Catherine then asked, "You were different before Devin left the tunnels? How
so?"
Thoughtfully, Vincent replied, "I was youthfully hopeful, we all were. Everyday
was an adventure, a magical voyage with Devin at the helm, and I was his most
eager follower. It was because of Devin, I had the courage to dream...rather, the
courage to believe I had the right to dream as well as anyone else."
With a smile in his eyes, he reminisced, "The adventures we talked about
taking...would stir up the most vivid of pictures in my mind. And I suppose, I
believed one day we were really going to go to all of those places...then he left
the tunnels...left us all...left me behind."
Thinking of how Devin's departure must have made Vincent feel back then as
an adolescent boy, she sadly surmised, "That must have made you feel so
betrayed when he left like he did."
With a slight nod, Vincent stacked the dishes he gathered by the sink, and
shared, "Yes...I grew up and left boyhood behind that day. I then saw the world
differently, saw myself differently. As I retaliated against Devin in self defense
when we scuffled...made me feel monstrous...and because of that incident, I
harbor guilt feelings for as well."
He then added, "The day of our fray, was the day he left."
Sadly Catherine inquired, "He left, with no word, or note for Father, not even
for you?"
In reply, Vincent told her, "Nothing for either of us...he and Father had a falling
out earlier that day, so I suppose he felt he had no one to remain here for."
Catherine inserted, "But he did come back to see you both."
To which Vincent replied, "Unfortunately, it did not go well between he and
Father."
Encouragingly Catherine pointed out, "But it did for you and Devin. You said he
had forgiven you."
Warmly he admitted, "I could not have asked for a more rewarding reunion with
my brother. He had forgiven me...however, sadly, the dynamic between he and
Father had not changed. It was as if...he was still that boy who needed to be
scolded, and Father played the role of the stern parent. Needless to say, Devin
would have none of that."
Softly Catherine suggested, "Maybe one day he will come home again, and
things will go better."
With thoughtfulness, Vincent tipped his head slightly as he replied, "Perhaps, I
hope so for Father's sake. He misses him more than he cares to admit.
Whenever Devin's name is brought up, I see the pain in his eyes. I know he too
feels responsible for his leaving."
He then added, "Time does not heal all wounds Catherine...not when there is
guilt involved. Time only provides the atmosphere for guilt to thrive and bore
itself deeper into a broken heart."
Vincent then concluded by philosophizing, "Ah "Time", what is this illusive
entity? Is "Time" our friend or is it our foe?"
Unsure herself, Catherine surmised, "Maybe both...it provides us the space we
need to heal from the painful events in our life, but robs us of the precious
minutes when we want to savor the happy events we experience, by passing too
quickly."
Agreeing with her observation, Vincent replied, "Yes...it can be both."
Catherine then threw Vincent a dish towel, and as she began washing the many
plates, she playfully said, "Speaking of time...I think it is time to finish our job
here. It is getting late."
After all the work had been finally completed within the Dining Hall, Catherine
and Vincent made their way back to Catherine's chamber, and as they did so,
they passed Mary and Rebecca in the expansion area. Catherine told them they
were going to go over all the details, and finalize their wedding plans tonight.
This was music to Mary's ears, to which she exclaimed, "Wonderful! I was
going to suggest you two get moving! And now the wedding is on again, we
mustn't dilly dally!"
She then said, "In fact...Rebecca and I are on our way to take inventory of the
candle making supplies. If we have everything in stock, we may start pouring
your wedding candles tomorrow! Please, let us know as soon as possible once
you decide on your color scheme, won't you?"
Assuredly Catherine and Vincent told her once they have a decision, they would
let her know immediately.
Receiving a satisfactory answer, Mary gleefully said, "Wonderful! Come along
now Rebecca, onward and upward!"
With an exasperated look intended for only Vincent and Catherine to see, she
politely answered Mary, saying, "I am right behind you Mary!"
Sorrowfully Catherine looked up at Vincent and said, "Poor Rebecca, it is just
as we suspected! She is going to be the one to suffer, because we moved up our
Wedding Date."
In agreement Vincent sighed, "Regrettably this is so. We must be sure to let
Rebecca know we are aware of this, and thank her profusely for taking on the
wrath of Mary on our behalf."
Settling in on the settee' within the sitting alcove together, Catherine separately
opened the Wedding Planners, and as each of the details were agreed upon,
they happily concluded the plans of their upcoming nuptials. And just as they
had promised to do, they let Mary know right away about the final plans.
Meanwhile, Ronald had a thoughtful look on his face, as he exited one of the
unclaimed chambers. Never noticing Vincent and Catherine walking his way!
Concerned something was amiss, Vincent inquired, "What is wrong?"
Startled from his thoughts, Ronald smiled and said, "Nothing really, I just can't
decide which chamber to renovate for myself. Now that we have Peter's
chamber completed, and as soon as we finish your and Catherine's bed
chamber, Mouse said we will get started on mine next."
Excitedly, Catherine asked, "Do you need some help deciding?"
Thankfully Ronald replied, "Sure...if you two don't mind. Out of the three
remaining chambers, I like something about each one. Here let me show you."
The three went through the roughly cut chambers, and agreed it would be a
difficult decision. Ultimately Ronald said he did like the layout best of the
furthest chamber out. It had alcoves, to which he could expand into.
As they stood within Ronald's favorite chamber, Catherine with concern said,
"Although I like this one the best too, it is kind of isolated, and would be the
first in line should Paracelsus come to cause trouble!"
Vincent then noted security measures are in place, and Father is planning for a
sentry post to be added there this week.
To which Ronald, said, "That cinches it then! Space and built in Security! How
can I beat that?"
Happy he had made a decision with the help of his friends, he expressed, "So, I
now officially lay claim to this chamber then! You are my witnesses."
Vincent looked around, and warmly said, "Yes, this will be a good chamber for
you Ronald. It is neat."
Knowing tomorrow was Jennifer's family reunion, Catherine asked Ronald,
"Are you still going with Jenny and her Mom tomorrow?"
Anxiously he answered, "Yes I am. I must admit though, I am a little nervous
about meeting Jenny's Mom."
Smiling Catherine told him, "No worries..."
To which Catherine added, "I will admit, she is a character, and when I was a
young girl, she intrigued me so! She was nothing like my Mom, who was on the
reserved side. Jenny's Mom was boisterous and combative, but in a playful
way. I always loved being around her and Jenny. I think you will have a lot of
fun."
Ronald then asked, "Any tips for me?"
Laughing, Catherine said, "YES! In a word...compliance! Just agree with
everything she says, and you will get along great."
Nodding Ronald said, "I can do that."
Vincent placed his hand on his friends back and teasingly said, "A man is willing
to face much for the woman he cares for."
With a sigh, Ronald agreeably said, "Yes...and I am jumping in with both feet
uh? A family reunion!"
Assuredly Catherine told him, "You will do fine. Just eat a lot of food, and nod
your head a lot! Jennifer's family love people who can eat and are willing to
listen, cuz they are great cooks, and will do all the talking!"
The three shared a laugh, and Ronald thanked Catherine for her advice before
saying goodnight.
Vincent walked Catherine home, and as they entered her chamber, Catherine
offered, "How about some tea Vincent?"
To which Vincent replied, "Yes, allow me to light the warmer Catherine."
Sweetly she smiled at him and said, "While you do that, I will prepare our
dessert. I happen to have a secret stash! William wrapped up a piece of Oatmeal
Cake for us so we can have it with our tea tonight. He saw how much you
enjoyed it."
Teasingly she added, "William noted that you had 2 pieces."
Decadently Vincent sighed, "Ahh, yes it was delicious. I must admit I do look
forward to having another piece of such a fine confection. I must thank William
for looking out for me as he does."
Hugging Vincent around his middle, Catherine noted, "You do have a ravenous
appetite."
Sorrowfully she then said, "I only wish it was my cooking you enjoyed so
much. Do you think on occasion William will lend me the use of his kitchen to
cook something for you?"
Pleased he would be surprising Catherine with a little kitchenette of her own, he
kissed her hair, and said, "I am sure there will be times you will be able to cook
for me."
Happily she replied, "Oh good, because when you are my husband, I am going
to take such good care of you, you will wonder how you lived without me!"
Resting his head on hers, he whispered, "I already do..."
The next day, Vincent called on Catherine for the excursion they had planned to
see Narcissa. They needed to let her know about the new route she would have
to start taking, due to the necessary safety changes because of Paracelsus.
To be continued
Chapter Twenty-Five
so?"
Thoughtfully, Vincent replied, "I was youthfully hopeful, we all were. Everyday
was an adventure, a magical voyage with Devin at the helm, and I was his most
eager follower. It was because of Devin, I had the courage to dream...rather, the
courage to believe I had the right to dream as well as anyone else."
With a smile in his eyes, he reminisced, "The adventures we talked about
taking...would stir up the most vivid of pictures in my mind. And I suppose, I
believed one day we were really going to go to all of those places...then he left
the tunnels...left us all...left me behind."
Thinking of how Devin's departure must have made Vincent feel back then as
an adolescent boy, she sadly surmised, "That must have made you feel so
betrayed when he left like he did."
With a slight nod, Vincent stacked the dishes he gathered by the sink, and
shared, "Yes...I grew up and left boyhood behind that day. I then saw the world
differently, saw myself differently. As I retaliated against Devin in self defense
when we scuffled...made me feel monstrous...and because of that incident, I
harbor guilt feelings for as well."
He then added, "The day of our fray, was the day he left."
Sadly Catherine inquired, "He left, with no word, or note for Father, not even
for you?"
In reply, Vincent told her, "Nothing for either of us...he and Father had a falling
out earlier that day, so I suppose he felt he had no one to remain here for."
Catherine inserted, "But he did come back to see you both."
To which Vincent replied, "Unfortunately, it did not go well between he and
Father."
Encouragingly Catherine pointed out, "But it did for you and Devin. You said he
had forgiven you."
Warmly he admitted, "I could not have asked for a more rewarding reunion with
my brother. He had forgiven me...however, sadly, the dynamic between he and
Father had not changed. It was as if...he was still that boy who needed to be
scolded, and Father played the role of the stern parent. Needless to say, Devin
would have none of that."
Softly Catherine suggested, "Maybe one day he will come home again, and
things will go better."
With thoughtfulness, Vincent tipped his head slightly as he replied, "Perhaps, I
hope so for Father's sake. He misses him more than he cares to admit.
Whenever Devin's name is brought up, I see the pain in his eyes. I know he too
feels responsible for his leaving."
He then added, "Time does not heal all wounds Catherine...not when there is
guilt involved. Time only provides the atmosphere for guilt to thrive and bore
itself deeper into a broken heart."
Vincent then concluded by philosophizing, "Ah "Time", what is this illusive
entity? Is "Time" our friend or is it our foe?"
Unsure herself, Catherine surmised, "Maybe both...it provides us the space we
need to heal from the painful events in our life, but robs us of the precious
minutes when we want to savor the happy events we experience, by passing too
quickly."
Agreeing with her observation, Vincent replied, "Yes...it can be both."
Catherine then threw Vincent a dish towel, and as she began washing the many
plates, she playfully said, "Speaking of time...I think it is time to finish our job
here. It is getting late."
After all the work had been finally completed within the Dining Hall, Catherine
and Vincent made their way back to Catherine's chamber, and as they did so,
they passed Mary and Rebecca in the expansion area. Catherine told them they
were going to go over all the details, and finalize their wedding plans tonight.
This was music to Mary's ears, to which she exclaimed, "Wonderful! I was
going to suggest you two get moving! And now the wedding is on again, we
mustn't dilly dally!"
She then said, "In fact...Rebecca and I are on our way to take inventory of the
candle making supplies. If we have everything in stock, we may start pouring
your wedding candles tomorrow! Please, let us know as soon as possible once
you decide on your color scheme, won't you?"
Assuredly Catherine and Vincent told her once they have a decision, they would
let her know immediately.
Receiving a satisfactory answer, Mary gleefully said, "Wonderful! Come along
now Rebecca, onward and upward!"
With an exasperated look intended for only Vincent and Catherine to see, she
politely answered Mary, saying, "I am right behind you Mary!"
Sorrowfully Catherine looked up at Vincent and said, "Poor Rebecca, it is just
as we suspected! She is going to be the one to suffer, because we moved up our
Wedding Date."
In agreement Vincent sighed, "Regrettably this is so. We must be sure to let
Rebecca know we are aware of this, and thank her profusely for taking on the
wrath of Mary on our behalf."
Settling in on the settee' within the sitting alcove together, Catherine separately
opened the Wedding Planners, and as each of the details were agreed upon,
they happily concluded the plans of their upcoming nuptials. And just as they
had promised to do, they let Mary know right away about the final plans.
Meanwhile, Ronald had a thoughtful look on his face, as he exited one of the
unclaimed chambers. Never noticing Vincent and Catherine walking his way!
Concerned something was amiss, Vincent inquired, "What is wrong?"
Startled from his thoughts, Ronald smiled and said, "Nothing really, I just can't
decide which chamber to renovate for myself. Now that we have Peter's
chamber completed, and as soon as we finish your and Catherine's bed
chamber, Mouse said we will get started on mine next."
Excitedly, Catherine asked, "Do you need some help deciding?"
Thankfully Ronald replied, "Sure...if you two don't mind. Out of the three
remaining chambers, I like something about each one. Here let me show you."
The three went through the roughly cut chambers, and agreed it would be a
difficult decision. Ultimately Ronald said he did like the layout best of the
furthest chamber out. It had alcoves, to which he could expand into.
As they stood within Ronald's favorite chamber, Catherine with concern said,
"Although I like this one the best too, it is kind of isolated, and would be the
first in line should Paracelsus come to cause trouble!"
Vincent then noted security measures are in place, and Father is planning for a
sentry post to be added there this week.
To which Ronald, said, "That cinches it then! Space and built in Security! How
can I beat that?"
Happy he had made a decision with the help of his friends, he expressed, "So, I
now officially lay claim to this chamber then! You are my witnesses."
Vincent looked around, and warmly said, "Yes, this will be a good chamber for
you Ronald. It is neat."
Knowing tomorrow was Jennifer's family reunion, Catherine asked Ronald,
"Are you still going with Jenny and her Mom tomorrow?"
Anxiously he answered, "Yes I am. I must admit though, I am a little nervous
about meeting Jenny's Mom."
Smiling Catherine told him, "No worries..."
To which Catherine added, "I will admit, she is a character, and when I was a
young girl, she intrigued me so! She was nothing like my Mom, who was on the
reserved side. Jenny's Mom was boisterous and combative, but in a playful
way. I always loved being around her and Jenny. I think you will have a lot of
fun."
Ronald then asked, "Any tips for me?"
Laughing, Catherine said, "YES! In a word...compliance! Just agree with
everything she says, and you will get along great."
Nodding Ronald said, "I can do that."
Vincent placed his hand on his friends back and teasingly said, "A man is willing
to face much for the woman he cares for."
With a sigh, Ronald agreeably said, "Yes...and I am jumping in with both feet
uh? A family reunion!"
Assuredly Catherine told him, "You will do fine. Just eat a lot of food, and nod
your head a lot! Jennifer's family love people who can eat and are willing to
listen, cuz they are great cooks, and will do all the talking!"
The three shared a laugh, and Ronald thanked Catherine for her advice before
saying goodnight.
Vincent walked Catherine home, and as they entered her chamber, Catherine
offered, "How about some tea Vincent?"
To which Vincent replied, "Yes, allow me to light the warmer Catherine."
Sweetly she smiled at him and said, "While you do that, I will prepare our
dessert. I happen to have a secret stash! William wrapped up a piece of Oatmeal
Cake for us so we can have it with our tea tonight. He saw how much you
enjoyed it."
Teasingly she added, "William noted that you had 2 pieces."
Decadently Vincent sighed, "Ahh, yes it was delicious. I must admit I do look
forward to having another piece of such a fine confection. I must thank William
for looking out for me as he does."
Hugging Vincent around his middle, Catherine noted, "You do have a ravenous
appetite."
Sorrowfully she then said, "I only wish it was my cooking you enjoyed so
much. Do you think on occasion William will lend me the use of his kitchen to
cook something for you?"
Pleased he would be surprising Catherine with a little kitchenette of her own, he
kissed her hair, and said, "I am sure there will be times you will be able to cook
for me."
Happily she replied, "Oh good, because when you are my husband, I am going
to take such good care of you, you will wonder how you lived without me!"
Resting his head on hers, he whispered, "I already do..."
The next day, Vincent called on Catherine for the excursion they had planned to
see Narcissa. They needed to let her know about the new route she would have
to start taking, due to the necessary safety changes because of Paracelsus.
To be continued
Chapter Twenty-Five
| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twenty-Four |
