Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews! Knowing that people are still reading this and enjoying it makes me so happy.
To kpkisses: Yeah, Eric can totally be a dick, but he's got a lot of inner turmoil going on right now, even if he doesn't want to deal with it. He hasn't had to be accountable in a relationship outside of Godric and Pam in a long time, if ever. This is new territory for him and he's failing miserably.
To GloomDusk: You are too kind. Thank you! I see Arabella's dealing with more craziness, but I don't see her taking betrayal lightly.
To chibichibi98: Thank you so much! Your reviews always make me smile. Well, we'll have to see what she finds at the Fellowship of the Sun. Something tells me it won't be sunshine and roses…
A/N: There are some mature writings in this chapter… you are forewarned…
…
The room was dark, very dark, in fact it was so dark she couldn't even see her hand in front of her, but she was not alone in the room, nor in the bed she was lying in. She knew this by the feeling of hands all over her naked body, caressing her, sending sparks of pleasure wherever they touched. Cool hands touched her nipples, pulling them lightly, rubbing them, making them peak and ache with a desire to be sucked. She moaned as hands slithered down to her torso, eventually spreading her legs which revealed her already glistening core. She felt as the hands slithered seductively, searching for her wet core with the promise of immense pleasure. One hand began to rub her sweet spot in a teasing fashion as another hand began to play with one of her breasts. She then felt another hand on her other breast, rubbing her nipple again as a set of lips began to kiss her neck. Simultaneously she also began to feel kisses on the other side of her neck. 'Wait!' She thought to herself, 'How is this happening? There are way too many hands and lips going on here!' "Turn the lights on! I need the lights on!" She shouted anxiously.
"Of course my darling. I've always preferred the lights on when making you come." Said a low voice that sounded familiar, but was muffled as he was still kissing her neck.
"I too would like to see what this minx looks like while screaming in ecstasy." Said a different, but all too familiar voice as the lights went on.
"Holy Fuck!" Sookie screamed out loud as she saw Bill looking at her lovingly and Eric looking at her with lust. Both were as naked as jaybirds lying on each side of her.
And at that Sookie woke up with a start; panting as she launched herself upright in the bed, clutching her chest in shock from the tenth dream she'd had so far involving the two vampires who saved her life, with their intoxicating blood. She knew the dreams would come. She had experience with them before when Bill shared his blood after an incident that happened before Arabella had come home. But these dreams were more frequent and more… more… goodness, they were just too much for this slightly prudish Southern girl.
'Oh my God, I don't know how long I can handle this.' Sookie thought to herself as she slowly lowered herself back to the bed. She also wondered when Bill would wake from the dead because she had a serious itch to scratch; one that pleasuring herself didn't seem to help. She had already tried, unsuccessfully.
…
I woke up around noon to a dimly lit room. If I had to venture a guess, it probably would have been pitch black if I wasn't in it. 'Awwww… that was nice of Eric to leave some light on for me.' I thought to myself as I quietly slipped out of the bed and started to tip-toe towards my bags. Then I thought, 'Shoot, why am I tip-toeing? He's supposed to be dead to the world right now, isn't he?' Just then, the nine year old girl in me decided to play a game. First, I picked up the remote to the TV and dropped it on the floor. "Oooops!" I said rather loudly as I looked at Eric to see if there would be a response. There was none. Then, I banged my hand on the table, making an even louder racket. There was still no response. Next, feeling somewhat braver since he didn't move, I got a glass of water and 'accidentally' spilled some on Eric. Not a peep, not a moan, not a single movement came from him. 'Well, I guess he really is dead to the world then.' I thought to myself. It was weird to me, still after all this time. It didn't matter that the reality of it was staring me in the face; he was dead, at the moment. And yet, when the sun goes down, he seems as alive as anyone else. I shrugged off my inner musings, because really, even the experts can't explain this, as I got my stuff for the day and walked to the bathroom to get ready. It wasn't like I could explain my own abilities either.
….
After showering, getting on my Sunday best, fixing my hair in a neat bun, applying some sparse but flattering make-up and flat sensible shoes, I exited the bathroom and walked over to the desk to grab my purse and see what instructions Eric left me. He had woke me up briefly last night to let me know he'd take care of the particulars of getting me to and in the church. Looking down at the desk I saw a handwritten note and an oversized stuffed manila envelope. The note read:
Arabella,
Everything you should need for today is in the folder. I shouldn't have to say this, but you seem to have a knack for getting into trouble. If the situation gets to be too much, leave. I mean that. I won't be able to help you during the day. Keep me posted as you can. And by all means… be sensible… be smart… be safe.
Eric
'Well, I guess that means he cares, right?' I thought as I put the note back on the desk, picked up the manila folder and walked out the door to get something to eat before facing the unknown. I didn't need a rumbling belly distracting me from the task at hand.
….
The place was dead, no pun intended. But really, there were only a handful of people in the restaurant even though it was lunchtime. That was just fine by me though. The hostess actually looked grateful to have something to do, other than pick at her nails, as she asked if I had a seating preference. Normally I wouldn't have cared, but then it dawned on me that I didn't know what was in the folder. So, I asked if she could seat me in one of the more private booths in the back. It was when I sat down that it crossed my mind just why these back booths were so private. I couldn't help but feel a little of the anger rise in me that I still held from seeing Eric feed on that True Whore. 'Okay Arabella, now's not the time for this.' I had to remind myself as I grabbed the menu and decided on lunch.
After I ordered and received my delicious looking meal, I finally opened the envelope that Eric had left me. I was amazed at what was inside. I knew that Eric said he would take care of the particulars of me getting to the church, but this cache in front of me was a whole new life. The contents included: a fake Florida driver's license and a Social Security card for one Mary Elizabeth Wilson (I guess that's going to be me for the day), a valet ticket for a rental car, maps to the Dallas area (with highlighted travel routes), a cell phone (with preprogrammed numbers, of course), money (lots of it, yeah me!) and a resume of sorts giving me a new identity. 'Wow, this must be how vampires got away with it before the Great Revelation. They should really be helping out the Witness Protection Program because they have this down to a science.' I thought to myself as I looked over the resume.
In a nutshell…I was new to the Dallas area. Evidently I just moved here after I received a promotion at my job at Dunder Mifflin, selling paper. After just securing a contract on a condo downtown, I needed to get my spiritual life in order. And, that of course is where the Fellowship of the Sun comes into play. I had a brother, who got messed up with vampires. He was killed after a weekend of vampire debauchery and I have hated vampires ever since.
'Okay… this is going to work… I think… It has to.' I thought to myself while taking a bite of the most wonderful Tuscan turkey wrap before me. 'Mmmmmm… this really is some good food here.' I thought taking another huge bite. 'How ironic is it that a hotel that caters to vampires would make such great sandwiches?'
…
I waited in anticipation as the valet guy left to get the mystery rental car, since I didn't exactly know what it looked like, you know like color, model, etc. I was beyond excited when the valet brought out a gorgeous brand new silver Mercedes CL63 AMG Coupe. 'Yeah me!' I thought as I slipped into the Italian leather covered driver's seat that felt like butter, turned on the state of the art radio system and threw that magnificent piece of machinery into drive. 'Oh yeah… me likey!'
The drive to the church was way too short, in my humble opinion. Honestly, I could have just driven that wonderful piece of German engineering all day. But, Jason needed me. I chastised myself for having that moment of pleasure. I shouldn't be having fun at his expense. Driving that wonderful car did make me think that I probably need to get my own once all this done. Sharing Sookie's P.O.S. was not the best of situations. It also reminded me of Fernando, the nice werewolf I'd hit with her car and Alcide. 'Shoot! I'm going to need to call Alcide real soon about the house soon. He's waiting on me for the go-ahead on those projects we discussed.' Life certainly was busy these days…
….
When I arrived at the Church's compound, because that really was what it was, a compound, I was stopped by a pair of huge silver covered solid metal gates that had a pattern of a sunburst on it with a cross in the middle. It almost blinded me truthfully, what with the sun's reflection bouncing off of it at just the right angle at my windshield. 'I guess they like their imagery.' I thought to myself. 'How do I get in?' Looking around all I saw, besides the gates, was a speaker box with a button, which I figured was how you got in. I noticed that there were 20 foot fir trees that lined the fencing that surrounded the compound (guess they also like their privacy). Stealing myself for what was to come, I pulled the car up to the box, rolled down the window and pressed the button. Soon I was greeted by an unnaturally chipper voice.
"Why hello there young lady. What brings you here to our spiritual safe haven?"
'There must be video cameras around here for them to see what I looked like.' I thought to myself. "Oh, hi there! I wanted to join the church. I'm new to the area and wanted to get to know, well, people of the same mindset as myself, if you catch my meaning." I said smiling widely.
"Well, I think I do young lady. We are always glad to welcome young folks who can recognize what the Lord truly wants for us and are willing to declare their love of God and His mighty light. The gate will open momentarily. Once it does, follow the signs to the Welcome Center. Cynthia, a very nice lady with red hair and a blue suit will be there to greet you. Welcome miss, and remember if you let his light into your heart, your soul will always shine." The guard said as the massive gates began to open, revealing a beautiful tree lined drive with an enormous cathedral centered in the distance on top of a hill. Stained Glass windows on the opposite ends of the church allowed the light from the sun to shine through making it reflect multicolored light on the compound below. 'Wow, if this church wasn't filled with a load of crazy vampire hating windbags, I would totally want to come. This place is beautiful.' I thought as I followed the signs to the Welcome Center.
It took about five minutes of driving (how big is this place?) to finally get to my destination. Just like I was told, Cynthia was waiting outside the Welcome Center for me with a huge grin, a clip board and bottled waters. 'Well, they certainly are organized, I'll give them that.' I thought as I parked in a spot close to the center and made my way over to Cynthia.
"Oh my, aren't you just a sprinkle of sunshine goodness darlin' and as pretty as the day is long." Cynthia said as she practically ran over to me and gave me the ole once over.
I smiled a huge toothy grin and said in a Southern accent even thicker than my normal one, "Why thank you! You know, you are just like a big warm breeze of welcome. That was exactly what I wanted in my new church… to be welcomed by those with the love of God in their hearts and kindness in their manners. It's so nice to meet you Cynthia." I thought to myself, 'Channel your inner Maxine Fortenberry here Arabella… that woman is as fake Christian as they come.'
"Oh, aren't you precious! Well, you know we have some formalities here; paperwork and the such, before we can let you have a full tour of the grounds. Unfortunately those of the dead persuasion have been attempting to infiltrate our good Christian organization for some time now. And you know what, it just gets my goat! We are just a group of God lovin' people here, trying to do his holy work. It just goes to show how evil those creatures are; like they could even come up with any dirt on us. They're the ones with something to hide, not us. Even so, they've tried numerous times to send people, even pretty little things such as yourself, here to spy on us, like we're the bad guys. Now, I'm not making any accusations of you, of course, but I do need to have you fill out this paperwork. We will be able to check it right quick in the office here and then continue on. You okay with this?" Cynthia said with southern charm, belying the fact that she would go postal on this girl's ass if anything came up in the background check.
"Yes, of course. Let's get this done, the sooner the better." I said happily, hiding nicely the fact that I was now having a complete heart attack not knowing how thorough Eric's new identity ruse was. But how else was I to get in? I had to take a chance here.
…
Cynthia handed me the clip board of paperwork she was holding and a bottled water as we walked into the Welcome Center. It was charmingly decorated, with beautifully printed sofas and velvet chairs, lovely artwork, and interesting tchotchkes. It was warm and inviting, like you would expect a welcome center to be. As welcoming as it was, I couldn't help but wonder if the place was under video scrutiny like the outside gate. If so, I knew I wouldn't be able to pull out any of the resume sheets that I had tucked into my purse, but I had a plan. There was one place that they couldn't have cameras, right? At least that was my hope.
"Ahhh Cynthia, I hate to ask this sweetie, but I really need to freshen myself in the ladies room, if that's okay with you." I said sickeningly sweet.
"Sweetheart, my goodness, of course you can. It's just down that short hallway on the left. Can't miss it. I'll just wait for you out here." Cynthia said kindly as she sat down at a desk and looked over some papers.
As soon as I entered the bathroom, I hurried into a stall, looking to fill out the stuff that I knew I wouldn't be able to answer without looking over Eric's resume; things like Social security number, address, employer, etc. Thankfully Eric's resume was quite thorough and their questionnaire wasn't too time consuming. Sylvia didn't think twice about how long I was in there as it really didn't take me that long to end up filling them out completely. I couldn't help but think to myself, 'Who knew the bathroom would be such a lifesaver?'
Once I returned to the main foyer, she directed me to a small, but well-appointed room located down a narrow practically hidden hallway. It was apparent immediately where the camera was in the room (no hiding it in here) so I sat in a seat that was opposite the camera, giving it full aim at me, but at the same time allowing me to angle the clipboard in such a way that neither Cynthia, nor the camera would catch that I was only pretending to write; the paperwork already had been prepared in the bathroom.
"I'm all done. Here you go Cynthia." I said after a little while as I handed over the fake information to her.
"Okay. Thanks honey. This will take but a few moments to check out. Just wait here and I'll be back in two shakes of a stick." Cynthia said looking over the paperwork to make sure it was filled out completely.
I took a moment to quickly take a peek into Cynthia's mind. She knew something as she thought, 'This girl is such a sweet thang. I really hope she's the real deal and not another fang-banging whore like the last two. I can't believe the nerve of those darn vampires, using our own kind against us. It's just a shame. Shame about that Stackhouse boy too. I for sure though he'd go far in the church, but my he must've ruffled someone's feathers. Ain't heard nothing about him for a while, and he was supposed to be the next best thing.'
My anxiety levels were rising as I thought, 'Shoot! Did they find out about him working with the Dallas vampires? Did he piss someone off? Did he sleep with someone he shouldn't have?' Truthfully, any or all of those possibilities could have been the reason for his disappearance; this was Jason after all. Unfortunately as much as I would have liked to have learned more about the situation, Cynthia seemed like a dead end. 'Keep a level head Arabella.' I said to myself. 'Don't get upset. It won't help you or Jason. Just keep breathing.'
Of course, it didn't help my nerves that there was a click sound after Cynthia left the room. 'Well, if this isn't putting my full trust and faith in Eric, I don't know what is because I'm pretty much locked in a very nice looking prison cell right now with a camera on me. Knowing that I couldn't do anything that would arouse suspicion, I opened the bottled water, took a few sips and pulled out my new cell phone. I saw that Eric's number was there, although it was listed under Hot Viking. 'Really?' I thought to myself before texting him.
Currently waiting for my background check to come back… These people are so paranoid… I bet I'd have an easier time getting into the FBI.. Anyhoo… "Hot Viking"… Really?
Cynthia didn't lie when she said it wouldn't take long for her to get her answers, because before long she came back with a sorrowful look on her face.
"Oh honey, I'm so sorry to have to tell you this." Cynthia said, looking completely wrecked as a rather large man was standing behind her with his hands folded behind him, dressed like a boot camp sergeant.
"Excuse me? Tell me what?" I asked, as I thought to myself, 'Oh shit. This is it. Thanks Eric!'
….
She felt someone kissing her neck while she was rapidly being brought out of her wicked dream. Her breath hitched as she felt a cold hand slide under her pants and began to rub her in the most amazing of ways.
"Mmmmmm." Sookie moaned as she couldn't bring herself to open her eyes just yet. This felt real, but so did the dreams she was having, disturbingly real. Was she losing her mind?
"I know what you've been dreaming about and thought you could use some release." Bill said directly into her ear, sending further waves of desire. 'Can someone die from too much pleasure?' Sookie thought as she moaned again. Her body was reaching its breaking point.
"Is this real?" She said, panting now, eyes still closed.
"Yes my darling. Here, let me help you." Bill said as he tore off her clothes and entered her easily. She had been wet for hours.
After they made love, Sookie rolled over, tears brimming in her eyes.
"What's wrong my love? Did I hurt you? I thought I was careful. You seem healed from the attack now…" Bill said; concerned about Sookie.
In between sniffles, Sookie replied, "No, you were perfect, as always. It's just, just, these dreams; they're so all-consuming and exhausting. The minute I fall asleep they come and then I want to come, but even if I do, it's not enough. It's overwhelming my senses and driving me a little crazy to be honest."
"Did our session just now help at all?" Bill asked, worried.
"Yes, and no. I got a release of sorts, but it feels like only a partial one. I don't get it Bill. When we've made love before, my releases were thorough, to say the least. You are so talented in that department, but, and please don't take this the wrong way, this one feels… incomplete." Sookie said, somewhat embarrassed to admit this to her lover, but she felt the need to be honest with him.
"I see." Bill said as he thought on the situation. He knew Eric's blood was strong because of his age, but it was indeed even stronger than he had originally assumed it to be. Bill then remembered some knowledge that his maker had given him long ago. Lorena had said that some older vampires had the ability to control the dreams of those they willingly give their blood to, thus making the dreams as weak or intense as they so desired. Bill worried that Eric was intentionally making the dreams Sookie was experiencing extra potent. "I think I'll have to have a talk with Eric when he and your siblings return."
"Why do you need to talk to Eric about this Bill? What are you not telling me?" Sookie asked worriedly.
"It's nothing. He is much older than me and may have some insight, that's all." Bill replied, knowing he was keeping his worries to himself at the moment, but in all honesty, what was he to do. She had enough on her plate to worry about at the moment with Jason being missing, Arabella going after him and her own vicious attack by a mysterious entity, probably a maenad. Besides, if memory served him correctly, the cure to Sookie's current predicament worried him the most of all.
"Isn't it too early to come out now? God, you two are so frickin' loud. You literally just raised the dead." Jessica said rubbing her eyes and she popped the top of her coffin open.
'Oh my God!' Sookie screamed out loud and she grabbed the blanket to cover herself. She had completely forgotten that Jessica was in the room with them.
"Jessica, I'm so sorry we just… Oh my goodness, this is so embarrassing." Sookie said mortified to a very amused Jessica.
"Sookie, it's okay. Don't sweat it. What else is there to do down here anyway. Hey, do you two know if there's a TV down here?" Jessica replied sleepily to Sookie.
Bill escorted Jessica to another room in the basement that had a TV and then said to her, "Jessica, you should not be trying to embarrass Sookie like that. She's been through a lot and is going through some more now."
Jessica gave Bill a slightly pissed off look and responded, "Well, Bill, maybe you shouldn't be fucking her while I'm in the room. You woke me up, remember? Or did you want me to hide in my coffin all night while you two screw yourselves silly? How would I eat? You don't want me getting an eating disorder, now do you?"
"No… no." Bill started to say before Jessica interrupted him.
"Why were you screwing her now anyway? Isn't it too early? You know what, forget I asked. I really don't care if you and Sookie get it on until the cows come home. I just would appreciate it if you could not do it with me in the room. It's a little weird, okay?" Jessica said.
Bill understood where she was coming from. "Yes, of course. I'm sorry for putting you in that situation. It's just…"
"Just what?" Jessica asked, curious.
"Well, I guess as your maker it's my duty to explain certain things to you. Have you ever heard of a blood bond?" Bill asked before giving his progeny her next lesson.
…
"Cynthia?" I asked again, worried about what was to come next. I knew one thing though; I wasn't going down without a fight. I was already eyeing things in the room that I could use to knock out the two in front of me with my telekinesis.
"Oh honey… I just knew the minute I set eyes on you you'd be perfect for the church. It just pains me that I won't be able to show you around the place." Cynthia said sadly.
"Why can't you Cynthia?" I asked, hesitantly.
"Why… because Mrs. Sarah Newlin is going to get that pleasure, that's why!" Cynthia said suddenly happier than before.
Not knowing if this was a set up or not, I slipped into Cynthia's mind to see what she was thinking about. 'Oh, I'm so glad that this young lady checked out. She seems so nice and just right for the church. Sarah seemed ecstatic that there was such a great new recruit too. Hopefully that'll give me some points with Steve.'
'Okay, I'm good.' I thought to myself, smiling a slight smile to myself; happy I wasn't being sent to the wolves, at least not yet. But then I thought… 'Why does Sarah Newlin want to take me around?'
Feigning absolute amazement, like I just won the lottery, I said to Cynthia, "Wow! Sarah herself will be giving me a tour! I can't believe it! Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely grateful, but it's just lil ole me. She's on TV and all. She must be so busy." I mean really, come on, I just didn't see Sarah Newlin having enough time in her schedule to take every person that wanted to join on a tour. Something was weird here.
"I'm not gonna lie sugar, Sarah doesn't take just anyone on a personal tour, but when I told her about you, she just had to meet you." Cynthia said with happiness, taking my hands in hers and squeezing them tight. I saw Mr. Boot-Camp roll his eyes behind her.
'What the hell?' I thought to myself as I delved into Cynthia's mind again. 'Steve and Sarah have been looking for a few fresh faces for so long now. I hope this girl works out. I could really use the incentive money they said they would give to whoever helped find them.'
'What on earth is going on here? Why do they need a 'fresh face'?' I couldn't help but wonder.
"Yes, and since you will be meeting with the distinguished Mrs. Newlin, I must ask that you disrobe for inspection." Mr. Boot-Camp said with a leer.
"Excuse me?" I said appalled with my eyebrow shooting up. Like hell I was going to strip in front of this guy.
I knew I needed to slip into his mind to see what was really going on.
'Yeah, I can't wait to see what she's got under those clothes. Thank God for the little pleasures of this job. I bet she has some great titties.' So Mr. Boot-Camp is a pervert. Big shocker.
"Oh honey, I'll be in the room. It's only precautionary. You see, while yes, your background check came through free and clear, we still have to make sure that you have no bite marks on you. We neglected to look once before and it turned out that person was in cahoots with a vampire. We won't touch you. Right… Gabe." Cynthia said, with a little bit of emphasis on that last part aimed at Mr. Boot-Camp, who's name I now knew was Gabe.
"This is a little… ummmm… embarrassing. I mean, I don't normally take off my clothes for strangers." I said truthfully as I felt my checks start to blush. For goodness sakes, who ever heard of getting strip searched to join a church? What was this, the Church of the Everloving Playboy?
"I know dear, and I'm sorry. I can tell you're a good, Christian girl. Unfortunately desperate times lead to desperate measures. We'll make this as quick as possible though. You can keep your bra and panties on as well." Cynthia said with an apologetic look.
'Great.' I thought before saying, "Okay, but does he have to be here too?" I said to Cynthia, hoping that I wouldn't have to strip in front of Gabe.
"I'm sorry; Steve insists that Gabe be here for this. It's the rules." Cynthia replied, although it was clear she didn't necessarily agree with the rules either.
"Okay then." I said as I had to resign to the fact I wasn't going to be able to talk my way out of this. 'This is for Jason. He needs you.' I thought to myself as I quickly undressed down to my bra and underwear.
As soon as I was down to my skivvies, Gabe said, "Lift your arms and spread your legs a little further apart."
"What?" I asked startled. "Why?"
"Because the neck isn't the only place where vampires like to bite." Gabe replied with a sick smile while slowly walking around me in a circle. He was broadcasting rather loudly now so I heard him think, 'Oh yeah, just look at that tight body. She's giving me a hard on just standing there. Good thing these sweats are baggy enough to hide it. I need to get me a piece of that ass, that's for sure. I wonder if she's a screamer.'
"Oh." I replied, sickened by Gabe's thoughts and by the fact that I didn't know that vampires didn't just bite the neck.
"Gabe, that's enough. Clearly you can see the poor girl doesn't have any bite marks. You can leave now. Mary Elizabeth, go ahead and get your clothes back on. Meet me in the foyer when you're all done and I'll take you to meet Sarah." Cynthia said as she shooed Gabe out of the room and gave me, ironically, some privacy to get dressed.
…
Cynthia drove me up a secluded, but scenic drive in a cute little golf cart. The drive ended at a gorgeous Tudor styled home.
"This is Steve and Sarah's house. It's magnificent, isn't it?" Cynthia said as she parked the golf cart and we made our way to the front door.
"It is." I replied truthfully.
Cynthia rang the doorbell and before I knew it, Sarah Newlin herself answered the door. It was hard not to notice that she looked very plastic in person, with her perfectly dyed blonde hair, bleached white teeth, blood red acrylic nails, oversized breast implants and unnaturally thin frame. I couldn't help but think to myself that it probably takes a lot of money to look that cheap.
"Hello Cynthia! And you must be Mary Elizabeth. I am so happy to meet you! You certainly are as cute as a button! Cynthia, you were so right. Come on in Mary Elizabeth. I've got some refreshments in the kitchen for us. Cynthia, I just got a call that you are needed in the rectory. I'll see you at the lock-in tonight, right?" Sarah said breezily in an overdone Southern accent that would make Gran turn in her grave.
"Of course I will Sarah. I hear the entertainment for the lock-in is going to be extra special." Cynthia said with a wink at Sarah.
"Oh yeah Cynthia, the finale is going to be extra hot, burning hot in fact." Sarah said as she brought her finger to her mouth, and then placed it gingerly on her butt like she was extinguishing a cigarette there, giggling all the while.
"Oh Sarah, you're such a card. Well, it was a pleasure meeting you Mary Elizabeth. I'm sure I'll see you around." Cynthia said as she started to make her way back to her golf cart.
Before Cynthia got too far, I read her mind one final time. Her visual thoughts centered on some faceless person burning on a cross while her worded thoughts were, 'Oh yes, I can't wait to see that weenie roast.' 'What the hell? They can't be thinking about burning someone on a cross? Can they? Oh my God!' I tried to keep a straight face as I pondered Cynthia's thoughts to myself, following Sarah into the house.
Before I could pick Sarah's mind, she began babbling about this picture or that figurine and truthfully it was so distracting and annoying that I actually was trying to tune her out for a little bit. Honestly, there wasn't a whole lot of thinking going on in there right then anyway.
….
Once we arrived in the kitchen, Sarah grabbed a tray of refreshments and asked me to follow her to a sitting room whose windows faced the cathedral on the hill. I couldn't help but take in the view.
Setting the tray down on the table, Sara remarked after seeing me staring out the window. "I know, breathtaking isn't it? I still can't get over what God's love is able to achieve. In just three short years Steve and I were able to build this whole place up from nothing. It just goes to show that God wants us to praise in his holy light."
"The view is amazing." I said in response. I didn't know if God really had anything to do with this hate-mongering church, but I couldn't lie, the view from this window was spectacular.
"So Mary Elizabeth, what brings you to us? Not that we're not excited to have someone like yourself show up, but we just would like to know your story better." Sarah asked, as she was thinking, 'I need to see if her story is usable.'
"Well, I just moved here from Florida because of a job promotion. I don't know anyone here and would like to meet people who share the same likes, dislikes, etc." I said generically, sticking to Eric's script.
"Yes, well, that much we know, but why us, why the Fellowship of the Sun. Don't feel shy sweetie. We're friends here. I'm not here to judge. I only want to spread God's love." Sarah said, fishing for the underlying story of why this girl was here.
Knowing I needed to sell this I said, "Oh, well, this is actually a little hard for me to talk about. It's so soon." I fully intended on giving my best performance ever. Oscars here I come!
"Oh honey, I have a tissue if you need it." Sarah said, reaching for a box of Kleenex.
"Well, when the Great Revelation took place, I didn't know what to make of it. Were vampires good, bad… who knew. And that was the point really… who knew? We didn't know anything about them, so I stayed away, waiting to see what would happen. My brother Shawn on the other hand, he thought it was the best thing ever and sought out their… company. After that, Shawn took on a questionable lifestyle, one that I'm sure our Lord up above would not condone. Still, I loved my brother and prayed every day that he would see the light; see what his life was becoming. Sadly he was in way deeper than I ever could have imagined. About two months ago he was killed when a vampire drained him after a weekend of debauchery. I can't tell you how much I blame myself for not being able to get him to see what they really were, you know, agents of evil. But, even though I wasn't able to help him, it doesn't mean I can't help others. So, I vowed that his death would not be in vain; that I would dedicate myself to being a bastion of light in the lives of those gripped by the horrible darkness of the vampire. That's why I wanted to come here; to help do what I couldn't with my brother." I said as real tears formed in my eyes. I couldn't help but become overwhelmed because my real brother really seemed to be in trouble. I didn't want to fail Jason like I did the fake brother of my fake story.
Sarah handed me a tissue and gave me a hug before saying, "Honey, I've walked in your shoes and I feel your pain. I had a sister who had fallen under the spell of those evil monsters as well."
With Sarah holding me in that tight hug, I could hear some of her most personal thoughts, things she had tucked in a dark hidden corner of her consciousness. 'A sister; ha! No it was me. Oh God, if Steve ever knew that I was a fangbanger. God I miss those days, miss the highs, but they are in your past Sarah. Put it out of your mind; it's done and gone… done and gone. You are adored by so many now. This is the life you were meant to lead.'
'Well, well, well, that's interesting. Head of vampire hating church was a fangbanger... and misses it none the less.' I thought to myself. 'This could be useful down the road.'
When Sarah backed out of the hug, I could see tears had formed in her eyes too.
"Oh, I didn't mean to make you cry too Mrs. Newlin." I said handing her a tissue from the box.
"Oh no, please call me Sarah. No, don't worry about it sweetie. I'm just going to freshen up a bit. Don't take this the wrong way, but you look like you could too. I bet we both have raccoon eyes." Sarah said with a girlish giggle as she motioned for me to get up and follow her to the bathroom.
"You know, I have a real good feeling about you, so I'm going to share a little secret with you. We're looking for a few young people, just like yourself, to help us bring other young singles to the fold. I think you'd be perfect for our new campaign. Just think… your face would be up on billboards, posters, on TV. You'll be perfect! Isn't that just the most exciting news you've ever heard. You'll be one of the new faces of the Fellowship of the Sun!"
My jaw dropped. There were no words for this bomb full of 'what the fuck' that just got dropped on me.
"I know! I would be speechless too if I were you. It is such an honor. But, I have no doubt that you'll be perfect for the task God has put before you. Okay, well, I'm going to go to my bathroom. You freshen up here. I'll be back in a jiffy so we can finish up our tea. I really would like to take you to see the cathedral. You'll fall in love with it. I just know it!" Sarah said while practically bouncing up the stairs to her private bathroom.
While in the half-bath Sarah left me at, I reapplied my makeup and sent a quick text to Eric.
Still alive. Having tea with Sarah Newlin. Oh and by the way, I've been asked to be the new face of The Fellowship of the Sun. Yeah me!
After regrouping in the bathroom, I walked to see what other lunacy the day had in store for me.
…
After Bill talked with Jessica and situated her by the television, he went back to the room where Sookie was. She had taken a quick shower while he was with Jessica and was now toweling herself dry.
"Jessica won't bother us again tonight." Bill said as he watched Sookie dress. He would've rather it had been undress, but oh well.
"She isn't a bother Bill. I still can't believe what we just did with her in the room." Sookie said as she sat down on the bed.
"She's fine Sookie. Don't worry about it. How do you feel now?" Bill asked, trying to change the subject.
"Tired." Sookie replied truthfully, those circles under her eyes didn't lie.
Bill nodded in response. There wasn't much he could do about it now.
"Bill?" Sookie started and then continued wearily, "Why did I have to hear from my sister that you own a clothing store in Shreveport?"
"It's no secret Sookie. I own several businesses. We vampires need to earn quite a bit to be able to survive as long as we do." Bill said matter of factly.
"But why didn't I know about it? What other businesses do you own? Why don't I know what you do Bill?" Sookie asked hurtfully. He was acting like his business was common knowledge, but it wasn't to her, the one he was sleeping with.
"I wasn't keeping it a secret, but to be honest, you've never asked before." Bill said, confused why this was a big deal now.
"Should I have had to? Every time you said you had business to deal with, you not once mentioned what it was. I never outright asked what it was because I was trying to respect your privacy, but now I'm just wondering if you're hiding things from me." Sookie said, not looking at him.
Bill bent down, cupped Sookie face in his hands causing her to look into his eyes and said, "Sweetheart, you only had but to ask and I would have told you. As you know, we vampires tend to keep a lot close to vest. I don't easily spill everything out into the open. It's something I'm working on, with you. But please, don't take that as meaning I am purposefully keeping things from you." 'Only I am keeping things from you, to protect you.' Bill couldn't help but think to himself, shamefully.
….
Tea went by quickly and soon enough Sarah was taking me on a tour of the Fellowship's cathedral. It was a sight to behold that was for sure. They spared no expense when building that beauty. They used reclaimed wood timbers that were salvaged from historic churches in the South for the crossbeams in the ceiling, stained glass imported from England, Italian marble for the pulpit. Basically everything was top notch, and expensive. I couldn't help but think, 'Where was their funding coming from? They've only been around for a short time.'
"And this is where the choir sings. We have a wonderful band that accompanies them. It really sounds like angels are serenading us every Sunday." Sarah said proudly.
"Oh, that sounds lovely. I love singing the gospel." I said, remembering my own love of singing in church when we used to go as children with Gran.
"Really, what's your favorite song to sing?" Sarah asked excitedly.
"Well, if I had to pick just one, it would probably be Amazing Grace. I know it might sound like a cop out, but it just resonates so much to me." I said earnestly.
"Oh, could you sing it now? I'd love to hear it!" Sarah said enthusiastically, while thinking, 'If this girl can sing, that would be mar-ve-lous!'
"I don't know, I mean… You really want to hear me sing it?" I asked hesitantly. I wanted to find my brother, not audition for America's Next Top Christian Idol.
"You know, I'd love to hear you sing as well." A male voice said enthusiastically that had come up quickly from behind me.
I turned around and nearly jumped ten feet back when I saw Steve Newlin himself there. 'Holy crap! I was so not expecting that!' I thought to myself as I screamed aloud from surprise at his appearance.
"Steve! You just about gave this poor girl a heart attack! Mary Elizabeth, don't pay him no heed. He loves to spook people." Sarah said giggling, but then added. "Steve, this is the girl that Cynthia told us about. Isn't she just precious? I could just scoop her up and eat her!"
I poked into Steve's mind to see what was going on. He was the head of this place, he has to know everything that's going on, right? 'Well, she fits the bill and seems to be passing every test. Thank the Lord because I really want to get that new initiative up and running. Our singles numbers are way down lately.'
I knew that I needed to say something quick, so I said, "Mr. Newlin, it's an absolute honor to meet you sir. I can't believe I've gotten to meet not only Sarah, but you as well. I am one lucky girl!"
"No Mary Elizabeth, we are the lucky ones to have God direct your loveliness upon us. I really would love to hear you sing though. Could you do one song for me, please?" Steve said, playfully begging as he thought, 'If this girl can sign too, it's a bullseye.'
Figuring I still needed to sell this, I started to sing Amazing Grace,
Amazing grace -How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
"Oh Steve, that was just wonderful, wasn't it!" Sarah said as she clapped like a five year old.
"Yes honey, that was a-ma-zing! You know Mary Elizabeth, you should really stay for the lock-in. It promises to be the best one yet. Isn't that right honey?" Steve said to me and Sarah before thinking to himself, 'Yes, the best is yet to come. I can't wait to see the congregation sing up in praise when those vampires meet the sun of a brand new day. It will be a sight to behold. God's light destroying evil before our eyes.'
'Holy crap!' I thought to myself about the entirely NOT holy situation. I needed more information. I knew I had to say yes to the lock-in.
"I'd love to stay. I don't have any overnight stuff with me though. Will that be a problem? I hope not because everyone seems so excited about it that I can't help but want to be a part of it too." I said, knowing that I must have sounded desperate. But in actuality I was, knowing now what they intended to do. I had help those vampires and still find Jason.
"Oh don't worry sweetie. I can lend you some stuff. You know us girlie girls need to stick together. Steve, can you finish up the tour with Mary Elizabeth while I go fetch the things she'll need?" Sarah said sickeningly sweetly to her husband. I had to suppress a laugh when I heard his thoughts. 'God that woman makes me want to vomit.'
"I'll take good care of her, now you just go on and hurry back, ya hear. Can't have you missing any of the fun tonight sugar boo." Steve said while he thought, 'Hopefully I can sneak away from that trifling woman tonight and have some fun with Luke. Now he knows how to make a man feel like a man.'
'Ohhhhhhh.' I thought to myself. 'He's playing for the home team. Wow. Didn't see that one coming.'
After Sarah had left, Steve said, "I need to head over to the rectory offices for a spell. I hate to do this, but with the lock in tonight, I have a lot on my plate. I know I'll be able to get one of my assistants, either Luna or Daisy, to take you around and finish the tour." Steve said with a smile that was so tight it was slightly unnerving.
'Shit!' I thought to myself. I needed to know where they were keeping the vampires, and more to the point if they had Jason as well.
"Oh that's too bad Mr. Newlin. It would be real special to have your insight while getting to see the church firsthand. Is the lock in going to be in the main church?" I said, needing more time to pick his brain. I needed him to think about the vampires. I needed to know what happened to Jason. Where were they being held?
"Oh yes, everyone will gather here in the cathedral. We have a very special surprise for everyone that will occur at sunrise. And trust me when I say, while sunrise through those stained glass windows is breathtaking on a normal day, just wait til you see what I have in store for everyone. It will be glorious." Steve replied as he thought to himself, 'Everyone will see me as a hero; the hero who vanquished evil with the light of the Lord.'
"I can't wait." I said, with less enthusiasm than I had intended, but Steve didn't seem to notice as he was still mentally patting himself on the back for being a champion of God.
"Great! Well, let's get walking to the rectory then." Steve said as he guided me through a set of double-hung doors that lead to the church's offices.
I had to try to hide my disappointment. He still hadn't thought about where they were.
….
"Daisy! How's my lil puddin'? Do you have a moment to take this sweet girl around?" Steve asked the petite older lady sitting at a very clean glass reception desk.
"Oh, Mr. Newlin! Normally I would, but you see my family's coming for the lock-in soon and I promised I'd meet them at the parking lot." Daisy said forlornly. You could tell she would normally give this man anything he asked for; like a kidney, all her money, or her firstborn.
"Well, is Luna around?" He asked, with a slight tinge of annoyance as he thought, 'I need to unload this girl so I can make sure the crosses are being set up appropriately. They need to be perfect.'
"Yes Mr. Newlin. She's in the copier room." Daisy replied while getting up with her purse. She must be leaving to meet up with her family.
"Good. Okay, well follow me Mary Elizabeth." Steve said to me, again with that weirdly perfect, unsettling smile of his.
"Sure thing Mr. Newlin." I replied, listening to his thoughts as we walked to find this Luna.
'Luna better be free. I can't waste any more time on this girl right now.' Steve thought. But then, finally, his thoughts finally went to a place I needed them to go…
As we passed an unassuming door that said, 'Utility', Steve's mind began to wonder to what was really down there.
'Hope you're so not enjoying your last moments on this earth you vile evil creatures. You may think that the basement room is bad, but just wait til you feel the full effect of God's holy light on you.' He then went on to think, 'It's really too bad about you, Jason. We could've had something magical. You should have never turned me down. NO ONE turns down Steve Newlin.'
I thought I had gotten into some bad situations. Looks like it runs in the family. 'I need to get Jason out of there. I need a plan, fast.' I thought to myself as we reached the copier room.
"Luna darling! Do you have some time to spare?" Steve asked the pretty long-haired brunette in the white button down shirt and striped maxi-skirt, with a look that said, 'you better.'
"Of course Steve. What do you need?" Luna said, eyeing me in the process.
"Please be a dear and finish giving Mary Elizabeth here a tour of our spectacular grounds. I have to attend some things for the lock-in now." Steve said as he was already heading out of the office area.
"Of course Steve." Luna said with a smile before turning to me and saying, "I'm Luna, if you already haven't guessed. So, what do you still need to see?"
I knew I didn't have a lot of time to dick around here, so I poked quickly in her mind to see what she knew.
'Fucking Steve. Can't wait til I'm done spying on this place. Why didn't the council put Cassandra here? She loves this crazy church shit.' Luna thought while she waited for my response.
A slow smile crossed my lips. 'A possible ally?' I thought to myself. But first, I needed to know if there were any others in the office area now.
"I've seen quite a bit already. So Luna, the office is looking pretty dead. Is it just you now?" I asked hoping it was just her.
"Yeah, I'm the one who got stuck having to make all the copies for the songs and games that we're doing tonight at the lock-in. And, lucky me, I get to take you around too." Luna said, somewhat sarcastically. I could tell she was over this place.
"Good. Okay, here's the deal. I need to get into that room that says, 'Utility'. I think my brother may be down there." I said to Luna, taking a very calculated risk.
"Excuse me? Why do you think your brother may be down there?" Luna asked, wondering what the hell was going on.
"Look, I don't know how much time we have here, but here's what's going on in a nutshell. I know that Steve is planning on barbecuing two vampires at sunrise. I know my brother turned down Steve and is now possibly being held down there with the two vampires. I know you're here spying for some council." I started saying, but was cut off by Luna.
"Shhhhh! How do you know that?" Luna asked incredulously.
"Because I can read your mind. By the way, what council?" I asked her curiously.
"You can read minds?" Luna repeated stunned. She had heard stories before of supes that could do that, but had never actually met one.
"Yeah, go ahead and think something. I'll tell you what you thought about." I said, thinking to myself that I could make some serious cash in Vegas if I ever wanted to take that show on the road.
Luna thought about what animals she liked to shift into, like a bat, a squirrel and a mouse.
"Holy crap! You can turn into animals? Are you a werewolf?" I asked excitedly.
"Don't EVER call me a werewolf. Calling me a werewolf is like me calling you a fucking cunt. I am what my kind would call a shapeshifter, or shifter for short." Luna said proudly.
"Sorry. I've never met a shifter before. Look, I'd love to hear more about it, but honestly I don't think we have a lot of time. I need to get those guys out of that basement room and quick. Will you help me?" I asked pleadingly.
"I'd like to, honestly. I mean, you seem nice and all, but it's taken a real long time for my kind to get someone in this deep. I've been able to get a lot of intel that we normally wouldn't have gotten. I can't risk my cover being blown." Luna said, not looking me in the eyes.
"Did you know about my brother being down there?" I asked.
"No. I swear I didn't, I mean I don't. Who's your brother anyway?" Luna asked confused.
"Jason Stackhouse." I replied, cautiously.
"Ohhhh. Jason, he's really cute, right?" She asked as she was recollecting him.
"Yeah, yeah, he's a dreamboat." I replied while rolling my eyes and then said, "You look like you at least have met him."
"Yeah, I did. But then he kinda fell off the planet recently. I didn't think much about it though. Steve really seemed to like him and I just thought that Steve put him in one of the off-site programs to build up his knowledge. I'd seen Steve do it before." Luna responded honestly.
"Well, I think Steve did like Jason, as in wanted to screw him - like him." I said.
"No shit! Really? Wow! That is some juicy stuff! He's really keeping that shit on the down low though, because there is not a murmur around here about that, at all, and I get all the good gossip." Luna said, thinking her fellow shifters would be happy to get some info like this on the good reverend.
"Okay, that's great and all, but did you know about the vampires?" I asked, needing some answers.
"Yes. I'd heard some off-hand remarks here and there by Steve, Sarah and a few of their little circle of fiends." Luna replied solemnly.
"And you didn't say anything to the Dallas nest?" I asked accusingly.
"No. But do you think they would've told us if the shoe was on the other foot?" Luna replied back with bitterness.
"I honestly don't know. I didn't even know shifters existed until two seconds ago. But, I would hope they would have." I replied.
"Well, let me tell you a little something about vampires sweetheart, vampires care about themselves first, their kind second and the rest of us can go fuck ourselves." Luna said, hoping that this girl would get the picture.
"Did you ever think that if maybe one of your sides did help the other, held out an olive branch sort to speak, maybe that could change?" I said hoping I could convince her to help me.
"But they're vampires…" Luna replied with disgust.
"You'll never know unless you try." I responded with a small smile.
"Uhhhhh. Okay, maybe you have a small point. What do you have in mind?" Luna said, already regretting her actions.
"Well… how long do you think we have until someone comes to the office?" I asked, trying to formulate a plan.
"I really don't know. With the lock-in keeping everyone busy, who knows?" Luna replied honestly.
"Well, we're running out of time. Is that Utility door locked?" I asked.
"Yeah, but I know where the key is kept." Luna replied with a smirk.
"Good. You open the door and I'll go down there to see what's going on. If you could stay in the office and try to keep the coast clear, that would be great." I said.
"How will you know if you can come out the door?" Luna asked.
"I'll listen for peoples thoughts. If I only hear yours, I'll know its safe to come out." I replied with my own smirk.
"Oh yeah, forgot about that. So, if you find what you're looking for down there, how are you going to get them out? You do realize the church will be full of people and we will all be 'locked-in' and not to mention, it's not sundown for another hour. They'll be dead to the world until then." Luna asked.
"I don't know yet. Let's just kill one bird at a time, okay. Besides, I'm getting used to thinking on the fly anyway." I said wanting to get down into the basement asap and see if Jason was there. I had tried to listen for thoughts, but I couldn't hear anything. Now vampires I knew I wouldn't be able to hear, but if Jason was down there with them, I should have been able to hear him, right? 'Stay positive Arabella… You'll find him.'
"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn ya." Luna said as she went to go get the keys and unlock the door.
….
Luna opened the door for me as noiselessly as she could. I then ventured down into the great unknown. Not knowing if there would be anyone, like a guard, down there, I walked as quietly as I could. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I sighed in relief upon seeing there were no guards. Then I gasped as I saw the horrors before me.
"Oh my God, Jason, what have they done!" I shrieked in horror, tears forming immediately.
…
A/N: I don't own the lyrics to Amazing Grace. According to the source I used on the internet, this version belongs to Chris Tomlin.
And Dunder Mifflin… I don't own that either