Chapter 20
Catherine's mind was in turmoil, she barely slept at all after Vincent left. When she faced the fact she would get no more sleep, she got up and spent the rest of the day pacing or cleaning her already clean apartment.
Finally the hours had crawled by and it was time to go and meet Vincent at her basement access to his world. She was climbing down the ladder when she felt hands go around her waist from behind. They lifted her, and placed her safely on the ground.
Her heart had leapt into her throat in fear for just a moment before she realized that it had to be Vincent. Nonetheless he had felt her fear. While mentally berating himself, he began to apologize, "I am SO sorry Catherine! I should have known better than to come up behind you after what you have been through."
"It's alright Vincent, I was only startled," she fibbed.
"Catherine, I know that I frightened you and I humbly beg your forgiveness for that!" he insisted.
"Alright Vincent, I forgive you," she told him taking his arm and changing the subject she asked, "Do you think it is too early for dinner? I'm starving!"
Knowing from staying 'tuned in' to Catherine all day that she hadn't come to any decision about the baby, Vincent didn't question her about it. Instead he simply said, "William serves dinner between five and seven, so we are well within time."
"Oh good! Will we eat in your chamber like before?" she questioned eagerly.
"No, we will join Father and Mary in the dining hall."
"Oh," she said, just slightly disappointed. Catherine had thought they would dine alone.
Vincent paused in the passageway, turned to her and asked, "Is that not acceptable to you Catherine?"
"No, that's fine Vincent," she assured him. "But could we take a walk alone together after that?"
"We can do that," he told her. "As long as we are back to Father's study by 7:30."
"What happens at 7:30?"
"I told my Literature class that you were coming to visit tonight. They in turn told the other music students and in honor of your visit they are going to put on an impromptu concert."
"Because of me?" Catherine asked, perplexed. "Why would they do that? They don't even know me!"
"The children know you are a friend of mine and they wanted to do something nice for you. It is not often that we have newcomers to the tunnels so they look on this as a special occasion."
"Vincent! Did you tell them that I was coming to live here?"
"No Catherine. Why would you think that?"
"Well from what you said…calling me a 'newcomer'…"
"I am sorry if I confused you with my wording Catherine. It is just that we rarely have 'visitors' and our other category of people who live Above, but come Below at times are called 'Helpers' and I didn't know if you wished to become a Helper."
"It sounds like a good thing to be. Tell me what does one need to do to become a 'Helper'?"
"Each does or gives according to their ability. Mr. Lee donates herbs and teas from his shop. A doctor friend of Father's brings us medical supplies when he can. Others simply act as our eyes and ears Above and let us know what is going on in the city. So you see, you wouldn't need to do much to be considered a Helper."
"Vincent, you are really cut off down here aren't you?"
"I guess in a way we are, but remaining a secret is a large part of how we stay safe."
"So you really don't have any idea who I am. Do you?"
"You were someone in trouble and your name is Catherine."
"Vincent I am Catherine Chandler…" she paused for a moment, but saw no recognition of her name or it's meaning in his eyes. "My father is Charles Chandler, of Chandler and Coolidge." She still saw no spark of connection in his face. "They are very prominent lawyers here in New York. I work in my father's firm."
He smiled kindly at her, "That is alright Catherine. We do not actually have much need for lawyers here."
To be continued….