Wow! Just wow. Thank you so much! The response to this story is amazing! I've been giddy for days! :D
Big thanks for my lady Keri, who's always awesome with her suggestions and everything she does for me! Love you, babe!
I'm going on a little vacation this weekend up 'till tuesday. I am not sure if I'll be able to write anything or how that wireless internet will work to post anything IF I get another chapter done, so I'm not going to promise a new chapter until this time next week, unfortunately. If I'll have anything done I'll post it and you can call it ninja chapter.
I've made up a way to keep the songs together, so check out this playlist on youtube - http:/www(dot)youtube(dot)com/playlist?list=PLF9712A4E8F8DE2C4
There are just too many times that people have tried to look inside of me
Wondering what I think of you and I protect you out of courtesy
Too many times that I've held on when I needed to push away
Afraid to say what was on my mind afraid to say what I need to say
Too many things that you've said about me when I'm not around
You think having the upper hand means you gotta keep putting me down
But I've had too many standoffs with you it's about as much as I can stand
So I'm waiting until the upper hand is mine
(One minute you're on top)The next you're not watch it drop
(Making your heart stop) Just before you hit the floor
(One minute you're on top) Next you're not missed your shot
(Making you're heart stop)You think you've won
(And then its all gone)
So many people like me put so much trust in all your lies
So concerned with what you think to just say what we feel inside
So many people like me walk on eggshells all day long
All I know is that all I want is to feel like I'm not stepped on
There are so many things you say that make me feel you've crossed the line
What goes up will surely fall and I'm counting down the time
Cause I've had so many standoffs with you it's about as much as I can stand
So I'm waiting until the upper hand is mine
(One minute you're on top)The next you're not watch it drop
(Making your heart stop) Just before you hit the floor
(One minute you're on top) Next you're not missed your shot
(Making you're heart stop)You think you've won
(And then its all gone)
I know I'll never trust a single thing you say
You knew your lies would divide us but you lied anyway
And all the lies have got you floating up above us all
But what goes up has got to fall
(One minute you're on top)The next you're not watch it drop
(Making your heart stop) Just before you hit the floor
(One minute you're on top) Next you're not missed your shot
(Making you're heart stop)You think you've won
(And then its all gone)
(Linkin Park – Hit The Floor)
SPOV
I woke to the sound of a door being flung to the wall. I got startled and nearly fell off the couch. And I would have if it weren't for Eric's hand around my waist, constricting to keep me from hitting the floor.
"What is the meaning of this?" Bills angry voice called from the hallway.
"We were sleeping, what does it look like to you?" I snapped at him as I got seated on my ass. Eric was moving around me and repositioned himself as well.
"With him?" he spat like Eric was some mangy dog.
"Yes, with my best friend. What the hell are you doing here, anyway?" I asked him, getting up.
"I was just coming home and saw his flashy car parked in front. What is the meaning of this? Why aren't you home?" he asked accusingly.
"Oh, you have no right to ask me why I wasn't home. Where the hell have you been?" I said, my voice growing an octave.
"I've been at the office."
"The hell you were. The office doesn't leave lipstick marks on your neck, you lying asshole," I told him after I noticed the red marks on his neck. He was probably counting on the fact that I'd be asleep when he came in, and he'd have time to wash up.
"I'll be in the kitchen if you need me," Eric said as he walked pass me, his hand gripping my hip slightly, letting me know he was there for me.
"I am not lying. I was at the office," Bill defended himself.
"Yeah, right. What were you doing there? Your secretary?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I do not know what you are talking about, Sookeh," he said, the image of complete innocence.
"Whatever. Listen, I've been thinking for a while now, but last night put a stress on exactly how much you don't care about me. I'm done with this," I said, taking out the engagement ring from my finger and walking up to him and putting it in his hand.
"What do you mean you're done with this? With us? It's Eric, isn't it?" he raged.
"No, it's not Eric. It's you and me. We don't work together. I don't interest you anymore, you're obviously cheating on me, given those lipstick marks that you pretend don't exist, and I don't want to do this anymore. That's why I was here. I'm moving out," I announced.
"The hell you are. We can work through this," he said angrily.
"Watch your mouth, Bill Compton. I do not care to work through this and there's nothing we can fix. There hasn't been in over a year. It's better this way," I told him and he kept looking at me like he didn't know me.
He didn't say anything more, he just turned on his heels and stormed out, slamming the door after himself. I could hear the engine of his car and he peeled off, heading back to town.
I left out a sigh and was soon gathered in Eric's arms.
I started crying. I didn't even know I needed it. He held me close, and he was soon scooping me up and sitting me sideways in his lap on the couch. I just held on to him and let it all out. All the pent up frustration and hurt. I let it all out as I sobbed into his shirt, clutching him for dear life. He just held me and rubbed my back in comfort.
My eyes dried out and I felt… cleansed, for lack of a better word.
"Are you done now?" he asked me in a quiet voice.
"I think so. Why?" I asked raising my eyes to meet his.
"Because this is the one and only time you get to cry over that bastard. This was your free pass and you've used it all. Are we understood?" he asked in an authorative voice.
I nodded and got up and walked to the bathroom to wash my face. I looked in the mirror and I was somehow surprised to see I still looked like me. I didn't look like the old hag from the cartoons or like Medusa with snakes instead of hair. It was just plain ol' me, after having spoken what was really in my heart for the first time in years.
I was still me, and I felt somehow stronger. Liberated. Free. I felt more powerful than I had in a long time, like I was taking control over my life again instead of waiting around for Bill.
I let out a sigh and a smile spread over my lips. I felt good, despite the long list of things that led to me dumping Bill. It just didn't matter anymore. It didn't matter that he was lame in bed, it didn't matter that he didn't pay attention to me, it didn't matter that he avoided making a decision regarding the wedding, it didn't even matter that he had cheated on me. I had a smile on my face because I was free and I had a lot of good things in my life.
I was going to get published and I could probably even quit my freelancing job now and dedicate my entire time to writing.
I had a lot of friends in my life, very good friends, starting with the tall blonde in my living room. I had fallen so many times since we'd met, and he was always there to catch me. Even when my Gran died, he was the one on whose shoulder I cried on, and not Bill's. When Jason decided to skip town, he was the one who picked up the million pieces my heart had broken into. Only the abandonment of a close family member can shatter one in so many tiny fragments, and that's exactly what Jason had done when he left me alone to bury Gran.
Eric was once again beside me, making sure I was ok, not letting me hit the floor. My mind wandered back to last night and how his body responded to mine. At first I thought I was imagining it, but then it only became more evident that it was all real. Maybe it was wrong, but he made me feel wanted. He had always made me feel wanted as a friend, a buddy, but last night I felt desired.
I had missed that feeling. It had been so long since I felt special like that. Had I been missing something about Eric's behavior? Had it always been like this? Maybe I was overreacting over the whole thing.
But then, what about that moment last night? I'd thought he was about to kiss me, and he probably would have if those damned windows hadn't blown open. There was something deep in his eyes, a passion I'd never encountered behind his baby blues; I felt his heart pound in his chest and his breathing turn shallow and fast. Did I want him to kiss me? Hell, I didn't know. Maybe. He was the most attractive man I ever saw, that was for sure, but what would it mean for us, for our friendship?
We'd be good together, I knew it like I knew the next Nicolas Cage movie would be a flop (weren't they always?). Did he want that? Did I want that? Gah! It was all so confusing right now.
I wiped my face and headed for the kitchen. The smell of coffee lured me in. Where in God's name he'd managed to find coffee in an abandoned house, was beyond me. If I had to bet, I'd say it was his nose that lead him to the beans.
He smiled broadly at me as I entered the room, and that spark I saw the night before reappeared. Hmmm.
"Thanks for the coffee and for being here for me. You're the best," I told him honestly.
"No problem. I know how you are about your caffeine in the morning," he said laughing slightly. "I didn't want you to turn into a zombie," he added with a wink.
"Har har. It's always the same old joke, Northman."
"Yes well, there wasn't a single time that you didn't laugh at it," he added in his defense.
"You're right. Ok, so here's the plan. I need to get changed and showered, and maybe pack some of my clothes, before I go meet Pam. You want to hang around, or will I meet you there?" I asked.
"I'll hang around. Alcide can handle the café and I'll drive you there or you can follow in your little bug, ehm, I mean beatle," he smirked.
"Stop laughing about my car. It's awesome!" I laughed in the defense of my little green VW Beetle.
"If you can fit in it," he added with a roll of his eyes.
"Oh shut up, you've had plenty of room on all the occasions you've been in it. Plus, you're one to talk! Your Corvette sure has enough legroom, but none for… other things," I told him with a wink.
He smirked and leaned forward so his lips were at my ear.
"Oh, but the hood is big enough," he whispered and I shivered slightly.
Our eyes met again, and as he pulled away, I saw him swallow, and I could practically see the wheels turning in his head.
"Well, then, let's get me changed and showered. Looks like you'll be helping out with packing, anyway," I told him and got off the chair.
He nodded and followed me, his eyes still glazed over.
I couldn't have imagined last night.
We went over to Bill's and for the next two hours we packed my clothes in "designer" garbage bags that we were going to leave at the farm house. I set my desktop computer down by the door, along with the nicely packed laptop and every file I've ever printed for my book. My book collection was still at the farm house since I never got to transfer it for some reason, so we'd be traveling somewhat light.
I collected all my jewelry and put it in my bag, along with all my toiletries.
We had to make three trips, but finally all my stuff was moved to my old home, including the heavy dresser Gran had given me.
We chatted lightly the entire time, remembering silly things from high school. Since Eric was the only one bringing up the subjects, I think he had an ulterior motive to our little trip down the memory lane – stopping me from wallowing in memories of my relationship with Bill. I didn't say anything about it. He was helping me out, after all.
I headed to the bathroom to take a shower since I was all sweaty and dusty from arranging things. I got undressed quickly, and stepped under the shower. I rubbed, scrubbed and rinsed before stepping out of the shower, and wrapping myself in a short towel I had brought with me.
I walked out of the bathroom, and Eric froze as he saw me. I didn't realize he'd be in my bedroom. His eyes raked my body, starting at my toes and going up, until our eyes met. The hunger written all over his handsome features made my body feel all tingly. I suddenly wanted to jump back in the shower and cool off or jump...
He snapped back to the moment, muttered an excuse, and got out of the room.
My knees felt weak and I sat down on the bed, taking in a deep breath. What was wrong with me? Eric had always been my friend and I don't think I've ever reacted like this towards him even though I've always found him attractive. Now there was this kind of tension between us, and I realized it's always been present, but it had only now reached its peak. It felt like the air left the room when his eyes got that heat in them, and I couldn't breathe anymore.
Snap out of it, Stackhouse! He's your best friend. Don't ruin it with jumping him. Take this…whatever it is…slowly.
I shook my head, got up, and dressed for the meeting. Pam didn't sound like someone uptight, so I got out a nice, dark skirt, and a pretty flowered blouse.
Eric was waiting for me on the porch, lost deep in thought. I cleared my throat and his eyes snapped back at mine.
"Do you want to go shower as well?" I asked him.
"No, we need to drop by my place first, though. I need to change as well and I'll shower there," he said and I nodded.
He got into his car and I drove my Beetle behind him. In half hour we were in Shreveport, and I took the familiar road that led to his house. It was quite big, but he always said that a house is a long term investment and you never knew what was going to happen. The neighborhood was one of the nicest ones I've ever seen.
We pulled into his driveway and he came around to help me out of the car when he'd parked his own.
We got inside and I busied myself checking out the photos of us on his shelves. Everyone in the gang was there, but I found myself in most of them. There was also a photo of a beautiful blonde woman with wise, blue eyes. His mother looked so much like him. I let out a sigh in regret that I'd never get a chance to meet her.
Eric came down the stairs, dressed in his regular black jeans and T-shirt, his hair still damp from his shower.
"Ah, so much better," he sighed happily.
"I bet!" I laughed.
"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you from last night, what did Diantha say to you? She was doing that thing with her hand, so I guess she was trying really hard to slow down to tell you whatever it was she did," he smiled at me.
"Oh, she just figured out that I was sad about Bill and told me that whatever I decided was for the best," I told him, failing to add that she'd also said there are plenty of people who love me, and one in particular who would do anything to make me happy.
"Oh, ok. You should call Pam and tell her you're on your way, by the way," he reminded me and I went to do just that. She said she'd be there in 15 minutes.
"Well, she'll be there in quarter of an hour, so that's plenty of time to get to the cafe. Shall we?"
"We shall. After you, milady," he said, making me blush for the millionth time since yesterday.
After we parked in the lot behind the bar, I went straight to the main room of the café, said hello to Alcide, and found a table. He mouthed "good luck" to me and I smiled in return.
Just as the 15 minutes passed, a tall, light brown haired woman came into the coffee shop. Her eyes searched the room and I knew that must have been Pam. I raised my hand to signal her and a wide smile spread over her lips as she approached me.
"My, my, aren't you pretty. You'll look beautiful on those backcovers. Hi, I'm Pam," she greeted, extending her hand to shake mine.
I stood up slightly and shook her hand than sat down.
"Sookie Stackhouse. It's nice to meet you," I replied in my best Southern manners.
"So, Sookie, I must say I loved your book. The draft you sent me is excellent. Of course, it needs some editing and a few changes, but all in all it's quite good," she said.
"Thank you. I'll consider every suggestion you give me, of course," I told her.
Just then Eric approached the table with a big coffee pot in hand. His outfit was completed by that short white apron he wore when he was dealing with customers.
"Hi, welcome to Fangtasia café. As Sookie's guest you can order anything you like, on the house," he said smiling.
"Oh, that's nice of you. A big coffee is enough, though," she said, staring at Eric. A twinge of… something went through me as she watched him with big eyes.
"Very well then," he replied, and filled the mug that had been waiting on the table.
He smiled again, and squeezed my shoulder reassuringly before leaving.
"Is that the friend you were talking about?" Pam asked.
"Yes, that's Eric," I replied.
"That's your best friend? That's too bad, you'd make cute kids. I saw the way he looked at you, though. I think he sees you as more than his friend. Just saying," she said defensively.
"Yeah, that's what everyone's been saying. He's just out of a relationship and I just dumped my fiancé, though," I told her.
"Oh, my, what happened?" she asked, sounding genuinely concerned.
"I'm not in love with him anymore, but I'm 99% sure he was cheating on me. It's better this way," I said, taking a sip out of my own coffee.
"When did it happen?"
"Ehm," I checked my watch. "Five hours ago."
She just burst into laughing.
"I'm sorry," she said, trying to regain composure. "If I knew I'd get that answer, I wouldn't have asked. When you said "just", you really meant it."
"Yep. It's ok, though. I'm fine," I told her.
"Well, that's good, cause I need you focused. I want to get this done in the next couple of months. I'll be your agent. I want to sign you for five books for now. You show a lot of promise, and I think you'll do wonderful. Your editor will be Stan Davis. He's "the" husband I was talking about. Piece of advice, if you ever have to meet him in the morning, bring coffee, otherwise you better not show up at all. He won't be able to do anything properly," she added with an amused smile on her face.
"Noted. When will I meet him?" I asked.
"Monday morning, I think it's best. Tomorrow is Sunday and we have some plans. Plus, you have time to adjust to the idea that from this day forward you're a signed author. You're gonna be famous!" she told me, and I blushed a little.
She pulled out the paperwork from her briefcase and handed me a copy to read over. Eric approached us and asked if he could also look over the contract.
He sat next to me in the booth, and we both looked over the clauses, giving me a slight nod that meant everything was clear. He had more experience with legal stuff, so I relied on his opinion often where these things were concerned.
Pam pulled out a pen and offered it to me. I signed my new life with a wide grin on my face.
EPOV
This was becoming harder and harder. I thought I'd die the moment she stepped out of that shower in that tiny towel. The swell of her breasts was evident over the top of the material and her legs were shown off as the towel barely covered her. I got out of that room before I threw her on the bed and fucked her senseless.
Only when I got home and finally showered I was able to cool down a bit. I hadn't jerked off that fast since I was 16.
When I went downstairs, I saw her looking at Mom's picture. I felt a bit of sorrow, knowing she'd never get to meet her. Mom would have loved her to bits.
We drove to the shop, and she went straight in to find a table. When I went after her, Pam was already talking to Sookie. I put on my best smile, and went to meet her. I left them to their privacy, but couldn't resist when I saw her pushing papers to Sookie. I needed to look over them and know that she wasn't being trapped in something bad for her.
However, the papers were as clean as they could be. She was being offered a pretty nice deal. She was being signed for five books and there was no time limit for her to write them, so there was little pressure on her. The money looked very good and she'd have quite a big share of the sales afterward.
I was so proud of her.
Pam left after a half hour. Sookie came into my office, grabbed my hands, and started jumping up and down like an overexcited kid. I smiled widely and grabbed her in my arms, spinning her around. She laughed and squealed to let her down, threatening to ruin the rug in my office if I didn't.
We laughed and talked for another hour about her book, and how she could continue it into a series. She was thinking of taking a few days to map out some follow-up books, just the general outline of what she wanted to do with her characters. Sookie was planning on showing them off to Pam when she was done.
I led her to her car and she drove off towards Bon Temps, wanting to do some cleaning around the house, saying she'd develop allergies to all the dust gathered around there if she didn't. I also suggested she'd make a list of things she wanted to fix, since she'd now have the money to do so.
It was past six when I decided to give her a call and see how she was doing. She didn't answer on the first ring and I let it go, thinking she was probably doing some vacuuming, or that her phone wasn't within her reach. Fifteen minutes later, when she hadn't called back yet, I rang her again. She didn't answer and by the time I clicked the phone shut, I was already in the car, peeling off from the parking lot.
I had a bad feeling. She always answered. She always returned my calls, and she always checked her phone. Something was wrong.
I pushed the pedal more than usual, and sped off towards her. I hated that she lived so far away. By the time I parked beside her car, a million scenarios had run through my head, each worse than the other.
I didn't bother knocking as I stormed through her front door, knowing she never locked it. I called out her name and there was no answer. I followed the sound of running water and went straight to her bedroom and through the door of her bathroom.
She was sitting in the tub, head between her hands, her hair wet around her face. She was shaking lightly.
"Sookie?" I asked and approached her slowly.
"Go away," she said in a small voice.
"I'm not going anywhere," I told her. I grabbed a towel off the rack, and went closer to her.
"Please."
"No. Tell me what happened," I insisted, frantic to know what happened to her.
Her face raised from her hands and she turned softly towards me.
The left side of her face was bruised like she'd been hit. Blood boiled in my veins at the thought of what that bastard did to her.
"Bill?" was all I asked, wanting to make sure I was about to murder the right person.
She merely nodded.
"I forgot Mom's brooch, the pearl one. I had it in a box in the closet and I forgot to get it. I went back and he was there…" she said, refusing to say more.
I'm pretty sure my face showed all the feelings coursing through me.
"Get out of the tub, come on," I told her and stretched the towel in front of her.
Although she was risking me seeing her naked, she didn't hesitate and did as I asked. My arms went around her as I wrapped the towel. She melted in my embrace and I hugged her tightly. I reached out and turned off the water and then guided her to the bedroom.
"Get dressed," was all I said as I turned to leave.
"Eric …" she said after me.
"I won't kill him, don't worry," I told her, stopping in my tracks, somewhat hurt that she still cared for his safety.
"It's not him I worry about, I could care less about him. Be careful," she said and I turned around. Her eyes pleaded with me and there was worry written all over her features. I nodded and got out of the room, unable to bear the bruise on her face one more second.
I stormed through the house and found myself in front of the ScumBill's porch. I didn't even know how I got there, my thoughts were just spinning about what I'd do to him.
I walked up the front steps and knocked on the door. He opened it, a questioning look on his face, before fear covered his features. He tried to close the door, but I pushed it open. Before he even had the chance to take a step back he was on the floor. My fist caught his jaw and he fell to the ground, his hands flying to his face.
"Why don't you take on someone your own size, you stupid piece of shit?" I asked, stepping slowly towards him as he crawled backwards.
"She deserved it, she provoked me," he had the guts to say.
I squatted down to his position and put my hand around the side of his throat, my thumb pressing into his Adam's apple – the only evidence he was a man.
"Only a coward hits a woman," I sneered at him. "I do not care what she said to you, you shouldn't have hit her. If I ever see you close to her again, I will show you what it means to be hit by someone bigger than you, do you understand me?" I asked and he continued to stare at me.
"I asked if you understood me," I said again, adding pressure with my thumb .
He nodded and let out a sigh of relief as I backed off of him.
"I'll go to the police," he threatened.
"Oh, please do, I'm sure they'll be eager to find out you hit a woman, Compton. They treat people like you very nicely in county prison, you know," I told him.
I walked to the door and paused before turning again.
"That threat stands if you so much as call her, or walk into the same supermarket as her, do you understand me? Don't come near her again," I told him.
I walked out and slammed the door behind me, Bill watching me with wide eyes from his proper place- the floor.
I walked back to Sookie's house slowly, taking the time to cool off, and trying to resist the urge to go back and kick the shit out of that asshole.
I took a deep breath before stepping into Sookie's house. I turned and locked the door, and walked to her bedroom. The second I was through the door, she came running and flung herself at me, her arms wrapping around my neck.
"Oh God, I was so worried, are you ok?" she asked as I put my arms around her.
"I'm fine. And that scum is still alive. Don't go near him again or I'll put you under house arrest," I said and she giggled.
"I know you will and I won't go near him. I promise," she told me.
Sookie let go of me and walked towards the bed, cuddling under the blanket. She patted the space next to her.
"I suppose you want to know what happened," she said, looking up at me as I took off my shoes and crawled into bed next to her.
"Yes I do. Start talking," I told her as I propped myself on one elbow.
"I got home, cleaned a bit and then remembered, when I went through the jewelry box, that I forgot Mom's brooch. I went to the house around 6 or so. He was there, and he wasn't happy I had broken off the engagement and ended our relationship. He followed me through the house as I went straight to the closet.
"He kept saying nasty things about you and about me. I snapped and told him to shut the fuck up, and called him a lying, cheating bastard. He spat at me that of course he'd been cheating on me when all I ever wanted to do was spend time with you and the gang.
"I slapped him, and told him I wished I'd have never met him. That's when he hit me. I managed not to cry in front of him. He tried to comfort me when he realized what he'd done but I yelled at him not to touch me. I threatened that if he ever raised a hand at me to me again, I'd cut off his dick in his sleep. He knows he's a sound sleeper, and he also knows I'm capable of doing it. He backed off, and I was out of there before he managed to say sorry again."
As she finished retelling the story, the only thing keeping me rooted to the place was her hand on mine. I wanted to go back to Bill's and fuck him up. I was also proud of her for threatening him. I knew she'd do it as well as he did. When Sookie was pissed, you'd better watch out.
I leaned back against the pillows and pulled her towards me.
"I'm staying here tonight. I'll sleep on the couch if you want me too, but I'm not leaving you alone in the house with him so close," I told her, as she settled her head on my arm. She winced a bit as her bruised skin touched me, but she said nothing of it.
"You can sleep here. I trust you completely, you know that, right?" she asked, her eyes gazing up to me.
"I know," I smiled at her and the urge to kiss her and make her feel better overwhelmed me. Our eyes locked and I knew then that I wasn't the only one feeling the shifts in our relationship.
I kissed her forehead and hugged her body to mine. We feel asleep content, although the sun had barely set.
Thank you for reading! Leave me some love!
xoxo
Gaby