Chapter 95: Alix

Tuesday, January 3rd, Evening

In the Clocktower Apartment of Beaulieu Manor, he sat at his desk going over a few last-minute details. After a good stretch, he checked the clock and did a bit of quick math.

Nodding Tucker Baker quickly neatened up his hair and straightened out his shirt. He finished just in time for his computer to ring with a video call. With a quick smile, he answered it and the image of Alix Hartmann filled his screen.

"Hey Babe, how're things going?" Tucker asked.

Alix shook her head, "That doesn't sound like you, Tuck," she said.

Tucker sighed, "Sorry, how are you, Alix?" he asked.

Alix shook her head, "It's been a rough day," she said.

"What happened?" Tucker asked.

"Bad day, the weather sucks, had a lot of traffic, venue issues, and you're not here," Alix said.

"Hopefully, I'll be out there soon," Tucker said.

"How's this thing coming along?" Alix asked.

"Got the last bit of details done, and should be filming soon," Tucker said.

"That's great to hear," Alix said, "Hope it all goes well."

Tucker nodded, "So, do I; I want to get out to see you," he said.

"I've already claimed a bunk for you," Alix said, and smile lite up her face.

"That's right you got a bandwagon," Tucker said.

"Yeah, it's an upgrade from the Sprinter," Alix said with a laugh.

"Hey, we had a lot of good memories in that Sprinter," Tucker said.

Alix laughed, "Maybe one day we'll get a bus as Katsuya gets," she said.

Tucker laughed, "Someday Alix," he said.

"You're optimistic," Alix said.

"I believe in you," Tucker said.

"Just me?" Alix asked, teasing.

"And the band too," Tucker said.

Alix smiled, "Don't forget them," she laughed.

Tucker nodded, "I won't, so where are you tonight?" he asked.

"Fresno? Sacramento? After a few nights they all start to blend together," Alix said.

Tucker nodded, "It, well, I don't remember that, when I was out on the road," he said.

"Don't you have to keep track of where you're filming?" Alix asked.

Tucker nodded, "Yeah, it sucks, always cutting footage in my downtime," he said.

Alix nodded, her face hung for a minute, "How do they do this?" she asked.

"Do what?" Tucker asked.

"Go out on the road, be as they call it, road warriors, to be in this state of jet lag," Alix said.

"Yeah," Tucker said, and nodded.

"How does Katyusha do it?" Alix asked.

"Well if I remember she was touring since she was fifteen," Tucker said, "It's probably normal for her."

Alix nodded, "Yeah, I guess. I do remember when she came back from her Summer European Tour," she said.

"Oh yeah?" Tucker asked.

"Yeah, she was in our bedroom, and just seemed all keyed up after the first couple of nights," Alix said.

"Why after the first couple of nights?" Tucker asked.

"She slept most of the first few days," Alix said.

"Oh, I see," Tucker said.

"Yeah, it seemed after that tour, that our Opa's and Babuska's apartment was too small for her. It's like she touched the wider world and she saw a world larger than our little world," Alix said.

"I see," Tucker said.

"Maybe, that's what's bothering me," Alix said.

"What would be bothering you?" Tucker asked.

"I'm scared, that my world will change," Alix said.

"What does that mean?" Tucker asked.

"My life's been Cape Fear Region, North Carolina, and that little apartment. Now out here seeing the world, it's so new and wow," Alix said.

"So, how do I fit into it?" Tucker asked.

"You're my anchor," Alix said, "You make my world make sense."

Tucker nodded, "You'll get through this, I'll be there in a few days," he said.

Alix nodded, "That's a comfort," she said.

There was a knock on the door. Alix looked over her shoulder. "Who is it?" she yelled.

"It's Holden," a voice came back.

"Come in," Alix said, "It's unlocked."

The door opened and Holden walked in. He looked at the laptop. Tucker noted that Holden looked haggard as well.

"Hey Tucker," Holden said.

"How are you doing?" Tucker asked.

"It's been a rough day," Holden said.

Tucker nodded, "I see," he said.

"We're starting sound check soon," Holden said.

"Break a leg," Tucker said.

"Thanks," Holden said, "When are you coming out?"

"Hopefully Friday," Tucker said.

"Holden, I'll be out in a minute, can I finish with Tuck privately?" Alix asked.

"Yeah, sure, I'll be outside," Holden said, "See you, Tucker."

Holden left the frame and just left Tucker and Alix.

"I checked my schedule, isn't your sister and niece having games tonight?" Alix asked.

Tucker nodded, "They do," he said.

"Why aren't you at the games?" Alix asked.

"So, I can get out to you. I have work to finish before filming," Tucker said.

Alix smiled, "Well, I have to go," she said, "Be good, Tuck."

"What do you mean?" Tucker asked.

"Just be careful, and see you ASAP," Alix said.

"See you ASAP," Tucker replied, as Alix broke the connection.

Tucker sighed and leaned back. Alix didn't sound or look good. He hoped she was alright. He shrugged and went back to finishing his final preparations.