| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twelve |
Meanwhile, Samantha walked with Vincent through the tunnels, feeling so
proud she was the one, Lisa asked, to get Vincent for her.
Just then Mouse came running up, and said, "Vincent...I just saw Lisa by the
62nd street entry, she said she is waiting to talk to you..."
Samantha sternly said, "Mouse...I already told Vincent, and we are on our way
there to see her now!"
Mouse indignantly said, "OK Good!"
Vincent then said, he would be going the rest of the way by himself, and then
told Samantha, she should head back to the tunnel main with Mouse.
Samantha began to argue she wanted to go with him, however Vincent
discouraged the notion, explaining Lisa may want to talk about something
private, and so for safety sake, she must go back with Mouse.
Mouse himself, then complained, saying he was not heading for the tunnel main,
that he instead was going to the new expansion tunnels.
Vincent tipped his head as he looked at Mouse, to appeal to his common sense,
saying, "Mouse, you know it would not be safe for Samantha to walk back
alone..."
Mouse began to pout, as he kicked a stone, and said, "But Vincent..."
Vincent then brought his hand to his heart, as he interrupted his pixilated friend,
and said, "I would consider this a personal favor if you would escort Samantha
safely back."
Mouse let out a breath, along with a frustrated groan, and said, "OK
Vincent...come on Samantha!"
Samantha had to skip to keep up with the fast walking Mouse, and Vincent had
to smile to himself, as he could hear them arguing as they began their journey
back to the main tunnels.
As Vincent continued on, he stood for a moment as he looked down the
passage, and saw Lisa leaning against the tunnel's stone wall, waiting for him.
As he approached her, he asked, "You wanted to see me Lisa?"
At the sound of Vincent's voice, Lisa stood upright as she looked over at him,
and nervously said, "Yes Vincent..."
She then thoughtfully paced a few steps, before she stepped up to him, and
softly said, "I couldn't leave here tonight, without telling you something,
something exciting."
She then continued, "I wanted to tell you earlier, but there wasn't ever a good
time it seemed. But you see, I wanted to tell you, I have met
someone...someone special. I believe he is someone I can really care about, and
someone who...seems to care for me..."
Even though Ronald had already told him this news, Vincent was surprised, by
the tugging he felt within his heart, as Lisa, herself told him.
Vincent looked downward, as he said, "I am happy for you Lisa. Just as you are
for me."
Searching Vincent's face, Lisa thought she saw something that resembled a look
of regret.
She then carefully asked, "Vincent? What is it?"
Collecting himself, Vincent was then able to look back at Lisa, and revealed,
"Just for a moment, I was taken back to the time you pulled me to the side, and
you told me you had feelings for...Devin."
Sadly, Lisa recalled, "You were hurt by that..."
Leaning against the wall, he admitted, "Yes...I felt as if you were taunting me
with this information."
Lisa then shamefully admitted, "In truth, I was going to tell you it was you I
cared for, and at the last moment...I lost my nerve, and I replaced your name
with Devin's."
She gently took his hand in hers, and as she brushed her hand over his to feel its
softness, she then said, "Back then, feelings were so complicated and confusing.
And though I had self esteem issues, I never wished to hurt you."
Vincent looked down at their hands and said, "And...I never meant to hurt
you..."
With tenderness, Lisa then observed, "I know Vincent...and now, here we are,
because of the healing in both of our hearts, we are able to move on...and still
remain close. Even though there may be twinges of regret and remorse now and
then. We must own the fact the past will always be ours."
With a smile, Lisa continued, "Even still, truly its the good times I remember
most, the close times we shared as children, those times I will cherish forever,
and hold them dearly within my heart."
To which she hopefully asked, "There were so many good times weren't there
Vincent?"
Elegantly, Vincent with a smile in his eyes, answered, "Yes, there were Lisa."
And so as they stood there for a silent moment, Lisa then said, "Well, I should
go, and you should get back to your lovely Catherine. I just wanted to tell you
my news."
His eyes held a smile as he looked back and said, "I hope you have found what
I have found with Catherine. My wish has always been for you to find
happiness."
With a kiss to his cheek, Lisa then said, "Good night Vincent."
Softly Vincent replied, "Go with care...goodnight..."
Watching her until she was out of sight, Vincent then turned to walk back to the
Reading Chamber, feeling a bit unsettled, as he wondered about this man who
had won over Lisa's heart.
As he pondered these feelings that had washed over him, he was able to
contentedly reconcile, these feelings were those of a concerned friend, hoping
this man was worthy to gain the affections of someone he cared about, so
deeply.
As Vincent stepped back in to the Reading Chamber's threshold, all
contemplative thoughts of Lisa left him, as he found Catherine standing beside
Jacob, smiling up at him, as he spoke.
Vincent marveled at how the relationship between these two people in his life,
had changed, and noted how Catherine seemed to be more relaxed around his
Father now. And his Father's demeanor too, had undeniably transformed, and
warmed toward Catherine.
Feeling blessed this was so, Vincent had a smile in his eyes as he approached
them.
Catherine looked over at Vincent, and excitedly shared, "Father was just telling
me Reverend Edward, will be happy to preside over our ceremony."
Jacob bluntly said, "Yes, and I only just found out from Mary! Peter told her,
but forgot to tell any of us."
Peter then walked up and asked, "Hey, did I hear someone say my name?"
Jacob winced as he said, "Yes you DID hear your name! It seems your hearing
is as astute as ever, I do however fear your memory is not what it used to be!"
Jacob then told Peter, "I was merely relaying to the Groom, and Bride-to-be,
the eagerly awaited news, that Reverend Edward shall be pleased to preside
over their ceremony!"
Peter scoffed at his comment, saying, "Just because I didn't mention it the
minute I saw you, you are eager to label me senile!"
Peter then let go a laugh, and with a friendly slap on the back, told Jacob,
"Relax Dad, everything will fall into place."
Jacob looked irritatingly at Peter, and as he did so, his frown dissolved into a
smile, only to then laugh at himself, as he realized he was sounding like an old
worry wart!
Jacob then conceded, "I know you are right Peter, of course, there is no reason
to believe otherwise."
Vincent felt so pleased Reverend Edward was free, and then said, "That is
wonderful news Peter."
In agreement, Peter said, "Yep it is! In fact the good Reverend said he could
think of no greater honor, than to be the one to marry you two, and he shall be
here with bells on his toes! Just tell him when."
Jacob laughed saying, "Bells on his toes...I dare say."
He then turned thoughtful, as he looked up at his son, and reminisced, "I recall
at your naming ceremony Vincent...as I held you in my arms, your bellowing
cry eventually subsided, finally allowing Reverend Edward to introduce you to
the community!"
Catherine warmly smiled as she listened to this tale of Vincent as a baby, now
knowing through the photos Peter had taken, what a beautiful infant he was.
She then looked at Vincent, and thought she could dream no sweeter dream,
than to have a child like him, and then quickly she looked downward, trying for
now to squelch such a notion, realizing Vincent would know what she was
thinking.
But it was too late. Vincent sadly knitted his brow, and as he turned toward her,
he saw the trembling of her chin.
Lovingly, he took her hand, and she knew by the saddened look in his eyes, he
had picked up on her desire to have his child.
As his Father continued his story, Vincent could only half-heartedly listen,
knowing he and Catherine should have an in depth talk about this issue of
having a child.
Jacob then proudly added, "It was as if you were announcing your presence to
the entire world. I knew then, when you thwarted the Reverend's word with
your own, that your spirit was strong, and quite distinct."
Peter reflected back to Vincent's naming ceremony too, and added, "I believe
you earned the Reverend's respect, and won a place in his heart that day
Vincent...as being the only person able to upstage him."
Catherine had gathered herself, and put her want aside for now, and cheerfully
joined in and asked, "So Vincent, you drowned out Reverend Edward?"
Vincent with his hands now poised behind his back, turned to Catherine and
said, "Yes, I can only take everyone else's word that this was so. Reverend
Edward himself often speaks of this incident, and seems to very much enjoy,
teasing me about it."
Peter then amusedly said, "I have heard him tell that story a million times."
He then seriously added, "But I do know first hand, he admires you very much
Vincent."
Vincent with much emotion simply nodded, knowing this was true. Rev.
Edward who had counseled him all through his life, always told him, he admired
the way, he had so gracefully accepted his reality.
Vincent then humbly looked at Catherine and said, "Rev. Edward's presence
will serve to enhance, what is already going to be, the most auspicious day of
my life."
Catherine smiled at him, and tearfully said, "Of my life too Vincent..."
Jacob and Peter looked at these two people who were children to them both,
Jacob, an adoptive Father to Vincent, and Peter a surrogate Father to Catherine.
And they did so with a satisfaction, knowing through marriage, they would
finally find the happiness they each deserved.
To be continued
Chapter Thirteen
proud she was the one, Lisa asked, to get Vincent for her.
Just then Mouse came running up, and said, "Vincent...I just saw Lisa by the
62nd street entry, she said she is waiting to talk to you..."
Samantha sternly said, "Mouse...I already told Vincent, and we are on our way
there to see her now!"
Mouse indignantly said, "OK Good!"
Vincent then said, he would be going the rest of the way by himself, and then
told Samantha, she should head back to the tunnel main with Mouse.
Samantha began to argue she wanted to go with him, however Vincent
discouraged the notion, explaining Lisa may want to talk about something
private, and so for safety sake, she must go back with Mouse.
Mouse himself, then complained, saying he was not heading for the tunnel main,
that he instead was going to the new expansion tunnels.
Vincent tipped his head as he looked at Mouse, to appeal to his common sense,
saying, "Mouse, you know it would not be safe for Samantha to walk back
alone..."
Mouse began to pout, as he kicked a stone, and said, "But Vincent..."
Vincent then brought his hand to his heart, as he interrupted his pixilated friend,
and said, "I would consider this a personal favor if you would escort Samantha
safely back."
Mouse let out a breath, along with a frustrated groan, and said, "OK
Vincent...come on Samantha!"
Samantha had to skip to keep up with the fast walking Mouse, and Vincent had
to smile to himself, as he could hear them arguing as they began their journey
back to the main tunnels.
As Vincent continued on, he stood for a moment as he looked down the
passage, and saw Lisa leaning against the tunnel's stone wall, waiting for him.
As he approached her, he asked, "You wanted to see me Lisa?"
At the sound of Vincent's voice, Lisa stood upright as she looked over at him,
and nervously said, "Yes Vincent..."
She then thoughtfully paced a few steps, before she stepped up to him, and
softly said, "I couldn't leave here tonight, without telling you something,
something exciting."
She then continued, "I wanted to tell you earlier, but there wasn't ever a good
time it seemed. But you see, I wanted to tell you, I have met
someone...someone special. I believe he is someone I can really care about, and
someone who...seems to care for me..."
Even though Ronald had already told him this news, Vincent was surprised, by
the tugging he felt within his heart, as Lisa, herself told him.
Vincent looked downward, as he said, "I am happy for you Lisa. Just as you are
for me."
Searching Vincent's face, Lisa thought she saw something that resembled a look
of regret.
She then carefully asked, "Vincent? What is it?"
Collecting himself, Vincent was then able to look back at Lisa, and revealed,
"Just for a moment, I was taken back to the time you pulled me to the side, and
you told me you had feelings for...Devin."
Sadly, Lisa recalled, "You were hurt by that..."
Leaning against the wall, he admitted, "Yes...I felt as if you were taunting me
with this information."
Lisa then shamefully admitted, "In truth, I was going to tell you it was you I
cared for, and at the last moment...I lost my nerve, and I replaced your name
with Devin's."
She gently took his hand in hers, and as she brushed her hand over his to feel its
softness, she then said, "Back then, feelings were so complicated and confusing.
And though I had self esteem issues, I never wished to hurt you."
Vincent looked down at their hands and said, "And...I never meant to hurt
you..."
With tenderness, Lisa then observed, "I know Vincent...and now, here we are,
because of the healing in both of our hearts, we are able to move on...and still
remain close. Even though there may be twinges of regret and remorse now and
then. We must own the fact the past will always be ours."
With a smile, Lisa continued, "Even still, truly its the good times I remember
most, the close times we shared as children, those times I will cherish forever,
and hold them dearly within my heart."
To which she hopefully asked, "There were so many good times weren't there
Vincent?"
Elegantly, Vincent with a smile in his eyes, answered, "Yes, there were Lisa."
And so as they stood there for a silent moment, Lisa then said, "Well, I should
go, and you should get back to your lovely Catherine. I just wanted to tell you
my news."
His eyes held a smile as he looked back and said, "I hope you have found what
I have found with Catherine. My wish has always been for you to find
happiness."
With a kiss to his cheek, Lisa then said, "Good night Vincent."
Softly Vincent replied, "Go with care...goodnight..."
Watching her until she was out of sight, Vincent then turned to walk back to the
Reading Chamber, feeling a bit unsettled, as he wondered about this man who
had won over Lisa's heart.
As he pondered these feelings that had washed over him, he was able to
contentedly reconcile, these feelings were those of a concerned friend, hoping
this man was worthy to gain the affections of someone he cared about, so
deeply.
As Vincent stepped back in to the Reading Chamber's threshold, all
contemplative thoughts of Lisa left him, as he found Catherine standing beside
Jacob, smiling up at him, as he spoke.
Vincent marveled at how the relationship between these two people in his life,
had changed, and noted how Catherine seemed to be more relaxed around his
Father now. And his Father's demeanor too, had undeniably transformed, and
warmed toward Catherine.
Feeling blessed this was so, Vincent had a smile in his eyes as he approached
them.
Catherine looked over at Vincent, and excitedly shared, "Father was just telling
me Reverend Edward, will be happy to preside over our ceremony."
Jacob bluntly said, "Yes, and I only just found out from Mary! Peter told her,
but forgot to tell any of us."
Peter then walked up and asked, "Hey, did I hear someone say my name?"
Jacob winced as he said, "Yes you DID hear your name! It seems your hearing
is as astute as ever, I do however fear your memory is not what it used to be!"
Jacob then told Peter, "I was merely relaying to the Groom, and Bride-to-be,
the eagerly awaited news, that Reverend Edward shall be pleased to preside
over their ceremony!"
Peter scoffed at his comment, saying, "Just because I didn't mention it the
minute I saw you, you are eager to label me senile!"
Peter then let go a laugh, and with a friendly slap on the back, told Jacob,
"Relax Dad, everything will fall into place."
Jacob looked irritatingly at Peter, and as he did so, his frown dissolved into a
smile, only to then laugh at himself, as he realized he was sounding like an old
worry wart!
Jacob then conceded, "I know you are right Peter, of course, there is no reason
to believe otherwise."
Vincent felt so pleased Reverend Edward was free, and then said, "That is
wonderful news Peter."
In agreement, Peter said, "Yep it is! In fact the good Reverend said he could
think of no greater honor, than to be the one to marry you two, and he shall be
here with bells on his toes! Just tell him when."
Jacob laughed saying, "Bells on his toes...I dare say."
He then turned thoughtful, as he looked up at his son, and reminisced, "I recall
at your naming ceremony Vincent...as I held you in my arms, your bellowing
cry eventually subsided, finally allowing Reverend Edward to introduce you to
the community!"
Catherine warmly smiled as she listened to this tale of Vincent as a baby, now
knowing through the photos Peter had taken, what a beautiful infant he was.
She then looked at Vincent, and thought she could dream no sweeter dream,
than to have a child like him, and then quickly she looked downward, trying for
now to squelch such a notion, realizing Vincent would know what she was
thinking.
But it was too late. Vincent sadly knitted his brow, and as he turned toward her,
he saw the trembling of her chin.
Lovingly, he took her hand, and she knew by the saddened look in his eyes, he
had picked up on her desire to have his child.
As his Father continued his story, Vincent could only half-heartedly listen,
knowing he and Catherine should have an in depth talk about this issue of
having a child.
Jacob then proudly added, "It was as if you were announcing your presence to
the entire world. I knew then, when you thwarted the Reverend's word with
your own, that your spirit was strong, and quite distinct."
Peter reflected back to Vincent's naming ceremony too, and added, "I believe
you earned the Reverend's respect, and won a place in his heart that day
Vincent...as being the only person able to upstage him."
Catherine had gathered herself, and put her want aside for now, and cheerfully
joined in and asked, "So Vincent, you drowned out Reverend Edward?"
Vincent with his hands now poised behind his back, turned to Catherine and
said, "Yes, I can only take everyone else's word that this was so. Reverend
Edward himself often speaks of this incident, and seems to very much enjoy,
teasing me about it."
Peter then amusedly said, "I have heard him tell that story a million times."
He then seriously added, "But I do know first hand, he admires you very much
Vincent."
Vincent with much emotion simply nodded, knowing this was true. Rev.
Edward who had counseled him all through his life, always told him, he admired
the way, he had so gracefully accepted his reality.
Vincent then humbly looked at Catherine and said, "Rev. Edward's presence
will serve to enhance, what is already going to be, the most auspicious day of
my life."
Catherine smiled at him, and tearfully said, "Of my life too Vincent..."
Jacob and Peter looked at these two people who were children to them both,
Jacob, an adoptive Father to Vincent, and Peter a surrogate Father to Catherine.
And they did so with a satisfaction, knowing through marriage, they would
finally find the happiness they each deserved.
To be continued
Chapter Thirteen
