Destiny of my Heart!
By Sharon Holtz
Chapter Eleven
________________________________________________
As Vincent guided them, Charles curiously asked, “Your
father mentioned another son. You have a brother?”
With a lonesome fondness, Vincent answered, “Yes, his name is
Devin, he is Father’s biological son…”
Thinking back on the many years which his Father and Devin
had been estranged, Vincent shared, “…however, their
relationship has been difficult to sustain. They seem to gain
ground, only to progress to an argument, Devin would leave, and
we would not hear from him for many years.”
Vincent then shared, “Each year I have hopes he will come
home for Christmas. And each year, I know Father secretly prays
for the same thing.”
Peter then asked, “Where has he been last sighted?”
“A helper told us he crossed paths with him working for the
Humane Society as a Veterinarian in Ocean City.” Vincent then
added, “However…that was over eleven months ago.”
Knowing Devin’s restless nature, Peter scoffed, “Yes…what
are the odds he would still be there…or still a vet for that
matter…but I would be glad to check into it.”
Catherine then curiously asked, “What do you mean…he may
not still be a vet?”
Looking over at Vincent, Peter smiled and explained,
“Well…Devin is a bit of a chameleon. He has cunningly passed
himself off as many different professionals throughout the years.”
To which Charles asked, “So he is not a licensed Vet?”
In turn, Peter replied, “I don’t see how? A vet would take
years of schooling, and it wasn’t that many years ago he was
known to be a practicing CPA, and before that he was spotted as a
Chef in Danbury.”
Catherine in response, asked, “How does he manage to get
these prestigious positions without a degree?”
In reply, Vincent said, “This is the deceiving practice of
Devin's, which makes Father the most angry. He considers it the
ultimate in disrespect for those who are willing to work hard for
their professions. Your question of how does Devin manage to
gain access to those positions? All I can tell you is…if ever you
meet him...you would understand.”
With that said, Peter nodded, signaling, yes Vincent was right.
And there was nothing more to add.
As they reached the threshold, Charles quipped, “I sure get a
kick out of this unconventional way of traveling to and from these
tunnels. I love it!”
Peter laughed, and said, “I know…but trust me the novelty
wears off, and all you have on your mind, is being careful not to
be detected. That thought must always be upper most on all of our
minds.”
The newbie’s, upon hearing Peter’s caution of vigilance, felt
humbled, as they were reminded of the responsibility they now
owned.
So with a solemn nod, Charles indicated he understood, and
felt quite honored with this trusted vow of secrecy.
Catherine let go a deep sigh, and then said, “Well, I wish to
thank you again Vincent for such a wonderful evening.”
In response, Vincent thanked the three of them for accepting
the invitation. “It meant so much to Father you were able to come.
Confidentially, I don’t believe I ever saw him so anxious.”
Peter was surprised to hear Jacob would be nervous, and so he
asked, “What the hell for?”
Not wanting to betray his Father’s trust, Vincent simply said,
“Suffice it to say, for several reasons…he was.”
Realizing the issues were nothing Vincent wanted to broadcast,
Peter let it go, and with a pat on the back, he then said, “Ah I get
it. Well you’re a good son.” He then said, “Goodnight Vincent, I’ll
see ya tomorrow.”
Charles said goodnight too, and being in the presence of her
father and Peter, respectfully Catherine and Vincent did not linger,
but in saying goodnight, they both knew it would be difficult to
wait until they would see one another again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back above in their world, as Peter and Charles walked
Catherine to her door, she slipped her arm through her father’s
and asked, “So you two…I have been meaning to ask if there are
any future plans with Sylvia and Evelyn? They both seem very
nice.”
To which Charles said, “Oh yes…I didn’t tell you? They are
coming up for New Years Eve to stay with Jessica again. And…”
Catherine smiled at her dad as she coaxed, “And?”
Raising a brow, Charles told his daughter, “Well, it appears
Peter and I have dates to ring in the New Year!”
Feeling pleased, her dad may have found a nice lady to share
his life with, Catherine happily said, “Good! That sounds like fun.
I am so happy to hear you both may have found someone nice.”
Not wanting to indicate this is anything serious, Charles
quickly added, “Don’t go getting any ideas now. It’s only a date!”
Jokingly, Peter added, “Yeah, for me either. Your father and I
are pretty much confirmed bachelors. You may have to move
heaven and earth to tie us down.”
“All the same…” said Catherine, “It’s hard to find a nice
somebody to do things with, and it seems you both may
have…that’s all. I am not pushing for anything more.”
Arriving at her door, Catherine asked, “Can I offer a night
cap?”
They both declined because of work in the morning, and
Catherine responded, “Yes! What am I thinking? I do too!” After
each gave Catherine a loving hug, they said goodnight.
Catherine stood watching them as they gingerly walked toward
the elevator, and for some reason, a sadness came over her.
Maybe it was the sight of her Dad’s gray hair from the back, along
with Peter’s thinning head of hair, reminded her they were getting
older.
As the elevator door began to close, they both spotted
Catherine and waved, and she waved back and with a concealing
smile, she cheerfully said, “Goodnight!”
Closing her door, she wiped the lone tear from her cheek, and
prayed God would keep them healthy, and bless her by having
them both around for many more years to come.
Noticing the blinking light on her answering machine, she went
to check out the message, which said, “Cath! I have some exciting
news about Jimmy…errr James. Call when you get home…no
matter how late!”
Thinking aloud as she dialed the phone, “Hmmm, I wonder
what it….Hi Jen…what’s the news about James?”
Excitedly, Jennifer informed Catherine, “Well…James invited
me and Mom over to his Mother’s for Christmas Dinner!!! Do you
believe it?”
Nodding with approval, Catherine said, “I would say things are
moving right along Jen! How sweet he included your Mom too.”
In agreement Jennifer said, “I know! I thought so too. And he
has been around her enough to know how she is, and he still
invited her!”
She then continued, “Mrs. Ames is a widow too, and Mom had
met her before years ago when they both had chaperoned our 8th
grade dance…do you remember?”
Catherine started to laugh as she replied, “Do I remember?
Yes!!! You about died of embarrassment when your Mom ended
up dancing in the middle of the circle!”
Jennifer laughed too, as she recalled, “Mrs. Ames did too!
Wasn’t it Billy Abrams and Douggy Hayes who had spiked the
punch?”
Catherine confirmed the two culprits were Billy and Douggy,
and added, “Yes it was…and do you remember it became a big
deal and they were suspended for 3 days?”
Jennifer said, “Yes…and Mom said 3 days wasn’t long enough
for those two hoodlums!”
As talk of the humorous event trickled to a close, Jennifer
informatively said, “Mom and Mrs. Ames did cross paths from
time to time when Mom would sub for Mrs. Kramp in the Bunco
group Mrs. Ames was in. So Mom is looking forward to seeing her
again. So it should be fun.”
Catherine giggled at the thought of Mrs. Aranson tying one on,
suggested, “Just keep any kind of alcoholic beverages away from
them!”
To which Jennifer incredulously said, “And miss some good
entertainment? I don’t think so.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Catherine walked through the city to work, the blustery
winter air chilled her cheeks, but the memories of last nights
festivities still warmed her heart. Yes, the sweet thoughts of
Vincent’s world were still with her, and as she looked around at
the festiveness of the merchant’s windows, everything just seemed
so much more Christmassy this year for her than they had in the
years past, at least for a very long, long time.
As the snow began to pick up, she gathered up her collar, and
smiled as she looked up into the snowy meteor shower above her.
Loving this season as well as the weather, she thought of Vincent,
knowing he loved it too. Ah then sadly the thought of most likely
not seeing him very much this week before Christmas, due to his
responsibilities below and her own work schedule at the D.A. but
she gladly, will take what she could get.
Just then she heard Peter call out from his rolled down Van
window, asking, “Hey Cathy! Need a ride?”
Running up to his vehicle, she said, “Thank you Peter, but I
am enjoying the walk.”
Shaking his head in wonder, he said, “Of course…I should
have known that! Well I saw you and had to ask.”
Knowing he was going to do the annual exams below, she
asked, “Are you heading for the tunnels?”
With a nod, he smiled and said, “Yes I am. Any messages for
anyone in particular?”
Thinking it would be nice to let Vincent know she was thinking
of him, said, “Yes…tell Vincent hello for me.”
“Will do kiddo, well I better go, If I know Mary, she has
everything ready for me.”
With a loving smile, Catherine told Peter, “Safe travels.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Mouse!” called Mary, “I need some firewood to stoke the
stove in the examining room. We need to have it as toasty warm
as we possibly can, since Peter will be doing exams in there.”
Confused he answered, “Already did! You told me earlier
remember?”
Bringing her hands to her face, she embarrassingly said, “I
did, didn’t I! Oh my, I suppose I am just a bit nervous wanting
everything to go smoothly. So here I am repeating myself.”
With a shy smile, Mouse replied, “Want me to do anything
else Forgetful Mary?”
Giving Mouse an agitated look, she scolded, “Now don’t go
crackin’ wise young man.”
And then Mary thinking there was one more thing he could get
for her, said, “As a matter of fact Mouse, do bring over 2 more
pitchers of fresh water…and get one of the bigger boys like
Kipper or Zach to help you. Now hurry please…Peter and Father
should be here any moment.”
Speaking on his departure, Mouse laughed as he replied, “Be
right back Forgetful Mary!”
“Mouse!” As she smoothed her hair back, she lamented to
herself, “Oh Dear…It will be a while for me to live this down I am
afraid.”
As Jacob entered the Medical chamber, he overheard Mary,
but saw no one else present. And so curiously, Jacob asked, “Did
you…err…say something Mary?”
Spinning around, Mary mortified she was overheard by Jacob,
said, “No nothing Father…I was just thinking aloud that’s all.”
With a hesitant nod, Jacob said, “I see…well it appears you
have everything in order Mary.” As Jacob continued to inspect the
setups, supplies and cleanliness of the chamber, he finally said,
“Good, good…we could however use some more fresh water.”
In reply Mary hastily said, “Mouse should be returning shortly
with a few more pitchers.”
Impressively, Jacob said, “As always Mary…you have thought
of everything.”
Releasing an angst filled sigh, Mary answered, “Thank you
Father.”
As Jacob slipped on his scrubs shirt, he motioned he needed
help tying the ties in the back, and said, “It was quite an evening
last night uh?”
Mary stepping up behind him, to assist, gleefully said, “Yes! It
truly was a grand evening. And may I be so bold to say; your were
at your absolute best...the way you told the story...oh Father..it
was so heart warming."
Tipping his head as he absorbed the compliment, he then
enthusiastically asked, “You really do think so?”
Emphatically, Mary responded, "Absolutely! Everyone thought
so. The whole event, well it just turned into the most enchanted
evening."
Then with a sly look in his eye, he added, “And….we owe it all
to you and Vincent!”
Thinking she and Vincent had been ratted out by someone,
she incredulously asked, “Vincent and I? What ever do you
mean?”
To be continued
Chapter Twelve
: }
By Sharon Holtz
Chapter Eleven
________________________________________________
As Vincent guided them, Charles curiously asked, “Your
father mentioned another son. You have a brother?”
With a lonesome fondness, Vincent answered, “Yes, his name is
Devin, he is Father’s biological son…”
Thinking back on the many years which his Father and Devin
had been estranged, Vincent shared, “…however, their
relationship has been difficult to sustain. They seem to gain
ground, only to progress to an argument, Devin would leave, and
we would not hear from him for many years.”
Vincent then shared, “Each year I have hopes he will come
home for Christmas. And each year, I know Father secretly prays
for the same thing.”
Peter then asked, “Where has he been last sighted?”
“A helper told us he crossed paths with him working for the
Humane Society as a Veterinarian in Ocean City.” Vincent then
added, “However…that was over eleven months ago.”
Knowing Devin’s restless nature, Peter scoffed, “Yes…what
are the odds he would still be there…or still a vet for that
matter…but I would be glad to check into it.”
Catherine then curiously asked, “What do you mean…he may
not still be a vet?”
Looking over at Vincent, Peter smiled and explained,
“Well…Devin is a bit of a chameleon. He has cunningly passed
himself off as many different professionals throughout the years.”
To which Charles asked, “So he is not a licensed Vet?”
In turn, Peter replied, “I don’t see how? A vet would take
years of schooling, and it wasn’t that many years ago he was
known to be a practicing CPA, and before that he was spotted as a
Chef in Danbury.”
Catherine in response, asked, “How does he manage to get
these prestigious positions without a degree?”
In reply, Vincent said, “This is the deceiving practice of
Devin's, which makes Father the most angry. He considers it the
ultimate in disrespect for those who are willing to work hard for
their professions. Your question of how does Devin manage to
gain access to those positions? All I can tell you is…if ever you
meet him...you would understand.”
With that said, Peter nodded, signaling, yes Vincent was right.
And there was nothing more to add.
As they reached the threshold, Charles quipped, “I sure get a
kick out of this unconventional way of traveling to and from these
tunnels. I love it!”
Peter laughed, and said, “I know…but trust me the novelty
wears off, and all you have on your mind, is being careful not to
be detected. That thought must always be upper most on all of our
minds.”
The newbie’s, upon hearing Peter’s caution of vigilance, felt
humbled, as they were reminded of the responsibility they now
owned.
So with a solemn nod, Charles indicated he understood, and
felt quite honored with this trusted vow of secrecy.
Catherine let go a deep sigh, and then said, “Well, I wish to
thank you again Vincent for such a wonderful evening.”
In response, Vincent thanked the three of them for accepting
the invitation. “It meant so much to Father you were able to come.
Confidentially, I don’t believe I ever saw him so anxious.”
Peter was surprised to hear Jacob would be nervous, and so he
asked, “What the hell for?”
Not wanting to betray his Father’s trust, Vincent simply said,
“Suffice it to say, for several reasons…he was.”
Realizing the issues were nothing Vincent wanted to broadcast,
Peter let it go, and with a pat on the back, he then said, “Ah I get
it. Well you’re a good son.” He then said, “Goodnight Vincent, I’ll
see ya tomorrow.”
Charles said goodnight too, and being in the presence of her
father and Peter, respectfully Catherine and Vincent did not linger,
but in saying goodnight, they both knew it would be difficult to
wait until they would see one another again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back above in their world, as Peter and Charles walked
Catherine to her door, she slipped her arm through her father’s
and asked, “So you two…I have been meaning to ask if there are
any future plans with Sylvia and Evelyn? They both seem very
nice.”
To which Charles said, “Oh yes…I didn’t tell you? They are
coming up for New Years Eve to stay with Jessica again. And…”
Catherine smiled at her dad as she coaxed, “And?”
Raising a brow, Charles told his daughter, “Well, it appears
Peter and I have dates to ring in the New Year!”
Feeling pleased, her dad may have found a nice lady to share
his life with, Catherine happily said, “Good! That sounds like fun.
I am so happy to hear you both may have found someone nice.”
Not wanting to indicate this is anything serious, Charles
quickly added, “Don’t go getting any ideas now. It’s only a date!”
Jokingly, Peter added, “Yeah, for me either. Your father and I
are pretty much confirmed bachelors. You may have to move
heaven and earth to tie us down.”
“All the same…” said Catherine, “It’s hard to find a nice
somebody to do things with, and it seems you both may
have…that’s all. I am not pushing for anything more.”
Arriving at her door, Catherine asked, “Can I offer a night
cap?”
They both declined because of work in the morning, and
Catherine responded, “Yes! What am I thinking? I do too!” After
each gave Catherine a loving hug, they said goodnight.
Catherine stood watching them as they gingerly walked toward
the elevator, and for some reason, a sadness came over her.
Maybe it was the sight of her Dad’s gray hair from the back, along
with Peter’s thinning head of hair, reminded her they were getting
older.
As the elevator door began to close, they both spotted
Catherine and waved, and she waved back and with a concealing
smile, she cheerfully said, “Goodnight!”
Closing her door, she wiped the lone tear from her cheek, and
prayed God would keep them healthy, and bless her by having
them both around for many more years to come.
Noticing the blinking light on her answering machine, she went
to check out the message, which said, “Cath! I have some exciting
news about Jimmy…errr James. Call when you get home…no
matter how late!”
Thinking aloud as she dialed the phone, “Hmmm, I wonder
what it….Hi Jen…what’s the news about James?”
Excitedly, Jennifer informed Catherine, “Well…James invited
me and Mom over to his Mother’s for Christmas Dinner!!! Do you
believe it?”
Nodding with approval, Catherine said, “I would say things are
moving right along Jen! How sweet he included your Mom too.”
In agreement Jennifer said, “I know! I thought so too. And he
has been around her enough to know how she is, and he still
invited her!”
She then continued, “Mrs. Ames is a widow too, and Mom had
met her before years ago when they both had chaperoned our 8th
grade dance…do you remember?”
Catherine started to laugh as she replied, “Do I remember?
Yes!!! You about died of embarrassment when your Mom ended
up dancing in the middle of the circle!”
Jennifer laughed too, as she recalled, “Mrs. Ames did too!
Wasn’t it Billy Abrams and Douggy Hayes who had spiked the
punch?”
Catherine confirmed the two culprits were Billy and Douggy,
and added, “Yes it was…and do you remember it became a big
deal and they were suspended for 3 days?”
Jennifer said, “Yes…and Mom said 3 days wasn’t long enough
for those two hoodlums!”
As talk of the humorous event trickled to a close, Jennifer
informatively said, “Mom and Mrs. Ames did cross paths from
time to time when Mom would sub for Mrs. Kramp in the Bunco
group Mrs. Ames was in. So Mom is looking forward to seeing her
again. So it should be fun.”
Catherine giggled at the thought of Mrs. Aranson tying one on,
suggested, “Just keep any kind of alcoholic beverages away from
them!”
To which Jennifer incredulously said, “And miss some good
entertainment? I don’t think so.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Catherine walked through the city to work, the blustery
winter air chilled her cheeks, but the memories of last nights
festivities still warmed her heart. Yes, the sweet thoughts of
Vincent’s world were still with her, and as she looked around at
the festiveness of the merchant’s windows, everything just seemed
so much more Christmassy this year for her than they had in the
years past, at least for a very long, long time.
As the snow began to pick up, she gathered up her collar, and
smiled as she looked up into the snowy meteor shower above her.
Loving this season as well as the weather, she thought of Vincent,
knowing he loved it too. Ah then sadly the thought of most likely
not seeing him very much this week before Christmas, due to his
responsibilities below and her own work schedule at the D.A. but
she gladly, will take what she could get.
Just then she heard Peter call out from his rolled down Van
window, asking, “Hey Cathy! Need a ride?”
Running up to his vehicle, she said, “Thank you Peter, but I
am enjoying the walk.”
Shaking his head in wonder, he said, “Of course…I should
have known that! Well I saw you and had to ask.”
Knowing he was going to do the annual exams below, she
asked, “Are you heading for the tunnels?”
With a nod, he smiled and said, “Yes I am. Any messages for
anyone in particular?”
Thinking it would be nice to let Vincent know she was thinking
of him, said, “Yes…tell Vincent hello for me.”
“Will do kiddo, well I better go, If I know Mary, she has
everything ready for me.”
With a loving smile, Catherine told Peter, “Safe travels.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Mouse!” called Mary, “I need some firewood to stoke the
stove in the examining room. We need to have it as toasty warm
as we possibly can, since Peter will be doing exams in there.”
Confused he answered, “Already did! You told me earlier
remember?”
Bringing her hands to her face, she embarrassingly said, “I
did, didn’t I! Oh my, I suppose I am just a bit nervous wanting
everything to go smoothly. So here I am repeating myself.”
With a shy smile, Mouse replied, “Want me to do anything
else Forgetful Mary?”
Giving Mouse an agitated look, she scolded, “Now don’t go
crackin’ wise young man.”
And then Mary thinking there was one more thing he could get
for her, said, “As a matter of fact Mouse, do bring over 2 more
pitchers of fresh water…and get one of the bigger boys like
Kipper or Zach to help you. Now hurry please…Peter and Father
should be here any moment.”
Speaking on his departure, Mouse laughed as he replied, “Be
right back Forgetful Mary!”
“Mouse!” As she smoothed her hair back, she lamented to
herself, “Oh Dear…It will be a while for me to live this down I am
afraid.”
As Jacob entered the Medical chamber, he overheard Mary,
but saw no one else present. And so curiously, Jacob asked, “Did
you…err…say something Mary?”
Spinning around, Mary mortified she was overheard by Jacob,
said, “No nothing Father…I was just thinking aloud that’s all.”
With a hesitant nod, Jacob said, “I see…well it appears you
have everything in order Mary.” As Jacob continued to inspect the
setups, supplies and cleanliness of the chamber, he finally said,
“Good, good…we could however use some more fresh water.”
In reply Mary hastily said, “Mouse should be returning shortly
with a few more pitchers.”
Impressively, Jacob said, “As always Mary…you have thought
of everything.”
Releasing an angst filled sigh, Mary answered, “Thank you
Father.”
As Jacob slipped on his scrubs shirt, he motioned he needed
help tying the ties in the back, and said, “It was quite an evening
last night uh?”
Mary stepping up behind him, to assist, gleefully said, “Yes! It
truly was a grand evening. And may I be so bold to say; your were
at your absolute best...the way you told the story...oh Father..it
was so heart warming."
Tipping his head as he absorbed the compliment, he then
enthusiastically asked, “You really do think so?”
Emphatically, Mary responded, "Absolutely! Everyone thought
so. The whole event, well it just turned into the most enchanted
evening."
Then with a sly look in his eye, he added, “And….we owe it all
to you and Vincent!”
Thinking she and Vincent had been ratted out by someone,
she incredulously asked, “Vincent and I? What ever do you
mean?”
To be continued
Chapter Twelve
: }
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