Tunnel Shower Menu
Excitedly Catherine stood with Jennifer, and together they watched as the
women of the tunnel society began to arrive at the Reading Room's threshold.
Jennifer ecstatically whispered to Catherine, "Oh Cathy, you know sometimes I
have to sit back and just pinch myself to make sure I am not hallucinating, and
that this place, and these people really exist! I am so glad Vinny let you tell me
about him, and about his world."
Catherine reached down for Jennifer's hand, and told her, "I told Vincent, I
consider you my sister, and I couldn't leave you out of the happiest part, and
time of my life."
Jennifer sniffled a little as she said, "I know, that is how I feel about you too!
Wait until you see the gift I got you...it expresses just how I feel."
Jennifer then added, "And who would have thought I could have met Mr. Right
here! If not for Vinny, I wouldn't have met Ronny! Oh, and I have to tell you
this! Just guess who I helped at the gallery's Replication Shoppe? I helped Lisa!"
With surprise, Catherine asked, "Lisa? Really? Was she looking for you?"
To which Jennifer thoughtfully said, "Well yes, kinda...she was actually looking
for a gift of a certain genre, due to a suggestion from Peter, and he told her
where to go, and to ask for me. You know Cath...we kinda bonded a little bit
when we found...hey, that is all I better tell you, or I might give something
away!"
Looking over at the buffet table, Jennifer said, "Oh Cath, I am starving, and I
am gonna make a plate. You coming?"
To which Catherine giggled and said, "Go ahead without me. I better stay right
here and greet everyone as Mary instructed. Just bring me over something you
think looks good."
Just then Lena walked up, and with a warm hug, said, "Hi Catherine!"
With elated surprise, Catherine hugged her back, and noted she looked so
happy, and wonderful!
To which Lena said she was happy, and of how her life has sure turned around
because of all her help, and then added, "Now hold onto your hat, but because
of my experiences, good and bad, I thought maybe I could contribute to society,
and help other young girls like me, and so....I am going to school to be a
Guidance Counselor."
Thoughtfully, Catherine said, "You will be a great counselor Lena."
Lena then added, "I'm not saying it's easy being a single Mom, but I am
managing."
Catherine praised her for this endeavor, then asked Lena how little baby
Catherine was.
Lena beamed as she told her little Catherine was beautiful, and so very bright.
She then added, that in fact, baby Catherine was here too...somewhere. Lena
laughed as she described how Mary snatched her right out of her arms, the
moment they walked in.
Catherine excitedly said she could not wait to see her! Lena's smile then slowly
faded, as she carefully asked, "And Vincent...how is Vincent?"
Catherine saw the wounded heart within Lena's eyes, and understood Lena
loved Vincent too. And so thoughtfully Catherine answered, "He is good Lena. I
hope you will stay and visit after the shower so he can see both you and little
Catherine. He would like that."
With a hesitant nod, Lena replied, "I will have to see how tired little Catherine
is..."
Just then Mary walked up, holding Lena's chubby 6 month old baby! Softly
Mary exclaimed, "Isn't she just beautiful? Catherine would you like to hold your
little namesake?"
Looking to Lena for approval, Catherine replied, "If I may?"
With emotion, Lena answered, "Yes...after all, I have been telling little
Catherine all about you, so I think it would break her heart if you didn't."
As Catherine took her carefully from Mary, she worriedly asked, "She won't
remember me, will she fuss?"
To which Lena promised, "She has the best disposition...she won't fuss."
Gently Catherine cradled her, and tearfully whispered, "Oh Lena...she is
adorable...I can see she is a very happy baby."
With much feeling, Lena answered, "She is, oh Catherine, she has changed my
life. I love her so much, I cannot imagine my life without her. I want to be the
best, so she can be proud of her Mother. I owe it all to you...to Vincent...and to
everyone here for helping me see the way life can and should be."
They all stood silent for a moment, looking at little baby Catherine, and shared a
few tears at this wonderful reunion. Lena's presence brought such a joy to
everyone in the tunnel community, because of the difference they had all clearly
made in her life, and in the life of that beautiful little child.
Since Baby Catherine was in such demand, Catherine had to share holding time,
and with misty eyes, she reluctantly passed her on to the next eager "Baby-
holder".
And so as Catherine wantonly watched Lena's baby, while she settled into
Rebecca's arms, Catherine felt heartbroken for the empty ache, she now had in
her own.
Meanwhile, as Lisa arrived, she was warmly greeted by Mary and Jennifer, and
as they spoke, Lisa looked around the chamber, and could see from afar the
sorrowful look in Catherine's eyes, while she gazed at the baby.
And because Lisa felt compelled to reach out to Catherine, Lisa excused herself
from the two ladies, and then approached Catherine. And as she did so, she
elegantly said, "Catherine, I was so happy you included me on your guest list. It
pleases me to be considered one of your friends."
As Catherine welcomed her, she kindly, and sincerely said, "You are a friend
Lisa...more than you could know. It is because of you, Vincent and I found our
way."
Lisa hesitated before she asked Catherine in a penitent manner, "I wonder...can
two woman who have been through what we have, truly become friends? I
mean, "BE" girlfriends?"
Catherine sincerely and emphatically stated, "My wanting you to be here for me
today, and you coming, is proof we can."
Genuinely, Lisa then replied, "Grand, because...above all else, I do want to be a
part of my tunnel family again. And to know Vincent and I may be close as we
once were, and seeing him so happy now, well...it has been a journey."
With a wise observance, she added, "And Catherine...you make him happy...
you alone are really all he needs to feel fulfilled."
Wistfully Catherine replied, "I know you talked to Vincent the other night, and
you helped him understand, what I couldn't."
Warmed by the fact she was able to help, she softly said, "I merely gave him
another woman's point of view."
Lisa then compassionately said, "However, because of his vantage, I have come
to realize all over again what a noble man he is."
Catherine sorrowfully admitted, "Yes..."
Lisa then brushed a fallen tear from Catherine's cheek, and insightfully said,
"But that doesn't necessarily make it any easier for you...does it?"
Catherine confided, "No...no it doesn't. But at least we were able to arrive at a
common place, where we understand each other now, thank you for that Lisa."
With a modest nod, Lisa then added, "Vincent actually helped me too, advising
me not to give up on love, no matter how hopeless things seem. And so I shan't.
Perhaps there will be happy endings for all of us."
It was then Lisa was approached by Samantha, who had just heard she arrived!
Excitedly Samantha said, "Hi Lisa! I am so glad you could come to Catherine's
shower..."
To which Lisa looked to Catherine, and said, "I wouldn't have missed it for the
world!"
Looking back at the little girl, Lisa complimented her by saying, "And may I say
Samantha, I really love your hair that way."
Samantha turned around so Lisa could see the satin bow, and as she gave
Catherine a hug, she told Lisa, "Catherine fixed it for me!"
Excitedly Samantha then changed the subject, telling Lisa she wanted to show
her the new dance step she had been working on.
With a look back toward Catherine, the two women shared an understanding
smile, as Lisa told Samantha she would love to see it.
Shyly Elizabeth arrived next, and stayed just long enough to deliver the sketches
she drew for Catherine to hang within her reading alcove. They were opposing
profiles of both Catherine and Vincent! Catherine especially loved the sketch of
Vincent and thanked Elizabeth for her gift.
Over to see Elizabeth's Sketches
When Narcissa arrived from her corner of the tunnels, Catherine expressed her
appreciation for being there, because she knew she had so far to travel!
Narcissa reached up to touch Catherine's cheek, and with a melodic tone, she
dreamily responded she was drawn to be there this night, and nothing could
have thwarted this journey she was per-destined to complete.
Mary who was always a little intimidated by Narcissa, stood by, feeling
unnerved by her prophetic response to Catherine.
Timidly she then approached her, and managed a warm welcome. Mary's voice
trembled a little as she offered Narcissa a cool drink, and a chair to rest upon as
she caught her breath.
Accepting Mary's hospitality, she requested a chair off in a corner, so she would
not be in the way. It was there that Narcissa silently sat for the rest of the
shower, taking in the positive energy of this joyful occasion.
Lin and Rosa came together from the city above, and Rosa laughed as she told
Catherine and Mary, "We stopped by to say hi to Vincent, and I do believe I
detected a little nervousness in the Groom's demeanor."
Lin giggled as she concurred with Rosa, and then remarked "Yes he did seem a
little edgy!"
To which Rosa noted, "But to his defence, it could have been the water pipe
issues. Nothing puts a man in a off mood quicker than plumbing problems!"
In a questioning manner, Mary expounded, "Plumbing problems? Who has
plumbing problems?"
Rosa and Lin, looked at one another, both surprised they would know
something Mary did not, and then it was Rosa who spoke up, saying, "Well in
Kanin and Olivia's chamber. Vincent, along with Father, Mouse, Kanin and
Ronald said they were in the middle of solving a major plumbing glitch."
To which Mary exclaimed, "They are not working on Olivia's kitchenette before
the Wedding are they? Oh my, there is no time for any major renovations while
we have a wedding to execute!"
Catherine winced at Mary's angst, and got everyone laughing as she teasingly
asked, "Oh Mary! Couldn't we use another word besides execute? That might
really send Vincent running!"
Embarrassed by her choice of words, Mary apologized saying, "Of course...Oh
Dear...I am sorry, it was a bad choice of words."
Catherine then calmed her by whispering, "But don't worry Mary, they are
planning to complete the renovation tonight, while Olivia is here at the shower,
Kanin wanted to surprise her."
With a heavy sigh, Mary responded, "Oh Good! As long as they finish it up in
one night!"
Lin then remarked of how beautiful all the flowers were that decorated the
Reading Chamber. Catherine agreed, and then Mary mentioned it was all due to
Rosa's generosity!
Humbly Rosa replied, she was happy to share what she had with the tunnel
community, and was doubly proud to be able to do this for Catherine and
Vincent.
Catherine thanked Rosa again, and then continued to graciously greet each and
every guest as they arrived.
After everyone was made comfortable with plates of food and drink, Catherine,
with Jennifer at her side, opened her gifts.
Firstly, Jennifer handed Catherine a crude looking wooden box, which turned
out to be Narcissa's gift. The gift was a special Fungi Tea, made with
mushrooms she cultivated especially for Vincent. To which Narcissa reinforced
it is only to be brewed for him when he is under the weather, saying it serves
him well every time.
Over to see Narcissa's Gift
So happy she would have something on hand, that would be helpful for
Vincent's health should he need it, warmly, Catherine thanked Narcissa for her
insight, and assured her she would save this for only those times.
Next Jennifer picked the Oriental wrapped gift, which was from Lin. Catherine
gasped as she opened the lovely Chinese trinket box, decorated in gold trim. As
she opened the lid, she found a crane charm inside. And so Catherine asked
what was the meaning behind the crane.
Over to see Lin's Gift
To which Lin explained, "The crane is a favorite symbol of harmony and long
life. Which is my hope for both you and Vincent."
Catherine humbly told Lin thank you, and that she would treasure it always.
As Catherine took the next gift Jennifer handed her, she read the tag, and smiled
at Rosa as she opened a beautiful, crystal Red Rose.
Over to see Rosa's Gift
And because Rosa knew roses were special to this couple, excitedly, she said, "I
hope you like it Catherine!"
To which Catherine said she loved it so much, and was sure Vincent would too
and with sincere gratitude, thanked Rosa for her gift.
Then excitedly, Jennifer picked up Lisa's gift, and as she and Lisa shared a
smile, Jennifer handed it to Catherine.
Noticing the shared smile between Lisa and Jennifer, Catherine was curious
what was with their camaraderie! So, as she tore the paper away, Catherine saw
it was a familiar painting of two ballet dancers.
Over to see Lisa's Gift
Both Jennifer and Lisa held their breaths as Catherine looked at it, and as she
then brought her hand to her heart, she sat speechless for a moment, and
tearfully whispered, "Lisa, this painting..."
Catherine then all at once, realized Jennifer had a hand in this miracle for her!
Because Jennifer knew the story of her losing her copy of this beautiful art
piece. And so with a look to her good friend, she asked, "Jen, from your
gallery?"
To which Jennifer tearfully nodded, "Yes, I recognized it at once the moment I
saw it!"
Because of Catherine's shocked demeanor, everyone began asking "What is
wrong?" and, "Let's see what it is!"
Realizing her reaction was being misconstrued, Catherine then shared with
everyone, "As a young girl, I received a copy of this very painting from my
parents!"
She then tearfully continued, "I loved this painting so much, that I took it to our
cabin, to hang in my room there for the summer. We had a terrible storm that
blew through the shore, causing some damage to our place, and the painting was
destroyed. I was devastated, and mom tried to find a copy to replace it, but
well, then she fell ill..."
Shaking the tears from her voice, Catherine in disbelief said, "There are no
words for what I feel about this gift..."
To which Lisa emotionally said, "I owe it all to Jennifer for helping me...and
Peter too. He was the one who told me you took ballet as a child, and together
came up with a notion a painting would be a lovely shower gift. And he
suggested I consult Jennifer, who was an expert in this field."
And then with shared tearful giggles, both Lisa and Jennifer confessed to
shuffling through a million paintings, before finding this one nestled away in a
corner of the shoppe.
To which Jennifer then added, "It was as if it was just waiting to be found! I
asked my manager if it was being saved for someone else, or just why it was all
by itself in the corner. And he truthfully couldn't say he even knew where it
came from."
Hearing this additional inexplicable information, Catherine privately thought, it
was like a gift from her Mom for her wedding, and Jennifer and Lisa did for her
what she could not.
Everyone listening, fell silent as it resonated with them, thinking the same thing
Catherine was, leaving all to wonder at the power of love, and the extent of its
guiding hand.
Moving forward from this awesome experience, Jennifer dried her tears, before
picking up the next gift, and read the card aloud, saying, "Alrighty then, moving
on, this gift is from Rebecca!"
Over to see Rebecca's Gift
From Rebecca, Catherine received a lovely candle ring, along with a special
candle she had poured especially for her and Vincent. Catherine loved the
candle ring, and said, "It is so beautiful Rebecca. They look like crystals from
the Crystal Cavern."
Happily Rebecca said they were, and she had extracted them on her last trip
there about a year ago. She then added, "I was saving them for something
special, and when I thought about a gift for you, I suddenly knew what I was
saving them for."
Catherine said she loved it and the candle too, and then said, "Thank you so
much Rebecca!"
Next Catherine opened a gift from Brooke, who gave her a lovely pajama tunic
which she designed and sewed herself. The top was so cute, that it caused
everyone to comment, Brooke should become a clothing designer! Blushing by
the compliments Brooke nodded, and admitted that being a designer, was her
secret dream.
Over to see Brooke's Design
Catherine continued to open one great gift after another, following suit, would
be a coat stand that Jamie built, and was a big hit as well! And because of the
usefulness of it, she was asked to make a few more for some of the other tunnel
dwellers.
Laura’s monogrammed hand towels were lovely, and Catherine said she would
set them aside her and Vincent’s wash basin in their chamber.
The cute little apron Olivia sewed, looked darling on Catherine as she good-
naturedly modeled it for everyone. Saying it will come in handy, as she cooked
in her little kitchen.
Over to see Olivia's Gift
To which Olivia shared her good news, that Jacob gave the OK for her to have
a little kitchen within their chamber too.
Impatiently adding, “I can hardly wait! It will be so convenient preparing Little
Luke his snacks right there in our chamber. He is always hungry, and seems to
never stop eating! But Father said it will have to wait until after Vincent and
Catherine’s wedding!”
Everyone shared a secret smile, since most everyone knew the work was
actually being done tonight!
Adding a little fun, Catherine said, “I am trying to get Vincent to the Alter as
quickly as I can Olivia!”
To which Mary exasperatingly spewed, “Please don’t move the date up any
sooner Catherine…please!”
Catherine laughed as she promised not to move the date any closer than it is,
and then opened up the gifts from Natalie and Samantha. They were so proud
of the pot holders they sewed, and beamed as Catherine passed them around for
everyone to get a closer look at the fine workmanship they had done.
Over to see Natalie and Samantha's Gift
To be continued
Chapter Thirty
Excitedly Catherine stood with Jennifer, and together they watched as the
women of the tunnel society began to arrive at the Reading Room's threshold.
Jennifer ecstatically whispered to Catherine, "Oh Cathy, you know sometimes I
have to sit back and just pinch myself to make sure I am not hallucinating, and
that this place, and these people really exist! I am so glad Vinny let you tell me
about him, and about his world."
Catherine reached down for Jennifer's hand, and told her, "I told Vincent, I
consider you my sister, and I couldn't leave you out of the happiest part, and
time of my life."
Jennifer sniffled a little as she said, "I know, that is how I feel about you too!
Wait until you see the gift I got you...it expresses just how I feel."
Jennifer then added, "And who would have thought I could have met Mr. Right
here! If not for Vinny, I wouldn't have met Ronny! Oh, and I have to tell you
this! Just guess who I helped at the gallery's Replication Shoppe? I helped Lisa!"
With surprise, Catherine asked, "Lisa? Really? Was she looking for you?"
To which Jennifer thoughtfully said, "Well yes, kinda...she was actually looking
for a gift of a certain genre, due to a suggestion from Peter, and he told her
where to go, and to ask for me. You know Cath...we kinda bonded a little bit
when we found...hey, that is all I better tell you, or I might give something
away!"
Looking over at the buffet table, Jennifer said, "Oh Cath, I am starving, and I
am gonna make a plate. You coming?"
To which Catherine giggled and said, "Go ahead without me. I better stay right
here and greet everyone as Mary instructed. Just bring me over something you
think looks good."
Just then Lena walked up, and with a warm hug, said, "Hi Catherine!"
With elated surprise, Catherine hugged her back, and noted she looked so
happy, and wonderful!
To which Lena said she was happy, and of how her life has sure turned around
because of all her help, and then added, "Now hold onto your hat, but because
of my experiences, good and bad, I thought maybe I could contribute to society,
and help other young girls like me, and so....I am going to school to be a
Guidance Counselor."
Thoughtfully, Catherine said, "You will be a great counselor Lena."
Lena then added, "I'm not saying it's easy being a single Mom, but I am
managing."
Catherine praised her for this endeavor, then asked Lena how little baby
Catherine was.
Lena beamed as she told her little Catherine was beautiful, and so very bright.
She then added, that in fact, baby Catherine was here too...somewhere. Lena
laughed as she described how Mary snatched her right out of her arms, the
moment they walked in.
Catherine excitedly said she could not wait to see her! Lena's smile then slowly
faded, as she carefully asked, "And Vincent...how is Vincent?"
Catherine saw the wounded heart within Lena's eyes, and understood Lena
loved Vincent too. And so thoughtfully Catherine answered, "He is good Lena. I
hope you will stay and visit after the shower so he can see both you and little
Catherine. He would like that."
With a hesitant nod, Lena replied, "I will have to see how tired little Catherine
is..."
Just then Mary walked up, holding Lena's chubby 6 month old baby! Softly
Mary exclaimed, "Isn't she just beautiful? Catherine would you like to hold your
little namesake?"
Looking to Lena for approval, Catherine replied, "If I may?"
With emotion, Lena answered, "Yes...after all, I have been telling little
Catherine all about you, so I think it would break her heart if you didn't."
As Catherine took her carefully from Mary, she worriedly asked, "She won't
remember me, will she fuss?"
To which Lena promised, "She has the best disposition...she won't fuss."
Gently Catherine cradled her, and tearfully whispered, "Oh Lena...she is
adorable...I can see she is a very happy baby."
With much feeling, Lena answered, "She is, oh Catherine, she has changed my
life. I love her so much, I cannot imagine my life without her. I want to be the
best, so she can be proud of her Mother. I owe it all to you...to Vincent...and to
everyone here for helping me see the way life can and should be."
They all stood silent for a moment, looking at little baby Catherine, and shared a
few tears at this wonderful reunion. Lena's presence brought such a joy to
everyone in the tunnel community, because of the difference they had all clearly
made in her life, and in the life of that beautiful little child.
Since Baby Catherine was in such demand, Catherine had to share holding time,
and with misty eyes, she reluctantly passed her on to the next eager "Baby-
holder".
And so as Catherine wantonly watched Lena's baby, while she settled into
Rebecca's arms, Catherine felt heartbroken for the empty ache, she now had in
her own.
Meanwhile, as Lisa arrived, she was warmly greeted by Mary and Jennifer, and
as they spoke, Lisa looked around the chamber, and could see from afar the
sorrowful look in Catherine's eyes, while she gazed at the baby.
And because Lisa felt compelled to reach out to Catherine, Lisa excused herself
from the two ladies, and then approached Catherine. And as she did so, she
elegantly said, "Catherine, I was so happy you included me on your guest list. It
pleases me to be considered one of your friends."
As Catherine welcomed her, she kindly, and sincerely said, "You are a friend
Lisa...more than you could know. It is because of you, Vincent and I found our
way."
Lisa hesitated before she asked Catherine in a penitent manner, "I wonder...can
two woman who have been through what we have, truly become friends? I
mean, "BE" girlfriends?"
Catherine sincerely and emphatically stated, "My wanting you to be here for me
today, and you coming, is proof we can."
Genuinely, Lisa then replied, "Grand, because...above all else, I do want to be a
part of my tunnel family again. And to know Vincent and I may be close as we
once were, and seeing him so happy now, well...it has been a journey."
With a wise observance, she added, "And Catherine...you make him happy...
you alone are really all he needs to feel fulfilled."
Wistfully Catherine replied, "I know you talked to Vincent the other night, and
you helped him understand, what I couldn't."
Warmed by the fact she was able to help, she softly said, "I merely gave him
another woman's point of view."
Lisa then compassionately said, "However, because of his vantage, I have come
to realize all over again what a noble man he is."
Catherine sorrowfully admitted, "Yes..."
Lisa then brushed a fallen tear from Catherine's cheek, and insightfully said,
"But that doesn't necessarily make it any easier for you...does it?"
Catherine confided, "No...no it doesn't. But at least we were able to arrive at a
common place, where we understand each other now, thank you for that Lisa."
With a modest nod, Lisa then added, "Vincent actually helped me too, advising
me not to give up on love, no matter how hopeless things seem. And so I shan't.
Perhaps there will be happy endings for all of us."
It was then Lisa was approached by Samantha, who had just heard she arrived!
Excitedly Samantha said, "Hi Lisa! I am so glad you could come to Catherine's
shower..."
To which Lisa looked to Catherine, and said, "I wouldn't have missed it for the
world!"
Looking back at the little girl, Lisa complimented her by saying, "And may I say
Samantha, I really love your hair that way."
Samantha turned around so Lisa could see the satin bow, and as she gave
Catherine a hug, she told Lisa, "Catherine fixed it for me!"
Excitedly Samantha then changed the subject, telling Lisa she wanted to show
her the new dance step she had been working on.
With a look back toward Catherine, the two women shared an understanding
smile, as Lisa told Samantha she would love to see it.
Shyly Elizabeth arrived next, and stayed just long enough to deliver the sketches
she drew for Catherine to hang within her reading alcove. They were opposing
profiles of both Catherine and Vincent! Catherine especially loved the sketch of
Vincent and thanked Elizabeth for her gift.
Over to see Elizabeth's Sketches
When Narcissa arrived from her corner of the tunnels, Catherine expressed her
appreciation for being there, because she knew she had so far to travel!
Narcissa reached up to touch Catherine's cheek, and with a melodic tone, she
dreamily responded she was drawn to be there this night, and nothing could
have thwarted this journey she was per-destined to complete.
Mary who was always a little intimidated by Narcissa, stood by, feeling
unnerved by her prophetic response to Catherine.
Timidly she then approached her, and managed a warm welcome. Mary's voice
trembled a little as she offered Narcissa a cool drink, and a chair to rest upon as
she caught her breath.
Accepting Mary's hospitality, she requested a chair off in a corner, so she would
not be in the way. It was there that Narcissa silently sat for the rest of the
shower, taking in the positive energy of this joyful occasion.
Lin and Rosa came together from the city above, and Rosa laughed as she told
Catherine and Mary, "We stopped by to say hi to Vincent, and I do believe I
detected a little nervousness in the Groom's demeanor."
Lin giggled as she concurred with Rosa, and then remarked "Yes he did seem a
little edgy!"
To which Rosa noted, "But to his defence, it could have been the water pipe
issues. Nothing puts a man in a off mood quicker than plumbing problems!"
In a questioning manner, Mary expounded, "Plumbing problems? Who has
plumbing problems?"
Rosa and Lin, looked at one another, both surprised they would know
something Mary did not, and then it was Rosa who spoke up, saying, "Well in
Kanin and Olivia's chamber. Vincent, along with Father, Mouse, Kanin and
Ronald said they were in the middle of solving a major plumbing glitch."
To which Mary exclaimed, "They are not working on Olivia's kitchenette before
the Wedding are they? Oh my, there is no time for any major renovations while
we have a wedding to execute!"
Catherine winced at Mary's angst, and got everyone laughing as she teasingly
asked, "Oh Mary! Couldn't we use another word besides execute? That might
really send Vincent running!"
Embarrassed by her choice of words, Mary apologized saying, "Of course...Oh
Dear...I am sorry, it was a bad choice of words."
Catherine then calmed her by whispering, "But don't worry Mary, they are
planning to complete the renovation tonight, while Olivia is here at the shower,
Kanin wanted to surprise her."
With a heavy sigh, Mary responded, "Oh Good! As long as they finish it up in
one night!"
Lin then remarked of how beautiful all the flowers were that decorated the
Reading Chamber. Catherine agreed, and then Mary mentioned it was all due to
Rosa's generosity!
Humbly Rosa replied, she was happy to share what she had with the tunnel
community, and was doubly proud to be able to do this for Catherine and
Vincent.
Catherine thanked Rosa again, and then continued to graciously greet each and
every guest as they arrived.
After everyone was made comfortable with plates of food and drink, Catherine,
with Jennifer at her side, opened her gifts.
Firstly, Jennifer handed Catherine a crude looking wooden box, which turned
out to be Narcissa's gift. The gift was a special Fungi Tea, made with
mushrooms she cultivated especially for Vincent. To which Narcissa reinforced
it is only to be brewed for him when he is under the weather, saying it serves
him well every time.
Over to see Narcissa's Gift
So happy she would have something on hand, that would be helpful for
Vincent's health should he need it, warmly, Catherine thanked Narcissa for her
insight, and assured her she would save this for only those times.
Next Jennifer picked the Oriental wrapped gift, which was from Lin. Catherine
gasped as she opened the lovely Chinese trinket box, decorated in gold trim. As
she opened the lid, she found a crane charm inside. And so Catherine asked
what was the meaning behind the crane.
Over to see Lin's Gift
To which Lin explained, "The crane is a favorite symbol of harmony and long
life. Which is my hope for both you and Vincent."
Catherine humbly told Lin thank you, and that she would treasure it always.
As Catherine took the next gift Jennifer handed her, she read the tag, and smiled
at Rosa as she opened a beautiful, crystal Red Rose.
Over to see Rosa's Gift
And because Rosa knew roses were special to this couple, excitedly, she said, "I
hope you like it Catherine!"
To which Catherine said she loved it so much, and was sure Vincent would too
and with sincere gratitude, thanked Rosa for her gift.
Then excitedly, Jennifer picked up Lisa's gift, and as she and Lisa shared a
smile, Jennifer handed it to Catherine.
Noticing the shared smile between Lisa and Jennifer, Catherine was curious
what was with their camaraderie! So, as she tore the paper away, Catherine saw
it was a familiar painting of two ballet dancers.
Over to see Lisa's Gift
Both Jennifer and Lisa held their breaths as Catherine looked at it, and as she
then brought her hand to her heart, she sat speechless for a moment, and
tearfully whispered, "Lisa, this painting..."
Catherine then all at once, realized Jennifer had a hand in this miracle for her!
Because Jennifer knew the story of her losing her copy of this beautiful art
piece. And so with a look to her good friend, she asked, "Jen, from your
gallery?"
To which Jennifer tearfully nodded, "Yes, I recognized it at once the moment I
saw it!"
Because of Catherine's shocked demeanor, everyone began asking "What is
wrong?" and, "Let's see what it is!"
Realizing her reaction was being misconstrued, Catherine then shared with
everyone, "As a young girl, I received a copy of this very painting from my
parents!"
She then tearfully continued, "I loved this painting so much, that I took it to our
cabin, to hang in my room there for the summer. We had a terrible storm that
blew through the shore, causing some damage to our place, and the painting was
destroyed. I was devastated, and mom tried to find a copy to replace it, but
well, then she fell ill..."
Shaking the tears from her voice, Catherine in disbelief said, "There are no
words for what I feel about this gift..."
To which Lisa emotionally said, "I owe it all to Jennifer for helping me...and
Peter too. He was the one who told me you took ballet as a child, and together
came up with a notion a painting would be a lovely shower gift. And he
suggested I consult Jennifer, who was an expert in this field."
And then with shared tearful giggles, both Lisa and Jennifer confessed to
shuffling through a million paintings, before finding this one nestled away in a
corner of the shoppe.
To which Jennifer then added, "It was as if it was just waiting to be found! I
asked my manager if it was being saved for someone else, or just why it was all
by itself in the corner. And he truthfully couldn't say he even knew where it
came from."
Hearing this additional inexplicable information, Catherine privately thought, it
was like a gift from her Mom for her wedding, and Jennifer and Lisa did for her
what she could not.
Everyone listening, fell silent as it resonated with them, thinking the same thing
Catherine was, leaving all to wonder at the power of love, and the extent of its
guiding hand.
Moving forward from this awesome experience, Jennifer dried her tears, before
picking up the next gift, and read the card aloud, saying, "Alrighty then, moving
on, this gift is from Rebecca!"
Over to see Rebecca's Gift
From Rebecca, Catherine received a lovely candle ring, along with a special
candle she had poured especially for her and Vincent. Catherine loved the
candle ring, and said, "It is so beautiful Rebecca. They look like crystals from
the Crystal Cavern."
Happily Rebecca said they were, and she had extracted them on her last trip
there about a year ago. She then added, "I was saving them for something
special, and when I thought about a gift for you, I suddenly knew what I was
saving them for."
Catherine said she loved it and the candle too, and then said, "Thank you so
much Rebecca!"
Next Catherine opened a gift from Brooke, who gave her a lovely pajama tunic
which she designed and sewed herself. The top was so cute, that it caused
everyone to comment, Brooke should become a clothing designer! Blushing by
the compliments Brooke nodded, and admitted that being a designer, was her
secret dream.
Over to see Brooke's Design
Catherine continued to open one great gift after another, following suit, would
be a coat stand that Jamie built, and was a big hit as well! And because of the
usefulness of it, she was asked to make a few more for some of the other tunnel
dwellers.
Laura’s monogrammed hand towels were lovely, and Catherine said she would
set them aside her and Vincent’s wash basin in their chamber.
The cute little apron Olivia sewed, looked darling on Catherine as she good-
naturedly modeled it for everyone. Saying it will come in handy, as she cooked
in her little kitchen.
Over to see Olivia's Gift
To which Olivia shared her good news, that Jacob gave the OK for her to have
a little kitchen within their chamber too.
Impatiently adding, “I can hardly wait! It will be so convenient preparing Little
Luke his snacks right there in our chamber. He is always hungry, and seems to
never stop eating! But Father said it will have to wait until after Vincent and
Catherine’s wedding!”
Everyone shared a secret smile, since most everyone knew the work was
actually being done tonight!
Adding a little fun, Catherine said, “I am trying to get Vincent to the Alter as
quickly as I can Olivia!”
To which Mary exasperatingly spewed, “Please don’t move the date up any
sooner Catherine…please!”
Catherine laughed as she promised not to move the date any closer than it is,
and then opened up the gifts from Natalie and Samantha. They were so proud
of the pot holders they sewed, and beamed as Catherine passed them around for
everyone to get a closer look at the fine workmanship they had done.
Over to see Natalie and Samantha's Gift
To be continued
Chapter Thirty
| 22 |
| 22 |
| 22 |
| 1 |
| 22 |
| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twenty-Nine |
| 22 |
| 22 |
| 22 |
| 22 |
| 22 |
| 22 |
| Elizabeth's Gift |
| Narcissa's Gift |
| Lin's Gift |
| Natalie and Samantha's Gift |
| Brooke's Gift |
| Oliva's Gift |
| Lisa's Gift |
| Rebecca's Gift |
| Rosa's Gift |
