Subj: On the Dark Side of Twilight - 1
Date: 9/24/01 10:13:17 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Melissa

Victoria Winters-Monica Bellucci
Baranbas-Rowan Atkinson (watching Blackadder, and thought he could be Barnabas)
Carolyn Stoddard-Portia De Rossi

Because I could not stop for Death -
He kindly stopped for me -
The carriage held but just Ourselves -
And Immortaility.
Emily Dickinson

Victoria Winters stood looking out the large picture window at the coming storm. She was alone in Collinwood tonight; Mrs. Stoddard went to Bangor with Carolyn, her brother Roger, and his son David. Mrs. Johnson was also gone for the evening, it was her night off and she was visiting her sister, so Vicki would have to make her own dinner tonight. Not that she minded, it was just the storm. After all the things that happened to her, she grew nervous when a storm hit Collinwood.

She drew the curtains and made her way to the kitchen. She decided that since she wasn't that hungry she'd just make herself a sandwich, and maybe some of Mrs. Johnson's potato salad. Vicki began to sing "If You're Gone," a song she heard when she woke up this morning,

I think you're already gone.
I think I'm finally scared now
You think I'm weak - But I think you're wrong
I think you're already leaving
Feels like your hand is on the door
I thought this place was an empire
But now I'm relaxed - I can't be sure

I think you're so mean - I think we should try
I think I could need - this in my life
I think I'm just scared - I think too much
I know this is wrong it's a problem I'm dealing
Matchbox 20- If You're Gone

She kept sing it as she finished making her sandwich; it was such a sad song she thought. It reminded her of her past, and the people she had loved and lost. It was best if she forgot, wasn't that what Dr. Hoffman told her? When she had finished her sandwich she went to the sink to do the dishes. Suddenly there was a knock on the front door.

She walked out of the kitchen and went to the door causally, "Who's there?" she asked.

"It's Barnabas," the richly cultured voice said from the other side of the door.

"Oh Barnabas," Vicki said opening the door and letting him in, "I'm so glad it's you," she said as he hung up his Inverness coat.

"I knew that the family was out of town for the evening, and when this storm began I thought I'd come by and see how you were, and if you wanted any company," he said taking her into his arms.

"That's so thoughtful of you. I just finished supper, would you like some coffee?" Vicki asked after a brief kiss.

"Yes, that would be nice, after walking through this storm."

"You walked all the way from the Old House?" Vicki asked.

"Yes, I was thinking of getting a car, but I feel as though I am too old to be learning something new like learning to drive," Barnabas said with a smile, "You know the saying an old dog can't learn new tricks."

"I'm sure you could do it, if you set your mind to it," Vicki said.

"Well perhaps I will one of these days. Is Mrs. Johnson gone as well?"

"Yes, she went to visit her sister. Would you like a piece the cake she made?"

"Sure," Barnabas said sitting down at the table.

"How is Julia? I haven't seen her much since she got her own place, and began practicing again."

"I haven't seen her in a long time, she's glad to be working again. I'm sure she'd love it if you'd visit her sometime."

"I think I will," Vicki said handing Barnabas a piece of the cake. "Did you and Willie ever find that table you were looking for?"

"No, but I got a lead on where I might find it. After that the Old House will be as it was when my ancestors lived there."

"Did you ever think that it would take you as long as it has?"

"At first yes, but it doesn't really feel like it has been that long, not really anyway. It's been like a treasure hunt."

"I can't wait to see it," Vicki said finishing her piece of cake.

"It sounds like the storm is letting up," Barnabas said taking both their plates to the sink. "I got a new book I think you might be interested in, I'll lend it to you if you want?"

"What's it about?" Vicki asked as she dried the plates.

"It's about King Arthur, Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table."

"That's what I planned to teach David next."

"I'll have to finish it so you can use it then," Barnabas said. The phone rang interrupting Vicki from saying that he could take as long as he wanted.

"It's probably Mrs. Stoddard, she said she'd call," Vicki said picking up the phone, "Hello?"

"Hi Vicki, its Carolyn, mother wants to know how things are?"

"Everything's fine Carolyn, are you having fun?"

"Well this is the first time we've had a family vacation," Carolyn said. "Mother wants to know if you want someone to come and stay with you tonight?"

"That won't be necessary, Barnabas is here, tell your mother that I am fine," Vicki said.

"Well I know you're in good hands," Carolyn said with knowing tone in her voice that almost made Vicki laugh hanging up the phone.

"Tell David goodnight for me," Vicki said.

"Of course," Carolyn said, "have fun," she said wickedly, causing Vicki to blush.

"Is everything okay?" Barnabas asked curiously.

"Yes, I think Mrs. Stoddard it just worried about me. They're coming back tomorrow."

"Well I hope they are having a good time," Barnabas said.

"It sounded like they were."

"I think I should be going now, you must be tired."

"I am a little," Vicki admitted.

"Then I'll leave you now, I'll see you tomorrow. I'll see myself out," Barnabas said kissing her softly. She stayed in the kitchen for several minutes after he left, then she locked the front doors and turned off all the lights. Once she was ready for bed, she climbed into the bed and read for awhile. She woke once during the night to the sound of thunder. The storm had returned.

To be continued. . .

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production