Subj: A Dark Shadows It's a Wonderful Life
Date: 12/25/99 8:23:31 PM Central Standard Time
From: Melissa

A Dark Shadows It's a Wonderful Life

Chapter One

The sign that proclaimed, WELCOME TO COLLINWOOD, had freshly fallen snow on it. And the Christmas lights glowed upon the snow. Collinsport looked like any New England town on a Christmas card you might pick up in the store. It was a night like any other night, but something was different. Tonight Collinsport was about to have a miracle. This miracle would begin like most, with a prayer. But not just one prayer, but prayers from all of Collinsport. All of the prayers were for one man; a man named David Collins.

One was from Mr. Wells at the Collinsport Inn: "Please Lord, help David Collins tonight."

And from Maggie Evans at the Blue Whale: "Help David tonight, he's helped me so much."

And from a nearby house, David's home, his wife's voice: "Please God, watch over David tonight, I love him so much."

Then the voice of a little girl: "Something's the matter with Daddy, please God make him come home."

"Hello Clarence. Something up?" Thomas asked.

"Yes, Thomas. There's a lot of people ask who want help for a man named David Collins. Looks like we'll have to send someone down."

Thomas looked down at his list, "David Collins, oh yeah, it's his crucial night tonight, who's turn is it?"

"That's why I sent for you. It's Angelique's time," Clarence said.

"Are you sure you can trust her to do this. I mean after last time?"

"Yes, I think so. I sent for Barnabas and Josette already. I have an idea."

Thomas left and smiled thinking back to years ago when he was on his way to this very office, and to George Bailey who helped him get his wings. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in."

"You sent for us Sir," the man at the door said.

"Yes come in, Barnabas, how are you Josette?"

"Very well, thank you Clarence."

"Well, I just wanted to let you too know that it is Angelique's turn, and Josette I need you to keep an eye on her while she is down there tonight. She deserves another chance, but. . . "

"I think I understand," Barnabas said.

"Here she comes, I don't want her to know you were here. Thank you." Barnabas took Josette's arm and they left the room.

"Hello Angelique," Clarence said when she came into the room, "Have a seat."

"Hello Clarence," she replied.

"There's a man down there that needs our help."

"What's the matter with him, is he sick?"

"No, he's lost his way, and in two hours he will be thinking of ending his life."

"Two hours? That gives me no time at all. What am I going to wear? All I have is this old thing," she whined holding up the skirt of her white dress.

Clarence ignored this and said, "You will be spending this time getting to know David Collins."

Angelique looked up, "Is he a descendent of Barnabas?"

"Yes, we better get started we don't have much time," Clarence said.

To be continued. . .

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.