The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  "Okay."

  Mel beamed and moved closer to him. I made vomiting sounds and they both laughed. Wow, Luke laughing. That was rare.

  "No, no, no!" I said angrily, coming towards them. "I refuse to let you."

  "Maybe just humiliate her." Mel said thoughtfully, leaning into him. Her perfectly shaped eyebrows knitted together. "Hmm."

  "No!" I repeated, yet again. "It's nothing! Honestly."

  "Okay fine, but if she touches you again, my claws are coming out."

  Luke smirked, playing with her long, blonde waves. He would have no idea what we were talking about. He would just be happy to be spending time with Mel.

  "Shall I leave you two alone?" I joked dryly.

  "Let's go to your room." She replied, rolling her eyes at me.

  For a moment, I didn't think she was speaking to me.

  "I meant that to you, Emma."

  We all laughed and I splashed her with water, feeling my cheeks tinge pink.

  "Oh, that's it!"

  I jumped out, grabbing my towel while she was hot on my heels. I screamed as she tackled me to the harsh ground, glad I had to towel as a form of protection. I slapped her with it, fleeing into the house. She laughed wickedly, following me. I couldn't help giggling hysterically, while I climbed my stairs.

  "Oh, up the stairs..." she drawled. “Nice move."

  She took the stairs three at a time with lanky legs that ran longer than mine ever would. I squealed, sprinting into my room. She grabbed me, hauling us both on my bed. We rolled over to the other side, landing in a heap on the floor. We rolled on the floor, giggling.

  "So," she said, taking deep, calming breaths. "That was my exercise for the week."

  We sat up together and I smiled at her. It was so good, having a best friend. A popular one too, may I add. She continuously taught me things because of this.

  "I wish you came to my school." I sighed suddenly.

  She gave me a small smile. "Why don't you come to mine?"

  "I can't expect Dad to afford a school like that for me."

  "Why don't you try and get a scholarship or something?" she asked. "With your sport or something? Join the mathletes, or whatever. Like on Mean Girls."

  I laughed. "Yeah, like I'd socially commit suicide like that. I'm already the lowest of the low."

  "No you're not!" She argued, frowning at me. "What, you think those 'It' girls are better than you?"

  "Yes." I said simply.

  "Well they're not. They're nasty girls who have nothing better to do than pick on people."

  "Exactly." I replied. "They pick on me. I have no power on them."

  "Well, instead of staying under the radar, maybe do the exact opposite. Show them they can't mess with you." She said, a grin forming at her lips and her eyes shining.

  "I can't." I said helplessly. "Six against one, remember?"

  She sighed. She opened her mouth to say something, but Dad called out to us, informing us that dinner was ready. We pulled each other up and made our way down, our previous conversation lost. It didn't stop me thinking about her words though...

  4

  I stared out at the drizzling rain. It was overcast and grey, making the whole world seem black and white. Even though it was sprinkling, it wasn't cold. Mel had texted me that we were in need of a hang session. So, I jumped in the shower and shampooed my hair, making it smell nice. I changed into a white singlet and just my black jeans, which I wore so much I’m surprised they’re even wearable. I sprayed myself with some perfume and sang out to Dad where I was going. I grabbed my umbrella, threw on some flats and began the short trek to her house. She didn't live too far away, around a five minute walk, depending on the pace anyway.

  Her house was lovely. It was a huge, pearly white palace, as I often described it. I think it was even classified a mansion. I spent a lot of time here, which I considered my home away from home. I didn't even knock anymore, I hadn't needed to for years. I just walked in, placing the umbrella down and throwing off my shoes.

  "Hello, Emma." Her Mum smiled, perched on her couch, wrapped in a ball. She had a steaming cup in her hands and watching some romance show. I grinned in greeting, like I usually do.

  "Hi."

  I made my way up the spiraling staircase, letting the lush carpet tickle my feet. I sighed; yet again wishing this was my own home. I strode into her room to find her upside down on her bed, reading a magazine and blowing a massive bubble of gum. It popped loudly, echoing around her room. I rolled my eyes. This was just all too familiar.

  "What's up?" I said, grabbing another magazine and collapsing beside her.

  "Oh, you smell good." She answered. "Sex and the city perfume?"

  "Uh huh." I placed my hand out flat and she slapped some gum into my hand. "Thank you muchly."

  She rolled her eyes. "You coming to Jayden's party tonight?"

  "Pfft," I replied, flicking lazily through the teen magazine, vaguely seeing what was in there. "Like I would."

  "Please come," she asked with a pleading tone in her voice. "I have a killer dress for you."

  "I'd only go if you stayed by my side all night, so no one tries to eat me."

  "Ha!" She laughed. "Eat you. Classic."

  "I was being serious."

  "So was I." She got up, and clumsily reached for her phone. "Hey James, yeah hi, it's Mel. Oh yes she did, she's here right now. Haha, yes, I think she's a bit confused why I rang you. Ha! Good one! Okay, the reason I rang was just to say I'm stealing her tonight. Yep. Yes hah! I'm kidnapping her. Yup. Yeah, I'm going to take her to a party. Yeah. Of course. Yes, you know you can trust me. Hah, don't be like that. Okay and I'll drop her off to you sometime tomorrow, yeah? Okay sweet. Bye Dad 2."

  She placed the phone down.

  "What was that?" I asked in confusion, my eyebrows raised in suspicion.

  "Oh, your Dad confirmed you can come to the party, so no excuses."

  "Why did you invite me over if you were just going to ditch for a party?"

  "Because I knew I'd convince you to come. Come on, try on your dress."

  We were pretty much ready, our dress and shoes on, our hair, curled to perfection, heavily perfumed up, make-up professionally done by her Mum... just one thing.

  I was wearing a bright red, very expensive, very tight and very short dress. It was amazing, beautiful, gorgeous, and so not me.

  "I can't wear this." I said for the thousandth time. "I just can't. It's too..."

  "What!" She gasped, looking at me incredulously. "No it isn't! It looks amazing on you. Honestly. Go look in the mirror."

  I dragged my feet over to her massive, full length mirror. Wow. I barely recognised myself. My long hair tumbled down my shoulders in tight curls, the dress hugged my curves, making me actually look like an 'It' girl. It’s amazing what new clothes and make-up can do to a person. The dress complimented my skin, make me appear super tanned. My make-up was done to movie-star perfection, thanks to Lindsay who was a full-time beautician. No wonder Mel looked like a model all the time. Yet again, I felt a little jealous of her.

  "Good, huh?" Mel laughed, grinning at gawking face. "Come on."

  Time began to blur together when we were leaving, as we seemed to arrive before I had hardly shut my door. Straight away people stared at us in awe. Who knew what we looked like together. I didn't want to seem up myself, because I definitely wasn't, but tonight, we looked good. They were also probably wondering who the girl was with Melanie.

  "Shots!" She cried, dragging me through the crowd, her hand clamped onto mine almost finally. I grumbled, feeling myself trip after her in my heels. I threw a grin at some people who were staring at me oddly. If only they knew I was practically a human rag doll for Mel.

  "Mel!" A guy grinned, a large smile appearing on his face. He had spiky brown hair and red-tinged eyes, making me look at him twice. His hands trembled slightly and his eyes seemed to be slightly glazed. I swallowed, making a mental note to stay clear from him throughout the night. The
whole group turned and stared at us, making me feel instantly self-conscious. "Who's your friend?"

  "Emma Ross, from River High. Look's amazing hey?" she said smoothly, nudging me as if she was showcasing off a new accessory she had just purchased.

  My stomach tightened and my face flame redder than my dress. I wish she hadn’t turned that kind of attention on me. "I-I do not."

  "Yeah, you do." The guy grinned. My heart was hammering in my chest as I waited his response. My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

  Did someone just give me a compliment?

  Vodka shots were poured and one was shoved into my hand. Mel had already downed hers, asking for another. Clearly she didn’t much around. Everyone all around was doing it, so I joined in, feeling like the typical, cliché teenager who succumbs to peer pressure. But it was one night and I never went out and had fun, so I threw my head back and swallowed it whole. My throat burned and my eyes watered.

  "Ah."

  It’s not like I hadn’t drank before, but I don’t often. I more just have a few beverages at a family gathering if everyone else does, but that was it really. So my experience with alcohol is not very impressive.

  The group laughed, handing me another. I downed it again and some people clapped for some reason. I took another. I had a bit of a head rush and departed from the group, stumbling. I had never drunk like this before. I fell onto the lounge in a sprawl, my head spinning slightly.

  "Wow," a voice said, impressed. I glanced over to see Jason at the other end, a beer in hand. "You look great, Emma."

  "T-thanks." I mumbled, casting my eyes downward in nervousness. Two compliments in one night? Maybe I should come out more often.

  He moved closer, brushing his thigh against mine. I sucked in a breath of surprise, unsure of where to look.

  "You don't normally come out to parties."

  "Mel said I had to come." I said casually, rolling my eyes.

  "Melanie Stewart?" he asked, in surprise.

  "Yeah, she's my best friend." I grinned, pushing away any nervousness. I was at a party and I looked awesome. No time for that! Also, I liked boasting about being her best friend. I began laughing to myself for no apparent reason. (This happened regularly).

  "Oh cool. What's so funny?"

  I jerked my shoulder up and spread my hands out in front of me. "I don't know."

  Grabbing his hand, something I would never ever have done if sober, I pulled him with me. I reached that group again and was granted with two shots. I gave one to Jason, throwing my own back. It burned badly, worse than before, making my eyes sting. I chugged back another, gagging. By the time I tried to do the next one, I missed my mouth, spilling vodka down my chin and the front of my dress.

  "Woah, slow down there," Jason said, prying the sixth shot from my hand, concern evident in his eyes.

  "Yeah..." I slurred, falling onto him unintentionally. He grabbed me around the waist, making sure I wasn’t about to fall over.

  "Jeeze Emma."

  He dragged-half carried me to the lounge and I fell onto it. I licked my lips, my tongue feeling slightly weird.

  "I'm sorry," I said, my voice slightly sloppy. "This isn't me. I just wanted to be spontaneous, like the 'It' girls."

  He laughed as if I had made a funny joke. I frowned at him, a little confused.. "You don't have to be an 'It' girl. They're all stuck up anyway."

  My eyes widened and I re-positioned myself so I could look at him better. "Are you serious? Didn't you date like two of them?"

  "No," he laughed. "I dated Britney for a few months last year but that’s it."

  "Oh. Yeah, I remember that."

  My head felt like there was a hammer inside it and my stomach was like a washing machine. It rumbled loudly, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten for a while. Actually, maybe it wasn’t hunger I was feeling…

  "I think I'm going to be sick!"

  I shot up and stumbled out of the house and out the front to the massive yard where couples were all over the place. I tried not to do it on the lawn so I ran to the gutter and fell onto my knees. After dry heaving a couple of times, I eventually found myself vomiting. My throat burned terribly.

  "Ugh," I groaned, my eyes watering. "Why did I agree to this?"

  "You alright?"

  I looked up in horror as I realised Jason had just witnessed me chucking my guts up. He smiled down at me though, not seeming fazed. He was tanned, with blonde floppy hair and ice blue eyes. I allowed myself to just stare for a moment, taking in his beautiful looks.

  "No." I laughed, sounding a little hysterical. "This isn't like me. Very not like me."

  "Want to leave?" he asked, putting his hand down. I pulled myself up.

  "I can't. Mel's my ride and she won't leave until the party it is well and truly over."

  "I'll take you home."

  "Oh, no I don't want you to have to leave the party early or anything." I said quickly.

  "I don't mind. I didn’t even drink my beer anyway. Come on."

  He put an arm around my waist and guided me towards his car. I know I should probably be wary about hopping into his car when I hardly know him, but for some reason I felt I would be safe with him. He seemed pretty genuine and has never done anything to make me think otherwise, so why not?

  "Better text Mel."

  "Oh, yeah. Good idea captain!"

  He stared at me in amusement. I rummaged in my secret area for my phone and quickly texted her. I made a lot of mistakes but I hope she understood what I was trying to say.

  "Dad's not going to be happy with me." I said, unhappily. "He'll probably make me clean the house."

  Usual punishments consisted of being grounded and whatnot. With Dad, he made us do productive or embarrassing things to ensure that we don’t do whatever we are being punished for, again. With something minor like this, I would expect scrubbing the toilet, cleaning his shed or even raking the leaves in the front yard. (I am on a hill and it is actually a difficult task).

  "Were you going to stay at Mel's?" He asked.

  "Yeah."

  I leant back, closing my eyes. The smooth car made me just want to curl up in a ball and fall asleep... which is exactly what I did.

  5

  My eyelids felt heavy but I managed to slowly get them open. I wasn't in my home, or Mel's. I sat up bolt straight, causing myself to get a sudden head rush and my body throb painfully. My tongue felt swollen and my throat was burning. I desperately craved water, feeling like I hadn’t consumed any in over a year.

  Where was I?

  Had I been drugged or something?

  Numerous thoughts spun around in my head like a whirlwind. I ran my fingers through my hair in panic. I glanced down, staring at the red dress still wrapped around my body tightly. My stomach did a little dip as I struggled to make my groggy mind remember what had happened. This is what happens when people go to parties and they’re not used to it.

  What should I do!?

  I slowly crept out of the bed and leant heavily on the wall. I used it to hold me up as I moved towards the door. I peeped out. I must say, the house was quite nice. I could hear someone in the kitchen below, banging pots and a sizzling sound could be heard. I tip-toed down the stairs, grabbing a really heavy book - first weapon like thing I saw, holding it over my head in true warrior style. I continued lurking around the corners and quickly scampered into the kitchen.

  "Morning sleeping beauty," a woman I didn't recognise spoke. She had her back to me; cooking eggs which made me question whether she had eyes in the back of her head. "Want some bacon and eggs?"

  She spun around and looked at me, a little alarmed.

  "Ah..." I said awkwardly, realising I looked like a complete idiot with this heavy book above my head.

  "What are you doing with my encyclopedia?" she frowned.

  I placed it down gently. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"

  "Jennifer Mayor." She smiled warmly, understanding filling her features. "Jason's sister."

  "Oh
!" I said, feeling really, really stupid. "Hi, I'm Emma. I'm really sorry I came at you with your book... inside your own home."

  "Perfectly alright," she laughed, waving it off. "Here take a seat. Eggs?"

  "Oh, no thank you. I don't like eggs, sorry." I said uncomfortably.

  How annoying was I already?

  "Oh, that's okay. Would you like some toast or something?"

  "Yes, please." I got up to make it and she shooed my away.

  "Sit. Honestly, I'll make it for you."

  "I don't want to be a bother..."

  "Nonsense."

  I nodded awkwardly and sat back down. She fixed me some toast and loaded up her own plate. She sat down opposite me, giving me a warm smile which I found myself returning. Nerves bubbled in my stomach as I didn’t know what to do next.

  "So, got wasted last night hey?"

  My face burned bright red as soon as the words tumbled from her mouth. I ducked my head in embarrassment. Also, I was still in my very tight and short dress. I wanted to just bury myself into a hole and not ever come out again.

  "Um… yep. First time."

  Her laugh came out muffled as she had a mouthful of food. She wiped her mouth, shaking her head at me, trying to fight off a smile.

  "That's gold. Jason said he was taking you home, but you fell asleep before giving directions. He rang me and I said to bring you here. Probably better than taking you back home with the rents."

  I smiled gratefully at her. She actually seemed really cool, which was a bit surprising. I’m not really sure what I had expected about his family, but this nice wasn’t exactly what I first would have thought.

  "Thank you so much."

  "No worries."

  We ate in silence for a few minutes, neither of us knowing what to say next. I found myself staring intently at an indent in the table, avoiding eye contact with her.

  "I've never done anything like this before." I suddenly found myself saying. I felt like I needed to prove myself. "This is really not me. I don't do this stuff normally."

  "It's okay," she laughed again. It was like Jason's, making you want to laugh too. "We all have our moments."