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.
“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 numerous hours without a break. 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.
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 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 ‘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 smiled widely at me, her face covered with mashed French fries. Giving her a happy grin, she then offered me a 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, not to mention the bruises and healing scars. 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.
Turning and running from the restaurant before anyone could recognize me, I ran toward the car. Flinging open the passenger side door, I climbed in and promptly pushed down the lock with a click.
“You okay?” Keanu’s face was contorted into a confused grimace as he watched me breathe heavily.
Fighting to slow my racing heart, the only word I could utter was, “Go!”
Panicked, Keanu slammed the stick into reverse and peeled out of the restaurant parking lot. Tiny rocks sprayed in all directions while the back end of the car fishtailed. Hitting the highway, he pressed his foot hard against the gas pedal. The smell of burnt rubber invaded my nostrils as the car took off down the road.
“What happened?” His face was grave as his eyes darted back and forth between the road and my face. I tried to look calm but I know the fear in my eyes betrayed me.
“I came out of the bathroom and…there was a TV up on the wall and…I was on it. My face was on the news.” My voice quivered as I explained, the gravity of the situation began to sink in.
Swallowing hard, sweat beading on his brow, he inquired. “What did it say about you?”
“I…don’t know, I just ran.” Realizing that I should have paid more attention, I gave myself a mental kick.
“Dammit!!” Keanu pounded his fist against the steering wheel. At first I thought he was mad at me and, honestly, I wouldn’t have blamed him.
Watching the dark highway roll underneath us at breakneck speeds, I again thought of what life could have been. With my womb expanding and the arrival of a baby in just a few months, reality slapped me in the face.
Not only was I being hunted by a bloodthirsty cabal, I was now a fugitive. Guilty of what, I wasn’t sure yet, but I trusted the Majestic 12 with one thing, they would destroy me, one way or another.
A deep sadness wrapped itself around my soul.
“I’m sorry.” Tears rolled down my cheeks and my bottom lip trembled as I hung my head. I was to blame for all this; I should’ve just let the Majestic 12 have their way with me. What was one—or two—lives really? Now I’d ruined another, Keanu’s.
“No, no, no, Cassia, this is not your fault. I’m angry because I suspected they’d pull something like this.” His handsome face was etched with anger as he spoke. Reaching over and caressing my face, he added. “I just knew it. They stopped chasing us very quickly. I knew it was too good to be true. Too easy.”
The guilt was too much to bear, I broke down and sobbed. “It is my fault. None of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t gone for testing. I ruined all our lives.”
“Cassia.” His foot lightened on the pedal as he spoke softly to me. “I don’t regret meeting you. I fell in love with you. And…” His hand glided down from my face and landed gently on my stomach. A warm smile kissed his lips
