Below the city of New York, down in the old subway tunnels, a shattered Vincent, labored back to his chamber. He had just left Catherine at the threshold of her apartment building, who was equally saddened and devastated. And because he was the reason for how she was feeling, he was in such despair.
Feeling physically depleted by his hopelessness, he leaned against the tunnel wall, clutched his heart, and let go a heartsick cry as he slid to the ground. His mournful moan was so thunderous; it could be heard throughout the tunnel community.
Vincent stayed still and silent as he pondered this life of his. It's true; he has accepted the many restrictions he has had to live with because of who he was. This was his fate, but now that Catherine was in his life; she too, would be bound by these limits as well. Vincent could not help but wonder how much longer their bond would hold them together. How much longer would Catherine stay?
This had started out as such a joyous, monumental day! He and Catherine were finally going to go away together. But now, because of canceling all the exciting plans they had so joyfully made, he could feel the disappointment of their dashed dreams, and slashed hopes, sear her soul.
Regaining some strength, he rose to his feet and as he continued on, he recalled some of the things Jacob had said to him. Stinging words that made him cringe when he first heard them, and even now, as he replayed them in his mind. He was hurt and embarrassed by his Father's over-protectiveness, knowng Catherine over heard his angry ranting as she waited outside his Father's threshold. And it crushed him seeing how downhearted she was, as she climbed the rungs back up into her world...
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Meanwhile, above, in the busy city, Dr. Peter Alcott had just done the rarest and the most unthinkable task imaginable, he had made a house call! Yes, it was true, he had visited an elderly patient, who happened to live in the same building as Catherine. So as Peter was leaving the elevator, he found himself face to face with a very disappointed Catherine. And so with concern, he addressed her, “Cathy?"
As Catherine looked up, she tried to hide her sadness as she said, "Peter..."
Seeing she was upset, in a fatherly manner, he asked, "Is everything okay, kiddo?"
As Catherine wondered how to answer, Peter stepped back in, and rode back up in the elevator with her, and asked, “How about making the good doctor a cup of coffee uh? Then you can tell me what's going on kiddo."
As Catherine and Peter entered her apartment, Catherine began brewing Peter some coffee, and sadly explained, "It's Vincent, I've made a real mess of things."
"How so?" asked Peter.
With hesitation, Catherine replied, "By letting our dreams carry over into real life, and now because of making unrealistic plans, I have hurt Vincent terribly."
To which Peter questioned, "How could an unrealistic plan hurt Vincent?"
Regretfully, Catherine explained, "By making him even more aware of his life's limitations, and now Father resents me for the whole ideFa."
With a caring tone, Peter claimed, "I am sure you meant well. Surely Jacob couldn't resent you for having an idea."
With regret, Catherine looked up at him as she replied, “I wish that were true."
Serenely Peter coaxed, “Now why don't you start at the beginning, so I can understand the situation..."
Thoughtfully, Catherine explained, "It all began when I started to reminisce about our family's cabin in Connecticut, and how peaceful it was there, such a quiet and secluded place, where deer and other wild life were able to roam free. I told Vincent when I was a little girl, I would lie out in an open field and watch the deer during the day, and as darkness fell, I would gaze up into the night sky, and of how the moon, and the stars, seemed to shine even brighter there. I can still see the longing in his eyes."
Catherine then defensibly continued, "I felt so bad thinking he would never be able to experience a place like the cabin, well, the more I thought about it, the less impossible it seemed. I knew since Dad was in Europe, I had the place virtually to myself."
She then looked up at Peter for verification as she continued, "You know how it is up there, so secluded. The nearest cabin is your place. I really thought since we would be traveling in the paneled van I rented, it could work, and Vincent believed it too."
Catherine stood up and began pacing the floor as she continued, "I was there in the tunnels, when Vincent told his father about our plan."
Continuing, Catherine relayed, "I could hear Father's response, and he was livid! He said things to Vincent, unfounded things against myself, and our relationship. I could hear him shouting, and it was so terrible. And the Elders became upset too, as they speculated all the things that could go wrong with our plan. They feared it could be detrimental to their secret world if Vincent were to be seen, and could even lead to the tunnels demise. The whole idea upset so many people, that Vincent finally had to say he wouldn't go. Peter, I don't think I can ever make this right."
Peter felt badly for Catherine. She worked hard at the D.A., giving everything she had toward defending her clients. Her only joys were her moments with Vincent, and they were limited and few at best.
And Peter knew she also had the burden of carrying the secret of the tunnels with her, a stressful burden of which he knew all about, as he has done it himself for many, many years. Peter knew he was really the only person she could confide in, and his concern for her ran very deep.
Evaluating Catherine's Holiday plan to the cabin, Peter determined was sound and safe. It truly sounded well thought out and almost perfect. He didn't want to let too much out of the bag, but he was cooking up an idea. Yes, Peter had a plan, and even though he had never butted into Jacob's decisions concerning his tunnel world before, tonight, his personal policy was about to change!
So, casually Peter looked at his watch, and apologetically asked, "...say, I hate to leave you right now, but I have one last call to make across town...can we talk more when I get back?"
To which Catherine replied, "I'd like that Peter..."
So after Catherine consented, Peter then feignfully surmised, "...I guess I'll just have to hail a taxi out front...unless..."
And then acting as if the thought just struck him, Peter asked, "...unless I could borrow the van you rented..."
With a nod, Catherine replied, "Of course, but I still have all our weekend provisions in the back, should we unload it first?"
To which Peter suggested, "We can when I get back kiddo."
Peter then gave her a loving hug, and turned before he left, to ask, "Say, are you going to be OK?"
Catherine tried to smile as she assured him, "Talking to you always makes me feel better, yes, I'll be fine."
Pleased this was so, Peter smiled back, as he said, "I won't be long."
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Upon arriving below in the tunnels, Peter found the nearer he got to Jacob's chamber, the madder he became. Yes, Peter and Jacob were friends, but he was also there for Jacob as a helper as well. So in honor of their alliance, Peter made a point not to interfere. But today was a new day.
After calming himself, Peter stepped through the archway to find Jacob sitting at his desk just staring off, seemingly very deep in thought. And so Peter spoke, "Jacob?"
As he heard Peter's greeting, he stood and asked, "Peter, what brings you by this time of day?"
With his temperament hovering near a low boil, Peter replied, "I have just left Cathy, and..."
Thinking he would have an ally in Peter concerning this matter, Jacob's eyes narrowed as he angrily spewed, "Then you know what Catherine was proposing! She wanted to take Vincent to her family's cabin on a Holiday, can you imagine! She purposefully and unrealistically raised the boy's hopes, only to send them crashing. Now Vincent is off somewhere, trying to put his thoughts back into focus! And now you are telling me Catherine came running to you! Of all the gull!"
Holding up his hand, Peter bellowed, "Stop right there Jacob!"
Surprised by Peter’s tone, Jacob stepped back, acting as if he had been struck! And as he listened in disbelief, Peter continued, "Just listen to yourself putting down Cathy, someone who has looked past her and Vincent's differences and has given up so much for this dream she and Vincent share! And as far as confiding in me about what happened today, well other than myself, she has no one she CAN talk to about Vincent. She and her father are very close, but because of her promise to keep the tunnels secret, she is virtually living alone in the world above!"
Meanwhile, Jacob was so stunned by Peter's perspective, that it rendered him speechless.
And so Peter continued, "I should think the relationship they have, certainly must exceed anything you could ever have hoped for your son."
Carefully, Peter softened his voice as he continued, "Jacob, I know how close you are with Vincent, and up until Cathy entered your lives, he has shared all his spare time with you. He has been a companion to you, as well as a son. But you must realize, you must know, you will not always be here for Vincent. Do you really want him to loose Cathy, along with any hope of a future life with someone who cares for him as much as that girl does?"
As Jacob contemplated all Peter had just said, he took off his glasses and nervously cleaned them. Yes, Peter's words had humbled him, and as he thoughtfully put his spectacles back on, he began to see things a little differently...figuratively that is.
Continuing, Peter asked, "Just what was so wrong with this Holiday idea? I mean the travel plans were well thought out, and I can tell you Jacob, it IS secluded up there. Cathy was not taking any chances with Vincent. She would never do that, not in a million years! She only wanted him to see the stars, and some of nature's beauty."
As Peter faced his friend eye-to-eye, he continued, "And for the record, Cathy did not come running to me, I ran into her quite by accident, and I thank God I did. I really don't know what state she would be in if she hadn't confided in someone. She is quite devastated, knowing how you feel, and her fear is, things are so bad; she is unable to make things right by Vincent, by you, or anyone here. And yes, she does know Vincent has been hurt by having this dream ripped away; she is hurting as well, because it was her dream too."
Peter then sternly offered, "I have never butted in before, you know I haven't, but for Cathy's sake I am now! She does not deserve to be treated so shabbily, and if I am reading you right, I believe you can see how unreasonable you have been toward her."
Jacob was shocked and yes, even ashamed. He knew in his heart Catherine cared for his son, but he could not deny, life was so much easier before she entered their lives. So much easier, but knowing he had been wrong, he did humbly concede to Peter, saying, "Even though I can see I have been wrong, what could I possibly do about it now? Isn't it too late?"
To which Peter explained, "No, it isn’t. I have the weekend off, and what I am planning to do, is to tell Vincent and a few others, we are going on Holiday. Then, we are picking up Cathy, and are going to that cabin with, or without you. So I guess your options are as follows, you can swallow your pride and come along, or you can sit here and sulk all weekend. It is up to you."
With that said, Peter turned on his heels, and headed for the threshold, when he heard Jacob clear his throat, and say, "A Holiday, uh?"
Slowly, Peter turned around to look at his stubborn old friend, and asked, "You will go then?"
Humbly, Jacob approached his dear friend, and asked, “Yes...if you allow me..."
After a friendly embrace, Peter exclaimed, "Of course Jacob! Of course!"
To which Jacob expressed, "Thank you for this chance to right my wrongs.”
In reply, Peter said, "It is a new day for new beginnings. You gather a few others then, and I will get Vincent."
As Peter ventured onto Vincent’s chamber, he was pleased to have found him there. And so excitedly Peter approached, stirring him from his deep troubled thoughts, saying, "Vincent, I have news about Cathy and about going to the cabin...you see..."
Assuming something bad had occurred, Vincent quickly stood up as he asked, “What's happened? Is Catherine all right?"
In a calming voice, Peter answered, "Nothing bad has happened, she is however, upset and disappointed, but you see..."
Vincent with heavy emotion in his voice, over-road Peter to say, "I know, I know how devastated she is. I can feel her despair. Today, I lacked the courage to stand up to Father for Catherine. However, at the time it seemed selfish to go forward, knowing how upset Father and the others became...but now I see, I should have been firm in my resolve, I should have gone, gone for Catherine when I knew how much it meant to her."
Peter commiserated by admitting how Catherine felt, but was finally able to say, "Vincent, Vincent, I am trying to tell you that YOU can go! You can go for Catherine! Jacob, now regrets his first reaction. And so in other words, it looks like you are going to the cabin after all! In fact we all are. Since there is safety in numbers, I convinced Jacob that he, I and a few others will tag along."
Hardly daring to believe, Vincent clarified, "Peter, you've actually gotten Father to agree to all this?"
To which in reply, Peter answered a bit skeptically, saying, "Well, it took a little convincing, but yes, Jacob has come around."
Warmly, Vincent expressed, "You have given us hope again."
To which Peter humbly smiled, and then said, "So grab your satchel, we are to meet Jacob and the others at the tunnel entrance, and we will pick up Cathy!"
Vincent embraced his dear friend, and just shook his head, because there really were no words. And so after gathering up his things, they left Vincent's chamber.
Meanwhile, Jacob, Mary, Mouse, Jamie and Pascal, (yes, Pascal did agree to leave his pipes) were all anxiously waiting by the van.
As Peter and Vincent approached, Jacob came forward to meet his son, and as he lowered his humbled head, he asked, "Can you ever forgive such an old fool?"
With forgiveness, Vincent replied, "I understand the security concerns you and the Elders have, surrounding the Tunnel Community's safety Father...and for mine."
Overcome with emotion, Jacob could only nod his head in agreement; feeling so blessed his son understood, and forgave him.
Vincent then continued, "I have read we must venture forth, and leave our safe places. Father, I am at a point in my life where I must try. I have wondered many times, what is the reason for my life if I don't expand my boundaries, and explore other possibilities."
Knowing all he had said was true, the Father and Son embraced, and warmly Jacob said, "Let's get Catherine, and go on Holiday, shall we?"
Meanwhile, Mary wiped a tear from her eye, and everyone else standing there was witness to a new understanding, and they all felt finally, it was about time!
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As they approached Catherine's apartment, they had decided, it would be Jacob who should break the news to her about...the change in plans. And so as everyone waited in the van, Peter and Jacob went up to Catherine's apartment. And as they waited for Catherine to answer their knock, Peter asked, "Do you want me to wait out here while you speak to Cathy?"
To which Jacob adamantly replied, "There is nothing to hide from you Peter, you have seen it all so clearly, and helped me to see it too. No no no, I want you with me."
So as a visibly spent Catherine answered the door, she looked to Peter, and then to Jacob, and assumed the worse, asking, "Is Vincent all right?"
To which Jacob calmly answered, "Yes, yes Catherine, Vincent is fine, you see..."
Jacob then stopped in mid sentence, gathered his thoughts and continued, "...you see, I came to apologize. Today, Peter came to...shall I say "TALK" to me, and he explained of how you had this Holiday to the cabin so well thought out, that it was quite safe. Well, I feel like such a fool for not really listening to Vincent, OR giving this whole idea a chance. Can you accpet my apologies for interfereing?"
As Catherine heard all Jacob had to say, she was stunned! So thanks to Peter, Jacob has had a change of heart, and was asking for her forgiveness! Can you imagine?
So apologetically, Jacob again asked, "Catherine, can you forgive me?"
To which Catherine kindly said, "Yes Father, and I hope you know I meant no harm, I only wanted to share the beauty of the cabin with Vincent...”
To which, Jacob with a new found humbleness shared, “I do Catherine...and I suppose the irony is, I thought I was protecting him, but instead I was depriving Vincent of the beauty of life, the very beauty of which we love reading about."
Tearfully, Catherine said, “I do understand why you had concerns Father..."
Catherine then turned to Peter, and with a thankful smile, she asked, "So Peter, was visiting Father, the last stop you needed to make?"
After confessing it was, Peter then added, "Well kiddo, there is more...Jacob? Would you like to continue?"
So after nodding, Jacob stepped forward and asked, "So Catherine we..Peter and I that is, wondered if you would still like to take Vincent to the cabin...and if so, allow us, and a few others to tag along?"
Of course Catherine wanted to say yes, but before she did, she hesitantly asked, "Father, this really is all right with you, and with the Elders too?"
As Jacob cleared his throat of any lingering emotion, he said, "It is...so get your self ready. Mouse, Mary, Jamie, and even Pascal are all waiting with Vincent down in the van."
After hearing this wonderful news, Catherine, in an unexpected response, kindly kissed his cheek, and tearfully said, "Thank you, thank you both. Please just make yourselves at home, I won't be long."
Modestly, Jacob blushed from Catherine's display of affection, and then looked sheepishly toward Peter, who smiled and said, "Well, well, that was sure nice uh?"
As Peter then motioned toward the couch, he teased, "Might as well Pop a Squat, you know women!"
After sharing a bit of a chuckle, they both sat down. And as they did, Jacob looked about her apartment, and saw Catherine was a woman of excellent taste. Then in front of him, upon her coffee table, was Shakespeare's Sonnets. And nside was inscribed "Shakespeare knew everything." to which he recognized the handwriting at once to be his Son's, and knew the tome was from Vincent. As this touched him, he then pondered, "Here, among all the worldly riches this young woman could afford, it was a gift from Vincent she had displayed." Oh how he underestimated Catherine and the deep relationship she shared with his son.
As Catherine re-entered the living room with her gear, she announced, "I am ready!"
To which Peter noted, "Wow! That was quick!"
With a smile, Catherine shrugged, and said, "I suppose it's because I am so anxous to go! Peter will you be driving?"
To which he countered, "Oh yea! I like driving that rig! Let's go kiddo."
As Catherine stepped into the van, she gave Mary, Mouse, Pascal, and Jamie warm friendly greetings, and they reciprocated in kind, all saying how excited they were to be going to her family's cabin.
To which Catherine made sure they knew they were welcome, and was pleased they were all going along on Holiday too.
And finally, when Catherine made her way to Vincent, they could sense each others joy. As Catherine sat down, Vincent gathered her to him, and they spoke in unbelievable terms, about how their dream was coming true! They were actually heading to the cabin on Holiday!
To be continued
Chapter Two
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| Holiday Anyone? By Sharon Holtz Chapter One |
