| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Thirty-Two |
Vincent sorrowfully looked at Catherine, lovingly he stepped up behind her, and
gently turned her into his embrace and told her, "No tears Catherine...please..."
Hugging him with all of her strength, she said, "I was so sure Paracelsus knew
something more...I was so sure..."
Vincent then relayed, "There was a time, when Paracelsus feigned such
knowledge, however it proved only to be a delusional tale. I had to accept that
we don't always receive answers to questions we seek, at least not in this life
time."
Lovingly he then asked, "Tell me why you are so concerned with the matter of
my health of late. This is the second time you have made reference recently."
Searchingly, she looked up and softly said, "Maybe its because of how happy I
am. I'm afraid it can't last...that something will happen, and you will be taken
from me. I was just hoping he could give us some information that would lead
to developing a medicine for you in case you would ever get sick again."
Vincent resignedly explained, "Regarding life and death Catherine...I am no
different from any other man, somewhere in the future, a time for me awaits,
and my physical self will die. However, as far as my love for you, know it will
not. For love is not a substance, that can dissolve from a sound and prosperous
state, only to dissipate into nothingness when you or I perish."
Smoothing her hair, he then laid his head softly against hers and admitted,
"Because of you, I have experienced more happiness, than I could ever have
fathomed. It is in these moments when I am most aware of my joy, that I begin
to question my deservedness, and I too dread love's term. Then...I fall back on
what I know to be true, that even should a human heart burst, the love it held
within, would not disappear...for love knows no boundaries."
Catherine then wistfully recalled, "Its like in the poem you recited for me once,
please recite it for me again Vincent?"
Thoughtfully he complied:
"They shall have stars at elbow and foot
Though they go mad they shall be sane,
Though they sink through the sea
they shall rise again;
Though lovers be lost love shall not;
And death shall have no dominion."
Vincent and Catherine stood there for a time, where they held and supported
each other, once more gaining strength through the love they possessed for the
other. Wanting and ready to share life ahead, no matter what happens, no
matter what comes.
As the seriousness of the moment faded, the mood had lightened as they
unloaded their gifts from the cart onto the table. They had fun as they
inspected, and discussed the usefulness of each and every gift, and were able to
let go of the tensions, Paracelsus had brought with him.
As Catherine lastly unloaded Jennifer's book, she realized she was behind her
planned schedule! And so as Vincent heard Catherine gasp in angst, he asked,
"What is it Catherine?"
To which she mentioned, "Seeing Paracelsus tonight, took me off my plan, and
I still wanted to prepare some guidelines of "The Princess Bride" for the
Children. We are going to start the book tomorrow!"
To which Vincent recalled, he had offered his copy to share amongst the
children for the reading course too. He then promised to drop it off to her at the
Library in the morning, and gallantly, he then said, "I will let you get to your
guidelines for the children then."
Vincent then sighed, as he brought her into his embrace, as he said, "It has been
a day..."
As Catherine snuggled deeper into his arms, to savor this closeness she had
longed for, she contentedly sighed, "Yes...it has..."
She then smiled as she reached up to trace his dimpled chin she found so
adorable, and bade a sweet goodnight.
As Vincent returned to his chamber. He sat down at his writing table and lit his
candle. Taking up his pen, he opened his journal and began to write,
Dearest Catherine,
The many obstacles we have encountered
to be together...many times have seemed
like bottomless crevasses, seemingly insurmountable,
endless and daunting...yet...here we are, unscathed
on the other side, united as one.
Looking back on our journey, knowing my reward,
I would not hesitate...to do it all over again.
Be well,
Vincent
Slowly, Vincent closed his journal, and as he put out all but the night candle, he
laid upon his bed thinking of tomorrow.
The next morning, everyone met in the Dining Hall for a delicious breakfast of
Scrambled Eggs, and a Breakfast Bread topped with a cinnamon flavored sweet
creamy butter.
As talk of last nights Bridal shower for Catherine filled the Hall, the question of
the day however, happened to be...if Mary would be conducting the Reading
Appreciation Class that night.
When Jacob asked her if she would be, she vehemently answered, "Of course
Father! I am so very eager to continue the Heathcliff and Catherine discussion.
Such a volatile couple! So remember everyone, 7 o'clock sharp!"
Just then Eric and Kipper went dashing by, and they were so swift, that Jacob
just barely caught hold of them! In a scolding tone he told them, "Slow down
Kipper and Eric! What is the hurry this morning?"
With a wide eyed expression, Eric excitedly explained, "Kipper and me wanted
to finish our game of Putt Putt. We started to play it before breakfast."
In an understanding tone, Jacob replied, "I see, well run along then boys,
however, please WALK! And the correct usage is "I"."
Stopping for clarification, Eric and Kipper both looked at one another, and then
Eric asked Jacob, "What do you mean Father?"
Informatively, Jacob said, "I...Kipper and "I" wanted to finish our game of Putt
Putt."
To which Eric argued, "You weren't playing against Kipper Father...I was!"
Kipper nudged his buddy, and told him, "I think Father is correcting your
English Einstein!"
As the idea settled in, finally, Eric said, "Ah, I get it now. Gotcha Father."
Raising his eyes Heavenward, Jacob said, "Thank God."
He then went on to explain, "The usage of "Me" is not completely wrong Eric,
Me is used in many constructions where strict grammarians prescribe I. This
usage is not so much ungrammatical as indicative of the shrinking range of the
nominative form: "me" began to replace "I" sometime around the 16th century
largely because of the pressure of word order. Just remember the simple rule:
"I" is chiefly used as the subject of an immediately following verb. "Me" occurs
in every other position! Now isn't that worth knowing boys?"
They both nodded dramatically that it was, and then started to make another
attempt to escape, when Vincent called out to them, "You both intend to meet
Catherine in the Library for your Reading course do you not?"
Picking up their pace, Kipper yelled over his shoulder, "Yes, we will be there
Vincent...that's why we're in a hurry, we wanna finish our game before that!"
After they were gone, Jacob shook his head, and said, "Children! Always in a
constant state of motion! As I recall, when I was that age, I was always in a
hurry as well..I just cannot remember though, what it was I was in a such a
hurry to do!"
Everyone laughed and Kanin glanced over at his boy, and said, "I suppose it
won't be long before Lukey is running off to play like Eric and Kipper."
As Lukey began to toy with Olivia's hair ribbon, tangling his little fist in her long
hair, she helplessly asked Kanin to help her, and to please hold him for a while.
Gladly he took his boy from her arms, and said, "Come here little fella."
Giggles circled all around as Lukey began to jump up and down on his father's
lap, making it difficult for even Kanin to hold him. This struggle prompted
Vincent to comment, "Little" may no longer be the appropriate adjective for him
Kanin."
Laughing along with everyone else, Kanin agreeably said, "I think you are right
Vincent!"
Catherine smiled, as she watched Vincent. The blue of his eyes was enhanced
by his joyful favor, that shone from within, as he observed the interaction
between this father and his son.
She gently tightened her grip on Vincent's hand, prompting him to look down at
her, so that together, they could share the fun of watching this toddler.
It was Rebecca who then asked Olivia, how she liked her new kitchenette?
Olivia brought her hand to her heart as she exclaimed, "I cannot tell you how
surprised I was! When I walked into our chamber last night...I nearly fainted. It
was everything and more than I could have asked for. I ran right over to
Father's chamber and thanked him for allowing me to have it! It will make it so
much easier for me to care for my family."
Jovially, Jacob added, "Yes, there I was, catching up on some correspondence,
when Olivia came dashing in shouting about something or another, I could not
figure out what she was saying! Needless to say, she frightened the perdition out
of me!"
Embarrassingly, Olivia said, "Please pardon me Father! I was just so excited,
and I wanted to show my gratitude."
In reply, Jacob said, "Indeed you did, and you are most welcome Olivia."
As everyone expressed interest in seeing the kitchenette, both Olivia and Kanin
offered a tour after lunch.
Meanwhile, the early morning sped by quickly, and one by one, the children
began to arrive at the Library.
Catherine greeted them, and was so happy when Vincent showed up with his
copy of the book. Catherine asked the children to thank him as he prepared to
leave.
To which Natalie looked up and asked, "Vincent, do you have to go? Can't you
read the story with us?"
Catherine looked at Vincent, and smiled, as he looked to her for permission.
Sweetly, Catherine expressed, "If you have nothing pressing, I...er, we would
love you to stay."
Huskily, he slightly bowed as he in turn replied, "As you wish."
Shyly smiling, Catherine felt flush as Vincent's flirting made her blush. She tried
to turn her attention back to the task at hand, as she asked, "Very well then,
perhaps you would like to get us started?"
Obediently Vincent started the read, as he read, "The Princess Bride... The year
that Buttercup was born..."
He then passed the book onto Samantha and she onto the next. They all took
turns reading a page at a time, until the book made its way around at least four
times. They then answered the guideline questions, and discussed what they had
read thus far.
When it was time to conclude the session, the children complained they didn't
want to go, cuz they wanted to know what happened next. Amusedly, Vincent
stood back silently, observing Catherine handle the uprising.
With a calm governing tone, Catherine told them they could read more
tomorrow, but it was time to report to Jacob to get their daily chore assignments.
After a little belly-aching they obediently filed out to meet with Jacob.
Vincent stayed behind to help Catherine straighten up, and with a look of
admiration, he gazed at her and thought of how wonderfully she related to the
children.
As she sensed his looking at her, she asked, "Vincent...what is it?"
A slight smile came to his lips, as he told her, "How relaxed you seemed with
the children today, and of how nervous you were to conduct your first class just
a short time ago. Catherine you are a natural with children...a marvelous
teacher."
To be continued
Chapter Thirty-Three
gently turned her into his embrace and told her, "No tears Catherine...please..."
Hugging him with all of her strength, she said, "I was so sure Paracelsus knew
something more...I was so sure..."
Vincent then relayed, "There was a time, when Paracelsus feigned such
knowledge, however it proved only to be a delusional tale. I had to accept that
we don't always receive answers to questions we seek, at least not in this life
time."
Lovingly he then asked, "Tell me why you are so concerned with the matter of
my health of late. This is the second time you have made reference recently."
Searchingly, she looked up and softly said, "Maybe its because of how happy I
am. I'm afraid it can't last...that something will happen, and you will be taken
from me. I was just hoping he could give us some information that would lead
to developing a medicine for you in case you would ever get sick again."
Vincent resignedly explained, "Regarding life and death Catherine...I am no
different from any other man, somewhere in the future, a time for me awaits,
and my physical self will die. However, as far as my love for you, know it will
not. For love is not a substance, that can dissolve from a sound and prosperous
state, only to dissipate into nothingness when you or I perish."
Smoothing her hair, he then laid his head softly against hers and admitted,
"Because of you, I have experienced more happiness, than I could ever have
fathomed. It is in these moments when I am most aware of my joy, that I begin
to question my deservedness, and I too dread love's term. Then...I fall back on
what I know to be true, that even should a human heart burst, the love it held
within, would not disappear...for love knows no boundaries."
Catherine then wistfully recalled, "Its like in the poem you recited for me once,
please recite it for me again Vincent?"
Thoughtfully he complied:
"They shall have stars at elbow and foot
Though they go mad they shall be sane,
Though they sink through the sea
they shall rise again;
Though lovers be lost love shall not;
And death shall have no dominion."
Vincent and Catherine stood there for a time, where they held and supported
each other, once more gaining strength through the love they possessed for the
other. Wanting and ready to share life ahead, no matter what happens, no
matter what comes.
As the seriousness of the moment faded, the mood had lightened as they
unloaded their gifts from the cart onto the table. They had fun as they
inspected, and discussed the usefulness of each and every gift, and were able to
let go of the tensions, Paracelsus had brought with him.
As Catherine lastly unloaded Jennifer's book, she realized she was behind her
planned schedule! And so as Vincent heard Catherine gasp in angst, he asked,
"What is it Catherine?"
To which she mentioned, "Seeing Paracelsus tonight, took me off my plan, and
I still wanted to prepare some guidelines of "The Princess Bride" for the
Children. We are going to start the book tomorrow!"
To which Vincent recalled, he had offered his copy to share amongst the
children for the reading course too. He then promised to drop it off to her at the
Library in the morning, and gallantly, he then said, "I will let you get to your
guidelines for the children then."
Vincent then sighed, as he brought her into his embrace, as he said, "It has been
a day..."
As Catherine snuggled deeper into his arms, to savor this closeness she had
longed for, she contentedly sighed, "Yes...it has..."
She then smiled as she reached up to trace his dimpled chin she found so
adorable, and bade a sweet goodnight.
As Vincent returned to his chamber. He sat down at his writing table and lit his
candle. Taking up his pen, he opened his journal and began to write,
Dearest Catherine,
The many obstacles we have encountered
to be together...many times have seemed
like bottomless crevasses, seemingly insurmountable,
endless and daunting...yet...here we are, unscathed
on the other side, united as one.
Looking back on our journey, knowing my reward,
I would not hesitate...to do it all over again.
Be well,
Vincent
Slowly, Vincent closed his journal, and as he put out all but the night candle, he
laid upon his bed thinking of tomorrow.
The next morning, everyone met in the Dining Hall for a delicious breakfast of
Scrambled Eggs, and a Breakfast Bread topped with a cinnamon flavored sweet
creamy butter.
As talk of last nights Bridal shower for Catherine filled the Hall, the question of
the day however, happened to be...if Mary would be conducting the Reading
Appreciation Class that night.
When Jacob asked her if she would be, she vehemently answered, "Of course
Father! I am so very eager to continue the Heathcliff and Catherine discussion.
Such a volatile couple! So remember everyone, 7 o'clock sharp!"
Just then Eric and Kipper went dashing by, and they were so swift, that Jacob
just barely caught hold of them! In a scolding tone he told them, "Slow down
Kipper and Eric! What is the hurry this morning?"
With a wide eyed expression, Eric excitedly explained, "Kipper and me wanted
to finish our game of Putt Putt. We started to play it before breakfast."
In an understanding tone, Jacob replied, "I see, well run along then boys,
however, please WALK! And the correct usage is "I"."
Stopping for clarification, Eric and Kipper both looked at one another, and then
Eric asked Jacob, "What do you mean Father?"
Informatively, Jacob said, "I...Kipper and "I" wanted to finish our game of Putt
Putt."
To which Eric argued, "You weren't playing against Kipper Father...I was!"
Kipper nudged his buddy, and told him, "I think Father is correcting your
English Einstein!"
As the idea settled in, finally, Eric said, "Ah, I get it now. Gotcha Father."
Raising his eyes Heavenward, Jacob said, "Thank God."
He then went on to explain, "The usage of "Me" is not completely wrong Eric,
Me is used in many constructions where strict grammarians prescribe I. This
usage is not so much ungrammatical as indicative of the shrinking range of the
nominative form: "me" began to replace "I" sometime around the 16th century
largely because of the pressure of word order. Just remember the simple rule:
"I" is chiefly used as the subject of an immediately following verb. "Me" occurs
in every other position! Now isn't that worth knowing boys?"
They both nodded dramatically that it was, and then started to make another
attempt to escape, when Vincent called out to them, "You both intend to meet
Catherine in the Library for your Reading course do you not?"
Picking up their pace, Kipper yelled over his shoulder, "Yes, we will be there
Vincent...that's why we're in a hurry, we wanna finish our game before that!"
After they were gone, Jacob shook his head, and said, "Children! Always in a
constant state of motion! As I recall, when I was that age, I was always in a
hurry as well..I just cannot remember though, what it was I was in a such a
hurry to do!"
Everyone laughed and Kanin glanced over at his boy, and said, "I suppose it
won't be long before Lukey is running off to play like Eric and Kipper."
As Lukey began to toy with Olivia's hair ribbon, tangling his little fist in her long
hair, she helplessly asked Kanin to help her, and to please hold him for a while.
Gladly he took his boy from her arms, and said, "Come here little fella."
Giggles circled all around as Lukey began to jump up and down on his father's
lap, making it difficult for even Kanin to hold him. This struggle prompted
Vincent to comment, "Little" may no longer be the appropriate adjective for him
Kanin."
Laughing along with everyone else, Kanin agreeably said, "I think you are right
Vincent!"
Catherine smiled, as she watched Vincent. The blue of his eyes was enhanced
by his joyful favor, that shone from within, as he observed the interaction
between this father and his son.
She gently tightened her grip on Vincent's hand, prompting him to look down at
her, so that together, they could share the fun of watching this toddler.
It was Rebecca who then asked Olivia, how she liked her new kitchenette?
Olivia brought her hand to her heart as she exclaimed, "I cannot tell you how
surprised I was! When I walked into our chamber last night...I nearly fainted. It
was everything and more than I could have asked for. I ran right over to
Father's chamber and thanked him for allowing me to have it! It will make it so
much easier for me to care for my family."
Jovially, Jacob added, "Yes, there I was, catching up on some correspondence,
when Olivia came dashing in shouting about something or another, I could not
figure out what she was saying! Needless to say, she frightened the perdition out
of me!"
Embarrassingly, Olivia said, "Please pardon me Father! I was just so excited,
and I wanted to show my gratitude."
In reply, Jacob said, "Indeed you did, and you are most welcome Olivia."
As everyone expressed interest in seeing the kitchenette, both Olivia and Kanin
offered a tour after lunch.
Meanwhile, the early morning sped by quickly, and one by one, the children
began to arrive at the Library.
Catherine greeted them, and was so happy when Vincent showed up with his
copy of the book. Catherine asked the children to thank him as he prepared to
leave.
To which Natalie looked up and asked, "Vincent, do you have to go? Can't you
read the story with us?"
Catherine looked at Vincent, and smiled, as he looked to her for permission.
Sweetly, Catherine expressed, "If you have nothing pressing, I...er, we would
love you to stay."
Huskily, he slightly bowed as he in turn replied, "As you wish."
Shyly smiling, Catherine felt flush as Vincent's flirting made her blush. She tried
to turn her attention back to the task at hand, as she asked, "Very well then,
perhaps you would like to get us started?"
Obediently Vincent started the read, as he read, "The Princess Bride... The year
that Buttercup was born..."
He then passed the book onto Samantha and she onto the next. They all took
turns reading a page at a time, until the book made its way around at least four
times. They then answered the guideline questions, and discussed what they had
read thus far.
When it was time to conclude the session, the children complained they didn't
want to go, cuz they wanted to know what happened next. Amusedly, Vincent
stood back silently, observing Catherine handle the uprising.
With a calm governing tone, Catherine told them they could read more
tomorrow, but it was time to report to Jacob to get their daily chore assignments.
After a little belly-aching they obediently filed out to meet with Jacob.
Vincent stayed behind to help Catherine straighten up, and with a look of
admiration, he gazed at her and thought of how wonderfully she related to the
children.
As she sensed his looking at her, she asked, "Vincent...what is it?"
A slight smile came to his lips, as he told her, "How relaxed you seemed with
the children today, and of how nervous you were to conduct your first class just
a short time ago. Catherine you are a natural with children...a marvelous
teacher."
To be continued
Chapter Thirty-Three
