Disclaimer : You know the drill. The great and wonderful Meg Cabot owns everything. I own the plotline and a few of the characters.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY !!!!! NOVEMBER 24th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M 18!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, now that I've gotten that out of the way :) blushes

Okay guys....you are gonna love me for this....I hope. :) We are at the end of this story and I am almost sad to say that. I've had a blast writing this and getting the reviews from you guys. YOU guys were AMAZING! I couldn't have asked for better people to read this story and I hope that you continue to read any 'fics that I put up from now on. I hope that I have proved my writing talents. :) Anyway, since this is the end...all I have to say is.....Buenos Noches :)

Jesse's POV:

I awoke to the sound of something beeping and to such bright lighting that I had to close my eyes for a minute or two to get adjusted to where I was. When I opened my eyes again, I looked around solemnly. All I could see were white walls and a vase of flowers beside my bed. Curiously, I went to sit up and see who they were from and then just as quickly hissed in pain and lay myself back down. I looked down and saw that my whole torso was wrapped in a huge white bandage. A woman dressed in some type of white uniform came in and smiled as she saw that I was awake.

"Well hello dear, glad to see that you decided to join us back in the land of the living." She grinned at me and then opened the curtains that covered a window on the other side of the room. Then she came and stood beside of me. "Do you feel a little bit better?" She asked curiously.

I did not ask what she meant. "Yes ma'am. Very much. Gracias." I said softly as I eased myself up into a sitting position. "If you do not mind, I have a question to ask."

"You go right ahead sweetie."

"Where exactly am I?" I asked curiously.

"Why dear, your in the hospital." She said chuckling a bit. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think that you'd never seen a hospital before." She said laughing slightly as she unhooked a few of the things that had been hooked up to me.

I looked at her and sighed slightly. "It has been a long time." I said. If only she knew just how long it actually was. The last time I had been in the hospital….or in a clinic at all….was for the dog bite that I had acquired above my right eye. I sat there thinking about all of these events and of the past events and listening to the nurse as she rambled on about different things, all the while holding my head in my hands, trying to make the headache that had now appeared, go away.

"Anyway dear, I just don't think that you would be here without the help of that dear little girl that brought you in here in the first place. I really don't think you would have survived the night had she not been there." The nurse stopped and looked at me as she seen that my interest had been raised by what she was talking about. "Yes yes, that little girl…you know…come to think of it…she looked an awful lot like that little Simon kid that's on all of them 'Missing' posters…."

I stopped her at this and my gaze shot up quickly to her face. "I am sorry to interrupt you miss but did you say "Simon" kid?" I asked, not daring to let myself hope for what I wanted to be true.

"Yes child yes." She said grinning a big toothy grin. "That little girl looked an awful lot like…..what was her name now? Let me see now…." I interrupted her again.

"SUSANNAH?!" I asked anxiously.

"Yes, dear. That was her name." She stopped and thought for a minute or two. "Susannah Simon. Sad what happened to that poor little girl…."

But I did not listen to her any longer as I jumped up out of the hospital bed and ran out the door of my room, the nurse trying to get me back into the room the whole way. However when I was outside of my room I was stopped as Mr. Ackerman jumped up from his chair as he saw me…the whole Ackerman family sat there staring at me and I wondered why.

"Jesse! What are you doing out of your room? The doctor hasn't even said that it was okay for you to go home yet." He said.

I shook my head. "But Mr. Ackerman. You do not understand. Susannah…she…." Suddenly I was jerked back towards my hospital room and when I looked back I realized that it was the nurse that was doing so. "Miss please!" I said, a bit angrily. I had been about to tell Mr. Ackerman about the whereabouts of his daughter…or what I thought was the whereabouts of her. The nurse shook her head.

"I'm sorry Mr. De Silva but….for the sake of trying to make your embarrassment minimal….um…are you feeling a bit of a draft?" She asked curiously.

I looked at her confused for many moments until I looked down and finally realized what she had been talking about and my jaw dropped and I felt my cheeks turning hot with embarrassment as I realized that all I had on was a type of sheet….thing and it was barely enough to cover my….lower….region. I looked up at the family of Simon's and apologized profusely to them and then I quickly tried as best as I could to cover whatever of my dignity that I had left, up and then followed the nurse quickly back to my room where she handed me back my clothing and I waited on the doctor to allow for my departure.

Susannah's POV:

I awoke the next morning with a splitting headache and an aching back. Why you may ask? Well that's simple. It's basically because I had slept at the beach all night with the one blanket that I had brought back with me and I was cold….more tired than anything….and it looked to be as if I was about to become seagull food because as soon as I woke up….I found a seagull sitting off to the side of where I had been laying, staring at me. When I moved….he moved with me. When I got up….he didn't fly away. "Okay, go on you stupid bird!" I said as I tried to run it off from me. Finally it grew tired of watching something that he couldn't eat and flew off to find some bread….or what I hoped he would find…rice.

I sat staring out at the waves for a while, remembering what had happened from last night. I couldn't shake the image of Jesse laying on the ground, blood pooling around him….almost like he was…dead. Which he hadn't been. He had merely been unconscious, but with the help of my father….for Maria had dematerialized as soon as she'd seen that I saw her….I had gotten him to the hospital. And boy let me tell you…we had been a sight. Especially for those poor hospital workers who didn't know what was going on. But they had ignored the fact that one side of Jesse was kind of suspended in mid air and had went ahead and taken him into surgery to get him stitched up and to pump more blood into him, since he had lost so much. I stayed around long enough to make sure that he was going to be okay and then I headed back out the door as I didn't want anyone to know that I was back yet. Because according to the people that had seen me in the hospital…I looked a lot like that Susannah Simon kid who had died so tragically. Knowing my mother, if I came home now…she'd think that she'd seen a ghost and probably pass out….then I don't know what would happen…but I could tell you one thing….it wouldn't be good. After a couple of hours of staring at the steadily rising sun and the waves breaking on the shoreline, I decided to go and maybe get some breakfast with what little money I had. I walked around town for a little while, careful to keep my gaze firmly to the ground and hoping that no one that I met would recognize me. I found a small little dingy diner and went inside and ordered scrambled eggs and a cup of coffee. The girl that worked in there looked at me strangely and as I got my breakfast and started eating it, I looked around and noticed one of the missing posters on the wall and let me tell ya…I got out of there…quickly. I knew that I wouldn't be able to hide out for much longer and I was worried that maybe I might get into trouble with the police or my parents or something for "pulling a practical joke that wasn't very funny" on everyone. Because I knew that that was what the police would say if they caught up to me right about now. So I quickly ate a few more bites of my food and then sat my money on the counter and walked as calmly and as quickly as I could out the door desperate for someone to talk to.

And then suddenly I knew who…though the person wouldn't be able to hear me probably….it would at least help me get some things off of my chest. Instead of heading to the beach like I was going to do, I turned around and started for the rectory and the graveyard behind it. I picked up three red roses on my way to the graveyard and then snuck in quietly so as not to be caught and then sat them on Jesse's grave and then sat Indian style in front of it. Just then I looked over and noticed that another grave had been added. Curiously I looked at the name and saw that it was….MINE.

My eyes widened and I shook my head and backed up a little bit in shock. What was my gravestone doing here? I wasn't even dead yet and these people were already setting up a burial service for me? I sighed slightly and then read what my own headstone said. Beautiful daughter, wonderful friend, Querida. I stood there shocked for a second as I read these words on my grave and smiled widely. Jesse had put that one small word on my headstone and it felt as if my whole world had lit up just then. It didn't matter that people thought I was dead…or the fact that I was standing here looking at my own grave site. It was the fact that my Jesse at least liked me enough to add that one special name for me on there. I found myself wondering if anyone had asked why that title was on there. I was guessing that nobody even gave it a second glance. I don't know how long I sat there…or how long I just stared at the headstone in silence but when I looked up….I was no longer alone.

"I've missed you so much honey." My father said softly as he came up to me and hugged me tightly.

I smiled slightly. "Thanks dad." I said. I was willing myself not to let any emotion show…but it was getting to be too much to bear.

"Where were you Susannah? Jesse was looking for you, your mother was looking for you…I looked for you." He said sadly as he sat down beside of me and looked at me.

"Paul." I said.

"Who's Paul?"

"The spawn of Satan I believe." I said as I continued staring at the grave in front of me. "He kidnapped me and then I got away but….I couldn't come back to Carmel because he would have found me and the whole thingwouldhavestartedalloveragainand…."

My father stopped me quickly. "Suzie, honey, stop for a second. The most important thing is that you are back with us." He said smiling as he kissed my forehead. "Does anyone else know at all that you are here?" He asked.

I shook my head. "No…no one."

"Not even Jesse?"

I sighed and shook my head again, looking at the grave site.

My father was quiet for a moment before he spoke again. "You know….I was here when they put that in. I remember seeing the sad faces of your family and friends…of your mother…" He shook his head. "…And then I saw Jesse's face. He was sad….but there was an emotion that covered up the sadness on his face….do you know what that was Suzie?" He asked me.

I shook my head slowly, curiously.

"Hope." My father said, smiling now. "He hoped that you would come home….to him. He wanted to find you so badly that he was willing to do anything to find you. He just would not accept the fact that you were gone and that he would never see you again. He wouldn't accept that you had….well…you know." He shook his head. "And he was right." I looked at my father with shocked eyes.

"What?" I asked, kind of startled by the whole thing. It was news to me that Jesse thought of me that way. I mean, sure I knew that he liked me but to go so far as…. I just couldn't wrap my brain around the idea.

My father smiled at my obvious look of amazement. "He really likes you Susannah. But that is just something that he needs to tell you himself. I love you honey. Be safe." He said as he leaned down and kissed my forehead before he dematerialized completely, leaving me alone in the graveyard with my thoughts.

I sat there for a few minutes longer…collecting my thoughts and then…having nothing else to do, I got up and went for a walk, ending up at one of my favorite spots on the beach. It was the only spot on the beach that I could sit down and actually think and clear my head without worrying about anyone bothering me….because it was so secluded. Well….actually…I did have one person that would annoy me constantly there….a certain materializing person every now and then. Anyone take a guess at who I'm talking about?

Jesse's POV:

After my rather embarrassing encounter with the Ackerman family and that….nurse…the doctor came in and finally said that I could go home….or at least back to the Ackerman's. I thanked the doctor but I could not get the thought of Susannah out of my mind. Had she really been the one to save my life? The thought that she had been so close to me and yet I could not talk to her or feel her or see her made me so angry with myself that I could barely stand it. My Susannah, mi querida…..she may be alive….and I had not been there to see her….or at least conscious to see her. The doctor gave me a few forms to fill out and then wished me well and hoped that I did not try to get into any fights after this. I assured him I would not. "Goodbye cutie!" The nurse said at the door as we were leaving. Just then I felt a sharp pain coming from my….well….backside and I jumped and looked back and saw that the nurse had been the cause. My jaw dropped and I shook my head and continued out the door with the Ackerman's. I really did not feel as if that was a battle I wanted to get into.

After my rather embarrassing encounter with the Ackerman family and that….nurse…the doctor came in and finally said that I could go home….or at least back to the Ackerman's. I thanked the doctor but I could not get the thought of Susannah out of my mind. Had she really been the one to save my life? The thought that she had been so close to me and yet I could not talk to her or feel her or see her made me so angry with myself that I could barely stand it. My Susannah, mi …..she may be alive….and I had not been there to see her….or at least conscious to see her. The doctor gave me a few forms to fill out and then wished me well and hoped that I did not try to get into any fights after this. I assured him I would not. "Goodbye cutie!" The nurse said at the door as we were leaving. Just then I felt a sharp pain coming from my….well….backside and I jumped and looked back and saw that the nurse had been the cause. My jaw dropped and I shook my head and continued out the door with the Ackerman's. I really did not feel as if that was a battle I wanted to get into.

When we got back to the Ackerman household, I got many questioning looks from the family but they did not ask any questions. Instead they helped me around the house with anywhere I needed to go. I assured them that they did not need to do this, but they insisted. Finally they left me alone for a while and I was able to sneak out of the house for a walk. I did not know where I would be going, but at that point I did not care. I found myself walking towards the rectory and towards Susannah's grave. I had to get a few things off of my chest and it only seemed natural that I should do this with my Susannah…but since I did not know where she was…or if it had even been her that the nurse had been talking about….I went to talk to her empty grave. Just as I walked up to the graves, I got an unsuspected sight. Roses….on my grave. Something I had not expected and something I was sure was a sign. It had to have been Susannah. Who else would have left them? I picked them up and smiled widely and wondered why she had not stayed around at the hospital….why had she left? I thought about this a little more and then I stood up and picked the roses up as well and I headed towards the beach to clear my thoughts.

It was not a very long walk from the rectory to the ocean and once I got there I walked right up to the shoreline and stared out at the now setting sun. It was a beautiful sight and it was casting brilliant blues and oranges and reds around the sky and reflecting off the water. I sighed. Mi querida would love this. I hoped that wherever she was now, that she could see this and be as happy as I could not have made her. I looked down at the roses and smiled as I smelled one and then I tossed it out into the ocean. "Te quiero mi querida." How I wish I had said it to you before you left. I thought to myself silently. I threw the next rose into the ocean. "I love you Susannah." I said softly, hoping that it would lift the heaviness off of my heart. "I have loved you always. Ever since I first saw you. I wish I had said it to you before you left because now I feel as if there is a constant aching inside my chest and all I think about is you. You are the only one that can cure the ache in my heart and I know now that you could never return my feelings….even as much as I wish it to be so." I shook my head and felt a tear fall down my cheek. "Con tu adios te llevas mi corazon. I love you, Susannah." I whispered as I threw the last rose into the ocean and then sat down in the sand and stared at them as they drifted away from me and further into the vastness of the ocean surrounding me.

"Jesse?"

Susannah's POV:

I had been sitting in my little secluded area when suddenly I heard someone talking and walking towards where I was. Usually this was quite unusual….but as I listened I realized that my name was mentioned, which was getting to be even more unusual. I peaked my head around the boulder that seemed to be blocking me from view and my jaw dropped at what I saw.

It was Jesse….here….safe and sound and looking just as good as he always did. I noticed that he had three roses in his hands and…I know it was wrong of me but…oh well….I snuck a little closer to see what all he was saying and what he was doing. He looked sad…almost as if he would break down right then and there. Curiously I listened closer and what I heard scared the shit out of me…in a way. I heard him talking…about me…and about how he wished he could have said something to me. Then I heard him say it. The three most magical words I could have ever heard. My smile practically broke my face right about then and I started walking towards him and I leaned down so that I was about ear level with him.

"Jesse." I said softly….somewhat unsure of what he would think….or do. And then I found out. He jumped and almost hit me as he turned his head and looked at me. And then I saw the most amazing smile break out onto his face.

"Querida?" He whispered, almost as if he thought that I was a ghost or something.

I smiled and nodded as I continued to stare at him, scared to death that he would just disappear right in front of my eyes.

"Susannah!?" He asked now, louder this time, eyes wide. And when I nodded again he stood up and picked me up in his arms with a hug that enveloped me completely. "Mi querida, mi amor!" I could hear the happiness in his voice and I had a pretty good idea of what he was saying. I smiled wider at this fact and just let him hold me.

"Jesse! I can't believe your back….your alive!" I exclaimed out loud as I pressed a hand to his heart just to make sure that it was really beating. I resisted the urge to giggle childishly when I found out that it was.

"Believe it querida, because it is true." He said softly. "I was so worried about you Susannah." He said softly as he looked down at me with those liquid inky eyes that made me melt.

"I'm sorry Jesse, Ididn'tmeantoworryyouIjust…." But then I couldn't talk anymore as he had pressed a finger to my lips.

"Susannah." He said smiling slightly. "Stop." And then he leaned down and kissed me. And let me tell ya…I wasn't trying to talk then….nor did I want to.
He pulled away from me after a second and stared at me for the longest time after that. "Susannah." He whispered. "I…I love you." He said as he caressed my cheek lightly with the backs of his fingers.

I melted right on the spot. "Well…that works quite well then doesn't it."

He looked at me curiously.

"….Because I....I love you too." I said.

He smiled widely and then leaned down and gave me another kiss….and this one…like so many of his other kisses before….was definitely better than the last. And I think the reason why it was so good….was because he loved me…and I loved him…and we both knew it now. And now…since Paul was out of the way…maybe, JUST maybe…we could be happy. And that was enough for me….it really was.

Well...I hope that ending wasn't a let down for you. I REALLY enjoyed writing it....:) You have NO idea :) Lots of fluff....its good stuff :) lol. Anyway, I wish you all a VERY Happy Thanksgiving and all I can say is....be looking for a 'fic from me between now and Christmas. Now...you know what to do :) REVIEW! :)