ERIC HAS A LOVE

by PearlAnn SnowStar

Catherine was at the kitchen table, looking through papers. She sighed. “So many bills to pay.”

That is when she heard the fighting. She got up and walked into the living room. Her two children, Jacob, who was 11 and Caroline, who was going on 9, stood at the door to the apartment arguing.

Caroline screamed at Jacob. “Don’t be a little baby! We have to do as Father says.”

Jacob yelled back. “I know that, but sometimes it feels so restrictive.”

“What is going on here?” Catherine looked at them. “Why did you both come Up Top?

Caroline spoke up. “Jakee wanted to see Eric.”

“Yeah, Mom, I kinda remembered him, even though it’s been years, and he would have remembered Charles. I wanted to bring Charles too, but he was with Father.” Jacob started to pout.

Catherine hugged them both. “Look, your Father is taking over more of Grandfather’s duties, so he has concerns. We have not seen Eric for three years, since he went to college. And he barely contacted us. The last time he called was at least a year ago. And just one letter since. We need to take precautions. You two, should not have snuck out of your lessons to come to see me.”

“Rules, Uncle Dev is right, rules.” Jacob crossed his arms over his chest.

Catherine wanted to laugh, but she was also upset that Jacob was so rebellious. “Jake, Caroline, we sometimes have to obey rules to keep not only ourselves but others safe.”

“I know that!” Caroline said proudly. “Baby here does not.”

“You’re the baby.” Jacob was angry.

“Enough, both of you.” Catherine’s tone of voice was calm but firm. “Caroline quit calling your brother a baby.”

“Yeah, I know, I am younger than him, but I ain’t no baby either! Charles is!” Caroline looked at her. Then she put her head down. “OK, OK.”

“And, young lady, ‘ain’t’ is not a word we use.” Catherine sighed. “Now you two calm down. I wanted to finish some things before Eric gets here.”

Catherine heard a soft knock at the opened door. Kipper stood there, panting. “I realized they snuck out of lessons and ran after them.” He paused. “I am not as young as I used to be!”

“Thank God you are here. I need you to take these two back down.”

“No, Mom, no,” both of her children said at the same time.

She looked at her children. “I am not going to continue this discussion. You both should have stayed Below. If I feel Eric is, well, is still the same person I knew when he was young, then he will come Below with me.”

“Can’t we at least say hi to him?” Jacob looked at her. “After all, that is why we came Up Top.”

Catherine sighed and looked at Kipper, who shrugged. A buzzer rang by the door.

Kipper turned and pressed a small button on the panel by the door. “Who is it?”

“Eric.”

Kipper looked at Catherine, who quickly turned back to her children as they started to run out. She grabbed them.

“Mom,” they cried out, trying to get out of her firm grasp.

“Kipper…” Catherine was having a hard time holding them. “Stop it right now, both of you.”

They stopped squirming. Kipper looked at the watch on his wrist. “10:00.”

“Already?” Catherine wondered where the time had gone. She looked at her children. “I want you two to go with Kipper Below NOW.”

“Catherine…will you be all right?” Kipper went over to Jacob and Caroline and held their hands.

“Yes, I will be. Get them Below. I will greet Eric and bring him here for a little chat.”

“Come on, trouble makers…” Kipper guided the reluctant children Below.

Catherine grabbed some keys and walked out of the apartment, locking the door behind her. She watched as Kipper guided her children to the laundry room, which led to the threshold Below. Maybe it would have been all right, maybe it would have been safe.

She heard voices coming down the stairs. It was Esther, a tall black woman, one of the Helpers who lived in one of the first floor apartments in the brownstone. She was talking to a handsome young man with hair down to his chin. He was not wearing glasses.

“She is living in a basement apartment.” Esther saw Catherine and smiled.

Catherine smiled back at Esther, cautiously looking at the young man.

“Catherine!” Eric ran up to her and, before she could say anything, he hugged her. “I did not know who this lady was, but she met me at the door and let me in. Said her name was Esther and she is a Helper.”

Catherine looked at him. “You are no longer wearing glasses.”

“Nope, contacts now.” He beamed.

“Catherine, are you going to be all right?” Esther looked at Eric like she would pounce if he did anything.

“Yes, Esther, thank you, I will be. I know him.” Esther turned and slowly walked back up the stairs.

Catherine took Eric by the hand and led him to the apartment door. Unlocking it, she said, “You hardly contacted us while you were away at college.”

“I know, I apologize for that. Things got so busy.”

“We have much to discuss. I am glad you chose to meet me first.”

“You know me, even when I was young, getting used to the passageways, which could change at any time, I usually got lost. Then again, it’s been a while and maybe it’s just better this way.”

Catherine led him into the apartment. He looked around.

“Nice. I bet it’s easy for Vincent to come to see you.” He was nervous. “Catherine, I missed you, everyone. I needed to see everyone again. There has been a lot going on with me.”

Catherine smiled. “I missed you, too. Please sit down. I will make us some coffee.”

He sat down. “I wanted to meet you first, as I have something to ask you.”

Catherine came out with two cups of coffee, handing one to him. “What did you want to ask me?”

Eric sighed as he took the cup of coffee from her. “I met someone special and I think she is the one and I want to bring her Below to meet my friends and family. Her name is Imelda.”

Catherine carefully put her cup down. Her heart was racing. “Eric, how well do you know Imelda? Is she someone who used to live Below or was one of the Helpers’ children?”

Eric shook his head. “No, I met her just after I got into college. She was so nice to me and, well, she helped me with my lessons.” He blushed. “We got close. Really close.” He faced Catherine. “She reminds me of Ellie. Except she is Spanish, with beautiful dark brown hair and eyes.”

Seeing Catherine’s concern, he lowered his head and quickly said, “I said nothing to her yet about our secret. She thought I had another girlfriend, as I was so evasive about my past. I just told her last week that I was an orphan and that my family who took care of me are very protective and that we must make sure the person who meets my family is trustworthy.” He looked at her. “She had tears in her eyes. Catherine, she feels like our relationship can go no further if I do not trust her enough with whatever past I have and with issues I still have about it.”

Catherine sighed. “I know how hard it is to keep our secret. What can you tell me about her? Do you know her family?’

“Not much; she said she is sure her father does work for the government, but that he, too, is very secretive.” He smiled. “She told me I reminded her of her father. Quiet. A sense that I am hiding something that might be too terrible to know. But that unlike him, I was very sensitive and loving. Her mom stays at home taking care of her two brothers and two sisters. Her family is very large and some of the most loving people around. Just like our community Below.”

“Well, we do have to eventually meet, but I may want to get to know her at the old apartment. Maybe have Jamie or someone present with me. After I get to know her better, we can see if she can be trusted with our secret.”

“That will be OK.” Looking around, he sighed. “So much has changed. I have changed, too. I didn’t think I would find someone like you and Vincent found each other.”

“Eric, I’m happy for you. However, you know that even I had to earn the trust of others Below, besides Vincent. Our world, Vincent, Charles, have to be protected from those who would cause harm.”

“Imelda would never hurt my family. I just know it.” He laughed. “Father and his rules. How is he?”

“He is slowly accepting he is getting on in years, especially with my rambunctious children. Other members of our Community married and had children, too. Father turned more duties over to Vincent.”

“Are you still taking in people who have nowhere else to go?”

She nodded. “Now and then, yes. But with this brownstone and my old apartment, we can provide a place to stay, without taking them Below, until they get back on their feet. Of course, if it would be better for them to be Below, with us, we get to know as much as we can about them before we welcome them in.”

“To give help and support to those who need it and to accept help and support from those who offer it to you.” Eric sounded desperate. “I need help now, Catherine, I don’t want to lose Imelda.”

Catherine lightly touched his hand. “If she loves you as much as I can see that you love her, you will not lose her. Let me tell you, there were times…”

There was a soft knock on the door. Catherine had a grin. “That…”

“Is Vincent!” Eric placed his cup on the table and ran to the door.

“Eric, wait…” Catherine started to stand up.

“Who is it?” Eric asked when he got to the door.

“Vincent, “ came a gentle yet firm reply.

Eric opened the door and looked at Vincent. Without hesitation, he embraced him. “I missed you.”

“Eric?” Vincent looked at him.

“Yeah, contacts.” Vincent entered the apartment as Eric asked, “How are Jacob, Caroline, Charles?” Eric closed the door and followed Vincent.

“They are well.” Vincent looked at Catherine, who motioned for him to sit next to her. “Jane is keeping an eye on them, especially on Jacob, who will now have extra chores to do.”

“That won’t stop him from being adventurous. “ Catherine started to laugh.

Vincent sat next to Catherine as Eric, sat on a chair next to the couch. “I was just telling Catherine that I want both of you, as well as my friends Below, to meet Imelda.”

“Imelda?” Vincent looked at Catherine.

“Seems Eric has found a love.” Catherine looked at Eric. “I was telling him that maybe I should get to know her first before we talk about her meeting you and the Community.”

“Yes.” Vincent nodded. “After our conversation, if you have time, I can take you Below to see our children and your friends.” Catherine gave him a concerned look. “You have grown into a fine, responsible young man, Eric. I know that you would never let any harm come to us.”

Eric’s face lit up. “Thank you for trusting me, Vincent. I kept our secret and would never do anything to jeopardize anyone.” He shifted in his seat. “Well, let me tell you about Imelda and where I want to go with my Public Service degree and what I want to do…”

* * *

Catherine looked around Lin and Henry’s store, which used to belong to Lin’s father. While Henry made improvements to the inside of the store, the back area of the store was still the same. She watched as Devin, Imelda and Eric got some boxes of supplies out of the van.

“She is amazing, isn’t she?” Lin came up to Catherine. “I was not sure about letting Imelda help us, since she is not a Helper, but now I see what you mean.”

Catherine nodded. “Lin, it’s been months since Eric came to me with the news that he found a love. Then I met her. I could see her intelligence and kindness. She promised me that Eric will keep in touch more often and he has. I feel she is someone we can eventually trust to be a Helper.”

“Well, I did not know Eric and Imelda were in the kitchen when I came over to ask about our supply distribution.” Lin chuckled. “The way Eric came out saying ‘I remember’ and that he could help, with Imelda right behind him agreeing…”

“Luckily, Eric did not mention anything about Below.” Catherine sighed.

Lin went over to grab a box from the van, as Catherine did the same. “She thinks this is for needy persons who are either homeless or just need assistance?”

“Yes, that is why it is only us, Devin and your family.” Catherine started to walk into the back of the store. “And of course, Jacob and Caroline, who promised not to say a word about Below.”

Catherine put the box down next to the other boxes and walked into the store. She noticed the Mexican desserts that Imelda had baked on a table. Caroline was right next to them, eyeing them. Jacob and Devin were at the counter, laughing and talking.

Aaron, William’s son, came from behind her and walked over to Caroline and said something to her. Caroline got up and followed him to the back of the store, smiling at her Mom.

Catherine breathed a sigh of relief. Thank you, Lord. Caroline so loved sweets, it might have been too tempting not to reach out and take one.

“Catherine.” Imelda came up to her. “Looks like with everyone we got three vans unloaded! So pleased!” Imelda hugged her. Catherine hugged her back.

“Yes, thank you, Imelda.” Catherine smiled.

“Do you do this a lot? Maybe Eric and I can come by and help out next time?” Imelda could not contain her happiness. “I know we have to get back to school, but we can come by if you let us know. We can check our schedules. Maybe we can help those who are picking up the supplies.”

“Imelda, the ones who will pick up the supplies have plenty of help, so we are fine. But it would be nice when we do this again to have the extra help and we can get to know each other a little bit more.” Catherine noticed Eric walking up to them.

“Eric, you looked tired. Why don’t Imelda and you rest a bit before going home. The brownstone is not too far from here and we have an apartment not being used by anyone for now.”

“That will be great, Catherine. We can then return to our place tomorrow.”

Catherine so much wanted to tell Imelda about Below. But of course, Father and the elderly in the Community wanted more time to decide on that. She would also love for Vincent and Charles to meet her.

Catherine looked at Eric, who was grinning. He was holding Imelda’s hand. “What?”

“Catherine, I wanted you to know something.” Eric was practically glowing. “I asked Imelda to marry me.”

Imelda nodded and showed Catherine a nice engagement ring on her left hand. “I said yes.”

“We started to make plans for the wedding,” Eric proudly said. “Imelda will have her younger sisters be flower girls. Her older brothers will be part of the bridal procession.”

Imelda quickly added, “We would like to have Caroline and Jacob be the ring bearers. I would love to meet your other son, Charles. And perhaps Vincent and you can be part of our bridal procession. I know that you said that Charles had special needs that only Vincent could take care of. And that Vincent also has certain requirements,” Imelda looked at Eric then at Catherine, “but I would never judge anyone based on appearances or health reasons.” Imelda paused, then added, “Our wedding will not happen right away, so I hope that, in time, I will be able to meet them.”

“Yes, Imelda, perhaps later on you can meet them.” Catherine gave Eric a quizzical look.

“I know what you are going to ask, so to let you know, Imelda and I are planning our wedding to happen after we graduate two years from now. After we graduate, besides getting married, we will find a career in the Public Service field. Imelda also wants her family to meet our family, if possible. We wanted to let the world know of our love and that we are choosing to spend our whole lives together.”

“He is so romantic. I am so in love with him.” Imelda kissed Eric on his cheek.

Ju, who was Lin and Henry’s daughter, came up to them. “Imelda, thank you for graciously helping us out. I am so glad to have met you.”

Imelda smiled. “It is my pleasure. Nice to meet you, as well.”

“Okay good, okay fine, I am going to see if Mom and Dad need help. Nice to see you again, Eric. Imelda great to meet you.” Ju walked over to her parents.

“Eric, Imelda.” Kipper was behind them.

“Kipper, they are going to the vacant apartment in the brownstone to rest. Can you please let them in?” Catherine took out the keys from her purse and handed them to him. “I need to take care of my children.”

“Cool.” Kipper guided Imelda and Eric out of the store. “It’s not too far a walk. See you later, Catherine.”

Catherine nodded. One surprise after another. Life was supposed to get easier as you got older. Everything should be in its nice neat place.

“A penny for your thoughts.” Devin startled her. Jacob and Caroline were right behind him, laughing.

“Devin!” Catherine took a deep breath. She looked at Caroline and Jacob.” I am glad you two

were on your best behavior. Caroline, guide your brother down Below and make sure he does not wander. William is going to need help putting the supplies away.” Catherine hugged them.

“Yes, Mom, we know,” Jacob replied as he followed his sister. They skipped away to the back of the store.

Catherine and Devin said their goodbyes to Lin, Henry and Ju and walked to the back of the store. Before heading down to the basement, they picked up some boxes they could easily carry. “You have got to stop telling Jacob about all of your youthful adventures. He is starting to rebel by skipping classes and not listening to our rules.”

“Sometimes we must leave our safe places,” Devin started to say.

Catherine gave him a look. “Still, he for some reason idolizes you, so I need you to be aware of that. I also need to let Vincent know that Eric and Imelda are engaged and that they want Caroline and Jacob to be the ring bearers and would like Vincent and me to be part of the bridal procession. And they want to meet Charles.” Catherine shook her head. “How can I explain to Imelda how impossible that is?”

Catherine walked through the threshold to the passageway, with Devin following. “She did not even become a Helper yet. Luckily, they are going to wait until after college. Maybe after we get to know her a bit more, maybe she will be a Helper and…”

“God, you sound so much like the old man now.”

“Devin!”

“And Vincent is also turning into him, as well. I know, it’s time for another lake vacation for you two. Say, I would not mind watching the kids. You both need to get away from all the rules and regulations and relax a bit.”

“There are so many things to do, Devin. I am glad you came back to visit and help out, but we can’t leave our many responsibilities right now.”

“Cathy….”

“Wait until you have children.”

“I am so happy for Eric and Imelda. You know, love is truly the strongest of bonds. Yet, for all

its strengths, love is also as delicate as a lotus flower, and requires care.” Devin grinned at Catherine. He added, “Care requires letting go of rules now and then and taking care of yourself.”

“Rules are needed, Devin, to keep our family, our children, Vincent, everyone safe.”

“Yeah, right, Cathy, but remember, the grave is a fine, safe place, but if we live, we bleed. If we don’t live, we wilt. Jacob is a young man filled with energy and promise. He needs to expand to grow. You and Vincent also need time to yourselves, to keep your love growing. Caroline and Charles also have their needs of playing and learning new things. Seeing new things. Charles, too, should not be limited because of his resemblance to Vincent, mother hen.”

“And my children need an uncle who will also balance that growth with caution.”

“Didn’t I hear that from Vincent just a while ago?” Devin rolled his eyes. “You both need to take a break. How long has it been since you two were alone, no kids, romancing each other?”

Catherine quickly changed the subject. “Let’s talk about Eric and Imelda. What do you think of her?”

“Good one, Radcliffe.” When Catherine glared at him, he chuckled. “You always knew when to cut to the chase.”

* * *

Eric and Imelda were seated on the couch, hugging and gently stroking each other.

“I am so glad to see more and more of your friends and family, Eric.”

“And I am glad they are coming to see what I see in you.” Eric looked at her. “I love you.”

“I love you too. So does my family.”

“It was nice to meet them. Your father, though, is kind of scary.”

“Yes, he can be. Eric, after all these years, I finally figured out what my Dad does for the government, that he works for Witness Protection.” Imelda smiled. “I think I now understand Catherine’s cautious nature. She used to work in the DA’s office, didn’t she?”

Eric nodded.

“I understand now completely. Government folks have their secrets. But still, she has amazing children! And I have yet to meet Charles and Vincent, her husband.”

“We must give it time, Imelda. Thank you for understanding this.”

“I love you and I trust you completely. Here I was thinking you had another girlfriend. When all you were doing was protecting your loved ones.” She rested her head on his shoulders. “Soon we will be protecting both of our families together. And who knows,” she kissed his cheek, “we might be talking of growing that family. Oh, we are going to have a happy life.”