Absolute Reality

Date Night

“Judy.”

“Hmph.”

A gentle clawed paw on her shoulder. “Judy. Wake up.”

“Mm-mm.”

Deep chuckle. “You’ve slept far too long. You’ll miss your date.”

“My date?” Jude sat up on her bed, stretching. She felt a bit out of sorts. “What date?”

Reuben’s tufted ears flicked. He plucked her wrinkled wimple from her head, folding it neatly on the bedside table. “I believe your friend Frank is expecting you to call him?”

“Oh!” Her hand covered her mouth. “What...what time is it?”

“Nearly five.” The giant squirrel was rifling through her wardrobe. “You were so very tired, I let you sleep straight through the night last night. You had an exhausting week.”

“Straight through the night?!” Jude stood now, shocked. Flustered. “But I was supposed to see the garden with the Monsignor!”

“I’m certain he understands.” Reuben held up a dress before himself. “Red? You always look so becoming in red. And I like the twirl in this skirt.”

“But who will watch ovah Briarcliff?” She held the dress uncertainly. “I can’t go on unplanned excursions.”

“Judy. You really must take some time to yourself, my dear.” Reuben took hold of her shoulders. “I shall watch over the asylum in your absence. I believe everything here is under control. Why don’t you have a nice relaxing bath? Curl your hair.” He twirled a tangled lock around a fuzzy knuckle. “You’ll feel better.”

“I think I’m maybe just a little hungry.” She rubbed at her head.

“I believe Frank said something about steak?”

Suddenly, she salivated. Yes, she was definitely hungry. And steak sounded delightful. And honestly - Frank sounded delightful, too. “Yes,” she murmured, making her way to the en suite. “He did say something about steak…”

“Why don’t I call him while you bathe?”

“Oh, Reuben.” Jude turned in the bathroom door. “Yar so good to me.”

“Well.” A squirrel shrug. “You always cared for me. I suppose it’s only natural I should seek to return the favor? Now.” He nudged her into the bathroom. “Wash up, my girl, while I call your dashing fellow.”

Jude grinned like a schoolgirl. She hummed while she bathed. Shaved her legs (not that she expected anything salacious to happen...although maybe she hoped). She preened before the mirror. She primped. Pin curls in a loose chignon. Sheer stockings. Her laciest undies.

At her chest of drawers, she paused, chewing at her lip. Her fingers stroked the escaped strip of sanguine slip, considering. On a whim, she whipped it from the drawer. The dress was a button up in soft cotton. She left the collar open a hint - just a hint - and took a twirl in front of the mirror. She opted for black heels with a slim strap around each ankle. They elongated her legs nicely - not that the really needed to be any longer. But it felt nice to feel sexy.

“Am I right?” Reuben was leaning in her bedroom door. “The loveliest lady I’ve ever seen.”

“Reuben!” She laughed as he spun her beneath his arm.

“Your paramore awaits you downstairs, I believe.”

“Already?” A sudden case of nerves. She gripped clawed hands. “I shouldn’t do this.”

“Are you so afraid of being happy, Judy?” At her blink, Reuben pulled her into a quick, hard hug. “Go, my dear. Leave this misery behind for one night and remember you are alive.”