Forever and Always

Chapter 5

Clara opened her eyes to find herself inside the hut. Decorations hung on the walls around her. Underneath her, she laid on a giant tapestry, keeping her off the dirt ground, and on top of her some more blankets that were woven by the village women when she first arrived. She yawned as she rubbed the crust out of her eyes, and using her forearm, she pushed herself up on her side and looked around. Through the curtain, she could see the light seeping through the cracks.from the sun. Next to her, she saw a huge space empty. There were some rolled up blankets and single pillow. Clara let out another yawn and sat up completely. She put her hands on her back and stretched, then just sat there.

"You're awake." Clara back at the entrance, and in the doorway stood Bucky. He had pushed one curtain up with his arm while the other curtain rubbed against his shoulder. He was bending down a bit since she was too tall for the doorway.

"How long was I asleep for?" Bucky came into the hut and sat down next to her. He used his arm to help keep him balanced as he sat down, and he let out a long sigh before answering her.

"Since Shuri and I got back from out walk. She was going to say by, but the children didn't want her to disturb you. You woke up a little bit when we were going to bring you into the hut, but you weren't completely there. Shuri helped me bring you in here, and she left. You've been asleep since then, but you're awake now." Clara and Bucky both looked at each other, and at the same time, they both smiled.

"I've missed you, Bucky." Clara scooted closer to him. "You look..."

"Homeless?" Bucky commented.

"No. Happy." She gently rested her cheek on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"You look happy too. I've...seen you with those kids. They must really like you, huh?" Clara shrugged.

"Remember, when we first met, and right before my mom died, she said I would be the monster in kids' nightmares." She paused as she thought about that day. It happened happened so long ago, but it was still fresh in her mind whenever she would allow herself to remember. "Well, those kids...they made me realize that my mom was wrong. About everything. It's....it's nice, comforting even, to know that these kids don't see me as some weird creature. They aren't afraid of me. They just see me." Bucky grabbed my hand with his hand and squeezed it tightly.

        "I'm so glad that you are finally seeing what I see. And I've missed you too." It was silent between them for a few moments, then, Bucky spoke again. "When I saw you yesterday, before Shuri and I went on out walk, you looked exhausted. I'm glad you finally got some sleep, but you don't have to worry about me. I know you slept outside to give me space, but you don't have to." Clara took in a deep breath and nodded.

        "I know. I'm just...I'm so used to looking out for you. Old habits die hard, I guess. But don't worry, Shuri told me the same thing, so I will definitely get some good sleep. You however, have gotten plenty of sleep. What did you and Shuri talk about on your little walk? Oh, and I have so much to catch you up on as well!" She felt this wave of excitement come over her and she lifted her head off his shoulder and rotated so she faced him.

          "Well, Shuri kind of...caught me up on everything I've missed. A bit overwhelming, but helpful, and apparently it's 2018 now, meaning I would be about...101. Then she said that when I was ready, I was going to have to help out around Wakanda as well, which of course I don't mind. Gives me something to do, and I owe them a huge debt. That was about it." Clara just enjoyed the fact that Bucky was talking to her a lo more than he did before. She nodded enthusiastically and smiled. "What about you? What have I missed about you?"