Chapter 22:

I don't know whether you have noticed it before, but when you wake up it's a slow process and not the standard, I'm awake give me my two coffees and then boom. I'm talking about the way your brain starts kicking everything into gear. Before you wake up, you are obviously dreaming and then they gradually stop till you've got that last one. Of course, this is if you dream. I'm not. I can feel the way my brain is forcing the blood in my body to be pumped round by my heart. I can feel that the healing properties are doing their magic, yet have not finished yet. I can feel the way my muscles are stiff, but not the kind you would think. It almost feels like… Like my body has literally frozen and the blood pumping round is doing everything it can to stop the rigor mortis set in.

I had to groan, a test that I can talk. How about my eyes? I can't move. Not yet anyway. Lets try something else… My fingers? Toes? Something little, a small twitch perhaps… Ah. There we go. Movement. Small, but enough. Am I even breathing? I am now. The movement of my lungs and chest helps. I can feel… not much at all, I feel numb. Hmm, this can't be good at all. Okay, let's just keep breathing, the oxygen in the blood stream should do something. How long was I not breathing for? Could be seconds or minutes. I wonder the damage- oh no… Would it be permanent? Would I be stuck in this state, unable to move much, or respond? No… That can't happen. My blood will heal all damage. Right? Right!?

Oh gosh, please be right… please say I can properly heal. Okay, stay calm we can do this; all you need to do is open your eyes… darkness… did I open them? Oh gosh… what if I can never open them?

I felt a tear run down my cheek, my eyes stinging from sudden dryness and I blinked like a madwoman. I'm a drama queen. A freaking drama queen.

Okay, let's adjust! Sitting properly helps, let's sit strai-let's not! My head is spinning like a whirly-go-round ride. You know the ones. The ones that go in a circle and you're in a little carriage that spins as well. I had to hold my head with a hand as I pulled myself to sit in this cramped little room. Where the heck was I? I'm squashed in here. There's literally only enough room to sit, probably stand and get ou- oh dear I recognized the view of a small lighter square to my side. Confessions booth. He stuffed me in a confessions booth? Who does that?

"…can harm a child of Satan!" Newlin's shouting caused me to jump as the ringing in my ears died. Feeling my anger rise I realized that I was really getting sick of his attitude. Fallen Angel my Ass. Hybrid thank you very much…douche bag. I wobbled to my feet, leaning on the walls to help me. All the muscles in my body screamed in protest and I could feel (and even hear) the joints of my bones crack. I ached everywhere and felt completely stiff, as if moving was a bad thing to do right now.

I was able to look down at my appearance after feeling a blue sheet peel off my clothes with some distress. My dress was stained with my blood, and I felt dried blood crusted around my face and neck. I think some of it was matted into my hair. Yuck. I also noticed that there was rips where the blade must have punctured me. I looked a mess and my dress was wrecked… I liked this dress. Note the word 'liked'.

I heard faint screaming and I blinked, in attempts to get my vision straight. Wow I felt like shit…

"Sookeeh!" Bill? I spun round and attempted to open the door, but I fell right through and the people near the booth moved away as if I was an infected zombie from those films or something. Mind you… I probably looked awful right now. Blood around my face, hair and clothes… If I could see how I looked right now, I would probably laugh… or cry. A lot of crying.

"Sookie?" I croaked, my throat like sandpaper, and I noted all the stakes and silver wrapped round the people crowded in front of me. Half were looking in fear, I think I saw disgust in some of their eyes.

"Hayley?" Sookie cried out. I couldn't see her through these men though. They looked like clones… all big… buff… wearing grey sweatshirts. I hate grey sweat shirts.

"Ahh, so you did heal! I thought you gave up on me." I heard a faint snarl or two and squinted my eyes, it was really bright in here, "One more step Vampire and the girl will die," Newlin then shouted and I heard Bill threaten everyone else's lives. I couldn't see a thing from the glaring men, holding their stakes at the ready to kill me if I were to move. They must have thought I was a vampire… I don't look like a vampire! Anything but a vampire! I probably looked like someone who has just recovered from a murder… or came back from the dead… Like a zombie or something… Ew.

"Now, come on fellas, this isn't what it looks like. You're 'priest' over there, he tried to kill me," I tried to reason, some of them faltered, lowering their stakes by a fraction. I could feel a few of them see the truth by their sympathy rising, they were beginning to question Newlin now.

"Then if he tried to kill you, how come you're still alive? How do we know you ain't no Vamp?" one of them shot at me, pointing his wooden stake at me. He did seem unsure about it though, I mean… who wouldn't by looking at me. They aren't murderers… At least, I can't see it in them.

"Because your silver doesn't harm me?" There was more shouting and they all turned their backs to me. Silly move boys. I lunged forward, pushing my way through and somehow ended up next to Bill. He took one look at me and physically winced. Cheers Bill you stupid southern… prat.

"Yeah, I know. I look like crap," I sighed, trying to act fine. Wow, my head was major dizzy right now and the muscles in my legs were just yelling in protest for me to just… collapse. I looked to the alter to see Sookie pulling silver chains off Eric and some large blue sheet covering the alter and I'm guessing some places where my blood must have been. My glare trailed down to Newlin to see him nursing some bright green splodges. I was more then about ready to march straight up to him and teach that stupid know it all a lesson.

I had taken a step in his direction when a gasp made my head shoot up to Sookie and I sighed in relief to see her okay (completely forgetting Newlin) and hobbled over to hug her. She had pulled away for a second to shout for Eric to stop, before pulling me back, whispering her thanks to the Lord that I was okay.

"Go on! Murderers! Murderers before God…!" Newlin started to rant and I rolled my eyes and pulled back from Sookie to face Newlin completely.

"Oh shut up you stupid psychopath! You're the one who stabbed me several times! How can you call anyone murderers when you are the one who is just as bad! You're the one who tried to kill me! Even as I stupidly begged for mercy."

Sookie gasped and pulled me into another hug apologizing, but soon froze up and I felt Bill's hand on my shoulder at the sound of doors slamming from behind entrance to the hall. I looked up and behind waiting to see what was going on. Was it more reinforcements? What was going to happen? Everyone just seemed to remain frozen with anticipation. Every now and then my vision blurred and I would shrink further into Sookie's motherly hold.

As the doors opened I stood tall before I saw Stan the vampiric 'douche bag' Cowboy with other vampires stroll in casually from either side, reinforcements. I blinked trying to get rid of the haziness to try and concentrate on what he was saying, but I couldn't really hear. There was this loud… ringing noise in my ears and gosh it was irritating. I leaned onto Bill for some support and I felt Sookie's hands on my shoulders. I think I woke up too soon… I haven't completely healed…

Sudden screaming and being picked up into a strangers arms brought a wave of panic over me, and it wasn't just my own. Why was Bill trying to get me out of there? And now why has he suddenly stopped? What was going on and why the heck can I not see or hear clearly!?

"I can walk," I muttered struggling in his hold until Bill finally gave up and settled me down onto the ground, but both he and Sookie held onto me anyway. I smiled and shook my head as I looked around the blurs. There was a white blue on a platform above the doors… Was it the person talking?

I saw a tall black figure and recognized it immediately, Eric, I took an unconscious step forward out of Sookie and Bill's hold to try and stand up on my own, but my vision still hadn't improved. I frowned and placed a hand over my eyes. I know I absorbed plenty of my blood back, so why was I still like this? I can't be that weak can I? Or is there more of my blood in the sheet Newlin wrapped me in? It did absorb quite a bit of it… Oh man, I don't know… I do know that the ringing is getting louder and my head is starting to feel heavy along with the rest of my body. I can't pass out yet, there is too much going on and I could probably help.

"Angel, do you wish for me to kill this man for the pain he has caused you?" I snapped my head up to calm, melancholy voice and felt a slight pull in its direction. It was a white blurred person. He didn't look very tall… I swallowed a lump in my throat, the bitter taste of my blood remaining in my mouth and making me wince. I shook my head automatically to his response.

"H-he is a misguided soul. He… will suffer his crimes on his own terms." I heard myself saying emotionlessly and my head fell back into my hand, trying to keep it up and concentrate on standing myself. I just wanted to lay down for a minute or two and allow some strength to return. I don't know how much longer I can remain standing up for…

"Very Well. It is not unknown for an Angel to wish vengeance for such crimes, but it is a good heart to let someone such as yourself go," the voice continued and I felt my legs shake, "Come." the voice then said and as I couldn't hold myself up anymore I felt Eric's arms round my waist as he picked me up. I winced from the sudden movement and opened my eyes again. My vision was worse as I saw black spots everywhere. I just closed my eyes and rested my head on his chest. Completely giving in. I know I couldn't have stood up any more and thank gosh Eric picked me up when he did. Sookie would never let me go anywhere on my own and I'm probably double her age!

"Hang on," I heard him mutter before a, "Are you okay?"

"She's fine," Bill growled, "Go home with your maker…" did Bill just growl at Eric for asking if Sookie was okay? Why? I've recently started to find faults with Mr. Compton and I'm not too keen on this fact.

"Make sure she's fine…" Sookie whimpered and I struggled, trying to sit up, but Eric's hold strengthened so I just flopped, giving in and not being so stubborn. I know when to stop being a stubborn mare. My head rested on his chest and an arm gripping whatever top we was wearing, it felt like a tank…

"I just need my water and some rest," I sighed before feeling something cold placed on top of me and a sudden breeze in my face. It was strangely relaxing so I gave into my sleep. I hated it that I am doing a lot of sleeping, this was just like healing Sookie all over again. Except this time, someone tried to kill me, I had to heal myself Lord knows how much and I bet I was dehydrated. If I wasn't dehydrated, I bet I would be fine now after earlier!

Note To self: Bring water with you at all times and eat more than just a bowl full of fruit the day before.

So remember that bet? Yep, the bet again. My anger getting me killed. I provoked Newlin, and he stabbed me, slit my throat and let me bleed to death. And now? Now I was in heaven. Silk sheets (even though I do prefer cotton), in the arms of someone very comfortable, who smells good and they're stroking my back in that comforting way. Definitely Heaven. If I could stay like this forever, I don't care about being affected by the stupid empathy. This was just how I wanted to stay for a few days. Forget about things for a little while.

"You need to drink," a voice told me and I frowned, hiding my face in the clothed chest. Eric? No way. Eric isn't in Heaven…

My eyes fluttered open to hear a ripping sound and his wrist moving closer to my mouth, blood oozing from the wound and ready for me to drink. My eyes widened as panic spread throughout my body and I shot away from, almost falling out of the bed. I tried to ignore his hurt and confused gaze.

"Not that I don't," I almost shrieked and gasped for breath, "That's… Oh Gosh, Eric I-I'm sorry but that's poisonous to me." I watched as it slowly healed up and he brought me back into his arms.

"Hayley, to an Angel it is poisonous, but you are a hybrid. It shouldn't affect you like it would others," he commented and I nodded, sitting up, the silken sheets falling off my naked body. I froze and pulled the sheets up for some modesty. I have important things to think about… such as:

"Where am I and why in the world am I naked?" I spun round to face him, but he only gave me a small smile, not crude or sexy like the ones before, just innocently small... not even a sparkle in his eye.

"You have clothes over there and you were covered in your blood," he explained whilst I ran a hand through my hair. It was soft and not knotty at all, "Isabel washed you and laid out some clothes for you to wear." His head nodded in the direction and I followed to see the clothes. It was a white pencil skirt, black strap top with a laced hem and straps with my clean shrug, pumps and panties. I arched a brow and bit my bottom lip.

"Isabel is taller and slimmer than me…" I whispered and felt Eric's hand on my shoulder, "I'm going to have to roll it up then…" he then chuckled and I slid out of the bed, taking the sheet with me. I still felt hazy and stumbled a little bit, but Eric was there to help me stand straight.

"I brought you a bottle of water," he explained and handed me the bottle. I looked up and smiled gratefully, "Drink up and someone will show you to where everyone is."

I slowly nodded and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"What happened?" I whispered and he paused for a few seconds before shaking his head.

"You don't want to know," he stated and kissed my forehead before vanishing. I sighed and went about getting dressed. The top was a bit loose overall but slightly tight around my bust. So I had the bigger bust? Not bad. I was proud of my chest.

I tucked it into the rolled up white pencil skirt (so it would fit better) that went just above knee high. It felt weird to not wear a bra on and I hoped it didn't get cold at all. I slipped on the shrug and shoes and looked at my reflection in the mirror.

My hair was indeed dried straight with a few natural waves at the end and my fringe framing my face. My skin however, was no longer slightly tanned, instead it looked a pale shade of porcelain and my eyes seemed to glow a faint blue. I noticed my cheeks had a nice rosy tint to them matching the healthy pink colour of my lips... this is insane because there is no way Isabel put make up on me during my sleep... and yet I looked great.

Taking a step away from the mirror I leaned back to get a full look at myself. After all that, I didn't look bad actually… no bags under my eyes, no deathly look about me… I looked normal except… paler and… different… Weird.

I sighed picking up my water bottle and saw it wasn't full, but it wasn't one I have been using. Was I given some whilst unconscious? I wouldn't be surprised because I felt less like DooDoo then I did earlier, but I was blaming that on the sleep… Actually… I felt pretty darn good. Huh… Maybe it's this new diet thing I have going on. Poo! Less Pop Tarts for Hayley!…Still…

I opened the door to see Isabel standing there wearing black leather trousers, jacket and knee high boots covering her trousers. She looked empty and lost. When she saw me she forced a smile to her face and I tried not to show the pity on my face. I obviously failed when her jaw clenched in sadness.

"Thank you for… well, helping me earlier," I whispered and she nodded.

"It was nothing. Come, Godric requests your presence," she turned and started walking away.

"Isabel?" I called and she turned to face me, I closed the distance to give her a quick, chaste hug and pulled away, "I'm sorry. For the hug." I blushed and she smiled placing a hand on my shoulder.

"It is alright. I understand what you were doing. You wanted me to forget, or at least feel less pain than I do currently. For that I thank you." She lifted my chin with a small sad smile before she spun round and continued her walk. I followed silently, my eyes shifting around me as vampires and the odd human gazed at me as I walked past. I wasn't keen on the looks from the Vampires if I was honest… I mean, it wasn't like I was used to. I know I smelt a lot different compared to the usual human, but I felt like there was a neon sign above my head with an arrow pointing down saying 'Totally Not Human!'.

Isabel pointed to a queue and I gave her a soft smile and walked up to line of waiting people. I was feeling anxious. I had no idea who Godric was, apart from the fact that he was the Sheriff, or what he looked like. Was he the white blur from earlier?

The last person to talk to him left and I saw a boy, dressed in a grey sweater and darker grey jeans, with his hair cropped short, who… Well he looked like my physical age! He gave me a soft smile and did not speak. So this was Eric's maker? Well, I know where he got the staring thing from now…

I squirmed on the spot, wrapping my arms round my waist unconsciously.

"Erm…" I swallowed the lump in my throat and ran a hand through my hair, "Hi?"

He just smiled softly and stood, "I apologise for my staring, I was just admiring how much better you look now," he held his arms out, the same calm, serene smile on his face. I smiled before taking a shaky breath. Did he want a hug? Vampires hugs now? I thought they hated that sorta affectionate stuff...

"Erm, no…no… I…" I rolled my eyes and laughed at myself, "I'm sorry, I seem to be completely tongue tied it's not every day I meet a... well vampire older than my mother." I laughed nervously making his arms drops whilst he chuckled softly.

"That is completely fine. How are you feeling? I trust you are well rested?"

I nodded and took a sip from my water. It was the pure water. "I don't honestly remember much of this evening but I guess that was because I was unconscious for most of it."

He nodded with an amused smile and I felt myself being led to the sofa. I recognized where I was now, it was the house we visited a couple of nights ago when I first met Stan and Isabel.

"Yes, I have had a few people worried about you, waiting for you to awaken," he commented and sat me down, taking my hand in the process. It was a tender grip. I looked down at my hand in his, tilting my head to the side, "My child refused to leave your side."

"Is everyone okay? There were no casualties?" I looked up and he was sat straight, amazing posture. I was just slouching slightly, wanting to just curl up and hide away really. Maybe go back a couple nights where I was blissfully ignorant of the church. I guess the upside is I won't have the nightmares any more…

"Apart from you, no one was harmed, that is why I asked if you want to harm the Newlin's." he explained and my eyes shot to his grey ones in shock (He was very grey… Neutral). The white blur was him! Ahh! It made a little more sense now. In fact, I can remember more of the evening now. I was in a confessions booth… Never again.

"I remember that," I whispered and he nodded, the smile returning. I then released a short laugh a hand flying to my face, "I bet I looked like…" I muttered, my hand running down my face as I thought about it. My dress ruined, dried blood everywhere, round my mouth, neck, matted in my hair so it was probably sticking to me, "A dead girl walking…"

"You did cause quite a shock to everyone, but if you didn't show yourself, we probably would have never found you."

I nodded and bit my bottom lip, trying to refrain from shuddering. "I woke early…" I whispered and he nodded knowingly so I turned completely to face him. "Godric, have you met many of my kind?" His eyes lit up animatedly as he nodded.

"I have met quite a few in my many years, but of course, none were quite like you."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. Well there's a big surprise. I don't hear of many hybrids like myself.

"Well… Then maybe you can answer something for me?" I tucked some hair behind my ear and he nodded, genuinely happy to help. I wish more people were like him...

"I shall try my best." his serene smile relaxed me. For a vampire, he was completely at peace with everything. It was scary. I felt like I was with my father, or someone 'Up There', but the only difference was, I felt a pull to Godric and I couldn't feel his emotions alienating me. It was nice. Refreshing actually.

"Well, when I moved to Bon Temps, I started having these Nightmares about events from earlier this evening, as I settled in, gotten to know people, these nightmares would change slightly, but the same thing would always happen." He bobbed his head, urging me to continue, "I would always have that same dagger in my chest." My head dropped forward as I remembered the dreams compared to the actual event. The pain in my chest, the feeling of the blade swiftly cutting my throat, drowning my blood as I attempted to breath…

I felt his cold hands re-tuck my hair behind my ear and lifted my head up. He had a look of sympathy.

"I'm afraid, my dear, I do not understand why you had the dreams, but maybe your subconscious has been warning you of these events in hopes you wouldn't suffer them. Have they ever happened to you before?" Godric seemed a little… disappointed that he could not answer my question and when I shook my head in response to his answer, his hand dropped to his lap, "I'm sorry I could not be of any help."

"No, no, you have helped! You've given me more than I could have hoped for," I smiled brightly and he nodded, his eyes lifted from my eyes. I turned to see Eric standing there, slouched with his hands in his pockets. I felt that the smile remained on my face, if not, brighten when I saw him. I knew this was wrong. I shouldn't feel happier to see him, but I did. When I spun back to Godric, I saw that he was excusing himself and walked back to the chair he was previously sat in. I stood and spun round to Eric.

"Are you okay?" I asked and he nodded with an amused tug on his lips.

"I should be asking you that question," he said and shrugged.

"I just feel a little different," I replied, taking another sip of my water. His eyes looked different… almost… slightly empty. My head tilted to the side and I took a step towards him, my eyes never leaving his. He looked guilty and frustrated with himself.

"Why do you look guilty?" I asked, raising a hand to rest on his cheek and he frowned, looking away from me. My hand then returned to my side, rejected.

"Not now." he muttered and stalked away. I felt my brows knot in confusion before I saw Sookie wearing a white coat, talking happily with someone. Her eyes fell on me and she grinned brightly, running to me and pulling me in a death hug. I then remembered her motherly embrace at the church! Oh memories, how you come back to me at a fast pace!

"I am so happy you're alright!" she said and pulled me back to arm's length. "Have you not fully healed yet?" she asked and I arched a brow before realizing what she meant.

"Oh! I have, I guess this is just a side effect due to blood loss," I scratched the back of my head with a nervous laugh. I actually had no idea about it and was most likely talking rubbish. I felt a bit stronger than usual though and a lot more at peace within myself. I guess almost being killed does that to you? Like a revelation or something.

The door slammed open and I watched a heartbroken Isabel walk in, dragging Hugo behind her. She shoved him to the ground in front of Godric.

"This is the one who has betrayed you," she claimed and I covered my mouth, feeling Isabel's hurt, but not from my ability, I could read it in her face and just… understood.

"Hugo," I heard Godric say and Sookie took my arm and we walked to get a better view. I don't really think I can stand to see that amount of pain on one woman's face. She was betrayed by the person she allowed close to her. "He's your human is he not?"

"Yes," the hurt I heard there made me bite my lip as my heart felt for her.

"Do you love him?" Godric asked and I looked away from the scene. I didn't know Isabel, but I couldn't stand to hear the agony in her voice.

"I-I thought I did," her voice was broken and I hugged myself with my free arm as I looked to the floor. No one deserved this.

"It appears you love him still."

"I do, I'm sorry," she sobbed and I finally looked up to see her. "But, you are my Sheriff. Do with him as you please."

The silence, though short, was killing me and I could tell it was doing the same effect on everyone else.

"You are free to go," Godric finally said and I felt the shock from everyone in the room. Hugo seemed confused and from my peripheral vision, I saw Stan look furious.

"What?" he growled.

"The Human, is free to go," Godric spoke louder, with a hint more authority. I felt a smile tug at my lips. He was a good person. Other Sheriffs would have probably done so much worse; killed Hugo slowly most likely or cause him so much pain he would wish for death, yet not receive it. "And do not return. I fear it is not safe for you here."

"This is a travesty," Stan muttered, but Godric cut him off.

"This is my verdict," he paused, looking away from Stan. "Eric, escort them out, make sure he leaves unharmed." I risked a quick glimpse at Eric as he stepped forward, doing exactly as his Maker asked of him before my eyes averted to Hugo once more. I watched as Eric picked him up and take him out and I turned to Sookie. Her eyes were on Bill. I furrowed my brow and she smiled to me, excusing herself as she walked away. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, closing my eyes for a little bit. I'm not sure I even want to know to be honest.

"Hayley…" I looked up to see Isabel. I smiled softly and held out my hand for her, which she took delicately. She was about to apologize, but I shook my head with a smile.

"What's done is done. I wish I could do something to ease your pain for you though."

She smiled and I could see the bloody tears well up in her eyes, but she was successful at keeping them at bay. "You are so young." she whispered and I nodded.

"Compared to some, yes."

She gave me a knowing smile and then pulled me into a willing hug. I wrapped my arms around her waist and returned her tight embrace. When she released she looked a fraction happier and left. I watched her walk away and decided to see if I could find Sookie. Believe it or not… I didn't know anyone and it looked like people were avoiding me. I saw that Sookie was able to talk with people happily and normally, I would, but there was a vibe that was a bit unsettling coming from the humans and the vamps. I don't know. I'm just going to cling to people I knew.

I paused and turned to see Eric crouched talking with Godric. His jaw was clenched whereas Godric seemed to be remembering something. I looked away feeling like I was intruding in on something important and scanned the room, recognizing the white coat Sookie was wearing and began to make my way there, ignoring the stares at my back. I was caught. Bugger.

"Er… Hayley…" a familiar voice asked and I turned to it with a soft smile. Jason looked positively lost and out of place. I could understand this being that I felt the same.

"Jason, how are you?" I asked and he scratched the back of his head nervously.

"I'm alright. Listen, I jus' wan'ed to apologize."

I placed a hand on his arm to silence him and sent some calming waves to him. "Jason, stop it. I've had people apologize and ask if I'm 'alright' to me all night and I don't want it anymore," I explained and he dropped his hands, "What's done is done," I repeated, "and no one can change that. No one is hurt. Not anymore that is," I grinned making him laugh a little, "and people are safe. I think it's good to say that we can just get on with our lives."

He nodded and we started talking about what happened at the church. The poor thing just began to vent to me about feeling like he was welcomed somewhere and felt loved. About his fling with Sarah, though he didn't go into much detail for my own sake. Just that they had a thing and then she turned all psycho on him.

Unfortunately our conversation was cut short by Sookie shouting at a tall vampire in a plunging crimson dress. She was then thrown and pinned to the table and I began to rush to her aid when Godric had a hold of the woman's neck easily, pulling her away from Sookie slowly.

"Retract your fangs," I've noticed something with Godric, he has the same mellow voice and you can only hear the hints of emotion in them. One thing was for sure, he never sounded bored and I hated it when vampires spoke as if they were bored. It was annoying and childish. Godric sounded as if… As if he was at peace with himself. It was refreshing actually, "I neither know, nor care, who you are," he had pushed her lower, so he was towering over her. I think he was just an inch or so taller than me actually… Wow… tiny. "But in this area, and certainly in this nest, I am the authority," There was definitely that authoritativeness in his tone and I think a tad bit of irritation in his voice as he spoke down to the vampire. I noted Eric standing not far behind, ready to protect his maker at any second. Bless. "Do you understand?" he asked and there was a few seconds before the female replied with a 'Yes sheriff'. She did not want to say that. The way she was all tensed up gave it away.

Godric then released her and she visibly relaxed. As he spoke fondly about Sookie, Godric spoke down to the said vampire, asking her questions like a father would a young child when disciplining her. I had to bite my tongue, hard, to stop the smile tugging at my lips. It was quite a sight to see. A vampire who looked like a child, talking down to a woman who could be his mother and she was submitting to it like a small puppy, pouting like a child.

Godric had addressed Bill to escort her from the premises and as soon as they left the room I was by Sookie's in an instant.

"I don't think I want to know quite just yet, only that you're okay?" I asked her and she smiled and nodded.

"I think when we get the chance, we'll have to talk about what happened whilst you were unconscious," she smiled and giggled at my blush. I had to grin, pushing her lightly on the shoulder, muttering for her to be quiet. This only made her laugh and pull me into a hug.

"I'm so glad you are okay," she muttered and my head dropped back as I laughed nervously.

"I have to completely agree with you there. I thought I was a 'gonna'."

She frowned, taking my hands and sitting me down on the sofa with her, "Hayley, don't you talk like that. You're here now and you're safe. Even if you did provoke him."

I averted my eyes, biting my bottom lip when she mentioned that I provoked him and she sighed running a hand through her blonde locks.

"About that…" I muttered.

"You didn't let your emotions take over did you?" she had leaned forward to whisper, but I could see Eric not far behind the sofa, listening in, jaw clenched.

"Of course I did Sookie. Don't be silly," I muttered making the blonde sigh once more, "he wanted me to go into some program thinking I was a Devil Worshipper and a 'V' Addict. I'm pretty sure the stuff will kill me so why would I be a 'V' addict? I mean, he said his wife had a 'soft spot' for me. So what were they hoping to get out of 'converting' me? A freaking daughter who's technically not a teenager?"

I could see Eric's brows shoot up in interest before a frown tugged at his lips. He still didn't know my age and I guess that's something that must interest him. "Sookie, I knew what was going to happen as soon as I first heard Steve Newlin talk. I had plenty of nightmares to warn me of it. So it couldn't have gone any better or any worse. I feel I could've put him further in his place… and if I was the sort of person, maybe slap him around a bit." I giggled a little bit with Sookie before she sighed.

"I just don't know what to do with you sometimes Hayley. You say you wouldn't get off lighter than you did, but I know if you played along, you would have gotten off lighter," I scratched the back of my head as I nodded in agreement. If I was in anime, you would be able to see the large sweat drop on my head, "I mean, no offence or anything, but you looked like hell."

"Ironically, I felt like it too," we laughed and were silenced when someone began talking loudly to everyone. He slowly unzipped his jacket, mentioning Reverend Newlin and we both stood up, I remained in front of Sookie.

Wrapped round his chest was silver chains, some with bullets on, some boxes and a little box flashing. He was a suicide bomber. I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth as he pressed the button, activating the bomb…