As Catherine stayed beside her sleeping Vincent, she watched him all through the night. And as she gently reached over for the hundredth time, she exhaled a sigh of relief, to find his temperature seemed to be staying perfectly normal.
As Catherine looked upon Vincent, she thought about his extraordinary existence. How this man because of who he was, had managed to live all of his life, with so much dignity, and such resolve.
She tried to imagine what it must feel like for him, knowing he was one of a kind, and in all the world, there was no one else like him, perhaps even, throughout all of time.
From what Vincent had shared with her, Catherine knew his differences, had brought sorrows to his heart, yet his heart was unscathed, loving, and generous.
She believed much of his incredible spirit was of his own making, but thought too, Jacob's undying love and devotion for him, had marked him in remarkable ways as well.
And being with him now, beside him, she felt finally, she belonged there in the tunnels and belonged to Vincent. Somehow fate had managed to bring them together through all of the many twists and turns of their individual lives, predestined to find one another to share this world, true to what each of their destinies had planned for them.
Catherine felt excited and honored, she would be sharing Vincent's life, and she would be happy to see to it all his days ahead from now on will be happy ones. Yes, she was more than ready to leave her world above and come below to join his, for she wanted nothing more than to care and to love him.
Catherine then pondered all the changes that laid ahead for her, and things she will miss, and be leaving behind.
She will definitely miss the day to day busy New York City life! She does love the city and all the excitement of Manhattan.
And...she thought about her close relationship with Jennifer, which because of the secrets, well, their closeness will most likely suffer. Catherine wondered what Jennifer will think of her moving, and if she will accept this news without too many questions!
Catherine did know however, Jennifer will be thrilled that her apartment will be up for grabs, as she always teased she wanted first dibs on it if Catherine ever moved.
And, Catherine thought of how hard it will be telling Joe she would be leaving the D.A. Joe was not only her boss, but he became a real friend, and she WILL miss being on his team. They worked well together, and Catherine knew she really did become good at her job, and succeeded on her own merit.
But the job had its edge, and could be quite dangerous at times, and this danger also put Vincent at risk. Something she hadn't really considered to be so threatening, until Peter's talk with her. As he really laid out the facts of Vincent's physical make-up and the seriousness of any substantial blood loss, well, this made quite an impact on her.
He always seemed so strong, powerful, and indestructible, as he was always there to guard her, and keep her safe.
Catherine now realized she took all of his risk-taking too lightly before, seeing how this accident had left him so tired, weakened and vulnerable, she now feared for him and his health. Quitting will be easy to do now, she will not put Vincent in danger ever again. It was time for her to do something for him.
Watching him as he slept so calm and peacefully, she thought he seemed to possess a serenity she never saw in him before. Maybe it's because he came through with his promise to her, and because of this, their dream of a life together was now unfolding before them.
As she gently rose from his bed, she began to tidy up around the room, when just then, Jacob walked in saying, "Peter? How is our patient?"
And then when he saw Catherine was there, Jacob in disbelief, said, "Catherine?"
And so since Vincent was still sleeping, Catherine approached Jacob to softly say, "Yes Father, I came last night after you retired."
With a warm smile, Jacob softly said, "Yes indeed! I was expecting to see Peter on duty, and I find you! And may I say I am glad, and a bit surprised as well."
Pleased Jacob was so welcoming, Catherine went on to explain, "Since I knew Peter had to travel to London today for the medical conference, I offered to take his shift..."
Jacob in wonderment, surprisingly relayed, "Peter never mentioned the conference was in LONDON! How do you like that? Here he sent me on to bed, and he was the one in need of rest! Ah that Peter!"
With a reflective smile, he related, "We would truly be lost without his selflessness here."
Catherine nodded, knowing Peter's kindness, had touched her all of her life too. Warmly, she conceded, "Peter has always been there for me too. Now with Dad gone, well perhaps I rely on him more than I should."
Jacob looked downward shyly, as he told Catherine, "I would hope, in time, you might look to me for guidance as well."
Moved by his words, Catherine's eyes filled with tears, as she replied assuredly, "Father, I do look to you already. I respect you more than you could ever know. And in seeing how an injury can threaten Vincent's wellbeing, I better understand your past reservations toward me."
Hearing these words from a girl, who, he had not always been the kindest to, warmed his heart, and this time, it was Jacob who was moved, and replied, "I am glad you understand where I was coming from, however know I now realize my actions were not always warranted. I know your bond with Vincent is one of care."
Jacob then cleared his throat of emotion, as he changed the subject and said, "Well time to check on the patient, hmmm, how would you like a change of pace? I need you to go to the kitchen and ask William for some heated water?"
And because she was happy to help, Catherine replied, "Sure Father, you need it for Vincent?"
To which Jacob pulled out his personal stash of tea bags from his pocket, and smiled as he said, "No my Dear, for our tea!"
To be continued...
Chapter Two
| Catherine and Vincent faced their painful truths separately in "Where Rainbows End!" They did this lovingly for each other, in order to go forward from the shaky ground on which they stood, to build a beautiful happy life together for one another. All Of My Life! By Sharon Holtz Chapter One |
