BAM! I was startled away by a door being slammed open. Groggy, I rubbed the heel of my palm in my eyes. What was going on? Something that sounded liked like someone with inhuman speed ran up the stairs. Oh shit! Eric was here! What time was it! The room was dark so it had to be night! Oh God! I slept through my alarm! I was still in bed and the sun was down! He had come to collect me!
"What the fuck?!" I heard Tara's voice echo from the bottom of the stairs and a clattering of two people as they ran up the stairs.
"Sookie! Sookie! Sookie!" That didn't sound like Eric? That sounded like Bill! What was going on? Why was Bill here? Why was he calling out for Sookie? He sounded so desperate…wait…Sookie!
Did the murder return will I slept? I jumped off the bed and ran into her room. I had to see what was going on! Sookie had to be okay! There's on way someone to get into the house while Tara and Lafayette were downstairs! I gripped the door frame to help slow myself and whip myself around. In front of me was Tara and Lafayette, who blocked a majority of my view of what was going on. But from what I could make out, Bill was shaking Sookie, yelling her name.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Tara yelled.
"What happened?" I questioned breathlessly.
She wasn't waking right away! Oh, God, not Sookie too! Sookie couldn't be dead!
"We were just downstairs cleaning as…" Tara began to explain.
Sookie began to stir, her eyes fluttering open lazily. She was groggy, probably from taking the illegal drug Lafayette gave her.
"Bill?" I heard Sookie's soft tired voice question, "What's wrong?"
"Thank God," I whispered.
"I thought…" Bill paused, shook his head and smiled, "I had a dream. That's all, you go back to sleep."
"But, I-" Sookie started.
"You don't worry, I'm not going anywhere," Bill smiled, "Go on."
Sookie lightly nodded, rolled back onto her side as she closed her eyes. Bill backed off the bed a little but remained kneeling, gazing at her. I couldn't help but give the couple a soft smile, the grabbed Tara's arm. Gave her a light tug, she looked over at me and I nodded my head towards the door. Tara silently complied and grabbed Lafayette as she followed me out.
The young couple needed a moment alone. Even if it was really just Bill being alone with an unconscious Sookie. I trusted he wouldn't do anything to her. The way he watched her, there was so much caring in his eyes. I dare say it might even be a loving gaze he gave her. It was sweet. He really cared. He loved her, even if they haven't said it just yet. I knew it, he loved her. No one looks at someone like that without there being love in their heart.
The three of us made our way downstairs and into the living room. Lafayette handed me a dust pan and broom. As I began helping them finish cleaning the house. Like Sookie said the previous night, Gran kept a clean home. After having so many people over today, Gran would have given the house a thorough cleaning. I was glad to be of some assistance, even though I was absent most of the day. During that time, I saw Bill come down the stairs. He stared at me for a second, there was a hooded look in his eyes, then made his way outside. I wonder what he was thinking? I'd have to pick his brain once I was done helping.
Once we finished, Tara and Lafayette began lounging in the living room. It was getting late and Eric had yet to arrive. The later it became, the more nervous I was. Was he going to just show up like he did the night before? Lean against the window and call me out. There was no way I could sneak away without being questioned, if that was the case. What would Eric tell Lafayette and Tara? "I'm taking her away for a little while." Yeah, cause Tara would put up with that. I could see her, running after me pitching a fit about me leaving on this of all nights. I looked to Tara, who stood by the window staring out. While Lafayette was on the couch staring at the wall. I would like to imagine that Tara would be there for me. That she would help stand up for me against Eric, even though she would make it about me leaving not about Eric taking me.
"Whose out there?" I asked Tara.
"Who else?" Tara questioned.
I stood up and made my way over towards Tara. I followed Tara's eyes out the window and saw Bill. He was standing there like sentinel guard, gazing fiercely up towards Sookie's room. Like he would defend her to the end of the world and back.
"I'm gonna see if there's anything in the fridge we can give him," I stated and began to leave the room.
"Why are you going to do that?" Tara demanded.
"Because I want to be nice," I turned to face Tara. She opened her mouth to protest but I quickly continued with, "You know Gran wouldn't have let him stand there without making sure he had something to eat or drink. It's the least I can do in memory of her."
Tara closed her mouth and turned towards the window again. I nodded and headed back for the kitchen, knowing she wasn't going to put up a fight. I paused once inside the kitchen. Everything looked and smelled so clean, like nothing had happened the night before. It was just how Gran liked her house, sparkling clean. She worked so hard to keep it that way. Constantly keeping it up to standards in case there would be guests. She always had some sort of sweets ready for the visitor to partake. She was such a beautiful person. She left this Earth in a terrible way, a way she didn't desire to go. It wasn't fair, or right. Someone so caring should be able to pass on peacefully and quietly. Not in a fight for her life, only to lose. I can't believe I was so close to being able to save her, I wasn't even that far away. I wonder, if I had stayed inside the house and not gone with Bill. Would have I been able to save her? Would I have fought and died for her, while she got away safely? I could have…no, I know I would have been able to help. But I wasn't there. I was across the cemetery, talking with Bill. I could have saved her.
I bit my lip as I felt my eyes begin to burn. I wasn't going to cry right now. It was in the past now. I can play the coulda/woulda/shoulda game all night and it wouldn't change what happened in reality. Gran was gone. Nothing can change that. Besides, Sookie could be up at any minute, or she could sleep the whole night away. I hope she slept, she didn't need to hear any squabbling between myself and Tara. Her grandmother just passed, someone who was important to all of us. But she was most important to Sookie. She wasn't just Sookie's Gran, she was her mother. Someone who helped raise Sookie from an early age when her parents passed away. Gran's memory deserved better too. That kind woman didn't put up with my bickering with anyone, she always set me back in my place when I started with someone. I needed to try better, I needed to be better. I needed to be a better person. I needed to forgive more easily. I needed to listen more. I needed to be kinder. I needed to be more like Gran.
I walked over to the fridge and peered inside. I figured Gran would have bought a whole six-pack of TruBlood for Bill for the DGD, and my assumption was correct. Inside sat a six-pack, missing one bottle. I reached over and took the whole thing out. I looked along the sides of the package for instructions on heating the synthetic blood. They were easy, just remove cap and microwave. Hmm, I would have thought you would have to boil the stuff on a stove? Well that works better for me. The substance was thick and even though it was fake, it still looked and smelled like real blood to me. I couldn't imagine boiling the blood on the stove and making the whole house smell like iron.
Once the timer went off, I took the Tru Blood out and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly. I saw it bubbling a little, I image that would be too warm for Bill. After a few minutes, I headed outside to give him the bottle.
"Much obliged," Bill smiled when he saw what I had for him.
"Yeah, well I figured you'd be hungry. Since you rushed right over here as soon as the sun was down."
"Still, thank you, Adriane. You didn't have to bring this over," Bill replied.
"Yeah, well call it a move towards friendship like we talked about yesterday."
Bill hummed and brought the substance to his mouth. I watched him grimace slightly and pull it away. Aw man what'd I do?
"What? To hot?" I asked desperately.
"Just a touch," He confessed.
"Damn, I even let it sit before bringing it out," I pouted.
"One minute less than the box says, that's the way I like it," Bill smiled.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Bill took another swig from the bottle, then looked towards Sookie's window, "What does Eric want with you?"
Well so much for a segue way into another conversation.
Eric made it a point to tell me he didn't want Bill involved in his business. I should make an effort to keep Eric happy. God knows what he has on Beth and I would hate to ruin it by telling Bill something he doesn't need to know, "Nothing!"
"Adriane, you are a terrible liar," Bill replied not taking his eyes off the bedroom.
I exclaimed, "I'm not lying!"
"You heart just started hammering against your chest. You started fidgeting," Bill continued. I looked down at my hands and yes they were indeed playing with the hem of my heavily wrinkled blouse, "And your voice just jumped up an octave. You are lying."
I stood there doing my best to try and rebuff him, but Bill took his eyes away from the window to give me a knowing look. Fine if I couldn't fully lie to him I don't have to tell him everything, "I don't know what he wants me for."
"Hmmm…" Bill replied, "Eric is the oldest vampire in this area. In fact, maybe even in the state, but you shouldn't trust him."
"I don't, in fact he was supposed to be here tonight but has yet to sh-" I clamped my mouth shut before I could finish that sentence.
"You were going to meet him tonight?" Bill questioned fully turning away from the window. Looking me deep in my eye.
DAMN! Adriane! Keep you big fat mouth shut!
"I don't know what for. He just said he'd be here some time after sundown," I shifted my weight back and forth on my feet, "I should go, if you need any more TruBloods please let me know."
With that I rushed into the house. I can't believe myself! GOD! Eric didn't want Bill involved for whatever reason. And now! Because of me! Bill knows to keep an eye out for Eric tonight in case he comes to pick me up tonight! (If he comes.)
"What was that all about?" Tara called from the window.
"Nothing!" I exclaimed and groaned when I heard my voice squeak, I guess I wasn't as good at lying as I thought I was, "I'm just gonna go to bed. It's been a long last few days and I need some sleep."
Once inside my room, I shut the door and leaned against it. Why shouldn't have I told Bill? Maybe he could protect me? I glanced at my wrists and saw that a majority of the foundation there had worn off. If every meeting I was going to have with Eric was going to wind up with me getting hurt, it wouldn't be bad to have the extra protection. If Bill was willing to play for my team. He might side with Eric, since Eric seemed to be his superior. But then I didn't look like he like Eric. I don't know. I don't know what to do.
I plopped on the bed, and removed my shoes. Then proceeded to lay down with my head on the pillow. More likely Bill would side with Sookie, he seemed so infatuated with her. Even though he was asking those questions to me, about me; I'm willing to bet that he was doing that with Sookie's best intentions in mind. Wouldn't want another vampire sniffing around on your territory. Even if the other vampire wasn't interested in your goods, he could be at some point. Sookie was better than me in a lot of ways beyond the physic realm. She was kind, more outgoing, less scared of the unknown, more open to accepting others…even though Eric hadn't fully admitted to it. He did imply he was only after me because I didn't have another vampire hanging off of my neck. I was an easier target. But why did that bother me? I already knew that. I didn't even want to be involved in the vampire world to begin with. But now that I am…
I rolled onto my side and stared at the wall that was covered in sports posters. Jason was interested in me. Why did I let him come so close to undressing me then quickly back away? I had heard Eric's voice in my head. Calling me that horrendous nickname that even thinking about it makes my skin crawl. Why did Eric even play a factor in that scene? What does it matter if I potentially smelled like Jason when Eric shows up? Eric has no claim over me. I'm a free person, a free human being. I won't be owned my anyone, human or otherwise.
Jason tried to say I wanted him. If I asked myself deep, deep down if I wanted him I could easily blame it on the fact that it has been a while since I was intimate with someone. Maybe I was desperate? Maybe that's why I gave in so easily to Jason. Maybe I did want to be physically intimate with someone again? Maybe just not Jason. Especially right now. Like I said yesterday, Jason was looking for an outlook to put his grief into. I didn't want that. It was a little selfish, I know, but if I was you know…going to…with Jason. I'd want his full attention on the matter, not on thoughts of his grandmother. Not that he had a lot of thoughts about his grandma but Gran, I love you but…OH GOD! What am I thinking?!
Gran just died and here I was thinking about who I would have sex with! UGH! I'm a despicable human being! I am so sorry, Gran! What a terrible human I am!
I sat up on the bed and rushed into the bathroom. I needed to wash all those thoughts away. I needed a shower!
Eric never showed last night, I found myself feeling relieved until I thought of Beth. She was alone for another night without anyone to help her, wherever she was. The guilt washed over me and wished I had a way of contacting him and making him come and grab me. Then again maybe he did show up, but saw Bill standing outside and thought that it wasn't the opportune time. I could see him doing that.
That morning we had gotten ready for the funeral. Sookie wanted Gran in the ground right away, I couldn't blame her. Gran was to be buried in the graveyard behind the house. Tara and myself had helped set up chairs for the ceremony next to the plot Sookie had selected. While Lafayette called everyone to tell them when the funeral was to take place and spread the word to others. By mid-afternoon everything was in place for the funeral.
Sookie had taken her place in the front row. Tara and Lafayette sat to one side of Sookie, while Jason took the other side. I found a seat behind her, sitting with Arlene and Rene. Sitting next to some others who I couldn't say if I met before.
A woman from the church brought everyone's attention forward when she began singing a spiritual funeral song that I didn't know, but it was hauntingly beautiful. We all sat in silence as she sang, Arlene was crying next to me, holding my hand tightly. I desperately worked to keep her thoughts out, she kept pulling various memories forward of Gran. Which made me feel all the guiltier about my thoughts last night and I wanted to cry at those happy memories I kept getting glimpses of. The day was exhausting between the heat from the scorching sun and my frantic attempts to keep Arlene's thoughts and memories out.
When the woman completed her song, a man dressed in a minister's outfit stepped forward. He began the vigil for Gran and the prayer to her soul. I saw Sookie tense as an old man in a wheelchair being pushed forward. He took the open place next to Jason. There sounded to be some sort of bicker between Sookie and the elderly man. I couldn't hear what they said to each other, but Sookie didn't hide her distain for the elderly man on her face. I never saw Sookie look that way before. It sent a chill down my spine and made me nervous.
"Sookie Stackhouse has prepared a few words," The minister said not gaining her attention at first so he called again, "Honey? You wanted to say a few words?"
Sookie snapped to attention and she stood up, ready to make her way forward.
"Sookie, you okay?" Tara called reaching for her.
Sookie only nodded and smiled then began making her way to the front. She pulled a few sheets of paper out of her purse, and flattened them on the podium in front of her. She looked around before she began her speech. Her eyes landed on me for a brief second.
I can't do this.
Oh Sookie, yes you could! I did the only thing I could think of and quickly nodded at Sookie, encouraging her to push forward and start. I did my best to hide my shock of hearing her. I guess I shouldn't be shocked at it anymore. Since my contact with Sookie, my ability of reading at a distance has been getting stronger. I've been hearing more and more. Each time it happened caused me to jump and try and figure out where the voice came from if I didn't know it right away.
"Adele Stackhouse was everything to me," Sookie began, "She wasn't just my grandmother. She was my parent, my teacher, and my best friend."
Sookie paused, looking around at all those nearby. I could see the terror in her eyes. She was listening in on everyone.
Oh, please. If it weren't for you, she'd still be alive.
Oh God, she wasn't hearing positive things at all. Everyone was blaming Gran's death on her. She didn't need that. This wasn't going to end well. I did my best to scream as loud as I could in my head words of encouragement and love towards Gran ad Sookie. But, I was being drowned out by those around me.
"To say she will be missed…just doesn't cut it cause…I can't even imagine a world without her in it."
Shame…shame on you.
"Sh-she was always there, with a kind word and a hot meal…and a shoulder to cry on. Not just for me, but…"
Forgive me, Adele.
"For everyone who knew her."
I never meant to hurt no one. I couldn't…
Al your fault!
How dare you make this speech.
You whore, you vampire fucking freak.
Fucking fangbanger.
You brought that vampire into our church, our town! Your grandmother was too good for you.
I squeezed my eyes shut. Was this is what Sookie heard on a daily basis? All the voices just swarmed and screamed in my head. I felt like I couldn't breathe. All the hate. All the horrible things they wouldn't dare say aloud. I felt like they were walls, coming closer and darkening the day light. I wrenched my hand way from Arlene. I wanted to scream. The voices bubbled and I couldn't pick one voice from the others.
Poor pathetic thing…
Just as nuts as nuts can be…
You're sleeping with your grandmother's killer…
She's dead because of you…
"Shut up!" Was all I heard.
"Adriane?" Arlene questioned next to me.
"All of you just shut the fuck up!" I was standing, I didn't know when I stood. All eyes were on me now, no one focused on Sookie. Everyone asking who I was, how I knew Adele, must have been one of Sookie's crazy friends, was that Arlene next to me holding my hand. The voices bubbled over again. Calling me crazy, how dare I cuss at a funeral.
I pushed my way through the aisle. I couldn't take it, I needed to take Sookie out of here. I reached her, grabbed her hand and we bolted through the grave yard. The electricity buzzed and pulsed between our contact. Good, I'm glad that was back. After two nights ago, I was worried it wouldn't come back. As soon as we were far enough way I couldn't hear them anymore I let go of Sookie's hand. We continued walking to the house in silence.
"Sookie! Sookie just hold on for a sec!" I heard Jason call from behind us.
Sookie spun around, "Why? So you can hit me again? Go ahead, tell me how it's all my fault. Tell me how you wish it were me in that coffin. I deserve it."
Jason back up at Sookie's assault, "I-I'm sorry," Jason stepped forward and reached for her, "I'm so sorry."
"Don't touch me."
"Well, I didn't mean to hurt you. Ya gotta know that."
"You invited Uncle Barlett! How could you do that?"
"He has a right to be here! Look, I know he and Gran had their problems. But, whatever they were, it don't matter no more. Cause that's what family does. Always forgive each other."
"You have no idea what you are talking about."
"Sookie, please? I mean, we're all we've got."
"We've got nothing," Sookie turned and left, delving deeper into the graveyard.
"Adriane…" Jason called as I turned to follow, "Stay with me."
I paused looking at Jason, "Sookie needs me."
Walking in a different direction from the house. I followed her, she wandered through some of the mossy willows. She looked at the ground, pausing at various headstones. She was looking for someone. Maybe Bill? I just followed loosely behind till Sookie found the name she was looking for. I was right it was Bill's empty grave. She knelt and brushed away the overgrown foliage and fallen leaves. There was a single crack down the middle of the headstone, breaking his name from "beloved husband and brave soldier".
"What was that, Adriane?" Sookie asked.
I took a seat next to her, "I heard them…I heard all of them. Accusing you. Cursing you. Blaming you for something someone else did. I couldn't' take them doing that to you."
"You heard them?"
"Ever since we touched at Fangtasia. I have heard them louder and clearer. But it was usually just a single voice. Today though, they crowded me. I felt claustrophobic. If that's what you hear on a daily basis…I'm sorry…It's so much for one person to bare alone."
"I've bore it for years," Sookie replied, her voice devoid of emotion.
"I'm here now, you don't have to go through it alone."
"You just have to learn to control it."
I paused and felt my voice crack when I spoke, "Can you teach me?"
"Eventually, not today," Sookie stood and she brushed off the dirt from her knees and dress.
"I wasn't asking you to help me today. I just…I just wanted to be here for you," I replied.
"Thank you, but I think I want to be alone right now. Thank for your help at the funeral. I was glad to get away from all of them," Sookie stepped forward giving me a light hug. She backed away holding my hands for a second, then she stepped around me and began heading in the direction of Gran's graveside.
I sighed as I watched Sookie go. I looked down at Bill's headstone. "Beloved husband", so he was married before he was turned. I wonder if he had any children? I wonder what his life was like before he was turned. How much harder his life was back then compared to now. What did he do for a living? Based on the house he owned, his family must have been well off. Even though it was in ruins, I could imagine that it was once nice. The few rooms I was in needed a renovation desperately, but after that I think it would be gorgeous. If I was going to be friends with him, I'd have to get to know him a little better.
I began my walk back to the house, hoping I was heading in the right direction. I was hoping she wouldn't be there. I just had no where else to go. I was a stranger here. I could just hide away in Jason's room till the evening. Maybe hope that Eric would come and take me to find Beth and get my mind off this horrible day. But, if Sookie wanted to be alone, that I image she didn't want anyone in her house. I was a guest there. I couldn't be a burden to those around me. Maybe Sam had a place open I could rent out.
I heard the front door open gently and close. The house had been quiet and I wasn't surprised that I did hear the door. I was sitting in Jason's room staring blankly at the wall when I heard Sookie's voice call, "Adriane?"
I quickly rushed from the bedroom to the stair railing. Did she need me? Did she need someone with her?
"Yeah, I'm here?" I called from the top of the stairs.
"Oh, you're here," She sounded disappointed, as she approached the staircase.
I gave her a small smile as she looked up at me. I pretended that her tone did hurt as much as it did, "Yeah, I didn't know where else to go. Sorry."
"No, it's okay. Like you said you didn't know where else to go."
"I could head for Merlotte's?"
"No, it's alright, stay. It's just…I would like some alone time, but it'd be nice to have someone in the house" Sookie called.
"Don't worry, I won't be in your way. I'll just stay up here in Jason's room."
Sookie nodded and headed for the kitchen while I made my way back into the bedroom. Well I guess I could pack my things, the last few days they just seemed to toss on articles of clothing and throw the dirty ones on the floor. I took my time tidying the room and tossing my dirty clothes in a "needs to be washed" pile. Once I finished that task, I pulled out the outfit I was wearing the night of Fangtasia and saw how badly it was torn, there was no way I could repair this, so I tossed it in the trash. I looked over my current outfit, it wasn't exactly great for running if the occasion should call for it. I needed to change, got'ta be a boy scout. Be prepared for anything. I rummaged through my suitcase for an appropriate outfit, ruining the work I just finished causing me to lightly chuckle. After digging around, I decided to wear the same hoodie I was wearing yesterday with a tank top underneath and a pair of black athletic shorts. I laughed as I pulled my current outfit off and the new one on. If Eric showed up tonight, he would have some choice words about this outfit, but I didn't care. This wasn't some sort of dating game, it was a job. I'd rather be comfy and prepared to run, than dress the way he liked.
By the time I had put away all my clothes again it was dark. I heard the front door slam shut causing me to jump. I rushed to the window and saw Sookie running across the cemetery in a white nightgown. She must be heading for Bill's…If that was the company she wanted that was the company she needed. I pushed my hair out of my face and headed downstairs. I was hungry and needed something to eat. I reached the bottom of the stairs and heard a clatter in the kitchen. She was back already? Did she forget something? More likely it was probably Sookie's cat. I was never much of a cat person. But, if the cat made a mess in the kitchen, the least I could do was go and clean it up. I turned and made my way over.
"What did you do?" I asked as playfully as I could, while searching the cat. She wasn't anywhere nearby that I could see. I really didn't want to clean up any mess the cat had made. I was sore as-is and bending over hurt like no other.
I looked around and didn't find any mess that the cat could have created. I bet she ran off once she made that noise. I leaning against the sink, surveying the kitchen for any small mess that the cat could have caused. There was nothing on the floor or counters that could have caused a noise.
Well since Sookie was gone, I guess I could grab something to eat. I thought she was in the kitchen the whole time. I was waiting for her to go upstairs before I headed down to get something to eat. I made my way over to the fridge and pulled out an apple from it.
I saw a small bowel on the ground by the screen door. Found it! At least it wasn't a bit mess. I was right, I bet she knocked the bowel over and took off after the noise. I walked over to it and bent to pick up the bowel. I stood up and looked around to figure out where it could belong. I couldn't decide so I set it in the sink. To some degree in the base of my spine told me, that something wasn't right. I had that similar feeling as I did in the woods. Like I was being watched.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I took a bite of my apple and leaned against the sink. I listened, I bet there was a gun in the house somewhere, I just didn't know where. I stood still as I listened for any noise in the house out of the ordinary. I couldn't hear anything. I laughed lightly, it was an old house, I must have heard a floor board creak or something to set off that instinct. Instead I grabbed a glass of whiskey and headed back to the living room. I was being paranoid as usual.
My belt slide out of the loops of my jeans relatively smoothly. It smacked against the final loop and I yanked it high in the air. The brown leather was strong, too strong for her to claw her way out of. She was standing by the sink, fixing her makeup before she headed off to her job. She just pissed me off so much, I couldn't take her disrespect anymore. I lunged forward and wrapped the belt around her throat and notched it in the tightest setting. She fought against the material and myself. Her hands beat against my chest and doing her best to struggle out of my grasp. She reached out along the bathroom sink for anything to grab. Hand grasping and knocking toothbrushes and soap onto the floor. She chocked and gasped doing her best to find something. But there was nothing in the bathroom for her to use as a weapon. She was slowing though. The more she fought the faster she ran out of energy. Her strength was starting to waiver as she made choking gurgled noises struggling for air. She was fighting against me with everything she had. All the strength she could muster. She finally ran out of energy to fight against me, knees buckling I held her up. Strangling her until her brown eyes became darker as the light left her eyes. I held her there for another few minutes to make she wouldn't come back to fight again. Once I was satisfied she wouldn't, I unhooked the belt from her throat, she toppled to the floor, hitting her head against the sink as she fell. I placed the belt back in its proper place on my hips holding up my jeans. I can't believe that bitch did this to our family, she brought shame to us. She had to pay for that shame she brought on us. She had to die. Just like this bitch!
I found myself in the dining room frozen at the images I just saw. Someone was in the house.
Someone was in the house.
Someone was in the house.
Someone was in the house.
Someone was in the house.
I finally reacted, I forgot I had walked into the foyer. The door! I lunged for the door, dropping my apple as I moved. I reached for the handle. I found myself fumbling as I turned the handle, the door was locked. SHIT! Both hands shot for the deadbolt lock, fumbling as I tried to quickly unlock the door. I reached for the handle again and turned it. The door swung towards me as I stumbled backward, to allow the door to open fully.
I went to start to run out the door a sharp pain hit my shoulder blade. I gasped as I was knocked down with the force of the motion that hit me. My head in the wood flooring so hard I barely felt the next sharp pain was in my back. My vision blurred red as my ears rang. Disoriented, I tried to push myself up against the floor. I was shoved back down but a heavy weight fell on my bum and was pinned, as another sharp pain went into my back. With that one I couldn't push myself up, I tried. I had to try. Even though I couldn't think straight I had to try. But, I didn't have the energy to push up or move. Oh God.
I laid still as I felt someone grab me by my ankles and pull me back a bit, I was still in the foyer but wasn't in their way. The person stepped over me, I felt my eyes get heavy as I saw a pair of dark brown work boots by my head. They started to walk away from me. My vision blurred red and dark, but the build of the person led me to believe that he was male, whoever stabbed me. I couldn't make out any other identifying features since he was in a hoodie and jeans as he walked away from me. I felt my head lull and roll to the side.
Once he was gone I groaned and tried to push myself up. I fell again, gasping for breath. It was becoming difficult, my lungs burned. I felt my arms waver as I tried to push off the ground. The motion caused me to cough and fall back down, a bright red liquid landed in the direction I coughed. A punctured lung? I'd be dead in minutes. I couldn't feel my legs. My head spun as I tried to lift it, I couldn't move. My lungs were beginning to burn; I was going to drown in my own blood. I closed my eyes as I rested my head against the cool wood flooring. Sookie would find me here in the foyer, wherever she went.
Besides finishing my PharmD program, what had I done with my life? I never did anything. The most exciting thing I ever did was drive down to Louisiana with Beth. Beth…I never found Beth. Who would find her? I'd never find out how Eric knew her. Would Sookie get involved with Eric for me? I wouldn't know. The person who just killed me might have been the one who killed Beth, if she was dead. I hope she wasn't. I hope someone would be able to find her.
My world rolled as I moved my head at a noise coming from in front of me. I thought I heard something come from the doorway. I struggled to open my eyes and focus on what I thought was there. Maybe I was having that "life flashing before my eyes" moment, or some deity was coming to bring me to a better place. I couldn't focus but there was a figure there in all black.
The figured asked something in a deep baritone voice, then continued with something else, but it was gargled as I couldn't focus on what it was saying, "Leave…alone…five…"
I rolled my head down as I closed my eyes. Was this Death? Was he coming to take me? I always pictured Death to look like the Grim Reaper, a cape flowing in the wind. Where would he take me?
"Come to…to..take me to hell?" I gurgled from the floor. I surprised myself as I coughed blood again. My lungs were on fire. God they burned like I had touched a fire.
Death said something else, something I couldn't make out. I did my best to focus in on what it was saying. It almost sounded concerned…desperate, "Adriane, let me in."
Wasn't Death polite? Asking for an invitation to come in and take me wherever. The least I could do was let Death in, "Come…in."
I wanted to scream as I was pulled into death's arms. The pain I felt in my back tripled as I was picked up. If I could've scream I would have. Death wasn't gentle, it wasn't going to save me. Death was going to take me to hell, where the pain would be even worse than this. Dying isn't peacefully, whoever said that was a liar. My head screamed. I started to shake a bit, I was becoming cold. Something icy and slick was placed to my lips.
Bum, bum,bum!
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