Second Chance

Chapter 4

Bill was gone when Sookie woke up the next morning, and she was very glad for that. If she had her way, she’d never have to face him again. He made a fool of her for the last time. With that thought in mind, Sookie grabbed what was left of her belongings and took off. There was a picture of them on the mantle from their wedding day, she almost forgot about that. Sookie picked it up, glaring at how happy she looked in the photo. Before she could think about her actions, she flung the frame across the room, satisfied when the glass shattered. The perfect ending to their meaningless marriage.

* * * * *

Eric smiled when he saw her waiting for him at the local coffee shop; it was one of his favorite places.

“I’m glad you called. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for long.”

Sookie shook her head, inhaling a deep breath. “Not long at all, I was wondering what you knew about divorce lawyers. I need a good one who won’t be taken in by Bill’s crap.”

Eric’s eyes widened. “So, you are going through with the divorce?”

She nodded. “Now more than ever, I just want it over with as soon as possible.”

He was relieved for that, but frowned when he noticed her bruised wrists. “What happened?”

Sookie placed her hands under the table. She already felt ashamed enough as it was, the last thing she needed was his pity. “It’s nothing; we just got into a little disagreement. I need to get away from him, a clean break. Can you help me?”

Eric knew something more serious happened, but he wouldn’t push her if she wasn’t ready to tell him. “Of course, I actually have a friend who’s a lawyer. If anyone can get you through a quick divorce, it would be him. He’s been divorced three times.”

She laughed. “Thank you, I really appreciate this.”

“It’s no trouble; I’ll give him a call for you.”

They both ordered some coffee and drank in silence after that, neither sure what to say next.

“I would really like to be your friend, Sookie,” Eric said to break the ice. “If something more happened with you and Bill, you can tell me. I promise to keep it just between us if that’s what you wish.”

Sookie felt tears in her eyes at his concern. Eric really did seem to care about her and it just made her want to open up about everything. She took another deep breath before continuing. “He…He forced himself on me. I don’t even know if it could be considered rape since we are technically married, and I just let him do it. I could have stopped him if I really wanted to.”

Eric clenched his fists under the table, trying to keep his temper in check. “Did you want it?”

She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “No, he just threw me on the bed and pinned me down. I think I was too shocked at the time to fight him off, but it was the last thing I wanted.”

“I would consider that rape, then. He had no right to force anything on you that you weren’t asking for. I will be bringing this up with my friend, if that’s all right with you. They need to know everything that happened; it’s the only way to finalize this divorce even faster. You should probably report him to the police.”

Sookie shook her head. “I don’t want to add anymore complications in my life; the police won’t be able to do much of anything. He’ll most likely make bail in less than twenty-four hours; all I care about now is getting this divorce over with and putting all of this behind me. You can tell your friend if you think that will help.”

He grasped her hand in his, giving it a light squeeze. “You’re not alone in this; I will do everything in my power to get you away from him.”

She sighed in relief, beyond grateful this man was back in her life. Sookie didn’t know where she would be without him.

* * * * *

Alcide Herveaux was a ruthless wolf according to Eric, and after meeting the man, she would have to agree. He seemed sweet as pie at first, but having to witness him with the other lawyers; he was definitely worthy of that title.

“Okay, Mrs. Compton, after everything you’ve told me, we should have this done in no time.”

She smiled. “Please, call me Sookie. I intend to go back to my maiden name once this is all over.”

Alcide nodded. “The papers are being drawn up as we speak. All you and Mr. Compton have to do is sign in the rightful place, then you’re a free woman.”

Sookie couldn’t believe this was soon behind her, but was still worried about one thing. “What if Bill refuses?”

Alcide grinned maliciously. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll get him to sign.”

* * * * *

Sookie didn’t want to know what Alcide did to make Bill sign the papers, but she was just too ecstatic that it got done to care. She headed to Eric’s building the next day to thank him again for all his help, stopping when she heard laughter coming from inside his office. Sookie could see that Pam was in there, wondering what they were talking about, but it wasn’t any of her business.

“I see the new single woman has arrived.”

Sookie was startled, not even aware that Pam knew she was there.

Eric smiled up at her. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

Pam took that as her cue to leave.

Sookie gave him a smile in return. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

He waved his hand in the air. “It’s fine, you can take a seat if you want.”

“That’s okay, I won’t be long. I just wanted to thank you again for everything.”

“I’m just glad it all worked out,” Eric told her.

Sookie had to agree. “My friend Amelia is already talking about setting me up with someone else, but I think it’s too soon for that. I just need to be by myself for right now.”

Eric nodded, a wave of sadness hitting him at that, but he had to expect she wouldn’t be willing to jump into a new relationship so soon. He’ll just have to be happy with being her friend, at least for now. “I think that’s a smart decision, you need to make sure the next person is the right one.”

“How can you ever really know that? I thought I would be with Bill for the rest of my life. He was so different when we first started going out, now I don’t even know who he is. It’s hard to know who to trust anymore.”

He didn’t know what to say to make her feel better. If Eric was ever given the chance, he would prove that he was the right choice for her. He would do anything for Sookie Stackhouse; all she had to do was ask it of him.