Subj: Soap Pt.1
Date: 2/13/00 10:14:27 AM Central Standard Time
From: marcos1

Soap
~~~~
By Mark
----

Victoria Winters thought about that day constantly. It was the wedding of Barnabas Collins and Angelique. They were already married of course, in 1795, but when Angelique had given birth in 1973---well they just had to do something. The narrow minded people of the village of Collinsport being who they are and all. Angelique declared, her azure eyes flashing," I'll never have a child of mind called a 'bastard'". Afterall, who would believe that they were already married?

The wedding was the event of the year. Everyone was there: Roger, Julia, Eliot Stokes, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, dozens of townspeople, and of course, Nicholas Blair.

"This is a wonderful day," Nicholas said to Vicki, "I don't think that I've ever seen Barnabas smile so much. And the blushing bride actually glows." He cleared his throat and spoke in low tones. "A pity that dear Angelique can't wear white. Actually though, black is her best color."

"She is lovely," Vicki said, smiling. "I just love all the candles and old decorations. There is just something wonderful about things from the past. I think it's so much more romantic."

"Yes, I quite agree," Nicholas said, "but it's hardly unexpected, both the bride and the groom being from a much earlier generation."

"Shhh," Vicki said, looking around, "we can't have any of the townspeople finding out the truth, that Barnabas is an ex-vampire and his bride a witch."

"Don't worry, Miss Winters," Nicholas said, smiling, "I would never allow that to happen. There is a thing called the witches code of honor. And being a warlock myself--"

"Shhh," Vicki said, as the music started playing. It was a song called 'Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, by the Bubblegum Factory'. A strange song to be sure, but Angelique had insisted, being a fan of bubblegum music. She had called the music light and uplifting.

The Priest, Father Scott Joseph Trask, stood at the head of the assembly. While it was true that he was a Trask; he hated with a passion, his ancestors. He was a modern liberal, a cool guy- the teenagers in the town called him. Before him stood, Barnabas, and his 'best man'--William Loomis. They were both dressed in the best suits available at Mildred's Clothes Factory. It was the only men's clothing shop in town.

Mildred stood next to Theresa Hooks. Theresa was the town gossip and also the residing hypochondriac. She was always going to Collinsport General with some imagined illness. She was also the heir apparent to the original Trask family, at least in spirit. She was always searching for evil and usually finding it. Sometimes in places quite blameless.

"Don't those suits look handsome," Mildred said. She was a slim woman in her sixties. Her white hair in a bun.

"I've always admired the clothing in your shop," Theresa said. "But I think this whole thing is disgraceful. That Angelique is nothing but a tramp...and Mr. Collins is a strange man. Living in that old house with that drifter and bum, Willie Loomis. keeping late hours. I've often suspected..."

"What have you, suspected?" Mildred asked. "Don't keep anything from me. I'm just dying to know."

"That Barnabas and Willie are gay." Theresa replied, shaking her head.

"Oh," Mildred said, leafing through her purse. She was dying for a cigarette.

Angelique walked down the aisle. She was beautiful. She was so very happy. All of her dreams had come true. The birth of her lovely daughter several months before, a precious blond baby girl named Miranda. Now, she was to marry once again, her beloved, Barnabas. Except, for her background, she would swear that she was in heaven. Everything was so perfect.

The Priest, spoke the words, Barnabas and Angelique both said yes. But then something terrible happened. A spark from one of the candles set Angelique's lovely blond tresses on fire. Vicki knew what she had to do. She had to save her. She ran from her seat, noticed a bucket of water.

Nicholas Blair moved towards her quickly. "No, Vicki, DON'T..."

But it was too late. Vicki poured the water all over Angelique, never stopping the read the inscription on the bucket--HOLY WATER. The scene was terrible, flashbacks to the movie-"The Wizard Of Oz". Angelique's body burst into flames and turned to ashes in just moments.

Vicki would never forget that day. That was why she became Mrs.Barnabas Collins and the step-mother to Miranda. Why it was the very least that she could do!

To be continued-