Holiday, Anyone?
By Sharon Holtz
Below the city of New York, deep down in the old subway tunnels, a shattered Vincent slowly walked back to his chamber. He had just left Catherine at the threshold of her apartment building minutes before. Now he felt his energy leaving him, in fact he felt so physically depleted, and in such despair, he had to take a minute to rest. Leaning against a tunnel wall, he allowed his body to slide to the floor. Clutching at his heart, he let go with a heartsick cry, so thunderous it could be heard throughout the tunnel community.
This had started out as such a joyous, monumental day - he and Catherine were finally going to go away together. Now he had disappointed her and all of their plans had been dashed. Catherine tried to hide her sorrow, but Vincent could feel it sear her soul.
Vincent sat there for quite awhile, with his face in his hands, pondering this life of his. There were so many things that he couldn't do because of who he was. Vincent was use to the limitations put on him, and he accepted them as his fate. But now that Catherine was in his life, she too was bound by these limits as well. Vincent couldn't help but wonder how much longer their bond could hold them together. How much longer Catherine would stay?
Regaining some strength, he rose to his feet continued on, remembering some of the words that Father had said to him. Words that made him cringe, partially out of embarrassment by Father's over-protectiveness, but mostly because Vincent was sure that Catherine could hear Father's angry ranting as she waited for him in his chamber.
The elevator opened and Peter found himself face to face with a tearful Catherine. "Cathy?" he asked.
Catherine looked up, and tried to hide her tears. "Hello Peter."
"Is everything okay, honey?" When Catherine couldn't seem to choke out an answer, Peter took her by the arm, and rode back up in the elevator with her. Once the doors had closed Catherine started sobbing in Peter's arms. He had never seen her like this before - so out of control. Determined to see her home safe and sound, he patted her shoulder and said, "How about making the good doctor a cup of coffee uh? Then you can tell me what this is all about."
All she could do was nod yes, and lead the way to her apartment door, but her hands were shaking so badly that she couldn't unlock it.
"Here Cathy, let me." Peter took the keys from Catherine's hands and ushered her safely inside. He led over to the couch and sat her down, offering her a box of tissues from the side table. "When you're ready, we'll talk."
Though still trembling ... she tried to compose herself. "Oh Peter, it's Vincent... I've made a real mess of things."
"How so?" asked Peter.
In between sobs Catherine said, "By letting my dreams carry over into real life and now I have hurt Vincent terribly."
"What could you possibly have done to Vincent, that could be so terrible?" He spoke in an encouraging voice.
"Peter, I've managed to make him feel even worse about his life and the limitations that he must live with."
"Things are never as bad as we think they are, honey. Now blow your nose"
She looked up at him. "Oh Yes they are! And worse yet, Father resents me for what I have done!" Again the tears began to flow, and she couldn't go on.
"Cathy, calm down now ...collect your thoughts."
She began to explain... "Peter, I am afraid that Father is so upset with me, that I wonder if things can ever be repaired. I wish that he could believe that I love Vincent, and that I am not trying to hurt him. It seems that maybe in a way... he's been right, because that is just what I have managed to do!"
Peter was struggling to understand where she was going with this. "Start at the beginning, please, Cathy."
Catherine took a deep breath and did just that. "Well, it all began when I started to reminisce about our family's cabin in Connecticut - how beautifully peaceful it was to be in such a quiet and secluded place, where deer and other wild life roamed freely. I told Vincent that when I was a little girl, I would lie out in an open field and just gaze up into the night sky, and I told him how the moon, and the stars seemed to shine even brighter up there. I can still see the longing in his eyes, Peter! I felt so bad thinking that he would never be able to go anywhere like the cabin. Vincent is the one person who would enjoy it the most! And to think that he could never experience this beauty...it just seemed so tragically sad. The more I thought about it, the less impossible it seemed. I knew that since Dad was in Europe, I had the place virtually to myself! Peter, you know how it is up there... it is so secluded. The nearest cabin is your place. I really thought that it could work, and Vincent believed it too."
Catherine stood up and began pacing the floor as she continued, "I was there in the tunnels, when Vincent told Father about our plan. Peter he was livid! He said things to Vincent, things against me, and our relationship. I could hear the shouting coming from Father's chamber. It was so terrible. And then everyone below was upset. They were concerned about what would become of their world, should something happen to Vincent while he was Above. The whole idea upset so many people, poor Vincent finally had to say he wouldn't go, but it's so unfair. Oh Peter, I don't think that I can ever make this right." Again Catherine started crying.
Peter's heart broke for this poor girl. She worked so hard at the D.A.'s office, giving everything she had toward defending her clients. Her only joys were her moments with Vincent, but they were so limited. She carried the secret of the tunnels with her, and held everything in. Peter knew that he was really the only person that she could confide in, and his concern for her ran very deep. He really was worried about a breakdown of sorts. Catherine's idea about the cabin was wonderful. It seemed well thought out and almost perfect. Peter hugged her and told her, "Now, dry your eyes." He didn't want to let too much out of the bag, but he was cooking up an idea. Yes, Peter had a plan!
"Cathy ... it is nearly 6:30, when were you going to leave for the cabin?"
"I was going to pick up Vincent at 9:00. For safety reasons, I thought it best to leave in the darkness. I rented a huge van that seats up to 9 comfortably. I wanted it to be nice and roomy for him, with plenty of space for him to hide if he had to for any reason."
What is wrong with Jacob and why is he angry with this poor girl? Peter wondered. Never before had he butt into Jacob's world. He was there for him as a helper, but he made it a point to never interfere with anything that occurred in the tunnels. Tonight however, that policy was about to change!
A very sad Catherine, continued, "I might as well return the van before the rental place closes for the day, in case someone else would like to rent it."
"Cathy, there is no reason to rush, is there?. In fact would you mind if I borrow the van for a bit? I have one last call to make for the day, and it might be fun to drive a big rig around."
"Of course Peter, I still have all our weekend provisions in the back of the van, should we unload it?"
" When I get back." he gave her a fatherly hug. "Are you going to be OK Cathy? I can stay if you need me to?"
"No Peter, you go. I'll be fine."
Peter smiled at her. "How about if I pick us up something to eat while I am out?"
"Nothing for me Peter, I don't think that I could really eat anything. But please do get something for yourself."
"Okay honey, I won't be long."
"Hello Jacob, . . .and Samantha."
Father looked up with furrowed brow. "Peter what brings you here?"
"I came here to see you, Jacob. Where's Vincent? Isn't this usually your time together?"
Father uncomfortably shifted in his seat, "Ah yes...Vincent is off ... somewhere."
Peter smiled at Samantha and tried to sound light-hearted. "Samantha, I hate to interrupt your game with Father, but would you mind continuing it some other time? I must speak with him privately."
"Sure," she said, telling Father that she would play later. She then gave Peter a hello/goodbye hug, and bounded out of the chamber.
"What is this all about ,Peter?"
"Jacob...this is hard for me...You know I have never interfered here below. But I've just left Catherine."
Jacob's eyes narrowed and thinking that he had an ally in Peter, he started a tirade against Catherine. "Peter did she tell you what she was proposing? I mean to take Vincent above on a holiday no less. She raised the boy's hopes, only to send them crashing. He is off somewhere right now, trying to put his thoughts back into perspective. I never would have guessed that she would have come crying to you!"
"Jacob... stop right there! Catherine does not even know that I am here."
Jacob stepped back as if he had been struck!
"Listen to yourself ... putting down Catherine, a woman who has been able to see past her and Vincent's differences, and love him with all her heart. She has given up so much for this dream that she and Vincent share. Jacob, other than me, she has no one else that she can share her love of Vincent with. Cathy is virtually living alone in the world above!"
Jacob was so totally surprised at Peter's anger toward him that he was speechless.
Peter continued, "I should think that the relationship that they have must exceed anything that you could ever have hoped of for your son. Jacob, I know that you and Vincent are close, and up until Catherine entered your lives, Vincent shared all his spare time with you. He has been a companion to you, as well as a son. But you must realize ... you must know that you will not be here for Vincent forever. Do you really want him to loose Catherine, and any hope of a future life with someone who loves him as Catherine does?"
Jacob took off his glasses and looked down, nervously cleaning them. He took all Peter dished out, and yes, he was beginning to see things a little differently!
"Just what was so wrong with this weekend holiday idea? Really! It was well thought out, and she only wanted Vincent to see the stars, without any fears. Jacob it is secluded up there. Catherine was not taking any chances with Vincent. She is so devastated right now, that I fear for her mental health." Peter faced his friend eye to eye continued, "Also, Catherine did not come running to me. I ran into her quite by accident. But I thank God I did. I really don't know what state she would be in if she hadn't confided in someone. She was sobbing uncontrollably. She's afraid that she can never make things right by you or anyone here. Yes, she knows that this has hurt Vincent, and Catherine also knows how it feels to have a dream ripped away. Jacob, it was her dream too.
He continued, "I have never butted in before, but I am now! I am going to make you a proposal. I believe that if you can see how unreasonable you have been toward Catherine ... then you will want to right it. Well, ... do you?"
Father was shocked and yes, even ashamed. He knew in his heart that Catherine loved his son ... but life was so much easier before she entered into their world. "Peter...I don't see ... what could I possibly do now. Time does heal all wounds."
"That is not good enough this time, Jacob!" Peter would not let up. "Jacob, I have the weekend free, and what I am planning to do is to go find Vincent and four others from here who would like to go on holiday, then we are going to go pick up Cathy, and we are going to that cabin! I feel there is safety in numbers, and we'll be able to handle any emergency that might pop up. Now, you can swallow your pride and come along, or you can sit here and sulk all weekend. It is up to you." Peter turned on his heels, and headed for the door.
Father cleared his throat. "A holiday, uh? That does sound inviting."
Peter turned around and looked at his stubborn old friend. He shook his head, thinking to himself, That's about the closest to an admittance of being wrong that I'm ever going to get out of old Jacob. Peter knew how hard this all must be on Father... to let go. He said, "Well come on then...let's get our entourage together, shall we?"
Peter entered Vincent's chamber next, finding him at his writing table with his chin resting on his hands. His eyes were closed and Peter could see tears streaming out from under his lashes.
Vincent was delving so deep within his bond with Catherine, that he had not heard Peter's entrance.
"Vincent? I'd like to talk to you."
Vincent stood up so quickly, his chair tipped over. "Peter, is it Catherine? Is she all right?"
In a calming voice, Peter answered, "Vincent, yes, I believe that she will be fine."
Vincent looked up and with heavy emotion in his voice said, "I know how devastated she is. I can feel her despair, though she's trying to hide it."
"Yes Vincent, it's true, she is upset. Catherine feels so sorry that the plans fell through about going to the cabin, and, for the discontentment that all this must have caused you."
Vincent anxiously said, "I need to go to her Peter! I 've been waiting for the night..." With anger Vincent slammed his fist against his desk. "Peter...I have to wait for the night! Wait for the darkness to fall, so that it will shield me, and enable me to go and comfort the woman that I love!" He braced his hands on the desk, as his voice cracked with frustrated anguish. "Peter, how long do you think that I can expect Catherine to wait?"
Peter placed a comforting hand on his friends shoulder, as Vincent continued. "I did't have the courage to stand up to Father and be firm in my resolve. It's just that I didn't want to upset him. I thought that it seemed selfish to go, knowing that it upset Father and so many others. But now I see that I should've done this at least for Catherine. It meant so much to her and she went to so much trouble for me." Grabbing his cape he said, "I must go to her."
Peter stopped Vincent, "Vincent, please wait..."
Vincent looked down at Peter impatiently listening, wanting only to go to his Catherine. Peter continued, " I have already talked to Father and he has agreed to this new plan." Seeing Vincent growing restless he hurriedly went on. "Now hear me out, Vincent. I made Father see that there is safety in numbers. So, Father and I and a few others are going along with you and Catherine, and we are going to the cabin!"
In that instant, Peter saw Vincent's anguish fade. "I haven't told Catherine any of this... I wanted to wait until I knew for certain that I could convince Father. I didn't want her hopes dashed twice! What do you say we go get Catherine?"
Hardly daring to believe, Vincent exclaimed, "Peter, you've gotten Father to agree to all this?"
Peter answered pensively, "Well, it took a little convincing, but Vincent, I think Father has come around."
"Peter, you have given us hope back again. How can I ever thank you?"
"By making Catherine happy. Vincent I love that child as if she were my own daughter! I borrowed the van from Catherine and I have it parked at the tunnel entrance. Let's go see who else Father has rounded up."
Vincent hugged his dear friend, and just shook his head. There were no words...
Father approached Vincent, and lowered his head and said, "Vincent, can you ever forgive such an old fool?"
"Father, I know you only want what is best for me. You have looked out for me all of my life. I know that it's hard to let go when you care as deeply as you do."
Jacob, overcome with emotion could only nod his head in agreement.
Vincent continued, "Father, you have taught me much about life...and we have read about some of the most beautiful places in the world. Now Catherine has provided a chance for me to visit them. Sometimes we must venture forth. Father, I am at a point in my life where I must try. I have Catherine in my life now to think about. I have wondered many times, what is the reason for my life at all if I don't expand my boundaries, and explore other possibilities."
Father looked up to his son simply said, "Yes...Vincent," knowing that all he had said was true. The two men hugged, and Father said, "Let's go get Catherine and go on holiday...shall we?"
Mary wiped a tear from her eye, and everyone standing there was witness to a new beginning, a new understanding, and they all felt that finally... it was about time!
Peter and Father went up to Catherine's floor and Father timidly knocked on her door. "Jacob, do you want me to wait out here?"
"No, Peter. There is nothing to hide from you, you have seen it all so clearly, and helped me to see it too, yes I want you with me."
A knock at the door stirred her. Catherine realized that it must be Peter returning with the van. She walked slowly to the door, not even thinking about how she must look from all the crying, and nose blowing she has been doing for the past several hours. When she saw Father she gasp. "Father...is it Vincent? Is he all right?" It must be an emergency for Father to come to her like this, especially after today's events.
"Catherine, no Vincent is fine. In fact he is waiting for you downstairs." He was taken aback by Catherine's appearance. She seemed so frail and shaky. hiss heart went out to her, understanding a little better what Peter had told him.
"Father, I don't understand..." Just then Peter stepped into view, and Catherine was really confused!
"Cathy, may we come in? We'll explain everything to you."
"Yes, of course, but I don't see how Vincent can be..."
"Catherine...Peter came to me today making me realize how selfish I had been. It's been all about change. Things have changed since you met Vincent. I guess I didn't like sharing my son. He's all that I have. Can you forgive me for interfering like I have? It's just that life for Vincent must be guarded, and safe. I realize now, that you had this weekend all thought out. Catherine, let me try to make things up with you."
Catherine was stunned! Was she still daydreaming? No, this is very real. Father really is here.
"Catherine, can you forgive me?"
"Oh yes Father! A ll I could ever have dreamed of, was for you to understand why I planned this weekend. I love Vincent and I never meant to hurt him like I did today."
"No Catherine! It is I who has hurt Vincent. I was trying to protect him from...from life, really. Thanks to Peter, I have seen myself a little clearer."
Catherine couldn't stop the tears. "Thank you Father. Thank you Peter!" Catherine hugged Peter, and looked up at him.
He couldn't miss seeing the light of hope return to them, the same hope that he had seen within Vincent's eyes. Peter said, "Cathy...how would you like to still go to the cabin? I have the weekend off, and I would love to join you and Vincent up to the 'ole place. Father, Mouse, Mary, Jamie, and even Pascal have agreed to go too. I thought "safety in numbers," "the more the merrier," you know all the old clichés! They are all waiting along with Vincent down in the van. We all want to go on holiday. So Cathy, how about it? Are you still packed?"
"Peter...Oh yes, yes." Catherine looked to Father for his approval. "Father, this is really all right with you?"
Father stepped toward Catherine, cleared his throat of any lingering emotion and said, "Run along Catherine, get your self ready. We are all taking Vincent to see these beautiful places and things that before he could only read and dream about." Father looked down, and shakily added, "Because of you, Catherine, he will be able to carry memories of such places, not just the dreams."
Catherine stepped closer to Father, hesitated, then lightly kissed his cheek and said, "Yes, Father! Well then, I'll go wash my face and be ready in a flash. Please sit down while you wait for me."
Father blushed from this unexpected display of affection from Catherine, and gave Peter a look of gratitude, and both men sat down, and made themselves at home.
Father looked about Catherine's apartment, and saw that she was a woman of excellent taste. Then he looked down at her coffee table, and there sat Shakespeare's Sonnets. Inside was inscribed "Shakespeare knew everything." He recognized the book at once, and the handwriting. It was from Vincent. Here among all the worldly riches this young woman could afford, it was the gift from Vincent that she had displayed. Oh how he underestimated Catherine and the deep relationship she shared with his son.
"I'm ready!" Let's go. Peter will you be driving?"
"Oh yes, I had too much fun handling that rig to give up the keys, let's go kiddo."
The three of them approached the van, and way in the back seat sat Vincent, waiting for his Catherine.
"Hello everyone!" Catherine made her way back to Vincent, after giving Mary, Mouse, Pascal and Jamie friendly greetings.
Peter was in the pilot's seat with Pascal as co-pilot. Father and Mary sat in the next row of seats, and than Jamie and Mouse shared a seat. But it was Catherine and Vincent who had the best seat. Vincent had his arms open to greet his Catherine, and she settled right in. Tears were gleaming in both of their eyes. Their dream was coming true, and Catherine was thinking how happy she was that she didn't have to drive. This way she had plenty of snuggle time with her Vincent.