Shyly Catherine accepted Vincent's compliment with a soft unassuming thank
you, but then accredited him by saying, "I learned from you. I used to love to
watch you when you taught the children. I noticed the positive way they
responded to your easy natural fashion, and so I keep that in mind as I now
teach them."
Thoughtfully, Vincent said, "It is more than that Catherine, children seem to be
naturally drawn to you..."
Carefully Catherine approached the subject of children, but honestly shared, "I
do love children Vincent, perhaps they sense that."
Nodding, he with conviction said, "Yes, perhaps they do."
Thinking this may be a good time to tell Vincent of Lena's request, she took in a
breath, and then said, "Vincent...last night, Lena asked if she could name me as
Baby Catherine's legal guardian, should anything ever happen to her..."
Curiously, Vincent asked, "What did you tell her?"
Gently, she told him she gave Lena permission to do so. She then added, "I
realize I should have spoken to you about it first Vincent, but she was so
nervous to ask me, that I was afraid if I showed any hesitation at all, she would
have withdrawn her request."
Vincent leaned forward on the table, considering what this might mean for them.
Seeing him so contemplative, frightened Catherine that perhaps she had upset
him by making this decision alone!
Urgently she asked, "Please tell me it was all right for me to say yes to Lena. I
just couldn't imagine her baby being raised by anyone other than us."
Standing, he then sighed, "Neither could I Catherine."
Happily she hugged Vincent, and said she was so happy he agreed with her
decision, and as he returned her embrace, said, "And you Dear
Catherine...make me happy."
Meanwhile, as the children reported to Jacob, he issued the appropriate chore to
each child and every child, leaving only Kipper left standing before him, waiting
for his assignment.
As he turned toward Kipper, Jacob grew serious, as he told the boy, he would
now have the candle lighting assignment.
Seriously Jacob began, "Now that Michael has gone off to college, it is time for
you to step up. It will now be your job to light the day-long column candles
throughout the chambers each new day."
Kipper was overwhelmed with the fact he was now being entrusted with this
prestigious chore. Looking back at Jacob, he said, "Wow! You want me to do
Michael's old job? Thanks Father!"
Nodding, Jacob told him, "I have been watching you for a while now Kipper,
and I know you are ready for this responsibility. It takes time and much
patience to go chamber to chamber, lighting the many column candles for those
of us who need the assistance. Why, in this chamber alone, I must have dozens
of candles which need illumination! It is truly a job of good will, and common
sense with thoughts on fire safety! I know you will not let me down."
Excitedly, Kipper exclaimed, "I won't let you down Father! I am going to start
right now and light the candles here in your chamber!"
To which Jacob stated, "Very good, as I have some necessary reading to do."
Jacob watched the boy for a moment as he carefully began lighting the many
wicks within his chamber, smiling at the prideful demeanor Kipper was
approaching his new job.
Jacob then confidently let him go without eyeing him, and picked up his book he
HAD to re-read, which was Wuthering Heights! After all, if he wanted to have a
valid discussion with Mary during her class, he needed to refresh his memory on
the many diverse points within the story.
Later, Catherine prepared herself to go above for the afternoon. She wanted to
find an understated, yet beautiful wedding dress she felt would suit her.
Though it was true, she could afford most any dress she wanted, she knew
what she wanted, was something simple and elegant.
On a whim, Catherine stopped in at Jennifer's gallery, to see if there was a
chance she might be able to go shopping with her. Peeking into her office,
Catherine said, "Hi Jen!"
Jennifer looked up from her desk, and squealed, "Cathy! What are you doing
here?"
Closing the door behind her, she giddily said, "Well, I am going shopping for my
wedding dress, and I wondered if you can go with me. Any chance of getting
the afternoon off?"
Crossing her fingers, she hesitatingly exclaimed, "Oh I would love to go, I hafta
get my dress yet too! But I don't know if I can get time off today or not! Let me
call and ask the boss man."
As she called her manager she pleaded, "Mr. Adelson? Could I...well I was
wondering if I could have the rest of the day off..."
Knowing how hard Jennifer had been working on their latest exhibit, he happily
told her, "Yes, I don't see a problem with that."
Ready with a fool-proof argument, Jennifer didn't even hear her boss say yes,
and carried on, "...you see....my closest friend, needs my help as she shops for
her wedding dress, and since I am her Maid of Honor, I need to shop for a
dress too...and we are running out of time, and wait! What was that you said
Mr. Adelson?"
Laughing Mr. Adelson said, "Take it Jennifer! I said Take it!"
Excitedly, Jennifer asked, "You did? Thank you so much! You are the best boss
Mr. Adelson!"
She then stood up and said, "Come on Cath! I am outa here!"
Happily Catherine laughed, and said, "Wonderful!"
Though the girls were excited to go shopping, the first order of business,
however...was LUNCH! They decided to go to one of their old favorite places
for pizza called, "Sal's and Carmine's" on Broadway between 101st and 102nd
Street.
Catherine guiltily admitted that although William was a very good cook, she
missed her weekly pizza fix!
Jennifer whole-heartedly agreed, and then expounded, "I have been dieting all
weekend, and right now...I would kill for a piece of Sal's and Carmine's pizza
pie! I can imagine it now...a crisp-but-chewy crust, covered with that tangy
tomato sauce they make, and finally, topped with just the right amount of
freshly grated cheese!"
Catherine laughed as she said, "Jen, I believe you could write for Zagats!"
After they were seated, Catherine said she was sorry she didn't say good-bye to
her last night. But after hearing from Paracelsus himself, he knew nothing more
about Vincent's origins, was so upsetting for her.
Jennifer sympathetically nodded and said, "I know...but hey, at least he didn't
make up some phoney story. It is over and you just have to accept that you will
never know! Heck if Vinny can do it, then so can you!"
Catherine agreed, and after wiping a fallen tear away, she managed a smile as
she asked if Ronald had escorted her home last night. Jennifer decadently
smiled, and said he did!
She then swooned and sighed, as she confessed they kissed...ALOT, and
sighed, "He is so wonderful! I am swoozey just thinking about him."
Raising her brow, Catherine questioned, "Swoozey?"
Dreamily Jennifer replied, "Yes...you know how you feel...kinda incoherent,
and all electrified?"
Clarifying, Catherine laughed as she said, "Well I know the feeling Jen, just not
that term!"
As they dug into their Pizza, they both agreed how good it was, and Jennifer
then declared, "Now this...THIS is a slice of Heaven!"
Catherine took another bite, and stopped in mid-chew as she curiously watched
her friend as she ate only the cheesy topping. In quizzical amazement she said,
"Jen you are destroying that Pizza! I thought you loved their crust? Why are
you just eating the cheese?"
Jennifer explained, "Oh I do love the crust, and believe me when I tell you this
is a real sacrifice not eating it. But I am doing Atkins and can only eat protein,
so that means I am only allowed the cheese. With your wedding so close, I have
to at least give dieting a fighting chance!"
Pulling off another hunk of cheese from her pizza, she continued, "You know
how dress shopping is usually a traumatic experience for me! Those fitting room
mirrors accentuate every flaw, oh, and not to mention all those skinny sales girls
who come in pretending to be helpful, but you can just feel them stand back and
judge you!"
Catherine laughed and said, "Jennifer how you exaggerate! I keep telling you
that you look great just as you are!"
Rolling her eyes, Jennifer said, "You are only saying that cuz you love me, but
hey...what are best friends for...thank you Cath."
To which Catherine laughingly said, "You nut!"
Jennifer then changed the subject matter, and asked, "Where should we go
shopping?"
Sipping her soda, Catherine excitedly answered, "I want to go to Blanch
Gonzalez's Bridal Shop on 116th, then to Eve of Milady Bridals on Broadway,
and we have to stop at Michelle Roth, off of 57th St."
Giving a thumbs up, Jennifer said, "Yes, those are all great shops, but we have
to stop at David's Bridal too! I saw something cute in the window the other day,
but didn't have time to stop and check it out."
The girl's finished their lunch, and as they stood paying for their bill, Elliot
Burch spotted them from his table. Unsure from the back it was really Cathy,
he timidly approached, and said, "Cathy?"
As she turned to face him, he then said, "Cathy...it really IS you. So many times
I think I see you somewhere in a crowd, at the theater, or walking down the
street, but it is always someone else. It has been such a long time...how are
you?"
Surprised by this encounter, Catherine found she was genuinely happy to see
him. And so she smiled and said, "Hello Elliot. I am fine, and yes, it has been a
long time."
After holding each other's gaze for an uncomfortable second or two, Catherine
then asked, "You remember my friend Jenny?"
Elegantly he said, "Of course. Good to see you again Jenny."
Blushing Jennifer said, "Likewise I'm sure. Well...I will just be waiting outside
and let you two catch up."
They both stood for a moment before Elliot looked over his shoulder, and said,
"Well, I just wanted to say hello, I have a luncheon companion waiting for me."
Catherine glanced over in the direction that Elliot looked in, and had just missed
seeing the woman as she climbed into his limo. She delicately asked, "Your
luncheon date...someone you've been seeing?"
Nodding in a humbled demeanor, he answered, "Yes...someone I am seeing."
Softly Catherine sincerely said, "Elliot...I hope you are happy..."
To which he resignedly answered, "As happy as I can be...perhaps only as
happy as I deserve to be, uh?"
He then with great concern asked, "And you...are you happy Cathy?"
Not wanting to rub in the fact since she fell in love with Vincent, she has been
happier than she could have ever dreamed possible, and so she sincerely and
simply, answered, "Yes Elliot..."
Looking more beautiful to him than ever before, he candidly said, "Obviously
you are...I am glad..."
Sincerely he then said, "But...if truth be told...I wish it could have been me who
made you this happy. But I had my chance...and I know... I blew it."
Not wanting to go there, Catherine pleaded, "Elliot please...no regrets, I will
never forget what we once had..."
Gaining his composure, he said, "And neither will I...and I won't make you
uncomfortable talking about our past...however, I DO want you to
know...loving you has changed me Cathy. I am a better man now for knowing
you."
He then looked back outside once more, and said, "Well I better go."
Taking her hand, he said, "Cathy...take care of yourself."
Sweetly she said, "You too Elliot."
She watched him as he walked away, and thought of all the individual choices
they each had made, that contributed to the conflicts and demise of their
relationship.
She then realized that really, it was because of those conflicts...such as Elliot's
materialistic attitude toward money and power, that accentuated Vincent's
virtues, and made her realize how much she loved him.
But still, it saddened her she had hurt Elliot so deeply. Clearly he still loved her.
Jennifer then walked up to Catherine after seeing Elliot get in his Limo, and
said, "Wow! What happened? I swear he had tears in his eyes!"
Stirring Catherine from her bittersweet memories, she said, "Nothing really Jen,
just seeing each other is emotional...for us both. I believe he really HAS
changed."
Jennifer then looked at her watch, and said, "Come on Cathy, we better get
going. Don't worry about Elliot, I saw some lady waiting for him in his Limo,
and though I couldn't see her face, she sure had some gorgeous gams! At least
he is dating again. He's a survivor, and he will be fine."
Sadly smiling, Catherine agreed and said, "You are right, he will be fine.
Yes...let's get started, I can hardly wait to find my wedding gown."
And so arm in arm, they left the pizzeria and headed for the stores.
To be continued
Chapter Thirty-Four
you, but then accredited him by saying, "I learned from you. I used to love to
watch you when you taught the children. I noticed the positive way they
responded to your easy natural fashion, and so I keep that in mind as I now
teach them."
Thoughtfully, Vincent said, "It is more than that Catherine, children seem to be
naturally drawn to you..."
Carefully Catherine approached the subject of children, but honestly shared, "I
do love children Vincent, perhaps they sense that."
Nodding, he with conviction said, "Yes, perhaps they do."
Thinking this may be a good time to tell Vincent of Lena's request, she took in a
breath, and then said, "Vincent...last night, Lena asked if she could name me as
Baby Catherine's legal guardian, should anything ever happen to her..."
Curiously, Vincent asked, "What did you tell her?"
Gently, she told him she gave Lena permission to do so. She then added, "I
realize I should have spoken to you about it first Vincent, but she was so
nervous to ask me, that I was afraid if I showed any hesitation at all, she would
have withdrawn her request."
Vincent leaned forward on the table, considering what this might mean for them.
Seeing him so contemplative, frightened Catherine that perhaps she had upset
him by making this decision alone!
Urgently she asked, "Please tell me it was all right for me to say yes to Lena. I
just couldn't imagine her baby being raised by anyone other than us."
Standing, he then sighed, "Neither could I Catherine."
Happily she hugged Vincent, and said she was so happy he agreed with her
decision, and as he returned her embrace, said, "And you Dear
Catherine...make me happy."
Meanwhile, as the children reported to Jacob, he issued the appropriate chore to
each child and every child, leaving only Kipper left standing before him, waiting
for his assignment.
As he turned toward Kipper, Jacob grew serious, as he told the boy, he would
now have the candle lighting assignment.
Seriously Jacob began, "Now that Michael has gone off to college, it is time for
you to step up. It will now be your job to light the day-long column candles
throughout the chambers each new day."
Kipper was overwhelmed with the fact he was now being entrusted with this
prestigious chore. Looking back at Jacob, he said, "Wow! You want me to do
Michael's old job? Thanks Father!"
Nodding, Jacob told him, "I have been watching you for a while now Kipper,
and I know you are ready for this responsibility. It takes time and much
patience to go chamber to chamber, lighting the many column candles for those
of us who need the assistance. Why, in this chamber alone, I must have dozens
of candles which need illumination! It is truly a job of good will, and common
sense with thoughts on fire safety! I know you will not let me down."
Excitedly, Kipper exclaimed, "I won't let you down Father! I am going to start
right now and light the candles here in your chamber!"
To which Jacob stated, "Very good, as I have some necessary reading to do."
Jacob watched the boy for a moment as he carefully began lighting the many
wicks within his chamber, smiling at the prideful demeanor Kipper was
approaching his new job.
Jacob then confidently let him go without eyeing him, and picked up his book he
HAD to re-read, which was Wuthering Heights! After all, if he wanted to have a
valid discussion with Mary during her class, he needed to refresh his memory on
the many diverse points within the story.
Later, Catherine prepared herself to go above for the afternoon. She wanted to
find an understated, yet beautiful wedding dress she felt would suit her.
Though it was true, she could afford most any dress she wanted, she knew
what she wanted, was something simple and elegant.
On a whim, Catherine stopped in at Jennifer's gallery, to see if there was a
chance she might be able to go shopping with her. Peeking into her office,
Catherine said, "Hi Jen!"
Jennifer looked up from her desk, and squealed, "Cathy! What are you doing
here?"
Closing the door behind her, she giddily said, "Well, I am going shopping for my
wedding dress, and I wondered if you can go with me. Any chance of getting
the afternoon off?"
Crossing her fingers, she hesitatingly exclaimed, "Oh I would love to go, I hafta
get my dress yet too! But I don't know if I can get time off today or not! Let me
call and ask the boss man."
As she called her manager she pleaded, "Mr. Adelson? Could I...well I was
wondering if I could have the rest of the day off..."
Knowing how hard Jennifer had been working on their latest exhibit, he happily
told her, "Yes, I don't see a problem with that."
Ready with a fool-proof argument, Jennifer didn't even hear her boss say yes,
and carried on, "...you see....my closest friend, needs my help as she shops for
her wedding dress, and since I am her Maid of Honor, I need to shop for a
dress too...and we are running out of time, and wait! What was that you said
Mr. Adelson?"
Laughing Mr. Adelson said, "Take it Jennifer! I said Take it!"
Excitedly, Jennifer asked, "You did? Thank you so much! You are the best boss
Mr. Adelson!"
She then stood up and said, "Come on Cath! I am outa here!"
Happily Catherine laughed, and said, "Wonderful!"
Though the girls were excited to go shopping, the first order of business,
however...was LUNCH! They decided to go to one of their old favorite places
for pizza called, "Sal's and Carmine's" on Broadway between 101st and 102nd
Street.
Catherine guiltily admitted that although William was a very good cook, she
missed her weekly pizza fix!
Jennifer whole-heartedly agreed, and then expounded, "I have been dieting all
weekend, and right now...I would kill for a piece of Sal's and Carmine's pizza
pie! I can imagine it now...a crisp-but-chewy crust, covered with that tangy
tomato sauce they make, and finally, topped with just the right amount of
freshly grated cheese!"
Catherine laughed as she said, "Jen, I believe you could write for Zagats!"
After they were seated, Catherine said she was sorry she didn't say good-bye to
her last night. But after hearing from Paracelsus himself, he knew nothing more
about Vincent's origins, was so upsetting for her.
Jennifer sympathetically nodded and said, "I know...but hey, at least he didn't
make up some phoney story. It is over and you just have to accept that you will
never know! Heck if Vinny can do it, then so can you!"
Catherine agreed, and after wiping a fallen tear away, she managed a smile as
she asked if Ronald had escorted her home last night. Jennifer decadently
smiled, and said he did!
She then swooned and sighed, as she confessed they kissed...ALOT, and
sighed, "He is so wonderful! I am swoozey just thinking about him."
Raising her brow, Catherine questioned, "Swoozey?"
Dreamily Jennifer replied, "Yes...you know how you feel...kinda incoherent,
and all electrified?"
Clarifying, Catherine laughed as she said, "Well I know the feeling Jen, just not
that term!"
As they dug into their Pizza, they both agreed how good it was, and Jennifer
then declared, "Now this...THIS is a slice of Heaven!"
Catherine took another bite, and stopped in mid-chew as she curiously watched
her friend as she ate only the cheesy topping. In quizzical amazement she said,
"Jen you are destroying that Pizza! I thought you loved their crust? Why are
you just eating the cheese?"
Jennifer explained, "Oh I do love the crust, and believe me when I tell you this
is a real sacrifice not eating it. But I am doing Atkins and can only eat protein,
so that means I am only allowed the cheese. With your wedding so close, I have
to at least give dieting a fighting chance!"
Pulling off another hunk of cheese from her pizza, she continued, "You know
how dress shopping is usually a traumatic experience for me! Those fitting room
mirrors accentuate every flaw, oh, and not to mention all those skinny sales girls
who come in pretending to be helpful, but you can just feel them stand back and
judge you!"
Catherine laughed and said, "Jennifer how you exaggerate! I keep telling you
that you look great just as you are!"
Rolling her eyes, Jennifer said, "You are only saying that cuz you love me, but
hey...what are best friends for...thank you Cath."
To which Catherine laughingly said, "You nut!"
Jennifer then changed the subject matter, and asked, "Where should we go
shopping?"
Sipping her soda, Catherine excitedly answered, "I want to go to Blanch
Gonzalez's Bridal Shop on 116th, then to Eve of Milady Bridals on Broadway,
and we have to stop at Michelle Roth, off of 57th St."
Giving a thumbs up, Jennifer said, "Yes, those are all great shops, but we have
to stop at David's Bridal too! I saw something cute in the window the other day,
but didn't have time to stop and check it out."
The girl's finished their lunch, and as they stood paying for their bill, Elliot
Burch spotted them from his table. Unsure from the back it was really Cathy,
he timidly approached, and said, "Cathy?"
As she turned to face him, he then said, "Cathy...it really IS you. So many times
I think I see you somewhere in a crowd, at the theater, or walking down the
street, but it is always someone else. It has been such a long time...how are
you?"
Surprised by this encounter, Catherine found she was genuinely happy to see
him. And so she smiled and said, "Hello Elliot. I am fine, and yes, it has been a
long time."
After holding each other's gaze for an uncomfortable second or two, Catherine
then asked, "You remember my friend Jenny?"
Elegantly he said, "Of course. Good to see you again Jenny."
Blushing Jennifer said, "Likewise I'm sure. Well...I will just be waiting outside
and let you two catch up."
They both stood for a moment before Elliot looked over his shoulder, and said,
"Well, I just wanted to say hello, I have a luncheon companion waiting for me."
Catherine glanced over in the direction that Elliot looked in, and had just missed
seeing the woman as she climbed into his limo. She delicately asked, "Your
luncheon date...someone you've been seeing?"
Nodding in a humbled demeanor, he answered, "Yes...someone I am seeing."
Softly Catherine sincerely said, "Elliot...I hope you are happy..."
To which he resignedly answered, "As happy as I can be...perhaps only as
happy as I deserve to be, uh?"
He then with great concern asked, "And you...are you happy Cathy?"
Not wanting to rub in the fact since she fell in love with Vincent, she has been
happier than she could have ever dreamed possible, and so she sincerely and
simply, answered, "Yes Elliot..."
Looking more beautiful to him than ever before, he candidly said, "Obviously
you are...I am glad..."
Sincerely he then said, "But...if truth be told...I wish it could have been me who
made you this happy. But I had my chance...and I know... I blew it."
Not wanting to go there, Catherine pleaded, "Elliot please...no regrets, I will
never forget what we once had..."
Gaining his composure, he said, "And neither will I...and I won't make you
uncomfortable talking about our past...however, I DO want you to
know...loving you has changed me Cathy. I am a better man now for knowing
you."
He then looked back outside once more, and said, "Well I better go."
Taking her hand, he said, "Cathy...take care of yourself."
Sweetly she said, "You too Elliot."
She watched him as he walked away, and thought of all the individual choices
they each had made, that contributed to the conflicts and demise of their
relationship.
She then realized that really, it was because of those conflicts...such as Elliot's
materialistic attitude toward money and power, that accentuated Vincent's
virtues, and made her realize how much she loved him.
But still, it saddened her she had hurt Elliot so deeply. Clearly he still loved her.
Jennifer then walked up to Catherine after seeing Elliot get in his Limo, and
said, "Wow! What happened? I swear he had tears in his eyes!"
Stirring Catherine from her bittersweet memories, she said, "Nothing really Jen,
just seeing each other is emotional...for us both. I believe he really HAS
changed."
Jennifer then looked at her watch, and said, "Come on Cathy, we better get
going. Don't worry about Elliot, I saw some lady waiting for him in his Limo,
and though I couldn't see her face, she sure had some gorgeous gams! At least
he is dating again. He's a survivor, and he will be fine."
Sadly smiling, Catherine agreed and said, "You are right, he will be fine.
Yes...let's get started, I can hardly wait to find my wedding gown."
And so arm in arm, they left the pizzeria and headed for the stores.
To be continued
Chapter Thirty-Four
| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Thirty-Three |
