It was almost as though she were going on her first date! Catherine was so nervous. And her bed was covered with every conceivable item of clothing she possessed. What was she to wear? Come to that where would Joe be taking her? Though they’d agreed on a drink, chances were they’d eat also, and the dress code for one didn’t automatically follow for the other. Catherine was frustrated and annoyed that she hadn’t been more specific with their plans. If only she knew what to wear!

She was perturbed therefore that just when she was mulling this dilemma over and reaching an answer the telephone rang, and snatching it up she only had time to mumble hello before Joe’s voice sounded at the other end. “Hi Cathy, its me Joe.” For a split second Catherine felt a mix of disappointment and jubilation believing he was ringing to cancel their date.

“Are you having trouble deciding what to wear like me? We never actually made definite plans of where to go did we? And I’ve sat here this past hour getting dressed, undressed and redressed wondering if you might come for a meal after that drink or not. I tell you now I am starving…so I thought hey why don’t I ring Cathy and make some definite plans so that’s why I’m calling.” After waffling through all that he felt a real dork.

Relieved, and chagrined that she was relieved, Catherine replied, “I’m glad you did. I have absolutely no idea what to wear. Now if you could tell me where we’d likely be going that would make my selection a whole lot easier.”

“Right then, well you know that new place over near the hospital? Thought we could go there, then when we’ve done you could visit your father, or before if you’d prefer?”

“I’ve been meaning to take a look in there for the last couple of weeks, as to my father I’ve visited him already.”

“Great that’s settled then, so a suit and gown it is then?”

Catherine chuckled, “Yes. Should I wear the suit?”

“Oh yes, pink is just my colour don’t you think?” Joe replied loving her humour no end.

Catherine laughed. They hung up still laughing and looking forward to meeting at seven o’clock.

Deep beneath the city Vincent sat by the great waterfall. He was both dismayed and concerned by Catherine’s feelings storming through him like a great torrent. If Devin were there to express an opinion he’d say that Catherine was on the rebound. Pretending to have fun to mask the deep hurt she really felt, but Vincent knew better.

Having been set free from her commitment to marriage she was following through on the path mapped out for her, but did it have to be so soon?

Not a day had passed before she had embarked upon the quest with another man. What did that say for their love and commitment to one another? What was she hoping to achieve, did she not remember that he would feel every nuance of her feelings for Joe Maxwell? Assuming it were Joe Maxwell, for Vincent had no way of knowing who Catherine was out having fun with that night. Not unless he followed them and he balked at that idea.

It grated on his nerves, nerves already fraught with such tension and he felt they might snap at any moment, especially if Catherine continued to show she was enjoying her evening out with another man. Vincent had felt in her that same joy, that same exquisite delight only recently when she had been with him, and he felt betrayed that she could feel it with another so soon.

Perhaps she’s trying to get it over and done with…a tiny voice reminded him…and Vincent hadn’t dismissed the possibility. But then did she have to enjoy herself so much as well?
Hurt, deep, deep hurt lanced through Vincent and it was all he could do to stop himself jumping into the icy depths beneath the waterfall and drowning his sorrows literally.
There was no one he could tell, not even Father, no one that would understand why he’d seen fit to send Catherine away. Why he even felt that destiny maps out certain paths that people had to follow or regret for all time, he didn’t know. What he did regret was bringing them to Catherine’s attention. She had been blissfully ignorant before. Maybe she would never have assumed that she shared anything other than friendship with Joe Maxwell. So then what had he done? Well whatever he’d done, there was no going back now.

Like a lamb to the slaughter Vincent had to know, and standing he brushed the dust from his belongings and left the vicinity of the waterfall. He would go above, follow Catherine’s heart, and see whom she was with. He told himself he had to know in case she wasn’t with Joe, but rather with some stranger whom she might need protection from. Come to that how well did either of them know this Joe Maxwell? Perhaps she would be grateful that her guardian angel was watching out for her, Vincent reasoned as he made his way up to the park, so that by the time he reached it he was thoroughly convinced he was doing the right thing.

Catherine’s protection was too important to ignore. Stealthily he made his way toward the hospital, where Catherine’s heart was showing him the way to go.

“The food was delicious.” Catherine remarked as she and Joe left the restaurant, “I must take daddy there when he’s well enough to leave the hospital, he’ll love it!”

“It certainly was. Those king prawns were scrumptious, haven’t tasted king prawns like that in a long time.”

“Which was when?”

“I’m Italian. At least my parents were or should I say are, shouldn’t wish them away just yet, comes soon enough as it is. Anyway enough of that, like I was saying they’re Italian and we spent quite a few vacations visiting the old folks. Out there king prawns in fact all seafood is delicious. So to answer your question, the last time I tasted anything the like, was about four, five years ago. I’m long overdue for a visit as it happens. My parents go regularly but I just haven’t had the time. Though I admit having someone to go with would make all the difference.” He stopped turned and looked at her, “Say, maybe you’d come?” He asked hopefully.

“To Italy!”

“Why not? You’d love it there.”

“I do love it there, years since I’ve been, but I have fond memories still.”

“Oh.” Joe replied sadly.

“What’s wrong? What did I say?”

“Nothing. Well…its your memories…I suppose they were of your mother…you wouldn’t want to dredge those kind up again by revisiting a place you made them, right?”

“On the contrary, no. Well yes, but no I didn’t go to Italy with my mother. I went with the school. It was a school vacation, we had such fun!”

“Then you’d go again?”

“Love to.”

“Great!”

“Oh but…I didn’t mean…oh what the heck…yes I’d love to go again…when?”

Vincent had arrived shortly before this conversation had started and his heart plummeted as he heard Catherine agree to go to another country with Joe Maxwell. To go somewhere where he would not be able to follow, where only Catherine’s heart were able to tell him how she felt. Vincent didn’t think he could bear it.

Neither could he bear hearing them make their plans, but he was unable to tear himself away.

“Will Charles be convalescing, when he gets out of hospital? I was just thinking, you couldn’t possibly go while he’s in hospital or when he’s home recovering, so we need to plan our trip for after that. When he’s truly well and back at work.”

“My thoughts exactly. Well its April now, so what do you reckon, June, July?”

“July would be great, nice and hot there then. We could picnic on the beach every day. Believe me Cathy, when my folks throw a picnic on the beach it’s a picnic to remember. Everyone comes, the whole darn village. There’s music and merriment, you’ll love it!”

“Okay then,” Catherine replied caught up in the arrangements, “July it is, pending my father’s recovery on time.”

It was only later when Catherine was back home and going over the evening’s events that she realised what she’d done. She had just extended her relationship with Joe three months in advance. How could she have been so stupid?

Catherine was even more stupid three days later, after spending the day out with Joe at the zoo and theme park having the best time she’d had in a long while. Then after visiting her father, came home and while getting ready for bed listened to the messages left on her telephone.

“Cathy, hi baby, it’s Debs, you know cousin Deborah. Just ringing with commiserations. Should have been your big day today, I know I wasn’t coming, but all the same, just wanted to know I feel for you honey, ok? Don’t go doing anything silly. If the pig won’t marry you, there’s always another that will. Plenty more pigs in the sea…that’s what I always say. Anyway, you know my number if you want to do a little ear bending, cry on my shoulder that sort of thing…I’m here for you, okay honey…byeeeeeeeeeee.”

Ping!

“Hi Cathy honey, its me dad, just wanted to see how you were feeling. If you don’t feel up to visiting tonight, don’t worry I understand…just relax, have a good cry if you must, see you tomorrow okay? Bye honey.”

Ping!

“Cathy? You there? Pick up Cathy! (Pause) Can’t be in…guess you’re out after all. Well look when you get back and hear this message ring me okay, better still come over and we’ll have a girly night in. Peanuts, munchies, a movie…what you say? We can even play blind man’s bluff and pin the tail on the lion…or wherever else you choose to stick it…okay? Good. Oh its, Jen by the way, as if you didn’t know that. Bye Cathy. Take care huh?”

Ping!

Catherine reached for the machine and switched it off before another message reminded her of what she had totally forgotten. This day, the one she had sat through on swings and roundabouts, licking ice cream cones and laughing with Joe, should have been her wedding day and she had completely forgotten! How sick was that?

Her father hadn’t even mentioned it when she had visited with him. Sure he seemed delighted to see her, and his remark on her arrival, ‘so you came after all’ made sense to her now. He’d expected that she’d be too upset to show her face to the world this day. And what had she done? Breezed in there full of the joys of spring still bubbling over with the fun she’d had that day, but careful not to tell him in case he asked whom she’d gone with.

He must have thought she was either potty or was covering her feelings remarkably well.

With her hand on her night robe Catherine eyed her jacket. “I ought to go see Vincent. He must be feeling horrible. He wouldn’t have forgotten what today was meant to be. He wouldn’t have let something else blind him to the day. I bet the tunnel dwellers are feeling awful too, I ought to visit, show them that I care. But then would I be welcome? What has Vincent told them? Has he told them anything? What could I tell them that would make any sense? Best I keep away. Besides Vincent said that I should. He didn’t want to see me while I dated another man. He’ll know I am, little chance he won’t. Oh my God what a stupid, stupid woman I am! Fancy forgetting my own wedding day!”

Thus Catherine lamented for the rest of the evening, until she fell into a fitful sleep and awoke feeling awful.

More awful than she’d felt in years, not only that but she felt she’d betrayed Vincent and all they held dear, and for what? The sight of a few idiot monkeys and a couple of rides on a roller coaster?

Well who was the idiot now?

And so the trend continued. As much as Catherine berated herself on her relationship with Joe, as long as she kept seeing him she began to have feelings for him, feelings hard to ignore, still she forced them low and deep in the back of her mind. They were friends nothing else, and as soon as the friendship drew to its conclusion she would end it and go back to Vincent.

“Keep telling yourself that Cathy and you’ll believe it.”

“Talking to yourself are we? First sign of madness you know.” Catherine hadn’t heard the door open and swung around to the sound of her father’s voice.

“Daddy! What are you doing here?” She ran into his open arms.

“Surprised you huh? Good. Hoped I might. Doctor discharged me this morning.”

“The doctor?” Catherine asked suspiciously.

“Yes, the doctor. Not me, but the doctor, God’s truth. He said there was no more they could do for me…then before I had a heart attack, he winked and added quickly, that the last test results had turned up trumps and I was declared fighting fit enough to leave the hospital and return home. Course I have to go back for check ups, but Lord Cathy its great to be home.” With that he settled into the cosiest armchair in the room. His armchair, the one he’d missed and dreamed about for weeks. “Oh how I’ve longed for this.” He told her snuggling into the soft white leather.

“Well its wonderful to have you home daddy. Can I get you anything, tea, coffee, a sandwich?”

“No I ate on my way home, say have you tried that new restaurant opposite the hospital, its wonderful!”

Catherine told him she had and how she had planned to take him there on his first day out of hospital.

“Well I beat you to it. The scents wafting from there as I left the hospital were too enticing to ignore. I bet the patients on that side of the building hate it, smelling something so delectable and being faced with the muck the hospital serves instead. Good job I was in a private wing on the other side of the place, or I’d have smelt it too.”

Catherine laughed, “Its good to have you home dad. And so soon too, its still only May, I never expected you’d be out till near the end of June.”

“Can’t say I’m not relieved, honey. After Joe left and no one else joined me, I was going stir crazy in there by myself I can tell you.”

“That’s something I’ve been meaning to ask, daddy, what was Joe doing sharing your private room in the first place?” It had been a question she’d wanted to ask Joe but hadn’t dared.

“Oh, he and I used to chat in the day room, and since there was space for another bed in my room I asked if he could be moved in with me. We really got on well honey. I am eager to invite him over if that’s okay with you. I’ve missed our chats.”

“Why shouldn’t it be alright with me?”

“Well you seemed, I don’t know, antagonistic toward him on the few occasions you were in his company. That saddened me I confess, but I put it down to your problems with Vincent at the time. I’m sure if you got to know Joe, your attitude would change. He’s such a nice fellow and so trustworthy.”

“I know he is daddy.” Catherine’s eyes were brimming with delight.

“You know? How so?”

“Daddy, I have something to tell you. Joe and I have been dating regularly for weeks.”

“Really?” To say Charles was stunned was an understatement. “But what about Vincent?”

“Oh that’s ok…you see…” and she went on to tell him everything. When she was done Charles looked grave and unhappy, “So let me get this right, just because Vincent felt that Joe was woven into your destiny, you should date him, get him out of the picture and return to Vincent?”

Glumly, Catherine nodded. The way he said it made it sound awful.

“And is Joe aware of this?”

“Of course not!”

“Then don’t you think he should be? If you get along that well, I’m certain Joe will start having feelings for you, if he hasn’t already. And you plan going to Italy with him?”

“Yes but that was planned weeks ago.”

“All the same, he’s looking forward to it I’m sure. Romantic place Italy, all kinds of things can happen there. And what will his folks make of it? More to the point where will you be sleeping? I doubt his folks have more than one spare bedroom, or are you sleeping with him already? No don’t answer that, I apologise, it’s none of my business.”

“No it isn’t.” Catherine blushed hotly there were some things one did not tell one’s parents. “But all the same I can see your point. I never thought of that. I should ask Joe before we set off. I wouldn’t like for him to presume too much.”

“That’s my girl. And while you’re at it, fill him in ok? Let him know that Vincent is precognitive and tell him your relationship with him is only temporary.”

“I can’t do that!”

“You’ll have to. If its true.”

“No, daddy I can’t, it’ll break his heart.”

“Then how do you suppose to undertake it? Eventually you have to break his heart anyway.”

“No, the relationship will run its course. And then it’ll fizzle away and I can return to Vincent.”

“That is if you still love him.” Charles knew his daughter and he knew that right now this return to Vincent business was mere words.

“Of course I still love him! I will never stop loving Vincent!”

“Mm.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Out of sight out of mind, Cathy.”

“And absence makes the heart grow fonder don’t forget that one, daddy. Besides Vincent isn’t out of mind, not a day goes by when I don’t think about him. I miss him like crazy, but he doesn’t want to see me while I’m dating another man.”

“So you told me, but things spoken in haste are very often regretted at leisure. Could be Vincent would love to see you. Besides I think enough time has lapsed that you couldn’t go visit and chat about this like responsible adults. It’ll keep the flame burning if nothing else. And despite what you’ve been telling me about how you’ve been having this wonderful time, you don’t look wonderful. In fact I think the hospital staff should have been saying, roll over Charles, your daughter is getting in.”

“I don’t look that bad! A few rings around my eyes sure, but that’s from the late nights I‘ve been having, oh and something I ate last night must have upset my stomach, I’ve been feeling a little queasy this morning. Maybe its that.”

“You sure you’re not pregnant, young lady?”

“Daddy!”

“Well I have a right to ask. You’ve been seeing a lot of Joe, so you can expect I will jump to conclusions.”

“Well I haven’t slept with Joe, so you can forget that idea!”

“Then its Vincent’s.”

“Rubbish! Daddy I’m not pregnant, stop insinuating I could be. I just ate something I ought not, that’s all. I’ll be right as rain by tomorrow you’ll see.”

“Well I still think you should go see Vincent, pregnant or not. He deserves a visit.”

“He knows where to find me.”

“Oooh what’s this I hear? A grudge?”

“Nooooo!” Catherine wailed. “Just how it is. He made the rules, so he can break them. If I go down there and he shows me the door, how do you think that will make me feel?”

“I doubt he will do that. But as you insist, you know best. Now when is Joe coming over, I can’t wait to see him. I have something I wish to discuss with him.”

“Daddyyyy? I know that look. What are you scheming now?”

“He’s qualified Cathy, he’d do great in my company. I’m thinking of asking him to work for me. And…if…it should turn out that you and he…well you know…then as my son in law…he can eventually take the place over when I retire.”

Catherine almost choked on her spittle, “Your son in law! Have you gone stark raving mad! I’m not marrying Joe, no way!”

Charles smiled. He too had dreams. “We’ll see.” He told her with a twinkle in his eye.

“We’ll see nothing!” Catherine grumbled. “I’m going back to Vincent. Daddy have you forgotten everything I’ve told you, about our soul mates and the tin your grandmother gave you, and all that?”

“Not at all, but I didn’t envisage to find you dating another fellow so soon after your break with Vincent. Which I might add I’d been informed was only temporary. So what else is a fellow to think?”

“It is only temporary, and while it is I’m only doing what Vincent expects of me.”

“Oh, like you’re not enjoying it.” Charles said wryly.

“I didn’t say I wasn’t. Joe’s good company…” before she could continue Charles butted in, “Joe’s good looking, witty, charming, takes you to all the right places, and above all lady he can be seen above ground in the daylight!”

“That was below the belt daddy. I thought you liked Vincent?”

“Of course I do, but you have to admit marrying him comes with a whole bag load of problems. Take your aunt Abigail and cousin Deborah for example, they begged and begged for a wedding invitation. I had to lie and say there weren’t enough spaces and there was no standing room at the back of the registry office. Then they wanted to wait outside, return to the house…you know how it went, it was awful fobbing them off all the time, not just them but all of our relatives that know nothing of Vincent’s differences. I know there’s the destiny thing Cathy, but a little normality goes a long way at times.”

Catherine stood facing her father, uncertain of how to reply, not knowing if whatever she said would do any good. She could see the rest of the day stretching into oblivion with the two of them banging their heads against a wall in frustration. Obviously her father had to get back into the swing of things, and not picture Joe as a knight in shining armour so much. That would only happen when they’d spent more time together, letting her father see Joe’s flaws, if he had any flaws and skeletons in the cupboard that was. So far she’d not seen any. The guy was practically squeaky clean. But then so was Vincent.

“Well if there’s nothing I can get you daddy, I have things to do upstairs. Will you be okay by yourself?”

“Of course.” Charles had rested his head back against the sofa and closed his eyes. Catherine could tell he was more tired than he was letting on. “How did you get back daddy?”

“What?” He didn’t even open his eyes to question.

“Here. How did you get here? By taxi?”

“No, by train.”

“By train!”

“There were no taxi’s and the train came sooner, I caught that. Had to make a few changes, but got here eventually.”

“No wonder you are so tired, straight out of a hospital bed and going on trains. You should have called me!”

“Then that would have spoilt the surprise. It’s no big deal Cathy. I’m home now and can rest all I like. Besides took me back taking the train. Reminded me why I never take it anymore.” He chuckled, “If I was born to be a sardine it wouldn’t have been so bad.”

Catherine laughed out loud, “Well it’s good to have you home. Now you rest and I’ll go buy something for dinner.”

“No need…when I found out how wonderful that restaurant was I made a reservation tonight for three.”

“For three?”

Grinning wryly but still with his eyes closed Charles nodded, “I took a chance that you’d agree to have dinner with Joe and I tonight, then left a message on his answer machine. We eat at seven.”

Catherine shook her head at him then bent to kiss his cheek, “Welcome home daddy.” She told him, “If you need anything, just shout, I’ll be in my room.”

Below the city streets life was sombre. It was as if the light had gone out of all their lives. Father noticed it, and Vincent he noticed it more acutely, and not a day went by when he didn’t rue the fact that he had caused the mood that shrouded everyone below. Father knew now, they all did, and while many could understand why he had done what he’d done, few felt he’d done the right thing. Father reminded him how with Catherine living in the tunnels, she would have seldom seen Joe. Even had she visited her father and Joe been there, the meeting would have been so brief that it was unlikely anything would have developed. It was even possible that in Catherine’s eyes there was no one for her but Vincent, no matter how handsome Joe had been or how much he liked her.

Still what was done was done, and Vincent was reluctant to give his father updates even though he was grieved by the length of time Catherine continued to see Joe. He hadn’t envisaged that she would follow through on the relationship quite so long, and he missed her dreadfully. The months had passed since he’d seen them together outside the hospital restaurant, being unable to do that again. July was almost upon them, and that would mean Catherine would be flying to Italy with Joe. Vincent knew he had to see her before then.

He made plans to visit her that evening. The idea both terrified and delighted him, and when he arrived on her balcony he kept to the shadows. Catherine was in the lounge and heading for the door. Since she wore no shoes, Vincent could only assume one thing. She was going to open it to let someone in. When the door opened Vincent saw that someone was Joe Maxwell, and though he berated himself for doing so, Vincent chose to deliberately eavesdrop on the conversation between Catherine and Joe.

“Cathy, I came as soon as I could. Was the news not good?” Vincent reeled to see Joe kiss Catherine, like he’d done it a million times before.

“No, Joe. It wasn’t good. Sit down.”

Joe moved across to the nearest chair and sat awkwardly, his gaze never leaving Catherine’s, “Is it as we supposed?”

“You and my father? Yes.” Catherine drew in a deep breath and sighed heavily as she lowered herself into a chair opposite, “Yes Joe, I’m pregnant.”

Hand on his heart Vincent recoiled and had to grab at the balustrade for support. His heart thumped heavily and he found breathing difficult.

“Oh honey I’m so sorry, what will you do?”

“You got that wrong Joe. Its not what I will do, its what you will do. How do you feel about this? And just when we were going to Italy too. I suppose that’s off now.”

“Cathy…”Joe stood crossed the room and bent down at her side. “Honey…” he took up her hand and tenderly kissed it, “I love you Cathy, and no matter what I intend to be there for you, so long as you’ll have me?”

“What are you saying Joe! You need time to think about something like this!”

“No I don’t. It was me that suggested you go see your doctor remember? It was your father that first speculated on the problem. I’ve had days to ponder the possibility of you being pregnant, and that’s given me all the time I’ve needed to know what to do. Cathy…will you marry me?”

“Oh God,” Catherine covered her face with her hands then lowered them to tell him sincerely, “I can’t Joe!” She wailed, “I still love Vincent, it wouldn’t be right to marry you.”

What minor jubilation her words gave Vincent, were soon marred by Joe’s reply, “But honey he didn’t want you, and you have to move on. And I’d take care of you Cathy, you and this baby. I love you so much. Look we’ll go to Italy, assuming you can fly while pregnant, have to check on that, and you can meet my folks, see what a wonderful bunch of people we are, and then give me your answer. I beg you to consider it Cathy, even if you don’t love me yet, we get along so well and I’m sure you’ll come to love me in time.”

“I don’t know.” Catherine faltered, “I need to see Vincent.”

“No you don’t! Where has he been these last few months? Has he been to visit you? No, so what does that tell you? He doesn’t care anymore Cathy, and the sooner you wake up to that fact and move on the better!”

“He does care! He loves me! Joe, there are things you don’t know…”

“Then tell me, help me to understand why a guy that’s turned you away deserves any of your heart?”

“Vincent is precognitive…” Catherine began and then launched into an explanation leaving out the bit about soul mates. Joe listened and Catherine watched his face for signs of understanding. Instead it seemed that with each word she spoke he was becoming more and more delighted until when she’d finished he cried; “So Vincent saw us together? And what does that tell you, Cathy? It’s not you and he that should be together, its you and I! Come on Cathy, its as plain as the nose on your face!”

“No, no it isn’t…” Catherine bit her lip and then started telling him about the soul mates hoping that would make him understand. However Joe was doubtful, “Never heard anything like that before. And if your father hadn’t of started that ball rolling I’d be inclined to think it were something Vincent had made up to make you stay with him. Only now that doesn’t ring true cause he finished with you. Look Cathy, you think about it okay? My proposal and my offer to take care of you and the baby for all your life. I do sincerely love you, and I’m sure we could make it work…”

Vincent heard no more, he’d heard enough, and swept from the terrace up onto the roof and away into the night. Had he of stayed another second everything would have become crystal clear.

“…even though the baby isn’t mine, even though its Vincent’s, I would gladly give it my name. So think about it Cathy and let me know, huh? You know where to find me. Call me when you’ve decided what you want to do.” Joe kissed her goodbye and left the apartment. But Catherine never even heard him go, her mind was in too much of a whirl.

To be continued in Chapter Three