If We Had No Winter - A Post for Winterfest Online 2018

If We Had No Winter

By Katie Armistead

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant…” – Anne Bradstreet, Meditations Divine and Moral

“If ever two were one, then surely we.

If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;

If ever wife was happy in a man,

Compare with me ye women if you can.”

-Anne Bradstreet, To My Dear and Loving Husband

They were calling it a “bomb”, the storm that was approaching New York.  It looked like a hurricane on the satellite images Catherine saw on TV, but it was bringing cold and snow.  It was bringing too much snow, and high winds, and very cold air, and lots of things that would be bad for the city, and bad for those Below when it started to melt.

Catherine was included in those Below these days.  She and Vincent had been formally joined at long last, and she normally lived Below with him.  This week, however, her job had caused her to work too many late nights, and she had to stay in her apartment for several nights.  To top it off, she was coming down with the horrible office cold, which had caused the increase in her workload in the first place.

“Wonderful,” Catherine said to herself as she watched the weather report. “This is going to be bad for everybody.”

Just then, instead of a tap at her window to go with the sudden warmth in her heart, there was a soft, gravelly voice saying “Talking to oneself is never a good sign, Catherine.”

“Vincent!” she exclaimed, and launched herself into his embrace.  “I really needed this tonight!”

“I confess I did as well, Catherine.”  

Vincent drew back from her a little, noticed the glassiness of her eyes, the redness of her nose.  “Catherine, you are catching a cold!”

“Yes, the office crud is catching up with me.  If the weather is as bad as expected tomorrow, I am calling in sick like almost everybody else already is.”

“You should come Below tonight, Catherine.  Let us take care of you.”

“Oh, Vincent, I would hate to bring this crud down there!  Think of the elderly that are sheltering there already because of the coming storm!  This virus could be a real danger to them!”

“Catherine, I doubt you would be around them.  I will keep you in our chamber, in our bed, by force if need be!” This he punctuated with a mock-growl and a squeeze, to let her know he was teasing her.

Catherine giggled.  “Vincent, you certainly know by now that you wouldn’t have to force me!”

“I should hope not! We ARE still newlyweds, after all!” he replied with a laugh.

Such joy they both had in that fact.  FINALLY, finally, they were embarking on the living of their Dream.

“Still, Vincent, I don’t want to chance it if I don’t have to.  I’ll see what the weather is in the morning; if it is as bad as expected, I will come Below, I promise, germs or not!”

“I fear it may well be as bad, if not worse, than the predictions are saying, Catherine.  Already the wind is picking up, and it has an extremely cold edge to it.  Even I had more difficulty than usual getting up here tonight.”

“Then you had better go before it gets any worse, or I will worry myself even sicker about your safety!  Not that I want you to go; I feel so much better here in your arms.”

“I know, Catherine, I know.” Vincent held her even tighter for awhile, then sighed and said, “Promise me you will go to bed now, and not stay up working?  Rest will help you fight the cold.”

“I promise.  See, my briefcase is already all packed up in case I go to the office tomorrow.  There is nothing more in there that I can work on here.  The rest requires research and phone calls,” she told him quite truthfully.  For once, she had no long hours’ worth of work to do at home.  “I was on my way to bed when you came in.  I was just checking the weather one last time.”

“All right, Catherine.  I am glad you won’t be tempted to stay up working.  You need more rest than you get!  Here, I’ll tuck you in, and make my way home before the wind gets any worse.”

“Mmmm.  That sounds good, but I will be tempted to keep you here too long, you know,” she answered with a grin.

“I realize the risk, Catherine, but I am hoping your concern for my safety will win out over our libidos tonight,” he replied, returning her grin.

Vincent got Catherine all properly tucked in, and very properly kissed good night, and fought his way home through the beginnings of the storm. This is going to be worse than they are predicting.  It’s already starting to snow, and they hadn’t predicted that to start until mid morning. 

It was indeed worse than they were predicting.  High winds had already started snapping power transmission lines, and generators were going to be hard put to keep up with demand.  Catherine’s building did not have an emergency generator, and though the heat was produced by natural gas, the blower system and thermostats were run by electricity.  During the night, while she slept, Catherine’s apartment began to grow cold. Yes, it was pretty well insulated, but all that exposed glass on the balcony doors, and the fact that the wind was whipping around and against them, bled off the retained heat pretty quickly.  

The cold was starting to seep into Catherine’s dreams.  She was on an iceberg, looking for Vincent, and Frankenstein’s monster was chasing her.   She woke with a start.

I guess re-reading Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein last week wasn’t such a good idea.  Man, it’s COLD in here!  Dark, too.  Time to head Below.

She swung her legs to the floor, and was about to stand when a wave of dizziness hit.  Her head felt stuffy, and her ears hurt.  She was also VERY cold. 

Great.  It’s nasty out, the heat and electricity are out, I have to get Below, only I’m waaay too dizzy to make it down 18 flights of stairs, plus the basement steps, not to mention the ladder.

She flopped back down on the bed, cuddled up in the covers and tried to think of a way to get help getting Below.  She was still very tired, it was very early in the morning, and she decided she had time to snooze a bit more, if she could, and then call in, and maybe by then, she’d be able to walk Below on her own.

While she slept, though, she developed a fever, and she was even more congested. 

Vincent woke with a start.  Something was VERY wrong.  The bond told him Catherine was sleeping, but her sleep felt very troubled, like she was very ill.  With the weather as it was, there was no way he could safely get to her now, not to mention it would soon be too light, and she’d have to come Below through her building anyway.  He dressed quickly and decided to speak with Father.  Perhaps he could come up with an idea to get Catherine Below.  She really SHOULD have come Below last night. 

“Ah, Vincent, you’re up early, aren’t you?” Father asked as Vincent walked into the study.

“Yes.  Catherine woke me up,” he replied.

“She’s Below then? That’s a good thing.  That weather up there is much worse than first expected.  There are massive power outages, and many of our Helpers are making their way here to at least get a hot meal and warm up a bit.  Did Catherine come down late last night?”

“No, Father, she is still Above.  What woke me was a disturbance in our bond.  She is very cold, and, I fear, too ill to make it down here on her own.  That is why she wanted to stay Above, hoping she wouldn’t have to come Below bearing that awful respiratory virus that’s been playing havoc with her office.”

“Oh, dear.  Well, Peter is on his way down.  He is not having office hours today, obviously, and has offered his services here.  We will send him up with someone to help in case Catherine needs more than a little assistance.  I’m sure he’ll be glad to go check on his errant Goddaughter," Father said.

“That’s an excellent idea, Father.  Peter will arouse no suspicion if anyone sees him; they know he’s been to Catherine’s apartment many times. “

About this time, Peter walked in to the study, and greeted Father and Vincent.

“It truly is blowing up a gale out there,” Peter said.  “I’m grateful for the chance to stay here and help out.  Even my power went out!”

Vincent turned to Peter and said, “We are glad to have you, Peter, but there is one more trip Above I’d ask you to make, if you don’t mind…”

“Don’t tell me that stubborn Goddaughter of mine is still up there,” Peter exclaimed.  “No worries, Vincent, I’ll drag her down here by the hair if I have to!”

“Take someone with you, Peter.  The reason she isn’t down here is that she is ill.  I tried to get her to come Below last night, but she was adamant that she didn’t want anyone to catch the 'Office Crud', as she termed it, that she has apparently caught.  The bond feels off to me; I believe she is cold and dizzy, perhaps even now trying to figure out how to get herself down here safely.  She’s awake, but things seem much fuzzier than usual.”

“No doubt she has a fever, and her ears are probably infected.  That girl just will NOT take care of herself! I thought being married to you would make her more interested in taking care of herself, Vincent.  I guess I’ll have to have a little talk with her.  Let me grab a volunteer and I’ll head up there. You’re going to wait by the threshold for us, I suppose,” Peter finished with a grin.

“Of course, “ Vincent replied.

While this was taking place, Father had discreetly sent for Kanin, who appeared in the study just as Peter was about to ask who he could commandeer to go get Catherine. 

“You needed my help, Father,” Kanin asked.  

“Yes, Kanin.  It seems Catherine was so determined to protect us from her cold that she stayed Above last night, and now is too dizzy to get down here herself.  Vincent can’t go, for obvious reasons, so would you please go with Peter in case Catherine needs more assistance than he alone can offer?”

“Sure thing.  Are you ready, Peter?  I know she won’t get mad at me, especially if you are the first one she sees!”

“She will likely be very glad to see both of you,” Vincent interjected.   “She was going to come down this morning, but from the bond I gather she is too dizzy to trust herself alone on all those stairs.  The power is likely out, and the elevator not working.”

“Well, let’s go, then, she’s probably freezing, “ Kanin observed, and the three walked out to go to Catherine’s threshold.

Phone.  That was the phone.  Ringing.  Catherine grabbed for it, and luckily got it before the world went sideways again and she fell on the bed.  She had managed to find her warm fuzzy robe and slippers, and got those on, but that was about it.

“Hello,” she managed to say.

“Oh, no.  You’ve got the crud, on top of this awful weather; well, then the news that the office is closed and we are ordered to stay away until further notice will be welcome to you, eh Radcliffe?”Joe’s voice sounded disgustingly normal and healthy.

“Yeah.  On both counts, you’re right, boss. I’ll see you after the thaw,” she said.

“OK.  Take care, Cath.  Call if you need anything.”

“Will do.  If you call and I’m not here, it means Peter probably found a way to get me to his place where he can keep an eye on me.  Ever since Dad died, Peter has taken over for him.”

“That’s good, Radcliffe.  Spreads the worry out among more of us.  Behave yourself, and get well!”

“Thanks, Joe.  I will.  Bye.”

“Bye, Cath.”

She hung up the phone and was considering dialing Peter’s number when she heard a key in the front door lock.

Peter opened the door, but the chain was on.  “Cathy,” he called, “it’s Peter, come take the chain off the door."

“I’ll be right there,” she called as best she could with her sore throat and froggy voice,  and made her way to the door, hanging on to furniture, walls, and the door frame.

She got the chain off, and Peter and Kanin came in.

“Oh, you do have the crud, don’t you, Sweetie?” Peter observed.  He propelled her to the couch, opened his bag, and did an evaluation right there.  “Uh, huh, it’s in your ears for sure, and you have a fever.  “ He gave her some aspirin, having asked Kanin to bring a glass of water from the kitchen, and he gave her a decongestant also.  “That should help the fever and the ear troubles.  Let’s get you Below.  Anything you need to bring along?”

“No, just myself.  Most of my things are in our chamber now, anyway.  Thanks so much for coming, both of you,” Catherine replied.

“It’s my pleasure, Catherine, to help you, since you have helped Livvie and me so much, and also, helping you helps Vincent, and that is something any of us Below would gladly do,” Kanin replied, and he helped her up and took her arm.  

Peter took her other arm, and they got her out the door, which Peter carefully locked, and proceeded to guide her down to the threshold. They were fortunate that most of the other residents were either already gone, or bundled up in front of their fireplaces for the duration, so they saw no one on the stairs.

“Vincent’s waiting, isn’t he?”

“Yes , Cathy, of course he is,” Peter replied, smiling.

Catherine smiled too.  “I knew he would be.  I hate doing this to him, making him worry like this.  I really didn’t want to chance any of the older Helpers catching this stuff.  It’s awful.”

“He knows that, Cathy.  He loves you though, so of COURSE he’s going to worry.  You won’t likely infect anyone else, anyway, since your chamber now has the separate bedchamber, and I don’t imagine you’ll feel like leaving it until you’re no longer contagious,” Peter replied with a wink and a smile.

“Vincent told me last night I wouldn’t be allowed out of bed.” Promises, promises, she thought, but did not say.

Peter and Kanin exchanged a knowing smile.  This being married stuff was old hat to them, but still very new to Cathy and Vincent.  No matter that they had been committed to one another almost from the beginning, being married made it official, made it expected, that you be responsible for and to each other.  Also, it was rather expected that when you are newlyweds, you may be rather, um, fond of any excuse for privacy.

When they got to the threshold, Vincent was there, at the top of the ladder, and opened the door as soon as they had moved the boxes.  

“Catherine,” he said, as Peter and Kanin helped her down to the doorway.

“Vincent, “ she replied, gladly snuggling into his embrace as he carefully turned her so she could climb down the ladder in front of him, so he could keep her from falling.

At the bottom of the ladder, as Peter and Kanin climbed down and secured the secret door, Vincent scooped Catherine up and started toward the hub.  “Your hands are like ice! Was the heat out? “ he asked.

“Yes, it still is.  I gathered the blankets around me and shuffled to the closet and got my robe and fuzzy slippers out.  It was hard; I had to go from the bench at the end of the bed to the dresser, and hang on to the dresser while I opened the closet, but I made it!”

 “Yes, so you did.  We’ll get you tucked into bed with some of those foot warmers that Mouse and Mary collaborated on,” Vincent replied as they were nearing their chamber.

Mouse had found some smooth river stones, and Mary had made some insulated bags to fit them.  When the stones were heated by the kitchen hearth, they could be tucked into one of the bags and put down under the covers at the foot of the bed to safely heat a nice space for one's toes.

“That sounds lovely.  I feel like I could sleep for a week,” Catherine responded.

They entered their chamber to find Mary just coming out of the bedchamber.  “I’ve got the foot warmer already in place, Catherine.  Peter tapped a message after he got back down that you would probably need that.  Father will check on you later, as you know that though he trusts Peter, he feels you are his patient now!”

“Thank you, Mary.  I know Father feels responsible for me now, too, and that’s all right.  You are all my family now.  Officially, even!  I feel responsible for all of you, too,” Catherine answered.

Mary smiled and patted her shoulder, and went on her way. “Thank you, Mary,” Vincent called after her.

As he tucked Catherine into bed, Vincent noticed that she was indeed, quite fatigued.  “You sleep now, Catherine.  I’ll come back in a little while and rest with you.”

“Poor Vincent, you didn’t sleep very well last night either, did you?”

“No, Catherine, I’m afraid I didn’t, but Father told me I could take the day off teaching, and I should take care of you.  The children are helping settle all the Helpers that want to shelter from the storm, so there are no classes.”

“Well, I am glad we are able to shelter at least some of the Helpers.  You know where the checkbook is if Father needs to use Margaret’s bequest for anything, right?”

“Yes, Catherine, and never fear, he will use it if we need it.  Sleep now.” Vincent smoothed the hair back from her face, ensured the blankets were tucked around her, and went to change clothes. 

He stood by the bed, watching her sleep.  It was all still so new in so many ways, this “married” status he found himself in.  He looked down at his hands, and saw the gold band on his finger. 

That ring.

The weight of it.

The promise it represented.

Its truth: That he was hers and she his.

The responsibility it represented.

It was more than just his right , it was his duty to be with her in this as in all things.  Not that long ago, he would have run from being this close to her, even though she needed his physical warmth like this.  It was a glorious and also daunting thing to actually BE as responsible for her as he had always FELT himself to be.  

That she felt responsible for his well being also went without saying.  She took every precaution to protect him, and this world.  If only she would see taking care of herself and her health as part of taking care of him – because it was.

He knew she did many things Above to protect both him and his world, not least of which was keeping herself out of physical danger as much as possible.  Her new job preparing cases for trial saw to that.  She still ran herself ragged, working too hard, doing too much, and not letting him and his family take care of her.

He sighed as he carefully got into bed, and gathered her close without waking her.  He looked at her next to him.  So cold, so worn out, so determined not to be a burden, not to appear to be getting “special treatment.” Never mind that she was one of them, and also a Helper who did far more than most realized, she felt she couldn’t “impose” on this world with her needs.  That would end.  He would see to it.  She would be made to understand that he and their family here WANTED to take care of her, NEEDED to give back at least a little to one who so unselfishly gave so much to them.

He nuzzled her hair a bit, inhaling that wonderful fragrance of herbs, flowers, and Catherine that had enchanted him since the beginning.  The physical closeness was no longer a source of fear to him, but a source of chagrin, sometimes. He often felt, since they had married, as though he couldn’t keep his hands off of her.  She seemed equally unable to keep from touching him whenever they were in the same room. Well, they WERE still newlyweds, but all of his hard-won self control seemed to have fled with the discovery that Catherine was right about their bond, that he simply COULDN’T hurt her, even when “lost” in passion, because ALL of him loved her.

She had stopped shivering long ago. He held her close to him, his sense of her conveying the rest and recuperation taking place.  Everything in both of them improved when they were close like this.  He reflected that there were things he knew about her now that he hadn’t before – the taste of the skin at the nape of her neck, the delicacy of her ears, and how his nibbling at them could send both fever and chills  through her, and make her moan with pleasure and reach back for him, if he snuck up behind her and “assaulted” her earlobe.

He now knew how completely icy her feet could be at night, and that she loved to place them on his person, his legs or his back, particularly, in order to warm them. She now knew that he snarled when surprised like that.

He looked at her oh' so peaceful face.  She was warm now, of course she was.  She was at last home safe, in his arms, in their bed, in the heart of a community that loved them both.

They slept soundly for several hours.  Around 4:30 in the afternoon, a loud growling noise was heard in the chamber.  Catherine giggled.  

“Catherine,” Vincent said groggily, sleep releasing him more slowly than it did her this once. “Was that YOU?”

“I’m afraid my stomach knows it’s almost dinner time, and that we slept right through lunch.  Also, I didn’t have breakfast, my throat was too sore,” she answered with a shy smile.

“Well, allow me to dress, and I shall see about getting a tray from William for us.  I intend to stay here with you as much as possible, the better to enforce the prescribed bed rest!” He leaned over and kissed her forehead before getting up and gathering his clothing.

She waited until he left, and then ran into the private bath chamber they shared with Father in order to use the facilities.  When she was finished, and made her way back to the bedchamber, she heard a familiar voice in the main chamber. “Cathy?  Are you decent? Father and I would like to take a look at you,” Peter called.

“Come on in, “ she answered as best she could.

The two doctors found her sitting up in bed, with a robe around her shoulders, and pillows propping her up.  

“Vincent came by the study on his way to get your dinner tray.  We told him we’d like to look in on you, see how things are with your cold,” Father explained.

“I’m glad you did.  I am hoping I haven’t depleted my resources too much this time.  I really have to start stepping up and taking better care of myself.  I just can’t stand to see Vincent so worried,” Catherine said.

“Well, Honey, if you recall the conversation we had a couple of days ago, perhaps I should take that blood sample we discussed.  It’s one reason I only gave you aspirin and a very mild decongestant this morning,” Peter replied.

Catherine nodded, and looked at Father.

“It’s all right, Catherine.  I know Peter is your primary physician.  Is the blood test for what I suspect it might be?”

“If you are thinking pregnancy test, then you are correct,” Catherine replied with a shy grin.  “I’m late, and I haven’t been using precautions for the last several weeks, ever since Vincent and I discussed the possibility of children.  Thank you for reassuring him, by the way.”

“It was the least I could do, Catherine, after all the years I spent being wrong about everything.  He is indeed more human than anything else, and I see no reason why you shouldn’t try to have a family.  Peter and I will watch you closely, of course, but I have a feeling everything will be fine.”

Catherine held her arms out to Father, and he hugged her.  “Now, let’s get some basic vital signs, and Peter will draw some blood, all right?”

Catherine nodded, and the exam and procedure were completed fairly quickly.  

“Well, you definitely have an upper respiratory virus.  We’ll just prescribe the usual rest and lots of fluids for now, and when we have the test results, we’ll know what else we can give you, if you need anything,“ Peter said as they prepared to leave.

“Thank you both.  Nobody ever had better care,” Catherine told them.

“Ah, here’s Vincent with your dinner. You two both take it easy and rest, and remember, Catherine, LOTS of fluids,” Father said as they left.

“So, what’s the verdict?” Vincent asked as he placed the tray on a table near the bed.

“I definitely have an upper respiratory virus, and they took a blood sample, so we should know if our suspicions are correct,” Catherine answered him.

He looked at her from under his bangs as he was handing her a cup of tea. “I don’t have ‘suspicions’, Catherine.  I know.”

“You can feel the baby? Already?”  

“I can’t really feel the child, Catherine, but I know something in the bond has changed; there is a new energy present.  As time passes, it gets more defined.  I am sure when the child is developed enough, I will sense him or her,” he said, looking at her with the most profound joy in his eyes.

“And you can still feel me through the bond, the same as always?”

“Yes.  So it would seem my nightmare was in no way prophetic, thank goodness.  I would not be able to stand not feeling you in my heart, Catherine.”

“I wouldn’t want to be parted from the warmth you place in my heart either, Vincent.  I am so very, very sorry I pushed myself too hard this week.  I never want to worry you, and I especially don’t want to take any chances with my health now,” she told him.

“I was thinking to implore you to consider how taking care of yourself is part of taking care of me, Catherine, to remember our promises to one another when we were joined.  It would seem you have indeed been thinking that perhaps now you can let me, AND our family, take care of you once in a while,” Vincent replied.

“Yes, Vincent, I need to stop feeling like a burden.  I know that you love me, and our family all love me, and I suspect we will have to fight Father, Mary, Jamie, Mouse, and a few others for the chance to care for our own offspring, at least for awhile,” she said with laughing eyes.

“Let’s finish our dinner, Catherine, and then I’ll read to you awhile.  “

“That sounds like a plan.  You know 'The Doctors' will probably show up again as soon as that blood test is done.  I think Father is already pretty certain, himself, though.  Mary probably suspects something, too.  I’ve caught both of them looking at me with little knowing smiles lately.”

“Probably so, Catherine, they have both shepherded quite a few  women through pregnancy and child birth.  They are happy for us.”

“Yes, I know they are,”   Catherine said with a smile. “Thank you, Vincent.  Thank you for loving me, for caring for me, and for this child.  I am so happy, I don’t even mind really that I caught the office crud! I am the luckiest of women.  No woman anywhere has a husband as wonderful as mine!”

That earned her a very nice kiss, and a cuddle.  Vincent read to her, and they both fell asleep with their hands joined on her belly. They were one little family in the midst of their tunnel family, safe, warm, and happy.

They had survived many storms to get to this point, and though winter still blasted the world Above, all was right in the world Below.  

Better than good, better than best.

Sweet cozy dreams to you all!

Katie

Special thanks to JoAnn Baca for always being my editor. You're the best, JoAnn!

To Be Made Whole Again

To Be Made Whole Again

By  Katie A

Catherine closed and locked the door, dropped her briefcase and purse on the floor where she stood, and leaned her back against the door wearily.  She was SO tired.  Physically worn out? Yes. Mentally spent?  Very much so.  But worst of all?  Emotionally, she was completely and utterly exhausted.  She had worked several very intense cases back to back, and somewhat simultaneously.  She had spent almost no time Below, or with Vincent on the balcony.  She needed him.  She needed rest.  She needed to get away from this world Above that was beating her slowly to death.

As Vincent approached the balcony, he knew Catherine was completely exhausted.  He had felt her strength failing bit by bit as the week wore on.  He had spoken with Father before he departed for Catherine’s balcony this evening.  He voiced his concern for Catherine’s health, describing the utter physical, mental and emotional exhaustion he sensed in her. He had asked if Catherine could come Below for a few days, if he could persuade her.

“By all means, Vincent, and do be sure you persuade her,” Father said.  “Peter is out of town, so there is no one up there to keep an eye on her.  She simply MUST come here and let us take care of her.  She works far too hard.”

Vincent was gratified to hear Father voice such concern for Catherine.  He really HAD changed his feelings about her.  It seemed that he loved her as much as any of his Tunnel charges.

“I shall do my best to persuade her, Father,” Vincent promised.  “She can be very stubborn about not being a ‘burden’ to us, but I believe it may be a welcome surprise when I ask her to come Below.”

Now, landing softly on her balcony, he felt even more the weariness and dejection in her.  It’s worse than I thought.  I only hope she has enough strength to make it down to the threshold.  He decided to take a bold step, and perhaps galvanize Catherine’s spirits a bit.

Instead of tapping on the glass as usual, he opened the living room set of French doors, and stepped inside.  Observing the figure slouched wearily against the door, he went quietly over to her, took her into his arms, and said, “Come Below, Catherine.  Let us care for you.  Do you need help packing?”

It took her overtired brain a moment to process all this very unusual information.  Vincent was INSIDE her apartment! Voluntarily!  He had just asked her to come Below and stay awhile.  Oh, I just want to stay right here in your arms for awhile, my Love, she thought. 

Vincent smiled to himself.  He didn’t need to read minds to know what she had just thought.  The bond communicated her relief and her happiness at being in his arms.  “Catherine,” he whispered, “do you need any help packing a few things, and can you make it to the threshold to meet me?” Even as he said this, he cuddled her closer, and rubbed her back soothingly.

“Mmmm,” she said.  “I can pack a few things, and I think I can probably make it down to the threshold.  Letting go of you long enough to accomplish that is going to be difficult, though.”

“You won’t have to give me up for that long.  Just bring your toiletries and a few items of clothing.  You can borrow anything else you need, and I still have some of your things in my dresser from when you stayed Below to help during my illness.” 

They both shivered a little at the memory of that awful time.  Vincent gave her one more squeeze, then pulled back and looked into her eyes.  They were almost muddy with fatigue.  “Remember, Catherine, you don’t need to bring a lot, and I’ll be waiting anxiously for you.” He kissed her forehead, and noted that she felt a trifle too warm.  Hmmm.  I think we shall stop and see Father first thing.  I’ll send a message the minute I get down to the threshold to wait. Aloud, he said, “I’ll see you soon.”  Then he left her side and was over the balcony wall in a flash.

Catherine was feeling a bit dazed by all this.  Nonetheless, she grabbed her duffle bag out of the closet, put in her toiletries, some undies, some socks, a pair of athletic shoes, some jeans, and a couple of sweaters.  She zipped the bag, grabbed her purse, unlocked the door, was through it, and had it relocked behind her in record time.  The briefcase she left dumped unceremoniously right inside the door where she had first let it go on returning from work.

Her trip to the threshold was uneventful, except that Brian met her on the way down.  “Hi, Catherine!”  he greeted her.  “I’m on my way down, too. I’m meeting Mouse and Jamie.  We’re working on a project  together.  Mouse has really helped me with my physical science coursework.  You wouldn’t think it, but he really does know a LOT about science. He just doesn’t know he knows it.”

Catherine was far too exhausted to follow all that, but she said, “I’m glad of the company, Brian.  I’m meeting Vincent.  It’s been a rough week.” 

Brian noticed that she seemed pale and looked tired.  “Here, let me at least carry that bag for you.”  And he took the duffle from her.

She smiled. “Thanks, Brian.”

The rest of the elevator ride and the walk to the sub-basement were quiet.  They carefully checked to make sure they were unobserved.  Brian moved the boxes, let Catherine climb down, handed down her duffle, and started down himself after a brief pause to re-arrange their camouflage of boxes in front of the doors.

As Catherine neared the bottom of the ladder, strong yet gentle hands lifted her from the ladder, and powerful arms cradled her.  Vincent waited for Brian to come down and said, “Hello, Brian! Thank you for making sure Catherine got down here safely.  If you would be so kind as to follow us with Catherine’s bag, we’ll be going to the Hospital Chamber, and Mouse will meet you there.”

“That’s fine, Vincent, thanks!”  Brian responded and picked the duffle bag up and followed as Vincent carried Catherine off to the Hospital Chamber.

“Vincent, I’m really all right, just tired; why are we going to the Hospital Chamber?” Catherine asked.

“Because you have a slight fever, Catherine, and Father has been worried about you, too. He knows Peter isn’t in town to check on you, and he wants to make sure you are all right,” Vincent said in a tone that let her know HE wouldn’t rest easy unless she gave in and let Father examine her.

“Oh, that’s so kind of Father to worry over me, “ she said.  “I can’t refuse and make him worry even more.” She felt amusement along the bond at that statement.  She smiled to herself.  I can’t refuse Vincent anything, especially not when he’s so worried about my well- being that he’s mentioned it to Father.  Father really has been very kind to me lately, and he does seem to fuss almost as much as Peter when I let myself get too buried in a case and forget to eat right.

As soon as they got to the Hospital Chamber, they were met by Mary.  “Hello, Catherine.  Vincent, please put her down in the examination area, and then you wait out here.  Hello, Brian.” She turned her head  toward the inner chamber and raised her voice a bit. “ Mouse!  Brian is here.  You’d best go find Jamie and get started on your project!”  She smiled at the three of  them and took Catherine’s bag from Brian and set it on a nearby chair. 

“Hello, Mary,” Brian said. “Thanks for getting Mouse to meet me here.”

“You are very welcome, Brian.” Mary smiled again.  “It has been good for Mouse, working with you and Jamie on this project.”

“Yeah, better than best!  Best project EVER!  Brian’s gonna get an A!”  Mouse exclaimed, entering the outer chamber.   “Come on, Jamie’s waiting in my chamber.  Better not keep her waiting too long.  NOT good!”  Mouse said, and they hurriedly left.

Vincent had come out of the examination area after depositing Catherine on the exam table during this exchange.  “What is it about a conversation with Mouse that always makes one feel as though one has been caught in a windstorm?” he asked a laughing Mary.

“He is so very exuberant, but he has his own sort of intelligence, does our Mouse,” she offered in exchange.

“Father will be here in a moment, Vincent.  Please let him know that I’ve only just gone in to get Catherine into a gown for his examination.”

“I will, Mary, and thank you for all your help,” Vincent said.

“Think nothing of it, Vincent.  We are all very fond of Catherine, you know.  I, for one, worry about her living all alone up there, and Peter can only check on her once in a while.  I’d better get going.” Mary patted Vincent’s cheek as she finished saying this and went in to help Catherine prepare for her short notice check-up.

Father came into the waiting area and spoke to Vincent. “Is Mary with her now?” he asked.

“Yes, Father, she went in about two minutes ago to help Catherine get undressed and into an exam gown for you. “ Vincent’s demeanor became very serious.  “I believe she may be running more of a fever than I first thought, Father.  She feels warmer to the touch than she did earlier, and she dozed off at least once between the threshold and here.”

Father looked at Vincent with deep concern. “How can she let herself go like this?  Does she not realize that people, especially you, worry about her?”

“Father,” Vincent soothed, “she is so very dedicated to her work, and the work is difficult and important.  She tries to spare me the worst of it, but I can sense that these three cases have involved some horrible abuse against children.  Very young children, Father.  It tears at her heart, and she feels she is letting the children down if she doesn’t do absolutely everything possible to win the case and stop the abuse.”

“I realize all that, Vincent,”  Father replied, sighing.  “Still, I will have a word with her about not being any good to the children if she is flat on her back in a hospital bed!”

Catherine sat down on the examination table again after Mary helped her change into the gown, which was far more substantial than what one was given Above for an exam, thank goodness.  “Thank you, Mary,”  she said.  “I feel so bad inconveniencing you and Father like this.  I am sure you have better, more enjoyable things to do on a Friday evening.”

“Catherine, dear, taking care of our family is one of the things we do here.  You are family, and we mean to take good care of you, especially since Peter isn’t in town to check on you.  Now, here, let’s take your temperature, and I’ll go tell Father you’re ready.”

Father came into the examination room, took the thermometer from her mouth, read it, scowled, and said, “Catherine! Your temperature is 100 !  I’ll have Mary take a blood sample so that I can determine if it’s something that needs antibiotics, or is just a virus.  In any case, I hope you’ll stay here for the weekend at the very least.” He looked at her over the top of his reading glasses, and was appalled at how pale and worn down she looked.

“Oh, Father,” she said, suddenly feeling rather teary to be so obviously worried over by this man with whom she had certainly had her share of tussles, “I’ll stay as long as you feel it’s wise.  I know I have to take better care of myself.  I’m so sorry I’ve caused everyone so much worry, Vincent especially. “

“Well, of course we worry about you, my dear, you are one of us!  Now, let’s get that blood sample, and let me listen to your lungs, and we’ll be through.”

Mary drew blood and prepared a slide for him as he listened to Catherine’s lungs and looked in her ears and down her throat.

“Well, nothing alarming but a slightly inflamed ear on the left, and some redness in your throat, but my dear, you are obviously exhausted past any safe limits,” Father said with his most ominous scowl yet.  “Do you really have any idea what this does to Vincent, to feel you wearing yourself to a frazzle like this?  He’s been concerned about you for days, but was loath to disturb you until you turned in the files for those last cases.”

Catherine felt tears sting her eyes. She was tired, she was SO tired, and couldn’t stop herself. “I know exactly how much this affects Vincent!  Why do you think I shield him from as many of my feelings as I possibly can?  THAT’S what’s exhausting me emotionally: trying not to let my horror and anger and despair over these poor children get through the bond.  Also, as you well know, Vincent only lets me so close; so any feelings that might make him uncomfortable with me have to be hidden as well.  It’s very difficult, Father.”  She was nearly sobbing by the end of this.

Mary came over and hugged her, and said, “Jacob, now is not the time for this.  Let’s get this poor girl some of William’s good soup and send her to bed.  You can harangue her about taking better care of herself tomorrow.”

“Yes, of course, Mary.  Catherine, dear, I am sorry.”  Father took her hand in both of his, and looked at her with great affection.  “I worry so much for BOTH of you.  This relationship of yours with Vincent is a remarkable thing, and I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it must be to hide your feelings from him, given how connected you two are.  Please, do as Mary says.  Get into your comfy sleep clothes and have some soup, and crawl into bed and get a good night’s sleep, for once.  Might I suggest you stay with Vincent?”

At this suggestion, Catherine’s eyes got huge and she looked at him as though he’d gone mad, or perhaps she thought she was having delusions.  “Father?” she asked.

“I know. Very unexpected, isn’t it?” 

Is he actually grinning at me? This has GOT to be a fever dream… “You won’t object to me staying in Vincent’s chamber?”

“No, I won’t.  For one thing, you are so exhausted that I KNOW nothing untoward will happen.  For another, I know Vincent won’t rest if he can’t keep a constant eye on you, and, finally, I know that BOTH of you will rest much better in the same bed, just as you did when he was recovering from his illness.  I DID come in and check on you after you fell asleep, you know.  I knew you were sleeping in the bed with him.  I also knew he slept much better when you did that.” He smiled at her. “Now, get going so you can rest.  I’ll check that blood sample, but I’d be willing to bet that if you get a good night’s rest, and eat properly, the irritation and the fever will pass.  I will also give you a couple of aspirin.”

Catherine climbed down from the exam table, hugged Father and said, “Thank you.  I love you, Father.” 

Leaving a rather stunned Father behind, she followed Mary out of the exam area to find Vincent, who was informed by Mary that she was taking Catherine for a nice warm bath, and would he please go get some soup from William and meet them back in his chamber in about 30 minutes? 

Vincent had felt the roller coaster of Catherine’s emotions, and he looked at her questioningly.

“I’m all right, Vincent,” she said.  “Or I will be once I can get comfy and rest.  Father said I should stay with you tonight.”

Vincent looked a bit surprised, and said, “I am glad he agrees with my opinion on this, for I need you near.  Now, you go have your bath.  I’ll see you soon.”

He left Catherine and Mary and went to seek William in the kitchen. 

“Come, dear, let’s get the cares of the week washed off you and get you ready for a nice rest.”

“Thank you, Mary,”  Catherine said, wondering why she felt so very close to tears all the time just now.  I’m just so tired, that’s most of it.  Father being so kind, and, well, Mary is always kind, but I feel so coddled just now, and so very loved.

One short but soothing soak later, Catherine was wearing her soft tunnel gown and robe, and she was sitting at Vincent’s table when he returned with a tray containing two bowls of soup.  He was closely followed by William himself, who had a teapot and cups on his tray.

“William, you brought me tea?” Catherine asked, somewhat sleepily, for she was feeling drowsy and comfy, finally.

William smiled.  “Yes. This soothing tea will help you sleep, though it sounds like you may not need it,” he added as he set the cups and teapot on the table where Vincent was setting out the soup bowls. “Now, you just relax.  Have your tea and soup, and get some sleep.  I’m going to make an extra special breakfast tomorrow, so we can build you up!”  He turned and left them, with barely time for Vincent and Catherine both to say thank you.

Vincent looked at Catherine.  She was much more relaxed and comfortable than she had been earlier, but the exhaustion was still there.  He needed to get her to tell him about the cases she’d been working on so she could let go of the anger and grief.  It wouldn’t be easy; she was very stubborn when she thought she was protecting him.

Ah, let’s just get ourselves fed and rested.  Tomorrow morning is soon enough for that talk. “Catherine? Are you going to be able to stay awake long enough to eat?” Vincent asked her with a hint of mischief.

“Yes, I think I just might manage it. “ She smiled back.  “Both the tea and the soup smell delicious.  Strange, I haven’t really been hungry until now.”  She proceeded to eat her soup and sip her tea with obvious enjoyment. 

“Why are you joining me, Vincent?  Didn’t you eat earlier?” she asked.

“Well, at first I just wanted to keep you company, but now, I find I’m a bit hungry, too.  It IS good soup,” he answered, knowing the reference to her first stay Below would not be lost, even to her very exhausted brain. 

He was rather stunned when he realized she was crying.

“Catherine!”  he exclaimed, getting up and going to kneel next to her chair so he could take her in his arms.  “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just feel so grateful, so overwhelmed with the love in this place.  You all have been taking such good care of me, as you always do, and I am so very grateful this place is here for the children who need it.  I just wish more kids could know the love and support of a place like this.”

Vincent scooped her up out of the chair and sat back in his own with her in his lap.  “Catherine,” he whispered, “you are SO tired, please, just let’s rest now, but we WILL talk tomorrow, all right?”

She snuggled her face against his neck and answered, “Yes. I really can’t talk now, but I need to.  Tomorrow will be soon enough.”

They sat there, warming each other with the love flowing through their bond, until Vincent felt Catherine was almost asleep.  He stood up, and carried her to the bed, where he sat her down, and helped her take her robe and slippers off, then lifted the covers so she could climb in. 

“Are you going to sleep yet, Vincent?” she asked groggily.

“In a little while, Catherine. I’m going to go take my bath first.  You go ahead and sleep.  I’ll be back.”

“All right, but don’t be too long, please, and don’t try to sleep in that chair!  You need to sleep in the bed, too, so you can rest properly.  Father knows we did that when you were recovering from your illness.  He told me he knew we BOTH rested better when we slept in the same bed.”

Vincent was rather taken aback that Father had mentioned this to Catherine, but he thought he should be able to control himself tonight.  Her fatigue was making him extremely tired as well.  “I will join you in the bed, Catherine, but please, don’t worry about me.  Get to sleep.”

He left her already drifting off and went to the bathing chamber he shared with Father. 

As he finished his bath, he considered the prospect of sharing his bed with Catherine.

 It isn’t as though we’ve never slept in the same bed. I WAS very ill at that time. However, Catherine is so very worn out, and I am not much better, so we should be fine tonight.  Part of him was a bit concerned about when they woke up in the morning, though.

He returned to his chamber dressed in his thermal shirt and sweats.  Catherine appeared to be deeply asleep.  He set about blowing out candles around the chamber, and when only the light behind the stained glass window remained lit, he came to the side of the bed.  Catherine was indeed sound asleep, curled on her side, facing the window, and she had left room for him on the bed.  He smiled, and lifted the covers and eased onto the bed.  As soon as he settled, Catherine turned in her sleep and snuggled up to his side, her arms enclosing one of his. 

Vincent sighed and, closing his eyes, drifted off to a peaceful sleep thinking This is heaven.

Catherine was having such a beautiful dream, she didn’t want to wake up.  She was snuggled up comfy and warm next to Vincent, in his bed, and he was holding her as they slept.  It was SO wonderful. Her stupid bladder, however, insisted that she get up RIGHT NOW. 

She sighed.  She opened one eye.  She was shocked that she really DID seem to be in Vincent’s bed.  She opened the other eye.  There was Vincent, sound asleep next to her, facing her, with his arm around her shoulders.  Oh, my.  She remembered then, of course, that she had been asked to come Below and stay because they were so worried about her wearing herself out, and that she had stayed with Vincent.  This was heavenly.  Except that she really DID have to get up and visit the facilities.  Very carefully, she extracted herself from under Vincent’s arm, and crawled over him and out of the bed.  She grabbed her robe and slippers, and made it out of the chamber without waking him.

She made use of the facilities and made her way back into Vincent’s chamber.  It seemed he had missed her.  He was facing out into the chamber now, but still asleep.  As she climbed back over him and into the bed, he turned, apparently following her movement.  As soon as she settled next to him, he put his arm back over her, and even pulled her a bit closer.  He made a tiny almost growly sound in his sleep.  She was enchanted.  How much he loved her, how attuned he was to her, it was astounding.  She loved him with all she was.  She wondered if she would move to face him if he moved while she was asleep.  It was an interesting subject to ponder, but not now.  Now she was interested in getting some more sleep.

Where is she? Oh.  She’ll be back.  Ah, there she is. All these thoughts ran through Vincent’s mind, but he was still fast asleep.  Part of him was ever alert and aware of her, however.  When she came back to bed, he made sure to keep her close, so he knew she was safe.  All of this he did without ever being consciously aware of it.

They both slept well the rest of the night.  Vincent woke to find himself still in a dream, or so he thought at first.  Catherine had turned to her other side, but she was spooned against him, her back to his front.  The sweet scent of her was such a pleasant thing to wake up to, especially since it meant she was snuggled safely in his arms. 

I should not be doing this; WE should not be doing this!  These were his first conscious thoughts, but he couldn’t make himself move away from her.  We should do MORE of this! said another voice, one he tried to ignore, but could not. Catherine loves you.  You love her.  THIS is EXACTLY where she should be!

Vincent continued to lie behind Catherine, enjoying her warmth and the fact that she was content and sleeping peacefully.  Things she had not had enough of lately. 

A little while later, Catherine began to stir.  She woke feeling much better than she had the day before, and she was delighted to find herself spooned by Vincent.  Oh, he’s so warm and strong and comforting.  I don’t ever want to move. She thought he might be still asleep, but she wasn’t sure.  She moved a little, and then she knew he was awake. To her further delight, he didn’t pull away, but instead held her close and whispered, “Good morning, my Sleeping Beauty.”

She looked over her shoulder at him. “Good morning yourself, my Handsome Prince.”  A part of her was daring him to say he wasn’t handsome, but Vincent knew better, even when still sleepy. Catherine would NOT accept any argument on that score, he had finally learned.

“While I find this situation extremely pleasing, I think perhaps we should get dressed and head to the Dining Chamber.  William DID promise to make you a special breakfast!”  Vincent said.

“Oh, yes, and Father is going to insist I eat well.  No skipping meals for me!” Catherine replied, feeling glad for his somewhat playful mood this morning.

They took turns using the bathroom facilities and the dressing area, and made their way to the Dining Chamber.

“Ah, there you are, my sleepyheads!  Come see what I have for your breakfast!”  William greeted them as they stepped up to the serving line.

He served them each up a plate with French toast, bacon, and fruit. 

“Oh, William,” Catherine said, “this is beautiful!  It smells divine.  I can’t wait to taste it!”

“Yes, William, I believe you may have outdone yourself,”  Vincent agreed.

“Well, nothing’s too good for you two.  You deserve a little pampering after all you’ve been through.  Now, go eat that while it’s still hot!”  William sent them on their way.  He was very sure of the importance of his role as cook in keeping those who lived Below healthy, and he was determined to keep Catherine healthy, too.  In fact, he (and many others in the Tunnels) believed Catherine should have been living here as one of them for a long while now.

They sat with Mary and Father and enjoyed a pleasant conversation with their breakfast.

“You look much better this morning, my dear,”  Father said.  “I do believe we’ll find that fever is gone when you stop by later for me to check on you.”

“I hope so, Father.  I would hate to think I brought an illness Below with me,”  Catherine answered with a bit of sauciness.

“Well, now I know you’re feeling better!”  Father answered.  “I am very glad to see that, Catherine.  Please take it easy this morning, and come see me after lunch, all right?”

“Yes, Father,”  Catherine answered, being perfectly dutiful and not too cheeky in her expression.

Vincent hated to disturb Catherine’s good humor, but he knew she still needed to let go of all the poisonous things she had seen dealing with those cases, and he had to convince her to let him help her do that. 

They cleared away their plates, thanked William again, and headed toward the Mirror Pool.

“Vincent, why are we going to the Mirror Pool?” Catherine asked.

“You know why, Catherine.  We need to talk, and my chamber is not private enough.  There are places to sit near the Mirror Pool where no one will disturb us.”

“Oh,” Catherine answered.  She had been hoping that they could put off this talk, but she knew Vincent would not want to.  He’s right, I do need to process all this, but oh, I don’t want him to know the feelings I had when reading those files!

“Catherine,” Vincent said, taking her hands as he guided her to a seat on a stone bench, “you know there is nothing you cannot share with me.”

“Oh, Vincent, this is so horrible, and my reaction to it shocked me.  I was shocked that I could feel the way I did, and I hid it from you as best I could, because I don’t want you to know how vile my world really is, or how violently I reacted to it!”

“Tell me, Catherine; you can tell me anything.”

“I don’t know,“ she said, starting to feel the shocked, sick feeling, and the rage she always got from thinking about those cases.  “I’ll try.”

Vincent could feel her anger, and the depth of it did shock him a bit.  It would seem his Catherine had a bit of a beast inside her, too.  Of course she does!  Everyone has anger in the face of injustice!  You deal with that all the time!  You know this!  that other voice reminded him. Since his illness, he had come to recognize that the “other” part of himself was really just another aspect of who he was, and not a beast to fear.  He still feared the strength of his feelings for Catherine, though.

“Just begin, Catherine. I will listen and not interrupt,” Vincent assured her.

“These three cases all involved very young children.  The youngest was 18 months old, and the oldest 24 months.  They’re just BABIES, Vincent!  Just little helpless babies, and they were hurt by men who should have been the ones protecting them- their own FATHERS!” She was near tears already, tears of rage, frustration, and sadness. 

“These men did unspeakable things to those babies, and every time I had to read a medical report, it made me ill.  I did my best to shield you from it, because I knew how deeply the suffering of little ones affects you. It affects me, too.  I got so angry reading the evidence and the statements from the doctors that I was very glad Joe and Sam are trying these cases, and not me.  I wouldn’t be able to sit in the same courtroom with those vile men.  I wanted to HURT them!  I felt I would tear them apart with my bare hands if I had the chance!  I was so shocked to feel that way.  I really didn’t want you to know that about me, Vincent, to know the depth of the rage I find I am capable of.”

“Oh, Catherine,” Vincent said, taking her into his arms. “I, of all people, understand your rage.” 

She was crying now, and finally getting all that built-up frustration out of her system.  It would be good to work off the anger, too.  You know it helps you.  Perhaps throwing some of the lighter stones around would help her?  Vincent considered.  Father said to take it easy, but I think some physical exertion just might help.

“Catherine, I know it will sound odd, but would you like to join me in throwing a few rocks?” Vincent asked.

Her curiosity was definitely piqued. “Is that one way you deal with anger, Vincent?”

“Yes.  I find it very beneficial in releasing frustration particularly.  There is a chamber not far from here where there are rocks small enough for you to throw at the wall and not hurt yourself in the effort.”

Wondering just how often he had to work off “frustration”, but quickly burying that particular double meaning, she said, “Lead on.  I could use a bit of a workout.”

Vincent led her to a chamber just below the occupied tunnels.  He brought a torch and set it in a pile of rocks near the entrance.  There were rocks of many sizes all over the chamber, and evidence on the walls that some of the small ones used to be part of much bigger ones. 

“I’ve used this chamber, and so have Winslow and a few others over the years.  Feel free to hurl any rock you feel safe lifting at that far wall,” Vincent told her.

Catherine looked around.  At the mention of Winslow, she felt anger well up again.  Her fault he was killed, well, really Paracelsus’ fault, and it still hurt and made her angry.  She found a rock that weighed maybe five pounds, picked it up, and before she hurled it with all her might at the wall, she shouted, “First of all, THAT’S for Winslow!”  It felt pretty good, so she found another and hurled it, saying it was for the first child whose case she worked on, and then threw stones for the other two children, as well.  Lastly, she found a rock that was about the limit of what she could safely throw.  “And THIS one, “she pronounced, “is for ALL the things that have put obstacles between us!”  The rock hit the wall with the loudest, most satisfying crack of all, and split into many small pieces.

She looked up at Vincent, and laughed a little self-consciously.  “That felt awfully good.  Thank you, Vincent, for sharing this particular therapy with me.  Are you sure you don’t need to hurl a few stones?”

“Not right now, Catherine.  Maybe later, who knows?”  He smiled at her.  “Right now, I am just happy to feel that you are free of that burden.  Your spirit seems much relieved.”

“Yes, I do feel a LOT better.  Right now, though, I really need to freshen up and change clothes before Father sees me after lunch!”

“You’re  probably right.  It is likely best not to mention this ‘therapy’ to Father.  He would probably be concerned that you hurt yourself.” He offered her his arm: “Shall we go, then, Catherine?”

Taking his arm and smiling up at him, she answered, “Yes.  Let’s go and let me get cleaned up so we can enjoy William’s lunch.  He was mumbling something earlier about stew.”

They enjoyed a hearty lunch of stew and homemade bread while chatting with several friends.  Just as they were heading to the Hospital Chamber to meet Father, an alert came over the pipes.

Vincent froze.  An intruder! Threatening one of the children!  I must go! He took Catherine’s arm and said, “Someone has followed one of the newer children down from Above.  The sentry believes he means her harm.  I must go.  Please, Catherine, see Father, and STAY HERE, so that I know you are safe.”

“I will,” she answered him, her eyes holding his.  “Be safe, and come back to me, please?”

“I will do my best, Catherine, as always,” Vincent replied, and with that, he ran off.

Catherine continued on to the Hospital Chamber, where Father was waiting for her, and Mary was making sure first aid supplies were ready, just in case.

“Don’t worry, Catherine,“ Father said, “he’ll be all right.  The other sentries are converging on the area as well.”

“I know, Father, I heard the messages.  I just always worry when he has to protect me, or this place, he suffers so afterwards if he must hurt someone or, God forbid, kill them,” Catherine commented.

“Well, let’s just get our little check-up done, and not borrow trouble.  We’ll know soon enough, and I am very glad you are here.  He will need you if he has to do anything severe,” Father answered, leading her into the examination area.

The exam was completed quickly.  Father just took her temperature and looked at her throat and in her ears again.  “Well, as I suspected, rest and a couple of good meals have made things much better for you.” He smiled at Catherine.  “No doubt talking things over with Vincent helped, as well.”

She returned his smile.  “Yes, Father, Vincent was very helpful.  It was hard to let him see those feelings, the ugliness I had to deal with, but in the end, sharing it made it easier to let go of.”

“I don’t suppose you’ve been able to convince Vincent that the same goes for him, have you?” Father asked

“Not yet, but I sure intend to keep trying,” Catherine answered.

They were walking back into the Library when, suddenly, Catherine froze.

“What is it my dear?” Father asked. “Something to do with Vincent? Is he hurt?”

“It’s Vincent, but he isn’t hurt,” she answered, trying to sort through the chaos suddenly present in the bond, which she didn’t usually feel this strongly.  “Oh, God, he’s had to kill again.  He’s worried for the child who was being chased; she’s been hurt, I think. “

About that time, a message came from one of the sentries to alert Father that someone was bringing Dara to the Hospital Chamber.  The intruder had hurt her.  Vincent had dealt with the intruder, the message relayed.

Catherine went to stay with the children Mary was watching so she could go help Father, and worried all the while for Vincent.

There.  He is disposed of.  He won’t hurt any more little girls.  His Other’s thoughts were true, but Vincent was disgusted that Dara and the sentries present had seen him kill.  It was necessary.  The intruder would have killed Dara; as it was, he cut her arm very badly.  It didn’t make it any easier to deal with the aftermath of the rage that came upon him when he had to do these things to defend his home. Add to that the journey to the Abyss to dispose of his erstwhile opponent, and he was weary as well as heartsick.  At least Catherine didn’t see it this time.  Still, how can I think of touching her with hands that can kill so easily?  He looked at his hands, and realized they were covered with blood and dirt.  I had better stop at one of the more distant pools and wash up before I reach the main hub.

Young Dara, who was about 11, had been examined, stitched up, and bandaged by Father, and counseled by Mary, and was now sleeping in the Hospital Chamber.  Catherine had gone back to sit with her so Mary could get back to what she had been working on in the Nursery. 

The sentries had reported Vincent returning to the hub, so Catherine expected to see him soon.  However, something felt off.  The bond had slammed shut even tighter than ever. She didn’t even feel the little she was just becoming accustomed to since his illness.  He was shutting her out.

All the while that he bathed, Vincent could feel Catherine’s love and concern bombarding him through the bond.  He couldn’t shut her out completely anymore.  The bond between them had grown too strong.  How she loves me!  He thought, how I love and need her.  I can’t keep shutting her out…

Come to me, Vincent.  Let me help you.  You helped me, let me do the same for you. Catherine sent that message out through the bond, over and over, and with as much love behind it as she could send.

At last, the longed-for shadow appeared in the doorway to the Hospital Chamber.  Catherine looked up and held her hand out to him.

How can she still love me so much when she knows so well what I am? he asked himself. The Other answered: She is the other half of your soul.  She knows you, all of you, and she loves you as you love her, unconditionally and completely.  She is your light, as you are hers.

Vincent crossed the small space and took Catherine’s hand.  She smiled up at him. “You came back to me,” she said. 

He squeezed her hand, looked down at the peacefully sleeping Dara, and asked, “How is she?”

“Tired from all the excitement, shaken from the attack, devastated that she endangered everyone, and heartbroken that she made you have to hurt someone,” Catherine answered. “She needed a few stitches, but Father thinks it will heal well.  There was no muscle or tendon damage in the arm, just a surface cut.  She’s very lucky you got there when you did.”

Vincent sighed.  “I am very grateful I was able to save her, but I do wish she didn’t have to be there when her attacker was dealt with.”

“Vincent, I know you don’t like anyone seeing you like that, but I can tell you, you do not frighten those of us you protect.  You make us feel protective of YOU.  We feel bad that our actions or inattention have made it necessary for you to call on your special abilities once again.  Dara said to me the same thing I have said to myself far too many times.  She said, ‘I’m sorry Vincent had to hurt someone again because I was careless and didn’t make sure I wasn’t followed.  I can tell it hurts his heart.’  That’s what she said to me just before she fell asleep, Vincent.”

Vincent looked into her eyes, so full of love, and he could tell her heart also harbored a bit of fear.  Fear that he would push her away again, and go off to brood on his own again.  Not this time!  This time I need you, Catherine.  I need you to hold me and love me as I held you this morning and loved you through the pain.  He sent those feelings through the bond, and saw the light in her eyes when she understood.

“Shall we take a little walk to the Mirror Pool before supper, Vincent?”  she asked him.

“Yes, Catherine, I think that would be an excellent idea.  Perhaps a stop at the rock cavern on the way back, as well.  I think I may need to hurl a rock or two now.”

Rebecca had come in to take her turn sitting with Dara, and after thanking her, Vincent offered Catherine his arm, and they strolled off to the Mirror Pool. 

Then it was Catherine’s turn to listen, and to comfort Vincent, and then to watch as he hurled a few rocks around that special cavern. 

As they left the cavern and headed back to his chamber so they could both freshen up before supper, he put his arm around Catherine and drew her near his side as they walked. 

“I hope Father doesn’t decide you are well enough to move to a guest chamber tonight, Catherine, because I still need you near,” he told her.

She smiled up at him.  “I need you near, too.  I ALWAYS need you near.  I love you Vincent.  So much.”

“I love you, too, Catherine,” he said, and he leaned down and gently kissed her lips. 

They walked on, and made it to Vincent’s chamber, and even got themselves presentable for supper in a timely manner. 

Father noticed that Vincent seemed to be feeling much better about things than he would have expected after this afternoon’s events.  Noting the way Vincent and Catherine were looking at one another, he decided that he MUST convince Catherine to become a permanent part of their community Below.  She and Vincent obviously needed one another.  He decided to bide his time and speak to Mary about how best to assure this most desirable outcome.  In the meantime, he was content to enjoy seeing the two of them so relaxed and happy, chatting with their friends.

That night, after they had visited with friends, checked in on Dara again, and done a little reading, it was time to sleep again. 

“Catherine, if you’d like to go ahead and use the bathing chamber, I’ll change while you’re in there.  I bathed earlier,” Vincent told her.

“Thank you, Vincent. That would be fine.  I won’t be too long,” she answered.

She returned about 15 minutes later to find Vincent already in bed, with most of the candles blown out, and waiting for her.  She took off her robe, left it and her slippers on the chair nearest the bed, and slipped under the covers he held up for her.  He nestled her against him, his arm around her, and sighed.

“This is where I need to be tonight, Catherine. Here, where I can hold you in my arms and know you are safe.”

“This is where WE need to be, Vincent.  Wrapped up in each other’s love, and healing one another.  We are each other’s light, each other’s balance against the bad things in life. We make each other whole.”

“Yes.  I have come to the same conclusion, Catherine.” He kissed her temple and said, “Good night, my Beauty.”

“Good night, my Prince,” Catherine answered.

And they slept safely and deeply in each other’s arms all night.

               When I feel the need

               To be absolved of sin,

               It’s your arms I seek

               To be held within.

               Where no harm can find me,

               There to be made whole again.

               You are my light

               My strength and hope

               When I fear the night

               In your arms, I can cope.

               Say you’ll let me help you

               When the grief closes in

               Let me stay and hold you

               Make you whole again.