Subj: Something Wicked part4
Date: 7/10/00 1:42:28 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
By the time the guests arrived, Willie had the kitchen ready to be viewed. He knew Barnabas would bring everyone there first to enable Willie to continue with the dinner preparation. At a light knock on the door, Willie bid them enter. Elizabeth, Roger, Carolyn, Julia, Quentin and Professor Stokes accompanied Barnabas into the kitchen. Everyone exclaimed over the oak counters and cabinets.
"I wonder what Mrs. Johnson would say about this huge dish washer?" joked Elizabeth.
"Willie, if you can talk Barnabas into this, there is no telling what heights you may reach!" commented Quentin.
"I can't get over how lovely it all is! Barnabas, this kitchen could be straight out of House Beautiful!" gushed Carolyn.
"Roger, you haven't said anything. What do you think?" prompted Elizabeth.
"Oh yes. I was thinking that this must of cost a young fortune." answered Roger.
"Really Roger!" snapped Elizabeth.
"Well it's all very nice. But I am more interested in all the good smells in here!" explained Roger.
"Well, I am delighted with your improvements. The best of the old and the best of the new. Congratulations on a job well done." complimented Professor Stokes.
"Thank-you. Everyone would you like to see the rest of the house while Willie finishes the dinner preparations?" invited Barnabas.
Julia stayed behind after everyone alse left. "Willie, I'm so proud of you. You worked a miracles with Barnabas as well as the house."
Blushing and ducking his head at her praise, he thanked her by saying, "I thank-you Julia. Barnabas is getting used to this century is all. You better catch up with the others, I got to finish cooking."
"Alright Willie. We'll talk more later." said Julia as she departed to join the others.
Smiling Willie returned to his labors. Slowly he stopped, his spine stiffening. He could feel eyes boring into his body. And he knew, just as surely as he knew his own name, that this time someone would be there when he turned around. Face it Willie, he told himself. Whatever it is, it just won't go away. Willie pulled his courage together as best he could and turned. YOU!!!!!!!!
***********************************************************
The dinner was going very well. From the look on Barnabas' face, Willie knew he was pleased. As Willie cleared the table, everyone was very complimentary.
"The chicken, salad, well everything was simply delicious Willie. I would like to have the recipe so Mrs. Johnson can prepare it sometime." asked Elizabeth.
"Don't give it to her Willie. Mrs. Johnson would probably boil it." mocked Roger.
"Don't worry, old man. If we keep on Willie's good side, maybe he'll let us sneak over here for a free meal every so often." added Quentin hopefully.
Carolyn giggled and said, "Quentin, you're incorrigible and greedy! I won't forgive you if you leave me to face Mrs. Johnson's cooking alone."
"Very amusing, but perhaps we should do this more often. What do you say, Willie?" querried Barnabas.
"Okay by me. You ready for dessert?" answered Willie.
"Yes, please Willie. You may serve now." said Barnabas.
Willie placed a silver tray containing fresh glasses and a bottle of white wine on the table at Barnabas' elbow. As Barnabas preferred to pour the wine himself. Willie went to the sideboard and began slicing the cake.
"Please wait until everyone is served. I want to make a toast." said Barnabas.
Everyone held their glasses up and looked expectantly at Barnabas.
"To Willie, first for persauding me to modernize my home and for this excellant dinner. Also, to my guests, whose company has enriched my evening."
As everyone started to drink, Professor Stokes shouted, "Stop! Don't drink if you value your lives!"
His warning came too late. Quentin had already sipped the wine.
"Eliot, what is it?" asked Barnabas.
Julia overturned her chair and ran to Quentin's side as he began to choke. Convulsing he fell to the floor. Only Quentin's heels and head touched the floor. Carolyn screamed and rushed to Elizabeth's arms.
"Eliot, what was wrong with the wine?" Julia demanded. "I need to know if I am to help him!"
"I am afraid he is beyond help Julia." whispered Eliot.
To be continued........