"Take my hand." As Vincent held out his strong protective hand, he reached for Catherine's small delicate one. With such care, he helped guide her from the drainage pipe she was standing on, over to the one he had jumped to.
Catherine's eyes sparkled with excitement, as she looked at Vincent, before taking the daring leap. And as she did so, Catherine couldn't help but remember the last time they had taken this pathway, and it was when Vincent was leading her back, to re-enter her world above.
The feelings of fear and uncertainty washed over her again just as if it were yesterday. She remembered thinking how safe she felt here, and that she didn't want to leave this world below in the tunnels. She remembered feeling too, the first sensations of not wanting to leave Vincent. This man who had saved her, fed and read to her. This man who had helped her grow strong again, not only in the physical sense, but he inspired her to grow in spirit too, in ways she never had...and she has not looked at the world the same since.
Vincent continued to hold Catherine's hand as they traveled down the rocky passage to the falls. Once they safely arrived, they settled down to rest in their favorite spot. Vincent sat first and as he leaned against the rocky surfaced wall, he lovingly brought Catherine close to him. And as she looked around at this majestic magical cavern, she marveled, "It's so beautiful here."
Vincent gave Catherine a quick hug within his embrace as he took in the most beautiful sight he himself had ever seen, his Catherine! He loved the way she at times looked at life, so excitedly, much as a child would. And though he tried, he couldn't remember ever looking at life that carefree.
Vincent then brought out the book he had re-discovered looking through his extensive library, which was Joseph (John) Merrick's Autobiography. The telling of this remarkable man's life, in his own words, beguiled Vincent so. And because this man had such a loving forgiving nature, Vincent felt he needed to be held up and admired for all to emulate. At the end of the book, there was a poem, a beautiful poem, and it moved Vincent so, perhaps partly because of his own plighted fate, but mostly because the words and the sentiment were so poignant.
And so Vincent opened to the last page, and in his deep velvety voice, he began:
"'Tis true my form is something odd
But blaming me is blaming God
Could I create myself anew?
I would not fail in pleasing you
If I could reach from pole to pole
Or grasp the ocean with a span
I would be measured by the soul
The minds the standard of the man"
After Vincent finished the recitation, Catherine shared, "I do know Joseph Merrick's story, and I have always thought of him as possessing a soul so advanced beyond the ordinary human spirit. How do you suppose he was able to endure so much pain and cruelty from the unkind people around him, and yet sustain a childlike perspective about the things he loved?"
Vincent looking out over the falls and with a faraway look answered her, "By not focusing on the cruelty Catherine, but rather on the beauty. He had some wonderful people in his life as well."
Catherine hearing Vincent's words, wondered if that simple truth was what has sustained Vincent throughout his life as well.
There they contentedly sat, reading to each other until Vincent told Catherine it was time they should leave for the Dining Hall. Yes Catherine had been invited to attend an impromptu celebration, where anyone who cared to, could prepare a special dish to share. And of course Catherine wanted to, and so she prepared a huge pan of Lasagna.
Upon entering the Hall, the popular couple was enthusiastically welcomed, and it was the smaller children, who especially loved not only Vincent, but Catherine now too. Running up they all said hello, and told her they were happy she came tonight. Smiling she returned their kindness by saying, she was so happy to be there with them too! Yes when Catherine was in their midst, Vincent would just watch as she showered the children with love and affection, which would make Vincent love her all the more...
The teenage girls also admired Catherine and marveled at her beauty, knowing she could have anyone in the whole wide world, and were intrigued that her love led her there to Vincent!
And Catherine following her heart, was a tremendous example for them, a lesson to love purely, and without reservation. The girls during their girl-talk, would often discuss the relationship between Vincent and Catherine, and they wondered whether they had kissed or not! Yes the young girls noticed and wondered about everything, and it was fun for them to speculate on such a notion.
As Jacob made his rounds greeting everyone before Dinner, he then approached the pair, and addressing Catherine specifically, he said, "Good evening ahem...Catherine, I trust you have enjoyed your day here with us?"
As Catherine looked up at Jacob, she smiled as she answered, "Oh yes Father, I did."
To which Jacob nodded, and said, "Good, good, very well then, shall we all be seated?"
The relationship between Jacob and Catherine was a complicated one, and though it was improving, it still was not what any one would call fuzzy warm yet. Neither one felt relaxed around the other, and though she did admire Jacob immensely, she just couldn't seem to let her guard down when she was around him. And Jacob too couldn't seem to loosen up with Catherine. He tried in his own reserved way, and things were getting better each time they met, but was still...a bit on the uncomfortable side.
And so as Jacob took his place to preside over the evening meal, he prayed his petition of Thanks, and gave everyone the OK to get in the chow line! That's all it took, for the community to line up for the Buffet. And as Catherine and Vincent took their turn helping themselves, she happily served Vincent a big square of her Lasagna, and as he thanked her, he also assured her how delicious it looked!
Catherine was so happy Vincent seemed impressed by her dish, and so as he neared his last forkful of her Lasagna from his plate, she offered, "Shall I get you some more?"
To which Vincent abruptly stopped her, as he said, "NO...ahem, no, no thank you, I eh, I do not want to over eat."
Understanding, Catherine nodded in agreement, and said, "Of course."
Catherine then turned her attention to those who had taken scoops from her dish, but were not finishing their helpings!
As fortune would have it, just then Jacob starting coughing, and called for some water to wash down his scoop of Lasagna!
Meantime, as Catherine with concern looked up at Vincent, she caught him giving the rest of his portion to Arthur, Mouse's Raccoon! And when Catherine saw Arther turn up his nose and run away, she worriedly asked, "Is there something wrong with my cooking?"
Upon seeing Vincent was speechless, and searching for a way to answer her question, she decided she had better taste her cooking for herself. And so she took a bite, and embarrassingly noted, "Oregano, there is too much Oregano! This tastes terrible!"
And so Catherine felt she needed to issue an apology to Jacob, and to the community, and stood up to say, "I apologize everyone...and Father I hope you are all right..."
Sportingly, Jacob gave a thumbs up, as he drank from his goblet, and Catherine continued, "Good, I am so glad! Clearly, I put in too much Oregano!"
Everyone was kind, and said it didn't taste too badly, and thankfully, William stepped up to save the day, by humorously saying, "Don't think of yourself as a bad cook Catherine, but rather as a zealous advocate for Oregano!"
The whole community shared a laugh at William's joking, and Catherine was able to save face by admitting to her mis-measuring!
Sweetly, Vincent privately told her, "Your efforts are so much appreciated, please don't let this concern you."
To which Catherine humorously pouted, saying, "Not even Arthur would eat it Vincent!"
Admitting this was true, Vincent then shared, "There has been times in the past, when Arthur has refused to eat a few of Williams dishes as well!"
Catherine's eyes widened, when she asked if that was true, and when Vincent said it was, she then smiled and said, "I guess I am in good company then."
With the lasagna fiasco behind her now, Vincent and Catherine continued to enjoy the fellowship of everyone around them at their table. And after dinner, they along with everyone else, helped with the clean up.
Sadly it wasn't long after their meal, Catherine told Vincent she should go. After all, it was a work night. So Vincent gathered his cloak along with her coat and prepared to escort her home.
As they said their good nights to everyone, Mary approached them before they left, and gave Vincent an invitation. Excitedly she exclaimed, "Some of the older children came up with this idea for a party, and they are so excited. Anyway, it should be lovely. I do hope to see you both there. Goodnight."
As they walked through the tunnels, Vincent silently read the invitation, and then refolded it. As Catherine looked up at him, she waited for him to tell her about it, and when he remained silent, she realized he was not going to share with her what it said.
Though she was curious, and feeling hurt, she knew when Vincent put up his barriers, it was for a reason, and she tried never to push.
And so arm in arm they walked silently through the park, and though she was troubled by his mood change, she tried to act as if she didn't notice. And instead remarked about the beautiful evening, and of how bright the stars were tonight.
As Vincent looked up in kind, he too had to comment on their brightness, because of the magical quality that they twinkled this night.
Looking up still, Catherine said, "You have to make a wish Vincent...wish on your lucky star..."
In reply, Vincent asked, "How do I know which one it is?"
With a whisper of a voice, Catherine answered, "You will know, it will be the one that first catches your eye."
And so as Vincent succumbed to Catherine's request, he made his wish on his lucky star.
Turning to look down at Catherine, he then asked, "What about you Catherine...aren't you going to make a wish?"
As she embraced his arm, she confessed, "Oh Vincent I already did."
Even though neither one asked what the other's wish was, they both sensed it had something to do with their relationship and the bond which connected them.
And as they parted, Vincent said he would be waiting for her on her balcony.
And so as Catherine opened the balcony doors, she stepped out into the night's darkness. Happy to see Vincent was already there, she then joined him at his side as he was gazing over the landscape, and seemed very deep in thought.
Catherine let out a shiver on this cold chilly February night, and thought to her self how nice it would be if Vincent would finally consent to enter her apartment. And so Catherine asked in a way that would be hard to refuse, as she noted, "Vincent, it is so cold out tonight, perhaps it would be nice if we went inside and built a fire. A fire we could share."
Vincent raised his eyes to look at Catherine and past her into her softly lit apartment. Vincent then made a slight overture forward, as tonight, he would enter her home.
To be continued.
Chapter Two
Catherine's eyes sparkled with excitement, as she looked at Vincent, before taking the daring leap. And as she did so, Catherine couldn't help but remember the last time they had taken this pathway, and it was when Vincent was leading her back, to re-enter her world above.
The feelings of fear and uncertainty washed over her again just as if it were yesterday. She remembered thinking how safe she felt here, and that she didn't want to leave this world below in the tunnels. She remembered feeling too, the first sensations of not wanting to leave Vincent. This man who had saved her, fed and read to her. This man who had helped her grow strong again, not only in the physical sense, but he inspired her to grow in spirit too, in ways she never had...and she has not looked at the world the same since.
Vincent continued to hold Catherine's hand as they traveled down the rocky passage to the falls. Once they safely arrived, they settled down to rest in their favorite spot. Vincent sat first and as he leaned against the rocky surfaced wall, he lovingly brought Catherine close to him. And as she looked around at this majestic magical cavern, she marveled, "It's so beautiful here."
Vincent gave Catherine a quick hug within his embrace as he took in the most beautiful sight he himself had ever seen, his Catherine! He loved the way she at times looked at life, so excitedly, much as a child would. And though he tried, he couldn't remember ever looking at life that carefree.
Vincent then brought out the book he had re-discovered looking through his extensive library, which was Joseph (John) Merrick's Autobiography. The telling of this remarkable man's life, in his own words, beguiled Vincent so. And because this man had such a loving forgiving nature, Vincent felt he needed to be held up and admired for all to emulate. At the end of the book, there was a poem, a beautiful poem, and it moved Vincent so, perhaps partly because of his own plighted fate, but mostly because the words and the sentiment were so poignant.
And so Vincent opened to the last page, and in his deep velvety voice, he began:
"'Tis true my form is something odd
But blaming me is blaming God
Could I create myself anew?
I would not fail in pleasing you
If I could reach from pole to pole
Or grasp the ocean with a span
I would be measured by the soul
The minds the standard of the man"
After Vincent finished the recitation, Catherine shared, "I do know Joseph Merrick's story, and I have always thought of him as possessing a soul so advanced beyond the ordinary human spirit. How do you suppose he was able to endure so much pain and cruelty from the unkind people around him, and yet sustain a childlike perspective about the things he loved?"
Vincent looking out over the falls and with a faraway look answered her, "By not focusing on the cruelty Catherine, but rather on the beauty. He had some wonderful people in his life as well."
Catherine hearing Vincent's words, wondered if that simple truth was what has sustained Vincent throughout his life as well.
There they contentedly sat, reading to each other until Vincent told Catherine it was time they should leave for the Dining Hall. Yes Catherine had been invited to attend an impromptu celebration, where anyone who cared to, could prepare a special dish to share. And of course Catherine wanted to, and so she prepared a huge pan of Lasagna.
Upon entering the Hall, the popular couple was enthusiastically welcomed, and it was the smaller children, who especially loved not only Vincent, but Catherine now too. Running up they all said hello, and told her they were happy she came tonight. Smiling she returned their kindness by saying, she was so happy to be there with them too! Yes when Catherine was in their midst, Vincent would just watch as she showered the children with love and affection, which would make Vincent love her all the more...
The teenage girls also admired Catherine and marveled at her beauty, knowing she could have anyone in the whole wide world, and were intrigued that her love led her there to Vincent!
And Catherine following her heart, was a tremendous example for them, a lesson to love purely, and without reservation. The girls during their girl-talk, would often discuss the relationship between Vincent and Catherine, and they wondered whether they had kissed or not! Yes the young girls noticed and wondered about everything, and it was fun for them to speculate on such a notion.
As Jacob made his rounds greeting everyone before Dinner, he then approached the pair, and addressing Catherine specifically, he said, "Good evening ahem...Catherine, I trust you have enjoyed your day here with us?"
As Catherine looked up at Jacob, she smiled as she answered, "Oh yes Father, I did."
To which Jacob nodded, and said, "Good, good, very well then, shall we all be seated?"
The relationship between Jacob and Catherine was a complicated one, and though it was improving, it still was not what any one would call fuzzy warm yet. Neither one felt relaxed around the other, and though she did admire Jacob immensely, she just couldn't seem to let her guard down when she was around him. And Jacob too couldn't seem to loosen up with Catherine. He tried in his own reserved way, and things were getting better each time they met, but was still...a bit on the uncomfortable side.
And so as Jacob took his place to preside over the evening meal, he prayed his petition of Thanks, and gave everyone the OK to get in the chow line! That's all it took, for the community to line up for the Buffet. And as Catherine and Vincent took their turn helping themselves, she happily served Vincent a big square of her Lasagna, and as he thanked her, he also assured her how delicious it looked!
Catherine was so happy Vincent seemed impressed by her dish, and so as he neared his last forkful of her Lasagna from his plate, she offered, "Shall I get you some more?"
To which Vincent abruptly stopped her, as he said, "NO...ahem, no, no thank you, I eh, I do not want to over eat."
Understanding, Catherine nodded in agreement, and said, "Of course."
Catherine then turned her attention to those who had taken scoops from her dish, but were not finishing their helpings!
As fortune would have it, just then Jacob starting coughing, and called for some water to wash down his scoop of Lasagna!
Meantime, as Catherine with concern looked up at Vincent, she caught him giving the rest of his portion to Arthur, Mouse's Raccoon! And when Catherine saw Arther turn up his nose and run away, she worriedly asked, "Is there something wrong with my cooking?"
Upon seeing Vincent was speechless, and searching for a way to answer her question, she decided she had better taste her cooking for herself. And so she took a bite, and embarrassingly noted, "Oregano, there is too much Oregano! This tastes terrible!"
And so Catherine felt she needed to issue an apology to Jacob, and to the community, and stood up to say, "I apologize everyone...and Father I hope you are all right..."
Sportingly, Jacob gave a thumbs up, as he drank from his goblet, and Catherine continued, "Good, I am so glad! Clearly, I put in too much Oregano!"
Everyone was kind, and said it didn't taste too badly, and thankfully, William stepped up to save the day, by humorously saying, "Don't think of yourself as a bad cook Catherine, but rather as a zealous advocate for Oregano!"
The whole community shared a laugh at William's joking, and Catherine was able to save face by admitting to her mis-measuring!
Sweetly, Vincent privately told her, "Your efforts are so much appreciated, please don't let this concern you."
To which Catherine humorously pouted, saying, "Not even Arthur would eat it Vincent!"
Admitting this was true, Vincent then shared, "There has been times in the past, when Arthur has refused to eat a few of Williams dishes as well!"
Catherine's eyes widened, when she asked if that was true, and when Vincent said it was, she then smiled and said, "I guess I am in good company then."
With the lasagna fiasco behind her now, Vincent and Catherine continued to enjoy the fellowship of everyone around them at their table. And after dinner, they along with everyone else, helped with the clean up.
Sadly it wasn't long after their meal, Catherine told Vincent she should go. After all, it was a work night. So Vincent gathered his cloak along with her coat and prepared to escort her home.
As they said their good nights to everyone, Mary approached them before they left, and gave Vincent an invitation. Excitedly she exclaimed, "Some of the older children came up with this idea for a party, and they are so excited. Anyway, it should be lovely. I do hope to see you both there. Goodnight."
As they walked through the tunnels, Vincent silently read the invitation, and then refolded it. As Catherine looked up at him, she waited for him to tell her about it, and when he remained silent, she realized he was not going to share with her what it said.
Though she was curious, and feeling hurt, she knew when Vincent put up his barriers, it was for a reason, and she tried never to push.
And so arm in arm they walked silently through the park, and though she was troubled by his mood change, she tried to act as if she didn't notice. And instead remarked about the beautiful evening, and of how bright the stars were tonight.
As Vincent looked up in kind, he too had to comment on their brightness, because of the magical quality that they twinkled this night.
Looking up still, Catherine said, "You have to make a wish Vincent...wish on your lucky star..."
In reply, Vincent asked, "How do I know which one it is?"
With a whisper of a voice, Catherine answered, "You will know, it will be the one that first catches your eye."
And so as Vincent succumbed to Catherine's request, he made his wish on his lucky star.
Turning to look down at Catherine, he then asked, "What about you Catherine...aren't you going to make a wish?"
As she embraced his arm, she confessed, "Oh Vincent I already did."
Even though neither one asked what the other's wish was, they both sensed it had something to do with their relationship and the bond which connected them.
And as they parted, Vincent said he would be waiting for her on her balcony.
And so as Catherine opened the balcony doors, she stepped out into the night's darkness. Happy to see Vincent was already there, she then joined him at his side as he was gazing over the landscape, and seemed very deep in thought.
Catherine let out a shiver on this cold chilly February night, and thought to her self how nice it would be if Vincent would finally consent to enter her apartment. And so Catherine asked in a way that would be hard to refuse, as she noted, "Vincent, it is so cold out tonight, perhaps it would be nice if we went inside and built a fire. A fire we could share."
Vincent raised his eyes to look at Catherine and past her into her softly lit apartment. Vincent then made a slight overture forward, as tonight, he would enter her home.
To be continued.
Chapter Two
| Catherine and Vincent have endured much in their first year together. The Bond between them has deepened, and has gained such strength, that they love and cherish each other more with every passing day. And although the ways of love and romance are all new to Vincent, he manages to make Catherine happier than she had ever been. Valentine's Day is in a few days, and it will serve them well as a wonderful day to celebrate their love! Sweet Passage! By Sharon Holtz Chapter One |
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