The sky is an unusually appealing shade of purple as I slip away from my lover to find my day's rest. I quickly jot down a note for her, so that she knows to wait here for me. In preparation for her visit I made sure there was food available to her. I'd rather she not leave until I'm awake. Honestly, I'd rather she not leave at all. But that's a discussion for another time. I pad down the hall to the panel which disguises the entry to my bedchamber deep in thought.

My descent is silent. No sound echoes throughout the entire the house, aside from the gentle intake and expulsion of Sookie's breath. This moment almost reminds me of the days I spent in the cave I called home on the island. No one around, complete darkness surrounding me, and silence—until the first time I heard her heart beating. I never knew the lack of noise could drive one insane. I'm sure I was close to going out of my mind until Sookie came. She not only saved my life, she saved my mind. Having no one to converse with, no one to remind you there is other life in the world, was harder to bear than I could have imagined. To consider how close I was to feeding from an animal. I shudder at the thought. I was beyond my lowest point then.

As I slip between the cool sheets of my bed, I close my eyes imagining the warmth of Sookie's body next to me. It lulls me into my rest, calming me of my fear: that she won't be here when I wake.

The sun slices through the opening in the curtain like a knife through warm butter, but with laser like precision to land on my face and bother me until I get up. I throw my hand up to shield my eyes, but it's too late. The red glow burning through my closed eyelids has done its duty and rudely awakened me with the sun's glorious golden rays. Yeah, right. In my confused and agitated state, I look around trying to get my bearings. This isn't my bedroom. I think to call out for Gran when I remember last night.

Eric.

His side of the bed is cold, but of course it would be. His body holds no heat. I tuck the strands of hair that have fallen across my forehead behind my ear so I can get a better view of what's around me. The bedroom is much bigger than mine but has the same feel of quiet comfort. I smile at the thought that maybe Eric made it this way—for me. Foolish, I know, but I like to imagine it.

I stretch and find that I'm not as sore as I should be. The first time we were together, I don't think I could walk for a few hours and I know my body was singing from the way he worked me over. Talk about discovering new muscles you've never used before. But last night was different. He was different. He was tender and loving and… The more time I spend with him, the more I realize he's still a stranger. I know him, but I don't really know him.

With a second sweep of the room, I notice a slip of paper on the pillow beside me. My name is scrawled on the front in a very elegant and neat script. I run my finger over the indentations the pen's made on the page and smile, knowing Eric took the time to leave me a bit of himself before going to bed.

My sweetest gift, I am sorry I am unable to be here when you wake. You know I would give anything for the opportunity to make love to you in the morning light… There is food in the kitchen, please help yourself. I would like for you to be here when I rise this evening. I only hope you can preoccupy yourself with something amusing. Until later…

Yours always,

E

I snort. Something amusing, he says. I can find something amusing to do, all right. But first, I must empty my bladder. And I may as well grab a shower while I'm in the bathroom.

Once I've finished taking care of necessities, I trudge back into the bedroom in search of my clothing. I have no idea where anything was thrown in our moment of passion but I'm not walking around Eric's house naked. Though I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I find Eric's shirt first and pull that on over my head. It smells like him and I take a second to inhale his scent. It fills me, intoxicating me to the point of dizziness.

I take that feeling with me and hold onto it for as long as I can. I make my way out to where I remember the kitchen is and raid the fridge. Fruit, milk, eggs… enough things are here for me to make a nice little breakfast for myself. I notice the time on the microwave reads 12:12. Well, we'll make it lunch then. And only six or seven hours before Eric will be awake!

Yeah, I'll be bored out of my mind by then.

I'll have to get him to show me how to get in and out of here without setting off any alarms. I wouldn't want to step outside and be blown away by some guard or something. Hmm… I wonder if he even has guards. I sneak a quick peek outside the kitchen window to see if anyone is there. The yard looks empty. His grass is neat and tidy; the trees surrounding the house are shaped nicely and well kept. Someone does his landscaping. I wonder if they show up to work while he's asleep. I'd think that was pretty dangerous considering how vulnerable he is then.

I shrug off the thought and finish making an omelet, quickly scarfing it down with a side of fresh fruit. I wash it all down with a glass of milk and wish I hadn't gobbled everything so fast. With my belly full—and aching—I turn my attention to entertainment. I plop down on the big comfy couch in the living room and realize I have no idea how to turn on the television. There are at least three different remote controls for Lord knows what. I pick up the first one and hit the power button. That cuts on the stereo. I try the next one and success! The television flickers to life and I channel surf for a bit. Before I know it, I've drifted off into a pleasant sleep and don't wake again until I hear the gentle sway and retreat of waves crashing against the beach.