After everyone returned to the tunnel main, the trolley was positioned and parked in its place of honor near the Community Chamber.
Jacob, Mary and the others who did not go on the expedition to bring it home, came to check it out. Excitedly they walked through it, and everyone felt it should be a whimsical addition to their community.
As they walked back to their home chamber, Catherine tightened her grip on her husband's massive hand, as she fondly expressed, "I can't stop thinking about the look on Father's face, when you told him, that not only one of your buildings have been accepted by Elliot's firm, but two! Did you see the tears in his eyes?"
Vincent nodded, and said, "Yes...he was quite overwhelmed."
To which Catherine spiritedly responded, "I believe it was the first time I had ever seen him speechless!"
Smiling to himself, knowing his Father always has something to say about almost everything, Vincent lightheartedly responded, "I believe you are right."
Catherine, then fondly noted, "Ah, but not Mary! She kept going on and on, about how she always knew how brilliant you were, but she just didn't know in what area all your talents would culminate in!"
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent nodded, because Mary had amused him too, by her "all-knowing" comments, but then had to say, Mary had always been his biggest cheerleader.
As her giggle and smile diminished, Catherine tried to comprehend how Vincent must be feeling about all this sudden success, she thoughtfully considered, "Knowing you have made your father so proud, I can only imagine, how you must be feeling..."
Stopping to look down at his wife, he seriously declared, "It is equally important I possess
your admiration as well Catherine."
Smiling up at Vincent, she passionately said; "You have always had my admiration Vincent..."
Saying he knew he did, but he then mindfully clarified the monetary appeal of this venture, saying, "I mean as a provider. Elliot professes this job will make me a very wealthy man."
Inquisitively, Catherine asked, "And...the money is important to you?"
To which Vincent responded, "Understand...that wealth was something, I never thought I could offer you."
As angry tears welled up in her eyes, Catherine turned to walk away, and as she entered their chamber, she kept her back to Vincent, even though she knew he stood behind her.
Clue-less as to why his wife became upset, Vincent helplessly asked, "Catherine?"
Gathering her thoughts, she finally turned to him and said, "Money is not what we are about! I don't care about any monetary offerings Vincent! I am proud of your talents for the joy they will bring to the world, not for what they will get for me!"
With an understanding nod, he realized he might have jumped ahead, without explaining the worries he privately held for their future.
And so calmly he told her, "I don't blame your being angry with me...for I know how I sounded. Please allow me to explain..."
Taking her hands in his, he told her, "Money is not the reason I am becoming an architect Catherine, designing a building which is purposeful, has always been my dream! However, I would be a dolt if I did not think of our future. What if there came a day, we can no longer depend upon our helpers above to provide for us. We will need money to keep this world going...our world, and so when Elliot mentioned this aspect to the venture, my mind raced ahead to the realities of life. Please don't be angry with me for the pleasure, that providing for us, will bring to my heart."
Hugging her husband, Catherine cried guilt-ridden tears, and said, "I didn't know you worried so much about such things...I just always thought we would use my resources...I guess we have never talked about it..."
Feeling troubled that his wife still didn't quite get it, Vincent admonished, "That's just it! They are YOUR resources! I don't want you to use your money to keep MY world going! What if something happens to me, and you will need to support yourself in the world above again?"
Oh boy! Unknowingly, Vincent said the wrong thing again, and so angrily Catherine repeated, "Your world? YOUR world? Vincent with one breath you call the tunnels OUR world, and in the next breath, it is YOURS! Don't you remember our vows? I have forsaken the world above for this one! This is now my home, forever and ever! And if you die before me...I will not be leaving! How could I? This is where we are building a life together, creating a lineage that will be ours alone, and I think of the tunnel community as my family now, in my heart and mind."
Trying to calm his wife, he soothed her by saying, "You are right Catherine. It was hypocritical of me to refer to our home as mine, knowing you have totally committed your life to me..."
Hoping to better explain himself, he heaved a troubled sigh, as he added, "...however, the ability to provide for you, brings me a sanctioning...I can not describe, only because I never thought a career was a possibility for me. Wanting to be your provider, as well as your protector is an aspect of my male pride I suppose."
Catherine said, "I didn't know having an income was something you worried about, or
was so important to you."
As he held her tenderly in his arms, he reconciled, "How do you expect to know about something, if I don't tell you."
Feeling disappointed in herself, through her tears Catherine tragically pronounced, "We are apart of one another Vincent, I should have known...somehow, I should have known."
Kissing her hair, he lamented, "I do hold things in at times."
Wiping her tears away, she lightened the mood a bit as she teased, "Yes...you DO have that luxury, I on the other hand, can have no secrets from you."
Tipping his head, he asked, "No secrets Catherine?"
Defensively, she said, "I haven't any secrets from you!"
As she gazed up at her all knowing husband, who was staring back with the slightest of grins, Catherine began wondering, if he could possibly be referring to the surprise she picked up for him, from the Pratt Student Union!
She then couldn't help but smile too, as she asked, "Look at you! What are you smiling about?"
And so he simply said, "Oh nothing, if you say there are no secrets, then there are no secrets."
Lowering her eyes, she contemplatively decided, this was as good as time as any to give him his gift, as long as he already knew something was going on anyway. And so she eagerly said, "Since you sensed I have a secret, I will admit you are right."
Playfully Vincent admitted, "Actually I had not sensed anything Catherine, but I did accidentally find a package hidden away, with my name on it."
Laughing, Catherine shook her head, and then said, "Now don't go anywhere...I will be right back."
As she turned away, Vincent made her laugh, as he muttered under his breath, "Don't go anywhere? Where would I go?"
Giggling, she said, "Oh you know what I mean...just stay right there."
Obediently complying, Vincent stood as he was instructed, awaiting his wife's fond return.
Holding something behind her back, she said, "Now close your eyes Vincent..."
She then slipped his surprise on top of his head, and presented him with a hand mirror, as she said, "Well...tell me, what do you think?"
Over to See Photo of Vincent
Looking back at his reflection, he thoughtfully said, "Thank you...I love my PU hat Catherine."
Realizing the Acronym for Pratt University, was not an appealing one, she started laughing, and apologetically said, "PU? No wonder they had a million of these hats in a clearance bin! Now I understand why they are called an Institute!"
Smiling up at him, she flirtatiously told him, "You do look cute in a baseball cap...I like it on you...but I promise to replace it with one of the official Pratt hats."
Noticing the time, Catherine mentioned, "I better get going Vincent! I promised to help Jennifer prepare food for the party tonight."
She then excitedly mentioned, "Keep your fingers crossed that Peter has some news about the portrait from Mr. Child's tonight."
With a hopeful demeanor, Vincent replied, "Yes, with Father's birthday only days away, it
would be exquisite if we could acquire the portrait in time to give him as his gift."
Vincent then embraced his wife, and thoughtfully said, "Thank you for coming up with the idea Catherine."
Sweetly, Catherine replied, "I am just the one Father spoke to about it, that's all. If not for the gift of the broach, maybe none of us would have known a portrait even existed!"
Just then, Rebecca announced herself, as she called out, "Catherine? Are you going above soon?"
Welcoming her, she answered, "Yes, I just finished cutting the veggies for the relish tray, so am ready now, why do you ask?"
Excitedly, Rebecca told her she had promised to help Jennifer too, and explained, "Well, when I saw her last night I offered to help, and so she told me you were coming early, and maybe I could come along with you."
Happily, Catherine said, "Oh wonderful Rebecca, that'll be fun! Are you ready to go now too?"
To which Rebecca said she just needed to pick up the candles she poured for Jennifer's party from her chamber.
Vincent, with a smile in his eyes, said, "Ah, with you both helping Jennifer, it will be a success to be sure."
Wondering what Vincent will do before the party, Catherine asked, "What do you have planned for this afternoon?"
In reply, Vincent said, "Pascal had mentioned he needs Ronald's and my help. It would seem he is inspired to make some changes within his own chamber."
To which Rebecca shared, "I believe all the renovating going on in the new expansion chambers, has motivated Pascal to revamp a little too."
On a positive note, Catherine added, "I think that's nice, sometimes a change does give your spirit a boost. Do you have any ideas for him?"
To which Vincent thoughtfully replied, "I do. I have a few ideas drawn up for Pascal to go over."
Suddenly realizing they've been chatting for a time, Rebecca began to feel a bit anxious, and so she turned to Catherine to ask, "Shouldn't we go Catherine?"
Thinking they better, Catherine replied, "Yes we better!"
Catherine then turned to Vincent, and said, "Jennifer's party is only a few hours away! Don't lose track of time!"
Feeling properly reprimanded, Vincent promised, "We won't be late, I promise."
To which Rebecca chimed in, "Well good! You wouldn't want to miss any of the fun."
Kindly, Vincent in reply noted, "You seem very excited about Jennifer's party."
To which she responded, saying, "I guess I am! We had so much fun at Catherine's Bachelorette party, I am anticipating, we will tonight as well."
Raising a brow, Catherine teasingly cautioned, "Now Rebecca...I don't think Tiger will be coming to THIS party!"
Blushing, Rebecca replied, "Well, I shouldn't think so Catherine!"
They all had a chuckle, and then Rebecca explained, "I only mean, we had such a nice time at your party there...Jennifer makes you feel so at home, and I love her apartment. It is so lovely. I understand why you chose to live there Catherine...it is beautiful."
Reflectively, Catherine agreed, saying, "I was very comfortable there, and I did love it...but its funny, all the while I lived there though...it always felt like a temporary place to me."
She then looked at Vincent and all around their chamber, as she intimately continued, "...but here...for the first time in my life since I was a little girl, I feel like this is where I belong. I feel like this is home."
Catherine's words brought Vincent a serenity, that only another provider would be able to understand. Knowing if he could never offer her anything more...he has already given her enough.
Catherine then told Vincent she would be seeing him later on at the party, and with a sweet embrace, he told her to have fun, and he would see her soon, and for Rebecca's benefit, said they would be on time.
To be continued
Chapter Fifteen
Jacob, Mary and the others who did not go on the expedition to bring it home, came to check it out. Excitedly they walked through it, and everyone felt it should be a whimsical addition to their community.
As they walked back to their home chamber, Catherine tightened her grip on her husband's massive hand, as she fondly expressed, "I can't stop thinking about the look on Father's face, when you told him, that not only one of your buildings have been accepted by Elliot's firm, but two! Did you see the tears in his eyes?"
Vincent nodded, and said, "Yes...he was quite overwhelmed."
To which Catherine spiritedly responded, "I believe it was the first time I had ever seen him speechless!"
Smiling to himself, knowing his Father always has something to say about almost everything, Vincent lightheartedly responded, "I believe you are right."
Catherine, then fondly noted, "Ah, but not Mary! She kept going on and on, about how she always knew how brilliant you were, but she just didn't know in what area all your talents would culminate in!"
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent nodded, because Mary had amused him too, by her "all-knowing" comments, but then had to say, Mary had always been his biggest cheerleader.
As her giggle and smile diminished, Catherine tried to comprehend how Vincent must be feeling about all this sudden success, she thoughtfully considered, "Knowing you have made your father so proud, I can only imagine, how you must be feeling..."
Stopping to look down at his wife, he seriously declared, "It is equally important I possess
your admiration as well Catherine."
Smiling up at Vincent, she passionately said; "You have always had my admiration Vincent..."
Saying he knew he did, but he then mindfully clarified the monetary appeal of this venture, saying, "I mean as a provider. Elliot professes this job will make me a very wealthy man."
Inquisitively, Catherine asked, "And...the money is important to you?"
To which Vincent responded, "Understand...that wealth was something, I never thought I could offer you."
As angry tears welled up in her eyes, Catherine turned to walk away, and as she entered their chamber, she kept her back to Vincent, even though she knew he stood behind her.
Clue-less as to why his wife became upset, Vincent helplessly asked, "Catherine?"
Gathering her thoughts, she finally turned to him and said, "Money is not what we are about! I don't care about any monetary offerings Vincent! I am proud of your talents for the joy they will bring to the world, not for what they will get for me!"
With an understanding nod, he realized he might have jumped ahead, without explaining the worries he privately held for their future.
And so calmly he told her, "I don't blame your being angry with me...for I know how I sounded. Please allow me to explain..."
Taking her hands in his, he told her, "Money is not the reason I am becoming an architect Catherine, designing a building which is purposeful, has always been my dream! However, I would be a dolt if I did not think of our future. What if there came a day, we can no longer depend upon our helpers above to provide for us. We will need money to keep this world going...our world, and so when Elliot mentioned this aspect to the venture, my mind raced ahead to the realities of life. Please don't be angry with me for the pleasure, that providing for us, will bring to my heart."
Hugging her husband, Catherine cried guilt-ridden tears, and said, "I didn't know you worried so much about such things...I just always thought we would use my resources...I guess we have never talked about it..."
Feeling troubled that his wife still didn't quite get it, Vincent admonished, "That's just it! They are YOUR resources! I don't want you to use your money to keep MY world going! What if something happens to me, and you will need to support yourself in the world above again?"
Oh boy! Unknowingly, Vincent said the wrong thing again, and so angrily Catherine repeated, "Your world? YOUR world? Vincent with one breath you call the tunnels OUR world, and in the next breath, it is YOURS! Don't you remember our vows? I have forsaken the world above for this one! This is now my home, forever and ever! And if you die before me...I will not be leaving! How could I? This is where we are building a life together, creating a lineage that will be ours alone, and I think of the tunnel community as my family now, in my heart and mind."
Trying to calm his wife, he soothed her by saying, "You are right Catherine. It was hypocritical of me to refer to our home as mine, knowing you have totally committed your life to me..."
Hoping to better explain himself, he heaved a troubled sigh, as he added, "...however, the ability to provide for you, brings me a sanctioning...I can not describe, only because I never thought a career was a possibility for me. Wanting to be your provider, as well as your protector is an aspect of my male pride I suppose."
Catherine said, "I didn't know having an income was something you worried about, or
was so important to you."
As he held her tenderly in his arms, he reconciled, "How do you expect to know about something, if I don't tell you."
Feeling disappointed in herself, through her tears Catherine tragically pronounced, "We are apart of one another Vincent, I should have known...somehow, I should have known."
Kissing her hair, he lamented, "I do hold things in at times."
Wiping her tears away, she lightened the mood a bit as she teased, "Yes...you DO have that luxury, I on the other hand, can have no secrets from you."
Tipping his head, he asked, "No secrets Catherine?"
Defensively, she said, "I haven't any secrets from you!"
As she gazed up at her all knowing husband, who was staring back with the slightest of grins, Catherine began wondering, if he could possibly be referring to the surprise she picked up for him, from the Pratt Student Union!
She then couldn't help but smile too, as she asked, "Look at you! What are you smiling about?"
And so he simply said, "Oh nothing, if you say there are no secrets, then there are no secrets."
Lowering her eyes, she contemplatively decided, this was as good as time as any to give him his gift, as long as he already knew something was going on anyway. And so she eagerly said, "Since you sensed I have a secret, I will admit you are right."
Playfully Vincent admitted, "Actually I had not sensed anything Catherine, but I did accidentally find a package hidden away, with my name on it."
Laughing, Catherine shook her head, and then said, "Now don't go anywhere...I will be right back."
As she turned away, Vincent made her laugh, as he muttered under his breath, "Don't go anywhere? Where would I go?"
Giggling, she said, "Oh you know what I mean...just stay right there."
Obediently complying, Vincent stood as he was instructed, awaiting his wife's fond return.
Holding something behind her back, she said, "Now close your eyes Vincent..."
She then slipped his surprise on top of his head, and presented him with a hand mirror, as she said, "Well...tell me, what do you think?"
Over to See Photo of Vincent
Looking back at his reflection, he thoughtfully said, "Thank you...I love my PU hat Catherine."
Realizing the Acronym for Pratt University, was not an appealing one, she started laughing, and apologetically said, "PU? No wonder they had a million of these hats in a clearance bin! Now I understand why they are called an Institute!"
Smiling up at him, she flirtatiously told him, "You do look cute in a baseball cap...I like it on you...but I promise to replace it with one of the official Pratt hats."
Noticing the time, Catherine mentioned, "I better get going Vincent! I promised to help Jennifer prepare food for the party tonight."
She then excitedly mentioned, "Keep your fingers crossed that Peter has some news about the portrait from Mr. Child's tonight."
With a hopeful demeanor, Vincent replied, "Yes, with Father's birthday only days away, it
would be exquisite if we could acquire the portrait in time to give him as his gift."
Vincent then embraced his wife, and thoughtfully said, "Thank you for coming up with the idea Catherine."
Sweetly, Catherine replied, "I am just the one Father spoke to about it, that's all. If not for the gift of the broach, maybe none of us would have known a portrait even existed!"
Just then, Rebecca announced herself, as she called out, "Catherine? Are you going above soon?"
Welcoming her, she answered, "Yes, I just finished cutting the veggies for the relish tray, so am ready now, why do you ask?"
Excitedly, Rebecca told her she had promised to help Jennifer too, and explained, "Well, when I saw her last night I offered to help, and so she told me you were coming early, and maybe I could come along with you."
Happily, Catherine said, "Oh wonderful Rebecca, that'll be fun! Are you ready to go now too?"
To which Rebecca said she just needed to pick up the candles she poured for Jennifer's party from her chamber.
Vincent, with a smile in his eyes, said, "Ah, with you both helping Jennifer, it will be a success to be sure."
Wondering what Vincent will do before the party, Catherine asked, "What do you have planned for this afternoon?"
In reply, Vincent said, "Pascal had mentioned he needs Ronald's and my help. It would seem he is inspired to make some changes within his own chamber."
To which Rebecca shared, "I believe all the renovating going on in the new expansion chambers, has motivated Pascal to revamp a little too."
On a positive note, Catherine added, "I think that's nice, sometimes a change does give your spirit a boost. Do you have any ideas for him?"
To which Vincent thoughtfully replied, "I do. I have a few ideas drawn up for Pascal to go over."
Suddenly realizing they've been chatting for a time, Rebecca began to feel a bit anxious, and so she turned to Catherine to ask, "Shouldn't we go Catherine?"
Thinking they better, Catherine replied, "Yes we better!"
Catherine then turned to Vincent, and said, "Jennifer's party is only a few hours away! Don't lose track of time!"
Feeling properly reprimanded, Vincent promised, "We won't be late, I promise."
To which Rebecca chimed in, "Well good! You wouldn't want to miss any of the fun."
Kindly, Vincent in reply noted, "You seem very excited about Jennifer's party."
To which she responded, saying, "I guess I am! We had so much fun at Catherine's Bachelorette party, I am anticipating, we will tonight as well."
Raising a brow, Catherine teasingly cautioned, "Now Rebecca...I don't think Tiger will be coming to THIS party!"
Blushing, Rebecca replied, "Well, I shouldn't think so Catherine!"
They all had a chuckle, and then Rebecca explained, "I only mean, we had such a nice time at your party there...Jennifer makes you feel so at home, and I love her apartment. It is so lovely. I understand why you chose to live there Catherine...it is beautiful."
Reflectively, Catherine agreed, saying, "I was very comfortable there, and I did love it...but its funny, all the while I lived there though...it always felt like a temporary place to me."
She then looked at Vincent and all around their chamber, as she intimately continued, "...but here...for the first time in my life since I was a little girl, I feel like this is where I belong. I feel like this is home."
Catherine's words brought Vincent a serenity, that only another provider would be able to understand. Knowing if he could never offer her anything more...he has already given her enough.
Catherine then told Vincent she would be seeing him later on at the party, and with a sweet embrace, he told her to have fun, and he would see her soon, and for Rebecca's benefit, said they would be on time.
To be continued
Chapter Fifteen
| Beyond my Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Fourteen |
