Parallel

Understanding New Life

*Katrina Van Tassel’s POV*

                 A new century was upon us, and I was ready to move forward and forget about the events that happened back in my old hometown. Yet even though I was fully aware of the situation, and I knew that things were over, my brave face couldn’t hide the fear that was really hidden underneath my skin. Yes I had been brave-in the moment when I needed to be, but now looking back at all things that have passed, I realize how truly terrifying everything is.

               In the middle of the night I wake up in a cold sweat, or with a boiling fever, from horrid nightmares that haunt my sleep. I may be in New York now, but Sleepy Hollow is still in me. My night terrors worry Ichabod and Young Masbath, but I tell them not to fret; this isn't something to dwell upon, though I spend most of my time doing just that.

               I take a deep breath as I walk out of my apartment and choke a bit on the polluted air; I'm not used to being in the city, but Ichabod tells me I will get used to it soon. I walk down the street to the police station where Ichabod works; I want to surprise him today. We haven't spent too much time together since we've returned. He went to Sleepy Hollow to work, and that’s what he did-stealing my heart was an unexpected thing.

               “Hello Ms. Van Tassel,” the chief said when I walked through the door.

               “Good afternoon,” I said, “Is Ichabod in?”

               “He should be in his office, was out most of the day investigating a crime. He’s probably doing paper work,” the chief replied.

               “Thank you,” I said walking towards the back of the station where a door stood that painted in gold letters said, “Inspector Crane” upon the glass window. I knocked on the door and when I heard Ichabod’s approval, I entered. “Good afternoon,” I said.

               “Katrina! What a pleasant surprise! What on earth are you doing down here?” he asked me as he stood up from his desk. He walked over to me and embraced me in a warm hug. “So many people are puzzled that pretty, young girl like you can stand to be around criminals,” he said, amusement present in his voice.

               “Well only you, I, and Young Masbath know what I’ve seen, and all the things that I’ve been through that are worse than any crime these people can commit,” I reminded him.

               “How are you?” he asked.

               “I’m doing quite well actually,” I began, “I just missed being with you, so I decided to come see how you were doing.”

               “Well I’m doing quite well, so thank you for stopping by,” he said. He pecked me softly on the lips and walked back to his desk. “It pains me so much to have to send you off, but since it was my idea to start police business in that new system, it’s generally up to me to do all the work around here because nobody understands this investigative, scientific approach.”

               “It’s alright; I’ll head home and start dinner. Please don’t work too late though, Ichabod.”

               “I won’t,” he said. I was making my way for the door when I heard him speak up behind me, “Katrina,” he said.

               “Yes?” I asked turning around.

               “Come here.” I did as I was told. “I love you,” he said kissing me again.

               A blush crept its way to my face, and I tried not to smile because I knew the color would become more prominent. I gave in and smiled deeply. “I love you too,” I said walking out of his office. I left the police station and walked home.

               Ichabod was right, he was the one that suggested the police change their ways, so naturally he was the one in charge of everything. His investigation in Sleepy Hollow only brought more questions than answers, and of course nobody would believe the story about a dead Hessian brought back to life by a revenge seeking witch-so the case was considered unsolved. I was baffled by the world in which he lived, for where I was from politics were easy, life was easy.

               Nevertheless I was glad to be here. I walked up the front steps of the building where I lived and walked through the doors. “Hello Katrina!” the bright voice of Young Masbath surprised me.

               “You startled me,” I said, “But hello,” I smiled at him.

               “Did you go to see Ichabod?” he asked.

               “Do you always ask me questions when I leave the house?”  I asked him because he did. Every time I or Ichabod left the house and came back he would ask us where we were, what we were doing, why were gone as long as we were-which makes sense in all honesty; both of his parents were dead and he had no friends but Ichabod and I. And though I love him deeply, the child was beginning to get on my nerves.

               “You have a point,” he said. I laughed. “Can I help you make dinner or anything?”

               “Yes, you can,” I said. We made our way to the kitchen.