This story is based on the series Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris

Chapter I: Merlotte's

She said Merlotte's. Sookie Stackhouse in Bon Temps, Louisiana. How am i suppose to find her? I was one hundred percent sure she said Merlotte's. Because she made me repeat it at least twenty times before she passed away. Manfred thought, as he walked into the bar.

I looked up at the door immediately and shuddered. If I could describe him in one word, it would have been "disheveled." I've never seen him before. Why is he looking for me? Please don't let this be about Quinn. I was overcome by sadness. It had been exactly a month yesterday that I left him at the hospital in Rhodes and still I haven't heard a word from him. I keep expecting someone to call or come and tell me personally that Quinn was ... I saw Sam in the corner of my eyes. He was looking up at me with concern on his face. Sam stepped toward me, I held my hand out as if to say that I was okay. I sighed and walked up to the strange man.

"I'm Sookie, how can I help you?" I said gently.

"Uh, a table would be great." He said a little perplexed. I realized he wasn't aware that I was a telepath.

"Sure follow me". I walked him to a table on my side of the bar. I wanted him close by. It was rare that I wanted to eavesdrop on someones thoughts but this guy had mentioned my name and I was curious if he knew anything about Quinn that I couldn't resist.

"Can I get you something to drink?" I stared in his eyes, they seemed so familiar. He was younger then I thought, probably in his late teens or maybe early twenties. It was hard to tell because of his goatee and because of his piercings. Gosh, they were distracting. I wonder what his parents thought about them. I shook my head and tried to concentrate but all I saw was a mixture of fear, confusion and emptiness in his face. I thought I had issues. I prodded his mind again, but I couldn't read anything. He was just so full of emotions right now. The good thing was there wasn't a single hint of malice in his thoughts.

"Water is fine, thank you."

"I will be getting off in about an hour, if you needed to talk to me, we can talk then". I said and put my hand on his forearm. He looked at me shocked. I was shocked too, it wasn't like me to touch random people but it was almost a reflex with him. I couldn't explain it.

"My name is Manfred by the way," he held out his hand.

"Nice to meet you Manfred". I shook his hand gently. It was warm and soft, not what I expected of him.

I could feel Sam's eyes bore into the back of my head. I turned and walked up to him slowly. I look of disapproval in his eyes. He was always overprotective of me. I really appreciated it usually but right now I was irritated. Well, it was kind of rational for him to be concerned. Ever since "The Vampire Bill" walked into my life I've been getting in all sorts of trouble. Sam had to bail me out a couple of times. I should be more appreciative.

"Stop stereotyping." I said rolling my eyes at him.

"Fine! But Sookie..." I held my hand out again. He let out a very long sigh.

"It's okay Sam, you worry way too much." He smirked. I went back to work.

After an hour I walked up to Manfred. His mind was blocked off. He looked exhausted.

"Ready to go?"

"Where we going?" He looked at me like a lost puppy. Poor kid.

"I'm taking you home." I had read through his mind in passing that he didn't have a place to stay. He had driven all day from Doraville, North Carolina. About a fifteen hour drive stopping only for gas and an occasional snack or so. I didn't feel comfortable talking here at Merlotte's because I knew that Sam would be hovering and the regulars were starting to peer at him suspiciously. So I had decided to take him home.

I don't take random people home either. This was a special situation. Like I said, I really couldn't explain it. It was as if I knew him. Plus I wasn't in fear of my safety. This kid didn't have a violent bone in his body. It wasn't like I lived alone either. Amelia was home with Bob. Bill the Vampire was also home for a couple of days packing. And I'm sure that Pam would also be by. She came every night trying to persuade me to talk to the sheriff. And of course to see Amelia.

Amelia, my roommate, who was a witch, had come up with some kind of concoction that healed Pam's burns. Unfortunately, Pam had to be present when the concoction was made otherwise it didn't work. Yup, Pam's blood was the integral part of the recipe. So, she was there every night. Her burns are now almost nonexistent.

"You can follow me home in your car. That seem reasonable to you?"

"Yeah."

"And by the way, I guess I should warn you now. It's going to be like a supernatural convention at my house. So, don't be alarmed." I grinned at him.