Disclaimer: The Mediator Series belongs to Meg Cabot; therefore, I do not own them.
Note: I can't seem to break through the barrier of chapter 15 of For All Eternity. I've got it all planned out, I just don't know how to put it in words. So I'll be updating this until I do.
My body was throbbing in pain. I couldn't see anything. Everything was white. All white. God, can't they pick another shade? Like…er, black or somewhere along those lines?
"Amanda," a masculine voice said.
"Um, who?"
"You,"
"Um, me?"
"You're Amanda, remember? You told me,"
Amanda? Who does this voice think he is? At least I think it's a he.
"I don't know you…" I said. "My name is Susannah Simon."
"B-but" he stuttered. "H-how? Do you know who your parents are?"
"Well, I've only seen my mom. She told me that my name's Susannah Simon."
"Oh."
"Yeah, hey, do I know you?"
He didn't answer my question.
"Bye, then, Suze," he said. "I'll see you soon, and again, I'm sorry."
Sorry? About what?
BEEP BEEP BEEP!
Bloody hell, what is that horrid beeping noise!
"Oh, Susie! Please wake up!" a sobbing feminine voice said. Oh god, what the hell is happening? I can't see! I'm BLIND!
I tried to open my eyes but was unsuccessful.
Please God, let me see. Now, I'm not usually the one to ask the almighty God for help, but in situations like this, you just do.
One more try. I opened my eyes, and everything was blurry. Like little blobs, moving.
"Doctor, doctor! She's awake! My Susie's awake!" the woman shouted. I assumed that she was my mother.
"Hi, mom," I said, weakly.
"Susie, are you alright, honey?"
I nodded, "What happened?"
"Car accident, you lost your mem-" she stopped talking and pursed her lips. "Just get some rest, okay?"
I didn't get it. What did I lose? I mean, I know this lady is my mom and my name is Susannah Simon, but that's just it. Oh yeah, now I remember, I got hit by a car.
My head started to hurt. "Mom?" She looked up. "Can you tell me more about my life and myself? Because I can't seem to remember anything."
"Sure, honey," she said, weakly.
So she told me, well, the basics, anyway. Apparently, we both were from New York, I was born and raised there, and moved here, in California, two years ago. I'm eighteen as of today. I got hit by a car on my birthday, I know, don't remind me. But what made me upset the most was when she said that my dad died when I was six years old. I started to cry. I couldn't help it. My dad died when I was SIX, okay? I was probably only in SK back then. What was I supposed to do? Just smile and nod and tell her to go on? I'm not callous, you know.
"Anything else you want to tell me?" I asked after crying with her for about ten minutes.
"Well, back in New York, you used to get in trouble…a lot," she said. "-and sometimes, where the police are involved."
I winced. "Was I really that bad?"
"Not really. There were some funny moments but other than your 'troubles', life treated us both good, you were just a handful, 'tis all." She said, stroking my hair.
I smiled. "Mom, how long do I have to stay here?"
She heaved a sigh, "Probably for about 3-4 weeks."
"I guess I can handle that," I replied.
My mom smiled, "That's my girl!" And I smiled back again. The doctor never even came in. Psh, the service is crap. Kidding, at least they're taking care of me right?
3 weeks later
"So, Suze, excited about coming home?" my mom asked, while packing my belongings.
I've only been in the hospital for 3 weeks when the doctor yesterday announced that I could finally go home. Also, when they, the doctors, I mean, looked at my x-ray, they were confused. They said that the kind of car accident I got into should've killed me but all I received was a broken arm, which was healing quite progressively, and a big bruise on my hip.
"How can I be when I have to start school next week?" I asked, not answering her question.
Oh yeah, did I tell you that I have to start school in a week? I guess not. The first day of school is next week! My mom has filled me in about everything, well, not much about New York, but about Carmel. She said that I'm a senior now, last grade of high school, I have 3 brothers, one is two years older than me, Jake, who's in college, the second is my age, Brad, who's a wrestler, and the youngest, David, who has an IQ almost as high as Albert Einstein. My best friends are CeeCee and Adam, and I also have one back in New York, Gina, who'll be flying to see me this upcoming weekend because we're all having a cookout at our house.
"Don't be nervous, you'll get to know everyone tomorrow, okay?" By the look of her eyes, there was something she's not telling me; something unfathomable that concerns me. I concentrated hard on what it was and heard a vase fall down behind her.
"Holy beejesus," my mother said, picking up the shattered pieces. "Oh no, this was from your grandmother."
Did I do that? Because it surely wasn't the wind since it was very hot and all the windows are closed. And it certainly wasn't a person since it's only my mom and I in the room.
I shook my head in disbelief.
»»»»»»»»»
"We're home!" my mom announced. I got out of the car and stood right in front of the house, gaping. It was old, but looked new at the same time. I've never seen a house so beautiful, because it is.
Mom rang the doorbell and a teenaged boy, my age, opened it. He was talking to my mom about something until his eyes landed on me. His eyes widened. So, this must be Brad.
"Hi, Brad," I said, giving him a little wave. Brad's eyes widened some more, I couldn't help but grin.
"Come on, Susie, come on in and let's get you settled in your room," my mom said.
I walked inside the house. The inside was even more beautiful than the outside. "Go upstairs and look for a door that says 'Suze', because that's your room. I'll be right up there with you."
So I did. I finally found the door on the third floor. I opened it and went inside. Much to my chagrin, the room was PINK, okay, PINK. I don't know what colour I like, but I definitely do not like pink, without a doubt, not at all.
"What do you mean you don't know what I mean?" I snapped, pushing some hair away from my eyes. "You're dead. You don't belong here. You're supposed to be off doing whatever it is that happens to people after they're dead: rejoicing in heaven, or burning in hell, or being reincarnated, or ascending another plane of consciousness, or whatever. You're not supposed to be just…well, just hanging around."
He looked at me thoughtfully. "And what if I happen to like just hanging around?" he wanted to know.
Weird. What the hell just happened? I turned to the bay window that has a clear view of the ocean. It was a beautiful view, indeed it was.
"Look, you can do all the hanging around you want, amigo. Slack away. I don't really care. But you can't do it here."
"Jesse," he said, not moving.
"What?" I asked, completely dumbfounded.
"You called me amigo. I thought you might like to know I have a name. It's Jesse."
I nodded. "Right. That figures. Well, fine. Jesse, then. You can't stay here, Jesse."
"And you?" Jesse was smiling at me now. He had a nice face.
"And me what?"
"What is your name?"
I glared at him. "Look. Just tell me what you want and get out. I'm hot, and I want to change clothes. I don't have time for-"
He interrupted me. "That woman-your mother-called you Susie." His black eyes were bright on me. "Short for Susan?"
"Susannah," I said, correcting him automatically. "As in, 'Don't you cry for me'."
He smiled. "I know the song."
I blinked. In what I've just seen, there was guy sitting on my window seat; that was practically GLOWING, okay? G-L-O-W-I-N-G. That's just not normal. Though, he was pretty handsome. But…why did I look so mad at him? He told me his name was Jesse and I told him that my name is Susannah. Who is this Jesse? And why was he in my room? I looked around. Nope, I didn't see no Jesse. But, why did the room feel and looked so familiar? Because my mom clearly told me that there was something that happened to me, though, she wouldn't tell me what it was. I even tried bribing her, wasn't successful in the end. And that Jesse guy, I…I felt as if I knew him, felt as if I'm really close to him, I felt something for him that even I can't explain.
"Susie, you need help unpacking?" my mom asked out of nowhere, making me jump.
She didn't notice my jump. "Uh, no thanks, I can do it myself." I gave her a smile.
"Oh Andy, come over here," she said to the man who was headed downstairs. Who's he and what the hell is he doing in my house? My mom never said anything about remarrying…
"Yes, honey?" Andy said.
"Suze, this is Andy, your, uh, stepfather," mom introduced.
So she did, remarried, I mean. Great, just great.
"How ya doing, kiddo?" Andy asked.
"Fine. Great, actually," I replied. "I think I should get some rest. I'm feeling kind of tired.
"Oh okay then. You'll need the energy for tomorrow's party. Have a good night, honey," my mom said, walking out of my room along with Andy, my…stepfather.
This was just too much to assimilate all in one day. And I haven't even eaten anything yet, just bagel and cream cheese I had for breakfast, which was a long time ago.
»»»»»»»»»
The party, yes, the party was fun. I got along pretty well with CeeCee, Adam, and Gina. They even told me stories about what I have done for the time they have known me. I learned that CeeCee is an albino, but she really is a wonderful person. Adam jokes around a lot but he can be a good shoulder to cry on. Gina, she was the one I knew for the longest time, she's very beautiful and kind. What did I do to deserve such great friends?
I met my brothers. I must say, that my favourite out of all of them has got to be David. He's just, well, cool, you know? And he could be useful in the future, education wise, even though he is a couple of grades behind me.
"His dream is to be a doctor, Susie," my mom said with a twinkle in her eye, "I think you'll like him."
"I'm sure I will if he ever stops by," I sighed.
"He's just busy. I'll invite him over for dinner when he's not," she said. "You'll never know, you may meet him sooner than later."
My mother spent a whole hour talking to me about this guy I didn't even know. She said that he was Jake's age but goes to my school to finish his credits. And Father Dom-my school's principal, I met him during the party. He was a nice man. A priest, actually- is helping the guy pursue his dream, which was a kind thing to do. My mom was all, "He's so handsome, Susie! And such a gentleman too, you two will get along just fine."
»»»»»»»»»
"Hey, Suze," CeeCee said, greeting me. Adam gave me a nod. It was the first day of school and I'm nervous as hell.
I turned away from them to admire the school. It was big, but old, really old. As if it was built 150 years ago.
"Hey, CeeCee, I-" I started to say when I turned back but stopped when I saw a guy, a gorgeous guy, talking to them. He said something that sounded like, "You better not mess this up Webb, you too, McTavish," to both of them. Mess up what? I thought.
He looked my way, we locked gazes.
He was heading towards me, "Hey, Suze," he said.
"Um, who are you?" I asked, backing up. Even though this guy is gorgeous, my instincts told me to stay away from him because he's danger.
"That's not a nice way to greet your boyfriend," he said, emphasizing the word boyfriend.
Boyfriend?
I stole a glance at CeeCee and Adam and saw that both their face has gone pale and was sending glares at the guy who claims to be my boyfriend.
"Ha-ha, yeah, very funny," I gave a nervous laugh. "What's your name?"
"Paul."
"Okay, Paul, this isn't a joke. You're not my boyfriend, because my mom or CeeCee or Adam or everyone else I know, would've told me that I had a boyfriend. And if I did, it sure wouldn't be you." I walked past him but cold hands gripped my arm and stopped me. "Let go of me." I hissed. I thought I saw hurt in his eyes but he hid it way too fast.
"CeeCee, Adam, is Paul my boyfriend?" I asked both of them. I took a quick glance at Paul and saw him giving them what looked like a threatening glare. "Is he?"
They nodded. Oh, god. It's just the first day of school and I already have a boyfriend!
I sighed. "If you guys say so," I saw Paul give my friends a smirk.
The first day of school was a drag. Paul, the guy who claims to be my boyfriend, wouldn't leave me alone. He was practically following me everywhere I go, except the girls' washroom, which is the only place I could go to, to avoid him, I mean.
And at lunch, oh don't get me started on lunch time. CeeCee and Adam saved me a spot right on the bench they're sitting on when Paul comes out nowhere, grabs me, and hauls me to another table, which is where my stepbrother, Brad, sits at.
"Suze, what are you doing here?" Brad asked accusingly when I sat down.
"She's my girlfriend, got a problem with that?" Paul retorted as he was sitting down beside me.
"No, not at all, Slater," my stepbrother answered.
I noticed that the girls, who looked like Barbies', were sending glares my way. What in the world is their problem now?
"Look, maybe I should sit with my friends," I told Paul.
"Yeah, maybe you should," one of the Barbie look-a-likes said.
"Fine, let's go then, I'm coming with you," Paul said, standing up.
"But Paul!" the girl whined, making it sound as if the name Paul had two syllables.
"Shut up, Kelly," he said. And Kelly immediately shut up. Looks like Paul's the leader of their clique.
Sitting with CeeCee and Adam…and Paul, was the most fun I had throughout the whole day. We didn't really do much because after lunch, the school let the grades 9-12 students out on an early dismissal. I got a ride from Adam, along with CeeCee because I didn't want to go with my stepbrother, Brad; God knows what he and his girlfriend, if he does have one, has done in the backseat where I usually sit. Paul insisted to take me home, too. But we know where that's headed, if it ever did happen.
"Honey, how was school?" mom asked once I got home.
"Oh fine," I said with a hint of disappointment, hoping she would notice.
"What's wrong?"
"How come you never told me I have a boyfriend?"
"Oh," She was smiling now. "And who's the boyfriend?"
"Paul Slater." I said.
Her smile faltered. "Well, t-that's nice, Susie."
"What's wrong mom?"
She frowned. "Nothing, I'm just happy for you," she said.
You don't look it, I wanted to say, but didn't. Instead, I said, "Okay, then, I'll just go up to my room and try to catch up with…er, something. Or maybe unpack some more." This was a lie because I already finished unpacking two days ago. I needed to leave because I wanted to think about why she looked so upset when I told her my boyfriend was Paul Slater.
»»»»»»»»»
"Leonardo da Vinci trained as a painter during the Renaissance and became a true master of the craft. His amazing powers of observation and skill as an illustrator enabled him to notice and recreate the effects he saw in nature, and added a special liveliness to his portraits-" Mr. Walden was saying. But I almost drifted off to sleep until CeeCee kicked me.
"Ow, what was that for?" I asked her, rubbing my 'injured' leg.
"Listen to Mr. Walden talking about Leonardo Da Vinci, because I'm not helping you if he assigns us work." CeeCee hissed.
"Fine, fine,"
"Leonardo recognized that one way to paint scenes realistically was to observe with great care how animals, people, and landscapes really looked. He was also careful to notice the differences in how an object looked when it was close by and when it was farther away, and when it was seen in bright light and in dim light. And now class, if you were listening, I want you all to write a 1500 word essay about Leonardo Da Vinci, in your own words," he said, looking at Brad. "You need to hand it in by tomorrow. No excuses are accepted this time, Mr. Ackerman."
"Told ya," CeeCee said.
The clock hit 12. "Class dismissed."
Everyone shuffled out of their seats and out of the door. CeeCee and I waited until everyone was out and walked outside for lunch to meet Adam.
"Hey Cee, do you see that woman there? She's glowing." I asked CeeCee, pointing at the woman who was staring at me by the tree.
"Huh? Where?" she said, squinting at the tree I was pointing at.
"Over there, that woman. Can you see her? She's glowing. Kind of odd, isn't it?"
"I don't see anyone there but a flock of seagulls. You must be hallucinating," she replied and went back to eating her lunch.
Weird. But she's still there. "Are you sure? Because I know that-" I look at the spot again and she was gone. I sighed. "Maybe I am."
"Would Miss Susannah Simon please report to the office, I repeat, Susannah Simon, please report to the office, thank you," Father Dominic's voice boomed out of the PA.
"What did you do this time, Simon?" Adam asked.
"Nothing," I replied. "I'll see you guys later." I stood up and started walking towards the office. But was stopped by Paul, "Hey Suze," he said.
"Not now, Paul. I have to go." I said trying to walk past him.
"I don't think so," he said, grinning. "Not until you give me a kiss."
I glared at him. "Fine," I kissed him on the cheek. "Bye, Paul."
"Not so fast, I didn't mean kiss on the cheek. I meant kiss on the lips."
"Paul, now is not the time for playing games, I have to go. Okay?"
"Nu-uh. A kiss on the lips or else I won't leave you alone."
I groaned. "I give up," He smiled. I kissed him. I meant for it to be a peck but he turned it into something more; which felt good, really good. "Happy now?" I asked him once we broke apart.
"Yeah, I'm a happy camper alright. Bye, Suze."
"So Father D, you needed to speak to me?"
"Yes, please, come into my office." Father Dominic said, gesturing to his door.
I went inside. It smelled uncannily of cigars. "Have you been smoking?"
"Just uh, a little," came the reply.
I sat down to one of the chairs facing his big desk. "So, what's the matter?"
"Well, Susannah, I have come to a conclusion that now is the time to tell you about your, er, gift."
"Gift? What gift?" I asked, confused.
"You may not believe me, but it's worth a try," he sighed. "Susannah, you are a mediator, or a shifter is what some may call you. A powerful one, indeed. And that is why I needed to tell you."
"What's a mediator?" I asked, still confused. "Or a shifter?"
"A mediator is a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, you, well, we, see dead people," he said. "A shifter is the same thing but more powerful, which is what you are, a shifter whereas I is only a mediator."
I see dead people? Cool.
"But how can I tell the difference?"
"Ghosts have this glow around them to be exact,"
I froze. That woman I just saw was a ghost. A real live ghost. This was too good to be true. I'm not saying that I don't believe in ghost, because I do, since I just saw one not too long ago. It's just that this was all too new, too sudden for me.
"Is something wrong, Susannah?" Father Dominic asked in concern.
"No, not at all," I said, standing up, "Is that all?"
"Well, yes, if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask."
"I won't," I said. "Bye, Father Dom."
He was about to say something but I cut him off. "Don't worry, Father D, I'm okay. I'll come to you if I have any questions about being er, a mediator or shifter, whatever."
Was that the reason why the vase shattered to pieces when I was concentrating at what my mom was thinking in the hospital? It's the only explanation that makes sense. Being a mediator/shifter, I mean.
"What was all that about?" Adam asked. "You know the whole thing with Father D?" I know CeeCee wanted to ask me as well, but she just kept quiet, wonder why.
"Oh, nothing," I lied. I couldn't tell them. They'd think I'm a freak. She eyed me warily, CeeCee, I mean, she knows I'm lying. She knows, alright.
"Hey, Adam, can you drop me off at the museum here in Carmel?" I asked Adam. "I need to do some research on the essay Mr. Walden wanted us to write about. You know, Leonardo Da Vinci."
"Sure, do you know your way around?"
No. "Of course, I do."
"Do you have money with you just in case?"
Yes, thirty bucks. "Yes,"
"Okay then."
"Be careful, okay, Suze?" CeeCee said, as I got out of the car. That was the first time I heard her say something ever since my talk with Father Dom.
"Don't worry," I told her. "Thanks again!"
I went inside the museum and wandered around. I looked for Leonardo Da Vinci's work but couldn't find it. I gave up and started heading out until I stumbled upon a 19th century display that caught my eye for no reason since I'm not much of a history person.
There were pictures of what Carmel looked like 150 years ago and there was a portrait of a woman, who looked like my age. She was beautiful. She's what guys would consider a babe back in the 19th century.
"That's her!" I cried, completely involuntarily stabbing my finger at the painting.
"Yes, Maria Diego. Quite the jewel in the crown of our collection, that painting. Rescued it from being sold at a garage sale by one of her grandchildren, can you imagine? Down on his luck, poor old fellow. Disgraceful, when you think about it. None of the Diegos' ever amounted to much, however. You know what they say about bad blood. And Felix Diego-"
I was snapped back to reality when a deep masculine, slightly accented voice, asked, "May I help you?" I turned around and was shocked to find a guy standing right in front of me. He looked so familiar but I just couldn't quite place where I've seen him before.
"Oh, no, it's okay. I was just b-browsing." I managed to say.
"My name's Jesse," he said. Now I remembered. He was the same person I saw in my…dreams, or if you could call it dreams. But he wasn't glowing right now, which was weird. Then I remembered what Father D said, that ghosts glow. And in my dream, Jesse was glowing. Could it be possible that Jesse was once a ghost? I shook my head.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing, my name's Susannah, but you can call me Suze if you prefer," I said.
"How are you doing today, Susannah?"
I blushed. "Okay, just trying to find Leonardo Da Vinci's work, but I can't seem to find it. It's for um, my essay. What about you?"
"I'm okay, too. Leonardo Da Vinci's section is not opening until next month." He smiled. He had a nice smile and he's very good looking.
"Oh, okay, then. I guess I better go now," I said.
"Susannah? Would you like to go out for coffee with me?"
"I'd love to but I can't. You see, I already have a boyfriend." I gave him a sad smile.
"May I ask who he is?" he asked.
"His name is Paul Slater, do you know him?"
A shadow past his face. He looked mad. He gritted his teeth, and then said, "No, not at all."
"I'll see you around, Susannah," he said, walking away.
And, tada! The longest chapter I've ever done. The next one may be longer.
Anyways, review please!
