Chapter 25
Disclaimer: Well things are coming to an end. Tear. I am halfway thought the next installment of A Normal Life and I am pretty happy with how things are going. Just a heads up I am not going to pick up where the last book left off because while writing the story. I the last Book came out and I didn't want to trash everything and start over and I and like I just said, I am too happy with how the story is going to start over. So I hope you all aren't going to be too upset and I hope that doesn't affect my views. Once I think of a name I will put it is my Authors notes so like I said before….be sure to read the EVERYTHING in the last chapter. Even the boring ass disclaimer.
AS A SIDE NOTE: I want to explain something that I read in a review recently. murgatroid!! How are ya? How's the family. We still on for tonight? Just remember to bring the bubble wrap okay? Don't forget like last time haha just kidding. Anywho murgatroid , thank you so much for all of your kind words throughout the chapters and I wanted to answer your review publicly just in case any one else was thinking the same thing. "Anyways…THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for noticing Caseys flaws Yes, she uses witty retorts and sarcasm as a defense mechanism. I intentionally showed her moments of vulnerability and quickly masked it with a funny punch line here and there, and I'm glad you picked up on that.
It makes my job as an author a hell of a lot easier haha. By nature I am fairly sarcastic and tend to make a sly comment here and there and I wanted to see if I could give Casey my personality but twist it around and make it into something far more in-depth and painful.
NEXT TOPIC: The reason why Casey doesn't have fairy guards can be seen as two ways. A. She has been under the radar and been in hiding that no one has been able to find her TO PROTECT HER ooooooor (incoming!!!! More Foreshadowing!) Who says that she hasn't been being watched the entire time?) DUN DUN DUN!!! Haha. When I read your review I was checking under my bed to see if you had been sneaking a peek at my un-posted writing!!!
Alright enough about the totally awesome murgatroid! You guys probably want to get to reading so here you go!!
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6 hours, 11 jeans, 2 purses, 25 tank tops, 9 skirts, 6 pairs of shoes, $200 at the local MAC store and $20 on hair accessories later, Sookie and I returned to the room.
"I can't believe you wouldn't let me get you anything." I said as Sookie helped me get the last few bags in the door.
Sookie wasn't smiling. "Eric is going to kill you!"
I threw my head back and laughed. " You should have told me to stop then." I said
Sookies eyes widened. "I did….eightTEEN times."
"Eric said that it was alright." I said ignoring her last statement….just as I had the 'nos' and it was nineteen not eighteen.
Sookie looked at me warily. "Eric Northman said that you could go out and spend almost $3,800 on a new wardrobe?"
"He said if we needed anything. And I needed these things." I said in a fake defensive tone. "I don't have any clothes and since Eric almost killed me last night I see this as a 'we're even' type deal. I needed the clips for my hair tonight. I needed the make-up…which you're going to have to do…sorry…makeup has never been my thing. All of these things were the bare necessities."
Sookie stared. "Even the kite and the sombr-"
"Especially the kite and sombrero." I interrupted. "I then reached into my pocket "and the kazoo." I said while placing it in my mouth and blowing.
Because when you think about it…everyone should have a kazoo.
Sookie let out a ragged sigh and threw her hands up in defeat/
"What time is it?" I asked.
Sookie looked at her watch. "Its 6:15. We should start getting ready."
I turned to look out the window to see the sun had begun setting. Eric and Bill were going to be here soon.
I took another shower…not because I was dirty but because I LOVED THAT BATHTUB. After I got out, I blow-dried my hair. I put my robe on and went back to the bathroom. Sookie was already there waiting for me. The makeup was already laid out on the counter strategically.
"Can I do your hair?" I asked.
Sookie gave me a puzzled stare. "You can do hair?"
"Well I mess around with it a lot when I'm cooped up in that room of mine and I've learned a few tricks throughout the years. All you gotta do is tell me how you want it and ill do it. If you hate it I wont be offended…my self esteem will be crushed but I wont be offend"
Sookie laughed. "Sure… I think you should put it up. I don't want anything obstructing my view when Bill and I are holding Eric back."
I laughed as I sat on the bathroom counter.
When Sookie was done I looked in the mirror and was floored. She had spent a good 25 minutes on my face and I looked amazing.
My eye shadow was a sparkling silver and the lipstick I chose was called "speak louder" which I thought was fairly ironic yet appropriate. It was a pretty neutral color with a hint of pink to it. The eye liner made my eyes pop and if I weren't for the time and effort Sookie had put into it I would have cried.
I looked at her and then at the mirror and gave her a sly glance. "Oh you're goooood." I whispered. "Alright your turn!" I squealed in excitement.
Sookie laughed and sat on the toilet backwards. I went into her bag and got her brush. I cracked my knuckles worked my arms and jumped around as if I were about to box Ali in his prime.
"First things first. Where's your dress?" I asked.
"laying on my bed." She said while turning.
I told her to wait there while I look a look at it. It was a gorgeous dress. It was silk and was icy blue. It had a modest neckline but the back…well…there wasn't one.
I then skipped back to the bathroom and went back to sizing up Sookies head.
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Now I'm not one to honk my own horn but…
Beep beep bitches.
When Sookie finally turned to look in the mirror she let out an audible gasp. "Oh…my…god." She finally managed. Her hair was half up and half down, parted at the side, I teased the back to give it some volume and took a blow-dryer to make her ends flip out. I then began snatching pieces of her hair down at the side.
I then took my eye pencil and put the cap back on. Sookie stared at me in confusion. "Trust me." I said when I saw she began looking a little worried.
I then took the hair wrapped it in the eye pencil loosely and picked up Sookies can of hairspray. I sprayed it and turned on the hair dryer and held it there for a few seconds and unraveled the hair. I repeated the process with my mascara tube and finally my own finger.
"You crafty little devil." Sookie laughed as she stared in amazement.
"Like I said…boredom you should see what I can do with a pair of shoelaces." I laughed.
I ran to my shopping bag and grabbed a package of small jeweled hair clips and pinned a few in her hair.
I stepped back and looked at Sookie with a triumphant sigh. "Done."
Sookie stared at me and then back in the mirror. "Oh you're gooooood." She said mimicking me and gave me a quick hug.
I didn't spend too much time on my hair. Hell, I didn't really think I needed to. So, I just parted it to the side, sprayed some hairspray. There was something missing but I couldn't put my finger on it. I then remembered something. I went to the living room and made a beeline to the vase that had a banquette of magnolias in it. I plucked one from the bunch and ran back to the bathroom and put in on the side of my hair.
Perfect
Sookie entered totally dressed. She looked amazing. I proceeded to make a slew of cat calls.
Sookie blushed and slapped my arm playfully. He then went serious.
"Before we forget here. "She said as she handed me the small bottle of silver.
The moment I saw it I remembered why we were here in this amazing hotel room…to risk out lives. You have to admit is kind of put a damper on things.
We then heard a sudden rap at the door.
"Shit. What time is it?" I asked. I ran to my room to see the time.
8:15...shit!
I sprinted to my closet slipped into the dress, jumped into the heels. I looked at the time once more. 8:21.
Damn I'm good.
I walked into the living room to see two damn dine looking vampires. Bill was wearing a black suit and black shirt and a blood red tie.
Eric…Jesus Christ Eric. He was in a charcoal grey suit with an even darker smoky grey shirt and no tie. He even had the audacity to not button the first two buttons of his damn shirt.
When his eyes met me I immediately became very aware of how much of my skin was showing and if I didn't before Eric eye made no mistake about that. Suddenly I had gotten an idea. As I saw Eric and Bill making their way further into the room I turned around and immediately ran back into my room.
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Let's just hope this works.
"CASEY!" I heard Eric call.
"Oh snap." I sighed. I quickly reapplied some of my lipstick and lip gloss and came into the living room.
Eric was sitting in the living room. In front of all the clothes I had bought. I stayed calm.
"Before you say anything let me just say that I think I earned those clothes after you almost ripped my neck off the other night. And you said for me to get what I wanted and that's exactly what I got the bare necessities for myself." I said quickly.
Eric then looked over at the kite and the sombrero. "How the hell is that considered the bare necessities for you?" he said pointing a long finger at the sombrero and the kite.
I rolled my eyes. "Don't be ridiculous." I said as I walked over and picked up the kite and sombrero. "This I got for Bill for buying me the dress."
I tossed it to Bill.
"Thank you?" He said puzzled.
"No problem." I smiled. I then headed over to Eric. "And this," I bent over and placed it on his head. "is to say thank you for the rest of the clothes."
Sookies eyes were about to bulge out of her head. Bill looked away and was trying to keep himself from laughing. I had to admit it was a pretty funny sight. A ancient vampire dressed GQ from the neck down with a straw sombrero on his head with a donkey print going around the brim.
"Olay!" I then I shouted while striking a pose.
Eric's hands were gripping the sides of the arm rest he looked as if he were holding himself back from tossing me out the window.
Lets see what he's thinking. Shall we?
I concentrated for a moment.
--dress? I came in when he was in mid-though.
Damn I hate it when that happens. I thought to myself.
Eric let out a sight. Simply removed the Sombrero and headed out the door.
That's it? No yelling? No threats?
To tell you it was Eric's lack of anger that made me uneasy.
"Are we supposed to follow him?" I asked while pointing to the door.
Bill headed out with Sookie following close behind. I headed for the door and paused.
Still "You guys go on ahead I want get my new purse…you know…kind of like a useless accessory." I smiled.
As I pretended to search through the bags I turned around. When the door closed. I ran to the bar and poured and shot of vodka.
I heard somewhere that alcohol was supposed to calm your nerves.
As soon as the alcohol went down my throat I slammed the glass down breaking it. I quickly observed my hand to see if I had cut myself. That was the last thing I needed before going to a party full of vampires. Nothing. My chest burned from the drink and I let out a violent cough.
How the hell do people do this every day? I choked thinking about the dozens of people who order this same drink and ask for seconds.
I ran to the bedroom and took my complementary mint off the dresser and quickly tossed it in my mouth.
Lets just hope you don't live to regret this.
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When I closed the front door behind me I saw Eric waiting by the elevators alone.
Damn.
"I….I was looking f-for my purse but…it didn't really g-g-go with my outfit so I changed my mind." I said nervously.
Eric shot me a suspicious stare.
I listened in.
She's lying. He thought.
I let out a sigh. "Okay… I went to sneak a drink. I didn't want Sookie to know." I said.
I opened my mind again but heard nothing.
The elevator doors opened and Eric offered me his arm but I didn't take it.
We rode on the elevator in silence for the most part. "So…are you mad?" I asked referring to the purchases I had made….and the sombrero…and the OLAY!
He didn't say a word. "Are you giving me the silent treatment? God that is so juvenile." I bit out.
He just stared ahead.
The doors opened and as soon as we stepped out, it was almost as if someone had pronounced me on the PA system because male in the lobby had frozen. Eric's arm shot around my waist and pulled me close to him.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I mumbled.
I looked up at him to see that he was glaring at every man in the room.
"What's the matter?" I whispered "you got self esteem issues or something?"
Eric still remained silent. When we stepped outside into the crowded streets his grip intensified. "Ow!" I shrieked, and elbowed him in the stomach. "Cut it out." I bit.
I searched around to see where Sookie and Bill had gone to.
"Where--"
"They went ahead. We will be going separately and will rendezvous at the function So as not to raise suspicion." Eric finally answered breaking his silence finally.
A black limo pulled up and Eric's driver opened to door for us.
When we pulled away I noticed that Eric was staring at me. I tried to ignore it but I failed miserably.
I shifted uncomfortably and finally let out a groan. "WHAT?" I growled.
A crooked grin assaulted his face.
"That's dress…" He paused as his gaze lingered all over my body. "…really suits you." He finished in a edged tone.
Uh-oh
"Eric…I need to stay focused tonight okay." I said.
"I know." He said raggedly.
I eased away from him until I sitting on the farthest end of the seat. Eric kept his eyes on me as I moved away.
He then had a look of sheer puzzlement on his face. "Casey? Where is it?" he almost growled.
"Where is what?" I asked confused.
"The vial? The silver? Does Sookie have it?"
Shit!
"Don't get mad but…I kind of left the vial at home."
"We have to turn around." Eric said in a concerned tone.
"NO!" I said panic laced in my voice.
Eric froze.
"I left it at the hotel on purpose." I blurted.
His expression went from concern to rage. "Why would you do that something so stupid." his hand began to ball into a fist.
"I have a plan." I said
He didn't say anything at first. "And what might that be?" He asked.
Well…here goes nothing
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We pulled up to a large building…it looked more like a castle than anything. There were large Iron gates that opened immediately as we came to it. I didn't see Sookie or Bill anywhere when we pulled up to the front.
After telling Eric my plan he didn't look the least bit pleased.
"That has to be by far the stupidest thing I have ever heard." said simply.
I paused for a moment. "Well…stupidity got me into this mess….maybe it can get me out." I said simply.
"No!" He growled. "I won't allow you to do it."
Allow?….Allow!?!
"Let's get one thing straight Eric Northman you are not my fucking father nor are you my keeper. I know this is going to work."
It has to.
"So you want me to just stand idly by while you get yourself killed?" He rumbled.
"To put it simply…yes but if the plan works, no one is going to get killed." I said.
Eric looked as if he were about to say something but the driver opened the door and he immediately jumped out.
I took a deep breath and followed. The moment I stepped out of the limo I saw that all of the vampires' eyes immediately shot to me.
Eric?
He went stiff.
Hold my hand. I tried to keep my eyes on everyone. Be aware of where everyone was standing.
A large hand encompasses mine and I clung on for dear life.
Do they know I'm not human?
Yes. He thought.
Do they know I am a fairy?
I don't believe so but they will soon enough wont they?
My hand gripped his tighter. I'm scared.
You should be.
Gee thanks.
The vampires outside were staring at me as if I were a rare T-bone steak. Their gaze never left as we entered.
The inside of the building was beautiful. There was a winding staircase. It looked like it should be of Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous. My eyes spotted Sookie and Bill standing at the foot of the stairs. Bill made eye contact with me first and they headed over Sookie immediately followed suit.
Don't tell them! I mentally shot at Eric.
Eric and Bill gave a nod simultaneously. I then opened my mind to all three of them.
I think it would be best if we had anything to say we should communicate like this. Bill? Eric? If you have anything to say just tell me and I'll tell Sookie.
I tried my best to block out all the other vampires thoughts.
What is she?
She's gorgeous!
Who is that with Northman?
What I wouldn't give to sink my teeth in to her sweet juicy…
Case? I heard Sookie think.
I looked at her.
You're going to have to stay calm. Your eyes are turning black.
This idea of yours is fucking insane. Eric thought although I heard rage in his words he looked totally calm and collected.
From the top of the staircase I saw a girl. She mustn't have been any older than seventeen. She was the same girl that I saw in my vision the night I met Eric. The queen of Louisiana. Her eyes immediately met mine and she walked…correction…damn near glided down the stairs and came directly to me.
"You must me Casey. Eric and Bill have told me all about you." I nodded.
How are you? I heard her think.
Terrified. I honestly answered.
She didn't seem phased at all by me being in her mind. If anything she seemed please.
"Allow me to extend my gratitude for your services.." She then turned to Sookie and gave a slight nod of her head.
"Sophie-Anne" Sookie nodded with a less than happy look on her face.
Sophie extended her hand. "Come." She said simply.
I looked over to Eric and he nodded. I took her hand and suddenly I felt more protected with her than I did with Eric. Who would have thought a girl who was younger than me, technically, would make me feel so safe.
"So should I call you" Your highness? Sophie-Anne?…Queenie?" I asked.
Sophie-Anne just smiled. "I'll use that to your own discretion." She said simply.
I turned around to see Eric Sookie and Bill following close behind.
"You will be sitting with me." She said as we came up to two large mahogany doors.
"Will Eric, Bill and Sookie be with us?" I asked quickly.
"Yes. Would you like them to?" She asked.
I nodded.
Two massive mahogany doors led us to a large ballroom.
Great more vampires. I thought to myself as I stared at the somewhat full room.
We immediately headed towards an empty round table that had a small card sitting up that simply read, Louisiana.
Everyone in the room had their eyes fixed on me.
As we sat down the empty tables began to be filled.
Is everyone in here? I asked Eric.
He scanned the room and saw that all the tables had been filled and gave me a quick nod.
Its Showtime.
The lights dimmed, and a tall Hispanic vampire walked to the center of the room. He must have no more than thirty when he was turned. He was scrawny. I could tell even with his tuxedo on.
"Ladies and gentleman. Kings and queens of America allow me to welcome you all. We will begin the proceedings tonight my welcoming all of the Kings and Queens of the US. The Queen of Alabama. Miss Agnes-Marie Concord " The spotlight was then turned to a table on the other end of the table where a tall glamorous woman stood.
Instinctive I got my hands ready to clap but immediately stopped when I saw no one else was about to. I instantly dropped my hands to my lap and laced them.
"The King of Alaska. Mr. Heath Wailer"
My hear began to pound in my ears. I tried to control my breathing.
What if he sees me?
"The King of Arizona. Mr. Thomas Comrade"
Calm down Casey you want him to see you.
"The King of California Mr. Oscar DeFrancis III"
Whatever you do don't panic. Stick to the plan. Everything is going to be okay.
Every time the spotlight was fixed on a table I immediately scanned it to see who was sitting at it.
"The Queen of Georgia. Margaret-Elizabeth Sparrows "
They went down the states alphabetically.
"The Queen of Louisiana. Miss Sophie-Anne LeClerq" The spotlight was almost blinding. Everyone in the room began to murmur. It didn't take a genius to figure out it was because if me.
Every table I looked at, I saw no signs of Xander. Maybe he wasn't there. I hadn't sensed him. Maybe he wasn't even connected to this whole thing.
"The King of New York. Mr. Davenport Cross"
FUCK! I thought.
I didn't keep it to myself. Immediately Bill, Eric, Sookie and Sophie-Anne looked at me.
What is it? Bill asked
My face was totally composed but my body had turned to ice.
Its him. I thought. Stay calm.
Which one? I heard Eric think.
The fucking king! I screamed inwardly.
Xander was the King of New York and he was looking directly at me.
**Authors Notes**
Alright things are getting interesting. I cant promise that I will write anymore today because I am so exhausted and my hands are cramping but I SHALL RETURN!!!