I Remember
Summary: Suze decides to save Jesse's life, and the fire never starts. But, instead of not remembering Jesse, both Suze and Paul remember. They wonder why, when a certain person appears...
Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
2
I could hear the seamstress talking to CeeCee. "I've never seen a more beautiful bride, but... She seems so sad." It was my final fitting for the dress. I have to admit, I didn't love the dress, but it would do. It was kinda plain, the typical white with long, lacy sleeves and bare shoulders, with lace on the hem. A little voice in my head said the old 'You'll only get married once.' Hah! Look at all the divorces nowadays. CeeCee gave a murmured the reply. "She hasn't been the same person she was for a long time. I don't get it." Of course she wouldn't. CeeCee's getting married to the person she's always thought she would be married to. Gina wlked into the bridal shop, and found us near the full-length mirror. "Oh, Suze," She grinned, "You look great." I gave a weak smile. "Thanks. Hey, I think I'm happy with this, let's go."
I stuffed a french fry into my mouth. McDonalds at the dorm. The usual. Laci, my roommate (Cee wanted to be a reporter, me a lawyer. We got into seperate paths, but close colleges), and good friend, stared at me. "My gosh, Suze, you aren't gonna be able to fit into your wedding dress if you keep on stuffing yourself." Ever since Jesse had gone from my life, I didn't eat like I was supposed to. I wasn't anorexic or anything, but I rarely gained any inches around the waist line. This 'stuffing myself' was rare. "I'm just a little depressed," I sighed. Laci raised an eyebrow. "Suze, Paul is hot. Be happy. I can barely get a date at all, let alone get engaged at 21!" I can see why. Don't get me wrong, Laci's not ugly, but... Well, she is a nerd. A nerd who doesn't make effort for appearence. "If you tried a bit harder," I replied, throwing the remains of my Happy Meal (yes, I still like those), "And got rid of those glasses, then you'd have a man." Laci rolled her hazel eyes. "Mm-hmm. But you're idea of trying harder is kick-boxing." I still kick ghost-butt. You gotta be prepared. "You, um, wouldn't understand about that," I muttered. Oh, no, she definetely wouldn't.
It was an endless stretch of mist. I was cold. Suddenly, a feminine voice called out. "Susannah!" I had never heard this voice before. Turning, I saw a slender figure making her way toward me. Finally, she came into full view. Her clothes were old-fashioned... 1800s old-fashioned. She had long, wavy black hair. Her skin was olive, and her eyes were brown. She looked 16, and achingly familiar. "I am Mercedes," She announced, out of breath. "You're Jesse's sister!" I cried. he had mentioned a sister, and this girl looked just like him. In a female form, that is. "Si," She sighed, "You have no idea how long it has taken me to find you." "What do you need me for?" I asked. A strange look appeared in her eyes. That wasn't supposed to happen, Susannah. Keep an eye out." With those words, she began to fade. "For what?" I cried. "You know..."
"Suze? Earth to Suze?" I jumped, startled. My mind was still on that dream. Mercedes... What had she been talking about? Paul waved his hand in front of my face. "Sorry," I sighed, "Just distracted." He took my hand. "It's about him, isn't it?" His voice was gentle, but apprehensive. I smiled. "Kinda. But don't worry." I leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss. "Only you, Paul." But right after I said that, my hand flew to my mouth. I had said that to Jesse, all those years ago. Only you. Was I doing an awful thing, was I betraying him? Suze, a voice said in my head, the guy's dead. You need to move on. But it was as if I was no longer on that park bench with Paul. It was as if I was gone. For two words came to my ears. Two words that made Paul gasp, and me freeze. It wasn't the words, but the voice. "Excuse me?" For standing in front of us, in jeans and a polo shirt, was... Jesse. In his hand was a paper that had apparently escaped from my binder, a kind but embarressed look in his beautiful eyes. He had obviously thought that he was walking in on Paul and me when we were having a moment. Oh, wait, we were. This couldn't be. No way. Jesse was dead, right? But he was standing right in front of Paul and I. "I think this is yours," Jesse said, glancing at the paper. "Suze Simon, right?" No! Pain stabbed at my heart. He didn't remember. But I had to mask it. "Susannah," I corrected, "It's um, technically Susannah." A warm smile came to his features. "Susannah. I like that." "Thank you," I said, reaching for my paper. As I did, my hand brushed his, and we both blushed. "Hey, are you new here?" Paul asked. "Yes," Jesse replied, "My name is Jesse de Silva." I shot Paul a 'hah!' look. Ignoring me, he shook hands with me. "I'm Paul Slater, Suze's fiancee. Would you like to come over to my place tonight at fivish. I'd like to get to know you." Jesse seemed surprised, but obliged.
"Paul your house is so hard to clean!" I exclaimed. Yes, I was preparing for Jesse's arrival. But there was still a dull ache in my heart. Maybe I could revive his memory... No, I was engaged to Paul. I loved Paul. With all my heart. He was my true love. "Only you, Paul," I muttered under my breath. Then, a knock came on Paul's two-story house. I ran to the door, beating Paul. "Eager, aren't you?" He muttered dryly. After shooting him a dirty look, I opened the door. "Oh, hi, Jesse," I smiled brightly. "Hello, Susannah," He replied with his own smile. "Paul." "Jesse." Wow, they were just as stiff as before. Some things never change. Just then, a thought hit me. "Keep an eye out." Maybe that was what Mercedes had been speaking of. But she said that saving Jesse wasn't supposed to happen. Of course it was supposed to happen! I led Jesse inside and onto the sofa. Paul sat on a chair, while I found myslef sitting next to Jesse. "So," I began, trying to sound house-wifey, "Do you have any family around here?" Sadness clouded his eyes. "No. They all died in a car accident when I was ten. My parents and five sisters." "Oh... I'm so sorry," I murmured. "How old are you?" Paul asked. "25," Jesse replied, "You two?" "22," Paul said, "21," I added. Jesse gave a nod. "What kind of job do you have?" I prodded, "I'm a law student. (A/N, no idea how this college thing is really supposed to work)" "Doctor," Jesse said. "You, Paul?" "Business man." And that's how the evening went. Finally, when Jesse left after dinner, I watched after him. Paul's arm went around my waist. "Stay the night, Suze." "No, Paul," I sighed, reaching for my car keys. "Goodnight." I felt his eyes boring into me as I walked to my little sports car. I heard the door slam shut. As I was unlocking my car, I heard Jesse's voice. "Susannah." I turned. That tone... It was so much like when I had been going to fight Heather, and he had taken my wrist. "Yes?" His face was serious. "I know that you're engaged to Paul, but if he ever bothers you, tell me. I'll take care of it." I smiled. "I will, Jesse. I will."
OK, this story is making me depressed. I hope it isn't having that effect on you. Press that 'go' button. The almighty jesse wants you to...