Today I wake with a purpose.
I plan to renovate the Compton plantation and rename the entire estate. I snap my fingers, and I'm ready for the day: ponytail up, jeans on with my white tank top. High boots to my knees. I step out of my room and head downstairs to have coffee before I even begin to think about all of the changes I will make to the big plantation house.
As I sit, I see Jason coming down the stairs and watch as he fixes himself a cup of coffee. "The funeral is tomorrow," I say as I look across the table at Jason. "I know," he says as he sips his coffee, and we sit in silence. I feel that something is on his mind, but I don't push. He will talk to me when he is ready.
As I wash my cup out, I feel that Merlin has appeared, and he is not alone. In his arms, he holds my Uncle Dermot. Jason and I both lead him to the couch as Merlin lays him down gently. I look at Jason as he looks at me, and we bend and gently kiss our uncle on his lips. As his eyelids start to flutter, Merlin touches his forehead and whispers, "remember."
After almost ten minutes, our uncle sits up and takes a deep breath as tears flow down his cheeks. "Sookie," he says. "What am I doing here?" he asks in confusion. "I came back to the past, Dermot," I say plainly. "Are you with us?" I ask him as I look intently into his blue eyes. "I made an oath," he states as if I have offended him. I nod my head, "yes, you did, but I want to make sure that you stand by your choice," I say as he grabs me and hugs me tightly to him. "My dear niece, you will always have my sword," he says.
"Well, if you are hungry, there is food in the kitchen, and we are headed across the cemetery to renovate the plantation house Fae style," Jason says as he smiles at Dermot.
"Why are you renovating the vampire's home?" Dermot asks in confusion. "Because the house and about three hundred acres were a gift to us for saving Claudette and Claudine from death," Jason replies. "Uncle Dillon was very grateful," I say as Dermot smiles showing perfect white teeth.
"I will eat, and then I will help renovate," he says with happiness as we walk out the door and toward the Compton estate. "Old Jessie Compton left yesterday and headed to Florida to a retirement home," Jason tells me as we walk. "That's probably for the best," I reply. "Considering I believe that Bill may have killed him to have the house so he could be close by to con me," I respond in anger.
I look to see Jason nod his head in agreement. "That makes more sense than his moving back just because it was his family home," Jason responds. As we arrive at the old house, I see Niall, Dillon, the Crane triplets, Dermot, and Merlin waiting for us.
"Hello, and what's going on?" I ask the group in confusion. Niall smiles brightly at us. They all do. "Susannah, my dear, do you think we would let you undertake this job alone?" he asks as they all smile and laugh. "We are here to help," Dillon says as he steps forward. "What do you have in mind for this dwelling when you picture it in your mind?" Claudine asks me. I think for a moment, and all I can say is "A complete do-over." Everyone seems to agree.
"We need to start with the foundation," Jason says as he looks at the house with disdain.
Merlin raises his hands and the entire house lifts.
"We need a new septic tank and all new plumbing," I say as Niall snaps his fingers, and I see new plumbing appear to run throughout the ground and up into the house. "I would like a Basement that is waterproof and as big as the entire house with rock covering on the outside," I say as Dillon snaps his fingers, and there is a basement with concrete floors and rock around the entire outside.
Claudette snaps her fingers, and everything is waterproof, fireproof, and she also informs me that the foundation is also an insect repellent.
I watch as Claude snaps his fingers and steel beams appear over the basement, and Dermot snaps his fingers, and the steel beams are covered with beautiful dark wood.
Then I watch as Merlin sets the house on top of the new foundation and utters a spell to make it mold together for strength.
As we walk around the house, I snap my fingers, and shatterproof hurricane windows replace all the windows on the home. The new windows are exact x replicas of the previous windows.
Jason snaps his fingers, and the house and is now covered in a cobalt blue siding. "It is called Hardy board, Sook," he says as I look at it with wonder. "It is made to last for a very long time," he continues as I nod.
I snap my fingers, and there is a new black metal roof with matching shutters.
Dillon snaps his fingers, and all of the porches and trim are a bright, beautiful white.
Niall snaps his fingers, and the porches are made of the same rock that matches the foundation around the basement.
I watch Claudine snap her fingers, and an enormous swimming pool appears in the back yard with matching rock patio big enough for entertaining large amounts of people.
I snap my fingers, and a tall white privacy fence appears. Jason adds a giant grill to cook on and outdoor kitchen.
Claude adds cobalt blue and white patio furniture all around with matching chairs to sunbathe in as Jason laughs and adds a hot tub big enough for ten damn people.
Everyone is laughing and being themselves. Magic is an essential part of our being. Claudette utters a spell that makes the entire home and outdoor area waterproof and dustproof.
Niall snaps his fingers, and the grass and plants are cut and trimmed. Everything looks so beautiful. The weeping willow trees are exceptionally beautiful.
Merlin adds rock walkways and a rock driveway to match the house. I can see the cemetery where my Gran will be laid to rest tomorrow, and I snap my fingers as a white picket fence surrounds the resting place of so many people, and I also make sure that all the grass is trimmed and the flowers are bursting with life.
As we walk inside the home, we are all dismayed. The outside most definitely does not match the inside. "I suggest we start in the attic and work our way down," I say as everyone pops to the attic because we are afraid to walk the stairs.
Dermot snaps, and the entire attic is insulated and has new wiring and walls for rooms. In the smallest place in the middle of the house, I snap my fingers and install a Central heat system as Merlin lays his hands on the rock chimney and repairs the damage from years of disrepair. Jason installs the ductwork as Claude pops outdoors to install a massive air conditioning unit.
We all sigh as we feel cold air refreshing us.
By the time we are through, the attic has four large bedrooms with two bathrooms that adjoin two rooms each. There is a large living area with beautiful oversized leather furniture that faces an obscenely large television and theatre system.
"Dillon, Claude, Claudette, and Claudine," I say as they turn to face me. "This floor will be entirely yours when you visit if you wish to visit, so pick a room and make it your own," I say as each of them rushes to hug me. Jason laughs as Niall touches the steps, and I watch as they transform into a beautiful staircase leading to the second floor. The entire house has gorgeous dark wood floors that shine.
On the second floor, I tell Dermot, Jason, and Niall to pick a room as well as Merlin. They all head to the rooms they have chosen, and I hear snaps as each one transforms the bedrooms they have chosen.
I take this moment to add skylights to the house. I remember how dark and creepy the house was when Bill owned this home. I am glad it no longer resembles the house it used to be. I uttered a spell to make the windows so that we can see out, but not even a vampire can see inside.
I also uttered a privacy spell so that each room was safe to speak, without fear of being overheard. The entire house is warded with a privacy spell. As I wait for everyone to finish, I also performed a spell to keep out vampires or anyone who meant ill intent towards my family. No one would smell Fae, no matter how close they got to this home. I see everyone has finished on the second floor, so we rush to remodel the first floor.
When we are done, the house is beautiful. I ended up taking the bedroom on the first floor and installed a simple bathroom. It's not like Eric would ever stay in this house with me. This home is for my fairy kin.
Leather furniture. Enormous televisions. Beautiful Fae artwork. A library with replicas of books from grandfather's library. The staircase is the focal point of the home. It winds beautifully from the attic to the basement.
The basement is finished as well, with extra rooms and bathrooms for guests. There are small windows for each room so that sunlight can shine into the dark space — all furnished and beautiful.
I walk into the kitchen with my family, and I snap my fingers to stock the industrial-sized refrigerator and freezer with food. I look to see Jason and Dermot stocking the large closet-sized pantry with various foods.
The triplets are stocking the cabinets with dishes, cookware, and pretty much any kitchen essential anyone could need.
Niall and Merlin have conjured a wine room and are stocking it with costly vintage wines.
I walk to the family room and conjure a vast liquor cabinet and make sure it is stocked with various sorts of alcohol.
Then I walked out into the sunlight to the porch. I snapped my fingers, and pristine white railings surrounded the porches along with white wicker furniture that would accommodate my family on warm summer nights. I sit heavily in the new swing as I stare across the clearing to my own home. The home I plan to share with Eric.
I imagine a smooth wide rock walkway that runs from the front porch of this house to the front porch of my home, and it instantly appeared. I added solar lighting so that the property looks beautiful even at night. Also, I can walk here in the dark with some damn light. I walk back inside and look at my family laughing and having fun, and I smile.
"This is your home for when you are not in fairie," I say as they all smile. "While you were all busy with your rooms, I placed protection, privacy, and scent spells on the house and the rooms. Eventually, the entire estate will have protection spells, but while you are here, you are protected. You can pop in and out at your leisure, but others can not. The spell is singular to our bloodline.
I watch Merlin as he reinforces my spells, and that is fine because of the more power in a spell, the bigger the punch to any attacker. I also notice the rest of my fae family doing the same. Lord help whoever comes here looking for trouble.
As I walk outside, I conjure a giant silver Brigant family crest, and it rests in the center of the top of the house above the porch. A giant unicorn that is reared up to fight. As Niall sees this, his face shines with pride.
"Fintan will not be able to pop in this home," I say as I look at each one. "He murdered my children, so he is cut from any bloodline of mine," I say as I gage the reactions of my family. They all look very serious.
"As the damn werewolves do, I abjure him," I say as I turn and head home. I can hear Merlin and Jason laugh as I head back.
As I walk through the door to the farmhouse, I suddenly feel so lonely. Maybe it's the quiet, or maybe its the craziness of the day, but I just need to go for a drive. I need a drink.
I concentrate, and when I look down, I am wearing my white halter dress with red flowers. I have on red peep-toe stiletto high heels and simple ruby earrings that belonged to my Gran. My hair is almost to my waist, and its curled as it was the night we met. I grab my red purse and head out the door. I stop and imagine the white corvette that Niall had gifted me with in the future. As I open my eyes, I open the door and jump inside.
As I drive towards Shreveport, I let my mind wander. I remember the very first time I saw Eric in Fangtasia. A year or a little more from this moment. As I go through my own vault of memories, I realize that I am pulling into the parking lot of Fangtasia.
I breathe and look into the mirror. I pop my make up on, and I realize that I look so innocent. No wonder that jackass Bill called me vampire bait before. I exhale and walk to take my place in line. The loneliness is unbearable. As the line moves, I see Pam has caught sight of me, and I pretend not to notice her watching me. I just want to drink and make sure he is okay. If I can only see him, maybe I will feel better. I mask my scent as the line continues to move.
When I am finally in front of her, I am once again carded. "I haven't been carded in years," I say as she studies my driver's license. "But, I guess you kinda lose track of human years after a while." I surmised what she said to me in the future.
She smiles at me in an almost friendly way. "I used to work in a bar, so I know the drill," I say as I laugh and roll my eyes. "Thank you, ma'am," I say as I enter the bar. I can feel her eyes watching me as I walk to the bar and order tequila. I usually drink gin and tonic, but tonight is a tequila night.
I find a booth close to the throne, and I tell the waitress just to bring me a whole damn bottle of Patron. When she objects, I hand her five crisp one hundred dollar bills and arch an eyebrow at her.
End of that discussion.
I see Pam watching me and my phone rings. Jason Stackhouse is calling. I hit ignore and send him a text that I am alright and just out for some air.
Be home soon. Blah, blah, blah.
I sit and think about the events of the last few days. I take shot after shot as I listen to the music that the DJ plays as I become lost in my own world. The thing about tequila is that it sneaks up on you. I have a happy buzz going as my phone rings again. I roll my eyes and answer it finally. I have no idea that I am the object of anyone's attention.
"What do you want, Jason?" I ask my brother in my most annoyed voice I can manage.
"Where are you, Sookie Stackhouse?" he asks with concern.
"I told you that I needed some air, and I also need some time to think," I say
"Sounds a little loud to think Sook," he responds sarcastically.
"Be glad your my brother and leave it be," I advised
"Are you drinkin' Gin again, little sister?" he asks me in a very judgy voice.
"Actually, no," I say with boredom.
"I have a whole nice bottle of Patron that looks to be my new and only fucking friend, so stop calling and let me get through this shit," I say more forcefully than I should have, and I instantly feel sorry.
"Jason, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you." I say in apology. "I will sober up before I come home or call a ride," I say to calm him through the phone.
"What if something happens, and I ain't there to have your back?" he asks in genuine concern.
"Jason Corbett Stackhouse," I snap. "Are you sayin' I don't know how to defend myself?" I am angry now.
"No dumb ass," he retorts. "I'm sayin' drunk women make bad decisions and your my little sister and you're a virgin now, so think about that before you get too big for your britches," he says.
"Actually, I have on a pretty dress, but that's beside the point," I say, and I realize that I have been knocking back shots like a drunken tequila date.
"I will call you back," I say as I hang up the phone. I notice that half the bottle is gone. As I lean my elbow on the table to support the side of my head as I try to think and when I raise my eyes from the bottle of tequila, I meet the familiar sapphire eyes of Eric Northman. I know that look and my panties should be on fire.
I drop my gaze and look down at my wedding rings. I grab my purse and stand to walk to the bathroom. I can feel him trying to glamour me, and I smile so brightly on my way to the restroom that his eyes almost bug out of his head.
After I use the restroom, I check my make up and refresh myself. I walk out to find Pam in the hallway, and I cock my head to the side.
"Has to be a uniform," I say to her as she gawks at me in shock. "No offense," I say as she is still gaping.
I roll my eyes and huff out a breath. "You just seem like a Versace gal or Valentino," I say to her as she slowly smiles.
"Maybe Gucci or Prada." I continue.
As an afterthought, I say to myself, "I need to go shopping." I say in a huff as I attempt to walk past her.
"My master would like a word with you," she tells me in a very minion like voice.
"I'm sure he does," I say as I look bored. This is not the reaction she expected.
"I just came here to drink a little and have a moment to myself before shit hits the fan tomorrow," I reply as she continues to look at me as if I am an anomaly.
"What shit, exactly, will hit the fan tomorrow?" she asks me in confusion.
"I bury my Gran," I say, and the thought is instantly sobering.
"Come with me sunshine," she says as she stirs me toward the throne. I pull away, which earns me a look of surprise. "I need my bottle," I say. I grab my bottle and take a swig. "Lead the way, ma'am," I say as politely as I can.
This is going to be one hell of a night.