THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

By Rhonda

“Catherine! Are you in there?” Mary called out. She had reluctantly agreed to go with Catherine for a ‘day of pampering’ at one of New York’s premier day spas. Catherine’s obvious excitement encouraged Mary to look forward to the experience, even though she’d never set foot in one before in her life.
“I’ll be right out Mary! Let me get my shoes on”, Catherine’s voice sounded from down the hall. In a moment, she appeared dressed in dark brown linen pants, with matching sweater, brown flats, and a brown suede purse to complete her look. Mary looked down at her own attire, the dark blue skirt and white blouse, the navy flats and the ever-present fanny pack around her waist, and felt positively dowdy. She always felt that way, only now more than ever when she was standing next to Vincent’s very fashionable wife. ‘Oh well,’ she thought, maybe this day spa is just what I need; who knows, maybe Jacob might even notice’.
“This is really sweet of you Catherine, and Vincent too, taking over my class for the day”.
“Think nothing of it Mary. We girls deserve a treat,” then she added, “Wait till you try the mud bath. Absolute heaven!”
“Mud Bath?” Mary asked dubiously.
“Come on Mary,” Catherine chuckled, “trust me.”
She took the older woman’s arm companionably as they walked out into a beautiful autumn day in New York.

*************

Vincent heard the sound of skipping feet and peals of laughter coming down the tunnel corridor and then saw the smiling faces of two of his young charges come bouncing into the classroom. Anna and Annabelle, three-year-old twins, very bright and extremely energetic were new to the tunnels. They and their mother, Marie had arrived about six months earlier after facing the devastating tragedy of losing the husband and father of the family to a drive-by shooting. Marie worked Above at a drugstore, and had made a home for herself and her daughters Below. While it appeared that the twins were adjusting well, Marie was very bitter because of the monsters that had deprived her of a husband and her daughters of their father. He had been coming home from work that spring night, had no ties to criminals whatsoever, and had simply been caught in the crossfire. Father and the other tunnel dwellers had given Marie all the support they could, but they also knew that she needed time to heal.
Six more children soon arrived in the classroom, each bearing his or her own story of triumph over tragedy, courage over fear.
Because Vincent prided himself on his organizational skill, earlier that morning he’d set up the classroom with everything he thought he would need for a preschool class: Water, paint, sand, and clay areas; along with aprons, brushes, sponges, water and sand toys, as well as crayons, paper, puzzles, and Legos.
“There, everything is ready; this is going to be, as Catherine would say, “a piece of cake!”
“Hi ‘incent,” sounded a small voice which was soon joined by another, “No Mary?’ “ Bencent! Why you come here?” asked another inquisitive little voice.
“Oops!” Vincent involuntary exclaimed as he was tackled by four year old Ziggy.
“Good morning children,” Vincent began, “ Mary is not here today…”
A chorus of “whys” answered him before he could get his sentence out.
“She sick?”, “Where is she?” “Why she not here?”
Vincent had to smile at the children’s questions. He answered them. “Mary and Catherine had to go to the city this morning, but they are coming back later today, and Mary will be here tomorrow.”
“Now children, lets make a circle and begin our day.”
They started with a game called “The Balloon”. They all held hands and pretended that they were part of a giant balloon that had to be blown up; as the balloon got bigger, they each took a step backwards. Finally, the “balloon” got so big each child had to let go of the other’s hand and most of them collapsed backwards onto the floor amid shouts of laughter. Everybody except Vincent; he did not relish landing on his backside, as he had further to fall.
The morning progressed uneventfully, and included more games, which the children enjoyed along with their teacher. Shapes, colors, and number and letter recognition rounded out the morning and soon it was time for lunch. Vincent had to admit that his stomach was reminding him that it had gone quite a while without food.
Tasty meals were provided by William, the community cook along with the assistance of several Helpers, one of whom owned a deli and provided the tunnel dwellers with refridgerated items that couldn’t be stored below. Londie, a recent arrival, delivered the food. She was assistant to William, which was odd for the usually cranky cook whose preference to work alone, was practically legendary. Many of the tunnel residents suspected he was a bit sweet on her.
“Hola Vicente!”, then, “Where’s Mary? She sick?” asked Londie.
“Hello, no, she’s not sick, she and Catherine went to something called a spa”, replied Vincent, hungrily eyeing an egg salad sandwich.
“Oh that’s nice. They’re gonna have a good time. Well, since Sra. Mary isn’t here, you get to eat her lunch. Enjoy.” She handed Vincent a large tray and a carton of chocolate milk which he accepted gratefully.
As the children settled down to eat their meal, Vincent used the time to wonder how Catherine and Mary were enjoying their day.

*****************************

“Mud bath? I can’t believe people actually pay to be encased in…mud,” Mary had to laugh at the very idea. “Tell me again, what is this mud bath supposed to do?”
Catherine chuckled at Mary’s remark. Considering how the tunnel community was often threatened with flooding and mudslides during the spring rains, and winter rainstorms, it was perfectly understandable for any tunnel resident to have qualms about mud in general, and a mud bath in particular.
“Mary, if you’d rather not, it’s quite all right…,” Catherine began.
“No, no. I would like to say I have experienced a ‘voluntary’ mud bath at least once in my life. I remember reading somewhere that mud baths are supposed to be good for the skin.” She added softly under her breath, “who knows, maybe I’ll put a twinkle in Jacob’s old eyes”.
After about ten minutes, Mary decided she could not take anymore. The feeling of drying mud, no matter what it was doing for her pores, or her psyche, was getting on her nerves. Still, she did not want to appear ungrateful, she tried to grit her teeth and bear it, but…no way! “Catherine, could you please call the attendant, I need to get this stuff off of me. It feels very uncomfortable dear.”
“Oh of course Mary, right away. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the mud bath.” Catherine called for the attendant and the two women were herded off to the showers. A few minutes later, Mary breathed a sigh of relief to feel her skin clean and free of the caked-on mud. Watching her, Catherine made a mental note to ask Vincent if Mary had ever been caught in one of the tunnel floods. ’I sure hope she’s not turned off of the whole spa thing!’ Aloud she said, “Are you still game to try the massage?”
“Absolutely dear. Thanks for going along with an old lady’s craziness!”
“Oh Mary!”, Catherine laughingly scolded, “You’re not old! Women do not age. We get better. Like a bottle of fine wine.”
“Well, in that case, I’m a very delicate, and much to be treasured liquor,” Mary laughed, getting into the spirit of fun.
The two women dissolved into near helpless laughter as they made their way to the massage area.
“This is more like it, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Mary sighed contentedly as the masseuse worked what felt like magic on Mary’s neck and shoulder muscles.
“Yes, I’ve got to agree, this is just what the doctor ordered”, Catherine answered dreamily.
“Speaking of doctors, I wonder if a good massage would help Jacob with his arthritic hip.” Mary wondered aloud.
“It would probably do him a world of good, it’s just getting him to agree to come here.” Catherine answered.
She gave a small smile at Mary’s words; she had long suspected that Mary held more than platonic feelings for Jacob Wells. Maybe she could give Cupid a little push in the right direction.

***************

As far as Vincent was concerned, the person who had invented the idea of the “afternoon nap” deserved a medal, a parade, and a day named in his honor!
‘Thank God they’re all asleep! he sighed with relief. He loved children, but he needed a break from the constant noise, bickering, and general chaos that seemed to reign supreme when eight little preschoolers were together for most of the day. ‘How does Mary do this everyday!’ he wondered.
He turned as he heard soft footsteps approaching the chamber door.
“Vincent, I’m here to give you a break, I usually come around this time in the afternoon to relieve Mary; so if you want to take off for an hour or so, its okay,” said Ellen, who was fifteen, loved kids and wanted to be a teacher when she grew up.
“Thank you Ellen, I’ll do that, I need to go and check on Father, he mentioned last evening that his hip had been bothering him”, then he added, “Will you be all right with the children while I’m gone--- little Ziggy can be a handful”.
“Naw! We’ll be okay. If he wakes up before you get back, I’ll just have him sort crayons or something.”
“Very well then, I’ll see you in about an hour.”
As Vincent walked toward his father’s chamber, he thought abut the little community. What few people realized was that the tunnel community’s educational system exactly mirrored the class schedules and educational requirements of the state of New York. In fact, in many ways the tunnel community actually exceeded the state’s guidelines. Many were the teachers, counselors, and several principals who had been educated in the tunnels. There were even a few who had gone on to become college professors! These in turn became the Helpers who provided the necessary “paper trail” for students who decided they wished to attend college or university. Sometimes Vincent felt a pang of envy because he wished the circumstances of his life could have been different. He would listen to the stories of those who had been to college; the camaraderie, the discussions, the sometimes heated debates, the opportunity to meet and speak to people from all over the world, exchanging ideas, thoughts and opinions. Vincent held one small fantasy buried deep within; that he could just walk into a college class and no one would bat an eyelash, he would not only be accepted, but welcomed for his intellectual abilities, and be a valued member of the class. He imagined himself walking across campus, hurrying to classes, maybe stopping to converse with friends along the way. Maybe one day, earning an advanced degree in English Literature. He imagined himself sitting behind a desk with his name and title, Dr. Vincent Wells. He could spend his days researching obscure points of literature, and his nights loving Catherine. He thought about how nice it would be to take Catherine out on the town, dinner and dancing. The simple pleasure of walking down the street holding hands in broad daylight. Being free to enjoy the many things the Topsiders took for granted. Vincent looked at his hands, covered with fur and at the deadly claws that tipped each finger and sighed.

*********************************

Catherine caught a fleeting sense of sadness and frustration through the Bond, and wondered what had upset Vincent. She made a mental note to ask him about it later. Mary and Catherine had moved onto the glamorous part of the day. Catherine laughed at the memory of Mary encased in mineral mud, and how she couldn’t wait to get to the showers. But both ladies had to admit, their skin felt very smooth and silky; it positively glowed.
“Now what?” asked Mary.
“Now we do the hair, make-up and then dress-up”, replied Catherine playfully.
Mary had mentioned that in her youth, she had been a classic redhead, with milky white skin, fiery red hair, and brown eyes. Now that hair was a bit faded and shot through with gray, her brown eyes held both joy, and the remembrance of deep pain. Mary never talked about her past; this reluctance to speak about the past seemed to be a defining characteristic of the Tunnel Dwellers. Catherine could only guess what had brought Mary to live Below, but she recognized the signs of abuse. Mary’s upper arms bore the faint, but distinctive rounds marks that could only have been made by cigarette burns. Catherine remembered asking Mary about the marks, and had received the cryptic reply, “These are just constant reminders of what happens when you don’t trust your instincts”. After making this statement, Mary had deftly changed the subject. As much as the lawyer in Catherine wanted to pursue the question; kindness over ruled compulsion, and she let it drop.
“Catherine, how do you feel about Father? I know he gave you and Vincent such a hard time in the beginning, I just hope you’ve forgiven him.”
“Mary I forgave him a long time ago. Father was only reacting out of love and concern for his son, as any parent would. You know we can actually sit and laugh now about some things. I love him like he is my own dad. Why do you ask?”
“Oh…just curious I guess. He does love you both so much, and he is a good man.”
“I certainly know that.”
Catherine was aware of a very low-keyed attraction between Mary and the Tunnel patriarch. She and Vincent loved Mary dearly and both also knew that Mary was the couple’s strongest advocate. During Vincent and Catherine’s courtship, it was Mary who finally made Father see that not only was Vincent a grown man, but that he had the right to follow his own heart, the dictates of his own mind and that there was no power on earth, Above or Below that would keep Vincent and Catherine apart. Mary also made Jacob see that if he continued to oppose their relationship, he ran the very real risk of totally alienating both his son and Catherine.
“Mary,” Catherine decided to take the plunge, “It’s obvious that you and Father are great friends, but has he ever indicated to you that he’d like to be more than friends?”
Mary laughed softly, “Sometimes Catherine…,” She began wistfully, “Sometimes I get a …sense that there might be more than friendship, but…Margaret was his one true love, and I don’t think Jacob will ever get over her loss. Also… look at me, I’m an old woman. How could I attract any man at my age?” Mary finished.
“Forgive me if I’m speaking out of turn, but I think that not only are you a very attractive woman, you’re also good and kind, and a loyal friend. I think that any man would have to be completely out of his mind if he were unable to see what a jewel you are”.
“Oh, thank you sweetie. I do admit I think about being stylish and wearing the smart outfits I’ve seen in magazines. It would be nice to get an admiring glance or two…” Mary didn’t finish the thought, she really didn’t need too.
“Mary”, Catherine said decisively, “Put yourself in my hands today and I’ll transform you! By the time this day is done, you’re going to knock the socks off a certain physician.”

CHAPTER II

“Mary! You look stunning. That outfit was made for you”. Catherine was flabbergasted at the change in Mary. She looked like a totally different person. Her hair had been cut into a short stylish bob of deep burnished auburn. Her skin had been given a warm glow with complimentary makeup. The makeup artist, because that is precisely what she was, who did Mary’s makeup had “opened” her eyes with the deft use of shadow, liner, and dark brown mascara. A soft lipstick completed Mary’s look. She looked wonderful with a timeless, elegant beauty. Mary was a tall woman, and the outfit she wore, a flowing, draping pantsuit in a shades of green completely complimented her delicate coloring and set off her height.
“Catherine, I don’t know if I can accept all this. The spa treatment was enough, but the make over, and now this outfit. Why the shoes alone cost a small fortune”, Mary began.
“ Manolo Blahnik. Only the best will do. Besides, we’re on a mission,” Catherine deadpanned, and then dissolved into a fit of giggles that was so infectious Mary was soon doubled over with laughter. She had certainly laughed with Catherine this day.
“Catherine, girl, you are too much. Okay, we’ll do it your way --- ‘Lead on McDuff’
Mary looked at Catherine and wished for a fleeting moment that this loving, laughing young woman could have been her natural daughter. Elyse had only been thirty years old when she had died of a drug overdose. Mary had done everything she could to save her only child, but in the end, the siren song of cocaine was stronger than a mother’s love.
Catherine caught the look of sadness brush across Mary’s features, “Mary, what is it?”
“Nothing dear…just a memory from long ago,” said Mary sadly. “You reminded me of someone who will always be very dear to me”. Impulsively, Mary reached out to hug Catherine tight, when she released her, Catherine could see the unshed tears glistening in Mary’s eyes.
“Mary, what is it? What’s wrong?” Catherine asked gently.
“I was just thinking about my daughter, Elyse”. Mary answered quietly. “She had so much to live for, I look at you and see what she could have been. Unfortunately, she chose another path.”
“What happened to her Mary? Was she ill?” Catherine asked.
“Yes, you could say that. She was ill, and ultimately her illness claimed her life. My daughter… was a cocaine addict. She started treatment at twenty-five, got better for a little while, then started up again. She could never seem to stay away from the drugs, and finally, one day she overdosed.” Mary finished speaking, and turned away to pull herself together. Catherine stood quietly by and gave Mary the time she needed, and felt honored that Mary had chosen to tell her what was probably her deepest hurt. Catherine reached out a hand to touch the older woman’s shoulder, “Mary, are you all right? Do you want to go home?”
“No dear, I’m all right. I guess this has been a somewhat emotional day for me. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to burden you with my misfortune. Thank you for listening though. It means a lot”, Mary said through a somewhat watery smile.
“Oh hey Mary, believe me, it’s not a burden, not at all. All the times you’ve stood by me, listening to me, and just being there when I needed someone to talk to. Besides, that’s what friends are for. You and Vincent, and even Father too, all the wonderful people in the tunnel community taught me the real meaning of friendship. Be there for each other, no matter what.”
Mary caught Catherine’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze, “Thank you dear, I appreciate that.”
“So,” said Catherine, “You want to go get something to eat?”
“You bet”, Mary smiled.

**************************************

“Father”, Vincent called out as he entered his father’s chamber. Father’s chamber was a cluttered mixture of books, papers, odds and ends, but Vincent found it all strangely comforting.
“Ah, Vincent, my dear boy! I didn’t expect to see you till later this evening. How are you?”
Father had extricated himself from the far end of his chamber where he had been sitting hunched over a rather large volume of literature. Upon Vincent’s arrival, Father had laboriously stood up, grabbed hold of his ever present cane and made his way slowly towards his pride and joy, his son Vincent.
“I’m well Father.” Vincent smiled affectionately at this man whom he loved so much. “I wanted to know how you’re feeling. You said your hip had been troubling you. How is it today?”
“Oh what can I say Vincent. I’m an old man with an old man’s complaints," then seeing the look of concern in Vincent’s deep azure eyes, he added, “I’m better. It's actually not as bad as it was yesterday. This morning I went and took a soak in the hot spring, and that seems to have loosened it right up a bit. ‘Arthur’ has been quiet so far”.
Vincent chuckled softly at father’s colloquism. He had often heard Father refer to his arthritis as “Arthur”.
“Well, let us hope that ‘Arthur’ will continue to remain silent,” said Vincent.
“Vincent, I understand Catherine and Mary went Above?” Father tried to ask as casually as possible, but his curiosity was killing him.
“Yes, Catherine wanted to treat Mary to a day out”. Vincent didn’t want to say that this was Catherine’s way of thanking Mary for running interference for them. Although Vincent knew that Father accepted his marriage to Catherine, he was still displeased at how Father had treated her at first. Vincent wasn’t one to harbor grudges, so he pushed the momentary flash of displeasure away.
“Oh. That’s very sweet of Catherine…she is such a dear girl. You know Vincent, I do love her very much, she’s like a daughter to me”, Father said softly, then he added, “ I sometimes worry about our dear Mary, I think a little day trip will do her a great deal of good.”
“Vincent, is something wrong?” Father asked as he noticed the blue eyes blinking in what appeared to be astonishment. “No…no Father, I just…I’m just glad that everything seems to be working itself out,” Vincent stammered out. “I’m just happy that our relationship is back as it should be, and that you and Catherine have developed a good relationship too.”
Chuckling lightly, Father embraced his son’s shoulder and said, “Well, consider this. I may be an old dog, but I can learn some new tricks! Catherine loves you with all that she is, any fool could see that a mile going. And Vincent, you have positively blossomed within the sphere of that love.” Clapping Vincent on the back, Father decided to try one more time to find out where exactly Catherine had taken Mary for the day, “Um Vincent, where did you say Mary and Catherine were going?”
It was Vincent’s turn to chuckle as he replied, “You seem somewhat concerned about Mary’s whereabouts Father.” This remark was accompanied by a knowing smile. Father shot him a look, “Okay! I admit, I just want to know. Besides, I do worry about Mary sometimes, she works too hard you know. What with her nursing duties and assisting me with my medical duties, and then working with the younger children everyday, she needs to take some time for herself.”
“Yes, Father, I agree. Catherine took Mary to something called a ‘day spa’. I understand that women and men go there to get massages, facials, and one can even get the nails on one’s fingers and toes trimmed and polished,” He then added mischievously, “Father, have you ever considered going to a spa?”
“Very funny!,” Father grumped before shuffling off to retrieve a sheaf of papers which he laid on the table in front of Vincent.
“Here son, when you get a chance, take a look at these plans for the new living quarters Mouse and Kanin drew up. They look pretty good, but I’d like to know what you think. We’ll decide one way or another at the next council meeting.”
Vincent nodded and placed the papers inside his vest pocket. “Father,” he began almost shyly, but decided to ask the question that had come up into his mind. “Do you ever think about falling in love again? I sometimes look at you and Mary, and I think you two look so right together.”
Father looked as his golden son and then dropped his head slightly, when he raised it again, Vincent could see that he wore a sad little smile as he answered, “Look at me Vincent. I have an arthritic hip that gives me no end of trouble, and on top of all that, I’m a grouchy old bachelor who’s set in his ways. Mary is a fine woman, and any man would be honored to be with her. But I don’t think I’m that man.”
“I think you’re selling yourself short Father. You have done what few men could do in a lifetime. You put an entire world together where people can come and live in peace, and in safety. Look at me. If it weren’t for you, I would be dead or worse. Locked in a caged somewhere, and treated as a curiosity, possibly used as an experiment No Father, I believe you and Mary would honor each other.”

***************************

CHAPTER III

Immediately after lunch, the two women decided to call it a day. Both were anxious to see how a certain physician was going to react to the changes in Mary. Deciding that they were too well dressed to walk to their destination, Catherine hailed a cab.
The driver was an older man roughly Father’s age, who looked at the two ladies, decided that they were “paying fares” and then did a double take at Mary. His smile was broad and beaming as he not only parked his cab, but also got out, opened the door for them, and then proceeded to store their purchases in the trunk of the car.
“Your chariot awaits fair ladies,” he said gallantly.
“Thank you very much kind sir,” Mary answered with a smile.
Catherine gave the driver the address and she and Mary settled themselves for the short drive home. Leaning over in the seat Catherine whispered to Mary, “You look like a movie star.”
“Oh please. I must admit I look pretty good, but a movie star? I don’t think so. Catherine, thank you for everything.”
“Think nothing of it. Besides, I had a great time too. A massage, a…,dare I say it… mud bath. Maybe next time we’ll try the sauna.”
“Oh no my girl! Saunas remind me too much of hot flashes! I’d rather take the mud!” Mary said emphatically.
Catherine laughed quietly at that. She knew several ladies of a ‘certain age’ who worked at the District Attorney’s office who complained of the heat when everybody else was cool.
Catherine asked the driver to stop at a couple of shops along the way, because, as she so sensibly reasoned, he was so smitten with the lovely Mary, he’d probably do anything to keep enjoying her company! Including acting as a personal chauffeur.
When they pulled up in front of the brownstone, Catherine paid the driver, while Mary walked around to the rear of the vehicle to retrieve their purchases. In one of those bags were Mary’s tunnel clothes, some purchases Catherine had made for herself, and several presents for Vincent.
“Oh no. No beautiful lady! Please allow me!” The driver skidded around to the back of the cab to get the several bags and deposited them on the porch.
“Why, thank you very much. You’ve been very kind.” Mary was clearly getting a little uncomfortable with the attention and was grateful when Catherine stepped in with, “Mom, do you think dad’s gonna like his gifts?”
“Um, yes dear, especially the slippers.” Mary played along easily. The small subterfuge had the desired effect, the overly attentive driver, tipped his cap, gave Mary a long look and got back into his cab and pulled off; but not before he blew a kiss in Mary’s direction.
“Did you see that?!? The nerve of that man! Why…Wow. It’s been a long time since a man actually flirted with me like that Catherine. You know what? I think I like it.” Then she added, “It was getting a bit out of hand though, that was quick thinking on your part dear.”
“Hope you don’t mind, it was all I could think of at the moment.” Catherine had been very touched by Mary’s earlier admission and did feel protective and very much like a daughter toward her.
Entering the brownstone the women flopped down on the couch to catch their breath, and to separate their purchases.
“This is yours, this is mine, and this is for Vincent.” Catherine began.
“What did you get Catherine? I don’t remember, everything’s been such a whirlwind.”
Catherine pulled out a pair of black silk men’s pajamas with a matching robe, which was obviously for Vincent, and a very sheer white baby doll for herself.
“Think Vincent will like this?” she asked innocently
“Oh yes…For the two minutes you’ll be wearing it before he takes it off ”, Mary replied mildly.
“Mary!” Catherine was startled
“Oh please dear, any blind person can see that you and Vincent have a very active and very healthy private life. In fact, I’d wonder if you didn’t.”
“Mary, you are too much.” Catherine laughed, shaking her head.

***************************

Ziggy was the last child to leave, and Vincent found himself not only relieved but he couldn’t remember when he’d last felt so fatigued. ‘Mary must be, what’s the phrase… superwoman’ to do this everyday.’ He hoped that if and when he and Catherine had a child, he or she would be docile and quiet, not like the hyper little Ziggy! He was a good little boy, just full of questions, boundless energy, and a need to take things apart to find out what made them go. Rather like an extremely young Mouse. Vincent surveyed the empty classroom, and then began tidying up, putting things away, throwing away papers, and picking up crayons from the floor. He felt Catherine’s gentle presence through the Bond, and felt her happiness. She was on her way down. Stretching his long limbs and yawning lazily, Vincent began to walk toward the passage that would lead him to the threshold of home and Catherine.
Suddenly the pipes blared to life! Intruder! Intruder! G4 Section!
G4! Catherine! The fatigue fell away instantly as Vincent raced through the tunnels. He didn’t know what to expect, he only knew that there was an intruder, and that Catherine could be in danger!
His hair flying wildly behind him, Vincent rounded a bend in the tunnel that led to the threshold of G4, and he stopped stock-still. There was Catherine, and a woman he’d never seen before! Catherine would never bring a stranger to the tunnels without letting him and Father know. What was going on? The two ladies seemed to be walking along and talking peacefully, when the tall redheaded woman stopped and said, “Catherine, they think I’m an intruder! Did you hear the pipes go crazy just now?”
“Is that what all the fuss was about?” asked Catherine; for all her time Below, she still had trouble understanding the language of the pipes.
Vincent had been standing in the shadows, now he stepped forward as he recognized Mary’s voice.
“Mary!?! Is that you? You look so different.” He said surprised.
“Yes dear, it’s me. Believe me, I feel like a different person.” Mary practically glowed with pride.
“Hello Vincent,” Catherine said as she stepped forward. Using her index finger, she assisted her spouse in closing his mouth, then she gently kissed his cheek.
“Sweetheart, would you help us with these bags?” She asked.
Just then the trio heard voices coming towards them, “Here! This is it--G4”, Jaimie, with her crossbow, flanked by Mouse and Kanin stood at the ready. They were surprised to see Vincent calmly escorting Catherine and some other lady into their tunnel home.
“Hello Jaimie,” Mary looked up and smiled at the young woman.
“Mary! Oh my God! Look at you! You look great!” Jaimie squealed in delight as she rushed forward to give Mary a tight hug.
Mouse and Kanin looked on, not sure what to do; finally Mouse spoke.
“Everything okay. Vincent okay. Mary okay. Vincent’s Catherine okay. Mouse go. Lots of things to do.” Mouse, living up to his name scurried away. Kanin followed suite, and disappeared also down the tunnel corridor.

*************************************

CHAPTER IV

That evening, Vincent had the honor of escorting two beautiful women to dinner. Catherine was casual chic in blue jeans, a white silk shirt and brown leather jacket slung casually around her shoulders against the tunnel’s chill. Mary was again a vision, she wore a long tunic-style blouse in varying shades of muted greens, set off by black velvet pants. Catherine had surprised her with this last gift a little before Vincent had come to escort them into dinner.
“You two are spoiling me, you know that?” Mary said as they were walking to the dining hall.
Vincent answered before Catherine could, “Out of all the well-wishers here, you alone raised your voice in our behalf Mary. Catherine and I were going to be together anyway, but your words helped to smooth our path.”
“Yes and for that, Vincent and I will be forever grateful. You believed in our love as much as we did and do,” Catherine added.
“Well now, what can I tell you? I’m a hopeless romantic,” changing the subject entirely, Mary asked Vincent, “How’d it go today with my preschoolers?”
“Oh. Uh. It was a very rewarding experience Mary,” Vincent replied diplomatically.
“That good huh Vincent?” Mary smiled knowingly. “How was little Ziggy and the twins?”
“The girls are very sweet. I noticed they tend to cling together, holding hands, each making sure the other one is allright. Ziggy is actually a very bright little boy. It appears he is more of a
‘hands-on’ learner. I gave him mostly manipulative and take apart toys today, and he was quite satisfied. He did quite well,” Vincent said.
“Yes, you’re right, I had noticed that myself in Ziggy. I’m going to steer him more towards the clay and play-dough areas, give him a chance to develop more fine-motor skills,” Mary stated.
Catherine had been silent during this exchange; she’d noticed a bittersweet quality in Vincent’s voice. He would have been an outstanding teacher Above, but that would never be. She felt a little bubble of sadness floating along the Bond, yet when she looked into those magnificent azure eyes, he gave her his characteristic small smile that seemed to say, “All is well.”
As the three entered the dining hall, Father stepped forward, and giving Catherine a courtly bow, a clap on the shoulder to Vincent; he took Mary’s hand, gently raised it to his lips, and offered her his arm, which Mary, smiling sweetly, took.
Father escorted Mary to a seat next to himself, and then proceeded to give Vincent a pointed look.
If anyone else noticed, they didn’t say anything, and besides, most of the families had already eaten, now there were mostly adults.
William often referred to this time as the “Gourmet Hour”, because it was then that he tried out his more exotic dishes. Tonight, William was serving spicy enchiladas, and nopales ensalada .
The tunnel community had noticed a decidedly Latin flavor in Williams’ cooking since the arrival of Londie.
Father, who usually enjoyed Mexican food, found that tonight he had little appetite, he couldn’t keep his eyes or his thoughts off Mary, and it appeared that she too was preoccupied.
Vincent and Catherine kept giving each other significant little glances as one and then the would look over at Father and then Mary - until Father caught and held Vincent’s gaze and gave him one of his patented scowls! Vincent dropped his head like a chastised schoolboy, then looked up at his father and gave him a most mischievous wink!
With a nearly inaudible snort of irritation, Father went back to his meal, picked at a cactus leaf, and declared that he couldn’t eat another bite, and after excusing himself, he took his leave. Eventually the meal was completed, the tables and dishes cleared and put away, and the tunnel residents retired for the evening. All except two.
Father couldn’t sleep for some reason, so he decided to go to the kitchen and make himself some tea, and maybe get a little snack. His hip had started bedeviling him again, but if the truth were really told, he was thinking about the question Vincent had asked him earlier concerning Mary. ‘Stuff and nonsense!’ he huffed to himself. But still, in his mind ’s eye, he could see Mary’s face; her gentle smile. He liked the way she was always so patient, especially with the younger children. In fact, Jacob thought, he had only seen Mary lose her temper once; of course, it was with him, and of course, it was because of his being so pig-headed where Vincent and Catherine were concerned.
“She really lit into me that time!”, he said out loud, and nearly dropped his cup on the tunnel floor, as Mary’s voice answered, “Excuse me?” and then “Jacob, what are you doing here this time of night?”
The tunnel patriarch was clearly flustered, “Oh, well, I just couldn’t sleep, thought I’d get myself a cup of tea.” Then regaining his composure, “I just want to say, you looked very lovely this evening at dinner Mary. But then, you’re a beautiful woman anyway, anything else simply enhances your loveliness.”
“Why Jacob Wells, you’re just a sweetheart aren’t you?”, Mary looked at him fondly.
“I’m nothing of the sort”, Father answered with fake grumpiness, then added, “ Would you like to sit and talk for awhile, maybe share a snack with me?”
“I’d love to do just that Jacob.” Mary answered
They sat and talked about various things, their observations on life and living. They even talked about that evening’s dinner. “Good, but a little too spicy. Usually I enjoy spice, but that… well maybe it’s just me.” Father said
“Maybe we’re just getting old Jacob. I noticed Vincent and Catherine seemed to enjoy dinner, especially the Sangria”, Mary chuckled.
“Oh those two are so in love with each other, they barely notice food anyway.” Father laughed and so did Mary.
“Well, I’m going to call it a day”, said Mary
“Yes, me too”, Father answered.
Mary impulsively turned, leaned in and planted a kiss on Jacob’s cheek. Thinking she had caught him off guard, she was surprised at his reaction. Jacob caught her face in both hands, looked at her for a long moment and gently returned the kiss. Both knew that Jacob’s kiss held the promise of kisses to come.
They smiled at each other, and then turned to go to their respective chambers.
“Good night Jacob”… ‘My dear Jacob’ thought Mary.
“Good night Mary”… ‘My dearest Mary’ thought Jacob.