Subj: A Return to the Shadows part 39
Date: 9/22/01 10:04:35 PM Central Daylight Time
From: KimD

Julia looked at her reflection in the mirror and was pleased with the effect. Her dark hair fell in soft waives below her shoulders. The red dress she wore clung in all the right places. The skirt hung loosely above her knees. It had been so long since she had worn it that she was amazed that it still fit. She was looking forward to seeing Elliot tonight, especially since their last date had been interrupted. Elliot would be so surprised to see her dressed like this. She hoped what she had to tell him would be a surprise. She knew what it was she wanted and it was time to go for it.

She heard a knock on her door, and Mrs. Johnson's voice announcing that Professor Stokes was downstairs. She quickly checked her appearance again and went downstairs to great Elliot. When he saw her coming down the stairs he smiled. He walked to the bottom of the stairs to great her. "You look wonderful," he said. "I almost hate to share you with the rest of Bangor." He gave her a long look.

"If we don't leave now, we'll be late," she reminded him.

"Of course," he escorted her out of Collinwood and into his car. Sitting back in her seat and smiled as she glanced over at her companion. This was what she had wanted. It had been so long since someone had treated her like she was beautiful.

They made it to the club a few minutes before the performer went on stage. They took seats at a table by the wall. The room was dimly lit and the smell of cigarette smoke hovered in the air. After they ordered their drinks A man came on stage who look to be in his thirties. He had dark hair and glasses. He took the mike and introduced himself as David Bowen. His first song was Sting's Fields of Gold. He sang in a voice that sound remarkably close to Sting's

You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in fields of gold

So she took her love
For to gaze awhile
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
Among the fields of gold
Will you stay with me, will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in fields of gold.

Julia let the slow, sweet music wash over her. Unconsciously she placed her hand on Elliot's arm. When she realized what she had done she looked over at him to find him grinning at her as if he had already guessed the way she felt. "I've been thinking about everything you said the last time I saw you." He turned toward her with a look of interest. Julia remembered their last evening together when he had looked at her so warmly and told her she was beautiful, smart, and unlike anyone he had known, and told her she should be happy and deserved to have someone take care of her. "We've always been close," she continued, "but I didn't realize you felt like that. I've never considered you as anything other than a friend before."

"Julia, you don't have to continue." He interrupted her hoping to spare himself what he considered to be the inevitable, 'I can't think of you as anything other than a friend'.

"No Elliot, I need to say this. "I've been unable to think of little else since our last night together. Julia looked into Elliot's expectant hazel eyes. "I want to give us a chance."

"Elliot smiled and placed his hand over hers, where it still rested on his arm. "Julia you're beautiful. I don't just mean the way you look right now. I've always thought you were beautiful."

Elliot Reached up and gently touched her check. His eyes were filled with tenderness. He put his arms around her and pulled her toward him. His arms felt warm and comfortable. They sat there for a long moment, with neither saying anything. Julia pulled him closer, eager for the feel of his lips on hers. The kiss started out soft and slow. Gradually Julia could feel her desire increase. In the back of her mind she hear the song playing.

See the west wind move like a lover so
Upon the fields of barley
Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold.


Elliot eventually released her. They were both surprised by the intensity of emotions they had found.

Carolyn walked through the dark night toward the old house with determination. She would see Barnabas tonight, and she wasn't going to let Willie stand in her way this time. She didn't bother to knock. She didn't want to have to bother with Willie. The door was unlocked, so she let herself in. She looked around for a few minutes before she found Barnabas in the study. He was sitting in a chair with his back toward the entranceway, where she stood. "Good evening Carolyn," he said in his proper English accent, without turning around.

"You're not surprised to see me?" she asked, stepping forward, closer to where he was sitting.

"No, I expected you to come." He turned around to face her. "I suppose you remember everything that happened to you?"

"Yes, I remember everything."

"And you wasn't afraid to come here?"

Of course she had been afraid. She had changed her mind at least twenty times that day, but she wasn't going to let him know that. "I got over it. We need to talk. I want to know what you intend to do about me now that I know everything."

"What makes you think I intend to do anything?"

"I could tell everything I know to Roger, mother, and to Sheriff Patterson."

"You won't," he said standing up and coming closer to her. She was ready to run. She was certain that he was going to bite her, but he didn't. Part of her was disappointed when he didn't. The rest of her was angry and resentful that he could maker her long for him like that. "They would all think you were mad. They'd blame it on your recent illness." She knew that he was right, but she hadn't intended to tell anyone anyway. She had only wanted to test him. It was obvious that he didn't see her a threat.

"I won't hurt you," he said as if he knew of her fears. His eyes grew dark and ominous. "But I'll warn you not to interfere with my plans," he said in a tone that could only be taken as a threat. She wondered if he knew that she was planning something.

"Of course," she answered coolly.

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.