And so as Jennifer opened the door, a Policeman, aggressively barged inside!
Dramatically, he looked around and asked, "Is there a Catherine Chandler here?"
To which Catherine nervously stepped forth, and worriedly said, "I am she...is
anything wrong?"
Tiger then stepped up to Catherine, took her arm and slapped his handcuffs on
a wrist and then cuffed the other, and said, "You are under arrest!"
Upon seeing Catherine being arrested, everyone gasped, as the "Mock Cop"
sternly told her to sit down! And of course, a bewildered Catherine complied,
and then asked, "What am I being charged with?"
In reply, Tiger stood commandingly, and hardheartedly answered, "For
disturbing the peace! The neighbors are complaining the music is too loud!"
To which Catherine argued, "Disturbing the Peace? But we're not even playing
music! What music are the neighbors complaining about?"
With character, Tiger stealthily turned on his portable cassette player, and
merrily said, "This music!"
And so Tiger began his routine, and danced to the blaring tune of Bad Boys!
It was then everyone began to realize this was a set up, and so Brooke curiously
asked Jennifer, "Is this the kind of male dancer you were talking about Jennifer?"
Upon hearing Brooke's question, Catherine turned to Jennifer, and yelled,
"Aranson! How could you?"
But poor Jennifer was totally clueless! She had no idea who would have sent
this guy!
And as she tried to assure Catherine she had nothing to do with it, the music
was so loud, there was no use even trying!
Meanwhile, Catherine looked around at everyone, and they were all in a gleeful
shock!
Rebecca was at first hiding behind her hands, but eventually peaked through her
fingers! Jamie, Olivia and Brooke were clapping to the beat of the song, and
Laura was laughing before she began clapping too.
But Catherine couldn't believe when it was Mary, that Tiger next approached!
With assertive glee, Tiger took Mary by the hand, and said, "Come on
Mademoiselle, let me see what you got!"
And because Mary was in a bit of a tipsy state, she humbly consented, saying,
"Well...since you are so kind to ask!"
And so Mary did a dignified "Samba" style dance step, to which Tiger said,
"Way to go Mademoiselle!"
Meanwhile, Catherine was in such disbelief she barely moved! She kept
wondering what will Vincent say? Worse yet...what will Jacob say when he
hears all the women of the tunnel community, were entertained by a bikini clad,
badge bearing male dancer! And by the way, thank heavens for the badge!
Next, Tiger approached Catherine again, and said, "Come on! I sentence my
Detainee to Dance!"
And so Catherine embarrassingly looked around at all the girl's, who were
chanting for her to dance! Not wanting to look prudish, or outdone by Mary,
she stood up, and did a few steps with Officer Tiger!
Everyone loved it and laughed as they circled around Catherine and Tiger, when
suddenly flashes from a camera went off!
And the photographer was Joe! Yes! Joe sneakily arrived so he could
commemorate the occasion, with a few pics!
So suddenly it was all too clear! It was Joe they had to thank for Tiger's award
winning performance!
After a minute or two more, Joe laughed before he finally yelled, "Ok
Tiger...that's enough...I would say you went above and beyond what I am
paying you!"
And so Catherine jokingly fumed, "Joe Maxwell! I guess you got me! For a
moment, I was afraid I was really getting arrested!"
To which Mary innocently asked, "You mean he isn't really a Policeman?"
Humored by Mary's question, Olivia kindly told her, "No Mary...he isn't. It was
a practical joke her friend played on Catherine."
Defiantly Mary argued as she rewound her hair into a bun, "But his badge!"
Everyone started to laugh, until finally Jamie explained, "Ah, Mary...it was part
of his costume!"
In reply, Mary startlingly asked, "Oh my really?"
The group was in stitches as Mary fanned herself to cool down, and jovially
said, "Well, how do you like that! I wondered why a policeman would bring his
own music!"
They all loved Mary's naiveté, and as Tiger finally waved good bye to
everyone, he happily accepted the compliments slung his way from all the
Tunnel Babes.
But before the door shut, Catherine yelled, "Ah, Tiger?"
Looking back at Catherine he assumed she was going to give him another
compliment, and so he said, "You don't have to thank me. It was my pleasure."
With a sarcastic look on her face, Catherine held up her handcuffed wrists, and
said, "Actually, I was gonna ask if you wanted your handcuffs back!"
Rolling his eyes, because he would have left the handcuffs behind, Tiger
embarrassingly said, "I forget those things every where I go! You wouldn't
believe the last place I left them!"
And so after Tiger unlocked the cuffs, Catherine rubbed her sore wrists, and
with humor, said, "Don't tell me! I don't think I want to know!"
With that said, Tiger made a quick exit, leaving Joe to explain where he had
found this guy! And so Joe smiled and said, "Tiger needed some legit work, and
so I thought it would be a hoot to send him over here tonight for you and your
pals."
Meanwhile Joe noticed the girls were whispering about him, he shyly said, "Hey
I better go too, I don't wanna intrude here on your party."
But before he left, Joe asked, "Cathy, could I have a word with you for a
minute?"
To which Catherine said sure, and then walked with Joe to the door. As she
looked at him waiting for him to say what was on his mind, Joe inquisitively
looked around at the group of ladies, and except for Jennifer, they were ladies
he had never seen before! And so Joe asked, "I expected to see you here with
all of your college chums, who are all these people?"
Looking back over her shoulder, Catherine smiled as she thought, that yes...they
would seem like a peculiar bunch with their different manner of dress and hair
styles.
And so Catherine casually answered, "They are friends and family Joe, I will
have to introduce you to them all one day."
Suspiciously, he said, "Yeah, you will have to do that."
Apologetically, Joe then said, "I hope Tiger's gig wasn't too out of line for this
group."
Sweetly, Catherine said, "Actually...I don't think so, in fact, as it turns out, I
think they really got a big kick out of it."
Relieved to hear Catherine's answer, Joe kindly replied, "Well...good."
Conclusively, Joe then expressed, "It is really good to see you Cathy."
With a hug, Catherine said it was wonderful to see him too, and said she would
have to check her schedule about next Thursday, but said Jennifer would
definitely be there for the interview.
They said their good-byes, and Joe looking beyond Catherine, waved to
Jennifer, and to the other star-struck girls too.
And so just as Catherine was about to close the door, she heard a voice say,
"Pizza Man!"
Suspiciously she opened the door, thinking it was another male dancer courtesy
of Joe!
And so Catherine flirtatiously looked at him, and asked, "And just what do
YOU have for us Pizza guy?"
Feeling unnerved by Catherine's demeanor, the poor delivery kid, nervously
squeaked out, "Pizza!"
To which Catherine yelled out as Joe entered the elevator, "Is this another
friend of yours Joe?"
And so as the elevator doors slid closed, Joe yelled back, "Don't know him! I
think he's legit Chandler!"
Meantime, Jennifer started laughing as she quickly stopped Catherine, telling
her, "Cathy! He really IS a Pizza Deliveryman! I ordered pizza for tonight!"
Embarrassingly, Catherine looked at the red faced boy, and tried to apologize!
But when her explanation seemed too complicated for the bewildered pizza boy,
she merely said, "Oh never mind! Here's a tip!"
Well, between the dancer, and now Catherine's faux pas, everyone certainly had
plenty to chuckle about.
Just as they caught their breath, the door bell rang...everyone looked at each
other, and began to laugh as they speculated who this might be.
And so Jennifer was still laughing as she answered the door, and instead of
another prank, there stood Lisa!
Timidly, Lisa waited, and asked, "I hope its still OK for me to attend
Catherine's party..."
And so Jennifer sweetly said, "Of course Lisa! So glad you are here, come on
into my humble abode! We are just about to have some pizza and watch a
movie!"
Meantime, as Mary saw Lisa had arrived, she gleefully welcomed her with a
motherly hug!
And when Lisa noticed Mary's carefree, affectionate manner, Lisa smiled, and
said, "Well, it looks like you are having a good time Mary!"
Nodding in agreement, Mary then said, "Oh Lisa, yes I am indeed! And...I am
so happy you opted to join us."
Catherine was next to welcome Lisa, and echoed Mary's sentiments that she
was pleased to see her too.
Everyone else took their turn at welcoming Lisa, and excitedly filled Lisa in on
the male dancer who had just crashed the party, and of how Mary danced with
him!
Lisa smiled as she noticed Mary's hair was a bit akimbo! And so Lisa teasingly
asked, "Are you trying a new hair style Mary?"
Gathering up her loose ends, Mary rewound her bun, and said, "Heaven's no! I
thought I had properly recoiled it! Oh my!"
Everyone laughed, and it wasn't long before Lisa felt at home, and part of the
gang.
As Jennifer began to pass out plates full of pizza, Catherine served the
beverages.
And they all casually sat on the floor with their food and drink, as the party now
took a more low key turn, since Tiger's departure.
Kindly Jennifer also offered, "Just help yourself to the Pretzel Salad Dessert,
when ever you are ready! I hope you will like it! It has that sweet/salty thing
going on."
And so as Jennifer gleefully said, "Ok girls, settle back to enjoy a classic! I
present to you Catherine's favorite old timey movie, and mine too, "Enchanted
Cottage".
They all sat spell bound watching this intriguing love story, and about half way
through, Jennifer sat a huge vat of freshly popped popcorn in the middle for
everyone to munch, and when the movie was over, they critiqued it, and shared
their opinions, and viewpoints, thinking this was a great movie!
As they still sat talking, Brooke looked around, and said, "This is such a great
place Jennifer! If I lived here I wouldn't ever want to move out!"
Jennifer expressed her gratitude for the compliment, and then said, "Yes I do
love it here. I am so glad Cathy offered it to me first before telling anyone else."
Jamie looked puzzled as she asked Catherine, "Was it a difficult decision to give
all this up? I mean this is such a great apartment, and yet you gave it all up to
live below in the tunnels? It had to have been a hard choice!"
Resolutely, Catherine said, "No Jamie...not once Vincent and I made a
commitment to one another. I knew I wanted to be with him from that moment
on, which meant moving down to the tunnels. A place so tranquil and beautiful
to me"
Lisa wistfully concurred, as she shared, "I can attest to what Catherine has said.
No matter how splendid and elaborate the palaces and estates I have
inhabited...it has always been the tunnels that were endearing to me, the place I
missed most, and where I longed to be."
Meanwhile, as Rebecca listened to Lisa, she thought of how she had no idea
that Lisa felt this way about their world now. Because as a young girl, Rebecca
always sensed Lisa looked down her nose at their way of life.
And so wanting clarification, softly Rebecca asked, "You didn't always feel this
way did you Lisa?"
In reply, Lisa said, "No...no you are right Rebecca. As a young girl, I had such
grandiose ideas of fame and riches. Now I know they are all empty without a
loving family and a place to call home."
Lisa then looked around at Mary, and the other's and said, "That day when
Father took me back into the fold, was the happiest day of my life...knowing I
was back home at last."
Lisa then looked over at Catherine, knowing it was because of her, this all came
to pass. Because if Catherine had not insisted on Vincent resolving his feelings
for Lisa, then they would have still been in that stagnated faze of their
relationship.
And because of this recent history, Lisa and Catherine shared a warm smile,
understanding the whole situation, where no one else could.
Intently, Mary listened to Rebecca and Lisa, who have finally recognized their
commonalties. And like a Mother who looks on her children who have put away
the spoils of childhood, bonding at last, well, it warmed her heart to witness this,
this night.
Getting back to the life changing decisions Catherine had to make, Brooke
thoughtfully, asked, "What about quitting your job?"
Admittedly, Catherine explained, "Yes, now that was difficult leaving the DA. I
learned so much there, and I felt I was contributing...giving something back to
our city. And it was nice working for Joe, he was a wonderful boss."
The girls all began to giggle and say they all thought Joe was very cute!
To which Catherine smiled in agreement, and said, "Yes, he is cute isn't he..."
And then Jamie slyly added, "Well, I think he has a crush on you Catherine. I
saw the way he looked at you."
Olivia hesitated a moment, before she added, "You know...I was thinking the
same thing, but was not bold enough to mention it!"
And then Laura inquisitively signed, "Did you and Joe ever go out?"
And so, because Catherine felt it wasn't right to talk about any former
relationships with all of Vincent's Tunnel family, she did truthfully share with
them, "Well Joe kind of hinted to going out one time, but we never did. There
was never anything romantic between us."
Thoughtfully, Brooke curiously inquired, "So it wasn't Joe you went out with
after you met Vincent? Because I remember how much it bothered Vincent
when you were seeing someone else."
Knowing it was Elliot, Brooke was referring to, Catherine simply said, "No, it
wasn't Joe I was dating then, it was, well never mind about that. But you girls
must remember, when I was seeing this other man, well, I was still unclear of
my feelings for Vincent, and Vincent was confused about his feelings for me.
We had not fully understood our love for each other yet at that time."
To which Jamie said, "Yea Brooke! Remember the guy Catherine was dating
was the rich guy who was going to build a new ginormous building, which
would have destroyed the Painted Tunnels."
Embarrassingly, Brooke, said, "Oh yeah of course!"
With a nod, Jennifer verified, saying, "And...I think he is still holding a torch for
Cathy too!"
And because again, Catherine felt it was inappropriate to talk about another man
with her soon to be tunnel family, she stopped Jennifer saying, "Jen, that's
enough..."
But feisty Jennifer snapped back, "Well, he IS still single, and when we saw him
at Sals and Carmine's yesterday during lunch, well all I can say, is the way he
looked at you..."
Jennifer's teasing was really making Catherine uncomfortable, and so she
pleaded, "Really Jen...that's enough all ready!"
To which Jennifer realizing her teasing was going too far, she regretfully said,
"Oh OK, sorry Cath, I know you don't wanna talk, think or dream about
anyone but Vinny, but don't be mad, I do like to tease!"
Meanwhile, Lisa started coughing as Jennifer's comment had resonated, and
suddenly hit her like a brick! So...Jennifer and Catherine were at Sal's and
Carmine's too? That was where she and Elliot lunched.
And so hesitantly she asked, "So you were in the city yesterday Catherine?"
Saying she was, Catherine then excitedly said, "I needed to shop for my
wedding gown, and Jennifer went with me. But first we HAD to have lunch!""
To which Jennifer added, "Of course we had to have lunch! But then after that,
we hit the pavement looking for the perfect dress. Oh Lisa, we can show you
Catherine's dress if you like! It is here actually, and we showed the others
earlier! And...I can show you mine too..."
And though Lisa heard what Jennifer was saying, all Lisa could think about, was
that yesterday, Catherine and Jennifer's lunch date, correlated with the time she
and Elliot would have been there too!
And so Lisa thought to herself, "Oh my! Catherine IS the former girlfriend of
whom Elliot is still pining for!"
So politely, Lisa told Jennifer, that though she would love to see the dresses, she
has a very early class and should go.
As Lisa got up to leave, everyone expressed their disappointment she couldn't
stay.
In an effort to cover up her emotions with a beautiful smile, Lisa asked
everyone to understand, and after giving Mary a hug goodnight, she thanked
Jennifer, and told Catherine and all the others she would see them at the
wedding!
And so Lisa left the party, and went home to contemplate all she now
understood to be true between her and Elliot.
Meanwhile, finishing up their inquisitive line of questioning, Brooke hopefully
said, "Please let Jennifer tell us more Catherine! We want to hear about your old
boyfriend who is still hopelessly in love with you. Your story is just as romantic
as the story in Enchanted Cottage!"
Knowing she wanted to be a good role model for the young girls, Catherine
kindly replied, "Awe, but Brooke, I don't want to talk about old boyfriends, not
when I am about to marry Vincent."
And then Jamie sat thoughtful for a moment, before she asked, "So even though
you have all these guys crazy over you...you still chose Vincent? That is so
cool!"
Smiling Catherine, said, "There was no choice to be made Jamie. I merely
listened to my heart."
The girl's all agreed and said they are so happy Catherine chose Vincent over all
the other's, cuz they had never seen him so happy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, the guys too, had a night filled with food, and drink courtesy of
Peter, and music...thanks to Mouse and his hot Juke box!
And so everyone help set up the buffet, with the Barbecued Beef Short Ribs,
Tempura Chicken Wings, Potato Salad, Rhubarb Raspberry Pie, and some
Pecan Pie Peter supplied, and then...William manned the Beer tap!
Yes, Jacob enjoyed the light hearted gathering immensely, and fondly looked at
his son, who seemed to be all lit up inside with happiness.
There were stories shared amongst the men, as they ate their meal, along with
special heart-felt toasts said on Vincent's behalf too.
And so since Pascal was the Best Man, he was the first to toast, saying,
"Vincent, through the years, we have been on many adventures together, and
am so proud to be included in this one too. And I know we are aware of a few
voids here tonight, one of which is Winslow, but we both know he is here with
you in spirit....The best of luck to you my friend."
Upon hearing Pascal's stirring words of friendship, Vincent shared a look with
his life long friend, and knew he was right...though Winslow was sorely missed,
Vincent has felt his essence at times, and he would always be remembered as
his very brave friend who was gone because of his efforts to rescue Catherine.
And so Vincent raised a glass in his honor.
And then there were several more toasts, and though they were all special, but
unexpectedly, it was Mouse's tribute that tugged at everyone's heart, when
Mouse stood up and said, "To Vincent, my best friend..."
Mouse then looked around feeling frustrated a bit as he searched for the words
he wanted to use, and so he finally continued, "...you all know words come
hard to me...but I want to say...since that day you found me...and helped
me...you never made fun of me...you helped me grow in my head and in my
heart...and even though you have Catherine now...we will still be best friends."
After Mouse sat back down, a warm silence blanketed the community chamber,
until it was broken by Vincent, who reciprocated by saying, "Though
circumstances change, our friendship will not, and you, will always be my
entrusted friend. And so, I raise my glass to you Mouse."
Self-consciously Mouse looked downward as everyone toasted him, feeling so
happy Vincent honored him so.
It was then the fun and games began. Jacob was challenged by Pascal to a game
of chess, Vincent and Mouse, challenged Ronald and Kanin to a game of hoops,
and Peter challenged William to a game of Putt Putt!
At first William declined, because of taking his job at the keg so seriously. But
when Mouse walked up after the hoop playoff ended, he offered to watch the
keg for him. "Go and play...Vincent and everyone else is too, I'm no good at
golf so I will help here."
William hesitated for only a moment, until he said, "Sure what the heck. I have
been wanting to take a crack at this game since Jennifer brought it down to us.
After William walked off with Peter, Mouse stood very dignified next to the
keg, ready to serve! Happily, he finally got some business as Pascal walked up
and asked, "How about a mug of beer."
Mouse suavely grabbed a mug, and filled it to the brim, and as he handed it to
him, Pascal thanked him, and walked back to the game.
Mouse then turned back around, and noticed the faucet of the keg didn't shut
off! So he quickly grabbed another mug to fill, and then another, before he was
finally able to shut off the flow of brew!
Trying to hide his mistake, he quickly downed the 3 mugs of overflow, and
began to feel the affects of the amber colored beverage! Thinking he couldn't
handle the fourth, he set it down for Arthur to lop up.
Meantime, over on the greens, Vincent hit a hole in one! As everyone cheered,
he bowed, and glanced about at everyone, when across the chamber, he noticed
a tipsy-looking Mouse, with an equally drunken Raccoon on his head!
Worriedly, Vincent motioned to his Father and asked, "Does Mouse seem a little
unsteady to you?"
To which Jacob looked over at Mouse, and saw he was dancing to a song that
was playing on the Juke box!
Chuckling slightly, he agreeably said, "Indeed! And where in Elysian fields, did
he get that Fur Hat?"
And because at times Jacob's eyesight was not the best, Ronald started laughing
and said, "That's not a fur hat Father...that's Arthur on Mouse's head!"
To which Jacob shook his head, and said, "Good God! Dancing with a Raccoon
on his head! I am fretting Mouse has been perhaps overly liberal about tapping
into the beer! I better go check on him!"
So as Jacob approached, and sternly asked, "Mouse, you seem to be inebriated!
How much of this malt flavored hops and grain beverage did you consume?"
And because he tried to hide the now empty mugs he had over filled earlier, he
slowly brought the mugs out from behind, shrugged his shoulders, and said,
"Well...I didn't want it to go to waste! It wouldn't shut off, and
now...well...now, I don't feel so good."
And so they led their little buddy over to the buffet table, where they loaded him
up a plate, along with a strong cup of tea, and told him to chow down, and not
to worry, he would be fine soon.
And because Peter felt responsible for bringing the tap, he tended to Mouse,
suggesting that it was a good time actually, for EVERYONE to switch to tea,
and have some food.
The party began to wind down, and as the men began putting out the torches,
they received word via a sentry, that the girl's had arrived safely back home, to
the tunnels.
Meanwhile, the girls decided to check and see how the bachelor party was
going, so they excitedly stopped in, as they passed by the Community Chamber
off the Tunnel Main.
Peeking inside, Mary asked, "Is it safe to enter?"
To which Peter laughed and said, "Actually, we were just calling it a night...we
had a great, but extremely tame party!"
The girl's all giggled at the fact, THEY could not say the same!
To be continued
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Dramatically, he looked around and asked, "Is there a Catherine Chandler here?"
To which Catherine nervously stepped forth, and worriedly said, "I am she...is
anything wrong?"
Tiger then stepped up to Catherine, took her arm and slapped his handcuffs on
a wrist and then cuffed the other, and said, "You are under arrest!"
Upon seeing Catherine being arrested, everyone gasped, as the "Mock Cop"
sternly told her to sit down! And of course, a bewildered Catherine complied,
and then asked, "What am I being charged with?"
In reply, Tiger stood commandingly, and hardheartedly answered, "For
disturbing the peace! The neighbors are complaining the music is too loud!"
To which Catherine argued, "Disturbing the Peace? But we're not even playing
music! What music are the neighbors complaining about?"
With character, Tiger stealthily turned on his portable cassette player, and
merrily said, "This music!"
And so Tiger began his routine, and danced to the blaring tune of Bad Boys!
It was then everyone began to realize this was a set up, and so Brooke curiously
asked Jennifer, "Is this the kind of male dancer you were talking about Jennifer?"
Upon hearing Brooke's question, Catherine turned to Jennifer, and yelled,
"Aranson! How could you?"
But poor Jennifer was totally clueless! She had no idea who would have sent
this guy!
And as she tried to assure Catherine she had nothing to do with it, the music
was so loud, there was no use even trying!
Meanwhile, Catherine looked around at everyone, and they were all in a gleeful
shock!
Rebecca was at first hiding behind her hands, but eventually peaked through her
fingers! Jamie, Olivia and Brooke were clapping to the beat of the song, and
Laura was laughing before she began clapping too.
But Catherine couldn't believe when it was Mary, that Tiger next approached!
With assertive glee, Tiger took Mary by the hand, and said, "Come on
Mademoiselle, let me see what you got!"
And because Mary was in a bit of a tipsy state, she humbly consented, saying,
"Well...since you are so kind to ask!"
And so Mary did a dignified "Samba" style dance step, to which Tiger said,
"Way to go Mademoiselle!"
Meanwhile, Catherine was in such disbelief she barely moved! She kept
wondering what will Vincent say? Worse yet...what will Jacob say when he
hears all the women of the tunnel community, were entertained by a bikini clad,
badge bearing male dancer! And by the way, thank heavens for the badge!
Next, Tiger approached Catherine again, and said, "Come on! I sentence my
Detainee to Dance!"
And so Catherine embarrassingly looked around at all the girl's, who were
chanting for her to dance! Not wanting to look prudish, or outdone by Mary,
she stood up, and did a few steps with Officer Tiger!
Everyone loved it and laughed as they circled around Catherine and Tiger, when
suddenly flashes from a camera went off!
And the photographer was Joe! Yes! Joe sneakily arrived so he could
commemorate the occasion, with a few pics!
So suddenly it was all too clear! It was Joe they had to thank for Tiger's award
winning performance!
After a minute or two more, Joe laughed before he finally yelled, "Ok
Tiger...that's enough...I would say you went above and beyond what I am
paying you!"
And so Catherine jokingly fumed, "Joe Maxwell! I guess you got me! For a
moment, I was afraid I was really getting arrested!"
To which Mary innocently asked, "You mean he isn't really a Policeman?"
Humored by Mary's question, Olivia kindly told her, "No Mary...he isn't. It was
a practical joke her friend played on Catherine."
Defiantly Mary argued as she rewound her hair into a bun, "But his badge!"
Everyone started to laugh, until finally Jamie explained, "Ah, Mary...it was part
of his costume!"
In reply, Mary startlingly asked, "Oh my really?"
The group was in stitches as Mary fanned herself to cool down, and jovially
said, "Well, how do you like that! I wondered why a policeman would bring his
own music!"
They all loved Mary's naiveté, and as Tiger finally waved good bye to
everyone, he happily accepted the compliments slung his way from all the
Tunnel Babes.
But before the door shut, Catherine yelled, "Ah, Tiger?"
Looking back at Catherine he assumed she was going to give him another
compliment, and so he said, "You don't have to thank me. It was my pleasure."
With a sarcastic look on her face, Catherine held up her handcuffed wrists, and
said, "Actually, I was gonna ask if you wanted your handcuffs back!"
Rolling his eyes, because he would have left the handcuffs behind, Tiger
embarrassingly said, "I forget those things every where I go! You wouldn't
believe the last place I left them!"
And so after Tiger unlocked the cuffs, Catherine rubbed her sore wrists, and
with humor, said, "Don't tell me! I don't think I want to know!"
With that said, Tiger made a quick exit, leaving Joe to explain where he had
found this guy! And so Joe smiled and said, "Tiger needed some legit work, and
so I thought it would be a hoot to send him over here tonight for you and your
pals."
Meanwhile Joe noticed the girls were whispering about him, he shyly said, "Hey
I better go too, I don't wanna intrude here on your party."
But before he left, Joe asked, "Cathy, could I have a word with you for a
minute?"
To which Catherine said sure, and then walked with Joe to the door. As she
looked at him waiting for him to say what was on his mind, Joe inquisitively
looked around at the group of ladies, and except for Jennifer, they were ladies
he had never seen before! And so Joe asked, "I expected to see you here with
all of your college chums, who are all these people?"
Looking back over her shoulder, Catherine smiled as she thought, that yes...they
would seem like a peculiar bunch with their different manner of dress and hair
styles.
And so Catherine casually answered, "They are friends and family Joe, I will
have to introduce you to them all one day."
Suspiciously, he said, "Yeah, you will have to do that."
Apologetically, Joe then said, "I hope Tiger's gig wasn't too out of line for this
group."
Sweetly, Catherine said, "Actually...I don't think so, in fact, as it turns out, I
think they really got a big kick out of it."
Relieved to hear Catherine's answer, Joe kindly replied, "Well...good."
Conclusively, Joe then expressed, "It is really good to see you Cathy."
With a hug, Catherine said it was wonderful to see him too, and said she would
have to check her schedule about next Thursday, but said Jennifer would
definitely be there for the interview.
They said their good-byes, and Joe looking beyond Catherine, waved to
Jennifer, and to the other star-struck girls too.
And so just as Catherine was about to close the door, she heard a voice say,
"Pizza Man!"
Suspiciously she opened the door, thinking it was another male dancer courtesy
of Joe!
And so Catherine flirtatiously looked at him, and asked, "And just what do
YOU have for us Pizza guy?"
Feeling unnerved by Catherine's demeanor, the poor delivery kid, nervously
squeaked out, "Pizza!"
To which Catherine yelled out as Joe entered the elevator, "Is this another
friend of yours Joe?"
And so as the elevator doors slid closed, Joe yelled back, "Don't know him! I
think he's legit Chandler!"
Meantime, Jennifer started laughing as she quickly stopped Catherine, telling
her, "Cathy! He really IS a Pizza Deliveryman! I ordered pizza for tonight!"
Embarrassingly, Catherine looked at the red faced boy, and tried to apologize!
But when her explanation seemed too complicated for the bewildered pizza boy,
she merely said, "Oh never mind! Here's a tip!"
Well, between the dancer, and now Catherine's faux pas, everyone certainly had
plenty to chuckle about.
Just as they caught their breath, the door bell rang...everyone looked at each
other, and began to laugh as they speculated who this might be.
And so Jennifer was still laughing as she answered the door, and instead of
another prank, there stood Lisa!
Timidly, Lisa waited, and asked, "I hope its still OK for me to attend
Catherine's party..."
And so Jennifer sweetly said, "Of course Lisa! So glad you are here, come on
into my humble abode! We are just about to have some pizza and watch a
movie!"
Meantime, as Mary saw Lisa had arrived, she gleefully welcomed her with a
motherly hug!
And when Lisa noticed Mary's carefree, affectionate manner, Lisa smiled, and
said, "Well, it looks like you are having a good time Mary!"
Nodding in agreement, Mary then said, "Oh Lisa, yes I am indeed! And...I am
so happy you opted to join us."
Catherine was next to welcome Lisa, and echoed Mary's sentiments that she
was pleased to see her too.
Everyone else took their turn at welcoming Lisa, and excitedly filled Lisa in on
the male dancer who had just crashed the party, and of how Mary danced with
him!
Lisa smiled as she noticed Mary's hair was a bit akimbo! And so Lisa teasingly
asked, "Are you trying a new hair style Mary?"
Gathering up her loose ends, Mary rewound her bun, and said, "Heaven's no! I
thought I had properly recoiled it! Oh my!"
Everyone laughed, and it wasn't long before Lisa felt at home, and part of the
gang.
As Jennifer began to pass out plates full of pizza, Catherine served the
beverages.
And they all casually sat on the floor with their food and drink, as the party now
took a more low key turn, since Tiger's departure.
Kindly Jennifer also offered, "Just help yourself to the Pretzel Salad Dessert,
when ever you are ready! I hope you will like it! It has that sweet/salty thing
going on."
And so as Jennifer gleefully said, "Ok girls, settle back to enjoy a classic! I
present to you Catherine's favorite old timey movie, and mine too, "Enchanted
Cottage".
They all sat spell bound watching this intriguing love story, and about half way
through, Jennifer sat a huge vat of freshly popped popcorn in the middle for
everyone to munch, and when the movie was over, they critiqued it, and shared
their opinions, and viewpoints, thinking this was a great movie!
As they still sat talking, Brooke looked around, and said, "This is such a great
place Jennifer! If I lived here I wouldn't ever want to move out!"
Jennifer expressed her gratitude for the compliment, and then said, "Yes I do
love it here. I am so glad Cathy offered it to me first before telling anyone else."
Jamie looked puzzled as she asked Catherine, "Was it a difficult decision to give
all this up? I mean this is such a great apartment, and yet you gave it all up to
live below in the tunnels? It had to have been a hard choice!"
Resolutely, Catherine said, "No Jamie...not once Vincent and I made a
commitment to one another. I knew I wanted to be with him from that moment
on, which meant moving down to the tunnels. A place so tranquil and beautiful
to me"
Lisa wistfully concurred, as she shared, "I can attest to what Catherine has said.
No matter how splendid and elaborate the palaces and estates I have
inhabited...it has always been the tunnels that were endearing to me, the place I
missed most, and where I longed to be."
Meanwhile, as Rebecca listened to Lisa, she thought of how she had no idea
that Lisa felt this way about their world now. Because as a young girl, Rebecca
always sensed Lisa looked down her nose at their way of life.
And so wanting clarification, softly Rebecca asked, "You didn't always feel this
way did you Lisa?"
In reply, Lisa said, "No...no you are right Rebecca. As a young girl, I had such
grandiose ideas of fame and riches. Now I know they are all empty without a
loving family and a place to call home."
Lisa then looked around at Mary, and the other's and said, "That day when
Father took me back into the fold, was the happiest day of my life...knowing I
was back home at last."
Lisa then looked over at Catherine, knowing it was because of her, this all came
to pass. Because if Catherine had not insisted on Vincent resolving his feelings
for Lisa, then they would have still been in that stagnated faze of their
relationship.
And because of this recent history, Lisa and Catherine shared a warm smile,
understanding the whole situation, where no one else could.
Intently, Mary listened to Rebecca and Lisa, who have finally recognized their
commonalties. And like a Mother who looks on her children who have put away
the spoils of childhood, bonding at last, well, it warmed her heart to witness this,
this night.
Getting back to the life changing decisions Catherine had to make, Brooke
thoughtfully, asked, "What about quitting your job?"
Admittedly, Catherine explained, "Yes, now that was difficult leaving the DA. I
learned so much there, and I felt I was contributing...giving something back to
our city. And it was nice working for Joe, he was a wonderful boss."
The girls all began to giggle and say they all thought Joe was very cute!
To which Catherine smiled in agreement, and said, "Yes, he is cute isn't he..."
And then Jamie slyly added, "Well, I think he has a crush on you Catherine. I
saw the way he looked at you."
Olivia hesitated a moment, before she added, "You know...I was thinking the
same thing, but was not bold enough to mention it!"
And then Laura inquisitively signed, "Did you and Joe ever go out?"
And so, because Catherine felt it wasn't right to talk about any former
relationships with all of Vincent's Tunnel family, she did truthfully share with
them, "Well Joe kind of hinted to going out one time, but we never did. There
was never anything romantic between us."
Thoughtfully, Brooke curiously inquired, "So it wasn't Joe you went out with
after you met Vincent? Because I remember how much it bothered Vincent
when you were seeing someone else."
Knowing it was Elliot, Brooke was referring to, Catherine simply said, "No, it
wasn't Joe I was dating then, it was, well never mind about that. But you girls
must remember, when I was seeing this other man, well, I was still unclear of
my feelings for Vincent, and Vincent was confused about his feelings for me.
We had not fully understood our love for each other yet at that time."
To which Jamie said, "Yea Brooke! Remember the guy Catherine was dating
was the rich guy who was going to build a new ginormous building, which
would have destroyed the Painted Tunnels."
Embarrassingly, Brooke, said, "Oh yeah of course!"
With a nod, Jennifer verified, saying, "And...I think he is still holding a torch for
Cathy too!"
And because again, Catherine felt it was inappropriate to talk about another man
with her soon to be tunnel family, she stopped Jennifer saying, "Jen, that's
enough..."
But feisty Jennifer snapped back, "Well, he IS still single, and when we saw him
at Sals and Carmine's yesterday during lunch, well all I can say, is the way he
looked at you..."
Jennifer's teasing was really making Catherine uncomfortable, and so she
pleaded, "Really Jen...that's enough all ready!"
To which Jennifer realizing her teasing was going too far, she regretfully said,
"Oh OK, sorry Cath, I know you don't wanna talk, think or dream about
anyone but Vinny, but don't be mad, I do like to tease!"
Meanwhile, Lisa started coughing as Jennifer's comment had resonated, and
suddenly hit her like a brick! So...Jennifer and Catherine were at Sal's and
Carmine's too? That was where she and Elliot lunched.
And so hesitantly she asked, "So you were in the city yesterday Catherine?"
Saying she was, Catherine then excitedly said, "I needed to shop for my
wedding gown, and Jennifer went with me. But first we HAD to have lunch!""
To which Jennifer added, "Of course we had to have lunch! But then after that,
we hit the pavement looking for the perfect dress. Oh Lisa, we can show you
Catherine's dress if you like! It is here actually, and we showed the others
earlier! And...I can show you mine too..."
And though Lisa heard what Jennifer was saying, all Lisa could think about, was
that yesterday, Catherine and Jennifer's lunch date, correlated with the time she
and Elliot would have been there too!
And so Lisa thought to herself, "Oh my! Catherine IS the former girlfriend of
whom Elliot is still pining for!"
So politely, Lisa told Jennifer, that though she would love to see the dresses, she
has a very early class and should go.
As Lisa got up to leave, everyone expressed their disappointment she couldn't
stay.
In an effort to cover up her emotions with a beautiful smile, Lisa asked
everyone to understand, and after giving Mary a hug goodnight, she thanked
Jennifer, and told Catherine and all the others she would see them at the
wedding!
And so Lisa left the party, and went home to contemplate all she now
understood to be true between her and Elliot.
Meanwhile, finishing up their inquisitive line of questioning, Brooke hopefully
said, "Please let Jennifer tell us more Catherine! We want to hear about your old
boyfriend who is still hopelessly in love with you. Your story is just as romantic
as the story in Enchanted Cottage!"
Knowing she wanted to be a good role model for the young girls, Catherine
kindly replied, "Awe, but Brooke, I don't want to talk about old boyfriends, not
when I am about to marry Vincent."
And then Jamie sat thoughtful for a moment, before she asked, "So even though
you have all these guys crazy over you...you still chose Vincent? That is so
cool!"
Smiling Catherine, said, "There was no choice to be made Jamie. I merely
listened to my heart."
The girl's all agreed and said they are so happy Catherine chose Vincent over all
the other's, cuz they had never seen him so happy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, the guys too, had a night filled with food, and drink courtesy of
Peter, and music...thanks to Mouse and his hot Juke box!
And so everyone help set up the buffet, with the Barbecued Beef Short Ribs,
Tempura Chicken Wings, Potato Salad, Rhubarb Raspberry Pie, and some
Pecan Pie Peter supplied, and then...William manned the Beer tap!
Yes, Jacob enjoyed the light hearted gathering immensely, and fondly looked at
his son, who seemed to be all lit up inside with happiness.
There were stories shared amongst the men, as they ate their meal, along with
special heart-felt toasts said on Vincent's behalf too.
And so since Pascal was the Best Man, he was the first to toast, saying,
"Vincent, through the years, we have been on many adventures together, and
am so proud to be included in this one too. And I know we are aware of a few
voids here tonight, one of which is Winslow, but we both know he is here with
you in spirit....The best of luck to you my friend."
Upon hearing Pascal's stirring words of friendship, Vincent shared a look with
his life long friend, and knew he was right...though Winslow was sorely missed,
Vincent has felt his essence at times, and he would always be remembered as
his very brave friend who was gone because of his efforts to rescue Catherine.
And so Vincent raised a glass in his honor.
And then there were several more toasts, and though they were all special, but
unexpectedly, it was Mouse's tribute that tugged at everyone's heart, when
Mouse stood up and said, "To Vincent, my best friend..."
Mouse then looked around feeling frustrated a bit as he searched for the words
he wanted to use, and so he finally continued, "...you all know words come
hard to me...but I want to say...since that day you found me...and helped
me...you never made fun of me...you helped me grow in my head and in my
heart...and even though you have Catherine now...we will still be best friends."
After Mouse sat back down, a warm silence blanketed the community chamber,
until it was broken by Vincent, who reciprocated by saying, "Though
circumstances change, our friendship will not, and you, will always be my
entrusted friend. And so, I raise my glass to you Mouse."
Self-consciously Mouse looked downward as everyone toasted him, feeling so
happy Vincent honored him so.
It was then the fun and games began. Jacob was challenged by Pascal to a game
of chess, Vincent and Mouse, challenged Ronald and Kanin to a game of hoops,
and Peter challenged William to a game of Putt Putt!
At first William declined, because of taking his job at the keg so seriously. But
when Mouse walked up after the hoop playoff ended, he offered to watch the
keg for him. "Go and play...Vincent and everyone else is too, I'm no good at
golf so I will help here."
William hesitated for only a moment, until he said, "Sure what the heck. I have
been wanting to take a crack at this game since Jennifer brought it down to us.
After William walked off with Peter, Mouse stood very dignified next to the
keg, ready to serve! Happily, he finally got some business as Pascal walked up
and asked, "How about a mug of beer."
Mouse suavely grabbed a mug, and filled it to the brim, and as he handed it to
him, Pascal thanked him, and walked back to the game.
Mouse then turned back around, and noticed the faucet of the keg didn't shut
off! So he quickly grabbed another mug to fill, and then another, before he was
finally able to shut off the flow of brew!
Trying to hide his mistake, he quickly downed the 3 mugs of overflow, and
began to feel the affects of the amber colored beverage! Thinking he couldn't
handle the fourth, he set it down for Arthur to lop up.
Meantime, over on the greens, Vincent hit a hole in one! As everyone cheered,
he bowed, and glanced about at everyone, when across the chamber, he noticed
a tipsy-looking Mouse, with an equally drunken Raccoon on his head!
Worriedly, Vincent motioned to his Father and asked, "Does Mouse seem a little
unsteady to you?"
To which Jacob looked over at Mouse, and saw he was dancing to a song that
was playing on the Juke box!
Chuckling slightly, he agreeably said, "Indeed! And where in Elysian fields, did
he get that Fur Hat?"
And because at times Jacob's eyesight was not the best, Ronald started laughing
and said, "That's not a fur hat Father...that's Arthur on Mouse's head!"
To which Jacob shook his head, and said, "Good God! Dancing with a Raccoon
on his head! I am fretting Mouse has been perhaps overly liberal about tapping
into the beer! I better go check on him!"
So as Jacob approached, and sternly asked, "Mouse, you seem to be inebriated!
How much of this malt flavored hops and grain beverage did you consume?"
And because he tried to hide the now empty mugs he had over filled earlier, he
slowly brought the mugs out from behind, shrugged his shoulders, and said,
"Well...I didn't want it to go to waste! It wouldn't shut off, and
now...well...now, I don't feel so good."
And so they led their little buddy over to the buffet table, where they loaded him
up a plate, along with a strong cup of tea, and told him to chow down, and not
to worry, he would be fine soon.
And because Peter felt responsible for bringing the tap, he tended to Mouse,
suggesting that it was a good time actually, for EVERYONE to switch to tea,
and have some food.
The party began to wind down, and as the men began putting out the torches,
they received word via a sentry, that the girl's had arrived safely back home, to
the tunnels.
Meanwhile, the girls decided to check and see how the bachelor party was
going, so they excitedly stopped in, as they passed by the Community Chamber
off the Tunnel Main.
Peeking inside, Mary asked, "Is it safe to enter?"
To which Peter laughed and said, "Actually, we were just calling it a night...we
had a great, but extremely tame party!"
The girl's all giggled at the fact, THEY could not say the same!
To be continued
Chapter Thirty-Nine
| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Thirty-Eight |
