Fighting Against Fate
Chapter 5:


~Sookie~


Waking up to a knock at the door, I groaned and turned in bed. I was way past the point of getting up for the day; I wanted to stay in bed for a while longer.

My thoughts last night didn't die down until sleep took over, and that was barely three hours ago.

Pam came into my room and opened the curtains that lead to my balcony. She opened the sliding door, allowing the fresh scent of salty air to seep into the room. I love the scent and the cool air that accompanies sea air.

"Pam, can't I sleep a little longer? I am still tired," I grumbled when she came over to the bed shook me lightly. I pulled my face from my pillow and put on my best puppy dog look.

Pam chuckled. "No Sookie, you have to get up. I ordered breakfast for the both of you, so you can stay in for the morning. Amelia is waiting for you in the parlor."

I sat up in bed and gave Pam the best glare I could muster up. She just laughed at me freely, and handed me a robe from the end of the bed. I took it sullenly, adjusting the ties as I put it on.

When I walked into the parlor, Amelia was sitting, drinking a cup of tea with a big grin on her face. I took the place across from her while Pam poured me a cup of tea.

"Why are you so happy today?" I inquired of Amelia, placing eggs and a biscuit on my plate. I took some butter and lightly spread itacross the biscuit, taking a bit into my mouth and savoring the taste.

"I have arranged some time for us at the pool this afternoon. We will have it privately for at least four hours, so we may work on our tans," Amelia commented, digging into the grapefruit in front of her. We were probably the only girls in the world who loved to tan our skin. Naturally, it is looked upon that a woman shouldn't be out in the sun; that their skin should be creamy white. I have always loved the tan look, as has Amelia. I dare say that other women have admired us and have taken the chance to get some sun themselves. It was my one vice; I was allowed. Even Adele didn't mind. She always enjoyed the sun as well, so it wasn't totally against her rules.

I smiled brightly to Amelia. "How did you pull that off?"

"I had to pull a few strings, and pay a little more… but in the end we have it," she said, happily taking another bite into her mouth. "I didn't want to have to explain why we were running around in our undergarments. This way we can do as we wish with only Pam there with us." She turned to Pam and smiled.

"Come eat with us Pam; there is more than enough. I will expect you to tan with us; you need an overall coating I think."

Pam shook her head and took the seat between us, placing food on her plate and digging in. I was happy with Amelia and the way she treated Pam, much the same way I did Felicia. She was my friend as well as ladies maid.

"Yes Pam, you do look like you could use some sun," I giggled, touching her pale forearm.

"Yes, I believe I am due again. Really Amelia, I shouldn't have to tan. You know my skin doesn't like the sun much; I stay pale no matter how long you have me in the sun," she grumbled to Amelia, causing me to giggle more. She turned her gaze to mine and a devious grin took over her features.

"Do you wish for me to take the coat back to the gentleman that allowed you to borrow it? It will be no trouble; I assure you."

I tensed, not really wanting to answer her. I was hoping I could take it to him, and decline his invitation for dinner. That reminded me… I wanted to speak to Amelia about it.

"You know, he asked if he could escort me to dinner tonight. I think I should take it to him, so I can decline his invitation," I said, sighing and taking a drink of water.

"What do you mean you want to decline his invitation?" Amelia blurted.

"Because I am not single that is why. I don't think it is right for me to be in his company and act as though I am not engaged. It isn't right," I commented, placing the napkin on the table, showing that I was finished eating. There were two other maids in the room to clear the food away when we were done, and a fair, red-haired girl walked over and cleared my dishes.

"You are not engaged yet Sookie. You are arranged to be married. And besides, you are on a ship, where the rules don't apply like they would on land," Amelia commented, placing her fork down and sipping the last of her tea.

"That is the worst thing I have heard Amelia. You think I can fool around with a man on the ship, and it will be like it didn't happen just because it didn't happen on land? What is wrong with you?" I asked, annoyed by number one: the fact she would assume anything like that, and two: that shewould think I was like that in any way. I wanted to remain pure for the man that was waiting for me, and I couldn't do that if I entertained thoughts of Eric. He was too smooth and charming for me to be around and nothing happened. Already thinking of seeing him again sent chills down my spine and caused a warming sensation to form in my nether regions.

"Sookie, there is nothing wrong with getting to know him. I like his brother, so I think it would be a great chance to enjoy yourself on this ship for three weeks."

I held up my hands, "Wait a minute Amelia. When did you meet his brother?" I questioned her and Pam also turned to her expectantly.

"When John started to walk me to the room, I excused myself to find you. That was when Ian came over and introduced himself. I'm telling you Sookie, if your man is anything like Ian, I am all about encouraging it."

I looked at Amelia with my mouth hanging open. "I thought you were here to make sure I don't do those things, not to push me towards them"

Amelia chuckled and said, "I am here as your companion for the trip, and that is all. I am not here as a chaperone or escort. I always told you that you needed this, to talk and flirt with men. Otherwise you wouldn't know what to do with them. Now, you have the chance with Eric. Ian told me that he really likes you, and I think you should take the chance."

"You're not a good friend Amelia," I told her, irritated. She was supposed to be helping me along with the arranged marriage, not telling me to flirt with another man.

"No, I am your best friend. Don't worry about it either. I know for a fact you will enjoy his company. And if anything else, do it for me. I really liked Ian, and was hoping we could all eat together tonight," she replied, her face drooping into a small frown.

I let out a frustrated sigh, "I will do it for you Amelia, and only for you. But if I get too close to him, you need to pull me back. Agreed?"

Amelia's face brightened as she stood, and pulled me into a hug, "Agreed."

"Then it is settled. Go get dressed and don't wear your corset. Pam will give you the undergarments you need. I brought you an extra pair," Amelia said excitedly as she got up and walked into her room. Pam followed her out and I waited for Pam to come back with the garments my friend specified.

After I slipped on the loose undergarments, I pulled out the loosest clothing I could find that I had packed. The man I was marrying only bought me the tightest, figure-friendly clothing. I grabbed the blue dress I snuck in from my other clothing, the ones I had before he came into the picture. It was a comfy housedress that was a size too big, but still showed my figure well.

We left the suite, and Amelia was wearing the same type of clothing I had dressed in. We walked past many guests and greeted them all cordially. I always remembered my manners, even if Amelia was getting impatient with me pausing along the way. We got to the outdoor pool, which was on the back of the ship, on the mid level. I couldn't believe there was no one outside here. I did notice there were two crew members standing at the doors to allow us entrance.

"I am Amelia Brigant, and I have reserved this top swimming pool for the day," she verified with one of the men. They nodded in understanding and closed the doors behind us as we entered.

The pool was huge and had a diving board accompanying it. It also had what looked to be a slide of some sort. I got all excited from the thought of getting to slide. I hadn't been allowed to since my parents died, and grandmother decided I needed to become mature over night. I walked over to the lounge chairs set out for us, and took off my dress, as Amelia and Pam were busy doing the same thing.

Amelia handed me the oil we used at the house and smeared it all over the skin that was showing. The undergarments Amelia gave me to wear, along with the others they were wearing, had no leggings, so it covered just our chest to our backsides. My legs were exposed, and to others that was a big no no. I was happy she packed those, because otherwise, I wouldn't get a tan at all.
I lay back on the chair and closed my eyes, enjoying the sun. Pam and Amelia were enjoying the water, floating on a couple of water floats they requested for the day. I fell asleep with the warm feel on my skin and the sweet breeze in the air.

~Eric~
"Is that the best you can do?" I taunted Ian, as he swung his racket once more, trying to cut me off. I knocked the little ball back at the wall full force and he tripped on his step.
"
Damn, hell, shit," Ian cursed under his breath. Getting up, I handed him his racket. "Best six out of seven?" he asked, even though I won the last four.

"How about we let your pulse slow down, then come back another day. The court will still be here," I answered him walking out of the glass walls that enclosed us. I walked over to Bill, who was holding our towels and water.

"Thank you Bill," I said, accepting the towel from his hand. He nodded and handed some water to Ian.

"Can you believe that Bill? I still say Eric cheats," Ian commented, panting, trying to catch his breath.

"I have no comment," Bill responded coyly, turning to pick up the rackets.

"Hmmp…" Ian grumbled, walking out the door. I followed suite, along with Bill.

"Where you going Ian?" I asked him.

"We have an engagement today at the pool. We have been invited to share in the liberties of the pool," he said smiling, piquing my interest.

"What do you mean?"

"Two ladies have invited us to join their party by the pool. Well the one invited me, and said I could bring my brother. If you wish to join, you can," he said, walking and nodding to the many people walking past.

"I believe I will pass. You know I am not looking like that anymore."

"That is fine. I will tell Amelia and your Miss. Stackhouse you declined," Ian said, smirking, and I turned, quickly hurrying to his side.

"What do you mean? They are swimming?" I asked; I had never heard of a woman swimming out in public. What would they wear? My mind was wandering, thinking over the situation, flipping through seductive images of Sookie lying there wearing only…

"That is why I'm going…to find out, that is. Amelia is a very vexatious woman. I like her very much so far," he stated, and there was something very wrong with that comment. Who would want a woman that causes trouble?

"Then I will have to see how Sookie is behaving herself. I have to, seeing I will be her husband," I said, trying not to show my open gleefulness about the whole ordeal. Seeing Sookie with little on was a turn on, and it was one I wouldn't pass up.

We approached the doors where there were two crewmen waiting by; they stopped our approach.

"I am Ian Northman, and this is my brother Eric Northman. We have been requested here by Miss. Brigant," he said and one man looked to object, until the other opened the door. That name sounds familiar…

"Yes sir, she mentioned earlier that you might be coming by."

We walked in and I noticed that there were two bodies in the pool. And neither of them were Sookie. Ian made a b-line for the pool, shucking off his shirt and making a big splash in his entrance. Amelia giggled and they were busy chasing each other in the pool.

I noticed Bill had walked over to retrieve his shirt from the ground; he paused when he looked at the lounge chair facing the water. His eyes bugged out and his jaw dropped. I walked over to him and turned my head in his direction. There was my Sookie, lying on the chair, her breasts half exposed and her legs shining in the light. My own jaw dropped, taking in her beauty, and quickly remembered the butler that was staring at my woman.

I grabbed his shirt and pulled him close enough so only he could hear. I whispered in his ear, "That is my future wife, the one you have heard so much about. Try to control your reactions around her. And remember, what happens here stays between us. If you say a word, I will throw you overboard," I warned him, my voice hard and cold.

"I understand Mr. Northman," he said, bowing his head and walking towards the other maid there for the ladies. They sat and began chatting.

I walked over to where my angel was sleeping and took in her entire body. So beautiful.I wanted to suckle and lick every inch of her, but I had to restrain myself. I sat at that edge of the chair she was occupying and brushed back a strand of hair that was covering her forehead. She stirred slightly, but didn't wake. I was entranced by her slender legs, and noticed she had shaved them. I wondered if she did that regularly. I reached out and placed my hand on her knee and she shifted, opening her legs to me, urging me to continue my exploration. I couldn't help myself, my hand trailed down the inside of her thigh and she let out a moan. I got halfway down her leg when I felt something painful on my cheek.

~Sookie~


I was resting and dreaming of the man I swore not to pursue. We were lying in a bed together, not touching… just feeling. He was beside me, with his hand on my leg and I let out a moan at the feeling. I opened my legs to allow his hand to move lower, where I was aching for him, when I heard a groan. It pulled me from my restful state. I saw that it was no dream I was having; he was really there.

His hand was on my leg, trailing closer to my center. I did the only thing I could think of; I pulled my arm back and slapped him as hard as I could. His eyes, once fixated on my nether regions, snapped to mine. He was angry; I could tell from his fierce expression. For a moment, I was feeling remorse for hitting him, but that passed quickly when I remembered I was not his to have.

I belonged to the man I promised to marry.

"Excuse you. Who do you think you are touching me in that manner?" I shrieked at him, adding my own hateful glare. Amelia heard my voice and stopped talking to the other man in the pool. Pam and the other young butler were shocked, watching the argument between us.

"I am your…" he started to say, but shook his head for a moment. "Forgive me for touching you Sookie. You are too beautiful to be out here half-naked and without an escort," he said, changing his expression to one of amusement.
I was so irate; I jumped out of the chair and stood there before him with hardly anything on. His eyes glazed over and that irked me even more. When I thought about it, being touched like that, and without my permission...

"You can stay away from me Mr. Northman. I don't wish for your company if this is how you act. I have told you before; I am engaged to be married. I am not available for your…" I waved my hand in the air, "Whatever you call it. Leave. Me. Alone."

He stood, unbuttoned his shirt, and gave me an apologetic smile. "I am sorry for touching you, my lady. I will not do so again without your permission," Eric said, taking off his shirt and placing it around my shoulders. He buttoned three buttons over the revealing garments I had on and I pulled my arms through the sleeves reluctantly.

He smiled and seemed happy with his shirt on me. "I am sorry Sookie. Please call me Eric," he said sincerely and I melted, even though I tried hard not to. His eyes and the scent coming off his shirt were so sweet. He took my hand while I was lost in his eyes, placing a lingering kiss on my palm. I sighed, not being able to help myself, my knees going weak. Being in his presence was turning out to be a tempting thing. I couldn't think of anyone but him. Perhaps I will get to know him. What was the worst that could happen? Lots my mind supplied, but I brushed it off.

"Thank you Eric. For the shirt," I whispered to him, taking a step closer which put me just two mere inches from his embrace. I felt as though I needed to bein his arms, that it that would be the safest place for me. His scent was calling to me, and he reached out, tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. His touch tingled when his hand cupped my cheek in his palm. I leaned into his touch, not understanding what I was doing. He leaned in slowly and I closed my eyes. I felt his lips brush my cheek, so softly and sensually. I immediately wanted more.

He trailed his lips back and forth, between my cheek and the edge of my lips.

My breath hitched, and I opened my eyes. Sometime during this exchange,my hands made their way to his hips, holding him in place. He brought his other hand up on the other side of my cheek, his thumb caressing my skin softly. He leaned in again, this time aiming for my lips. This was it, my first kiss. I had wanted to experience it for some time, and for the past days I had wanted it to be with Eric. Maybe it would be practice for my new husband to be. Or maybe you are not being ladylike and should stop, my mind once again tried to ruin my fun and warn me. But Amelia was right, I needed to learn these things, otherwise my husband would get bored with me and not want me. With his lips so close to mine, I closed my eyes in anticipation.

"Excuse me! Sookie what do you think you are doing?" Amelia yelled, running over to my side and pulling me away from Eric.

Eric looked at her with distaste and hate. He opened his mouth to speak to her but I beat him to it. "I am enjoying myself like you said I should," I reminded her and she glared at me. We turned to face one another and Eric seemed to be confused by our exchange.

"I said to have fun… not make out with him. You are a lady, remember that," Amelia reminded me and I placed my hands on my hips in obvious shock of her comment.

"Oh, and are you also? Or do ladies swim naked with men and touch them the way you were doing with that man in the pool?" I questioned her logic; it wasn't making any sense to me at all.

"I can…You can't," she answered plainly, crossing her arms.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You are to be married; I am not. So you need to tone it down," she said and my face fell. There she was, reminding me again of the reasons I couldn't be with Eric. She looked remorseful about her last comment and attempted to hug me. I swatted her arm away, and sat on the chair. I hung my head, not letting the tears come out. She came over, taking a seat in the same chair and touched my face; I flinched, moving away from her.

~Eric~


One moment I was about to kiss her, finally getting the connection I had been needing the past three weeks of thinking of her, and then I was being told no. I almost wanted to throw that girl in the pool - out of my way. Sookie is mine; there is no doubting it. She wants me; she wants my touch, my kiss. And I got interrupted. God, I need some alone time with her. They are fighting over why she couldn't kiss me. Part of me was thinking you shouldn't because I wouldn't approve; as weird as that sounds. Then her face fell and tears sprung to her eyes when the girl reminded her that she was engaged, and she couldn't do what she wanted. I wanted to hold her and tell her right then who I was. I even looked to Ian, to get his approval and he shook his head no, already knowing what I wanted to do.

"I am sorry Sookie; please don't be upset with me. I didn't mean it that way," Amelia tried to comfort her by wrapping her arms around her, but Sookie just
shrugged her off.

"No, you're right Amelia; I shouldn't be doing this, but I can't help it," she whispered to Amelia, her voice straining to keep her emotions in check.

"Sookie, I am wrong; believe me. Please don't be upset. You are getting married, not today. I meant what I said; you deserve some fun, even if it's with Mr. Northman. I overreacted," she said to her, touching her arm; that time Sookie didn't pull back.

"No you are right. I won't do this anymore," she said, standing and unbuttoning my shirt. She handed it to me and pulled her dress over her head quickly. She looked up at me with sad eyes, tears flowing down her cheeks.

"I am sorry Eric. I cannot have the privilege of you escorting me to dinner. I appreciate it, but I cannot accept your offer," she said, sniffling her nose and wiping the tears away. She turned to Amelia and said, "I will be in the room if you need me."

She turned to leave, and my heart broke; I couldn't take the pain. I tried to follow her, but she held up her hand. "Please don't. It is easier this way."

And with that I let her walk away.