CHAPTER 2
The next few days were filled with reading, running, and moments where I could feel eyes on me through open windows. As soon as the sun sets I could feel eyes on my back no matter where I moved in the house. After a few hours a day of paranoia filled yard-staring, I started closing the blinds to my bedroom and kitchen at night. Although I felt there was still a presence there, at least there was something between myself and whatever was outside of my home. The farthest I would venture at night was to my car and back, and even then there was a cold sweat left on the back of my neck.
Sookie's warnings flittered through my mind as I would look into the woodsy darkness. I knew it was a secret obsession stuck in my head, but what if by eating at Marlette's last week got me into some deep shit? Surrounded by trees, my imagination seemed to get the best of me- creating shadows, and dark figures during the night.
Especially after the reveal and death of the Bon Temps' murderer. A man who hated vampires who decided all those who were associated needed death to be brought to them. His fiance however seemed to be brought the most misery, pain and guilt of them all.
The air in Merlotte's was tense throughout the week as Arlene moped about the restaurant, clearly heartbroken. Everyone seemed to avoid her- from daily patrons, to the Saturday night rush. Everyone who spoke to her immediately had a hushed conversation to somebody else. Surely spreading rumors, lies and small town gossip. Arlene's red hair seemed duller, and her smooth skin looked paler. Today was no different. Five days since the truth came out and she still seemed as devastated as the first day. The redhead had taken my order 20 minutes ago, and had forgotten to put the order in, walking sluggishly towards the bar with the order sheet back in her apron.
I was hungry, but didn't feel like waiting, and by the tear stains left on her cheek by her mascara I knew I shouldn't bother her as she leaned alone at the bar. Leaving cash on the table that would more than cover the food that was never coming, I slipped out through the front door of the restaurant, silently walking to my yellow Jeep. Warm evening winds whipped through my hair stuffed in a messy bun on the top of my head as the sounds of the restaurant patrons faded, and the crunching of the gravel echoed into the night.
Slowly I reached into my pocket to get my keys, and upon looking up towards my car, which I was quickly approaching, my eyes took in the figure leaning against the spare tire on the back. Son of a bitch.
A frown grew on my face as blonde hair swirled in the wind connected to the figure. My fingers held tightly against my keys until I felt the edge of the metal digging painfully into my palm. Stopping a few feet away from my vehicle, I looked up bitterly at Eric.
"Did you need a ride Mr. Northman?" My hands landed sassily on my waist as my head gave a sarcastic tilt. I knew my tone was rude, but this was not the time.
A devilish smile ran rampant across his pale face. His white teeth glowed in the parking lot lights. He was dangerous to look at but addictive to observe. "To tell the truth Ms. Cotter, it seems I am caught a bit off guard. You don't usually finish your meals this quickly." My original frown was now was now replaced by a confused grimace.
Scratching my neck slightly, I quickly realized what he was alluding to. Eric Northman has been fucking stalking me. His hallow gaze felt like flames licking my cheeks as I looked away. "Ha-have you been in my yard? Wait have you been standing outside of my god damn house!?" my voice got higher until I could her the screech in my voice. What a jackass.
In a seamless move Eric stood up straight, and in seconds closed the gap between us. He didn't have a smell and clearly radiated no body heat. If my eyes were closed, I would have no clue this tall vampire was practically pressed against me. This new fear caused my skin to shiver as goose bumps erected down my arms and legs. He was a silent killing machine who has been watching my every move all week. I looked down nervously as he spoke unable to see the look on his face, "I like to call it, secretly visiting."
"Well," I started as I side stepped closer to my car, "I call it unwelcome stalking." Trying to keep calm, I took my time walking around the gigantic vampire and towards the front door of my car.
"As opposed to welcome stalking?" He's funny. I'll give him that.
Continuing not to look at him, I opened the front seat of my car and sat down. Before closing the door, I yelled back him in a hopefully composed but playful tone, "As opposed to welcomingly 'leaving me the fuck alone'". I slammed the door and started my Jeep, ready for a jittery ride home. Looking in the back window to start backing out, Eric Northman was nowhere to be found.
The idea of getting out of my car made me nervous. Reaching my house caused this nervousness to increase. The type of nervous that your body is prepared for. The type of nervous where the fight or flight reaction is imperative, and the outcome is life or death. And the reason of this uncontrollable basic instinct?
The blonde lady vampire waiting for me on my stoop.
"Are you Brooke?" The bored lady from the bar the other day looked down her nose at me both literally and figuratively. She barely allowed me to get out of my car before asking me her first question. I was stared at as I climbed up my stairs. Her tight pink sweat and leather pant combo confused me, but still made me self-conscious about my dark flannel and jean short combo. With her high heels she continued to look down at me, even as I made it up my stoop and stood next to her.
Clearing my throat lightly and tucking a loose brown hair behind my ear, I nodded. Sighing and exaggeratedly looking me up and down under her perfectly curled lashes she continued, "Well, Eric told me to come out here and see if you had anyone in your yard, or if you're just another nut to add to the bunch in this small shitty town." My head snapped up and my eyes widened.
"Wait, he's not the one who has been watching me through my windows at night?"
Her large blue eyes rolled at me hard that a steamroller over an egg, "Of course not. He's been peaking at you at Merlotte's, but not at your fucking house." My throat felt like it was filled to the brim with hot coal.
"Then… Then who's been out there?"
Again an obnoxious sigh was emitted as she opened her hand towards me. A clump of cigarette buds sat in her hand, "Well, do you know anyone who smokes," she paused as she sniffed the slightly mushy pile, "…American Spirits?" I slowly backed away from the vampire in front of me and the bits of my history she held in my hand.
Pressing my middle finger harshly against the middle of my forehead hoping to avoid the headache sure to come, I could not find the words to say what I was thinking aloud. Of course I knew someone who smoked American Spirits. I could recognize the smell as soon as they were lit. It was as if they poisoned my brain the way I would recognize them. Whether that was defensive or not, I'm not so sure.
"Uhh," My teeth started to grind, "yea. I did know someone." Finally looking away from her hand, I noticed the blonde lady giving me a strange look. It was a mixture of pity and boredom.
"Well, Princess either I tell Eric there's a problem or not. What's it going to be?"
Finally taking my fingers away from my head, I allowed the reality of what was going on. I don't need vampires anywhere near this situation. "No. I have it handled. Tell Mr. Northman I am not his job. Goodnight." My voice shook as much as my hands did, which means it sounded like there was a tornado in my vocal cords- but the job was done.
It took a few tries to get my house key in the lock, but it finally clicked, and let me in. The woman continued to stare at me as I entered the threshold. Shaking her head she turned towards my driveway and away from me. "Humans have always been stupid, so I'm glad you're at least fitting in." She sped away at a speed that was impossible for me to focus on.
With the vampire gone, the reality of being left alone sank in. As dangerous as those vampires are, at least the threat of a doorway can keep me safe. For what I now know is really out there watching me, I know a door can't stop him. And soon he's going to realize it too.
Hey friends, I'm still piecing together what I want to happen, but I have an idea.
I only own Brooke.
Thanks for reading guys.
