Chapter One

I was finally going home. Home to my parents, friends, and boyfriend. I couldn't wait. I finally got my drivers license and took a road trip to Florida. It's not exactly Hawaii, but hey, it was close. Jesse told me it was finally time for me to get my mediator's day off. I couldn't help but agree, but I wanted Jesse to be with me.

But he said he had too much to do with medical school and all. I sighed. I couldn't wait to see him. I hope he missed me. Don't say that, Suze, I thought to myself. You know he misses you.

I was riding in my dark blue convertible. The weather was perfect. I switched on my radio.

"Up next is Cruising by n&k vs. Dennis the menace featuring Alex prince, "I heard the radio dude say. I felt my insides jump with joy. I loved this song. It so described what I was doing and how I felt.

I'm just cruising…

That is so right. Feelin' very good, too.

I feel the breeze

My top is down

And all I do

Is ride around

And where I go

I just don't care

A place to choose

To get away.

I take it day by day

No work or plain

Nowhere to stay

And I just need to

Clear my mind

To find my role

In space and time

I'm just cruising…

And I wonder if I ever find my way…

I'm just cruising…

Down this highway of light

And I'm lookin'

For a place where I can

Hide away.

Just cruising

Just cruising

To mountain

And now I take it slow

I'm in the flow

So I can find

The fields of joy

Where life is peace

Where I can safely rest my soul

The sun is glowin

Winds keep flowin

I'm still growin

And I try to do

The best I can

Go down this road

Is there a plan?

I'm just cruising

Just cruising

Just cruising

And I wonder if I ever find my way…

I'm just cruising…

Down this highway of light

And I'm lookin for a place where I can

Hide away…

Hide away…

Da di la da…

Da di la da…

Oh…

I'm just cruising…

Just cruising

Just cruising

And I wonder if I ever find my way...

I'm just cruising…

Down this highway of light

And I'm lookin for a place where I can

Hide away…

Da di la da…

The song ended. Too bad, I thought. I really like that song. It so works with right now. I saw the sign for Carmel, California. I smiled it was about 20 miles away. Good thing traffic was moving well enough. I don't think my happiness could contain itself if there was too much traffic.

My mind wandered to my Florida vacation. It was the best vacation I ever took, and I haven't been on many. I was lazy the entire time. I got a nice tan at the beach, met a few people, and my favorite, no ghosts.

I am being serious. I saw not one ghost in Florida. Maybe I should move there when I get older…

I don't know. I sort of like my life right now. In Carmel, I mean. I mean, I've got Jesse, friends, and family. Ok, I think I'm being a little too sappy at the moment. Back to the road.

I watched as the sun fell slowly from the sky. It was quite a view. I think Jesse would like that. But maybe somewhere in Carmel, he might be looking at the same sunset.

I had a few more miles to go. But I was surprised that they passed so quickly. I finally arrived in Carmel. The crescent moon was rising and cast large shadow all over the place.

The hairs on the back of my neck tingled. I became more alert. I had a strong feeling that someone was watching me.

I slowed the car down to a stop and looked around. I didn't see anything. No even a car. Something weird was going on and I didn't like it one bit.

I tried to ignore the feeling as the car started to move again. But it started to creep me out. I sped up a little and found that the hairs on the back of my neck had calmed down

Good, I thought.

I finally arrived at my house. The lights were off. I looked at the clock inside the car. It read: 1:05. They were probably all asleep.

I shut the car off and opened the front door with my key. There was a note on the kitchen table. I picked it up and recognized my mom's handwriting.

Suze,

Sorry we didn't stay awake

But we got tired and fell asleep.

Let someone know you

Got home alright.

Love, Mom.

I yawned and crept quietly up to my room. My door was closed. I opened it and saw Jesse sitting on my window seat. His eyes were closed and a book rested in his lap. How cute. My small lamp was on, casting an unearthly glow across the room.

I walked over to Jesse and planted a soft kiss on his forehead. He stirred and opened his eyes. He smiled.

"Querida?" His voice was smooth, even though I just woke him up.

"Yes," I said. "It's me."

"Did you have a good vacation?" He asked, getting up from the window seat. He wrapped his arms around my waist.

Put my arms around his neck. "I had a great time." I smiled at him.

He leaned down and kissed me gently on lips. My body shivered with please. Our kiss deepened and I felt his tongue brush against my lips. My mouth opened and invited him in. I had been waiting two weeks for that kiss. Now I finally got it.

He pulled away. I knew this would come. Sometimes I hate the gentleman side.

"You should go to sleep Querida." Jesse whispered in my ear. "You probably had a long day."

I nodded and changed into my pajamas in the bathroom. I climbed into bed and Jesse came and tucked me in. My smile from before grew and before I knew it, I was asleep.

Ready to face the ghostly problems tomorrow. Maybe.