Authors note: From here on out, my chapters are going to be ultra-long, 4,000 words a chapter at least. Sorry if this is any inconvenience to anyone but I'm a type-aholic. Remember, I don't own anyone in this chapter (except for the cabbie, lol!) and I don't own anyone in this whole story, unless otherwise noted. All characters belong to Ron Koslow and CBS, respectfully. Thank you for all the reviews – they are very encouraging and helpful!

Chapter 6

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Dr. Peter checked with Catherine.

Tearfully, but surely, Catherine nodded. "I-I think I'll be all right. This is something I need to do alone."

"You won't be alone for long." Dr. Peter reminded her. "After Vincent and Father hear the whole story, you'll never feel alone again. They'll take care of you, I'm sure."

"Yes, well, thanks for everything." Catherine said, giving Dr. Peter a big hug.

"Catherine, you know I'm ready to help, no matter what, right?"

Catherine nodded. "I do now."

He gave her a reassuring kiss on the forehead. "You remember that then." he tapped Catherine's chin up. "hey, come on, it won't be that bad. Jacob Wells and Vincent, they're good men. Don't worry about anything, all right?"

Again, Catherine nodded. "It's funny, you know?" she said. "I'm afraid to tell them, but I'm not sure why. I know they wouldn't turn me out in the streets or anything and-and that they'd believe my story, its just that, well, I'm afraid for Vincent, I guess. Afraid of what he'll think, afraid of what he'll do to himself, to others."

"Vincent has a good head on his shoulders." Dr. Peter reminded Catherine. "Sometimes he does irrational things, or takes his anger out the wrong way, but he always comes around, just like every one of us, doesn't he?"

"He does." Catherine agreed, taking a shaky breath. "Well, goodbye."

"For now." Dr. Peter finished. "Goodbye for now."

Catherine turned and got into the cab, which drove away as soon as she had her seat, and then she buried her head in her hands, nervously rehearsing what she had planned to tell Vincent, but for some reason, she couldn't concentrate – her mind kept drifting back to the small, but alive being in her womb – her child. Her child, as well as Vincent's.

How will Father take it? Catherine thought nervously. Will he be mad at me, for doing it even though I knew we shouldn't? Will he be mad at himself for not foreseeing it? Will he be mad at Vincent for doing it in the first place? Please be mad at me, Father – don't blame Vincent! Blame his alter-ego, but not him! Please!

Dr. Peter had offered to go down to the Tunnels with her, to help explain, but Catherine politely declined. This was something she needed to tell Vincent, without any help.

"Where to, lady?" the cabbie asked her, spitting out the window. The cab smelled of tobacco and cigarette smoke, but Catherine barely noticed.

Catherine gave the man her address, so within minutes, she was home, the New York City traffic being unusually light.

Everything is unusual today, Catherine thought. For once, I'd like my life to be somewhat normal. Then again, if my life was normal, as in 'typical', I'd probably have been pregnant at seventeen. All right, I wish my life was almost typical.

Immediately she went to the basement of the apartment and climbed down a ladder, leading towards to the Tunnels. She had been down there so many times that she knew exactly where to go to find the main area of the Tunnels, where most all the Tunnel people lived.

Okay, I'll start off, 'Vincent, may I speak to you alone, please?' And he'll say, 'sure – here's a good place to talk'. And then we'll go to the place and I'll say, 'Vincent, there is something I'd like to speak to you about – you realize that when you 'go mad', you aren't yourself, right?' Catherine kept planning just to keep herself sane as she walked along the familiar paths, finally winding up outside Vincent's chamber.

Taking a deep breath, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach, she knocked of the rock of the wall next to the entrance of Vincent's.

"Vincent," she called through the curtained doorway. "Vincent, its Catherine – can I come in?"

"He's in Father's chamber." a child told her as he dashed by.

"T-Thank you!" Catherine called back. Great, exactly what I need. Now I'll have to pull him away from Father.

She went over to Father's chamber, the curtain of the door pulled aside, so she just stepped in. "Uh, Vincent? May I-May I talk to you for a moment?"

Vincent turned around from his chair facing Father to face her. "Catherine," he said with surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I-Is there a problem with me being here?" she asked uncertainly.

"no, no." Vincent said, standing up and motioning for her to come in. "Come in, come in."

Catherine took a step inside. "Uh, Vincent, I need to talk to you – alone?" she eyed Father.

Father nodded. "All right, Vincent – we'll finish later. Catherine," Father hesitated. "Is there a problem?"

Catherine nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I-I-I think there is." You can't wait, Catherine, she told herself. You might as well get it out now, whether Father is in the room or not.

Vincent started towards Catherine. "Catherine, are you all right?" he asked concernedly.

She shook her head. "No, no I'm not. I-I'm-I'm," she took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

That didn't happen like it was supposed to, Catherine scolded herself.

"What?" Vincent and Father asked simultaneously.

"I'm pregnant." Catherine repeated.

The two men were silent for a moment, dumbfounded, but finally Father spoke up.

"Well," Father said hesitantly. "It's for the best that you find love Above, Catherine. I-I think I speak for both of us when I say 'congratulations'."

Catherine shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No! I-I mean, you don't understand! It isn't anybody Above's baby – it's..." she looked at Vincent in the eyes. "It's Vincent's."

Vincent looked astonished. "Catherine, how?"

"How, indeed." Father said crossly, looking at both Catherine and Vincent. "Somebody better tell me whats going on here."

"I-I don't know." Vincent said. He crossed over to Catherine, who was crying. "Catherine, sit down." he helped her sit down in a chair. "Tell me, what's wrong?"

Catherine took a shaky breath. "Last year, be-before you had your sickness – it was the day before Father realized it, before any of us did. We – We were in your chamber, Vincent, reading. I-I don't remember what we were reading – it was Romeo and Juliet, or Macbeth, or maybe it was Hamlet-"

"And, what happened?" Father persisted, looking angrier by the minute.

"Well, Vincent put down the book and started staring at me," Catherine continued. "After I asked him, he told me what he wanted, and that he wanted it then and there. I-I couldn't feel him through the bond, and didn't think that it seemed like Vincent at all. I mean, I was happy, but scared, and kind of subconsciously thought that I should run and find Father, but I didn't want to turn him down! And now, Dr. Peter had verified that, I'm pregnant."

Vincent stared at Catherine, the pain showing clearly through his eyes. "I have no recollection of that." he said hoarsely.

"I know." Catherine said, gently reaching out to touch his hand.

Quickly, Vincent pulled away and ran out of Father's chamber.

"Vincent!" Catherine cried out. "Vincent, come back! Please don't be mad at me! Vincent, come back!"

"Ssh, ssh" Father quieted her, hugging the young woman close and stroking her hair. "Ssh, it'll be all right. Ssh"

"Don't be mad at Vincent!" Catherine begged. "He didn't mean to! Blame me!"

"No, no." Father said soothingly. "It's not either of your faults. Ssh, I'm not angry. Just calm down. Ssh."

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Vincent ran blindly through the Tunnels and into his chamber. What did you do? He thought angrily, pulling at his hair. What did you do to Catherine? No wonder she's been so upset lately! You animal! Why did you do that, why?

Suddenly Catherine slipped into his chamber. "Hello, Vincent." she said quietly.

"Catherine, please go." Vincent heaved.

"No." she said gently, but firmly.

"Catherine, I don't want you to see me like this!" he stated. "Now, please go!"

She shook her head, her eyes full of tears. "No, Vincent. We need to talk – now."

"There is nothing to talk about."

"Yes, there is." Catherine insisted, coming up closer to him. "Vincent, its not your fault."

"Yes it is." he growled. "Now please, go."

"Vincent, I'm more than happy to carry your child!" Catherine told him pleadingly.

"How could you be?" Vincent asked her, looking at her earnestly in the eyes. "Catherine, look at me. There is a part of me thats not – human. I can't even begin to tell you all that I want and need to tell you. The words, to speak them out loud..."

"Then let's write letters." Catherine suggested. "I'll go first."

"Dearest Vincent," Catherine started after a moments hesitation. "Please do not blame yourself for the child! I was bound to start carrying your child sooner or later." she glanced at him with a mischievous smile. "I love you. I love the way you sound. I love the way you are strong for the entire Tunnel family, physically and emotionally. I love the way you read out loud, the way you are with children. I love to watch you at work, I love to watch you at play. And yes, I love the way you look." she gave him a sideways glance. "Your eyes, especially. Your eyes are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. So filled with love, warmth, knowledge, strength. And your hands, so strong and yet gentle. You are so tall and strong – you'd never let anything happen to anyone you love, whether its me, Father, a child... and your heart is the most beautiful thing of all. It has all your good qualities combined. No, I don't see an animal in there. I see a man, a unique man, not because of how he looks, but he's unique in the way he loves, care, and holds his family together, no matter what the circumstances. And it just so happens," she smiled. "he's the most handsome man that ever existed. All my love forever, Catherine."

Vincent was silent for a moment, soaking up her loving words, and then spoke. "Catherine, I feel your love, but-"

She put a finger to his lips. "Now you reply – I'll start it for you; Dear Catherine, thank you for..."

"Dear Catherine," Vincent picked up. "Thank you for all the compliments you gave me, and for all the faith you have in me. And I'd hate to say all of it is in vain, but some of it is. I'm not entirely man, no matter what you think. I'm not normal."

"I love you." he continued after taking a deep breath. "Your courage, your beauty, your strength. You make up a part of me that – that I didn't know was missing."

she smiled. "Shall I reply?"

Vincent turned away. "Catherine, this cannot happen! Don't you realize what could happen?"

"Well, if its a boy, it might be fortunate enough to wind up half as handsome as his father." Catherine said. "And if its a girl, she'll always feel safe, warm and protected. She'd be a 'Daddy's Little Girl', I'm sure of it."

Vincent shook his head, his mane flying about. "No, Catherine, no!" he began to shout. "No! This cannot happen!"

"Vincent," Catherine said pleadingly. "Please don't be mad at me! Yes, you don't remember conception, and yes, I didn't enjoy as much as I would have, and yes, I'm pregnant with your child." she took a shaky breath. "But Vincent – I don't care. I-I'm proud to carry your child. The child will-"

"The child!" Vincent said indignantly, punctuating his shout by hitting his table. "The child is only half of the concern! What about you, and me, and Father, and-and the whole world Below?"

Catherine took another shaky breath. "Please, Vincent, please don't be angry at me – I beg you. I-"

"Why should I be angry with you?" Vincent asked her, still having a raised, but yet hushed voice. "It's me I'm angry at!"

"Being angry at yourself hurts me as if you were angry at me." Catherine told him. "And you have no reason to be angry at yourself."

"I shouldn't have said anything about wanting anything!" Vincent exclaimed. "I should have not said a thing!"

"You were going out of your mind, Vincent; you couldn't hardly control what you were saying – you were just speaking the truth, what you felt..."

"And I'm ashamed for having felt that way – to have the thoughts I have!" Vincent admitted, still angry.

"There's no sin in affection!" Catherine firmly told Vincent.

"Affection? I'm afraid to say that these feeling surpass affection." Vincent told her.

"Love then?" Catherine asked. "Surely there's no sin in loving?"

"But the thoughts I think – the feeling I have – the urges I get when I-" Vincent gave her a sideways glance and then came rushing towards her in alarm. "I-I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Catherine smiled faintly. "Nothing a little hydrogen peroxide couldn't fix." she said. "And any thoughts, feelings, or urges you have, are all natural, Vincent, I assure you."

"Not mine." Vincent muttered.

"Vincent," Catherine gently pulled on his hand, gesturing for his to sit beside her on his bed, which he did. "Vincent, tell me those thoughts."

"No, no!" Vincent argued, starting to get back up from the bed. "I cannot!"

"Please, Vincent!" Catherine begged, pulling him back down onto the bed. "Please tell me! Don't be ashamed, please – tell me."

Vincent took a deep breath. "Catherine, they aren't thoughts of love. They're thoughts of hurt – violence. Sometimes I just want to-"

"And its completely natural." Catherine followed up. "Especially for the male." she added with a smile. "Oh Vincent, don't feel bad! Don't be ashamed of any thoughts, feelings, that you might have."

Vincent hung his head. "But Catherine-"

"Ssh." She hushed him. "Vincent, how do I really feel about this – you can feel what I feel, so tell me. Am I distressed over your thoughts? Worried by them in the slightest? No! Quite the contrary, I'm pleased."

"Pleased?" Vincent asked in shock. "How could you be pleased with such vile- such vile thoughts?"

"Because they aren't vile." Catherine returned. "Please, Vincent – trust me on this."

Vincent turned away. "I'm still so ashamed."

"I have regrets too, Vincent." Catherine told him earnestly. "I regret that I didn't go tell Father what you had done, that you obviously weren't thinking straight. I just went along with what you wanted because, well, thats what I wanted too."

Vincent looked confused. "You aren't angry?"

Catherine shook her head. "No, Vincent; I'm not angry, I'm not hurt, and I'm not afraid of you. The only feelings I have for you is love and happiness, which grows more and more so every time I see you. And now, another has been added to the love and happiness – our baby."

Vincent looked dumbfounded for a moment before he spoke. "Catherine, are you sure its our baby?"

Catherine nodded. "I'm one hundred and one percent sure."

Vincent sighed. 'And what are we going to do about that?"

"Nothing." Catherine said simply, getting up from her seat on the edge of Vincent's bed. "We're going to do absolutely nothing about it. We're just going to enjoy ourselves until the day comes, and then we'll decide what to do."

Vincent shook his head. "Catherine, we can hardly afford to do that. This baby could be-"

"It could take after its daddy, true." Catherine agreed. "But, we can hardly do anything about it, so why worry?"

"Will the baby live Above or Below?"

"Vincent," Catherine sighed. "We'll have to discuss it with Father. For now, lets not worry about it."

Don't worry about it, Vincent told himself. How am I not supposed to worry about it? I'm going to be a father and she tells me not to worry? Me, of all fathers-to-be, should be worried! How could I condemn a child to a life of hiding, loneliness?

"If you wish, Catherine," Vincent sighed reluctantly.

Catherine took Vincent's hand. "Look, I know we've got a lot to be worried about, but lets not. Worrying never helped anybody."

Vincent smiled a bit. "Well, I suppose now would be a good time to talk to Father."

Catherine laughed. "We might have to 'write' a lot of 'letters' to get him to understand!"

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Catherine and Vincent stepped into Father's chamber together, where Father was waiting, looking a little irritated and worried.

"Well, someone explain here," Father said. "Vincent, I'm waiting."

"Father," Vincent said, nearing his adoptive father. "Father, Catherine is pregnant."

"Yes, yes." Father said. "But what I'm interested in is how and what the two of you plan to do about it."

"Father, you promised you wouldn't get angry." Catherine reminded him.

"Who's angry?" Father exclaimed. And then, calming down a little, he spoke again. "Can someone explain how Catherine could possibly be pregnant with Vincent's child?"

Catherine looked at Vincent to explain, so Vincent took a deep breath to begin. "According to Catherine, last year, the day before anyone was aware of the sickness, apparently her and I were in my chamber,r doing a bit of reading. I wasn't in my right mind then, only she didn't know, of course, and-"

"The baby was conceived that day." Catherine said softly. "Please don't be angry, Father! Vincent begged and I caved in. If you are to be angry, please be angry at me. I had a feeling something wasn't quite right, but I ignored it and-"

"I have no recollection of it, as I don't have any recollection of the time of my sickness." Vincent attempted to explain. "Catherine didn't want to bring it up, for fear I'd-"

"I knew he'd be ashamed." Catherine broke in. "I thought what he didn't know couldn't hurt him, but-"

Father held up his hand, signaling them both to stop. "Please, please, children – I understand what you are saying." he gave Vincent a big hug, and Catherine a more careful one, her condition being more delicate. "And no, I'm not angry. Concerned, but not angry." he turned to Catherine. "Uh, Catherine, you know that with this pregnancy, as with every pregnancy, there are risks. But this pregnancy may be... different than a normal pregnancy."

Catherine nodded, but before she could reply, Vincent broke in.

"Father," he said. "Catherine has had a long exhausting week. Why don't we discuss the risks and details another day, and let Catherine g o home to rest?"

Father nodded, looking at Catherine. "Yes, Catherine, that would be the best."

Vincent took her arm. "I'll walk you home."

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"So whether the child lives Above or not will depend on his or her appearance?" Catherine wrinkled her nose in distaste. "I don't think so – the baby should live Below."

"But you wouldn't be here to take care of it." Vincent reminded her.

It was two days later, and Catherine was Below again, discussing her pregnancy with Father and Vincent, in Father's chamber. It seemed like to best place to discuss such matters.

"I could move down here," Catherine said, her eyes widening at the idea. "I could still go to work and all that, but at night when I come home, I could go home to here."

Father shook his head. "I think that's hardly appropriate."

"Father," Vincent said. "I think we're past 'appropriate' now." he looked over at Catherine. "and I, agree. The child would fare better Below, regardless of appearance."

Father sighed. "And if the baby did look different, how would Catherine explain the sudden disappearance of her baby to her colleagues at work?"

"I could say that the baby lives with his or her father." Catherine thought out loud. "That would be true."

"She could make it clear that someone has agreed to adopt the baby." Vincent suggested.

"I suppose a third trimester abortion is illegal." Father said. "So that can't be your excuse."

Catherine shook her head. "Besides, no one who knows me well would believe it – I love children. I'd sooner quit my job and move down here forever." she looked at Vincent with hopeful eyes.

Vincent shook his head. "I'm sorry Catherine, but the good that you are doing Above..."

Catherine nodded. "I understand. But what can we do?"

Father stood up from his place at his desk. "Well, we'll have to think of something. It will require a lot of thought. In the meantime, Catherine-"

Mouse rushed into Father's chamber, breathlessly. "Vincent! Mouse made new gizmo! Help light candles. Work better than good. Better than best."

Vincent nodded, smiling at his young friend. "All right, Mouse; I'll be there in a moment. You go along and I'll be there."

Mouse nodded and ran from the room. Father rolled his eyes, annoyed.

"As I was saying, before Mouse made his 'new gizmo' announcement, Catherine, I think it would be for the best if you keep quiet about your being," in spite of being a doctor, he cleared his throat uncomfortably. "you being with child, to be quiet about it Above. We don't want word getting out until we know what we will do."

Catherine nodded, with Vincent replying. "We have both agreed that it must kept silent Above."

"My friends, Joe, and Jenny, and all of my relatives will be all over me, begging to meet 'my man'." Catherine said, her eyes twinkling.

"Well, they certainly can't do that." Father muttered.

Vincent turned to Catherine. "Would you care to go looking at a 'new gizmo' with me?"

Laughing, Catherine accepted, taking Vincent's arm and walking out of the chamber with him. Father shook his head, half pleased in the happiness Vincent found in the woman, and half worried about his son, knowing that even though Catherine was more than likely pregnant with Vincent's child, his thoughts on "it cannot be" were still true.

Catherine is a woman from Above, Father thought, somewhat bitterly, though not at Catherine, but at the world Above. And the world Above is always changing. New people, new buildings, new streets, new families – and new love lives. What would happen to my son's heart if, perchance, Catherine fell in love with another man? She can only remain happy with Vincent for so long. And Vincent, who's heart revolves around Catherine – his heart will be broken. He would never be the same again, never content to be himself, living where he does. He'd torture himself, that he's not all human, that something is missing or added, making him unique. And if it doesn't cause him to eventually go mad... he'll die.

Catherine loves Vincent. She'd never hurt him on purpose. Perhaps I should have a talk with her privately. Tell her that if its not Vincent's child, it all right for her to tell me, that lying about it doesn't do anyone any good. If she does have a lover, Above, the sooner we know, the better. I don't doubt her love for Vincent, but to be sure would be nice.

Perhaps I should try to talk to Vincent again, as well. Warn him that it may not be his child, whether Catherine is in love with someone else or not. Remind him that even though he and Catherine did make love that once, that they may never do it again. It's too dangerous. While I talk to Catherine, I must discuss her experience, whether Vincent hurt her or not. Not that he would mean to, but accidentally, it could easily happen. With his touch, he could rip her apart. His 'fangs', in one kiss, could push right through her skin.

Father sighed. He had raised two children, both boys. Devin his by blood, Vincent his through fate. While Devin had been the most mischievous out of the two boys, the most challenging to raise as a child, Vincent was forever a struggle for Father. Although he was a grown man, he still needed taken care of to a degree. Though he could tear anyone apart effortlessly, he was never safe. And though he was nearly forty, he still needed more guidance, and he couldn't live away from home, ever. It some ways, Vincent was extremely naïve, living so sheltered and protected his entire life, away from the rest of the world. But in other ways, he understood more about life than most other people. He understood loss, rejection, pain, abandonment, grief, anger, and a broken heart, as well as gain, acceptance, love, happiness, and fulfillment.

Father sighed and shook his head. As much as he loved his son, as happy as he was for his son, how excited Father felt himself of the soon-to-come arrival of his first grandchild, he still felt unsure, and nervous. The next eight to nine months were going to be anything but pretty.

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"Hello Catherine, Vincent." Mary greeted the two lovers as they passed the nursery on the way out of Mouse's chamber.

"Hello Mary." The two returned together.

Mary clasped Catherine's hands. "I'm so happy for you, both of you."

Catherine was puzzled. "How did you find out?"

Vincent and Mary both laughed. "Word travels fast down here." Mary explained in between chuckles. "Thanks to Pascal and his pipes."

Catherine laughed once she understood. "So how would one keep a secret down here?"

Mary smiled mischievously. "Well, you two did a good job of it."

Catherine and Vincent exchanged glances. "Well..." Catherine's voice trailed off.

Mary looked confused for a moment. "I suppose that it isn't any of my business."

"It's complicated." Vincent told her gently. "I do not mind if you have any of the details – you've been like a mother to me. But please ask Father; I'm afraid I don't have many of the details."

Mary nodded, still confused. "Well, the best of luck to both of you." she again clasped Catherine's hands. "And remember, if you need anything – anything at all, just let me know. We're eager to help you in anyway we can."

"I appreciate it." Catherine said in return, smiling at the older woman. "And thank you so much."

As Vincent and Catherine walked on, they were quiet for several minutes. Finally though, Vincent broke the silence.

"Catherine, I'm being honest with you – I have no memory of that afternoon."

"It's all right." Catherine soothed him. "I've known that ever since 'the sickness'."

"Catherine, please be honest with me." Vincent pleaded, his eyes begging. "Did I hurt you?'

Catherine hesitated before answering, her hesitation nearly killing Vincent. "Well, seriously, no, you did not."

Vincent's eyes begged for elaboration, so she went into more detail. "You accidentally clawed up my chest a bit, but nothing deep. Peroxide healed it without infection."

Vincent's eyes dropped to the ground in shame. "Scars?" he asked quietly.

Catherine nodded, her eyes filling up with tears of sympathy for the man she loved. "Not deep ones – they are very light. I've found that a good cocoa butter heals blends scars well. It makes them almost invisible, in fact."

"Catherine," Vincent started, his voice hoarse. "How could you love me like you do? You deserve... better."

"I don't deserve what I've got." Catherine told him with confidence. "Not only does one of the greatest men alive love me, but I'm also carrying his child. I don't deserve it."

"How could you call me that?" Vincent asked.

"Easily." Catherine answered, reaching out to give Vincent an affectionate squeeze on the arm. "I've never met a man finer, more concerned for his family and friends, never more intelligent and full of love, never -" she stopped. "Didn't we go over this two days ago?"

Despite his mood, Vincent couldn't help but chuckle. "We had better get you back Above. Your starting work again tomorrow?"

Catherine nodded. "I'm not quite sure how I'll be able to not tell everyone about being pregnant; I'm so excited!"

Vincent looked at her, astonished. "Your excited?"

Again, Catherine nodded. "Well, of course I am! We're going to have a baby, Vincent – doesn't that make you excited?'

Vincent let out a sigh. "Not as much excited as worried." he admitted.

"It will be okay." Catherine assured him. "I don't care what the baby looks like."

"Catherine, it is not just the appearance." Vincent tried to explain. "It's pains me to think that you could give birth to something that's not- not completely human."

Catherine took a deep breath. "We don't know anything about your past, Vincent – I'll bet your 100 human."

And even if not," she took his hand as the approached the Tunnel entrance under her apartment. "Even if not, I'll love you anyways."

Vincent shook his head. "How could I be held responsible for condemning a child to having a life like this?"

"I asked you not to worry about it." Catherine told Vincent lovingly. "There's nothing we can do to change this baby's DNA – worrying doesn't help."

Catherine began ascending up the ladder, but Vincent stopped her. "We will find you a different way to get Below soon." Vincent told her. "You mustn't be climbing ladders in yours condition."

Catherine laughed. "All right. Love you, see you later." she called to Vincent as she left.

Once she was gone, Vincent leaned against the wall and took deep breaths, amazed at how this woman made him feel, how overwhelmingly calm she was about being pregnant with Vincent's child. It was just stunning, absolutely amazing.

Catherine insists that the child live Below. Vincent thought as he slowly made his way towards his chamber. Though is that the best thing for it? Assuming it looks normal, maybe it should live Below by day, and Above by night, when Catherine is able to care for it. Even if it does look like me, maybe it can go Above at night. No one else Above will notice Catherine's carrying a bundle up from the basement.

Will it be a female or male? Vincent continued to wonder as he entered his chamber. What will its name be? What will its personality be like? What will it look like?

Vincent took a deep breath. How can I tell Catherine my true concerns? That the baby could have the sickness, that it could harm her. Paracelsus had once said that I clawed by way out of my mother's womb. Vincent cringed at the thought. Father had assured me that was impossible, but what if its not? What if Catherine's life is at stake?

"Vincent?" he heard his father's voice outside his chamber. "May I come in?"

"Yes Father." Vincent told him.

Father stepped in. "Vincent, may I talk to you?"

Vincent held his arms out. "What about?"

"About Catherine."

Vincent let out his breath. "What about Catherine, Father?"

"Vincent," Father began slowly. "I love you, and I don't want you to be hurt. Catherine-"

"Father-" Vincent interrupted.

"No, let me speak." Father continued. "Catherine may someday find love somewhere Above. The way she is forced to live her love with you won't last. I just wanted to warn you of that, before the inevitable happens, whether in two weeks or twenty years. I-I don't want to see your heart broken. I've even come to believe that she loves you, but do you really think she could endure a life like this for very long? Half her life has to be lived in secret. The only place the two of you can move freely is here. We have no luxuries here, and it certainly isn't an easy journey from her world to ours. What happens to you when she can't take it anymore?"

Vincent paused before he spoke. "Father, Catherine and I have something special, and I hardly believe that it will ever cease to show itself. However, I accept your warning, and thank you for it."

Father nodded. "It's just that, if it did happen... I'd be afraid to lose you Vincent." he cleared his throat, trying to break up the awkward silence.

Vincent put his hand on his Father's shoulder and smiled. "You needn't worry, Father."

"I hope not." Father sighed, leaving his son's chamber. "I hope not."