Chapter 2 - MED
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Mediators Expelling the Dead… that's what MED stood for apparently. I was looking at a banner across from one side of the church to the other saying in big bold letters – Mediators Expelling the Dead –
Thank god this was a private event, I'm sure if any passerbys came in, they would be slightly confused.
I walked in wearing an off the shoulder, green, cashmere top with dark pants. My hair was washed and blow dyed and looking good. I looked presentable yet sexy. Maybe I could meet someone interesting here. I had only known a couple other mediators my entire life, could count it on one hand. I was curious to see who else would be here, god forbid it was someone I knew...
"Expelling the Dead?" I chuffed, "Sounds like ghost busters or something." I laughed. Jesse gave me a stern look but was smiling. We were walking around the main opening in the church, there were many chairs set up in a half circle around a pedestal with a microphone.
Some people were already there, walking around as well, looking at the various diagrams set up answering questions about the organization and some stories of what they have done in the past.
Some people were giving me second glances, it was either because they were looking at me or noticing I was walking around with a ghost. I was hoping for the first one but guessing it was the second.
"Susannah, lets sit." Jesse said, leading me to some empty chairs. We noticed other people doing the same. There was a buzz of talk in the air and everyone was looking around at each other nervously, I found myself anxious as well.
I looked at some of the people at the meeting; there was a guy with shaggy blonde hair looking dazed. He was sitting all slumped in his chair and he yawned loudly. He looked up at me and I noticed that he was pretty cute, his blue eyes twinkling. 'Surfer dude' I thought instantly. He smiled and I gave a small smile back, hey he was cute okay?
Beside him was a girl with shoulder length brown hair. She was a little round, not fat but rounder, she had brown eyes and she was looking around herself timidly. It puzzled me how people who were introverted or shy could handle seeing ghosts and dealing with their problems without shitting themselves. It could be scary enough, and I was always ready for a fight.
The guy on 'surfer dudes' other side looked young. Probably sixteen or fifteen. He reminded me of Doc, kind of nerdy looking with his ears sticking out a little and he had glasses, except this guy's hair was also kind of shaggy and brown.
I turned around when I heard a shriek of laughter from behind me, I saw Father Dominic (looking exactly like he did when I saw him a month ago) leading a young redhead towards us, she was the one who laughed.
He smiled and told one of his 'legendary' jokes (same ones he tells to everyone, repeatedly) and she laughed her loud laugh again. She, like the rest of the gang - other than the Doc look alike and Jesse - looked around my age. I'm guessing most middle aged people did not feel like joining our little ghost busters group. Since you know, they probably have a life.
Unlike the rest of the gang (other than Jesse) she was dead. She had long, fiercely red hair with shiny brown eyes, she was very pretty. She was wearing a white tank top and light blue jeans… did she die in those? I wondered. She was very happy, definitely a giggly person I was soon noticing, unlike most ghosts (except Jesse) I got up to greet Father Dom, who exclaimed,
"Susannah!" we hugged and he shook Jesse's hand and they gave each other claps on the back like true friends. We all sat down and the buzz of talk began again, the red-head was laughing her head off in a high pitch giggle at something Father Dom said again – since when was he that funny?
I looked around at everyone, wow, what a great bunch - I thought sarcastically; we have Surfer Dude, Paranoia Chic, a giggling red head, an old (but very loveable) priest and Doc the 2nd. Grrrrreat, nothing could top this bunch of whack jobs off –
"Feels good to be back." I heard a familiar drawl. Good god, no. I whirled around to see none other then Paul Slater himself arm and arm with a blonde girl. I let out a small gasp and whirled back around looking panicked.
"Something wrong Susannah?" Jesse asked, then looked back and saw him; "Oh." was all he said to that. Paul and the blonde were about to take a seat – but he saw me,
"Suze..?" he said his eyes wide. I had to look up at him,
"Uh, hey." I said meekly. The blonde on his arm looked me up and down, sizing me up.
"I... I can't believe you're here." Paul said, sounding a little put off. He was looking very attractive in a fitted black leather coat and maroon dress shirt with dark jeans.
"Uh, this is a mediator convention or whatever. I mean, I kind of do live in this part of California… where it's being held…" I said drifting off, looking sarcastic. Paul just smirked,
"Right."
"Come Paulie, let's sit!" The blonde on his arm whined. I almost laughed out loud when she said 'Paulie', Jesse noticed and grabbed my hand and squeezed it reminding me to be polite.
"Still got a thing for the dead?" Paul said, nodding his head at our clasped hands with a laugh. I gave him a dirty look.
"Well in this case…" the blonde said looking at Jesse OBVIOUSLY flirting RIGHT in front of her boyfriend… wait, were they going out?
Yes, uh, I'm guessing so since she JUST pretty well stuck her tongue in his mouth RIGHT in front of us. Um, ew. This was almost too much to handle.
I took this chance to get a good look at her. She was really quite pretty. She had just about shoulder length, shiny blonde hair and light brown eyes, and a nice tan. She wore a small, white mini skirt with ruffles showing off her legs, and a nice low cut, light pink tee-shirt showing off other assets. She looked pretty strictly Californian, like one of the Laguna Beach bitches. I wondered how they met? No, I do not care.
I'm pretty sure I had a disgusted look on my face, but then again so did Jesse as he tried not to watch them. I gave a small cough; hello, rude much Paul? Paul and Miss Blonde stopped and he smiled.
"Having a good time in Seattle?" I asked not actually caring.
"Yeah…" he said, "But I really do miss this place, and certain other things." He winked and I rolled my eyes,
"Uh huh." I said looking off into the distance distractedly.
"Who is your ghost friend?" Blonde asked.
"Rico Suave." Paul laughed – oh gaud, same immaturity as two years ago.
"Jesse de Silva." Jesse said calmly. HOW CAN HE BE SO CALM?
"And you are?" I said looking at Blonde.
"Shannon Hampton." She said, giving her hair a flip with her perfectly manicured nails. She didn't exactly bother asking MY name,
"This is Susannah Simon." Jesse said politely.
"Suze." I said quickly.
"Yes, only Jesse gets to call her Susannah." Paul said, with his dumb, evil smile. Father Dom came up FINALLY saving me from this awkward situation and hugged Paul, they talked for a while; Father Dom asked how Paul was doing and so on. I turned to Jesse when they were far enough,
"Paul is back?" I squeaked.
"Do not worry querida. I am here. Slater is nothing anymore." He said and I only nodded, memories flooding in my head…
… ... "This station sucks." I said whilst I sat in Paul's luxurious sports car and turned the radio to a new station. I still couldn't believe I was actually going to this dance with him.
The song "We belong together" came on, I practically had a heart attack I switched the radio off so fast; those words just DON'T work with me and Paul. He looked amused at me but kept on driving. We got to the school and he opened the car door for me,
"Oh, such the gentleman." I teased and he smiled.
We walked into the gym area to see it all set up like an ice land. There were crytalized chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, white silk draping down as well. Fake snow was blowing over the stage, that was set up with a band playing hit songs. White, small twinkle lights were adorned across the room. It was actually very beautiful, hmm… maybe I shouldn't have gotten so mad at Kelly for hiring a decorative crew… speaking of – Kelly came waltzing over towards us in a strapless, tight black dress, her blonde hair in ringlets.
"Oh my god, Suze! Are those the new Jimmy Choo shoes?" she yelled above the booming music.
"Yeah." I said.
"Oh Paulie, you look so handsome!" she squealed. He smiled at her but rolled his eyes towards me making me laugh. A hot guy from our class, Tom, strode up to greet us.
"Hey babe." He said, kissing Kelly on the cheek.
"Nice date." I said as he walked away to get Kelly some punch or something. We all kind of stood there awkwardly until Paul gave a quick 'Cya later.' And he led me by the small of my back to the dance floor.
"That was… weird." I stated and he smiled,
"Yeah I can not stand these people." We danced for a while, it was kind of weird at first, slightly awkward, but then I couldn't help but get into the music.
Soon a slow song came on, 'Ghost of you' by My Chemical Romance... it wasn't that romantic slow song you would normally hear, but it still made everyone start grabbing a partner and slowly dance.
We swayed to the music and Paul pushed me in much closer to him so my hands were around his neck and one of his hands was on my hip, the other on the small of my back. I kind of relaxed and leaned into him, he smelt good after all.
This song was reminding me of Jesse, the words and all, I thought of him all alone at home… I missed him. I looked up and Paul was looking into my eyes right now; what is with guys and doing that? It made me nervous. But I looked into his light blue eyes and time seemed to almost stop.
"You are so beautiful Suze." He whispered into my ear.
"You have told me like, three times tonight." I said back. Wow romantic Suze.
"And I really mean it… really." He said looking back into my eyes, he seemed very sincere. I sort of rested my head on his shoulder, his own head buried into my neck which felt good. The song ended and we both moved apart a few inches, his hand still on my hip as the other cupped my face and he drew in closer, kissing me on the lips.
I didn't protest; the moment seemed perfect, or well, really good. And he was such a good kisser. The kiss ended and he looked at me and smiled.
Oh no.
I looked panicked and walked as fast as I could away and outside. I needed to breathe for a second. I leaned against a cold, stone pillar and looked at the palm trees, all stringed with lights for the dance. Paul came up beside me,
"What happened back there? You kind of ran off." He asked.
"I, uh…" I said. I didn't know what to say. That kiss… that kiss was amazing. I really felt something for him back there… I didn't like where this was going.
"Look, I have a boyfriend!" I pointed out, which was a lie. Maybe half a lie? I really didn't know.
"It was just a kiss Suze…" Paul said.
"No, well, whatever. STILL." I stammered. Paul looked at me with an annoyed face, he caught me in my lie, he always catches me,
"You always feel guilty because of de Silva!" Paul growled.
"No!" I said defensively.
"Yes, and you guys aren't even together!" he said, his eyebrows raised.
"We made out, that's good enough!" I blurted out, then blushed fiercely and walked quickly off on a small path through the garden beside the school. Why did I always babble and sound like an idiot around him? Why did I blurt that out? He caught up and grabbed my arm, no one was around unfortunately.
"Suze! You what?" he demanded.
"You… you heard me." I mumbled. He didn't look shocked but more so disappointed. Maybe he had hoped Jesse would never make a move. "Look it doesn't matter, I want to be with him, not you okay?" I said and tried to walk away. TRY was the key word here; Paul had an iron grip on my wrist.
"Not okay." He said before kissing me again, this time not ending it where it should have ended. I'll ADMIT it was good, okay great. And OKAY I kissed him back a little. With tongue… ugh. I didn't mean to, it just sort of happened. Until I got my senses together and pulled away breathing heavily,
"Paul… stop." I said practically panting.
"Why?" he was smiling a big dopey grin, oh great.
"Because!" I said and tried to get away but he was still holding my wrist. "Paul, let me go!" I yelled louder and puller harder but now he grabbed me by both arms,
"No." he said simply and kissed me again, this time I had more self restraint and turned my head away but he went for the neck and in my low neck silk dress, there was a lot of kissing to be had and let me tell you it felt good, so good.
I let out tiny gasps and he knew I was enjoying it; he let go one arm and used his hand to go up my backside on my silk dress, I shivered but in a good way. He was VERY much enjoying this, but I wriggled away from him and he stopped.
"God, Paul!" I whispered harshly. He just smirked at me and I glared back at him, trying to get away. But apparently nothing was working and he was moving in again to kiss my neck. So I kneed him in the stomach, it seemed like a pretty good idea, he let go then I ran off further down the garden path. He caught up fairly quickly and caught me round the middle, I let out a scream.
"Paul!" I yelled in panic.
"You know you like it…" he whispered into my ear. I KNEW I did but I also knew that I loved Jesse so I just couldn't do this with Paul… but apparently he didn't care, I swore at him but he didn't let me go… …
"AHEM." I snapped back into attention as I heard a loud and exaggerated cough. Everyone went quiet and looked at the lady who gave the cough. She was strict looking, thin and older. Heeeey, she looked a lot like that teacher from Harry Potter… Miss McGonagall! I almost laughed out loud.
"Well, it looks like most of you came today." She said. Heeeey, she talks like her too…
"I am pleased to say that MED was been around for a long time, reaching the ghosts that aggravate people to go to rest and move on." She lectured. I ignored her speech, in a zone, thinking about Harry Potter.
"-So I think we should all go around and introduce ourselves."She said, and I tuned back into her speech. I heard Paul snort in amusement. I didn't know more than half the people's names here so I liked the idea. I cast Paul a dirty look before looking over at the rounder, timid girl as Miss McGonagall-Reloaded told her to begin.
The round girl opened her mouth to speak but then there was a roar of an engine outside the church doors, everyone turned around to see the church doors burst open and a guy around our age come walking in, a red sports car parked right outside the entrance.
He had dark hair – naturally jet black. He walked up in black jeans and a navy blue, good fitting shirt. He looked pretty fit; I could tell even through his shirt, he was also very good looking. All the females in the room were sitting mouth a gape looking at him and his wild entrance. He sat in an empty seat across from me and smiled sheepishly at McGonagall 2.0,
"Yeah… sorry 'bout being late." He said with the slightest Irish accent, looking up at everyone. His eyes caught mine, he had nice hazel eyes, and he winked at me.
"Mr. West you will not be late again or don't show up at all." McG said sternly and he just smiled back. The timid girl started up again,
"H-hi. My name is Aimee." She said looking down at the floor; Shannon made a noise between laughter and disgust. It bugged me a lot. "Um, Aimee Winter." She shut her mouth quickly and was still looking at the floor, she didn't say anymore.
Next was 'surfer dude.' Or 'Nate', which was his real name. Apparently he had been living in California all his life but went to RLS so that's why I didn't recognize him. Then the dorky kid beside him was Marcus, Nate's younger brother.
"Mediation runs in the family." He said with a small smile. Reminded me of Paul and Jack, the whole family mediation thing. Except Nate probably wasn't a sociopathic older brother bent on making people's lives hell, unlike Paul.
Marcus was already done high school, at age sixteen! What a friggen smarty... Nate must feel so intelligent beside him, not. The pretty red-head introduced herself next,
"Hi, giggle, I'm Hannah! I am well… a ghost!" she laughed, twirling a dark red piece of hair in her fingers. Shannon looked like she was going to throw up. Personally I liked her; she had a cute and bubbly personality. She seemed like she was missing a few IQ points though…
Jesse then introduced himself, and then it was my turn, then Shannon and then Paul. Then Mr. West, who turned out to be Daniel, or Dan or Danny, whatever you wanted; he said.
"Good, well I'm Mrs. Hackteur. I am one of the vice presidents of the MED organization. As I was saying before, MED corporations are in many different countries or areas, I run the California branch. Unfortunately many of the letters we sent out were never replied to or had gone ignored. This is typical as many mediators wish to remain anonymous or wish to try to block such a part of their lives out. We as an organization thank you for bravely coming to this event. " I tuned her little speech out, soon Jesse ended up nudging me and I awoke from my zone to what she was saying,
"-So if you are going with MED you will be under contract with us. It is a job, you do get paid."
"Not as handsomely as some of you might be used to," Father Dom said (please be directing that to Paul!), but the experience is worth a lifetime." Wow, okay, I'm so doing this. I mean, I used to do this for free but now it's a job, plus it's something to do for this year right?
Once she ended her little speech, the red head Hannah clapped, looked around noticed no one else doing so, so she stopped instantly. We all got up and started walking around and talking, there was a sign up sheet. I walked up and put "Suze Simon" down and then wrote down Jesse's name too. They (as in ghosts) couldn't be paid but all help was appreciated to lay to rest the ghosts that were harmful to others.
I looked at the list; everyone's name was down except Paul's and bimbo Barbie – uh – I mean Shannon. Grabbing Jesse's hand I waltzed up to him,
"Why aren't you signing up?" I demanded. Paul looked at me with surprise,
"Uh. I don't know. Not really my thing." He answered.
"What helping other people? You do get paid if that's your concern." I snapped.
"What about college Suze?" Paul asked sarcastically,
"Everyone here is skipping the year to do this!" I didn't even know if I was right or why I was so angry with him, or at least why I was trying to convince him to go. He just acted like he was better then everyone, it pissed me off, he hadn't changed at all.
"Well they obviously have no future." Paul replied. I glared at him,
"Wow. Thanks." I said sarcastically. He merely shrugged.
"Do not listen to him Susannah, the organization is much better off." Jesse said. Paul glared at him – okay, no lost love here. –
"Quiet down, cowboy." He said and Jesse rolled his eyes. Paul stayed quiet for a few seconds than marched right up to the sign up desk, his girlfriend trailing after him,
"Pa-ul, think about this for a second!" she whined, elongating his name. But he didn't listen and signed his name. Shannon glared at him and signed her name too,
"I'm not leaving you alone with these people." She obviously didn't mean mediators because she was one too, she meant competition because when she said it, she glanced at me and Hannah, who was giggling at something Nate just said.
Paul walked back up with Shannon and had an annoyingly pleasant smile on his face,
"There Simon, now we both have no futures." I rolled by eyes at him, placing my hands on my hips. Jesse had apparently found this boring, disappeared, and was talking to Father Dom.
"Maybe you don't but I do!" I said and whirled around to stomp off but instead ran right into someone behind me.
"Whoa there!" a guy said, holding me up. I heard the slight Irish accent and smiled, looked up into Daniel's hazel eyes,
"Oh, thanks." I said embarrassed. Paul had an amused look on his face.
"Graceful Suze." He said smirking.
"Fine with me." Daniel said, still holding me. Paul's amused face slowly turned to an annoyed look.
"You can let go now." He hissed at Daniel, who looked back at Paul like, 'And you are?' I smiled, playing it up a bit,
"Oh thanks for catching me Danny, giggle, you are so strong!" I said touching his biceps. Ugh, fuck, I sounded like Kelly. Paul looked skeptic and annoyed. I only played the part up though; I mean why not have a little fun? Dan smiled and finally let me go,
"Anytime babe." He said smiling. I smiled coyly back at him as he walked away, Shannon was off talking to Jesse and Father Dom, staring at Jesse's ass when she could. The statue of Mary should cry. Paul just stood, staring at me.
"What?" I demanded.
"You haven't changed." He said lightly.
"Wow thanks." I said sarcastically, I was so bitter around him…
"No, I mean, you have changed, oh boy, you have, in certain ways. But in some... you are the same as I remember." He said with a small smile on his lips.
"Same to you." I said with a flip on my hair and prepared to yet again stomp off like a child but he grabbed my wrist and I whirled back around. I looked at his tan hand on my pale wrist, my eyes wide.
"Don't walk away when I'm trying to talk to you." He said. I looked up at him, memories flooding in…
… ..."Paul… please…" I whined, he had pinned me down on the cool grass and was kissing my neck, his hands pushing my arms down over my head, I felt so helpless. I was helpless. Any other guy and I seriously would have killed them by now, but not Paul.
I felt so weak with him, I wanted to give in so bad but my heart would never let me.
He stopped point blank and looked into my eyes, a moment passing between us. I lifted my head very slowly to meet his and kissed him on the lips, he returned the favour and we made out in the grass for a while.
I don't know why I did it, but as soon as I saw him stop I wanted it to continue.
My hands were around his neck, my fingers running through his soft hair; his own hand was on my hip and the other was behind my neck. I was slowly giving in to him, I wanted him and he clearly wanted me.
He got up and lifted me with him as I held on his neck, tightly kissing him some more. We stumbled backwards and he had to tear away from my mouth to look where he was going. He led me back to his car and we hoped inside the back seat. I took this time to just breathe. He started to kiss me again and I found myself lying down on the seats, him on top of me.
I moved my head away from his lips and he kissed my jaw scorching the skin there. His hands apparently were having a lovely tour (sheesh) of my upper body which I didn't mind.
I looked around a bit getting my head back in order… the car windows were getting foggy from our heat, my hair was now out of the cute pin up and the my dress was getting crooked.
"Stop." I breathed and he looked at me with concern,
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked. I sat up knocking him off me and I pulled my dress up in place,
"We can't do this." I said looking at him with confusion in myself.
"We already are." He stated plainly.
"Then... then we have to stop." I said, sitting up more. He sighed heavily,
"Not de Silva again?" he said with a groan.
"No, I just, look it doesn't matter. We can't do this." I said crossing my arms. Paul looked at me with so much perplexity and unreadable emotions.
"What?" I said defensively.
"You just confuse me Suze. God, what do you want from me?" he asked angrily.
"What?" I gasped. From him?
"You keep fucking around with my brain! You are so distant from me, then you freaking make out with me, and then you get distant again." He argued.
"Well… hmph." I just snorted. He had a point but I chose to ignore it. "My body may want you," I said with blushing cheeks, "but my heart loves Jesse. My heart doesn't want you, it never did." I said, regretting it instantly because Paul's face suddenly caved in and looked really hurt.
He opened the door and got out of the car, slamming it. I just sat, alone in silence. I looked in the mirror; my hair was still glossy except now it hung around my shoulders.
I got out of the car and saw Paul walking, his hands in his pants pockets towards the garden again. I followed him,
"Paul! Paul just wait!" I yelled after him, running to catch up. I caught up with him right as he was walking past the large fountain in the garden. I lightly touched his arm and he violently spun around and was glaring at me,
"Suze WHAT?" he yelled. I stared back at him in horror,
"I… I don't know…" I whispered, holding back tears. He just looked at me in disgust.
"Then don't talk to me." He said and I looked down trying not to cry.
"Suze I really like you okay? So stop screwing around." He said, his own voice wavering in between hurt and anger. I looked at him, not knowing what to say. I didn't understand my feelings for him. So what could I say? I didn't even know. I knew I felt something. But I also knew that I loved Jesse.
"Sorry, I can't..." I mumbled and turned to walk away but he quickly grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a forceful kiss, his emotions so sporadic, I tried to push away and we both ended up falling sideways in the pond sized fountain.
I stood up and gasped, I was soaking wet… my gown, my beautiful gown! MY SHOES! RUUUUUUUUINED! Paul got up as well and was wide eyed in shock.
"Look what you did!" I yelled at him, getting out of the fountain. "This is the worst night ever!" I screamed at him angrily. He stared at me, at a loss. I didn't think he would believe my words… …
I looked back down at the hand on my wrist and pulled it away glaring at him,
"Don't touch me." I growled. He looked a little taken back at my sudden hostility,
"Whatever Suze." He said glaring. "I was just going to say that this is going to be a rough time working together so let's not get too riled up if I make fun of your dead boyfriend okay?" he said teasingly.
"Whatever." I muttered, turning around and walking up to Jesse grabbing his hand and holding on. I could feel Paul's anger from behind me. This was going to be a long few months indeed...
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