The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  I then turned and ran back down the street and turning to go up our hill. I then turned back around and headed a random way. I kept running and running until my sides burned and my legs ached. I jogged back up my hill, kicked off my shoes, threw my clothes somewhere and dived into the pool.

  That's where I stayed until dark, when Dad called for dinner.

  8

  It was my own fault. I shouldn't have gone charging in there. I guess Mel makes my brother happy, and if I wanted him to be with anyone, it would be her, right?

  "You ready?"

  And I suppose they fit each other as they're both very pretty. He comes out of his shell when he's with her, so she is probably doing him good with developing his social skills and all.

  "Emma?"

  I sighed. It really didn't have anything to do with me anyway. I should just get over it. It doesn't involve me. It’s just weird when she comes over. Is she there to hang out with me or to see my brother?

  "Er- Are you coming?"

  "Oh, what?" I asked, pausing my mental ranting and glancing up at the sculptured-by-God boy next to me.

  "I said are you coming?" Jason laughed.

  "Oh, yeah." I trailed behind him, mentally slapping myself for not paying attention and slid into his car. I felt the familiar clean scent wash over me. It smelt of his cologne. He revved the engine and we smoothly left the car park. I felt so cool, traveling with one of the 'It' boys.

  We arrived at his place, and of course it was amazing. It was a cream colour with black edging. The inside was sparkling clean and immaculate, as I imagined it would be. My entire house could fit in here, comfortably, about twice at least. I gazed around in awe, drinking in every feature it had to offer.

  "You hungry or thirsty?" He asked, shrugging of his bag and going straight for the fridge, reminding me of myself when I was at home.

  "Um, just some water thanks."

  He poured me a glass and slid it across the smooth, granite black bench top. I sculled it, enjoying the coolness.

  "So, do you want to chill a bit first or get straight into it?"

  "I don't mind," I shrugged, still peering around in awe.

  I heard footsteps and a lady, looking awfully like his sister, wandered into the kitchen. She had mouse brown hair and bright blue eyes like Jason's.

  "Hello." she smiled, going over to the jug.

  "Hi," I replied.

  "You must be Emma? I'm Miranda."

  "Yep, nice to meet you."

  "Oh, one with manners." Miranda smiled. "A lot nicer than the last one you brought over."

  "She isn't like those girls." He replied, talking as if I wasn't standing beside him.

  "Good." Was all she replied, peering at him.

  I beamed proudly. I wanted her to like me. I felt the same need to prove myself like with his sister. I didn't even know his sister's name. Well, I'd forgotten it anyway.

  "Well, we may as well get it over and done with."

  "Okay." I slid my bag from my shoulders and crouched down, pulling out my pencil case, book and laptop. I followed behind him into the study room. I laid my stuff neatly on the desk, as if I was about to prepare for an exam.

  "Jase, I'm just going to go down and see Susan. Behave please."

  He rolled his eyes. We set straight to it, deciding ideas on what to do and how to do it and all that exciting stuff. We worked for a solid hour before taking a break.

  "Well, we only have the last question and conclusion to do, that could probably be done next lesson." I stated, feeling pretty satisfied with the work we had completed.

  "Yeah, okay." He agreed.

  I shoveled all the stuff in my bag and stretched. My skin felt hot as I felt his gaze on me, which made me feel all tingly.

  "See something you like?" I quoted him, teasingly.

  I felt quite smug for being so bold.

  "Yes." He said simply.

  My eyes widened, not expecting that response. I coughed, literally coughed with nerves, and stopped stretching immediately. He moved closer to me and began leaning forward. I was frozen. My heart was hammering wildly in my chest. I couldn't force myself to move. Every second he was inching closer; his tan and golden hair getting closer and closer. Just as our lips were about to touch I heard a loud bang. His eye snapped open and he shot up in alarm.

  Disappointment panged in my stomach. Why, why, why!? I pleaded.

  Why did it have to stop before it even began?

  My heart was still racing and my hands were trembling. He got up and walked out. I calmed myself down and followed him out.

  "Uh oh." He said, spinning around. "Quick, get back in the study."

  "Why?" I found myself ask as he spun me.

  "Jaaaacey." A voice slurred, the words hardly inaudible. "Don't hide. You know I hate that game."

  He tensed automatically at the voice. His jaw clenched and impulsively hit the wall before turning around. I jumped in fright, staring wide-eyed at the mark he left. A million thoughts began racing through my mind as I swallowed, peering up at Jason.

  "What are you doing home this early?" Jason asked calmly although his body language showed that he was anything but. "I didn't think we'd be graced with your presence at all this evening."

  "Today is your lucky day." The man said, well, that's what I think he said. His words were hard to make out. He dropped his briefcase, the locks busting open, spilling the contents out everywhere. He swore whilst kicking it, resulting in it sliding across on the floor.

  "Who is this?" He asked coldly, his eyes feeling as though they were piercing into my soul. I suddenly felt even more self-conscious than usual, wanting to hide instinctively behind Jason.

  Jason stood in front of my protectively. "A friend."

  "Did you ask to bring anyone over?"

  "Yeah I asked Mum." he snapped back. "As she is the only parent I really have."

  "Don't you dare talk to me like that," he said, over-balancing himself, stumbling. He came towards Jason and tried to throw a punch but ended up falling over in the process. If this wasn’t so serious and actually a little terrifying, I would have laughed. Jason grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him. He reached down, swooping up my bag. I tripped after him, trying to keep up with his long legs.

  He tried to unlock the car door but his hands were shaking too badly. I put my own hands around his. Slowly, I pried the keys from him.

  "Hey," I said softly. "Why don't I drive this time?"

  "But-" he began and I just looked at him. He clenched his jaw again, before striding around the passenger side. I started the engine, nervous of driving his car. I backed out, loving its smoothness. It felt great to drive again as I hadn't in so long. I put it into gear and crept out of the driveway, checking both ways. Once we were up and away, I finally asked him something, breaking the silence.

  "Do your friends know about him?"

  "No."

  "I won't tell anyone." I replied instantly. "I promise."

  "Not even Mel?" he challenged, the doubt clear in his voice.

  "Especially not Mel." I laughed. "Sometimes she just can't help but spread gossip."

  "Oh. Alright, thanks."

  I smoothly went up my hill and parked it so it'd be easy to get out again. I cut the engine, unsure of what to say to him next. I didn’t want to trigger anything or ask anything too personal.

  "Are you okay to drive?" I asked gently.

  "I'm fine."

  "Are you sure? Do you want to come in for a while?"

  "It's fine," he said.

  He was using the word ‘fine’ a lot. That wasn't good. I used the word fine when I wasn't okay.

  "I'll just go home. Make sure he doesn't destroy the place further." He stated calmly, acting a little too casual about the whole ordeal.

  He hopped out, his shoulders stiff. I unbuckled myself and did the same, chewing at my lip distractedly.

  "Okay, well, I hope you're okay."

  He didn't say anything. He just hopped in and st
arted the car up.

  "See you and if you remember, could you tell Miranda thanks for having me?" The words tumbled out quickly as it seemed he was in a rush to leave.

  "Sure."

  "Okay, drive safely."

  He drove off without a backwards glance, which gave me a sense of uneasiness. I had never, for one moment, imagined that Jason Mayor would ever have anything like that in his life. He just seemed to have everything and be so easy going about life. To think that was what he had to go home to… it was so sad. I watched his car disappear from my view, feeling uncomfortable for him.

  I hope everything was all right...

  9

  I hadn't spoken to him much, but we had been texting. Yeah, texting! I was very excited about the whole situation clearly. I couldn't help smile every time I heard the buzz and saw his name on my screen. He texted me every morning, which was a very pleasant thing to wake up to.

  We sat together sometimes in class, but not all the time. I didn't sit with him at lunch or anything, and that was okay with me. I liked my small group of quietness. I’m glad that we didn’t rush into being clung together like most people do. We were easing our way into getting to know each other at a pace that I was comfortable with.

  School had been going well; I'd had a Math test that I forgot to study for, which will probably result in a fail for me. I was pretty hopeless at Math. English was my thing as I loved to write. The whole school day was a drag until I had English, which made me genuinely happy to be at school.

  I arrived home, eager to get some food, to see packed bags and a loaded, rented car. I forgot Dad was leaving today. Luke and he were going for a four-five day trip to my Aunt’s beach house. They were doing some fishing thing which they do every year.

  "You sure you'll be okay by yourself?" Dad asked, yet again.

  I rolled my eyes and giggled. "Stop being such a worry wart. It's not the first time you've left me here to go on your little fishing adventure."

  He sighed, frowning slightly. "I just want to make sure you're okay with it."

  "Of course I am. I'll probably end up crashing at Mel's place anyway. Don't worry about me."

  "Alright well I left you some money in the freezer and I've let Mel's family know, just so they're aware you're here by yourself. I got you a few days’ worth of stuff to cook. No chucking parties."

  "Yes, yes I know. Who would come? Mel?" I laughed, pushing him out the door. I picked up some bags and threw them in back, closing the door up. "Got everything?"

  "Think so."

  "Okay, travel safely."

  "Love you." He said hugging me, planting a kiss on my forehead.

  "Love you too."

  He slipped into the car and beeped. Soon after Luke emerged from the house at a painfully slow rate. How annoying. Luke and I were opposites in that department. Slow walkers absolutely drove me insane and he was the first on my hit list for it.

  "Bye, have fun." I smiled, hugging him.

  "Yeah, see ya."

  I rolled my eyes again; he was a man of many words apparently. I waved to them as they pulled out, the trailer rattling behind them. I smiled to myself as I walked in, shutting the door softly behind me.

  Don't get me wrong, I loved having Dad and Luke here, but I must admit it was pretty sweet just being by myself for a while. I could run around just in my undies, have my music up as loud as I want and eat whatever and whenever I wanted when I felt like it. Well I ate all the time but now I didn’t have to hide at how much Nutella I eat at one time.

  I rocked out a bit, ate Dad's special ice cream whilst I went sliding on the tiles in my long socks. I tripped and fell, rolling on the carpet. I laughed at myself. I was a klutz.

  The fact that Jason continued to text me had a permanent smile on my face. I was seriously considering whether it would be indented into my face after a while. It was nice to spend the afternoon by myself for a little bit, but it was even better when Mel came over.

  "We should so chuck a party!" she grinned, her eyes lighting up with childish excitement.

  "Um, yeah right." I replied, punching her lightly as if that would snap her out of her silly thoughts.

  We just lazed around eating and watching movies, occasionally going for a swim. Doing this on a late Friday afternoon, was a common occurrence for us. We cooked some pizza subs (my favourite) and ate them outside, dipping our feet in the pool whilst gazing at the stars. This was one of our favourite things to do. We used to always do it when we were little. We would just stare at the stars and discuss things going on in our lives. Mostly Mel had a lot to tell me and I just listened, so it was refreshing that I actually had some news to put onto the table.

  "So. Jason hey?" Mel said out of the blue although I had been expecting it all afternoon. I didn’t want to sound pathetic but I had been waiting for her to bring it up so I had an excuse to talk about him. "He's pretty hot."

  "We're just friends."

  "Okay, but I'd tap that if I was you."

  I breathed a laugh, refusing to say any more on the subject. Eventually, we decided to go for a midnight swim which was a bit of a tradition of ours.

  "Want to skinny dip?" she asked seriously, smirking, knowing what my reaction would be.

  "Um." I said, slightly uncomfortable. Don’t get me wrong, I was very comfortable around Mel in every way, but even this was crossing a line. "I don't think I'd like that."

  "Oh come on." she teased. "Stop being so innocent."

  "Er, maybe another time." I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck.

  "You're such a party pooper."

  I stuck my tongue out at her, feeling like I was five years old. We finally retired up to my room and passed out. I could faintly here Mel snoring beside me and I kicked her softly as normal. She grumbled at me and turned over. I smiled into my pillow before falling into a heavy sleep.

  Jason Mayor

  I was pretty embarrassed Emma had to witness my drunken so called 'father' coming home. For the one night he actually did come home, had to be the one she was there. I ran my hand through my blond mop of hair and sighed. Mum and I were both over him. He continually tried to start fights with me and push me around, using his strength against me. At least he didn't hit Mum. Well, usually not.

  Sometimes he tried. She was terrified of him. She's tried to leave him, but he threatened her. He is a wealthy man and has strong connections with people. She was too scared to fight against him and as much as it annoyed me, I could see why she would be. He was one of the most terrifying people I have ever met. One should not say that about their father. It’s unnatural.

  I didn't know what I could do, so I stayed at Jennifer's (my sister) house a lot. Mum was usually fine here by herself, but she stayed there a lot too. He normally wasn't home and if he was, he usually was passed out from too much alcohol consumption again. It was me he picked on and I was glad it wasn't her. At least I could defend myself a bit more.

  The familiar bang of the door filtered up stairs and a groan escaped my lips. Great. I went up to my room and shut the door softly, after giving Mum the heads up. She did the same. We both hid as soon as we heard him, hoping he would just collapse on the lounge and sleep of his intoxication. This time, it wasn’t going to be that easy. I heard the heavy thud of footsteps ascend up the stairs. My jaw clenched as I began to mentally prepare the encounter I was about to experience.

  Keep going... please keep going.

  They stopped, although I knew they would. My door was kicked open. My heart started speeding up and I clenched my fists. I rose to my full height and surveyed him, making the disgust on my face clear.

  "Dad." I bit out through gritted teeth.

  "Son."

  He stumbled in, knocking one of my drawers over. He tumbled down, landing with a thud on my wooden bedroom floor. Mum ran out, startled.

  He used my bed sheets to pull himself up slightly, causing an unnecessary mess. "Come here."

  "No."

  "Come here!" He growled, c
rawling towards me. He slowly got to his feet, swaying. I stared at him, disgusted. He couldn’t even walk properly. My father was a sad excuse of a man.

  "Go to your room, Mum!" I called, feeling like I was the parent here.

  She had her mouth open in a silent scream. I saw Dad's familiar fist coming towards me. I grabbed it in my own, momentarily stopping the fight.

  I yelled for Mum to move before I shoved him hard. He tripped backwards landing on his butt. I went to go past him but he ankle tripped me. I slammed onto hard floor painfully. He pinned me down and belted me across the face. The impact caused black dots to dance across my vision. Anger welled inside me as fast as my bruise was. I pushed him hard, but he barely budged.

  He hit me again, this time blood poured out of my mouth. I heard my Mother screaming. I elbowed him in the mouth and kneed him where I knew it would hurt. I finally got his heavy weight off me. I belted him across the face before shooting up. He grabbed my ankle again. I gripped the doorway, to stop myself toppling over.

  Tears brimmed my eyes. No way would I waste tears on him. I kicked out, getting him in the face. At this point, I didn’t feel any remorse for what happened to him when we fought. My main concern was protecting myself and mum. I gripped mum’s arm tightly and began dragging her down the stairs after me as though she was incapable of walking on her own.

  "Where are we going?" She asked, breathless. I could barely speak, my mouth overflowing with blood. It ran down my shirt. So I didn’t.

  I sped quickly over to Jennifer's place, ignore her constant questions and attempt of conversation. I slammed on the breaks, lurching us both forward.

  "Are you coming?" She asked, getting out, realising I wasn't doing the same.

  "No."

  As soon as she shut the door I pressed my foot down on the accelerator. I didn't know why I was going where I was, but it just felt right. Slowly, I wound up the hill and parked outside her house. It was pouring rain now, just not the slight drizzle it started with. I slowly removed my body from the car, the taste of blood still clear in my mouth. I stood there, trying to decide whether to go knock or not. My clothes stuck to me but I didn’t care, I hardly even realised.