tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30669014804163235502024-02-20T20:23:41.458-08:00RedNightBird's Tunnel World - Beauty and the BeastRedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-58602586215967516362013-08-04T17:56:00.002-07:002013-08-04T18:03:02.911-07:00The Uncertain Essence of Romance - Chapter 2 - "If you are irritated by every rub" <!--[if !mso]>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is a
continuation of CHAGRIN IN THE HILLS (Pt. 1/WFOL 2013 & Pt. 2/2013 Conzine)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">THE UNCERTAIN ESSENCE OF ROMANCE</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>CHAPTER 2 - "If you are irritated by every rub"</b> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_j23N88Oos/Ufc67mdGVqI/AAAAAAAABVM/Yg-zXCbabwk/s1600/the+uncertain+essence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_j23N88Oos/Ufc67mdGVqI/AAAAAAAABVM/Yg-zXCbabwk/s320/the+uncertain+essence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;">
</span></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;"></span></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“The very essence of romance is
uncertainty.”</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">― Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being
Earnest and Other Plays</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jacob Wells sat across from Peter
Alcott. Mary watched the uneasy play of troubled expressions between them. The
tension in Jacob’s brow seemed to dial back Peter’s general hint of a smile.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peter neutrally asked, “How old
is Vincent?” as he ran a finger around the rim of his tea cup, his other hand
ready to cover any uncontrollable grin.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Peter, that is not the issue, my
son loses all reason when he is too deeply embroiled in his latest diversion.”
Jacob’s consternation furrowed deeper wrinkles across his forehead.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Each of them sipped at their cup,
Jacob seeking reason as Peter sought grander eloquence. “Vincent will use all
discretion while he is in hiding. Imagine how it is for him to find Catherine
alive.” His words were rewarded with Jacob’s oddest expression.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“You think I’m speaking of
Vincent?” Jacob’s hands flew into the air and landed on the arms of his chair.
The slap caused Mary’s head to rise from her crocheting, realizing Jacob had not
let go of the subject she grimaced slightly, pushed her glasses up her nose and
returned to her craft. She understood his overwrought tone.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I mean Devin; essentially he
plays dangerous games with people as if they were pieces on a chess board.”
Jacob wiped at his mouth and continued on to stroke his beard, all the while shaking
his head slowly, “He has all the aplomb of Peter Pan without being the hero.”</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peter reiterated from an earlier
discussion. “His phone call to me mentioned finding Catherine and bringing her
to Vincent, that reunion alone is quite heroic I would say.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jacob’s eyes narrow, “And what
condition was she in after God knows what happened to hWhat yarn did she spin to reclaim Vincent’s
attentions? You know the condition Vincent was in for months after he believed
she was dead?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mary and Peter shared a long look
at Jacob, remembering the “speed grieving’ he had enforced on Vincent. She
spoke up softly, “Jacob, dear, may we reserve all of this until we hear from
Vincent? I am certain he is expecting something of a hullaballoo when he
returns, especially with Catherine.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jacob’s lips pursed stubbornly,
his eyes darting to Peter and back to Mary, “How are we to deal with that? Is
it even safe for her to return to New York?’ </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peter’s life above had quieted
since his best friend’s daughter had died. He had retired from his practice and
begun an arm chair investigation into the medical circumstances that had leaked
from the case. These startling facts had only been discussed with Vincent and
at that they were discussed in the privacy of Peter’s library. Peter had previously
never withheld things from Jacob, yet these facts were kept from the Tunnel
patriarch.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peter tried to speak with an air
of detachment, “It was discovered that Gabriel’s organization had shifted after
Vincent’s scourging of the drug house. He was superstitious and he divested
that arm of business to a cousin in Chile.” Although his knowledge betrayed him
and Father honed in on Peter’s expression.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Peter, you know why we do not
play cards. You have a terrible poker-face. What do you know about this said
organization?” Father now leaned out of his chair as if he could bodily
threaten Peter. Eyes locked in silent challenge then Peter spoke up.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Mary, could you be so kind, I
hadn’t had dessert tonight and I am craving one of those Chocolate muffins.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Putting her crocheting down into
the basket beside her chair her mouth twisted. The muffins had been eaten;
she’d have to pop some of the batter into the oven, with that request she
understood their need to be alone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“How long do you need to chat? I
can be back in 30 to 45 minutes.” Now her arms were diffidently folder over her
chest, understanding the true request.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">‘I apologize for Peter my dear.
We do need every bit of those 45 minutes.” Jacobs’ lips puckered in a bit of a
kiss and Mary stepped to place another one of his furrowed brow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“You won’t start World War 3?”
She smiled and asked over her shoulder as she left, drawing the curtain closed
behind her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Their words flew back and forth
in rapid drill. Peter divulged succinct answers to Jacob’s rapid fire demands.
All in all Peter danced through Jacob’s propriety, leaning heavily on his
familiarity with current medical protocols. Their words flew as daggers at one
point, pausing only for Jacob to blanch at Peter’s mention of "Manners
maketh man". </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peter rose to lean across the
table, pressing two adamant fingers into the stack of Jacob’s assorted papers
he emphasized, “It took more than days to build this place, your refuge. The
walls you put up went both ways, Jacob. Vincent has tread so many of these
tunnels in fear of crossing not only the dangers above, but you – here.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jacob’s head snapped up, their
eyes riveted in heat, “We’ve all paid dearly for the safety here, and perhaps
Vincent has paid the most because of his nature. HOWEVER, his involvement with Catherine,
from that very first night has done more to lay mines for all of us.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Jacob, I’ve lost a piece of my
belief in you and what you’ve done here. If there ever was a lost soul who
needed refuge it was Cathy Chandler. As well as Charles did for her, he was one
sad man. How can a man raise a daughter alone? You saw both Vincent and
Catherine flourish in their love.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jacob’s lips straightened,
believing there was nothing left for him to do, yet he cocked an eyebrow as if
to challenge Peter, “And I saw her blessing become Vincent’s curse.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Curse? A Curse?” Now Peter drew
up to his full height, his arms folded across his slim chest. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jacob’s jaw dropped as he
recollected the points Peter had placed before him, “Whatever devious science
and medicine Gabriel’s people sought to inflict using Vincent and Catherine,
why did they think it would succeed?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peter stepped to the cardboard
box containing his collection and riffled for the final piece of evidence,
“Because Gabriel’s people used medical research from The Crittenden
Foundation.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The sight of Vincent’s back, his
head hung low between his shoulders struck a dissident chord in Catherine’s
memories. They had not come this far to fall away from each other. Catherine
rose silently and padded to stand behind Vincent. If only she could hit ‘Erase’
and be done with ‘this’, move to the next conversation- - - their love and
their lives ahead. Afraid to embrace his waist, she rested her cheek in the
center of his broad back and placed her hands gently over his furred hands.
“Vincent, it is ALL over, we’re safe. I can’t day it enough, please, face me,
talk with me?” She felt him inhale deeply and he shuffled from foot to foot.
Catherine recognized she had him trapped and she backed away, resting her
backside on the breakfast table. Gradually Vincent pivoted and raked his
fingers through the mass of hair concealing his face, he found himself a bit
too close and he leaned against the counter, one knee bent, one bare foot
resting on top of the other, his arms spread along the counter.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“What about me, Vincent? What about my
dreams?” She moved unsteadily and relit the burner under the tea kettle.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent’s words were measured and
careful, “Now that you’ve recovered your memories you should be living in the
light of your friends’ smiles. Imagine their joy at your return! You <u>are</u>
returning to New York aren’t you?” He had caught some of her conversations
while undressing for his bath.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With her back to him she pressed
her palms into the cool granite counter-tops, feeling some phantom strength to
crush the stone counter. “Since I recovered my memories of us I thought my
return would bring you the most joy, Vincent. Were my dreams hollow dreams?”
She worried her bottom lip, fighting back tears.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I would be a liar if I said I wasn’t
ecstatic at our reunion - - -.” His sentence’s end hung precariously in a
thought he feared to express.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine turned to face him, her
hands still grasping for the counter for balance. “I feel there’s a codicil
waiting to be initialed, I mean, who’s the lawyer here?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The room’s air tingled and
crackled with emotional electricity, “A dreamer is one with no regard for the
harsh light of reality and my reality is what I am.” His hands rose as if they
were a monstrous truth. At the kettle’s whistle she prepared the fresh pot of
tea mechanically. Her brain was on overdrive trying to recollect if she’d ever
won an argument about their relationship with Vincent. Returning to the table
he accepted the pot and covered it with the needlepoint Raccoon tea cozy, he
directed a clawed finger toward it, in a lighter toned voice he queried, “Did
you remember Mouse and Arthur?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She flushed, “I remembered
Arthur, I couldn’t remember Mouse’s name.” Catherine’s elbows went on the table
to cover her face for thought, to hide her reddening eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Catherine, I feel fragments of
your emotions, they began to re-emerge while I was soaking in your tub.” His
voice was a near whisper, “The tipping point of our love tells me approaching our
unbridled desire we’ll surely approach a tragedy-in-the-making."</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pushing aside all thoughts of
‘them’, Catherine had to ask. “Have you lived these past years without any
attraction to anyone?” Catherine sensed she knew the answer; there hadn’t been anyone
for her in that time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">His head rose to tilt
thoughtfully, “You could say I wore my grief visibly. There were those who
attempted to cheer me, yet even Lena did not approach me.” Catherine’s hand
wiped at her face trying to recall ‘Lena’, and at the spark of the memory of
her ‘offers’ to Vincent she grimaced painfully.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent toyed with his tea cup,
“You’re reliving her visit to my bed, no doubt?” Catherine lifted the pot to
pour his cup as Vincent continued, “I’d be a liar if I didn’t confess in these
past few months I was painfully close if it had been you, Catherine.” At his
words her hand shook and tea spilled in jagged splotches on the table. Vincent
rose for a sponge or towel as she placed the pot carefully on the quilted
matte. He felt her hot gaze on his back as he turned to remedy the spill. Eyes
to eyes the air whirred with a new vigor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“This makes no sense, Vincent! On
one hand you fancy my coming to your bed, yet want me to live Above? Have
things changed Below that they tolerate affairs between unmarried people?” He
saw this coming and he raised his eyes to the ceiling for an answer. Thwarted
for words she was prompted by his silence. “Have you fast-tracked into the
world above to the degree that you would want me as a dirty secret, not sharing
our relationship to your family and our friends?” Her tears flowed at that
inference. And he reached across the table to hold her hands but he had to ask
for them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Please, Catherine, let me
explain my reticence to manacle you to the darkness.” Their fingers threaded
and their hands held fast.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine tremulously licked at
the tiny tear on her lip, “I know in my heart when I was taken away we were no
closer to cracking that hard crust of our dilemma. But, Vincent, in my bed in
my dreams I savored our life together and it was more than just finding the
pleasures of each other every night in bed. It was waking up each morning to
start the day together.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent’s mind hungered to hear the
depth and breadth of her fantasies; he nodded and rose to join her on the other
side of the table. Drawing her onto his lap his clawed fingers combed back her
hair to see her glistening eyes roam over his face.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“My love, I spent months in a miserable
state of mind desiring few people’s company and fearing losing you. When I held
you dying I had told myself if given the chance I would be different.” Vincent
rocked her softly, one arm around her shoulder and one under her knees. “Now
being given the second chance I appall myself that I’m wearing out the same
fears.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As the moon ruled the tides,
Vincent recognized his connection to Catherine was growing with each swallow of
air. The only palpable sound was his breath driving the rise and fall of his
broad chest as he placed a sweet kiss on her forehead and she melted closer to
him. She felt the strong beat of his heart through the thick fleece. Pushing
through her fear for him her tentative finger traced the ‘v’ of his open
hoodie; they seemed to gather closer to each other in breathy silence. Bringing
one cautious hand up toward her face he leaned back a bit, his fingers continually
combing her lustrous hair just to feel the silk between his fingers. He felt
the warmth of her pensive, sea-green eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">His breath fell hot on her face,
“Oh, Catherine, I <u>have</u> loved you in my heart.” Yet his eyes were dark,
brooding about something untold.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In a whispered sigh Catherine
implored, “Show me how, Vincent.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">TBC</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-23498373561821169252013-07-29T21:07:00.000-07:002013-07-29T21:09:29.228-07:00The Uncertain Essence of Romance<!--[if !mso]>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is a
continuation of CHAGRIN IN THE HILLS (Pt. 1/WFOL 2013 & Pt. 2/2013 Conzine)</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;">The uncertain essence of romance</span></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_j23N88Oos/Ufc67mdGVqI/AAAAAAAABVI/_SVLb2zTYJQ/s1600/the+uncertain+essence.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_j23N88Oos/Ufc67mdGVqI/AAAAAAAABVI/_SVLb2zTYJQ/s320/the+uncertain+essence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;">
</span></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;"></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“The very essence of romance is
uncertainty.”</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">― Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being
Earnest and Other Plays</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As Devin spun his tale this
rediscovered Catherine Chandler followed his request to drive them to the
Brewery parking lot, “So I was in the Keys leading fishing charters when I
heard about the band getting back together and I took Vincent up to see the
motor home, poor guy got stuck in the back bedroom and I couldn’t get him out.”
The exchanged looks, Catherine’s was incredulity, Devin’s was feigned innocence
then he continued. “Vincent is in the motor home parked outside your office,
has been for a couple of days.” If Devin had hoped this news to calm her it
hadn’t. She shook at the thought of not remembering him and how it might affect
Vincent. She couldn’t bear to break his heart a second time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Nervously she turned her car into
the parking lot alongside the motor home with the crazy paint job. “Do you want
me to go in first, to let him know you’re alive?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“No, Devin, just take me in with
you – it’s best he hears it from me.” She dabbed at the runny mascara and
smoothed her hair. Pocketing the car keys she followed Devin to the door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Devin slammed his palm on the
door twice,“Hey, Vincent, you decent?” Devin stuck the key in the lock and
opened the door, to find Vincent bleary eyed with three empty beer bottles in
front of him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent’s chin balanced in the palm
of his hand, his elbow on the table, his eyelids fluttering at Devin’s words.
“One must think like a hero to behave like a merely decent human being.” [1]</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Not understanding exactly what
Vincent meant Devin stepped into the motor home. “I brought someone by to see
you; she’s missed you for a while.” Devin watched Catherine outside the
motorhome as he speculated how this reunion would go. Devin curiously watched
her reactions to Vincent’s voice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“All days are nights to see till
I see thee, and night’s bright days when dreams do show thee to me.” [2]</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“OK, Vincent.” Momentarily
frustrated Devin raised a palm to stop her for a moment then he stepped up to
gather up the beer bottles and fish dinner wrappers from the dinette. Scurrying
to straighten up his brother he caught Vincent’s broad shoulders to give him a
good shake, “Are you up to receiving a guest, bro?” Vincent put one furred hand
over the other as he straightened up and exaggeratedly ran his tongue over his
parched lips. Devin quickly caught the hoppy scent of his beer breath and
uncapped a bottle of water, “Drink this!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent accepted the bottle only
to rattle off “Drink to me only with thine eyes, and I will pledge with
mine.”[3]</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once the bottle was drained,
Devin discarded it and returned to the half opened door to ask worriedly, “Are
you ready for this, Catherine?” She cautiously nodded as she stepped up into
the motor home, her heart singing. Devin stepped behind her as Vincent stood to
receive his ‘guest’. There was no staring at his singular appearance; instead
she experienced profound warmth as it rose from her toes to the roots of her
hair. He stood, feet planted wide for balance, his strong arms folded over his
broad chest. His golden hair, although unkempt seemed to glow from the lights
behind him. His stature dwarfed the motor home ceiling and he stood with that
darling tilt to his head. Time apart evaporated as every moment of their life
together collided in Catherine’s heart. She bolted toward him, throwing her
arms around his waist, burying her nose in the suede of his vest. His scent
carried experiences too numerous for her mind to recollect. Their sighs melded
until words could form. “Oh, Vincent, we’re together again.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“My dear, dear, Catherine, “As
soon as his hands touched the warm flesh of her forearms he knew she was no
apparition. This was indeed his Catherine. They embraced both crying at the revelation.
Devin felt like an intruder as he watched his brother embrace ‘his’ Catherine
and tenderly kiss the top of her head. He silently made his way out, locking
the door behind him to sit in her car.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I felt you die in my arms”
Vincent repeatedly kissed her forehead as he accepted her kisses on his bared
throat.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine shook her head
actively, “It was the drugs, when they went to do the autopsy they found my
heartbeat.” They drew back to see each other a few years older yet no worse for
wear. Shocked back to sobriety he gathered her back to where they could sit
together, they sat back against the bed’s headboard as they began to impart
their separate stories.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Devin watched headlights scan the
parking lot. He cautiously regarded the dim light leaking from behind the
blinds and drapes of the motor home. He heard a car door open and an irate Joe
Maxwell closing in on Catherine’s car. Devin was stuck; even lowering the seat
there was nowhere to hide. Opening the door would only alert Joe to his
location. Better that than to have Joe storm the motorhome. Devin left the car
to face Joe.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As he stalked toward Catherine’s
car Joe’s acerbic wit kicked in, “So is it DERVISH or Jeff Radler?” Joe’s posture stood ready for a good old
fashion rumble. Diffusing the fight with a shrug and grin Devin led him further
from Catherine’s car and the motorhome. The
smart ass Devin replied, “Sort of neither, Joe. I mean I could be Dervish if
the money’s right. However I was born Devin Wells, been Devin Wells for a few
years now.” He tried his best innocent look.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Whoever you are, where did you
take Catherine?” Joe stood, fists at his waist, feet spread for that fight.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I took her to see a friend; my
brother thought she was dead, so I’d appreciate if you’d give them a chance to
reconnect.” Devin immediately questioned what he had just said to Joe in his
uber-protective mode.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Joe immediately challenged Devin,
“Your brother? Is <u>he</u> the elusive Vincent?” At Devin’s nod Joe meant to
step around Devin, who threw an arm up, blocking Joe from moving closer to the
motorhome.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Let’s give them a chance to
talk, OK? She’s fine, he’s fine, let’s you and me be cool about this, OK?” Joe
reconsidered what Catherine’s happiness meant and he halted midstep.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Looking over Devin’s shoulder
toward the motorhome for reassurance Joe demanded, “You swear she’s OK?” </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Devin nodded “Totally, the safest
she’s been in years”, then threw an amiable arm around Joe’s shoulder and
asked, “Have you ever partied with a rock band?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When Joe heard no wailing or
arguing from the motorhome he and Devin climbed back into his car for the
lakeside arena leaving Vincent and Catherine finally alone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“You’ve got some nerve, Wells.
Wells….Wells? Have you got a relative named Jacob Wells?” Joe settled into the
seatbelt and held off starting the car.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Devin smirked back at Joe as he
made himself comfy in the passenger seat, “Crusty, sometimes imperious, you
know him?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Yeah, long time ago, another one
of Cathy’s odd cases. Something about your family always gets her caught in a
wringer.” Joe threw the car into gear and goosed the accelerator.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Kismet? Didn’t you wonder how
she solved cases, who her contacts were on the street?” Devin watched Joe’s
face in profile. He caught Joe’s jaw harden as he drew the car over to the
curb. Devin took offense at the abrupt stop and leaned over the console, “What
are you planning? Bring Chandler back to NY and throw her up on charges? Have
her disbarred?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now Joe was chin to chin with
Devin, he caught the scent of ‘Rockstar’ sweat and weed and beer and sat back.
He was still thinking like ‘Joe Maxwell, DA’, a job he hadn’t wanted and no
longer had. Joe softened back to his side of the car. ‘No, Devin. I owe Cathy
everything. Her ‘death’ brought down untold duplicity in New York.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There was a beat of silence while
they gave each other hard looks. “Her blood bought me a chance at bringing
justice to the city and once she wasn’t there the fight didn’t hold any value
for me.” Joe’s voice relaxed, “I bought a place on the island, went into the
B&B industry with my Mom.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Devin sat gobsmacked. Joe had
left his career and New York? He was speechless, as if there was no one to
fight.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Anything she did was history and
as much as I want to know I’ll have to wait until she tells me herself. She
always kept secrets.” There the edge was back in his voice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Devin’s voice hovered over a
whisper, “She kept my brother’s secrets.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Joe’s hands tightened on the
steering wheel as he checked the rear view mirror. He pulled into the empty
road rolling Devin’s words in his heart. “Then I’ll wait. I’ll stay her friend,
I’ll be there for her and I’ll wait.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Devin drew his hand over his
face, as if to wash away his expression, “Joe, that’s the smartest thing you
could do.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They made small talk about their
lives since Catherine had ‘died’, Joe recounted her visiting the Island and
their long conversations about her love’s face whom Catherine could not
‘place’. Forging a new rapport through discussing Catherine they soon arrived
at the venue.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pulling past the guards at
Devin’s wave Joe parked and ruminated a second, “Serious about this party offer?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Devin tossed back his head and
let out a naughty chuckle, “How else am I going to tell whether you’ve got the
stuff to hang with my family?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I gotta make a phone call first.” Joe dug in his pocket as
he exited car and scoured the area for a pay phone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Their love was more than a
memory. Across time their love knew no boundaries, it would know no end.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Face to face in the near darkness,
Catherine scrambled to let the moon shine on the planes and curves of Vincent’s
noble face. Her hands framed his jaw as her thumbs verified the fine golden
hairs that she began to recall so fondly. Wanting to draw closer to him she
crawled in his lap, a knee on either side of his hips.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catching a deep breath Vincent
moaned, “Catherine, you’ll be my undoing.” He drew her back from his hips in
the guise wanting to see her face, her breasts heaving under her silk shirt and
her trim waist caught in a butter soft belt.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Take me home, Vincent, where we
can be each other’s undoing.” Her soft, desirable lips’ kisses found the tip of
his nose and her tongue sought that delicate pink flesh in the split of his
upper lip. The union of their lips strummed a thunderous chord in each of them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine proposed, “Perhaps we
can talk Devin into driving us home to New York?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent looked askance, ‘While we’re
in this room for hours alone?” he stretched out his legs and welcomed her
weight over him as he reclined back, “Let me simply hold you for a while, let
me adore you within my arms” His words were the right words save for his rather
dubious tone of voice at being in a room for 9 hours with basically nothing but
Catherine and a bed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine sat up, straddling his
waist and rested her palms on his chest. “Before we leave, I wish you could see
my home. I need to gather a few things, I have a small woods behind the home I
want you to see it.” Catherine regarded their surroundings, as she caught a
whiff of the scent of ‘captive’ Vincent. “How many days have you been cooped up
here?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“It’s been awhile.” He
reluctantly lifted her blessed weight off of him to find a paper and pencil.
“Let me leave Devin a note.” Looking out at her sedan he suggested, “I can ride
in your trunk.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine playfully swatted at
him, “You will not! The whole city is here at this concert, practically. If you
want to lie in the back seat I’d understand, but not the trunk!” She wrote out
her phone number and address and stuck it in the frame of the mirror. “I’ll
start the car and turn off the overhead lights, OK?” She could barely let go of
his warm hands, yet she wanted to leave the cramped motorhome and take him with
her. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As Catherine wound through the
streets toward Moreland Hills she drove past locations that reminded her of New
York and their past – she drove past a symphony hall and thought of cuddling
under the park’s band shell. With each of these reminiscences she realized
where their relationship had always stalled. Passages of their life careened
through her head, Winterfest, their Halloweens, their Anniversaries, their
candlelit nights on her balcony never reaching the ‘end’. Now she realized she
was taking Vincent to her large and tunnel-like home, in a secluded and silent
neighborhood. Would he walk over the threshold?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent’s adventure persisted in
his mind as he rode in the backseat; his legs folded up, enveloped in his cloak
he watched the city lights moving over them inside the sedan. He shook his head
at his predicament then weighed the sides of the argument he and Father would
have on his return. Regardless of all the opportunities for being seen he had
found his love and she was alive. He was also heading toward her home that she
had described as large and isolated and his reservations were all too familiar.
Fear’s time needed to end.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Driving the car into the garage
she lowered the garage door and killed the motor. Yes, she was in Cleveland and
YES, she had Vincent within her reach. Drawing reassuring deep breaths she left
the car and Vincent followed her into the home, marveling at the warmly
decorated home so different from her park side apartment. Parts of it reminded
him of chambers Below and it soothed his heart that her style had mellowed in
her new life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After Vincent had taken in the
entire downstairs he shook his head, “Catherine, how can you leave all this?”
She ignored that question, there was nothing preventing her from following him
home. “Is that a swimming pool out back?” Vincent stood at the doors enjoying
the moonlight dancing over the water’s ripples and the natural landscaping
surrounding the patio. His face pressed against the cool glass and his large
hands splayed on the glass door as he looked over the moonlit backyard and the
black horizon of the woods against the indigo sky. Innocently, his warm breath
fogged the glass, leaving nearly a perfect impression of his spectacular face.
Staring at the impression, she almost forgot to speak.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Yes, and I have a bathtub nearly
that large upstairs – where I’ll allow you all the privacy you need. After a
few days in these clothes wouldn’t you feel more relaxed after a good long
soak?” That did sound tempting to him yet could he bear to be apart from her?
Catherine approached the rear staircase and held out her hand to him. How could
he not follow her?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine dialed the dimmers to
near candlelight as Vincent padded curiously from room to room. He saw the pair
of overstuffed wing chairs covered in calf colored leather in front of a
fireplace. Oh, how life would be if they could retire here nightly? Catherine
silently thanked whatever Gods brought Vincent back into her world and she
retrieved a few fluffy towels and a small laundry basket. She smiled softly as
he arrived in her bedroom suite. Her soft voice cut the silent tension, “Put
your clothes into the basket and slide it outside the bathroom door and I’ll
get them washed while you soak, OK?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent stood now nearly deserted,
“I can scarcely bear to be apart from you, Catherine.” His whispered voice was
smoky and deep, exactly the way she recollected him. Her spine tingled that
perhaps Vincent would invite her to share the tub, yet she wouldn’t push him.
Did he still have his bond? Could he tell how anxious she was?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“We have forever, Vincent” Her
hands were pressed flat against his chest; she felt the tremor of his anxious
heart. “ – go and relax.” Once she carried away the basket of his clothes into
the laundry room Catherine held each piece affectionately, the aroma waking
sensations all over her, their walks in the park, their walks in his world.
They were everything to each other, hadn’t she told him one night ‘What we have
is everything’? She remembered their kiss in the golden light of the park’s
culvert. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Not feeling Catherine’s hovering
he’d dropped the clothes into the basket and opened the door enough the push
the basket into the dim hallway. Vincent stood, stripped of all cloth barriers,
covered in only his apprehensions. He imagined the months they had been
separated and if she came into this bathroom to wash away the memories of
Gabriel’s filth. Her perfumes and soaps infiltrated his lungs, both calming and
exciting him. Against his wishes he grew tumescent and tingled for her touch
under different surroundings than New York ages ago.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now dusting off his suede vest
and shaking out his black cloak she dropped each piece of washable clothing into
the machine and dialed it almost in a trance to startle as the phone rattled
the silence.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Radcliffe, you OK?” Joe yelled
over the concert’s noise.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Her smile was serene, reflecting
in her words. “I’m super, Joe, it’s all good.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">He voice was tense, “When are you
coming back to the B&B?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She didn’t want to lie yet she
could bear to tell him to truth, “Joe, it might be a long, long time.” Her
voice registered sadly with him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Surrendering Joe offered, “OK,
Radcliffe, you know where to find me. I won’t forget you.” And after an audible
hitch in his voice he ended his conversation, “This isn’t good-bye, right?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Right, Joe, this isn’t good-bye.
I know where you live!” Their voices silenced as their minds settled the issues
between them “Give your Mom my best, alright? Joe, you know I love you.” They
were silent for a moment before Joe’s line clicked off. Catherine lowered the
receiver to the cradle realizing she indeed had been loved all her life by so
many wonderful people.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the semi-darkness Vincent turned
slowly as the scent of candle-smoke and lemon oiled furniture in her spacious bedroom/bathroom
seemed to engulf him. In her rebirth Vincent recognized she had adopted various
tunnel habits. He could see the furniture had been thoughtfully chosen from the
conditions of the eclectic and love-worn pieces. He further darkened the lights
in the bathroom so he could watch the moonlight as it played over the odd
shaped lake in her back yard.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Popping the window open he listened
to the foxes barking to each other and he realized how much a part of his life
Central Park had always been. The frogs’ songs kept his company as he lathered
himself with the ginger soap and mindfully explored where their bond had gone.
He felt her joy, pure joy at their reunion.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine made her easiest phone
call to Monica, explaining that she could see clearly who she was and where she
was going. She left a message at the brewery that she was sorry she
‘disappeared’ at the concert. She explained a family situation had arisen and
she’d be leaving for New York within the week. Mentally she began writing her
resignation letter and truly regretted suddenly parting, however she rejoiced
in the circumstance of finding Vincent and her memories. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She pulled the realtor’s
magnetized business card off the freezer door and left a message to the realtor
with a date to list the home. Then she opened the phone book to a car rental
agency and left a message about leasing a windowless cargo van one way to New
York City. She’d driven longer distance, besides; Vincent could keep her
company on a piece of furniture between a few cartons. Catherine Chandler was
going home; all of this could be sold. Fiona Charles would be a scant memory
within weeks.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Reaching into the Pool Bath
closet she pulled out an extra-large sweat suit and returned upstairs,
“Vincent, I’m leaving some clean clothes right outside the door. I’ll be
downstairs fixing us a snack, OK?” Catherine heard the tub jets wind down and
his “Alright, Catherine.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In soft light she set the kettle
on and prepared two mugs for tea. She carved some sharp cheese and salami
slices and set the bowl of fruit onto one end of the ample dinner table. Who
would have imagined her one and only guest tonight would be her forever love,
Vincent?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As the kettle began to sing she
heard his bare feet padding down the wooden back steps. Pouring the water into
the teapot she watched him gracefully approach her. His towel dried hair
appeared longer and darker than she remembered. His height was exactly as she recalled
yet without his many layers of clothing he was more approachable. It was if
they were another couple on this suburban street just settling down for their
evening tea. She smiled at the ginger
hair peeking out of the neck of the zippered hoodie. Vincent felt her joy as they
silently embraced and together they shared the thought of no shadow of another
parting from each other. [4]</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Oh, Catherine” her name of his
lips flowed like honey as he moved to sit across from her at the antique wooden
table. One hand held his steaming tea while his other hand travelled across the
table to seek her touch. Then each of them selected some things from the plate and
they ate silently. They enjoyed the scent of the chamomile as they beamed at
each other between bites. Vincent had
not remembered when they had this much silence between them, no music, no
incessant pipe code or friendly interruptions. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">He focused to broaden his newly
recovered bond that had evaporated with his illness years ago. There on the
edge of his consciousness he felt a growing delight from Catherine’s direction.
She pushed her plate aside and put her chin on her palm to appreciate the play
of light across the golden hairs on Vincent’s face. Under the table she knew
his feet were bare so she toed off her socks and sought the warmth of his
lightly furred feet.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vincent straightened suddenly,
“Catherine, how can your stockinged feet be so frigid?” He immediately captured
her feet to sandwich them between his. He seemed to blush at the accomplishment
as her feet warmed. He felt a bit of her ‘melt’ with his bold move. How long
had Vincent wished their past had gone differently? His mind was in turmoil,
what to say or do next?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine melted into the warmth
between his two large feet, now her other hand came up to hold her face steady,
her elbows propping her up. What if this is what every morning could be like?
What if they could end each evening over tea to climb into bed together? She
caught herself thinking too far ahead.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The velvet hammer of his words
punctuated the silence, “Whatever is going through your mind right now, my
love?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Honesty won out, “Vincent, what
if we could end each night like this?” her jaw remained resolute, her smile
broadening.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Then I would consider myself
extremely blessed.” His palms were on the table half way between them so she
extended her hands to lay gently over his.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“This is within our grasp, all of
what we’d dreamed of.” Her fingertips drew lightly over the tops of his furred
flesh tingling him delightfully.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Our dreams are fantasies,
Catherine.” His fingertips caught hers with a heavy sigh and a shrug of his
broad shoulders.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Turning her wrists under she
wrested her fingers from his light grasp to gently trail her fingertips up his
palms and fingers, “Vincent, our dreams were illustrations from a single book our
hearts were writing.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">His breathing startled at the
feeling her nails on his flesh, rasping, “Catherine, I need to ask your
forgiveness.” His face was obscured, his chin tucked to his chest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“My forgiveness?” She shook her
head in ignorance. “For what?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">His voice a husky whisper, “I had
violent nightmares about what I did to you. Yet when you collapsed in my arms I
had lost the words.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“For what?” Of course she had a
laundry list of bones she wanted to pick with him, whatever distressed him this
long? He had retracted his hands to fold his arms over his chest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“After we were separated I fell
into a delirium. They I moved you and I was stymied as where to find you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine watched the color of
his eyes darken to blue smoke, curious about his confession.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“When I came out of my delirium,
I had visions of. . . . “ Vincent swallowed hard, and shook his head to dispel
the image pummeling his conscience. With a deep breath he took a sip of tea and
then recovered enough to speak. “I forced myself on you; the sounds you made
were unimaginable. I can’t fathom why you’d even have me alone in your home.”
His arms unfolded, only to have him drag his clawed fingers through his drying
hair.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine rose to stretch across
the table, “No, no, no, Vincent. You never forced yourself on me. We’ve never
known each other that way.” As if she hadn’t wanted to know him! She thought
she had come out of her amnesia, what fresh layer of hell was he uncovering? She
knew she would have remembered them like that. She reached for him and with
grateful eyes he loosened the grasp he had on himself, “Vincent, it had to be a
terrible nightmare, you have never forced yourself on me. We have never known
each other that way.” She warmed his hands in hers as their eyes met, “I would
love to love you, I was always sure you knew that.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Catherine, they were abominable times,
days locked in Gabriel’s cage while they forced me to watch you on the monitor.”
Now his hands drew together clasping at first then wringing each other. “I had nightmares
while they forced me to see what they were doing to you.” Catherine shook her
head, trying to erase the glimpses of their ‘experiments’. “Then, Catherine
once they sedated you they brought me to you.” Vincent’s head hung in shame; it
was a violent attack, I fell prey to my
animal self.” His tone displayed his hatred of that side of himself, his voice
muffled by his hands.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Crestfallen at his pain she confessed,
“I wish you had understood how I wanted to love you and be yours.” She eased
back into her chair.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">His self-derision continued, as
he retold nights of their baiting him into sexual situations, while he felt
their eyes through the mirrored glass. Vincent’s head hung, his hair curtaining
his expression.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine’s head shook, all these
years, lost in an amnesiac’s fog to come back to understanding this?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Catherine, they spoke --- as if
they wanted me to know their insidious plans, as if I would take some brazen
pride in being the father of their new generation.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The dawning understanding of all
their guarded ‘study’ sickened her. “Why, Vincent?” she shook her head, her
brows knitted.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“They intimated their process,
not their reasoning.” Vincent raised his head and searched the room for
something other than Catherine’s eyes.
He could not bear to reveal all he knew. “Once Gabriel knew the black book
was not in your possession, that you didn’t know where it was and once he saw
me, his plans altered.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catherine’s eyes narrowed, “Altered?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Eugenics, for a loss of a more
insidious term.” An ill silence fell over them. Nervously they picked at the
shards of cheese, he watched her pull apart the bread and chew on the crust.
The savory taste of the cheese and meat had turned sour in his mouth, he
apprehensively poured more tea. Her eyes begged him to continue. His sandy, low
voice whispered, “You would be the Mother of them all and I would be a new
generation’s stud. Their medical circus revolved around their watching us.
Gabriel’s proclivities were more voyeur than participant.” His arched brow rose
higher to accentuate his words and her generous mouth straightened in
understanding. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“But ---“She had no recollections
of any of that.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">He raised his palm, wishing to
purge himself of the experience. “He, Gabriel, thought we could entertain him.
Thought I would be more….entertaining….if I knew what he wanted from me.”
Vincent went silent remembering the day long lectures on ‘releasing the beast
within’, that Gabriel felt his ‘release’ would be more effective. Their hearts
thumped in the silence as Catherine fought for a true understanding of
Vincent’s subtext. Only when Vincent looked away at the clock over the stove
did Catherine’s eyes widen.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_j23N88Oos/Ufc67mdGVqI/AAAAAAAABVI/_SVLb2zTYJQ/s1600/the+uncertain+essence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Her head tilted as his frequently
did, “Did he think a bedtime spectacle would create a wilder child?” and that
comment caused Vincent to bolt upward from his chair, breaking the silence.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">TBC</span></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">[1] May Sarton</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">[2] William Shakespeare,
"Sonnet XLIII"</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">[3] Ben Jonson's 1616 poem
"Song. To Celia."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">[4] "I saw no shadow of
another parting from her." for the 1863 edition of the novel Great
Expectations.</span></span></div>
<br />RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-61369652288640951132013-05-11T17:05:00.000-07:002013-05-11T17:06:14.540-07:00Exquisite Beauty (An alternative meeting for Vincent and Catherine)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">This story has been presented in a few other publications and sites. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I did want to bring it here as the web is a mercurial place where sites <span style="font-size: small;">disappear as if by whimsy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank-you for reading, I do hope you enjoy this turn on their meeting.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be well-</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rusty </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrvkdJWVKTnI-ZWn5E3GQltiZz9dKWtrXFFr1rbcPmVLQbEb5Gb0WQkH4rerlOobe8BsUrYTF3PkaxQlC9gwk-pK8DY9Ld2ZLbdbD3gqvoh6EdVKoV9bE4ac_AQdBhtOddLeDy954pYp7/s1600/exquisit+beauty+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrvkdJWVKTnI-ZWn5E3GQltiZz9dKWtrXFFr1rbcPmVLQbEb5Gb0WQkH4rerlOobe8BsUrYTF3PkaxQlC9gwk-pK8DY9Ld2ZLbdbD3gqvoh6EdVKoV9bE4ac_AQdBhtOddLeDy954pYp7/s320/exquisit+beauty+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Exquisite Beauty</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'<i>There is no exquisite beauty, without some strangeness in the proportion…'</i> <span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">E.A.Poe</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">An alternative meeting for Vincent and Catherine</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">18,383 words </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1987</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On
a rainy April evening after work Catherine Chandler hurried to the
street curb to claim whatever taxi she could. Her Father’s partner’s
son had driveled on about his boating weekend as she cleared her desk of
her mind-numbing day. She had completed a small Incorporation and a
friendly merger and it left her feeling dull. She had gone to law
school for this? Now she was bolting for an old book store as Dr. Peter
Alcott had invited her to a book signing and she was late.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
cab slunk thru the rainy streets of this leviathan city and she
self-consciously picked lint from her wool skirt to keep from
impatiently tapping on the cab’s door sill.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Thanks,
lady” the cab driver growled as she stabbed the bill into his stout
clammy hand and she made her break for the bookstore door. There within
the warm light she saw Peter peering into the dark rain for his God
Daughter.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Finally, I
thought I was going to have to make apologies for you” Peter whispered
as he caught her elbow and before she could return the greeting he
whisked her through narrow rows of soaring bookshelves to a circle of
timeworn wooden chairs. Fragrant tea brewed on a table in the corner as
a professor type postured with his freshly unpacked books. The
intimate crowd sat enrapt in his recitation:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“And now at once, adventuresome, I send<br /> My herald thought into a wilderness:<br /> There let its trumpet blow, and quickly dress<br /> My uncertain path with green, that I may speed<br /> Easily onward, thorough flowers and weed.”[1]</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“So
as I began studying Keats I realized he never attached much consequence
to his own studies in medicine, and indeed looked upon the medical
career as the career by which to live in a workaday world, without being
certain that he could keep up the strain of it. He nevertheless had a
consciousness of his own powers, and even of his own greatness, though
it might never be recognized.... Poetry was to his mind the zenith of
all his aspirations: the only thing worthy the attention of superior
minds: so he thought: all other pursuits were mean and tame” he tucked
his head to his chin, his hair curtaining his expression before he
raised his head and quipped, “I, on the other hand have no other
vocation, so I do hope you’ll consider buying my book and sharing it
message with your friends….but have them buy their own, OK?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
crowd chuckled as Evan closed his book and caught the end of the small
table with a muscular thigh. He was mid-thirties, all tweed and rough
leather, a head full of wild hair caught in a leather thong. Cathy’s
first thought was “where did they find him, Berkeley?” yet she fell into
the chair beside Peter and played the silent guest. She surveyed the
crowd’s response to this man’s reflections to Keats’ work and she became
lost in the eclectic group.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An
unassuming mature woman sat shyly, her graceful legs wrapped in a long
coarse woven skirt. She would occasionally smooth the tendrils of her
long graying hair back into the bun high on her head and when their eyes
met the woman seemed to blush girlishly, Cathy thought she was from
another era. Cathy found humor in the energetically animated man in the
baseball jacket, he hadn’t removed his hat and she was sure Peter would
have taken the dark haired man to task had the speaker not been in full
swing. The man winked at her rakishly and Cathy returned an
uncomfortable expression at his audacity.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soon
she was lulled into a sense of repose with the Author’s husky voice;
silk had soothed his graveled words as he spoke about Keats with studied
reverence. She grinned at the thought of this man reading her to
sleep. She hadn’t had that pleasure since her Mother died. His large
hands cradled his book lovingly and she gave him the benefit of the
doubt that he knew his subject, it simply was too much for her to
digest. She was ready for a bath and a snack; it had been a mistake to
come out after work tonight.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Cathy”
Peter woke her from her minds wandering, “I’d like to introduce Dr.
Evan Winterberg” Then he stepped back for Evan to catch her hand gently.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Peter,
you didn’t say your guest would be this lovely” Evan pronounced gently
as he kept her hand in both of his. Now she felt the calloused surface
of an outdoorsman and she was fascinated by the combination of poetry
and physicality. “I’m sorry Cathy, I was at my cabin last weekend and my
hands took the brunt of my catharsis – too much wood chopping” he
dropped her hands as he felt her soft, unworked hands melt within his.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
was afraid my hands might be chilled from my ride over” she covered as
she smiled self-consciously. “I’m sorry I was late, work got in the way”
she shrank back closer to Peter as it seemed Evan was looming closer to
her. Cathy felt the group become eager to share this space and the air
grew thick with his magnetism. With her receding into the group the
others stepped up to shake hands and make the innocuous fan/author small
talk so common at these events. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cathy
circled the perimeter, heading for the refreshment table “No coffee?”
she silently winced, wishing for a caffeine kick, “They generally serve
tea, you know it can have more caffeine than coffee?” the guy in a NY
Mets baseball cap held out a steaming china mug.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“That’s
OK, I know a place I can grab some coffee” Cathy stood back, clutching
her small purse before her as she moved to mill about the bookstore.
Peter had mentioned this dinosaur of a store as his favorite retreat
since his daughter had married and moved west. He came for the
selection and stayed for the comradery. Instead of a library style
silence, classical music played in the background, the china mugs
hanging on a mug tree bore names of the regulars. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
felt welcome on her first visit, welcome enough to wander back into
where the bookshelves covered two floors. As Cathy wandered the narrow
aisles she felt as if eyes followed her and this caused her to step into
pursuit. She drew in the pervading scents of leather and old parchment
then there was a swift shadow with the trace of saddle soap and an
earthy musk. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who was
the shadow she missed as she made each turn, what was the sweep of
fabric she heard, was it corduroy? As she mounted the steps to the
second floor she heard the gentle creak of old brass hinges and a turn
of a lock. She came to a door marked “NO EXIT” and bewildered she
grasped the brass door knob feeling it warmed by someone’s recent use.
The scent of candle-wax and saddle soap ended there and she pivoted as
she heard footsteps behind her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
thought you saw someone didn’t you?” There he was again, the guy with
the quizzical wink. “This bookstore is haunted, but he only shows
himself if he’s interested in you”. He offered his hand, “Kristopher
Gentian, Itinerant Artist at your service”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Cathy
Chandler, under challenged attorney” she quipped offering her best
business handshake at arm’s length. Had she unknowingly worn Musk
perfume today? Did it seem every guy was taking special interest in
her? She backed away from Gentian and headed back downstairs without
concern for her new friend.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
she stepped from the stair case she heard Peter call, “Cathy, we’re
thinking about going for dessert, would you join us?” Peter asked as
they watched the crowd offer books for Evan’s signature.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
a jovial whisper, “Who is “we”, Peter? Is this one of you and Daddy’s fix-ups?” Cathy sardonically grinned, she was approaching 31 and
unmarried, not that Charles Chandler hadn’t put her in front of enough
eligible men.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Caught
me, you’re too smart” Peter smirked, “You could go for coffee, it’s not a
date” he stood guilty as charged. “Evan is a hell of a guy, I knew his
father in college”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Great,
Peter, now our pedigrees are matched so the games begin?” she smoothed
back her hair and thought about slinging her scarf around her neck to
take her leave, then she heard footsteps again, the same swish of
corduroy and muted voices, two different men. Her curiosity was teeming
inside her at this phantom guest. Yet all she saw was a glimpse of the
Artist upstairs.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Peter,
Mary and I are heading home” the gracious older gent leaned on an
ornate cane, that mild looking grey haired woman on his arm. They were
pair for sure Cathy surmised by their symbiotic posture and their
temperate eyes for each other.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Oh,
Jacob, I want you to meet Catherine Chandler” ah, Cathy thought, Peter
had pulled out her full name; these people were old friends for sure.
“Dr. Jacob Wells, Mary Reynolds, this is Charles Chandler’s daughter”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Do you know Daddy?” Cathy leaned into Dr. Wells’ embrace and caught the scent of moth balls and Earl Grey Tea.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Your Father did some work for us years ago” Jacob offered, then stepped back to Mary’s side.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
doubt he’d even remember us” Mary volunteered quietly as she gathered
her wrap around her slim shoulders. “It’s lovely to meet you, dear” the
woman’s smile was heartfelt and earnest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Any
way, Peter, Catherine, we wanted to make our good nights – good to see
you, nice to meet you” they nodded and made their way thru the tight
crowd. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Immediately
Peter was in front of Cathy, “The crowd is thinning, time to make a
break for that cup of coffee – I know there’s a crème brulee with your
name on it” As the crowd was dispersing she hadn’t heard the bell on the
door that many times. Was she enveloped in some fantasy world tonight?
She really had to get some rest this weekend!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’ve
got to take a rain check, it’s a work night and Daddy’s been brutal”
she fibbed as she slid her hands into her gloves and caught her scarf to
her head.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“At least let’s share a cab” Peter offered eagerly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“No,
you go out with Dr. Winterberg, surely you can cook up a better setup
than this” she motioned at the old book store and hugged him before
making her exit.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Peter,
you couldn’t hold her until I was done?” Evan exclaimed glibly as he
watched her hail the first cab in the bright lights of the big city.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Evan,
you’ll have to use some of that old poet’s charm of yours. You know
where to reach her” Peter grinned at the son of the Tunnels turned
literary master and passed him Cathy’s business card.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Well,
since I can’t weave my way into Miss Chandler’s heart I guess I’ll head
Below since I have to leave in a couple of days” Evan seemed resigned.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evan’s
parents had begun their romance in college, then as Evan Sr. moved thru
medical school their lives complicated. The young Doctor’s first real
diagnosis had been on his wife – High Blood Pressure. Then Evan Sr.
traded his wife for a son when Siri died within hours of her son’s
birth. Devastated, Evan Sr. grew closer to Peter and eventually built a
small medical practice while his son Evan spent his days Below. It had
seemed that Evan Jr’s life would be conflicted living Above and Below
yet the fates had their way. The Doctor became the sudden patient when a
heart attack claimed Evan Sr. in his 40’s. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evan
had grown up alongside Vincent; they had played together as children.
Evan had grown his hair long as a brother in arms when the kids had
picked on Vincent for his hairstyle as one of his glaring differences.
Now, living above he wore it as a badge of individuality. His deep
auburn hair fell in waves below his shoulders, fettered by the leather
thong that he now pulled out to shake his hair free. “I’ll see you at
dinner, Friday?” Evan asked as he turned toward the threshold in the
back of the bookstore.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Certainly,
dinner Below, Friday at 7!” Peter enthusiastically answered as he
picked up his purchases to check out and head home.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cathy
Chandler rode home quizzically wondering about her evening. What great
cosmic force put her in front of so many men tonight? She shook her head
as she paid the fare and walked through her building’s grand doors; she
nodded to the night doorman and found solitary peace in her 18<sup>th</sup> floor apartment.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Three
days later a kraft paper wrapped package arrived at her building, Jeff
the usual Porter was on vacation and Warren set it behind the desk, her
name obscured. It would sit there nearly a week before it was
discovered.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
removed his cape and took anxious steps to Father’s chamber; tonight
Evan’s Tunnel family was celebrating his new book and tour. It would be
months before they’d have time to reminisce and he didn’t want to miss a
moment of the convivial evening. As Vincent entered the chamber the
buffet’s scent swirled invitingly, Father didn’t do this often yet the
current Tunnel population hadn’t remembered Evan and his family.
Tonight’s group would be intimate simply the inner circle of the
Tunnels: William, Mary, Winslow, Rebecca, Father and Peter would sit
down to break bread and celebrate Evan’s success.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Vincent” Evan clasped his broad shoulders as they collided joyously.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Like the little brother you always were” Vincent affectionately clapped a broad hand on Evan’s back.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Just by a year” Evan countered, trying to pull his height past Vincent’s.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
made chatter while William put the final touches to the chafing dishes
ready for their banquet. Father sat watching their animated
conversation and his ears strained when he heard a familiar name
dropped.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Did you see
that Catherine Chandler?” Evan clapped back at Vincent’s arm as they
stepped toward the refreshments, “She is <u>something.</u>” Evan shook his head
as Vincent poured glasses of wine for everyone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“She
almost saw me. I had to beat a retreat before she caught me. I thought
I’d hear your presentation and then hear some of the good words the
crowd had for you, Evan, I was wrong” Vincent shook his head at the
thought of being found lurking over the second floor railing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Anytime
you want to hear good words, recall all those you gave me while I
slogged thru college” Evan never forgot how Vincent shadowed Evan’s
collegiate studies. Vincent was an apt study partner. “So, what do you
think of Catherine?” Evan prodded, never one to let the subject of a
beautiful woman rest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
have a knack for finding the beauties” Vincent concurred, raising his
glass to the group, “To Evan and his book tour” the subject of that
beauty was shuffled away in deference to a stellar meal.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While
they plowed through the groaning board of roast with smashed potatoes
and rich burgundy gravy Vincent thought about Catherine, how she had
perused the crowd as Evan spoke. She seemed to put a metaphorical
finger of each of them as she created the scenario for their being at
the soiree. Of course, Vincent mused that she had been wrong on all the
accounts, but he drew on her feelings as she had created back stories
for each of them present. He felt her racing heart as Evan recited
poetry and he detected that she was just a bit excited when Evan hands
wrapped around hers. He fought the desire to ever want this, as he knew
the insanity of such a desire.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
silently watched Evan as he discussed his itinerary; he satisfied his
memory with images of Catherine leaning against Peter, lost in Evan’s
words. Feeling that some thirsts would never be quenched he satisfied
his stomach with the crusty wheat rolls and rich honey butter, he
swallowed the green bean casserole without chewing as Evan and Peter
discussed Catherine Chandler’s single status. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
barely tasted the 7 layer chocolate cake as they discussed Evan leaving
this Saturday. Together they had grown up and now they were two
lifelong friends, two men, or at least he felt he was almost a man. He
had played and studied with him, now as Evan stood at the threshold of a
worldwide career his world was contained within damp Tunnels and under
cover of darkness.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Vincent?”
Evan waved at his vacant stare, “Are you with us? William, your cooking
is too good, you’ve lost Vincent in the frosting” he jested to William
with a flourish of his empty cake plate.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yes,
Evan…… I was reflecting on the other night” Vincent’s voice was
pensive, soft as Peter and Father watched with veiled interest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evan
stuffed his duffel silently as Vincent watched, “Would you be cutting
your hair while you travel?” Vincent asked curiously “It’s not the style
unless you’re a troubadour” To Vincent their hair was their only
commonality now.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Some
women really like it and since my jacket photo is like this I think I
need to, otherwise it’s like bait and switch, you know, where’s the guy with the
hair?” Evan spread his hands as in jest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
nodded, recalling Catherine’s eyes as she took Evan’s appearance in.
Her eyes had traced Evan’s tweed clad shoulders and watched his brogan
shoe bob rhythmically as he perched on the corner of the table and
spoke. Would a woman ever watch him like that? Surely Rebecca did eye
him from time to time, but she was like a sister to him, he could no
more court her than Jamie. Vincent felt cast further into a lonely
darkness.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the
next morning’s flurry of subway trains and pipe clamor Evan was gone, he
climbed into his VW bug parked at Peter’s brownstone and exited
Vincent’s world.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many
days later, on a Saturday, Jeff apologized; “Miss Chandler, I am sorry
for the delay in delivering this package” he stood at Catherine’s door.
It was the modest hour of 10am and Jeff assumed it would be a civil
hour for the delivery.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
wasn’t expecting anything, Jeff, just bring it in” She opened the door
on the sunny apartment as she pulled her hair into a ponytail to begin
her morning run in the park.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Warren
set it behind the desk, it came earlier, no bill of lading though” Jeff
set it on the dinette table and made his exit. This was enough to
distract Cathy from her exercise regime; she carefully lifted the taped
corners of the kraft paper to reveal the back of an ornate gilded
frame. The signature in the lower corner read “K. Gentian” and to her
surprise, she was the subject.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
portrait shone with romantic liveliness, a candid posture copied from a
recent newspaper society page. Cathy remembered the night, a Charity
event where she met the very eligible developer Elliott Burch. This
painting caught her alone with a gleaming smile, reacting to something
complimentary Elliott had whispered. She adored that red dress,
especially the purple and red jacket that warmed her from the chill in
that museum. “Mr. Gentian, I hope you aren’t looking for a check” she
shook her head at his impudent effort, ”Although, Daddy would probably
love it.” She concluded as she leaned the 24” x 36” portrait against the
mantel wall, then she grabbed her keys and left for her run.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Central
Park was teeming with children and their guardians. Prim looking Au
pairs pushed prams in pairs along the wide sidewalks while a few sat on
benches, their shoes cast aside as they meted out Cheerios to their
young charges. She didn’t feel a maternal pull at all as she paced past
the Carousel yet she did enjoy watching the graceful horses dance up
and down to the calliope music. She took time to check her heart rate
while she marked steps in place and thought about her Mother’s last
Carousel ride. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With a
fresh step she turned to head toward the Belvedere Castle, and there on
a bench was that women, Mary, watching children blowing soap bubbles
into the cool spring air. Would it be impolite to bolt past her in the
interest of maintaining her heart rate? Cathy cut behind her bench and
passed the passel of oddly dressed children. Cathy wondered if Mary was
the stage mother for a troupe for OLIVER!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Peter,
did you encourage Kristopher Gentian to paint my portrait?” Cathy held
her phone in the crook of her shoulder as she balanced and toed off her
running shoes. Cathy was perplexed as she was winded, “You didn’t see
that guy? He was the one that winked at me” Cathy played appalled for
Peter’s sake.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I would wink at you my dear” was Peter’s pleasant answer before his honest retort, “Who’s Kristopher Who?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Oh,
you didn’t see that cheeky man in the baseball cap?” Cathy slid out of
her running shorts and regulated the shower controls.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Before
you think him cheeky, could Evan call on you? You got away before he
could ask, we had dinner Friday night and- - -“Peter queried.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Oh,
you men are relentless. Sure he can call me if he can catch me” Cathy
sought the relief of a steaming shower and politely cut Peter off,
“Peter, got to run, I’ll look out for his call but don’t encourage him,
OK? Got to go” and she pulled the wall plug on her phone before she
jumped into the shower.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunday
evening, as Evan unpacked in the modest hotel he retrieved Catherine
Chandler’s phone number – she was worth a long distance call.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“This
is the Chandler residence, please leave a message at the tone” Cathy,
not expecting a phone call at 9:15 at night, was stretched out with a
file for tomorrow’s meeting. She awaited the message, would Evan really
call?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Hello,
Catherine, this is Evan. Thanks for accepting my call…” Before the
machine began recording she found herself drawn to his voice, hot as a
slap she was across the room, the phone to her ear.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Hello, Evan. . . . I was in the kitchen” and with that dialogue their three and a half hour conversation began.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
was earthy and educated; he was wildly outdoorsy and refined. And she
remembered he had the fieriest golden eyes. A little before 1:00am she
rolled up from where she had lay on the floor in front of the fireplace
like a teen age girl chatting with Evan. “Evan, this has been fun, but
we have to get to bed” Cathy giggled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“So,
soon, this is our first phone call and we’re going to bed?” His
resonate voice accentuated the last three words facetiously.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
know what I mean!” Cathy stammered as she pulled herself to stand and
circle the room to check the locks and power off the lights.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
do, I was impertinent to hold you up so late, I’m sleeping in to at
least nine tomorrow I didn’t even consider your eight to five schedule
will you forgive me?” Now the depth and resonance of his voice revealed
his sincerity. “May I call you Tuesday evening, I’ll be getting settled
in Baltimore for Wednesday’s signing” he was almost petitioning her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Since you’re so earnest, of course, I’ll be home after 7 or 8” Cathy felt 16 all over again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
the following weeks, Evan and Catherine (as he called her) had marathon
telephone conversations, about his audience, the cities he visited,
about their dissimilar college years, everything except family. Her
refrigerator was covered with picturesque post cards extolling the best
views from Philly, Baltimore, DC, Norfolk, Charlotte and more cities
dotting the Eastern Seaboard. Besides their love of literature they had a
common bond, he claimed he had a one room cabin in the woods in
Delaware and she described her family’s place in Connecticut and he
laughed that the description of her kitchen was the size of his whole
cabin. Evan also recorded the copious quirks of the road in letters he
sent to Vincent; week by week he squeezed increasingly more anecdotes
about “Catherine”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Excited?”
Peter asked Cathy as they strolled through Central Park on July Sunday
afternoon. Evan was due back in New York on Wednesday.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It’s
a work night, but we’re meeting for dinner. We haven’t even talked
about where he lives, you know what that means?” she bubbled at her
question, “I don’t want to say much around Daddy, he’ll have the
engagement party planned”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Oh,
I wouldn’t say that” Peter shook his head as if to scoff off Charles’
interest in seeing Cathy “happy”, “And it’s take out because I know how
you cook” Peter retorted with a sideways glance, his lips purposefully
straight.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cathy playfully slugged his bicep as they strolled near the Castle. “Cathy….”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“He
calls me Catherine” she romanticized as they came to a bench, “And we
will eat out because as much as we’ve talked, you know how I am about
having men over to the apartment”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Honey,
Steven Bass is in a mental hospital, he’s not likely to get out. How
many sociopaths can one girl meet?” Peter fanned the copy of the Times
as they sat in the torpid summer sun.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
wish I had some caves to escape into, this heat has been brutal” She
popped off her flats and wiggled her toes as if it would evaporate their
perspiration.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peter smiled at her comment, if Evan played his hand that might present itself.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
preparation for Evan’s return, Catherine stopped at the bookstore
Monday evening, the door pushed open with near silence of the clanging
bell and she found the front area empty. Taking cautious steps she
thought she heard Evan’s voice and her feet flew to follow his solid
huskiness. While her hasty steps carried her in that direction she
heard his voice silence as the proprietor rushed to meet her, “Miss
Chandler, what can I do for you?” his rotund frame nearly filled the
aisle as she tried to jockey around him, “What would you be rushing to?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Who,
Mr. Smythe, it would be who. I heard Evan’s voice and I wasn’t
expecting him back yet, I was just…” Catherine was held back by his arm
when his hands fell on the shelves.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“No,
that wasn’t Evan, the man I was speaking with, their voices are quite similar” he shook his head as
if it would convince her further. Above them Vincent concealed himself
in the shadows watching and hearing her enthusiasm he felt her joy at
thinking she heard Evan’s voice. Would any woman ever carry that joy in
her heart for him?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catherine
balked at his insistence, “But I heard him” her brows knit in her
insistence as she backed away from Mr. Smythe’s imposing figure. “I
thought he was back early, he said he’d return Wednesday I was hoping he
was early” now crestfallen she clutched at her purse, thinking of the
elegant book mark she had seen here weeks ago, she had wanted it for his
“welcome home” gift.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“No
doubt Miss Chandler, Evan will be return on winged feet to you….on
Wednesday” Mr. Smythe processed the transaction for the bookmark and
Catherine swept the room, aching to hear Evan’s voice one more time
before she left the book store.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What
do you think of that?” Mr. Smythe mused to Vincent after he pulled down
the shades and locked the front door. Vincent’s brows rose as he
shrugged, he simply had no words to share.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Geographic
necessity had led Evan and Catherine to a telephone relationship, they
had done no more than shake hands the night they “met” and yet the hours
of soul-baring dialogue they felt breathtakingly close. Tuesday
evening his last words to her were, “I simply cannot wait to melt into
your arms for if your lips are as sweet as your words our time together
will be sublime” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At
his ardent intentions Catherine’s soul burned sweetly for him, for weeks
in her dreams she ran through a pine forest following his voice to find
him on a dock on a lake. In her dreams their affections burned to the
extent only their dropping into the placid lake cooled their “ardor”.
Catherine’s sleep was fitful, her heart hungry to feel his arms and lips
as she had been hearing his words. It had been years since she held
this kind of desire.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All
day Wednesday she felt his impatience at traveling back from Florida by
car. Then as she relocked her door and threw her purse onto the floor
she heard the trill of the phone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Cathy,
dear” Charles Chandler’s voice was heavy and grim, “Cathy, I am afraid
the law firm took on a bad egg of a character. I’m leaving for the
cabin and I want to take you with me” his tone left her no wiggle room.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Daddy,
what do you mean?” She didn’t want to leave NY now, would she seem
flighty if it was because of a man? Really, were they in danger? “And
whoever is looking for you could find our cabin” for a brilliant
corporate attorney Charles was no devious fugitive.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It
seems we’ve contracted to do business with a dirty client. Before we
can step out of the obligation I need to make sure you’re safe” She
could hear the stress in his breathing, she worried that he’d have a
heart attack or stroke.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
know someone with a much more conservative cabin in Delaware, let me
call him and see if we can have access. Come here, Daddy, now” her
brain spun at the thought that this was the reason for Evan to come into
her life, “Daddy, I love you, be safe while you hurry over”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catherine
spun on her heel to get Evan’s telephone number, and then considered he
was on the road with no way to reach him. Peter, she’d call Peter,
perhaps he’d have Evan’s family telephone number to arrange something.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Peter, Daddy just called me. We have to get away for a while, could you come over?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peter
sat on the end of Catherine’s love seat, arms folded his thumb running
back and forth over his chin, “So you need to disappear for a while?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Before
I go to the authorities I need to go underground, Peter, it could be
days before the FBI would get us somewhere safe” Now Charles had begun
pacing behind the drawn curtains of his daughter’s park side high-rise.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“If
you could get in touch with Evan’s family” Catherine’s words seared
thru Peter. Had Evan divulged the family’s home underground in the
Tunnels? Catherine continued before Peter reacted, “Evan said there’s a
cabin in Delaware; if we could get away there we could be safe – they’d
never connect us”. Catherine brought Peter the cordless phone, urging
him to act.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’m
afraid it’s not that simple” Peter back pedaled thinking about the chain
of contact he’d go through to contact Below. It would be a phone call
to Henry’s home and then time for a family member to carry the message
down. “Come to my home tonight, we’ll work out something”. Peter held
out both arms to draw the Chandlers together. “Leave your car here,
Charles – we’ll leave in my car now”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
moved in serious silence, Catherine setting lights on timers, packing
her Mother’s framed photo along with the delicate carved rose that sat
beside her bed. With a sad sweep of the apartment she closed the door
behind her and locked the deadbolt as if that would stop someone intent
on larceny.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watching
their backs, Peter drove his precious friends, Charles and Catherine
Chandler silently to his brownstone. The Law Firm’s new obstacle hung
over each of them in a singular way. Fortunate that it was a moonless
night they made hurried steps into their safety and as they settled
around the small kitchen table Peter read the fear and uncertainty in
their eyes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It’s best
you both stay here, it will take a bit of time to get the keys to the
cabin” Peter began brewing a pot of decaf while Catherine fidgeted and
Charles scowled.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Well
I could have waited for Evan if it was going to take time” She threw
her hands up and then composed herself to worry her bottom lip while she
watched her Dad for signs of physical stress.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Charles,
take my room, I’ll stay in my study I had a daybed put there awhile
back. Catherine, take Susan’s room.” Peter’s mind was working while he
laid out mugs and plated some carrot cake. He watched while Charles
silently traced the pattern of the table cloth. “You’re awfully quiet,
my friend”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’ve come
this far in my career and now that I’ve drawn Catherine into the firm
we get hit with this, I should have suspected that family” his voice was
low and sad.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Daddy,
you had no idea when you took them on, remember innocent until proven
guilty?” she laid a warm hand over her Father’s and their eyes met as
Peter delivered steaming mugs in front of them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Honey,
anything that threatens your safety is bad business” Charles accepted
the mug, doctored it with sugar and cream and watched the steam rise
before he sipped, “When this is over I won’t have the credentials to
load rust at a dirt factory”</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Henry,
its Peter Alcott” Peter began the call in the privacy of his study once
he knew the Chandlers were making themselves comfortable upstairs. The
two Helpers talked at length, about Catherine’s new relationship with
Evan and whether it was safe for them to make a run to Delaware once
they got the keys to the cabin.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peter
made cat-light steps upstairs, listening for Charles’ movement, with a
light wrap of his knuckles he reported, “Charles, I’ve had a call from
the hospital, I need to step out. You’re locked in – safe, don’t answer
the phone and stay tight”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Charles
came to the door in trousers and tee shirt, looking quite lost out of
this element of usurping Peter from his own bedroom, “Certainly, Peter,
that’s the difference between our careers. My clients just keep me up
nights, not out nights” They exchanged melancholy expressions and Peter
was out the front door to a Threshold.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jacob
Wells curled a lip at the JAMA article’s proposition of a revolutionary
treatment, sometimes he doubted new-fangled medicine, then a rattled of
the pipes announced Peter was approaching and it gave Jacob cause to
rise and shake out the chill in his hip. He readied the tea pot to
share a cup and by the time Peter arrived the two cups sat steaming.
“Peter, the next person I expected to show up was Evan….. Not you. What
brings you down tonight?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
exchanged brotherly hugs with a hearty smack on the back and settled in
chairs, “Afraid it isn’t good for friends of mine” Peter paused to let
the steam rise to tickle his nose, “Catherine, the young lady you met at
Evan’s event, she and her Father need sanctuary. Catherine wants to
contact Evan about the cabin in Delaware”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sanctuary? The Attorney and his daughter?” Father understood the specter of the question. “What … is … the … issue?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Seems
the law firm took on a dirty client, some threats have been made.
Before the Authorities can help they need to take cover.” Peter’s eyes
searched the eclectic chamber, knowing Jacob’s mind would be weighing
the situation, “Catherine thought perhaps she could borrow the keys to
the Delaware cabin.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It’s
just so far away and there is no telephone, how would they ensure their
safety?” Jacob was resuming his role of “Father”, thinking of the
mechanics of their exile.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“They
haven’t thought that far, they’re still processing their shock at the
thought of needing to run” Peter stretched out his legs and took a deep
breath; “I wish I hadn’t sold my place now” Peter ran a worried hand
over his face and took a long mouthful of tea.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Then
the thought of Evan being separated from his new romance” Jacob’s
expression seemed wistful, “His letters tell me he is quite taken with
this Catherine Chandler and their long distance relationship.” They sat
in silence only broken by the sound of Vincent’s arrival.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
stood at the top of the stair, understanding that Peter and his Father
would sometimes sit and sip tea in total silence. Should he break that
silence to greet his “uncle” Peter? Taking the opportunity for some
friendly conversation after a day of teaching youngsters Vincent took
light steps downward.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Good
evening, Peter” Vincent’s strong hands pat a soft greeting on his
shoulders as Peter acknowledged Vincent’s greeting with a nod and smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
conversation began with an invitation to tea and progressed to
Vincent’s suggestion. “I’m going below for at least 6 days, perhaps
before I return they could go into protection?” His magnanimous heart
proposed opening his world to include the Chandlers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It
certainly would throw Evan and Catherine together” Peter mused,
“Nothing like the solace of a loving shoulder in times of trial” Peter’s
glance danced back and forth between father and son.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We
could call a vote, it would be an emergency meeting after breakfast
tomorrow” Father, now in full leadership mode searched the corners of
his chamber as if the particulars of that discussion hung like dust
motes in the air. “Perhaps we could wait until lunch and include Evan
in the discussion?” Father directed the question Vincent.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“His
relationship, this new long distance relationship with Catherine”
Vincent’s pronunciation of her name gave him a slight pang he could not
identify; “it would either kill it or cure it.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
had perched against the end of an overstuffed chair, his arms folded
over his chest as he considered their romantic possibilities: viewing
the Nameless River, hearing the voices whispering back at them while
they viewed the stars in the water, and perhaps even their kisses stolen
in the dark Tunnel alcoves. Within his heart, Vincent was a romantic
fully understanding what ripe home the Tunnels were for lovers. If only
it were for him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Certainly
the Tunnels would be no more rustic than Evan’s cabin” Peter mused as
they deliberated the pros and cons. “Here they can make it to my
Threshold and use the telephone, grab a hot shower”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
don’t think they’d enjoy the hot springs?” Father settled back in his
chair, his eyeglasses down on his nose with a twinkle in his eye.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
think Charles’ exercise is relegated to the Health Club, but he does
spin a great tale, he could fit right in with us right here” Peter
poured more tea and slid the antique flask out of his breast pocket,
held it up to meet Father’s offered cup and poured a medicinal dose into
each cup. Vincent grinned at the ceremony, this communion of kindred
spirits over tea and brotherhood.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’m
going to check in with Winslow, he’s my partner this trip” Vincent
began his exit, “Father, where’s the chronicle for these levels?” He
stretched on tip toe to peruse the stacks for the old style leather
folio.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Here,
Vincent,” Father offered up the open portfolio and then held on to it,
“Are you sure this is no disturbance for you?” Their eyes met over the
portfolio they both held and their expressions softened with Vincent’s
nod. Then he made his “good-nights” and was gone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We’ve
sent the Administrative staff on a professional retreat in
Philadelphia” Charles eyed the list on the legal pad before him as he
sipped his coffee, “These women deserve no danger” his shoulders slumped
as he greeted Catherine to the breakfast table.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Good
morning, Daddy” she hugged his shoulders from behind before she went
for a mug of coffee, “That’s great, has Peter come down yet, he had a
late night” She had focused her concentration on the noises in the home,
the creaks and rumbles of an older home.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’m
still young enough to burn the midnight oil, young lady” Peter
announced from the hallway as he buttoned his shirt collar then reached
for a coffee mug, “Who did the honors?” Peter nodded to the coffee pot.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
can still make coffee” Charles retorted as they settled around the
small table. The air lay thick with mystery for the Chandlers’ future.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“For
that I thank-you,” Peter swallowed the black coffee thinking of how to
break the news of their safe destination, “Catherine, I spoke to Evan’s
family last night and secured a safe place for you both”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
got the cabin? I hear it’s rustic, are you ready to return to your
Scouting days, Daddy?” Catherine’s enthusiasm brightened the breakfast
table gathering.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Closer
and safer” now Peter had their attention, “Remember Jacob and Mary from
the other evening, Catherine?” When she nodded he continued, “They are
Evan’s Aunt and Uncle you could say –“</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“And they have something closer?” Charles folded his hands over the morning paper.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Beneath our very noses” Peter rested his hands flat on the table to accentuate the statement.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“And safe?” Charles countered.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Off the maps safe” Peter responded gently.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">== = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
it struck either of them odd that Peter suggested athletic shoes to
Catherine she didn’t register it. The fact that Peter had them deposit
their bags in the basement didn’t seem peculiar as the back door gave
them alley access in broad daylight. What had both of the Chandlers
scratching their heads was that Peter locked the basement door so no one
could enter the basement and then led them to a corner where he slid a
pristine work bench aside and unscrewed a small knob on a peculiar door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We’re
going underground, really underground” Peter declared, “There’s a row
of large rebar staples down about 5 feet, it’s lit. Charles, you climb
down and I’ll pass the satchels to you, then Catherine and I’ll close up
and be down last”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
followed directions silently, each of them breathing in the loamy damp
air as Peter did his best to close up his home. They exchanged long
looks at the repetitive tapping and the industrial wire covered electric
lights ahead.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“This
is where we’re heading, to where we call “Below” Peter picked up some
luggage and led the way, “The story I told you at breakfast, about Jacob
and that wife, Margaret, you understand it’s not commonly discussed”
The Chandlers understood discretion and replied in fact.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Evan
can tell you his story, Catherine, everyone has one here” Peter led
down a hard packed earth path, brick foundations to one side, rail road
ties and scavenged wood on the other side, “Jacob was sited before the
government about his medical findings and was blacklisted. He lost
everything, had he come to me I would have taken him in, but pride does
goeth before the fall” Peter shifted the weight of the baggage and
stopped for Charles to catch his breath.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
could have taken him in, but it wouldn’t have been a life, this, what
he did gave so many people a life where they thought they had lost their
dreams”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“How do they
live?” Catherine fought her repulsion for the dark as she saw torches
ahead after twenty minutes of steady walking, “No electricity?” she was
beginning to bristle at the offer of safety underground. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“They
are quite clever; you’ll meet their Thomas Edison, a young man named
Mouse. Don’t encourage him with the gizmos, either of you! God knows
what he’ll try to rig for you!” Now Charles’ eyebrows rose amusingly at
the prospect, Catherine was silent, worrying about the eminent darkness.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
much as Vincent needed to be deeper into the Tunnels, he had sent
Winslow off with the preliminary papers and a smaller pack of tools. He
knew the dispositions of those who sought the Tunnels as a refuge; he
had stood back from them – his visage too much for newcomers. Now he
watched the trio make their way around the curve of the rock hewn Tunnel
corner and from a hidden alcove he watched Catherine close her eyes
tightly as if to wish herself somewhere else. When she opened them and
stepped out her jaw dropped at the tableau ahead. The man she had met at
the Book signing, Jacob Wells was standing at a sizable table covered
with charts and stacks of books. He rested on the palm of one hand as
he sorted books to clear a place for his visitors to share the pot of
tea. Once Vincent knew they had been welcomed he stepped double time to
join Winslow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Welcome
to my home” Jacob smiled as he grabbed his cane and moved toward his
guests. In the initial moments of their meeting, from another direction,
Mary joined them, sliding chairs toward the table and plating small
muffins with their tea.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sorry
your situation has forced you to leave your homes, we hope you find
yourselves safe and comfortable in our world” Mary offered as she
accepted their windbreakers and hung them on the coat tree.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
was a peaceful accord as the group discussed the society rules of the
world below, “We’ll be sharing our meals here in this room, not that you
aren’t welcome to our dining room, we simply find it easier for most of
our citizens to meet new people gradually and lastly, because of the
natural outcroppings and bodies of waters we would demand that you not
go off on your own. Your chambers are adjacent to the bathes and you’re
welcome to our library and our kitchens” Jacob sat back, his fingers
steepled in his lap.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Well,
of course not, I mean we wouldn’t go off on our own, frankly Dr. Wells,
I would probably read or I see you play chess” Charles was still
absorbing whether or not he had ingested something from a bottle that
said “drink me”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Catherine,
I know Evan expects to be home around dinner time. He doesn’t expect
you here, I didn’t have a chance to get a message to him – you can see
we have no phones” There was a bit of a smile at this.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
am looking forward to seeing him” all of a sudden she was demure,
searching for discussion subjects with the “Mayor” of Below.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Her
“chamber”, what they called their living quarters, was the size of her
bedroom. Once Catherine set down her bags she lovingly placed her
Mother’s portrait and her rose on the bed table. She surveyed the riot
of mis-matched furniture from the spindled rocker to the chest at the
foot of the full bed. When she smoothed the handmade quilt she felt the
varied textures of the fabrics lying handsomely under the hand stitching
while the scent of lavender and vanilla rose from the fat pillar
candles on the rock hewn ledges. What had the law firm gotten them into
and where exactly was she?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Charles’
eyes followed the carving on the chest of drawers as he rocked in the
chair next to his small bed. His chamber, a bit further past
Catherine’s was impressive as he had expected something akin to a cave.
He folded his hands, as if to pray and counted his blessings, he hadn’t
been too jaded to make this prayer. His free will had brought him
education and professional standing and his heartaches had always been
in his personal life. Losing a loving wife, raising his daughter alone,
these had been sad moments he had worked so hard to temper with travel
and gifts. Now he sat in literally a hole in the ground assessing his
next steps. “Excuse me, Mr. Chandler” a young voice called from the
hall.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yes, child” Charles answered wearily.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Mary says that we should take you on a tour” The youngster shuffled in clean but well-worn sneakers, “I’m Jeremy”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Could we do that later, son?” Charles asked as the boy entered the room, “Jeremy, do you go to school?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
a quick smile the dark haired boy chuckled, “Yessir, most days. Today
my lessons were independent study and I study quickly” he was 11 or so,
rangy in his cast off clothing, “You would want to know where the
bathroom is, right?” the boy knew basic needs; he had done this before
Charles surmised.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Alright, son, let’s do this” Charles rose to join the boy and were both off on a small adventure.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Catherine?”
the voice called from a distance, the volume building as Evan drew
closer, “Catherine” Evan had arrived home early and had been surprised
with the news of the Chandlers taking refuge Below. Evan’s quest for
Catherine carried him so quickly he slid to a stop before her standing
in the roughhewn hallway.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
didn’t expect to find me here, did you?” Catherine giggled finding a
place in his arms, nestling under his bristly chin as they held each
other. They cuddled finding each other’s warmth yet oddly, that
kiss….their first kiss landed mutely on both their lips.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No
primal energy surged thru their bloodstreams, no open mouths or
inquiring tongues. No quivering in their hearts. It was like cousins
at a family reunion, then just their rocking back and forth within each
other’s arms. As they drew back to capture long looks at each other they
held just each other’s fingertips. Each of them silently assessed each
other as if for the first time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now
Catherine could fit all of his idiosyncrasies with his home, the long
hair, the well-worn corduroys frayed at the heel, and the chukka boots
scuffed from miles of tunnel walking, the long hair and beard. His
blue, blue eyes were bright and friendly, that was it, just friendly.
Oddly as they stood there were no embers of hot passion stirring within
either of them. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evan
stepped back and nodded, she was the last person he ever expected to be
waiting for him in the Tunnel. He gallantly offered his elbow and the
two of them took a long stroll. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why
hadn’t they torn each other’s clothes off? Why hadn’t their lips
locked, inflamed by weeks of telephone chats baptized with romantic
endearments? Their internal gears, so necessary to get their wheels of
love into a horizontal position never synced. It was never going to
happen for them, even while they stood reading the constellations in the
reflections of the stars. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
they returned at the dinner hour they weren’t even holding hands.
Surprisingly, Catherine had a mind that this simplification would be one
less issue in what she figured would be a tumultuous season. The last
thing she needed was infatuation to cloud her reasoning.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their
quiet dinner with Father was just that. William’s posse of kitchen
help carried a large crockery of stew, a basket of rolls and apple
butter and a small cinnamon cake into the room. The static silence
seemed odd to Father as he watched Evan slowly break his bread before
carefully slathering it with apple butter. Chat wasn’t that, it was
carefully meted out words on generic subjects between people just wading
into something of a friendship. The Chandlers assumed “Father” and
Mary weren’t subscribers to the New York Times, although they had
discovered the paper would find its way down within 24-28 hours of its
distribution. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When they plated up the cinnamon cake Father eyed Evan as he sat across from Catherine, where was that romance Father wondered.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After
the dishes had been cleared and the candle glow had been reduced to the
two of them at the table Father motioned for Evan to have a seat, “Tell
me about your travels, Evan”. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
those few words Evan morphed from a fully functioning adult to a 13
year old boy, he pushed the chair back on two legs and braced his foot
on the table leg, rocking as he thought about the weeks away. “You know I
love my work, nothing like meeting people, talking about poetry, I mean
how lucky am I?” With just a “look” from Father, Evan brought the chair
legs back to the floor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“How lucky?” Father posed the question back to him, sipping his tea, waiting to hear more about Evan’s travels.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Well,
you know I hate being alone on the road” Evan’s smile grew pensive,
reflective, “ just about every night I’d call Catherine, just to hear
her voice and Father, I thought it was a beginning for me. We connected
on so many points…. But…. There just wasn’t a spark” Evan hung his
head, romantically defeated again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Love
can sometimes be magic” Father leaned into their conversation, “But
magic can sometimes... just be an illusion, was the illusion good while
it lasted?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evading
the question Evan countered, “Where did Vincent head off to? Somewhere I
could find him one of these days?” Evan recognized the discipline – new
residents were reserved in a circle while they grew comfortable with
the community, then as their sense of “citizenship” gelled truths were
shared. Vincent was always one of the last truths.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I know he’ll want to see you” Father smiled at the conversational dance.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’ll
bet you were worried about Catherine and I having an incendiary love
fest weren’t you, Father?” Evan’s words were like a confession. “I
thought this was the girl, the ONE, you know? We talked for hours so
many times a week, I could tell you her political views, hell, I’ll bet
you I could tell you how she sorts her kitchen drawers” on that comment
Father’s brows rose.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“And…..” Father opened the door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“There
was nothing, zip…. I did that long distance run, we caught each other
in our arms and . . . . Bahm, it was like kissing a sister.” Evan threw
his hands up in the air, then caught the length of his hair and tied it
into a ponytail, “and the damndest thing, it doesn’t even hurt. I mean
we chat and she’s good company but you don’t have to worry about us
being a bad example for Jamie and the rest of the gang”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
appreciate your concern for Tunnel morality, Evan, I very nearly
expected that you’d be courting her, seriously from your letters” All of
Father’s telltale emotions were bleeding thru, his knitted brows and
cleaning his eyeglasses. Evan felt Father’s deep and true concern,
“Perhaps as you get used to being together the flame might catch?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Father,
I appreciate your compassion, I’m not shutting down here, I’m just not
seeing us taking off as Evan and Catherine, happily ever after” Now Evan
had risen and pushed his chair back into the table. “Is Vincent where I
think he is?” and Father nodded. They made their customary good nights
and Evan struck out for a late night visit with his best friend.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You can run, but you can’t hide” Evan joked as he approached Vincent as he dried himself after a swim. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
can never hide from you, Evan, welcome, how was your trip?” Vincent
stepped into his trousers then they caught arms and grinned, Vincent
rewarding his return with a fang baring smile. Vincent accepted the
napkin wrapped cake and they sat beside each other as Vincent broke the
large piece into two and they began picking the moist cake to bite size
pieces, “I’m surprised that you aren’t romancing Catherine with some
sweet words, I feel honored.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
story was there to tell, Evan measured his words as they ate then
admitted, “I’ve never been one to kiss and tell, fact is, Vincent…..
There is flat out nothing to tell. It’s not love.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What
is love, Evan, you’ve made your life recounting the words, writing them
yourself” Vincent offered the canteen of spring water and Evan accepted
it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We kissed, there wasn’t a spark, we hugged and there was zilch, sort of a kissing your
sister thru a screen door sort of thing” Evan waited for the metaphor to
register with Vincent and was rewarded with a wry smile and a shake of
his shaggy head.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“The
search continues?” Vincent posed the question, knowing Evan had been
weighing these past month’s telephone conversations as if Catherine was
the one for him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’m
proud to consider her a friend, just Damn, Vincent, why do I have to
have such a ravishing friend?” Evan stretched out on his back to view
the cave ceiling, “Soft in all the right spots, round and strong
and….arghhhhh. Beat me to death now, Vincent I’m destined for
bachelorhood”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent nodded as if he’d comply, “Then it will be the three of us, Devin, you and me keeping company into perpetuity?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Did
I tell you I had dinner with that rascal?” Evan sat up to share the
tale of a Mahi-Mahi dinner in Key West, “he’s down there tending bar,
sleeping all day” Then Evan’s voice tapered to a whisper, “He tells the
tourists he was swiped by Pirates between there and Bermuda” as he
pointed to his cheek, referring to Devin’s scarred cheek, “I’m sorry,
Vincent, I didn’t mean to make light of it” Then they watched the motes
of dust in silence, each lost within their hearts.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
days stretched into a week and Charles’ own counsel advised he “stay
put”, this could have worn on them except for their temporary forays
into Peter’s brownstone to break their “cabin fever”. Vincent and
Winslow returned the 6<sup>th</sup> day of their stay and although they
met Winslow, Vincent hung in the shadows of the Tunnels. The heavy
tapestries stayed drawn across his chamber doorway and he took his meals
alone when the Chandlers were below.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Weeks
later when Catherine had escaped her solitude to sit in the bedroom
window seat on the 3rd story, she watched the bounty of thick leaves
turn orange and amber to drop away and she felt her heart crumble too.
Not that she could even say why, she felt hollow and pointless, even
more so than when she occupied a mahogany desk at the law firm. This
would have been the time perhaps for a religious conversion had it
presented itself, yet what was laid before her was more of a societal
transformation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Daddy,
what if I offer my talents teaching? That Radcliffe education could be
used for something” her light fingers traced over the spines of the
books in Peter’s library to fall on a thin red book of Shakespeare’s
sonnets.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We need to
carry our weight in some way” Charles’ lifelong purpose had been
truncated by crime to become a daily chess partner, “they seem to not
want our money, it’s the damndest thing – anywhere else and they’d have
put a bounty on our futures and charged us accordingly” He certainly
didn’t understand them even after living amongst them for these weeks.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">October 1<sup>st</sup> Mouse jogged toward the Chandlers as they returned to the Tunnels, “Ok, good to see you, good news just in time”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Good
news, what type, Mouse?” Charles had a standing 4 O’clock meeting twice
a week to talk about “gizmos”, they had become fast friends.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Halloween Party, pumpkins, games and most important, COSTUMES” Mouse nearly bounced off the stone walls.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It’s
been a while for us; Mouse, what would you propose for our costumes?”
Catherine exchanged a grin with Charles and drifted alongside Mouse and
looped a hand into the crook of his elbow. Mouse seemed surprised at
her action yet carried on with his usual enthusiasm led her away to a
large chamber with stacks of sorted clothes and bolts of cast off
fabric.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Bailey” Mouse
called at the doorway, “Need more costumes!” then he cut out, running
to draw more residents to pick and choose a costume.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bailey,
a 40’s something woman had escaped a life or exhausting abuse at the
hand of a politician. Not wanting to live in the light of being
someone’s EX, she had made her break when her physician, Dr. Alcott had
brought her into the fold. Her love of fabric and sewing solved an age
old clothing dilemma Below. These days found her playing with dyes and
fabrics for the fall fete of Saowain.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Do
you sew Catherine?” Bailey asked as she dragged a box of patterns from
the shelf. Bailey’s eyes danced at the thought of the tunnel community
celebrating in costume.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catherine
laughed and threw he hands up, “Not hardly! Never had a good teacher,
are you a good teacher?” Before Bailey could answer, Evan entered
carrying bags of trimmings from a family owned fabric store.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“More goodies for Romeos and Juliets and Pirates” Then Evan winked at Catherine, “Which one will you be?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once
Mouse had played the town crier about the costume party he circled back
to Catherine’s chamber, “Catherine Chandler?” he politely stood outside
her doorway, his back to the door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It’s Mouse, right?” She had been reading and wanted to be sure she had remembered his voice, this time low and polite.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sure, it’s Mouse” she could hear his shuffling in the echo of the hallway.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Come
on in, what can I do for you?” Catherine had been ordering small
electronic pieces from a tool catalog and they had struck up an
eccentric rapport.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Someone
wants to meet you, my friend” Mouse almost removed the book from her
lap to bring her to her feet, “Need hiking shoes and warm gloves, walk
with me”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Where to, Mouse?” She slid into her sneakers and caught the gloves off the top of the bureau, “We aren’t going up are we?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Down,
going down, someone wants to meet you” Now his urgency carried him to
the doorway as if to draw her with him, she could do nothing less than
follow him. He had shown her luminescent lichen and brilliant crystal
formations so this person would undoubtedly be as interesting as his
previous adventures.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Who
wants to meet me?” She brought the lush, soft scarf around her neck and
set to walk beside him. He demurred telling who, he just babbled about
special stones and herbal concoctions. They walked down steep spiral
staircases until she begged to take five only to have him offer her a
flask of peppermint tea sweet with dark honey and pull her further into
the bowels of the earth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“She’s
going to come for you here and then I’ll return for you….need to do
something for Vincent….. I’ll be back, promise” and he led her to a slab
of carved stone and nodded for her to sit and wait. Mouse darted back
the way they came while Catherine sat in flinty silence, her fear
growing by the minute as she detected a shuffling sound approaching.
She thought of Minotaurs and giant rats to the extent that she clenched
her eyes shut and pull her feet up to the stone bench. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
as the noise built to a crescendo it stopped, suddenly in front of her.
Herbs and oiled scents whirled around her so overtaking her breath that
she removed her hands from her face and covered her mouth and nose. In
that moment Narcissa stood in her sightline and Catherine drew her
hands into defending fists.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
cackle cracked the dry air and Narcissa pronounced, “Child, you need
not fear me….. ….. You fear the unknown, you fear the criminals
encroaching your father’s business you fear love is elusive and I bring
enlightenment for these fears”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seeking to melt into the rock wall Catherine shrunk back, “Who are you, how do you know my fears?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Oh,
child, we all want to be happy and free from fear, many people here
have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace. You and your
Father have come for sanctuary from violence” Narcissa’s white eyes
gazed over Catherine’s head as her voice entranced the nervous Topsider,
“You have begun the wheels of justice Above to protect you and still
you lay awake at night. What can Narcissa do for you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once
Catherine’s breathing returned to normal, she found herself extending
both her hands to the old woman’s and truth erupted from her lips, “I
came here in love, or what I thought was love. When Evan and I kissed
every notion of romance flew out of our minds. I feel guilty, I feel
sorry – I feel like I led him on”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
stood connected by their clasped hands and Narcissa meditated for a few
moments, “Child, this was a journey of discovery to gain a friend you
will have for life . . . . . there is no waste, no pain in this
realization” Of course to Catherine it seemed like an oversimplification
of what she and Evan shared.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“In
this time with Father’s community you have breathed easier, shared
smiles because you reflected and contributed to this world. You have
accepted your role and become flexible while you supported your Father
in his strife”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catherine found herself nodding along with her as those dark gnarled hands massaged her tense fingers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
have made yourself ready, you have lightened you heart and given
thanks. Now, you stand transformed and ready to receive the love of your
heart’s desire” Narcissa’s dark skin shone in the torchlight, in
contrast to her pearl white teeth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What?” the force of her disbelief nearly pulled her hands from the sorceress.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
will speak more plainly. Catherine” now she took Catherine’s left hand,
“On the night when masks are worn, your true love’s heart will be
unmasked. You will express your true desires and he who is ripe to
fulfill them will make his presence known”, their eyes burned into each
other after the oracle’s ravings. A current transmuted between them and
the tension left the young woman’s body and soul. The aged woman came to
sit beside her guest and she held her across her lap like a child as
they rocked in another sort of trance, Narcissa whispered into her ear
“Child, all gains are the fruit of venturing”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
the strumming between them died Mouse’s footfalls approached and
Catherine awoke, she was foggy and momentarily confused yet lucid enough
to nod a good-bye to her new friend and walk along side Mouse the
entire convoluted path.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Catherine looks happy” Mouse proclaimed as they climbed the circular metal staircase.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
know, Mouse, I’m not even sure why, but she’s magical and I feel Daddy
and I are going to be safe and perhaps our time here will be coming to a
close” her steps lightened as they approached the torchlit hallways.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That night she ate little and made her good-nights early, she felt she had too much to dream this night!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
That next night an old Tunnel Script of Romeo and Juliet lay on her bed
when Catherine returned from her dinner. Inside was a pencil sketch
and notes on the costume Catherine thought someone had designed for a
previous production, then she looked at the “actress” her features were
remarkably similar to hers! She fell asleep, the script in her hands.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Three
nights later a small hair comb appeared on her pillow, from the patina
it was vintage, the note said: "O! She doth teach the torches to burn
bright" - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 1.5.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Daddy,
are you doing this?” Catherine called down the hallway, only to hear a
shuffle in the shadows that caused her to jump back into the warm light
of her chamber.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Was it any surprise that October 31<sup>st</sup>
found Catherine adjusting the conical hat before the antique mirror in
her chamber she figured she could be “Juliet” although she hadn’t heard
of any man being “Romeo”? Bailey had done most of the work on the
empire velveteen dress while she claimed Catherine was a fashion
designer in training. Together they drew and cut the lengths of
discarded draperies. “If it had been green I would feel like Scarlett
O’Hara” Catherine remembered the week she learned to sew. “Cathy” her
Father called from the hallway, “Ready for the Party, Juliet, your Lost
Boy awaits?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Daddy,
what fun this is going to be, don’t even think about what’s going on
Above” she grinned the absolving smile of a loving daughter and adjusted
his sash, “The boys are going to love you being the biggest Lost Boy”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“All
of a sudden I have the oddest urge for Peanut Butter” Charles quipped
as they headed toward Father’s Chamber. They heard Father’s breathing
life into the tale of the Headless Horseman and the hesitated before
joining the group.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Not
knowing that the hill had already been taken by the British. Whatever
the reason, the Headless Horseman continues to roam the roads near
Tarrytown on dark nights from that day to this.” Father closed the book,
although he could have told the tale by heart. “Now, as the adults join
us we’ll prepare for the pumpkin carving and then bobbing for apples”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
the children hopped up and down to jockey to the front of the line for
cider and a pumpkin Catherine searched the room for a seat and the
costumes and masks amused her. “Who’s your friend, Evan?” Catherine
nodded toward the man in the duplicate costume of his. Catherine was
certain she had never met this tall golden stranger who stood brushing
shoulders in the corner, both in deep blue cropped front military
tailcoats rich with gold braiding. Vincent and Evan posed as bookends,
mirror images of tall, muscular men in knee high polished boots; their
long hair brushed till it shone in the candle light.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“My
good buddy, Vincent, I would like you to meet Catherine and her father,
Charles Chandler” Charles extended a hand and Vincent offered an
elegantly gloved hand. Those gloves were the only difference between
Vincent and Evan’s costumes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Vincent,
just Vincent?” she asked and he nodded, “How have we missed you all
this time?” Catherine blushed at the sight of this intriguing gentleman
in the tight white trousers. After months of carrying on what she
thought was a stimulating long distance connection she stood extra tall
as he bent to brush his distinctive lips over her fingertips.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Energy
was too severe a word for what streamed between them. The soft flow of
power crackled at their touch and circulated thru her bloodstream. The
warmth and stimuli nestled between her ribs near her heart and she could
only freeze in that stance, no other movement was possible.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Great,
Vincent, you always pull that trick out of your pocket and slay the
rest of us guys away” Evan caught Catherine’s elbow and drew her to the
small chaise in the corner. “Don’t mind Vincent, he gets into the
costume” Vincent turned his head, sneaking a bit of a smirk at Evan’s
aside. He had felt it, felt all she had experienced only it settled
within him as a disturbance, why now, why with her?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">From
across the room Vincent observed the two of them taking in the next
story with more interest than for each other. Her amusement at the
Gaelic yarns grew with each paragraph and it was as if he could feel her
engrossment. Lost in watching Catherine he jumped at the warm words
Evan whispered into his ear, “The seat’s good and warm, all you have to
do is sit down next to her”. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
shot Evan his best incredulous air and struggled to slink further into
the shadows, “Seriously, you’ve been watching Catherine since the first
night at the book store” Evan turned his back to the group to perform
his most active expressions for Vincent, “She’s a beautiful woman,
inside and out. You’d be a fool to not enjoy her company” With that
said Vincent scowled at his friend and beat a path to the Commons where
the younger children were carving pumpkins.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent drew his lips together to speak and swallowed the words; he’d be a fool to pursue her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evan
grabbed two mugs of cider and worked his way back to the open seat he
left, “What did you say to your friend?” Catherine quietly probed as she
held the mug up to her lips, her eyes on Father and his illustrated
story book.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“He’s off
to carve up pumpkins, he’s a hands on kind of guy” Evan felt bad at the
comment and even worse that Vincent had felt he needed to take flight.
In the Chandler’s time Below Vincent had clung to the shadows admiring
Catherine from afar. She would comment on a bit of a story and the book
would be on her bed table, she would talk about a scent and those
candles would appear on her chamber’s ledge. Evan knew whatever passion
he lacked for Catherine it was quite likely Vincent’s heart burned for
the woman. Evan had hoped to push the two into some Halloween meeting,
if not tonight, when?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once
Mouse, Jamie and Rebecca rounded up couple of dozen Trick or Treaters
the Tunnels quieted down, leaving the adults to gather in the Commons
for pumpkin donuts and hard cider. “Is that Jacob as Captain Hook?”
Charles murmured to Catherine. Spice scented candles burned in the
candelabra’s distributed on the buffet table laid heavy with platters of
hard cheeses and sausages. Piles of grapes and figs nestled in between
the cutting boards and stacks of mis-matched luncheon plates.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
think Mary has quite a sense of humor to dress as Smee, don’t you
think? I mean I’ve never seen her in a pair of trousers, check out those
striped socks!” Catherine lingered over the cauldron of hard cider
looking for Vincent. Music seemed to come from nowhere as the adults
relaxed without their children. Laughter filled the room as it can when
people are relaxed and within their element.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“She
most likely knitted those socks herself, Cathy. I’ve never seen such a
creative woman in my life” Charles had grown to admire her sense of
industry and talents. In the candlelight Catherine had been seeking a
particular pair of those white trousers and knee high black boots,
looking for Vincent’s arrival to the adult party. When she only saw
Evan her heart sunk just a millimeter so she relied on her appetite to
make up for lost entertainment.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Balancing
two plates and a mug of cider she shuffled over the slightly uneven
stone floor in the direction of a fairly ornate chair near a tall
tapestry. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hClyvvZh3w&feature=related"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hClyvvZh3w&feature=related</span></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Someone
shouldered a violin and playful hands began wrapping and tapping spoons
in harmony, one of the married couples began a hearty jig their playful
energy drew more and more of the crowd to dancing. Except Catherine,
she sat pinching grapes off of her plate, watching the merriment and
scanning the multitude for Vincent. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Out
of the corner of her eye she caught movement and pulled her feet up to
the rung of the chair in fear of mice. Then in the dark earthen and
stone corner she saw brown booted legs and suede covered thighs extended
from an alcove in the stone wall. Who was this? She stood and craned
her neck to no avail she had to move closer, she felt really desperate
yet she swallowed her curiosity and got closer. It was Vincent.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
changed costumes” Catherine burst in surprise. Now he wore a linen
poet’s shirt with an olive suede tunic, his arms crossed over his chest,
his hands tucked into his armpits. Had he blushed at her? She couldn’t
tell through his makeup. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Ah, yes, pumpkin innards and white trousers are certain disaster” His tone was pleasant if not a bit awkward.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Do you dance?” she asked as she turned to lean against the wall to gain his perspective of the dance floor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Not
like that” he unconsciously raised his hand to the crowd and then
withdrew it back to his side, “My feet don’t connect with my brain until
adrenaline kicks in, I’m sort of a fight or flight individual” he was
digging deep to make conversation, Evan would have been proud. There
was Vincent, the Tunnel Protector nearly shivering at the thought of
intelligent discourse with Catherine.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
can’t do that” she nodded to the energetic Irish Jig that Livvy and
Kanin were performing, “They didn’t cover that in Cotillion” she held
out the plate of fruit and cheese, “My eyes were bigger than my
stomach”. He caught the glow of her green eyes and their time stood
still. Vincent accepted the plate to keep his hands still as he felt a
tremor take over.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
have done nothing but stuff my gut since I’ve moved down here, there
may not be a hole large enough for me to emerge” Her eyes twinkled at
her self-deprecation and Vincent shook his head in denial.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
are a beautiful young woman, too many women are too thin today” his
honesty burned in his blue eyes and she girlishly reached out to pat at
his bicep. Under the linen shirt he was coiled muscle and her palm
melded to his warmth. Momentarily he jerked at her touch and she drew
back as if he were fire, only their eyes were locked, the two of them
isolated with in the crowd.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“See
that?” Evan nodded in their general direction to Father, “I’ve been
trying to get them together all night” to which Father shook his head.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Really,
Evan, is that wise? Once this hubbub with the Chandlers’ legal
situation blows over they’ll be Topside” The feather on Father’s Pirate
Hat danced to give him almost a comical air. He was more Disney than
bloodthirsty pirate.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“They’ll
always be Helpers, I can tell. Plus, I told you he’s been yearning for
her since he saw her” Evan refilled his mug and swallowed half right
there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yearning…..
Vincent, yearning?” Father’s darkened moustache turned down with his
frown. “Really, Evan?” Then he directed his question to Mary, “Am I
blind? Vincent yearning?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mary
traded looks with Evan, regarded the couple across the room and then
pinched Father’s cheek, “Jacob, would you know yearning if it bit you?”
and she slunk off to leave Jacob in Evan’s very complicated hands.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What was that supposed to mean?” Jacob blanched at Mary’s departure, “Am I the only oblivious person here?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Don’t
sweat it, Father; you’re a big picture sort of man and we always come
to you when there’s a joining or a naming ceremony, don’t we?” Evan
patted Father on the shoulder and left him behind the donut tray.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within
moments of the lively music ending a simple waltz drew t<span style="font-size: small;">he</span> majority of
the adults to step closer to their partners and dreamily circle the
floor. With trepidation, Vincent set down the nearly empty plates and
eyed the dancers. He could barely look Catherine in the eye when he
pushed away from the alcove to stand whisper a husky, “Would you care to
dance?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When had 5
words sent a shiver like that down her spine? The frisson settled warmly
within her center and her knees nearly went weak before she could raise
her hand to his. Her hand in his she felt small and sheltered,
cherished. Honestly, she couldn’t count the beats of the song or
identify its name once his strong hand settled at the small of her back.
Catherine made careful steps to keep a respectful distance from the
broad belt strapped around his lean waist. She eyed the ornate buckle
as the gate to damnation, one brush along the front of his suede
trousers and she wouldn’t be responsible for her behavior. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent’s
strong arms led her earnestly through the dance<span style="font-size: small;"> and </span>as he read the waves
of excitement rolling off his dance partner heat licked at his iron
self-control. He counted the stanzas left of the song, feeling his
heart thumping out of his chest. When he looked down to check that his
chest wasn’t visibly shuddering their eyes seared into each other. She
was engrossed in the two of them; he could feel it in his bones. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
dance floor appeared to clear and Vincent used the space to glide a
wider perimeter perhaps to escape the scores of admiring eyes. His
heart filled as he felt his families’ eyes and her admiration within the
music’s glow. Within the maelstrom of tune and emotion he prayed for
the song to end yet for the moment to never end.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
music ended with applause and their abrupt stop nearly throwing them
into each other. Catherine prayed for more music as Vincent separated
from her and promptly folded his hands behind his back. “Thank you for
the dance, Catherine” And again a few words from Vincent melted her
heart. She adopted the same body language and walked shoulder to
shoulder with him, her sweating hands clasped behind her toward the
cider cauldron.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Something
hot?” Evan asked as he held up mugs for each of them. At the end of
the table Father rolled his eyes and shook his head as he shuffled off
seeking Mary’s good company. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evan
turned to swallow his comment and met Charles’ eyes. “Matchmaking,
Evan?” Only a father’s face could wear such an inquisitive expression.
“Why haven’t we met him before tonight?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“If
we are very quiet, we won’t be found” Vincent whispered as he slowly
opened the back door to the Book store, the very same door thru which he
had eluded Catherine the night Evan met her. Below a Halloween
gathering was in full swing, she heard Mr. Smyth’s melodious voice
reading from Poe” Murders in the Rue Morgue.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Coincidences,
in general, are great stumbling blocks in the way of that class of
thinkers who have been educated to know nothing of the theory of
probabilities- that theory to which the most glorious objects of human
research are indebted for the most glorious of illustration."</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Conspiratorially
they slunk against the shelves toward the back and a midnight blue
velvet fainting couch. It was only occupied by those who found their
way thru the maze. Vincent had led her up the Tunnel stairs and thru
the back door of the shop, to share the silence and that fainting
couch. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“He’s a
Helper?” Catherine dropped the conical hat onto the table near the
basement door, “I had to take that off, the elastic annoyed my chin” she
craned her neck upward to expose the red line. Vincent swallowed hard
at the otherwise alabaster flesh so ripe for a man’s kisses, “Are you
comfortable in all that?” her hand gestured at his “costume”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“As
best as one can be” he tucked his chin to hide behind the curtain of
hair, then she followed him as his long strides delivered them to sit on
the length of overstuffed indigo velvet.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reaching
under the furniture Vincent withdrew a fat candle, a book of matches
and a book of Sonnets. “Now that tells me you have a little hideaway
here”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The squeals of
the audience gave Catherine a start then the settled, watching Vincent’s
graceful setting the candle into the holder on the petite round table
and the dance of the match flame as it roared to light. She felt he had
plucked a string in her spine as he touched the flame to the candle and
seemed to inhale its warmth as fuel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">His
voice broke the spell, “Would you like to share a book?” He set himself
at the opposite end of the couch, one foot on the floor and his right
knee ahead of him to keep her at bay. His features softened in the
golden light, the glint of the individual hairs down his nose caught
Catherine’s attention. She admired the exotic geometry of his masque
and wondered how he had fit the pieces around his eyes. Those cerulean
blue eyes could have been contacts, but she doubted that. Catherine
shrugged in agreement, ambivalent to their activity, just enjoying the
peace between them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
posed the question, “What did you have in mind?” She pushed back into
sumptuous upholstery and drew one knee up in the thought perhaps their
knees would “kiss” in their sitting there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“My
choice?” Should she choose funny, romantic, fiction, non-fiction?
Anything she chose would have some implication of meaning, how could she
make a choice? “Could we just chat? I mean we’ve just met”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or
so she thought, as Vincent had watched her from afar from the day he
returned from the depths of Below. For a scant moment Vincent recalled
the first moment he had seen her in his world, as she sat with her knees
under her chin in the Whispering Gallery. Her finger drew shapes in
the sand then she’d oblique them with a swipe of her palm, frown and
begin again. Vincent had watched her for 30 minutes or so while silent
tears ran down her face. That night at Vincent’s suggestion Father had
proposed and impromptu Music recital where Vincent hung in the shadows
of Father’s chamber to watch her smile, Vincent loved to see her smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Capital
idea” He braced himself for a game of 20 questions Vincent mused
humorously as he prepared for the worst, “Me first?” He seemed to beg.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“For the question or to ask the question?” Catherine bent forward in interest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“To ask the question” Vincent was emphatic, nearly insistent.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sure, shoot” Catherine settled back and her knee slid a fraction of an inch toward his.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Oatmeal or Chocolate Chip?” Vincent managed the question without a smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Chocolate
chip, what about you?” she grinned at the thought of cold milk and a
stack of freshly baked cookies, something she had learned to enjoy since
being Below.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Oatmeal,
with raisins” he nodded as if they were before them, ready for the
eating, “Was that your question?” he secretly hoped.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Sure” and she nodded for him to ask another question.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
swallowed a lungful of air and let out a throaty whisper, “If you could
be anywhere, doing anything right now, where or what would it be?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“That’s
unfair. . . . . . It’s as if you don’t think I’m enjoying being here”
Now she parked her chin on her palm and waited for his answer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent grimaced and her response and rephrased it, “Well, I would mean tomorrow or a month from now”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
would love to be. . . . . . . .On a boat, somewhere warm with maybe
four of us, you know two couples. Snorkeling, fishing, drinking good
wine and cooking on the beach” He could feel the warmth in her voice,
the roll of the ocean in her mood.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You’ve
done this before?” Vincent choked on the question, wishing to be that
man sharing the sun’s warmth with her on the deck of a boat pitching and
rolling with the waves.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Is
that question 3?” she girlishly giggled as she began to pull hairpins
out of her French twist, honey colored strands fell into loose curls
around her neck.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Of
course” Vincent nodded as he stared into the dark shelves aside then
slid his back against the chaise, leaving her with a profile view, his
long legs straight out, booted ankles crossed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Well my question before your 3<sup>rd</sup>
question is, what animal best represents you and why?” With Catherine’s
question his faced snapped to her half in shame, half in torment,
“Well, your mask, the lion, it must mean a great deal to you. People use
Halloween to express their personalities, a lion, well it’s a symbol of
power and strength and respect.” Catherine seemed flummoxed by his
sudden movement, her words sought to assuage any perceived verbal
assault.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
settled back in his seat, facing her, his head slightly bowed, “Yes,
it’s an expression of that, you could say that” Pulling up to look in
her eyes his brow arched and an awkward apprehension infiltrated her
curious heart as he spoke, “To see a lion in your dream, symbolizes
great strength, aggression and power. You’ll overcome your emotions or
difficulties. As king of the jungle, the lion also represents royalty,
leadership, pride and dominion. To dream that you are attacked by a lion
indicates that you have many obstacles to overcome. You must resist the
force that is driving you to self-destruction”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Do
you dream of lions, Vincent?” Her voice barely past a whisper she
watched his eyes close slowly then reopen to face Catherine, her
shoulders rose and she backpedalled, “I asked two questions again, you
don’t have to answer that one”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
pursed his lips as he thought about his dreams, those past few weeks
that had become a multitude of nights dreaming of Catherine. The nightly
reveries had begun innocently, pleasant dreams of their sharing a book,
a meal, and long walks between the natural wonders he had grown up
around. He believed they were imaginings as for each endearment he
whispered to her, Catherine poetically repaid him. Where else but a
dream could any woman love him?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“No,
Catherine, I don’t dream of lions” then after a beat he inquired, “What
do you consider to be your most life changing experience?” Once he
managed those words out he raised his knee and crossed his arms on the
knee as if to disappear behind his shirt’s full sleeves.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Wow,
that’s quite a question…. I’m going to need a minute on that one”
Catherine examined the space vacated by his thigh and her finger fell to
make lazy circles in the velvet nap. Her head rose slowly and she
began, “probably all this” her hands circled in the air, “having to run
for our lives. . . . . .Certainly has caused me to examine my life’s
purpose” She clasped her hands as if in prayer and shook her head as if
to dispel the reality, “I should be helping with more here while this
community hides us, God, I feel so spoiled”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And in his heart it was his greatest desire to truly spoil her, yet how would <span style="text-decoration: underline;">he</span> spoil a woman from Above?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“How do you spoil someone such as yourself?” his thoughts crossed his lips unconsciously.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“AHHHH,
it was my turn, Vincent!” Catherine extended a hand unconsciously and
he bristled at the contact, she released the light touch and they each
settled to their corners, “Where would you be, if you could anywhere?
You know other than here” she emphasized those past five words.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Absent
mindedly his tongue darted to moisten his lips and Catherine’s
breathing hitched, he opened his mouth to speak and all his “filters”
fell away, “In the fiery sunset to walk on a shore, the waves crashing
at my bare feet, enjoy ice cream, and swim in the pounding surf at dawn.
And before you ask another question, I’ve never done that” Now he
tucked his chin as if to hide.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We
could do that, I mean the ice cream, right now” Catherine lurched,
ready to enjoy a night “out”. When the smell of the street washed
pavement comes up sparkling in the streetlight’s gold. “You asked about
what it takes to spoil me” now she settled her slipper clad feet to the
carpeted floor, “to be indulged in something as simple as ice cream”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Ice
cream?” his gloved hands padded to his pockets, feeling woefully
inadequate, and telephone change wouldn’t buy a scoop of ice cream in
NYC.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Let me spoil
you” Catherine’s hand flew to a small coin purse tucked within her
décolleté, “A lady always carries “mad money” She grinned and her eyes
doubled the candlelight for Vincent.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
quoted the lyrics from a song long ago, “And the wind went sighing over
the land, tossing the grasses to and fro, And a rainbow held out its
shining hand, so what could I do but laugh and go?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
fell into step behind her as she remembered the song, “Oh, you remember
the movie, FRIENDS, with Elton John’s music? I loved that movie, two
young people falling in love” Yes, indeed, he knew he had already fallen
in love.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As they slid
past the crowd in the bookstore Catherine led the way to the closest
Ice Cream Parlor, once on the street they jostled between costumed
partiers. “Is the game over?” Vincent asked as she was pushed against
his arm.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> “Game?”
Catherine queried, “Oh, sure but I still have lots of questions for you”
she chuckled at her confession as Vincent padded beside her in awe,
pursuing to gain the upper in their conversation he asked, “How would a
man spoil someone such as you?” Now they strode shoulder to shoulder
bobbling against clowns and devils and geisha girls.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Vincent,
you’re on a tangent!” She smirked and shook her head, only to snap back
to meet the burning vision in those blue, blue eyes, “How would a man
spoil me?” her eyes travelled the gaily lit marquees of stores and
restaurants then she watched the faces of couples walking with arms
linked, couples teasing and kissing on a corner, “I’ve had every shallow
relationship imaginable, I was the right girl for them and each of them
were happy to drop a gift bag from Tiffany’s or dinner at Delmonico’s
then scurry off to a Yankees game or a golf course.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent processed her feelings as she divulged them; he felt her pain at her realization and at her utterance.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“All
well and good” she nearly winced at her words, “Except I want their
time, I wanted to be lost in conversation” then she threw her arms
around herself, “wrapped in their arms. I would go anywhere if the man I
loved, who loved me spent time with me – anywhere. A man could spoil me
that way!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At that
declaration Vincent’s heart raced, he laid his gloved hand over his
heart as if to capture it. His mouth ran dry and head grew light while
Catherine’s emerald eyes glistened with the bright lights and the
nuances of tears. As she brought the two of them to stop there on the
corner the urge to wrap her in his defending arms and kiss her loosely
curled hair pounded between his ears, leeched into every vein in his
body and he fought it with every ounce of his being.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“That
isn’t being spoiled, it’s being loved” Vincent’s voice dropped to a
quiet huskiness as his hands drew to fists to keep from wrapping around
this angel incarnate.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What
is LOVE, Vincent?” the autumn breeze blew her loose hair over her face
and she switched her head to move the hair from her lips, she drew her
fingers thru both sides and pulled it back to reveal her exuberant glow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I’ve
read of it, I’ve seen it” then he shook his head, hiding behind a
curtain of copper hair, “I’ve never experienced it . . . . . . . . . . .
Reciprocated”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Vincent,
no……. never?” Catherine’s brows peaked at the thought, she understood
his sadness and he felt her process the emptiness, “I can only wish, for
the two of us, that one day we feel the balance and the radiance of
what love is”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
saw the spectacle of the two of them; he was genuinely feeling on
display even though the throngs of revelers paid them no mind. He
raised his head and zeroed in on the Ice Cream Parlor in the middle of
the next block, “Enough sadness, it’s time to be spoiled, perhaps not to
the fullest extent, but at least two scoops worth”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
weighty theme of their tête-à-tête seemed to be lifted by waffle cones
full of Strawberry Cheese cake and Cinnamon ice cream for Catherine and
Mint Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cup for Vincent. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
don’t eat peanut butter often, it sticks terribly to the roof of my
mouth, yet I love the flavor” Vincent admitted before he evasively
lapped at the cone while he played to be watching the costume parade in a
side street. Of course Catherine’s curiosity was fed be her watching
his reflection, her nosiness mounted as she looked for a “seam” on his
mask as he bit over and over into the waffle cone. For now, she would
simply watch. After he swallowed the last of the cone he modestly
tapped at his lips and returned to Catherine, “Now I feel spoiled”, his
eyes creased with the smile his lips couldn’t bear to form.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Do we absolutely have to go Below yet?” she begged waif- like in her quietest voice as they left the ice cream parlor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
nodded and pursed his lips, and with a change of heart shook his head,
“Men say that in this midnight hour, the disembodied have authority to
ramble as it liketh them, by sorcerer oak and fairy brook, so why not
us?” he dug his gloved hands into his trouser pockets and waited for
Catherine to express an interest in their direction.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“There’s
a concert in the park, some of the darkest classical music, it starts
at 9” Catherine put a foot in that direction and Vincent fell into step
right next to her, following the costumed throng headed that way.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“So”
Catherine drew out the word as they straggled behind the gangs, “being
out for me tonight, I should be afraid perhaps?” She noticed he hadn’t
caught her hand, yet he had extended his elbow for her to loop her hand
into that snug, warm space.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Another
way to uncover your fears is to find one of your goals, go and
experience it” that was hearty advice for a creature afraid of brushing
against this comely woman, “And, I believe the mob has taken the night
off”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking within
their own cadence, his strides purposefully shorter he gathered his
courage to speak while her hand rested on his forearm, she scrutinized a
group of young men dressed in exaggerated pinstripe suits carrying
violin cases, “Who do you think the Mob masquerades as tonight?” she
countered humorously, “I’m not quite sure, now you’ve got me a tad
paranoid” her hand pulled at his elbow and as they halted in mid crowd,
people bumped off of them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
have an excellent notion, we have a culvert below the front row” and
Vincent diverted their steps toward the bookstore back door, thru
torchlit hallways and around to an alcove where Vincent caught a basket
of cushions and quilts and guided Catherine toward one of his
clandestine quarters.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Oh,
Vincent, our family had seats above for years…."<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Her voice tapered to
silence as the orchestra began tuning for the opening number.
Furtively, Vincent set the cushions in a wide arch giving her plenty of
space to relax, if he held her close she would feel him tremble at her
touch. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the first
notes of the Adagio for Strings, Op. 11a as it began with a B flat
played by violins, leading to the lower string’s entrance Vincent sat
back. Watching Catherine’s reaction to the musical tones that were so
full of pathos and cathartic passion that it threatened to bring tears
to Catherine’s eyes. As the eight minutes of emotion played above them
Catherine sunk into her own arms, the edge of her pink tongue caught
between her lips, so still as the piece ended. In the silence the
dramatic tension snapped and she slunk deeper into the cushions
surrounding her. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
the strains of the next piece began the Baroque meditation sent her
into such a state of relaxation that she drew her knees up under her
chin and shyly blushed as she smoothed her velvet dress around her
ankles.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The concert
was a study of music and sensation driving Catherine through a myriad of
her last months’ emotions. The Medieval, grotesquely macabre Dance of
Death seemed to almost bring a grin to their faces, they nearly giggled
like kids that fought off fear at an afternoon of horror movies.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
the program progress thru Toccata and Fugue in D Minor they were mostly
mute, Catherine feeding off the music, Vincent experiencing it all thru
the emotion rolling off her. Then as the last tones ended their eyes
drew to each other, her eyes especially heavy with curiosity, “Vincent,
why haven’t we met before tonight? And, and before you answer.. .. ..
We seem to feel comfortable in a particularly connected way.. .. ..
Except you keep your gloves on. . . . . .”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
swallowed at her words as he seemed to inspect the seam of his glove;
her words seemed to increase his blinking, his long golden eyelashes
catching the random light thru the grate. Her whirlwind of escaping
emotions brought a trill up the light hair up his backbone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We haven’t met formally because you keep to yourself. . . . .” she wanted to say more, unsure of the words to use.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
am one acquainted with the night, with aloneness” his sullen, deep
voice filled her heart, yet his head never rose to face her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Why?”
Catherine’s soft voice implored while she kept within her tiny space.
She watched him slowly draw off his gloves, finger by finger yet before
he slid out of the gloves his head slowly rose, his eyes seeking
absolution.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Catherine, how would you describe the taste of a peach?” his voice was deep and dry.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“A peach? The taste of a peach? To someone who never had a peach?” now Catherine sat flummoxed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Words
would fall short - I could describe the texture or the juice but you
have to actually try it” there he was going back to philosophical
discourse she mused to herself.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Exactly,
Catherine, when someone tells you about it - is not the same as
actually doing it. It’s like savoring that peach. I can tell you how
soft and supple its skin feels against my lips, how firm and tender it
feels when I sink my teeth into its flesh, how sweet and refreshing its
nectar is as it washes over my tongue. For me it’s a sublime
experience. For you, it’s just voyeurism. You have to find your own
peach and taste it. Only then you know what it’s like to taste a peach”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Vincent…..what does a peach have to do with you?” her patience was stretching as her curiosity took over.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What
if there was only one peach in the world… … … how would you know if it
were safe to partake? Could that peach be poison? Or, would it leave a
foul taste in your mouth?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vincent
let the gloves slide into his lap as the Arena’s brightest lights from
above dimmed. Now they sat in the intermittent rays of the security
lights thru the storm grate. Catherine watched as Vincent slid under the
broadest scope of the light, she took in the geometry of his face
strong, solemn and resolute. In his lap his hands rested on the leather
gloves, palms up, cupped within each other. The graceful curve of his
strong fur covered fingers ended in thick claws. In the silence of the
culvert she heard the sound of his breathing, a slow and steady rasp
that she recognized as the impetus for his husky, rich voice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Her
daring mounted as Narcissa’s words returned to her…..“On the night when
masks are worn, your true love’s heart will be unmasked. You will
express your true desires and he who is ripe to fulfill them will make
his presence known. Child, all gains are the fruit of venturing”
encircled her heart and filled her with wonder.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
shifted to her knees and walked on them across the cushions where she
kneeled before Vincent in the rays of light. She heard his breathing
escalate as her hands sought his hands, “Have you had a visit from
Narcissa?” she lifted his left hand toward the light and ran her fingers
lightly over his calloused palm; she curled his fingers into his palm
to inspect those dangerous claws at rest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within each other’s gaze Catherine spoke, “There is no exquisite beauty, without some strangeness in the proportion”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
fell under the spell of this enchantress as she inspected each of his
hands, gently placing them to rest on the knees of his crossed legs.
Now she rested back on her heels before she took a deep breath and rose
back to her knees where she reached both hands to cup his jaws. The
rush of her love filled his soul and the tilt of her head told him she
was discerning in her inspection. Her eyes bathed him in adoration as
her returning to rest on her heels drew him to lean closer to her. Her
breathing was a siren’s song drawing him to his knees before her, his
hands reaching out to her face.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“A
farmer might teach you about the peach” she whispered breathlessly, her
hands frozen in place as her thumbs feathered over his whiskered chin.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
husked in a near whisper, “But he can’t experience it for you. Only you
can do it” copying those silken strokes on her strong jaw. In his
sapphire eyes she saw his love in his wholeness, his strength, and his
radiance.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He caught a deep breath and solemnly asked, “How would you like to be spoiled?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Epilogue (or Beginning?)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within
6 months the two Brownstones to the right of Peter Alcott’s were
purchased by the Author, Evan Winterberg. From the sounds of things,
the renovations are ongoing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within
the year the Law Firm of Chandler and Coolidge closed their doors.
Charles Chandler assisted the FBI in the case against his client, DePaul
Gabriel, and was last seen under protection leaving his bank after the
Chandlers liquidated their considerable assets. Mr. Chandler and his
daughter were believed to have left the country.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within
18 months Evan’s most successful book, a collection of love letters
between a pair of pre-destined lovers, “Between Vincent and Catherine”
was a best seller sold to a major Film Company. They have an actress in
mind for Catherine, but haven’t been able to cast “Vincent”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Twenty
eight months later, within the candlelit master suite on the top floor
of a Brownstone a satin robed Vincent made gentle steps carrying a
silver tray over to the mahogany four poster bed. As he sat in on the
patchwork velvet coverlet his eyes sought Catherine lounging back on
piles of feather pillows, “Happy Second Anniversary, my Catherine” he
whispered into her ear as he nibbled a gentle kiss and his large hand
slid to cup the gentle swelling of her baby bump. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
caught his hand for the two of them to enjoy the precious life within
her, and the child responded with a flutter of joyful arms and legs.
Sharing expansive smiles of delight Vincent slid closer alongside his
love to pour the sparkling cider into two flutes and pass Catherine
hers. Vincent caught a wedge of fruit to pass it to her lips, but
before she bit the fresh fruit she giggled gently and winked, “Are
peaches the gift for the second anniversary?”</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drolly,
Vincent shook his head of copper hair, “Of course not” Vincent held up
the sheet and nodded to it, “the gift for the second anniversary is
cotton ….. That’s why we’re in bed”.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1)</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="1"></a><i><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 115%;"> A Thing of Beauty</span></i><i><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 115%;">, John Keats 1818</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Its lovliness increases; it will never</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pass into nothingness; but still will keep</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A bower quiet for us, and a sleep</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A flowery band to bind us to the earth,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some shape of beauty moves away the pall</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For simple sheep; and such are daffodils</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With the green world they live in; and clear rills</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That for themselves a cooling covert make</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And such too is the grandeur of the dooms</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We have imagined for the mighty dead;</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">An endless fountain of immortal drink,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2/The Blood of Cu Chulainn </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-63525947049737616562012-04-19T15:52:00.000-07:002012-04-20T14:44:47.062-07:00Insomnia's Icy Grip<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Amber; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">Insomnia’s
Icy grip</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Amber; font-size: 12pt;">NC17 for carnal desires and their descriptions.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Amber; font-size: 12pt;">Usual disclaimers apply….no infringements – just bawdy fun for me and
hopefully you too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV9tsFrGLbMOzF9IcLZIOuQ96kyYdei5aTt7KxCRbDbNPeKQel-01r2nYvbBrlElSBXbEvMKo6_ao58gPIWb2TYvpK3bnX2-EMEytpajSA_qyCr16iMpI8y3_-bX3OzAozZH9NkdyQzr9/s1600/Insomnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV9tsFrGLbMOzF9IcLZIOuQ96kyYdei5aTt7KxCRbDbNPeKQel-01r2nYvbBrlElSBXbEvMKo6_ao58gPIWb2TYvpK3bnX2-EMEytpajSA_qyCr16iMpI8y3_-bX3OzAozZH9NkdyQzr9/s640/Insomnia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<strong>Insomnia's Icy Grip</strong></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
NC17 for carnal desires and their descriptions.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Usual disclaimers apply….no infringements – just bawdy fun for me and hopefully you too.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><b>Purple prose? </b>Well if the nighty fits...I'll wear it.</i></div>
<hr noshade="noshade" size="1" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Something akin to a metronome swung languidly.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
In
the distance a faucet released an indolent drop of water pregnant in
its stout shape. Vincent caught the fragrance of what was infiltrating
the water supply and he shook his head, if he dwelt on that he'd
certainly go mad, madder than he was tonight.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
His nature required
less sleep than his fellow Tunnel mates and so often Vincent was awake
in the glory of the wee hours. At this time he was held by the grip of
insomnia, something he thought had been caused by his recent "fixation".</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<em>You, you, you did this to me…Catherine….</em></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
He
was left wanting, wishing only to grasp at the straws of their
connection, yearning to forge through the pagan, angry waters of carnal
desire, craving the burning of an erotic pinnacle. Was he a restless
insomniac because of her or did the cloak of insomnia heave open his
mind to admit these crippling emotions?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Vincent, feeling like a
former child of God, previously led by 10 Commandments wanted some
unseen pagan Goddess from a chariot of clouds in the night sky to point
her mace downward to him, granting him pardon and mostly permission.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"<em>You, you, you, resolutely woman, resolutely leaving me hot and hard"</em> his words rolled within his head before he uttered them.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"<em>You, you, you, divinely human, a young woman I cower to take to her bed"</em> speaking those words forced him to face these feelings.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Vincent
needed permission to wrap his arms around her shoulders and plunder her
mouth with starved kisses. He wanted consent to peel away her clothing,
holding her not under the spell of a blatant seduction but of the
communion of a pair in love.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Day after day he conspired, plunging
him deeper into this insomnia. In a slow circle he'd twist and spin,
realizing the heat she'd bring to his hard cold existence, realizing the
victory he'd find buried deep within her loving sensual hold. He sought
their connection, deep within her flushed, hungry flesh while all those
years of his "aloneness" powered his sex's steely length.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Vincent
sought her truth, desiring her truth mirrored his…that they would find a
peace within each other that would swab away the filth of their meeting
and gift them a future. He wanted her like a child wanted ice cream,
like a traveler sought a peaceful hostel, like a criminal sought
forgiveness.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Take her, his mind flashed and squelch the thundering
voices inside, trade them for her rapturous cries, their urgent panting
and cries of ecstasy.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Vincent drew out of his unpromising bed and
briskly rubbed away the chill, he'd gladly trade his chamber's chill
for the hospitality of her rumpled bed linens. He'd seek her out, he'd
bring her flowers, a book of poetry and then he'd beg her to warm him
with her sweat born of their love's dance. He'd beg her to invite him
into her and he'd willingly submit to her human touch. He prayed that
she'd crush him with her sweet thighs while she rode his deep thrusts,
over and over and over.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
He danced on the promise of an awe-struck
night within her arms, in her bed, behind those louvered doors. Would
she weigh the evidence of his desire and grasp him gently or would she
clench him heartily as her gentle palm cupped below? Could he wish to
have her gentle lips laving stroke after stroke over his rippled, hard
veined length? He'd only be too happy to return the tongue bath; his
mind whirled in his imaginings as he suckled her swollen lips milking
her sobbing demands.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Before the insomnia he had kept in step,
towed the line of his monastic existence. His eyes could avert
themselves only so many times before this daily insomnia caused to shift
his beliefs. This restlessness had brought him off his knees where he
worshiped a woman, now he rose to kiss, to lap and finally if his nerve
rose to the occasion, to bite the object of his desire.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
When the sinews were cut, the muscles would drop.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Was
Vincent brave enough to give Catherine what she wanted? Did she know
she wanted his brand of seduction? He weighed if she did though she
spoke as she did. In his heart he sensed from his profane and demonic
self she would turn them into something holy and divine.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Crossing
the distance was easy, the choices were many… Roses ripe and red bundled
into a generous bouquet, perhaps a bottle of wine ready for riding
their lips. Vincent was caught up imagining her expression as he stood
at her door, his frantic heart could have beat out his chest. Each step
brought him closer to her as he measured verses. His mind whirled clever
words as he weighed which ones to use. So self-absorbed he stood
outside her door, his fist hanging expectantly above the panes of her
French doors.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Rap, Rap of his knuckles then the sweeping sound of
her feet on the floor, the creak of the hinge, "Vincent!" her excitement
rang true, her smile bathed him and baptized his coarse heart.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"I
just wanted to check in….." Vincent's throat dried as Catherine widened
the door's opening. Behind on the sofa sat Joe in flannel suit, a
coffee mug at his lips as he re-read a portfolio. Then Vincent went wide
eyed as he realized Catherine stood there in her work cloths, sleeves
pushed back, bleary eyed.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"I'm sorry I didn't realize the hour" he
stepped back out of the light's path and thrust the bouquet and the
wine into her hands as he shook his head. The air hung heavy with the
scent of plodding lackluster brainstorming.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"I couldn't sleep" those words sounded stupid the second they left his lips, it was 12:30 at night.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Catherine's
smile grew exponentially as she caught his offerings. She stepped
toward him, reading the bottle as she inhaled the spice of the
over-sized bouquet. Her aura abruptly sparkled with anticipation as she
looked back toward Joe. He had been surprised by the odd arrival, before
Catherine ran to the door but hadn't seen Vincent's face.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"I
didn't realize you had guests." Vincent whispered as he stood nodding;
suddenly having to scratch an itch on his collar. Catherine imagined he
looked oh, about 16 and awkward.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"It's a wretched case, Joe and I
shared a cab and we thought we'd bang this mess out" Catherine
volunteered as she shrugged and closed door behind her. "I'll be home
tomorrow night, Friday night" she whispered heatedly, "We have to talk"
her eyebrows danced at those last four words. Catherine gently placed
her gifts on the small table and turned to him.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"Talk? Talk,
certainly" Vincent nodded, his lips twitching as he stepped backward
into the cleansing night air. Her hands flattened on his heaving chest,
her smile registered she was breathlessly taking in his scent. Their
Bond shimmered between them. The shroud of his emotions hung hefty over
his heart, worn like a uniform from some dysfunctional brotherhood.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"Tomorrow, just past sunset?" Vincent caught her hands gently and pressed a single kiss to her gathered fingertips.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Catherine's eyes burned with answering desire, "Yes".</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
In the swoosh of his smoky cloak Vincent was gone.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
The insomnia, like a wire, had cut away his resolve.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<em>Yes, he was back to his insomnia….</em></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Amber; font-size: 16pt;">Rusty / RedNightBird</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Amber; font-size: 16pt;">tabphb@msn.com</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-73893519182534693212012-04-15T17:58:00.001-07:002012-04-15T17:58:23.022-07:00<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">April 12, 2012, As the fandom celebrates twenty five years since Vincent rescued the socialite Catherine Chandler from her slasher/attackers.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Their
love is sacred to him, yet he resists relinquishing his physical body
to their love. I would hope his note to be on their second anniversary.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Our challenge was to write a max 100 words paragraph, conceived as a line of dialogue between our favorite couple, starting with <i>"Thank you, Catherine (or Vincent)..."</i><br />and ending with the word <i>"love"</i>.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">My choice was that Vincent wrote to Catherine, his steadfast and patient love.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for your comments.....they let me know there is a reason write it down and not just think it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Rusty </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PwOxGEH4-Ob4SFoGcRKOsP51AYvbLJwvjpXnEx1V2eRzfeAKhgd8OZzAF4YYyKvzTUFnLLcYYuA2bQH07fVAbcUfBI3cgh6zhgxdewVFisj3Q4txJFXYXz0P02oQ1QcShYUv4wtc8q3b/s1600/quad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PwOxGEH4-Ob4SFoGcRKOsP51AYvbLJwvjpXnEx1V2eRzfeAKhgd8OZzAF4YYyKvzTUFnLLcYYuA2bQH07fVAbcUfBI3cgh6zhgxdewVFisj3Q4txJFXYXz0P02oQ1QcShYUv4wtc8q3b/s320/quad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank-you, Catherine-</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Before
the beat of your heart called out to me a library of words sat on dead
pages. I read them only to wonder at the depth they <u>could</u> hold.</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The mystery of our love, the majesty of its meaning has strummed my heart to <u>real </u>life. A life we share in spurts, a life you wish to expand.</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Finally
accepting your dreams to be our dreams - on our anniversary I confess
my gratitude at your unflagging pursuit of that dream.</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I surrender to you, Catherine…</i><b><i>in Love.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>V.</i></span></div>RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-61460306604192503312012-03-23T14:24:00.000-07:002012-03-23T14:24:10.534-07:00Hold On Loosely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">HOLD ON LOOSELY…….</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Written for the 2012 “Chan” Fanfic
Challenge</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">BUT I wrote too many words….so here
you have it </span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rusty / RedNightBird</span></b>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No copyright infringement intended</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><br />
<i>You see it all around you, good lovin'
gone bad <br />
And usually it's too late when you realize what you had<br />
And my mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago, who told me</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span><br />
Just hold on loosely, but don't let go<br />
If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control<br />
your baby needs someone to believe in<br />
And a whole lot of space to breathe in</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span><br />
It's so damn easy when you’re feelins' are such<br />
To overprotect her, to love her too much<br />
And my mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago, who told me<br />
Just hold on loosely, but don't let go<br />
If you cling too tight babe, you're gonna lose control<br />
Your baby needs someone to believe in and a whole lot of space to breathe in<span> </span><br />
Don't let her slip away, sentimental fool, don't let your heart get in her way,
Yeah, yeah, yeah</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span><br />
You see it all around you, Good lovin' gone bad and usually it's too late when
you realize what you had<br />
Just hold on loosely, but don't let go if you cling too tightly you're gonna
lose control<br />
Your baby needs someone to believe in And a whole lot of space to breathe in<br />
So hold on loosely but don't let go<br />
If you cling too tight babe, you're gonna lose it, you're gonna -- lose
control, Yeah, yeah, yeah<br />
So hold on loosely but don't let go if you cling too tight babe you're gonna
lose control.<br />
So hold on loosely but don't let go if you cling too tight babe you're gonna
lose control, Yeah, yeah, yeah </span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span>38 Special….Good Lovin’ Gone Bad</span></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">It’s hadn’t been a
pleasant month. Catherine had flat out bickered with Vincent. He was being his
usual chivalrous self, keeping her at arm’s length, watching her, reading the
Bond or more aptly, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">misreading their Bond</i>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">He knew <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>how</u></i></b>
she felt….just not what or why. And aye, that was the rub!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">So, 9:45 Friday
evening, too late to head Below for the William’s monthly Pancake Supper,
Catherine slogged home, dropped her briefcase at the door and threw her keys at
the small telephone table as if she was renouncing something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With frustration she peeled off her clothing
leaving a trail into the bedroom. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Screw it</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">” she thought, Vincent hadn’t
been up for nine nights. From the vibe she had been broadcasting, she doubted
he’d be back for a few more days.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What a stodge</i>” she whispered about him as she pulled fresh towels
and put the Magnolia Bath salts next to the tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her slip she sauntered to the living room
and dialed up a radio station then opened a bottle of wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d drink the entire bottle tonight, why? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Because she could</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t going to wait for Jenny or her Dad
to call. From habit she lit the pillar candles on the mantel and hummed as she sat
down and removed her nail polish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
next song began she unclipped her hair and shook it loose.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">OOOhhhh, she thought
as she ran her fingers through it, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good
lovin’ gone bad</i>” she picked up the hair brush and unsnarled a day’s worth
of knots. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“At least somebody was getting
some loving, good or bad”…</i>how could she gauge something Vincent was in no
position to mete out? She shook her head to the beat of the music and did a
little air guitar dance. She wasn’t going to be using those hips for anything
else she figured.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Just hold on loosely, but don't let go<br />
If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control<br />
your baby needs someone to believe in<br />
And a whole lot of space to breathe in”</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Catherine knew she
and Vincent had many metaphorical knots between them and being apart wasn’t
stepping them any closer to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“love”.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had last argued about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“usual</i>”, she simply wanted goodnight
kisses, or more accurately, a deep, soulful slow goodnight kiss when he’d leave
at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had reverentially kissed
her on her fingertips expected her to be sated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was gallant and so grand in movies, yet she wanted more.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">On a pleasant night
she had made a nest of pillows and cushions on her balcony and turned the TV
around for them to watch “Gone With The Wind”, at that critical moment when
Rhett issued his discourse on exactly what Scarlett needed she thought he heard
Vincent’s breath catch. Had he been “reading” their Bond? Had he caught her
heart’s pitter patter when Rhett moved toward Scarlett?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">She wanted Vincent to
catch her in his muscled arms so tight his potent physique could press against
her and then kiss her as Rhett Butler suggested Scarlett needed kissing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted his unique lips on hers often,
yes, Catherine needed kissing and she knew Vincent was the right man. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“You would prefer me to kiss
you like that black hearted scoundrel, Captain Butler?”</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> Vincent queried as if she
were classing him as a scoundrel too. As her brows rose and she dug for a reply
he stomped to his feet and retrieved his cloak from where they had been sitting
shoulder to shoulder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Catherine’s eyes
burned as fiercely as Scarlett’s, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Yes….yes
I would</i>. He’s Scarlett’s scoundrel, you’re the man I love” Oh, she forgot
the floodgates that sentence triggered. On the balcony she grimmaced at what he
might reply.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent cast furtive eyes
right and left for nuances of neighbors on their balconies and at confirming
their solitude he hissed, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“If only that
were fully true, Catherine”</i> his furred hand flew to cover his heart, as if
to stay its breaking. All she could see was the top of his head as he stood,
bowed by her remark.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">That had been 3 weeks
ago, and his subsequent visits had been very late, usually after she had
strained to stay awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evidence of
his visits would be a courtly romantic poem in his flowing cursive hand with an
apology about having been “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">detained
below” and</i> missing her<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">She was vexed to consider
Vincent was slipping away from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had often suggested Catherine find someone Above and she was loath to think he had
given up the will to deliver that usual diatribes against their moving toward
love.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">This Friday night she
listened to the lyrics within the tune that had her singing into her hairbrush.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It's so damn easy when you’re feelins' are
such<br />
To overprotect her, to love her too much<br />
And my mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago, who told me<br />
Just hold on loosely, but don't let go<br />
If you cling too tight babe, you're gonna lose control<br />
Your baby needs someone to believe in and a whole lot of space to breathe
in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Don't let her slip away, sentimental fool, don't let your heart get in her way,
Yeah, yeah, yeah”</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Catherine knew he
loved her, lived to protect her even at the risk of exposing himself to the
world Above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her heart clutched that he
couldn’t see himself in the same light she held him.Would her good love for
him, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">go bad</i>”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did he believe that holding her too loosely
would retain his “control”?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good night, nurse</i>” she cursed – she wanted him to lose control, she
could only imagine what it would be for his furred flesh to friction against
her, she froze at the furiously tactile thought and ran the hairbrush blithely
over her forearm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted to quiver
under his muscled weight, or even perhaps sit astride his slim hips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine knew the hair brush bristles were
no comparison to the golden fur covering his hands yet they would have to do. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">After years of her
overt “hints”, Vincent simply had no conception of his hypnotic sensuality. As
the song ended she sprung to the CD carousel and spun to where she had this
cd,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>popping it into the player she
waited for the guitar to herald those words……</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You see it all around you, good
lovin' gone bad <br />
And usually it's too late when you realize what you had<br />
And my mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago, who told me</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
Just hold on loosely, but don't let go<br />
If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control<br />
your baby needs someone to believe in<br />
And a whole lot of space to breathe in”</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Now she purposely ran
her own nails up her flesh creating white tracks in their wake. There in her
living room she shivered at the thought that Vincent would never shake off his
endless control to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">take her</i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew Vincent was the last celibate man in
New York and the prospect of ushering him toward “love” left her flushed and
wanting him more. She headed toward her tub, hoping water would cool her off
figuratively as well as literally.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent sought the
comfort from his desperation of their separation in the Chamber of the
Winds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only it could whip this
elusive frustration from his soul. Beholding Catherine’s beauty felt like
clutching a pocket full of stars, she sparkled in her personality as equally as
her eyes glinted at every meeting. Her soul strummed a symphony through their
Bond, most days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately the score was
more “Full Moon and Empty Arms” than “Getting to Know You”. He fathomed why.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Friday, he didn’t
have the appetite to join his friends for the monthy Pancake Dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally this night was a celebrated evening
for the families and couples to linger in the Dining Hall, so many happy
couples that he couldn’t bear watching their playful teasing moods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was no jest to Vincent when he had
overheard Father remark to Mary that he always laid in an ample supply of
condoms the weekends of the Pancake Dinner. Father’s comment hadn’t meant
anything to him until Vincent understood the foreplay of a convivial meal,
spritely dancing and perhaps a nip of brandy in the after dinner coffee.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">As he passed his
compatriots drifting toward the Dining Hall he felt Catherine’s frustration,
knowing she was traveling thru traffic to get home he felt relief that he at
least hadn’t caused her fuming. He resigned she’d get around to being
frustrated with him soon enough, she eventually did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">He recognized his
refusal to meet Catherine across a queen size bed was even stifling his
enjoying the company of other couples. Vincent believed he was becoming a “3<sup>rd</sup>
wheel” in general as he sat at the long table, watching even Father and Mary
head to head over a desert bowl of berries and custard. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Were there any words
to explain himself or was this their Rubicon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He passed the sentries and slipped out for the evening taking tonight’s
trip across the tops of the buildings, dallying to draw in the lazing car
lights as they navigated the crowded New York streets. He lollygagged at the
roof corner of her building, relishing the light breeze as if it cleansed him. His
long legs hung over the building’s wall as he felt the cool stone calm him
through his heavy denim jeans. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gargoyling</i>”
was the term that Cullen coined, hanging there observing as if to be a stone
edifice and of course Vincent felt as publically fearsome as the term’s
namesake.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">This rooftop was his
open air cathedral to admire the humanity he couldn’t share shoulder to
shoulder and the solitarity of it poked at Vincent, would he ever share this
sacred place? He chalked his perch up to another aspect of his “aloneness”.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">The wave of gritty
ambiance drifted over Vincent as he felt Catherine’s heart lighten, caught up
in something bouyant that caused her to shed her week’s heavy mantle. He
weighed the confusion derived from their Bond as he watched the trees dancing
in front of the Park street lamps, imbuing the lamps with the appearance of
fireflies from this perch. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Oh, if his heart was
this festive, he thought as he drew himself to the parapet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the sky came to moonrise he watched the
skyline brighten one star at a time. Had Vincent relinguished himself to
nightly gargoyling alone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent felt her
relax with a tinge of her regret while the thought flustered him. This thing of
theirs, this divine love he held for her, would it self destruct if he
succumbed to share the pleasures she ached for? They had seemed to burn up
months of “meantimes” while she waited for him to move toward love. While his
heart cried to hold his iron clad resolution it also cried for Catherine’s ache.
Was there a future to their love’s dream? Although not fortified to resume
their standard debate he felt a nudge within their Bond, “go to her” it
whispered.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Slipping silently to
her dark balcony Vincent heard the pop music, and unaccustomed to its volumne
he shrank back to the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peering carefully
he sought evidence of guests as her entire apartment was awash in sound. When
he felt only her energies he clutched as her emotions swung from one point to
pivot into another direction. Then Vincent hung on the words she crooned along
with the band.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It's so damn easy when you’re feelins' are
such to overprotect her, to love her too much<br />
and my mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago, who told me just hold on
loosely, but don't let go”<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent was drawn
first to the lyrics and then her voice, so different from the lullaby sung to
sooth a restless child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These words ‘</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To
overprotect her, to love her too much’ </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">provoked his sensations as much as the sinuous movement of
her hips and the sway of her breasts caught in a filmy bra and slip. As she
flipped her hair and adopted a Rock Star’s posture he was thrown back against
the low brick balcony wall. Inasmuch as he could gaze on Catherine endlessly,
this dance stirred all of his wanton characteristics he fought violently to
subdue.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Mesmerized, Vincent
sank down to his knees to drop back on his heels, a submissive stance he assumed
haplessly as the unfamilar tune and lyrics punched at him. At the end of the
radio’s song he watched Catherine feverishly pluck into her collection for her
copy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he was in for a second
dose of what his mind had fought to decipher. The lyrics hammered the issue of
“Losing control” as he weighed whatever this musician could consider whatever “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">losing control</i>” would be. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent mused the musician
wouldn’t be scoring soft flesh with clawed hands while he clenched and
unclenched his own clawed fingers without thought. Vincent’s eyes widened as
Catherine drew her own polished nails up her bare arms, that gesture wasn’t his
issue. What spun wildly within the Bond was her scintillation at inciting this
sense of pleasurable and tactile pain. While he watched her trails turn from
white to pink it triggered his embroiled physique to blister from his tightened
thighs to his ribcage. His chest labored at her escalating moods surging thru
their Bond, his clothing bound him as his skin vibrated.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Electrically he felt
Catherine’s soul quicken as her head fell back in the delight of her fantasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gaped at her bare, pristine neck and
shoulders and Vincent’s chin dropped to his chest half by shame and half to
reign in the desires igniting his shamed flesh. Vincent suffered in silence as
the rest of the album played out. When he glanced back at the living room,
Catherine had moved out of his sightline. He heard the sounds of water and
splashing and imagined her Below within the warm mineral springs. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">A wry smile grew as
he justified the images of her floating in the mineral rich waters the women
enjoyed when they were tense or suffering from cramps. Then the Angel on his
shoulder tapped him back to reality….and his hand covered his smile at his
understanding. . . . . he simply wanted her with him, Below!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Catherine had made up
her mind, she humorously recollected that some of her truest clarity was
realized floating in this tub. Laying there within the magnolia sweetness she
opened her heart to him, praying for the avenue to flow both ways. She’d dress
and go below, she wouldn’t badger him, she’d simply lay out the facts this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">last time</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">She’d open her heart
to him, trusting she had tempered her emotions to something he could perceive
and accept. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“He has to understand, he’s
the fire in my blood</i>” she whispered to herself as she realized the water
had cooled. Catherine sloshed from the tub, resolving she’d confess that his
love had infiltrated within her to be as necessary as oxygen. She had tossed
too many nights alone with the imagined weight of him within her arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The illusion of his loving her was no longer enough.
Catherine needed her larger than life love to realize his own place within her
life and her arms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">In the meantime, she
had to dress without tripping over her own feet! If only Vincent had made the
trek tonight where they could have solitude, together.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent sensed her
truth and recognized an awakening urgency within her, throwing off his self-defeating
habit as if it were his cloak. He rose to stand at her bedroom doors, his hand
up to tap on the glass.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Vincent!” She saw the
silouette of her beloved and had only time to throw on a robe to fly to him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Against his practice
he held her to the full length of his body, drawing in her sweet magnolia scent
as tonight he came to bury the past and explore a future. When he felt her arms
delve under his cloak to surround his waist his booted feet sought to steady
the two of them. Then as quickly as she embraced him her fickle hands rose to
his face. Catherine’s eyes melted into his gaze as her thumbs traced his brows
until her fingers combed into the thickness of his long golden hair. Holding
him still, poising her small feet between his she insinuated herself closer
than he had ever let her. His <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“answer”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was to splay his<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hands across the small of her back and he
felt her skin’s dampness from her bath. He anticipated the kiss and suddenly he
flinched, presenting Catherine the need to release her grasp.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Too much?”.
Catherine asked as he ducked his head to hide behind the hair she had released.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“No,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yes….perhaps not here” Vincent surveyed the
night sky over their shoulders<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and then
spied the candles along the mantle, “This would be…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would feel less exposed …. Inside”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Catherine’s grasp of
his intentions shook her to her core….Vincent <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never </i>willingly came inside, much less asked to come inside.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">She entered her
living room, his slow steps giving him time to digest the last wave of her
decorating after he singlehandedly destroyed her doors and curio cabinet. He
swallowed his shame at what Catherine had dealt with as she held tru to her
declaration that what they had was worth everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was now worth being within these four
walls and swallowing his fears of letting loose.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“I can’t live without
you, Vincent” she barreled right into her discourse and anticipating his
rebuttal she drew him to the floor in front of the love seat and slid the
coffee table aside for space to sprawl. He watched her draw her robe tightly
then her eyes sought his, silently asking if he were comfortable. “Let me take
your cloak, or perhaps your boots?” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Not used to
relinquishing his clothing Vincent’s curious expression was simply a tilt of
his head, his jaw just a a bit dropped as he made his decision to release the
neck clasp and then push out of his boots. Catherine smirked, for him this gesture
was like taking a man’s car keys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“This could take a
while…may I offer you a tea or a beer? I think I need a glass of wine” her
words tumbled out at seeing him settling this peacefully in her home.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“I need a clear head”
was Vincent’s only discreet reply. Those sobering words seemed to secure her
place right next to him, shoulder to shoulder for a beat before she could
continue her plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I felt your
emotions roiling and I needed to see you”. His confession seemed innocent
enough considering the emotional barrage she had been projecting toward him. “I
cannot let our love solitarily consume you, Catherine” he gently took her
delicate hand and trailed a light nail tip in a lazy pattern over the back of
her hand. Listening to their Bond he felt her heartbeat lurch.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Then I’ll share
those feelings that we can have a meeting of the…..hearts, as our minds have
overthought these points for years” Catherine relaxed her hand that it nearly
fell into his lap as he lingered over her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She seemed to feel his pulse point throb at their proximity.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“A salient point,
counselor” he speculated he’d choke on the coming words. “If we were to step. .
.toward . . . .love do you expect a sprint or a marathon?” when he felt her
heart leap he worried about her interpretations of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“love”.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“This has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>been</u></i> a marathon, Vincent” she
rolled her eyes humorously before she rethought her reply, “you mean our
expression of this love, don’t you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their shoulders equally quivered at her question.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent’s jaw
momentarily tightened as he nodded and pulled her hand to his heart. Never had
she felt his chest pound like this. He watched her smile thru lowered eyelids,
and sensed the emotional highway broaden between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That song, the mention of holding loosely
what we desire<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. If you cling too tightly,
you're gonna lose control</i>.” Catherine nodded, waiting for more of his
account, “You understand the mighty fear these hands strike into men’s souls”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“This is a well-worn
subject, Vincent.” Catherine retrieved her hand to draw his hands back to her
warm lap, “I was coming below tonight to have this heart to heart. It’s been a
horrid week and your being away from…“ Catherine saw his lips begin to form a
word and she placed her insistent index finger on those singular lips to
silence him, losing her track she went in another direction,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You found me because we were meant to be
together. You’ve fought it and I’ve surrendered to your retreats but it’s
painful and wrong” Catherine rose against his chest and planted a hand on
either side of broad shoulders against the sofa. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">He was pinned….as she
slowly took in the sight of him, golden hair glowing in the candle’s light,
blue, blue eyes so serious and attentive, ”Your soul flamed, and my heart
caught that fire, Vincent” She pressed an innocent kiss at the center of his
forehead, through his fringe of hair, then she blew hot breath to dash that
hair aside. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Catherine tasted his
flesh this time, flesh that held his essense of sweet summer sweat and candle
smoke. Her breasts loomed closer than he had ever seen them, quivering behind
silken lace and Vincent’s hands reflexively rose to catch their soft roundness
in his palms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mindfull of his clawed
fingers he skimmed her delicately with the heels of his palms until his fingers
cried to surround her plumpness.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">The air was electric
and they shared a “humm” as her lips trailed small kisses against the grain of
the hairs running up his nose. He sighed as his body surrendered against the
sofa. She giggled between kisses as she knee walked to move over his lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hands fell to her side to ride the slope
of her hips and pull her close to him. This was going too well she thought.
Then Vincent opened his eyes wide and posed the question, “Back to the point of
a sprint or a marathon” his voice husked as her lips poised over his and their
eyes bored into each other. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Please….tell me” she
straddled his lap, plopping to land over the prominent crest of his fly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I felt your
unbridled joy and found you dancing and singing as I had never seen you before”
his hands ran down the arc of her hips, trying to spread her slip to cover her
thighs. He shook his head at his failure and sought her eyes again. “I listened
to the song” he couldn’t reason, her moist heat poised over his eager flesh in
a way that even his jeans felt too weak a barrier. Slowly he grasped her waist
and with a shared understanding he raised her away from his lap and drew his
knees up once she was on the floor before him, “I have to think, and having
you, ready and wanting as I feel you are I simply cannot reason” he drew in a
long slow breath and began, “I have loved you profusely and been unable to
express that love” They stared for a beat before Catherine could nod her understanding, then Vincent continued, “Components of exploring and expressing love
are as varied as lifestyles” he dipped his head to draw more words, “If we were
of your world we’d go places, sharing restaurants or theatres, exposing each
other to things we’ve enjoyed”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“You’ve taken me
places I’ve never seen before” Catherine sat feverish in the expectation of his
thoughts. Vincent nodded silently then reached for her hand to hold in
his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He calmed to straighten out one
leg, yet kept one knee up as if her hold her at bay. “Vincent, I have fallen
madly in love with you, it’s a fact you feel, it’s not a case of falling madly
in bed with you”. Her jest at the latter comment led them to share a smile, something
that broke the building tension.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Their joined hands
rested on his knee as he began again. “Before we take steps into that other
room” his anxious eyes darted to her bedroom, “To a place we can’t step back
from I’d like to share another place” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Another place? Just
one?” now she was curiously enthralled that he had been that specific. She
nodded and he drew her hand to his lips for a kiss, had she felt his tongue
this time? Her hand lingered, enjoying the sensation of his breath on her
flesh.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“One, yes, then. . .
. .perhaps . . . .” His cerulean eyes darted back to the bedroom. Even the word
“perhaps” had Catherine’s heart aflutter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Where, when, can we
go now?” she was on her knees, her hand still cradled in his.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“You need to dress,
wear walking shoes” They rose together and she darted from him to dress. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">She couldn’t think!
The idea that he would take her somewhere and then entertain the notion of
entering her bedroom flabberghasted her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked at the clock, it was close to Midnight, where was he taking
her? She threw on a sweater and grabbed the skirt she left on her bedroom
chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sliding into a pair of flats she
slid out to the living room to find Vincent in his boots, clasping on his
cloak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Where are we going?”
Catherine’s green eyes brewed, so anxious, fairly bouncing for the answer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">His velvet voice held
such a reverence, “Up, to a special place” Vincent pulled the hood well up and
over his shock of wild golden hair then he glanced into the mirror to assure his
face was more obscured than usual. This struck Catherine as odd, and he picked
up on her unbridled curiosity. He walked to her front door and listened at the
door, “Come” he extended his hand and she fell into step as he backed toward
the front door.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Where?” her
expression was quizzical, confused.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Up” he replied
confidently as their fingers meshed and they darted the short distance to the
stairwell. Breathlessly they beat up the steps, Vincent’s soft boots near
silent to the scuffle of Catherine’s flats. She felt they were flaunting
themselves, and the brazen nature of this excursion excited her deliriously.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Pressing his weight
into the roof door it opened with a rush of the summer’s night. The sounds of
the city were obliqued by the air conditioner compressors humming. It was a
point of view Catherine had never pursued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All the years she had lived here, she had never ventured to the roof.
Vincent’s bouyant humor overtook her, she realized she was in his element as he
strode to the corner closest to her side of the building and proudly braced his
hands on the parapet peering toward the buildings.Catherine awed as he raised
his face to draw in the aura of this night. Step by step Catherine approached,
watching him lean precariously further over the wide wall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Catherine, we do not
see things as they are. We see them as we are. Within your radiant heart you
see the physical expression of our love as natural. I saw the acts as feasibly
animalistic and violent.” He turned and leaned a hip against the wall, nearly
rakish in the tilt of his shoulders as his cloak fluttered in the night
breezes. Folding his arms across his broad chest he regarded her with a softer,
engaging eye. By his wry smile, Catherine knew he was baring his soul to her
more bravely than ever before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Come, see something
with me” he threw his foot over the wall and for a moment he hesitated while he
unhooked his cloak and dropped it to the gravel roof. If she hadn’t been
totally drawn to him before<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this image
sealed her covetousness. His proud leonine face turned skyward caused the
breeze to send his golden mane airborne, with a self-effacing toss of his head
the full, wavy length that casually hung over his broad shoulders spread out
behind him. His golden auburn hair flagged momentarily before it fell to the
center of his muscular back. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent could have
been the magnificent figurehead of a proud Baroque ship. Catherine remembered
the legend that ship figureheads were imbued with guardian spirits and his
spirit had certainly saved her in many instances. Catherine shivered at his raw
incandescent virility yet Vincent wasn’t a figurehead, he was the Captain of
her ship of Dreams.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent beheld her
and nodded, his beckoning hand emphasizing his invitation. Catherine guardedly moved
to sit on the wall between his sinuous thighs, in that second she succumbed to
the vigorous strength of his arms. Feeling the novelty of all his honesty they
melted into each other as they gazed together at the New York skyline. When he
felt her heart settle from the initial kick of perching at such a height
Vincent wrapped his arms around her waist and assertively drew her tighter to
his chest, when he whispered “Have you ever been this high?” Catherine relished
this “new” Vincent demonstrating his love and she quivered in expectation of
their night ahead. In that split second of her being lost in the question,
Vincent drew his foot over the wall from the roof and caught her totally within
the grasp of his arms and legs. “Catherine, your light banished my darkness” He
blessed the back of her neck with a light kiss and was rewarded thru the Bond feeling
her thrill burst back at him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Oh, Vincent, your
soul found me, you saved me” She snuggled tighter between his legs, grasping
the rugged fabric covering his thighs. Their Bond glimmered with their delight
– at being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“high”</i> and also being out
together above their world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Vincent calmed as he
became accustomed to their closeness, even in this rarified atmosphere “Oh,
Love, when I repeatedly urged you to give up, by some means your heart held the
hope to t</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ry one more time.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">This moment was
sealed as their time, their place. Exhilaration flowed between them, the Bond
wider and wilder than ever. Vincent sensed her joy so deeply that his own heart
felt wrapped in starlight brighter than the sky above them. Tonight Vincent
knew their romance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>would take flight. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Catherine viewed her
love nearly nose to nose as he confessed “There is a defining moment in every
person’s life, Catherine,</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">days from now I would be more disenchanted by what we didn't share
than the love we’ll share this night”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Catherine stirred
within their Bond and with an eager joy she sighed, “Tonight, yes, tonight”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Within this night, they
would throw off the bowlines of Vincent’s fear and find each other within the
safe harbor of their destiny.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Rusty / RedNightBird</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Patrice “Rusty” Hough Bader</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<a href="mailto:TheRedNightBird@gmail.com">TheRedNightBird@gmail.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The End……</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Or a new chapter?</span></b></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-50387275606795073992012-02-13T20:04:00.000-08:002012-02-13T20:04:14.911-08:00Listening to Your Hunger<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<img align="top" alt="" src="http://batbwfol.com/winterfest2012/sub/storiespoems/InkwellAntiqueBrassS7_306.jpg" style="height: 111px; width: 200px;" /><a href="http://batbwfol.com/winterfest2012/sub/storiespoems/storiespoemsindex.html"><big></big></a><br />Originally Presented at Winterfest On Line 2012</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<br /><table style="height: 900px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left; width: 550px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 114%;">Listening to Your Hunger</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">by Rusty
/ RedNightBird</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">A Steam
Tunnel vignette of Vincent and Catherine’s happy life</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">“Where did that come from?” Catherine fell back into the
crush of rumpled bed coverings,<span style="color: red;"> </span>sweat in
rivulets between her breasts, her body flushed rosy with their loving’s
gratification.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">“I’m not…not sure.” Vincent<span style="color: red;"> </span>threw
back his head and gathered a deep breath as his hand swept over his chest, dewy
with their sweat. He huffed out a deep breath, needing to inhale again. His
eyes brightened with realization; they had indeed whiled away their entire
afternoon on the basis of one after lunch kiss.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">There she was, this goddess of a woman, his wife. Days like
this he had to pinch himself that this was real. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">“If I may, Catherine, perhaps I’ll return to that place for
even more inspiration.” Vincent<span style="color: red;"> </span>slid down next
to her, pulling the cooled sheets up around their flushed bodies. “I<span style="color: red;"> </span>do enjoy the look on your face when I try something
new.” Vincent’s<span style="color: red;"> </span>arms filled solidly as Catherine
pressed back toward him, and they lay spooned in their afterglow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">“Is that why you try your little . . . tricks? Just to see
me quiver?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">Teasingly Catherine looked over her shoulder – there he was in his
golden splendor behind her, his broad muscled chest tight across her shoulder
blades and that perfectly male part of him tapping at her with inquisitive
insistence.<span> </span>Oh, how she loved the
feeling of his arms coming around her, one large hand on one breast, the other
hand protectively covering her thatch of curls at the apex of her thighs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">At her submission, he became her willing devotee. “No, by no
means, Catherine.<span> </span>Perhaps I am learning
to be selfish.” His<span style="color: red;"> </span>warm breath left her dizzy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">“You . . . selfish?”<span>
</span>Now she spun in his arms to face him, he shifted his thighs so<span style="color: red;"> </span>that Catherine slid her knee between his legs. Taking
his face in her hands, she<span style="color: red;"> </span>eyed him. “You don’t
have a selfish bone in that magnificent body of yours.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then perhaps call me hungry.” Vincent<span style="color: red;"> </span>bent his head back to look longingly at his
Catherine. “As<span style="color: red;"> </span>I have years of a suppressed
appetite to satisfy.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">She kissed him on the tip of his nose before their lips met
again with fresh desire.<span> </span>Coming up for a
breath Catherine breathily sighed, “Then, my<span style="color: red;"> </span>love,
just listen to your hunger.” </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 114%;">~</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.batbwfol.com/Winterfest2012/gh"><img alt="Return to the Great Hall" src="http://www.batbwfol.com/Winterfest2012/images/WFlogo2012.gif" style="border: 0px solid; height: 150px; width: 169px;" /></a><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 114%;"></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-33215189759398612052012-02-01T19:45:00.000-08:002013-05-12T20:32:34.196-07:00A Mother's Wish Fulfilled<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Mother’s
Wish Fulfilled</span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">PG-13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Charles and Celeste Chandler reflect on the
perfect man for their 10 year old daughter</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Hospital room was diffusely lit, accentuating the throbbing
lights on the machines surrounding the critically ill woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Celeste Chandler laid passively under the
stiff cotton hospital sheets too weary to react to the discomfort that coursed
thru her cancer riddled body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charles
sat on the edge of the chair he had occupied since the Oncologist had told him
it was just a matter of days left for his lovely wife. They had waxed over
their married life, their travels, the dreams they had achieved and the ones
they hadn’t fulfilled.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Charles, what kind of wedding do you think Cathy will have? You
will walk her down the aisle, won’t you?” The pain medication had kicked in and
Celeste’s mind wandered to the question she had mulled for days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before she had taken this turn for the worse Cathy
had celebrated her 10<sup>th</sup> Birthday and Celeste had done her level best
to look “normal” for the quiet party at the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank God for their Housekeeper, Nannette, she
thought as she remembered Cathy careening down the wide staircase with a
princess crown nestled in her honey colored hair.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once she saw Cathy in her favorite creamy ivory dress the thought
hit her….Celeste was dying and wouldn’t see her daughter in her most important
white dress.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“She’ll be as beautiful a bride as you, Celeste” Charles held his
wife’s thin hand carefully and felt her fingers curl around his.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What kind of man do you think she’ll marry, Charles, someone as
handsome as her Daddy?” Celeste’s eyes glittered as she sought Charles’ serious
face. At her question Charles chuckled just a bit.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“She’s a brilliant girl, she’ll have her choice of men one day”
Charles took a calming deep breath as he thought of the little rapscallions
that rode skateboards past Cathy and he had to shake his head that one of them
would be worthy of his only child.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Really, Charles, the man she marries has to be special, someone
singular” her words were slowly pronounced with her halting breaths.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It goes without saying that he’ll be tall and strong otherwise
Cathy will run circles around him” Charles surmised with a grin.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He’d have to be strong to hold his own with her, she’s a stubborn
one” Celeste grinned as she recalled Cathy’s intense green eyes honing in on
her goals whether it was school or her riding lessons. “Probably a University
Professor, someone philosophical with a rapier wit!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“She’ll sway some young man, probably one of the more influential
men of her crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone literate and
well spoken” Charles’ ideas had always been an heir for his law firm; surely
she’d excel in Law and eventually become a Judge! “Can you imagine their debates;
he’ll have to have the patience of Job”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You know she loves to see new things, travel. Perhaps she might
catch the eye of someone from another country?” Celeste pressed the bed button
to raise her up to see Charles better. “You know she’s curious, she’ll be the
one of us to venture into places we’ve never thought of” She had missed the
warmth of his arms; they hadn’t slept together in one bed in weeks. Was it too
much to dream that her daughter would find a man as intelligent and thrilling
as Charles Chandler? “Charles, promise me whoever she brings home if she’s
happy, please accept him”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Celeste, you have my word I will raise her to understand that no
success in life can replace a truly loving and happy home” Charles could read
the need in Celeste’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As fragile
as her small body had become there were nights where he’d slip out of his shoes
and slide beside her to hold her in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He missed having her beside him in their luxurious bed at home and knew
that connection had been severed by cruel fate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As he slid alongside her and held her he gently kissed her short wisps
of hair. “If Cathy only has half of the blissful life that we’ve had she will
indeed be so fortunate” Charles felt Celeste nod as her breathing rasped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Tell her how much I love her, Charles” Celeste kissed her
husband’s hand one last time and sighed as she drifted into another plane of existence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">@>-‘,------@>-‘,------@>-‘,-----@>-‘,------@>-‘,------</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-The candles flickered around the altar, tall tongues of flames dancing
with the anxious movement of the gathering waiting for the bridal procession to
enter the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hovering in that realm
between the worlds, Charles and Celeste Chandler were in each other’s arms.
Their joy had multiplied when they had become aware that Cathy had found the
love of her life. They watched the brief and emotional ritual hanging on every
word of this singular couple’s vows.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He’s everything we thought he’d be” Charles whispered into his
wife’s ear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And so much more” Celeste embraced her husband’s waist to tuck
her head under his chin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the Officient pronounced them “Man and Wife” Vincent turned to
his Catherine and raised the short veil anchored in her hair with petite
crimson and ivory roses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“This is where we get to kiss” Cathy whispered as she petulantly waited
for her husband to claim his cherished bridal kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As Vincent raised his head to fully view his friends and family
filling the room his expression moved from serious to impish, “I realize that
my dear wife” Vincent made a step closer to Catherine and caught her slim waist
in his right hand, drawing them together, her fragrance heady with the scent of
the roses in her hair. Vincent’s left hand gently tucked stray curls behind her
ear to caress her cheek and jaw, and then uncharacteristically he dramatically dipped
her back over his right arm and pressed a deliberately sensuous kiss on her
anxious lips.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The room vibrated with the crowd’s gasps until Vincent up righted
his Bride and she caught her balance physically and mentally. “You devil” she
sighed, her lips burning for more of what he’d just given her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Charles, did I mention he had to keep her on her toes?” Celeste
patted Charles’ chest as she shook her head to stifle her giggle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-314473518262910922012-01-09T12:53:00.000-08:002012-01-09T12:53:09.854-08:00Feelings (PG13)<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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“Feelings”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Pg 13</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<><><><><><><><><><> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Arghhhhh, Vincent. . . you know when you get that feeling?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“What feeling?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“That feeling, Yeah, that. . . .<i>feeling</i>”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Describe it to me, Catherine…<i> in great detail</i>”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“It’s the one that hits me in traffic”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
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“In TRAFFIC?”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Or it hits me when I get out of the shower”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Traffic, the shower?”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“What is it about you? Is it being thicker skinned or just
being a guy?”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Catherine, I can assure you that being a guy does sort of
separate the types of feelings I have from the ones you have. You know being
such a strikingly beautiful, young woman I can understand you get those. . .
.feelings.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<br /></div>
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“Catherine, this is about you. I was being dismissive. Tell
me, tell me about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THAT FEELING”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Oh, sure now that you think there is something in it for
you”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Catherine”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Sometimes I think I need to have these conversations with
Mary”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“Personally, I would rather you NOT have these types of
conversations with Mary, what goes into her ears frequently travels rapidly
into Father’s”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“And you think this is something to be ashamed of?”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“It’s just I like a nice wide and high fence between what
Father knows about, ah…. Feelings between us”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
“What kind of feelings did you think I was talking about? My
back itches, I can’t reach it. <i>Scratch a little lower!</i>”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-22647070864570713462011-12-14T13:32:00.000-08:002011-12-14T13:32:25.946-08:00Exquisite Beauty, An Alternative Meeting for Vincent and Catherine (PG 13)<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Exquisite Beauty</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is no exquisite beauty, without some strangeness in the proportion… </span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">E.A.Poe</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">An alternative meeting for Vincent and Catherine.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18,383 words</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1987</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On a rainy April evening after work Catherine Chandler hurried to the street curb to claim whatever taxi she could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her Father’s partner’s son had driveled on about his boating weekend as she cleared her desk of her mind-numbing day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had completed a small Incorporation and a friendly merger and it left her feeling dull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had gone to law school for this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she was bolting for an old book store as Dr. Peter Alcott had invited her to a book signing and she was late.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The cab slunk thru the rainy streets of this leviathan city and she self-consciously picked lint from her wool skirt to keep from impatiently tapping on the cab’s door sill. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Thanks, lady” the cab driver growled as she stabbed the bill into his stout clammy hand and she made her break for the bookstore door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There within the warm light she saw Peter peering into the dark rain for his God Daughter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Finally, I thought I was going to have to make apologies for you” Peter whispered as he caught her elbow and before she could return the greeting he whisked her through narrow rows of soaring bookshelves to a circle of timeworn wooden chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fragrant tea brewed on a table in the corner as a professor type postured with his freshly unpacked books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The intimate crowd sat enrapt in his recitation:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And now at once, adventuresome, I send<br />
My herald thought into a wilderness:<br />
There let its trumpet blow, and quickly dress<br />
My uncertain path with green, that I may speed<br />
Easily onward, thorough flowers and weed.”1</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“So as I began studying Keats I realized he never attached much consequence to his own studies in medicine, and indeed looked upon the medical career as the career by which to live in a workaday world, without being certain that he could keep up the strain of it. He nevertheless had a consciousness of his own powers, and even of his own greatness, though it might never be recognized.... Poetry was to his mind the zenith of all his aspirations: the only thing worthy the attention of superior minds: so he thought: all other pursuits were mean and tame” he tucked his head to his chin, his hair curtaining his expression before he raised his head and quipped, “I, on the other hand have no other vocation, so I do hope you’ll consider buying my book and sharing it message with your friends….but have them buy their own, OK?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crowd chuckled as Evan closed his book and caught the end of the small table with a muscular thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was mid-thirties, all tweed and rough leather, a head full of wild hair caught in a leather thong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathy’s first thought was “where did they find him, Berkeley?” yet she fell into the chair beside Peter and played the silent guest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She surveyed the crowd’s response to this man’s reflections to Keats’ work and she became lost in the eclectic group.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">An unassuming mature woman sat shyly, her graceful legs wrapped in a long coarse woven skirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would occasionally smooth the tendrils of her long graying hair back into the bun high on her head and when their eyes met the woman seemed to blush girlishly, Cathy thought she was from another era. Cathy found humor in the energetically animated man in the baseball jacket, he hadn’t removed his hat and she was sure Peter would have taken the dark haired man to task had the speaker not been in full swing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man winked at her rakishly and Cathy returned an uncomfortable expression at his audacity.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Soon she was lulled into a sense of repose with the Author’s husky voice; silk had soothed his graveled words as he spoke about Keats with studied reverence. She grinned at the thought of this man reading her to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hadn’t had that pleasure since her Mother died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His large hands cradled his book lovingly and she gave him the benefit of the doubt that he knew his subject, it simply was too much for her to digest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was ready for a bath and a snack; it had been a mistake to come out after work tonight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Cathy” Peter woke her from her minds wandering, “I’d like to introduce Dr. Evan Winterberg” Then he stepped back for Evan to catch her hand gently.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Peter, you didn’t say your guest would be this lovely” Evan pronounced gently as he kept her hand in both of his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she felt the calloused surface of an outdoorsman and she was fascinated by the combination of poetry and physicality. “I’m sorry Cathy, I was at my cabin last weekend and my hands took the brunt of my catharsis – too much wood chopping” he dropped her hands as he felt her soft, unworked hands melt within his.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I was afraid my hands might be chilled from my ride over” she covered as she smiled self-consciously. “I’m sorry I was late, work got in the way” she shrank back closer to Peter as it seemed Evan was looming closer to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathy felt the group become eager to share this space and the air grew thick with his magnetism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With her receding into the group the others stepped up to shake hands and make the innocuous fan/author small talk so common at these events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cathy circled the perimeter, heading for the refreshment table “No coffee?” she silently winced, wishing for a caffeine kick, “They generally serve tea, you know it can have more caffeine than coffee?” the guy in a NY Mets baseball cap held out a steaming china mug.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“That’s OK, I know a place I can grab some coffee” Cathy stood back, clutching her small purse before her as she moved to mill about the bookstore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter had mentioned this dinosaur of a store as his favorite retreat since his daughter had married and moved west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came for the selection and stayed for the comradery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of a library style silence, classical music played in the background, the china mugs hanging on a mug tree bore names of the regulars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She felt welcome on her first visit, welcome enough to wander back into where the bookshelves covered two floors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Cathy wandered the narrow aisles she felt as if eyes followed her and this caused her to step into pursuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drew in the pervading scents of leather and old parchment then there was a swift shadow with the trace of saddle soap and an earthy musk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who was the shadow she missed as she made each turn, what was the sweep of fabric she heard, was it corduroy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she mounted the steps to the second floor she heard the gentle creak of old brass hinges and a turn of a lock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came to a door marked “NO EXIT” and bewildered she grasped the brass door knob feeling it warmed by someone’s recent use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scent of candlewax and saddle soap ended there and she pivoted as she heard footsteps behind her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You thought you saw someone didn’t you?” There he was again, the guy with the quizzical wink. “This bookstore is haunted, but he only shows himself if he’s interested in you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He offered his hand, “Kristopher Gentian, Itinerant Artist at your service”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Cathy Chandler, under challenged attorney” she quipped offering her best business handshake at arm’s length. Had she unknowingly worn Musk perfume today? Did it seem every guy was taking special interest in her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She backed away from Gentian and headed back downstairs without concern for her new friend. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As she stepped from the stair case she heard Peter call, “Cathy, we’re thinking about going for dessert, would you join us?” Peter asked as they watched the crowd offer books for Evan’s signature.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With a jovial whisper, “Who is “we”, Peter? Is this one of you and Daddy’s fixups?” Cathy sardonically grinned, she was approaching 31 and unmarried, not that Charles Chandler hadn’t put her in front of enough eligible men.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Caught me, you’re too smart” Peter smirked, “You could go for coffee, it’s not a date” he stood guilty as charged. “Evan is a hell of a guy, I knew his father in college”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Great, Peter, now our pedigrees are matched so the games begin?” she smoothed back her hair and thought about slinging her scarf around her neck to take her leave, then she heard footsteps again, the same swish of corduroy and muted voices, two different men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her curiosity was teeming inside her at this phantom guest. Yet all she saw was a glimpse of the Artist upstairs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Peter, Mary and I are heading home” the gracious older gent leaned on an ornate cane, that mild looking grey haired woman on his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were pair for sure Cathy surmised by their symbiotic posture and their temperate eyes for each other.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oh, Jacob, I want you to meet Catherine Chandler” ah, Cathy thought, Peter had pulled out her full name; these people were old friends for sure. “Dr. Jacob Wells, Mary Reynolds, this is Charles Chandler’s daughter”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Do you know Daddy?” Cathy leaned into Dr. Wells’ embrace and caught the scent of moth balls and Earl Grey Tea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Your Father did some work for us years ago” Jacob offered, then stepped back to Mary’s side.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I doubt he’d even remember us” Mary volunteered quietly as she gathered her wrap around her slim shoulders. “It’s lovely to meet you, dear” the woman’s smile was heartfelt and earnest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Any way, Peter, Catherine, we wanted to make our good nights – good to see you, nice to meet you” they nodded and made their way thru the tight crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Immediately Peter was in front of Cathy, “The crowd is thinning, time to make a break for that cup of coffee – I know there’s a crème brulee with your name on it” As the crowd was dispersing she hadn’t heard the bell on the door that many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was she enveloped in some fantasy world tonight? She really had to get some rest this weekend!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’ve got to take a rain check, it’s a work night and Daddy’s been brutal” she fibbed as she slid her hands into her gloves and caught her scarf to her head.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“At least let’s share a cab” Peter offered eagerly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“No, you go out with Dr. Winterberg, surely you can cook up a better setup than this” she motioned at the old book store and hugged him before making her exit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Peter, you couldn’t hold her until I was done?” Evan exclaimed glibly as he watched her hail the first cab in the bright lights of the big city.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Evan, you’ll have to use some of that old poet’s charm of yours. You know where to reach her” Peter grinned at the son of the Tunnels turned literary master and passed him Cathy’s business card.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Well, since I can’t weave my way into Miss Chandler’s heart I guess I’ll head Below since I have to leave in a couple of days” Evan seemed resigned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Evan’s parents had begun their romance in college, then as Evan Sr. moved thru medical school their lives complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young Doctor’s first real diagnosis had been on his wife – High Blood Pressure. Then Evan Sr. traded his wife for a son when Siri died within hours of her son’s birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Devastated, Evan Sr. grew closer to Peter and eventually built a small medical practice while his son Evan spent his days Below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had seemed that Evan Jr’s life would be conflicted living Above and Below yet the fates had their way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Doctor became the sudden patient when a heart attack claimed Evan Sr. in his 40’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Evan had grown up alongside Vincent; they had played together as children. Evan had grown his hair long as a brother in arms when the kids had picked on Vincent for his hairstyle as one of his glaring differences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, living above he wore it as a badge of individuality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His deep auburn hair fell in waves below his shoulders, fettered by the leather thong that he now pulled out to shake his hair free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see you at dinner, Friday?” Evan asked as he turned toward the threshold in the back of the bookstore.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Certainly, dinner Below, Friday at 7!” Peter enthusiastically answered as he picked up his purchases to check out and head home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cathy Chandler rode home quizzically wondering about her evening. What great cosmic force put her in front of so many men tonight? She shook her head as she paid the fare and walked through her building’s grand doors; she nodded to the night doorman and found solitary peace in her 18<sup>th</sup> floor apartment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Three days later a kraft paper wrapped package arrived at her building, Jeff the usual Porter was on vacation and Warren set it behind the desk, her name obscured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would sit there nearly a week before it was discovered.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent removed his cape and took anxious steps to Father’s chamber; tonight Evan’s Tunnel family was celebrating his new book and tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be months before they’d have time to reminisce and he didn’t want to miss a moment of the convivial evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Vincent entered the chamber the buffet’s scent swirled invitingly, Father didn’t do this often yet the current Tunnel population hadn’t remembered Evan and his family. Tonight’s group would be intimate simply the inner circle of the Tunnels: William, Mary, Winslow, Rebecca, Father and Peter would sit down to break bread and celebrate Evan’s success.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent” Evan clasped his broad shoulders as they collided joyously.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Like the little brother you always were” Vincent affectionately clapped a broad hand on Evan’s back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Just by a year” Evan countered, trying to pull his height past Vincent’s. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They made chatter while William put the final touches to the chafing dishes ready for their banquet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Father sat watching their animated conversation and his ears strained when he heard a familiar name dropped.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Did you see that Catherine Chandler?” Evan clapped back at Vincent’s arm as they stepped toward the refreshments, “She is something” Evan shook his head as Vincent poured glasses of wine for everyone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“She almost saw me. I had to beat a retreat before she caught me. I thought I’d hear your presentation and then hear some of the good words the crowd had for you, Evan, I was wrong” Vincent shook his head at the thought of being found lurking over the second floor railing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Anytime you want to hear good words, recall all those you gave me while I slogged thru college” Evan never forgot how Vincent shadowed Evan’s collegiate studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent was an apt study partner. “So, what do you think of Catherine?” Evan prodded, never one to let the subject of a beautiful woman rest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You have a knack for finding the beauties” Vincent concurred, raising his glass to the group, “To Evan and his book tour” the subject of that beauty was shuffled away in deference to a stellar meal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While they plowed through the groaning board of roast with smashed potatoes and rich burgundy gravy Vincent thought about Catherine, how she had perused the crowd as Evan spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed to put a metaphorical finger of each of them as she created the scenario for their being at the soirée.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, Vincent mused that she had been wrong on all the accounts, but he drew on her feelings as she had created back stories for each of them present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt her racing heart as Evan recited poetry and he detected that she was just a bit excited when Evan hands wrapped around hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fought the desire to ever want this, as he knew the insanity of such a desire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent silently watched Evan as he discussed his itinerary; he satisfied his memory with images of Catherine leaning against Peter, lost in Evan’s words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling that some thirsts would never be quenched he satisfied his stomach with the crusty wheat rolls and rich honey butter, he swallowed the green bean casserole without chewing as Evan and Peter discussed Catherine Chandler’s single status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He barely tasted the 7 layer chocolate cake as they discussed Evan leaving this Saturday. Together they had grown up and now they were two lifelong friends, two men, or at least he felt he was almost a man. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had played and studied with him, now as Evan stood at the threshold of a worldwide career his world was contained within damp Tunnels and under cover of darkness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evan waved at his vacant stare, “Are you with us? William, your cooking is too good, you’ve lost Vincent in the frosting” he jested to William with a flourish of his empty cake plate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Yes, Evan…… I was reflecting on the other night” Vincent’s voice was pensive, soft as Peter and Father watched with veiled interest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Evan stuffed his duffel silently as Vincent watched, “Would you be cutting your hair while you travel?” Vincent asked curiously “It’s not the style unless you’re a troubadour” To Vincent their hair was their only commonality now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Some women really like it and since my jacket photo is like this I think I need to, otherwise it’s like bait and switch, Where’s the guy with the hair?” Evan spread his hands as in jest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent nodded, recalling Catherine’s eyes as she took Evan’s appearance in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes had traced Evan’s tweed clad shoulders and watched his brogan shoe bob rhythmically as he perched on the corner of the table and spoke. Would a woman ever watch him like that? Surely Rebecca did eye him from time to time, but she was like a sister to him, he could no more court her than Jamie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent felt cast further into a lonely darkness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With the next morning’s flurry of subway trains and pipe clamor Evan was gone, he climbed into his VW bug parked at Peter’s brownstone and exited Vincent’s world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Many days later, on a Saturday, Jeff apologized; “Miss Chandler, I am sorry for the delay in delivering this package” he stood at Catherine’s door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the modest hour of 10am and Jeff assumed it would be a civil hour for the delivery.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I wasn’t expecting anything, Jeff, just bring it in” She opened the door on the sunny apartment as she pulled her hair into a ponytail to begin her morning run in the park.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Warren set it behind the desk, it came earlier, no bill of lading though” Jeff set it on the dinette table and made his exit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was enough to distract Cathy from her exercise regime; she carefully lifted the taped corners of the kraft paper to reveal the back of an ornate gilded frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The signature in the lower corner read “K. Gentian” and to her surprise, she was the subject.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The portrait shone with romantic liveliness, a candid posture copied from a recent newspaper society page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathy remembered the night, a Charity event where she met the very eligible developer Elliott Burch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This painting caught her alone with a gleaming smile, reacting to something complimentary Elliott had whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She adored that red dress, especially the purple and red jacket that warmed her from the chill in that museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Gentian, I hope you aren’t looking for a check” she shook her head at his impudent effort, ”Although, Daddy would probably love it.” She concluded as she leaned the 24” x 36” portrait against the mantel wall, then she grabbed her keys and left for her run.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Central Park was teeming with children and their guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prim looking Au pairs pushed prams in pairs along the wide sidewalks while a few sat on benches, their shoes cast aside as they meted out Cheerios to their young charges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t feel a maternal pull at all as she paced past the Carousel yet she did enjoy watching the graceful horses dance up and down to the calliope music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took time to check her heart rate while she marked steps in place and thought about her Mother’s last Carousel ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With a fresh step she turned to head toward the Belvedere Castle, and there on a bench was that women, Mary, watching children blowing soap bubbles into the cool spring air. Would it be impolite to bolt past her in the interest of maintaining her heart rate? Cathy cut behind her bench and passed the passel of oddly dressed children. Cathy wondered if Mary was the stage mother for a troupe for OLIVER! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Peter, did you encourage Kristopher Gentian to paint my portrait?” Cathy held her phone in the crook of her shoulder as she balanced and toed off her running shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathy was perplexed as she was winded, “You didn’t see that guy? He was the one that winked at me” Cathy played appalled for Peter’s sake.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I would wink at you my dear” was Peter’s pleasant answer before his honest retort, “Who’s Kristopher Who?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oh, you didn’t see that cheeky man in the baseball cap?” Cathy slid out of her running shorts and regulated the shower controls.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Before you think him cheeky, could Evan call on you? You got away before he could ask, we had dinner Friday night and- - -“Peter queried.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oh, you men are relentless. Sure he can call me if he can catch me” Cathy sought the relief of a steaming shower and politely cut Peter off, “Peter, got to run, I’ll look out for his call but don’t encourage him, OK? Got to go” and she pulled the wall plug on her phone before she jumped into the shower.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sunday evening, as Evan unpacked in the modest hotel he retrieved Catherin Chandler’s phone number – she was worth a long distance call.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“This is the Chandler residence, please leave a message at the tone” Cathy, not expecting a phone call at 9:15 at night, was stretched out with a file for tomorrow’s meeting. She awaited the message, would Evan really call?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Hello, Catherine, this is Evan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for accepting my call…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the machine began recording she found herself drawn to his voice, hot as a slap she was across the room, the phone to her ear.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Hello, Evan. . . . I was in the kitchen” and with that dialogue their three and a half hour conversation began.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He was earthy and educated; he was wildly outdoorsy and refined. And she remembered he had the fieriest golden eyes. A little before 1:00am she rolled up from where she had lay on the floor in front of the fireplace like a teen age girl chatting with Evan. “Evan, this has been fun, but we have to get to bed” Cathy giggled.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“So, soon, this is our first phone call and we’re going to bed?” His resonate voice accentuated the last three words facetiously.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You know what I mean!” Cathy stammered as she pulled herself to stand and circle the room to check the locks and power off the lights.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I do, I was impertinent to hold you up so late, I’m sleeping in to at least nine tomorrow I didn’t even consider your eight to five schedule will you forgive me?” Now the depth and resonance of his voice revealed his sincerity. “May I call you Tuesday evening, I’ll be getting settled in Baltimore for Wednesday’s signing” he was almost petitioning her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Since you’re so earnest, of course, I’ll be home after 7 or 8” Cathy felt 16 all over again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For the following weeks, Evan and Catherine (as he called her) had marathon telephone conversations, about his audience, the cities he visited, about their dissimilar college years, everything except family. Her refrigerator was covered with picturesque post cards extoling the best views from Philly, Baltimore, DC, Norfolk, Charlotte and more cities dotting the Eastern Seaboard. Besides their love of literature they had a common bond, he claimed he had a one room cabin in the woods in Delaware and she described her family’s place in Connecticut and he laughed that the description of her kitchen was the size of his whole cabin. Evan also recorded the copious quirks of the road in letters he sent to Vincent; week by week he squeezed increasingly more anecdotes about “Catherine”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Excited?” Peter asked Cathy as they strolled through Central Park on July Sunday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evan was due back in New York on Wednesday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It’s a work night, but we’re meeting for dinner. We haven’t even talked about where he lives, you know what that means?” she bubbled at her question, “I don’t want to say much around Daddy, he’ll have the engagement party planned”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oh, I wouldn’t say that” Peter shook his head as if to scoff off Charles’ interest in seeing Cathy “happy”, “And it’s take out because I know how you cook” Peter retorted with a sideways glance, his lips purposefully straight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cathy playfully slugged his bicep as they strolled near the Castle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cathy….”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He calls me Catherine” she romanticized as they came to a bench, “And we will eat out because as much as we’ve talked, you know how I am about having men over to the apartment”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Honey, Steven Bass is in a mental hospital, he’s not likely to get out how many sociopaths can one girl meet?” Peter fanned the copy of the Times as they sat in the torpid summer sun.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I wish I had some caves to escape into, this heat has been brutal” She popped off her flats and wiggled her toes as if it would evaporate their perspiration.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peter smiled at her comment, if Evan played his hand that might present itself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In preparation for Evan’s return, Catherine stopped at the bookstore Monday evening, the door pushed open with near silence of the clanging bell and she found the front area empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking cautious steps she thought she heard Evan’s voice and her feet flew to follow his solid huskiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While her hasty steps carried her in that direction she heard his voice silence as the proprietor rushed to meet her, “Miss Chandler, what can I do for you?” his rotund frame nearly filled the aisle as she tried to jockey around him, “What would you be rushing to?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Who, Mr. Smythe, it would be who. I heard Evan’s voice and I wasn’t expecting him back yet, I was just…” Catherine was held back by his arm when his hands fell on the shelves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“No, that wasn’t Evan, their voices are quite similar” he shook his head as if it would convince her further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Above them Vincent concealed himself in the shadows watching and hearing her enthusiasm he felt her joy at thinking she heard Evan’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would any woman ever carry that joy in her heart for him?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine balked at his insistence, “But I heard him” her brows knit in her insistence as she backed away from Mr. Smythe’s imposing figure. “I thought he was back early, he said he’d return Wednesday I was hoping he was early” now crestfallen she clutched at her purse, thinking of the elegant book mark she had seen here weeks ago, she had wanted it for his “welcome home” gift.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“No doubt Miss Chandler, Evan will be return on winged feet to you….on Wednesday” Mr. Smythe processed the transaction for the bookmark and Catherine swept the room, aching to hear Evan’s voice one more time before she left the book store.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What do you think of that?” Mr. Smythe mused to Vincent after he pulled down the shades and locked the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent’s brows rose as he shrugged, he simply had no words to share.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Geographic necessity had led Evan and Catherine to a telephone relationship, they had done no more than shake hands the night they “met” and yet the hours of soul-baring dialogue they felt breathtakingly close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesday evening his last words to her were, “I simply cannot wait to melt into your arms for if your lips are as sweet as your words our time together will be sublime”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At his ardent intentions Catherine’s soul burned sweetly for him, for weeks in her dreams she ran through a pine forest following his voice to find him on a dock on a lake. In her dreams their affections burned to the extent only their dropping into the placid lake cooled their “ardor”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine’s sleep was fitful, her heart hungry to feel his arms and lips as she had been hearing his words. It had been years since she held this kind of desire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All day Wednesday she felt his impatience at traveling back from Florida by car. Then as she relocked her door and threw her purse onto the floor was the trill of the phone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Cathy, dear” Charles Chandler’s voice was heavy and grim, “Cathy, I am afraid the law firm took on a bad egg of a character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m leaving for the cabin and I want to take you with me” his tone left her no wiggle room.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Daddy, what do you mean?” She didn’t want to leave NY now, would she seem flighty if it was because of a man? Really, were they in danger? “And whoever is looking for you could find our cabin” for a brilliant corporate attorney Charles was no devious fugitive.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It seems we’ve contracted to do business with a dirty client. Before we can step out of the obligation I need to make sure you’re safe” She could hear the stress in his breathing, she worried that he’d have a heart attack or stroke.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I know someone with a much more conservative cabin in Delaware, let me call him and see if we can have access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come here, Daddy, now” her brain spun at the thought that this was the reason for Evan to come into her life, “Daddy, I love you, be safe while you hurry over”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine spun on her heel to get Evan’s telephone number, and then considered he was on the road with no way to reach him. Peter, she’d call Peter, perhaps he’d have Evan’s family telephone number to arrange something.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Peter, Daddy just called me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to get away for a while, could you come over?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peter sat on the end of Catherine’s love seat, arms folded his thumb running back and forth over his chin, “So you need to disappear for a while?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Before I go to the authorities I need to go underground, Peter, it could be days before the FBI would get us somewhere safe” Now Charles had begun pacing behind the drawn curtains of his daughter’s park side high-rise.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“If you could get in touch with Evan’s family” Catherine’s words seared thru Peter. Had Evan divulged the family’s home underground in the Tunnels? Catherine continued before Peter reacted, “Evan said there’s a cabin in Delaware; if we could get away there we could be safe – they’d never connect us”. Catherine brought Peter the cordless phone, urging him to act.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’m afraid it’s not that simple” Peter back pedaled thinking about the chain of contact he’d go through to contact Below. It would be a phone call to Henry’s home and then time for a family member to carry the message down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come to my home tonight, we’ll work out something”. Peter held out both arms to draw the Chandlers together. “Leave your car here, Charles – we’ll leave in my car now”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They moved in serious silence, Catherine setting lights on timers, packing her Mother’s framed photo along with the delicate carved rose that sat beside her bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a sad sweep of the apartment she closed the door behind her and locked the deadbolt as if that would stop someone intent on larceny.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Watching their backs, Peter drove his precious friends, Charles and Catherine Chandler silently to his brownstone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Law Firm’s new obstacle hung over each of them in a singular way. Fortunate that it was a moonless night they made hurried steps into their safety and as they settled around the small kitchen table Peter read the fear and uncertainty in their eyes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It’s best you both stay here, it will take a bit of time to get the keys to the cabin” Peter began brewing a pot of decaf while Catherine fidgeted and Charles scowled.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Well I could have waited for Evan if it was going to take time” She threw her hands up and then composed herself to worry her bottom lip while she watched her Dad for signs of physical stress.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Charles, take my room, I’ll stay in my study I had a daybed put there awhile back. Catherine, take Susan’s room.” Peter’s mind was working while he laid out mugs and plated some carrot cake. He watched while Charles silently traced the pattern of the table cloth. “You’re awfully quiet, my friend”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’ve come this far in my career and now that I’ve drawn Catherine into the firm we get hit with this, I should have suspected that family” his voice was low and sad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Daddy, you had no idea when you took them on, remember innocent until proven guilty?” she laid a warm hand over her Father’s and their eyes met as Peter delivered steaming mugs in front of them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Honey, anything that threatens your safety is bad business” Charles accepted the mug, doctored it with sugar and cream and watched the steam rise before he sipped, “When this is over I won’t have the credentials to load rust at a dirt factory”</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Henry, its Peter Alcott” Peter began the call in the privacy of his study once he knew the Chandlers were making themselves comfortable upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two Helpers talked at length, about Catherine’s new relationship with Evan and whether it was safe for them to make a run to Delaware once they got the keys to the cabin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peter made cat-light steps upstairs, listening for Charles’ movement, with a light wrap of his knuckles he reported, “Charles, I’ve had a call from the hospital, I need to step out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re locked in – safe, don’t answer the phone and stay tight”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Charles came to the door in trousers and tee shirt, looking quite lost out of this element of usurping Peter from his own bedroom, “Certainly, Peter, that’s the difference between our careers. My clients just keep me up nights, not out nights” They exchanged melancholy expressions and Peter was out the front door to a Threshold. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jacob Wells curled a lip at the JAMA article’s proposition of a revolutionary treatment, sometimes he doubted new-fangled medicine, then a rattled of the pipes announced Peter was approaching and it gave Jacob cause to rise and shake out the chill in his hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He readied the tea pot to share a cup and by the time Peter arrived the two cups sat steaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peter, the next person I expected to show up was Evan….. Not you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What brings you down tonight?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They exchanged brotherly hugs with a hearty smack on the back and settled in chairs, “Afraid it isn’t good for friends of mine” Peter paused to let the steam rise to tickle his nose, “Catherine, the young lady you met at Evan’s event, she and her Father need sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine wants to contact Evan about the cabin in Delaware”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Sanctuary? The Attorney and his daughter?” Father understood the specter of the question. “What … <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is … the … issue?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Seems the law firm took on a dirty client, some threats have been made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the Authorities can help they need to take cover.” Peter’s eyes searched the eclectic chamber, knowing Jacob’s mind would be weighing the situation, “Catherine thought perhaps she could borrow the keys to the Delaware cabin.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It’s just so far away and there is no telephone, how would they ensure their safety?” Jacob was resuming his role of “Father”, thinking of the mechanics of their exile.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“They haven’t thought that far, they’re still processing their shock at the thought of needing to run” Peter stretched out his legs and took a deep breath; “I wish I hadn’t sold my place now” Peter ran a worried hand over his face and took a long mouthful of tea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Then the thought of Evan being separated from his new romance” Jacob’s expression seemed wistful, “His letters tell me he is quite taken with this Catherine Chandler and their long distance relationship.” They sat in silence only broken by the sound of Vincent’s arrival.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent stood at the top of the stair, understanding that Peter and his Father would sometimes sit and sip tea in total silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should he break that silence to greet his “uncle” Peter? Taking the opportunity for some friendly conversation after a day of teaching youngsters Vincent took light steps downward.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Good evening, Peter” Vincent’s strong hands pat a soft greeting on his shoulders as Peter acknowledged Vincent’s greeting with a nod and smile.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The conversation began with an invitation to tea and progressed to Vincent’s suggestion. “I’m going below for at least 6 days, perhaps before I return they could go into protection?” His magnanimous heart proposed opening his world to include the Chandlers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It certainly would throw Evan and Catherine together” Peter mused, “Nothing like the solace of a loving shoulder in times of trial” Peter’s glance danced back and forth between father and son.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We could call a vote , it would be an emergency meeting after breakfast tomorrow” Father, now in full leadership mode searched the corners of his chamber as if the particulars of that discussion hung like dust motes in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps we could wait until lunch and include Evan in the discussion?” Father directed the question Vincent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“His relationship, this new long distance relationship with Catherine” Vincent’s pronunciation of her name gave him a slight pang he could not identify; “it would either kill it or cure it.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent had perched against the end of an overstuffed chair, his arms folded over his chest as he considered their romantic possibilities: viewing the Nameless River, hearing the voices whispering back at them while they viewed the stars in the water, and perhaps even their kisses stolen in the dark Tunnel alcoves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within his heart, Vincent was a romantic fully understanding what ripe home the Tunnels were for lovers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only it were for him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Certainly the Tunnels would be no more rustic than Evan’s cabin” Peter mused as they deliberated the pros and cons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here they can make it to my Threshold and use the telephone, grab a hot shower”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You don’t think they’d enjoy the hot springs?” Father settled back in his chair, his eyeglasses down on his nose with a twinkle in his eye.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I think Charles’ exercise is relegated to the Health Club, but he does spin a great tale, he could fit right in with us right here” Peter poured more tea and slid the antique flask out of his breast pocket, held it up to meet Father’s offered cup and poured a medicinal dose into each cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent grinned at the ceremony, this communion of kindred spirits over tea and brotherhood.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’m going to check in with Winslow, he’s my partner this trip” Vincent began his exit, “Father, where’s the chronicle for these levels?” He stretched on tip toe to peruse the stacks for the old style leather folio.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Here, Vincent,” Father offered up the open portfolio and then held on to it, “Are you sure this is no disturbance for you?” Their eyes met over the portfolio they both held and their expressions softened with Vincent’s nod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he made his “goodnights” and was gone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We’ve sent the Administrative staff on a professional retreat in Philadelphia” Charles eyed the list on the legal pad before him as he sipped his coffee, “These women deserve no danger” his shoulders slumped as he greeted Catherine to the breakfast table.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Good morning, Daddy” she hugged his shoulders from behind before she went for a mug of coffee, “That’s great, has Peter come down yet, he had a late night” She had focused her concentration on the noises in the home, the creaks and rumbles of an older home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’m still young enough to burn the midnight oil, young lady” Peter announced from the hallway as he buttoned his shirt collar then reached for a coffee mug, “Who did the honors?” Peter nodded to the coffee pot.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I can still make coffee” Charles retorted as they settled around the small table. The air lay thick with mystery for the Chandlers’ future.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“For that I thank-you,” Peter swallowed the black coffee thinking of how to break the news of their safe destination, “Catherine, I spoke to Evan’s family last night and secured a safe place for you both”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You got the cabin? I hear it’s rustic, are you ready to return to your Scouting days, Daddy?” Catherine’s enthusiasm brightened the breakfast table gathering.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Closer and safer” now Peter had their attention, “Remember Jacob and Mary from the other evening, Catherine?” When she nodded he continued, “They are Evan’s Aunt and Uncle you could say –“</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And they have something closer?” Charles folded his hands over the morning paper.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Beneath our very noses” Peter rested his hands flat on the table to accentuate the statement.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And safe?” Charles countered.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Off the maps safe” Peter responded gently.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">== = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If it struck either of them odd that Peter suggested athletic shoes to Catherine she didn’t register it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that Peter had them deposit their bags in the basement didn’t seem peculiar as the back door gave them alley access in broad daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What had both of the Chandlers scratching their heads was that Peter locked the basement door so no one could enter the basement and then led them to a corner where he slid a pristine work bench aside and unscrewed a small knob on a peculiar door.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We’re going underground, really underground” Peter declared, “There’s a row of large rebar staples down about 5 feet, it’s lit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charles, you climb down and I’ll pass the satchels to you, then Catherine and I’ll close up and be down last”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They followed directions silently, each of them breathing in the loamy damp air as Peter did his best to close up his home. They exchanged long looks at the repetitive tapping and the industrial wire covered electric lights ahead.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“This is where we’re heading, to where we call “Below” Peter picked up some luggage and led the way, “The story I told you at breakfast, about Jacob and that wife, Margaret, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you understand it’s not commonly discussed”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chandlers understood discretion and replied in fact.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Evan can tell you his story, Catherine, everyone has one here” Peter led down a hard packed earth path, brick foundations to one side, rail road ties and scavenged wood on the other side, “Jacob was sited before the government about his medical findings and was blacklisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lost everything, had he come to me I would have taken him in, but pride does goeth before the fall” Peter shifted the weight of the baggage and stopped for Charles to catch his breath.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I could have taken him in, but it wouldn’t have been a life, this, what he did gave so many people a life where they thought they had lost their dreams”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“How do they live?” Catherine fought her repulsion for the dark as she saw torches ahead after twenty minutes of steady walking, “No electricity?” she was beginning to bristle at the offer of safety underground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“They are quite clever; you’ll meet their Thomas Edison, a young man named Mouse. Don’t encourage him with the gizmos, either of you! God knows what he’ll try to rig for you!” Now Charles’ eyebrows rose amusingly at the prospect, Catherine was silent, worrying about the eminent darkness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As much as Vincent needed to be deeper into the Tunnels, he had sent Winslow off with the preliminary papers and a smaller pack of tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew the dispositions of those who sought the Tunnels as a refuge; he had stood back from them – his visage too much for newcomers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now he watched the trio make their way around the curve of the rock hewn Tunnel corner and from a hidden alcove he watched Catherine close her eyes tightly as if to wish herself somewhere else. When she opened them and stepped out her jaw dropped at the tableau ahead. The man she had met at the Book signing, Jacob Wells was standing at a sizable table covered with charts and stacks of books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rested on the palm of one hand as he sorted books to clear a place for his visitors to share the pot of tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once Vincent knew they had been welcomed he stepped double time to join Winslow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Welcome to my home” Jacob smiled as he grabbed his cane and moved toward his guests. In the initial moments of their meeting, from another direction, Mary joined them, sliding chairs toward the table and plating small muffins with their tea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Sorry your situation has forced you to leave your homes, we hope you find yourselves safe and comfortable in our world” Mary offered as she accepted their windbreakers and hung them on the coat tree.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was a peaceful accord as the group discussed the society rules of the world below, “We’ll be sharing our meals here in this room, not that you aren’t welcome to our dining room, we simply find it easier for most of our citizens to meet new people gradually and lastly, because of the natural outcroppings and bodies of waters we would demand that you not go off on your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your chambers are adjacent to the bathes and you’re welcome to our library and our kitchens” Jacob sat back, his fingers steepled in his lap.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Well, of course not, I mean we wouldn’t go off on our own, frankly Dr. Wells, I would probably read or I see you play chess” Charles was still absorbing whether or not he had ingested something from a bottle that said “drink me”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Catherine, I know Evan expects to be home around dinner time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t expect you here, I didn’t have a chance to get a message to him – you can see we have no phones” There was a bit of a smile at this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I am looking forward to seeing him” all of a sudden she was demure, searching for discussion subjects with the “Mayor” of Below.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Her “chamber”, what they called their living quarters, was the size of her bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once Catherine set down her bags she lovingly placed her Mother’s portrait and her rose on the bed table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She surveyed the riot of mis-matched furniture from the spindled rocker to the chest at the foot of the full bed. When she smoothed the handmade quilt she felt the varied textures of the fabrics lying handsomely under the hand stitching while the scent of lavender and vanilla rose from the fat pillar candles on the rock hewn ledges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What had the law firm gotten them into and where exactly was she?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Charles’ eyes followed the carving on the chest of drawers as he rocked in the chair next to his small bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His chamber, a bit further past Catherine’s was impressive as he had expected something akin to a cave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He folded his hands, as if to pray and counted his blessings, he hadn’t been too jaded to make this prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His free will had brought him education and professional standing and his heartaches had always been in his personal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Losing a loving wife, raising his daughter alone these had been sad moments he had worked so hard to temper with travel and gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now he sat in literally a hole in the ground assessing his next steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Excuse me, Mr. Chandler” a young voice called from the hall.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Yes, child” Charles answered wearily.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Mary says that we should take you on a tour” The youngster shuffled in clean but well-worn sneakers, “I’m Jeremy”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Could we do that later, son?” Charles asked as the boy entered the room, “Jeremy, do you go to school?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With a quick smile the dark haired boy chuckled, “Yessir, most days. Today my lessons were independent study and I study quickly” he was 11 or so, rangy in his cast off clothing, “You would want to know where the bathroom is, right?” the boy knew basic needs; he had done this before Charles surmised.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Alright, son, let’s do this” Charles rose to join the boy and were off on a small adventure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Catherine?” the voice called from a distance, the volume building as Evan drew closer, “Catherine” Evan had arrived home early and had been surprised with the news of the Chandlers taking refuge Below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evan’s quest for Catherine carried him so quickly he slid to a stop before her standing in the roughhewn hallway. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You didn’t expect to find me here, did you?” Catherine giggled finding a place in his arms, nestling under his bristly chin as they held each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cuddled finding each other’s warmth yet oddly, that kiss….their first kiss landed mutely on both their lips. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No primal energy surged thru their bloodstreams, no open mouths or inquiring tongues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No quivering in their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like cousins at a family reunion, then just their rocking back and forth within each other’s arms. As they drew back to capture long looks at each other they held just each other’s fingertips. Each of them silently assessed each other as if for the first time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now Catherine could fit all of his idiosyncrasies with his home, the long hair, the well-worn corduroys frayed at the heel, and the chukka boots scuffed from miles of tunnel walking, the long hair and beard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His blue, blue eyes were bright and friendly, that was it, just friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oddly as they stood there were no embers of hot passion stirring within either of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Evan stepped back and nodded, she was the last person he ever expected to be waiting for him in the Tunnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gallantly offered his elbow and the two of them took a long stroll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why hadn’t they torn each other’s clothes off? Why hadn’t their lips locked, enflamed by weeks of telephone chats baptized with romantic endearments?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their internal gears, so necessary to get their wheels of love into a horizontal position never synced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was never going to happen for them, even while they stood reading the constellations in the reflections of the stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When they returned at the dinner hour they weren’t even holding hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly, Catherine had a mind that this simplification would be one less issue in what she figured would be a tumultuous season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last thing she needed was infatuation to cloud her reasoning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Their quiet dinner with Father was just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>William’s posse of kitchen help carried a large crockery of stew, a basket of rolls and apple butter and a small cinnamon cake into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The static silence seemed odd to Father as he watched Evan slowly break his bread before carefully slathering it with apple butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chat wasn’t that, it was carefully meted out words on generic subjects between people just wading into something of a friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chandlers assumed “Father” and Mary weren’t subscribers to the New York Times, although they had discovered the paper would find its way down within 24-28 hours of its distribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When they plated up the cinnamon cake Father eyed Evan as he sat across from Catherine, where was that romance Father wondered.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After the dishes had been cleared and the candle glow had been reduced to the two of them at the table Father motioned for Evan to have a seat, “Tell me about your travels, Evan”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With those few words Evan morphed from a fully functioning adult to a 13 year old boy, he pushed the chair back on two legs and braced his foot on the table leg, rocking as he thought about the weeks away. “You know I love my work, nothing like meeting people, talking about poetry, I mean how lucky am I?” With just a “look” from Father Evan brought the chair legs back to the floor.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“How lucky?” Father posed the question back to him, sipping his tea, waiting to hear more about Evan’s travels.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Well, you know I hate being alone on the road” Evan’s smile grew pensive, reflective, “ just about every night I’d call Catherine, just to hear her voice and Father, I thought it was a beginning for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We connected on so many points…. But…. There just wasn’t a spark” Evan hung his head, romantically defeated again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Love can sometimes be magic” Father leaned into their conversation, “But magic can sometimes... just be an illusion, was the illusion good while it lasted?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Evading the question Evan countered, “Where did Vincent head off to? Somewhere I could find him one of these days?” Evan recognized the discipline – new residents were reserved in a circle while they grew comfortable with the community, then as their sense of “citizenship” gelled truths were shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent was always one of the last truths.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I know he’ll want to see you” Father smiled at the conversational dance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’ll bet you were worried about Catherine and I having an incendiary love fest weren’t you, Father?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evan’s words were like a confession. “I thought this was the girl, the ONE, you know? We talked for hours so many times a week, I could tell you her political views, hell, I’ll bet you I could tell you how she sorts her kitchen drawers” on that comment Father’s brows rose.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And…..” Father opened the door.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“There was nothing, zip…. I did that long distance run, we caught each other in our arms and . . . . Bahm, it was like kissing a sister.” Evan threw his hands up in the air, then caught the length of his hair and tied it into a ponytail, “and the damndest thing, it doesn’t even hurt. I mean we chat and she’s good company but you don’t have to worry about us being a bad example for Jamie and the rest of the gang”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I appreciate your concern for Tunnel morality, Evan, I very nearly expected that you’d be courting her, seriously from your letters” All of Father’s telltale emotions were bleeding thru, his knitted brows and cleaning his eyeglasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evan felt Father’s deep and true concern, “Perhaps as you get used to being together the flame might catch?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Father, I appreciate your compassion, I’m not shutting down here, I’m just not seeing us taking off as Evan and Catherine, happily ever after” Now Evan had risen and pushed his chair back into the table. “Is Vincent where I think he is?” and Father nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made their customary good nights and Evan struck out for a late night visit with his best friend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You can run, but you can’t hide” Evan joked as he approached Vincent as he dried himself after a swim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I can never hide from you, Evan, welcome, how was your trip?” Vincent stepped into his trousers then they caught arms and grinned, Vincent rewarding his return with a fang baring smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent accepted the napkin wrapped cake and they sat beside each other as Vincent broke the large piece into two and they began picking the moist cake to bite size pieces, “I’m surprised that you aren’t romancing Catherine with some sweet words, I feel honored” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The story was there to tell, Evan measured his words as they ate then admitted, “I’ve never been one to kiss and tell, fact is, Vincent….. There is flat out nothing to tell. It’s not love”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What is love, Evan, you’ve made your life recounting the words, writing them yourself” Vincent offered the canteen of spring water and Evan accepted it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We kissed and it wasn’t a spark, we hugged and there was zilch, sort of a kissing your sister thru a screen door sort of thing” Evan waited for the metaphor to register with Vincent and was rewarded with a wry smile and a shake of his shaggy head.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The search continues?” Vincent posed the question, knowing Evan had been weighing these past month’s telephone conversations as if Catherine was the one for him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’m proud to consider her a friend, just Damn, Vincent, why do I have to have such a ravishing friend?” Evan stretched out on his back to view the cave ceiling, “Soft in all the right spots, round and strong and….arghhhhh. Beat me to death now, Vincent I’m destined for bachelorhood”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent nodded as if he’d comply, “Then it will be the three of us, Devin, you and me keeping company into perpetuity?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Did I tell you I had dinner with that rascal?” Evan sat up to share the tale of a Mahi-Mahi dinner in Key West, “he’s down there tending bar, sleeping all day” Then Evan’s voice tapered to a whisper, “He tells the tourists he was swiped by Pirates between there and Bermuda” as he pointed to his cheek, referring to Devin’s scarred cheek, “I’m sorry, Vincent, I didn’t mean to make light of it” Then they watched the motes of dust in silence, each lost within their hearts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The days stretched into a week and Charles’ own counsel advised he “stay put”, this could have worn on them except for their temporary forays into Peter’s brownstone to break their “cabin fever”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent and Winslow returned the 6<sup>th</sup> day of their stay and although they met Winslow, Vincent hung in the shadows of the Tunnels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heavy tapestries stayed drawn across his chamber doorway and he took his meals alone when the Chandlers were below.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Weeks later when Catherine had escaped her solitude to sit in the bedroom window seat on the 3rd story, she watched the bounty of thick leaves turn orange and amber to drop away and she felt her heart crumble too. Not that she could even say why, she felt hollow and pointless, even more so than when she occupied a mahogany desk at the law firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would have been the time perhaps for a religious conversion had it presented itself, yet what was laid before her was more of a societal transformation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Daddy, what if I offer my talents teaching? That Radcliffe education could be used for something” her light fingers traced over the spines of the books in Peter’s library to fall on a thin red book of Shakespeare’s sonnets.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We need to carry our weight in some way” Charles’ lifelong purpose had been truncated by crime to become a daily chess partner, “they seem to not want our money, it’s the damndest thing – anywhere else and they’d have put a bounty on our futures and charged us accordingly” He certainly didn’t understand them even after living amongst them for these weeks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">October 1<sup>st</sup> Mouse jogged toward the Chandlers as they returned to the Tunnels, “Ok, good to see you, good news just in time”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Good news, what type, Mouse?” Charles had a standing 4 O’clock meeting twice a week to talk about “gizmos”, they had become fast friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Halloween Party, pumpkins, games and most important, COSTUMES” Mouse nearly bounced off the stone walls.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It’s been a while for us; Mouse, what would you propose for our costumes?” Catherine exchanged a grin with Charles and drifted alongside Mouse and looped a hand into the crook of his elbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mouse seemed surprised at her action yet carried on with his usual enthusiasm led her away to a large chamber with stacks of sorted clothes and bolts of cast off fabric.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Bailey” Mouse called at the doorway, “Need more costumes!” then he cut out, running to draw more residents to pick and choose a costume.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bailey, a 40’s something woman had escaped a life or exhausting abuse at the hand of a politician. Not wanting to live in the light of being someone’s EX, she had made her break when her physician, Dr. Alcott had brought her into the fold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her love of fabric and sewing solved an age old clothing dilemma Below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These days found her playing with dyes and fabrics for the fall fete of Saowain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Do you sew Catherine?” Bailey asked as she dragged a box of patterns from the shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bailey’s eyes danced at the thought of the tunnel community celebrating in costume. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine laughed and threw he hands up, “Not hardly! Never had a good teacher, are you a good teacher?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Bailey could answer, Evan entered carrying bags of trimmings from a family owned fabric store.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“More goodies for Romeos and Juliets and Pirates” Then Evan winked at Catherine, “Which one will you be?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once Mouse had played the town crier about the costume party he circled back to Catherine’s chamber, “Catherine Chandler?” he politely stood outside her doorway, his back to the door.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It’s Mouse, right?” She had been reading and wanted to be sure she had remembered his voice, this time low and polite.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Sure, it’s Mouse” she could hear his shuffling in the echo of the hallway.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Come on in, what can I do for you?” Catherine had been ordering small electronic pieces from a tool catalog and they had struck up an eccentric rapport.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Someone wants to meet you, my friend” Mouse almost removed the book from her lap to bring her to her feet, “Need hiking shoes and warm gloves, walk with me”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Where to, Mouse?” She slid into her sneakers and caught the gloves off the top of the bureau, “We aren’t going up are we?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Down, going down, someone wants to meet you” Now his urgency carried him to the doorway as if to draw her with him, she could do nothing less than follow him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had shown her luminescent lichen and brilliant crystal formations so this person would undoubtedly be as interesting as his previous adventures.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Who wants to meet me?” She brought the lush, soft scarf around her neck and set to walk beside him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He demurred telling who, he just babbled about special stones and herbal concoctions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked down steep spiral staircases until she begged to take five only to have him offer her a flask of peppermint tea sweet with dark honey and pull her further into the bowels of the earth.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“She’s going to come for you here and then I’ll return for you….need to do something for Vincent….. I’ll be back, promise” and he led her to a slab of carved stone and nodded for her to sit and wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mouse darted back the way they came while Catherine sat in flinty silence, her fear growing by the minute as she detected a shuffling sound approaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought of Minotaurs and giant rats to the extent that she clenched her eyes shut and pull her feet up to the stone bench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then as the noise built to a crescendo it stopped, suddenly in front of her. Herbs and oiled scents whirled around her so overtaking her breath that she removed her hands from her face and covered her mouth and nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that moment Narcissa stood in her sightline and Catherine drew her hands into defending fists.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A cackle cracked the dry air and Narcissa pronounced, “Child, you need not fear me….. ….. You fear the unknown, you fear the criminals encroaching your father’s business you fear love is elusive and I bring enlightenment for these fears”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Seeking to melt into the rock wall Catherine shrunk back, “Who are you, how do you know my fears?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oh, child, we all want to be happy and free from fear, many people here have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace. You and your Father have come for sanctuary from violence” Narcissa’s white eyes gazed over Catherine’s head as her voice entranced the nervous Topsider, “You have begun the wheels of justice Above to protect you and still you lay awake at night. What can Narcissa do for you?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once Catherine’s breathing returned to normal, she found herself extending both her hands to the old woman’s and truth erupted from her lips, “I came here in love, or what I thought was love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Evan and I kissed every notion of romance flew out of our minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel guilty, I feel sorry – I feel like I led him on”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They stood connected by their clasped hands and Narcissa meditated for a few moments, “Child, this was a journey of discovery to gain a friend you will have for life . . . . . there is no waste, no pain in this realization” Of course to Catherine it seemed like an oversimplification of what she and Evan shared.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“In this time with Father’s community you have breathed easier, shared smiles because you reflected and contributed to this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have accepted your role and become flexible while you supported your Father in his strife”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine found herself nodding along with her as those dark gnarled hands massaged her tense fingers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You have made yourself ready, you have lightened you heart and given thanks. Now, you stand transformed and ready to receive the love of your heart’s desire” Narcissa’s dark skin shone in the torchlight, in contrast to her pearl white teeth.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What?” the force of her disbelief nearly pulled her hands from the sorceress.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I will speak more plainly. Catherine” now she took Catherine’s left hand, “On the night when masks are worn, your true love’s heart will be unmasked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will express your true desires and he who is ripe to fulfill them will make his presence known”, their eyes burned into each other after the oracle’s ravings. A current transmuted between them and the tension left the young woman’s body and soul. The aged woman came to sit beside her guest and she held her across her lap like a child as they rocked in another sort of trance, Narcissa whispered into her ear “Child, all gains are the fruit of venturing”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the strumming between them died Mouse’s footfalls approached and Catherine awoke, she was foggy and momentarily confused yet lucid enough to nod a good-bye to her new friend and walk along side Mouse the entire convoluted path.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Catherine looks happy” Mouse proclaimed as they climbed the circular metal staircase.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You know, Mouse, I’m not even sure why, but she’s magical and I feel Daddy and I are going to be safe and perhaps our time here will be coming to a close” her steps lightened as they approached the torchlit hallways.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">That night she ate little and made her good-nights early, she felt she had too much to dream this night!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
That next night an old Tunnel Script of Romeo and Juliet lay on her bed when Catherine returned from her dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside was a pencil sketch and notes on the costume Catherine thought someone had designed for a previous production, then she looked at the “actress” her features were remarkably similar to hers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She fell asleep, the script in her hands.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Three nights later a small hair comb appeared on her pillow, from the patina it was vintage, the note said: "O! She doth teach the torches to burn bright" - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 1.5.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Daddy, are you doing this?” Catherine called down the hallway, only to hear a shuffle in the shadows that caused her to jump back into the warm light of her chamber.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Was it any surprise that October 31<sup>st</sup> found Catherine adjusting the conical hat before the antique mirror in her chamber she figured she could be “Juliet” although she hadn’t heard of any man being “Romeo”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bailey had done most of the work on the empire velveteen dress while she claimed Catherine was a fashion designer in training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together they drew and cut the lengths of discarded draperies. “If it had been green I would feel like Scarlett O’Hara” Catherine remembered the week she learned to sew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cathy” her Father called from the hallway, “Ready for the Party, Juliet, your Lost Boy awaits?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Daddy, what fun this is going to be, don’t even think about what’s going on Above” she grinned the absolving smile of a loving daughter and adjusted his sash, “The boys are going to love you being the biggest Lost Boy”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“All of a sudden I have the oddest urge for Peanut Butter” Charles quipped as they headed toward Father’s Chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They heard Father’s breathing life into the tale of the Headless Horseman and the hesitated before joining the group.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Not knowing that the hill had already been taken by the British. Whatever the reason, the Headless Horseman continues to roam the roads near Tarrytown on dark nights from that day to this.” Father closed the book, although he could have told the tale by heart. “Now, as the adults join us we’ll prepare for the pumpkin carving and then bobbing for apples”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the children hopped up and down to jockey to the front of the line for cider and a pumpkin Catherine searched the room for a seat and the costumes and masks amused her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who’s your friend, Evan?” Catherine nodded toward the man in the duplicate costume of his. Catherine was certain she had never met this tall golden stranger who stood brushing shoulders in the corner, both in deep blue cropped front military tailcoats rich with gold braiding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent and Evan posed as bookends, mirror images of tall, muscular men in knee high polished boots; their long hair brushed till it shone in the candle light.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“My good buddy, Vincent, I would like you to meet Catherine and her father, Charles Chandler” Charles extended a hand and Vincent offered an elegantly gloved hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those gloves were the only difference between Vincent and Evan’s costumes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent, just Vincent?” she asked and he nodded, “How have we missed you all this time?” Catherine blushed at the sight of this intriguing gentleman in the tight white trousers. After months of carrying on what she thought was a stimulating long distance connection she stood extra tall as he bent to brush his distinctive lips over her fingertips.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Energy was too severe a word for what streamed between them. The soft flow of power crackled at their touch and circulated thru her bloodstream. The warmth and stimuli nestled between her ribs near her heart and she could only freeze in that stance, no other movement was possible.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Great, Vincent, you always pull that trick out of your pocket and slay the rest of us guys away” Evan caught Catherine’s elbow and drew her to the small chaise in the corner. “Don’t mind Vincent, he gets into the costume” Vincent turned his head, sneaking a bit of a smirk at Evan’s aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had felt it, felt all she had experienced only it settled within him as a disturbance, why now, why with her?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From across the room Vincent observed the two of them taking in the next story with more interest than for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her amusement at the Gaelic yarns grew with each paragraph and it was as if he could feel her engrossment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lost in watching Catherine he jumped at the warm words Evan whispered into his ear, “The seat’s good and warm, all you have to do is sit down next to her”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent shot Evan his best incredulous air and struggled to slink further into the shadows, “Seriously, you’ve been watching Catherine since the first night at the book store” Evan turned his back to the group to perform his most active expressions for Vincent, “She’s a beautiful woman, inside and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d be a fool to not enjoy her company” With that said Vincent scowled at his friend and beat a path to the Commons where the younger children were carving pumpkins.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent drew his lips together to speak and swallowed the words; he’d be a fool to pursue her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Evan grabbed two mugs of cider and worked his way back to the open seat he left, “What did you say to your friend?” Catherine quietly probed as she held the mug up to her lips, her eyes on Father and his illustrated story book.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He’s off to carve up pumpkins, he’s a hands on kind of guy” Evan felt bad at the comment and even worse that Vincent had felt he needed to take flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Chandler’s time Below Vincent had clung to the shadows admiring Catherine from afar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would comment on a bit of a story and the book would be on her bed table, she would talk about a scent and those candles would appear on her chamber’s ledge. Evan knew whatever passion he lacked for Catherine it was quite likely Vincent’s heart burned for the woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evan had hoped to push the two into some Halloween meeting, if not tonight, when?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once Mouse, Jamie and Rebecca rounded up couple of dozen Trick or Treaters the Tunnels quieted down, leaving the adults to gather in the Commons for pumpkin donuts and hard cider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that Jacob as Captain Hook?” Charles murmured to Catherine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spice scented candles burned in the candelabra’s distributed on the buffet table laid heavy with platters of hard cheeses and sausages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Piles of grapes and figs nestled in between the cutting boards and stacks of mis-matched luncheon plates. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I think Mary has quite a sense of humor to dress as Smee, don’t you think? I mean I’ve never seen her in a pair of trousers, check out those striped socks!” Catherine lingered over the cauldron of hard cider looking for Vincent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Music seemed to come from nowhere as the adults relaxed without their children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laughter filled the room as it can when people are relaxed and within their element.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“She most likely knitted those socks herself, Cathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never seen such a creative woman in my life” Charles had grown to admire her sense of industry and talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the candlelight Catherine had been seeking a particular pair of those white trousers and knee high black boots, looking for Vincent’s arrival to the adult party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she only saw Evan her heart sunk just a millimeter so she relied on her appetite to make up for lost entertainment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Balancing two plates and a mug of cider she shuffled over the slightly uneven stone floor in the direction of a fairly ornate chair near a tall tapestry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hClyvvZh3w&feature=related"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hClyvvZh3w&feature=related</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Someone shouldered a violin and playful hands began wrapping and tapping spoons in harmony, one of the married couples began a hearty jig their playful energy drew more and more of the crowd to dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except Catherine, she sat pinching grapes off of her plate, watching the merriment and scanning the multitude for Vincent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Out of the corner of her eye she caught movement and pulled her feet up to the rung of the chair in fear of mice. Then in the dark earthen and stone corner she saw brown booted legs and suede covered thighs extended from an alcove in the stone wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who was this? She stood and craned her neck to no avail she had to move closer, she felt really desperate yet she swallowed her curiosity and got closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Vincent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You changed costumes” Catherine burst in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now he wore a linen poet’s shirt with an olive suede tunic, his arms crossed over his chest, his hands tucked into his armpits. Had he blushed at her? She couldn’t tell through his makeup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Ah, yes, pumpkin innards and white trousers are certain disaster” His tone was pleasant if not a bit awkward.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Do you dance?” she asked as she turned to lean against the wall to gain his perspective of the dance floor.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Not like that” he unconsciously raised his hand to the crowd and then withdrew it back to his side, “My feet don’t connect with my brain until adrenaline kicks in, I’m sort of a fight or flight individual” he was digging deep to make conversation, Evan would have been proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was Vincent, the Tunnel Protector nearly shivering at the thought of intelligent discourse with Catherine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I can’t do that” she nodded to the energetic Irish Jig that Livvy and Kanin were performing, “They didn’t cover that in Cotillion” she held out the plate of fruit and cheese, “My eyes were bigger than my stomach”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He caught the glow of her green eyes and their time stood still. Vincent accepted the plate to keep his hands still as he felt a tremor take over.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I have done nothing but stuff my gut since I’ve moved down here,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there may not be a hole large enough for me to emerge” Her eyes twinkled at her self-deprecation and Vincent shook his head in denial.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You are a beautiful young woman, too many women are too thin today” his honesty burned in his blue eyes and she girlishly reached out to pat at his bicep. Under the linen shirt he was coiled muscle and her palm melded to his warmth. Momentarily he jerked at her touch and she drew back as if he were fire, only their eyes were locked, the two of them isolated with in the crowd.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“See that?” Evan nodded in their general direction to Father, “I’ve been trying to get them together all night” to which Father shook his head.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Really, Evan, is that wise? Once this hubbub with the Chandlers’ legal situation blows over they’ll be Topside” The feather on Father’s Pirate Hat danced to give him almost a comical air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was more Disney than bloodthirsty pirate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“They’ll always be Helpers, I can tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, I told you he’s been yearning for her since he saw her” Evan refilled his mug and swallowed half right there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Yearning….. Vincent, yearning?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Father’s darkened moustache turned down with his frown. “Really, Evan?” Then he directed his question to Mary, “Am I blind? Vincent yearning?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mary traded looks with Evan, regard the couple across the room and then pinched Father’s cheek, “Jacob, would you know yearning if it bit you?” and she slunk off to leave Jacob in Evan’s very complicated hands.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What was that supposed to mean?” Jacob blanched at Mary’s departure, “Am I the only oblivious person here?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Don’t sweat it, Father; you’re a big picture sort of man and we always come to you when there’s a joining or a naming ceremony, don’t we?” Evan patted Father on the shoulder and left him behind the donut tray.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Within moments of the lively music ending a simple waltz drew to majority of the adults to step closer to their partners and dreamily circle the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With trepidation, Vincent set down the nearly empty plates and eyed the dancers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could barely look Catherine in the eye when he pushed away from the alcove to stand whisper a husky, “Would you care to dance?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When had 5 words sent a shiver like that down her spine? The frisson settled warmly within her center and her knees nearly went weak before she could raise her hand to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her hand in his she felt small and sheltered, cherished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, she couldn’t count the beats of the song or identify its name once his strong hand settled at the small of her back. Catherine made careful steps to keep a respectful distance from the broad belt strapped around his lean waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She eyed the ornate buckle as the gate to damnation, one brush along the front of his suede trousers and she wouldn’t be responsible for her behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent’s strong arms led her earnestly through the dance, as he read the waves of excitement rolling off his dance partner heat licked at his iron self-control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He counted the stanzas left of the song, feeling his heart thumping out of his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he looked down to check that his chest wasn’t visibly shuddering their eyes seared into each other. She was engrossed in the two of them; he could feel it in his bones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The dance floor appeared to clear and Vincent used the space to glide a wider perimeter perhaps to escape the scores of admiring eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His heart filled as he felt his families’ eyes and her admiration within the music’s glow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the maelstrom of tune and emotion he prayed for the song to end yet for the moment to never end.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The music ended with applause and their abrupt stop nearly throwing them into each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine prayed for more music as Vincent separated from her and promptly folded his hands behind his back. “Thank you for the dance, Catherine” And again a few words from Vincent melted her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She adopted the same body language and walked shoulder to shoulder with him, her sweating hands clasped behind her toward the cider cauldron.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Something hot?” Evan asked as he held up mugs for each of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the table Father rolled his eyes and shook his head as he shuffled off seeking Mary’s good company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Evan turned to swallow his comment and met Charles’ eyes. “Matchmaking, Evan?” Only a father’s face could wear such an inquisitive expression. “Why haven’t we met him before tonight?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“If we are very quiet, we won’t be found” Vincent whispered as he slowly opened the back door to the Book store, the very same door thru which he had eluded Catherine the night Evan met her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below a Halloween gathering was in full swing, she heard Mr. Smyth’s melodious voice reading from Poe” Murders in the Rue Morgue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Coincidences, in general, are great stumbling blocks in the way of that class of thinkers who have been educated to know nothing of the theory of probabilities- that theory to which the most glorious objects of human research are indebted for the most glorious of illustration."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Conspiratorially they slunk against the shelves toward the back and a midnight blue velvet fainting couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only occupied by those who found their way thru the maze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent had led her up the Tunnel stairs and thru the back door of the shop, to share the silence and that fainting couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He’s a Helper?” Catherine dropped the conical hat onto the table near the basement door, “I had to take that off, the elastic annoyed my chin” she craned her neck upward to expose the red line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent swallowed hard at the otherwise alabaster flesh so ripe for a man’s kisses, “Are you comfortable in all that?” her hand gestured at his “costume”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“As best as one can be” he tucked his chin to hide behind the curtain of hair, then she followed him as his long strides delivered them to sit on the length of overstuffed indigo velvet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Reaching under the furniture Vincent withdrew a fat candle, a book of matches and a book of Sonnets. “Now that tells me you have a little hideaway here”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The squeals of the audience gave Catherine a start then the settled, watching Vincent’s graceful setting the candle into the holder on the petite round table and the dance of the match flame as it roared to light. She felt he had plucked a string in her spine as he touched the flame to the candle and seemed to inhale its warmth as fuel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">His voice broke the spell, “Would you like to share a book?” He set himself at the opposite end of the couch, one foot on the floor and his right knee ahead of him to keep her at bay. His features softened in the golden light, the glint of the individual hairs down his nose caught Catherine’s attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She admired the exotic geometry of his masque and wondered how he had fit the pieces around his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those cerulean blue eyes could have been contacts, but she doubted that. Catherine shrugged in agreement, ambivalent to their activity, just enjoying the peace between them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He posed the question, “What did you have in mind?” She pushed back into sumptuous upholstery and drew one knee up in the thought perhaps their knees would “kiss” in their sitting there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“My choice?” Should she choose funny, romantic, fiction, non-fiction? Anything she chose would have some implication of meaning, how could she make a choice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could we just chat? I mean we’ve just met”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Or so she thought, as Vincent had watched her from afar from the day he returned from the depths of Below. For a scant moment Vincent recalled the first moment he had seen her in his world, as she sat with her knees under her chin in the Whispering Gallery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her finger drew shapes in the sand then she’d oblique them with a swipe of her palm, frown and begin again. Vincent had watched her for 30 minutes or so while silent tears ran down her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night at Vincent’s suggestion Father had proposed and impromptu Music recital where Vincent hung in the shadows of Father’s chamber to watch her smile, Vincent loved to see her smile.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Capital idea” He braced himself for a game of 20 questions Vincent mused humorously as he prepared for the worst, “Me first?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed to beg.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“For the question or to ask the question?” Catherine bent forward in interest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“To ask the question” Vincent was emphatic, nearly insistent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Sure, shoot” Catherine settled back and her knee slid a fraction of an inch toward his.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oatmeal or Chocolate Chip?” Vincent managed the question without a smile.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Chocolate chip, what about you?” she grinned at the thought of cold milk and a stack of freshly baked cookies, something she had learned to enjoy since being Below.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oatmeal, with raisins” he nodded as if they were before them, ready for the eating, “Was that your question?” he secretly hoped.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Sure” and she nodded for him to ask another question.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent swallowed a lungful of air and let out a throaty whisper, “If you could be anywhere, doing anything right now, where or what would it be?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“That’s unfair. . . . . . It’s as if you don’t think I’m enjoying being here” Now she parked her chin on her palm and waited for his answer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent grimaced and her response and rephrased it, “Well, I would mean tomorrow or a month from now” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I would love to be. . . . . . . .On a boat, somewhere warm with maybe four of us, you know two couples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snorkeling, fishing, drinking good wine and cooking on the beach” He could feel the warmth in her voice, the roll of the ocean in her mood.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You’ve done this before?” Vincent choked on the question, wishing to be that man sharing the sun’s warmth with her on the deck of a boat pitching and rolling with the waves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Is that question 3?” she girlishly giggled as she began to pull hairpins out of her French twist, honey colored strands fell into loose curls around her neck.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Of course” Vincent nodded as he stared into the dark shelves aside then slid his back against the chaise, leaving her with a profile view, his long legs straight out, booted ankles crossed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Well my question before your 3<sup>rd</sup> question is, what animal best represents you and why?” With Catherine’s question his faced snapped to her half in shame, half in torment, “Well, your mask, the lion, it must mean a great deal to you. People use Halloween to express their personalities, a lion, well it’s a symbol of power and strength and respect.” Catherine seemed flummoxed by his sudden movement, her words sought to assuage any perceived verbal assault.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent settled back in his seat, facing her, his head slightly bowed, “Yes, it’s an expression of that, you could say that” Pulling up to look in her eyes his brow arched and an awkward apprehension infiltrated her curious heart as he spoke, “To see a lion in your dream, symbolizes great strength, aggression and power. You’ll overcome your emotions or difficulties. As king of the jungle, the lion also represents royalty, leadership, pride and dominion. To dream that you are attacked by a lion indicates that you have many obstacles to overcome. You must resist the force that is driving you to self-destruction”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Do you dream of lions, Vincent?” Her voice barely past a whisper she watched his eyes close slowly then reopen to face Catherine, her shoulders rose and she backpedalled, “I asked two questions again, you don’t have to answer that one”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent pursed his lips as he thought about his dreams, those past few weeks that had become a multitude of nights dreaming of Catherine. The nightly reveries had begun innocently, pleasant dreams of their sharing a book, a meal, and long walks between the natural wonders he had grown up around. He believed they were imaginings as for each endearment he whispered to her, Catherine poetically repaid him. Where else but a dream could any woman love him?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“No, Catherine, I don’t dream of lions” then after a beat he inquired, “What do you consider to be your most life changing experience?” Once he managed those words out he raised his knee and crossed his arms on the knee as if to disappear behind his shirt’s full sleeves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Wow, that’s quite a question…. I’m going to need a minute on that one” Catherine examined the space vacated by his thigh and her finger fell to make lazy circles in the velvet nap. Her head rose slowly and she began, “probably all this” her hands circled in the air, “having to run for our lives. . . . . .Certainly has caused me to examine my life’s purpose” She clasped her hands as if in prayer and shook her head as if to dispel the reality, “I should be helping with more here while this community hides us, God, I feel so spoiled”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And in his heart it was his greatest desire to truly spoil her, yet how would <u>he</u> spoil a woman from Above?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“How do you spoil someone such as yourself?” his thoughts crossed his lips unconsciously.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“AHHHH, it was my turn, Vincent!” Catherine extended a hand unconsciously and he bristled at the contact, she released the light touch and they each settled to their corners, “Where would you be, if you could anywhere? You know other than here” she emphasized those past five words.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Absent mindedly his tongue darted to moisten his lips and Catherine’s breathing hitched, he opened his mouth to speak and all his “filters” fell away, “In the fiery sunset to walk on a shore, the waves crashing at my bare feet, enjoy ice cream, and swim in the pounding surf at dawn. And before you ask another question, I’ve never done that” Now he tucked his chin as if to hide.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We could do that, I mean the ice cream, right now” Catherine lurched, ready to enjoy a night “out”. When the smell of the street washed pavement comes up sparkling in the streetlight’s gold. “You asked about what it takes to spoil me” now she settled her slipper clad feet to the carpeted floor, “to be indulged in something as simple as ice cream”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Ice cream?” his gloved hands padded to his pockets, feeling woefully inadequate, and telephone change wouldn’t buy a scoop of ice cream in NYC.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Let me spoil you” Catherine’s hand flew to a small coin purse tucked within her décolleté, “A lady always carries “mad money” She grinned and her eyes doubled the candlelight for Vincent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent quoted the lyrics from a song long ago, “And the wind went sighing over the land, tossing the grasses to and fro, And a rainbow held out its shining hand, so what could I do but laugh and go?” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent fell into step behind her as she remembered the song, “Oh, you remember the movie, FRIENDS, with Elton John’s music? I loved that movie, two young people falling in love” Yes, indeed, he knew he had already fallen in love.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As they slid past the crowd in the bookstore Catherine led the way to the closest Ice Cream Parlor, once on the street they jostled between costumed partiers. “Is the game over?” Vincent asked as she was pushed against his arm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
“Game?” Catherine queried, “Oh, sure but I still have lots of questions for you” she chuckled at her confession as Vincent padded beside her in awe, pursuing to gain the upper in their conversation he asked, “How would a man spoil someone such as you?” Now they strode shoulder to shoulder bobbling against clowns and devils and geisha girls.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent, you’re on a tangent!” She smirked and shook her head, only to snap back to meet the burning vision in those blue, blue eyes, “How would a man spoil me?” her eyes travelled the gaily lit marquees of stores and restaurants then she watched the faces of couples walking with arms linked, couples teasing and kissing on a corner, “I’ve had every shallow relationship imaginable, I was the right girl for them and each of them were happy to drop a gift bag from Tiffany’s or dinner at Delmonico’s then scurry off to a Yankees game or a golf course.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent processed her feelings as she divulged them; he felt her pain at her realization and at her utterance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“All well and good” she nearly winced at her words, “Except I want their time, I wanted to be lost in conversation” then she threw her arms around herself, “wrapped in their arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would go anywhere if the man I loved, who loved me spent time with me – anywhere. A man could spoil me that way!” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At that declaration Vincent’s heart raced, he laid his gloved hand over his heart as if to capture it. His mouth ran dry and head grew light while Catherine’s emerald eyes glistened with the bright lights and the nuances of tears. As she brought the two of them to stop there on the corner the urge to wrap her in his defending arms and kiss her loosely curled hair pounded between his ears, leeched into every vein in his body and he fought it with every ounce of his being.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“That isn’t being spoiled, it’s being loved” Vincent’s voice dropped to a quiet huskiness as his hands drew to fists to keep from wrapping around this angel incarnate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What is LOVE, Vincent?” the autumn breeze blew her loose hair over her face and she switched her head to move the hair from her lips, she drew her fingers thru both sides and pulled it back to reveal her exuberant glow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’ve read of it, I’ve seen it” then he shook his head, hiding behind a curtain of copper hair, “I’ve never experienced it . . . . . . . . . . . Reciprocated”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent, no……. never?” Catherine’s brows peaked at the thought, she understood his sadness and he felt her process the emptiness, “I can only wish, for the two of us, that one day we feel the balance and the radiance of what love is”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent saw the spectacle of the two of them; he was genuinely feeling on display even though the throngs of revelers paid them no mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised his head and zeroed in on the Ice Cream Parlor in the middle of the next block, “Enough sadness, it’s time to be spoiled, perhaps not to the fullest extent, but at least two scoops worth”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The weighty theme of their tête-à-tête seemed to be lifted by waffle cones full of Strawberry Cheese cake and Cinnamon ice cream for Catherine and Mint Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cup for Vincent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I don’t eat peanut butter often, it sticks terribly to the roof of my mouth, yet I love the flavor” Vincent admitted before he evasively lapped at the cone while he played to be watching the costume parade in a side street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course Catherine’s curiosity was fed be her watching his reflection, her nosiness mounted as she looked for a “seam” on his mask as he bit over and over into the waffle cone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, she would simply watch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he swallowed the last of the cone he modestly tapped at his lips and returned to Catherine, “Now I feel spoiled”, his eyes creased with the smile his lips couldn’t bear to form.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Do we absolutely have to go Below yet?” she begged waif- like in her quietest voice as they left the ice cream parlor. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent nodded and pursed his lips, and with a change of heart shook his head, “Men say that in this midnight hour, the disembodied have authority to ramble as it liketh them, by sorcerer oak and fairy brook, so why not us?” he dug his gloved hands into his trouser pockets and waited for Catherine to express an interest in their direction.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“There’s a concert in the park, some of the darkest classical music, it starts at 9” Catherine put a foot in that direction and Vincent fell into step right next to her, following the costumed throng headed that way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“So” Catherine drew out the word as they straggled behind the gangs, “being out for me tonight, I should be afraid perhaps?” She noticed he hadn’t caught her hand, yet he had extended his elbow for her to loop her hand into that snug, warm space. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Another way to uncover your fears is to find one of your goals, go and experience it” that was hearty advice for a creature afraid of brushing against this comely woman, “And, I believe the mob has taken the night off”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Walking within their own cadence, his strides purposefully shorter he gathered his courage to speak while her hand rested on his forearm, she scrutinized a group of young men dressed in exaggerated pinstripe suits carrying violin cases, “Who do you think the Mob masquerades as tonight?” she countered humorously, “I’m not quite sure, now you’ve got me a tad paranoid” her hand pulled at his elbow and as they halted in mid crowd, people bumped off of them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I have an excellent notion, we have a culvert below the front row” and Vincent diverted their steps toward the bookstore back door, thru torchlit hallways and around to an alcove where Vincent caught a basket of cushions and quilts and guided Catherine toward one of his clandestine quarters.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oh, Vincent, our family had seats above for years….. “Her voice tapered to silence as the orchestra began tuning for the opening number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furtively, Vincent set the cushions in a wide arch giving her plenty of space to relax, if he held her close she would feel him tremble at her touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the first notes of the Adagio for Strings, Op. 11a as it began with a B flat played by violins, leading to the lower string’s entrance Vincent sat back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching Catherine’s reaction to the musical tones that were so full of pathos and cathartic passion that it threatened to bring tears to Catherine’s eyes. As the eight minutes of emotion played above them Catherine sunk into her own arms, the edge of her pink tongue caught between her lips, so still as the piece ended. In the silence the dramatic tension snapped and she slunk deeper into the cushions surrounding her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When the strains of the next piece began the Baroque meditation sent her into such a state of relaxation that she drew her knees up under her chin and shyly blushed as she smoothed her velvet dress around her ankles. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The concert was a study of music and sensation driving Catherine through a myriad of her last months’ emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Medieval, grotesquely macabre Dance of Death seemed to almost bring a grin to their faces, they nearly giggled like kids that fought off fear at an afternoon of horror movies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the program progress thru Toccata and Fugue in D Minor they were mostly mute, Catherine feeding off the music, Vincent experiencing it all thru the emotion rolling off her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as the last tones ended their eyes drew to each other, her eyes especially heavy with curiosity, “Vincent, why haven’t we met before tonight? And, and before you answer.. .. ..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We seem to feel comfortable in a particularly connected way.. .. ..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except you keep your gloves on. . . . . .”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent swallowed at her words as he seemed to inspect the seam of his glove; her words seemed to increase his blinking, his long golden eyelashes catching the random light thru the grate. Her whirlwind of escaping emotions brought a trill up the light hair up his backbone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We haven’t met formally because you keep to yourself. . . . .” she wanted to say more, unsure of the words to use.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I am one acquainted with the night, with aloneness” his sullen, deep voice filled her heart, yet his head never rose to face her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Why?” Catherine’s soft voice implored while she kept within her tiny space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She watched him slowly draw off his gloves, finger by finger yet before he slid out of the gloves his head slowly rose, his eyes seeking absolution.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Catherine, how would you describe the taste of a peach?” his voice was deep and dry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“A peach? The taste of a peach? To someone who never had a peach?” now Catherine sat flummoxed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Words would fall short - I could describe the texture or the juice but you have to actually try it” there he was going back to philosophical discourse she mused to herself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Exactly, Catherine, when someone tells you about it - is not the same as actually doing it. It’s like savoring that peach. I can tell you how soft and supple its skin feels against my lips, how firm and tender it feels when I sink my teeth into its flesh, how sweet and refreshing its nectar is as it washes over my tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me it’s a sublime experience. For you, it’s just voyeurism. You have to find your own peach and taste it. Only then you know what it’s like to taste a peach”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent…..what does a peach have to do with you?” her patience was stretching as her curiosity took over.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What if there was only one peach in the world… … … how would you know if it were safe to partake? Could that peach be poison? Or, would it leave a foul taste in your mouth?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent let the gloves slide into his lap as the Arena’s brightest lights from above dimmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now they sat in the intermittent rays of the security lights thru the storm grate. Catherine watched as Vincent slid under the broadest scope of the light, she took in the geometry of his face strong, solemn and resolute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his lap his hands rested on the leather gloves, palms up, cupped within each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The graceful curve of his strong fur covered fingers ended in thick claws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the silence of the culvert she heard the sound of his breathing, a slow and steady rasp that she recognized as the impetus for his husky, rich voice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Her daring mounted as Narcissa’s words returned to her…..“On the night when masks are worn, your true love’s heart will be unmasked. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will express your true desires and he who is ripe to fulfill them will make his presence known. Child, all gains are the fruit of venturing” encircled her heart and filled her with wonder. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She shifted to her knees and walked on them across the cushions where she kneeled before Vincent in the rays of light. She heard his breathing escalate as her hands sought his hands, “Have you had a visit from Narcissa?” she lifted his left hand toward the light and ran her fingers lightly over his calloused palm; she curled his fingers into his palm to inspect those dangerous claws at rest. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Within each other’s gaze Catherine spoke, “There is no exquisite beauty, without some strangeness in the proportion”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He fell under the spell of this enchantress as she inspected each of his hands, gently placing them to rest on the knees of his crossed legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she rested back on her heels before she took a deep breath and rose back to her knees where she reached both hands to cup his jaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rush of her love filled his soul and the tilt of her head told him she was discerning in her inspection. Her eyes bathed him in adoration as her returning to rest on her heels drew him to lean closer to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her breathing was a siren’s song drawing him to his knees before her, his hands reaching out to her face.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“A farmer might teach you about the peach” she whispered breathlessly, her hands frozen in place as her thumbs feathered over his whiskered chin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He husked in a near whisper, “But he can’t experience it for you. Only you can do it” copying those silken strokes on her strong jaw. In his sapphire eyes she saw his love in his wholeness, his strength, and his radiance. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He caught a deep breath and solemnly asked, “How would you like to be spoiled?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Epilogue (or Beginning?)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Within 6 months the two Brownstones to the right of Peter Alcott’s were purchased by the Author, Evan Winterberg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the sounds of things, the renovations are ongoing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Within the year the Law Firm of Chandler and Coolidge closed their doors. Charles Chandler assisted the FBI in the case against his client, DePaul Gabriel, and was last seen under protection leaving his bank after the Chandlers liquidated their considerable assets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Chandler and his daughter were believed to have left the country.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Within 18 months Evan’s most successful book, a collection of love letters between a pair of pre-destined lovers, “Between Vincent and Catherine” was a best seller sold to a major Film Company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have an actress in mind for Catherine, but haven’t been able to cast “Vincent”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Twenty eight months later, within the candlelit master suite on the top floor of a Brownstone a satin robed Vincent made gentle steps carrying a silver tray over to the mahogany four poster bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he sat in on the patchwork velvet coverlet his eyes sought Catherine lounging back on piles of feather pillows, “Happy Second Anniversary, my Catherine” he whispered into her ear as he nibbled a gentle kiss and his large hand slid to cup the gentle swelling of her baby bump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She caught his hand for the two of them to enjoy the precious life within her, and the child responded with a flutter of joyful arms and legs. Sharing expansive smiles of delight Vincent slid closer alongside his love to pour the sparkling cider into two flutes and pass Catherine hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent caught a wedge of fruit to pass it to her lips, but before she bit the fresh fruit she giggled gently and winked, “Are peaches the gift for the second anniversary?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Drolly, Vincent shook his head of copper hair, “Of course not” Vincent held up the sheet and nodded to it, “the gift for the second anniversary is cotton ….. That’s why we’re in bed”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><h2 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">1)</span><a href="" name="1"><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> A Thing of Beauty</span></i></a><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">, John Keats 1818</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Its lovliness increases; it will never </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pass into nothingness; but still will keep </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A bower quiet for us, and a sleep </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A flowery band to bind us to the earth, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some shape of beauty moves away the pall </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For simple sheep; and such are daffodils </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With the green world they live in; and clear rills </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That for themselves a cooling covert make </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And such too is the grandeur of the dooms </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have imagined for the mighty dead; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An endless fountain of immortal drink, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">2/The Blood of Cu Chulainn </span></div>RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-70617880841436769242011-12-14T13:29:00.000-08:002013-05-12T20:27:15.001-07:00God Only Knows……. A Vincent and Catherine “First Time” story, (Rated Adult)<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God Only Knows…….</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A Vincent and Catherine “First Time” story, Rated Adult</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvBbzDjyYK6JDvidLO6HXboIStlmTG9UkhooCMqbhB9sES_hVz9pyeJBAmTIMD3KX9hi0RhRP6nMTqgJSsFyGkgQjCLgIXQxzJ4wAraqNntAtqGxhyphenhyphenweITXqDG5a6fqk7XA6aYfYvnWc9/s1600/godonlyknows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvBbzDjyYK6JDvidLO6HXboIStlmTG9UkhooCMqbhB9sES_hVz9pyeJBAmTIMD3KX9hi0RhRP6nMTqgJSsFyGkgQjCLgIXQxzJ4wAraqNntAtqGxhyphenhyphenweITXqDG5a6fqk7XA6aYfYvnWc9/s320/godonlyknows.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Cath..er..ine”……..his gentle enunciation issued all the greeting she desired.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once her hand left the rung she spun to fly into his waiting embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long had she ached to see him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was late Friday evening, so late that it was nearly Saturday morning. Yet, when Vincent felt her heart racing in cheerful expectation he knew to snap on his cloak and meet her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His heart lept at the feel of her within his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent, I am sorry to keep you up” She pulled back to see the smile she knew was beaming for her alone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Never be repentant for keeping me up” inside his heart he found her choice of words a bit humorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She alone was responsible for his urgent fleshly yearnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was reconciling all the guilt he felt for his carnal desires while she was doing her best to convey he wasn’t an animal to desire sharing the pleasures of the flesh. Meanwhile, he’d ply her with more gustatory delights, “I’ve gathered a bit of tonight’s dessert and brewed a pot of your favorite tea”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine fell in step beside him, his pace casual now as they made their way to his chamber in companionable peace. These days they moved almost silently, listening to each other within the Bond they shared. Their emotions spoke volumes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Do you have tomorrow free?” she whispered even though they were in his chamber, the hour seemed to call for her discreet tone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the hottest fires forged the hardest steel, Catherine sought the emotional fire of doing more than walking beside him. She sought the heat of lying next to him every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew if they just kept on moving in tandem, they would soon move as one.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I have a morning meeting with Father about curriculum, and then I am all yours”, Vincent confessed as he prepared their snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine smiled at the image of this large figure pouring tea and plating warm bread pudding as she shuffled out of her shoes and slid into the sheepskin moccasins she kept under his bed. She slid out of her jacket and pulled on the bulky knit sweater he had laid across the pillow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was this sweater that Vincent would take from her each time she left; he’d drape it across the other side of his bed and warm to it as he slept. Did she know that? He didn’t think that she did. Their hearts burned to be together limitlessly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once she settled in the gently used upholstered chair that Vincent had added to his chamber for her, they shared the fragrant tea and warm dessert, stealing glances at each other between sips and bites. “What brought you down so late tonight?” Vincent curiously asked, catching the last of the vanilla sauce on his fork and trying not to smack his lips at the flavor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I couldn’t go another day without seeing you, the notes under the door are sweet, and they just don’t give hugs” Catherine offered up her empty cup and he stood to pour another cup for each of them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And Father recently read a medical paper stating that hugs increase the "Bonding" hormone oxytocin and decreases the risk of heart disease” Vincent had a wry way with stating facts about the driest subjects with so much heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Well with the stress of my job, you can see how heart healthy you are for me” Catherine nodded in agreement as she settled back in the chair Vincent called, “hers”, alongside his rigid wooden chair.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Their hearts spoke to each other about yearning and “one day” while they listened to the sounds of the early morning tunnels. When Catherine felt her head bob she woke suddenly and laughed, “I guess that’s my cue to get home”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Catherine, you stay here” Vincent’s words captivated her….was he ready to make that step?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, diverting her mind from whether her legs were shaved and shrugged at the same time, luminous with the thought of staying within these walls all night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’ll make my bed down the hall, Bert has taken a larger family chamber” Vincent was up and near the door before she could register disillusionment. She knew where her clothes were stored, what else could she do? She was drowsy, too strapped by her heady court schedule that day. Resolutely, she undid her bra and slipped it out from underneath the soft bulky sweater that hung near her knees and slid out of her pants. Within minutes she was sound asleep, clutching at the musky honeyed scent of Vincent on his pillow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Outside his chamber Vincent stood, smack against the tunnel wall, imagining her hair as it bobbed on her shoulders; he heard her moving about his chamber so familiarly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His fist clutched at his lips as he regretted not kissing her at least on her cheek. Then silently he stole down to the next chamber and slid out of his boots and cape. Holding the sight of Catherine’s smile he slept peacefully.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent”, Father’s voice preceded him into his son’s chamber, yet Father silenced immediately when he saw Catherine smiling in a dream, clutching Vincent’s pillow while she clearly nestled back against the far side of the bed. Vincent was absent from this cozy tableau and Father was curious where his son slept last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He retreated into the tunnel while he listened to Catherine’s stirrings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Father? Vincent?” she grabbed for her trousers and pulled them on, not hearing a response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognizing her need to use the bathroom was greater than speaking with either of them she made quick steps to the bathing chamber for her morning necessities and splashed water on her face. The small dish that looked like a sugar bowl interested her, so she lifted the lid and sniffed. Ingeniously they mixed baking soda and peppermint essence for toothpaste. She poured a bit into her hand and used her finger to brush at her morning mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought she had heard Father, so she made tracks back out to retrieve her bra and make herself presentable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent made his way to Father’s chamber, leaving a wide berth for Catherine to wake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He‘d greet Father and share a cup of tea before bringing her over to share breakfast with both of them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent, where did Catherine spend the night?” Father asked a bit imperiously as he peered over his eyeglasses.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Below” Vincent simply stated, as he moved toward his usual morning embrace with his father.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Where below?” those words froze Vincent before he reached his father’s chair.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Catherine slept in my bed….” Vincent replied without a hint of remorse.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And you were. . . . where?” Father’s tone ratcheted upward in tension.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Does it matter where I slept?” To Vincent this was a sore point, he was an adult. A broad line separated a boy enamored with Lisa from a man deeply in love with Catherine. Yes, by now Catherine had divined that he was entirely a man in love.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You, Vincent are an example for our community. Can we have you entertaining in your chamber with no doors?” Father’s voice was low, even, and disciplinary. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Father, there were no witnesses to my entertaining. Our enjoyment was limited to tea and bread pudding I might add” At this point Vincent had halted his steps, his hands rose to his hips and he stood in the posture of an insolent teenager, “Perhaps now is the time for me to install doors, thick wooden doors” Vincent fairly snorted with an arched eyebrow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent, when you invite a woman into your bed you cannot explain it away that lightly” Father watched as Vincent’s insolence melted to frustration.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Father, I did not and have never invited her to <u>share</u> my bed” Vincent swept out of his cape and sat in his usual chair across from his accuser. “She arrived late, we talked, we enjoyed some pudding and tea and I made my bed in Bert’s former chamber” Vincent’s blue eyes bored thru his Father’s tired eyes just enough to soften the patriarch’s moral hard-shell.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I am. . . . .sorry. . . . .I should have known. . . . .” Father’s voice hesitated, he was lost for words. At his choice of words he caught himself and then recounted, “I know you are an honorable man” which only dug a deeper hole. This comment tossed the immorality into Catherine’s court, implying her steps toward a seduction. “And Catherine is a true lady. . . . .” Father shut up, offering up the tea pot to cover his faux pas.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Apology accepted” Vincent hid a victory smirk as he accepted his first cup of tea, “Was she asleep when you spied her in my bed?” Vincent’s tone hid a smirk.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Soundly” was Father’s reply, his lips moved somewhere between a frown and a smirk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did seem comfortable below with the rest of them. Was this a vision of things to come?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Well, then I will gather us all breakfast and return here with her. Also, Father, if I had invited her to share my bed and we had……we are in our thirties” Vincent shook his head in frustration.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“From the smile on her face, I thought you had” Father drew back and stroked his goatee – it was the sign he was pensively weighing the subject.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“She can brighten your morning too” Vincent was up and out before Father could raise an issue. His feet barely touched the stone ground to his chamber.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Catherine?” Vincent stood outside, his heart in his throat. Something about seeing her fresh from his bed that absolutely stirred his soul. Would there be a day when he’d tumble out of that bed with her?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Vincent, I’m decent” She laughed at the words, her thoughts betrayed those words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All Vincent could derive thru the Bond was sheer happiness with a bit of playfulness. She rushed him as he turned the corner, their arms ready to hold each other.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You are more than decent; you’ve brought the morning sun right into my chamber” Vincent’s arm stayed around her shoulders as they headed for the hall and his ease with their public body language caused her heart to soar.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We have carrot muffins” Vincent announced as they entered Father’s chamber only to meet silence. Father was slumped over his stack of books, the tea cup still in his hand. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine rushed to him, pressing for a pulse and finding it slow and irregular she wailed as if she were Above, “Call<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>911, Oh my God Vincent, who do you call?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent shook off the frightening reality of his Father’s episode as he lifted him to his settee.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Get Mary, and send Kipper for Peter” Vincent’s eyes surveyed his Father’s color and perspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He estimated it was a heart episode, and left Father to gather the aspirin. “Father, can you hear me, take this,” Vincent propped Father up to gather the aspirin bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Returning to Father with medicine and tea, he awoke Father to encourage him, “Father, just as you’ve advised….take this, and a sip of tea.” Minutes extended to eons of time while they awaited Mary and then Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It’s just a small episode, Vincent” Father demurred, yet the emotional impact of them seeing Vincent holding his Father as a parent holds an ill child weighed heavy on their hearts.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Tunnel Patriarch lay within Vincent’s arms as Peter took measured steps thru the exam, “Jacob, I want you to return with me today, no arguments”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter was trumping any of Father’s usual reasons for staying Below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’ll carry you” Vincent immediately volunteered as Father waved him away. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’m not dead yet, we can take it slowly I can get there under my own steam.” Father began to rise and took no time to fall back down on to the settee.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Jacob” Mary was at his side, ready to support him, dismayed at his episode, concerned for his health with all of her love in full bloom she held his hand as their eyes spoke silently.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">= = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The final determination was that Kanin and Vincent would use a sedan chair to get Father to Peter’s basement, then Mary would spend the afternoon with Father while Peter ran usual tests to verify or rule out a heart attack.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent sat, long legs splayed out in front of him as he slunk down in Father’s chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chair seemed small for the job Father performed for the Tunnel community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent’s elbow rested heavy as his heart on the very table where he had found his Father in a daze, now the daze overwhelmed Vincent. All his life the Tunnel had Jacob Wells leading them thru natural disasters to Paracelsus. Although Father vexed him over Catherine spending the night in his bed now Vincent prayed that Father come home, hale and hearty for many more “disagreements”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Don’t be sad, Father is with a good Doctor” Mouse appeared from as if a vapor, startling Vincent.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Yes, Peter is skilled” Yet Vincent couldn’t help but do the math, a man advancing in years and living in dank darkness was surely not as healthy as someone from Above. Vincent waged a two sided argument with himself.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Father should have more exercise, perhaps somewhere to swim in a large body of warm water. No, he’d not do that – he’d never enjoy the luxury of a large pool. Sadly, Vincent was too embroiled in his own debate to see Mouse scurry away.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Lunch call was sounded and he drew himself up, rehearsing the safest announcement about Father’s episode, as they had withheld any pipe announcements about the incident. He wished Catherine were by his side right now, instead of with Peter and Father Above.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent felt Catherine’s wave of relief as he entered the dining hall, and the comfort she was returning to them now eased his mind.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent turned to face her and she crushed into him, “Oh, he’s going to be fine with some rest” Without even thinking of the audience she held Vincent’s head to her breasts and whispered, “I know we’ll all be relieved within a couple of days”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“A couple of days?” Vincent bristled at being alone so suddenly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I agreed to take him to my place for a few days. Peter drew blood, there were some other tests he’s arranging to have done Monday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’ll be good for him to sit on the balcony in the sun – you know just relax” Catherine pulled back and watched the color drain from Vincent’s face, “What’s the matter?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent nearly stammered at the thought of running interference for the Tunnel world. It would be necessary the day Father passed, yet making day to day decisions while he recuperated meant still answering to the patriarch when he returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no speedy method of communication between Catherine’s apartment and the tunnel world, no way to discuss emergent issues for Father’s opinion.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We’ll speak later, right now, why don’t you share the news” He spun out of her embrace and tapped a spoon to his glass, “Everyone, Catherine has news of Father’s illness”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Peter Alcott is treating Father for what appears to be a fainting spell. He’ll stay with me for a few days while Father has agreed to have tests run.” Catherine waited for questions, yet the fact that Father will be with her stumped the crowd.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Are you cooking for him, Catherine?” William’s hands rested on his generous hips, “I can send food for the two of you”. Vincent and Catherine shared a secret smirk; everyone did know how badly she spoke of her own cooking.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Gladly, William, I have a nice sized freezer”, Catherine took her seat beside Vincent and they put their heads together about the next few days.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">== = = = = = = = =</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once they were physically settled in Catherine’s apartment they made steps toward being comfortable with each other.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Catherine, your hospitality is generous and kind” Father succumbed to her throwing open her door and literally pulling him inside. Just seeing her throw open the French doors he felt like an interloper. The vista of the evening skyline beckoned to Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the area where is son wooed Catherine with books and his gentle velvet voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I have some of my father’s clothes, a bathrobe, a sweater and corduroys” She offered the stack of clothing to Father. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Peter is going to be out of town for the next two days, I’ll be the one taking you to the medical center” She beamed as if the expression could cast more of a calming mood over Jacob, “In the meantime, I’ve had a more comfortable fold up brought in, everything in the kitchen is on your diet and I even got an electric tea kettle” every word weighed heavy on Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jacob’s relationship with Catherine was born of the friction with Vincent bringing her bloodied body below and with each of Vincent’s steps toward a “relationship” they locked horns. Now Jacob felt the triangle would be dancing closer around each other, grasping for accord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’m going to heat up our meal, would you be ready to each once I’m out of the shower?” Catherine read his reactions to the decidedly feminine décor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was looking for books, simple common denominators they could Bond over. “I have a radio as well as a phonograph, would you like me queue up some music?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“That would be a pleasure after being Peter’s pincushion” Jacob removed a layer of his Tunnel clothes and moved to the coat closet yet she dodged to him as the gracious hostess and hung it for him. “Kipper is bringing a bag up for you, I expect him at any moment”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine left Father on the balcony with a steeping cup of tea, alone in the shower she thought of what she had done…….bringing him above almost forcing him to have medical tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was because she loved Vincent, and yes she did love Father too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could only imagine losing him so soon after her own Father passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she could save Vincent from that heartache, she would.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She could hear the piano etudes occasionally thru the staccato of the water striking her head, all the while wishing Vincent were there with them. And then there was a call at the louvered doors separating her bedroom from her living room, “Catherine, we have a guest” it was Father’s voice, sounding lighter than he had all day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’ll be out directly”, Catherine towel dried her hair and threw on her heaviest terry robe, skidding out into the living room on bare feet, wishing for Vincent to be there, wishing the world above could allow him to stride in off the street and ride the INSIDE of the elevator. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Mary! Please come in” Catherine stepped back as Mary entered wide eyed and cautious.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I asked if I could bring up Father’s bag,” her cheeks blushed pink as she saw Father on the balcony. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of a sudden Catherine felt like a third wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t it be sweet for them to share the patio as she and Vincent had? Isn’t that romantic, her heart fluttered at the thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Father were more romantically inclined, perhaps he’d approve of Vincent’s pursuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, she’d set the table for 2 and bring her dinner into her bedroom and feign some paperwork.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It is wonderful to see you, Mary“; Catherine moved to hug her and then checked the kitchen for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the while she heard their two voices dancing in the night air. She set the table quietly and plated up the food, “You are in time for Dinner, and you’ll be good company for Father…..I have some paperwork to review while I eat” Jacob and Mary looked like two teens caught spooning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Oh, Catherine, are you sure?” ever gracious, Mary left the balcony to help and was stunned by the romantic table Catherine had set for them. The women shared a secret wink and Catherin nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jacob, Catherine has set a gracious table, come join me”. Mary caught Catherine in a hug, “You are too sweet, dear” she whispered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Certainly we did not intend to run you off, won’t you stay?” Jacob saw the table and he seemed to have the same reticence that Vincent had toward “romance”, what was his excuse???</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I have to get centered over some paperwork,” Catherine motioned to the size of her bed, “I’ll be deep in thought; you two enjoy each other’s company in some peace and quiet”. She did everything she could to NOT listen to their conversation, from the cadence of their words their meal began formally and with each sentence they seemed to punctuate words with a lighter inflection, by the time Catherine had finished her meal, they were nearly in whispers sharing balanced amusements.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lost in paperwork her attention span would not process, she longed for Vincent! When his tapping rescued her from her self-imposed tedium she threw open the bedroom’s French doors and put a finger to her lips, “They are having too much fun together, don’t interrupt them”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent’s eyes widened, first missing the meaning of her words, “Mary went above with Kipper and he returned without her”, his eyes darted to the other French doors incredulous at Mary venturing Above to visit Father.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“They are lost in each other’s words, Vincent, its sweet. If I hadn’t heard their laughter I’d think it was two different people” Catherine’s hand moved to Vincent’s chest and feeling his rapidly beating heart as it calmed she knew he understood the scenario.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And I sought to become lost in conversation with you” Vincent drew her hands into his as he pulled her back out to the balcony. She’d have let him pull her anywhere, she was wishing for a hug and perhaps one of his kisses to her hair and then she felt his embrace and a rush of his breath on her face. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At once Catherine was wrapped in his cloak, suffused with the fragrances of his world; leather, candle smoke and naturally scented soaps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her heart danced a staccato tap dance while his arms wrapped her in “someday” dreams.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Perhaps he had meant a kiss on the cheek yet she turned and there it landed, right on her lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She melted to him, her partially opened lips accepted his kiss and reflexively she kissed back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many years had it been since she had been kissed clandestinely? She felt the power of his embrace, his broad chest pressed tightly to her, her knees were weak at the belief of it happening right here, right now.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’ll move Father here permanently if this is my reward” Catherine confessed, batting her eyelashes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent let her go and caught her face in his hands, “I. . . .Missed . . . . . your cheek, yet I did not regret it at all” he swallowed a deep breath and straightened up as if another kiss needed such preparation, “We may have to practice this” His smile, his deep blue eyes, he was a man transformed. “Right now I need to say hello, perhaps they’ll think I’ve arrived for more nefarious reasons.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine tugged him toward the bedroom and Vincent pulled back to the balcony to enter thru the living room’s French doors. He won.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine dodged into the living room, halting the current conversation at the dinner table, as she broke open the doors she realized Father and Mary had pulled apart and adopted more formal postures. Had they been holding hands???? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine threw open the French doors with an eager “Good evening, Vincent” she greeted him with open arms and he surprised her by returning a speedy embrace and entering the room with his arm remaining around her shoulder. How thrilled she felt along his side!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent surveyed the dishes and his surrogate parents in what appeared to be a romantic meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at their chairs, scooted closer than across from each other, the single flower in a crystal bud vase, the room lit by gentle candle light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wished he could have shared it with Catherine, for them alone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Good evening, Vincent” Mary and Father seemed to chime in unison. The spell cast by Catherine leaving them alone was broken by Vincent’s arrival.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I, Father, I merely wanted to assure to those below you were thriving Above” Vincent scanned the room, hearing the classical music, seeing the candles on the mantle, “and that you weren’t missing this”, Vincent proffered Father’s new journal, “I thought perhaps all of the activities of these days might spill over and … …. You’d need a new journal” Sure it was an empty reason for Vincent to arrive – yet justified his being there with Catherine too.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“That was so thoughtful of you Vincent; did you expect me to have so many adventures Above that I’d burn right thru my current journal?” Father’s eyes smiled at the myriad of reasons that would have brought Vincent Above, they all began and ended with Catherine.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We’ll be on the balcony”, Catherine smiled whimsically as she dragged Vincent back outside.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once they were facing the starry night sky, Catherine stood on tiptoe and whispered into his ear, “How long have they been in love?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent drew back, incredulously, “In love?” his expression was 1 part confusion and 1 part denial, “They work together, side by side, they are 2 of a kind perfectly suited to each other” he shook that magnificent head of hair as if its movement could banish the concept of his surrogate parents in love.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You talk about them as if they were Clydesdales pulling a wagon” Catherine giggled as she regarded his dry words, “I admire someone who can join closely to another, working in tandem on a dream for decades yet they totally sublimate their heart’s desire. I am not that strong” Catherine’s hand sought Vincent’s on the low brick wall.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You are the embodiment of feminine strength, like Persephone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His burning blue eyes cut sideways to her; “</span><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">she was the <i>Goddess of Spring</i>. One day, as she was out picking flowers, Hades, the God of the Underworld, abducted her and made her <i>Queen of the Underworld</i>.” Vincent’s face saddened, “quite like the night I found you, broken, bleeding”. Catherine felt him reliving the horror at what criminals had to done to her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She stroked the back of his hand with her gentle fingertips in silence, “You are no Hades”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“At times I feel as if I were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rely on my might” He clenched his hands in a sign of frustration. “You, Catherine have been my bright link between Above and Below”. Vincent’s heart teetered between pain and joy. “And like Persephone, you belong Above”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, no, no, Catherine thought. Not this diatribe, their kiss felt like one step forward, these words felt like two abrupt steps back.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Did you come to read together tonight?” Catherine bumped him with her hip, still watching the night lights over the city, “You know, we could go in and share desert while we enjoy some classical music” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For Vincent the thought of the four of them on her two small sofas, facing each other seemed downright stifling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lighting, even dimmed, seemed to cast too bright a light on them for his sake. “I believe I’ll return Below, you have a full day chauffeuring Father“, Vincent’s leonine features took on a contagious smirk.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Other than when he was transported by the courts last year, when was the last time Father rode in a car?” Catherine wondered whether his curiosity would outweigh the cumbersome 3 way seat belts and the dense traffic.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He’s never mentioned autos in any of his few tales” Vincent’s attentions roamed over his shoulder to sneak a peek at the couple. Mary was ferrying dishes back to the kitchen, fawning over Father as she wiped the table and poured more tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling free to be someone else above, they totally enjoyed each other’s company. Catherine heard hearty laughter, almost lyrical between Father and Mary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Vincent, I wish I could escape with you, I feel like an interloper” Catherine’s hushed tone ran a trill up Vincent’s spine, in her attempt to be discreet, her voice took on a clandestine aura that bored straight thru Vincent’s thick resolve.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Catherine, I will make this up to you, you have my word” Vincent’s warm breath washed over her, a shower of heavenly promises. She clung to the front of his cape, too reticent to let him go.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Will I see you tomorrow night?” She brushed back a stray lock of golden hair from his face, their eyes met, blue facing green, her hunger facing his resolve.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But of course, Catherine. How could I go a day without the joy of seeing your face in the flesh? I realize our Bond lets us share so much…..yet seeing you, refreshes me. . . .Totally. I’ll return at dark, you have my word” He caught her hands in his and laid a gentle kiss on the backs of both of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the feeling of his lips on her flesh she shivered in delight and melted toward him. Their Bond simmered as Catherine regained control of the gentle burn deep within her; she thought she felt Vincent rein his side of the “sizzle”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Without thought he dropped her hands as her body propelled toward his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swept up in the moment he caught her with his arms and they fell into each other’s embrace. She was held there by the resonant sound of his halting deep breaths and of course the fact that Vincent’s arms wrapped possessively around her slim shoulders. Their embrace carried them backwards toward balcony wall and they came to a thudding halt as Catherine’s cheek pressed against his vest. His heart beat captivated her, sang her a love song of his devotion. While she hovered within his encompassing embrace she visualized a night where he would stay till the sky streaked with the flame of dawn, and then some.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Catherine” Father’s voice beckoned from the other room. She cringed as she realized the doors gaped enough to allow an exchange of voices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent’s arms dropped as she reflexively stepped back from his body, stiff at Father’s voice.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Frozen, too afraid that Vincent would bolt at her leaving, she shook her head in resignation, “Don’t leave, please”, her hands rested on his broad shoulders and he nodded silently, his lips pursed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Father, what did you need?” she asked as she returned inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room seemed to overwhelm her, the heat of the candles, the ceiling felt too low, and the walls too tight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Won’t you join us for desert? Mary has brewed a fresh pot of tea” his tone was inviting as well as commanding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A life time of Vincent’s obedience registered with Catherine as he swooshed by in a blur and began rounding up chairs to fit the four of them pleasantly around the dinner table.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I can see all I need to do is relax and enjoy the company. You are all charming guests” Catherine exclaimed as she lowered into the chair as Vincent effortlessly slid her closer the cheesecake plated before her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We have few cheesecakes Below”, Mary eyed the strawberries in a glaze, waiting for Father and Vincent to dig into theirs. They spoke of view of from the balcony, the broad selection of music in her library and luxury of a modern kitchen for someone who didn’t care to cook!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“True, Father, it’s a small kitchen by some standards but big enough for what I do” Catherine leaned back, holding her tea cup with both hands, wishing she were holding Vincent’s face</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And few chances to sit undisturbed” Father added, “I truly feel relaxed before my first night’s sleep”. Had it been the relative silence of being 18 floors above the street versus being below amid the constant din of the pipe messages?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Their evening ended when Vincent made his apologies for cutting the “festivities short”, “Mary, I’ll send Cullen back to meet you at the threshold”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent rose and prepared to lift his hood over his head when Catherine caught his hand and led him to the kitchen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Words cannot describe how pleasant an evening this has been….I wouldn’t have entertained Father very well, I know he had a lovely time” Her hands rested on the muscular plane of his chest, just over his pounding heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Then indeed it was a time well spent for all of us” Vincent caught her hands up in his as his eyes dropped to their differences…..her smooth ivory skin, his rough palms and his cruel claws. When she wanted him to catch both of her hands in another kiss he dropped them and stepped to Father.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Embracing Father’s shoulders, he bent close to Father’s ear and whispered “Good night and remember to follow the Doctor’s advice.” Father grimaced and shook his head as if he wouldn’t.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Certainly, just as you have always followed your Doctor’s advice” Somehow Catherine didn’t believe she had ever heard sarcasm from Father... this was a first!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And in a whisper of wool, Vincent was gone. Shortly Mary sadly made her good-byes when Cullen knocked at the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Father insisted he walk her to the door as Catherine made herself scarce in the kitchen. While she heard their murmured voices the knock fell again, where they stalling opening the door? Had they stolen an embrace or more?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the apartment’s silence Father watched Catherine extinguish the table’s candles, clear the dishes and prepare his roll away bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had no words, having never held court in her “world” with such a daunting guest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had been at opposite ends of Vincent, Father tugging his son from her with words of puritan caution. Catherine simply wanted to be with Vincent, to love him and be loved by him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The towels are on the counter, if you’d like to shower.” She offered, urging the evening to an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a nod and a tenuous few steps Father left the living room to get reacquainted with 20th century plumbing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">= = = = = =</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t see what all this has to do with an old man’s fainting spells” Father verbally tussled with Catherine on their way to the Imaging and Lab Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At each modern turn he silently regarded the gleaming stainless steel treatment areas, the modern garb of the medical practitioners, the eerily young Physicians and Nurses “Are any of them over 30? Or do they siphon them off to work in another world?” Father flinched at their bright garb and their matter of fact rapid fire questions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s just a blood draw, Father, they aren’t vampires” Catherine’s patience had been stretched; he had the inquisitiveness of a 9 year old, wanting to contrast and compare medical processes from the 1950’s. Each scrubs clad technician experienced a medical 20 questions before he’d submit to the test.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“They might as well have gnawed my arm off at the elbow.” He frowned as the two of them left the building.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well, how about we have a rejuvenating lunch and then I’ll drop you at my apartment. Peter is calling this evening and I don’t want us to miss the call” She ushered Father to her car and pointed them in the direction of her favorite little steak house. “I have a feeling you don’t get many filet mignons Below.” She smirked as she pulled thru the slogging traffic.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did she hear an almost silent “Harrumph” from Father? She didn’t take her eyes off the road she just smirked at the thought of his sublimating his power to her for those few days. Catherine imagined if she had married, ABOVE, perhaps she would have been charged with ferrying her father in law to his appointments, she’d do her “penance” and look out for Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She inhaled deeply, picking up a faint glimmer of candle wax from Father’s suit; it made her daydream of Vincent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Catherine, there should be limits to your hospitality.” He really didn’t put up a fight; there wasn’t much conviction in his refusal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At 2:00pm the family owned restaurant was sparsely filled and the few patrons didn’t pay too much attention to the young woman and the retro fashionably dressed older gent. They sat at a round table in the rear corner and as Jacob hung up his hat his eyes seemed to mist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you alright?” Catherine leaned in close, seeing nostalgia wash over his lined face.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How long has this restaurant been open?” His tired eyes scanned the crown molding and tin ceiling. Catherine read the emotions erupting, pulled from below his many secreted layers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I believe my parents came here while they courted, so perhaps the 50’s?” Catherine visualized her father holding the chair for her mother, the happy Saturday afternoon luncheons they shared. Her soft smile emerged, wishing there would be moments for Vincent to dine privately with her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The city used to be filled with dining establishments such as this, always a joy to eat something crafted with care.” Father was revealing what he missed being Below.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They ordered Caesar salads and onion soup au gratin, and then as their formalities fell away they dug into their steaks, “I have not had such a treat in decades, Catherine, you spoil me, just as you spoil us Below!” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You have to eat, and it gives us some time to. . . .” Catherine picked over her croutons as carefully as she picked her words, “just take a break and get to know each other better.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You think I have cast you in the poor light, that I doubt the viability of your friendship with my son” Father put down his utensils and adopted a serious expression while his fists lay on the white linen tablecloth on either side of his plate.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I think you misunderstand what we have.” Catherine’s voice was steady, low as she grasped for a drink of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a gulp she began again, “What we have is real; those eight months we were apart we were empty, searching for the missing part of ourselves.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It was far safer for Vincent, he….”Father was adamant.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Was completely unfulfilled, when we are apart we are incomplete” Catherine emphasized the point leaning across the table, eyes wide open, voice low, “I love him, he loves me in ways there has never ever been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please accept us and see us as the couple that everyone else sees.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I realize the community is glad for Vincent, they want him to be as fulfilled as they are.” Father drew his lips tight and shook his head.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Vincent is not a community project; he’s a flesh and blood man who deserves a private chamber without a parade of visitors 24/7.” There she had said it. In their time spent in his chamber there never could have been a romantic tryst….there simply wasn’t 15-30 minutes without someone roving into “chat”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That familiarity the community has with Vincent has always been vital to him; he’s a constant resource for the children and those who’ve grown up with him.” Father was confident this was all his son needed, the constant contact with the families…..not having a family himself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So you establish him as surrogate for so many without allowing Vincent the first opportunity to have what they have?” Her furrowed brow and grim expression filled in her attitude about that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is not the fairy tale, Catherine; your love will not transform Vincent’s appearance” Father picked up his utensils and took the remainder of his meal in reverent muteness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He does not need transformation, he is everything to me.” Catherine shook her head and then stared at her plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Father’s staunch attitude wiped out her appetite.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The old patron stood at a distance, watching the mismatched pair of diners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He caught the tension roiling off them like flames, and he sensed misunderstandings abounding between them. What a shame for a father and daughter to have such hard feelings between them he worried as he fidgeted with his cap. The man at the table seemed familiar although he didn’t recognize the girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At his age, all women seemed to be girls he chuckled to himself as he approached the table.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I am sorry to intrude on your meal, sir, you look familiar to me.” Weak eyes surveyed Jacob’s manner of dress, his clipped beard and moustache, then as the septuagenarian clasped the back of the empty chair he focused hard.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jacob jumped at the man’s statement, social pleasantries seemed to desert him, so he modestly shook his head, “Perhaps you have mistaken me for someone else“ then Father returned to his meal yet the man did not retreat. Catherine could see the machinations of the older man’s mind, as he summoned all his memories. The man shook his head as if to argue with himself then he tapped his upper lip and the gesture nearly shook Father from his meal, “IS there anything we can do for you sir?” was all he could muster.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You dined with a young woman, you were courting” Unflappable the man described his recollection, his eyes gently creased by time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I am sure more than a few people did that here” Father sniffed dismissively as he prepared for another bite, the piece of steak hung precariously on his fork.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man shook his head, perhaps the man with the younger woman had reasons to hide from his former life and feeling dismissed he shuffled off, returning his cap to his bald pate as he waved a goodbye to the maître de.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You’ve eaten here before?” Catherine shook her head, disbelieving Father’s discourtesy, “Would it have killed you to admit it?” Catherine pushed her plate away and tucked her chin down while she picked at a cuticle. She tamped down her emotions; she’d be mortified to have Vincent feel her harsh feelings toward Jacob Wells.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Secrets need to be kept. I endanger everyone with one slip” Father politely placed his utensils on the plate and pushed it forward before he placed his clasped hands before him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You ate here with Margaret, didn’t you?” Catherine’s eyes narrowed this stranger’s recollection of a courting couple brought flavor of humanity to Father’s staid persona.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What would it have mattered? Below I’m Father; above I was Dr. Jacob Wells, still a fugitive in my mind”. Their eyes wavered as they looked around the room, as if scanning for “witnesses” to his behavior, “Thank-you for lunch, it truly was delicious.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Catherine understood the wall Father had built, strengthened by isolation and time. What did that mean for her, for Vincent, for them? Catherine had spent two and a half years opening herself to Vincent thru their “Bond”; each step toward their happy life was strapped by two steps back.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PART 2</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">= = = = = = =</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Days later, evening…..</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What causes syncope?” Mary asked, sitting on the edge of her chair in Father’s chamber.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peter’s intern, Jess, a young man from the Tunnels, flipped thru the lab reports, the EKG along with the notes inside the file, “It may be caused by emotional stress, pain, pooling of blood in the legs due to sudden changes in body position, although they cite possible overheating I doubt that was the cause that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dehydration could be caused by your caffeine intake, Father”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now this was infringing on Jacob’s one joy, his teas, some of them having more caffeine than coffee, “I’ve ruled out that it may be a side effect of medicines, you aren’t on any! We checked your glucose level, and it’s not Hypoglycemia”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The family traded cautious looks, from Vincent to Catherine to Mary and Jacob; they all focused hard on the poor Intern. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I spoke with Peter and we have nothing definitive; we caution that you watch your diet, get regular exercise but not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t stress that I want you to buddy up and have a companion with you for as many hours as possible and when it isn’t possible keep a bell by your bedside” the young man closed the file and placed it in from of a uneasy Jacob Wells. Mary’s eyes nearly danced at offering to be his “buddy”, yet Jacob shifted in his chair and rose.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I am not a tenderfoot scout, I do not want to be pampered” He struck his fist on the table as Vincent rose to wrap his Father in a warm embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sight of this pair, Father and Son silently embraced brought a knot to Catherine’s throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Charles Chandler died she had none of the warning signs, he was stricken and taken in one swoop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent knew her pain and now he was making moments count.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s not pampering, Father, it is due diligence” Vincent’s embrace brought Jacob back to his chair as if Vincent’s hands had set him there. “You cite diligence to me and I vow my diligence if you vow your care in traveling”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now that hit home, Catherin knew Father’s point of irritation was Vincent’s forays above – that would be the first thing mentioned on Father’s list of “diligent care”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Enough for now, I’d like some of that rare privacy right now”. He wiggled out from under Vincent’s gentle caress toward the shelf where his curiosities were parceled out in neat rows. He chose the largest of the hand bells and practiced with a heavy shake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His guests jumped at the strident sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt triumphantly as if he had claimed the cat bird seat. “Good evening, I’ll be in touch should I need assistance” now he smiled as each of them got the heavy handed hint.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent caught Catherine’s elbow as Jess, the Intern, shuffled along leaving Mary facing Jacob, as if she was granted special dispensation. “Good night, Father” Vincent and Catherine chimed over their shoulders. “Is he OK?” Catherine whispered to Jess as they passed the bend in the tunnel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He sits too much, he needs more regular exercise and that caffeine has to be watched” Jess folded his arms over his chest and shook his head.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Catherine caught the opportunity to stay wrapped within Vincent’s embrace, once they were alone in his chamber he’d release her, finding it more comfortable to be across the room, definitely NOT physically linked to each other.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Suppose he could swim?” Catherine pondered aloud, fingering her crystal on its chain. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He has every opportunity to swim” Vincent countered, almost too curtly. They sat across the room from each other, peering each other furtively. “I regret my tone; you took him into your home, chauffeured him and no doubt endured his tongue while he was being assessed” Vincent’s head dropped back as he stretched in his chair. Catherine enjoyed the view of his athletic body; his long lithe length fascinated her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the tips of his leather boots to the top of his golden shag of hair she trembled at the thought of touching him. Hadn’t she “earned” something after dealing with Father on such a close basis?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I suppose I need to be getting back…” She was fishing for an invitation for a walk or perhaps a first chapter of new book. Vincent’s reflexes snapped to alert, checking the clasp of his cape his face solemn, unreadable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Again, I do appreciate everything you’ve done for Father, for us. Will you join me for lunch Saturday? Perhaps we can wander somewhere” His voice dipped deep into honeyed tones on his last request and she nodded her head demurely.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Vincent, lunch would be wonderful, and wherever we wander will be fine with me. I’ll dress to wander”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By then she was beside him, waiting to feel his protective hand at the low of her back, just waiting to feel the spark of electricity between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she snuggled against his side he felt like paradise, highly padded paradise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><><><><><><><><><><><><><></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday Evening</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The air hung redolent with myrrh and sandalwood, the waft hit him as he slid into the side door of the Cathedral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a place of repentance, and although it had been decades he had measured his coming words and realized this was where he needed to be.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned” his soberly spoke as soon as the screen revealed the old Pastor ready for the next litany of truly expected venial evils.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ah, you have been gone a while, that’s the way they used to do it” The Pastor’s smile crested as he nodded.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I hold to the old ways” was Vincent’s simple declaration, “I have no small matter to confess” the sober tone drew the Pastor toward the screen although Vincent could not see the confessee, with that Vincent drew back into the darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Son, I cannot see you, I am bound by vows to keep your secret and absolve your sins” Realizing the man’s feelings of guilt the Pastor sank back into his seat. “Go on at your comfort” The Pastor folded his hands and tucked his chin in meditation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I have killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have killed many.” With a steadiness in Vincent’s tone this confession made the Pastor flinch even for an inner city church. “It was self-defense, they were predators of the worst sense and I protected her, I had to.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Self Defense, for her, for your wife?” As if that was more acceptable?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No, Padre, having her as a partner is just a dream” Sullen, Vincent blinked hard to blanch the flow of hot tears.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Son, as a man, you are instructed to live as St. Joseph did, to take well-considered and effective action” there was an awkward silence; perhaps this confessee was not familiar with the Holy Family.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, we do not know what went thru his head when angels appeared to him on 3 separate occasions in his dreams. What we do know comes from his actions. Joseph was open to the words of God and he carried those words out, no matter the cost.” The Pastor sat for a moment, hoping that would prod the man behind the screen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I did not hear the words of angels, Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt her terror, I saw them with guns, with their bare hands and I tore at them, I tore at them with my bare hands” The Pastor’s head stopped nodding at hearing he went against guns with his bare hands. He paused to hear more. Who was on the other side of the veneered paneling wall?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Her terror, is this your wife, your employer, who is “she”?” The Pastor queried.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No, no, she, she…” The Pastor heard the swish of wool and the squeak of leather at Vincent’s vehement physical denials.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Does she drive you to the occasions of sin? Can you exercise control in other arenas?” At this point the Pastor figured he would be in for the full run thru all 10 Commandments.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“NO!” This idea plunged a knife into his bleeding heart, “It’s what I am that I keep her at arm’s length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She….is….simply … a gracious and wonderful friend.” Vincent’s mental pain wracked his broad chest with each heartbeat. “Afterwards, as the din settles, I am consumed with guilt, with pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought releasing the burden here would be healing; now, in the face of the Lord, I see how horrid my actions are.” Vincent was near tears, he needed to bolt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Have you been officially pardoned for these acts, is it that you seek God’s forgiveness now?” The Pastor drew straight lips over his dry teeth, his tongue dampened his lips. Was he talking to a mob bodyguard?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No, Padre, I mean, no one knows it was I who killed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only pardon I do seek is God’s.” Vincent’s shoulders stooped as he sunk back on his heels, his chin tucked tight to his chest, tears welled at his eyes ready to fall down his cheeks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Son, by your actions right now and my absolution, you are absolved” The grey haired Pastor raised his hand to make the sign of the cross, “Make a solid Act of Contrition and as your penance, avoid the near occasion of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Separate yourself from what drew you to this opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggest you study Joseph as your guide in a toxic modern world, as men have many conundrums.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, Padre, I understand the admonition” and although Vincent did not know the Act of Contrition and knew there would be no way to stay away from the occasion of his “sin”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What good was confession when he feared the opportunity would rear its ugly head the moment Catherine was in danger? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All these things troubled Vincent while the Priest made his prayers of Absolution, “I’m here weekly, till 8, whenever you need to speak with me, son”. Yet Vincent had silently slipped out before the Priest’s final words.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent broke away from the solitude of the church, deep in thought his long legs ate up the alleyways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the night’s dew settled and he debated his ability to follow, “St Joseph”. Yes, St. Joseph had many exemplars for a man today. When the angel St Gabriel revealed Joseph’s destiny to be Mary’s husband it was Joseph believed he was unworthy of her company. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent understood those feelings…..Vincent understood that, how could he expect Catherine to give herself to someone with nothing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave him everything yet when he dug into his pockets he found nothing to return, no way to provide even what a carpenter could provide for Mary and baby Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His steps drew him closer to his chamber as he sought some peace in sharing the love that Catherine yearned for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened his journal and found a note he treasured. He fell into his chair and held it reverently.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Vincent:</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy St Valentine’s Day. In years past it has always meant 2 dozen perfect roses delivered to my desk at the law firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I’ve known you holidays take on a new meaning. You probably know the true story; your singular education has bested me in so many esoteric areas!</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the year 269 AD, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation all because of his stand for Christian marriage. The story goes that the last words he wrote were in a note to Asterius' daughter. He inspired today's romantic missives by signing it, "from your Valentine." </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What Valentine means to me is that there comes a time where you have to lay your life upon the line for what you believe. And with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do that -- even to the point of death.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vincent, you’ve laid your life down for me so many times. How can I compare your sacrifices to flowers on a table?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no comparison….and that is why I send them to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read these words at those times when you doubt you deserve my love. Why?</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Because, I love you…..</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yours, completely</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catherine </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She loves him, Catherine loves Vincent, Vincent loves Catherine…..even Mouse would understand that. Why couldn’t he? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><><><><><><><><><><><><><> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Catherine felt she was seized in a state of waiting: waiting for the process of her cases, waiting for the traffic to clear, waiting for Vincent to admit their destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She recognized they trod a rocky path and at times those closest to them like Father, did nothing to comfort or support their atypical relationship. She’d work, breath and live with a vision of them one day, living their happy life, together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><><><><><><><><><><><><><> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The night fell quietly, so gently that she wrapped herself in a warm robe and sought the peace of a thick book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words on the page were flat and couldn’t hold her interest; her lips trembled for Vincent to gift a kiss. Not the kiss she shared after her Father’s passing, she desired, yes desired the full blown kiss of passion’s released. Her body hungered for his broad hands to span her back, his muscled arms to encircle her strongly as he drew her to his muscled chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no vanquishing her desire, no antidote for the fever that swept over her bosom to overtake her center.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The book dropped from her hands as her body fell under passions’ sway. She welcomed the craving because it gave her something reality had suspended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave herself over to own hands, as he had not allowed his hands to play over her lovingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew together they’d be the instruments of love, performing a repertoire of melody never heard.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her hair splayed back over the back of the sofa, her body tranquil as her legs stretched along the cushions. No tensions seized her as her gentle fingertips rested over her soft breast and the delta of her thighs, visions of Vincent striding thru her dreams.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Outside, Vincent viewed this tableau, his own heart turbulent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had digested his absolution as best as he could and came there seeking the good counsel of the woman he loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was inching toward brooking new moves, believing in the power of their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because he had not stepped forward to hold her himself, he saw she held herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hung his head momentarily, and then stepped toward the end of the balcony blocking the crest of the emotions bombarding their Bond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When her euphoria faded he steeled his emotions and went to the glass, gently tapping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine startled at the sound and rose to throw open the doors and fall against her love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I didn’t expect you” Her confession bathed him in her warm breath; she knew he knew the scenario. He knew she was only taking pleasures he had denied her. This was ending tonight, for his being the love of her life was his fever dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I couldn’t stay away, come back with me, and stay tonight” His words tumbled from his lips as he held her hands between them. Her scent vibrated around her, he sensed her satisfaction and craved the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her fingers seemed to curl tightly as he raised her hands to his lips. For the first time he kissed each fingertip and she shivered at knowing he could taste her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you sure, do you remember the last time I stayed below?” Catherine grinned at him as she pulled him back toward the living room.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We have a new selection of caffeine free tea and Father swam today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe we’re home free” His heart was light, he was expectant, he was approaching giddy from the flavor of her.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ok, how can I refuse?” She was gone in a flash, returning with her “go bag”. “I’ll meet you….”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“At the threshold” their words were uttered together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><><><><><><><><><><> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tonight the chamber had less of a bachelor look to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Books had been tidied; the doors to the armoire were closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had Vincent dusted? It smelled of cinnamon and newly soaped leather. Catherine licked at her lips to hide the girlish grin. In the corner, Father’s Victrola stood on a well-oiled table top.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Catherine, time seems never for us” Vincent caught her hand and drew her closer to the hand crank music player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked up two of the records, “Hoagy Carmichael or Beach Boys?” Catherine offered a confused look at the wide variety of his albums and offered a noncommittal shake of her head, Vincent chose the less played of the two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the music began softly Catherine ran her finger over her lip and watched Vincent’s eyes. He removed his cape and rolled his shoulders as if he had shed the weight of the world. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I may not always love you but long there are stars above you</span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You'll never need to doubt it I'll make you so sure about it!</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God only knows what I'd be without you and if you should ever leave me</span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The life would still go one believe me!</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The world could show nothing to me so what good would living do me!</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God only knows what I'd be without you; God only knows what I'd be without you [1]</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For precious seconds they stood in silence, were they to dance to their own tune or sit and chat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should they sit in silence or read to each other as they had in past lazy evenings? She understood it was ridiculously simple for her to grab him into her and begin a slow dance. Vincent sensed her swirl of emotions and he understood her repressing her entreaty, he felt her exhilaration at the changes in the ambiance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent’s muscles trembled at the thought of snapping her into his arms, so he grit his teeth and lunged. Catherine gulped air he drew her swiftly and in a beat they were swaying to the snap, crackle and pop of the vinyl as much as the smooth tune.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eyes sought each other as their arms encircled each other lightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What began as a polite closeness was drawing them tighter. Vincent and Catherine listened to the tune as well as their hearts as they skirted the perimeter of his chamber. As they neared the opening Vincent broke the embrace and caught the edge of the tapestry to pull it down. Catherine eyed the arch of his brow, the pitch of his lip’s singular smile - it all stirred her profoundly. What was he up to?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You know, the world does show nothing to me, Vincent. You are my world” Catherine’s words were pressed against his chest as her breath warmed him body and soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sometimes music does speak for us, as much as poetry and prose” Vincent caressed her hair with a light hand as he cherished the moment, then in the sequence of their dance his arms outstretched and they rejoined each other, as he hummed along with the music Catherine pressed her cheek against his leather vest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They swayed in tune, pressing together while she savored his warmth and the time in his arms. Love’s melody played in the air, with each of them carrying their hopes in their hearts……. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent felt his desire build, first in his feet, where he felt each electric step of their dance; his hands felt Catherine’s steady pulse, building as he held her. First their dance began at arm’s length, and as the record spun they too were drawn concentrically closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now her sweater brushed his leather vest, a spark arced and they jumped sharing a smile of expectation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is sooooo nice, Vincent” Catherine’s voice was strong yet soft. His eyes registered her love and his lips moved to speak and froze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that pause she wondered, would he drop her embrace? She watched as his tongue moved to form words, then he silently licked his bottom lip. Dry mouthed, was he? He was speechless when he caught her tighter to show the evidence of his desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Realizing this was all for her, she melted into him, pressing tighter, hip to hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their temperatures rose, each of them sweltering with expectation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Catherine, seeing you here, now…. I believe I was born to receive your love and return it tenfold”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent had closed the rest of the Tunnel world out all he sought this night was to let Catherine into his heart, fully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking advantage of being closer they brushed noses, and then cheeks, his velvet warm flesh stroked her peach soft skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Passions ignited as Catherine caught his glorious face in her hands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Then I should…take …. A step …. forward for us” Catherine broke from the dance, because their liaison had been a dance, three steps forward and two or four steps back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time for dancing had ended. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She had dressed in layers, prepared for the tunnel chill, now it served her lascivious purposes. Melodically she unbuttoned the cardigan and slid it slowly down her arms. As Vincent swallowed hard, she turned and undid the cuffs of her blouse, then unclipped her earrings and shook out her hair. Vincent strode opposite her, seeking a more panoramic view – arms crossed over his leather vest, his feet planted apart as his eyes scanned the love of his life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her chin was raised as if to prod his sartorial response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood stone stock still, except for the quiver of his nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music ended and their muse was fed by two heartbeats gaining speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine toed off her shoes, not stopping to untie them, and then silently she turned to the myriad of candles flickering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One by one she gently blew them out, until it left a pillar candle over the end of the bed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thinking she’d have no grace in bending over to get out of trousers; she slid onto Vincent’s generously sized bed and discreetly unbuttoned her trousers, then held out her arms, “Vincent, will you undress me?” Catherine long had dreams of his deft hands releasing her from her clothes, yet Vincent had wondered if he had control of his trembling hands.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Undress you….. yes” Vincent’s steps crossed the chamber in seconds and he dropped to his knees, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hands resting on the tops of her wool clad thighs. He was the image of adoration, the supplicant and the goddess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time froze as they each recognized the finality of these steps, once undressed they had no return.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Vincent, we have all night….no hurry….did you want to ……” Catherine’s words were unnecessary, he rushed her, catching her up in his arms and sliding them across the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their lengths clustered against each other, a tangle of arms and legs. His lips caught her throat, the delicate arch of her shoulder and then they came to rest at the very center of her décolleté. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Waves of her pleasure bombarded him, stoking the fires of their shared passion. Spurred on by her emotional encouragement each of his moves were punctuated by Catherine’s gasps and sighs, she heard his urgent respirations and read his motivations.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent’s reticence had been replaced by hunger, Catherine’s impatience replaced by anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their tumbles brought them skin to skin, his clothing brushing her nakedness reminding him to lose the boots, skim out of the trousers and toss the shirt. Catherine’s lips endured his successively lingering kisses. Lips gave way to tongues, nose to nose they groaned when breathing required them to withdraw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hands only left her arms when he dismissed his “armor” of all those layers of clothing he wore to separate himself from the rest of the world.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Catherine huddled in his bed, wrapped in his sheet and quilt, shoulders blushing with her desire. All she heard was the resistance of leather and brass as he worked the intricate belt off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes bored on his fingers as they flew to remove his boots, he sighed deeply in frustration when the buttons on his jeans fought his awkward fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d never tried to unburden himself with such a turgid length straining the buttons. Leaning back, panting heavy at his failing efforts Catherine rose on her knees and bent over him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silently her eyes smiled at him, then he inhaled deeply and she began to unbutton the worn denim. As each button popped more of his golden flesh was revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catherine’s eyes feasted on the trail of auburn hair from his “inny” navel to the thatch of curls surrounding her prize.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once she took in the glorious muscled sight of him she breathed in sighs, “Vincent, you…. Are….. so ……so…..beautiful” Catherine collapsed over him, laving him with sloppy kisses from his navel to his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He splayed back in the bed, arms and legs spread out in submission to her passionate attentions. When he could stand no more, his arms encircled her and Vincent flipped her on her back – he was up out of bed and for a split second Catherine worried he’d head for the Nameless River. He reeled from rising too quickly and righted himself with a crooked grin, the removed the rest of his clothing……standing now proudly male, honored to be her lover.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Catherine watched his chest rise and fall; she saw the sheen of his perspiration glazing his tawny skin. Then her eyes traveled south and she nodded with a broad smile, his muscled thighs a fitting backdrop to his thick, lengthy erection. Her eyes swallowed the sight of him, and he dared to open his grasp of their Bond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was her silence a chance for her to prepare an excuse to flee for Above? His chest heaved in trepidation, then his heart lightened, what he felt from her was her welcoming invitation……</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Just let go, Vincent."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He stood by the side of the bed, consumed in a swirl of passion, tenderness, love, fear, desire. He closed his eyes, feeling the rush of instinct.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She felt his change. The power. The release.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ambiance of the chamber shifted; she felt the fiery intentions of his heart break wide open. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Touch me, Vincent” and his backs of his hands were against her thighs. He pressed her wider, open to him and she responded. She heard his heavy breath’s rumble as he turned his hand and used his knuckle to stroke her, feeling the soft skin of her graceful thighs. His gaze froze as the sight of the pattern of the fines hairs as they trailed from her navel to the crush of deep brown curls at her apex.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She smiled at the familiar tilt of his head as he regarded something he had become familiar within medical books, yet now this was his prize. Catherine’s breasts rose and fell slowly as she lay under his scrutiny; his mouth fell open as he fell under her enchantment. The sights, her scents played with his emotions and he fought to focus on Catherine’s pleasure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent lightly trailed the heels of his hands down her hips to her thighs, and then drew his hands together over her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hands hovered over the object of his extreme desire, then using the sides of his thumbs he drew lightly upon her curls and froze.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Your hands are my hands, they can give love” she whispered as she demonstrated, sliding the sides of her thumbs on his shoulders. Their eyes met and he swallowed hard.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Catherine, I’ve dreamed of touching you like this, so many nights I laid here thinking it selfish of me to want you so”. His confession brought a smile to her lips.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I too have dreamed of you….touching me there” and with that “permission” he took a deep cleansing breath and lowered his hands between her waiting thighs and spread her lips apart, feeling her heat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kneeling beside the bed, between her spread legs Vincent reverently gazed at the wonder of his woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bit at his bottom lip in expectation and shook his head at the reality. He rested his arms on her thighs as if testing the weight she could bear. Catherine secretly smiled at his reticence “Vincent, are you comfortable?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then she bit her tongue, was that a colossal faux pas? Of course he wasn’t comfortable, he was facing her more intimately that he ever had faced any woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should she invite him up to share the pillow so she could show him her love? Should she lay there and send him reassurance silently? She wanted his kisses, on her mouth, on her neck; on her hands and breasts…..there wasn’t a place on her body that wouldn’t welcome his unique lips. And with those hungry thoughts bathed in anticipation Vincent was baptized in her fervor for him. With a sweep of his tongue he dropped his head and pressed into her, forcing through long canines, first tentative then her taste grabbed him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like nothing he had ever experienced, he reeled under the influence of Catherine’s taste, her scent, her texture. He found his hands unnecessary as he pressed his lips and tongue into her. Vincent’s hands blindly sought the rounded surfaces of her body, lightly skimming as a butterfly would flutter over milkweed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He touched down to elicit sighs and moans from Catherine, his Catherine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard her speak his name like a prayer first letting him know even without the Bond that he was doing everything just right.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Listening to the voice inside his heart Vincent’s tongue delved deeper, searching for the key to flipping her head over heels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held her hips gently, feeling her back arch and her flesh tremble. She cried out, her knees lifting, her body begging him to go on, deeper. Moving to her most delicate flesh, he circled harder. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He felt the strain, the sensation of standing at the Abyss, the taste of her desire. Her breathing a percussion, rattling through them both. He gave her no respite and she came, panting, quivering, her body instinctively curling around him. But he held her still, clawed fingers pressing into soft flesh, and continued, moving across her with his tongue, his fingers pressing into her warm thighs, every touch a flawless agony shooting through her. Catherine’s surrender to him was complete and overwhelmed them both.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent pulled away, feeling his own climax drawing near. Instinct took over and hooking his arms under her knees he pulled her towards him as he stood. One swift movement and he was seated within her, deep with the hungry force of every muscle, forcing himself to the edge of his hunger for her. His thrust, fast and hard, pushed her further. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her tangled hair tightening across her throat she laid riding every stroke with a blushing flush rising over her body. Caught between her ecstasy and his need, he watched her bite through her lip, and he cried out feeling her pleasure, feeling his steely length as she lovingly crushed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vincent would be consumed by all that was his Catherine, by the emotions she emanated, by the scents she emitted and by all her body could give him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He held tight, spreading himself across her; she submitted to his need, welcomed it, craving the banishment of the barriers between them. "It’s okay, Vincent. Just let go," her unmoving entreaty, her plea. Catherine tightened her legs around his hips, urging Vincent on, inviting his passion into her. Finally, he understood the need to own her, to find their union through this timeless dance. She had to be his and only his.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vincent pressed deeper, her sinuousness flowing through and over him, soothing his hunger. He kept going; his movements governed by their Bond, thoughtful of their destination, her loving submission driving him on. Catherine willed him to take what he needed to make himself whole. She cried out, unable to stifle her instinct.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Both spent, exhausted; he sagged against her, tears coming as he dropped her legs and fell toward the bed, sweeping her body into his arms. She answered his satisfied grasp and held him with all her strength. He raised his head, looking at the rumpled bed, tracking eyes and fingers across her. Catherine took his hand in hers and retraced his journey, holding his eye, showing her acceptance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Overcome with Catherine’s tenderness, he lay on his side, forming a perfect right angle to her, resting his cheek against her belly. He curled his knees up, listening to the recovering rhythm of their bodies. She stroked her hand through his hair, brushing against his temple, then down the bridge of his nose. He caught her hand and kissed each fingertip. Then she took his hand to her lips and issued the same gift. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Everything okay, Vincent?" She felt him smile, his gentle nod brushing his hair over her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I just want to lay here, with you, like this," waiting for sleep, free from secrets, free from fear, free from his past’s inhibitions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Long after she had drifted asleep, he rose and gathered a lantern to place outside his chamber. Gathering a second quilt from the back of her chair he pulled a sleep shirt from the étagère for Catherine to wear in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing over her, gently stroking his goodnight, he repeated, "I just want to lay here with you, Catherine, forever." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He would be with her when she woke. He crawled under the quilt, pulling her close, losing himself yet finding himself, in her honeyed embrace.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">[1] God Only Knows / The Beach Boys </span></span></div>
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RedNightBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433040446251093882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066901480416323550.post-27775480948026057922011-12-14T13:21:00.000-08:002013-05-12T14:03:36.712-07:00Above, Below and In Between / Continuation of The Rest Is Silence (Hard R )<table style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><tbody>
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Above, Below and In Between / Continuation of The Rest Is Silence Hard R </div>
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Above, Below and In Between<br />
SND, After Vincent’s illness they have their nights of reckoning and moved forward.<br />
Adult Rating/Hard R for conjugal bliss.<br />
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = <br />
<br />
Neither of their lives was ever simple.<br />
<br />
Yet since their triumph over John Pater and Catherine’s bringing Vincent back from the edge of his greatest darkness they had seemed to feel bathed in a hallowed light. It was as if their worlds had come together to give them a break.<br />
<br />
It had been a stroke of pure luck that Joe had recovered from his explosion injuries upstate with a cousin. By avoiding the political fray caused by Gabriel and Moreno Joe healed slowly under the tender scrutiny of loving eyes.<br />
<br />
Gabriel and Moreno, yes well, those two vermin had gotten in each other’s way and found that two men on a roof with handguns could effectively terminate each other. News of the drama had played out on the 11 o’clock news, with Catherine cautiously circling the TV in Peter’s brownstone.<br />
<br />
Why was she with Peter? She had suffered from a cyst on her ovary, and her need to rest and heal drove Peter to insist on her moving in with him. This relocation and the security around the “black book” case rendered her incommunicado from the rest of the world.<br />
<br />
She hadn’t expected the cyst and when her initial symptoms erupted she made a trip below, thinking she was just feeling “off”, surely being with Vincent would raise her spirits, ease her pain.<br />
<br />
“Catherine” Vincent’s concern registered at the sight of his love clinging to the portal to his chamber, wan and sweating. “What is it? Where is your pain?” he caught her up into his arms, dashing to Father as she passed out with relief at reaching her love.<br />
<br />
“Vincent, you have not been well…yourself.” Father was ready with an admonition as Vincent placed her on the table top before the tunnel patriarch, “What . . . . .”<br />
<br />
“I had no choice but to carry her here, I feel Catherine is dangerously ill,” Vincent stared from anxious eyes as Father evaluated her symptoms and agreed to move her to Peter’s.<br />
<br />
= = = = = = = = =<br />
<br />
“Did you think you were pregnant?” Peter peered at Catherine over the clipboard, once they were in the pristine examination room.<br />
<br />
Catherine’s eyes dodged her Godfather. Would he believe that she had “joined” with Vincent while he lay delirious? “We loved, once” her voice hushed as she pondered whether Vincent’s child would hold within her, with all his humanity she could only hope.<br />
<br />
“Cathy, once?” Dr. Alcott’s face registered incredulity. He wore a worried expression as he went about the steps to ready her for the sonogram.<br />
<br />
“I couldn’t lose him, Peter, I felt him slipping away, it was the only thing I could do, to hold him, to let him know how much I love him” Catherine’s eyes showed her fatigue, concern and some confusion of her current diagnosis.<br />
<br />
The sonogram revealed the cyst and as Catherine recuperated she wore a mantle of sadness that nearly sang a dirge with her movements. Catherine’s return after her medical treatment cast a wave of Vincent’s concern. With this recovery he read her emotions and blue mood and shadowed her movements anticipating her needs for silence and conversation or tea and muffins. Yet Vincent watched over his shoulder, second guessing the unidentifiable feeling she hosted deep within herself.<br />
<br />
For the week following her health scare she stayed with Vincent in the same way he had coddled her after the attack. He sat guard in his chair, sleeping nights on a pallet beside her. He never ventured an intimate touch; the closest he came to her was when he wrapped a brotherly arm around her shoulder to walk her back to her threshold at the end of the week.<br />
<br />
Catherine was resigned; they were not lovers in the real sense, how many times had he hung back from an ultimate joining? Catherine hadn’t even felt the time was right to reveal their “loving” to him and now, she’d sit with her arms encircling her self-perceived emptiness. The hours found her studying the patterns in the quilt, the nub of the crocheted wool.<br />
<br />
How many times had he thrust her back Above to find a “happy life” with a topsider to live her full potential? The bulk of her recovery time above was spent, pacing the balcony as if it were a “Widow’s Walk” on a stormy seacoast. Vincent buried himself in tunnel problems others could have remedied. He had seemed to dial down his bond, knowing she was safe within her apartment, not examining every nuance emanating from her.<br />
<br />
Catherine understood his guardianship and she wanted to trade that for his ardor. She ached that he wasn’t tuned into her as he had in the past; she ached that she couldn’t take the vibrancy of a new life to him as evidence of their loving. She felt broken so she nested with a book or long phone chats to Nancy or Jenny.<br />
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= = = = = = = =<br />
<br />
“Catherine hasn’t been seen Below lately, Vincent, how is her recovery?” Father’s concern was sincere, yet he felt he had to probe as Vincent had been unfocused, withdrawn.<br />
<br />
“I feel she needs some time to reconcile all the turmoil in her office, Moreno’s involvement in such a dirty deal has appalled her” Vincent toyed with the chess piece, not quite ready to commit to a move. Father read the slope of his son’s broad shoulders; Vincent was at a loss here.<br />
<br />
“Feet of clay, yes, it can come as a shock when someone you respect is revealed as a façade” Father’s scrutiny wasn’t directed toward Catherine, he was watching his son’s expressions, his distracted air. Vincent had distanced himself from any comments on her health, and knowing her aloneness Father proposed, “Would she like to visit for the weekend?” the patriarch kept his voice light, not pushing.<br />
<br />
“I don’t believe it would be wise at this time, no, not this weekend” Vincent’s pensive eyes scanned the chessboard as if for an answer to all of life’s questions. Before Father could engage more conversation, Vincent nodded, “I’m taking a book to the Flemings, did you have anything to add?” and barely waited for Father to shake his head “no”. Their chess game stalled.<br />
<br />
The tunnel held the cold; it held his accustomed darkness and Vincent perused the stony walls as if they also held the answer to his and Catherine’s unrest. Something happened between them and since his awakening there was barely a Bond. Although he saw no bruises or scratches on her Vincent worried. Matters that had been black or white were now taking on shades of grey, vibrant scarlets and verdant greens. Vincent felt he had gone 12 rounds boxing himself.<br />
<br />
As the days apart progressed, in the mornings he felt none of her aspirations for a good day and by noon he wondered how her work was progressing. Tonight, if he felt as dark as last night he’d venture up prepared to discover whatever she had to share.<br />
<br />
Could he reconcile his turbulent feelings? Vincent’s dreams had been full of uncommon physical rapture.<br />
<br />
His belief in his animal “self” had been melting away since emerging from the cavern alongside Catherine. In flashes he had seen her delivering loving expressions of her devotion, his dreams stimulated by her running her fingers thru his thick mane of golden hair. He felt his flesh come alive under her light touch as she skimmed the light hairs covering his chest. When the dreams climaxed, he found himself delightfully released, feeling more man and less beast.<br />
<br />
Had this last “illness” released him?<br />
<br />
= = = = = = = = = = =<br />
<br />
The night air moved the scents of the city into her living room. The restaurant down the street had begun a new menu, heavy with garlic and she laughed that if the problem with her life had been a “vampire” the ambient garlic would have whisked the bloodsucker away.<br />
<br />
Reclining on the lounge chair she wasn’t waiting for Vincent, she was waiting for an epiphany. She had to come clean about the cavern, about her hopes for them as a couple.<br />
<br />
The ginger on the air lulled her into a doze and the sight of her, calm with hands folded over her book brought a flame of desire to Vincent as he dropped to the balcony floor. He simply could not break the spell of the moment.<br />
<br />
Vincent counted his breathes as they shortened just watching her. Her peignoir set draping her in ivory quite like a bride awaiting her groom. The breeze moved a strand of her hair across her lips and he watched her breath cause her hair to shiver. Dare he catch the strand from her and bless her with kisses?<br />
<br />
He silently knelt, reading her as she dozed, then with his index finger he caught the hair and flipped it off her face. She did not move. His gaze caught the moonlight on her eyelashes and this close he sensed her inviting scent. He swallowed the air in deep breaths, hoping to carry her bouquet within himself back to his chamber. With his second deep breath she shifted and sighed, was she dreaming, could she be dreaming of them?<br />
<br />
He fought it no longer; he lowered his lips slowly, promising himself that his kiss would be glancing. Within her dream she invited his kisses and his embrace. Within sleep’s embrace she took him into herself as she had on the sand floor weeks ago. While she relived the rapture of him buried deep within her, Vincent’s lips caught her spark and she reached out metaphysically to him. Vincent felt Catherine’s lithe arms embrace him with such reality that his only recourse was to reach out to her, embrace her and draw her into his own lap.<br />
<br />
Together their lips fused ever so lightly yet ever so long. Their furtive moans blended as their kiss continued and their bodies melted together. When their mutual need for air became apparent they awoke wide eyed and aghast.<br />
<br />
“Catherine, I. . .” Frozen, Vincent’s azure eyes held her spellbound. She could never remember them seeing each other like this.<br />
<br />
“No apologies, I have ached for you….. Do NOT say a word” her eyes implored along with her words. Catherine held his hands captive although he had the strength to retreat he was captivated by her soft entreaty.<br />
<br />
“Catherine, this would surely not end well, besides you’re recovering” Vincent’s concern wracked his expression, his heart bled for her.<br />
<br />
“I’ve missed you, Vincent, we need to talk…..we never spoke about what happened down there” She held on to him, wishing he would follow her into her living room.<br />
<br />
Held by her soft voice, they rose together and he caught her in an unexpected embrace. Their bodies melted into each other.<br />
<br />
“Talk? These are not words I’m feeling Catherine, I’m feeling desire rising like a demon inside me” his husky confession hypnotized her and his honesty in admitting his desire drove her into a new level of joy.<br />
<br />
Silence spoke volumes between them in those seconds and she broke from his embrace and dragged him toward the doors. “No talk out here, Vincent, I have significant thoughts I need to share with you”.<br />
<br />
With only a scant bond present what could prepare him for what she could tell him? The sun had set on those fortunate days. His mind swirled with blood stained skies. Vincent saw his hand in hers and dreaded what she could imagine to draw him into her living room. All their experiences had been here on the balcony, was he ready to hear whatever private thoughts she had? His mouth ran dry as he prayed to whatever god would listen.<br />
<br />
“Vincent, would you enjoy some tea?” she was already preparing the cups and the igniting the stove. He followed mutely, bracing himself.<br />
<br />
The whistle broke his reverie and his golden head shook to bring him back to their reality. Now sitting with cups nestled in their hands they stared at each other. Catherine swallowed and began, “Love, all my prayers were answered in that cave”.<br />
<br />
She had stunned and confused him with those words. His eyes widened as he girded himself for more of her revelations.<br />
<br />
“You were tripping into such darkness, your breathing, your heartbeat – I felt all of it slipping away” She looked to the French doors and the sconces on the wall. Then Catherine watched Vincent slowly lick his bottom lip, his hands delivering the cup to feel the aromatic steam on his face.<br />
<br />
“I whispered, I cried, I beat on you . . . . . nothing seemed to revive you” Catherine’s eyes glazed with unshed tears. Vincent knew from Father’s account, she was alone with him – the two of them had been alone yet nothing was clear from those moments.<br />
<br />
“I took you” Catherine confessed to his face, “I felt you slip so far, far away and I knew in my heart that I had to take your life into my hands”<br />
<br />
Her metaphoric words left Vincent in the dark, her whispers made him beg for clarity, “You took me?” his head shook with misunderstanding and when his head settled in that delightful tilt that pulled at her heart she continued.<br />
<br />
“My dreams for us took flight when I truly bared myself to you, I kissed your still lips, I untied the layers of your shirts, your trousers, and you were cold in the dark. I knew if I could warm you, I could bring you back” Her innocence in describing these steps confused him, what was she confessing?<br />
<br />
“Time has caught us within unbelievable times, Catherine. Your bravery has saved my life, I have no words” his self-effacing way enchanted her.<br />
<br />
“Vincent, I literally took you. No poetry here, I took you – I undressed myself and I rode you. I took you into myself and at that moment when I covered your body with mine your heart took flight” Her eyes dug for his understanding. The thought of using the vernacular of the day or medical terms seemed coarse or insufficient, unfulfilling. Stillness echoed around them as the candles flickered.<br />
<br />
Within the moments of silence Vincent felt a familiar stirring; something in Catherine’s eyes elicited such a distinguishing sensation. This was the feeling that had bled back to him in momentary flashes in the past few weeks. “Time catches us, Catherine, yet I don’t know exactly where time took us then. . . . . .Now, where are you going with this?”<br />
<br />
“We loved, Vincent, I made love to you as a woman loves a man” Now her face wore the flush of remembering their rapture. He caught her expression and blushed underneath a curtain of bronze hair.<br />
<br />
“When I rode you, and make no mistake about it. I rode you hard your heart, your breathing came back, you clutched me with those hands of yours and your lips sought me, all of me. Your hands tenderly held my hips to yours” Her words were like a siren’s song threatening his soul to a rocky shoreline. “Your thrusts told me you were into it with me, that you could love me, passionately and carefully”<br />
<br />
“I thought it had to be a dream; I have relived this dream, Catherine.” His voice trembled.<br />
<br />
“Time….Vincent; we let time pass us by when we argued about your differences. Now it is time to catch the experiences with both hands….together” Catherine’s hands placed the tea cup carefully on the coffee table and slid closer to Vincent where he sat pressed against the end of the love seat.<br />
<br />
“Because of the dreams I found myself asking, what have I done?” Vincent confessed.<br />
<br />
“You came back to me, Vincent. You let me bring you back from the brink of death and we breathed life into each other, that there could be a happy life between us. Time didn’t catch us, Vincent; we caught each other” her eyes dropped to the floor, suddenly demure, “and we were freed by that”<br />
<br />
“Catherine, no……” he pressed himself into the back of the sofa, his eyes narrowing until he drove the heels of his hands into his closed eyes. “This is what becomes of us? Lovers lost in a third world?”<br />
<br />
<br />
“No, Vincent, I can’t let it all go, let it all flow away because you can’t recall the feeling of us enjoying each other” Catherine’s shoulder brushed his and he dropped his hands into his lap. “I love you too much to do that.”<br />
<br />
“Then our freedom was while I was in a delirious haze?” Vincent’s eyes sought her answer.<br />
<br />
“Our freedom is within each other’s arms, living our love together” Catherine’s lips moved slowly while Vincent focused on the memories those lips had buried within his subconscious. “I want more, I need more”. Catherine begged. “We’ll feel our love, share it freely, learn from it” Catherine implored, her hand crept to his shoulder and she felt him melt under her touch.<br />
<br />
“And so it begins for us, to live our dream” Vincent slid to the floor, capturing Catherine around her waist, “Show me what we shared, my Love” he pulled her to the edge of the sofa where he fit comfortably within her knees. As he felt the heat rise off of her, she felt a soft rumbling – almost a purr.<br />
<br />
“Take me to the bedroom, Vincent” She slid dangerously close to him.<br />
<br />
“I believe I’m about to have a déjà vu experience” Vincent uncharacteristically smiled, revealing his canines.<br />
<br />
“This time, you could be the one on top” Catherine jested as she rose, pressing him back to rest on his heels. It was no use denying it; he was tied to her by his heartstrings.<br />
<br />
= = = = = = = = = =<br />
<br />
As the clouds crossed the moon and pink fingers of dawn filled their view Vincent shook his head at facing their new reality. The sheets were damp with their heady sweat; their bodies entwined flesh pliant and welcoming to each other’s touches. Enough of the past, enough of his recounting his shortcomings or his differences, in the embrace of this fresh morning Vincent and Catherine were becoming the couple they were destined to be.<br />
<br />
“Can you make it home without that smile on your face?” Catherine giggled, lying back on the pillow, her arm catching his neck, pulling him in for a kiss.<br />
<br />
“What? Today I've got nothing to do but smile.” He was ebullient in their discovered sensuality.<br />
<br />
“Nothing but explain to Father why you’ve been out until sunrise . . . . .” Catherine curled a length of his hair around her finger, “and you come back. . . .”<br />
<br />
“Smiling like a Cheshire cat” Vincent’s comment caught her off guard and she shook her head at his joke.<br />
<br />
“If it makes you happy, Vincent, then I’m happy” Catherine traced her fingertip down his jaw until it drew behind his ear and tickled him.<br />
<br />
“Now you’ve done it” he feigned a growl at her sensual touch and caught her to flip her over him. With a squeal and a sigh her body fell on his and they swayed from side to side kissing progressively longer and harder. When their kisses melted his resolve to leave before dawn, he took her briskly and passionately.<br />
<br />
The act of Vincent dressing to leave became a sensuous reverse strip tease. Catherine sat up in bed, her arms around her knees as she watched him pulling on socks, then his thin linen breeches that captured his swaying manhood now long and relaxed. She pointed around her bedroom to his strewn clothes and giggled in the half light, forgetting his night sight. He seemed to enjoy her direction, taking unusual care to draw on his clothing for her enjoyment.<br />
<br />
Now he crawled toward her on the bed and placed a single kiss on the tip of her nose. “I Take My Leave of You, I do, my love, take leave of you, may God's good grace go with us both*”, his words dissolved with the warmth of his breath and she hoped to carry that breath with her all day. “Will you come below tonight?”<br />
<br />
“I will” Catherine promised.<br />
<br />
“I believe you know what I’m going to ask” Vincent’s confidence was flowing as he sat on the bedside, putting on his boots.<br />
<br />
“What, love, are you going to ask?” Catherine grinned wide and moved to her knees behind him, catching his shoulders in her gentle hands.<br />
<br />
“I, who own nothing, ask you, who have given me everything, to be my wife” Vincent smiled over his shoulder at her as he rose to leave.<br />
<br />
“You own my heart, forever, and yes, I’ll be yours” Catherine stepped from the bed, naked and sated, covered in the scent of their love. As their fingers separated she closed her eyes as he left for the first time thru the bedroom doors. In the solitude of her apartment she replayed the hours of their loving, knowing their life together was their destiny.<br />
<br />
= = = = = = = = = = = = =<br />
<br />
Within a few evenings Vincent and Catherine spoke simple vows before a small gathering. Celebrating with a banquet from Henry, they broke apart Sticky Rice Cake and fed each other ripe, fat cherries for fertility, merrymaking, and festivity; tangerines and pomelos for luck and abundance.<br />
<br />
From that bridal morning on…..Vincent was different. Was it the sex thing? Not that Catherine was complaining, but when it was just the two of them there was a subtle change in him, a feral undercurrent with an increasing dose of passionate dominance thrown in for good measure. His shoulders were more square, his smile more frequent, his eyes sparkled in Catherine’s presence.<br />
<br />
“The brownstone I saw, Vincent it’s available. . . . . I could move to Trial Division. Stop all the insane investigating” Catherine’s idea bore sweet fruit.<br />
<br />
So their life detoured from the pleasant balcony of their beginnings to a respite four stories tall ready to be filled with the sounds of their abundant happiness. By Winterfest they held a family fete in the dining room warmed by the deep cherry wood and velvet draperies drawn tightly over the louvered wood shutters.<br />
<br />
Security within his humanity developed more of Vincent’s talents, growing into the full measure of a man, alongside of Cullen and Kanin they realized their need to shoulder the burdens of policing the Tunnels. Vincent spent his new time in a basement workshop working wood into graceful furnishings for their new home. Catherine was spellbound by the scent of wood dust within his musky head of golden tresses. Many evenings Vincent traded aura of the wood and sweat for Catherine’s loving fingers working ginger soap into lather all over his labor sculpted body.<br />
<br />
“It does a body good to have this whirlpool tub” He felt self-conscious that his lifestyle had advanced to a generous soaking tub equipped with jets. Catherine adjusted the dimmer to lower the bank of lights as she lit the shelf’s candle collection, a joining gift from Rebecca.<br />
<br />
“It does my body good to have my husband scrub my back” Catherine blushed as she untied her robe and turned to let it slip from her shoulders. Vincent’s rapt attention caused him to hold his breath until his tongue rode his lips to dampen them. The candle’s glint caught the white of his canines as his smile widened; Catherine answered his flirting by wrapping her arms over her delicate pink nipples as she took tiny steps toward him in the fragrant, bubbling water. “I’ll be happy to scrub your…..front” she demurred as she slid into the tub with him.<br />
<br />
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =<br />
<br />
Yet, his carnal nature held Vincent to what he perceived as “human”, although he accepted Catherine’s nips and love bites he restrained himself to lapping his sueded tongue or nibbles with his unique lips.<br />
<br />
Catherine’s wide green/gray eyes roiled with a hunger, she needed to feel his power, she desired backing into his embrace and feel his hands wrap around her, as if stroking honey from a honeycomb. As the New Year approached she found herself throwing a hip check into him in the kitchen or grinding back into him as he approached with dirty dishes from the dinner table. Their bond had begun to return to him as they shared more and further intimacies endorsed their dreams and acted out their fantasies.<br />
<br />
Yet each time when Catherine rolled to her stomach or extended her neck Vincent avoided what it connoted with a more “human” posture.<br />
<br />
Consider the night they had the argument after they caught site of the couple in the Park. In their bedroom when she exposed her neck to him, lying there totally still, waiting in silence, she knew exactly what she was doing. At that moment, they could have had a discussion about “amour publique”, but that single act said what words couldn’t as she “spoke” to her husband that he would immediately understand.<br />
<br />
Somehow she thought that if this was months ago he, most likely, would have acknowledged the need to retreat, find another way through their “path”. But now, in their married state, he most definitely took her up on it – in spades – without a word being said about it.<br />
<br />
Then take last night, a worthy instance of the feral undercurrent. There wasn’t anything she could put her finger on, other than the fact that he came back to the brownstone …well…with one thing on his mind, and frankly, Catherine wasn’t going to think about the reasons why.<br />
<br />
“I brought home Pot Stickers and Mu Shu Pork” she announced as she pushed thru the brownstone’s foyer. Catherine stepped out of her pumps and headed toward the kitchen where she heard Vincent setting the table. The bud vase held a single red rose, his intended message clear.<br />
<br />
“Ah, the red rose tonight?” She caught his smirk over his shoulder as he reached into the cabinet. He was wide open to her throwing her arms around his lean waist. “Have I told you how much I enjoy your new clothes?” Catherine’s hands skimmed the chambray shirt simply worn over a Henley; she could feel the planes of his muscles and his quickening heartbeat.<br />
<br />
“Every evening, especially when I take them off” Vincent’s arm lowered to catch her hand, delivering a kiss into her palm before he held it to his cheek. Steaming cartons sat on the counter and suffice it to say other appetites were satisfied. Tonight there was an unmistakable urgency in Vincent, his marking her more than usual, licking, telling her how delicious she was and how she thrilled him, all things that generally are not front and center in his pillow talk.<br />
<br />
They had tangled and “danced” then fell into dreamy sleep. Catherine was on her side facing Vincent, curled up next to him, the top of her head touching the top of his arm. Her left hand, out from under the edge of the quilt Mary had made for them jammed between them, resting gently on his bicep, her head and hand the only parts of her not under it. Vincent silently thanked the fates; he had come to understand how adorable Catherine was when she was like this.<br />
<br />
Through the Bond he knew, Catherine was dreaming, which usually comprised a jumble of vignettes, snippets of her life rearranged, circumstances changed to create a new story or to reinvent history. No big surprise, Vincent felt transfused, loving her dreams of them best, always a nice prelude to…you know…except of course when they’re about one of their past “Difference” discussions, but sometimes even those were entertaining, especially when they reinvented history to their advantage. It was always stimulating and illuminating to see the machinations of his wife’s mind.<br />
<br />
Vincent knew, it was their Bond, it sounded invasive, but on those rare occasions when he did eavesdrop on Catherine’s emotions, when he lingered to “intrude”, the filter quickly went back into place. Being separate from the world, Vincent hadn’t built concrete dreams – he had conjured the images from literature or strung together images described by those who COULD go above. Her dreams, you could say was just one more way he lived vicariously through Catherine.<br />
<br />
This evening, though, she dreamed of Elliott. It didn’t happen often. The first time, well…okay, Vincent admitted it, the first time…okay, he was jealous, actually it drew on anger as deep as any he held for John Pater and it hurt too.<br />
<br />
Elliott was lurking from beyond the grave, glaring from behind the roaring flames of the Compass Rose. Vincent ruminated, “How do I compete with all that he was?” Then he remembered their conversation when she said she couldn’t accept Elliott’s brand of love, just his marriage proposal.<br />
<br />
Besides, they were joined now, right?<br />
<br />
Certainly on those sporadic instances, let’s just say Vincent constantly made sure she didn’t think about Elliott when she woke up. Vincent couldn’t really blame her, though, it’s her subconscious mind, not what she’s consciously thinking, and he had realized it isn’t about being with Elliott as much as Catherine tying up the loose ends of her life, her mind reorganizing the past to better fit with the present. So, at those times, Vincent would usually bow out.<br />
<br />
= = = = = = = =<br />
<br />
One evening, after a grueling Council meeting when Vincent’s returning light steps thru the bedroom carried him closer he watched Catherine in bed, laying on her side, facing away from his side of the bed. Vincent hadn’t had a “side” of the bed since Devin left. This “sharing” was multitudes better than his early life. Sharing a king size bed with Catherine felt so much better to share the lumpy bed with Devin.<br />
<br />
She was wearing one of her watercolor gowns, the quilt over her. On that cusp between sleep and waking, he felt her disquiet as he looked down at her from the foot of the bed, moving to his side of the bed he stripped off his clothes. Vincent slowly got into bed, moving against her, and spooning to her he gently draped an arm across her waist. <br />
<br />
Vincent’s emotions swelled as he breathed her in, eyes closed, nose moving across her hair, her scent filling him. Oh……. She has no idea what she did to him on a daily basis. He raised his head and kissed her gowned shoulder lightly; his mouth lingered, and rested his cheek against her, listening to her. “Catherine…” Her shoulder dropped, she moved her head forward, turning and pressing it into the pillow under her, exposing her neck. It was more than a husband’s simple joy looking down at his wife, a current coursed through him as he gazed at her translucent skin and saw her pulse, now quickening under her skin.<br />
<br />
This powerful feeling caused Vincent to close his eyes. His leonine head moved back and tilted as he breathed in Catherine’s fragrant call . ... A wave of power, arousal, and absolute desire overwhelmed him. He wanted her, wanted to devour her in kisses, lapping his suede tongue over every part of her – but he hesitated, looking at her, so still, trusting, waiting. Summoning restraint before his mouth descended, the tip of his tongue touched her, circling before flattening against her skin, kissing her, leaving, and moving back, his mouth on her neck, canines pressing gently into skin, nipping her gently as his hand pushed the gown off her shoulder and moved to unbutton the gown front. Vincent could feel her body shuddering, the force of his thirst ruling against instinct, as he pulled the gown up over her hip.<br />
<br />
Catherine rolled toward him, pushing under his furred weight, her arm moving over and around his broad neck, her fingers running through his golden hair, coming to rest on trident of fur down the nape of his neck. Moving partially onto her, his distinctive mouth on hers, open, tongues meeting, kissing hungrily, a restrained hand on her breast pressing, her hand reaching for him, her palm rubbing the tip of his manhood, fingers reaching down to caress his most intimate places.<br />
<br />
Vincent’s hand skimmed down her torso, his knuckle exploring her, she moaned through their kissing, her hips began to move against his thumb as he stroked her, the fleshy heel of his palm stroking over her mound. Travelling down her body, grasping the edge of a pillow, pushing the covers off, his tongue teased her hardening nipple, taking it up in his mouth, suckling; she arched her back at the force of it, gasping.<br />
<br />
Descending canines on her flesh, almost-biting, teasing, his purr and soft growls mingling with her moans and smothered sighs, Vincent shoved the pillow under her raised buttocks. His tongue delved into her, her back arching as he moved up the front of her, closing his mouth on her, sucking, she thrashed, her hands reaching, trying to pull his head hard against her, his mouth consuming her. Fingers slick with her, the flood of her arousal surrounding them, she teetered on the edge, head back, mouth open, panting, and he slowed his hand as he knelt, balancing weight on strong, spread legs.<br />
<br />
Vincent raised her legs up against his chest and leaned forward, looking at her, her face full of longing, “Please…” Her hips tipped forward, she was exposed to him like an O’Keefe flower. The sight of her readiness gave him a shiver as he looked down to see himself plunge deep into her. Resisting the primal urge to throw his head back with a rumble of a growl now just a measured sigh escaped him, “Oh. Catherine”.<br />
<br />
What is bliss now he has “his Catherine”? Is it the simple feeling of her hand in his or the complexity of being totally joined, his hardness buried within her warm muscled flesh?<br />
<br />
Yes, his Catherine so warm and wet, one hand moving down on her, the other bringing her foot level with his mouth, closing on the arch of her foot, tongue moving, canines pressing and pulling. His tawny hips pulled back and thrust totally into her, again and again, the rhythm taking both to the edge of completion, his muscled frame swaying, holding her legs to steady himself.<br />
<br />
Vincent’s raspy tongue cascaded down her leg as he played at nicking at her calf; he lapped at the perspiration behind her knee as Catherine’s gentle fingertips caressed him. When they shared a look he feasted on her expression of lust and leaned forward between her legs, “Come here…” She flung her arms around his neck, raising herself, mouths hard against each other, kissing through moans, him moving relentlessly into her. Vincent leaned back, pushing into her as she cried out writhing uncontrollably. He felt that telltale tightening from the bottom of his toes and ached for completion, he moved her leg off of him as he pushed the other from him toward her shoulder, turning it slightly, a furred hand on her ankle, bracing her leg against her body, his tongue running down the length of it, reaching the soft skin behind her knee, then to stop, his head moved back, his mouth opened, leaving a love bite there with the feral marks as evidence.<br />
<br />
The union of her warmth throttling his steely length, his thrilling at the feel of her flesh under his lips led him to pulse within her. Vincent’s ears tuned to the sounds of their Bond, their coming rapture, he felt the rumble of his heartbeat, the cadence of her ecstasy, and anticipated the post coital silence of their night. . . . .Everything else falling away they rose together into an escalating shower of white light.<br />
<br />
His mouth left her reluctantly, ever so conscious of searching surreptitiously for punctures with his tongue. Still joined to her, Vincent leaned forward, scooping her up, bringing her up against his sweat gleamed chest her robe still on her forearms and now tight around her waist, trailing behind her. Holding it as she freed her arms, Vincent wrapped around her in a tight embrace, Catherine’s legs around his lean hips, foreheads dancing against each other. She rested her head on his brawny golden shoulder, her arms around her love, her face nuzzling the strong chords of his neck. She whispered, “I’m in love with everything you are…”<br />
<br />
Vincent returned the adoration and kissed her shoulder. “As I love you.” Vincent listened to the sound of the night, hearing her relaxed breathing and steady heartbeat, and feeling her body up against his. They lay, breathing in the scent of their love, the heady honeyed scent of spent bodies, each of them secretly admitting they could stay like this forever. Her hands slid slowly down his back, coming to rest just above his buttocks.<br />
<br />
Looking up at him, she relished that smile he rarely showed even in his world before she fell asleep.<br />
<br />
= = = = = = = = =<br />
<br />
Hearing the sound of the shower water running over Vincent, she argued with herself, struggling between berating or for being childish and naïve – did she really expect to slay the dragon who breathed the fiery gospel of his “animal side”? Even though Catherine knew there were things about their life “above” that would take years to iron out it didn’t change the angst that had consumed her on the nights she had wanted to drive him a bit wilder. Yet, she had to measure the distance carefully knowing how he objected to her giving up everything. She stared at the bathroom door and sighed, he couldn’t stay in there forever.<br />
<br />
She opened the door to see him step out of the shower, roughing his furred flesh with the bath sheet, his sculptured body appearing twice….his rear view closest to her and his mirrored image, that delectably muscled chest, facing the mirrored wall. He extended his hand to her, “Look, at us...”<br />
<br />
She grasped his hand. “I do, whenever I can.”<br />
<br />
He stepped toward her. “Come here.” He wrapped his muscle chorded arms around her, hugging her, and leaned back, looking down. “What do you want to do today?”<br />
<br />
“That’s a loaded question” She smirked and brushed her face in the damp furred center of his chest.<br />
<br />
“Are you armed to answer it?” He turned her slightly and quickly scooped her up in his arms.<br />
<br />
“VINCENT!” her exclamation nearly surprised him.<br />
<br />
“Yes, my love?” He leaned down, his mouth stirring hers.<br />
<br />
“What are you doing?” Her arms intuitively move around his neck.<br />
<br />
“I’m taking you back to bed.”<br />
<br />
“You are?”<br />
<br />
Vincent moved his face toward her. “I thought you wanted to spend the morning….”<br />
<br />
They shared that look of mutual curiosity.<br />
<br />
“…in bed.”<br />
<br />
“Were you…?” He looked at her innocently. “Stop doing that!”<br />
<br />
“What?” He pretended not to know what she spoke about, suddenly interested in something across the room.<br />
<br />
“Don’t be coy with me.”<br />
<br />
He leaned down and bestowed a brusque kiss, straightened, and moved toward the bed. “Come on, you really can’t blame me, I’m hungry for you. You’ve said yourself; we have to make up for lost time”<br />
<br />
Vincent playfully dropped her on the bed and followed to drop onto his knees, stroking her hair, enrapt in her early morning glow. “I know this is new ground, Catherine, being married, sharing an Above and a Below life, we’re in this together”<br />
<br />
“Yes, we are plowing new ground” She outlined his lower lip with the tip of her finger. Catherine watched his breath begin to labor.<br />
<br />
“Uh huh…” wordless sounds mingled between them. She sighed, stretching languorously against him, his mouth on hers, she asked, “all day?”<br />
<br />
“We simply cannot spend the entire day in bed unless we begin early” He then kissed more insistently, his right arm moving under her, maneuvering her, his other hand sliding off her hip, as a pair of nails filed a bit dull trailed over her buttocks, the surprise of his filed nails drawing rows of electricity across the roundness of her flesh.<br />
<br />
Their bodies met in a joyous fission, his furred chest dragging across her silken back, Catherine driving against him wanting more. Vincent’s pelvis instinctively pressed against her pillowed buttocks and as her breath caught she felt him hard against her, “Mmmmnn,” her delicate hand moved blindly, reaching for his steely length.<br />
<br />
Her touch pushed the air out of him as he felt her fingers glancing at first on his satin skin. As if his voice was expelled by her grasp he rasped into her ear, just above a whisper, “Oh, my Love.”<br />
<br />
Bent over her kneeling form, Vincent’s hands move up from the gentle slope of her hips, rushing to catch the outsides of her breasts.<br />
<br />
Who was moaning? Who was sighing? Neither cared, they touched on uncharted paths too excited that he was ready to press into her this way, Catherine submitted to whatever touch Vincent was issuing – now as gentle strokes moved in a graceful arc over her shoulder blades she felt his warm exhalations and the power of his hips moving in tandem with her rhythm.<br />
<br />
His mouth on her neck, his hands cupping ready breasts, moving by the grace of their Bond, feeling her joy at this position he pressed the heel of his hand, then fingers encircling her nipple<br />
<br />
Does it excite Vincent more to rely on their Bond? Without seeing her expressions, he tuned into her and trailed open mouthed kisses over her spine, her shoulder; the hollow of her neck. He kissed hungrily, her bearing back into him matching his urgency, canines pressing against her neck, his mouth consuming her. His thumb and index finger hungrily grasped her nipple; his pressure the perfect balance between pleasure and pain. He caught her heart’s transmission, as she rocked into him with more fervor; hungry to feel him buried within her.<br />
<br />
Vincent murmured “mine”, his fingers woven into her hair, licking the length of her spine, whispering his mantra of “mine, forever” between flicking butterfly kisses with his tongue, the tip of it following her shoulder and back to her spine, ever so often canines dragging as her moans confirm what the Bond declared.<br />
<br />
“ahaaahhhhhhhh” she moaned lasciviously, feeling the pull of his mouth within the deepest part of her. Now eager to please her, his thumbs slid across her belly to meet over her navel, as his fingers threaded into her curls at the apex of her thighs. Pushing harder against him, he retreated down her spine, pulling away from her. This absence of his heat caused her to cry out, “No, closer, fill me” and he ached to bury himself within her honeyed center.<br />
<br />
“Please.” She cried out to the heavens to rein him back to her.<br />
<br />
Weak with anticipation Catherine gulped air and pressed back, following his retreat, only to have Vincent catch her hips gently and knee her thighs a bit further apart. Feeling her heat, scenting her ardor he caught his rigid length and gently dragged this hot flesh back and forth across her soft buttocks, “This is what you want?” he let his weighty heat rest on her as he bent to whisper his question. Catherine’s answer was a resounding hiss of “yes, yes, yessssss”<br />
<br />
With her blessing Vincent drew back and trailed the flesh of his fingers between her thighs and up her hot wet center, then coated himself with her honey. Posing a tender push, his thickness spread her waiting flesh and they savored the newness of these sensations. She held him tightly, arching back to grab every centimeter of his fevered length.<br />
<br />
When she realized his intent to please her this way, her heart soared and that reflected in their Bond. Armed with her encouragement, Vincent lost himself in their awesome shared sensations.<br />
<br />
“AAaahhhhhhhh………” they shared the wordless exclamation.<br />
<br />
She held him within her, grasping and hungry as his hips moved first slowly, then slapped feverishly against her. As their bodies bloomed with the sheen of their exertion they reveled in their passion’s new dance. Knowing Catherine’s desire to feel to him this way initially had disturbed him, wasn’t it animalistic to mount her, to dominate her without facing each other? It was what she wanted, for so long.<br />
<br />
Sliding, thrusting all within the sounds of their excitement Vincent found she was slipping toward the white light of completion, dragging him closely along. Filling her powerfully, cradling her soft hips in his hands, her name on his lips he cried out “Yes, yes, yes” before he buried his furred nose in her waves of tousled hair. Between her magnetic pull and his energetic drive he was impelled to draw her sweet flesh into his ravenous mouth.<br />
<br />
One of his hands grasped her breast; the other cradled her hip as she moved with him without thinking, his mouth open, canines pressing against her declaring through his kiss, “Catherine, Oh, you’re indescribable.”<br />
<br />
His noble face buried in her hair, inhaling, and his mouth moved kisses to rest on her neck, his lips against her skin where her pulse beat a fervid rhythm. Arching deeply, head thrown back to move into his bite, meeting his mouth, praying for the piercing kiss a shudder ran thru Catherine’s body.<br />
<br />
As they neared the beckoning light, continuing to move together, he moved his head slightly, his mouth trailed from her neck to her ear, “I love you, Catherine”<br />
<br />
They were seized together and sent hurling thru a refining heat that burned away the world, only they remained in the afterglow. Gracefully, Vincent fell back onto his heels and drew Catherine back with him, he held her close to his chest, rivulets of sweat between them.<br />
<br />
“Do you have any idea how delicious you are…you thrill me….” As Vincent regained his strength he leaned back enjoying the weight of Catherine’s spent body against his. Their bodies had crashed together, now they were recovering together. Their dance was graceful and infinite. Now there was nothing but their joining and the warmth emanating from where their bodies joined.<br />
<br />
Nothing else mattered, but Vincent being within her. His fingers threaded between hers as their breathing slowed together. Letting go of the tension holding them up they fell to their sides, still joined. The tide of their orgasm receded and crested taking them into a peaceful middle world between Above and Below.<br />
<br />
It was their world between worlds.<br />
<br />
Finis<br />
<br />
Rusty Hough Bader writes Moonlight Inspired Fanfic also at this site<br />
*I Take My Leave of You (15th century)<br />
by <a href="http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Author:D%C5%BEore_Dr%C5%BEi%C4%87" rel="nofollow" title="Author:Džore Držić">Džore Držić</a>, translated by <a href="http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Wikisource:Translations" rel="nofollow" title="Wikisource:Translations">Wikisource</a></div>
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