A/N – So here it is. The next chapter. It has not been beta'd or pre-read so all of the errors are mine :) The characters though, they belong to Ms. Charlaine Harris. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 3 – The Days of My Lives

It is amazing how slow time moves when you have nothing to do. I've been living here as Eric Brigant for ten days and without having my regular daily routine to keep up with, I have felt a little lost. I haven't felt lost since I was a young child. But, I'm trying to get better and find my way. The toughest is when I have time to sit and think. I wonder if anyone is missing me. I am certain Octavia would, but I wonder if anyone else truly does. There are so many people that I see regularly but I've realized that there aren't many that I would consider myself close with. In fact, Octavia is at the top of that list. She's been looking after me for years and I love her for it. She's like the mother that I've been missing since my own died when I was young. (Hence the feeling lost as a young child.) I have some friends who I consider good friends, but we all have our careers and our own lives. They'll just keep going on. There are women that I've dated, but there's no one who I've really opened up to. They may miss me, but I won't miss them. When I allow myself time to think about it, I get somewhat dispirited; so I try to keep it from my thoughts.

I have checked in with the Marshalls throughout the week as instructed and they have checked in with me regularly. There has been no new news about the case. I am now less confident that this will be resolved quickly; I am becoming resolved to the fact that I may be here for a while. They also informed me that it is in my best interest that I do not have contact with anything that can be traced to my other life. So that means no ordering clothes from my regular shops, no shipments of wine, no Netflix account; nothing familiar at all. I'll just have to find new things to make familiar. To try and do that, I've been exploring a bit.

One more than one occasion I've gotten in the car, picked a direction and have driven to see what I could find. One day I drove straight into Texas. I found myself stopping in a city called Longview. There is a little downtown area with shops, a couple of small museums and restaurants. I decided to explore a bit and found some nature trails and eventually I came across a golf course and decided to head out to the driving range. It felt good to be out golfing. It felt familiar and I thought that when I got back to Bon Temps, I'd look and see where the closest course is so I can play a proper round. When I was focused on hitting the golf balls and my swing it was impossible for my mind to drift to anything else. Yes, I think that golf could be a welcome regular distraction.

I've seen Sookie a couple of times over the past week. She has been nice company and is becoming a friend. Over the weekend, I went with her to Merlotte's for a burger and met Sam the owner. He seems like a nice enough guy. I couldn't tell if there was something between him and Sookie. Although she did not give any indication that he was more than her friend, he kept looking at Sookie with puppy dog eyes, as if I was intruding on something. I also met Sookie's friend Arlene who works there as a waitress. I am going to have to go in there on her days off, or with an escort. Arlene is not very subtle and tried every conceivable way to throw herself at me. I've had that happen before, but I have to say most girls back home can take a hint. Sookie got a kick out of watching me squirm.

I made a couple of trips back to the Target in Blanchard. I was looking for some weights and other equipment that I could use to get back into my workouts. They really did not have much. I would have to find another place either online or in a larger town. I was able to pick up a driver and a couple of boxes of golf balls, so I could practice my swing back at the house. I did make it to the Home Depot that was close by. I ended up buying a grill and some gardenia trees. I always liked the smell of gardenias. While I was there, I broke down and bought a fire pit too.

I hadn't seen Sookie for a few days, so I've invited her over for dinner tonight and thought I would surprise her with the fire pit since it was her suggestion in the first place. I'm not a great cook by any stretch. My specialty was takeout or reservations. But, with the new grill, I thought I would break it in and make some steaks. I had fixings to make a salad and a bottle of wine. I had only seen Sookie drink beer, but I thought wine would be a better pairing with steaks. She said that she had some errands to do when she was done with work and would come over around six. I found that I was spending much more time outside than I was used to, and I had gotten just a little bit darker in the time that I'd been here. I also found out that Sookie was right; it did get a little buggy at night. I put on some bug spray and made my way to the lawn to hit some balls while I waited for Sookie to come over.

It was 22 golf balls and too many hook shots for my liking later when I saw Sookie making her way towards my house. She had a couple of beers in hand and a smile on her face.

"Hello Mr. Mickelson!"

"Tell that to my hook shot." I'm impressed she knew who Phil was; although he was one of the more well known golfers out there. "How are you today?"

"Can't complain. Work was good, but then again it usually is. It's easier when you are teaching kids who are really motivated." She handed me a beer and walked up the steps to my porch, where she stopped to smell the gardenia trees. "I love gardenias. Such a beautiful scent. But you should move them off of the porch into more direct sun. You'll get more flowers that way."

"Thanks. I'll move them tomorrow when the sun is out more. Why don't you come around to the back? That's where the grill is. Plus, I had something that I wanted to show you."

She followed me into the back and broke into a large grin when she saw the fire pit sitting on the patio. I had it all set to burn. I was waiting for her to get here first.

"Hey, you got one! You'll like it. It's nice when you're hanging out at night and it also helps keep away the bugs. Let's get it started." She grabbed the lighter that I had sitting nearby and got to work before I had a chance. I noticed that Sookie really didn't wait for help with most things. She didn't wait to be asked to do things, she just did. That was different from what I was used to. Most women I knew did things only when asked and never would have dreamed about starting a fire.

"So Eric, Arlene's been asking about you." She said with a devilish grin.

"Has she now? When's her next day off?" I asked casually as I started the grill.

"Really? I didn't peg you as interested."

"I'm not. I just want to know the next time it's safe to return to Merlotte's. That burger was good."

Sookie laughed easily.

"She's off on Thursday I think. You know, if you want to go back and she's there I can get someone to help you out. My brother Jason is there most nights after work. I have been meaning to introduce you to him. He could be your wingman."

"Thanks for the offer. I'll take that under advisement."

"So, whatchya been up to?" She asked as she tilted the bottle of beer to her lips to finish the last of her beer.

"I've been exploring. Can I get you something else to drink? I have some wine to go with dinner. I can open it now if you'd like."

"Nope, I'm fine thanks. I'll wait until dinner. Whatchya been exploring?"

"I've obviously hit some stores lately." I said gesturing to the grill and fire pit.

"And done well I must say."

"Thank you. I've also picked a direction and just started to drive. I found a really nice place in Texas not too far away. Another day I drove to Arkansas, but truthfully there was not much there. It was just a drive to pass the time."

"I can't say as I make it to Arkansas much. Well, ever really. There's not much there. I'll head into Shreveport or Bossier City regularly; and I'll head down to New Orleans a couple of times a year. Texas, I've been and will go on occasion. Where'd ya go?"

"I found a place called Longview. It's a quaint type of place. Lots of things to do outdoors, a small downtown area. I liked it."

"Sounds nice. You're a modern day Lewis, or Clark." She replied with a large grin.

"I've been meaning to ask if you knew of any local stores that sell fitness equipment. I've been missing my gym and want to get more equipment."

"Sure, but why didn't you move it?" Think fast Northman, um Brigant.

"I left it behind for the next people." That was partly true. I did leave it behind.

"Oh. Well the place that Jason has gotten stuff from is in Shreveport. I'll get the information from him. Or if you'd like, maybe I can arrange to have him meet us one night at Merlotte's. I can get the introductions out of the way; you can get the info about the gym store and pick up a new wingman all at the same time. Talk about killing two birds with one stone."

"That would be great Sookie. Thanks. I'm going to go in and grab the salad. Can I get you something?" While we were talking I had put the steaks on the grill.

"I'll take a bottle of water if you've got one."

I smiled and made my way inside. I have been keeping to myself a little bit because I do not want to have to come up with a lot of back story about my life, but meeting her brother might be nice if he's anything like Sookie.

She's really easy to talk to and I am quite comfortable with her. If I was being honest with myself, if I had met her in New York, I don't know that we would have made it past one night out together. There I was always thinking about what was going to happen next; what maneuver would make the most money, what the next trade should be, who my next date would be. Not to say that Sookie wasn't a beautiful girl. She was. She wasn't a size two like most of the girls I'd been seeing, but she was really fit and curvy in all the right places. I'm a man, I've noticed. If I was in New York, I would have slept with her by now and moved on. But being here, in this alternate reality, this second life of mine I have nothing but time. I was enjoying the time that I spent with Sookie and I didn't want to mess that up with trying to get her into bed, however enticing the idea was.

As I stepped back outside I had to smile. Sookie had found my iPod and had Coldplay on and was singing along quietly. She was at the grill and had the tongs in her hand while tending to the steaks. She looked so comfortable, with no pretense. When she noticed that I had come back outside she turned with a big smile that could have lit up the night.

"Well there you are. I thought the steaks might need a little TLC. I didn't know if you wanted yours well done or not. I'm more of a medium, medium-rare type of gal myself."

"Thank you for saving dinner Sookie. I'm a medium-rare type of guy. Don't' feel like you have to sing quietly on my account." I set the salad down at the table and brought Sookie her water.

"Eric, it's not just for your account. There's a town ordinance forbidding me to sing anywhere in town outside of my shower or my car. I'm awful. Truly awful. But I don't mind it. I know I'm bad and I own it." She laughed a little bit. I couldn't help but laugh too. She feigned hurt feelings and then smiled.

Dinner went smoothly. We talked and ate and laughed and drank a bottle and a half of wine. It was one of the nicer evenings I had spent in a while, including my time in New York. Sookie had insisted on helping me clean up after dinner. I don't think either of us was ready for it to end, but it was getting late and Sookie had to work in the morning. I told her I would walk her home. She protested, but I did anyway.

"Eric, I was thinking. You mentioned that you missed working out. Why don't you meet me tomorrow morning for a run? I don't have any classes until 10, so I was going to head out at about 8."

"I don't know Sookie." I really didn't know that I wanted to run again. I didn't run often, and look how well the last time I went running turned out.

"Come on Eric. Are you chicken? Are you afraid of a girl half your size kicking your ass and leaving you in the dust?" She pushed playfully at my arm.

"Never."

"Well then…"

Ugh. Was I really going to drag myself out of bed to go running? Yes. Yes I was.

"Okay. You've got yourself a running partner for tomorrow." She looked mighty pleased with herself.

"Great! Um, I usually run with my iPod, so you may want to bring yours. I'll come and get you and then we'll head over to the trail okay?"

"That sounds fine." By now she was standing on the top step leading up to her porch. I was a few steps below her, getting ready to leave when she surprised me by pulling me into a hug and kissing my cheek.

"Thank you for a nice dinner and the great company Eric." Her lips were close to my ear, and her words tickled my ear as she spoke. "Until tomorrow morning then."

"It was a pleasure Sookie. Until tomorrow."

She skipped up the last step and went into her house. I noticed the door was unlocked. So different from home. You would never leave your apartment door unlocked.

I made my way back home and after cleaning up went to bed. Instead of my mind drifting to my life in New York, for the first time since I had been here I found my thoughts were occupied replaying the events of the evening. As I closed my eyes, I felt truly at ease for the first time in almost two weeks.

The alarm went off the next morning at 7:30. I was tempted to hit snooze as I was getting used to sleeping in; but I opted against it. I had to dig through my drawers to find some clothes to run in. I got dressed, took care of some basic needs and then headed downstairs to grab a quick drink. Was I really going to do this? I was replaying how I got ready the morning I met Franklin. I was glad that it was light out. At least that would make the memories a little easier for me to deal with.

I was sitting on the porch when Sookie pulled up in her car, windows down and music playing. Apparently one doesn't run to the path for running. You drive there. How ironic. She had a welcoming wave for me and I found myself laughing as I walked to her car. Who would have ever thought that at 8:00 on a weekday (or on any day for that matter) that you would find me going for a run. In this life, perhaps it would become more of a regular thing for me.

"Morning slowpoke! Did you sleep okay?" Sookie teased me as I got into her car.

"Actually, I think it was the best sleep I've had since I've moved here."

"Well then maybe you should drink wine before bed more often."

"Perhaps. Now do you care to explain to me why we are driving to where we are running? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?"

"Well, I guess I've never really thought of it. It's just kind of what everyone does around here. You don't find too many people running on the streets. We run when we get to the park. Why, isn't this what people did where you're from?"

I almost slipped and said it would be crazy to take a cab to Central Park to run, but I caught myself. I was supposed to be from Miami.

"I don't know. I never ran much, so I never paid attention."

It was silly really driving to the park. It was less than a five minute drive. But, who am I to argue? We got out of the car and Sookie began to stretch. As she stretched and bent over I found myself staring at her. I stopped as soon as I realized I was doing it and thought that I should start stretching too.

"Okay there legs, you ready to start?"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, legs. Look at them, they're huge. There's no way I could outrun you with those things." Sookie teased.

"I didn't realize that this was going to be a race. Shall I give you a head start?" Immediately after I asked, she popped her ear buds in for her iPod and took off. So Sookie had a little competitive spirit. Good to know.

I waited a few moments and took off after her. She seemed to have a good pace going. I figured I would hang back a bit and let her take the lead. Such the gentleman I am. I had my music on shuffle and was listening to some Lenny Kravitz as I was following behind Sookie. After about a mile of running I decided to catch up to her and run with her for a while. When she saw me she turned and smiled.

"I was wondering what was keeping ya!" We ran in companionable silence for a while, listening to our music as our feet pounded the earth beneath us. We had probably run about four miles when I dropped. It was foolish really. I had Paper Planes in rotation on my iPod. I was running along listening to the song and when the part with the gunshots came, I found myself completely unprepared. I had forgotten that there was the sound of gunshots and cash registers in the song and sounds of the the shots ringing in my ears transported me back to Central Park. I started to sweat even more profusely than I had been because I had been running and I had a hard time catching my breath.

"Eric? What's wrong?" Sookie had stopped and ran back to my side when she realized I was no longer keeping up with her. She placed a hand on my shoulder as I was doubled over, trying to get my breath.

"It's nothing, just a stitch in my side." I could do this. I'm a grown man for Christ sakes. I shook my head to try and clear it of the memory and stood up.

"Are you sure? You don't look so good Eric."

"I'm fine. Come on let's get going. We don't want you to be late for work." I changed the song that was playing and started off in a run. Sookie was still standing where I had stopped. "Hey! Are you conceding defeat already?" I knew that would get her running again. Within a minute she was by my side again and we continued running the path. It was nice and shady in some parts, with a small brook twisting and turning alongside it. It was far more enjoyable than running on asphalt and I thought perhaps this could become more of a routine for me. That is if I could manage to do it without freaking out again.

We made it back to the car without further incident on my part. How embarrassing. Although I think Sookie believed my explanation. We arrived back at the parking lot at the same time. Sookie did try to dig in and sprint the last quarter mile back to the car. I kept up with her though, so there was no clear winner today.

"Not bad for someone with a stitch, stretch."

"I thought I was 'legs'."

"Yeah, well you're looking like a stretch now to me." She threw me a bottle of water over the hood of her car. I was grateful for it.

"Thanks. That was a nice trail."

"I like it. Sure beats a treadmill."

We got in her car and made our way back home. I told her to just drop me at her place and I'd walk from there.

"So I talked to Jason and he said he's up for dinner tomorrow night at Merlotte's. He's looking forward to meeting you. Are you good at pool?" I cannot recall the last time I played.

"It depends on your definition of good."

"Well regardless, if you let Jason win the first time he meets you, he'll take to you quickly."

"I'll remember that. Thanks for the run today Sookie."

"You'll have to come out with me again sometime. The outdoors isn't so bad is it?"

I had to laugh.

"No. It's not. Especially when you have such nice company with you." I looked over just in time to see her blush. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then Sookie. Have a good day at work."

"Thanks Eric. You have a good day at… well, just have a good day." She gave me a wave from her steps and went into her house.

I certainly hoped to.