Chapter Text
Dragonfly out in the sun,
You know what I mean, dont'cha know?
Butterflies having fun,
You know what I mean
Sleeping peace when the day is done,
That's what I mean
It's an old world
It's a new world
It's a bold world
For me
Stars when you shine, you know how I feel
Scent of a pine, you know know how I feel
Oh, freedom is mine, and i know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me
And I'm feelin' good
***Joe Bonamassa, Feelin' Good
Alice's pink polka dot suitcase lay open on her and Uncas' shared bed. Clothes and other items were thrown around it in not-so-neat piles. Alice stood, hands on her hips, staring at the pile.
A list quivered in the breeze from the open window, containing practically everything that Alice could possibly think of on it. The heading on the list, sprawled in Alice's handwriting read: TWO DAYS BEFORE.
Two days, Alice thought with a sigh, I'm still actually doing this.
She sat down on the edge of the bed, head in her hands. Around her swam the multitude of clothes and items thrown around her. Packing actually wasn't as easy as Alice had thought. And, oh! What if she forgot something?!
"Need help, cookie?" Uncas’ deep, rich voice came from the doorway.
Alice's head shot up, and she gave Uncas a reassuring smile. "No, no. I'm good. Just...thinking."
Uncas nodded, instantly reading Alice like a book. He picked up the list from underneath a pile of papers.
"Passport?" Uncas asked
Alice giggled. "I'm FINE, Uncas."
"You won't get very far without one..." Uncas muttered
"Oh, okay." Alice gave in, rooting through a bag. She triumphantly pulled out her passport. "Check!"
"Spare phone charger?"
"Check!"
"Lecture?" Uncas wrinkled his nose, "Why is there a question mark at the end of 'lecture'?"
Alice cleared her throat and averted her eyes. "About that..."
Uncas circled the lecture on the list. "We'll work on that one."
"Yeah...well...It's done, mostly. It's just...I need to practice. I don't know how I will feel about presenting it to tons of people." Alice said softly.
"Then let's practice. We still have time to pack before bed." Uncas said, putting the list on the dresser.
"If you're sure..."
***
Moments later, Uncas was reclining on the couch with Sadie sitting on the floor near his feet. Alice nervously stood up in front of them.
"Good afternoon! My name is Alice Munro and I am so...delighted to have the opportunity to speak with you today. As you can tell the reason we..."
Five minutes later Alice was through her two main points, but when Millie made an unexpected noise, she completely lost her place. She put the papers down on the coffee table.
Rubbing a tired hand over her face, Alice sighed, disheartened.
"I'm sorry Uncas. I completely lost my place. I don't know if I can do this."
Uncas sat up and gave her a reassuring hug. "It's okay, you did fine."
"Did you think it was too boring?" Alice asked
Uncas thought a moment before replying. "The people you will be talking to will already be excited to hear what you have to say. That's why they are coming."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Plus," Uncas said teasing, "you don't have to worry, there shouldn't be any noisy sugar gliders at the museum anyway."
Alice smiled, "Right again!"
"Let's try again?" Uncas asked
Alice took a breath. "Okay, one more time."
Alice started from the beginning once more, Uncas listening intently from his seat on the couch. Ivy came in and unexpectedly bumped into Alice's leg, arching her back and purring loudly. But Alice kept on speaking. She was determined that nothing would distract her.
"...and that's all I have for you today. Thank you again for inviting me and remember, stay curious."
Uncas grinned. "You did it!"
Alice smiled widely back at him. "I did!"
Uncas looked adoringly into Alice's brown eyes. They sparkled with actual happiness. She was genuinely smiling! It was then that Uncas knew that everything was going to be okay with her. She was going to be fine.
***
Uncas and Alice were laying side by side in bed. Alice had been unnaturally quiet and Uncas knew she was worried again. She always seemed to get more worried at night.
"Alice?" Uncas murmured, his warm breath tickling her ear.
Alice turned slowly to face Uncas. "Yes?"
"You don't have to stop being scared. It's okay to feel the way you are."
"Yeah but...what happens if I hate it? What if it's awful?"
"Then you count down the days till you come home." Uncas said, "It'll still be here until you come back."
Alice nodded. "Yeah."
She smiled suddenly. "What if you burn the house trying to cook for yourself?"
"Oh no," Uncas shook his head, "I only know how to put out fires. Nobody taught me how to start one."
Alice laughed heartily. "I guess that's right."
***
The night before
Everything was ready. But it sure didn't feel that way to Alice. She and Uncas had reviewed the list at least a dozen times. Now the suitcase was by the door, her passport in her purse, the alarm set, and the house was quiet.
Tomorrow.
How quickly two weeks had come and gone! Now it was only 'tomorrow' until...tomorrow.
Uncas had proposed that they go and sit on the porch and drink some tea before bed that night.
Alice looked around her, taking in everything that hadn't meant so much to her until now. The flowerbeds, her kitchen, the bedroom window...all of it. But she wasn't leaving forever. Just for a little while.
***
Alice climbed into bed that night and Uncas wrapped a bare arm around her. He murmured into her ear that he loved her.
"I think I'm ready now, Uncas."
"I know you are, sweetheart. I know."
***