"Perchance To Dream"
Henry Parish waited patiently in Sleepy Hollow park for his father to pass by. He knew his schedule. Like clockwork he would pass the third Oak tree , by the bench at 9:05 a. m. Ichabod Crane was a stickler for routine and any semblance of order, much like his son.
Sure enough Henry saw his father rounding the corner at his usual time. Ichabod met his son's wry smile with a serious glare. The morning sunlight revealed the dark circles under his father's eyes, this only caused Henry's smile to broaden. He loved to ruffle Ichabod's arrogant feathers.
"Good Morning Father.", Henry greeted . Ichabod stood eyes unwavering, wooden backed.
"What brings you here." Ichabod replied coldly.
" No heartfelt good morning, Father?" He paused to take a closer look at Ichabod.
"My, to use a popular colloquialism of this century, You really look like shit. Trouble sleeping, perhaps? It has been said that people who have encountered a succubus, those who have lived through the encounter that is, are never the same. It seems they are often haunted by the secrets the creature uncovered. Most are plagued with very vivid dreams of their hidden desires. I..."
Before Henry could finish speaking, Ichabod interjected.
"Henry, obviously you are not here to discuss my health. Please state your business and dispense with your false concern for my well being."
"Well, then I suppose you're right. I thought you'd want to know how your wife was faring now that she has returned home. It has been a full week."
"That is not her home, nor will it ever be." Ichabod hissed
"Think what you will father. Just know mother is where she should be. Where she has a purpose, where Abraham can show her the love she deserves, without distraction."
Ichabod took a deep breath. He would not let Henry know how unnerving this encounter was.
"What you did to your mother in the name of Moloch is abominable. I know, you may think you will win this war. But heed my words. Moloch will never be victorious. We will defeat him, his army and anyone who stands in our way."
"By we, do you mean you and your fellow Witness? How is Abigail anyway, Father? Has she worked out her trust issues with you?"
Ichabod , though silent swallowed hard. Perfect. Henry knew he had struck a nerve, and continued.
"You two were once so close, so important to one another . Pity, that she no longer truly feels that way about you. Have you told her why you haven't been sleeping. Does Abigail know what you've been dreaming of every night for the past week?" Ichabod said nothing, but suddenly paled.
"I thought as much. Lusting after her. Disgusting. She doesn't want you, you know. No, Abigail is an idealist. Her devotion to your cause, though misguided, is singular and unwavering. No distractions for our Miss Mills. You don't deserve her. You're pathetic, Father. And one day Abigail will learn this too. It's only a matter of time really. And , oh what a glorious day that will be. "
Ichabod had remained silent throughout his son's observations. Henry paused to gloat a moment. He knew his words had taken their toll on the man standing before him.
"Good bye Father. I will tell your wife you send all your love."
"I'll be lying of course, but it wouldn't be the first time." he smiled and slowly walked away.
Ichabod, slumped down on the bench under the huge oak tree. He felt nauseous and weak. He loathed himself at that moment. There was no point in denying it. Everything his angry son had said... was true.
To be continued...
Notes: Ok, so this story is based on the last episode (2,,8). . Ichabod has to suffer for awhile in this one but I think he deserves it. I will be including some revelations learned in episode 9 in the next chapter. I had fun writing Henry in this one. As always, thank you for taking the time to read one of my stories. Please let me know what you think. I love hearing from you.