Chapter 40

Keanu turned the knob on the dashboard as he searched for a good tune. The long stretch of highway we were on left us with few choices considering the reception we’d get in the middle of nowhere.

Blips of voices and undesirable songs floated throughout the interior of the car. He didn’t seem to be much for talking right now. After my screaming incident during my nightmare, I think I freaked him out a little.

I guessed that he was rather stressed.

If the Majestic 12 had his sister held prisoner like he’d suggested earlier, he was probably pretty worried about what her fate would be considering his recent actions. He’d stolen hot commodity from a powerful and secret government agency, I’d be concerned too.

I wonder what he saw?

It had to have been pretty spectacular if the Majestic 12 felt the need to blackmail Keanu into working for them. I wanted to ask him but the expression on his face didn’t look very inviting, in fact, he looked downright sick.

“What’s wrong?” I asked when I noticed his jaw was clenched and his face had paled dramatically. “Are you okay?”

“Um, yah, I’m just tired…and hungry. I’ll be okay.” He waved his hand toward me in attempts to shrug it off.

“Well, I’m really hungry too. What do you say we stop for a bite at the next town?” My stomach even growled as I spoke the words. Now that I’d relaxed a little, my body could ease back into a bit of a routine.

“No!” He shouted suddenly, looking at me with wild eyes. “We might be recognized!”

It was then I realized he might be having a small nervous breakdown…who could blame him.

“Keanu.” I began calmly, “I’m pregnant. The baby needs food. I’m sure if we just go through a fast food drive-thru, we’ll be fine. Okay?”

His expression softened with the mention of the baby.

“You’re right. Yes. Food. Okay.” He muttered as he gave his head a shake. It occurred to me that he’d been driving for over eight hours straight now. He’d stopped twice to let me get out and pee but other than that, he hadn’t taken a break to rest at all.

“Keanu?” Keeping my voice calm and quiet, I attempted to tame the beast.

“What?” His eyes were red around the rim as he remained focused on the road.

“How about letting me drive after we eat? You need to rest.” I cringed as I anticipated a verbal lashing but instead, he looked mildly relieved.

“Um, yah, sure, after we eat.”

Another half hour passed before we reached a sleepy little town called Davisville.

Ohio.

We’d made it a lot further than I thought.

Pulling into the center of town, we scanned the main street for a quick meal. Spotting a burger joint, I pointed to it with one hand and folded the other around my growling belly.

After ordering and handing the attendant a large sum of money, Keanu parked the car at the far end of the parking lot and we dug in.

I thought he had a big appetite before! He’d ordered six hamburgers, four large fries and an extra large pop! My order appeared meager compared to his; mine was only two chicken burgers, one large order of fries and a medium pop.

Shoveling our food in quickly and digesting for a few moments, I felt rejuvenated. Keanu looked much healthier too.

Right away, however, my bladder began protesting. I knew he wasn’t going to approve of the idea of me going into the restaurant but I hated peeing on the side of the road.

“Keanu.” I started adding a touch of sweetness to my voice.

“Mmm mm?” He mumbled as he threw a few remaining fries into his mouth.

“I…need to use a washroom.” Directing my eyes toward the restaurant, I hinted to him that I wanted to use a real toilet.

His mouth turned down with immediate disapproval. Frowning as he surrendered, he soon realized that he couldn’t compete with my puppy dog pleading eyes.

“Hurry! And talk to no one!” His eyes were dark and serious as he waggled his pointer finger at me.

Giving him a cheeky smile, I trotted off to use the bathroom.

Pushing the glass door open, the scent of warm food wafted under my nose. Though I was pleasantly full after our meal, I considered ordering some ice cream. I thought better of the idea after recalling Keanu’s order to get in and get out quickly without speaking to anyone.

I glanced around the crowded restaurant. Families gathered around small tables and enjoyed their food and each other’s company. Several employees stood behind the main counter, taking orders and serving customers. In a far corner, a large television entertained some of the men with a football game.

Scanning the open concept room for any indication of where the bathrooms might be hidden, I finally spotted the tiny ‘women’s’ symbol from across the room.

Meandering through the aisles, I was careful not to bump into the highchairs that were placed at the edge of some of the tables. The tiny eyes of babes stared innocently at me as I walked by.

One little girl in particular smiled widely at me, her face covered with mashed fries. Giving her a happy grin, she then offered me a French fry that had been squashed between her chubby fingers. Stifling a giggle, I whispered a polite ‘no thank you’ and continued to the bathroom.

Breathing in the atmosphere, I was elated to be surrounded by people again. A sense of normalcy crept into my heart though I was afraid of the consequences of getting comfortable with it. I had no idea what the general population would do if they knew what I was…or what I wasn’t.

Entering the washroom, I was pleased with the fresh scent of vanilla. The cell I’d been locked away in for months had been devoid of any pleasantries, including scent. Sure, after the cleaning lady came, there was a strong smell of bleach for a couple hours, but that was no comparison to the sweet fragrance of flowers or perfumes.

Sighing as I emptied my bladder, I washed my hands in the sink. Pumping the soap into my hands and lathering, I realized just how spoiled I was before all this happened. Even the most basic freedoms, like perfumes and soaps, were a luxury that I took for granted.

Glancing at my reflection in the mirror, I was sad at how tired and haggard my appearance had become. At only twenty, I shouldn’t have looked so worn out. Thankful for my newfound freedom, however, I wasn’t about to allow myself to worry about such trivial things.

Smiling at myself, I smoothed back my long black hair and moved toward the exit. Walking past the customers once again; I noticed that everyone’s attention was on the television screen in the far corner of the room.

The large screen television flashed a breaking news bulletin. Big and bold, there it was. Something I thought I’d never see on national news…my face.