Sorry it took so long for this update! Real life just got in the way. But I have written bits and pieces of the next few chapters, so hopefully I'll be able to get them finished up and posted more quickly.
Thanks to those of you who are sticking with me! I promise, I know where I'm going and even partially wrote the end of the story already. So I really will finish this, it just may take a little longer than I had hoped.
Thanks again for all the support! And please keep the reviews coming!
I do not own the characters; they are the property of Charlaine Harris.
A Fairy Tale - Chapter 11
I wake up a little late on Friday morning and quickly get myself into the shower. While showering I reminisce on my annoying Viking and his damn kisses. It's like he knows what I'm trying to do, and he's intentionally sabotaging my efforts. I decide it's not my fault if I break my vow when he keeps sneaking kisses on me using vampire speed. I'll just keep doing my best to avoid those luscious lips of his.
I get myself dressed in a pair of powder blue capris (baby steps!) and a blue and white flowered baby doll top with sandals. I decide to wear my hair down adding some curl to the ends, and opt to throw my pendant in my purse instead of putting it on. I'll just wear it during our actual training. I want to make sure it's not influencing more than my magic ability when I'm around Aiden.
I head to the kitchen to make breakfast and find Amelia at the table already. She made coffee, pancakes, and scrambled eggs. I can't help but wonder if her home-cooked breakfast is supposed to serve the same purpose as the dinner I had planned for last night: an icebreaker, a peace offering to soften the blow for a tough conversation. Uh oh.
I try to steady myself so as not to get preemptively upset, and call, "Good morning, Amelia! Breakfast smells great!"
"Morning, Sookie," Amelia smiles back as she put a plate on the table for me, "I thought maybe we could talk?"
"Of course, I was actually really hoping to talk to you, too." I contemplate whether or not I should let her talk first, but before I can make up my mind she jumps right in.
"I'm moving back to New Orleans," she says quickly. Like pulling of a band aide. Then she adds, "On Monday."
I practically choke on my coffee. Monday?! So soon? God she really must want to get out of here. Before I can catch my breath and say anything she continues, "I'm sorry, I didn't meant to be so abrupt, but I've made up my mind and I don't want to argue about it. I'm tired of sulking around and there's just not enough here to keep me occupied. I love you and you are such a great friend, but other than you, I don't have anyone here for me."
I start to interject about her having plenty of people here who care about her, but Amelia cuts me off saying, "I know I've made some good friends, but I realized the other day with Aiden that I really miss magic and my coven, even Octavia believe it or not." She says the last with half a laugh.
I push my eggs around my plate and say, "Well, I'm sure Aiden would really like talking to you about magic too. He sounds like he's planning to stick around for a while. And Holly and Daniel talk shop with you, don't they?"
Amelia smiles, "It's not the same, Sookie. Holly and Daniel aren't very serious about magic. And Aiden, well, honestly I just don't think I can stand watching him fall in love with you. It still hurts too much."
Fall in love with me? That's absurd! I'm just about to start arguing when I notice tears running down Amelia's cheeks. I run around the table and wrap her up in a hug.
"I'm sorry, Sookie. I just really miss Trey," Amelia sniffs. "And I feel terrible that I want to leave to try to forget him, but I don't know what else to do. Everything here reminds me of him and I just don't think I'll ever get over it if I don't leave.
"Shhh, Amelia its ok. You need to take care of yourself, I understand." I continue to hug her and reassure her, and soon she stops crying.
Blowing her nose noisily in her napkin Amelia says, "Thank you for understanding, Sookie."
"Of course. And you know if you ever want to come back, to stay or just to visit, you are always welcome," I tell her sincerely.
Amelia grins through her watery eyes and says, "And same goes for you. If you need a taste of the city life, you just call me."
We hug a little more and even though I really don't want my friend to leave, I have to admit if it's what she thinks is best for her then she should do it. I won't argue with her or make her feel bad about going, it just wouldn't be fair.
"Hey, you said you were leaving on Monday?" I ask and Amelia nods. "Well, why don't we have a nice girls day on Sunday then before you go? We can go shopping, get our nails done, have a nice dinner out somewhere, and maybe even go out dancing or something. What do you say?"
Amelia grins from ear to ear, "That sounds fantastic! I would love it."
We decide we will go to Shreveport since there is better shopping, and that I will book the spa outing and Amelia will plan dinner and dancing. Knowing that we will have at least one more fun girls day together before Amelia leaves makes me feel a little bit better about the whole thing.
"So what's your plan today?" Amelia asks.
I glance at the clock, "Actually I have to get going in a few minutes. I'm helping Aiden get situated in his new place today and then I work tonight."
Amelia asks about my magic progress and I fill her in on what I've been learning. I show her a bit of my levitating skills and she seems pretty impressed. Pretty soon though I have to hit the road so I won't be late to meet Aiden.
When I pull up out front, I have to smile at my memory of staying here. Although it surely wasn't under pleasant circumstances that I ended up in the little house, I sort of enjoyed my brief time living here with neighbors and modern amenities. I wonder if anyone has taken Halleigh's place on the other side of the duplex or if it's just empty now? The blinds are drawn so it's hard to tell. As I'm making my way up the front walk, Aiden opens the door. I take in the sight of him in the doorway wearing khaki cargo shorts, leather flip-flops, and a fitted brown t-shirt with his tousled hair, he really looks like a California beach bum today.
"Hello, muirnín," Aiden calls as he brushes a kiss on my cheek.
"Hi Aiden," I say and he guides me into the house. It's exactly as I remember it: compact living room in the front with just enough space for the couch, armchair, and coffee table, and the little galley kitchen in the back. I notice Aiden has a few boxes scattered around, but nothing to really make the house look like his own aside from the pile of books on the coffee table. "Do you have more stuff to unpack?" I question.
Aiden glances around the room then shrugs gesturing to the few boxes, "Nope, this is all that's left, just the boxes that Aunt Fina sent me the other day. I didn't really bring anything else with me besides some clothes and stuff."
"Well let me help you. Then we can make a list and go shopping for anything else you might need," I suggest.
"I did pick up a few things for lunch today and I got a book shelf for in here. But I need to put that together still. Do you want to help me?" he asks gesturing to the bookshelf.
I look over the package. It says "easy to assemble" on the box, so I figure I can handle it. "Sure, lets do it."
We get started assembling the shelf and find that it really is quite easy. As we work, I ask Aiden about Monterey. "So what's your house in California like?"
"I live downtown, which I really like since I can walk just about anywhere I need to go. My house is a small townhouse with two bedrooms upstairs and a kitchen and living room downstairs. A little bigger then this place, but not by much, I don't need any more room then that though. If I want some space I go visit my Aunt and Uncle out at their ranch," Aiden explains.
"Is their ranch very close to where you live?" I ask.
"Not far, maybe 10 miles away. It's beautiful there; really all of Monterey is gorgeous. I bet you'd really like it." Aiden smiles at me then adds, "Maybe after the summit is over I could take you there to visit. I know my Aunt would love you. Have you ever been horseback riding?"
I shake my head and Aiden goes on describing the picturesque trails he rides through the California countryside, and the paths along the seaside cliffs overlooking ocean views. It sounds absolutely lovely, and I find myself really hoping that I'll be able to see it sometime.
"Promise me you'll at least think about visiting?" Aiden asks.
I smile and nod, "I promise. It sounds so wonderful, I really do hope I get out there sometime."
Aiden beams and wraps me up in his strong arms, "Anytime you want, I'll make it happen. You deserve a relaxing trip that's not all wrapped up with supe politics and that doesn't put you in danger," I scowl a bit at that and he laughs and lets go of me, "And I really hope you decide to go before the humidity here gets too awful. I'm told it's really hideous in the summer months."
I have to agree with that, and it gets us talking about the weather in Monterey, which, by the way, sounds amazing. 50-70 degrees all year round? I can't even imagine how great that would be. The shelf is assembled quickly and we move it into place against the wall. Aiden starts unpacking one of the boxes while I gather the books from the coffee table. I line some of the books up on one of the shelves and he holds them in place with a large rounded rock with sparkling purple crystals in its center.
Noticing me admiring the crystals, Aiden says, "It's a geode. I found it hiking in the desert in Arizona." Aiden places a chunky white rock on another shelf next to my second stack of books. It has smooth red and orange glassy stone protruding from it. He explains, "Fire Agate from an abandoned mine in Mexico." Pulling out another sparkly rock from the box, he hands it to me saying, "And this is my favorite. It's a black calcite geode; they're incredibly rare. I found this one while canoing the Des Moines River in Iowa."
I inspect the sparkling rock, and it really is pretty. The crystals are a dark grayish black, but when the facets catch the light they flash an almost emerald green color. Looking at the crystals, I think about what Aiden's life must be like. Horseback riding in Monterey, hiking deserts in Arizona, exploring abandoned mines in Mexico, canoing in Iowa, plus who knows what else. His life is so much different from mine despite all of our similarities. We both lost our parents because of fairies, and we both had these "gifts" to figure out. But while my life has been a struggle to cope and has ended up filled with death and danger at every turn, his has been a life of nurturing of his abilities and has been filled with exploration and adventure. I smile ruefully thinking how very different our lives have been, and can't help imagining what my life might become if I were to just take off with Aiden and start over.
I shake myself back to the present and hand Aiden his rock saying, "You have an interesting life. I can't imagine all the places you've been and things you've done. I've barely even left Bon Temps until these last few years."
Aiden smiles sheepishly and says, "It really hasn't been very glamorous. I've traveled a lot, but usually with only the pack on my back spending my nights camping under the stars. I love it though. I never get sick of the fresh air and sunshine and seeing all those different places. Aunt Fina swears I make up half the rock and mineral samples I'm after just for an excuse to go on a trip."
"I think it sounds wonderful," I reassure him. "I've just never done anything like it."
"Well, I can fix that if you want," he squeezes my hand and says with a wink, "But before we take off on our exploits, how about some lunch?"
I laugh and follow him into the kitchen as he says, "I didn't do a real grocery shopping trip yet so I can't make you anything impressive, but I picked up stuff for sandwiches and some chips and sodas."
"Sounds great," I tell him and he starts pulling things out of the fridge to set on the counter. I try to be helpful by grabbing plates and glasses, but the cabinets are of course empty. Aiden points out a grocery bag with paper plates and cups and plastic ware so I busy myself opening that. We assemble our lunches and take seats in the plastic chairs situated around the little table.
He in about training, "So you leave on Thursday for the summit, right?" I nod and he goes on, "Did you have other stuff to do this week to get ready or can we pick a few days to practice?"
I think over the things I need to do this week before answering, "Well, tomorrow I work and have to go to Fangtasia to interview the daytime guards that will be coming with us to Vegas. Then Sunday I promised Amelia a girl's day. She is moving back to New Orleans, by the way, she's leaving on Monday."
Aiden gives me a sympathetic look but I cut him off before he can say anything, "I decided you were right. If this is what she needs to heal, then she should do it. I'm not saying I won't miss her, but it's probably for the best. Besides, I always knew she'd go back eventually. So its ok, I'm fine."
He nods to me with a smile and moves on asking, "So Saturday and Sunday are out, what about during the week?"
"I work Monday and Wednesday, but could do Tuesday and Thursday?" I suggest.
"Perfect. I can drive you to the airport afterwards on Thursday if you need a ride," Aiden offers. I realize I don't know the specifics about when we're actually leaving and whether or not I do need a ride there. I'll have to ask Eric about the details when I see him tomorrow.
"I don't know the specifics yet," I say, "but I may take you up on your offer." We finish our lunch and I clean up after the two of us.
Aiden smiles in thanks and suggests, "Why don't we start practicing? I want to see what sort of progress you've made."
"Sure," I agree and retrieve my purse to put my pendant on. Aiden doesn't say anything about it but just grabs a few books off the new shelf.
"I want to see how your levitating is coming," Aiden tells me and I proceed to show him. After gliding the heavier book around the room and into my outstretched hand, Aiden decides to up the ante. We move outside and practice with a soccer ball. Instead of lifting it while it's stationary, Aiden tosses it in the air and I try to change its path. It takes a little while for me to get the hang of focusing on a moving object, but I get it down after a while. I find it's easier to call it to me than to deflect it away from me, but Aiden seems to think deflecting is important so we focus on that for a while.
"I just think it would come in handy defensively. If anyone tries to throw something at you, deflecting it away would be a whole lot more useful than making it fly at you," Aiden explains and I have to say I agree with that. "But slowing an object down enough so that you could catch it and then use it in your own defense, that could be quite useful too," Aiden adds and then we start practicing that too.
At one point, Aiden throws the soccer ball especially hard. I can't slow it down or deflect it in time and it smacks me right in the nose. I feel a bit like Marcia Brady as I drop to the ground clutching my nose.
"Oh God, Sookie, I'm so sorry!" Aiden calls as he runs over to me. He pulls my hands down to look it over and says worriedly, "I don't think it's broken, but it will probably swell up pretty good if we don't take care of it. Here," he leans in and mumbles a few words in a language I don't understand while placing a lingering kiss on my nose. "That should help."
I almost laugh at him, kiss it to make it all better, seriously? But surprisingly, it does feel a little better already. Aiden laughs at the shocked expression on my face and pulls me to my feet. "Come on, we should put ice on it too. That little spell will help, but it probably won't be enough to completely prevent swelling."
Aiden ushers me into the kitchen and sits me at the table while he gets some ice. Once I have the bundle of ice cubes situated against my nose, I ask, "Aiden, what was that you did to me? It actually did make my nose feel a lot better."
He grins that crinkle-eyed smile and explains, "When a witch is raising a foolhardy young boy, she learns a few tricks to get by. Aunt Fina used to have to use that spell on me at least twice a week when I was little." Laughing he adds, "I'm not even sure if the kiss is actually necessary or if it's just something she added because it's what other mothers did, but it always worked, so I figured I shouldn't mess with the process."
"Well it really does seem to work, I feel much better already." I pull the ice away from my face and ask, "How's it look?"
Aiden inspects my nose carefully, gently pressing on it a bit to feel if it's broken. "I think it'll be fine. I just hope it doesn't bruise or anything, especially since you're going to see Eric tomorrow. Surely this would constitute harming you, and I'm pretty fond of my limbs." He replaces the ice pack on my nose with a worried look on his face.
I reassure him saying, "This isn't any worse than what Eric did last night, so I wouldn't worry about it." Aiden's eyes go wide in concern so I quickly explain, "He got me in the arm with a wooden sword, pretty hard though, and it was starting to form a decent welt." I gesture to the place where I was hit, but all that's left now is a very faint bruise. "Eric healed it mostly though, so it's not bad. And I got him back much worse," I finish with a cringe at the memory of his gaping cut.
Aiden raises a questioning eyebrow and says, "Oh did you? And how did you get him back, muirnín?"
"Well, he had a wooden sword, but I was using Nauda's sword. I was very focused and could really feel the magic coursing through me. But he was so fast and I was struggling to keep up, and just as I was about to get hit again, Nauda's sword blocked Eric's. I swear it was like it moved on its own, Eric said he's never seen a human move so quickly." I hesitate before admitting the rest, "So while he was apparently in a state of shock over my quick movement, I took the opportunity to strike. I cut his arm pretty bad. I really felt awful afterwards, I don't know what I was thinking."
"I wonder what the difference was," Aiden questions, seemingly to himself.
"The difference between what?" I ask and he turns his attention back to me.
He explains, "Well, you said Eric did hit you the one time, and then later when he almost got you, the sword acted on its own to block his shot. I wonder why it was different. Were you doing anything differently?"
I think back to the night before and try to identify how things were different that second time. "Well, I really didn't want to get hit again. I knew Eric would stop training me if I did, so before we started I took a moment to close my eyes and let the magic wash over me and really center my mind."
"That's it!" Aiden exclaims, "You channeled Nauda's magic before you started. And you didn't do that the first time?"
"No, I just sort of started the first time," I confirm.
"Then that's what you need to concentrate on. Learn how to really channel the magic in that sword. I think the fencing lessons are important too, but you need to practice and really make sure you can tell the difference between when you've called the magic and when you haven't," Aiden says seriously.
I nod solemnly, understanding that the magic is the only thing that's going to make me out-fence someone with any experience. "I will. I'll make sure I know the difference." I hesitate and clasp my hand around the pendant before asking, "Aiden, do you think it was the sword's magic, my magic, or the pendant's magic that protected me?"
Aiden shakes his head and says, "Sookie, I've told you, the pendant has no magic of it's own. When you're wearing it, it gives you better access to and control over your own magic, but that's it. As for the sword though, that I think is a little of you and a little of Nauda. You can channel his magic because you have his blood. That's why you say you can feel it coursing through you; his magic is literally in your veins, you just have to call on it."
I nod again, but I don't think I really understand the difference. I guess the important thing is to make sure I know how to call on the magic. As for who's magic it is that doesn't matter as much.
Aiden interrupts my thoughts asking, "How's the nose? Ready to continue?"
I test out my nose by pushing on it a bit. It's a little tender but nothing unbearable, so I say, "Sure. What do you want to do now?"
"I want to work on your air bursts. Let's go back outside," Aiden takes my hand and leads me out back.
I notice he doesn't get anything for me to practice on, so I ask, "What am I aiming at for this?"
Aiden grins and kisses my hand saying, "I believe you owe me one for the soccer ball, so I'll be your target."
"What?! No, that's ridiculous!" I exclaim and dig in my heels to stop his progress.
He turns and grabs both my hands in his saying, "I'll be fine, don't worry. I couldn't think of a different target, and really this skill would be the most useful for stopping a person who's pursuing you, so what's better than to practice on the real thing?"
I'm feeling uneasy about the whole idea, but I can see his logic, so I ask, "What exactly would you have me do?"
Aiden smiles, I'm sure sensing that I'm giving in, and explains, "We'll start with me just walking at you, and you try to push me away or at least stop me from moving. Once you have that down, I'll try running and being more evasive."
I grudgingly agree and he smiles in triumph. He starts off slow, like he said, and just walks toward me. It takes me a few tries to summon enough energy to make him stop. After a few more tries, I'm able to push him back a few steps. Then I start getting a little cocky and give him a good shove knocking him on his butt.
Laughing from his place on the grass, Aiden says, "I think you've got the hang of it." He gets to his feet, brushes himself off, and with a gleam in his eye suggests, "Let's make a game of it. I'll do whatever I can to come at you, and if I reach you I get a point. Anytime I end up on the ground, you get a point. We'll play to, say, 7?"
It's not often that I play games, but when I do, I'm pretty competitive. So I agree saying, "You're on. And if I win, you have to make me dinner."
He grins wickedly and says, "Deal. But if I win, you have to let me take you on a proper date."
I roll my eyes at his conditions. A little voice in the back of my mind says this is a win-win situation for me, but my competitive nature kicks in and I still really want to beat him. I close my eyes and try to focus, taking a few deep breaths. When I open them, Aiden is standing about 15 yards away.
"Ready?" he asks, and I nod to confirm. "Ok, on your mark, get set, go!" he shouts and starts darting toward me.
Aiden's really fast, and before I can do much of anything, he's on me. He wraps me up in his arms and spins me around in a circle exclaiming, "Gotcha!" He sets me down and says, "One-Nothing," with a grin before kissing my forehead and taking off across the yard again. His enthusiasm is infectious and I laugh out loud while he sprints back to his spot.
He crouches into an attack position and I try to really concentrate. When he calls ready this time, I nod and keep my focus. He makes it within only a few paces of me before I knock him over. I take the few steps to him, and reach down to help him up. Once on his feet I mimic his actions and stand on my tiptoes to kiss his forehead saying, "One-One," before laughing and turning back to my spot.
He takes his place and we begin again. He only makes it a few steps before I knock him down this time. "Two-One," I call from where I'm standing and he laughs as he situates himself again. We go a few more rounds, and Aiden starts getting more evasive by backtracking and sidestepping my attacks, but he still doesn't reach me again.
I'm winning five-one and starting to feel pretty cocky. We set ourselves into position and after I nod that I'm ready, Aiden straightens up suddenly and looks past me toward the duplex saying, "Someone's watching." I freeze and turn to see who's there. It was a stupid idea to do this here! We should have gone to my farmhouse where there are no neighbors, at least none that are alive during the day. I'm sure we look completely ridiculous, and I really don't need the people of Bon Temps thinking I'm more of a freak than they already do. Just as I turn to suggest we go to my house, Aiden slams into me and wraps me up in his arms. Letting out a toll of laughter, he says, "Five-Two." He kisses me again on the forehead, and then takes off running back to his spot.
I narrow my eyes and say, "That's not fair, you distracted me!"
Aiden laughs and says innocently, "I said I'd do whatever I can. You have to stay on your toes."
I roll my eyes but have to laugh. We get set again, and as soon as Aiden starts moving I concentrate my energy on him. He braces himself against it though and doesn't fall. He pushes back against my efforts and starts slowly stepping toward me. Looking like he's in a wind tunnel, his hair and clothes are blowing backwards as he grits his teeth and keeps trudging forward. When he's within a few steps of me, I notice his cheeks are sort of jiggling in the wind and I can't suppress my giggles. Of course, as soon as I start laughing I lose my concentration and Aiden loses his balance. He comes flying at me with such force, that both of us are airborne for a second. Aiden quickly turns his body so he takes the brunt of the fall and I land on top of him.
We both erupt into laughter. It takes us a few minutes to get our breath back and eventually Aiden speaks asking, "So who get's that point? I did reach you, but I also ended up on the ground."
I think it over and say, "I guess we both get a point then. Six-Three?"
Aiden hops up and pulls me to my feet before agreeing, "Six-Three." He takes off to his spot again and I try to concentrate. When he comes at me this time, he looks like a kick returner competing against an invisible football team. He rolls out of my energy stream and darts left and right trying to evade me. I let him dance around a bit and hold back, and when he notices I've let up, he darts at me. As soon as he's on a straight path again, I send a burst of energy at him and knock flat on his back.
I do a little victory dance and he starts laughing at me. I skip over to him and offer a hand to help him up. Smiling merrily I say, "I'll let you chose which night you want to make my dinner." I give him a kiss on the cheek and say, "Good game."
He squeezes me into a hug and returns my kiss saying, "It was a good game, and you did really well. You're magic is really coming along. And once you find out what time you have to leave on Thursday, I'll decide which night to cook for you."
"So are we done with the training for today now?" I ask.
Aiden nods and says, "I think that's enough for today. I want to give you a book to read over though."
We walk back into the house and I put my pendant back in my purse while Aiden retrieves the book saying, "I'm not sure how to teach you how to teleport since I don't think it's something I would be able to do. But maybe if you read about it you can figure it out."
Oooh, I can learn to poof! That would be so cool! Aiden opens the book to the section on teleporting and sets it on the table. "Read over this section and see what you think. But don't try anything until I'm with you, just in case, ok?"
I'm a little disappointed that he wants me to wait to try anything, but I reluctantly agree. "Ok, I'll just read it, I won't try anything," I say with a bit of a pout.
Laughing Aiden says, "I just don't want anything to happen to you." He leans down and kisses my nose. "And your nose really feels ok?" he questions with concern.
I smile and say, "Yes, I think its fine. And if it does bruise I'll make sure Eric knows that I knocked you on you butt plenty of times to make up for it." We both laugh at that and I continue, "I have to get home to get ready for work though, so I should probably get going."
Aiden nods and wraps me up in his arms saying, "I really had fun today. And thanks for your help with the bookshelf."
I sigh and lean into his chest. "I had a lot of fun today too," I tell him. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. Aiden has such a carefree way about him; I can't help but get sucked up in it. Being around him just makes me… well, happy.
I nuzzle into his chest a bit and just enjoy the feel of his embrace. I know I'm playing with fire here and I should just politely say goodbye and leave before I do something stupid, but I can't help myself. Aiden leans down and softly kisses my forehead. He brings his hands up to cup my face and steps back to look at me. I look in his eyes as I trace my hands over the contours of his torso and up to his strong shoulders. He leans in and kisses my cheekbone and along my jaw, I close my eyes and enjoy the sensation. Aiden softly brushes his lips against mine once before tracing along the other side of my face and ending with another gentle kiss on my nose. He lets out a sort of stuttered sigh and wraps his arms around my back as I slide my hands around his neck.
I stand up on my tiptoes and softly kiss his mouth once, then his cheek, then bury my head in his neck and murmur, "I have to go, Aiden." I reluctantly pull away and turn to gather my purse and book from the table. Once situated, Aiden grabs my free hand and walks me to my car.
He opens my car door and kisses my knuckles saying, "Goodbye, muirnín. Call me when you know about Thursday."
"I will," I say as I take my seat. "Bye Aiden," I call with a wave and pull out of the driveway.
I drive home in a happy daze. Once home, I quickly pull my hair into a ponytail and put on my black capris and Merlotte's t-shirt. I don't have much time before my shift, so I just grab a granola bar and bottle of water and bring it with me in the car.
While I'm driving into work my thoughts linger on my day with Aiden. I had an excellent time with him, and although I did have the pendant on for part of the day, I definitely felt something for him after I had taken it off. Granted I did struggle a bit with my self control even without it on, but I didn't give in and really kiss like the last time. I mull that over and wonder if it really has anything to do with the pendant or just my will power. Either way, today was great and I find myself really looking forward to my next day with Aiden.
I park around back in the employee lot and bounce up the stairs. I smile and say hello to Sam while I stash my purse and grab my apron. I head out to the bar and find Maddie who I'm taking over for.
"Well you're just all smiles tonight, aren't you," she says as I walk up to her.
I laugh and just shrug, "I'm having a good day."
"It wouldn't have anything to do with that McDreamy that's been hanging around here, would it?" she asks with an eyebrow wiggle.
I roll my eyes and give her an elbow poke, but avoid answering her question, and say "Why don't you just tell me about the tables?"
Maddie sulks a bit but fills me in on the tables before heading out. The night passes without incident, and I continue bopping around happily, until Jason comes in.
As soon as he walks in the door I know he's mad about something. I dip into his head to see what it is this time, and let out a sigh. He's somehow heard through the grapevine about my inheritance.
Jason makes a b-line for me and sits at the barstool in front of where I'm refilling a pitcher for a group of guys from Monroe. "Hi Jason," I say neutrally.
"Well hey there, sis, I'm glad I caught you when you're working. I heard you cut back your shifts so I wasn't sure you'd be in tonight," Jason says, trying to bait me into explaining.
"That's right, my new schedule doesn't start till next week though," I tell him, determined not to play his game.
"So did you get a new job? Come into some money? How come you don't have to work?" He asks.
I let out a frustrated sigh and say, "You already know the answer to that, Jason, so cut the crap. What do you want?"
Jason slams his fist down on the bar and says, "I wanna know what the hell makes you so much better than me, huh? First Uncle Bartlett leaves you everything and now this great grandfather who didn't even want to meet me?"
I shake my head and say, "I'm not any better than you Jason. And if you remember, I gave you all of what Uncle Bartlett left, I didn't keep any of it."
"And what about this time?" he questions.
That just gets my back up. As usual, Jason expects a handout. I honestly would have given him some of the money if he'd shown up and actually acted like a brother some time over these past few months, instead of only showing up when he's mad so he can yell at me about it. But now I'm just pissed off at him and don't even want to talk to him.
I finish filling the pitcher and storm off without answering him. He calls after me, "So that's it? You're a real shitty excuse for a sister, you know that Sookie?"
I spin back around and yell, "Jason Stackhouse, you don't even want to get me started on your record as a brother. Now get the hell out of here and let me work." I blink back my tears and drop the pitcher off at the table. Of course, at this point everyone in the bar is watching our exchange, but I try to keep my composure.
I knew he wouldn't leave that easily, and sure enough Jason's standing right in front of me when I turn around. He leans down and says, "I may not be the best brother, but at least none of our family ever got killed on my account."
That was too much; I can't keep the tears from falling. I turn to escape from the situation and run right into Sam. He wraps me up in his arms tucking me against his chest protectively then practically growls at Jason, "I think you've said enough, Jason. You need to leave. Now."
Jason starts to say something, but I can feel the rumble in Sam's chest as he cuts him off yelling, "Out!" Sam's not usually one to raise his voice, but right now he's practically shaking with anger. Jason must take the hint and leave because Sam pulls me toward his office and closes the door.
I flop into the chair and start sobbing. I can't believe he brought up Gran's death like that! Of course I always blamed myself, but to hear him say it, again, makes it a hundred times worse. And he probably doesn't even realize I'm the cause of more death's then just Gran's, as if one weren't bad enough. Uncle Bartlett and Claudine are both my fault too. Sam just rubs my back and lets me cry it out handing me tissues. When it seems I don't have any more tears, he puts a finger under my chin and tilts my face up to meet his gaze.
"I don't ever want to see you let something your idiot brother says upset you like this again. You understand me? He's a moron and he doesn't know what he's talking about. You've done everything you can for him and you don't owe him a thing." Sam looks at me sternly and I nod my head with a sniff.
"Why don't you take a break? If you want to head out then you can, but if you want to stay you'll go out there with your chin up. Ok, chere?" Sam asks and seems to be assessing my level of composure. I nod again and head outside to get some air.
After a few minutes outside and few more fixing my makeup in the bathroom, I'm good enough to continue working. The rest of the night goes by slowly, and I take special care to keep everyone's thoughts blocked out. I really don't need to hear what everyone thinks of Jason and my exchange.
Finally, the night ends and I make my way home. As I'm getting myself ready for bed, I think about how quickly my wonderful day turned sour. I had such a great time with Aiden and was practically giddy when I got to work, then in a matter of seconds Jason ruined my whole day. Determined not to let my happiness get overshadowed by Jason, I start recapping all the things that made me laugh when I was with Aiden today as I climb into bed. I let out a sigh, thinking how much simpler my life would be if I just left this all behind and moved to Monterey. I fall asleep and dream of seaside cliffs, horseback riding, and beautiful Pacific sunsets.
