"Would anyone like to take a newcomer chip? How about thirty days clean?"
I rose from my chair. My shoes squeaked against the tile. I smiled nervously as I took the chip from the lady's hand. She had been running the meetings for a few days now.
"Thank you."
"Ugh, Jason. I'm an Addict."
"Hi, Jason."
The group responded to me. It's still odd talking in front of all these people. Well accept for her. I know we're not supposed to make any connections here, you know, treatment first. But having her here has made it easier.
"I actually don't know what I want to say. I've never done this before. Treatment, let alone therapy. Um, so here it goes. Im here because of my sister. She finally had enough of my shit. Which there's a lot of it. Im not proud of the things I've done. Especially to her. She saved my life so. Thank you, sis." I kissed the chip and took my seat.
A few others rose to get their chips. She finally stood up to take hers. I'm so proud of her.
"Names Sarah. Some of you know me. Seen my face everywhere. Im so ashamed that I was led down this path.
My addiction started right around the time that I got married. I was so unhappy with my life. And I never knew why. I was raised in a perfect family, never had any strife. But even so, I was just so sad.
I never told anyone. Especially not my parents. They just wouldn't have understood. As my life went on I just drifted with the time.
Right up until I was at the alter. The man I married. I never loved him. I wanted to, but, it was just never there. He came from a good family, had a good job, you know? But nothing.
I married anyway. As that's what you do in perfect families. You do as you're told. You get married and have kids. Go to church, have grandchildren... and then die.
After the wedding, that's when it really set in. I was expected to walk, talk and be perfect. Twenty-four-seven. Especially now that our families were in the public eye. Being a Weller was hard. But being a Newlin? Was hell! I tried so hard to be the perfect wife. But I always just came up a bit short in his eyes. To comfort myself I began drinking.
At first, it was just a glass, and then two, and then the whole bottle. Which pissed him off, a Newlin wife couldn't show up a drunk to the mayor's house.
What he didn't know was at that point I'd been doing more than drinking. V. Yeah they don't tell you when you take that first drop, you'll be hooked!
I know you've all seen the news. Seen the tarnished image of the Newlin name. Looks like me showing up to the Mayor's house drunk off my ass wasn't nearly as bad as Steve thought.
I'm so thankful God has led me down a better path. Led me to see the light. That I wasn't the problem. That he was the reason my marriage failed.
He wasn't a good man. I'm so ashamed of the things he's done. Instructing those people to... I'm just so sorry. "
Tears fell from those big blue eyes. Sarah Newlin. Her husband was branded a cult leader. He instructed some of his followers to go blow up some vampire's house. She got trapped there. After everything was said and done she can barely show her face.
I worry about my sister. Now I don't think they should be killed. Well, at least not all of em. But Vampires aren't good. But neither are humans, so what do I know?
Sarah took her seat next to me. She smiled. She's in the process of divorcing. I've never been with a woman like her… she's so good to me. Since she's still married we've been celibate. I think that's what she calls it. We ain't having sex.
Which is different. Ever since I knew what it did I've been touching myself. And once I knew what was between a woman's legs! I never looked back.
Anyway, it's different. It's about time for lights out soon. I wanna grab a smoke before.
"Jason? You've got a call."
"Alright."
I could ignore it but it's probably Sissi. She hasn't called this week. That's not like her.
"Yello, what's up sis?"
"Stackhouse have you spoken to Bill or Sissi lately?"
"No, who's this?"
"It's Eric."
"Have you stopped by the house? If they're both gone, it could be that he's finally asked her. Bill went ring shopping with me a little while ago."
"I've been by. Nothing is out of order. I can't get in contact with either of them. "
"Well, um, Im in rehab. There's not much I can do. Are you saying my sister is missing?"
"Im not sure. I'll let you know if I find out anything. You might be right... sorry to worry you."
See what I mean? She's always around them. Now I know she can handle herself but... that wasn't her fault.
Our Gran dying hurt her. I know it hurt her. But it hurt me too. I never should have. Never!
"Call me as soon as you find anything out." The phone clicked over. Too late for my smoke. Shit!
When I went to my room. She was still waiting on me. She was currently sneaking a smoke inside. Blowing it out the window.
"Shit, can I bum a pull?"
"Sure."
As we smoked we chatted about things. Nothing too important. That was until I brought up my sister.
"Sissi, you know, my sister. One of her friends called earlier. He thinks she might have gone missing."
"Now Jason. Don't do anything stupid ok. I'm sure everything is alright. She's strong, right? She would have to be to put up with you." She chuckled lightheartedly
"You can say that."
I've never been quite fond of my sisters' abilities. It's not her fault. She's just different. I try not to let it scare me. But sometimes...
I still haven't told Sarah about her. Well, not the complete story. She knows about how it was Sissi that convinced me to get clean. But she has no clue about what she is.
I'll have to fix that. If she's gonna be in my life. Well. She's gotta get along with Sissi. I'm done with going after these fast young things. I'm a grown man now. It's time to settle down. Gran would have wanted that.
Maybe I could give her those grandkids she always pushed for. In spirit that is. The way things are going between Bill and Sissi, it doesn't look like kids will be in her future.
"I just worry about her that's all."
"Why?"
"Well... she hangs around these Vampires."
"Jason! You shouldn't be talking to anyone that's using."
"She's not. Believe me! My sisters not like that. She's in love with one. Getting engaged soon."
"Oh. I see. Is it hard for you?"
"Not really. Vampire Bill. That's his name. He's alright. A bit old-fashioned but I guess that's normal for his kind. " I laughed but she didn't.
"Well. I've never told anyone this but, my sister. She tried that once. Dating one of them. It didn't last long. There strange. Vampires."
"Ten o'clock. Lights out!" Sarah tossed the cigarette and left. I climbed into bed. And closed my eyes. My sister still on my mind as I tossed and turned.
The worry and fear slipped into my dreams. Dreams are strange. But they've never quite looked like this. So vibrant. I kept seeing her. Sissi. Screaming inside darkness...
I awoke. My bed drenched in sweat. As I looked around I could have sworn I saw her. Standing over by the window. Her hands dripping in blood. She screamed at me. But no sound came out. I closed my eyes immediately. Once I opened them again... it was gone. Was I slipped something?
I wasn't unfamiliar with night terrors. I've had many over the years. I still can't swim. The thought of being in a body of water still makes my shorts wet. She claims she doesn't remember but I do.
We were sitting in the back. Momma and Pa were arguing. I was trying to ignore them with my gaming toy. I can't remember what it was but I was shooting at aliens.
Sissi. She had her headphones in. She always did. Even with them on she could still hear them bickering. Pa couldn't remember if he boarded up the windows. Of course, he didn't. We were supposed to and I tried reminding him but he didn't listen. I didn't say anything. It was better not to.
Anyway. As we were driving over the bridge the wheel slipped through and we slid over the edge. It was an old rickety wooden bridge. I used to wonder why no one fixed the thing. Welp after that night they did.
As we were in the water. It was her. Something happened. I'm not sure what but everything went black. I didn't feel nothing. No water. No screaming. Nothing. It was just she and I.
Next thing I know we woke up in the hospital. She says she doesn't remember the darkness. I know she saved me that night. I laid back down and tried to sleep again.
The following morning went as it always did. Breakfast, therapy, group, Work if you were allowed off-site, dinner, and lastly our final group of the night.The entire day I couldn't shake this feeling. That something was wrong. That my sister was in danger. So much so that when I was supposed to show back up to the treatment center... I didn't.
I left a note explaining everything to Sarah. Explaining how sorry I was that I didn't finish my treatment. That I needed to find her. To find Sissi.
The first thing I did was try and bum a ride. I was in New Orleans. There were a few people here that knew my face. I've been around since hanging with Amy. I hope she's ok. She must have been really scared to steal my truck. You know what, no. Fuck her!
She was the one that introduced me to this. To V. It's not like I haven't done drugs before but there's nothing like it. You feel connected to everything around you. I could hear the trees... it's opened my eyes. My body is a temple and I must treat it as such. Well, that's what Sarah says anyway.
Since no one was willing to give me a ride unless I did something strange. I decided to use my skill. I hot-wired a junker and rode it till the gas tank ran out. The rest of the way I walked.
I finally made it to Bon Temps. The first place I stopped by was Merlotte's. If anybody knew where Sissi was it'd be Tara. She smiled when she saw me.
She used to have a crush on me when we were kids. I like her all right, but it feels weird. She's more like my sister. Plus, she's Sissi's friend. I don't much like the idea of sticking it in with someone my sister hangs with.
"Now Jason Stackhouse. What are you doing here? Ain't you supposed to be in Rehab?"
"Have you seen Sissi?"
"Why? Bill do something to her?"
" I don't know. I got a call from Eric. He said she's been gone a week."
"Well, the last I saw her was on her day off. I've tried calling, I just figured she ran off doing something for his ass."
"She quit."
"She quit working for that demon? Well shit. I never thought I'd see the day. I'm glad. Let's go."
"Where?"
"That damn Club where else. Sam somethings going on with Sissi again." Tara hopped over the bar.
"When is there not? Hey, ain't you supposed to be in Rehab?"
"Yes and the quicker I find my sister, the faster I'll be back in."
"I can't leave. I gotta bar to run."
"That's alright. I'm going. I think it's about my turn to save her ass anyway. "
"Well, who the hell is gonna cover the bar?"
"I've got it."
Hoyte stood up. A hot Lil thang was hanging off his arm. A lot has changed since I've been gone.
"You go get her Jason." He hugged me before walking around and taking over the bar.
"Thanks, man. Alright. Got any snacks? I'm hungry."
"Come on druggy let's get you some food on the way." We hopped in her car and left.
It's been a while since I've been at Fangtasia. Amy and I were regulars. That was until Eric caught on to what we were doing. I hadn't realized that while we were dealing, she was looking for a vamp. I found out too late how she got her supply of V. If I'm honest. I think the only reason why they let us live was because Sissi is my sister.
We both walked up to the familiar blonde woman. I think her name started with a p, I don't remember...
"Stackhouse, you certainly don't have your sister's charm. Did you forget you're banned? You need me to remind you with my pump up your ass?"
"Stand down kitty, we're here because of Sissi."
"Of course you are. What happen? She break a nail?"
"Eric called me." She rolled her eyes and let us in. As we walked past her she hissed at me.
"I see you buying or selling anything. I get first dibs on your sweetmeat." She licked her lips and walked away.
"Don't let that twig scare you. Come on." Tara drug me along with her. She seemed to know her way around the place.
"You been here before? I thought you were Anti Vampire."
"I am. I was curious... I stopped by one time. "
"Oh, you get down with a vampire?" I've never personally been with one but I've heard the sex is phenomenal.
"No, I didn't. I just danced. It wasn't too bad. Their drinks are cheap."
"That's 'cause we're the drinks."
We made it to Eric's office. She pushed the door open. He was sitting at his desk, the blonde woman already in the room. How did she get past us?
"Well If it isn't Stackhouse and I can't quite remember your name. You are?" He held out his hand to Tara. He was slightly bowed.
"Tara. Where's Sissi?"
"When were you going to tell me about the Princess? I thought we agreed she was finished being in our business."
"Pam, you mean my business."
"Same thing. "
"Leave us."
"Yeah. Yeah. I hope it's worth it." She shut the door behind her.
"I didn't expect to see you here. I told you I'd handle it."
"Well, you called for a reason. Now, what is it?" I took a seat while Tara stood over by the door. Her face twisted in suspicion.
"Bill was contracted to do some work for me. It's completed. He never came around to collect his check. I sent an employee to check his house and your sisters."
"By employee, he means the twig. What did she find?"
"Pam found Bill's home rifled through. She searched Sissi's."
"Grans. You mean our Grans home."
"Yes."
Eric was beginning to get annoyed with my interjecting, so I closed my mouth and let him finish.
"As I was saying. She found nothing. No clothes missing. No bags packed. The bathroom was a mess, hair care all over the place."
"Yeah, that's Sissi. Messy as can be. Gran' used to get on her for that. Sorry."
"I've since checked out a few things. You were correct, he did buy an engagement ring. There were a few other charges that intrigued me. One was a rather large restaurant bill. "
"Let's go." Tara called out.
"Go where?"
"The restaurant. That's gotta be the last place she was. I'm kicking both ya ass's if she's alright. " She mumbled about losing money. Eric whipped out his wallet and handed her a hundred-dollar bill.
"What's this? This ain't gon do nothing." He handed her another one and she closed her mouth.
"Good now?"
"My price goes up if we encounter any dead." She opened the door and walked out. We had no choice but to follow after her.
Once outside Eric spoke to the woman Tara exclusively calls the twig. I'll respectfully call her Pam. I didn't much like how she looked at me. Like a meal. She didn't seem pleased but agreed to whatever he told her to do.
The restaurant was pretty swanky. The building was all white with stone. The inside had those crystal lights rich folk have. I didn't realize my sister had moved up in the world. Huh.
"Excuse me, ma'am, was there a reservation for a Bill Compton. It would have been about a week ago?"
Eric asked the hostess, she looked real good. Her uniform made her tits look all pushed up. I may be spoken for but that doesn't mean I can't look. She looked through the book.
"There was but it was canceled. He rented out the whole place. So we just shut down for the night."
Eric looked at me. Tara was waiting in the car. She drove herself following after Eric and me. I knew something was wrong from the look sitting on his face. Once out of the restaurant I braced myself for whatever was going to happen.
" She's lying" Eric uttered. I was shocked but thankful I wasn't about to be chow.
"How do you know?"
"After years of living, you learn a few things about people. Let's go, we've got a lot of ground to cover. You're lucky I like your sister..." I wondered how much but I knew better than to ask.
We went back to Compton's home. When he said someone ransacked the place he wasn't lying. His clothes looked to be missing, the drawers were opened and things were ruffled around. But no valuables seemed gone. Hell wads of cash were just lying about.
"Someone is going through a lot of trouble to make it seem like they left town." Tara spoke as she assessed the mess.
" A shifter has been here... the smell is all through the house. I'll take care of this, I'll find her." Eric commanded that both Tara and I leave. I wasn't having that, that's my sister.
" No, that's my sister out there... only family I've got. I'm coming with you now and you can't do anything about it."
"What is it with you Stackhouse's. Fine, but watch out for yourself. I imagine your price just went up. Here."
"Oh, I'm fine. Bill paid me." She held up a wad and stuffed it in her bra. We all left. Sissi, you better be alive! I can't take much more of this.
