Chapter two

We were in my room – G and I – putting make-up on 'cause I wanted to go out. G looked at me sideways. I rolled my eyes, "What, Gina??"

"Why did you act so weird during dinner? And did you really have to hug Jake? And why didn't you sit next to me? And, Simon, I don't know if I failed to mention this, but I am only here for two weeks!" She said all this in one breath.

Trust me, I was very, very tempted to poke her eye with that brush she was holding.

"I was not acting weird, I had no idea I wasn't allowed to hug my stepbrother and I just wanted to sit next to Mom. And yes, I think I do know you're only here two weeks - we arranged everything over the phone, remember?"

G glared at me, then narrowed her eyes, "Look, I might as well tell you this. And puh-lease try not to rub it in, but... Jake rejected me."

"Oh, really?" I said disinterestedly, applying my eyeshadow.

"Yeah. I couldn't believe it," she pouted, surveying her lipstick in the mirror.

"I told you," I shrugged, blending my eyeshadow, "he really likes Tami."

"I ask you, not to rub it in and what do you do? Rub it in." She threw her lipstick and blusher on the floor next to her bag angrily.

I sighed and said lightly, "Look, G, I already told you, in your last visit, that I didn't like you being with Sleepy and Dopey.."

"Don't call them that."

I ignored her. "And you still sucked face with Sleepy. I STILL say I don't like you guys going out - or kissing. Now Jake has got a girlfriend, I get along with her and I like her, he's smitten, and Mom and Andy totally approve. I don't want you to mess things up when you're only here for two weeks," I went on, making sure my eyeliner was perfect.

"That's very nice, Simon," she said and when I looked away from the mirror and into her face, she actually looked really hurt.

Oops. I feel bad now.

"Look, Gina, I didn't mean that the way it came out.."

"Right. Really. Look, Suze, if you didn't want me to come you could've just said so, y'know. Just because I wanted to see you -"

"And Jake," I interrupted. I couldn't help myself. I didn't want to be any bitchier that I'd already been, but I just couldn't help myself. It just slipped out..

"Ok, Simon, that's IT," She snapped, "I'll see you later. If I had a choice I'd say never!" She stormed off.

I heard my Mom saying, "Where are you going, Gina?" and G saying, "Getting a drink" before slamming the door. Then Mom came up to my room while I was putting my last touches to my face.

"Suze, what happened? Where is Gina going and why aren't you with her?"

"What is this - Question Suze Simon day?" I added gloss to my already painted lips.

"Susannah!!"

"I don't know - or care - where she's going, Mom. And I kinda think she wants to be alone." I caught the look on Mom's face, "Jesus, forget it Mom, ok? It's not a big deal!"

"Right, Suze," she looked at me in a 'oh-really?' way.

"MOM!"

"Ok, Suze, whatever you say. But if you guys aren't talking by tonight, I'm going to take action." she stopped then continued, "Suze, she's only here for a couple of weeks. She's your best friend. Try not to be too hard on her."

"My ass I won't be too hard on her," I muttered, but thankfully Mom didn't hear me.

"Ok, now I have to go. Andy and I are going out for a little bit, we'll be back soon. Take care of yourself," she kissed my forehead and left.

God.

Jesse materialized into my room. I sighed, "What, Jesse?" I tried not to look at his perfectly chiseled chest. I kinda melt when I do. It's NOT my fault goddamit. He's just too fuckin' hot.

All I can say is, thank God he came here after I'd finished putting my make-up on.

"Susannah, you have got to go tell Father Dominic."

"About what?"

He walked right up to me, "Susannah, stop acting like this. You know he would like to know."

"Yeah, well, Jesse, there's a lot of things I'd "like to know" and none of 'em happen, so Father D's gonna have to live with disappointment." I said.. I just stopped myself from adding, "Like how you feel about me, am I ever gonna know?!?"

"If you don't go tell him, Susannah, I'll go."

I looked at him, laughing, "Ok, Jesse. Whatever you say. You know how much Father D hates you staying with me."

He looked at me and pulled a face. Boy does Jesse know how Father Dom hates that. Mostly, he doesn't approve of US, as in him being in my room and all. And they guy's a priest soo...

"Susannah, I worry about you. You do not take care."

"Chill, Jesse, will you? I'm taking care... whatever. Just cause my best friend might be a Mediator; it doesn't mean that I'm not taking care. Like I could really stop this."

"No, but you could help it," Jesse said. I looked away. He's taller than me, so it's kinda hard not to look at his chest, and if I look at his chest, I'll give in.

I AM NOT GOING TO GIVE IN!

"Jesse, go away. I'll tell Father D when I feel like it, ok? Which might happen to be after Gina leaves."

"Susannah!"

"Kidding!" I rolled my eyes, "God."

"I think you're being too hard on Gina and Jake, Susannah," Jesse said looking at me closely.

"Look, Jesse, I don't give a rip what you think, alright? And, for your information, I am not being to hard. Besides, I totally don't have anything against Sleepy. It's just G, ok?"

"No, not ok. She has not done anything you don't do."

"WHAT do you mean by that?" I glowered at him. I also caught full view of his chest and did not melt. I was that mad, "Generally, I do not dress up like a slut and snog guys at a drop of a hat."

Jesse look at me, "I'm serious, Susannah."

"So am I!" I said, infuriated.

"What about what you looked like when you went to that party?"

"I did NOT look like a slut at Kelly's party!" I said hotly.

"And your way of saying goodnight to Tad Beaumont?"

I cringed. I was kissing Tad goodnight and Jesse had materialized at the back of the car, "Jesse, we were practically going out!"

"So? Gina and Jake would actually be going out."

"JESSE! What the hell are you trying to get at?"

"Susannah, he isn't her brother-"

"STEPBROTHER!" I almost yelled.

"She can see further."

"Ew, Jesse, don't go there."

"Susannah, forget her relationship with Jake. You need to tell Father Dominic about this."

"Alright, Jesse!" I said, "why do we always argue when we talk?"

"Why do we always talk?" Jesse said and with one swift move his lips were on mine.

This must be what Heaven feels like.

Mucho thanks to my lovely, lovely beta! You are the greatest!