I would just like to thank everyone who has read, reviewed and appreciates my writing... Your opinions and thoughts inspire me to continue! Thanks xxx Jesse's my Man

Jesse's mouth slightly opened, as his huge grin suddenly appeared once again across his face.

"Do you believe in miracles?" He asked.

Before I had time to say anything, he had taken my hand and held against his chest.

Ooh. Nice, Suze gets to cop a feel of somebody's… hold on…

"Why are you making me feel your … … HEART BEAT?"

My legs suddenly turned to jelly and I collapsed, only to have Jesse catch me in his arms.

"Susannah, my Querida, I'm alive!"

Jesse half yelled, half laughed, grabbing me in his arms and hugging me tightly.

I was completely stunned… Like, What the FUCK?

"It was the strangest feeling Querida. Once you had left this morning, I felt hungry, really hungry"

He said pulling me back and holding meby my shoulders, kind of shaking me.

"What? But how… did this…"

I tried to say between the shakes that he was giving me.

"I don't know, I don't know!" He said frantically.

Then he let go of me and started to pace across the room. I wasn't able to stand up on my own, and I flopped to the floor, lifelessly with my eyes bulging up at Jesse who was pacing like a tiger.

"Maybe it had something to do with last night? You know, it was that same night back in 1850 when…"

He turned to face me, and realised I was on the floor. Jesse suddenly stopped pacing and ran over to where I was, knelt down beside me and cupped my face in both of his large, soft hands.

"Maybe it was when you realised that you loved me in return…"

His face suddenly turned serious and he lifted my lifeless body up onto the lounge and sat beside me, holding my hands in his own.

"Maybe, it's because I had died before I had gotten the chance to love somebody… That may explain why I was trapped here… Until I had found my true love?"

True love? True love? Was he calling me, Susannah Simon… His True Love?

I felt that my mouth had gone dry.

"I…well, maybe… TRUE LOVE?"

I blurted out, unable to control it. He smiled and gently ran his hand along my jaw line, which was hanging open.

"Yes, that is why I am really glad that you had blurted out your feelings earlier" He gave me a cheeky grin.

I gave him a huge cheesy grin back, and he embraced my body in a huge bear hug.

For the first time ever, was able to feel Jesse's heart beat… He was alive!

All of a sudden the front door opened.

"Suze, I heard raised voices…"

It was Adam, and he stopped his sentence due to seeing this 'cowboy' dressed man hugging me.

Jesse released me from his grip, and I spun around to face Adam.

"Adam?"

I looked back at Jesse who was biting his bottom lip, with his hands behind his back.

"Everything is fine, Adam," I said, pulling a few loose strands of hair from my face.

We all reframed from speaking for a moment, as each of us looked from one another in an uncomfortable silence.

"Um, well I guess I better introduce you guys," I said, standing in between them.

"Adam, this is Jesse. He's… an exchange student, from Spain"

Pretty good for a spur of the moment decision, hey?

"Jesse, this is Adam, he's one of my best friends from school"

Jesse outstretched an arm to shake Adam's. "Nice to meet you, Adam".

He hesitated for a minute, then shook Jesse's hand. "Likewise"

I noticed that he was eyeing Jesse's clothes in a weird way… I wouldn't blame him, so did I, the first time I met him. So I quickly thought up a reason before he commented.

"Oh, and before you ask about the whole 'cowboy' type clothing, there is a logical explanation…"

I received a disgusted, icy look from Jesse about the 'cowboy' description.

"I mean… Well, he's not actually a cowboy… He's into, um, dancing… Yeah, Spanish dancing".

I winked at Jesse and turned back to Adam who seemed a little, suspicious.

Man, why is everyone suspicious of me these days!

"I'm taking lessons," Jesse added.

"Really? Well, how come you never told me that you were hosting an exchange student?" Adam asked, finally taking his eyes off Jesse and onto me.

"He only arrived this afternoon, so… Surprise!"

I acted excited and outstretched my arms, pointing to Jesse and showing him off as if he were in spotlight. Ok, this was going badly.

"Adam, could I please have a word with you?"

I guided him into the next room, leaving Jesse for a minute.

"Um, Adam, about that whole hug thing you walked in on… That's just howhe was taught togreet people, I didn't want to offend his… traditional ways, you know?"

Adam nodded slowly. "So it wasn't because he's good looking?"

"Shut up Adam!" I demanded, as I heard Jesse chuckling quietly in the next room.

I rolled my eyes. "Look, Adam…" I guided him back into the lounge room, where Jesse had a slight smirk on his face.

"We have a problem…" I started.

Jesse gave me a look, which indicated, do we?

"Yeah, um see, Jesse didn't realise that Carmel's weather patterns where um, warmer. He wasn't aware that we were situated near the coast, and he packed for colder weather conditions…"

I subtlety nudged Jesse to make him agree.

"Yes, Susannah is correct. It is my mistake, I should have asked about the weather conditions" Jesse spoke in a tedious way. I could tell he didn't like lying.

"Anyway, I was wondering Adam… If you could take him shopping?"

"Shopping?" Jesse and Adam said in unison.

"Suze, I have to get back to school"

"And I don't want to trouble him" Jesse added.

I looked down at the ground disappointed.

"See I have to make my family aware of his arrival, and…"

"They don't know?" Adam interrupted.

"… I wanted him to at least have some decent clothes…" I finished.

Adam sighed and gave in. "Ah, what the hell. C'mon Jesse, I suppose I could take you down to the mall for a while… It's only a double lesson of sport after all"

"Thank you Adam" I said cheerfully, patting his back.

"No worries… I'll wait outside"

"You rock man!" I called after him.

Jesse took me by the arm and pulled me away from the door.

"Susannah, what are you doing?"

"Hey, I thought it was a good idea, the whole exchange student idea. My family will totally buy that. They're always encouraging me to make new friends. And besides, you do need clothes".

"But… what if they don't like me, or they don't want me to stay?"

I laughed. "My mother will take one look at you, and will automatically embrace you into the family"

He gave me a worried look.

"It will be ok, trust me" I rubbed his arm.

He took a step closer to me, closing the gap between our bodies.

"I hope so, because I don't want to loose you…"

I smiled and ran my fingers through his fringe. "We'll work something out. Anyway, how about we get you into some of Sleepy's clothes, just while you go down to the mall"

He agreed, followed me into Sleepy's bedroom and watched as I handed him a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt.

"These should fit you" I nodded my head.

"Um, I would feel more comfortable if you would come along with us," He said, looking down at the clothes in his hands.

"… Into guy's clothing stores and dressing rooms?" I laughed.

"Adam's a great guy, he'll make sure you get up to date with the latest fashion. Anyway, I have to stay here and explain to my family that an 'exchange student' is on their way".

I left him to change and stood out on the front lawn, advising Adam on the sort of things that Jesse needed to buy, and handed him some cash.

Suddenly, my eye caught Jesse stepping out from the house. My breath got caught in my throat, and it suddenly felt really stuffy, even though I was outside.

Sometimes I used to imagine what Jesse would look like, dressed in modern day clothes but whoa! Nothing could have prepared me right nowfor what was heading my way.

Three words girls… Hot and Spunky! Or the typical… Oh my God!

His face suddenly screwed up as he looked down at himself, adjusting the shirt.

"I don't know if these clothes suit me, Susannah…" He whispered softly.

Adam raised his eyebrows. "Mate, you look like you've stepped out of some movie. The ones where all the hot chicks would die to get you in bed."

"Adam!" I shot him a disgusted look, punching his chest.

"Hot… Chicks?" Jesse didn't get it. And I think that I was glad.

"Don't worry Jesse, trust me, the clothes look fine! You're just not used to the style"

He shrugged his shoulders and smiled at me.

"If you say so"

As he made his way into the passenger seat of Adam's car, I had to sneak a peak at his rear. Maybe that was a mistake. I started to choke on my own saliva.

Adam turned around and started to pat my back.

"Are you alright, Suze?"

I nodded furiously, trying to hide my blushing cheeks.

Adam winked at me. "You're 'dream guy' has finally arrived, hey?"

I looked at Jesse, who was looking blankly out the front window.

"Yeah, whatever Adam, just make sure you get him decent clothes!" I called as he had stepped into the driver's seat.

I spent the next two hours making up crap, and trying to explain to my family about how I had signed up to host an exchange student from Spain.

Andy: "You should have asked us first, Suze"

Mum: "The house is in a mess! I'll never get it tidied in time"

Dopey: "I don't want a Spanish poof in our house"

Andy: "You watch your language Brad!"

Sleepy: "What's going on? Who's a poof?"

Doc: "Maybe he likes science… This could be interesting"

Dopey: "She said he comes from a ranch, idiot. As if he'd know any science"

Doc: "Well he can't be any worse than you!"

Andy: "That's it! Brad, go to your room!"

Mum: "Well, I guess it would be a good experience, and a chance to learn about different cultures and lifestyles"

Doc: "I agree"

They finally agreed on letting Jesse stay… Well Dopey didn't want a bar of it, and Sleepy just couldn't care less, as long as he got his sleep.

The sound of Adam's car pulled up in the driveway.

"That's him," I excitedly said, quickly heading over to the front door.

Jesse stepped out of the car. I swear it was like one of those scenes from the movies. You know, when they slow motion a totally gorgeous guy getting out of the vehicle and he runs his hand through his thick hair.

He had changed out of Sleepy's clothes and was now dressed in a new pair of jeans and a royal blueshort sleeved, buttoned shirt.

I had frozen in my tracks. How could he look so good? How could this man be mine?

My father walked up behind me and waved a hand in front of my face.

"Come on Suze, just don't stand there, make him feel welcome" He headed towards Jesse.

My mother stood beside me and wrapped one of her arms around mine, and the other moved up to her mouth.

"He lives on a ranch?" She stared at him anxiously.

I saw Andy introduce himself and stretch out an open arm to shake Jesse's.

"How are you going mate?"

"I am well Mr Ackerman, I hope it's not any trouble with me staying here" He replied nervously.

"Nonsense"

My mum said, letting go of my arm and making her way over to meet him.

"It's not any trouble at all. We would love for you to stay with us".

By this time, Adam had brought Jesse's suitcase, (which I told him to buy) full of clothing they had just purchased, out of the trunk and stopped beside me.

I was off in 'fairy land'… Smiling and trying to absorb the fact that Jesse was actually meeting my family.

"Earth to Suze" Adam called.

"Oh, Adam…" I turned to face him. "You startled me… How did it go?"

"He's a nice guy, Suze. A little weird when it comes to seeing everyday appliances, but he's cool" Adam said leaning on the suitcase.

"Thank you for doing that, Adam"

"No worries. Well, I see you on Monday, yeah?"

"Ok, see you"

Doc had now, walked over and introduced himself. It sounded as though he was babbling on in some scientific way.

Then I turned back to see that Dopey had come out to see what Jesse looked like, and was leaning against the porch. Sleepy followed and slouched down on the step.

Dopey noticed my gaze, shot me a pissed off look and pretended to hurl. I rolled my eyes.

"Susannah, dear" I heard my mother calling me.

I turned around to find her with one of her arms linked into Jesse's, and they were heading towards me. I knew she would be immediately taken in by Jesse's charm, even if she were a little embarrassing.

By the look on Jesse's face though, I think he seemed to like soaking up the attention… And he was definitely doing a good job at acting!

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Susannah"

Jesse winked and smiled one of his beautiful smiles down at me, as he offered me his hand.

I put my hand into his gentle grasp. "Yeah, nice to finally meet you" I said, awkwardly.

Then he brought my hand up to his lips and planted a soft kiss on my knuckles.

"Awe, you are such a gentleman!"

My mother squealed, taking his arm and guiding him inside.

We all sat around the dinner table. Andy sat at the head of the table, to the left followed Sleepy and Dopey. My Mother sat at the other end, and Jesse, myself and Doc sat on the other side.

"Could you tell us a little bit about yourself dear? Your hobbies, interests…" My mum asked, handing out plates.

"I love to read. I find that literature is a great way to improve your knowledge and it stimulates ones imagination"

Dopey and Sleepy chuckled rudely, and Dopey muttered "Poof" under his breath.

I seemed to be the only one who heard, seeing as thought he was sitting opposite me. So I kicked his shin hard, from under the table.

Andy nodded approvingly at what Jesse had said.

"So, Jesse, do you have any siblings?" My father asked, before taking a mouth full of pasta.

"Yes, I had… have (he corrected) three younger sisters"

Dopey snorted "Well that explains a few things"

I kicked him from under the table again, harder, knowing that he was referring about Jesse's sexual orientation.

My father raised a finger to warm Dopey not to push his luck.

Jesse noticed that I had kicked Dopey, and he moved his hand under the table and gently placed it on my thigh. Startled by the warmth and feel of Jesse's hand, I looked at him.

"It's ok", he mouth silently. Then he gave my thigh a bit of a squeeze before removing his hand.

I smiled dreamily into space…

"You seem rather educated for someone who lives and works on a ranch…" Doc said, taking a drink of juice. "Are you into anything scientific?"

"Um," Jesse cleared his throat, probably from the fact that he'd touched my thigh.

Nice one. Mental note to Suze... I must return the favour later on… Not as in I'm going to sleep with him! Ooh, wait… the thought of me, cuddled up close in Jesse's arms… in my bed… Yeah!

Hold on, we haven't even discussed sleeping arrangements… I somehow don't think Mum and Andy would be too happy with a 20-year-old Spanish hottie sleeping in my room… Damn!

Anyway, what was Jesse saying? I might tune back in…

"… I enjoy studying history and reading about past events… and the changes which moved us into the 21st Century" Jesse told Doc

He nodded slowly before asking some other stupid question, which he didn't get to finish, as the phone began to ring.

"I'll get it," Sleepy looked at his watch. "It's probably work"

We all silently continued eating.

"Suze, it's for you," Sleepy muttered entering the room.

I stood up, wiping my mouth with a napkin and headed into the kitchen where the phone was situated.

It must be Cee Cee, I thought to myself. Yeah, she must be angry about the fact that Adam and I had left her at school to do sport on her own.

I picked up the receiver.

"Cee Cee, I'm sorry about this afternoon…"

"Suze?"

A familiar male's voice interrupted me.

Oh Shit! My body had become paralysed, as a cold shiver ran down my spine…