With those words, the foursome gathered close in the living room. Vincent gathered Catherine close and embraced her in a lingering hug. Slowly disengaging himself from her, He backed out onto the balcony himself from her, he backed out onto the balcony and swiftly disappeared.
Turning around, Catherine stepped out into the hallway and locked the door behind her. Moving to the elevator, she got on and pushed the button for the basement.
Michael was silent the whole way down. He was running off of nerves and didn't know quite what to do. He had learned so much today, about himself, about his relationship with Maria, and finally, about his sister.
For some people it might be too much, but he had Maria to share with. She knew just how he was feeling; all of the wonder, excitement, and nervousness that was so common to this day. He would definitely get through it with her.
Maria was so relieved. Finally Michael would have a real family. As close as Max and Isabel were to him, blood was important.
There decent ended with an abrupt halt. As the doors slid open, Michael and Maria clasped each other's hands in apprehension.
Catherine walked out and led them all to the very back of the room where they saw a small opening in the wall. Passing through it, they passed the threshold into a whole different world.
It appeared to be a large tunnel of some kind with concrete lined walls and pipes running parallel to each other along the ceiling. The passage was dark, dank, and slightly damp; smelling of night creatures and large rodents. Off in the distance a faint glow could be seen radiating from the walls. As they got closer, Maria could make out the forms of torches anchored to the walls with iron clasps.
The short procession descended further into the Earth, taking twists and turns until they reached a large crevice in the pathway. Vincent leaped over two pipes then extended an arm to Catherine. Michael, who was only two inches shorter than Vincent, leaped over the pipes with the same ease and grace, then extended an arm to Maria. The two women leaped at the same time and effortlessly landed in the safe arms of their beloveds.
Lights on the walls were altogether closer than they had been back at the entrance and numerous clangs where echoing off the walls.
"We have developed a code to which we use in communication by tapping out a pattern on the pipes that run along the ceilings." Vincent informed.
"Right now they are sending a message to Father. The sentries have seen us and are reporting the presence of two visitors." Catherine preened, loving to show off her ability to interpret the codes that once seemed so foreign.
"Your father lives down here? I thought you were from the city?" Michael was confused.
Catherine realized the error in her wording. "Father, as we call him, is really Jacob Wells, the man who adopted Vincent. He leads this community and has taken on the role of the 'father'. So that's what we all call him."
"Wicked. So do we get to talk to…what do we call him?" Maria raised an eyebrow.
Vincent responded, "You may call him Father if you like, or if you are uncomfortable with that, Jacob. We are mainly informal down Below and he wouldn't mind."
"I don't remember much about my father. It would be nice to say that again." Maria cast that almost offhandedly.
Maria's statement was left unanswered as they came upon a four-way intersection. Everything was now warm and comforting, with a cheery reddish glow radiation from the very walls. Vincent and Catherine kept straight ahead and proceeded down a long corridor.
Stopping suddenly, Vincent turned back around to face the couple. Keeping his eyes fixed on their faces, he drew across the large cloth that hid an opening in the wall.
They were awestruck. They entered an incredible room. Books were everywhere. They were stacked on every surface and stuffed in every crack and crevice on the lines of selves covering the walls. It was cheery and comfortable. In the middle of it all stood a very angry elderly gentleman.
"Father, we must speak with you." Vincent spoke slowly so as not rush any thought upon Father.
Jacob spoke slowly for another reason entirely. "Evidently." The sarcasm was thick enough to choke a pig. "Come sit down. There is much for you to explain. Vincent, close the curtain and set out the privacy lantern."
Catherine tried to redirect Jacob's attention. "Father, before you jump to conclusions, let us tell the story."