Sandra is sitting in the make-up chair on set. The nick on her head is almost completely healed, but Jan thought it all fit in so well that they are reapplying the wound for continuity, making it a bit larger and a bit bloodier for effect. Today they are doing some more promotional interviews with the cast before jumping to some larger stunts and explosion scenes.
There's a slight wind on this cool day in the last week of October, blowing wisps of her hair into the fake blood on her forehead, where it sticks. A makeup artist slides in front of the camera to clean it up a bit before moving back to the side so the interview can continue. Keanu stands ten feet away as Jessie helps him try on various bullet proof vests for the next stunt.
"Tell me what it's like working with Keanu Reeves. You must be the envy of all your friends," the journalist leads her.
*"Reeves is very handsome and attractive," Sandra begins, glancing toward him, flirting for the cameras, "And a very dashing leading man." She looks over to see him shaking his head, growing more uncomfortable with her compliments. Enjoying his squirms, she continues, "who every woman in America swoons over—"
Two can play at this game.
He moves quickly toward her, just barely entering the frame of view. His costume is now pared down to his khaki pants and fitted white shirt, which clings to his chest and arms. He leans in, quickly pressing his warm lips against her cool cheek, his leather and soap cloaking her.
She hasn't been this close to him since the ballroom dance class.
A giggle escapes as she responds involuntarily, her voice rising an octave or two. *"Oh, God..." She raises her hand and caresses her cheek, a feeling of warmth combined with nausea spilling into her chest. She uses all her strength to keep her head in place, eyes darting back in his direction.
His stride is confident, walking away as though nothing had happened. He returns to Jessie, who slips another vest onto his shoulders. Shaking his arms a bit, he inches the heavy material up on his shoulders with ease before turning back to see her still watching him.
Sandra realizes she's been caught, sliding down into her chair while turning the cheap, gold ring over and over on her finger. She picks up her script and flips through it, trying to look busy, when Jan appears to discuss their scenes for the day: Keanu will be moving under the bus on a trolley designed by Ferrari. The bus will be moving at the same time, with Sandra at the wheel and Brad steering from above.
"You mean a stunt guy, right?" Sandra objects. It seems reckless.
**"We've got all the details ironed out," Jan assures her. "Don't worry, just be sure you make eye contact with him as he goes underneath."
Keanu walks up, black vest in place. "What are we discussing?"
"Your impending doom," Sandra retorts. They snicker but Sandra is unamused. "Keanu, c'mon. You can't be serious about this."
"We've been practicing, don't worry. It's just like the jump."
"The hell it is!" her eyebrows draw together as she drops her chin and makes strong eye contact with him.
He takes a step toward her, both hands on her shoulders. "It'll be fine, promise."
"Yes! That's it," Jan exclaims. "That's the look, do it just like that!"
She opens her mouth to object, but decides against further debate. His mind is made up, they have safety protocols in place, and she knows it is time to work.
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...
