Visitors

   All night, Angelique stayed up trying to figure out who this another Witch could be.
She had live long enough to know most of Witches that had survived so long that their powers could anyhow threat her, and those Witches she has made deals with not to attack on one another.
In weak morning light she drive to Angel Bay, calling every man she had to meeting.
 She had always been well prepared for everything, and now she would make sure she is prepared as well.
"Miss Bouchard, what is this?" One of her most trusted man asked tiredly.
"Shut up, drink your coffee and be wide awake. We have a problem"
Man blinked his eyes in surprise but nodded, "Of course."
 Angelique looked at the men around the table, some of them standing since there was no space to sit anymore.
 Soon one of guardians came into the room. "Miss Bouchard, it is young Miss Stoddard, she says she must meet you right away"
Angelique looked confused but nodded, "Lead her into my office. I will be there soon."
Guardian nodded and left.
Angelique looked at the men, making long story short. Her men seemed to understand the point fast, and within 15 minutes Angelique was alone in room.
Her men knew everything of what she was. And they were all well trained to protect her. Reward they got from it, was good. Angelique would be in trouble if any of them betrayed her, so she payed them well for their hard work as well as loyalty. Sings of betraying lead easily to that she brainwashed those men and kick out. Everyone knew what she was able to do, so they respected her with slight fear.
  She took all folders and left into her office.
"Carolyn, what a surprise. What brings you here? You're little too young to work for me."
Carolyn rolled her eyes. "Look, what ever you did to my mother, change her back as she was."
"Touching, you care."
Carolyn narrowed her eyes. "Shut up."
"Have I ever told you that I like your temperament?"
"Just help my mother, ok?"
"I can't... I did nothing to her."
Carolyn stared at Angelique in disbelief. "You did. You lie."
Angelique smiled, "Why should I lie? If I had cursed your mother, don't you think she would be dead by now?"
Carolyn looked down, obviously swallowing back her anger but still thinking about it. Sure Angelique was known in her family by that classic line that "If she wanted to kill you, you'd be dead by now".
"I guess."
"So, what about if you just leave before I have to kick you out?"
Carolyn looked at Angelique, her bitchy teenager eyes reflecting real desperation.
"Angie, can't you just help us for once in your damn Witchy life?"
Angelique raised eyebrow, "You're actually scared for her."
"Alright, alright! I am. Now help her. Ok?"
Angelique sighed, "I can't Carolyn."
"What you mean you can't? You've really easily destroyed everything around you, why can't you fix even one thing?"
"Carolyn I have not cursed your mother!"
"Oh right, like you didn't curse Barnabas and me"
"Carolyn! I am not only Witch in town anymore."
Carolyn looked surprised. "And you admit that?"
Angelique hissed angrily, "Get out of my office before I make sure that your miserable Doggie life gets few decades shorter"
Just now Carolyn stepped back few steps. As a human, she could do nothing to Angelique.
"Hey.. You know me.. I just.." She swallowed slightly and smiled nervously, "Angie, can't we just talk, ok?"
Angelique smiled sweetly, "Of course. What kind of funeral you want?"
Carolyn looked at her eyes wide, "Seriously Angie, this isn't fun anymore."
 Angelique stepped closer, "I think it's just becoming much more fun"
Carolyn looked at the door, obviously thinking could she make it out of the door before Angelique got her.
"Don't bother, my men will catch you sooner than you can say my name."
"Angie... You already cursed me, you ruined my life, ruined our business and all, aren't you satisfied?"
"Maybe I want all Collins family members dead."
"I.. Am Stoddard. Not Collins"
"Nice try."
"Yeah, seems like it didn't work."
"It didn't." Angelique smiled.
"Hands off my daughter!" Elizabeth screamed as she came into the room, trying to catch her breath.
Angelique looked at Elizabeth, "You shouldn't run so much in that age. It doesn't do good to your health old woman."
"Stay.. away from my.. My daughter."
"Cute."
Elizabeth sighed, "Carolyn, get out."
Carolyn looked at Angelique and then her mother, slowly backing away from the room.
"Angelique!" Another voice called.
Angelique raised eyebrow, "What damn Collins family meeting here is today?"
Barnabas came into the room and shot the door closed, "Now you don't leave this room until I have made myself clear to you Witch."
"Mind your blood pressure Barnabas, all my men are well trained to kill all kind of supernatural creatures."
"Including Witches?"
"No."
Elizabeth looked tired but her eyes were wide open, looking rather crazy. "Angelique, what ever you did to my family, fix this."
"And Collinwood is nearly destroyed! We have but very few rooms we can live in!" Barnabas growled.
" Congratulations for both of you, you're obviously Collins family." Angelique smiled sweetly.
Barnabas hissed angrily and took hold of Angelique's neck, "Fix this, or I shall make sure you will be destroyed along with us."
"Go on, slaughter me. My men will do what I started. You will be handed over to villagers, and the fact that you rebuild your family reputation with murder, will destroy everything you have build."
Barnabas let go of her. "You shall never have my love."
"I will."
"Never."
Elizabeth sighed heavily and kneel down, taking hold of Angelique's hand. "Please, help us."
Barnabas looked at Elizabeth eyes wide, "Do not be fool!"
Elizabeth looked at Barnabas with her insane eyes, "I am tired of this Barnabas. She has powers... " She shake her head, "I am tired.."
Barnabas looked down, "I know."
Angelique raised eyebrow and pulled her hand away from Elizabeth, "Get up old woman. You look too pathetic already."
 "You can curse me as you want Angelique, I have nothing more to lose... Just please help my family."
Barnabas growled and pulled Elizabeth back to her feet, "My family does not kneel down to servant girl!"
"Barnabas, face the truth! She is only one who can help us now!"
"Then I deal with it by myself. But we do not kneel down to her!"
"Being too proud doesn't help us through this now..."
"Perhaps not, but being weak doesn't help either."
Barnabas pushed Elizabeth towards the door, "Go to Carolyn. I handle Bouchard by myself."
Angelique smiled, "How cute, desperation fits to your family well Barnabas."
Barnabas growled and waited until Elizabeth was out. "You will have a taste to that desperation as well my dear... You wanted to marry me, so you are to be Collins as well."
Angelique laughed softly, "In your dreams blood sucker."
Barnabas came to her, placing his hand either sides of her, pushing her against the wall. "My dreams, are your nightmare my dear."
"Are they? I find this rather pleasurable."  Angelique smiled.
"We shall see if you think so after I am done with you" Barnabas whispered coldly, piercing his fangs into her neck.

 

Keep friends close, enemies closer

   "I'm telling you Angelique, she has awaken!" Barnabas kept saying over and over again.
Angelique covered her face with her hands and rub her forehead, "Fine, believe that if you want.."
"What other explanation you can give for her disappearing?"
Angelique looked at him and shake her head slightly, "I don't know."
Barnabas smiled a bit, "You do still have hard time admitting you are wrong."
"Maybe it is so." Angelique said and looked out of the window, gentle glowing light catching her attention again.
 Before she was able to react to it though, Barnabas seemed to turn around to look at the door like waiting for someone to come in.
"Barnabas?"
He hold out his hand to order her to keep quiet as he slowly got closer to the door. "Who is there?! Show yourself you mystic creature!"
Angelique hurry to take hold of his arm, "Barnabas, don't be stupid, no one's there!"
Barnabas looked at her confused, "You don't feel that strange presence? It is so... Familiar.. Yet so fresh, like flower dying and growing back again with new life next summer."
Angelique swallowed back her anger and slight desperation that she didn't want Barnabas to meet Josette.
 "Maybe it's just Vicky. Barnabas you can't go to her now, if she's Werewolf, she could kill you!"
 Barnabas shake his head, "There's no sense of danger..."
Angelique tried hard to stay calm and make him stay, but as much as she tried, more he thought she was the one insane.
 "Barnabas.." Hollow, ghostly voice filled the room.
Barnabas froze, looking around the room, obviously prepared to defend himself if situation so requested.
"Show yourself!" He commanded angrily.
Angelique hold his arm tighter, "Barnabas, don't..."
He looked at her and offered her slight smile, "Do not fear." Then he looked around, commanding more powerful voice, "Show yourself! You mysterious whispering creature! I do not fear of your presence!"
 Glowing light ball appeared to other side of the room and they both turned around.
Barnabas narrowed his eyes, "What is this..?"
Slowly the delicate form of Josette DuPres was getting more clear and Barnabas gasped slightly in surprise, watching the ghost with wide eyes. "J-Josette?"
 Josette pointed towards Angelique, "Your curses destroyed this family once, now you must safe what is left of it. You are no longer only Witch in Collinsport."
 Barnabas looked from Josette to Angelique and back to Josette.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
Josette turned to look at him, smiling gently, her ghostly glowing eyes filled with love.
"You are never alone Barnabas... Never."
"J-Josette.. Why you never came to me? I so desperately cried out for you, called you, and you never came to me. Why?"
Josette looked down and shake her head, "I'm sorry."
Angelique narrowed her eyes with her pure hate for that woman. Even she was dead she ruined her life with Barnabas.
Josette looked at her and shake her head, "Save your anger for someone is true threat for you."
After that Josette fall backwards through the floor, leaving Barnabas and Angelique wonder what on earth just happened.
 Barnabas looked at the spot where Josette had disappeared until he turned to look at Angelique.
"You can bring her back to life."
Angelique shot cold look into his eyes, "Never."
Barnabas took hold of her arms "Give her a chance! Give her life back! One you stole away way too early! I will marry you, I will give as many children as you are able to bear, but I want you to bring her back to life so she can live the life she deserved! Get married and have her own family!"
 "There's already Vicky! She is Josette!"
"She is not. They look the same, they has connection, but Josette is a ghost, Victoria is... Human, or Werewolf."
Angelique shake her head, "I will never bring her back to you. Never."
Barnabas let go of her arms, standing straight and swallowed back his own anger, "Then our engagement is broken. I am not going to marry you."
Angelique looked hurt and step back few steps. "You're foolish man Barnabas. Your family will die one after another, and you can only watch and know it's your fault!"
"You do not harm my family Angelique!"
"Watch me" Angelique hissed and left, soon getting Barnabas following her.
"Angelique! Angelique, you come back here and we shall find understatement somehow. Solution at least until we figure out what to do!"
Angelique stopped and smiled sweetly. "You and your family, no longer work for my company."
"Angelique!"
"And.. "She looked around, seeing damaged fireplace and smiled wickedly.
Barnabas took hold of her arm, "Angelique, stop this madness!"
"Sleeping flame, I summon thee. May your form return. Make the night as bright as day, and Burn, Baby, Burn"
Barnabas watched the damaged fireplace with wide eyes as it burst into flames, quickly destroying the manor more.
"Angelique! I beg of you! Stop this!"
"Too little, too late." Angelique said, turning around and walked out of the burning Collinwood.
 Her heart was heavy and felt more and more sore as she got farther away from Barnabas, but she kept her head up and walked away, hearing Barnabas long time yelling after her to get her come back to safe Collinwood.
 She fight back bitter tears and kept walking towards her house.

  ... "Oh I love him so much! Angelique, come here! I want to hear your opinion!" Josette's voice called from one of the quest rooms where Barnabas had made place for Josette where she could stay whenever she wanted.
 Angelique came into the room, keeping her hands behind her back and looking down, "Yes Miss DuPres?"
Josette giggled, "Don't call me so, I feel like we are already friends, you can call me Josette."
"Friends?" Angelique repeated truly confused. She had hardly ever spent more than few minutes in same room with Josette.
"Yes, Barnabas has told me so much about you! I was thrilled to hear that here is another young woman such as myself to keep me company, and Barnabas told me you're really kind and helpful."
"I see.. That's way too kind of him to say."
"Don't underestimate yourself Angelique, you are very pretty and once I am married with Barnabas and our children needs governess, we will give that place for you. Then you can join the Balls and get married with some nice gentleman. You will be very happy then."
Angelique was sick of hearing her overly joyful voice and sweetness, so she simply nodded, "If you say so"
 Josette smiled, "Come here with me Angelique, I was trying on my new dresses and I have trouble to decide which one I would wear tonight on dinner with Barnabas. I wished you to help me decide."
 "Of course.."
Angelique stand next to the mirror and watched as Josette changed into another dress and turned few times around in front of her. "What you think?"
"Very beautiful." Angelique nodded.
"I thought so too. I love these flower prints here.."
"If I may say so, the neckline of this dress seems little lame, you will be needing a handsome necklace to fulfill the look" Angelique said.
Josette looked at herself from mirror, "Yes, you are very right Angelique. It does look boring without necklace.. Well, I will try another one."
 Angelique waited as Josette changed into another dress and turned around few times again. "How about this one?"
 "Personally I like that one much more." Angelique said and noticed that even she hated the very reason Josette was there, she started to like Josette somewhat. For an aristocratic woman, Josette was really delightful and kind for everyone, making Angelique almost feel like her equal.
 "I think it's little too dark." Josette thought aloud while studying herself from the mirror.
"But it looks really elegant." Angelique pointed out the fact.
"Yes, it does indeed." Josette nodded, "You have excellent taste Angelique."
"Thank you."
Josette changed into another dress and came to turn around few times in front of her again.
"How about this last one?"
Angelique looked at the dress carefully, it fit to Josette perfectly. It was sky-blue and really supported her delicate figure. "It is pretty. But I like previous one better."
Josette looked at herself from mirror and then the darker dress. "It is too dark for me... But," She looked up to Angelique and took the dress into her hands, holding it against Angelique, "It is perfect for you."
Angelique looked at her with wide eyes, "Me?"
Josette nodded and smiled, "You have beautiful dark hair, this looks perfect for you, so I give it to you."
"Where would I wear such gorgeous dress?" Angelique asked truthfully. She was just a maid, and all fine celebrations were denied from her.
"I want to see it on you in my wedding. You will be my personal assistant and help me through the day, so you must look very pretty. And of course there is a chance some fine gentleman notice you there. I'm sure Barnabas will make sure your future husband is able to give you good and happy life."
 "You want me to weak this on your wedding day?"
Josette nodded again. "Yes. You will look perfect, just as my friend should be looking."
"Well... Thank you.. This really is too much to-"
"Stop it! I want to give it and then it's not too much." Josette said and smiled then, "Go on, try it. I want to see how it looks on you."
 "Now?"
"Yes, now!"
"But I should be going to clean the -"
"None of that! I will tell them that I needed your help and released you for rest of the day from your other duties."
"For whole day?"
"Yes. I need help with wedding plans, and I like to have female company."
"I see.."
 Josette looked excited, "Try it."
 Angelique looked at the dress and nodded then, "Fine. I try it."
 Josette waited as she changed into dark dress and came in front of her.
"Oh Angelique! It's so beautiful!" Josette said. She turned Angelique to look at herself from mirror
"Look, you look like Queen of the Night!"
Angelique blinked few times, she did look quite perfect.
 They heard knock from the door and Josette hurry to open it, "Yes?"
"I only came to make sure you have all you need." Barnabas's voice answered.
Josette opened the door wide open and hugged him, "Oh I am so happy here. And come to see Angelique, you cannot believe how terribly beautiful she is."
Angelique looked around the room to find place to hide but Josette pulled Barnabas into the room and turned him to see Angelique. "Look at her! I gave her that dress to wear in our wedding. I want her to be my assistant and help me with whatever I need help with, so she must be pretty. And she is! She is beautiful!"
 Barnabas seemed to lose his voice for while as he nodded slightly, "Yes.. Very.. Very beautiful."
Angelique looked away, hoping that Josette will let her leave. It was humiliating that Josette brought Barnabas to see her now, and seeing them together made Angeliques blood boil.
"Josette.. Could I possibly go take this dress to my room so it won't get ruined when I work.. "
Josette turned to look at her, "Sure, come back here when you're done. No hurry though! We have all day!"
Angelique swallowed back her hateful anger and walked quickly to her own room.
  Even she hated Josette more than she ever could imagine she was able to hate, somehow she liked the way Josette treated her. As a friend. Friend Angelique never had before....

    As Angelique came to her own house, she started thinking Josette's words tonight.
She wasn't only Witch in town anymore...
Was it possible that Josette came to warn her to save her from the threat of another Witch?

New circle of Curses

 
       The night of full moon was going to be a nightmare to Angelique. Barnabas couldn't stop repeating his questions did she sense any different in Victoria.
 He was desperate with his wish Victoria to wake up.
Angelique didn't have a heart to tell him that she was perfectly, completely dead.
  "Is she changing? What she needs to eat?" Barnabas asked, probably for the five million time.
"I don't know Barnabas, I don't know... I'm not werewolf, I can't tell." She sighed.
As the moon raised above the Collinwood manor, Barnabas kept staring at Victoria's body.
They heard wolfs farther away howling.
 Barnabas turned to look at Angelique, "Why she doesn't respond? Why she does not get up and answer others call?"
Angelique placed her hand on his cheek, "Barnabas... She's not answering to them because she was too weak at the begin with."
 Barnabas step back few steps, shaking his head, "No... No, she's not dead."
"Barnabas... She is."
"No!"
Before Angelique was able to do anything, he knelt down next to Victoria, piercing his fangs into her neck.
"No, Barnabas! Stop!"Angelique tried to pull him away from the body. "She's bitten by a werewolf, she's poisoned! Stop it Barnabas!"
 As soon as he pulled back, he placed his hand to his throat, trying to breath.
"What... What?! Angel.. Angelique.. Help me!"
Angelique watched him in shock as he fell to the floor, fighting to breath.
She kneel down and pulled him close, resting his head on her lap and tried to calm him down.
"Shhh... I will not let you die. Bite me Barnabas, bite me."
"You.. no blood.."
"I have."Angelique nodded, making the spell to fill her heart with blood. "Bite me now Barnabas!"
She didn't need to ask twice. He pierced his fangs to her wrist, feeding thirstily.
As Angelique looked around, she saw Josette standing near to Victoria, watching the girl with sad look in her eyes.
 "Get out" She hissed to the ghost.
Josette turned to look at Angelique, "Your jealousy is stronger than your love for him?"
"Never!"
Barnabas let go of her wrist, "Wh-What?"
Angelique kissed his forehead, "Nothing my love. Do you feel better?"
He nodded, breathing deeply as he closed his eyes for while, relaxing in her arms.
 Josette shake her head, "You keep hurting him... " After that, she disappeared as fast as she was appeared.
 Angelique swallowed her anger and focused on Barnabas.
He seemed to recover quickly, and as he got back to his feet, he looked at Angelique, ordering her sharply; "Bring her back to life Angelique. Use your horrifying powers to good purpose for once."
"Barnabas... I can't bring her back. Or I can, but she would not be Victoria you knew. She'd be a zombie."
"A zombie? Are you telling me that those exists as well?"
"Yes, if they're summoned. They doesn't exist without a Witch to command them. Though if the Witch dies, after bringing them to life, they keep on living as living dead, looking for their master."
 Barnabas sighed. "I shouldn't have ask you to turn her back to human... She would be still a Vampire, she would be fine."
"Barnabas, she was bitten by a Werewolf. Vampires dies to Werewolf bites. Though Werewolfs dies to Vampire bites as well."
"And what bite kills the Witch?
Angelique raised eyebrow, "You're planning to kill me now?"
"No. I am curious." Barnabas answered looking at her sharply.
"Witches don't die for bites. You have bite me, Carolyn has bite me, and I don't die. Ghosts however...."
Barnabas narrowed his eyes "Ghosts has power over Witches.."
"No. Witches and Ghosts are like Werewolfs and Vampires. Witches can destroy the soul that still keeps wandering through this world. But Ghosts can also affect on Witches... You see, Witches are spiritual creatures. Ghosts are rulers of spiritual world...."
 "I see... But Witches can harm Vampires and Werewolfs as well as Ghosts. It makes you rather powerful compared to others." Barnabas said.
"I have my weaknesses." Angelique smiled a bit, for while looking as innocent and sweet as she was before. Looking at him lovingly.
 "Hm... You seem to know how to use your weakness as your strength." He said, noticing her loving, gently admiring look. "I like your weakness, Angelique."
 "Sometimes I like it as well." She nodded.
Soon Willie came to the room, gasping his breath "Miss Elizabeth is crazy! Help her! She is insane!"
Barnabas and Angelique shared confused looks and left. On their way to find Elizabeth, they saw Carolyn running out side through the forest with her wild furry form.
 "She doesn't look like creature I would like to pet" Angelique said.
"Yes, better you keep your wicked nails away from her" Barnabas nodded.
Angelique looked hurt, "You think it's my fault Elizabeth is crazy?"
"No. I am simply not in mood for your twisted jokes Angelique, my family is falling apart." He answered, walking faster.
Angelique keep up with him until they noticed Elizabeth walking out of the doorway, through the forest, towards Widow's Hill.
 "I swear, that wasn't my idea." Angelique said.
Barnabas looked at her, "I thought it's your specialty to sent people there..."
"Not anymore. I almost liked her work she did to my folders. I thought she might actually be useful in business."
Barnabas raised eyebrow, "You are changing."
"I promised you."
"Yes you did. I am proud of the step you have taken."
Angelique looked up to his eyes, "It doesn't mean I like her."
"I did not ask you to like them, only live in peace with them."
"That's what I'm working on"
Barnabas smiled, "I am most glad of it."
"Alright daddy, are you done with speech or will we just stand here and watch as she jump?" Angelique asked.
Barnabas blinked and looked at Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth! Elizabeth no! Come back!" He run after her and took hold of her arms.
"Angelique! Come help me!"
Angelique came to them and took good look at the old woman. "She's not crazy. She's asleep."
Barnabas looked at her surprised. "Asleep?"
"Yes..."
"How can she still fight back so much?"
"I don't know..." Angelique said, looking slightly curious of this as well. She snapped her fingers in front of Elizabeth's eyes and the woman opened her eyes, looking around.
"Why I'm here? Angelique? No! I don't want to die! I don't want to fall!.... I must.. I must fall"
Angelique and Barnabas looked at each other.
From Angelique's perfectly surprised expression, Barnabas was sure she didn't have anything to do with Elizabeth's strange will to die.
 "Elizabeth? Elizabeth, you must come home with me now." He said.
"No! I must jump!"
"No, you do not do such thing."
Angelique took hold of Barnabas's arm, whispering, "We have to take her back to Collinwood even by forcing her, otherwise she will find way or other to jump. With or without us."
 "How you know?"
"With that insane desire, she can do it."
"Hm,.. You must be right. " Barnabas nodded and lifted Elizabeth to his shoulder. "We go home."
"No! I know you two are planning to kill me! Let me choose my way to die. I want to jump! Barnabas let go!" Elizabeth screamed.
Angelique sighed, "Let me put her to sleep."
Barnabas looked at her. "Just to sleep?"
"Yes, so she'd shut her mouth."
"Very well." Barnabas nodded.
Angelique hold her hand to cover Elizabeth's eyes and whispered the spell, making Elizabeth fall into deep sleep.
 Barnabas looked over his shoulder, "She is in peace."
"For while. That spell doesn't last long. Just so we get her to Collinwood."
    "Mother?!"
"Carolyn, stay where you are." Barnabas ordered.
Carolyn looked shocked, and saw Angelique then. "What have you done to my mother?!"
"Nothing!"
Barnabas looked at Carolyn sharply, "Be quiet Carolyn, we will explain everything to you later. Now step aside so we get your mother safely back home."
"Right, you defend that bitch who cursed us all! You're such a freak!"
"Hold your tongue young lady!" Barnabas growled.
"In your dreams." Carolyn hissed.
Barnabas shook his head and kept going.
"Hey Angie! If my mother is cursed now, I make sure you suffer." Carolyn yelled after them.
 Angelique sighed, "I will never be in peace with that dog"
"Do not call her dog, she is upset. I shall talk to her later. She have to learn to hold her tongue as you need to learn control your jealousy and evil thoughts. You are proving it is possible, so it is possible that Carolyn will learn to act as polite people should."
 They settle Elizabeth down and go see Victoria.
Angelique stepped into the room first and froze. Barnabas nearly walked on her and looked at her curiously before looked into the room. "Where is she?"
"I don't know.."
Barnabas smiled, "She woke up!"
Angelique looked at Barnabas and then the empty table where Victoria was supposed to be.
"Did she?..." She thought aloud and looked around, she had feeling that someone else than herself was playing around with Collins family now.

Return of Josette DuPres

   Two weeks was already passed since Carolyn attacked Victoria, but Barnabas refused to allow her to be buried. Elizabeth had hands full with work Angelique had given her and top of that she had to comfort Carolyn who was shocked of fact she had killed Vicky.
 David on the other hand was locked himself to his room, and Elizabeth couldn't understand where Doctor Hoffman had disappeared now since the boy definitely needed her.
  "Angelique, you have to come to Collinwood." Elizabeth said as she walked into Angelique's office.
Angelique leaned back and watched Elizabeth for while with her wicked, cold eyes.
"Who gave you permission to enter my office?"
Elizabeth placed all papers and folders, Angelique had made her go through, to the desk.
"Here, your highness. It's all done. And I doubt I need permission to come to you, when it's about Barnabas."
Angelique stand up, "Don't you dare underestimate my love for him!"
Elizabeth looked down, quickly dropping her sarcastic attitude. She had to constantly remind herself that Angelique was only one able to help her family right now, since they didn't have any money without her.
 "Sorry."
Angelique took the folders and put them to the closet.
"How is he?" She asked looking at Elizabeth over her shoulder.
Elizabeth looked at her, "He doesn't leave her. Not even for little while. He still waits for her to open her eyes."
"He haven't feed at all?"
"No."
Angelique looked out of window, "She's not going to wake up. I tried... I really tried, but I couldn't make her heart beat"
Elizabeth seemed perfectly surprised. "You actually tried to save her?"
Angelique hissed angrily, turning to face Elizabeth, "Of course I tried! Not because of myself.. But because of him. I was fine with her death, but he wasn't. He needed her to at least be alive. So I tried... I tried to save her for his happiness."
Elizabeth didn't know what to say, she had never thought that Angelique was able to feel something so deep as love.
 Angelique turned to take her handbag and shut the lights from her office. "I come to see him little later."
Elizabeth followed her out of Angel Bay and watched as she got into her car and drive away.
 While she drive towards her house, she tried to think how to make Barnabas let go of Victoria.
 As she got home, she walked right away to bathroom and made bath ready, go choose the dress and took it near before she got into bathtub, leaned back and closed her eyes to relax.

 .... "Am I doing this too hard" She heard Barnabas's gentle voice whispering behind her, while massaging her shoulders and back.
  "No.. It's perfect. You are perfect." She found herself saying, looking around bathroom which was filled with candles.
"Hm, I try." Barnabas said and slid his hands around her, pulling her into protective hug and she leaned back against his chest, keeping her eyes closed.
Barnabas run his fingers up and down her arms, making her shiver slightly even water was hot.
"You're teasing me." She smiled and looked up to him. She saw him grinning slightly before kissed her shoulder. "I did not mean to."
"You lie" Angelique laughed and sit up, turning around to face him.
"I swear, I did not." Barnabas protested, obviously holding back laughter as well.
Angelique wrap her arms loosely around his neck, and kissed him.
"You taste like soap." Barnabas said, pulling her closer while he leaned back to bathtub again, holding her against him.
"I know. So do you" She nodded burying her face to his neck, closing her eyes.
"Do you feel better now?" He whispered softly into her ear, making her shiver.
"I do.. You're my own Angel." She whispered against his neck, causing him shiver slightly as well.
Barnabas tightened his hold of her and kissed her shoulder, "Let this be our Heaven then"
 "Yes.. Let it be so." Angelique found herself agreeing...

  She opened her eyes and got out of bath, wrapping towel around her hair and bathrobe around her body before she stepped out of bathroom.
Something about the memory she just had remembered, made her long to get into his arms. She wanted to go back in that time when they were happily together.
 Shaking her head and clearing her mind from fantasies, she took the dress and got it on, going back to bathroom to do her hair and make up, that didn't take long from her after few centuries of practice.
 After she checked that she had all she needed in her handbag, she left, driving as fast as could so she'd see him as soon as possible.
 This time Willie was waiting for her and opened her car door to her when she stopped.
"At the end of hall, left door" He said when she stand up.
Angelique didn't show any reaction to his words, she simply walked in damaged manor and walked through the hall and opened the door.
 Barnabas was on his knees next to wooden table where Victoria was placed to.
Angelique stepped into the room and kneel down next to him. "Barnabas... Look at me"
Barnabas didn't move for while until finally turning his bloody eyes to look at Angelique.
His pain and sorrow ate him inside, and now Angelique knew she could never fill that hole in his heart that Victoria's death has caused.
 "You have to come with me. You need blood."
"Blood... Yes.. " His eyes trailed down to her neck and he licked his lips.
"Barnabas, don't.. Not me." Angelique said, pulling back, trying to make him stand up. "Come with me Barnabas. I will find someone for you to slaughter."
"No.. "He said as he stood up and pushed her against the wall. "No others." He hissed, piercing his fangs into her neck.
 Angelique gasped weakly, feeling his fangs break her skin. Knowing she was able to survive without blood in her system, she made quick spell to make her heart beat blood in her so he could get at least something to feed his hunger.
 "Barnabas... You're hurting.. Me.."
Barnabas growled, feeding hungrily from her neck and took hold of her wrists to stop her from trying to make him stop.
 She felt her wrists break in his tight hold, and as soon as she fell into unconsciousness, her heart stopped making blood. That was when Barnabas pulled back, his lips and chin covered with blood.
"Angelique?" He asked helplessly like lost child and let her go, soon lifting her into his arms as she was about to fall to the ground. "Angelique?... Angelique! No.. No.. Not you. You promised me.. Angelique!"
He shake her body desperately, blood tears running down his cheeks.
 "Stop it.. "Angelique whispered tiredly and blinked her eyes open.
"Angelique? You're alive.. Thank god." Barnabas said and hugged her so tightly she thought she may get few cracks more.
 "Barnabas, you need to come with me. You need to feed more. I will bring you back here then. I promise."
"But she might wake up. It is nearly full moon. Maybe if she did turn into werewolf, she might wake up!"
Angelique looked into his eyes, behind those bloody tears that didn't seem to stop cascading from his eyes, there was small hope. Hope that he refused to let go. Even he knew it was nearly impossible, he wanted to believe in it.
 "Barnabas... She was too-"
"That's why she's resting now. Recovering. Changing. Into a werewolf."
Angelique couldn't break his last hope, and she simply nodded. "Maybe..."
Barnabas looked at her hopefully, "You really think so?"
Angelique sighed. "I think... Miracles can happen sometimes. I think, she was too weak to survive, but we can wait until full moon, if there happens a miracle."
 "Full moon.. Yes, of course.. Full moon. It is after two nights. She may wake up" Barnabas nodded.
"Barnabas you must come out of here for while and feed. You can't help her now. We sent Willie to guard her, and you come with me so we can find you some people to slaughter."
 "Yes, Willie.. Willie will guard her." Barnabas nodded and walked to the door.
Angelique took hold of his arm and lead her out. Cool night air hit their face and Barnabas closed his eyes for while. "Ah, the freshing wind" He said, standing still for while, enjoying the wind cooling him.
 Angelique watched him carefully and something catch her eye moving in shadows near by.
"Wait here" She said to Barnabas and walked towards the shadows.
 Behind damaged manor, was floating weak ball of light.
Angelique narrowed her eyes and stepped closer, when she realized it's not ball. It was delicate Victorian beauty Josette.
 "Why are you still here?" Angelique asked, failing to mask her jealousy perfectly from her voice.
 "He needed me..." Josette said simply.
 "He doesn't need you to remind him from his past... I take care of him now.This is our new start!"
Josette looked at Angelique calmly. "You wasn't here when his world broke down on him, nor when he spent nights crying and praying for Miss Winters. I heard his cries and felt his pain, and at least for little while, I can make him feel he's not alone."
 Angelique hissed but Josette shake her head "I know." She said, smiling sadly. "All you've done, was deep down motivated by your love. You are cruel, Angelique. You do terrible things. But greatest of your powers, is your love. That's why you did try to save Miss Winters. That's why you are so willing to do anything to make him happy."
Angelique looked surprised.
Josette looked through the forest towards Widow's Hill. "But you will never be me. You will never find the love I did. Because difference between you and me, is here." She placed her hand on her chest. "I love through the death. I love him even I can't have him. I love, even I know he doesn't know it. And my heart is not poisoned my jealousy. You may have him Angelique. But he has my love, and you cannot take that away from him."
 After that, she disappeared.
Angelique scratched nearest tree, leaving deep marks on it, and left back to Barnabas.
 He looked at her curiously, "What did you do there?"
"I was thinking." She said, walked to him and placed her hands on his cheeks. "I love you Barnabas."
He raised his eye brow, seemingly surprised of her sudden emotional state. "Yes.. I know."
She hugged him tightly, resting her head against his chest. "You can't even imagine... How terribly much I love you. The pain you carry in your sinfully beautiful heart, breaks my heart. Those tears you cry, are like knifes through my chest... Let me be here for you my love."
 Barnabas looked perfectly surprised now, but her words touched something in him and he hugged her slowly back.
"I love you too Angelique."
 Angelique smiled, one single tear falling down her cheek and she hold him bit tighter.
     Not so far away, Josette watched over them and smiled sadly.
"I hope she can give you happiness you once gave to me."
 Barnabas looked around and loosen his hold of Angelique a bit.
"What is it?" Angelique asked and looked at him slightly worried.
Barnabas shake his head. "Nothing... Nothing. I suppose it was the wind. Shall we go now?"
Angelique kissed his lips softly. "Yes, you must be starving."
"Hm, I admit."
 Angelique took hold of his hand, walking towards the town with him.

What woman won't do to get man she loves?

  By the time Angelique got back home, she already had visitor waiting for her.
She opened her door, "Get in." She hissed coldly to dirty older man.
Man walked in and waited Angelique to give him permission to sit.
"Sit. I need you to do something"
"I thought so, otherwise you wouldn't have called me here."
"Don't pretend to be smart."
"I'm sorry."
Angelique looked at the man emotionless expression on her face. "Carolyn Stoddard Collins. Little bastard I sent you to bite years ago, I want you to make her hunt down Victoria Winters."
"Victoria Winters? But why?"
"Don't ask, it's none of your business." Angelique hissed.
Old man sighed. He knew he had no other choice but do as she told him to.
He nodded, "Of course. As you wish my lady"
"Good. Now leave."
Angelique watched as old man left her house and go to window, following him with her eyes as he walked towards Collinwood.
She wasn't sure of Werewolf manners, but she knew that Alpha-Wolf was able to make others do something obsessively until they successfully done it.
"Once Carolyn get obsessed with killing Victoria, law of nature will tell her to either run, or die... Wolfs are beasts. Nothing else. I'm sorry Barnabas, this is how it has to be."
She finally turned away from window and sit down, sinking into her memories.

 .... "Run Angelique, run!"
"Daddy?"
"Run!"
Angelique blinked her eyes confused and looked up to her father. "But daddy I want to stay with you"
"Run!"
Soon the door opened and Angeliques mother came. Angelique heard her father sigh in desperation.
"Hide." He hissed to Angelique before going to stop his wife.
Angelique go into small closet in kitchen corner, finding her baby brother there as well.
"James?"She whispered, touching soft cheek of the baby.
He was sleeping peacefully.
She turned around to look into the room from tiny hole on the door.
 She didn't understand what her parents were talking about, but she knew her father was afraid and wanted to take her and her baby brother far from her mother.
 Soon she heard a cry of pain and loud bang. She let out small scream helplessly.
"There you are." She heard her mother say and soon the door of small closet, her only hiding place, was open.
"Come out." Her mother took hold of her hair and pulled her out of her hiding place. "You should be on your bed!"
"I will go mother, I will go! Please, let go! It hurts!"
Baby started to cry and Angelique felt hard hit on her back and then her mother was carrying the baby away. Angelique looked around and saw her father laying on floor.
"Daddy?" She whispered, trying to wake him up.
"No... "
She heard her mother coming to the room again, so she quickly run to her bed, pretending to be asleep.
        Not very long after that, she heard someone breaking through the door.
Angelique sit up and run to see what was going on.
Strangers, who she recalled sometimes to see around her father, was taken her baby brother.
"James! No! Take me as well!"
But men were gone as fast as they came.
Angelique knew she was in trouble, so she run out of the door as far as she could, falling tiredly to the ground as she heard men talking.
 "Where did you come little girl?"
She opened her eyes for while. "I'm.. Angelique, sir."
"Angelique, where do you come?"
"I'm lost... Alone."
"You have no parents?"
"Mother... "
"Well, we will take you to her in morning. You seem badly hurt, I will take you to my house. I am Joshua Collins."
Angelique felt her small body to be lifted up and gently carried to warm, comfortable house.
  She has no memory what happened next, but next morning when she woke up, she saw her mother talking with Joshua.
"Good news my little one" She heard her mother say in fake loving voice, "We will stay here. We will serve this family."
Angelique closed her eyes tiredly, tear falling to her cheek as she remembered her dead father and lost baby brother. Only few weeks later, she met her youngest master first time. Barnabas Collins.
 He smiled warmly and take hold of her hand, gentlemanly kissed the back of her hand.
"Barnabas Collins"
Angelique felt her cheeks getting hot, she shyly said only "Hello"
Barnabas smiled and looked at the clock, "My lessons is starting, I'm glad to know there's other kids around here, see you sometimes!" He said and quickly left.
 Angelique looked after him and then at her hand. He kissed her hand like she was a lady.
She smiled and go back to her work, looking forward to see young master Barnabas soon again....

  Phone ring woke Angelique up from her memories.
"What?"
"Angelique, where are you?" She heard Elizabeth asking.
She narrowed her eyes. "How you have my number?"
"Your other workers gave it to me, now answer the question. Where are you?!"
"Home."
"I need you to come to Collinwood now and fix whatever you have done to my daughter."
"Do I look like Werewolf?" Angelique asked coldly.
"No, you're a Witch. And you're only one who could do this to her."
"Let me tell you this. Werewolfs are like wolfs. They has one leader in the group and whatever this leader tells them to do, they will do. I'm not a wolf. I have nopower over them if their leader is commanded them."
 "Who is this leader?"
"How could I know?"
"Who you send to bite my daughter?"
"He's dead long time ago."
"What can I do to help her?!"
"Nothing." Angelique answered coldly and hang up.
She smiled and settle down her phone. "Rest in peace Josette."
 She was able to take only few steps before the phone ring again.
After sigh, she picked it up, "Yes?"
"Angelique?! Angelique, oh my god, are you now in this little thing?"
"Barnabas, it's phone. I'm not in it. Now what you want?"
"Help! Carolyn is even more strange than usually. What is wrong with her?"
"Barnabas I'm not a wolf. I can' do anything. You need to find Alpha-Wolf to make her stop her strange behavior."
Before Barnabas answered, she heard loud scream and painful sobbing and then Barnabas calling for Victoria desperately.
"Barnabas?! Barnabas?!" Angelique called, without answer. She put down her phone.
The desperate voice that Barnabas called for Victoria, broke her heart.
 Without second thoughts, she picked up her car keys and left, driving towards Collinwood as fast as she could.
"Miss Elizabeth it's-!"
"Shut up, where's Barnabas?" Angelique asked from Willie.
"With Miss Winters."
Angelique hissed and go find him.
 "Barnabas, get away from her."
Barnabas, who held Victoria on his arms, looked up to her. "Angelique!" He cried, bloody tears running down his cheeks. "She doesn't breathe!"
Angelique kneel down front of him, trying to make him let go.
"Barnabas, let go of her. She's bitten by Werewolf. If she turn into Werewolf, she could kill you. Werewolfs and Vampires will kill each other."
Barnabas let Victoria go unwillingly, watching Angelique carefully as she picked up Victorias lifeless body, studying the wounds.
"Can you help her?"
"I can't do miracles Barnabas"
"You're a Witch! Help her!"
"I cannot!" Angelique stand up, looking at him broken expression on her face. "I cannot save her! She's bleeding too much, she'll die within hour. And Werewolf bite is poisoned her. She's just to too weak. Otherwise she would have become a Werewolf as well. But she's too weak."
Barnabas shake his head, trying to go to Victoria but Angelique stopped him.
After trying to fight her off for while without success, he broke to cry on her shoulder, weakly hugging her.
Angelique fight back her own tears, not because of her sorrow to Victorias death, but the pain Barnabas felt. She hugged him tightly, "I'm so sorry, my love... I'm so sorry."
 Without knowing the true reason of her apologies, Barnabas expected her to be sorry for his loss honestly.
He hugged her tighter "Don't ever leave me Angelique... Don't leave.. I beg you."
"Shh... I'm always yours. I'll never leave you." Angelique promised desperately.
For small moment, she felt joy for his need to keep her so tightly close, desperately needing her to be by her side, but the  pain he felt hurt her heart.
 'It is worth it.... I will heal your broken heart my love. I promise' 
 

New try

   Angelique blinked her eyes open and sit up.
 She looked around dark room, searching for Barnabas. Finally she got up and walked around the house.
"Barnabas?"
She stopped. "It was a dream... " She buried her face in her hands "It was a dream.."
After feeling sorry for herself for while, she go to kitchen to make some coffee for herself, stopping as she saw the teacup in sink.
"Victorias cup..." She looked around, finding empty bottle of wine, but she didn't see any glass.
She needed to find Barnabas, and fast. She had to talk to him.
  It didn't take long from Angelique to get into her office at Angel Bay, making perfect plan for the day.
First on her list was to find Barnabas and talk to him. He was haunting her dreams like he haunted her centuries ago before they actually got together.
 She needed to talk to him. She had to get him by her side somehow.
"Miss Bouchard" She heard knock from the door.
"Yes?"
The door opened and one her workers came in. "Mr.Collins is now here."
Angelique stand up. "Barnabas Collins?"
"Yes. You were already gone last night when he came, so we suggested him to come again in morning."
"Of course. Sent him in."
 She sit down and tried to focus. "So it was a dream... "
"Angelique." Barnabas walked in the room and shut the door behind him.
Angelique stand up again and pointed the chair on the other side of her desk. "Sit"
"No." Barnabas shake his head. "You must listen."
"I do... What's wrong with you?"
"I am still a monster! For little moment, this morning... I thought you did made me human."
Angelique blinked few times. "It was a dream.."
"Indeed it was. I have noticed that many times by now!"
Angelique walked around the desk and stopped in front of him, "I saw it too... For little while, I thought we're happily together and you're a human... I saw it too."
Barnabas took tight hold of her arms, "Change me back to human Angelique."
"You're hurting me.."
"Change me back!"
"I can't!"
Barnabas looked at her in shock and slowly let go of her arms, stepping back. "You don't know how to fix this curse?"
"I know how.. I can do it... But I can't make it happen when you're still leaving me."
Barnabas narrowed his eyes, looking down as the truth hit him. "You still love me?"
Angelique placed her hand on his cheek, looking as gentle and kind as she once was.
"I've always loved you Barnabas... I tried not to, and it didn't work. You haunt my dreams every night, I cry after you when I don't see you there when I wake up... I still love you."
Barnabas took deep breath, "I made a promise.. When you saved Victoria."
Angelique pulled her hand away, "I don't want you to be with me because I  saved your little girlfriend... I want you to marry me because you love me."
Barnabas took hold of her hand, stopping her. "I do love you Angelique... But I do not love this creature you have become. What I have become." He stepped closer to her, studying her eyes which looked up to him as admiring as they were at the time when he most loved her. "Turn me back to human Angelique, give up on this hateful nature of yours. It is not who you are... Give us our life back as it was before I made my mistake. Then I love you again, and it is forever. I will make you my wife, loving you until death do us apart. And I will still be waiting for you there. I shall not leave you again."
Angelique blinked few times, suddenly breaking to cry helplessly, hugging him tightly.
Barnabas closed his eyes and slowly hugged her back.
"I will try.. I will"
"I do not want your try Angelique, I want your promise."
Angelique pulled back, looking up to him with teary eyes. "I can do it, but I need you.. I can't do it alone."
Barnabas smiled a bit, wiping her tears. "I did not say that I would not do my part. It is true, that you would have never come this way if I did not hurt you so. Perhaps you over reacted a little, being overwhelmed, but it does not make me innocent. I did hurt you. And I did not bear my responsibility to apologize soon enough. It was wrong as well. And I must never do such thing again."
"What about Victoria?"
"She is getting better, and she is much better already. Thanks to you."
Angelique narrowed her eyes, "You're not going to give up on her?"
Barnabas sighed. "She shall always remain to be my friend."
Angelique stepped back now, and Barnabas knew that angry look in her eyes.
"You must not hurt her out of your suspicious and jealous imagination!"
"Is it my imagination now? She is Josette, don't keep  me stupid... You will not have both."
"You must trust me Angelique."
"How can I?"
Barnabas stand straight. "Then I suppose this conversation is over."
Angelique looked shocked for while, until taking tight hold of his wrist. "Barnabas no! I don't.. I mean... "She looked around helplessly to find words, "I didn't mean it. I trust you.. I do!"
Barnabas sighed. "You are making it awfully difficult to love you"
"No! Don't say that... Don't.." Angelique hugged him, burying her teary face into his chest.Crying on his shirt.
Barnabas looked down to her and hugged her compassionately. "I must learn to support you more, I suppose. Two centuries you have been this way. How could I expect you to change it in one day. I apologize."
Angelique looked up to him hopefully. "I'm sorry.. I will try harder. I trust you Barnabas. I love you."
Barnabas placed his hand on her cheek, gently caressing her face, wiping her tears away. "I know."
"But.. I don't want you to be alone with her.. Not now."
"We are not alone. Collinwood is getting cold, old wing doesn't have any heating system and only one fire place. We are all together near it to stay warm."
Angelique blinked few times. "I can help.. You and Elizabeth can work for me. I can pay little more so you get Collinwood rebuild."
"Angelique..."
"I will help your family Barnabas... I just ask you not to be around Victoria alone. Not for while."
Barnabas nodded slowly. "Very well... I do not deny, I shall miss her. But I do not wish to have her. Not when I have you. As you were before."
"I'm yours.. I will be the woman you loved years ago."
"Mine.. Yes.. I must go to tell the news for Elizabeth. When do you want us to come to work?"
"As soon as you can. Elizabeth can take care of paper work, you can help me to make new plan. We will make this larger and we will need a plan."
Barnabas nodded. "We shall come soon."
"Good."
Barnabas knew Angelique was waiting for him to tell her he loved her. Waiting for him to kiss her and hold her close. But he couldn't. Not yet. He wanted to give her what she wanted, but first he needed to get over Victoria.
Angelique walked back to her chair and sit down. "What are you waiting for? Yesterday?"
"No.. I am watching you."
"Why?"
"I tend to watch you, when we were younger. You are fascinating when you focus on your work so deeply... Only if you focused on your love as deeply.. You would be perfect."
"But I do. I-"
"Not yet. But I am certain that day will come soon. That's the day when I will make you my bride." Barnabas left the room, quickly walking towards Collinwood.
 Angelique sighed and buried her face in her hands. She still felt the need to get Victoria out of her way.
And how on earth she could do that without Barnabas finding it out?
 "She's human... She might die in accident. Accident, that has nothing to do with me.. But Little Miss Attitude." She smiled and stand up, turning to look out of window. "For once, Carolyn will be useful."

My Angelique

      "I want to stay with you Angelique" Barnabas said, standing up and walk towards her.
 "After all you have done, will you deny your love from me?"
Angelique blinked few times, feeling first time for long time, nervous. Like she had butterflies in her stomach.
"No... " She said quietly, trying to avoid looking directly into his eyes.
Barnabas pushed her against the wall, placing his finger under her chin and made her look at him.
"Say it.. Say that you still love me like you loved me centuries ago."
"I love you" Angelique admitted desperately. "I do love you Barnabas. I have always loved you"
Barnabas kissed her gently, resting his hands on her waist.
"Barnabas... No, wait.. I have to go."
Barnabas looked hurt and stepped back. "Is this a punishment, some soft of, as well?"
"Punishment?" Angelique repeated slightly confused.
"I left you, now you are leaving me."
"I'm not leaving you... I come back."
"When?"
"I don't know but I will"
Barnabas sighed and shake his head, "You do not love me."
"I do! I love you!"
"Then do not leave me! I am willing to leave your sins in past where they belong, I am willing to give you new chance and my love, and you are leaving me!"
Angelique was speechless. Barnabas expressed his emotions much stronger than she had thought.
 "You could come with me." She suggested carefully.
Barnabas looked at her for while, "You know I cannot. What would happen if people around the world would know what I am?"
"That's why you have me." Angelique said gently, "I make sure nothing will happen to you."
"I need to feed."
"I will find some homeless people for you to feed so no one knows"
"What about sun? I burn so easily"
"We have to travel through the night, so you can rest all day long while I take care of business and evening we can have fun together."
"You have thought of this already, haven't you?" Barnabas asked.
Angelique smiled, "I always had a dream to travel around the world with you"
Barnabas thought for while. "What about my family?"
"What about them?"
"You have now what you wished, will you release them from their curse?"
Angelique narrowed her eyes. "If I don't, will you leave me again?"
Barnabas shake his head "No... I love you. Even you have become this cold hearted creature, you are still my first- and last, love.  My Angelique."
 Angelique looked down, "Maybe... in time, I will release them."
"In time..." Barnabas repeated, thinking of her words. "When we're wed, you will no longer harm my family with your witchcraft"
"Wed?"
"Are you not going to accept marriage to me?"
"Of course I am... I just didn't think you'd want it."
"I do."
Angelique smiled, "Will you come with me to the trip?"
Barnabas opened his mouth to say something but sighed then, "I cannot. Collinwood is not even nearly ready, my family needs all help I can give."
Angelique rolled her eyes, "Fine, I give job to your family so they get money to build their beloved Collinwood back"
Barnabas looked at her hopefully, "You will?"
"I will."
Barnabas kissed her, "You have saved my family!"  He hurry to the door, "I will tell to Elizabeth right away, and get some of my personal things with me. How much you think we will need with us to our trip?"
"Not much. We can buy new clothes and such"
"Very well." Barnabas nodded and left.
  Angelique looked out of window, seeing him walk quickly towards Collinwood.
She get back in her bedroom to finish packing. While she walked around room, taking her clothes and others, she turned to see old painting of Barnabas.
"It took over two hundred years, but finally you're mine... Two hundred years, and it was all worth it."
She heard knock on her door and run to open it, letting Barnabas come in.
" We will leave very early in morning, it will still be dark. You can go to sleep when we get into the ship."
Barnabas nodded, "Sounds very good."
 "I'm almost done, you can go to kitchen and have another glass of wine, I will join you when I'm ready."
Barnabas nodded again and go to kitchen, not to bother to ask her what took her so long.
 As she finally did join him, they made plans for their trip, and as Barnabas insisted, their wedding, until it was time to leave.
 Once they got to the ship and open waters, Barnabas saw it best to got to sleep as Angelique was suggested.
 Angelique watched him sleeping for while, "When you wake up my love, you will have a surprise... You'll see, I'm not as cruel as you think."
  She kissed his forehead softly and left the room, going to the deck to enjoy fresh air and gentle sea wind which played with her hair.
 "May I join you, Miss Bouchard?" She heard voice behind her and smiled, feeling strong arms wrap gently around her behind, soft whisper against her neck making her shiver slightly "I am most pleased with your kindness my sweet. Thank you."
She turned around and smiled. "You welcome."
Barnabas smiled and kissed her, "Now you're the Angelique I knew. My Angelique."
"And I will be yours forever."
"I will make sure of it." Barnabas nodded, smiling with slight playfulness.
Angelique hugged him, listening his strong, calm heart beats and closed her eyes, enjoying the fact he loved her again.

Choices.

 
  Couple weeks was passed since Angelique last time saw Barnabas. She was sure that he wasn't going come to see her anymore. Victoria has already got back home for sure, and Barnabas has been taking care of her. Thought of that Barnabas was doing everything he can to please Victoria, made Angelique jealous for sure, and she hated Victoria enough to kill her all over again, but she loved Barnabas. She knew Barnabas's happiness was up to Victoria, and if she wanted to do any good for him, she had to let Victoria live. At least Barnabas was thankful for her, which was way better than he hating her.
   Angelique called few of her best workers in her office, making a plan with them. She would leave Collinwood for while, travel around the world and create connections to her company in outside world, with hopes she could make her company even bigger.
 After this meeting, making sure her workers will keep things going while she's traveling, she left to pack.
Her house seemed already lonely with no lights. As she go inside, getting lights on and looking around, she came to think of Collinwood. Sure it was ruined when she last time saw it, but once it was her home too. Even her room was small and cold, she had liked living in Collinwood. And especially after her relationship with Barnabas had got deeper, she had spent a lot of time in his room which was huge and really warm, always really comfortable.
  She sigh and go to her bedroom, packing some clothes. She didn't hear that someone was knocking her door, until it sounded like her door was kicked really hard.
 She narrowed her eyes and go the door, opening it slightly, surprising more than little when she saw Victoria standing behind her door.
 "Why are you here?" Angelique asked coldly.
"May I.. Come inside?" Victoria asked with weak voice, still recovering from her burning wounds.
"Why?"
"I need to.. Speak with you"
"About what?"
"Barnabas.. His family.."
Angelique watched the girl carefully until step aside. "You have ten minutes."
Victoria came in and Angelique closed the door.
"You have lovely house." Victoria said, looking shyly around.
"If you came here to spy me and my ways to live, I may have to break your neck and sent you back to hospital right away."
"I'm sorry."
Angelique pointed the chair, "Sit."
Victoria sat down and looked at Angelique, who may be cold and cruel, and obviously not happy to get Victoria in her house, was still taken small tea cup and poured tea for her visitor.
 "They need job"
Angelique settle down tea cup front of her but didn't sit down to other side of table.
Instead she took cigarette from her handbag and light it up.
"I offered them job, twice. And they turn my offer down. Why I should do same offer again?"
Victoria sipped the tea and looked at Angelique again, "Please, they need money.. Collinwood needs a lot of work before it's.. like it was. And winter is coming.. They'll get cold without help."
 "I offered Barnabas money, a lot, but he didn't want it."
Victoria looked down, realizing that making deal with Angelique was more difficult than she thought. That even Angelique had done nice things to them lately, she still haven't got over her hateful attitude.
 Angelique blow the smoke towards Victoria and smiled to her sweetly, that made hair back of Victoria's neck stand up.
"You can go back to your host family, and sent my word for them. I don't pity them any more than I have always done. They refused to accept my offers before, I don't make that offer again."
 Victoria sighed, "Barnabas needs your help."
"Funny thing he didn't came to beg my help by himself, but sent you here. Knowing I may kill you when I see you."
"He doesn't know I'm here." Victoria said quickly.
Angelique narrowed her eyes, "Why not? What you're planning?"
"They have terrible money problems.. I overheard Elizabeth and Barnabas fight about it this morning. I thought.. If you could be so kind and offer them job, I'm sure they would be eternally thankful, and serve you well."
"I don't need more workers." Angelique smiled.
Victoria watched the Witch for while and realized one thing she hadn't try yet. Use Angeliques own hatred to get her idea to work.
"Would you think about it? What would be better than order them around all day long, like their family ordered you so long time ago? You was their servant! It's never been forgotten in their family. Now you could change it. You could get rid of that servant's low mark and make their family worship the ground you walk."
Angelique laughed softly, "Do you think I care what their family thinks. Whole town worship me."
"Angelique pleace! They need job. If you love Barnabas, why won't you help him?!"
Angelique gave her warning look and put down her cigarette.
"Shut your mouth little girl before I cut your tongue. My feelings for him is none of your business."
Victoria winced, quickly looking down. "I'm sorry."
 Angelique took hold of Victorias arm, leading her back to the door.
"This conversation is over, leave before I kill you."
As she let go of Victoria, her nails scratched few bleeding bruises on Victorias arm.
Victoria gasped sharply and looked at her arm.
"My bad. I'm sure Barnabas can kiss it to make it better." Angelique said bitterly.
"No!"
"Leave!"
"He loves you!"
Angelique hissed angrily, stepping closer to Victoria when the girl opened the door, running away as fast as she was able to.
  Angelique closed the door, taking deep breath not to go after Victoria and kill the girl right away.
She took another cigarette and go back to her bedroom to pack. She had just got into her room when her phone ring in living room.
"Someone will soon get hurt.." She sighed and go to answer the phone.
"What?"
"Miss Bouchard, excuse me this late call but there's a man waiting for you in your office, he said he has a meeting with you."
"What's his name?"
"I'll ask... . Sir, what's your name?.. Ah, alright.. Miss Bouchard, he is Collins. Barnabas Collins."
Angelique blinked few times. "Tell him to meet me at my house. Sent him here in taxi. Our company pays the bill."
"Yes, Miss."
Angelique hang up and go to kitchen, took glass of wine and sit down to wait. She didn't trust herself around Barnabas now, and if she got herself drunk, she wouldn't probably remember their meeting so well.
  Though it didn't take long from Barnabas to come.
Angelique drink her glass empty and fill it again before go to open the door.
"Barnabas. Come in."
Barnabas sniffed and looked rather disgusted.. "You've been smoking."
Angelique raised eyebrow. "Did you came to look after me am I behaving like good girls should?"
Barnabas narrowed his eyes, "You have been drinking as well. Haven't you?"
Angelique sighed, "Get out. If I wanted someone to look after me like little child, I would hire a nanny."
"I am not leaving." Barnabas said and stand straight. "I need to speak with you."
"About what?"
"Many things."
"Fine.. Do you want wine? I have your favorite."
"No I- " Barnabas stopped after hearing her words, "You do?"
"Of course I do."
"Perhaps one glass won't do any bad."
Angelique go to kitchen, Barnabas following her.
"Did you have visitors?" Barnabas asked.
"No, why?"
"This tea has certainly got cold already, I doubts it's yours."
Now Angelique remembered Victoria.
She quickly took tea cup from table and gave Barnabas wine glass, pouring some wine in it and left the bottle on table.
"Your beloved Vicky visited me some time ago.."
"Victoria?!"Barnabas asked in disbelief and obviously worried. "Why she was here?"
"Begged me to give job for your family." Angelique answered, sipping her wine and laughed softly, "She sure tried every possible way."
"Where is she now?"
"Probably back in Collinwood."
"No, she haven't been home all day."
"I don't know. Do you really think I care where she is going and when?"
"Of course not."
"Why did you came?"
Barnabas took a sip from his glass, "If I am to marry you, I insist that you move to live with me in Collinwood."
Angelique laughed, "No, you want me there because I'm rich. You want me to pay rebuilding of Collinwood."
"I did not come here to beg you to give me money. I came here to speak with a woman I am to marry."
"You won't marry me even in your worse nightmares."
"You are drunk Angelique."
"I'm not."
"Do not speak like a fool then!"
Angelique looked at him eyes wide. "I'm not a fool.."
"No, but you act like one."
Angelique looked away, "I'm going to travel."
"Where? When?" Barnabas asked sharply.
"Tomorrow morning. I travel in many places. Create connections to my company."
"When are you returning?"
"I don't know..."
Barnabas looked surpirisingly sad and slightly hurted.
"I see... You are leaving me."
"How could I leave someone, who has never even been with me?"
"It is why I came here. To be with you. Spent some time together."
"Like before?"
Barnabas smiled a little, "Yes, like before."

 .... Angelique was already fallen asleep after her long day of hard work when Barnabas came back home from his work.
He go through hallway quietly, right away down to servants part of manor, looking for Angelique. He knocked her door carefully few times before opening it, silently entering her room.
 "Angelique? Angelique, awaken."
"Hm.. Not now.."
"Angelique, wake up for little while."
Angelique sighed and opened her sleepy eyes. "What?"
Barnabas smiled to her, "Come to my room, it is nicer there."
"Why? I'm fine in here."
Barnabas lifted her into his arms, "I am in need of your ever lightful company."
Angelique laughed softly and let him carry her into his room and settle her down into his bed.
"What are you planning?" Angelique asked, wide awake already.
"I wanted to spent time with you." Barnabas answered, undressing before came to lay down next to her.
He moved her hair from her face behind her ear and kissed her forehead, "You look always so lovely when you're just awaken. So fresh, like rain after hot days. So soft, like silk."
Angelique smiled, "Did you practise that speech all day?"
"No, it came in my mind now."
"Beautiful."
"As you are." Barnabas said, kissing her lighty, pulling her gently closer.
Angelique snuggle against him, kissing him softly.
"Am I forgiven that I woke you up?" Barnabas asked.
"Yes you are. Many times over." Angelique answered, resting her head against his chest, listening his calm, strong heart beats.
  Ironically they were not tired anymore, but laying there in each others arms and talking lightfully was enough to help them to relax.
 Sooner or later falling asleep, and waking up next morning being perfectly ready for work...

 Barnabas smiled to this quick memory that filled his mind.
"Do you remember it?" He asked from Angelique.
"I do. I've often missed those times when I go to sleep alone, knowing I'll most likely wake up alone as well."
"The thought has come to my mind also, time to time."
Barnabas admitted, obviously feeling quilty of it.
Angelique drunk her glass empty and took the bottle, "Well, we can't really forget something that once made us so happy."
Barnabas looked at her, "Have you not drink enough for today?"
"Why I wouldn't drink more? It feels less bad to go to sleep alone when you're drunk. I thought Hoffman told you that."
Barnabas sighed, "I have much better choices to make bad feeling go away."
"You're only one who has a choice." Angelique said bitterly and took more wine.
"You are turning down the offer I have made for you." Barnabas said, "You do have a choice, if you'd want it."
Angelique looked at him eyes wide, "What you're saying?"
"I want to stay with you Angelique."
Angelique blinked few times in surprise. As much as she wanted to believe his words to be true, she was afraid of getting her heart broken again.

Back to the beginning

  
   Standing there, thinking what to do next, Angelique finally realized the terrifying truth about herself.
 Yes, she had destroyed nearly everything Barnabas loved, she had tortured him over two centuries, she had destroyed all chances for happiness to him. All she did, she did in the name of love.
  After that all, Barnabas was ready to give up on everything he loved and marry her if she just saved one person he most loved, only so he could see her happy with someone else.
How different they were after all. Barnabas was proud for sure, he was raised to be that way, but he was also a gentleman who deep down cared very much of everyone around him. Of course he had his weakness's, especially years ago when he was always busy and tried so hard to please his parents, naturally he fell easily for Angelique who was then innocent and kind woman, gifted with great dose of beauty.
 Angelique sighed and looked over her shoulder to storming ocean.
Difference was like day and night between them now. Centuries ago they were so same. Both charming and kind, always willing to try their best to help. Now, she had lost that all within her heartbreak and hate.
 She heard Barnabas's worried voice little farter away, obviously trying to wake Victoria up. For while as she listened his broken voice, she closed her eyes, tear falling her face. She took deep breath, wipe the tear away and followed Barnabas's voice.
 "Let her go Barnabas."
Barnabas who held Victoria's badly burned, seemingly lifeless body, looked up to her, bloody tears running down his cheeks.
"I can't... My sweet Victoria.."
Angelique kneel down, placing her hand to his cheek and wipe his tears away.
"You have to lay her back down to the ground. I can't help her if you're all over her."
Barnabas looked at her slightly shocked, surprised and in disbelief.
"You.. You will safe her?"
Angelique looked away for while before nodded shortly, "Yes, I safe her."
Barnabas lay Victoria carefully back to the ground and kissed Angeliques forehead. "Thank you."
Angelique watched Victoria's burned body, refusing to look at Barnabas.
"Yeah..." She cleared her throat and looked around. "I need fire."
Barnabas stand up to search for something.
"My car is near by, I have something in there."
Barnabas nodded and left quickly look for Angeliques car. His own damages didn't slow him down when Victoria's life was in danger. He soon found Angeliques red car and searched for anything to make fire. As he was her handbag, he took that with him as well and go quickly back to Angelique.
"Here is all I found, that might possibly help." He said giving everything to Angelique.
Angelique nodded and took candle from her handbag, "That's good, I never leave anywhere without proper weapons. Never know when they come handy."
She light up the candle and gave it to Barnabas. "You hold this."
Barnabas nodded, holding the candle carefully. "Can I do anything else to help?"
"Not now. Just be quiet and let me cast the spell."
Barnabas nodded again his understandment. He was willing to do anything Angelique ordered now, Victoria's life was in her hands.
 Angelique placed her hands on Victoria's shoulders, closing her eyes and said something in very low voice. Barnabas tried to hear her words but he couldn't, and right now he didn't dare to ask.
 Soon she stood up, holding her hands open.
Barnabas got vivid memory of the moment when he was turned into Vampire and he saw Angelique a top of Widow's Hill.
 When Angelique opened her eyes, Victoria opened hers.
Barnabas looked impressed and overwhelmingly happy.
Angelique took the candle from him. "She's human. We take her to the hospital, and within few weeks she will be perfectly healed. With few burning scars maybe but alive and healthy anyway."
Barnabas helped Victoria to her feet and looked at Angelique.
"Angelique.. Angelique I don't know how to than-"
"We don't have time for that." Angelique said coldly and turned around to go to her car. "You better bring her to my car now. I take her to hospital."
Barnabas nodded, helping Victoria to walk to Angeliques car.
They settle Victoria to back seat and Barnabas sit down next to Angelique in front.
 "How long will it take to get there?" Barnabas asked.
"Around five minutes."
Barnabas noticed Angeliques coldness and that she refused to look at him. It reminded him of the time when they were together and he had made her angry. It was her way to express her anger, refusing to look at him and speak very business like voice.

 .... "Angelique, my parents are leaving again tomorrow, we will be in peace for week." Barnabas say while washing his face in his bathroom.
"Oh, where are they going?" Angelique asked, waiting for him in his bed.
Barnabas dry his face in small towel and looked at himself from mirror before throw the towel away and go to his bedroom.
"They go visit their old friends in Liverpool." He answered, laying down.
Angelique blinked few times and lay down as well, gently running her hand up and down his arm, "But going to Liverpool will take at least couple days, depending on weather. Maybe it gives us few extra days.."
"Hm.. Maybe." Barnabas said, taking hold of her hand to stop her and turned his back to her. "Good night."
Angelique looked slightly shocked of his sudden unwillingness to be near her.
"Good night Master Barnabas." She said coldly and got up.
Barnabas sit up, "Where are you going?"
"To my room. Just to be little more proper maid, your highness." Angelique answered and left.
Barnabas sighed and lay back down, watching the ceiling. It didn't really go as he thought. He didn't want her to leave. She was tickling him and he wasn't in mood for that, but he was hoping for her to hold him instead. Usually she was happy to do that.
"I talk to her in the morning." He settle down comfortably and soon fell asleep.
     In the morning when breakfast was served and Barnabas's parents were leaving, Barnabas saw Angelique on her way to clean the dining room.
"Good morning Miss Bouchard, how are you today?"
Angelique didn't bother to look at him, she stopped to nod for him, "Good morning Master Barnabas. Excuse me." She left right away to take care of her duties.
As his parents were left and he came back home after work that evening, he go to find Angelique from her room but she wasn't there. After walking around the manor for while, he found Angelique cleaning the fireplace.
"Angelique, what in world are you doing here at this time. It's late. You're not supposed to work so hard."
"Do excuse me Master Barnabas, if someone doesn't sometimes take all these old ashes from this fireplace it will soon smell awful. And no one will, so I do it. And I do it now, beacuse I have cold like everyone else, and I need to get fire in here soon."
Barnabas sit down to nearest chair. "You haven't eat all. No one has seen you in kitchen all day."
"I'm busy, I'm sure you know that Master Barnabas. Now excuse me, I have to go get new wood so I can make fire." Angelique said, got up and left to get wood.
Barnabas sigh and run his hand through his hair. It was getting diffucult to understand Angelique sometimes.
 When she finally came back, her hands full of wood, he stand up. "Let me help you with those."
"No thank you." Angelique said, dropping wood to the floor and put some of them to fireplace, making fire before she gathered rest wood next to the fireplace and stood up.
 Barnabas looked at her carefully. He dress was dirty with ash and dust as were her hands, with few bruises here and there caused of hard work. She was obviously exhausted.
 "Angelique."
"Yes?"
"Would you mind taking bath ready?"
Angelique sighed and nodded, "Of course Master Barnabas" She left right away to bathroom to make bath ready for him.
Barnabas followed her shortly and locked the door behind him.
Angelique looked down and kept her hands behind her back. "Why did you lock the door? I must leave."
"No you don't. You stay here."
Angelique blinked few times, keeping her head down. "I don't understand."
Barnabas came to her, placed his finger under chin and make her look at him.
"You do. You will bathe with me."
"That's not proper for a maid."
"You are more than that."
"I'm not."
"Why you think so?"
"You made quite clear.."
"Angelique... You silly woman. I didn't want you to leave last night."
"You did."
"No. I was tired. I wasn't in mood to play with you... But I wished you would have hold me. Just be there with me."
"Why you didn't say so?"
"Maybe I was fool to think you could have see through me so easily... Now, stop this silly play and come bathe with me. Relax. You have worked so hard today."
Angelique smiled, "So are you. You look tired."
"I'm not tired actually. I was troubled of what was bothering you."
Angelique laughed softly, "I didn't know you think about me so much."
Barnabas hugged her, burying his face in her hair. "Of course I do" ....

  When Angelique stopped the car, Barnabas woke up from his memories.
"Are we at the hospital?"
"We are. And you stay here. It would just bring chaos if half burned Vampire walks in human hospital." Angelique said and get out, soon opening the back seat door to get Victoria out.
 Barnabas watched as Angelique walked Victoria to hospital.
When she soon returned, he took hold of her wrist before she could start the car.
"What you're doing?" Angelique asked sharply.
"I want to thank you."
"You have thank me already, now get over that overly noble attitude of yours and move on." Angelique said, pulling her hand free and started the car. "I take you back to Collinwood. You need alot of blood and sleep, you recover in couple days."
"What about you?" Barnabas asked.
"I'm not burned."
"I think you are." Barnabas sighed and looked out of the window. "Maybe you've been burning all the time."
"What you mean?"
"You made yourself to become this cruel witch... Even you was so kind woman. Maybe you made yourself cold hearted, because it was much easier than admit you're still hurt."
"It's none of your business."
"It is if I am going to marry you."
"You're not."
Barnabas looked at her in shock, "Are you saying you do not love me now anymore."
"No. I'm saying that you don't love me. And I don't want a man who doesn't love me." Angelique said bitterly and stopped the car front of Collinwood.
"Farewell Barnabas."
Barnabas kept looking at her in shock. "Angelique... This is not farewell."
"It is." Angelique said looking out of window coldly, obviously fighting back tears.
Barnabas looked down. "When can I see you again?"
"You will not see me anymore Barnabas."
"Why? Where do you go?"
"You don't need to know that."
"Yes I do."
Angelique got out of the car, wipe a tear from her cheek and walked away from Collinwood.
 Barnabas looked at her go eyes wide and soon left after her.
"Angelique! Angelique, your car."
"Keep it."
"But Angelique, where do you go? I must know."
"No you don't."
"Are you leaving me only to make me feel the way you felt when I left you?"
Angelique stopped. "No. You could never feel what I felt."
"I can, if you leave now."
"You don't love me Barnabas. I'm not that woman you once knew."
"You can be if you want."
"You have your beloved Vicky."
"She's human now. She could have normal life... She is young, she still as a chance." Barnabas said, coming to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"We're both monsters, as you said it yoursef. Maybe it is meant to be so."
Angelique thinked for while. "You need to take care of yourself now. I need to do some paperwork..."
"When will I see you again?" Barnabas asked.
"You find me from my office when you're healed."
"Promise me that?"
"I promise."
Barnabas smiled gently, kissing her lips lightly and left back to Collinwood.
Angelique touched her lips and sob, closing her eyes, tears falling to her cheeks.
It wasn't easy to go back to past either. And now she feared that classic note:
History repeats itself.

You're alive.

 Angelique looked at the clock. She was getting restless to wait any sign of that Barnabas was still alive.
 Hearing someone knock the door of her office, she quickly opened the door. With heavy sigh, she saw just one of her workers.
 "What do you want?"
"Ms.Bouchard, I'm sorry to come here like this all of sudden and I-"
"Just tell me what the Hell you want!" Angelique hissed and sighed again, "I'm sorry... I'm just so tired. Come on in, sit down and tell me."
The worker man seemed to accept this excuse for her behavior and came in, smiling to her a little.
"It must be very stressing for you to work so much."
"Very." Angelique nodded and sit down.
"You need rest Miss. I'm sure your aunt wouldn't want you to get yourself so exhausted."
Angelique forced herself to smile. "Yes, thank you. I will keep few days free sometime soon. Now.. I'd like you to tell me what is it that brings you here."
"Oh yes, I'm sorry Miss. The workers, me as well, have been thinking....."
Angelique listened to his endless speech without really even focusing, she had more important things to think. When sun was about to set and bathed whole room with golden light, Angelique stand up.
"Thank you. I will think about all that, and now excuse me, I really have to go"
She took her handbag and left so fast the work man hardly realized what just happened.
  She get into her car and drive as fast as she could towards Collinwood.
 Tears filled her eyes as not welcomed thought filled her mind. What if Barnabas haven't succeed to save Victoria, and had decide to follow her to death?
 She would not forgive herself if Barnabas was now dead. She needed to see him. Maybe he was with Victoria, holding that girl lovingly like he once held her, but right now she didn't care about that. She needed to know he was alive.
  On her way, as she now thought how he used to held her so lovingly, calming memory washed through her mind.

 .... "Bouchard!"
Angelique closed her eyes not to get too angry and turned to see old Johnson, "What you want?"
Old man smiled, obviously satisfied, which meant nothing else but that Angelique was in trouble.
Angelique raise eyebrow and looked at the man with cold look in her eyes.
"What?"
"You are in trouble Bouchard, and for once you will be punished so well that you will not move for week."
Angelique took deep breath, thinking of past few weeks. She had not done anything wrong. She wasn't even seen Barnabas at least for a week.
"What makes you think that?" She asked fearlessly.
"Mrs. Collins was looking for you from your room, and she found this!" Johnson said showing the book Barnabas had given to her long time ago.
"This belongs to young master Barnabas... You have steal it from his room. You will be punished Bouchard, I swear you will!"
Angelique took the book from his hand and hold it tightly against her chest, "No! I didn't steal it.."
Johnson took hold of her hair, "Give that book to me Bouchard!"
"Never!"
"Fine then" Johnson forced Angelique on her knees and kicked her stomach, causing her cry out in pain. Still she refused to let go of the book.
 He kept kicking her for quite some time, before angry voice called him other side of the room.
Johnson turned to look at the doorway. "Master Barnabas. Good you are here. Bouchard has taken something that belongs to you."
Barnabas came closer and looked down to Angelique who still held the book against her chest.
"She did not take it. I gave it to her." Barnabas said and looked coldly to Johnson.
"You have beat down innocent woman Johnson. I will speak to my father about this. You go to your room now, your own punishment waits for you until night falls"
"But master Barnabas, I-"
Barnabas stepped closer to him, "Leave!"
"Y-yes, of course." Johnson nodded and left as quickly as he could.
 Barnabas looked after him until he was gone, before he kneel down next to Angelique.
"My dear... I'm so sorry."
Angelique looked down to the book for while, fighting back her tears and offered it to Barnabas.
He shake his head, "No. It is yours." He looked at her bruised arms and he knew she had bruises all over her now. Her lower lip was bleeding and her hair was messy but her eyes were not filled with tears because of pain. She was helplessly sad.
Suddenly Barnabas felt burning hatred towards old man who had beated her down so badly. He wanted to go and beat him like he had beated Angelique.
 He gently offered his hand to help Angelique back to her feet, "Come with me. I must take care of those bruises."
Angelique looked at his hand for while but didn't accept his help, she tried to stand up on her own.
Barnabas couldn't stand to see how much she suffered. She couldn't even move without letting out weak whimpers of pain.
"Angelique, let me help you. Please."
She shake her head, bravely trying to walk towards her room.
"Why don't you speak? Angelique, you must let me help you... You are hurt. I cannot let you suffer like this. Let me help you my dear."
She shake her head, focusing on trying to get into her room until she was simply too weak to fight against the pain and fall down.
Barnabas run to her and kneel down, "Angelique? Angelique talk to me my dear. Do you need doctor?"
Angelique shake her head, trying to stand up.
Barnabas couldn't take it anymore. He lifted her to his arms and carried her to his room, gently laying her down to his bed.
"No... No." Angelique tried to sit up, coughing blood.
Barnabas watched her in shock. She was in worse condition than he had even imaginated.
He gently push her back to lay down and wipe the blood from her face.
"Angelique... Please, let me help you my dear."
She looked at him weakly, surprising to see tears in his eyes.
"W-why.. "
"Shh." Barnabas placed his finger gently against her lips and kissed her forehead.
She closed her eyes, enjoying the simple fact he was there with her.
"Let me help you." Barnabas begged gently. "Let me take care of you."
She cough few times again, tasting blood in her mouth.
Barnabas hold his hand under her mouth, "Let it all out.. I take care of you."
He fight back his own tears as he watched her coughing blood and trying to catch her breath in pain.
 When she stopped coughing, she fell against the pillow and closed her eyes.
"Angelique?... Angelique?"
When she didn't react anyhow to his calling, panic took over him. He took her hand in his own and kissed it, gently shaking her hand to make her open her eyes.
"Angelique! Angelique, open your eyes my dear, open your eyes. Wake up.. Wake up my love!"
 Angelique let out weak sigh, tiredly opening her eyes.
"Angelique?" Barnabas looked at her like he'd seen miracle, gently placing his hand on her cheek. "Angelique, my love, you're alive... Thank heaven you are alive." He kissed her carefully, tear falling down his cheek.
Angelique kissed him back and looked up to him softly.
"Why.. Why are you crying?" She asked weakly, wiping tear from his cheek.
"I thought I lost you." Barnabas answered honestly. "Please, let me take care of you."
 Touched of how deeply he cared for her, Angelique nodded.
Barnabas kissed her forehead and go to his small bathroom, filling his bathtub with warm water before he came to get her.
He carried her to bathroom and helped her undress. His heart hurt to see how awful bruises she had all around her body.
 Gently bathing her, he wash away the blood from her before helping her out of the bathtub and dry her gently with towel.
He carried her back to his bed and took care of the bruises, feeling like knife hitting through his heart every time she winced and whimpered in pain.
 Finally getting all bruises taken cared of, he go get her silky nightdress and help her wear it.
"How do you feel?" He asked, gently caressing her cheek as she lay on his bed.
She opened her eyes, looking up to him lovingly, "Much better... Thank you."
He smiled to her, kissing her lips ever so lightly not to hurt her.
"That's good. Do you want something to eat? Or drink at least."
Angelique licked her lips and smiled weakly. "No than- thank you... I'm fine."
"Angelique, you need to have something. You need more energy to heal. Please, let me get something for you."
"No... Please don't.. Don't leave me"
Barnabas couldn't help but feel great need to hold her, protect her.
"Very well. Then let me call servant to bring you something."
Angelique nodded.
He called the servant to bring her something she can swallow easily, not too hot, nor too cold. Then he came next to her, holding her gently in his arms.
 The servant brought them fruit pudding. Barnabas feed Angelique until she shake her head to tell she had got enough.
He gently caressed her face and hair to help her fall asleep.
"Barnabas.."
He looked down to her, "Yes my dear? Are you in pain? Do you need something?"
"No... I.. I want to stay.. With you.." She said, hardly being able to keep her eyes open. "Please.. Don't let me go.."
Barnabas smiled to her, kissing her gently. "Shh my dearest, sleep. Rest now, I will hold you through the night. In morning everything is better... I keep you safe. No one will hurt you again."
She smiled to him tiredly, "I.. I love you"
Barnabas hold her tighter, careful not to hurt her. He wanted to tell her that same. He did care for her deeply. He strongly believed he was in love with her.
"Sleep my love, sleep."
Angelique blinked few times to stay awake and snuggle against him. Loving the fact he held her so tightly, protecting her from the world. Hearing his strong, calm heart beat, she finally fell asleep.
 Barnabas closed his eyes to relax. He never let go of Angelique. He woke up few times during the night when she moved while she dreamed, but he didn't let her go, and always she found her way to snuggle against him, calming down and falling back to peaceful sleep.
"I love you Angelique." He whispered gently, holding her protectively against him.
She moved a little but didn't wake up.
He smiled to her, closing his eyes again and let himself fall asleep as well...

 Angelique stopped her car front of Collinwood.
"Doesn't look any better now that it did few months ago." She said to herself watching burned building. Rebuilding hadn't got started well yet.
 She got in the saved part of manor and walked through the halls, lookig for Barnabas.
"Angelique!" Elizabeth called.
Angelique didn't even bother to stop.
Elizabeth run to stop her.
"Don't think your new hair color fools me Angelique, what are you doing in my house."
"Go out of my way old woman. I'm looking for Barnabas, not you"
"Barnabas and Victoria are out."
"Out?"
"They left this morning, they haven't come back yet."
Angelique felt her heart getting heavier. She run out of the building and get into her car, driving towards Widow's Hill.
Once she got there, she get out of the car and looked down from the cliff.
If Barnabas and Victoria died there, ocean had surely wash their ashes away already.
 "Looking for someone, Angelique?" She heard voice behind her.
She turned around, seeing Barnabas standing right front of her.
He had bad burning marks all around him. His face was burned quite badly, and he hadn't got blood for long time so he wasn't healing fast.
Angelique stepped closer to him, watching him worriedly but releafed he was at least alive.
"You're alive... Thank goodness you're alive." Her eyes was filled with tears as she hugged him.
Barnabas growled slightly in pain but soon hugged her back.
"You thought I was dead?" He asked, feeling her tears fall against his shoulder.
"I was so afraid Barnabas... I wouldn't have been able to live if you'd been gone.. I love you Barnabas. I love you!"
Barnabas closed his eyes. "I know you do." He gently placed his hands on her waist and pushed her back, careful not to push her over the cliff.
"What?" Angelique asked, looking into his eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Victoria..."
"She's dead?"
Barnabas looked down, "No... But she will be if you don't take this curse away and help her."
Angelique looked shocked. Her worry disappeared and her hatred for this newborn Josette grow stronger.
"Never."
Barnabas looked at her, nearly begging her with his eyes. "Angelique, please. If you love me, you do this kindness and save her."
"Just so I could watch as she take you away from me?!"
Barnabas sighed. "No... "
Angelique looked slightly confused, but didn't give him chance to trick her again.
"I don't trust you... I don't let you make me believe I have chance, that you care about me."
Barnabas looked back, over his shoulder. Obviously somewhere where Victoria was.
"If.. If I promise to marry you, will you save her?"
Angelique looked at him eyes wide, "How stupid you think I am?"
Barnabas turned to look at her, pulled her closer and kissed her.
She hadn't expect that, blinking her eyes in surprise few times before kissed him back.
"If you save her... If you become the woman you were before. I will marry you Angelique. I will love you again."
"But you don't love.. Not now. You give rules that I have to live with so you love me.... I'm not stupid Barnabas. You don't love me."
"I did love you, when you was yourself... I did love you. And if I would get back that loving, caring, kind, sometimes so funny and sweet woman, I would love her. I would marry her... I don't deny, I might miss Victoria, but I would rather see her happy with someone else than see her die. I would be happy with my own wife, that kind and caring woman, who doesn't wish to hurt anyone."
Angelique listened him, considering carefully how true he might be speaking.
Barnabas kissed her lightly and turned away.
"If you choose to save her, follow me... In return, I will choose you. I will love you again." He said, difficultly walking back to the forest to take care of Victoria.
 Angelique looked after him, narrowing her eyes. If this was just a trick he could save Victoria to be with her again, Angelique had to have a plan as well how to get one step forward. She had to make a plan, and she had to make it so water proof that he would not betray this deal.