| Catherine and Vincent deepened their bond in “All of my Life!” As they became closer, they realized they could no longer live apart. Catherine realized her life above was meaningless without her Vincent. Meanwhile, Vincent’s own resolve had come to pass, with the wounds within his heart soothed and healed, He is now able to be all that his Catherine deserves. Catherine’s move to the Tunnels below is a glorious and eagerly awaited event! Dreams of Gold! By Sharon Holtz Chapter One |
Vincent went directly to Catherine’s future chamber, upon his return to the tunnels. He was drawn there, wanting to be alone in a place with no distractions, and to a place, which had a direct link and connection to her.
The community below was still sleeping, except for Mortimer, who was the Sentry on duty, Pascal who seemed to never rest, and Jacob; because he knew his son was out in the world above. Until finally, as word came, that Vincent was back safely, he was then able to lay down, and put his mind to rest.
Pascal too heard the message, that Vincent had headed for the new expansion site, and he thought after he finished updating his logbooks, he would go for a walk, and check on his friend.
A very distraught Vincent sat quietly on some timbers within Catherine’s future chamber, and as he leaned his weary head upon his clenched fists, he silently wept.
He wondered how he was ever going to be able to put his faith, above his worry. As he suddenly remembered Catherine’s parting gift to him, he reached inside his shirt, and played the next recorded song Catherine had taped. “Fields of Gold”. As the song played, his sadness overpowered him, as he heard the lyrics which made him miss Catherine, all the more.
As he thought on their night together, holding onto one another, he trembled at the memory of Catherine’s beauty. The power of that moment, when Catherine opened her arms for him to lay with her, impacted Vincent’s heart in such away, he could think of little else, except how wonderful it was to be held so lovingly.
He needed this closeness they had only just shared, and how he longed to hold her close to his heart once more. Vincent’s only solace, was the memory of that moment, and the sensation of Catherine’s farewell embrace.
In his solitude, a pleasing thought passed through his mind. Vincent realized he had not lost himself, as he and Catherine grew physically closer. Vincent realized, the dark side of his nature, that used to lurk, lingering, waiting to emerge...truly was gone, and he now had proof there was nothing left to fear. It no longer needed to be a part of his life, not in any way.
Vincent felt a warmness wash through him, thinking to the day, when he and Catherine would be together, and of how much he loved and needed her. So upon her return…the days ahead would only grow brighter, but until then…a devastated Vincent would wait.
“Vincent?” Pascal called out as he entered the expansion site tunnel.
Vincent stood, and turned to the chamber’s threshold as Pascal found his friend. “Ah there you are! You returned quite late my friend….”
As Pascal stepped closer, he could see Vincent was upset. And so he asked, "Has something happened? Is Catherine all right?”
Vincent bent his head and grievously answered, “Catherine must travel Pascal. She has a commitment to a case she feels she must fulfill.”
Pascal scoffed, “Oh is that all! As upset as you look Vincent, I was concerned she had gotten injured or something!”
Vincent bellowed, “It that all! Pascal, I don’t think you realize what this means! She will be far from me…I am unable to protect her!”
Upon hearing Vincent's reasoning, Pascal scolded him, saying, “Catherine knows what she is doing Vincent. What is wrong with you, don’t you trust in her abilities?”
Vincent stepped back feeling stung by Pascal’s words. Defensively Vincent answered, “Of course I do Pascal!”
Pascal shouted back in reply, saying, “Then act like it! What do you plan to do? Wallow in self pity waiting for Catherine to return?”
Vincent put his hands out to his side, and asked pleadingly, "What would you have me do Pascal…what am I to do until Catherine returns safely home?”
Pascal looked about the chamber and suggested, “Well to begin with…you could start working on Catherine’s chamber here. It looks like there is much needing to be done!”
He then walked over to the stained glass window projects, and asked, “What about these windows? did’t you say you wanted to surprise Catherine with her own stain glass windows, because she admired yours? Well you could work on them! There is a ton of work to be done, so I suggest you pull yourself up out of this depression, and prepare your Lady’s chamber!”
Vincent looked downward at his small but mighty friend, silenced for a moment by Pascal’s knowledgeable advice. A smile came to Vincent’s eyes as he saw the determination Pascal owned, knowing he was right.
Vincent finally nodded, and asked in a clarifying manner, “So Pascal…you believe I am feeling sorry for myself?”
Pascal nodded confidently, “I do Sir!”
Vincent nodded once again, and asked, “And you believe my worry shows lack of faith in Catherine’s ability to take care of herself?”
Pascal’s determined look was easing slowly, as he could see he had snapped Vincent out of his funk! As Pascal’s lips gave way to a smile, he once more said, “I do Sir!”
Vincent looked around the chamber and inquired, “And you feel I should throw myself into my work, instead of wallowing in my useless worry?”
Pascal looked downward trying to hide his widening grin, as he said, “I do Sir!”
Vincent took a deep breath and finally conceded, saying, “Very well then, that is what I will do. I will prepare Catherine’s chamber for her! And Pascal may I ask…are you planning on helping me in this endeavor?”
Pascal shook his head no, and said, “I am not Sir!”
Vincent bent his head back in a silent laugh, and said, “I dared to hope, ah but you are an excellent motivator!”
As Vincent put his arm around his friend, who had seen him through many rough times, he said sincerely, “Thank you Pascal”
As Pascal smiled shyly, he looked downward humbled by Vincent’s heartfelt words. Vincent enforced his gratitude by saying, “Being in love can be painful, and is hard on a man…on me. It is like solving a mystery! Fitting different pieces of your heart together with the heart of another…and I seem to be making mistakes in my approach at it! You have helped me to see things…things I am blind to, because of my love for Catherine. I am truly thankful.”
Pascal looked up at his colossal friend, and he said, “You are most welcome.”
He then shook his head, as he inquired, “If love is so hard, and so painful, then what is all the fuss about?”
Vincent smiled as he told him, “Ah that is the mystery Pascal! People die for love, kill for love, even live for love! Poets have been writing about it for centuries! And you know, I don’t believe even still, any of the famed scholars have figured it out yet!"
Pascal poohed at it, and said, “I’m so glad, I’m not caught up in all that stuff. My life is neat, simple, and structured! Love? Personally, you can have it!”
Vincent nodded knowingly, “Oh, but there is the other side of love as well! When all is right, it can be like a beautifully synchronized symphony playing together, creating the loveliest of harmonies, making your heart soar…”
Pascal asked, “Like with you and Catherine?”
Vincent nodded, and with a far off look he said, “Yes…like with me and Catherine.”
He then lowered his eyes to look at Pascal, and said, “One day you will know…one day when you meet your other, then you will change your mind about being in love. In fact you will not have a choice, you will be as helpless as I.”
Pascal walked out through the threshold scratching his head, and turned and said, “Vincent you can count on it! It is never gonna happen to me! No Sir!”
After Pascal left, Vincent stood there alone, and as he played Catherine’s music, he consumed himself with the thought of her.
He decided, he would do three things during her absence, One, he would stay open to their bond, Two, he would keep his faith strong, and Three, he wanted to complete her chamber!
To get ready for option #3, Vincent removed his cloak, loosened the tether from his waist, and rolled up his sleeves. Vincent was ready to do some work!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Catherine took a cab into work, since she had her luggage with her. This morning was the same as all other mornings, everyone greeted her, and she greeted them, but somehow their smiles appeared to be a bit warmer, and their good mornings seemed more genuine, and Catherine felt a little more connected to them, than she had in the past.
Maybe before, she did’t take the time she should have, to relish these niceties, or maybe, she was realizing she may miss her job, a little more than she thought she would. She loved feeling useful, and helpful, and so she wondered, what will she be doing in the tunnels? All Catherine knew, was being with Vincent was the most important thing in her life, and the rest, will hopefully just fall into place!
Catherine put down her luggage, and reflectively sat down at her desk. She looked at the picture she had of her Dad, and sadly traced the lines of his face.
As she gingerly set it back in its place of honor, Catherine then flicked through her roller-index, reading the names of people, whose telephone numbers she would’t be needing any longer, names and numbers that were invaluable to her in the past!
As Catherine ironically exhaled a saddened breath, she spun around in her chair, and looked out over the city. All this was now going to go on above her, go on without her. She no longer will be in the middle of all this excitement!
Catherine thought of how funny it seemed to her that when she is below in the tunnels, none of this ever crossed her mind, so why does it seem so endearing to her now she was determined to leave it all behind?
But this was her life…it was all she had ever known! As a sadness came over her, Catherine rationalized it was all right to miss her old life, but as she expelled a troubled breath, she found she could maybe breath easier…once she allowed herself to mourn…just a little bit, this life she was leaving behind.
As her eye caught a bouncing ray of light, she looked down at her necklace Vincent had given her. The prism was going crazy in this bright sunshine, and this made Catherine smile, knowing this was a magical sign from God above, reminding her of her providence.
Catherine knew where her heart was leading her, this heart of hers that belonged to Vincent. She needed to be with him, near him, she needed to live below in the tunnels beside him. There was no other place she would rather be, than at Vincent’s side.
“Radcliffe…Hello…!”
Suddenly Joe’s voice broke through Catherine’s thoughts.
Turning around she said, “Sorry Joe, I was somewhere else.”
Joe tipped his head as he asked hopefully, “Are you thinking about changing you mind about your resignation?”
Standing up, she confidently said, “No Joe, that is one thing I am sure of. I know my place now.”
Shaking his head, Joe said resignedly, “I did’t think so Chandler. Oh well what can I say, a guy can hope can’t he?”
Joe then unabashedly said, “I am sure gonna miss you Cathy!”
To which Catherine said tenderly, “I know Joe…me too.”
Joe tried to hide his emotions as he looked at Catherine’s luggage, and said, “I see you are ready to go. I will drive you to the airport.”
Catherine teasingly asked, “You Joe? You hate driving to the airport! You always make one of us lackeys go when ever there is a client coming in, and I remember you even sent Jonesy to pick up your Aunt Loraine when she came in from Chicago!”
Catherine then sweetly said, “Well I must say…I am honored that I rate more than your Aunt Loraine Joe.”
Joe looked down and said, “Well don’t be too honored, you have never met Aunt Loraine! She has a mustache and weighs close to 300 lbs!"
To which Catherine asked, “Oh Joe…she does?”
Joe nodded, and exclaimed, “She does! Hesitantly, Joe’s laughter subsided, as he seriously said, “All kidding aside Cath, anything for you. You deserve the best. And I hope this guy who ever the $#& he is, deserves you!”
Catherine answered softly, “That’s sweet Joe, and please don’t worry about me.”
He then claimed, “I guess I would feel better if I knew this guy! But I respect your decision…after all I have to! You are not trusting me with anything else! Which really frosts my cookies!”
Catherine calmed Joe, by saying, “I hope one day you will meet each other. Try not to worry, I’ll stay in touch. Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you, Jen is sub-letting my apartment. If you would ever need to get in touch with me, all you have to do is just let Jen know.”
Hesitantly, Joe said, “You know Chandler…Oh I hate saying this, but since you are going out of town to get this depo and all, well since you are doing this for me…I won’t…well…Hell, I won’t hold you to your…your 2 week obligation!”
Taking in a deep breath, he felt relieved, yet sorry he was willing to let her quit earlier than she originally offered.
He then continued, “There I said it! After this trip Kiddo, consider yourself paid in full. You will have more than paid your dues!”
Hesitantly, Catherine asked, “You mean it Joe?”
Nodding, Joe said, “Yeah…I mean it. After you check in after this trip, and tie up this loose end, you are off the hook!”
Catherine dropped her purse in order to hug Joe around the neck, and said, “Ah thanks Joe!”
Looking at Catherine, he sadly said, “I secretly hoped you would’t go for it Chandler.”
Catherine replied, “But you just said…”
Joe interrupted and said, “I know what I just said, and I meant it. Don’t listen to me! Not that you did much before!”
He swallowed hard, and said, “Seriously Cathy, you deserve to hang it up after this one. I won’t kid you though, it could be dangerous. You better be on your toes every minute! Kapeesh?”
Nervously, Catherine answered “I will Joe.”
Joe looked at his watch and asked, “Are you ready?”
Catherine took a look around the office, and then down to her desk. As she picked up her Dad’s picture, and slipped it inside of her purse, she said, “Yeah Joe…I’m ready.”
To be continued
Chapter Two
The community below was still sleeping, except for Mortimer, who was the Sentry on duty, Pascal who seemed to never rest, and Jacob; because he knew his son was out in the world above. Until finally, as word came, that Vincent was back safely, he was then able to lay down, and put his mind to rest.
Pascal too heard the message, that Vincent had headed for the new expansion site, and he thought after he finished updating his logbooks, he would go for a walk, and check on his friend.
A very distraught Vincent sat quietly on some timbers within Catherine’s future chamber, and as he leaned his weary head upon his clenched fists, he silently wept.
He wondered how he was ever going to be able to put his faith, above his worry. As he suddenly remembered Catherine’s parting gift to him, he reached inside his shirt, and played the next recorded song Catherine had taped. “Fields of Gold”. As the song played, his sadness overpowered him, as he heard the lyrics which made him miss Catherine, all the more.
As he thought on their night together, holding onto one another, he trembled at the memory of Catherine’s beauty. The power of that moment, when Catherine opened her arms for him to lay with her, impacted Vincent’s heart in such away, he could think of little else, except how wonderful it was to be held so lovingly.
He needed this closeness they had only just shared, and how he longed to hold her close to his heart once more. Vincent’s only solace, was the memory of that moment, and the sensation of Catherine’s farewell embrace.
In his solitude, a pleasing thought passed through his mind. Vincent realized he had not lost himself, as he and Catherine grew physically closer. Vincent realized, the dark side of his nature, that used to lurk, lingering, waiting to emerge...truly was gone, and he now had proof there was nothing left to fear. It no longer needed to be a part of his life, not in any way.
Vincent felt a warmness wash through him, thinking to the day, when he and Catherine would be together, and of how much he loved and needed her. So upon her return…the days ahead would only grow brighter, but until then…a devastated Vincent would wait.
“Vincent?” Pascal called out as he entered the expansion site tunnel.
Vincent stood, and turned to the chamber’s threshold as Pascal found his friend. “Ah there you are! You returned quite late my friend….”
As Pascal stepped closer, he could see Vincent was upset. And so he asked, "Has something happened? Is Catherine all right?”
Vincent bent his head and grievously answered, “Catherine must travel Pascal. She has a commitment to a case she feels she must fulfill.”
Pascal scoffed, “Oh is that all! As upset as you look Vincent, I was concerned she had gotten injured or something!”
Vincent bellowed, “It that all! Pascal, I don’t think you realize what this means! She will be far from me…I am unable to protect her!”
Upon hearing Vincent's reasoning, Pascal scolded him, saying, “Catherine knows what she is doing Vincent. What is wrong with you, don’t you trust in her abilities?”
Vincent stepped back feeling stung by Pascal’s words. Defensively Vincent answered, “Of course I do Pascal!”
Pascal shouted back in reply, saying, “Then act like it! What do you plan to do? Wallow in self pity waiting for Catherine to return?”
Vincent put his hands out to his side, and asked pleadingly, "What would you have me do Pascal…what am I to do until Catherine returns safely home?”
Pascal looked about the chamber and suggested, “Well to begin with…you could start working on Catherine’s chamber here. It looks like there is much needing to be done!”
He then walked over to the stained glass window projects, and asked, “What about these windows? did’t you say you wanted to surprise Catherine with her own stain glass windows, because she admired yours? Well you could work on them! There is a ton of work to be done, so I suggest you pull yourself up out of this depression, and prepare your Lady’s chamber!”
Vincent looked downward at his small but mighty friend, silenced for a moment by Pascal’s knowledgeable advice. A smile came to Vincent’s eyes as he saw the determination Pascal owned, knowing he was right.
Vincent finally nodded, and asked in a clarifying manner, “So Pascal…you believe I am feeling sorry for myself?”
Pascal nodded confidently, “I do Sir!”
Vincent nodded once again, and asked, “And you believe my worry shows lack of faith in Catherine’s ability to take care of herself?”
Pascal’s determined look was easing slowly, as he could see he had snapped Vincent out of his funk! As Pascal’s lips gave way to a smile, he once more said, “I do Sir!”
Vincent looked around the chamber and inquired, “And you feel I should throw myself into my work, instead of wallowing in my useless worry?”
Pascal looked downward trying to hide his widening grin, as he said, “I do Sir!”
Vincent took a deep breath and finally conceded, saying, “Very well then, that is what I will do. I will prepare Catherine’s chamber for her! And Pascal may I ask…are you planning on helping me in this endeavor?”
Pascal shook his head no, and said, “I am not Sir!”
Vincent bent his head back in a silent laugh, and said, “I dared to hope, ah but you are an excellent motivator!”
As Vincent put his arm around his friend, who had seen him through many rough times, he said sincerely, “Thank you Pascal”
As Pascal smiled shyly, he looked downward humbled by Vincent’s heartfelt words. Vincent enforced his gratitude by saying, “Being in love can be painful, and is hard on a man…on me. It is like solving a mystery! Fitting different pieces of your heart together with the heart of another…and I seem to be making mistakes in my approach at it! You have helped me to see things…things I am blind to, because of my love for Catherine. I am truly thankful.”
Pascal looked up at his colossal friend, and he said, “You are most welcome.”
He then shook his head, as he inquired, “If love is so hard, and so painful, then what is all the fuss about?”
Vincent smiled as he told him, “Ah that is the mystery Pascal! People die for love, kill for love, even live for love! Poets have been writing about it for centuries! And you know, I don’t believe even still, any of the famed scholars have figured it out yet!"
Pascal poohed at it, and said, “I’m so glad, I’m not caught up in all that stuff. My life is neat, simple, and structured! Love? Personally, you can have it!”
Vincent nodded knowingly, “Oh, but there is the other side of love as well! When all is right, it can be like a beautifully synchronized symphony playing together, creating the loveliest of harmonies, making your heart soar…”
Pascal asked, “Like with you and Catherine?”
Vincent nodded, and with a far off look he said, “Yes…like with me and Catherine.”
He then lowered his eyes to look at Pascal, and said, “One day you will know…one day when you meet your other, then you will change your mind about being in love. In fact you will not have a choice, you will be as helpless as I.”
Pascal walked out through the threshold scratching his head, and turned and said, “Vincent you can count on it! It is never gonna happen to me! No Sir!”
After Pascal left, Vincent stood there alone, and as he played Catherine’s music, he consumed himself with the thought of her.
He decided, he would do three things during her absence, One, he would stay open to their bond, Two, he would keep his faith strong, and Three, he wanted to complete her chamber!
To get ready for option #3, Vincent removed his cloak, loosened the tether from his waist, and rolled up his sleeves. Vincent was ready to do some work!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Catherine took a cab into work, since she had her luggage with her. This morning was the same as all other mornings, everyone greeted her, and she greeted them, but somehow their smiles appeared to be a bit warmer, and their good mornings seemed more genuine, and Catherine felt a little more connected to them, than she had in the past.
Maybe before, she did’t take the time she should have, to relish these niceties, or maybe, she was realizing she may miss her job, a little more than she thought she would. She loved feeling useful, and helpful, and so she wondered, what will she be doing in the tunnels? All Catherine knew, was being with Vincent was the most important thing in her life, and the rest, will hopefully just fall into place!
Catherine put down her luggage, and reflectively sat down at her desk. She looked at the picture she had of her Dad, and sadly traced the lines of his face.
As she gingerly set it back in its place of honor, Catherine then flicked through her roller-index, reading the names of people, whose telephone numbers she would’t be needing any longer, names and numbers that were invaluable to her in the past!
As Catherine ironically exhaled a saddened breath, she spun around in her chair, and looked out over the city. All this was now going to go on above her, go on without her. She no longer will be in the middle of all this excitement!
Catherine thought of how funny it seemed to her that when she is below in the tunnels, none of this ever crossed her mind, so why does it seem so endearing to her now she was determined to leave it all behind?
But this was her life…it was all she had ever known! As a sadness came over her, Catherine rationalized it was all right to miss her old life, but as she expelled a troubled breath, she found she could maybe breath easier…once she allowed herself to mourn…just a little bit, this life she was leaving behind.
As her eye caught a bouncing ray of light, she looked down at her necklace Vincent had given her. The prism was going crazy in this bright sunshine, and this made Catherine smile, knowing this was a magical sign from God above, reminding her of her providence.
Catherine knew where her heart was leading her, this heart of hers that belonged to Vincent. She needed to be with him, near him, she needed to live below in the tunnels beside him. There was no other place she would rather be, than at Vincent’s side.
“Radcliffe…Hello…!”
Suddenly Joe’s voice broke through Catherine’s thoughts.
Turning around she said, “Sorry Joe, I was somewhere else.”
Joe tipped his head as he asked hopefully, “Are you thinking about changing you mind about your resignation?”
Standing up, she confidently said, “No Joe, that is one thing I am sure of. I know my place now.”
Shaking his head, Joe said resignedly, “I did’t think so Chandler. Oh well what can I say, a guy can hope can’t he?”
Joe then unabashedly said, “I am sure gonna miss you Cathy!”
To which Catherine said tenderly, “I know Joe…me too.”
Joe tried to hide his emotions as he looked at Catherine’s luggage, and said, “I see you are ready to go. I will drive you to the airport.”
Catherine teasingly asked, “You Joe? You hate driving to the airport! You always make one of us lackeys go when ever there is a client coming in, and I remember you even sent Jonesy to pick up your Aunt Loraine when she came in from Chicago!”
Catherine then sweetly said, “Well I must say…I am honored that I rate more than your Aunt Loraine Joe.”
Joe looked down and said, “Well don’t be too honored, you have never met Aunt Loraine! She has a mustache and weighs close to 300 lbs!"
To which Catherine asked, “Oh Joe…she does?”
Joe nodded, and exclaimed, “She does! Hesitantly, Joe’s laughter subsided, as he seriously said, “All kidding aside Cath, anything for you. You deserve the best. And I hope this guy who ever the $#& he is, deserves you!”
Catherine answered softly, “That’s sweet Joe, and please don’t worry about me.”
He then claimed, “I guess I would feel better if I knew this guy! But I respect your decision…after all I have to! You are not trusting me with anything else! Which really frosts my cookies!”
Catherine calmed Joe, by saying, “I hope one day you will meet each other. Try not to worry, I’ll stay in touch. Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you, Jen is sub-letting my apartment. If you would ever need to get in touch with me, all you have to do is just let Jen know.”
Hesitantly, Joe said, “You know Chandler…Oh I hate saying this, but since you are going out of town to get this depo and all, well since you are doing this for me…I won’t…well…Hell, I won’t hold you to your…your 2 week obligation!”
Taking in a deep breath, he felt relieved, yet sorry he was willing to let her quit earlier than she originally offered.
He then continued, “There I said it! After this trip Kiddo, consider yourself paid in full. You will have more than paid your dues!”
Hesitantly, Catherine asked, “You mean it Joe?”
Nodding, Joe said, “Yeah…I mean it. After you check in after this trip, and tie up this loose end, you are off the hook!”
Catherine dropped her purse in order to hug Joe around the neck, and said, “Ah thanks Joe!”
Looking at Catherine, he sadly said, “I secretly hoped you would’t go for it Chandler.”
Catherine replied, “But you just said…”
Joe interrupted and said, “I know what I just said, and I meant it. Don’t listen to me! Not that you did much before!”
He swallowed hard, and said, “Seriously Cathy, you deserve to hang it up after this one. I won’t kid you though, it could be dangerous. You better be on your toes every minute! Kapeesh?”
Nervously, Catherine answered “I will Joe.”
Joe looked at his watch and asked, “Are you ready?”
Catherine took a look around the office, and then down to her desk. As she picked up her Dad’s picture, and slipped it inside of her purse, she said, “Yeah Joe…I’m ready.”
To be continued
Chapter Two
