"A Small Sense of Freedom"
by Inês Costa

Taken with kind permission from Father's On-Line Library

This issue of Father's Online Library brings you "A Small Sense of Freedom" by Inês Costa. This is a story about the author's vision of Vincent's first contact with nature, away from his life Below. But it isn't all flowers and trees: this experience is shaken by Catherine's kidnapping ... rated PG13.

Enjoy! - Mrs. Ben (Lisa) Bock ;-)

Author's Preface:

A small sense of freedom: this is a story about my vision of Vincent's first contact with nature, away from his life Below. But it isn't all flowers and trees: this experienced is shook by Catherine's kidnapping ... rated PG13.

- a "short" story dedicated to all you fans out there -

"Freedom is hunting, feeding, danger; that, that is freedom - that it is Which makes the veins to swell, the breast to heave and glow
Aye, that is freedom, that is pleasure, of life!"

- Marie Lovell

Something whispered between the trees as a figure moved silently and
hurriedly through the dry carpet of dense foliage that covered the park in
September. It was a dark shadow: the cape that covered its head didn't let
anyone see the glare and the happiness that filled Vincent's eyes as he
moved towards the tunnel entrance.
"-Yesterday, I read something exquisite in one of Father's books"-he hummed
between his lips, like a reversal to what he was about to say -"It was
hidden in the back of some old Barry's books, in quite an expecting look. I
opened it, and out came a poem that inspires love in so many forms and
colors!"
So absorbed he looked, that he run past Mouse and he didn't even glanced
one time. Mouse just stood there, with his hands drowned in his pockets in
a shriveled kind of look :
-Alright! ok! Fine! Don't tell where your going!-he said almost laughing
-Say hello to Catherine!
But emptiness was his answer.
Vincent looked carefully to the stairs, to the beam of light he so well
knew, and smiled.



-Alright, Joe! I'll take care of it on Monday! Yes, the paper's will be on
your desk in time ...no...no...All right, I will. Bye!
Cathy hung up the phone, and went to her bathroom. The sigth of a nice warm
tub filled with water danced through her thougths the hole day, for Joe was
really pushing it, and she had the longest weekend in front of her -she had
plans.
As she stretched down on the tub, with bubbles all around her, she closed
her eyes and sighed.
I could fall asleep in here...
Dried of, dressed with her white satin night gown, she looked at the bed.
I guess five minutes won't do no arm!
Just as her eyes closed, Vincent taped on the window, and found it open.
-Catherine!-he whispered.With caution he stepped towards the room where
Cathy had fallen asleep.Approaching her and gently passing his hand through
her hair, made her body shiver at that warmfull contact .
-Oh! It's you!-she said yawning- I was just catching my breath...it was a
long day.
-Yes. Perhaps I should come back later.
-No Vincent!-she said, yawning at trying to smile at the same time.The
result was little bit awkward -Our moments are so few that I have to
treasure every single moment.
He looked her with such loving eyes, that she momentarily blushed.
-And I don't think you want to go.
-I don't.
Feeling the Autumn wind brushing her hair, the head softly resting on his
shoulder, as he recited the poem discovered in Father's library, made her
feel happier than ever.
-"...And if thou must love me,let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only.Do not say,
I love her for her smile...her look...her way
of speaking gently...for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine,and,certes,brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day-
For these things themselves,Beloved,may
Be changed, or change for thee-and love so wrought,
may be unwrought so."

-That is beautiful, Vincent.
-Elizabeth Browning.
- "He who draws noble delights from the sentiments of poetry is a true
poet, though he has never written a line in all his life"..so I think I'm a
poet, for I do draw those noble delights-said her, holding Vincent closer.
Vincent smiled and nodded.
-George Sand.
Catherine approached the balcony.
-I can't stop looking at this city at night: it's sights, it's sounds...it
blinds the stars. But tomorrow, I shall see them perfectly.
Vincent looked at her with a question marked on his face.
-Tomorrow I'm going to a friend's place, up in New Hampshire. It's a
beautiful place, Vincent, near the Swift river, with a lovely landscape in
this time of the year.
He turns over to the other side, has he hears it...He can not face her.
-What is it? What?
-The simple glow in your face when you talk of such places that seem so
apart from me...they simply melt and disappear in my imagination.

Catherine felt guilty: it was probably best that she had said nothing, but it was too late. The harm was done, for it was a dream they dreamed so much for each other, unreachable.
-I know your pain, I can feel it. But you know Father...he's right Vincent, you know it.
-But that's what you really feel, Catherine? Tell me, is it?
She lowered her head.
-I can't say that I wouldn't love to show you those places, but I can't ask you to. You remember what happened last time: you fought with Jacob.
-I know. But my heart weakens every time that you have to go away.
-I also know that. But don't worry, nothing will happen.
-I hope so Catherine. I truly hope so.



Back to the tunnels, Vincent descent the stairs in Father's
chamber, with a grim in his face, and rested the book beside the others
with reluctance. Jacob was sitting down on his chair, by the table, and
followed Vincent's moves, knowing that something was wrong.
-What is it, Vincent?
He looked straight at him and walked back and forth in the room. His heart
was restless.
-The same as always Father. Why can't I fulfill my heart's need? Why can't
I?
-What are you saying?

Vincent thought hard of the right words to say, but he couldn't because of the pump on his chest that was shouting louder and louder than his mind. Finally he almost despaired.
-Why can't I go? Why can't I bee with her always? My heart is my torment, for as much as I want to be here, my soul leaves me and walks side by side with her.
-Catherine is going away?
-Yes, just for the weekend, but I feel so unease! Tell me Father...can't I go to be with her?
-Now, Vincent, you know that's impossible. If someone sees you...-Jacob was suddenly interrupted.
-I know, Father, I know because you have reminded me so many times. But howcan I deny her of such feelings? Can I condemn her for wanting to share
this with me? To show me what words cannot?

"Don't shout, please."

It was Jacob's time to think on the proper things to say. He closed his eyesand spoke, slowly, but firmly.-More than once I've tried to make you see ...If you go, then it's me who
will be restless, because I have no sense of you, like you have for
Catherine, I don't have any way to warn you if something goes wrong, or you
to warn me.
Vincent sighed and stretched his fury on the back wall. Father approached
him and rested his hand on his shoulder.
-I know what you feel...most young lovers want to embrace the world with
such a possession, that nothing else matters for them! You see, my son, this is
the truth: you're tied to Catherine, but you're also tied to the community.
It's hard, I know it, but this is the state of things, and you mustn't go
against them.
Vincent looked at Jacob, into is eyes and beyond.
-No. You're wrong. You can't even begin to understand this feelings. What it
feels when you or someone else goes above in the daylight! I feel...envy,
Father-he shook his head and grabbed it with his hands -And...I know it's
shameful, but even Catherine I envy! But when I'm with her, anything is
possible, because our love is...and then...I wake up.- a tear rolled down
his face, that he rapidly dried of.
Jacob tried to imagine his grief...The grief of a child that never
contemplated a forest, a mountain, the sea. Vincent was right: he couldn't
imagine what it felt like. Those thoughts, though, encouraged him to hug
Vincent, comforting him.
-Come, it's late. You should rest. In days, Catherine will be back and
you'll be at ease.
Vincent nodded and said nothing. What was there to say?
He walked slowly through the tunnels and felt a kind of claustrophobia,
burning deeply in his mind. Has he laid on his bed, the thoughts of torment
were gone, and all he could do was to sleep away into his dreams.
There, at least, he was truly free.



A bird flew past by him, so swiftly that he had no time to see it
properly, but it was purple and it had such a marvelous song!
Oh! What delight!
At first he found himself surrounded by trees, the sun is high in the sky
as he bends his head to feel the warmth pouring down between the leafs. A
stream is running near by -he can hear it. Soon a chipmunk runs up a tree,
unalarmed by this observer.
Laughter? Where? I...I can't tell. Is it you?
Vincent!Where are you?
Laughter again.
Catherine?
He walks towards the sound of the stream,where the laughter is coming, and
there he sees her on top of a huge stone. He opens his arms and signals
her.
I can't. I'm tied here. Come to me instead.
He tries to grasp her fingers,but he keeps sliding down the rock.
Be careful, Vincent, but you must hurry. The storm is coming.
What does she mean? The sky is perfect. Suddenly he hears a crack and a
ruffle between the trees, next to her.
Come down Catherine!
I can't!
He tryes to climb, but a roar is heard and there's nothing he can do. The
clouds gather and a thunder strips the sky, now painted in shades of
gray.The roars cry out of the forest as Catherine tryes to reach his
fingers. A bear rises in front of him engulfing her in a deadly embrace as
Vincent watches, no words spoken as the bear departs, and the only thing he
could think of, was why he couldn't catch her.



Mouse entered Vincent's chamber exactly when he cried out and woke
up, covered in sweat, his hair in a confused torment. Mouse screamed, with
surprise, noticing that Vincent breathed heavily.
-Bad dream?
The breath became smoother, as the mind realises where it's at. He looked
at Mouse and sat on the bead,repeating.
-Bad dream.
-Always get like that when something's troubling .Can Mouse help?-he said.
The fear made him wonder.
A thought passed through his mind.
Can it be possible?
-Maybe.Mouse...his there a tunnel leading to the train station?
-Yes,east ...what are you thinking ?
-Go there and find out if there's any train leaving to New Hampshire late
in the afternoon.
-Don't like this!
-And Mouse, please, don't tell Father.
Mouse nodded .
-Don't like, but I'll help.

Later, in that afternoon,Vincent stood by the passage that leaded him to
thetrain.
-Shure about doing this?
-As certain as my heart is not here with me,but with her.And I always have
to follow my heart...don't I?
-Never done anything like this....Foolish! Father angry!
-Don't worry Mouse. I'll be careful.
-Usually don't have this schemes...risky...Why?
-A dream, Mouse...a dream.

He crossed the rails, covered by the mist of a recent night sky and crawled
into the cargo train, that was leaving to New Hampshire,filled with seed
sacks. He sat at the door, when it was safe to, and contemplate the night
sky,as the train leaded him north.
My sense of her will guide me.I know it.



Catherine looked around, with the map opened on top of the van.
-Damn!I'm not lost,am I?
All around her there were trees and nothing more.
-O.k, Catherine,think.Was it the left turn or the right?
Suddenly she heard a gun fire, at distance.The sound was strong enough to
put her unease, so she went inside the van and drove away, down the road,
hoping to get some directions, and luckily enough she saw a man, between
the bushes, with an object in his hand...too far away for her to see it
properly. Never the less she stopped the car, opened the window, and cried
out.
-Excuse me sir!
The man stood himself up and looked on her direction. He seemed shocked.
-Excuse me! Can you tell me where's the Winston's cottage?
The man just stood there, and said nothing...he apparently was gazing at
Catherine. Finally, he spoke.
-Further down the road. About 3 miles.You can't miss it.
-Thank you!
She started her car and proceeded with the trip.
That's a strange man!
After a while she spotted the house,a beautiful cottage,side by side with
the forest. She took her bag from the van and went upstairs to the door,
knoking.
-Jenny!
There was no answer.
Probably they're out.
As she looked inside, she saw a note traped between the door and the floor.
She picked it up, surprisingly finding that was meant to her, from Jenny.
After reading it, she looked for the geranium vase that her friend always
kept on the front porch, for inside it was the keys of the house, and it
was in good hour that Catherine came in, because the telephone began to
rang.
-Yes?
-Catherine! Thank God! I thought that you would never pick up the phone!
-What is this Jenny? I came to spend a few days and you're not home? Greg's
up to something?
-No,no! I'm on the celular, and we are going to his folk's place.
-...
-I'm sorry Cathy!It's just for a day!His father broke a leg,and he wanted
to see if everything was all right...her mother insisted that I should come
with him....mother in law's! Take care of the house for me...please!-said
her with a begging voice, persuading Catherine to ponder the proposition.
-O.k, Jenny, but I'll remember this!
-Thank you honey!You're shure you'll be alright then?
-Of course Jenny, don't worry about a thing! I'll just invite a couple of
friends to party and trash your cottage around a bit.
-Ah! Ah! Very funny.
Suddenly she heard knocking at the door.
-Cathy?Cathy?What is it?
-There's someone at the door.Wait a minute.
-Cathy?
She opened the door and looked around.No one was there.
-Cathy?
- No one.
-People can get pretty imaginative out there!
-I guess I'm still hooked on NY.
-Oh,yes! When I first went to that house I saw everyone,everywhere.Greg
thought I was going nuts!
The two friends laughed at the phone.
-Look,I'm sorry that I couldn't be there,but hey!You wanted to rest for a
few days anyway!
-Yes I did, didn't I?
-Well, have fun Cathy, and I'll be there the day after tomorrow, ok?
-O.K, Jenny, bye!
As soon as she hung up the phone,her mind drifted into a state of grace, as
she was seeing the sun coming down over the mountains.
Oh!How I wish you could see it with me.
She turned over to the kitchen and managed something to eat,but suddenly
she heard a tap on the window.
Can it bee?
She ran outside and looked around-there was nothing there,but even though
she tried.
-Vincent? Is it you?
No answer.
I guess it's just my imagination...I really want you so badly!
Returning into the kitchen,she made a chicken sandwich adding it all up
with a glass of orange juice and a warm fire.
It was cold. Really cold, she thought.
Couldn't think in nobody else but him,as she saw the fire creeping and
dying through the night, feeling the fur of the carpet on her neck,
imagining that it was his by closing her eyes...
This is truly heaven...or somewhere near.



The train stoped. The heartbeat was stronger.Vincent looked over to the
shadows of the mountains.
It's near.
They had already stopped in a big city, he couldn't tell what because he
was truly busy hiding to notice what any voice would say on a speeker, with
only the bond to guide him -it was definitely nearer.He jumped off the
train and proceeded through the dark. Dawn was coming soon, because the sky
already had that brilliant oranges tripe on the horizon, but he still
couldn't see nothing between
the shadows...
I close my eyes,and let you guide me.



She couldn't sleep.
She just couldn't.
I can't sleep!
She was used to the busyness of New York, the late traffic, the noise...and
suddenly this quietness, this silence, that kept everything ushed, except
the voice of her heart:the one thing that she didn't want to hear,was the
most creeping sound of all, for it brought back the vision of her mother,
singing to her when she was sick, and that thought brought others, like
minded.
So close to tears! So close!
He knows.
I know.
He knows what feelings torment her.
I know. I feel.
Finally, she fast asleep on the couch, looking at the gray ashes that
crackled upon the fireplace.
The sun is coming up...

A tap.
She was sleeping...it could be those things we hear in dreams, when you canstill see what's around you.
Another one.
That time it was a tap.She turned over to the sound and saw the familiar
shape outlined between the curtains.
She opened the window and her eyes,in wonder,joined her arms around his
neck, in one enormous loving salutation.
-What are you doing here? What about Father? How?
-Later...
Dawn lights invaded the room as they fell into a profound sleep,
embraced, in front of the fireplace.
With no nightmares.
Later,Catherine woke with the sound of footsteps on the back porch.She
stood up, looked at Vincent, still sleeping after his jorney. Turning away,
she faced the back window, and opened it, steping and lurking with caution
to see what made the sound but there was nothing there.Then she thought of
what Jenny told her the other evening, and began to wonder how that place
was really messing with her mind, due to it's peacefulness...after
all,Vincent didn't woke up with the noise, so...it was all in her mind.
What a wonderful morning!

She took a big breath, and leaned her head back, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. She turned back inside:Vincent was waking up.
-Good morning!
He looked kind of confused with the place.-Where am I....oh!Wait! I remember now, he said, looking at Catherine which had a big smile stamped on her face.-Are you ready? Vincent also smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
-For what?
She bitten anxiously her lip and pulled away all the curtains, so the sun could come pouring in, like a river that blinded Vincent for a moment.Then, in wonder, he stood up and watched, amazed, has Catherine's shadow leaded him into that light,like an angel holding his hand.



-It's true! He's not there.
-I've looked everywhere, Father. He's nowhere to be found.
-It isn't the first time, said Jamie, I mean, he sometimes go deep bellow
when he want's to stay away.
-But he would tell Father!-replied Mary.
Jacob was seating at his table,looking at the people as they arrived to
the chamber. Everyone was there.Everyone?
-Pascal,did you sent the message trough the pipes?
-Yes, warning everyone.
-Why isn't Mouse here? He's always the first to arrive.
Pascal shrugged his shoulders and began to understand.
-I'll fetch him-said Jamie.
-No need, a voice said. Mouse was all shriveled up next to the back wall,
where the marks of Vincent's claws where.Jacob went to him and gazed at the
boy, with an angry look.
-Well? Is there anything you would like to share with us?
-Mouse doesn't know nothing!-Said he, runing to the other side, trying to
escape whiteout succeeding: Pascal intercepted him.
-Now, Mouse, if you know where Vincent is, tell us. At least, we'll be at
ease...and Mouse,please,don't lie!
-He asked me not to!
-So you do know something!
There was no way out,and he could not bare another punishment for lying!
-Mouse told him it was foolish for he to go!
-What are you saying?
-Went to Catherine...because of a dream he had...
A premonition.
-Where did he go Mouse?
-Train...night...New Hampshire.
Mary covered her moth in shock, Jamie shook, everyone else looked at
eachother: they were unprotected.
-Good Lord!-said Jacob, falling over the chair.
-So...should we go after him?
-Are you out of your mind?New Hampshire is a close state,but far enough for
us. My God,Vincent!
-So what do we do?
Jacob sighed,and threw away the awful thoughts.
-We pray.



It was the most singular feeling! It was truly warm, and feeling it, on
his face, has he spreaded his arms and breathed the fresh morning air, was
nothing like he ever felted.
The sky was truly magnificent,beyond he could ever had imagined: deep,deep
blue.The birds were singing,and rabbits would come out of their lairs and
run, when he approached them; he was like a little kid, redescovering the
world again, with all its magic.
Catherine sat down at the back door and smiled at him, while sipping a cup
of tea. It was really what she had dreamed? Was it really? The simple
satisfaction of sharing this whole new world with him, really made her love
stronger.Vincent was now sat, with his head rested against a tree, eyes
closed, in a humble communion with all his senses, absorbing all the forest
could give him.
-What's that sound I'm hearing?
-It's a Thrush, I think.
-No, not the bird... that lower sound.
-I guess it must be the Swift river...
-A river ?-Vincent remembered the nightmare.
-Vincent...how about Father? Does he know that you're here?
-Only Mouse knows.
-Father will be angry, you know that! Why do you risk yourself so much?
-I never saw an outdoor river before...only in words of old books, and in
my dreams. Never I saw a forest,the greatness of this ever lasting green
and gold. All of this was denied to my soul.Why can't I bee impetuous for a
time? Why can't I follow my heart?It can afford to be foolish once in a
while...can't it,Catherine?
By now, Catherine was so close to him, that the only thing he wanted to do
was to wrap her in his arms and kiss her.
-The ways of the heart sometimes deceives us,but sometimes is the source of
unimaginable delights.
-It's all so beautiful...
-You're beautiful...



-I have to go to town,get some more groceries...I didn't expect any
visitors...
Vincent smiled and watch her go on the van she had rented, and went again
to the back woods. It was all so quiet that he almost could hear the grass
growing, just bellow his feet. Suddenly, he heard something;he could have
guessed a bear, perhaps, but now, the curiosity was a power which pushed
him forward, inwards to the forest and to the edge of it. He lowered his
body, near the bushes: almost like the animal inside him was guiding it.
And there it was, lower on a small lair,a deer.Vincent already had seen
deers ,in some of Father's books, but this...it had a major
difference:this was a living,breading creature,and not some colorful
painting on a page of a book.It was a male,because of the antlers, that
were long and powerfull, it had a dying red coat, already
turning grayand it was peacefully eating small pieces of dried grass.
Majestic.
Something inside him aroused for a moment:in that split second, his first
impulse was to grab the deer and tear it apart,but as soon as it came, the
feeling was gone, buried somewhere beneath him.In that same split moment,
the deer trembled .
Vincent smiled, with a curious grim, and followed the deer, has he turned
and walked away.Could he feel him to?He walked quickly,although it seemed
to go so slowly! Vincent moved through the tight bushes and trees, certain
wondering why the animal didn't run, because more than once he had given
away his presence. Suddenly he disapeared in front of him, just behind a
great birch. He followed the tracks,that finally revealed a passage to the
river.Vincent gazed to the spectacular sight that the animal lead to
him:the river was moving slowly, with a murmorous sound, and the deer was
right next to him, drinking, then it stopped, moved his head, looked
straight at him.
In that moment,he felt.
Felted his heartbeat,something passed trough him,like a lightning, with the
certainty that he would not hurt the animal,and that the deer would not
run. He shivered with that strange contact and reached his vigorous body,
trying to touch it, but the deer went pass the river to the other side and
disappeared in the forest.Vincent stayed just has he was, standing along
the side, looking around, searching for any signs of the dream he had, but
there was nothing.Not even the rock were Catherine was tied up.
Dreams really takes us for fools



-Excuse me, where can I find a drugstore?
-Go down this street and to the left.
-Thanks!
Everyone seemed so nice.Open faces,open smiles...imagine how would they
respond to Vincent? They reminded her so much the people in the
tunnels.Over there, that woman could be Mary...
She parked her car in a quite hidden side street,and has she was about to
close the door, someone approached her.
-Give me all your money,right now!
No,not now!
Controlling her fear, because she wouldn't want Vincent to come.
-Right now.
-Look, can't we bargain?
-I'm not kidding-and as he reached for her arm, Cathy gave a straight punch
into his stomach, and proceeded with a wrist lock, but the man avoid her
and pushed her to the wall.
Something's wrong.
-Now,give the god damn money, NOW!
He had the eyes of a drug addict.
I'm coming!
As soon as he said it, pointing a gun to her, an old man approached him
from the back and wrestled him.
-Now,you punk,it's with me you'll have to deal! It's kids like you that
poison our city!
A right punch straight into is face put the boy on the run.The man stood
up. He was about 50 years old, with a charming looking face. By the
clothes, she guessed he could be a farmer.
Now I can't feel it.You're all right...
-Are you all right?
-Thank you! Oh! Thank you very much!
-Oh! Don't thank me! I guess every town has a bunch of this kids, who want
to get out of here very fast...They'll stop at nothing.!Sometimes they're
just wanting some distraction, to break the peace...insert disorder...and
then they hook up with this strange people that come to town,to sell that
horrible stuff!
-I didn't know that things were like that ...
-Oh!Yes they are bad!I guess they're bad anywhere!
-Excuse me,I didn't introduce myself: Catherine Chandler.
-George Harrison.It's a pleasure to meet you.
-Sorry for asking, but I get the impression that we've already met...
-Yesterday you asked me for directions....
-Oh!Yes!I remember now!
-The way that you fought..are you with the police our something?
-No!I'm with the district attorney's office...I'm an investigator,and
living in
New York can have is setbacks...
-Oh, I see, I see.Well, pretty lady, hope you enjoy your staying here
without any kind of setbacks...You shure you're all right?
-I'm fine, thank you.
-You don't want to go to the police...file a report?
-No...I guess he was really desperate.
-You have a heart of gold,miss...just like my dead Mrs.....-he lowered his
eyes, with obvious pain-Well, glad I could be of service! Enjoy!
-Thank you again, Mr. Harrison!
The man walked to the end of the street and disappeared into a building.
Catherine looked around and found the drugstore.

-That will be 15 dollars.
-Here you go.
-You really should try that apple pie with wiped cream.It's delicious.
-Thanks! I'll try it!
Catherine moved towards the van,unawere that she was being watched.
The open road, trough the trees, the wind blowing on her face, this kind of
quietness filled her up with nostalgia; and besides, she knew that he would
be waiting for her...possibly the situation could reveal the fire in him
that Catherine was so longing to experience!
-This is like it always should be!
Suddenly,she saw a jeep just outside the road.The hood was open,so it
seamed broken, and a man waved at her.It was Mr. Harrison!
-Mr. Harrison! Is there any problem?
-Hello again miss! I'm damn lucky to catch you going this parts, because no
one ever comes down this road...to see such a pretty lady twice in the same
day! It must be fate!-said the man,laughing-My brakes gave in,and it went
outside the road. Damn jeep!
-I could go to the village, to get some help...
-Thank you, but I'll walk to my farm, is just a few miles away and maybe
my...son could help.
The man seemed very nice.It really had that face that no one could
suspect...but how was she to know?
Catherine smiled.
-Get in Mr.Harrison!This way,I could repay you for the help you gave me
this morning and the one you gave me yesterday.
-Are you shure?I really could walk to the farm!
-Get in!Please!
-Thank you!oh!Thank you!
The man went inside the van.
-And please,call me George!



It was so unespected! It was coming,and gowing.The dark side
aroused and sank so many times,that he was starting to be confused.Could he
really bond with it in a healthy co-existence?
The animals would not flee when they saw him,and if he could be really
quiet, they come near him.
There he was,lying down in a carpet of dried leafs,just like the one's in
Central Park, his arms stretched far to the sides, like in a major embrace
to all its surroundings:he was in an altered state.
For a moment he felt something wrong with Catherine,but it suddenly faded
away...he could feel her quietness again,and he was certain that she was
safe. Buried deeper into the forest,he just couldn't get enough.
I want to stay here forever.
Because there, like in his dreams, he was free.



-There it is!
It was a nice house, with a barn and some horses. Catherine went outside to
say good -bye.
-Jim! Jim! Where are you boy?
-Well Mr.Harrison...I'm sorry, George, I should be going. It's quite a
while until I get home...
-Please!Comme inside and drink a cup of coffee with me! Just until my son
arrives!
The man gave her an open smile.
-Please...he should be back in no time.
Catherine smiled back.
-O.K. George,but just for five minutes!
They went into a perfectly ordered kitchen,where he made a jar of coffee.
It was really delicious.
-My wife? My wife was...a gift from God to me. I...I wasn't ready for such
a marvelous creature to marry me...me! A nowhere man! But I promised her,
that I would give her a decent life, and that I would fulfill her desires,
for that was my repayment, for her accepting me has her husband.
-I'm sorry for asking,but how did she...
-You truly are an investigator!
-I'm curious for profession...
They both laughed.
-No,I don't mind telling you!She died with cancer.Right here in this house.
-I'm sorry.I can understand...I lost my parent's. My father died recently.
-Oh! I'm sorry.
-I guess one's surely must go on!
-Quite right!Where the hell is that boy?
-Well, I really must get going, thank you for the coffee!
-What? So soon? Say, care for lunch with us?
-No, Mr.Harrison, I really must get going.
As she stood up, a sense of dizzyness invaded her, to the point of almost
falling.George grabbed her just in time.
-Say,miss!You're really tense!
-No...no, I'm fine! I really must get going.
Catherine took a few steps to reach the door, and opened it. Standing
there, was a man, who couldn't be over 20, 25 years old, but that wasn't
the first thing she tought: that was the man who mugged her.
-For God sake Jim!I thought you never got here! Did you bring the jeep?
Catherine looked a George,and then at Jim,confused, as she fell on the
ground, feeling so sleepy.
-That coffee had so much tranquilizer that I wonder why she didn't fell at
the first sip.
-Did you need to hit me so hard?
-Our little scheme worked quite fine,don't you think? Get the traps.
-Yes,but did you need to hit me ?!....Damn! This will turn black!
-Ush,don't be a girl! Our guest needs her beauty sleep. And then, she will
tell us how to trap a beast...
All she could think of was Vincent,but her wits were fading so quickly...



What in blazes?
The sun was high,and Vincent was sitting down,at the back porch.
Why are you taking so long?Is there anything wrong or no?
She wasn't hurt, because he wasn't feeling anything bad inside. She simply
wasn't there. Like someone had tuned wrong into a bad station, and all he
could pick up was static.
Vincent became restless.
I should have gone with you.
Moving back and forwards,he decided to go into the forest...he would follow
the road in a parallel way,until something reached him.
I'll find you Catherine,don't worry...I'll find you.I always do.



It was dark.She looked around and screamed.
Run!
A huge bear head was looking straight at her.She tried to stand up, but she
was tied to the floor.Jim was handling the fire,and George was sharpening a
bush knife.The blade glowed in a deadly way.
-Look,she's awake.
George turned his head and approached her.
-You know,I usually don't spy on people miss.Chandler...oh! I guess we've
already skipped formalities...Catherine.
She looked around. It seemed like a cave. A very large one.The bear head
was all it was left of the bear itself.The rest was a huge skin...among a
pile of them.
Poachers!
-You see-said him,has he sat down on the floor-to give my wife the life
that she needed I had to do this...the problem is,that once you start
getting the money...you just can't stop wanting more.
And has he said it,he passed his hand trough her hair.She shriveled.
I'm coming!
-You know,you remind me so much of my dear Isabel!Her face was just like
yours...the bitch!
Vincent moved through the trees,with so much as a predator look.The animal
was loose. He turned to the path that leaded him to high ground.
Catherine was really scared,and the only thing she could think of was that
knife, dancing in front of her eyes,glowing in a deadly kind of way.
-You see,like I said,I usually don't spy on people,but when I saw you,
talking on the phone, my sweat!I thought that God was sending me another
fair creature to embrace! But that wasn't all that God sent me!
The man laughed .
-Now tell me, my sweet...how can we trap your friend?
Catherine opened her eyes,scared for what the man was saying.
-He shure is ugly!-said Jim, looking at Catherine with a raping look.
-Shut up!-George turned again to Catherine.You see, my dear, we know this
country pretty well...I guess I've hunted everything that walks and crawls
around this parts, and sold them for good money...but your friend ...that
is a mine of gold, waiting to get grabbed!
-Hey! Should I check the traps?
-Yes! Maybe he's already dead!
Catherine looked at him.The man laughed and again passed his hand through
her face.
-Don't worry,my dear!When it's all over,I'll by you a fur coat,and a nice
strand of pearls! So...are you going to be cooperative? There's no way you
can escape from here! Neither is your friend! Me and my..."son" ,we've
built traps all around this rock, and your friend doesn't know this
whereabouts like us...and we are definitely prepared!
By saying that,he pointed to three shotguns that were resting along side
with a bear trap.
-We can trap and kill bears...we can kill him to...Hell!He's nothing but an
animal!
Ok,I must try to calm myself down...Vincent!You can't come near here! He'll
kill you!
By this time Catherine realized that man could really kill Vincent when he
wanted to.



He lightened a cigar and smoked it almost all in one breath. He
checked his gun.The bullet chamber was full,he had everything he needed.So,
he started his descent, to the soil.When he reached it,he looked around and
armed the weapon. He sarted by checking the first trap.It was still in one
piece, no one stepped it.
-So tell me more about your friend.He has a name hasn't he?What was
it?...Vincent? I'll try to remember it.
Catherine was already untied:where would she go?
-I will tell you nothing.
She looked to the bear's head. Poor animal.
-Yes..this was a tuff one, but I took care of it. Now, the thing I have
prepared to you're friend is something less painful.
And has he said it,the bush knife cut freely the air around her.
I must control myself...I must,for he's sake.
-What will you're wife say about this?
-I hope she's rotting in hell!-said George,shouting like a madman-You don't
know how much I've suffered for that woman!All she's ever done was to
contradict me! But the money! Oh! Oh! That she liked! That she never
complained about!
-But you said...
-That I loved her? Yes, I loved her as much as a human being can. But not
any more...I took care of that.But now with you,I have another chance.
-My friends will come,they know that I am here!
-That can be arranged to...no one will find you in this woods.Or if they
find you, it will be right next to a bear's corpse.That's how my wife
appeared anyway...
Her eyes opened wide. The man was insane! The face that saved her was now
all twisted in fury, and the sweat covered is face, glowing almost like the
blade, that was still striping the air.
Meanwhile, Jim was finishing checking the last trap when suddenly he heard
a sound. He turned quickly,his gun armed.
-Who's there?It's you George?
Silence. A cold wind made the shrubs tremble.Jim started steeping
backwards, towards the mountain,where the cave was.Another sound, this was
stronger, like someone steping on the small tree branches on the floor.He
pointed the gun in the direction of the sound and,out of nowhere,a deer
appears in front of him, trembles at sight of the man, and runs back into
the forest.
-God damn bambi!
He lowered the shotgun, and started is return to the cave.Has he walked, he
had the distinct notion that he was being followed.The sensation endured
until he was starting the climb to the cavern...until he was certain that
it wasn't just a funny feeling. Someone or something was following him.
-It's that damn animal-he wondered-Well,first I'll give you a taste of
lead,when I get to the rocks, and then I'll have some woman's taste
aswell...
He climbed quickly,but it was to late.Vincent emerged from the woods and
roared at him.
-Shit! Oh! Shit!
Jim engaged the shotgun and fired.Vincent grabbed his arm, in pain.
-Take that you monster!
The pain,the smell of his own blood,just made Vincent angrier,possessed, as
he threw himself over the man,gutting him in a horrible way, painting in
blood red all his face.
Jim didn't had another chance to fire.The last thing he ever saw was that
creature charging and he was certain:it was the devil himself coming for
him.



-What was that?
Catherine smiled.George went outside a looked down.It was turning dark and
all he could see was a big shape climbing.
-Jim? Is that you?
Then an enormous roar was heard throughout the forest and echoed .George
smiled, with a sadistic look.
-It is really big!-he turned to Catherine-But not big enough for me.
He looked down and now he could see better.He could see Vincent.He was
without the cape, and had a strange look,something of an animal way:the
forest made her effects on the dark side of him.The touch of that raw
atmosphere brought up the animal inside him,especially now, that Catherine
was in danger.
-Say, you worthless piece of shit! If you continue, I'll have to kill this
nice lady!
Vincent stopped and looked up.Catherine was tied, and George was grabbing
her by the ropes, in a way that she was hanging on the edge of the cliff.
-Please,Vincent! Don't come up!
-Don't you listen the pretty lady?
Vincent roared again, in despair.
-I killed my wife once....I would not mind to do that again!
It was time to a different approach.In the twilight, Catherine could see
Vincent grabbing his arm
He's hurt.
-That's right! Come on!
George pushed her inside again to the deep back of the cave, where he
uncovered a passage, leading to the other side of the mountain.
-Walk!
Catherine went inside.Ten minutes later they were on the other side.No sign
of Vincent.George pushed her to another gorge,that leaded them trough a
series of high caverns, and to abysses that seemed to be endless.
-He will never find us in here.This place is a labyrinth.
If he only knew.... you're underestimating him.
They continued walking, downwards, until Catherine saw the trees again. It
was a very cold night,and a sense of moister invaded the air,when it
started to rain. He pushed her forward, until they reached the river, near
a small water fall.George made her sat next to a small pond, between two
large rocks.
- This is a good spot for an embush.Now seat here and act like a good
bait.
George left her and climbed the rock behind her,where he could see her
perfectly. If that beast would come anything near her, he would shoot him
down.
Of course that Vincent knew it. He had been following them since the caves
and it was logical that it was an embush. He looked at her.
Old tight,Catherine.It will be over soon.
But what could he do? He looked around.The only way he could pass to the
other side of the river was further up stream,because the man that held
Catherine hostage could kill him in a instant, although it did not matter
if he succeeded in his intent ...he just wanted to keep Catherine
safe.So,he started he's climb, up river.When it was safe enough to past, he
went trough.The water was freezing to death, but Vincent passed slowly, but
firmely, for the current could drag him down. He stand by the
shore,exhausted and freezing, but the need to feel her in the safety of his
arms spoke louder, and pushed him forward.He was almost getting behind the
rock where George was waiting,when he heard a rumour.It was like someone
was sleeping near by, and he could hear it's breathing. He
putted aside some branches of a tree, and lower, near it's great roots, was
a bear. A brown bear. It was sleeping, peacefully, but the temptation to
woke him up and feel his greatness and power was almost irresistable, but
he endured the task in hands-Catherine did not leave his thoughts for a
moment even.
The rock was near.
The rain was hitting harder.
He climbs, silently.The arm is aykening,the blood is running down his hand,
warming in red the hard and cold rock.Like a snake, he crawls to the top,
and now, he can see him: lied, handling is gun, looking down to
Catherine.Vincent stands up and walks towards him, in vain.
-So,you think you could trick me?-said he,turning quickly-No one tricks me.
And he fired.
Vincent invests and falls over him,both rolling down, hitting
eachother.Catherine watches: there's nothing she can do,Vincent is to
hurt.The man runs down the side of the rock, hurredly, to retrieve he's
gun, that was lying down next to Catherine, but there's Vincent, again over
him, as they fall over the ground, next to her.
He's bleeding .
George has the gun, and Vincent is on his knees, next to his beloved,
trying to get up, all bloody and breathless.He falls down,so she leighs her
body over him, offering it to the bullets.
If you die,I die.
-Get away from him! He's as good as dead!
Catherine looks up, with begging eyes.George was also seriously hurt: his
left arm, leg and body were slashed by Vincent's powerful claws, and his
head was also broken.The blood run down his face to quickly to be removed
by the heavy rain.
-It ends here.It ends now.
A lightning rushes the air, as a great shadow rises behind him and releases
a terrible roar, in union with the thunder-the bear is a monster,
iluminated by the storm.
The dream.
George doesn't make a sound. No one could ever escape from that animal, and
the bear's eyes already made the deadly sentence . Vincent released
Catherine, slowly, for the pain caused by his injuries was deep and
penetrating, still he found the courage to stand up, all wet, envolving
Catherine with his good arm, as the bear leaves the corpse on the ground
and now looks at them and then again releases his terrible speech. Vincent
also roars at the animal gazing straight into his eyes. Again the night sky
is ignited when the thunder echoes, and splashes light in the river,
turning it to silver colored.

The bear doesn't move.He puts himself
back into his four paws, always
looking at Vincent.
I can hear your heartbeat.I can hear
it.

The bear turns back,and slips into the forest.Vincent is still.
-Vincent!
-I... And then he falls into the ground.
-No! NO! Vincent ,talk to me! Talk to me!
-It hurts...and I'm so tired...
His clothes are all ripped apart,and bloody.Then Cathy starts to cry, his
hand on her face is a comfort.
-Don't cry,Catherine.I'll be fine...just let me catch my breath.

Suddenly the rain stop and the sky clears.The orange strip is rising again.
They both look like living statues,as the smell of wet ground involves
them, muds them...another day.



-No, Jenny...really, I think I should better get going.
-But I just arrived and it's turning dark...I don´t feel confortable with
you driving at night.
-Oh, Jenny! I'm a big girl, you know that!
-Ok, fine!
Just like Mouse...
-Well, I should better get going. Bye Jenny, and thank you.
-Come back soon, All right?
Catherine stepped into the car and drove away.She turned on the radio and
hummed to it's music.
-Beethoven.-a voice behind her said.Vincent emerged from the back seet,
still wrapped in a large blanket she had covered over him.
-Yes, it is. Do you want me to turn it down a bit?
-No, no, leave it on. I think I'll just sleep into it.
Suddenly she stopped.
-Vincent, look!
The road was silent, but in front of them, right in front of the car, a
deer was passing.
-Oh! Isn't he beautiful?
-I have seen this deer once...
-Vincent,where are you going? Someone might see you!
Vincent stepped out from the car, painfully.Walked towards the deer, and
reached it with his hand.
-Hi there little friend.
The deer looked at him and stepped away. His fingers never touched it. He
continued looking at the animal as he gently hoped to the road side and
embraced the forest, disapering.Catherine was dazzled.
-How did you do it?
-I don't know...I just did it.
He nestled down,covered by the blanket and sleeps.



Familiarized with it's surroundings,Vincent gained strength as he
reached the tunnels.The constant clink of the pipes announced his arrival,
so Pascal was the first to see him and Catherine.
-Oh! Thank God!-he said, runing to help Vincent with his injuries -I'll
call Father.
-Pascal, don't. I'll see to it. A couple of more steps and I'm back in his
chamber.
In deed Jacob was expecting and embraced him with glowing eyes, when he
descended into the library.
-How I was concerned about you!You can't imagine.
-I'm sorry Father...but I needed to go.
-Don't speak child,you're hurt.Mary,fetch me my medical bag. Pascal, Mouse,
help me carry him to his room.
As Father treated the wounds,never Vincent cryed in pain for Catherine held
is hand all the way. Finally he plunged to a deep sleep.With no dreams.



-Did he ever thought of the consequences?
-I think he did.But you should have seen him Father....he was so amazed
with all that beauty! And I was so happy to show that to him...to show him
out there, the things that are yet to be discovered...It was something
beyond us.
-Yes...perhaps.You should go now,you need your rest aswell. He'll be
alright, the wounds heal fast.
-I'll come back later,to see him.
Father smiled and nodded.
Later, in that day, Jacob entered Vincent's chamber, to find him sat on his
bed, looking at a book.It was a picture of a deer.
-Never this painting could do justice to this animal.
Jacob sat beside him and contemplate the picture.
-Yes,I suppose so.
-Father...I saw one of this creatures...we've bonded. It seemed like it
could read my mind and I his.It was nothing I ever felted before.
-Tell me Vincent ...What was it like for you?
-It's a feeling beyond any comparison...to see the sun,to feel it.To
listen to birds and breathe that air.It was a delight for the senses...for
all my senses. Now I know, Father, what freedom tastes like.And don't
worry, even though I've tasted it, you must have thought that I wished for
more, but I
don't...I'm contempt. I now my limitations, and I accept them, for all that
freedom scared me at some point.To be in touch with my animal side so skin
deep...
Father smiled and stood up.
-What you've felted Vincent ,not any man feels.All men die,but is there any
that truly lives? I think that you're in the right path,my son. Right now,
you have conquered all, in such a short period of time!
He looked at him and smiled with warmth.
Catherine arrived .
-I'll leave you two alone.
She laughed and stepped into his chamber,siting down right next to him,
with a book in her hands.She surrounded him,in an embrace.
- "..and the wings of men, shall be love, he's dreams and it's freedom."
-And I had all of them...a small sense of it anyway.
-You still have.
Vincent approached ,and kissed her.

Inês Costa

About the Author...

Inês Costa is a 19 year old Portuguese B&B/X-Files fan (or her e-mail wasn't scully_101!!!!). 

She started "heavy" writing when she was only twelve years old,with some poems and stories,namly "Autumn","The tears of a rose" and "Laura" .When she was about
14 years old,she stoped writing,and plunged into study to become an Environmental Engineer.It was only now,about 13 years later of the first release in Portugal of "Beauty and the Beast",and consequently rerun of the series,that she as found new inspiration to her stories.The first one was "A Small Sense of Freedom", which was followed by " Chimera" a B&B/X-Files cross-over and the
"Mirrors" saga . She hopefully wishes that her career on the web, has a writer of B&B short stories,gains roots.

e-mail scully_101@yahoo.com