| The Impending Holidays lend a special atmosphere to The Tunnels, just as it does in the city above So because Catherine and Vincent had managed to merge their two worlds in "Treasure of my Heart" Together they are able to lovingly share this Christmas with loved ones, helpers, and friends Destiny of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter One What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. Agnes M. Pharo _________________________________________________________ |
Down below the city, the Dining Hall during breakfast was
buzzing. It seemed as if the atmosphere was electric, with everyone
talking of the quickly approaching Christmas Holiday. The children
were especially wound up, because they were still charged up from
last night's activity designing this year's tunnel Christmas card.
They gathered all around Jacob, and bounced about as they
excitedly told him about this year’s Drummer Boy design.
Still feeling badly he missed out on the annual Christmas
tradition, he listened intently, giving a nod of approval, as he told
the children he was delighted with the chosen motif.
Jacob then told Little Natalie, who was standing next to him,
how impressed and proud to hear the little Drummer Boy theme,
had been her idea. Matter-of-factly, she admitted to the allegation
and then told him how much they wished he could’ve been there
like he usually was.
With an apologetic tone, Jacob expressed how he wished he
could’ve been there too, but understood Vincent had done a superb
job filling in for him.
To which Kipper commented, “Vincent did an Ok job, and
Mary and Catherine were great...yeah it was really nice having
Catherine there, though Father, Vincent, he kinda forgot a few
things.”
Jacob found himself feeling guiltily satisfied for knowing he was
not perfectly replaced! Growing curious of what could have been
amiss; he looked about wanting to make sure Vincent was out of
earshot, and then pryingly asked, “You say Vincent forgot a few
things?”
“Yeah…” Kipper then informatively told Jacob, “…he forgot to
tell us the story about the first Christmas in the tunnels. Course…I
guess he couldn’t‘ve cuz he wasn’t even here then,
uh? I mean he wasn’t even born yet!”
Jacob held up a finger, and with a cocked brow, he replied,
“True…true…although Kipper…he had heard the story enough
times himself to have been able to repeat it…hmmm, you did
mention a FEW things were forgotten? What else?”
Thoughtfully, Kipper confessed, “Hmm…, maybe I shouldn’t have
said a few things…I guess forgetting to tell us the story was the
only thing.”
Scratching his chin, Jacob conceded, “Still, telling the story is an
integral part of the Christmas Card session tradition! We
darsen’t minimize its importance! So, You say Mary did not remind
Vincent? She did not remember either?”
In unison Kipper, Natalie and the other children all said, “Nope!”
Thinking he might be able to salvage his good standing with the
children AND Mary, by arranging an additional gathering so he
could tell the story, he then said, “I believe we must do something
to correct this oversight. Do you all agree?”
Excitedly the children said yes, and waited to hear what Jacob
would propose to do about it.
Jacob’s mind began to race as he began to consider having
William prepare a special dessert along with a vat of hot coco, to
make this a very special occasion for the children. He then thought,
why not for everyone? Adults of the community as well!
Just then, Jacob could see Vincent and Mary approaching!
Nervously he thwarted the children from further commenting, by
telling them, “I will be the one to inform Vincent and Mary of the
upcoming story telling event. We wouldn’t want them to feel badly
about forgetting such an important detail, now would we?”
They all agreed, saying they wouldn’t want to hurt Vincent’s and
Mary’s feelings for all the tea in China Town!
Smiling as the two advanced, Vincent asked, “So have the
children told you all about last night’s Christmas Card design
session Father?”
Clearing his throat, he answered, “I believe they mentioned
something about it…yes…yes indeed surely they did.”
Detecting an undercurrent of deviant excitement, Vincent smiled
subtly at Mary before he suspiciously asked Jacob and the children
around him, “Hmm, hopefully they said all went well…”
When no one spoke right away, Vincent questioned further,
“Father?”
Cautiously, Jacob began, “Oh the children said you both did a
splendid job filling in for me; and they clearly loved having
Catherine there last night to help out as well...however there was a
major omission of sorts. It would seem neither you or Mary
remembered to tell the story of the first Christmas which was
celebrated here below in the tunnels!”
With astonishment, Mary turned to Vincent and gasped, “Imagine
that! We forgot to tell the story!”
“So we did…” replied Vincent, and then he asked, “How can we
make up for this indiscretion?”
Eagerly, Jacob answered, “In truth, the children and I were just
arriving at a solution. I was thinking we could hold a separate
assembly for just this cause.”
Agreeably, Mary said, “An additional assembly? Oh my, what
fun! I think that sounds like a grand idea, don’t you Vincent?”
“Undeniably I do.” To which Jacob replied, “And so we shall plan
it for tomorrow night then.”
Warmly, Vincent looked down at all the children and expressed,
“Good thing Mary and I had forgotten. Now it looks as if you will
have the privilege of the master story teller HIMSELF, telling you
the story.”
Turning toward Jacob, he added, “And you Father will be able to
share in part of our annual Christmas tradition this year after all.”
Thoughtfully, Mary then mentioned, “It seems a shame to limit
this special assembly to only the children. Do you suppose the
entire community could attend? If we hold the session here…there
is plenty of room.”
Jacob was so happy for the fact it was Mary who brought up the
subject of adults being in attendance before he did! Cocking a
brow, and with an approving nod, he indicated he thought Mary
had a good idea! Cautiously though, before commenting, he
liberally asked the children of their opinion. And so with thoughtful
animation, he asked, “What do you think? Should adults be
welcomed as well? After all, this IS usually an event just for you
children.”
With open hearts the children all said “Yes”, everyone should
come! And then Kipper slyly suggested, “Yeah, maybe you could
invite Catherine to come too Vincent! She probably never heard
the story yet!”
Delighted affirming comments came from everyone, and looking
to Jacob for approval, he asked, “Father?”
Warmly, Jacob answered, “Of course…Catherine is always
welcome.”
Just then, some of the tunnel dwellers began to approach Jacob
asking when they can begin the official Christmas decorating.
After repeating his-self for the third time, Mary suggested, he
make an official announcement, and inform every one of the plans
to decorate as well as the special event for tomorrow night.
Smiling, at Mary, he gallantly thanked her for her fine suggestion.
Clearing his throat, he announced, “Everyone, may I have your
attention? I want you to know, we will be sorting out the
decorations immediately after breakfast this morning in the
community chamber. Remember first come first serve, so don’t
dawdle. And also, there will be a special gathering tomorrow night
here, where I will tell the story of the First Tunnel Christmas.”
Delighted gasps spread throughout the community, and Pascal
himself looked over to Zach to eagerly say, “I hadn’t heard that
story since I was a boy your age! I will look forward to hearing
father tell it again.”
To which Zach replied, “Wow, no kiddin'? Man that must have
been ages ago uh?”
Shooting the younger dweller a stern look, Pascal claimed, "Well,
let me put it this way, it was during this century." He then ruffled
Zach's hair, and teasingly grumbled, "Ages ago...I outa let you have
it."
The day turned out to be a very busy one below in the tunnels.
Christmas Decorating had officially begun!
Each year new items are added to the tunnel decoration stockpile,
as an assortment of bows, ornaments and fancy baubles which
were discarded from the topsiders last year, are added to the mix.
And so the excited dwellers browsed through the decorations,
and took away items that suited their fancy, either because of the
memories attached to the items from the previous years, or because
of its significance and beauty.
As Brook left the chamber with her assortment of items, she
passed Rebecca in the tunnel, telling her to hurry because the
lovely Nativity she possessed last year was still unclaimed!
Thanking Brook, Rebecca scurried inside and was greeted by
Mary who was standing at the threshold. Anxiously, Rebecca
asked, “Mary, can you show me where the wooden manger is?”
“I believe so…yes, there it is.” Taking Rebecca directly to it, she
was able to claim the beautiful oak manger scene to display within
her chamber.
Vincent seeing Rebecca from afar, smiled to himself as he saw her
lovingly scoop up the Manger which Cullen had carved for the
community many, many years ago.
Walking up to her and Mary, he said, “Good, I am glad you
claimed your coveted manger. I was growing nervous as a few of
the others were eyeing it up. However, in accordance to Father’s
rule, you know I would not have been able to stop them had they
picked it up.”
Hugging the manger to herself, she said, “I know all about the
rule Vincent. I am just so thankful I got here in time. The children
were a little restless after breakfast, and wouldn’t listen to Jamie
and Laura, so I had to step in and assist them. They are so excited
about Father reading the story to them. In truth, I think we all are.”
To which Mary concurred, "Indeed."
Rebecca then thoughtfully looked firstly to Vincent and then to
Mary, and said, “I cannot imagine how the both of you forgot to
tell the story last night! Shame on you two.”
Looking downcast before looking at each other, Mary gave way
to wide grin, as she innocently told Vincent, “I know! Shame on
us!”
Suddenly Rebecca began to suspect something funny was going
on, and so she slyly asked, “Don’t tell me you forgot on purpose!”
Nervously, Vincent looked about, hoping no one was near by to
over hear, when Mary let out a very substantial, “SHHHHH! Keep
your voice down! You don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.”
Slyly Rebecca inquired, “And what is the wrong idea? Did you
two forget or not?”
Subtly, Vincent explained, “I knew Father felt torn last night on
where his place was to be, and so, Mary and I thought perhaps he
could partake in one aspect of the yearly session, IF we had forgot
to do it.”
Guiltily, Mary expressed, “Admittedly, I was a bit hard on Father
yesterday, but it was just his plans took me by surprise! Until
Vincent told me how badly he felt about it, I assumed he carelessly
chose to spend the evening with that woman…errr…Jessica,
without any account to how I…errr...to how the CHILDREN felt.
After I understood he DID feel badly about missing the session,
well we had to come up with something he could share.”
Looking over at Jacob, who was helping Olivia, Kanin and Lukey
with their decorations, Mary added, “I think all in all, we did the
right thing. Look how happy Father is.”
Glancing over at the patriarch who was laughing and joyfully
assisting the little tunnel family, in agreement Rebecca said, “Oh
yes…definitely! His demeanor from yesterday is like night and
day.”
Thoughtfully Vincent stood thinking, “If Father ever found out
this was a purposeful omission…”
And so he put his arms around both the ladies, and gently
gathering them closer to him, he cautiously asked, “I know there is
no need to say that this can go no further than right here? Do I?”
With a gasp, Mary assuredly said, “You won’t ever hear me
speak about it again.” Simultaneously, both Mary and Vincent
looked towards Rebecca, who with a slight giggle promised, “Me
either. I swear mums the word.”
Suddenly from across the chamber Jacob scolded, "Mouse! Get a
hold of that vermin won't you? He is eating the gingerbread
decorations the children made last year!"
Calling his friend to aid him, Mouse yelled, "Vincent! Help
Mouse get Arthur!"
After helping to corner Arthur, Vincent was able to scoop up the
bewildered little tunnel darling, who was simply trying to enjoy a
mid-morning snack!
Jacob hobbled closer to the action, and sternly suggested, "When
you bring along your furry pal, may I suggest using a leash?"
Downhearted because of the damage Arthur caused, Mouse sadly
said, "Ok fine."
Then taking his pet from Vincent, he told him, "Now Arthur in
trouble with Father. Better for you to stay on my shoulder."
Vincent wanting to change the subject as well as cheer up his
friend, suggested as per tradition, it was time for he and Mouse to
decorate. "Are you ready my friend?"
The tradition of being Vincent's decorating bud, definately perked
up Mouse, and together, the three of them headed for Vincent's
chamber.
To be continued
Chapter Two
: )
buzzing. It seemed as if the atmosphere was electric, with everyone
talking of the quickly approaching Christmas Holiday. The children
were especially wound up, because they were still charged up from
last night's activity designing this year's tunnel Christmas card.
They gathered all around Jacob, and bounced about as they
excitedly told him about this year’s Drummer Boy design.
Still feeling badly he missed out on the annual Christmas
tradition, he listened intently, giving a nod of approval, as he told
the children he was delighted with the chosen motif.
Jacob then told Little Natalie, who was standing next to him,
how impressed and proud to hear the little Drummer Boy theme,
had been her idea. Matter-of-factly, she admitted to the allegation
and then told him how much they wished he could’ve been there
like he usually was.
With an apologetic tone, Jacob expressed how he wished he
could’ve been there too, but understood Vincent had done a superb
job filling in for him.
To which Kipper commented, “Vincent did an Ok job, and
Mary and Catherine were great...yeah it was really nice having
Catherine there, though Father, Vincent, he kinda forgot a few
things.”
Jacob found himself feeling guiltily satisfied for knowing he was
not perfectly replaced! Growing curious of what could have been
amiss; he looked about wanting to make sure Vincent was out of
earshot, and then pryingly asked, “You say Vincent forgot a few
things?”
“Yeah…” Kipper then informatively told Jacob, “…he forgot to
tell us the story about the first Christmas in the tunnels. Course…I
guess he couldn’t‘ve cuz he wasn’t even here then,
uh? I mean he wasn’t even born yet!”
Jacob held up a finger, and with a cocked brow, he replied,
“True…true…although Kipper…he had heard the story enough
times himself to have been able to repeat it…hmmm, you did
mention a FEW things were forgotten? What else?”
Thoughtfully, Kipper confessed, “Hmm…, maybe I shouldn’t have
said a few things…I guess forgetting to tell us the story was the
only thing.”
Scratching his chin, Jacob conceded, “Still, telling the story is an
integral part of the Christmas Card session tradition! We
darsen’t minimize its importance! So, You say Mary did not remind
Vincent? She did not remember either?”
In unison Kipper, Natalie and the other children all said, “Nope!”
Thinking he might be able to salvage his good standing with the
children AND Mary, by arranging an additional gathering so he
could tell the story, he then said, “I believe we must do something
to correct this oversight. Do you all agree?”
Excitedly the children said yes, and waited to hear what Jacob
would propose to do about it.
Jacob’s mind began to race as he began to consider having
William prepare a special dessert along with a vat of hot coco, to
make this a very special occasion for the children. He then thought,
why not for everyone? Adults of the community as well!
Just then, Jacob could see Vincent and Mary approaching!
Nervously he thwarted the children from further commenting, by
telling them, “I will be the one to inform Vincent and Mary of the
upcoming story telling event. We wouldn’t want them to feel badly
about forgetting such an important detail, now would we?”
They all agreed, saying they wouldn’t want to hurt Vincent’s and
Mary’s feelings for all the tea in China Town!
Smiling as the two advanced, Vincent asked, “So have the
children told you all about last night’s Christmas Card design
session Father?”
Clearing his throat, he answered, “I believe they mentioned
something about it…yes…yes indeed surely they did.”
Detecting an undercurrent of deviant excitement, Vincent smiled
subtly at Mary before he suspiciously asked Jacob and the children
around him, “Hmm, hopefully they said all went well…”
When no one spoke right away, Vincent questioned further,
“Father?”
Cautiously, Jacob began, “Oh the children said you both did a
splendid job filling in for me; and they clearly loved having
Catherine there last night to help out as well...however there was a
major omission of sorts. It would seem neither you or Mary
remembered to tell the story of the first Christmas which was
celebrated here below in the tunnels!”
With astonishment, Mary turned to Vincent and gasped, “Imagine
that! We forgot to tell the story!”
“So we did…” replied Vincent, and then he asked, “How can we
make up for this indiscretion?”
Eagerly, Jacob answered, “In truth, the children and I were just
arriving at a solution. I was thinking we could hold a separate
assembly for just this cause.”
Agreeably, Mary said, “An additional assembly? Oh my, what
fun! I think that sounds like a grand idea, don’t you Vincent?”
“Undeniably I do.” To which Jacob replied, “And so we shall plan
it for tomorrow night then.”
Warmly, Vincent looked down at all the children and expressed,
“Good thing Mary and I had forgotten. Now it looks as if you will
have the privilege of the master story teller HIMSELF, telling you
the story.”
Turning toward Jacob, he added, “And you Father will be able to
share in part of our annual Christmas tradition this year after all.”
Thoughtfully, Mary then mentioned, “It seems a shame to limit
this special assembly to only the children. Do you suppose the
entire community could attend? If we hold the session here…there
is plenty of room.”
Jacob was so happy for the fact it was Mary who brought up the
subject of adults being in attendance before he did! Cocking a
brow, and with an approving nod, he indicated he thought Mary
had a good idea! Cautiously though, before commenting, he
liberally asked the children of their opinion. And so with thoughtful
animation, he asked, “What do you think? Should adults be
welcomed as well? After all, this IS usually an event just for you
children.”
With open hearts the children all said “Yes”, everyone should
come! And then Kipper slyly suggested, “Yeah, maybe you could
invite Catherine to come too Vincent! She probably never heard
the story yet!”
Delighted affirming comments came from everyone, and looking
to Jacob for approval, he asked, “Father?”
Warmly, Jacob answered, “Of course…Catherine is always
welcome.”
Just then, some of the tunnel dwellers began to approach Jacob
asking when they can begin the official Christmas decorating.
After repeating his-self for the third time, Mary suggested, he
make an official announcement, and inform every one of the plans
to decorate as well as the special event for tomorrow night.
Smiling, at Mary, he gallantly thanked her for her fine suggestion.
Clearing his throat, he announced, “Everyone, may I have your
attention? I want you to know, we will be sorting out the
decorations immediately after breakfast this morning in the
community chamber. Remember first come first serve, so don’t
dawdle. And also, there will be a special gathering tomorrow night
here, where I will tell the story of the First Tunnel Christmas.”
Delighted gasps spread throughout the community, and Pascal
himself looked over to Zach to eagerly say, “I hadn’t heard that
story since I was a boy your age! I will look forward to hearing
father tell it again.”
To which Zach replied, “Wow, no kiddin'? Man that must have
been ages ago uh?”
Shooting the younger dweller a stern look, Pascal claimed, "Well,
let me put it this way, it was during this century." He then ruffled
Zach's hair, and teasingly grumbled, "Ages ago...I outa let you have
it."
The day turned out to be a very busy one below in the tunnels.
Christmas Decorating had officially begun!
Each year new items are added to the tunnel decoration stockpile,
as an assortment of bows, ornaments and fancy baubles which
were discarded from the topsiders last year, are added to the mix.
And so the excited dwellers browsed through the decorations,
and took away items that suited their fancy, either because of the
memories attached to the items from the previous years, or because
of its significance and beauty.
As Brook left the chamber with her assortment of items, she
passed Rebecca in the tunnel, telling her to hurry because the
lovely Nativity she possessed last year was still unclaimed!
Thanking Brook, Rebecca scurried inside and was greeted by
Mary who was standing at the threshold. Anxiously, Rebecca
asked, “Mary, can you show me where the wooden manger is?”
“I believe so…yes, there it is.” Taking Rebecca directly to it, she
was able to claim the beautiful oak manger scene to display within
her chamber.
Vincent seeing Rebecca from afar, smiled to himself as he saw her
lovingly scoop up the Manger which Cullen had carved for the
community many, many years ago.
Walking up to her and Mary, he said, “Good, I am glad you
claimed your coveted manger. I was growing nervous as a few of
the others were eyeing it up. However, in accordance to Father’s
rule, you know I would not have been able to stop them had they
picked it up.”
Hugging the manger to herself, she said, “I know all about the
rule Vincent. I am just so thankful I got here in time. The children
were a little restless after breakfast, and wouldn’t listen to Jamie
and Laura, so I had to step in and assist them. They are so excited
about Father reading the story to them. In truth, I think we all are.”
To which Mary concurred, "Indeed."
Rebecca then thoughtfully looked firstly to Vincent and then to
Mary, and said, “I cannot imagine how the both of you forgot to
tell the story last night! Shame on you two.”
Looking downcast before looking at each other, Mary gave way
to wide grin, as she innocently told Vincent, “I know! Shame on
us!”
Suddenly Rebecca began to suspect something funny was going
on, and so she slyly asked, “Don’t tell me you forgot on purpose!”
Nervously, Vincent looked about, hoping no one was near by to
over hear, when Mary let out a very substantial, “SHHHHH! Keep
your voice down! You don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.”
Slyly Rebecca inquired, “And what is the wrong idea? Did you
two forget or not?”
Subtly, Vincent explained, “I knew Father felt torn last night on
where his place was to be, and so, Mary and I thought perhaps he
could partake in one aspect of the yearly session, IF we had forgot
to do it.”
Guiltily, Mary expressed, “Admittedly, I was a bit hard on Father
yesterday, but it was just his plans took me by surprise! Until
Vincent told me how badly he felt about it, I assumed he carelessly
chose to spend the evening with that woman…errr…Jessica,
without any account to how I…errr...to how the CHILDREN felt.
After I understood he DID feel badly about missing the session,
well we had to come up with something he could share.”
Looking over at Jacob, who was helping Olivia, Kanin and Lukey
with their decorations, Mary added, “I think all in all, we did the
right thing. Look how happy Father is.”
Glancing over at the patriarch who was laughing and joyfully
assisting the little tunnel family, in agreement Rebecca said, “Oh
yes…definitely! His demeanor from yesterday is like night and
day.”
Thoughtfully Vincent stood thinking, “If Father ever found out
this was a purposeful omission…”
And so he put his arms around both the ladies, and gently
gathering them closer to him, he cautiously asked, “I know there is
no need to say that this can go no further than right here? Do I?”
With a gasp, Mary assuredly said, “You won’t ever hear me
speak about it again.” Simultaneously, both Mary and Vincent
looked towards Rebecca, who with a slight giggle promised, “Me
either. I swear mums the word.”
Suddenly from across the chamber Jacob scolded, "Mouse! Get a
hold of that vermin won't you? He is eating the gingerbread
decorations the children made last year!"
Calling his friend to aid him, Mouse yelled, "Vincent! Help
Mouse get Arthur!"
After helping to corner Arthur, Vincent was able to scoop up the
bewildered little tunnel darling, who was simply trying to enjoy a
mid-morning snack!
Jacob hobbled closer to the action, and sternly suggested, "When
you bring along your furry pal, may I suggest using a leash?"
Downhearted because of the damage Arthur caused, Mouse sadly
said, "Ok fine."
Then taking his pet from Vincent, he told him, "Now Arthur in
trouble with Father. Better for you to stay on my shoulder."
Vincent wanting to change the subject as well as cheer up his
friend, suggested as per tradition, it was time for he and Mouse to
decorate. "Are you ready my friend?"
The tradition of being Vincent's decorating bud, definately perked
up Mouse, and together, the three of them headed for Vincent's
chamber.
To be continued
Chapter Two
: )
