Haley walked into Merlotte's and could feel several sets of eyes land on her. Before she could think about getting nervous Sookie Stackhouse appeared, all smiles and friendly.
"I can't believe you're really moving back Haley, but I'm so glad you are." She pulled Haley in for a quick hug. "How was the drive?"
Haley smiled, letting Sookie lead her off to a table. "It wasn't bad, just long."
Sookie nodded, letting her settle into a booth before setting a menu down. "Well I'm sure you're starved."
Nodding Haley grinned. "So hungry. I couldn't even think about stopping at another McDonald's on the way in."
"How bout a drink to start?"
Haley nodded, "Yes please, a coke would be fantastic."
Sookie nodded, "I'll be right back."
-0-0-0-0-0-
Jason Stackhouse zeroed in on Haley as soon as he'd come in. It was hard to believe that was the same girl that had thrown mud at his head as a kid, and then gone to prom with him during his junior year. She hadn't changed much in that time, maybe her curves had become more pronounced, and her hair had gotten a little lighter... but those green eyes hadn't changed a bit.
He headed towards her booth, waving Rene and Hoyt off as he slid in across from her. "You just get into town?"
She looked up from the menu and smiled big at him. "Yeah, bout an hour ago. The house was so hot, I couldn't even think about cooking at home."
He nodded, knowing full and well that before her grams had died she'd said something about the air being busted out there. "I imagine it's only gonna get hotter. Your Grams said the air wasn't running right. I could come by later and take a look if you want."
Sookie appeared with a large coke and a straw, giving Jason a knowing look before going back to the bar. Haley took a sip and nodded at Jason. "That would be great, Jase, cause I know next to nothing about fixing stuff."
Jason nodded and stood up, stretching his lean form. "Oh i know that, I remember a night back in high school where this pretty girl got stuck in some mud."
She laughed and nodded, a sweet flush spreading across her cheeks. "And then my truck died."
Jason stooped to give her a hug before flashing his winning smile. "I'll see you tonight then, try not to melt till then."
Haley took another drink of her coke as Sookie appeared. They made small talk and then Haley ordered a cheeseburger and fries, with a side of onion rings. Once Sookie left Haley pulled her phone out. She had two text messages. One from her old roommate Kelsey, saying she'd paid the extra to have quicker shipping on her stuff. THe second was also from Kelsey, saying the just checked tracking and everything should arrive Thursday. Haley smiled, today was Thursday. She had hoped to have a few days to settle into the house before her boxes got here, but it would be fine. SHe could unpack a little before she started working.
Haley had met Sam when she'd come for her Grams funeral, and he'd agreed to let her work part-time at Merlotte's. She was supposed to start on Monday. That gave her three whole days to unpack and settle into the house again.
When her food arrived, it was brought by the cook, Lafayette. He welcomed her back to town, saying if she needed anything let him know. He'd left her after a few minutes and then she started on the food. It was good, so good. She had definitely needed food. After finishing off all the food, she paid her check and said goodbye to everyone.
The test of the afternoon she spent running errands. First was the bank, to open up her account. Next was the grocery store. She didn't buy much, just the basics, some eggs, milk, cereal, bread, and a few days worth of mac and cheese and frozen chicken nuggets. When she got back to the house, she was met with a pile of boxes. Feeling the heat of the day weighing down on her, she put away all her groceries then began moving her boxes into the house. Most of them were clothes, books and then toiletries.
It was after seven by the time all the boxe were inside and she'd sorted them into three piles. Three boxes of clothes, two boxes of toiletries, and three boxes of extra stuff, knick knacks and books. She'd already hauled her toiletry boxes upstairs and unpacked them when a loud knock sounded on the front door.
Jason Stackhouse had shown up, just like he said. He got right to work and thirty minutes later there was cool air coming out of the vents. Haley moaned, standing in the special spot where it got cold fast. Opening her eyes she smiled at Jason, who watched her with amused eyes.
"You are amazing Jason."
He nodded. "I've been told that before."
Flushing, Haley tucked her hair behind her ear. She had been in this same room before with Jason. Just after homecoming. It had been the night she was so sure Jason was the love of her life. Of course a week later that had changed, but that's how it always was with them, going back and forth, on then off. She thought about that now as Jason moved closer, his rough hands finding her hips, thumbs caressing the skin exposed there.
Haley didn't even think about pushing him away. it had been a long time since someone had touched her like this... and she missed the feeling. Jason quickly had her pressed against the wall, one hand still on her hip, the other weaving its way into her hair. His body pressed against hers then, and then lips pressed against lips, sending shivers down her spine. It started soft, then became more intense. Haley's arms went around his neck pulling him even closer, wanting every part of him against her.
Jason's hands began moving again, the hand on her hip traveling up the back of her shirt, moving around to caress her ribs as he continued up. His fingers brushed the front of her unlined bra and it hit her then. This was Jason, and while she cared about him, she wasn't ready to go there with him again.
Grabbing ahold of his hands she pulled her lips away from his. Looking down she shook her head. "I really can't do this right now, Jason."
He nodded, dropping his hands and watching her collect herself. "I understand, Haley... I just got carried away."
She smiled and looked up at him shyly. "Thank you again."
He took a step back and nodded, eyeing the boxes by the door. "It's not problem." Turning back to face her he gave her a smile. "I should be heading home though, you look pretty tired."
Haley nodded. Thanked him again, and watched him drive away. Shaking her head she got back to work, trying not to think about Jason, she moved her boxes upstairs. By ten she was laying in her bed, her clothes were all put away, she had showered and felt so much better. Tucking herself into bed, she settled into a deep sleep.
-0-0-0-
Hours later she awoke to a heavy feeling in the room. Her head was pounding, and as she stood up, she was dizzy right away. Falling to the floor on her hands and knees she closed her eyes, counting to ten and breathing before opening them again and looking up. The room had faded away, she was in the grass, she could feel the cool night air through her thin cami and shorts. Standing up, Haley looked around. She was in a clearing surrounded by trees. The clearing was large, and she did not feel alone.
The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and she felt a cold breath on the back of her neck. Fear crept into her mind, her stomach dropped. Her hands were shaking as she turned, coming face to face with a tall man. All she saw was chest, but looked up into the bluest eyes and the most handsome face. She focused on his mouth as he leaned his head lower, his lips coming closer to her mouth until their lips met. She couldn't taste his mouth, it was strange, but she ignored that as his lips traveled to her cheek, along her jaw, then down to her neck. Strong hands wrapped around her and pressed her body to his. She felt high, like nothing could touch her. Then a sharp pain made her jerk free of him, and seeing her blood dripping from his mouth, made her scream.
She turned and ran, but didn't get far before she was pulled down to the earth, disappearing underneath his body. Her limbs grew heavy and cold, and she tried to fight, but it was pointless.
Red and black swam in front of her eyes, then it all went white.
-0-0-
Haley jerked awake. Her breathing was fast and her heart was beating an insane beat. Sliding out of bed she made her way to the bathroom, where she flipped on the light. The small room flooded with light. When her eyes finally adjusted, she looked at her face in the mirror. Honey blonde hair, tan skin and green eyes, wide with fear. She turned on the tap and splashed her face with water. After drying her face off she leaned against the wall. Her mind wandered, and so did her eyes. They landed on her feet, covered with dirt.
Maybe life in Bon Tempt was going to be more interesting than she thought. Crazy dreams had been an issue before she left home, and now that she was back, it seemed the dreams were too.
Looking at the dirt on her feet, she let her hand come up to her neck, feeling tenderness there. Her reflection shower bruising.
Maybe dreams weren't just dreams.