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Catherine once again, found herself daydreaming at her desk. She was having a hard time concentrating on her work, even more so today than usual. Maybe because it was Halloween, and there seemed to be a feeling, a restlessness in the air.

Lately though, Catherine had been feeling like this a lot. There was an ominous change in her heart, like a north wind blowing and stirring inside of her. She was feeling unfulfilled, and had an innate need  to look for something more.

Her work here at the firm, was tedious, and as time marched on, Catherine found it to be less and less rewarding. Her father, on the other hand, loved corporate law, and for him there was no other avenue of law he wished to practice, and when Catherine joined the firm, his dream of working side by side with his daughter had come true.

However, it was becoming clear to Catherine, this aspect of law was not her dream, and she began to imagine of someday, breaking out on her own path. Venture forth to find what providence it was, she was destined to fulfill.

So meanwhile, as the ringing phone snapped Catherine out of her self-induced coma, she mechanically answered, “Catherine Chandler.”

And as she heard her Dad's voice, she cheerfully answered, “Hi Dad, what's up?”

To which Charles asked, "Just wondering when our costumes will be ready for our big night...should I pick them up or..."

In reply, Catherine happily said, “Well, Jonesy said anytime after 2:00 today, so I can pick them up on my way over. And yes...as per your suggestion, I'll be getting ready for the party at your house, so I won’t be late for our date."

Happy to hear this news, Charles expounded, "That is great honey, oh, and Willie will be thrilled to see ya. She has been missing you."

Willie who was Charles housekeeper/cook, was really a part of the family. And so guiltily, Catherine lamented, "I know it's been a couple of weeks since I have been over. And I miss her too, so tonight, I'll rectify that."

Excitedly Catherine then added, “So, I am not only anxious to see Willie, but also thrilled to be going to THE Masquerade Party of the season, and meet THE Brigit O’Donnell! I have admired her for such a long time! I am so glad we are going Dad.”

To which Charles agreed saying he was looking forward to this evening as well, as it is touted to be quite a prestigious gala event, and added, "And the fact I will be escorting MY beautiful daughter, makes it even more special!"

Catherine humbly giggled, as she said, "Spoken like a devoted Dad..."

And then Catherine turned introspective as she felt something come over her, and continued, “But yes, I feel this is going to be a very special evening too.”

As she noticed the time, Catherine then mentioned, “Well, I better run, I am meeting Jenny for lunch! Can I pick you up a sandwich or something while I am out?”

In reply, Charles thanked his thoughtful daughter, but said he had to meet a client for lunch. He then contemplated the office's docket, and said, "You know, its kind of slow around here today Cathy, why don't you take off for the rest of the day, especially since you offered to pickup the costumes."

Thinking that sounded rather fun, she told her Dad, she would absolutely love to.

Charles then said, he would be home as soon as he could, maybe knocking off a bit early too, and would be calling Willie, to see if she could rustle up something for supper.

In Reply, Catherine told her Dad that sounded perfect, and she would see him at home.

After hanging up the phone, Catherine couldn't’t stop smiling about this unexpected pardon she had been granted!  So as she took in a deep breath, she thought about how great it felt to be leaving these four walls for the day, and couldn't wait to be out and a part of the bustling city!

Just as Catherine was about to close her office door behind her, the phone began to ring, to which Catherine spewed aloud, “OHHHH, should I answer, or ignore?”

As her curiosity and dedication won out, she hurriedly ran back to the desk, and picked up the phone! Breathlessly she answered, “Catherine Chandler.”

Much to her dismay, it was her ex-boyfriend! And though she put her guard up, she still politely said, “Hello Tom.”

Well just as Catherine suspected, he called to ask her for the umpteenth time, to be his date for tonight's prestigious Masquerade Party!

To which Catherine compassionately explained,  “As I told you several times before Tom, I am going with Dad.”

And so as Catherine declined once more, Tom's desperation was showing as he pleaded her to go, saying, "Come on, it will be a Who's Who of Manhattan's High Society! Anybody who matters is invited! Come on Cathy, people will expect us to be there together!"

As Catherine listened, she couldn't believe that though they had broken up three months ago, Tom still didn't get it! And so she reminded him, "But we are not together! People can expect what ever they want, we may be a subject to gossip about for awhile, but it will fade..."

And as Tom heard what he didn't want to hear, he tried to woo her, saying she should consider getting back together, saying, "Come on Cathy...we used to be The proverbial Power Couple! Admit it...we make a great team."

To which Catherine replied, "No Tom, we don't...and if you would be honest with yourself...you would see it too. Other than our professions, we have nothing in common...not with the things that really count..."

But before Catherine could finish, Tom butted in, saying, "Well I can change, I can listen to the boring music you like, and I can tolerate the endless art galleries..."

To which Catherine kindly replied, “I don’t want you to suffer through things you don't like Tom...I don't want you to change for me. The point is, I know you will find someone else who will suit you, someone you won't have to change for, which is how it should be.”

But even after all the kindness Catherine tried to show, Tom turned on her, telling Catherine she was a spoiled brat! And then he ended the conversation warning her he was going to be at the party too, and would see her there!

To which Catherine resignedly answered, “I can’t stop you from going, but we are NOT going together!"

As their conversation ended, Catherine felt exasperated by Tom’s pushiness, and she wondered how, and why she stayed with him as long as she did! And as she reflected, she had to admit, there were times she felt used by him, and times she wondered if Tom pursued a relationship with her, because of the future partnership she would inherit!

Anyway, as far as she was concerned, it was OVER between them, and felt so very relieved this was so.

And so after shaking off the bad feelings Tom left her with, she had the afternoon off, and life was good!

And so after closing her office door behind her, Catherine thought of how liberating closing a door could be! Perhaps...the closing door was symbolic for ending her relationship with Tom too.

And so after telling both Marilyn, and Rita about her plans for the day, Catherine then added, "I heard you will be at the Masquerade Party too Rita! It should be fun."

To which Rita replied, "Yes, you know I am looking forward to it. I am trying to convince Marilyn here to go too. I have an extra ticket."

With a grimace, Marilyn replied, "Once I take these shoes off at night, there is no putting them back on! Besides, my favorite show is on tonight, so thanks but no thanks!"

As Catherine joined in with the good natured party pooper teasing along with Rita, she said her farewell, and was more than ready to venture out into the world. And so as Bruno the doorman, held the door open, he noticed Catherine's huge smile, and noted, "Someone is happy!"

To which Catherine kindly replied, "I guess I am Bruno...Dad just gave me the rest of the day off..."

And so with a tip of his hat, Bruno with a grin, said, "Well have fun Catie!"

After Catherine said bye to Bruno, she began her trek to the restaurant, and though the crisp cool air was chilling, Catherine loved it. The leaves had changed into their autumn colors, and quite a few had already fallen.

Walking the streets of New York City, especially during the holidays was always exciting to Catherine. Even though, she was born and raised a New Yorker, she was never blasé about being there! She enjoyed all the trappings of the city. The many museums, the theater, galleries, Cafe's, Broadway, Off Broadway, Off Off Broadway, the symphony, the millions of stores, boutiques, and of course last but not least…Central Park.

Yes, ever since she was a small girl, she was drawn to the park, and when it came to time move out on her own, she looked only at the apartments near there.

So luckily, Catherine found an apartment with a beautiful balcony which provides a spectacular view of the city, and is located just across the street from the park, the place she jogs, takes long walks, and can sit out in the sunshine, to do her beloved reading.

And Catherine especially loves the symphonic concerts that are performed there. Oh how she loves classical music, and she goes as often as she can.

Meantime, as Catherine headed for her favorite diner, she happily entered, saying, “Hi Jen! Waiting long?”

To which Jennifer looked at her dear old friend, who is never on time, and confidently said, “Actually I just got here. I came late, so I wouldn't  have to sit here "THE" usual 15 minutes ALONE!”

Suspiciously, Catherine looked at her, and with a laugh in her voice, said,  “Oh you love to exaggerate!”

To which Jennifer sarcastically asked, “You think so uh? Then how else would you explain why “Billy the Bus Boy” and I are so tight?”

In response, Catherine laughed, shaking her head in wonder! Thinking Jen sure had a flare for the dramatics.

Looking over the menu Catherine inquired, “What are you ordering?”

As Jennifer sat deciding, she bit her nails, as she regretfully said, “I better stick to the diet plate, which claims to have FRESH cottage cheese and a LOVELY burger patty.”

Catherine wrinkled her nose, as she in disgust, said, “Oh Jen, that sounds awful! Have something you really want, and besides, you don’t even need to diet!”

To which Jennifer looked at Catherine, and resignedly said, "I am not like you! You can eat anything and burn it off like a little furnace. Not me! I get fat drinking water. Besides…I am feeling kinda FAT today. I shouldn't have smashed on those cheese curls late last night.”

To which Catherine matter-of-factly said, “Suit yourself then, but believe me when I say,  you are not fat!”

With a decadent tone, Catherine then asked Jennifer, “You’re not going to glare at me if I order a Reuben then are you?”

“With FRENCH FRIES?” asked Jennifer.

To which Catherine raised a brow, and decadently said, “I was thinking ONION RINGS!”

To which Jennifer declared, “Glare at you? Are you kidding? I will KILL YOU!”

And because Jennifer was so boisterous, her comment caused a disapproving reaction from a neighboring table of Nuns, prompting Catherine to sink in her seat a bit, whispering, "Jen, keep you voice down!"

As Jennifer realized she was talking loud, she apologetically smiled at the Nuns, and then tried to hide behind her menu.

Luckily the waitress came to take the girls order, to which Catherine ordered her O’rings, and Reuben like she said she would, causing Jennifer to re-ponder her order.

Well, Jennifer finally looked up from the menu, and before she could change her mind, she quickly said, “I’ll have what she’s HAVING!”

Upon hearing Jennifer's order, Catherine began to laugh, knowing her friend was going to cave, and said, "Good, now I can enjoy my platter without you coveting my every bite!"

To which Jennifer replied, "What the heck, there's always a Monday right? I will start my diet in earnest on Monday!"

So as they settled in sipping their Cokes, Jennifer cleared her throat, and asked, “So are you still going to the Masquerade Party tonight?”

To which Catherine excitedly said, “You know I am! I wouldn't’t miss meeting Brigit O’Donnell for the world, you know that!”

Guiltily, Jennifer then hesitantly asked, “Well what I am really wondering is, if you are reconsidering going with Tom at all?”

Surprised by her question, Catherine assertively answered, “You know Tom and I broke up months ago, and you know I am going with Dad!"

And so suspiciously, Catherine asked, "Why are you asking about Tom?”

Sheepishly, Jennifer sat, knowing her answer will get her into trouble, but finally confessed, saying, “Well, Tom called and asked me to plead his case over lunch. Please don’t be mad at me Cath! I only agreed to ask you about reconsidering.”

Knowing, and feeling her inquest was a betrayal of sorts, Jennifer then sat with her eyes scrunched tightly shut, as she waited to get blasted!

Yes, Catherine WAS steaming mad, but it was not at Jennifer, but rather at Tom, and so she in disbelief, replied, "I can't believe Tom called to ask you to do that!”

To which Jennifer sympathetically explained, "He sounded pretty pitiful Cath."

With a stern demeanor, Catherine asked, "It sounds like you think I should get back with him?"

Defensibly, Jennifer presented her view point, by saying, “Well, the pickin’s are slim out here, and he seems pretty sincere...Tom said he would change for you. After all, he isn't a drug addict, alcoholic, axe murderer, or..."

Shocked that Jennifer fell for his sob story, Catherine butted in, and finished her sentence by adding, “…or kind, interesting, compassionate, or have any cultural taste what so ever! Tom has no interest in any of the arts, or in any of the things I love for that matter.”

Sarcastically, Catherine then sited, “In fact, for instance, a good read to Tom is “Conglomerate Mergers and Market competition”!”

To calm her friend, Jennifer put her hand on Catherine's, and softly  said, “I only told him I would bring up the possibility of going with him...that's all! I mean who would know him better than you? Besides, either there's chemistry, or there AIN’T!”

To which Catherine looked back at her friend, and sternly said, “AIN’T” ain’t a word!”

This caused them both to laugh, and then Catherine finished up this whole “Tom” line of questioning by saying, “Jen, thank you for caring. Really, but Tom is not for me. Looks and money are not everything. But there IS someone waiting for me out there, someone who will sweep me off my feet, someone who will capture my heart, and take my breath away! I don’t want to settle for anything less. Now all I need to do is find him!”

To which Jennifer then hopefully asked, “When you do…”

Catherine smiled and with a questioning look, asked,  “Yes?”

Comically, Jennifer pleaded, “Can I have Tom?”

To which Catherine laughed, and said, “No way! You don't want him! He would bore you to death!"

And then Catherine with umbrage added, "And besides, he called me a Brat today, so we would never be able to double-date!”

The girls laughed at Catherine's joking, and at the conclusion of lunch, they hugged, said their good byes to one another, and headed in opposite directions.

And then as the thought struck her, Catherine turned to say, “Oh, Happy Halloween Jen!”

In turn, Jennifer replied, “Same to you Cath, and give your Dad a squench for me.”

Catherine still walking backwards, smiled and asked, “A SQUENCH?”

To which Jennifer replied, “Yea, a hug. Remember? Grandma Wendy Darling asked Peter for a squench in the movie HOOK?”

Remembering, Catherine nodded, and said, “Now I remember! And Yes, I will give my Dad a squench for you!”

Turning and continuing on, Catherine smiled to herself thinking of how much she loved her dear old friend.

To be continued
Chapter Two
Captor Of My Heart is an alternate beginning for Catherine and Vincent,
and how they found each other.
I love their true beginning, Vincent saving Catherine’s life,
but I wondered what if… their beginning wasn’t tainted by such violence
This story takes place on Hallows Eve,
and is patterned from facts surrounding the episode “Masques”
Captor of my Heart!
By Sharon Holtz
Chapter One

Romeo: “Oh, too early seen unknown…known too late!”
William Shakespeare- “Romeo and Juliet”