WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?

Thank you from the bottom of my big green heart to everyone who has reviewed and been so nice and supportive! I never expected reviews, so thank you! Gros bisous! And excuse my Italian in this chapter and future chapters, I don't speak it, so I'm trying to get my friend to teach me, as soon as she gets back from Italy, that is.

'No!' I snapped, turning my head away from him and folding my arms across my chest. 'Give it up Paul. How many times do I have to tell you? It's not gonna happen.'

'And how many times do I have to tell you Suze, that it's meant to be?' he replied, pulling himself closer to me, by sliding his hands around my waist. 'Paul, if you like me as much as you claim to, then why can't you respect my wishes?' 'Because I know that you're in denial and would never admit to liking me, even just a little bit.'

'I'm so sick and tired of playing these stupid gam…' The last bit of my speech was cut off quickly as he went in for the kill, aggressively claiming my mouth. My instinctive reaction was to push my body against his, hungry for his kiss. I slid my arms around his neck, stroking the back of it softly. I felt him smile against my lips, the winner once again.

And that's when it hit me. I had always been the one thing that Paul wanted badly, yet never succeeded in attaining. If I gave in now, then I'd never be able to stick up to him, or prove him wrong. This kiss, where I finally gave in, would be the beginning of a long stretch that would consist of him reminding me of this very moment, over and over again.

I wouldn't have any ammunition, of the verbal kind, against him. Just something to blush about, each time I thought of it.

It was this particular idea that caused me to struggle against his forcefulness and rip his lips away from my own.

'I said no,' I growled, hating him more than ever for being able to toy with my emotions so easily. 'You and I will never have anything. Get over it.' 'Suze,' he said sadly, shaking his head. 'It's really getting old how you think you can deny what we have. I suggest you build a bridge, get over it and give in.' 'Never!' I practically spat at him, shoving him against the wall, so that I was free to escape. 'We'll see!' He called after me, in an all knowing tone of voice.

'Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to begin our descent, please fasten your seatbelts and ensure that your table tops are closed up. We hope you had an enjoyable flight and thank you for flying with American Airlines.'

I shifted uneasily in my seat, keeping my eyes glued to the window, as the ground came ever closer. Truthfully, I was dreading having to get off of the plane. It would only mean bad things, such as having to actually talk to Paul and start this stupid shifting course. Puh-leese, like I even need it. I am an excellent shifter, better than Paul, so ha!

We got off fairly quickly after we had landed, probably something to do with Father Dom wearing his priesty clothes. Which really does draw attention to us, and screws my whole idea of a family vacation. Ah well.

It took us a while to get through security and collect our luggage, which didn't make the current situation any more comfortable. Paul kept on staring at me, although I refused to do the same, afraid that if I did, something even more embarrassing would happen to me, or he would finally manage to kill me with his glare. Whichever came first.

As we walked through arrivals, I spotted a tall, dark man standing nearby holding a sign which said 'D, S, P.' 'Freak,' I thought, shaking my head at his weird European-ness. I figured I'd be seeing a lot of it later on.

'Ah, Paulo!' FD (I'm trying to get Father D down with the kids, what do you think of the nickname? Not too original, but it gets the point across) cried, enveloping the man in a huge hug. They even kissed! Ewww, even having Paul kiss me is better than watching FD do it in a crowded airport, with plenty of little kids looking on.

'It's so good to see you again!' 'And you too Father,' Paulo replied, in a thick Italian accent, which I must admit was reeeaaaalll sexy. They talked for a few minutes, in Italian, while I stood there frowning, trying to figure out what they were saying. And since when did Father D know the language? Adults, I swear, they never tell you anything…

'Oh, how rude of me,' Father Dom said, putting a hand on his chest. 'Paulo, this is Paul Slater and Susannah Simon. Paul, Suze, this is Paulo Carmenelli. He will be assisting us during our stay. Paulo and I have known each other for many years, we first met when I was studying here in Italy many years ago and have stayed in contact ever since.'

'Hey,' I smiled, shaking his hand. Paul did the same, but remained silent.

'Nice to meet you both,' Paulo replied. 'Now, it seems that you have everything, are you ready?' 'Yup,' I shrugged, shifting my bag from one shoulder to the other. Ha, shifting, get it? …….Pffft, I never said I was a comedian.

We trooped out to the car park, where a decent black car was waiting, and all piled in. I immediately pulled out my Discman again, for as much as I'm sure that Paulo is an excellent conversationalist, I really didn't want to put myself in a situation where I might actually have to speak to Paul.

I couldn't stop myself from staring out of the windows as we drove, spotting soooo many hot guys (who weren't afraid to stare right back!), all the beautiful architecture of Rome and the gorgeous weather. I mean, Carmel has its great weather, but in Rome, things just look that little bit prettier.

Soon, we left the city and headed into the country, as hills popped up and animals became more prominent as the major occupants of the area. We were about two and a half hours into when the journey when suddenly, it ended. Paulo turned the car up a steep hill, which was lined with beautiful blooming plants, before swinging into a large driveway, where several other cars were already parked.

I removed the headphones, put them back in my bag and undid my seatbelt. 'Here we are!' Paulo declared, getting out. I followed suit and gazed up in awe at the amazing building that stood before us. It couldn't even be described as a house, but more of a palace. And maybe that's exactly what it was. It stood at four stories tall, with many large windows dotted all over. The roof was terracotta and the walls were a nice shade of peach-ish looking stone.

As we got closer, I got a glimpse of the surrounding land and was even more astounded by it, with lush green rolling hills, bright colourful fauna and the odd bunny hopping about. 'God Suze, what are you trying to do? Catch flies?' Paul commented in disgust as he brushed past me.

I looked after him in confusion for a moment, before realizing that my jaw was practically on the gravel blanketed ground. Looking around to make sure no one else had seen me or heard Paul, I snapped it shut and quickly followed the rest of them.

They had ventured inside and Paulo was speaking Italian again, while FD listened earnestly. Paul had walked over to the grand fireplace that was the centre-piece of the grand room. I looked up to see a giant chandelier hanging above us and made a mental note to avoid walking under it as much as possible. I have enough of a hard time with ghosts wanting to kill me, let alone massive household ornaments.

'Ah, Father Dominic!' A woman's voice gushed in another thick Italian accent. I turned in time to see a plump, jolly looking woman rush toward FD and attempt to hug him to death. After she had finished, she moved back, holding him at arm's length and surveyed his body. What is this? Some kind weird orgy filled house, where they like to screw priests? Forget I mentioned that, although I can't be alone in thinking it…..

When I looked at her closer, I realized that she wasn't that fat at all, but instead pregnant. She was really pretty, glowing with all the goodness of morning sickness and cramps.

Her hair was long, thick and black and fell loosely in curls around her shoulders. Her skin was tanned and smooth, leaving me to conclude that she couldn't be much older than thirty. The most striking thing about her was her eyes, which were so dark they looked black (just like Jesse's!) and sparkled mischievously.

'Ah, you must be Susannah!' she exclaimed, pulling me into a similar hug. 'I am Pamela (only she pronounced it like Pah-may-la).It's so nice to finally meet you!' 'You too,' I gasped, trying to break away from the death grip she had on me. Releasing me, she then grabbed Paul, who looked shocked, yet also a little pleased. Eww, she's pregnant!

'Welcome, welcome,' she said, standing back to take a good look at us. 'You will love it here and learn so much. I just know you will like the other shifters we have here.'

'Ot..other shifters?' I questioned, my mind feeling a little foggy. 'I thought it was just Paul and me.' 'No, no, no,' she said, waving her hands around. 'We are a pretty exclusive residence, but do choose two shifters from three continents each year. We believe that this year will be our best yet. Two of them are already here, and the last will arrive tonight.'

'Excellent,' Father Dom said, rubbing his hands together. 'How about a cup of tea?' 'Of course,' Pamela said, guiding him toward the kitchen. 'Make yourself at home, Father. It really is wonderful to see you again.' That left me and Paul standing in the great entrance alone, with the exception of Paulo. He turned to us and said, 'Susannah, your room is on the fourth floor, number 20, Paul, you are 21. Here are your keys.' He dropped a set into each of our open palms, before turning on his heel and leaving.

'Well,' I mumbled, staring at the floor. 'Um…..' 'Funny how we should end up as neighbours, I'd say that were fate, wouldn't you Suze?' Paul drawled, from his position of leaning against the fireplace. 'In a word, no,' I snapped and proceeded to climb the large staircase, dragging my suitcase behind me, which made a thump-slide-ease motion, from one step to the next.

I must've dragged that case for a good ten minutes, before I finally reached the highest level. Leaning against the bannister for a minute, I caught my breath, while also clutching my side. Wow, I was wrecked. Imagine what shifting could do to me, if I was practically in need of oxygen after walking up some stairs. Although, in fairness, there were a lot of stairs.

Paul strolled past me a moment later, giving me a look of pure pity. I immediately straightened up, watching with envy as he easily managed his case. He wasn't even a little red in the face! With one last look of patronizing sympathy, he banged into his room, slamming the door behind him.

Having returned my heart to its normal beat, I continued walking until I found room number 20. Sliding my key into the lock, I turned it only to find that the door wouldn't budge. I heaved a little of my bodyweight onto it and pushed, yet still it didn't even move an inch.

Feeling hot, tired and frustrated, I moved back a little, before charging straight for it, which may not have been the smartest thing in the world as I collapsed in a heap before it, after running and smacking my body right into it.

'Nooooo,' I moaned weakly, breathing heavily again. Paul, obviously having heard my little display of stupidity, poked his head out of his room and glanced up and down the hallway. His gaze fell on me, and I felt myself become even redder, though from embarrassment, not exertion.

'What's wrong Suze?' he snickered. 'Can't handle opening a door? How do you expect to survive all the shifting?' 'Shut up,' I said through gritted teeth, rubbing my elbow, which was throbbing. 'Fine then. I was gonna help you, but if you insist on being so immature about it, then I won't.' And with that, he re-slammed his door.

I'm immature? What's with all of his door slamming antics and snide comments!

Groaning with the effort, I managed to struggle into an upright position. I was sweating and glowed with the heat radiating from my body. And it wasn't a good kind of heat, like the type I get whenever I'm with Jesse, but an 'ow-I'm-in-serious-pain' kind of heat.

I left my case where it was by my door and started my long descent to the bottom floor. Along the way, I noticed all of the family photos spread out across the walls. There were some really old ones on the top levels, but as I got nearer the ground, they became more recent and were in colour.

The last one I saw before I stepped off of the staircase was of Paulo and Pamela on their wedding day. They made an awesomely beautiful couple, so full of joy and warmth. It made me a little sad to think that Jesse and I would never have that.

Shaking my head to clear it of any negative thoughts, which I really didn't need right now, along with the pain, I walked toward the kitchen and was about to enter, when I heard a voice call from behind me, 'I believe that you are looking for these.'

It was a distinctly accented and distinctly female voice, one which I didn't recognize. I whipped around to see a girl around my age, with long black, wavy hair and brown eyes, wearing an evil grin on her full, red lips. She was posing on the staircase, dangling a set of keys from her left index finger.

'Um, I don't think so,' I answered, turning to once again try and enter the kitchen. 'Ah ah, one moment,' she dictated and I looked at her once more. 'These are the keys to your room.' 'And what makes you say that?' I asked suspiciously, as she got closer.

'Because I switched them, and I'm always right.' I snorted at that, which caused her to glare at me. 'Who the hell are you anyway?' I demanded, my dislike of her growing with every second. 'Isabella DeMonte,' she said, flicking her hair over her shoulder. 'And you are Susannah Simon.'

'H-how did you know that?' I asked, suddenly more than a little freaked out.

'I know everything,' she shrugged, looking a little impatient with me now. 'Why did you switch the keys?' I demanded, trying to hold my ground against her. 'I wanted you to look like the fool that you are,' she replied, licking her lips. 'You don't even know anything about me!' I exclaimed, unable to comprehend her major ass problem.

'That is false, I know one thing,' she shot back, her eyes narrowing. 'And that is that I don't like you.' Throwing the keys on the floor, she turned quickly and sauntered away.

'What a bitch!' I thought furiously, bending down to pick up the keys. 'I knew this trip was a bad idea from the start.'

'Are you okay?' Another voice, this time an accented male one, said from behind me. Looking up, I saw a guy who looked similar to Isabella, only maybe a little nicer. He reminded me a lot of Jesse, only seemed nervous and timid.

'Who are you?' I asked, keeping up my guard and ignoring his question. 'Benjamin (pronounced Bon-jam-on) DeMonte.' 'Oh, come to see how your sister embarrassed me, right?' I spat out.

'No!' he insisted, his eyes growing round at that. 'I knew my sister would start her old tricks again. Whenever she is upset, she picks a target and attacks them relentlessly. Unfortunately, it seems that you are the new target.'

'And why should I believe a single word you say, if you are related to her?' I asked, my hackles still firmly raised. 'Because I also think that she is a bitch, despite being of the same flesh and blood, and I also came here to find whoever she had switched the keys on and warn them,' he answered, never taking his eyes from mine. 'Fine then, maybe I do believe you.'

His face broke out into a relieved smile, upon hearing my words. 'I am glad, and maybe we can be friends?' 'Maybe,' I shrugged, letting the tension flow out of my body.

'I'm Suze Simon,' I said as I offered my hand. 'You already know my name,' he grinned, making me realize that he was quite the hottie, and just a little older than me. But no, I love Jesse. I LOVE Jesse. Jesse, I love. Je t'aime Jesse!

We talked for a while longer and I discovered that he and Isabella were from Paris, and had a long line of mediators in their family. They were the first shifters and since none had come before them, their parents had decided to send them here, where they could learn more about their gifts. Funny how adults in all cultures seem to think that what we have is a gift.

Having talked for about twenty minutes, I decided to return to my room and maybe catch some shut eye. I slid the key in and finally entered my boudoir. It was large, airy and spacious. The décor was quite feminine, which reminded me of my own room at home.

Feeling the weight of the day finally drop on me, I flopped onto the four poster and dropped off to sleep……

'Suze….' Someone was calling my name, yet again another unfamiliar voice.

They were pronouncing it 'Su-zah,' the loser.

'Bella ragazza,' the voice said, making me frown in my semi-conscious state.

I opened my eyes to see a masculine face only inches above my own. I looked around, seeing nothing that I knew in this darkened room, and then saw his face once again. 'Get away from me!' I shrieked, pushing at him.

He came closer again, and touched my shoulder. 'I said GET AWAY!' I screamed, thrashing against him.

He immediately grabbed me by my shoulders, forcing me against the bed, so I used all of my might to do what any self respecting sixteen year old girl would do.

I head butted him.

Which gave me a sickening headache and made him fall to the floor, with a dead thud.

'What have I done?'