Beyond the Veil of Tomorrow – Chapter 2

Even though everyone thought that Vincent and Catherine decided to sleep in, truth was that Vincent had been up early doing some preparation below for his granddaughter. The sun had not risen on the horizon when he kissed his sleepy wife and slipped across the park. Of all the things which his son had given him over the years, the gift of a granddaughter filled his heart completely. It was not because she had been born covered with a soft downy hair, visually tying her to him, nor was it because she had spent so much time in his arms while Cathy mentally and emotionally recovered from a unique and challenging birth. It was because she tied herself to each person in her life in unique ways making them feel special.

Vincent and Catherine were 'Grandscent and Grandmama.' Sue was 'Cooksey' to the child who not only loved to eat but also observe the baking process in the kitchen, always thrilled to see the rising dough of bread or cakes. Rob was nicknamed 'Rider.' Any trip in the van was always exciting. Aislyn observed every part of her journey and could recount the details to her parents upon her return. She forgot little. Even when she was busy building and creating structures she could talk about where she had been and with whom. Most remarkable was her ability to construct. It was her creative skill that forced Vincent out early. He had found a unique spot below and spent days picking out bits and pieces of wood, stone, and brick. With the help of the kids below, he collected several buckets. It was clear that Aislyn had outgrown the challenge of constructing with the Leggo pieces.

He fully intended to allow her free reign. Despite her early age, Aislyn was blessed with knowledge well beyond her two years. Vincent hoped with all his heart that her unique gifts and future role would not be fully realized until she had time to enjoy a real childhood, no matter how remarkable. This gift of creating structure was handed down from Freddie, her other natural grandfather, a deeply troubled drug addict who contracted HIV from using unsafe needles. Vincent hoped that in this early talent, she would find ways to turn her inherited skill into something which would make Freddie proud.

Once he was content that Aislyn had options and choices, he headed back up to the house just in time to see his sleepy wife making her way to the kitchen for breakfast. He kissed her soft barely lined cheek and hugged the granddaughter who meant so much to him.

Since Aislyn would be with Vincent on Mondays, Catherine took the time to do her community and committee work with Diana. They often met in Manhattan for a long lunch and discussion before visiting any one of a number of places which were part of her community projects assisting families in trouble. Over a delicious breakfast each discussed their plans for the day before heading off to get ready. Vincent kissed his wife admonishing her to be careful, as always, before picking up his granddaughter and heading across the park to the entrance of the tunnel. Sometimes she wanted to walk, other times she requested a piggyback ride. Occasionally Aislyn sat on the tall shoulders of her grandfather, begging for a chance to touch the leaves of a tree. As they neared the tunnel entrance, he always held her close or under the arm of his cape. At no time in her two years did Vincent ever lose sight of the risk that always existed on the periphery of their lives.

The day below was a success in every way. Vincent supervised classes for the children while Aislyn played under the watchful eye of a young girl named Coral. Once the kids were busy with their own assignments, he took Aislyn down past the nursery to the area he had prepared for her. Aislyn did not jump up and down or give open thanks. She approached the area with a caution well beyond her years. She peered into each bucket and felt the contents before walking around the small carved out area, taking a measure of it before nodding and thanking her 'Grandscent'.

Neither did she start to work right away. Aislyn sat, extraordinarily quiet for a two-year-old, and contemplated what she would do. This would be a challenge. Vincent hoped it would be so. Great minds needed opportunities to strengthen and learn. He wished he had been able to do so much more with Jacob but had no regrets for his own untapped knowledge. Fortunately, Jacob found his own way. Aislyn would be given opportunities based on her observed development. Vincent was happy to sit back quietly, ready to answer any questions but preferring to allow his granddaughter to make her own way in this project.

Aislyn's days with her 'grandmama' were busy. Driving around town she saw sights her young eyes could hardly comprehend. Sometimes she met people from all walks of life. Occasionally she would just be driven in the van with Rider and Cooksey chattering about everything. One thing that Vincent noted was her ability to get the often silent and serious Rob to laugh. That alone was a great gift. With her peers at the Women's center, she always seemed to stand a little away from the main group, doing her own designs but listening carefully to conversations around her. As these thoughts flew through his head, Vincent gave thanks yet again for this precious child.

Later that evening, as Jacob and Cathy listened to the words of their daughter and tried to imagine what her grandfather could have arranged, they were neither struck by her skill nor her ability to recount the day exactly as it happened. They were just deeply grateful that doors were being opened in her mind, allowing her to explore all the world had to offer. Cathy's life had been tainted by her mother's unsafe life and practices. She had little time to be happy. Jacob's life, for the most part had been lived in the bowels of the earth, never feeling unsafe but giving him a narrow view of all the things life could hold. Learning together as adults allowed Jacob and Cathy to forge a strong bond in their relationship. They hoped, above all, that this bond would be enough to sustain their roles as parents, as friends and as lovers.

…

By the end of a busy week, the chance of taking a break and travelling north to Albany seemed like a perfect way to unwind. Jacob, who had developed a fondness for train travel, talked his wife into making the journey via rail. They caught an early departure and sat in seats that would give them a spectacular view of the passing scenery. At one point, Aislyn commented that the outside appeared a little like life below. At those times, there was nothing to be seen beyond the rocky hillsides, just more sun and what green remained in the late fall weather. Her young eyes and active mind seemed mesmerized.

Ledgister was waiting for the family at the station. Cathy couldn't resist hugging the tall lanky man with the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. There was always something about him that tugged at her heartstrings. His role in the home of her grandmother and Howard was incredibly strong. He would have given up his life for Howard or Mémé at the drop of a hat. That devotion went both ways. Not only was he a great cook but also a talented musician. For years, he acted as chauffeur to Howard whose diminished eyesight precluded driving.

Not short on giving great hugs herself, Mémé took some time welcoming her granddaughter and great-granddaughter to the house. Jacob received a tender kiss on his cheek while a soft hand touched the other side. To Jacob it felt like a blessing. Much as he loved his mother, her words mattered. She shied away from too much physical touching and Jacob respected the long and arduous journey which brought her back home. Hélène's approach was different but no less welcome.

'Come in, come in mes enfants. We have late breakfast or early lunch!'

Jacob, who found himself quite hungry, raised a hand. 'I'll take both!'

Hélène laughed, leading the way into the dining area where the sights and smells of food filled the air. 'Howard will be right down. He got a last-minute phone call.' With a shrug of her shoulders, she dismissed the work that often kept her husband preoccupied. His arrival brought another round of hugs, kisses and exclamations of welcome which preceded a lunch, filled with much laughter and conversation. Both Jacob and Cathy noted that the former Governor, now UN Ambassador seemed much more relaxed in his new role. Once the food was set on the table, Ledgister joined them. He was very much family!

There was hardly a moment of quiet until Aislyn indicated that enough time had been spent talking about 'big people's things'. Her full belly, plus the unusual travel lent itself to an early afternoon nap. Hélène, Ledgister, and Cathy went upstairs to continue their debate about music while Howard and Jacob got caught up in a discussion about the interesting dynamics occurring every day in the United Nations building.

'I had no idea', Jacob mused, surprised by the work and dedication of the representatives of the world's nations. 'Of course, I learned about the history and importance of it in school but it just seemed irrelevant in my particular day to day. I have to visit one day.'

Howard nodded, knowing that part of his role as ambassador was to educate. 'Let me know when. I will arrange a tour for you and Cathy if you wish.'

Jacob's response was halted by the ringing of the house phone. Howard answered the call and beckoned Jacob. It was Sabrina.

'What's a good time for you?' Jacob asked looking at the wall clock. 'If you don't mind, Cathy is putting Aislyn down for a nap. I would like to walk over. Maybe just meet me halfway and we can talk.'

'Sure you don't want a drive over?' Howard asked.

'Sabrina wants to talk out of earshot of Riley. It's ok. I walk every day but perhaps you could let Cathy know. She'll most likely stay 'til Aislyn wakes up. On second thought, I will tell her myself'.

Jacob bounded up the stairs to talk with his wife. She and Mémé were deep in conversation. He suspected that Hélène had wanted to discuss her plan for the music she had written about Howard's family. He didn't want to run the risk of allowing Howard to overhear anything about the project going forward. Aislyn was sleeping soundly on a cot in the corner.

'Howard is downstairs. I am just going to walk over. When you are ready, he will arrange a ride unless you want to walk.'

'Not a chance in this weather!'

Jacob laughed and blew a kiss before making his way down the stairs and out the back.

…..

'Ledgister?'

'On my way.'

Hélène smiled at the understanding between them. Howard would soon come up if he was left alone. Eventually she would have to tell him about her plans, but there was much to do before then and she would need her granddaughter's help.

'So, Bryan Deguid, who was the music conductor at Howards bi-annual fetes, has agreed to work with me. He was the one I approached initially about the beautiful sound of one of the songs. It's not sufficient to have the music right, I must also have good singers and excellent presentation. That's where I need your help?' Hélène raised her shoulders in an entirely francophone way.

'I am not really sure Mémé. I can't let Holly take all the responsibility for the Center, and … of course I have Aislyn, but Mondays and Thursdays she is with her grandparents. I can check with Holly about taking some time off in the afternoon or early evening.'

Hélène knew that she would have to be content with that. She, more than many, understood the hardships of a working woman. The only difference was that Cathy had a tremendous amount of love and support for her work from loving in-laws and a devoted husband.

…

The moment Jacob stepped out on the path to the cottage where Sabrina and Iain lived, he could feel the power and energy of the land and sky. He felt a renewal of self as his long strides carried him quickly across the land. This time, the corn fields were already harvested. The trash left from the stalks that once stood tall and golden in the summer sun, occasionally blew up into his face leaving a vague sense of what was and the renewal that would come in the spring. This was unlike any walk he ever had from home to work. Even the jaunt across the park to the tunnel was tantalizingly short. Jacob almost but not quite took to the air. Surely Sabrina would see him and wonder. Nonetheless he slowed his pace wanting to enjoy the moment.

In the distance he could make out the figure coming from the opposite direction. She had a lovely aura. He knew that her journey from a drug addicted street life in Los Angeles to a farm in upstate NY had been long and arduous, filled with many ups and downs but her will to live a clean and useful life matched that of her husband Iain and together they made it happen.

To Sabrina, the magnificent presence of the man approaching, was a once in a lifetime vision. She never had an opportunity to see Jacob in a manner where his beautiful energy could be a beacon. In that moment she seemed to come to an understanding of the unique gifts he inherited from his father's DNA .

'I have to remember to make this walk in all four seasons', he said after a short hug and greeting. 'I want to carry the memory of this when I pass by all those dry, stone buildings on my way to work.'

'You know you and your family are welcome anytime. We could also use some extra help at harvest time if you are looking for work?'

'I might take you up on that.'

While Sabina had been joking, Jacob was not. Time in the country had a lovely feel to it, well worth the break from life in a bustling city. After a few minutes of idle chatter, Sabrina got right into the reason for the meeting.

'Please don't misunderstand anything I say Jacob. If I am not clear let me know.'

Jacob nodded.

'Riley is a strange little boy, not in his behaviour but in the things which interest him. Traditional school didn't work out, so Iain and I decided on home schooling. He has shown an inordinate amount of interest in pagan things. He treats plants with utmost care and attention, and he's been a big help in the greenhouse. He is up early everyday, outside, just standing as if he is waiting for someone and late at night he goes to the same spot and waits.' Sabrina paused taking a deep breath. 'He seems happy on his own and yet he asks about one of the girls below, saying often that he misses her.'

'What concerns you the most?'

'I don't want anyone to think that we have pushed him into a pagan lifestyle. As farmers we observe feasts and other events on all calendars, but his morning and evening time aloneness kind of makes me wonder if he is missing his home. Do you think it's too much outdoors for someone who has lived in a tunnel most of his life?'

'Actually, all of his life. He was found at a cubby hole near our entrance, shortly after his birth. Unlike some of our other mothers, his never came back. I knew that she died from an overdose, but I never liked talking about it. He didn't need to know.'

'The way I lived; I could have been his mother'.

'But you are his mother now!'

Sabrina was silent, deep in thought about her own past. Jacob gave her a few minutes then spoke gently.

'I suspect that his outdoor times are opportunities to see the rising and setting sun. It just wasn't possible in the tunnel. I believe that sometimes, when he disappeared, he was sneaking above to see it.' Jacob stopped for a moment, forcing Sabrina to look at him. 'We don't live a traditional life below. We use herbs for healing. We celebrate days that are on the pagan calendar as well as traditional holidays and some of our own. Kids are taught how to identify what grows below and what is safe and what is not. If he wants to be pagan or delve into the craft, I am not surprised but I am surprised that you are concerned.'

'Oh no! Not at all. I just didn't want you to think we were pushing him in a direction contrary to what you would expect from a child living above.'

'What I expect? No Sabrina. He is not my child. He is yours and you must raise him as you, Iain and Riley feel comfortable.'

Sabrina eyes filled with tears. She placed her hands together as if in prayer. 'Oh Jacob…. I have had a caregiver mentality, not a maternal one. I think I was afraid in case he didn't like us. I didn't want to fall in love, then have to say goodbye. He is everything I would or could have wished for. Please forgive me?'

'For unacknowledged grief? Of course, but there is really nothing to forgive!' Jacob waited allowing her time to wipe her tears. He started walking again knowing that Riley would soon sense and see his arrival.

'Does Iain have similar feelings.'

'Oh no! He would be horrified. Riley started calling him Pops last month and Iain just…'

Jacob knew tears were close again. He nodded his understanding and moved on giving her more time to adjust. He sent a little healing energy her way, not to take away her grief but to give her a chance to process what was clearly another step in a never-ending process.

Jacob could hear the voice of his young friend as clearly as if they had been below. 'Tunnel hearing' he laughed to himself, comparing it to tunnel vision which was truly limited while hearing seemed endless in the voices echoing off the walls. Most surprising of all was to see the amount of growth in less than a year. Riley had added no less than four inches to his slim frame. No wonder he had felt such discomfort. Growing pains with more to come!

'Jacob! You're here, come, come and see all the things we have done!'

After a fierce hug, Jacob's arm was grasped and pulled in the direction of the greenhouse where Iain could be seen waiting, a huge smile on his face. His eyes moved away slightly to observe his wife following slowly behind. He was satisfied, knowing that Jacob would find the words needed to calm her troubled senses.

'Welcome again', he said beaming with pride, 'Riley has chosen to be your host today, so I am going to let him show you around.'

'Thanks Pops.' The words were out as easily as if Iain had been in his life forever.

Almost an hour after Jacob had set out across the field, his head was spinning with the amount of knowledge that Riley was able to rhyme off the top of his head. He recognized the brilliant teacher in Iain but understood that his guide had a natural affinity for nature's gifts. The limited natural growth in the tunnels hindered the opportunities to learn. The lesson was not lost on Jacob. He resolved to be more aware of the need to provide excursions above for the kids.

'Jacob, I hope you don't mind but I did look at your books sometimes after you went away but I put them back exactly where I found them. Did you know?' he asked anxiously.

'I didn't.' Jacob's responsive smile was honest. Unlike his study notes and schoolbooks, the precious ones, left by Paracelsus, were kept in quarters on the other side of the river away from any prying eyes. There was no more time for discussion. Jacob sensed that his wife was nearby. He turned to see the cart rambling up a much better-looking driveway than the previous year, but still Cathy and Aislyn seemed to be hanging on for dear life.

…

Jacob and Cathy had enjoyed a wonderful meal before coming out to visit but that didn't stop Sabrina from preparing unique fruit and vegetable trays made from the harvest. Conversation did not lag. Riley and Aislyn who knew each other from below enjoyed a garbled conversation while Riley did a tour of the cottage. Cathy kept an eye on them. Usually, Aislyn had toys and tools for building and would sit quietly in a corner. Today she had to make do with conversation. Cathy was surprised at the ease which allowed her daughter to enjoy seeing a different world, but she drew the line at any outside exploration

Aislyn's loud 'Mama' in response to a seldom heard 'No!' was surprising. Cathy was astonished to see her daughter approach, hands on hips ready to do battle. A half smile tilted the corner of Cathy's mouth. She recognized the beginnings of the well known 'terrible twos'. While Aislyn prattled on, out of the corner of her eye she saw Riley sidle over to Sabrina.

'Mom is she ok?'

Sabrina didn't know how to stop the tears. The two mothers were being introduced to a new reality.