CHAPTER SEVEN
"Mmm...that feels nice," I half-murmered, half-giggled in response to the tongue I felt caressing my cheek. But then I remembered who I was, and where I was. Well, I mean, I remembered who I was now and why I was here. So that explains why I opened my eyes not to find my true love, but an oh-so-familiar furry, orange face.
"SPIIIIIKE!"
I swear to God, I'd never been more happy to see that mean, ugly thing in my entire life. He rubbed his tiny, soft chin up against mine, and purred loudly. What the hell was up with that? But I didn't care, I was so happy to see him. I scratched behind his ears–or should I say ear–which only seemed to make him purr louder.
"Oh, Spikey, I've missed you too!"
But then it struck me–why was he still alive? He had to be at least in his twenties in people years. I mean, when we found him, Spike was already a fairly old cat.
That's when I noticed the pale blue spectral aura Spike was projecting. Spike was a ghost. A ghost CAT. This was a new one.
But I completely forgot about Spike's new state of existence when the remembrance of what happened last night trickled into my brain.
...Jesse
But I was relieved to see the window seat left empty. It looked sort of lonely that way. Honestly, I think I was disappointed that Jesse was gone. But I knew good and well that seeing Jesse again would only make me fall in love with him all over again. As if that wasn't already too late to prevent. Just a glimpse of his face spun me into heavenly dreams last night of him touching me. I craved his touch in such an animal-like way it sickened even me.
Spike went in for more licks and kitty kisses on my face, but I pushed him away. That's all I'd seemed to be doing anyway. Pushing people away. People–who soon I won't be able to push away any longer. People who deserve better than me.
I groaned. This was so not how I invisioned my engagement.
I dragged my body out of bed and managed to waddle my way in to the bathroom to shower. And let me tell you, that jet lag was not pleasant,
I let out a little gasp when the steaming hot water pierced my body. It felt like little needles. I eventually adjusted to the temperature, and enjoyed the streaming water caressed my form. Its almost painful heat gave me the illusion of a security blanket.
After what I thought seemed to be an unreasonably long time for a shower, I got out and primped. I decided not to bother flat-ironing my hair straight today. I don't think I had the energy. After applying some makeup and slipping into a baby doll dress by none other than Betsey Johnson, I headed downstairs.
Mom and Andy were sitting at the breakfast table, already dressed and ready for the day. I kissed them both on the cheek and said good-morning.
"Suze, sit down, stay a while. You're just in time for scrambled eggs," Andy said cheerily. Yummmm...It had been quite a while since the last time I had a big breakfast like the kind Andy was always preparing.
But where was Jack? It didn't take me too long for me to find out.
Down the winding stairs came my fiancé, dressed in–seriously–a buisness suit, holding his briefcase in one hand.
"Um, honey," I said, confused. "What are you doing? I mean what are you wearing?"
"Suze, I've got bad news." he ran his hand through his sandy blonde hair. "The boss needs me back in New York, and quick. There's a meeting I just can't get out of. He says its urgent."
Jesus Christ.
"Are you SURE you can't get out of it?" I urged.
"Positive." He turned to my mom and Andy. "Look, I'm really sorry–"
"Its alright," said my mother through pursed lips. I don't think this was exactly earning him any brownie points
"We understand," Andy told him. I'll admit, I was pissed. This was pretty nervy of him–Jack, I mean. For God's sake, we're getting married! And he's here to MEET MY PARENTS! But I guess business comes first, huh?
Jack turned to me. "I gotta go, babe. My flight leaves in an hour." I smiled sadly.
"Alright. Have a safe flight. And good luck with your, uh. meeting thingy."
He kissed me on the cheek. "I love you, Suze."
"Love you, too."
And just like that, he was out of the door. Well, this was just great.
"Um guys, if you don't mind, there are a few things I need to take care of."
My mom sighed. "Fine, go ahead. Just be sure to be home by dinner. We have a few things to talk about."
"I know, mom. Thanks!" I grabbed my purse and dashed out the house.
The sunlight was blinding. I shielded my eyes with my fingers and plucked out a cell phone from my Guess handbag. And dialed Adam's number. Yeah, I know, pretty doubtful that he still lived at home, but how else was I supposed to get a hold of him?
"Hello?'
"Hi, Mrs. McTavish? It's me, Suze. Is Adam there?"
"Suze, wow! Its been quite a while, now hasn't it? How have you been, hun?"
"I've been good, thanks. Do you know how I can reach Adam?"
"His new number is 739-6280."
"Thanks."
I clicked of our call and dialed the new number I'd been given.
"Talk to me," the person on the other end said.
"ADAM!"
"Whoa...Suze, is that you?"
"Of course it me! I've missed you sooo much!"
"We missed you too, Simon. Finally decided to give us a call?"
"Um, cuz I'm back in Carmel."
"What?"
"It's a long story."
"I've got time."
I'm...I'm engaged, ok?"
"Jesus, Simon! You're getting married? That's...That's great."
"I guess."
I guess. I am such an idiot.
"You guess? Gee, that's reeeaaal convincing," Adam laughed. God, I missed him.
"Hey, what happened to that Jesse guy?"
I said nothing. I guess Adam realized he made a mistake by bringing up Jesse, and said,
"Oh. man, I'm really sorry, Suze."
"It's okay," I said, my voice a little unsteady.
"Hey, you wanna talk to Cee?" Adam asked.
"Yeah!"
"Suze!"Cee Cee screamed into the phone.
"Cee! I've missed ya, girl!"
"Oh my God, I can't believe it's really you! You're really engaged?"
Adam must have told her.
"Yep"
"That's wonderful! You guys set a date?"
"Around four monthes."
"I'm the maid of honor, right? Because I better be!"
"You betcha."
"Meet us at the coffee clutch?" Cee Cee asked.
"Sure. And Cee? Why are you at Adam's house?"
"Oh, he didn't tell you? We're living together."
"Um, I think he left that part out."
"Okay, so get your butt over to the Coffee Clutch!"
"See you there."
Living together..Holy crap.
A half an hour later I was sitting at the Coffee Clutch, carefully sipping a scalding hot Carmel Machiato, surrounded by my two best friends. We talked about everything from my engagement, to their new living situation, to The Starlet (A/N: The best show on the PLANET! I am so glad that bitchy girl Lauren is gone).There was so much that had to be said.
"Hey, girls," Adam said to Cee Cee and me. "There's a big festival at the mission this afternoon. I know it'll all be little kids, but it could be fun."
"Sure, I'm game, " Cee Cee answered.
My stomach was in my throat the entire ride to the Junipero Serra Mission Academy, in Adam's spankin' new, shiny VW Beetle. You'd think he has a fetish for the things.
Anyway, I was nervous. I got this way every time I rediscovered one of these places from my youth. First my old house, now my old school...
It looked exactly the same as I remembered it. The same grand red dome, the basillica, sunny breezeways...It was all the same.
We walked down the cobblestone path, down to the courtyard, where dozens of tents and stands were set up. It looked a lot like the festival for Father Serra that was had right before...you know. The Kiss.
"Now, Gregory, what did I tell you about planting 'stink bombs' in the hibiscus? You may think it to be humorous, but to others, such behavior is considered offensive. Now get back to the festival and have a good time, young man."
"FATHER DOM!" I screamed, momentarily silencing the bustle of the festivities.
"Good Heavens," the priest said, and turned around.
I threw myself into the good father's arms, practically strangling him, my arms were wrapped so tightly around his neck. What can I say? I missed that old guy!
"Oh, Father D!" I said in this really shrill voice. He awkwardly patted my shoulder.
"I have certainly missed you too, Susannah! What brings you to Carmel? You look well. More so than the last time I saw you, for that matter." I scowled at the thought of me at graduation.
"Thanks, and uh, I'm getting married."
"Good Heavens," Father D said again, adjusting the collar to his robey thing. "Congradulations, Susannah, I am very happy for you. And when should this joyful union take place?" I was getting sick of people asking this question.
"Four months"
"Well, that's quite soon, now isn't it? I hope you are happy, Susannah, and that God has finally seen you through your troubles."
"Um, Thanks. I think."
I might have been imagining it, but there was something sad in Father Dominic's eyes. Something that made me rethink just how happy for me he was.
"Suze," Cee Cee said, grabbing my arm. "Oh, hey, Father Dom, how's it going?"
"It is going quite well, Miss Webb. And yourself?"
"Great."
"That's good to hear."
Cee Cee pulled me away, and up to this tent that said "Psychic Readings."
"No way, Cee Cee, no freaking way."
"Oh come on, Suze, it'll be fun."
END OF CHAPTER SEVEN
Notes: This was by far the crappiest chapter ever. way too long, too boring. But I kinda wanted to get this one over and move on to chapter eight...I won't blame you if you flame me.
Love,
Linds
