Dark Shadows - A New Beginning

Chapter Fourteen

Character Portrait included: David Collins

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Collinwood in the year 1993 - for Lucifera has returned from the year 1979.

She has returned from that year with the secret of Adam Collins, and other secrets as well.

On this night, she will learn that no amount of interference in the past is safe. For even the smallest change can reshape the present. 

...and before this night is through - Lucifera will know this to be a fact. 

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A cool, salty wind from the sea whipped Lucifera's face as she approached the age-worn double doors of Collinwood.

It seemed a little stranger to her now - the mere act of walking into Collinwood.

To her it seemed that only a few hours had passed, but in fact it had been over a decade ago when last she passed through these doors with Julia Hoffman.

Lucifera found herself wondering where Julia Hoffman was now - in her own time.

...and what about Barnabas Collins?

Seeing Barnabas alive in his true body had been like seeing a legend made real. How many times had Angelique told her stories about Barnabas? 

Yes, she could see why Angelique would be attracted to Barnabas. Really, why almost any woman would be. Barnabas was mysterious, romantic, reserved, and thoughtful. He was a paradoxical combination of seemingly conflicting traits in one package. 

'...and Adam Collins' - Lucifera thought. 'The same as Barnabas, but also different. Two bodies - one soul. Perhaps, the soul is to some degree influenced by the body.'

Lucifera decided that was enough self-philosophizing. It was time to get answers from David, and then - time for her revenge on Barnabas.

Stepping into Collinwood's foyer, she heard a beautiful, intense melody being played on a piano. The deep, soulful melody seemed to flood the halls. 

Whoever was playing was quite good...

Lucifera stepped into the drawing room to find David seated at the piano, expertly stroking the keys with his fingers like a pro. 

David was also swaying with the music a little bit, as though he were caught up in it. 

"You play very well," Lucifera complimented him.

David patted the spot next to him, inviting her to sit while he finished. He played what seemed almost another full verse before stopping.

"You were at Seaview a long time," David said. "I was starting to wonder if you were alright."

"I told you I'd probably be a good while, remember?"

"You did," David agreed. "That's why I didn't worry too much. If I had, I'd have sent the sheriff to check on you."

"Well, I'm glad you didn't," Lucifera said honestly. "I was so immersed in Seaview's unique style, that's all."

"Yes, it is rather unique, isn't it? They say that Caleb Collins built that house. I wonder why? That's a mystery to the present-day family. My Aunt Elizabeth used to wonder a good deal about that. My cousin Quentin had an ancestor named Quentin who lived in the later part of the 19th century, and he didn't know the story behind Seaview either."

"You've never mentioned a Quentin Collins to me, David. Where is he now?"

"Somewhere in Europe, so they say. Quentin likes to travel. He left Collinwood to travel the world about 7 years ago, and that's the last any of us saw of him. He still writes from time to time, but I haven't heard from him in several months."

Lucifera privately felt glad that Quentin Collins was gone from Collinwood, and seemingly wouldn't be returning. He'd had quite a temper in 1979...

Now she wondered how she could broach the subject of the fever and the vision. She decided that there was no safe way to hint at the subject, so she'd have to let it drop for the time being. 

She'd surely arouse David's suspicions if she brought up something that only someone living at Collinwood in 1979 would have known. 

"You're suddenly quiet," David observed in an unexpectedly gentle voice.

Lucifera might have known that she shouldn't look up when a guy is using that tone of voice in a setting like this one.

Her eyes met David's own. He was looking into her eyes with a gentle heat. 

Lucifera inhaled. She tried to remind herself of her mission, and the fact that David was a Collins. Her feeling had always been that any romantic involvement with a Collins must end badly.

Yet, when she noticed that David was very slowly moving his face closer, she didn't try to stand. She didn't recoil. She didn't even look alarmed.

Instead, her lips trembled slightly and welcomed his own, when he bridged the distance between their mouths. 

It was a short, almost chaste kiss, with just a hint at the potential for something more. Just a simple, short peck. 

David retreated carefully and studied her. 

The feeling of being studied ended the moment. Lucifera was suddenly very self-aware. She rose from her place next to David.

"I hope that was okay," David said with a slight edge of nervousness in his tone.

"It was fine," Lucifera assured him. "I think I'd like time to think."

...but she never even got as far as the stairs.

She was crossing the foyer when a knock came at the front door.

"I'll get it," she called to David. 

She pulled open the door and her face blanched at the sight of Quentin Collins standing there with a traveling bag by his feet.

Quentin's eyes came alive with recognition.

"You!" he stated, as suspicion settled into his features.

Lucifera averted her gaze away from Quentin and her eyes widened with fear.

TO BE CONTINUED