Chapter 13
Vincent sensed how tired Catherine was getting as they neared the whispering bridge, so he moved his arm from under hers to around her waist and encouraged, "It's just a little further Catherine and then we can rest."
She smiled up at him and teased, "Oh yes! I'm sure you need to rest. You shouldn't worry about me so much, I'm not really that tired," she fibbed.
"I like taking care of you Catherine," he told her as they arrived at the bridge.
Catherine was utterly and totally captivated by all the sounds and voices. "Where do they all come from Vincent?" she asked after a while of just listening.
"No one knows. Somewhere from the world Above. We tried to find out once, but with no success."
"It's fascinating!"
"Yes it is. This is one of my favorite places."
"And another is the Mirror Pool? That's why you want to take me there, isn't it?"
"Yes and as soon as you are feeling up to moving on, we can head there. It isn't much further."
"I almost hate to leave here, but I am sure the Mirror Pool will be just as amazing even if it is in a different way. I guess I'm ready then," she told him and started to get to her feet.
Both of them had been sitting on the bridge with their legs hanging over the edge. Vincent quickly got up and helped her to stand. He made sure she was steady on her feet before picking up the pack and picnic basket.
They walked along for about twenty minutes before Vincent led her into a large open chamber.
She had figured there would be water because of the 'pool', but she had not been prepared for a body of water that could pass as a small lake! Gasping in amazement as she forgot all about how tired she was, Catherine took a few more steps forward before turning in circles trying to take in all the wonder of the place.
Vincent just stood there watching her. He could feel everything she was experiencing and it was as if he were reliving the first time he saw the Mirror Pool. He must have been four or five, but he could clearly remember feeling just as Catherine did right now. However, his first reaction had been to run to the edge of the pool to see his reflection in the water. Several people had rushed to stop him, fearing that he would fall in, but Mary's voice had stopped them as she said, "He only wants to see himself."
As a child he had been fascinated with his differences until over time he had learned how bad they were. Father's voice had always been there; "Don't roar, Vincent, it will frighten people." "Be careful of your claws, Vincent, you could hurt someone." "Don't tear at your food with your fangs, Vincent, people will think you are an animal." All those and more had taught him over the years that he needed to control or hide all the things that made him different.
It was Catherine's voice that finally pulled him away from the dark memories. "Vincent, this place is glorious! You are so lucky to be able to come here anytime you like!"
"You could visit it whenever you like as well Catherine," he replied, stepping further into the chamber and choosing a place to put down his pack and the picnic basket.
"I don't think that's likely since I will return home tomorrow," she answered sadly.
"You do not plan to ever come back for a visit Catherine?" he questioned.
She looked at him in surprise. "Do you think your father would allow that?"
"Because you have given your word to keep our home a secret, I am sure that he would not object to you visiting."
"I would like that Vincent!" she told him happily as she wandered closer to the edge of the water. Seeing her watery reflection there, Catherine suddenly recalled the 'mirror' portion of the pool's name. With dread filling her mind, she dropped to her knees so she could get a look at her face.
Vincent softly said her name as he started towards her. Concern filled him as Catherine gasped. He didn't even think about his own reflection as he came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Oh Vincent!" she moaned, turning away from her image in the water to wrap her arms around his legs and bury her face in his cloak.
To be continued….