CJ wandered out onto the grounds, needing a bit of time away from the guys. She pulled her sweater more tightly about her as protection against the spring mist and leaned up against the side of the house, sighing. In the distance, she saw a figure kneeling on the ground and smiled. Abbey was gardening. She quietly made her way over and stood quietly behind the woman, who still hadn't noticed her presence. She watched as Abbey broke apart the moist soil, her gloved hands mixing in nutrients to help her plants grow. She seemed at peace.
"Hi." She put a hand on Abbey's shoulder to announce her presence. Abbey stiffened, surprised, before looking up and seeing it was CJ.
"You frightened me." She commented, turning back to her planting. CJ smiled.
"Leo tells me I should wear a bell."
"You are rather feline." Abbey laughed.
CJ frowned "Is that good or bad?" Abbey looked her up at her, her brown eyes filled with amusement at CJ's distress.
"Take it as a compliment. Cats are beautiful creatures."
CJ knelt beside her on the wet ground. "What are you planting?"
"Stargazer lilies" Abbey smiled. "They're my favourites." CJ looked confused.
"Are they the big trumpet-like ones?"
"Yeah" Abbey passed her the package of bulbs, which had a picture of the flowers. "Want to open it for me so I don't have to take my gloves off?" CJ complied, passing her the bulbs one by one as Abbey dug them little holes and covered them over again, carefully. "There" she covered over the last one. "Hopefully the squirrels won't eat them." She looked at CJ, who smiled gently back at her.
"I should get back, ma'am."
Abbey sighed. "How many times must I ask you to call me Abbey in private?" she said with exasperation.
CJ smiled. "I should get back…Abbey."
"Well, then," Abbey climbed to her feet and pulled off her gloves, offering a hand to CJ, who took it, allowing herself to be pulled from the ground. "Let's get you back."
The two women walked back in silence towards the farmhouse. "See you later Abbey" CJ said quietly, pausing before she split off towards the barn.
Abbey turned towards her, something passing through her eyes as CJ said her name. She smiled. "Bye, Claudia Jean" she replied, just as quietly. She stood and watched CJ as she made her way back into the world of men.
Back in Washington a few days later, Abbey smiled as she walked into her office to find a vase filled with stargazer lilies sitting on her desk.