did, they just kept running, but you came back, and stood at my side..."
To which Vincent noted, "I couldn't let you face Father alone."
Jacob then proudly inserted, "Well, Winslow and Devin may have gotten away, however, they did not escape! They had to participate in the punishment, err rather task I gave you as well."
Wondering what they had to do, Zach asked Pascal, "So what torture did Father put you through?"
In response, Pascal and Vincent looked at each other, and it was Vincent who replied, saying, "We spent DAYS, alphabetizing the books within Father's chamber! A punishment which proved to be both tedious, and memorable."
Everyone laughed at the conclusion of the story, including Jacob, and then he said, "Yes indeed! Tis a shame my personal library did not stay alphabetized...ah yes, I dare say, my books are currently in a state of dissaray...ahem...perhaps you two wouldn't mind..."
To which Pascal looked over at Vincent, and quickly inserted, "Maybe you could save it as a punishment for these rascals, surely they're bound to get in dutch sometime too!"
Everyone chuckled, and then Jacob replied, "Actually, that is a good idea Pascal..."
Upon hearing Jacob liking Pascal's suggestion so much, little Seth said, "Thankth for nothin' Pathcal!"
And then both Kipper and Zach also whined, "Awe man!"
And then turning to the children, Jacob teased, "...yes, yes, with a bit of luck, you little hooligans will get caught in the midst of some shenanigans, and I can have my books synchronous once more."
Jacob then warmly hugged Joseph, who was closest to him about the shoulders, indicating he didn't really think they were hooligans, and then Heather curiously asked, "Didn't you get into any trouble as a kid Rebecca?"
To which Rebecca replied, "Well I was kind of different than the others...I was usually reading, or learning how to dip the candles and such."
Wanting to bolster Rebecca a bit, Jacob interjected, saying "You know, I truly don't recall ever having to scold you! You were a rather shy and studious child Rebecca...and always wanting to help with the candles..."
And then turning to Charles, Jacob informatively said, "Rebecca, when old enough, inherited the job of being the tunnel's candle maker. She makes sure we have plenty of auxiliary candles for necessary lighting on hand, and she pours all the special Holiday Candles as well!"
As Charles looked around the Hall, he inquisitively asked, "So you poured all these candles?"
To which Rebecca humbly smiled, as she replied, "I did, however, because of a time issue, Mouse also helped me this morning."
Admiring the luminosity of the candles, Charles noted, "Enchanting is the only word I can use to describe the illuminating glow your candles give off. Really enchanting. Rebecca."
Thoughtfully, Charles then noted, "The translucent glow of the columns, reminds me of a beeswax candle...is beeswax what you use?"
To which Rebecca replied, "There have been times Benny has supplied us with the coveted beeswax, however for practical purposes, we use soy wax over beeswax or parffin."
In reply Charles nodded, as he said, "Sure, that makes sense...it burns slower than the paraffin. And I noticed the flat wide wicks..."
Nodding, Rebecca said, "Necessary for the optimum lighting."
Agreeing, Charles replied, "Of course, much brighter than a twisted or braided cotton."
As Catherine listened to her Dad talking candles, she was astounded by his knowledge, and so she teased, "Listen to you Dad, you sound like an aficionado of candle making."
Because he got caught up talking to Rebecca, he realized all the things he knew about candle making came flooding back.
And so as Peter teased him too, asking, "Yeah, how do you know so much? You are not a closet candle maker are you Charles?"
As Charles gave way to a melancholy smile, he shared, "Caroline..."
Charles then looked amongst his new friends, and clarified, "Caroline...my late wife...Cathy's Mom...well she enjoyed making candles for a hobby, and I suppose the craft kind of rubbed off on me...ahh, it was something we enjoyed doing together..."
Because she was hearing something she did not know, Catherine revealed, "I never knew that Dad..."
Charles lovingly put his arm around his daughter, and with a sad chuckle, said, "Ahh, it was a long time ago kiddo...way before your time..."
And so seeing a sad but fond pall come over Catherine and Charles, Rebecca light-heartedly offered, "Well Charles, since candle making was something you once enjoyed, you can come help me anytime."
To which Charles kindly replied, "Well Rebecca, I just may do that! Thank you."
It was then, it dawned on Jacob that candle makers are also referred to as a Chandler! And so, he with humor, offered, "I guess one might say, Charles is a Chandler in more ways than one!"
Jacob's information lightened the mood a bit, as everyone chuckled at the coincidence, and then playing host, Jacob said, let's all sit down over there shall we? These old bones need to take a load off."
To which Eric said, "Awe, if you go sit over there, then we can't hear you! We wanna hear more stories about all the trouble you guys got into."
Turning to the little fella, Jacob replied, "There are more stories to tell later, but for now, keep your mind on the task at hand young man. I am afraid we have distracted you enough!"
Though the Tunnel Nanny's liked hearing the stories too, they were happy the grown ups walked on, so they could finally get the children's full attention, and help them finish their charms!
And so Jacob led them to a nearby table, and after they settled in, he asked Peter and Charles, "I realize you both ate dinner, but have you had dessert yet? We still have plenty of pie left! Yes, there's a slice of one, and pieces of another...I am sure we can serve you up something fine....oh and they are all delicious! I myself had two servings!""
Upon hearing this scoop, Peter eyed his friend, and said, "Two pieces Jacob? I thought we agreed to keeping an eye on your Cholesterol!"
In reply, Jacob bellowed, "No YOU agreed to keep an eye on my cholesterol!"
To which Peter reminded Jacob, that he had to do his part too.
Jacob then sheepishly told Peter, "They were tiny pieces, besides, I had to have a sampling of the pies Catherine baked for me didn't I? Ah and they were both delicious too. Especially the Peach, you really must try some!"
Both Peter and Charles declined the offer of dessert, as they earlier had their fill, but did however accept cups of some freshly steeped hot tea from William.
And as William handed Charles a cup, he politely said, "So this is Catherine's daddy, uh?"
It was then Vincent properly introduced the two men, and added, "William is our cook, and a very fine baker. And although he does not boast this fact, but...he he is a nutritionist as well. William makes sure all our vitamin requirements are met, especially the children's."
Happy to meet this fine man, Charles thanked William for the tea, and said he was very pleased to meet him.
As they all sat around the table, Vincent was fairly at ease, as everyone talked away, and they all randomly answered Charles' questions about life below here in the tunnels.
Charles then turned to Vincent and said, "By the way, I would like to compliment you on your session with the children tonight. I really got a boot out them, their poems, and questions...it is clear to see you have a great report with them."
Humbly, Vincent tipped his head, and said, "Yes...they are all so brilliant and receptive...they brighten all our lives..."
And of course, Jacob proudly chimed in, "Ah Vincent loves the children, and they him."
It was then Jamie, Brooke, and Laura stood out front, to make an announcement, saying, "The children have completed their charms, and want to pass them out. So be on guard everyone! You may be getting one!"
Just then, little Natalie walked up to Vincent, and as she tugged on his shirt sleeve, she said, "Vincent?"
And so, as Vincent shifted his attention away from the announcement to Natalie, he softly asked the little girl, "Ah Natalie, what is it?"
As Natalie climbed up on his lap, she held out her hand she said, "This charm is for you."
As Vincent heard Catherine whisper, "So sweet." He looked at her, and together they shared a look, knowing little Natalie touched both their hearts by this gesture.
Vincent then took the Friendship charm from her little palm, and clarified, "For me?"
To which Natalie nodded, and said, "Yes Vincent! Do you know why?"
With a subtle nod, Vincent replied, "Please, I would like to know..."
As Natalie twisted a lock of his hair in her finger as she habitually did, she said, "Because when no one else hears me, you always do."
Upon hearing Natalie's reason, Vincent knew this was true, and knew it was because of the special place she held in his heart.
Vincent then nodded understandably, and tenderly said, "I thank you Natalie."
As Natalie slid off his lap, she said, "You are welcome Vincent."
After Natalie was out of earshot, they all commented on how sweet she was!
And Mary with awe, said, "Oh she is so precious isn't she?"
Everyone of course agreed, and then it wasn't long before the conversation turned to other topics.
Catherine however, was still so overcome by this sweet gesture of Natalie's, that she was still smiling at Vincent, and then requested, "May I see your friendship charm?"
As Vincent gave Catherine the charm, they looked it over, and discussed the colors of the beads, and the workmanship of Natalie's little hands, and while they did so, Charles discreetly watched them, from the other side of the table.
And Charles could not help but be struck, by the naturalness between them as they talked, and he had to admit, he had never seen his daughter so happy.
As Jacob talked, Charles turned his attention back to him, and meanwhile, Eric kept trying to say something to Jacob, but because Jacob was in mid conversation, he tried to ignore the little guy.
But because of Eric's persistence, it became difficult for Jacob to maintain an assembled chain of thought!
And so Jacob, turned to the him, and scolded, "Eric, now I have mentioned before, when adults are talking, you never interrupt!"
To which Eric matter-of-factly surmised, "If I don't interrupt, then I would never get to say anything!"
Though he wanted to chuckle a bit, Jacob instead knitted his brow, as he admitted, "Well this may be true, but manners are important, and sometimes, patience is needed. Remember what I told you? Patience is a virtue!"
To which Eric astutely said, "And Gabbing is an Art! I remember you told me that too, after overhearing the ladies in their sewing circle."
Embarrassed to be quoted, Jacob scolded, "Now don't be fresh Eric!"
Jacob trying to softened up a bit, asked, "Now since you interrupted, what do you have to say for yourself?"
Proudly, Eric handed Jacob the friendship charm he had made, and said, "I just wanted to give my friendship charm to you Father! Cuz you have really helped me out, you know by giving me a new home and stuff."
Well this sure made Jacob feel like a cad for just scolding the boy! As he accepted the charm, he apologetically looked at him, and said, "Oh my Eric. You still wish to give this to me even after I just scolded you?"
To which Eric passed it off by saying, "I know it is just part of your job description. You gotta yell at us."
And before Jacob could say anything more, off Eric ran to join the other children.
And so as Jacob proudly showed the charm around to everyone, and said, "Well there you have it."
Well by this time, the hour had grown quite late, and the Topsiders began to get up to leave, and it was decided Catherine would exit the tunnels with Peter and her Dad.
But before they left, Jacob warmly invited Charles back anytime, and specifically for Winterfest, when he could at that time receive a full-fledged tour of the tunnels.
To be continued.
Chapter Two
| With the Blessings from both of their Father's,in Keeper of my Heart Catherine and Vincent no longer had those concerns to plague their unconventional relationship. However the road ahead does have a few bumps, just as it has for every couple, but with the powerful bonding love that has captured both of their hearts, binding them to one another, they have no choice but to travel this predestined path that lay before them, and see where it leads them. Protector of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter one Romeo: "But he that hath the steerage of my course, direct my sail." "Romeo and Juliet "By William Shakespeare ___________________________________________________ |
