An Afternoon Out

Robby and I arranged everything.  Just 2 days after I'd mentioned my idea to Rapunzel, the four of us headed out to the front yard for an afternoon of fun and relaxation in the sunshine.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, the mild weather made it feel like spring, even though it was already October, so it was a perfect day to be outside. :)

Rapunzel and I settled ourselves on a blanket in the grass.  We talked about "everything and nothing", as the song "Little Lotte" from the Phantom of the Opera said.  I was feeling quite spoiled:  two long talks in the same week!  I'd missed our conversations together, and I already felt, with a sense of impending doom, how busy Rapunzel would be in just 2 short weeks.  We would still be able to talk, but it would be harder for her to find the time for just the two of us.  It was okay...I understood that she was ready for the next stage of her life.  I just wanted to savor this time now with just the two of us...well...just the four of us, if we counted the boys. ;)

We watched Robby and Ben as they wandered all over.  They weren't really the "sit and chat" types. ;) 

"It's such a beautiful day!" I sighed happily.  "It's hard to believe that within a month we'll be cooped up in the house for the winter.  I'm going to miss my rambles outside."

Rapunzel nodded.  "This is the perfect weather.  I'm having a hard time convincing myself that it's actually Fall!"  She looked thoughtful.  "I suppose I won't have much time to get outside anyway, though.  At least at first."

I smiled.  "Just think about taking your baby out to enjoy the sunshine in the spring.  And in the meantime, you can introduce him or her to all of your favorite places in the house."

"Don't forget about Christmas, too," Rapunzel added.  "I'm so excited to see the big, beautiful tree up again.  I'm sure the baby will love the bright tree lights."

"It's almost impossible to think of Christmas with weather like this, though.  It's hard to imagine that any time in the next month we'll have cold weather and rain when we're out here on this sunny, pleasant day!" I replied.

By now, Robby and Ben were up in the trees, climbing around like a couple of monkeys.  I laughed.  They were just like little boys. :)  They seemed to be having a great time together, though.  And this was so like Robby.  He thrived on exploring, climbing, hiking, and being outdoors.  I'm sure he was thrilled to have Eugene as a companion instead of me.  Eugene was a much more capable explorer.  I mentioned as much to Rapunzel, but she didn't look convinced.  I chose not to pursue the conversation.   

When the guys had apparently had their fill of tree climbing and exploring, they wandered over to our blanket and asked if we wanted to take a walk. We agreed, and soon we were all strolling pleasantly through the front yard.

We found this amazing hillside in the middle of the front lawn (a yard project Belle'sbeast was in the middle of completing) and all lay on our backs and looked up at the beautiful sky.

"Isn't it lovely?" I breathed happily.  "I don't think we could have asked for better weather today."

There were various nods and noises of agreement around me.  It was the type of moment that would be spoiled by too much talking.  We all seemed to be in a sort of dreamy, contemplative mode.  I closed my eyes and tried to permanently imprint this moment in my mind.  I wanted to remember it as long as I lived.  Rapunzel, Eugene, Robby and I all happily staring at the sky together, full of the hopes and dreams of the future, and the joys of the present.   

All too soon, the moment passed.  I could only handle lying there with the grass scratching my neck for so long!  I think Eugene and Rapunzel had the same thought, because we all  moved at the same time.  Robby seemed perfectly content to stay there, though.

We still were all fairly quiet, but it wasn't an awkward silence.  It was a comfortable, peaceful silence, the type shared between good friends who didn't have to fill the time with words to make it meaningful.

Eventually, Rapunzel turned to Robby and I.  "Thanks so much for arranging this afternoon for us, guys," Rapunzel said gratefully.  "You two have been great friends to us."

"It was our pleasure, right Robby?" I replied, glancing over at my friend.  He nodded in agreement.  "We figured we'd better get something on the calendar before your little munchkin arrives and you're too busy for us!"  It was meant to be a joke, but I felt the truth of the words as I said them.

"Hey," Eugene said seriously.  "We know we're going to be super busy at first.  It's going to take a while to adjust to being parents.  But we'll always have time for you two."  He put an arm around Rapunzel's shoulders.  "We couldn't do without you."

"We'll always be here," Robby replied firmly.  "If you ever need anything...well...I'm not that great with babies, but I'm willing to learn."

Eugene looked down at Rapunzel tenderly.  "We're all new to this."  He glanced back up at Robby with a grin.  "And I doubt I know any more than you do!  We can learn this stuff together, right?"

Robby nodded with a smile. 

I gave a fake shudder.  "Oh, I just got a totally scary mental picture of these two on their own with a baby!"  I glanced over at Rapunzel slyly.  "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

She laughed and playfully swatted at my arm.  "Be nice, Belle!  I don't want you worrying Eugene...I'm going to need him!"

Eugene gave a scornful laugh.  "Hah!  As if anything Belle said would scare me!"  He gave me a quick wink to show he was teasing.

Rapunzel moved off a ways and took a seat on the hillside.  "I can't even tell you how excited I am.  I know it won't be easy, but it will be so worth it!"  She looked up at the sky again.  "It's such an amazing day!" she said dreamily.  "I always feel so alive when I'm outside.  I can't wait until we can bring our children out here with us.  We'll introduce them to each blade of grass and each flower petal."

I could almost hear the imaginary cue music.  As I've mentioned before, we Disney dolls are very prone to singing through our emotions, and Rapunzel was no different.  Well, she was different than me.  She could actually sing.

She slowly started unbraiding her hair, letting the light breeze toss it around caressingly.  I wondered if she'd make up a song on the spot.  I'd tried that before with quite pathetic results. 

But she didn't.  Almost instantly, I recognized the "Healing Incantation" song from "Tangled".  It didn't really have anything to do with what she was feeling at the moment, but sometimes just singing any sort of song is enough. 

We all listened quietly as she sang.  For the millionth time, I wished I could carry a tune.  Rapunzel's voice was amazing.  I couldn't even imagine opening my lips and having something like that come out.  If a miracle ever occurred and I was able to sing, I wondered if Ben could be wowed by my voice the way Eugene was obviously stirred by Rapunzel's.

He was staring at her with such love and warmth, I almost felt like I was intruding on a private moment by looking at him.

When Rapunzel was finished singing and unbraiding, she turned around and tossed her hair, letting it flow down the hillside behind her.  Her hair really did look amazing.  Not exactly practical, but pretty.  I was really glad I had my own shorter hair, though.  I'd spend all my time tripping if I had hair that long (coordination has never been my strong point!).  

Eugene couldn't stay away from his lovely wife any longer. He crossed over to her and took her hand. Their lips met in a sweet, innocent kiss. I suppose that was fitting, considering the mood of the moment.

It was a bit awkward for Robby and I, however.  I mean, it's not like they were doing anything wrong.  They were married, after all, and they weren't being inappropriate.  But still, I felt like I was invading their private universe.  I was so glad I wasn't there with Ben.  I would have been 10 shades of red!!  At least I didn't have to worry about Robby getting all sappy on me.  He had a good head on his shoulders, and we were best buddies!  Still, I hoped that the lovebirds would get over their moment soon. 

I didn't have to wait long.  They pulled apart, and Rapunzel settled comfortably in Eugene's lap.  They were still in their own little world, but it was easier to cope with lap-sitting than kissing.  I could hear them whispering to each other, no doubt spinning dreams about their baby that would be with them soon.

"It's sure going to be different," I heard myself saying, almost before I realized I'd spoken out loud.

"What do you mean?" Robby asked.

"With Eugene and Rapunzel, and the baby," I explained.  "I'm...well, I'm happy for them, but I'm worried at the same time."

Robby's face held an understanding look.  "You're worried that your friendship won't be the same," he stated.

I nodded sadly.  "How can it be the same?  She'll have so many obligations now with a baby to take care of.  And so much for calm, quiet conversations!  She'll be distracted all the time and won't have time for me...I just know it!"

Robby looked down at me compassionately.  "Belle, she's going to need you now more than ever!   Don't you think she's nervous, too?"

I shrugged.  "She just seems so confident and ready...I didn't think she could be nervous."

"I'm sure she is.  This is a big step that she and Eugene have taken.  She'll be learning all sorts of new things and feeling insecure.  You and Eugene will be the constant comforts in her life that will keep her steady through all of this.  Don't back away from her now."

"I wasn't going to back away!" I insisted.  "I just...didn't think she'd need me."

"She will," Robby said confidently.  "Things may change a bit...that's a normal part of life.  But you'll always be special to Rapunzel." 

"Thanks, Robby," I said slowly.  "I guess you and Rapunzel are my constant comforts.  I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

He smiled at me again.  "I'll always be here when you need me, Belle."

"I know," I said softly.

There seemed to be words left unsaid, floating on the breeze, waiting anxiously to be spoken, but before they could materialize, Eugene asked if we were ready to eat, and the moment passed.  

We had a wonderful afternoon together.  I was still a little nervous about the coming changes, but Robby's encouragement had helped.  I'd never thought about Rapunzel needing me.  It seemed like I was always the one needing her.  I hoped I could be helpful in some way.  Only time would tell.