The Other One | Hannigram |

Chapter 3

 
 
Port Haven Elementary appeared suitable upon first laying your eyes upon the campus. It was large with its gated areas to separate each grade. There were colorful playgrounds for the children to take advantage of whenever there was recess. The sandboxes and swing sets were not far from the playgrounds, ready to be used. 
 
One distinguished feature was how close the school was surrounded by a forest, but there was a gate so no children could wander in there. Will's cerulean eyes inspected the kindergarten classrooms, one being run by Mrs. Nichols and the other Ms. Madchen. Whichever one wasn't too full was the one Abigail would be entering. 
 
Abigail kept her little hands stuffed in her pockets of her oceanside blue coat. Will saw at the corner of the eye every few seconds Abigail would fiddle with the tip of her braid. This whole process would make a child nervous which was the exact behavior she was displaying now. She would be in a new school with a new teacher, a new schedule, a new environment and her peers to find a friend amongst. Abigail just needed to get used to the new surroundings, that’s all.
 
It didn't take long for Will to decide that the school was the right pick. Louise, the secretary, was patient and generous, answering any questions he had. He was somewhat muddled about the kindergarten classrooms that were close to the back. Louise answered that the teachers made sure every student exited the classroom safely and made their way near the front of the campus where their parents would be to pick them up. 
 
After filling out paperwork and handing Louise the correct documents, Will was given the information he needed. Abigail would be in Mrs. Nichols' classroom. He beamed at his daughter and received a nervous grin from her. This was all a lot for her, but they would get through it. Will exhaled heavily when giving Louise their address, wishing it were the address of their home not some motel. 
 
Will and Abigail bid goodbye to Louise, promising to see her in a few days. The school accepted this since they were aware that the family of two was still adjusting to Baltimore since they had just moved. Will was appreciative that they tried to understand their situation. Moreover, at least Abigail wasn't being thrown into this too quick. 
 
“Who’s my teacher?” Abigail broke the silence when they made it back into the car. Will had begun driving by then. 
 
Will eyed the manila envelope in the backseat full of paper Louise gave him regarding Abigail. “Mrs. Nichols. Louise said she has a daughter, Elise, who is in her class.” 
 
Abigail was puzzled at the random fact. “Her teacher is her mommy?” Will nodded in reply, keeping his attention on the road ahead. She brushed a few strands out of her face. “Are we going to see Aunt Alana?” 
 
Will smiled at the fact that Abigail wasn't limiting her thoughts. He was content that she was thinking of other than school. “Yes. She wants to show us around Baltimore.”
 
Abigail's inquisitive eyes wandered the outside of the window. She knew no matter where they went, she was to stay with her mother. “You’ve been here before, right?” 
 
“I have,” Will answered heedlessly. He hoped Abigail would learn to like their new home. “Whenever I was here, it was for work, so I didn’t have the time to explore.”
 
Like he promised Alana last night on the phone, he did text her when Abigail and he exited the office. Alana recommended they meet up at a nearby coffeehouse she said served coffee of excellent quality. Will appreciated Alana for wanting to show Abigail and him around Baltimore. It would be a perfect distraction for Abigail so her mood could hopefully improve.
 
Thankfully, the drive from the school to the location Alana picked was only about fifteen minutes away. When the parking lot came into view, Will noticed a fair amount of people there. 
 
As always, Abigail stayed right behind him with her hand in his when they got out of the car and advanced towards the doors of the coffeehouse. 
 
The coffeehouse was well-known enough to obtain customers, but the banter was soft while everyone used their inside voices. It was convenient so no one needed to project their tone when conversing with the person sitting across from them. The aroma of coffee and sweets wafted in the air which gave off a warm, homely vibe. It made sense that Alana would pick this location. In a way, it reminded Will of warm winters in Wolf Trap that consisted of Abigail and him snuggling with their dogs.
 
Will couldn’t resist smiling softly at the pang of nostalgia that hit him.
 
Abigail, a bit overwhelmed by the small crowd in the room, grasped firmly onto Will’s hand and hid behind his leg. Without a doubt the scent of humans was on her mind. Will took a second to pacifyingly stroke the top of her head. Abigail glanced up at him with hopeful eyes.
 
Will reminded her. “We’re going to see Aunt Alana, remember?” Abigail’s eyes relaxed at the mention of Alana. Sometimes she just needed to be reminded that everything was fine. Will would never fail to do so either.
 
He searched for Alana after soothing Abigail. It took a few moments before his cerulean eyes landed on familiar hair that hung like a dark river. He was proven spot-on when he overheard the name “Margot” while the woman was talking on her cell. Abigail trailed behind him as he proceeded towards the table with four chairs Alana sat at. The fact that the table was by the window would make Abigail joyful since she would be able to see the snow.
 
All it took was one small tap on the shoulder and Alana glanced up, beaming at the sight of Will and Abigail. “They just arrived, Margot. I’ll talk to you later, okay? Love you too, bye.” Alana put away her phone inside of her purse that was on the chair next to her. 
 
Will anticipated an embrace and welcomed it. Alana rose from her seat and hugged him like two siblings reuniting after so long. Will would be lying if he said he wasn't content to see Alana. 
 
Alana was the first to pull away, worrying she might be hugging too tight. “It’s so good to see you, Will,” she looked at him for a long moment. 
 
“It’s good to see you too, Alana,” Will exhaled, memories of Alana lecturing at the academy coming back to him. “You’re faring well at your job, I hope.” Alana knew he didn't care for therapy, but he didn't ignore the fact that she was a psychiatrist.
 
“Every patient is different,” Alana said, keeping Abel Gideon out of the details. Long ago, Will confirmed to Jack that the man was claiming to be the Chesapeake Ripper. It was later discovered one of Abel's psychiatrists inadvertently planted the idea that he was the Ripper in his mind. 
 
Alana’s attention landed on Abigail when she noticed a movement at the corner of her eye. Abigail moved away from Will's leg, presenting herself rather than hiding. Alana remembered the last time she saw Abigail she was still being watched by Molly, their neighbor, while being a new mother herself to her son Walter. 
 
Abigail had not changed one bit from what Alana could see. One would never fail to see the obvious resemblance between Will and the little girl. The identical dark hair, ocean blue eyes and fair complexion. She was still the same height. Alana could see the skittish yet inquisitive demeanor within Abigail. She sought knowledge of the new place she was in. 
 
“Oh Abigail, it’s so good to see you,” Alana said excitedly, not too loud to startle the little girl. Abigail smiled brightly at her aunt. 
 
Abigail was more relaxed hearing Alana’s calm tone. “Hi Auntie Alana.” When Alana approached her, Abigail released Will’s hand and accepted the embrace. 
 
Will sighed in relief to see Abigail being confident and briefly out of her shell. He did feel his hand go cold by the mere absence of Abigail’s in his. 
 
Alana gestured towards the two chairs across. “I’m so happy you both are here,” she chirped. She thought of Will’s dogs and how they couldn’t be here yet. “Remember Applesauce, Abigail?” Months before, Margot and she adopted Applesauce. 
 
Now Will and Abigail lived in Baltimore and could properly meet Applesauce. When Alana proclaimed the news months ago, Abigail was joyous to meet the dog. 
 
Abigail brightened at the mention of a furry companion. She glanced up at her mother eagerly. “Can we meet her today, Mommy?” 
Will and Alana shared elated grins upon witnessing Abigail’s anticipation. “What do you say, Alana?” By the pleased expression on her face, Will knew her response. 
 
“Yeah, of course,” Alana said. She felt like the best aunt ever seeing Abigail’s joy. “She would love to meet you, Abigail. Margot and I were hoping to have you guys for dinner.” 
 
Although it meant they would be eating human food, Will knew Abigail and he would be fine. When they head back to the motel, Will imagined he would have to hunt again. Abigail wouldn’t favor the idea of eating human food, but it would be good for her to practice. There were some moments when they had to act like regular humans which meant “eating” human food. 
 
“We would love to.” Will earned a squeal of excitement from Abigail. Seeing Applesauce would make her think of their own dogs, but she would be happy, nonetheless. 
 
“Great!” Alana exclaimed delightedly. A waitress came over with three teacups and a small plate with a pastry. “I hope you don’t mind, I ordered while waiting,” she said as the waitress placed the cups and plate down. 
 
Will thanked the waitress when she placed a cup in front of him. “That’s fine.” He noticed the hot chocolate in Abigail’s cup and the pastry in front of her. He smirked at Alana. “You’re already spoiling her with sweets.” 
 
“I’m just trying to be the best aunt.” Alana defended herself while winking at Abigail. 
 
“You have been for a long time, Alana,” Will promised. She had his back when he needed it long ago and he could never forget it. Alana sent him an appreciative smile. 
 
Abigail hid her dislike for the pastry in front of her by tearing a piece off and handing it to her mother. Alana thought it to be a sweet gesture and threatened to record the moment. Will lightly ruffled Abigail’s hair making sure not to mess it up. He took the piece she offered him and ate it, hiding his distaste for it with a smile.