Subj: Christmas At The Old House pt 9 conc.
Date: 11/18/99 9:59:43 AM Central Standard Time
From: Donna Eubanks
Nov. 18, 1999 CHRISTMAS AT THE OLD HOUSE
by: Donna E.
part 9
conclusion of story:
I wish to thank all the talented writers of our favorite Christmas songs. I do not know all their names, but without their genius and talent, none of us would share in the joy of their words and music. I wish to thank them all, for without their music, my Christmas story would not have the same meaning...
Donna E.
After dinner, they exchanged gifts. Roger read the "Night Before Christmas", to everyone, not just the children. When the story ended, Barnabas had a strange feeling that omeone was watching him. He could feel the eyes upon him, like a heat upon his back.
He excused himself from the dining room table, as did Julia. They left the dining room and started to walk through the great house. "What is it, Barnabas, what is wrong?" Julia asked.
"I feel someone here, Julia, I feel a presence." He looked around the house.
Suddenly they reached the stairs. On the landing, at the top of the stairs, stood Angelique. "Hello, Barnabas, Merry Christmas." She said with a smile.
Out of the shadows, stepped little Sarah.
"Barnabas come, now is the time. They are waiting for
you." Angelique said. "Follow us, Barnabas."
Angelique told him. Julia also followed.
They went up the stairs, following the angel ghost of Sarah, and the witch Angelique.
They entered the largest bedroom in the main part of the house. This had been
Joshua and Naomi's bedroom, when they moved here from the Old House.
"Why are we here?" Demanded Barnabas. "This is my promise to you, Barnabas Collins." Angelique told him. "Close your eyes, then open them, and you shall see what you have been wanting to see!" She said.
He did as the witch had said, closing his eyes, and opening them again. As he opened his eyes, he saw a wondrous, beautiful sight! Barnabas was now looking upon the faces of his dear Mother and Father!
Barnabas gasped, and tears filled his eyes, as he
looked at the visions before him. "Mother! Father! I can see you again!!" I
CAN SEE YOU!!"
"Yes, Barnabas, we can see you, too!" Stated his father. "How are you, son?" Joshua asked his son.
"I'm fine, father, I've been a little lonely, of late. I've been longing to see you for so long." He said to them.
"Barnabas, his mother said to him, I have missed you
greatly, you shall never know how much!" "Are you and Julia planning to marry?:
She asked.
Barnabas replied, with a loving grin, "I hope so, Mother, I sincerely hope so."
He gently took Julia by the arm, so she would be standing very close to him.
"Merry Christmas, Barnabas!" His Mother said to him with love, and with a smile. She looked very lovely. She was wearing a beautiful red velvet dress.
From her earlobes, hung a set of ruby and diamond earrings. On her neck, was a matching necklace. His Father looked as handsome as ever. He was wearing his best suit. He never looked more distinguished, thought Barnabas.
"Merry Christmas, son!" His Father said to him. "Oh,
if I could only shake your hand, son!" I am a spirit, and you are not..." Joshua
stated with remorse.
Suddenly, Angelique began to speak. "But you can, Joshua, you have my permission to shake your son's hand." Barnabas turned to look at the witch in awe, as she repeated, "Go ahead, Barnabas, you may take his hand, but only for a moment." Barnabas carefully took five steps, as he anxiously approached his Father, and took his hand.
"Oh my dear son!" He proclaimed.
'Father!! If you only knew how happy I am to see you!" Merry Christmas, Father! It has been SO long!" Barnabas said with regret.
The witch spoke again, "Now it is time to properly greet your Mother." She announced. 'Go ahead, Barnabas, and kiss your Mother's cheek." He looked in awe once more at the witch, and then at his beautiful Mother. He walked slowly toward her, fearing it was only a dream. When he reached her, he wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her gently on the cheek.
"Oh, Mother, how I've missed you!" It has been TOO long!" He squeezed her tightly, and said, "Merry Christmas, Mother!"
Suddenly, little Sarah spoke. "Can my big brother pick me up, and twirl me around, like he did a long time ago?" The little spirit asked.
Angelique turned to Sarah, and said with a smile, "Yes, because it is Christmas, he may do just that!"
Barnabas was delighted! He picked up little Sarah, and twirled her around and around, until they both were so dizzy they could barely stand up.
"Now, please take a moment to recover, Barnabas, for I believe the rest of the family is waiting downstairs, for you to sing carols with them."
Barnabas turned to look at Angelique, and said, "Thank you, Angelique... for letting me see my family."
"It was the least I could do. You are fortunate, Barnabas, that it is Christmas. I guess I am in the Christmas spirit, for you."
They all went down the stairs, and into the great dining room. Even the spirits of Joshua, Naomi, and Sarah walked with them, as well as Angelique.
"Well, there you are, said Roger, we didn't know where you disappeared to..." (Roger didn't see the spirits, nor did anyone else, only Barnabas and Julia)
"Your just in time to sing with us around the Christmas tree!" Roger announced. All the family gathered around the tree, including Joshua, Naomi, and little Sarah. They were still unseen by the rest of the family.
Elizabeth played the piano, as they rose their voices in song...."JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME, LET EARTH, RECEIVE HER KING, LET EVERY HEART, PREPARE HIM ROOM, AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING, AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING......."
Everyone was gathered around the tree, and singing.Julia was holding little Sarah's hand.Barnabas held his Mother's hand, in one hand, he held his Father's hand in the other. "AND HEAVEN, AND HEAVEN, AND NATURE SING....."
When Barnabas and Julia arrived back at the Old House, Barnabas had a question to ask Julia. "Julia, my love, will you marry me?" He asked tenderly.
"Oh, Barnabas! I thought you'd never ask! Yes, yes of course I will marry you!"
Barnabas was truly happy now, for he has his family with him for Christmas, after being without them for such a long, long, time! He had Julia, too! MERRY CHRISTMAS, BARNABAS AND JULIA!!!!
(Someimes your wishes can come from the strangest places, OR the most unlikey people, whether mortal or not, maybe from a friend, or maybe an enemy. Do not judge your enemies TOO harshly, for they may be your hope....your ONLY hope!)
"Merry Christmas, everyone!