Waiting for Season 3 is just too long a wait. Butterflies have always been a key element in this series so why not have them play a pivotal role in helping Julia & Barbie be reunited. Of course, their troubles never seem to be over – no matter what they do. I'm not sure how I would write chapter 2 but if I figure it out, you'll be the first to know.

Thank you all for reading. I appreciate the reviews, follows & favorites but I'm just happy that someone besides me reads these stories.

Julia felt as she'd been dropped and not landed well. "What the hell happened now?" She tried to move but a stabbing pain in her thigh had her gasping for breath. She tried opening her eyes and had no better luck. "Damn! My head hurts. And what is that light? The tunnels are dark." Her ears were ringing so loudly that all she could hear was a buzz of sound. She thought she heard someone next to her but the words were garbled. She turned her head toward the sound and felt a feminine hand touch her face. "Julia are you OK? Julia..." She knew that voice but couldn't focus and then everything went dark for her.

"Joe go get Barbie...now!"

"Julia – Julia" Norrie kept repeating looking worriedly at her friend. She smoothed her hair back and gingerly touched the wound at her temple, the blood. a reprehensible blemish against her flawless skin.

"At least it's not bleeding anymore" she thought to herself. There was blood near her mouth that she wiped away with a tissue and was relieved to see there was no cut. Now she just wanted her to wake up.

"Julia!" Barbie's panic-stricken voice was a hoarse whisper as he skidded to a stop and fell to his knees beside her. He tenderly touched her face before moving his fingers to find her pulse. "Norrie, where did she come from?" He was clearly mystified by her appearance but at the same time grateful they were no longer apart.

"I don't know. Joe and I were last in line following everyone else & then we heard a noise behind us. It was like pebbles falling and then we heard a moan." She couldn't hide her distress, tears running down her cheeks. "She going to be okay, isn't she?"

Yeah I think so. I'll feel a lot better when she wakes up." Not wanting to startle her, he leaned closer and whispered - "Julia, can you hear me? Try to wake up baby. You made it – you're with me, with all of us." Barbie was more worried than he let on to Norrie. He hated seeing Julia hurt, hated not being able to help, hated waiting.

Staring at her face intently, Barbie saw an almost imperceptible movement of her forehead – as if she was trying to frown. Her eyelids began to flutter and at the same time a soft sob passed her lips. She forced her eyes open, squinting, hoping who she was seeing was real and not an illusion. "Barbie?"

"Julia – lay still for a minute. What hurts?" He noticed that she winced trying to move her head which wasn't surprising given the gash on her temple.

"Just my head" She reached up to touch Barbie's face. Despite her discomfort she smiled as he pressed a kiss into the palm of her hand. "How did I get here?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing. Come on, let's get you off the ground. Slow and easy, baby. Let me help you." First Barbie helped her to a sitting position. "Do you think you can stand?" He could have scooped her into his arms easily but wanted to see if she could stand on her own. Leaning against him Julia was able to make it to her feet but as she stood, she began to shiver uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around her but nevertheless was happy to see Joe & Norrie run up. She was carrying a blanket which she quickly shook out and wrapped around Julia, kissing her cheek at the same time. "I'm so glad you're awake. I was so worried."

"We all were" Barbie concurred ruefully. "Come on baby, there's a bench right over here." He helped her walk a few feet to a makeshift bench slowly easing her into a sitting position.. Norrie quickly sat next to her, just in case she was needed. Joe handed over the first aid kit he had found, which Barbie quickly opened, rummaging until he found gauze and antiseptic to clean Julia's wound. She felt the coolness of the cloth and tried to keep from wincing. Even though the movement was slow and gentle, the pain was still raw and throbbing.

"There, that's better." Barbie murmured as he finished with a clean bandage in place. "I know it hurts, baby and you're going to have a black eye but you're here!" He tilted her chin up and lowered his mouth to hers. "I'm so glad to see you." he whispered just before kissing her gently. Julia relaxed in his arms, her hand against his chest, drawing comfort from feeling the beat of his heart. She deepened their kiss, pressing as close as possible. Too many times circumstances had torn them apart. Still they always found each other – always damaged in some way but beginning to heal as soon as they were together again.

Julia sighed as she felt Barbie pull away but smiled feeling his lips nuzzle that special spot below her ear. He always knew how to bring out her smile and make her feel special.

"I asked you how I got here and I honestly don't know for sure. All I remember is standing in front of that crevice with Junior and suddenly we were being swarmed by butterflies, monarchs. For a second I had a feeling of being lifted up and then everything went dark. The next thing I remember is seeing your face."

"The dome saved you" Norrie whispered. "It wanted you to be safe, to be with us. Whatever the plan may be, I don't think it can't happen unless you and Barbie are together."

"Maybe. All of this had to have happened for a reason." Julia reached for Barbie's hand twining their fingers together. "I do know I don't ever want to be apart from you again."

"You'll get no argument from me." Pressing his lips to her forehead he softly said the words that brought joy to his heart, knowing they would be repeated. "I love you."

"I love you too. Are we finally safe now?"

No sooner had the words been spoken, a low rumble began, getting louder by the second. As they turned toward the sound, a convoy of vehicles appeared over the horizon.

"What's this?" Julia's curious expression quickly turned to fear when she heard Barbie's grim reply.

"Trouble."