i'm trying to decide on which bike to get... i really don't know anything about bikes... i kinda wanted one with full suspensions and was looking at the Fuji Discovery 2 or the Giant's comparable model... but then i thought about how i'm gonna ride the bike... it's just for fun riding with some occasional gravel bike paths... so now i'm leaning more towards the Fuji Absolute... i don't really want a full road bike and i really like how the Absolute looks... anyone have opinion on this bike...? thanks...

If you aren't going to be doing a lot of XC or freeriding (jumping off cliffs), I suggest you'd get a hardtail since they are more efficient than the FS models. Unless you sell your sister, you really can't get a FS that's as efficient as a HT for the same price.

What's your budget?

You can find similar cross bikes like the Absolute from makers such as Marin, Trek, Specialized, and others. Just trying to give you more options.

my budget is about $500... the reason why i don't want a full road bike is because i want to be in a more upright position... and yes... i've been looking at the Specialized bikes as well... thier Allez look very similar to their hybrid, except for the handlebars... can i get a different handlebar for the Allez...?

Dunno about the Allez (although I'm sure you can), but the Trek 1000 comes standard with either a straight bar or drops. I think you can choose either one.