Timeout
By: ChocolateEclar
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with the Mediator Series by Meg Cabot/Jenny Carroll, including Jesse (Oh come on. Just for a day?), Suze, Paul, Father D, CeeCee, Adam, etc.
Claimer: I own Miss Evelyn "Eve" Gemma and the plot. (I still wish I owned Jesse instead of Eve.) I may not own the fact that Jesse has five sisters (ages 6-16 when he died), but I do own who the five girls are – i.e. their personalities and names. In short, I also own Juanita "Nita" De Silva, Estefana De Silva, Felicidad "Felly" De Silva, Dolores "Dolly" De Silva, and most of all Carmen De Silva.
To Alda Rethe, BloodyRayne, Lizze9, & aZn-DiViN3-bLeU: Sorry, guys. I can't think of anything really individual to say to each of you this time…EXCEPT THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME REACH OVER FIFTY REVIEWS!!! ^__^ Thank you. Thank you! Gracias! Arigatou! Etc. Alda Rethe you were my 50th reviewer! Yay! (Sorry, I'm a little out of it on account of being exhausted, in addition to having just finishing Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries 5 and being allowed to go to her book signing on April 17th! I can't wait to meet her! ^_- I'm getting off topic so thanks again! This chapter is especially for you guys!
Update (April 17, 2004): I SAW MEG CABOT TODAY! She's as funny as her books. She signed my copies of "Princess in Pink" and "Perfect Princess!" Yay! ^_____^
Chapter 14: Operation Up To Date
I only wanna be the one you love
I only wanna be the one you want
Come and get me baby
Let me loose inside your soul
I only wanna be your every need
I wanna be the girl in all your dreams
I'll do anything to be
The one you love
~ Paulina Rubio "The One You Love"
To say Father D looked like he was going to go into cardiac arrest after I told him about the whole Jesse being alive thing, the following day, would be an understatement. He just sort of sat behind his desk gawking at Jesse and I like he couldn't comprehend what I meant.
"Susannah," Father D croaked, "tell me again."
Sighing, I explained, "Yesterday Jesse's little sister Carmen gave us this prophecy from Pase, and when I completed it, Jesse came to life."
Father Dom studied Jesse and nodded. "Well, you definitely are alive, Jesse," he muttered. "Didn't you say something about being a mediator now?"
Well, atleast he picked that up. I was beginning to think Father Dom was losing it.
"Yes," said Jesse. "As soon as another mediation arises I'll make sure my sister was correct."
"Hmm," mumbled Father D. "There is a problem though," he said in his more normal voice. "How can we explain how someone who's been dead for one hundred and fifty years suddenly is alive again?"
"We could say he's related to you," I offered.
"Susannah, lying is a sin, remember?" chided Father Dom. He rubbed the bridge of his nose with his index finger and thumb, while I glanced at Jesse to see if he was coming up with anything.
"You could just tell your family the truth, Susannah," whispered Jesse after awhile. Before I could protest, he said, "I don't think it would be a good idea to tell Brad though. Or perhaps David could assist us? Or CeeCee? They both suspect you."
My eyes widened as I took in his suggestion. "Gina does too," I added.
If anyone could come up with something it would be Doc though. The kid is a genius.
But how on earth were we going to pull this off?
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We can pull this off. I just know we can. Who am I kidding? I'm so nervous I'm fidgeting in my seat.
Welcome to Operation Up To Date – as in, get Jesse up to modern times before presenting him to my mom and Andy.
First up on the agenda:
1. Get Jesse possessions for the rectory (still his home) so it looks more like he lives there – since he will be living there.
*Go shopping at Target and Wal-Mart for essentials, such as toothpaste and a toothbrush, clothes (make that MODERN clothes for sadly no one can go around in Jesse's old fashioned clothes very much), a brush, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
*Shop at the little bookstore in Carmel (Jesse insists on having books in his new room. I bet he'll pick something like a bunch of encyclopedias.)
Jesse and rode bikes to Target on a Saturday, but unfortunately I had to go to a secluded spot – that I am so going to later and making out with him in. It was that secluded – with trees all around and teach him how. This took my entire day after school until dinner to achieve. Atleast Jesse's a fast learner. He swore at the bike in Spanish a few times first though.
The ride to Target was slow because I kept making sure Jesse wasn't going to fall off and crack his newly existing head. He almost gave me a heart attack when we neared an intersection.
"Jesse, brake!" I hollered.
He complied just in time and gave me a weary smile. I could tell this was hard for him. I mean, I was changing his whole way of life.
Before we left, I had stolen one of Dopey's loose gray T-shirts and a pair of sweatpants – since I didn't know what size Jesse is – to wear instead of his out-fashioned attire. He looked pretty good in them, but then again I bet Jesse would look hot in paisley and I hate paisley.
I hooked the bikes to the rake outside Target and led Jesse indoors. As I had told him to, he hid his amazement at things such as those little machines where you can sample CDs or the pop machine. (In fact, before we left I told him, "Just act like you see weird stuff everyday," and he replied, "I do."
I have to agree. Seeing dead people is weird stuff.
Anyway, Jesse blushed when we passed the lingerie section on the way to the men's clothing. I could tell he was dying to ask me what a blender did when we went by the kitchen area right afterwards.
We soon reached the men's clothing section though. Then, I had to determine what size Jesse is. After that, I just used my allowance and the twenty bucks Father Dom gave me to pay for as much attire as possible. I could tell Jesse didn't like the whole Suze/Father Dom paying thing, but there was nothing he could do until we got to other parts of Operation Up To Date.
There were some outfits Jesse refused to wear like Levis. I have to ask, what's wrong with jeans? But whatever, I have better things to think about. Like buying mini tubes of toothpaste and a toothbrush and boxers. Yes, boxers. I decided Jesse shall be a boxers – not briefs – guy. I just can't picture him with briefs on. Well, I can, but I like boxers better.
Am I pathetic or what? I have a preference on my boyfriend's underwear!
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2. Get Jesse all moved into the rectory with his new possessions.
Simple enough. After this, Jesse can decide what he wants to do. After all, if it comes down to it, I don't care if my mom doesn't wholly approve of him. I just don't want my family to know about the whole mediator thing. As for my future children – if there are any – they'll probably have to know, but not until they're old enough to understand.
After Jesse had arranged everything in his room in the rectory, I surveyed his work. It wasn't terrible. A bed in one corner with navy sheets beside a wooden dresser with six drawers. The room itself was pretty small – only about half the size of mine. Behind white blinds, the window looked out at green lawn.
Jesse looked at me as if making sure I approved. I nodded, and he relaxed. "What is next on that list of yours, querida?" he inquired.
"Well, back before you died, did…did you have a job?" I asked.
"On my family's ranch I manned the harvest."
"Oh. Hmmm."
"You believe I should have a true occupation then?" Jesse questioned. When I nodded sheepishly, he added, "Don't worry. I agree. I'll search for one."
But how could he get a good job without a degree from this century or the last? The nineteenth century would be a little suspicious after all…
"How?" I asked.
"You'll see, Susannah," Jesse replied with a little smirk.
You'll see, Susannah? Not too overconfident are we, Jesse? Oh boy.
"Jesse, it's different than it was back then you know," I insisted.
"I know," was all that Jesse said in response.
And then – as if to reassure me – he went up to me and pulled me to him.
You know what?
It's really difficult to stay pessimistic when someone you love – as hot as Jesse – is kissing you.
Too bad Father Dom had to ruin the moment by coughing rather loudly from the doorway. I must've been as red as a tomato, while Jesse looked truly afraid he'd just burst into flames.
"Ahem, well then. I'm glad you're all settled in, Jesse," said Father D as if nothing had happened.
Well, yeah, something did happen Father D! You ruined a good moment!
I have to ask, why does that almost always happen? What have I done wrong?
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When I snuck into the rectory during lunch at school the next day, I was amazed to find Jesse gone. I immediately went to Father Dom…who informed me Jesse was at work.
"Whaddaya mean?" I yelped.
"Yesterday after you left Jesse went around town with adds he'd found in the newspaper and hunted for employment," Father Dominic explained as he sat across from me at his desk. "He found an opening for him in two places: the library and a bookstore. He took both jobs."
"Really?" I asked.
"Yes."
Jesse has always loved reading, so I guess those jobs work for him. Besides, Carmel's a small town so two job openings like that is rare. I wonder if the employer's a woman. It would explain Jesse's immediate hiring… In that case, the woman better stay away!
"Which job will he be at after school?" I asked.
"Abby's Bookshop," Father Dom answered. That was the same bookstore we'd been at the day!
"Thanks, Father Dom," I said with a grin. I stood up and stepped out into the main office where the secretary was working just as the end of lunch bell rang.
I just needed to wait a few hours and I could see Jesse at work! (Something I have got to witness!)
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The wait for the last bell nearly killed me. As soon as it did ring, I was out of school in a flash. Adam was giving me a ride to the bookstore and CeeCee was home sick – the later must've been the result of a blue moon because CeeCee never gets sick.
Adam slowed his VW in front of a little store with a book-shaped hanging sign that read: Abby's Bookshop in curly letters. "You want me to pick you up?" Adam asked.
"Yeah, if it's no problem. How's an hour sound?" I replied.
"Sure," Adam answered. "See you then."
I waited until he drove away before going inside. A little bell jingled as I stepped inside a shop with rows upon rows of books in all sizes. They were even on shelves on the walls and stacked behind the counter – where Jesse was.
My cowboy looked good in his long-sleeved white shirt and black pants. He had a little book-shaped nametag with his name on it. "S-Susannah?" he gasped.
"Hey, Jesse," I said casually.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Just visiting. Father Dom told me about your jobs," I answered, leaning against the counter.
Smiling, Jesse said, "I told you I'd search for work."
I laughed and said, "I didn't think you'd succeed so fast."
"And who might you be?" asked a fierce woman. She stood taller than me in the doorway behind the cash register with dark green curls, a baggy black T-short with Good Charlotte on the front, and ratty black jeans.
"Gail, don't talk to the customer like that," snapped another voice. A new woman appeared then. She was about the same height as the other, but older. She was adorned in a white dress and had wire-framed glasses and short, curly brown hair.
"She's not a customer, Mom," hissed Gail. "She's chatting it up with the new guy."
"Hush," growled the woman. She stepped out of the doorway and said to me, "Now don't mind my daughter. I'm Abby, the owner."
"Oh, hi, I was just looking around," I said. I didn't want to get Jesse in trouble on the first day.
Gail didn't look like she believed me, but Abby just smiled and said, "Don't worry. I don't mind you coming in to talk to Jesse. From the chatter I heard from the backroom, I can tell you two know each other."
Winking, she continued, "Now, would you like to take a look at our new stock of books, my dear? We have quite a good new collection on teen magazines."
"Mom, pleeeese," grumbled Gail.
"Go get the new magazines," Abby ordered.
"No way," riposted Gail, crossing her arms.
"Fine, fine. Jesse, will you please…?" Abby queried.
"Of course," said Jesse.
Sometimes it's great to have guys with old-fashioned manners around, don't you think?
Jesse came back with a box full of Seventeen, Sports Illustrated, and YM. He set it on the counter, and Abby took some out to show me. I grabbed a new copy of Seventeen and paid for it.
As I was leaving, I glanced back at Jesse and Abby. "Come back and visit your boyfriend anytime!" called Abby, grinning, as I blushed.
"Thanks!" I replied. Outside, Adam was waiting.
"Get anything interesting?" he asked.
"Just a magazine."
And a view of Jesse at a cash register in modern clothes. It was certainly worth the trip!
I'm worried about Gail though.
I shouldn't be bothered by her though. Jesse can take care of himself.
Besides, I'm more worried about introducing him to Mom, Andy, and my stepbrothers.
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A/N: Next chapter: Suze's family meets Jesse… Hehe. ^___^ REVIEW! Bye! ^_-