Porch Blues

[Sookie Stackhouse]

Sookie, watched with a smile as the last pink of twilight left the warm sky, night was coming and that meant her almost but maybe not fiancée would be up-- she still wore the diamond ring on her left ring finger… heavy on her finger with indecision-- she loved Bill with all her heart… but now… she still loved him, but he worried her, frightened her even -- they would always be in dark, then again that had not been too much of an issue, it was more the constant threat of danger that had accompanied her life since meeting him that weighed on her mind… that wasn’t the only thing either… there was no doubt as to how deep her love for Bill Compton went, but her care for Eric was concerning…

Her hand glittered when she turned it left then right in the light of the porch lamp. She sat on chair she had placed on the porch, so she could read in the shade earlier. Now the book sat unfinished mid crisis with the paramour and love interest in danger, face down and forgot and Sookie dealt with her own real life novella. Her eyes followed the diamond ring that she was turning back and forth. When Bill had first popped the question it had been startling, a rush of fear and pleasure filling her-- a wife, but not a mother, Bill, but not….but not Eric. It was not like she was in love with Eric, it was a different level of affection-- while the fellow blonde had his flaws he was a loyal man that did not take no for an answer-- also a man that she dreamt about far too often….

Releasing a sigh she focused on the distance having to focus to see, her thoughts having taken her into the early night…

[Riley Ann]

Arlene and Terry arrived at Sookie's house around seven after eight. Arlene was still having her "pregnancy pains" as Terry deemed it. They had come to ask Sookie if she could fill in for Arlene tonight because she was feeling extremely off.
Arlene had drove over with Terry so they could ask - Terry would give swing back home, dropping off Arlene and then bring himself and Sookie to work - and to see if Sookie had any night gowns. Arlene had unfortunately vomited on her good one and the other one she had had gotten too small for her, thanks to the dryer.
They pulled into the drive and parked next to the porch. Terry turned off the lights and killed the engine before quickly jumping out and running to the passenger side and opening the door for Arlene. He held her hand gingerly and helped her step out of the vehicle.
"Hey Sookie." Arlene said with a smile.
Terry waved and walked with Arlene up the steps to stand near Sookie.
Arlene played with her hands while she spoke, "Hey Sook, sorry we didn't call I wasn't feeling good so Terry took me for a drive, well that and we need to ask you a favor."
Arlene smiled hesitantly and Terry put his hand on her shoulder, massaging it gently.
Arlene spoke up again, with her fast paced, anxious tone, " Would you mind covering for me at Merlotte's tonight? I'm sorry to ask like this but I am really not feeling up to beat and if I just have to smell the food their I might get sick all over myself... again. And, if it's not too much trouble could I borrow a night gown, mine are a bit... indisposed right now."
Terry had a stern look but his eyes were pleading for Sookie to take the questions into consideration for his beloved. Arlene had a look of anxiety and anticipation, hoping to God Almighty, Sookie would do what she asked.

[Sookie]

Sookie looked up worried when the messy red headed friend and her odd but kind beau came towards her, Arlene in a fine state and beginning to show some-- but more so was the vomit on her night gown that drew her eye. "Poor thing!" she exclaimed to herself standing up and stepping off to be level with Arlene. "Of course I can pick up your shift Arlene- you need to be in bed if your not feeling well" she chided sweetly "Now just you come on up stairs and get cleaned up and changed- You come on in too Terry" she said over her shoulder as she led her friend into the house and upstairs to her bedroom.

Rifling through her top drawer she looked for something comfortable that her friend could fit, finding a night gown in cotton and with some stretch she handed it over, it was simple white with little flowers, and soft and comfortable and cool enough with no sleeves. "Here ya are, theres a towel and washcloth in the bathroom if you need it" she said before working on getting her uniform for work out. She hadn't wanted to spend her night off working, but Arlene was in a fragile place and she was always up for helping a friend, especially one that has been so consistently frazzled these last few weeks. "Hey Arlene" she said looking to her "are you okay?"

[Riley Ann]

Arlene and Terry thanked Sookie nonstop all the way up the stairs. After receiving the nightgown and instructions on where Arlene could freshen up she did so. Terry stood there and thanked Sookie for helping out his 'darling'.
Arlene Stopped before leaving for the bathroom and turned, " What do you mean am I alright?" Arlene asked with hesitation.
"I'll be fine once I get this soiled night gown off Sook." Arlene smiled a little at Sookie.

[Sookie Stackhouse]

Sookie was going to say more but her friend was on edge she could tell, and now was not the time with terry up here. "Alright, well Ima change too-- mind if I still get a ride to the bar terry?" she asked gathering up her uniform so she could go change in grans room since tara wasn't hom at the moment.

[Riley Ann]

Terry nodded, " Of course you can get ride, Sookie." He sat on the bed and waited for the two women to finish changing. After a few moments Arlene came out looking ten times better. She had cleaned herself up and washed her face so it didn't look so haggard and the new night gown made her look better too.
Arlene called out to Sookie as her and Terry headed down stairs.
"Sook, we are going downstairs to grab a garbage bag to put this night gown in, we'll see you down there in a few minutes. Thank you again honey!"
Terry helped Arlene down the stairs, too afraid to leave her side for a second. They took a right and headed into the kitchen. Arlene found the garbage bags underneath the sink in the cupboards. She pulled one out before replacing the rest back underneath sink. She whipped it open and threw her soiled garments into garbage bag and then tied it up.
Terry took the garbage bag and headed outside and threw it into the back of his truck. Arlene followed, needing some fresh air. She took a seat in one of the chairs on the front porch, Terry taking his place by her side. They both waited patiently for Sookie to arrive.

[Sookie Stackhouse]

Sookie finished dressing quickly, throwing on the white shirt, black shorts and shoes and tossing her hair into a pony tail. Grabbing her small wallet out of her purse she threw it into her back pocket and headed down to meet them "Alright, ready" she said locking up the house behind them as they got into the truck and made their way off for her traded shift at Merlotts. "So'd you guys know if its a boy or girl yet?"

[Riley Ann]

Terry and Arlene exchanged an almost dubious look, " Not yet." The spoke in unison as they turned their attention back onto the road. Although, Terry had been told who the real father was he would stand by Arlene's side an even raise the baby as his own. Although, all had been discussed there was still a little tension between the two.
Arlene place a hand atop of her womb instinctively. Terry noticed it from the corner of his eye and smiled.
"Well we decided to wait a bit before we found out." Arlene spoke, turning to look at Sookie with a grin.
Terry spoke up, " Whatever it is we will surround it with love and take good care of it."
Arlene and him exchanged a lovingly expressive glance.
After arriving at Arlene's, Terry and her said their good-byes before Terry turned tail and brought himself and Sookie to Merlotte's.
After hopping out Terry walked to Sookie, " Thanks again Sookie... ya know for taking Arlene's shift and all and for letting her clean up at your house." He smiled nervously. He was always awkward when it came to talking to other people.