The Long Way Home

A/N I do not own anything CH, AB do. Any mistakes are my own. This is AU so some things are made up to fit the story.

Chapter 1

I didn't think I could do it for one day but I surprised myself for it's been seven years since I left everything and started anew. I haven't spoken to my brother, Sam or even Tara. When I left my house I thought about what I wanted to do with my life and where I wanted to go. After many thoughts and debates I decided on New York.

I changed my hair to a reddish-brown and had my teeth capped to hide the gap. When I looked in the mirror I hardly recognized myself which meant no one else would either and that was the point.

I took the money Eric had given me and enrolled in NYU and into their Business Management Program. I also got myself a studio apartment in Washington Heights. It had nice hardwood floors and a great bathroom.

I kept to myself and just studied and concentrated on passing the course. It took me four years to get my degree. I worked part time as a waitress at night. I hated the place but the tips were good and I barely used the money Eric gave me. I decided to invest half of it in the stock market. Now I'm not a market junkie and I sure as hell didn't know how to invest so I decided one day to got to Wall street and listen in on some of the traders. Get the inside track so to speak. With the information I gleaned from their minds I was able to invest my money and triple it. I know, how ethical right, well fuck em. What has this shitty world given me so far. Nothing but heartache and pain. I thought of Eric frequently and every time I thought of him my heart would ache and my eyes would become puffy for hours.

During the last year of classes I kept noticing this empty restaurant nestled in the heart of the Upper Eastside. I learned from the papers and a few classmates that it was a prime location and the rent was inexpensive due to the fact that some vamps had moved in down the block. While I wasn't to keen on the idea of vamps being around but I couldn't deny that the price was right. So upon graduation I decided to become a bar/restaurant owner.

In school I made a business model of a upper scale bar/pub that was classy, yet affordable. The model worked and I decided to use it to create the perfect joint. I named it Min Alskare for Eric. I hired a few cooks and a hot bartender named Dean. I figured Dean would be the perfect specimen to lured the ladies in and it didn't hurt that he had a great personality. I couldn't deny that I felt attraction towards him but I stayed away.

A couple of weeks before opening day Jared walk threw the door looking for a job. He reminded me so much of Eric. He was tall, broad shouldered, bluish eyes and lean. The only true difference was he had shoulder length brown hair were Eric's had been blonde. He could have been Eric's brother, the resemblance was scary. I hired him as my Host and floor manager and no not only cause of his looks, he was qualified too.

Jay and I became fast friends and started hanging out after work as well. Even his personality was eerily similar. Before I realized what was happening we were sleeping together. Oh, did I mention that it was hard to read him which made it better. He was human, one hundred percent but his thoughts remained a mystery to me. He was a good lover, a giving lover and the sex was good but I won't describe it for the sake of Eric's memory.

My business was going good and I had established a group of regulars and I was bringing in high-class clientele as well. It helped a lot that Dean knew how to sell drinks and give a good show. He reminded me of Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail and I had no complaints.

It was now six years since I left my old life. Sure I missed it but I didn't miss the danger and constant death that followed me but I did of course miss my Eric. Jared was pushing for us to move in together but I refused. I wanted our relationship to remain casual so for a compromise I gave him a key to my place.

One morning when Jay had stayed the night something odd happened. I was in the shower and I heard a crash. I grabbed my robe and threw it on and went to see what was wrong. There Jay stood in front of my mirror which was half smashed. The box I had kept Eric's ring in on the floor amongst the glass. Jay was looking at himself oddly in the mirror. When he caught a glimpse of me in the mirror he gasped.

"Lover" he whispered. I had to grab onto the dresser to keep upright. He turned to me and I thought I seen a flash of Eric. I heard something hit the floor and the moment was gone.

"Sookie are you alright? What happened?" Jay asked.

I didn't know how to answer that, how do you answer that. I walked over to the mess and found Eric's ring were Jay must have dropped it. I needed answers and it was time I gave Pam a call. I hoped she answered.

TBC