She hopped out of the boat. "Oh Vincent I am dying to take a dip!" She pulled her over-sized shirt over her head, revealing her bright orange two piece swimsuit.
Vincent, still sitting in the boat smiled at her child-like enthusiasm as she dove in. They were blessed with another beautiful day.
Catherine came back to the boat, carrying sea shells she had gathered from the shallow lake bottom. "Vincent, we must bring back proof of our holiday, otherwise this will all seem like a dream. Swim with me Vincent?"
"Of course, Catherine."
Vincent peeled off his shirt, and he shook his hair back into place about his shoulders. Realizing his pants had to go he hesitated and then slipped them off too. Underneath he wore some boxer type shorts.
Another first! Vincent's legs! Catherine tried not to make to big a deal out of it, but she couldn't believe the muscular structure of his legs. Those thighs! "Vincent, believe me you have nothing to feel self conscience about. You are beautiful!"
Vincent stood before her, and with another barrier dissolved he said, "I will try to remember that you like how I look Catherine, and not be so self conscience in the future."
She looked up at him with utter admiration. "Yes, that would make me very happy Vincent. I just want you to be totally at ease with me."
They swam around for a while and Vincent really was relaxed with his Catherine. He had a wonderful time diving and swimming under the still waters.
After a time, Catherine spread out some towels on the sand bar and sat there just watching him swim. She loved how his hair floated weightless as he swam near the surface and when he emerged from the water, she called out, "Here Vincent, let me fix your hair."
"My hair, Catherine?"
"Oh please Vincent, do you mind? I just want to run my fingers through it Vincent and loosen the tangles from all your swimming. My mother would do that for me when I had this waist long hair. That way it isn't so bad to comb out later."
Vincent smiled down at her and joined her on the sand. "As you wish, dear Catherine!"
"All right!" She was elated. Catherine was awe struck when faced with his Vincent's broad back. It was so muscular. It was hard for her to concentrate on her original intent. Giving Vincent a quick hug from behind, she began combing through Vincent's gorgeous golden hair. She was dying to make a single braid. A slight giggle escaped her as she envisioned perhaps two braids. But she didn't want to do anything that would be embarrass him. "Oh Vincent that looks so neat! You know some bikers here above quite commonly wear a braid, or a single ponytail. Vincent, hand me that little piece of seaweed over there by your foot."
"This? Catherine, what for?"
"I don't have a rubber band and I think that will work for me to tie around your hair." Catherine got up to look at Vincent from the front. "There, doesn't that feel cooler? And speaking of cool, you define the word."
Vincent held her gaze, and did not look away. "Oh Catherine, what I let you do to me..."
She bent down and kissed him on the nose. "Oh Vincent, I haven't even began!" she loved to tease him. She could tell that when she made subtle little nuances like that, that it excited him, and it was her way of chipping away at their barriers.
Finally, Catherine reminded him that they should head back. She had promised hamburgers to Father and Mary at 1:00.
"I'll have us back in no time Catherine." Quickly dressing they hopped back in the boat, and he went into over-drive.
Catherine expressed her disappointment that the seaweed did not hold after all.
"Catherine, I don't think that I could take the ribbing that I would have had to endure from the others anyway! They can be merciless!"
Nearing the cabin, they saw Pascal, Jamie and Mouse out on the raft again, playing water tag. On shore Father was talking with Peter, who was getting the grill ready.
"They're getting lunch started. I'd better hurry in and see what I can do. They're going to think that I'm the worst hostess."
Docking the boat Catherine hopped out, barely waiting for it to stop. "I'm so sorry, we shouldn't have been gone so long. What can I do?"
Peter and Father both smiled at her, and Peter said, "Check on Mary. She's in the kitchen getting the burgers ready, and we have the grill under control."
Vincent approached the two men. "Well Father, were the wild flowers as beautiful as Peter promised?"
"Vincent...even more so. It took our breath away. Queen Ann's Lace, Daisies, Columbine, Day Lilly, Tiger Lilly, and Wild Sweet Peas! Ah, the list goes on. I wish you could have seen Mary, Vincent! She enjoyed it so."
"Could it have been the company that made it so enjoyable Father?"
Father smiled and looked down saying, "Well, perhaps Vincent, perhaps."
"Jacob, now that didn't hurt so bad to admit now did it?" said Peter.
"Why yes, it did!" The three of them stood there, sharing a laugh.
Catherine and Mary brought out the burgers ready for the grill, and they all stood around watching Peter exhibit his grilling expertise.
"There's a twelve pack of beer in the fridge. Could I coax you into bringing us a round Cathy?" said Peter.
"O.K. How about you Mary? Iced tea or lemonade?"
"Why, I haven't had a lemonade since...well, quite a while. That sounds so refreshing. Need some help dear?"
"No, I can manage, just relax Mary. I do believe that I have been shirking some of my hostess duties this week-end." Catherine turned and started to head toward the cabin when Vincent followed after her calling, "Please don't say no to me Catherine."
She stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. He was standing there, tilting his head in that irresistible way.
"Oh! I would never say no to you Vincent!" Realizing she sounded bit more suggestive than she should have in front of everyone, blushed, and quickly retreated into the cabin.
Vincent, left alone with Catherine's comment hanging heavily in the air, looked at Father. "Uh . . . I think she meant that she could never say no to my lending a HAND!"
Father cleared his throat, deciding to have a little fun with Vincent. He looked sternly at his son and said, "Oh? Is that what she meant?"
"I had better go see...I offered my... I'm coming Catherine..." Vincent just short of breaking into a sprint entered the cabin closing the door behind him, and leaned against it heaving a huge sigh of relief! He was surprised to find Catherine doubled over in laughter.
"Vincent, I am so sorry that I left you out there like that. I seem to say the wrong things in front of Father, and I saw no way out, except to escape. Forgive Me?"
Vincent approached Catherine and grabbed her playfully. Catherine used some of the moves that she learned from Isaac, and turned the tables on him. Getting him off balance she pushed him so that they fall onto one of the couches. With herself on top of him and his hands above his head, she asked again, "Say that you forgive me."
"Catherine, when you have me like this I am at your mercy. I believe that I'd grant you anything."
she smiled. "I'll have to remember this move for maybe another occasion then! But for now forgiveness is all I ask of you."
"Yes Catherine, I forgive you." With that said, he loosened his hands so he was able to hold her closely. He could feel her respond to him, and her body meld with his. "Kiss me, Catherine."
She bent down and showered him with kisses. First kissing his forehead, then both of his cheeks, the tip of his nose, and then Catherine placed the softest kiss on each of his beautiful blue eyes.
He was enjoying all this, but he was still awaiting the kiss that he longed for. At last she finally reached his lips. Her mouth covered his as she kissed him so sensually. Ah yes! This is definitely worth the wait! He thought.
When their lips parted they both at once remembered that they had some thirsty people waiting for refreshments, and someone was liable to check on them. They hurriedly got the beverages, and headed out the door. It was just in time too, because Father, Peter, and Mary were starting to speculate what was taking so long!
"Here we are everyone!" Catherine said nervously, with an overly cheerful voice.
Vincent handed Father his beer, being careful not to make any eye contact.
"It took long enough. What did you have to do, squeeze Catherine's lemons for her?" This time it was Father's turn to be embarrassed. "For the lemonade!" he stammered.
Peter started laughing, while Mary, Catherine and Vincent exchanged astonished looks at one another, unable to believe that Father would actually make a "faux pas"!
Vincent, not wanting this rare occasion to pass by without notice, looked at Father and said, "Why Father, I can't believe that you would say such a thing...Really, Father!"
Father's face was flaming red. "I realize now how that sounded...Catherine, I didn't mean...Please forgive me ...Oh what the hell, BOTTOMS UP!"
Vincent, satisfied that he succeeded in getting the upper hand on Father, raised his beer. "Father...Salud!"
Pascal, Jamie, and Mouse all came in from the raft, and Mouse asked, "Lunch ready? Mouse Hungry!"
"Yes, very soon Mouse," answered Father. "Go dry off and it should be ready by the time you return. Run along now."
Jamie snapped Pascal with a towel, and he ran after her, laughing and trying to get even.
Catherine brought out all the extras - potato salad, baked beans, and the condiments. She decided to make a big fruit salad with the remaining fruit. Catherine stood at one end of the picnic table cutting up the apples, pears, grapes, bananas, and adding a little can of Mandarin oranges that she had found in the cupboard. In between cutting the fruit, she would look at Vincent standing with the others, talking and laughing, sipping on a beer. He seems to be really enjoying himself, she thought to herself. So relaxed.
She loved when she could observe him when he wasn't aware, which wasn't often because of their bond. But maybe he was always aware, and he was just shutting down momentarily to indulge her, allowing her private thoughts to prevail without his intrusion. This Bond was a gift that Vincent had not asked for, but it was one that could not be ignored or denied - although at times, it definitely had its advantages!
She continued with her salad, thinking how much she loved the style and manner in which he handled himself. So assured and so strong. He was standing there talking to Peter, it looked like they were discussing something about the lake. Peter was pointing out different landmarks, it seemed.
Catherine looked down to cut another apple, and when she looked back she was caught completely off guard to find Vincent looking at her. It took her breath away. He looked so handsome, his hair blowing in the warm breeze, and his blue eyes glimmering. Without ever breaking eye contact with her, he excused himself from the others and walked toward her. Catherine watched his approach, loved his slow graceful movements. She could not help but smile. Vincent's nature was not always to reciprocate a smile with a smile, but rather with a deep penetrating gaze. This made her feel as if he was looking into her soul, searching her heart. She was not afraid of what he would find - complete and total devotion. Vincent at her side now, towering over her with his powerful size, and looking down at her entranced. "What is it Vincent? You look so serious just now."
"Catherine...the way the sun is shining in your hair...it's so beautiful." He raised his hand and felt its softness between his fingers. He was mesmerized by its beauty. He wanted nothing more than to gather her into his arms and kiss her.
Perhaps she honing her bonding skills as well? For she was sure that she could read Vincent's mind right now!
Vincent, with a shuddering sigh looked around and said, "Catherine, everything here is so intoxicating. I'll carry these memories with me always."
"So will I, Vincent!" She took his hand in hers and squeezed it, wanting to bring it to her cheek, to feel its softness, but she dared not.
Just then Mouse came running up with his racoon. "Catherine, Rocky hungry too."
"Mouse, I think that I have the perfect meal for Rocky." Taking a dish, she spooned a generous portion of the mixed fruit she had just prepared. Kneeling down she set the bowl with-in reach of Rocky.
Mouse looked at Catherine, very pleased, "Thank you Catherine."
"Anytime Mouse."
Vincent silently watched this exchange between his little buddy and the woman that he loved, and he was very moved by her kindness...but not the least bit surprised!
Peter yelled to everyone that the burgers are ready.
Father intently watching as Peter took the hamburgers one by one off of the grill.
Peter noticed Father's interest. "Jacob, is there anything wrong?"
"No, no, probably not! Just wanting to make sure that you cooked these properly through."
"Yes, let's make sure, because once I sit down, any additional cooking, you will be doing!"
Everyone found a seat around the table. Father looked at Mary...yes!...an empty seat next to her. Peter noticed Father's intentions and tried to beat him. Both approached from opposite directions and met face to face.
After a bit of a stare down, Peter finally said "Jacob, be my guest!"
Peter gestured to the seat next to Mary, who looked up at Jacob and smiles. "I'm so glad that you're joining me Jacob. I was saving a spot for you."
"Very kind of you Mary." Father shot Peter a smug smile.
Just then Mouse's racoon jumped up on the chair that Father was about to sit down on. "AHHHHH, what in heaven's name?" He yelled as he sat on Rocky.
Everyone started laughing once they realized what the commotion was all about. "Father be more careful," pouted Mouse!
"Mouse I assure you that...it was not my intention too...Oh let's eat!"
Peter in particular enjoyed this little foray of Father with Rocky.
Everyone started talking about their day, and the different things they had done. Mary raved about the beautiful field of wild flowers. Father chimed in, "Mary, you should have picked a bouquet and brought them with you to enjoy."
Mary looked into Father's eyes and with a concerned tone said, "Only to have them die in a few days? Oh Jacob, I can still see them all so clearly. In my memory they shall never wither and fade. No, it is better that they stay where they are, safe and beautiful, for someone else to see and admire."
Father thought of how eloquently she had put her thoughts.
"Jacob, my memory of this beautiful day of wild flowers and ...our walk together...will serve me many times over in the days to come." Still looking right into his eyes, she wistfully smiled at him.
Father answered her. "The wreck of my memories shall serve me as well Mary."
Catherine and Vincent, watching them, were very moved. Vincent held Catherine's hand under the table, tenderly squeezing it.
The talk around the table turned to plans for the preparations of heading back home to New York. It was decided that while Mary and Jamie cleaned up after supper, everyone else should bring their bedding to Catherine and she would launder it before they left. Vincent of course was in charge of putting the boat back, and Mouse and Pascal making sure that the yard was picked up and the van was loaded.
After dinner Catherine went in to help Vincent take his bedding off. She looked around her father's room seeing a picture of her self taken when she had attended her first prom sitting on the dresser! In the picture she had on a long formal, and her hair was swept up onto top of her head and there she was standing with her arms around her date! She could've died. "Oh Vincent, how embarrassing! I'm so sorry that I didn't notice that picture sitting there before!"
Vincent tried not to smile. "Catherine, I have derived many moments of pleasure looking at that picture. Don't be embarrassed, Please."
"I just hope that you don't think I left that picture there to try to make you jealous or something."
Vincent picked up the picture, and looked at the young teenage boy who was standing beside Catherine. The boy stood in his light blue tuxedo, smiling a metal filled smile. He had a bandage covering something on the end of his nose. And if Vincent looked closely enough he could see the soft downy moustache that looked like a lucky happenstance of a growth! The Afro type hairstyle was so large that in the photo, Catherine had to almost peak around it. The young man's look was topped off with a cool pair of "Granny Glasses"!
Vincent tried to stifle a burgeoning smile. "Catherine, leaving this picture here to make me jealous had never crossed my mind!"
Catherine reached up for a kiss. "Well good. I would never try to make you jealous and play those kinds of games with you Vincent. Well I better start the laundry!" As Catherine headed for the laundry room, she could have sworn she heard a laugh coming from Vincent's room. Shaking her head she realized it must have been her imagination. What in the world would Vincent have been laughing about?
Mouse approached Catherine to sadly tell her that Rocky was missing.
"Mouse, let's look about outside."
Circling the cabin, Mouse noticed the double doors to the storm shelter. "Rocky in there, Catherine?"
"Oh no Mouse. Rocky could never lift those doors."
Just then Father could be heard calling for Mouse to help with the baggage. "Mouse, you better go, we will look later, okay?"
Mouse looked down sadly. "Ok good. Ok fine."
Catherine, back in the laundry room waited for the third load to spin out so that she could throw it into the dryer. she had time to reflect. She remembered the happy times that she had spent here at the cabin. There on the wall was a picture of Catherine with her mother. She smiled, looking at how pudgy she had been as a child and how beautiful her mother was. Catherine was around three, and she and her mother were walking down the beach together - going toward the sunset. This picture was her father's pride and joy, and a true treasure for Catherine. She was so loved by her parents. Charles always teased that Caroline doted on Catherine so. They both did! Yes Catherine thought once more...my mother was so beautiful both inside and out.
After she died, a part of Charles died too. Charles dated here and there, but his devotion to his wife, and his dedication to raising Catherine, didn't allow for anything more. Looking at the picture, Catherine refocused and noticed that she could see her own reflection looking back at herself in the glare of the glass. She looked sad. Was her sadness for the loss of her mother or something else? Yes, she knew that some of what Vincent had told her was true. It was sad that perhaps she would never walk a child of her own down a beach. Or see any of her traits passed on, if that were to be her fate. But she had reconciled that and Catherine was in no way ready to buy into Vincent's point of view anyway.
She did so picture a little boy that had some of Vincent's traits, and she would love him all the more for them. No, her sadness reached something deeper still. Then she realized that her sadness was not for herself, but for Vincent. She felt so sad that Vincent would never look at a picture like this of himself with his mother, knowing what it felt like to be loved as a child by a doting devoted mother. Once again Catherine wondered how Vincent's mother could have left him out in the cold like that? How couldn't she have known how special Vincent was, and just love him for being who he was? Catherine's anger flared for this woman. Tears welled up in her eyes. She realized that if she entertains these thoughts a second longer, that Vincent would feel her melancholy. A single tear fell before she was able to shake this mood.
As Catherine reached for a pillowcase to fold, she heard Vincent say, "Catherine?"
Putting on a happy face, she turned toward him. "Hi Vincent. I am almost finished here. How is everyone else doing?"
Vincent dismissed this light hearted comment. "What is it Catherine?"
Knowing it was useless to try to cover her sadness, she said, "I don't know". With her head bent, the tears she'd tried to hold in started to flow. Sometimes it was hard for Catherine. She couldn't freely have her moods, because she didn't want to upset Vincent.
Vincent, standing there with his arms wide open to hold her, wanting to comfort her said, "Come to me, sweet Catherine."
Catherine ran into his waiting arms, sobbing. "Vincent, I really don't know why I am crying, I was looking at the picture of me and my mother and..."
"Hush...Catherine...sometimes we don't always need a reason to cry. Just let me hold you until the sadness subsides."
Catherine loved him so much for saying that. They always talked everything through, even when things were not tangible, she tried to find the words...but she did not want to make Vincent sad by telling him what thoughts had just plagued her. So in his arms she stayed, but somewhere deep inside she felt that he had known the reason for her tears, for as she looked up at him, he too had a single tear glistening.
Soothing her hair, and placing his large hand gently behind her head, he held her tenderly. "Catherine, although it may seem impossible...we must find a way to forgive."
She looked up at him, marvelling at his insight to her thoughts. "Have you Vincent? Have you been truly able to forgive?"
He stared into her eyes, the single tear that was holding on to his eyelash slipped down his cheek. He searched for an answer. "Yes Catherine, I have."
"How Vincent? How have you been able to forgive someone who hasn't even asked for it?"
"Catherine, I believe that I have heard my mother's cries, speaking to my heart, asking for my forgiveness. My mother must have been confused and alone. She had to be so frightened and overwhelmed by my birth. Catherine, she couldn't have been well mentally, or she never could have left me there. I think that I will always have an ache deep in my soul for her. So Catherine, for your sake I want you to try to forgive my mother too."
Her sobs now were free to erupt, now that Vincent acknowledged her source of pain. "I know that all you say must be true. She had to have been confused. The forgiveness you have given her is a tremendous example of what I know now I must do too. Because of her you are in this world for me to love. I can focus on that and start there. I'll try Vincent, it is just so hard..." Her tears wouldn't stop. Hugging Vincent tightly, she continued. "I've wanted to talk to you about these feelings for a long time, but I didn't want to bring up something so painful. Yes, I know that I must forgive her too."
Vincent held her tightly. He was so thankful for this loving woman in his life.
Looking at the picture of Catherine and her mother, he said, "Catherine, you were quite the little chubby cherub, weren't you?"
Catherine thought how gallant he was to try to lighten the mood by teasing her. "Chubby?" she said, with a fake insolent manner. "I will tell you something Vincent, my chubby thighs gave me status with all the other little rugrats. My dad tells me that I held my own pretty well. None of the other toddlers dared try to take anything away from me. Especially food!"
Vincent chuckled as he inspected the picture a little
more closely, "Oh Catherine...what a beauty."
They heard Father calling excitedly from the kitchen. "Catherine and Vincent, have you seen Mouse?"
"Calm down Father, did you say Mouse?"
"Yes. Jamie and Pascal said that Mouse indicated that if Rocky had to stay, then Mouse was going to stay too. Neither of them can be found. Everyone has scattered to look for him."
"The storm shelter...has anyone checked the storm shelter?" asked Catherine.
"Storm shelter?"
"Yes Father, it is on the east side of the cabin. I went there with Mouse earlier when he was looking for Rocky. So Mouse does know about it."
"Then we must look there," said Vincent on his way out the door.
Lifting the doors to the shelter, Catherine pulled the string to the light and called for Mouse. "Mouse, Rocky are you here? We're all worried about you."
From the corner Catherine could see two sets of eyes looking back at her. She sighed in relief and turned to Vincent and Father. "He's here."
Father called down to Mouse, "You must come out, please Mouse."
"No. Stay with Rocky...take care of Rocky."
"Now, Mouse!" stated Father. "I realize that you and Rocky have become great friends, but this is his home. Home is where he must stay, and you must return to yours. Have you forgotten about your other racoon, Arthur? You have him to care for and he is waiting for your return. Come up and we'll talk about this further."
Mouse came out with Rocky on his shoulder. "Rocky come too..."
"Mouse, you love Rocky don't you?" said Father.
Mouse nodded yes.
"You must love him enough to let him go where he is the most happiest. Let him decide Mouse." Father, hearing his own words ringing inside his head realized that what he told Mouse was true. So very true.
Reluctantly, Mouse hugged Rocky and put him down on the ground. Rocky waddled away and into the trees. "G'bye Rocky."
Everyone told Mouse how proud they were of him. Vincent placed his hand on Mouse's shoulder saying, "That was a very hard thing to do Mouse! I am proud of you."
"Yes, hard thing for Mouse to do."
Vincent noticed Father's reflective mood. He put his arm around his shoulder. "Father...You too have made me very proud."
He looked at Vincent questioningly. "Yes? Well then son, you being proud of me means everything." Standing there side by side. Father then reached over and hugged him back..
Peter stood beside Catherine. "Well kiddo, how are you doing inside? We're all loaded up and ready to hit the road."
"Yes, Peter. I've just folded the last of the bedding. So I guess if everyone is ready..."
Everyone chimed yes, in agreement and Catherine made one last round of the cabin. Things looked as neat as they had found it. Locking up, Catherine headed for the van just in time to catch Peter teasing Father once again.
"Mary," said Peter. "I think that you'll find the passenger seat up front much more comfortable."
Mary looked at Jacob. "Thank you Peter, but I don't see how that could be possible. I will be sitting next to Jacob."
Father shakily smiling, and looked at Peter saying, "Peter, I assure you that Mary's comfort is a concern of mine as well." Then he took Mary by the arm and led her to the seat that they would be sharing. Passing by Peter, he raised an eyebrow and a bit smugly smiled at his old friend.
Peter kept his own smug smile hidden, thinking to himself Why Jacob...it's about time you old son of a gun!
Everyone gravitated to their original seats. Vincent turned to Catherine, "Shall we, Catherine?"
Catherine climbed in and he followed. Once seated, she turned to him and said, "Our sea shells Vincent, I left them in the boat!"
He smiled and held out his hand out his hand, displaying the beautiful shells that he and Catherine had gathered at the sandbar. "Catherine, I noticed them as I was putting the boat away. I remembered that you wanted to keep them as proof that this weekend was not just a dream."
She smiled back at him and looking at one of the shells, said, "Oh Vincent, thank you for remembering."
"OK, all aboard, take one last look everyone." called Peter from the driver's seat. "We're heading for home, and who knows maybe this time we'll really walk on the wild side. We may stop at Burger King for dinner!"
Father could be heard saying "Burger Who? Do they have strawberry shakes there, Peter? I was so looking forward to perhaps another shake from McDoogles!"
Catherine snuggled into Vincent's arms and he bent down to place a sweet kiss on her brow. She was always overwhelmed by the sweetness inside him. Looking into his loving eyes, she whispered, "I love you with all my heart Vincent."
"And I too love you with all of mine."
With their magical holiday coming to an end, Vincent looked down at Catherine. "Catherine, are you sad that we are leaving? We now must return to reality, to our reality."
"Oh Vincent, what could be sweeter than that? Our reality is more beguiling then any fantasy that I could ever have imagined." Then with a wistful smile Catherine continued. "But Vincent, a part of me is sad that the sun is setting and that our holiday has come to an end."
As the van pulled away a bird could be heard singing his song. "Vincent, isn't that the song of the lark, the herald of the morn?"
With a far off look he answered his beautiful Catherine. "Alas, my love it is the Nightingale."
The End