"Why didn't you just tell me?" Jesse asked in a frustrated voice. I flopped down onto my bed in a daze. I couldn't believe that had just happened. Madam Zara told him everything.

I had resolutely decided to hate her from now on. Because even though I kind of guessed how Jesse would react to the news, well let's just say he exceeded my imagination. He had gone completely non-liner. He was up and ready to kill. Paul being the intended victim.

"I knew you'd react like this. That's why. I know you way too well." I sighed. He came and sat down beside me, taking both my hands in his.

"Susannah this isn't just another one of your challenges. This is destiny."

"Well duh Jesse! Don't you think I realise that? I've only been thinking about it non stop for about a week."

He brushed my cheek with the back of his hand gently. I could have melted right there and then. But that of course wouldn't have been dignified. So I settled for closing my eyes.

"I'm sorry. Have you made your decision?" Jesse asked calmly. My eyes flew open. I sat up and looked him straight in the eye. It was a lot more difficult than it sounds. He is very unnerving when he's all broody.

"I already told you. I've chosen you." I answered softly. Jesse closed his eyes briefly before returning his gaze to mine.

"You know you can't do that." He said equally as softly. I shook my head at him.

"I know I can do that." I replied.

He dropped my hands and stared at me hard. It was like he was trying to see what I was thinking. People have been doing that for years. It doesn't tend to work all that well. I'm too confused myself.

"No."

"Yes. No arguments. I've already made my decision. Besides, Paul knows. I told him earlier on the beach."

"You can say you made a mistake."

"Jesse….." he grabbed my shoulders roughly and dragged me forwards, so that my face was only inches apart from his own.

"I will not let you die for me." he whispered. But even as he said it he was closing the distance between us. He kissed me without even meaning to. Of that I'm sure. It was just like an impulse thing. But I very pleasant one I must say.

He broke away from me obviously realising what he'd done. Nice to know I'm really that irresistible to him.

"Tough." I panted, feeling slightly out of breath, "I'm not telling Paul I made a mistake. I didn't. I love you Jesse. And no matter what you do, I'm not changing my mind."

He shook his head slowly from side to side. But I didn't get to hear what he was going to say. The next thing I knew my door was being slammed open by Dopey. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Do you guys ever knock?" I asked acidly. He ignored me and throwing a contemptuous glance at my room said:

"Dad's going mental. Dinner started like five minutes ago."

"Oh dear." I said sarcastically. Like I didn't have bigger things to worry about than the wrath of my step-father.

"Tell him I'll be right down." I told him firmly. He just grinned at me maliciously.

"Too late. He said you're already grounded. Sucker." Then he just walked off, clearly happy his job was done.

I turned back to ask Jesse what he was going to do, only to find him gone. Great. Now I'm going to have another ghost admirer to deal with. Namely Paul.

Why is life so complicated? And why does fate get to make it that way? I tell you now. Destiny sucks.