Chapter 7

"Suze!" he said, walking over to me.

"Ohmygawd, Jonathon!" I said closing the space between us and hugging him.

I heard Jesse let out a frustrated groan, and then mumble something in Spanish. I pulled away from Jonathon, and grabbed his hand. I lead him into the kitchen, which was farthest away from the bedroom.

Jonathon eyed me curiously, and then said "Okay so either that's your kick ass Halloween costume, or you've taken up a new profession."

I laughed and playfully punched his arm. After I stopped laughing, I told him about my costume, and how it had been all Gina's idea.

I really couldn't believe I was talking to him. Our conversation was so natural, and free-flowing. After I'd moved to Carmel things between us just went…well they completely disappeared. I had IMed him a couple times when I first got here, but then things got awkward and we lost touch.

When I said that Jonathon was my first boyfriend, I kind of mis-thought. Not entirely, but somewhat. You see freshman year we had gone to 2 dances together. Our parents had met and everything. Well, then came summer. We still talked, a lot actually. And, okay talked isn't the right word. Flirted is more appropriate. But then, when summer neared its end Mom announced the whole moving to California, new husband and step-brothers plan. When I'd first told him, he seemed a little sad, but was totally supportive, and really helped me get over the shock. Gina had told me after I'd first moved, that Jonathon had told his friend that when next school year came he was gonna ask me to be his girlfriend. Well, I left, and he never asked. I have to say I was mildly disappointed by this, okay I'm lying I was completely devastated, and swore to become a nun, but still. I guess I moved on alright.

"Suze, you can see me. I always knew you were special, but seeing dead people is way beyond special."

"Jonathon, I…"

"I thought I was J.T.?" he asked smiling coolly.

J.T., the nickname I had given him after the second dance. I couldn't believe he still remembered. I blushed slightly at how dorky I must have sounded when I told him that was he new nickname.

I suddenly became very aware of the fact that he was half-naked and looking completely hot. His hair was still spiked, but it was longer and looked good. He had grown into his ears, so they weren't so big looking and stick-y out-y. He was wearing a pair of spandex swim trunks; the kind the swim team wore as uniforms, and he was practically drool-worthy. His entire body was bigger, and a lot more muscular. It suited him well. He definitely had a swimmer's body, and his abs gave Jesse's a run for their money. I was fighting back the urge to run my fingers along his stomach, when Jesse popped into my mind. Jesse who was so sexy, and who had just refused to have sex with you. Humm…I had a feeling ol' J.T. here wouldn't have a problem with me wanting to have sex with him. But no, I had to want Jesse, and he just had to have those damned 19th century morals.

"Well, Jon-…I mean J.T. how did you, you know die?"

"Oh that…well, I was getting ready to leave from a training session with my coach. He told me I had just beat the Olympic world record time for the 200 yard free-style when I felt this surge of pain in my head. I fell back and then saw two people standing over me. I couldn't see their faces though. And after about 5 seconds everything went black, and then I was here."

"Do you have any idea who might have done this to you?"

"Honestly, I have no idea. I do know anyone who would want me dead."

"Well, did you leave anything undone, or unsaid?"

He paused for a second, and then looked me straight in the eye, and said "I never told you how much you meant to me. I never told you that I love you. Suze I never forgot you. Every girl I've ever gone out with was because my friends or coach wanted me to look like I had a social life. But I compared all those girls to you, and none of them even came close. I always wondered what you'd say about them, or think of them. Suze, I didn't want to die so young. This summer I was planning on coming out here to surprise you. I was gonna move here, for you. I wanted to marry you. But most of all, I just wanted to be able to care for you, and call you mine."

"Oh, wow. Listen Jonathon, I…"

But my stuttered response was interrupted by Jonathon's soft lips meeting my own. At first I really didn't mind; he's a great kisser. Even better than Paul. My head went back through time, to when I would have anything for this to be happening, but now, now I couldn't. I was thoroughly enjoying myself, when my mind started working again and all I could think about was Jesse. I tried to pull away, but Jonathon's arms were around me and holding me tightly in place. I pushed against his bare chest and he loosened his grip, but continued kissing me.

And that's when I almost died, because I heard "Susannah!" yelled behind me. I knew it was Jesse. I knew he had come to comfort me, and maybe even kiss me. But no, I was in his kitchen being kissed by Jonathon and enjoying myself. Oh, gawd. Jonathon finally released me after I kneed him in his danger zone. I took a step back, and began to open my eyes. The whole time, praying this was all a weird dream. No such luck.

When I opened my eyes I saw Jonathon beaming at me, but also wearing a confused look.

I turned around and saw that Jesse was looking PISSED, and also…hurt.

Oh gawd, I hurt Jesse. My heart felt like it cracked a little and a painful feeling ran through my chest. I couldn't breath. The pain in my chest became suffocating and I felt myself letting the immense pain show.

"Jesse" I croaked.

"Susannah, what is going o-…Susannah!" Jesse practically yelled, after noticing the pain stricken look on my face.

"Jesse…h-help m-me" I managed to cough out, and then I fell. All went black, and I could only hear Jesse over me. He was yelling something at me, and then I heard him talking on the phone. He had called 9-1-1, and was nervously answering all the operator's questions.

"Suze, I think you can hear me so…the paramedics are on their way. Just relax, and concentrate on breathing okay? I need you to take a breath for me okay. Just breathe" Jonathon calmly instructed me. And I did, concentrate on breathing that is. But I couldn't. I couldn't breathe.

I panicked, because I couldn't breathe, and because I felt like I was being lifted out of my body. I held on tight though. I couldn't leave. I couldn't leave Jesse. Not when everything was just starting to be perfect. And then all when silent.

I was trapped in darkness, and I couldn't hear Jesse or Jonathon anymore.

I'm dead.