Subj: Together We Stand 9
Date: 7/10/00 1:23:42 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
"Look around you everyone. All evidence of Petoffi, the scimitar, and the spirits are gone. Vanished without a trace!"
Dumbfounded, they looked around the room. "A good thing too," Roger remarked. "Mrs. Johnson would have a fit if she had to clean- up the remains of the late Petoffi!"
"Roger, you are the absolute limit!" Quentin sputtered slapping Roger on the back. "I think this calls for a drink. Hell, it positively screams for it!" Quentin laughed.
Drinks were poured and reverie ensued. Chris approached Barnabas and Julia. "Julia, Barnabas, how can I thank-you for all that you have done for me? You protected me. You persevered, pursuing a cure even when I begged you to kill me," he said with tears in his eyes.
"We're just so happy for you Chris," replied Julia.
"Will Sabrina and Amy be coming here, Chris, or are you joining them?" inquired Barnabas.
"Sabrina and Amy--My God, I almost forgot them! I'll call them to come here. I'm so exhilarated that I don't think I can drive!"
"Speaking of making calls, mother, would you like me to call Maggie? She must be a nervous wreck by now," Carolyn said.
"Thank-you dear. That would be very thoughtful," answered Elizabeth.
Elizabeth let her gaze wonder around the room, pausing on each of her dear friends and family members. Her gaze lingered on Quentin and Chris. When she had first met Quentin, she immediately felt comfortable with him. This usually didn't happen with strangers; only family. Chris, well, there was always something about Chris, a connection. She had felt it more strongly with Amy than Chris. Her gaze shifted to Carolyn as she re-entered the drawing room. She is a young woman now; all grown-up. It doesn't matter, she would always be her little girl. Elizabeth's gaze moved on to Roger. Even as exasperating as he was, Roger would always hold a special place in her heart. Just as she tried to protect herself within the walls of Collinwood, Roger protected himself with a sarcastic tongue and pompous manner. Elizabeth understood his need to protect himself stemmed from his two failed marriages, and even more greatly from the example set by their father Jamison Collins. Elizabeth's gaze came to rest then on Barnabas and Julia. Barnabas, who always was on the edge of the family. He always seemed so aloof, and alone. Her heart ached for Barnabas. And Julia, so competent, so in control, and yet so needy in her own way. Barnabas and Julia. This will need some looking into also. Well, a project for another day. Just a few days ago, I was calmly passing my days, not really living. They had all worked together through turmoil, and emerged safe and happy. Reaching out to Eliot, she smiled blissfully.
"Elizabeth, my dear, I wish that I could read your thoughts."
"Oh Eliot," Elizabeth laughed, "I have never been
able to show my emotions. Now I can! It's as if you
have freed me from a curse, too."
"I'll always be there for you, Elizabeth," Eliot promised kissing her tenderly.
The End