Subj: Love's Familiar Face Conclusion
Date: 7/11/99 2:38:50 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Miranda

Conclusion

Two weeks past after Josette was destroyed and tonight Barnabas sat watching the flames dance in the fireplace at the old house. Ironically, he recalled the many times he sat in this very spot wishing Josette had been a made a vampire back in the winter of 1796. Now he knew that would not have been the solution to all his problems. With the final loss of Josette, this time at Barnabas' own hands, he began to come to the acceptance that he would have to live his life without her.

Quentin spoke softly on the newly installed telephone by the steps. He was surprised when Barnabas told him that he could look into getting one put in the Old House, along with some much needed electricity. Quentin normally would have been elated and done some good-natured kidding with Barnabas on the subject, but understanding the significance of this act, Quentin quietly nodded and unobtrusively made the arrangements.

The arrival of Julia and Angelique broke Barnabas' concentration. "It's all finished," Julia explained. The last of the work men left today and the doorway to the parallel time is sealed."

"I also have finished my own work," Angelique chimed in. "Even if someone does get through to that room someday, the doorway to the parallel world is shut."

"Then why bother sealing off the room?" Quentin asked.

"Try explaining to Roger that a witch friend of ours has taken care of everything and there is no longer a need to seal off the room," Julia said with a laugh to which Quentin smiled and nodded in return.

Angelique smiled also, but more at Julia's choice of words than at her humor. She had called her "friend". She couldn't remember the last time someone had called her that.

"Well I am going to meet Beth in town." Quentin said before going out the door.

"I must be going as well," Angelique said rising from the chair.

"I hope at least you will be staying with this evening, Julia," Barnabas said.

"Actually I also must be going. I have to go back to Collinwood and get ready for…for my date." The words coming out of Julia's mouth sounded strange even to her. It had been a long time since she had an actual date, but she and Elliot had become quite close over the last few weeks and this seemed to be the next logical step to take.

"Oh…I hope you have a wonderful time." Barnabas managed to say. He had yet to become adjusted to the fact that Julia was no longer available to pass away the endless boring hours and that she had a life outside of Barnabas' own needs and desires.

Angelique smiled again to herself as Julia walked out the door. She admired her for actually getting on with her life. Something Angelique herself was not yet able to do.

"I'll be seeing you Barnabas," Angelique said, as she stood in the foyer.

Still sitting in his chair and staring into the fire Barnabas offered, "Thank you Angelique,"

"It was no inconvenience. I certainly understand the need to close the portal with a curious boy like David living in Collinwood."

"That's not what I mean. When I first discovered the other time band and that there was a double of Josette in there, I was afraid that if you ever found out that you would interfere with us. If you had done that, I probably would not have been able to come to the realization that Josette was very different from the person I knew long ago." Barnabas paused. "I guess I owe you an apology. You have changed."

Angelique looked at the floor and was glad that Barnabas was facing away from her so he couldn't see her eyes. She remembered her mother and was grateful for her intervention. "There is no need for an apology. I have done many terrible things over my lifetimes."

"As have I," Barnabas said softly. "As have I."

"Goodnight Barnabas."

"Goodnight, Angelique."

THE END