Sorry for the delay, I had some problems.
Last night I watched "What Maisie Knew" and I loved it.
:D
Hope you enjoy the chapter.
Reviews are great, but I'm sure you already know that.
Chapter Thirty Five
Eric POV
"Eric! Eric, wake up, please!" I could hear her sweet and desperate voice but I was unable to move or open my eyes. "Eric, you're scaring me, so please wake up, damn it!" And she slapped me and brought me back to the living world. "Thank God." She was terrified but I was too. I had just proposed marriage to her and her answer left me speechless.
"Sookie…"
"Eric, I'm sorry; maybe I was too sharp, but…" Sharp? Not exactly, but I could hardly think.
"You know, it wasn't exactly the answer I was expecting, that's for sure." Laughter, tears and maybe 'you're insane, Eric' but certainly not 'I'm pregnant, Eric.' When I had finally gathered the courage to ask the big question she left me surprised and disoriented.
"Yeah, I know it hasn't been the best way to say it but…I dunno, when you asked me to marry you I knew I had to tell you the truth 'cause there wouldn't have been fair to hide it, you know. I'm sorry, I know this was not in our plans and I promise that if you…" and she was sobbing. "…if you want to break up with me and not know anything about the baby…I'll understand." What the hell was she talking about? I didn't want to break up with her, much less ignore my child; maybe I wasn't the more respectable man in the world but I knew to take care of my own responsibilities.
"Sookie, wait a minute." And she looked at me with tears in her eyes. "If you really think I'm going to break up with you…I assure you that you're really mistaken. You're right, this was not part of our plans but…it's done and that's all. We'll be parents and…"
"And…"
"And…I believe I need to sit down again." We both sat on the edge of the bed and I tried to breathe normally but I wasn't getting it.
"Eric, do you really want to go ahead with this? I don't know, we're talking about having a baby and…I dunno, Eric, I'm not sure I'm ready to be a mother. It's insane, I hadn't even thought about it before and now…now…" and she had started to sob again. I put my arm around her shoulders and consoled her as best as I could. "Eric…I don't want to ruin your life."
"Ruin my life? Sookie, you could never do that." And I put my hand under her chin and she looked at me. "Hey, I just propose you marriage and you've told me you are pregnant; I know it's not been a normal night but… Hey, I assure you that I love you and we'll have a beautiful baby together and we'll try to be good parents though now it may seem impossible." And we both laughed. "I love you, Sookie, and now that I know I'm going to be a father…well, I'll have to be responsible because I don't want my child can think that I'm incompetent." And Sookie chuckled. At least she seemed more relaxed and I tried to accept the fact that our lives were about to change forever. "But…you still haven't answered my question."
"Eric, I…"
"Listen to me first, please." And Sookie nodded. "I proposed to you before I knew I was going to be a father so I assure you that I'm not doing this because you're pregnant and is the right thing. All I said was true and I don't pretend we get married tomorrow or in a month, of course not; we'll wait the necessary time but I want you to wear this ring on your finger and you answer me, 'Yes, Eric, I'll marry you.' It's all I need to hear." Sookie was still silent and I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad sign.
"Eric…I don't think you've proposed to me because is the right thing, really, but, don't you think it's a bit early? I mean, even if it hadn't happened…you know, this," and I nodded knowing perfectly what she meant. "We're talking about marriage and that's pretty serious, at least for me. I've always wanted to marry and raise a family but I didn't think so soon, but it doesn't matter now, I guess. You're right, we're going to be parents and we may be a disaster but we'll do our best." Sookie still did not give me an answer and I became more and more nervous. "But if it's important for you, it's important for me, too." I looked surprised at her because I didn't expect a quickly change of mind.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I think it's pretty obvious." And she directed her gaze to the ring that was still in the velvet box on the dresser drawer. "Eric, for me the family is the most important and I know my Gran would have preferred to see me married before having a child and I want to do it. But…" Uh-oh, a "but" was never a good sign.
"But?"
"But I want you to know if you have the slightest doubt about getting married…I will need to know because the last thing I would want is to see you doing something you really don't want to do." I've never thought about marriage before but I hadn't met a woman as Sookie Stackhouse. "I don't want to ruin your life just because you've thought should do the right thing. If you want us to raise our baby without being married…well, I can accept it." Sookie should be terrified, but instead she seemed relaxed, talking about the baby; something as normal as breathing, but I was still in shock.
"I want to marry you, Sookie; I want to because I love you, I'm in love with you and you are the mother of my future child." And I kissed her gently on the lips. "I don't want to do things just because others might think but you're right, family is important and though I haven't been able to realize before…I've always known. Also, my mother would go crazy if her future grandchild came into this world without its parents were married." And I chuckled knowing that was true.
"Does that mean I will meet them soon? Because it's not just the two of us; there's something much more important now and they deserve to know."
"I know; but don't be surprised if you end up meeting their partners at the same time."
"I will survive."
Sookie POV
When I saw the engagement ring in the closet I almost fainted because I thought Eric knew I was pregnant; no, it was impossible. Amelia and I only knew it and during the party I was with Eric all the time so she couldn't tell him anything.
"Sookie Stackhouse, will you marry me?" and I felt his hands around my waist. Marry him?
"Eric…"
"Yes?" and I could feel his breath on my skin.
"I'm pregnant."
All right, maybe it was not the best way to say it but it was a reflex and I couldn't keep the words out from my mouth. I was afraid to turn around and see his face but then I heard a loud noise and saw Eric on the floor with his eyes closed and not moving.
I was so scared when I saw him and when I got to wake him up, they were the long and most frightening minutes of my life. When he finally opened his eyes, I could see he was fine and after a long talk sitting on the edge of the bed with his arm around my shoulders, I got calm, well, more or less.
"Sookie, I know it's not been the best way to ask you to marry me because I didn't even kneeling but…" and he got out of bed, went to the closet and took the ring. He knelt in front of me; I was still wearing a towel, and looked at me straight in the eye with his crooked smile, my favourite of course. "Sookie Stackhouse, you are the most wonderful woman I've met in my whole life and until I met you I was not happy and I didn't even know it. You've done every day makes sense and I'm looking to the future with hope now. That's the reason I'm kneeling in front of you and expressing everything I feel. Sookie Stackhouse, will you marry me?"
Tears streamed down my cheeks and I hadn't even realized I was crying. "Eric, of course I'll marry you." And I threw myself into his arms while my towel fell to the ground. "Yes, Eric! Yes, yes, yes…" I couldn't remember how many times I said yes but it didn't bother to me because I felt happy and lucky in love. When Eric put the ring on my finger I could see it was lovely and I didn't want to take it off ever. Suddenly all my fears were gone. "Eric, you know when people knows that I'm pregnant they'll think we are going to get married for that reason." Not that I cared too much but I didn't want to listen gossip behind my back.
"I don't care what others think," Eric replied bluntly. Obviously he didn't worry at all. "If you want us to marry before the baby is born, we will. Sookie, I'll do whatever you want to do. If you want our child present at our wedding day, we will. Listen," and I was doing it. I was listening intently to every word that came out from his mouth and I couldn't believe how lucky I was to be with a man like Eric Northman. "You'll make the decision and I'll be the happiest man in the world with whatever you decide."
"Eric."
"What, Sookie?"
"I love my engagement ring, by the way."
The next thing I could remember was that I was lying on my back in Eric's bed and his lips were travelling all over my body doing that all my concerns went out through the window.
"Eric…you know, they say sex is different when you're engaged," Eric chuckled and I could feel his breath on my skin. I couldn't think of anything else, only his hands caressing my hips as he kissed me passionately. "I think you're right, lover, sex between us has always been great but now…" and he winked at me and smiled wickedly. Oh God, I knew something was about to happen. "You'll know now what is really good." Those words could mean anything but in Eric's mouth I knew I should be ready. And before I could continue thinking about what could be, Eric was going slowly down and spread my legs enough to put himself between them.
"Are you ready, my lover?" Was I ready? I wanted to enjoy sex with Eric but I could never be ready enough. His tongue began to move at a wonderful pace while I was trying desperately not to jump out of bed when I felt his touch against my pussy. I was in Valhalla. Wait; where did that come from? "Eric…oh God, keep doing that. Don't stop." And a second later I felt his finger inside of me. "Eric…I love you…" My head didn't stop spinning and when I closed my eyes I thought I saw stars through my eyelids. He added a second finger and he curved them inside of me until I could feel them pressing my G-spot.
"Oh…Eric!" He was too good at what he was doing and that made me feel beneath him, sexually speaking. I wasn't inexperienced but Eric was like a Sex Wikipedia.
He was giving me so much pleasure and I would feel guilty if I wasn't capable of doing the same for him but Eric never seemed to care. I knew he was always honest with me and if sex was not what he expected…well, I guessed if that was a problem at least we could talk about it. "Sookie, where are you?"
"What?" I asked confused. I didn't know if he was speaking coherently or just did a random question. "What do you mean?" and then I saw his face was inches from mine. When did that happen?
"You're here, your body is in this bed but it seems your head is far, far away. What's wrong?"
"No," I responded quickly and with a voice much louder than normal. "Eric…"
"What, lover?"
And I wasn't sure what force came over me at the time but I managed to escape from under Eric and I forced him to lay on his back. "Lover, I love when you take control." Yes, I liked it, too. I wasn't sure if I was thinking before moving but I simply straddled him and lowered myself slowly down him. I hadn't practiced very much the position with any of my other boyfriends but with Eric was absolutely awesome; I could do anything and I knew he wouldn't oppose and that made me more willing. I was moaning with every move and I was turning on feeling Eric's hands gently around my hips and moving them up and down.
It was an amazing feeling and I liked it because I was the one who had the rhythm but Eric's hands were on my hips holding me tightly as my hands rested on his perfect abdomen. "Lover…you're an amazing woman," he whispered breathlessly. "Faster, Sookie."
My body was moving without any control and I was afraid the bed might break or the neighbours called the police. "Eric…oh God… This is so fucking awesome!"
I could feel my orgasm overtaking me and when Eric gently stroked my clit with his thumb it was much more intense and I came at the same time as him. "Cum for me, lover." And I did, of course I did.
Seconds later Eric was hugging me with his free hand and everything was a mess of limbs and it looked a hurricane had come into the bedroom; the pillows and blankets were scattered on the floor, like the towel I had been wearing when I left the bathroom and Eric's clothes.
"Oh my Lord…it's…it's been amazing, I mean, totally amazing," and Eric nodded slowly while was stroking my neck. "You know, it's always amazing but this time…I dunno, it's been much, much better."
"I know, as if we had never tried sex before or something like that."
"Exactly. I feel…I don't know if this makes any sense but…" and I took a deep breath to continue speaking. I was exhausted but it didn't stop me. "As if the pleasure had multiplied by ten, do you understand? It's weird…but that's how I feel right now."
"Me too but…I'm exhausted. I think this baby…" and he stroked my belly even though there was no evidence of pregnancy yet. "…has enjoyed as much as us." And we laughed together. "But you know, little child, what your mother and I have done is something you don't understand yet and I hope…if you're a girl, don't understand it until you're thirty."
"Eric…" but I couldn't stop laughing. If he was going to start talking to my belly he would have to avoid swearing. "What are you doing? The baby will be just a few inches so I don't think it is going to understand you."
"Your mom is right; you have no idea what I'm talking about." Mom? Hearing from Eric's lips surprised me.
"Mom. Wow…that word scares me a lot. I'll be a mom and you'll be a dad and…" and I could hardly breathe. "I don't know…Eric…what if I'm not ready to be a mom? What if I become a terrible mother and my child hates me for the rest of my life? I…I could not…"
"Sookie, calm down. I know it's scary and we are shocked and excited at the same time but…I think we should go to the doctor first and make sure everything is okay, all right?" and I nodded as I hugged him tighter.
"Are you going to come with me to the doctor?"
"Sure." I was surprised because most men would be terrified but Eric seemed the picture of tranquillity. "You know, I want to see the first image of our future child."
"Well, I don't think we're going to be able to see much, at least not something we can differentiate as our baby but…you're right, it'll be exciting." A single tear ran down my cheek and I wiped it quickly. I didn't want Eric saw me crying or scared. "I'm so tired…" and I fell asleep in a matter of seconds.
When I awoke the next morning I could barely remember it was a festival day. There had been so many emotions between Eric and I last night that I was exhausted and I couldn't think of anything else. "Sookie, are you awake?" I turned around and saw Eric was staring at me. I didn't know what time it was or how long he was awake but he was smiling and his hand was on my belly. There wasn't even evidence that I was pregnant and Eric was getting to the idea of being a father so I didn't want to disappoint him. "Yeah, I'm awake. What time is it?"
"Almost ten." Ten? I didn't sleep until so late but last night had been exhausting and not just because the stupid Russell Edgington's party. "You were so cute sleeping that I haven't wanted to wake you up. How do you feel?" I was great and when I looked at my hand I could see my beautiful ring and we both smiled.
"I love my ring." And Eric grinned. "My feet still hurt but I'm fine…" But Eric looked at me and I knew what he meant. "I think it's too early for morning sickness so…I'm fine." When I did the pregnancy test last night I was terrified at the thought of becoming a mother and now I was afraid of not being pregnant so I had to go to the doctor and get a result soon. Eric was excited about the idea of being a father and I…I was too but I had a wedding to plan and lots of people to tell them about the future baby. "You know, we could be here all day resting and…" but I saw an expression of guilt written all over his face and I had to ask him. "Eric, what is it?"
He sighed and stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. "I'm afraid that's not going to be possible." I arched my eyebrows and urging him to keep talking. "Pam called me and said she and Amelia were going to go to eat together and they wanted us to eat with them so…" It was not the best idea to spend New Year's Day but it could be worse; yes, much worse. Russell Edgington could have planned another party and I wasn't willing to go through that again. "But if you're too tired I think…well, I could call her and say we can't go. I know she will scream at me and say that I'm betraying her, you know, she tries to make me feel guilty but I know she won't be angry for so long."
But I was shaking my head as he chuckled. Of course Pam was able to do anything to get away with it. "Never mind, it's actually a good idea, at least it'll be a quiet meal and…I think it would be a good chance to celebrate our happiness with them."
"Well, we could say we're going to get married but the baby…we're still not sure you're pregnant," and his fingers were crossed as he was talking. Yes, Eric wanted to be a dad. "But…"
"I'm afraid Amelia knows," and he was surprised. "She was with me in the bathroom when I did the test so…but I believe it is a good idea. At least we can tell them about the wedding."
"So…Is Pam the only one who has no idea?" and his eyes lit up. I knew he was planning something and I was sure Pam would go crazy when she knew she was the last to know. "But how many tests have you done?"
I thought for a second and looked into his eyes before answering. "I just bought one and there are two tests in each package so…I'm pretty sure that I'm pregnant. I want to go to the doctor to be sure but…yes, I'm pregnant. This is good news, though I know Pam won't be thrilled."
"I'm not sure about that; I know she seems a cold and heartless woman but…Amelia is working on her." And he laughed loudly. "You know, you should have known her in her best moment. They called her Ice Queen." Ice Queen? Why wasn't I surprised? "But deep down she's not so bad; I know she won't give importance when we say it to her but I promise she'll be happy for us. She's going to be an aunt after all." And I couldn't help chuckling. In all possible scenarios I could imagine Pam, being aunt was not one of them.
"Do you really think that?" but Eric nodded totally convinced. "I dunno, she might think it's a mistake and we're crazy for having an unexpected child. Besides, there's the wedding and…"
"And then you will be able to torture her wearing one of those awful bridesmaid dresses everyone will remember."
"Don't be cruel; I hate those dresses. I've had to wear them sometimes and I'd never be able to make another woman wearing them at my wedding. No, Mr. Northman, no weird bridesmaid dresses. I want people to have a good time and I don't want Pam was going to kill anyone who makes a comment about her dress." And I got out of bed too fast that I got dizzy. "Whoa…" Fortunately Eric was faster than me and caught me before I hit the floor and sat me on the bed.
"You okay, Sookie? You could have hurt…and the baby." I was still unable to get used to that word. Baby. Yes, we were having a baby and though I was terrified I was also excited. "I'll call Pam and…"
But I covered his mouth with my hand before he could continue talking. "No, you're not going to do. I'm fine and…I'm starving so…let's get out of bed, have a shower and leave home to go to eat with them. When we get there and sure Pam is still drunk, we'll say it to them that we're getting married and we are going to have a child together." My plan seemed perfect and I really wished Pam was still drunk because I wouldn't be able to do this while she was in perfect use of her functions. "So…move you ass, Northman!"
"You'll keep talking like this to me when we are married?"
"Yeah, and we'll have even sex. Sometimes." And I winked at him as I walked laughing into the bathroom. I looked myself in the mirror and discovered that my hair was an absolute disaster. There was no way to fix it without washing it so I decided to wash it again and leave it wet until dry itself. When I left the bathroom I saw Eric was still in bed and I stared at him from the doorway.
"Hey, if you want us to going to lunch you'll have to get out of bed eventually 'cause I won't be able to carry you so…" but he just smiled at me with his hand behind his head. "Also, I'm pregnant…" and I pouted.
"Lover, you know that excuse won't last forever…" I nodded but at least I got him out of bed. "Though I'm sure the pots will be forever." I smiled and slapped him in the ass to hurry him. "Relax, my lover, I promise you a second round when we returned." I started to laugh non-stop and when I heard the water running went into the kitchen to make coffee. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea for me to drink coffee so I ended up changing the coffee for tea despite how much I needed caffeine. It wasn't really so bad but I knew I was going to miss it. A lot.
As I drank my tea I couldn't stop looking around me thinking how it would have a baby running around the house while Eric was working just sitting on the couch with me as we watched our child playing, laughing or watching TV. It was something I hadn't thought before but now…I was sure I wouldn't stop thinking about it.
"Lover, are you still here?" I shook my head and took another sip of my tea. "Tea? Life without coffee for nine months was going to be hard, right?"
"You have no idea. So I've thought it would be a good idea to start now and maybe get used to it. It's even possible I stop drinking it forever." Eric laughed louder than normal while took a large sip of his coffee cup. Damn it, this would be more complicated than I thought. "I love you but I know my life will turn into hell until you can go back for coffee."
"Oh come on…you're an exaggerated. I'm a grown woman; I can make an effort and live without coffee. This is not the end of the world." But I was beginning to think it really was. Of course I wasn't going to let Eric was right but the next few months will become a real deal. "I can do it."
"Okay."
"You don't believe me, do you?" Eric shook his head and I glared at him. "You have no idea what I'm capable of. Look, I'm not drinking coffee now so…it's a start. I know I can live without coffee and I will because I have to take care for your unborn child."
"Now is my child? I can see your syndrome just begun." I wanted to slap him but he ran away before I could. "I'm getting dressed and then we'll go." He yelled from the bedroom.
Eric left some coffee in his cup and I wanted desperately drink it but, with huge effort, I put the cup under the water and washed until there was no trace. I didn't even want to smell the delicious aroma and… "Be brave, Stackhouse! You can do this."
"Were you talking to someone?"
"No, you must be hearing voices." And I went into the bedroom to grab my purse. "We can go," I said smiling slightly at him. "Come on, daddy, mom is starving."
When we reached the restaurant we were taken to the table and there they were, Amelia smiling but Pam willing to kill anyone though she smiled when she saw us coming. "Welcome, lovebirds." And we smiled at each other. "You are glowing." And Amelia winked. Aside from Eric, Amelia was the only person who knew I was pregnant.
"Pam, what about last night? It seems you two had a great time…" Great, Eric's comedy festival had begun. "But I think you should start to take care of yourself, you're not so young…"
"Fuck you, Northman." We all laughed, even Pam. But then her eyes fell on my left hand. "Sookie, what the hell is this huge thing on your finger?" Suddenly Pam and Amelia couldn't take their eyes off my engagement ring and I grabbed Eric's hand with more force than I thought I had. "Eric, would you mind to explain, please?" I've never heard Pam said 'please' and that was scary.
"Um…Sookie and I are engaged; when we got home last night I asked her and she accepted." Pam was shocked but Amelia's mouth was hanging open. She was expecting to hear another story. "I know we are together for a little time but we loved each other and…and…"
"And we're going to have a baby!" Pam gasped into her glass of water and Amelia giggled like a schoolgirl. Things hadn't gone exactly how I had planned them but I couldn't help getting excited when I told them. "I know it's all a bit sudden but…I want you to know we're not getting married because I'm pregnant." But Pam raised an eyebrow and I felt like I was being interrogated. "Well, I've always wanted to marry and raise a family so…when Eric told me that it was my decision…well, I said I wanted to marry him and…well, we're getting married!"
"Have you gone completely insane?" And I saw Amelia nudging Pam. "Sookie, I'm glad you're pregnant and all that stuff but…you don't need a marriage to raise a baby."
"We know, Pam." Answered Eric before I could open my mouth. "I actually proposed marriage to her before I knew Sookie was pregnant and then I knew it was her choice. I love her, I'm completely in love with her and I'd give my life for her and our future baby." I could barely hold back tears when I heard his words and Amelia had her hand on mine.
"Well, I think it's great. Sookie has always wanted to marry and have kids and she's going to have everything now. Congratulations!" And she rose from her chair and hugged us both. Pam was still reluctant but we received her congratulations too.
"I believe…" and suddenly everyone looked at her. "Of all women Eric has been with, you're…you're perfect for him." And I wanted to mourn but I knew Pam couldn't bear it. "You've got him to be happy and he's my best friend so…if he's happy, I'm happy." I couldn't help and I left the table and hugged her. "Okay, Sookie…this is too much. You know I hate people hugging me."
"Sorry, Pam. I dunno, you've said so very nice things and…" and I began to mourn like a fool. God, it was too early for mood swings or maybe what Pam had said was the triggered after so many strong emotions in less than twenty four hours. "Okay, I'm fine." I added as I wiped the tears and got up to go to the bathroom while Amelia did the same.
When I managed to calm, Amelia was watching me with a smile on her face. "Sook, I can't believe you're going to be a mom but I can't believe either you are going to marry Eric Northman." I chuckled remembering the beginnings of our relationship and how much we had discussed when we were just co-workers. "Show me the ring again." And I raised my left hand so that Amelia could contemplate it. "Fuck me, it's lovely."
"I know; you know, I loved it from the first time I saw it. Inside of its velvet box, glowing at me and…"
"But tell me, how did he do it?"
"It was really unusual." And she arched her eyebrows. "I left the bathroom and he wasn't in the bedroom. I found him in the living room and told me precious things. I thought he was a little drunk but when I returned to the bedroom and opened the closet…I saw it and then Eric hugged me from behind and whispered to me 'Sookie Stackhouse, will you marry me?' It was so romantic…though I'd never tell my future baby what happened next."
"So romantic…"
"Yes, but…what happened next wasn't so romantic. I told him I was pregnant and he fainted." Amelia was laughing so hard that anyone would think she was being attacked but when I remembered it I laughed too.
"He fainted?"
"Yes. I was on my back and I suddenly heard a loud noise and when I turned around I saw him lying on the floor with his eyes closed…I was very scared. I even slapped him to wake him up."
When we finally recovered, I washed my hands and returned to the table. Eric and Pam were smiling so at least it was a good sign. "Hi, guys. Good, the food is here."
Eating out with Pam and Amelia was more pleasant than I had once thought and Pam had made up in her mind that she was going to be aunt and she was really excited about it and was important to me. I was proud thinking my future baby would have a huge family.
"Well, Pam and I are too tired to keep awake so…I think it's time to go for us." Amelia was exhausted and what surprised me that she was able to be awake after the previous night. "Bye Ames, we'll talk later."
"Bye, guys."
"Eric, I'll call you to discuss some ideas that I spoke about with Russell."
"Nice." He answered sarcastically.
Eric and I ordered desserts and when I knew there was chocolate cake I couldn't resist. If I was starting to crave I was more than willing to take advantage of it.
"You know, I think Pam was thrilled when we told she was going to be aunt; she may not like kids but I know she'll love having a niece of nephew to spoil."
"I think you're right, lover. Although I'm not sure she's going to be willing to be a babysitter in the future." And I laughed when I heard him. Yes, and I wasn't sure if it was a good idea. "But at least we were honest with them and…well, I know that was important for you. They're not thinking anymore we are just getting married because you're pregnant."
"I know, Eric. But I want you to know that I don't care what others think…I only care what you might think." I had learned that from Eric, how easy was for him not to be intimidated by others' opinions and if he could, me too.
Three days later we were in the waiting room of the best gynaecologist in the city, according to Eric. He had searched online and told me Dr. Ludwig was the most prestigious. I wasn't worried about having the best doctor in Los Angeles but it was important for Eric so I just told him it was right.
"Are you nervous?" I wasn't nervous but he seemed ready to faint. Again. "Because you don't have to pretend you're not…"
"Eric…calm down. I'm not nervous, I promise, but you seem to be about to suffer a heart attack. I need you to breathe and you relax. Nothing wrong is going to happen, okay?" It should be reversed; I mean, I should be the terrified first-time mother in an unexpected situation, but no…Eric was paler than usual and it was him who was getting me nervous. "Hey, maybe it's not been a good idea you came. Well, we're not going to see anything, just come to confirm that I'm really pregnant and the doctor will just make a few blood tests, that's all."
"Sure, that's all."
The minutes passed slowly and I had looked through each and every one of the magazines on the table but Eric kept moving his leg involuntarily and I put my hand over his knee to calm him down.
"Eric, stop doing that." And the rest of the women sitting around stared at us. "I know you're nervous but you don't have to be, really, it's nothing."
Fortunately, ten minutes later we were coming into the doctor's office and the doctor was waiting for us behind her desk. She was a small woman with odd expression and for some reason she reminded me one of those Hobbits from The Lord of the Rings, but I managed to hide my astonishment.
"Well dear, I see you have company." And she looked at Eric. "Sookie Stackhouse, is that correct?" I nodded and she went back to read the sheet I had filled half hour earlier. "Have you done any pregnancy test?" and I nodded again. "Well, they're quite reliable, but we'll do a blood test to be sure."
Eric insisted it was urgent so the next day we were back in the damn waiting room with Eric driving me insane with questions about pregnancy he was reading in a magazine. "You know, this woman says the cramps occur during the entire pregnancy. Fuck, that has to be painful; have you had cramps, Sookie?"
"Eric! Put the damn magazine down on the table, now!" And I took it from his hands and threw it on the table. "I want you to stop reading this shit because I'm quite worried enough and you're not helping me."
"Sorry," and I looked at him. "Sookie, I'm very nervous and I don't know why. I'm sure you're pregnant but…I dunno…guess that hearing it from a doctor's mouth is…different." Yes, it was a confirmation of something we already knew. "Hey, I know I'm acting like a crazy and a fool but I can't help it." I took his hand and squeezed it.
When we were back at Dr. Ludwig's office I felt Eric was a little more relaxed, thank God.
"Well, Sookie, you're pregnant." And both of us released the breath and I was sure neither of us had realized we had been holding it. "Guess it's not something new but…congratulations."
"Thank you, Doctor."
"I know being first-time parents is a little scary but not as difficult as it seems, I assure you."
Both nodded but knew that would be impossible. I just had done babysitting sometimes and Eric's experience with children was…well, nonexistent.
"Sookie, I want to see you in a month for a check, okay?"
Outside with the fresh air was much better for both of us. I felt calmer and Eric seemed more relaxed but it was hard to say because he hadn't said a word since we'd entered Doctor Ludwig's office. I didn't know whether to be worried or relieved.
"You know, at least now we know everything is real and can be prepared though…well, I know won't be easy." But there was no expression on his face. "I promise not to be too stressful about the wedding, the baby and cravings." And then he laughed slightly and looked into my eyes.
"Lover, you can be as stressful as you want." He took my hand and walked me up to Niall's bar. I hadn't even realized we were in the area but I thought it would be nice to see him. That bar was like the beginning of our relationship and I couldn't help thinking how much things had changed since we were then a few months ago.
"Eric, Sookie!" I was surprised he remembered my name but for some reason when he hugged me I felt like I was at home. "I'm so glad to see you…and together?" Both nodded and laughed like a couple of fools. Niall was surprised but I knew he had always hoped this would have happened eventually; Eric and I were able to realize what we felt for each other and…his plan worked.
"It's good to see you, Niall; I know it's been a lot of time but we've been very busy and…"
"Come on, Eric, you don't need to apologize. What matters is you two are here and I love to see you together. So I think we should make a toast to celebrate this…"
"Well…yes, it's a good idea but I think Sookie…"
"I'll have to drink something without alcohol." And Niall seemed confused. "We're expecting a baby!"
"Lover, you have to stop doing that."
"Sorry." I answered innocently.
"Are you pregnant?!"
"Yes," answered Eric and I at the same time. "Niall, Sookie and I are getting married and we're expecting a baby so…we're so happy…" And I showed him my engagement ring. God, I will never be tired of those two words 'engagement ring.' Niall never stopped smiling and suddenly everything was congratulations, laughter and hugs.
"Then non-alcoholic beer for Sookie and normal for us. We have a lot to celebrate."
But suddenly I heard a voice I didn't expect to hear in a bar in Los Angeles.
"Good beer," and when I turned around I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"You gotta be kidding me."
Hope you liked this chapter.
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Have a nice weekend.