Subj: Unto the Generations Part 24
Date: 10/27/99 5:58:57 PM Central Standard Time
From: JODY

What are we I may ask for what purpose has one endured to such are we for naught a creature that has lived in the past
Our lives and intentions caught up with our iniquities?

Barnabas Collins reflected back over the latest revelations that had of the last few days. For what stood before him, was a visualization of his future, and of events that he had not foreseen. But despite all differences, he felt that he was meant an internal agony of his past, that would always be with him through his lifetime. The fact of evolution of his self as better creature, seemed sometimes futile to him.

"Will I ever be free of my torment, that when I thought is past and forgotten, my former wickedness comes back to torment me as I am trying to do good deeds and save my family from harm? The past haunts me in the future, sometimes I have no rest." Barnabas' thought with a sullen face.

Justin's words had pierced through the senior Collins tormented soul. And all agony and pain came back to him, just was he was from 1971 trying to save the Collins family by stopping Gerald Stiles aka Judah Zachary. And now he looked at Julia, who despite her reserved exterior so, knew also to be agonized as much as he from this revelation.

"Julia doesn't deserve to suffer for my crimes, she only has been a friend and tried to help me. The fact that my torture endures eternally, seems also to have taken her a prisoner as well for helping me and my family. Oh Julia, I am so sorry Will life ever give us the peace we deserve, and not take life from us just as we are in the midst of it." he sobbed.

"And now my dear friend has also be accused as a villain by her own son, the sorrow of it, I am sorry for you my dear friend , the pain I have caused on your life. It seems all those I care for are doomed."

Barnabas walked in the night as the creature he was, vile and disgusting he thought. But despite all differences, one that now had a conscience and one concerned with the survival of Collins family. But he was horrified to think his offspring to think him such a disgusting loathsome creature. His became weak and tired with the knowledge.

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Several days had passed and Justin was more accustomed to his role in his new affliction and seem to have little trouble under Barnabas' control to hunt and feed upon dead animals. Justin, like Barnabas, missed the ability to see the sun rise in the morning in the Old House , as he had done every day in his life. The house at Seaview was set up , and Justin's coffin was moved there in the basement, where Nicole stayed as mistress of the house. She had encountered the current Collins family , and was allowed as a guest in their house. Julia for whatever reason, remained at Collinwood to be closer to Barnabas.

Nicole ventured toward Quentin's staircase to see if it was there for them when they were ready to leave. To her dismay, she found the staircase had disappeared somehow.

The days passed and there was no change in that regard. So Nicole, Julia , and Justin, began their lives over in the year of 1840, as did Barnabas Collins from 1971. All of them had such little hope for ever getting home to their correct time periods. They were sad but they adjusted their lives accordingly to it.

Justin's death had been called a mistake. And Julia through elegant explanations convinced the entire Collins family, that Justin, had somehow slipped unto unconscienceness, as some in life do, but regained it. And once he was at Lamar Trask's funeral parlor, he became resurrected, and regained strength through some miracle. All, except Lamar Trask accepted him as the nephew of Barnabas and Julia Collins. And Nicole, was accepted as the niece of Barnabas and Julia Collins. Many at the estate were amazed just how much Justin Barnabas Collins looked like Barnabas Collins.

Nicole, in the last few days, became quite ill and weak. She could barely hold her head up. She tired easily, and found herself too exhausted to concentrate on a task. Even simple walks ,became ardous for her.

Nicole began to take a routine of isolation even from her Mother and brother. She became sullen, withdrawn. She followed a lifestyle of simple walks, especially near Widow's Hill. She painted, and sang . And she began to read a great deal, and essentially was preoccupied in that sense with classics- Homer, Lord Byron, and works of philospher and history. For that she took great interest in , yet would remain an enigma to her Mother. Julia was very concerned about her mental state, and her general physical health , as well as Barnabas. Barnabas Collins, saw a tremendous change in Nicole's personality, very passionate very fiery, now reduced to being sullen and withdrawn,and quite often so ill and pale in her complexion. The only sign of enthusiasm, he saw in this young woman, was her love of reading, and it seemed to give her some enthusiasm and a purpose in her life. But she was such a beauty, with long curly hair. She now dressed very prudish with her chair up, little make up, and no smile in her face. She was now dressing as a spinister ,despite the beauty she was when she first made her appearance to the Estate. Justin was adjusting better to the 1840 episode than Nicole. Apparently she was not coping with this , and was very obvious to Julia. But Nicole one day , had taken a walk , and passed out into unconsciousness. She was found lying on the floor at Seaview, with a book in her hand by Barnabas. He was frantic and concerned and ran to Julia for her to exam her.

"I do not what is troubling Nicole, but I will find out exactly what this is, Julia and I need to discuss this. This can not continue,for if does Nicole will perish and so will Julia. I will not allow it," retorted Barnabas as he walked toward Collinwood to get Julia.

to be continued......