Subj: Love's Familiar Face ch16
Date: 6/26/99 12:14:08 PM Central Daylight Time
From: miranda

Chapter Sixteen
Parallel Time

Beth Chavez used the mirror to transport herself into the parallel world. Following Angelique's instructions not to use the mirror anywhere but inside or immediately outside of Collinwood, Beth chose to enter this time band right outside of the front door. She held in her hand another one of the injections for Josette. Soon they would be finished and Josette would be human again. Although Beth only met Josette a few times since the discovery of this world, she could not help but wonder how her perception of Josette could be so different from Barnabas'. He described her as the most sweetest, loving, and warm person that he had ever encountered, but Beth honestly found her to be cold and even a little sinister at times. She considered that Barnabas was simply remembering Josette as she was as a human and that the vampire curse was to blame for the negative feelings Beth perceived. As soon as the injections were complete, Beth hoped she would see the same qualities that Barnabas discerned in his wife.

Just as she took one step in the direction towards the house by the sea, to join Barnabas, the front door opened. A soothing voice asked her, "Hello, can I help you?"

Beth flinched like a child caught with her hand in a cookie jar. She turned around and stared into Quentin's blue eyes. She had yet to see this double in person and was temporarily lost for words. "Can I help you?" he smiled.

"Yes…No…I am on my way to a house on this property to visit with Barnabas and Josette Collins. I was going to knock and ask for directions because I was lost, but suddenly I seemed to get my bearings and I think I know the way."

"Well I certainly can't let a beautiful lady such as yourself wander around unescorted. I will take you to where they are staying, just in case you lose the way again." Quentin said charmingly.

Beth fought off the urge the take Quentin by the arm. She chided herself for acting so childish about this whole matter. Despite the resemblance this was not the Quentin Collins to whom she was married or with whom she was in love. "That is very kind of you," she managed to reply.

Quentin led Beth away and said, "I know this might sound strange, but I feel like I know you…"

Unseen to both Quentin and Beth were the watchful eyes of Angelique Collins gazing down at the pair from an upstairs window. She spoke out loud to herself, "So, Quentin has found a new distraction to occupy his time. He is attracted to her; anyone can see that. Oh, Quentin, I will not be mocked. Yesterday I would have tried to cast a love spell on you, despite my lack of confidence in my abilities. But unfortunately for you, I now know who I really am and the power I have at my disposal." She continued to watch Beth and Quentin innocently walking away until they were out of sight. "Yes, you will be punished Quentin, perhaps even permanently. For it does not matter to me anymore whether I am 'Mrs. Quentin Collins'. I know now that I can always retain my standing as Mistress of Collinwood with my powers. You're no longer a necessary part of my plans Quentin. You will cooperate…or die."