A/N1:
* Charlaine H. owns all the characters. While some of the plot lines were inspired by the romance novel author Eve M.
** unbeta'd chapter… so there might be a lot of errors…my apologies
*** Ack…this chapter makes me sad… fairy tales' over…kinda =(
Someone tells me: this kind of love is not viable.But how can you evaluate viability?
Why is the viable a Good Thing? Why is it better to last than to burn?- R. Barthes
Semi-Charmed Kinda Life
Chapter 6: And When The Plane Came In
When she woke up it was twilight. She and Eric made love twice and then they dozed off, locked in each other's arms. Eric was still asleep and she took her time staring at the face of the man that has been her very first lover. She could feel the traces of his presence within her body. She felt thoroughly ravished. So very taken… she felt full and a bit sore now…she also felt sticky with his seed.
The thought brought a warm feeling and a bittersweet longing suddenly sprung inside her. There was a very slim chance of her conceiving but she hoped that it would bear fruit. 'God please I want a baby'
Her thoughts shocked her! 'What was I thinking?' A baby resulting from a one night stand…?
She could see how the tabloids and the paparazzi would love that…
'Sookie Stackhouse reportedly pregnant at 30!, Baby daddy for Sookie, guess who?, Pregnant Sookie speaks out, Sookie Stackhouse: Yes! I am pregnant!' she groaned inwardly. No matter how liberal her profession was, she was still born and bred from the South… and God what would her Gran and parents say?
But a part of her was exulting. If she were to be pregnant that would be something akin to a miracle. She'd be very lucky indeed… conceiving a baby was next to impossible after that ovarian cyst operation and/or the threat of another cyst growing in her remaining ovary. Being pregnant wasn't really part of her plan but if it would happen she would be grateful.
'And wow my probable baby would be conceived out of a wonderful lovemaking… and with Eric! My God! She had sex with Eric Northman!' she giggled at the thought.
The Eric Northman… never in her wildest dreams that she ever thought to have this kind of encounter with him… he was way out of her league… they revolve in totally different worlds…
'Oh Lordy…so, those tales about his sexual prowess were true after all!' She had heard more gossip about this man than some of the more popular movie stars in showbiz since Eric had dated a handful of celebrities and models in the past.
And some of his previous partners had been bold enough to dish out his exemplary performance… add that mesmerizing commercial to the mix…It just made Eric the favorite topic of women and gays alike. They were all wondering about him in a very intimate way.
She couldn't help but smile. She gazed at his masculine form admiringly. He was perfectly shaped in all the right places… big and hard and simply breathtaking. And he had been hers for a few wonderful hours… so thoroughly hers. He made her a real woman today and she won't have any regrets. Despite the initial sharp pain he had caused her, he was a very gentle, patient, generous and a totally skillful lover. He had introduced her to heights of ecstasy that she never imagined a woman could feel.
She traced his handsome features tenderly. She will never forget what they've shared... She'll cherish those intimate moments in this island forever. But that will be all… just a beautiful blissful memory… the end…
But then she remembered that she was under contract to sing at the wedding anniversary of Eric's parents. They would see each other again there.
'I wonder if he'll even recognize me.' She didn't think so… she won't mean anything to him. Just some insignificant woman that he encountered in his island… a passing fling… a one night stand…
He won't recognize her in the real world. Well, it's not like she want to be with him in the real world either.
When she goes back to California...back to her real life...back to where she's Sookie Stackhouse singer & actress... and not some innocent Susannah or the reclusive guest, Amy Carmichael... she will… 'stop it!'
Thinking about leaving him made her sad. 'Oh no! No regrets. No foolish hopes and expectations. No what ifs. This was enough. It had to be enough. A one night with Eric… that would be all… Eric Northman had no place in her life and she had no place in his. Period'
God, why did she feel like crying?
She saw his eyes slowly opened. He gave her a sleepy smile. Her heart constricted in a mixture of joy and sadness.
"Hi." he said.
"Hi." She smiled tremulously.
"Which cottage are you staying in?" Eric asked. He yawned.
She blinked her tears away. 'Oh no… she wouldn't cry on him... she wouldn't… that would be so… so… humiliating… and very cliché… she'll act cool… she's an actress for cripes sake… this is nothing… he is nothing… act like it's nothing…'
"Number six on the east side" She said. She was quite relieved that her voice didn't croak or anything
Eric sat up on the bed and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Let's go to your cottage and order some dinner. I'm starving"
"What time is it?" She asked
"Around 5:20 pm" Eric said after checking his diver's watch.
"Uhmm… then I guess the staff had delivered my dinner already… we can share or…it's more than enough… I think I ordered…" She stopped what she's saying…She was just rambling nervously. 'Maybe this is why I've only won the Grammy's… Eek… I'm such an awkward mess around him…' She looked up at him and smiled a little.
Eric smiled too. "We'll see when we get there lover, if we need to order anything… I'm feeling ravenous" The way he eyed her made her think that it was not the food he was referring to. She shivered a little.
Eric got out of bed. 'Wow…that…that…ass! Oh lordy… how did she missed that?' She gaped at his retreating back as he walked out of the room. Thank God he didn't notice her ogling his world class butt.
When Eric returned he was holding the clothes that they were wearing before. He also noticed him carrying her tote bag and beach towel. 'Hmm that was cute'
He helped her put her bikini back on. He covered her with the sarong and then dressed himself. They went outside and walk towards a black thoroughbred that he fondly calls as Loki. He helped her mount the horse before mounting behind her
"Can you ride astride? You can sit sidesaddle if you're not comfortable." He asked her with concern.
She blushed "No... it's okay... I'm okay."
"Will just have to ride slow"
He led the horse away from the lagoon. She looked back at the secret place that had been the intimate witness to their lovemaking. It looked so breathtaking as the fading rays of the sun were reflected in the crystal water.
Eric kissed her hair "Don't worry, lover. We could go back there anytime you want" Her heart ached, for she knew that she'll never set foot again in this lagoon again. There wouldn't be any reason.
The trip back to her cottage was made in silence. Eric unmounted first then helped her down. He tied Loki's harness on one post of the cottage.
As Eric was securing Loki, she walked in the cottage first and turned on the lampshades. It gave a romantic élan on the room. She then noticed that her dinner was already served on the mini dining table. 'Will this be enough?'
Eric entered the small cottage and their eyes met. Suddenly, she felt awkward again. 'What did anyone say after the wild sex was over?' She was at a loss for words.
But not Eric… Eric removed his shoes and walked casually towards her. He had done this so many times in the past. He was a notorious playboy. It was an ordinary thing to him. While for her, it was very, very special. She gulped.
"You're not going shy on me, now, are you, lover?" He asked, his fingers lightly caressing her cheeks.
"No" she answered
"Then come on, let's take a bath before dinner."
He led her again to the bathroom and this time she didn't complain. She let him bathe her. He washed her thoroughly… his hands were so gentle and soothing on her body. She felt so beautiful, so cherished. Her tears fell at the beauty of it. Thanked God they were under the shower. She bathed him in return, memorizing every inch of him, storing everything in her memory.
Later in bed, they shared an intimate dinner. It was a prelude to another hot lovemaking. Eric fed her and he did something else that would forever make her think of food in a purely carnal way. He ate his dessert using her body as his plate, and he directly nibbled and licked her skin off clean. She thought her body would be too tired and sore but he made her so wet and ready she was shaking with desperate need to be one with him again. 'Ah, maybe because she knew this would be the last time they would ever make love.'
He came into her so very gently, mindful of her tender flesh. "Lover, you're driving me crazy. I want you always...everyday...every night..." he began moving above her, so slowly, his hardness gliding in and out of her like a brand of iron wrapped in silk.
"Always...ah so good..." He kissed her lips. "Susannah...is that your real name? Tell me...I want to now who you really are, dear one...tell me..." he urged
She clamped her legs around him. "Shhh, no more names. Just love me...love me...love me..."
"Yes...there's plenty of time...tomorrow... you will tell me everything about you...and I will tell you everything about me...tomorrow, lover..."
She embraced him tightly, tears seeping from her closed eyes. Her body sang with exquisite, sensual joy.
Tonight, she was his and he was hers alone.
But there won't be a tomorrow for both of them.
With his eyes still closed, Eric reached for her, expecting to encounter silky smooth skin. He was hard, so achingly hard and he wanted her. He wanted to be inside her. He groped further but found nothing beside him. 'Where was she? She shouldn't ever leave his side!'
He opened his eyes. He was alone in bed. Looking around he called her name, "Susannah?"
No answer.
His heart slammed so hard in his chest. He got out of bed and went to the bathroom. "Susannah?"
He found no one there.
He quickly went out of her cottage not even caring that he was naked. He shouted her name over and over but all he got were echoes of his own voice coming back to him. Anger and worry boiled inside him. 'Where the hell was the blasted woman? Did she go back to the lagoon?'
Thinking that she might be there, he quickly went back inside to don clothes. It was then that he saw a piece of folded letter atop the dining table. He felt his heart beat slowed. He took the piece of paper. It contained a very girlish handwriting.
Eric,
It was the most wonderful moment in my life. Thank you.
I had a really great time but let's leave it at that. I have my own life and you have yours. It is my sincerest wish that we don't concern ourselves in knowing each other further…
Goodbye and take care always
Susannah
He crumpled the piece of paper. He felt a mixture of anger, loss, sadness and longing for the woman. He kicked his chair in frustration and howled when his small toe got hurt. He lost count of the number of curses that he muttered out of sheer frustration. After a while he let out a wry laugh. For the first time in his life a woman blew him off. 'I'm just some one night stand to her! Me? Damn her!'
"Susannah…" he whispered softly in the emptiness of the room. The bed bore the evidence of their wild passion. Her little bites and scratches were all over his body and he ached for her so bad and he didn't even know who she was!
His mother would know of course or he could find her name and maybe some contact numbers on the guest list of the island. He sighed in relief...It was a small comfort.
'Should I? Do I want to know her further? Fuck, she left me. I should just let her be… I should just leave it at that. But I want her… I haven't had my fill. Fuck'
He dressed quickly, went outside and untied Loki. He mounted his horse and rode off to the villa. When he reached the villa, he noticed that it was relatively empty. 'Where were Pam and her not so new squeeze?'
Bobby greeted him. He asked about Pam and he was informed the she and Belinda had left the island too. Bobby asked him if he wanted breakfast and he politely declined. He is not in the mood to eat. He wanted to find the elusive woman.
"Where is Rasul?" he asked Bobby
"He might still be in the airstrip Sir, do you want me to summon him?" Bobby answered promptly
"No, Bobby thanks…I'll call him". He went to the second floor and entered the radio room. Picking up the AN/PRC-148 military grade handheld radio transceiver (walkie-talkie), he pressed 'Send'.
"Rasul?"
"Eric?"
"Yes."
"Hey boss what's up?" Rasul greeted
"Are you in the Airstrip?"
"No, I'm in the security office"
"Good. Check the name and contact info. of the guest assigned on cottage 6…east side"
"Okay… Wait... I'll check it up on the log ...hmm... it was occupied by Amy Carmichael... no contact info…she left early this morning" answered Rasul.
He cursed. "Amy Carmichael? Not Susannah?"
"Nope, it's Amy. I've seen her only twice. The first time I saw her was when she arrived here… she was wearing some big shades and a baseball cap. She was wearing the same get-up early today so I only have the vaguest idea of what she really looks like… She's kinda mysterious... But I noticed that she did have a sexy bod." Rasul chuckled. "Why, Eric? Did you meet her? That was fast." He laughed
He just sighed. "No, I didn't… thanks." He said then turned off his radio.
He sat on the sofa dejectedly. 'Amy Carmichael… not Susannah' What the fuck was her real name? The woman was playing incognito.
'And I wouldn't know her…'
And who invited her to the island? 'It could be anyone…' The Northman clan was huge. She could be his mother's or sisters' or his relatives' guest… maybe some rich man's daughter.
'I could ask around but hell, would I do that? No fucking way' He could only imagine what Sophie-Anne or his sisters would say or react if he did that.
She wanted him to leave it at that… he'll leave it at that…
"Susannah", he couldn't help moaning her name. She was like some fantasy… some ephemeral dream…
Her virginity puzzled him so much. By his standards, she was too old to be holding on to her chastity. He smiled like a fool at the thought. He had helped her get rid of it alright. His mind went back to the moment when he entered her for the first time. It was sublime. The slick tightness of her...
He groaned inwardly as his manhood stirred. He was rapidly turning into a horny teenager all over again. He felt renewed. His libido was back to normal. Nope, it was in fact rampaging!
He allowed himself to relish the fact that he was cured of his temporary impotence. He came three times last night… three mind-blowing orgasms. He doesn't have a problem after all. He didn't need to consult a shrink.
He couldn't wait to get back to the action. Maybe he would hook up with Dawn later, he mused with anticipation.
He was cured, thanks to one, hot woman. Susannah or Amy Carmichael or whoever she was, she was a great lay indeed. But she was right. They should just leave it at that.
He would think of her no more.
Sookie was sitting inside a 4-seater twin engine plane en route to California and facing two ladies who were not giving any flying eff if she was a privy to their make out session. She was pretending to dozed off.
'Exhibition, much…? Honestly, didn't they have had enough in the island? I sure did…' She pouted.
In fairness, one of the two girls asked if she would mind and she even invited her to join. 'Well Pam did…' She rolled her eyes. Like she would just agree…or join… That Pam
She willed herself to sleep. She couldn't. Every time she closes her eyes the image of Eric pops up in her mind.
'Pink elephant…pink elephant… pink elephant…' Imagereplacement…? No use…
'Fudge!' like the picture of some pink fluffy elephant can trump Eric's image… if anything the elephant's trunk reminded her of his long… 'no…'
'Distraction?' Right… she opened her eyes a little… girl on girl action… great… well no… unless she wanted to venture in that avenue… at the moment she really didn't want to… she's relatively new in the field and this is just too much for her…
'Eric…' Her very first lover… the man who gave her a mind blowing initiation on sex… 'God… Eric' Ashamed as she might to admit just the mere thought of him was getting her… 'ack'… wet. She sighed as she let herself remember the earlier events of this day…
(Flashback…)
She woke up very early this morning and the sky was still dark… it was 5 am. Eric was still asleep and was snoring softly. She knew what to do. She looked at him and her heart contracted painfully. 'She had to leave… she got to… they are nothing… this is nothing' She ached to caress his cheeks or kiss him lightly but didn't. She couldn't chance walking him up.
'What will I say to him? Hi! Eric good morning… last night was great… good times! Thanks… see yah!'
Couldn't she be blasé about it? Act like its nothing? If last night taught her anything… it's that she couldn't feign nonchalance with him to save her life. It's easier to run…
She got out of bed silently. She dressed quickly and packed her bag. 'Thank God, my luggage was small'
It only took her 20 minutes to dress and pack. This is it… time to leave… She was by the door when she looked back. Eric was still sleeping peacefully. Could she really leave him without even saying goodbye? She hesitated. 'I have to… we're nothing… I won't be that clingy girl that he will kick out come morning… no siree… not me… '
She breathed deeply. She put down her rucksack and left her small carry on by the door. She quickly walked towards the desk and grabbed a pen and some white parchment… It took her a minute to write her farewell. When she was done she folded it and placed it atop the dining table. She walked away… not even daring to look back at her sleeping lover…
'Wait…' She stopped walking again… she was just outside her cottage when a naughty idea presented itself.
'It seems like I have cornered the market for impulsive actions'
From her rucksack she took her iphone… she was nervous… 'this is borderline creepy' but she didn't care at the moment. 'Just a picture… one momento… a keepsake for her to look at when she's feeling lonely…' She sighed deeply and went inside to take the shot.
It was chilly outside. She knew that she would have to walk half a mile to reach the lodge where she could phone for transportation. She sighed. Her ditch-Eric-plan suddenly seemed so stupid. 'What if there wasn't any transportation away from the island available today?' She was scheduled to leave tomorrow. What if there aren't any planes… or boats… ack… 'brilliant… Sookie… brilliant…'
She'd looked so stupid in front of Eric… more blasted awkwardness… 'Oh hey Eric! I was just leaving you… but I can't… I'm stuck on this island… no escape for me… want another round?'
She continued to walk towards the lodge. She has to try. It was probably stupid but she'll chance it. This island was affecting her psyche… 'right…blame the island'…
First she had sex with a virtual stranger… granted he was sinfully handsome… granted that stranger was Eric Northman… still he is an effing stranger. Second she had unprotected sex… unprotected sex with a stranger! He could have some STD, oh God! She cringed. She's now panicking; the possible consequence of what had transpired yesterday was dawning on her. 'Stupid… stupid- Sookie'
Last night she even welcomed the very thought of unprotected sex with him… she even wished that it will bear fruit!
"Eff!" She cursed.
Her brain must have been filled with some lust induced haze that she failed to realize what she was doing… 'stupid mushy maternal emo. instincts!'
That had renewed her vigor to walk away from him. He was bad news… something to avoid… avoid entirely…
She was walking for another 5 minutes when she heard a vehicle driving towards her. She stopped walking and waited for it.
"Thank you Lord" she muttered softly.
The jeep stopped beside her. The man got out of the jeep and greeted her. "Good morning ma'am"
"Good morning… uhm… I was hoping that you can give me a ride." She smiled at him.
"Sure, where to..?" the man asked. He took her rucksack and her small carry-on and placed it in the backseat. She looked at the man more closely… he looked familiar. 'Where did she saw him?'
"The lodge… wait… uhm aren't you the guy from the…err… the security?" She asked as she was getting into the jeep.
"Yes… I'm Rasul- I'm the head of security in this island… and you would be?"
"Uhm… I'm A-amy… Amy Carmichael from Cottage Six" She answered.
"Why are you walking? And with your luggage…? Are you leaving?" Rasul inquired. It must have looked strange walking towards the lodge when she could just phone for transportation to pick her up from her cottage.
'Because I'm on a desperate need to escape the guy that I just had sex with last night'
"Yes… I was scheduled to leave tomorrow… but I had a spur of the moment decision to leave today…"
"Did you have any concerns with the island?" He pressed.
'Yes… his name is Eric… and he is a very big concern if you asked me'
"Oh… no… no… nothing of that… I just miss home…" She hoped he would buy her lame excuse.
"Oh. Okay…" She guessed he didn't. Well it doesn't concern him.
"So is there any chance I could uhmm… leave today?" She asked hopeful.
"Yes Ms. Carmichael I think so… a twin engine plane is scheduled to depart at 7a.m. today…" Rasul explained.
"No kidding?" She asked disbelievingly.
Rasul chuckled. "Nope… In fact, I am driving to the airstrip now to talk to the pilot… If you like you could wait on the plane until the two other guests arrived…"
"Wow… I mean that's brilliant… thank you Rasul"
"Glad to be of help ma'am". Rasul smiled at her genially
Thank God there was an available plane… she was quite lucky that some island guests were scheduled to leave early today… 'I guess the universe was conspiring to help me escape Eric'
They arrived at the small airstrip and Rasul helped carry her small luggage. She hugged and thanked Rasul.
She boarded the plane and sat down. She stashed her rucksack under her seat. She glanced at her watch anxiously… 6:30… another 30 minutes and the two other guests would arrive. They would leave the island…
He was running towards her. When he reached her he cupped her cheeks.
"I'm not ready for you to go my lover…" Eric said his voice full of sadness.
This must be some cruel dream because there was no way she was back at the lagoon again… back with Eric again…
But she could literally feel Eric's sadness and that triggered her own…
"I can't stay Eric… I can't" she replied her voice was too shaky due to the strong feelings that she was holding back.
"Why not dear one… stay here… stay with me… you can stay with me always… we could make love here, night after night… I could love you…" Eric said with much conviction.
"Love me?"
"Yes" he said. He lowered his head to kiss me…
"Hello there…" a feminine voice said
She awoke with a start. "Ack" was all she could mutter at the blond woman who was smirking at her.
"You were dreaming and muttering something in your sleep… I hope it's a good one…" the woman said.
"Pam let the poor lady sleep…" said another blonde.
"Hi… ah… I fell asleep…" She explained
"I could tell" Pam chuckled
"Yeah… sorry"
"What are you apologizing for?" Pam asked.
She smiled and shook her head. "Yeah… I guess there's nothing to apologized for"
"My name is Pamela Ravenscroft and this is the charming Belinda Shultz"
"Hi! You are…?" Belinda asked brightly.
"I'm…"
"Not Amy Carmichael…" Pam said smiling slyly.
"Wha..."
"I was informed by Rasul that another guest would be sharing our flight… a certain Amy Carmichael… which you certainly are not." Pam said with utmost certainty
"Pam…" Belinda cautioned.
"She isn't. Belinda don't you recognize her. I thought you were a fan of her melodic voice"
"Are you Sookie Stackhouse?"
"No I'm just her doppelganger…" She answered in a low tone.
"Playing incognito, are we? Don't worry we wont leak you to the paparazzi" Pam laughed.
"I'm a fan" Belinda said.
"Thank you"
"I'm not a fan… but you look fuck hot in person" Pam commented.
"Pam… you're not flirting with her are you?" Belinda asked
Pam just raised an eyebrow. "Honey… I'm just appreciating the view… she is hot"
Belinda pouted.
Pam continued to stare at her. And it was making her uncomfortable.
"Yes?" she asked.
"I'm the editor-in-chief of BLOW magazine…"
"And…"
"I have a proposal for you… I'll contact your manager soon… it's Lafayette Renolds, right?"
"How…"
Pam cut her off before she could finish her question. "I'm the one who gave the idea to Sophie-Anne to hire you on their wedding anniversary…"
"Oh… I guess… uhm… thank you…"
"You're welcome…so did you enjoy your stay in the island?" Pam asked her eyes alight with unconcealed mirth.
"Yeah, I did… it was great…" She said not wanting to explain.
"Was it also great with Eric?" Pam said waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"W-what?"She spluttered.
"You where muttering his name on your sleep...Eric…ohh Eric…"
She blushed furiously. She wanted to evaporate on the spot.
"Good times…" Pam winked at her.
"Naughty" Belinda gave a soft laugh before kissing Pam.
This would be a long flight back home…
A/N2:
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