Charles looked at his beautiful daughter, and realized how tired, and run down she was looking. He then thought maybe it would be good for her to get away, and have a little break. So cautiously, he asked, "What do you think about going to the cabin for Thanksgiving this year. Uncle Douglas, Aunt Elaine, Robbie and Gerty are going, and hoping we will too, you know, like we used to do. What do you think?"
With concern, Catherine asked, "But Dad, can we really make plans? What if Mother Alcott passes?"
This was a viable concern for Catherine, because she loved Mother Alcott so very much. Yes, Mother Alcott reached out to little Catherine after her Mom died, and they developed a very sweet relationship.
And so because of Catherine's love for her and Peter, she wanted to be available to attend her funeral.
Somberly Charles explained, "Uncle Douglas, understands all of our plans are contingent on our need to be with Peter. They will be using the cabin either way, so we really won't alter their plans any if by chance we can't go."
With the thought of Mother Alcott's impending funeral, she then sadly said, "If you think it's okay to plan...then of course, I want to go too...I'll tell Jenny."
Feeling like he is helping his daughter out of her funk a little, Charles smiled, and said, "Gee that's great honey."
And then pushing a little more, Charles asked, "Well, since I am on a roll, can I talk you into going out for lunch today? And I promise, no serious talk...uh? Just lunch!"
With a raised brow, Catherine asked, "You buying?"
To which Charles said, "You bet!"
With a bit of a chuckle, Catherine replied, "Count me in, well I better go Dad, Harvey and I are working on the Benjamin case. See ya for lunch."
So before Catherine dug into her work, she wanted to call and thank Jennifer for the beautiful painting she had chosen for their lobby, and to ask her about going to the cabin.
And so after Catherine thanked her friend, Jennifer was prompted to ask, "I was wondering when you were going to notice!"
In response, Catherine guiltily admitted, "I am sorry to say, I just did today...I love you filled our lobby with one of my favorite artists...you are the best."
Happily Jennifer replied, "Since nothing special was requested for the commission, I was able to make my own judgement call...I am just so glad you like it!"
And then Jennifer urgently noted, "Cathy, we still have to make our Thanksgiving plans!"
To which Catherine said, "Yes, about Thanksgiving, which was another reason why I am calling, Dad wants to meet up with Uncle Douggy's family. Are you up for a trip to the cabin?"
Happy to hear the plan, Jennifer gleefully said, "Yes! Call me later to discuss."
Saying she would, Catherine then did caution that should Mother Alcott pass, then unfortunately plans would change. To which Jennifer said she understood, and then the dear friends said goodbye.
Meanwhile, the noon hour approached, and so Catherine and her Daddy ventured out into the snow covered city to break for lunch at one of their favorite places, Murray's.
Where as promised, they had a stress free conversation, and the most delicious Monte Cristos they ever had!
And so after getting back to work, Catherine's afternoon went by quickly, and before she knew it, her Dad was peaking in to say it was time to call it a day, and added, "Willie just called to say if you want to come for Dinner, there is plenty."
To which Catherine replied, "I think I'll pass on Dinner, I was planning on having my leftovers from lunch, but please tell Willie thanks for me, I just have a few more things to go over with Harvey, and then I am leaving too."
So as Charles gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead, he teased, "OK, I'll hold you to it, you don't want to become a workaholic like someone else I USED to know."
Knowing he was speaking about himself, Catherine smiled as she said, "Ok Dad, I promise."
To which Charles thoughtfully suggested, "Oh, you might want to thank Madge and tell her goodbye. Rita had called Marilyn a little bit ago, saying she will be back tomorrow, earlier than anticipated."
In reply, Catherine lamented, "Oh I wish I had a thank you gift for her."
With a nod, Charles reassured his daughter, "Got you covered. Marilyn prepared a bonus check and also gave her one of the Truffle gift baskets we mail out to our clients for Christmas."
Happy to hear this, Catherine replied, "Well that sounds perfect, and thank you for the heads up, I will be sure to thank her and wish her well as I leave."
Thoughtfully, Catherine then expressed, "Even though Madge did a great job, I am so happy to hear Rita will be back, I've missed her so much."
With a raised brow, Charles teased, "That makes one of us!"
Catherine giggled at her Dad's silly joke, and then said, "You don't fool me, good night Dad!"
So as Catherine and Harvey concluded all they wished to for the day, Catherine sent him on his way, a short time before she checked out too! And so preparing herself to brave the elements, she put on her scarf, and looked around for her missing black leather glove!
And so thinking it was lost forever, Catherine simply put on her one glove, and closed her office door behind her, and as she passed by Madge, she thanked her for all she did to help the office continue to run so smoothly.
Feeling overcome by all the kindness that had been showered upon her on her last day, Madge tearfully said, "Thank you! And if anyone breaks a leg, an arm, foot or for ANY reason, I hope you call me again!"
With a warm smile, Catherine told her should they need a temp again, she would be the one they would call, and then bade her goodbye.
As the elevator door opened up to the lobby, Catherine smiled as the Aivazovsky caught her eye again, and then seeing Bruno at the door, she thought how nice it was to see that Bruno was back on duty! And so she cheerfully said, "We missed you Bruno, it is so great to have you back!"
Warmly he smiled, and said, "I appreciate that Catie, and believe me, it is good to be back!"
With a mindful caution, Bruno then said, "Now be careful, even though the city cleared the snow off the walkway, it is still slippy."
In reply, Catherine said, "I'll be careful Bruno, good night and try to stay warm."
And as Catherine started to walk away, a very observant Bruno dug into his pocket, and asked, "Oh Catie...are you missing something?"
Bruno then winked as he held up a black leather glove, and said, "I've been watching to see who the one gloved person was."
Gratefully, Catherine said, "Oh thank you Bruno! I thought sure it was lost for good. Well, Goodnight."
And so as Catherine began her trek home, her route took her down Fifth Ave. past the park, where the sound of the piped in Holiday music, the sight of the roving minstrels, Food Venders, and the many ice skaters, lured Catherine over to Wollman Rink.
And as she walked over to where all the activity was, a group of boys, ran past her, and she smiled as she watched their childish fun, throwing snowballs, and running to no where in particular, but just totally enjoying the snow.
Stepping toward the rink, Catherine kindly watched, as the couples paired up, holding one other, skating to the music, affectionately wishing she was one of the flushed cheek girls, skating along with Vincent.
Then it struck her, even if things were different with Vincent right now, they could never be one of these couples, skating openly in the world.
Tested by this realization, Catherine knew even though this reality made her sad, she really would happily concede these everyday joys, for him.
As Catherine left the rink area, she walked down a snow covered trail, and came upon a vacant little bench, where she continued to watch the skaters privately from this new vantage.
And although it was cold, Catherine was not, because the snow seemed to fall silently and protectively around her. And as she sat there, she was happy, because at least for a little while, Catherine could lose herself, watching the snow covered world go round...around her.
Suddenly feeling very invisible and very alone, Catherine was certain she missed Vincent even more now as time passed, instead of less. And it seemed as though the pain would never fade away.
Catherine then wondered, if this is how it was always going to be. Going through life, without the man she loved...and as she asked herself these questions, tears began to fall, as she never felt so all alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, down in the tunnels, a group of children ran past Vincent. They were all snowy and wild with laughter, and as Vincent grabbed at the coat of one of the boys, he said, "Slow down Joseph, what is all the excitement about?"
With rosy red cheeks, Joseph exclaimed, "It is snowing Vincent, and we just had a snowball fight with some top-siders, and we won!"
To which Vincent nodded as he recalled a few snowball fights he had been in as a boy, and with a pensiveness, he released Joseph's coat, and cautioned, "Just be careful not to injure anyone."
To which Joseph replied, "We'll be careful!" And as Joseph ran to catch up with the others, Vincent dreamily said, "Ah so it's Snowing..."
For as long as Vincent could remember, he had always loved the mystical elements a fresh snowfall would bring, and as Vincent felt the strange sensation of a grin, he had realized it has been awhile since he felt good enough to release a joyful smile.
So, because he desired to see the snow falling too, Vincent found himself drawn to the park entrance...and as he stood there, he noticed all the people of the city seemed to be congregating near the skating rink tonight, making the trails rather secluded.
Upon realizing he could privately venture out, Vincent pulled up his hood and entered the park, heading for an older bridal trail, where he could freely walk.
And so as Vincent walked along one particular trail, enjoying the cold upon his face, he raised his head, as the smell of roasted chestnuts was in the air.
Yes it was that time of year, when vendors set up their carts all around the square, adding to the jovial Holiday Season, as they peddle their festive fares.
So on such a night like this, Vincent was able to enjoy the freedom of being in the top-siders world, just like any other man...for in his heart and soul, he really was.
However, his solitary feeling was short lived, as he then saw a group of boys yards up ahead, precariously running about. And though he felt free enough, he was prepared to step aside if he needed.
Meanwhile, as Vincent walked onward, he neared a lone bench, where a young woman was sitting by herself, he felt a sadness radiating from, and all around her. And because he felt her sadness so strongly, reaching out to him...he was drawn to her.
Staying still and silent as not to frighten her, it was then he thought, this woman looked like...could it be...Catherine? And then he realized...it was...
Suddenly, without hearing a sound, Catherine inexplicably turned to the direction of a familiar, powerful pull, and so softly, she whispered, "Vincent?"
As her voice filled his heart, he stayed silent, as they looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity.
But it was when he saw her tears, that he lowered his hood, and began to step forward, as he with concern, huskily whispered, "Catherine..."
Unfortunately, just as Vincent was about to go to her, some carolers came up to sing to Catherine.
And so Catherine sat, feeling helplessly trapped, having to politely listen to their single song serenade, before they finally moved on.
And though Vincent stepped out of sight, waiting to speak to Catherine, it was then Vincent noticed the boys were now nearing too, and though with all his heart he wanted to stay and wait, for the sake of the tunnels safety, he could not stay.
Finally alone now, Catherine searched the landscape for Vincent, but sadly...he was no where...no where in sight.
Hesitantly, Catherine walked over to where Vincent had stood, and so she fruitlessly called out to him, even though she knew there would be no reply...for she could no longer feel he was near.
Meanwhile, Vincent arrived safely back to the confines of the tunnels. And as the iron door closed, Vincent brought his hand to his heart, as he understood, how just being near her, hearing her voice, and witnessing her beauty tonight, had stirred all his hopeless dreams again...and it was then Vincent realized how affected he was by this unexpected encounter with Catherine.
His breathing, his heart, every vital in his being, was racing, and emotionally, he was stunned.
As he settled back into his chamber to gather himself, he lamented the timing of the top-siders, as he so wished he could have spoken to Catherine, and ask her why she was so unhappy.
And then he wondered, could it be she was missing him as he was her? Did she have second thoughts?
The way she called out, and spoke to his heart...even now...he felt her calling to him.
So, with feelings of hope returning, he then planned to go back, and see if she would still be there, and so after he calmed and readied himself, it was time to venture into the world above once more.
Meanwhile, the voice in Catherine's heart kept calling out to Vincent with every step she took. And as she followed his footprints, she was confused as they ended at this huge drainage tunnel. And so Catherine ventured in as far as she could go, until she came to an iron barrier, where the steps ended.
And though she did not get to speak to Vincent tonight, at least now, she knew where the entrance was to his world, and that it existed somewhere beyond this iron door.
The cold finally descended upon Catherine as she stood waiting at the iron door, and she then called out Vincent's name for the last time.
And although Vincent didn't answer...her voice did not go unheard. As Daniel the sentry on duty heard her, and he asked Mack a new runner, to tell Vincent there was a woman calling for him at the park entrance.
Sadly though, because of Mack's indulgent personality, he took a detour and stopped off at the kitchen...to sneak a snack from William's pantry. And because Mack was new on the job, he did not yet fully realize the importance of tunnel security, and that messages had to be delivered swiftly!
For had Vincent known Catherine had been at the door for him, perhaps he could have gotten there in time before she had given up and gone away.
At any rate, this information would have supplied the courage, and confidence Vincent could have used, to sustain him in the times to come.
And unfortunately as timing would have it, Vincent, who was just now traveling the tunnel main toward the park's threshold, would just miss her.
But...curiously as the iron door opened, Vincent saw prints that were not his own, causing him to wonder...and so following them out, they lead to the little bench, where Catherine had been...and sadly, she was no longer there! So as Vincent pondered all this, he wondered what he should do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Catherine upon entering her apartment, quickly stepped out on her balcony to check perhaps for a note or something from Vincent. Somewhere in the back of her heart, she always hoped...but once again there was nothing.
Sadly, she pondered the timing of the minstrels. Why did they have to come right at that moment she and Vincent saw each other, and then the children too? But then she wondered why didn't Vincent wait for them to leave? Didn't he want to speak to her, not even to say hello?
Catherine realized she had to accept, Vincent did not even want to maintain a friendship with her. And so she closed the balcony doors, and built a fire to warm herself.
Thinking back to the night when Vincent was there with her on All Hallows Eve, sharing a fire...now seems like just a dream, a long ago beautiful dream.
As she struck a match to light the candles about her apartment, she bent down to stoke the fire and thought she could at least do things to help warm her physical self, yes that she could do, but there did not seem to be any cure to help warm the chill that had settled into her broken heart.
There was only one person who could do that, and it was now clear to Catherine, since he didn't wait to speak to her, that Vincent wanted no part of her.
Upon hearing a knock on her door, she opened it to find an old friend standing there. It was Paul. So as Catherine forced herself to climb up out above her sadness, in order to give him a cheerful greeting, she said, "Paul what are you doing here? Come in."
Paul gave Catherine a hug, and he told her, "Well Chandler, I just ran into a mutual friend of ours and she told me you are going through a rough time. So since I too am nursing a broken heart, I thought we could be lousy company together."