Trading Places
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the True Blood characters (*sigh* unfortunately). I only own my original story plots and characters. For those following from the first chapter….can you please read the first few paragraphs because I made a slight change before I posted this. Thanks
Chapter 2
Dublin, Ireland…. 13 years ago…
Godric's POV
I had rested very little on the flight to Ireland. There were so many thoughts going round in my head. Was I being irrational? Here I was, on my way to meet my destined future mate…..a three year old named Roanne. Perhaps I acted too soon. Should I have sent someone to gather information? What was the rush to go and meet the child? That was just it though…a rush, a pull…..an intense desire to meet face to face with the source of that smell…the amazing smell….sweet but not too sweet…with an undercurrent of fragrant flowers…or was it something else? I'd heard humans talk this way of alcoholic grape beverages…...was that it possibly? Did she smell like dinner? Surely I wasn't going to have a future mate as a snack?...then again, to some vampires, their mate is a source of food and sex but it is said to be more than that. It has to be more than that. Finding a true mate is a rare thing, so much so that some even deny its existence….saying it's nothing more than lust and attraction. But I couldn't deny my curiosity at wanting to meet this child. I knew Eric wasn't sold on the idea at all. I value Eric, and his opinion most definitely matters to me but I chose to ignore his whining and objections about this. Rose said he would play a pivotal role in Roanne's happiness too. Eric was just as much a part of this as I was…willingly or not.
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Our arrival into Dublin went quite smoothly. Once transferred to the funeral parlour; we waited for sundown to glamour the funeral directors. Our coffins for travelling were now safely in storage for our journey home and we were on our way to Donegal after a brief stop for Eric to feed. I needed very little blood to at my age. Eric could go longer with his age too but I didn't want to listen to the whining if he didn't feed.
We landed near Rose's property approximately two hours after sundown. "Can you feel that Godric? What is it?" Eric asked…he obviously felt it too. "Rose is a powerful witch Eric…as I've already told you. There are protective spells all around her land. I would expect nothing less of her". "Hmpffff….well, I'm tired of waiting. Let's get this over with so we can go home" he sneered. I really should have stopped Eric. I could have…..but it would serve as a good lesson to him. Had I not just told him that Rose was powerful and there were protective spells around the property? Surely he should have stopped to think what that meant….but no….his mind is not thinking right now…..his thoughts are on the Brazilian exotic dancer he met in a club, who was currently being entertained by Pamela until his return.
Eric zipped straight for the house….but in a matter of ten or so feet, at full vampire speed…he ran into an invisible wall. For a split second, he stopped….splayed out in the air, like a fly caught in a spider's web….then was thrown back twenty feet; landing on his backside.
I looked to him and snorted. I had no sympathy…the result was fitting for his stupidity. I felt a flush of embarrassment only briefly through the bond, but in true Eric style; he was up on his feet and by my side in a second.
It was then we were both distracted by ear piercing shattering screams…as though the world might end….
"Momma NOOOO…no no no no no….AGGGHHH" and that's when I saw her…a little blonde three year old Roanne…naked as the day she was born to this world…..running as fast as her little legs could carry her through the front door of her home.
"Roanne…..Roanne…..young lady you get your tushie back here this instant". Rose was standing outside now… her face furious but full of amusement all the same. Little Roanne stopped; turning around….her pudgy little hands on her hips. " . . ". "Young lady, don't you dare sass me". It was the oddest of scenes to watch…such a little thing; so wilful and stubborn. "NO" she screamed again…..stamping her foot.
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Eric's POV
It was mortifying to say the least…..for Godric to witness my stupidity first hand. Thank the Gods the little fat teacup distracted him. Insolent little brat.
"Roanne…that's enough"
"NOOOOO nooooo noooo noooooo"
Finally she made a move. She held the little wretch under her arm; kicking and screaming and turned to look at us. "Godric and Eric, won't you please take invitation to come on my land".
Huh? I didn't see that coming. Observant blood bag witch.
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I sat beside Godric, in what I can only describe as hovel. It was an odd little house; nothing matched…ugly furniture, ugly paintings, and strange smells. And if that wasn't enough to endure; we had to listen to the mini blood bag scream and whine….
"Stop fussing Roanne and let me wash you"
"Nooo… I don't wanna baff"
"You're covered in dirt Roanne. I warned you that if you were going to make a mud cake factory that you'd need a bath. Little girl's can't be left all dirty".
"Why?"
"Because it's not nice"
"Why?
"Because I said so"
"Noooo. ….."
"Ouch….did you just bite me?"
"Uummm….ehhhhhh"
*smack*
"owwwwwwwww"
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Godric's POV
Rose had finally put little Roanne to bed. I hadn't really gotten to meet her properly, but given the scene the child created, I could understand Rose's need to get her to sleep.
"Well" Rose said, as she joined us in the living room "so you've seen your first glance of my little Roanne. Your first impressions?"
"She's an impudent little runt" Eric spat, before I could even reply. "Eric" I admonished, but Rose only burst out laughing. "I can't argue with him Godric. She's my only daughter, my baby, my life…..but she can be a little terror sometimes. She's a stubborn child and knows what she wants….but she's also a loving little thing….so full of life, happiness, loving and giving. She's two opposite ends of a spectrum; there's no middle ground for Roanne most of the time". I couldn't help but flare my nostrils again. That sweet smell; I'd been struggling to compose myself since the magical boundary came down.
"Are you sure Rose?" She knew what I was referring to; I didn't need to say anymore to her. "Yes, she is destined to be your mate….and yours" she said, nodding to Eric. Gladly, Eric kept his mouth shut but I could feel through the bond that he was furious. "And what of the father?" Eric asked threw clenched teeth.
Rose frowned, the pain obvious in her face. "He's gone. I don't know where he is. Dead maybe…..I really don't know where he is. I loved him, I really did" she sighed. "I could feel the immense power he held. He told me he was a wizard. I never questioned him."
After some time Rose finally spoke again. "Why are you here Godric?" I didn't know what to reply. I'd been asking myself the same question all the way over here. "She'll never fit into your world Godric. I want her to grow up having a normal life. At least let her have that much. When she's old enough, she can meet you and make her mind up for herself". I could see the pleading in Rose's eyes. I wanted to argue, demand that Roanne be near me, but I knew that Rose was right; she would be in danger around us. The vampire world was a dangerous place that human's had no idea existed. Not that Roanne was human….but she deserved to have a childhood.
"I will leave her to grow up Rose" I finally spoke "but please know that you can always ask me for help. I will provide any assistance you need for Roanne".
"Thank you Godric" she whispered. I barely heard her as the smell hit me.
"Mummy?" It was Roanne; standing at the door holding onto a blanket like her life depended on it.
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EPOV
The wretched little teacup was at the door. Great.
"Come to mummy darling" the seer instructed "There's some people I'd like you to meet". The teacup waddled over to Rose, my maker staring at her the whole time. I felt him struggle through the bond but I couldn't understand what the hell was so special about the little blood bag. It was fat, ugly and smelled of spit and tears.
"Sweetheart, I'd like you to meet Godric" and the little brat pulled her spit covered fingers from her mouth and held her hand out to Godric. And what's worse, what's worse is he shook it.
"Is that your dada?" she had the audacity to ask, pointing a little sausage finger at me. Stupid troll.
"No Roanne. This is my friend Eric" and she turned to me, stretching out the little spit hand at me. Hell no.
"Eric" Godric hissed at me through clenched teeth.
You've got to be kidding? I looked at Godric…..pleading, but I saw a darkness there that I was willing to anger any further. So…against my will, I shook the pudgy hand.
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Present day…Belfast airport, Northern Ireland
I'm not gonna cry, I'm not gonna cry. That had been my mantra on the drive all the way from Donegal. I was flying from Belfast because it was nearer than Dublin airport. My bag was stuffed into the back seat; my other stuff had been shipped over last week. I was sitting in the front seat…sulking.
"Roanne, please…we've been over this a million times. There's no other choice. We don't have family to help us. It's only me and you kiddo…and Godric is the only person I know to ask for help"
"Vampire" I muttered….. "not person". I was miffed beyond belief.
"How can you send me there…after everything you said about vampires?" I whined.
"Please…..please Roanne". My mother never begged before….threatened, shouted, cuffed me over the head….yes…begged…no, definitely not. Then it hit me, just how serious this was. She really wouldn't be doing this if there was another option. Then the snots and tears started coming…mum handed me the box of tissues "You know I love you Roanne and I'm doing this to keep you safe."
The tears rolled for quite some time. When we finally got to the airport and parked the car, my stomach was starting to roll. I think I went into zombie mode…suddenly we were at the gates.
"So remember honey, your ticket and passport are in the inside zippy pocket. You have your camera and my credit card. You remember the number right?"
"mm hmm" that was all I could manage to say; my throat was choking up and the tears were rolling.
"You can take a few hundred to begin with; get yourself settled, get your school supplies and a phone. Then you can take $50 a week for expenses. Godric said he would sort out food and lodging for you. Roanne…..Roanne are you listening?" I was listening but my emotions got the better of me. I launched myself at mum….bawling my eyes out.
She just held me, rocking me in her arms. "My beautiful baby girl. You are meant for greatness. Be healthy, be happy. I will see you soon. I love you". And that was it. I walked through customs snivelling my little heart out. I kept looking back at my mother waving at the gate, then I went too far in; I couldn't see her anymore.
I didn't have long to wait for the plane. I never felt so low in my life. I was going to hate Louisiana. I just knew it.
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Godric POV
I'd like to say I'm nervous, but I'm not going to lie to myself. I wonder if she's changed much. The last photograph Rose sent was three years ago. Roanne was 13. It was a photo of her in her school uniform. I have it framed in my office in the new Bontemps house. Eric was merciless when he saw it. Dear gods, who ate Roanne Godric? Is there any part of its face not covered in spots? Well, at least it'll have more blood since it's so fat. I can't say I felt any remorse for punching Eric in the jaw and making him wear that silver bracelet for a week.
But right now I was anxious to see what she looked like. It had taken every bone in my body not to have someone spy on her. Rose had made me promise to keep away. I would have given Roanne everything she could ever have dreamed of but Rose wouldn't allow it. She said she was better growing up away from all that; away from the danger of vampires and the pressure of being my mate.
Would she feel a pull to me like I did to her? I was worried she would rebel against me. Her boxes were delivered two days ago; with 'Godric keep your greasy mitts off my stuff and don't open' written on the side in purple marker. Isabelle assures me that as a teenager Roanne might have issues settling in but I'm am walking blind now; I've no idea what to do. For the first time in thousands of years, I feel utterly powerless.
Where is she?
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Roanne POV
I'd been sitting inside of the exit doors for ten minutes now. Ok Roanne, women up and just walk outside.
There was no missing Godric; his pale skin, his gaunt face…an air of power. I walked up slowly, not even sure what to do.
"Roanne?" his voice had an accent to it but I can't place it. I'd like to say I had a ballsy reply… who the hell else would I be? or yeah, who wants to know? or who's asking b-atch? However, all I managed was to squeak out 'mmm' and nod my head like a bloody bobble head. Smooth Roanne. Seems I wasn't the only one that didn't know what to be saying.
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Godric POV
Wow. That smell, I'd forgotten how toxic it was, how alluring…how addictive. But that's not Roanne. Godric looked to the source of the smell. There stood a young woman; tall, toned, slender, brown eyes that were almost black. Her lips were plump and pouty, her skin so pale. She is …beautiful. "Roanne?" I asked, listening to her heart fluttering. 'mmm' was all she managed to say. I was lost for words.
It was Roanne who broke the silence. "So….shouldn't we get going?" she asked in that beautiful Irish accent. I snapped out of my daze. "Yes, of course, follow me". I offered to carry her bag but she clung to it like her life depended on it. I let her to the car park; paying for the parking fee. It was strange doing such a human thing. I guess I would need to get used to this now that Roanne was here.
The silence in the car is deafening. "So… are you looking forward to starting school?" For God's sake Godric, is that the best you can do?
"No… I hate school. I went to a tiny country school in Donegal where there were less than 100 pupils and when I was little my mum home-schooled me" her voice had a beautiful lilt to it. As she mentions her mother, I can see the tears well up. Keep talking Godric.
"I bought a house near Bontemps. I thought it would be safer than having you live with me in Dallas. I will try to stay there as often as I can and I've asked Eric to try stay over too, to make sure you are protected. I've also ensured my trusted day man Cameron will be there to help you during the day."
"OK" …well at least I got a reply. What else do I say?
"Wh….when do I have to start school?"
"Well… Isabelle, that's my second in command in Dallas, she said it would probably be best to take a week or two to get to know your surroundings and to get the house ready" I answered.
"Ready?" she questions, lifting an eyebrow. Mmm….sexy…. I mean cute, cute…. It looks cute. "Yes….. I am unsure what a human needs for daily living. I was going to have an interior designer in but Isabelle thought since you are living there that maybe you should be part of the process and pick the décor? I had everything painted white."
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Roanne POV
The car ride was awkward. Godric really seemed to be nervous. I had planned that I was going to hate him from word go but I just couldn't. He was trying so hard. I liked the idea of decorating the house. I'd have to thank this Isabelle vampire.
The heat was getting to me… I wasn't used to weather so hot and the humidity….phewww. If the night is like this, what the hell will the daytime be like? Godric pointed out Shreveport where Eric lived as we passed through. He also pointed out Bontemps town…..it was small, but still bigger than the town I lived in back in Ireland. He drove for another few minutes out a country road, finally pulling into a property. The front had a white picket fence and a white gate. The house itself was painted white. It was a two story wooden house with steps up to a veranda that stretched the full front of the house. That's all I could make out with the moonlight.
I got out of the car and grabbed my bag. "I'll show you around" Godric offered. "OK….but, it's really dark… I can't see where I'm walking" I answered…not adding the fact that I'm a clumsy oaf and was more than likely going to fall over. A hand reached out to grab mine. So cold. My breath hitched a little…..not at the cold; that was actually a welcomed thing considering the heat….but I was caught off guard by the action. Godric led me to the front porch, opened the door and flipped a switch and led me inside. I pulled my hand away when I realised I was still holding his.
The house was big to what I was used to back home. There was a large hallway, a living room to the left, with doors leading to an office behind that. Godric had an office set up back there. It was the only room with furniture. To the right was another living room. The further down the hall was another door into another big room. Lastly at the end of the corridor was a kitchen and dining room that had a utility room and small bathroom off it.
Upstairs was a big bathroom and three large bedrooms; the back bedroom was the biggest, with its own bathroom, walk in wardrobe and a balcony. It was the only room with a bed.
"Which bedroom is mine?" I asked. And why is there only one bed, I wanted to scream.
"I thought you'd like the master bedroom. But you can choose whichever one you want. I have a light tight sleeping area built underneath the house. It's accessed by the door under the stairs. The door will be locked during the day. I have 3 rooms down there in case Eric or other guests sat over."
I was relieved that he wouldn't be sleeping near me and terrified by what he meant by other guests. Godric didn't hover any longer. He left me alone to get some rest; telling me that Cameron would be by with a decorator who would be bring books so I could pick out paint colours and furniture.
I plonked myself down on the bed…which had no covers by the way. My boxes were on the floor. And that was it…it felt lonely and clinical with the white walls. The reality of the situation set it…. Mum was gone, I was alone and I hated it here.