Chapter 6
"Hey, what took you so long?" Paul greeted me once I finally left the bathroom.
"Oh," I replied. "Sorry, I, um, felt a bit ill is all. I stayed there longer to, um, calm my stomach?"
The last part came out as a question, desperately hoping Paul would believe that I was still suffering remnants from yesterday's 'illness'. Judging by the look of concern on his face, he bought it.
"Are you feeling alright?" He asked concernedly. "Do you want me to take you home?"
I smiled slightly, remembering him asking me the same question yesterday. I could have said yes, like I did yesterday, and leave Jesse with the comforting knowledge that nothing else happened between me and Paul after he left.
"No," I replied to his question. "I'm okay. I'll stay."
After all, I had a better chance of seeing Jesse here then at home. And I liked seeing Jesse.
And then I remembered what Jesse had told me. Paul could see Jesse too. If Jesse was to stick around then Paul would see him too. And Paul is smart. Like mega smart. He would be able to figure it out.
That something was going on with Jesse and I, anyway.
"As long as you're sure." Paul smiled at me and leaned in for a kiss.
My eyes widened in panic as soon as I realised his attention.
"But," I held my hands up and stepped back from him. "I do feel kind of nasty. Could we just watch a film or something?"
Paul nodded immediately, obviously accepting my answer.
It was somewhat comforting knowing your boyfriend will agree with you on any matter. In my case, he just happened to be extremely accepting of all of my excuses.
"Yep. Sure." He agreed. "TV's downstairs. Do you want to set it up while I get snacks?"
I nodded quickly, eager to get out of his immaculate bedroom.
Paul only helped me a little bit when it came to finding my way back downstairs. Okay, he practically led me there, pointing in the general direction once we reached the kitchen.
But after Paul left me to go into the kitchen, I totally found my way there by myself. Pleased with myself, I sat down and began setting up everything - which basically consisted of turning the television on, but whatever.
"Thank you, querida."
I turned and saw Jesse's lean form standing behind me with a grateful smile on his handsome face. I didn't have to ask why he was so thankful. I knew it was because I hadn't kissed Paul when he fully intended me to. And because I managed to convince him to leave his bedroom.
And I did both with Jesse in my mind. It was becoming increasingly harder to leave him and go to Paul. Every time I had to, it just got harder.
"I can't do it, Jesse," I whispered into his chest as he wrapped his arms around me comfortingly. "I can't be with Paul knowing that it's hurting you."
Whatever you say, I was not crying.
"It's okay, Susannah. I told you." He whispered back. "I'm okay with it. I understand."
I looked up at him with what I was sure was wide, sparkling eyes.
"You do?" I confirmed. I know he had told me all this earlier, but I just needed clarification.
I wanted the promise that he wouldn't leave me when it finally became too much for him as well.
"Sí," he replied. "Paul brought us together. At the very least, I cannot hate him for that."
That was true.
"Yeah," I agreed. "Me neither."
Jesse smiled his Hollywood smile. Yeah, I definitely didn't hate Paul for, inadvertently, bringing us together.
He placed a sweet kiss upon my forehead. Jesse, not Paul.
"Querida," he said. "I cannot stay. If I do, I'm afraid that Paul might start acting as he did earlier."
I shivered coldly, remembering his almost forceful actions, not sure if I could go through all of that again.
"If he did, I don't think I could keep myself from hitting him, querida."
At Jesse's admission, I couldn't help but feel special. He thought I was fight worthy. He was willing to defend my honour. Not the whole pistols-at-dawn thing - which wouldn't turn out to well for Paul, considering Jesse's already dead and all - but still, a decent punch can stand for a girl's reputation.
"I promise you Jesse," I looked into his eyes pleading with him to believe me. "I wont let him touch me."
And I really did mean it. As much as the thought of a brawl over me sent tingles to my toes, it would be risking Jesse's life. Because, of course, it would let slip that I could see Jesse. I think I've mentioned before that I would prefer it if Jesse was to remain un-exorcised.
Jesse smiled thankfully and quickly kissed my cheek before disappearing. God knows how long I sat in a daze afterwards. IT could have been mere seconds, could have been hours.
It was Paul who broke me out of it, though.
"So, what film did you pick Suze?"
Paul came in bearing popcorn and a selection of sweets that would make a kids Halloween-Dream come true.
I realised that Paul had never given me a nickname. Sure, he called me Suze. But so does my step-dad. Paul and I don't have coupley type names for each other, like other's do.
With Jesse, on the other hand, I was already his querida - whatever that meant. It sounded good at least - and he was my … Jesse.
Okay, maybe I should think of a better one.
"Oh, this one." I answered Paul's question while pulling out a random DVD from his extensive collection and hoping for the best.
"Really?" Paul seemed shocked. Oh no. What have I chosen?
I looked at the case and winced once I caught the title of the film. Saw.
That was such a Paul film. Gore that makes you think.
"Oh, yeah," I said. "I've never understood it. I was hoping you could help with that."
Please believe me.
Paul shrugged. See how accepting he is?
"Sure, whatever." He sat down on the wide settee and spread his arms across the back. "Pop it in and come here."
I did as he requested - only cuddling up to him because it would have been suspicious if I didn't.
The opening credits of the film started and I had to force myself not to flinch when Paul wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
It was going to be a long two hours.