| One Step Closer to Love Part 2 By Shirley Johns Vincent hadn't moved from his place on the floor when Catherine returned. Placing the tray on her coffee table, she went to him. Touching his shoulder as she sat down, she asked, "what are you thinking"? "I was thinking of how little you ask of me and your one request I deny." " Does that make me selfish and uncaring"? "Vincent no, as she cradled his head against her, you can never be either of those your heart is too good'. You are scared to love." " I understand your fear but I don't agree with it.'' If and when you decide to face it, I will be there for you." " Now my love enough of this talk let us enjoy our tea" and she began to fill their cups. They remained silent for a while. Each watching as the steam rose from their cups both lost in thought. Then Catherine spoke. "I always loved sitting by the fire on a cold day. "When I was little I belonged to the girl scouts." "Every Friday my mother and I would go with our troop on a camping trip regardless of the weather". " We roasted marshmallows by the fire, drank hot cocoa and told ghost stories." Laughing she said "most of the stories kept us awake half the night but we loved it." The beautiful sound of Catherine's laughter always warmed Vincent's heart. "Do you have any happy memories from your childhood you would like to share Vincent"? "My childhood was different as we both know, but there is one memory I will forever cherish." "One night when I was eight years old, my brother Devin took me to the park. "He knew I had always wanted to ride the carousel there and he wanted to help me." "Somehow he got the carousel to move and he made sure I got on the biggest and the fastest horse." " It seemed like we rode forever." "I remember how the wind felt upon my face and the music filled my heart with such happiness." "Unfortunately this particular night the park security was on call and our fun came to an abrupt end." "When we returned Below father had found out and was not to pleased with Devin so he gave him extra chores." " For me it was one of the happiest memories of my childhood." "Vincent that was such a lovely memory." '"I can vision how cute you must have been riding the carousel for the first time." "One day I would love to see a photo of you as a child." "In one of the tunnels Below lives a woman named Elizabeth." "She has been painting the tunnel history and the history of your world above on the walls for years." "Our helpers above supply her paints in so many colors." ''Her paintings are so realistic in color and texture." "She has painted a picture of me as a boy with father."" 'Vincent I would love to see them." "Could you take me there the next time I come Below"? "Catherine I would love to take you there.'' "Great than we have a date." "They were enjoying being together so much that they lost track of time. Vincent realized how late it had become and knew he had to leave. "Catherine it is getting late I had better go" and he got up to retrieve his cloak. "I know my love but I hate to see the evening end and she helped him into his cloak. Turning toward her, he gathered her in his arms for a soft hug and went to push the patio doors but they wouldn't budge. "Catherine have your doors ever stuck before"? "No Vincent not that I remember." Pulling aside the curtains she said "oh my goodness Vincent look." The snow had accumulated half way up the doors. Looking at the snow and than each other, Catherine said, I don't think you will be leaving this way." "We can try to get you back Below through the basement." "Give me a few minutes to change" going into her bedroom. She was just about to take off her nightclothes when darkness engulfed her. The storm knocked out the electricity. Moving around the room "ouch". "Catherine are you all right'? "Yes Vincent I am fine I stumped by toe." "Yes Catherine I know." "Of course you do." "Give me a minute and I'll be right there." Slowly moving about the room she found the door and opened it. "Boy was that scary." "I hate the dark." "Catherine I don't like you being here alone without lights. (his voice sounding a little nervous) Seeing that it will be impossible for me to leave with all the action that will be going on to restore power, why don't I stay here for the night"? ''I would like that very much Vincent, I am a little afraid." ''Yes I know. I feel your fear Catherine." "Vincent we had better let father know." "I'll call Peter" picking up the phone there was no dial tone. "Well that one is dead good thing I have a cell phone and she grabbed her purse off the antique coat rack in her livingroom. Opening the flip "good it's working, she called Peter. "Hi Peter, it's Cathy," " I am fine. " Peter Vincent came to visit me and we've lost power.' "Can you get a message to father that he will be staying the night and don't be worried. " "Thanks Peter, good bye." Closing the flip she looked at Vincent and said, "well maybe he won't be as worried." Going to Catherine he took the phone and sat on the table in the diningroom. Putting his arm around her waist "come sit with me" and he placed her on his lap. Resting her head on his shoulder he lightly smoothed her hair. "I am here with you Catherine there is no need to be afraid of the dark." Part 3 Shirley's Fanfic Index |
 |