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As Catherine and Vincent sat, they talked long into the evening, enjoying the carefree atmosphere that security brings.
And they touched on many everyday subjects, the profound, the casual, and the in between. Just the way a natural conversation should progress when one feels safe and unencumbered by worry.
It was then Vincent glanced over to the table, where Catherine had a couple of framed photographs displayed, a photo of her Mother, and a photograph of Catherine, with Noodles, in her arms.
As Vincent walked over to pick up the photo of Catherine with the pet she unselfishly gave away, he noted, "This is a nice keepsake Catherine..."
And because she wondered what Vincent was referring to, Catherine asked, "What is?"
Turning the photo so she could see, a very puzzled Catherine responded, "Where did that come from?"
To which Vincent said, "It was sitting here, right on the table..."
And it was then Catherine recalled that Jennifer said she left her a surprise to find when she returned home, and upon seeing the framed picture, Catherine knew this must be it! Jennifer's surprise!
And so Catherine explained, "You know Vincent, when I last saw Jennifer, she told me I had a surprise awaiting me here, but I never had a chance to look for it. Awe how sweet of her! I love this."
To which Vincent asked, "How is Noodles doing? Have you heard?"
Missing Noodles so much, Catherine then shared, "According to Jenny, he is doing fine. In fact, Mrs. Aranson said I could come see him any time I like, but I thought I should wait. I want to give him plenty of time to settle in so I don't confuse him. And truthfully, I am afraid I will cry when I see him."
Putting the picture down, Vincent said, he missed Noodles too, and noted, the love she had for her dear pet was so great, that she was willing to give him away. He then expressed, "I admire the strength you owned in dealing with this heartfelt matter."
With a sad nod, Catherine revealed, "There was a time not so long ago, I wouldn't have been able to give him away...thinking only of myself and how I felt."
To which Vincent revealed, "I feel as if you are describing myself. When Steven was still on the run, I was going to convince you not to go to work tomorrow. I tried to imagine my getting through the day knowing you were above where he might harm you."
Haltingly, Vincent continued, "At times my thoughts plague me so, despising if something should happen to you Catherine...my life would be nothing without you in it..."
Catherine felt both empowered by Vincent's devotion, and at the same time taken back. She was just beginning to realize how much he needed her closeness, and the nurturing affection they share. And it made her feel so wonderful, knowing she was able to satisfy this kind of deep longing, buried within his heart.
However, this feeling of an elevated sanction Catherine owned, was short lived, and melted completely away, as soon as Vincent would look at her.
Just a look from him, very often was all it took to capture her spirit, turning herself over...wanting to tell him she felt the same. And so she whispered, "I need you too Vincent."
And so...as she revealed her heart so sweetly to him, he in turn did so generously to her, opening his heart to completely unite with hers. And Vincent knew, it was there and then...he felt an unfamiliar serenity, and a change had come, but he could not define how, or in exactly what way. But he knew no one but they, could understand how difficult it had been, to arrive here, where they now stood...far above the wasteland, of all of their resolved issues...issues, many of which he himself possessed. So after all of his declarations of unworthiness were dispelled, Catherine was able to tend to the moaning portion of his heart, which had pained him for all of his life, enabling him to accept her love, as sweetly as she wished to give it.
And it was times such as this, during these precious few private moments they shared, that served to validate their devotion to one another. And on this night...it was a long time before either of them wanted to say goodnight.
But ultimately...in his wisdom Vincent held his Catherine protectively to him, and huskily whispered, "I must go..."
Looking up at him, with care, she smoothed his tangled tresses, and whispered, "I know..."
And with one last embrace, he descended from her balcony.
And so in the late night/early morning hour...Vincent travelled the silent, vacated city streets, knowing they were now a safer place for the top-side dwellers. And as he looked up at the slow falling snow, which fell upon, and all about him, he wished Catherine was at his side, to also witness this serene wintry splender...knowing no one else but she would love it as much as he...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as Jacob himself, returned to the tunnels, he was told the
news that Catherine's stalker had been incarcerated, by Pascal and Mouse, who by the way, was taking his elevated position via Vincent quite seriously.
Feeling so relieved this was so, Jacob thanked the two for the info, and knew this was good news for everyone...for Catherine, Charles, the city, and for his son...whom Jacob secretly feared would have some how ended up in the middle, needing to protect Catherine from this mad man.
Jacob hesitated a moment, before he then asked, "Boys...before you go, I was wondering if either of you know how Vincent did, errr, have you any insight pertaining to the ahhh....errr rather, do you know how the...the ahhh...."
Pascal raised a brow as he waited for Jacob to ask how the Christmas Card Session had gone, and though Jacob put on a painful display, Pascal waited a moment more, before he got him off the hook, and inserted, "You are wondering how Vincent did filling in for you tonight Father?"
"Precisely!" Said Jacob as he expelled an anguished sigh.
With a shrug Mouse said, "Did fine, Rebecca and I helped clean up."
Looking relieved, but still downhearted, Jacob said, "Well done..."
Being privy to all the internal struggles Jacob had about going or staying, Pascal put his arm about his shoulders, and said, "Even though the children missed you Father, Vincent did all right and got it done...you know...sometimes we have to make tough decisions, so don't beat yourself up over missing the event here tonight."
Looking up sheepishly, Jacob thanked Pascal by saying, "You are a good boy Pascal. How did you know what I was thinking?"
With a smile, Pascal said, "Ahhh, cuz you wear your heart on your sleeve Father, that's how. Now what I want to know is...did you have a good time tonight with Peter, Jessica, and Charles? I mean if you wouldn't have gone...they would have been let down. Face it, you were in a no win situation."
With an appreciative nod, Jacob answered, "Yes...in truth once I pushed my guilt aside, I did have a nice time." And then Jacob patted the two on the back, and said, "Well it's late, goodnight boys."
Feeling bolstered by helping Jacob a little bit, Pascal humbly said, "Good night Father."
And so with the worry lifted a bit, Jacob continued onward, and as he decided to walk past Mary's chamber, he saw a soft glow radiating from her threshold, indicating she must still be awake.
Standing just outside of her postern, he called her name, to which she softly answered, "Yes Father..."
Feeling a twinge of trepidation, he carefully asked, "May I?"
To which Mary replied, "Of course."
As Jacob entered, he mentioned, he was surprised to see her light was still on, and wondered what she was doing up at this late hour.
In reply, Mary conceded that yes, it WAS quite late, and though she didn't need to say it, but the late hour also denotes the time Jacob was returning!
And then Mary kindly explained the reason she was still up, was because she needed to finish one more afghan before Christmas, and she hadn't a moment to spare.
And because she was sipping on some tea, she felt inclined to mention, "In fact, I only just now decided to take a bit of a break and enjoy some tea."
Upon casing the situation, for a way of re-entering Mary's good graces, Jacob noted the yarn he had rolled for her, and asked, "I hope the yarn is unraveling smoothly for you."
Without looking up, Mary concisely replied, "Yes it is, as it always does when you wind it for me..."
For the first time during this exchange, she looked at him, and with a wounded smile, she added, "...which is one of the reasons, I ask you to do it for me. Your method of winding the yarn is so impeccably precise...enabling the yarn to unroll with such ease, it makes my task so much easier."
Bashfully Jacob looked downward, and then said, "You flatter me of course. I did train under your tutelage after all."
In a commanding tone, Mary replied, "But Father...it's not only the yarn I am referring to, it is the care you take in everything you do. You always give so much thought with every task, no matter the importance."
Jacob guiltily looked downward, as he said, "I regret I had been remiss this evening however...I am sorry Mary..."
Weakly Mary acknowledged, "I know how badly you felt missing out...and I am sorry too, I should have checked with you first...but without rehashing all the regrets, I want you to know, Vincent did you proud, and with Catherine at his side helping, we had a splendid time with the children."
To which Jacob quietly replied, "Very good to hear, I had no doubt it would be a delightful time..."
Urgently, Mary added, "Now I don't want to imply you were not missed Father...we all missed you immensely, however we did survive..."
With a crooked grin, and a nod of appreciation, Jacob then confessed, "Truth be told...I would have rather stayed. However, I was torn..."
With care, Mary said, "And I do understand Father...I know Peter, Charles and Jessica were all counting on you too. It must be difficult when you are important to so many...I mean to say...you are important to all of us...afterall friendships are like a garden...they must be tended to, and maintained with care..."
Warmed by Mary's understanding, Jacob replied, "What a lovely analogy Mary."
And though Mary hadn't asked, Jacob decided to share his unsolicited feelings by saying, "And friendship is exactly how I classify my relationship with Jessica...and tonight only served to solidify this fact...we are friends and could never be anything more to one another..."
With a quickened heart, Mary took a sip of her tea, not really knowing how to reply to what Jacob had just told her. But thinking on it a bit longer, Mary replied, "You have known each other for a very long time...anyone can see what you share is quite special."
As Jacob thought of what Mary said, Jacob had to agree, and responded, "Yes, it is special AND rare when a man and a woman can remain friends even though their status to one another changes."
In response Mary smiled, and after nodding in agreement, it was then she thought to offer, "Father, I am sorry, would you like to share some tea with me? There is an extra tea cup on the table aside of you."
With a bit of a nod, Jacob replied, "I dare say, that sounds lovely. May I refresh yours as well?"
And so the two sat talking, with Mary asking questions about the city above, wondering how festive the city looked, and how Jessica's place was decorated.
To which Jacob happily filled Mary in on the decor, and such, but then as he looked around Mary's own sweet chamber, he added, "Though Jessica's apartment has all the latest in styling Mary, I don't believe it is nearly as homey and cozy as your chamber is..."
Looking about herself, Mary replied, "I am happy here..."
So with a thoughtful nod, Jacob said, "I am glad..."
Then heaving a sigh, and sipping his last sip, Jacob replied, "Yes well, I should say goodnight. It was good to talk to you Mary."
With a gentle smile, Mary feeling humbled by the fact Jacob checked on her, and unexpectedly, shared some insight into his and Jessica's friendship, she nodded, and replied, "It was good to talk to you too Father."
And so, with a slight hesitation to his turn, he looked back once more at Mary, and with a warm smile, he said a fond good night.
Continuing on toward his chamber, Jacob crossed paths with a very snowy Vincent! And so he asked, "Only now returning?'
As Vincent noticed his Father was still donning his Fedora, and wool coat, he in turn said, "I could ask the same Father..."
To which Jacob stammered a bit, as he replied, "Yes...well yes indeed, you see, I have been back for a time, firstly I spoke with Pascal and Mouse...and only just now, I was talking to Mary..."
As Vincent slipped his supporting arm through his Father's, as they walked, he asked, "So I assume you were filled in on the events of both here and above?"
With a nod, Jacob said, "Yes, good news all the way around...I am more than pleased Catherine is no longer in danger, and delighted you both filled in for me so nicely as well. I need to thank you both Vincent."
As they approached Jacob's threshold, Vincent kindly said, "It was our pleasure Father...no need to thank us...however trust knowing, the children took it upon themselves, and were quick to correct me when I did not fulfill things to your measure. They do love you Father."
With a kiss to his son's cheek, Jacob said, "Thank you for that Vincent...goodnight now...off to bed with you."
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent said, "Sleep well Father."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well its Monday morning...and Catherine's first day at the DA! As she rose from her bed, she made a detour from her kitchen, to answer the phone instead! And on the other end, was her Dad...her very thankful Dad. And after he expressed his relief over Steven being arrested, he then asked, "And how are you doing sweetie...I know his deceit has taken its toll on you."
With emotions of sad regret hovering and taking over her heart, Catherine broke down, and tearfully said, "I don't know what it is Dad...I was doing fine, but the minute I heard your voice, I revert back to that little girl who needs her Daddy! And you are right...Steven's deceit has taken its toll on me."
Trying to lighten the mood, with a feigned irritation, Charles replied, "How do you think I feel? I took him to The Phantom of the Opera! I feel so cheap!"
This unexpected comment, caused Catherine to laugh, and as she blew her nose, she said, "Oh Dad...you always manage to make me laugh..."
To which Charles said, "Well after hearing my voice made you cry, I should at least leave you laughing..."
In reply, Catherine then shared, "You always could...but I don't want you worrying about me Dad, I will be fine."
She then added, "I should tell you, Joe sure sang your praises last night. He said you made very quick the work digging through reports and numerous case files..."
Assuredly, Charles said, "I did my best, after all my Dear Daughter's safety was at stake! And truthfully Joe did most the work...he's a bright kid, and I like him Cathy, and like I said yesterday, he has a new found respect for you, just give him a chance."
As Catherine cleared her throat, she promised she would, and then said, "Enough about me...what about you? Did you have a nice evening with Evelyn?"
Because he did have a very enjoyable date, he told Catherine, "I really did...I think we all did. And instead of going out to a crowded restaurant, we stayed right there at Jessica's. Oh her view of the city is really something Cathy...and she had it all decorated with Christmas do-dad's, lights and such...it was really nice..."
Coyly, Catherine then asked, "And Evelyn...do you think you will see her again?"
Teasingly, Charles replied, "We HAVE agreed to be pen pals..."
He then continued, "...seriously though, Evelyn and Sylvia are thinking of coming back for New Years Eve. Jessica will be gone on a photo shoot, but she offered her apartment to them to sublet for as long as they like...so, they may be spending some time here..."
To which Catherine said, "I thought it was the other way around! I thought People go south for the winter not north! Hmm, they must really like you two."
Admittedly, Charles finished up this line of conversation by saying, "I think they do! Well I will let you go so you can get ready for work."
Saying she would call him later and fill him in on her first day at the D.A., she then said goodbye to her Dear Daddy.
And although she was nervous...she wasn't as nervous as she would've been, if she had not been assigned to Paul as his assistant!
And Paul was quite an informative, kind and patient mentor. Even her meeting with Joe went very nicely that morning.
It was evident the bravery she showed in the heat of Steven's threats, impressed him, and he was maybe even a little enamored with Catherine as well. A feeling he would definitely hide not only from her, but from his self as well!
And so he continued with his gruff demeanor when speaking, addressing her either as Radcliffe, or Chandler in his usual familiar manner.
So as the end of the work day finally came, Catherine and Paul walked out together discussing tomorrow's docket. To which Paul noted, "I'll be seeing you first thing at the courthouse for Steven's arraignment."
To which Paul hesitantly mentioned, "Joe told me he offered to put you on another case..."
In reply, Catherine said, "It was nice of him to offer, but in my heart, I know I need to be there. However much I am dreading to see Steven sitting there as a defendant, I guess I am hoping...well who knows, maybe seeing me will invoke some sort of remorse."
With a look, Paul said, "Don't count on it Cathy..."
And then as he slipped on his gloves, Paul asked, "Do you want a lift Cathy?"
As Catherine took in a deep breath, she said she wanted to walk, walking helped to clear her head. And as she gave Paul a hug goodbye, she then added, "And besides, it's beginning to snow!"
Paul shook his head in wonder as he said, "You still love the snow eh? You little nut! Well have a good night, and be careful."
Catherine promising she would, she then said goodnight to Paul, her mentor and her friend.
And so as Catherine began her trek home, the setting sun had almost entirely settled below the skyline now...peaking out just enough to engulf the city, in a golden wintry glow. Pulling her collar up, she looked up at the beautiful falling snow, wishing more than anything that Vincent was at her side.
As she passed by The Art Exchange, a little shoppe which was one of Catherine's favorite haunts, she couldn't resist stopping to check out their new festively decorated window display.
Catherine's heart skipped a beat, as she saw there was a miniature replica of Cupid and Psyche showcased, right in front!
As she stepped closer to better see, she smiled to herself as she looked at this marble version of the mythological lovers, who served to remind her of the man she loved with all her heart...and because she had so much to share with him, she wondered, and hoped...then looking heavenward, she prayed she would be seeing him tonight...
The end
Coming next Destiny of my Heart!
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And they touched on many everyday subjects, the profound, the casual, and the in between. Just the way a natural conversation should progress when one feels safe and unencumbered by worry.
It was then Vincent glanced over to the table, where Catherine had a couple of framed photographs displayed, a photo of her Mother, and a photograph of Catherine, with Noodles, in her arms.
As Vincent walked over to pick up the photo of Catherine with the pet she unselfishly gave away, he noted, "This is a nice keepsake Catherine..."
And because she wondered what Vincent was referring to, Catherine asked, "What is?"
Turning the photo so she could see, a very puzzled Catherine responded, "Where did that come from?"
To which Vincent said, "It was sitting here, right on the table..."
And it was then Catherine recalled that Jennifer said she left her a surprise to find when she returned home, and upon seeing the framed picture, Catherine knew this must be it! Jennifer's surprise!
And so Catherine explained, "You know Vincent, when I last saw Jennifer, she told me I had a surprise awaiting me here, but I never had a chance to look for it. Awe how sweet of her! I love this."
To which Vincent asked, "How is Noodles doing? Have you heard?"
Missing Noodles so much, Catherine then shared, "According to Jenny, he is doing fine. In fact, Mrs. Aranson said I could come see him any time I like, but I thought I should wait. I want to give him plenty of time to settle in so I don't confuse him. And truthfully, I am afraid I will cry when I see him."
Putting the picture down, Vincent said, he missed Noodles too, and noted, the love she had for her dear pet was so great, that she was willing to give him away. He then expressed, "I admire the strength you owned in dealing with this heartfelt matter."
With a sad nod, Catherine revealed, "There was a time not so long ago, I wouldn't have been able to give him away...thinking only of myself and how I felt."
To which Vincent revealed, "I feel as if you are describing myself. When Steven was still on the run, I was going to convince you not to go to work tomorrow. I tried to imagine my getting through the day knowing you were above where he might harm you."
Haltingly, Vincent continued, "At times my thoughts plague me so, despising if something should happen to you Catherine...my life would be nothing without you in it..."
Catherine felt both empowered by Vincent's devotion, and at the same time taken back. She was just beginning to realize how much he needed her closeness, and the nurturing affection they share. And it made her feel so wonderful, knowing she was able to satisfy this kind of deep longing, buried within his heart.
However, this feeling of an elevated sanction Catherine owned, was short lived, and melted completely away, as soon as Vincent would look at her.
Just a look from him, very often was all it took to capture her spirit, turning herself over...wanting to tell him she felt the same. And so she whispered, "I need you too Vincent."
And so...as she revealed her heart so sweetly to him, he in turn did so generously to her, opening his heart to completely unite with hers. And Vincent knew, it was there and then...he felt an unfamiliar serenity, and a change had come, but he could not define how, or in exactly what way. But he knew no one but they, could understand how difficult it had been, to arrive here, where they now stood...far above the wasteland, of all of their resolved issues...issues, many of which he himself possessed. So after all of his declarations of unworthiness were dispelled, Catherine was able to tend to the moaning portion of his heart, which had pained him for all of his life, enabling him to accept her love, as sweetly as she wished to give it.
And it was times such as this, during these precious few private moments they shared, that served to validate their devotion to one another. And on this night...it was a long time before either of them wanted to say goodnight.
But ultimately...in his wisdom Vincent held his Catherine protectively to him, and huskily whispered, "I must go..."
Looking up at him, with care, she smoothed his tangled tresses, and whispered, "I know..."
And with one last embrace, he descended from her balcony.
And so in the late night/early morning hour...Vincent travelled the silent, vacated city streets, knowing they were now a safer place for the top-side dwellers. And as he looked up at the slow falling snow, which fell upon, and all about him, he wished Catherine was at his side, to also witness this serene wintry splender...knowing no one else but she would love it as much as he...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as Jacob himself, returned to the tunnels, he was told the
news that Catherine's stalker had been incarcerated, by Pascal and Mouse, who by the way, was taking his elevated position via Vincent quite seriously.
Feeling so relieved this was so, Jacob thanked the two for the info, and knew this was good news for everyone...for Catherine, Charles, the city, and for his son...whom Jacob secretly feared would have some how ended up in the middle, needing to protect Catherine from this mad man.
Jacob hesitated a moment, before he then asked, "Boys...before you go, I was wondering if either of you know how Vincent did, errr, have you any insight pertaining to the ahhh....errr rather, do you know how the...the ahhh...."
Pascal raised a brow as he waited for Jacob to ask how the Christmas Card Session had gone, and though Jacob put on a painful display, Pascal waited a moment more, before he got him off the hook, and inserted, "You are wondering how Vincent did filling in for you tonight Father?"
"Precisely!" Said Jacob as he expelled an anguished sigh.
With a shrug Mouse said, "Did fine, Rebecca and I helped clean up."
Looking relieved, but still downhearted, Jacob said, "Well done..."
Being privy to all the internal struggles Jacob had about going or staying, Pascal put his arm about his shoulders, and said, "Even though the children missed you Father, Vincent did all right and got it done...you know...sometimes we have to make tough decisions, so don't beat yourself up over missing the event here tonight."
Looking up sheepishly, Jacob thanked Pascal by saying, "You are a good boy Pascal. How did you know what I was thinking?"
With a smile, Pascal said, "Ahhh, cuz you wear your heart on your sleeve Father, that's how. Now what I want to know is...did you have a good time tonight with Peter, Jessica, and Charles? I mean if you wouldn't have gone...they would have been let down. Face it, you were in a no win situation."
With an appreciative nod, Jacob answered, "Yes...in truth once I pushed my guilt aside, I did have a nice time." And then Jacob patted the two on the back, and said, "Well it's late, goodnight boys."
Feeling bolstered by helping Jacob a little bit, Pascal humbly said, "Good night Father."
And so with the worry lifted a bit, Jacob continued onward, and as he decided to walk past Mary's chamber, he saw a soft glow radiating from her threshold, indicating she must still be awake.
Standing just outside of her postern, he called her name, to which she softly answered, "Yes Father..."
Feeling a twinge of trepidation, he carefully asked, "May I?"
To which Mary replied, "Of course."
As Jacob entered, he mentioned, he was surprised to see her light was still on, and wondered what she was doing up at this late hour.
In reply, Mary conceded that yes, it WAS quite late, and though she didn't need to say it, but the late hour also denotes the time Jacob was returning!
And then Mary kindly explained the reason she was still up, was because she needed to finish one more afghan before Christmas, and she hadn't a moment to spare.
And because she was sipping on some tea, she felt inclined to mention, "In fact, I only just now decided to take a bit of a break and enjoy some tea."
Upon casing the situation, for a way of re-entering Mary's good graces, Jacob noted the yarn he had rolled for her, and asked, "I hope the yarn is unraveling smoothly for you."
Without looking up, Mary concisely replied, "Yes it is, as it always does when you wind it for me..."
For the first time during this exchange, she looked at him, and with a wounded smile, she added, "...which is one of the reasons, I ask you to do it for me. Your method of winding the yarn is so impeccably precise...enabling the yarn to unroll with such ease, it makes my task so much easier."
Bashfully Jacob looked downward, and then said, "You flatter me of course. I did train under your tutelage after all."
In a commanding tone, Mary replied, "But Father...it's not only the yarn I am referring to, it is the care you take in everything you do. You always give so much thought with every task, no matter the importance."
Jacob guiltily looked downward, as he said, "I regret I had been remiss this evening however...I am sorry Mary..."
Weakly Mary acknowledged, "I know how badly you felt missing out...and I am sorry too, I should have checked with you first...but without rehashing all the regrets, I want you to know, Vincent did you proud, and with Catherine at his side helping, we had a splendid time with the children."
To which Jacob quietly replied, "Very good to hear, I had no doubt it would be a delightful time..."
Urgently, Mary added, "Now I don't want to imply you were not missed Father...we all missed you immensely, however we did survive..."
With a crooked grin, and a nod of appreciation, Jacob then confessed, "Truth be told...I would have rather stayed. However, I was torn..."
With care, Mary said, "And I do understand Father...I know Peter, Charles and Jessica were all counting on you too. It must be difficult when you are important to so many...I mean to say...you are important to all of us...afterall friendships are like a garden...they must be tended to, and maintained with care..."
Warmed by Mary's understanding, Jacob replied, "What a lovely analogy Mary."
And though Mary hadn't asked, Jacob decided to share his unsolicited feelings by saying, "And friendship is exactly how I classify my relationship with Jessica...and tonight only served to solidify this fact...we are friends and could never be anything more to one another..."
With a quickened heart, Mary took a sip of her tea, not really knowing how to reply to what Jacob had just told her. But thinking on it a bit longer, Mary replied, "You have known each other for a very long time...anyone can see what you share is quite special."
As Jacob thought of what Mary said, Jacob had to agree, and responded, "Yes, it is special AND rare when a man and a woman can remain friends even though their status to one another changes."
In response Mary smiled, and after nodding in agreement, it was then she thought to offer, "Father, I am sorry, would you like to share some tea with me? There is an extra tea cup on the table aside of you."
With a bit of a nod, Jacob replied, "I dare say, that sounds lovely. May I refresh yours as well?"
And so the two sat talking, with Mary asking questions about the city above, wondering how festive the city looked, and how Jessica's place was decorated.
To which Jacob happily filled Mary in on the decor, and such, but then as he looked around Mary's own sweet chamber, he added, "Though Jessica's apartment has all the latest in styling Mary, I don't believe it is nearly as homey and cozy as your chamber is..."
Looking about herself, Mary replied, "I am happy here..."
So with a thoughtful nod, Jacob said, "I am glad..."
Then heaving a sigh, and sipping his last sip, Jacob replied, "Yes well, I should say goodnight. It was good to talk to you Mary."
With a gentle smile, Mary feeling humbled by the fact Jacob checked on her, and unexpectedly, shared some insight into his and Jessica's friendship, she nodded, and replied, "It was good to talk to you too Father."
And so, with a slight hesitation to his turn, he looked back once more at Mary, and with a warm smile, he said a fond good night.
Continuing on toward his chamber, Jacob crossed paths with a very snowy Vincent! And so he asked, "Only now returning?'
As Vincent noticed his Father was still donning his Fedora, and wool coat, he in turn said, "I could ask the same Father..."
To which Jacob stammered a bit, as he replied, "Yes...well yes indeed, you see, I have been back for a time, firstly I spoke with Pascal and Mouse...and only just now, I was talking to Mary..."
As Vincent slipped his supporting arm through his Father's, as they walked, he asked, "So I assume you were filled in on the events of both here and above?"
With a nod, Jacob said, "Yes, good news all the way around...I am more than pleased Catherine is no longer in danger, and delighted you both filled in for me so nicely as well. I need to thank you both Vincent."
As they approached Jacob's threshold, Vincent kindly said, "It was our pleasure Father...no need to thank us...however trust knowing, the children took it upon themselves, and were quick to correct me when I did not fulfill things to your measure. They do love you Father."
With a kiss to his son's cheek, Jacob said, "Thank you for that Vincent...goodnight now...off to bed with you."
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent said, "Sleep well Father."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well its Monday morning...and Catherine's first day at the DA! As she rose from her bed, she made a detour from her kitchen, to answer the phone instead! And on the other end, was her Dad...her very thankful Dad. And after he expressed his relief over Steven being arrested, he then asked, "And how are you doing sweetie...I know his deceit has taken its toll on you."
With emotions of sad regret hovering and taking over her heart, Catherine broke down, and tearfully said, "I don't know what it is Dad...I was doing fine, but the minute I heard your voice, I revert back to that little girl who needs her Daddy! And you are right...Steven's deceit has taken its toll on me."
Trying to lighten the mood, with a feigned irritation, Charles replied, "How do you think I feel? I took him to The Phantom of the Opera! I feel so cheap!"
This unexpected comment, caused Catherine to laugh, and as she blew her nose, she said, "Oh Dad...you always manage to make me laugh..."
To which Charles said, "Well after hearing my voice made you cry, I should at least leave you laughing..."
In reply, Catherine then shared, "You always could...but I don't want you worrying about me Dad, I will be fine."
She then added, "I should tell you, Joe sure sang your praises last night. He said you made very quick the work digging through reports and numerous case files..."
Assuredly, Charles said, "I did my best, after all my Dear Daughter's safety was at stake! And truthfully Joe did most the work...he's a bright kid, and I like him Cathy, and like I said yesterday, he has a new found respect for you, just give him a chance."
As Catherine cleared her throat, she promised she would, and then said, "Enough about me...what about you? Did you have a nice evening with Evelyn?"
Because he did have a very enjoyable date, he told Catherine, "I really did...I think we all did. And instead of going out to a crowded restaurant, we stayed right there at Jessica's. Oh her view of the city is really something Cathy...and she had it all decorated with Christmas do-dad's, lights and such...it was really nice..."
Coyly, Catherine then asked, "And Evelyn...do you think you will see her again?"
Teasingly, Charles replied, "We HAVE agreed to be pen pals..."
He then continued, "...seriously though, Evelyn and Sylvia are thinking of coming back for New Years Eve. Jessica will be gone on a photo shoot, but she offered her apartment to them to sublet for as long as they like...so, they may be spending some time here..."
To which Catherine said, "I thought it was the other way around! I thought People go south for the winter not north! Hmm, they must really like you two."
Admittedly, Charles finished up this line of conversation by saying, "I think they do! Well I will let you go so you can get ready for work."
Saying she would call him later and fill him in on her first day at the D.A., she then said goodbye to her Dear Daddy.
And although she was nervous...she wasn't as nervous as she would've been, if she had not been assigned to Paul as his assistant!
And Paul was quite an informative, kind and patient mentor. Even her meeting with Joe went very nicely that morning.
It was evident the bravery she showed in the heat of Steven's threats, impressed him, and he was maybe even a little enamored with Catherine as well. A feeling he would definitely hide not only from her, but from his self as well!
And so he continued with his gruff demeanor when speaking, addressing her either as Radcliffe, or Chandler in his usual familiar manner.
So as the end of the work day finally came, Catherine and Paul walked out together discussing tomorrow's docket. To which Paul noted, "I'll be seeing you first thing at the courthouse for Steven's arraignment."
To which Paul hesitantly mentioned, "Joe told me he offered to put you on another case..."
In reply, Catherine said, "It was nice of him to offer, but in my heart, I know I need to be there. However much I am dreading to see Steven sitting there as a defendant, I guess I am hoping...well who knows, maybe seeing me will invoke some sort of remorse."
With a look, Paul said, "Don't count on it Cathy..."
And then as he slipped on his gloves, Paul asked, "Do you want a lift Cathy?"
As Catherine took in a deep breath, she said she wanted to walk, walking helped to clear her head. And as she gave Paul a hug goodbye, she then added, "And besides, it's beginning to snow!"
Paul shook his head in wonder as he said, "You still love the snow eh? You little nut! Well have a good night, and be careful."
Catherine promising she would, she then said goodnight to Paul, her mentor and her friend.
And so as Catherine began her trek home, the setting sun had almost entirely settled below the skyline now...peaking out just enough to engulf the city, in a golden wintry glow. Pulling her collar up, she looked up at the beautiful falling snow, wishing more than anything that Vincent was at her side.
As she passed by The Art Exchange, a little shoppe which was one of Catherine's favorite haunts, she couldn't resist stopping to check out their new festively decorated window display.
Catherine's heart skipped a beat, as she saw there was a miniature replica of Cupid and Psyche showcased, right in front!
As she stepped closer to better see, she smiled to herself as she looked at this marble version of the mythological lovers, who served to remind her of the man she loved with all her heart...and because she had so much to share with him, she wondered, and hoped...then looking heavenward, she prayed she would be seeing him tonight...
The end
Coming next Destiny of my Heart!
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| Treasure of my Heart? By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twenty-one Final Chapter "The Holly and the Ivy" _________________________________ |
