Disclaimer: Charlaine Harris owns these characters I am only taking them out, becoming a bad influence for them, and getting them home past curfew
A/N: Okay kiddies here is the next chapter. I promised that I would have it for you after the contest was over so here you go. I was asked by a couple of people where did Bill go and why did Eric drive Sookie home. Well that is a simple one. Sookie doesn't like Bill like that and Eric ordered Bill, Pam, and Ginger away after he staked Longshadow giving him an opportunity to drive her home and eventually touch her no-no spots.
A/N2: I am also being beta'd along with being molested by the astounding and phenomenal yo-digitty-yo-yo. Shanny you are my most fantabulous evil twin. *Giant smootchies*
Where we left the fucktastic couple:
Eric leaned over and kissed me. Stroking the hair out of my face he places a chaste kiss on my forehead.
"Sookie, I was wondering if you were free tomorrow evening and would like to accompany me." Eric asked in a low voice.
"Of course." I said eagerly with a smile. Wondering what tomorrow would bring I drifted off to sleep in the arms of my protector, my lover, my Viking vampire.
Chapter 2:
As I slept the sleep of the dead (pun most definitely intended) I couldn't help but to dream. I dreamed of what my life would have been like without my telepathy. I dreamnt of a husband who was never there, small children that didn't appreciate every sacrifice that I made for them, and boring monotony. At one time in my life this normalcy was all I could ever hope for. I yearned for the little white picket fence. I yearned to be called a wife and a mother. Some how in my dream I knew these fantasies weren't a part of my destiny. These conventional things weren't what I was or what I was destined to behold. I was meant for more.
Then somewhere the dream changed and what a sight it was. It started out a dense fog, where I could barely see the hand in front of my face. Slowly the fog dissipated. Standing across the room from me was the most gorgeous creature I have laid eyes on. Eric stood there in all of his Viking glory. His blonde tresses were in a most intricate braid. As I approached he turned toward me and smiled. Once I reached him, he slowly slid a finger down my cheek and asked me, "Do you trust me?"
Shooting straight up in the bed with a start, breathing heavily, I searched my room trying to place where I was. As my breathing normalized I looked around my room with the sun streaming in and wondered if the whole night had been a dream. Slowly I got out of bed and felt a small pang in my nether regions. Shit!!! Most definitely wasn't a dream, I thought quite unrepentantly. I made my way to the bathroom to start my morning routine. After a shower, where I stopped looking like the creature from the black lagoon, I went to make a pot of liquid gold. Once I consumed my second cup of instant life there was a knock on the front door. I wonder who it could be this early in the morning. As I glance at the clock I see that it is almost one in the afternoon. Damn what time did I get up?
"Can I help you?" I say as I open the front door.
"Are you Miss Sookie Stackhouse?" The ASAP Express Delivery courier said.
"Yes, what can I do for you?" I replied wondering who would send me a delivery.
"Where would you like me to place your packages Miss?" The driver asked.
"In the kitchen, please." I lead him into the house. An exorbitant amount of boxes later I signed for all of the deliveries, and sat down at the table to stare at everything before me. Okay let's see what we got here and who sent them. I thought sliding my hand across the ivory envelope that adorned a long rectangular box.
My Dearest Sookie,
I have been waiting a thousand years for the light that just one of your smiles brings into my life. Please accept these small tokens as part of my affection for you. I feel humbled by the gift that you bestowed upon me.
Eternally,
~E
P.S. Please open the rectangular box first.
As I reached over pulling the rectangular box toward me I couldn't help but to have a small smile playing on my lips. Eternally! Swoon! Get a hold of yourself Stackhouse it isn't like he said those daring words. It was one night. But oh what a heavenly night it turned out to be. Sliding the tissue paper over in the first box I stared in disbelief at the beautiful arrangement in front of me. The most delicious arrangement ever was laid out before my eyes. Violet roses and Calla lilies. The roses were a mix between a light lavender and violet combination. The smell was exquisite sweet with a hint of earthiness. The lilies were stark white and perfection personified. They had that indescribable smell of fresh rain. There had to be a dozen of each. Thinking back to my grandmother's love of gardening and flowers in general I tried to remember what the meaning behind each of these flowers symbolized. The roses color symbolized royalty, creativity, and mystery. That one seemed more like Eric than myself. The lilies represented virtue and innocence. What a strange combination. I thought idly. Another note was laid across the top.
Dearest One,
I am sure that you are aware that every flower and color has a meaning. The number of flowers represents a meaning as well. The lavender roses symbolize creativity, mystery, virtue, and value. All of these things you possess like no other creature that I have ever encountered. The meanings behind the lilies are virtue, innocence, but also humanity. Your innocence and humanity is a combination that I never thought I would enter my long existence. The love and trust that you have bestowed upon me even with the slightest touch or look in your eyes is something I don't think that I will ever be able to get enough of. A dozen flowers says to the receiver that "You are mine" but two dozen also states that "I am yours" if you will allow me that privilege. I will await your decision with bated breath.
Yours if you will have me,
~E
Also I recommend that you open the largest box next.
As I stood there in complete awe over just the flowers, I couldn't help but to smile from ear to ear. Not just from the kindly gestures thus far, but the words that resonated with passion and elegance. I was giddy. I was exuberant. I was just absolutely, positively happy. I started jumping up and down not being able to control the excitement that just oozed from my pores. Like a small child on Christmas morning, with about as much enthusiasm, I tore into that second box ripping the packaging paper. I gasped at what laid before me. From Lolo's, one of the most sought after restaurants in Shreveport, were the most delectable pastries I have ever seen. There were bignés, rum rolls, sfogliatelles, tiramisu, éclairs, and canollis just to name a few. My mouth watered due to the smells wafting out of the container. Just as I was about to sink my teeth into this blessed sugar inducing coma goodness a knock came at the back door. Who in the world could that be? Opening the door I see a Spider Eclipse with a logo on the side. Standing right outside the door bubbling with about as much enthusiasm as I was earlier is a short, lil' thing standing at about 5'2" with a smile as bright and illuminating on the outside as I felt on the inside. Just to be on the safe side I dropped my shields to try to get a read on her. Instead of words I just saw this radiating light almost blindingly so. As quick as possible I threw my shields back up.
"What are you?" Eloquence personified is what I am.
"Well I am Lorinda. I am the owner/operator of Lolo's in Shreveport. Oh goody I see you have gotten to that part of your presents." She said while bouncing on my back porch.
"Sorry Ma'm but why are you here?" I asked slightly dumbfounded by this little ball of energy.
"Oh dagnabit, I didn't tell you. I am so sorry! I am here due to the fact that the esteemed Sheriff seems to be enamored with you. I am to make sure that today you are properly fed and done up before the gala this evening. This is for you!" She rambled on continuing to hop like a jack Russell terrior on crack. I opened the envelope to find another note from Eric.
Dearest,
As you are now aware, I have contacted Ms. Lorinda Jackman to be of service to you today. She is the one that has created the delicacies that you are currently enjoying. You made sure that I had the nourishment that I needed; therefore I must make sure that you are not famished as well. I have a feeling that after the previous nights activities that you are in need. I am sitting here imagining the beautiful blush rising in your cheeks as I write this. I am also aware that you have already tried to 'listen' to Ms. Jackman and are probably having a difficult time with doing so. That my dear heart is her story to tell. But trust that you are safe in her presence. I will be there an hour after sunset. I have everything for this evening prepared for you. As this evening is a black and white gala in celebration for the anniversary of the Great Reveal I still hope that you will accompany me not as a member of retinue but as my mate. That I will leave up to you.
Until Sunset,
~E
Staring at his proclamation I felt the welling of tears in my eyes. How could someone as old, powerful, and not forget sexy as hell want someone like me? I could never live up to his expectations? Will he grow bored with me? Could he be faithful? I had a plethora (thank you word-of-the day calendar) of disheartening thoughts running through my head. Each one making me grow more and more resigned to the fact that I would never be enough for this magnificent creature. My lighthearted mood had certainly taken a nosedive.
As if sensing what was happening to me, the jovial lady that was currently standing in my kitchen decided to chastise me. "No! No! There will be absolutely none of that now! I have known the Viking for quite a while and I have never seen him act the way he is toward you to anyone else, ever. That man is willing to take the plunge the only question is are willing to take it with him or leave him and his undead heart out in the cold?"
Suddenly I flashed back to my dream. "Do you trust me?" That is what he had asked me. Easily that answer was unequivocally yes. I did trust him. I just had to trust myself as well. Looking around my Gran's old kitchen at everything that he has done for me so far just this morning steals my breath away. I feel the panic that was starting to take me over fall away like the morning dew. I feel the warmth of everything that I have been feeling for him take over. It is like a fire raging inside of me. I don't ever want this feeling of warmth to end. Feeling my smile spread across my face and bouncing in place I decide that today I will feel like the princess he is making me out to be. He didn't have to do any of this. The fact that he went out of his way to make me fell special and important makes the fire inside spread and rage even more.
Turning to the little spitfire I ask, "Do you want to see what's in the rest of the boxes?"
Instead of answering Lorinda starts giggling and clapping her hands together. Opening the next box I come face to face with the most gorgeous dress I have ever laid eyes on. It is a floor length evening gown. It has a black lace bodice with the thinnest spaghetti straps imaginable criss-crossing in the back. It has an empire waist with the bottom part of the dress being made of the softest silk I have ever felt. The skirt is stark white with a black paisley design.
"Holy shit this is phenomenal! Do you think that there is a chance in hell that I can pull it off?" I say with my mouth hung wide-open catching flies. I am not one for eloquence when I am this dumbfounded and less likely for my brain mouth filter to actually kick in.
"I think that you will look positively radiant sweet pea! Thank goodness for the built in support because those girls are the kind that people pay good money for." She states while pointing at my chest. I can't help it but I like this lady. I have really no clue what in the hell she is but damn it her cheerful demeanor is infectious.
"Look at these shoes! How am I going to be able to stand let alone walk without breaking my neck?" I exclaimed while holding up the 4" Jimmy Choo heels.
"Very carefully! Now you need to scoot and start your transformation. I will start preparing something amazing for your palate while you are getting primped. I suggest a nice long bath then we will do everything else." Lorinda exclaimed while pushing me down the hallway. I nodded wordlessly and headed towards the solitude of my bathroom. Drawing a steamy bath I began pinning my hair up since I had already washed it today. While pinning it up I stared at my reflection in the mirror not being able to look away at the image that stared back. It was me but a different me. My hair looked lighter and fuller, my eyes looked clearer and brighter, but most defining of all was the huge genuine smile that was plastered across my face. That smile just exuded happiness. Slipping into the bath I laid back decided just to for once relax and not stress about things in my life that were impossibly to dismal or possibly life altering.
'Knock, knock' came from the door to my bathroom. Looking down realizing just how pruny I actually was, I decided that now was as good a time as any to emerge from the comforts of this little room. "I'll be right out!" I exclaimed.
Donning my robe I headed toward some of the most fantastic smells that this Louisiana nose has had the luxury of experiencing. Walking into the kitchen I was greeted with a spread beautiful and bountiful enough for a royal court not a little telepathic barmaid from Bon Temps. "Lorinda this looks absolutely fantastic!" I gushed pulling out a chair to sit down. This was the spread of all spreads. I hope that she doesn't expect me to eat all of this by myself. I wonder if she would be willing to join me. I contemplated.
Hesitantly I asked the question, "Lorinda I was wondering if you would be willing to join me. Because, there is no way I would be able to eat all of this by myself."
"I would love too! The Sheriff was insistent that I make you the most at ease that I could." The fiery pixie-esque type lady exclaimed.
As we ate the two of us chatted on quite like old friends. She was very inquisitive of my life and me. All too soon it became time to start my transformation from bar maid to fairy princess. Sensing my mood Lorinda took my hand giving me a friendly squeeze stating, "Let's start to get you ready before your Viking gets here." She led me down the hall towards my bedroom. She asked me to sit at my vanity for us to start on my hair. She offered to start a manicure on me as well. Agreeing the two of us set out to get this transformation started. While my nails were soaking Lorinda began brushing out my locks. Closing my eyes and just relaxing into the sensation I let her just take over. After a few minutes and a few tugs later my hair was in the most gorgeous up do I had ever seen. It elongated my neck but also made my features somehow appear more delicate. I looked down and noticed that I had the most perfect French manicure and pedicure. When did she do all of that? I never noticed her touch my hands or feet. I am not pulling my mood down by the unknown right now. Better file all of this under my WTF category for later. I thought randomly.
"Let's get your makeup done, shall we?" Lorinda asked. Still confused over the things that I had just noticed, I just nodded not trusting exactly how my voice may sound. Closing my eyes again I felt small featherlike touches on my face. I hoped and prayed that she didn't make me up like a tranny or a hooker.
"All done!" Lorinda squealed. Looking in the mirror I couldn't help but to smile. It was simple yet dramatic, beautiful yet stunning. Standing up I reached for my gorgeous gown crossing my fingers that 'the girls' would cooperate instead of deciding on their own that partially through the evening that they had had enough and jumped free for mingling as well. I reached to my left side and slid the zipper up before hooking the eyelet. I slid on my 'going to fall flat on my ass' heels before looking into the mirror to see what this pumpkin now looked like. I turned towards the mirror and my breath caught in the back of my throat. Staring back at me was no longer the simple small town girl that looked back at me earlier in the bathroom. The individual smiling back was awe-inspiring. As I looked at Lorinda to see if she approved and was stopped short by the tears in her captivating eyes.
"You are a vision. It was better than I had foreseen. Mr. Northman is going to the envy of everyone at the gala. You are stunning, simply stunning!" She gushed. I couldn't help to feel like this small woman possessed a heart and soul larger than anyone could have imagined. In this moment just her exuberance reminded me fondly of my Gran. Right before I got a chance to thank her she held up her hand announcing, "Your chosen is here my dear." Glancing at the window I hadn't even realized that the hours had been flying by. I started to get nervous with excitement. Not in a bad way just in a looking forward for the start of my night. Walking as carefully as I could, so that I didn't break my neck or in the least mess up my hair, I reached for the doorknob. Taking a deep breath I opened the door to what my future held. Stopping the smile that came at that moment would have been like preventing the next full moon. Standing on the other side of the door was the sexiest most drop dead (haha) gorgeous man I had ever seen and he was holding a bouquet of flowers of orange and white roses. The meaning of those particular colors was not lost on me. The orange roses signified the heat, passion and deep burning desire for me; with the white roses depicting the new and peacefulness that is felt with each other. My smile must have grown a mile wide while processing this.
"You steal my breath away dear heart!" Eric said staring right into my eyes.
Alright kiddies... I know that everyone is ready to get this show on the road. Thank you everyone who has reviewed, added, and alerted me and my story. There is a link to Sookie's dress on my profile so please go check that lil nugget out. Shanny thank you again my most fucktastical friend and sister for the 3:30 am chats and help. *giant hugs and kisses*
Okay Okay enough with all of that fun stuff. Slide your little mouse arrow down a little lower, press that magical button and give me your thoughts. Thanks again
Stephie