A/N: Hey guys! I'm sorry it took me longer than expected to update this one. I had a pretty hectic week and couldn't find the time to get this done. But here it is, ch 9 with one little treat especially for you: a shared POVs kind of chapter. I hope it's worth the wait!
As always, I owe a great debt of thanks to my fantastic beta CassandraMello. If this is any good it's because of her. Thanks, Cass. Any remaining errors are entirely my own.
Disclaimer: I do not own Southern Vampires Series nor do I own Matrix. I'm just borrowing them a bit, okay?
Chapter 9 – There Is No Such Thing As Coincidence
Eric POV
"I believe we are what they call a perfect match?" I am finally able to verbalize, after holding back the fit of laughter that threatened to overcome me. I couldn't help it; she opened the door and stared at me with such a cute, startled face and then we both noticed that our clothes matched, though not in a cheesy way… Okay, it was sort of cheesy, but a nice cheesy. Even so, it was humorous and utterly unexpected. We burst out laughing as soon as we realized the coincidence. Which phrase was that that Morpheus said about coincidence? Where one sees coincidence, I see providence… purpose? Something like that. And her laughter… Oh, it was as pure and melodic as if I had been deaf and suddenly could hear music breaking the silence of the world. I could easily get used to hearing it every day.
"I guess one could say that…" she responds with the slightest sliver of flirtation. "But I'm sure this is just a funny coincidence," she adds, still trying to catch her breath, her cheeks flushed.
"There is no such thing as coincidence, my dear," I convey, winking, not one to miss an opportunity. I hand her a bright red tulip bouquet in a square block glass vase, since I brought my real housewarming gift last week. I don't usually present girls with flowers - they spoil too rapidly - and I prefer more long-lasting items. But the lady at the store said the vase would be a useful gift for two young women in their new place. She said they could use it again when they received flowers from dates or friends. Although something about that particular line of thought didn't sit well with me.
"Oh, thanks Eric. You didn't have to; they're marvelous," she says, smiling broadly.
"It's nothing, just an ornament for the apartment…" I come closer to place a kiss on her cheek, cupping her face on my hand. She leans in slightly under my touch, unconsciously closing her eyes. I let my lips linger on her soft skin vaguely more than would be appropriate, her wonderful scent taking my nostrils by assault. As I feel the same electricity run between us, she pulls back blushing and gives me space to come in.
"Um… T-thanks! W-would you like to drink something? We have beer, wine, soda, juice, coffee, tea…" she stammers a little, clearly starting to get nervous.
"A beer would be fine, thanks," I answer, giving her a reassuring smile.
Sookie smiles back at me and nods, closing the door with her free hand. She strolls to the living room, placing the vase in the center of the coffee table. She takes a good look at the arrangement while putting her hands on her hips; she shifts it a few more times and then grins contentedly, walking way with a goofy smile on her face. I watch her little display from the corner of my eyes while greeting some of my friends. She could be so fucking cute sometimes.
"You didn't bring a date to a party, Eric?! This is a first… Are you feeling well?" Felicia inquires, sneering.
"There's a first time for everything," I quip back with a shrug, taking a glance at my surroundings. Pam is coming in my direction with a huge grin on her face; she's certainly enjoying herself.
"Hey, brother! I didn't see you arriving," she says as she slides her arm around my torso. I lean down to give her a peck on the cheek. "What? No date?"
"You too, Pam?" I complain jokingly.
"I just asked him the exact same thing," Felicia tells Pam in plain mockery.
"No, I didn't bring a date. But I could easily find one here," I remark smirking as my eyes meet Sookie's. She moves toward me with a beer in her hand and offers it to me.
"Thanks, Sookie," I say, hoping she would stay longer. But she just smiles somewhat shyly and walks back to the kitchen. I spot several unknown guests there and assume they're Sookie's friends.
"So Rasul, did you assisted in that craniotomy? I heard it was a success. The girl is talking already? Andre is a fucking bastard, but he knows what he's doing," I mention, gulping down my beer.
"Yeah, it was fucking awesome, man. You've got no idea. He let me hold the drill. Can you believe that?" he tells me, excited.
"That's quite impressive, man."
We talk for a while about the craniotomy and some others cases we have being working on. Felicia and Pam turn their back to us somewhere between the smashed leg tale and the lung perforation story. I hear the doorbell peals and am surprised to see Pam invited her ex, Victor. He's such a pain in the ass. I nod at him, and go to speak with some other friends of mine - Clancy and Maxwell Lee. They're talking business while their female companions sit silent, looking neglected, puzzled, uncomfortable, and very bored. I don't take much time before I head to the kitchen to grab another beer. Sookie is there talking animatedly with her friends. I don't want intrude in the middle of their conversation, though I stay long enough to overhear one of them telling a very funny story about her childhood.
"…remember that one where Sookie got a bike for Christmas and we decided to help her learn to ride it, Tara? So we took her to the top of the hill and when she said she was ready, Tara and I shoved her really hard and she went riding the bike down the hill screaming her lungs out until she reached the other side of the road and went tumbling into the lake pretty badly. We cracked up for hours… Sookie was all soaked and bruised when we found her. Then she turned to me and said: "You know buddy, you better sleep with your eyes open tonight!" She was only 6 then, but she sounded so serious that I didn't sleep that night, worried she would come to my house and kick my ass…"
They burst into a powerful mass of chortles, tickled by the whole story. "Enough with the childhood stories, Terry. Or I may have to demand a payback for that one and kick your ass tonight," Sookie chimes in protesting, winning another round of laughter from her friends.
I laugh with them, unable to hold it back. Sookie must have been especially adorable when she was little. As I turn to walk away, still chuckling, she approaches me with an abashed smile on her perfect lips.
"Um… So I'm guessing you heard it?! Sorry for that!" she says, flushed.
"Oh, no need to apologize. I found it very amusing. Your friends seem to be fairly nice people."
"I can't complain." She inclines her head toward me over the counter and whispers with confidential, flattering seriousness, "They may hear me."
"You wouldn't want that," I reply in the same conspiratorial manner and the both of us start to laugh.
"They're great and I love them, but they can't seem to get enough of these silly stories. Every time we gather, it is the same thing over and over again," she tells me, shaking her head with a chuckle.
"My friends are giving me a hard time as well," I say, leaning one arm on the kitchen countertop, swigging my beer.
"Oh, really? And why is that?" she asks, actually surprised. I watch her as she fumbles with a corkscrew trying to open a bottle of red wine.
"I'm not sure. Something about me being unaccompanied…" I utter vaguely, holding out my hand to help her.
She lifts her gaze to me and musters a genuine smile; it reaches her eyes, warming the richest bright shades of blue veiled there. "Thank you," she says and her smile widens, showing a flash of teeth before she returns her eyes to the appetizers on the counter. "Can I get you something to eat, Eric?"
"Yes, thank you. I had to skip dinner to come to the party..."
"Oh, let me fix you a plate then," she says readily, starting right away.
"It's a nice party, by the way. You and Pam outdid yourselves," I remark as I open the bottle.
"Well, you did show up a little late. Did you have a problem or something like that? If you don't mind my asking, of course." She glances at me while biting her lower lip.
"No, nothing serious. I just waited until it was time to tuck Annika in bed. I promised to read her a story tonight and she never lets me forget my promises," I tell her with a chuckle. "That's why I got here afterwards."
It's odd how comfortable I feel around her. I don't usually talk about Annika with strangers or anyone else in particular, besides my closest friends and family. But she makes me wanna tell her everything about my life; she feels familiar and warm in a very unsettling way.
"Oh, that's a perfectly good reason," she states, beaming. "And how is that little angel of yours?"
"She is great," I respond, particularly glad that she asked. "She really liked you, you know. She keeps asking me to bring her here to play with you…"
"Really? I'm so pleased to hear that. I liked her very much as well; she's such a cute little girl. You're doing an amazing job Eric." I see the sincerity flooding through her eyes, as she glances at me. I can't help but smile.
"Thank you, but I'm not entirely responsible for that. I wish I was more present in her life…" My voice sounds slightly bitter even to my own ears.
"Oh, I'm sure you are doing the best you can. Don't beat yourself up like that, Eric. You're a great dad and Annika loves you so much. I can see that. Just make the best with what you have to offer and simply enjoy the time you have with her," she utters, reaching for my hand and giving it a soft squeeze. Her eyes fill with kindness and comprehension. I stare at her flabbergasted, losing myself in a whirling rapture through those shooting stars. I smile, stirred by her, and give her a squeeze right back. She looks as if she wants to say something more, but changes her mind. She gently pulls her hand from mine and offers me the plate she had been settling. I take it, my eyes still locked with hers.
"Eric! Eric, come here!" Someone particularly annoying calls me loudly from the other side of the room, swaying us back to the here and now.
She clears her throat. "You should go," she says hastily, but instantly seems to regret it, as I glimpse a subtle flicker of disappointment eclipse her face.
"Yeah, I should… Thank you, Sookie, I appreciated it." I smile at her apologeticly and turn to walk away, ready to kill the fucking asshole that thinks he can summon me in this way and get away with it.
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Sookie POV
He leaves. I stare motionless as he walks to the far end of the main living area. I want to bite my tongue off. Why did I say for him to go? Perhaps I should just tell him that the sight of him in those dark jeans, black and white striped hoodie, and black boots makes me feel weak in the knees, that I can't take my eyes off of him, not even for a second. Yeah, sure.
Someone whistles behind my shoulder. I clamp my eyes shut and let out a sigh of exasperation. I turn around and find Amelia standing by my back with a pretty stunned expression. "Holy shit, Sookie. He is… just… Wow!"
"Exactly..." I snigger at her reaction.
"Now I see the trouble you're in..." she grins slyly.
"I really don't know what to do Amelia. I feel so nervous and self-conscious around him, although he's always so nice to me. I think I might have flirted with him just now… I dunno."
"You go girl!" she exclaims excitedly. "If the way he keeps looking at you is any hint, he's totally into you as well."
I give her a skeptical look and turn my back to her to pour myself some much-needed wine. I take a sip and lean against the kitchen counter. "You know, he told me he didn't bring a date, do you think that means something?"
"Well, he seems like the kind of guy that can have any girl he wants." I grimace at that one, but she continues anyway, "So it's a great sign he didn't bring a date, it only proves that he's interested in you, my lucky friend."
"I'm not sure if I can agree with that reasoning," I say, chuckling, taking another gulp from my glass of wine. Amelia usually is so matter-of-fact, but sometimes she could see the bright side of things in a very Pollyanna sort of way. I'm glad she came; I really am.
"So, what you gonna do?"
"Why do I have to do something?" I ask, nearly chocking.
"Because you must do something, Sookie. It has been 2 years since Bill passed… You need to move on, to find someone for yourself. You can't be alone for the rest of your life; you're too young for that."
"I moved on, Amelia. I dated a guy a couple months ago. It didn't work out, though. You know that," I retort defensively.
"You broke up with him because he had feelings for you and you couldn't reciprocate. That's not moving on; that's bullshit." I glare at her astonished. Who the hell does she thinks she is to talk to me like that? I'm starting to get pissed.
"You need to back off, Amelia," I reply angrily. "I'm doing the best I can to go on with my life, I don't need this. I'm perfectly fine alone."
"And these feelings you have for Tall, Blonde and Gorgeous are just a figment of your imagination? I don't think so, honey."
"I don't have feelings for him," I say outraged. "It's nothing, Amelia. It's only a little physical attraction, nothing beyond that," I add weakly.
"Sook, it's me, Amelia. I know you, stop fooling yourself. You like him. Please, don't let this pass. You may regret it later if you do," she utters in an earnest tone. I look away, unable to say anything else.
"Am I interrupting something?" Claudine asks, not really caring if she is or not. She went out of the apartment to smoke with one of Pam's friends and came back with a shit-eating grin. That can't be good.
"Nope," I state nonchalantly.
"Oh. My. God. Who is that gorgeous blonde guy?" she shouts, clutching my arm and pointing straight to Eric. That pretty much sets off all my inner alarm bells.
"Don't you go near him; he's mine," I snap at her, the words coming out of my mouth in a strangle growl before my brain is able to catch up. Wow! Where the hell did that came from? I immediately clamp my mouth shut with my hand, mortified. I can hear Amelia chuckling by my side.
"Yours? Is that so… Are you dating him then?" Claudine drawls, narrowing her eyes at me.
"Um… No, I'm not," I mutter, my mouth twitching nervously.
Claudine laughs. "So? How could he be yours, Sookie?" she asks, eyeing me vaguely annoyed, with one elbow on the counter in a hunched lean. "Unless you have feelings for him…"
"N-no, I don't." I struggle to say the words. Although I'm fearful of what she may do next, it doesn't mean I'm going to acknowledge some sort of feelings towards Eric. No way.
"Excellent! Can you introduce me to him then? How do I look?" she asks, spinning on her heels and giving herself a once over.
"You know darn well you look good," I say between clenched teeth, but she doesn't get the hint, she just smiles pleased and hushes me with a wave of her hand.
Despite my anger, I manage to smile at her. "I'm sorry, Claudine. But I can't do it right now, why don't you just do it yourself? I'm sure it'll be even better."
"You're probably right," she says cheerfully. "Here I go. Wish me luck!" I shoot her a look out of the corner of my eye.
"It's your own fault Sookie." Amelia mumbles at my shoulder. I let out a heavy sigh.
Claudine strolls in his direction like a runaway model, I can't bring myself to look elsewhere; my eyes are aimed directly at the scene in front of me. She intrudes in the group of people he's talking to and makes herself acquainted, I assume. I can't hear anything they say from this distance; there is some music playing and people all around talking animatedly. I watch as she draws herself closer to him, grabbing his arm and whispering something in his ear. He shakes his head, looking unsure, and even so, she drags him to a more secluded spot. They chat while she openly flirts with him, all giggly and touchy feely.
Out of the blue, he glances at me and the look on his face, a mix of alarm and concern, makes me shudder abashed. I lower my eyes immediately, feeling somewhat ashamed and crestfallen. My dazed eyes rest on my white as chalk knuckles against the cold, transparent glass, and a feeling of remorse takes hold of me. I should just have said yes, I ponder, putting the glass down afraid I may shatter it in my own hand. As I look up a moment later, I see Claudine marching stiffly back to the kitchen and Eric talking to his friends once more.
"What happened?" I ask baffled. She shoots daggers at me with her eyes.
"You really don't know?" Claudine asks, her voice acidic.
I give her a questioning look. "Of course not. What happened?"
"He dismissed me, can you believe it? Me, Claudine! Nobody has ever discarded me like that," she screeches, fuming. "There are a lot of guys dying to be with me and he said he wasn't interested?! Who the hell does he think he is?" She goes on and on. A hint of a smile passes across my face, but is quickly replaced by a shocking gasp as she states bitterly: "This is all your fault, Sookie."
"What? How is that my fault?" I give her an icy glare, daring her to put this on me.
"I saw the way he looked at you," she nitpicks, gnashing her teeth. "You two have something going on and he didn't want to be with me because of that."
"I don't know what you are talking about," I answer coolly, inwardly squealing with delight.
"Oh, stop whining Claudine. You got turned down. Everybody gets turned down sooner or later, even you. So just grow up, okay?" Amelia reprimands nonchalantly while shoving a stuffed cherry tomato in her mouth. Claudine gapes at her, clearly taken aback.
"I'm actually offended, Amelia," she gushes.
Much to my relief, the doorbell peals. "I'm gonna have to answer that," I announce quietly before heading to the door, winning a scowl from Claudine and a wave from Amelia. Great, this couldn't get more tumultuous.
I open the door and smile as I witness the two men standing on the doorstep with their dates.
"Hey, Sookie. How have you been? I missed you, cher," Sam says, hugging me.
"I'm great, Sam. Thanks for asking. I missed you too, you know." I hug him back, quite happy to see him. Sam and I are good friends; we have been since high school. I used to waitress in his dad's restaurant every now and then. We always had fun working in there together. Sam was the one who introduced me to Alcide, the handsome man by his side eagerly eyeing me.
"Hi, Sookie." Alcide moves toward me and gives me a quick peck on the cheek. I instantly stiffen under his touch; there are too many memories there.
"Hi, Alcide. I'm glad you came." I smile awkwardly as they hand me their gifts. I express my gratitude and go place them at the gift table.
As I come back, Sam does the proper presentations, "Sookie, this is Tanya, a friend of mine. Tanya, this is my very good friend, Sookie."
"It's always nice to meet a friend of Sam's," I state smiling; she nods at me and smiles back.
"Sookie, this is Maria-Star, my girlfriend," Alcide informs me a little too giddy.
"Oh, I'm so happy to hear that. It's nice to meet you, Maria-Star."
"It's good to meet you too, Sookie," she greets me back with a sweet smile.
We chat for a bit… the usual platitudes. Their dates seem fairly nice, although I would catch this weird vibe from Tanya occasionally. I shake that off and play my hostess part, "Who wants a beer?" I excuse myself to fetch their drinks, heading back to the kitchen swiftly. Alcide offers to help me and trails behind me. Oh, great. Just what I need right now.
"Are you dating someone, Sookie?" he probes, taking the direct approach. And here we go again.
"That's none of your business, Alcide."
"Do you think about me, Sookie?" he asks expectantly. "Because I think about you all the time…"
I know he's just trying to win me back, but I can't help the annoyance that comes out in my voice. "Alcide, stop it, okay? You're here with your girlfriend, and you should think about her, not me."
"You can't keep telling me you don't feel anything for me, Sookie." And again he doesn't take no for an answer. I roll my eyes in exasperation. "I know we shared something special, I just know it. I really like you, darlin'. More than you realize."
Before I can say a word to him, Amelia pats my shoulder gently. I turn my head to face her mouthing the words "Thank you".
"You welcome," she says, though no sound comes out.
"Yes, Amelia?" I speak up.
"Can you open this bottle for me? I don't want to break a nail or something…" she says impassively.
"Um… Actually Eric opened the other one for me," I tell her with a shrug.
"Oh, okay. I better ask him then," she says, grinning. I chuckle, shaking my head. She can be so cunning sometimes.
"Where is Claudine?" I ask flustered, suddenly noticing her absence.
"I don't know, I think she took a French leave," Amelia informs me with a shrug.
Although I like Claudine a lot, I'm secretly glad she's gone. Claudine could be so unreasonable and self-centered sometimes, especially when it involves men. But she has several redeeming qualities which makes it easier to be friends with her. I look back at Alcide, who is still waiting for an answer. I decide to just bite the bullet and end this once and for all.
"I'm sorry, Alcide," I begin slightly dismayed, "Things didn't work out for us, and they never will. But we can still be friends. I'm trying here. Please?"
"I can't, Sookie. I like you too much to just be your friend."
"I'm sorry to hear that, but that's all I can offer right now."
"Just give me another chance, please," he pleads, harshly grabbing my arm and pulling me towards him. "I know I can make you happy. Just give me another chance, darlin'."
"Alcide let me go, please," I demand quietly, but he doesn't let me go. He tightens his grip on my arm even more.
"You've to give me another chance, Sookie. I'll do it right this time," he insists, his green eyes boring holes in my skull.
I dated Alcide a couple of months ago. He courted me for months until I couldn't find place in my heart to decline his advances anymore. He was my first real attempt at a relationship after Bill. I tried to care for Alcide; I truly did. But I couldn't; I just couldn't. He was falling for me, falling hard, but I couldn't reciprocate the sentiment. He was such a good guy that I couldn't possibly let things go any further. So I left him. I left him for his own good. And he clearly didn't take it very well.
"Alcide, get off of me," I say, my gentle request turning into an enraged bark as I struggle to free my arm from his grip.
"You should keep your hands to yourself, buddy," a harsh voice abruptly cut in. I turn my head to see who it is. And for one wild second I smile comforted to see just the right face.
"This is between me and Sookie," Alcide retorts, heatedly - the words sounding more like a growl. I feel the irate tremor that runs through him with the interruption. I try to break free by stepping on his toes, but he doesn't even flinch. Damn.
"You have three seconds to take your hands off of her before you lose them." Eric grunts, impressively menacing.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Alcide growls back.
What happens next is a blur to me.
A/N: Any thoughts you would like to share with me? I'd love to hear you!