Subj: Love's Familiar Face ch 2
Date: 4/27/99 7:20:58 PM Central Daylight Time
From: miranda

Chapter Two

"I'm quite confounded, Barnabas," Elliot Stokes commented.

"You mean you don't have any theory of what Barnabas experienced in the east wing?" Julia asked.

"No Julia. I believe I have a theory that can explain what it is that Barnabas saw. What I am having difficulty understanding is
Barnabas' insistence that there be a way to cross over into this 'other world'."

Julia looked at Barnabas and hoped he could think of a plausible explanation. His desperation to enter the room was quite obvious to Professor Stokes. But how could he explain away that desperation without revealing that he was once a vampire and that this room seemed to hold another chance to be reunited with the woman he loved over a century ago?

"I simply am curious to explore this 'other world' as you call it," Barnabas replied smoothly.

Elliot emitted a small laugh. "Barnabas please, that does not begin to explain the fervent way in which you presented your request."

"Perhaps Barnabas' enthusiasm got the better of him," Julia offered with a smile.

"I do not think 'enthusiasm' is the word I would choose. 'Frantic' would be a better choice," Elliot said.

"I assure you that my motive is pure curiosity," Barnabas said good-naturedly.

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Barnabas started to feel heat rising in his cheeks as he started to realize that Elliot was not backing down. He simply could not waste any time trying to convince Elliot that his lies were the truth. He wanted to be reunited with Josette and would pay any price to do just that. Suddenly, Barnabas blurted out, "I was born in the 1700's, but am here with you now because I became one of the living dead." Barnabas leaned forward and added in
an ominous tone, "I saw someone in that room with whom I must be reunited, and I will let nothing stand in my way."

Julia gasped. "Barnabas…you don't know what your saying…I…"

"Please Julia," Elliot interrupted, "there is no reason for you to be alarmed. I've always known you and Barnabas shared such a secret. I was just waiting for one of you to trust me with it as well. I assume you were a vampire, Barnabas?"

Barnabas looked blankly at Elliot. This was hardly the reaction he expected. Obviously he and Julia had underestimated Professor Elliot Stokes. Now that all the cards were on the table Barnabas realized he had just made a new ally.

Barnabas, Julia, and Elliot talked long into the night about the past, the present, and Barnabas' future in a parallel time with his beloved Josette.