A/N Thank you so much for your reviews. I'll comment on them A.S.A.P. Sorry this chapter took awhile, I couldn't put down "Dead in the family." I hope you enjoy this chapter.


The next morning, I woke to the sound of Amelia making breakfast. She was still trying to make up for last night. I'm not going to complain.

"Are you going to tell me who that hunk was in my driveway last night?" Amelia said over the sizzle of the bacon.

"His name is Eric," I replied blushing. Why am I blushing?

"Well, you should see him again. Maybe we could double with Pam." Amelia said, hopeful as she returned to her attention to the bacon.

Amelia was always trying to get me a date. Guy's usually shied away from me, because of Jason. Ambivalent and selfish, Jason's protective streak came out sometimes, and this small town all knew it. Very few guys want to pick up a girl for a date when her brother comes to the door with a loaded shot gun, reminding them of the conveniently placed deep lake in the back.

"I don't even have his phone number Amelia."

"You have his Jacket, however."

"Oh, crap. He has my, er, your shoes," I said, gazing at Eric's jacket hung over the couch. What would Amelia think if I just walked over and smelled it?

"Well, I think he left you his jacket on purpose," Amelia said joining the finished eggs with the finished bacon.

"I hope your shoes turn up, you know I can't afford to buy you another pair," I said reminding myself, again, that I need to go job hunting.

"If he brings them back, I'll let you keep them. If not, I get to dress you again," Amelia said slyly, setting the plates on the table.

"I think I'm going to regret this, but deal," I said, and we shook on it.

After Amelia got dressed she dropped me off at Jason's.

"I'll swing back at five," Amelia yelled out the car window as I walked up the driveway.

"I'll see you then," I called, and walked through the door.

Jason was gone, however, Crystal was there. This would always be Jason's home. It would never feel like Jason and Sookie's home. Amelia's place felt more like home, but until I was paying rent, and had my own things there, it wasn't. "Soon, Sookie," I reminded myself as I put my bag, and Eric's jacket, on my bed. Thankfully, Crystal was on the phone, so I didn't have to deal with her. One month until my birthday, I better find a job before then. I was ecstatic when Amelia had asked me to move in with her. I haven't told Jason yet, but I think he expects it. After all, he was moving out of Gran's house the day he turned eighteen; and we had it great there. I missed Gran's old farm house. It has been sitting empty and for sale since Gran died.

I sighed and decided to go look for a job. I heard Crystal wrapping up her phone call, and knew I had to hurry up and change out of my drab, grey, sweats. Quick as lightning, I pulled on my nice, black, Capri slacks. I stood looking into my dismal closet for a nice shirt longer than I wanted. I finally picked a sleeveless, gray, ruffled top. I brushed my hair, put on some mascara, and slipped on my black, flat shoes. Heading out the door, I heard Crystal rummaging through the fridge. Awesome, I had successfully avoided her.

I only had three hours to fill out applications, and I was walking into town. I need a car, badly. It was hot as hell outside, but I would rather be out in the heat than in the house, alone with Crystal, any day. I was glad I chose a sleeveless top; my arms would get a nice tan today. I bet by next week, I could wear my bathing suit. With that happy thought in my head, I walked into my first choice of employer.

I had been to at least ten businesses today, no one was hiring. Disappointed, I walked into Merlotte's bar and restaurant to get myself a sweet tea, before making the walk home. As I was waiting for my tea, to go, I saw a "help wanted" sign hanging over the bar.

"Sam, are you hiring?" I asked hopeful.

Most people knew who Sam Merlotte was. Sam had moved to Bon Temps a few years ago. He bought the restaurant and the adjacent trailer upon arriving in Bon Temps. Sam wasn't much older than me, he had bright blue eyes, compared to my hazy blue ones, and his golden, strawberry hair formed a halo around his head.

"You have to be eighteen, Sookie," Sam said as he made a tom collins.

"Oh, well never mind then," I said, disappointment coloring my tone.

"Isn't your birthday coming up, cher?"

"Yep, next month actually," I said perking up.

"Well, if I no one applies for the job before hand, you can consider the job yours."

"Thanks, Sam," I said walking out the door hopeful, sweet tea in hand.

When I got home, Crystal was still there. Unfortunately, she wasn't distracted this time.

"Where the hell is your brother?" Crystal sneered at me. "He hasn't called me once today."

"How am I supposed to know?" I said irritated, here we go. "I'm not his keeper."

"I know you're covering for him bitch," she yelled. "I know he's been talking to his ex, Dawn!"

"Good for him then, she's much better for him than you!" I screamed, "I hope he is seeing her!"

I stomped into my room, locked the door and headed into the bathroom to take a shower. Afterwards, as I was getting dressed, I heard Jason arrive home, only a half hour late. I knew Crystal wouldn't interrogate Jason as to why he didn't call today; she liked living here for free too much. And honestly, I think she purposely tries to get me upset.

I emerged from my room an hour later, ready to head out. Wearing simple blue jeans and a blue top I headed to the small living room to tell Jason where I would be for the weekend. Not like he would be surprised. Jason and Crystal were cuddling on the couch, watching TV.

"I'm going to stay at Amelia's tonight, and tomorrow. She'll take me to school on Monday," I said.

"Okay see you Monday," Jason said ambivalent.

"Have fun Sookie," Crystal said sweetly.

Fake bitch, I thought and headed back to my room to pack my stuff.

Amelia honked her horn, letting everyone knew she had arrived. I picked up my overnight bag and backpack, debating whether to take Eric's jacket or not. I wavered up until Amelia's second round of honking. I ran out the front door, jacket in hand.

"What's the plan for tonight?" I asked Amelia, getting into the car.

"Hey, why don't we invite some people over for a movie night," Amelia said.

"Sounds good," I replied looking forward to a little get together.

After stopping at a grocery store in Shreveport to get snacks, drinks, and movies; we headed to Amelia's place. While Amelia texted Tara and J.B to come over, I set out the snacks. Then Amelia mixed me something fruity while we were waiting for our guests.

An hour later Tara and J.B arrived. Tara was taller than me with caramel colored skin and long braided hair. She was beautiful. Equally as beautiful was her boyfriend, J.B du Rone. J.B had a fine muscular body, and chiseled features. He's dumb as rocks, but Tara didn't seem to mind. I had been good friends both with Tara and J.B when we were younger. But when the two had started dating, we drifted apart.

"Hey Sook," Tara said giving me a hug. "We can't stay long; J.B has to be at work tomorrow." J.B worked with his dad on the weekend.

"Not a problem, I'm just glad you stopped by," I replied.

"Hey J.B," I said to J.B. J.B just waved back stuffing his face with pretzels. After the greetings, we settled in the living room. J.B and Tara took the couch, while Amelia took the oversized arm chair. I opted to lie on the floor after putting the DVD in the player.

An hour into the movie, there was a knock at the door. Amelia had fallen asleep during the gore fest zombie movie, so I headed to the door. I couldn't believe what I saw. Amelia's tall blonde Pam was standing outside, next to Eric. "What the hell?" I asked myself.

"Pam, Pam!" I yelled, trying to wake her. Girl could sleep through a hurricane.

"What?" Amelia asked groggy.

"Pam and Eric are at the door?" I told her, expecting her to be surprised.

"Well, let them in then," Amelia said nonplussed.

"Why aren't you surprised?" I asked Amelia heading to the door, as Tara and J.B were starting to get up. I bet they were making their exit.

"I invited them; Pam said they would be late."

Thanks for telling me Amelia," I said glancing at the large mirror hanging on the wall before opening the door.

"Hey guys, come on in," I said politely. "I'm Sookie," I said holding my hand out for Pam to shake.

"Hello, Sookie, I'm Pam," she replied in a cool voice. She took my hand gently, as if she was afraid to break me.

Amelia got her lazy butt off the chair and headed for Pam. As they embraced, Amelia tilted her head and Pam met her lips. It looked very intimate.

"Hi, I'm Tara and this is J.B," Tara said to Eric shaking his hand. J.B couldn't pull his eyes away from Amelia and Pam. Tara turned to J.B, called him a pervert, and headed out the door; dragging J.B behind her. As I shut the door I heard, "No hello for me?" I turned and saw Eric standing right behind me.

Eric was wearing a black shirt with the band name "MUSE" on the front. His dark blue jeans fit him perfectly, and his long golden hair was pulled back into a braid trailing down his back. Yum!

"Sorry, hello," I said walking to the table to pick up Tara and J.B's drinks."

"Want to watch the movie guys?" Amelia asked.

Apparently Amelia forgot that I had seen half of it already, beings she slept through it.

"Sounds good," Pam said settling herself on one half of the oversized arm chair. Amelia took up the other half, and put her legs over Pam's lap. I guess that leaves me to press play.

"Can we put in the ghost movie instead?" I asked. "I'm all zombie'd out sleeping beauty"

"Sure, Sook," Amelia replied snuggling Pam. I headed to the player and put the DVD in. I settled on the floor as Eric sat on the couch.

As soon as the movie started, Amelia reached up above her and hit the switch on the wall to turn off the lights. A second later I heard the wet kissing noise. Great, as if this isn't awkward enough. Just as I was starting to tune their make out noises out, I got kicked in the shoulder.

"Sorry Sook," Amelia said. "We'll be right back; I'm going to give Pam the tour.

"Mmhmm," I replied. A second later I heard Amelia's door shut. I got up and settled myself into the comfy arm chair; it doesn't look like they are going to be using it anytime soon.

"Sorry about Pam," Eric said.

"No, I'm sorry about Amelia," I replied and we both laughed.

At first it felt awkward with just Eric in the room, so close to me. But eventually I turned my attention back to the movie. I am never letting Amelia pick the movies again. This ghost movie was terrifying. I was so engrossed in it that I didn't notice Eric sneaking up behind me.

"Boo!" Eric yelled from behind me.

"AHH," I screamed jumping out of the chair and onto the floor.

"Sookie, I...am...so….sorry," Eric said between laughs reaching his hand down to help me up.

"Ha. Ha. Ha," I said sarcastically to Eric as he helped me up. Instead of pulling me to my feet and letting me go, Eric pulled me into a hug. I was so surprised I couldn't move. My brain had turned to mush the minute he touched me.

"I really am sorry, Sookie," Eric whispered in my ear, holding me to him. He smelled really good, and his face was a little whiskery so it tickled my neck. My body was on fire, I wanted to kiss him, and lick him, and do everything to him. I wanted him closer.

Just when my body felt like it was about to explode we heard a loud moan coming from the back of the apartment. We couldn't help but to laugh. Thanks a lot Amelia, I thought to myself.

"Hey, let's scare them," Eric said to me spinning me around. His eyes were almost sparkling with excitement.

"Okay, Amelia's window faces out back," I said heading to the French doors that led to the small backyard.

We crept silently to Amelia's window. As we heard," Oh yes!" coming from the bedroom, we banged on the window. We heard Amelia and Pam scream. Eric and I ran back through the yard and into the living room. I couldn't stop laughing, either could Eric.

"Eric!" I heard Pam yell from the hallway. That just made Eric start laughing even more. Amelia walked in the living room, wrapped in her white bed sheet. She looked so frazzled.

"You scared the shit out of me Sookie!" Amelia yelled.

"I….. Hope….. Not," Eric replied barely getting the words out between laughs. And then we were off, laughing hysterically. Tears were falling down my cheeks; I hadn't laughed that hard since Gran was alive. At the site of us, Amelia laughed shaking her head. She disappeared back into her bedroom with Pam.

Eric sat on the couch, while I turned off the T.V, and on the stereo. We were calming down, but little giggles would escape every now and then. "The Script" came on the radio after another round of laughing. "I love this song," I said swaying to the music in my seat.

"Want to dance, Sookie?" Eric asked; his blue eyes penetrating my soul.


Juicy stuff coming soon, lovies!