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A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
The annual
Winterfest production for the tunnel dwellers was being discussed at
breakfast in the dining chamber. Jamie, Rebecca, Brooke, and Michael
were seen clustered together with various books from Father's library.
"What about Romeo and Juliet?" Jamie suggested after several other plays
were offered then dismissed.
"Just who did you
have in mind to play the leads?" Michael teased.
"Do you think we
could convince Vincent and Catherine to play the leads? They would be
perfect for the roles," Brooke commented, getting caught up in the idea.
"You're right,
Brooke. I can't see any of us doing justice to the roles, and we've all
seen how the tunnels light up whenever Vincent and Catherine are
together," Rebecca stated with a sigh.
"Convincing Vincent
to take the lead hopefully won't be too difficult. Maybe we should talk
to Catherine first. If we can convince her, then we can get her to talk
to Vincent for us," Jamie chimed in. "I'm supposed to meet her at her
apartment tonight anyway so I will ask her to be our Juliet."
"Okay, you go talk
to Catherine, tell her she and Vincent are our only choice for the roles
and we won't take no for an answer," Michael told Jamie, getting to his
feet and picking up the books. "Once you get her okay, then we can work
on Vincent. Besides, Devin's coming home for a visit, isn't he? We'll
just get him to help us convince Vincent as well."
((((((((((((((((((((((
Jamie knocked on
Catherine's apartment door precisely at 6:00 pm. She stood nervously in
front of her door, shuffling from side to side with her feet and looking
around. Catherine told her to meet her at her apartment. She heard the
elevator doors opening behind her and as she turned, she caught sight of
Catherine coming out of the elevator. "Jamie, I'm so sorry, I thought I
would be home before you got here."
"It's okay, Catherine, I only arrived a few minutes ago myself so don't worry about it," Jamie reassured her as she reached to help Catherine with her briefcase and bag of groceries.
Catherine smiled and
produced her keys and unlocked the front door and ushered her guest in
ahead of her. She pointed toward the kitchen and Jamie took the bag
there as Catherine dumped her briefcase and purse on one of the dinky
couches by the front door.
"The stuff I have
for you is in my bedroom. I haven't eaten yet, would you like to join
me?" Catherine asked as she put the groceries away after following Jamie
into the kitchen.
"Yeah, I'd like that
and it will give me a chance to ask you something."
"You know you can
ask me anything, Jamie. If I can help you, you know I will." Catherine
smiled as she grasped Jamie's shoulder. "Why don't you have a seat on
the couch and I'll order us a pizza, if that's okay with you?" Jamie
returned to the living room as Catherine placed the order for the pizza
to be delivered. Once accomplished, she grabbed two sodas from the
fridge and gave one to Jamie as she sat opposite her. "Now, what is it
you wanted to ask me?"
"Ummm, you know the
annual Winterfest play that we put on every year ... this year we
decided to do Romeo and Juliet."
"That's wonderful,
Jamie, I'm sure everyone will love your interpretation of Juliet. Did
you want me to play the nurse or your mother perhaps?" Catherine
questioned.
"No, Cathy, we were
hoping to get you to play Juliet and Vincent to play Romeo. You two were
the only choices we wanted for the roles."
"I'm flattered,
Jamie, but shouldn't someone younger play Juliet's role?"
"Cathy, we can't
think of two other people who could bring the roles to life like you and
Vincent can. We don't want anyone else to do it, please?"
"Have you discussed
this with Vincent yet?"
"No, we wanted to
get you convinced first, then we thought to tackle Vincent. Please say
you'll do it, please?" Jamie entreated her to yield.
"Well, if you are
that set on having me play Juliet's role, how could I refuse?" Catherine
smiled at her companion.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{
"You want me
to play Romeo?" Vincent asked in surprise after Michael and Brooke came
up to him after his literature class.
"Yes, you,
Vincent, we want you, and we've asked Catherine to play Juliet. There
was no one else we wanted for the roles," Michael explained.
"Please Vincent,
please say yes? You and Catherine both bring such depth to the
characters every time you read to us. You would bring such a magical
quality to the role," Brooke added.
"What did Catherine
say when you asked her," Vincent wondered aloud, certain she would be
embarrassed by the suggestion.
"She said, 'Well, if
you are that set on having me play Juliet's role, how could I refuse?
She was just concerned about your reaction if we asked you. She didn't
want us to pressure you into saying yes," Michael offered.
She is willing to
play Juliet with all it entails,
Vincent thought to
himself. She says she's willing to live our dream whenever i'm ready,
whenever I am willing to move through my fears. I am
willing to play this role with her. I will no longer allow my fears to
keep us apart. Aloud Vincent said, "Yes, if that is your wish, I
will play Romeo to Catherine's Juliet."
Brooke squealed in
delight. "Thank you Vincent, thank you," she breathed as she hugged him.
Michael hugged Vincent as well. "Thank you," he whispered.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{
The rehearsals
started in earnest after they agreed, and Vincent and Catherine were
both surprised at the details the tunnel theatre group had shown in
setting this play in motion. They had watched each other rehearse the
various opening scenes their characters were involved with and as both
Vincent and Catherine nervously awaited the party scene, they knew that
this scene was where Romeo first saw Juliet and sneaked a kiss from her.
Vincent knew this would be the first 'real' kiss between
Catherine and himself. He'd wanted to kiss Catherine for a long time and
finally it was going to happen, even only in the guise of a play.
"Places everyone,"
Jamie said as she clapped her hands for everyone's attention. Since the
play title was Jamie's idea, the casting committee elected her to direct
the play. With Vincent's silent support in the background, Jamie knew he
would help her put on the best play Winterfest had ever seen. "Let's
take it from where Mercutio and Romeo are talking before the party with
the line 'Peace, good Mercutio, peace!' "
As the cast found
their places, Catherine placed a gentle kiss on Vincent's cheek. "For
luck," she whispered as she drew back. Vincent gave her a small smile
and walked over to Pascal, who was waiting for him with the other cast
members for this scene.
(Vincent)Romeo:
"Peace, good
Mercutio, peace! Thou talks of nothing."
(Pascal)Mercutio:
"True. I talk of
dreams...which are the children of an idle brain...begot of nothing but
vain fantasy...which is as thin of substance as the air, and more
inconstant then the wind...who woos even now the frozen bosom of the
north...and being angered, puffs away from thence...turning his side to
the dewdropping south..."
Father has often expressed that our dream is a tragic mistake and can
never be, telling Catherine
that we should part so that I can remain safe. Also telling me she would
never fit into our society Below,
that the world above means too much for her.
(Kipper)Benvolio:
"This wind you talk
of blows us from ourselves ... Supper is done, and we shall come too
late."
(Vincent)Romeo:
"I fear too early;
for my mind misgives some ... consequence, yet hanging in the stars ...
shall bitterly begin his fearful date with this night's revels ... and
expire the term of a despised life ... closed in my breast, by some vile
forfeit of untimely death ... but he that hath the steerage of my course
... direct my sail! On, lusty gentlemen!"
Romeo expressed his feelings that something terrible will happen, that
he is going to this party because he is in the hands of fate. With my
decision made, I will not let anything happen to spoil the happiness
Catherine and I want together and I will love Catherine as she deserves
to be loved.
"Wow, I knew Vincent
would be good for the role of Romeo but, my God, he is brilliant,"
Michael whispered in Brooke's ear as they watched the rehearsal. (Watch
'Everything Is Everything' to hear Father and Vincent recite
these lines)
"I couldn't agree
more," Brooke acknowledged with a nod of her head. She noticed Father
making his way silently over to where she and Michael were standing as
they watched Vincent and the others move about and then retire to one
side as the party scene was set up.
"Michael, Brooke,"
Father acknowledged as he reached them. "How is the rehearsal going? Did
I miss much?"
"Not really, Father,
you're just in time for the first meeting between Romeo and Juliet,"
Michael explained as he pointed out what the crew was setting up.
"Here, Father, take
my chair and make yourself comfortable," Brooke offered as she pulled
the chair behind her closer so Father could sit down.
"Thank you, my
dear." Father settled himself comfortably in the chair and watched as
everyone gathered for the next scene. Brooke and Michael settled down in
their chairs and the room fell silent as Vincent and Pascal entered the
party. All eyes turned to Kanin(Tybalt) as he recited his lines as
Vincent wandered around the room.
A hush came over
everyone as Vincent turned and looked into Catherine's eyes for the
first time. "You can definitely feel the electricity between them,"
Rebecca whispered to Pascal as Vincent and Catherine slowly moved toward
the center of the chamber.
Vincent(Romeo)
"If I profane with
my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this. My lips,
two blushing pilgrims ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a
tender kiss."
Catherine once
said 'These hands are beautiful. These are MY hands'. I must believe
that this is what she wants of me. Her emotions at times have felt as
though she would welcome my kiss. Now is the time to find out.
Catherine(Juliet)
"Good pilgrim, you
do wrong your hand too much. Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For
saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, and palm to pam is holy
palmers' kiss.
Will Vincent actually go through with this rehearsal in front of Father and everyone else and kiss me? Or will his fears come between us again?
Vincent(Romeo):
"Have not saints'
lips, and holy palmers too?''
Catherine(Juliet)
"Ay, pilgrim, lips
that they must use in prayer.''
Vincent (Romeo):
"O, then, dear
saint, let lips do what hands do! They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn
to despair."
I will no longer
allow my fear to rule my life. I love Catherine and I know she loves me.
As long as she is by my side, there is NOTHING I cannot overcome,
with her love to guide me.
Juliet:
"Saints do not move,
though grant for prayers' sake."
Romeo:
"Then move not while
my prayer's effect I take. Thus from my lips, by thine my sin is
purged."
Vincent leaned down
and gently caressed Catherine's lips. Catherine's eyes slowly fluttered
open and she was at a loss for words for the moment. She looked totally
dazed by the kiss. "Catherine..." Vincent whispered. The bond was alive
with a flurry of colliding emotions, hers--his. Vincent closed his eyes
to try and clear his head.
"Oh, yes," Catherine
shook her head to clear it. "The line... ummmm? Then have my lips the
sin that they have took?" She touched her lips in awe. Vincent hesitated
a moment or two before responding.
Romeo:
"Sin from my lips? O
trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again!" Gently, shyly, Vincent
pressed his lips to Catherine's again. As they slowly parted, you could
actually see the love between them in their eyes, their movements.
Vincent also looked a little dazed by the second kiss between them.
"Cut!" Jamie yelled,
"That's enough for today."
"Vincent ...
Catherine ..." Father began as the scene ended wth Jamie's announcement.
"You were both breathtaking."
"Thank you, Father,"
Catherine whispered breathlessly as Vincent led her over to where Father
and the others were seated. Vincent could feel the slight trembling in
Catherine's shoulders as he held her close.
"Attention everyone,
we'll rehearse the balcony scene tomorrow," Jamie announced once she was
sure she could be heard over the din.
"Vincent, the way
you tenderly kissed Catherine, you took my breath away," Brooke
exclaimed. Michael just stood there with a goofy grin on his face. A
slight blush rose on Vincent's face at Brooke's words.
"Father, I am going
to escort Catherine home. I will return later."
"No rush Vincent,
but don't forget Mouse wanted to talk to you about the new project.
Catherine, I am looking forward to watching your next rehearsal," Father
stated with a twinkle in his eye and a sly grin.
"Thank you Father,
for everything." Catherine kissed him on the cheek then turned to leave
with Vincent. As they slowly strolled toward her basement, Catherine was
remembering how gentle Vincent was when he kissed her.
Vincent, too, was
remembering and building his courage to kiss her before she went above.
When they reached her sub-basement, Catherine hugged Vincent close.
"Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say
good night till it be morrow."
Vincent responded
with, "Sleep dwell upon thine eyes, peace in thy breast." He lowered his
head and gently pressed his lips to hers. They drew apart, still
marvelling at the new experience. The bond was alive between them, a
gentle hum fluttering throughout his senses. "Until tomorrow,
Catherine," Vincent whispered. Catherine couldn't say anything, only
nodded her head then turned and made her way Above. Vincent returned to
the home tunnels where he and Mouse talked long into the night about the
new water project.
Once in a while
Vincent found his mind wandering back to the rehearsal and kissing
Catherine. When he and Mouse were finished, Vincent changed into his
nightshirt and after a long while fell into a peaceful sleep filled with
dreams of himself and Catherine having to redo the kiss from their first
meeting in the play over and over again to the delight of the other cast
members.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{
To practice the
balcony scene, everyone gathered in Father's study and Jamie directed
Catherine to the upper level. Kanin and Cullen moved Father's oak desk
and chair off to the side so he could have a ring-side seat and give
Vincent some room to move around during the scene. Mary took a seat next
to Father as the actors took their places. Bishop, Father's friend and a
former archbishop for Manhattan, came in and sat next to Mary. "Did I
miss anything?" he whispered to Mary.
"No, you're just in
time. They're about to start."
Vincent noticed
Bishop and came over to say hello. He placed a hand on Bishop's shoulder
and whispered in his ear. "May I speak to you in private after the
rehearsal?"
"Certainly, my boy,
certainly." Bishop patted his arm in friendly concern. Vincent nodded
and went back to the bottom of the staircase and awaited his cue.
"Catherine, we're
ready when you are," Jamie called from the far side of the room.
Catherine slowly walked to the railing and looked out over the chamber,
trying to imagine she was looking out over a star-filled sky and the
garden below her balcony.
Romeo:
"He jests at scars
that never felt a wound." Vincent turned his head upward as he heard
Catherine's footfalls approach the railing. He softly gasped as his eyes
beheld her. "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? Oh, it
is my lady! O, it is my love! O, that she knew she were!" Catherine
looked as though she was going to say something. "She speaks, yet she
says nothing. What of that? Her eye discourses, I will answer it. I am
too bold. Tis not to me she speaks. Two of the fairest stars in all the
heaven, having some business, do entreat her eyes to twinkle in their
spheres till they return. See how she leans her cheek upon her hand? O,
that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek."
Juliet:
"Ay me!"
Romeo:
"She speaks. O,
speak again, bright angel."
Juliet:
"O Romeo, Romeo,
wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name. Or, if
thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet."
I have often wondered if I would be strong enough to give up everything for our dream,' Catherine reminded herself that she has told Vincent countless times she would but when the time came she wondered... 'Could I actually do it? Yes, for Vincent I would give up my life Above in a heartbeat, no regrets, no change of heart. Vincent is all that matters.
Romeo:
"Shall I hear more
or shall I speak at this?"
Juliet:
"Tis but thy name
that is my enemy. Thou art thyself though not a Montague. What is
Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor face, nor any other
part belonging to a man. Oh, be some other name. That which we call a
rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not
Romeo called. Retain that dear perfection which he owes without that
title. Romeo. Doff thy name, and for that name, which is no part of
thee, take all myself."
Catherine could feel how heartbroken Juliet was at this point in time,
the lines told her that Juliet loved Romeo but she wished he was from
another family so that she could love him freely and openly.
Romeo:
"I take thee at thy
word. Call me but love and I'll be new baptized. Henceforth I never will
be Romeo."
Juliet:
"What man art thou
that thus bescreened by night, so stumblest on my council?"
Romeo:
"By a name I know
not how to tell thee who I am. My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself
because it is an enemy to thee. Had I it written, I would tear the
word."
Juliet:
"My ears have not
yet drunk a hundred words of thy tongue's utterance, yet I know the
sound. Art thou not Romeo, and a Montague?"
Romeo:
"Neither fair maid,
if either thee dislike."
Juliet:
Vincent takes the same risks as Romeo does when he comes to see me. The authorities would cage him like Professor Hughes did, take away his freedom if he were caught Above, yet he risks it all just to be with me. I will no longer put him at risk, my life is Below with him now.
Romeo:
"With love's light
wings did I o'erperch these walls. For stony limits cannot hold love
out, and what love can do, that dares love attempt. Therefore thy
kinsman are no stop to me."
Vincent knows the world above will not stop him from being with Catherine. That I would risk my life and my freedom itself to be with her. I would go anywhere, do anything, as Romeo said, It cannot countervale the exchange of joy one short minute gives me in her sight.
Juliet:
"Shhhhh. If they do
see thee, they will murder thee."
Romeo:
"I have night's
cloak to hide me from their eyes. And but thou love me, let them find me
here. My life were better ended by their hate than death prorogued,
wanting of thy love."
Juliet:
"Dost thou love me?
I know thou will say 'aye'. And I will take thy word. Yet, if
thou swear'st, thou mayst prove false. At lovers' perjuries, they say
Jove laughs. O gentle Romeo, if thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.
Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won, I'll frown and be perverse and
say thee nay, so thou wilt woo, but else, not for the world. In truth,
fair Montague, I am too fond. And therefore thou mayst think my havior
light..."
Romeo:
"No."
Juliet:
"but trust me,
gentleman, I'll prove more true than those more cunning to be strange."
Vincent slowly made
his way up the stairs till he reached the upper level to where Catherine
was. Never taking his eyes off hers, he slowly made his way to her side.
Juliet:
"I should have been
more strange, I must confess. But that thou overheard'st, ere I was
ware, my truelove passion. Therefore pardon me, but not impute this
yielding to light love which the dark night has so discovered."
Romeo:
"Lady, by yonder
blessed moon, I swear..."
Juliet:
Father whispered to
Mary, "My God, they are really quite good, aren't they? You can really
feel what they're feeling."
"You're right,
Father. You can feel the love they feel in the words," Mary agreed.
Romeo:
"What shall I swear
by?"
Juliet:
Romeo:
"If my heart's dear
love, I swear...Oh Juliet..." Vincent took Catherine in his arms and
kissed her. Slowly he deepened the kiss and the world around them faded
away as the kiss continued. Slowly they broke apart.
Juliet:
Romeo:
Juliet:
"What satisfaction
canst thou have tonight?"
Romeo:
"The exchange of thy
love's faithful vow for mine."
Juliet:
Romeo:
Juliet:
(Olivia) Nurse:
"Juliet?"
The audience turned
at once to the sound of the new voice, so mesmerized as they were by the
performance they were watching.
Juliet:
"Anon good nurse.
Sweet Montague ... be true..." Vincent attempts to kiss her. Catherine
accepted Vincent's kisses but kept pulling away because of the nurses'
call.
Nurse:
Juliet:
Romeo:
Catherine returned
to the top of the staircase and Vincent returned to her side.
Juliet:
Romeo:
Juliet:
Nurse:
Juliet:
Nurse:
Juliet:
"By and by I
come...to cease thy suit and leave me to my grief. Tomorrow will I
send."
Romeo:
Juliet:
Romeo:
Juliet:
Romeo:
Juliet:
Romeo:
Juliet:
They reluctantly let
go of each other's hand as Vincent climbed back down the stairs again,
fingertips stretching till they finally part and as Vincent reached the
bottom of the stairs, he and Catherine kept their hands raised as they
both backed away, giving a gesturing kiss of farewell.
Thunderous applause
greeted them at the end of the scene. Amid cheers of "Bravo", Catherine
made her way slowly down the stairs as Vincent returned to the
staircase, taking her hand in his as she lighted the floor of the
chamber. Tears glistened in her eyes as she bowed her head in
acknowledgement.
"Lets break for
lunch and then reassemble back here," Jamie requested. The women
clustered around Catherine and that gave Vincent time to seek out
Bishop.
"What is it you
wanted to talk to me about, Vincent?'' Bishop asked as Vincent drew him
to the desk, away from everyone so no one could hear their conversation.
"Would you marry us
... actually marry us during the wedding scene?" Vincent
finally managed to ask.
"Marry you?! You're
serious, aren't you?"
"More than anything
in my life."
"Of course I will,
if that is what you and Catherine want," Bishop said as he shook
Vincent's hand. "Then I need to rehearse my lines as Friar Lawrence even
more, especially for the wedding scene. Does Father or any of the others
know?"
"No, I haven't even
asked Catherine yet. I plan on explaining it to her after the play
itself."
"Surprise her is
more like it, I would think," Bishop laughed. The joy in his voice made
Vincent even more confident of his decision.
"Then you'll keep
this between us?"
"My dear boy, no one
will hear anything from me."
Vincent and Bishop
both noticed Catherine drawing near to where they were both talking.
"Bishop, may I speak with you, please?"
"Certainly, dear
child ... Vincent, we'll talk later." As Vincent went to speak with
Jamie, Bishop asked, "What can I do for you?"
"Would you marry us,
actually marry us during the wedding scene?" Catherine whispered,
her head bowed.
"Marry you?
Catherine, I would be honored to marry you and Vincent whenever you
wish. Does he know you want to do this?" Bishop asked in mock surprise,
due to the previous conversation with Vincent.
"No," Catherine
asked shyly. "I thought I would explain it to him after the play."
"Surprise him is
more like it," Bishop laughed. It's a joy to see these two people
finally get the happy life they deserve. What a wonderful surprise for
everyone once the play is over with.
"I love Vincent with
everything that I am, we belong together, and I want this more than
anything in the world. Please, Bishop?"
"Then as my
character says, 'For, by your leaves, you shall not stay alone. Let
holy church incorporate two in one.' " He smiled to himself with joy
in being allowed to join these two special people in Holy Matrimony.
}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Winterfest finally
arrived and everyone was nervously preparing for the night's
entertainment. Vincent nervously paced the stage, confident with his
decision but also regretting not telling Devin ahead of time what he had
planned, and Catherine was also nervous about the special arrangement
she made with Bishop. She hoped Vincent wouldn't walk off stage when
Bishop puts their names into the wedding vows along with Romeo and
Juliet. Devin walked out onto the
makeshift stage they built in the Great Hall for the performance, and
the crowd quieted as he took his place center stage.
Devin(Prince):
"Two households,
both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene. From
ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands
unclean. From forth the tatal loins of these two foes, a pair of
star-crossed lovers take their life; whose misadventured piteous
overthrows, do with their death bury their parents' strife."
The play progressed
quite smoothly through the various scenes. Everyone was expecting some
mischief from Mouse as was usually the case during Winterfest but
nothing so far which was a pleasant surprise. Finally Vincent and Olivia
recited their lines to have Juliet go to Friar Lawrence's cell. The
wedding scene....
Friar Lawrence:
Romeo:
Friar Lawrence:
Catherine entered
the stage,
Friar Lawrence:
"O, so light a foot
will ne'er wear out the everlasting flint."
Vincent caught
Catherine up in his arms and kissed her. Bishop separated them.
Catherine knelt at Bishop's feet and grasped his hand. Bishop attempted
to keep Vincent behind him as he glanced down at Catherine.
Juliet:
Friar Lawrence:
Romeo:
Juliet:
Friar Lawrence:
Romeo:
Vincent gave a nod
of his head to acknowledge Bishop's question as well. He could see the
tears glistening in Catherine's eyes after he gave his answer.
Friar Lawrence:
Juliet:
Catherine shyly
nodded as well and she could see the joy in Vincent's eyes at her answer
as well.
Friar Lawrence:
"Then in the eyes of
God..."then he whispered, "and in the face of this company..." Then
aloud again, "I pronounce you joined forever and always." Vincent turned
and took Catherine in his arms and gently kissed her.
Once the wedding
scene was over, Vincent and Catherine hurried off stage while the stage
crew set up for the next scene. "Did Bishop do what I think he just
did?" They both said at once, staring into each others' eyes with joy.
"I wanted to surprise you," Vincent tried to explain.
"I wanted to
surprise you as well," Catherine wanted to say more but instead they
just embraced and kissed passionately. Suddenly Vincent felt a tap on
his shoulder.
"Sorry to interrupt,
little bro, but I think the others are waiting for you," Devin said with
a smirk, pointing toward the stage. Vincent hurried to join the others
on stage, while Catherine tried to compose herself. "Wow, if that's any
indication of things to come, I can't wait till you two really do get
married," Devin said jokingly to Catherine.
"We just did," she
confessed.
Devin stood there
with a wide grin on his face. "Hot damned bonus!" he said as he pulled
Catherine into a hug.
They heard raised
voices coming from the stage. "Devin, I think that's your cue,"
Catherine said with a small smile. Devin hurried on stage and the play
continued on and throughout the various scenes you could feel the
tension building toward the final scene. It certainly didn't help
matters when Juliet's burial platform started to rotate for no reason
just as they were about to place Catherine on it.
"Mouse, I swear, if
this thing flies off its base, there will be hell to pay," Cullen
whispered under his breath.
"Switch on side,
didn't touch, honest. Thought it would be good for audience to see,"
Mouse tried to explain.
"Then who did?"
Cullen glowered as Mouse went to the table to turn the switch off.
Suddenly Arthur came crawling out from underneath and scurried off
stage.
"Arthur!" Mouse
hissed as he found the switch. Slowly the table stopped spinning and
they were able to place Catherine gently on the platform.
As the candles were
dimmed around the burial platform, Eric slowly walked across the stage
to where Vincent was sitting on its far edge, gazing out over the
audience.
Romeo:
"Balthesar! How
fares my Juliet? For nothing can be ill, if she be well. How fares my
lady?"
Eric slowly backed
away, shaking his head, saying with a sob.
Eric(Balthesar):
"She's dead, my
lord. She's dead. Her body sleeps in Capal's monument. I saw her laid
low in her kindred's vault."
Vincent backed away,
shock and grief etched on his face. An involuntary growl sounded and
Vincent's heart pounded in his chest as he heard Eric's lines, knowing
how he would feel if he heard this type of news regarding Catherine.
Vincent knew his life would be over, that he couldn't live without
Catherine by his side.
Those words you
read to me echo in my mind when I...'stood forlorn, knowing my heart's
best treasure was no more, that neither time nor years unborn could, to
my sight, that heavenly face restore'.
Remembering the
sight of Catherine after she freed him from Professor Hughes' cage.
Romeo:
"Then I defy you
stars!"
I saw my life without you, Catherine and it was a loss I could not survive.
Vincent and Eric
raced off stage and up the staircase to the second level of the Great
Hall. Vincent and Eric returned seconds later to a corner of the stage.
Romeo:
"Live and be
prosperous. Farewell, good fellow."
Eric left and
Vincent went to Catherine's burial platform. Vincent's throat
constricted as he gazed on Catherine's pale form in the dim candlelight.
One of the tunnel children came and relit the candles one by one,
illuminating Vincent and Catherine.
"Juliet. O my love
... my wife (caressing her arms) . Death that hath sucked the honey of
thy breath, hath had no power yet upon thy beauty. Thou art not
conquered ... beauty's ensign yet is crimson in thy lips (caressed her
lips) and in thy cheeks (gently stroked her cheek with one clawed
fingertip). Death's pale flag is not advanced there. (Glanced at Kanin)
Tybalt, liest thou there in thy bloody sheet? (walked over to him) What
more favor can I do to thee, then with that hand that cut thy youth in
twain to sunder his that was thine enemy? (Vincent placed his hand on
Kanin's) Forgive me, cousin (returned to Catherine's side).
"Ah dear Juliet, why
are thou yet so fair? Shall I believe that unsubstantial death is
amorous, and that the lean abhorred monster keeps thee here in dark to
be his paramour? For fear of that, I still will stay with thee. Never
from this palace of dim night depart again. Here, here will I remain,
with worms that are thy chambermaids. Oh God."
Vincent backed away,
sobbing and clutching his heart, agony etched on his face at the thought
of never seeing Catherine again, echoing in his mind as he thought of
all the times he nearly lost her through violence.
"Eyes, look your
last. Arms, take your last embrace. And lips, O you the doors of breath,
seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing death."
(Vincent kissed Catherine and started sobbing and clutching her tightly)
Catherine could hear
the agony in Vincent's voice. She wanted so much to stop the play at
this very moment, to reach up and clutch Vincent to her chest and
whisper that she was all right, that she would never leave him.
"Vincent?" she whispered in his ear as his head caressed her cheek.
"Catherine ... I'm
all right ... I think," Vincent whispered back as he rose to look at
her, tears glistening in his blue eyes as he beheld her. He noticed
Catherine opened her eyes slightly so she could see him and gave a small
smile in reassurance. Vincent slowly backed away and stood at the foot
of the platform.
Romeo:
"Here's to my love."
Vincent stumbled over this line as he said it, tears running
freely down his cheeks, his throat choking him while the words ran in
his ears. The vision of blood running over his fingers after Catherine
was shot before his eyes.(Pulled a vial from a hidden pocket, drunk from
it and shortly had an immediate reaction to what he drank. Walked up the
side to where he could reach Catherine's hand) "Thus with a kiss (kissed
hand) I die." (Vincent crumpled to the floor of the stage)
Amid the gasps from
the audience and a slight murmuring of voices, Bishop slowly entered
from the far end of the stage, a look of fear on his face, stepped
forward to see Catherine still on the burial platform, Michael and
Vincent lying lifeless on the floor next to her.
Friar Lawrence:
"Romeo, pale.
(Brushed hair away from Vincent's face) Oh, what an unkind hour is
guilty of this lamentable chance?"
Bishop rose to look
at Catherine as she started to awaken.
Juliet:
"Ohhh!" (saw Bishop)
O comfortable friar, where is my lord? I do remember well where I should
be, and there I am. Where is my Romeo?"
Friar Lawrence:
"I hear some noise."
(Helped Catherine to sit up and off the platform)
Juliet:
"Oh, where is my
Romeo?"
Friar Lawrence:
"Oh lady, come from
this nest of death, contagion, and unnatural sleep. A greater power than
we can contradict hath thwarted out intents. Come, come along, the watch
is coming." (Started pulling Catherine away from platform, trying to
prevent her from seeing Vincent lying on the floor)
Juliet:
"Where is my Romeo?"
Catherine gasped as
she saw Vincent lying on the floor, the shock and fear flooding through
her. Even though she knew this was a play, the feelings were certainly
real in her mind as too her reaction. Catherine also remembered the fear
she felt going into that dark cave after Vincent and it shown in her
wide green eyes as she beheld Vincent lying there.
Friar Lawrence:
"Come, go good
Juliet."
Juliet:
"No."
Friar Lawrence:
"I dare no longer
stay." (Continued to try and pull Catherine away from platform)
Juliet:
"No."
Friar Lawrence:
"I dare no longer
stay. Juliet! (backing away from her) I dare no longer stay! (turned and
ran off stage) I dare no longer stay!"
Catherine knelt next
to Vincent and reached her left hand out to clutch at his and found a
bottle hidden within.
Juliet:
"What's here?
Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end. (tried to drink from bottle
and threw it across the stage when she found out it was empty) Oh churl!
Drunk all and left no friendly drop to help me after. I will kiss thy
lips, haply some poison yet doth hang on them to make me die with a
restorative."
Catherine kissed
Vincent deeply.
Juliet:
"Thy lips are warm."
She started kissing his forehead, cheeks, neck, hands, sobbing at the
same time.
Juliet:
"Oh no, no, no!"
Several women had
tears softly running down their cheeks, several of the men dabbed
handkerchiefs too as they witnessed Catherine's mournful cries as she
knelt over Vincent's body. Father could see the agony and anguish on
Catherine's face. He knew she would feel the same way if anything were
to ever happen to Vincent. Earlier he felt as though his heart was being
pulled out of his chest as he watched Vincent recite Romeo's final
lines. Vincent's grief would be unbearable to him--this Father knew with
certainty. Not a sound could be heard in the Great Hall, Father had
tears in his eyes as he watched Mary stifle a sob as she clutched his
hand beside him.
From off stage they
heard a voice shout.
Man's voice:
"Lead boy, which
way? Search about the courtyard. Go, some of you...
Catherine reacted
and jumped to her feet
Juliet:
"Yeah, noise?
(Indistinct shouting heard off stage) No! (Spots dagger in Vincent's
belt) Then I'll be brief, O happy daggar! This is thy sheath, there rust
and let me die." (Stabs self and falls dead onto Vincent)
Again not a sound
could be heard from anyone at this moment in time. The children came out
and dimmed the candles so they could set up for the final scene. After a
few moments, Devin and the other cast members returned to the stage
carrying Vincent and Catherine on stretchers.
Prince:
"Where be these
enemies? Capulet! Montague! (Parents step forward) See what a scourge is
laid upon your hate, that heaven finds means to kill your joys with
love. And I, for winking at your discords too, have lost a brace of
kinsmen. All are punished. (Shouting) All are punished."
The cast carried
Vincent and Catherine off the stage leaving Devin the only one still
standing in the middle of the stage.
Prince:
Thunderous applause
and cheers of "Brava" resounded in the Great Hall as the actors returned
to the middle of the stage and the candles relit. Bishop walked to the
edge of the stage, raising his hands to try and quiet the happy throng.
As the din died down, Bishop glanced at Vincent who bowed his head in
approval, his arm protectively around Catherine.
"Can I have
everyone's attention, please?" The roar quietly died down so everyone
could hear. "I am happy to be the bearer of happy news. Not only were
Romeo and Juliet joined in our little play, but Vincent and Catherine as
well. May I present Mr. and Mrs..." As soon as the words left his lips,
there rose such a roar as to rival the fans at Yankee Stadium during the
World Series.
"Oh my God," Mary
cried as she clutched Father's arm. "Did Bishop just say what I think he
just said?" Mary softly wept into Father's shoulder, too overcome to say
anything else.
"Yes, I believe he did," Father said with a touch of pride and wonder in his voice. Despite all my previous attempts to keep them apart, they managed the impossible and I am so grateful Catherine convinced Vincent he deserves her. I am so proud of them both.
Father waited with
Mary as Vincent and Catherine came toward him. "Father...?" Catherine
whispered.
Father opened his
arms with joy and embraced them both. "I am so very happy for you both."
He looked up and saw Devin come up quietly behind them. "Devin, did
you...?"
"No Father, I found
out right after the wedding scene. All I could do was say 'Hot damned
bonus' and hug Catherine before the next scene started," Devin
explained as he put his arm around Vincent's shoulder.
Father beamed with
amusement as Catherine blushed at Devin's comment. They had defied all
the odds against them, including himself in the process, and made their
dream come true. Vincent held Catherine tenderly in his arms, surrounded
by the love of his family and friends, as they congratulated them on
their marriage and hopes of a happy life.
Acknowledgements:
Based on the play Romeo and Juliet by
William Shakespeare (London, ca. 1596, published 1597)
1968--Romeo and Juliet--BHE Films,
Verona Produzione, Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica
Franco Zeffirelli--director
Ron Koslow--Vincent's letters to
Catherine--"No Way Down, Nor Iron Bars A Cage, Siege"
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