Well that was a disaster.
Two hours earlier...
The empty parking lot is no surprise for a weekday matinee. The glass door squeaks when he pushes it, holding it open for her. They pad onto the bright geometric patterns on the carpet.
Ignoring her objections, he beat her to the ticket window and before she can retrieve her wallet, announces, "Two for Jurassic Park, please."
The smell of butter and salt permeates every step as they make their way to the concession stand. The cashier continues to wipe the counters without lifting her head. Above, the buzz of the air-conditioning kicks in.
Why do they always keep it so cold in theaters, she wonders, pulling his leather jacket closed around her frame. She is thankful he hasn't yet asked for its return.
Settling on a large popcorn and a couple of sodas, Keanu places the order.
The cashier hands him change, squinting her eyes with a hint of recognition. "Anyone ever tell you you look like Ted from that excellent adventure movie?"
Raising his eyebrows, Keanu shakes his head no.
The teen stares a bit longer before passing the popcorn and drinks.
"You think she bought that?" Sandra asks.
He rubs his near bare head and shrugs, saying nothing.
He is a strange one.
"You really don't like to talk about yourself, do you?"
"There are far more interesting things to discuss," he murmurs. "Ready to watch some Spielberg?" And just like that, he manages to evade personal questions.
Again.
They sit dead center in the empty theater.
How long has it been since she's been to a movie with a guy? Nathan is out-of-town more often than not, and when home he is more interested in the hottest nightclub than a smart film. This is...nice.
The lights dim and their seats shake with the volume of the previews.
She digs into the popcorn, oblivious to his watchful eye.
He notices her electrified hair, standing straight up after removing the helmet. Raising his hand to smooth it down, he hesitates. Too familiar, he thinks.
Meanwhile, Sandra brushes off rogue popcorn kernels she'd dropped in her lap. She turns with the bag to offer some to Keanu when she sees his eyes quickly dart away. "What? You saw me miss my mouth?" She giggles. "Why are you staring?"
"You, well," he considers his options, "you have, um, your—"
"My what?"
"Your hair. It's..." He starts to reach out again but stops, pulling his hand back. "It, it's, uh..." Why can't I form a full sentence, he wonders with frustration. "It's standing up. Static."
Her cheeks warm, she reaches up to feel hair in disarray with chunks pulled from her pigtails. She strips her hair ties off and does her best finger-comb in the dark. "Did I get it?"
"Well, kind of. Can I touch you?" He shakes his head. "Your hair, I mean?"
Her breath stops. "Um, yeah. Sure."
With slow movement, he strokes her hair to take away the static. On the last touch, he pushes some strands out of her face and behind her ear, his palm resting on her cheek.
Sandra's stomach spikes into her chest, like she's at the top of the steep climb of a roller coaster, about to fall forward. "Is it fixed?" she whispers.
YOU ARE READING
The Beginning
Fanfiction"Come here," his voice is gentle again. She gives in, placing her small hand in his. Lifting the cloth, he sees her blood spill out from her palm. He inhales sharply through his teeth and presses the rag back down. They sit there like that for abo...
