Subj: Together We Stand-sequel part 18
Date: 7/10/00 1:38:34 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
"Nicholas is destroyed!!" said Quentin.
"Is he?" asked Eliot with a glance to Angelique. "Or will he return again. Stronger, perhaps more determined than before."
"What are you saying, Eliot?" asked Barnabas.
"That this victory might be short lived at least. That at best we'll have time enough to prepare for the next onslaught. I'm leaving the wards in place at Collinwood. And I suggest that the wards surrounding the Old House likewise remain intact." stated Eliot.
"Ah..." groaned Maggie. "Nicholas.... he.... he..."
"My dear," said Barnabas rushing to her side.
Maggie had fainted when the blue-white flames had enveloped Nicholas.
Sobbing into her hands, she said, "I don't understand. What happened to Nicholas."
"We'll explain everything, but for now I think you should rest." advised Eliot. "Quentin and I will take you back to Collinwood."
After Maggie, Eliot and Quentin had departed. Barnabas held his arms out to Angelique. Rushing to him Angelique cried onto his shoulder. "Diabolas promised if I sabotaged Nicholas and I could win your love without using my powers, I would win my freedom and could remain here as a mortal. I didn't dare believe it. I kept expecting a trick somehow. Oh Barnabas, I love you.!"
"I love you, my darling!" said Barnabas as he kissed her gently.
Elsewhere, in New York City: The night sky glittered with stars. Julia and Roger were enjoying a carriage ride through Central Park. Julia felt deeply content laying her head back against Roger's arm. Sighing she spoke, "I feel as if we're a million miles from Collinwood. The day Elizabeth and Eliot came home from their honeymoon initiated a major change in my life. No, it started earlier than that, but I was too blind to see. Roger, life is too short, to waste any of it. I want to thank-you for the last few days. I have never been happier. I wish this week would go on forever."
Roger leaned in to kiss her. Holding her tightly to him, he whispered, "Perhaps in a way it can. Marry me, my darling."
The end for now.