By Kristine Twigg

2nd Place in the True Blood on Twitter Holiday Writing Contest

Sookie sighed as she retrieved the pecan pie from the fridge. She hadn’t expected to have so much leftover from the Thanksgiving Day meal, but she also hadn’t expected to spend the entire day alone. The sound of “I Don’t Want This Night to End” begins to fill the kitchen as she closes the door to the fridge.

Removing the plastic wrap from the pie, she sets it on the table, finding the song to be a cruel joke, since all she wishes for is for this particular night to end. Easing onto her chair, she grabs the fork and picks up her first bite.

It wasn’t often that Sookie felt so alone and withdrawn, but this holiday had just been harder than any other. It was her first Thanksgiving without her Gran. At times, it was hard to believe that it had been over a year since Gran had been brutally murdered in this very kitchen. Thanks to the magic of the fairyland she had been tricked into visiting, she hadn’t even been able to be there for her brother Jason as he celebrated that first Thanksgiving and Christmas alone.

Now it was Sookie who was all alone.  Jason had intended on visiting, but had been scheduled to work a double and couldn’t get away, even to enjoy the dinner. Of course, she had also invited Arlene, Terry and the kids, but Ms. Caroline’s Thanksgiving feast wasn’t something that could be easily avoided, and they were certainly expected to be part of the festivities. Tara… well, Tara was never going to show, and Sookie couldn’t help but feel the trickle of a lone tear as it fell down her cheeks. Sam had plans with Luna and of course, no one had seen Lafayette for weeks, since Jesus and Tara…

Taking the first bite into her mouth, trying to savor the taste as the sweet filling hit her taste buds. It was never the same as Gran’s pecan pie and it left her just longing for her Gran once more. Gran would have chided her for being so blue. As a strong, independent Southern woman, Adele Stackhouse was not one to host her own pity party.

But Gran was no longer there and Sookie was completely all alone. Sighing, she took another bite, contemplating calling it a night and just sleeping away the loneliness. Tired of her own pitiful attitude, she slowly wraps the pie and returns it to its proper place within the fridge. Making her way into the hallway, a knock sounds at the front door just as her hand reaches out to turn off the light. Peering out, she’s surprised to see the pale, dark form of her former lover and closest neighbor, Bill.

“Bill?” she says softly as she opens the front door, thankful to still be properly dressed.

Nodding, he takes a tentative step forward, the light from the hallway illuminating his pale face and the dark brown orbs that looked down at her.

“Good evening, Sookie. I hope I haven’t disturbed you. I had hoped to allow time for your guests for the evening to leave before arriving.”

Sookie couldn’t help but feel a shiver down her spine as Bill’s deep Southern drawl pronounced her name, “Sookeh”. She always loved his cool voice and the way he said her name. Even after all that had happened between them, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of joy run through her as he spoke.

“Of course not.” She said softly, stepping aside and gesturing inward  ”Would you like to come in?”

The night wasn’t as chilly as it could have been, but her skin had become covered with goose bumps as a cool breeze blew across her flesh. With a small hint of a smile, appearing at the corner of his lips, Bill moved into the house, closing the door behind him and looking around. He was surprised to see the house looked so empty, and as he took in Sookie’s jeans and t-shirt, he couldn’t help but wonder if something was amiss.

“Can I get you a drink? I believe I still have a Tru:Blood or two in the fridge.”

Shaking his head, his gaze returns to Sookie’s face, taking in her slightly reddened eyes.

“Sookie, is something the matter? You have been crying.” His long cool fingers move to brush lightly against her cheek as a look of concern is displayed clearly on his face.

Shaking her head, she moved away from his touch. She didn’t wish to rehash the feelings of loneliness nor did she wish to burden Bill with her measly problems.

“I assume you stopped by for a reason?”

Frowning, Bill dropped his hand and gave her a curt nod.

“Of course.  I have come to ask for your help.”

Tilting her head to the side slightly, her eyes narrowed as she replied, “My help?” Not able to recall another time in which Bill had ever requested her help. ”With what?”

Motioning towards the sitting room, he moves to sit on the old-fashioned arm chair near the hearth.

“I wish to hold an engagement in the following weeks. A charitable event, if you may. I was hoping to use it as a means of doing something good for the community of Bon Temps and the surrounding area, as well as possibly help restore some faith in a peace between both the Vampires and humans.”

Placing her hands on her lap as she sits on the couch, her eyes widen slightly in surprise and a small smile appears on her lips.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Bill. But what would you need my help with?”

“Well, once we are turned Vampire, we rarely find cause to celebrate the traditional human holidays. And while I still remember the traditions from my time, Christmas isn’t celebrated the same as it once was.”

“So, you want my help with… What exactly?”

“Perhaps you’d be willing to assist in figuring out a theme and the proper way of handling the event so it is also welcoming to humans?”

Sookie shrugs, shifting slightly in her seat. “I suppose I can, but don’t they have party planners for that kind of thing?”

Leaning forward, his elbows resting on his legs, he smiles softly at her, “I trust your view on things Sookie. You know this area better than any planner from a big city, and I think the citizens of Bon Temps would be more receptive to something you chose as opposed to an outsider.”

Nodding, she smiles, “Of course. Did you have an idea of what charity you wanted to raise money for?”

“I was hoping maybe you would have a good one in mind?”

Thinking for a moment, she nods and replies, “Perhaps you could help raise money to help needy families? I know one of the churches helps raise money and provides food, necessities and even gifts for the children in the home.”

Bill’s smile softens as he nods, “Would you be willing to contact them? See, if they would be willing to accept all the proceeds from the event to help their cause?”

Her smile brightens, almost excited at being tasked with something to help her occupy time during the holidays.

“I can do that!”

Gazing down at his watch, Bill’s small falters and he rises to his feet, “I’m afraid I must go now, Sookie.” Bending down, his cool lips press softly to her brow for a moment. “Rest well, Sookie. We will speak more soon.”

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6