Private Lives Chapter 11- 

Author's note: Thank you Nakuro21. (I hope I spelled your name right. Lol) for loving my story and giving feedback. Lol You're great for my fragile ego. I always appreciate and love to see your messages. Lol
Enjoy:

Abbie and William Desoto stood talking under the shade of a large tree.
"What's the deal with Old man Crane, over there?" William asked. He shifted his eyes to see Ichabod Crane just step up on the student's stage that stood in the middle of the campus's courtyard. It was used by the students of Columbus to rally and speak their minds on anything they like. 

"What do you mean?" Abbie asked. She looked up and followed Williams eyes to Crane on the student stage.

"He was just standing outside the English building, staring at us,"William answered."It was kind of weird."

"What. When?" Abbie turned to William. Her eyebrows lifted.

"Just before," William said." He stood with some tall sexy red head."

"How do you know he was looking at us?" Abbie answered."He was probably looking behind us"

William shook his head.

"No, he was definitely staring at us, Abbie,"William said. "He stared at you, in fact."

"Oh," Abbie moaned. Abbie lowered her eyes from William's questioning gaze.

"Is there something going on between you guys?" William asked. His one eyebrow raised.

Abbie glared up at him. She swallowed hard.

"Why do you say that?"Abbie asked.

William smirked. 

"I'm asking because he called out your name in the hall after the explosion," William answered.  "Also he stares at you when you're not looking. I've caught him doing it twice, now."

Abbie clucked her tongue in annoyance.

"I..I..we," Abbie sighed. "I.I..it's complicated, William."

William looked down at Abbie. His thin lips turned up into a smile.

"What makes it so complicated?" William chuckled.

"His soon-to-be-ex-wife,"Abbie answered."And Luke."

"And who's  Luke?" William chuckled.

"My boyfriend," Abbie replied.

"Do you love this Luke?" William asked.

"Not in the way I used to," Abbie answered.

William nodded. His eyes then lowered to look down at the patch of pale yellow dandelions below them. William bowed.

"I...i Wha..."  Abbie exclaimed. William bend down to pluck a dandelion between them. He then rose up again with it pinched in between his forefinger and thumb. He reached out and offered it to Abbie.

"Yeah?" He said."Poor Luke. For you."

"Oh, thank you," Abbie gasped. She took the dandelion from William and twirled it between two fingers, thoughtfully. The action made some of the dandelion's pale yellow petals blow away into the summer breeze. Abbie smiled.

William's gaze settled on her and he smiled at Abbie.

"All I'm saying is Old man Crane seems really into you,"William sighed."You should get rid of this Luke person you don't even love anymore, and get with Crane before he explodes and hurts me thinking I'm a threat!" 

Abbie chuckled and looked up at William.

"That is not going to happen!"she said.

"There was dark naked hated in his eyes when I gave him your shoe and heel to hold," William said." And I thought he was gonna knock me out when I picked you up."

"You're exaggerating now," Abbie chuckled.

"Oh, he's got it bad," William answered. "Look, I suspect there is more happening between you and Dean Crane and I say go for it. You guys really look good together no matter how old he is. He's a very lucky guy."

Abbie laughed and Williams face broke out into a huge smile.

"A very lucky guy," he whispered.

A slight pink flush brightened Abbie's cheeks.  He turned his eyes quickly away from Abbie and coughed into his fist. 

He then looked up and scanned the people in the crowd.

"Oh, there's Daniel," William said. "I have to ask him something. I'll see ya later, Abbie."

He raised his hand and waved at Daniel. Then he walked toward the crowd.

Abbie waved at Daniel and shook her head. She raised her eyes to see Ichabod watching  William. Ichabod's eyes slid to Abbie's. He smiled at her and looked down to read the loose-leaf papers in his hands.

Abbie could not understand why Ichabod was so hostile with William. Is it there ages? That was ridiculous. It was an ten year difference. He was 34 and she is 24. That wasn't so bad. Was it? Well, Abbie didn't care. Ichabod Crane has made her heart pump faster and body heat since she was thirteen years old. She was in love with Ichabod Crane before she even knew what love was. She never cared how old he was.
Abbie sighed. She watched Ichabod adjust the microphone on its stand and then step back. He straightened his posture and threw back his large broad shoulders. His bearded chin lifted dignified. He flipped his head to get his short shaggy reddish brown hair out of his eyes. Abbie liked how Ichabod's hair curled at back of his neck. She imagined her long fingers combing through those curls. She could almost hear his low soft moan as her long nails scraped across his neck.
Ichabod reached inside the top pocket of his dress shirt and pulled out a pair of glasses.
He quickly put them on and absently scratched at his beard. He combed his long thin fingers through his short hair and lowered his eyes to read through his notes.
Abbie smiled. She didn't know he wore glasses. They were big, round and silver with black frames on the top. They were stylish and smart. He truly looked like the handsome and dignified Dean of students of this University.

Abbie has had a huge crush on Ichabod Crane since she was a fifteen years old. Ichabod Crane was Daniel's cute foreigner friend from across the pond. He would tease her and gently pulled her hair.

At eighteen, Abbie was completely in love with him. Ichabod Crane listened to her. He asked for her opinions on current events when most dismissed her. They debated about everything. Politics, social issues etc. He challenged her.  Introducing her to Philosophy and Religion and reading English literature instead of the popular non-fiction crime novels she read voraciously.

She'd never have dreamed Crane would ever tell her he loved her, either in English or in German.

Had he meant to say It.  Or was it in the heat of the moment. Or just something you would say when you think the other is in danger. Abbie didn't acknowledge his declaration. She wasn't  sure he had meant what he said.  It would have broken her heart if she was wrong. She was so sure that she loved Ichabod. It scared her to think Ichabod might not love her with the same intensity. Abbie knew though, she had to tell Ichabod she loved him back. Luke was another problem. Abbie should tell Luke how she feels and that it is over. Full disclosure. No matter what.

Abbie's attention was caught then by an attractive brunette now standing beside Ichabod. Abbie's eyebrows lifted. The Head of the Board Of Education, Zoe Corinth.  Zoe has brown, long curly hair with red highlights. The bright sun shone over her creating  a pretty halo around her face. It made her pale freckled face and deep blue eyes shine a cobalt blue. She was dressed business casual with a white tailored blouse and a black pencil skirt. Black kitten heel pumps completed the look. She looked smart, sophisticated and beautiful.

Abbie watched Zoe stand close to Ichabod. Her  shoulders touched his. Zoe leaned forward to read Ichabod's notes with him. The same height as Ichabod. Her chin rested on his shoulder. Ichabod turned his head to meet her eyes. Abbie counted three times Zoe had flipped her hair. Her red lips smiling up at him. Zoe placed her manicured hand on Ichabod's biceps and pressed her huge bosom against Ichabod's arm to whisper something in his ear. Ichabod turned his head toward her to listen and nodded.

Abbie smacked her lips and crossed her arms over her chest.

Zoe's eyes suddenly lifted to meet Abbie's. A small smile played around the corner of Zoe's red  lips. She nodded at Abbie.  Abbie nodded back. Zoe then turned her head back to Ichabod to tell him something and walked away.  Abbie frowned. She pressed her lips together. What the hell was that about? Why was Zoe Corinth rubbing against Ichabod like some cat in heat? She was a member of The Board Of Education for God's sake. She should have shown some decorum. And Ichabod didn't seem to be too bothered by it at all. In fact, he looked like he was enjoying it.

"Hmmmm," Abbie growled.  The sound escaped from deep inside Abbie's throat.  

Jenny suddenly appeared beside Abbie.

"Did you see who's here?"Jenny asked."Ms. Katrina Van Tassel Crane, herself."  She jerked her thumb back to the crowd of people.

Abbie pushed aside her homicidal thoughts of Zoe Corinth to follow Jenny's thumb. Abbie met the eyes of a tall red-head. Her green eyes glared back at her. Her brow furrowed. Abbie's mouth fell open.

"Katrina?"Abbie whispered.

"Yeah. Princess Wonderbra finally makes her appearance."

Abbie closed her eyes and shook it. She laughed and turned to look back at her sister. Jenny's dark brown eyes lit up with malice. She smiled.

"Princess Wonderbra, Jenny?"Abbie asked. Her eyebrow lifted.

"Yeah! You know she wears a push-up bra. Cause she ain't got much there,"Jenny laughed."Especially to keep Icky's interested.  Anyway she's probably here to mess things up, like always.

"She signed the divorce papers,"Abbie replied. Jenny's eyes grew large. Her pretty face brightened.

"I can't believe it. Katrina actually came through," Jenny answered. "No, but wait why did she sign those papers. Katrina's up too something. I'm going to ask her."

Jenny turned her eyes back to Katrina. She then walked out from the shade of the tree to the huge crowd.

"Jenny, no!" Abbie called out. She reached out and just missed the back of Jenny's white short sleeved  blouse. Abbie followed Jenny for damage control. As the Press Conference began.

*****************************************************************************

      Dean Ichabod Crane reached out a finger to tap the microphone.  He leaned forward.

"Goo....Ah," Ichabod moaned. He winced at the loud screech of feedback from the microphone. He coughed into his fist and leaned over the microphone again.

"I apologize for that," he said again."Good evening. Faculty. Students, Professors and members of the press. My name is Ichabod Crane. I am Dean of Columbus University. That is C-R-A-N-E, I-C-H-A-B-O-D.  I will now accept all your questions."

    The crowd of reporters hands flew up and fluttered at Ichabod.

   "Yes. You,"Ichabod said. He pointed to a small blonde lady dressed in a smart blue summer suit.

"April May June Collins from the Daily Examiner, Mr. Crane," she introduced."Was the blast from a terrorist? Should the public be concerned?"

"No. Ms. Collins. It was not. Instead it was only a benign chemistry experiment gone wrong by some of our faculty members," he answered.

"There is still black smoke coming out of the broken window of the chemistry lab, Mr. Crane," Ms. Collin answered. "It's beginning to drift across campus. Who are these faculty members who are experimenting in the middle of summer school?"

"The names of the faculty members are of no consequence to your paper, Ms. Collins," Ichabod answered. "They will be dealt with as soon as I am possibly able. The formula was made from a harmless gelatin non-toxic extract and is non-toxic to the environment and humans."

April May's June's plucked eyebrows lifted. Her lips pursed.

"Gelatin extract?" She asked."Like jello?"

"Exactly, Ms Collin's." Ichabod nodded. "And with the consistency of Play-do. I assure you and the public, the black smoke is harmless to all and will eventually be blown away by a good, strong August rainstorm." 

"It hasn't rained for weeks, Mr Crane," she answered."And there are no forecasts for storms in the near future."

"Patience, Ms. Collins," Ichabod answered."' Ichabod pointed to another reporter. A small man with a pinched face and salt and pepper hair.

"Yes. You." Ichabod said.

"Robert Paulson of the SunnyDale News, Mr. Crane," he introduced."What about the Chemistry lab?" Will the citizens of this city have to pay for the restoration of the chemistry lab?"

"No,"Ichabod answered,"We have that all under control and will deal with the reparations our own way."

"Will you make those who are responsible pay for the damage, Mr. Crane?"Robert Paulson asked. "Will the faculty members be suspended or dismissed from Columbus University?"

"No comment," Ichabod answered. "I believe I have answered all your questions gentleman and ladies. I thank you all for your patience and bid you a good evening."

   "Will the school then, pay?"Robert Paulson continued. His eyebrow lifted. Ichabod pushed back his shoulders and lifted his chin.

  "The most important thing to take from this press conference is the explosion was not a terrorist attack home grown or overseas," Ichabod replied. "Anything else concerning this explosion is of no importance to your papers. And is only the concern Of The Board of Education as well as Columbus University. Goodnight, ladies and gentlemen."

Ichabod then shuffled the papers in his hand and stepped away from the microphone.  The reporters turned away and wrote in their notebooks. Ichabod shook his head. His eyes shifted to find Abbie smiling up at him. Her eyes bright. He smiled back.

He pressed the loose-leaf papers against his chest and they walked towards each other. Both met  behind an black iron bench in the courtyard.

"Nice job, Icky," Abbie chuckled."You deserve this."

She lifted her hand and offered the dandelion to Ichabod. The dandelion's pale yellow pedals were still full on top, and not yet all blown away from the wind. 

"Oh, my dearest Miss,"Ichabod whispered."Thank you." He bowed low to Abbie and gently took it out of her small hand. His long fingers brushed her hand softly, lightly and they both gasped from the sensation. 

Abbie's one eyebrow lifted and she nodded. Ichabod smiled at her approval and watched as she  lifted her hand to her mouth to remove a stray coiled brown curl from her lips. He smiled.

"But Abigail, please refrain from calling me that horrid name,"he teased."I hate it when Jennifer uses it."

"I know," Abbie laughed. "I just felt like saying it." Abbie tilted her head and smiled up at him.

Ichabod's eyebrow lifted. He chuckled.

"Oh, and why would you want to do that, Abigail?" He answered. Ichabod stepped closer and leaned forward, crowding her against the back of the bench. Their eyes locked together.

"Ich liebe dich auch,"Abbie whispered.

"I love you too?" he translated. He smiled.

"I love you, Ichabod. I have since I was fifteen years old,"Abbie whispered. "I never stopped. I could never tell you how I felt for fear of you not returning my love."

"I knew it already," he sighed."I could see it in your eyes. I felt it in your body when I held you after I told you I loved you."  

Ichabod sighed and closed his eyes. His shoulders lowered in relief.

"But, was it in the heat of the moment knowing I wasn't hurt,  after the explosion?"Abbie asked."When you realized you loved me?" Her voice low and breathless.

Abbie was then aware of their surroundings. Her feet shifted left and right nervously.. She knew they shouldn't have this personal private conversation out here in public but she really wanted to know.

Ichabod's sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. He then stared straight into her eyes.

"I think you know the answer, Abigail," he whispered. "I love you. I believe I've always have but never admitted it to myself until I saw you again all these years." 

Abbie lowered her eyes.

"Really?" Abbie answered. Her voice cracked. She then cleared her throat.

"Yes. Really," he chuckled. He stepped closer to Abbie and raised both his hands to touch her face.

"Luke," Abbie whispered. "He's coming on Monday. He saw the explosion on the news and wanted to know if I was, alright."

Ichabod's hands fell to his sides. His body stiffened. He then leaned his body back from Abbie and looked down his nose at her. He folded his large hands behind his back and wiggled his fingers, agitated. White, hot Jealously flowed up Ichabod's body like a great wave.

"Oh, yes of course. You're still not free from Mr. Morales," Ichabod answered coldly. His expression stern. His jaw clenched.

Abbie frowned. She blinked up at him and threaded her arms across her chest.

"And what about, Katrina?" she replied."Do you really think you're free from Katrina just because she signed some divorce papers?"

Abbie raised her eyes up to look at him. She shook her head as he stepped away from her. Ichabod's mouth opened to answer and then shut. Katrina's father finical dilemma came to mind. Until it was resolved. He was still tethered to Katrina.

"We are not talking about, Katrina here, Abigail,"Ichabod answered."That is completely different. You have not been married to Luke for five years. You can easily sever ties with Luke without much of mess. I will forever be linked to Katrina and her family." 

"Sever ties without much of a mess?"Abbie yelled."Luke and I have committed to one another.. We've lived together for two years and are promised to be engaged."

"Promise to be engaged,"Ichabod scoffed. A small snort escaped his lips. 

"What?" Abbie threaded her arms across her chest.

"Really? Abigail. Your young man is a total imbecile. If you ask me,"Ichabod said indignant. "I never gave Katrina a Promise ring to be engaged. I just did it. A promise ring is nonsensical. Is ridiculous!"

Silence.

Abbie's jaw clenched. A dark cloud came over her expression.

"You're ridiculous,"Abbie shouted. "You don't know Luke. You don't know how hard it was for him to even give me this ring and finally commit to me."

Ichabod's one eyebrow lifted. A wry smile played around his full lips.

"So, the revered Football hero has issues with commitment, then?" Ichabod teased. "Interesting. I wonder what he would think if he saw you being carried in Mr. Desoto's arms all day?"

Abbie glared up at Ichabod. Her eyebrows knitted.

"He picked me up,"Abbie yelled."I didn't ask him to carry me."

"You didn't seem to object to him carrying you," Ichabod answered.

Abbie's eyes widened and her mouth opened. Her arms tightened across her chest.

You're an ass," Abbie growled. She then turned on her heel and walked away back to the crowd of people.

He blinked at her retreating figure.

"Please return here, Abigail so we can discuss this further," he shouted.

"No!"

Ichabod followed close behind her and caught her elbow. He spun her around to face him again. He gasped. Abbie's eyes were dark and stormy. Her brow wrinkled. Her mouth pursed.

"And what about Katrina?"she yelled."Do you think she would appreciate you flirting shamelessly with Ms. Board Of Education?"

"What?"

"Everyone, saw you and Zoe Corinth rubbing against one another up on the student's stage," Abbie said indignant."It was shameless. You let her drape herself all over you!" 

Ichabod's brow furrowed. He leaned forward.

"Ms. Corinth  was only reminding me of the faculty meeting we have on Monday morning," he whispered. That is all."

"And she had to do this by whispering it in your ear?" Abbie asked.

Ichabod opened his mouth to answer when his eyes lifted and looked behind Abbie. His eyes then lowered to meet her's again.

"Abbie," he whispered. "Maybe we should take this conversation back in my office. People are beginning to stare."

Abbie gasped and her eyes widened. She and Ichabod slowly turned their heads to look behind them.

They had an audience. Katrina,  Jenny, Daniel and even Zoe Corinth were watching them. Their eyes huge, their mouth's wide opened. Jenny was the only one with a huge, bright smile on her lips. Her eyebrows raised.    

Abbie turned her head back and shook her head. She raised her eyes to meet his.

"Good.  Maybe Princess Wonderbra will understand why Zoe Corinth was whispering in your ear," Abbie said indignant. 

She then turned on her heel and continued to walk the rest of the way toward the crowd.

  Ichabod watched her walk away from him. His eyebrows furrowed.

"Princess Wonderbra?" Ichabod whispered. A light of recognition came to his eyes. He ran after her.

"I know what that is, Abigail" he whispered."Did you get that juvenile nickname from your sister, Jennifer? It's an unfair cheap shot. Katrina's never done anything to you to deserve that nasty moniker."

They were now walking close together, Ichabod behind Abbie. Abbie glared straight ahead. Her small hands clenched tight on either side of her. Abbie stopped suddenly almost making Ichabod run into her small frame. She glared up at him her eyes large and dark. .

"You're calling my sister, Juvenile?" She asked. Abbie crossed her arms against her chest again.  Her chin lifted.

Ichabod licked his lips and leaned closer.

"No. I'm calling your sister's nasty nickname's as juvenile,"Ichabod answered.

Abbie nodded and lowered her eyes in agreement. She relaxed her shoulders.

"Jennifer's behavior is something entirely, much worse," Ichabod said drily. His voice measured and low.

Abbie's eyes shot back up to glare at him.

"What? You don't agree?" Ichabod asked. "Your sister is undisciplined. She just blew up her own classroom, Abbie. The woman is a menace. She's chaos."

"Leave my sister out of this!" She shouted."We're not talking about Jenny, here."

Ichabod took a breath and let it out slowly. He closed his eyes. Ichabod then looked into Abbie's dark eyes.

"You're right. We are not,"Ichabod sighed."Instead we are discussing Mr. Morales and your reluctance to give back that bloody promise ring. I just don't understand your loyalty to that brain dead jock, Abigail."

"Luke is not a brain dead, jock," Abbie shouted. "He's just as smart as you."

"Oh, yes? "Ichabod answered coldly."And yet.  He decides to utilize his muscles and brawn in an uncivilized game that will leave him braindead and possibly handicapped when he is older. Yes. Very smart, Abigail."

Abbie stared up at him. She pressed her lips tightly together and stepped up to pluck the dandelion out from Ichabod's hand.

"Jackass." Abbie shouted and turned away. 

Ichabod's empty hand reached out to grab Abbie's arm when she turned. But it was too late. Abbie had already turned on her heel and walked away. He watched her walk to Daniel and Jenny in the crowd. He saw Jenny run up to talk to Abbie. Ichabod met Daniels eyes. Daniels lips pursed. He stared at Ichabod. A stern expression on his face. Ichabod closed his eyes and sighed. What happened? How did they start out declaring their love one minute and arguing about family and wives the next. It was ridiculous.

It happened so fast. Of course, he must go and apologize to Abbie immediately. He'd forgotten what a sensitive subject Luke Morales was to her. Abbie had told him how much she cared for Luke. Luke was there when she needed him when her mother died and her father left. Her loyalty and love for Luke Morales will always be there. The same way he will always be loyal to Katrina and she will never leave his thoughts. He should have thought about all that before saying all those terrible things about Luke. Except the white hot jealously of Luke Morales overtook him, poisoning his view.

"Damn!" He groaned. Ichabod sucked in a breath and let it out. He then sensed someone walk up behind him and turned around.

Zoe Corinth's small pale hand touched his shoulder. She smiled up at Ichabod.

  "Change of plans, Ichabod," she said."The Board Of Education has called an emergency meeting in your office tomorrow morning. 9:00am sharp. Please inform both Professor Jennifer Mills and Abigail of the meeting."

     "Saturday morning,"Ichabod asked. "Why?"

"The Chemistry lab explosion,"she answered."We have to discuss what is to be done about Jennifer and Abigail Mills and their future at Columbus University. It can't wait till Monday."

To be continued...

Authors Note: The brand WONDERBRA. Does not belong to me. It belong to VICTORIA'S  SECRET. (I think) and I in no way am insulting woman who wear them. All women are beautiful in any shape or size.  Lol Please review and aim all your rotten vegetables and/or Tomatoes or flowers at the author above.  Thanks.