"Foolish Hearts"
Chapter 11
The two partners remained locked in their embrace, until a noise startled them. They looked up to the direction of the sound. They saw two brown and white chipmunks playfully scamper down the tree to their left.
Abbie suddenly pulled away from Ichabod.
"That, should not have happened," Abbie sighed.
"Why not Abbie?" Ichabod said softly, as he took her hand. "I have never experienced something so wonderful, so perfect, as our kiss."
"I am not gonna argue that Ichabod, but we just can't... I just can't." Abbie turned and headed back toward the French doors.
"Abbie," Ichabod took her arm, and gently turned her face towards his."You can't run away from this. We need to face our feelings, once and for all. You know that."
"Not tonight, please not now." She pulled away from him and hurriedly walked back to locate the ladies room. She knew he could not follow her in there. She needed to refocus and calm her thoughts. She had to pull herself together before she could face Noel."You screwed up big this time Mills", she mused as she entered the restroom.
Ichabod, watched Abbie enter the bathroom. His head was spinning as he recalled their first sweet kiss. He had never felt anything as wonderful as when their lips met. He could have stayed forever in her embrace. He knew he loved her with his whole heart, but even he was astounded at the intensity of their kiss. Abbie's lips were soft and warm, they fit so well melded to his. He knew it was useless to pursue her tonight. He believed in the prudency of patience. Abbie clearly needed time to process what had occurred between them. She needed to arrive at the realization he already knew. Their love was undeniably meant to be. Ichabod had no doubt that Abbie would see the light. He decided it would be best, if he left things as they were and head back to the cabin. He would speak to her in the morning, with a clear head.
Evangeline Devereux and her sister waited impatiently for Abbie and Ichabod to leave, before they emerged from their hiding place.
"I thought that damn Crane would never get his filthy mitts off of Gracie", Evie scowled.
"Well, Evie it was their first kiss and you know how strong their hearts beat for one another." Antoinette replied.
"Yes, sickening, isn't it. I'm telling you Tone. I can't wait to rip Crane's heart out and devour it! He is the only thing standing between my Noel's happiness with Gracie."
"You know I'm on your side, Evie, but interfering with the destiny of the Witnesses of the Apocalypse, that's really serious stuff. We've never done anything like this before. Maybe we should just leave it alone."
Evie turned, and glared at her sister, "Listen Tone, if you're on my side then act like it! Of course this won't be easy! I know that. But it must be done. I would do anything for Noel, he deserves to be happy. Believe me, I know how serious this is. But don't you worry sister dear, I have a plan. And mark my words Tone "failure is not an option!"
When Abbie came out of the restroom, Noel was there to greet her.
"I saw you go inside, Gracie. Where did Crane go?"
"I'm pretty sure he left Noel."Abbie answered. She thanked God Noel hadn't seen her kissing Ichabod. She didn't want to hurt him like that.
"Well to be honest, Gracie. I'm glad to have you all to myself again." He took her hand. "My mother asked me to bring her her sweater from the car, now I can't find her and Aunt Tone anywhere."
"Well, they must not have gone far. Did you check the refreshment stand, downstairs?" Abbie asked.
"No, but..." just then, Evie and her sister walked over to the couple.
"Oh here you are!" Evie said smiling. "Reunited, I see."
"Here's your sweater Mother. Why did you two park so far away. I had a tough time finding the car."
"Oh sorry Noel. We like to park away from the crowds. Besides a bit of a walk is good exercise. Thank you for retrieving it." Evie took the sweater. "Now you and Gracie can get back to enjoying your evening. Tone and I are heading over to the a Diner for some real food. So you two kids enjoy the rest of the night."
"So Mother, I practically go on a safari to retrieve your sweater and now you're leaving?" Noel asked.
"The food at that concession stand isn't fit for human consumption and we're starving." Tone explained.
"You two are certainly welcome to join us." Evie offered.
"Actually, it's getting late. I have to be getting home." Abbie said.
"It's only 10:30", Evie replied. "You're leaving so early on a Friday night? But it's true, we girls do need our beauty sleep don't we dear? So goodnight Gracie." Evie and Antoinette kissed and said their good nights to the couple, then departed.
"Alone at last, Gracie. How 'bout one last dance?" Noel said, as he put his arm around Abbie's waist. "I sort of got cheated when Crane cut in."
"Sure Noel. Sorry about Crane." Abbie replied.
"It's fine Gracie. I know how close you two are."
Abbie tried to smile. Noel, you have no idea, she thought as he led her to the dance floor.
The music was slow and beautiful. All her thoughts, however were on the memory of Ichabod's embrace as his kiss consumed her soul.
When Abbie walked in to her apartment, Jenny bounced out to meet her. True to form, she had been "lying in wait" for her sister's arrival.
"So, home so soon Abs? Did I miss anything exciting at the dance,?" she said cheerfully.
Abbie rolled her eyes and sat on the couch. "As if you didn't know?"
"Know what?"
"Oh cut the shit Jen!" You know very well what I'm talking about. How many times do I have to tell you to stay out of my love life! Crane showing up tonight was all your idea!" Abbie accused.
"Listen Abbie," Jenny's tone was suddenly serious, as she stood in front of her sister."It wasn't all my idea. Crane wanted to be there tonight. Damn, he even took dancing lessons just for you! If you think I'm sorry for helping the man who truly loves you, show you just that, forget it! When are you gonna wake up girl ? When are you just going accept the inevitable truth?"
"You don't understand Jen", Abbie said softly.
"Oh really? And why is that exactly? You're the one who doesn't understand Abbie. You spend so much time trying to control the things and people in your life. You try to have all the answers. Well, you know what? You're messing up big time with this Abbie. Crane loves you, more than you can ever imagine. And what are you doing? You're trying to manufacture feelings for a man, who is not meant for you. Meanwhile, Crane is losing his mind with love for you."
"You're not being fair to either one of them. Grow up Abbie, it's time to face your heart."
Abbie just stared at her sister. She was far too tired to attempt to dispute the truth. "Are you finished Jenny."
"Yeah, for all the good it did." Jenny replied.
"Well, night then." Abbie sighed and headed to the bathroom.
Abbie sighed, as she undressed to shower. She could not deny that her sister was 100% right. She loved her fellow Witness so completely, it frightened her more than any Demon ever could.
Ichabod Crane awakened on Saturday morning, a hopeful, but cautious man. The kiss he and Abbie had shared the night before buoyed his spirits. He knew it would be very difficult for her to deny the force of the love they shared. He knew, however, how much the kiss probably frightened his fellow Witness. He realized he would have to proceed with extreme caution today. He would gauge her mood when he saw her, and allow her to broach the subject of their kiss when she saw fit.
Abbie had promised to meet Ichabod at the Diner that afternoon. When she arrived, he was engaged in a pleasant conversation with Maddie, the waitress. He smiled broadly and stood when she approached the booth.
"Hey Abbie, your ears must be burning little girl, we were just talking about you." Maddie said cheerfully.
"Oh really? What about?" Abbie asked.
"Oh Ichabod here, was telling me how much he enjoyed that dance over at the VFW Hall last night. He told me how lovely you looked in your fancy dress."
"It wasn't that fancy Maddie." Abbie replied.
"Still, wish you had taken some pictures. Sounds like you both had a great time."
"We most certainly did." Ichabod said.
"Yeah it was fun Maddie. they have another one in December. You should go."
"I might, if I can drag my husband Roy out of the house, that is." Maddie laughed. "So what are you two gonna have? The specials today are meatloaf and Hawaiian chicken. That's got pineapple slices and cherries on it. If you ask me I'd just go with the meatloaf."
"I'm sold Maddie, meatloaf it is"
"Actually Miss Maddie, the Hawaiian chicken sounds intriguing."
"It is if you like canned pineapple slices and Maraschino cherries on baked chicken. But if you're sure, ok."
"I am feeling quite adventurous today." Ichabod responded. Maddie smiled and departed.
Now it was just the two of them. Ichabod waited for her to speak first. When five minutes passed and all Abbie had done was clear her throat a few times, Ichabod knew he would have to get the ball rolling.
"So Lieutenant, did you sleep well?" Yes, he thought asking her about her night's sleep was a safe place to begin their conversation.
"Yeah, I did. How 'bout you?"
"I had a very pleasant sleep Abbie." his voice became softer. "I dreamt of our dance most of the night." He decided he would leave it at that and wait for her response.
"So, Friday is the New Moon. If all goes well we'll be able to wrap up this whole Moyo Mlaji case and get back to normal."
This was not the response he was expecting. "Normal? What constitutes normalcy in our lives?"
"You know. We can go back to the way we were before this special assignment business."
"You mean before our..." Suddenly Maddie was back with their food.
"Well here you go, one meatloaf and one Hawaiian chicken. Eat up you two!"
Ichabod was so disappointed by Abbie's comment, he couldn't speak.
Abbie, embraced the silence. The two Witnesses ate their meal quietly.
Each lost in their own thoughts. Maddie came by their table, about halfway through their meal.
"So is everything ok you two? How's the Hawaiian chicken Ichabod?"
"Everything's great Maddie." Abbie said, a bit too quickly.
The chicken is quite good Miss Maddie. Ichabod added, just as quickly. Truth be told, he was so tense and distracted by his musings, he couldn't even taste the chicken.
"Well, ok then you two. Let me know if there 's anything you need."
Maddie left the table frowning. "Definitely trouble in paradise right there.. I sure hope those two work out whatever's wrong" Maddie thought , as she walked back to the kitchen. She was clearly worried about two of her favorite customers."
It wasn't until the two witnesses had paid their check and were walking out of the Diner that Abbie found her voice again.
It had always been Ichabod who had initiated the hand holding. This time it was Abbie who gently grasped her partner's hand as the walked toward her car. Ichabod knew this had to be a good sign.
"Get in Crane, we need to talk. But, not here ok?"
"As you wish lieutenant." Ichabod happily acquiesced.
Abbie resumed her quietude as they drove. Ichabod, now hopeful once again, couldn't wait to discover her chosen destination for their talk. When they rounded the corner on Cherry street, he knew. Abbie was heading to the wooded area in Sleepy Hollow park, where they had their picnic some days before.
She stopped the car, and they walked hand in hand. Abbie's steps were self assured and determined . She quickened her pace, as they neared their destination. She was taking the lead this time. She might be small in stature, but when she had her mind set on something she was a force to be reckoned with. Abbie had done quite a lot of thinking during their silent lunch.
She had come to a decision between tasteless bites of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The two Witnesses came to a stop, in the exact spot of their last picnic. Abbie, still holding Ichabod's hand, turned to face him.
"You know a part of me hates you Crane. Really hates you."
"Hate?" Ichabod asked incredulously. Hate? He didn't like the sound of that.
"Yeah, the rational part of me has my future all planned out." She turned and walked away toward the brook. "I should be with Noel," Abbie's stared down and watched the ripples in the brook. "Noel loves me. He respects me, he understands how much I've accomplished, He values my profession. He would do anything for me. He is considerate and kind, almost to a fault. After all this Apocalypse shit is over, I could really have a good life with him. You know, the funny thing is I can see it all so clearly. What a safe, comfortable life we could have. The big house, the dog, the kids, the SUV, he could give me that life. A sweet little life. She turned back, to face him. The trouble is, you're in my damned way Crane. Ichabod wasn't sure where this was going, and his hands started twitching nervously. He sensed, however, it was best not to interject, until she was finished speaking. She walked closer to him and poked his chest with her index finger
"Yeah, I love you, Ichabod Crane. Pompous, pain in the ass you. And no matter what I do my stupid heart won't budge. It would be so much easier if we really could go back to the way we were before, "just besties." Before I knew I loved you. Ignorance really is bliss, you know." Ichabod breathed a sigh of thankful relief and was just about to speak when
Abbie reached up and pulled his head down toward her. Ichabod, joyfully bent to accommodate his partner. Abbie's lips met his, and he knew nothing else mattered in their world except the sweet reality of their kiss.
Their kiss deepened. Abbie could feel Ichabod's length stiffen, as their kiss intensified. Abbie was so ready to feel him inside her. She wanted him with every fiber of her being. Her breath quickened, as Ichabod began to ply her neck with tender, sensuous kisses. It was all so wonderful except...
"Wait", Abbie said, taking a deep breath. "I want you so bad right now, I think you know that."
"As I desire you Abbie" Ichabod's husky tone was not making it easy for Abbie to concentrate on what she wanted to say. His blue eyes, darkened with need, were fixed on hers.
"Yeah, Listen," she put her hand on his chest and pulled away slightly. "When I decided to come here I didn't have this in mind. I mean I really just wanted to have a quiet place where we could talk. But now, all I want to do is make love to you." That was all Ichabod needed to hear, he tried to gently pull her closer, she pulled further away.
"No, this isn't right Ichabod. I need to fix things with Noel first. I need to tell him the truth about us. He deserves that. I don't want my guilt about Noel tainting our first time together. Can you understand that?"
"Of course you are right, Abbie". Ichabod said. He took a deep breath in an attempt to clear the amorous thoughts from his mind.
"I'll call Noel tonight, and ask him to meet me in Dobbs Ferry. This way I won't be interfering with our assignment. I need to tell him in person. I am not looking forward to this," Abbie sighed. "I hate the idea of hurting him."
"I think the kindest thing you can do Abbie is to tell him as soon as possible. Devereux is an honorable fellow, I am sure, he will appreciate your honesty. "
"I hope so. I don't want to lose him as a friend."Abbie replied.
"It has been my experience that former lovers, do not make the best friends." Ichabod observed.
"Yeah I guess you're right, but I hope he can forgive me." Abbie took his hand. "I think we should head back now. The new moon is on Friday, we still have some research to do to make sure we're ready to face this Moyo thing."
" Yes, one thing though, Abbie. Ichabod stopped Abbie from heading back to the car.
"What's that?
"Well, I was a bit concerned regarding something you mentioned earlier." Ichabod said in a serious voice.
"What exactly?"Abbie asked
"You said a part of you hated me? Is this really true?"
"Oh, that." Abbie flashed one of her half smiles at Ichabod. God, he loved when she did that.
"Yeah the practical, logical part of me kind of hates you. But hey, there's very little about our lives that is either practical or logical anyway. And..", she said squeezing his hand reassuringly, "My heart is the boss around here. It already clubbed "little Miss practical and logical" into submission. So there's nothing to worry about Mr .Crane." She smiled broadly then, and Ichabod , now basking in the proclamation of her love, kissed her tenderly.
The rest of the week progressed quickly. The Witnesses focused on the best way to trap the Moyo Mlaji before it could kill again. Friday would mark the new moon, they were ready. They mapped out all the secluded spots frequented by lovers in Sleepy Hollow There would be officers visible at all of those sights on Friday night. Ichabod and Abbie had decided that would only leave the Waterfront warehouse area as the Demon's most likely target. They would cover the waterfront that night. The only way to kill the creature was to prevent it from feeding. If the Moyo Mlaji did not consume a human heart by dawn on Saturday, it would perish. Now that they had openly declared their love, their undercover work was a true joy for them both The hand holding, adoring gazes, and kissing they displayed were genuine. Anyone seeing them could tell how in love they were. They would certainly seem an irresistible, mouth watering treat to the heart stealing Demon.
Abbie's' moment of truth' meeting with Noel was on the day before the new moon. Noel had gone on a buying trip earlier in the week, Thursday, therefore, was the day they had agreed upon to meet. Abbie left Ichabod at 4:00 that afternoon.
"Abbie your meeting with Noel is not until 7:00. Why are you leaving at this early hour?" Ichbod asked, as he squeezed her hand. Ichabod sensed her meeting with Devereux had been weighing quite heavily on her mind. She had been rather preoccupied and pensive from the time she arrived that morning.
"I know, but this isn't going to be easy Ichabod. I have to give myself some alone time before the big moment of truth. I've never been good at breakups."
"I understand. My best advice is to speak from your heart Abbie. Devereux seems to be a bit of a romantic. I believe he will understand our love. I am sure he will not like what he hears, of course, but he will most likely comprehend the logic behind it."Ichabod replied
"But that's just it Ichabod. There is no logic to love. Love is illogical, it's unreasonable and sometimes it can be damned inconvenient." Abbie sighed.
"And", Ichabod said softly, as he embraced Abbie, "That is why love is so wonderful." He kissed her then, Abbie, engulfed in his arms, knew that in the end everything would be just fine.
Two hours after Abbie's departure, Ichabod's cell rang. he smiled when he saw who was calling. "In need of a pre meeting pep talk?" he said aloud, before answering the call.
"Hello my love", Ichabod said cheerfully.
"Hey Ichabod. I'm at Noel's mother's house. He called me awhile ago and asked me to come over here. There's something you need to see. I really need your help with this." Ichabod noted the concern in her voice.
"Of course Abbie. Give me her address. Should I inform the Captain?"
"No, this is something we need to take care of on our own. You'll understand when you get here. Please try to hurry."
"Certainly, I'm leaving now." Ichabod left the cabin immediately. He was extremely anxious to discover the cause of Abbie's concern.
Evie Devereux smiled at her sister Antoinette , as she ended the call.
"So did he buy it Tone?"
"Hook, line and sinker sister!" Tone beamed proudly.
"You do have a gift for mimicking voices, my dear."
"Why thank you Evie. He's ours now." Tone replied.
Evie went over to the sofa and gazed down at the sleeping form of Abbie Mills. She adjusted the pretty, floral quilt that covered her.
"Poor little Gracie, I hope she doesn't have too much of a headache when she awakens."
"Don't worry Evie, the dose I gave her, was very light. She should have a peaceful sleep and awaken fresh as a Daisy."
"Just in time for the arrival of her true love." Evie sighed "And then the real fun begins."
The two sisters couldn't help but giggle mischievously. This was going to be good.
To be continued
Notes: So it does not look good for the two Witnesses at the moment! At least they've declared their love for one another. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. You know, I always love hearing your ideas.
