(A/N: Well, first of all I would like to thank all of the wonderful readers who replied to my first story. That was so sweet of all of you!!! So I decided to forgo my math homework and write another chapter. This chapter was kind of hard to write but I hope you like it. Oh yeah, Disclaimer: I don't own the Mediator Series. Meg Cabot writes it, I just enjoy reading it. On with the next chapter.....)

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Chapter 2: "Control and Guilt"

I turned around and there was (you guessed it) the devil himself, Paul Slater. I was so angry with him for what he had just done. Jesse was just about to say those 3 little words I longed to hear and Paul had to ruin it. (and this was the second time!) I was just about to bring my fist to his nose when something stopped me. I couldn't move.

"Sorry Suze to bring you here. I know how you hate this place, but I had to talk to you, alone. This seems to be the only way considering what De Silvia did to me." From the way he looked you couldn't even tell he had been in an almost life-ending fight. Every part of him was inviting; his dark hair, his dark eyes, and his smile. Wait, what I am thinking? I wanted to scream and yell at him, but my lips would not move. I had so many questions. 'Was he controlling me? How did he bring me here? How could he read my mind?' I closed my eyes to think and when I opened them he was inches away from my face pinning me against a door. He brought his face to my ear.

"...And I have all the answers. Just give me a chance to show you your potential, our potential. You haven't forgotten about our little agreement, have you?" To be honest, I did. Being with Jesse made me forget everything except him. But now that Paul was so close, I was losing myself to him. I think he could sense my fear and vulnerability. He came so close there was nothing between us. My thoughts strayed from Jesse to Paul. How could I be thinking this. This is not me. These are not my thoughts.

"Oh, but Suze, they are." No. I would not believe him. I did not what to give in, but then a part of me did, a small part. His eyes brightened. "I will do you a favor and help your little boyfriend regain his life."

"What...How...Why would you do that?" Finally I was able to speak, well stammer anyway. I couldn't figure out what he was getting at. "It is simple really. All I have to do is stop him from dying in the first place. You know it is the right thing to do, for everyone. This way he will be able to live a full life and so will you." His words stung me, because I knew deep down that they were true. Paul still had complete control over me and worst of all he knew it. His lips pierced mine and all throughout my body was numb. Paul's grasp grew tighter and the kiss grew deeper. I am ashamed to say I kissed back. I held back as long as I could but I gave in. I could feel a grin break out across his face.

"I thought so. Parting is such sweet sorrow. 'Till we meet again." One last kiss and he was gone, leaving me alone in the dark endless hallway. I felt myself regain some control over my body. I fell and realized what I had just done. I betrayed Jesse. I did not deserve him, he deserved to live, and love without me. I closed my eyes tight and pictured my room.

I opened my eyes and gasped for air. I felt as though I had been suffocated. A cold sweat covered my body. My head throbbed with pain. All of this wasn't because of shifting, oh no, it was because of guilt. I felt it even more because I found that when I woke up I was in Jesse's arms and I noticed the tear stains upon his face.

To say the least, I broke down and cried.

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(A/N: Why does everything always get between their relationship? There is much more ahead... Read and Review. I will post ASAP!!!!) Thanks again 2:

NiceHayley

reesespeices88

Clavel

*if you review I will be sure to thank you. If I forget a name, sorry, just remind me. Again thank you it is much appreciated!!!