Disclaimer*** No copyright infringement intended. These characters are exclusive property of Charlaine Harris, Alan Ball and HBO.
Eric had grown very tired of his time with the Authority. Roman tended to go on and on incessantly about the bible and mainstreaming amidst his continued celebration at capturing Russell Edgington, the others nodding along in agreement. Yet, for how pleased they were to have captured him, it seemed like they weren't doing anything about it. He wasn't surprised when they didn't kill him that first night, but as the second night came to an end without any talk of sending Russell to his true death, Eric had gotten very irritated. It also didn't help that he had been made aware that Nora wasn't 'attending to other matters' she was instead being held in a cell after her confession of being a Sanguinista. He still didn't believe it, there had never been any indication in all of their talks that she had some hidden agenda or allegiance, much less that she would betray her position in the Authority that she had been so proud to hold.
Roman had been kind enough to allow him to see her, but she wouldn't even acknowledge his presence. She would only pray and preach about the coming of Lilith. He was shocked at the state she was in, this was not the sister he had known and loved for centuries. He was doubting her and his trust in her, and it really pissed him off. Just days ago, he would have sworn on his life that she had nothing to do with Russell's escape... but now he wasn't so sure.
The whole thing just didn't make sense. Why would she have helped him and Bill if she was a traitor? She had even given them the only lead they had on tracking down Russell. Eric knew something didn't add up, but he just couldn't figure out what it was, and if she wasn't willing to talk to him... he wasn't going to get any answers.
He wished they would just get this over with so he could go back to Fangtasia and forget about this whole mess. Not that he wanted to just abandon his sister, but so far, he couldn't get through to her at all. If the Authority was willing to give him a second chance as the Sheriff, he was going to take it. All of this political bullsh!t was the whole reason he had never sought to be more than a sheriff in the first place. Even Bill seemed irritated with the delay, if his text earlier in the night was any indication.
He had been given quite nice accommodations for the nights he had stayed, and it was interesting to witness the dynamic occurring amongst the Authority members, but he had plenty of moments when he wished he would have chosen to leave when Bill left. However, the draw of seeing Russell Edgington finally meet the true death outweighed his desire to leave... assuming they ever actually staked him. He realized now, that he should have killed him a year ago, and ignored the notion that he would be finding some sort of peace.
Last night had been more of the same. A continued celebration of the capture of Russell with vintage bottles of blood and of course that continued bible talk. Eric had needed to be very mindful of what he said, as not to get pulled into some philosophical religious debate. He truly didn't believe as the Authority did, and definitely didn't believe in the bible literally like the Sanguinista's did... yet he also wasn't ready to be the poster boy for mainstreaming. Humans were just... there. His business benefited from them and a peaceful coexistence... so he was okay with mainstreaming from that perspective. As long as they did not interfere with his affairs, he didn't much care.
Salome continued to flit in and out of the main conference room, off to interrogate Russell and returning to report any interesting findings. It seemed that she hadn't been having much success, and Eric had almost thought the execution was going to happen... but Roman had decided to give it one more day. So here he was, stuck in this basement with a bunch of religious weirdos for yet another night. He was still trying to figure out what was going on with Nora, maybe she was faking it? Maybe this was some kind of plot to expose someone else on the council? He still didn't want to believe that she could have betrayed him... betrayed Godric so deeply.
"Well, Mr. Northman, How are you this fine evening?" Roman asked, walking into the conference room, again dressed in more casual attire. Although his clothing tonight wasn't quite as... loud as his golf ensemble had been, he was wearing a red polo shirt this time with dark pants and shoes. He carried what looked to be an old jug of some kind.
"Just fine, thank you," He said with a nod. He had been sitting in one of the chairs in the small sitting area, just observing. Kibwe and Dieter had been having a somewhat heated discussion about something, once they had started talking about policies and documents Eric had focused his attentions elsewhere. Rosalyn entered shortly after Eric had arrived and sat in a chair near Dieter, adding to their chatter. Salome was the only one missing. As Roman entered the room, the conversations stopped and all eyes were on him.
"Now, I know we have been enjoying some rare blood these last few nights... but tonight, tonight I have something extraordinary... well at least according to the seller. This blood is from an 18th century Austrian hemophiliac... and all I know for sure, is that it cost a f*ckload of money," he said almost with glee. Eric found his excitement somewhat disturbing.
Salome had entered the room as he spoke, and she appeared at his side just as he uncorked the bottle of blood. They exchanged a glance, Eric had seen them exchange these glances before, and it always made him uneasy. Salome was a beautiful woman, and a very powerful vampire... but he had been getting a strange feeling from her during these past few nights. This whole situation had him on edge and he still wasn't sure who he could trust.
"And what is so special about tonight?" Salome asked with her sultry accent.
"Tonight, Russell Edgington is going to meet the true death," Roman proclaimed with exuberance.
"Tonight?" Salome questioned, looking less than pleased, "But I still have more questions for him."
"Yes, tonight. We've given him long enough and he doesn't seem to have anything useful to tell us," Roman said with finality.
"But..." Salome said again, but she was interrupted by Roman.
"No buts, we've been waiting long enough... Not to mention that he's crazy, why would we believe anything he tells us anyway?"
"Shall I silver him and bring him to you?" She asked, bowing her head.
"Excellent," he said, nodding his dismissal before he turned to Eric, "This is what you've been waiting for, yes?"
"Yes, Guardian," he stood, "If I may, I would like to attempt to speak with Chancellor Gainsborough one more time."
"Do you really think you can get through to her? She is Sanguinista, they are devout in their beliefs. I afraid there is no saving her," Roman shook his head, but did not seem to object.
Eric nodded and made his way towards the holding cells. Nora was just as he had last seen her, kneeling in the center of her cell, repeating prayers to Lilith. Like last time, she still did not acknowledge his presence.
"Nora... sister," he said gently at first, getting no response, he repeated her name louder... he also tried speaking to her in Swedish but nothing would rouse her from her prayers. Not even speaking of Godric would break her from her trance. Eric was beyond frustrated, betrayed... how could she do this? he wondered, staring down at his sister, his blood.
He turned as he heard a noise behind him, it was Russell, struggling against the guards led by Salome. She paused, outside Nora's cell.
"Russell will be executed tonight," she said before walking on. Somehow this got Nora's attention. She looked up, finally looking at Eric's face.
"It's finally happening," She said, a smile on her face. Eric didn't know what to think, what was she talking about? But at least she was seeing him.
"Oh, so now you'll acknowledge my presence," he couldn't help the anger in his tone.
"It's just as the book foretold," Nora smiled up at him, raising her arms in the air over her head.
"Nora, did you know where Russell was?" he asked, needing to know, not knowing if he could believe her no matter what she said.
She shook her head no, still smiling, but she did not speak. She tilted her head back looking up at the ceiling, her arms out in worship. Eric hated this, not knowing who to trust, not knowing what was going on. He had made a habit in his thousand years to always be several steps ahead of whoever he was dealing with... So this whole situation had him on edge.
"It's going to happen now... thank you Lilith," she almost sing-songed. Eric spared her one final glance, knowing she had nothing else to tell him, before returning to the main chamber. He would not miss the execution of Russell.
He arrived just as Roman was raising a stake over his head to bring the true death for Russell.
"This is not about power, it's about peace," his voice boomed as he brought the stake down.
In a movement almost too fast for Eric to track, Roman was suddenly on his back on the conference table, with Russell kneeling over him, the stake now in his hands.
"Peace... is for pussies!" Russell exclaimed as he drove the stake into Roman's chest. Eric was stunned, he didn't even have time to move and it was over. Roman exploded into that pile of goo that should have been Russell's. Eric's fangs slid into place as he growled, not sure what he was going to do, he went for Russell, knowing that he could be the next to meet the true death.
Russell had him pinned beneath him before he could even try to subdue him. "Mr. Northman... here we are, together again."
"Initiate protocol 1," a male voiced called out. The lights went out, a strobing UV light taking its place.
Eric continued to struggle with Russell, he was dragged around the room, his strength no match for Russell's despite the fact that Russell was supposed to have been silvered repeatedly. Although the stake didn't come as Eric expected. Eric could here more people coming in the room, guards he assumed, as the lights continued to flash. He was suddenly immobilized by his neck, and Russell was gone. F*ck, F*ck, F*ck, was the only thought in his mind.
The lights suddenly came back up, Russell was down on the floor, a silver net restraining him. Eric had been hooked by his neck up on one of the stone columns in the room. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but at least he wasn't dead. Why aren't I dead? he wondered as he waited for someone to get him down.
None of this made sense. How was Russell able to overpower Roman? He shouldn't have been recovered enough from his burial, not to mention the silver he was exposed to during his multiple interrogations. The remaining council members where talking in hushed tones as Russell was taken into custody.
Salome sent glanced his direction and after speaking to the other council members, she nodded at one of the guards who then approached him, pulling him down from the pillar and then... taking him into custody? Damnit! he thought as he was once again led to the cells. He was surprised that when he arrived Nora was no longer there.
Did she have something to do with this? He wondered... this had to have been a set up. They brought Russell right to Roman... basically hand delivered an assassin. Nora really had betrayed him. He was so angry, he wanted to break something... punch something... kill something.
He was now left with no idea what to do next, not that he had many options, considering he was locked up. At least Russell had been taken back into custody. Hopefully they had taken Nora to interrogate her further. Surely if he had put it together that she had something to do with this, the remaining Authority members had too. Hopefully they would also figure out that he had nothing to do with whatever this plan was. Yes, he wasn't fully in support of mainstreaming... but he most certainly was not a Sanguinista.
He wasn't sure how long he had sat in that cell, but eventually, Salome appeared.
"Sheriff Northman," She said as she stood outside his cell. He stood, reaching the space in front of her with two long strides.
"What is going on?" He asked, no longer caring about using proper 'deference' with the Authority. He was so over this sh!t.
"Roman's death has caused quite an uproar... there will be much to do," she spoke slowly, her accent somehow more pronounced, " And... traitors to be found... I think it would be wise if you would call your King, and let him know that his presence is requested by tomorrow evening."
"What do you need him for? We had nothing to do with this," he protested, his anger barely contained.
"That is not for you to decide... and if he will not come willingly, other transportation will be arranged," she said quietly, the threat clear in her voice.
"I will make the call," he said, irritated to have been again played into a corner. She turned away and he reached for his cell phone. At least they hadn't confiscated it again, like last time. Perhaps he'd be able to call Pam... or at least have Bill give her a message. Although he was certain they would be listening to every word he said.
When he looked up again, she was gone. He pulled out the phone and dialed Bill's number... this f*cking blows.
x
x
Bill was disappointed to wake up alone. It made him pause, wondering if it had all just been a dream. Although his nakedness and the tangled sheets would suggest otherwise... and he couldn't help but smile as he noticed the clothes scattered on the floor at the end of his bed, clothes that included a Merlotte's work shirt. It was real... she had been there in his arms, in his bed. He made his way into the small bathroom, glad he had the foresight to have it built in when the renovations were done. His master bathroom upstairs was much nicer, and he still put it to good use, but on days like today when he was in a hurry, it was much more convenient to shower and dress before leaving his resting place.
He was going to see Sookie, his Sookie, he was almost giddy with excitement. It did make him feel somewhat foolish that he was so keyed up... but it wasn't every day that the love of his life was back in his arms. As he took a quick shower, he wondered if he needed to call her first... or would she be expecting him just after dark? He smiled, remembering the first time he had called on her. He had been nervous that day, still not sure exactly what he thought of her. If her sweet innocence was an act, or if that was the real her. Of course, now he knew that it had all been her, a generous soul... so ready to love.
He finished his shower, and after drying off, he went back out into the bedroom. He pulled on his jeans and picked up the rest of the clothes that had been scattered on the floor. If her shirt was still here, he wondered what she had worn... perhaps she had borrowed his shirt again, as she seemed to like doing that. Not that he minded, there was something incredibly sexy about her wearing one of his shirts, especially when she didn't have anything else on underneath. He grinned to himself, just thinking of her. He kept a few changes of clothes down here, just in case... but he couldn't find what he wanted in the small dresser.
Bill knew that his visit with Sookie wasn't going to be all happiness and light, but that they needed to talk about what had happened between them. He needed to explain... he wasn't looking forward to talking about the things they needed to discuss, but he knew they had to. If they were going to make this work, she deserved the truth and they needed to start again without any secrets.
He checked the security monitors that surveyed the house and grounds, before leaving his resting place, a habit he had picked up in the last year. Noting that nothing seemed out of place. He didn't see any sign of Jessica, although he had been a bit preoccupied last night, so he wasn't sure if she had even come home. He always worried about her just a little bit, knowing the danger that was out there, but he trusted her too. It wasn't until he was climbing the main stairs up to the master suite, shirtless and barefoot, that he remembered Russell and his frustrating wait for that phone call. Whoops, he thought to himself as he detoured back to the sitting room where he had left his cell phone.
Eric had probably never called anyway. But it had to happen tonight... they couldn't still be trying to interrogate him. He picked up the phone, "Sh!t," he swore, seeing that he had not one, but three missed calls and a text message from Eric.
That can't be good... can't be good at all, he thought as he scrolled through the phone. The text was simply 'answer your phone' well... like that was going to work. He sped up to his room as he punched the keys to get the voicemail he had been left. Despite the multiple calls, Eric had only left one message.
Bill fell back, sitting on the bed stunned, as he listened to the message. "It's Northman. I don't know why you're not answering, but everything is f*cked. Roman is dead, Russell killed him and they are blaming us. Your presence is... requested, or they will send someone to retrieve you. Don't f*ck around and get down here."
"F*ck..." Bill swore, tossing his phone at the bed. He really wanted to throw it into the wall, so it would smash into a million pieces and he could pretend that message didn't exist. This was the worst possible scenario. Russell was still alive, which meant Sookie was still in danger. Not to mention that their reconciliation was going to be put on hold. He wasn't dragging her into this, no way. He also didn't have much time, but he knew he had to at least say goodbye to her... and tell her what was going on. She needed to be safe while he was gone.
He went through his drawers, pulling on a dark green henley shirt. He finished dressing quickly and grabbed a leather jacket before walking out of the room, almost colliding with Jessica.
"Bill? What's going on? I could hear you slamming drawers and doors from miles away," she looked at him, so much concern on her face, she looked so young in her flowery pajamas. He couldn't help himself, he put his hands on her face, looking into her eyes for just a moment. Letting go, he turned towards the stairs.
"Roman is dead, Russell somehow killed him. I need to go back, or they'll send someone for me," he said grimly as she followed him downstairs.
"What? But why? You were here, you didn't have anything to do with it," she said, shaking her head.
"They don't care that I wasn't there. It's better if I go willingly, or everyone here is in more danger," he told her as he dug through the papers on his desk, "I've started making arrangements for new staff and guards... do you mind seeing to the new hires? And this folder has the title to the house and some other legal documents you might need."
He handed her a folder that had all of the information in it.
"Sure..." she looked at him, confusion on her face as she opened the folder, "Bill... are these... is this a will? You're coming back, you have to come back."
"Jessica, I don't know what's going to happen. Eric and I were lucky to have survived this long. You need to be prepared," he told her, unable to meet her gaze. He had realized when he returned from New Orleans, that if he had met the true death, nothing had been taken care of for Jessica. So he made sure he took care of all of the legalities just in case... although he never thought it would be an issue this soon.
"No, you're going to be okay. You're coming back," She said, throwing the folder back on his desk, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I am not going down without a fight, I promise you," he tried to reassure her. He had too much to live for, his beautiful progeny, his Sookie, "But there are no guarantees."
He stepped towards her, pulling her into his embrace, "Jessica, you must be careful. If Russell somehow manages to escape... just be on your guard."
"I will... you better come home," She said as a red tear streaked down her cheek.
"I'll do my best. I'm going to see Sookie, and then I'm leaving for New Orleans. I'll call you if I can," He said, wiping the tear from her face.
"Sookie? You really do think you're going to die, don't you," She said as fresh tears spilled down her cheek.
"No, it's not... I...we... She was here last night, we were going to try and work things out... I was to see her tonight," he explained, unable to hide his sadness, not really sure how to put into words what was going on between them. Jessica seemed to understand though, she had just a hint of a smile through her tears.
"Really? You mean like you had a date?" she asked, almost teasing him.
"Well... yes, I guess you could say that, but now..." he shook his head, pissed that he was going to have to stand her up... that he might not ever get the chance to see her again.
"You really have to come back now, Bill, you and Sookie are just... you're supposed to be together," she said with finality. He tried to smile for her, to be optimistic... but he didn't have much hope. Not after what he had seen in New Orleans last time.
"Be safe, Jessica," he said, touching her gently on the shoulder, his eyes meeting hers, telling her the things he couldn't say, before turning and walking out of the office and out of his home.
He sped through the cemetery, figuring it would be easier to go on foot and then return home for his car. He slowed to a walk as he reached the edge of her property, trying to figure out exactly what to say, hoping that she would somehow understand. He hated that he had been given this gift, only to have it snatched away so quickly. But, one night with her, knowing that she loved him and wanted him... he supposed that was better than nothing at all.
x
x
Sookie's day had been wonderful... she had been on cloud nine all afternoon. After leaving Bill's house, she took her time getting home, just enjoying the sunshine as she walked through the cemetery. She supposed not many people would say they enjoyed a nice stroll through a cemetery, but to her, it was a place that was about so much more than just death.
She arrived home to a nice message from Sam, that he was feeling well and he and Andy had caught one of the people involved in the shootings. He also thanked her for helping keep the bar running and that he should be back tonight, so she didn't need to worry about covering for another night. His message made her smile, and she had completely forgotten that she might have needed to work, so she was glad Sam took that off the table. That would have definitely ruined her 'date' with Bill. She could help grinning at the thought of having a date with Bill.
She still couldn't believe it, but it was just so... right... after everything they had been through. Last night had been so perfect, she pulled his shirt tighter around her, smelling him on the collar. Closing her eyes, she could almost feel his hands on her, his lips touching her skin. Tonight, she thought with excitement.
She made herself some breakfast... well, lunch... but eggs, toast and sausage were good any time of day. And thought about how she was going to pass the time until dark. She almost wished it were summer so she could lay out in the sun... but that would mean she'd have to wait even longer for the sun to set. Instead, she did some work around the house, Gran had taught her the value of a well kept home. She knew she couldn't disappoint her gran... especially not with a gentleman calling on her tonight. She giggled at the thought. Bill's old fashioned manners had been one of the many things that had attracted her.
She took a long hot shower, wanting to make sure every part of her was ready for his touch... his kiss... whatever he wanted to do with her. After her shower she had a long debate with herself about what to wear... not like this was their first date or anything, but she wanted to look nice. She tried on several different outfits, and had almost decided on a dress, but she didn't want to seem like she was trying too hard, so she changed again. She didn't know why she was so nervous, she didn't even remember feeling this way the first time he called on her.
She finished getting ready just as the sun was going down, and now all she could do was wait. She knew they needed to have a serious conversation tonight... he needed to explain a lot of things, and she needed to find a way to keep her temper in check so they could really work things out. She didn't want to go through all of the hurt and loneliness again, not when she knew how much he truly loved her.
She heard a knock at the door, he was here! Her heart jumped as she got up to answer the door. Pulling it open, he was there, handsome as always... although the look on his face was not what she was expecting. Was this conversation really going to be that bad?
She backed up from the door to allow him in, taking in his dark jeans, the green henley covered by a brown leather jacket. He stepped into the house, that grim look on his face.
"Bill, what's wrong?" She asked, knowing that something wasn't right. It had to be more than just the conversation they needed to have.
"Sookie... I... I can't stay," he said quietly.
"What? What do you mean? Bill, what's happened?" she asked, really afraid now. Was it her? He seemed like he wanted to be with her last night... had he changed his mind? She couldn't stop the tears forming in her eyes.
"Sookie," He had her in his arms in an instant, kissing her softly before pulling away," It's Russell Edgington. Something has gone wrong at the Authority... "
"Russell is still alive?" she asked, still afraid, but now for other reasons.
"I had been waiting for Eric to call and let me know when Russell had finally met the true death. It was supposed to happen last night, but somehow... somehow he overpowered the head of the Authority, killing him instead," he explained, still holding her.
"So he's escaped? Is he going to come after me?" She couldn't help but remember what it had been like to be in his house, his cruel voice as he did whatever he wanted.
"No...," Bill shook his head, his voice gentle, his arms still around her, "They've still got him... but they think Eric and I had something to do with this, that it was an assassination. I need to go back, now... or they'll send someone for me," he let go of her, pacing into the living room. She followed just behind him, trying to process what he was telling her.
"So what's going to happen when you get there? They have to know that you had nothing to do with this," she shook her head, there was no way he would have anything to do with some plot that involved Russell Edgington.
"I don't know, Sookie. They used us, whoever did this. The remaining Authority members might not even give us the chance to explain..." he said, his jaw set as he leaned against the doorway. Sookie still didn't quite understand this Authority... although it sounded like there was someone who was the head guy... and now he's dead.
"Bill, what happens if you can't explain?" She had to ask, even though she feared she knew the answer already. She just got him back, she couldn't lose him again.
"We will most likely meet the true death," his voice was quiet, he looked away from her as he spoke, "The authority doesn't look to kindly upon traitors, but hopefully they will have a way to also execute Russell, so you can be safe."
"No... no Bill, they can't do this... you can't go," she was crying now, and she was angry. This wasn't fair. He didn't do anything wrong.
"Sookie, I have to. If I don't go, they'll find me and I will most certainly meet the true death. And if they come to Bon Temps... I won't put you at risk. Too many vampires already know what you are, it's not safe," He had taken a hold of her shoulders, looking into her eyes as he spoke. She could see his pain, his love in the blue depths of his eyes.
"Oh, Bill," She cried, holding on to him, burying her face in his neck. She didn't want to let go. This was almost like her dream... things were finally perfect, he made her feel complete, like she belonged... but now, he was being pulled away from her and she was helpless to stop it.
"I promise you, I will not go down without a fight. I have far too much to live for," He paused, waiting for her to look up at him, he tilted her chin up so he could kiss her, "You have given me so much to live for."
"I love you, Bill," She said, needing to say it... needing to show him that she really meant what she had said last night. She pulled him in for another kiss, clinging to his lips, her hands holding tightly to his shoulders.
"I love you," He pulled her closer to him, kissing her so sweetly, yet with so much passion. She could have gone on kissing him, his hand cradling her face as he pulled back and looked into her eyes. "I love you more than you can ever know, you've given me so much, I never thought I could love someone like this. Sookie, you own my heart, no matter what happens."
She couldn't stop the tears from falling, this felt like more than goodbye, it felt so final. She had just gotten him back, was she really going to lose him forever?
"Bill, I... I don't want to lose you... you have to come back to me," she told him, tightening her arms around him.
"My only goal will be to return to you and Jessica. But you need to be careful, Sookie. If... If something should happen, Russell could still come after you," his concern was clear on his face. He really didn't know what was going to happen, and that made Sookie even more nervous.
"Will there be any warning? Any way for me to know what's happening?" She asked
"I don't think I'll have much ability to contact you... but..." he hesitated, looking into her eyes, with so much love and... sadness, "but Jessica will know if something should... If I should meet the true death."
Just him saying those words brought fresh tears to her eyes. He held her tightly, kissing her cheeks, her lips, just holding her as she cried. Sookie wasn't sure how long they stood there, just holding to one another, but it wasn't nearly long enough when he pulled away, kissing her forehead.
"Jessica is living at the house now, and you've got the codes. You can come to the house whenever you want, no one will stop you. If you're in danger... my resting place, where we were last night, it's secure. You and I are the only ones who have codes to enter," he told her, letting her know more than just that there was a place she could go... but that it was a place that was only his, that he had only shared it with her.
"Sookie... I have to go," he said, trailing his finger down her tear stained cheek, his blue eyes dark with sorrow. Sookie didn't know what to say, she couldn't bear to actually say goodbye. So she just nodded instead, her hands still holding onto his waist.
He went to step away from her, but she couldn't let go, she grabbed him tighter, pulling him in for one last embrace, one last kiss. His lips met hers so gently, sweetly. She tried to memorize every detail of his kiss, the way his soft, cool lips felt on hers... the way he tasted, the way he smelled... things so familiar and so comforting. Something for her to hold on to until he was back in her arms again.
His arms tightened around her as he deepened their kiss, leaving her breathless when she finally pulled away. She rested her head on his shoulder just long enough for him to whisper in her ear.
"I love you, Sookie, forever."
"I love you, Bill," she said, looking up at him, so lost in his beautiful blue eyes. He touched her face, kissed her lips with just the lightest touch one last time... and he was gone.
Sookie stood there, not sure for how long... the door still open where he had vanished. The tears rolling down her cheeks in silence. He was really gone. She finally found herself again and moved to close the door. She felt like a zombie as she walked back upstairs to her room. She picked up Bill's blue shirt where she had left it on the chair in her room, hugging it to herself as she lay down on the bed.
She had just gotten him back, just realized how much she wanted him back, needed him back in her life and now he was being taken away from her again. It was like that night he had proposed... and then just disappeared. Although she did take a small comfort in at least knowing where he was this time, and that he definitely had not left her by choice. All Sookie could do was hope... hope that they hadn't finally found their way back to each other, only to be separated again forever. So she hoped and prayed and cried... inhaling his scent, now mingled with hers on his borrowed shirt. That's how Sookie fell asleep, too worn out to even think about dinner or pajamas or any sort of bedtime ritual. All she could think about was Bill.