AN: Thank you to SomebodyWhoCares, Millarca666, Katherine Westwood, TeaCupHuman, mindy781, ashmo2000, B-Rock525, ljhjelm49, Nutmeg1985, laacford, artzannie25, Baronessjai, ILoveVikings and media-savant for reviewing xx

Disclaimer: all rights go to Charlaine Harris

Chapter twenty-five

Sookie's POV

"Would you like a glass of iced tea, Gran?" I call from the kitchen. These last couple of weeks or so have been pretty hectic, especially this week. There has been none stop news all week regarding this major news that is going to happen today, the thing people don't realise is that I am already aware of the news. Eric has been reminding me of it all week, he has been giddy over all of this; I think he is excited to finally be coming out of the coffin. He has even prepared me for this day; he has been telling me every single thing I need to know, including how to act around other Vampires and how to address them. I have learnt that Vampires don't like to shake hands with anyone so not to offer my hand to them.

"No, dear, I'm fine. Just come in here please, the news is coming on. I wanna know what all this commotion is about," She calls to me. I laugh quietly to myself as I grab myself a glass of iced tea before heading back into the living room where I join my Gran.

She is perched on her favourite arm chair with her knitting; I take my seat on the couch where I place my iced tea on the coffee table. Our home is quite old fashioned; it was built by hand by one of my ancestors and does need to have a lot of improvements made to it. For example, we desperately need to get the roof reroofed, especially seeing as we are in hurricane season. We have been lucky so far, but I can't bank on that carrying on for much longer, the days have started to become colder than what they were, and the sky has been much darker than usual. I fear the storm season is going to hit any day now, and we are far from prepared.

"Sweetie, what do you think this is all about?" Gran looks over at me while placing her knitting on her knee; she is in the middle of knitting me a red jumper.

"Something very unbelievable, I am sure," I smile at her. She eyes me carefully before dropping the subject, going back to her knitting quietly. I can tell she knows I know more about this, but I can't help but feel relieved that she didn't pressure me into telling her more. I promised Eric I would remain quiet about Vampires until the day they came out of the coffin, and I plan on keeping that promise, even if they are to announce themselves in about ten minutes. I cannot help but wonder where Eric is now, what he is thinking, what he has planned. He told me yesterday over the phone that he was unsure of what he wanted to do tonight when the news was revealed, he has decided against opening his new bar tonight, he wishes to instead open it in a couple of days when people have begun to take to this new news. I believe he said he would probably spend the night with Pam roaming the streets in order to see how everyone is taking the news and protect those baby Vampires who may not be smart enough to avoid the danger.

He also promised to phone me just after the revelation, but I'm unsure as to whether he will fulfil that promise, he'll probably be a bit too busy celebrating to phone me. I sigh at that thought.

"Have you heard from Jason, Gran?" I probe, needing to fill the silence, not because it felt awkward, but because I need saving from my thoughts before they begin to develop into something more serious, something more critical. I don't want my head filled with such nonsense that I know is not true.

"Yes, he phoned me this morning, he said he will be coming home tomorrow," I cross my legs while listening to her. I like how he has the time to phone Gran and tell her he is coming home for a bit, but he couldn't even spare a moment to send me a text to say happy birthday. I bet he didn't even remember. He never does. I'm practically none existent in his eyes.

"What about dad?" I have not seen or heard from him in months, then again, he never did really talk to me. Jason was always the favourite but I think that was because Jason was a boy.

But Gran has always told me that I look a lot like my mother, therefore it is hard for my father to look at me because when he does, all he sees is her rather than me.

"Your father and I talked yesterday, he asked how you and Jason were doing and he informed me he would be home for Christmas," She tells me, never moving her gaze from her knitting. She always has to have full on concentration when knitting, I have no idea how she can keep track of that while talking, but she has always been able to do it. I could never do that.

"Oh…has there been any mail through from him?"

"No," Gran shakes her head. "Why do you ask?"

"I was just hoping he might have sent me a birthday card while I was at school," I shrug, making it seem like it is no big deal, but Gran sees through my disguise.

She places her knitting back in the basket beside her chair before getting up and moving over to sit beside me on the couch, she takes my hand in her two while looking me in the eyes.

"Your father does love you, dear, he may not show it all the time, but he does," She brushes a few stray strands of my hair behind my ear. I sigh.

"It doesn't feel like it. This is the fourth year running that he hasn't remembered my birthday. He didn't phone me, or text me, he didn't send me a letter…I just feel like the forgotten child,"

"But you are far from forgotten, Sweetie, you are my pride and joy. You have cared for me just like I have you, I will never forget you, just you remember that," She reminds me, making me smile as I hug her. My Gran has always been more like a parent to me; she has always cared for me, even when she wasn't meant to. She especially cared for me after the Uncle Bartlett fiasco. After that happened she refused to let me out of her sight. She has cared for me ever since, whereas my dad and brother tend to forget I am even there.

Jason never was much of a brother to me; most brothers are protective of their younger sister, but not Jason. He's too dim to even realise when I need protecting. I remember when we were children and we went to the park with dad, he stood by and watched this other kid push me down onto the floor. He didn't even register that I was being picked on. He's just oblivious to anything that happens around him. Jason only cares for himself.

"Thanks, Gran" I smile, she smiles back sweetly while settling down beside me on the couch, both of our gazes moving to the television when they announce that some urgent news has come forward for release. This is it.

Eric's POV

"It has now been discovered that Vampires are in co-existence alongside humans, we are fortunate to have a representative of them here with us today," The newsman begins, but once that has been announced I lose all interested. That is it, we are out.

"Co-existing? They make it sound like we're equals," Pam scrunches her face in distaste. She has always thought of us Vampires as being far superior to humans and to any other Supes, and she would be right in thinking that. We are superior, top of the food chain at that.

"For the sakes of peace, let them have it. We need to get through this in one piece, as long as they believe us to be harmless, we are safe. The second they realise that we could destroy them in a matter of seconds, they will try and destroy us all," I point out while shuffling through my paperwork. My bar has not even opened and yet I am already piled sky high with paperwork.

"Destroy us? I would like to see them try," Pam mutters, all I do is roll my eyes at her. "So what do we do now? We can't just camp out here at yours forever, I thought we were going to go out and about? Check people's reactions while surveying other bars?"

"And we will in time, give them an hour to let the news sink in and then we shall head out. We shall find you a delicious meal, do not worry about that," I shift uncomfortably in my chair then, I can feel that my Lover is distressed, but she is with her Gran, so I am sure she will be well comforted for. No doubt her brother and possibly even her father will be there as well. She will be well cared for, I am sure. Therefore I do not need to worry about this new development too much.

"What about you?" She cocks an eyebrow at me. I think on that for a moment.

"We will see,"

"Are you seeing Sookie tonight? Is that why you haven't said yes straight away?"

"No, I am not seeing Sookie tonight," I sigh.

"Why not then?"

"She wishes to spend this time with her Gran, she is worried over how her Gran will react to the news of Vampires," I inform her. I wish I could see my Lover tonight; I would love nothing more than to see her, feed from her, make her feel sexy, but unfortunately that cannot happen. Anyway, I do have lots of paperwork to get through, I need to avoid getting distracted by Sookie, even if I can't stop imagining my cock inside of her wet pussy…her soft moans echoing through the room…her breasts bouncing with her panted breaths…I shake my head.

"You're like a love struck puppy,"

"I am not a love struck puppy, just a horny Vampire," I joke through a full bellied laugh, Pam laughing with me as she shakes her head in amusement.

"Pamela, you do realise that you cannot keep avoiding Sookie, you do need to face up and talk to her eventually. I have already told you on several occasions that she was very accepting of you being a Vampire," Since I revealed to Sookie that Pam was a Vampire, she has been trying to avoid my Lover at all costs, I believe my Child still fears that my Lover will reject her, even though I know for a fact she won't. I do not believe my Child has actually seen or talked to Sookie since I revealed all.

"I know, I just thought I would let her adjust first," Pam lies while strutting over to my cabinets where she routes through all of my files. I allow her to do so. I know what she is looking for, so it is of no concern to me if she goes through my cabinets, I told her where the documents she wanted were. She is looking for the contracts and the list of our new employees, plus I believe she wants to check over our stock order.

While she is busy doing that my phone begins to ring, my iPhone vibrating on the table as my ringtone sounds out. I grab my phone and answer it.

"Yes?" I demand in a bored tone, I did not look at the caller ID, but knowing my luck this is probably one of my suppliers contacting me to complain about an order or to confirm the address I wish for them to send the supplies to.

"Eric?" Sookie's teary voice comes through the phone, making me sit up straight, Pam turning around to stare at me; she can hear all of this conversation with her Vampire hearing.

"Sookie, what has happened?" I stand up, already collecting my leather jacket as I head to the door, I can tell she needs me and I will be there for her.

"My…my Gran…she had a heart attack…she's in hospital," She sobs.

"Are you at the hospital with her?"

"Yes…"

"I'm on my way,"

"Don't hang up…please…"She begs, I quickly assure her that I won't as I jump into my Corvette, placing my phone on loudspeaker so I can keep talking to Sookie, trying to soothe her fears and her upset. By the time I have gotten to the hospital I have managed to soothe her some, she is still distressed, but from what I can hear, she is not as distressed as she was before. The second I spot her stood outside leant against the wall I put the phone down while rushing over to her, Sookie breaking down into her tears all over again when she spots me.

I envelope her in a large hug, trying to calm her. I do not enjoy seeing her cry, nor do I care about whether or not people witness this. I just want my Lover to stop crying.

"I…I don't know what to do," She sobs, burying her face into my chest, I can feel her tears soaking through my shirt. Once she has calmed down she pulls back, pulling a horrified face when she sees my shirt, she is obviously not pleased with the tear stain.

"I'm so sorry," She whispers. I wave off her concern.

"Sookie, I do not care for my shirt, I would happily buy a new one or pay for this to be dry cleaned, just as long as you stop crying. I cannot stand to see you upset like this," I murmur, cupping her cheek lightly, Sookie leaning into my touch as I kiss her forehead lightly.

"Come, let us go inside, it is cold out here I am sure," I guide her inside, my arm wrapped around her. She is shivering, but as to whether this is through her distress and fear, or because she is genuinely cold, or maybe even both, I am unsure… When we get inside I get her to sit down on one of the blue soft chairs in the waiting room, she is far too distressed to be left alone, she made a wise decision phoning me. She knew that I would not be doing much tonight, at least, not while people are still adjusting to this new revelation about Vampires.

"Is your Gran stable?" That earns me a small nod. My Lover is still fairly pale, she has tear streaks down her cheeks, her eyes are still watery and she has large black bags under her eyes. She is still shaking as well. I slide off my jacket where I place it around her shoulders, her eyes meeting mine.

"The Doctor sent me out of the room because I had become too distressed; she said I would only add stress to my Gran if she were to see me like this. It was so horrible, they revealed about the Vampires, she took it fairly well, in fact, she got excited. She jumped up, went to bake cookies but the next thing I knew she was on the floor, clutching her chest…she was screaming in pain…I panicked…I didn't know what to do…" Silent tears fall down her cheeks as her breaths become shaky. I can only imagine how much that must have scared my Lover, she is still a young woman and to see the only woman who has probably ever cared for her fall to the floor like that…it could not have been easy on her. I can see from just looking at her that it has troubled her greatly.

"Lover, I am sure she will be okay," I take her hands in mine, trying to reassure her the best way I can. I do not know what more I can do.

Almost as if the Doctor could sense what we were discussing, she turns up before us. I release Sookie's hands reluctantly before she could notice where I then sit down beside my Lover. I am here merely for support. Unfortunately I am unable to cure her Grandmother of her heart problems. I could offer her my blood, but I cannot even guarantee that that will cure the problem at hand. It may be able to soothe it, but fully heal it, I do not know.

"Miss Stackhouse, may I have a private chat with you, please?" Sookie nods as she stands up, but she looks down back at me, her eyes clearly stating that she wants me there as well.

"Can…um…my Uncle join us, too?"

"Your Uncle?" She probes curiously as I stand up. The young Doctor cannot be much older than about twenty-four, she has long brown hair that she has pulled back into a simple pony tail and she has blue, questioning eyes.

"Yes, I am a distant relative. Mr Northman at your service," I inform her, the Doctor eyeing me cautiously, but she does not challenge me over this.

"Right, your Uncle may attend, however, this information is only for immediate family only," She informs us, Sookie nodding as she gets me to join them down the hall towards her Gran's hospital room, when we get there Sookie and the Doctor walk inside, after I have been asked to remain outside.

I wait patiently as the Doctor tells her what she needs to know, but the second I see Sookie break down in tears again, I rush into the room and straight to her. The Doctor eyes me carefully before giving Sookie her best regards and leaving. I look at my Lover who collapses in the chair beside her Gran's bed. Her Gran has been attached to many different machines, and she is also hooked up to a drip. I crouch down in front of my Lover; her eyes are attached to her Gran.

"Lover?" I murmur, Sookie reluctantly tearing her gaze from her Gran to me, I can see from watching her Gran's heart monitor that her heartbeats are uneven.

"They said that she is stable for now, but that…but that she has arrhythmia. She said…" Sookie takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"In your own time, Lover, I know this cannot be easy for you," I reach over and wipe away a stray tear of hers, Sookie nodding as she tries to centre herself again.

"She said that Gran's heartbeats were irregular, as you can tell from the monitor. She said that Gran developed it because there has been damage to the muscles around the heart, so therefore there has been a disruption in the electrical signals. Her heart isn't functioning correctly, Eric, they need to fit her with a pace maker in order to save her life, but they don't know if she will make it. They can't fit her into surgery until tomorrow, and they fear that this problem may develop into a complete heart block, which is where the electrical signals are unable to travel from one side of the heart to the other, or that it may turn into ventricular arrhythmia,"

"They believe her heart may stop all together?"

"They say that at her age there is a high possibility, yes. At the moment she's just on some medication which is helping to control and soothe the problem,"

"Oh, Lover," I open my arms, Sookie taking the opportunity as she embraces me, allowing me to hug and soothe her, I believe physical contact is an efficient way to comfort a human, they find the contact to be reassuring and calming.

"I'm just so scared, Eric, she barely made it through the first heart attack, how is she going to make it through this second one? She's lucky to even be alive right now," Sookie's voice breaks. All I can do is rub her back soothingly.

I find it very painful to see her like this, to see her so distressed. It is not pleasant seeing her so distraught and upset like this. I could offer her Gran some of my blood, even if it is just for the sakes of making Sookie happy, I would do anything if it meant she would smile again. Although I do hate myself for feeling this way. I am a Vampire, I should not care about this, nor should I even feel, yet I do, and it is all due to my Lover. Maybe she has more control over me than I first originally anticipated, but whether that is a good thing or a bad thing, I am unsure…