Horror Vacui

A/N: Aww, you guys rock! And I seriously mean that, dudes. Not only because you read my story and apparently like it but come on, what other author get so many long reviews? And you guys review on a daily bases unlike me. (I know, shame shame. But what can I say? I'm faulty.) You guys are my loyal subjects and that's what makes you guys rock so much!

Arda Silverlace: -gasp- I wouldn't kill off one of my characters, never! I'm even having a difficult time coming up with the nerve to off Jesse. I don't think it's going to happen. Besides I love all my characters, love 'em like they're my lovely pets. I had a blast creating Anet and Kay (and Derek) who may be coming in this chapter. You never know. I like the fact that Jesse is more confident and out-spoken when he's alive too. Being a ghost made him coy, in my opinion.

NiceHayley: Heh, it seems a lot of people like Anet, she's so likeable. And it's a deal, here's the next chapter but I don't know if it's soon enough for all my supporters. What say you?

Esodes08: I like long chapters as well; it seems more worth the wait. Uh huh, I agree completely. I love Jesse's meeting Suze; it's so memorable and sweet! But what happens next may not be so sweet . . .read on to see why.

Chayter, Musicgirl141, KC, LinkinParkGurlie, SuRfgUrL1, & Aes13sb: Thanks for the awesome compliments, my loyal subjects. It's enough to get a simple girl, like me, egotistical. Very egotistical.

Starr: Reviews don't have to be helpful comments; at least I don't think so. If a review is just funny and witty and helps cheer up the author, make 'em laugh relentlessly, hey, then it's a fabulous review! Thanks for a fabulous review, Starr!

Foolish Fish: -shrugs- Um, it's possible? I honestly don't know, but I'd like to think an athletic girl like Suze could get ready like that –snaps fingers- since she was in a hurry to find Jesse. But I'd also like to think that Suzie could get dressed that quickly, just for the sake of me being right. Sad, isn't it? But thanks for reviewing!

Coca-Cola Classic: Ooh, I get shivers down my spine from reading your review. All the swooning and the squealing and the capitalized words? Very entertaining to read, girl. You should run for President of America or something. You could win for sure with your bubbly-ness. I'd vote for you.

Derek? –wrinkles nose- He hasn't even appeared yet. And I'm letting Arda portray him. I hope she makes him to your liking. He should be very charismatic if you get my drift.

Mystique Anqelique (Gothic Granny I should say): I like it when Paul and Jesse face off, it's like a duel or something. It's amusing. But 'vacui' is Latin for 'void'. I don't really think the title matches the story yet but I'm workin' on it.

Dark Neko Jin: Okay okay okay okay okay okay okay! Yikes, man. Somebody needs therapy. Lol.

Poeticdreams: Well, please continue on reading! The more the merrier.

Indigomisery: Tsk, tsk. Oh, sorry dear. But 'fraid I can't tell you about those inside jokes. Nobody will know, ever. I shall keep them all till my death! Muwhahahaha!!!

A/N: I think it's about time we give little Suzie a break from telling her tale. She's going to be weary at the end of this chapter anyway. It's Jesse's turn for a while.

Chapter Four: Manners Matter

Jesse's POV!

My eyebrows went far up as Señorita (A/N: Isn't it just adorable? Jesse even calls Suze by the proper way in his mind!!!)Susannah cussed, her emerald eyes narrowing in grievance and my previous thought was briefly forgotten as I studied her.

This was not a normal maiden, if the reaction she gave after uttering the curse was any indication. But the moment I had laid eyes on her, riveted by the sea, I sensed she was unlike others. Witty, beautiful, unruffled, bright, encantador and valiant this young lady amazed me.

She didn't clap her hand over her mouth, ashamed as my sisters often were after expressing such words, but nor did she smile boldly, challengingly, as filthy strumpets do when vying for a man's attention. She merely glared intensely, outwardly annoyed, at some point beyond my right shoulder, unaware of me, it would seem.

Curious at what had caught her interest, I glanced over my shoulder . . . and spotted nothing abnormal. No one was standing in the doorway or the room and nothing in my care was missing. I strained to make out if anything dreadful was going on in the parlor, but Kay wasn't yelling, at least not loudly and –Dios be praised— no gunshots were fired within hearing range.

Then what was amiss?

"Señorita? Are you in pain? Is something ailing you?" I questioned with concern, taking a few steps closer. Occasionally my oldest sisters suffer from stomach pains once a month, which is normal for a young lady, I am told. I presumed that this was Susannah's affliction for her expression looked akin to that of my sisters' during this period of time each month. (A/N: I hope you gals know what he's talking about.)

Her gaze flickered towards me and then behind me yet again. She held a hand out in front of her stomach suddenly, palm forward, as if secretly signaling for someone to wait but then, just as swiftly, she lowered her hand and flashed me a smile that didn't reach her bewitching eyes.

"Oh, I'm fine Jesse, but . . .uh, now that you mention it, I do feel a tiny bit uh, tipsy. I'll be back in a sec, okay?"

Half of that I did not understand, but I politely restrained myself from questioning her further since her eyes still held a vehement glint within them and I'd rather not distress her more.

"I understand, Susannah," I replied evenly, with a slight nod. I was still somewhat puzzled on what she was doing in my room but I had a feeling I'd see her again, so I wasn't too depressed. "But you need not return, I'm sure you have more addressing matters at the moment. It is very nice to have met you, though."

"No!" Señorita Susannah cried swiftly, appearing upset for some reason. She cursed under her breath again, prettily, naïve of the fact that I heard her whether she cared or not. She collected herself. "Uh, I mean, no, don't worry, I'll be back soon. I mean, no matters that need addressing for me whatsoever but, ugh . . . Just hold on, okay Jesse? I'll be back soon."

Then she hastily walked around me and as I turned around to watch her leave, she seemed to be holding or dragging something out with her as she walked out the room.

But I'm sure this was only my imagination.

Suze's POV

I hauled Joan, by her arm, to the door of Anet's room, out of Jesse's hearing and hopefully Anet's as well. But Joan didn't take this treatment quietly and was fighting me the whole way.

It's a good thing the girl's a ghost or else everyone from the bottom of Farr From Home Inn to the tip top would come running at me, trying to figure out who was screaming bloody murder. I admit, I was squeezing her arm a little bit harder than necessary, but come on; she chose to come now out of all the other possible opportunities? If she had found me during my long walk to Carmel then I could've helped her solve her problems (which were looking mighty insignificant at this moment) and be done with her. No more mediating for Suzie.

But no. Materialize to Suze when she's flirting with Jesse, why don't you?

I so hate her right now. Worst than Paul even. At least Paul has a reason to interrupt my happiness, but not Joan. She has no right, not even a little iota of justification for it. How did she end up here anyway?

And did she catch those death glares I was shooting her way like nuclear missiles hoping she'd somehow get the message and skedaddle? Not a chance. So I had to leave Jesse!

You know what they say: First impressions are lasting impressions. And I made a huge tragedy outta my first impression with Jesse. I must've looked like a complete lunatic scowling at the wall. What if the next time I see Jesse he's a ghost? What then, huh?

"What are you, a poltergeist?!" I whispered to her, furiously. "How'd you get here, Joan and why must you bug me now of all times?"

Joan looked only a tiny bit reproachful, rubbing her arm, tenderly then smoothing out her blue top –oh sure, she gets to keep her nice 21st century finery and she's dead, but I have to endure like four layers of clothe— before she responded.

"I came here the same time you did, duh." Then her eyes widened in excitement. "But oh my God! Do you know where we are? The Wild West! Where'd you get that dress? It's so pretty— can I have one? But isn't this awesome? All the cowboys, bar fights, duels and Indians, I could just die of the thrill!"

Obviously she still wasn't fully able to register the fact that she actually was dead.

I mentally groaned. I was practically forced out here, away from Jesse, by my God given 'gift' to hear what? An immature teen going on and on about nothing important. I won't stand for it, I tell you.

"Joan! Just shut up and tell me why you came looking for me during my history class and then near the forest by the Mission Academy, and then here again now. Is it because of your death 'cause I so can't solve that problem right now. If you haven't noticed we aren't apart of that civilized era anymore."

This comment must've poked her in her sorest spot because she flashed me a loathsome look, then glowered at the wooden floorboards.

"Yeah," she mumbled glumly to the floor, looking like she was going to fly into waterworks at a moments notice. (What did I tell you? Moody, isn't she? Happy then angry then sad all in less than three minutes!)

Then she blew a fuse.

"It's not fair! He was the one driving the piece of junk, not me! But did he die?" She barked out a dry laugh wiping at her eyes, which were moist. "As if! It isn't fair, I want revenge. You have to find him, mediator! Then kill him."

"Whoa, I'm not killing anyone, Joan. It's always been something I prefer not to do and so far I've been pretty good at avoiding it. He's probably not even alive here! And who said life was fair? No—"

"But you have to! Please! He didn't die and he deserves death more than I do! You have to."

And with that Joan dematerialized with a last pleading look at me.

"Um, it would help a lot if you gave me a name." I told the spot where she had just stood.

But whatever, it's not important now. I'm sure I'll be seeing her again, no doubt to finish what's been started.

I peeked inside Anet's room to make sure she hadn't heard this 'one-sided conversation.' She wasn't there so that means I have like ten minutes before I have to go find her, right? I convinced myself of this anyway and started off in the direction of Jesse's room, my future room. But I froze in my tracks upon hearing a disappointingly familiar voice.

"Ah, so you're an atheist, I assume, sir?"

Okay, that wasn't the sad part. That was Jesse, he's nice. I'm glad I know him, not disappointed. My heart does a little tap dance when I hear his lovely Latino voice. But the voice that answered Jesse's question wasn't so nice.

"I prefer the title of 'infidel', actually. I wouldn't say I have any religious beliefs. Religion is just something pitiful people use to fill in the missing gaps of their lives. Can't say I blame them."

Paul.

I sprang over to them before Paul could say anything else to further irritate Jesse. Jesse happens to be a firm believer in God and the Christian religion and I could just tell from the sound of his voice that he was peeved.

And I didn't even have a clue what they were talking about!

Paul and Jesse were standing in the hallway outside Jesse's room both staring at each other. Jesse had his arms crossed in front of his chest looking rather affronted but Paul appeared amused.

"Suze!" Paul said, noticing me for the first time, the amused twinkle in his eyes growing, uh . . .twinklier. "Glad you could join us."

Oh.

My.

God.

"Paul," I said aware that Jesse's eyebrow was arched in uncertainty and trying hard to keep the frustration and surprise concealed from my voice, "What are you doing here?"

And believe you me. I was irked at Paul so it was really tough to appear to be on good terms with him, being the amoral butt munch he was. (A/N: Immature, yes, but say it out loud. Butt munch. Come on. You gotta love it.) I fingered the jeweled silver ring on my thumb absentmindedly, staring daggers at him.

"I've come here to see you of course. Why else would I have reason to show my face?"

To ruin my nineteenth century life.

But I didn't say that aloud because Paul had somehow managed to smoothly slip his strong, muscular left arm around my shoulder without my noticing.

Jesse's eyebrow shot up further, like an arrow, looking bemused and concerned.

I gave Paul a look that I hope read, 'Don't try that again if you treasure the way your anatomy is arranged,' and then quickly shrugged his arm off.

Jesse was watching us, studiously. Oh, great now he'll assume we're like 'together' or something and I'm just mad at Paul for some weird reason. Can this get any worst?

Jesse met my gaze; his incredibly dark eyes were unreadable yet he suddenly looked dismal and somber.

"It was a pleasure talking to the both of you, but," he looked away, his voice low, "I just remembered something that needs attending to. Perhaps later we can continue this conversation, señor, you are staying here too, yes?" Paul concurred, smirking. "Then I may see you later, sir. Good day, Señorita." He nodded towards Paul and smiled briefly at me. Then left. Just like that.

As if he was a ghost again. (Aww.)

Perfect. I had jinxed the situation.

It's all Paul's bloody fault!

And I'm not going to stand for another lone minute with him. I strode away towards Anet's room.

But Paul unfortunately followed me, grinning triumphantly. Can't he take a hint? Apparently not.

"Go away, Slater," I growled. "I don't want to talk to you."

Paul laughed and grabbed my arm. Why does he always laugh at me? It's not like I'm here in life for his sole amusement. "Suze, you're acting like a kid. What's your problem?"

I squared my jaw. "I suffer no problems that cannot be solved by your departure. Now if you excuse me," I jerked my arm away, "I have something that I must do."

"Oh, really? And what is that?"

"I must tend to my horse." Spare of the moment thought. Aren't I good?

"Your horse? I didn't know you had a horse," he sounded pleased for some reason, which thoroughly freaked me out. "Well, you know this isn't the way downstairs, don't you?"

Fudge! (-insert colorful 4-lettered word here-) I really felt like screaming and tearing my hair out at the injustice of it all.

Luckily, for me at least, when I opened the door of Anet's bedroom I was greeted by her bright blonde head.

"Susannah? Where have you been? Oh- " She noticed Paul behind me. "Hello, Mr. Slater. Lost your way, have you? You're rooming in that one." She pointed at one of the doors where the future master bedroom would be.

Annoyance at being thought of as a simple minded fool flashed through Paul's blue eyes briefly, but within seconds he was showing off his trademark smile again. I swear, what a phony. How can anyone fall for such a fake smile? I mean, sure its nice and clean and white and straight but he probably flosses like ten times a day to keep it that way. That's wasting a lot of floss. Especially since girls fall for him just for the hot body. Not that I would know.

I don't.

Really.

Oh, shut up and quit laughing.

"No, actually. I'm not lost. Only admiring the lovely individuals here at the Farr From Home Inn." This made Anet blush but I just rolled my eyes. How lame.

"Yeah, right. Whatever. See you later, Paul." And I headed downstairs with as much dignity as I could muster which wasn't much since I tripped on the dress seam. Twice.

I heard Anet say something to Paul then she appeared behind me looking annoyed. We were already near the parlor by then. "That wasn't very polite, Susannah. Mr. Slater's staying here and as an employee you must respect and be courtesy to all customers. It is one of the many unspoken rules here. A mores, you could say." (A/N: Look it up, loyal subjects! Pronounced more-ay.)

She must have a crush on Paul.

I blinked. "I don't know what a mores is." Then remembering what Kay said about Anet being a no-nonsense person I quickly added, "but sorry. I'll be nicer next time." Hopefully there isn't another next time.

Anet seemed satisfied with this response and motioned for me to follow her as she walked behind the counter. Kay glanced at us and a man with startling green eyes beside him winked at me as we passed them. "Very well," she sighed. "I'll explain to you your chores while your living here."

Oh, goodie. Chores.


A/N: I apologize for taking a month to update. I probably shouldn't remind you guys how long I take but whatever. Any guesses who the winking stranger is? You guys know probably but you'll have to wait till the next chapter to know for sure. Aren't I evil?
If there are any Lord of the Rings fans out there don't forget that the Return of the King comes out on DVD and video today! Toodles!
Oh, and don't mind the chapter title. It's kinda funky. And sorry this chapter ends kinda sudden. But the more reviews I get the more I'll be willing to shirk my last bits of homework to finish up the next chapter.