CHAPTER THREE: MONSTERS, PROS/CONS

Sookie looked at Bill, shocked that he brought up the topic that he himself had dismissed the night before. Then she looked into his eyes.

"Vampires aren't monst–"

"Eric."

"Okay, point taken. However," she continued, "not all vampires are monsters."

She waited, but he said nothing.

"Now you volunteer your own name, silly." she said, smiling, lightening the mood.

"Sookie. I have done... terrible things."

He flashed back to the two murders he and his maker committed as sport in the 1920's. The husband watching them kill his wife... The corpses whose blood was hardly had... A crime committed not for thirst or necessity, but for fun. Enjoying each other on the bed where an innocent woman lay dying.

"Well then, Jessica. She hasn't committed a single wrong since you made her. And it's because it's you who made her! Your creations... you teach them how to be a vampire, but also how to be good and right. You teach morals!"

"Sookie, she had a young man, back in that hotel... That is not–"

"Not a bad thing. That's what he was there for. I'm sure he applied for the job, and he is paid good money to do his job. It wasn't some innocent person on the street. And he walked out alive!"

"But still. If Jessica weren't a vampire, she–"

"Fine. If we're just going to fight again, why did you bring it up?" Sookie said, crossing the room. She stood in the arch between the living room and the foyer.

"Sookie..." Bill said, crossing to her, arms out-stretched. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to fight, I wanted to ... discuss this. I don't want to just dismiss this on you, that's hardly fair. But I need to examine the pros and the cons."

Sookie took a piece of paper from her pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to Bill.

Pros

I won't grow old, and be unloved or unwanted. (Hugo's)

I can stay with you always.

You won't have to worry about protecting me from vampires. (ie Eric)

Cons

The town might not like it.

The town might have to suck it, and mind their own business.

That might be difficult for the town of Bon Temps.

Bill laughed out loud as he folded up the paper.

"Well, it seems to me that they are evenly matched... Not very helpful."

"Bill!" Sookie laughed. "The last two weren't serious, and you know it! It's 3:1."

"No, no, no. There are three lines on each column. Sorry, my love, but it is how it is."

Sookie fumed for a moment, and Bill watched her with a smug look, laughing in his head no doubt.

"...Where the heck is Jessica? She can't use my phone all night..." Sookie opened the door and walked outside. "Jessica! JESSICA!"

Bill followed her. She had her arms wrapped around her, tight, and she shivered slightly.

"Darn!" she said, stomping.

"You look cold. Come inside, warm up." Bill said, putting his jacket on her, then wrapping his arms around her waist. He gently turned her, and guided her back inside. Before he closed the door, he said "Jessica, as your maker I command you to come home right now." He said it as gently as he had spoken with Sookie, but she came whishing up to the front porch instantly.

"Night, Hoytie... I'll talk to you tomorrow. No you hang up ... No you!"

"Jessica, hang up." said Bill.

"Hmph! I've been ordered to hang up. He pulled the maker card. Sorry. Night."

Click.