Destiny of my Heart!
By Sharon Holtz
Chapter Sixteen
________________________________________________
As Vincent served Catherine her tea, he asked, “How was
your day?”
Taking in a deep breath, Catherine said, “Busy! And it feels so
good to sit down and get off my feet. Oh, and thank you for lunch
via Sam! What a creative way to receive a note from you!”
Vincent had a smile in his eyes as he said, “Yes…we have to
be creative to get word to our helpers, and…to our friends.”
To which she softly asked, “And in what category am I?”
“You encompass both…and others beyond description.”
As they held each others gaze, they both knew the bond
between them, was more than they could label with a word or a
try to define into a category…it was useless to even try. Their
connection touched that which makes each of us who we
are…and until they met, that was not yet clear to either one of
them.
And so in reply, Catherine said, “Yes…beyond description.”
She then brought her cup to her lips, and as she took in the scent
of the steaming hot tea, she asked, “I wonder what kind of tea this
is? Mmm, I like it very much.”
In reply, Vincent said, “Rosebud.”
He then served himself, and after taking in the wafting scent, he
said, “It is as if a bouquet of roses is within our grasp.”
As the floral scent filled the air, Catherine softly said, “Yes…”
Catherine, ever amazed by Vincent’s knowledge of all subjects,
asked, “You’ve had this tea before?”
“No…not I, however Mary served this wistful tea to Kanin and
Olivia at their wedding. Though it was long ago, the quixotic
ambiance never left me. And so when Lin asked what I wished her
to serve tonight…I knew it had to be Rosebud.”
Stirred by his assured polished manner, Catherine replied,
"Very nice choice…”
Vincent then referred back to Catherine's comment about it
being a busy day for her, and so he asked, "Tell me about your day
at the D.A."
And so as they ate their delicious dinner, she went into further
detail, describing the cubicle area she was issued next to Paul, she
spoke of how her case load seemed to double in size by the hour,
and then almost introspectively, she avowed how much she was
going to give to this new career.
Vincent intently listened, and said he knew she was up for this
challange, and was certain her influences will be reverberated
through time in the city because of her commitment.
Loving he had so much faith in her, she solemnly shared, "I
will try not to let you down Vincent."
As he took her hand in his, he told her, "It is not I you have
anything to prove...I know what is in your heart...but rather it is to
yourself. Believe in yourself as I do. Understand you could never
disappoint me."
Knowing he was right...she did still have a few confidence
issues, in the area of being able to rise above the emotional aspect
to get the job done. But dealing with Steven had been a valuable
lesson for her...one she shall hold onto as a stepping stone and
reference for always.
She then excitedly asked, "Oh tell me about your day with the
children. Peter told me you took them on an adventure."
As a smile within his heart shone through his eyes, he told
Catherine, "The children are so giving and kind. To see them
interact with Narcissa was very heartwarming. I know it touched
her deeply the fact they wanted to visit her. Ahh it was a time."
Catherine loved the way Vincent talked of the children, and
she told him how his kindness was a strong example, which shall
influence these children all through their lives. Nodding, Vincent
conveyed he thought so too, and keeps the fact he is someone they
look up to, uppermost on his mind...always.
He then offered Catherine her choice of the fortune cookies.
She looked downward at the selection, before she suggested,
“Hmmm, I don’t know which…would you choose one for me?”
With a slight shaking of his head, he playfully said, “You must
choose…after all it is your fortune.”
“Yes...you are right…let’s see, I will take this one.” As
Catherine cracked her fortune cookie, and unfolded the slip of
paper inside, she read,
“Attempting to chart one’s course,
may send you on an unpleasant detour”
Shifting her eyes from her fortune, and into Vincent’s eyes, she
said, “This is so true. I used to try to live my life from a list. Today
I must do this, or get that done. I tried to be so regimented! I
cannot tell you how defeating it made me feel if I didn't
accomplish everything I set out to do that day, or the fun things I
would skip, because I didn't have enough time. But since I met
you…I learned to let go of that expectation, and because I have,
I’ve gained so much.”
Understanding totally what Catherine was telling him about
herself, he simply nodded knowingly, and said, “Yes…”
As Catherine’s introspectiveness shifted into curiosity, she
smiled, and said, “Ok, now it’s your turn. What does yours say?”
Breaking his fortune cookie open, Vincent read,
“Every exit is an entrance to a new experience.”
With that thought in mind, Vincent said, “Sounds like a nice
transition to end our evening here…” He then added, “…I hoped
to escort you home via the tunnels.”
Knowing the walk was a lengthy one, Catherine loved the idea
of spending more time together, and so she softly replied, “Yes…I
would love that.”
Catherine and Vincent found Lin and Henry in the back kitchen
to say good night and also a thank you.
Lin had just finished loading up a box, laden with fortune
cookies for the children. She handed it to Vincent along with the
tea which Jacob requested. Vincent thankfully said, “The children
will be pleased...and so will Father.”
As they exchanged embraces, Catherine told Lin, “I am so
excited for you and Henry. A baby…what sweet news.”
Vincent then said, “We shall keep this news to ourselves until
you have the chance to tell Father and the rest of the community
tomorrow night.”
Henry smiled and said, “Yes, it is good you won’t have to keep
our news secret for long.”
To which Lin added, “We are looking most forward to the
Christmas Eve celebration. We will be there along with
Grandfather.”
They all bid a goodnight, and then Vincent and Catherine slipped
through the secret entrance into the tunnels.
As they walked leisurely through the tunnels toward Catherine’s
basement threshold, Vincent told her about his encounter with
Paracelsus. Alarmingly, she voiced her concern for the fact, he
could’ve been hurt by this mad man, and no one would have
known until it may have been too late! Vincent calmed her, and
tried to reiterate his perception of Paracelsus’s metamorphosis.
“You truly believe he’s changed?”
“Yes.” Said Vincent, “I know Father will ask me the same
question, and what I will tell him is what I am telling you, I did
sense a genuine compassion within his heart.”
Catherine smiled as she suggested, “Maybe it’s just the spirit of
the season.”
With a raised brow, Vincent confessed, “That thought crossed
my mind as well. I suppose time will tell.”
Just then as they neared the home chambers they heard some
laughter and singing! It was Jamie, Brook and Laura, on their way
to the candle making chamber to help Rebecca.
As Vincent and Catherine neared the young girls, Vincent
commented, “So much levity.”
To which Jamie replied, “Why not? Its Christmas!”
Kindly Brook asked, “And so….how was your dinner?”
In reply, Catherine smiled and said, “It was delicious. And the
atmosphere…was just perfect. We had a really nice time.”
Flirtatiously, Laura signed, “And the company?”
Vincent took the liberty to answer this question, and as he
looked down at Catherine, he said, “The company…was stunning.”
Feeling appropriately complimented, Catherine smiled and
turned the compliment back onto him, by softly saying, “I agree.”
The giggling girls, teasingly ooooh’d and ahhh’d the couple,
causing them to laugh a bit at themselves, knowing it can be
uncomfortable being around a lovey dovey couple.
And so since Vincent, who was wanting to change the subject
from his and Catherine's romantic evening, cleared his throat
before he asked, “Where are you going at this hour?”
“Well…” explained Jamie, “Rebecca has a few more batches of
candles to prepare for the Christmas Eve Celebration, and so we
told her after we put the kids to bed, we would come to check on
her in case she still needed some help.”
Vincent then offered, “Perhaps we should come along as well.”
In agreement, Catherine said, “Yes…maybe we should.”
To which Brook said, “Good, the more people, the quicker we
will get done. I still have Christmas gifts to wrap!”
As they walked into the candle making chamber, Rebecca, who
had 15 things going at once, happily said, “Yeah…the troops have
arrived! Oh and Vincent, and Catherine are helping too?
Wonderful!”
Without wasting a moment, she gave everyone a battle station,
and they tackled the task at hand in no time flat!
After the last candle was hoisted, Rebecca sat down on the
nearest available surface, heaved a fatigued but satisfying sigh,
and admitted, “You know I should learn my lesson by now. I
know I have only moments to raise the candles out of the second
dipping, but I always think I can do it! If you all hadn’t arrived
when you did…I don’t know what I would have done.”
Catherine looked above them, at the rows and rows of red and
green candles hanging, and said, “This candle making is really
complex work…fun…but complex. I am glad I got to see how you
do this Rebecca.”
Proudly Vincent looked at Rebecca, and said, “This past year
Rebecca made a record breaking amount of Winterfest
Candles…and she did them all herself.”
With a bit of a pout, Laura signed, “I wanted to help.”
With a roll of her eyes, Rebecca confessed, “I know one day I
must relinquish some of the Winterfest candle making duties to
others, but for now…I just feel it is my time honored duty to do
them myself.”
Hoping she had not hurt Laura’s feelings, Rebecca
apologetically said, “I hope you understand Laura.”
Raising her eyes, Laura finally let go a slow growing smile, and
signed, “I actually do understand. Mary explained why you won’t
let anyone help you with the Winterfest Candles.”
“Oh? What was it Mary said?” Questioned Rebecca.
Matter-of-factly, Laura signed, “Just that you are extra
persnickety about the candles for Winterfest.”
Widening her eyes, Rebecca questioned, “Persnickety? Is that
what Mary said I am?”
Realizing her comment may cause a problem between the two
ladies, Laura quickly recovered with a teeney tiny white lie, and
quickly signed, “No not persnickety…I said precise…Mary said
you are precise about them.”
Kinda thinking “Precise” was not what Laura had signed,
Rebecca decided to let the comment slide, letting poor Laura off
the hook. After all Rebecca could not deny…she could be
persnickety when it comes to the quality of the tunnels Winterfest
Candles.
Once again changing the subject to a more comfortable one,
Vincent said, “Since everything is done…I shall walk you to the
threshold Catherine.”
As she slid off the barrel she was sitting on, Catherine said,
“Yes, I am ready.”
Meanwhile, Jamie, Laura and Brook tried to roll the supply
barrel back into place, and when they couldn’t, Brook asked,
“Before you go Vincent…would you shimmy this back by the
others?”
As Vincent quickly attended to the requested task, Vincent
scolded, they shouldn’t have tried to move such a heavy object!
While this was going on, Rebecca stepped up to Catherine,
wanting to express her gratitude for her help. She then said, “I just
want to say…since you and Vincent got back together, well, what
I mean to say is your presence here Catherine…well it has made
this Christmas season…I don’t know…very special…yes special I
guess is the word I want to use. And the happiness you have
brought Vincent, is so apparent. I suppose I just want to say, I am
happy you are one of us.”
Very much appreciating this one on one conversation with
Rebecca, Catherine tried to express what was in her heart too by
saying, “Thank you…sometimes I have wondered if…well if…”
Prodding Catherine along, Rebecca kindly asked, “Yes go on.”
Formalizing her thoughts, Catherine continued, “Well if an
outsider is well…disruptive to the way of life here.”
Raising a brow, Rebecca admitted, “Well there have been some
disruptive topsiders. One in particular who tried to upset the apple
cart! And I think we both know I am talking about Bridget! But
not you…I hope you always feel welcome and at home here.”
With a smile, Catherine begrungingly said, “It has taken a
while...and its been quite a journey. I know that dealing with
certain issues had been hard on Vincent. And it must have been
worrisome to everyone here who loves him so much, watching him
go through our problems.”
“Truthfully yes.” Said Rebecca, “But none of us should be
immune to the joys and trials of love. And Vincent deserves these
experiences more than everyone. He has such a giving heart.”
With misted eyes, Catherine replied, “Yes…he does.”
Just then Vincent walked up with the girls, and asked, “Are you
ready Catherine?”
Looking upward, she answered she was, and then Rebecca and
she exchanged an embrace of friendship and as they turned to
leave Rebecca said, “Merry Christmas!”
Turning one last time, with heartfelt emotion, Catherine said
“Merry Christmas to you Rebecca. I will see you tomorrow night.”
Excitedly the younger girls said their goodnights to Catherine as
well, and gleefully said, how happy they were she was coming for
the Christmas Eve Celebration.
To be continued
Chapter Seventeen
: }
By Sharon Holtz
Chapter Sixteen
________________________________________________
As Vincent served Catherine her tea, he asked, “How was
your day?”
Taking in a deep breath, Catherine said, “Busy! And it feels so
good to sit down and get off my feet. Oh, and thank you for lunch
via Sam! What a creative way to receive a note from you!”
Vincent had a smile in his eyes as he said, “Yes…we have to
be creative to get word to our helpers, and…to our friends.”
To which she softly asked, “And in what category am I?”
“You encompass both…and others beyond description.”
As they held each others gaze, they both knew the bond
between them, was more than they could label with a word or a
try to define into a category…it was useless to even try. Their
connection touched that which makes each of us who we
are…and until they met, that was not yet clear to either one of
them.
And so in reply, Catherine said, “Yes…beyond description.”
She then brought her cup to her lips, and as she took in the scent
of the steaming hot tea, she asked, “I wonder what kind of tea this
is? Mmm, I like it very much.”
In reply, Vincent said, “Rosebud.”
He then served himself, and after taking in the wafting scent, he
said, “It is as if a bouquet of roses is within our grasp.”
As the floral scent filled the air, Catherine softly said, “Yes…”
Catherine, ever amazed by Vincent’s knowledge of all subjects,
asked, “You’ve had this tea before?”
“No…not I, however Mary served this wistful tea to Kanin and
Olivia at their wedding. Though it was long ago, the quixotic
ambiance never left me. And so when Lin asked what I wished her
to serve tonight…I knew it had to be Rosebud.”
Stirred by his assured polished manner, Catherine replied,
"Very nice choice…”
Vincent then referred back to Catherine's comment about it
being a busy day for her, and so he asked, "Tell me about your day
at the D.A."
And so as they ate their delicious dinner, she went into further
detail, describing the cubicle area she was issued next to Paul, she
spoke of how her case load seemed to double in size by the hour,
and then almost introspectively, she avowed how much she was
going to give to this new career.
Vincent intently listened, and said he knew she was up for this
challange, and was certain her influences will be reverberated
through time in the city because of her commitment.
Loving he had so much faith in her, she solemnly shared, "I
will try not to let you down Vincent."
As he took her hand in his, he told her, "It is not I you have
anything to prove...I know what is in your heart...but rather it is to
yourself. Believe in yourself as I do. Understand you could never
disappoint me."
Knowing he was right...she did still have a few confidence
issues, in the area of being able to rise above the emotional aspect
to get the job done. But dealing with Steven had been a valuable
lesson for her...one she shall hold onto as a stepping stone and
reference for always.
She then excitedly asked, "Oh tell me about your day with the
children. Peter told me you took them on an adventure."
As a smile within his heart shone through his eyes, he told
Catherine, "The children are so giving and kind. To see them
interact with Narcissa was very heartwarming. I know it touched
her deeply the fact they wanted to visit her. Ahh it was a time."
Catherine loved the way Vincent talked of the children, and
she told him how his kindness was a strong example, which shall
influence these children all through their lives. Nodding, Vincent
conveyed he thought so too, and keeps the fact he is someone they
look up to, uppermost on his mind...always.
He then offered Catherine her choice of the fortune cookies.
She looked downward at the selection, before she suggested,
“Hmmm, I don’t know which…would you choose one for me?”
With a slight shaking of his head, he playfully said, “You must
choose…after all it is your fortune.”
“Yes...you are right…let’s see, I will take this one.” As
Catherine cracked her fortune cookie, and unfolded the slip of
paper inside, she read,
“Attempting to chart one’s course,
may send you on an unpleasant detour”
Shifting her eyes from her fortune, and into Vincent’s eyes, she
said, “This is so true. I used to try to live my life from a list. Today
I must do this, or get that done. I tried to be so regimented! I
cannot tell you how defeating it made me feel if I didn't
accomplish everything I set out to do that day, or the fun things I
would skip, because I didn't have enough time. But since I met
you…I learned to let go of that expectation, and because I have,
I’ve gained so much.”
Understanding totally what Catherine was telling him about
herself, he simply nodded knowingly, and said, “Yes…”
As Catherine’s introspectiveness shifted into curiosity, she
smiled, and said, “Ok, now it’s your turn. What does yours say?”
Breaking his fortune cookie open, Vincent read,
“Every exit is an entrance to a new experience.”
With that thought in mind, Vincent said, “Sounds like a nice
transition to end our evening here…” He then added, “…I hoped
to escort you home via the tunnels.”
Knowing the walk was a lengthy one, Catherine loved the idea
of spending more time together, and so she softly replied, “Yes…I
would love that.”
Catherine and Vincent found Lin and Henry in the back kitchen
to say good night and also a thank you.
Lin had just finished loading up a box, laden with fortune
cookies for the children. She handed it to Vincent along with the
tea which Jacob requested. Vincent thankfully said, “The children
will be pleased...and so will Father.”
As they exchanged embraces, Catherine told Lin, “I am so
excited for you and Henry. A baby…what sweet news.”
Vincent then said, “We shall keep this news to ourselves until
you have the chance to tell Father and the rest of the community
tomorrow night.”
Henry smiled and said, “Yes, it is good you won’t have to keep
our news secret for long.”
To which Lin added, “We are looking most forward to the
Christmas Eve celebration. We will be there along with
Grandfather.”
They all bid a goodnight, and then Vincent and Catherine slipped
through the secret entrance into the tunnels.
As they walked leisurely through the tunnels toward Catherine’s
basement threshold, Vincent told her about his encounter with
Paracelsus. Alarmingly, she voiced her concern for the fact, he
could’ve been hurt by this mad man, and no one would have
known until it may have been too late! Vincent calmed her, and
tried to reiterate his perception of Paracelsus’s metamorphosis.
“You truly believe he’s changed?”
“Yes.” Said Vincent, “I know Father will ask me the same
question, and what I will tell him is what I am telling you, I did
sense a genuine compassion within his heart.”
Catherine smiled as she suggested, “Maybe it’s just the spirit of
the season.”
With a raised brow, Vincent confessed, “That thought crossed
my mind as well. I suppose time will tell.”
Just then as they neared the home chambers they heard some
laughter and singing! It was Jamie, Brook and Laura, on their way
to the candle making chamber to help Rebecca.
As Vincent and Catherine neared the young girls, Vincent
commented, “So much levity.”
To which Jamie replied, “Why not? Its Christmas!”
Kindly Brook asked, “And so….how was your dinner?”
In reply, Catherine smiled and said, “It was delicious. And the
atmosphere…was just perfect. We had a really nice time.”
Flirtatiously, Laura signed, “And the company?”
Vincent took the liberty to answer this question, and as he
looked down at Catherine, he said, “The company…was stunning.”
Feeling appropriately complimented, Catherine smiled and
turned the compliment back onto him, by softly saying, “I agree.”
The giggling girls, teasingly ooooh’d and ahhh’d the couple,
causing them to laugh a bit at themselves, knowing it can be
uncomfortable being around a lovey dovey couple.
And so since Vincent, who was wanting to change the subject
from his and Catherine's romantic evening, cleared his throat
before he asked, “Where are you going at this hour?”
“Well…” explained Jamie, “Rebecca has a few more batches of
candles to prepare for the Christmas Eve Celebration, and so we
told her after we put the kids to bed, we would come to check on
her in case she still needed some help.”
Vincent then offered, “Perhaps we should come along as well.”
In agreement, Catherine said, “Yes…maybe we should.”
To which Brook said, “Good, the more people, the quicker we
will get done. I still have Christmas gifts to wrap!”
As they walked into the candle making chamber, Rebecca, who
had 15 things going at once, happily said, “Yeah…the troops have
arrived! Oh and Vincent, and Catherine are helping too?
Wonderful!”
Without wasting a moment, she gave everyone a battle station,
and they tackled the task at hand in no time flat!
After the last candle was hoisted, Rebecca sat down on the
nearest available surface, heaved a fatigued but satisfying sigh,
and admitted, “You know I should learn my lesson by now. I
know I have only moments to raise the candles out of the second
dipping, but I always think I can do it! If you all hadn’t arrived
when you did…I don’t know what I would have done.”
Catherine looked above them, at the rows and rows of red and
green candles hanging, and said, “This candle making is really
complex work…fun…but complex. I am glad I got to see how you
do this Rebecca.”
Proudly Vincent looked at Rebecca, and said, “This past year
Rebecca made a record breaking amount of Winterfest
Candles…and she did them all herself.”
With a bit of a pout, Laura signed, “I wanted to help.”
With a roll of her eyes, Rebecca confessed, “I know one day I
must relinquish some of the Winterfest candle making duties to
others, but for now…I just feel it is my time honored duty to do
them myself.”
Hoping she had not hurt Laura’s feelings, Rebecca
apologetically said, “I hope you understand Laura.”
Raising her eyes, Laura finally let go a slow growing smile, and
signed, “I actually do understand. Mary explained why you won’t
let anyone help you with the Winterfest Candles.”
“Oh? What was it Mary said?” Questioned Rebecca.
Matter-of-factly, Laura signed, “Just that you are extra
persnickety about the candles for Winterfest.”
Widening her eyes, Rebecca questioned, “Persnickety? Is that
what Mary said I am?”
Realizing her comment may cause a problem between the two
ladies, Laura quickly recovered with a teeney tiny white lie, and
quickly signed, “No not persnickety…I said precise…Mary said
you are precise about them.”
Kinda thinking “Precise” was not what Laura had signed,
Rebecca decided to let the comment slide, letting poor Laura off
the hook. After all Rebecca could not deny…she could be
persnickety when it comes to the quality of the tunnels Winterfest
Candles.
Once again changing the subject to a more comfortable one,
Vincent said, “Since everything is done…I shall walk you to the
threshold Catherine.”
As she slid off the barrel she was sitting on, Catherine said,
“Yes, I am ready.”
Meanwhile, Jamie, Laura and Brook tried to roll the supply
barrel back into place, and when they couldn’t, Brook asked,
“Before you go Vincent…would you shimmy this back by the
others?”
As Vincent quickly attended to the requested task, Vincent
scolded, they shouldn’t have tried to move such a heavy object!
While this was going on, Rebecca stepped up to Catherine,
wanting to express her gratitude for her help. She then said, “I just
want to say…since you and Vincent got back together, well, what
I mean to say is your presence here Catherine…well it has made
this Christmas season…I don’t know…very special…yes special I
guess is the word I want to use. And the happiness you have
brought Vincent, is so apparent. I suppose I just want to say, I am
happy you are one of us.”
Very much appreciating this one on one conversation with
Rebecca, Catherine tried to express what was in her heart too by
saying, “Thank you…sometimes I have wondered if…well if…”
Prodding Catherine along, Rebecca kindly asked, “Yes go on.”
Formalizing her thoughts, Catherine continued, “Well if an
outsider is well…disruptive to the way of life here.”
Raising a brow, Rebecca admitted, “Well there have been some
disruptive topsiders. One in particular who tried to upset the apple
cart! And I think we both know I am talking about Bridget! But
not you…I hope you always feel welcome and at home here.”
With a smile, Catherine begrungingly said, “It has taken a
while...and its been quite a journey. I know that dealing with
certain issues had been hard on Vincent. And it must have been
worrisome to everyone here who loves him so much, watching him
go through our problems.”
“Truthfully yes.” Said Rebecca, “But none of us should be
immune to the joys and trials of love. And Vincent deserves these
experiences more than everyone. He has such a giving heart.”
With misted eyes, Catherine replied, “Yes…he does.”
Just then Vincent walked up with the girls, and asked, “Are you
ready Catherine?”
Looking upward, she answered she was, and then Rebecca and
she exchanged an embrace of friendship and as they turned to
leave Rebecca said, “Merry Christmas!”
Turning one last time, with heartfelt emotion, Catherine said
“Merry Christmas to you Rebecca. I will see you tomorrow night.”
Excitedly the younger girls said their goodnights to Catherine as
well, and gleefully said, how happy they were she was coming for
the Christmas Eve Celebration.
To be continued
Chapter Seventeen
: }
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