Beyond Beginnings Book 2

BEYOND BEGINNINGS - BOOK TWO
Linda Barth

Chapter Nine

Having lived in her East Side high-rise apartment for more than ten years, Catherine had forgotten how exhausting an experience moving could be, but the long day's events managed to remind her. It had started when the crew bringing Jenny's belongings into the apartment arrived an hour before the crew who would take Catherine's out. A bribe of breakfast in a local coffee shop, as well as double overtime for the extra hour, had smoothed things over; and the remainder of the morning had passed uneventfully as vans were loaded and unloaded with a variety of boxes, cases, and pieces of furniture.
The next snag occurred when the movers' planned route through the park from the upper East Side to the brownstone off Central Park West was unexpectedly closed off for repaving, requiring the vans to take a lengthy detour. The work crew lost a considerable amount of time completing the first phase of the move and then going out to Queens to retrieve Catherine's belongings from the storage facility in which they had been placed after her father's death.
However, by early evening everything somehow had been achieved. The expected deliveries from several New York shops had taken place as intended. Now the basement of the brownstone was stacked with cartons of Catherine's books, household goods, clothing, and other items she would not need for a little while longer. Her father's favorite old leather chair had found a home in Peter's study, and her mother's Royal Doulton wedding china had been placed in a Chippendale cabinet in the dining room. The furniture in the third floor bedroom had been arranged just as Catherine had planned, and all that was left was to find places for the books, clothing, and personal possessions she would keep there.
With a cordless phone tucked between her right shoulder and ear, Catherine continued unpacking as she checked in with Jenny, wanting to make sure her friend had not experienced any further difficulties while moving into the apartment.
"Then everything went all right, Jen? You're sure you don't need anything?"
Jenny's bubbling laughter rippled through the phone lines. "How could I possibly need anything, Cathy? With everything you left for me, I probably should have just abandoned every piece of ratty old furniture in my apartment and started fresh here!"
Catherine laughed softly. "Well, I really didn't need most of my furniture anymore, so I'm glad you could use it. Peter's things have worked beautifully here, so I didn't have much to worry about except for the new bedroom. And there really wasn't any sense in crowding this place with unnecessary pieces."
"Well, I've always loved your living room, and you certainly made things easy for me. All I had to do was put my own prints and paintings on the wall and fill the bookcases. Hey, did that bed you told me about get delivered on time?"
Catherine smiled as she reached for an Exacto knife and sliced open the tape on yet another carton. "Yes, it got here late this afternoon, which couldn't have been better since the carpet had been delivered only an hour earlier. The bed is perfect for this room and it goes beautifully with the older things from my grandmother's house." Her gaze swept the room and she smiled in growing satisfaction.
"What older things?" Jenny asked. "The ones that have been in storage?"
"Mmm-hmmm," Catherine murmured, for several moments lost in wishes and dreams. Blinking hard, she continued, working to keep her voice at a normal tone. She knew it would be all too easy for Jenny to perceive her inattention for exactly what it was. "And my bedroom furniture from the apartment fit easily into one of the guest rooms. Once everything’s settled, you'll have to come for a complete tour, okay?"
"Sure! I'm dying to see what you've done with the place. And remember, you can come back here anytime you want."
"No, the apartment is yours now, Jenny. I'm not going to drop in like a nosy landlord whenever I'm in the neighborhood!"
"I know you won't," Jenny laughed. "But I also know how much you love the view from this place. If I'm going to be out of town on a book promotion tour or something that'll keep me away for a day or two, you're certainly welcome to come by and spend some time out on the terrace with that special someone of yours."
Catherine gasped. Not long ago she had told Jenny there was someone very special in her life, had even told her his name, but never had she mentioned the terrace having been their only shared world for such a long, bittersweet time. "How did you know about that?" she asked. Her voice trembled with concern and echoed with the still painful memories of a time when someone else had known of that special place and of the wondrous man who would wait for her there.
"Oh, Cathy, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry! I forgot about that maniac who was spying on you that time! That's not what I meant."
"I know you didn't, Jen. I guess it's still a sensitive issue with me, that's all."
Jenny sighed in relief. "What I really meant is that for the past few years, whenever I've walked out onto the terrace, I've felt that it's a very special place for you. And this is going to sound silly, but I can't help it – it’s just what I've been sensing there. I keep feeling that it's almost an enchanted place, somewhere that's not entirely part of this world. Does that make any sense to you at all, or am I just imagining things?"
Catherine's voice was low and warm. "It makes perfect sense, and someday I'll tell you all about it. I promise."
"That's a promise I'm going to hold you to," Jenny answered. "And I'll look forward to it. But right now, I've got to find the suitcase that I packed my new dress in or I'm going to be late for the 'Happy Moving Day' celebration dinner Gavin has planned at Windows on the World."
Catherine made no attempt to disguise a raised-eyebrow laugh. "Gavin? Well, it's obvious he's got good taste, but why haven't I heard about him before this?"
"I met him a few weeks ago at a book signing at Murder Ink. We've gone out a few times and he's really a nice guy. But I was sure I had mentioned him to you."
"You probably did, but you know my memory lately," Catherine replied with a laugh. "But what about Joe? Aren't things working out between the two of you?"
"I honestly don't know. We get along fine. I really enjoy his company, and he seems to enjoy mine," Jenny replied thoughtfully. "I think there’s a good chance we'll end up being just be good friends – but you never know! And in the meantime, I'm not going to write off Gavin. Maybe we can get together sometime soon so the two of you can meet. I think you'll like him, Cathy."
"I'm sure I will if he actually lasts long enough for us to get together," Catherine answered, softening her reply with a laugh. "You meet more men in a year than most women do in a lifetime!"
Jenny laughed in agreement, and then tried to make her bubbly voice sound stern. "Someday you'll have to have to find someone else to torment, you know. When you least expect it, I'm going to surprise you and settle down with Mr. Right – but it probably won't be this week! And now I absolutely have to go and get ready."
"Have a great time tonight, Jen, and I'll talk to you soon," Catherine promised as she clicked off the phone and lowered herself to sit cross-legged on the thick carpeted floor. "And maybe I'll have a surprise or two of my own someday," she murmured aloud, a wide smile warming her face. "Maybe soon."
She glanced toward the last fading rays of afternoon sunlight as they stretched in pale, faint paths across the spacious room. Soon Vincent will be able to see the sunlight whenever he wants, she told herself, trying to ignore the ripples of concern that still lapped at her, yet knowing she could not dismiss them simply because she wished it so. I wonder what he'll really think of all this, her thoughts continued. I just want him to be happy.
Jenny's words about the terrace seemed to echo in Catherine's ears, and she suddenly realized that Vincent was unaware that he might never be in that special place again. I should have told him, Catherine thought, feeling a building sense of alarm. He loves it so much. I had a chance to say good-bye, but he never did. I should have told him!
She thought back to the previous night when she had stood there alone, looking out over the wind-blown trees and flickering lights of the park and beyond to the brightly lit buildings to the west. Even without his physical presence, she had felt Vincent's arm around her shoulders, drawing her close as if to share the familiar sight of her world, a glittering panorama spread out before them, full of life and hidden possibilities. They had always been a part of that far-reaching vista and yet they were separate from it, safely elevated upon the battlement of their brick and glass castle. That barrier of space protected them as best it could, offering its magnificent view as the only safe and unspoiled gift the world Above held for them.
A small tear had edged its way onto Catherine's cheek, but she'd scarcely noticed it. It had been such a special place for them, and they'd embraced it as a sanctuary, a haven where they could talk of worries and joys, share poetry and stories, and hold each other close. For so long the balcony had seemed to be a vast space despite the reality of its small confined area. In many ways it had been the only place that was theirs and theirs alone. And it had been enough simply because there had been no other choice.
Chilled night breezes had tugged at Catherine's hair and she'd shivered as she turned to go back inside. Yet she’d hesitated, a warmth suffusing her that the cold night air could not disturb. Everything was changing now. Their lives and their worlds were opening outward, joining and blending one with the other, never to be made separate again. Confinement was slowly yielding to a wondrous freedom, a miraculous gift almost unbelievable in its scope and possibility. She had looked back one last time then, savoring the beauty of the world spread out in front of her, yet all the while knowing that the beauty of the new world which would soon become hers…theirs…would far surpass everything else.
Catherine had walked back into her apartment, carefully locking the balcony doors behind her, still lost in the final moments of her reverie, and it was at that moment she'd realized her thoughts had come full circle. Once again she’d found herself forced to confront the reality of her actions, to recognize that she had made tremendous life-altering decisions for both herself and Vincent, decisions that had put into motion vast changes in their lives. And she had done it all without ever mentioning a word of it to him.
For long moments she had buried her face in her hands, physically trembling as the magnitude of her actions surged over her, threatening to engulf her. Deeply disturbing thoughts had whirled through her mind.
What have I done, she'd asked herself, feeling close to panic. What have I done! What if he doesn't like any of this? Maybe he’ll see it as just a foolish, reckless way to endanger him and risk the safety of his whole world?
Then she'd shaken her head hard, as if physically reshaping chaos to order, and when her thoughts continued, they had regained their earlier strength and courage.
No, those words are Father's, not Vincent's. Vincent has told me, has promised me, we will find a way to be together. And when I explain to him the hopes I have for us with this house, I know he'll love it. I know he will!
Again she had drawn from her heart a picture of Vincent's joy as together they would soon discover all the wonder and beauty the house could offer them. A place filled with love and light would become their new sanctuary, their new haven of dreams.
Suddenly Catherine had known that everything would be all right, and she'd held the comfort of that reassuring thought to her the way a thick woolen blanket might shield her from the icy night air. With determination, she had moved forward into the apartment and then channeled her nervous energy into packing more of her belongings. Still she had found she could not entirely ignore a final question that lashed out at her relentlessly.
I know Vincent will love the house. But when I ask him the other question, the one that means everything, what will I do if, just like before, he says no.....
The unexpected blare of an ambulance siren from the street below jarred Catherine back to the present, and, just as she had done the night before, she steadfastly set aside the remaining concerns and questions. She knew that for all their great significance and power, they simply could not be answered now, and if she continued to let them dominate her, they would ruin all her other hopeful plans and dreams. With effort she focused on the remaining tasks, knowing that soon, except for one final area, the bedroom would be the lovely, welcoming place she had dreamed of.
She set to work, opening a box she had filled herself, as well as several large packages from a Madison Avenue shop. From the box she withdrew several sets of bed linens she had carefully laundered days earlier, concerned that even these expensive new fabrics might not be soft and supple enough to touch Vincent's sensitive skin. She put all but one set aside for storage in the bathroom's linen closet and then, leaning forward, she smoothed the ivory sheets across the wide bed, carefully folding back their deep edging of eyelet lace. After piling several pillows of varying sizes near the headboard, she shook out a huge, fluffy, down-filled comforter, carefully guiding its drifting folds to drape evenly almost to the floor. The fabric was fine, smooth cotton in a shade of soft sage green that matched one of the muted hues in the Aubusson carpet. Catherine turned back the comforter a few inches below the pillows and tucked the lacy hem of the top sheet over it before standing back to judge the effect.
Her bright smile quivered suddenly as doubts tremored through her. Maybe it looks too obvious, she worried, like I expect us to jump into bed the minute we walk into the room.
Frowning, she reached forward and straightened the comforter and sheet, then pulled a few pillows forward over their edges, and again stood back to reconsider. Well, it looked nicer before, but I suppose this is a bit more subtle, she concluded reluctantly. Although after the other night, maybe subtlety isn't as high a priority as it used to be!
As it had before, the music of her laughter rippled through the room, and then much to her surprise, she felt a rosy heat warm her face, knowing its source to be the vivid memories she cherished of the last hours she’d spent with Vincent.
I'm never nervous like this, she realized with a degree of surprise. I feel like I did when I was a little girl on ice skates for the very first time or like -- what is it that Joe always says -- a kite in a hurricane!
Catherine's heart fluttered rapidly as she touched a pillow with trembling fingers, and suddenly the image for which she'd been searching shimmered within her. In it Vincent stood before her, his beautiful face filled with devotion and desire as he opened his arms to her, calling her to him with a promise to never let her go. She spoke aloud and heard the sound of her own voice grow tremulous with wonder and delight.
"I feel like a bride. His bride."
For many moments Catherine stood by the bed, lost in the hope of what was to come. Then she surveyed the room with a final careful look, satisfied that all was in readiness. She gathered the remaining packing materials, then went into the hall and shut the bedroom door behind her. As she descended the stairs, she made the decision to have a quick supper and read for an hour or two, making it an unusually early night. There were several details still to attend to in the morning and she wanted to get started on them as early as possible.
When she reached the second floor landing, she paused and headed down the hallway toward the nearest guest bedroom. Balancing her cumbersome burden in her arms, she pushed open the door with her foot and looked in to make sure she had left her overnight bag there. Earlier that day she had decided to sleep in this room her first few nights in her new home. On Friday, little more than forty-eight hours away, Vincent would be here in the house with her; and Catherine found she was entirely unable to abandon the hope that when she first slept in the beautiful room above her, she would not be alone.

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That morning as Catherine had immersed herself in the final preparations for her new life, Vincent's attention had also been captured by the many facets of the transitions taking place within and around him. As always, his thoughts flew ceaselessly to Catherine, yet since their discussion the day before, Vincent had not been surprised to find his mind often turning toward his father as well. The two men had not spoken again of the matters they had approached by the Mirror Pool, tacitly agreeing to wait the few days until Catherine would join them. Yet Vincent could not help worrying that the deep and difficult problems facing them might crush the frail hope he carried in his heart, the hope of a happy resolution that would resolve their differences forever.
Sighing, Vincent resignedly accepted the fact that there was nothing more he could do for the present, and he forced himself to set aside the intricate and unsettling dilemma. There were other things that he could act upon now, and he felt his heart begin to race as he strode from his chamber, knowing that with every step forward the shape of his life was changing, taking on form and substance that had once lived only in his yearning dreams. He knew that at last those dreams could all become real, and the realization took his breath away.
Moments later he entered Father's study and approached the older man. "Father, do you know where Kanin is working this morning? I need to speak with him right away."
Jacob looked up and was immediately frozen into immobilized shock by the joyfully expectant look in his son's eyes, knowing without a doubt that its origins must lie within Catherine. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself to conceal the potentially destructive feelings spinning within. I must keep my composure, he warned himself sternly. It won't do to bring all of this up again -- not now. I will wait -- I must wait.
Without warning a hopeless fatigue dragged at him as he continued to look up into his son's eager face. And why should any of this come as a surprise me, Jacob asked himself resignedly. Why? All my hope is gone. But how will I face it, how will I bear it...
"Father?" Vincent's voice revealed a surging renewal of the concern he felt for his parent, but he forced himself to maintain an air of normalcy. "Have you seen Kanin?"
Rallying what remained of his inner strength, Jacob managed to reply. He gathered some small measure of reassurance from the realization that had anyone else heard his voice, they would have assumed that nothing at all was wrong. He reached for a clipboard that rested on his desk and turned it in Vincent's direction.
"This is today's duty roster. I believe Kanin is still working on the reconstruction of that problematic area in the Pipe Chamber."
"The section of rock wall where the copper pipes from the Great Hall were coming loose?" Vincent asked unnecessarily, feeling relief that his father had finally responded to him in a more typical manner.
"Yes, that's the place. Pascal mentioned at breakfast that the work is going very well and should be completed by the end of the week."
Vincent quickly surveyed the pages of work assignments for the following week, noting that no other duties had been assigned to the master stonecutter. "And have you something specific in mind for Kanin once this job is completed?"
Jacob's eyes narrowed slightly behind his wire-rimmed glasses, but he kept his head averted for several seconds, as if studying the pages indicated by his son. When he looked up, his expression was a mask of calm indifference. "No, nothing specific, although there are several projects pending, of course. I thought perhaps he might like to go on with the enlargement of the new family chambers on the third level, but I believe I'll leave that up to his decision. Kanin has been working particularly long hours lately, and actually he does deserve a day or two to himself. I think I'll suggest that to him when I go to inspect the Pipe Chamber repairs."
Vincent was elated by the unexpected news that the one man who could help him might soon be free to do just that. Yet he hesitated, searching for a way to phrase the needed request to Father without stirring up feelings which would be dangerous and difficult for both of them. He moved back slightly and leaned against the heavy edge of a wooden filing cabinet.
"There’s a project I've been considering, Father," he began, his voice careful but determined. "It’s one which requires a great deal of help from Kanin. We've discussed it at some length in the past, so I know he's willing to proceed with it. And now I think the time for is right for it to begin."
When Vincent paused briefly, Jacob could not resist voicing a question, even while knowing it would reveal a faltering grip on his emotional stability. "And when were you going to share this idea, this project, with me?"
Vincent continued, his voice even. "When and if the time was right, Father."
"And I believe you said that condition has, in fact, occurred?" Jacob watched as his son nodded tightly. "Then I should very much like to be informed of this intended project of yours." He leaned back, his posture seemingly indicative of courteous and composed attention, but his hands gripped the arms of his chair so tightly that they looked like distended claws, and the deepening lines around his steel blue eyes resembled scars.
For a long moment Vincent closed his eyes, feeling himself on the verge of sorrowful tears, while at the same time filled with a rushing heat that warned of profoundly disturbing anger. It frightened him deeply that his self-control had become threatened by these unsettling events, but he knew as well that he could no longer retreat from them. Taking a strong, deep breath, he focused again on his father's face and resolutely began to speak, his low voice full of hard-won restraint.
"Father, it was not my intention to keep my plans a secret from you -- or from anyone else. I didn’t mention them to you before this because I wasn’t certain they would ever become a reality. I had hopes...but for a long time that is all that they were… I know we agreed not to discuss these matters further until this weekend when Catherine comes Below, but there are certain things that cannot wait and I must speak to you about them. And, Father, before I do, know that I will not be swayed from this decision."
For all the determination in his voice and in his words, Vincent's eyes held a plea his father could not ignore, and with all his heart Jacob wished he could set aside his own devastating fears and offer the blessing and approval his son wanted of him. Deep within, a small tender hope still lived that perhaps it could be so, but the older man knew he could not deal with it now. There were wounds still too raw to be soothed by that tender mercy.
Jacob nodded tersely. "Continue. Please."
Vincent held Father's gaze for a long moment. "You know that Catherine and I wish to join our lives, to find a way to be together. To do this, we both must change the ways we live. We don't yet know how and when this will occur, but it will be done. And for my part, I propose to enlarge the area of my chamber, to cut into the space beyond the farthest wall and create two more adjoining chambers."
The wondrous idea that his dream could become reality overtook Vincent and he smiled, his eyes glowing with possibilities. He leaned forward excitedly as he continued to tell Father of his plans.
"Kanin has looked into this, Father, and he said it's possible -- very possible. The structure of the rock is stable, so there is little or no danger involved. The job will take less than a week if one or two of the other men can help us with it, and I've spoken to Mouse as well. One of the rooms will be a private bathing chamber, with the water diverted from the same source that supplies the one you and I now share. That's something Mouse can handle -- he's had plenty of experience in doing the same thing for many of the larger family chambers."
It seemed to Jacob that the words Vincent spoke came from somewhere faraway, forcing him to use every bit of his inner strength to listen and reply to them. Searching desperately, he seized upon what he prayed sounded like a reasonable response.
"You know, don't you, that you will have to present this idea to the Council? Altering a chamber to this extent cannot be done without the approval of the majority."
"I know, Father, and I will bring it up for discussion at our meeting this evening."
Jacob's voice rose alarmingly and he struggled to continue. "But isn't this very sudden? There will be another meeting in two weeks, and that should be soon enough for your plans. Really, Vincent, I should expect you'd want more time to think these things through before formally presenting such a proposal to the whole Council."
A cloud-like barrier seemed to descend between the two men, but it could not diminish the bright hope in Vincent's eyes and voice. "No, Father, I will not need more time to think these things through. Sometimes it seems that’s all I’ve been doing all my life. Now the time for thinking is over."
He pushed himself to a standing position and stood looking down at Jacob, as if he planned to say something more. But then Vincent turned and strode to the small metal staircase leading to one of the chamber's entrances. Pausing at the threshold, he gazed back at his father, and felt a raw shudder of pain at the sight of the older man. He looked to Vincent like a battle-scarred warrior who knew he had been fighting a relentlessly hopeless battle with an army of ghosts, and yet he could not admit defeat.
"Father, I don’t want to hurt you, but I must try to live my own life. Together we can make this work, I know we can," Vincent told him. "I promise you that everything will be all right."
As Jacob watched his son disappear into the dimly glowing light of the connecting passageway, he tried to hear the sound that had somehow sustained him for so long, the faint inner echo of hope. But his eyes filled with tears when he found that it was gone.

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On nights when meetings were scheduled for the governing council of the tunnel community, the dinner hour was always moved ahead to five-thirty so as to allow plenty of time for debate and discussion later in the evening. Vincent's work assignment earlier that afternoon had been to inspect recently completed excavations in the main storage area of the tunnels. It had taken great effort to keep his mind on his work, but at last it had been accomplished, and he returned to his own chamber where he could at last try to make sense of the questions whirling within his mind.
Vincent knew his most immediate concern was to find a way to phrase his request to the Council without revealing more than he should of its personal nature. He had surprised even himself with his unhesitating determination to proceed with his plans, but now he was unable to ignore the uncertainty that filled him. Leaning back in his great, carved chair, he tried to calm the racing pace of his thoughts.
How can I make this proposal to the Council, he asked himself worriedly, when I have not yet even mentioned it to Catherine? They’ll want to know my reasons for the renovations. What can I tell them that won’t compromise her should she not find this plan to her liking after all?
With his characteristic self-honesty, Vincent knew he had immediately focused upon the heart of his fears and concerns, but unlike their relentless torment of many long days and nights in the past, this time they were readily overcome.
Catherine has told me over and over again, he continued silently, that she wants nothing more than to join her life with mine. There is nothing in me that can doubt her. Yet we’ve never talked about how we shall accomplish this, how we will make our dreams a reality.
He sighed deeply. We both know there is no choice. I cannot live in the world Above. But perhaps Catherine has not fully considered the changes, the sacrifices she must make should she come to live Below. We must talk of this. She will need time....
For more than an hour Vincent stayed as he was, struggling within himself to find answers to questions, knowing there was only one. He reached for the suede pouch he always wore on a cord around his neck and carefully removed Catherine's ivory rose from its depths. He held the lovely object in his hand, gently stroking the rippling edges of its petals, watching the candlelight touch it with a soft golden glow. It had always been to him a symbol of her, an icon of her beauty and strength, her faith and constancy.
He knew that at one time, not long ago, he would have refused even the slightest contemplation that such a being of light and love might come to live Below in his world of shadows and secrecy. But now he understood that the time for such conviction was over. She would come to him and bring him the gift of her light, just as he would give her his. Sunlight or candleglow, it no longer mattered. All of it, every gleaming ray or blazing flame, was only a reflection of what was truly important, the life-sustaining strength and light of their love.
It was that immutable realization that helped strengthen Vincent's resolve. Setting aside his long-held fears, almost as if they were an unwanted burden to be forever discarded, Vincent left his chamber to join his family and friends for their early dinner. The time passed quickly in a rush of simple, hot food and pleasant conversation, and an hour later all who were interested gathered in Father's study for the bimonthly meeting of the Council.
There was little on the agenda save the unexpected addition of Vincent's proposal, and by seven o'clock, the members had listened to his succinctly made request and were ready to ask questions before voting on the issue. Vincent had opted for a straightforward, basic description of the planned renovations, hoping that by his careful phrasing the Council members would assume he merely felt a desire for larger living quarters just as anyone might. It had concerned him deeply that to omit the true reason for his request was tantamount to being dishonest, and that was something he was loathe to do. Yet he had not been able to arrive at a more workable solution unless he took it upon himself to speak for Catherine, without her awareness and agreement, and that was an option he refused to consider.
He had spoken earlier to Kanin in some detail, and to Mouse as well, cautioning them not to provide any details of the plan that might connect Catherine to it in any way. His two friends had played their parts well and the presentation had been swiftly completed. Filled with relief that all had gone smoothly, Vincent let his mind wander, contemplating the work he hoped would get underway in about four days' time.
He pictured his old chamber as a study, not unlike a smaller version of Father's, a place to write, to read, and to relax in comfort. A connecting passageway would lead into a bed chamber, a warm and pleasing place where greater privacy would be assured not only by its location away from the more public areas, but also by a heavy tapestry suspended across the entry way. Perhaps even a door might be placed there, despite such barriers being an exceedingly rare commodity in the world Below. And then there would be the private bathing chamber. He would ask Kanin and Mouse to again inspect the hidden pool he and Catherine had recently visited. Maybe the bathing chamber could be structured much in the same way. Catherine had loved it there, and so had he...
An insistent voice broke into Vincent's reverie and he blinked hard before focusing on Cullen.
"The plans you have sound fine to me, " Cullen said. "But there's one thing I don't really understand. Exactly why do you want to do this? If all you want is more room, wouldn't it be a lot easier just to move to one of the bigger, vacant chambers?"
When he hesitated in answering Cullen's question, Mary made a quick decision and spoke up, desperately hoping she was doing the right thing. "I don't think we need to examine every little reason for Vincent's request. Why, everyone needs more room eventually, don't they? In fact, Rebecca, weren't you saying just yesterday that the candlemaking chamber is getting terribly overcrowded?"
Something in Mary's tone of voice and expression made Rebecca agree unquestioningly. "Well, yes, I was, now that you mention it. We really are running out of room now that some of the older children are serious about being apprentices. I could work on a proposal for the necessary changes and present it myself at one of our future meetings."
"That will be fine, Rebecca," Father replied, his authoritative voice even and strong, arousing not the slightest suspicion that anything might be troubling him. "Are there other questions or comments? No, then let's put Vincent's proposal to a vote, shall we?"
As was customary, a small basket containing pencils and slips of paper was passed around the table. Father watched, making sure everyone was prepared, and then he continued. "Right then, please indicate your decision, fold the paper so that your reply is kept in confidence, and then return it to the basket when it is passed round to you once again."
The group began to comply with the familiar request when a voice, strong and sure, unexpectedly made them stop. All eyes turned toward Vincent and the Council members waited expectantly for him to continue.
"I'm sorry to interrupt the proceedings," he began, "but I would like to say one thing more. It’s obvious to everyone that I have not fully answered your questions, especially your last one, Cullen, and that isn’t fair to any of you. It’s because my reasons for requesting the renovations to my chamber are of a personal nature."
Before Vincent could continue, Kanin interrupted. "Then you don't have to explain what they are. Even though we live in such a tightly knit community, everyone doesn't have the right to know everyone else's business."
"Kanin's right," Jamie asserted, eager not only to support Vincent but also to become an active part of her first meeting as an official member of the Council. "We trust Vincent. He doesn't have to tell us everything. When he's ready to tell us, then we'll find out. Until then we can just wait."
Many of the others murmured their agreement, but Vincent was determined to continue just a bit longer. "Thank you. I appreciate your trust in me, and I’m grateful that you respect my desire for privacy. At our next Council meeting I will be able to give you the full explanation you deserve. But if you truly feel you can vote on my request without being given further information tonight, then I would appreciate your proceeding with it."
The headache that had been threatening to erupt throughout the entire evening seemed to explode within Jacob's skull, but he managed to carry on without causing revealing his pain. "By a show of hands, please indicate if you are willing to agree to Vincent's most recent request."
He quickly counted the raised hand of each Council member. "So agreed. Now let us proceed with tonight's voting on the issue regarding the renovations to Vincent's chamber."
The large room was quiet save for the scratching of pencils on paper and surreptitious whispering from the area on the opposite side of the chamber where community members not on the Council could attend and observe meetings. Moments later the voting had been completed and the ballots collected. In his position as Assistant Director of the Council, Pascal opened each small, folded slip of paper and tallied the responses, careful to keep the results hidden until the final verdict was determined.
He looked up at the expectant faces seated around the long, mahogany table in the section of Father's study that served as their meeting area. "I've checked the tally twice and the result of the voting on Vincent's proposal is unanimous."
Unintentionally prolonging the suspense, Pascal paused and turned to his long-time friend who was seated at his left. He reached for Vincent's hand and shook it with enthusiasm. "Congratulations, Vincent! You, Kanin, and Mouse can proceed with the renovations as soon as possible."
For several seconds Vincent felt stunned by the news. It was almost beyond his wildest hopes, but it was true. The proof was all there before him in the beaming faces, words of good wishes, and the warm clasp of hands on his shoulders and arms as the Council members rallied around him. He looked up at them and tried to speak, hearing a silence fall over the room as he did.
"I don't know what to say, how to thank all of you for agreeing to my proposal," he began. "And even more for your faith in me."
"Ah, it's no big deal, Vincent," William declared. "Sure, you need more room to move around in that chamber of yours. I can understand that. You're a big guy. It's not like you're some little pip-squeak like Pascal over there."
Pascal glowered but joined in the laughter at William's good-natured joking. "Just wait 'til next time you want an important message sent," he yelled back. "You better start bribing some of the kids to deliver them on foot."
Vincent rose to his feet and raised a hand to regain the group's attention. "And I also want to thank Kanin for his offer of help, and, of course, Mouse as well. This project would be entirely impossible without them."
Kanin nodded. "And it'll go a lot faster with one or two others on the crew," he began. But before he could phrase a request, Matt approached them from his place on the opposite side of the wide room.
"I'd like to help!" he offered. "And so would Rafael. We were talking about it during the meeting, and, if it's okay with you, Father, we can put off that maintenance work we're supposed to be doing until next week or so. It really doesn't involve anything that can't wait a while."
All eyes swept toward the Tunnel patriarch, the one person they had all studiously avoided since the announcement involving the results of the vote had been made.
"Yes, certainly," Father agreed after only the slightest hesitation. "Go right ahead."
There was an uncomfortably distended silence at Father's unusually terse reply. Everyone had expected him to question the two men and to at least consider their request at some length before answering, but he had surprised them all.
Breaking the tense moment, Pascal stood up, noisily pushing back his chair. "Well, then I propose this meeting be adjourned. Will anyone second the motion?"
Several voices rang out and minutes later many of the tunnel dwellers had returned to their other duties and interests, still chatting happily about the unexpected events.
Kanin made his way to Vincent's side. "Vincent, do you want to go to your chamber now so we can plan on what we'll do first? It's still early. Are the rest of you guys free for an hour or so?" Kanin looked from one man to the other, watching in satisfaction as each nodded his agreement. Vincent had always stood by him, and he was not about to let a single opportunity to repay that support slip away from him.
"Okay, let's go then," he instructed before calling to Pascal who was just leaving the meeting area with Rebecca. "Hey, Pascal, when you get to the Pipe Chamber, could you let Livie know I'm going to be a little late getting back?"
"Sure, no problem," Pascal replied. "Where is Olivia tonight anyway? She usually comes to the meetings."
"Luke's been running her ragged lately and she was so tired, she decided to skip this one," Kanin told him. He started up the stairs and then noticed that Vincent had not joined them. Looking back at his friend, he found him still standing near the conference table.
"You go on ahead," Vincent called up to him, including Matt and Rafael in his request. "I'll join you in a few minutes."
Nodding his understanding, Kanin led the others away as Vincent turned toward Jacob, waiting until they were finally the only ones left in the chamber.
"Thank you, Father, for not objecting to my proposal," Vincent said quietly, his voice a hopeful blend of love and gratitude. "I don't know what to say. You understand the truth behind my request, as no one else can. I have no words to thank you for supporting me as you did."
Jacob pushed himself to his feet. "Despite all else, Vincent, you are still my son, and I want you to be happy. You obviously believe that this plan of yours is the means to achieve your happiness. It doesn't matter what I think anymore. And as for the rest, only time will tell what lies before us. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone for a little while."
"Of course, Father," Vincent agreed, forcing himself to try to set aside the ever-growing burden of concern he felt for his parent. "Perhaps a game of chess later?"
"Perhaps," Jacob agreed wearily as he walked away toward the tapestry hanging that covered the entrance to his private chamber and then vanished from view.
Vincent's long strides brought him quickly to his chamber where he found Kanin, Rafael, and Matt waiting for him. Mouse, however, was nowhere to be seen.
Knowing Kanin was anxious to check on his wife and child, Rafael offered to go and look for Mouse so that they could begin their first planning discussion.
"No," Vincent replied quickly. "I'll go. Why don't you and Matt let Kanin fill you in on the preliminaries? If you need any paper, there's plenty in the top drawer of my desk."
"That sounds like a good idea," Kanin readily agreed as Vincent turned back toward the chamber entrance.
"I think I heard Mouse say something to William about having a snack. Maybe he's in the main kitchen," Matt suggested.
"Thanks, Matt. I'll look there first," Vincent answered as he left the others to start their work.
A few minutes later as Vincent approached the large, primary kitchen chamber, he could hear voices from within. The sound was cheerful and loud, as if the occupants found no need to be discreet. Normally Vincent would not have hesitated in joining such a group, but some inner sense made him pause just outside the doorway.
"Well, I think it's such a nice thing to do," Lena said, a note of conviction underscoring her sweet voice. "Even though we almost never talk about it, we all know that this is Vincent's dream. It has been for a long, long time. And now we're all going to help make it real."
"I thought Catherine was going to do that," Cullen called out with a raucous but well-intentioned laugh.
"Stop that kind of talk, Cullen," Mary warned. "I'll not tolerate your innuendoes!"
Cullen had the good grace to look slightly embarrassed and the good sense to stop talking.
"Hey, I don't mean to throw a monkey wrench into the works or nothing like that, but if Catherine's really thinking about moving Below, doesn't she have to come before the Council, too, and ask us?" William's loud voice was full of kindness but honest concern. "I mean, those are the rules."
"Well, of course, she'll have to go through that formality," Mary answered, leaning forward to make sure everyone heard her clearly. "But it's really a foregone conclusion, isn't it? Of course, we'll accept her gladly!"
The others quickly added their agreement.
"It'll be fun with Catherine here all the time!" Mouse's voice was full of eager anticipation. "I've been to her place. You know, Above. It's full of neat stuff. She must be great at finding and taking."
Lena rolled her eyes indulgently. "When will Catherine speak with us?" she asked. "Soon?"
"Quite soon, I think," Vincent answered. As he walked into the room, the cavernous place grew strangely silent. "There are things Catherine and I still must speak of privately, but I believe it won't be long before she will come Below to make her request to all of you."
"Oh, Vincent, I'm so sorry," Mary cried. "We had no right to discuss personal matters of yours behind your back. I can't imagine what we were thinking of!"
"Thinking of Catherine," Mouse stated, an air of disgust in his voice at the need to explain so obvious a point. "Vincent's always thinking about Catherine. So can we. She's our friend, too."
Vincent managed to suppress a grin. "Yes, she is your friend, too. And while I must admit I was surprised to hear this part of your conversation, I’m not offended. To know that my friends and family offer their support for our dream means a great deal to me, to both of us."
"Yeah, but like Mary said, we shouldn't have been talking about you," Cullen offered in apology.
"It's probably my fault," Lena added. "I got involved baking cookies for little Catherine for the picnic in the park I promised her and I missed the Council meeting. So I asked William and others to tell me about it."
"Yeah, that's what happened, Vincent," William said. "But it wasn't Lena's fault. We all just got to talking and thinking about what went on and what those reasons of yours might be for wanting a bigger chamber and I went and put my foot in it by guessing. Figures for once I'd guess right and look where it gets us!"
Vincent laughed softly, and to his friends the sound was as soft and warm as candlelight. "There's no harm done, William. Not by any of you. In fact, it's almost a relief to me. I was very uncomfortable keeping my reasons from all of you, but you've taken care of that."
The others laughed as well before Vincent continued. "But as I told you, there are things Catherine and I must settle by ourselves before this matter can be discussed openly. And until then, I must ask you not to tell her about the changes to be made to my chamber. I would like to do that in my own way."
"Like a surprise, huh, Vincent?" Mouse said excitedly. "Catherine likes surprises and this'll be a really big one!"
"I bet it will," Cullen began with a low chuckle, only to be silenced once again, not only by Mary's warning glare but by the identical looks on every other face in the room.
Vincent ducked his head shyly for a moment and then turned toward Mouse. "Kanin and the others are waiting for you in my chamber, Mouse. We’d like to begin planning the renovation work. Will you be able to join us now?"
"Sure, Vincent," Mouse agreed, bouncing up from his perch on a serving counter. "Want me to go get that stuff for blowing holes in walls? Still have lots saved up."
Vincent clasped a large hand on the younger man's shoulder as if to physically contain his exuberant energy. "Thank you, Mouse, but not tonight. I think it's still somewhat early for explosions."
"Not early," Mouse protested as they headed for the passageway. "It's late. After dinner, after Council meeting, after snacks. Not early, Vincent, late."
"It's just an expression," Vincent said patiently. "Come on, I'll explain on the way."
As soon as the two were safely out of hearing distance, Lena looked from at the smiling faces of her companions, noting with satisfaction that each one reflected genuine pleasure for the couple who were so dear to their hearts.
"Now I know we're not really supposed to be talking about this," she began eagerly, "but don't you think we should start planning a welcome party for Catherine!"

Inevitable Confrontation

Peggy Garvin

Inevitable as the rising sun
The confrontation hovered in the air.
The man they both revered the only one
Whose presence held at bay a war declared.
Two people love the one, each in their way.
He dominates, protects, and won’t release.
While she sees things a very different way.
A life together lived in love and peace.