"Susannah I absolutely forbid this."

I sighed. Father Dom was reacting way worse than I'd expected. What am I saying? I knew he'd react like this. I threw Jesse an annoyed look that he chose to ignore. I had been right about him 'discussing our relationship' with Father D. He'd done it pretty much as soon as we'd stepped through the door. What he'd been expecting I'll never know. The good father to embrace us with open arms? I don't think so.

"Look. I know you feel…um, strongly about this thing. But there isn't actually much you can do. It's our decision not yours." I said in my usual over-confident manner.

What can I say? I was bored. The conversation was getting rather tiring. So I decided to play the difficult hormonal teenager. It didn't take much effort. I've kind of fallen into the pattern of being awkward. Not that much of it's really my fault. You try living in a city where over one hundred people die in a day for sixteen years. Then balance that out with homework and attempting to arrive at school on-time. I'll tell you know: it was hard. So excuse me for being a bit touchy sometimes…………………..

"Yes he can." Jesse answered me softly. I looked at him in confusion, "If the church does not approve then I cannot go against….."

"JESSE!" I yelled angrily. He has got to be kidding me. I don't even believe in all that stuff. Why should Father Dom get to speak for the church anyway? He doesn't own it.

"Susannah……" he began sounding slightly tired. I ignored him and continued my going mental. What was he on?

"Jesse, let me fill you in on something ok? This is the 21st century. The time of freedom and pot noodles. NO-ONE and I repeat NO-ONE needs permission from the church to date any more."

"That may be so Susannah. But I was not born into your time of –what was it again? - freedom and pot noodles. I believe in the old….."

"Jesus, Jesse!"

"Susannah!" Father Dominic barked sharply giving me a warning look.

"Kindly refrain from using the Lord's name in vain in my presence. I do realise that you have little respect for the churches rules, but please show the courtesy to keep that kind of language for outside this room." I rolled my eyes at him in annoyance. I swear he spends half of his time telling what to not do or say. It's getting monotonous.

"I just don't see why peoples' lives should be governed by some stupid idea that certain people are wrong together. I mean. Look at Tom and Jerry. Different species but still best friends."

"Susannah. Much as I appreciate your innocent wisdom on the matter, I must assure you. Some people are wrong together. And no matter how much they love each other, nothing can change that fact." He paused to study me sadly.

"I also feel the need to point out. Tom and Jerry were enemies that happened to get thrown together. They could never be friends even if they had wanted to."

I sat in a stunned silence. Had Tom and Jerry really been enemies? I always thought they looked kind of cute together. Oh great. Now I'd given him an example of how people don't match up.

"He is right Susannah." Jesse breathed unhappily, "Maybe it would be better if……"

"No WAY Jesse! You hear me? No freaking way." I took that opportunity to stand up and stride towards the door.

"Sorry to have taken up so much of your time Father D. I'll be back later. Right now I have some research to do on the latest person to pull me into the never-ending hell which is the Shadowland. Then maybe I can figure out what her stupid clues mean before she attempts killing me. Don't you think that's a great plan?" I asked sarcastically.

Father Dom was looking from me to Jesse in…what I'd guess for him was extreme confusion. Can't blame the poor guy. We'd been so caught up on the relationship 'issue' that we'd never even mentioned it.

I heard Jesse give out an annoyed groan. I made special effort not to look at him. I think we had enough to say that'd merit a second meeting anyway. This time: alone. What had Jesse been thinking?

"Anyway. Got to run if I'm going to catch up with Cee-Cee on time. See you later." I said pointedly at Jesse. He seemed to get the message, if the grim look in his eyes was any indication.

With that, I turned the door knob and stormed out. Straight into the receptionist. Great going Suze, I thought angrily.

Luckily the door had slammed shut by then. Wouldn't it have been embarrassing if they had seen me slam into her? Her files dropped to the floor with a smash. I looked down at her worriedly.

"Oh my god!" I screeched, bending down to help her pick them up. Father Dom wasn't here to yell at me for blaspheming so I was good.

"Are you ok? Let me help you." I continued hurriedly. I was babbling but I didn't really care. I guess she understood me, as she smiled up at me happily. A little too happily actually. Like she'd drunk too much champagne today. I wanted to be polite though so I continued to pick up her things.

"Um….are you ok m'am? I mean, you didn't hit your head or anything did you?" I asked clearly. What I really wanted to ask was where she'd hidden the bottle. But you know. Good old angel Suze.

She flashed me another of those un-nerving smiles and licked her lips. Her gaze was unsteady and her eyes slightly dull. She did not look well at all.

"She's coming." The girl choked in complete fear. I could see it naked on her face. I grabbed her shoulders and shook her. This was not normal. Not even for a drunk girl.

"Who? What are you talking about?" I asked in a commanding voice. But it was as if she wasn't even listening. Or maybe she just couldn't hear me. Her body began to spasm in my grasp and her eyes rolled back into her head. I stared in horror as her mouth curled into another evil smile.

"Help me!" she screeched as she collapsed forwards onto me. Like a shell of her former being. I lay her onto the floor and pushed back some of her auburn hair uncertainly. Should I get Father D? Or Jesse? Yes Jesse! He'd know what to do right?

I gave her one last glance before hurrying to open the door. But just as I did so the girl's head turned towards me. Like a robotic doll. I hate it when they do that.

"She's HERE!" she screamed. I felt a sharp tug as the door flew open. But what I saw inside wasn't Father D's office. Oh no. It was hell. My hell. The Shadowland.

Endless clouds of mist swirled beneath my feet as I thought to catch my breath. This was not happening. It was just a nightmare. Just another nightmare.

The door swung on its hinges as mist engulfed the room. Other doors flew against the walls, forming a long line. Then my door slammed shut. It was just another door. Just another door in the endless corridor.

I choked on my own air as I spun around. Only to find I wasn't alone. She was here. Madam Zara.

Oh God, I know I haven't been great in the past.

But please help me.