| Memories By Shirley Johns Part 1 Father would be so mad if he knew what we were up to said the younger of the two boys . They were playing by the carousel in the park at night. Father would never let the younger boy go above unless it was nighttime and he was with him. Listen little brother father need not know. I wanted to do something nice for you. I know and I do appreciate it more than you know. Growing up different from other children can be hard at times. The older boy said he did not know how it would feel but at least enjoy tonight. The younger one said ssshh listen. What? I don�t hear anything. Quick hide. The boys no sooner hid when a man and woman entered the park holding the hands of a girl about six years old. As they passed the carousel, the younger of the two boys felt a heart beating next to his own. He had never experienced a feeling like this before. Somehow he felt connected to the little girl with the honey brown hair. Feeling that she was being watched, the girl turned around and saw a boy about 13 wearing a hood covering his face but she was able to see his beautiful blue eyes when the moonlight reflected off them. Before the boy ducked behind the carousel, he was able to see the girl�s eyes as well and they were the loveliest shade of gray green he had ever seen. He knew she would not give them away when he realized he could read her thoughts. Then the girl turned away and left the park with her parents looking back one last time wondering who the boy was. A man is sitting at his writing desk within the comforts of his chamber in his secret world below the city. Writing in his journal about how he has been unable to forget the girl he saw in the park that night twenty years ago. She has been on his mind and in his heart day after day since that time. He had ventured above night after night during those years hoping to see her again but never did. Realizing how late it had become, he closed his journal and went to play his nightly game of chess with his father locking his thoughts of the girl within his heart. At the same time a woman above in the city is going over the files of a case her father�s law firm was prosecuting. It was about a local mobster whom he father�s firm has been trying to put in jail for two years. Then her thoughts returned as they always do, to the young man she saw in the park twenty years ago. She never saw him after that night but the memory of his incredible eyes has never left her mind or her heart after all these years. Glancing at her watch she realized how late it was. She had never been at the office this late before and tonight of all night to do so. The city was premiering a play tonight in one of the local theaters that had received excellent reviews. She would probably have a hard time hailing a cab. Locking the files in her desk drawer, she turned off the lights to go home. Saying goodnight to the security guard she left the building. Once outside she tried getting a cab but it was impossible so she called the cab company on her cellular phone. They told her it was a bad night to need a cab they have an hour wait. Realizing she could walk home within that time, she thanked the man and hung up the phone. Having made up her mind to walk, she decided to take a shortcut through the park. She was not scared walking through the park until she heard the screeching of tires and was blinded by headlights. She heard a car door open minutes before she felt a blunt object slammed against her head. Barely conscience on the ground she heard a man say the boss said to finish her off quickly. They cannot bring him to trial if the prosecuting attorney does not show up. I know what he said but I always leave my mark on my victims. The woman heard the sound of a switchblade opening just before she felt a burning pain across her forehead, her left and right cheeks and her chin. Man stop fooling around slit her throat and get it over with. Below the man playing chess with his father was startled by a strong sense of hurt and fear pulling at his heart. Seeing his reaction son what�s wrong? Father I am needed Above. What do you mean son? I don�t know by whom but I feel their fear and their pain. I must go grabbing his cloak he ran out of his father�s chamber going to the world above. When he reached the park, he followed the fear and saw two men bending over a body and the moonlight shine off a switchblade. Just before the man raised the knife for the final cut, he heard an astounding lion like roar. Hey man what was that? I don�t know . Well I don�t know about you but I don�t want to find out so I�m outta here. What about her? I�d rather face the boss than that sound. Running to the van they sped off leaving the seriously injured woman lying on the ground. By the time he reached the body, they man had gone. He slowly approached the body and saw it was a woman. Her hair was covering her face and he gently moved it aside. The sight that met him brought tears to his eyes. There were deep slash marks all over her face and it was covered with blood. Something about her drew him toward her and he had to save her. Wrapping her in his cloak, he carefully lifted the tiny woman in his strong arms and carried her to his secret world below. Laying her upon his bed, he tapped a message on the tunnel pipes , their source of communication, asking his father, who was a doctor, to come to his chamber immediately. Son your message sounded urgent are you all right? Yes father I am but she is not and father noticed the woman lying in his bed. What happened to her? Father she was the one calling me. I don�t know why or how I knew but I did. She was almost murdered tonight. Well let me take a look removing the cloak from around her. Seeing her face he said my god the poor woman must be in so much pain. She is father I can feel it. Turning toward his son. Yes father I can feel her pain just as she can. Son she must be attended to immediately call Mary. She was a woman around father�s age who has been his helper in the tunnels for years.. As they waited for Mary father told him she really needed to be in a hospital. Father she was alone in the park and you know I couldn�t take her to a hospital . She would have bled to death I couldn�t leave her there. I�ll help her son as much as I can but as soon as she is well enough she must return above. I understand father. When Mary arrived he told his son to take a seat while they cleaned, stitched and covered her wounds. When they were done father asked Mary to wash her up and give her some clean clothes they will be back shortly and the two men left the chamber. When they returned later Mary informed them that she was resting but not peacefully. Father decided to give her a mild sedative so she could rest knowing she needed it to heal. Thank you father I can take care of her now. All right son just keep watching her for signs of fever. I�ll be in my chamber. Goodnight father I�ll let you know of any change in her condition. Goodnight son. Try and get some sleep yourself and he left. Alone with the woman in his chamber he looked at her and wished he could see her face behind the bandages. Pulling a chair to the bed he would take care of her just as he told father until it was time for her to return above. For two days the man only left her side to take care of his personal needs. He fed her, read to her and took his meals in his chamber as she gradually began to heal. The third day she woke up asking where she was and how long she had been there? The man told her that she was in a secret world below the city were people lived who had no place to go or had no place in the world above. They come here and seek the love, warmth and comfort of a home and a family and she had been there for three days. Did you save me? Yes, I was at the park that night and I brought you�re here to get medical care from my father who is a doctor and for you to heal. Why didn�t you take me to a hospital. I cannot been seen above for it would destroy my life and the world below. I don�t understand? In time you will . Can you at least tell me your name?. It is Vincent. I am Catherine. Catherine what a lovely name. The sound of her name on his lips caused her heart to fluttered. He has got to have the most beautiful voice she has ever heard. Are you feeling better today Catherine? Yes, Vincent I am. How would you like a cup of tea? I can get you one. That�s would be nice. You lay down until I return with your tea and he left the chamber. As soon as he left Catherine had to see the face that belonged to that gorgeous voice. Removing her bandages, she felt her face and started to panic. Searching his chamber she found a headlight from a car to use as a mirror. Holding it up she looked at her face and screamed in terror. Vincent heard her scream and ran to the chamber Catherine are you all right? Than he realized it was too late to go back and she would see him. Turning toward him blue eyes locked with gray green ones and together said it�s you as they both remembered that night at the carousel twenty years ago. Moving closer to him, she admires his great height, muscular build, lionize facial features and startling blue eyes. Lightly touching his face she softly placed her finger on the adorable cleft in his top lip. Running her fingers through his gorgeous blond hair that reached half way down his back she said Vincent you�re beautiful. Vincent stepped away from Catherine's soft touch when a sudden warmness went throughout his body giving her a stunned look she immediately apologized saying she meant no harm. Finding his voice he said Catherine it was not that, it was well ,I thought with my appearance you would have backed away from me rather than walk toward me. I was stunned that�s all. Having remembered her own appearance, she said I am sorry I caused you to come to me when you really did not have too. It was that my face, well it wasn't what I expected. I felt each slice of the knife as it cut me but having actually seen it and she began to cry. Without thought, he wrapped her in his arms lying her head on his chest and told her just to cry. Hugging him tight around the waist she let the tears fall when Vincent rested his cheek on the top of her head. Feeling his body begin to react to her nearness, he gently removed her arms from around him and led her to the bed telling her to lay down and rest. Taking her hand he said she was all right now he would watch over her, she is safe. Before closing her eyes she said Thank you Vincent and cried herself to asleep. Catherine woke up an hour later to find Vincent asleep with his head upon her pillow. His golden hair was covering his face and he was still holding her hand. She softly pushed his hair away from his face being careful not to wake him. Looking at this beautiful man she smiled and whispered you said you would watch over me and you did. I do feel safe with you. Feeling her awake, he opened his eyes and looked at the lovely face before him. The cuts on her face did not mar her beauty. Hi. Hi. I am sorry Catherine I did not mean to fall asleep with my head on your pillow. What you must think of me. Vincent I think of you as the kindest gentlest man I have ever met. From that night in the park so many years ago, I knew that there was something different about you. When he lowered his head she realized he misunderstood what she meant. Placing her hand under his chin she said by different, I mean what you are inside. And, your appearance as I said before, you are beautiful. Catherine I don't know what to say. No one has every told me that before thank you and he gave her a small smile. Taking his arm she asked him to sit with her. Eventhough I do not know you, I am very comfortable around you. I feel safe. Catherine I am glad that you do and no more harm will come to you ever again. Vincent how can you know that? Catherine I am connected to you. Connected how Vincent? Well I know your thoughts, your emotions I feel you pain as you do. I felt connected to you that night in the park. I knew you would not give my brother and me away when I read you thoughts. Catherine taking her hand, I have been unable to forget you, I went to the park every day trying to find you for years. Vincent shortly after that night my parents moved out of the city to a cabin three miles away. That is where I spent my years growing up. I just returned to the city about six months ago and starting working at my father's law firm as a prosecuting attorney which is the reason I was attacked in the park. The person we were trying to convict wanted me out of the way . Had you not saved me, he would have succeeded. Vincent I owe you my life. Catherine you do not owe me anything I am glad that I saved your life. I felt your fear, your hurt and your pain it called out to me and I came to you. I scared them away and carried you to my home. Thank you again Vincent and she kissed his cheek. Vincent did not know how to react when Catherine�s innocent show of gratitude so she helped him out .Vincent if you don�t mind I would like to take a tour of your world. Catherine I would love to show you. I�ll let you freshen up a little and than we can go. All right I�ll leave you alone for a while and will be back shortly and he left the chamber. Stopping once he got out of her sight, he fell against the tunnel wall trying to gain control of the emotions that were going on in his body from Catherine�s kiss. She actually kissed me without any hesitation. How can that be? Well he can try and figure it out but only she could tell him. Maybe later when they go for their walk in the tunnels he can bring up the incident and he headed for father�s chamber to let him know how she was doing. Collapsing on the bed Catherine said she cannot believe how being around Vincent affects her so. She has never felt like this around a man before. He actually takes her breath away. This man is finding his way into my heart as no one else ever has. Perhaps during our walk in the tunnels I�ll find a way to discuss these feelings with Vincent. In the meantime, I better get myself together before he returns. Continued in Part 3 Arriving back at his chamber Vincent asked from the door if Catherine was ready. Giving him permission he entered the room. The sight of her caught his off guard. She had arranged her hair neatly upon her head and had changed into a soft gray tunnel dress Mary had given her. Catherine you look lovely. Why thank you kind sir and she attempted to curtsy. Nearly stumbling embarrassed she said when it comes to grace she had never been a prima ballerina. Seeing the serious look cross Vincent 's face, she laughed Vincent it was a joke. The sound of her laughter brought him back to the present and he laughed along with her. Holding out his arm to her, shall we begin our tour and they left the chamber with Catherine wondering why he reacted that way. Maybe one day I'll ask him. Putting her thoughts aside she went on to enjoy herself. They spent most of the day touring. She would never had imagined all the tunnels and chambers below the city. There was the Whispering Winds, the Crystal Cavern and her favorite the Chamber of Falls that even had a waterfall. Catherine 's joy radiated throughout each chamber Vincent feeling it as well. Returning from their tour she told him that his world was beautiful. and she has never had as much fun as she did today with him. Thank you. Catherine I have never had this much fun either. I haven't played hide and seek in the caverns since I was a child. I have to admit you are different Catherine Chandler. What can I say? I just like to have fun as she spun around in circles right into Vincent's strong arms. Still laughing she looked up into his blue eyes and be began to lower his head. Realizing what he was about to do, he stopped and gently let her go. Clearing his throat, we had better go. Yes Vincent you're right and they continued on to his chamber in silence. Halfway back Vincent wait. Yes Catherine? Back there you wanted to kiss me didn't you. Blushing he said Catherine I cannot lie yes I did but I no right to do these things. Vincent why do you say that? Catherine look at me. OK I see you and? Catherine I am not like other men. I know. Catherine you're not making this easy. Vincent what is there to make easy? I cannot be like other men. Who told you that? Well my father has told me and I know from a past experience. . Vincent you can be whatever you want to be. You can give and take whatever you want. Only you can make that decision. Catherine you don't understand. There are things you do not know about me. Vincent I know you more than you think I do. Since I have been with you Vincent I am experiencing feelings I have never felt before. We both do and you know it. Signing Yes Catherine but nothing can become of our feelings. You don't know that. Yes I do Catherine and he turned and walked away. Vincent don't go. Catherine I'll see you at dinner and he was gone. Ooh men can be so stubborn and she entered the chamber to get ready for dinner. Vincent sent Mary to get her instead of himself. Catherine dear are you ready to go to dinner? Yes Mary. On the way there Catherine seemed troubled so Mary asked what was wrong. Mary why are men so stubborn? You mean Vincent? Yes. Mary there is something happening between us but Vincent does not want to pursue it. I tried talking to him but all he does is refer to his being different. Yes he does look different from other men but that makes him special. Mary I am starting to care for him and I don't know what to do. I know he is starting to care for me as well. He almost kissed me earlier. Mary I want the chance to deepen what we have but he feels he cannot. Catherine there are things about him that he is not pleased about. Until he can come to terms with these things, he will not act upon his feelings for you. Catherine you said you care deeply for him but when I look at you and you mention him dear I see love. Catherine you have fallen in love with him haven't you? . Lowering her head, yes Mary I love him but I must hide that love from him until he is ready to receive it. Catherine it won't be easy, as he has lived with these fears for years. But, if you can help him comfort them, the two of you could have a very special relationship. Giving Mary a hug she said thank you. It helped to talk to her. Catherine you're welcome. Here we are my dear as they arrive at the grand hall. Honey a lot of people come to me for advice smiling she said he loves you too and she entered the hall leaving Catherine to follow behind her. Continued in Part 4 Catherine followed Mary as she introduced her to the community. She noticed Vincent did not look her way when he arrived. Maybe Mary was wrong. Maybe he doesn't love me. But she said he confided in her. Well anyway I�ll just be casual toward him. After all the introductions were made Mary led her to father and Vincent's table making sure she sat across from Vincent. Well Catherine you are looking well. How do you feel? Father I am feeling much better (eventhough Vincent is breaking my heart) He looked at her than reading her thoughts and quickly turned away before she saw him. So if you are feeling better you will be going back above soon? Jacob! Mary gasped she just starting feeling better. I know Mary but the sooner she returns above the sooner she can get on with her life. Knowing father felt her as a threat to Vincent, she said yes I will be leaving tomorrow or the day after no later. She saw him sigh with relief. I do want to thank you for helping me Sir I would probably not had survived without your medical care. I am in your debt. Catherine I only did what any other Dr. would do. Yes but you also took care of me. . Mary cut in than, actually Catherine Vincent did. Father and I only tended to your injuries. Vincent took care of you and he never left your side. As a matter a fact you even took your meals in the chamber right Vincent? Caught off guard by her statement he said yes. Then Catherine looked at him it's seems I am in your debt as well. And I do pay off all my debts. William arrived than with dinner and the conversation was put on hold while they ate. During dessert Mary asked Catherine about her life above. She explained she worked as a prosecuting attorney in her father's law firm. So you father's a lawyer Catherine ,asked father. Yes Chandler and Associates. My goodness that is the most sought after law firm in lower Manhattan. So you must be from an upper class family. Jacob! Mary said . Well its true Mary. Changing the subject she said Vincent why don't you walk Catherine back to the chamber she is probably tried from your tour today. Mary that is all right I can get someone else to walk me back. Maybe Jamie or Mouse can . Vincent felt Mary's foot nudged his leg under the table. Catherine I will walk you back. Thank you if you don't mind. I don't. As they got up to leave see you two later. Walking in silence most of the way there Catherine finally said Vincent I am sorry about earlier if I made you uncomfortable around me .I'll be leaving tomorrow and I will be out of your life. Goodnight Vincent. Goodnight Catherine sleep well. and she went into his chamber. Lying across the bed she could not longer contain her tears and she cried herself to sleep. They could have been perfect together. In the guest chamber Vincent sat with his head in his hands feelings Catherine's hurt and pain. Catherine I'm sorry we can never be. I do love you with all of my heart but I cannot love you not being as I am it is not fair to you. Lying upon the bed sleep eluded him, so he went to see her to make sure she was all right. She was sound asleep but he could see where the tears dried on her cheeks. When you go tomorrow you can start to forget about me but you will take my heart with you and he returned to the guest chamber. Morning came and Vincent walked her to the tunnel entrance right below her building. Catherine this is where you go out. Take care of yourself. Goodbye. Vincent ? Yes Catherine. Will I ever see you again? I don't know. Resting her head on his shoulder she said I'll never forget you. And she returned to her world above. When she was no longer in his view Vincent leaned against the tunnel wall letting out a heart breaking roar and slid to the floor. I love you Catherine and I always will. It felt strange when she reached her apartment like she doesn't belong there anymore. Well I better call my father his is probably worried sick. Hello dad it's Catherine. My god Catherine are you OK, where have you been what happened. I'll be over in a half-hour. The doorbell rang thirty minutes later Catherine opened the door to let her father it. It was time to go back to her old life. A life without Vincent. Seeing her face he took her in his arms sweetheart what happened. Dad all I can remember is being attacked in the park and returning home. I have no memories of the last four days. And she began to cry. Cathy everything will be all right. I will have the best plastic surgeon fix your face and you can get back to your normal life and forget this whole ordeal. Sitting her on the couch her father took over and began to make his calls. Part 5 next Eight months later Catherine has had her plastic surgery and is now working in the DA�s office. She left her father's law firm feeling that she could better service the community. She has never forgotten Vincent. Her thoughts are about him every night and day. She no longer dates as no other man could compare to Vincent. Occasionally she attends a social function when her job requires it. Other than that she stays at work late than goes home to her apartment. After bathing or showering her puts on her nightclothes and reviews her assignments for the next day until tiredness overcomes her. When she sleeps all she does is dream of Vincent and what could have been. Many nights she cries herself to sleep. Vincent keeps himself busy during the day but at night his thoughts return to Catherine and his love for her. He never thought he would fall in love being as he is. And, how hard it is knowing that a life with Catherine can never be. He misses her dearly. It pains him knowing that the only woman he could ever love is lost to him. What could he offer her? She has never wanted anything in her life. She has traveled all over the world. Seen sights he could only dream of. All he would do is take that life from her. He could not ask her to live Below where she would miss out on all the opportunities available to her. A nice husband who adores her and children to love. All the things she deserves. All the things he could not give her. Growing up he felt life's cruelties and aloneness. He had father's love and the tunnel community adored him,but he is still different. His darkside he will never get used to. It will haunt him forever. But, had it not been so he would not have saved his beloved Catherine. He would not have found his one and only love. There connection, their Bond is unexplainable but a gift beyond anything either of them ever encountered. The feel of her heart beating next to mine. They could have been very special together this he knew. Hanging his head his blond mane covering his face, he begins to cry regretting was he is for the first time. Drying his eyes he decided to see Catherine one last time. He wanted to make sure she was OK and to say goodbye. He will leave her the book they read as she recovered Below. Grabbing his cloak he went above. Catherine is sitting on her bed looking in her briefcase. When she heard a noise on her balcony. She slowly rose from the bed and quietly opened her patio doors when she noticed the book of sonnets on the floor. Moving aside her satin nightgown she picked it up. Looking across her balcony she saw him. Vincent running into his arms. I have missed you. Feeling how good she felt in his arms, he moved slightly back and released her a little looking down into her lovely eyes. Catherine your face. Yes Vincent they fixed it. Vincent could only stare she was more beautiful than he thought. Turning away he said he should not have come. Touching his shoulders she asked him to stay for a while she had so many things to tell him. They read and talked on her balcony until dawn. Vincent hated to leave but he had to it would be light soon. Taking Catherine's tiny hand into his own he said he must go. Vincent can I come Below with you? It is Friday and I don't have to work tomorrow. Catherine trying to hide the excitement in his words, are you sure you really want too. Yes Vincent I want to see everyone again. Give me ten minutes and I'll meet you at the threshold Below. In less than ten minutes she was descending the ladder to the world Below when she felt strong hands around her waist lifting her down. Turning around to face him she looked up into his magnificent eyes Thank you Vincent. He did not remove his hands right away but rested them there for a little longer. Looking down into her eyes he said your welcome Catherine in the sexy voice she loved so well. Taking her hand he led her to the entrance of his world. Part 6 coming soon***** <> |
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