And so a while later, as Catherine travelled with the sentries, she stealthily entered her apartment building, and Vincent in the meantime, entered the balcony, awaiting Catherine's safe arrival inside.
Vincent, anxiously waited until Catherine opened the doors, and when she did, she welcomed him inside.
As Vincent stepped in, with much devotion, he shared a look with Catherine, and then turned to the sentries, asking if they saw anything suspicious within the building. Saying they had not, Vincent then asked them to be on standby for the walk back to the Tunnels.
With a grateful nod, Catherine promised them she wouldn't be long, and as she closed the door, she turned to Vincent and said, "I will gather my things..."
To which in reply, Vincent said, "I will be waiting Catherine..."
And so as Vincent stood alone in her living room, he noted Catherine's Christmas decorating, and admired her beautifully decorated tree. And it was then he saw THE SNOW GLOBE! The parallel magical orb to his.
It warmed him when he caught sight of it, and thought to himself, "What a wondrous circumstance..."
And so Vincent picked it up, and turned it over to wind the key.
As Catherine heard the music playing, pensively she walked to the bedroom's threshold, and with the packed overnight bag in her hand, she stood and looked out at Vincent.
It touched her heart to watch him as he gently shook the globe, listening to the music box version of Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and so softly she spoke, saying, "Awe...such a sweet song..."
Giving a sideways glance over to where Catherine stood, Vincent in reply agreeably said, "Yes...and I was just watching the crystal snowflakes falling...they always intrigued me so, and I was sure they must be made of real diamonds to produce such brilliant prisms."
Catherine smiled as she thought about what Vincent had said, never thinking of the snowflakes that way before! But now as per his suggestion, she thought that yes, they did look diamond-like.
Catherine then warmly expressed she loves knowing, all through the years she was enjoying her beautiful snow globe, that he too was sharing the same joy. And then she dreamily added, "That little cottage, such an enchanting scene, I would scheme and try to imagine what life would be like for the people who lived in there..."
Vincent in reply softly smiled, as he sighed, "...ahh, the imagination of a child...I too would try to imagine life inside this quaint little cottage..."
Vincent then raised only his eyes, as he admitted, "I would sit for hours imagining a tranquil life existing there, with perhaps the aroma of a freshly baked pie in the air, with a couple reading to one another by the fireplace, and the home would be festively decorated, with the walls...the plastered walls of each room...painted a different color."
Catherine smiled as she responded, "Well, I pictured a fireplace too...with the Dad in a rocking chair reading a newspaper, and the Mom would be in the kitchen, with all of her children hovering around her, waiting to snitch a warm cookie she had just pulled from the oven."
Thoughtfully, Catherine then added, "Funny...how different we imagined things would be in that little cottage...you pictured a loving couple in a home of many colors, and me...imagining a family, with a Mother baking...and I am thinking, if we were to combine them...we would have a complete picture of a happy life."
With a nod, Vincent sighed, saying that yes, they would.
Catherine took in a deep breath as she shook off the dreamy melancholy, and then told Vincent if he was ready, she was all set to go.
Setting the globe back down, Vincent said he would meet her below.
Just then the phone began to ring, and Catherine looked to Vincent wondering if she should answer it or not. To which he gave her a nod, indicating he thought she should.
And so cautiously, Catherine answered, and found it was Joe Maxwell on the other end of the line, calling to let Catherine know, Steven had been arrested a short time ago, and was now in custody.
Though Catherine was relieved to hear this news, with great concern said, "There is something you should know, Steven IS terminally ill, will you make sure he has the medication he has been prescribed?"
To which Joe scoffed as he said, "Hmmm, funny thing about that, I checked the medication bottle he had on him, and the doctor does not even exist!"
In disbelief, Catherine stated, "But I took him to the doctor's office myself!"
To which Joe said, "Fake all fake...the office must have been a set up..."
Joe then added, "Look Cathy, all I know right now, is that Steven is a fraud, a phony through and through. And his case has now been assigned to ME, and I'll make sure he gets his medicine all right, Oh yeah, Doctor Joe is gonna prescribe just what he is entitled to, and that's 20 years to life!"
Catherine's knees grew weak at all Joe just told her, especially the fact, that Steven's illness was a lie!
Meantime, since Catherine was in a bit of shock, she had yet to reply to any of it, causing Joe to ask, "Cathy...are you there?"
Responding with a crushed demeanor, Catherine answered, "I am here Joe..."
Suddenly realizing, all this information must be kind of overwhelming, Joe then made a personal decision NOT to pass on Steven's message to her, which was: Steven wanted Catherine to know, what he did, was because he loved her and wanted them to be together.
And so Joe with a tone of compassion, said, "I know it's tough to hear he lied about being sick uh Rad...err Cathy. Pretty crazy uh?"
To which Catherine weakly answered, "Yeah...pretty crazy..."
Hesitantly, Joe then added, "Hate to tell you more bad news about the jerk, but it looks like we picked him up just in time...he had a Visa on his person with your name on it along with a sedative! He was probably gonna knock you out, and then take you out of the country. All I can say is it's a darn good thing we were tailing him...and caught him right out in front of your building."
It was then the realization set in, that Catherine had defied orders being at home! And so Joe asked, "Which reminds me, what are you doing at your apartment? I was expecting to leave a message!"
To which Catherine assured Joe, "I have protection with me, I only needed to stop in so I could get a few things for work tomorrow..."
With surprise, Joe replied, "Work? But I told your Pop you should lay low until we caught 'em!"
Thoughtfully, Catherine said, "I appreciated your concern, but I decided I wasn't going to let my fear of Steven dictate how I was going to live my life...so I was reporting to work tomorrow as planned, no matter what."
With a note of astonishment, he said, "Well Chandler you are full of surprises...you're all right kid!"
Warmly Catherine replied, "Yeah, well you are too...and Joe..."
In reply, Joe asked, "Yeah?"
Warmly, Catherine then sincerely said, "Thank you."
Being taken off guard a bit, in reply, Joe humbly said, "Sure...I mean I am just doing my job...you know...its nothin...and by the way, your old man should come work for us too...he is a hell of a detective, I mean he really helped me dig through the crap that tied to Steven!"
Feeling so proud of her Dad...AND realizing Joe was uncomfortable with the gratitude she was trying to show him, Catherine smiled to herself, and then finished the conversation by simply saying, "Yes...my Dad is pretty amazing. I'll see you in the morning...good night Joe."
As Catherine hung up the phone, she turned to Vincent and numbly told him, "I guess you gathered...Steven is in custody."
With a relieved sigh, Vincent replied, "I am pleased Catherine...very pleased."
As Catherine nodded in agreement, her forced smile soon faded, and was replaced by a grievous, thoughtful look, and then expressed, "Funny, but even though I am relieved, I at the same time feel so bad. Joe just told me Steven isn't really sick, he lied to me about his illness."
Upon hearing his suspicions have been validated, Vincent stood silent for a moment, not sure what to say.
And because of his silence, a thought occurred to Catherine, and so she pointedly asked, "You're not surprised...you knew Steven was lying didn't you?"
To which Vincent admitted, "Somehow, I sensed this was so..."
With a wounded tone, she asked, "But you didn't say anything to me."
Helplessly, Vincent said, "I knew you needed to discover this truth for yourself, and felt all I could do was to be there for you if you needed me..."
And then Vincent asked," Was I wrong Catherine?"
Sighing, Catherine conceded, "You were not wrong Vincent...truthfully, I would have thought you were being over protective."
Vincent then stepped forward to express, "Steven knows you have a caring nature, and it is because his knowing this about you, he tried to manipulate you by feigning an illness...and...he may try to influence you again, so you must be on guard and not fall into his seine again Catherine."
As Catherine looked back into Vincent's eyes, she knew what he said was true...sadly enough, tried and true. And so as she expelled a purging breath, she assuredly declared, "I won't Vincent...not any more...it's over now."
And then she laid her head on his chest as she embraced him, saying, "What can I say Vincent...thank you..."
Returning Catherine's embrace, Vincent stayed silent, feeling so very thankful for this outcome.
As the realization began to really set in she was no longer in danger, she then
said, "I guess I won't need to take you up on your kind offer to stay tonight. Shall we tell the sentries to go on ahead?"
With an affirming nod, Vincent then told the sentries the news about Steven, and asked them to give this information to Pascal, Mary and Mouse since Father himself was above tonight. Vincent and Catherine then thanked the band of protectors once more, before they departed for the tunnels.
Realizing she needed to make a few calls, Catherine then said, "I better call Dad and Jenny...excuse me for a moment Vincent, while I use the phone..."
And so Catherine made her calls, and then afterward relayed to Vincent, "I could only leave messages, but at least they will sleep easy, once they hear the news Steven is in custody."
Slipping off her coat, Catherine then asked, "Willie cooked a vat of vegetable soup the other day, and insisted I take some home with me, and since I noticed you didn't eat very much at supper, can I warm up a bowl for you?"
Trying to entice him further, she added, "And she sent some homemade corn muffins along too."
Vincent looked downward, contemplating the invitation and said, "How can I refuse...of course I will stay, however only if you permit me to build the fire."
Catherine smiled as she lit the candles, and said, "That sounds nice...after you are through, come keep me company in the kitchen as I prepare our soup."
After lighting the fire, Vincent entered the kitchen, and as he leaned against the cabinet, he silently watched from his vantage, as Catherine worked her way about the kitchen.
Sweetly, Catherine acknowledged him with a smile as she continued to meticulously, prepare his food for him. And her manner in this task, endeared herself even more to him...as if that were at all possible.
Meticulously she buttered the corn muffins she had warmed up in her toaster oven, and then prudently put them on the small serving plate. Taking a napkin from her drawer, she folded it neatly and placed it on the tray. She then sifted through her spoons, wanting to pick the right one for Vincent, and set it with geographical precision, aside of his bowl.
Suddenly, it occurred to her to put on some Christmas Carols to enjoy.
And so when she glanced up at Vincent to tell him of her notion, the look in his eyes, took her breath away. He had a look of a gentle awe, which in combination, left her feeling breathless. Tipping her head wondering what he could be thinking, she sweetly asked, "What is it..."
As he shifted his weight, to walk forward he huskily replied, "The way you take such great care with each minor detail...is remarkable. And you do this for me...I am humbled."
Catherine smiled, and as she wiped her hands on the towel, she replied, "I love doing things for you Vincent..."
Standing now before him, she added, "...I wish I could do more...I wish I could fill every moment of every day with things that please you. I suppose it sounds childish of me to say this, but I wish our time together was not so limited."
Vincent brought Catherine to him, and said, "Ah, then we must make the most of every moment we are able to share, and be thankful for what we have."
Smiling up at him, Catherine said, "I am thankful...and am always mindful of how lucky I am..."
To which Vincent stated, "Sharing this Christmas with you, will give this season extra meaning for me this year Catherine."
Simply Catherine whispered, "Yes...for me too."
As Catherine made a move to carry the tray into the living room, Vincent stepped up to hoist the tray for her. With a thank you smile, Catherine then went to her player, to choose her favorite Christmas Carol selection.
And so as the music began, she then looked to their place by the fire, and softly asked, "Shall we?"
In reply, Vincent said, "Lead the way Catherine..."
So...as the billowy snowflakes fell outside...inside there were carols playing, candles flickering and warm soup to eat. And it was there Catherine and Vincent sat together by the cozy crackling fire...no longer needing to wonder what contentment felt like inside the snow globe's enchanted little cottage, because they were living out a "Happy Life" scenario of their very own...a moment in time for them, of which they can always look back on, to fondly remember...
To be continued
Chapter Twenty-one
Vincent, anxiously waited until Catherine opened the doors, and when she did, she welcomed him inside.
As Vincent stepped in, with much devotion, he shared a look with Catherine, and then turned to the sentries, asking if they saw anything suspicious within the building. Saying they had not, Vincent then asked them to be on standby for the walk back to the Tunnels.
With a grateful nod, Catherine promised them she wouldn't be long, and as she closed the door, she turned to Vincent and said, "I will gather my things..."
To which in reply, Vincent said, "I will be waiting Catherine..."
And so as Vincent stood alone in her living room, he noted Catherine's Christmas decorating, and admired her beautifully decorated tree. And it was then he saw THE SNOW GLOBE! The parallel magical orb to his.
It warmed him when he caught sight of it, and thought to himself, "What a wondrous circumstance..."
And so Vincent picked it up, and turned it over to wind the key.
As Catherine heard the music playing, pensively she walked to the bedroom's threshold, and with the packed overnight bag in her hand, she stood and looked out at Vincent.
It touched her heart to watch him as he gently shook the globe, listening to the music box version of Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and so softly she spoke, saying, "Awe...such a sweet song..."
Giving a sideways glance over to where Catherine stood, Vincent in reply agreeably said, "Yes...and I was just watching the crystal snowflakes falling...they always intrigued me so, and I was sure they must be made of real diamonds to produce such brilliant prisms."
Catherine smiled as she thought about what Vincent had said, never thinking of the snowflakes that way before! But now as per his suggestion, she thought that yes, they did look diamond-like.
Catherine then warmly expressed she loves knowing, all through the years she was enjoying her beautiful snow globe, that he too was sharing the same joy. And then she dreamily added, "That little cottage, such an enchanting scene, I would scheme and try to imagine what life would be like for the people who lived in there..."
Vincent in reply softly smiled, as he sighed, "...ahh, the imagination of a child...I too would try to imagine life inside this quaint little cottage..."
Vincent then raised only his eyes, as he admitted, "I would sit for hours imagining a tranquil life existing there, with perhaps the aroma of a freshly baked pie in the air, with a couple reading to one another by the fireplace, and the home would be festively decorated, with the walls...the plastered walls of each room...painted a different color."
Catherine smiled as she responded, "Well, I pictured a fireplace too...with the Dad in a rocking chair reading a newspaper, and the Mom would be in the kitchen, with all of her children hovering around her, waiting to snitch a warm cookie she had just pulled from the oven."
Thoughtfully, Catherine then added, "Funny...how different we imagined things would be in that little cottage...you pictured a loving couple in a home of many colors, and me...imagining a family, with a Mother baking...and I am thinking, if we were to combine them...we would have a complete picture of a happy life."
With a nod, Vincent sighed, saying that yes, they would.
Catherine took in a deep breath as she shook off the dreamy melancholy, and then told Vincent if he was ready, she was all set to go.
Setting the globe back down, Vincent said he would meet her below.
Just then the phone began to ring, and Catherine looked to Vincent wondering if she should answer it or not. To which he gave her a nod, indicating he thought she should.
And so cautiously, Catherine answered, and found it was Joe Maxwell on the other end of the line, calling to let Catherine know, Steven had been arrested a short time ago, and was now in custody.
Though Catherine was relieved to hear this news, with great concern said, "There is something you should know, Steven IS terminally ill, will you make sure he has the medication he has been prescribed?"
To which Joe scoffed as he said, "Hmmm, funny thing about that, I checked the medication bottle he had on him, and the doctor does not even exist!"
In disbelief, Catherine stated, "But I took him to the doctor's office myself!"
To which Joe said, "Fake all fake...the office must have been a set up..."
Joe then added, "Look Cathy, all I know right now, is that Steven is a fraud, a phony through and through. And his case has now been assigned to ME, and I'll make sure he gets his medicine all right, Oh yeah, Doctor Joe is gonna prescribe just what he is entitled to, and that's 20 years to life!"
Catherine's knees grew weak at all Joe just told her, especially the fact, that Steven's illness was a lie!
Meantime, since Catherine was in a bit of shock, she had yet to reply to any of it, causing Joe to ask, "Cathy...are you there?"
Responding with a crushed demeanor, Catherine answered, "I am here Joe..."
Suddenly realizing, all this information must be kind of overwhelming, Joe then made a personal decision NOT to pass on Steven's message to her, which was: Steven wanted Catherine to know, what he did, was because he loved her and wanted them to be together.
And so Joe with a tone of compassion, said, "I know it's tough to hear he lied about being sick uh Rad...err Cathy. Pretty crazy uh?"
To which Catherine weakly answered, "Yeah...pretty crazy..."
Hesitantly, Joe then added, "Hate to tell you more bad news about the jerk, but it looks like we picked him up just in time...he had a Visa on his person with your name on it along with a sedative! He was probably gonna knock you out, and then take you out of the country. All I can say is it's a darn good thing we were tailing him...and caught him right out in front of your building."
It was then the realization set in, that Catherine had defied orders being at home! And so Joe asked, "Which reminds me, what are you doing at your apartment? I was expecting to leave a message!"
To which Catherine assured Joe, "I have protection with me, I only needed to stop in so I could get a few things for work tomorrow..."
With surprise, Joe replied, "Work? But I told your Pop you should lay low until we caught 'em!"
Thoughtfully, Catherine said, "I appreciated your concern, but I decided I wasn't going to let my fear of Steven dictate how I was going to live my life...so I was reporting to work tomorrow as planned, no matter what."
With a note of astonishment, he said, "Well Chandler you are full of surprises...you're all right kid!"
Warmly Catherine replied, "Yeah, well you are too...and Joe..."
In reply, Joe asked, "Yeah?"
Warmly, Catherine then sincerely said, "Thank you."
Being taken off guard a bit, in reply, Joe humbly said, "Sure...I mean I am just doing my job...you know...its nothin...and by the way, your old man should come work for us too...he is a hell of a detective, I mean he really helped me dig through the crap that tied to Steven!"
Feeling so proud of her Dad...AND realizing Joe was uncomfortable with the gratitude she was trying to show him, Catherine smiled to herself, and then finished the conversation by simply saying, "Yes...my Dad is pretty amazing. I'll see you in the morning...good night Joe."
As Catherine hung up the phone, she turned to Vincent and numbly told him, "I guess you gathered...Steven is in custody."
With a relieved sigh, Vincent replied, "I am pleased Catherine...very pleased."
As Catherine nodded in agreement, her forced smile soon faded, and was replaced by a grievous, thoughtful look, and then expressed, "Funny, but even though I am relieved, I at the same time feel so bad. Joe just told me Steven isn't really sick, he lied to me about his illness."
Upon hearing his suspicions have been validated, Vincent stood silent for a moment, not sure what to say.
And because of his silence, a thought occurred to Catherine, and so she pointedly asked, "You're not surprised...you knew Steven was lying didn't you?"
To which Vincent admitted, "Somehow, I sensed this was so..."
With a wounded tone, she asked, "But you didn't say anything to me."
Helplessly, Vincent said, "I knew you needed to discover this truth for yourself, and felt all I could do was to be there for you if you needed me..."
And then Vincent asked," Was I wrong Catherine?"
Sighing, Catherine conceded, "You were not wrong Vincent...truthfully, I would have thought you were being over protective."
Vincent then stepped forward to express, "Steven knows you have a caring nature, and it is because his knowing this about you, he tried to manipulate you by feigning an illness...and...he may try to influence you again, so you must be on guard and not fall into his seine again Catherine."
As Catherine looked back into Vincent's eyes, she knew what he said was true...sadly enough, tried and true. And so as she expelled a purging breath, she assuredly declared, "I won't Vincent...not any more...it's over now."
And then she laid her head on his chest as she embraced him, saying, "What can I say Vincent...thank you..."
Returning Catherine's embrace, Vincent stayed silent, feeling so very thankful for this outcome.
As the realization began to really set in she was no longer in danger, she then
said, "I guess I won't need to take you up on your kind offer to stay tonight. Shall we tell the sentries to go on ahead?"
With an affirming nod, Vincent then told the sentries the news about Steven, and asked them to give this information to Pascal, Mary and Mouse since Father himself was above tonight. Vincent and Catherine then thanked the band of protectors once more, before they departed for the tunnels.
Realizing she needed to make a few calls, Catherine then said, "I better call Dad and Jenny...excuse me for a moment Vincent, while I use the phone..."
And so Catherine made her calls, and then afterward relayed to Vincent, "I could only leave messages, but at least they will sleep easy, once they hear the news Steven is in custody."
Slipping off her coat, Catherine then asked, "Willie cooked a vat of vegetable soup the other day, and insisted I take some home with me, and since I noticed you didn't eat very much at supper, can I warm up a bowl for you?"
Trying to entice him further, she added, "And she sent some homemade corn muffins along too."
Vincent looked downward, contemplating the invitation and said, "How can I refuse...of course I will stay, however only if you permit me to build the fire."
Catherine smiled as she lit the candles, and said, "That sounds nice...after you are through, come keep me company in the kitchen as I prepare our soup."
After lighting the fire, Vincent entered the kitchen, and as he leaned against the cabinet, he silently watched from his vantage, as Catherine worked her way about the kitchen.
Sweetly, Catherine acknowledged him with a smile as she continued to meticulously, prepare his food for him. And her manner in this task, endeared herself even more to him...as if that were at all possible.
Meticulously she buttered the corn muffins she had warmed up in her toaster oven, and then prudently put them on the small serving plate. Taking a napkin from her drawer, she folded it neatly and placed it on the tray. She then sifted through her spoons, wanting to pick the right one for Vincent, and set it with geographical precision, aside of his bowl.
Suddenly, it occurred to her to put on some Christmas Carols to enjoy.
And so when she glanced up at Vincent to tell him of her notion, the look in his eyes, took her breath away. He had a look of a gentle awe, which in combination, left her feeling breathless. Tipping her head wondering what he could be thinking, she sweetly asked, "What is it..."
As he shifted his weight, to walk forward he huskily replied, "The way you take such great care with each minor detail...is remarkable. And you do this for me...I am humbled."
Catherine smiled, and as she wiped her hands on the towel, she replied, "I love doing things for you Vincent..."
Standing now before him, she added, "...I wish I could do more...I wish I could fill every moment of every day with things that please you. I suppose it sounds childish of me to say this, but I wish our time together was not so limited."
Vincent brought Catherine to him, and said, "Ah, then we must make the most of every moment we are able to share, and be thankful for what we have."
Smiling up at him, Catherine said, "I am thankful...and am always mindful of how lucky I am..."
To which Vincent stated, "Sharing this Christmas with you, will give this season extra meaning for me this year Catherine."
Simply Catherine whispered, "Yes...for me too."
As Catherine made a move to carry the tray into the living room, Vincent stepped up to hoist the tray for her. With a thank you smile, Catherine then went to her player, to choose her favorite Christmas Carol selection.
And so as the music began, she then looked to their place by the fire, and softly asked, "Shall we?"
In reply, Vincent said, "Lead the way Catherine..."
So...as the billowy snowflakes fell outside...inside there were carols playing, candles flickering and warm soup to eat. And it was there Catherine and Vincent sat together by the cozy crackling fire...no longer needing to wonder what contentment felt like inside the snow globe's enchanted little cottage, because they were living out a "Happy Life" scenario of their very own...a moment in time for them, of which they can always look back on, to fondly remember...
To be continued
Chapter Twenty-one
| Treasure of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twenty Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas ______________________________ |
