"The Past Is Prologue - Chapter 2"
"1947? This is most unusual." Ichabod observed.
"Yes, but Constance did say that this was part of our destiny when she gave me the envelope. Speaking of which, I guess it's OK to see what's in the second one." Abbie carefully opened the envelope. There was a note wrapped around some currency. Abbie read the note to Ichabod.
"Abbie Dear,
If all has gone well, you have safely found your way to 1947. Do not worry, you will not be staying in this time period for more than two weeks. So we have enclosed $250.00 in cash dated between 1940 - 1947. This will allow you to buy some appropriate clothing, food and everyday essentials. Please understand your purpose here is part of your destiny and your presence will benefit both of you and will have a direct effect on insuring the safety of your daughter. As events unfold, everything will become quite clear to you. In two weeks time, please go to the following address and you will be guided back to the present:
1818 Pine Tree Lane, Waterston, New York
Our best advice is to relax and enjoy this simpler time.
Lovingly,
Constance, Claire and Cynthia"
"Easy for them to say, they still have cell phone access." Abbie thought.
Both Witnesses remained silent for several moments. They needed time to process their current predicament. It was Ichabod who broke the silence first.
"Abbie, you have not eaten anything since lunch. According to the clock over there it is well after 11 p. m. I think you and the baby need some nourishment. Let us look for a place to have a meal."
"Yeah, food would be good and a bathroom. Man, I really have to go!"
"Right, it seems the exit is this way." Ichabod took Abbie's arm.
"Ichabod", Abbie said, "there is something you should know about 1947. OK, this isn't the South or anything, but people's attitudes about interracial couples were not as accepting as they are in the 21st century. So don't be surprised if we hear some unkind comments or get nasty looks when people see us together. I have no idea who's actually going to rent us a place to sleep. So just be prepared if we encounter some racism OK?"
"Abbie, I appreciate the warning. I do hold onto the hope that the residents of this era are more progressive than you give them credit for."
"Believe me", Abbie said, "I hope you're right."
Abbie and Ichabod made their way over to Main Street, just across from the Municipal park.
"Wow!" Abbie remarked, "I've never seen good Old Sleepy Hollow this dead on a Friday night. Looks like everything's closed."
"It is rather late, after all." Ichabod said. There were a few parked cars here and there. Mostly Fords. All the shops were closed.
Abbie passed a butcher shop that was the Main Street Starbucks in 2014. The town gym was a five and dime store here. Abbie looked in the display window. "Wow, sewing kits, cheap plastic dolls, costume jewelry, all for less than 50 cents. Look, she said as she walked a bit further, here's a record store" Abbie gazed in awe at the 78's in the window, I love 1940s music. Billie Holiday, Maxine Sullivan, Louis Armstrong all for under $1.00 My mother used to have some of these records, they had belonged to my grandparents.. I guess the $250.00 the sisters gave us will really go a long way here over the next two weeks."
"I am sure", Ichabod returned, "they wanted to make sure we would be well provided for during our stay here."
"Our stay here?" Abbie asked Ichabod, "it's not like we're "vacationing" in Florida for 2 weeks! We're in another time! Another century! No cell phones, no internet, no lattes, no reality TV. No TV!" A bit of desperation was creeping into her normally confident voice.
"No TV?" Ichabod asked with concern.
"No, regular commercial television network programming did not begin in the U.S. until 1948. During that year, comedian Milton Berle's television show, became television's first really big hit show. Everyone was listening to the radio in 1947. Many of the early television shows from the 1950's started as radio shows in the '30s and 40s". Abbie explained. Ichabod raised an eyebrow and looked quizzically at Abbie. "Hey, I saw a program on the history of television a couple of years ago. It's funny the things you remember sometimes."
" So No TV." Ichabod stated. "No wonder you appear flummoxed. Welcome to my world Abbie. Time travel is not for the faint of heart."
"Point taken." Abbie agreed. Just then the two Witnesses heard music coming from across the street.
"It does appear that establishment is open and flourishing." Ichabod said, relieved they had found a place to rest.
The neon sign flashed"Club 42, Music, Food & Dancing"
"Looks like it's the only game in town at this hour." Abbie said, "How bad could it be?"
The couple crossed the street and entered the nightclub. The first thing they noticed was the lack of smoke in the busy dimly lit room. "That's weird Ichabod," Abbie observed, "Not that I'm complaining, but you always hear about the smoke filled nightclubs of the 1940s, yet there's not one person smoking here."
"That's because one of the owners has asthma" Abbie and Ichabod turned to see who had spoken.
"Hi, my name's Dee. Hope you don't mind me listening in to your question." Dee said cheerfully .She was a lovely, honey brown skinned woman with deep dimples. "Haven't seen you two here before. We know all the regulars, small town and all."
"Quite pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Dee." Ichabod said charmingly. "This is my lovely wife Abigail and I am Ichabod Crane."
"Nice to meet you too." Dee returned.
"Dee, would you mind telling me where the restroom is, I really have to go." Abbie said , with unmistakable urgency.
"Of course" Dee said, taking in Abbie's very noticeable tummy. "You must have to go a lot at this stage in the game. Come walk with me. I was on my way downstairs to the bathroom anyway, before I start my set." She took Abbie by the hand and started walking towards the stairs.
"Your set?" Abbie asked as they descended the stairs, "do you perform here?"
"You bet! I'm the entertainment. Dee Whitmore in the flesh! Here we are." Dee said as she pointed, "you go first, there's only one toilet."
"Thanks" Abbie said, relieved she was finally going to the bathroom.
When both women had finished Dee asked Abbie" So, where did you meet that handsome tall drink of water? He from England, right?" Abbie nodded. "well, I've heard of war brides, in fact Roger, one of our regular customers, is married to a girl he met when he was in the war. I've never heard of war husbands though."
"Ah, oh", Abbie had to think fast. "He was my professor in a course I was taking at City College in Manhattan. Yeah, he was a visiting professor and well, we just started going out. One thing led to another and now we're married."
"Well that's interesting. College girl, huh? Good for you. Just want to say you're a lucky girl sugar. He looks at you like you're the best little thing in the world. That must be a good feeling."
"It is." Abbie smiled. "Dee, we just got into town and need a place to stay while we're here. Ichabod's doing some research on a book he's writing on the history of Sleepy Hollow. We'll be in town about 2 weeks. Do you know of any place that would rent us a room?
"Sure thing Abbie." Dee answered. "The owners rent rooms. They live in a big old house not too far from here. Just ask to speak to El when you go back upstairs."
Ichabod had found a cozy table and was patiently awaiting Abbie's return. His face lit up when he saw her approaching. He stood as she came to the table and pulled out the chair for her.
"Oh, this is nice." Abbie said as she sat down.
"I took the liberty to order you the special of the evening Abbie, Salisbury steak. There's apple pie for dessert." he said with a warm smile.
"Great, thanks Ichabod." Abbie said. "Dee says the owner rents rooms. So after we eat, we'll ask her. Oh, and I had to make up a story about why we're here." Abbie explained everything to Ichabod. Just then Dee appeared at the mike. The music swelled and the she began singing. What a wonderful voice she had! She reminded Abbie of a young Sarah Vaughn. It was no wonder the crowd hushed as she started to sing. Ichabod and Abbie enjoyed her performance. It was hard for Abbie to believe she was actually sitting in a 1940s nightclub. She had always thought the 40s were really glamorous and the hairstyles and clothes of the audience lived up to her expectations. She was suddenly a bit self conscience of the maternity jeans and turtleneck she was wearing. The music, the people, the ambiance, Abbie drank it all in. She was in seventh heaven and being there with the man she loved was the icing on the cake! Abbie glanced around to survey the club's patrons. She was a bit surprised to note that they were primarily African American.
About halfway through Dee's set, after the two Witnesses had eaten, a very attractive woman in her early 30s tapped Abbie on the shoulder. Abbie turned slowly and the shock of recognition hit her like a ton of bricks. Abbie realized she was face to face with her maternal grandmother, Ellie Roberts.
To be continued.
Notes: So that's chapter 2. Can you guess where this is going? I would love to hear your theories. Much will be revealed in chapter 3, reviews really are love. Please let me know what you think. Thank you for reading.