Category: TV Section: Classic Sci-Fi TV Topic: Undernet: #Collinwood Article: BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Date: 12/5/97 >From: Midnite BENEATH THE MISTLETOE: A COLLINWOOD CHRISTMAS STORY PRELUDE December 22, 1973 The night of the Winter Solstice A disgusted Roger glanced up from the tangled mess of wire and lights. "You know, Quentin, we could use a hand." His cousin smiled feebly and spoke into his snifter. "You and David are doing fine without me." Elizabeth turned to look over at him too. "Oh, Quentin, I'm so thrilled you decided to spend the holidays with us this year. I've never felt at ease knowing you spent the last two Christmases alone." Sensing that all eyes were on him, he prayed silently for a miracle that would allow him to fade back into the woodwork, and it came in the form of a cheerful Carolyn that breezed into the room. "Mother, I have great news! Chris just called, and he said they're coming after all ... Hey, Uncle Roger. Great tree! How'd you ever get that thing home?" Roger stepped back so he could admire it once more as David explained, "Father called ahead to the lot and demanded they hold the biggest tree for us. Then Joe helped us bring it up in his truck." Liz, who hadn't heard a word of what her nephew said, announced, "I'll have to let Mrs. Johnson know there'll be three more for Christmas dinner. She won't like that." Carolyn mused, "I wonder if Amy and Hallie will be able to patch up their differences." She glanced over at David, and they exchanged wicked smiles. Liz remained intently focused on her guest list, and said, "Willie will have to bring more chairs over from the Old House." Carolyn told her, "It's very late, Mother. We can deal with that tomorrow." She walked up to Quentin and bumped his thigh with her hip. "Cheer up! This Christmas party will make you glad you stuck around for SURE." Nearby, in a clearing in the woods on the edge of the Collins property, a group of witches are assembled on this--the longest night of the year. They form a ritual circle facing their High Priestess, who stands before a large, flat rock that serves as her altar. She is dressed in golden robes, and in her hand is an evergreen bough. The High Priestess addresses her coven: "We honor, with this sacred gathering, the Great Mother of the Sun, the Goddess through which life comes out of the shadows." The newest member of the coven stepped forward from the circle and took his place next to the Priestess. Little was known about his past, yet his vast knowledge of the Wiccan craft had so impressed the others that he was invited to aid in the ritual this night--a night of the all-important Winter Solstice. The light from the candles casted an eerie glow across his small, angular features. He lifted the gold vessel, raised it upward, and recited the words of the sacred rite: "Behold these witches that are gathered before you. We beseech you to bestow upon us your special gifts." With those words, a huge crash of lightning pierced the sky and struck the ground in front of the altar. The witches ran frightened into the trees, and the man disappeared from sight, yet the High Priestess stood her ground and stared toward a figure that appeared in the clearing smoke. Soon she found herself eye to eye with the beautiful young creature with luscious blonde hair that stood before her--a woman that blinked back at her with large blue eyes. The Priestess fell back in horror. She screamed, "Who has heard us, and what have we done?" I now pass the pen to Bobubas. Have fun, everyone! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beneath the Mistletoe Pt. 1 Date: 12/6/97 >From: Bobubas Dec.25th, 1973......... Christmas morning "Carolyn, what in blazes are you doing up there?", Roger queried, his unexpected entrance into the foyer area, and boisterous question, almost causing his lovely niece to lose her balance atop the ladder she was standing on. "Uncle Roger, you scared me half to death!", Carolyn stammered back, slightly trembling from her uncles unanticipated appearance. "I am hanging mistletoe above the door for the party, I guess you forgot to do it the other day when you and David were trimming the tree." Still looking up at his niece, now having assumed almost a military posture, and a facial expression to match, Roger offered, " I did not forget dear girl....had your mother not insisted that I trim the tree with David, I would have left that for the servants to perform, along with your little endeavor here!" "Well, no sense talking about it any more Uncle Roger, I'm done", Carolyn countered, as she descended the ladder and assumed a stance next to Roger. Now, as they both stood there gazing up at her handy work she offered, "Isn't the mistletoe a lovely plant Uncle Roger?" Not giving him time to respond, she gently nudged Roger in his rib cage with her left elbow, "....and the traditional kiss that goes along with someone walking under it, is interesting to," she said, as a broad smile encompassed her lovely face. Still gazing up at the mistletoe, Roger offered casually, "I presume you'll be spending the majority of the evening monitoring the foyer for potential candidates, shall I have Cook set your dinner place here?" This statement cause Carolyn to take a quizzical glance up at her uncle. Roger did his best to maintain his composure, but then broke in to laughter as he turned full face towards his niece and embraced her shoulders with his gentle hands. "Kitten, I'm really looking forward to the party this evening as well. Now, how about joining me for some breakfast," Roger said, as he bent down kissing his niece on her forehead. Carolyn grinned up at him, "I'll be just a few minutes Uncle Roger, wouldn't want to miss a "potential" candidate now, would I?" They both laughed out loud. "Ok Kitten, but hurry.... you know how nervous Cook gets if someone is vacant form the breakfast table", Roger winked as he walked away. Carolyn turned back towards the main entrance of the foyer, and was lost in thought as to who just might be a , as her Uncle had put it , "potential candidate", to stand under the mistletoe with, when the phone rang. She went over to answer..... "Hello", she said in a musical voice. "Carolyn", the trembling voice on the other end of the phone answered. "Carolyn, its me, Willie" ................ Bobubas takes the pen, and tosses it over to Bats!! :) ------------------------------------------------------ Beneath the Mistletoe Pt. 2 Date: 12/6/97 >From: bats "Willie, what's wrong?" Carolyn sounded slightly worried. "There was a body found at the bottom of Widows Hill. I'm not sure why, but the police have a few suspects. I'm one of 'em. Carolyn ya gotta believe me, I didn't do it. I knew her, not that well, but I knew her." "They think you killed her? Why?" "I didn't do it! They think I did because there's no way to prove I didn't." He wondered if she believed him or not. "Where are you now?" "I'm down at the Blue Whale, why?" He lied because he did not know if she believed him or not. "I'll talk to you later, but the bartender wants me to get off the phone so other people can use it." "Ok..." He hung up the phone before she could finish. Nobody would believe that he did not do it. He knew he didn't. He thought Carolyn would believe him, but she had not seemed as if she did. Barnabas and Julia won't believe him. He doubted Elizabeth, Roger, and Quentin would. He would not have killed her. "Willie, where have you been all morning?" "Outside, where else?" "Why? Weren't you awfully cold?" "It's nothing that concerns ya." Barnabas should mind his own business sometimes. Barnabas would turn him in if Willie told him what he has been doing. Besides, it had nothing to do with Barnabas. "There were police here looking for you earlier." "I know." "Why were they looking for you?" "I said it was none a your business. Leave me alone!" Willie left. He could not figure out why they thought it was him that killed her. He didn't, she probably just jumped as more than one person in the past has. Willie wondered if everyone's Christmas was going as badly as his....... Bats says 'it's you turn', and sends the pen over to Nancymck! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beneath the Mistletoe Pt. 3 Date: 12/7/97 >From: sheenasma Yeah, Willie thought, this Christmas sure ain't one I'd want to tell any grandkids about someday..... He looked around him, found himself in the clearing that led to the drive from the gate to the doors of Collinwood. He had been too lost in his own thoughts to pay attention to where he was going, much less what he was doing. The crunch of tires on snow crept into his consciousness, and he ran back to the cover of evergreens he had just stepped away from. Crouched behind the trunk of a large pine he watched as the town car with the shaded windows pulled onto the estate. The car continued up the path, stopping at the crest of the circular drive just in front of the main entry. From where he huddled, Willie could not see the just what it was the driver was taking from the trunk, placing near the door. The man looked neither right or left as he stooped to place the 3 identical packages near the door. Each had been wrapped in the front page of this Christmas morning's newpaper, carefully done up so that the headline "BODY FOUND AT FOOT OF WIDOW'S HILL" could be clearly read. The boxes they had been placed in before wrapping had been the same size, the same shape. Only after opening would the recipients realize how carefully they had been handpicked. For Carolyn, a worn leather jacket. For Quentin, a tarnished silver pentagram. For Barnabas, a length of lace, a bridal veil never worn, yellowed with age. As the man slid back behind the wheel, his passenger chuckled. "Now, my boy, now...the fun shall begin. We have raised the curtain on our little drama". Passing the pen to Boocat...... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beneath the Mistletoe: Part 4 Date: 12/7/97 >From: Boocat Barnabas whistled softly to himself as he approached Collinwood. "At last a Christmas with no shadows hanging over our heads. That is, unless, Willie has gotten himself into something again. Ah, well, that can be dealt with easily enough." Reaching to open the door of Collinwood, he almost missed the three packages. "Santa has come already," he laughed as he bent to pick them up. With a jolt of surprise he saw his name on one of the three. At that moment the door flew open, and Carolyn smiled at the sight of Barnabas laden with packages. "Well, Cousin Barnabas--what delights have you brought us today? Let me help you with those!" She reached for the packages and led Barnabas into the drawing room. "Look, everyone--Barnabas is playing Santa!" "Well, well, Barnabas--looks like you've been busy." A slow grin spread over Quentin's handsome face. "I would like to take the credit for this," Barnabas laughed, "but it seems there is another Santa in our midst. One of these is for me! Quentin, this one is for you, and Carolyn, this appears to be yours!" Carolyn eagerly began to tear the paper from the carefully wrapped package, while Barnabas and Quentin followed suit. "What the hell?" Quentin slowly lifted the tarnished pentagram from its box. A startled gasp from Carolyn drew everyone's attention. The color drained from her face as she held up the worn leather jacket. At the sight of the yellowed veil, an unbidden groan escaped from Barnabas. Roger frowned. "Someone must have left these here by mistake." Quentin and Barnabas exchanged glances. "Unfortunately, Cousin Roger, I think whoever left these knew exactly what they were leaving and for whom." Amid the flood of questions from Roger and Elizabeth, no one heard the front door open quietly. "Merry Christmas, everyone!" The Collins family turned in surprise and stared at the figure in the doorway. Barnabas was the first to recover. "Nicholas!" he muttered. "I should have known." With a warm hug and a huge sigh of relief, I now hand the pen to ghostSara! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE: PART 5 Date: 12/9/97 >From: Arafellyn "Now, Now, Barnabas is that anyway to greet and old friend" Nicholas exclaimed, as he diligently removed his black leather gloves, slapping them against his hand before placing them into the pocket of his brown overcoat. "I don't consider you a friend Nicholas and you know that" Barnabas replied. "Why after all this time have you shown up and brought these inappropriate presents" Barnabas asked. "Whatever, you are thinking, Barnabas it wasn't me, after all it is the season for peace on Earth and goodwill towards man…isn't it?" Nicholas smirks mockingly and walks around the room noticing the lovely Christmas decorations. "Now, what is this" as he looks up and sees the mistletoe over the double foyer doors. "So who's first to give me a kiss under the mistletoe," Nicholas queried, his mouth slightly pursing and a twinkle in his eyes. All the people in the room looked at Nicholas in disgust. Not one of the Collins made any move to go over to kiss him and were amazed at the man's audacity. Roger made of humph in the back of his throat and rolled his eyes. "Well, so much for the Christmas spirit," Nicholas sighed, "oh well, by the way, lovely paper that your presents were wrapped in," bends over to pick the crumbled paper off the floor. "Did anyone bother to read who was found dead at the bottom of Widow's Hill?" he asked smugly flipping a piece of invisible lint from the sleeve of his coat. Barnabas rips the paper out of Nicholas's hands, starts straightening it out so he can read it. He quickly scans part of the newspaper. "My God" Barnabas stared unbelieving at the paper "it was Maggie Evans!" "What does the paper say Barnabas?" as Carolyn trembling from shock and starts to cry. He slowly starts reading out loud excerpts from the paper. "Miss Evans was found this morning at the bottom of Widow's Hill. Police believe that foul play was involved. Miss Evans had rope burns on both wrists from being tied up before her death. Police have also measured the distance from the bottom of the cliff and found the distance could mean that she was pushed. Police also state that they do indeed have a suspect to be brought in for questioning, but have not been able to locate him at this time." Nicholas slowly rocks on his heels with a gleam in his eyes while Barnabas read the paper. "Now, you know why I am here and why I want your cooperation," his smugness gone and a look of pain crossed his features. "Maggie was someone that actually meant something to me and I need to find out what happened to her." Nicholas stated with fire in his eyes and his voice harsh with pain. "So, could I have your help in this, I really want to find Maggie's killer." looking expectantly at Barnabas. "Nicholas, if I do this I do it for Maggie and not for you, I still don't trust you," Barnabas replied remembering the times that Nicholas put him through hell. "Good enough for me, and I will be in touch," Nicholas remarked as he turned to leave. "Oh and there are others forces at work here, as you have already seen from those presents, I would advise you to be careful." Donning his leather gloves and buttoning his coat as he made his way towards the double doors of the foyer, Nicholas turned back towards the still stunned Collins members. "I would just hate if something happened to you before you found out what happened to Maggie. Ta-Ta for now," he waved and let himself out the door of the Great house. "Oh my," Elizabeth mutters, gets up and walks over to the decorated Christmas tree to fix a crooked ornament, "I can't believe it, Maggie's dead and might have been murdered. It is just too much for me to comprehend...who would want to kill that lovely young women." "Oh mother," a still shocked Carolyn cries, "I can't believe this happened and at Christmas time, who would have done such a terrible thing," she runs out of the room and up the stairs crying. "I'll go and see if I can comfort her," Quentin offered, before anyone could speak. "Thank you Quentin, she and Maggie were very close at one time," Elizabeth says as she watched Quentin walk out of the room. "Barnabas do you have any idea who the suspect is that the police were talking about," Roger asks as he goes over to pour himself a late morning brandy. "I might have some idea at that Roger," Barnabas replies with a distant look on his face. "Please excuse me I have some errands to attend to, I will return shortly!" With that, Barnabas hastily grabbed his cape and cane and exited the house. "Willie and I need to have a nice long talk", he thought out loud, as he began his walk through the snow covered woods to the Old House. (Meanwhile, at a vacant building in the town of Collinsport) "Well, my boy the wheels are in motion," a man sitting amongst the shadows chortled in a gruff voice. "Yes your excellency.... They are indeed", laughed back his young Companion... >From one hootchie to another-- here's the pen ZZ it's your Disco now! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe.. Part 6 Date: 12/9/97 >From: Marilyn Annoyed... the old man backhands his servant.. sending him across the room... "Aristede.. your laughter is premature my dear boy.. there is still work to be done!" Aristede is shivering with fear in the far corner of the room.. his green eyes welling up with tears, he stammers.. " I.. I am sorry your excellency.. please forgive me! " The old man picks Aristede up off the floor and delicately wipes the tears from his face.. " Now..Now.. no need for tears. It is Christmas.. you have served me well and for your great devotion I give you this gift!" Aristedes eyes light up with wonder as he tears open the brightly wrapped package..he opens up a small box only to find a lock of brown hair.. " Excellency.. I do not understand?" The old man`s laughter is maddening... " You will dear boy!.. You will plant this lovely lock of hair.. Maggie Evans hair... at the house of Barnabas Collins!!" "I.. I cant do that!" "You can and you will!!" The old man raises his wretched hand.. " Do you dare defy me boy, dont forget I have brought you back from the past via the I-Ching wands.. you will obey me! " " I will do anything Petofi!! just please don't touch me with that hand!" "Then I suppose.. you best be off.. your Christmas dinner is getting cold!" Petofi chuckles softly.. " Make haste .. not waste.. my dear boy!" At the Great Estate...Elizabeth is still in shock over Nicholas Blairs appearance. " Oh dear!! why cant we ever have a happy Christmas? this is absolutely dreadful!" "That`s because we are Collins`.. haven't you figured that out yet dear sister?" replies Roger.. "We are a family doomed for unhappiness!"" " Roger I will not take your snide remarks about our family! especially on this day!" Elizabeth feels an overwhemling urge to hit Roger."If you wish to be cynical.. take your bottle of brandy and go to your room! " Before Roger can reply.. Chris and Amy Jennings have entered the drawing room .. their arms full with presents.." Merry Christmas everybody!" they both chime in with great enthusiam. "Hmph!! Very Merry Christmas indeed! Lunatics and murders running amuck on this fine day.. if you will excuse me.. my dear lovely sister has ordered me to my room!" Roger pushes Chris out of his way spilling presents onto the floor.... Taken aback Chris asks... "Mrs. Collins.. I don't mean to pry.. but whats going on? Amy and I have just come back to Collinsport. .. " Oh dear Chris... Maggie Evans is dead!! "What the ?!! when ? " "Last night Chris.. Carolyn is very upset.. Quentin is with her now!" " Mrs. Collins .. if you don't mind.. I am going to up to see Carolyn myself.. I have missed her and the last thing I want for her to be is upset at Christmas!" Before Elizabeth can object.. she hears Chris` footsteps running up the stairs.. Amy looks meekly at her and asks... " Where is David? " Flustered.. Elizabeth looks back at Amy.. " David? why I haven't seen him all day.. where is he ? "..... Meanwhile... Barnabas rushes into the Old House.. the first thing he notices is the sweet smell of mesquite burning in the fireplace.. he is secretly pleased.. having spent the extra money .. the wood was shipped from Texas.. just in time for the holidays.. His face saddens for a moment.. " Oh Maggie.. you always made my days so wonderful.. I will get to the bottom of this.. I will find out you did this terrible thing to you.. I loved you so.. " He bellows out... "WILLIE!!!" there is silence... "WILLIE!" A soft giggle emerges from the back of a queen anne chair.. Barnabas sees a long delicate hand.. holding a snifter of brandy.. " Willie isn't here Barnabas..he took one look at me and ran out of here as if he had seen some horrible looking witch.. pity!! " The giggle returns.. followed by a laughter so wicked and loud. Barnabas puts his hands to his ears to deafen it..... She rises from the chair.. a stunning vision of flaxen beauty with eyes as blue and clear as the Martinque skies.. in the summer months of 1795 Barnabas feels a lump in his throat..his mouth goes dry.. "Angelique!" A sly smile forms on her lovely face.. " Barnabas.. surely you were expecting me.. You know I would never let my husband spend Christmas alone....." " I have something for you.... " Marilyn passes the pen to Gothick.... XOXO!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe: Part 7 Date: 12/9/97 >From: Gothick His jaw rigid with barely controlled rage, Barnabas whirled to face his wife, one hand clawing at the armchair, the black onyx ring blazing in the candlelight as fiercely as the dark wrath in his eyes. "Haven't you done enough?" he asked bitterly. "The vile sorceries, the madness, the torment, the deaths? You have meted out horror and suffering to my family, generation after generation--given us blood to drink and a surfeit of terror! And now you have the gall to come here on this day of holiness? Why do I even bother to reproach you? I know how dead to shame you are." The words had burst from his lips in a hot torrent, and he turned away, biting his lip with frustration. How easy it would be to end it all--to snap her neck and be done with it. But he had tried and failed many times before to kill the witch. Violence invariably only bred more violence where Angelique was concerned. "Barnabas," she said softly, and most horrible of all, he felt the old dead emotions, the buried pain, the softness and sorrow he had known at her coming and passing in 1840 that terrible winter, felt all of it again. And knew he would be as unable to bear it all now as he had then. "Barnabas," she said again. "Why won't you ever give me a second chance? Why can't you be as forgiving to me as you are to your friends? I showed you, the last time we were on earth together, how genuinely I care for you. Can't you believe that? I died for you--and for Quentin, and the others, in 1840. Perhaps," and her lustrous lips quirked, involuntarily, with a grim smile at the jest, "Perhaps that is why I have come back today ... on Christmas day ... to remind you of a Love whose truest face is shown in sacrifice ..." Her voice was cooing almost in his ears; his great pain-ridden brown eyes bore into hers, sea-wracked and stormy with the passion they had known of old together. "Barnabas, this is what I came back to show you ... Only this ... my love for you." Hardly aware of himself, or of anything else on Heaven and Earth, he felt his lips crush hers in a mighty kiss that seemed to surge on and on, leaving them both breathless, gasping, trembling in one another's arms. Barnabas' own lips were trembling; his eyes were wild; the emotions iin his own bosom were tearing him apart. In God's name, what was he supposed to say or do? Angelique's eyes were shining--with passion or triumph? He opened his mouth to speak, grapping her shoulders tightly with both arms. "Barnabas!" The voice was icy, dispassionate, unspeakably reproving. They both whirled to find her there. Angelique's eyes narrowed as she gazed upon the unwelcome sight of the woman she had never been able to defeat ... Dr Julia Hoffman. With a wry, crooked smile, and a slight nod, both of which disguised just how appalled she was by the sight of Barnabas in Angelique's arms, Julia gave a slightly weary sigh as she paced reflectively around the pair, removing her smart leather gloves with short, snappy movements that disguised how vulnerable she felt. "I'm ... SORRY to interrupt," she continued at last, with a certain cool hauteur that neatly stated she wasn't sorry at all. "I had thought you would be in need of comfort and solace, Barnabas. I ... HEARD about Maggie," she continued, turning her piercing stare upon Angelique. "I had wondered who could have possibly hated her enough to do something like that. I guess that's one question I have the answer to, now." "Dr. Hoffman, I had nothing to do with Maggie Evans' death," Angelique said, perhaps a little too hastily for her own good. "I came back tgo HELP Barnabas. I would think even you would be able to accept that!" "Help him? REALLY, Angelique," Julia murmured in her raspiest, most skeptical tones. "I suppose next you'll be telling me you're dabbling in some classic human emotion ... like compassion!" Angelique flushed as she scowled inadvertently. "That barb reminds me the first bit of bad news I need to share with both of you," she said, her voice a little too shrill. "Barnabas, you've got to trust me, even if Julia doesn't. You see, I have just come from the Underworld. And I know something you don't." "What is that?" Barnabas asked hoarsely. His head was a maze of buzzing emotions, but the sense of danger was very real. Angelique favored him with a cool smile. "Count Petofi is back. And this time, dear Barnabas, he has sworn vengeance not only upon you--and you, Dr Hoffman--" she shot a short, satisfying glare at Julia, and was pleased to see the Doctor blanche at the mention of Petofi's name--"but upon your entire family. It may already be too late to stop him!" Gothick passes the Pen with wishes for happy holiday cheer to all! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe part 8 Date: 12/10/97 >From: Zurc Barnanbas stood there in shocked silence as the words rang out from Angelique's mouth. He knew he heard the name but did not want to believe it. "Petofi" He said as he stared at her. Julia also in shock, slumped into the chair beside the fireplace. "No Barnabas, it can't be, can it?" Angelique looked at them both and knew she had done the right thing by returning and warning them. "Barnabas" She said. " I came back to help as much as I possibly can. You can depend on me, I have failed you before but in this giving season, I shall not fail you again." With that said she stood closer to him and whispered "I am here darling, never to leave your side again." Barnabas in his confusion over what has been said and done, smiled at her. Julia, seeing that he was being wooed by Angelique, suddenly stood up and spoke. "Barnabas, I know that look in your eye and I can tell you are falling for her lies again. Let me warn you, SHE cannot be trusted" With a sincere look on his face Barnabas replied, "How can I not trust her now Julia? She gave up her life for Quentin and Desmond. Surely this should be considered and maybe she is telling the truth this time. I did not have a chance to tell you what came to the door while I was at Collinwood." Arms folded and nose crinkled Julia said, "What Barnabas, what was it you haven't told me?" He tells them both as Angelique looks on that three packages had arrived for Quentin,Carolyn and Himself. He went on to describe what was in them. As he did so he turned to Angelique and told her, "Nicholas Blair is back also Angelique" Now it was her turn to be aghast. Angelique's face went blank. Back at Collinwood, Quentin was trying to comfort Carolyn but to no avail. She was still sobbing over the *gift* she received as well as the news over Maggie Evans' apparent death. Just then Cris came in and greeted Quentin and Carolyn. "Hi Quentin,Carolyn. I just got the news about Maggie. Carolyn, I knew the two of you were very close and I want to offer my sincere regards and if you need anything, I'm here to help you." Carolyn, still sobbing, looked up from her bed at Cris. For a brief second there was some rekindling of the feelings she had for him not so long ago. She put them aside and told him " Thanks Cris, but I don't know what anyone can do now." Quentin nodded in agreement. " The only thing we can do now is find out how this happened." He said. " I can't believe Maggie would have committed suicide, so therefore I believe she was pushed." he went on to say. #But the real question now is, who would do such a thing to her?" Chris was at a loss for words. He sat on the bed and attempted to caress Carolyn's hands and shoulders. Not knowing what else he could do, he laid her head on his shoulders and let her continue crying. Downstairs in the drawing room, Liz was trying to remain in the festive spirit but was finding it most difficult. All this tragedy and the return of Blair was too much for her to bear up under. She turned and spoke with Amy. " Amy, would you have cook make a pot of tea?" Amy, not knowing all that has depressed Liz replied. " Sure Mrs Stoddard is there anything else I can do?" Liz looked at the young girl and began to weep. "Oh Amy, I was so hoping this was going to be a lovely Christmas. But with all that's happening, I just don't see how it can be." Perplexed Amy asked. " Why is that Mrs Stoddard? Is there something wrong? I hope Cris and my return has not upset you. We just wanted to come back and be with the people we love and that has treated us just like family. I hope you'te not mad because we did." Liz looked at the innocent child and began uncontrollably weeping. "Oh Amy, Amy, Amy" She said as she buried her face into her hands. Not far from the Collinwood estate, two evil men continue to plot for the destruction once and for all of all the Collinses and their heirs. I now pass the pen over to RobinV, and to the rest who will be reading this, Happy Holidays! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe Part 9 Date: 12/11/97 >From: ROBINV Liz and Amy settled down on the sofa to share a pot of tea. Liz spilled some sloppily over the rim of the cup while pouring, and Amy couldn't help but notice how distracted the older woman seemed. Finally, after the silence became uncomfortable, said, "Where did you say David was? I was really looking forward to seeing him, Mrs. Stoddard." Liz, realizing she hadn't seen David all day, turned to Amy, a stricken look on her face. Amy, her psychic powers stronger than ever, was assailed with an utterly horrible vision, a premonition of unadulterated terror. "Mrs. Stoddard, David's in terrible danger," she said in a high-pitched, faraway voice. Liz, horror clutching at her heart, leaped to her feet and ran to the stairs. "Roger!" she cried. "Roger, come down here right away!" Carolyn, Chris and Quentin appeared after the hurrying Roger. "What's wrong?" Quentin demanded. "You sound almost hysterical, Elizabeth!" "Something's happened to David," Liz said, her face pale, her lips trembling uncontrollably. Willie burst into the Old House drawing room to find the awkward tableau of Barnabas, Julia and Angelique standing, involved in serious conversation. He noticed the angry, distrusting gaze blasting from Julia's eyes at the blonde, saw Barnabas' look of confusion and felt his knees going wobbly—as if he didn't have enough to worry about! "What's goin' on?" he asked, eyeing Angelique fearfully. "Willie, you know that Maggie Evans' body was found at the bottom of Widows' Hill, don't you?" Barnabas asked. Willie stared guardedly at his employer. "Yeah, I heard, Barnabas, but I don't know anythin' about it, I swear! I know, everyone thinks I'm the most likely suspect, but I swear, I don't know anythin'." "I believe you, Willie," Barnabas said. He looks exhausted, Willie thought. He noticed the proprietary look Angelique was giving Barnabas and felt himself go cold all over. This woman had once been Barnabas' wife, had turned him into one of the living dead. It still stunned him to think of the former vampire as a married man. "Don't be afraid of me, Willie," Angelique said silkily. "I mean Barnabas nothing but good—and you, too." Willie did not believe this beautiful woman for a second, nor did he trust her. The sight of her sent his pulse racing with dread. While Julia and Angelique traded glares, Barnabas described to Willie the grisly Christmas gifts some unknown party had bestowed upon him, Carolyn and Quentin. Hearing of the veil, pentagram and Jeb's jacket (oh, God, that breathing!), Willie suddenly felt the old urge to jump into his car and drive long and far, until Collinsport was miles and miles away. Something he had seen earlier that day, on the path between Collinwood and the Old House, tweaked his memory. "You know, I thought I saw a car pull up to Collinwood earlier. It had windows you couldn't see through. It was big, and black. Someone got out of it carryin' packages. . .looked like presents, maybe." "Willie, you must show us exactly where you saw this car," Barnabas said excitedly. Everyone trooped after him. When he went to retrieved his Inverness cape from it's usual place on the coat rack, however, it wasn't there. His cane hung exactly where he had left it, but his cape was gone. "That's odd," he said. "Willie, you didn't send it out to be cleaned, did you?" "No, Barnabas, I always do that in the summer," Willie said. "You know that." "Then where is it?" a perplexed Barnabas asked. Julia and Angelique gazed at him blankly. "Barnabas, I must go," Angelique said abruptly. "There is something urgent I have to do." She slipped out into the snowy night. "Willie, you should follow her," Julia insisted. Barnabas started to protest, but before he could stop him, Willie, too, was gone. **** In a vacant house in Collinsport, Aristede carried 16-year-old David Collins through the door. "It was easy, Excellency," Aristede chortled. David, his nose bloodied, was gagged, bound hand and foot.. Count Petofi surveyed the young heir to all the Collins family owned and smiled triumphantly. "Welcome, my boy," he said to the panting teenager. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Count Petofi, and you will be our guest for a while. . .perhaps forever." David struggled against his bonds, his light brown eyes blazing with fury. He had no idea who this man was, but he would find out you couldn't mess with the Collins family. Oh, yes, he would find out the hard way! The door burst open and two more people, a man and a woman, joined Petofi and Aristede. "Well, well, well, this is a delightful sight!" chuckled Nicholas Blair, a huge grin crossing his sardonic features. "Yes," Angelique agreed. "Now we can finally put our plan into motion. . .destroy them all!" "Indeed," said Count Petofi, pouring from an expensive bottle of champagne. "Let us drink to our success, shall we?" **** Sheriff Anderson, acting on a tip from an anonymous caller, appeared at the Old House with a search warrant. Willie and Barnabas had gone to investigate the area where Willie had seen the mysterious car stop and drop off the packages, leaving Julia was alone. She welcomed the sheriff into the house, wondering what was going on. In her mind, she could still see Barnabas and Angelique, mouths glued in their passionate kiss. Damn the witch! Julia pressed her lips together and felt her heart twist at the thought of his trusting that woman yet again. It could only bring him misery, as it had in the past! She had to save him from himself. Barnabas and Willie returned to the Old House just as Sheriff Anderson was leaving. He held Barnabas' Inverness cape in his hands. "Oh, my cape," Barnabas said. "I was wondering what happened to it." "What do you mean, Mr. Collins?" queried the sheriff. "When I went to put it on before, it was gone," Barnabas said. "Most strange." "Mr. Collins, would you mind coming down to the station with me, sir?" Barnabas exchanged looks with Julia and Willie, then shrugged his shoulders. "Of course. Is something wrong, sheriff?" "We will need forensic tests, but there are hair fibers on your cape, Mr. Collins, that appear to match Maggie Evans'. I just want to ask you a few questions." Willie and Julia followed the sheriff's car into Collinsport, wondering what in God's name, if God was even involved, was going on. **** Count Petofi surveyed the securely bound David, who stared back at him, unafraid, over the gag. He lay on a ragged green velvet sofa, struggling fruitlessly against the ropes binding him. Angelique, Aristede and Nicholas all gasped when Petofi raised his ruby-beringed right hand and dropped it on David's forehead in what seemed like a caress. David Collins screamed, his face contorted with world-consuming agony. He rolled into a ball and fell off the sofa, his howls of pain only slightly muffled behind the gag. And now, hoping I haven't ruined everything, I pass the quill to Fidel. . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe, Part 10 Date: 12/11/97 >From: lovedoctor David felt a strange sensation go through his body. It was almost like his own soul was being sucked out and pulled into the air. He suddenly felt normal again and looked down at his body. David knew there was something wrong. He ran across the room to a mirror and looked into it. This was not his body. It looked like the man who just a minute ago touched his head. Sheriff Anderson brought Barnabas to the Collinsport Police Station. Right when they walked into the door, three officers grabbed Barnabas and handcuffed him. " You have the right to remain silent...," began the sheriff. "Get off of me!" screamed Barnabas. He was flailing his arms like crazy. Barnabas broke away from the officers and started to run. He did not get very far when one of the officers hit Barnabas on the head with his nightstick. "Excellent," said the body of David. "Did it work, Master?" asked Aristede. "Yes, it did. But now it seems we will have to dispose of my former body. Kill him!" Aristede pulled a pistol out of his coat and walked up to the body of Petofi, now David. David was still looming in the mirror, bewildered. Aristede reluctantly aimed the gun to his head, and fired. Amy suddenly felt a surge of pain run through her head. "Whats wrong?" screamed Liz. "Roger, come here please! There's something wrong with Amy!" "David, it's David," Amy cried. "What about David?" said Liz, very scared now. "He's, He's, He's......Dead!" exclaimed Amy, now in shock. "No, it can't be! We must find him!" David, in his new body, fell to the floor. Blood streamed from his head. "Well, Aristede?" questioned Petofi. "Is he dead?" "I think so, Master." "Aristede, we cannot take chances. Shoot him again!" Aristede shoots David in the head a few more times. Angelique walks over and feels his neck. "There is no pulse," she exclaims, with glee. "Barnabas, wake up," said Julia through the jail cell bars, obviously worried for her only love. "Yes Julia, I am awake. What is wrong, you sound worried. I did not kill Maggie and I will not be charged with it." "Well, Barnabas, they have lots of proof that you did it." "But you know I didn't do it, dont you?" he asks Julia. "Barnabas, i dont know anymore...." I flick the pen over to Nicky. Have fun! :-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe, Part 11 Date: 12/12/97 >From: wickednick Angelique watched the door swing shut as Nicholas and the body of David Collins vanished into the night, leaving her alone with the corpse of Petofi on the floor. Fools, she thought, a wicked smile touching her lips; I use you like the puppets you are, and you don't even realize it. Fools, fools indeed. She had wondered for awhile - before making her spectacular debut at the Old House - exactly why Nicholas had resurrected her, but it had been no concern of hers at the time. She had relished the sight of all those doltish "witches" fleeing into the night, terrified at the blonde, blue-eyed horror they had conjured up on this beautiful solstice. Angelique wrapped her arms around herself and chuckled, nearly ecstatic as the flowing, silken, midnight-blue robe she wore purred with each little movement. Nicholas had explained of course, in his own patronizing way, the point of her return. She would be allowed her full powers and a chance to remain on earth if she helped him and Petofi destroy the Collins family once and for all. But Nicholas has forgotten that I have outwitted him hundreds of times in the past, Angelique thought, and I shall do it again. Only he'll never be aware of it. Surely he knows that I loathe both he and Petofi and would rather die before I help either of them. "Barnabas, I will be with you again," she whispered and stared at the immense body of Petofi on the floor. The poor trapped spirit of David Collins had remained in that shell for only a few moments before Aristede had dispatched it and sent it on the long journey to the land of the dead. But Angelique realized through past experience that such a journey was most easy to reverse, especially since it had only been a few minutes since the bullets were fired. Barnabas will thank me for reviving him, she told herself. He will know that I am the only woman who has ever truly loved him. She raised her arms to the ceiling and stared into the vast darkness that surrounded the house. "I call upon the powers of darkness again," she intoned, her eyes aflame with a frantic light. "Hear me as I call to you, and know that you must obey me." She could feel hundreds of pairs of unseen eyes turn to her as creatures of evil began to listen with eager ears. Forces were gathering inside this tiny house, and if she wasn't careful they could easily be turned against her and crush her into oblivion. "I call upon all the dark creatures of nature - upon the wolf, the raven, the viper, and the bat." A wind began to howl outside, picking up intensity and rising in volume until she was certain that it wasn't the wind at all - it was the wailing, searing cries of the damned. Her voice was filled with triumph as she cried, "I summon the spirit of David Collins, departed untimely from his earthly shell. Hear my voice, David Collins, in whatever black abyss you now rest in. Hear me and respond - give me a sign that you hear me!" Three steady knocks sound as something without form pounded on the front door. Angelique felt nearly giddy as a wave of terror swept over her. "Powers of darkness," she called, "do my bidding! Send your icy tentacles to the spirit of One known a Petofi. Show him that I have not lost my powers - show him what a real witch can do!" She closed her eyes and balled her hands into fists as she concentrated with every ounce of strength in her body. "Reunite these errant souls with their correct bodies, spirits of evil." She heard a collection of eager cackling as those who heard her pleas scuttled off through the black night. Her eyes flew open, wide and glaring blue. "But leave the body of Petofi as it is, so that when he returns he may know the terror of death. Let him know before he joins you in the Eternal Night that it was I, Angelique, who defeated him. Let him see me once before he dies ... forever!" The wailing of the damned grew into a fever pitch as Angelique's own cackling joined it. "Yes," she whispered, a sneer upon her lips, "Petofi will know my power soon enough." *** This is Nicky, signing off, as he passes the pen to BethC ... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe, Part 12 Date: 12/14/97 >From: Beth_C David's body was moving so fast that Nicholas practically had to run in order to keep up. "It has been quite some time, Nicholas, since I have been in such a young virile body. And now it is mine forever, and Collinwood will also be mine." "Yes Petofi, and each of the Collins will, in turn, be destroyed. That is my vow!" An evil laugh rose from his belly and Petofi soon joined in. "But Nicholas, there is one thing that surprises me." "And what might that be?" "That you were so willing to dispose of Maggie Evans!" Nicholas shuddered and turned away from Petofi. He wondered if Petofi could know the truth. Would Petofi confront him right away? No, Petofi doesn't know, Nicholas thought to himself. I'd be dead by now. "My priorities, Petofi, are in order and everything I have done is leading me to that which I desire." Petofi laughed " I knew you were cold, Blair, when I requested your help. A fine companion." Quentin and Julia were on their way into the drawing room when the front door opened. They had just finished updating each other on the day's events, and had spent the better plart of an hour dissecting the return of Petofi, Nicholas and Angelique's part in it, and if David's dissapearance was related. Julia was convinced that Angelique was responsibvle for Maggie's death. "She is here to destroy us all Quentin" Julia whispered as they entered the foyer. Quentin paused, "No offense Julia, but she saved me from Petofi last time and I have a hard time believing that she would form any kind of alliance with him. Nicholas and David appeared in the doorway. " I'm home," David called, "Hello Julia, Quentin." Liz, Roger, Carolyn, and Chris came rushing out of the drawing room. "David where have you been?" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Blair, What have you done to my son!" Roger demanded. " Well, Mr Collins, It appears I have brought him home safely. I found him lost in the woods. I think a thank you would be in order- not an interrogation." "Lost" Julia questioned as she shared a doubtful glance with Quentin,"no one knows these woods better than you, David Collins." "Well it was so dark, Julia, and we all get lost at times, whether it is in a dark woods, or with times.... you know." "Well Mr. Blair, for once I guess I owe you an apology. Thank you for bringing David back to us. Now if you will be on your way.." Roger started towards the door. "Yes, I certainly wouldn't want to interrupt your Christmas, would I. See you all soon. Goodnight David." "Goodnight Nicholas," The two shared a smile that was not missed by Quentin and Julia. Quentin went over and slammed the door behind him. No sooner had Nicholas left, than David let out a blood curling scream. He fell onto the floor and started screaming "No don't shoot, It's not my body- where is my body. Help! Help!" Roger and Elizabeth were pleading with Julia to help him. Quentin felt a chill run through his bones. This was not David that walked through those doors. Just as it was not Jamison years earlier. Just as it was not him. He knew the fear that was overtaking young David and he hoped this would be the last of it. In fact, he would make sure of it. He would go find Petofi and destroy him. Quentin helped bring David up to his bed, ran to his room, picked up a gun, and ran from the house. Meanwhile in a vacant house in Collinsport. "Who, what" groaned the carcass on the floor. Angelique stood up, and knew her moment had come. " You are dying Count Petofi. I have seen to it that you are going to the Underworld, and you have seen to it that you will never be able to use your body again. What fools you and Nicholas were to actually believe that I would help you destroy Barnabas- the only man i love." Angelique took a piece of glass from a broken window and in one quick movement chopped off Petofi's hand. "And now Petofi, I have seen to it that you will never return. It is your own hand that will send you to your grave. Magical hand I command you to obey me... send the spirit of Count Petofi deep into the hottest flames of the Underworld." With these words Count Petofi's spirit was gone. An evil grin crept across Angelique's lips. "Nicholas, my dear brother- you are next. She was wondering when Aristede would come and take the body away, when she heard a noise upstairs. Angelique knew no one else was home- and couldn't imagine who was up there. She silently crept up the stairs and realized it must have come from the attic. She unlatched the ladder and climbed up to the attic. There tied to the bed was a very familiar face. A lovely young girl with long brown hair- a face Angelique hated century after century. And now, I pass the pen to Ashenrider... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe, Part 13 Date: 12/15/97 >From: Ashenrider Barnabas Collins sat dejectedly in the Collinsport City Jail, trying to think of a way to prove himself innocent of the blatantly false charges against him. "How could they possibly believe I killed Maggie Evans? For once, I wish I had my vampirical powers to escape this confinement." "Barnabas Collins, it's time to go," came a hellishly genteel voice, from inside the jail cell! Barnabas looked up and saw, standing before him, one Nicholas Blair, impeccably dressed in a gray pin-striped suit, overcoat, and black gloves. He smiled that hideously snide smile of his, which only gave evidence to Barnabas of his less than honorable motives. "Nicholas, what in the hell are you doing here?" the two century old Collins asked bluntly. "Now now, Mister Collins, I am going to get you out of here, but I'll have you treat your liberator with a little more respect," came the answer. The very idea that Nicholas Blair was anyone's "liberator" galled Barnabas. He was sure Nicholas was walking the cold New England countryside for one reason and one reason only, and that was to suit his own purposes, no doubt giving himself pleasure while inflicting as much pain on the Collins family as he could creatively produce. "All right Nicholas, I'll play along. What do you have in mind?" "First, Barnabas, let's leave this paltry palace to more acceptable accommodations, shall we?" Nicholas raised his hand and twisted it counter-clockwise, to Barnabas' amazement, it seemed to pivot three-hundred sixty degrees on his wrist-bone. "Now I'm seeing things" Barnabas said to himself. The lock on the jail cell tumbled free, and the door slowly opened, much like the gate to the entrance of the old Collins mausoleum. Barnabas cynically cocked one eyebrow to his forehead, unimpressed with the dangerous warlock in his presence. "Let's go," Nicholas said. * * * * * * * * * * Quentin Collins drove his Mercedes to an all too familiar place at the edge of town, looking intently into the shadows of the setting sun on Christmas Eve. "God help me, this madness has got to come to a stop and now!" he muttered to himself, bringing the luxury car to a quiet stop. He got out of the car and gently closed the door, focusing his eyes to the old house before him, clutching the snub-nosed .357 caliber pistol in his hand. He looked intently at it for a moment, cognizant of the six hollow point bullets in the gun's chambers. "Well, it's now or never. David's life and the Collins future depends on it." With stealth and extreme patience, he moved toward the door of the house, praying along the way that it would make no sound as he entered the structure. Opening the door, he moved cautiously through it, making no sound whatsoever. A light illuminated the room downstairs. He saw a woman, a beautiful blonde woman, (who he supposed to be Angelique), standing with her arms folded. A large curly haired man lay motionless on the floor before her. A moan from the space to Quentin's right wheeled the woman below him to look in that particular direction. He hid in the corner to his right, with pistol in hand at the ready, as Angelique rushed past him toward the moan. He made no sound, and heard Angelique shriek. "Maggie Evans!" Quentin was shocked and amazed at Angelique's words. He rushed into the room in the direction where Angelique went, and saw her untying Maggie Evans, gagged, but otherwise very much alive on a brass bed, in nothing but a sheer negligee. "Maggie!" Quentin shouted, running toward her, and embraced her cold, shivering body. Angelique was both startled and quite entertained by Quentin's gallantry. She reached down and removed the duct tape from Maggie's mouth with a little less compassion and a little more force. "Ouch!" Maggie shouted, covering her mouth. "That was uncalled for," Quentin said to Angelique, the pistol being precariously gestured in his hand. "I'll take that," she said, grasping the pistol from his hand. "Someone might get hurt." Maggie certainly didn't trust Angelique, and hung on Quentin for dear life, who in turn did not object to the contact of her beautifully smooth, irresistibly delicate body. Angelique rolled her eyes at the sight, and gave the situation, which had definitely turned in her favor, at least for the moment, her immediate attention. "That bastard Nicholas Blair is still out there somewhere, and I have no idea where he is," she muttered to herself. "What about Petofi?" Quentin asked. "He's dead," Angelique said smugly. "And won't be bothering David any more." "The hand?" "It's safe with me." A cold wave shot down Quentin's back. However, warmed at the sight of Maggie, he gazed at her with seductive eyes. "I thought you were dead!" he said. "We all thought you were dead Maggie," Angelique said, stating the obvious. "Obviously Nicholas did this." "Nicholas?" Quentin said. "I thought Petofi did this." "I would have thought so too, but Petofi hasn't the power to produce a doppleganger. Nicholas does." "A doppleganger?" Maggie asked. "Yes, that's what was found at the base of Widow's Hill," Angelique replied, rather amused at both Quentin and Maggie. "Your doppleganger. A breathing, walking, talking replica of you Maggie, or was." "Yes," Quentin said. "That makes sense. So why was she kidnapped?" "Simple," Angelique replied. "Nicholas Blair, the buffoon, is in love with Maggie. Now, you both must leave here and get away quickly. I suspect the sunset means only the beginning of a very long night." "Good idea," Quentin observed. "Maggie, I'm taking you to Collinwood." "Okay," Maggie said, with a slight chuckle. "Nicholas Blair in love with me, and Christmas Eve at Collinwood. Every little girl's dream." Ashenrider lovingly passes the pen to Midnite ................. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Beneath the Mistletoe, Finale Date: 12/16/97 >From: Midnite "Halt, or I'll shoot!" Barnabas did as he was ordered, and turned slowly around until he was facing the deputy that held a gun aimed directly at him. Nicholas shouted, "Run, now! It's your only chance!" Puzzled, Barnabas glanced over at Nicholas, who added, "I won't let the bullets harm you. Now run!" Barnabas remained frozen in place, his eyes scanning back and forth between the man that released him from the cell and the deputy that stood poised and ready to fire. His options weighted heavily upon his brain: Julia had informed him earlier that the evidence against him was overwhelming, so if he allowed himself to be incarcerated once again, he might be tried and convicted for the murder of Maggie Evans, and the thought of losing his freedom, perhaps permanently, seemed intolerable. Yet, if he ran, he could at least spend what was left of this important day with his loved ones, and Nicholas was certainly capable of preventing him from being shot, and maybe of buying him some time also. But could he trust Nicholas? Then his attention was suddenly drawn to a voice that called out from behind him. "Deputy Connor, put your gun down!" Everyone spun to see Sheriff Anderson standing in the doorway, with Angelique directly behind him. The deputy slowly lowered his gun, and the Sheriff calmly said, "Mr. Collins, it's over, and you are a free man," but it was the sight of the beautiful witch's beaming smile that gave Barnabas the reassurance he needed. "I don't understand," Barnabas said. "I'm afraid that apologies are in order, Mr. Collins. Maggie Collins has been found alive and well." Barnabas' eyes widened. "That's wonderful!" The Sheriff explained, "Yes, it is, 'though I'm feeling confused about the whole thing. But I've spoken to Miss Evans myself, and the body we had in the morgue has somehow disappeared. Damnedest thing I've ever seen, but when I took over this job, I was told that being sheriff of this town meant that I was going to see some pretty weird things. I guess Christmas Day is as good a time as ever to start!" "Yes, yes, it IS Christmas, isn't it?" Barnabas asked light-heartedly, his eyes fixed on Angelique. "Yes, my dear," she purred. "I believe your family should be preparing their special dinner as we speak." "OUR family, Angelique. Why don't we now join OUR family for Christmas dinner?" With arms locked, they strolled out of the police station. Once out of the sight of the watchful Sheriff, Barnabas whispered, "I can only assume that what was found at the bottom of the cliffs was a doppelganger. Angelique, how COULD you?" "It was not I, Barnabas. It was Nicholas. Petofi ordered him to kill Maggie so that he could frame you, but Nicholas couldn't bring himself to do it. Then he hoped you'd be killed trying to escape, but fortunately Maggie was found in time, and that tragedy was prevented. By being self-serving, Nicholas caused his own plan to fail once again. There is much more about this that you should know, my darling, but there will be plenty of time for that later." Patterson waited until the couple was at the bottom of the icy walk before he looked over at his deputy. "What the hell did I walk into, Connor? Why was Barnabas Collins out of his cell?" "I don't know, sir. I came in here and found him headed out the door with that other fellow." "What other fellow?" the Sheriff asked. "I didn't see anybody else when I got here." Maggie, now dressed more appropriately, stood in the doorway to the drawing room. Roger, Liz, Carolyn, David, Chris, and Amy rushed to hug her, and it's a good thing they did so before Quentin took his turn because once he embraced her he did not let go. Maggie beamed her approval up at him, prompting Quentin to say, "I guess we'll all have a good Christmas tomorrow after all." Everyone laughed, with the joke lost on Maggie and Quentin. Chris and Carolyn smiled at each other, his arm finding its way across her back, and he said to them, "Today IS Christmas. You both lost a day somewhere." Roger added, "And that delightful smell that just found its way out here is the makings of our Christmas dinner." Just then, the door opened, and Barnabas entered with Angelique, Julia, and Willie in tow, and they were followed closely behind by Professor Stokes and his niece, Hallie. Fresh snow dotted everyone's shoulders, and Barnabas' head sported a small bandage near the top of his forehead. The wound, which had been lovingly cared for by Julia, was a remnant from having been clobbered by a deputy. "Everyone is here," Liz announced. "I'm so happy, I could cry!" "And Mother, for once they will be happy tears! Oh God, I think I'm going to join you!" But it was love, not tears, that abounded. Willie reached for Barnabas' hand and shook it, telling him, "Merry Christmas, Barnabas. Your trust in me was the best present I coulda' ever got." Hearing that, Julia sucked in her breath and moved toward Angelique to thank her for helping Barnabas. She said to her, among other things, "Forgive me for doubting your intentions." The two women hugged, and Barnabas felt such a swell build inside of his chest that he thought he would surely burst with joy. Naturally, it was Quentin that first noticed where Carolyn and Chris were standing right at that moment. "Do you two realize you're directly under the mistletoe?" "You're so right, Quentin," Chris said. "And may I point out that you and Maggie are too?" With that, David suddenly realized that he was also standing there, and when he looked over at Amy, who was right next to him, he saw that she was looking up at him and smiling. Midnite now invites LisaG to provide us with an epilogue to our story, but not before wishing all writers and readers a very happy holiday season! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BENEATH THE MISTLETOE Epilogue Date: 12/17/97 >From: LisaG Later that day with everyone gathered around the Christmas table and before each plate was piled high with turkey, glazed ham, every kind of potato one can imagine, a soft klinking of the crystal water glass grew until that was the only sound heard in the room. All heads turned to Liz, seated at the head of the table. "Please everyone, before we begin this wonderful meal that Mrs. Johnson has prepared for us, and she out did herself again I might add, let us stand and give thanks". As everyone stood, Barnabas turned to his left, smiled and reached out for Julia's hand, drawing him to her. "Merry Christmas, Julia" Barnabas wispered in Julia's ear. "Merry Christmas to you, Baranbas" Julia tried to wisper as she fought back the tear she did not want him to see. Oh how she loved him. "Thank you Lord for this handsome feast", Liz begins "and for the good health of all in this room. Thank you for seeing us throught our ordeal in the past few days and its joyous outcome, Amen". As Liz lifts her head she was answered with a corus of Amens. With everyone seated, Liz gazes at each of her family, from her own flesh and blood, to her extended family that were not just "dear friends" but family. "What will 1974 bring us?" Liz thought to herself. What Liz couldn't possibly immagine was that Carolyn would be engaged on Valentines Day to Chris followed not long by Quentin and Maggie. David would be accepted to the exclusive Harwich Prep School to persue his new found love of writing and Amy attending the nearby Bowdich School for Girls where she would graduate as valedictorian. Hallie, vacationing in New York, would, on a dare from Amy, enter a fashion model contest winning a year at the Ford Model Agency. Willie will be offered a forman's job at the Collins Cannery were he will become Quentin's right hand man. After the holidays, Nicholas will leave for an extended trip to Europe writing to Liz now and then updating her on his conquests and failures. Liz and Roger, well, they're just Liz and Roger, aruging over how to run Collinwood and the family. However, all would not be joyous, for Angelique would suffer a concussion hitting an extended branch while riding her bike through the woods. This accident would leave poor Angilique with no memory of her past life and she would reside temporarily at Wincliff. Julia being Julia, is by Barnabas' side to help him cope, day after day and night after night until one hot, hot August night. The kind of night where the air is so humid the corners of pieces of paper in the Old House curl. "A quick dip in the pool would do me wonders" Barnabas thought to himself. Taking his bathing suit and a towel, he headed for the poolhouse. As he drew near, he could hear the water splashing as if someone else had stolen his idea. Without making a sound, he tiptoed into the poolhouse and slowly spied around the corner to see how it was that ruined his plans for quiet dip. But, no one was there! "I could have sworn someone was..". Just as he was finishing his thought a head emerged above water. A mischevous grin appeared on Barnabas' face as he realize who it was. "Julia!!" he thought "I wouldn't have guessed her as the skinny dipping type!". Merry Christmas All