All of this belongs to Charlaine Harris and I just borrowed them for a while.

Enjoy a leave me a review, please.

Chapter One: Farewells

Sookie POV

I always thought my two best girl friends, Claudine and Amelia and me, would share a home until we were old women who would not stop telling silly stories about love, disappointment and how our husbands had been our great loves while our grandchildren were listening to us stunned and we would dinner at a large table in the living room and we would be one big happy family.

Though it seemed like a great plan, things changed much faster than I liked to admit. Claudine was the first to go, she said, she couldn't think and grow as a person in Bon Temps and that made her unhappy. She wanted to see the world, have adventures and quoting her, "fuck nonstop' though I didn't need to know that. Claudine was a free spirit or one of those ridiculous names she used to describe herself when the three of us were living together and though I loved her like a sister, I couldn't bear sometimes her lectures on the nature, people who care a little about the environment and the pollution would end up destroying the planet.

"I can't even believe you're going to leave," I said from her doorway as I watched her throwing one last look at all the drawers of her wardrobe to make sure she did not forget anything. "This is going to be very weird without you, you know? We will miss you a lot."

Claudine stopped what she was doing and turned around. There were tears in her eyes as in mine and we hugged for what seemed an eternity. I could not believe this was happening but it was true. My best friend was about to leave and I had no idea whether I see her again. "Sook, I know this is…" she could barely speak because of the sobs. "…it sucks because you know I did not intend to stay more than two weeks here but…well, it's been two years and now I feel…" and we were back crying again. Amelia had gone out shopping but when she returned home she found us crying like two fools.

"Girls, I thought we had gone through this." And she joined the hug. There we were, all three as silly crying and thinking that was the end of the world. I could not help thinking good times came to an end and we would never be together again as we had been. "C'mon, I think it's the last night of Claudine, we could celebrate and have a great time. What do you think? It would be better the headache of a hangover tomorrow instead of a headache for crying by a farewell." Amelia always had the best ideas and I was in favour of her idea that night.

We knew exactly what we wanted to do. It had to be a memorable night and went to Merlotte's, the bar of my friend Sam Merlotte and fleeting ex-boyfriend; we only dated three times but we realized it was not worth risking our friendship for just a whim. I knew he was in love with me since he came to Bon Temps but there was never anything between us until one night, thanks to Claudine by the way, I got drunk on tequila and ended up sleeping in his bed; only sleeping. Things were weird after that but I decided to give it a try. Amelia and Claudine were agreed because Sam was a good man but when I told them we didn't understand each other I decided it was better to break up before losing a friend.

When we entered the bar, as usual, all men were watching us like idiots and they seemed to be drooling. The fact that three girls were living together seemed to be in first positions in the personal list of fantasies of every man. "Sam, we're here to get drunk!" Amelia shouted and Sam replied nodding happily. "Girls, I don't want anyone else to sit at this table tonight. It's our night and we have here to celebrate, okay? Tequila or beer?"

"I don't want tequila," I answered. "I don't want to repeat the experience of last time because I don't want to wake up in the bed of someone less kind to Sam Merlotte." Claudine and Amelia laughed together at my explanation and though it was a night to have fun, I didn't want risks.

"It could be worse, you could have woken up next to Bill Compton." And we laughed again. "Okay, then we'll start with beer," said Claudine. "Hey Merlotte! A pitcher of beer here! We have much to celebrate!" The beer never stopped coming and I felt my head becoming heavier.

"You know," Claudine began to speak. "You are the best friends someone can have…" and pointed to us with the half full glass of beer she was holding. "…I'm serious. When I arrived to Bon Temps I thought everything would be so boring because there's not much to do here but…" and paused to take another swig of beer. "They were the best two years of my life; you're my sisters and I am going to miss you." Claudine's words were sincere but she was drunk, well, we all were but it didn't matter. When Amelia and I started to live together we thought it would be fun and it was, but when Claudine joined us, well, that was even better. Every night was like a party and I would miss that a lot.

"Girls, I want to make a toast," and Amelia got up carefully from the table to avoid falling to the ground since she was wearing heels. "I think we are the best friends in the world and no matter one of us leaves, we will always be together though we are not together." And Claudine and I got up and toasted our glasses. "To us," and we drank a big gulp of beer. I almost couldn't think clearly but I wanted our last night together was special.

The rest of the night continued being special but we were growing more and more drunk and ended up in Sam's truck coming from our house. "Thanks, Sam. You're a…a good friend, you know, right?" Amelia was trying to seem coherent but she drank a lot more than us and I didn't think she knew what she was saying. Fortunately Sam did not give much importance to what was happening or listening, God bless him.

"Good night, ladies. Claudine, I hope everything is going good for you." He said as walked back to his truck.

"Everything's going…fucking good," and she laughed uncontrollably. "Sam, you're a fucking great friend and I'll never forget you." And she went down the porch with difficulty and instead of hug him she kissed him passionately on the lips while Amelia was shouting from the door.

Sam left surprised and didn't say a word. He got in his truck and Claudine took off her shoes before entering the house. "Have you gone completely insane?" I asked trying not to laugh while Sam was away quickly. "You just kissed Sam."

"I know, and it's been great. God, that man knows how to kiss, if I had known before…" and we laughed as fools as we walked into the house and let ourselves down on the couch in the living room. "Fuck, I'll miss you a lot." And we fell asleep.

"I woke up when the noise was almost unbearable. Claudine was taking her car the last things she had left and kept going in and out of the house.

"Hey, what are you doing?" I asked her whispering as I carefully lifted from the couch without waking up Amelia. I looked myself in the mirror and my hair was a mess but I didn't care much at the moment. "Did you think to leave without saying goodbye?"

Claudine smiled weakly and left her backpack on the ground. "You already know me; I didn't want to make a scene. Last night was really cool and I think it was the perfect way to say goodbye." Perhaps but Amelia would never forgive me if Claudine left without saying goodbye to her.

"Need help?"

"No, I'm almost done. They're a few things in my room but it won't take long. Last night was really cool." Said smiling.

"Yes, especially when you kissed Sam, was a bit weird but I think he liked it."

She buried her face in her hands as if she was embarrassed but she couldn't help smiling mischievously. "Yes, it was somewhat impulsive. I think I was more drunk than I thought. I don't know, Sam was pretty kind and guess I wanted to thank him and say goodbye to him."

"Yes, you did." I said grinning.

"Well, Amelia's still sleeping but you're right, she'd kill me if I leave without saying goodbye to her." Claudine climbed back into her room to get the other things and put them in her car. When she came back into the house Amelia was awake but she didn't seem to be good.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. It seems a bus hit you," joked Claudine while Amelia glared at her for a moment. "I'm fine, just a little dizzy."

"Yes, we all feel that way." I said. "Claudine, are you sure you can drive? Maybe it's a little early; you should sleep a little longer.

"Girls, I love you a lot but I won't stay in this town any longer." And after hugging again for what seemed like hours, Claudine got on her car and left. Amelia and I sat on the porch swing in silence for several minutes. Neither of us could believe she was gone but she had done.

"She's gone," Amelia whispered as she grabbed my hand. The tears in her eyes began to sprout and I couldn't contain my own. "I can't believe she's gone, she left."

"Ames, I need you to hear me." Her eyes were fixed on mine, staring at me while she was waiting for me to go on. "Hey, I know this is going to be difficult because Claudine, you and I were like sisters while we lived together but we knew sooner or later this would end. We can't sink now because she's gone, we always knew she would do that. Claudine is unable to stay long in one place so I know, I'm sure she'll end up back with us. Don't worry, we'll be fine."

Amelia continued staring at me without saying a word and just nodded.

Three Months Later

"Ames, I'm going to work!" I shouted waiting for her to hear me from where she was. The fact that my boss was Sam Merlotte, one of my best friends and my ex-boyfriend might seem strange but I enjoyed working with him. Being a waitress was not exactly my life's dream, but Sam was the best boss in the world and though I had to bear the typical drunk men with their witty comments, it was a job that allowed me to live. "I'll be back to dinner!"

"Okay!" she shouted back from upstairs.

I left the house and locked the door behind me; I looked for the car keys in my purse and went to Merlotte's. The afternoon shift was not the best to get tips but I didn't want to spend much time away from home. Amelia and I we were still sad when Claudine left and we didn't want to stand alone from each other.

When I arrived at the bar Sam was outside talking on his cell phone. He seemed annoyed but I decided to give him some privacy and went directly into his office to put my purse inside one of the drawer's of his desk. I put on my apron and greeted some of the waitresses before starting my job, but Sam went back inside and we found facing each other.

"Hey Sook, you're early." He put his cell in his pocket and smiled slightly at me.

"Yes, I've been lucky with my car; for once. Is everything okay? It seemed you were arguing with someone."

"Yes, it's just a problem with some items but nothing serious. Well, let's work."

"Okay."

Luckily there were more families with children eating than workers and drunks who used to arrive at night. It was nice not having to endure the usual comments and I could work in peace.

After a relaxed shift began arriving early workers and they sat in my section. Great, I thought to myself.

"Hello, welcome to Merlotte's, what would you like to eat?" after hearing propositions, compliments and the occasional atypical stupid things, I decided to ignore the gossip and keep doing my work. Most of them were much older than me but there was someone stood out. From behind the bar I saw a man with short dark hair and deep green eyes and tanned skin who seemed to be absent from the conversation. He was handsome and looked much younger than the rest. He was the only one who did not say a word beyond what he wanted to ask for lunch and he was kind to me.

"Sookie, I hope that was not too awful," Sam said as he bowed his head slightly to the group of men I had to attend.

"Oh, no. Actually I'm used to, don't worry." And I went to the kitchen but not before looking one last time at the handsome man I couldn't stop looking at.

"Sook, looks like you're distracted, what's up?" Lafayette asked looking at me and batted his fake eyelashes in my direction. He was my best friend and I adored him even though he could be extravagant. "Don't tell me that asshole ex-boyfriend of yours is here."

"What? No! I haven't seen Bill for weeks, which is weird because we live practically next door. No, I was looking…" and I suddenly stopped and knew it was too late. Lafayette knew I was hiding something from him and he wouldn't give up until find out.

"What were you looking at, bitch?" and he looked through the kitchen bar to watch in the direction of the only table occupied by men who were in my section. "I hope not any of those…oh, wait. Dark hair guy with arms like tree trunks?" I couldn't help and I blushed at his comment. Yes, I had a boyfriend but at my twenty-six years I hadn't yet found the right man with whom I wanted to lose my virginity. Yes, it was weird for others but not for me. "I can't blame you, that man is like a monument. Perhaps he's my type," but I hoped, no, I wanted he wasn't his type. I never had problems before with Lafayette but I didn't want him to jump on this man. There was something in him and I couldn't take my eyes off him and I wanted to meet him but I wasn't so stupid to go talk to him as all his friends were in front of me. Besides, I wasn't the kind of girl who broke the ice; I had always preferred to be the guy who started things.

"Are the orders ready?" I asked Lafayette and I picked them up and went no further.

I continued looking at him in secret until he left and then I couldn't help but feel a little sad. I didn't know him, I hadn't even spoken to him directly but I felt there was something about him that was arousing my curiosity and I inwardly prayed to see him again soon.

"Sam, I'm leaving."

"Sookie, wait." Sam left his office and we are in the back door. "I wanted to know if you were okay, after Claudine left…"

"Claudine left three months ago, Sam. Well, I know we still haven't recovered but…I'm fine. Don't worry." And I went to my car to go back home. Amelia was sitting on the porch swing when I got home and she was drinking iced tea.

"Hey, what are you doing out here?"

"It was getting hot inside and there was nothing on TV. I'm glad you're home because I need to talk to you." Uh-oh, I knew that conversation pretty well. Bill had given me the same talk when he wanted to break up with me but I expected things were different with Amelia.

"What's wrong?" I sat next to her and left my purse on the ground.

"You know, since Claudine left I've been thinking maybe it's time to change things. I've always wanted to live in California and I need…"

"You too?" I asked her almost yelling. Claudine had been gone for three months and now Amelia also wanted to leave. I could not believe it and I was terrified of never seeing any of them again. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scream. But do you really want to go?"

"Sook, I know it's crazy but you know I've always wanted to live my own life and perhaps the time has come. I have saved enough money to travel for a while and maybe then I'll want to return to Bon Temps, I dunno, but at least I should to try. I know it's sudden and maybe is the big mistake of my life but…if I don't, I'll never know." Why? Why are my two best friends just wanted to travel and stay away from Bon Temps? I know it wasn't the most fun place in the world but at least it was quiet and we had a good life. "Sookie, I don't want you to be mad at me…"

"I'm not mad," I replied as I looked into her eyes and held her hand in mine. "But I don't understand why suddenly everyone wants to go from Bon Temps. I don't know, I don't think is such a horrible place to want to escape it." I was born and I grew up here and when my parents died this was the house where I spent the best times of my childhood with my Gran and my brother Jason. "Hey, if you want to go I'll understand but a part of me, the selfish part, does not want my best friend to leave because I have the feeling if you, I'll never see you again."

"Sook, come on, that's ridiculous. Do you think if I go I'll never return? You even could come visit me but I assure you it wouldn't change things. We will always be best friends, you, Claudine and myself. That will never change. I promise."

I thought it would be another of Amelia's crazy ideas and over a few days she'd forget it but within weeks had everything practically planned. Most of her stuff would be sent to an apartment she had rented in California, somewhere because I didn't remember the name but she promised would call me as soon as her plane landed and was installed in her new home.

"I'm going to miss you a lot." I said as I helped her get her things in the last boxes. "I can't believe in such a short time I have had to say goodbye to my two best friends. It's not fair." Amelia stopped what she was doing and sat down beside me.

"I know it's not fair; fair would be for me to stay and Claudine would come back and the three of us like always, throwing parties, doing crazy things between girls and go shopping every week." And her eyes filled with tears. In the last three months we have cried more than I could remember in recent years. "I miss her a lot but I know some day we'll be together and we'll be older and serious things will concern us, but whenever we meet, it will be as it has been the past two years." And we hugged while tears didn't stop falling down our faces.

"Ugh, that's enough. We look like two idiots who are incapable to stop crying and I start to get tired of all this. Sookie, we need to get drunk because I refuse to continue collecting my things with tears in my eyes and with a huge depressed. So let's go to the kitchen and we'll make drinks, okay?" I could only nod and we went downstairs next to each other while we were holding hands.

I knew Amelia had hidden a bottle of tequila in the kitchen and though Claudine's party I swore I would never taste it again, we were at home now and nothing was going to happen. Or so I hoped.

"You know, I really hope to return one day and we're all three together again," said Amelia as she rocked from side to side. "You are my family because I can barely bear my father ad I have no siblings so I've always considered you two my own sisters. You know, maybe I'm going to visit Claudine, if she is in California or nearby." I missed her already and she hadn't even left yet. "It would be great to find her in any street, you know, around the corner, like in movies."

"Yeah, it would be nice. I'm going to miss you, very much," I whispered between sobs. I didn't want to mourn because I had the feeling that was all I had been doing lately. "Don't worry, I won't mourn, at least not until you're gone but I want you to know I'm going to miss all this."

"Yeah, drinking alone is not the same," and we laughed. "I love you, Sookie."

"I love you, too, Amelia."

A week later Amelia left but unlike Claudine, I knew I could talk to her. Seeing the empty house was very hard because in the past two years there was always noise. Amelia with her boyfriends, Claudine with her special friends, Bill and I, but I preferred to forget that.

I knew I should find at least one roommate to share the cost of the house but there wasn't plenty of choice in Bon Temps. Most young people were too young to live on their own and the rest had gone to Shreveport or anywhere else away from Bon Temps, so I decided to advertise in the local newspaper and expect a miracle.

Surprisingly I received several responses but most girls were just looking for something temporary and they had money problems. They worked from time to time and their economic stability was not very reliable. I took all their phone numbers but I never called them. I was looking for someone with whom I could trust and I knew he or she could face the costs of the house like me but after nearly a month of search seemed impossible.

"I swear, Sam, I don't think I'm going to find anyone and will be more difficult to pay all the bills by myself. Everything was easier with Claudine and Amelia but now they're gone…I don't know, I'm sorry…I don't even know how I feel. I come home at night and no noise and that depresses me."

"Sorry, Sookie, I wish I could do something about it." Sam was charming but he was right, he couldn't help me. I should keep waiting for that miracle was presented in front of my door with the solution.

But suddenly things got better because that night 'dark hair and green eyes guy' sat at the same table but this time he was alone.

"Good night and welcome to Merlotte's, what would you like to eat?" I asked him trying to sound normal, but I started to blush slightly when he didn't respond and I had no choice but to face him. "Um…do you want to order now or I leave you a few more minutes?"

"I think I'll order now." His voice was amazing. Sweet and deep but very sensual; the kind of voice any woman would want to hear in her ear. "Burger and beer, thanks."

"Right now."

"I'm Alcide Herveaux." And he introduced himself to me. I wasn't expecting that but my Gran raised me to be polite.

"Sookie Stackhouse, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine."

Alcide Herveaux. I even liked his name and I felt like a teenager who spent the day writing his name next to mine with a heart surrounding both of them. Stupid but I couldn't help it.

I went until the kitchen and gave the order to Lafayette, who gave me a wide smile. "Wow, it seems our lover boy is back; now I understand you have that happy smile on your face."

"What? No…I always smile." But no one was able to fool Lafayette. He was able to guess what you were thinking even without looking at your face but maybe it was too obvious I liked Alcide. "I have work to do."

"Don't forget serve your order with a smile!"

I served the rest of my tables and when Lafayette yelled at me that his dinner was ready I couldn't help grinning. Alcide was handsome, tall, strong, with deep green eyes and I was willing to lose inside of them if he had given me the chance, but I knew a man like him will never be interested in a girl like me. I was sure women wouldn't let him alone, well, you wouldn't stupid to do that with a man like Alcide Herveaux.

"Hi, here's what you asked for." And put his burger on the table with a plate of onion rings.

"Um…thanks, but I haven't asked for…for onion rings." He seemed embarrassed to say that something was not right with what he asked for and that made him look even cuter.

"I know, that's from my part. I invite you; you can't eat a burger without onion rings."

"I thought it was without fries."

"I prefer onion rings; you can eat fries at any other time but our onion rings are the best," I said smiling. I was flirting with him and I wanted to believe he was doing the same with me. "Well, enjoy your dinner."

"Thanks, Sookie."

"You're welcome, Alcide." And I left with a huge smile on my lips.