"Special Delivery"
Abbie Mills never liked surprises. This was especially true now that she was going to be a mother in less than 2 months. So it was only natural that she knew the exact date and time of her." surprise" baby shower. She promised Jenny she would play her part well and act suitably astonished when the time came.
Jenny and Katrina had worked tirelessly to ensure Abbie's special day was as perfect as possible. The newly renovated and expanded cabin was decorated with pink and blue balloons and streamers galore. They had decided on a nursery rhyme theme and the party plates and napkins were embellished with an array of everyone's favorite childhood characters. Katrina (who had become quite the baker) made and hand decorated the adorable cake covered in delicious pastel fondant. Delightful little figurines from "Hey Diddle, Diddle" ,"Little Boy Blue" and "Mary had a Little Lamb" were painstakingly placed around the gorgeous creation. The stage was set for a memorable day.
Ichabod did his part, by getting Abbie out of the house."Make sure you have her back here by no later than 2:00 Crane!", Jenny hollered as they left the cabin. Abbie, now beginning her 30th week, had been placed on bed rest, so their time out only consisted of a two hour brunch at the local Diner. Maddie, the waitress, fussed over the very pregnant Abbie.
"If August could see you now, Abbie", Maddie said a bit wistfully. "He would be so proud of you and so excited for the birth of your babies."
"I like to think he does know Maddie , at least I hope so" Abbie smiled. She had been thinking of August quite a bit of late. He was the closest thing she had to a real father. She knew he would be a 'doting grandfather', if given the chance. She wished he could share her joy.
Ichabod wished Maddie had not mentioned August Corbin. Abbie had become extremely emotional over the last two months. "Pregnancy hormones", she would explain every time he discovered her crying. Why, just the evening before he caught her on the couch with her feet up, weeping while she watched a greeting card advertisement on television. Sure enough, he saw her wiping away a tear whilst obviously thinking of the special man who helped her turn her life around.
"Abbie, my love" Ichabod soothed ,"from everything you and your sister have told me, August Corbin was a kind, devoted man, who loved you unconditionally." Abbie nodded in agreement through her now free flowing tears.
"I truly believe", Ichabod continued, "he holds a special place in heaven. I am sure when he looks down upon us, he is smiling and happily anticipating the arrival of our little ones."
"I know Ichabod", Abbie said softly. "It's just that sometimes... I just wish I had more time with him. I loved him so much, and I never really told him. He always believed in me; never doubted me for one second."
Ichabod leaned over and hugged his wife tenderly.
Both Witnesses were experiencing the joy and nervous trepidation of impending parenthood. Ichabod would never admit it to Abbie, but despite the frequent reassurances of their Obstetrician, he was terrified something would go wrong with the delivery. He was petrified of losing Abbie or one of the children. His fears kept him up at night and gave him fitful dreams when he did manage to fall asleep. He worried that when it was time for Abbie to deliver, he'd be far too nervous to be of any use during the delivery.
Maddie returned to their table, while the two Witnesses were each lost in thought. "Hey you two, it's 1:30." Maddie said cheerfully, "almost time for your big surprise."
Abbie looked at the waitress quizzically. "Well, Maddie continued. "I'm just letting you know, in case you lost track of time."
"Wait a minute", Abbie asked, "you know that I know about my 'surprise shower'"?
"Of course", Maddie replied smiling. "Oh come on Abbie, how many years have I known you? I know for a fact there's no way anyone is putting a 'surprise' shower past you, little girl. Jenny knows better than to try anything like that. Any way you two better get going, so you don't miss your 'big entrance', I'll be dropping by after my shift is done. Too late to yell surprise, but that's a moot point anyway, right?"
"Yeah", Abbie laughed, as she hugged her old friend, "I guess you're right. See you later then Maddie."
"See you two later. I wouldn't miss it for the world", Maddie chirped smiling broadly.
When Abbie and Ichabod entered the elaborately festooned cabin, they were greeted with shouts of 'surprise' and the beaming faces of their closest friends. Abbie did in fact, play her part well. Anyone seeing her reaction would certainly believe her look of surprise was 100% genuine.
Abbie and Ichabod were enveloped in the comfort and security of people who loved them. They realized how very blessed they were to have friends and extended family like this. The 2 Witnesses thoroughly enjoyed the food, gifts and conversation of their wonderful shower.
They also got a taste of what parenting would entail from Katrina and Cameron's precocious son Billy.
"Billy" Katrina gently scolded her adorable, red headed 3 year old "Mummy has told you countless times, we do not levitate household pets. Now bring Pyewacket down."
"Pyewacket likes ,Pyewacket purring Mummy," Billy giggled, clapping his hands, while his red curls bounced.
Pyewacket was the cherished cat of the Crane household. Ichabod had discovered him as a kitten three days before Christmas the previous year. Abbie decided to name the beautiful black cat, Pyewacket, after the feline in one of her favorite movies, Bell, Book and Candle. The cat was loving, even tempered and gentle as a lamb. Billy's levitating didn't seem to disturb him one iota. Pyewacket, continued to purr while he snoozed, suspended five feet in the air.
"Trina", Cameron laughed, as he adjusted 7 month old Jennifer on his lap.
"You're fighting a losing battle Babe. I mean, let's face it the kid has skills, he wants to test them out."
"Yes", Katrina replied, "but he must learn some restraint, my Love. Lest, he begins to levitate his preschool peers."
"Yeah Cam", Abbie chimed in cheerfully, "ya gotta admit, that would be a problem."
"Hey", Cameron returned, "just wait until your little darlings are born. The children of 2 Witnesses. Man, talk about having your hands full. All I can say is look out you two. Who knows what freaky abilities your kids will have."
"I second that thought", Jenny said. "I know my niece and nephew, aka Thing 1 And Thing 2, are gonna be amazing."
"Must you insist", Ichabod asked Jenny, "on referring to the children as Thing one and Thing two?"
"Hey Ichy, come on. You know it's just my little term of endearment. Abbie doesn't mind."
"That's cause I know you Jenny", Abbie explained
"Ichabod", Cameron teased, "I do believe you're getting a little flustered as you get closer to "D" day. But, it is only natural."
"The prospect of parenthood certainly boggles the mind, does it not?" Ichabod asked nervously.
"Do not fret Ichabod", Katrina replied, reassuringly, "You and Abigail will be wonderful parents. That I am sure of."
"Let us hope so", Ichabod sighed.
Frank Irving, who had been listening quietly, decided to add his two cents. "Listen you two, all I can say is enjoy every minute of them when they're little. Because before you know it, they're in college dating pre- med students named Todd."
He winked at his daughter Macey,.
"Oh Dad", Macey replied with a smile, rolling her eyes.
Time passed quickly and before long the last guest was preparing to leave. Cameron had taken a very sleepy Billy and little Jen home.
"Hey Trina", Jenny said, "I'm just gonna drive Wendy home, then I'll be back to help you finish cleaning up. Woah!", Jenny exclaimed as she opened the front door,
"It was cool this morning, but now it's downright cold. Pretty freaky weather for this time of the year." She shrugged and headed to her car with Wendy.
Katrina, Abbie and Ichabod were alone in the now very quiet cabin.
"The shower was incredible Trina (everyone except Ichabod called her that now). Abbie continued her compliment, "You and Jenny did a great job
"I must admit," Ichabod added,"I had a very enjoyable time. The cake was quite delicious."
"Thank you both." Katrina said cheerfully. "You always did have a sweet tooth Ichabod. Now Abigail, put those feet up. You are on bed rest after all."
"Yeah", Abbie sighed, "but right now 'nature is calling me' for like the 30th time today. I'll be right back." Abbie slowly waddled to the bathroom.
Ichabod was quite happy to have the two most important women in his life with him at the moment. Abbie, Katrina and Jenny had developed a strong sister like relationship over the past five years. The battle against evil had brought them together. The respect, admiration and love they shared, strengthened their bond. He knew he was truly blessed to have them all in his life. He had even warmed up to Cameron Rivers. He could not deny Cam loved Katrina completely; the perfection of their union was clear. Cameron's modern, level headed honesty and fierce sense of loyalty, were just what Katrina needed as she continued to adjust to life in the 21st century.
"That wind is wicked out there, listen", Abbie said, emerging from the bathroom.
"Yes, it is unusual", Katrina agreed. "Most of the day has been quite tranquil and now..."
Abbie happened to look at the window, while Katrina was speaking, and what she saw amazed her. She turned to Ichabod and said "It is June, right?"
"Of course, my love June 15th to be exact."
"Well I know what the calendar says, but look, she pointed to the window. It's snowing!"
The three stared at the window in awe. It wasn't just a few flurries, it was really coming down. at an incredible pace.
"How is this possible?" Abbie wondered." It was 68 degrees 3 hours ago."
"Oh no," Katrina visibly paled, "Now it all makes sense."
"What makes sense? Abbie asked
"Yes, Katrina, Ichabod added, "What do you mean?"
"Cameron had been complaining of stilted vision for the last few days.. He would see tiny snippets of things. Though never enough of anything to make sense of the vision in its entirety. I now fear something may have been intentionally blocking his gift."
"For what purpose?" Ichabod asked, already fearing he knew the answer.
"This", Abbie said pointing to the window. "This whole snow in June thing is no quirk of nature right?" I mean look at it out there, I've never seen snow falling so hard."
Katrina replied, "I fear this snowstorm is the work of Moloch."
"Why would Moloch...", before Ichabod could finish his question, Abbie gasped and doubled over in apparent pain. Ichabod and Katrina both rushed to her side.
"Abbie , are you alright", Ichabod was as pale as a ghost with worry.
"I think, the babies are, the babies ahh..", Abbie grimaced, at the intense pain. Katrina and Ichabod carefully guided her to the couch.
"Ichabod", Abbie said softly, fear in her eyes, "I think I may be having contractions."
Ichabod's hands began twitching nervously. "Abbie, my love, do not worry. I am sure it is just a false alarm. Remember the class we took .We learned about those false contractions, named for that fellow Brixton Hacks, no what was his blasted name.? ..Braxton Hicks, that's it . I am certain that is what you are experiencing now."
"Oh God, I hope you're right", Abbie sighed.
Several loud crashes were heard just outside the cabin, the lights flickered and then went out.
"What now?", Abbie said, anxiety evident in her voice. "I tried to reach Jenny on her cell, but the call won't go through."
"Our land line appears to be dead as well," Ichabod stated. He attempted to open the front door and discovered a huge tree was blocking it.
Ichabod went to the kitchen to retrieve the candles and flashlights. He tried the back door, that was also blocked. There was still a bit of daylight remaining so the house was not in total darkness, just yet. Katrina, after assuring Abbie was comfortable, went to join Ichabod in the kitchen.
"Ichabod, I fear Abigail's contractions are genuine. I believe she is going to deliver those babies tonight."
Dread was evident in Ichabod's eyes. "Our doctor distinctly said during Abbie's visit two days ago, she had at least three more weeks before she would deliver."
"The doors are blocked.. Katrina stated, the snow is falling at such a rapid pace, the windows will soon be covered and blocked as well.
Katrina placed a hand on Ichabod's arm to comfort him. "I believe whatever evil is causing this storm, will make certain Abigail has her babies tonight. I do not think there is anything we can do to prevent that." Ichabod, the children of the two Witnesses of the Apocalypse are special,. Their birth is a momentous occasion. Whatever powers your children may possess will be highly coveted by the Dark Side. Think of the advantage Evil would gain if they were in possession of your very special babies
"No!" Ichabod hissed. "I will not allow anything to harm my wife or our children. I swear Katrina, no Demon will ever lay claim to any one in my family again. We must find a way out of here.. Abbie needs to be in the care of a doctor."
To Be Continued.
Notes: The plot bunnies are nipping at my heels again. This story will have about 2-3 chapters. I wanted to post the first chapter in time for Mother's Day. Since this is a sequel to my story "The Date," I bet you can figure out what may happen next. Anyway, I hope you liked chapter one. As always, I love to read your ideas and comments, they truly inspire me. Thank you for taking the time to read and Happy Mother's Day! :-)