The Ghost of Sarah Collins
2011-02-02 03:20:19 UTC
David's Brave New Year
David Collins ran through the snow covered grounds of Collinwood,
headed towards the Old House, having in mind to invite his Cousin
Barnabas to the New Years party his father and Aunt Elizabeth were
going to have that evening. Stomping his feet to get the snow off his
shoes David knocks on the door using the knocker.
When the door opens, the young Collins sees Willie Loomis the only
person who lives in the Old House with Barnabas, Willie is a handy man
taking care of and repairing the old mansion, he is trying to rebuild
as much as he can to bring back the Old House to its former glory, as
well as grounds keeper. "Hey Willie, can I see my Cousin Barnabas? I
have to ask him something".
Willie gave the boy an annoyed glance, opened the door wide, and then
placed both of his hands on his hips. "You gotta know better David,
Barnabas left for Boston about half hour ago, but if you want, tell me
and I'll give Barnabas the message when he gets back".
David looks at Willie as if he were wondering if he could trust him,
then smiles. "I guess I could tell you, only promise me you'll tell
Cousin Barnabas, it's from my Father".
Willie holds up his right hand, crosses his heart then promises. "I
swear to give your message to Barnabas when he gets home, I promise".
David sighs. "OK, tell him that he’s invited to a New Years party at
Collinwood, if you don't I'll make sure my Father gets mad at you and
not me".
Willie smirks. "Like that's never happened before". Then considers
what he said. "Yeah I'll be sure ta tell him, now beat it kid".
David nods his head, then, looks at Willie with a bit of caution,
replying as he is walking away. "Alright, I'm going, just don't forget
Willie, and I'm not a kid, I'm 16 and a half, I ride a motorcycle to
school".
Standing in the doorway Willie folds his arms across chest. "Hum, so
he rides a bike ta school, betcha it's a putt putt... ". Willie
chuckles to himself as he closes the door.
David stands at his bedroom window watching as the sun sets far away,
remembering how scared he was of his Cousin Barnabas. Closing the
latch, he puts on his jacket then goes down to join the party his Aunt
and Father were giving to bring in the New Year.
Walking into the drawing room David sees his friend Joe Haskell
chatting with ex girlfriend Carolyn, David's Cousin, Joe's current
love interest Maggie Evans was listening to Roger Collins David's
Father recounting some of the funny and sometimes strange things that
happen at the cannery were the family business is package fish.
Although at one time, the family business was shipbuilding.
David had hopes of one day returning to building luxury ships for the
more affluent people who could afford beautiful sailing ships.
The other guests included Professor Stokes along with Dr. Julia
Hoffman, they were sitting on the sofa chatting away about something
medical or scientific. Mrs. Johnson went about the room with a tray
serving drinks to those who wished.
David kept a close eye on the door to be sure that Barnabas arrived;
the clock in the foyer was chiming eleven when his Cousin finally
opened the doors to Collinwood.
Once inside David hurried to Barnabas to wish him a Happy New Year,
but before he could his Father called out getting Barnabas' attention,
it was while Barnabas removed his coat that David hoped he could reach
him in time.
Stepping up just as Barnabas reached the drawing room doorway David
stepped up saying. "Allow me to wish you a Happy New Year Cousin
Barnabas“. Looking at David Barnabas smiles in return. "Of course
David, happy New Year to you as well“. After that Barnabas goes to
chat with Roger, David goes through the door beneath the landing.
The party was going very well when Roger spoke out to those assembled
as he gazed at his watch. "Everyone let's count down... ". Everyone
faced him and all together, then chanted the numbers from 10 when at
that moment Roger shouted. "Happy New Year!" Amongst the laughter,
they all hugged with kisses on cheeks or hand shakes after greetings
of happy New Year over and again.
Barnabas made sure to stand by Julia so that he could wish her happy
new year differently, softly kissing her lips, then as she looked on
he went down on bended knee quietly asking. "Would you marry me"
Those around them heard Barnabas' proposal then looked at Julia for
her reply. Barnabas could see the surprise in Julia's eyes, with her
hand in his she spoke quietly. "Yes". Barnabas took her in his arms
and they kissed as everyone cheered. Barnabas reached into his pocket
and took out a diamond ring, as he put it on her finger he said.
"In all the years I've known you I have always trusted you, even when
I said I didn't and I would be honored to live the rest of my mortal
life with you".
Roger stepped up and said between them. "I'm so glad you made your
proposal here, now this room will hold wonderful memories". Barnabas
takes Roger's hand with a smile as his other arm is holding Julia
close to him. "Thank you Roger, I'm glad as well".
The rest of the evening went by quickly; all the guests had gone home
by 2:00am Barnabas and Julia say their good nights to Roger and
Elizabeth.
Sitting in the drawing room for another hour, at the door they say
goodnight and Barnabas walks to the Old House, once inside he turns
locks the door and is about to walk up the stairs to his room when he
hears a sound in the drawing room. Curious he walks in to find young
David Collins sitting in one of the high back chairs.
Reaching a nearby lamp Barnabas switches on the light. "Hello David, I
must say I never thought I would see you here this late". David waited
for Barnabas to sit in the chair across from him.
Sitting himself down Barnabas begins. I suppose I can tell you since
no doubt the news will be waiting for you at Collinwood, I have
proposed marriage to Julia and she said yes, I'm a very lucky man".
David smiled. "That's wonderful, I'm glad to hear that,
congratulations ".
David then became serious. "Willie doesn't know I'm here, I've been
here for a few hours". Barnabas looks upstairs. "I wondered how you
got in David, since I gave Willie strict orders to always keep the
house locked and secured.
David laughed. Willie's is a complex kind of guy, a simple face that
hides a precise mind". This time Barnabas laughs. "I've never known
Willie to be complex". Barnabas stairs into the flames, David
confesses. "Yes I put the fire on, I'm not a little kid any more
Cousin Barnabas".
Since his fifteenth birthday, it seemed to David he was constantly
reminding the adults around him his age and maturity.
Barnabas understood. "Well David, I can tell you Willie is not in the
house, I gave him the night and new years day off, but I would like to
know, I was sure Willie locked everything".
David spoke with hope he would not anger his Cousin. "You see Barnabas
there are places, secret places, like doors and rooms in the Old House
that not many people know about, except one person". Before he could
finish Barnabas said. "Sarah". David nods his head.
They are both silent. Barnabas leans back in his chair trying to seem
unconcerned. "Well that was the name of your imaginary friend was it
not"?
David just looked at Barnabas. "You of all people know Sarah was real,
she was your sister". Taking a deep breath Barnabas was speechless, he
now understood David knew everything about Sarah, the little ghost
might even have told him what he was, making Barnabas look at him with
a bit of hatred in his eye's.
The only response Barnabas could give was short and to the point. "Yes
David she was my sister and Sarah is gone now and I miss her every day
very much".
David bit his lower lip, and then said. "Sarah was a big part of my
life up until about a year ago; I remember everything she told me
about Collinwood and the Old House, all the secrets rooms and
passageways, hidden doors that lead to the outside walls, all the
secrets Sarah saw when Collinwood was being built. She would show them
all to me. She made me promise to keep them a secret but I wrote
everything in a journal. My favorite is the spiral staircase just off
the master bedroom den, that's how I came into the house, there's a
hidden door made to match the outside wall ".
Then one night I remember she came to me and said goodbye, I asked her
to stay but she said I wasn't in danger any more and she had to leave,
I never knew it was her protecting me".
Barnabas could feel a single tear fall, his throat closed, he had no
voice, he buries his face in his hands, and David could hear him
whisper. "I called to her, begged her to stay with me, but she
punished me, my sweet beautiful little sister betrayed me".
David stood up quickly. "Sarah didn't betray you Barnabas she loved
you, yeah she knew what you were, she told me ". Barnabas stood up.
"Wait, I was afraid of you before but when Sarah explained everything
to me I- I wasn't, if not for her everyone in town would have found
out about you, or you might have had to kill me, Sarah reassured yours
and perhaps my existence and now your human again, I believe Sarah
must have known that would happen".
Barnabas could not meet David's eye, sitting back down he agreed with
a nod of his head. "I almost did kill you David, at one time I thought
you knew my secret and was thinking just that".
David blinked his eyes at the thought.
Barnabas wanted to apologize but felt the effort would seem empty.
David sat back down softly. "I'm very glad you decided I wasn't a
threat, but now that those days are in the past and I wanted to begin
this New Year different, I haven't told my father that I'm graduating
early and starting Yale business collage in the spring".
Barnabas smiled a bit puzzled. "David, that's wonderful, I'm sure your
father is going to be very proud of you, but I don't understand why
you are giving me your special news and not your father".
David rose. "I guess this is my way of going through a rite of passage
to becoming a man, I wanted you to know that I kept your secret all
these years, that it wasn't out of fear of you but because someone had
faith in you and she passed that faith on to me".
Barnabas stood up, looking David in the eyes. "I can't think what to
say David, I feel so very humble standing here with you, and as much
as I would have wanted to have Sarah with me, I'm glad she was there
for you, that she kept you well, I only hope she knew how very much I
loved her".
David reached out his hand, Barnabas takes it and they shake hands man-
to-man. "She always knew Barnabas".
Just as they part hands, a knock comes from the door. Barnabas looks
to the windows. "The sun has risen while we had our talk, excuse me, I
asked Julia to come by for breakfast, please join us".
David took a deep breath. I should be going home, my father is
probably still sleeping after last night's party, but
Aunt Elizabeth wakes early".
Both Collins men walk to the door, opening it they see lovely Julia,
her fresh pretty smile make them return her happiness. Barnabas is
first to greet her. "Julia darling, you are a beautiful sight for
these sore eye's ".
Taking this as a hint David speaks up. "Good morning Cousin Julia".
She looks at David her smile became more so. "Good morning David, I'm
happy you approve, I've never had a real family, I’m an only child
raised by distant relatives after my parents died in an accident".
Barnabas takes her by the hand then draws her to him, they embrace,
David looks on then bids them a good day, as he walks out of ear shot
Julia whispers. "I'm sure today will be a good day, but I'm hoping
it's a little more fruitful".
Looking back outside Barnabas can just see David before he enters the
woods that grow between Collinwood and the Old House, as he closes the
door he knows he will never see his young Cousin as a child.
Collinwood came into view, David looks back for a second, thinking of
Barnabas, knowing his past and all that he did, for good and evil, of
those he fed on to stay alive, and of those, he killed to keep his
secret, but it was the curse he was placed under and not of his own
making.
Born two centuries ago, it was his fate to live in this time, David
loved his cousin, and he missed Sarah and in his heart said a silent
prayer for her.
Walking into Collinwood David was surprised to see his Father and Aunt
Elizabeth standing in the foyer, they were both smiling. "David, we
are so proud of you! Did you think I would not watch after your
progress at school? Graduating early, you are a Collins my boy! And my
son, we know you will do well at Yale business collage, come, Liz has
prepared a celebration for you, and I will phone Barnabas to come ".
David said quickly. I think I saw Julia's car at the Old House while I
was walking". His Father smiles and nods his head. "I suppose later
will do".
Placing his arm on David's shoulder Roger leads his son to the Drawing
room. "We have some happy news about Barnabas as well ". David
embraces his Father as they go into the drawing room. "I can't wait to
hear it".
(Dark Shadows Theme)
Epilogue: David went to Yale, where he met then became engaged to a
pretty girl named Sarah Smyth. The wedding of Barnabas and Julia was
the grandest in all of Collinsport.
The Collins family once again became prolific with a new generation;
the curse that once followed them is forever just stories of the
past.
THE END
David Collins ran through the snow covered grounds of Collinwood,
headed towards the Old House, having in mind to invite his Cousin
Barnabas to the New Years party his father and Aunt Elizabeth were
going to have that evening. Stomping his feet to get the snow off his
shoes David knocks on the door using the knocker.
When the door opens, the young Collins sees Willie Loomis the only
person who lives in the Old House with Barnabas, Willie is a handy man
taking care of and repairing the old mansion, he is trying to rebuild
as much as he can to bring back the Old House to its former glory, as
well as grounds keeper. "Hey Willie, can I see my Cousin Barnabas? I
have to ask him something".
Willie gave the boy an annoyed glance, opened the door wide, and then
placed both of his hands on his hips. "You gotta know better David,
Barnabas left for Boston about half hour ago, but if you want, tell me
and I'll give Barnabas the message when he gets back".
David looks at Willie as if he were wondering if he could trust him,
then smiles. "I guess I could tell you, only promise me you'll tell
Cousin Barnabas, it's from my Father".
Willie holds up his right hand, crosses his heart then promises. "I
swear to give your message to Barnabas when he gets home, I promise".
David sighs. "OK, tell him that he’s invited to a New Years party at
Collinwood, if you don't I'll make sure my Father gets mad at you and
not me".
Willie smirks. "Like that's never happened before". Then considers
what he said. "Yeah I'll be sure ta tell him, now beat it kid".
David nods his head, then, looks at Willie with a bit of caution,
replying as he is walking away. "Alright, I'm going, just don't forget
Willie, and I'm not a kid, I'm 16 and a half, I ride a motorcycle to
school".
Standing in the doorway Willie folds his arms across chest. "Hum, so
he rides a bike ta school, betcha it's a putt putt... ". Willie
chuckles to himself as he closes the door.
David stands at his bedroom window watching as the sun sets far away,
remembering how scared he was of his Cousin Barnabas. Closing the
latch, he puts on his jacket then goes down to join the party his Aunt
and Father were giving to bring in the New Year.
Walking into the drawing room David sees his friend Joe Haskell
chatting with ex girlfriend Carolyn, David's Cousin, Joe's current
love interest Maggie Evans was listening to Roger Collins David's
Father recounting some of the funny and sometimes strange things that
happen at the cannery were the family business is package fish.
Although at one time, the family business was shipbuilding.
David had hopes of one day returning to building luxury ships for the
more affluent people who could afford beautiful sailing ships.
The other guests included Professor Stokes along with Dr. Julia
Hoffman, they were sitting on the sofa chatting away about something
medical or scientific. Mrs. Johnson went about the room with a tray
serving drinks to those who wished.
David kept a close eye on the door to be sure that Barnabas arrived;
the clock in the foyer was chiming eleven when his Cousin finally
opened the doors to Collinwood.
Once inside David hurried to Barnabas to wish him a Happy New Year,
but before he could his Father called out getting Barnabas' attention,
it was while Barnabas removed his coat that David hoped he could reach
him in time.
Stepping up just as Barnabas reached the drawing room doorway David
stepped up saying. "Allow me to wish you a Happy New Year Cousin
Barnabas“. Looking at David Barnabas smiles in return. "Of course
David, happy New Year to you as well“. After that Barnabas goes to
chat with Roger, David goes through the door beneath the landing.
The party was going very well when Roger spoke out to those assembled
as he gazed at his watch. "Everyone let's count down... ". Everyone
faced him and all together, then chanted the numbers from 10 when at
that moment Roger shouted. "Happy New Year!" Amongst the laughter,
they all hugged with kisses on cheeks or hand shakes after greetings
of happy New Year over and again.
Barnabas made sure to stand by Julia so that he could wish her happy
new year differently, softly kissing her lips, then as she looked on
he went down on bended knee quietly asking. "Would you marry me"
Those around them heard Barnabas' proposal then looked at Julia for
her reply. Barnabas could see the surprise in Julia's eyes, with her
hand in his she spoke quietly. "Yes". Barnabas took her in his arms
and they kissed as everyone cheered. Barnabas reached into his pocket
and took out a diamond ring, as he put it on her finger he said.
"In all the years I've known you I have always trusted you, even when
I said I didn't and I would be honored to live the rest of my mortal
life with you".
Roger stepped up and said between them. "I'm so glad you made your
proposal here, now this room will hold wonderful memories". Barnabas
takes Roger's hand with a smile as his other arm is holding Julia
close to him. "Thank you Roger, I'm glad as well".
The rest of the evening went by quickly; all the guests had gone home
by 2:00am Barnabas and Julia say their good nights to Roger and
Elizabeth.
Sitting in the drawing room for another hour, at the door they say
goodnight and Barnabas walks to the Old House, once inside he turns
locks the door and is about to walk up the stairs to his room when he
hears a sound in the drawing room. Curious he walks in to find young
David Collins sitting in one of the high back chairs.
Reaching a nearby lamp Barnabas switches on the light. "Hello David, I
must say I never thought I would see you here this late". David waited
for Barnabas to sit in the chair across from him.
Sitting himself down Barnabas begins. I suppose I can tell you since
no doubt the news will be waiting for you at Collinwood, I have
proposed marriage to Julia and she said yes, I'm a very lucky man".
David smiled. "That's wonderful, I'm glad to hear that,
congratulations ".
David then became serious. "Willie doesn't know I'm here, I've been
here for a few hours". Barnabas looks upstairs. "I wondered how you
got in David, since I gave Willie strict orders to always keep the
house locked and secured.
David laughed. Willie's is a complex kind of guy, a simple face that
hides a precise mind". This time Barnabas laughs. "I've never known
Willie to be complex". Barnabas stairs into the flames, David
confesses. "Yes I put the fire on, I'm not a little kid any more
Cousin Barnabas".
Since his fifteenth birthday, it seemed to David he was constantly
reminding the adults around him his age and maturity.
Barnabas understood. "Well David, I can tell you Willie is not in the
house, I gave him the night and new years day off, but I would like to
know, I was sure Willie locked everything".
David spoke with hope he would not anger his Cousin. "You see Barnabas
there are places, secret places, like doors and rooms in the Old House
that not many people know about, except one person". Before he could
finish Barnabas said. "Sarah". David nods his head.
They are both silent. Barnabas leans back in his chair trying to seem
unconcerned. "Well that was the name of your imaginary friend was it
not"?
David just looked at Barnabas. "You of all people know Sarah was real,
she was your sister". Taking a deep breath Barnabas was speechless, he
now understood David knew everything about Sarah, the little ghost
might even have told him what he was, making Barnabas look at him with
a bit of hatred in his eye's.
The only response Barnabas could give was short and to the point. "Yes
David she was my sister and Sarah is gone now and I miss her every day
very much".
David bit his lower lip, and then said. "Sarah was a big part of my
life up until about a year ago; I remember everything she told me
about Collinwood and the Old House, all the secrets rooms and
passageways, hidden doors that lead to the outside walls, all the
secrets Sarah saw when Collinwood was being built. She would show them
all to me. She made me promise to keep them a secret but I wrote
everything in a journal. My favorite is the spiral staircase just off
the master bedroom den, that's how I came into the house, there's a
hidden door made to match the outside wall ".
Then one night I remember she came to me and said goodbye, I asked her
to stay but she said I wasn't in danger any more and she had to leave,
I never knew it was her protecting me".
Barnabas could feel a single tear fall, his throat closed, he had no
voice, he buries his face in his hands, and David could hear him
whisper. "I called to her, begged her to stay with me, but she
punished me, my sweet beautiful little sister betrayed me".
David stood up quickly. "Sarah didn't betray you Barnabas she loved
you, yeah she knew what you were, she told me ". Barnabas stood up.
"Wait, I was afraid of you before but when Sarah explained everything
to me I- I wasn't, if not for her everyone in town would have found
out about you, or you might have had to kill me, Sarah reassured yours
and perhaps my existence and now your human again, I believe Sarah
must have known that would happen".
Barnabas could not meet David's eye, sitting back down he agreed with
a nod of his head. "I almost did kill you David, at one time I thought
you knew my secret and was thinking just that".
David blinked his eyes at the thought.
Barnabas wanted to apologize but felt the effort would seem empty.
David sat back down softly. "I'm very glad you decided I wasn't a
threat, but now that those days are in the past and I wanted to begin
this New Year different, I haven't told my father that I'm graduating
early and starting Yale business collage in the spring".
Barnabas smiled a bit puzzled. "David, that's wonderful, I'm sure your
father is going to be very proud of you, but I don't understand why
you are giving me your special news and not your father".
David rose. "I guess this is my way of going through a rite of passage
to becoming a man, I wanted you to know that I kept your secret all
these years, that it wasn't out of fear of you but because someone had
faith in you and she passed that faith on to me".
Barnabas stood up, looking David in the eyes. "I can't think what to
say David, I feel so very humble standing here with you, and as much
as I would have wanted to have Sarah with me, I'm glad she was there
for you, that she kept you well, I only hope she knew how very much I
loved her".
David reached out his hand, Barnabas takes it and they shake hands man-
to-man. "She always knew Barnabas".
Just as they part hands, a knock comes from the door. Barnabas looks
to the windows. "The sun has risen while we had our talk, excuse me, I
asked Julia to come by for breakfast, please join us".
David took a deep breath. I should be going home, my father is
probably still sleeping after last night's party, but
Aunt Elizabeth wakes early".
Both Collins men walk to the door, opening it they see lovely Julia,
her fresh pretty smile make them return her happiness. Barnabas is
first to greet her. "Julia darling, you are a beautiful sight for
these sore eye's ".
Taking this as a hint David speaks up. "Good morning Cousin Julia".
She looks at David her smile became more so. "Good morning David, I'm
happy you approve, I've never had a real family, I’m an only child
raised by distant relatives after my parents died in an accident".
Barnabas takes her by the hand then draws her to him, they embrace,
David looks on then bids them a good day, as he walks out of ear shot
Julia whispers. "I'm sure today will be a good day, but I'm hoping
it's a little more fruitful".
Looking back outside Barnabas can just see David before he enters the
woods that grow between Collinwood and the Old House, as he closes the
door he knows he will never see his young Cousin as a child.
Collinwood came into view, David looks back for a second, thinking of
Barnabas, knowing his past and all that he did, for good and evil, of
those he fed on to stay alive, and of those, he killed to keep his
secret, but it was the curse he was placed under and not of his own
making.
Born two centuries ago, it was his fate to live in this time, David
loved his cousin, and he missed Sarah and in his heart said a silent
prayer for her.
Walking into Collinwood David was surprised to see his Father and Aunt
Elizabeth standing in the foyer, they were both smiling. "David, we
are so proud of you! Did you think I would not watch after your
progress at school? Graduating early, you are a Collins my boy! And my
son, we know you will do well at Yale business collage, come, Liz has
prepared a celebration for you, and I will phone Barnabas to come ".
David said quickly. I think I saw Julia's car at the Old House while I
was walking". His Father smiles and nods his head. "I suppose later
will do".
Placing his arm on David's shoulder Roger leads his son to the Drawing
room. "We have some happy news about Barnabas as well ". David
embraces his Father as they go into the drawing room. "I can't wait to
hear it".
(Dark Shadows Theme)
Epilogue: David went to Yale, where he met then became engaged to a
pretty girl named Sarah Smyth. The wedding of Barnabas and Julia was
the grandest in all of Collinsport.
The Collins family once again became prolific with a new generation;
the curse that once followed them is forever just stories of the
past.
THE END