Plans failed

 
 "Will you accept?" Barnabas asked.
"You still haven't answered my question, and I need your answer before I can give mine."
Barnabas sighed, he should have known that nothing was simple with Angelique.
"I do not marry you only because the deal we made. Your... Actions lately, are proven that you are getting better. As.. As you were, when I fell in love with you."
"So you love me?"
"I... Yes, I do."
Angelique narrowed her eyes, "If you'd love me, you wouldn't hesitate to say it like you just did."
"I only thought of that.. I am falling in love with you again. All the same I still love you at the moment."
"What about tomorrow? Will you love me then? Or is it just moments here and there when you love me?"
"Angelique.. Do not make this so difficult. I love you. Is that not what you wished?"
"It was, and still is."
"Then accept my proposal."
 Angelique took deep breath, "Fine, I accept it. Lets see if you really do love me enough to marry me."
"Is this... A test?" Barnabas asked, raising eyebrow curiously.
"So to speak."
"Hm.. Strange woman." Barnabas said and turned to leave.
"Where you're going?"
"To inform my family of wedding to come." Barnabas said, nodded shortly for goodbye and left.
 Angelique looked after him for while. "Oh no, you don't... You don't make it so easy for me to get you.. Whatever you're planning Barnabas Collins, it will not work. And you indeed will be mine."
 
   .... Angelique pulled her long dark hair up and looked at her reflection from old dusty piece of mirror. She didn't really feel like going to kitchen and start yet again to make breakfast for Collins family.
She had been feeling strange few days now and she doubt all the hurry and stress did no good for her situation.
 "Angelique, goodness sake you came." Old Mrs.Bennett whispered to Angelique.
Angelique lowered her head a bit, "Why? Has something happened?" She asked whispering.
Mrs.Bennett nodded, "Mr. and Mrs. Collins are going to sell two of us to this old couple who has just arrived."
Angelique looked at older woman, "Sell us?"
"Yes, this couple is going to move to countryside and they need two servants. Master had promised to sell two from Collinwood."
Angelique rolled her eyes, "Like Collins family didn't have money enough..."
Mrs.Bennett laughed, "Yes, yes, but so has this couple. You see they has no children. They most probably shall leave their house to maids after they die. I have a feeling you will soon get new home Angelique"
"What, why me?"
"You're young and most beautiful of us. They could easily even say you are their daughter. Yes, yes my dear, you have fine face and lovely form that you carry with pride. They will surely take you with them."
Angelique looked away, "I don't want new home. Collinwood is my home."
Mrs.Bennett nodded, "Such change may feel frightening, but trust me child, it will be best thing that has ever happened to you."
 "I dare to doubt that." Angelique said, suddenly feeling more sick than earlier. "Excuse me.." She run to nearest bathroom but even she felt really sick, nothing happened.
She leaned against the wall and held her both hands on her stomach, thinking hardly what all she had eaten past few days. Could she have eaten something that was not anymore good to eat.
 Nothing came into her mind and she go back to kitchen.
Mrs.Bennett seemed to know right away what was going on, "Angelique.." She whispered, pulling Angelique aside, "Who is it?"
"Who is what?"
"Angelique. Don't try to fool me, I have lived that through too when I got my son."
Angelique stepped back, "Excuse me?"
"For god's sake Angelique, you are pregnant."
"What?! I'm not. I can't, it's... It's.. Impossible."
"Come, come now child, you don't notice it by yourself but I do notice that you have acted very strangely past few days. It must have been few weeks since you.. You were-"
"Right, I got the point Mrs.Bennett." Angelique said quickly. She didn't want to hear about her own love life from others.
"So who is it?"
"N-no one you know.. I just.. Met someone while I was going to town to get more food."
"And you end up sleeping with him? A man you didn't know? Angelique, I know you're better than that.. It's Young Master Barnabas, isn't it?"
"No! It's not. He has nothing to do with it." Angelique said and left.
   Indeed, later that day, all servants were called to dining room and old couple watched carefully all of them.
Angelique who was serving tea for these visitors, could easily notice that old man hardly could get his eyes off of her.
 "I am terribly sorry I am late" Barnabas said as he came to dining room and sit down. "At the Company, there was little error to solve, but now everything is working as usually."
Barnabas' father looked proud of his son, "Our Barnabas here leads our company by himself. Of course I help him as much as I can, but I also know that our business is in good hands when my wife and I are traveling."
 Old couple looked at Barnabas, who smiled charmingly, "My father is flattering me. I only try my best."
 Angelique brought him teacup and poured some tea.
Barnabas looked at her and nodded his thanks to her as she left again.
 His father cleared his throat, "Barnabas, this gentleman and his lovely wife has come to buy few of our servants."
Barnabas looked at his father, "Our servants?" He looked at the couple and smiled a bit, "I apologize, I was not aware of this. I am little confused."
 "That girl looks like something we are looking for." Old man said, pointing to Angelique who brought tray of pies to table.
"What, me?" She asked, looking slightly shocked.
"Yes, you my dear." Old man said.
Angelique looked at all Collinses one after another to find support from them so she didn't have to go.
Finally her pleading looks did a trick to Barnabas, who cleared his throat.
"I'm afraid, my good gentleman, that Angelique is not for sale. She has been with us very early on and she is trusted to stay with us to take a lead to our other servants in time." He said, sounding very business like.
 "What a pity." Old man said.
Angelique managed to smile a bit and left the room.
 "I told you they would pick you." Mrs.Bennett said.
"Collinwood is my home." Angelique said and left to her own room.
Later that evening Barnabas came to her room.
"It was close." He sighed and sit down to her bed.
"Yes, it was. Your parents would have love to sell me."
"Indeed they would. You are young, you would have been treasure for them."
"My place is here. With you."
Barnabas smiled a bit, "Your loyalty is admirable."
Angelique wrapped her arms around him, "Hold me Barnabas.. Please hold me. Just for while."
Barnabas pulled her into tight embrace, burying his face to her hair.
 Angelique closed her eyes for while, imagining already how they could be happy family once she gives a birth to his child. She didn't dare to say a word to him yet, but she was sure he would be excited once he'd find out. She just didn't know how terribly wrong her plan would go....

  She snapped out of her memories when her phone ring.
"Yes?"
"Miss Bouchard, security guard has catch suspicious man spying from our windows and trying to get into your office."
"Is there any idea who he is?" Angelique asked.
"His name is Willie Loomis."
Angelique hissed angrily, "I will be right there." She said and left.
Collins family was still trying to ruin her plans, just when she thought for little moment that everything would be fine and she and Barnabas could become the family she's always dreamed about.
 "They'll pay for this. Everything is allowed in love and war.. And this is both"

Dream or not

   ... "Let me hear you say I love you Angelique.. I want you"
"Angelique... I'm sorry my dear but, you'd be hearing a lie"
Angelique opened her eyes. It had been 50 years since Barnabas was buried and she still saw dreams of him. Usually they were good, but now she had been seeing nightmares of the day when he broke her heart. 

 She got up and go to get glass of water.
It was still way too early to go to see how her business was going at the Angel Bay, so she go back to her bedroom and choose beautiful, classy dress to wear.
 She did her hair elegantly curly and looked at herself from mirror for while, trying to smile to herself, with not so great success.
 She turned around and took her keys, going out.
Without really even thinking about it, she soon found herself walking to the direction of Barnabas' grave.
She wondered could he actually sense her presence if she really tried to reach for him? Could he hear her?
Did he ever even thought about her?
 When she finally came to the spot where Barnabas was buried, she kneel down and gently touched the ground, knowing Barnabas was right under.
 "Can you hear me my love? Can you feel me?... 50 years has passed and here we are. I can't forget you.. Only if you'd have loved me, none of this would have happen.. One day, I'll give you another chance. I'll come to get you.. Rest now my love, rest, under this cold ground."
 She stand up and sighed. It felt surprisingly difficult to leave him there again.
She wished she could see him. Just once. Touch him. Maybe give a kiss to him.
Knowing all that was impossible, she left back home, recalling all their moments together....

"Miss Bouchard? Miss Bouchard, are you listening?"
Angelique blinked, "Yes, what?"
Her workers looked at her like wondering if she was alright.
"What?" She hissed. She wasn't really in mood to explain herself anyhow.
"We.. We were telling you how our ship has been fixed little earlier than expected. This is good news Miss Bouchard."
"Of course it is.. Is it all you needed to say?"
"Yes.. "
"Good. I'm going home. I'm tired. Hawkins is in order if something happens." She said, taking her car keys and leaving, not caring about that her workers were looking after her like she had just told them something very strange.
 She got into her car and drive right away to Collinwood.
"Angelique! What are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked. Clearly not happy to see her.
"Go away old woman, I didn't come here to see you."
"You came for Barnabas." Elizabeth said with mocking voice.
Angelique narrowed her eyes, "Where is he?"
Elizabeth seemed to enjoy the moment. "He's taking Vicky and Carolyn to the train."
 Angelique hissed and left again so fast Elizabeth hardly got to see her fancy car other than lights disappearing to the horizon.
 She didn't need to go far, Barnabas was already on his way back home.
She stopped the car and got out.
"Barnabas!"
He looked up and saw Angelique coming towards him. "Angelique.. What may you be wanting?"
He raised his eyebrow curiously when she didn't say anything, simply kept coming towards him until they finally met and she wrapper her arms around his neck, kissing him.
Barnabas blinked few times until he accepted her affections, slowly wrapping his arms around her.
 "Hmm, I missed you" Angelique said softly when she finally break the kiss.
Barnabas blinked his eyes open, "And that is why you were looking for me?"
"Yes. Do I need any better reason to look for you?"
"No.. No. Of course not." He shake his head and cleared his throat, "Angelique, we.. We need to talk. Alone. As soon as.. Possible."
Angelique looked curious now, "Why?"
"We just need to. I have important manner to discus with you about."
"Hm, well. You could come to me tonight and I can make us a bath. Have some wine..."
"I need you sober. What I am going to talk with you about must be taken more seriously than you are able to when you have had wine."
Angelique laughed, "What so important you'd ever have to say to me that I couldn't have some wine? Are you planning to take over the world?"
Barnabas seemed uncomfortable with her sarcasm. "No.. I have important things to say."
 "That you want me to turn you back to mortal?"
"It is one of them. Not the main reason why we must talk, I know already you are not willing to do it."
Angelique was getting restless, "Don't keep me waiting Barnabas, I don't like it. Just say what you have to say."
Barnabas shake his head, "Tonight. I shall come at 9.00 PM. Do not drink before I arrive. I do need you sober."
 He let her go and kept walking, leaving her look after him.
She sighed and got back in her car, driving towards her house.
When she finally stopped in front of the building, she got out and watched her house for while. She didn't really get it why Barnabas won't live with her there. It was beautiful house.
 Getting in, she go to her bedroom and lay down on her bed, closing her eyes for while.
It had felt good to kiss him after so long time, still she wished she could snuggle close to him and let him hold her forever. She didn't necessarily need them to get naughty, but she wanted to be near to him.
 Without really noticing it, she fell asleep, waking up next time when her doorbell ring.
She sit up, wondering if she had imagined it.
Hearing knocking from the door and Barnabas calling her name, she got up quickly and checked herself from mirror before going to open the door.
 "Where were you? I do hope you have not been drinking"
"I.. I fell asleep. It was stressful day at work."
"Ah, then that is quite alright." Barnabas nodded and got inside.
Angelique closed the door and followed him to living room. "Now what is that so important thing you need to talk with me about?"
 "Patience is not your best ability" Barnabas smiled.
Angelique shoot him sharp look and he quickly said: "I recall you were planning to travel."
"Yes, why?"
"I would like to join you."
"Join me?"
"Yes. I would like to go to Liverpool, see if there might be any of our relatives left."
"I'm not planning to go anywhere near there."
 Barnabas sighed. "Why would you not?"
"I have no business to go there. My interest is in other places." Angelique said simply and left to kitchen.
Barnabas followed her and growled under his breath, taking the glass she had taken. "You have not even listened the rest of what I have to say!"
"How much more you might have to say that I haven't heard before?! I will not release you from your curse, nor get you to Liverpool." She asked and took wine bottle from freezer.
Barnabas took the bottle from her and throw it away.
"Hey!" Angelique watched glass bottle break and wine stain her carpets. "You bastard! Look what mess it made!"
"It is small worry Angelique, now listen to me!" Barnabas said, taking hold of her arm and taking her back to living room.
Angelique sighed, "Could you finally get into the point?"
"Yes, if you are listening."
"Well you didn't exactly give me very many options, so I am."
Barnabas cleared his throat and seemed slightly uncomfortable. "I.. I would like to.. Suggest a day for.. Our marriage."
Angelique blinked few times, her heart skipping a beat until her brain told her not to take him too seriously.
"Right.. That day I doubt we will ever see."
Barnabas looked at her in shock, "You are... Refusing?"
"Refusing what?"
"To marry me."
"You're not serious. You don't love me."
Barnabas looked down, "I may have.. Acted the way that may lead you to believe I am lacking of love for you, but.. In a way, I do love you."
Angelique looked at him for while, million thoughts and memories running circle in her mind, trying to find some excuse he's trick her now to think her loved her.
"You want to marry me?"
"I do. It was.. Our deal."
"Right.. The deal." Angelique turned to leave again but her took hold of her hand. "Angelique, are you not.. going to accept my proposal?"
"Of course I would, if it was real" She said and pulled her hand free.
She didn't get to go very far until her catches  her again, lifting her up into his arms and kissing her gently.
Angelique closed her eyes, finding herself thinking if that was a dream, she didn't want to wake up.

Wish of a kiss

 
  Barnabas knew Angelique had something to do with that Victoria was leaving, and especially with Carolyn.
He was noticed the moon being nearly full, and something alarmed in his mind that Angelique had planned that all along. Making Victoria travel with Carolyn alone when she turned into her wolf form and lost control.
 He had not yet got Angelique alone with him for long time enough to make her stop her plan, but he was going to. He had successfully got Elizabeth to keep girls from leaving before week was out.
It was Friday already, one more night until full moon and girls were about to leave next morning.
   Angelique heard noises from hallway and looked up from her papers.
"Mr.Collins, you can't go there now! She does not have ti-"
The door opened and Barnabas walked right in front of her desk.
Her worker came to the doorway, "I'm sorry Miss Bouchard, I couldn't stop him."
Angelique nodded, "It's quite alright. I have little moment. Close the door."
When door closed, Barnabas took hold of Angelique's neck. "You planned to kill Victoria. Now stop your cruel plan!"
Angelique took hold of his wrist and pushed him away. "Didn't your dear Doggie tell you whole story?"
"Whole story?" Barnabas repeated slightly confused and sit down.
"Yes. I made a deal with Carolyn. She keeps Victoria Winters away from Collinsport, and I release her from her curse. I let them go Barnabas. They travel together like teenagers these days usually do. See the world and find friends and learn new things. Does that sound like I'm trying to kill them?"
 Barnabas looked completely surprised. "Why would you let them go so.. Easily?"
"For you my love." Angelique said simply. "I want Victoria away from you, and you don't want me to kill her. So I sent her away. She'll live full and healthy life else where, and I don't need to bother my thoughts with her. As for Carolyn.. I release her against the favor that she keeps Victoria away. If they return to Collinsport, her curse will return to her."
 "Now that makes more sense.. Yet, it still surprises me you allow them leave unharmed."
"I promised you I will get better, didn't I?"
"Indeed. But you will not... Release me?"
Angelique sighed and looked out of the window. "You know what it takes to make me even consider releasing you."
 Barnabas nodded, looking down at his demonic hands, "a Marriage."
"Proposal is enough for start."
"Yes.. But with no attentions to get married, it is useless to propose."
Angelique looked at him, "You're not going to marry me at all?"
Barnabas looked at her, realizing few seconds too late that he had made huge mistake. "No, no! I didn't mean it that way.. I mean.. I don't know yet when... And I won't-"
Angelique stand up and pointed the door, "Get out before I make sure that your beloved Victoria is no longer in condition to move even her finger."
Barnabas swallowed, "Angelique, we will be married, but I do not know yet when!"
"Don't test my patience Barnabas, you're already pushing it over the edge."
Barnabas looked down, "I am sorry."
"It's quite not enough anymore."
He sighed heavily and left. He should have known that Angelique would easily misunderstand him.
He should have thought more carefully what to say.
  Angelique sit back down to her chair and sighed, massaging her temples.
Why Barnabas had to play around with her? As if he didn't care about her feelings at all.
She turned to look through the window as Barnabas walked away from Angel Bay. Her fingers touched her lips unconsciously and she sighed. She couldn't even remember when he had last time kissed her as he used to kiss her when they were happy, so very long time ago.

 .... It was Christmas Eve. Angelique and all other maids were spent all day in kitchen, preparing the Christmas dinner to Collins family. Hard work it was, constantly keeping them busy, but all Angelique was able to think was her gift to Barnabas. Sure she didn't have money, nor she had any chance to go to the town even if she had, but she still wanted to give him something.
 When all was ready they left to their chambers one after another. Angelique leaving the last, making sure everything was ready for the morning when they started the same project again.
 She stretched her arms and her back before she walked downstairs to her chamber.
"Finally. I thought you never come." She heard familiar voice and felt arms coming around her waist.
"Barnabas! What are you doing here?" She asked perfectly surprised and she turned to look at him.
"I came to see you."
"See me?"
"Yes. Come to my room Angelique, I wish for your company."
"I don't know Barnabas... I have to wake up really early and-"
"So do I. We go to the town after breakfast, so much to do before we can come home to Christmas dinner."
Angelique sighed, "Fine, but don't be surprised if I'm gone when you wake up"
Barnabas smiled, "I will hold on to you so that will not happen"
Angelique couldn't help but smile.
They go to Barnabas' room and he locked the door. "Now we are safe."
"Safe? From what?"
"From the world to see us." Barnabas answered and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her lips gently.
"Sometimes I wish that we won't need to hide." Angelique said softly.
"I wish that too. But there is no much we can do about it."
Angelique held her tongue from saying that he could perfectly well do something about it.
 Barnabas still seemed to know what she was thinking. "I wish I could.. But you know how huge mess it would be. I am not ready for that."
Angelique smiled a bit, "Of course.."
He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. "I have a gift for you."
"Me?"
"Of course, who else?" He laughed.
Angelique looked shamed of herself. She still didn't know what to give to him, and he had already found something for her.
"Angelique? What is the matter?" Barnabas asked, sitting down next to her and placing his finger under her chin to make her look at him.
 "Nothing." She smiled a bit.
"I am not accepting that answer, I know something is bothering you."
Angelique shake her head, trying to hide her smile, "You know me too well."
"So share your burden." Barnabas smiled.
"It's just... I have some troubles to.. prepare my gift for you. Makes me feel like a fool."
 Barnabas laughed, "Good god Angelique, that is not a problem you need to worry about."
Angelique felt her cheeks getting warm, "I'm sorry."
Barnabas placed him hand to her cheek, caressing her face gently. "You are the gift I most wish for."
"I am?"
"You are." He nodded.
Angelique smiled, "Your wish will be granted."
"Perfect." Barnabas smiled and kissed her.
   Indeed Angelique was long gone by the time Barnabas finally woke up, and he didn't have a chance to see her until much later, right before his dinner with his family.
 "Come to my room when you are finished." He whispered to her when she brought food to the table with other servants.
She nodded slightly and kept working.
It was nearly midnight when she got to leave from kitchen and go to Barnabas' room.
She knocked carefully and waited until he opened.
"Perfect, come in." He smiled.
She entered the room and surprised to see roses everywhere and couple glass of wine, sparkling red with candle light.
 Barnabas gave her a glass, "Merry Christmas Angelique."
"Merry Christmas Barnabas."
They took small sips from their wine until Barnabas took hold of her hand, leading her to his bathroom.
"Bath with me."
Angelique looked around small bathroom and smiled. "Gladly."
  Sitting there, in hot bath water and sipping wine, Angelique felt some kind of wave of exhaustion and closed her eyes for while. She had worked two days without time to sleep much, without chance to relax at all.
 Barnabas touched her cheek, "Angelique?"
She opened her eyes and smiled to him, "Yes?"
"Are you tired?" He asked, studying her eyes.
"No. Not really. It's just that, I haven't had time to relax past few days, it feels so good to be here without any hurry."
 Barnabas smiled, "Indeed, we have no hurry."
"Good. I'd hate to ruin our perfect moment."
"You have read my thoughts."
 They drink their wine and placed the glasses to the floor.
"I figured out perfect gift for you." Angelique said, leaning towards him.
"You did? What may be that?"
"A bath.. "She smiled, kissing his lips softly until placed gentle kisses down his neck, "With love."
 Barnabas' eyes fell  closed, "Indeed.. Perfect gift." He admitted.
 She smiled of her plan working so well, playfully biting his skin.
He groaned slightly and pulled her into loving kiss. "Now I feel fool, my gift for you isn't as good as this"
"You are best gift I could get."
He laughed gently and kissed her, "Your wish will be granted." ....

  Angelique sighed and shake her head, trying to focus on her work. She shouldn't be thinking about Barnabas like that middle of work day. It messed with her thoughts way too much.
 Being in love was her weakness, but if she ought of living without him again, her heart was about to shatter.
 How can one man in whole world make her so messed up, and so in love she's ready to do anything?
Right now she could have give anything to get Barnabas back there and simply kiss her. But she knew he would not do that. Not when he was so sure she was trying to kill his precious Vicky.
So she decided to take small break until the feeling of needing him would pass by and she could focus on her work again.

Lose something good to get better, or other way around

  Collins family was expecting Angelique to release them from their curses now as she held great gratitude for them, but Angelique hadn't do anything to make their life easier.
 Elizabeth was getting angry to Barnabas for defending Angelique.
"She is busy at the moment, she will keep her promise." He kept telling them.
Barnabas himself had drown into his quilt of nearly killing Victoria. She was still in hospital, but as Carolyn had visited her, she had seemed to be alright.
 By Carolyn's words, Victoria had looked tired and somewhat sad. Barnabas could blame himself for that. Victoria had sacrificed herself for him twice already, but he was still about to leave her forever to join Angelique.
 When it was nearly night of full moon, Carolyn walked into Angelique's office by herself.
 Angelique looked up from the papers as she heard the door opening.
"Well, what you want, Dog?"
Carolyn slammed the door closed, "You promised us to release us from the curse!"
"Calm down Doggie, I'm busy woman." Angelique smiled, obviously enjoying to see Carolyn in such frustrated statement.
 "You promised!"
"And Barnabas promised to marry me, yet he hasn't proposed me."
Carolyn looked at Angelique with wide eyes. "don't tell me that was your condition to release us"
"It was, and it still is."
Carolyn sighed, "Look, my life sucks already, I don't mind if he marries you. Our family is crazy enough already. One witch in family tree doesn't bother me. Okay you got my blessing, now can't you just release me, okay?"
 Angelique laughed and Carolyn seemed to get somewhat smaller.
"Obviously not.." She said.
"No, Carolyn. I don't need your blessing for anything." Angelique laughed.
Carolyn looked down, "Well, if I ask Vicky to take me to New York? I could live with Vicky... Well, at least for while.. Mom might let me go if Vicky is babysitting me.. You could get rid of Vicky. Barnabas wouldn't have her around then."
 Angelique watched Carolyn for while, "And how you're going to make that happen?"
"Well.. I don't know yet! come on, it was just suggestion! I will figure out something if you release me from this damn curse."
 "Hm... Fine then, I will release you.. If you get Victoria Winters away from Collinsport, and keep her away. Because if she comes back, she dies. And your curse will return."
Carolyn swallowed and kept looking at Angelique. "O-okay.. I can always come and make new deal with you."
 Angelique smiled, "What makes you think you have anything I would want then?"
Carolyn didn't know what to say, so she turned to leave. "Well I go see Vicky, and make a plan to leave.."
Angelique nodded, "Once Victoria Winters is out of Collinsport, you will be released. If she comes back, your curse return to you"
"Damn fair game witch..." Carolyn said more to herself than to Angelique.
Angelique smiled and watched from window as Carolyn walked towards Collinsport hospital.
"Go my little Doggie, I never said when you will be released... Only that you will, when Victoria is gone. By that time.. Ups, you may have killed her already."
     When Angelique was finished with her work, she turn lights off and took her car keys from her handbag, but when she locked the door and turned to walk towards her car, she saw male figure waiting for her next to her car.
 She narrowed her eyes and walked closer.
"You should not work so late without any guardians around." Familiar voice said.
Angelique sighed and go to the car. "What are you doing here Thomas?"
"I came to make sure that Collins doesn't hurt you. I saw his family member walk out there and thought he may be coming too."
"Barnabas is not going to hurt me again. And I can handle him by myself."
"You need wooden stake to handle him."
"No!" Angelique hissed coldly.
"He's dangerous! If you think about the best of these people who worship you, you would get rid of him!"
"I can control him."
"How? With chains and coffins?"
"By turning him to human."
"Wha-?!" Thomas stepped one step back. "You're not going to turn him into a human... Are you?"
Angelique massaged her temples, "Maybe. I don't know.. "
 "Angelique!" Another voice called.
"Perfect.." Angelique sighed.
Barnabas came from shadows, "Is this true... Are you-?" He swallowed, asking more carefully, "Are you going to release me?"
 Thomas took wooden stake him his pocket, "You're not going to find that out Collins!"
"Thomas don't!" Angelique hissed, taking tight hold of his wrist.
Thomas looked at his wrist, soon trying to pull himself free. "No, no, no.. Stop it! Stop it!"
Barnabas looked at the man and then his wrist Angelique was holding.
His hand had deep burning marks that spread to his hand and up his arm. Slowly but surely causing serious burnings to his flesh like he had kept his hand in fire.
 Barnabas looked at Angelique, she seemed beyond angry. Her hatred, that Barnabas had witnessed so many times and so many ways, was taken over her. Barnabas couldn't still exactly judge her to be evil because of it now. She was protecting him. She did love him, in her own way that he had yet to learn understand completely.
 "Angelique.." He called softly, gently taking hold of her arm. "Let him go."
Angelique looked at Barnabas and opened her mouth first to protest, until slowly letting go of Thomas who held his burned arm like a baby.
 "He will tell-"
"No. He will not." Barnabas said and turned to look at the man, reaching out his hand to hypnotize him.
"That trick will not work!" Thomas growled, trying to attack on Barnabas again.
Before Angelique was able to do or say anything, Barnabas had sink his fangs into Thomas' neck.
With no time, Thomas was dead and Barnabas let his body drop to the ground.
 Angelique looked at the body for while before looked at Barnabas, gently wiping the blood from his chin and lips.
"You tried."
Barnabas nodded. She understood his quilt and pain of killing people, even she never showed it.
"I tried.."
"I know." Angelique said softly, leaning against him and wrap her arm around him to comforting hug.
 Slowly he wrapped his arms around her too, holding her tightly.
"Turn me into human Angelique... I beg."
"Will you marry me?"
"Angelique... I do not want my proposal to be so.. Unromantic."
Angelique pulled back, "Then no. I will not turn you into human"
Barnabas took her hands into his own, "Angelique! I said I won't ever marry you. I meant.. I want to make my proposal in a way that you will be happy to remember. This.. This is not right way to do it."
 "I'll think about your releasing then again. Good night Barnabas." Angelique said and got into her car, soon driving out of his sight.
Barnabas sighed. "Stubborn woman..." He cursed and left back to Collinwood.

 .... "Father, you promised we would have dinner with-"
"I know, I'm sorry son. You understand I have my duties. Perhaps next Sunday."
Barnabas watched as his father got on back of the horse and left.
"And then next Sunday, and then next Sunday..." He said and kicked nearest little rock like teenager who hasn't got what he wanted.
 Barnabas looked Collinwood, wondering would he become a father like his own father. He shake his head and walked back inside.
 "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see-"
"No, I apologize it's my fa-.. Angelique." Barnabas smiled. "I thought you were sent to the town."
"No, I wasn't. Your father told me to go there next week. He go now."
"I know.."
Angelique watched him carefully, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, yes.. "Barnabas smiled a bit, waving his hand like it was nothing. "I'm just.. Thoughtful."
Angelique raised eyebrow, "Thoughtful? You expect me to believe that?"
Barnabas sighed, but smiled still, "Why must you know me so well?"
 Angelique smiled, "You know why."
"Hm, I think so... Come, I need another dancing lesson."
Angelique laughed, "I sense a slight excuse hidden in that line Master Barnabas."
"Your senses are too good then. I didn't notice it." Barnabas winked and lead her to his room...

 Barnabas stopped in front of Collinwood. He wished he could build it back to its former glory, but now, he didn't have such fortune.  Angelique was his only hope to get so much money to build it back, but she wasn't going to help him with that very easily, if he knew her right.
 "Barnabas!" He heard voice calling.
He turned around and smiled, "Ah, Victoria! Thank god you have recovered."
Victoria came to him and smiled sadly. "How are you?" She asked softly.
"I am very glad to see you so well." Barnabas said. "But why is such sadness in your eyes?"
Victoria looked down for while and then back to Barnabas. "I'm going to go back to New York. With Carolyn."
 Barnabas looked shocked, "Absolutely not! Victoria.. Sweet Victoria, you mustn't ever go back to place that has caused such terrible pain for you."
"I will be alright. No one knows me really. And Carolyn will be with me."
Barnabas felt tears rising to his eyes, "Do not go. Please.. Stay. David needs your assistance."
"Barnabas... I have nothing left to stay.. Something was pulling me here for a reason. You were that reason Barnabas. Now, you have your own way to go with Angelique.. I have nothing left." Victoria said, tear falling down her cheek. She leaned closer to him and kissed his cheek lightly. "Goodbye Barnabas"
  "Victoria, no! Don't leave... Don't leave me.." Barnabas called after her, but she kept walking. Obviously going to pack. Blood tear run down his own cheek. He had once again lost his beloved one.

As they used to be

  Victoria had taken care of Elizabeth and Carolyn by the time Barnabas was opening his eyes.
He looked around, trying to say something Victoria couldn't exactly understand.
She kneel down next to him, studying his eyes.
"Barnabas? Barnabas, can you hear me? Do you see me?"
"Josette?"
Victoria smiled a little, "Close enough." She helped Barnabas to sit.
Barnabas covered his eyes with his hand, suddenly falling back to lay down.
"Barnabas!" Victoria looked around, trying to figure out something to help him.
"Barnabas, listen.. You need blood, right? You haven't had any for too long time." She held her wrist for him to bite but he pushed her hand away, "No.. No.. I might- " He shake his head and looked around the room dizzily.
Victoria sighed and looked around. Angelique was laying on the floor, still unconscious.
She smiled then, reaching out to touch Angelique's hand.
"Perfect.." She whispered to herself, using Angelique's nails to make bleeding wound to her wrist before she pulled back and held her hand out for Barnabas.
"You need blood Barnabas. You won't harm me. You don't. I know it."
Barnabas winced and pulled back, "No! No! Get it away from me!"
"No! Barnabas you have to feed!" Victoria said stubbornly, pressing her wrist against his lips.
Barnabas wasn't able fight against his thirst for long. He bared his fangs, sinking them deep into Victoria's wrist, causing her cry out in pain.
Obviously Victoria haven't thought of that he was in not condition to fight against his Vampire-nature even if he didn't want to hurt her. He held her arm too tightly for her to even try to pull back, feeding from her blood, soon making her dizzy with blood loss.
 Victoria tried to call his name, ask him to stop, but he didn't seem to hear her.
She watched him feeding hungrily and smiled a bit, before she fell unconscious against his shoulder.
Barnabas felt her falling against him and he stopped for while, soon pulling his fangs from her wrist.
"Victoria! Victoria!" He shake her gently, trying to wake her up, pulling her into his arms.
"Victoria.. Sweet Victoria.. " He run his finger against her cheek,  remembering the night when she had turned into a Vampire. They were meant to be together forever.
 He blinked his eyes and looked around for Angelique.
The Witch was still dead to the world.
He lay Victoria down to the floor gently, going to Angelique and shake her a bit.
"Angelique.. Angelique.. I need your help. Awaken Angelique!"
"Hm... It hurts.."
Barnabas lean down closer to her, "What?"
"Hurts.." Angelique said and opened her eyes for while, soon closing them again.
"What hurts? Angelique, you must help. Victoria- she, she needs your help! She.. She offered her blood.. I- I couldn't.. Stop, in time."
"You killed her?"
"No! No.. Her heart beats still. You must help her."
"Barnabas I can't bring her back from the dead. She'd be zombie. She wouldn't be Victoria you knew."
"She is not dead yet! Help her!"
Elizabeth stepped closer, "I will take her to the hospital. They can give her more blood in her system there."
Barnabas looked up to her, "Thank you."
"Look after Carolyn, she is sleeping now." Elizabeth said and go to pull Victoria with her to the car.
Barnabas nodded, looking at Carolyn who was sleeping on comfortable chair until he looked back to Angelique.
 "You must be healed Angelique."
"Must be?... Then I'm not living up to your rules Barnabas.."
Barnabas pulled her to sit up, seeing that the hole in her chest wasn't got any better. In fact, her usual hollow body was now as ordinary human body, and the wound in her chest was bleeding.
"How-? Angelique, what happened?"
Angelique looked down at her chest, "Perfect... She took my ability to heal myself."
"She took your powers?"
"No.. Just my ability to heal myself."
"How?"
"Distracting my powers! That's how. I have my powers.. Otherwise I would be dead by now. They are just not.. Not working as they used to be... It's like memory loss. You have to start learning again, then you remember a little and a little more, in the end you get the memory back. Now my powers has lost its memory how to heal me."
Barnabas didn't seem to listen, his fangs were bared and he watched carefully the bleeding wound on her chest.
"Barnabas?" Angelique looked up to him, seeing him ready to attack on her. She knew it was useless to try to talk to him, he was still poisoned by werewolf and his need for blood was strong enough to make him forget who he was.
 She pulled back slowly, not breaking eye contact with him until she was few steps away from him.
She stand up and stepped to the hallway, slamming the door closed just in time to feel Barnabas hit himself against the door.
 "This is like those pathetic action movies... Trying to escape from Vampire.. "Angelique sighed and tried to keep the door closed.
 She looked around, trying to find anything to help her. The wound was making her weaker and she wouldn't be able to keep Barnabas away for long.
"Bats... Vampires are- bats... Well, in a way" She took bright flashlight and tested that it works.
When Barnabas break down the door, she pointed bright light to his face.
 He stepped back few steps, covering his face. Obviously fearing it was sunlight.
 "Barnabas?"
He looked at her carefully, "What is that thing?!"
Angelique shut down flashlight and came to him. "It's just light.. "
 "I highly dislike it." Barnabas said.
"Back to your own self again."
"I.. I couldn't help it.. I.." He looked down, obviously shamed of himself.
"You are a Vampire. Poisoned by Werewolf. You need more blood... You should go. Go out and slaughter half of the town."
"No.. I must not. You are wounded."
"And you are compelled to slaughter me. It will not help me"
He sighed. Angelique knew that his nature was fighting against his own desire to kill.
 "Barnabas, go. You get enough blood, then you will be able to help me. I will be fine.. In time"
He looked at her for while and nodded, "Very well.." He left quickly, leaving Angelique leaning against the wall in her weakened state.
 She looked after him, remembering how he always had been so dedicated to help others.
He had always put other before himself. Just like she had done before everything had gone wrong.
 She fell to sit down to the floor and covered her wound with her hand. Her heart was beating slower now.
She sighed and closed her eyes, sinking into her own memories.

  ... "Mrs.Collins, I'm sure he will come back before- Before The time." Angelique said, trying to make Mrs.Collins stop her hysterical crying.
 "No, he doesn't! Work, always work! He doesn't care!"
Angelique sighed. She knew how hard it was to lose a child, but she didn't understand why Mrs.Collins hadn't told her husband. She would have tell Barnabas about their lost child if she could, but it would have bring even more problems. Mrs.Collins on the other hand, was perfectly able to tell her husband and get his support.
 Then again, he might blame Mrs.Collins just more. She had drunk way too much while carrying the child. Now it was dead.
 Little baby girl had stayed alive two and half hours after she was born. Then it stopped breathing, eventually dying.
 Angelique was only maid Mrs.Collins had told about it. Only because Angelique had been with her when the child was going to born. How Mrs.Collins has kept her pregnancy a secret, that Angelique didn't know, but she was quite sure that Mrs.Collins had been aware that too much drinking would make baby sick, just like it made Mrs.Collins herself sick.
 "Have you paid doctor visits Mrs.Collins?"
"Few times... He said it is not growing strong enough. That I should eat more. But somehow it didn't help!"
Angelique rubbed her forehead. "Perhaps... You have vomit all out too soon."
Mrs.Collins looked at her hurt look in her eyes.
"I mean- Carrying a baby makes you feel sick in mornings- sometimes whole day, am I right?"
"Oh, yes.. Yes, yes.. It does." Mrs.Collins nodded, "Maybe I should have try to eat more even if I felt bad."
 "Maybe." Angelique nodded thoughtfully. "But there's no way of knowing now. It's too late."
Mrs.Collins started to cry again, "All too late!"
Angelique sighed, she had no idea what to do.
"Angelique, you must bury her to the forest."
 "What, me?" Angelique shocked. "No, Mrs.Collins... We should let priest keep her funeral. I mean.. It is your child, still. Even in death, it is your child. You should allow her to be blessed and sent her to her final journey safely."
 "Then come, you carry her. We go to the priest now." Mrs.Collins said.
Angelique looked at the dead baby and wrap blankets around it before lifting it into her arms, fighting back her tears or the memory of her own child loss.
   "Mother? Miss Bouchard? What is going on?" Barnabas asked as he saw two women in hallway.
Mrs.Collins looked at Angelique, clearly sending message to younger woman to make up a lie to satisfy Barnabas' curiosity.
"We... We are taking this gift to the priest, in town. Mrs.Collins has told me there has come new priest little time ago, and we are going to wish him welcome."
"May I join you?" Barnabas asked.
"Not now darling." Mrs.Collins said, pulling Angelique with her.
 Angelique looked down all the way to the town. She have never thought she'd have to lie to Barnabas. She could lie to everyone else, just to protect Barnabas, but she never thought she'd lie to him. She was going to tell him everything in time. Her Witchcraft, the child they lost.. Everything. But now how could she tell him everything? She still had to lie to him about his own mother.
 After small funeral, Mrs.Collins took bottle of wine and drink it down on their way back to Collinwood.
"I think that is enough Mrs.Collins" Angelique said carefully, taking Mrs.Collins' arm around her neck to help her walk back to Collinwood.
  "What is the meaning of this?!" They heard voice calling.
"Perfect..." Angelique sighed, turning to look at Barnabas' father.
"Mrs.Collins is very tired, I will take her to sleep."
"Mrs.Collins is tired and smells like Women of the Night! Where has she been all day?"
"You don't care" Mrs.Collins said and go to her room, leaving Angelique to make explanations.
Mr.Collins looked at Angelique and she sigh, not knowing what to do.
"Why is my wife drunk, again!"
"She... I.." Angelique rubbed her forehead, knowing she couldn't possibly make believable explanation for that.
 "You what?"
"I.. I go to the town with her.. She.. she met some friends there.. And.. they offered her a glass.. Or two.."
"What friends my wife would have? She never goes to the town without my permission!"
Angelique swallowed and looked down. This was not going to end up well.
 "Look at me!" Mr.Collins ordered.
Angelique winced and looked up to him. He was obviously going to make her suffer.
 She thought carefully about telling the truth, but then she thought about Barnabas. He would be so hurt for knowing such thing about his mother. And even more hurt about not knowing about her problems at all. That she had not trusted these things to him, but their maid.
 "Father? What is happening?" Barnabas asked behind her.
Angelique's heart skipped a beat when she heard his voice. He had yet again come to save her.
 "Nothing son.. nothing." Mr.Collins said. "You may go, Miss Bouchard."
Angelique nodded and left, avoiding to look at Barnabas even she knew he was watching her, with most questioning look in his eyes. She wished with all her heard she could tell him everything, but she wasn't able to face that how sad and hurt he would be. She rather saw him happy. And of course, she would break Mrs.Collins' trust for her by telling the truth to her son.
 "Father? I know something is the matter. First mother, now you. What is going on?"
"I said nothing!"
Barnabas looked hurt, but left back to his room anyway...

"Angelique.. Awaken, Angelique.."
"Hm.. "Angelique opened her eyes tiredly, seeing Barnabas knelt down next to her, watching her worriedly.
"Did you get enough?" She asked.
"I am alright." Barnabas nodded, "Are you-? Are you getting better?"
"I'll be fine. Don't worry." She smiled a bit and placed her hand to his cheek. "I'm sorry.."
Barnabas looked confused, "About what?"
"I hurt you so much.."
He smiled, running his long finger on her cheek, "Now, you are Angelique I love."
She nodded a bit tiredly to show her understanding and closed her eyes again.
Barnabas watched her for while and sit down next to her, letting her lean against him.
 "You will be alright... We will be alright."
Angelique made soft sound, getting more comfortable, falling into deep sleep against him.
Barnabas watched over her, thinking of those old time they were happy together. But somehow he still couldn't help but feeling strange need to have Victoria near as well..
He sighed. This was getting very complicated indeed.