A/N: Angst alert. There is angst ahead. I'm sorry to do this to you but it's necessary for the progression of the story. Look at it this way, I'm getting it out of the way early so we can move on to happy times. Any similarities to persons living or reading this is purely coincidental except for Sookie, Gran and Lafayette. They are based on people I know and the story lines are based on real events, some made up, some embellished, yada, yada, yada. I apologize ahead of time for anything that may be deemed offensive or hurtful to anyone. With all that being said, ENJOY!

"So, who were you talking to?"

My mind went blank. I didn't know what to say to him. Bill clears his throat. I shake my head, my mouth hanging open, but no words come out. At this point, I figure I have three options.

One, tell the truth. Well Bill, I was having phone sex with your cousin Eric Northman, and it was amazing. Not sure that will go over so well.

Two, stretch the truth. Well Bill, I was talking to your cousin about us visiting them in Sweden. Nope, too many questions can come up there that I can't, and don't want to answer.

Three, I can lie. I'm good at lying. Option three it is.

"Um, I was talking to Amelia. We've been playing phone tag for a while now so…"

"Really? You typically moan when you're talking to Amelia? Is there something I need to know Sookie? Are you a lesbian?"

"What? That's just, what?"

"It would explain things."

"I'm not a lesbian Bill."

"Then who were you talking to? You can't expect me to believe that the moaning you were doing in here was for Amelia's benefit. What, were you teaching her how to fake an orgasm?"

Again, I think, I have three options. Continue with the lie, stretch the lie so that it resembles the truth or just tell the truth. Telling the truth was not going to happen at this point but I can tell him what he wants to hear so that he fucks off.

"Yes. I was teaching Amelia how to fake an orgasm. She's been having difficulties with Tray." I thought I would leave it at that because he can't expect me to divulge personal information about my friend. Amelia will kill me if she ever hears about this conversation.

"Wow, you must really take me for a fool. I don't believe that for a minute. Now, why don't you just tell me who you were talking to and be honest with me."

"I just told you…"

"You just told me bullshit. Why can't you be honest with me? Are you that insecure that you can't tell me you're calling a phone sex hotline?"

****

I have a very vivid imagination. I like to believe that if I think something up, it will actually happen. It didn't work that way for me this time. I know I'm fucked and Bill looks pissed.

"So who were you talking to, Sookie? I could hear you moaning all the way downstairs." I knew that I could be loud but I didn't realize I was being that loud.

"Um, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Like hell you don't Sookie. I'm not an idiot. Give me the phone." Oh shit.

"What?"

"Give me the phone and I'll find out for myself. You don't want to tell me who you called so I'll use star sixty-nine to call them back. Unless of course, you want to cut the bullshit and just tell me who you were talking to."

Just then I hear my Sammie outside scratching at the bathroom door--my little savior. Thanks to Sammie's interruption I won't have to lie. I didn't want to fight anymore tonight.

"Has he gone out yet, tonight?" I ask Bill, hoping to change the subject.

"How would I know? He's your dog."

"I think he needs to go out."

"Well I'm not taking him. You do it."

"I'll need to get out of the bathtub first. You can't take him out for me, please?"

"No, he's your dog so you take care of him."

"Geez, Bill I'm not asking you for much."

"Your dog, your responsibility."

"Fine!"

"Don't think I've forgotten about our conversation. I'll be waiting for you when you get back."

He turns to leave the bathroom finally, and I breathe a sigh of relief. I quickly erase the Caller ID log and dial Amelia's number. It rings twice before she picks up.

"Hey Amelia, listen. I'm sorry I had to cut our conversation short earlier but Bill came into the bathroom needing to talk to me. I'll call you back as soon as I'm done with him, okay?" I can't be too sure he's not standing outside listening, so I pour it on thick for his benefit.

"Uh, sure Sookie I'll tell Amelia that you called." Tray.

"Great! I'll talk to you soon. Bye now."

I hang up the phone and get out of the tub. I dry off quickly, grabbing my fluffy pink robe and slippers. Sammie doesn't like to wait too long to go out so I rush to grab his leash and head out into the backyard. God forbid Bill actually strains himself taking the dog out to pee. Maybe I'll catch a cold and die and then he'll be happy. The moment I return, Bill is waiting for me with the phone in hand.

"So, you called Amelia just now? What for? To get her to back up your lies?"

"No Bill, I called her because you'd interrupted our call from earlier." Good ole option three in full effect…

"Why is there no record of your calling her earlier?"

"What are you talking about?"

"There should be something listed here in the phone where you dialed her number."

"No Bill. It doesn't work that way. Why the third degree about a phone call?"

"Because I can tell you're lying to me and I want to know why. I've caught you Sookie. Just tell me the truth. It'll be easier on you if you do."

"Are you threatening me again? What are you going to do if I don't tell you anything?"

"I guess we'll have to wait and see now won't we. Last chance."

"Fuck you! I'm going to bed."

I storm away to our bedroom, slamming and locking the door behind me. Sammie hops up onto the bed and snuggles close to me. If Bill wants to be an ass, he can be an ass in the other bedroom. I'm pissed but I'm not stupid. He thinks he can threaten me and I'll just sit back and take it? Well, I'll show him. I use my Blackberry to quickly book myself a one way ticket to Sweden. Why one way? Why not? Bill wants to keep all of my shit anyway so I'll have nothing to worry about coming back to.

Fuck it.

****

I awake the next morning feeling extremely groggy. I didn't sleep for shit. I thought of Eric the entire night. Then I thought of Bill finding out about Eric. I feel like such a loser. Was I really going to fly to Sweden? What would I do when I got there? I don't even know where Eric lives. He doesn't know I'm coming. I deleted his number from the phone without writing it down first. I'm seriously rethinking my genius plan from last night and I don't think I can go through with it.

Bill knocks on the door and I get up to answer it.

"I'm working from home today. I thought maybe we could talk some more. Especially since you have some explaining to do."

"Explaining? What more do I need to explain to you Bill?"

"Well my dear, you will explain who you were talking to--oh, excuse me--moaning to on the phone last night. You will explain to me why there's a one way plane ticket booked on my credit card and you will tell me anything else I want to know."

"I called Amelia last night. The plane ticket is for her. She's planning on leaving Tray and wanted my help to get away from him."

"That doesn't explain the moaning Sookie."

"Fine, I was getting myself off in the bathtub, okay."

"No, that's not okay. Why couldn't you just tell me that last night instead of being a bitch?"

"Did you just call me a bitch?"

"Yes. You were being a bitch."

"You are such an asshole."

"And you are such a bitch. I guess that makes us even."

"Please go away. I don't want to be bothered right now."

"I don't have to go anywhere. In case you have forgotten this is my house."

"Fine, I'll leave then."

"Oh no you won't. You will stay right here until I am through with you."

"Who do you think you are? You're not the boss of me."

"Sookie, I will tell you this--"

Ring, ring…ring, ring…Thank you God!! I go to answer the phone but Bill stops me.

"Don't. We're not done talking yet."

"I have nothing else to say to you."

He didn't look like he would budge but he finally quit being a pain in my ass when he heard his cell phone ringing from downstairs. I was so happy he left. I thought I was going to crack and tell him the truth, but he bought my story. I guess that's what I get for being so creative.

Bill is really good at spotting lies so I've learned to be on top of my game. Oh God, look at what I've become. I'm a liar now on top of everything else. Gran would be so disappointed in me, but she'd also say, "What he doesn't know won't hurt him."

Now I need to figure out what to do about my plane ticket. I booked it for today and Bill is playing babysitter so I'll have to wait until he goes to work in order to leave. I take the little free time I have to quickly pack a small bag. I figure the smaller the bag the more inconspicuous it'll seem if he finds it. I need to get Eric's number so that I can call him. Maybe I can Google him?

I pull out my laptop, head straight to Google's homepage and type in Eric Northman. There are actually a couple of hits. Eric has a Twitter account. Who would have known? Once I am fairly certain it's him, I DM him that I'm heading to Sweden. I hate the limitations on characters but I get my message across. Damn you Twitter!

He seems overly excited about my coming to see him and I guess I am too. He says he will meet me at the airport and that I can stay with him. Apparently he has his own place. I get his number and program it into my Blackberry. He has one as well and gets my pin to instant message me. As soon as his number is in my phone it pings. He's IM'ing me already?

I can't wait until you get here.

I try to think of a witty reply but reconsider because it's too ridiculous and I respond simply.

I can't wait to see you too.

I miss you.

I miss you too. But you already knew that.

I should warn you I may not let you out of my sight.

I blush. I can't believe this boy, young man, is making me blush. I'm so ridiculous.

I think I'm okay with that. Besides, I'm coming to spend time with you.

What are you wearing Sookie?

We are SO not doing that right now.

Why not? I like knowing that you're touching yourself, imagining it's me.

Nope. Now isn't a good time.

Bill there?

Yes.

I'm sorry. I can't help myself. I want you so bad.

Seriously, you have to stop or I won't respond to your messages.

You wouldn't do that to me. I only say sweet things to you. You won't deny me that now will you?

You aren't being sweet, you're being fresh. I have to go. I'll see you soon.

Goodbye my lover. Until tomorrow.

The phone rings. I answer it quickly as I'm not sure who it could be. It's Amelia calling me back from last night.

"Sook, what's going on? Tray said you called last night."

"I'm leaving Bill Ames. I have to. I'm going to Sweden. Oh, can you watch Sammie for me while I'm gone?"

"Sure. Um, Sweden? What the fuck is in Sweden and how long will you be gone?"

"Eric and I'm not sure."

"You've lost me sweetie. Who is Eric?"

"Yeah, I didn't tell you about my New Year's Eve did I?"

"No, you didn't. What happened, did you meet someone? You do remember that you're married right?"

"Yes, Amelia! Eric is one of Bill's cousins. He's gorgeous and I'm in love with him, or at least I'm in lust with him, no I love him. He says that he loves me too."

"First, why am I just hearing about this? Second, you're in love with him? Third, what the fuck? Sookie, I don't know what's going on with you but if you think you're doing the right thing I will support you. Just please, tell me you know what you're doing?"

"I don't know what I'm doing Ames, that's the thing. I feel free and great and fucking amazing. He makes me feel something that Bill never has. I don't know how else to explain it."

"Sook, I need to ask you something but I'm afraid I already know the answer. Have you uh, you know, slept with him?"

"Why would you ask me that?"

"I just had to ask because you know I'm nosy and I know things with Bill haven't been that great. If you two are confessing your love for one another then it would only make sense that…"

"We did and it was the best sex I've ever had. He's younger than me, only by six years, but I think they make a difference. Ames if I told you what he did to me…whoo! I'm in love with him. I feel it in my bones and I just want to be with him. I can't get him off my mind. I've had to be careful not to call out his name the few times Bill and I have had sex. I hate Bill's guts and if I had my way we'd be divorced by now so I can go and live my life. I'm taking the first step and I'm going to Eric. I don't want to be here anymore and nothing's keeping me here in Bons Temps."

"Well, I sure do feel like chopped liver. You forget about your friends, your Gran?"

"No, I just, I have to do something for me Ames. I have to or I'll just die here. In fact, I'm already dead inside and Eric is awakening me. Does that make sense?"

"It does but I'm still worried for you. You're going off to a country you've never been to, where they speak a language you do not know, to be with your husband's younger cousin. Doesn't that sound strange to you? You're a smart, beautiful woman and can have any man that you want. I'm not fighting you on this, I just want you to think a little and be sure before you travel across the ocean to be with someone you may have nothing in common with."

"But that's just the thing, we've talked before and we do have some things in common. He's just younger than me."

"You don't know much about him though. Are you planning on staying there? Getting a job? Making a life with him? How is that going to work? Won't his parents be pissed?"

"I hadn't thought about that. I just want to see him. I need to be with him."

"Shit, Sookie. You're my girl and I love you and I want what's best for you. Go to Sweden; see him, fuck him, and come back home. I'll help you in any way that I can with regard to Bill. I know how that asshole thinks and he'll probably leave you destitute if you decide to leave him."

"Wow! How could you know that, I hadn't even told you? He said he'd leave me with nothing. I don't care. I just want to be free. Thanks Ames for being here for me. You don't know how much you mean to me."

"I do you silly bitch. I love you. Call me when you get there okay? I don't want to be worried that you didn't make it there or something. If you need anything call me. And I do mean anything. Don't get all proud on me, either. If you need money…"

"Bye Amelia. Thank you and I love you but no. I'll call you when I land."

I cannot wait for this day to be over. All I can think about it getting into my car, driving to the airport, and landing in Stockholm. I can't believe I'm actually going to do it. I'm going to Sweden. I avoid Bill for the rest of the day. I can't even look at him without wanting to vomit. This will be the last time I have to see him for a while and I thank God repeatedly before I close my eyes to sleep and dream of better days.

****

I plan to leave home while Bill is at work. He leaves around six a.m. and I don't need to leave until nine. I have my bag packed and ready and all I need to do is shower and get dressed to go. I make sure that I have my passport, ID and anything else I'll need. I've already cleared it with Amelia to leave Sammie with her.

My flight to NYC isn't until eleven a.m. and it lands at JFK by six p.m., which will leave me just enough time to make it to my connecting flight to Brussels. I head to Shreveport early in the morning with my little bag and nothing else. I drop Sammie off to Amelia on the way to the airport. I'm nervous but excited. I can't wait to see Eric.

As I make my way to Shreveport, there's a knot forming in my stomach. I've just left my Sammie at Ames' place and I know he'll be taken care of but I just can't shake the feeling that something isn't right. I look in my rear view mirror and see flashing red and blue lights. I'm not speeding, my taillights are fine, so what could be the issue? I pull over to the shoulder of the road thinking maybe they wanted to pass me. No such luck. Shit!

The officer sidles up to the driver's side of my car, gun drawn with a grimace on his face.

"Put your hands up and please exit the vehicle!" What is going on? I open the door and step out, hands raised above my head.

"What seems to be the problem, Officer?"

"Ma'am, this car has been reported stolen."

"I don't know how as I'm the owner. You can check my license and registration. They're both in the car."

"I'll do that if you let me do my job first. Put you hands on the hood of the car please."

"Sir, if you'd just look in my glove box where my registration is--"

"Ma'am, again, if you'll let me do my job I'll get to that. We take stolen vehicles pretty seriously around here. I'm not sure what a pretty thing like you would need to steal a car for but I have to look into it. Okay?" I nod that I understand.

Pretty little thing, huh? Maybe if I bat my eyes at him a little he'll let me go. This smells like Bill's doing. How the fuck did he know I'd left the house? If I find out he's behind this I'm going to go Lorena Bobbitt on his ass and have a new showpiece for the mantle in the family room.

Another cop car rolls up behind this one, a female cop getting out. She walks over to us, talks with the other officer for a bit then comes over to frisk me. I did not think this was how I would spend my morning.

Once she's satisfied with her search of my person, I'm handcuffed and she places me in the rear of her car. Its procedure and for all of our safety. Yeah, cause I'm packing heat. I laugh the whole thing off but I'm seething on the inside. How could he do this to me?

"Well, looks like you were telling me the truth but the car was reported stolen by the other person named on your registration. Is this your husband?"

"Yes sir."

"Is there a reason he would think the car was stolen?"

"No sir."

"Well, we'll have to take you and the car down to the station, get this all sorted out."

"Sir, please, is there any way you can just let me go. I have a plane to catch in a couple of hours and this is a real inconvenience, especially since you know it's my car."

"I would if I could, but your husband seems to think your car was stolen. If there is a misunderstanding we'll see to it as soon as we can but I can't let you drive away with this car until we can get a hold of him."

"I can call him right now and he'll tell you…"

"At the station ma'am. We'll be there shortly. Tow truck's just pulled up. You sit tight and we'll get this taken care of."

"Well, can you at least take off the cuffs?"

"Sure." He removes the handcuffs providing me with a little relief. I'm so embarrassed. I can't hold back the tears that have been beating against my eyelids for the last few minutes.

We arrive at the station and I'm livid. They allow me to call Bill but he doesn't answer his cell. I give them his office number and his secretary tells them he's out of the office. Like hell he is. He's probably sitting at his desk twiddling his thumbs while I'm here. I can't control a sob that escapes my lips, causing the two officers to look over at me in pity. The only good thing about this situation is I'm not being arrested.

Bill finally returns the officer's call around four p.m. I've been sitting here waiting all day for him and I'm out of my mind with anger. I need to call Eric to let him know I won't be at the airport. I need to call Amelia to let her know I'm still in the States.

Bill shows up at the station about an hour later. He has a smug smirk on his face that I want to smack off with this chair I'm sitting on. He talks to the officers for a minute then comes over to me.

"So where were you going Sookie? I called the house and you weren't there. I called the shelter where you volunteer and you weren't there either. So I thought about it a bit and called Amelia, who's still at home and isn't planning on going anywhere. Did you forget to tell her the story you made up?" Looks like I did.

"What do you want Bill?"

"I'll let you leave here with your car on one condition."

"What's that?"

"That you come home with me. I love you Sookie and I don't want you to leave. That is what you were planning, correct? We can work this out; just don't leave me like this."

"Bill, I don't want to play games with you. Give me my fucking keys so I can go."

"Promise me you'll come home with me."

"I can't."

"Sookie. Am I really that bad?"

"Yes! You don't know? You can't tell? Please, just let me go. You said that I could leave if I wanted and I want to leave. Let me go." I am begging him with all that I have and he doesn't seem to care.

****

I get into the car, utterly defeated. Bill reaches over to hold my hand while he drives. I pull away from him. He won't let me leave. I have no idea what to do now.

"Should we go pick up Sam or would you like to leave him wherever he's been stashed for the night?"

I say nothing. I'm tired, hungry, and just plain worn out. I cry the entire ride home in silence, knowing that I'm trapped with no way out. Then my phone pings. Eric.

A/N: I of course have to say thank you to my lovie hearttorn for being my beta. If anyone has any suggestions as to how Sookie can get away from Bill, please review and let me know. I'm looking for different ways for her to get away from him and I'd love to hear what you think. I'm always open to suggestions, some of which I have put into this chapter. Thank you to all of you who do review, alert, favorite and read my stories. I appreciate you more than you know and you keep me writing. Thanks! xoxo