It was a miracle she was still alive. He could have killed her, but he didn't. Julia Hoffman stood in her office, staring at the door that Barnabas Collins had just run out of.

"Julia!" Elizabeth shouted, running into the room. "What happened? David said something about finding you and Barnabas having an argument. Is that true?"

"Yes, something like that…." Julia muttered, feeling a little faint.

"Are you alright?" Elizabeth asked, taking note of the Psychiatrist's odd look.

"Um, yeah. I'm fine." She replied, looking around the room for her drink, "I think, I need sometime alone." She murmured, glancing over at Elizabeth.

"Alright. I'll go speak with Barnabas." Julia nodded, closing the door and locking it. After pouring herself a glass of Bourbon, she melted onto the lab-table, replaying the earlier events in her mind.

"Please, you're a good man, you're a gentleman, you wouldn't kill me." Julia pleaded.

"Madam, I am neither a good man, nor a gentleman. And I never forgive." Barnabas growled. He drew back, getting ready to strike at the milky white skin on her neck.

"Doctor Hoffman?" A meek voice came from the doorway, "What's going on?" David Collins asked, staring wide eyed at the two adults. Barnabas turned slowly, facing the boy.

"Doctor Hoffman and I were just having a little, argument." He growled, "Excuse me." He turned back to Julia, giving her a death glare, before staking out of the room.

"Ms. Hoffman?" David asked again, "Are you alright?" He stared at the woman, still up against the wall, staring that the door.

"I-I-I'm fine." She stuttered, finally looking at David, fixing her dress. "We were having an argument." She confirmed.

Julia looked down at her glass, staring that the liquid shake in her slightly trembling hands. He could have killed her if he really wanted to. Actually, now that she thought about it, he still could kill her. She gasped, the only reason he didn't was because David had been right there. David had, in a way, saved her life. She had to leave Collinwood, in fact, she had to leave Collinsport all together. Yes, she would leave tonight.

"But he'll just come after me." She breathed. "Unless…" Quickly, Julia raced over to her desk and pulled out a pen and paper.

Dear Barnabas,

I am truly sorry for what I have done. I know you will never forgive me, and I'm not asking you to, but I want you to know the truth. I had my reasons. What reasons? Well, mind you, if this was a letter to any old friend, I would never admit to this, but after all the wrong I have done you, you have the right to know. I was stealing your blood out of love. I know it sounds like the most ridiculous thing you have ever heard, but it is the truth. The silly things we do for love right?

Now, I know that you have strong feelings for Victoria, but I thought that if I became like you, you would finally see me as more than another person living in Collinwood. Do you remember that day in my office when I said, "Every year I get half as pretty and twice as drunk."Do you remember what your responds was? "Well, if that is true madam, then you must have started as the most beautiful creature that has ever lived." That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me, and I will never forget it.

You really are the most amazing person I have ever met. I wish I could be more like you, but now you hate me. My plan to win your affection has completely back-fired. I wish I had never thought of it in the first place, after all, you will never forgive me.

So now you know why I did what I did. You may not like it, you may not understand it, but that is the unfortunate truth. So, I'm leaving Collinsport. It's for the best, besides you have Vicky. I see the way you look at her. Good luck. I wish you the best.

Take care my love,

~Julia.

Julia smiled as she read over her letter. It seemed believable enough. Besides, it was mostly based off of truth, just exaggerated a little. And hopefully, he would show some mercy after reading the letter, and leave her be.

0o0

After sliding the note under Barnabas's door, where he was bound to see it, Julia took her packed suitcase and headed towards Elizabeth's office.

"Morning." She said, walking into the office, startling Elizabeth.

"Hello, Julia. You're up bright and early."

"Is that a problem?" She asked, pulling letter addressed to her employer.

"Of course not. I'm just not used to seeing you this early in the day."

"Yes well, I didn't drink that much last night, I was busy." Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask any more questions. Carefully, Julia placed the letter on her desk and hurried out of the room. Just as she was about to open the front door, Elizabeth came running down the hall after her.

"Julia! What is this all about?" She said, waving the letter in the air. Julia shrugged, unsure of what to say. "Then why are you leaving?" She questioned.

"I feel I am no longer needed." Julia replied firmly.

"Of course you're needed Julia. Now stop acting like this." Elizabeth's voice raised a notch as she spoke.

"Just let me go!" Julia shouted back.

"I will not!" She roared back. Soon, the two were in a screaming match, yelling the first thing that came to their minds. The rest of the household began to gather around them, everyone except Barnabas who was still sleeping no doubt.

"Julia what have you been drinking? David still needs you!"

"I'm sure you can find someone else to replace me!"

"This is the most absurd thing you have ever attempted to do!"

"It is not!"

"Where are you going to go? Collinwood is your home!"

"I'll figure it out on the train!"

"Will you two stop that racket at once!" A voice shouted from the top of the stairs. Barnabas stood at the top of the stair well, clutching a piece of paper in his hand. Julia gulped, her eyes shifting from his face, to the paper and back again.

"Barnabas. I'm sorry did we wake you?" Elizabeth croaked, her voice hoarse from screaming.

"I've been awake since Dr. Hoffman paid me a short visit this a little while ago." He grumbled, slowly sauntering down the stairs.

Elizabeth nodded, "I see."

"Alright everyone, there's nothing to see here." Barnabas spoke, shooing everyone away. Finally, it was just the three of them in front of the door. "Ms. Hoffman, may I speak with you, alone." He said gesturing to Elizabeth's office.

Julia turned to Elizabeth, "If I'm not back in an hour, call the cops." She muttered.

A/N: So, what do you think? Too OOC? Please REVIEW and I'll update as soon as possible!