Secrets past chp 4
Date: 5/31/98
From: barnster

On waking, the dream was the first thing, Barnabas Jr. remembered. Had he really dreamt about the first Barnabas Collins, and a part of his childhood?

The boy in his dream, had looked enough like both he and his father, to make it possible.

But what? And why did he have the feeling, that it had really happened?

He thought of asking his father. But the thought that *she* might be with him, changed his mind.

Why did she have to interfere? Why couldn't she just leave them alone, to get on with their shattered lives? Hadn't she done enough?

***

On entering the dining room, he discovered that his younger brother and sister were alone.

"Where's father?" he asked, ignoring their greetings.

"In the study," piped up Daniel, before munching on his cereal.

"Was he alone?"

"Yes, Aunt Julia isn't here yet," joined in Sarah. Then noticing her older brother's expression at the mention of 'Aunt Julia,' she asked,

"What's the matter, Barnabas? Don't you like Aunt Julia, anymore?"

"No, I don't!" he growled.

"Why not?" Daniel wanted to know.

"Never mind," growled Barnabas, as he turned on his heel and left the room.

***

In the study, Barnabas sat making last minute changes to an agenda. He frowned slightly, at the knock on the door, but he bid whoever it was to enter.

He saw his son enter, but continued to work for a few moments longer, while his son waited quietly.

Finally he put the pen down, and directed his attention to the boy.

"What do you want to see me about?" he asked with a smile.

The youngster hesitated for a moment. Interest in the past, had been a subject that both he and his father had once shared. But things had changed over the last few years.

Now, he rarely spoke of the family history, or told stories, with such a sense of reality, that left him breathless, and wanting more.

He took a deep breath, before answering. "I'm sorry for last night. I didn't mean to make you worry."

Barnabas sighed in understanding. He rose from his chair, and walked around to the front of the desk. Where he perched on a corner.

"But I did worry," he said kindly, placing a hand on the lad's shoulder. "Anything might have happened to you. Now, where did you go?"

"Widow's Hill."

"You seem to be spending a great deal of time there, lately."

"I like it there. It's lonely, and I like being alone."

"Is that wise?"

The boy shrugged, and walked over to the window.

Barnabas watched his son, with a frown. "Barnabas, there's something else troubling you. What is it?"

Again he hesitated before answering. "I was thinking about the first Barnabas. Do you think he was happy as a boy?"

Barnabas sighed. So they were back to that. "I suppose he did. Why do you ask?"

"I was wondering. In my dream, he didn't seem happy at all." Barnabas paled slightly. "Your..dream?" he asked uncertainly.

His son turned to face him. A frown on his own face. "Last night, I had a dream about the first Barnabas Collins....."

To be continued.