Meanwhile, below the city streets, in a winding maze of the old subway system, secretively and privately, lived a brace of people.
They were people who at one time or another, came to the tunnels, because they had no where else to go. They maybe felt alone, or had simply lost their way on the road of life. But what ever the reason it was that caused these people to find refuge in the tunnels, these people ended up staying, and they stayed because they had found a family there, and a home.
Yes this underground community was designed and developed by a couple of men who had dreamt of another kind of society...and they were Jacob Wells and the other was John Pater.
However, despite the reasons for developing The Tunnels, ironically, even there, politics reared its ugly head, and disagreements developed between the two men.
And because of the arrival of Vincent, a special little soul, who was a throwaway child, the chasm grew even larger between Jacob and John. Mainly because each man looked upon baby Vincent, as their own to raise and nurture.
And so clashes ensued between the two co-founders, and it was the classic case of good verses evil.
It was unsure why John turned evil during those early days...but he had, and Jacob prevailed.
And so Jacob, along with the aid of "Helpers" trusted top-sider friends, he finished organizing this new world.
And since Jacob was the one everyone looked up to, he became known as Father to the Tunnel Community...and to Vincent, along with Jacob's son Devin, he was a father.
Yes Jacob became a father to this unique infant with feline features, this unwanted child who's life had begun so tragically, left in a dumpster outside of St. Vincent's hospital. Miraculously, he was found...and because of the love showered upon him by the folks of the tunnels...he survived.
Yes, everyone's heart went out to this distinctive lost child, and Jacob doctored him, managing to get him through some very dark days of his mysterious beginnings. And he did so, with the help of his top-sider friend, who was a doctor as well...and his name was Peter.
There were so many unanswered questions surrounding his existence. Was he a child born of some diabolical experimentation? Or were his differences, simply caused from a throw back in genetics...a cruel challenge that nature sometimes throws at us? Not even these two learned doctors had any answers.
And though no one will ever know the cause...there is no disputing, with his striking blue eyes, and wild golden hair, he really was a beautiful brilliant child, who's intelligence was...according to Jacob, off the charts!
And because of young Vincent's thirst for knowledge, Jacob was devoted seeing to it his eager and willing student, was well educated. And since he learned quickly, and had exceptional ability to retain, he made Jacob so very proud.
And as Vincent grew into a strong, young man of impressive stature, and because of his dedication to the people of the tunnel community, he became the protector of the Tunnels, whenever needed.
And like everything else about him magnified through the years, his love of learning intensified as well.
And so because of his love of literature, music, and of all the arts, he became a passionate and effective teacher to the tunnel children.
Yes, Vincent was respected and loved by the community, and was the bond that truly held everyone together.
And so this Hallows Eve, Peter, doctor, helper, and friend, had entered the tunnels, to deliver Wordsworth to Vincent.
As Peter stood at the threshold of Vincent's chamber, he happily greeted him, saying, "Hello Vincent."
Upon hearing Peter's greeting, Vincent put down his pen, and rose from his writing table. And as he approached his dear friend, with an embrace, he replied, "Ahh, you are here for the festivities."
To which Peter nodded, and then regretfully said, "Well I'm here long enough to see you, and to hopefully sample some of William's apple cider...the non fermented kind that is... I'm on call tonight, so I can't stay."
To which Vincent poured some cider into a rustic looking mug, and said, "Allow me..."
As he then handed the beverage to Peter, Vincent raised his mug as well, and the two made a toast to good health.
As Peter noted how good the cider was, Vincent in agreement said, "It is some of the finest William had ever pressed..."
It was then Vincent regretfully expressed, "Father will be disappointed you are not staying."
To which Peter said, "He was, I saw him briefly as I passed the Library. The children were all sitting around him as he was reading, "The legend of Sleepy Hallow"! The way Jacob reads, I'll tell ya, I almost stayed to listen to the story myself! Ahh...but its for the kids."
In response, Vincent affectionately acknowledged, "Ah yes, the annual recitation."
But then Peter with a slight chuckle added, "Although...Mouse and Jamie were there..."
To which Vincent with a look of inevitability, humorously said, "Of course...this is to be expected..."
After the two shared in the humor of knowing this pixilated pair, Peter then held up the book he picked up for Vincent, and said, "I wanted to bring this to you, your order came in today."
With elation, Vincent noted, "I didn't expect for it to arrive so quickly."
As Vincent lifted the book from its brown paper wrappings, he brought it to his heart, saying, "William Wordsworth Complete Poetical Works. Peter thank you, there are no words to convey what this means to me. And to receive it tonight of all nights."
Peter raised a brow as he then informed Vincent, "You know this is a popular book, someone else was interested in it too. And I guess you are lucky that Mr. Smythe had reserved the First Edition copy for you, because all he had left was "The First Traded Edition", but I'll be honest with ya Vincent...its beyond me what the difference is."
Vincent kindly informed Peter the First Edition meant a first printing, and First Traded Edition is a book printed for a publishing company.
And then in a questioning manner, Vincent thoughtfully expressed, "Imagine...to think Wordsworth, in this day and age is still so requested...intriguing."
In reply Peter then noted, "Yeah...well like you, Cathy has always loved to read hundred year old books written by all those ole guys, but anyway, a happy ending is had by all, cuz she got the First Traded book."
Quizzically, Vincent asked, "Cathy?"
To which Peter nodded and said, "Yeah. That was a funny coincidence too, because the other person who also wanted this book, was Cathy, who happens to be a friend of mine, err I say friend, but she is really more than that...kinda more like a niece."
Peter then continued, saying, "Anyway, the main reason she was interested in this book, was because of a particular poem that's in it...not for the same one you like, but it was...hmmm, it was called, "Surprised by ... Surprised by...Oh, boy, I know this poem too, it was ....err...surprised by something or another!"
Vincent nodded his head knowingly, as he said, "Joy...the poem is "Surprised by Joy-impatient as the wind..."
In reply, Peter excitedly said, "Yep! That was it! Anywhooo, Cathy told me to tell my friend Mr. Wells, she hopes he enjoys the book."
So laughingly, Peter said, "So from Cathy to you...enjoy the book!"
Vincent whispered, as he day-dreamily repeated her name once more, saying, "Cathy..."
Snapping out of this funny feeling which had come over him, at the mere mention of this strangers name, Vincent then said, "Please...tell...Cathy...I hope she enjoys her book as well, and am sorry if she was disappointed to settle for an inferior copy."
To which Peter thought to himself, "Oh no...now Vincent is relaying stuff to Cathy!"
And so nervously, Peter drank the last of his cider, and said, "When I see Cathy I'll tell her..,but just so you know, she didn't care what sort of copy it was, I think she was just thrilled to find one."
Tipping his head, Vincent replied, "This Cathy sounds as if she has a true love of literature...is she fond of Wordsworth more so than any of the other great writers?"
Eeeks, thought Peter privately, "I better get out of here before I get in any deeper!"
And so as Peter anxiously looked at his watch, he then turned to leave, and said, "Likes Wordsworth best? Ah gosh willikers, not sure! Look at the time, I better get going."
But before he could leave, Vincent gratefully said, "Peter thank you again. If I can repay you in anyway..."
To which Peter smiled back at his friend and warmly said, "You do a million times over Vincent, in so many ways. I am glad to do it for you."
With a humble nod, Vincent then concluded, "Happy Hallows Eve Peter."
Peter waved a final good bye and said, "Same to you."
As Peter walked through the tunnels he thought to himself, "This is a little too close for comfort! Here I have Cathy giving messages to Vincent, and now, Vincent is relaying messages to Cathy. Oh brother!"
Peter then heaved a huge sigh, and said aloud, "I am getting too old for this!"
Little did Peter realize just how uncomfortably close he actually was! For he did not know what Vincent's plans were for the Evening!
Meanwhile, Vincent who was still holding his new treasure close to his heart, decided to take a moment and re-read the poem Peter's friend "Cathy" loved so much. "Surprised by Joy".
"Surprised by Joy...Impatient as the Wind" Surprised by joy, impatient as the Wind I turned to share the transport, Oh! with whom But Thee, deep buried in the silent tomb, That spot which no vicissitude can find? Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind But how could I forget thee? Through what power, Even for the least division of an hour, Have I been so beguiled as to be blind To my most grievous loss? That thought's return Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore, Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn, Knowing my heart's best treasure was no more; That neither present time, Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.
And after he read it, Vincent then sat silently thinking about the woman who would be moved by these words, considering she must be a woman who had known a great love, and experienced great loss...
Reading this poem made Vincent feel close to this woman, having an insight knowing there was something here in Wordsworth's words that touched her so.
Yes, his heart suddenly felt an ache for this woman, he could never know.
Meanwhile, the tunnels were buzzing with excitement from all of the Halloween festivities which had been planned for the children.
After reading to the children, Jacob traveled back to his chamber, and had just settled back to enjoy a little peace and quiet, when Vincent gingerly entered, wanting to inform him, he was going above now.
To which Jacob worriedly questioned, "So...you haven't changed your mind?"
With care, Vincent softly pleaded his case by saying, "Father please, we have been through this. I will be fine. Tonight I will blend in and no one will look twice. I promise you I will be safe."
Vincent then enthusiastically continued, "I cannot let this opportunity to meet one of my favorite authors pass me by...you know what Brigit O'Donnell's published works have meant to me, and through her personal correspondence, we have developed a kinship, and mutual understanding of so many things..."
And then to seal the deal, Vincent finished up by saying, "...and Father need I remind you, she DID invite me."
Jacob then settled deeper into his chair, realizing any argument was useless! He then resignedly looked up to his son and said, "I suppose it would be rude of you NOT to go...very well then...go...and Vincent...God's speed."
Vincent placed his hand on his Fathers shoulder and said, "Try not to worry Father. Good night."
So happily, it was with his Father's blessing, Vincent exited the tunnels, and as a symbol of the freedom he would have in the world above this night, he put down his hood. This hood, which shielded him from the very world he, tonight would walk freely.
And because he took Brigit's written words to heart, he repeated them to himself as he walked, privately saying, "Tonight he would leave his safe place, and walk empty handed among his enemies."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Catherine and her father arrived at the party as it was in full swing. The excitement in the room was building as everyone awaited the arrival, of the "Guest of Honor", Brigit O'Donnell.
Catherine and Charles enjoyed mingling and visiting with the many colleagues that were there in attendance, and with many old friends who were there as well.
The atmosphere was very festive indeed, as the champagne was flowing in abundance, and the delicious HorDerves were aplenty.
As Catherine stood chatting with the firm's legal secretary, Rita, a dear lady whom she loved so very much, they spoke how disappointed they were that Marilyn, her Dad's personal assistant hadn't come, when suddenly...Catherine felt a pull from the other side of the room!
And as she looked over, she saw a captivating man, standing all alone, looking right back at her.
Yes this man did look quite captivating indeed! He had on a ruffled white, gothic styled shirt, which was belted at the waist, dark pants with deep brown, over the knee leather boots. And further adding to his enchanting look, were his long tangled tresses, falling loosely over his dense, weighty floor length cloak.
And as Catherine continued to look his way, she admired his beautiful lion-like disguise, and was intrigued by his compelling blue eyes...imagining they were the bluest she had ever seen.
Yes, Catherine was quite drawn to him, and thought he looked as if he had walked right out of the "Middle Ages".
And so warmly Catherine smiled, and even though her Owl mask was in place, it did not hide her most inviting of greetings to this charming stranger.
Because this man had been watching her for awhile at this gala event, he was taken aback by this beauty's salutation.
From the moment she walked into the room, he had been awe struck by her beauty, her warmth, and the kindness she showed everyone she had spoken to. Yes...everything about her captivated him.
So for her to look his way, caught him totally off guard! However, he held her gaze, and with an elegant tip of his head, found the nerve to greet her back.
And so without breaking eye contact with this intriguing man, Catherine excused herself from Rita, and slowly walked toward him, and with an outstretched hand, she sweetly said, "Hello, I am Catherine."
As he took her hand in his...they both felt it...the moment their hands touched, the chemistry between them, was so strong, and powerful, that they both had a reaction to it...Catherine unwittingly sighed the smallest of gasps, and his breath trembled at her touch.
Softly the man repeated her name...and though his voice was barely audible, Catherine heard it, and the way he said her name, sounded like pure music to her.
It was then the gentleman introduced himself, by gallantly saying, "...I am Vincent."
To which Catherine replied, "I am happy to meet you Vincent..."
Realizing they were still holding hands, embarrassed, Catherine looked downward as she reluctantly took back her hand.
With a slight bow of his head, Vincent then kindly said, by graciously noting, "You are a woman with a generous heart."
Puzzled by his comment, with a slight levity to her voice, Catherine inquisitively asked, "Why do you say that? You don't even know me!"
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent huskily told her, "Ahh, well I say this because I couldn't help but notice how you seem to know almost everyone here. I have seen the warm way you have greeted people, and they greeted you back in kind...well I am sure all these friends leave you not wanting for any additional company. Yet, you saw me here alone, and came to talk to me."
To which he then inquired, "Is it because I looked to be that lonely of a soul?"
As Catherine looked back into his eyes, her voice shuddered as she said, "No Vincent, its because you looked that engaging."
In reply, Vincent softly said, "If I may say so Catherine, you do as well."
With a blush to her cheeks, Catherine replied, "You may, and I thank you."
Realizing it had been along time since anyone made her blush, Catherine needed to take a moment to collect herself, and when she did, she then asked, "Are you new here in New York Vincent?"