Disclaimer: All character rights belong to Charlaine Harris and Alan Ball.

Rated M for adult themes (Lemons, language and possibly some violence)

I do not have a beta so I apologize in advance for any mistakes. Any and all grammatical/spelling errors are mine. If you see something especially bothersome, please feel free to drop me a PM so I can fix it right away.

A/N: Thank you to everyone for their support and interest in this story. Your reviews and alerts really kept me motivated to keep on going. Some of you guys have already put this story in their favorites and that means so much to me. I apologize for the wait and will try to get my chapters together more quickly. As always, my little deal with you guys is more reviews = faster updates.

On a side note, I just wanted everyone to know that Eric will not make an appearance just yet, it's going to take a few more chapters before I fit him into the story. I'm actually going to introduce another vampire first, you'll just have to wait and see who it is...and no it's not Bill.

Chapter 2: Just Another Ordinary Day

Sookie's POV

Today was my 25th birthday but I didn't feel like I had changed one bit, I felt very much like I was still 24. The sun was streaming in through the window and the brightness made me squint. Usually I loved the warmth of the morning but I wasn't in the mood for any of that today. I pulled the covers over my head, I didn't want to get up and face reality just yet. I hated birthdays, especially mine. Every year was the same. I didn't want to sound ungrateful but it was true. My life was the same rotating wheel year after year. I hated having to face Gran with such a sour mood. I loved her with all of my heart but there was a deep part of me that wished I could just run away to someplace new. There was no excitement in my young life here in the backwaters of Bon Temps. I desperately ached for some spark to brighten the dullness. Today I was twenty five years young and I felt like the oldest woman in all of town. I was tired, cranky and just plain bored with everything.

My morning was just another uneventful morning. I finally got up from bed after spending an extra hour just laying there thinking. I could smell Gran's cooking from all the way upstairs. I knew she was making me her famous three course breakfast, it was after all a Stackhouse tradition. By the time I had made it downstairs, our little kitchen table was filled with pancakes, eggs, biscuits and anything else you could name. I walked in and kissed my Gran on the cheek. Her smile was contagious and I found myself feeling better than I had when I had first woken up. "Good morning Gran, how are you this morning?"

"Just wonderful. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and most importantly, today is a very special day. Happy birthday my lovely girl. Are you excited?"

"Of course Gran. Thanks so much for making breakfast, you really didn't have to."

"Nonsense. Now sit down and come eat, you can tell me about your plans for the rest of the evening."

"Oh not much Gran, I'm just going to head to town for a bit. I was hoping to spend the rest of the day with you, I wouldn't want you to get lonely."

"Silly child, you're always worrying about me. I will be fine without you for just one day. Go out and do something spontaneous."

My birthday wasn't a big hit around here and hardly anyone remembered. I had a few friends but they were hard to come by, especially when most of the people here in Bon Temps called me 'crazy Sookie'.

That was another reason why I dreaded living here in Bon Temps. I had always tried to fit in with all the others but it was a failed attempt on most parts. I was crazy because I was telepathic. I had been since the moment I was born. I didn't know how many of us were out there but I had always had this little curse. It was hard enough that I had to deal with the noisy minds of every women and man that passed my way but it was even worse because my telepathy was a known fact around here. It wasn't a big secret when I accidentally answered someone's unspoken thoughts. I didn't have to hear them to know what they were thinking about me, their leers and offhand whispering did enough.

I guess I shouldn't feel too strange anymore though. Ever since vampires had come out of the coffin, it seemed the world was now much more aware of weird things. That wasn't to say people weren't going nuts about it because they were. Vampires had become the new 'it' topic and all you ever heard about was vampire this, vampire that, blah, blah, blah. I mean who cares? Gran had always taught me to never judge a character by its book and that was a rule I planned on living by. Especially since I go through it every single day of my life. I had not yet had a chance to meet any vampires but I hoped that one day I would. It sounded like a pretty exciting prospect to meet something that I had always thought to only exist in the books I read and the movies I saw.

After the vampires appeared, my boss Sam Merlotte came out with a his own secret as well. He was a shifter. Along with the shifters he explained, were the weres who could also turn into animals. It was the most amazing thing I had ever saw, he went from man to a damn collie in a matter of seconds. I had nearly fainted at the sight. I guess I should have known he was something different, his brain waves were different when I tried to read him. He had always been so accepting of my uniqueness and I guess it took one to know one, supernatural wise that is. I was pretty sure I was more human than him, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone categorized me into that group as well.

There wasn't much to look forward to today. When I was done with breakfast, I washed the dishes and went upstairs to get dressed. I had a few errands I wanted to get done and then I wanted to use the rest of the day to soak up some sunshine. I picked out a simple shirt and pair of jeans and headed back down. "Bye Gran, I'll see you in a few. I'm just gonna run to the store and library to pick up a few things."

"Alright Hun, have fun."

I got into my car and drove into town. A few people stopped along the way as I was running my errands to wish me a happy birthday. I was surprised that they had all remembered. It was not something I liked to flaunt around. It was definitely Gran who had been spreading the word. She was always looking out for me in some way or another. She was worried that I rarely went out with friends or went on dates. Actually, the only date I recalled going on was a trip to Merlotte's during high school with JB. He had asked me and I had agreed but nothing ever happened beyond that night.

It wasn't that I was hideous, I was actually pretty good looking. I had what most men liked or wanted in a woman. Blonde hair, blue eyes, curves and ample breasts were my best physical features. The problem with dating humans was the fact that my telepathy made it extra hard. It was uncomfortable for me to know what my date was thinking while we were having dinner or kissing. That said, Bon Temps didn't exactly offer much of a variety in potential dates either. This was my twenty-fifth year of being a virgin and I was pretty sure I'd still be holding that title next year. I wasn't ashamed that I was a virgin, I was no hussy and didn't ever plan to be. But a woman had needs and at twenty five, my hormones were raging with it.

The only time I was seen outdoors was to run to the store for something, the library when I was in need of new reading material, when my natural tan needed work or when I had a shift at Merlotte's. I never hung out with friends, went on shopping sprees or took a vacation. I hated that I made Gran feel that she needed to look out for me. At her age she shouldn't be worrying about anyone else but herself. I was worried that my troubles would burden her as well.

With all the time I had spent thinking, my driving was exceptionally slow. What should have taken me no longer than two hours had me wasting over four. By the time I got home, it was past five in the afternoon and the sun was already setting. This day couldn't get any worse. I cut the engine to my car and got out, carrying the few bags I had with me and balancing the books I borrowed at the same time in my arms. Making it up the stairs onto my porch, I realized that all the lights were off in the house and it way too quiet. Doing a quick mind sweep, I was suddenly bombarded with voices in my head.

Oh shit, I think that's her at the door.

I hope this doesn't take too long, I have a hot date to go to.

Ugh, I can't believe I was forced to come here. I don't even like her.

I can't wait to see the face on my baby girl, she's going to be so surprised.

I sighed, another birthday party ruined. I set my things down on the porch and took out my keys to open the door. I walked into a room of complete darkness and then I counted to three in my head. Right on cue, the lights turned on and everyone I knew jumped out of their 'hiding' places.

"SUPRISE!"

I threw on my crazy smile that I used during awkward situations, hoping that it was real enough for everyone so they wouldn't suspect anything. The whole house was decorated with banners, balloons, and streamers. Gran had outdone herself yet again and I loved her for it. Each year she always tried to throw a party for me, no matter how much I refused. It warmed my heart knowing how much Gran wanted to make me happy.

"Thank you so much you guys, I had no idea you had this all planned for me. Wow!"

I mingled with the guests and avoided their thoughts. A lot of them didn't want to be here and honesty, I didn't want them here either. They were putting me in another bad mood with their constant impatience and trying to hurry Gran up with the cake cutting so they could leave. Eventually that time finally came and Sam walked out of the kitchen with Gran holding up a gigantic cake set with twenty six candles, one for each year I had been alive and an extra for good luck. Everyone started singing and I couldn't help the blush that formed on my face, I hated being the center of attention.

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Sookie, Happy Birthday to you!"

Sam brought the cake up to me and smiled genuinely. "Make a wish cher." I closed my eyes, knowing already what I wanted to wish for and blew out all the candles in one breath. Everyone clapped and whistled. The noise calmed down a bit after that and people got into quiet conversations with each other. Their company made me feel wanted and accepted. I decided that I was going to enjoy it before it ended.

A tapping on my shoulder made me turn around. Jason was standing with a red-head in her arms. "Hey Sis. Happy birthday."

I got up and gave him a hug, "Thanks Jas."

"I'm gonna head out now, I got work tomorrow and my date here wants to head on home. I'll see you later, alright?"

I nodded and they both turned to leave. Jason and I didn't have the relationship we used to have. Ever since he hit his teens, girls were always throwing themselves at him. He had a never ending line waiting for his attentions and he didn't seem one bit bothered by all the women. I knew that Gran was disappointed in him but she would never say that to his face. He never did have the smartest brain but his charm got him far enough. I watched as he left and wondered if that was how my life was going to be. Jason was content with his life and wasn't bothered that this was it for him. It bothered me but I couldn't do much about it. The thought of having to settle down with someone here in Bon Temps was a very unhappy one.

A few hours later, most of the crowd had gone on home. All who were left was Gran, Sam and a few others who were taking advantage of the free food. I went up to Sam and gave him a hug. I knew that without him, Gran wouldn't have been able to get all this done. "Thanks Sam for helping Gran, it was sweet of you."

Sam had a sheepish look on his face, "No problem Sook, you know I'd do anything for you." He leaned down and gave me a lingering kiss on my cheek. With the close contact, I could hear his thoughts more clearly. God, she smells so damn good. I wish I could hold her in my arms like this forever. I love her, I wish I had the guts to tell her. I quickly pulled away from Sam. I looked away from him as he went to say goodbye to my Gran before he left. I felt guilty for leading Sam on. I loved him but I wasn't in love with him. He was the sort of man I could see myself settling down with but we had no chemistry together. He was more of a brother to me than someone I would want to kiss.

Slowly one by one, my guests left. I walked them all out the door and closed it behind me once they were out of distance. Gran was nowhere to be seen and I was pretty sure she had gone off to bed. She was probably tired and I didn't have the heart to go disturb her. I looked around the room and it was a complete mess, I would have to wake up early to get it all cleaned up before Gran decided to do it for me. I didn't want her to do any work that I could handle, if it was up to me I'd have her relax at all times but that wasn't an option. Gran was fit for her age and more active and lively than anyone I knew. She might have been old in age but her soul was young and kicking.

I went upstairs to take a shower, the water instantly calming my nerves. It felt wonderful to have a bit of time to myself. When the hot water ran out, I wrapped myself in a towel and went into my room to change into a pair of comfy pajamas. As I was changing, a bright white light shone through the window and startled the crap outta me. I couldn't help myself from being curious and ran down to see what the heck had happened.

Swinging open the front door, I saw my Gran and an old man standing next to her. He was beautiful, almost surreal. His face held a tentative smile.

"Sookie, I would like you to meet your great-grandfather, Niall Brigant."

Sorry for leaving you all hanging like this, I promise to make it up with the next chapter hopefully. It will answer some questions as well as ask some new ones. Please read and review, your comments are absolutely loved, they make me super happy and keep me writing.