Subj: Kate Chapter 10
Date: 5/2/00 12:32:46 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Karen

A month had passed since Kate’s arrival at Collinwood. Afternoons, she spent with Barnabas, poring over old journals and letters. Mornings she spent with David; teaching him math, social studies and science. She and David took long walks on the grounds, identifying the flora and fauna of the great estate. Kate took David to the beach where they spent the next week cataloguing all the sea life they could find. Kate showed David how math could be used for the estate and the cannery. She had him study historical figures and events, then do a project about whatever he had read about. David had a terrific time putting together a play about Napoleon’s speech at Waterloo. He dressed like the Emperor and presented his play to the family. Everyone was very impressed with David’s performance and thought he was a wonderful boy and so talented. Roger knew David got all his talent and brains from him!

David had never had a teacher like Kate. She didn’t treat him like he didn’ t know anything. She asked him questions in such a way that it seemed like she didn’t know the answer; she knew he did. David was having a blast learning. He kept thinking over and over that learning was fun. He did miss Vicki and Maggie, but Kate was such fun. David could hardly wait for the day to begin so he could see what would happen.

Elizabeth, Roger and Carolyn could hardly believe the change in David. He was always happy and smiling. It was like having a new kid in the house. Julia wondered if Kate was putting something in his oatmeal.

Whatever had happened to David was also happening to Barnabas. Julia noticed that he had a bounce in his step that had not been there a month ago. She also saw the way he looked at Kate and felt troubled. Barnabas was falling hard for this ‘hippie chick’. It hurt Julia to know that Barnabas was falling in love again and not with her. She wished she could find out about the light she saw that night so long ago. Kate hadn’t made any late night forays to her van; at least none that Julia could find out about. She worried about it, but could not see how Kate was a danger to the family. Kate didn’t seem to want anything from the family except acceptance. She was getting that in spades. Even Mrs. Johnson didn’t grumble if Kate asked her for something. That in itself was a minor miracle. Mrs. Johnson grumbled about everything!

Julia surprised herself by liking Kate, too. Kate was interested in what Julia was doing. Julia found herself talking about things she hadn’t told anyone in years. It was as if Kate was the psychiatrist and Julia was her patient.

Even Roger talked to Kate. He told her his problems at the cannery while she listened quietly. Occasionally Kate would offer a suggestion, but mostly she just listened. Roger found her restful, as long as he didn’t look at her. Kate’s clothes were still too colorful for his taste. But he found himself getting used to that as well.

Carolyn and Kate developed a fast friendship. Kate was surprised at what a sheltered life Carolyn had led. She was determined to change that. Carolyn and Kate went to Boston one weekend. Kate took her to places Carolyn had always wanted to go to, but was afraid to. Kate had fun showing her cousin the town of Boston from the ‘hippie’ perspective. They did not go anywhere that Elizabeth wouldn’t have approved of, but Carolyn came away with a new outlook on life. She didn’t dare wear the kinds of clothes that Kate wore, but she did buy beaded necklaces and a peace sign medallion to wear. She also found a pair of hand-made leather boots at a street fair that she couldn’t pass up. When they got home, all Carolyn’s mother said was, “I see you two had a good time.”

Life was going along peacefully,m a rarity in the Collins family. Kate and David had planned an overnight camp trip on the estate. David was very excited, as he had never camped out before. Mrs. Johnson packed hot-dogs, marshmallows, cookies, soda pop and fruit for the campers. The plan was to camp near Widow’s Hill, roast wieners and marshmallows, drink soda until they popped and watch the stars.

Roger came into the foyer while David and Kate were packing up their gear. “Are you sure this is such a good idea, Kate? What if it rains?” he said anxiously.

Kate and David said at the same time, “So we’ll get a little wet!” They laughed and slugged each other. Kate continued, “Roger, I understand your concern. We have a great tent and warm sleeping bags. It will be fun. Want to come with us?” She smiled at Roger’s expression. The last thing he wanted to do was sleep outside.

Roger shook his head and said, “Have a good time you two. Don’t tell too many ghost stories. You’ll never get to sleep!”. He ruffled David’s head and then uncharacteristically kissed him on the forehead.

David looked surprised, then hugged his father hard. “I wish you would come, Father. It would be fun to have you along,” he said.

Roger shook his head again. “No, David, not this time,” implying that there would be a next time.

Father and son smiled at each other. The two of them had been getting along much better lately, a fact that Kate was glad to see. She remembered the great love that her father and brother had. It made her heart sing to see these two show the same kind of love and affection. Suddenly, Kate missed her brother terribly. Camping under the stars was just the kind of thing Mark would do with her. They would tell “happy” stories instead of ghost stories; one person starting the story and the other picking up where the other left off. They would laugh and joke until Kate fell asleep. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Kate started to walk away and ran right into Barnabas, who had just come in the door. He held her long enough for Kate to think, ‘God, he smells so good!’ She wanted to bury her face in his coat and drink the odor in. Kate couldn’t describe the smell, it was so masculine.

Barnabas, not knowing the effect he was having on Kate, stepped back. “Are you all right, Kate? Why are you crying?” The concern in his voice was evident.

Kate wiped her eyes and said, “Just missing my brother, Mark. It’s nothing, really, Barnabas. I’m okay.” She smiled through her tears.

Barnabas had his doubts, but acquiesced. He looked around at all the camping gear. “Where are you going?” he asked.

David piped up before Kate could answer. “We’re going to camp out tonight. We have hot-dogs and marshmallows for roasting on the fire. Want to come with us. Father doesn’t want to go, but I’ll bet Kate would like you to be there.” He looked at Kate slyly. She nudged him with her elbow, as if to say, “Be quiet!” David poked her back.

“David, I think it would be interesting to ‘camp out’ as you say, but I don’ t think so.” Baranbas replied, with a twinkle in his eyes. “May I come for dinner instead?” he asked, looking at Kate.

Kate almost melted under his gaze. “Y-y-y-yes, that would be great”, she stammered, blushing. The thought of Barnabas roasting wienies over an open fire appealed to her. “Yes, do come for dinner. You can help us drink all the soda Mrs. Johnson packed for us!”

Barnabas shook his head. “Soda doesn’t appeal to me. I will bring a bottle of wine for the two of us. David can get sick on the soda.” He asked where they would be camping and David told him. Barnabas turned to go, but not before kissing Kate's hand and saying, “Until tonight,” meaningfully. Kate just stood there without saying goodbye.

David poked Kate’s ribs to get her attention. “Was it okay to invite Barnabas, Kate? You aren’t mad, are you?” he asked.

Kate came out of her trance. She smiled at David and said, “No, I’m not mad. You just took me by surprise, that’s all.” Kate picked up her backpack. “Let’s go, man! We’re awastin’ daylight!” she cried. David smiled, said goodbye to his father and picked up his stuff, heading out the door. Kate began to follow, but stopped at the portrait of the first Barnabas Collins. She stood there for a moment, staring the portrait. For about the hundredth time, Kate marveled at the strong resemblance between the portrait Barnabas and the present Barnabas. David’s “Come on, Kate, let ’s go!” interrupted her reverie. “Okay, I’m coming!” she shouted. She walked out the door, wondering what this night might hold for her. She would just have to go and find out.

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.