Prologue

I have always hated how we never seem to change. Our town has been the same size since, well, since forever. Never changing, just remaining quaint and familiar. Some people don’t like to come here because they say we make our selves sound too innocent. To me, innocence is that last thing that is Sleepy Hollow. If we were innocence, then my story would have no meaning. And without meaning, there would be no story. I will admit that tu may find it to be sad o empty, so I don’t blame tu if tu want to set it down, and never look at it again. Believe me, if only I could set it off in a corner somewhere to collect dust, I would. But I need to get to the point. I was simple, plain, beautiful, but plain. And my life turned around completely the día he came to town. And he was Icahbod Crane.


Chapter 1.

I walk down the streets, wishing that somehow, when I get to town, that it won’t be the same. That something will be out of place. Just a rock on the wrong side of the road would do me justice. But it is silly of me to wish for things that will never come true. The town is like its name. Sleepy, a perfect description.

I start to see the plain buildings ahead of me. And hear the faint bustle of people shopping and laughing, about the most boring things. I know that we have all heard Mrs. Kueper’s chicken story, enough times. But it has seemed to have been the only piece of gossip around here for years now. I know that behind her back, Brom used to laugh about her cattiness. But even he has now grown tired of it.

I see now that I have reached the village, and I take my first step into town. A wave of plainness washes over me. Like a veil being draped over a coffin.

I pass the little Blacksmith shop, and feel the soft rush of hot air. siguiente is the small inn that houses six people and can only board one. A silly idea to call it an inn to me. Now I see the Bakery, my destination. When my mother died, my father made me take over all her work, and I have been doing it ever since. And the first thing she would do, was go to the Bakery.

I stop to smell the aroma coming from the open windows, then I step inside and walk to the small counter.

“Hello Katrina!” The friendly old cook greets me. “What can I get for tu today?” He smiles as though he has something to live for. Even though I know he is secretly miserable.

“Just the usual.” I smile in response.

He steps back and grabs two loaves of oat bread, six muffins and a cinnamon biscuit.

“I only need the pan de molde, pan and muffins, Baker Schepper.” I try to sound polite as possible, without also making a funny face. Apparently I do that a lot.

“Oh, I know. The galleta is a gift. tu have a long walk inicial from here.” He winks and hands me the breads in a neat little package.

“Well, thank you.” I smile, and start to pick up the bread, but someone swoops in behind me and picks it up before I can even say something.

“I’ll get that for you.” Brom says after he lifts up the food.

I turn and he flashes me a smile. Then he nods to Baker Schepper, and walks me out the door.

“Hello, Bro-” I start, but he cuts me off.

“Why didn’t tu tell me tu were coming into town today?” He then walks us around a corner and sets the packages on the ground.

“Well, I thought that I would-” But before I can finish my sentence, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me.

“Brom,” I pull away. “We’re in town. tu can’t kiss me like that here.” I look at him but see no change of idea in his face.

“Why not? No one can see us back here.” He smiles and pulls me in again, but I speak before he can kiss me.

“If tu ever want my father to allow me to marry you, then tu need to be más sophisticated with me when were around all our friends and neighbors.”

This suddenly changes his mind and he lets me go, and picks the packages back up.

“So, can I walk tu home?” He smiles sweetly, and I know he got the message.

“I’m sure Father won’t mind.” I place my hand on his arm and we head back towards the farm.