As Catherine pulled up to Steven's residence, she was surprised to see him outside, sitting on the curb, waiting for her!
And so urgently Catherine asked him what he was doing outside on such a cold day? To which Steven replied, saying he was really enjoying the winter weather this year as he never had before.
Steven then added that in fact, since he found out he was dying, he has been enjoying everything so much more than he had in the past.
Humbly, Steven then commented it was a shame it took an illness for him to appreciate these little things, which seem so awesome to him now.
Catherine smiled, as she looked at Steven, and marveled at this change in him, and then said, "We better get going."
The ride to the Doctor's was a pleasant one, Steven talked a mile a minute about all he wanted to do before he was too sick to do them.
Steven then spoke about his home in Spain, and told Catherine how huge and castle-like it was! And that walking through it was an adventure at every turn...expressing how much he thought she would like it.
Kindly, Catherine listened, and though this sort of opulence had no appeal to her, she politely replied, how lovely it sounded.
And so as Catherine listened to Steven go on, and on, she thought it was funny, how relaxed and ordinary Steven seemed. He was acting like an old friend, rather than like an ex-boyfriend, and hasn't acted pushy at all.
As they arrived at the doctors, Catherine prepared to go in with Steven, but, upon his instance, she waited in the car. And though she thought this seemed a bit odd, she didn't argue, because it seemed so important to Steven, and she didn't want to upset him.
It wasn't a very long wait, before Steven rejoined her, and he told Catherine the Doctor was amazed at his attitude, and of how it had improved ten fold since his last appointment.
Steven then hesitated a moment, before he told Catherine he had given her the credit for his uplifted outlook.
Steven said he had explained to the doctor since his reconciliation with an old friend, he found a peace now...a peace that being connected to someone special can bring.
Taken aback by the credit he had given her, Catherine recanted her role as she said, "Steven, please don't put me up on any pedestal. I simply gave an old friend a ride to a doctor appointment..."
And as Catherine thought about Vincent's warnings, she felt she should add, "...and there is nothing more to it Steven....you understand that...I am an old friend and nothing more."
Steven nodded, indicating he understood, but then asked, "Okay, then friend, can I...as your friend, take you to dinner? After all, it is dinner time."
Happy to have an excuse, Catherine declined, explaining that the Delivery Service, would be coming soon with her painting, and she had to get going.
Of course Steven couldn't take no for an answer, saying he wanted to repay her in some fashion. To which Catherine reminded him, because they were friends...friends don't need to repay each other when they do something for one another.
Humbly, Steven looked downward, and shook his head as he said, "All this friend stuff is new to me Cathy...maybe I will get it right one of these days.
To which Catherine kindly replied, "You are fine Steven...just try to relax and be yourself...I will check on you tomorrow."
Steven hugged Catherine goodbye, and after Catherine watched Steven go inside, she headed for home.
As Catherine fumbled for her keys, the delivery service arrived at the same time.
Anxiously Catherine greeted the gentleman, saying, "Thank you for meeting me here so late. I am Cathy Chandler...and you are from Clem's?"
To which the delivery man, said, "Yep! And in fact, I AM Clem...Clem Bushy...and nice to meet ya Cathy. And as far as making late deliveries...this ain't nothin'. I'm workin' till 10:00. Most people work during the day, and so I do a lot of late deliveries. Hey...it's what I do! Besides, any time Charles Chandler calls...I would be glad to deliver any ole time."
And then realizing Catherine may be related to Charles, Clem asked, "And you would be Charles'..."
With a smile Catherine completed Clem's sentence for him, by offering, "Daughter, Charles is my Dad."
And so with a firm hand shake, Clem said, "Proud to meet ya! Heck I have known your Dad for years! He is one hellava guy! He would always manage to scrounge up work for me somewhere through the years anytime I needed a job."
Admiring both her Dad for his kindness, and this man for his service, Catherine welcomed him inside, as she replied, "Well Clem, I am happy to finally meet you. I think you both are in a mutual admiration society, because Dad has spoken quite highly of you too."
And so as Catherine slipped off her coat, she said, "I better mention, there have been some muggings around here, so I hope you keep an eye out for safety sake when you leave."
To which Clem replied, "Yeah I will...I also work security, so I am always watchin'. Yeah this is my second job, I'm just trying to make a little extra "Green" before the Holidays. My wife has her eye on a music box that plays this song she likes called, "Laura's Theme," which I would like to give her for Christmas. She keeps dropping hints about it, well, you know how woman are...you guys love stuff like that. I figure if it makes her happy, why not get it for her!"
Catherine smiled at the thought of this big brute of a man, giving his wife such a sweet gift.
And then because knowing Clem had other deliveries to make, Catherine asked him to just lean the painting against her bedroom wall, where she intended to hang it.
And as Clem set it down, he realized Catherine wouldn't be able to lift the painting, and so he offered, "Hey as long as I am here, why don't I hang this for you. It's pretty heavy."
With appreciation, Catherine asked, "You wouldn't mind?"
"Heck no! Not at all!" Said Clem.
And so together, Catherine and Clem removed the existing painting, to which Clem asked, "Hey, is that a toggle?"
Clueless of what he was asking, Catherine questioned, "A toggle?"
To clarify, Clem said, "Yeah a toggle, toggle bolt...just wanting to make sure that your bolt there will support this painting."
Disappointedly, Catherine replied, "No, I don't think so, I remember my Dad used what he called Butterfly anchors when he helped me hang my pictures."
With a chuckle, Clem replied, "Same thing Cathy...same thing, so we should be good."
And so after Catherine laughed, and admitted to not being too handy, they together they lifted the new Tulip painting up.
Stepping back to inspect the paintings placement, with satisfaction, Catherine profusely thanked Clem, and went to her purse, so she could pay him.
And so upon seeing Catherine bring out her wallet, Clem adamantly said, "None of that now Cathy! Mr. Chandler already paid me, and very generously too I might add!"
As a smile crossed her lips, Catherine sweetly said, "That was so sweet of Dad. I didn't expect him to, well anyway...thank you so much Clem."
And although her Dad paid him, she insisted on tipping him anyway, for going above and beyond the call of duty, and bade him a very Merry Christmas.
As Clem headed for the door, he thanked her, and wished her a Merry Christmas too.
And it was then after Clem left, that Catherine remembered she had a candle with deep pink tulips embossed in the wax, that she had received as a gift for her birthday, but never set it out.
Over to see painting in place
And so as she unwrapped the candle from the tissue paper, and set it on the table below the painting, she could see the price tag was still on it, and it had been purchased from Benny's! This caused Catherine to smile, thinking once again, such a small world.
And with a discerning eye, Catherine thought they looked perfect together. Feeling so happy to have this painting, she not only admired for its beauty, but for the meaning behind Brigit's gift. They were actually becoming friends...in spite of all that happened between them.
It was then Catherine thought about The Tulip Fairies Tale book, and so she went to her hope chest, and as she lifted it out, she couldn't resist reading it once more.
After she finished reading this old family tale, Catherine placed it back in it's cloth wrapping, and upon closing the lid to her hope chest, she thought of how she would remember to show this book to her Dad when next he visits.
As Catherine glanced to the clock, she realized Vincent should be arriving soon, and so she prepared a casserole, and popped it into the oven. She next lit the fire, along with many candles around her living room.
Since Vincent wasn't there yet, Catherine thought she could finally call Jennifer to check on her hair debacle!
So as Jennifer answered, Catherine asked, "I meant to call you off and on all day long, how did Gloria do coloring your hair?"
To which Jennifer happily stated, "Great! Gloria really came through for me. I was really a wreck! But I think she did good, and gave me a little trim too!"
So happy to hear all was well, Catherine bade her friend goodbye, and said they would talk tomorrow.
Just then, Catherine heard Vincent's knock, and excitedly opened the doors for him, and smiled, as she welcomed him, saying, "Come in Vincent...I cannot wait to show you something."
And because of her level of excitement, compliantly, Vincent stepped inside, and stood at her bedroom's threshold.
As Catherine turned to the painting, she presented it by saying, "Look Vincent...look what Brigit gave me! It is the painting I loved so much! Isn't it beautiful?"
As Vincent checked it out, with an awestruck tone, he said, "Truly...yes it is."
Catherine then stepped back by Vincent, and said, "I was so moved by the fact Brigit wanted me to have it. She wrote in her note, that her cousin was giving her a similar one in its place."
In response, Vincent thoughtfully said, "I am pleased her display of friendship, has made you so happy."
Thoughtfully, Catherine nodded, and said, "It does, looking at this painting takes me back to a simpler safe place."
Upon hearing Catherine's comment, Vincent tipped his head, as he with concern asked, "Why do you say this Catherine? Do you feel unsafe?"
With a pensive smile, Catherine tried to explain her feeling of trepidation concerning a career change, and shared, "Not unsafe...but maybe unsettled. Leaving the firm, and starting a new career at the D.A., is a little daunting. The unknown has always been an uncomfortable place to be for me. Once I work a couple of weeks or so, I'll be fine."
Pleased to hear Catherine's comment was more about her comfort zone, than physical safety, Vincent nodded, indicating he totally understood.
Catherine then changed the subject, and cheerfully said, "I prepared us something to eat...are you hungry?"
Looking away from the painting and then at Catherine, Vincent replied, "Always..."
Happy to hear this, Catherine then warmly said, "Good! Every things ready, so make yourself at home."
As Catherine took the Mexican Lasagna from the oven, she also poured their tea, and joined Vincent.
Upon setting the tray down, Catherine sat and watched as Vincent finished stirring the embers of the fire. And turning only his head, he kindly said, "You build a good fire Catherine."
Appreciating the compliment, Catherine softly replied, "My Dad taught me. Whenever we spent time up at the cabin, whether it be summer or winter, we always had a camp fire on the shore."
To which Vincent thoughtfully said, "You speak so fondly of the times you have spent there."
Dreamily Catherine said, "They were fun times that have evolved into wonderful memories for me..."
Vincent then stood, and as he walked toward Catherine, he looked down at the tray, and asked, "Hmmm, what have you prepared?"
To which Catherine replied, "This is Mexican Lasagna...and I hope I am not boring you with lasagnas!"
With an elegant turn of his head, he said, "You could never bore me, it looks and smells delicious."
Kindly, Catherine fixed Vincent's plate, and watched him take his first bite. Feeling bolstered by his compliment of how much he enjoyed it, Catherine then fixed a plate for herself, and happily said, "I am so happy you like it."
Just then the phone rang, and Catherine politely excused herself as she answered it, and on the other end was her cousin Gertrude, asking if she and Robert could come on Saturday for the weekend. And then Gertrude also expressed, "To confess, it's not just to shop and sight-see, we have all been so worried about your Dad, and would love to visit with him too."
Assuringly, Catherine told her, "Yes! This weekend would be perfect! And you can see for yourselves how great Dad is doing, and we will also do THAT authentic New York City Christmas shopping we always wanted to do together."
Happy to hear this weekend was good for Catherine too, Gertrude then mentioned, "Robert did a little research, and Peter Pan Bus Lines has a great deal going on. So we could just hop on the bus and be there in a few hours. In fact it looks like the bus depot is right near your place."
Saying that though it was just around the corner from her apartment building, Catherine said she would pick them up from the depot. And added, "Not to cause you concern, but there has been a few muggings, and I want to make sure you get here safely."
Upon hearing this scoop, Gertrude said she would not say NO to Catherine's offer. And so they finalized their plans, and Catherine finished up by saying, "So call when you arrive, and I will pick you up. Safe travels Gerty."
After hanging up the phone Catherine sat back down by Vincent, and as they relaxed in each other's arms, Catherine answered Vincent's questions concerning her relationship with her cousins. And so she explained how she and her cousins were as close as any cousins could be. And of how they filled the gap for her, as far as siblings go. Sweetly, Catherine then shared, of how she loved them both very much.
As Vincent sat contemplating "Family" it warmed his heart, to know Catherine had a close relationship with hers. And then after a little more chit chat, Catherine thought about the Reese's cups she had bought for Vincent, and so she eagerly, said, "Don't move, I have something for you."
As she returned with the small brown paper bag, she pulled out a package of Reese's Cups.
Vincent thinking he could smell a hint of chocolate, quizzically asked, "The confection you spoke of last night?"
Excitedly, in response, Catherine smiled, and said, "Yes it is."
Gingerly Vincent opened the package, and out slid a little cup, and then another. And as Vincent presented Catherine with one, he took the other for himself.
As Catherine peeled the paper away, she teasingly explained, "Now this is a very controversial candy. No one can agree on the proper method of eating one."
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent sat back holding his portion, and said, "Then perhaps you had better show me..."
With a sophisticated air, she held up the cup and said, "Now some people munch off the edges first, some simply bite into it, but those people Vincent, do NOT know how to live."
And so skillfully, Catherine punched the center out of her cup, explaining this part is the fillet mignon of the Reese's Cup!
Sweetly offering her candy to Vincent, and after he tasted it, he told her how delicious this candy was, and then said, "But you have given me yours...ahh Catherine, you spoil me so."
Happy to hear she pleased Vincent with this new taste treat, Catherine leaned back against him, and contentedly replied, "You deserve to be spoiled Vincent. You do so much for everyone around you...it is my pleasure to do these little things for you."
As Vincent kissed Catherine's hair, he kindly said, "Ahh Catherine...and I thank you..."
And as he took in a turbulent breath, he continued, "I hate to say, but I must go. Mary asked I pick up her order of yarn she needs to complete afghans for each of the children. They are to be Mary's Christmas gifts to them, and Sophie from the yarn shoppe in the village, is expecting me before she closes shoppe."
Unhappy their time was limited tonight, Catherine said she understood, and then admitted, "If you leave, then I suppose I haven't any excuse for not working on the files I brought home."
Knowing Catherine would be working extra hours and such, Vincent offered, "Perhaps I should limit my visits this coming week Catherine...giving you unlimited spans of time to complete what you need to do."
Wanting to argue his point, but Catherine couldn't. She owed her Dad her best, and would not let him down. And so she agreed saying, "Thankyou for thinking of it Vincent, I do hope when I leave, I will be doing so knowing I did all I could and more for the firm."
So as Catherine walked Vincent to the door, he took her into his arms, both intending to savor their last moments together, when the ringing of the phone intruded.
As Catherine decided to stay right where she was, she let the machine take the person's message for her.
However, a dread settled over them both as they heard Steven say, "Sorry you are not there Cathy, I was hoping to invite you to fly to Spain with me tomorrow. Someone is interested in my real estate there, and I suppose the time has come I should be thinking about liquidating...anyway...if you can join me, which I pray you will, it may be your only chance to see my Spanish Villa I was telling you about...just call before 10:00 a.m. I will be waiting to hear you say that you will go. Oh, and thanks again for taking me to the Doctors today, it means more to me than you could know...well, Love ya Steven."
Finally the message ended, and because of the deafening silence, Catherine couldn't breath, as she noticed the change in Vincent's demeanor darkened.
And so hesitantly she said, "I will call Steven back later on..."
To which Vincent stiffly asked, "To say you will you go?"
Surprised that Vincent would ask that, caused Catherine to guardedly look back, and emphatically answer, "No, to say I won't!"
And so Vincent noted, "It sounds like he has high expectations..."
To which Catherine explained, "He may, but that is Steven! As I told you Vincent, I am not encouraging him in any way, other than to be there for him, should he need my help."
Thoughtfully, and conclusively, Vincent then said, "By the sound of his voice...it may be too late. It would seem he expects more than just friendship."
In reply, Catherine now on the defensive, curtly responded, "I don't think so...I thought he simply sounded like a friend, calling a friend."
Taking in a deep breath, Vincent calmed himself, and then asked, "You mentioned it has been five years since you last saw this man...how much do you really know about him?"
Feeling a little insulted by Vincent insinuating her naivety, sternly she replied, "I haven't done a back ground check on him, if that is what you mean."
And because Vincent felt an unexplained, unsettled urgency, he paced, before he then asked, "Do you know what he does for a living?"
Searchingly Catherine answered, "I...I'm not exactly sure. He was a little vague when we once spoke about his profession..."
In response, Vincent urgently said, "Vague? Catherine you must push until you get answers! His wealth indicates he has had lucrative ventures in some realm. Are they legal and above board?"
Helplessly, Catherine suddenly felt naive and gullible. And as she shrugged her shoulders, she admitted, "I suppose we haven't really talked about that side of his life once he told me about his terminal illness..."
To which Vincent cut in to clarify, "And what is he dying from?"
And because Steven never really told her what his illness was, Catherine had to admit she didn't know!
Feeling a bit frustrated that Catherine gave this old boy friend her blind trust, Vincent looked at her, and with a disbelieving tone said, "Catherine!"
Not wanting to admit all she did not know, Catherine helplessly replied, "I am sorry...but I just don't know the answers to all the questions you are asking me."
And so upon seeing he was upsetting Catherine, in a more nurturing tone, Vincent asked, "Just assure me once more, you will be careful in this relationship, there is something I sense about him..."
And because she respects Vincent's instincts so much, Catherine promised, and also admitted, "As I have told you before, because of the Steven I used to know, my guard is up."
Taking Catherine back into his arms, to give her a cherished last embrace, he then replied, "That is all I ask..."
And then Vincent slipped away into the night...leaving Catherine there alone...pondering Vincent's words...questioning once more, if she was being foolish befriending Steven.
To be continued
Chapter Eight
| Treasure of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Seven ____________________________ |
