"Perchance To Dream" (Chapter 5)
Perchance to Dream (Abbie and Ash)
Abbie knew. She knew her sister and Crane had been discussing her relationship with Ash. As much as Ichabod believed she was "easier to read than a vigenere cipher", she also knew her fellow Witness and his idiosyncrasies. Ichabod would never miss an opportunity to corner Jenny for information to satisfy his curiosity. She wasn't exactly sure why he should care so much about a past boyfriend, but she realized long ago, Ichabod Crane could be extremely nosy when it came to anything concerning her.
Truth be told, her trip to the deli had been driven more by the need to clear her head, than actual hunger. Walking to the deli gave her the opportunity to be alone with her thoughts.
Ash was back. She needed to wrap her mind around that.
She always felt safe with him. Abbie had never doubted his love and loyalty to her. Sadly, in the end, it was she who had betrayed his trust. Ten years. She couldn't believe it had been ten years since they had seen each other.
Ironically, it had been Andy Brooks who had introduced them. She and Andy were in the same high school graduating class. Abbie and Andy had become close friends , a year before, in her sophomore year. They were frequently together. Wherever Abbie was, Andy was never far behind. It was only later that Abbie understood Andy's true feelings for her. To Abbie, however, she and Andy Brooks were simply the best of friends.
10 years ago...
"Hey Abbie?" Andy ran to catch up with her. Abbie was heading home after her last class at Washington Irving High School. He slipped in between Abbie and her friend Elise.
"I need to show you something." Before Abbie had a chance to respond, Elise chimed in.
"Don't bother showing her Andy, she wouldn't be able to see it anyway. Too small you know." Elise wise cracked. She and Andy were like oil and water. The only thing they had in common was their friendship with Abbie.
"With a face like yours Elise, it is unlikely you'll ever even see one in this lifetime." Andy retorted.
"You both need to stop. Every damn day it's the same thing with you two. You need to give it a rest." Abbie admonished.
"Well, I have to leave anyway. Bye Abs, call you later." Elise only rolled her eyes at Andy as she walked away.
"Listen Abbie, forget about her. I really need your opinion about something." Andy's enthusiasm intrigued Abbie.
"What's got you so excited?"
"Wait till you see it! Come on." Andy grabbed her hand and led her toward his car.
"See what?" Abbie asked, as Andy hurriedly opened the door for her.
"You'll see when we get there. I just need your honest opinion ok?"
"Ok, but where are we going?"
"Out to Cutter road . There's this guy I know. Actually he's a Senior. Maybe you've seen him around. He's tall, long hair."
"That guy who rides the motorcycle?" Abbie had definitely seen him. The guy was hot.
"Yeah, they call him Big Ash."
"Big Ash, huh?" Abbie smiled mischievously.
"God Abbie, get your mind out of the gutter." Andy said. Abbie laughed and Andy felt his jeans suddenly tighten. Her laugh got him every time.
"I'm gonna need you to focus Abbie. Your opinion means a lot to me, you know".
"Sure Andy." Abbie replied.
Big Ash was busy airbrushing an eagle in flight on a gorgeous chrome bike with black and white trim. He turned around when he heard them behind him.
"Hey Ash. This is Abbie. I brought her over to show her the bike."
"Hey." Ash acknowledged Andy and Abbie with a nod. "Yeah it's over there in the corner."
Andy proudly walked Abbie over to the Bike. This one was painted a dark blue, with white accents. It had a yin yang symbol on the front panel .
"So what do you think Abbie?" Andy asked expectantly.
"Beautiful I like it. But Andy, your folks are ok with this? I mean your Mom is ok with you getting a bike?" Abbie whispered.
"Yeah, well I'm the one who's paying for it. I've been saving long enough. I can't see why they would mind. I mean I'm getting a helmet, two really."
"Two?" Abbie asked
"Yeah, one for you." Andy smiled. Abbie noticed the hint of a blush in his cheeks.
"Listen Andy. The bike's great, but you need to speak to your folks before you buy it."
Andy sighed he knew Abbie was right, she was ever the voice of reason in his life.
"Damn Abbie you really are a buzz killer. But..."
"But, I'm right." Abbie finished her friend's thought.
"Yeah." Andy, turned to speak to Ash. That's when he realized how intensely the tall Shawnee was staring at Abbie's ass. He couldn't blame him of course. But that beautiful posterior belonged to the girl he loved.
"Ah listen, Big Ash. I just have to touch base with my parents, before I buy the bike. But, don't worry I'll be back tomorrow with the money. Now that my girl, Abbie says she likes it, It's a done deal." Andy had emphasized the words "my girl" to Ash. He hoped he got the message.
Abbie had not heard his conversation with Ash. She was too busy checking out the other bikes. She walked over to the two young men just as they were ending their talk.
"You like them?" Ash asked
"Yeah, you definitely have skills. I'm impressed."Abbie smiled that perfect, sexy smile of hers.
Ash smiled back and that's when Andy realized he needed to get Abbie out of there.
His girl and Big Ash were eye to eye and definitely making some kind of connection.
Damn it. Just his luck. Why couldn't she ever look at him that way?
"Ok, Abbie I'd better get you back home now."
Andy's voice jarred Abbie, as she looked away from Ash's gorgeous, brown eyes.
"Yeah , it's getting late. Nice to meet you Ash."
"Same here." Ash replied.
"Well, ok Big Ash. See you tomorrow. Bye.", Andy said as he and Abbie headed back to the car. He couldn't get Abbie out of there fast enough.
The next day Andy sadly told Abbie, his parents put the kibosh on his plans to buy the bike.
"You'll kill yourself on a thing like that." , his mother had said. And when Mrs. Brooks said no to something, that was the end of it .
Later that afternoon Abbie heard her name called as she and Elise walked home.
"Hey Abbie." Abbie turned to see Ash leaning against a tree they had just passed.
Abbie walked back to where he was. Elise smiled, she knew Andy would be miserable if he saw Abbie with this prime specimen of a man. This made her very happy. She beamed as she watched Abbie and Ash talking.
"It is Abbie right?"
"Yeah."
"You Andy's girl?" Ash asked .
"We're just friends."
"Does he know that?"
"Of Course he does." Abbie wondered why he would ask her a question like that, but she didn't dwell on it.
"You Know , you're really short."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm just sayin. And look at those little feet. I'm surprised you can even walk with feet that tiny."
"Listen, Abbie said, hands on her hips."if these are your pick up lines. You sure as hell need help with your game. And that's what I'm just sayin ." Abbie folded her arms, but, she couldn't hide her smile. She was enjoying this.
Ash lost it then. He didn't just chuckle, he bellowed. "Only kidding girl. Some of my best friends are short people." He winked. He liked this girl, she knew how to handle herself.
"So, how'd you like a ride home."
Abbie looked at the bike parked next to the tree. It was black with turquoise trim. There was a symbol she didn't recognize on the front panel. She would later discover it was the Eastern Shawnee tribal seal. It was circular and consisted of a panther, one spear, one swan and a collection of four hanging feathers.
"Sorry", Abbie replied "I'm walking home with my friend.", she pointed in Elise's direction. "I can't just..."
Before Abbie could finish Elise walked over."No Abbie , it's ok. . . Don't let me stop you. You always said you wanted to ride a bike one day. Here's your chance." Elise had overheard Abbie and didn't want to stand in the way of her chances with this gorgeous guy.
Abbie was tempted. She couldn't lie. "Well, if you're sure Elise ?"
"Course I'm sure." She whispered in Abbie's ear. "You only live once you know. Go for it. Just don't let August see you on that bike. So have fun. Bye you two." She winked and quickly departed.
"I brought you a helmet." Ash handed her a pink helmet as if it were a box of candy.
"It's so pink."
"Don't most girls like pink?"
"Maybe some girls, but not me."
"Well, that's good to know for next time. Get on and hold on tight."
Abbie hoped her excitement wasn't showing too much as she slid on the seat, and wrapped her arms around Ash's waist.
"There may not be a next time if my guardian sees me on this bike. Better drop me off a few blocks away from the house."
"I'll take my chances." Ash said confidently as he pulled off.
The ride ended all too soon. It was everything Abbie had imagined it would be.
The wind on her face and her body made her feel so alive. Clutching Ash, as she held on, felt so right. She leaned in and inhaled his scent, sweet grass, sage and peppermint. She could definitely get used to this. When they pulled up to her house. August and Joe Corbin were peering out of the front window.
"Oh no, here it comes," Abbie thought. She braced herself for an admonishment.
Instead of waiting for her to come in the house, August strolled out to meet them with his son Joe in tow. Abbie couldn't read his expression, at first.
"Hey, Ash !" August greeted the young man cheerfully. Abbie stared in disbelief.
"Nice bike" Joe added.
"Wait a minute, you two know each other."
"I've known Ash's family for years. Who do you think told him to make sure you had a helmet." August smiled.
Abbie turned to Ash, hands on hips. "And you couldn't tell me you knew each other."
"We thought it would be more fun this way. You're not mad? Are you?" Ash asked a bit nervously. He hoped she wasn't angry.
"Well, ..." Abbie decided to make him wait, just a bit. "Ah .. No"
"Good" was all Ash said, but the sense of relief was clear in his voice.
Things between Abbie and Ash progressed quickly, after that first day. Abbie and Ash were always together. Ash would take Abbie home from school on his bike every day. He even bought her a new black helmet with turquoise trim. They were frequently at each other's houses. Ash had been raised by his grandmother, Louise Hunter when his mother passed away. Ash was only 12 at the time of his mother's death. Louise brought Ash up to be a caring, responsible young man. Abbie enjoyed spending time with Louise. She would always have a warm meal and good advice whenever Abbie wanted to talk. Louise quickly learned Abbie's favorite foods and taught her how to make some traditional Shawnee dishes.
August never worried about Abbie when she was with Ash, he trusted him implicitly. August had beengood friends with Frank, the shaman, and Louise He had sometimes consulted with the Shawnee for information about Native American supernatural artifacts he would encounter from time to time.
After six months of dating Abbie knew, without question, she was in love. Abbie had stolen big Ash's heart the first week they were together. There was definitely no going back for him. He was hopelessly devoted to Abbie Mills.
All of their friends approved of their relationship except of course, Andy Brooks.
Andy was cordial to Ash, but he couldn't help feeling a bit betrayed by Abbie. He held out hope that he could still have a future with "his girl".
"One day I'll make her see that I am the only one who really loves her. One day she will know that I am the only one who can keep her safe." He would say to himself, so frequently it almost became a mantra. Abbie was unaware of just how much Andy yearned for her.
By the end of Abbie's first semester in college she and Ash had been dating for 2 1/2 years.
Abbie was extremely content with her life. Ash was more than her boyfriend. He was an attentive lover. He always thought of her pleasure first and always took his love making was sensuous and special. He was a trustworthy confidant. She knew she could tell him anything, without fear of being judged. He was absolutely her best friend. Things were good , just the way they were. When fate decided to throw her a curveball, she was definitely not ready.
Everything changed the weekend of the annual Bear Mountain Pow Wow at Stony Point . Ash's cousins had come up from Oklahoma to attend the festival and spend some time in New York. Ash's place was a hub of activity. Grams was in her element, she loved to entertain. There was plenty of food, family stories and fun for everyone. Abbie even helped at the Fry Bread stand Grams ran with some of the other women on the pow wow grounds.
Abbie found it odd that Ash seemed a bit preoccupied that weekend. She couldn't understand why he seemed so pensive and just a bit nervous. All weekend long it seemed as if he wanted to ask her something important. Then, he would seem to think better of it, and change his mind. Abbie didn't push him to talk, she knew he eventually would tell her what was on his mind.
The revelation came when he was driving her home. It was an unusually hot, humid night for Sleepy Hollow, so Ash opted to take Abbie home in his car, rather than his bike. He was quiet as they drove .
"So Ash, I wasn't going to say anything but..."
"I know Abs. I've just.., it's just that. I wanted to find the right moment to.."
Ash pulled over and stopped the car. He opened the glove compartment, and Abbie suddenly paled. He pulled out a small box. And smiling, handed it to Abbie.
"You know I'm not much for romantic speeches, but I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you girl. So this, he opened the box. "This makes it official.
Abbie Mills, will you marry me?"
Abbie didn't know what to say in response to Ash's proposal. She definitely was not expecting this. When she continued to stare at the ring Ash became concerned.
"Abs. Now you know I'm not rushing you or anything ? I know you need to finish school first and all. I just think this kind of seals things, you know. You're it for me Abs. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So... you got me worried now, girl say something. Please."
So many thoughts were running through Abbie's mind at that moment, she couldn't speak. She needed time. She needed time to think. "Damn it. Why now?" she thought. "Things were going so well. Why did he have to this?"
She knew she loved Ash, but at the same time, when she tried to wrap her mind around the future, she couldn't picture herself married to him. She had never told anyone else, but sometimes she had dreams of her future, and in them, there was always someone else by her side. She could never see his face clearly. She just knew that somehow the man in her dreams was the one she was destined to be with. How in the hell could she tell that to Ash?
"Abbie?
"Ash, We're good together, so good. Just like this. I don't understand why we can't just ... be."
"Be what Abbie? People who love each other get married. They make a commitment to one another. I want a life with you because I love you. I always thought you wanted the same thing."
Ash sounded so disappointed in her, it tore her apart. Abbie hated crying. She could count the times on one hand she actually let anyone see her cry. This time she couldn't stop the tears that fell from her eyes.
"Ash, please... I'm not ready. I need more time."
"Abbie I already told you, I'm not rushing you. We can wait until you finish school. But, are you telling me, you can't at least, say you want to be my wife."
"It's complicated Ash" .
"Yeah, I guess it is." Abbie saw the hurt in his eyes. "Good night Abs. I need to think, we both do." He got out of the car and opened her door. Abbie just sat there.
"Come on Abbie. You need to go inside, and I need to get home. My cousins are leaving in the morning. I promised to help them pack." Abbie got out of the car and turned to Ash.
"We'll talk in the morning. Ok?" Abbie said.
"Sure Abs. Night."
"Night."
Abbie entered the house, as soon as she was inside, Ash sped off.
Abbie was relieved that August was not awake when she came in. She quickly headed to the bathroom and showered . When she went to bed, all she could think of was how she could make things right with Ash. She didn't want to lose him. She prayed that she would be able to find the words to fix things with him in the morning, the hope of this allowed her to sleep.
The next morning, Abbie awakened with a clear agenda. She realized, Ash had always been there for her. He loved her unconditionally, and was her best friend. He would be a wonderful husband. She knew she loved him The mystery man in her dreams was pure fantasy. She refused to sacrifice the reality of Ash for the possibility of a life with someone who might not truly exist. No, she was going straight to Ash's house and accept his proposal, she'd be a fool not to.
When she arrived at Ash's house, she was smiling. She was ready. She had rehearsed her "speech" several times as she drove over. He had caught her off guard last night, but now, her mind was set. She rang the bell. Louise answered, with a curious expression when she saw Abbie.
"Hi Grams. I just need to speak to Ash, please."
"Ash isn't here Abbie. He left with his cousins this morning."
"Would it be ok, if I waited until he come back from the Airport?"
"No, Abbie. Ash is on his way to Oklahoma honey."
"Oklahoma? But for how long?" Abbie could not believe what she was hearing. How could Ash, her Ash, leave without saying goodbye? It was not like him to cut and run like this. She suddenly realized just how much her refusal to commit, hurt him.
"Come in Abbie , Ash left something for you."
Abbie followed Louise into the living room. Louise handed Abbie the envelope Ash had left for her.
"Abbie, I'm gonna give you some privacy to read this, but I'll be right in the next room if you need me."
Abbie sat down on the sofa, and opened the envelope.
"Dear Abs,
I decided to help you simplify your life. Maybe we both need some time away from each other to put things in perspective. You know I love you Abbie. I can't imagine I could ever stop loving you. When you hesitated last night, I knew you didn't feel the same way about me. I had been planning to move down here after graduation. I was gonna start a bike shop with Pete and Tony, then I met you, and Sleepy Hollow didn't look so bad after all. I just wanted to be where you were. When I got home last night I realized maybe fate was showing me the way. Maybe this is just the way we're supposed to be. I want you to be happy Abbie. Whatever that means for you
I'm not angry, just disappointed. Do me a favor Abs, don't call me. I can't take hearing your voice. Let's just give each other some time to think about our options.
Maybe one day , you'll want me too.
Take care of yourself Abbie
Ash"
Abbie was in tears, by the time she had finished the letter. Louise had been keeping a close ear, just in case Abbie needed to talk. When she heard Abbie crying, quietly she came in and sat down beside her.
"Grams. I did this. I made him leave. I can't do anything right. I came to tell him I was wrong last night. We should be together. I love him."
Louise took a deep breath and put her arm around the distraught young woman.
"Abbie if you were truly sure honey, you wouldn't have hesitated last night. You would have said yes so fast, it would have made my grandson's head spin. But, you had doubts. Listen I love my grandson. I only want what's right for him. So Abbie, you need to be 100% sure you are ready to commit to a life with Ash. Anything less, will hurt both of you. So stop seeing this separation as a bad thing. Everything really does happen for a reason. One thing I've learned over the years, honey, if two people are meant for each other, fate will eventually bring them together. You can't fight your destiny. "
Sleepy Hollow Archives - Present Day:
"So ... Abbie continued. "Care to share what you two were discussing when I came in?"
Crane immediately looked guilty. Jenny shrugged and played it cool.
"Crane was just telling me the highlights of his morning, that's all Abbie."
Abbie certainly could have pressed the two of them to confess the true nature of their conversation. She suspected, however letting the subject drop might be the best course of action. "Well, I bet you had a lot to say then Crane.", was all Abbie said.
Awkward conversation averted, the three friends, tucked in to enjoy their lunch.
Midway through their meal the trio was startled by the voice of Katrina Crane. They discovered the sound was coming from the antique mirror in the Archives.
"Ichabod, I failed my mission. Moloch still lives. He's grown too strong and I fear with the rate he matures, he could reign this Earth in less than two days time."
Before they could gather more information from Katrina she was gone.
"So this is it then." Abbie said
"Apparently so, Lieutenant"
"Jenny round up Hawley. Let him know it's time."
"Sure thing. You two be careful." Jenny hugged the two Witnesses, then quickly departed.
Ichabod and Abbie braced themselves for what they knew would be the fight of their lives.
To be continued..
Notes: So this chapter was a long one . I wanted to lay down a back story for Abbie and Ash. I couldn't resist adding Andy to the mix. I also wanted August to be in this one, as Abbie's Guardian. Crane will have a very interesting conversation with Abbie in the next chapter. Thanks so much for taking the time to read one of my stories. I always love hearing your ideas and comments.