Lovers Walk Inspired Fan Fictions

Part 1Catherine & Vincent-Beauty and the Beast Fanfiction

April 14, 2011 - Posted by admin

Death Shall Have No Dominion

“Catherine!” Vincent yelled her name.

And that face, the face of a man with cold eyes looked at him with no fear.

Vincent looked back at him in bewilderment. As the helicopter flew out of sight, Vincent turned back toward the smell of blood.

He prayed if it were indeed Catherine that she’d be alive.

She replayed the doctor’s words. “Morphine… If it doesn’t kill you, get out of here and hide. Never show your face again.” He didn’t say the words but as he injected it straight into her vein, his eyes seemed to almost hold an apology. Almost doesn’t count.

It was like someone had walked across her grave. It shook her. She had to get out. How?

Catherine was laying there feeling tired, hopeless, miserable and alone when Vincent burst through the closed door.

She turned her head as swiftly as she could and heard Vincent call “Catherine!” In surprise and then whispered brokenly “Cathe…rine.”

Tears filled his vision as he rushed to her side, but stopped for a brief second as the smell of morphine assailed his nostrils.

“No! NO! Catherine, we must hurry. We must…” Then he smelled the blood…her life sustenance leaving her…

“Vincent…” She touched his face, his tears. Felt her own as he brushed his hand across her cheek, his thumb brushed under her eye.

“You’re hurt. Catherine, where are you hurt?” He smelled the antiseptics, felt the hospital like surroundings. He turned around facing away from her, took in the stirrups, the blood on the floor, between her legs. Frightened to hear what happened, but knew he had to know, fear crawling up his spine like an icy spider he asked “What happened?”

“There’s a child.” Her words slow; her body sluggish. The morphine was taking effect. Although his mind was going numb with fear and his body started shaking with rage, his chest tightening in worry; un-clenching his jaw, he spoke.

“A child?” He cocked his head to the side, confused.

She smiled a small tight smile and told him- “We loved, Vincent. He’s beautiful.” Vincent picked up her shoulders, slid his arm underneath them. He could feel her get heavier, saw her getting more sluggish. “They took him. Vincent…below; get Below.”

His mind suddenly caught up with his body and he gently lowered her back down. She was struggling to stay awake to help him get her ready to leave. He wasted no time now.

He found a towel, turned the warm water on and quickly cleaned her up as best as he could. Later he might realize what he had had to do but now he was worried about her bleeding and his biggest fear that she would die. He would NOT lose her again.

Grabbing another towel, he put it between her legs and quickly wrapped the sheet around her. Dropping his cloak, he then proceeded to untie his vest. Slipping the vest off his shoulders, he pulled his thicker sweater over his head and roused Catherine.

“You must put this on Catherine. It’ll keep you warm.”

She helped him slip the sweater over her head and she struggled to put her arms through the sleeves, grateful for his help.

Vincent had seen the needle marks and it made him cringe with fear even more. Anger once again rushed through him and yet again he pushed it away. Now was not the time. He had to get her Below. He didn’t know how much morphine was given to her but he was sure it was meant to kill her.

After adjusting his vest and cloak, Vincent gently picked her up in his arms.

She whispered, a breathy sound to his ears; “Forgive me.” Her head on his shoulder felt instantly heavy. His heart skipped a beat and he let loose a few tears and his heart responded ‘There is nothing to forgive.’

He wasted no more time. With fear, anger, and love driving him on, he quickened his pace out of the building. Through alleyways he strode purposely to an old tunnel passage way where he knew the pipes were seldom used but always on patrol. He tapped out a quick urgent message for Father. “Meet in hospital chamber. V” He adjusted Catherine’s weight and continued on.

~*~

Mary had been walking back from retrieving some blankets for a new mother when she heard the urgent tapping on the pipes. She listened and deciphered the code quickly. She quickened her pace, her heartbeat racing faster now than it had been.

As luck would have it, the older daughter of the new mother was looking for Mary and called out to her as Amanda saw her.

“Mary! There you are- Mother thought you may have needed some help…” She saw an expression on Mary’s face that spoke of urgency. “Is…everything alright?”

Mary smiled kindly and told Amanda that she was needed elsewhere and asked if her mother was alright?

“Yes Mary, I will take the blankets to her.” Mary sighed with relief and handed over the much needed blankets for the newest baby.

She made her apologies and quickly turned down the next passage to lead her down the hospital chambers.

~*~

“FATHER!”

Father looked up sharply from his text book, and glared slightly at the young man before him. “Yes Geoffrey, what is so urgent?” He knew he was gruff and impatient. His thoughts were not on the text before him, but on Vincent and the loss of Catherine.

“It’s Vincent! He needs you in the hospital chambers, quickly, Father, quickly!” Geoffrey rushed over to the desk to help Father more quickly.

Father moved as fast as he possibly could, while realizing he was so lost in thought that he had actually not heard the tapping. Geoffrey caught him as he stumbled slightly, bringing himself out of his reverie once more. They reached the passage way to the hospital when Mary brought them up short.

“Geoffrey, run along and have William put on some tea, and some stew, please.” Mary waited for Geoffrey to let go of Father and turn before she grabbed him.

“Come Mary; Let us pray he is not wounded again.”

They entered one right after the other and stopped still, neither believing their own eyes.

~*~

After he had tapped out his message, he looked down at Catherine and noticed her wan complexion and realized she had passed out. He ran the last of the way through the tunnels to the Hospital Chamber. He did not stop until he could put her down. He projected out all the love he had for her.

Vincent sat on the other side of the bed facing the entrance; they easily saw who lie on the bed.

“Vin…” Mary gasped and came up quietly to the bed.

Father joined her side and spoke quietly and urgently. “Tell us, Vincent. Please what has happened?”

Vincent lifted her hand against his cheek. As he looked up at them, he knew tears were racing down his face, gently warming Catherine’s cool fingertips.”She… has been drugged…” He took a breath and let it out in big sigh, a mournful sound.”She has had a…child. She needs our help. Catherine has lost a lot of blood. Please, there’s not much time. Please?”

As they moved her bed to the other side of the room, he felt his strength leave him. Just as he was trying to stand tall, Mary noticed the slight wilt of his shoulders and she commanded that he rest.

“No. I must stay. I…please…” His voice broke and he whispered.”If she wakes, she will need me close by. I need to be close.”

She understood what his heart spoke louder than his words. “Rest in here; on one of the beds.” She led him to one nearer the exam chamber and watched him as he sat first then lay back on the cot. She prayed that now when hope was so near, hope would help them fight, would help them live, would give them the courage and strength to face what they would inevitably have to face.

In his sleep, Vincent’s soul knew Catherine was not well. As he was waking up from a world where all things “shimmer and float” he heard Father and Mary murmuring to one another. All was not lost; it was just another battle to keep what was his.

Chapter 2: Thy Death-Thy Shall Not Near Death Any Longer

The first thing Father did was cut the sweater off of her. He regretted that it was one of Vincent’s but he did try to cut it so that it could be repaired. He didn’t pull the sweater off her immediately; as soon as Mary came back he asked her to get some of the blankets out of the warming bin. He started to un-wrap the sheet as quickly and gently as possible, a task not new to Father, therefore he was efficient at his job. He was stunned to see the work Vincent had had to do to bring her home.

The very fact that Vincent had cleaned Catherine, wrapped her in towels and a sheet-amazed Father to no end. His father’s heart was proud and his doctor’s eye held pride for what his son had learned.

Mary brought warm water over first with the necessary rags and towels. He stepped back for Mary to tend to her cleaning and went to remove the sweater from Catherine.

Mary, too, was proud of the way Vincent had known to clean and wrap Catherine for the journey home. She knew it must not have been easy.

She worked quickly; easily becoming a nurse. She gently washed away the blood and knew that if she could cleanse Catherine’s and Vincent’s souls’ as easily, she would have liked to try. She moved on. She washed away the residual blood that tracked down her legs and cleaned her feet thoroughly, knowing she needed to be completely cleaned. Her mother’s heart swelled for the pain Catherine must have went through. Her mother’s heart ached for Vincent; she knew he had to do things that he never had to do. Her nurse’s heart swelled with pride though. He had done a good job with his resources and time.

Father removed the sweater and cut her gown. He was appalled at the bruising on her arms and the needle marks along the inside of her elbows and down to the top of her hands. The treatments she must have endured; he mentally shook his head at the pain she must have been in.

As she realized they would have to remove the dirty sheets under her, Father spoke up.

“I will hold her, Mary, if you would remove and replace the sheets.” They worked quickly. Father held her upper body as Mary moved the old sheet down toward her waist and added a clean one. He laid Catherine’s body down and together they gently removed the old sheet simultaneously replacing it with the new one.

Catherine was as clean as they could manage. They prepped themselves for surgery and began to work.

Mary passed Father the suture needle and thread, their eyes meeting and speaking words that which they were afraid to even speak. The pregnancy had been slightly early. They had to remove the placenta knowing as they did that that would be cause for infection. Signs of morphine overdose were also evident. They seemed to be mild, though her respiration was slow, her skin slightly cool and clammy.

Intravenous antibiotics along with fluid that contained vital nutrients that would also help flush the morphine out in her urine.

They hadn’t given anything to her for pain. They waited to see if the discomfort would wake her up. However, Father did not count on it waking Vincent.

~*~
He hurt everywhere. At first he attributed it to the fact that he hadn’t been sleeping well and was sleeping somewhere other than his bed. Then his stomach pained him more than ever, his legs and arms ached more than they ever had after a hard day’s work, and his jaw…oh it hurt as if he had been clenching his teeth forever and his throat was unbelievably dry…He jolted up and quickly went to the curtain separating the beds from the surgery.

He swallowed first to try to wet his throat, and then cleared his throat quietly. He hadn’t meant to, but it came out just the same; he growled. ”She is in severe pain. What can you do for her?”

He whispered achingly, eyes fixed on her pain ridden body. “What will you do for her?”

His eyes flicked over Father, Mary back to Catherine, unnerved by the pain.

“Vincent, my dear boy…” Vincent’s eyes bore into Father and although it unsettled him, Father stared back, stood straighter, voice stronger and became not only father but physician as well. He cleared his throat and came back strong. “Vincent. We must wait for her to wake up. I didn’t realize, forgive me, I forgot to ask if your bond had returned. “Vincent?”

Vincent’s face was one of shock. He stepped forward to Catherine’s side and knelt beside her. He took one of her hands and held it near his face. The Bond has returned? What did it mean? That he felt her pain so strongly…

“I was not aware of it myself.” He stood and though he stayed near her side, he spoke to Father and Mary. “She is suffering a great deal. What must I do? Tell me? I want to help, I have to help. I certainly cannot sit by and do nothing!”

He was entirely aware that he had raised his voice. He was frightened, tired and in pain as well.

And he began to grow impatient as he waited and watched them debating on how to answer.

He sighed deeply and let it out, the sound a defeated one. “Please?”

“Vincent, Catherine has a mild overdose to the morphine. We wait to see if she wakes up on her own, which may be difficult with the morphine in her body. We will try to flush it out and pray she will not succumb to a coma.”

“How long before we know?”

“A week, possibly two, Vincent, this will be…” Father realized this would be no more trying on them than this whole ordeal had already been. Father did only what he could do. “Vincent, I’d like to keep her here, and then perhaps soon, when she wakes, we could move her. Tonight however, we all need to sleep.” He held up his hand to motion Vincent not speak yet. “We will have someone bring food to you. Goodnight my boy.” Father hugged him close, kissed his forehead and murmured “Thank God you found her when you did.”

Mary watched this all in silence, her motherly heart breaking for the man she had come to love as her son. The struggle she knew he would face, that he had been facing, would not be easy. She adjusted Catherine’s blankets then hugged Vincent next. “She’s safe here Vincent, take comfort that you can be near her, bringing her comfort. She knew if you found her, she would be safe again.” She kissed his cheek but did not bid him good night.

~*~

‘Too close to death have you and I come, Beloved. Thy death-thou shall not near death’s door no longer, Catherine.’ His last sleeping thought made him wake abruptly.

He had only slept thirty minutes. Catherine was moving slightly- he picked up her hand to merely rest it in his own- waiting to see if she would wake on her own or if he would have to awaken her.

His heart sped up quickly as if he had run a great distance, his throat ached again and he knew he was feeling Catherine.

~*~

She dreamed of the color red. Not just any color of red though-she recognized it as the color of someone’s hair perhaps a woman? Why? Who?

The sky was the color of Vincent’s eyes, the tall grass the color of his hair, the smell of candle smoke and something unique were heavily laden in the air, she called Vincent’s name.

“Vincent?” Catherine murmured sleepily.

“I’m here. Can you open your eyes, Catherine?” Vincent leaned forward from his perch near the bed so that when she did open her eyes, she would see his face. He brought her hand against his face, holding her palm against his cheek.

“I…I’m not sure…Vincent? Where are you? Where am I?”

He smiled, knowing she would feel it and gently spoke to her, slowly trying to pull her from her sleep.

“You’re dreaming, Catherine. I’m here by your side. We are Below- in the tunnels- inside the hospital chamber. You’re safe. You’re safe now. Do you… try to tell me what you remember?”
~*~

She remembered everything. She wanted to push it away-tried to force her mind from all of it. What she started with was this-”You found me.” Her voice startled her. It was so quiet and slightly raspy. Vincent’s eyes seemed so blue. She remembered the last time she saw them; they were beginning to be clear of illness and they were gaining their luster once again. She noticed his eyes were tired. “You’ve been searching for me.”

Something-indistinctive to her- flashed in his eyes and then he sat up straighter, not once letting go of her hand. “I never stopped. I could never stop searching for you.” He shook his head fiercely. “I never stopped searching until I found you. Never doubt that Catherine. I will always search for you.”

He paused, uncertain for a brief second and then he told her softly, but strongly so she would not doubt his words. “I love you. I would have found you because I love you.” He watched her turn her face away and her eyes squeeze shut. He felt her tug her hand and he held on for one last second then let her go.

“Please leave. Vincent, please go, please send Mary in.”

“Cather…”

“PLEASE.”

He sighed heavily and nodded. “I will send Mary.”
~*~

She felt…unworthy… of his love. She was…unworthy of his love. She had lost his child. HIS CHILD! It was all her fault. She didn’t know, couldn’t imagine how he must feel. Betrayed? How could he look at her for what she had done? She felt so ugly. Their baby…she turned to her side, holding her still slightly swollen belly and started sobbing. Hot tears full of shame, anger, sadness and…pain.
~*~

Vincent did not leave. He stood outside the curtained room, weakened by her tears. It was like standing outside a burning room. The intensity of the heat from her shame was that hot. He could almost see the silver blue of the hottest part of a flame, he didn’t understand this shame. Where did it come from? He heard her cries louder than the pipes coming alive in the dawn of the day.

Too many times of running away, of backing down or being asked to leave-too many from either of them.. He would not do it. He would stay and be her strength, forever. Even now, especially now; there was no reason for her to feel this way and he hoped to make her see that, in time.

Chapter 3: Though the Way Is Uncertain

She had asked for Mary. He had sent for Mary knowing she would be awhile. Vincent waited for Catherine’s cries to settle before he pushed the curtain aside to speak to her.

Although he did not approach her, Catherine waited silently for him to speak.

“Mary will be here soon. Catherine…” He stepped toward her and this time Catherine turned her face to him. He stopped, uncertain to continue; her eyes seemed to plead for him…to what?

She saw him shrug slightly. “I’ll…be near should you…need…me.” His hands closed in fists and then he opened them slowly.”Though Lover’s be lost, Catherine…..”

They did not finish it. Mary arrived and Vincent took his leave. Although her tears had subsided, the turmoil had not passed. It was building inside him as well. ‘Love shall not’.

The burning desire to hold her as he once would have done, to feel her close-body, mind, and spirit-the ache was too much. Not knowing how to help her, not knowing her heart…”the way is uncertain”. His walking sped up, his breathing accelerated and his emotions were running rampant through him very quickly. So he ran, as far and fast as he possibly could-till his lungs were burning and he had no energy left…and then he roared! All her cries, the rage he felt when he found her; this…barricade that seemed to be between them that he didn’t know how to break down…It all ascended into a roar and descended into a huff of his breath and tears. He dropped to his knees, lowered his head and cried.

He should be the one to ask for forgiveness. Not being able to keep her safe. Not trusting her but expecting her to trust him. He was a fool.

He had been the one to obsess over the loss of their bond. What was it she had said then…’Think…THINK!’

“Maybe the bond will return in another form.” and he had replied that he didn’t think it would return. She had tried to explain something then and he chose to ignore her and drown in his own loss…
~*~

Catherine was sleepy. After crying, after watching Vincent leave, after all that had happened…why did she still live? Surely she was undeserving. She had managed to…

“Catherine?” Mary received Vincent’s request and came as immediately possible, stopping along the way to request Father’s presence as well. She waited now for a response before she stepped into the curtained room.

“Mary.” Mary rushed over to her, helped her sit up.

“How do you feel?”

*How do you feel? I don’t…I’m not sure. Try to tell me.*

Catherine shook her head and simply told her “Sleepy.”

Mary’s eyes softened. “You have been through so much. I would imagine you would want to sleep for days. But I cannot allow that just yet. Father will be along and he will want to talk to you…do you know you were drugged?”

“Yes.”

“We are trying to push the morphine out of your system. Father and I – we had to remove the placenta, there is a risk of infection to which we have given you an antibiotic.”

“Take one step at a time, Catherine. You have been through quite an ordeal.” Father had been quite the doctor. He and Mary both would have made a wonderful team Above. “I would like to give you something for the pain however I feel it is best to wait until the morphine has left your system.”

She hadn’t talked to them yet. Oh she went through the right commentary but she didn’t talk about what happened. Where she had been, who had her, what she went through-she wasn’t ready to tell Vincent either.

How long had she been Below? One week? Maybe two weeks? A lifetime to be sure-her sense of time was off and nothing seemed real. The entire situation seemed so surreal.

They were helping her walk about the chamber when Vincent stopped right in the doorway. His eyes remained on Catherine and Vincent was proud of her progress. How long had she been Below? Two weeks perhaps? His perception of time had seemed to blur since she had gone missing and he found her.

“Vincent?”

He blinked and it was suddenly clear to him. A part of her was still missing, a part of himself as well…their child-alive and missing. That was the barricade, the shame she felt, and the forgiveness she wanted.

He stepped forward and gave her his hand. He felt her strength grow when she placed her palm against his palm and even though their bond still remained aloof, his empathic ability was intact. His heartbeat drummed quicker, hers met his beat and when she looked at him, he knew they were not lost. Just were uncertain about how to regain their steps. ‘The way is uncertain and the path before us is one no one has taken.’

*Season3- Though Lovers Be Lost. Catherine asks Vincent how he feels during his recovery.

~*~

The first short steps to relieve her had been exhausting and encouraging. She was in pain. It seemed though the morphine was still in her system because she knew she should have felt more pain than she was in.

The walk back to the bed was more encouraging. Mary had helped her wash her hair and brush it. She even helped her into another gown, this one the color of old moss. She was grateful to see something besides white. Mary helped her put on thick socks to keep her feet warm as well.

“You look lovely Catherine. I think your walk and bath has tired you some though, hmm?” Catherine knew better than to try to argue. However she was not ready to get back in bed.

“May we walk a little more? Please, I’d rather be completely tired than not.”

So Father had agreed to help her and Mary; that’s how Vincent had found them.
________

When she had placed her palm against his, she saw his eyes flicker in surprise. There seemed to be so much that was uncertain between them. Catherine wondered if he knew that she loved him. She wanted to tell him. She needed to tell him.

“Catherine?” His concern was evident in his voice.

“It’s nothing.” She thought it her imagination…‘They would think I was going crazy.’

“Father, do you know when Catherine can be moved? You still want to move her closer yes?” Then Vincent hugged Catherine close and kissed the top of her head only lingering but a moment. He felt Father’s and Mary’s eyes upon them briefly. Then he moved back and crooked a finger under her chin to tilt her gaze up at his.

Father cleared his throat. “Ah yes…yes Vincent I do believe we could move her closer or uh,” clearing his throat once again he continued “You or perhaps Brooke and Jamie could come stay with Catherine before she is ready to move. However we could move some of the equipment…”

“No Father…that won’t be necessary. I’ll stay until I’m well enough…

“You needn’t bother Brooke or Jamie. Father, I will stay with Catherine, if she wishes.”

“Of course… Vincent…”

Mary ended all conversation. “That settles it. I’ll have two plates prepared and bring them down myself. We won’t stir up the gossip just yet. Catherine needs her strength and time to recover a little more.” Then she grabbed Father’s arm and they walked out.

Instead of letting her walk back to her bed, he lifted her up in his arms and carried her back to the bed.

“I’m not certain Vincent…” She stopped. Sighing heavily as he lifted the covers up and helped her get under them, she waited impatiently for him to sit on the side of the bed. “Do you remember…”Catherine shook her head, frustrated as how to begin.

Vincent touched her hand gently. She looked up and the tears glistening in his eyes were her undoing. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. “I do not blame you Catherine. If it is the words you need then know you have done nothing to have such shame. Our son was taken. There was nothing, NOTHING, Catherine that you could have done.” He kissed the top of her head again, breathing her in deeply. Although it was a soft scent -one he knew was used Below; he still smelled her and the slight smell of morphine.

He wanted to ask for her forgiveness, but he refused to make it about him. One day he would ask but not now. Now he needed to help her heal as she was always willing to help him.

“Do you want me stay with you until Father says you can be moved? I’m not Mary or Father but we will manage.”

He pulled away from her and asked it again. “What do you think?”

“Vincent, have you written in the journal I gave you?”

He tried to follow her thoughts. “Yes.”

“Do you read the inscription inside?”

Ah, now he was following. ”With love, all things are possible.”

“With love, Vincent, all things ARE possible.”

She hugged him tighter to her once more and Vincent had realized he received two answers from her.

Yes she wanted him to stay and the other…Oh! He hugged her tighter to his chest …Catherine still loved him. She LOVES him and she hasn’t stopped.

Though the way is uncertain, the path one not taken…go with courage and with care. Because with love; all things are possible.

***
Chapter 4: Time Is Agony

All is very still again. It has been weeks, months even; I can’t be sure. Winter is here and everyone tucks in for the evening early and rising from bed a little later. We moved Catherine. Selfish though it may seem; I couldn’t part with her. Without question-without thought, I brought her to my chamber. I’ve no idea if I have made the right decision.

Vincent stopped writing and looked towards his bed. She was sleeping and he hoped that tonight at least that she would sleep better than she had.

Father will do a brief examination in two days. He had told Catherine that in normal situations he wouldn’t do any exams for several weeks; however Catherine agreed this had been anything but normal.
I fear she is withdrawing into herself. The part of me that understands that feeling to do so wants to let her, the part of me that knows why she shouldn’t wants to draw her out.

He tried to continue writing a little longer and then put it away. There was no need tonight to walk Above; the reason for those long walks recently had been to search for her. Vincent wasn’t restless. He wasn’t content either but he didn’t the feel need to walk far.

He went to wake Catherine. Not knowing for sure how much of the morphine was still in her system; Father insisted that she could still lapse into a coma. They moved her to his room just one day ago or perhaps it had been two… time has been irrelevant thus far. Vincent knew it would catch up to him.

“Catherine, how long have you been awake?”

“I haven’t been awake long, only a moment, Vincent.” She wet her lips then reached for glass of water Vincent held out for her.

“How are you feeling?” It was a loaded question, he knew that, but it couldn’t be avoided and he hoped that she would see it for what it is.

“Better, the same, I’m not sure yet.” She looked away from him first.

He sat on the bed next to her and gently touched her hand. He didn’t say anything. He just sat there with her quietly and waited for it to happen. That moment of intense emotion would sweep through her so rapidly; Vincent would control his breathing, his touch so that she would not be aware that he felt this storm coursing through her. He didn’t want her to hide it. He needed to share this with her. And then just as quickly, it would fade and there would be nothing of her inside him.

She turned to him, her eyes showing him a brief anger then sadness and yet she would smile (though the smile did not reach her eyes) and thank him…it was maddening yet he would wait a while longer before he began trying to draw her out. Not too much longer, he would wait until Father’s exam then if nothing came from her, no words, no tears, then he would begin to break down her defenses and protect her from even herself if need be.
____

Chapter 5: Geoffrey’s Plan

Geoffrey went to Mary first. He needed a Mother’s guidance on this matter.

“Remember when we all planned the recital and invited Catherine? She really seemed to enjoy it then.”

Mary looked at him a moment then hugged him to her.

“It’s a wonderful idea. Do you have anything in mind?”

He told her about a story they were learning in Music Class-

Peter and the Wolf- and how the story is told through musical instruments.

“I thought we could do a play with the music and the costumes for Catherine and Vincent, for everyone else too but you know what I mean right?”

His face wore that hopeful expression that only someone so young could pull off so well.

“I will talk to Father. I can’t see why he would disagree. Don’t worry Geoffrey. I am more than positive that Father will think this a wonderful idea!”

She led him out of the chamber, her mind already making a list of people to help make the costumes and what fabrics best to use that will be easy to reuse when needed.

Geoffrey headed to towards the “Music Chamber” to see if their “Teacher” was in. They had a temporary room and a temporary teacher but they hoped to keep her on, she was a magical lady!
*******

‘Once a stubborn person; always a stubborn person?’ thought Catherine. She stood in the passage, feeling foolish and weak. She had cleaned herself up, dressed herself and walked less than half way to the hospital chamber without any help. She realized that in doing so, she had made herself more tired and now she waited for the soft footsteps and the slight uneven step of whom could only be Vincent and Father.

Oh she knew they would berate her. Wasn’t she scolding herself now? Acting like a child really-Catherine knew she was wrong in not waiting for help. But she wanted to feel as if she were in control of herself again. She didn’t want to feel helpless anymore. Right now, she felt completely helpless, foolish and angry with herself.

So much so that Vincent knew she was hurting. “Father…” Vincent spoke softly to him. “Don’t scold her, Father. She’s been through enough.”

Father stared into Vincent’s eyes and Vincent wondered what he saw there…Did he see Catherine’s pain or his love for her? Maybe both….Whatever Father saw, it made him agree not to scold her.

“Catherine, perhaps you would like some help?” He waited patiently for her answer and though he knew it might pain her to do so, she agreed.

Catherine sighed heavily and nodded. “Please. It was foolish of me to think I would be ready to do so much. One step at a time; isn’t that right, Father?” Vincent picked her up and she wrapped her arms around him as he placed his arm around her back and the other under her knees.

“That’s correct, my dear Catherine.” And that was all he said.

~*~

Vincent slowly lowered her legs down by the examination table. For a moment she kept her embrace and he hugged her to him. “Everything will be alright.” He whispered to her then kissed the top of her head.

“I love you.” She whispered so softly and with such emotion in her voice that Vincent could only hope that this was the beginning of her healing.

He helped her sit up on the exam table and remove her shoes. Father told them from the other side of the room that Mary would be in shortly. Mary appeared shortly and smiled.

“I’ll help her, Vincent.” She waited for him to leave but he didn’t, he only stepped aside so as not to be in the way. He wanted to be there for her.

As Father was examining Catherine and asking her questions; Vincent had a flashback to finding her. ’Cleaning her up, the smell of the blood mixing with the sickly sweet scent of the morphine, the blood on the floor, between her legs, the needle marks, his fear and Mary calling his name..’Mary?

“Vincent, are you alright? You look a little pale.” Mary asked him quietly.

He felt light headed and quietly excused himself out of the room.

He stopped near the entrance and slid down the wall. What had happened? He wasn’t the squeamish type. ..

“Vincent will be alright, Catherine.” Father had seen her eyes follow Vincent out and there her eyes had remained. “Catherine, I need to ask you some questions.”

He cleared his throat and helped her sit up.

“Catherine?”

“Hmm oh…” She smiled slightly and apologized. “I’m sorry Father. Please, go ahead and ask.”

“Have you noticed any movements in your womb?”

She answered hesitantly, unsure of what this could mean. “Yes…”

“Good. Good. You will feel this for a little longer, as your womb and uterus shrink back down to the normal size again.” He cleared his throat once more. “Your healing is going quite well as long as you continue to not overdue it. Cathy, my dear girl, I understand your hurry to be well again, but…in order for you to find your son; you must be healed completely.” He looked over his shoulder as Mary walked out of the room and Father knew Catherine would want to be leaving soon.

“You have no signs of fever or infection. The morphine in your system helped slow the healing but it helped fight an infection. However this being said, Catherine, you must take things more slowly now that the morphine is nearly clear of your system. If you find yourself in pain, please let me know. I suggest food and bed rest today.”

He helped her adjust her clothes and waited to see if she had any questions.

And she said she didn’t then Vincent was there, of a sudden helping her with her shoes…
____

Chapter 6: His Secrets and Surprise

Tonight he walked Above, but not alone. He took Mouse with him. Mouse would help make calculations.

Vincent knew he himself could make all the mathematical plans but he didn’t want to be alone tonight and he hadn’t had a chance to speak with Mouse for a while. “How have you been, Mouse?”

“Good, better now. Vincent’s Catherine, home.” Mouse gave Vincent a small smile but his eyes remained sad. “Still sad… something of Vincent’s still missing. Catherine’s too.”

“Yes Mouse but we will find it.” Vincent wasn’t sure if Mouse was aware that they had child and that was what was missing or if he alluded to something different. Instead of continuing on they stopped, conversation halting and counting began.

“Tell me Mouse. You think she will like this?” The idea came to him as he had heard whispers of the children and the plan they were making. He had decided to give her his own gift as well. One of the helpers had a friend who had an amazing job. One Vincent was in need of. So together: Mouse and Vincent planned a secret surprise for Catherine.

“The calculations have to be exact Mouse. There can be no error here.” They stood above a drain that led to secrets below and beyond the park. The orchestra bandstand was empty and quiet; Vincent heard the music play on and a lightning storm continue on in his memory. Yes it had to be perfect.

“Catherine like? More than like, love!” Mouse put his hand on Vincent’s shoulder. “Love it. Mouse knows so does Vincent.”

“Indeed we do Mouse.” They turned and heading back to the tunnels.

They parted their ways, Vincent making sure Mouse knew to say nothing to anyone. It was to be a

surprise for Catherine. As he was making his way back to his chamber, he felt it. He stopped and let it run its short course. His heart beat sped up, he felt her anger, frustration, exhaustion and fear. This time however, she did not let it go. He let it run through him, letting himself feel his own anger, frustration, worry and the fear of losing Catherine still and not finding their son thus far. He made a quick jog the rest of the way to his chamber and stopped short outside his entrance.

~*~

“Catherine?” Vincent spoke so softly, still riding on the waves of her emotions, unsure of how to approach her. Somehow he must have back peddled..he thought they were making progress.

She whirled around to face him, her hair flowing over her shoulder so beautifully that for a brief second he was caught up in that beauty.

Her eyes though so beautiful and..angry. At him..for what?

“How could you not tell me? Vincent! How could you have gone Above and not tell me? You could have been in serious danger!” Her arms straight down her sides, fists tight and knuckles white-she was definitely angry.

“Catherine, there was no danger. I had no sense of being watched, no one was out. I was safe. I wouldn’t have led Mouse into danger, Catherine.” He understood that she could be worried, but angry? He understood her fear. “Tell me. Please.”

“How long have you known? How long have you been able to feel my…how long?” She sat down on the edge of the bed and Vincent felt nothing of her emotions once again. Oh certainly he knew she felt worn down but he didn’t know how Catherine really felt now.

“Our bond…” He stopped. He went to her and knelt by her side. Taking her hands into his, he squeezed them gently and began rubbing his thumbs along her skin soothingly.

She looked into his eyes and waited.

“Before you went missing, you knew our bond was gone.” She nodded and tried to look away but Vincent lovingly put one hand against her cheek and kept her face toward him. “I may have had trouble remembering several things while I was recovering but I have not forgotten that you came here that night to tell me something.”

She closed her eyes and once again he felt her sadness and frustration. Her shame. He knew now that perhaps she was going to tell him of their child.

“You told me that perhaps the gift would come to me in another form. Catherine, tell me, what did you mean to tell me that night?”

His thumb had found a spot near her eye that enjoyed the softness of her skin. She leaned her face into his hand and put her palm upon his cheek.

“You already know, Vincent.”

He wouldn’t let this go that easily.

“Tell me.” He whispered it so gently.

His eyes never left her face. He knew they had to get this out, so he could tell her the rest.

“When Joe, When you were sick, Joe was in an explosion…”She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Vincent, I can’t. Not yet.”

He nodded. “Perhaps you will never be able to talk of this. You might have to though, some day, Catherine.” He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, her chin but not her lips..not yet.

“I.. cannot, Catherine. Not yet. But someday soon, I hope.” He drew a breath and continued his story for her.

“When you went missing, I had no way of finding you, nothing to lead me to where you went. I knew it had been something terrible. You had sent me a note to meet you at the threshold. I felt so much urgency in that letter Catherine; I knew you had to tell me something.
“What I presumed was your distress had led me to you. But it wasn’t you Catherine. It was our son. I have a bond with our son. And when you allow me, I have a bond with you. It comes and goes since I found you again. A part of you must want me to share it with you. I miss having that part of you, here.” He placed her hand above his heart and she rested it upon his chest.

“For days now, I have been trying to ignore the whispers, but something is happening outside this chamber. Something big, a secret. Do you know what it is Vincent?”

He nodded. “Only that the children are planning a surprise.” And he smiled, which made her smile and in turn made Vincent’s heart swell. His plan would be a wondrous surprise for them both and perhaps be the opening ceremony for the children’ big secret.
___

Chapter 7: A Wonderful Evening?

He had wanted tonight to be special but Fate had to have her hand in everything he did.

When Zach had approached him before he made it to his chamber, he knew tonight would not go as planned.

Zach had also hoped that tonight’s plans would not go awry.

“What do we do Vincent?” Zach waited somewhat impatiently. He was to be part of the special events tonight.

“We wait until the night is over. I will talk with Father. Don’t worry, Zach. You and the other children can still present your surprise to Catherine.” He watched as Zach blushed slightly and nodded.

“Come. You must have lots to do. Is someone taking your watch?” Vincent thought it was young William but he had been so preoccupied…

“Will said he could do it. Then I will go back after the play.”

Ah of course. Will.

“See you in a few hours, Vincent.”

~*~

When Catherine woke from her nap, there was a red rose and an envelope lying on Vincent’s pillow next to hers. Her vision became blurry with tears. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed his letters.

Catherine breathed in the fragrance of the sweet rose then sat it next to her. She removed the paper from inside the envelope. Savored the memories of another time..

‘Tonight is for you.’

She smiled and slowly arose from bed. Her smile widened as she saw the dress at the foot of the bed. Another letter.

‘To wear this evening.’

A replica of the pink and white dress she had worn once, this one a deep shade of blue with gray ribbons and soft gray boots. Who? Where? How? It was lovely.
So she dressed carefully, slipped her feet into the boots and sighed. They felt lovely too.

She wandered over to Vincent’s wardrobe to look for a brush.

“Catherine?”

She turned to find Mary, Brooke, Jaime, and Lena filing in the chamber.

“Yes?” She looked from one woman to the next.

“We were late. We were supposed to be here to help you dress but you managed?” Brooke asked.

“I’m getting stronger.”

“We also came to help you with your hair.” Jaime said even though she came with ideas only. Sure she liked being a woman but practicality oft times played its hand.

“And a little make-up?” Lena asked as she held up her eyeshadow with a smile.

Mary had her sit down on the chaise at the foot of Vincent’s bed. “We thought perhaps, if you would allow me, a braid on each side coming together down your back? Simple and yet beautiful.”

Catherine nodded. Pleased that these women have come to help her.

“No one knows what Vincent has planned for you tonight, Catherine.” Brooke said gently.

His voice though playful remained quiet. “I suspect everyone is waiting to hear about it.”

“Vincent. It is rude of you to enter without some warning.” Mary scolded him with a smile.

She knew that tonight’s events would not linger long enough. Reality would set back in and it would be hard for them. “Step out one moment please. We are almost finished.”

He did so with a lightness in his heart that he would enjoy if only for tonight.

Jaime came out first.

“I knew you would find her Vincent. If I can help in anyway to find your son..Let me know.” She hugged him and continued out.

Brooke came next. “I’m glad she’s here with us. We will see you later. Have fun Vincent.” She hugged him tighter than Jaime and she too continued on out.

Mary and Lena said they would see them later, offered brief hugs and waited for him to go back inside his chamber.

The wait was worth it. “You… words enough can not express you Catherine.”

He held out his hand to her and she gently placed hers against his.”You look handsome, Vincent.”

He presented to her a white rose. “For you.”

She did something unexpected. She kissed the rose and ever so softly laid the rose against his lips briefly.”For you.” Catherine laid the white rose next to the red one and let Vincent lead her out of his chamber.

~*~

She quietly held his arm through some passages when she finally asked,”Where are we going?”

The look in his eyes told her he had been surprised that she hadn’t known. “You..I forgot. Forgive me Catherine. We changed the ways. Although there will be no music tonight, we go beneath the park’s band stand. Come, we must hurry.” He lifted her in his arms and led them the final steps under the grate just in time to see the beginning.

“Fireworks! Vincent..” He held her and they watched the beautiful display. Tears streaming down her face, to lay against his shoulder. He would never forget this moment.

A total of five minutes. He waited for her to look at him and then he readjusted her weight and slid down to the cushions he had replaced earlier in the evening.

“They were beautiful, Vincent. Thank you for arranging all of this.”

He couldn’t speak. She was a vision. A small gift to her, he had wanted to give her some joy in their dark hours. He captured her chin and leaned forward, eyes leaving hers to go to her cheek and he stopped near her scar..and kissed her cheek lovingly yet firmly.

“The night is not over.” He moved back and kissed her knuckles of each hand. “The children have arranged something special for you as well.” He once again adjusted her body and pushed hard against the wall to stand up. He would let her walk soon enough.

Peter and the Wolf

He had let her down outside Father’s chamber.

“Vincent..”

“It is only the children, Catherine and Father, Mary and myself. They wanted this night to be for you.”

He led her in and the stage had been set.

He sat her in a comfortable antique chair and sat next to her in a wooden cushioned chair and waited.

Father stepped from behind the makeshift black curtain and spoke. “Peter and the Wolf. Catherine do you know this story or shall I read it aloud?”

They could all hear the children groan and Father winked. “No? Well then, I shall only remind you that this will be a play with no words, only music.” He disappeared back behind the curtain once again.

The curtain “rose” to scene of a young boy walking in a “meadow” with a set of string instruments playing. Two more children set the stage as a bird and a duck. The duck’s voice was that of an oboe and the bird’s voice was that of a flute.

As the bird and duck seemed to be squabbling, a sly cat spied them. Peter spied the cat. Peter raised an alarm! “Look out!” He seemed to shout. Just then Peter’s Grandfather came up and grabbed him by the shoulder. He wagged his finger at him, pulled out a wooden wolf and shook his head. “A wolf could have gotten you.” Grandfather seemed to be saying. The bassoon playing his voice. The clarinet played a tune, the cat got away..for now.

A set of french horns played as a wolf came onto the scene. The wolf held up a sign of a duck.

Catherine laughed softly as they played out the scenes in a remarkable way.

Vincent laughed as well. He could feel her so close to him, her scent, her emotions. As much as he didn’t want this night to end, he knew it had to and he also feared how it would end. For now though, he pushed it aside and realized he had missed some of the play.

The duck was missing and he could see that young child playing the wolf had pinned a small toy duck to its belly. The wolf had swallowed the duck. He spied Catherine from beneath his hair and watched her neatly wipe away a tear. He could watch her forever.

Catherine watched as Peter tied a rope to the tree and made signals to the bird to “Fly around the wolf but be careful.” The strings, the flute, the french horn all playing together was wonderful. The Children had out done themselves.

They watched as the bird “flew” this way and that way to catch the wolf, all the while distracting him as Peter caught his tail by making a lasso in the rope!

Catherine could feel Peter’s victory and the bird’s chest swell with such bravery.

Just then the music changed so a woodwind instrument and Catherine saw two “hunters” come on the scene.

A timpani and bass drum signaled gunfire as the wolf’s voice got louder as he struggled to get loose.

Peter waved his hands in the air, showing the sign for stop. “Don’t shoot!”

Catherine’s emotions flared as she watched the wolf struggle as they had when she watched the duck struggle to get loose from the wolf.

Grandfather came out and shook his head angrily-the bassoon carrying an angry note. The flute played merrily! “How brave we are!”

And then Mary’s voice came out loudly..’If you listen carefully you may be able to hear the duck quacking inside the wolf. For in his haste, the wolf ate the duck whole and alive.”

And the oboe played softly for the duck’s voice.

The curtain closed and Catherine gathered her emotions close and shut them off. She wanted only her joy for the children to show. She was proud of them!

They all came out and they revealed themselves to Catherine and Vincent. They all clapped loudly and Catherine thanked them all! They all hugged her one by one and she felt truly loved. It also made her long for her child. For her son. For Vincent’s son.

As they had refreshment, Vincent excused himself to speak quietly to Father.

~*~

Catherine was deep in thought as Vincent watched her grow more quiet as the candle wax melted and the wick grew longer.

Her emotions were starting to roll in like a storm on a quiet night.

It made him anxious.

He stood from his perch on the bedside and started pacing.

Only a second beforehand he stopped as she stood quickly from her chair.

“Damn it, would you stop that, Vincent!”

She gasped and was slightly shocked from her own outburst. “I..I’m sorry Vin..I’m.. so sorry.”

He watched her throw her hands up helplessly in the air, turn away from him and start to shake with wrenching sobs.

He took two long strides to her side and swooped her up in his arms. He held her as she cried, her body shaking with the force of her emotions.

“Try to me what you’re feeling Catherine.”

“Don’t.. don’t you kn..know, Vincent?”

He held her tighter, closer and sat back on the bed, leaning against the pillows; he noticed the roses. “I truly don’t.”

She sniffled then looked up at his face as he looked down at hers. “As I watched Peter and the Wolf tonight, I felt such a resemblance. A wolf has taken a part of me, he is swallowing me whole Vincent and I am drowning. He is winning,Vincent and I don’t know how to stop him.”

Vincent put his palm against her cheek, slid his fingers through her hair, cupped his palm against her ear and with his thumb, rubbed her scar . “You have more strength than you feel right now Catherine. You’re not alone in this. You do not have to keep your feelings, your thoughts to yourself. Don’t be afraid to let me in Catherine. Please. I know I have made mistakes, I know I have let fear guide me. But Catherine, I beg you..not in this. Please, do not shut me out. Together we will find ..our son..”

He gently laid his forehead against hers. “Together Catherine.”
_____

Chapter 8: Questions, Questions

Diana and Joe waited for the security guard to leave before they started talking.

“You’ve been in here before, right Joe?” Diana asked him looking around again.

He nodded. “Yeah, so?” He was looking around too, remembering all the times he had been in there.

“Sit down Joe.” She waited for him to sit as she sank down to the chair at Catherine’s desk. Joe remained standing.

“Alright, I want you to empty your mind for a second Joe. I’m going to ask you some questions and I want you to tell me what comes to mind right away.” She paused and waited four beats.

“Alright.” Joe nodded.

“When you think of Catherine being with someone, who immediately comes to mind?”

Joe immediately though of Elliot Burch but before he said that he had to see where she was going with this. “I don’t know.” He shrugged his shoulders.

Diana sighed and tried again. “Okay Joe, did Catherine ever act out of character..act differently at times than you would have thought she’d have acted? Think Joe. I need to know.”

He immediately thought about the one time he told her he was going to stay in her apartment “on the dinky couch” or she should let Jenny stay with her. Jenny later told him that Cathy had sent her home too..

Then…

“She called into work recently before she went missing. She had claimed to be sick. I was working late one night and walked out of my office to see Cathy at her desk. She told me that she hadn’t been sick. A close friend had been very sick. She never said his name, she told me she loved him though.” He glared slightly.
“What are you getting at anyway.”

“I went through some of her things. She never mentioned Vincent to you?”

“Vincent?” He shook his head. “No. You think this Vincent has something to do with Cathy missing?”

She stood up, threw her arms to the side and replied..”Maybe. Can you think of anyone else?”

“Elliot Burch.”

“Okay.” She made the word drag out into a frustrated sigh. “Why him?”

“They went out on a few dates, she quit dating him. He is the one guy she has been connected with since she started working for me.”

“I guess I question him tomorrow morning.”

With that, Diana got up and walked out of the apartment.

~*~

As much as Vincent knew it would change things, he felt he needed to tell her.

“Catherine, there is..something has happened; something you must know.”

“Go on, Vincent. Tell me.” She looked at him, saw the worry in his eyes and the sadness.

“A woman came down from your basement entrance. She has red hair. She seemed to be looking for something.” Catherine was shaking her head so he stopped.

“I don’t know who it could be Vincent. Maybe someone, maybe she is looking for me.” Catherine’s face now mirrored that worry and sadness but her reasons were for him not herself.

“Catherine” His soft, raspy voice drew out her name and drew out her soul to his.

“I’ve already spoken to Father. Mouse should be sealing up the entrance as we speak. I am ..”

“Will you take me there? Please?”
~*~

Joe took one last look around and walked out of her apartment. The security guard locked up and headed for the elevator where Joe saw Diana keeping it open. Why was she waiting?

Both men stepped in and Joe glanced at Diana. She glanced at the back of the guard and shook her head slightly. OH. He got it. Wait until the guard leaves.

They made it down to ground floor. The security guard said goodnight and stepped into the lobby.

Diana waited for the doors to slide shut.

“If you have another minute or so, I want to show you something else.”

Joe simply nodded.

“I found something that took a while to investigate but I wander what you make of it.”

So Diana hit the basement button and waited until the car came to halt and the doors slid open.

“I read in some of her notes from Vincent about meeting below..I don’t know what to make of it just yet.”

~*~

Vincent halted Catherine just before the lookout post came into view.

‘What is it?” He gently released her legs and let her stand on her own. She could tell by his stance, the slight tilt of his head that someone other than Mouse was up ahead.

“Vin..” His hand to his lips stopped her from going on. But the longer he made her wait the more fearful she became. Vincent could almost smell her fear. He knew why she would worry so.

“Is it Mouse? Vincent? Tell me, please?” She implored of him, anguish and fear in the tremor; slight though it was; in her voice.

“Sh. I’m here, Catherine.” He wrapped her in his arms safely and she trembled in his arms. He hadn’t felt her fear quite like this. This fear was quite like the first time he met her. That realization made his soul fill with sadness and regret.

“Mouse is there. Some one else comes. A woman, perhaps a man as well. Come, we can take a look. Zach is there still.”

Catherine had forgotten the children still kept post. She was about to voice her concerns when Vincent must have read her correctly.

“Catherine, Mouse is on the other side of that wall. Father said that during my illness and your disappearance; he thought it best to send any available adult with a child on duty. They gain experience while being safe.”

Vincent motioned again with his finger to his lips for Zach to be still.
They crouched down and Vincent gave Catherine support as she knelt down to view the threshold.

~*~

Diana opened the small basement doors and noticed someone working. She put one foot on the ladder wrung then jumped down the rest of the way. Not waiting on Joe, she rushed over to the man.

“Excuse me? Excuse me what do you think you are doing?” Moving a little this way and little that way trying to see the mans face.

The man sighed , annoyed. “Working. Very Busy. Work now. Talk later.” He threw his hands up in the air slightly frustrated to be bothered. Have to get it done. For Vincent. For Catherine. For safety.

Joe was annoyed at Diana. “You ever think about your own safety before you rush head on into a basement?”

Just like Cathy.. Damn it. Just my luck.

“So not to sound dense or anything, but where the hell are we?” He quirked up his brown eyebrow and folded his arms. Until he started looking around, he really couldn’t have cared less. However, he thought he recognized the man working to close up a wall.

“Do I know you?” Joe swayed a little to and fro as well, trying to see his face.

“No. Never met. Busy now. Working. Much to do. Less talking, more work. Gets the job done.” Mouse picked up his speed but also kept in mind that he needed to be able to get over the wall into the tunnels before he sealed it up completely.

“I won’t argue that one.” Joe looked at Diana.

“You gonna tell me?”

She shook her head. “Come on back up Joe.”

What the hell kind of goose chase does she have me going on here? Joe sighed and pursed his lips together. Where the hell are you Radcliffe?

~*~

Catherine gasped quietly. Joe! That must be the woman from earlier. Damn, she must move quick. MOUSE!

“Vincent! Mouse has to come out of there now! We have to hurry! That wall isn’t going to stop them. It needs reinforced. We don’t have much time. VINCENT!” She was becoming slightly hysterical and it worried Vincent.

“SH. Calm down. It’ll be alright. Give Mouse a chance, Catherine.” He admonished her. It didn’t sink in. Her fear- a stench he didn’t like knowing-was becoming quite potent. The terror in her eyes, very real. And once again he wanted to apologize for allowing all that has happened come to pass. He did blame himself. As she blames herself for what had happened, he too felt at fault.

He helped her up and she jerked her arm from his. “If you won’t help me, I’ll go find someone who will.”

Zach raised his eyebrows up at Vincent. Vincent could feel his curiosity and slight amazement.

“Zach, after I pick up Catherine, send a message to Father over the pipes to have him meet in my chamber please. Ask him to bring his medical bag. I’ll be back shortly. Don’t leave until Mouse clears the other side.”

“Okay Vincent.” Wow, Catherine sure was upset at Vincent!

~*~

Catherine did not get far, all her anger, her fear and exhaustion left her weak and trembling against the rock wall.

Vincent slowed as he neared Catherine. He thought perhaps a new angle to approach her would be better..more calming.

“Beloved..” He wasn’t sure if it was his own heart or hers he felt stop at the word he had spoken.

She slowly looked up at him and her tears nearly did him in.

“I am so sorry,Vincent for my.. behavior. I’m losing myself.” She would have slid down that rocky wall had he not been there to catch her.

Holding her to him, he continued down to his chamber and quietly spoke to her.

“Then lose yourself, my love but anchor yourself to me; I will be your stronghold Beloved.”

In some ways, he had prepared himself for this moment. The flood gates of her soul opening and pouring into him should have been too much. Should have sent him to his knees but he didn’t dare stop. Anchoring herself to his soul..the light in him was beautiful! Warmer and brighter than any sun he could imagine.

Then they were in his chamber and all too soon she let go signaling to be put down and thus he did so.

Although he still felt her there, he knew something was about to change…
~*~

Father stopped abruptly at the entrance to Vincent’s chamber.

Oddly enough, Father was not surprised to find that Catherine was the one pacing the chamber floor to and fro,Vincent standing near his wardrobe arms akimbo, seeming lost as how to help her.

She jerked to a halt, back facing him; she noticed Father in the doorway.

Vincent then noticed Father as well.

“Father.” His voice quiet and neutral once again.

Father cleared his throat. “Is..everything alright?”

“No. It is not alright. Father,please..help me. Help me make Vincent understand that a brick wall needs more reinforcement to keep others out.”

Catherine did seem calmer.. not quite rational yet and Vincent still felt her light..using him as her anchor. Her outward appearance differing than the inward was slightly unsettling but Vincent held strong on both fronts.

“Ahem. Um, Vincent.” Father cleared his throat and then raised his eyebrow at Vincent. “Catherine is correct my son. You should gather up some more men and reinforce it.”

Father turned to his medical bag and asked Catherine,”My dear how does a mild sedative sound.. to help you sleep?”

Oh Vincent knew whose heart skipped a beat, whose blood ran cold, whose eyes held the look one of whom felt betrayed. He closed his eyes tightly for a moment then without words, he tried to project her light, his love, his strength, his want and need of her, to her…

And it worked. He opened his eyes to her nodding agreement, her love flowing back to him, her acceptance of the decision, tying herself tighter to him, her want and need of him, her want and need for their child too, spilling out to him.

That made him lurch forward to her. To hold her. To reassure her. And to carry her to his bed. “We will find him Catherine. Please, sleep now. I won’t be far. I won’t let you go far Beloved.” He kissed her worried brow and felt her go warm all over. A new bond between them; a stronger one?

Vincent would have stepped completely out of the way but Catherine held tightly to him.

Father waited patiently.

“Don’t lose me Vincent.” Her eyes spoke to him louder than her words. I love you.

His heart beat in his ears and his words let loose for all to hear.”I love you too.”

Father smiled gently and preceded to inject her arm as gently as possible. “My dear, sleep well. I too wait for you Catherine and pray for you.”*

He kissed her hand and laid it gently back down on top of Vincent’s hand.

He retrieved his bag from the table and walked out of the room.
_____

*Father’s reference to V and C’s relationship. He tells Vincent’s he feels as if he stands at a raging river watching Vincent try to swim across. V tells him that Catherine is alone. Father then says he stands watch and prays for them both.

Father tells Catherine a bit of that, even though she doesn’t quite understand the full meaning.