Meanwhile, down in the tunnels, as Vincent escorted his Father back to his chamber, Jacob mentioned Brigit, and of how she was missed at brekky.
To which Vincent replied, "She shall be here for the dinner hour I believe. She wanted to spend time with her cousin. He is an artist who had a showing at the gallery this weekend."
With a nod, Jacob said, "Ah, that's right, Brigit had mentioned him while we chatted at Winterfest..."
And then the two spoke about Winterfest, and Vincent commented on how festal, last night had been.
In reply, Jacob smiled, and said, "Yes, and though everyone came with a festive intent, the mood of the celebration changed dramatically, after Catherine's arrival."
Upon hearing his Father's view point, Vincent looked downward, and with a small humble smile said, "Yes, it was a moment..."
To which Jacob then thought to question, "Now Vincent, the details are still a bit sketchy, tell me how Catherine obtained her Winterfest Candle, the very one you had lost while up top!"
Well because Vincent of course wanted to leave the muggings out of the conversation, he explained to his Father, "From what I understand, Catherine's friend Jennifer, found what I had lost, and when she showed the candle to Catherine...she recognized it as a Winterfest Candle, and realized my intent."
Amazed by this happenstance, Jacob stopped in his tracks, and turning to his son, said, "Serendipitous my boy....serendipitous..."
Vincent with a thankfulness replied with a nod....knowing this was so...dreamily continued, "To which Catherine told me, once she knew I intended to invite her...she could not stay away..."
Jacob then embraced his son, and responded, "If I live to be a hundred, I will never again witness such joy, expressed by so many when Catherine arrived...yes, and you...never had I seen you look so...so..."
But because Vincent felt joy too, he also felt relief as well, because he had been forgiven, and so to add a bit of humor, Vincent inserted, "I believe the word you are looking for is "RELIEF" Father! Relief I had been forgiven..."
With a hearty chuckle, Jacob agreeably said, "Indeed! Relief you may now lift the heavy weight groveling brings to ones heart...and shoulders!"
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent agreed, and as they walked onward, he inquired, "And Jessica? Was her attendance a surprise, or were you expecting her?"
In response, Jacob chuckled, and said, "I dare say, it was indeed a surprise. Albeit a pleasant one, as Jessica had made no indication, she would be attending this years Winterfest, when I spoke to her in Florida."
As Jacob then quickened his step, he happily mentioned, "In fact, Jessica is due to visit shortly. She is anxious to show me photos from her last excursion."
Hesitatingly Vincent began to ask if Mary knew of Jessica's visit, and then thought better of asking, and so he fell silent.
Upon picking up on his son's apprehensive manner, Jacob asked, "Is there something on your mind Vincent?"
And because Vincent did not want to apply any kind of pressure on his Father, he thoughtfully replied, "It was nothing."
To which Jacob perceptively replied, "Forgive me for not believing you Vincent...please out with it."
And so, cautiously, Vincent asked, "Does Mary know Jessica is coming?"
As Jacob feigned to contemplate Vincent's question, he scratched his chin, as he said, "I don't believe I mentioned anything about Jessica visiting at breakfast...so no...I don't believe she would know..."
To which Vincent advisedly asked, "Don't you think you should have? Or are you keeping Jessica's visit a secret?"
In response, Jacob stressed, "Secret? Of course not! Mary knows I have a close friendship with Jessica! That is no secret."
But then because the situation was so obvious, Jacob heavily sighed, as he relented, "However, I do know what you are getting at."
To which Vincent softly asked, "So you are aware of Mary's fondness toward you?"
In reply, Jacob answered, "Yes...I have been aware now...for some time..."
And so, Vincent carefully asked, "Do you reciprocate Mary's feelings?"
As Jacob thought about Vincent's question, he incredulously said, "I am not in the position to explore that kind of a single minded life Vincent! I must remain open to everyone's needs, so that I do not side-step my mission here."
Upon hearing how Jacob felt, Vincent stopped in his tracks, and gently gripped his Father's arm and said, "You deserve the happiness, a loving relationship could bring to your life Father, whether it is with Jessica, Mary or Elizabeth. Do not discount that possibility for yourself."
Surprised Vincent would include Elizabeth, Jacob asked, "Elizabeth? Where did that come from my boy? I mean just because she is in my demographic, and is alive and kicking..."
And then a thought crossed Jacob's mind, and he asked, "Have I overlooked something? Does she fancy me too?"
Waving off his Father's diversion, Vincent replied, "You are missing my point Father...I only mean you deserve a full life love and caring brings to one's existence..."
With a tone of resolve, Jacob confided, "I have known that kind of love, twice over in my life thus far...and nearly found it again with Jessica..."
Thoughtfully, Jacob then added, "...however if truth be told, I just don't believe, I possess the vigor, to pursue it again...seems like to much bother."
As the two men stood at Jacob's threshold, a humbled pall fell over them both, as they each contemplated the sacrifices, Jacob has made for this tunnel world he developed.
With honor, Vincent waved his hand for his Father to pass in front of himself, and as they entered Jacob's chamber, they unexpectedly, found Jessica there, waiting!
And so gleefully Jessica greeted them, expounding, "There you are! I have been waiting for you Jacob. I was beginning to fear you had fallen into the Abyss!"
Joyfully in reply, Jacob said, "Jessica, hello!"
And as Vincent who was standing back a bit, nodded and politely said, "Hello Jessica."
As Jessica firstly gave Jacob a hug, she then stood before Vincent, and warmly said, "Vincent...I must say, happiness becomes you...Catherine is such a lovely girl..."
As Vincent with a fond affection, accepted Jessica's kind sentiment, he said, "Thank you Jessica...Catherine has changed my life."
As the three of them stood basking in the truth of Vincent's words, he then looked to his Father, and back at Jessica, and said, "I will leave you both."
To which Jessica kindly said, "It is so good to see you again Vincent."
In reply, Vincent nodded politely, and said, "Likewise Jessica...enjoy your visit."
Just as Vincent left his Father's chamber, he crossed paths with Mary, who was taking Jacob some hot tea.
And so, as Vincent stopped, he haltingly said, "Mary..."
But because Mary was anxious to visit with Jacob, she spoke while in motion, saying, "Excuse me Vincent, Father's tea is steeping, and I want to serve it to him while it is hot."
As Vincent touched Mary's arm, prompting her to stop, Vincent said, "Mary, you should know...Jessica is visiting just now."
Upon hearing this revelation, Mary's chin trembled, and as she looked downward at her tray, she feigned that she knew, and said, "Yes I know Vincent, that is why I have two tea cups on the tray."
As the tears began to surface, Mary said, "Oh my, I am so absent minded, I forgot I am supposed to be, supposed to be helping with, well with something."
Mary then tried to smile, as she asked, "Vincent could you be a Dear, and take this in to Father and Jessica for me?"
As Vincent took the tray from Mary's hands, he softly said, "Of course Mary..."
Vincent then stood, and watched Mary walk away, and it broke Vincent's heart, as he saw Mary walk slowly at first, and then began to run, before entering her chamber.
Somberly, Vincent re-entered Jacob's chamber, and offered, "Some tea Father?"
Mean time, Jacob who was spellbound by Jessica's stories, and pictures, nonchalantly said, "Just set it right over here Vincent."
And then, as Jacob heard himself, he realized he didn't sound very grateful!
And so looking toward his son, he tried to make up for his rudeness, as he said, "That was thoughtful of you Vincent, thank you."
To which in reply, Vincent raised his eyes as he said, "I cannot take the credit Father, it was Mary who had prepared it."
In response, Jacob, with surprise and concern asked, "Mary?"
Subtly, Vincent nodded, as he set the tray down, and all the while the father and son spoke, Jessica watched, as Jacob speculatively answered, "Yes...yes of course Vincent, and again...thank you...err...thank Mary for us should you see her."
To which Vincent said, should he cross paths with Mary, he would thank her, and then repeated, "Once again, if you will excuse me, I shall leave you both."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Catherine arrived home, ready to bake! And because it had started to snow, she thought some Christmas music, would be nice, to really get her in the Spirit!
And so Catherine put on her Andy Williams Christmas LP, and sang along with "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" as she entered her kitchen.
Rolling up her sleeves, Catherine then brought out her recipe book, and leafed through it once, then twice, looking for the Peanut Butter Cookie recipe, her Mom used to bake.
And so worriedly Catherine flipped through once more, before she had to say, "It's not here! Where in the world..."
But then with relief, Catherine remembered taking it over to her Dad's for Willie to borrow.
So as Catherine contemplated what to do now, alas, she knew she had one saving grace, and that was Jennifer! Yes, Jennifer also followed this recipe of her Mom's too. And so she gave her a call, and was alarmed when Jennifer tearfully answered, "Hellooooooo."
To which Catherine with concern, asked, "What's wrong Jen? You sound upset!"
In response, Jennifer announced, "This hair straightener, lightened my HAIR! So even though my hair is stick straight, it is also platinum blond! But I am trying to stay calm, my cousin Gloria is on her way over to see what she can do about it!"
In reply, Catherine commiserated, and said, "If anyone can help, Gloria should be able to. Your Mom told me Gloria is doing really great at the Wilfred Academy Of Hair And Beauty."
To which Jennifer reluctantly replied, "Well, yes, she was, but presently, she is no longer a student there...she was sort of, well, kicked out?"
In response, Catherine worriedly asked, "Kicked out? What for?"
With caution, Jennifer went on to explain, "Well....Gloria left a perm on a fellow student too long, and I guess all of this girl's hair fell out, and she complained about it! But Gloria assured me she could help me, since we are just applying color."
Worriedly, Catherine said, "Well, just make sure you help Gloria watch the clock."
Assuredly, Jennifer fretfully said, "I will! Believe me, I would rather be blond than bald!"
Warily, Catherine then said, "I was going to ask you for my Mom's Peanut Butter cookie recipe, but this doesn't sound like a good time."
To which Jennifer contrarily said, "No, its okay, I can read it to you while I am waiting on Gloria...it will keep my mind off of my hair! Now...just a minute, let's see...where is it? Ah, here it is, Caroline's Peanutty Butter Scoop Cookies!"
Jennifer then read the recipe off to Catherine, and before they said, goodbye, Catherine hesitated a moment, and with a bit of emotion in her voice, she asked Jennifer how Noodles was doing.
Happily, Jennifer assured Catherine, that Noodles was doing great, and she had not seen her Mother this happy in a long time.
And then because Jennifer picked up on the melancholy tone in Catherine's voice, she kindly added, "Oh yes, and Mom said to let you know, you are welcome to see Noodles anytime you want."
Catherine sadly smiled, as she thought to herself, that she was not ready to see him yet, and so gratefully, she told Jennifer, maybe one day next week she would.
They then hung up, and Catherine stood pensively for a moment or two, reflecting back on her time with Noodles, and then a feeling struck her, that Noodles was now...where he needed to be, and knew in her heart, that Mother Alcott approved.
Getting back on task, Catherine went back into her little kitchen, and finished mixing her batch of cookies. She carefully spooned them out on the sheets, meticulously squished a little criss cross pattern on each one, and then with fingers crossed, she baked them!
And so while the cookies baked, Catherine sipped her coffee as she waited, and as the timer dinged, she thought, "Hmm, now for my moment of truth!"
As she tasted the finished product, she nodded thinking they were "nearly" as good as the cookies her Mother used to bake!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Brigit had returned to the tunnels, after spending the day above, visiting with her cousin Patrick.
And so as the evening meal ping chimed through the pipes, Vincent ventured to Brigit's chamber, to escort her to the Dining Hall.
And so as she greeted him, Brigit happily said, "Jist give me a moment Vincent."
To which Vincent replied, "Of course...how was your day with your cousin Brigit?"
As she brushed through her hair, making a quick up do, she answered, "Quite loovely...Georgie ended up joinin' us as well."
Upon seeing a light in Brigit's eyes as she spoke of Georgie, Vincent nodded and observably said, "By your smile, I take it George was a most welcome addition."
To which Brigit happily answered, "Aye, he was..."
Vincent then asked, "Tell me, where all did you go..."
Excitedly, Brigit relayed, "Well, let's see, after brunch, we did some sightseein'! We went to the Empire State Buildin', we saw the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center, the huge red Christmas ornaments at Radio City Music Hall, 'n we saw Wollman Ring as well! Of which where I kinny wait to go skatin' tonight! 'n....we did a bit of shoppin' too at all the famed shoppes! Macy's, Bloomin'dales, Saks, Tiffany's...Oh Vincent, I jist looved all the Christmassy window displays! What a beautiful city Manhattan is at Christmas time! All the decorations, lights, 'n smell of food in the air!"
With a nod, Vincent pleasingly said, "Sounds like you have experienced all the fair city above us has to offer..."
Brigit smiled in agreement, and then told Vincent, "I need to tell ye, me plans, Georgie has a brekky meetin' tomorrow mornin' with Catherine's Father, 'n I'll be attendin' too, because right after we 'ave to head straight fer the airport."
As Brigit stood up, she expressed saying, "So sadly, I'll be missin' one of Williams sublime brekky's in the mornin'..."
And then Brigit regretfully added, "...awe Vincent, me time here went too fast."
And so, Vincent held out his arm to escort Brigit and said, "And because you are leaving tomorrow, I wanted to ask you if you had any requests before we meet Catherine and Pascal for skating. Is there any thing you would like to do, or see on your last night here?"
Charmingly, Brigit smiled, as she said, "Ye know, I do! I heard ye speak of the Painted Tunnels, 'n I'd loove to go 'n see this place, 'n meet this woman who maintains it, 'n, I'd loove to go back to the Chamber of the Falls... ah Vincent, I looved it there."
Nodding gallantly, Vincent replied, "Very well Brigit. We shall fulfill your requests immediately after we dine."
And so as they walked along, they came upon Pascal, who regretfully said, "I'm gonna have to miss supper tonight Brigit! I have to go over some stuff with the sentry who is watching the Pipe chamber for me tonight."
Truthfully, feeling sorry Pascal would not be dining with them, Brigit replied, "Ah tis a pity Pascal."
Hurriedly walking backwards, Pascal continued to promise, "I will catch up with you later on, and for the record, I can't wait to take ya skating!"
In a cheerful response, Brigit said, "I kinny wait either Pascal! Be seein' ye later."
And so as Vincent and Brigit continued onward, they entered the Dining Hall, and were warmly greeted by Jacob, who said, "Hello Brigit...welcome..."
With a fondness, Brigit replied, "Aye, thank ye Jacob..."
And gallantly, Jacob took over, and escorted Brigit to her chair, and asked, "Still leaving tomorrow as planned?"
To which Brigit regretfully said, "Aye Jacob, sorry to say I am."
With a humbled request, Jacob asked, "DO promise you will visit us again soon..."
To which Brigit, with affection in her heart for Jacob, Vincent and the whole Tunnel experience, she promised she would.
And so, meanwhile, because William had heard this was the last meal he would be serving Brigit, he wanted to do so with flare. And so he chose his menu carefully, and prepared a delicious meal, of Roasted Chicken, along with some warmed Sweet Buns with dried fruit, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, and topped it off, with a delicious dessert of Black Forest Cake!
And yes, even Mary, and Rebecca, were more hospitable to Brigit after getting to know her better at Winterfest...and surprisingly, even Brigit's flirtatious nature toward the Tunnel Testosterone Laden Populace, didn't seem to bother them so much this night.
Perhaps it was because they knew Brigit would be flying the coop soon, or maybe, it was they knew Brigit had now accepted Vincent and Catherine's relationship, and had finally realized, it could not be tampered with.
Still, old habits do die hard, and they still could not help, but keep a watchful eye on her!
And Olivia, was on guard as well. Although she felt totally secure in Kanin's love for her, she still kept him occupied all through dinner, with conversation, and a very active Luke, wanting to divert Kanin's attention away from Brigit's low-cut sweater!
So the Dining Hall was gay with chatter and laughter, as they were all still basking in the festive tone, which Winterfest had brought.
Yes, there were stories to share, prideful tales to tell, and all the while they enjoyed the delicious feast William had prepared.
And so, at the meals conclusion, Brigit thanked William for the luscious meal, and with a peck to his pink flushed cheek, she said she was going to miss his cooking.
To which William in reply, blushed, as he told her, she was most welcome.
It was then Vincent and Brigit, left the Dining Hall, and initiated their last tour of the tunnels.
And they began by paying Elizabeth a visit.
Upon hearing footsteps, Elizabeth put down her paintbrush, and asked, "Who's there?"
To which Vincent replied, "It's me Elizabeth, and I have brought Brigit to see your domain...is this a good time?"
Kindly Elizabeth replied, "Of course, welcome...but Vincent, the Painted Tunnels is not my domain, this place is all or ours...in fact, I was just adding something new. I found myself inspired by this year's Winterfest..."
To which Vincent asked, "You were there? I never saw you."
In reply, Elizabeth shyly said, "Well, I didn't stay long, I was most anxious to get back to chronicle the grand event."
And because Brigit was enthralled by Elizabeth's talent, she tuned them out, as she looked up, and all around the Painted Tunnels!
Brigit then with enthusiasm, said, "How me cousin Patrick would loove it here! Oh my! Stunning is all I can say!"
Feeling bolstered by Brigit's compliments, the three walked and talked about each and every mural, and of course, as they came upon the young Vincent depiction, Brigit was beside herself with the image. And so she said, "Weren't ye a cute wee lad Vincent!"
In agreement, Elizabeth said, "He truly was...ahh, seems like only yesterday you were that little boy..I guess I am getting old, it seems I have become quite nostalgic of late."
To which Vincent, looked back appreciatively at this sweet woman, and after visiting a bit longer, they said they would let her get back to her project, they thanked her for their tour, and bade her goodnight.
Next, the two headed for the Chamber of the Falls. And it was there they spent some time talking, as they settled back, into their comfortable relationship they owned and begun before, through their letters.
And because it was so beautiful there, Brigit didn't want to ever leave, but they realized it was getting late.
So, as they walked back to the Tunnel Main, they checked on Pascal, saying it was nearly time to go above skating.
And Pascal was more than raring to go, offering to escort Brigit to her chamber, so she could dress for the occasion, and they agreed that Vincent and Catherine would meet them in the tunnel which opens up to the Park.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meantime, Catherine looked toward her clock, calculating it was nearly time to meet Vincent at the basement entry. And so as Catherine filled the thermos with piping hot chocolate, and boxed up the last of the Peanutty Butter Scoop Cookies, she thought of how doing an outing such as skating, they were just like any other couple tonight.
And just as she finished packing up the provisions for the excursion, she heard Vincent tap on her balcony door. Surprised, she looked out, and saw Vincent waiting, looking so striking, like a beautiful apparition!
And so, as Catherine opened the doors for him, she asked, "Did I remember wrong? I thought I was meeting you."
To which Vincent replied, "You were not wrong Catherine...I wanted to be alone with you, even if it was just for a moment."
Thinking this was so sweet, Catherine stepped into his open arms, and said, "Well what a nice surprise...I am glad you thought of it."
And as they stood for a moment together, Vincent relayed, "Pascal and Brigit are most excited about this outing Catherine...in truth, I am as well."
Sweetly saying she was too, Catherine told Vincent she remembered the Hot Chocolate, and had baked cookies for them tonight too.
As Vincent was expressing his gratitude and pleasure about the refreshments Catherine had prepared, unfortunately, the phone rang. And so upon excusing herself for a moment, she said hello into the receiver, and acknowledged Steven.
And though Catherine's phone conversation lasted less than half a minute, what Vincent heard Catherine say, made him quite uncomfortable!
As Catherine hung up the phone she turned to Vincent and explained, "Steven needs someone to drive him to the doctors tomorrow."
However, because Vincent stood quiet, Catherine continued, "We really haven't had the chance to talk about Steven. I need to explain, he is very sick..."
To which Vincent sternly cut in, and said, "Your Father explained his medical condition Catherine, still I feel apprehensive about this alliance you have with him."
And even though Catherine's guard is up with Steven, she felt defensive as she explained, "Steven understands we can never be more than friends..."
Catherine then grievously clarified, "Vincent...did Dad also tell you...Steven is dying?"
To which Vincent answered, "Yes he did, still health issues aside, I need to convey how I sensed something...something ominous about his character when I heard him speaking in Lin's restaurant that day."
Agreeably, Catherine nodded, and said, "As do I Vincent, which is why I broke things off with him years ago. And as far as my helping him, I don't know, I always believed when someone asks you for help, and if it is in your power, you shouldn't say no..."
Understanding Catherine's kindness better than anyone, Vincent replied, "As long as he doesn't manipulate more from you..."
Feeling she did need to defend her ability to ascertain Steven's motives, Catherine proclaimed, "Vincent, I know Steven's traps better than anyone...I'll be driving him back and forth to the doctors, and that's it."
Then in an effort to turn the mood back, to the happy tone this night held before Steven's ill timed phone call, Catherine smiled, and said, "So, that's as far as my helping him will go, so please, enough about Steven...hmmm?"
Catherine then went up to Vincent, and with a hug around his middle, she sweetly said, "We better go...so shall I still meet you at the basement threshold?"
Shaking the melancholy, Vincent agreeably said, "Yes...I will be there..."
To which Catherine said, "Oh good, I will gather a few things, and be there as quick as you can say....hmmm, Piotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky!"
To which Vincent replied, "Ahh, you are a woman after my own heart and know all the right things to say to me..."