Hi Folks! Here is Chapter 3 and it is time for C & V's 30th Wedding Anniversary Party. Everyone wonders if Caroline will make it. If she does, will it be peaceful? Let's see who else manages to come to the party. Please R & R if moved. I tried to stick to one idea as much as I could for this chapter yet give a glimpse of those who were in C& V's world. Hopefully you enjoy this! Love - Carebearmaxi.

A Wonderful Real Dream

Chapter 3 - The Party

It was drawing nearer to the time that Caroline would have to leave for her parents' anniversary party. She looked at the clock on her desk in her dorm room and just kept thinking that she was not going. Then she would waver back and think how disappointed her father would be. She had not seen him since she left in September. They kept in touch by way of Helpers who could get messages to him. Caroline knew her father would never want to use an iPhone with all its conveniences of texting and calling. She knew her mother possessed one and had made sure that her children had them when they went Above, but they were not used on a regular basis by anyone.

"Hey, don't you have to leave soon for your parents?" Caroline's boyfriend, Ethan, said.

"Yes," Caroline said not turning to look at Ethan who lay on her bed. "Don't you need to study for that science class?

"I did. That's why I came over here. I know you're going to ace that exam tomorrow, and I already studied; so, I thought we could find something else to do."

"Ethan…"

"I know. Since I got here, though, all you've done is sit at that table and pretend to read that book. You haven't paid attention to me at all," Ethan complained and made a pouty face.

Caroline finally turned around and spotted Ethan's face. Her smile reached her eyes and she fell into his arms on the bed. She began to kiss him as well. Finally capturing his lips in sweet kisses that Caroline felt to her toes.

"I'm sorry. I'm torn. I want to go home to see my dad and my brother not necessarily to revel in Catherine and Vincent!"

Ethan looked at his girlfriend with hooded eyes. Ethan was a tall thin young man the same age as Caroline. He had dark wavy hair and blue eyes and along aquiline nose. He had met Caroline Wells two years ago at freshman orientation. Then he had met her mother, Catherine and one older brother, Jacob, who was a professor at the college. Though Caroline had never extended an invitation to her home, Ethan always wondered why Caroline's father and two of her four siblings were kept well-guarded. When asked, Caroline hedged and told him that "it was complicated." His curiosity was still peaked.

"I wish, somehow, you could come with me, but that would take too long."

"What do you mean? I could jump on the subway with you and accompany you."

Caroline stroked Ethan's long jaw. "No, you don't understand. It is way more complicated if I wanted to bring you to meet my parents."

Ethan sighed heavily and clasping her hand as they lay on the bed together said, "Can't you tell me why?"

Caroline looked away in decision.

The Great Hall was lit like it was Winterfest. Banners hung, musicians playing including the eldest grandchild of Catherine and Vincent. Catherine and Vincent had known how hard Tessa had been practicing the violin solo for he and Catherine's dance later in the party plus learning her other music and schoolwork as well. Most Tunnel children were taught Below and only later when they were ready for their college boards did they have access to schooling Above. So far in the many, many years of teaching orphaned or parented children, the Tunnels success of those same children continuing on to college far outweighed those who did not.

Catherine wore her favorite party dress of pale blue gathered in the middle of her bust with a blue rosette. Catherine was reunited with the original crystal that Vincent gave her on their first anniversary together. It had been lost after Catherine had been kidnapped. Vincent had found it in her apartment having taken her there after finding her on that cold rooftop on the night of Jacob's birth all those years ago which to Catherine seemed a different lifetime.

Vincent was dressed in his most regal outfit and Catherine's favorite. His ruffled shirt with his leather vest belted at his waist and his long thigh high boots which were showing more wear and tear every time he wore them. Vincent's legs were encased in dark green corduroy pants. He still carried the pouch with the ivory rose tucked in it which was Catherine's first anniversary gift to Vincent.

Both entered the hall to applause and their favorite music being played by the children's orchestra. As they took their seats at their table, many of their friends came to wish them well. Their children and grandchildren were to sit around them. Mary-Margaret, of course, as hostess/mistress of ceremonies, commanded a performance all her own. She kept her parents informed of each event whether it was a part of the meal or a performance or a speech.

The children's orchestra took a break from performing so they could eat before the next round of playing. The next movement of the orchestra was for Catherine and Vincent's celebration waltz.

Vincent and Catherine looked around and counted their children as they saw them. They were all mingling with their friends of whom they may not have seen for quite some time.

"Jacob is here, but who's that young woman who's holding his arm?" Catherine asked puzzled.

"Jonathan is over there," Vincent pointed as he watched his second son speak animatedly with one of his old friends.

"Well, we know where Mary is and her husband and our grandkids," Catherine joked as she pointed to Mary flitting around the room, Mark her husband carrying the youngest child, Edward Mark to calm him it seemed while Tessa and Melanie had settled and were eating.

"There's V.J.," Vincent said as his youngest son and replica took up residence at the door as host and keeper of the gate.

"Where's Caroline?" Catherine asked. "I don't see her."

"Wow, I didn't think I would make it. That's the last time I let one of my girls drive from upstate New York," complained a visitor sneaking in behind Catherine and Vincent.

"Devin!" Catherine and Vincent exclaimed simultaneously.

Vincent stood up and hugged his older brother fiercely. Catherine stood up as well hugging him and giving him a kiss on the cheek."

"Did Jenny get here yet?" Devin asked.

"Jenny's coming?" Catherine asked in surprise thinking her oldest friend was probably away on one of her excursions.

"Yes, of course, she's coming, Chandler," Devin said using his old nickname for her. "I called her myself. I think you should know that I've introduced her to her current boyfriend."

"She's not bringing him here, is she? She knows the rules."

"Chandler, relax. No, Jenny guards this place better than any Helper I know of."

Catherine grinned and held Devin's hand. He had been the main proponent in Jenny being accepted as a Helper when Catherine returned.

Still looking around at two of her nieces and her nephew, she asked Devin, "You don't know if Caroline has talked to her cousins and confirmed whether she's coming today or not? V.J. saw her earlier, but she didn't promise anything."

"Still acting the rebel is she? I know what's that like," Devin said looking away in the distance as the old memory of why he fled the Tunnels more than once popped into his brain.

"Yes. She is determined to make her own path without our guidance," Vincent said. "She's always been like that." Vincent lowered his eyes thinking of his youngest daughter.

Catherine felt Vincent's pain and put her arm around his waist and soothed the pain away stroking his back. Vincent felt everything through their bond and wrapped his arm around his wife and pulled her close. He smiled down to her as she looked up.

"That's what I'm talking about," Devin said loudly. "A little conjugal affection."

"Where's Angela?" Catherine asked wondering where her sister-in-law was.

"She's coming a bit later with our Heather Marie. Both were on duty at the hospital until earlier, they'll be here. I know Angela wouldn't miss this for the world."

"Yo, Radcliffe, when do we eat?" Joe Maxwell said as he approached the celebrated couple.

"Hi Joe. I'm surprised I have to tell you. You know who's in charge," Catherine asked as she pointed to Mary-Margaret organizing the first course onto the buffet table. "I'm not sure if she thought of everything, but she normally does. Go check."

"Happy Anniversary, you two," Joe said as he turned. "Nice to see you Devin."

"Great to see you, Joe. You haven't changed much."

"Yeah, I have. That's for another time, though," Joe said running his hand through his thinning salt and pepper curls. "Well, I'm off to the eats." Joe left them and called Mary's name.

"Looks like he didn't bring his children or Diana," Vincent mused looking around.

"I'm sure they'll come," Catherine comforted patting his arm as the resumed their seats.

At the door, Mary approached her brother and said, "No sign of Caroline yet?"

V.J. shook his head and looked down at his older sister. Mary-Margaret, though shorter than her younger brother, was still taller than their mother.

"Haven't got a word from her either. She only told me she would try but wouldn't promise."

Mary held her arms across her body and paced back and forth in disgust. "Oh, that child drives me bonkers!"

V.J. laughed at his older sister and said, "I know she'll come. She just might come a little late. Mom and Dad are worried, aren't they?"

"No, I don't think so. Look over at dad, though, he keeps searching for her," Mary said as she pointed in their father's direction.

"Did you say that Jacob brought Taylor? He didn't come to me and introduce her to me or mom and dad," Mary asked.

"He didn't mention anything to me. He probably talked to Jonathan before he brought her here unless that dark haired young woman isn't her?" V.J. asked raising his shoulders with a question.

"I don't know either," Mary confirmed.

Finally, they saw a shadow carrying a flashlight coming hurriedly down the stony steps. Her heels clacked on the hard surface. Mary and V.J. called to the figure.

"Caroline?"

"Yes, it's me!" Caroline shouted to her brother and sister as she stumbled the few feet to the Great Hall door where V.J. caught her.

"Careful, there, sis," V.J. said helping her to an erect position.

"Hi Mary-Margaret," Caroline said stepping forward and hugging her tight.

"You're late," Mary-Margaret admonished while she squeezed her little sister.

"I know, but didn't you tell them V.J. that I wasn't making any promises that I was coming in the first place?" Caroline admonished her twin.

"Of course, I did, but…I knew you would be here," V.J. said and smiled leaning on the big wooden door.

"Let's get in there before the wind blows all the candles out," Mary said as she ushered her younger siblings into the big room

Dinner was being served as Caroline walked up to her parents at the head of the family table. She looked and said hello to everyone as she went up there. She was surprised to see her Uncle Devin and Aunt Angela with all her cousins in tow. Uncle Joe, Aunt Diana, and their two kids (one by Uncle Joe's previous marriage to Gina Barrett) were also present. She waved and promised everyone she would speak later.

As she approached her parents, Vincent rose to his full height to confront his errant daughter with a big hug. Caroline loved her dad's hugs. She always felt safe and secure. After kissing the top of her head and saying a few words with promises to talk later, Caroline moved onto Catherine.

Catherine wiped her mouth on her napkin and put a hand up to her daughter and smiled.

"I'm so glad you came, baby. You have made us very happy."

"Thanks, mom," Caroline said as she bent down and gave her mom a kiss on the cheek.

Caroline went back to her assigned seat next to her brother Jonathan and her cousin, Miranda with whom she always had a good rapport. Miranda and their relationship was one of the reasons why she wanted to move to the other side of the Wells family.

Jonathan and Miranda were still in heavy conversation discussing some social issue from both viewpoints Above and Below. As Jonathan was once a denizen of the Tunnel world and is now a member of Above society, he really did not stop speaking until Miranda cleared her throat and threw her eyes to light on his youngest sister.

"Caroline! So nice you decided to honor us with your presence! I thought dad was going to convulse if you didn't show up," Dr. Jonathan Wells reported to his sister as they looked at one another.

"Jonathan, Caroline is a grown woman. She is bound to have a lot on her plate with school and her boyfriend, Ethan. You know?" Miranda defended.

Caroline rolled her eyeballs. She appreciated the defense from Miranda, but she and Jonathan always have this topical argument whenever Caroline was around. From birth she and Jonathan always rubbed each other the wrong way. No one was really ever certain why. Most times they both would put a good front on it because if Catherine and Vincent realized that not all their five children got along there would be hell to pay.

"So, Jonathan, living La Vida Loca? Caroline asked being purposefully sarcastic.

Jonathan took a bit of his meal into his mouth and grimaced at his sister narrowing his blue eyes not appreciative of her sarcasm.

"Funny," Jonathan bitingly responded.

They agreed to eat in peace. If Jonathan felt like being conciliatory he would give his younger sister a hug and a ride in his new car back to campus.

"I assume by this little exchange that Ethan knows nothing about your family? You've been with him for what? Two years?"

Caroline nodded as she chewed her food thoughtfully.

When she was finished, she put down her fork, wiped her mouth, and started to spew.

"How do I explain them to him? He's about as far away from the Tunnels socially as anyone I ever knew! If he meets dad, V.J. or Mary what do you think Ethan would do?" Caroline shook her head and then left the table.

"Jonathan, why did you get her started? You know how sensitive she is about where she was raised!" Miranda berated her beloved cousin.

Jonathan just shoveled another piece of meat in his mouth and looking skyward stated: "Women!"

After dinner and before his parents' Waltz, Jacob and almost fiancée, Taylor approached his parents. He had prepared her for the unusual look to his two siblings and his father only the day before. He thought that Taylor would be frightened as so many people are when they see Vincent, but instead she swallowed hard and held the picture in her hands as she examined him.

"So, this—man is the one responsible for your classical education?" Taylor had asked.

"I owe a lot to this man and my mother. Don't be afraid. He is a gentle soul. He very rarely gets into a temper. My mother is more of a hothead and a fierce protector."

Taylor had nodded. "I bet she is being in love with him."

"He looks like a rock star," Taylor had said. She giggled a little bit about that. "I could picture him playing an Eddie Van Halen solo with a guitar slung low on his hips.

Jacob looked at her at first appalled and then knowing that his father would have found that image amusing laughed along with her.

Then he asked her, "Taylor, I really want you to meet my parents now. I was scared at first, but seeing that you are so accepting of my family I thought you may want to come with me to my parent's 30th Wedding Anniversary celebration in two weeks?"

Taylor smiled and a tear escaped from her eye. "I would love to come meet your parents."

So, then he was off getting the proper approvals from the council without his father finding out which was a bit difficult. However, the approval came by messenger of Jenny, his mother's good friend and who was publishing his first text soon to be out late next year.

Hence, the reason they were here tonight and approaching Catherine and Vincent.

Vincent and Catherine enjoyed their meal and everyone approaching them giving them their heartfelt congratulations on 30 years together. They were both so immersed in these people who helped them and supported them on their journey together that Catherine was surprised when her son and his soon to be fiancée appeared in front of them.

"Jacob, honey," Catherine rose hugging her eldest child fiercely. Jacob came around to his father's side and Vincent did the same.

Jacob and Vincent were both the same height and the same coloring except for the eyes. Jacob's were green different from Vincent's very blue.

After being released from his father's fierce embrace, Jacob presented Taylor.

"Mom, Dad, this is Taylor Ritchie. She's the one I was telling you about and I have asked her to become my wife," Jacob said eloquently.

Catherine's eyes filled with tears because she never thought all those years ago that what seemed to be a complicated situation was actually very simple when you believed in love and faith and each other.

Vincent said with a nod. "Congratulations! That is wonderful news!" He walked around Catherine and stood before Taylor whose gaze Vincent could tell was not of fear but of fascination. Vincent looked at the girl that would become his daughter-in-law. She was very pretty and petite Vincent thought and shorter than his wife. He was afraid to embrace her in case he squeezed too hard and broke her. She had long dark hair, big blue eyes, a pert nose, and a beautiful smile.

"Dad, it's ok. You can hug her. She won't break," Jacob coaxed his dad when he spotted the uncertain look on his face.

"Oh, yes, I won't break. I'm stronger than I look," Taylor said for herself.

With that Vincent smiled and hugged his future daughter-in-law carefully welcoming her into the family.

Catherine followed next and hugged her. "Welcome to the Wells family."

When they all released each other, Taylor said, "Well, I am anxious to meet the rest of the family. Jacob has told me all about your other two children. I do know Jonathan and Caroline."

"Ok. That's my job. I'll take care of it. Congrats mom and dad," Jacob said before he departed for the other immediate family members now dispersed throughout the room.

Caroline had found her nieces Tessa and Melanie. Tessa tuning up for the solo for her grandparents' waltz and Melanie who was having a fight with her younger brother Edward Mark.

"Aunt Caroline!" Melanie exclaimed running to her and hugging her tight. Edward Mark with his finger in his mouth did the same. Caroline reach down and picked up her nephew.

"You look like you could use a break Mel," Caroline said using her nickname. "I'll just put Eddie on my hip like this. Then you can either come with me or find Uncle Jacob and your new aunt. See? Your mom and dad are with them?"

"I'll stay with you. Where are you going?"

"To talk to Grandmom and Grandpop about something."

"I'll go with you. Tessie's too busy playing the violin," Melanie complained and then taking Caroline's free hand accompanied her aunt to see her grandparents.

Aunt Jenny (as she was known to the Wells' children) was in heated conversation with her mother and Uncle Devin.

"…so, we left Acapulco and came here on the fastest track possible. You never told me that Darius had his own plane and was a pilot," Jenny recounted to her friends.

"I knew you guys would hit it off," Devin acknowledged.

"I hope this means you might give marriage another try," Catherine said.

Jenny rolled her eyes. Then she smiled. "Well, they do say that the third time is the charm. Not many people are as lucky as you are Cathy."

Catherine smiled and averted her eyes then looked over at her husband who was talking to Mouse about something that he and Jamie's son invented. Oh boy! That can't be good! Catherine thought.

"Caroline!" Jenny greeted her pseudo niece. "I know these are Mary's children. Are you practicing or something?"

"No way. I'm not ready for that yet," Caroline protested all the while Jenny was playing with Edward Mark trying to get him to laugh.

"Say these two wanted to say hello to their grandparents and then I need to speak to you and dad, if it's ok?"

Catherine took her grandson from her daughter's arms and then bent down to talk to her granddaughter.

"Listen, I haven't talked to anyone here yet. How about I take these guys off your hands," Jenny said setting Edward Mark on his feet and holding one hand and Melanie's in the other. "I'll just go find Mary and Mark Bruce and say hello."

"Thanks, Aunt Jenny," Caroline said. She knew that Jenny couldn't keep her hands off her niece and nephew. Jenny's own daughter and grandchildren lived in California and she rarely saw them.

"Let us go get your father," Catherine said examining Caroline. Sometimes, to Catherine, it was like looking in a mirror many years ago.

"Vincent?" Catherine said standing next to their daughter.

"How nice to see you, Caroline," Vincent said hugging her one more time. He really missed her because she always stayed away the longest. To Vincent, she reminded him of Devin's spirit always on the move.

"It's good to see you, daddy," Caroline said trying to squeeze her dad as hard as he was hugging her. "I need to talk to you about something and I'm not sure when I will be back in the Tunnels to see you."

Just then, Mary-Margaret decided it was the best time for Catherine and Vincent to have their celebration waltz.

Quietly, Caroline found her way to the door of the Great Hall and slipped out.