All Hell Breaks Loose
Chapter 28: Abracadabra
Alcide returned with Jessica a half hour before and Sookie managed to beat her brother to sweeping up Jessica with an embrace. After Jessica was hugged by everyone, even Eric gave her a small one, she was given a bottle of Tru Blood to drink. Without her fangs she was going to have to rely on Tru Blood for a few months.
"Still hurts to speak," Jessica whispered after taking a long gulp from the bottle. "But I am better now."
"I'm sorry this happened to you," Sookie said.
"Not your fault," Jessica said. "Not anyone's fault except theirs."
"I could have fought better though," Jason said. "Should have been able to kill more of them before they got to you. I-" He was stopped by Jessica placed her finger on his mouth.
"I just said no ones fault" Jessica said before she kissed him and then turned around and kissed Steve on the cheek. "I heard what you did for him."
"I was the only one who could really heal him," Steve said and shrugged. "If werewolf blood would have worked I'm sure Alcide would have done the same."
"I would," Alcide said and Sookie knew it was true since both of them used their own blood to help.
"You are welcome to stay a bit," Jason said to the werewolf. "Sleep over if you need to."
"Thanks for the offer but I gotta get back. The pack and I have a few things to discuss."
"Would you like something to drink?" Sookie offered.
"I'm fine for now," Alcide said with a smile. "You all take care now."
After he had left they spent a half hour talking and watching the movie. When it was over Sookie excused herself for bed. After she had changed into her pajamas and brushed her teeth she came across Eric standing in front of her temporary room.
"Are you here to wish me a good night?" Sookie asked.
"I promise I will not do anything creepy and watch you sleep," Eric said and with the way he was smiling Sookie could tell he was trying to joke. "Your brother would kill me and even when he falls asleep there are two other vampires that will drag me away."
"I'm kinda too tired for this," Sookie said and yawned.
"I do need to improve my sense of humor it seems."
"No it's fine. My brain is about to shut down for the night."
"May I give you a good night kiss on the back of your hand?"
"You can give me one on my cheek, like you did before."
"Good night, Sookie," Eric said and kissed her cheek.
"There is a love seat that turns into a bed in Jason's exercise room," Sookie said as she opened the door. "I think it would be a good idea to take it down stairs."
"I will ask him about it."
"Good night, Eric," Sookie said before she went to her room and climbed into bed.
It was busy at Merlotte's the next day around lunchtime, busier than usual and Sookie busted her butt trying to get every ones food and drinks to them, make sure it is right, and check up on them. The regulars did tip a little more better than usual seeing how she had a whole lot on her plate and most of the non regulars were understanding with how busy it was and tipped her well and after dealing with a rude and snobby patron another customer gave her a big tip and a website to something called Customers Suck at an online journal site.
At three it started to finally quiet down and Sookie was able to speak with Holly for a few minutes. She felt guilty asking her about magic. There was more to the woman than being a Wiccan.
"Holly I hate to ask you this because it just seems wrong to just talk to you about this subject-"
"Sookie, sweetie you don't have to feel bad about asking me questions about magic and witchcraft," Holly said with a smile.
"I should be talking you more about your son and asking how your dates with Andy are going," Sookie said.
"We can talk about that, but go on and ask."
"It's about Terry's friend, Patrick."
"I can do an exorcism," Holly said and when she noticed the confused expression Sookie gave her she continued. "Arlene already told me that she thinks the soldier is possessed by a demon. I had to correct her on that."
"I was going to ask if you knew a way to tell if someone is actually possessed or just under a spell."
"Oh there is a way," Holly said and nodded. "We just have to know when Patrick is going to patronize this place." She walked over to the kitchen window. "Terry, do you know if your friend is coming today?"
"He said he will be in around seven," Terry said over his shoulder. "Why?"
"Sookie has a crush on him."
"I do not," Sookie protested and noticed the way Holly was winking.
"You do too. You told me you were happy that Arlene introduced you to him."
"So that was why you wanted to speak with him," Terry said with a smile. "He is a great guy, Sookie. I can talk with Arlene about us going on a double date somewhere like bowling."
"That would be great," Sookie said. That was a good cover and Patrick was easy on the eyes and maybe he does speak what he thinks when he isn't a puppet for something supernatural.
"Okay we know he is coming in this evening," Holly whispered. "Now we gotta get some of these folk out so they won't see what I'm going."
"How?" Sookie asked. "We just can't tell everyone to leave."
"Leave it to me," Holly said and walked back into the kitchen. Sookie could see Holly through the window talking to Lafayette.
"Miss," one of Sookie's customers waved her over. "Can I get some hot sauce?"
"Let me grab you a bottle," Sookie said and ran back towards the kitchen. She was about to enter when she heard Lafayette scream.
"Fire," Holly shouted as she bolted from the kitchen.
"It's really burning up," Lafayette shouted.
"We gotta leave," Holly said. "Emergency folks."
"Hope you all understand," Sookie said as the customers rose from their chairs. "Once it's taken care off you can come back and-"
"Drinks will be free and your meals will be half off," Sam said.
The customers smiled as they walked out and Sookie stood in the doorway and watched both the customers and Holly as she lifted up the welcome matt and made a circle on the floor out of salt, not just a circle this time. She drew a whole pentagram and placed a few herbs from the kitchen in the center. Before she put the rug over it she whispered a phrase in a language that Sookie did not recognize.
"What did that do?" Sookie asked after Sam gave the all clear and the customers came back in.
"I made a ghost trap," Holly explained. "Anyone who is possessed by a ghost and steps over the entrance will not be able to leave the rug. If Patrick can move freely then it's more likely a spell and I will try something else."
"Thank you," Sookie said before going to fetch the hot sauce.
As soon as her shift had ended Sookie changed her shirt out with one she brought from Jason's. Her brother offered to treat her to dinner at Merlotte's when she was done for the evening. After changing and letting her hair down, Sookie walked around to the front to wait for Jason. She did not have to wait for long. Her brother arrived a few minutes later along with Jessica and Steve.
"I hope you don't mind if I brought some company," Jason said.
"Don't mind at all, besides it is your treat." She turned to smile at Steve and Jessica who smiled back.
"Nice friendly get together," Steve said as he glanced at the entrance. He was wearing his button down striped polo and crisp and clean kaki pants. "Haven't really done that since my turning."
"Well have fun," Sookie promised. "Well all the fun you can have here. How are you feeling, Jessica?"
"Much better," Jessica said. She put on a lavender blouse and skirt ensemble. "I won't feel complete until my fangs grow back but my mouth and throat are better."
"If I could give you mine I would," Steve said and earned a friendly pat on the shoulder from Jason.
"That's so sweet," Jessica said.
"Come on," Jason said. "Hate to be rude but I'm starving."
They sat down in Arlene's section and Jessica shrank back in her seat when Arlene approached them.
"Having dinner here?" Arlene asked. She brightened at the site of Steve. "Welcome to Merlotte's Reverend."
"Yes we are," Jason said. "And I don't need a menu tonight."
"Burger with fries and a beer?" Arlene asked.
"A double cheese burger, fries and a beer," Jason corrected.
"What about for you, Sookie?" Arlene asked.
"I'm in the mood for some catfish tonight," Sookie said. "And fries and I'll also have a beer."
"Let me guess," Arlene said in a slight snide tone. "A bottle of Tru Blood for you." Her eyes were on Jessica.
"Make that two bottles," Steve said and held up two fingers. "Do you have B positive?"
"Oh right," Arlene nearly dropped her pencil. "Sorry Reverend, I keep forgetting you happen to be one of them, and we do have B positive."
"I'll also take a B positive," Jessica said.
"Two B positives for the two vampires."
"We are going to do a test tonight to see if Patrick is possessed or under a spell," Sookie whispered to her.
"Oh thank the lord," Arlene said and closed her eyes. "You and Holly are life savers."
"Amen to that," Steve said.
"I'll be right back with the beer and the Tru Blood's," Arlene said and walked off.
"That's not fair," Jessica said. "She didn't give you any attitude."
"She not a big fan of vampires?" Steve asked.
"She's got vamp phobia," Jason said. "Hate isn't at your old level that is for certain."
Sookie only half listened to them. Her eyes were on the doorway. She didn't have to wait long. Patrick Devins came in with a couple other men and stepped onto the welcome matt.
A/N: I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. I received the last two of the Sookie novels, although the best part about Christmas was watching my almost two year old daughter open her gifts and play with them.
