OK, Almost there. I have never written anything so long, and although I lost my way a little I have learned a lot during my first proper story. Like, plan it out, don't just write until you fall asleep.

Thanks for the reviews, it means so much to me that people are reading, and liking my random brain farts. Though I didn't realise I could reply to them, so I shall begin doing that now…

Great love and admiration to Charlaine Harris or creating the characters I borrowed. Love and snuggles to Alexander Skarsgard for providing his own special brand of inspiration.

The afternoon meeting passed very quickly, everyone voted that I should be considered an equal part of the new company. Eric said we should celebrate, I countered with the idea of a peaceful meal, after the events of the previous night I wanted to avoid alcohol just in case it had something to do with the dreams.

We arrived back at the apartment and Eric put the coffee on while I checked out his cupboards again.

'Guess I better ring my manager and tell them I'm not coming home' I said, pulling out some packets of sauce mixes.

'What do you think she'll say?' he asked, pouring the coffee

'Not a clue, can't say she'll be impressed, or surprised. I'd better get it done sooner rather than later.'

As Eric took our drinks to the sofa, I went into my room to make the dreaded phone call. I sat on the edge of my bed looking out at the beautiful garden and clear blue sky, and dialled the number.

'Enviro Labs UK, how can I help you?' came the familiar voice of the receptionist,

'Hi, Its Sookie Stackhouse, I need to speak to Philip Pearce please'

'One moment please' came the reply. I took a deep breath, I could feel my stomach tighten.

'Sookie, good to hear from you. How are things going?'

'Great, the labs are almost ready for the new influx of work' I told him, stalling a little.

'That's great news, but that can't be the only reason for your call'

'No, its not. I'm calling to inform you I wish to resign my post.' I held my breath for his reply.

'That's unfortunate, but hardly surprising after Pam's phone call yesterday. However, by the terms of your contract you must work your month's notice, and I must insist you return here to do so'

His words hung in my head for a moment, slowly sinking in. When I gave no reply he continued.

'I expect you back here on Monday, and I wish to see you in my office first thing.'

'Yes sir, I'll come back at the weekend' I told him, and hung up.

My head was spinning, was I doing the right thing? Leaving behind everything and everyone I knew for this fantastical new adventure. Could throwing away my stable career really be the right decision? Or was I preparing myself for a great fall? Only time would tell.

I slowly walked out of my room to join Eric, sitting down and sipping my coffee.

'How did it go?' Eric asked, noticing my blank expression.

'I have to go back to work my notice' I replied, shell-shocked. Then quietly began sobbing.

'Oh Sookie' he said, putting his arm around my shoulders trying to comfort me.

'He wants to see me in his office Monday morning.'

Eric called Pam to tell her the news while I tried to pull myself together. Deep down I knew I had to return home to sort out my flat and I'd have to look for a place of my own here, but I had managed to fool myself that this wonderful dream like world in California was going to last forever. Reality always had a habit of showing up when you least wanted it. I went back to my room and put my things back into my bag, this was going to be difficult, but it had to be finished.

Time flew by and soon Eric was taking me to the airport, I knew I would be coming back but it didn't make it any easier.

'You have my number, and I have yours. Don't worry about calling at anytime if you want to talk' Eric said, holding my shoulders and looking deep into my eyes. I managed to nod in reply, knowing that if I spoke I may start crying again.

'It won't be long until your back here for good, and know you'll be missed' he leant down and kissed my forehead. I looked up at him and smiled.

I headed for the check-in desk and Eric followed me as far as he could. Just before I passed through to wait at the gate he pulled me to one side.

'I've been meaning to say something, and now might not be the best time, but I want you to know before you go. I really enjoy spending time with you, and… well.' he seemed undecided about something, so I interrupted.

'Eric, I aren't going for that long, and depending on what Philip says I may just quit and come back straight away. So hold that thought and tell me next time I'm here' I stood on my tip-toes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

'OK, just take care of yourself.'

I walked through passport control, pausing to wave before moving towards the gate which would take me home. I sat on the hard chair and looked out of the window waiting for the plane to arrive, a tear slowly began forming in the corner of my eye as I thought about what Eric might have been trying to say. This was going to be a very long month.

I arrived back in England and Julie met me at the airport. I practically fell into her arms sobbing about everything that was happening. She took me back to my flat and we sat and chatted for ages. It was early Sunday morning when she told me to go to bed, but promised to be back the next day.

I crawled under my duvet and stared at my phone, I could call Eric but I knew I would only end up sobbing down the phone. I decided, after picking up the phone several times, that I would call him when I'd seen Philip on Monday.

Julie was an angel on Sunday, bringing some food over, we sat and chatted and watched crappy TV. I told her all about Pam's new company, and how she wanted me to find good staff. I really wanted Julie to come out to California, she was like my anchor, but she had a life of her own and a family. She promised to think about it. I told her I could always send Pam over to convince her, she said that sounded like a threat.

By Sunday night we had come up with a plan of action. I would let Philip say his thing, and if he was being unreasonable I would quit. If he was fair I would stick around and work my notice like a normal employee would. It was going to be hard, but with so much uncertainty I needed good references, just in case.

Monday morning came around far too soon. I drove into work and made my way to see my team leader before I faced Philip.

'Sookie, I heard the news. I'm so happy for you' she yelled, diving at me and gripping me in a bear hug. 'Of course, I'm jealous as hell, but I'm so proud of you.'

'Thanks' I squeaked, before removing myself from her grasp 'how did Philip take it? He sounded angry on the phone.'

'Oh he's all bluster, probably jealous they could offer you something he couldn't. don't take any crap from him, I'll give you a reference regardless.'

This cheered me up immensely, but I had to stick to my plan. I made my way to his office, waving through a few windows as I passed.

I stepped inside his secretary's room so she could tell him I was here, and waited patiently thinking calm thoughts. After a few moments, she motioned me to go inside.

'Ah Sookie, early as always, please take a seat.' he indicated I should sit before he continued, 'So, you have decided to leave us to stay in California? What made you decide this?'

'I've been offered an opportunity which I feel would be the best direction for my career.' I stated simply.

'Is there anything I can offer to persuade you to stay? A pay rise, or promotion?'

'Thanks, but no. I've already accepted a new position.'

'Well, I have to say I am a little disappointed. If I had thought you would decide to leave us within a week of working out there, I would never have sent you. I had hoped that as one of the more timid members of staff, you would remain here until retirement.' he said, looking down his nose at me.

I was speechless, I hadn't thought of myself as timid, maybe this was his way of making me stay.

'maybe during your month's notice, you'll see what a rash decision this is. I may be able to see my way to withdrawing your notice.' he continued, clearly trying to get some reaction.

A reaction was definatly building inside me, but I doubt it was the one he expected.

'How dare you try to intimidate me into staying' I said, the words had been rehearsed with Julie, as I had no experience of confrontation. 'You can stick your month's notice, I quit!' I said, and stormed out of his office. I smiled at Audrey as I passed, I pitied the woman as she would get the brunt of his anger after I'd left. I went straight to Mel's office and told her what had happened.

'the snivelling little toad.' she spat, 'I never thought he would sink that low.'

'yeah, well. It just means I can be back in California before the end of the week.' I said, stunned at my nerve, now it'd had chance to sink in.

'Well good on ya, and I'll be over for a holiday when you've settled in' she smiled, calming me considerably.

I said my goodbyes and went to the lab to talk to Julie, she was in the room with the rest of my team having their morning meeting.

'Ah Sookie, are you joining us?' she asked,

'No, sadly your manager insulted me, so I quit' I told her, pausing when everyone gasped, then began clapping.

'Right then, well I guess I'll see you later. But officially, good luck with your new job' she beamed.

'thanks' I replied, grabbing the last of my things, I handed her my security pass and walked out to my car.

I hadn't wanted it to end this way, even though I wanted so badly to be back in the apartment with Eric. What he had started to say at the airport just kept playing over and over in my head, what direction was he taking? Was he about to declare his love for me, or tell me I was like a sister to him? Either way I didn't care at this point, so long as he wasn't about to kick me out of his apartment, at least until I found my own.

I drove back to my flat, and looking at the clock decided it was far too early to call him. 10am here was like 3am there or something…

Instead I made a cup of coffee and sat down to make a to-do list. Top of the list was what the hell to do with my flat and my car.

I must have fallen asleep watching boring daytime TV, because it was my phone that woke me. I retrieved it from my bag and looking at the screen puzzled. It was Eric.

'Hey Eric, everything ok?'

'Yeah, how did it go with your manager?'

'He insulted me, so I quit'

'Wow, so your coming back soon then?'

'I have a few things to sort out, but it won't be long. Is there anywhere I can store some of my things until I find an apartment?'

'Yeah, Mr Cataliades has a basement. But you don't need to worry about an apartment just yet, I like having you around. This weekend was too quiet and very dull.'

'Aww that's nice of you to say, I'll give you a call when I know more. You can have the joy of telling Pam' I smiled down the phone, he sounded so pleased I wouldn't be away for a month.

'Take care of yourself' he told me, we said our goodbyes and hung up.

I sat on my sofa for a while trying to sort everything out in my head. Not only was I moving to California, which was difficult to comprehend, but I seemed to have met the man of my dreams. However, to follow my dream I had to leave behind everyone and everything I knew. Strangely though, I was OK with all of that, the only thing bothering me was what to do with my stuff.

A text message brought me out of my deep thought, it was from Steve.

'How you doing girl? Fancy a visitor after work?'

This brought a genius idea to my head. Steve lived with his parents, so did James. My flat had two bedrooms, well one bedroom and a junk room, but I could rent it to them and make their lives easier.

I punched the air, celebrating with myself, and replied to Steve telling him to bring James with him.

I spent the rest of the day sorting through my things, packing the things I wanted into boxes and packing the rest to be disposed of. I was surprised at how little really mattered to me. I packed photos of my family and friends, books, cds and DVDs, and some bits and pieces I'd picked up in the last few years. I only managed to fill 4 boxes, which I thought as pretty weak. All my clothes and other material belongings fitted in 2 suitcases. Within 2 hours I was completely packed, and sat on the edge of my bed staring at what my life had amounted to. It was quite a sad sight, the girl who came from a modest background, struggled through university, fought with emotional difficulties, and finally landed the job she had aimed at, now head-hunted to work for a company so far from home. Gran would have been proud, but that didn't necessarily make it easier. I made a quick call to Jason, telling him of my plans. He had his own life, a construction company and a steady girlfriend. He seemed a bit put out, thinking he was the last to know, when in fact I had no-one else to tell, he was my only family. He promised to visit on a holiday, and wished me the best.

I only had half an hour until the guys from work would be heading over, so I popped out to the corner shop for a few bits and put the kettle on for their arrival.