As the morning grew late, all the ladies, worked on their Winterfest dresses within the sewing chamber.
And as they sewed, they talked about anything and everything! And they especially talked about their favorite subject...Vincent and Catherine!
And it was then, Mary looked at Rebecca, and said, "Well I know you already know this, because Vincent told you yesterday..."
And so she looked to all the other girls, and continued, "...and I suppose it is all right to share this news...since there is no danger of the surprise leaking out now...but Vincent is going to have lunch at the Pai's restaurant today...with Catherine! Of course Catherine thinks she is meeting Lin...so it will be a complete surprise for Catherine! Can you imagine what she will say, when she sees Vincent there!"
To which Rebecca excitedly added, "And Vincent...well, I think he is so happy that Lin has come up with this idea for them."
As they all sat sewing, they each commented about "The Date", expressing their joy for the happy, reunited couple.
Meanwhile, as dress designs were taking shape, and signs of individual flairs were emerging, it was then a message came over the pipes for Olivia. It would seem little Lukey bumped his knee, and only wanted Mama.
And so after Olivia dashed out, Jamie glanced over at Olivia's dress, scrunched up her nose, and motioned to Laura, to look over at Olivia's awful dress design too!
Curiously, Laura looked over, and signed back, that she didn't much care for Olivia's dress design either, and they commented back and forth, that they thought that it was perhaps a little overstated!
As Mary listened, she scolded the girls and said, "Now now, we mustn't criticize Olivia's dress design, especially, when her back is turned! Let us practice the golden rule! We must act accordingly and exemplify it's teachings. After all, we wouldn't want any one to criticize our dresses, now would we?"
To which Jamie unwaveringly argued, "But Mary...look at it! Don't you think she has maybe one too many bows attached at the bodice?"
Without looking up, Mary remained steadfast, and with a terse tone, said, "I am sure it is lovely, Olivia has excellent taste...well, most times..."
And then Mary privately thought of how she had questioned her choice of a husband...but then, that is another story.
But meantime back to the sewing circle, it was then, that Rebecca looked over at Olivia's dress to see just what the girls were talking about!
And as she looked to the dress that was staged on a mannequin, she widened her eyes, as she sadly had to agree with Laura and Jamie!
However, to escape Mary's wrath, she looked toward Jamie and Laura, and in silent agreement, she made a thumbs down gesture.
As Mary caught sight of Rebecca, she disgustingly said, "Oh Rebecca really, you are as opinionated as the other two girls!"
As Mary continued to surmise, she said, "I mean, what could possibly be so..."
And as Mary glanced toward Olivia's creation, she stammered out gaspingly, "...so bad?"
As if in a state of shock, Mary put down her sewing, and cautiously walked up to the dress, then walked around it, and then fearfully, she took a step back, as if it might strike out, at any moment!
The Dress
And so as Mary worriedly brought her hand up to her chin, she sighed, "Oh my...it is horrible isn't it!"
The sight of Mary's reaction, caused Laura and Rebecca to laugh, as Jamie imitated, and quoted Mary by saying, "Oh Mary you shouldn't criticize!"
To which Mary shamefully, said, "I know...I know, I should practice what I preach, shouldn't I?"
And then, Mary herself started to giggle as she added, "But I had no idea it could be so bad!"
To which, Jamie questioned, "Now that we are all in agreement...who is going to tell her?"
As they all looked around at one another, they each shrugged their shoulders not wanting to be the one to have to tell her, but knew, somehow, someone had to let her know.
It was then, the girls all looked to Mary, who stepped up, to volunteer, saying, "Leave it to me girls. At our next sewing session this afternoon, after lunch, just follow my lead. I believe we can aid Olivia in thwarting the progression of this "Diabolical Dress Design" without hurting her feelings."
To which Jamie then declared, "All right then! This afternoon, we will put operation D.D.D.D. into action!"
Rebecca and Laura looked at each other, as they each tried to figure out what the initials stood for, when Mary also questioned, "The D.D.D.D.?"
To which Jamie assuredly, clarified, "Yes the Destruction of the Diabolical Dress Design!"
In agreement, Mary nodded as she now understood Jamie's acronym, and as she looked toward Olivia's dress once more, she anxiously said, "Yes...and it won't be a moment to soon!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as Catherine scurried into the cold air, she hailed a taxi, to take her into China town, to meet Lin.
And as the taxi stopped for a traffic light, a block away from Pai's restaurant, Catherine looked out the taxi cab window, and right there in front of her, in a pawn shop window, she could see a differently posed version of the Cupid and Psyche statue! And she thought, what a great Christmas gift that would be to give Vincent.
And so eagerly, before the light changed, Catherine told the driver that she would get out there instead.
After paying the driver, Catherine excitedly walked up, and entered the shop, telling the clerk, she wanted to buy the statue in the window.
The Statue
And as she looked it over, Catherine thought that it depicted she and Vincent so perfectly...he as her protector, and she safe within his arms.
And as the statue was being wrapped up, she envisioned it sitting side by side his other replica, which was on the table within his...rather their private little chamber.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Vincent arrived at Pai's via the back entrance, and nervously greeted Lin, and before he said anything else, he expressed his gratitude for the bolts of fabric by saying, "What you have done for Mary and the others yesterday, it has given them such a lift during Father's absence. I wish to thank you for your generosity, and for your friendship."
Happy the ladies liked the fabric so much, Lin smiled, and said, "You are welcome Vincent, and I love all the lovely thank you notes they sent to me! Proof that love, truly is a circle."
And so it was then, Lin smiled, and excitedly said, "Back to why you are here..."
Kindly, Lin asked Vincent to follow her inside the secluded little dining area.
With wonder, Vincent looked around inside, and said, "This room..."
As Lin lit some more candles, she concluded, "...is lovely, don't you think?"
To which Vincent in his velvet husky tone, replied, "Yes..."
As Vincent placed Catherine's gift onto the table, Lin commented, "Oh Vincent, A gift for Catherine? Cupid and Psyche...nice touch!"
To which, in reply, Vincent tipped his head as he shyly said, "Catherine admired it, and I want her to have it now."
As Lin smiled at him, she marveled, "Vincent, I don't believe that I have ever seen you so happy."
Humbly, Vincent silently looked downward, knowing what Lin said was true, he had not known such a state of happiness existed, and never would have, if he had not met Catherine.
And so, before Lin left him, she turned on the music within the little dining area, and also made sure Vincent was comfortable, offering, "There is some fresh tea on the table, and if you prefer, there is some Sake in the small decanter.
As a urgency set in, Vincent confided, "Lin, I am suddenly very hesitant about my being here...tell me...do I seem out of place?"
To which Lin warmly smiled, and said, "You seem just perfect here Vincent, like a magical Prince awaiting his beautiful Princess."
In reply, Vincent warmly said, "Thank you once again for this chance to share a moment such as this, with Catherine."
And because Vincent seemed a bit nervous, Lin urged, "Just try to relax, and may I suggest you bypass the tea, and opt for the Sake, it may calm you a bit."
Vincent gifted Lin with a smile, and now that she was sure he was at ease, she went back out into the main Restaurant to wait for Catherine.
As Catherine entered the restaurant, she was greeted warmly by Lin, and was then introduced to her husband Henry, and all the while, Lin tried to hide her excitement, knowing Vincent was waiting for Catherine in the Moonlight Sonata room.
Yes, Lin was so excited to be taking part in this special occasion for Vincent, that she was beside herself! And Henry secretly loved the match maker side to his wife, but as not to give anything away, he good-naturedly said, "Nice to meet you Catherine, I better get back and cook!
And so, as Lin began to lead Catherine into the Sonata room, a huge group of people came in, and rudely demanded Lin's attention! Especially one guy, who insisted on being seated right away.
Seeing Lin was on the spot, Catherine kindly told her, to go ahead and seat the people, that she could wait.
And so upon Catherine's suggestion, Lin thought maybe she should seat them first, and then asked Catherine to excuse her for a moment.
Meanwhile, as Catherine stood waiting, a man who was eating at a table, right next to the Sonata room, stood up and questionably asked, "Cathy?"
As Catherine turned around, the man, now with a certainty, saw it was Catherine! And so he repeated with a loving assurance, "Cathy it is you..."
To which, Catherine in turn, greeted this man, who happened to be Steven, her ex-fiancé!
And so Catherine kindly said, "Hello Steven. How are you?"
To which Steven replied, "Great...and...not so great. Gee, a lot has happened in the five years since I last seen you. Times for me personally...well, they have been tough."
Catherine stood thoughtfully, and reflected on all the changes in her life too, more specifically...since she had met and fallen in love with Vincent. And so she then said, "Yes a lot has changed for me too."
To which, Steven charmingly said, "Ah, but not your beauty...in fact, you...you look as beautiful as ever!"
In reply, Catherine humbly smiled at the man she used to love, and kindly said, "Thank you."
It was then Steven asked, "May I invite you to sit, and eat with me Cathy? It would give us a chance to catch up."
Wondering how to answer Steven, Catherine looked over at a frantic Lin, who was still seating the large group, and said, "Well, maybe for just a minute. As it turns out, my friend looks quite busy...so until she can join me, I guess I can."
To which Steven ecstatically replied, "Good Cathy...Good!"
Steven then thoughtfully pondered, "Wow, where do I start?"
As he took a deep breath, he hesitantly said, "Cathy, you know, I have a successful business now, a home in L. A., one in Spain, and an apartment here, but somehow it all seems empty, and meaningless, not having anyone to share it all with..."
Catherine nodded, knowing what Steven said was true. As she thought of Vincent, she realized all the success, and money she has, really doesn't mean anything. She has come to understand what makes life worth living, is being with the one you love.
And so, as Catherine came up out of her daydream of Vincent, she realized Steven had been talking away!
And as his conversation began to register with her, she heard him say, "You know, I have never stopped loving you Cathy...and if you would permit me...I would love to pick up the pieces of our broken relationship. Cathy do you hear me? I would like to see you again, and I would offer you all I have."
It was then Steven unexpectedly reached over to touch Catherine's hand, and as she gently pulled it away, she began to say she was in love with someone else, when they heard a loud clamoring, like something had fallen over or something, coming from the neighboring room!
And because of the sound, Steven looked at Catherine, and she at him, both wondering what the noise could have been!
And it was then, Lin heard it too, looked over, and freaked out, as she saw Catherine sitting and talking with another man!
And because of where the table was, Lin was sure, Vincent would have been able to hear their every word!
And so Lin hurriedly ran over, and shrieked, "YOU CAN'T SIT HERE CATHERINE!"
To which Catherine quickly stood, and said, "I am sorry Lin, this is an old friend of mine, I was just waiting until you could join me."
As Lin calmed herself, she said, "It is just I have a special table for you...won't you follow me?"
Kindly, Catherine then said, goodbye to Steven, and he longingly said goodbye to her too, and as he got up to pay his bill, he promised to contact her soon.
So as Catherine followed Lin, Lin opened the curtain to the Sonata room, and saw Vincent was gone! And she could tell he must have made an abrupt exit, as the chair had been tipped over.
And there, still sitting on the table, was the statue of Cupid and Psyche.
As Catherine stepped in too, she saw the statue, and recognized it was Vincent's...and so in a surreal moment, she put the scene together, the statue, the noise....and all at once, Catherine realized Vincent must have been there!
And so Catherine looked at Lin, and hesitantly asked, "Lin, was Vincent here?"
As Lin began to cry, and said, "Yes Catherine, he wanted to surprise you...but it looks like he must have left upset!"
It was then Catherine looked back into the restaurant, and calculated the close proximity of the table Steven was sitting at, and realized, he must have heard Steven profess his love to her.
As Catherine explained Steven's conversation to Lin, she frantically said, "Oh Lin...I know Vincent feels badly he cannot give me worldly things...and if he heard Steven speak of his wealth, well that must have been upsetting to Vincent."
Catherine then walked over, and lovingly picked up the small statue, and cried as she said, "He must have wanted to give this to me."
To which Lin nodded, and said, "Yes, he said you admired it and he wanted you to have it."
As Catherine stood holding Vincent's replica in her hand, she wondered what to do.
Helplessly, Lin looked at Catherine and said, "This is all my fault! If I wouldn't have stopped to seat those rude people! Oh Catherine, what should we do?"
Upon seeing how upset Lin was, Cathrine put her own feelings aside, and assuredly said, "I will find him and I will make him understand. Everything will be all right Lin."
And as she got ready to leave, Catherine put the statue in her purse, and promised to get back with Lin, and let her know what is going on.
In reply, Lin said, "Oh yes, please do...I am so sorry things turned out this way..."
With a commiserating nod, Catherine said, she was too...but that this was no one's fault...just a misunderstanding.
And then with an assuring embrace, Catherine hugged Lin, and then went to find Vincent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Catherine entered the tunnels, she allowed her instincts to lead the way. She somehow knew Vincent would be in their chamber...so as she removed a torch from its mount on a tunnel wall, she began her journey through the tunnels to find her Vincent...hopefully she would remember the way.
As Catherine neared the small secluded satellite chamber, she saw there was a torch lit on the wall, and she remembered how Vincent had lit a torch there for lighting, when he had taken her there.
And as she was sure he was there inside, she gingerly approached, and as she peered in, she saw Vincent...with his back to her, standing before his "Creation" tapestry.
And because he knew Catherine was there, in a low gruff tone Vincent asked, "Why have you come here?"
Upon hearing Vincent's tone, Catherine stood stunned for a moment, as she was sure he must have thought it was one of the other dwellers.
And so with hope, Catherine softly clarified, "It's me Vincent..."
To which, in cold response, Vincent only slightly turned his head, as he said, "I know who it is Catherine..."
The End...
To be continued in "Master of my Heart!"
And as they sewed, they talked about anything and everything! And they especially talked about their favorite subject...Vincent and Catherine!
And it was then, Mary looked at Rebecca, and said, "Well I know you already know this, because Vincent told you yesterday..."
And so she looked to all the other girls, and continued, "...and I suppose it is all right to share this news...since there is no danger of the surprise leaking out now...but Vincent is going to have lunch at the Pai's restaurant today...with Catherine! Of course Catherine thinks she is meeting Lin...so it will be a complete surprise for Catherine! Can you imagine what she will say, when she sees Vincent there!"
To which Rebecca excitedly added, "And Vincent...well, I think he is so happy that Lin has come up with this idea for them."
As they all sat sewing, they each commented about "The Date", expressing their joy for the happy, reunited couple.
Meanwhile, as dress designs were taking shape, and signs of individual flairs were emerging, it was then a message came over the pipes for Olivia. It would seem little Lukey bumped his knee, and only wanted Mama.
And so after Olivia dashed out, Jamie glanced over at Olivia's dress, scrunched up her nose, and motioned to Laura, to look over at Olivia's awful dress design too!
Curiously, Laura looked over, and signed back, that she didn't much care for Olivia's dress design either, and they commented back and forth, that they thought that it was perhaps a little overstated!
As Mary listened, she scolded the girls and said, "Now now, we mustn't criticize Olivia's dress design, especially, when her back is turned! Let us practice the golden rule! We must act accordingly and exemplify it's teachings. After all, we wouldn't want any one to criticize our dresses, now would we?"
To which Jamie unwaveringly argued, "But Mary...look at it! Don't you think she has maybe one too many bows attached at the bodice?"
Without looking up, Mary remained steadfast, and with a terse tone, said, "I am sure it is lovely, Olivia has excellent taste...well, most times..."
And then Mary privately thought of how she had questioned her choice of a husband...but then, that is another story.
But meantime back to the sewing circle, it was then, that Rebecca looked over at Olivia's dress to see just what the girls were talking about!
And as she looked to the dress that was staged on a mannequin, she widened her eyes, as she sadly had to agree with Laura and Jamie!
However, to escape Mary's wrath, she looked toward Jamie and Laura, and in silent agreement, she made a thumbs down gesture.
As Mary caught sight of Rebecca, she disgustingly said, "Oh Rebecca really, you are as opinionated as the other two girls!"
As Mary continued to surmise, she said, "I mean, what could possibly be so..."
And as Mary glanced toward Olivia's creation, she stammered out gaspingly, "...so bad?"
As if in a state of shock, Mary put down her sewing, and cautiously walked up to the dress, then walked around it, and then fearfully, she took a step back, as if it might strike out, at any moment!
The Dress
And so as Mary worriedly brought her hand up to her chin, she sighed, "Oh my...it is horrible isn't it!"
The sight of Mary's reaction, caused Laura and Rebecca to laugh, as Jamie imitated, and quoted Mary by saying, "Oh Mary you shouldn't criticize!"
To which Mary shamefully, said, "I know...I know, I should practice what I preach, shouldn't I?"
And then, Mary herself started to giggle as she added, "But I had no idea it could be so bad!"
To which, Jamie questioned, "Now that we are all in agreement...who is going to tell her?"
As they all looked around at one another, they each shrugged their shoulders not wanting to be the one to have to tell her, but knew, somehow, someone had to let her know.
It was then, the girls all looked to Mary, who stepped up, to volunteer, saying, "Leave it to me girls. At our next sewing session this afternoon, after lunch, just follow my lead. I believe we can aid Olivia in thwarting the progression of this "Diabolical Dress Design" without hurting her feelings."
To which Jamie then declared, "All right then! This afternoon, we will put operation D.D.D.D. into action!"
Rebecca and Laura looked at each other, as they each tried to figure out what the initials stood for, when Mary also questioned, "The D.D.D.D.?"
To which Jamie assuredly, clarified, "Yes the Destruction of the Diabolical Dress Design!"
In agreement, Mary nodded as she now understood Jamie's acronym, and as she looked toward Olivia's dress once more, she anxiously said, "Yes...and it won't be a moment to soon!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as Catherine scurried into the cold air, she hailed a taxi, to take her into China town, to meet Lin.
And as the taxi stopped for a traffic light, a block away from Pai's restaurant, Catherine looked out the taxi cab window, and right there in front of her, in a pawn shop window, she could see a differently posed version of the Cupid and Psyche statue! And she thought, what a great Christmas gift that would be to give Vincent.
And so eagerly, before the light changed, Catherine told the driver that she would get out there instead.
After paying the driver, Catherine excitedly walked up, and entered the shop, telling the clerk, she wanted to buy the statue in the window.
The Statue
And as she looked it over, Catherine thought that it depicted she and Vincent so perfectly...he as her protector, and she safe within his arms.
And as the statue was being wrapped up, she envisioned it sitting side by side his other replica, which was on the table within his...rather their private little chamber.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Vincent arrived at Pai's via the back entrance, and nervously greeted Lin, and before he said anything else, he expressed his gratitude for the bolts of fabric by saying, "What you have done for Mary and the others yesterday, it has given them such a lift during Father's absence. I wish to thank you for your generosity, and for your friendship."
Happy the ladies liked the fabric so much, Lin smiled, and said, "You are welcome Vincent, and I love all the lovely thank you notes they sent to me! Proof that love, truly is a circle."
And so it was then, Lin smiled, and excitedly said, "Back to why you are here..."
Kindly, Lin asked Vincent to follow her inside the secluded little dining area.
With wonder, Vincent looked around inside, and said, "This room..."
As Lin lit some more candles, she concluded, "...is lovely, don't you think?"
To which Vincent in his velvet husky tone, replied, "Yes..."
As Vincent placed Catherine's gift onto the table, Lin commented, "Oh Vincent, A gift for Catherine? Cupid and Psyche...nice touch!"
To which, in reply, Vincent tipped his head as he shyly said, "Catherine admired it, and I want her to have it now."
As Lin smiled at him, she marveled, "Vincent, I don't believe that I have ever seen you so happy."
Humbly, Vincent silently looked downward, knowing what Lin said was true, he had not known such a state of happiness existed, and never would have, if he had not met Catherine.
And so, before Lin left him, she turned on the music within the little dining area, and also made sure Vincent was comfortable, offering, "There is some fresh tea on the table, and if you prefer, there is some Sake in the small decanter.
As a urgency set in, Vincent confided, "Lin, I am suddenly very hesitant about my being here...tell me...do I seem out of place?"
To which Lin warmly smiled, and said, "You seem just perfect here Vincent, like a magical Prince awaiting his beautiful Princess."
In reply, Vincent warmly said, "Thank you once again for this chance to share a moment such as this, with Catherine."
And because Vincent seemed a bit nervous, Lin urged, "Just try to relax, and may I suggest you bypass the tea, and opt for the Sake, it may calm you a bit."
Vincent gifted Lin with a smile, and now that she was sure he was at ease, she went back out into the main Restaurant to wait for Catherine.
As Catherine entered the restaurant, she was greeted warmly by Lin, and was then introduced to her husband Henry, and all the while, Lin tried to hide her excitement, knowing Vincent was waiting for Catherine in the Moonlight Sonata room.
Yes, Lin was so excited to be taking part in this special occasion for Vincent, that she was beside herself! And Henry secretly loved the match maker side to his wife, but as not to give anything away, he good-naturedly said, "Nice to meet you Catherine, I better get back and cook!
And so, as Lin began to lead Catherine into the Sonata room, a huge group of people came in, and rudely demanded Lin's attention! Especially one guy, who insisted on being seated right away.
Seeing Lin was on the spot, Catherine kindly told her, to go ahead and seat the people, that she could wait.
And so upon Catherine's suggestion, Lin thought maybe she should seat them first, and then asked Catherine to excuse her for a moment.
Meanwhile, as Catherine stood waiting, a man who was eating at a table, right next to the Sonata room, stood up and questionably asked, "Cathy?"
As Catherine turned around, the man, now with a certainty, saw it was Catherine! And so he repeated with a loving assurance, "Cathy it is you..."
To which, Catherine in turn, greeted this man, who happened to be Steven, her ex-fiancé!
And so Catherine kindly said, "Hello Steven. How are you?"
To which Steven replied, "Great...and...not so great. Gee, a lot has happened in the five years since I last seen you. Times for me personally...well, they have been tough."
Catherine stood thoughtfully, and reflected on all the changes in her life too, more specifically...since she had met and fallen in love with Vincent. And so she then said, "Yes a lot has changed for me too."
To which, Steven charmingly said, "Ah, but not your beauty...in fact, you...you look as beautiful as ever!"
In reply, Catherine humbly smiled at the man she used to love, and kindly said, "Thank you."
It was then Steven asked, "May I invite you to sit, and eat with me Cathy? It would give us a chance to catch up."
Wondering how to answer Steven, Catherine looked over at a frantic Lin, who was still seating the large group, and said, "Well, maybe for just a minute. As it turns out, my friend looks quite busy...so until she can join me, I guess I can."
To which Steven ecstatically replied, "Good Cathy...Good!"
Steven then thoughtfully pondered, "Wow, where do I start?"
As he took a deep breath, he hesitantly said, "Cathy, you know, I have a successful business now, a home in L. A., one in Spain, and an apartment here, but somehow it all seems empty, and meaningless, not having anyone to share it all with..."
Catherine nodded, knowing what Steven said was true. As she thought of Vincent, she realized all the success, and money she has, really doesn't mean anything. She has come to understand what makes life worth living, is being with the one you love.
And so, as Catherine came up out of her daydream of Vincent, she realized Steven had been talking away!
And as his conversation began to register with her, she heard him say, "You know, I have never stopped loving you Cathy...and if you would permit me...I would love to pick up the pieces of our broken relationship. Cathy do you hear me? I would like to see you again, and I would offer you all I have."
It was then Steven unexpectedly reached over to touch Catherine's hand, and as she gently pulled it away, she began to say she was in love with someone else, when they heard a loud clamoring, like something had fallen over or something, coming from the neighboring room!
And because of the sound, Steven looked at Catherine, and she at him, both wondering what the noise could have been!
And it was then, Lin heard it too, looked over, and freaked out, as she saw Catherine sitting and talking with another man!
And because of where the table was, Lin was sure, Vincent would have been able to hear their every word!
And so Lin hurriedly ran over, and shrieked, "YOU CAN'T SIT HERE CATHERINE!"
To which Catherine quickly stood, and said, "I am sorry Lin, this is an old friend of mine, I was just waiting until you could join me."
As Lin calmed herself, she said, "It is just I have a special table for you...won't you follow me?"
Kindly, Catherine then said, goodbye to Steven, and he longingly said goodbye to her too, and as he got up to pay his bill, he promised to contact her soon.
So as Catherine followed Lin, Lin opened the curtain to the Sonata room, and saw Vincent was gone! And she could tell he must have made an abrupt exit, as the chair had been tipped over.
And there, still sitting on the table, was the statue of Cupid and Psyche.
As Catherine stepped in too, she saw the statue, and recognized it was Vincent's...and so in a surreal moment, she put the scene together, the statue, the noise....and all at once, Catherine realized Vincent must have been there!
And so Catherine looked at Lin, and hesitantly asked, "Lin, was Vincent here?"
As Lin began to cry, and said, "Yes Catherine, he wanted to surprise you...but it looks like he must have left upset!"
It was then Catherine looked back into the restaurant, and calculated the close proximity of the table Steven was sitting at, and realized, he must have heard Steven profess his love to her.
As Catherine explained Steven's conversation to Lin, she frantically said, "Oh Lin...I know Vincent feels badly he cannot give me worldly things...and if he heard Steven speak of his wealth, well that must have been upsetting to Vincent."
Catherine then walked over, and lovingly picked up the small statue, and cried as she said, "He must have wanted to give this to me."
To which Lin nodded, and said, "Yes, he said you admired it and he wanted you to have it."
As Catherine stood holding Vincent's replica in her hand, she wondered what to do.
Helplessly, Lin looked at Catherine and said, "This is all my fault! If I wouldn't have stopped to seat those rude people! Oh Catherine, what should we do?"
Upon seeing how upset Lin was, Cathrine put her own feelings aside, and assuredly said, "I will find him and I will make him understand. Everything will be all right Lin."
And as she got ready to leave, Catherine put the statue in her purse, and promised to get back with Lin, and let her know what is going on.
In reply, Lin said, "Oh yes, please do...I am so sorry things turned out this way..."
With a commiserating nod, Catherine said, she was too...but that this was no one's fault...just a misunderstanding.
And then with an assuring embrace, Catherine hugged Lin, and then went to find Vincent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Catherine entered the tunnels, she allowed her instincts to lead the way. She somehow knew Vincent would be in their chamber...so as she removed a torch from its mount on a tunnel wall, she began her journey through the tunnels to find her Vincent...hopefully she would remember the way.
As Catherine neared the small secluded satellite chamber, she saw there was a torch lit on the wall, and she remembered how Vincent had lit a torch there for lighting, when he had taken her there.
And as she was sure he was there inside, she gingerly approached, and as she peered in, she saw Vincent...with his back to her, standing before his "Creation" tapestry.
And because he knew Catherine was there, in a low gruff tone Vincent asked, "Why have you come here?"
Upon hearing Vincent's tone, Catherine stood stunned for a moment, as she was sure he must have thought it was one of the other dwellers.
And so with hope, Catherine softly clarified, "It's me Vincent..."
To which, in cold response, Vincent only slightly turned his head, as he said, "I know who it is Catherine..."
The End...
To be continued in "Master of my Heart!"
| Protector of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twenty-three Final Chapter ________________________________________ |
