Two Ships

The Awakening

The Awakening

Hours had passed, the day spent in a back-and-forth dance between s*x and sleep. Each encounter explored each other, finding those tender spots that made each other jump or moan in pleasure and wanting. Serious conversations had been abandoned for a more carnal language. The day was spent in a lazy blissful haze of each other and with each encounter, the connection grew. As dusk approached, Abigale stirred. She was famished. Her stomach grumbled in dissent and a reprieve was needed. Her muscles were sore, her body overworked, and quietly Abigale slipped out of bed and moved to the bathroom where a hot shower, brushing teeth, and hygiene were her first priorities.

She turned on the water, went to the sink, and brushed her teeth while letting the water run. The steam filled the room and she was ready to wash away the day off of her skin and let herself wind down. The water called to her. Abigale stepped into the shower. The water was hot and welcoming. She stood and let it fall in cascades of warmth down her body. She just wanted to enjoy this a little longer. Not yet ready to move for her razor or soap. Just standing there letting the water cleanse her and soothe her overworked muscles was enough for now.

Keanu awoke to the sounds of water flowing, he felt the lack of warmth from her side of the bed. Her scent is still on the pillows. The room smelled of s*x and musky sweat. He ran his fingers through his hair and over his face, brushing the sleep from his eyes. He wanted to join her, his body wanted more of her. Sliding from the bed he moved towards the sounds of water. Quickly entering her space, he could see her through the transparent door of the shower. She was still, letting the water run over her body. He wasn't sure he should interrupt her peaceful moment. Enjoying this sight and taking in all of her, in the light, seeing her body, he opened the door and joined her.

An hour later the water ran cold, both revived and clean, both glowing with the aftermath of shower s*x, hunger was becoming a priority. Abigale grabbed her towel and went to retrieve one for him. He smelled of her soap and shampoo, but at least he was clean. Abigale came back and handed him a towel. She left him to his privacy and went to get herself dressed before dealing with her wet hair and let him know to make himself at home. Once the door was shut he went about the normal bathroom routine, bladder issues were taken care of immediately.

Keanu hoped she kept a spare toothbrush lying around and poked through the shelves. Thankfully he found a newly wrapped toothbrush in a drawer and he took advantage of the rest of the bathroom facilities. Shaving could wait. Keanu and Abigale traded places as Keanu went about the room retrieving his clothes. And Abigale disappeared into the bathroom to deal with her Irish mane of locks.

Keanu was surprised to find her kitchen well-stocked. Her spice pantry was overful and in his exploration decided coffee sounded delicious. The smells of freshly ground beans soon filled the space and when his mug was filled with steaming hot coffee he sat down at the table and studied the work scattered in the space surrounding him. Dried paint clung to brushes and her palette had dried. The canvas was coated and only the background seemed to be filling its once empty space. It was black-toned with hints of violets and shades of blue. It wasn't so much the color combination but the strokes of the brush and the way the colors blended that pulled him in. He adored art. Rarely do you get to see amateur work in his circles.

This reminded him of simpler times. Before fame and expectations dictated his tastes and influenced him. She had skill. Looking around at the work on her walls he realized they were probably hers as well. She struck him as a free spirit, an artist. You can learn a lot from someone's house. How they surround themselves. He had seen four of the rooms, and this was the first time Keanu had the chance to pay attention. Bookshelves lined the living room, each filled with volumes, and was furnished sparsely but tastefully. There were no pictures hung of family, no snapshots of friends. It was homey but didn't tell him much. Live plants hung about but no flowers or floral patterns. She preferred muted and dark neutral tones to bright and colorful ones. The wood surfaces were darker, cherry mahogany perhaps.

Going through the room, he found no electronics and few collectibles or personal items. Maybe she hadn't lived here long.

Keanu wasn't sure what to expect other than to learn more about Abigale. What he found instead was that he actually knew less after looking. He headed towards the bookshelves, but the titles weren't what he expected. He found The Art of War, where he expected self-help books. He found Paul Gauguin's Journals of Noa Noa, where he expected to find romance novels, The Count of Monte Cristo, Edgar Allan Poe, The Original Gimm Brothers, and The Overstory. Metaphysical Explorations, American History Chronicles, Fantasy, Fiction, and NonFiction alike. She had biographies and works from authors he had never heard of. Then he noticed volumes of collections of works by Shakespeare, plays, and poetry. Yates, Keats, Frost, works by Da Vinci and Dante, the Odyssey. Abigale had collections of Aristotle, Plato, Nietzsche, and Dale Carnegie. The list was extensive. Had she read all of these or did they just collect dust? To be sure it was unexpected to find volumes of these works in a private collection unless they were there to impress visitors.

Abigale didn't seem the type to collect things to impress people. Another shelf was filled with volumes of theology, religious works, texts, and from all kinds of religions. Books on life, philosophy, and poetry surrounded him. Some of these mirrored his own shelves back in California. They had similar reading tastes. He pulled the worn copy of Hamlet out, dog-eared, well-loved. She had written notes in the margins. It was one of his comfort books. Finding yourself through loss and tragedy, fulfilling destiny. Perhaps she would forgive his intrusion if he indulged while he waited. Setting himself in the comfort of the chair, he drank his coffee and read the familiar words as he lost himself in the work.

She emerged, dressed, her hair tamed and straightened, a long-sleeved black shirt and jeans, simple, no jewelry, no watch. It was a good look for her, the simplicity of it suited her. She didn't like to fuss about an appearance on her days off. It wasn't practical. Ready to face the day and back to reality, she walked into the kitchen and put on her kettle because this would require some tea after she would worry about food. Food was very much the only thing her body hungered for at the moment. Keanu had made himself comfortable sitting reading and she didn't disturb him. The kettle on, she looked at the mess on her table and began cleaning up her unfinished work. There were brushes to clean and things to put away.

Abigale sighed to herself. Picking up the brushes, and moving to the sink, she realized how comfortable she was with him in her space. She didn't feel the need to entertain him or make conversation without purpose or point. He looked like he belonged in the chair, the soft lighting did him justice. He read with his legs crossed, one hand on the book and the other comfortable on the arm of the chair. Watching him read, the eyebrow movement, occasionally his lips moved in silence with the words.

The image as he sat there was picturesque. The iconic man before her was something that should have been immortalized in a black-and-white film. Capturing this moment in her mind, she was inspired. The lines of his figure were captivating, smooth, and classic. Keanu, Coffee, and a Book. That might be worth capturing. It suits him.

Abigale finished off the clean-up chores as the kettle started its whistle. That jarred him out of his reading to notice she was in the next room.

Abigale smiled at him. "Dinner?" she asked.

Keanu nodded, ''Food sounds divine. May I take you to dinner?"

Abigale considered that "Cook and clean here with you to myself or enjoy a night out with people?" She thought about that. "Only if it's steak and there's wine involved."

His eyes lit up. She was speaking to his soul with those words. "That is a solid yes then. Reservations?"

It's easy to forget he wasn't from here. "No dear, not in this area. Doe's Place or Herman's are our best local, we do have a Ruth Chris's here as well and one of my favorites would be Market Place Grill. Your choice."

"I'll defer to your preference here Abigale, your town. You know it better. Should I call a cab?" Keanu asked.

Abigale liked a man that took initiative in planning and arrangements. That was refreshing. "That depends how drunk do you plan on getting?" Abigale asked.

"I don't." Keanu wanted to explore this on a more cerebral level between them. Drunk didn't seem to be the way to accomplish that goal.

"Would you rather drive?" She asked.

"I can do that, we can take your car." Keanu nodded.

"Actually I had something with fewer wheels in mind." She smirked as she said it.

Now Keanu wondered just what he had gotten himself into. Bicycling to dinner wasn't what he had in mind.

She went to the closet and pulled a key out. Tossing it to him, she said, "Let me just grab my coat. Bikes in the garage."

He looked at the key, there's no way; he thought. Did she just...

Keanu went to the garage door and opened it. Turning on the light there sat an immaculate Harley Davidson Ultra Limited Older Model motorcycle. His jaw dropped. Beside it sat a black Harley Nightster. Abigale rode. He wasn't dressed for the occasion but if they dropped off by his hotel first he would remedy that. Abigale came in with a leather jacket and patched vest, leather boots, a scarf, and her riding glasses.

Her hair was now pulled back and wrapped for riding. "Ready? I can ride with you or beside you, your choice."

Keanu grabbed a helmet off the shelf and the extra set of riding glasses, went in to grab his jacket and came back to find her beaming with excitement. "We're taking the Ultra." He said.

"Wise decision." She let him adjust himself on the seat and effortlessly climbed onto the back. Her weight barely shifted him.

She settled back in for the ride and pushed the button to open the garage. He fired up the bike and they rode off into the night. He loved the feel of the wind on his face and the vibrations of the bike between his legs.

After a few turns, he had forgotten she was even sitting back there. The roads curved and turned into a fun adventure as he drove through the town. Seeing everything lit up at night got him in the mindset of making the most of this with Abigale. Here like this, he could tune out the world and get lost for a bit. The night was peaceful and the weather was perfect. The night sky was filled with stars. He hadn't seen the stars like this in a while. Too many city lights filtered them out in the city. Here in this part of the midwest, the traffic was light and in some places nonexistent. This was nice.

Pulling up to his hotel he parked, hopped off pulled off the helmet, and sat it on the bike. "Do you want to come up? I want to change clothes." He waited on her.

"No, if I go up we won't make dinner. I'll be right here when you come back." She knew he would rush.

Keanu made haste and got into his room. Making a pit stop at the bathroom he grabbed some things and threw them in his smaller travel bag. It may be a bit presumptuous but if he stayed over again he wanted his own things and clean clothing. Throwing on his choice of clothing for the night, a black shirt, overshirt, and jeans he opted for his boots and was back within a few minutes.

"Better?" Abigale asked him.

"Yes," Keanu leaned in to kiss her. "I am much better now. May I escort you to dinner?"

She kissed him, it was nice and sweet. Abigale resisted the temptation to pull him in closer and kept it at that. "Yes, I would like that very much". Abigale had programmed her GPS while he was away and handed him a headset. It let them communicate while riding. Something she kept on the bike.

Keanu smiled, "I like this," he attached the headset to the helmet and turned it on, throwing his leg over the bike and adjusting himself,"Ready?" he asked.

"Most definitely." She was beaming with excitement.

He could hear her voice in his ear perfectly. Keanu learned Abigale was an excellent navigator and didn't offer up chatter except to guide him. She let Keanu focus on the road and get them there safely. She's done this before he thought to himself. Keanu enjoyed the ride and the scenery.

Abigale shifted with him into corners, anticipating his movements on the bike effortlessly. Abigale took note of his expert command of the bike. How he kept the bike center moving the bike, not his body, around corners. She immediately felt trust in his riding abilities and enjoyed watching him become one with the road. Abigale gave him the mental space so that he could better focus on the unfamiliar curves and territory. It was a short ride but a nice one to the restaurant.

Keanu pulled into the lot and found a spot. The restaurant was busy but not overcrowded. He was looking forward to this date. Steak, wine, and a beautiful woman were his idea of the perfect start to a perfect evening. Keanu turned off the bike and let Abigale get off first then he dismounted, removing his helmet and placing it in the compartment.

"Ke, would you mind if I went in first? It's just that, this town is used to celebrities, we do get a few and most people are very respectful and will give you space. And there are some who won't. If you give me a minute I can make sure there won't be a commotion."

Most women wanted publicity, photos, and the press. Abigale was showing him just how apart from that she was with this thoughtful thing. "That is kind of you, I hadn't considered that."

Abigale disappeared into the restaurant. After a few minutes, she returned and took his hand. "They are getting a space ready as we speak. You ride very well. I'm impressed."

"Thank you." Keanu let her drape her hand through his arm and escorted her into the building. The decor was nicely done, and rich colors made the space feel warm. It was comfortable.

They were greeted almost immediately. "Two Sir?"

Keanu nodded at the man. The hostess grabbed the menus and led Keanu and Abigale to a beautiful table. Other guests were seated within a respectful distance and it wasn't long before a waitress appeared. She took the wine order and hurried about her business after setting the water glasses.

"This is nice, it wasn't what I expected." Keanu noticed the warm cherry-colored wood, and the clean design, it had a classic feel. It was very comfortable.

Abigale smiled at him. "What did you expect? Hillbilly's, roadkill, hobbles with no flooring, bad grammar, and no social graces?" That's what most of the world thought, she wouldn't be surprised to find he did too.

"No, I expected something casual and scaled back a bit." He must have hit a nerve, something he would be careful of going forward.

"You do realize this place is the home to over half of your world's billionaires, retail giants, the world's largest trucking industry, and more commerce happens right here than in silicon valley?" Abigale always felt a need to speak up for her beloved hidden part of the world.

"No, I wasn't aware of that." he was listening.

"I'd be happy to give you a tour in the daylight hours if you are up for some history. You might find this place grows on you. I love it here. The colors in the fall, the trees, clean air. It's beautiful." Abigale's voice was passionate and dreamy as she talked about her town.

Keanu smiled back at her, "You're beautiful."

Abigale blushed. "I am flattered, thank you."

The waitress interrupted the moment by bringing the wine and taking orders. Dinner was off to a wonderful start.

"What brought you here?" Abigale had wondered and finally brought herself to ask.

"Would I offend you if I said I can't answer that?" Keanu watched her reaction.

"No, you're allowed privacy." It was calm and understanding. Abigale decided to let him move the conversation at his own pace.

Maybe it was safer that way.

"Abigale I can't always answer things I want to. I'm glad you understand that." He realized he wanted to tell her things, it was easy to talk to her. This was a new feeling.

"I do. So we stick to safe conversations then?" Abigale was watching him as she asked.

He was glad to hear her say that. "Tell me about the paintings?" He was very interested in those.

She took a breath in, pursed her lips, and smiled. Abigail's eyes lit up and she almost grimaced at the same time.

"Too personal?" he asked.

She wrinkled her nose and gave a thin-lipped smile like she was holding something in, she made a small gesture with her hands and said, "Just a wee bit."

He could see the way she clenched her mouth and spoke through her teeth. Keanu said, "Okay then. Books, books are a safe topic. I love books, you have a wonderful collection." Keanu had found some of his favorites.

Abigale smiled as she responded, "I am an avid reader, books are treasures. I think the things we put into our minds can influence us and our process."

That wasn't the usual answer but he agreed with her. "Yes, they do. Finding a favorite is difficult."

"This is funny, Keanu. I want to know so much about you and we both seem to feel like talking about ourselves is akin to going to sit through a dentist visit."

He nodded. "Yes."

Abigale suggested, "Okay, so I'll go first. I'm introverted, I don't enjoy crowds but tolerate them. I have many hobbies and enjoy them. I don't leave home often but love to travel. I'm a biker, I have kids, I write, paint, am a workaholic, and am completely dedicated to whatever project I work on. I tend to be melancholy at times. I have a dark sense of humor. I try to be kind but have human flaws. I'm not into small talk, and I hate exercise. I have sides of my life I'm not going to talk about, I have no family, but close friends who are my family. My past is as dark as yours and I deflect with humor. I don't talk about work and will answer questions truthfully if asked directly, even when it pains me to do so. So that's me in a nutshell. I have many life philosophies and would rather get to know someone as time passes and they show themselves to me. What you choose to share about yourself is entirely up to you and if you want to share nothing I can respect and understand that as well."

Keanu sat and listened to her talk. She was reserved in what she said but gave enough information to satisfy basic curiosity. "Wow, okay well Abigale, I'm an actor, I live in California, and I am completely devoted to my work. I enjoy life and find new things to fall in love with daily."

She laughed at him and nodded.

They had an understanding. Keep it simple, nothing personal. Dinner came and was wonderful, they stuck to light conversation.

Nothing deep or personal. It was nice. When they had paid the bill and made their way back to the bike Keanu realized he wasn't ready to end the night. He was full and energized. "Would you like to dance?"

"Are you asking me Ke?" Abigale was fierce, she wasn't going to make this easy on him.

"Yes, would you like to dance with me? I am asking."

"Sure." Dancing with him would be fun.

He mounted the bike and set the GPS. It seems like a night back at the bar where he first laid eyes on her was in the plans. He waited on her to get adjusted and took off into the night.It surprised him that the traffic here was so light you could get to your destination in a few minutes. He wanted to hold her, feel her body pressed into his, dancing with her. Keanu was looking forward to this.

Abigale dismounted once the bike stopped and waited for him to join her. Holding her hand walking into the bar felt natural, normal to him. Like they had done this a thousand times. It was the stares when they entered the bar that felt off. People stared, that was normal, he was used to that. There were looks of surprise with her on his arm. Abigale nodded to a few of them and walked to the bar.

"Cherry coke" She didn't even glance at the man behind the bar, with no smile or warmth. Like a switch had shut her off.

"And for you Mr. Reeves?"

"I'll have a beer Zane, thank you." Keanu nodded politely.

Abigale led him off to a table by the dance floor. She hadn't waited on the drinks. Keanu pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit. The two hadn't even gotten their drinks before they were approached by a couple.

"Mr. Reeves, may we have your autograph? We just love you!"

Keanu smiled and took the napkin and pen, he quickly scrawled his signature and thanked them. Abigale watched him, he was kind. Taking time out to be gracious. He listened patiently as the couple talked about his films and he took the praise humbly.

Once they had gone he turned back to Abigale, "I'm sorry, I;"

Abigale put her hand on his, "Don't apologize to me. They love you. You've earned that. It's okay to enjoy it and it's also okay to say no when you want to. Either way, you don't owe me an apology or explanation. It's expected when you go out with someone who is famous. It's part of the package."

He smiled at her, "Yes, but it's nice not having that attention sometimes as well."

"I can put a stop to it if you want. At least here." She waited on him to respond.

"I don't think that's actually possible Abigale, but it's a nice thought." His eyebrow was raised skeptically as he spoke.

"Offer is on the table if you want it." she replied.

The waitress came with their drinks and Keanu thanked her then turned back to Abigale, "In a perfect world, I would be able to give you my full attention, and right now I really want to be able to do that. I'm here with you and I want to spend time with you."

"Okay then." Abigale left him there and walked towards the DJ. She handed Abigale a mic and started pushing buttons.

Keanu watched as she moved to the stage.

"How is everyone tonight? Yes, yes that is him, and if ya'll don't mind, give the man his space. He wants to drink a beer just like everyone else and is much too kind to say no. Now, what do I have to do to get the attention on the dance floor?" She spoke with confidence, knowing this was her element.

Keanu realized people were walking back to their seats. That was weird. Surprisingly it worked. Even more surprising was Abigale staying on stage. Music started and he recognized the song. What he wasn't expecting was her voice. Wow, she could sing. Abigale had a stage presence as if she belonged there. She didn't look at the screen or the words, and the song poured out of her. The way it captivated everyone was obvious. Suddenly the room was focused on the stage, things went quiet. People were moving to the dance floor, the attention was off of him. Whatever magic Abigale was weaving he liked it. Keanu thought about how he could get used to this, easily.

He loved her voice, he loved how natural they were together. Abigale finished, she waved off the applause and came back to him then. "Wow, so you can sing. What other secret talents are you hiding Abigale?" Keanu wanted to know, it was becoming a genuine interest.

"Many." Abigale pulled out a cigarette and went through her ritual that Keanu found he enjoyed watching. Grabbing her drink she sat watching him. There was so much about Keanu that she was finding she enjoyed. He made her laugh, she smiled more around him.

He was genuine and animated. He talked with his hands and was passionate about many things. Abigale had to remind herself this was a living fantasy. He would leave, and go back to his home and life. It can be fun while it lasts and no one gets hurt. Simple, uncomplicated. That was the understanding.

Keanu was the kind of dream you'd want to spend your life with. That life wasn't in her cards. Abigale's past made that impossible. She wasn't under any delusions that this was some happily ever after fairy tale. Not for her. But for now, she could keep him entertained, give him safe space and be his friend and lover. Those things with him were easy to do. Keanu made it easy. Almost effortless and for once she didn't feel like she was with a client. Keanu knew more of her reality than anyone else she had spent time with. Abigale wasn't sure how long this would last but she could make the most of it.

Keanu wondered what she was thinking, she seemed lost in her own world. "What are you thinking?" he wanted to know.

"Just wondering what the shelf life is on impossible things. I believe you brought me here to dance." Abigale diverted the conversation.

"I believe I did. May I have this dance, Abigale?" He stood offering his hand.

Abigale took it and they moved to the floor. The height difference made things awkward at first but Keanu was a pro. He adjusted his steps and she followed him easily. The way they moved together, anticipating the other made it seem as if their bodies had been moving in sync for years. Keanu was enjoying himself as he led her around the floor. Several songs later he didn't want to let her go.

They fit together. The way they moved together felt right. This felt like heaven. Three dances later and it was time for a break. The two returned to their table and she was grabbing for her coke. This was fun.

"Abigale, I'm ready to get out of here. I want you all to myself." His voice was in her ear, he hadn't sat but followed her. Standing behind her Keanu bent down caught up in the moment and kissed her, fully and deeply he drew Abigale into his body. It wasn't a chaste kiss, this kiss was not meant for public eyes but he didn't care. He wanted her. It was getting late and all he wanted to do was feel himself inside of her.

He pulled away, "What would you say if I asked you to spend the night with me?" Keanu was nervous, like a hormone-ridden teen waiting for an answer to the prom.

"Are you asking Ke?" She smiled.

"Yes I am asking, will you spend the night with me?" His eyes never left her own. Searching for any resistance.

"My place or yours?" Abigale asked.

He hadn't thought of that. "Your place, Abi."

"Well okay then. Sure," she said.

"I'd rather hear an enthusiastic yes." He was clear about that.

"Yes Keanu, take me home." Abigale nodded at him and he pulled her off the floor. She gathered her things and he went to pay the

tab.