I know it's been a while since I last posted. Just finished up my second semester of grad school, so I'll have more time to write now. And I didn't forget about "Back to Us." An update for that is coming as well. I just can't say when, but you'll have it. :)
Though she's only had her position for six weeks, Abbie's enjoyed her job as a secretary, especially since it paid twice as much. She's met mothers calling to schedule an appointment for their milk-breathed infants, children shyly asking for an orange lollipop, and fathers rushing in their teen for a broken arm. The day was never dull. Be it phone calls every 30 minutes or customers requesting to see the doctor, her time was always occupied. The hours went by quickly.
Most times, Mrs. Ann clocked out 2 or 3 hours late, so Mr. Sam looked after Crane for the time being. He actually preferred for Mrs. Ann not to come at all; he liked their guy time. Of course, Mrs. Ann didn't like their little boy's club, but she let them have it. She only dropped by to bring dinner, check Crane's wounds, and make small talk before leaving. Abbie couldn't thank them enough.
Crane greeted Abbie at the door with a long kiss and a tight hug. He was normally on crutches, but this week, his arm, ankle, and leg were finally healed, so he didn't need them anymore. He was happy to be able to walk on his own again. His rib was healed, too, to the point where he could breathe and talk without any pain. This was his last weekend in her home.
"How was work?" He took her bag.
"Busy, but good. I'm happy for the weekend. How was your day? Did Mrs. Ann and Mr. Sam leave already?"
"My day was well. I missed you, of course. And, yes, they left around 15 minutes ago and send their regards. Mrs. Ann left dinner for us. Would you like me to fix you a plate?"
"I'm starving."
While he heated her plate in the oven, Abbie showered and slipped into her pajamas. Her food was on the table.
"Thank you," she said as she sat down.
"My pleasure." He joined her.
"How are you feeling about your last few days here?" Abbie cut into her meat loaf.
They hadn't talked about what would happen once he was all better. Of course, he'd go back to work and his home, but she didn't know if their relationship would continue.
"I'm quite sad about it, to be honest. This is the most time we've spent together, and I've enjoyed every bit of it."
They told secrets and laughed under the covers, kissed until they fell asleep, and said they loved each other until the moon bled into the sun.
She grabbed his hand. "Me, too."
They quieted, but there was more that needed to be said.
"What about us, Crane? What happens?"
He sighed. "I'm not sure."
"We're either together or we're not."
"May we talk about this after you've had your supper?"
"Fine."
Crane stood and wiggled his fingers while Abbie sat on the bed with her arms crossed.
"Spit it out."
He knelt in front of her. "I love you with everything in me, Abbie, but…"
"You're giving up on us?"
"I wouldn't exactly use those terms."
"Then what terms am I supposed to use, Ichabod?"
"What do you want me to say? I don't enjoy terminating our relationship either. However, you shouldn't be with a person who will cause turmoil in your life. Look at your relationship with your sister. She is no longer speaking to you. You lost your job to nurse me back to health. Most importantly, your safety also has to be considered. I will not put you in danger under any circumstance. Your life has been turned upside down enough."
"We knew there'd be challenges if we did this."
"I agree, but I will not risk your life in the process."
She understood his point. His safety was important to her, too. But still…
"I believe in us. I think we can overcome anything. No one is going to welcome us. My sister didn't even do that. I know the risks. I saw what happened to you. I know what could happen to me. But I love you. It's as simple as that."
There was nothing else to say. They stood where they stood and stared at each other while they traced noses, lips, and eyebrows. She wasn't upset at him, just disappointed in how things were. It made her cry. Part of her wanted to be at peace with their relationship ending, and the other part wanted to hold on to it for dear life. But she understood his concerns. He wouldn't want them to sneak around anyway. That's not what she wanted either.
He wiped her face, kissed her forehead, nose. Then her lips. He kissed her like they could withstand, like they had forever when they didn't. She wanted all of him while they still shared her room, so she let him remove all her clothing. He kissed the dip in her back and touched her breasts, hips, thighs, and everything in between. She fell into his gentle kisses, warm skin, sweet tongue, and bold hands. She moaned and her nails clenched his shoulder bones when he slid himself between her legs. He spoke her name into the wisps of her hair. They wrapped and moved their bodies together until both of them contorted in wild pleasure.
Nearly all weekend they stayed in bed. When Monday morning arrived, they returned all the items Mrs. Ann and Mr. Sam loaned them. They went to the schoolroom for old time's sake and to say goodbye.
"I have to get back to my lessons."
Abbie temporarily cancelled them because she didn't feel comfortable leaving Crane alone, even if she wasn't far and would only be gone for an hour. The girls were disappointed, but she promised them she'd be back once her relative was taken care of.
"As you should. I want you to get back to your life. You deserve to be happy and at peace." His hand touched her cheek.
She wouldn't stop her tears today. "You make me happy, too, Ichabod."
"I'm most joyful when I'm with you as well."
She wanted to kiss him again and make love to him in the chilly and dusty schoolroom once more. But she gathered herself and stepped back from him.
"You have work in a couple of hours. You should go before you're late."
"Would I be able to call you occasionally?"
She wasn't sure if she could handle phone calls. Hearing his voice and not being able to see him in person was kind of cruel. But she agreed to phone calls anyway. What else could she do? If she couldn't have him as her life partner, then she'd settle for being his friend.
"Thank you for your generous time and thank you for nursing me back to health. I've much enjoyed our days together, Abigail." He bowed for her.
"Me, too, Ichabod."
He kissed her in finality. Before he left, he turned for another glimpse of her. It was then she knew they weren't over, that they'd make their paths cross again. The second time around, they would withstand.