Ghosts Of The Past

Chapter 9

Lily opened her eyes and rubbed her head as she sat up. She looked around, she knew where she SHOULD have been. The cemetery in Tarrytown, but it looked different. Most of the headstones were gone and the few that were there, didn't look like the ones she remembered. She looked towards the entry of the cemetery and noticed her car was gone. She looked around as she walked out the wooden gate and looked around. She still had the journal and tucked it into the pocket of the dress she had on and quickly covered her head with the cape she had on. She saw the path but wasn't sure which way to walk. She saw an older man walking with a donkey towards her.

Lily: Greetings, um, sir? Wherefore art the village of Sleepy Hollow? (She rolled her eyes as she spoke knowing she must sound ridiculous.

Farmer: The village is about 10 miles west of here. But perhaps you seek Tarrytown. It's about 5 miles east.

Lily thanks him and took a deep breath. Ten miles wouldn't be too bad. She usually ran that daily. She had no idea what to look for or where to look for Ichabod so she just started walking. Lily looked around at the people as she walked, trying to avoid making eye contact if possible to avoid anyone potentially looking at her and thinking she was Katrina Van Tassel. After what felt like forever, she finally arrived at what looked like an inn. Lily looked around trying to remember anything Ichabod might have told her that would be a hint about where she could find him. Suddenly, Loly felt a hand grab her arm and turn her towards him. The man was the spitting amaze of Lily's father.

Baltus: Katrina, what are you... My apologies, miss. But you are the spitting image of my daughter.

Lily: It is quite alright, sir. I'm seeking my cousin. My name is Lillian Crane.

Baltus: Ichabod? He is your cousin?

Lily: Yes. I have come to visit from London by way of Boston. And you are?

Baltus (he tips his hat): Baltus Van Tassel. His intended is my daughter, Katrina.

Lily: I see. He spoke of her in his letters. To my mother. In England.

Baltus: We never knew he had family except his father. Well, if I know Ichabod, he is likely with Katrina. Would you like to accompany me?

Baltus motions toward a horse and carriage and helps Lily to get in and begins driving toward his home. When they arrive, Baltus helps Lily out of the carriage before calling Katrina to come outside. Lily looks around nervously and seen the door open. She gaps when she sees Katrina Van Tassel come outside.

Baltus: Katrina, child. Where is your Ichabod?

Katrina: Papa, he is not MY Ichabod anymore. Who is this?

Baltus: This is Ichabod's cousin, Lillian. (Lily took her hood off hoping Katrina would play along)

Katrina (staring at Lily, smiling) You're Lillian. It's such and honor...

Lily (smiling): Katrina. I've heard a lot about you. It feels like we're...practically family.

Baltus (smiling): Heaven knows you look like it. Katrina, perhaps you can take Lillian to her cousin?

Katrina (nods): Of course, Papa. I shall take her now. (Katrina motions for Lily to follow her, waiting until they were out of earshot before she spoke) So... what brings your here now?

Lily (hands her the journal): I have to figure out how to get Ichabod back. Before this happens.

Katrina (reading the journal): But. This is in a few days. And I cannot marry David Williams.

Lily: You have to. Or I won't exist. Our family won't exist. Please. Help me Katrina.

Katrina (nods): So tell me about our family. How old are you?