Dear Diary

by A.N.D.

Originally published in Heartsounds II

Vincent uncapped his fountain pen and contemplated the page beforehim. He did not have much time to write tonight, but this entry wastoo important to leave for later. After a moment he started towrite.


December 15, 1992:

The helpers have brought me news of Above and of Lisa. She hasfinally returned to the stage and her dancing enchants the world asmuch as it did before her withdrawal after the court hearings. She isonce again a success, and I am happy for her.

Yet, beneath the joy, I remember a tragic time this very day 18years ago. We were in the Great Hall, surrounded by candles, andnothing in the world was as beautiful as Lisa dancing in thecandlelight. But when I reached for her, my dream of happinessshattered, torn apart when my claws tore into her shoulder.

For years -- decades -- I packed my dreams away in a lockedcorner of my heart, vowing never again to make such a devastatingmistake. But tonight...

Tonight was Winterfest and the Great Hall was alive with thelove of our friends and helpers and gilded with the light of manyflames. Once again, I stood in a circle of candles and dared todream, holding out my arms to the most beautiful woman in the world.And tonight she...

A soft call interrupted his train of thought, and Vincent lookedup from the page, distracted. "Just a moment, please. I'll be rightwith you."

And tonight she ran...

"Vincent!"

"Yes! I'm coming!"

And tonight she ran from...

A slender hand reached over Vincent's shoulder and took the penfrom his fingers.

"Vincent, I have always admired your relationship with literature,but now is not the time!"

Vincent smiled at Catherine as she stood a few steps away, holdingthe pen and frowning. "I know. I would never keep you waiting long."He held out his arms to her and she ran willingly into them, with thesame urgency as when she had run into his embrace after her sojournin Connecticut, with the same joy as when she had run from Father'ssupporting arm that very evening.

She squirmed around to put the pen neatly on the page, then turnedback to kiss the man who held her. "Write your journal later," shewhispered into the ear beneath her lips. "I have other plans for yourhands on our wedding night."-