Chapter Nine - Everything in Balance

The next morning I woke up and rolled over to find that I was alone in bed. It shouldn't have surprised me, but it definitely didn't help the awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. After a couple rounds with Sophie, all I could think about was the events at the bar. I shouldn't have left Sookie like that. Sure, the idea of getting laid sounded nice at the time, and because it did I let myself believe that my friend was fine, but I knew that wasn't true.

I realized that the text she sent me was probably meant to make me feel better about leaving, and I felt even more like a jerk. Unfortunately, there wasn't really anything I could do about it now, but I decided to leave early and meet Sookie at her place before we went to eat.

It took ten minutes of knocking on the door for someone to finally answer, and that someone was what looked like Zombie Pam. Mornings really didn't agree with her.

It looked like she shouted, "WHAT?" at me, and I remembered that she didn't know sign language. I'd left my pencil and paper in my car, so I mimed out writing for her. She glared at me for a moment, and then turned around and went back into the apartment. I assumed she meant for me to follow, so I went in after her, closing the door behind me.

I found her at the desk in the living room corner, where she was digging into a drawer. When she found some paper and a pen, she went to the coffee table and kneeled in front of it. I did the same on the other side, and she simply glared more as she gestured to the items.

Where is Sookie? I wrote. Just the simple fact that Pam had been the one to answer the door told me that Sookie wasn't home.

"I don't know," she said to me. Pam was great about annunciating her words, which made her one of my favorite non-signers to talk to.

Didn't she come home with you last night?

"No, after you left she started drinking some, and this guy from a band that plays at the bar showed up. They were having a nice time, and I felt like she needed it, so I left on my own."

My brow furrowed in confusion.

And she didn't come home?

"Nope."

Has she called? How could you just leave her there?

"I don't know, how could you just leave her there? At least I was looking out for her, not leaving to get laid."

That answer earned her a glare of my own.

Thanks so much for all your help, Pam. When she gets in, could you please tell her to text me?

"Sure, now could you leave so I can get back to my beauty rest?"

I shook my head and stood up, and then Pam had to get one last dig in.

"Your handwriting is atrocious, by the way," she smirked. I just smiled as I flipped her the bird, then showed myself out.

~o0o~o0o~o0o~

My head was pounding, and I was extremely uncomfortable. My eyes opened, and as soon as they focused I shot up from wherever I was laying. A couch, in a completely unfamiliar apartment. It looked like a guy's place, since there were dirty dishes and socks everywhere, and it looked like it hadn't been dusted in a year.

I looked down and thankfully noted that I was still fully clothed, shoes and all, so hopefully I hadn't gone totally skanky though I'd still be doing the walk of shame to brunch with Eric.

Brunch. Shit, what time was it? I started looking around for my purse, but couldn't find it anywhere. On the verge on panicking, I was startled by a deep voice behind me.

"Oh hey, you're up."

I jumped and turned to find myself staring at Alcide Herveaux, dressed in a pair of flannel pants, and a white t-shirt. His hair was everywhere, and he was smiling at me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Did you sleep alright? You passed out on the couch, so I just covered you up."

"What happened last night?" I asked, keeping the coffee table between me and him. I was still rather freaked out.

"Are you one of those drunks that doesn't remember anything the morning after?"

"When I drink tequila, I am."

"Oh yeah, you were drinking that," he chuckled. "I saw you at the bar, and we hung out for a while, but your ride bailed, so I offered to take you home, but then you got us lost and couldn't remember your address, so I brought you here. When we got in, you bee-lined for the couch and passed out. Nothing happened, I promise. We didn't even kiss."

"Where is my purse?" I asked.

"I don't remember you bringing it in, actually. It's probably still in my truck. Let me slip some shoes on and we can go down and get it," he said, and doubled back down the hall. When he re-emerged he was wearing a pair of Spongebob slippers, and I had to fight to keep from giggling at him.

"It's okay to laugh," he said. "My niece got them for me for Christmas. They're quite comfortable, actually."

I gave into the laughter as he led me out of his apartment, and down into the parking lot. Alcide was on the second floor of his building. Just as he thought, my purse was sitting on the floorboard of his truck, and I immediately went for my phone. It was almost dead, but I was able to see a bunch of texts from Eric, and send him one back saying that I'd be at the restaurant for brunch before it died.

"Where exactly are we?" I asked Alcide. He gave me the address, and I was glad that it was within walking distance of the diner. "I have to meet a friend for brunch, and he's worried himself sick over where I was, so I should go. I… Thank you, for taking care of me, and not taking advantage of the situation."

"I wouldn't do something like that. I have a sister, and a niece, and I'd kill anyone who did that to them," he assured me, making me smile. Not at the thought of him killing someone, but because I knew he was telling the truth. "Hey, where is the diner you're going? I can drive you."

"It's only like seven blocks. I can walk."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm guessing that you're nursing one hell of a hangover, and walking seven blocks in humidity isn't going to be fun. I'd be happy to give you a ride there. And if your friend is already worried, then it'll just mean he'll see you're alright that much sooner."

Well… I couldn't really argue with him on that one.

"A ride would be really nice, Alcide. Thank you," I said.

He smiled and went around to unlock his door and then climbed into the cab. I climbed into the passenger side, and then we were off.

"I really appreciate this. If there's anything I can do…"

"Well, I'm assuming you don't remember me asking last night now, so I'll just ask again. My band is playing at the bar again next weekend, and I wondered if you'd like to have a very early morning dinner with me after the bar closes."

"Oh. Um, I'm sure I was really enthused about that last night, but I'd just broken up with someone, and I think I just need to be single for a while."

Alcide kind of deflated at my words, but still smiled.

"Yeah, you told me about that guy. I understand why you want to wait. I suppose I'll just have to settle for hoping we're both single again when next we meet."

I smiled at him. Alcide was a really nice guy, but our timing was awful, and I was way too embarrassed by how he must have seen me acting to agree to date him just yet. Like he said, we'd just have to hope that when the time was right, we'd both be ready.

When he pulled up outside the diner, I saw Eric waiting out front.

"Thank you for the ride, Alcide. I'd love to invite you to join us, but…"

"No, it's okay. I have get with the guys to practice in about an hour anyway."

"Okay, um…" God, this was awkward. "I guess I'll see you at the bar next weekend."

"Yup," he smiled.

To make the situation even more awkward, my hungover brain thought it would be a good idea if I leaned over and gave him a quick hug.

"Thank you for taking care of me. You're a great guy."

"Thanks. You better go though, your friend looks like he's about to come over here and punch me."

"Whoops. Yeah, he doesn't know what happened. I better go explain. Bye, Alcide," I said, and climbed out of his truck.

Alcide waved as he drove off, and I made my way to Eric, who was already walking towards me, signing.

Are you okay? What happened? Who was that?

"Eric, calm down. I'm okay, but I have a headache, and you're not helping that right now," I signed. "Let's go in and order, and I'll explain."

Before I could even take a step past him, his arms were around me, wrapping me in a crushing hug that didn't do much to help the headache, but did amazing things for my heart. I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a good squeeze back.

Tell me everything, he signed once we'd sat down and ordered. He got his usual giant omlette and short stack, and I got a greasy burger and fries for my head.

"I got drunk, so I don't remember much, but I guess Pam left me at the bar with Alcide, and he offered to drive me home, but I was so messed up that I couldn't give good directions, so he took me back to his place, and I passed out on the couch," I explained, quite slowly too, since my signing was apparently awful with a hangover. "I woke up, fully dressed, no worse for the wear, but with an awful headache. I'm fine. Alcide was a total gentleman."

Eric nodded, seemed to collect himself, then signed, I may have gotten onto Pam for leaving you there. I'll have to apologize because I'm no better. I'm sorry for last night. I shouldn't have left like I did.

"It's okay," I said.

No. I wasn't being a good friend. And what if it wasn't that man who took you home? What if it was someone who would have hurt you? I would never be able to forgive myself.

I reached across the table and squeezed both his hands as I spoke, thankful that he could read my lips.

"You have to stop thinking that way. I'm fine. I'm not hurt, and I'm not that upset with you for leaving. It's water under the bridge, okay?"

He nodded and smiled, then glanced down at his hands to tell me to let them go so he could talk again.

"Sorry," I laughed, pulling my hands away.

I really am sorry about what happened with Quinn.

"Oh hush, you really want to say 'I told you so,' admit it," I signed back.

A little bit, but only a little. He was very rude to you. That's why I punched him.

"I know, and I appreciate you looking out for me. He deserved it."

You're not mad at me for hitting him?

"Nope. It was actually kind of funny, in retrospect. I don't know why I stayed with him so long."

Eric only smirked in response, and then our food came. I groaned when I cut my big, greasy burger in half, and took a huge bite. There was nothing better to cure a hangover than spending time with a friend, and a plate of greasy food.

"Actually, I've made a decision," I said after I'd finished the first half. Eric gave me a look to continue. "No more men. No more dating. And when I decide to date again, it won't be someone I meet at the bar. I just want to be alone for a while. I don't need a relationship to be complete."

He smiled, and set his fork down.

I'm happy for you. But don't turn into one of those hermit hipster feminist women or we can't be friends.

I laughed, and signed, "I promise that when I'm ready to date again, you'll be the first to know."

What? Why me? he signed, looking a bit … well, I couldn't really place it. Slightly panicked?

"Because you're my best friend, and I'm going to hope you'll know a nice guy you can set me up with."

Oh, he recovered. I'll see what I can do.

He started to reach for his fork again, but then he smirked, and signed more.

But maybe by then I'll finally have you head over heels for yours truly.

"Ha! Sophie really has turned you into a cocky bastard, hasn't she?"

He grinned more and nodded, we both laughed about it, and then we finished our meals. All was in balance again in our relationship. I just hoped we could continue to dance around in that balance without tipping the scales over for good.

Once again, sorry for the delay. Thank you for sticking around. I hope you enjoyed it. And a big thank you to the couple of readers who recently found the story and asked quite nicely for a new chapter. I appreciate everyone's patience so much!