Meanwhile, above in Manhattan, the next order of business was the facial
treatment! Catherine and Jennifer playfully slapped on an avocado masque,
which happened to be a very, vivid shade of green!
As they waited for the masques to harden, they then did their pedicures for each
other, stuffing cotton balls between their toes after applying the chosen polish.
They next did manicures as well, and so they didn't mess up or mar their
perfectly done nails, they stretched out on the bed, as they waited for everything
to dry.
They giggled, as they sang along to some oldies but goodies music that played,
when suddenly, they heard not only the doorbell, but also...a slight knock on the
balcony door!
Sitting straight up, they looked at each other and at the same time said, "No...it
can't be!"
Softly Catherine said, "Vincent said he had plans with his Father!"
To which Jennifer wide eyed whispered, "And Ronald said he would be busy
setting up tables in the Great Hall!"
Jennifer then nervously asked, "What should we do?"
Catherine screeched, "We can't let them see us like this! We should crawl to the
bathroom, and wash our faces and rip out these curlers!"
Jennifer nodded, and said, "Good plan! Lead the way!"
Worried that something must be wrong, Vincent looked through the window
pane, and saw the girl's crawling on the ground toward the bathroom. Smiling to
himself, as he saw the strange colored treatment on their faces, and hair done up
in curlers! And so he thought he would have a little fun. So he knocked again,
and shouted, "Catherine? Jennifer? Are you all right? I am coming in!"
Standing up with her back against the bedroom drapes, she yelled toward the
door, "NO Vincent! Don't come in! Wait a minute!"
Catherine looked to Jennifer for guidance, wondering what to do, asking, "Do
we look that bad? Should we let them in?"
Screeching in a whispered tone, Jennifer said, "Are you crazy? YES we look
that bad!"
Jennifer then yelled, "Come back later Vinny! I will tell Ronny too! I don't want
him to see me like this!"
Agreeably, he said, "Very well, I will return."
And so they spoke through the door, asking Ronald to do the same.
Catherine and Jennifer excitedly giggled, both so happy Vincent and Ronald
were coming after all. As they got rid of the cotton balls, washed their faces,
and brushed their hair, they readied themselves, and waited anxiously for their
visitors to return.
As they tidied up, Jennifer lit some candles, and said, "Now I am ready for
Ronny!"
Catherine asked for a candle too, saying, "I'll just wait for Vincent out on the
balcony."
Catherine then opened the door to step outside, she lit the lone candle on the
little table, and waited for Vincent, feeling so excited to spend time in their
special spot.
As Catherine stepped to the wall. She looked out upon the twinkling city that lay
below her, and as the cool night wind, busied her hair, she heard Vincent arrive
behind her. Turning, she looked over into the darkened corner, and said,
"Vincent..."
Stepping from the shadows, he thought of how the slight, intermittent gleam of
light, from the candle's glimmering flame, enhanced her beauty so. Softly he
said, "You look lovely Catherine."
Bringing her arms up around his neck, she expressed, "I am so happy you were
able to come here tonight."
As Catherine took his hands in hers, she tenderly said, "So often I think back to
our early days Vincent, and when I do, we are together...here...on this balcony."
Dreamily, Vincent whispered, "Many lovely times, yet, some painful as well."
She then recounted, "Yes...there were painful times. My heart was filled with
such confusion as I sorted out the feelings I had for you, and yet...they were the
most exciting times I have ever known. Each day I anticipated whether or not,
you would come to see me, and with each visit was a goodbye, and my heart
would ache, wondering when I would see you again."
To which Vincent recalled, "It was difficult for me to stay away...and grew
more so, with each passing day."
She then snuggled in deeper and closed her eyes, as she thought of those sweet
days gone by.
Looking over to their special spot, she asked, "Shall we Vincent?"
And so they sat together, contentedly occupying their little corner of the world
once more.
Over to see Photo
After a long while, they then heard a knock on the balcony doors from inside
the apartment, to them sitting on the outside!
They were both amused at this ironic happenstance, and then Catherine said,
"I'll see what Jennifer wants..."
And as she peaked out, Jennifer said, "Well...WE..."
She then looked up at Ronald who was aside of her now, and continued, "...we
were just wondering if you two would like to share some tea and cheese with
us...I also have the Chardonnay you like so much Cathy."
In reply, Catherine and Vincent said they would love to, and so the four of them
settled around the patio table, and their conversation was mainly about
tomorrow, Catherine and Vincent's Wedding day, but also included comments
about their Pratt classes that would be starting next week.
Vincent contentedly listened, as his thoughts drifted, while he looked around the
table. Firstly, he looked at his beloved, and then to his dear friends.
He marveled at his fortune, and recalled the poem he would recite, to himself
many times since he and Catherine had fallen in love. "God had heard his
bootless cries" and that He, with all of his entirety, now knows what true
happiness is.
There were so many good things ahead of them, and he was eager to begin his
life anew as Catherine's husband. Not only was he getting married, but he soon
would begin his College correspondence course, fulfilling his lifelong wish to
gain an official education.
Then Jennifer's question brought him back from his thoughts, as she asked,
"More tea Vinny?"
Standing up, he cordially said, "Thank you, I must decline. Its time I should go."
Ronald then noted, "Yeah, me too. Walk me inside Jenny?"
And so, Jennifer and Ronald said goodnight to the couple, leaving them alone,
and then went inside, wanting to say their own romantic goodnight to each other.
Vincent gathered Catherine in his arms, and as he gazed down at her, he said,
"Till tomorrow."
Sweetly, she replied, "Yes...till tomorrow..."
She then walked to the wall, and looked downward, knowing Vincent was
making his decent, and though she could not see him, she felt his nearness
fading, and she missed him already.
She then looked at the city below her, and thought of how much her life has
changed since her move to the tunnels. She did not miss the rat race like she
feared she might. Her life had become fuller and richer, and just as challenging.
Catherine could only imagine, that her contentment would only magnify
after her marriage to Vincent.
As a smile came to her lips, she looked downward once more, before she
walked to the table to blow out their candle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as Vincent and Ronald met below, Vincent tipped his head as he
cryptically clarified, "Do I still have a volunteer?"
Ronald stood too, and said, Absolutely!"
To which Vincent thoughtfully added, "Excellent, I must warn you, I have just
been inspired to do an additional task as well!"
Shaking his head, Ronald teased, "Oh boy, what have I volunteered for now?"
With a friendly slap to his back, Vincent said, "Do not fret...it is nothing you
cannot handle. In fact, I believe we must enlist Pascal and Mouse to aid us as
well. Let us go commandeer them."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as the girls changed back into their granny gowns, and plopped
down on the bed. They talked about the excitement surrounding Catherine's
nuptials, when suddenly Catherine hopped back up, to get her purse. From
inside she pulled out a jeweler's box, and excitedly asked Jennifer, "Do you
want to see Vincent's wedding ring?"
To which Jennifer squealed, "Are you crazy? Of course I do!"
Opening the little hinged wooden box, Catherine gazed at the ring, before
turning it toward Jennifer so that she could see it.
Click here to see Vincent's ring
As Jennifer brought her hand to her mouth, she said, "It is gorgeous!"
Nodding, Catherine said, "The Garnet is Vincent's birthstone, and the diamonds
are in honor of our wedding day."
"It is beautiful!" But before Jennifer said anything more, the phone rang!
Looking at her friend, she said, "Hmm, I wonder who that could be..."
Catherine then heard Jennifer say, "Hi Mom...shopping tomorrow? I have plans
with Ronny, can we go the day after?"
Helplessly she looked toward Catherine, as she then said to her Mother, "I
appreciate you wanting Ronny to go shopping with us Mom, but...we have
plans we cannot change. Maybe he will want to go with us when we go the day
after... I promise to ask. Now Mom...it is late, what are you doing up anyway?
Ahhh, watching the weather channel, yeah I know, its riveting TV viewing. Well
good night and I love ya Mom."
Heaving an exasperated breath, Jennifer laughed as she said, "Now I know
Mom really likes Ronny, she even wants to include him on one of our shopping
trips!"
Catherine giggled, and said, "I would say, he passed the test then."
Jennifer nodded, and thankfully said, "He sure did. Well we better get some
shut eye."
Softly, in a mesmerizing tone, Catherine said, "I am really getting married to
Vincent tomorrow..."
In reply, Jennifer unbelievably said, "I know!"
And then added, "You seem so happy Cathy..."
In a contented sleepy whisper, Catherine answered, "I am...he is
everything...everything..."
Jennifer looked over at her friend, who had drifted off to sleep, and as the tears
rolled down her cheek, she whispered, "Sweet Dreams Cathy..."
The next morning, Catherine woke up to Jennifer whispering, "Wake up! Come
on the Moon swallows have gone to bed, and the morning finches are singing!
Wait a minute that doesn't sound right! Cathy, what were the birds Shakespeare
wrote about? You remember! It was during Romeo's bare buns scene...of
Franco Zeffirelli's, Romeo and Juliet?"
Catherine laughed, as she informed her friend, "The birds Shakespeare
mentioned, were Nightingales, and the songbirds, were Larks. And I think if you
would have paid more attention to the dialogue Shakespeare had so masterfully
written, instead of Leonard Whitings buns of steel, then you would have
remembered!"
Dreamily Jennifer said, "Well, Romeo sure had some great buns, didn't he?"
Catherine laughed, and threw a pillow at her, saying, "We must have seen that
movie a million times..."
It was then Jennifer said, "A million and one! Well we should get moving...I will
put the coffee on."
Jennifer then stopped, and thoughtfully asked, "Cathy?"
Replying, Catherine said, "Yeah Jen?"
To which Jennifer dreamily announced, "This is your wedding day!"
In reply, Catherine tearfully said, "I know..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Vincent, Mouse, Pascal and Ronald journeyed back from an isolated little
chamber beyond the Falls, Ronald turned to his friends and said, "It's amazing,
even though we were up all night...working to beat the clock, I'm not even
tired."
Concurring with his friend, Pascal replied, "Neither am I!"
And Mouse added, "Pascal never sleeps anyway!"
To which Pascal laughed, as he admitted, "You are right Mouse, in fact I guess
you would say I sleep about as much as you do!"
Humbly Mouse replied, "Guess there is always stuff to do, things to find..."
To which Vincent humbly expressed his gratitude to his friends, by saying, "I
thank you for helping create one of my wedding gifts for Catherine. I realize the
night before, was not the most ideal time to take on such a project, however...it
was only last night, as I visited her at Jennifer's, the idea occurred to me!
And...I could not let it go..."
In a thoughtful tone, Pascal replied, "Yeah, well sometimes the greatest things
are accomplished in the Eleventh hour."
And then Ronald proudly added, "But we finished it! All I can say is that...it
was worth every sleepless
second, cuz I know Catherine will love it."
Feeling so proud to be asked to help, Mouse said, "Yep...Catherine will be
surprised!"
As they entered the tunnel main, they realized it must be later than they thought!
The community was already abuzz with excitement in preparation for Catherine
and Vincent's wedding day.
Happily they were greeted by everyone they passed, and Vincent must have
been informed 10 times over that his Father was looking for him.
As they came to their perspective forks in the tunnel, Ronald said, "I think it
was a good thing we showered at the Falls, look at the line up for the bathing
chamber!"
Vincent agreed, and then concernedly said he better go check on his Father.
With an embrace, he thanked his friends once more, before they parted ways.
Stepping into his Father's chamber, he asked, "You desired a word with me
Father?"
Turning around, Jacob closed the doors to his wardrobe and said, "Ah there you
are! Yes...yes...I am eager to share something with you."
Vincent suavely raised a brow, as he saw Jacob was already dressed for the
wedding ceremony! And so graciously he said, "You look very nice Father. Is
that a new garment?"
Smoothing his vested cloak, Jacob proudly said, "Ah yes, Mary tailored it
specially for me to wear today...it is a nice fit is it not? And... I understand your
Groom's cloak awaits you in your chamber."
Jacob then hobbled over to his desk, motioning for Vincent to sit with him, as
he poured their morning tea.
Offering Vincent his cup, he then asked, "Did you finish the project you
designed for Catherine?"
With a contented sigh, Vincent said they did, and then Jacob warmly mentioned,
"We missed you and the boys this morning in the Dining Hall, did you have any
breakfast?"
Saying he had not, Jacob replied, "William suspected as much..."
Jacob then presented a plated a piece of festive Apple Coffee Cake, and said,
"This is for you."
Thanking Jacob, Vincent noted, "How thoughtful of William to take the time to
make one of my favorites this morning."
In agreement, Jacob said it was indeed generous of William, and this coffee
cake was only the beginning! "Wait until your reception! Tasty morsels will be
in abundance, flowing from William's kitchen."
Jacob then went on, excitedly telling Vincent, "After you left me early last
evening, I was readying myself for bed, when Mary stopped by to bring my
garment. She told me Peter showed her a lovely necklace he would be giving
Catherine as a wedding gift. Well this struck me as a very nice gesture, which I
believe was Mary's intent. And I thought perhaps...I would like to give her a gift
as well. Then I teetered and had second thoughts. You understand I did not
want to appear to be competing with Peter! I knew whatever I gave Catherine
could not compete with his expensive and at times over-done taste."
Resignedly he went on, "However...as I wrestled with my decision, I well, I
decided that, yes, I too would present Catherine with a gift, even if it did seem I
was challenging Peter. After all, I will be her Father-in-law, and so it would be
only natural for me to present her with a token of sorts!"
Jacob, scratched his chin as he continued to explain, "Yet...as I thought on a gift
idea, I knew I did not want to come off as being too frugal, or on the financial
end...too pretentious. After all...we are who we are...although mind you...I do
have the means in a reserve..."
Curiously, Vincent listened and watched his Father as he prattled on, thinking it
would seem his Father
was maybe a little jealous of Peter's standing with Catherine, and he wanted his
gift to gain him a wrung or two in her eyes.
Clearing his throat, Jacob continued, "However, because Catherine is a woman
of good taste, I wanted to give her something that would suit her, as well as
convey my feelings for her. So I...contemplated sending word to Lou to acquire
some of my monies, so I might shop for the perfect gift."
Jacob frowned as he continued to tell his tale, "Then it dawned on me I already
had the ideal gift for Catherine!"
Informatively he continued, "You see Vincent, it was during the time when you
lingered at death's door, from that arm injury you suffered in the new expansion
chambers...well we were all hovering over you, and taking shifts...everyone that
is, except for Catherine. She would not leave your side. I remembered thinking
she seemed so very tearful and tired, and needed a break. Since Mary was here
to look over you, I insisted she come with me for a cup of tea. It was here that
we had a long talk, and spoke of many things, including my Mother, and the
illness that ultimately took her life. One thing lead
to another and I showed Catherine my late Mother's antique broach. Catherine
was rendered speechless and broke down crying at the sight of it! Well I
comforted her, and asked what was wrong. After composing herself, she told
me the hue in the aquamarine stone, matched the color of your eyes."
Jacob chuckled as he said in wonderment, "A happenstance that is perhaps not
particularly touching to you, or I...however to a sentimental woman, such a
familiarity can be quite moving! Ahh...how the tears doth flow for the sake of
sentiment."
Surrealistically Vincent quoted James Russell Lowell, "Sentiment is
intellectualized emotion...emotion precipitated, as it were, in pretty crystals by
the fancy...in this case...by my sweet perfect Catherine."
Jacob in turn mused, "Yes...Earth's noblest thing, a woman perfected."
He then ended their favorite sparring match, of "Dueling Quotations" by
reaching into his pocket, for the velvet lined jewelry box, and warmly said,
"Vincent, I wish to pass my Mother's broach onto Catherine..."
Watching Vincent as he looked into the box, Jacob inserted, "I can think of no
more personal, or meaningful gift I could present her."
Click here to see the Broach
Taken aback by this gesture, Vincent's thoughts drifted, and once more he
reverted to his old ways. As he questioned his self worth, he wondered how
could he deserve to be treated so kindly? After all, Devin is of Jacob's blood.
What if one day he marries? Will Jacob regret not saving such an heirloom for
his wife?
Forlornly, Vincent said, "Father...I don't know what to say...I can not help
asking, what if Devin should marry?"
With a narrowing of his eyes, Jacob placed his hand on Vincent's shoulder, and
sincerely said, "You are as much my son, as Devin. Understand you were
destined to be my son, and I...I to be your Father. Know this...love is what
binds a father to his children...not only bloodlines."
Knowing what his Father said was true, Vincent countered, "You have made me
a part of your family, and for that, I will be forever grateful."
Weakly Jacob whispered, "Its I who is grateful, you have been a most
wonderful son...and, I tried to be a good Father..."
In reply, Vincent vehemently said, "You have been...you have always been
there for me Father...always! The sleepless nights you spent reading to me as I
fought off my other self, the endless lessons you taught me. From the history of
music, to the entire repertoire of constellations within our galaxy. The strategies
of life you skillfully worked into our conversations, as we played our games of
chess. All through my life, you have been all things to me Father..."
With an emotion filled voice, Jacob added, "Until you found out there was more
to living out a full and happy life...knowledge Catherine presented to you."
Vincent nodded, and a bit of ironic laughter escaped as he said, "Yes...then
everything changed."
He hesitated a moment, before he approached a subject, that had been weighing
heavily on him, since he found their suspended chess game yesterday.
Thoughtfully he asked, "Have I neglected you Father...since I met Catherine?"
Feeling shameful for the self-pitying feelings he once owned, Jacob admitted,
"At first I felt that way Vincent...I will not deny it..."
In a stronger tone he inserted, "...however this is the natural way of things...a
man must break those initial ties so he can create his own on his journey
through life. I did with my parents, and they with theirs. As I say...this is the
natural way of things."
He then smiled, and said, "I knew your relationship with Catherine, didn't
change the love between us...a father and son."
He then took back the broach from Vincent, and with emotion said, "I will give
this to Catherine..."
In a husky soft utterance, Vincent told his Father, "She will love it Father."
Heaving a deep sigh, Jacob contentedly nodded.
Suddenly aware of the moments ticking away, in a fatherly tone, Jacob urged,
"Now run along and get ready...you are getting married very soon now."
Vincent began to exit, and then he turned back to Jacob, and asked, "Should I
be nervous Father? I have read grooms are always nervous."
Jacob laughed as he said, "Ah, only the reluctant and unsure grooms...the others
who know they have a true treasure waiting for them...are only eager to get to
the altar...and Catherine is a treasure to be sure."
As his Father's words resonated with him, Vincent nodded thinking he was right,
he wasn't nervous because he had no misgivings. He knew in his heart, that his
bond with Catherine was both right and good. As a slight smile came to his lips,
he left his Father's chamber to ready himself for his marriage to Catherine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Cathy help!!" Screeched Jennifer!
Jumping from her bubble bath, Catherine wrapped a towel around herself, and
darted into the bedroom, asking, "What's wrong Jen? And what's that smell?"
Wielding a curling iron, she said, "I just scorched my hair!"
Catherine scolded her, saying, "I told you I would do your hair and makeup for
you right after my bath!"
Compassionately she looked at Jennifer's pitiful little face, and in a calming tone,
said, "Here, give me that curling iron and let me see what I can do."
After trimming off the scorched ends, working in a little conditioner, and an
entire re-rolling of her hair, Catherine managed to pull Jennifer's hair-do together
for her.
Happy she managed to come to the rescue, Catherine smiled, and took a tissue
to dry the tears from Jennifer's tear streaked, overly blushed cheeks.
Noticing Jenny really over did the make up job, Catherine instructed, "Go wash
your face, Jen, and we will re-do your makeup too."
Jumping up, Jennifer ran into the bathroom, and said, "Thank you Cath! I was
hoping you would offer...I really want to look nice for Ronald today."
Catherine took care of Jennifer, and by the time she was finished, Jennifer
looked lovely. Turning her around to look into the mirror, Jennifer said, "Oh
thank you! You are like a magician!"
Guiltily she then said, "You spent so much time on me, you are not even ready!"
Serenely, Catherine said, "I have time...now go make us some tea or something,
and try to relax!"
By the time Jennifer returned with their tea, Catherine was ready, and looked
beautiful! Her hair was softly brushed smooth, and her face was joyfully
luminous! Asking Jennifer to zip up her dress, she then turned around and said,
"I am ready..."
As planned, Peter arrived to pick up the girls. He told Jennifer how beautiful
she looked, and then looking at Catherine, with emotion said, "...and Cathy, you
look stunning..."
With a warm tearful hug, Catherine responded, "Thank you Peter."
Clearing his throat, Peter said, "I...I have something for you kiddo."
Taking the jewelers box from his hands, she opened the lid. Inside was a
beautiful heart-shaped necklace with a garnet, which was Vincent's birthstone.
Click here to see Necklace
Catherine softly said, "It is beautiful..." adding, "Will you put it on for me?"
Peter graciously did so, and as Catherine turned around, he hesitated a moment
as he reflected back on all Catherine has meant to him. She really was like a
daughter he never had. And since Charles died, he tried to fill in for him the best
that he could. With moistened eyes, he warmly said, "It looks even more
beautiful on you."
Just then, Jennifer snuffled a bit as she watched this sweet exchange between
Catherine and Peter. Upon hearing Jennifer's snortles, Catherine looked over at
her friend, and in an awing tone cautioned, "No crying Jennifer...we haven't
time to do another make-up job."
As Jennifer blew her nose, she informatively said, "I know, that's why I'm not
activating my tear ducts..."
Peter and Catherine looked at one another, and as they laughed, Peter said, "I
never knew that was physically possible, and here I am a doctor."
Assuredly, Jennifer said it was, and so after Catherine gave Jennifer a sisterly
hug, Peter asked, "Ready?"
Catherine heaved an anxious sigh, and said she was.
Peter crooked both his arms, and escorted the two beauties to his van.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile the girls of the tunnels, in each of their perspective chambers, were
slipping on their beautiful new garments, courtesy of Jennifer!
And as they each entered the tunnel main, to meet up with Mary for their
marching orders, they each were told how pretty they looked by those they
passed by.
And as Mary entered Vincent's chamber to check on things, Jacob was there
already, and both he and Vincent, told her she looked lovely, and then Jacob
chuckled as he noted, "Due to Jennifer's contribution, the ceremony will be a
little more colorful!"
To be continued
Chapter Forty-Two
treatment! Catherine and Jennifer playfully slapped on an avocado masque,
which happened to be a very, vivid shade of green!
As they waited for the masques to harden, they then did their pedicures for each
other, stuffing cotton balls between their toes after applying the chosen polish.
They next did manicures as well, and so they didn't mess up or mar their
perfectly done nails, they stretched out on the bed, as they waited for everything
to dry.
They giggled, as they sang along to some oldies but goodies music that played,
when suddenly, they heard not only the doorbell, but also...a slight knock on the
balcony door!
Sitting straight up, they looked at each other and at the same time said, "No...it
can't be!"
Softly Catherine said, "Vincent said he had plans with his Father!"
To which Jennifer wide eyed whispered, "And Ronald said he would be busy
setting up tables in the Great Hall!"
Jennifer then nervously asked, "What should we do?"
Catherine screeched, "We can't let them see us like this! We should crawl to the
bathroom, and wash our faces and rip out these curlers!"
Jennifer nodded, and said, "Good plan! Lead the way!"
Worried that something must be wrong, Vincent looked through the window
pane, and saw the girl's crawling on the ground toward the bathroom. Smiling to
himself, as he saw the strange colored treatment on their faces, and hair done up
in curlers! And so he thought he would have a little fun. So he knocked again,
and shouted, "Catherine? Jennifer? Are you all right? I am coming in!"
Standing up with her back against the bedroom drapes, she yelled toward the
door, "NO Vincent! Don't come in! Wait a minute!"
Catherine looked to Jennifer for guidance, wondering what to do, asking, "Do
we look that bad? Should we let them in?"
Screeching in a whispered tone, Jennifer said, "Are you crazy? YES we look
that bad!"
Jennifer then yelled, "Come back later Vinny! I will tell Ronny too! I don't want
him to see me like this!"
Agreeably, he said, "Very well, I will return."
And so they spoke through the door, asking Ronald to do the same.
Catherine and Jennifer excitedly giggled, both so happy Vincent and Ronald
were coming after all. As they got rid of the cotton balls, washed their faces,
and brushed their hair, they readied themselves, and waited anxiously for their
visitors to return.
As they tidied up, Jennifer lit some candles, and said, "Now I am ready for
Ronny!"
Catherine asked for a candle too, saying, "I'll just wait for Vincent out on the
balcony."
Catherine then opened the door to step outside, she lit the lone candle on the
little table, and waited for Vincent, feeling so excited to spend time in their
special spot.
As Catherine stepped to the wall. She looked out upon the twinkling city that lay
below her, and as the cool night wind, busied her hair, she heard Vincent arrive
behind her. Turning, she looked over into the darkened corner, and said,
"Vincent..."
Stepping from the shadows, he thought of how the slight, intermittent gleam of
light, from the candle's glimmering flame, enhanced her beauty so. Softly he
said, "You look lovely Catherine."
Bringing her arms up around his neck, she expressed, "I am so happy you were
able to come here tonight."
As Catherine took his hands in hers, she tenderly said, "So often I think back to
our early days Vincent, and when I do, we are together...here...on this balcony."
Dreamily, Vincent whispered, "Many lovely times, yet, some painful as well."
She then recounted, "Yes...there were painful times. My heart was filled with
such confusion as I sorted out the feelings I had for you, and yet...they were the
most exciting times I have ever known. Each day I anticipated whether or not,
you would come to see me, and with each visit was a goodbye, and my heart
would ache, wondering when I would see you again."
To which Vincent recalled, "It was difficult for me to stay away...and grew
more so, with each passing day."
She then snuggled in deeper and closed her eyes, as she thought of those sweet
days gone by.
Looking over to their special spot, she asked, "Shall we Vincent?"
And so they sat together, contentedly occupying their little corner of the world
once more.
Over to see Photo
After a long while, they then heard a knock on the balcony doors from inside
the apartment, to them sitting on the outside!
They were both amused at this ironic happenstance, and then Catherine said,
"I'll see what Jennifer wants..."
And as she peaked out, Jennifer said, "Well...WE..."
She then looked up at Ronald who was aside of her now, and continued, "...we
were just wondering if you two would like to share some tea and cheese with
us...I also have the Chardonnay you like so much Cathy."
In reply, Catherine and Vincent said they would love to, and so the four of them
settled around the patio table, and their conversation was mainly about
tomorrow, Catherine and Vincent's Wedding day, but also included comments
about their Pratt classes that would be starting next week.
Vincent contentedly listened, as his thoughts drifted, while he looked around the
table. Firstly, he looked at his beloved, and then to his dear friends.
He marveled at his fortune, and recalled the poem he would recite, to himself
many times since he and Catherine had fallen in love. "God had heard his
bootless cries" and that He, with all of his entirety, now knows what true
happiness is.
There were so many good things ahead of them, and he was eager to begin his
life anew as Catherine's husband. Not only was he getting married, but he soon
would begin his College correspondence course, fulfilling his lifelong wish to
gain an official education.
Then Jennifer's question brought him back from his thoughts, as she asked,
"More tea Vinny?"
Standing up, he cordially said, "Thank you, I must decline. Its time I should go."
Ronald then noted, "Yeah, me too. Walk me inside Jenny?"
And so, Jennifer and Ronald said goodnight to the couple, leaving them alone,
and then went inside, wanting to say their own romantic goodnight to each other.
Vincent gathered Catherine in his arms, and as he gazed down at her, he said,
"Till tomorrow."
Sweetly, she replied, "Yes...till tomorrow..."
She then walked to the wall, and looked downward, knowing Vincent was
making his decent, and though she could not see him, she felt his nearness
fading, and she missed him already.
She then looked at the city below her, and thought of how much her life has
changed since her move to the tunnels. She did not miss the rat race like she
feared she might. Her life had become fuller and richer, and just as challenging.
Catherine could only imagine, that her contentment would only magnify
after her marriage to Vincent.
As a smile came to her lips, she looked downward once more, before she
walked to the table to blow out their candle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as Vincent and Ronald met below, Vincent tipped his head as he
cryptically clarified, "Do I still have a volunteer?"
Ronald stood too, and said, Absolutely!"
To which Vincent thoughtfully added, "Excellent, I must warn you, I have just
been inspired to do an additional task as well!"
Shaking his head, Ronald teased, "Oh boy, what have I volunteered for now?"
With a friendly slap to his back, Vincent said, "Do not fret...it is nothing you
cannot handle. In fact, I believe we must enlist Pascal and Mouse to aid us as
well. Let us go commandeer them."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as the girls changed back into their granny gowns, and plopped
down on the bed. They talked about the excitement surrounding Catherine's
nuptials, when suddenly Catherine hopped back up, to get her purse. From
inside she pulled out a jeweler's box, and excitedly asked Jennifer, "Do you
want to see Vincent's wedding ring?"
To which Jennifer squealed, "Are you crazy? Of course I do!"
Opening the little hinged wooden box, Catherine gazed at the ring, before
turning it toward Jennifer so that she could see it.
Click here to see Vincent's ring
As Jennifer brought her hand to her mouth, she said, "It is gorgeous!"
Nodding, Catherine said, "The Garnet is Vincent's birthstone, and the diamonds
are in honor of our wedding day."
"It is beautiful!" But before Jennifer said anything more, the phone rang!
Looking at her friend, she said, "Hmm, I wonder who that could be..."
Catherine then heard Jennifer say, "Hi Mom...shopping tomorrow? I have plans
with Ronny, can we go the day after?"
Helplessly she looked toward Catherine, as she then said to her Mother, "I
appreciate you wanting Ronny to go shopping with us Mom, but...we have
plans we cannot change. Maybe he will want to go with us when we go the day
after... I promise to ask. Now Mom...it is late, what are you doing up anyway?
Ahhh, watching the weather channel, yeah I know, its riveting TV viewing. Well
good night and I love ya Mom."
Heaving an exasperated breath, Jennifer laughed as she said, "Now I know
Mom really likes Ronny, she even wants to include him on one of our shopping
trips!"
Catherine giggled, and said, "I would say, he passed the test then."
Jennifer nodded, and thankfully said, "He sure did. Well we better get some
shut eye."
Softly, in a mesmerizing tone, Catherine said, "I am really getting married to
Vincent tomorrow..."
In reply, Jennifer unbelievably said, "I know!"
And then added, "You seem so happy Cathy..."
In a contented sleepy whisper, Catherine answered, "I am...he is
everything...everything..."
Jennifer looked over at her friend, who had drifted off to sleep, and as the tears
rolled down her cheek, she whispered, "Sweet Dreams Cathy..."
The next morning, Catherine woke up to Jennifer whispering, "Wake up! Come
on the Moon swallows have gone to bed, and the morning finches are singing!
Wait a minute that doesn't sound right! Cathy, what were the birds Shakespeare
wrote about? You remember! It was during Romeo's bare buns scene...of
Franco Zeffirelli's, Romeo and Juliet?"
Catherine laughed, as she informed her friend, "The birds Shakespeare
mentioned, were Nightingales, and the songbirds, were Larks. And I think if you
would have paid more attention to the dialogue Shakespeare had so masterfully
written, instead of Leonard Whitings buns of steel, then you would have
remembered!"
Dreamily Jennifer said, "Well, Romeo sure had some great buns, didn't he?"
Catherine laughed, and threw a pillow at her, saying, "We must have seen that
movie a million times..."
It was then Jennifer said, "A million and one! Well we should get moving...I will
put the coffee on."
Jennifer then stopped, and thoughtfully asked, "Cathy?"
Replying, Catherine said, "Yeah Jen?"
To which Jennifer dreamily announced, "This is your wedding day!"
In reply, Catherine tearfully said, "I know..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Vincent, Mouse, Pascal and Ronald journeyed back from an isolated little
chamber beyond the Falls, Ronald turned to his friends and said, "It's amazing,
even though we were up all night...working to beat the clock, I'm not even
tired."
Concurring with his friend, Pascal replied, "Neither am I!"
And Mouse added, "Pascal never sleeps anyway!"
To which Pascal laughed, as he admitted, "You are right Mouse, in fact I guess
you would say I sleep about as much as you do!"
Humbly Mouse replied, "Guess there is always stuff to do, things to find..."
To which Vincent humbly expressed his gratitude to his friends, by saying, "I
thank you for helping create one of my wedding gifts for Catherine. I realize the
night before, was not the most ideal time to take on such a project, however...it
was only last night, as I visited her at Jennifer's, the idea occurred to me!
And...I could not let it go..."
In a thoughtful tone, Pascal replied, "Yeah, well sometimes the greatest things
are accomplished in the Eleventh hour."
And then Ronald proudly added, "But we finished it! All I can say is that...it
was worth every sleepless
second, cuz I know Catherine will love it."
Feeling so proud to be asked to help, Mouse said, "Yep...Catherine will be
surprised!"
As they entered the tunnel main, they realized it must be later than they thought!
The community was already abuzz with excitement in preparation for Catherine
and Vincent's wedding day.
Happily they were greeted by everyone they passed, and Vincent must have
been informed 10 times over that his Father was looking for him.
As they came to their perspective forks in the tunnel, Ronald said, "I think it
was a good thing we showered at the Falls, look at the line up for the bathing
chamber!"
Vincent agreed, and then concernedly said he better go check on his Father.
With an embrace, he thanked his friends once more, before they parted ways.
Stepping into his Father's chamber, he asked, "You desired a word with me
Father?"
Turning around, Jacob closed the doors to his wardrobe and said, "Ah there you
are! Yes...yes...I am eager to share something with you."
Vincent suavely raised a brow, as he saw Jacob was already dressed for the
wedding ceremony! And so graciously he said, "You look very nice Father. Is
that a new garment?"
Smoothing his vested cloak, Jacob proudly said, "Ah yes, Mary tailored it
specially for me to wear today...it is a nice fit is it not? And... I understand your
Groom's cloak awaits you in your chamber."
Jacob then hobbled over to his desk, motioning for Vincent to sit with him, as
he poured their morning tea.
Offering Vincent his cup, he then asked, "Did you finish the project you
designed for Catherine?"
With a contented sigh, Vincent said they did, and then Jacob warmly mentioned,
"We missed you and the boys this morning in the Dining Hall, did you have any
breakfast?"
Saying he had not, Jacob replied, "William suspected as much..."
Jacob then presented a plated a piece of festive Apple Coffee Cake, and said,
"This is for you."
Thanking Jacob, Vincent noted, "How thoughtful of William to take the time to
make one of my favorites this morning."
In agreement, Jacob said it was indeed generous of William, and this coffee
cake was only the beginning! "Wait until your reception! Tasty morsels will be
in abundance, flowing from William's kitchen."
Jacob then went on, excitedly telling Vincent, "After you left me early last
evening, I was readying myself for bed, when Mary stopped by to bring my
garment. She told me Peter showed her a lovely necklace he would be giving
Catherine as a wedding gift. Well this struck me as a very nice gesture, which I
believe was Mary's intent. And I thought perhaps...I would like to give her a gift
as well. Then I teetered and had second thoughts. You understand I did not
want to appear to be competing with Peter! I knew whatever I gave Catherine
could not compete with his expensive and at times over-done taste."
Resignedly he went on, "However...as I wrestled with my decision, I well, I
decided that, yes, I too would present Catherine with a gift, even if it did seem I
was challenging Peter. After all, I will be her Father-in-law, and so it would be
only natural for me to present her with a token of sorts!"
Jacob, scratched his chin as he continued to explain, "Yet...as I thought on a gift
idea, I knew I did not want to come off as being too frugal, or on the financial
end...too pretentious. After all...we are who we are...although mind you...I do
have the means in a reserve..."
Curiously, Vincent listened and watched his Father as he prattled on, thinking it
would seem his Father
was maybe a little jealous of Peter's standing with Catherine, and he wanted his
gift to gain him a wrung or two in her eyes.
Clearing his throat, Jacob continued, "However, because Catherine is a woman
of good taste, I wanted to give her something that would suit her, as well as
convey my feelings for her. So I...contemplated sending word to Lou to acquire
some of my monies, so I might shop for the perfect gift."
Jacob frowned as he continued to tell his tale, "Then it dawned on me I already
had the ideal gift for Catherine!"
Informatively he continued, "You see Vincent, it was during the time when you
lingered at death's door, from that arm injury you suffered in the new expansion
chambers...well we were all hovering over you, and taking shifts...everyone that
is, except for Catherine. She would not leave your side. I remembered thinking
she seemed so very tearful and tired, and needed a break. Since Mary was here
to look over you, I insisted she come with me for a cup of tea. It was here that
we had a long talk, and spoke of many things, including my Mother, and the
illness that ultimately took her life. One thing lead
to another and I showed Catherine my late Mother's antique broach. Catherine
was rendered speechless and broke down crying at the sight of it! Well I
comforted her, and asked what was wrong. After composing herself, she told
me the hue in the aquamarine stone, matched the color of your eyes."
Jacob chuckled as he said in wonderment, "A happenstance that is perhaps not
particularly touching to you, or I...however to a sentimental woman, such a
familiarity can be quite moving! Ahh...how the tears doth flow for the sake of
sentiment."
Surrealistically Vincent quoted James Russell Lowell, "Sentiment is
intellectualized emotion...emotion precipitated, as it were, in pretty crystals by
the fancy...in this case...by my sweet perfect Catherine."
Jacob in turn mused, "Yes...Earth's noblest thing, a woman perfected."
He then ended their favorite sparring match, of "Dueling Quotations" by
reaching into his pocket, for the velvet lined jewelry box, and warmly said,
"Vincent, I wish to pass my Mother's broach onto Catherine..."
Watching Vincent as he looked into the box, Jacob inserted, "I can think of no
more personal, or meaningful gift I could present her."
Click here to see the Broach
Taken aback by this gesture, Vincent's thoughts drifted, and once more he
reverted to his old ways. As he questioned his self worth, he wondered how
could he deserve to be treated so kindly? After all, Devin is of Jacob's blood.
What if one day he marries? Will Jacob regret not saving such an heirloom for
his wife?
Forlornly, Vincent said, "Father...I don't know what to say...I can not help
asking, what if Devin should marry?"
With a narrowing of his eyes, Jacob placed his hand on Vincent's shoulder, and
sincerely said, "You are as much my son, as Devin. Understand you were
destined to be my son, and I...I to be your Father. Know this...love is what
binds a father to his children...not only bloodlines."
Knowing what his Father said was true, Vincent countered, "You have made me
a part of your family, and for that, I will be forever grateful."
Weakly Jacob whispered, "Its I who is grateful, you have been a most
wonderful son...and, I tried to be a good Father..."
In reply, Vincent vehemently said, "You have been...you have always been
there for me Father...always! The sleepless nights you spent reading to me as I
fought off my other self, the endless lessons you taught me. From the history of
music, to the entire repertoire of constellations within our galaxy. The strategies
of life you skillfully worked into our conversations, as we played our games of
chess. All through my life, you have been all things to me Father..."
With an emotion filled voice, Jacob added, "Until you found out there was more
to living out a full and happy life...knowledge Catherine presented to you."
Vincent nodded, and a bit of ironic laughter escaped as he said, "Yes...then
everything changed."
He hesitated a moment, before he approached a subject, that had been weighing
heavily on him, since he found their suspended chess game yesterday.
Thoughtfully he asked, "Have I neglected you Father...since I met Catherine?"
Feeling shameful for the self-pitying feelings he once owned, Jacob admitted,
"At first I felt that way Vincent...I will not deny it..."
In a stronger tone he inserted, "...however this is the natural way of things...a
man must break those initial ties so he can create his own on his journey
through life. I did with my parents, and they with theirs. As I say...this is the
natural way of things."
He then smiled, and said, "I knew your relationship with Catherine, didn't
change the love between us...a father and son."
He then took back the broach from Vincent, and with emotion said, "I will give
this to Catherine..."
In a husky soft utterance, Vincent told his Father, "She will love it Father."
Heaving a deep sigh, Jacob contentedly nodded.
Suddenly aware of the moments ticking away, in a fatherly tone, Jacob urged,
"Now run along and get ready...you are getting married very soon now."
Vincent began to exit, and then he turned back to Jacob, and asked, "Should I
be nervous Father? I have read grooms are always nervous."
Jacob laughed as he said, "Ah, only the reluctant and unsure grooms...the others
who know they have a true treasure waiting for them...are only eager to get to
the altar...and Catherine is a treasure to be sure."
As his Father's words resonated with him, Vincent nodded thinking he was right,
he wasn't nervous because he had no misgivings. He knew in his heart, that his
bond with Catherine was both right and good. As a slight smile came to his lips,
he left his Father's chamber to ready himself for his marriage to Catherine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Cathy help!!" Screeched Jennifer!
Jumping from her bubble bath, Catherine wrapped a towel around herself, and
darted into the bedroom, asking, "What's wrong Jen? And what's that smell?"
Wielding a curling iron, she said, "I just scorched my hair!"
Catherine scolded her, saying, "I told you I would do your hair and makeup for
you right after my bath!"
Compassionately she looked at Jennifer's pitiful little face, and in a calming tone,
said, "Here, give me that curling iron and let me see what I can do."
After trimming off the scorched ends, working in a little conditioner, and an
entire re-rolling of her hair, Catherine managed to pull Jennifer's hair-do together
for her.
Happy she managed to come to the rescue, Catherine smiled, and took a tissue
to dry the tears from Jennifer's tear streaked, overly blushed cheeks.
Noticing Jenny really over did the make up job, Catherine instructed, "Go wash
your face, Jen, and we will re-do your makeup too."
Jumping up, Jennifer ran into the bathroom, and said, "Thank you Cath! I was
hoping you would offer...I really want to look nice for Ronald today."
Catherine took care of Jennifer, and by the time she was finished, Jennifer
looked lovely. Turning her around to look into the mirror, Jennifer said, "Oh
thank you! You are like a magician!"
Guiltily she then said, "You spent so much time on me, you are not even ready!"
Serenely, Catherine said, "I have time...now go make us some tea or something,
and try to relax!"
By the time Jennifer returned with their tea, Catherine was ready, and looked
beautiful! Her hair was softly brushed smooth, and her face was joyfully
luminous! Asking Jennifer to zip up her dress, she then turned around and said,
"I am ready..."
As planned, Peter arrived to pick up the girls. He told Jennifer how beautiful
she looked, and then looking at Catherine, with emotion said, "...and Cathy, you
look stunning..."
With a warm tearful hug, Catherine responded, "Thank you Peter."
Clearing his throat, Peter said, "I...I have something for you kiddo."
Taking the jewelers box from his hands, she opened the lid. Inside was a
beautiful heart-shaped necklace with a garnet, which was Vincent's birthstone.
Click here to see Necklace
Catherine softly said, "It is beautiful..." adding, "Will you put it on for me?"
Peter graciously did so, and as Catherine turned around, he hesitated a moment
as he reflected back on all Catherine has meant to him. She really was like a
daughter he never had. And since Charles died, he tried to fill in for him the best
that he could. With moistened eyes, he warmly said, "It looks even more
beautiful on you."
Just then, Jennifer snuffled a bit as she watched this sweet exchange between
Catherine and Peter. Upon hearing Jennifer's snortles, Catherine looked over at
her friend, and in an awing tone cautioned, "No crying Jennifer...we haven't
time to do another make-up job."
As Jennifer blew her nose, she informatively said, "I know, that's why I'm not
activating my tear ducts..."
Peter and Catherine looked at one another, and as they laughed, Peter said, "I
never knew that was physically possible, and here I am a doctor."
Assuredly, Jennifer said it was, and so after Catherine gave Jennifer a sisterly
hug, Peter asked, "Ready?"
Catherine heaved an anxious sigh, and said she was.
Peter crooked both his arms, and escorted the two beauties to his van.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile the girls of the tunnels, in each of their perspective chambers, were
slipping on their beautiful new garments, courtesy of Jennifer!
And as they each entered the tunnel main, to meet up with Mary for their
marching orders, they each were told how pretty they looked by those they
passed by.
And as Mary entered Vincent's chamber to check on things, Jacob was there
already, and both he and Vincent, told her she looked lovely, and then Jacob
chuckled as he noted, "Due to Jennifer's contribution, the ceremony will be a
little more colorful!"
To be continued
Chapter Forty-Two
| s |
| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Forty-One |
