These are the last two chapters of the story. Thank you so, so much for waiting so patiently as I updated this story. I know it's been forever. Thank you for reading and commenting and the support you've given me. It means the world and beyond. I hope you enjoy the final chapters. :)

Abbie hasn't seen Crane for three months. She hasn't fingered his brown beard or kissed his gentle lips. Or cocooned herself in his arms. But she's heard his voice. He's called her more than a time or two, since they stopped seeing each other. Most days they played phone tag. He called her as she zipped up her skirt and gobbled the rest of her dinner in preparation for her evening job at the hospital; it normally ran late. And she dialed him as he swallowed his coffee and laced his boats for the library shelves. It was only on the weekends when they were able to make small talk. They didn't have to rush off the phone and apologize for it.

The phone rang as she entered the apartment; she hurried to it.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Miss Mills."

"Hey, Crane."

"I hope this Saturday finds you well. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Just getting back from my class this afternoon. It went well. I have a few new girls."

This was her fourth weekend teaching. The corners and desks were so marked with Crane that she needed to give herself time before she recontinued lessons. The first class was difficult. All the moments with Crane played before her: their first day, their first meal, their first kiss. But she was able to pull it together and focus. When she got home, she let herself fall apart. It was like this since they split really. At night, she cried and tucked herself between the sheets they shared. Then he called her in the day, and she pretended to be fine.

"I'm glad you're instructing again and that your day is joyous."

"Thank you. What about you?"

He sighed. "It is quiet here. Unfortunately, my novel isn't keeping my attention. I haven't been able to focus on books at all if I'm honest. My thoughts have been occupied."

Recently, he told her he wasn't sleeping at night either.

She closed her eyes. This was a road she wanted to avoid today. "Don't do this, Ichabod. Not again."

"I miss you, Abbie."

This was where they ended up every Saturday, and she'd hang up, with her heart wide open and wounded again.

"You're the one who called us off. You don't get to miss me."

She missed him, too, would even take him back, but she didn't want to rekindle their relationship only for him to call it quits again. She didn't like being towed with.

"I knew your absence would be difficult, but I underestimated just how much. I was a fool, a coward. I regret ending our relationship because of my fears."

"What do you want me to say, Crane?" She quickly wiped the tears below her eyes. "What do you want?"

"I would like to continue our courtship. However—"

"We're either in this or we're not. There's no in-between."

"You are correct, but your safety is of the upmost importance. What if—? "

"There is no 'What if?' Don't tell me we can't do the impossible."

"I wish I could tell you we could."

She shook her head. "Don't bring this up if you're just going to backpedal. Make up your damn mind, Ichabod. If you want to be with me, show me."

"I don't mean to upset you."

She was silent.

"Abbie?"

"I have to go, Crane. I'll talk to you later."

She didn't wait for him to say goodbye before she hung up. Her apartment felt cramped now. Everything in it was too small: the kitchen, the living room, her bedroom. So she left her home for cold air. A walk was what she needed. Winter still presented itself outside, but it didn't bother her. The snow would melt soon anyway. She didn't have a destination in mind. On the way to wherever, she passed Corbin's bakery. His window was finally repaired, so Jenny was able to go back to work. Corbin picked her up and dropped her off each day for safety. And Abbie still helped on the weekends.

Her and Jenny weren't on good terms yet, but at least they spoke to each other again. Small talk at least. If it wasn't for Jenny getting into Crane's head, then maybe he wouldn't have broken up with her. Maybe. But Crane probably would've did so anyway, even without Jenny's assistance. She didn't know for sure, but it didn't make sense to worry over it now.

Abbie found herself in the park with lots of people. Protestors actually. All races. They held large white signs. The black words on them said "We Demand Equal Rights Now!" or "Integration Is An Education" or "Jim Crow Must Go." Citizens linked arms and chanted. News crews panned their cameras this way and that while reporters scribbled on notepads as quickly as they could. Policemen stood on the outskirts, with batons in hand and stoic faces. She prayed the protestors returned home safe instead of bloodied and broken, like she saw on television.

While being in the midst of the protest, she couldn't help but think of Crane. She wanted them to have a life together without rules and restrictions. Where was their freedom to love? She was about to leave when she saw a couple she recognized. It was Eric and his girlfriend Sarah. They held hands and signs as they walked with the other residents. And she just looked at them. How could they be so brave? How could they stand in the face of hate and be as defiant and determined? She gave up trying to figure out the answer and started to leave again when her name was yelled.

She couldn't find the person who said it. It was difficult to make out how the voice even sounded because of the crowd's chorus. Her eyes went everywhere to find the person as they continued to shout for her. She turned this way and that way. Excused herself through large groups to find who it was. And then she saw him: Crane, pushing and shoving through throngs of people to get to her. What was he doing here? Did he need air, too? Slightly out of breath, he stood in front of her and grabbed her hands. It made her stomach flop and her heart thrash. She glanced around to see if anyone was watching them. Most people weren't paying attention. Those who were smiled at them or gave them thumbs up. It eased her fear just a little.

Questions flew on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn't get them out.

"I thought about what you said over the phone, and I was en-route to your apartment when I spotted you. You were right, Abbie. We're either in this together or we're not. There is no in-between." He glanced around. "Even in this moment, each individual is fighting for togetherness and equality. I've realized what I want to fight for, too, what I truly believe in: love." His fingers swept across her cheek, her lips, her nose. "It knows no bounds. It's like the story your mother told you: the one about the strings, how their balloons are so full of love, and how one shouldn't release that string."

She played with his fingers. "What are you saying, Crane?"

"I will fight for us. I'll fight for you, Grace Abigail Mills. That is if you'll still have me. I love you."

She believed him and observed the people around them who risked their lives to be here. They stood in the face of oppression. Fearlessly. They reminded her of Stella and May, how they probably would have joined in, too. She felt a drumming, a boldness in her breastbone that landed in the heels of her feet.

"I love you, too, Ichabod Crane." She kissed him.

The two caught up with Eric and Sarah and stuck with them during the protest. They gripped hands and held up signs, too. Eric filled them in. The N.A.A.C.P organized this march. People rallied for voting rights as well as equal access to education, housing, and transportation. They demanded an end to lynching black bodies and the KKK. They wanted liberation and justice.

Soon enough, the police signaled each other and slowly closed in on the crowd. An officer yelled into a megaphone. Each citizen had approximately five minutes to disperse and return home. But the citizens resisted and shouted as loud as the policeman. Officers geared up with masks, full-body shields, tear gas grenades. They swung their batons to back people away, but they pushed back. And then chaos descended. The police flung their grenades into clusters of protestors. Tear gas scalded eyes and choked throats and nostrils. Policemen struck civilians with their batons. A woman gripped her bleeding forehead while a man held his blackened eye. Screaming and crying bounced across the park.

Abbie was frightened. Television was one thing but reality was another. She froze and could only watch as the police brutally beat and threatened innocent people. Crane said something to her about leaving and gently tugged her elbow. Gunshots blared. Ten of them. Some people quickly ducked and crawled through the grass while others were shot in the arm or in the leg.

She even saw one person, a man, laying on the ground from a bullet. He clutched his chest and struggled for breath. No one helped him. No one really could. And for a moment, she saw her father laying in his place. Helpless. Scared for his family. She wondered if he had a wife and children. Crane continued to urge her to leave the area. Eric and Sarah assisted those with bruises and scars and received some themselves for interfering with the police. Abbie wasn't about to dessert anyone, so she released herself from Crane and ran toward the man.

As she removed a part of his coat and compressed the wound with her hands, she told him everything would be okay. Then asked for his name. Mark.

"You're going to be fine. Okay, Mark? I'm going to get you help."

Crane joined her and placed his hands on top of hers. She quickly met his eyes.

"We're in this together," he said.

She nodded and put one of her hands over his. They turned their attention toward Mark as they yelled for help. By the time Eric and Sarah rushed over with medics from the ambulance, Mark had died. They carried him off into the truck. Neither her nor Crane could speak as the protestors and the police dwindled. Her body felt immobile.

Sarah asked her if she was okay. She said yes and slowly came to her senses again. The park was near empty, and the four of them stepped on the trolley with other sore protestors, who wished them a safe trip home. They travelled to Abbie's. She refused to let Eric and Sarah walk back to campus in the state they were in. Plus, her place was closer. They'd stay the night.

"I know some people who can loan you two some cloths and stitch you up," she said.

They were too tired to nod.

"Have mercy, sugar." Mrs. Ann shook her head when she opened the door to the four of them.

She quickly ushered them in and took care of Eric and Sarah; Abbie and Crane washed the blood off their hands in the bathroom. Mr. Sam found them a change of clothes, but Abbie decided to change when she got home. Then he put on a kettle. They explained the afternoon over cups of tea.

"I don't give tongue lashings often, but the four of you were foolish for joining that protest," Mrs. Ann said. "Then you stayed to help other people. And you each have partners who are white. Do you have any idea what could have happened to y'all? This could have been far worse. We all know what's happening down South. You know some protestors don't make it home. My niece wasn't protesting, but she had an encounter with the police and…." She covered her mouth as tears fell off her cheeks.

Abbie took her hand. She didn't mean to upset her, let alone bring up feelings about Stella. Mrs. Ann squeezed her hand; Mr. Sam gave her a tissue.

"I'm just relieved the four of you made it home safe. It can be very dangerous standing up to the cops. I don't want no harm to come to you babies, you hear?"

"Yes, ma'am," they said.

Mrs. Ann wiped her face, said, "Now, drink up."

They nodded and sipped in silence until Mr. Sam lightened the mood. He told them about the time he burned fried steak and how Mrs. Ann gave him a tongue lashing he wouldn't forget. Their wounds didn't hurt as much when they laughed.

Abbie knew Jenny would give her an earful if she was home, so she prepared herself. She also warned Eric and Sarah, but they didn't seem too bothered.

"We're used to opposition," Sarah said. "We'll be fine."

She nodded as Crane grabbed her hand. She unlocked the door; Jenny was pacing in the living room.

"Abbie, did you see the protest on—?" She froze when she saw Crane and her extra two guests.

"Really? We're doing this again? Again, Abbie? Look at you. And Eric? What the hell, man?"

"Jenny, I'll explain everything, but they need a place to stay for tonight. Their campus is too far. We're closer."

"What about that lady you see so much? Can't they stay with them?"

"Mrs. Ann and Mr. Sam have already done more than enough for us. They're staying here, Jenny."

"Fine." She went to her room and slammed her door.

Abbie was embarrassed about her sister's behavior and began to make apologies for her when Eric stopped her.

"You don't have to apologize. We understand. Some of our friends reacted the same way."

Sarah nodded. "My family won't even speak to me anymore, so I know how you feel, Abbie. Thank you for letting us stay in your home."

"You two are welcome here anytime. And you both can take my room. Crane and I will bunk in the living room."

"We couldn't—"

"I insist."

They didn't argue with her anymore and waited in the living room. After Abbie and Crane changed the bedding, Crane gently closed the door. He held his arms open for her. She wouldn't let him comfort her at Mrs. Ann's because she needed a moment to digest everything, but now she didn't withhold herself from him. She cried in his chest.

What happened this afternoon shook her; she's rattled, but he's here. By her side. And that gave her some security.

He kissed her forehead. "Today was very unfortunate."

Words left her, so Crane held her tighter. She prayed Mark's family would be okay, if he had any.

"I love you," he said into her hair.

"I love you, too."

After a while, Abbie gathered herself and changed her clothes, too. Then she told Eric and Sarah the bed was ready for them if they wanted a nap. The couple thanked Abbie and shut themselves in her room for the rest of the afternoon. She knew they were relieved to have some peace. Her and Crane retrieved some comforters and extra pillows from the laundry room and created a pallet on the floor. She pulled him in the kitchen for a snack.

"I missed you," she said, as they stood in front of the fridge.

"I missed you, too."

"Are you sure about this? Are you positive?"

"I am very certain about us, Abbie. I want to build a life with you. It doesn't matter what I have to risk, so long as I have you by my side."

She was about to kiss him when she heard a bedroom door open. Jenny came into the kitchen and was about to turn around until Abbie called her.

"I don't want to talk about this."

"Stop avoiding me. We have to talk at some point."

Jenny sighed.

Crane cleared his throat. "I shall excuse myself. I will visit Mrs. Ann and Mr. Sam for a spell." He kissed Abbie's cheek before exiting.

Abbie sat at the table; Jenny reluctantly joined her.

"It was hectic out there," Abbie said. "It feels like it's been a long day, even though it's still in the afternoon. There were a lot of people. I wasn't even trying to get mixed up in a protest. I only went out for some air. Then I saw Crane and we caught up with Eric and Sarah. You can put the pieces together from there."

She missed Jenny, and she really wanted them to get along again.

"Why are you still hung up over him?"

"Because I love him. It's that simple. I love him."

"I can't believe you."

"Me? I can't believe you've been acting this way. You're supposed to be my sister. And lately it doesn't feel like I have one."

"I'm sorry I haven't been the sister you need me to be. But I can't look at your two without thinking of our parents and about what happened to me. I…" Jenny began to cry.

And Abbie cried, too. Her parents' death still scarred her. She saw them die again. Her dad in the street. The blood pouring from his chest. Mama crying and screaming for help and then instant loss. Mama in the bathroom, with a slit wrist. Blood in the tub. And there's Jenny. With bruises she saw and couldn't see. It was enough to make Abbie go crazy, enough to make her hate just about every white person there was, except Corbin and Joe. They weren't like most white people. Neither was Crane. He cared about who she was, about her interests, and about her family. He treated her with respect, like a person. And that's why she fell for him.

"I don't want to lose you, Abbie. I've lost my parents. I've lost a part of myself." She sniffed and wiped her face. "I don't want anything to happen to you. It scares me that you're with him. A lot."

Abbie stood up and pulled Jenny into a hug. They cried into each other's shoulder.

"I'm not going anywhere," she said while she cleaned her face. "I miss Mama and Dad more than anything, and I wish I could have traded places with you that night. I should've protected you. And I didn't. I have to learn how to forgive myself for that. And with Crane, I know what we're up against. We'll be careful. I promise."

"I want you to be happy. You weren't the same after he left. I'm so sorry for getting between you two. I just wanted to protect you. That's all. I hope you can forgive me."

Abbie laid her forehead against Jenny's. "I do forgive you."

"And I don't blame you, you know? That night wasn't your fault. I was never mad at you. I told you to go home because I didn't want them to harm you either. You don't have to feel guilty."

She nodded, and they took their seats again. Abbie decided to talk about something else.

"You happy to be back at the bakery?"

Jenny smiled. "Yeah. I miss being in a bigger kitchen and having space for things."

"How's the old man?"

"He's good. Waiting for you to come by again. He misses you, you know?"

"I'll have to drop by next weekend or something. How's Joe doing?"

"Good..." She blushed.

Abbie doesn't recall ever seeing her sister so bashful.

"Jenny… Are you…?" She put it together. "What the hell, Jenny? Seriously? After all the grief you've given me about Crane, you've been keeping this from me. Wow, sis. Wow."

She covered her face. "I know. I know. I'm a fucking hypocrite, and you deserve to be mad at me all you want. Joe is… He's really sweet. Every day he leaves me little notes while I'm on my lunch break. I'm normally at the park or a nearby coffeehouse during that time. When I come back, I'll find messages in random places: on a shelf, under a pan, in an empty mixing bowl. They're corny, but nice. He hopes my day goes well or that I'm enjoying the snow or something like that. I've written back."

It was always obvious to Abbie that Joe had a crush on Jenny, even when they were younger. Of course, he didn't make a move on her. It surprised Abbie that he's even doing this. She's even more so surprised that Jenny has responded to him.

"I don't fucking believe you right now." She laughed in disbelief. "How long has this been happening?"

"Just last week."

Abbie shook her head, grinning. "Wow. I mean I knew he liked you, but I didn't think he'd be this brave."

"Same here." She paused and the smile left her. "I think I could have loved him. Maybe if so many screwed up things hadn't happened to me or to our parents. And maybe if the world was different, I think we could've had something nice. But…"

She wanted to cry for her sister, for everything she endured and for the love she wouldn't know. She still had hope for them. Joe's a great match for her.

"Maybe one day," Abbie said.

"Maybe."

And then Abbie told her about the strings.

As Jenny prepared chili and cornbread for all of them, Abbie went to get Crane. She also invited Mrs. Ann and Mr. Sam over. They found room around the table somehow. After Jenny fixed everyone's plate, she clinked her glass. The chatter quieted.

"I need to apologize for my behavior earlier. I'm sorry for being rude to you, Eric and Sarah. You two didn't deserve that. Crane, I'm sorry for giving you shit about being with my sister. I just want to protect her, but I know you'll take care of her. And if you don't, I'll hunt you down. And Abbie, I'm especially sorry to you for not being there. You needed my support, and I should've been the sister you needed."

Eric and Sarah waved her off, but thanked her none the less.

"We really appreciate that," Eric said.

"I understood your perspective, Ms. Jenny. Thank you for your apology. I'm glad that you and your sister are on good terms. You have my word that I will guard her with my life."

Abbie gave her a hug. She was happy to have her sister back. They needed to have this conversation. She was glad they did so without yelling. It felt nice to have Jenny on her side.

For the rest of the evening, Abbie and Jenny entertained their guests with funny childhood stories and games well until midnight. After Mrs. Ann and Mr. Sam left, after Eric and Sarah returned to Abbie's room, and after Jenny returned to hers, Abbie was left alone with Crane. They laid on the pallet, arm in arm.

"I love you," she said.

"I love you, too."

As he kissed her, she knew they would withstand.