The Winds Of Dawn That Blow...

‘Lullaby’



Lay your sleeping head, my love,
Human on my faithless arm;
Time and fevers burn away
Individual beauty from
Thoughtful children, and the grave
Proves the child ephemeral:
But in my arms till break of day
Let the living creature lie,
Mortal, guilty, but to me
The entirely beautiful.

Soul and body have no bounds:
To lovers as they lie upon
Her tolerant enchanted slope
In their ordinary swoon,
Grave the vision Venus sends
Of supernatural sympathy,
Universal love and hope;
While an abstract insight wakes
Among the glaciers and the rocks
The hermits sensual ecstasy.

Certainly, fidelity
On the stroke of midnight pass
Like vibrations of a bell,
And fashionable madmen raise
Their pedantic boring cry;
Every farthing of the cost,
All the dreaded cards foretell.
Shall be paid, but from this night,
Not a whisper, not a thought,
Not a kiss nor look be lost.

Beauty, midnight, vision dies:
‘Let the winds of dawn that blow’
softly round your dreaming head
Such a day of sweetness show,
Eye and knocking heart may bless,
Find the mortal world enough;
Noons of dryness see you fed
By the involuntary powers,
Nights of insult let you pass
Watched by every human love.

W.H. Auden
1907 - 1973.
Leaning over the balcony wall, Catherine could just make out the form of him, as he trod silently through the early morning mists that shrouded the park.
Her eyes danced with a fever that only he could dispel, a fever put there, from a night of fiery kisses that took them well into the first glow of dawn, and the inevitable separation, until the night came around again.
Catherine exhaled an exquisite sigh of pure pleasure, hugging herself tightly. They had come so far in such a short space of time, and would soon be embarking upon another step within their very complex relationship. If only they could hold back the night. Because night after night, it was becoming exceedingly harder to fight the need, the desire to take their relationship deeper, and with the limited time they could spend together, coupled with the dawn coming closer and closer when Vincent would have to return to his home beneath the city streets, Catherine could not help feeling frustrated that they never seemed to have time to fulfil the desire before he had to leave.
And it had taken years before Vincent had found the confidence to kiss her, until it had happened one beautiful moonlit night alongside the embankment, where he had taken her with the intention of sharing that first kiss.
And what a kiss!
Catherine felt herself melting all over again just from the memory. A shiver ran up her spine, and back down to her toes. She curled them with the delight of the feelings the memory of that first very passionate kiss, stirred within her. And since then all his kisses had been better with each passing day.
That beautiful mouth upon hers....what was it the song said, arh yes!.... ‘kisses of fire, burning, burning, I’m at the point of no returning’ oh yes Vincent, I’m certainly at the point of no returning..... Catherine continued to mouth the words to the song silently, her eyes dancing with happiness, ‘kisses of fire, sweet devotion, caught in a landslide of emotion’. Oh yes, please. She hugged herself tightly, as she sung along, ‘I’ve had my share of love affairs, and there is nothing compared to this, I’m riding higher than the sky and there is fire in every kiss.....kisses of fire, kisses of fire.’*
Kisses of fire that brought forth a burning desire that only Vincent could extinguish.
Catherine sighed again, stepping back away from the wall, he was out of sight now, but still she could feel him.
He filled every fibre of her entire being, as well as the sure steady rhythm of their connection through the Bond. Catherine knew he would be feeling every bit as aroused as she herself.
Certainly there would be no sleep for either of them for what was left of the night.
Looking at her watch, Catherine wondered about that too. It was already five a.m. and it was Monday. She groaned. The first day of a very long and arduous week. Joe had a mountain of work lined up for her, and she was already tired at the thought of it.
“Oh well Chandler, you’d best see if you can get your head down for a couple of hours”, she told herself. Perhaps if she just closed her eyes and rested them it would be enough.
Crossing to the bedroom, she paused, the couch beckoned her, and she changed direction, going instead to sit upon it. Touching the seat, she could still feel his warmth, from where he had sat with her upon his lap, his arms around her, his lips on hers.
A soft moan escaped Catherine’s mouth, as another shiver ran through her. “I think what you need girl, is a cold shower”, she chided herself, and laughed softly. Turning towards her bedroom after all.
Laying beneath the duvet some moments later, she tried to shut her eyes, and let her mind go blank, but try as she might, visions and memories stirred within her, and all she could see was Vincent’s beautiful face just inches from her own.
“This is no good”, she told herself, stuffing her head beneath the pillow, and then shuddered as a fresh wave of nostalgia hit her. As via the Bond contact with him sailed through her senses.

*** *** ***


Beneath the park now Vincent trod silently through the dusty tunnels, his mind very much back with Catherine in her apartment. His hands twitched with the yearning to be gliding across her body once more.
Leaning against the tunnel wall, Vincent threw back his head and sighed. He felt ecstatically happy, as a warmth, he was beginning to associate with dreams of his love, crept through his limbs.
He shuddered, stirred by the memory of that first kiss they had shared. How he had fought against it for so long. How easy it had been for Catherine to talk him out of his fears, and into their first kiss.
He melted at the memory. Standing together at the quay-side, beneath the moon, and the starry heavens, with the scent of the ocean tantalising his nostrils, Vincent had been filled with her, the sight of her eyes dancing with delight, hopeful, expectant, beautiful. And the scent of her had enflamed him, as he had held her close, safe within his arms, her small body pressed close to his, and moaned softly as he remembered the feel of every contour as her body moulded perfectly against him.
That night, that beautiful night, beside the embankment, where moonbeams had kissed the sea, he had kissed Catherine, tenderly at first, and then as he felt her lips part beneath his, with a passion he didn’t know he possessed.
Every night since, he simply had to go to her, he couldn’t get enough of her, wanting only to kiss her continuously, without let-up, every minute, of every hour, of every day.

*** *** ***


Walking through the tunnels back to his chamber, deep in thought, a movement caught his eye. It was unusual for anyone to be up so early, and Vincent hesitated, his face lighting up when he saw Pascal coming towards him, “You’re up early”, he told his friend. Pascal smiled, “Aye, I couldn’t sleep. Thought I may as well get to my post. Are you just coming in Vincent?”
Vincent smiled, “Yes.”
“Pardon me for saying, but aren’t you rather burning the candle at both ends a bit too much these days?”
A short sharp burst of laughter escaped Vincent’s lips, and Pascal went on, “I know its none of my business Vincent, but you work so hard in the day, and you are out all night, if you’re not careful you are going to run yourself down.”
“I am tired.” Vincent agreed.
“You must be. And its not just you is it. I expect Catherine feels the toll too.”
“Yes.”
“And with a demanding job too.”
“Yes.”
“Couldn’t you work around it so that it isn’t so tiring on you both.” Pascal asked concerned.
“Be it that I was different...” Vincent sighed, “But the night-time is the only time we can safely be together.”
“Yet it wasn’t always this way Vincent. I know you had the odd all nighter, but just lately, well its every night. What’s changed?”
Vincent felt a blush staining his cheeks, grateful for the dimly lit tunnel that would prevent Pascal from noticing.
“There is no privacy Below.” Vincent told his friend softly, hiding his face within the curtain of his beautiful hair.
“No privacy.....but its never bothered you before.....?” Pascal questioned, drawing his brows together in confusion.
Vincent turned away suddenly very embarrassed. Why were they having this conversation anyway?
Realisation dawned on Pascal gradually. “You mean....you and...Catherine...?” He could not finish.
“It’s not what you think!” Vincent exclaimed quickly, “We haven’t, we aren’t, we’re not yet......”
“But its only a question of time huh?” Pascal’s face lit up.
Vincent shuffled from foot to foot, looking down at the ground he whispered softly, “Yes.” adding quickly, “Perhaps....maybe....I don’t know.”
Pascal felt a great depth of feeling pass through him, ‘this was great...Vincent and Catherine!....it was wonderful’, and he told Vincent so, “Don’t be ashamed Vincent, I’m really happy for you, Catherine is a beautiful woman.” he paused, then continued, “But surely her apartment is private enough?”
“Yes, but that’s not the problem.” Vincent told him, “Its not having somewhere that is the problem, its not having enough time together before I have to leave, which is the problem.”
They took up step alongside one another now, and Pascal mused on the matter, “Can I help?” he asked at last, really hoping that he could.
“Only if you are a good listener.” Vincent told him, grinning broadly.
Pascal smiled, “Vincent...as if you needed to ask....look why don’t you go and get some rest and I’ll be along later and we can talk. I take it this is a secret from Father problem right now, eh?”
“Vincent nodded, “Yes, I haven’t been able to bring myself to talk of it with him yet.”
“I shouldn’t worry Vincent, even he couldn’t deny that Catherine has staying power. He thought the relationship between you two would be over in a couple of months, and yet its three years already. Father’s not a fool, even he must see that this relationship is going somewhere, perhaps you would do well to speak with him about it?”
Vincent nodded, “Perhaps, but I’ll talk with you first.”
“Testing the water, huh? Okay, I’ll see you later, at your chamber.” Separating, each made his way to his own place, and Pascal continued to think about his friend.
It warmed each and every one of them down there, in the underground world, this fairy tale romance that had begun over three years ago, between one they loved so much and a beautiful woman he had rescued one night in the park. Her injuries were horrific, and Father had chided his son on bringing a stranger to their world, if only to heal, but from the very first, Catherine had changed Vincent’s whole life. The Bond that they shared was remarkable, a gift, and Pascal along with very many others could only wonder at such a connection, convinced that with it, Vincent and Catherine’s destinies had to be linked, and that nothing or no-one could ever separate them. Sometimes when he heard how Vincent fought against the relationship, insisting that Catherine remained in her world, and married someone from Above, Pascal had wondered how Vincent could be so foolish, surely he could see, what everyone else could see that because of the Bond, Catherine and he were destined to be together?
And throughout the days and months when he had fought against a deeper, more intimate relationship with her, even Father had been able to establish that Vincent fought against the inevitable.
And so the knowledge that something was at last developing between them, brought Pascal great joy, and it was all he could do to refrain from tapping out the happy news to everyone Below on his beloved pipes. Only the thought of helping Vincent somehow when he spoke with him later, kept his mind from telling the world.

*** *** ***


Vincent made his way back to his chamber, taking off his heavy cloak and boots, and laying himself down upon the bed. Opening the Bond he shared with Catherine, he could feel her gently sleeping. So!, she had managed to get some sleep after all, yet even as he thought it, he could feel her rest was fitful, as on the brink of sleep her mind would jolt her awake, and all she had was a few minutes when tiredness overtook her.
Pascal was right, this life was doing little for him, and obviously Catherine suffered too. Her job depended on her keeping her wits about her, with dangerous assignments having to be confronted on a daily basis, even he knew that. His own work or sleep broken by the fear coursing through Catherine’s veins, making him jump up and run as fast as he could to get to her, to save her life over and over. All the activity, the sleepless nights, the long trek to and from her apartment to his chamber night after night, was beginning to take its toll on him, and Catherine too.
Perhaps Pascal could help him find a solution, for a certainty, something had to be done.

*** *** ***


The shrill of the alarm clock sounded, and one slender arm reached from beneath the duvet to snuff out the sound. Catherine groaned, ‘what already...’ it seemed only moments ago that she had lain down to rest.... ‘huh! rest....so much for that....’ Catherine snorted, with her mind very much on Vincent and his kisses, rest had been the furthest from her mind.
Dragging herself off to the kitchen, Catherine felt that facing another day at the office was the last thing she needed.
Monday morning blues. If it had been any other day of the week, she might, just might, have rung Joe and feigned sickness, but Monday morning! It was too obvious. He’d see through it straight away. Stirring her coffee moments later, Catherine watched the whirlpool of liquid almost as if she were being sucked down within it, her eyes did not want to focus, her lids gently closed over them and she felt so dreadfully tired.
Perhaps if she called in late, perhaps if she just sat down and closed her eyes for a few moments longer. If she went in at ten o’clock instead of nine, wouldn’t that be best? After all, better she went in fresh rather than dog-tired wasn’t it? Surely Joe would understand that?
The couch beckoned, and Catherine sipped her coffee as she walked towards it. Just ten or fifteen minutes then, just long enough to rest her weary eyes. Settling the mug onto the table in front of the sofa, Catherine drew up her feet and wound them beneath her. A pattern on the material caught her eye. She had stared at that last night too. Funny how patterns can be turned into pictures. She had no idea she had little puppy dogs crawling all over her couch. Catherine laughed, just as well...she told herself....all those little puppy dogs might have chased away one very beautiful and loving cat!
Giving herself a mental shake, Catherine told herself off again, she would not get a moment’s rest if everything reminded her of Vincent.
Simply she had to close her eyes, shut off her mind and sleep, failing that she had to get into the shower, wash, dress and get herself off to work. There were two choices open to her, which one was she going to take? Whatever, neither included Vincent. And neither could if she were to get any peace that day.
Leaning her weary head back against the arm of the couch she chose the former....her eyes closed, she dozed.....grey tendrils of sleep wrapped themselves around her head...she was almost there.....sweet dreams....Vincent dreams.....lovely, cosy and oooh so stimulating!
Catherine sat bolt upright! This would never do! Sleep would have to wait, simply, if she were to get through the day, without thoughts of Vincent bombarding her mind, she would need some other powerful stimulant....employment!

*** *** ***


Satisfied that the pipes were in safe hands, Pascal made his way towards Vincent’s chamber. The way was pleasurable. As children Pascal had spent many an happy hour coming this way. He and Devin, seeking out Vincent, planning another daring escapade together, would huddle around Vincent’s chamber, whispering low, and snatching up a book, whenever they heard Father’s stick in the tunnel outside, pretending to be reading, hard at study.
How they had laughed into the pages, the book held close to their faces, when he had exited and they heard his footsteps getting further and further away.
Pascal smiled, those were the days. Boyish days. Days of adventure, and pirates and spies. Days of dreams.
Rounding the corner now and coming into Vincent’s chamber, he walked as silently as he could believing Vincent to be sleeping, surprised when he found his friend sat in his chair staring out into space, the flickering candle-light dancing shadows across his beautiful features, and honey gold hair.
“Have you been sat there since you got back?” Pascal asked, coming into the chamber and settling himself down at the side of the bed, which looked un-slept in.
Vincent nodded, “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Have you reached any decisions?”
“Decisions? No, I wasn’t searching for any.”
Pascal smiled, obviously Vincent had just spent the last four hours thinking about last night with his love, if his face was anything to go by, for he positively glowed.
“Well I’ve done nothing but think about it since we parted earlier...” Pascal began.
“And...?”
“Vincent forgive me for stating the obvious, but you cannot possibly live Above ... so...”
Vincent shook his head, “I know what you are leading up to Pascal, but it is not an option. Catherine couldn’t live Below. She has her job, her life Above, its just not possible.”
“But if she were to give all these things up.”
“For what?” Vincent stared at his friend as if he had gone mad.
“For you of course.”
“Me! No, I could never expect Catherine to give up all she has Above to live down here with me.”
“Perhaps that’s not an option either.” Pascal spoke quietly.
“What do you mean by that?” Vincent drew his brows together.
“I mean Vincent, you are so certain that these things would not be what Catherine wants but have you asked her? Perhaps she would like to get away from it all. Its a rat race up there Vincent.”
Vincent was shaking his head. “No I haven’t asked her, and I’m not going to do. Catherine has a life. I have no such life. Simply I have nothing to offer her, and would be asking too much to expect her to throw away everything she has, everything she is yet to be, to live down here with me.”
Pascal shook his head, “I think you are wrong. Now I for one wouldn’t be prised out of this world, I think its wonderful down here, peace, quiet, tranquillity, good friends, unity, family, love, shelter, good food, plenty of work, its a great place to live, and maybe Catherine does have a great life Above with all of those same things up there, but some of them will be lacking...and its those things that are, that make the rest have any appeal at all.”
Vincent pondered his words, nodding gently, it was true up Above Catherine had a good many of those things, yet the things she didn’t have Above were available to her Below, and these things were the most important in life. Love, friends, family, unity.
How many times had he heard Catherine beg, ‘Vincent let me live in your world, it has everything I need there, love, unity, a family....’ he could see her now, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she had added, ‘you of course are a bonus’. Vincent couldn’t help a bubble of laughter rise up and escape him, as Pascal smiled broadly.
“Obviously that’s made you think.” he told his friend, “Am I right, or am I right?”
Vincent grinned, “Yes Catherine has expressed a desire to live Below with us.”
“Well, what did I tell you. Look Vincent, give the girl a chance. Give yourselves a chance. And if its privacy you are concerned with, well you could always cover the entrance to this chamber.”
Vincent gasped, “but that would mean...”
“Yes Vincent, it would mean that you had made a declaration, a statement to all who live here, that you and Catherine are a couple...but pardon me for stating the obvious Vincent”, Pascal pursed his lips together, “But I think we are all well aware of that already.”
Vincent couldn’t stop himself from laughing, “Yes but covering my chamber, well that really gives an impression doesn’t it. I mean it...well... it says something.”
“It certainly does Vincent...but what choice do you have. And what’s a minor embarrassment against all the benefits?”
Vincent blushed, stammering, “I don’t know Pascal...its a big step...and its not as if its necessary...yet.”
“Huh, the sixty four thousand dollar question then...so you said it yourself...yet. I take it that means its in the air then?” Pascal asked, laughing softly.
Vincent felt another blush rising, he really didn’t want to answer that question.
Pascal sensed his unease, “Sorry Vincent, I shouldn’t have asked, its none of my business, in fact none of this is, but Vincent I really feel that you are going about this the wrong way. Life can be so much easier than you make it you know, and you might find it brings some nice little surprises you had never dreamed of along the way.”
“Sometimes Pascal...” Vincent began, grappling with his words, “I have the most wonderful dreams about Catherine and myself. I imagine that she is living here with me, that we can marry and have a family of our own, and I can forget what I am in those dreams, until I am brought back to reality, and the pain of it all is so unbearable because I have to face the fact that for me, none of it can ever be.”
Pascal shook his head, “You’re wrong Vincent.”
“No.”
“Yes you are. You are only one half of the fantasy Vincent, a fantasy that warms us all, and not one of us would give up a chance of stepping into it with you. Especially Catherine. Reality is what you make it Vincent, but fantasy well that’s something else. Its the stuff that dreams are made of, and its all yours. All you have to do Vincent is reach out for it, reach out to make this fantasy have a very happy ending, for us all, but especially for yourself and Catherine. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were the only one of your kind in the entire world Vincent, and you are loved by so many, Catherine must feel really privileged to have the love you give her, I know if I were a woman, I would do.”
Vincent gaped open mouthed at him, and Pascal went on, “You talk about Catherine having the chance to meet a real man, a man out of reality, but Vincent, in you, she has found a fairy tale come true, how many women can boast to having found that? How many women would jump at the chance of stepping out of reality, with its cold harshness to step into fantasy with someone as wonderful as you. Don’t throw the chance away Vincent. See it through Catherine’s eyes, she’s found gold, refined gold, please Vincent, don’t offer her the sparkle without offering her the treasure as well.”
Vincent gasped, and smiled broadly, “Where did all that come from?”
he asked his friend, amazed at his words. Pascal laughed, “I read it somewhere and applied it, good wasn’t it, even I was surprised at how well it came out.” he laughed, then grew serious, “But the application won’t be wasted Vincent if you use it. There was a lot of logic in those words.”
Vincent nodded. “It seems that no-one ever fails to paint me in glowing colours, I only wish I could look upon myself in quite the same way.”
“Stop putting yourself down Vincent. See yourself as unique. There is not another in the world like you, you are perfect, and I know this world of ours would be a pretty dismal place without you. Catherine is one lucky woman. And Vincent she is offering everything to you. Take it. Take it Vincent and be happy.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Thank goodness for that.” Pascal rose to his feet, “I’d like to stay, but one, I have work to do, and two, you need some rest, whether you know it or not, especially if you are scaling a tower block later on today. Do think over everything we have said Vincent please. When all is said and done, you have so much to gain, don’t throw it all away Vincent, please, I beg of you.” Pascal shook his head sadly, “And don’t waste any more time day dreaming Vincent, start making the dreams you’ve already had come true.”
Vincent looked up sharply, “You mean..?” he was unable to voice the words.
Pascal nodded, “Yes Vincent, ask Catherine to marry you. I’m certain she’ll say yes. And then deepening your relationship will come naturally, and without the embarrassment.”
Vincent groaned,” “If only.” he whispered.
“All you need to do is ask. Just ask her Vincent, just ask her.”
Vincent shook his head, if only it were that easy.

*** *** ***


Laying upon his bed much later, Pascal’s words went around and around, ‘ask her Vincent, just ask her’, was it possible, did he have that right? Would Catherine readily agree to marry him as Pascal insisted that she would?
And what would life be like within marriage? Was he ready to face it? It wasn’t something he had ever really, seriously contemplated before. Such dreams into reality were not for him.
But then?
He knew Catherine. In fact he probably knew her better than she knew herself. And if he was perfectly honest with himself, Pascal was right, Catherine would marry him. So then what was the problem? Vincent shuddered. It was obvious. Making love with Catherine brought forth a fear that knotted his stomach, and something deeper, an intense fear that such an intimacy would bring forth the dark one. And the dark one was savage and could kill Catherine.
Vincent could not undertake such a risk.
Once, he would have convinced himself that Catherine would be better off without him.
That she should find a man from her own world to love. Now he knew he could never live with that.
He would rather die now than lose her to another man.
The memories of the kisses they had shared would be the death of him, to think of her sharing those kisses with someone other than himself. Yet he knew Catherine needed more.
Kisses to Catherine were a natural progression into something deeper, and he could not deny, even to himself, the stimulation such kisses brought to his own body. The desire for Catherine was growing out of his love for her, his need to make her his, but could he in all honesty ever reach that stage?
And where would it lead them if they did?
Vincent groaned....as another possibility reared its ugly head. What if Catherine were to find that she was carrying his child? Could he cope with that?
Could she?
Would she?
What if she were to abort that child?
What would that say about her love for him, for her insistence that he was a man not a beast?
And what would it do to him, to know that she was not prepared to give birth to his child, in case it resembled him?
Vincent’s thoughts run riot through his mind. And no matter how tired he was he just could not sleep.
These were real problems, and Vincent didn’t think he had ever had to undertake any like it in his life before. For now he was caught in the middle. No longer could he insist that Catherine make a life for herself without him, for now he needed her badly, and neither could he open the way forward for her, because his own fears rooted him to the present and he could not visualise a future without them taking root.
Rising from the bed, Vincent began to pace his chamber, his mind a whirl, his body heated with desire.
In a few more hours he would go to her, he had to do, he simply could not be without her....yet marry her? Vincent shook his head....no, it just wasn’t possible, whatever Pascal had said.

*** *** ***


Catherine looked at her watch, just a little after two o’clock, and the pile of folders hadn’t appeared to have lessened any.
Rubbing her eyes, she was surprised when she heard Joe calling out to her, “You okay Radcliffe?”
She looked up into his kindly eyes, and smiled weakly, “I’ll survive Joe.” she told him as brightly as she could muster.
“You’ve tried to hide yawns behind a folder all day Cathy, you’re making me feel like a slave master. Are you bored or just plain tired?”
“Too many late nights Joe, nothing to do with the work.”
Joe left his desk and came across to sit on the side of her desk, fiddling with an elastic band, he seemed unsure of his next remark, but said it anyway, “Don’t get me wrong Cathy, but I’m certain that you push yourself too hard. Trying to put thirty six hours into a twenty four hour day. Its not possible Cathy, something has got to give. What say you take a few days off, get some rest, and come back here fighting fit?”
Catherine smiled, ‘a few days off...so appealing...but rest...definitely not. Still it would afford her more time with Vincent...and maybe...?’
Her smile deepened, “Okay Joe, you’ve got yourself a deal, and thanks, I’ll take a couple of days from tomorrow.”
Joe shook his head, reaching for the pen in her hand, taking it and laying it upon the desk, “No, you take it from now, and you take three days, that is I don’t want to see you back here until Friday, and I promise you won’t have to face this lot when you get back, I’ll get Sandy to shift them. Three and a half days off, one day at work and another two off for the weekend, that should I hope, sort you out. See what a nice guy I am?”
Catherine laughed, “I never doubted it Joe. But I can see this day out, I’m okay really.”
“Well I’m not, if I have to sit through another of your yawns I’ll fall asleep myself, now off you go and no arguing.” he laughed softly. Catherine drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, “Well as you insist.”
“I do.”
“Then I’d best get my coat.” Catherine pushed back her chair, picked up her bag, and reached for her orange duffel coat from off the coat stand. “See you Friday then Joe.” she told him as she headed for the door.
Joe put down the rubber band and stood up to return to his desk, “Yeah and see that you rest, don’t go running marathons or anything. Friday morning, bright and bushy tailed okay?”
Catherine laughed, “Yes Joe, bright and bushy tailed. Thanks Joe, I owe you one.”
“I’d like to hold you to that Radcliffe.”
Catherine laughed as she exited the office and made her way to the elevator, dear Joe, such a good man, so obviously attracted to her, a dear friend but never a lover. There was only one lover she had in mind, and perhaps these few days off?...If she went Below...spent some time with him, time that wasn’t broken by parting...by the dawn...Catherine hugged herself as a deep smile lit her eyes,...then... maybe... just maybe?

*** *** ***


On her way home Catherine was deep in thought. The urge to go home, change and hurry Below was strong, but Catherine made herself think of others. No doubt Vincent would be resting, or he would be busy and really she owed it to herself to get some rest too. Perhaps if she went home, showered, and went to bed, she would be in a finer state come evening to go Below and stay for a few days.
Decided at last, she felt happier, and opening her bag withdrew some paper and a pen, to send Vincent a note to meet her, not on her balcony as arranged, but at the threshold at seven instead, adding that she had a few days off from work and could she stay Below until Thursday. Then she passed the note on to a helper and asked for it to be delivered to Vincent as soon as possible.
That done she continued her journey home in a very happy frame of mind.
,br>
*** *** ***


“A message for you Vincent”, Father hobbled into his son’s chamber, finding him much the same as Pascal had hours before, “Is something wrong?”
Vincent looked up, his eyes mirrored a great sadness, and Father was concerned, “Care to tell me about it Vincent. You know a problem shared and all that..?”
“Yes Father I do need to speak with someone, have you the time?”
“I’ll make time. Should we stay here, or go to my chamber?”
“Here’s fine, you can have my chair, I’ll sit on the bed.” Father frowned, Vincent’s tone was expressionless, almost as if it were an effort to speak.
“Have you had any sleep Vincent?”
“No.”
“Then you should.”
“I know, but I cannot sleep with this problem in my head. It keeps going around and around, and I don’t know the way out.”
“Does Catherine figure in this problem?”
“Yes,” Vincent managed a half smile, “She is the problem.”
“Arh, it’s going to be one of those talks is it?”
“How well you know me Father.”
Father watched his son carefully, it was unusual for Vincent to be unable to voice his problems, obviously this one was of a very delicate matter.
Father decided to help him out a little. He hadn’t been blind these past few months, he had noticed that the relationship between these two dear people was getting serious. Once he would have had grave reservations about that, but Catherine had more than proved her worth in his eyes, he knew she would never hurt Vincent, and he had begun to hope that they could resolve their differences and step forth into a future together.
Vincent might never get another chance to have the things that every man had the right to have, without Catherine.
“I take it you have both reached the stage where you want something other than friendship from each other?” he asked his son now.
Vincent looked up, and regarded his father closely, “Sometimes Father I wonder if you can see right inside a person’s head.”
“It isn’t that hard Vincent, some times body language provides all the right clues. I have noticed the way the two of you are around each other of late, and seen the kissing. That is something new is it not?”
A short sharp laugh was exhaled from Vincent, as he looked down again into his lap, “Yes Father, and since it began, it has opened up a whole new world for me with...” Vincent hesitated, and Father had to prompt him, “Yes Vincent with what?”
Vincent sighed, “with other desires Father, but look at me,” he rose from the bed to stand above his father as if to make a point, “how could Catherine ever consider such a union....with me?”
“I think you should stop guessing as to what Catherine wants Vincent and concentrate on yourself. Could you ever consider taking the relationship further yourself? Do you want to do this?"
Vincent groaned, “To my shame yes I do. Just lately I don’t seem to have the control I once had when around Catherine. I want her Father, not just to be with her, but to be a part of her... intimately.” he whispered the last, his words trailing away, as shamefully he hid his face beneath his great mane of hair.
“Vincent”, Father spoke tenderly, “These are normal feelings, don’t be ashamed by them. You and Catherine have deepened your relationship over three years, some people don’t even wait three weeks, I don’t think you have any need to worry about your desires Vincent. Catherine is a very special person, and I am certain that she would love to enter into a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with you.”
“Do you really believe so Father?” Vincent lifted his head, a sparkle of hope shone in his deep blue eyes.
“Yes I do. But before we go any further...” he picked up the note which lay in his lap, “I understand this message is from Catherine herself, perhaps you would like to read it now.” he offered the folded paper across the space to his son, and slowly Vincent got up to take it from him.
Fingering the neatly folded piece of paper, Vincent lifted it to his nose, and drank in Catherine’s scent under Father’s scrutiny. A warmth passed through the old man, arh yes, he could remember doing exactly the same whenever Margaret had written to him. True love... perfect bliss.
Unfolding the note, Vincent scanned the contents, and then read them through again. Father watched his expressions, first one of surprise, then one of joy, quickly followed by one of doubt.
“What is it Vincent, what does she say...sorry I shouldn’t have asked, its none of my business.” Father told him.
Vincent didn’t seem to mind, and told his father, “She has some days off work, she doesn’t say why...the last time Joe gave her time off, it was in preparation for a case that was to take her away from New York, and we couldn’t see one another for two weeks...I don’t think I could bear that Father, not now...not feeling as I do.”
Father ignored some of Vincent’s remark, it was all circumstantial anyway, “What else does she say?”
“She wants to come Below until Thursday, and asks that I meet her at the threshold tonight.”
Father watched his son carefully, as both spoke the same words together, “Is that all right with you?”
They laughed, “Great minds think alike, eh Vincent, of course its fine by me, but what of you, do you think you could cope?”
“I don’t know.”
“Look Vincent, you want my advice then I’ll give it. Obviously you and Catherine need to talk and frankly too. You mustn’t leave anything out, and if you need a mediator, I’ll be only too happy to oblige, but you must get this problem out in the open, and you have to do it soon. For whatever reason Catherine has these few days leave from work is immaterial, for it has provided you both with a given opportunity to have the time to resolve the problem.”
“I don’t think so Father.”
“Why ever not?”
“Above with Catherine in her apartment, we have privacy but there is never enough time. Before we know it the winds of dawn are blowing away the night, and I have to leave, and down here, well I have no need to be afraid of the day or night, but alas...”
“There is no privacy?” Father finished for him understanding the way his words were heading.
“No.”
“You could cover your chamber entrance Vincent.”
“Yes I know, but that would be saying something.”
“Yes it would be saying, clear off I’m busy.” Father tried to stifle a laugh beneath his hand, but it erupted anyway, yet surprisingly, Vincent only grinned at him.
“What humour?” Father cried, “I was expecting an outburst, for my wit.”
Vincent shook his head, “Thank you Father. I can always count on you to put things into perspective. Seriously though we have Catherine’s reputation at stake here also. If I put up a screen over my chamber entrance, everyone will know that Catherine and I are or could be...” he gulped and went on as the unaccustomed word slipped off his tongue... “lovers, and how would Catherine feel about everyone knowing that?”
“Yes I see what you mean. Do you have any suggestions?” Father surveyed his son with humour.
“Do you?” Vincent returned the question, baiting Father at his own game.
“I asked first.” Father told him.
Vincent sighed, “Yes I have a suggestion, can I run it by you?”
“Of course.” Father rubbed his whiskered chin with one hand, his sapphire eyes bright with mischief.
“What if Catherine and I were to be married.” Vincent whispered, unable to meet Father’s steady gaze.
Father waited before answering, waited until the lapse of time forced Vincent to look up in expectation, “That’s better. Vincent you don’t have to be ashamed, why ever would you think that you have no right to voice that kind of question?”
“Because of what I am.” he mumbled, but kept Father’s gaze this time.
“Nonsense Vincent. And no doubt you carry the thought that the dark one would have his day should you allow passion to get the better of you eh?” Vincent nodded wordlessly, “Then don’t believe it Vincent. The love that you and Catherine share could never turn into something sordid, something abhorrent, once I might have let you convince me so, but not now. Hasn’t kissing Catherine told you that?”
Vincent nodded, slowly replying, “Before we kissed I knew it was something Catherine wanted but I could never bring myself to allow it. I always believed that such a step would bring forth the beast and he would become out of control, but Catherine made me believe that intimacy doesn’t always follow kissing, especially not first kisses, and I would have time, weeks even, to come to terms with one event before needing to embark upon another.”
Father nodded, he could just imagine Catherine putting this to his son. “And now you are ready to embark upon the other?”
“Yes Father.”
“And Catherine wants this?”
Vincent smiled, and Father laughed heartily by his answer, “Oh yes Father, Catherine has always wanted this.”
“I don’t know who I should feel the most afraid for here Vincent, you or Catherine.” he laughed some more, thankful when Vincent joined along with him.
“So...” Father began when the laughter subsided, “What are you going to do about Catherine staying Below for a few days, are you agreeable?”
“Yes Father of course.” Vincent told him, raising his eyes to the roof.
“And where is she to stay, should we make up the guest chamber or is she to stay in here with you?”
Vincent gasped, “Father!”
“Well what do you expect Vincent after such talk?” he laughed, “Just how desperate are you?”
Vincent blushed, “Father please!”
“All right Vincent don’t fret, I’ll have the guest chamber made up, but just in case I’ll have a screen on standby to be delivered to your chamber also, just in case you need it."
Vincent was shaking his head, “No Father, don’t do that. I wouldn’t be so presumptuous as to think that Catherine will stay with me in here, not yet. And you never answered the question about my marrying Catherine?”
“No I didn’t did I? Well, I think it would be a marvellous idea Vincent, I have begun to think upon Catherine as a daughter for some time, but as I mentioned earlier, all of this... this whole matter needs talking about frankly and openly between the two of you, and I think you would do well to go someplace other than here to do that. Why not take Catherine Below for a couple of days, have an adventure, explore some of the lower levels, take time out, be together, take some of the edge off your relationship, enjoy yourselves, and let everything come naturally, that’s my advice.”
Vincent nodded, “Thank you Father, I might just do that.”
“The pair of you could go swimming in the warm subterranean pools, I bet that is a pastime you have never shared, and it offers its own intimacies.”
Vincent nodded, swimming yes, that was a marvellous idea, and as Father implied, it could be just the opening they needed.

*** *** ***


To be continued in part two.br>
(*Kisses of Fire - By ABBA.)