* They’re Playing Our Song *

NOTHING’S GONNA STOP US NOW

by Jessica Rupe

Thirty-five years. What a joyride it had been, no questions asked. The first three years had been a roller coaster for Vincent and Catherine, with its ups and downs, twists and turns. But that third year had been the hardest. Vincent’s illness, Catherine’s pregnancy and subsequent kidnapping, the loss of their bond (which had thankfully returned after Jacob’s birth), and Catherine’s near death at Gabriel’s hands (which Peter had been able to revive her from once Vincent brought her back to the apartment), had made Vincent finally realize he couldn’t live without her. They had married April 12th, 1990.

After Father had passed away in 2004, Vincent had stepped up as the leader of their community after a unanimous vote from the Council. Catherine had retired from the DA’s office soon afterwards, so her retirement party had been bittersweet, with everyone wishing Father could have been there. But everyone felt he was celebrating with them in spirit.

Many improvements had been made to the tunnels over the years since then. There was better access to electricity, thanks to the water wheel in the chamber of the falls. This led to things like a movie projector and screen, computers with internet access, and improvements to William’s kitchen, including modern commercial equipment. One of the benefits of having internet access was easier access to information. The younger generations loved being able to play more modern music, although many still preferred the classical music of their youth.

Vincent and Catherine were relaxing in their chamber. The local classic rock station was playing. As one particular song came on, they were both listening to the lyrics. It made them think back on their marriage and look towards the future. Catherine had given Vincent a new journal the year they married. The inscription she had written reminded him that with love, all things were possible.

Looking in your eyes I see a paradise
This world that I’ve found is too good to be true.
Standing here beside you, want so much to give you
This love in my heart that I’m feeling for you.

Let them think we’re crazy, I don’t care about that
Put your hand in my hand, baby don’t ever look back.
Let the world around us just fall apart.
Baby we can make it if we’re heart to heart.

And we can build this dream together
Standing strong forever, nothing’s gonna stop us now.
And if this world runs out of lovers
We’ll still have each other
Nothing’s gonna stop us now.

I’m so glad I found you, I don’t want to lose you
Whatever it takes I will stay here with you.
Take it to the good times, see it through the bad times
Whatever it takes is what I’m gonna do.

Let them think we’re crazy, what do they know?
Put your arms around me, baby don’t ever let go.
Let the world around us just fall apart
Baby we can make it if we’re heart to heart.

And we can build this dream together
Standing strong forever, nothing’s gonna stop us now.
And if this world runs out of lovers, we’ll still have each other
Nothing’s gonna stop us, nothing’s gonna stop us….

Ooh, all that I need is you
And all that I ever need and all that I want to do
Is hold you forever, forever and ever…

Vincent and Catherine looked at each other with fondness. So much had changed, but neither one of them would change a thing. Everything they had been through had brought them to where they were today. A new generation was taking over. They were truly blessed. Cuddling up next to each other, Vincent grabbed the book sitting by their bed and began reading aloud, his husky baritone filling their chamber. “Once upon a time, in the city of New York…”

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Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now: written by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren; recorded by Starship, 1986.