LUCKY 13

by PearlAnn SnowStar

Catherine watched as Vincent slept. Last night the children were being watched Below by Mouse, Rebecca, and Samantha, as Vincent and Catherine got a chance to be alone together. She and Vincent had made love so passionately, she was still feeling a warm glow all over.

He opened his eyes. “Happy 13th Anniversary, Catherine.”

She smiled. “I can be happy with what happened last night. It was…wonderful, pretending as if we were making love for the first time.”

“And for the next 24 hours, we will have our own special celebration.”

She nodded. “I know you were planning something.”

“I realized that for our past 12 celebrations, you did all the planning.” He rose and gave her a passionate kiss. “I quietly took suggestions from our children, our friends, our family for this celebration, and also had a few ideas of my own.” Kissing her again, he whispered, “I want you to know I would be with you in all our life paths to come. For 1300 years and more, even 13,000.” He nibbled at her neck. “Forever.”

She embraced him. “So, are we going to spend all day in bed?”

“Much as I would like to, no.” He glanced at the small clock on the nightstand. “We woke up at the right time.”

Getting up, he walked to her side of the bed. She could not help but notice how gorgeously naked he was. He reached out a hand. “I heard that today will be in the 40s, but that should not hinder my plans.”

She blushed as she took his hand and rose from the bed. She noticed how his eyes looked her over with passion.

“Tomorrow, I promised our children that we will have a special breakfast above, at a place called McDonald’s, and thus will our celebration conclude.” He pulled her close. “But today is our day.”

“Then I have to get dressed and, reluctantly, so do you.” She chuckled. “So do I make breakfast?”

“No, we are going out to eat, at a restaurant, then out to the Botanical Gardens.”

She looked at him, very much surprised, and felt his enthusiasm. Oh, this was going to be one wonderful, magical day.

* * *

Vincent was excited. It was the year 2000, another century. He looked forward to what this day will bring. He was afraid, but Devin had reassured him that no one was going to pay attention to them. Their children, who were in grade school, promised to behave. He heard Catherine come into the living room. She wore a brown leather jacket, dark brown pants, and was wearing the necklace he gave her.

“You seem a little nervous.” Catherine walked up to him. “You can change your mind about this.”

He shook his head. “No, this opportunity may not present itself for a long time. I just have to remind myself that it’s going to be all right.”

“You and I match. I see you have the brown cloak, top and pants I gave you last year for Christmas.”

“Catherine, we are in our late 40s and yet, I feel like a child on Christmas Eve, waiting to see his presents.”

They hugged each other. Vincent offered his arm to Catherine, who gladly took it. Together, they walked out of the building, where Sammy, one of the newer children Below, waited by the front steps. He grinned as he presented a note to Vincent.

Catherine watched him as he read it; then he told Sammy, “Tell Devin we will be at that corner in about 10 minutes.”

As Sammy raced away, Vincent looked around him. No one was paying attention. He felt as if this was a dream.

“So, where will we be in the next 10 minutes?”

He smiled at her. “We shall walk to our right and get to the front of a small hotel. Devin promised to have a car waiting to take us to our various locations. The first one is to a small pancake and waffle house.”

“Breakfast, yes!” She took his hand.

As they walked down the street, they were silent. He noticed that it was slightly chilly. Yet the warm sun was shining brightly. There were many scents in the air,  including Catherine’s and the various perfumes and colognes as people passed by. He also noticed the smell of spring in the air, with hints of flowers and plants.

When they reached the hotel, they stopped and waited for the car that was to take them to the restaurant.

Catherine chucked.

“What?” Vincent asked.

“I just realized how perfect your plan may be. And a reason as to why no one is paying us any attention. Although some have looked, then walked away.”

“Yes?”

She had a mischievous grin. “Cats is playing on Broadway. Oh,” she playfully pushed him, “you are a clever man.”

“I had help.”

A car honked. A huge Rolls Royce pulled up to the curb.

“That can’t be ours?” Catherine had a surprised look on her face.

The window on the passenger side rolled down.

“I was told a couple, celebrating the day of their meeting, was waiting for me.” Devin was dressed in a chauffeur’s outfit. “Breakfast is waiting.”

Vincent opened the back door. Catherine got into the car, followed by Vincent.

Devin kept his promise. He did get a car for them. But this? I must ask Devin how he managed to get this type of car.

* * *

As Vincent and Catherine ate breakfast, they talked about what the future may be like for themselves.  They also wondered what their children might grow up to be.

She was finishing up her small stack of pancakes. She was so full and so happy.

Noticing that he was almost finished with his big stack of pancakes, she looked around for the waiter.

“Vincent, where is the waiter with our bill?”

Vincent placed his hand on hers. “Everything is taken care of.”

She gave him a questioning look. “Really?”

He nodded.

“Well, then, shall we take a small bathroom break and meet up in front?”

“Of course. And I must ask the lady who greeted us to help me make a call.”

“Let me guess, Cheryl is a Helper?”

He smiled.

“All right, then.” She leaned back into her seat. “Since everything has been well planned out, with expenses taken care of, I should relax and enjoy the day! You would make a great organizer of events.”

He took hold of her hand. “I wanted this day to be a memorable one for us. A dream come true type of day.”

She looked into his blue eyes, her heart filled with love. Silently they got up. Holding hands, they walked toward the front of the restaurant.

* * *

Vincent sat next to Catherine in the Rolls Royce. He was softly doing what Catherine called his growl purring. Feeling Catherine’s euphoria, he could not help himself. He looked around. Still not believing he was here, now, during the daylight, in a special car, with the one he truly loved, driven to a special place by his brother.

He looked in the mirror and noticed Devin’s big grin.

When Devin got to a stoplight, he put a CD into the CD player and Devin sang along with the song, “’We pledged our love to each other, We know that our love will last, Paula, I give you my heart, Yours is all I ask…’”*

Vincent looked at Catherine as the song continued. She was glowing. He took a deep breath as old fears started to come to mind about this adventure he planned. The song was helping to keep those fears at bay.

“’I give you my heart, yours in return’s all I ask. We’ve waited so long for this moment.’*

Then Vincent felt a tinge of sadness. It was not him. He noticed tears in her eyes.

“That song, it so…fits,” Catherine whispered. She rested her head on Vincent’s shoulder. Tears of joy started to well up in her eyes.

Devin must have noticed the look on her face as he said, “Hey now, this is a time for happiness, OK?”

Catherine nodded. “It’s just that the words…” Quickly changing the subject, she asked, “Botanical Gardens?”

Vincent and Devin answered her at the same time. “Yes!”

All three of them laughed.

* * *

Devin drove them to the entrance of the Botanical Gardens and Catherine noticed that some in the crowd were dressed in costumes, mainly as cats and other magical creatures. There were just a few dressed up, but enough to make her realize no one was going to notice them.

Devin turned to them and, speaking in a British accent, said, “Stay a bit, Prince Vincent and Princess Catherine, enjoy the sun. Bit chilly, eh? But oh, the cherry trees are in bloom.”

“Stop.” Catherine reached over and slapped Devin’s shoulder.

“And if you two are not ready to go in three hours, I have to come to get you two. Right, brother?” Devin winked.

Catherine wondered why. She looked at Vincent, who very much looked like the Cheshire Cat, with a grin that lit up his face.

She looked back at Devin. “I do not know how you got Vincent to bravely go out of his comfort zone, but thank you.”

“Well, after a few years of marriage and children, he had to realize his dream was coming true.” Devin smirked.

“We must go,” Vincent quickly said as he got out of the car.

Catherine smiled to herself as Vincent opened her door and offered his hand. Taking it, she got out of the car. If this is a dream, don’t wake up.

Devin lightly honked the horn and it startled her. Vincent gave him a look before taking her hand and they walked into the huge white domed building.

* * *

Vincent now could not contain his excitement, his amazement, his awe. The building itself was so white and huge. Really huge, and the interior was just the same. He looked around and noticed a young lady with dark black hair and skin, dressed in a tour guide uniform. She noticed them and waved.

“Who?” Catherine looked at him.

The tour guide walked up to them and offered her hand, which Catherine shook. “I’m Terri, “ she said, beaming. “Vincent, glad I met you at Dad’s store, so I would know it was you.”

Catherine looked at him.  He turned to her. “Her father is one of our helpers, and Kipper said she works here and can help direct us to the place we have to go.”

“With 250 acres, it would take a day to get through everything,” Terri said. She looked at Vincent. “You said you wanted to do three hours and view the cherry trees. That is Daffodil Hill, which is the Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum. There is a curved path into Cherry Valley, which is also right in front of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Devin dropped you off at the right spot; it should take just a few minutes to walk there.” She gestured. “Shall we begin?”

Vincent nodded, looking around. It was so light, bright, and dazzling that it overwhelmed him.  He felt Catherine taking his arm. He looked at her. The light shined on her hair, making it appear as if she had a halo of soft brown and golden hues. She had some silver hair scattered here and there, but not much. Her face was radiant. Her ecstatic mood was infecting him as well. It felt like he was in heaven.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at their destination.

“I will leave you two alone.” Terri reached into her pocket and gave a pager to Catherine. “This is my own pager. If you two lovebirds are so engrossed that time slips away, this should pull you back to reality. When it beeps, you should go to one of the many help desks around here and ask the assistant at the desk to call Terri Viola. Then they will let me know where you two are.” Catherine was surprised when Terri gave her a hug. Terri then hugged Vincent. “Enjoy.” Terri laughed.

Vincent turned toward her. Her look was one of amazement. “Your mouth is open.” She laughed, then hugged him.

He could not help but feel giddy. There on the lawn was the biggest cherry tree he had ever seen. The blossoms were so pink and red. It was windy and some flowers had fallen to the ground. The sun was shining everywhere. He looked all around. He was indeed south of Oz and north of Shangri-La.

Catherine and Vincent walked hand in hand along the sidewalk. The cherry trees had huge branches that went up to the sky.

“Almost makes me want to climb one, “Catherine whispered to him.

He whispered back, “I might join you.”

‘Let’s walk up to one. I don’t think they will mind if we walk on the grass.” She led him to one that was so tall he had to bend his head upward as he gazed at its branches. He also noticed the blue sky.

He looked back at Catherine and felt so overwhelmed with emotion, tears came to his eyes. The tears started flowing softly down his cheeks. She was starting to cry, too. They weren’t tears of sadness, but of such intense joy. Yes, he planned this, but at this moment, it just took his breath away.

They both started to chuckle, and they reached over to gently wipe the tears from the other’s face. And under that tree, they kissed so passionately that time stood still.

When they finally broke away to catch their breaths, he noticed a flower had somehow landed on her hair. Gently he reached over and took it from her hair and showed it to her. Together they observed its delicate scent and how soft the petals were. Looking at her, he placed it back in her hair.

Looking around, he saw how green the grass was.

“Vincent, I so dreamed of this moment. Your hair, shimmering in the sun, the blonde hair highlighted with gold. You are so beautiful.” She gently took a strand of hair in her hand and kissed it.

He had to remind himself there were others here. But oh, how he wanted to just sit on the ground with her and hold her, love her, right here, right now, under the tree.

As if she knew, she took his hand and guided him gently to the ground. She settled next to him and they sat there for a long time. In silence. In the sun. Blossoms moving in the breeze. A few now and then gently falling. Others moved back and forth with the wind. The scent of cherry echoed in the air. It was as if nothing moved, time stood still, and they were in a place so wondrous that it seemed impossible that it even existed. He was going to remember this. Always.

* * *

The emotions pouring through their connection were overwhelming her. Catherine looked at her Vincent. My God, she was going to have to get him in the sunlight more often. Somewhere by the lake, on a warm day. Alone to themselves. The lake cabin would be good. They went there sometimes, but the weather was chilly, which did not help if they wanted to make love in the sunlight, out in the open.

OK, Cathy, you are getting reckless with your dreams. Must be this place. It was so magical. Hard to imagine Vincent planning all this. Was this her Vincent being so bold?

Wait, he had help. She was going to have to thank a lot of people for this. She was grateful Vincent had asked for their help.

What would have happened if he didn’t? Oh, it still probably would have been memorable but “safe.”

They did not speak for a long time. With intense passion, eyes locked in a deep gaze, they silently studied each other. They also kissed and hugged each other. They could not keep their hands still as they touched their beloved’s face and hair. Acting like teenagers in love, they kissed lips, cheeks, hair and hands.

The spell was broken when they heard a girl asking, “Mommy, what are they doing?”

Vincent and Catherine started to blush. They turned to see a woman standing there, holding her little girl’s hand.

“They are in love,” the woman said to the little girl.

The woman looked at them. “Do you have a camera?”

“No,” Catherine said, as she started to get up. The lady motioned for her to sit back down.

“I have a Polaroid.” She reached into her big bag and pulled out her camera. “I would love to take a picture of you two, for both of you, if you don’t mind.  You two remind me of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale.”

“Is he going to change into a human?” the little girl asked, folding her arms. “I don’t like that part, Mommy, I wanted him to stay the beast.”

“No, he is not going to change.”

Vincent looked at Catherine, who was watching the woman with amusement in her eyes.

“Can you two…kiss, if you don’t mind.” The woman’s voice was unsteady. “I don’t mean to be rude, but the way you two kissed…” She sighed. “Newlyweds?”

“No.” Catherine shook her head. “We’ve known each other for thirteen years, met on this day and joined, married on this day nine years ago. We have three children.”

“Oh, that is so romantic!” The woman gushed. “I wish my husband was like that. We’ve been married twelve years and it seems like the romance has left us. Oh, I am being rude, my name is Judy and this lovely young lady is my daughter, Jasmine.”

“Hello, Jasmine.” Catherine looked at the girl who suddenly got shy.

“Listen, let me do this real quick and I will leave you two alone.” With that, Judy took the camera in her hands as Vincent and Catherine gently kissed each other. Catherine heard two clicks.

“All done,” Judy said. She was holding two pictures in her hand. “If you don’t mind, one is for Jasmine. She really does love Beauty and the Beast.”

“No, I don’t mind.” Catherine’s face was so red.

Vincent smiled. His face, too, was flushed.

Judy walked up to Catherine and gave her one of the pictures. Catherine showed Vincent, then she placed it in the inside pocket of her jacket, which had a zipper that she zipped shut.

“Thank you so much. Now just pretend Jasmine and I weren’t here.” Judy winked at them.

“Judy,” Catherine gently spoke, “maybe you should ask your husband to read some poetry to you. It might help.”

Judy laughed. “His idea of poetry is a football in one hand and a beer in another.”

“Perhaps, you can try?” Vincent inquired.

“Thank you. I think I will.” Judy showed the picture to Jasmine.

Jasmine looked at Catherine and Vincent. “You live in a castle?”

Catherine was trying hard not to laugh. “No…”

“Come on, dear, let’s go see the pond.”  Jasmine nodded her head as Judy took her hand. They continued walking down the sidewalk.

Catherine laughed and laid down on the grass, as Vincent turned to look at her.

He asked, “We are royals?” 

She looked at him. “I am keeping this photo for our children who, like Jasmine, won’t understand until they are much older.”

“Just for our children?” Vincent grinned.

“Well, every now and then, I might look at it and realize I was young once.”

“Catherine, to me, you will always be young.”

Catherine heard the pager go off. She got up and pulled it out of her pocket. “No, it can’t be.”

Vincent nodded. “Don’t worry. We will contact Devin, who will take us back to our brownstone to get ready.”

She gave him a questioning look.

“For the opera,” he said with the biggest smile that lit up his eyes.

* * *

Vincent was having the best time of his life. He knew that Catherine was too. They dashed to their brownstone and quickly changed into their best outfits.

Devin drove them to the Metropolitan Opera House, but, instead of stopping in the front, he drove into the underground parking garage and parked by a side door.

“You two have balcony seats.” He looked at them both. “We wait for a special person, who works here, to escort you two to the seats. We’re at the celebrity entrance. You know….”

“Where important people, who really don’t want to be seen, come in.” Catherine chuckled. “Dad always insisted on going in the front and being recognized. I think he liked the attention every now and then.”

“Can’t be!” Vincent spoke suddenly as a handsome young man came out of the door. Vincent got out of the car quickly and went up to the young man. They hugged.

Vincent walked over to Catherine’s side of the car and was about to help her out when she opened the door and ran over to the young man.

“Tony!” She hugged him. “You’ve grown into such a fine gentleman.”

Tony started to back away a little. “Didn’t I once tell you to stop going all wild on me?”

“You work here, now?” Vincent inquired.

“Yes, for a bit. Grandfather told me that to be a good king, you must also be willing to work at common jobs, so you get a feel for how people live. And I love it here, too.”

“It’s been so long.” Vincent was smiling.

“Yeah, well, anyway, the opera’s going to start, so let me get you and this pretty lady to the balcony. Geez, lady, you sure look gorgeous all in white.”

“Cathy, remember?” Catherine said.

“Just messing with you. Did Vincent tell you that the opera is La Boheme?”

“No, and I didn’t know you like opera.” Catherine started to smile.

“Yeah, well, not really. I said I loved it here, didn’t say anything about the music.” Tony looked at them. “Going to the ball after the opera?”

“No,” Vincent said. “I have other plans.”

Catherine looked at him. “La Boheme is so tragic and sad. But the music is so beautiful. Get ready for an emotional night.”

Devin called out, “See you two back here after the opera, and then I’ll be done for the night.”

“And this will be the first time that I have been in an opera house,” Vincent eagerly said.

Catherine looked at him. “And I am sharing this special moment with you.”

“Yes.” Vincent gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Come on, come on, the action should be on the stage, not here.” Tony opened the door, motioning to them.

“Thank you, Tony,” Vincent said as he led Catherine into the building.

Tony followed them in. He looked at Catherine. ”Told you, I never forget my friends. Now, let’s get going!”

* * *

Catherine did not know how the night was going to end, but she never expected this. Back in her old apartment. Of course, there was a sectional, instead of two couches with a table. And no horns by the door. Otherwise, everything else was the same, except the bedspread. A tiger print comforter? There were also candles lit all over the apartment and out on the balcony.

She looked at Vincent. “I heard Michael and Samantha and a few others rented this place after the family moved out. But I have been so happy at the brownstone and so busy with our family below, I never had the chance to come back here.”

“OK, got some things.” A young lady with blond hair came out of the kitchen with a backpack on her back. “Vincent, going Below, first to see Kipper, then I will stay the night in the guest-chamber and return tomorrow around lunchtime. By the way, everything is the way you wanted it, correct, candles too?”

“Yes, thank you, Samantha,” Vincent said.

Samantha walked to the door and turned around. “Catherine, Vincent, Happy Anniversary.” She turned and walked out.

Catherine immediately went to the door and double-locked and chained it.

She turned around and noticed that Vincent was no longer in the apartment. She heard a soft knock by the balcony doors and stepped outside. Vincent stood there. “Catherine, Happy Anniversary.”

Catherine felt so much happiness. “To quote you from a long time ago, how wonderful of you to celebrate such a tragic night with lights.”

“And you said it was the best night of your life, as you found me.”

She nodded and went up to hug and kiss him. “I thought we should go in.” She looked at him.

He hesitated. “Really?”

The phone rang. She rolled her eyes.

“Catherine, don’t answer the phone.”

“I don’t intend to. I’ve got to get you inside my apartment.” She took his hand and led him in.

He pulled back, grinning. “Are you sure about this?”

Catherine looked at him and suddenly laughed. She playfully slapped him on the shoulder. “Oh, you.”

“I will follow you anywhere, my beloved Catherine.” He let her lead him into the apartment.

“Get your cloak off and relax and stay awhile, “she said huskily.

“Catherine!”

Laughing, she went over to the phone. “A voice mail message. I’ve got to see who called.”

He sighed.

She clicked a button and Devin’s voice could be heard, “OK, I have returned the Rolls, I am crashing at the brownstone’s extra apartment, and I am safe. Vincent, I just don’t know if you are going to be safe with that wild friend of yours, but Happy Anniversary to you both. Catherine, in case my brother starts to feel unsure about things, catnip is in the pantry.”

They both laughed so hard, they had tears coming down their faces.

She walked up to him. “Tiger comforter. What do you think Samantha was hinting at?”

He took her in his arms. “I really don’t know, Catherine. Perhaps she wants us to…”

She finished the sentence for him, “Do the wild thing?”

“I love you,” he whispered as he kissed her gently. “Go slow, I’m new at this.”

She chuckled. “I love you too. But I just don’t know if I can go slow.” She started to take off his shirt. Of course, there was another item of clothing under that. She gave him a look.

“I have my honor to protect,” he said with a grin.

Some things never change. But then again, some things did. Wondrously. Thirteen was going to be her lucky number from now on.

* * *

Young Lovers

We pledged our love to each other
We know that our love will last
Paula, I give you my heart
Yours in return’s all I ask
We’ve waited so long for this moment
Tomorrow is our special day
I’ll take you, Paul, & you only
Here in my heart you will stay
So good luck to Paul & Paula
Good luck, young lovers everywhere
If your love is strong, then you can’t go wrong
True love will find a way
Paula, I give you my heart
Paul, I’ve been waiting for you
Good luck to Paul & Paula
Good luck, young lovers everywhere
If your love is strong, then you can’t go wrong
Good luck, young lovers, tonight
Good luck, young lovers everywhere
…

*lyrics by Ray Hildebrand and Jill Jackson
performed under the name “Paul and Paula”