Somewhere South of Oz

Illustrations and Story By

Vickey brickle--macky 1992

 

On a hot August day, in a heavily wooded area in upstate New York
a large black van turned off the state road and went down an unmarked
gravel road going further and further into the wildnerness and away
from civilization. Finally, many miles from the state road, the van
made another turn, this time down a barely marked dirt road hidden off
to one side. Further on down this road the van stopped briefly in
front of a large wooden gate across the road, and the t-shirt clad
driver got out and opened it, drove the van in, then went back and
closed and locked the gate with a heavy padlock before getting back
in, and continued its journey. Finally it came to another gate across
the road and the van pulled to a stop and parked.

As soon as the van was stopped the doors flew open and passagers
began to get out, their excitment growing, even after the over four hour trip
to get to this hidden place. The dark hair man helped the small honey haired
woman get down to the ground from high seat of the van.

"Well we made it. This is mine, and Charles' home," Devon said
with a flourish proudly sweeping his arms wide at all the trees, and
wild countryside. The air was warm, filled with the scent of flowers
and fresh cut hay in the pasture beyond the fence where several black
and white dairy cows grazed as well as a chestnut horse that looked up
curousitly at the newcomers then went back to their eating.

"Devon,it's beautiful here. Thank you for arranging it so
we could come," Catherine bubbled happily as she opened the
sliding side-door so Vincent could finally get out of the van.

"It was really nothing, really," Devon answered embarrassed,
his feet absent-mindedly scraping across the loose gravel. "I
figured you did me a favor, and it was the least I could do to
keep a promise and to make some childhood dreams come true for
all of us," He smiled, keeping his head down still.

Catherine understood his nervousness. They were all taking a
risk bringing Vincent out here to the mountains. But Devon had
said it was safe and he and Charles rarely got visitors. He had
bought a large tract of wilderness with funds that Catherine had
provided from her parents' trust fund. This was to be a safe
haven for not only Charles, but also for Vincent and any other
tunnel resident that wanted to live life in the open away from
the city and its problems.

Since he was taller than the inside roof of the van Vincent
crouched in the doorway blinking at the bright sunlight and the
vivid colors of the daylit forest which surrounded them. He was
struggling to pull his hood over his head in the confined space
both to conceal his features out of habit and to shade his
sensitive eyes from the too bright glare without.

"No silly," Catherine said grabbing his hand to stop his
action,"you don't need to wear your hood here. No one will see
you. The idea is for you to get sun, not hide from it," She
laughed,still holding on to his hand gently.

"Catherine, I am quite aware of that--but the light is quite
painful," he said with dismay, looking pitifully at her as she
stood outside waiting for him to get out.

"I thought it might, so I bought you these. I hope they're
big enough." She grinned and brought out a pair of wrap-around
sunglasses from her purse and handed them to him. "I tried to
think of everything!" she added.

Vincent was somewhat surprised with her gift but accepted it
gracefully. He turned them over in his large hands, and gauging
that they might be big enough he tried them on experimentally. It
took a few moments of maneuvering but he got them seated
comfortably across the wide bridge of his nose. He grinned down
at her and inquired, "Now do I look like a tourist?"

She giggled as she nodded affirmatively and then got out of
his way so he could get the rest of the way out of the van. With
a flourish of his cape he jumped down, and stood before them on
the rocky drive, his roaming eyes trying to take everything in at once.

"Devon, this place is truly beyond words. No writers' magic
could ever capture what I see before me. This is a gift beyond
price," Vincent commented as he looked around. "Where is
Charles?" Vincent asked, not seeing his friend whom he thought
would be waiting for them.

"If he's not here, then he's either down at the cabin or
fishing down at the lake. The cabin's just down the hill past
that first stand of trees. Didn't want to have it too close to
the road in case of strangers popping in on us."

"Wise," Vincent agreed.

"Anyway, grab your gear and let's see if we can find where
he's hiding at," Devon suggested, reaching into the back to grab
some boxes containing their food for this outing.

Vincent and Catherine grabbed up their sleeping bags,
suitcases and knapsacks. They had brought enough supplies for a
week, which was as long of a vacation as Catherine could wrangle
out of Joe. Getting a week off from the D.A.'s office was easier
than when they all went before Father to ask permission for this
outing.

Father had hit the ceiling when they broached the subject of
their week long camping trip. He then went on to storm and rant
about the many dangers to Vincent, their being out of contact for
such an extended period of time, and to question if all three of
them were out of their minds for even thinking of such a
foolhardy adventure. There was no calming him down, and Vincent
grew angrier and angrier with the restrictions being imposed on
him. Nothing that Devon or Catherine said could change Father's
firmly set mind.

Finally it was Mouse, Jamie and Pascal who turned the tide. It
had been difficult for the whole community not to overhear
Father's feelings on the subject as well as the three would-be
camper's. His friends decided to step in and see if they could
persuade Father to change his mind. They convinced Father that
Vincent should go since he wasn't allowed earlier to go with
Catherine to her place in Connecticut. They pointed out that
Devon had made a safe place for Charles and himself and if it was
safe enough for Charles then it was surely safe for Vincent as
well. Then there would be four of them there, not just two.
Finally in the end Father gave in and relucantly let them go.

They left under cover of darkness in the van that Catherine
had purchased for Devon and Charles's use. Devon had left Charles
at the camp when he had come to town to suggest the camping trip
to her. The van was roomy but Vincent and their gear did take up
a lot of space in the rear of it. Catherine rode alternately up
front with Devon and in the back with Vincent.

The trip to Devon's mountain home was long, and not without
a few surprises for Vincent. Take out food from McDonald's, of
egg McMuffins and hashbrowns for breakfast, was a marvel for him.
He consumed five of the breakfast muffins and was disappointed
when he found they had eaten them all. Catherine promised him
she would remember to get him some when they returned.

Rest stops were a problem, but they were easily handled by
side trips through forested areas off the main highways. Finally
they were deep in the mountains, traveling what seemed forever
down bumpy dirt and rock littered tracks. Catherine commented
that she would have brought them a jeep if she had known it was
going to be--this far off the beaten track! When they finally
came to a stop at their destination, it was with a sigh of relief
from all parties concerned.

But they had arrived safely, and now it was time to relax
and enjoy their week of freedom. The hot sun beating down on
Vincent quickly convinced him that his cloak was too heavy and
hot for this late summer outing. He removed it and tossed it over
one shoulder before picking up his luggage and sleeping gear. He
looked over to where Catherine waited with Devon and hoped he
didn't look as out of place as he felt.

"Is the cabin far, Devon?" he asked, joining them, trying to
judge distances in this open space.

"No. Just follow me and we'll be there in no time," he
answered, slamming the van door shut and making sure it was
securely locked.

The trio set off through the high, wheat colored grass and
weeds. Vincent was still mesmerized by it all. The colors, the
scents, the textures and the patterns of everything impacted on
his senses. It was almost too overwhelming to take in all at
once. Devon and Catherine didn't realize that he wasn't behind
them until they stopped and glanced back and saw him just
standing in the path with his chest thrown back and looking at
the deep blue sky that was spotted with white powderpuff clouds
racing across its wide expanse.

In the distance birds flew swooping and divng up above the tree line. And
here was only the sounds of the wind gently blowing through the leaves in
the trees, the insects, and themselves. What a change it was from
the noisey clammer of the pipes in the tunnels, the rumble of the
subway cars, and the streets sounds of the city when he went Above.
It was one thing to have read about these so called common everyday
things, but now he was actually experienceing it for himself, trying
to savor and memorize it all and finding that there was too much to
take in all at once.

He wasn't aware of their approach until Catherine touched
him lightly on his arm.

"Vincent, are you alright? You're crying," she asked softly
as her hand went up to touch the moisture running down his face.
Her eyes were worried, but she sensed no fear or distress from
him.

"I'm alright," Vincent answered, his voice thick with
emotion as he looked down at her finally. "It's all so beautiful.
I never thought I'd see a blue sky and clouds like this. Dreams
can come true, Catherine." He smiled, his canines gleaming
whitely in the light.

She nodded, understanding what he must be feeling. "Yes, they
can, if you wish hard enough and make them real."

"Are you doing okay, little brother?" Devon asked concerned.

"Yes. I had to stop for a moment. I'm not used to all this
open space and sky."

"Yeah. Even I still have problems with that. Must be all
those years living down Below. Don't feel secure unless I've got
walls around me," Devon remarked, trying to ease his brother's
nervousness. "Come on, Vincent, you'll relax once we get down
into the trees," he suggested, slapping him on the back.

"If we weren't so heavily loaded, I'd suggest a race. . . ."
Vincent grinned, looking over the distance to the trees and
judging what was the fastest route.

"You're on!" Devon grinned back, affecting a racing stance
with his boxes under his arms.

"You two can't be serious?" Catherine laughed incredulously.
She just shook her head in amazement at them. "You're crazy, both
of you!"

"Watch us!" Devon shot back at her.

The two grown men, acting more like boys, got ready to run.
They were going to run fully loaded, rather than make a trip back
to retrieve their gear. Catherine just watched them with a
bemused smile on her face trying to visualize these two as boys
growing up in tunnels. But back then age and size had been
advantages for Devon. She knew who was going to win this race.

Grinning, his eyes shining bright with anticipated victory,
rocked back and forth on his toes ready for flight, "On my mark,
get ready, get set---GO!" Devon shouted, and they took off for
the trees that were almost fifty yards away.

In nothing flat Devon was left behind in the tall grass as
Vincent sprinted ahead easily. Even loaded down as he was, there
was no contest. Vincent was used to running--Devon wasn't.
However, Devon hadn't realized that--until now.

Reaching the trees Vincent stopped and turned around to see
Devon far behind him. He smiled and waited for him to catch up
and for Catherine who was following at a more leisurely pace.

"That wasn't fair, Vincent," Devon protested as he caught up
to him.

"What wasn't fair?" Vincent asked, somewhat puzzled.

"You've been practicing. You should have warned me that you
were used to running."

"It never occurred to me. I see that living Above has
softened you somewhat. This is the first race that I've ever won
from you." Vincent smiled, "I remember that you used to beat me
on a regular basis, so this seems fair."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Devon acknowledged, grudgingly
accepting his defeat. Then they both looked up the path to see
Catherine approaching them.

"Devon, is it much further now?" she asked, catching up to
them.

"No, you can see the roof of it from here," he explained,
pointing down the hill through the heavy shadows of the woods to
where they could see the glint of the tin roof catching the light
in the clearing surrounding the cabin.

"Good," she exclaimed, "after all that traveling all I want
to do is just sit back and relax with a nice hot cup of tea. And
change into something a little cooler. You didn't say it was
going to be this warm here," Indicating her suede jacket and
sweatshirt underneath.

"Usually it isn't. But the lake is great for swimming and
sunning," Devon answered, shifting his load for the final walk.

Neither caught Vincent's momentarily apprehensive look. That
was one activity he had not thought about in their planning of
this trip. He was not really prepared for it on several levels.
He did know how to swim. Devon had taught him and he in turn had
taught many of the children to swim and he relaxed on occasion by
himself by the falls. It was just that he and Catherine had never
been swimming together. Where she was concerned he was
extremely modest and shy. He was sure that many barriers were
going to come down this trip, some whether he wanted them to or
not.

Vincent followed Catherine and Devon to the large, roomy
cabin built out of logs. Devon explained it had come from a kit
and he had hired some contractors to put it up for him. It had
running water and a working bathroom, so they were not going to
be truly roughing it. The cabin had two bedrooms, an open living
area with a large kitchen, and a loft which was being used as
storage but could also be used as a sleeping area.

Devon opened the door to the cabin with a flourish and
announced, "We're home!"

"Dev!" came Charles' voice from the kitchen. "You did come
back. Did you bring guests?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, Catherine and Vincent came to spend a week with us." he
answered, moving so the two could come inside and put their gear
down. "I also brought more food and some stuff that you wanted
me to get."

"Thank you, Dev," Charles exclaimed happily as he came out
of the kitchen towards them.

To Vincent and Catherine, it looked strange seeing the former
carnival freak wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. Somehow they still
visualized him in robes and tunnel clothes, but those were not
practical for this new life he was leading. And he was happy
here, that much was clear. He was losing much of his former
shyness and fears of the outside world, and seemed very relaxed
in their company.

"Charles, you look great," Catherine exclaimed, coming over
to greet him.

"Ahh, you're just saying that," Charles replied, looking a
bit embarrassed by her attention. "but I do feel better--lots of
fresh air." He smiled, "Vincent, do like it here so far?"

"Yes, Charles, it's very beautiful. I envy you living here
all the time," Vincent replied, a hint of sadness in his voice
that all in the cabin understood.

They all were silent for a moment, but Devon decided to
break the mood by assigning cabin sleeping arrangements and
keeping them all busy.

"Catherine, you get my room. Charles can keep his and
Vincent and I will share the loft or I can take the loft and
Vincent can have the couch. If that's alright with everyone?"

Vincent looked the small couch over and shook his head. "No,
you take the couch and I'll take the loft." That settled, Vincent
grabbed his gear and climbed the stairs to put it away.

"I feel guilty about taking your bed, Devon. I can sleep on
the couch," Catherine protested.

"No, you're our guest and besides you being the only lady
present I thought you might want some privacy. And my bed is a
lot more comfortable than the couch is."

"Alright, if you insist." She smiled with her eyebrow
cocked, questioning his generosity. She too, picked up her gear
and went to put it away as well as to change into something
cooler.

Devon's room was small with a large double bed dominating
the center of it. It was neatly made with a store-bought quilt
across it. There was one large chest-of-drawers to one side, and
a nightstand. The rest of the room was dominated by massive book
shelves. Only one was filled, but the others were being filled
here and there. There were books on a wide range of subjects from
just general reading to more serious or practical subjects.
Devon was clearly his father's son whether he wanted to admit it
or not. Love of books ran deep in this family.

She set most of her gear in a corner by the bed and picked
out her suitcase. Laying it on the bed she opened it and rooted
through to find the white sleeveless cotton pullover top she wanted.
She found her cutoff demin shorts and tennis shoes and put them on.
Sweeping her shoulder length hair up she put it in a neat pony tail.
A fashion plate she was not going to be, just herself. Having
second thoughts about the lake she found her bikini and changed
again putting it on under her clothes--just in case. Finished,
she went to join the men.

Vincent had changed--at least to a lighter weight top, but he
still looked hot and uncomfortable. He was used to a much cooler
environment, where the temperature was usually about fifty degrees
all year round. A dip wouldn't hurt him a bit. He could swim,
couldn't he? She wondered.

Devon caught himself before he whistled at Catherine's
entrance. She was quite different from the corporate lawyer
turned assistant D.A. he was used to seeing. He glanced at
Vincent, whose startlement and wonder as well as other unreadable
emotions were plainly evident on his face. Yeah, Vincent wasn't
used to seeing her like this either, Devon thought speculatively to
himself. This was definitely going to be an interesting week.

"So what do you two want to do? Explore, fish, sit around,
what?" Devon inquired.

"You mentioned swimming earlier. Right now that sounds like
a great idea to cool down," she suggested.

"Yeah, sounds fine to me. How about you, Vincent?" Devon
asked, seeing Vincent become uncomfortable with the thought,
though not understanding quite why he was.

"I do not have anything to swim in," Vincent told them
bluntly, trying to figure a way out of it.

"No problem, I think I've got a pair of trunks that might
fit you. Come on, let's go change," Devon insisted, heading for
his room, indicating that Vincent should follow him.

Vincent did, reluctantly, feeling more and more unsure of
himself with each step. Devon was already rummaging through his
dresser trying to find the bathing suit when Vincent arrived.
Vincent closed the door behind him. Devon glanced up and saw his
brother's nervous worried look.

"What's troubling you, little brother?" he asked, as he
found the suit and handed it to him.

"Catherine. She has never seen me so . . . revealed," he
said simply, taking the offered garment.

"Yeah, I forgot how modest you are. I figured you two were
already past that point, so I didn't see that there might be any
problem," Devon commented.

Vincent looked shocked at his words, "Catherine and I have
never. . . ," He protested defensively. "It would not be right."

Devon restrained himself from laughing from the shock and the
serious manner that Vincent had utter his statement. "Excuse me,"
Devon stammered, embarrassed "I did not know. Considering how
obvious it is that that you two care for one another, my mind just
leapt to its own conclusions. Catherine doesn't seem to be the shy
type. So what do you two do with your time then, just hold
hands?"

"Yes, and maybe hold one another. Only once have we ever
kissed because I will not allow it to go further--for her sake."

"I can see Father's hand in that. He tried to sit on me, but
I ignored him. You probably didn't have any choice. Now you do.
You have a beautiful woman out there that loves you, no matter
how you look, and one of these days she's not going to be content
to stay at arms length. I think you two have some serious
discussing to do. But the first step is to change into those
swimming trunks and come join your lady in a swim."

Devon began undressing and put his swim suit on. With a sigh
of defeat Vincent stripped and put the borrowed suit on. He
retained his shirt, and left his boots on for the walk to the
lake.

"Come on, it isn't a death sentence, it's a swim. Lighten up
and enjoy yourself," Devon coached, slapping him on the back
lightly.

"I shall endeavor to do so," Vincent said grimly as they
stepped from the room.

Catherine was impressed. This was more of Vincent than she
had ever seen before. Her view was at the present confined to his
long muscular legs. They were covered with reddish-gold hair, but
she had expected that. So far she liked very much what she saw.
Devon wasn't too bad himself, as he draped a towel on his bare
chest and shoulders, however, Catherine's eyes were only for
Vincent and he was uncomfortable under them.

"I'll grab us some towels. How about you Charles, want to
swim?" He asked noticing him sitting forlornly on the couch
looking at them.

"No, no thank you Dev. I'll just sit and watch you."

"Charles, you love to swim. Grab your suit and join us." Devon
prodded.

"No, I'll watch." He said subbornly.

Catherine sensed what the problem was and went over to where
Charles was sitting, "Charles you don't have to be shy because of
me. I promise I won't look if it makes you that uncomfortable. I
really want you to go. Vincent's going, so why not you?" Catherine
asked him gently.

"Charles, remember our talk in the hospital chamber?"
Vincent asked joining her.

"Yes?"

"There is no need to be afraid, you're among friends here.
Catherine is your friend just as I am. It will be alright, I
promise," Vincent stated, looking down into his wary but trusting
eyes.

"Alright, Vincent, if you say so," Charles agreed.

Vincent nodded approvingly and helped his friend to his feet.
Charles then went to his room to change. He emerged shortly to
join the group and they all left together for the lake.

The walk to lake was down a short. dirt trail overhung by
leafy ash and walnut trees. At the end of the trail they could see
a boat dock which had been built when the cabin had been and it
was there that Devon had a small rowboat moored. He had also had
it built so one could dive off of it as well as fish. It was there
that they piled their towels. Devon assured them the water at the
end of the pier was deep enough for diving and half way back to
the shore they could stand up easily. Catherine lost no time in quickly
stripping off her clothes and jumping not too gracefully into the
cool water. Devon was not far behind her while Charles and Vincent
had not even begun to strip.

"Come on you slow pokes, the water's great," Catherine
yelled to them as she deftly treaded water the clear blue water.

"Catherine," Vincent protested, still unsure about this, but
if he didn't then Charles wouldn't get into the water either.

"Now Vincent," she ordered, not leaving him any room to get
out of this.

He sighed and pulled his shirt off over his head, revealing
his broad chest and thickly muscled arms. He gleamed golden in
the light. His physique was more impressive than she had
imagined in her dreams. Her heart took a jump at the sight of him
posed to jump in the water. Their eyes met for one brief moment,
and he was surprised by the look she had in hers for him. But
it quickly vanished when she realized that he had read her so well.

Gracefully Vincent dived in, and then surfaced close to her,
startling her. Coming up to her, he murmured, "Yes, the water is
nice and cool. I think I needed to cool down too."

She just nodded looking at his slicked back hair, and the
drops of water running off his leonine features. He shook his
head to get rid of some of the drops inadvertently spraying her.

"You're wet," she teased, splashing water back at him.

He was taken aback at first, then he grinned and began to
splash her back. He was really enjoying the experience of being
with her like this. The bright sun was his only problem but he
kept his head low. Seeing her pull away from him as she splashed
he quickly dived down and came up behind her before she could
react and swim away. He grabbed her around her waist then pulled
her to him stopping her splashing.

"Vincent, that's not fair," she said, looking up from under
her lashes, not missing for a moment the intimacy of their
positions, and enjoying it immensely.

"But this does keep me drier," he teased looking at her with
a happy twinkle in his blue eyes, enjoying the contact with her
bare flesh as well.

From behind them they heard Devon cough and realizing their
position Vincent let her loose, embarrassed by getting carried
away. He looked at her thoughtfully as she swam away from him. He
was still marveling at his own boldness as well as the strong
feelings that had begun to arise in him at her nearness. Yes, he
needed the cool water more than ever and to keep some distance
between them.

Looking behind him he noted that Charles had slipped into
the water while he and Catherine had been playing. From somewhere
he had acquired a large inner tube and was holding on to it while
he propelled himself through the water. Vincent went over to see
how he was doing.

"Charles, are you liking the water?" he asked, coming up
next to him and draping a furry hand on the tube to steady
himself.

"It's good, Vincent. I feel much cooler now. How about you?"
He asked as he stopped and hung his other arm over the top for
balance as well.

"The water is wonderful as is this whole place. You are
truly a lucky man to have these wonders all the time," Vincent
replied, looking around wistfully at the trees surrounding the
shore, the blue sky and the quiet, peacefulness that permeated
the whole area.

"You could stay here--make this your home--too," Charles
suggested seriously, looking at his friend and understanding
what he was feeling.

"No, I can only dream and experience brief moments like
this. My home will always be the tunnels. And then there is
Catherine. I do not wish to be away from her and she has work in
the city. We must stay where we are needed," Vincent replied
regretfully, looking over to where Catherine swam near Devon.

"Too bad, Vincent. Devon and I both hoped that someday you
might want to stay with us. It gets lonely out here, sometimes."

"Yes, I understand. Even in the tunnels there can be
loneliness."

"Catherine makes you happy, doesn't she? You are lucky to
have found such a beautiful woman. She loves you. No one will
ever love me that way," Charles said suddenly.

Vincent was a little taken aback by his statement, but he
understood the meaning behind it. He tried to say what he thought
would be comforting to Charles, "Miracles do happen, Charles.
That is how Catherine came into my life."

"But if a miracle did happen, how could any woman look at me
as a man and not see my ugliness?" Charles asked truthfully as he
looked down into the water and saw his own features reflected
back at him. He shook his head, seeing no hope offered there.

"It's not my outside Catherine sees when she looks at me,
it's what she sees inside. The magic for us is that appearances
don't matter," Vincent replied, trying to believe his own words.

Charles shook his head, "No one will ever look at me and not
see my ugliness. Thank you anyway, Vincent, for trying to make me
feel better," Charles said, trying to keep his emotions under
control in front of his friend. "You go swim, now--go join Dev
and Catherine. I want to be alone now."

"Are you sure, Charles?" Vincent asked, concerned.

"Yes. You go enjoy the water--have fun--please?" he
insisted.

Vincent could sense his turmoil, but he respected his
friend's right to privacy and did as he was bid. In Vincent's
mind he did not see himself as being that different from Charles.
He could not see the beauty that Catherine claimed was there. His
appearance and how he felt about it and himself were the biggest
barriers to allowing more physical closeness in their
relationship. He also feared that if they ever did reach the
point of no return that he might father a child on her--one that
would replicate his features. He couldn't in good conscience
allow that to happen, no matter how much she might wish it.

He saw this vacation as being another point in their
relationship. Whether it would be for better or worse only future
events would tell. He sensed that they would have much to talk
about and get settled between them. Here they had none of the
distractions or demands of their lives Above or Below to keep
their barriers up. And it was time that some of them did come
down.

"How's Charles?" Devon asked as Vincent got closer.

"Sad, thoughtful--lonely."

"I understand, but I had hoped that your visit would cheer
him up," Devon replied.

Vincent looked thoughtful as he pulled up beside his
brother. "It still might. Give him time. He's been around people
most of his life. It is a hard adjustment for him to be so far
from the crowds he has been used to," VIncent suggested.

"I never thought of that. I think he's missing Glenda,"
Devon volunteered, looking over in Charles' direction as he
treaded water slowly to keep afloat.

"Glenda?" Catherine asked coming up to join in the
conversation.

"She was one of the huxters that traveled with the show. She
was friendly with him. She talked to him when Eddie wasn't
around, and tended his wounds as well as fed him on occasion.
She was a little older than him, and not so great on looks herself. But
she did seem to genuinely like him and sought out his company
quite a bit. One day Eddie caught them talking together and ran
her off, made her leave the show. That was about a week after I
joined them. Unfortunately, I don't know where she went. I've
been trying to locate her, but so far no luck," Devon explained.

"That's a shame, when I get back I'll see what I can do. It
sounds like Charles needs her," Catherine said.

"No, not only needs, but loves her. Glenda is his love. I
just hope that if you do find her she is willing to come see
him," Vincent added.

"We'll have to see what develops," Catherine replied
thoughtfully, and decided to change the subject since nothing
could be done for the moment. "Well, I don't know about you two,
but I'm feeling decidedly waterlogged. I'm going to get out and
dry off for a bit," Catherine exclaimed heading for the dock.
"Anyone care to join me?"

Seeing no takers she went on and climbed up the wooden
steps. Neither Vincent or Devon had paid too much attention
before to what she was wearing, or rather how little it covered.
She was wearing only the briefest of tops and bottoms out of
shimmering black material. It covered her--barely. Both men wore
sort of a dazed expression as more and more of her was exposed to
them as she climbed out.

Vincent really hadn't tried to think of her body as an object
of desire before this trip. He was used to seeing it modestly
covered with nightgowns, work and casual clothes. What he saw
before him left little to his or anyone else's imagination.

Catherine was totally unconscious of her effect on the two men
watching her. This was her normal swimming attire. It wasn't until
she retrieved her towel and turned around as she dried her hair
that she became conscious of their scurinty.

Both men quickly averted their eyes, realizing how silly
they looked with their mouths hanging open like two school boys.
Catherine ignored them as best she could. Realizing finally
that her outfit exposed more than they were used to seeing of
her, she decided to make herself less visible. She spread her
towel out
and then lay down to catch the rays of the late afternoon sun.

Vincent continued to watch her as she lay down to sunbathe.
He was experiencing an upsurge in the feelings he had only
recently begun to acknowledge within himself. It was hard
reconciling his images of Catherine with the one he was seeing
before him. He was feeling like he had earlier during their brief
encounter in the water. He hadn't realized until now how much her
physical appearance could arouse such alien feelings in him when
he looked at her. Was that his beast side or was it his human male
side asserting itself?

He had thought about joining her on the dock but he quickly
changed his mind. Instead he swam further away keeping parallel
with the shore until he reached a group of trees that overhung
it. One of their number had fallen into the lake and he climbed
out and sat upon it to think.

Devon, noticing his absence, had followed, understanding his
distress and the need to put distance between himself and
Catherine.

"Hey, little brother, want company?" Devon called as he
approached the spot where Vincent sat looking out across the lake
to its far shore.

Vincent sat with one leg up under his chin while he crossed
his arm on top of it as the other leg dangled down in the clear
water. Shadows and sunlight played across his thoughtful
features as the wind stirred the leaves overhead creating the
shifting patterns. The winds were also drying his tawny mane
and hair. He looked every inch the lord of all he surveyed and
blended easily into this wilderness setting as if he had been born
to it.

Vincent finally acknowledged him, and looked his way. "I
just felt the need to be alone."

"Catherine?" Devon asked as he came closer.

Vincent sighed deeply and nodded, "Yes, she stirs fires in my
soul I have never known and such pain."

"Why pain? Is it because you will not let yourself. . . ?" He
left the words hang unspoken between them. "Sooner or later you
will have to acknowledge that she is a woman and you are a man."

"No!" Vincent exploded, "I am not a man. We both know that.
You have eyes, can you not plainly see the evidence before you?"

"If you aren't then I don't know what the hell you are!" Devon
retorted.

Vincent eyes were blazing with a mixture of anger and deep
sorrow, "No one does, that's the point. If I am not a man then I
have no right to even think the thoughts I have of her or of us. I
would rather see her with you or anyone else then commit an act
that might be a crime against nature itself."

"Vincent, you are a man! It's only in your own head that you
are not. Please believe me!" Devon protested trying to get
through to him.

Vincent shook his head looking downward into the water. "No,
you are wrong. Leave me, Devon. I need to be alone to think this
out. Please?" he requested, looking up at him briefly.

"If that's what you want, okay. But if you ever want to talk
about this. . . ," Devon offered.

"Thank you, Devon, I will. For now I just want to be alone."

Devon looked at him and knew he meant it. He had that same
look like when they were kids. Devon hated it when Vincent
retreated into himself. When he was like this no one could reach
him. One just had to wait until Vincent himself was ready to come
out of it. Yeah, little brother had a lot to think about. Maybe
until now he really hadn't been confronted fully with the idea
that his and Catherine's relationship had more than several
dimensions to it. Seeing Catherine that way had brought Vincent
face to face with the one aspect of it he hadn't wanted to admit
to.

Since he knew it was useless to try any further talking,
Devon swam back to the dock where Charles and Catherine were.
Charles had managed to get himself into the large truck tire
inner tube and was drifting on the gentle waves of the lake.
Catherine was now lying on her stomach, letting the sun tan that
side. She looked asleep as she cradled her head in her arms. He
glanced back to where he had left Vincent on the log. He saw him
looking and turned away.

"Okay, little brother, so be it," he mumbled to himself
disgustedly, and decided to get out of the water for awhile.
Finding the wooden ladder on the dock he climbed out.

"Water too cold?" Catherine asked as he finished climbing
and sat down, grabbing a towel to dry his face off and wrap
around his shoulders.

"No, just Vincent. He's in one of his moods. He wants to be
left alone," Devon answered, the anger not quite hidden in his
tone.

Surprise registered on Catherine's face as well as
puzzlement. "Why?" she asked.

"That's rather difficult to explain," Devon said, not sure
how to explain the problem or how she would take it.

"Try me. Come on, Devon, tell me. The problem--it's me,
isn't it?"

He looked away from her not wanting to meet her intense
gaze. But he could feel her impatience and her concern. She had a
right to know didn't she, he asked himself, as he struggled with
what he had to say.

"In a way--yes," Devon admitted embarrassed.

"Too much me?" she asked trying to pin him down.

He nodded. He was having a hard time meeting Catherine's
eyes. He still had a hard time dealing with her. If she weren't
Vincent's. . . , no, he could not even allow himself even
one thought in that direction. Catherine had eyes for only
Vincent and for him she was his whole world. Devon just wished he
could one day be as lucky.

Catherine looked at him with understanding. She had been
aware that Vincent might have problems with her lack of clothing,
but it was a risk she had been willing to take. She had hoped
that this weekend would mark a change in their
relationship--somehow move it forward.

"Any suggestions?" she asked.

"God, Catherine, I don't know. I tried to talk to him. It
was like hitting a brick wall. I assume you know what the problem
is?" Devon asked, hoping she did so he wouldn't have to explain
something that seemed so obvious to everyone concerned.

"I think. . . so," Catherine answered, "Vincent's attracted
to me on a physical level and doesn't know what to do about it,
and doesn't feel like he's worthy of me, because he's not a
normal man, am I correct?"

He smiled sheepishly, "You got it. He loves you, wants you,
but he is afraid as hell of letting you get close to him or
really loving you. His exact words were that he'd, 'rather see
you with me than commit a crime against nature.'"

"I know Devon, I know. You know he's never voluntarily
kissed me. The first and only time we ever have was when I was
saying goodbye to him after my father died and I was returning to
the world Above. I've felt him kiss the top of my head, but . . .
," Catherine admitted sadly, "It's very frustrating for both of us,
but he won't give in the slightest."

"Have you tried talking about it?" Devon asked.

"I've tried to start conversations along those lines, but
everytime he deflects it, or leaves. I think even Father has
tried to talk to him after I told him how frustrating the
situation was becoming. Evidently that hasn't worked either, if
anything Vincent is more withdrawn into himself on this subject."

"May I make a suggestion?"

"Sure, go ahead. I'm game for anything at this point,"
Catherine said with a smile.

"Try talking to him now, swim over there and confront him
directly. There aren't that many places he can go to to get away
from you. I'll take Charles back to the cabin and you two can
have the lake all to yourselves," Devon offered.

"Devon, you'd do that?" Catherine asked amazed.

"Yeah, put it down to big brother helping his little brother
get his act together. The way I see it you two need all the help
you can get. Good luck, Cathy," Devon wished her as he got up to go
get Charles and head back to the cabin.

"Charles, I need to check something at the cabin and want
your help," Devon called to him.

"Okay, Devon," Charles replied a little mystified, but
willing to comply.

He paddled the inner tube over to the dock and with a
minimum of effort extracted himself from the center, falling into
the water with a loud ploosh. He climbed out and met Devon who
handed him his towel and outer clothes. Charles draped his shirt
around his shoulders and with a quick goodbye to Catherine they
were on their way up the path to the cabin.

"What do we need to do at the cabin?" Charles asked as they
walked along.

"Nothing. Catherine and Vincent need to be alone for
awhile," Devon replied.

"Why?" Charles asked not understanding still.

Devon pierced him with a look, "You know . . . alone
together."

"Oh!" he said as the thought got through to him finally, and
he shut up.

Both men smiled happily to themselves as they walked to the
cabin, feeling a lot like Cupids doing a job well done.

Catherine watched the two men leave. She was feeling both
happy and nervous as she debated with herself whether this was a
good idea or not. She looked over to where Vincent sat on his log
across the lake. He had noticed the two men's departure and
was understandably curious. He slipped down off the log into the
water and swam over to where she still sat. She debated whether
to stay where she was or to go to him. She decided to go to
him and jumped in. She landed nearby and swam the short distance
to him.

"Catherine, you didn't have to come in to met me."

"I wanted to," she answered as she got close.

"Why did Devon and Charles leave?" he asked, trying to
understand the feelings he was sensing from her.

"Devon thought we needed time to be alone," she replied,
getting closer still, "and so do I."

Vincent arched his eyebrow at her statement. "Should we not be
on the dock to talk?"

"There is talk, and then there is talk, my love," she said,
coming up next to him and throwing her arms around his neck,
pinning him with a very intense look. "Vincent, you've been
acting very strangely this afternoon, why? Is it me?"

"Catherine, I really don't want to talk about it, not with
you so close," he answered, trying to keep his composure.

"That is what I want to discuss. You go out the way to avoid
any kind of physical contact with me. It hurts."

"Hurts?" he asked amazed, looking down into her serious
eyes.

"Yes, hurts because I want you hold me, to love me, to make
love to me!" Catherine stated bluntly, letting her feelings flow
through to him. "When you avoid me, it hurts and I am left with a
terrible emptiness."

"Yes. . . I have felt that. I have been only doing what I
felt best, for both of us" he replied, meeting her gaze with a
sadness of his own.

"For whom? Why do you put such barriers between us when
there should be none?"

"For both of us, Catherine, I do this. I do not want there
to be any barriers between us either but there are, there have
been from the beginning. WE were never dreamed of except as a fairy
tale."

"Vincent, that fairy tale had a happy ending. The
enchantment was lifted and he was transformed into a prince and
they were married."

"Catherine, I have not transformed because you kissed me,
nor am I ever likely to. What you see before you is what you
get."

"Yes, I know, and its you, just as you are that I do want.
You are beautiful to me both inside and without. I've been trying
to tell you that over and over and still you don't believe me, or
believe that I love you and want you--all of you," she answered
seriously, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Catherine, I do believe you, but I find it hard to accept.
You want things that I can not give you--a home, a family, a life
together," Vincent answered sadly, still battling with himself.

"And who says we cannot have these things together. We can
have a life together. It is possible! My job is important, but
its not everything. We can make compromises, make it work, if we
try. As for a family, children . . . I want to have your
children, and if that were not possible there are many below that
need love, a family. I never feel so complete, so happy when I am
Below with you, doing things with you, sharing in your life. My
life Above is busy, dangerous, and very lonely. You make life
bearable and worthwhile. Only when we are together do I truly
feel alive," Catherine confessed.

"I feel the same," Vincent admitted, his sadness apparent.

She was surprised, yet not surprised, "Then why do you make
it harder but putting such barriers up between us? We both want
to be together, have a life--yet. . . ."

"I hold you off at arms length?"

"Yes--," she breathed.

"Because of our differences, my fears of being what I am."

"You have never hurt me. Are you afraid that you might lose
control?" she asked gently.

"Yes, that and that I might give you a child that looks like
me."

"Vincent, I would welcome any child of yours. I never felt
that about any of the other men in my life, only you."

"Not even Elliot?" he asked, the jealousy still there.

"No, not even Elliot, only you," she reassured him, willing
him to believe this simple truth. "As to control, passion and
rage are sometimes two sides to the same coin."

"Yes," he interjected.

"But what we share, what we feel for one another is
something beyond anything that either one of us has ever
experienced. What we have is something beautiful and gentle.
There is fire and desire. We both feel it when we touch, but
there is awe and wonder as well. You must trust and believe in
our bond and let your feelings go. Our love exists in light, not
in darkness, my love," Catherine told him, willing him to believe
that what he felt was something he should not be afraid of.

"Catherine, I know your words are true. . . still I fear. .
I want to keep our love beautiful and . . . ."

"Safe?" she inquired, with only a trace of a smile, knowing
full well how serious he really was.

Vincent nodded slowly, the tension draining as he relaxed
and bathed in the warmth of her happy mood.

"Vincent, how long do you think I can remain on this
pedestal that you have put me? The view is rather boring. I'd
much rather be there with you than held off like some fragile
object. I'm not fragile, Vincent, I'm alive, I'm human, and I
want you," Catherine stated bluntly, pinning him with a look that
gave him no illusions as what her feelings were.

Then taking a more direct approach to back up what she had
stated, she tightened her hold on his neck and pulled his head
down. He began to resist but then thought better of it and let
her do as she wished. Gently now she brought her lips up to met
his and lightly kissed him. He responded in kind bringing his own
pressure to bear deepening their kiss and pulling her tightly to
his wet body. He molded his unique lips to hers which sent
electric sparks through both of them and left them both
breathless and amazed.

He recovered more quickly than she. He gazed down into those
grey-green eyes that were half opened and a bit dazed from the
intensity of their kiss, and smiled a little to himself. His own
eyes were lit with amused dancing light. "Catherine, I believe
that we should continue this discussion on dry land," he
suggested, "It will be getting dark soon and I am beginning to
get a little waterlogged."

"Yes," she murmured, and then began to recover. "You did
that on purpose, didn't you?"

"Did what? I merely responded back," Vincent said
innocently.

"Never mind," she said, letting the subject drop for the
moment. "You're right it will be getting dark soon, and I'm
beginning to shrivel up like a prune. Come on, I'll race you," she
challenged and then took off across the water to the dock.

Vincent let her get a good head start before he began. He
quickly overtook her and then passed her, only to be waiting at
the bottom rungs of the ladder when she arrived.

She looked up at him baffled, "How? You were still back
there when I looked a minute ago. You didn't tell me you could
swim. "

"You never asked," he kidded her, "there is much about me
you do not know."

"I know, and not for lack of trying to find out too.
Vincent, you are a man of many secrets. When will you become
brave enough to really talk to me? Let me know the real you?" she
asked seriously as she drew near.

"I have been trying to show you, but it is difficult for me
still. I know we said that there would be no secrets between us.
I will try to live up to that and bare to you all that I am."

She nodded in silent acceptance of the trust he was placing
in her. "Vincent, I will not betray your trust, and I want you to
try and understand me as well."

He silently agreed, and then moved aside to let her climb the
ladder first. She did so gracefully exposing more and more of
herself as she climbed each rung. Vincent was again mesmerized by
her beauty. Her soft curves as they moved aroused feelings in him
he had long tried to suppress, but now found harder and harder
to. He was at least acknowledging that they did exist, were real,
tangible. What he was going to do about them was another matter
entirely. He sensed that soon they would be the topic of their
conversation. He both dreaded and looked forward to it. He had
made a promise to Catherine and he was determined to see it
through as best he could, no matter how much pain it might cause.

When she reached the top he began his own climb, and quickly
he arrived on top. She was drying her self off with one of the
towels and handed him one. It was hard to tear his eyes away from
her. She looked up momentarily and saw him staring at her, his
feelings unmistakably visible and clear. She pretended not to
notice and went back to her drying, pondering what she should do
or say.

Vincent for his part realized that he had been staring like
a schoolboy at her and regained his composure and began to towel
the excess water off himself. He felt like he was all thumbs.
His hands trembled, as did his body and not from the cool air
of the gentle breeze blowing across the lake. His mind and his
emotions were locked in a battle between his wanting her as a man
and his wanting things to remain the same between them, even though
he knew that they could not stay the same, but must move forward in
some direction.

Catherine decided it for them. Before he was aware of her
she was beside him, toweling his back. "Sit down please, so I can
reach you," she commanded gently.

He could not resist her. He sat down and felt her kneel
down behind him gently rubbing the soft fur on his back dry. Her
touch was like heaven, massaging the tenseness out of his
muscles, relaxing him. He leaned into her stroking touch, sighing
softly in complete contentment. Then he felt her lips upon his
now bared neck, and her arms creeping up to encircle his chest as
she pressed her chest against his back, rubbing herself ever so
gently against his soft golden fur. At first it was wonderful,
then panic began to rise in him. She felt it.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice worried.

"I can't explain, it just feels wrong," he replied trying to
give her some sort of answer.

She withdrew a little, "I had always wondered what you
looked like under those layers of clothes, whether you were furry
all over."

"You can see that I am. That I am not like other men,"

"You are and you aren't. You are as I had imagined you would
be. I am not displeased, I am happy. I wanted to see how you
felt. What you felt like against me. Was that so wrong?" she
asked sadly, hoping that she had not gone too far.

He turned his head to look at her over his shoulder, his
look was inquiring, speculating. "No, it was not wrong. I enjoyed
it too, but it took me by surprise that's all. I have always
welcomed your touch, Catherine," he admitted.

"I have never been sure, you withdraw so much from me when I
do touch you."

"Only because it stirs such fires in my soul that it takes
all my will to hold myself in check," he stated seriously, his
eyes hard and penetrating as he looked at her, really looked at
her letting her feel through the bond the fires that were
beginning to build up within him.

"If you felt that way, why did you not say something to me?
I would have understood. I do understand. When you are near or
touch me I feel the same fire and all I want to do is be lost in
the flames and burn with you."

He looked vaguely shocked at her confession, "I know, I have
felt that from you, and have backed away from you when I felt . .
such things."

"Yes, and disappeared over my balcony wall many a night when
it was just beginning to get interesting. I'm tired of chasing
you. I want us to both admit that we do want more, can have more
than hugs and kisses on the top of the head. We both NEED more,
admit it, Vincent," she challenged him.

"Catherine, . . . " he started to answer and ducked his head
down, his hair screening his features from view.

"Vincent, talk to me. You promised that you would TALK to
me. Was that a lie?" she insisted, getting up and and then
sitting down in front of him. She pushed aside the hair that
covered his face, cocking her head so that she could she his face
read his expressions. She took his face in her hands forcing him
to look at her, to see her, to really look at her.

He spoke slowly, with great effort, his eyes wet and
shining, "No, Catherine, it was not a lie. I find it difficult to
talk to you."

"I know, my love. But we have to get this out in the open.
We have hid too long in the dark with our feelings, afraid to
speak, afraid to let the other one know how we really feel. We
feel through our bond. There are no deceptions there. But we must
find the words to put with those feelings."

He looked up at her, his eyes sad with his own inner misery.
"Yes, . . . we must," he agreed.

"Good, that's a start," Catherine said smiling encouragingly
at him. She released his face, and sat back studying him,
debating what she should do next. Even though she wanted to go on
with this needed discussion she felt Vincent wasn't up to it. He
needed to retreat, think things over. They had a week. She wanted
this to be pleasant, not painful for him. Pushing him into a
corner and forcing him to decide their future in one day's time
was not what she wanted, but she did want him think and come to
his own conclusions.

He looked so miserable, so uncertain sitting there that all
she wanted to do was gather him into her arms and comfort him as
if he were a child. In many ways he was just that, a child, an
innocent, at least when it came to matters of his heart. She
touched his hair, stroking the soft silky spun-gold strands. The
dying rays of the sun making it more dazzling and reddish. She
sighed, and dropped her hand back into her lap. He looked up at
her trying to fathom what had distressed her so.

"Catherine, what troubles you?" He asked, focusing on her.

"Nothing and everything. I'm trying to push you into a
corner, forcing you to act, react before you're ready to. I'm
sorry, Vincent." She apologized, still looking down at her hands.

"You have done nothing that was not needed to be done or
said. It is I that should apologize for not being more open with
you about my feelings." He said in his soft gravely voice,
reaching over to capture her hands and hold their delicate
smallness in his large ones.

"Vincent, I. . . ." Catherine started to speak.

"Catherine, no words are necessary. Know now that I love
you, that I have always loved you. When I told you I wanted you
in my world, with me Below and I didn't want you to go I meant
that. Every time you leave and go Above I feel such emptiness.
You bring light to my darkness. But I have always felt that I had
no right to hold you or to wish for a life with you in my world."
Vincent confessed still holding her hands in his.

"How wrong you are, my love. I have wanted nothing but to
stay with you. I returned Above after Dad died because I felt
that was the right thing to do. I wanted to be sure that it
wasn't my grief speaking, that when I again asked to stay Below
that it was because we both wanted it to be for forever. . . .
And that you would do the asking."

He looked at her amazed, not believing his ears. Her eyes
were radiating her love for him as was every fiber of her being.
She was willing him her complete trust, her belief in him and in
the dream they shared. A dream that he could make into reality if
he chose to at this moment. He wanted to, every fiber of him
wanted to, but part of him held back, afraid. He also felt that
if he did not push forward then the dream might be lost. He loved
her, he wanted her with him always, not just for the brief
snatches of time they were granted. He made a decision as he
noticed Catherine looking at him worriedly, wondering at his long
silence.

"Catherine, I do not want an answer yet, only that you think
about it." Vincent said hesitantly.

"Alright, I will." She replied seriously, feeling the
tension building up in him.

He took a deep breath and plunged forward, "Catherine, will
you be my wife, and come and live in my world?" He asked deadly
serious, his sky blue eyes searching her face hoping to get some
clue to her thoughts.

Time was held suspended for her, it was hard to breathe. He
had asked her the question that she had always wanted to hear pass
those lips. If she said no she would hurt him and possibly damage
their relationship beyond repair. Yes, this is what I want, but
at the same time I'm scared, frightened of this door opening on a
new life, new possibilities--for both of us. But she knew
too, that she couldn't live without him. He was her world and her
life was with him whether it was like it was or Below. In his
world they would have a chance to make a real life together. She
spoke her heart.

"Yes, Vincent, I will be your wife and live with you in your
world." She answered seriously, with her eyes dancing with happy
inner lights and her solemn expression being replaced by an
encouraging smile to him.

He had hoped, but still had not believed until that moment
that she would want to marry him and be with him always.
"Catherine, are you sure?"

"Yes, my love, I am very, very sure. I have never been so
sure of anything in my life." She reassured him, feeling his
astoundment and wonder.

"I had dreamed, I had hoped, but could not believe--until
now. But what of your work, your life Above? You would give up
all that--for me?" He asked.

"For you, I would give up everything, do anything just so we
could be together always. Is that so strange?" She asked
laughingly, trying to break the tenseness of the moment.

He looked at her incrediously, and saw that it was so, that
she would give up everything for him, do whatever was necessary
to be with him. He knew then with absolute certainty that she
was committed to him for all time.

But still he had to protest, "You can't just walk away from
your work and disappear."

She laughed and shook her head smiling up at him, "No, I
can't, but I can make it so that I can disappear and not have
people wondering where I went."

He looked at her curiously, begging her to go on.

"I will tell everyone that I am getting married---to this
incredibly wealthy, handsome recluse and we're going off to his
private island to live."

"Catherine!" He looked at her astounded, "You would lie to
your friends?" He asked seriously.

"I'm not really. You are incredibly handsome, you are a
recluse, you are taking me off to your private island, even if it
is under the earth, and you are wealthy. You have what money
can't buy--you have love and riches of the imagination."

"But still, . . . for you to go off and leave everything.
Your friends will want to see you, your boss won't like you
quitting on him. He has come to depend on you, has he not?"

"Yes," she sighed, "but investigators come and go. In my
line of work people get burnt out easily. Few stay."

"I know, but you have felt such joy and satisfaction when
you helped these people who came under your attention. They
ceased to be just casefiles and instead became real persons, even
friends. If you leave your work who will take your place, be a
friend to those who really need one as you have been?" Vincent
questioned gently.

She looked away at his words, trying to hold back the wave
of sadness that was passing over her. "I don't know, Vincent,
someone, I hope will be there for them."

"There is much to consider beyond you and me." He added,
releasing her hand.

She turned to him, "but there is nothing that I haven't
considered, weighed, and thought about over and over again. A
life together is what I do want, more than anything, Vincent. I
will miss my life Above, miss the challenges and the heartaches,
but I want our life Below more!" she stated firmly.

He nodded accepting her words but at the same time not being
convinced, "Catherine, what I said holds true, I want you think
about it. I know you want to be with me, and be my wife, but this
is for always and I want you to be very sure that we both
understand the problems and fears we both have. You are still
free to back out at any time."

"Back out?" she questioned, "I will not back out, why should
I?"

"Catherine, we have a week together. A week to get to know
one another without the pressures and distractions of both our
worlds. Let us use this time to find out if this is really what
we want. Besides, it is quite dark now, and the night air is
chilly. Devon and Charles are probably wondering what has happened
to us." He commented, glancing up the path to see the cabin's
lights beyond the trees.

Catherine had not noticed the night air until he said
something, involuntarily she shivered a chance breeze blew
against her bared skin. "Yes, it is getting cold. Would you hand
me my shirt?"

Vincent did and watched her pull it over her head covering
herself. He did the same with his own shirt, and they gathered up
their remaining clothes and towels. She sighed and looked sadly at

him for a moment, then quickly recovered before he could
question her.

"Shall we go?" She asked, her jaw set in determination.

"Catherine, have I said something to distress you?" Vincent
asked, not having missed her changed attitude.

"No, nothing. I just feel tired. It was a long ride here,
and we have had quite an afternoon." She said, hoping to deflect
him.

"Which did not turn out as you had quite hoped?"

"Yes, and no--I don't know what I had hoped or expected, but
it has not been a failure. We did talk, got some things out into
the open, made a beginning on our lives together."

"That we did," he admitted drawing up close to her. "Still
friends?"

"Always." She smiled drawing into the circle of his arms and
leaning her head against his chest.

One of his hands reached up to stroke her hair as he felt her
fingers grip his shirt front. "Catherine, I love you. Believe in
that and everything will work itself out." Then he kissed the top
of her head.

He felt her relax then. "Come, let us go back. We will talk
more."

He felt her acceptance and she backed away from him
releasing her hold and taking his hand in hers. They walked back in
silence to the warmly lit cabin locked in their own thoughts, but
bathed in the knowledge that their life together was just
beginning to unfold and today they had taken a giant step forward
in turning their dream into a tangible reality.

end

 

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