"Foolish Hearts"
Notes: So this story is just my take on the idea of a new love interest for Abbie. There are a few paths this tale could take At this point I'm letting the characters lead the way, but I'd love to hear your ideas. I value your feedback. As always, thank you for taking the time to read one of my stories.
Chapter 1
They say time heals all wounds. Ichabod Crane would have to agree. Today was the six month anniversary of the night that altered his life forever.
He should have known when she began wearing those blasted trousers and listening to Michael Buble.
The late nights at the Sleepy Hollow library should have been a tip off. She had ceased referring to him as "my love" and had taken to ordering take out, instead of preparing him a proper supper. Still, Ichabod Crane, though brilliant in many things, did not see it coming. He remembered the night she left him, as though it were yesterday.
He had come home rather late after he and Abbie had dispatched two loathsome shape shifter Demons. He was certainly surprised that it was well after midnight and Katrina had yet to return home. He was just about to call her, when he heard a car pulling up in front of the cabin. He peered out of the living room window. The driver of the car and his passenger seemed to be engaging in some type of intense discourse. They remained parked in front for ten minutes. The driver, a rather tall fellow, exited his vehicle and quickly opened the passenger door.
Katrina Crane emerged from the car and headed into their home. The mystery man departed.
"Ichabod," Katrina said, putting her purse on the coffee table, "I was hoping to return before you arrived. When you told me you and Abigail would be working late, I just assumed you would not return until 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning. That has been your
pattern of late."
"Pattern did you say?" Ichabod queried.
"I do suppose that was a poor choice of words", Katrina replied.
"Ichabod, I have been avoiding this discussion with you for the past two months. I think it would be best if we both sat down."
"Katrina", what is the meaning of all of this? Who was that man you were with? Ichabod was clearly confused. Katrina sat and patted the seat next to her, Ichabod reluctantly sat down.
"Ichabod please listen to me fully, before you interject. When you and Abigail finally managed to rescue me from Abraham 7 months ago, I was truly happy. I was grateful to be given a second chance with you in this century. I had such high hopes that we could have a wonderful new life here in this time. I must say, I've grown more fond of this
century than I thought possible", Katrina smiled. "My assimilation, outside of your guidance of course, is largely due to the Mills sisters sincere friendship. They were
extremely patient in assisting my acclimation. I do not know how I would have fared without Jenny and Abigail 'showing me the ropes', as Jenny is fond of saying. I have learned so much more than how to use a microwave or a cell phone. I have discovered the true privilege of being a modern woman in this century. Ichabod, I've realized, I do not have to remain bound to an archaic sense of duty . I can no longer deny the fact that the happiness we once had is gone. We can never go back to the way things were before you were cut down by the Horseman, Jeremy's birth and my stay in Purgatory. That dear husband is forever in the past. I want to embrace all the possibilities of my new life. I suppose I am wickedly selfish Ichabod. I want a husband who will love only me, I do not wish to share your affections."
Ichabod had heard enough, and made a effort to speak.
"No Ichabod, I will have my say on this." Katrina declared. "I do not wish to wait for the day when you discover you no longer want to share your affections. Ichabod again made an attempt to interject.
"No," Katrina firmly put her palm up to silence Ichabod once again.
"I will not wait until you discover who truly holds the key to your heart. I will find my happiness, while I have a chance. The man you saw me with tonight is a good, kind man who loves me as I love him."
Ichabod gasped at that last part.
"His name is Richard and I am leaving with him tonight. We intend to marry next month. I will be meeting his family in New England tomorrow."
There, she had spoken her piece at last. A few moments of awkward silence passed , when a wounded Ichabod, rose from the couch and finally spoke.
"Katrina, how can this be? How is it possible for you to sit here and relate something of such grave import... leaving me, and ending our marriage as if you were merely deciding to change the color of your hair. Who is he Katrina? This man you say you love? Does he know how old you truly are? He does not even have the decency to face me man to man. Yet this is the person for whom you are willing to forsake our marriage? How dare you!" Ichabod's words tumbled out in a torrent.
"It was I who persuaded Richard to allow me to speak with you alone.' Katrina explained. He had every intention of facing you tonight. He has nothing to hide. Ichabod, you have every right to be angry, but please know this is truly for the best."
"The best, have you lost your wits Katrina? You mentioned how grateful you are to Abbie and her sister for assisting in your acclimation to this century. Have you forgotten, what Abbie was willing to do to free you from Purgatory? She agreed to place herself
in harm's way and remain in your stead so that you could be free of that hellish prison. So that you and I would have the chance to be together once again. Now her sacrifice for you
was all for naught, it seems."
Ichabod paused reflectively then. Katrina sat silently, allowing him to gather his thoughts, wondering what he was thinking. When the prolonged silence became overbearing, Katrina spoke.
"Ichabod, while I am most grateful to Abbie for her personal sacrifice, I do not think the reasons for her actions were as simple as you have indicated."
Ichabod raised his right eyebrow at that remark.
"Allow me to clarify. I do not think Abbie's brave actions were for my liberation alone."
"Of course not Katrina, She was acting for the good of humanity, as well. Yet, you know she also had our happiness foremost in her mind." Ichabod responded.
"Yes, that and...well, no matter. It all turned out well in the end. Abigail is back by your side, once again."
"This is what you would call 'turning out well'? You are leaving me, ending our marriage. Running off with some stranger. Bloody hell, how is that a good thing?
"Ichabod, trust me, our marriage ended long ago".
"Must you insist on speaking in riddles Katrina at a time like this?"
"My words, Ichabod merely seem like riddles to you for you are too unwilling to see them as truth. You are just as you have always been, a bit too high and mighty to see what is squarely in front of your face. When you allow yourself to see the reality, Ichabod, you'll be set free to find your true happiness. Sometimes the things that are the most obvious are the most difficult to see."
Katrina stood, and tried to take Ichabod's hand, he quickly turned away from her.
Katrina went to their bedroom to retrieve the two suitcases she had packed a week before. When she returned to the living room, Ichabod was gone. Katrina breathed in and slowly exhaled. She was certain Ichabod would forgive her one day. When the veil of anger and disappointment lifted, she knew he would understand. She had no doubt Ichabod would discover exactly who he was destined for, body and soul. Katrina's deep musings were interrupted by the sound of Richard's car pulling up in front of the cabin. Katrina took one last look at the cabin, opened the door and ran into the arms of the man who truly loved her.
