It's been way longer than I'd intended, so I'll get on with it ... A/N at the end!
Sookie's POV
There was a person hovering over me when my eyes fluttered open. I couldn't quite make out who it was. "Sookie," it said, sounding relieved. It was Amelia; at least it was her voice. "Hey, Eric, sweetie ... she's waking up," she called out.
Waking up? Why, was I asleep? Was the whole day a dream? How fucking wonderful would that be!
"Dr Ludwig, she's coming to, now," I heard him say.
Dr. Ludwig? Uh … definitely not a dream. And definitely not good.
"Where am I?" I asked groggily, as I shifted my body, trying to sit up.
"Nope … don't you dare try to move," Amelia chided, her hand on my shoulder holding me down. "Just lie still. You're on your couch, in your living room and if you get up, you might faint again," Amelia urged, stopping me.
Faint? Wait! Faint again? I'd fainted? I think I was a little confused.
Actually, the only thing I was sure of was my head was still killing me, but not like before, it was different, now. Instead of a throbbing pain I'd become accustomed to all day, it was now more of a shooting, sharp, and just sore, kind of pain - kind of how I'd imagine it'd feel to be hit in the head with something really, really hard.
"My head," I mumbled, reaching for it, feeling a bump as my hand grazed my forehead.
I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again, hoping the pain would lessen, or that at the very least my vision, which was a little foggy, would clear. It didn't help. The pain was still very much present and my vision still wasn't completely clear.
"You hit it pretty hard when you fell off your stool, sweetie. Do you remember falling?"
Falling - no, I didn't think I remembered falling, but I did seem to recall feeling a little dizzy and lightheaded as Eric was about to make our announcements.
The announcements!
"Do they know?" I asked, frantically. "Did he tell them?"
"What?" Amelia asked, confused.
"Did he tell them … about us, and the baby?" I clarified.
"Of all the things for you to be worried about right now." Amelia grumbled, shaking her head. "Engagement ... yes ... the baby ... I'm afraid not, sweetie. He didn't quite get that far." She shrugged. "You sort of hit the ground before he could finish," she informed, then explained how I'd passed out, and that I'd lost consciousness, but only for a few minutes. "You gave us all quite a scare."
I wasn't really sure what to say. I mean, first off, it was all sort of embarrassing, and also, I certainly hadn't meant to frighten anyone, but then again, I hadn't exactly meant to pass out, either.
One thing was clear to me, though, regardless of the fact I'd fainted, I didn't feel well, and my head was killing me, Eric and I still had an announcement to make.
Eric's POV
"Where'd Eric go?" I heard Sookie ask Amelia.
I was standing in the entryway between the hallway and the living room. I'd just finished speaking to Dr. Ludwig, who was going to meet us at the hospital in about an hour and a half, which sucked because I was worried, but it was the quickest she could get there, and I couldn't complain too much because we had a forty-five minute drive ourselves.
"I'm right here, baby," I assured, walking over to her and kneeling down beside the couch, where she lay. I placed one hand gently on her stomach, rubbing it lightly with the tips of my fingers, and the other; I used to gently stroke her hair away from her face.
"I love you," she whimpered, pitifully. Tears were visibly forming in the corner of her eyes.
"I love you, too," I replied smiling down at her, before leaning over and brushing my lips against her forehead.
"Did I ruin dinner?" she asked, sheepishly, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks.
"No!" I insisted, wiping away her tears with my thumb. "You didn't ruin dinner, but ... I was so scared, Sookie – for you, and for the baby." Now tears were starting to form in my own eyes. "I'm just so glad you're okay."
There'd been so many outcomes for this evening I'd envisioned - ranging from the good to the bad to the utterly terrifying - but this ... this, I'd never anticipated, and this was beyond, utterly terrifying - for me, at least.
"Uh … I'll go fill everyone in on how she's doing and see if Pam needs any help," Amelia cut in, with an obvious attempt to give us some time alone.
Pam was in kitchen playing host, in mine and Sookie's absence. Everything had just happened so incredibly abruptly and fast - it hadn't even been fifteen minutes since she'd first fainted - so everyone was still in the kitchen eating dinner, as well as waiting to see if Sookie was okay.
"Thanks, Amelia," I said smiling. "I'll be there, in a few minutes … before we leave for the hospital."
"Hospital? You're taking me to the hospital?" Sookie whined.
"Of course I am. You're pregnant and you just passed out, baby. We have to make sure everything's really okay, and I think we should have that knot on your head checked out, too." It was freaking huge. I lightly ran my fingers over it and questioned, "How's it feel?"
She winced. "It hurts."
I very, very lightly touched my lips to it.
"Is it any better now?" She just smiled. "Do you want to change into something more comfortable before we go? I can help you to the bedroom," I offered.
"Thanks, I'd like that," she said, a grin still on her face. "But, after I change, there's something else I'd like help with before we go."
*s*s*
"Are you positive ... like really, really positive you want to go ahead with this? You've just been under so much stress today and it worries me, plus, we don't have a lot of time." We had to leave in about thirty minutes to meet Dr. Ludwig and I really didn't want to be late. I was entirely too worried about Sookie and the baby to risk being even a minute late. "Are you sure you feel well enough?" I questioned as Sookie slid a pair of gray yoga pants up her legs.
I wholeheartedly agreed with her that we needed to finish what we'd started and fill everyone in on the news she was pregnant, but at the same time, I was worried that maybe we should wait for a better time. Practically all day, she'd been sick, her last time puking, being only like five minutes ago, and she had been on an emotional rollercoaster, as well, and to top things off she'd fainted. I couldn't help but worry she couldn't handle much more.
She sat down on the bed beside me, patting Killer, who was curled up in my lap, on the head, and insisted, "Eric, we can't hide it any more. I know it probably makes no sense, but after the day I've had, I almost feel like it would be worse for me to keep hiding it. I just want to get it over with ... I guess ... so we can just stop worrying about how everyone's gonna take the news.
"Plus, Hunter knows, and you know he's not old enough for us to expect him to keep a secret like that." She picked up a green tank top from beside her; she'd sat out to wear. "Once it's out there, people can think what they want to think, and I can ...," she turned to face me, her blue eyes boring into my own, "no ... we, can just enjoy being pregnant again." She smiled, and then slipped the tank top over her head. "It was kinda fun before we started worrying about telling people."
She was absolutely right. I'd enjoyed every single moment of her pregnancy, since she'd told me. Every single moment - both good and bad, that is, until the past couple of days. Knowing we'd created something that was living and growing inside her was a wondrous and magical sort of thing and all the stress we'd both been under - worrying about whether our friends and family would approve - was taking all the wonder and magic out of it.
"I just worry about you, but you're right. We need to do this now, then we won't have to worry about it anymore," I agreed, as she slid on a thick wool cardigan she'd picked up from the foot of the bed. "Besides, Hunter and I go back to school Monday, and I agree, there'll be no secrets then," I added, nodding.
Sookie's POV
My head was still killing me and I was probably going to have an unsightly bruise in the morning; not to mention, I was tired, nervous, nauseous, and I was still a little wobbly on my feet when Eric and I headed into the kitchen, but even still, I was so relieved to finally be getting everything out in the open.
I was just so sick, stressed, and tired of being so sick, stressed, and tired all the time, and I really hoped it wasn't going to continue to be that way the whole time I was pregnant. I mean, I didn't ever think being pregnant would be a piece of cake, especially given the circumstances of mine and Eric's situation, but I at least hoped things got a little easier as time went on.
Despite not feeling well, a good bit of the time, I really had enjoyed being pregnant, so far - the majority of the time, at least - but the past few days had just been really, really hard. I'd been sicker than I'd been previously, and a lot more stressed, knowing the time to tell everyone was approaching.
As we headed to the kitchen, I knew Eric was just as nervous as I was, not that he was outwardly showing it. On the outside, he seemed completely put together, cool, and calm, as he almost always did, but with Eric, looks were often deceiving.
I guess, through dealing with his anxiety and depression issues, he'd learned to mask his emotions pretty well when he wanted to - as long as he wasn't put on the spot or surprised - and as far as I could tell, Pam and I were the only people who were able to see through it.
It really was crazy – the fact I'd known him for such a short time, yet in a lot of ways, I knew him like the back of my own hand and as far as I knew, it was the same for him. I mean, don't get me wrong, we still had a lot to learn about each other, but in the ways that mattered most, it was like we'd known each other forever.
Maybe all that soul-mate/meant-to-be crap Amelia had been spouting off, earlier, to make me feel better was really real, come to think about it. I had certainly felt an unexplainable connection to him since the day we met, and since giving in to our feelings, I'd definitely never felt more comfortable with myself or more complete.
Definitely something to ponder, but not till another time - there were other things I needed my mind focused on, at the moment.
Announcing to our friends we were getting married and having a baby would've been hard enough, anyway, but having to tell them we were having a baby, when I didn't feel well, and after I'd passed out, was going to be ridiculously hard and I really needed to focus.
Apparently, since I'd passed out, there hadn't been time for any reactions to our engagement news, which made our situation even more awkward, now. There was no telling what we'd walk into, in the kitchen - congratulations, objections (my worst fear), or just general concern for my health - and as Eric kept reminding me, we didn't have much time, so we couldn't let any of that distract us.
We entered the kitchen, hand in hand. Pam and Amelia were clearing the table, and Lafayette was standing by doorway, in front of the fridge, pouring himself a glass of iced tea. Everyone else was still seated at the table eating dessert.
"How you feelin', girl?" Lafayette questioned, concerned and loud enough to draw the room's attention to me.
"Oh, I'm fine, now," I insisted, to everyone - not just Lafayette. I was so lying, but there was no reason to worry anyone, further. "But he," pointing toward Eric, "says I gotta go to the hospital, and I wanted to thank everyone for coming before we leave ... and apologize for what happened."
And tell y'all I'm pregnant. Shit! I was nervous ... and still a little embarrassed I'd passed out and fallen off my stool in front of everyone!
"Girl, stop that craziness! You don't got nothin' to apologize for. Pam told us you hadn't been feelin' good today. We just glad you okay," he assured. "I hope you okay enough for some quick congratulations, now, before you go because you sure didn't give us a chance for all that after y'all's big announcement," he complained, jokingly, setting the pitcher of tea back inside the fridge and shutting the door.
With a now free hand, he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, giving me a squeeze, and squealed, "I'm so happy for you! Do I get to be a bridesmaid?" Then, he batted his eyelashes at me.
I giggled, along with everyone else in the room, shaking my head and knowing full well he was serious. "I'll think about it," I promised.
"Really, both of y'all, congratulations. I mean it ... and I think I speak for everyone here," he insisted, gesturing toward everyone at the table with his arm. Most everyone nodded, agreeing. Shifting his full attention to Eric, he insisted, "You take good care of my girl."
"I intend to," Eric said surely, then started toward the table, pulling me along with him. "Which is why we don't have much time." He pulled out the chair motioning for me to sit, then stepped behind me, resting his hands on my shoulders. "I have to get her to the hospital and we have something else we wanted to share before we go."
"What else could there possibly be?" Halleigh asked, perplexed. "You moved in together a few weeks ago, now you're getting married." She paused for a moment, deep in thought, then excitedly asked, "This isn't one of those spur-of-the-moment, surprise weddings is it?"
"I'm afraid not, Halleigh, ... and I don't even know that we'd have time for it, now, anyway, even if it was," I answered, smiling, hoping to conceal the fact I still didn't feel all that great and also the fact I was nervous about what we were about to reveal. "But, like Eric said, we didn't just ask y'all here tonight to eat or tell you we got engaged ... or to watch me pass out," I giggled, poking fun at myself.
I was nervous. Sue me.
"There was another reason we asked y'all here tonight," I continued. "I ...," I said, but couldn't finish. I was too nervous and too afraid of repeat of earlier, with Eric's mom, only this time with someone else we cared about. Eric tightened his grip on my shoulders urging me on and giving me the strength I needed to say what had to be said. "I'm ... uh ... I'm having a baby."
I'd said it! I'd really said it! And it felt so good to just get it out there, even though I was still bracing myself for the worse.
But the worse never came.
Instead, everyone seemed to take our news well.
Sam was the first to respond. "Congratulations, on everything … both of you," he insisted, rising out of his chair.
As he stood up and headed around the table, in my direction, Halleigh exclaimed, "A baby … oh … I'm just so excited for both of you! That's wonderful news! I have so much baby stuff I can give you." She and her husband Andy had just had a baby a little over six months ago.
"Thanks so much. We're gonna need all the stuff we can get, so that would be awesome, Halleigh," I said, smiling, then Sam, who was now standing beside me, leaned down and hugged me.
"I'm glad you're happy, Cher," he whispered in my ear.
"Thanks, Sam." I nodded, smiling, and assured, "I am. I really am."
"You know, I'm sure we have some things we can send you, as well," Bill added. "I'll check with Judith when I call her later."
"Thanks, man," Eric answered.
That's when Lafayette chimed in, in a sing-song voice, "I gonna be an Auntie!" and laughter filled the entire room. Even Eric's mom, who'd been super quiet all evening, as far as I knew, couldn't keep a straight face and laughed out loud at Lafayette's antics.
I craned my head around and looked up at Eric, relieved, a smile on my face, as he stood behind me. To everyone else, I'm sure he looked as cool and as calm as he'd looked all evening, but I could see his relief as I stared deeply into his crystal blue eyes.
"A wedding and a baby? You move fast, my man," Stan called out, from across the table. "Congratulations."
Eric proudly, proclaimed, "Yep, she's not only agreed to be my wife, she's having my baby." He looked just as proud as he'd sounded when he'd spoke. "She's giving me my very own family ... and has made me the luckiest and happiest man on this whole damn planet."
Tears pooled in the corner of my eyes and there was no stopping them from falling or holding them back. What he'd said meant so much and I'd never expected it. It wasn't like the things he'd said were things I didn't already know - he'd said them to me, before, but the fact he'd made it part of our announcement and declared it in front of our friends and family really made it special.
He knelt down, so he was level with me, cupped my face with his hands and declared, "I love you, Sookie," then he kissed me. "I love you," he repeated, smiling, and then kissed me again. "I love you, so much."
Eric's POV
It was after 1am and we'd been home for less than an hour. We'd spent nearly four hours at the hospital, but now, we were lying in bed, unwinding from our very stressful day.
Despite everything that had happened with Mom, everyone else was happy for us, so as it turned out, there had been no need for most of our worry. Both of us were very aware of the fact we'd made the day way more stressful than called for, but there were no do-overs - we couldn't go back. All we could do, now, was try to relax and enjoy our time alone, together.
Aside from Killer, who was curled up beside Sookie under the blankets, we were the only ones home, but it was still peaceful, even with him around. And peace and quiet was exactly what we needed.
Pam, Stan, and Bill, who were all staying here, had gone out, and Hunter was staying with Tara and Jason, so we had the house to ourselves, at least until the bars closed.
I was lying back against the pillows and Sookie was snuggled into my side, resting her head on my chest and draping her arm, loosely, across my stomach. On the TV, was an episode of Modern Marvels on the History Channel about the history of cold cuts. We weren't really watching it though, it just happened to be on.
What we were really doing, was looking at the newest picture of our baby, we'd gotten at the hospital, earlier.
"It has arms and legs, now ... and look at its tiny hand, Sookie," I pointed out, dreamily, holding the ultrasound printout in one hand, and pointing at it with the other, which, previously, had been resting on her hip.
It hadn't had those things in the last ultrasound, only ten days ago. At least, I didn't think it had. It really was amazing, how much it had changed in only a little over a week. It had sort of looked like a cross between some sort of blob and a tadpole in the last one, now it looked sort of like an alien.
It was really fucking cool!
"I'm glad you're both okay," I added, then kissed the top of her head. "I was really worried, earlier."
And still was a little - truth be told - after what Dr. Ludwig had told her.
"Your blood pressure was a little high, when you arrived, aside from that, and a slight concussion, I can't find anything wrong with you or the baby," Dr. Ludwig said, staring at Sookie's chart. "You told the nurse you'd had a headache all day, but now it was different - how so?" Dr. Ludwig asked.
"Well, earlier, before I passed out, it was more of a throbbing type of pain. Sort of like my whole head was going ...," she held her hands up to her head, palms facing her ears, and began shaking her hands, moving them toward her head, then away, back and forth. "Uh ... kind of like when you breathe in and out of a paper bag ... my head's the bag ... I don't know any other ways to explain it ... sorry." She grinned, then continued, "Now, it's more ... well, just sore ... like I was hit on the head ... which I guess I kinda was." She grinned again, shrugging.
"What you described ... about earlier ... your headache ... it definitely sounds like hypertension. Your blood pressure was probably much higher before you came in. It's most likely what caused you to faint." Sookie nodded.
I wasn't exactly sure if I should be as worried as I was, but high blood pressure just didn't sound good, but I kept my concerns to myself. She did sort of seem like it was all fine now.
"And you've never had issues with your blood pressure before?" she asked.
"No, never."
"Well, it may be nothing more than an ill effect of a stressful day, but I'm going to have to monitor your blood pressure closely, now. You're still pretty early in your pregnancy, so for now, we'll just keep an eye on it, but if you continue to have problems, later on, it could be very serious for both you and the baby. It's really important we keep this in check. That said, I do think you should take it easy and stay off your feet this week."
Her blood pressure had been high, which wasn't apparently that big of a deal right now, but could turn into something really big, if it continued, so as far as I was concerned, my job, now, was to make sure it didn't become a problem.
"We gotta make sure you and the baby stay okay," I said, seriously, "That means you need to rest all you can ... and no stress." I kissed the top of her head again. "I'm gonna be doing a lot more to help around here from now on, and I think you should reconsider quitting your job. My house is on the market and it'll sell. We'll find a way to make it work until then."
"Eric, just stop." she chided. "I know you mean well, but you're stressing me out, right now. I'm not quitting my job. I like working."
"I'm sorry, Sookie. I'm really not trying to stress you out. I swear," I apologized. "I know you like working and I know you like to be independent, but I worry about you and the baby. I just don't want anything bad to happen. All that stuff Dr. Ludwig said was really fucking scary. I don't want to lose you or the baby."
"Baby, nothing's gonna happen to me or the baby. Dr. Ludwig didn't tell us all that stuff to scare us. She told us that stuff so we'd know what we could potentially be up against, and be prepared for it, but she also said there was no reason to get too worried, yet. In fact, she said that could just make it worse."
"But ... premature labor ... c-sections ... pre ... uh ... pre ... pre- whatever-the-fuck-it's-called, it all sounded so ... so ... damn, it just really freaked me out. I don't even understand it all ... well, some of it I do, but fuck! All I know is, I don't want any of it to happen to you or the baby," I desperately maintained.
"Look," she raised her hand to my face, cupping my cheek in her hand, forcing me to look her in the eyes, "None of that's going to happen and I'll quit my job, if and when my job becomes a problem. I'm not going to let anything happen to our baby," she said, surely. "If it came down to mine and the baby's health ... I'd do whatever I had to do, Eric."
"I know you would, baby," I admitted, then assured, "And I'll try not to worry so much, but you know how I am."
I was a worrier and there was no changing me. It was what I did, especially when it came to matters regarding those I loved.
"I know," she agreed, then changed the subject to something a little more exciting. "Dr. Ludwig said we'd probably be able to hear the heartbeat at my next appointment. How cool is that gonna be?"
"Oh, that is gonna be insane!" I couldn't wait! "Do you think she'll do another ultrasound ... since she did one tonight?" I asked. "I'd like it if she did. The baby changed so much in just a little bit of time. I'm anxious to see what it'll look like then."
"I am too," she agreed. "But I don't know if she'll do one. I don't know if they do it every time. We'll have to ask next time."
"Do you know when we'll find out if it's a boy or girl?" I asked. I knew she'd recently been doing a little research online, in her spare time, so she'd know what to expect.
"Well, usually around twenty weeks, but it could be earlier or later," she explained, smiling. "We've still got a while before we'll find out, though."
"Well, I can't wait!" I wasn't really sure which I wanted - a boy or a girl. I just couldn't make up my mind, but regardless, I couldn't wait to find out what we were having. "It'll just be so much cooler when we can call the baby something besides the baby ... or it," I laughed.
"That will be nice because then we can actually pick a name."
"And we can start getting a nursery together," I said, then something else dawned on me. "Do you think we should think about moving either Hunter, or ourselves, upstairs? I think we should be on the same floor as the baby."
"We probably should think about that, but we have plenty of time to sort out the details," she agreed, yawning.
Hearing her yawn, and knowing I was pretty much exhausted myself, after the day we'd had, I questioned, "You ready for bed?"
"I think so," she answered, then yawned again.
I reached over, carefully setting the ultrasound on the nightstand, then flipped off the TV and the light. It didn't take much longer before we both were sound asleep in each other's arms, just where we belonged.
Sookie's POV
For the first morning in weeks, I woke up and didn't get sick.
Halle-fucking-lujah!
And, breakfast was ready, which made it all even better because I was absolutely starving. I'd been sick practically all day yesterday, between my nerves and being pregnant, I'd barely touched my dinner, then afterwards, when I was concussed, I was so nauseous, I could barely manage a piece of toast.
The house smelled absolutely wonderful as I stepped out into the hall from the bedroom. The scents of coffee, bacon, and cinnamon were permeating throughout and it was like absolute heaven to my empty stomach.
I could not wait to get into that kitchen, but unfortunately, my progress was impeded, when I ran into Eric in the living room.
"You're up, already," he pointed out, smiling.
Already? He had to be nuts. It was almost eleven.
"I was just coming to get you. I hope you don't mind I let you sleep so late, but I thought you needed it."
I couldn't believe that I had let myself sleep so late. I guess I really had needed the rest. "It's fine. I was pretty tired last night."
"Good, because this week you're sleeping late every single day, and I'm going to do everything I can to ensure you don't have to lift a single finger," he promised.
Damn, he was perfect, and as much as I knew he'd more than likely be driving me completely nuts by the end of the week; I knew I was a very lucky woman – possibly the luckiest.
"As a matter-of-fact, this morning, I made breakfast," he proclaimed, proudly. "Well, I guess this late it's really more like brunch," he laughed. "Bacon, eggs, and homemade cinnamon rolls."
Oh, it all sounded so good! I couldn't wait to dig right in, but I had to admit the cinnamon rolls scared me a little. I knew those weren't that easy to make.
"You can make cinnamon rolls?" I questioned, excitedly, however, my excitement was only to hide the fact that I was skeptical at his pastry making abilities.
"Sookie ... World of Doughnuts," he said, shaking his head. "Old family recipe."
"Ah," I nodded. "Of course," I giggled in relief.
"Well, you seem to be feeling better, today. I'm glad, but you still shouldn't be on your feet too much." He smiled. "Uh ... Bill's in the kitchen and I'm gonna go upstairs and wake up Pam and Stan. Go ahead and get a plate. I'll be down in a minute." He gave me a quick peck on the cheek, before continuing on, toward the stairs.
I continued on toward the kitchen and that wonderful aroma wafting through the house.
"Good morning," I called out, bubbly, as I strode into the kitchen, heading straight for the coffee pot and the cinnamon rolls.
"Mornin' Sookie," Bill drawled. "How are you feelin' today?"
"A lot better ... thanks," I answered, trying not to laugh at the fact he'd just called me Sookeh - he had a very southern accent. It was way worse than my own. "Actually, today I feel better than I have in days," I added matter-of-factly, as I poured myself a cup of coffee.
"That's good to hear. Eric had mentioned it was your blood pressure giving you trouble last night. My wife, Judith, was put on bed-rest for the last two months of her pregnancy with Jessica, our youngest, because of preeclampsia."
"Oh, I can't imagine how hard that must have been ... for both of you."
I really couldn't. Being stuck in bed for two months sounded horrible enough and to think of what a burden you'd be to everyone around you and that you could potentially lose your baby and your own life on top of it all - I just really hoped I wouldn't have to go through that.
"It really wasn't as hard as one would think," he assured, as I carried my coffee and plate over to the table and took a seat. "You just sort of do what you have to, when it comes to your children."
I couldn't help but notice he hadn't elaborated at all on how un-hard it was, so I wasn't too sure I believed him, but I didn't get a chance to question him any further about it because Eric came barreling back into the kitchen.
"Eye-bleach?" he wailed, entering like a wounded animal, who'd just found safety.
Bill started laughing hysterically, burying his face in his hands. "Uh ... sorry, man. I knew I forgot to tell you something."
Eric just rolled his eyes and sighed. Whatever it was, he didn't think it was funny. Actually he looked a little ill, and maybe a little terrified.
"Uh ... what am I missing here?" I asked, giggling a little, and slightly confused, but very, very intrigued at the scene playing out in front of me.
"Tell her, Bill," Eric requested, dramatically, "it's too painful to recount." He flopped down into the chair beside me, looking slightly disgusted.
I had no clue what was going on, but I couldn't wait to find out. Whatever it was, I was sure Eric's reaction was priceless.
Luckily, I didn't have to wait long.
Bill shook his head, like he couldn't believe what he was about to say, then revealed, "Sookie, he's pissed because he just walked in on his sister, Stan, and your friend, Amelia, in what was most likely a rather precarious situation."
By the time Bill finished, he was laughing just as hard as he'd been when Eric had first walked in the room, only this time, I joined him.
First off, thanks to everyone who's reading and reviewing. I think I actually replied to all of you this time ... except a couple who can't receive PM's.
Also, thanks to Northwoman for betaing. As usual, she rocks!
So, now, time for the apology ... I had hoped to have this up like a week or two ago, but I wasn't finished. Sorry!
Actually, I'm still not finished with this chapter as it was originally intended. The original chapter went a little further in the story and was way longer. Really, I think I was trying to cram entirely too much into one chapter and I see that now.
Basically, the other night, I was so close to being finished, but I didn't get finished. I knew it had been quite a while since the last update and with the material I did have completed, there were a few places where it could potentially be split into two chapters, so ... that's what I did.
What does this mean?
Well, it means that another chapter - it's almost done - will be going up very, very soon! I'd estimate sometime around the beginning of the week!
On another note, part of what took this chapter so long was that I was reading some great stuff! The new Mortal Instruments (Cassandra Clare) book came out, as did the new Black Dagger Brotherhood (J.R. Ward) book. They were both great. You should totally read them, or their series, if you haven't.
I also read something else and that's what I really want to focus on!
There's a great story here, on this site, that completely sucked me in, from the very first chapter and I've got to tell you about it!
The River, By EtheHunter http : / www . fanfiction . net/s/6789048/1/
You must read it if you haven't ...
I literally read the first 19 chapters at work in one evening. It's since been completed. If you like this story, you'll love that one. Although her story is very, very different than this one, there were certain parallels, so I know you'll enjoy it!