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Chapter Three: A New Life

Alcide POV

My life seemed normal for the first time in a long, long time and Sookie Stackhouse had been the responsible. When I saw her appear in front of my door in that summer dress was like a vision, as if I had died and I were in heaven, in my own vision of heaven, of course.

During the trip to Bon Temps I had time to think and realize though I had found a place to live and a great companion to share that house, I also had a big problem. Sookie was an amazing girl and it would be a big problem being capable to do nothing else with her. I had to behave like a gentleman but I wasn't sure what it would last.

When we got arrived to her house, our house now, I was nervous again. My hands were sweating and shaking like a teen on his first date with the most popular girl in high school.

Sookie got out of her car and went straight to the trunk of her car. I breathed deeply and walked out of the van. I wasn't sure if I should get my stuff out of the trunk first or go to talk to her but my doubts were cleared when Sookie walked toward me.

"Well, guess this is the first time you're seeing the house in daylight. I know it's no a wonderful but it's been in my family for generations. We've made reforms, of course, but the structure is original and most of the inside too." Sookie looked like a real pro, not to have known it was her house I would have thought she was trying to sell it to me. "I know you've already seen the house but if you're not convinced I have a friend who could rent you an apartment and…"

"Sookie, calm down. Don't worry, I love this house and I'm glad you chose me to live here…with you." I was being honest because I liked the house and I preferred to live in it instead of an apartment. "Well, I think I'll start to get my stuff."

"Want help?"

"No, no need. It's just a couple of things and my father will send me the rest within a few days so…no problem. If you have things to do…I don't want to…"

"No!" she almost screamed. "Sorry. No, I have nothing to do. I have the day off and tomorrow too. I can help you with anything." Sookie blushed and I knew was about what she said. I understood her words perfectly but she seemed to be thinking something quite different when she spoke. "I mean…well…you know, help…with your stuff."

"I'd understood." And I smiled cheerfully. "Don't worry, I think I can handle it but if you want to help me…" and I gave her a small box containing about five books. Sookie glared at me.

"Do you really believe I can't carry anything else heavier?"

"I think you're stronger than it looks but I don't want to take advantage of your generosity and it's my stuff after all… My parents taught me to be a gentleman and that's what I'm doing." Sookie rolled her eyes and walked into the house with the box in her hands.

Twenty minutes later all my things were in my new room and I was putting my clothes in the closet when Sookie came to my door holding two glasses of iced tea.

"A break?" she asked as she was holding one of the glasses toward me. I was exhausted and most of my stuff had not even arrived, but was a tough day and I couldn't help being tired. "I believe it's been a hard day and you must be tired."

"Thanks." And I took a sip. It was delicious, cold and sweet but it was perfect. "I think I'm starting to feel a little better, you know, seems my life is more organized though half of my things aren't here."

"I'm glad for you and if you need something you know you can take what you need, okay?"

"Yeah, right. Thank you." Sookie was so kind that sometimes made me feel uncomfortable but I loved to talk and be with her. "Well, I think I only have a couple of things to put on and will have finished at least for now. I've called my father when we were on our way and I've given him the new address. Guess in a few days a truck will bring the rest of my stuff."

"Great, no problem. I want you to feel comfortable, as if you're were at your home and if you need anything just…ask for it." She walked to the nightstand and picked the empty glass up. "I will go to wash this and let you finish." And she left. She was still wearing that dress that took my breath away when she appeared that morning at the door of my room and she looked beautiful.

When Sookie was gone I laid on my bed as I stared at the ceiling. I couldn't stop thinking about her since I saw her at Merlotte's for the first time with her beautiful smile even when she had to deal with men who never failed to look at her like she was a piece of meat. Sookie Stackhouse was special, different from other women I had known and though we knew very little about each other, I was sure she was different.

I didn't remember how long I was sleeping when I heard her sweet voice calling me, too close to be true. I slowly opened my eyes and Sookie was at my side smiling at me.

"Hello, sleepyhead." I didn't know if I was dreaming or it was real but Sookie was beside me and it was all that mattered.

"Hi," I managed to talk but my throat was dry and I blinked a few times until I opened my eyes completely. "What is it?"

"It's almost dinner time and as you haven't left the room I thought you were still putting your stuff. I didn't want to bother you but I'm making dinner and I wanted to be sure you were still alive," she said, still smiling. "But I'm sorry I woke you up, you were exhausted and…"

"No, actually I'm glad you did. I hate skipping meals." I said trying to cut the tension between us. Sookie laughed and I sat up against the headboard. "I hadn't even realized that I was so tired. I sat for a minute to rest and I fell asleep. I think I was more tired than I thought." And it was true. The previous night I had barely slept and the day was exhausting.

"Well, I can keep your dinner in the oven if you want to continue sleeping…"

"No!" and we both were surprised by the tone of my voice. "It's just that I'm starving…but I think I'll take a shower first."

"Okay, I'll be in the kitchen."

"Okay. I'll go in ten minutes."

Sookie left the room closing the door behind her and I felt like an idiot for not being able to say something intelligent when I was with her. It was as if my mind went blank and I wasn't able to speak. It was frustrating but I'll get control eventually, or at least I thought so.

I tried to clear my mind in the shower but the fact the bathroom was downstairs, so close to the kitchen and close to Sookie too, didn't help much. I was hard and the cold water did its job, more or less, but the heat inside me was still unbearable, so I left the shower and got dressed.

"Smells delicious," was all I could think to say. Sookie smiled as she leaned against the kitchen counter and looked at me expectantly.

"Thanks; I hope you're hungry because I love meat and I lived with a vegetarian for so long so…Claudine always tried to make us eat vegetables at all times."

"I love it, really." We sat at the table, the small table in the kitchen that seemed even smaller with me in front of Sookie. The meat was delicious and I was starving. "So, tell me about your old roommates."

"Well, actually they were not just roommates; they're my best friends, Amelia and Claudine. We are friends for longer than I can remember and have always supported between us, we are like sisters. Amelia was the first to arrive home, she was tired of having to live with her father because he kept saying to her to marry and she hated the idea. She said she couldn't bear the idea of having a boring life because she'd always regret that decision. Amelia didn't speak with her father for months when she came to live with me and I felt guilty but Amelia assured me over and over that I shouldn't feel responsible because living together was the best thing happened to her. Finally her father had to accept it and he and Amelia took up the father and daughter relationship."

"And Claudine?"

Sookie shook her head as she laughed weakly. "Claudine is a special case. She's great, is a strong woman who believes in her own destiny. She's like a free spirit and the truth is that I wouldn't have been surprised to find her dancing naked in the woods. She was always talking about the power of earth, nature and how we are connected with the planet. I loved hearing her talking about all these things but I didn't believe a word. It was nice to have another point of view in this house. I dunno, I really miss them but I'm sure they'll return, sooner or later they'll return." There was sadness in Sookie's eyes and I started thinking maybe it had been a bad idea to bring it up. "I talk a lot with Amelia on the phone but it's more difficult with Claudine, I haven't even an address but I know she'll be fine, wherever she is."

"Sookie, I'm sorry, I didn't want to…" but she interrupted me before I could finished the sentence.

"No, don't worry. I love talking about them, in fact, someday I'll show you pictures of us because they have no waste. Amelia always had her camera on and the albums in the living room are like our own little family."

"I'd love to see them."

The rest of dinner was much more animated. Sookie and I were talking about the music we liked, movies or just the job. I was surprised that a smart girl like her would not have been more than a waitress but I respected her and she was surprised when I told her that I didn't want to take over the family business and instead I decided to work as a labourer.

"My father was very disappointed when I told him I didn't want to be the head of the business that I preferred to be one more. I don't know, I've always liked the physical work and I wasn't made to sit in an office and direct everything, not my style and I don't think I could stand it." While I was talking to Sookie, I was remembering the conversation with my father when I told him that and it wasn't a nice chat. He seemed to be so disappointed with me…but I knew it was the best choice. My father knew from the beginning and over time he understood.

"I understand you wouldn't want to be in an office, must be the most boring thing in the world, I dunno, being locked up all day behind a desk and going from one side to another, answering the phone at all times…" and we were agree it would have been a bad choice.

"Don't forget the suit; I don't like to wear a suit if there is not a special occasion."

"Of course. I prefer jeans and t-shirts, are comfortable and easy to find. They're always in my closet and I can wear them all year." I couldn't agree more but I was sure when Sookie was wearing jeans, it would be much better on her than on anyone else.

When we finished dinner, I decided to wash the dishes while Sookie kept saying it was no necessary. She had made dinner, an amazing dinner, and the least I could do was to help her.

"Well, we're done. Guess you're tired, I'm tired, it's been a long day. I have the day off tomorrow so if you need help with something…just tell me. I'll also go to the store to buy supplies, I'm saying because if you need something in particular."

"Can I go with you?" Sookie seemed surprised that I'd asked her but I wanted to spend more time with her and see the rest of the town.

"Sure," she replied shyly. "It's just…well, I thought you'd want to rest but if you want to come with me, it'll be great."

"Great, we might even go in my truck, there's more space in the back and is wider." I wasn't sure why I was telling her all that but at the moment it seemed important to me to convince her.

"Okay."

Sookie POV

I wasn't sure whether to wake up Alcide or not when I came into his room but the dinner was almost done and I thought he would be hungry. He was so relaxed that I was sorry but I did wake him up.

While Alcide showered and I finished making dinner I couldn't help but imagine him naked in the shower. I had seen his muscular arms and that image was repeating in my head over and over again. I couldn't help thinking what it would feel to be among his strong arms while his hands caressed every inch of my skin and his sensual lips kissing me endlessly. Yes, definitely I was in trouble and I knew it would be more difficult to hide what I really felt. I didn't have much experience with men, after all I was still a virgin and I was sure Alcide would have a million women to choose from instead of me.

"Smells delicious," and I almost jumped when I heard his deep, sultry voice. If just saying a couple of words he could do my heart race like that, I was lost.

We sat at the table and talked about our hobbies and work. Alcide was surprised that I was just a waitress but Sam was a very nice boss and the people in Bon Temps was kind thought there were always exceptions. Moreover, I was also surprised that Alcide wouldn't want to continue with the family business but I wasn't one to judge. Each of us took a decision and I never regretted of mine.

Alcide seemed to enjoy every piece of meat in his mouth and I was proud because my Gran had taught me to cook. I'd never be as good as her but at least my food was good enough.

"Are you still tired?" I asked him as I put the silverware in the drawer. "Because I'd thought to see a little TV with a coffee."

"I like that idea."

"Good. I'll make coffee…" but at that moment our hands touched and Alcide had his hand over mine. "I'll make the coffee, Sookie." And I couldn't stop feeling my knees trembling when he said my name. "But…I can do it, Alcide. Furthermore, it's your first night here and…"

"I'll make the coffee, really."

"As you wish; all you need for it is in these two cabinets." I said pointing to both doors. "I'll wait in the living room." And I left the kitchen with a smile. Every time I felt more and more comfortable with Alcide and he hadn't even stayed in my house for twenty-four hours but I knew at least would be good friends.

I sat down on the couch and turned on the TV trying to find a position where I felt comfortable without my dress betraying me. Perhaps I should go upstairs until my bedroom and change clothes but when I was ready to go Alcide appeared holding a tray in his hands.

"Here I am; I hope you like cinnamon because I've seen it in the closet and I couldn't help it. I love coffee with milk and cinnamon and well, if you don't like it…doesn't matter." And he put the tray down on the table.

"I can't answer that yet, I've never tasted coffee with cinnamon." Alcide's eyes lit up and I knew that night would be the first time I'd taste coffee in a new way. "Well, there's always good to try new things." And I bent to pick one of the cups. I didn't bother taking the sugar because I wanted to taste the cinnamon but Alcide brought it anyway.

"Ready?" I nodded and both took a sip from our cups. The coffee was delicious; I was an addict but I had to admit it was the best coffee I had tasted in my whole life.

"Oh my God…it's…awesome!"

"You don't have to say it's good if you don't like it, really, Sookie. I could bear it." But it was true. It was a totally new sensation for me and I loved it. From that time I would take my coffee with cinnamon and nobody could stop me.

"No, I swear I'm telling the truth. I'd never tasted anything so intense, it's like a candy that would begin to melt in my mouth and has lots of flavour and…well, I dunno, I think…I don't really know how to explain it. Since when do you take coffee like this?"

"Well, actually it wasn't something planned," but I didn't understand what he meant. "My sister Janice and I were alone at home when I was thirteen and she was fifteen. It was the first time because our parents did not go out much but it was a special occasion and as we were older, we were taking care of each other. Janice secretly drank coffee because my mother didn't like, she said she was too young and Janice wouldn't grow but I knew when Janice was out with her friends she was drinking coffee and other things." He said winking at me. Yes, I knew what he was talking about because my Gran had been through the same with Jason. The rebellious age of my brother was very different from mine but Jason still seemed to live in adolescence. "Janice told me that as mom wasn't at home to see us, we could do whatever we wanted and we did. I told her that mom would be upset because she'd know we'd drunk coffee but Janice convinced me with cinnamon it would seem chocolate and nobody would know it."

"So you were a rebel…" I added while I was laughing. Alcide looked at me funny.

"I think so. Janice prepared everything and when I tasted it I loved it so much that I drank seven cups."

"Seven cups?" I was addicted to coffee but I had never drunk so much coffee in one day and much less in a few hours like Alcide did.

"Yes…I shouldn't have done it. We were having a great time and forgot to clean up everything and when our parents came back…well, we were punished for a month." I couldn't help to laugh when Alcide finished telling me the story and I took another sip of coffee. It was delicious and I wanted to drink another cup but I knew wouldn't get to sleep if I did.

"Well, you're not a child now so you can drink all the coffee you want…but I don't think is going to be a good idea you must drink seven cups again…" and I laughed again as I was trying to breathe. "I won't take another cup because I won't be able to sleep." And I bowed to put the cup on the tray, but Alcide grabbed it and held my hand as he stared at me. There were no words or uncomfortable situations, just us and our hands touching.

"I think I should go to bed." But he didn't move. I didn't know if I could react and did not want to look like a fool in front of Alcide. "You know, tomorrow…we have to go to the store tomorrow…" And my brain got finally back to reality.

"The store…of course, yes, true. We go to buy tomorrow…at the store…"

"Yeah, so…"

I didn't want to be away from Alcide because he made me feel like I'd never felt before and though I just had a boyfriend…well, I hadn't really had much experience and I wasn't sure if what I felt was real or just my imagination betraying me.

Alcide and I climbed the stairs together and each of us walked to our doors. We didn't say a single word from the earlier conversation but I was not uncomfortable, I just didn't have anything important to say.

"Good night, Alcide."

"Good night, Sookie." And I felt as if an electric current was through my whole body when he pronounced my name. It may not have experience with men but I knew how to recognize what I was feeling and it didn't look anything like I had felt for Bill in the past.

I went into my bed but I knew would be unable to sleep knowing Alcide was less than three feet from my room. Why was this happening to me? Why suddenly I felt I couldn't handle myself? What had Alcide Herveaux that made my heart accelerate that way? I had a boyfriend before, without sex, yes, but I though I loved him and I never felt anything like I was feeling since Alcide came into my life.

"Put yourself together, Stackhouse," I whispered to myself, but at the same time my hand slipped inside my panties and I knew what little control I had had for a moment was vanishing.

I wasn't the kind of girl who did these things but I felt I had no control over my body and in my mind I kept imagining Alcide in all kind of situations, kissing me, caressing me and making me love endlessly. I was enjoying every second of my improvised fantasy and I didn't want it to end but I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

I was so fucking blinded by my hormones that I wasn't even able to realize the huge problem I had in front of me.

Alcide POV

Sharing absurd stories with Sookie was a great experience and I loved watching her laugh and smile all the time. She heard every word I said and seemed to enjoy every detail.

My ex-girlfriend, Debbie, was never very close to my family and that was something I couldn't stand; I'd always thought I would marry and have children and we would meet on Sunday at my parents' place to eat and have a good time but with Debbie that didn't seem an option. She was possessive, jealous and stubborn. Nothing seemed enough for her and I tolerated her behaviour for too long until I decided to end once and for all. I didn't tell about Debbie to Sookie but I knew I would.

Now I felt free; free to do whatever I wanted without having to answer to Debbie or pray because she didn't have one of her fits of jealousy and we ended up fighting like crazies. There was a time I thought I'd be able to live with everything but it was too much for me when she decided to cheat on me with another man and she didn't even hide it under a lie. Debbie had her own lifestyle and I could never accept it.

But now everything was different. Living with Sookie had opened my eyes to a new world; a much better world, friendlier and fun and though I hardly knew her, I was absolutely crazy for her.

When our hands touched that night and I stared at her, I knew there was something special and strong between us but I didn't want to spoil the moment and decided the time would be my best ally in the future that I hoped it wasn't too distant. Sookie was sweet, innocent and charming, quite the contrary to Debbie and that made her even more special. I wanted to hug her, kiss her and caress every inch of her smooth, tanned skin but, what would Sookie have thought if I'd tried something on my first night at home? No, I had to be patient; and I would be because I knew it would worth it.

Thinking of Sookie was the best way to fall asleep and though I kept dreaming about her all night…well, I slept like a baby.