MOVIE NIGHT

by Tunnel Writer

Catherine Chandler
requests the pleasure of your company
at her apartment this Friday evening at 6 o’clock for a sleepover & movie night.
Pizza, popcorn, soda, and breakfast will be furnished. Wear comfy pajamas, bring a comfortable blanket, pillow, and a favorite stuffed animal, if you wish.

Please RSVP to Vincent no later than Wednesday afternoon.

* * *

Catherine sighed as she placed the last invitation on Geoffrey’s pillow. It had been a rough couple of days trying to talk Father into giving the children this little adventure. All the parents were on Catherine’s side, and were hoping to have the evening to themselves. They had all helped argue Catherine’s case. Knowing he was greatly outnumbered, Father reluctantly agreed, but only if Brooke and Jamie went along to help.

The plan was simple. Vincent would bring all the children to the sub-basement of her apartment building, where she and Brian would be waiting. The children would be split up in groups and brought up three or four at a time. She and the three teens would all take turns bringing groups up. None of the children would be left alone. Catherine figured several smaller groups wouldn’t be as noticeable as one large group.

The teens would then watch the children while Catherine waited for the pizza delivery by the elevators on her floor. The children had been warned to stay quiet even in the apartment. In the morning, the children would leave in the same manner they arrived. Vincent would be waiting to walk them all home.

* * *

“You’re welcome to stay the night,” Catherine mentioned to Vincent before dividing the children into groups.

“Yes, I know. However, I shouldn’t. This is your evening with the children.”

“Well, you could stay for the movie at least?” she argued.

“Ah, come on, Vincent. It’ll be fun.” Zach grinned.

“I had better get back.”

“You’ve never watched a movie before either. Where’s your sense of adventure?” Jamie winked as she nudged his arm.

Vincent let out a sigh. “A movie does sound intriguing.”

“So you’ll come?” Samantha asked excitedly.

Vincent looked at all the hopeful faces. “Yes, I’ll come.”

* * *

All the children had found a spot on the floor to spread their blankets down. They were all munching on pizza when Catherine put the VHS tape into the player. As it played, Samantha read out loud the words on the screen.

For nearly forty years this story has given faithful service to the Young in Heart; and Time has been powerless to put its kindly philosophy out of fashion. To those of you who have been faithful to it in return …and to the Young in Heart …we dedicate this picture.

All the children were spellbound.

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true…

Vincent felt a nudge on his arm. He turned to look at Catherine, who nodded toward Jamie. He noticed the girl with her head on Brian’s shoulder and holding his hand.

“Since when?” Catherine whispered as low as she could.

“Since last Winterfest,” Vincent whispered back.

“Who would’ve thought it?” She chuckled.

* * *

Oh, Auntie Em, there’s no place like home!

By the time this line was said, no one was awake to hear it.

______________

Song: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Performed by: Judy Garland
Written by: Harold Arlen
Lyrics by: Yip Harburg