An astonished Jennifer, then said, "I remember you told me Brigit made you feel inadequate in the curve department, but Cathy...she would make Dolly Parton feel inadequate!"
Snidely Jennifer then added, "And she obviously is not shy to flaunt what she has! That dress is very tight! Really!"
As Catherine tried to silence her observant, opinionated friend, under her breath, she said, "Jen, please don't talk so loud! I would hate for Brigit to over-hear you!"
Just then, Jennifer's assistant anxiously ran up to her, and told her the caterers were waiting to be paid.
And so because she had a task to do, Jennifer apprehensively looked toward Catherine, and worriedly said, "I have to cut the caterers a check Cath, are you gonna be OK facing Brigit alone?"
To which Catherine took in a deep breath, and smiling at her friend, said, "Sure Jen, go do what you have to do. I'm fine."
And so as Catherine stood there alone, she could not help but wonder if Brigit was in town solely to support her cousin, or was she in town, also for the Winterfest celebration tomorrow night!
Humbly, as Brigit approached Catherine, she looked downward sheepishly, and asked, "Catherine, are ye speakin' to me, and 'ave ye fergiven me fer what I had done?"
In reply, Catherine truthfully said, "It is difficult to forget how your interference complicated things for Vincent and I."
To which Brigit then sweetly noted, "Awe, but I am sorry, AND 'tis the Christmas Season Catherine...'ave a heart. I AM truly sorry, and I know ye cannot fault a girl fer tryin'...not when there is a man like Vincent to fight fer..."
And Brigit then reminded Catherine, "...after all, ye won out in the end, and look at me! Well, I am not angry at ye, even though I...a lonely widow, knew, and fell fer Vincent long befer ye ever met him!"
Seeing Catherine soften, Brigit then laid the guilt trip on, a little thicker, as she lamented, "How was I to know he would fall fer someone else, befer I even had a chance to woo him!"
Heavy heartedly, Brigit then added, "Aye...if only me dear 'ole Father would not have fallen ill that night...and I would 'ave met Vincent as planned...well, who knows...so...what do you say? Please fergive me."
And because Brigit presented her side in such a fashion, that forced Catherine to see the situation from her viewpoint, Catherine then graciously conceded, "Now that I better understand your side..."
Still, Catherine had to say, "...but hiding my letter!"
As Catherine began to get fired up again, she calmed herself, and said, "...I will try to forgive what you had done Brigit, I suppose I just need a little more time."
With relief, Brigit then said, "I dinny deserve any more than that. 'Tis good of ye to try, and I thank ye Catherine."
Hesitantly, Brigit then searchingly asked, "So tell me how is the very Vincent, we be speakin' of?"
Upon hearing Brigit's question, Catherine wondered how to answer. After all, Brigit was not her confidant, nor did she consider her a friend. And the last thing Catherine wanted to do, was to supply Brigit with details, of how Vincent felt about their differences. And that because of his perspective, they were no longer together.
But because Catherine still held out hope Vincent will see he was wrong, they could very well, pick up their relationship, where they had left off. So what would be the point in saying they had broken up?
So...whether NOT telling Brigit the whole story, was right or wrong, the one thing Catherine was sure of, was that...they did not need a sexy Irish lass interfering, and complicating things even more than they already were.
And so sadly Catherine carefully answered, "I just came back into town, and I, well I've not seen him as yet. I am actually staying at my Dad's home as he is recovering from being ill."
To which Brigit said, "Oh me! Hope he will be all right."
With a thankful nod, Catherine said, "Thankyou...I think he will be."
Just then, as luck would have it...Steven walked up to Catherine and apologetically said, "I am sorry to be such a lousy date Cathy, but that crazy Reginald kept going on and on about the trouble we used to get into, when we were frat brothers! Ah yes...the good 'ole/bad 'ole days..."
It was then Steven looked over at Brigit, and back to Catherine, as he finally figured out he was butting in! And so he said, "Oh Garsh, looks like I am interrupting."
And so, Steven's unfortunate arrival, caused Catherine to look downward, knowing because of how Steven characterized himself, it must appear to Brigit, that Steven was her date!
And so because Catherine was forced to introduce them to each other, she realized she could correct this impression, by saying, "Brigit, this is an old friend of mine I met in college, Steven Parker, Steven, this is Brigit O'Donnell."
To which Steven shook Brigit's hand, but with umbrage, turned to Catherine and incredulously asked, "An old college friend? Is that how you view me? I mean we were more than just friends to one another Cathy! For God's sake, we were to be married!"
Because Catherine was still guarded with Steven, she was taken aback by his arrogance, and reaffirmed, "That was a long time ago Steven...and we agreed...we are renewing our friendship, and friendship only."
Upon realizing he better reign in his possessiveness, Steven tried to laugh it off, as he said, "You are right, that was a long time ago! And...we agreed on being JUST friends, and so friendship it is!"
Turning back to Brigit, Steven with a bit of sarcasm, politely said, "Forgive my airing our dirty laundry. Cathy has graciously managed to forgive all my past sins, and has AGREED to honor me ONLY with her friendship."
And then turning toward Catherine, Steven did a slight bow, and continued, "Of which I am eternally grateful for."
With a tip of her head, Brigit replied, "Hmm, join the club! Seems Catherine has received a few request fer fergiveness of late!"
But before Steven could ask for clarification, Reginald appeared, and said he wanted to abscond Steven for a bit, to unite with yet another x-frat brother!
And so as Steven excused himself, he glanced over at Catherine, and with an apologetic smile, he turned to walk away with Reginald, and as he did so, he stumbled a bit, as if he were fatigued.
And so out of concern, Catherine began to approach Steven, but when he turned, he held up his hand, indicating to Catherine, he was O.K.
And so now, feeling self-conscious for her over-reaction, Catherine still standing by Brigit, felt there was much to say about her concern over Steven's stumble, but then thinking she shouldn't share details of his illness, was left with nothing to say.
And so just as Brigit picked up on something being wrong with Catherine's friend, she was about to ask, when Patrick walked up saying, "Ah cousin, there ye are, talkin' to Catherine, the only other woman in this entire room, who could rival yer beauty!"
With a tip of her head, Brigit asked, "Ah, so ye two 'ave met?"
Patrick then looked at Catherine, as he continued talking to Brigit, saying, "We 'ave, and I'm green with envy, as I 'ave barely had the opportunity to speak with Catherine me self as yet!"
Meanwhile, Brigit, who was still speculating on who Steven was to Catherine, toyed a bit by saying, "Ye may have to stand in line Patty..."
To which Patrick then said, "Aye...jist me luck uh? Well tell me Catherine, 'ave I at least impressed ye with me etchin's?"
Feeling uncomfortable with Brigit's comment, because Catherine was unsure if Brigit was referring to Vincent, or Steven as competition for Patrick...and so still, Catherine managed to smile, and said, "Yes you have...you are truly talented."
Just then, Patrick's assistant slipped him a note, and as he read it, he turned to Brigit to say, "Hmmm, it seems cousin, someone has recognized ye! It is a publisher, and he is eager to meet with ye about yer next novel! So, if ye would care to meet him...it appears I am playin' the liaison. Aye...torn away agin from talkin' to the loovely Catherine, won't ye please excuse us?"
To which Catherine emphatically stated, "Of course."
And as Brigit too asked to be excused, she looked back at Catherine once more, and said, "Thank ye fer talkin' to me Catherine...till we meet agin."
With a kind response, Catherine replied, "Goodbye Brigit."
Brigit then walked away, and discreetly shifted her gaze over to where Steven stood. And as she sized him up, she couldn't help but to wonder.
And though, in spite of the whole "Friendship" explanation, Brigit thought to herself, "Me thinks Catherine doth protest too much! Is he more than a friend? And I do 'ave to wonder, why she reacted so when Steven tripped!"
And so as Brigit absorbed this information, she wondered what it could mean. Was Catherine two-timing poor Vincent?
Yes...well since she managed to wrangle an invitation through Pascal this day, she hoped to find out more from Vincent's perspective while being a guest for the Winterfest celebration tomorrow.
And then Brigit thought, why wait until tomorrow, and decided that tonight, she would be taking Pascal up on his invitation, and head for the tunnels!
And...because Brigit felt badly for what she had done on her last visit, she wondered if she should keep this information to herself, or did Vincent have the right to know Catherine was out on a date.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Vincent had just returned to the tunnels, after his third attempt to visit Catherine that evening.
Vincent had assumed that because Peter had estimated Catherine would be returning by the end of the week, she should be home!
And because he could feel her nearby, his angst increased, as he was concerned about the muggings in her area, and began to fear about her safety.
And so as the iron door slid shut behind him, back within the confines of the tunnels, he began to urgently pace, as he could not wait check on her again, to not only see she was fine, but to ask Catherine in person to forgive him.
And so as he continued to lament, he heard a slight knocking, and heard Brigit call out, "Vincent? Vincent? Are ye there?"
As Vincent opened the sliding door, he allowed Brigit into his world.
Humbly, Brigit stood, and holding her Winterfest Candle, she timidly asked, "Hello Vincent, though Pascal invited me, I need to know...if am I welcome by ye as well? I canny apologize enoof old friend."
To which Vincent softly said, "Of course. Welcome Brigit."
Brigit smiled as she stepped forward into the tunnels, and as the iron door slid shut behind her, she was once more startled by the sound, jesting, "Dunno if I'll ever git used to the loudness of that shuttin' door! Not to mention, if I were to hesitate upon the threshold...I'd be crushed to death!"
Vincent tipped his head, as he in turn jested, "We have lost a few tunnel residents that way."
Giving Vincent a double take, Brigit wondered if that were true, but then replied, "Aye, ye almost got me with that one Vincent!"
Happy they were starting out on a high note, Brigit took Vincent's arm, and allowed him to lead the way.
As they walked along the tunnel corridor, Vincent relayed to Brigit, that Pascal was happy she was coming.
To which Brigit determinedly said, "Aye, his reply to me, t'was very sweet, but we both know t'was'nt Piscal who brought me back here to these tunnels Vincent."
Saddened to hear this, knowing Pascal is expecting more, Vincent admonished her, saying, "Do not toy with Pascal's heart Brigit, he is a good gentle person..."
With an urgent response, Brigit cut Vincent's sentence short as she promised, "I dinny intend to Vincent, and oot of me own concern for Piscal, I'll make certain he hasn't any expectations..."
Upon hearing Brigit's promise, Vincent replied, "Pascal is like a brother to me Brigit, and you, as a trusted guest, there is no other way, but to be honest and kind to him."
To which Brigit humbly said, "I realize I've been given a second chance at friendship with ye, with all of ye here, and I promise, I won't destroy it. But if I were totally honest with ye Vincent, I came wantin' to put our friendship back on track...tis very important to me to do so."
With an approving nod, Vincent replied, "I believe offering your apology is a fine place to start."
Happy to know her "Forgiveness Mission Tour" has been received and accepted by both Catherine and Vincent now, Brigit with relief, smiled up at Vincent and said, "Aye, I cin breath easier now..."
It was then with concern, Brigit observantly asked, "Vincent...there is a sadness in yer eyes..."
To which Vincent softly sighed, and answered, "Yes..I am concerned about...Catherine."
As Vincent ended his response there, Brigit wondered if he knew Catherine was on a date! And because he didn't elaborate, she hesitantly asked, "Catherine?"
To which Vincent sadly answered, "Catherine has been out of town, and I am concerned she has not returned home as yet."
In reply, Brigit then gleefully informed Vincent, "Is that what has ye worried? Well, she is home, aye, I jist saw her."
Vincent stopped in his tracks, and for the first time during this reunion, he really looked at Brigit as he anxiously asked, "You saw Catherine? Then she is safely back home?"
To which Brigit raised a brow, and said, "Aye, I saw her...only moments ago at me cousin's art exhibit!"
As Vincent brought his hand to his heart, in a relieved whisper, he said, "Catherine is home..."
And it was then, Brigit said, "Yes, and we spoke to one another, and Vincent...Catherine said she would try to fergive and ferget me ill fated deed."
Upon hearing Brigit actually saw and spoke to Catherine, Vincent with heart, asked, "How was Catherine?"
To which Brigit, answered, "Aye, she looked well...but..."
Relieved to know Catherine was all right, Vincent couldn't help but notice it seemed as if Brigit wanted to say something more. And so he asked, "Brigit? Is there something else?"
To which Brigit, with a tip of her head, hesitated as she began to think twice about spilling the beans on Catherine, and said, "Jist she seemed tired...most likely from tendin' to her ailin' father...she mentioned she was stayin' with 'im...so I be supposin' is why she seemed a bit worn..."
Upon hearing Catherine is staying at her Dad's, explained why she wasn't at her apartment.
And then after looking at Brigit, who was biting her lip, Vincent could tell Brigit was holding something back. And so he asked, "Brigit, if there is something more to say, you must tell me, and perhaps..."
Vincent then shared, "...perhaps I should tell you, Catherine and I are together no longer...so if you have concerns of any kind, I must know."
And so because what she knew wouldn't cause any additional harm, Brigit hesitantly informed Vincent, "Well, Catherine was not there alone, she, well she seemingly had an escort..."
As a dread fell upon Vincent, he looked downward as he clarified, "Catherine was with someone..."
To which Brigit questionably answered, "Aye, she introduced 'im as an old friend, but he started sayin' they were more than old freinds, they were once engaged! And the way he looked at her, could 'ave boiled a lobster!"
And because this news affected Vincent so, Brigit then apologetically said, "Maybe I shouldn't have said anythin' Vincent. It t'was obvious Catherine didn't look at 'im that way, in fact...she had an air of concern 'bout 'im! Dinny seem to be a romantic alliance at all."
Vincent then shared with Brigit the full story, of his previous thoughts on his and Catherine's relationship, and how he urged her to forget him, and see her ex beau again. However since he had a change of heart, and his admission of such in a letter to Catherine went unrequited, he was anxious to tell Catherine in person how wrong he had been.
But alas, because Catherine was with Steven tonight, it would seem Catherine had already let go of the dream they shared...
And so as they walked a few steps more, Vincent began to feel ill! So as he braced himself against the tunnel wall, he held his breaking heart, as it felt it was about to pound out of his chest.
Fearfully, Brigit stood back, and screamed, "Vincent are ye all right? Is there anythin' I can do?"
As Vincent leaned against the cold stone wall, in a whisper he begged, "Take this knife from my heart."
And so as Brigit, with genuine compassion soothed Vincent, by softly saying, "I'm sorry Vincent, believe me when I tell ye, the pain does lesson...one day ye'll be all right."
And then Brigit dreamily recited a line from her book "1000 days", saying, "One must ACCEPT life IS the here and now...ADMIT what our life once WAS is over...and EXORSIZE our past life to our memories, because it HAS ended, and is as untouchable as a cloud driftin' by."
Upon hearing Brigit's words of wisdom, Vincent looked up, and softly said, "Forgive me, I haven't forgotten the pain you, yourself have endured."
To which Brigit replied, "We are old friends Vincent...tis all right for ye to bare your sorrow to me...as I once bared mine with ye. And if it helps...I can at least listen..."
As Vincent stood, he expressed his gratitude to her, but said, "There is nothing more to say about Catherine, and there is nothing numbing which could be said..."
Because privately Vincent knew only reconciling with Catherine, would soothe his troubled soul.
To which Brigit warmly responded, as she said, "Jist know I am 'ere Vincent."
Upon hearing Brigit's response, Vincent nodded and kindly said, "We must go...allow me to take you to the guest chamber."