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

I do not have a beta so I apologize in advance for any mistakes. Any grammatical and 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.

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

A/N: First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who left a review or alerted/favorited this story, it always means so much to me when that happens. I was a bit sad though, I didn't get much response for the last chapter and I was wondering why that might be? Was it because Bill decided to show up or was I just having one of those bad days? I hope that this new chapter will bring in a few more comments than the last one.

On a second note, I am so so sorry for making such a late update and keeping you guys hanging. I had such a hard time writing out my ideas even though I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the chapter. The words just wouldn't come to me no matter how much I tried. After much procrastinating and staring at a blank word document, I was finally able to produce something readable. It's a bit short but still important. I know I promised Sookie and Claudine's day out but I decided to add this scene in before that. Enjoy (:

Please Read & Review, it keeps me motivated!

Chapter 7: Endowment

Sookie's POV

I was still staring open mouthed at the manila folder Niall had handed to me. I had been in this same position for the past ten minutes. Gran would have said that I was catching flies, I would have agreed. There were an insane amount of documents with endless digits of numbers that indicated the worth of each and every single investment my great-grandfather had bothered putting his money into. It seemed Niall owned more than a fair share of property, businesses and stocks. Whatever you could name, he had tucked away somewhere. On the very top of the pile was a paper that stated clearly at the left corner of the page in bold letters that all of this now belonged to the sole owner of Ms. Sookie Stackhouse. To say that I was rendered speechless was an understatement, I was going through momentary shock.

Never in my whole lifetime had I ever seen so much money. No one in all of Bon Temps had their hands on this kind of wealth. It was guaranteed mine as long as I simply signed on the dotted line with the pen that was set next to me. Niall was giving me most of what was his so that money would no longer be a problem for me or Gran. He said that I would be able to put it to better use, money was of no importance to him. I could already imagine what I could accomplish with this crazy amount of money. Gran would finally be able to get those much needed repairs on the house that we were never able to afford. I would be able to take care of her without having to worry when my tips at Merlotte's weren't what I needed to get by with. Buying groceries and necessities would no longer be a problem either. We would be more than well off. I had been dreaming of a new car and maybe even a new driveway. Even after all that, I was pretty sure there would still be a large portion of those funds left over. The possibilities were limitless and the temptation was eating me away.

I grew up with very little but enough to get by with and that never bothered me before. I was used to the lifestyle Gran had given me and I never complained. I was grateful for my childhood and for what Gran could provide for us. She did her best and she did a damn good job at it. Material could never replace the love I received from Gran and my family. Now I was holding the key to getting rid of all of our financial worries and I wasn't sure if I could accept it or not. I was my own woman and I certainly didn't need someone to take care of me. Gran had always taught me to be independent and the idea of having someone provide for me made me frown. I wasn't ungrateful but at the same time, the idea of Niall assuming that I needed his money was insulting.

I looked up at the three staring pair of eyes that were focused on me. Gran, Claudine and Niall were sitting at the kitchen table waiting for me to say something. I had gone off into my own little world with my thoughts that I had completely forgotten that they were there. I closed the folder and slid it across the table back to Niall.

"Thank you for your kindness and generosity but I don't think I can accept this. I won't be a kept woman, I can support Gran and myself just fine."

"Sookie Stackhouse!" Gran got up from the table, the chair scrapping against the floor. Her face was one of anger and sternness. "I did not raise you to be rude and insensible. Apologize to Niall at once. He is doing nothing but helping both you and I. We both know what this money could do for you. I know you are prideful but you are being unreasonable. You cannot expect to be a barmaid forever."

I immediately felt ashamed at myself for letting my stubbornness get in the way. I was disappointing Gran and being childish. Niall was trying to help and I pushed him away again. I had a tendency to do that lately. I had a long way to go before I fully matured, I was glad Gran was here to guide me. I turned to Niall and gave him my most apologetic face. "Gah, please forgive me Niall. I don't know why I always react so poorly around you. It means so much to me that you're willing to give up so much for me. Thank you for everything."

"You have nothing to be apologetic for. I understand that such news is a lot to comprehend in so little time. I am glad that you accept my offer, it is one that I am happy to make. Your focus should be on your training and on your future. I think that you deserve far more than what you have right now. It is best if you resign from your employment with your shifter boss in order to concentrate on the task at hand."

"I think that would work best, I don't want Sam to get involved in my mess either. Perhaps it is time for me to move on."

Leaving Sam on his own at the bar was unsettling. It wasn't that I thought he was incapable on his own, it was just that I was so used to him depending on me. Merlotte's was my safe place, it was something that had fit into my life and stayed the same for almost two decades. If I quit now, it was just another piece of evidence telling me that my whole life wasn't as it used to be. That piece of information scared me. I knew that it was necessary but it was hard nonetheless.

"I am proud of you Sookie, you are doing very well in adjusting to this new life." Niall handed over the folder to me once again and this time, I signed it without hesitation. "I will have these sent to a lawyer I trust, Mr. Cataliades. I will have him contact you as soon as things are settled. He will help you with the managing of my assets."

After things were figured out and all documents were signed, I left Niall and Gran to chat in the living room. Claudine pulled me upstairs to get me ready. We were still going to have our girl's day out and I wasn't going to let anything spoil that for me. We were both dressed to impress when we headed downstairs. She wore a colorful halter top, tight skinny jeans and bright red heels that were at least three inches tall. She had picked out for me something less flashy but still pretty. The weather was warm out so I was wearing a white sundress with red poppies scattered all over and a pair of white flats. I wasn't used to wearing heels and opted to go with something less painful. Gran and Niall complimented both of us and wished us a good time.

I decided to make a trip to Merlotte's before heading down to the Shreveport strip mall. Claudine wanted to tag along even though I had told her I would be fine on my own. I had called Sam ahead of time to let him know that I was coming in to talk to him. I was a nervous wreck and I had no idea how I was going to handle things. I really hoped that he would understand and let me go without a fight, I wouldn't be able to refuse him if he did. The ride there was a quick one, especially in Claudine's new convertible that she had purchased recently.

We both got out and headed towards the employee entrance. I found Sam at his desk, his face buried deep into his work. I cleared my throat to catch his attention. His eyes met mine and then slowly made their way towards Claudine. It didn't take a mastermind to figure out that he clearly liked what he saw.

"Hey Sam."

"Hey there cher. Who's your friend?"

"Sam, this is my cousin Claudine. Claudine this is my best friend and boss, Sam Merlotte." They shook hands, both of them holding onto each others hand longer than necessary. I had to bite my lips to hold back a giggle that threatened to escape. Sam was staring at Claudine as if she was water in a desert. I couldn't blame him, she looked hot in her outfit. He was practically drooling and it was a funny sight.

"What can I do for you Sookie?" I was glad he didn't question my relation to Claudine. I wouldn't have known how to explain to him my whole Fae background without causing a commotion.

I motioned for him to take a seat as I sat down myself across from him. "I am handing in my notice Sam. I hate to have to do this but with a bit of consideration, I finally decided that I would like to try out my other options. Gran had encouraged me and I think she's right. I think it's time for me to grow up and learn what is out there."

"This is so sudden. Is everything alright?"

I smiled at his concern, "Yes, everything is fine Sam. Nothing for you to worry about. Claudine here has been helping me out with a few things and I am taking her up on her offer to explore a bit. I'm really sorry for the short notice, I'll be more than happy to take a few shifts until you find a replacement. If you ever need me to help out, I'm your girl."

"I just wanted to make sure everything with you and Adele are going well, I know how much you need this job sometimes. You're one of my best workers and you'll always have a place here at Merlotte's, don't worry about it. I am glad that you are going to try out something new, I never imagined you to stick around in my old bar for long anyways. You have bigger and better opportunities out there for you."

I got up to pull Sam into a tight hug. I was beginning to tear up and I had to control them from pouring down, this felt like good-bye even though it really wasn't. I was closing yet another chapter of my old life in order to make room for my new one. I felt like an emotional roller coaster these days. I hated having to lie to Sam, he deserved better than that but I knew that it was too dangerous to do so. He had already done such a good job avoiding the drama of the supernatural world. If I told him the truth, I was sure Sam would disapprove.

"I'll be back to visit in a few days to let the other girls know that I'm leaving. Thanks so much Sam for being okay with all of this."

"Of course Sookie, you know I will support you 100% along the way."

With a few last words, Claudine and I walked out of Sam's office. We got back into the car and she drove down the road out of Bon Temps. I felt like a heavy weight had finally been lifted. I had been worried for nothing and I was beyond grateful to have a wonderful friend like Sam.

I couldn't help but tease Claudine, "I saw the way you were looking at Sam in there. Should I be worried that you're getting close and personal with my ex-boss and best friend?"

"I'm usually not too fond of the two natured but I have to admit that he is cute. I think I'll pay another visit to your friend during my spare time." She winked at me and I couldn't hide the smile that was plastered on my face. Sam deserved someone that could make him happy and I knew that if anyone could do it, it was Claudine.

"Are you ready to have some real fun, fairy style?"

"Hell yes!" I laughed as Claudine sang along with the radio. The wind in my hair and the sun on my skin brightened by mood even more. I hadn't felt this carefree in a long time and I couldn't wait to find out what else was in store for me today.

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