The Journals (1)
Date: 10/4/98
From: barnster

Sequel to "SECRETS PAST"

Barnabas Jr. stood before the graves of his mother and brother, Lucas. He offered them both a silent prayer, and then headed towards his car. At he's heels, a sandy Labrador trotted at his heels.

On reaching the car, only a few feet of the graves, he turned once back once more, to offer a silent goodbye.

He got into the car, and headed towards the village.

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Sarah stared wistfully out the window. Where was he? He should have been home at least two hours ago.

Daniel entered the drawing room, and caught her peering out the window. He laughed, his handsome tanned face, brightening. "Still being the little watch dog, huh?" he teased of his twin sister.

Sarah turned to face him, her face troubled. "He promised to be here," she moaned. "He said nothing would stop him from coming."

Daniel walked over to her, and put his arms around, "He's a big boy, he can take care of himself. He should, if he wants to be a doctor. And besides, he's probably with Cindy."

"Cindy? She's beneath him!" spat Sarah viscously.

"Now you're being snobbish!"

"She's not worthy of him!"

"Worthy of the name Collins, you mean? Well I got news for you; he's serious about her. So when he finally gets here, and she's with him, be nice to her."

Sarah scowled. "This is a family affair."

"Sarah!" said Daniel in a warning tone.

She stuck her tongue out at him, and then resumed her vigil at the window.

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Barnabas Jr. ended the kiss reluctantly. "I'd better go," he said as he moved out of Cindy's embrace.

"That's what you said an hour ago," said Cindy, pulling him back into her arms. She showered his bare chest and shoulders with kisses.

He lifted her chin, and stared into her green eyes. "I have to go, Cindy. I promised my sister, that I'd be there."

"Why? You don't want to be there, you said so yourself!"

"I'm not going to argue with you Cindy," he said sternly as he pulled on his shirt, and trousers. "I promised Sarah, and I intend to keep my promise."

"Sarah!" spat Cindy. "Where ever she's concerned, you drop everything, including me!"

"I always keep my promises to Sarah, and I'm not about to stop now."

"Don't give me, 'I am a Collins, my word is my vow,' crap! She's nothing but a spoilt.."

Barnabas turned on her angrily. "Take that back!" he fumed. "Take it back, now!"

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"Where is he, Julia?" asked Barnabas anxiously. "He should have been here by now."

Julia smiled at her husband. "He's twenty-two, Barnabas. He can take care of himself."

"I know," he sighed. "But he's home so infrequently, since he started medical school."

"He'll be here," promised Julia. "If he promised Sarah, he will be."

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"Barnabas, I'm sorry!" sobbed Cindy. "I'm sorry!"

"You better be!" he fumed. "Now get dressed!"

"Where're we going?"

"To my father's party of course!"

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Daniel marched determinedly to the stables. "Stephanie!" he called. "Steph! Come on, it's nearly time for the party! STEPH!"

A giggle came from the hayloft, and a moment latter, a head with flame coloured hair, peered over the side.
Daniel climbed the ladder, as she scuttled back into the darkness. "Come on Stephie!" implored Daniel, as he followed her into the shadows.

"Catch me, if you can!" she sang from her hiding place. "Come on Danny, see if you can!"

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Sarah, astride a chestnut mare, watched with growing excitement as the car drew ever nearer.

She spurred her mount to the edge of the road, as the car, made its final approach.

The car stopped, as she dismounted, and Brandy, bounded from the car. Seconds later, Barnabas got out too.

"Barnabas!" she cried in delight, as she ran to meet him.

"Sarah!" he said, as he approached with open arms.

To be continued.

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.