Author's Note: Sorry it has been so long since I've updated; a lot of things have been going on. I hope this chapter makes up for how long it has been between updates the past few chapters. I hope you enjoy it! :)
*Bright*New*Future*Bright*New*Future*
The next day was spent in bliss and happiness for my mates and I. We didn't get out of the bed except when I had to eat or have a human moment. We were all excited about the end of Bill Compton and were celebrating, a continuation of last night. I did have to take Advil and drink a lot of water because of the slight hangover from the four drinks last night. During our celebration, I completed the blood bonds with Eric and Godric, which made all three of us ecstatic. They said they would explain all of it later, when we weren't otherwise occupied. Around seven thirty at night, Eric got a call from Pam saying there was a vampire there asking for him and Godric. He was also really old. We got dressed and I got a snack to eat while we were on our way. Eric was rushing ahead of us, while I was in Godric's arms. He was going slower so I could eat without having to worry about going too fast for me to choke. We landed gently about a minute after Eric, who was waiting for us with Pam.
"Do you know who the vampire is?" asked Godric as we landed.
Pam shook her head. "I haven't seen him before; he's older than you though. He didn't give me a name."
He nodded his head; I was still in his arms, though I was then passed to Eric. "How can you tell if he's older," I asked.
Eric smirked and chuckled. "Once you become a vampire, you can tell if someone is old or young. You can feel it. She compared the feeling to Godric and it meant he was older," he explained.
"Oh, okay. Thank you."
He kissed my forehead and we all went inside. "Where is he?" Eric asked.
"Waiting in the bar," was Pam's answer.
We all went to the thrones. I was in Eric's lap, Godric in the other throne, and Pam went to get the vampire. She returned within moments with a vampire that had dark brown hair, blue eyes, and really pale skin. He smiled genuinely as he stepped in front of us. Eric and Godric were a little tense, I assume as an instinct to an unknown person and their mate being near each other. I sat there, watching curiously and waiting, wanting to know more about the person who requested to see my mates.
He slightly bowed before straightening and speaking in an accent that sounded like a very slight Irish origin. "Hello, Godric and Eric. It is nice to meet you finally. I have been waiting a long time for the right moment to introduce myself. I know that you know of me, not knowing if I was even alive. My name is Carmanos Treviri. I am Godric's maker's maker."
All of us were sitting or standing still, surprised. Even some of the vampires in the bar were standing there shocked. I think the most surprised was Godric though. He was able to recover the quickest.
"May I ask why you are showing yourself to us now?"
The vampire smiled happily. "Sometimes I get these feelings. I knew I had to wait to reveal myself to you until it was the right time. It is finally the right time to be around you. I have waited for over two millennia."
Eric finally answered. "No offense, however, how can we be certain you are who you say you are?"
He closed his eyes for a moment and then Godric slightly shook. "He is, Eric."
"How can you be certain, Godric?" he asked.
He smirked slightly, which looked a little odd on his face. "I have done the same thing to Pam that he just did."
"What did he just do," I asked.
Godric smiled indulgently. "When a vampire turns someone, one of the abilities the maker has is summoning the new vampire. This connection lasts until a vampire is released, if that happens. For instance, I can still summon Eric, even after more than 1100 years because I've never released him. Once that vampire turns another person, like Eric turned Pam, that bond is continued, though the bond between Pam and I is very small, it is still there. I can summon her, though she only experiences a slight feeling and knows that it's me. He just did the same thing to me."
I was surprised that was possible. Godric had already turned back to the vampire.
"Is there somewhere else we could speak more privately?" he asked.
Godric nodded. "Follow us."
He stood up, Eric following with me still in his arms. After talking to the bartender, Pam came with us too. I gave her a small smile, which she returned. We went back to our house and then into the living room. I stayed between Eric and Godric on the couch, with Pam and Carmanos in the fluffy armchairs.
"Let me first explain something to you about Lucius," Carmanos began. "Before I even met him and turned him, he had always been cruel. I had been hoping I could change him, make him nicer. It did lessen some, though not much. I think he resented me for it. That's why I gave him my permission when he asked to leave to explore on his own. I had still kept a close eye on him though. I knew I wouldn't interfere with his life; he had been extremely set on being the same as before I met him. Plus there's the part I didn't want him resenting me. I should have intervened, however, the feeling told me not to. My guess is if I had, you wouldn't have been a vampire."
He paused, letting us process what he had told us. I held Godric's hand so he could have support; he held it tighter and gave me a slight smile. I smiled largely in return.
"I know what happened between you and him, Godric," he informed my mate as he continued. "I don't approve of what he did to you. I actually happen to agree with what you did to him. As surprising as it may sound, I witnessed your murder of him. I have kept track of all of my descendants through the vampire and sometimes even human sides. I know who has turned who, who has died, who has risen in power, and who has found their mates. I congratulate all three of you for finding your mate." He smiled.
"Thank you," they answered. Both hands I was holding squeezed mine a little tighter, and I could feel the love and happiness they were sending me, I suppose a side effect of being fully bonded with both of my mates. I could see Pam smiling too.
"If you don't mind, Sheriff Northman, I would like to stay in the area indefinitely. This way I would be able to get to know all of you much better," he said to Eric.
While I didn't understand the request, the vampires did. "Of course; we will be glad to have you here." He said this after a few moments, after looking at Godric, who nodded.
He smiled. "Delightful!" he said while bowing, I suppose in thanks. "Thank you, Eric."
He nodded back in acknowledgement. "I'm afraid I must insist you find your own accommodations, at least until we know you better and know we can trust you. We don't want to put our mate's safety at risk. This is merely a precaution."
He nodded. "I understand completely. You can never be too careful when it comes to such a fragile mate."
After that, we got to know each other a bit more. He told us stories about how he kept track of everyone until it was around three in the morning. There had been two breaks so I could eat. He found it absolutely fascinating, just as Eric and Godric did, especially the cooking. Pam left shortly after he did to go help close Fangtasia and came back around five. Eric and Godric talked in Swedish while I read Wuthering Heights yet again. When Pam came home, she started talking to me about clothes and shoes while showing me things on the computer. She had me tell her what I liked and what I didn't.
Once it was around six thirty, they stopped talking in Swedish and we ended up in the bedroom shortly after. I fell asleep, listening to them talking in more Swedish again.
The next night, after eating, we got ready to go to Fangtasia. I was in black pants that were flow-y, a blood red chiffon shirt with a sparkly pendant below my breasts in the middle, and sparkly red flats. Pam put my hair up in a ponytail and did my make up with red eye shadow and lip stain and black eyeliner. I had sparkly red earrings in and a black bracelet and necklace. We flew, with me in Eric's arms.
Once we arrived, we dropped off my snacks and pocket book into the office and then went to the bar area. We sat on the thrones, except I sat in Godric's lap. Longshadow brought me a soda. Around seven thirty, again, Carmanos came back to the bar. He got one of the bottles of blood at the bar before approaching the stage. He sat down in the chair beside Godric. After a moment, he started talking again.
"Would you like to know more about me?" he asked Godric.
My mate nodded. "Yes."
Carmanos smiled. "I'm from Ireland originally, near the coast. I was twenty seven years old when I was turned. I was born what is now July 28, 539 BCE and turned on what is now September 30, 512 BCE. My maker, though he doesn't like to have his name revealed, I will tell you in private some other time. I found Lucius on what is now February 25, 136 BCE. Over the years, I have travelled, of course, but I also tend to stay in one spot for years, sometimes even decades."
After talking just a little more, I froze in place, fear coursing through every vein. A familiar red headed vampire walked in. If it was sunny, the skin would look like a disco ball. The red leather pants, black high heels, and black corset made the vampire look more like the patrons of Fangtasia than I would have thought. She had her hair straightened, which looked prettier like that if you ask me. The arms around me got a lot tighter, and a second set wrapped around me as well.
"Bella, are you alright?" Godric whispered in my ear.
My breathing slightly eased as they sent me feelings of calm as strong as they could. "Do you remember the story about what happened that caused the scar on my wrist?"
They tensed and slightly growled. All the vampires in the immediate area backed away, scared of what the two could be so upset about and hoping it wasn't them. "Yes," answered Eric's tight voice, filled with the anger and hatred towards the Cold Ones.
"His mate just walked in," I told them.
They looked up to the vampire; she had looked when she heard the growls. Eric told Pam to get in front of the door in case she tried to leave before summoning Victoria up to the stage. She walked to the stage and stood in front of the three vampires and myself. When she saw me, she gasped and her eyes went black with rage.
"Explain why you are here to kill our mate," demanded Godric.
She looked at him surprised. "Your mate?" He nodded. "That's impossible."
"I assure you it isn't," he told her.
"But she's the mate to the vampire that killed my mate," she explained.
Eric growled at the mention of him. "That fucking pathetic excuse of a so-called vampire is not her mate. He abandoned her in the woods after telling her she was nothing but a play thing."
Victoria gasped then turned upset. "He did what?" She slightly growled, making my mates even tenser. "No mate could ever do that, that insensitive, penny-headed, mind reading, lying jackass!" she ranted.
I stared at her surprised, as did everyone else. She looked at me sympathetically.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. No one should ever have to go through that. Many did much worse than that to me before I was turned. You won't ever have to worry about me hurting you; I swear. If I ever see that fucking loser, he'll be sent to you in pieces so your mates and you can have fun with him as well." She smiled a sadistic smile.
I smiled back, while my mates had an evil smirk that nearly scared me, except that thing that calls his self a vampire needs to die. Did I really just think that? I'm the one that is sweet and calm.
"Thank you, Victoria," I said.
She smiled back nicely. "You are most certainly welcome, Bella."
"I hope you enjoy your evening," Eric said in dismissal.
She nodded and thanked him before joining the party on the floor. The rest of the night went by having fun with my mates, Pam, Carmanos, and even Victoria. I'll admit to having a drink or two. After arriving home, Godric made me a salad and spaghetti. It was really yummy! Once I finished, we all got ready for bed, after a few rounds of amazing sex that is. We fell asleep curled around each other.
The next afternoon, I woke up to my phone ringing. Godric was awake, but Eric wasn't yet. He handed me my cell phone. It was Charlie. I had called Charlie, Jake, Emily and Sam, and Adele at least once a week. I actually saw Jason at Fangtasia every week. He stayed quiet as I answered, since Charlie didn't know about me being with vampires. Based on the time, it wouldn't be surprising if Eric woke up while I was on the phone.
"Hey, Dad," I answered.
"Bells, how are you?" he greeted sadly.
"I'm great; is something wrong?" I asked.
I heard him take a breath as Eric opened his eyes. "No; last night, Harry Clearwater had a heart attack. He's in the hospital; the chances aren't so great."
I felt bad for him. "I'm sorry; I know he's one of your best friends."
"Thanks, Bells." I heard him sigh. "So, how's school going?"
I sighed, and looked to my mates, who nodded. "Actually, I'm not going anymore."
"Why not?" he asked, sounding upset.
"I took a test to see if I could graduate early. I got a 96 out of 100 on it," I told him.
I could practically see his smile through the phone. "Congratulations, Bella. I'm proud of you."
I smiled. "Thanks, Dad."
"So, what are you doing with your time?"
I quickly wondered how I should explain carefully while hiding almost all of it. "I'm looking for a job."
My mates looked surprised, but Charlie answered. "Good luck, Bella."
"Thanks."
"Okay, I have to go. I'll talk to you later," he told me. "Bye; I love you."
"Bye, Dad. I love you too." I hung up the phone, and Godric put it back on the table.
"Is everything alright?" Eric asked.
"I'm not sure; his friend had a heart attack. They don't know if he'll live." I hoped he did. He was really nice.
"What about the looking for a job part?" questioned Godric.
I thought for a moment. "I could make it up." He raised an eyebrow. "I could say I found one at a bookstore. Or I could actually find one."
"No," they said at the same time. It was the kind of tone that I knew would promise discipline from both of my mates. I slightly shivered.
"You don't need to come up with a response immediately," said Godric.
I nodded. "I wonder if Sookie's boss would say I work for him if Charlie asked."
Eric growled in mention of Sam. Godric had a slightly confused expression on his face. I guess he didn't know who he was.
"Don't mention the shifter again," he complained.
Godric's eyebrows shot up. "Shifter?" Eric nodded and he frowned. "Absolutely not."
This made me wonder, "Is it just you guys that don't like Sam?"
Godric smirked a little. "Vampires don't usually like shape shifters, regardless of who it is. It has nothing to do with him in particular."
"Oh," I said. I'm guessing they wouldn't like Jake too much then.
Speaking of Jake, he called around five minutes later. I had told him everything; about being mated to vampires, moving to Shreveport, and so much more. He promised he wouldn't tell Charlie. He also kept me up to date on everything with the pack.
"Hey, Bellsy," came the slightly crackly voice of my russet skinned best friend from Forks, well La Push really.
"Hey, Jake," I answered.
"I'm guessing Charlie told you about Harry," he began.
"Yeah; I'm guessing he hasn't changed."
"Not yet," he replied.
"How are Leah, Seth, and Sue doing?" I asked.
"Not so great. They're all at the hospital; they're really worried."
They were all so nice, well I didn't know if Leah was, and I hoped nothing happened to Harry. It would also hurt Charlie.
"That isn't why I called though."
I was confused. "Why then?"
"Last night, we found a dread-headed leech lurking around. He was looking for something. Do you know who it is?" he wondered.
I shuddered. "Yeah; his name is Laurent. My guess is Victoria sent him to look for information about me before last night."
"What happened last night?"
"Victoria came here," I started. I heard a growl and the phone shaking. "Relax, Jake." He took a few deep breaths. "She came into the bar I was in and my vampire mates scared her. She didn't know Edward had left me, especially the parts of being left in the woods and called a plaything. She was upset by that, saying something like that but worse had happened to her before she was turned. She said she would send Edward here in pieces if she ever saw him again." I informed Jake of what happened.
There were a few moments of silence. "Good; if you ever see Dickward again, make sure to have someone get a few swings in for me if I'm not there."
My mates chuckled and I laughed. "Will do, Jake."
We said our goodbyes and hung up.
"Next time, I would like to talk to this friend of yours," Godric said.
"Yes, I would like to know more about him as well," agreed Eric.
I sighed. I didn't think they would like the wolf part. I had yet to tell them much more than he was my friend since childhood, he fixed the truck I had in Forks to run for a long time (when they saw a picture of it, they were surprised it even turned on), and was a couple years younger than me. I bit my lip in hesitation. Godric ran his hands up and down my back to relax me and encourage me to talk.
"I'm guessing it can't be like a few weeks from now?"
They both looked surprised. "Bella, what are you hiding from us?" asked Eric.
I sighed. "I just don't know how much they would want me to tell."
Eric thought for a moment. "Are these the teenaged werewolves protecting you that you talked about that first night?" I nodded. His fangs clicked out and he growled. ''Werewolves aren't good company, Isabella."
I frowned. "You don't know that he's like other werewolves. The whole pack is nice and friendly. Emily's boyfriend Sam is part of the pack too. You've heard me talk to both of them before and they've been nothing but friendly."
He sighed and slightly growled in annoyance. "You don't understand. Werewolves can't control their temper, are unpredictable, and are dangerous."
"I know they're dangerous. I saw one turn for the first time the day before I came to Louisiana. He had never turned before. He was scared because he didn't know what was happening. One has a slight problem with his temper, but he can control not turning until he was away from everyone." I was getting upset; they were my friends.
"You don't need to be around them ever again," he continued.
I climbed out of bed. I went to the closet and put on some soft shorts that were black and a loose t-shirt that was red with a rainbow on it. I also put on some little casual tennis shoes that were red. I walked out of the closet to run directly into Eric. He had to catch me so I wouldn't fall. His grip didn't loosen as he took one arm and gently lifted my chin to look at him.
"You don't need to see them again," he repeated.
"You don't know that. Besides, they're my friends. I want to see them," I told him.
Godric stepped in. "We can talk about this later."
Eric loosened his grip and led me to the kitchen, having already sealed the house of light. I got everything to make eggs, bacon, and toast, but Godric did it for me, saying I should sit and that cooking would be dangerous with how I felt. So, I sat there watching him.
"How do you know how to cook," I asked. "You don't eat."
He smiled. "I enjoy it sometimes."
I smiled back, standing up to get orange juice, but Godric sped and had it sitting in front of me within just a few seconds. I sat back down as I smiled.
"Thank you."
He smiled back and handed me the plate of food, including some fresh berries on the side. I ate it happily, savoring the yumminess that my mate managed to put in that even I couldn't. Once everything was gone, the dishes were put away into the dishwasher and we all went to the living room. I sat there thinking about Eric's reaction and a way to make him feel differently.
"Are all werewolves that big?" I wondered suddenly.
They looked at me in surprise. "They're the size of a normal wolf," said Eric.
I shook my head. "No they aren't; they're nearly the size of a horse."
They looked confused, and then Godric's face suddenly showed comprehension. "They aren't werewolves then. They are a different kind of shape shifter. It was a different kind of magick that made them. They are designed to kill Cold Ones."
"That's the story passed through the tribe. They only activate when Cold Ones are nearby." That made the whole story true then; wow.
Eric sighed. "Fine; you can see them, but not often. You won't see them until they can be sure they have their tempers in check and won't turn accidentally and hurt you."
I smiled and jumped on his lap, giving him a big hug. "Thank you!" I then kissed him.
He started chuckling, as did Godric, who I kissed and hugged as well. After that, we all sat there watching a movie. I had made popcorn half way through. When it was only around thirty minutes to dark, I got another call. This one was from Jason.
"Hey, Jason," I answered.
"Hey, Bella," he responded. "I have a question for you."
"Okay, shoot."
"Are you going to be at Fangtasia tonight?" he asked.
I looked to my mates who nodded. "Yeah, why?"
I could hear his smile in his reply. "You'll see."
With that, we said our goodbyes. I wondered what he was planning.
Around fifteen minutes after dark, I got dressed in dark jeans a pink flow-y shirt that came all the way down my arms and pink sparkly flats. Pam put my hair in a pretty up-do and put pink eye shadow and lip stain and black eye liner on me. After that, we went to Fangtasia. After the usual routine when we arrived, we sat there on the throne watching. Around thirty minutes after opening, my eyes nearly popped out of my skull. I could feel my mates follow my stare and become shocked as well. There, walking beside Jason, was Adele. My elderly aunt was in the middle of a vampire bar and was ecstatic. She was looking around taking the sights in, eyes lit up and sparkling with excitement. She had on dark jeans and a blue dress shirt. She saw us on the stage and started waving. They made their way over to us after getting their drinks at the bar. To my somewhat surprise, Adele actually had alcohol. Once they were on the stage, she gave me a big hug.
"Bella, it's so good to see you!" she exclaimed excitedly.
"It's good to see you too, Adele. How are you?" I asked.
She smiled. "I'm fantastic! What about you?"
"Amazing," I sighed happily.
She gave me a knowing look and winked at my mates, who simply smirked. This was the first time she would meet Godric. Jason had met him, and they liked each other.
"Godric, this is Adele. Adele, this is Godric; he's my other mate."
She smiled and clapped once. She shook his hand. "It's so nice to meet you! I've heard so many good things about you!"
"As have I," he answered, smiling back.
She shook Eric's hand as well. "It's nice to see you again, Eric."
"Same here," he answered, having his attention distracted.
I looked at him curiously, and followed his gaze. It seemed something was happening at vampire senses level. He passed me to Godric, said he would be back shortly, and disappeared. I looked to Godric, who just shook his head. I sighed.
We caught up with Adele and Jason, catching all the gossip from Bon Temps as well as telling many things about what was happening in Shreveport. Around ten minutes later, Eric came back with a different shirt on and a few splashes of blood in his hair. When I pointed it out to him, he disappeared to come back a few moments later blood free. I gave him a questioning look, but he rolled his eyes and waved it off. I sighed again, and my lips came out a little. He raised his eyebrow at this, but didn't say anything. We talked for over an hour. Adele had also brought me the check that came from Sam Merlotte. I thanked her and Eric put it up in his office. Reluctantly, I had asked how Sookie was doing after seeing Bill killed. Jason said she was getting better, and realizing how much he had been changing her emotions. There is a chance I may forgive her, but I would need to talk to her before that happened. We had a fun time; even Pam joined in later. At one point, Adele asked the three vampires if they had been in the Civil War. All three answered no, with Pam saying she wasn't born yet and Eric and Godric being in Europe at the time.
Once they left, I had a snack and then my mates decided to go home. We arrived, put everything in its spot, and went to the kitchen. I made tuna casserole while Eric made a salad. After eating as much as I could, the leftovers were put away and we went to the living room. I decided to check my phone. I had missed a few calls from Charlie; he left a few voicemails though. I clicked on it and listened.
Bella, call me back. I have some news about Harry. That was the first.
Bella, I called Aunt Adele's house looking for you. Sookie said you moved out and moved in with your boyfriends, who are freaking vampires! I need to talk to you.
Bella, when you get this, call me. Something has happened. It's about Renee.
I flickered through emotions with each voicemail. The first was worry and hope. The second was absolute anger. The third was really worried. I looked at my mates.
"I have to call Charlie back." They nodded. "How do I explain moving in with you? He sent me here to keep me away from vampires."
They looked thoughtful before Godric answered. "Tell him you were nervous to tell him because you were scared of how he would react. Just say that we are your soul mates." I nodded.
I dialed Charlie's number. He answered quickly. "Bella?"
"It's me, Dad. I just now got the voicemails. I didn't hear my phone," I told him.
He sighed. "I'm just glad you're okay."
"You said something about Harry and Mom. Is everything okay," I asked.
"Not exactly; first I have to ask why you didn't tell me you moved out and moved in with vampire boyfriends?" he didn't sound happy about that.
I took a deep breath. "I was nervous to tell you; I was scared of how you would react because of why you sent me here. They're my soul mates though; they would never hurt me and they will keep me extremely safe."
He was silent. "Are you sure?"
I nodded, though he couldn't see. "I'm positive. You can even ask them."
"I'm not sure I want to talk to them yet."
"If it makes you feel better about them, they have torture plans thought up and planned out for whenever they find Edward," I informed him.
I could hear his smile. "You have no idea how much that makes me like them."
I smiled. "Thank you, Dad." I could see Eric and Godric smiling largely as well as smirking evilly at the thought of Edward. It nearly sent shivers up my spine, especially coming from Godric. I expected it from Eric, and was partially used to it already.
He sighed. "Alright; now the not so happy parts. Bella, Harry didn't make it." He paused, and I felt a tear slip down my cheek.
I felt two arms wrap around me. "I'm sorry, Dad. That must be hard for you."
I could hear the sad tone that I nearly never heard from him. "Yeah; the next part is going to be hardest for you of all people."
I was confused, and then I remembered he said something happened to Renee. My stomach sank and I felt like I would be sick.
"I'm sorry, Bella. There was an accident. Renee and Phil were driving when a speeding car hit them. Neither one made it." He paused, letting that sink into my head.
Tears started flowing, and I felt arms wrapped tightly around me. I felt myself going into shock, becoming numb to the feeling of pain and heartbreak beginning.
"I know it may be the wrong time to ask, but do you know if Renee or Phil ever planned for something like this?" Charlie asked.
I thought. "I don't recall Renee ever doing anything, and I don't know if Phil did."
"It's okay, Bella. I'll make a few calls and see," he told me.
I smiled. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, Bells."
It was silent for a few moments. "When is the funeral for Harry going to be?" I asked.
"Friday; I'm helping Sue with all the arrangements. I can help with Renee's as well if you want me to Bella," he offered.
Eric held out his hand for the phone, and I handed it to him. "Mr. Swan? This is Eric Northman. I'm one of your daughter's mates."
"Call me Charlie… please," I overheard him say. I guess he didn't like the name Mr. Swan too much.
"Charlie, her other mate Godric and I can take care of all the arrangements for Bella's mother and step-father. This way, you can concentrate on taking care of your friend's funeral. We can also find if they planned for this. You have our condolences." I was surprised at Eric's offer.
There was a stunned silence. "Thank you, Mr. Northman," Charlie said gratefully.
"Please, call me Eric," he told him.
"Eric, then. Just out of curiosity, can you give the jerk that left my daughter a few bullets in his body for me when you find him?" I rolled my eyes.
Eric chuckled. "Sorry, but their bodies are too hard for bullets to pierce, but I do know many ways to hurt them. I'll make sure he knows some of it is from you."
"Thank you very much," my father said happily.
"You are more than welcome," my mate said darkly.
He handed the phone back to me. "Hey, Dad. It's me again."
"Bells, I'll talk to you tomorrow. I have to go."
"Okay, Dad. I love you," I said emotionally.
"I love you too, kiddo." I could hear the emotion in his voice too.
We said our goodbyes and I curled into my mates. I stayed like that, with tears streaming down my face, thinking of my mother and Phil. I played all the good memories we had, and thought of how I wouldn't be able to see her or talk to her again, at least not while she was alive. I didn't move for a while, though my mates made me at least drink something to keep hydrated though stuck with water and ginger ale. I had heard Eric talking to someone, but didn't pay attention. Pam didn't come here that night, and I found myself wishing she had. Eventually, I was tired and so my mates carried me to the bedroom. They helped me change, my emotional state causing me to be clumsy, and I brushed my teeth. I climbed in the bed and curled up to my mates and fell asleep with their arms being my comfort.