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Dec. 10th, 2011 12:01 amIt's Sam who asks her to go to the DGD meeting.
Well. He doesn't ask her, ask her. It isn't a date by any stretch of the imagination, just a way for her to get to the meeting. Gran's getting a ride with the DGD carpool, and Sookie hadn't been looking forward to being pressed into service, but Sam had, thankfully, stepped forward.
"Guess Colonel Sheppard ain't gonna make it back in time for the meetin' tonight," he'd said, casually, at work, and she'd looked up at him with wary surprise. Sam's stayed mostly off the topic of John ever since he'd left on Monday, and it's odd to hear him bring it up.
"Looks that way," she agrees, wondering where this is going.
He flashes her a smile, that cute little smile of his that makes his eyes look all expectant and happy and full of blue warmth. "In that case, you're gonna need another escort. How 'bout me?"
She blinks at him for a second, a surprised, embarrassed smile pulling at her mouth before she even really registers that it's there. "Go together?"
"Yeah," he says, leaning on the bar. "I hear people do that, sometimes. Go places together. Maybe even talk, a little bit."
People are glancing their way, and Sookie can feel their curiosity, but Sam's easy-going invitation is sweet and his teasing is gentle, so she agrees. Besides, she does need a ride, and Sam is good company. John's amused when she calls him to tell him, his voice on speakerphone so she can talk to him while she gets ready. She picks out a pretty little floral dress, and rolls her hair up in rollers to give it a little curl, spritzes on her perfume. He can't talk for long, so she hangs up after the usual exchange of all the things they want to say that have to be boiled down to three words -- I love you. I miss you -- and sits for a while in front of her mirror, concentrating on her makeup while Tina purrs on her bed.
At least John hasn't been sent back. She imagines that's got to be frustrating for him, but really he sounds pleased to be working with Major Carter and a version of Doctor McKay, though she has to laugh at the way he complains about this version of the scientist.
Apparently Doctor McKay doesn't change all that much, in his various incarnations.
She's even starting to think that he might be able to come back soon, at least to check in. After all, they don't need him there the whole time, do they? Shouldn't they come out here and run some tests on that spot in the parking lot, see if they can find anything? Still, it's probably just as well that he isn't here tonight. She'd so much rather be going with him, but considering the way things lie between Bill and John, it's probably for the best.
Not that she's all that sure of what's between her and Bill, at the moment.
Sam's right on time, looking dapper in a nice striped shirt that brings out the blue of his eyes, and he smiles when he sees her. "You look great," he tells her, and she smiles, flattered, feeling really good for the first time since John left. Maybe things will turn out all right after all. She'll be able to talk to John again tonight, and Gran's big evening will go great, and she'll have a nice time with Sam.
Things are looking up.
Her mood stays uplifted through the drive: Sam plays low music on the Bronco's radio, but mostly they talk, and it's so nice that Sookie finds herself relaxing into smiles, even laughter. Sam's good company, especially when he's in a good mood like he is tonight, and sometimes she forgets that he's really sort of fun to spend time with. It's hard to remember, sometimes, when he's her boss and they have frustration- and exhaustion-fueled spats at work, but most of the time, they really do get along great, and he's such a good friend.
She really ought to remember that.
Still, even with Sam, and even with Gran there to hug and congratulate, Sookie finds tension building slowly up her spine. Sam glances over at her as they sit down near a strangely reticent Tara, and she gives him what she hopes is a reassuring smile, but he just breathes out a ghost of a laugh. "It's okay to relax, you know," he tells her, and she smiles again, a little confused this time.
"I thought I was."
"I don't think you know how," he says, and her smile turns more confused, with her eyebrows drawing together, but he doesn't clarify, just settles a little more comfortably next to her. People pack in, making the church uncomfortably hot: she's sweltering in her light dress and Sam must be just about dead in his jeans, but he doesn't give any sign of discomfort. It seems like most of the town is here, dressed in their Sunday best, with Gran fluttering between folks, greeting them and handing them programs. Just about everyone is here to listen to Bill speak. She wonders if that's a good sign or a bad one, if people are really curious or if they're just looking for ammunition. Roy and his buddies, down in the middle of the rows, are whispering and giggling to each other, and she turns around to glare at them, but then Gran steps up to the podium and addresses them all. Her voice is clear, if a little quavery, and she introduces Bill with the same sort of graciousness Sookie's always seen from her.
If she can be anything like Gran one day, she'll count herself lucky. Gran glances her way, and Sookie gives her a smile, encouraging, until her attention is drawn back to the podium. Everyone's is, really, because Bill's come out, and for once, all the people in the town are allowed to stare just as much as they like.
He looks well, wearing a tailored, classically handsome suit, his dark hair neat and his eyes very blue in his pale face. He smiles, charms everyone by returning Old Glory to its rightful place on the flagpole. Sookie can hear Sam shift next to her, but all her focus is on Bill, who had been her friend, who she misses, really, if she lets herself think about it. She wonders how he's been this last week, if he's still angry with her or not.
It really is a good thing John isn't here for this, she thinks.
Bill's talk isn't long, but it's detailed and interesting. More than that, it's personal: he brings each and every one of them into his memories from the war. She can't help but soften towards him when he tells them about the hardships of being a soldier back then, and she flinches when he tells about the boy crying in the field, wounded and frantic with pain. It makes her think of John, the terrible things he's seen and had to do, the wounds he's taken and inflicted, the murky visions she's seen from his dreams when he wakes her in the middle of the night tossing and turning. She wonders if Bill still gets nightmares.
And his talk is effective. Everyone is silent, rapt. Terry Bellefleur is sobbing a few rows away. Jason's nearby, looking dazed and entranced, which is as surprising as anything. Even she finds herself pitying Bill, sympathizing with him. The last thing any of them expected was for him to be confronted with a photo of the family he'd lost so long ago, and she doesn't think that the shock and pain on his face are an act. It's too real, too close, too unexpected, and her heart goes out to him. What must it have been like, being forced to leave his wife and children behind, knowing he'd stay forever young and strong while they grew old, got sick, died?
Did he ever see them again after he changed?
That's the end of the talk, because though Bill tries to hide it, he's rattled and emotional, and there are no more questions for him. Still, after he leaves the stage to scattered applause, people sit for a moment, trying to absorb everything they've heard and seen, and Sam has to tap Sookie on the shoulder before she lifts from her reverie.
"What?' she says, and smiles at him to cover her confusion. "Did you say somethin', Sam?"
He jerks his head towards the crowd of people. "I said, how about a cup of coffee before I take you home? Your Gran's gonna be busy with this bunch for a long while yet."
"Well..." She glances at her watch. A few more hours until John usually calls her -- what harm could it do? "All right," she agrees, peaceably, and she's glad she said yes, because Sam's illuminating smile is worth it. She can't figure out why Tara seems so annoyed, though. "Let me just tell Gran, okay?"
"Sure," he says, and walks with her over to where Gran and Bill are standing. Gran looks triumphant, her cheeks pink with pleasure, and she laughs as Sookie hugs her tight. Her arms go around her granddaughter, and they sway for a moment, thrilled with the evening's success. Even Bill right there can't damped Sookie's spirits, though his smiles seem a little forced. She congratulates him, though, because he deserves it: with any luck, a few more people at least will consider him a little more likable, if not actually a friend.
"Gran, we're gonna go get a cup of coffee," she says. "Are you gonna be okay gettin' home?"
She feels a little guilty leaving all of this when Gran's worked so hard on it, but it's a big group of people and that's never been something she's enjoyed being around if it isn't for work. Gran, though, just smiles and nods and pats her cheek affectionately. "You go on, then," she says, beaming. "I have a ride with the other ladies of the club. Oh, we'll be here for a while, patting ourselves on the back! I'll see you at home, honey."
"See you at home," Sookie echoes, and gives Gran a kiss on the cheek and another squeeze of congratulations before Sam offers his arm and they thread their way through the crowd and out into the brilliant summer night.
Well. He doesn't ask her, ask her. It isn't a date by any stretch of the imagination, just a way for her to get to the meeting. Gran's getting a ride with the DGD carpool, and Sookie hadn't been looking forward to being pressed into service, but Sam had, thankfully, stepped forward.
"Guess Colonel Sheppard ain't gonna make it back in time for the meetin' tonight," he'd said, casually, at work, and she'd looked up at him with wary surprise. Sam's stayed mostly off the topic of John ever since he'd left on Monday, and it's odd to hear him bring it up.
"Looks that way," she agrees, wondering where this is going.
He flashes her a smile, that cute little smile of his that makes his eyes look all expectant and happy and full of blue warmth. "In that case, you're gonna need another escort. How 'bout me?"
She blinks at him for a second, a surprised, embarrassed smile pulling at her mouth before she even really registers that it's there. "Go together?"
"Yeah," he says, leaning on the bar. "I hear people do that, sometimes. Go places together. Maybe even talk, a little bit."
People are glancing their way, and Sookie can feel their curiosity, but Sam's easy-going invitation is sweet and his teasing is gentle, so she agrees. Besides, she does need a ride, and Sam is good company. John's amused when she calls him to tell him, his voice on speakerphone so she can talk to him while she gets ready. She picks out a pretty little floral dress, and rolls her hair up in rollers to give it a little curl, spritzes on her perfume. He can't talk for long, so she hangs up after the usual exchange of all the things they want to say that have to be boiled down to three words -- I love you. I miss you -- and sits for a while in front of her mirror, concentrating on her makeup while Tina purrs on her bed.
At least John hasn't been sent back. She imagines that's got to be frustrating for him, but really he sounds pleased to be working with Major Carter and a version of Doctor McKay, though she has to laugh at the way he complains about this version of the scientist.
Apparently Doctor McKay doesn't change all that much, in his various incarnations.
She's even starting to think that he might be able to come back soon, at least to check in. After all, they don't need him there the whole time, do they? Shouldn't they come out here and run some tests on that spot in the parking lot, see if they can find anything? Still, it's probably just as well that he isn't here tonight. She'd so much rather be going with him, but considering the way things lie between Bill and John, it's probably for the best.
Not that she's all that sure of what's between her and Bill, at the moment.
Sam's right on time, looking dapper in a nice striped shirt that brings out the blue of his eyes, and he smiles when he sees her. "You look great," he tells her, and she smiles, flattered, feeling really good for the first time since John left. Maybe things will turn out all right after all. She'll be able to talk to John again tonight, and Gran's big evening will go great, and she'll have a nice time with Sam.
Things are looking up.
Her mood stays uplifted through the drive: Sam plays low music on the Bronco's radio, but mostly they talk, and it's so nice that Sookie finds herself relaxing into smiles, even laughter. Sam's good company, especially when he's in a good mood like he is tonight, and sometimes she forgets that he's really sort of fun to spend time with. It's hard to remember, sometimes, when he's her boss and they have frustration- and exhaustion-fueled spats at work, but most of the time, they really do get along great, and he's such a good friend.
She really ought to remember that.
Still, even with Sam, and even with Gran there to hug and congratulate, Sookie finds tension building slowly up her spine. Sam glances over at her as they sit down near a strangely reticent Tara, and she gives him what she hopes is a reassuring smile, but he just breathes out a ghost of a laugh. "It's okay to relax, you know," he tells her, and she smiles again, a little confused this time.
"I thought I was."
"I don't think you know how," he says, and her smile turns more confused, with her eyebrows drawing together, but he doesn't clarify, just settles a little more comfortably next to her. People pack in, making the church uncomfortably hot: she's sweltering in her light dress and Sam must be just about dead in his jeans, but he doesn't give any sign of discomfort. It seems like most of the town is here, dressed in their Sunday best, with Gran fluttering between folks, greeting them and handing them programs. Just about everyone is here to listen to Bill speak. She wonders if that's a good sign or a bad one, if people are really curious or if they're just looking for ammunition. Roy and his buddies, down in the middle of the rows, are whispering and giggling to each other, and she turns around to glare at them, but then Gran steps up to the podium and addresses them all. Her voice is clear, if a little quavery, and she introduces Bill with the same sort of graciousness Sookie's always seen from her.
If she can be anything like Gran one day, she'll count herself lucky. Gran glances her way, and Sookie gives her a smile, encouraging, until her attention is drawn back to the podium. Everyone's is, really, because Bill's come out, and for once, all the people in the town are allowed to stare just as much as they like.
He looks well, wearing a tailored, classically handsome suit, his dark hair neat and his eyes very blue in his pale face. He smiles, charms everyone by returning Old Glory to its rightful place on the flagpole. Sookie can hear Sam shift next to her, but all her focus is on Bill, who had been her friend, who she misses, really, if she lets herself think about it. She wonders how he's been this last week, if he's still angry with her or not.
It really is a good thing John isn't here for this, she thinks.
Bill's talk isn't long, but it's detailed and interesting. More than that, it's personal: he brings each and every one of them into his memories from the war. She can't help but soften towards him when he tells them about the hardships of being a soldier back then, and she flinches when he tells about the boy crying in the field, wounded and frantic with pain. It makes her think of John, the terrible things he's seen and had to do, the wounds he's taken and inflicted, the murky visions she's seen from his dreams when he wakes her in the middle of the night tossing and turning. She wonders if Bill still gets nightmares.
And his talk is effective. Everyone is silent, rapt. Terry Bellefleur is sobbing a few rows away. Jason's nearby, looking dazed and entranced, which is as surprising as anything. Even she finds herself pitying Bill, sympathizing with him. The last thing any of them expected was for him to be confronted with a photo of the family he'd lost so long ago, and she doesn't think that the shock and pain on his face are an act. It's too real, too close, too unexpected, and her heart goes out to him. What must it have been like, being forced to leave his wife and children behind, knowing he'd stay forever young and strong while they grew old, got sick, died?
Did he ever see them again after he changed?
That's the end of the talk, because though Bill tries to hide it, he's rattled and emotional, and there are no more questions for him. Still, after he leaves the stage to scattered applause, people sit for a moment, trying to absorb everything they've heard and seen, and Sam has to tap Sookie on the shoulder before she lifts from her reverie.
"What?' she says, and smiles at him to cover her confusion. "Did you say somethin', Sam?"
He jerks his head towards the crowd of people. "I said, how about a cup of coffee before I take you home? Your Gran's gonna be busy with this bunch for a long while yet."
"Well..." She glances at her watch. A few more hours until John usually calls her -- what harm could it do? "All right," she agrees, peaceably, and she's glad she said yes, because Sam's illuminating smile is worth it. She can't figure out why Tara seems so annoyed, though. "Let me just tell Gran, okay?"
"Sure," he says, and walks with her over to where Gran and Bill are standing. Gran looks triumphant, her cheeks pink with pleasure, and she laughs as Sookie hugs her tight. Her arms go around her granddaughter, and they sway for a moment, thrilled with the evening's success. Even Bill right there can't damped Sookie's spirits, though his smiles seem a little forced. She congratulates him, though, because he deserves it: with any luck, a few more people at least will consider him a little more likable, if not actually a friend.
"Gran, we're gonna go get a cup of coffee," she says. "Are you gonna be okay gettin' home?"
She feels a little guilty leaving all of this when Gran's worked so hard on it, but it's a big group of people and that's never been something she's enjoyed being around if it isn't for work. Gran, though, just smiles and nods and pats her cheek affectionately. "You go on, then," she says, beaming. "I have a ride with the other ladies of the club. Oh, we'll be here for a while, patting ourselves on the back! I'll see you at home, honey."
"See you at home," Sookie echoes, and gives Gran a kiss on the cheek and another squeeze of congratulations before Sam offers his arm and they thread their way through the crowd and out into the brilliant summer night.
