Chapter 1

My name is Sookie Stackhouse. I am from a small town called Bon Temps, Louisiana. I have lived there my whole life.

My parents died leaving me and my brother Jason to our Gran. I had a very few memories of my parents as time passed I could barely remember their faces, that would scare me and give me nightmares often. Gran would put up their pictures all over the walls so I don't feel like I forgot their faces. Time passes and it takes that memory away from you, it's hard to even realize when you lost that particular memory you cherish so much. I really didn't have any of their memories with me, I realized this one day while going through photo albums. Gran was the one kept them alive by telling us about them, telling every little thing Dad would do when he was young, how he had met our Mom, how he had proposed. Those were really fond memories for me. But they weren't mine. I tried very hard that day to remember one single memory of them with me. But I couldn't come up with one. I stayed in floor scared by this new found recognition. My silent tears were my own. I was alone, there was no one for me except for Gran. I was thankful for her love and support I could never leave her.

Gran was the kindest lady you would ever meet. She comforted us when we were sad and picked us up when we fall over. She cooked and clothed and looked after us and she did it with love. She always did her best for me and Jason. So when I got into college, she was consequently thrilled to see me off to college. While I wined I couldn't leave her alone she scowled me for saying such things and reminded me that she has been the one to take care of me not the other way around. So needless to say I was practically thrown out of the house to go to college. It's been a crazy ride from college to this place. None of it was easy that I can assure you.

I am blond and blue-eyed, and my legs are strong and my bosom is substantial and I have a trim waistline. I always had a tan no matter what; I just loved the feel of the sun against my skin.

I used to have a part time job in a local bar called Merlotte's as a waitress. Sam Merlotte's father owned the diner. Sam used to work with me as well. He was my best friend. Sam's blond like me, but his hair is wiry and his blond is almost a sort of strawberry red gold. He had intelligent blue eyes which sparkled when he was excited, which was all the time. I never saw his eyes without that sparkle, except the time I left town. He was just one of the few people I most certainly missed after I left.

Jason had already graduated when I was in college and now he got a pretty decent job with a fat salary. Jason had blonde hair like me but his was curlier and blue eyed like me but his was a bit darker. He is almost six foot tall where I am 5'7. Gran always said that Jason had inherited the Stackhouse charm to woo woman. Well Jason was considered 'quite a catch' by the women in Bon Temps. Most of them just threw themselves at him and age be damned. Even Gran's friend from 'The Descendants of the Glorious Dead' club Maxine Fortenberry, made gaga eyes at him. As for my brother he did the only thing he knew, which would be whoring around. I was thankful that he left Maxine Fortenberry for someone else though. No matter how much Gran adored Jason's wooing ability I don't think her or my poor heart could have handled the shock of Mrs. Fortenberry.

It was hard leaving home, leaving everyone. I didn't have that many people who would miss me or people that I would miss but it's never easy to live home and spread your wings for the first time. But I was excited to go to college and have some experience in the outside world. I most certainly met some great friends at college, also it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Living away from home and all that was familiar was difficult and I got awfully homesick. So on holidays I would be back home to spend it with Gran.

Finally the day of my long awaited graduation arrived when I received my law degree. Gran was snapping picture all the way to the stage. You know how they say, 'you can always tell where the family is sitting' I found the truth in that saying on my graduation day. No one would believe that only with two members of my family and a friend could make, more noise than any other sitting there when I received my degree.

After graduation I was offered an internship at Brigant's Law firm. Interning for Professor Brigant was quite the opportunity for any lawyer who wants to make it in the big league, even if you didn't get paid for it. I was ecstatic to be offered such a great break. And it was New York, I could never let go of such a temptation. Jason had been living there for a while now. All the more reason for me to start my life there. I left for New York with Tara to join Brigant's. Tara Thornton was a sweet girl and she became my best friend during the time in college. She was just too happy to get away from New Orleans. She had dark long hair, chocolate brown eyes and olive skin. She was one of the most positive girls I have ever come across. Tara was taken under the wings of very famous designer Russell Edgington. He had her working like a slave. She always had a way of seeing the positive side of things even when it was a lost cost to begin with. She always said to me, "Sookie wait and see, all this is going to be worth it." After working like a slave for hours and hours, it was worth it as she now owns her own fashion house.

I shared a studio apartment there with Tara and her boyfriend Benedict Tallie. It was hard to hunt down an apartment here without any salary coming in, but we were able to find this tiny hole in the big city and call it ours thanks to the generosity of Eggs parents. Gran insisted on paying for it but I couldn't let her as she already paid throughout my college.

Brigant's was a great place for my career. Now I had a permanent job there after finishing up my internship of two years. Along with a great salary, so if I wanted I could afford my own place. But I loved living with Tara in our tiny hole. For three years I had the most amazing time in New York. It was hard, I had to struggle for my life to get there. Trust me when I say, it is not easy interning the day and waitressing or being a bike messenger in your free time. But still I had some best experiences there. It didn't last long as I moved to Bon Temps to look after Gran.

She was really sick; the doctors didn't find the cancer until it was too late to do anything about it. I went up there with Jason, as soon as I found out about Gran. I was scared of losing her and so was my brother. No matter how tough Jason acts he is I knew he was more scared than me of losing her.

During the last few months Gran was forgetting everything and everyone. Some days she would recognize me and Jason some days she didn't even know my name. But during those times she would tell me and Jason about someone she met when she was young and loved him, her words were mostly gibberish so we figured she must be talking about Papaw. She talked her heart out and we didn't interrupt and just sat and listened. Her words never really made any sense to either of us.

It was a sunny morning when Gran finally left us to meet Mom, Dad and Papaw in heaven. I was glad Jason was there, I don't think I could have handled being alone at the moment. Gran was our only guardian and she left us all alone. We cried our eyes out. Losing our Gran was more painful than losing our parents. There were too many memories of her, it didn't go way. Now I knew that it was actually a blessing for me, that I didn't have any memories of my parents. It's unbearable, I felt like my heart was being torn out.

It was a real hard year for me. I was supposed to go back to my job and my life in New York. But I couldn't come up with enough strength to move myself away from the old rusty farm, which screamed Gran from all around. I was already away from my job for months, I knew it was time to go back but just couldn't let go I wasn't ready to let go yet.

Tara came to the funeral, so did Claudine. Claudine is Mr. Brigant's granddaughter; she was nice to me throughout the whole internee and my stay at NY. Next to Tara she was the only true friend I had there. Claudine came to the funeral to tell me to take my time and come back to work when I felt like it. I knew that she didn't have the heart to tell me I was fired. It's not hard to figure out that you are about to get fired when you are away for this long. I can't hope to have my job ready whenever I decide to join the light. Even if I did have a job there, Niall could have at least called me to say this he wouldn't have send Claudine.

In the past couple of years I got to know Niall I found out he was an old friend of Gran and Papaw. I often wondered if he gave me the internship or the job because of them. But I had to believe he gave me the job because I was capable of handling it and also it seemed to be a shock for him when he met Gran last year at Claudine's dinner party. I expected to see him here as he gave me the impression of being so fond of Gran when he spoke about her. But he didn't came to pay his respect to her and I would never hold it against him, he wasn't my family.

Jason was on his way back to New York to Crystal. He tried to convince me to go with him, but I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet. He knew how stubborn I was, and he knew a way or two to make me listen to him. He didn't pressure me into going with him as he didn't want to go back in the first place. So he settled for me staying, but I had to promise to call him if I needed anything and to pick the phone up whenever he called. Before going he picked me up in a bear hug and as he kissed the top of my head. He was a good brother. I was very grateful now that I at least had him as a family.

Jason came to Bon Temps as frequently as he could and I wasn't complaining, I loved having him around. We were like every other sibling. Along the years Jason and I had become a little distant towards each other, but now after losing Gran we were brought closer. Every time he was here he would try convincing me to move to New York with him and Crystal. Jason had met Crystal about six years ago in New Orleans. Ever since then they are pretty much inseparable, so they made it official two years ago by getting married. Gran was fond of Crystal, Gran for one was glad that Jason had finally found someone.

The trips would take up his whole weekend leaving no time to relax at all. He had to put a break with this constant back and forth, as Jason's work load was massive with his new promotion and with Crystal being pregnant he hardly got to be around her. He had to go out of NY to attend some cases from his farm once in a while for a week. With Jason not being there to take care of Crystal, she was left alone in the big city. So I made it a daily routine of mine to call her making sure she was doing okay. Crystal on the other hand was pissed /sad all at once, with Jason. She was almost six months pregnant and was very hormonal. While we talked she would curse my brother in languages I don't think I ever heard and the next the moment she was crying because he wasn't there for her and the baby. I was left to comfort her over the phone telling her they were the most important part of his life and if he could he would give up his job and stay home with her and the baby. I knew my words were true to its core, Jason hates the times when he has to be away like this from his family.

I knew it was time for me to move and pick up my life from where I left it. I also had to be there for Jason, Crystal and soon a niece or nephew. It made me smile a little just thinking about a little Jason or Jessica running around calling me aunty Sookie. After Gran this is the only family I have and I was going to make the most of it. So with a heavy heart I started packing to move back to the big apple.

I really hope Claudine wasn't making any false promises when she said I still had a job there. It would be great to get back to some constant.

The journey to New York was uneventful. I spend the entire flight pretty much sleeping. After landing I was checking out to meet my overly protective brother and soon to become a father to a child. Wow he really did grow up. I mentally prayed for those poor boys as they would probably have to deal with a hotheaded father if Jason had a daughter, 'God really help those boys'. As soon as Jason spotted me, he came rushing down the airport crowd, only to greet me with a bone crushing embrace.

"Jase...can't breathe…cutting off my lungs…ahg".

He let go after a great deal of cursing, from me and the idiot had a shit eating grin in his face.

"You are actually here!"

"Well I am standing here ain't I?" His smile got even wider, and my bones were about to turn into dust, as I am pretty much sure he did crush a bone or two by now.

"Yea ... Jase I am happy to see you too, but sweetie, let go of my fragile body before I kick your ass, don't forget I still have the picture of you wearing my tutu." It's a pretty genuine threat, so he lets go but still laughing. I don't get what's so funny, I could show those pictures to his offspring and tell them their father liked to wear my tutu's and wanted to go to ballet classes with me.

Jason picked up the bags I brought and lead us out the airport to his car.

The drive to Jason's house was him ranting on and on. He couldn't stop talking about Crystal and the baby. For the first time after arriving here I really looked at my brother, and I can't help notice that he was actually glowing. And I just had to tease him. He turned a slight shed of red but didn't really look embarrassed about it. The trip to his home from the airport took a little over half an hour. I got out of the car, and took in the massive building in front of me. This place was beautiful. Jason had moved in here during the time Gran was sick. Thinking about her just made me a little sad.

The tower I was standing in front of seemed like a fifty storied building it was massive. When we walked in to the lobby, we were greeted by three screaming children chasing each other. Jason just laughed and I was terrified to see them running around unattended. They looked maybe three or so and kids get in all kind of accidents. No one seems to be there to look after them and one of them was running really close to a pointy table at the corner of the lobby. I really hope none of them get hurt. Where were their parents?

"You okay?" Jason must have seen the horrified look in my face.

"Yea." I shrugged my shoulders. Knowing I was a worrisome person especially when it comes to kids he tried to reassure me and said, "Don't worry their mother is over there." Then he pointed at a woman, who was standing at a distance looking at her children with loving eyes. She had another little one in her arms.

We stepped inside the elevator, and it took us straight to the 29th floor. Opening the door to a penthouse, we were greeted by a very pregnant and very bouncy Crystal, giving both me and Jason heart attacks.

"Ahh Sookie! You are here!" She squalled practically ran to greet us. Scaring the shit out of us again. Jason was quick on his feet; as he wrapped Crystal in an embrace, before she could trip.

"Babe! Please, don't scare me like that." Jason said in a stern voice, as he put his hand over her stomach and kissed her cheek. She gave him a quick peck in the check, and then came to hug me. Jason still looked anxious by his wife's sudden movements. Ignoring Jason, Crystal took me to their guest room, letting me know that she was glad to have me here. She sounded sincere, when she said this.

Crystal was an only child, and her mother died in an early age living her with her father. Calvin Norris, Crystal's father, is a wildlife photographer; he traveled all around the world for his job, taking Crystal with him of course. She didn't even have a steady life until she met Jason. Crystal was wild and full of life, just like my brother. They were perfect for each other.

When I first met Crystal, she had short curly hair colored in black and now it was long, the black was barely noticeable from her natural brownish golden hair. She had green eyes and was way too thin. But the pregnancy was doing wonders for her and she didn't look like she was suffering from health disorder anymore.

After spending the night at Jason's, I decided to take a look at the apartment Tara had found for me. She insisted on moving in with her, which I politely refused. I always wanted my own place and most importantly I didn't want to move in with another boyfriend of hers. I love her but she always happens to find some jackass from Louisiana, this time it was JB du Rone. I haven't met him yet but surely I would have to, and soon.

I found my way to the address Tara gave me. It was a modest building, nowhere near the penthouse I had stayed in last night of course, but this was more me. I found the apartment on the 3rd floor. It was obviously empty as none of the furniture from Gran's place was there yet, and it wasn't much either. I walked to the window connecting it to small balcony which leads to the fire escape. It was a cramped up place, two people couldn't possibly stand in there, it also gave me a clear view of a green New York, which I didn't know existed. I was in love with this small place. Sighing a little in content, I turned to get inside, that's when I heard a voice call me from somewhere above. I looked up, and was met with a petite brunet. She gave me broad smile and started climbing down the fire escape which looked awfully risky, and for the second time within twenty four hours I was close to getting another heart attack. She was standing there with me, her hand extended for a handshake. And I finally found my manners along with my voice.

"Hey."

"Hi there, neighbor. The name is Broadway. Amelia Broadway." She had an accent, and I couldn't place it right.

"Sookie Stackhouse." My smile widened and I invited her in. We both came in through my window to the empty apartment. Amelia was about my age, and she was very tan, not like the light one I always had. Her chestnut hair was tied down in a long ponytail covering the top with a little scarf. Her eyes were bright blue. She was one enthusiastic neighbor, and I don't know why but she reminded me of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffney's, even though she looks nothing like her. It might be, because of the fact that she was dressed like her and had an accent like her also climbed down the fire escape like her.

I liked Amelia a lot. She was one great trooper and I was looking forward to get to know her a little better.

"I would offer you coffee or something but I haven't finished moving in yet." I said feeling a little foolish.

"Sookie, looks to me, you haven't even started moving in yet."

"Yap, you can say that again." I was looking around sheepishly.

"The moving truck was supposed to drop off the stuff today actually; I am just not sure when they would arrive." I felt like an idiot, not knowing when my own things would arrive. Sensing my distress Amelia reassured me that it was nothing and the movers gets late all the time. She told me she moved in this apartment about two years ago, and that she grew up in New York. We chatted for a while and there was a knock at the door. A young man with olive skin was standing at the door.

"Yes?"

"I am from the moving company, are you Miss Stackhouse?" I nodded and he said, "We'll have everything set up for you within the next two hours, you just need to point to the direction where you want them. Is that okay?"

"Oh. Yes, that'll be great." I gave him a sweet smile; I guess he was taken a little off guard. 'Damn! I should stick to my crazy Sookie smile.' I cursed myself mentally for scarring the kid. But he flashed me a broad smile showing off all the whites of his teeth, before going downstairs. Amelia chuckled and I looked at her a little puzzled. "You almost gave the kid a heart attack, did you see his face? He is so over the moon right now." I couldn't help but laugh. Great I was being nice to the kid and he thought I was flirting just what I needed.

He came up after a while with some boxes, and couple of real big guys, who were also carrying some of my heavy possessions. Before they were out of the door I called the kid, and cursed myself again, for not asking his name before.

"Hey I didn't get your name before." I said.

"Oh sorry about that. I thought I told you," he frowned a little, "My name is Everett O'Dell Smith."

"Pleasure to meet you." We shook hands and he was back to work. Everett had very short hair and the curliest eyelashes I'd ever seen on a person. Cows had eyelashes that pretty, sometimes. He was wearing a golf-type shirt, with the company logo on left and neatly belted khakis, along with high-end sneakers. The other movers were wearing the same shirt but they had different type of khakis.

After almost three hours or so my apartment was set. It barely had anything, it was small, had a woodsy smell on everything, it was good stuffy and it was also mine. I said goodbye to Amelia, locked the doors and went back to Jason's. I would be moving in tomorrow officially with my duffle bag. Jason being Jason he was trying to get all the little information he could get out of me, about the apartment.

"Sook?" I looked up at Jason silently telling him he had my attention.

"About the job?"

"Not again Jason." We argued about it like thousand times. He offered me a job at the company he worked at, which I politely refused. Moving back to New York was partly because I wanted to help them out, but it was mainly for me to get my life back on track. Working somewhere with my boss being my brother wasn't something I'll ever look forward to.

I had called Brigant's only to find out that both Niall and Claudine was out of the country. But I got a hold of Claudine after a while; she told me that she and Niall was getting some things done back home in France so they couldn't be here. 'I knew it, here it comes' I thought to myself and I was getting fired over the phone. There weren't any legal document yet, saying they fired me or that I quit. They have a reason to fire me as I didn't quit and was MIA for almost a year. Sure I could drag this legally but I still had a brain which rationally said 'Brigant vs Stackhouse, the court finds Stackhouse guilty for being away from her job over a year so Brigant's has the right to fire her under jurisdiction.'

I would have lost, no one stands a chance against Brigant's and attacking the Brigant 'Lord highhanded' is in no way a good move for my carrier, if I wanted to have one.

Now here comes the blow. But I had to double take when she said I still had a job there and that I could start my job anytime I wanted. I would have kissed her right then if she was there. With that being said, now I had my old job back at Brigant's with a fat salary, had a great apartment overlooking central park, soon will be an aunt to a little Stackhouse.

Life is definitely good.

I was still hearing Jason whine something under his breath about my job which I decided to ignore. Then he mumbled something about woman in his life not listening to him. Crystal caught that and said, "Well sweetie, you can add another woman to the list then." I turned to see a beaming crystal as she rubbed her belly. I think I squealed a little, I was having a niece!

"It's a girl! Oh Crystal I am so happy for you." I jumped up before she could and hugged her, and then we both turned to see a terrified Jason.

I called out to him, "Jase? Jason? Jason Corbet Stackhouse?" That got his attention!

Crystal was looking a little worried now; Jason bolted up from the couch taking Crystal in a careful embrace as they kissed. He bent his head down to her belly talking to his unborn child. I was happy for them but at the same time looking at this, my heart ached a little to think I might not ever have this. Giving them their much needed privacy I went to the guest room for the night. As soon as my head touched the pillow I was out like a light.

The next morning I was in front of my new home. Crystal spent the entire day with me in my new apartment suggesting she wanted to help out, she even tried lifting some of the heavy stuff I had. The girl doesn't know she can give anyone a heart attack when she jumps up and down like this with being pregnant. I have no idea how Jason has survived without having minor attacks. I have been with her for less than three days, and now I have lost count to how many times I had to clutch my chest so my heart wouldn't flung out. I would be very happy to see her jump up and down after the baby is born, hell I'll even join her. We chatted about baby names while I was setting up the apartment and Amelia joined in coming through the window. I really need to talk to her about it or lock the window. I made a mental note to do both. Grocery shopping was on top of my 'to do list' so I shopped, with Amelia by my side as I got some food for my apartment and she got some for hers.

I thought of buying a car but had to put the idea out knowing the crazy traffic here. I had an old Nova in college; it was my first car and only car so far. I loved my beaten up Nova it had character to it and it was like my baby. The first time around here I practically lived in the office and every trip to office, home anywhere I needed to take I had my trusted steed with me, my bicycle. And I didn't forget to bring it with me either. I couldn't sell the Nova of course so I left it to Sam. He would definitely take good care of my baby. I didn't need a car as I lived fairly near to both my office and my brother's place. Both were within walking distance from my apartment.

The week was busy I barely had the time to meet up with Tara. She scowled at me when I called, and Tara being Tara she was just too excited and forgave me when I made the sing along sorry voice telling her I am making my puppy face, also promised to take her out to lunch and that it would be my treat. After talking to Tara I called the office to get the new address. Apparently Niall had made some changes and his previous office was being renovated so I got the new office address then called Claudine to let her know I would joining the new office bright and early in Monday morning.

I went through the contract with Brigant's that I would have now, a couple of times. It was as usual well constructed and had everything in order. Brigant's is known for their official work. So I had no doubt it was to every party's benefit. Signing the contract without much hesitation I sent it out to be sealed before I left Bon Temps.

Claudine asked how I was doing and that she was looking forward for me to start my work. We chatted for a while as she let me know that I would have to work at the new office with less stuff as they had to let some people go due to cut backs. She informed me hastily that the trip to France was about some family problems than anything else. Their partner would be there to take over the new office and that I would be working under him. She said I could call Claude if there is any problem whatsoever. Great she is sticking Claude to be my ally! Claude is Claudine's twin. They are like the opposite poles of the world. After saying my goodbyes to her I ran a shower.

It was blissful.

After this whole week I needed some me time and also needed to trim myself, as I was starting my job tomorrow. I had a hot soak in the bathtub, and I shaved my legs until they were perfectly smooth. I painted my toenails and fingernails in a cranberry red and then I plucked my eyebrows. Finally, I felt relaxed.

I was up early the next day. Got ready for my new job and headed out the door. It was a ten minute walk to the office. The office tower looked like a completely new building from the outside, as I got inside to the elevator it continuously stopped it every other floor showing the building was indeed still under construction. I really hope the rule book had changed in the last year saying it didn't break any rules regulation if you open an office up in a under construction building. Which I doubt it didn't!

The door to the elevator finally opened to a torn office rather than fancy looking one. I poked my head out to see if anyone was there, and then stepped in becoming a little conscious of myself. Now I was a bit worried, maybe this wasn't the right floor or maybe not even the right building. I must have had the wrong address, that's it. Niall knows better than this, hell even Claudine knows better than to open up an office in a hazardous place. The press would have a field day with this I can already see the headlines saying 'Law farm breaks the law.'

I was really hoping to see someone. The phones were ringing constantly but the front desk was empty. There was some office furniture waiting to be set, that's when I heard a voice coming from end of the hallway. I took some careful steps, trying not to fall, and then I was in front of an empty room. There were some chairs inside, the room was huge it looked mostly to be a conference room. I stepped inside the room to see the owner of the voice.

I spotted the owner of the voice standing in that conference room with his back to me. He was talking to someone in a stern tone. He was wearing black slacks with a snowy white shirt. There was a black jacket hanging over the back of a chair in the room, must be his. I took in the man before me. His height matched to certain someone I had met so frequently in my dreams. But the man before me had short hair not long so it couldn't be him, I was sure of it. He was still yelling at whoever it was at the end of the line, whoever it was I was glad that I was not the one receiving his wrath. He was occasionally running his fingers through his neck length blond hair in frustration. They had the same hair color as well, I mused the idea in my head for a while and now I was ready to meet this man. So I could prove that I was right and it wasn't him.

As if sensing my presence the man spun round and I think I forgot to breath, it wasn't him, it couldn't be him, it just someone who looked like him. It couldn't possibly be him! Could it? The man standing just a few feet away took a few long steps towards me closing the distance between us and it seemed like everything stood still as our eyes met. I knew I was lost when I saw those eyes. My mind was racing like a horse while I just stood there dumbfounded thinking why was I here for again? I was utterly confused at the moment, as I was having a hard time removing my fantasy from my reality.

A couple of things happened at the same time; I reached my hand out without even realizing what I was about to do. I was reaching for his face to trace his flawless jaw ignoring his shocked look and then his face changed as his eyes left my face. He looked pass me to something which must have been terrifying as his facial expression changed to something close to being mortified. Finally my fingers were in touch with his jaw. As soon as my fingers had touched his face a shockwave of electricity went through me creating an inevitable fire all over my body and then everything went black.

Disclaimer:NOT MINE.

A/N: A special thanks to Zeewriter for listening to my annoying jabber jabbers and answering so gracefully.

None of it would have been possible without Vicvega66. She used her reds on my blacks then I used greens on her reds while she got maroon to cut and underline my greens. I know it's confusing but we got it done.

Also the evil little fairy claudine43 blessed this little chapter by sprinkling her fairy dust over it.

Now everyone thank you so much for those lovely reviews. I appreciate all the reviews I get from you. I am feeling the love. Sigh.

You all know I am now going through 'Banner Making Syndrome', that's the only reason for me, to make more than one banner for this story. You can check them in my profile.

So now,

tell me what you think!

I am off to sleep where I can dream how I am going to make Miss Stackhouse conscious before this tall blonde and sexy.

Night night kitties.

purrrrr