A/N: First off, I need to apologize for how long this update took. I've had a rough few months both financially and emotionally. Then the writer's block came. I'm not totally happy with this Chapter and in fact changed direction half way and did a re-write. I think my writer's block is gone now. I got some great news and will be finally moving back home to New Jersey in a few weeks. I'll try and update at least two more times before the move, I'll warn in advance though, that June will probably not have any updates since I'm moving that month. And cross country moves are a pain. And please don't look for stakes when you read this. The angst reflected my ever changing moods this past month.
SPOV
I can't believe what happened with Victor Madden. He almost bit my son. And Eric, bringing him to fangtasia. Then the bastard has the nerve to pretty much hang up on me.
I headed back inside to see Lafayette." Girlfriend you look pissed!" he exclaimed.
I proceeded to tell him about what happened at Fangstasia and what Eric had said and done. I thought I'd get some sympathy from my friend, as I know he hates Eric, but that was not case.
"Now Girl, you know I hates me that bastard, but he did nothing wrong." He tells me solemnly.
"WHAT!!" I scream. "He took my son to a vampire bar and some creepy vamp almost made him dinner, and he hung up on me."
"Sook girl, you know I love your ass, but you need to grow the fuck up. That vamper of your's can be a bastard. But for some odd reason girl, the boy loves your ass. With James, he had to take him; there was no one to watch him. He left him in his office Sook, how could he have known something was going to happen."
"I just don't know Laffy, I'm so confused." I cry.
"Girlfriend, he ain't bill. You left him, and he took you back and didn't drain your ass. You told me he's a good daddy. And not to mention he's rich, and sex and a stick! Yummy!" he laughs.
"And I'm sure the sex is smoking hot!!"
"It was Laffy." I sigh. " I have not had sex with Eric in over 7 years. I told him I wanted to wait." I tell him.
"WHAT!!" he exclaims" You got loverboy right there and your not fucking his ass, and he puts up with it. Girl, you need to hit that. He's a vamp, no wonder he's moody."
"I know"
We spent the rest of the evening talking about things. Lafayette and Tara had been my closet friends growing up, and they always managed to get me calmed down.
The next morning I got up with a slight hangover and headed to work. Nothing exciting happened, but I kept thinking about what Lafayette said to me. Was it really not Eric's fault and should I take the next step with him. I knew if we started sleeping together and me feeding him, Things would get very serious very quickly. According to vampire law, we where bonded and married in his world. I knew Eric would expect me to live with him. Then there was the whole mess with Damien. Should I have told him? He said he might be jealous, but would not get mad as he had no right. Who is he kidding? Eric would probably drain Damien. Maybe I should have run when I saw Bill that night at blockbuster in Sanibel. That way I know James and I would be safe. But I can't do that now. I would never get away, James is too close to Eric now, he'd call him and rat me out immediately. And would it be fair to my son to take him away from a father he loves and who loves him. That was the only thing I do not doubt. Eric loves James.
I worked a little late tying up loose ends, and headed over to Eric's house. I knock on the door and no one answers. I try the door and it is unlocked. Walking in, I can hear my son giggling upstairs so I decide to head up. It's almost full dark, so I'm assuming Eric is up now.
Turing the corner I see the door to Eric's room is open, and that is where the voices are coming from. I walk in and see the cutest thing. James and Eric are standing in the bathroom both just in jeans. Eric looks like he showing James how to fix his hair. It looks like he got it cut last night.
"Now son, did you not watch the woman last night?" he asks James.
'No dad, sorry. Pleeze show me." He begs.
"Okay. But you must watch. If you want this hair style, you must do it. Your mother or I cannot do it for you".
I see James nod, and Eric proceeding to spike his little hair up. I'm just standing in awe of this ancient vampire being a caring and doting father. When he finished he tells James to go pick out a shirt as we must be leaving soon.
James leaves the bathroom with a quick"Hi mom!" and heads to his room.
'Hi Eric" I tell him.
Eric comes out of the bathroom and damn he looks fine. With no shirt on, you can see the definition of his muscles. He saunters over to the closet and picks out a grey cashmere sweater and puts it on. I watch him also pick out a pair of boots to wear. He comes back over to the bed, nodding hello to me but not saying a word.
Well to hell with him if he's going to be moody. James runs back in. He's now dressed in a black button up shirt, and has added what looks to be his new sneakers. All his clothes look new, so I'm guessing Eric must have bought him some things last night. No doubt expensive as well.
"You look cute honey, how was school today?" I ask him.
"Oh I didn't go today mom, Dad said I could stay home". He tells me.
"What?" I question and look at Eric.
Eric turns up to look at me." Yes, he was up late and still very upset about last night. I called and left a message with the school before I went to rest." He tells me coldly.
"James go make sure you have everything you want to take with you on the plane, okay". He tells our son and James speeds back off in the direction of his room.
"I wanted him out of the room if you are going to yell and be obstinate Sookie." Eric informs me.
I can tell he's still mad about last night. "No, I agree, it was right to let him stay home today." I tell him. I go over to sit next to him on the bed, but before I can sit down he gets up and goes to grab his suitcase." We must get going Sookie, the plane remember" he says and walks out of the room.
We all pile into the hummer and head toward the airport. I let James sit in front with Eric as he's not even talking to me. James and Eric are listening to music and chatting amongst themselves. Annoyed, I just decide to pull out the book I've been reading and ignore the both of them. They don't even notice.
We check in, and head down to the gate where our plane is leaving from. James runs up to the window to watch the planes, and Eric follows him over. I realize Eric is still pissed, and I'm getting pissed because he's ignoring me. I read my book glancing over every once an awhile to see what they are up to. I see them disappear toward the stores.
A few minutes later they come back, and Eric hands me a coffee. "I thought you might need this." he states as he hands me the cup. "Thanks" I mumble to him. It was really kind of sweet he knows me so well, but I was still mad at him.
They call our flight, and we are one of the first ones on since we not only have a child, but it seems that Eric put us in business class. We get to our seats, and immediately James wants the window seat. So I sit in the middle and Eric takes the isle. James has his eyes glued outside the plane watching everything, and I hear Eric chuckle to himself.
As the plane is taking off I feel myself panicking, I've never really been a good flyer with takeoffs and landings. Eric, knowing this, grabs my hand and winks at me. Once we get in the air, I notice Eric is still holding my hand and I grab it back from him quickly before James sees.
I feel slight anger from the bond just then. Why would Eric be pissed? "What's the matter?" I ask him.
"Oh, nothing that surprises me anymore Sookie." he says coldly.
Eric pulls out his laptop and starts to work on some spreadsheets. By this time James is occupied with his gameboy. I'm just reading my book wondering about things. Did I just fuck up once again? Would it have been so wrong to hold Eric's hand? After all, James knows we are dating again, it's not like we are making out in front of him or something.
I know I need to fix this now. I lift the armrest between mine and Eric's chair and loop my arm around his and lean into him. I lean up and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Eric looks down at me and quirks his eyebrow."Problem?"He asks.
"Nope" I reply. "Just wanted to relax". Eric moves my arm and gathers me closer to his chest. He wraps his arm around my waist and gives me a kiss on the forehead. I close my eye's feeling totally content.
Next thing I know, I feel a jolt and open my eyes. I realize I slept through the landing. "Hi, sleeping beauty, your awake." Eric says. James laughs.
Once we taxi to the gate, we get off the plane and head downstairs to get our bags and pick up the rental car. Once we have the bags and the rental agent gives us keys to the car we head out to the bay to get it. I go to grab the keys from Eric and he slaps my hand playfully and smirks.
"I'll drive Eric I know where we are going." I tell him reaching for the keys again." Nonsense woman, this car has Gps.' He says gleefully.
"Besides mom, it's the man's job to drive the ladies around." James states.
By this time we've gotten to the car and I've relented and let Eric drive." Where ever did you hear that James?" I ask my son. Like Hell, I know exactly who told him that bullshit.
"Oh Dad told me that right Dad?" he asks and looks over to toward Eric. Eric looks guilty as hell.
"Yes that's right son, but only because it's the gentleman thing to do." He says and smirks at me. I can't help but laugh out loud. "Okay whatever you too." and just shake my head.
Since we are staying in a house, we need to make a stop at the 24 hour wal mart to pick up some groceries since there will be nothing in the house for tomorrow. I'm dreading this since last time I was in a store with these two they almost got us thrown out with their antics. We pull into the parking lot and get out of the car. Before we head in I turn around to face both my guys.
Pointing my finger at them I say" Now listen you two, we are just getting some groceries and true blood. I want you both to stay around me and behave yourselves."
James and Eric both look at each other and say at the same time "Yes Mom", then burst out laughing. I just stomp my feet and head toward the store. Eric catches up to me at vamp speed and throws and arm around me." Don't worry, we'll behave sweetheart." And smiles at me. We get in and I grab a cart James takes off with a "I'm going to the toys".
Eric spins me around and pins me to the cart. He kisses me on the lips and smirks" I better go with him, we'll find you." And takes off to find James. I just shake my head, and head off to grocery shop while those two do god knows what.
I'm in the liquor section picking up some wine and heading toward the True Blood when I hear "Adele, is that you?" I turn around and see Mrs. B who was my boss at the library here.
"Hello, Mrs. B how are you?" I ask.
"Oh excellent dear, I see your home sold, are you here for the closing?" I forgot how small this area was.
"Yes family reasons caused me to sell it and stay in Louisiana." I reply. "Oh, I hope everything is alright dear, where is James?" she asks. Just then I hear James yell"Mrs B!!!" and runs over and hugs her.
She hugs him back "How are you sweety?" she asks him. "Oh I'm great Mrs.B" he says.
"How do you like Louisiana?" she asks him. "Oh It's cool." He says smirking just like Eric. I sense Eric behind us.
"Oh Mrs.B this is my dad Eric Northman." James says to her. Eric comes over and offers his hand." Pleasure to meet you Mrs. B." she shakes his hand and giggles. "Oh my, just call me Laura." She simpers to Eric. Good lord he even makes old librarians giddy.
"Adele dear, you said your husband was dead, he doesn't look dead at all." she replies. Eric chooses to respond" Well not exactly Laura." And winks at her. She giggles again.
"Well we must be going; it was nice to see you again." I say and grab Eric's hand to drag him away before he makes that poor old woman have a heart attack. We head to the check out and to pay and get out of there before I run into anyone else.
Once we get in the car, Eric asks "So, how did I die?" James pipes right up "Car accident before I was born Dad."
"Lovely" he snarks and glares at me. It takes us about 20 minutes to get to the house, and I was right, it is one of the nicest on the beach. We carry all the bags in and James runs out the back toward the beach. Eric still has not said a word. James runs back in and asks" Can I go swimming?"
Just as I'm ready to say no Eric beats me to it." No James, its late get ready for bed, tomorrow you can."
Eric pulls out his laptop to answer some emails and I put away the groceries and check and see if James is ready for bed. I find him in one of the rooms lying in bed reading a comic book.
"James, you should get to sleep, it's late." I tell him.
"Can we hang on the beach tomorrow? Can I call Kyle?" he asks me.
'Of course sweety." I lean in and kiss him and turn off the light on my way out. I check out the other two bedrooms and notice the light tight room is the master bedroom. Nice, house must belong to a vampire.
I head back down and grab my suitcase and take it to the smaller room. Part of me wants to take it to the master bedroom and just stay in there with Eric. I keep thinking back to Lafayette's comment that Eric must be sexually frustrated. Hell I know I am. Sometimes I think it would just be easier if we slept together. I realize I might just want that. Hmmmm. So I head back downstairs to find Eric.
He's not in the living room, but the sliding door to the beach is open. I look out and can see the faint glow that vamps give off, laying on a towel on the beach. I kick off my shoes and head out to the beach to join Eric.
I approach Eric and he's laying on his back on a towel in nothing but jeans. Damn he looks fine. I lay down next to him and cuddle into his chest. He does not say anything but after a few minutes wraps an arm around me.
"It's nice here Lover, I can see why you enjoyed living here"
I sigh. "It was, but it wasn't home, I'm glad to be home Eric." I lean in and kiss him lightly on the lips. Eric takes the opportunity to deepen the kiss, and we just lay lazily kissing for awhile. He moves his lips from my mouth and starts to kiss my neck. His hands roam under my shirt and palm my breasts thru my bra. He moves back to my lips and I feel his tongue in my mouth. Moaning, I roll over and straddle him.
I lean over and kiss his face and move down to kiss his neck. I lean over and lick and caress his nipples. "Fuck Sookie" he growls.
I kiss his chest and down his stomach. By this time somehow my top and bra have magically disappeared and eric is palming my bare breast in his hands and pinching my nipples.
Kissing further down his chest I go to undo his jeans. Unbuttoning the button and pulling the zipper down, his cock springs out at attention. I grab thru his boxers and gently start to stroke him. "Fuck" he mumbles and grabs me into a heated kiss. Our tongues dueling, while I lazily stroke his length. I'd forgotton just how big he is. I break the kiss and lean down to lick the tip of his dick. I can feel Eric shake a little below me. It's so powerful to know I can do this to this gorgeous man. I slowly take the head in my mouth.
I take more of him in my mouth and I hear him groaning. "God woman" he growls as I continue to suck him. All of a sudden I'm flipped over and Eric is licking and sucking at my breast unzipping my jeans. I feel his hand dip into my panties and his finger lightly stroking my folds. I grab his dick and continue to stroke him as he gently caresses my clit. I'm lost in the passion that's consuming us both, oblivious to the fact we are in the middle of the beach.
"Sookie, we need to go to the house before I fuck you on this beach" he growls from my neck. That snapped me back to reality and I begin to panic. I push Eric off me and scramble to get my shirt back on quickly.
Eric just chuckles." Lover you started it. Come on, let's go to bed." He get's up and extends his hand.
"I don't think that's a good idea Eric." I tell him ignoring his hand.
"What are you talking about Lover; you're the one who started sucking my dick."
Crude much. "I just wanted to make you feel good Eric. I had no intention of taking it and further." I huff.
Eric just looks down at me." So to clarify" he hisses, "you planned on sucking me off?"
"Well, like I said Eric I just wanted to make you feel good and I can imagine you are sexually frustrated, I just wanted to do something nice for you."
"So you thought you'd give me a quick blowjob and be done with it then?" he glares. "I had no idea you where nothing but a whore." He yells.
"What?" I yell "How dare you call me a whore!"
"Damint!" he yells" I thought you where finally done running. I don't want you to suck me off Sookie; I wanted to make love to you. I'm sick and tired of this game you're playing." He growls.
"Eric I'm just not ready yet." I stammer.
"After all we've been through; I just wanted us to be happy Sookie." Sighing, "I'm tired, of your running. I cannot do it anymore. I care for you more than you'll ever know, but you cannot let yourself open up to me. I just don't know if this is going to work".
I silently start to cry. "Eric, I was wrong" I grab his hand. "Make love to me" I move to kiss him but he stops me.
"No Sookie. You're confused. I can tell. I don't know why, but you are. I want you to want to make love to me because you want it, not because you think you need to. Honestly, you need to grow up, if you do not Sookie, you will lose me." he turns around and walk back to the house leaving me alone on the beach.
I start to sob. After what feels like hours, I finally drag myself to the house and to my room. I go in and sob myself to sleep.
I wake up the next morning feeling horrible. I drag myself out of bed, and head downstairs. James is already down there watching tv and eating cereal.
"Hi Mommy"
"hey baby" I reply and go over to start my coffee. Once it's done I grab I cup and go over and sit by him on the couch.
'What's wrong mom? Your sad." He asks me.
"Oh it's nothing honey." I rely blandly.
"Did you and dad have a fight? He was crying last night."he tells me and grabs my hand.
'he was?" I ask shocked.
"Yes mom. I heard him and I went in to check on him. I gave him a hug." He shrugs.
Eric was crying. I'm shocked. I need to figure out why I run. If I don't I'm going to lose him. I know it. I think back on everything Eric and I have been through since we met. He's always been there for me. And I've always pushed him away. But yet he always comes back. He always takes care of me and saves me.
"Ill be fine hun. What do you want to do today?" I ask him.
"Could we go swimming?" he asks.
We end up spending the day on the beach. James's friend Kyle comes over with his mom and we end up barbecuing and having a great day. Not a traditional thanksgiving but it was nice all the same. The boys play on boogie boards in the water while Kyle's mom Carrie and I soak up the sun.
"So let me get this straight." Carrie says" Your name is Sookie Stackhouse and you ran away from your husband and moved here, and now you moved home and your all a family again?"
We'd spent the last hour talking about who I really was. Not the supernatural stuff though.
'Basically." I reply.
"Damn." She says. " And James's dad is a vampire now?" I had figured it was easier to let her think Eric had been human at one point rather than bring up the whole "well I'm really a fairy princess and that's why my 1000 year old Viking Vampire lover was able to get me pregnant" talk.
"Is that why you left him, because he was a vamp?" she asks.
"Carrie its way more complicated than that. We have been trying to make our relationship work now, but it's all confusing."
We spent the rest of the afternoon just chatting and I decide I needed to talk with Eric so I asked Carrie to watch James for a bit.
I headed in to Eric's room and layed next to him until he woke just thinking. I feel the bond come to life and I know Eric is awake.
'Sookie" He says dryly and goes to get up.
"I'm a child Eric." I say.
He raises an eyebrow at me.
"I don't know why I run Eric. But I know I need to figure it out." I tell him.
"Okay" he replies.
"I know I need to trust you."
"You do. We will not work if you do not." He tells me.
Eric takes my hand and kisses it. "How do you plan on figuring out why you run? I need to know Sookie, do you even have any feelings for me, perhaps you run because you do not." He says sadly.
Oh no he thinks I don't care about him. Who could blame him. I run from him constantly. I know in my heart that I love him. I also know I need to tell him. I need to get over my fears and just tell him. Even if he does not love me. I think he does, but my fears are eating at me.
This is the moment of truth. No going back from this. "I do have feelings for you Eric…I…I…I love you Eric." I say quietly looking down.
Eric takes his hand and tilts my face up to look at him. He leans over and places a soft kiss on my lips. Smiling he says "I love you too Sookie."
I feel nothing but Joy and love coming from our bond. Eric takes me in his arms and holds me close. I can feel how much he loves me. God I'm such a fool.
We kiss softly for awhile just enjoying being with each other.
"I'm going to see a therapist." I tell Eric.
"That might be a good idea Lover. Maybe you can figure out why you run. I can feel the panic and confusion in our bond still even though we've both just admitted we love each other."
"I'll find one when we get home, I promise." I tell him.
We finally end up leaving his room once it's dark joining everyone on the beach. We spend the rest of the night hanging out with Carrie and Kyle just enjoying the night.
Kyle was fascinated with the fact that James had a vampire for a dad. I was surprised how well the night went. A lot of people still have such prejudice about vampires. Once Carrie and Kyle left, we all curled up on the couch and watched a movie together as a family.
"I think James is asleep." Eric says.
"Yep, he had a long day" I chuckle.
Eric carries him up to his room I head upstairs and wait for Eric in his room. About 10 minutes later he comes in, closing the door and locking it after him.
'I'd like to stay with you tonight, if it's okay." I tell him.
"Of course" he says.
I go back to my room to get ready and come back in to join Eric. Eric had take off his clothes and is just in boxers. He crawls into bed next me and pulls me up against his chest circling his arms around me. We kiss for a few minutues lazily and I draw back.
"I'm not ready to have sex yet, But I want to be soon." I tell him.
'I'll wait Lover. We've admitted how we feel now. Everything else will work itself out." He kisses my forehead. I close my eyes and drift off to sleep. Feeling safe and loved in my Viking's arms.
I wake up the next morning to my son poking me in the arm. "Mom get up." He says.
I open my eyes. I'm still wrapped up in Eric's arms. "Okay hun" I entangle myself from my big sexy Viking and head downstairs with James.
While I'm fixing breakfast James asks me" So why where you sleeping in Dad's room?"
For the first time in a long time I'm not panicked. "I wanted to honey. When two people love each other and are in a relationship, they like to sleep next to each other." I say with a smile on my face.
"So you guys finally told each other, about time." He replies and heads over and turns on cartoons. Well that went fine.
We eat our breakfast and get ready to head out to the we are in the car I decide to ask james how he feels about it.
"James are you okay with the fact that I slept in your dad's room last night." I ask.
'Yeah mom. I don't care. You are happy. I just want you and Dad happy." He says.
Sometimes it amazes me how mature he is. For a boy six going on seven, he has such maturity sometimes that baffles me. But growing up telepathic can do that. I know I was very mature at his age as well.
"Honey you might see that again, if your okay with it."
"Mom I know. Moms and Dads sleep in the same room. They also kiss and like to wrestle with no clothes on." He says giggling.
Oh good lord. Who the hell told him this?" Who did you here this from?" I ask him.
"Dad told me that's its normal for moms and dads to kiss each other. Kyle told me the other yesterday." He says.
Kids. We get to the lawyer's office for the closing and everything goes well. My ties to Florida are officially done. We decide to spend the rest of the day visiting a few of James friends before heading back to the house a little before full dark.
Once we get home James and I sit down to watch tv. Not even five minutes after I see the last flicker of light in the sky Eric comes down comes down and sits next to me on the couch. He leans over and gives me a smirk and quick kiss. I can hear James giggling.
"Something funny my boy?" Eric asks him with an eyebrow raised.
"Nope" and he giggles again.
"Well I better start dinner." I say.
"Sookie I've done something bad, don't get mad" Eric says.
"What?" I ask
"Well since your home is closed we really have no reason to stay here. I've arranged for us to fly out of Orlando Sunday night." He hesitates" So we could maybe go to Disney or something."
James pops up and runs over and tackles Eric." REALLY!!! Can we go to Disney Studios? I wanna ride the Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster and maybe we could swim with the dolphins at Sea World. Can we Can we???" James says jumping up and down.
Eric just chuckles at James's display.
"James I'm not going on any roller coasters with you, and the dolphins are too expensive. Remember we checked into when we went." I remind him.
"Yes mom." James responds sadly. "I guess"
Eric pulls James over and says "If your mom wants to be no fun, you and I shall ride those rides. And as for the dolphin swim, I've already booked it for Sunday Night before we leave. For the THREE of us." He emphasizes.
"Eric that's too expensive"
"No it's not. If you have a problem with it, don't go." He glares at me.
"You can take me on the rides dad?" James asks
"Of course. Both parks have vampire hours. I made sure of that." He smiles. 'So go pack we leave immediately." With that, James bounds upstairs to pack.
After I know James is upstairs I decide to let Eric know exactly what I think about his high handed ways.
"You should have asked me before you planned this." I tell him.
"Oh, god forbid I try and plan a surprise for you and James." He snarks.
"It's expensive Eric. Orlando cost a fortune when I was there last."
'Like I care. I wanted to do something nice for James. And I thought for you as well.I've missed so much with him. Can you not let me enjoy finally having my son with me?" he says. I can tell he's starting to get angry. But he's right. He has missed over six years of James's life.
This is another problem I need to get over. I'm so used to taking care of myself and James both emotionally and financially, I find it offense when someone tries to do things. Eric is his dad and my. well…I can't define it, but we are in a relationship. Any normal woman would have been thrilled at this surprise it was thoughtful.
"It will be fun Eric, I'm sure we will all enjoy it." I tell him and lean over and give him a kiss.
So that's how I ended up in a car with my two boys on the way to Orlando. Eric stopped at Mcdonalds so James and I could eat and we hit the road. Since we did not leave until about 6pm we got to Disney around 9pm. James luckily had fallen asleep on the ride, so he would be able to stay up a little later tonight.
Eric pulled up in front of the Disney Grand Floridian Resort. It was quite a beautiful hotel. When James and I had come to Orlando before, we stayed at a Holiday Inn off Disney property. I don't even want to think about how much this hotel must charge a night.
We get out of our car, and head to check in. Seems all eric could get was a one bedroom suite with a pull out couch. How convenient. We head up to the room to drop off the luggage.
Once the bellboy leaves James asks "Where am I sleeping? There's only one bedroom."
"You'll be on the couch James it pulls out to a bed. Your mom and I will take the bedroom." Eric tells him and leers at me. I decide to just let it go. After all, I did sleep next to him last night and I highly doubt he's going to try and get frisky with our son so close.
After some debate we decide to head over to Disney marketplace to walk around. We get there and look around in some of the shops. Eric and I had been holding hands the whole time, and It felt oddly right. Maybe now that we admitted our feelings, I'll be able to let go of some of my doubts.
Once we hit the back of the area right past the Virgin Megastore we come across so Building that says Disney quest. Come to find out it's a virtual arcade. James begs to go in. I'm about to say no, but decide I need to just try and enjoy this trip. Of course Eric indulges him and says we can. After balking at the fact it cost us almost a hundred dollars to get in, we really did end up having a great time.
The place has lots of virtual reality simulators and games. I even played a few. James did not stop smiling the whole night. I nearly lost it when James and Eric went on a Buzz Lightyear version of bumper cars and James kept crashing into the car Eric was driving laughing like a lunatic while his father mumbled what I'm sure where curse words in Swedish. If the mighty sheriffs minions could see him now. Of course I made sure to capture a quick video on my cell phone and sent it to Pam. While james and eric go on some thing with super hero villains Pam calls.
"Oh Sookie that was just too funny, I'll most definitely have to post that on the website." She says almost happily.
"Website?"
"Oh yes the area 5 website. We even have a discussion board just like on of those fan pages on facebook."
Lovely. "Pam you better not post that on any website. Eric will get mad" even still it would be funny.
'We have many pictures. One in particular of that dipstick Compton in quite a heated embrace with Mrs. Fortenberry."
I start laughing so hard I'm crying. "Seriously Pam?"
"Oh yes, I even have it posted on my facebook." I know I'll have to check out her facebook page next time I'm near a computer.
Eric walks up behind me and pulls me into his arms." Who are you speaking with?"
"Oh it's just Pam." I tell him giving him a quick kiss on the chin. He grabs the phone from me and starts talking rapidly in Swedish. Not even 15 seconds later he snaps it shut.
"Taking video I hear?" he asks.
"I just thought it was cute." I tell him smiling. He growls at me playfully and kisses my neck. "it better not show up on facebook." I start laughing again knowing Pam will at least post it on her facebook.
After we finish up at Disney Quest we stop into House of Blues for a quick snack. By the end of eating James has fallen asleep. Eric carries him back to the car and we head back to the hotel. I manage to get him into his pj's and into bed fairly well and join Eric in our room. he's typing away on his laptop.
When I enter the room Eric closes his laptop and motions for me to join him. I lay down and he takes me into his arms.
"I had fun tonight eric." I tell him
"As did I. Are you not glad we came."
"I am"
"Tomorrow perhaps you and James can go to the pool. Once I rise we can head over to the amusement park. Does that sound good?" he asks.
We speak for a few minutes more until I feel myself drifting off to sleep, quite content once again in the arms of my Viking.
While we wait for Eric to rise the next day, James and I decide to spend the day by the pool. We did not get up until one so we only have a few hours to kill. I don't like James staying up so late, but for the vacation I can make an exception so he can spend time with Eric.
We had another great night at Disney Studios. James and Eric went on all the roller coasters while I waited. We did the studio tour, Great Movie ride and the Indiana Jones stunt show as well. I was really surprised at the amount of vampire / human families we saw in the park. As we where standing in line for Muppet Vision 3-D I hear I voice behind us go" Well Old Chap, I never expected to see you here."
Eric whipped around with a look of fury in his eyes for a moment, then I saw his eyes soften, "Basil, you old dog, what are you doing here?"he asks
"Oh just like you I assume vacation with my is my wife Ana and our Lawrence." Basil introduces. Standing next to the vampire is a beautiful woman with black hair and an adorable little boy of about 4.
"Basil This my wife Sookie and our son James." Eric introduces us proudly. I decide now is not the time to remind Eric we are not married. Well in my mind anyhow.
"I'm quite impressed Sookie, I never thought Eric here would ever settle down." He says.
I don't know what to say to that so I just smile. By this time James and Lawrence have started talking and Eric and Basil are talking about something they did together back in whatever knows century, so I turn to Ana.
"So how long have you and Basil been married?" I ask her.
"Oh we've been married little over 5 years now." She gushes. "We had Lawrence fairly soon after we married, but we have been together since right after the Great Reveal." Wow so they had been together like 10 years.
She went on to tell me how they tracked down someone from Basil's family line and managed to convince the relation to donate sperm. She assumes this is how Eric and I had James as well I think. I lean over and here James and Eric talking.
'So son, what are these Muppets?" Eric asks him.
"Cartoon characters dad." He proceeded to rattle off all the names and I can hear basil Laughing.
"So Old Chap, you had no idea who the Muppets where? Whatever did James watch as a baby?" he asks him.
I can see Eric looking confused, but luckily James piped up with the answer. It broke my heart. Eric may know our son well now, but I realize just how many things he missed of him growing up. Things most fathers would know.
We get through the line and the show easily. Basil suggested we all go out to dinner. We ended up having a fun dinner at the Hollywood Brown derby. Eric and Basil kept us all entertained with stories from the past. That was until James decided to ask Eric I question I never thought I'd hear.
"So dad, how old do I have to be before I become vampire?"
What the Hell. Then it got worse. "Son, not until you have graduated college and been a man on your own for several years. I'd say 27 or 28, if you still want it." He tells him smiling.
Now I've had it. "James you will not be becoming a vampire. End of discussion.' I tell him angrily.
I look over to Eric expecting him to back me up, but instead I'm faced with a very pissed off vampire.
"We will speak about this later, my dear." He seethes. Oh great he pissed. I don't care. I will not allow my son to become full blown creature of the night. Forget that.
The rest of the dinner was very quiet. We don't even speak on the way back to the hotel. Once we get back, Eric tells James to get ready for bed, and tell him we are going in as well. He grabs me by the arm and drags me into the room.
He flops down on the bed and opens his laptop. I start to begin to speak with him but he holds up he hand and states" I will not have this discussion until he is asleep."
So for the next 35 minutes we sit in silence until Eric looks to me and says." How dare you embarrass me like that."
"WHAT!!!" I yell." Embarrass you, how DARE you tell my son he can become a vampire. I will not have my son be a vampire!!" I seeth.
"I hate to inform you of this Sookie but he is half vampire already at least. Once he is a man, if he chooses to be turned, I intend to do it." He says glaring at me.
"OH NO YOU WON'T!!" I yell."I want him as normal as possible I want him to be able to get married and have a family and grow old. Like a NORMAL Human!"
"He is not fully human Sookie. He never will be. And if he comes to me and he is at least 27 and wants to be turned I and I alone will do it. You do realize if I refuse, he will go to someone else to be his maker. I will be his maker if he chooses this life. I would think you would rather he have his own father as his maker than some stranger who might abuse the master/ child relationship."
"Eric I don't want this for him, I forbid you to do it!" I yell back at him.
"You have no rights to forbid anything woman. If you would calm down and realize that I also have no say in whether or not he chooses to turn. When he is a man, he is free to make his own choices. I do however want to be able to have I say in how it will happen, if this is what he chooses. Do you not think if I forbid this, he would not just find some other way to turn?"
"I will not calm down." I fume. "You put this idea in his head. It's extremely irresponsible of you."
Eric gets up and punches a hole in the wall. He looks back to me and I can see the anger in his eyes. "Tonight was the first time he ever mentioned such a thing. But I see you will not believe me. Once again running Sookie. You run from everything. This will not even be an issue for 20 years, but yet you need to make a big deal of it. I can see by your reaction you have given no thoughts of when it comes time for you to turn."
Holy Hell. Me to turn. "Eric I will never be a vampire. I want to grow old and die like a normal person. I don't want eternity."
"Then you obviously don't love me Sookie." What the hell. How can he say I don't love him? "If you loved me, why would you be willing to leave me? To grow old and die. We can have forever. Do you know how many people would give anything for that?" he stares at me icily.
"Well not me." I say.
"Well then I believe we have said all that needs to be said." He retorts and he gets up and storms out of the hotel room.
What the hell does that mean? Is he going to end things with me just because I refuse to consign myself to a life of darkness? I don't want to lose the sunlight; I don't want to drink blood. If he loved me, he would love me as I am now. Reluctantly I get ready for bed and slip into the covers.
When I wake up the next morning I turn and see that Eric has not slept in the bed. Once I get up to take care of my human needs, I see he slept on the floor. I'm still angry at him, so I really don't give the matter too much thought and go about getting ready for the day.
I grab James and we head to down to the hotel restaurant to lunch and to spend our last day by the pool. Once it starts to get dark I tell him we need to head up so we can get the airport.
We get upstairs and get cleaned up to leave. I personally can't wait to get home and get the hell away from Eric for a few days. Once I calm down we can talk. I'm still furious about this whole turning business.
Once Eric get's up, we gather our things and check out of the hotel. Eric all but ignores me the whole time, only talking to James. Once we get in the car I assume we are going to the airport but … guess again.
"So James are you looking forward to swimming with the Dolphins tonight?" Eric asks him.
"Yeah I can't wait. Is it true I can pet them too?"
Eric chuckles.' You can. I will enjoy this as well." He smiles at him.
"We are not going." I tell them.
Eric whips around to the backseat and glares at me. "Quit being insolent. We are going. If you choose not come with us, you may sit in the car."
So that's how I ended up waiting in the car while Eric and James swam with the Dolphins. I really thought after we had that fight, Eric would have cancelled this. Once we got to the park, they did not even wait for me, they just got out of the car, and headed in.
I spent the next three hours reading while waiting for them to get back. Finally I see them head toward the car James perched on top of Eric's shoulders laughing his head. I have to smile to myself. At least my son is having fun. Eric and James get back in the car and we head to the airport to fly home.
The flight was tense at best. Eric and I did not even say two words to each other. Eric did a good job of distracting James about our fight. They watched a movie on Eric's laptop.
We gathered up our bags and Eric started the drive home. By this time James passed out in the passenger seat.
Once we get back to My house, Eric carries James upstairs while I carry in our suitcases. About 10 minutes later, he comes back down and sits next to me on the couch.
"I've already called the guards and they are posted. Nigel will pick him up for school in the morning." He says.
"Okay" I reply.
"Anytime James comes to see me or I wish to see him, I will have Nigel drop him off and pick him up that way we have no need to see each other. If there is need for you to be at Fangtasia, I will arrange it in advance so I'm not there."
Eric's breaking up with me. Calmly. I realize at this moment, that he's over me. If He was not, there would be more emotion to him but he is blank, unreadable.
"I wish you all the best Sookie, and hope you can find someone to give you the human life you so desire." He seethes. And with that , Eric walked out of my life.
EPOV
James 7th Birthday is in one week. I can't believe how great it has been to have my son in my life this past year. I met him right after he turned six, and for the first time ever, I will be spending a birthday with him. The only drawback is that after nine months, I will also have to see HER again. I'm having the party at my home since all his school friends live in Shreveport. James has been spending most of the summer with me and has helped me plan it, as I've never organized a children's party before.
I think back on that Thanksgiving weekend last year with a heavy heart. That was both the best and worst weekend of my existence. The night SHE and I confessed our love for one another, was the greatest of my undead life. In my head I began making long term plans to bring her to my side permanently. I knew she'd want to wait until James was at leas 18 before she turned, but with my blood she would have remained young looking. I hopefully looked forward to having the woman I loved by my side for eternity. Only to have everything fall apart two days later.
I knew she was scared and had her doubts and from our talk was willing to work on those things, but when she accused me of planning to turn James and vehemently refusing to be made vampire, I knew that no matter how much I loved her, I feared she could never get over her foolish insecurities and it would break us in the end. So to avoid causing my son any more pain, I let her go. I'll always love her, I just know it would have never worked out.
After we first split James was naturally upset. He fought with both me and Her for awhile. I finally needed to sit him down and explain things. Once I did things got better between us. It is my understanding that James and Sookie do nothing but fight and that is why he chose to spend the summer with me. I send him up at least once a week to see her, but he always comes back upset and frustrated. Refusing to tell me the cause.
It took me about two months before I could bare the thought of touching another woman. Once I did, admittedly I became quite the whore again for a time. That got old quite soon. I do still feed and fuck, but it really hold no thrill for me accept a release. I'm not a brutal monster to the fangbangers but they know their place and accept it. Interrupting my musing was a slam at the front door.
"James what's wrong?" I ask
"Mom is not coming to my birthday party. She says it would be too painful to be around you. Oh yeah and to just make everything perfect, I had to spend all weekend with her and that damn wolf!." He yells
"What wolf?"
"Alcide Hevereaux. He's her new boyfriend. It makes me sick Dad."
I'd known from the guards that for most of the past nine months Sookie was alone. I had heard she was seeing a therapist (good she needed to get over her shit so she did not fuck up some other guy). Since the summer began though, I had reports that Alcide Hevereaux had been spending a lot of time with her. At first I thought they had just resumed their friendship but this confirmed that it was more.
"Are you sure he's her boyfriend son? Maybe they are just friends." I tell him.
"Yep. He slept in her bed last night and then today he wanted to play catch with me. He said that I should be glad he wanted to since my father can't play with me in the daytime."
WHAT THE HELL. How dare he say something like that to my boy. I may not have the daylight with him, but I more than make up for it at night. In fact, just last month for the July 4th Holiday I took James on a vacation to New York City and we stayed with Basil and his family.
"I don't want to see him anymore dad, I don't like him and he hates you." James says.
"Don't worry, I will handle things James."
That night after I put James to bed about 1am (since it's summer I can spend more time with him) I call HER.
After the 4th ring she picks up.
"Hello"
"How dare you expose my son to your bed habits? If you are going to be ENTERTAINING, I suggest you do it while he's not around." I fume.
"Well hello to you too Eric" she snarks.
"And I do hope you are being careful. If Decastro get's wind of this, we are all in trouble."
"Oh and what am I suppose to do Eric? Sit home alone while you run around town with every fangbanging whore in Louisiana?"
Still jealous I see." Woman you have no right to pass judgment on my sexual habits. I do not expose our son to such things. As for Hevereaux, you will keep him away from my son or else." I warn.
"Eric, Alcide and I are seeing each other. It will be a little hard to keep them apart."
"You will find a way. James does not like him, and therefore you will keep him away. I will also not have you upsetting him by refusing to attend his party. You will come, and you will be adult about it." I say.
"Eric I just can't. Please don't force me into this." she pleads.
"Why? Are you still angry with me?"
"No" she says softly." I was angry with you for along time. Seeing my therapist helped me get over it. You where right to react the way you did, I don't blame you at all. I realize I was childish and stupid and insecure and I threw away the best thing in my life."
Huh. I can feel my emotions for her coming back again. I knew if I did not cut her out of my life completely, I would have given in and gone back with her shortly after we got back from Florida. I loved her too much. I still did. I knew that. Talking to her for five minutues has all those feeling coming back tenfold.
"And about being a vampire?" I ask.
"I was selfish. You gave me your heart and all I did was stomp all over it. I was so insecure and obstinate; I was unable to look at things in a bigger scope. If you asked me to turn and spend eternity with you now, my answer would have been yes. Of course after James was 18." She says crying.
This is it. Everything I had wanted. She had grown up. I'm so fucked when it comes to her.
"Please don't cry Sookie." I tell her.
"Why Eric? All I can do is cry about this. I'm trying to move on but it's hard. It's just too painful to see you, It's even too painful for me to talk to you." She sobs. "Please I just can't Eric."
"Okay Sookie, but it hurts James that you won't come. Even though I understand why now." I reassure her.
"Eric, I just can't be around you." She sobs.
"Why Sookie? It has been over nine months since we've seen or even spoke with one another".
"I still love you Eric. Seeing and speaking with you, reminds me what I threw away. I'll make it up to James, I just can't"
She still loves me. FUCK ME." If you still love me, why are you seeing Hevereaux and sleeping with him." I ask
"I'm not sleeping with him Eric, he stayed over but nothing happened. I can't bring myself to sleep with him. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to." She says quietly.
They are not having sex. What the hell is she doing with him then? "Then what are you doing dating if you are not ready?"
She sighs. " My therapist told me I needed to try and move on. It's not going all that well." She laughs coldly.
"Are you seeing anyone Eric?" she asks
"No. I'm not in a relationship. I have no desire to be in one." I tell her.
She chuckles" So just feeding and fucking then huh? Pam told me."
I'm surprised about this. After we split up, Pam was furious with Sookie. I even had to order her as her maker not to harm Sookie. I was really afraid she would drain her.
"So you and Pam are friends again?"
"No, not really. Pam calls me sometimes, but it's mainly to snark at me and tell me I'm a fool." She replies.
"Sookie I'll order her to stop."
"No Eric, she's entitled to her opinions. She loves and looks out for you. I don't blame her one bit for being furious with me."
Huh? Who is this and what the hell have they done with Sookie Stackhouse? She really has grown up. Maybe I jumped the gun splitting up with her. Oh hell, I just don't know anymore. I feel like I'm bipolar.
"Look Sookie, James wants both his parents with him for his birthday. After what happened at Christmas last year, we need to give him this."
Last Christmas was horrible. I had given Nigel the night off, so I went to pick James up to spend Christmas Eve with me, and the shifter offered to pick him up Christmas morning so he could be with Sookie. James was crying when I picked him up, and spent the whole night upset. Pam and I tried to make his Christmas eve with us nice, but he was so depressed still over our break up.
"Okay Eric. You are right. I will think about coming to the party. I heard you invited Sam and Michael as well as Jason and his family."
"Of course I did, they are all part of his life Sookie. He wanted them at his party. It's his day, it has nothing to do with us."
"I will think about it. Good night Eric." She says hanging up.
The next night I had floor duty at Fangstasia for a few hours. I had refused my evening meal just not really being in the mood. I seem to do that more often. After awhile I just get fed up with all the vermin and go to my office to work on some invoices.
A few minutes later Pam strolls in."What's wrong with you Eric? I hate seeing you all emo."
"I spoke with Sookie last night." I tell her.
"I'll kill her." She states.
'You will do no such thing."
"That woman will be the death or you. She has hurt you for the last time Eric. I mean it."
I smile. Sookie was right. Pam does love me. "Pam, I know you are just looking out for me, I will be fine." I smile and go over and hug her.
"Your going back to her again aren't you? I can see it all over your face." She says blankly.
"I don't know Pam. Maybe I jumped on splitting with her. She has changed Pam. She grew up." I reassure her.
"I have noticed that Eric."
"I love her Pam. I'm not getting over it. I barely feed, I hardly fuck, and when I do it's unfulfilling. The only thing keeping us apart now is James. I will not hurt him again. I'd rather be unhappy than have him suffer again like the last time." I tell her.
"Yes, He was quite upset after the last time. He was hoping you and Sookie would stay together. He told me she's seeing Hevereaux though."
"He told me as well. And she confirmed it. But they are not sleeping together." I reply.
"Oh really? I'm sure Hevereaux loves that." She laughs.
"I think he deserves it, don't you Pam?" I smile.
She laughs. "Oh yes. What are you going to do Eric?"
I think for a moment. "If Sookie shows up at the party, I will see how things are with us. I will become friendly with her again. Even if it only makes raising James together easier."
"You are so screwed." She snarks.
Don't I know it.
SPOV
The last nine months have been horrible. After Eric and I broke up, I was furious with him for several months. Christmas was especially hard. James and I did nothing but fight. After the New Year I decided to go see a therapist.
Once I started seeing Dr. Stratton, I quickly began to see my mistakes. After suffering so much loss in my life, I was afraid to fully open myself up to love again. Our breakup was completely my fault. Subconsciously I blamed Eric for all the wrong things men had done to me. I was so afraid if I let myself completely love Eric, he would end up hurting me. And that would have broken me. Instead by giving up on us, that is what broke me. I spent several months working through everything, constantly fighting depression. I was not a joy to be around.
Finally Dr. Stratton told me I needed to try and move on. It was around this time that Alcide and I had started spending time together. We eventually began dating. I still can not bring myself to sleep with him. In my mind if I do, then I will have finally accepted that things with Eric are truly over. If I could turn time back and make up for those horrible things I said to Eric I would. Last time I had spoken with Pam, after she berated me, she told me Eric was not feeding properly. He mainly survived on True Blood. I know the media claims vampires can survive off the stuff, but I know that vamps do need fresh blood to stay strong. One more thing I can blame myself for.
After this past weekend when James got into a fight with Alcide I half expected a call from Eric. I was still shocked when he did call. It hurt so much to talk to him. But he was right, James did not deserve to suffer. We dragged him through our breakup, and it damaged him. My relationship with James has suffered over the last year because he blames me for hurting his dad. It brought James and Eric even closer. I let James spend more and more time with Eric since it made him happier. This summer he's been living at Eric's house. He told me Eric hired a woman named Mrs. Fitzgerald to care for him during the day and make his meals. Eric was such a good father. But all this reminded me that I once again hurt Eric by keeping his son from him all those years. So more guilt to tack on to the growing pile. I still love Eric, but I do not deserve him. I've hurt him too much. But I do need to make things right for James.
Going back and forth on it for two days, I finally decided I needed to put my big girl Pants on and go to James's birthday party. Eric was right, It was his day and had nothing to do with us at all. I just hoped I could hold it together for the few hours I'll need to be around Eric. I text Eric and let him know.
Sookie: I'm going to come to the party after all.
About five minutes later I got a reply.
Eric: Excellent James will be pleased. I'll let him know now.
Eric: and it will be nice to see you as well, I have missed you Sookie.
Oh great. Eric has no reason to be nice to me, and he tells me he misses me. I really don't deserve him. I curl up into a ball and cry myself to sleep once again over the love I threw away.