"Jennifer has made a change in your life...it is good to see the light in your eyes.
A light I had never been witness to."
Knowing it was true. Vincent has only known him since after his family's
tragedy. And so Ronald admitted, "My sorrow will always be a part of who I
am, but Vincent, I am finally ready to protectively harbor it, and try to share the
rest of my heart with someone again."
Thoughtfully, Ronald then added, "I really like Jenny."
With a slap on his friend's back, Vincent said, "I can think of no one finer than
Jennifer."
And then both Vincent and Ronald continued to talk about how life has changed
for them both, since they had met Catherine and Jennifer.
As they entered the fork of the tunnels, Vincent suggested asking Pascal to see
if he would like to go too.
And so as they approached the pipe chamber, they found Pascal showing one of
the sentries, the ways of the pipes.
And as Vincent and Ronald stood watching Pascal fastidiously instructing the
sentry, they both looked at each other, and asked one another, "Does Pascal
ever rest?"
And so after they made themselves known, Pascal eagerly greeted them, and
then Vincent asked, "Pascal...care to join us for a swim at the falls?"
Thinking he shouldn't because he was in the middle of the instruction, Pascal
said, "Geeze...I'd like to, but I am showing Felix a few things here..."
To which Vincent said, "Sounds like perfect timing, Felix has assisted you
enough times to monitor the pipes for a while."
Upon seeing a chance to be in charge, Felix eagerly spoke up, and said, "Sure! I
would be glad to!"
Looking at him, Pascal was tempted, knowing Felix was more than capable, and
so he let down his guard, and said, "All right then...I'll go."
As the three pals arrived at the falls, they spent the next hour or so, swimming,
competitive diving, and just talking. To which, Ronald curiously asked what life
was like for them there as children.
And so Pascal reflected back, and said, "Life was pretty good for us by the time
we were old enough to remember...by then Father had plenty of helpers, and
devised the system we pretty much live by still to this day."
To which Vincent added, "I remember Winslow telling us it wasn't always so...
he said when he was a kid, times were bad, the resources were scarce, and
Paracelsus took advantage because people were scared. And some of the people
started to follow him."
Intently listening, Ronald said, "Really...well how did Father gain control and
turn it all around?"
Thoughtfully, Vincent said, "Winslow said Father reminded everyone they were
a family, and had to stand by each other. He said we would have been proud of
the way Father stood up to Paracelsus."
To which Ronald said, "Father is quite a guy...amazing! And Winslow too, the
stories you both have told me about him..."
Pascal affirmatively nodded toward Ronald, and said, "Oh yes, we had some
great times uh Vincent?"
And then after softly repeating Winslow's name, Pascal sat quiet, missing his old
friend.
Vincent noticing this was so, put his arm around Pascal, and said, "He's still
with us Pascal, and is a part of us always in our hearts."
To which Pascal sadly smiled, and said, "I know...I’m just remembering when
we were kids, we used to tease Winslow, and he'd try so hard, not to lose his
temper, but he would...he would. He wore his heart on his sleeve."
Reflecting back too, Vincent then added, "He finally knew how much we all
respected him when Father named him to the council at the common meeting.
He finally knew how much we all cared for him."
Ronald listening to these two friends, knew they shared much, and he was
moved as they talked about one of their own, who died way too young, doing a
very brave deed.
As Vincent lightened the mood, by issuing a final challenge, he then started them
off by doing his best dive for them to emulate.
And after they did, they decided it was time to call it a night.
And so as they hiked back, they had fun, laughing, and talking all the way, as
they returned to the tunnel main.
As they bade each other a good night, they then went their separate ways,
Ronald to his chamber, Pascal back to the pipe chamber, and Vincent headed
toward Catherine's chamber to say goodnight as he had promised.
And so as Vincent ventured forth, he began to pick up on a sweet aroma!
Curiously, he entered Catherine's chamber, and with a voice full of wonder,
Vincent said, "Catherine...the smell of baked goods wafted down through the
tunnel. As I neared, I wondered if the delicious aromas could be coming from
your kitchen? Now I see, indeed, they were."
Excitedly, Catherine said, "Correction...coming from "our" kitchen. I was dying
to just bake something, and give the oven a test run. Look how golden brown
the cookies turned out!"
She then added, "I want you to know Vincent, I have William to thank...he not
only gave me the recipe, but the ingredients I needed too. He told me these
Applesauce Cookies were one of your favorites."
Holding the plate up to him, she offered, "Go ahead and taste one..."
As Vincent took a bite, he remarked how delicious they were! Saying, "You are
an excellent baker, these cookies are very good."
Just then they could hear Jamie and Laura at the threshold, along with Peter
saying they smelled something delicious, and asked, "What was baking?"
Catherine and Vincent warmly welcomed them inside, and Catherine then
offered them some cookies too, ushering them all in to sit down around the
table, and poured them some tea as well.
Catherine smiled at Peter and said, "You are such a health nut Peter, I don't
usually see you eat sweets!"
Dunking his last bite of cookie into his tea, he replied, "I figure these have gotta
be good for you if they were made with apples, and they are good too!"
Laura smiled as she signed, "I am sure glad we are living next to Catherine!"
After much munching, and non-stop chit-chat, the two girls said they were
getting tired, and better head off to bed.
Rolling her eyes, Jamie commented that Mary had several tasks for them to
fulfill before Catherine's Bridal Shower tomorrow evening. She then added,
"Not that I am complaining, cause I am so excited about your shindig Catherine,
but Mary has so many ideas..."
To which Laura inserted, signing, "...which translates into chores for us!"
With an awe overtone, Catherine apologized to both Jamie and Laura, saying, "I
have tried to tell Mary just keep it simple, but she is definitely in her element
when there is planning to be done. Just know Vincent and I really appreciate all
your help."
Standing between Jamie and Laura, Vincent seized the opportunity to bring
some levity to the situation, and so with a dual hug,
said, "I predict you both will survive Mary's mind-whirling fury!"
To which Catherine sinfully giggled, saying, "Mind-whirling fury? Mary isn't
that bad!"
As the joking subsided, Peter said it was time to retire to his new pad!
As he turned to Catherine, he kissed her on the forehead, wistfully mentioning,
he could not believe she was really getting married!
Warmly he noted, "Engagement parties, Bridal showers, Weddings! Hmmm, it
seems like only yesterday...you were this freckled-faced little girl, who used to
beg to play with my stethoscope so you could listen to your kitten's heartbeat.
And now...now you are getting married! Where does the time go?"
With an emotion filled voice, he added, "If only your Dad could see you how
happy you are."
Tearfully Catherine replied, "I believe he knows Peter, and that you are here for
me in his place."
With a thoughtful nod, Peter answered, "Yes, I'd like to think so."
He then turned to Vincent, and said, "Well goodnight Vincent..."
Then with wonder, he added, "...what you have designed here for Cathy...I am
really impressed. You have talent kid! What a great home this will be."
Humbly, Vincent looked downward, and warmly said, "Thank you Peter..."
And as Vincent looked about, he added, "...and I believe you are right, this will
be a great home."
With a final goodnight, Peter gathered the girls, and said he would see them
safely back to their chambers.
After they left, Vincent thought about Peter's "Kitten" story, and pondered what
Catherine's disposition must have been like when she was a young girl.
Stepping up to Catherine, he inquired, "So, you would listen to your kitten's
heartbeat? Tell me...did you have aspirations in the medical field?"
Smiling as she reflected, she answered, "Sort of...I secretly wanted to be a Vet.
I had this huge crush on our Veterinarian, and I had hopes of working with him
when I grew up."
Looking downward, he attempted to hide his smile, as he asked, "You are not
going to at least try and pass off your veterinary vocation, with a more noble
reason?"
To which she playfully replied, "Nope! You may as well know I am a sucker
for a pair of beautiful blue eyes.
Resting his head against hers, he softly said, "Fortunate for me..."
Sweetly she claimed, "No Vincent....I am the fortunate one. My life has been
blessed and changed, beginning that night you found me in the park..."
Vincent issued a single nod, but said nothing about that night, for he hated
thinking anyone could have harmed her. Sometimes still...late at night, those
thoughts haunt him, and the anger would grip him to such an extent, it
frightened him!
Eventually as the darkness subsided, so would the vengeful feelings, and he was
left with the wish to banish those painful memories from Catherine's heart as
well.
Shaking these thoughts from his mind, he then softly kissed her hair, and told
her he would see to it she was tucked warmly into bed before leaving.
And as he did just that, he told her sweet dreams and told her much he loved
her.
Catherine sleepily smiled, and said she loved him too, and hoped he had sweet
dreams too.
As she drifted off to sleep, Vincent reluctantly left her, to walk through the dark
echoing tunnels, back to his own cold, lonely chamber bed, to dream the sweet
dreams Catherine wished for him.
The next day was a flurry of activity. It seemed as if everyone in the
community was enlisted to help with the shower in some fashion!
After breakfast, Jacob and Kanin sat talking in the Dining Hall, and as they
observed Mary speaking to several compliant helpers, Jacob teasingly noted
Mary could have been a General.
Kanin agreed, but then in Mary's defense said, "Yes, but hey, she is getting it
done! Olivia is a lot like Mary in that sense. I try to be a good husband and not
complain when she has all these chores for me to do, and sometimes she really
gets on my nerves, but she does get the needed chores done...albeit by me of
course..."
And then under his breath, he added, "...just so I don't have to hear about it
over and over!"
Jacob sensing Kanin and Olivia may be having problems, asked, "Is there
something amiss between you two?"
Heaving a sigh, Kanin replied, "Well...not really, but Father, Olivia heard about
Catherine's kitchenette alcove, and now she wants one. I tried to explain
Vincent is your son, and of course he might be granted certain privileges. But
try to explain anything like that to a woman!"
Thoughtfully, Jacob said he could understand how Olivia must feel, having a
small child to tend to all hours of the day and night. He also stated he could see
how inconvenient it must be for her to go to William for Luke's every need.
With a wisdom filled decision, he told Kanin, "Tell Olivia, she too can have a
kitchenette within your chamber. However, although you will have a stove, the
community rules still stand! As I told Vincent, we all dine together, and William
is our chief cook. We wouldn't want him to feel dispensable, now would we? So
tell her we shall begin whatever renovations are needed, immediately after the
wedding."
Kanin expounded, "Father...do you mean it?! Oh you don't know how this gets
me off the hook! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
With a hearty laugh, Jacob told him he was welcome, and he was glad Kanin
had confided in him.
Jacob then added, "Remember, there is always an answer to every problem
Kanin. However, we must never be so overcome with anxiety, we forget to
seek a solution."
With a heartfelt embrace, Kanin said, "I will try to remember Father. But I
swear, a woman can get you going so you don't know which end is up! I will
see you later, I can't wait to go and tell Olivia, she can have a kitchen too, and
Father...thanks again!"
Jacob stood crossing his arms, and as he scratched his head, he contemplated
how many more kitchenettes might be requisitioned!
Later in the afternoon, after the preparations had been completed, the female
population readied themselves, and met in the hot springs chamber to bath for
the party.
There was much conversation and laughter as the excitement was mounting for
this happy event. As Rebecca pinned her hair up off of her shoulders, she asked
Catherine, what she would be wearing tonight. With a final rinsing of her hair,
Catherine shared, she would be wearing a deep brown sweater and skirt to the
shower, causing all who heard, to ooh and ahhh, and then talk about what they
too would be wearing.
It was then Samantha said she would be wearing a pinafore, which had a bit of
yellow in it, to which Catherine thought, and knew she had a yellow satin
ribbon, she had yet to disperse from her collection, and so she offered, "After I
get dressed, I will stop by on my way to the shower, and help you with your
hair. I just may have something to tie in it too."
Excitedly, Samantha said, "Thanks Catherine!"
It was then Brooke asked Catherine to pass her the glycerin soap, and then told
her she heard through Mary, that Lisa would be coming tonight.
To which Catherine was genuinely pleased to hear this, and said, "Good."
In disbelief, Brooke questioned, "Really? You are happy she will be here?
Vincent's old girlfriend?"
Upon expelling a breath, Catherine took a moment to gather her thoughts, and
answered Brooke, that yes, she had come a long way in accepting the
relationship between Vincent and Lisa. And though she had not always felt so
open to her, she now understands when there is a history between two people...
it should be cherished not erased. Yes, all friendships should be cherished.
As Catherine saw a perplexed look cross Brooke's face, she asked, "What's
wrong? Don't you believe a man and a woman, can really be just friends?"
Sighing, Brooke admitted, "Well in a word...NO! Michael has an old girlfriend
he sees from time to time in college, and he keeps saying they are just friends
now. But I don't see how that is really possible!"
Catherine looked at Brooke, and as a slight smile came to her lips, she tried to
explain how she felt about such a relationship. Slowly she began, "Friendship is
a strange dynamic Brooke. It takes the shape of many forms. Two people, even
if one is a man and the other a woman, can become friends because they like
each other for one reason or another, or maybe because they have things in
common. But that friendship, does not take away from the other relationships a
person has. At least it shouldn't. You and Michael have been spending a lot of
time together haven't you?"
Softly Brooke admitted, "Well yes..."
Catherine then teasingly added, "And from what I saw at the party the other
night, he had eyes only for you."
Blushing a bit, Brooke admitted, "We did have a wonderful time."
Catherine then advised, "Well then...you shouldn't worry. The worst thing a
person can do is to try and control another person by dictating who they like,
and who they see. I think you and Michael will be just fine, if you don't try to
hold on to him too tightly. So remember Brooke, don't let jealousy get in the
way of a relationship with Michael, I see something there between you two, so
just relax and enjoy one another..."
Brooke looked downward, embarrassed by her jealous feelings, and expressed,
"I guess you are right. I will try not to worry, or hold on to tight...thanks for
your advice."
With a warm smile, Catherine told her she was welcome, and after realizing
they were the last two left in the bathing chamber, they said they better get
moving!
As Catherine bustled around her chamber, getting ready for her party, and as
she did so, she thought of how cute the renovations turned out.
This feels like home now, and all she needed was one more feature around
there, and that would be Vincent!
As Catherine brushed through her hair, she then went to her wardrobe, and
brought out her box of hair ribbons. As she pulled out the wide shiny yellow
strand, she warmly thought of how nice it will look in Samantha's beautiful long
hair. Taking a few more colors with her, she thought, there maybe a couple of
other little girls who would want to have a ribbon tied in their hair too.
As Catherine arrived at the children's chamber, Jamie and Brooke, were busily
getting the younger girls ready for the party. Happy to see Catherine, Jamie said,
"Perfect timing! Samantha is ready for her hair to be done. She wouldn't let me
help her, cuz she said you were gonna."
Holding up the shiny yellow ribbon, Catherine confirmed, "That's right! Come
on over here Samantha!"
As the girls all chit chatted with excitement, Catherine brushed Samantha's hair,
and the little girl seriously mentioned, "I heard you and Brook talking about Lisa
today."
Thoughtfully, Catherine questioned, "You did?"
To which Samantha said, "I like the way you taught Brook about friendships,
and I like the way you just know how Vincent and Lisa are!"
With a hesitancy, Catherine asked, "And how are they?"
In reply, Samantha matter-of-factly said, "Like a brother and a sister! How can
that kind of friendship be bad?"
Smiling, because of how bright and intuitive Samantha was, Catherine replied,
"Sometimes those kind of friendships are the most meaningful, and I am glad
you understand that already at such a young age."
Asking Samantha to turn around, Catherine tied the ribbon into a bow, and said,
"And you young lady, are ready for the party."
Expounding from her chair, Samantha said, "Thanks soooooooo much
Catherine!"
Looking around the room, she saw little Natalie watching, hoping to get a turn
too, and so Catherine smiled, and as she held up some ribbons, she said, "I can't
decide which one we should tie into your hair! Would you like to pick Natalie?"
Skipping over, Natalie looked up at the shiny display, and said, "I like the red
one Catherine!"
To which Catherine scooped her on her lap, and said, "That's the one I would
have picked too!"
And so lovingly, Catherine fixed her hair, and when she was done, little Natalie
gave her a kiss on the cheek, and said thank you for helping her.
Sweetly, Catherine said it was her pleasure, and then realizing she was running a
little late, she announced she better get going, because Mary wanted her to be
early to greet her guests.
To which Jamie and Brook said, they were right behind, they were just going to
gather everyone and be there in a short.
Meanwhile Mary finished lighting the last candle, thinking Catherine should be
coming any moment, when just then Catherine rushed in, asking, "Am I late
Mary?"
To which Mary replied, "Perfect timing Dear! Now calm down, all is well."
As she gave Mary a "thank you" hug for her calm, Catherine looked all around
the Reading Chamber, and was taken aback, at how beautifully decorated it was!
(Click here to see Catherine's arrival)
Excitedly she expressed, "Oh Mary, everything is so lovely! The flowers, the
wedding bells, oh my, and look at all this food."
Mary stood beaming, so happy Catherine seemed pleased with everything!
She then walked up to Catherine and with a motherly hug, she said, "Yes, this is
all for you Dear. Oh Deary me, I believe I might cry again!"
Catherine warmly pleaded, "Oh please don't start Mary, or I will too."
Just then Jennifer came to the threshold, escorted by Mouse of course! She
wanted to come early, so she could fill Catherine in on the Family reunion.
And as she walked in, she said, "Hello Cathy! Oh my look at this place! Hi
Mary, looks like you did it again!"
Smiling Mary said, "We are so glad you could make it Jennifer! Welcome!"
Mary then asked, "Would you girls excuse me? I should go ahem...powder my
nose!"
To which after Mary left, Jennifer burst out laughing, saying, "I thought it was
only in the old 1940 movies, woman said that, of course Mary is kind of a
throw back..."
As the two girls settled in to give, and share some scoops, Jennifer began, by
saying, "We had the best time yesterday Cath! And my mom absolutely loves
Ronny, in fact my whole family does! And would you believe it, not even one
Neanderthal moment occurred! Not even by Uncle Butchy!"
To which Catherine said, Ronald had told her and Vincent a little bit about the
reunion, and of how he loved her family too.
Hearing this made Jennifer squeal and say, "Oh Cathy, I am so head over heals
for that man!"
Jennifer then changed subjects by asking, "So how did it go seeing the old blind
hermit lady?"
Catherine warmly corrected Jennifer, by saying, "Her name is Narcissa Jen!
And it went well. She is so intuitive, she is amazing. I hope you get to meet her
someday, and in fact, I would love to know what she would have to say about
you!"
To which Jennifer asked, "Is she coming today?"
Thoughtfully, Catherine replied, "I did tell her about the party and invited her,
but it is quite a hike, and she didn't really say she was coming, so we'll see."
(Click here to see all the Shower Guests)
The hour had finally come for the party to begin, and all the anxious Tunnel
Bridal Shower-goers started to arrive, happily bearing gifts of hope and joy.
To be continued
Chapter Twenty-Nine
A light I had never been witness to."
Knowing it was true. Vincent has only known him since after his family's
tragedy. And so Ronald admitted, "My sorrow will always be a part of who I
am, but Vincent, I am finally ready to protectively harbor it, and try to share the
rest of my heart with someone again."
Thoughtfully, Ronald then added, "I really like Jenny."
With a slap on his friend's back, Vincent said, "I can think of no one finer than
Jennifer."
And then both Vincent and Ronald continued to talk about how life has changed
for them both, since they had met Catherine and Jennifer.
As they entered the fork of the tunnels, Vincent suggested asking Pascal to see
if he would like to go too.
And so as they approached the pipe chamber, they found Pascal showing one of
the sentries, the ways of the pipes.
And as Vincent and Ronald stood watching Pascal fastidiously instructing the
sentry, they both looked at each other, and asked one another, "Does Pascal
ever rest?"
And so after they made themselves known, Pascal eagerly greeted them, and
then Vincent asked, "Pascal...care to join us for a swim at the falls?"
Thinking he shouldn't because he was in the middle of the instruction, Pascal
said, "Geeze...I'd like to, but I am showing Felix a few things here..."
To which Vincent said, "Sounds like perfect timing, Felix has assisted you
enough times to monitor the pipes for a while."
Upon seeing a chance to be in charge, Felix eagerly spoke up, and said, "Sure! I
would be glad to!"
Looking at him, Pascal was tempted, knowing Felix was more than capable, and
so he let down his guard, and said, "All right then...I'll go."
As the three pals arrived at the falls, they spent the next hour or so, swimming,
competitive diving, and just talking. To which, Ronald curiously asked what life
was like for them there as children.
And so Pascal reflected back, and said, "Life was pretty good for us by the time
we were old enough to remember...by then Father had plenty of helpers, and
devised the system we pretty much live by still to this day."
To which Vincent added, "I remember Winslow telling us it wasn't always so...
he said when he was a kid, times were bad, the resources were scarce, and
Paracelsus took advantage because people were scared. And some of the people
started to follow him."
Intently listening, Ronald said, "Really...well how did Father gain control and
turn it all around?"
Thoughtfully, Vincent said, "Winslow said Father reminded everyone they were
a family, and had to stand by each other. He said we would have been proud of
the way Father stood up to Paracelsus."
To which Ronald said, "Father is quite a guy...amazing! And Winslow too, the
stories you both have told me about him..."
Pascal affirmatively nodded toward Ronald, and said, "Oh yes, we had some
great times uh Vincent?"
And then after softly repeating Winslow's name, Pascal sat quiet, missing his old
friend.
Vincent noticing this was so, put his arm around Pascal, and said, "He's still
with us Pascal, and is a part of us always in our hearts."
To which Pascal sadly smiled, and said, "I know...I’m just remembering when
we were kids, we used to tease Winslow, and he'd try so hard, not to lose his
temper, but he would...he would. He wore his heart on his sleeve."
Reflecting back too, Vincent then added, "He finally knew how much we all
respected him when Father named him to the council at the common meeting.
He finally knew how much we all cared for him."
Ronald listening to these two friends, knew they shared much, and he was
moved as they talked about one of their own, who died way too young, doing a
very brave deed.
As Vincent lightened the mood, by issuing a final challenge, he then started them
off by doing his best dive for them to emulate.
And after they did, they decided it was time to call it a night.
And so as they hiked back, they had fun, laughing, and talking all the way, as
they returned to the tunnel main.
As they bade each other a good night, they then went their separate ways,
Ronald to his chamber, Pascal back to the pipe chamber, and Vincent headed
toward Catherine's chamber to say goodnight as he had promised.
And so as Vincent ventured forth, he began to pick up on a sweet aroma!
Curiously, he entered Catherine's chamber, and with a voice full of wonder,
Vincent said, "Catherine...the smell of baked goods wafted down through the
tunnel. As I neared, I wondered if the delicious aromas could be coming from
your kitchen? Now I see, indeed, they were."
Excitedly, Catherine said, "Correction...coming from "our" kitchen. I was dying
to just bake something, and give the oven a test run. Look how golden brown
the cookies turned out!"
She then added, "I want you to know Vincent, I have William to thank...he not
only gave me the recipe, but the ingredients I needed too. He told me these
Applesauce Cookies were one of your favorites."
Holding the plate up to him, she offered, "Go ahead and taste one..."
As Vincent took a bite, he remarked how delicious they were! Saying, "You are
an excellent baker, these cookies are very good."
Just then they could hear Jamie and Laura at the threshold, along with Peter
saying they smelled something delicious, and asked, "What was baking?"
Catherine and Vincent warmly welcomed them inside, and Catherine then
offered them some cookies too, ushering them all in to sit down around the
table, and poured them some tea as well.
Catherine smiled at Peter and said, "You are such a health nut Peter, I don't
usually see you eat sweets!"
Dunking his last bite of cookie into his tea, he replied, "I figure these have gotta
be good for you if they were made with apples, and they are good too!"
Laura smiled as she signed, "I am sure glad we are living next to Catherine!"
After much munching, and non-stop chit-chat, the two girls said they were
getting tired, and better head off to bed.
Rolling her eyes, Jamie commented that Mary had several tasks for them to
fulfill before Catherine's Bridal Shower tomorrow evening. She then added,
"Not that I am complaining, cause I am so excited about your shindig Catherine,
but Mary has so many ideas..."
To which Laura inserted, signing, "...which translates into chores for us!"
With an awe overtone, Catherine apologized to both Jamie and Laura, saying, "I
have tried to tell Mary just keep it simple, but she is definitely in her element
when there is planning to be done. Just know Vincent and I really appreciate all
your help."
Standing between Jamie and Laura, Vincent seized the opportunity to bring
some levity to the situation, and so with a dual hug,
said, "I predict you both will survive Mary's mind-whirling fury!"
To which Catherine sinfully giggled, saying, "Mind-whirling fury? Mary isn't
that bad!"
As the joking subsided, Peter said it was time to retire to his new pad!
As he turned to Catherine, he kissed her on the forehead, wistfully mentioning,
he could not believe she was really getting married!
Warmly he noted, "Engagement parties, Bridal showers, Weddings! Hmmm, it
seems like only yesterday...you were this freckled-faced little girl, who used to
beg to play with my stethoscope so you could listen to your kitten's heartbeat.
And now...now you are getting married! Where does the time go?"
With an emotion filled voice, he added, "If only your Dad could see you how
happy you are."
Tearfully Catherine replied, "I believe he knows Peter, and that you are here for
me in his place."
With a thoughtful nod, Peter answered, "Yes, I'd like to think so."
He then turned to Vincent, and said, "Well goodnight Vincent..."
Then with wonder, he added, "...what you have designed here for Cathy...I am
really impressed. You have talent kid! What a great home this will be."
Humbly, Vincent looked downward, and warmly said, "Thank you Peter..."
And as Vincent looked about, he added, "...and I believe you are right, this will
be a great home."
With a final goodnight, Peter gathered the girls, and said he would see them
safely back to their chambers.
After they left, Vincent thought about Peter's "Kitten" story, and pondered what
Catherine's disposition must have been like when she was a young girl.
Stepping up to Catherine, he inquired, "So, you would listen to your kitten's
heartbeat? Tell me...did you have aspirations in the medical field?"
Smiling as she reflected, she answered, "Sort of...I secretly wanted to be a Vet.
I had this huge crush on our Veterinarian, and I had hopes of working with him
when I grew up."
Looking downward, he attempted to hide his smile, as he asked, "You are not
going to at least try and pass off your veterinary vocation, with a more noble
reason?"
To which she playfully replied, "Nope! You may as well know I am a sucker
for a pair of beautiful blue eyes.
Resting his head against hers, he softly said, "Fortunate for me..."
Sweetly she claimed, "No Vincent....I am the fortunate one. My life has been
blessed and changed, beginning that night you found me in the park..."
Vincent issued a single nod, but said nothing about that night, for he hated
thinking anyone could have harmed her. Sometimes still...late at night, those
thoughts haunt him, and the anger would grip him to such an extent, it
frightened him!
Eventually as the darkness subsided, so would the vengeful feelings, and he was
left with the wish to banish those painful memories from Catherine's heart as
well.
Shaking these thoughts from his mind, he then softly kissed her hair, and told
her he would see to it she was tucked warmly into bed before leaving.
And as he did just that, he told her sweet dreams and told her much he loved
her.
Catherine sleepily smiled, and said she loved him too, and hoped he had sweet
dreams too.
As she drifted off to sleep, Vincent reluctantly left her, to walk through the dark
echoing tunnels, back to his own cold, lonely chamber bed, to dream the sweet
dreams Catherine wished for him.
The next day was a flurry of activity. It seemed as if everyone in the
community was enlisted to help with the shower in some fashion!
After breakfast, Jacob and Kanin sat talking in the Dining Hall, and as they
observed Mary speaking to several compliant helpers, Jacob teasingly noted
Mary could have been a General.
Kanin agreed, but then in Mary's defense said, "Yes, but hey, she is getting it
done! Olivia is a lot like Mary in that sense. I try to be a good husband and not
complain when she has all these chores for me to do, and sometimes she really
gets on my nerves, but she does get the needed chores done...albeit by me of
course..."
And then under his breath, he added, "...just so I don't have to hear about it
over and over!"
Jacob sensing Kanin and Olivia may be having problems, asked, "Is there
something amiss between you two?"
Heaving a sigh, Kanin replied, "Well...not really, but Father, Olivia heard about
Catherine's kitchenette alcove, and now she wants one. I tried to explain
Vincent is your son, and of course he might be granted certain privileges. But
try to explain anything like that to a woman!"
Thoughtfully, Jacob said he could understand how Olivia must feel, having a
small child to tend to all hours of the day and night. He also stated he could see
how inconvenient it must be for her to go to William for Luke's every need.
With a wisdom filled decision, he told Kanin, "Tell Olivia, she too can have a
kitchenette within your chamber. However, although you will have a stove, the
community rules still stand! As I told Vincent, we all dine together, and William
is our chief cook. We wouldn't want him to feel dispensable, now would we? So
tell her we shall begin whatever renovations are needed, immediately after the
wedding."
Kanin expounded, "Father...do you mean it?! Oh you don't know how this gets
me off the hook! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
With a hearty laugh, Jacob told him he was welcome, and he was glad Kanin
had confided in him.
Jacob then added, "Remember, there is always an answer to every problem
Kanin. However, we must never be so overcome with anxiety, we forget to
seek a solution."
With a heartfelt embrace, Kanin said, "I will try to remember Father. But I
swear, a woman can get you going so you don't know which end is up! I will
see you later, I can't wait to go and tell Olivia, she can have a kitchen too, and
Father...thanks again!"
Jacob stood crossing his arms, and as he scratched his head, he contemplated
how many more kitchenettes might be requisitioned!
Later in the afternoon, after the preparations had been completed, the female
population readied themselves, and met in the hot springs chamber to bath for
the party.
There was much conversation and laughter as the excitement was mounting for
this happy event. As Rebecca pinned her hair up off of her shoulders, she asked
Catherine, what she would be wearing tonight. With a final rinsing of her hair,
Catherine shared, she would be wearing a deep brown sweater and skirt to the
shower, causing all who heard, to ooh and ahhh, and then talk about what they
too would be wearing.
It was then Samantha said she would be wearing a pinafore, which had a bit of
yellow in it, to which Catherine thought, and knew she had a yellow satin
ribbon, she had yet to disperse from her collection, and so she offered, "After I
get dressed, I will stop by on my way to the shower, and help you with your
hair. I just may have something to tie in it too."
Excitedly, Samantha said, "Thanks Catherine!"
It was then Brooke asked Catherine to pass her the glycerin soap, and then told
her she heard through Mary, that Lisa would be coming tonight.
To which Catherine was genuinely pleased to hear this, and said, "Good."
In disbelief, Brooke questioned, "Really? You are happy she will be here?
Vincent's old girlfriend?"
Upon expelling a breath, Catherine took a moment to gather her thoughts, and
answered Brooke, that yes, she had come a long way in accepting the
relationship between Vincent and Lisa. And though she had not always felt so
open to her, she now understands when there is a history between two people...
it should be cherished not erased. Yes, all friendships should be cherished.
As Catherine saw a perplexed look cross Brooke's face, she asked, "What's
wrong? Don't you believe a man and a woman, can really be just friends?"
Sighing, Brooke admitted, "Well in a word...NO! Michael has an old girlfriend
he sees from time to time in college, and he keeps saying they are just friends
now. But I don't see how that is really possible!"
Catherine looked at Brooke, and as a slight smile came to her lips, she tried to
explain how she felt about such a relationship. Slowly she began, "Friendship is
a strange dynamic Brooke. It takes the shape of many forms. Two people, even
if one is a man and the other a woman, can become friends because they like
each other for one reason or another, or maybe because they have things in
common. But that friendship, does not take away from the other relationships a
person has. At least it shouldn't. You and Michael have been spending a lot of
time together haven't you?"
Softly Brooke admitted, "Well yes..."
Catherine then teasingly added, "And from what I saw at the party the other
night, he had eyes only for you."
Blushing a bit, Brooke admitted, "We did have a wonderful time."
Catherine then advised, "Well then...you shouldn't worry. The worst thing a
person can do is to try and control another person by dictating who they like,
and who they see. I think you and Michael will be just fine, if you don't try to
hold on to him too tightly. So remember Brooke, don't let jealousy get in the
way of a relationship with Michael, I see something there between you two, so
just relax and enjoy one another..."
Brooke looked downward, embarrassed by her jealous feelings, and expressed,
"I guess you are right. I will try not to worry, or hold on to tight...thanks for
your advice."
With a warm smile, Catherine told her she was welcome, and after realizing
they were the last two left in the bathing chamber, they said they better get
moving!
As Catherine bustled around her chamber, getting ready for her party, and as
she did so, she thought of how cute the renovations turned out.
This feels like home now, and all she needed was one more feature around
there, and that would be Vincent!
As Catherine brushed through her hair, she then went to her wardrobe, and
brought out her box of hair ribbons. As she pulled out the wide shiny yellow
strand, she warmly thought of how nice it will look in Samantha's beautiful long
hair. Taking a few more colors with her, she thought, there maybe a couple of
other little girls who would want to have a ribbon tied in their hair too.
As Catherine arrived at the children's chamber, Jamie and Brooke, were busily
getting the younger girls ready for the party. Happy to see Catherine, Jamie said,
"Perfect timing! Samantha is ready for her hair to be done. She wouldn't let me
help her, cuz she said you were gonna."
Holding up the shiny yellow ribbon, Catherine confirmed, "That's right! Come
on over here Samantha!"
As the girls all chit chatted with excitement, Catherine brushed Samantha's hair,
and the little girl seriously mentioned, "I heard you and Brook talking about Lisa
today."
Thoughtfully, Catherine questioned, "You did?"
To which Samantha said, "I like the way you taught Brook about friendships,
and I like the way you just know how Vincent and Lisa are!"
With a hesitancy, Catherine asked, "And how are they?"
In reply, Samantha matter-of-factly said, "Like a brother and a sister! How can
that kind of friendship be bad?"
Smiling, because of how bright and intuitive Samantha was, Catherine replied,
"Sometimes those kind of friendships are the most meaningful, and I am glad
you understand that already at such a young age."
Asking Samantha to turn around, Catherine tied the ribbon into a bow, and said,
"And you young lady, are ready for the party."
Expounding from her chair, Samantha said, "Thanks soooooooo much
Catherine!"
Looking around the room, she saw little Natalie watching, hoping to get a turn
too, and so Catherine smiled, and as she held up some ribbons, she said, "I can't
decide which one we should tie into your hair! Would you like to pick Natalie?"
Skipping over, Natalie looked up at the shiny display, and said, "I like the red
one Catherine!"
To which Catherine scooped her on her lap, and said, "That's the one I would
have picked too!"
And so lovingly, Catherine fixed her hair, and when she was done, little Natalie
gave her a kiss on the cheek, and said thank you for helping her.
Sweetly, Catherine said it was her pleasure, and then realizing she was running a
little late, she announced she better get going, because Mary wanted her to be
early to greet her guests.
To which Jamie and Brook said, they were right behind, they were just going to
gather everyone and be there in a short.
Meanwhile Mary finished lighting the last candle, thinking Catherine should be
coming any moment, when just then Catherine rushed in, asking, "Am I late
Mary?"
To which Mary replied, "Perfect timing Dear! Now calm down, all is well."
As she gave Mary a "thank you" hug for her calm, Catherine looked all around
the Reading Chamber, and was taken aback, at how beautifully decorated it was!
(Click here to see Catherine's arrival)
Excitedly she expressed, "Oh Mary, everything is so lovely! The flowers, the
wedding bells, oh my, and look at all this food."
Mary stood beaming, so happy Catherine seemed pleased with everything!
She then walked up to Catherine and with a motherly hug, she said, "Yes, this is
all for you Dear. Oh Deary me, I believe I might cry again!"
Catherine warmly pleaded, "Oh please don't start Mary, or I will too."
Just then Jennifer came to the threshold, escorted by Mouse of course! She
wanted to come early, so she could fill Catherine in on the Family reunion.
And as she walked in, she said, "Hello Cathy! Oh my look at this place! Hi
Mary, looks like you did it again!"
Smiling Mary said, "We are so glad you could make it Jennifer! Welcome!"
Mary then asked, "Would you girls excuse me? I should go ahem...powder my
nose!"
To which after Mary left, Jennifer burst out laughing, saying, "I thought it was
only in the old 1940 movies, woman said that, of course Mary is kind of a
throw back..."
As the two girls settled in to give, and share some scoops, Jennifer began, by
saying, "We had the best time yesterday Cath! And my mom absolutely loves
Ronny, in fact my whole family does! And would you believe it, not even one
Neanderthal moment occurred! Not even by Uncle Butchy!"
To which Catherine said, Ronald had told her and Vincent a little bit about the
reunion, and of how he loved her family too.
Hearing this made Jennifer squeal and say, "Oh Cathy, I am so head over heals
for that man!"
Jennifer then changed subjects by asking, "So how did it go seeing the old blind
hermit lady?"
Catherine warmly corrected Jennifer, by saying, "Her name is Narcissa Jen!
And it went well. She is so intuitive, she is amazing. I hope you get to meet her
someday, and in fact, I would love to know what she would have to say about
you!"
To which Jennifer asked, "Is she coming today?"
Thoughtfully, Catherine replied, "I did tell her about the party and invited her,
but it is quite a hike, and she didn't really say she was coming, so we'll see."
(Click here to see all the Shower Guests)
The hour had finally come for the party to begin, and all the anxious Tunnel
Bridal Shower-goers started to arrive, happily bearing gifts of hope and joy.
To be continued
Chapter Twenty-Nine
| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twenty-Eight |
