A/N: Sorry in advance this chapter would not end. A lot of transitional things happen in this chapter and it is very dialog heavy. I hope that you all enjoy it reviews are always welcome. Much love, Affy.
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Saturday, November 22, 1999
Bon Temps, Louisiana 5:15 a.m.
I woke up with a start. I had just settled into bed mere hours ago. A loud crash startled me awake. I crept into the hallway and grabbed the baseball bat from the linen closet. Sneaking threw the house I went from room to room looking and found nothing out of place. Still a bit on edge I got a glass of water from the tap and gulped it down.
CREEK
I froze in fear there is something on the mud porch. I tip toed to the back door and flipped on the light switch. To my surprise there was someone gathering laundry from the dryer. Readying the bat I flung open the door and I am stunned at who I found there.
"Hadley?"
"Sookie!"
"Shh..Honey what are you doing here? You gave me a nasty fright I was going to whollop you with my bat!"
"I am really sorry I didn't mean to distress you like that cousin. I got here a few hours ago the house was dark so I was going to stay here on the porch til someone got up. I came to your window but you were out like a light."
I grabbed her up in a hug and brought her inside. "Can I get you anythin'?"
"Naw I am just great now that someone is awake."
"I'll get u setup with a place to lay down and we can catch up in the mornin'. Gran will be awake in about two hours so I am sure you will be woke up by her startin' breakfast."
"Sounds good cousin. I wanted to ask her if I can stay here. I'm off the drugs and healthy. There is a bit more to the story, but I wanna just say it once so we can discuss it when you get up again."
"Alright Had I'm glad that you are home I missed you something fierce." I took the bat back to the linen closet and grabbed an extra blanket and a pillow and placed them on the sofa.
"Had I got everything here for ya come lay down I'm goin' back to bed."
*~ };- ~*
Bon Temps, Louisiana 8:30 a.m.
"Knock knock."
"Breakfast is ready sleepin' beauty. Gran called Jason he's on the way over for breakfast. I am going to tell you guys all my news at the same time. Gran said that you quit your job at the bar I wonder if I can get on there."
"Yeah I did Sam Merlotte and I had a difference of opinion. This must be big news if you had Gran call Jason over."
"It's very big news, but I think she just wanted us all here again. She suggested calling him not me." ' I hope that Gran will still let me stay after I say my peace I am so scared.'
Instead of prying further I hugged my cousin and arm in arm we went off to the kitchen. Gran was placing the bacon in the oven. She was happier than a pig in mud shuffling around the kitchen humming as she made breakfast for her grandchildren.
"Good mornin' Sookie dear. Hadley says that she has big news for everyone. You came home so late last night. Your car isn't here how did you get home honey?"
Hadley spoke up, "When I got here there was a convertible pulling out of the driveway Gran."
"My my I don't know anyone that drives a convertible."
"Yea the chevette broke down last night. I was getting ready to come home from Fangtasia and it wouldn't turn over its the starter I think. I was going to ask Jason if he could go pick it up in Shreveport and bring it back here and try to fix it for me."
"Oh, with all this excitement I forgot about that. How did your interview go?"
"Great! I got hired. My boss brought me home. I was going to call Jason, but he wouldn't hear nothing of the sort. He insisted on it."
"See all that fretting over nothing. Maybe Hadley can go talk to Mr. Merlotte and get your old job. I am gonna set her up in the spare bedroom across the hall from me after breakfast."
Jason came in like he owns the joint and screamed, Hadley Marie is that you?" He ran across the distance and scooped her up in a bear hug.
"Hey Jase good to see ya! Put me down your squeezin' the life outa me."
"Everybody get up to the table breakfast is ready", Gran called.
We all piled up to the table loading plates with Gran's Southern cooking. She was in seventh heaven with all of us there I hope Hadley's news isn't too bad. I would hate to see her mood sour after how happy she is right now. We all began eating and reminiscing about when we were younger. Breakfast was almost over when Hadley spoke up, "I have some news for all of you."
In a rush she spilled out, "I just found out a week ago that I am pregnant."
Gran paled. This is so not the news I was expecting. I would have guessed she won the lottery before this bombshell.
"Had that's great news. Is that why you came home?"
"Yes, the father is a construction worker that travels all over the country. I don't wanna have to do this alone. When I found out I was so scared that he would deny it. He knows but isn't sure what he wants to do. Well I do this is my child and I am keeping it."
Gran finally spoke, "Hadley dear this is a shock and not what I would call ideal circumstances, but you are welcome here as long as you like. I am glad that you are taking responsibility for your actions. Of course we will help you and be there for you that's what family is for." She patted her hand. Jason was getting more and more red in the face. Anymore and you would see smoke pouring from his ears.
"Hadley where is this som bitch?"
"Jason language!"
"Forgive me Gran! I just can't believe he would knock her up and leave her like that. When I see the asshole I am going to make him think twice about using my cousin like he did!"
"I am sure that he will see the error of his ways. But for now we are going to make sure that Hadley and the baby are well loved and taken care of." Jason simmered down after Gran spoke her piece. Soon after we were clearing dishes from the table and I asked him if he could do me a favor.
"Jason my car broke down last night. I need a favor."
"Sure Sook what can I do?"
"Well it broke down in the parking lot of Fangtasia. I think it's the starter. I am not sure if we need to tow it home and fix it or if you can get the part and fix it there. Either way I am stuck without transportation."
"Is that the Vampire bar in Shreveport Sook?"
"It is. I am working there now. Sam and I had a fallin' out I was hired there yesterday."
At that moment there was a knock on the front door. Now I know that whoever it is isn't a normal visitor. We use the back door around here. I answered the door and the man that was there was dressed in a high dollar suit.
"Miss Stackhouse?"
"Yes, I am Sookie Stackhouse. Would you like to come in?"
"No, Ma'am. Mr. Northman just had me deliver this to you. I have to be on my way I have a lot to do before sun down." He was halfway down the steps before he finish speaking on the way back to his car.
I followed him down the steps. In the driveway there was an SUV. I was floored. Before I could protest the man had pulled out of the drive way and was on his way to where ever he needed to be. Why would he send me a car? A car! The longer I stood there the more furious I became. I was outside so long everyone had gathered on the porch. Gran was sitting on the swing looking on in wonder at the car in the driveway.
Jason spoke up first, "Guess we don't need to make that trip after all Sook."
"Yes, we do I can't accept this. I don't know what possessed him to send a car, but I am giving it back to him." Gran was nodding in agreement. "Plus my car is still there in Shreveport. I can't leave it in the parking lot."
"Well lets go get it. We will take my truck to tow it home and I'll see what I can do about getting it fixed for ya."
"Thanks Jase. Let me go change and we will get on the road." Fifteen minutes later we were on the way to Shreveport to rescue my car. That vampire. What the hell would possess someone to send a car? I am so confused by him. I know that he is attracted to me, as much as I am him. He has made that very clear. Even if I wanted to accept it I just can't. What will people think (I guess I could see just whats on their minds). Jason was quiet the entire drive leaving me to my thoughts. 50 minutes later we pulled into the parking lot of Fangtasia. There was my old car looking sad and pathetic in the sun. Jason took the keys and tried to start it.
CLICK
"Sook I think your right the starter took a shit. Either that or the ignition switch is busted. We will go to Pep Boys and get the parts. Shouldn't take me more than 30 minutes to replace both parts."
We got back into Jason's pick-up and drove the three blocks to the auto parts store. 10 minutes later Jason had his jacket spread out under my car removing the old starter.
"Come on Cocksucker! Fucking bolts! Ouch! Fuck!"
"Jason are you alright? Do you need help under there?"
"Yeah I'm fine. Just skinned my knuckles trying to remove the last bolt to have this out." The slew of curse words was flying. Finally 15 minutes later he had it replaced. His hand was a bloody mess of scratched flesh and I felt bad.
"I'm sorry Jason. I can't believe it was that hard to get out and back in."
He laughed, "I knew. Four years ago I had the exact same problem. This car eats starters. Soon after I replaced it is when I gave it to ya for your birthday. I was glad to be rid of the yellow monster." We laughed together remembering my birthday that year. It was a disaster.
"Alright Sook get in there and see if it will turn over." I got in the drivers seat and placed the key in the ignition. Crossing my fingers I turned it over and she grumbled to life. I let out a victory whoop!
"Thanks Jase."
"Think nuthin' of it little sister. Glad I could help. Follow me back to the parts store so I can return this ignition switch. We don't need it." Jason put the old starter in the bed of the pick-up and hopped in the drivers seat. I followed him out of the parking lot and down to the parts store. He came out with the refund and handed it to me through my window.
"Ok I am going to do some shopping here in town. Tell Gran thanks again for breakfast and I will see you guys tomorrow night for dinner."
"No prob Bob. I will tell her and see ya then big Brother." We went our separate ways. On the drive home I was thinking of how to get the SUV back to Eric. I decided that tonight I would drive it to Fangtasia and have Hadley follow me in my car so that I could get back home.
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Bon Temps, Louisiana 4:40 p.m.
Things where in full swing at the Stackhouse residence. Gran had the washing machine working overtime. Hadley had brought everything under the sun with her. It seems that it was all dirty too. After the third load of clothes I stopped counting. By the time I had gotten back from Shreveport Gran had the spare bedroom airing out. Hadley was dusting the living room. I went upstairs to put sheets and a comforter on the bed up there. Hadley walked into the room to hang some garments in the closet that had just come off the clothesline.
"Hey Had ya wanna come with me tonight to return that SUV to Mr. High and Mighty?"
"Sure, I can come along. I might go shopping in Shreveport after you do what you need to do. I need to get some pre-natal vitamins and a few other things for the baby. Before we leave will you come with me to Merlotte's so I can talk to Sam?"
I was apprehensive about talking to Sam. He said somethings that I was thinking about on the drive home. What did he mean he has known a few vampires? I was so angry that at the time the statement didn't sink in. Now I want to ask him about what he meant and if he knew they existed why didn't he tell me long before now. Somethings can't be ignored.
"Sure I will come. I haven't seen Lafayette since I quit and I worry about that boy."
We went downstairs and found Gran. "We are going to drive over to Merlotte's and talk to Sam 'bout Had workin' there Gran. We won't be gone that long and home well in time for supper. Do you need anything since we are takin' off?"
"No child we are having pot roast and potatoes for supper. Its already in the oven. I went to the store just yesterday. I will see you girls when you get home. Stay out of trouble."
Gran waved at us from the clothesline as we backed out of the driveway. Five minutes later we were sitting at a booth waiting on Sam to finish with a vendor. Hadley told me a few things about Remy and I wondered more and more about how she had lived while none of us had known where she was. We lulled into silence and I picked up the Saturday edition of the Shreveport Times someone had left in the booth. I flipped through the paper not really reading anything unless it jumped off the page at me. I started thinking that I should look for an apartment. With the amount that Eric is paying me to read for him I could afford it. Now Hadley is living in the house with Gran she won't be alone. The classified ads were chock full of rentals. A few of them sounded like heaven but were out of my price range. Finally I found one that sounded decent and was in my range:
Southfield Apartments
109 Southfield Rd. Shreveport, LA 71105 1br 1bth 705 sq. ft. $575 mo. $150 deposit.
Contact Bobby Burnham [at] 673-3030
I tore the ad from the paper and placed it in my pocket. Finally Sam came over to the booth.
"Hi Sam."
"Hi Sookie."
"Sam this is my cousin Hadley. She is looking for a job. I figure since I quit yesterday you need a waitress on your staff at the moment." Sam and Hadley shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. They seemed to be amicable. I was glad for it. Sam has always had a crush on me and it was unnerving. Maybe if he could move his attentions on to Hadley things would be right as the mail.
"Do you have any waitress experience?"
"Sure do. In New Orleans I worked at Cafe Du' Monde. I was living in the Quarter there with Remy just before I moved back here to be closer to my family. I have been having some personal issues that I need to work out so here I am."
"Let me go get an application just as a formality. You look to be the same size as Sookie here. She should have some uniforms at home that you can use. You can take over her shifts on a trial basis. I'd say a week should be sufficient. She was scheduled today but I gave it to Holly to cover. So we will see ya tomorrow. What do ya say?"
"Sounds fantastic."
"Let me go get the documents and ya can bring em back with ya tomorrow. It's a friendly place here. And I am as laid back as can be for a boss." With that he sauntered away from the table towards his office.
Hadley had an incredulous expression on her face. "Sookie he looks to be a great boss why'd ya quit?"
"I will tell ya more about it at home I don't wanna get into it here." She let it drop. Sam came back with a packet of information bid us good day and took up residence behind the bar. We were on the way back to the house before she spoke again. "OK spill it what is your problem with him Sookie?"
I recounted the story. Telling her everything that I had heard from Mr. Weasel and the events that transpired afterward. She was shocked at my behavior. She never said a word but her thoughts were a jumbled mess and she had a hard time believing that I would actually beat someone unconscious. After she stopped laughing at my outburst I continued telling her about the words that Sam and I had in his office. She was just as sympathetic as I was about the fact that he couldn't understand that vampires are people as well. Aunt Linda had raised Hadley just as Gran had raised her and me. So she understood my stance on the whole situation. When we pulled up Gran was hanging more wash on the line. We got out and helped her it is hard for her to bend up and down like that for an extended amount of time.
"Gran I got the job", Hadley started.
"That's fantastic news sugar."
"Yea I would hate to be a burden on ya'll. I am glad that I can contribute to the house."
"Think nothing of it did you tell Sam of your condition?"
"No I didn't I am not that far along. I will tell him tomorrow night when I go in. He gave me Sookie's old shift so things will work out just fine Gran I promise."
"That is wonderful news I am so proud of both of you girls. It's about 6 isn't it?"
Hadley looked at her watch, "Gran it is 5:43."
"Supper will be ready in 15 minutes then we should go inside and get washed up."
"Gran after supper Sookie and I are taking back that SUV. I am going into Shreveport in her car. Do you need me to stop anywhere for anything. I need vitamins and a few other things for my room. I would be happy to pick up anything you might need."
"No child. You girls go have fun tonight. I am not sure when Sookie starts at Fangtasia. You two should spend a bit of girl time together."
We gathered around the table and piled our plates high. Gran had made homemade biscuits. I was in heaven the pot roast melted in your mouth it was one of the best dinners I have eaten. Hadley and I got ready to take off soon after. She has always had glamorous taste in clothes and looked beautiful when she came downstairs. Gran was in her high backed wing chair reading the latest Danielle Steele. We said goodnight as we walked outside. Hadley followed me all the way to the bar. She volunteered to stay outside. Pam was at the door checking ids tonight. She smirked at me when she saw me standing in line.
"Sookie Stackhouse if my master saw I let you stand in line he would skin me alive." I wondered about the truth to that statement. "Go on in he is in the office. He will be pleased to see you I am sure."
"Thanks Pam you are a dear." Bobbing and weaving through the masses of sweaty bodies I made my way to Eric's office in the back. I knocked on the door and waited for him to acknowledge me.
"Enter."
I entered the office a bit apprehensive. When my eyes fell upon Eric it was like I forgot exactly how handsome he was. My breath hitched in my throat and I felt a bit mousy in his presence.
"Why Miss Stackhouse this is pleasant yet unexpected surprise."
"Good evening Eric. How are you tonight?"
"The same as every night. Vampires are always the same we exist or we are finally dead."
"I see. I am sorry for my poor manners. I won't make the mistake twice."
"Think nothing of it little one. How might I be of assistance tonight."
"I came to give you these" I said, as I sat the keys on the corner of his desk. "Eric I can't accept the car from you it isn't right. What will people say. Jason fixed my car this morning. Thank you for the gesture and kindness. But I just can not accept it."
He looked a little angry at my admission. "I had hoped the tow service had gotten to your car before you did. I understand that your southern sensibilities would cause you to return my offering. But Sookie the car is nonnegotiable. Your current transportation is unacceptable. You have to commute long distance to get to work. It won't be long until the car gives out completely."
"Eric you called a tow service to remove my car?"
"No, I called a tow service to take that hunk of metal to a scrap yard."
"You can't do that. I need a car."
"That is why I replaced it. Have no fear I didn't buy it especially for you I took it from the garage at my decoy residence. Sookie if you won't accept it as a gift. Think of it as a company car. If you want just use it when you are coming to work. That way I won't be fearing a call at three in the morning from my distressed damsel broke down on the side of Highway 71."
"It is way too much Eric. I am a simple girl."
"I am happy to do things like this for you Sookie. I trust that it was delivered this morning as I requested from my day man?"
"Yes, he was kind of short with me. Very professional though. He had started walking off the porch before he even explained why it was there to begin with."
"I will speak to Mr. Burnham about his manners. Ladies should be treated with respect. Especially one of your caliber."
I blushed at his compliment, "Thank you. Did you say Burnham? As in Bobby Burnham?"
"That would be the one. Why do you ask?"
"I need to contact him tomorrow. Maybe now that I know he works for you will swing me favor."
"What on earth could you possibly need from Bobby?"
I took the ad out of my pocket and placed it on the desk. Eric looked amused from hell. He laughed a lighthearted laugh and broke out in a smile.
"Why Miss Stackhouse would you like to be my tenant?"
I was confused. "Your tenant? I thought that the complex belonged to Mr. Burnham."
"Definitely not he is the land manager. I am the owner."
"This is such good news. I was worried that I might not find residence."
"It is good news indeed. I would be glad to contact Bobby and have him set up a showing of the apartment if you would like. Although this is a one bedroom. Wouldn't you prefer something more spacious?"
"Thank you very much Eric. I would appreciate your assistance. One bedroom will be enough. I am not sure that I could afford much more with the other bills that I have. Your concern is heartwarming though."
"Again it would be my pleasure to assist you with whatever your heart desires. If you would like I could set it up so that your rental amount is deducted from your paychecks. Then it would be one less headache."
"Fabulous. This is working out better than I expected."
"Would you like it taken out half and half or would you like it taken from one check?"
"Half and half will be just fine."
"It will be done. I will have Bobby meet you at the property at 10:30 in the morning. I will have him bring the paperwork and I expect that you could move in by the afternoon if it is cohesive."
"Goodness I feel as though all I have said all night is thank you. I hate to cut my visit short Eric but my cousin has just returned from New Orleans. She is out in the parking lot. I will let you carry on with whatever it is you were doing and I will see you Wednesday night at 8."
"You are very welcome Miss Stackhouse. Enjoy your visit. I am looking forward to Wednesday."
"Good Night Eric. Thanks again."
"Night Sookie."
I left his office with a new purpose. I was no longer worried about half of the things that were plaguing me this morning. I got my car fixed and I got a new car. Hadley is pregnant and home and has a job. Gran will have someone with her when I move. Things are definitely looking up for Sookie Stackhouse.
*~ };- ~*
Sunday, November 23, 1999
Bon Temps, Louisiana 10:00 a.m.
The weekend passed in a blur. I told Gran after I viewed the apartment that I was moving to Shreveport she was totally understanding and happy for me. Poor Hadley had just gotten her things settled upstairs and upon my news decided that she would rather have my room. We were in the process of packing together. Jason came over earlier than ever to help us get things packed and moved around. My apartment is fully furnished Mr. Burnham told me that I may change any and all aspects if I desired. I was ecstatic. I was a little sad to find that the contents of my entire life fit in five boxes and were easily placed in the back of my SUV. I had given Hadley the chevette. She was grateful.
I planned on leaving Bon Temps around 1:30 p.m. After lugging suitcases and items down the stairs for most of the mid morning I was tired. Hadley was completely moved by lunch and Jason stayed to eat with us. Gran made BLTs and homemade french fries. Before I left she had Jason trapes up to the attic and lug down a box of kitchen supplies so I would have things to make myself meals. I was more than happy about that. The kitchen was the only room in the apartment that wasn't furnished apart from a microwave and refrigerator. After long good-byes and hugs and kisses aplenty I took off for home with a sense of self.
*~ };- ~*
Apt. 4D Shreveport, Louisiana 3:20 p.m.
I had to make seven trips up and down the stairs to get all of my stuff into my new apartment. It is beautiful. I also love the fact that all utilities are paid. I didn't know that until yesterday when I met with Bobby. After much insisting that we call each other less formally by both parties. Living on the second floor I have a balcony and it is my favorite feature. The living room is "L" shaped with french double doors on the short side of the "L" that lead out there. All of the flooring is dark hardwood. Most of the furniture is heavy leathers in masculine tones. The couch is my favorite piece. Its sectional. The back and sides are rich mocha brown leather. The back pillows and seating cushions are light chocolate brown. On the right side there is a chaise lounger. The chair is more like a 1.5 love seat with a massive ottoman. In front of the couch there is a low oval coffee table made from a sequoia tree it is all natural even the bark is still around the rim. The kitchen counter tops are hunter green marble. The microwave and refrigerator are stainless steel I love the clean look. Turning left down the hallway is the bedroom/master bath. The bed is a massive California king four poster bed with high columns that almost reach the eight foot ceiling. The bed is mahogany and is intricately carved with the style of 18th century Victorian feel. Scroll footing and exotic flowers. The headboard is three feet higher than the foot board. I adore the headboard on each side of the bed there is an old fashioned gas light fixture with frosted pane glass that makes the light not too bright. Centered between the lights is a carved lion head with a regal main. It is breathtaking. The only draw back is that my sheets and comforter do not fit. The bathroom has a feminine feel to it. The marble counter tops are white with gold veins running through them. In the middle of the large counter there is a glass plate and bowl. The water fixture is attached to the wall it is gorgeous. My favorite part of the bathroom is the oversized claw foot tub. It is big enough for four people. On the left side of the hallway is the guest bathroom it reminds me of a hotel bathroom. There is nothing significant in there it is for function only. The standup washer and dryer are in there as well. After looking around and admiring my new home I decide that I need to make a trip to Wal*Mart. I need bed clothes and a few things from the housewares department.
After unpacking my clothes and putting them in the matching dresser. I start to hang the clothes on hangers that I left laying on the bed into the closet. It is so much larger than my old closet the few clothes that are hanging in there make it look almost barren and cavernous. Next I moved into the kitchen to put the box of things from the attic into the dishwasher. They have been up there so long they have decades of dust on them. Making a list of things that are missing that I need to pickup while I am at the store. I have a few boxes of knick-knacks that I gently unwrap the news paper from and strategically place through out the living room and bedroom. Unpacking took me less than two hours. But I am glad that it is over. I flattened the boxes and picked up the newspaper to take to the dumpster on the way to the car.
I grabbed my purse and keys locked the door and headed down the flight of steps. Somewhere off in the distance I could hear a dog barking. It was going to take a while to get used to the sounds of the city. I dumped the trash in the dumpster and got into my shiny SUV. The more I drive it the more I love it. I won't of course ever tell Eric that, but none the less I do. The Wal*Mart parking lot was jam packed I hate coming here on a Sunday oh well . I parked in the back forty and walked what seemed a mile to the entrance. Grabbing a basket and making my way to the housewares department I looked for a comforter first. It was the main thing I needed I cannot sleep on a naked bed. I found a micro suede reversible chocolate brown and mocha one on sale for $50. I immediately fell in love with it. The hard part was the sheets. They had a ton of color choices. Finally I picked out three sets two different browns and a creamy beige color coordinated that's the way to go. I walked from isle to isle. I got some silverware and a tray for the drawer. Salt and pepper shakers, sugar dispenser, and dishes all in cobalt blue glass. I found some beautiful corning wear Square dishes that were hunter green and had a Japanese floral design on them with deep blue orchids. I found matching burner covers and some hunter green place mats for the table. I got a party jug with a push button dispenser for tea.
I moved on to bathroom items. I decided that I would like red in the bathroom. I found the most kick ass shower curtain with a black and white photograph of the Eiffel Tower on it and threw it into my cart that was filling up at an alarming rate. I got another one that had different colored daises on it for the guest bathroom. Two different bath mat sets one in red and the other in a bright pink to match one of the daisy flowers on the other I also found shower curtain rings with Fleur-de-lis for my bathroom and a white daisy ones for the other. Red towels, hand towels and wash cloths. For the other bathroom I decided that the towels should be a darker shade of pink so I got those. Finally I made it to the food section and got the necessities a mop broom and dustpan and laundry soap and dryer sheets hand soap for the bathroom sinks, and as an after thought I got some dishwasher detergent and dawn. By the time I left the store my bank account was $350 dollars lighter. Setting up house is expensive.
I stopped at A&W on the way home and got some food for supper. I was certainly not cooking tonight. I still had things to put up when I got home and a bed to make. I pulled into my assigned parking space and unloaded my purchases. I sat at the table and ate my makeshift supper. Lucky for me there was a trash compactor because I totally forgot to buy a trashcan. I threw my comforter into the dryer with a dryer sheet to get the store smell out of it. I would have to take the massive thing to a laundry mat to wash it. I loaded the washer with the sheets, towels, and hand towels. I placed the bathmats and hung the shower curtains in each bathroom. I went back to the kitchen and unloaded the dishwasher and reloaded it with the new dishes and flipped it on. By the time that was done the dryer buzzed I threw the comforter on my bed and switched out the laundry. I put in some Buffy the Vampire Slayer and promptly passed out on the couch.
*~ };- ~*
I woke up a few hours later to a knock on the door. I was confused at first the only people that know where I live are my family and I just saw them all a few hours ago. I looked through the peep-hole (Such a wonderful invention) and low-and-behold Eric was on my doorstep. I opened the door kind of flustered. "Eric what a pleasant surprise. Won't you please come...wait you won't bite me if I invite you in will you?"
He laughed, "Not unless you ask me to I promise to keep my fangs to myself."
"Alright then won't you please come in?"
He stepped over the threshold and the room automatically seemed to be dwarfed with him standing there. "What do I owe the honor of this visit?"
"I wanted to make sure that you were comfortable and had everything that you need."
"Quite than you."
"Are you missing anything? I know that stetting up house is very costly."
"I already made a trip to Wal*Mart and got most everything I need the only thing I forgot was a trash can and bags and a lounger for the balcony. I love to sunbathe, but I can get that stuff tomorrow. The furnished apartments are lavish. My favorite piece is the bed. Did you know they were decorated like this?"
"Well, all of them are not. I had the night movers bring this furniture in here last night. After you signed the lease."
"WHAT? Where did it all come from?"
Stretching out on the chaise he replied, "one of my various decoy houses. Much like where the SUV came from. I am glad that you like the bed. It is one of my favorites as well. It is similar to the one in my day-room." The dryer buzzed and I excused myself to go get the laundry. I gathered it all up and dumped it onto the couch. I separated the sheets and threw them onto the ottoman. I folded all of the towels and separated them into pink and red stacks.
"Eric I am not sure that I am comfortable using all of your furnishings. It means a lot to me that you thought enough of me to let me use them though."
"Sookie if you don't use them they will just be sitting in a house collecting dust. I brought them here for you to enjoy. I hope that you will do so. By the way I love your towels. Which bathroom are they for?"
"Red for the master bath and pink for the guest bathroom. Will you take these and put them in the linen closet in the small bathroom please?" He scooped up the pink towels and was back in a flash.
"I put out a towel hand towel and a wash cloth on the towel racks in there. That shower curtain is wild!"
"I love the shower curtain its bright and cheery as a guest bathroom should be."
"Might I see your bathroom Sookie?"
I handed him the red towels and gathered up the sheets and made my way to my room. "Here we are. Not much but I love it."
"Sookie my guest bathroom has that exact shower curtain. Have you ever been to Paris?" It was my turn to laugh. "No, Eric I have never been outside of Louisiana."
"Pity we will have to change that. I will make sure that we need to go to Europe one of these times you are reading people. It won't be for a while though I want you to get used to the vampire government before we go abroad and others learn of your gift."
"That would be fabulous I have always wanted to go to the Trevi Fountain."
"We will do tons of sight seeing. I would love to see your face when one of your dreams is fulfilled little one. I can't stay much longer. Would you like help making the bed?" We stood on opposite sides of the bed and put the fitted sheet on the massive bed. I was glad to have help. Eric said, "This comforter is very soft. What is it made of? And which side do you want on top?"
"It's Micro-suede. And I think chocolate side out."
"Man made suede. Modern science never ceases to amaze me. Oh, I was going to call before I dropped in on you, but the number I have for you is at your grandmothers. Can I have your house or cell?"
"I don't have a house phone here yet, and I don't have a cell phone at all I was going to go to the phone company tomorrow and have them come by and set it up. I will update you with my number as soon as I have one."
"Very good. I must be leaving Sookie I have some business matters to clear up. If you need anything else please feel free to ask or call Bobby his number is in the book." As soon as he was finished speaking his cell began to ring, SHOUT, SHOUT, SHOUT AT THE DEVIL. I cracked up laughing as he headed out the door.
I locked the door and turned off the porch light, Went into the kitchen and turned on the venta-hood light. Walked through the living room shut off the T.V. I was too tired to shower so I just changed into my Saints Jersey and snuggled into my soft bed, and promptly fell asleep content.
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