The next morning Irene awoke very early, the sunlight streaming through the the curtains of the master bedroom. She stretched her arms above her head then ran a hand through her wavy dark brown hair.
She had never felt more relaxed in her life, and of course that had nothing to do with Sherlock. Suddenly a glint of silver caught her eye and she saw a silver plate on the desk, holding a slice of toast.
Irene could not keep the smile off of her lips as she got out of bed and approached the desk. A small note beside the plate read: 'You're no good on an empty stomach - SH.' She picked up the single slice of toast and took a bite of it hungrily, she appreciated the food but was this really all he could manage?
After she had eaten her breakfast she made her way to the kitchen; descending the stairs. The kitchen was small with friendly-looking oak furniture and beige tiles. It also did not contain a certain Mr Holmes.
Irene poured herself a glass of water and sat down at the table, drinking quietly. 'O-oh! I didn't realise you weren't dressed.' Irene whipped round in her seat to see a red faced Sherlock stumbling away from the doorway.
She giggled to herself and glanced down at her attire - a red lace bra and grey jogging bottoms - an 'off night' outfit.
Without warning the doorbell sounded, Sherlock hesitated to answer the door while in this awkward situation. Removing himself from the kitchen he took large hasty strides towards the cottage's wooden front door then opened it.
On the stone doorstep stood Henry Knight. 'Oh it's you.' Said Sherlock stepping away from the door, 'I guess you should come in.' He nodded and smiled at Sherlock even if he was being a miserable sod. 'Um, yes what time did you want me to take you to the station?' Henry said politely 'Seven.' He replied sharply. Henry nodded. 'That will be all.' Said Sherlock curtly.
'O-okay, erm... Seven, yes.' Henry mumbled as he left the cottage. Sherlock slammed the door violently behind him and turned back towards Irene in the kitchen. A few steps forward Sherlock remembered Irene's attire; or rather lack of it and changed his mind, following Henry out of the front door and closing it quietly.
Irene sighed. As pleasant as it was, joining Sherlock on his quest back to London, she could only feel that she wanted something more than a simple adventure. She wanted to come back to life herself. For Irene Adler to be resurrected. That was one of the two wishes she had, the second being... secret for now.
Irene smirked to herself. Life in London would be hectic, but it would be home. She assumed she would be staying at 221B Baker Street with her fellow companion until the crime web was entirely demolished, and that could take some time. She imagined people's reaction of her return, Mycroft would have kittens!
Irene chuckled to herself and went back to the master bedroom to get changed. She chose some dark denim skinny jeans and a loose white shirt. She left her hair down in waves, she didn't want to stick out too much in the sleepy country village.
Grabbing her jacket as she exited the cottage she slipped it on whilst Irene briskly walked past Sherlock and Mr. Knight talking in the driveway without giving them a second glance. 'And where do you think you're going?' Sherlock asked taking Irene's wrist before she could leave. 'For a stroll, why would it matter to you?' He reluctantly removed his hand without replying.
Irene continued her brisk walk down the country lane for about 12 minutes and then she reached the centre of the village. She took a sharp turn and entered the small local supermarket by the church. Irene browsed through the ready-made meal section, hunting for dinner as neither her or Sherlock could do a thing in the kitchen.
After choosing two spaghetti bologneses for their evening meal Irene purchased them and left. For a moment she did consider stealing them, just for a challenge, she had more than enough money for anything she could want, yet she was here; in a tiny village with the worlds only consulting detective, though she did owe him a favour.
Out of pure boredom, Irene found herself browsing CDs in the charity shop, looking for anything, when a deep voice stopped her. 'Anything good?' Irene whirled round the see the handsome store assistant, smiling down at her.
'Unfortunately no.' She said, returning his smile, she noticed his name badge "Daniel." 'Yes sadly we don't get much in. I'm Dan by the way.' The man smiled shyly at her. 'I'm Alice.' Irene returned the smile quickly thinking of an alias.
'You're new round here aren't you. Just that I haven't seen you around.' Said Dan. Irene nodded 'I'm staying with a friend just out of town.' She explained, 'I'm just exploring a bit.' Dan smiled charmingly at her. 'How about I find out more about you Alice, over lunch?' Irene stopped and thought for a moment, this would annoy Sherlock no end. 'Sure Dan.' She said and a huge smile broke over his face, 'I'll meet you in the pub in a few hours.' He said and hurried over to attend to the next customer.