Veritas Vos Liberabit
(The Truth Will Make You Free)OOWhiz
Friday, January 12. Catherine stretched; enjoying the beginning of the day off she had wheedled out of Joe. Of course it wasn’t without conditions; Joe had told her she could take the day if she got a statement from a witness that was currently recovering from injuries sustained in a jewelry store hold-up. He was at St. Vincent’s hospital so she figured she would make that her first stop of the day. That gave her the rest of the day to continue searching for that elusive perfect birthday gift for Vincent. In the past she had given him a 1st edition of Great Expectations that she had found at an antique book auction, and then a collection of poems from various authors bound in buttery soft green leather with beautiful gold engraved letters.
This year she had wanted something special, but try has she might, nothing had hit her as "special". Oh well she could always stop by Mr. Smyth’s bookstore if nothing caught her eye. Vincent never tired of books and was always grateful for anything he received. She got up and peeped out the curtains. It had snowed lightly during the night, and the world was covered with a blanket of white. Central Park glistened like something out of a fairy tale. She quickly showered, dressed and grabbed some breakfast. She was anxious to start the day. Leaving her apartment building she hailed a cab, directing the driver to take her to St. Vincent’s. Arriving there she quickly got the room number of her witness and went up to take his statement.
*****
Below the city Vincent was lying in bed snuggled under his warm patchwork quilts. He had woken early, as usual, and was reviewing the previous evening, which he had spent with Catherine. As it was getting far to cold to stay on the balcony, he had finally consented to enter her apartment. They had spent the time together sitting in front of a crackling fire in each other’s arms, listening to a recording of Mozart that she had picked up that day. He had walked home from there through the park enjoying the light snow that had started falling; catching the cold, light caress of the flakes that fell on his upturned face.
Returning to the present, he lazily stretched his arms over his head, at the same time reaching out to Catherine through the bond. He felt that she was still sleeping, dreaming about him again. He smiled, her dreams were getting more erotic if he was interpreting her feelings correctly. Sighing wistfully he thought that he would really like to take the next step in their relationship; he could feel Catherine’s frustration, after all she was used to being satisfied in a physical way, had experienced physical love with men and evidently enjoyed it. He had never experienced that aspect of love before, and after the incident with Lisa was not going to pursue it. Catherine had said whatever he was willing to give she would take and be satisfied with, but these dreams of hers were getting harder on him. He craved her touch, wanted more of it, but if the "beast" should harm her in any way, all would be lost; and he wasn’t willing to risk what they had now for that.
Throwing off the covers he got up and went to his wardrobe, pulling out a clean set of clothes for the day. Going to the bathing chamber he shared with Father, he immersed himself in the warm water, laying his head back on the towel he had laid on the ledge, letting his body float, feeling the eddies of the spring that fed the pool play with his fur. He again reached out to Catherine, enjoying the wash of love he always received from her. Abruptly he stood and shook himself, shutting the bond down to a trickle; he was getting too caught up in Catherine’s emotions and his body was responding in an embarrassing way. He quickly bathed, got dressed and went to the dining hall for breakfast. Before he got there he sniffed the air, smelling pancakes, his favorite. Unbeknownst to him, Catherine had consulted with William on his favorite foods and made sure the kitchen was well supplied with the ingredients that would be needed.
As he entered the hall all those that were there yelled a lusted "Happy Birthday" to him, which he graciously acknowledged. Going to the sideboard he filled his plate with pancakes and loaded them up with butter and syrup. As soon as he was seated the children flocked around him asking him to tell them his birthday story. At that moment Father walked in, and hearing what was going on, he admonished them.
"Children, let Vincent enjoy his breakfast; we will relate the story tonight as usual."
Father filled a plate, and sitting down across from his son shaking his head, he remarked, "They never get tired of hearing that story." He took a bite of his breakfast and continued. "So how does it feel to be 35?"
"Much the same as being 34, Father. After all, it’s only a number," he answered, stuffing another fork full of pancake into his mouth.
"Only a number! Well let me tell you, when your body starts aching, it’s those numbers adding up that are causing it, and then it won’t be just a number," he grumbled. "What do you have planned for yourself today?"
Looking up at the entrance of the hall he spotted Mouse just walking in. "I told Mouse that I would take a look at the new aqueduct that he’s been working on in the lower chambers. I think I’ll do that this morning since Catherine is coming down this afternoon." He signaled Mouse to sit next to him, and they discussed plans for their morning’s excursion.
*****
After getting the information she needed from the witness, Catherine walked out of the hospital and was struck by the thought that 35 years ago today Vincent was found in the back alley. She decided to walk behind the building to take a peek. As she entered the alley she noticed a woman standing by one of the large trash containers just staring into space as though she were in another place or time. The woman was on the tall side, maybe 5’10" or 5’ 11", with wisps of blonde hair sticking out of the knitted hat she was wearing pulled down over her ears. She looked slim in her heavy blue pea coat and blue jeans. She started when she heard Catherine coming towards her, and when she turned she saw that the woman had been crying.
"I’m sorry I startled you" Catherine apologized "I didn’t mean to disturb you." Noticing the woman’s pained expression she added, "Is there something I can help you with?"
The woman looked at Catherine with such sadness, "No there’s nothing you can do, I lost something here years ago, and every year on this date I come back to this spot. I know it’s foolish," she shook her head. "But I can’t help myself. Thank you for your kindness." She managed a slight smile.
Catherine couldn’t let it go at that. There was something about the woman’s eyes that kept her from walking away. "Would you like to get a cup of coffee? I was just thinking about warming up with a cup." Putting out her hand she introduced herself. "My name is Catherine." The woman looked at Catherine undecidedly. Catherine tried again "I know a nice spot right around the corner. It’ll be nice and warm."
The woman nodded, looking up with a little smile "All right, that would be nice. Thank you." Shaking Catherine’s hand she said, "My name is Emily, Emily Cotton."
The two women walked out of the alley and down the block to a little coffee shop. Taking off their coats and hanging them on the coat rack, they settled into a booth in a corner. After the waiter took their order an awkward silence settled over them and Catherine thought, "I can’t believe I’m doing this when I have so many things I want to get done today." But in for a penny, in for a pound. It was done, so she decided she’d get the ball rolling. "I work for the DA’s office, and my boss said I could have the day off if I looked in on a witness at the hospital. That’s done so now I can go shopping for my boy friend. It’s his birthday today, and I still haven’t found anything special to give him."
Emily looked stricken. She stared at Catherine, saying "That’s such a coincidence; it’s my son’s birthday today too. That’s why I’m here. He was born here, and I lost him here." That last renewed the tears, and Emily reached for her hankie.
"I’m sorry to bring up sad memories for you. Would you like to tell me about him?" asked Catherine.
The waiter brought their order, and Emily composed herself again. "I’m not really comfortable talking about him; why don’t you tell me about your young man instead? You said it’s his birthday today. How old is he?"
"He’s 35 today," Catherine replied. Again Emily stared at her as if a ghost had touched her.
"My son would have been 35 today," she whispered.
Catherine continued, "He’s tall, over six feet with the most beautiful blue eyes," she stared at Emily, "very much like yours, and long golden hair."
Emily gasped "My son would have looked very much like that, like his father who was a very striking man or at least I thought so" she said shyly.
"That’s just the way I think of Vincent, he’s not like any other man I’ve ever met, he’s so different."
"His name is Vincent", Emily mused, "isn’t that funny that we’re sitting around the corner from St. Vincent’s".
"It’s not so strange. Vincent was found in that alley where we met. He’s named after the hospital." The words had no sooner left her mouth when Catherine thought that Emily was going to faint. "Emily what’s the matter? What is it? Should I call for help?"
"No," Emily managed to gasp out. "Give me just a moment to catch my breath." After a moment she went on. "I need to ask you something about your young man. It’s an odd question, but please indulge me."
"I’ll answer you if I can," Catherine said, going on her guard.
"Does your Vincent have rather unique features?"
It was Catherine’s turn to gasp and stare at Emily. "How could you know that?"
"Because what I lost in that alley 35 years ago was my son, who was born with his father’s face, a face resembling a lion."
*****
Vincent and Mouse were working in a tunnel under the main hub when Vincent felt Catherine’s shock. He concentrated on her, ready to run when he felt that there was no fear, and after a few moments the shock had changed to wonder, puzzlement, a host of emotions, but she was not in danger. He decided to keep the bond wide open incase she needed him. Mouse had looked askance at him, but he just shrugged, returning to the work at hand. When the pipes announced lunch, they wrapped it up, stopping long enough to wash up before going into the dining hall. Vegetable soup in a thick broth, almost a stew, with fresh baked bread greeted them, and Vincent dug into it with relish. The rest of the day was his, and he was looking forward to spending it with Catherine.
*****
Sitting at the table in the coffee shop Catherine was floored. Could this be Vincent’s mother? Was it possible? "I think we should go back to my apartment," she said hastily signaling for the check. She paid it, and the women got into their coats. When they got out to the sidewalk, Catherine hailed a cab to take them home.
Once there she got Emily settled and put on a kettle for tea. After sitting down across from Emily she said, "I think we better start at the beginning. Where and how did you meet Vincent’s father?"
Emily took a deep breath, looked at Catherine and began. "I’ve never told this to a living soul, not that I haven’t wanted to, but I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I know you will, because you know my son, and he is the living proof of what I have to say." Emily gathered her thoughts and continued. "You know, this is still such a shock. I didn’t think he was alive, and now to know that he is alive and has the love of such a beautiful woman… it’s all a mother could hope for. But I digress. Let me start, as you say, at the beginning…
"When I was young I lived on my parent’s farm in Connecticut. I was a wild and willful thing; I loved the outdoors and was very much the tomboy. I use to go to bed, wait for my parents to fall asleep and then out the window I would go to roam the farm at night. We had horses and I would ride bareback in the dark along the creek or in the meadow. I would lie in the fields and stare at the stars and the moon. I couldn’t get enough of the night; it was my time of the day, when the world belonged to me.
"One night as I was stargazing, I saw something very bright fall from the sky and land not far from where I was. I crept up to the spot and saw a large object nestled in a bend of the creek bed. It was shaped like two pie plates, one inverted on top of the other, standing on four girder-like legs. As I watched, a door appeared and a ramp extended from the opening to the ground; two figures stepped out. I could see their features in the glow of the light coming from the "ship". They were very tall and furred where they weren’t clothed. Their faces were like lions; slanted yellow eyes, high cheekbones, flat furred noses, and clefts in their upper lips. Their hands had four fingers with an opposable thumb ending in wicked looking claws. The taller of the two had a golden mane. The other was multi-hued from a light brown to black. I watched them, mesmerized; they were talking to each other in a language I didn’t understand. The golden one spoke in a beautiful rich, raspy, baritone that sent a chill down my spine.
They were looking around the spot where they had landed, and I was afraid they would eventually find me, so I backed out from my shelter and headed home. I had decided this was my secret. I wasn’t sharing it with anyone, and I was definitely coming back. This was an adventure beyond my imagination. Aliens had landed on Earth, and I was the only one that knew; what a delicious secret. I went back night after night and watched them.
Eventually, I was bold enough to approach them, and they turned out to be the nicest beings I’d ever met. Not that I’m acquainted with many extraterrestrials mind you, but nicer than most humans I knew. Once they got over the shock of being discovered and I assured them I was the only one that knew about them, they explained what they were doing here. They said that they were from a planet called Beta in the Andromeda system traveling to our world through a wormhole. The multi-hued Betazed was called Bartok, a geologist and the golden one was Sher-Kan, a botanist. I was very attracted to Sher-Kan and he with me. When I went to visit their camp he and I would walk together and talk of each others’ worlds, each others’ lives. They spoke perfect English; the two of them had been coming to Earth for many years collecting data on their respective sciences, their favorite spots being in North America."
Emily stopped while Catherine served tea.
Catherine could not wrap her brain around what Emily was saying, Vincent a product of a human and alien union? Amazing.
After sipping some tea Emily continued. "One night Sher-Kan and I were walking along the creek. There was a full moon and the stars were sparkling brilliantly. A gentle breeze wafted the smells of summer around us, freshly cut hay, honeysuckle; a myriad of scents. I asked him if he had a wife, he told me that he once had a bond-mate but that she had died in a cave-in on a colony world. She had been a geologist and was surveying a mine when it collapsed, killing her instantly. He said he had felt her death. When I looked at him puzzled, he explained that when two people of his race fell in love they became empathically linked, they became bond-mates, they could feel each other’s emotions. When his mate was killed he could no longer feel her. He said it was like losing part of himself. I asked him why it would be necessary for two people to be bonded in that way. Humans weren’t connected like that. He said it had to do with their mating cycle. A chemical imbalance occurs when the male becomes fertile causing a high fever; the empathic link allows the female to be drawn to the male so a mating can take place, after which the male’s body goes back to normal.
When I asked if he and his bond-mate had had any children, he sadly shook his head. Just because the male is fertile does not mean the female is, and there could be years between mating fevers. Because of this children were rare on Beta, so they were greatly treasured. I remarked that it was amazing how different our two cultures were. He replied that it was the past that shaped the present. In ancient times his people were fierce warriors, even the females, so evolution had created the mating cycle allowing sex without pregnancy so that the females would not be hampered by childcare. Between the deaths from war and the lack of births, their race would have become extinct had they not finally realized the waste of life and resources war caused. They threw their energies into the sciences becoming physicians, scientists, explorers and space farers. Disease was stamped out. Betazeds now only died of accidents or old age.
They traveled to other worlds, and when the wormhole was discovered they traveled through it to Earth. They witnessed the birth of the dinosaurs and their death. They walked among our ancient ancestors, as evidenced by the recurring lion/human themes; the Egyptian God Sekhmet is just one example, the lion-headed Chimera another. After a time, however, it was noticed that the cultures of other worlds were changed or contaminated by off world visitors, so the Federation of Planets was formed by like thinking space-traveling races. They adopted a policy of non-interference with primitive worlds; a look but don’t touch directive. Sher-Kan said the Federation would soon be voting on making Earth a "hands-off" world. Due to the advances in our technology making it very difficult to come and go undetected, there were far too many unexplained UFO sightings, so this was probably the last time a scientific expedition from another world would be here.
I went home that night with so much to think about, but upper most was the fact that I would probably never see Sher-Kan again after they left to go back to Beta.
I went back the next morning, determined to have some keepsake or memento of him. I had taken my brownie camera with me and asked if Bartok would take a picture of us together. He took the camera, and after examining it laughed, handed it back to me and disappeared into the ship. He came back out with what looked like a silver pack of cigarettes. He said to get into a pose, so I dragged Sher-Kan to the old post and rail fence my father had put up on the hill above the creek. I sat on the top rail while Sher-Kan stood beside me. Bartok did something with the silver box and indicated he was done. When I asked him how long it would take to develop, he laughed again, went into the ship and a few minutes later came out with a beautiful color picture."
"I have it here," Emily smiled taking a leatherette picture holder out of her purse and handing it to Catherine.
Catherine took it, opened it and gasped; there was a very young Emily sitting on a fence with what could have been Vincent’s twin standing next to her. The only difference between the two were the eyes, Sher-Kan’s yellow to Vincent’s blue.
"Go on Emily. What happened next?" Catherine urged.
"I spent as much time as I could at the landing site helping them collect samples, giving them the names and as much information as I could on whatever it was that interested them. I worked at the library afternoons and evenings, which helped a lot, since I could look up whatever information was available.
"I was at work one day when I felt an urgent need to go to Sher-Kan, as if I were being drawn to him. I tried to ignore it but it became over powering. I left work early, claiming illness, and practically flew to the ship. I ran up the ramp, sensing that Sher-Kan was inside, but Bartok blocked my way. When he asked me what I was doing, I told him Sher-Kan needed me. When I tried pushing past him, he held my shoulders looking at me. Shaking his head, he said that what he had suspected was true, but he couldn’t believe it. When I asked him to explain, he told me that Sher-Kan was in a mating fever but that wasn’t possible since his mate was dead. He said the cycle ends when a mate dies unless the male bonds with a new mate. Evidently Sher-Kan had bonded with me.
"I was shocked; I told Bartok the most intimate we ever got was holding hands. He said it wasn’t a matter of touching; it was emotions, spirits blending into one another. I thought the cycles were years apart, but Bartok said the fever is sometimes triggered by an initial bonding; sometimes even if the female rejects the bond, the fever would consume the male. I asked him if Sher-Kan would be all right. He looked at me with such sadness, saying if I didn’t go to him the fever would climb so high as to cause delusions, convulsions, brain damage and eventually death. He didn’t even know if I could help, being human; but the bond was there, so it was possible, and there was nothing he could do to help his friend. The trip back to Beta would take too long. He’d be dead by the time they got back.
"I took a deep breath, looked at Bartok and told him to take me to Sher-Kan. He took me towards the back of the ship where the living quarters were and opened the door to Sher-Kan’s quarters. Poor Sher-Kan was laying on his bunk tossing and turning, sweat pouring off him. I stepped into the room and Bartok left, closing the door. I slowly approached the bed, not really knowing what to do; I was 18 and a virgin. I had no experience in this. Sher-Kan finally noticed me and held out his hand. I took it, sitting down next to him, pushing the sweat soaked hair from his brow. He took me urgently, desperately; it was the most indescribable moment of my life. Nothing will ever compare to it.
"Afterward he fell peacefully asleep in my arms. I left shortly afterwards to let Bartok know that everything was going to be all right. I went home that night feeling like I was on cloud nine; my dreams that night were of him, of us. When I went back the following night the ship was gone. I was devastated. I know Bartok was still very concerned for his friend, even after I had offered myself. Perhaps he thought an assignation with a human female wouldn’t do. I went home horribly depressed, I went through my days mechanically; I knew I would never see him again.
"A few weeks had gone by and I started feeling ill. It wasn’t like any illness I had experienced before, and I started getting a funny feeling. I decided to take a trip into New York City, telling my parents I wanted to do some shopping, something I always loved to do. In reality I had made an appointment with a doctor. I told the doctor my symptoms, and he asked if I might be pregnant. I told him it could be possible, so he took blood for a test and said that he would call me when he got the results. I gave his office my number at work. When the call came, it confirmed that I was in fact pregnant.
"Now I had to make plans. I had always told my parents that I wanted to live and work in the city, and this seemed like the perfect time to set the wheels in motion to that end. I called the New York public library main office to see if there were any jobs available, and as luck would have it, they had an opening in the Hudson Park Branch. I told them I would be interested, and we set up a time for an interview. I found an ad in the paper for an apartment that was available to rent on 11th St. by St. Vincent’s hospital. Everything fell into place, and I told my parents I wanted to try living in the city. My mother was upset, but she could see that I was determined to at least give this a try, so with my parents blessing and a promise that I wouldn’t hesitate to return if it didn’t work out, off I went.
"It was something I had thought about often, working and living in the city, but not under these circumstances. I had my grandmother’s wedding ring that she had left to me, and I wore it on my left ring finger. I had composed a story about being married to a soldier who was stationed over-seas. I had enough savings to put a month’s security down on the apartment and to furnish it sparsely, but tastefully. I was actually enjoying myself; I had my own place, a job that I enjoyed in a city that I loved. I walked the few blocks to work and back every day enjoying, the changes in the weather as the summer turned to fall and then to winter. I did miss my parent’s farm with its meadows and fields, but this city always had something to offer in the way of entertainments. Everything moved at such a fast pace, as did my pregnancy.
"I was only in my sixth month when things started happening. My co-workers had been remarking at how large I had become in such a short time; they speculated that I must be carrying twins. I foolishly thought I’d have a nine-month pregnancy like a normal human would have, never thinking that for a Betazed it might be different. I had been having pain off and on the morning of January 12th, never thinking I was close to delivering my baby. My boss had told me to go home early and get to bed. Walking home I felt the contractions coming closer together and getting stronger; I thought if I could just make it home everything would be ok. I had just started passing by St. Vincent’s when a contraction hit and I doubled over. I looking longing at the hospital, but I knew if the baby looked anything like its father I would have to answer questions that I wasn’t prepared for.
"Another contraction hit, and I went into the alley to get out of the street and away from prying eyes. I collapsed against the wall of the alley trying to hide behind the trash bin. The baby came fast and furious, I had been reading everything I could get my hands on about childbirth, and I knew what had to be done. I always carried a tote bag with me with all kinds of things in it; I had thread and scissors so I was able to make quick work of the umbilical cord. I then I held my baby in my arms, a boy, I had a son and he looked like his father. I took my shawl, the one my parents had sent me for Christmas that matched my eyes, and carefully wrapped it around him. It was so cold. I was struggling to stand up when some people came out of the back of the hospital and saw me. I panicked. If they saw my son they’d take him away from me, so I put him in my tote bag. As they came toward me I carefully put the bag under a box from the trash bin.
"When they reached me they saw the blood on my legs and carried me, protesting, into the hospital, taking me right into the emergency room. They left me on one of the beds to get a doctor and I ran back out to get my baby, but when I reached the spot where I had left him, he was gone. I was frantic. I looked all over the alley, through the trash, everywhere; he was gone. I went home devastated. I cleaned myself up and went back. I went back time after time but never saw him again. I called work and told them that I had had a miscarriage and that I wouldn’t be coming back. I was going home to my parents. I told my parents that things hadn’t worked out for me in the city, and I returned to my old job at the library. I never forgot about my baby, and every year on January 12th I come back and remember his birth."
Catherine had tears streaming down her face as Emily finished her story. She got up to give the older woman a hug.
"But now you know your baby is safe and has grown to be a wonderful person!" she sniffled.
"Can you take me to him? Can I meet him, see him?" Emily asked eagerly.
Catherine thought about it, "I’m supposed to meet Vincent this afternoon. I’ll take you with me then. In the meantime, could I borrow this?" indicating the photograph. "I’d like to make a copy for Vincent".
The two women left the apartment, Emily for her hotel and Catherine to Staples, where she knew there was a self-service color copier. She made the copy and purchased a beautiful wooden frame that had roses carved into it. Rushing home she placed the picture in the frame, returned it to its box and wrapped it with paper and ribbon, placing it in a bag to take with her. Next she got ready to go below, changing into a more festive outfit, called Emily to say she was on her way and grabbed a cab. She picked up Emily and the cab drove them to Central Park, dropping them off close to the culvert. When Catherine started to enter the drainpipe Emily hung back, but Catherine assured her it was all right, and they continued to the gate.
When Catherine worked the lever and the door opened, Emily couldn’t help but exclaim "My son lives in here?"
"Don’t worry" Catherine replied, "there’s a whole community here, and they are wonderful people."
Catherine knew Jaime was on sentry duty here and called out to her not to announce her presence or Emily’s on the pipes.
Emily looked around her in amazement as they approached the more inhabited area of the tunnels. People really do live down here, she thought.
Catherine sensed that Vincent was in Father’s chamber, so she went to Vincent’s. She led Emily through the doorway. Turning to her she said, "This is Vincent’s chamber. Would you wait here until I come for you?"
"Of course" Emily replied.
When Catherine had left her, Emily wandered around touching this and that. She could hardly contain her excitement, but she was also afraid of what he would think of her. She prowled around the chamber, too nervous to sit. She kept telling herself that Catherine would be back soon. She had waited this long, she could wait a few more minutes.
But she couldn’t. She left the chamber, heading in the direction she had seen Catherine take. She was sure that something was guiding her in the right direction. She stopped suddenly by the entrance of another chamber, her heart pounding madly. That voice, surely that was Sher-Kan’s voice! She waited, unable to move, thinking at some level that it wasn’t polite to eavesdrop, but she stayed where she was, hidden from those in the chamber.
When Catherine entered the chamber she found Father and Vincent at the chessboard, embroiled in yet another battle, and by the look of the pieces left in play, Father was losing again. Vincent, feeling Catherine’s presence, looked up and smiled. He started to stand, but she waved him down.
"Don’t let me disturb you. It looks like you’re just about to win."
Father looked at her with a frown and grunted, "You’re pretty sure Vincent is going to win, aren’t you?"
"Doesn’t he always?" she laughed.
"Well in that case, I can’t see why he keeps asking me for a game if I’m not going to be a challenge for him," he growled.
Catherine went over to him and gave him a hug. "It’s because he believes in miracles"
Vincent laughed and declared, "Checkmate."
Father threw his hands into the air in exasperation. "I don’t know why I ever taught him this game," he said shaking his head. "So where are you two off to?"
"No where yet. I wanted to give Vincent his gift now before the party," Catherine answered, pulling the gaily-wrapped gift from her bag and handing it to Vincent. She stood by the side of his chair as he carefully undid the ribbon and wrap so it could be reused again. He slid the frame out of the box, taking the tissue paper off of it. He stared in shock at what he saw. Not taking his eyes off the picture he whispered,
"What is the meaning of this?"
Catching the shock in Vincent’s voice, Father rose out of his chair and limped to Vincent’s side so he could see what he was looking at.
He gasped when he saw it, turning to Catherine, demanding, "Where did you get this? Who are these people?"
Catherine backed up at the vehemence in his voice.
Vincent finally looked up from the photo; he laid it on the table, stood up taking Catherine’s hands in his he gently said, "Tell me"
She stared deep into his eyes "Vincent, they’re your parents."
"How could you know this?" Father’s voice was imperious.
Never taking her eyes from Vincent’s she said, "Because I met his mother today, and she told me everything."
All along Vincent had been feeling Catherine’s emotions, her excitement and joy, but he was feeling others as well; fear, anxiety, apprehension. But not from Catherine, from somewhere else. He concentrated on it now, and looking over Catherine’s shoulder to the entrance of the chamber he saw a woman. Those feelings were coming from her. Father followed Vincent’s gaze, Catherine too turned and saw Emily. She went to her, bringing her down the stairs. Emily only had eyes for Vincent; she drank in the sight of him, eagerly memorizing every nuance of him.
"Emily I would like you to meet Dr. Jacob Wells and Vincent. Gentleman may I introduce Ms. Emily Cotton, Vincent’s mother."
Father’s mouth was hanging open, and if the atmosphere in the room hadn’t been so charged, Catherine would have laughed. Emily moved closer to Vincent, like a sleepwalker holding out her hand to cup his cheek, tears running down her face. Vincent covered the hand on his cheek with his own, starring into the blue eyes that were so like his. Tears coursing down his face, he knew that this in truth was his mother; there was a bond between them that could not be denied. Father finally found his voice.
"Catherine, how could you bring a stranger down here, and without consulting us?" He was furious. "And this outlandish claim, how could you?" he demanded.
She turned on him "Because it’s true. At least give Emily the courtesy of listening to her story."
"Why even if it’s true, she abandoned him, left him to die in a garbage bin."
Vincent turned then, lowering his hand with Emily’s still in it. "Father, sit. There is a tale to be told, truths to be revealed."
He indicated that Emily should be seated, and Father finally sat reluctantly; Catherine took the chair next to Vincent’s. Emily picked up the picture with her free hand, gently squeezing Vincent’s with the other and letting go of him. She rubbed her fingers over the picture as if gathering strength from the touch, took a deep breath and began the story again. When she finished there were tears running down everyone’s faces. Father broke the stillness by getting up. Going to his wardrobe he rummaged around for a while, finally pulling out a tote bag. Coming back to the table he held it out to Emily
"I believe this is yours."
In wonder Emily took it, looking inside her eyes widened, she put her hand inside and pulled out a china blue shawl; she clutched it in both hands burying her face in it sobbing.
Vincent put his arm around her shoulders, looking up at Father. You always said I was found bundled in rags."
Looking at him Father said, "There are only three people that would know how you were really found…myself, Anna who is dead, and the one who left you."
Looking at Emily he said, "I’m sorry, Emily, for making assumptions. Anna must have found Vincent after you were taken into the hospital and brought him below. She had just had a miscarriage and wanted a child so badly that she kept the baby. It wasn’t until she began to fear her husband that she gave the child to me with the bag and shawl."
Vincent’s mind was whirling with all this new information. It was going to take him some time to assimilate it all. Suddenly the pipes were announcing dinner. He looked at Father, who nodded.
"Ladies, it’s time to go into dinner. Emily, may I take you in?"
Getting up he offered Emily is arm, which she took after wiping her eyes with a hanky. Vincent would have liked some time to himself, but this was his birthday dinner, and he couldn’t very well disappoint everyone. Standing up himself he offered his arm to Catherine.
"Shall we?" he asked, she rose, beaming at him; there would be time later to review everything that had happened today.
As the foursome appeared in the entrance of the dining hall, all those gathered there yelled "Happy Birthday Vincent". Vincent inclined his head gracefully, accepting everyone’s well wishes. Raising his hands Father called for quiet.
"We have a visitor I would like to introduce."
Turning to Emily he brought her forward to stand next to him.
"I would like all of you to make welcome Ms. Emily Cotton," he waited a beat then, "Vincent’s mother."
If there was silence before, there was dead silence now. Vincent broke the scene by putting his arm around his mother’s shoulders bringing her further into the room. Mary was the first to get up and greet her,
"Welcome Emily, please come sit here with me."
William also broke through, announcing that dinner was served. He had made another of Vincent’s favorites, lasagna with meatballs, thanks to Catherine’s arrangements. Vincent sat between Emily and Catherine enjoying all the attention of his extended family. His sharp ears, however, heard the whispered speculations about Emily. When the children again asked about Vincent’s story Father declared it would be told after cake in his chambers, and this time it would be told by Emily. For a story that had never been told, thought Emily, it sure was getting an airing today.
After the dinner dishes had been cleared away William brought out the birthday cake with the children trooping in behind him, singing Happy Birthday. He set it down in front of Vincent, offering him the knife to make the first cut, but first telling him to blow out the candles. Standing up with his hands leaning on the table on either side of the cake Vincent took a deep breath.
"Don’t forget to make a wish before you blow out the candles" Samantha yelled.
"I don’t know what to wish for, Samantha. I think all my wishes have been given to me today." He glanced at Emily.
"Surely there’s something you’ve never even dreamed of wishing for that you’d like to have?" Catherine said, grinning.
He thought a moment, then gathering his breath again he bent low and blew out all the candles. The whole room erupted in a cheer, Vincent made the first cut and surrendered the knife to William who expertly sliced and plated the pieces of cake, recruiting the children as wait staff. Catherine, sitting next to Vincent, enjoyed the moment. Looking over at Emily she saw her smiling with tears in her eyes, gazing at her son with adoration.
*****
"Do you think anyone would mind if the guest of honor were to sneak away?" Catherine asked sometime later.
Looking around the room Vincent saw that Emily was now the center of attention.
"I think we could manage it," he answered "Where would you like to go?"
"Somewhere we could talk?"
He took her hand. Leaving the dining hall, they strolled hand in hand in comfortable silence. Sometime later they reached the Chamber of the Falls. Vincent spread his cloak on the stone ledge and they settled themselves on it, Vincent leaning back on the wall and Catherine at his side, her head on his shoulder tucked under his chin.
"Vincent tell me what you’re thinking, what you’re feeling," she asked.
"Catherine today has been wondrous; I hardly know what to think, there’s been no time to take it all in. Ever since I was old enough to realize I was different from everyone else I’ve set myself apart. I’ve always been stronger, faster, seen more, heard better just like the lion that I resemble."
"No, Vincent. Emily said Betazeds have been around longer than life on Earth. You don’t look like a lion, lions look like you."
"See Catherine? I must turn my ideas around now that I know what I am. I’m not an animal as I always believed," he smiled.
"What? Why are you smiling?"
"I’m a half-breed. I’m half of two worlds. They come together in me. The beast I’ve always been so afraid of, my dark side, is my warrior heritage from my father. It’s where my instinct to protect my home and loved ones comes from. It’s such an incredible relief to know that. My mother has given me the greatest gift of all, besides love."
Puzzled she asked, "What is that Vincent?"
"Freedom, Catherine. She’s freed me from my fears, my fears of being an animal, of being someone’s experiment, or some kind of mutation, of being unwanted. I’m free now, Catherine!" He hugged her.
"I’m so happy for you Vincent", she answered, hugging him back, "but when I think of Emily having only those few weeks with the one she loved, still loves from the looks of things… She never married, Vincent… she must still hope for his return. And then, to lose his baby that she wanted so much… it’s so sad."
"But because of you we’ve found each other again."
"I was only in the right place at the right time, that’s all."
"No Catherine. It’s your instincts as a caring, loving human being that made you pursue Emily and get her to tell you her story, which brought her to me."
"I’m glad it all came to a happy conclusion," she sighed.
"Come," he said standing up and holding his hand out to her to help her up. "We should head back."
She nodded, taking the offered hand and rising. As they drew closer to the home tunnels Vincent heard Emily’s voice coming from Father’s chamber and went in that direction. Looking inside it seemed like the entire community was crowded inside listening to Emily tell the story of Vincent once again. Catherine squeezed Vincent’s hand. "Walk me home?"
Smiling he nodded and led her away in the direction of her building. At the threshold she turned, looking up at him.
"Vincent what was your wish when you blew out the candles?"
"If I told you it won’t come true. Isn’t that how it works?" he said tilting his head in that disarming way.
"Was I in your wish?"
"Yes," he mumbled, looking down at the floor.
"Could I grant your wish?"
The softest "yes" floated down to her.
Lifting his chin with her hand she gazed into his eyes.
"Ask me."
"Catherine I…"
"Vincent, ask me," she persisted.
"Catherine ...would you marry me?"
Springing into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck, her mouth close to his ear, she whispered, "Yes, yes I’ll marry you." Pulling her head back she kissed him, gently, lovingly on those unique lips. Pulling back further she smiled up at him, disengaged herself, turned and went up the ladder.
Staring at the beam of light where she had just disappeared, still shocked and amazed at his boldness in asking her and then receiving her wonderful answer he thought to himself, "Birthday wishes really do come true!"