The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  "Dinner is ready."

  Dad was glaring at Jason. Jason was glaring at his plate. I think Luke was glaring at the wall. This just left me awkwardly sitting there.

  "Is it hot in here or is it just me?" I joked, laughing at myself.

  No one looked up.

  I cleared my throat, my laughing coming to an abrupt stop. "So, I'm thinking about going back to school next week."

  Jason looked up, giving me a small smile, before returning to his stare-contest with the plate. I couldn't help frown as I finished dinner, making obviously loud sounds just to annoy them. This wasn’t immature or anything.

  "So." I repeated.

  Everyone remained silent.

  I sighed in frustration. "It wouldn't kill you to at least speak to each other."

  Nothing changed.

  "You're all being ridiculous."

  I stood up, grabbing my plate and marching (well an attempted march, more like a slow motion one) to the kitchen.

  "You know what," I muttered to myself. "Dad can wash up tonight."

  I made me way to my room and plopped back on my comfortable bed, sinking into the mattress. My eyelids felt heavy with exhaustion. I’m not sure why, but ever since the accident I’ve been getting tired a lot quicker than usual. I suppose my body is still recovering which is where most of my energy is going to. I was almost about to drift to sleep when Jason appeared at my doorway.

  "Are you going?" I mumbled groggily.

  "Yeah."

  He came over, kissing my cheek softly. "Sorry about dinner."

  "You should be." I joked. "Don't worry. He's as bad as you."

  He gave me a small smile. "Still. I shouldn't have acted like that."

  I shrugged, wincing in the process. I guess I still wasn't used to being in pain.

  "You okay?" he asked me concern.

  "Fine," I smiled weakly. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

  "Yeah. Love you."

  I blinked at him. He left before I could say anything.

  Every time he said it, I was just too stunned to react. It still surprised me that someone like him loved me. I just sat there awkwardly, unsure of what to do.

  I knew I loved him, why couldn't I just say it?

  I guess it was a lot harder than I thought.

  23

  Ugh.

  School.

  I trudged in, throwing my stuff on the desk in the back right-hand corner. I tried not to scowl. I had attempted ridiculous lengths this morning to get out of coming, but Dad forced me too. I set my mouth in a line, not wanting to deal with the drama that comes with school. Finally, Jason strolled in, looking like a God might I add, and sat next to me. My mood instantly lifted, but not quite enough to enjoy being here.

  I got a few stares from people and I just glared back.

  Yeah, I had an accident. People did all the time. I wasn't a different person or anything. Some were looking at me like I was an alien. I suppose I just randomly started dating one of the most popular boys in school and then almost died, so I suppose people are wondering where I came from all of a sudden.

  "You look so happy to be here." Jason grinned.

  I frowned, making him grin wider.

  The lesson went by pretty quickly actually. I'd missed out on a bit, but since it was English, I caught up in no time at all. I always picked English up easily. I was normally ahead.

  Jason walked me to my next class. He carried my bag around school. It was so cute! Even when we didn't have the same classes he'd walk me there, get out my stuff and make sure I was okay. You'd think I was made of glass or something.

  Jason kissed my cheek and went to his class. Britney suddenly took his place at my side, slithering towards me, before she had to strike.

  "I see you’re back."

  I looked at her in distaste. "Yes."

  She looked me up and down. "Cute cast."

  "Thank you." I replied seriously, as if I took the compliment to heart.

  She sneered at me, curling her lip. "Everyone may think you’re the sweet, innocent girl who was in that crash, but I know better. You're still that b*tch who stole my boyfriend."

  "You weren't with him." I said flatly. "And after your many attempts to get him back, it's pretty obvious he doesn't want you."

  "You're going to wish you never said that."

  "Oh, I'm shaking." I said sarcastically.

  I actually was, to be honest. Hope she didn't notice.

  She took a step closer. Her bottom lip curling upward. I would have laughed if the situation wasn’t so serious.

  "Uh-uh," I said, backing up, trying to keep my voice calm. "One whack with this cast and it'll knock you flat."

  She narrowed her eyes. "You watch yourself. I'm coming for you."

  "I look forward to it."

  "Problem, ladies?" The teacher asked, sauntering up to us. She stared expectantly at us both.

  "Well-" I began and Britney cut me off.

  "No."

  She grabbed her stuff and stalked into class. The teacher gave me a soft look.

  "Don't let her get to you."

  "I won't. Thanks."

  I kept my eyes peeled the rest of the day. I was bluffing majorly that entire argument. I was terrified. I didn't want to die! Not after that almost experience. Who knows what she would do. I didn't tell Jason. He'd make things worse. I shuddered at the thought.

  "You okay?" he asked, resting a hand on my lower back, guiding me around school, as though I couldn't remember my way. I'd lost a bit of memory, yeah, but that much stuck.

  "Fine," I lied. "My arm just hurts."

  He gave me a sympathetic smile. "The day is almost over."

  "I know."

  I reached up and pecked his lips.

  "Thanks for everything, Jase."

  "You're welcome babe."

  I grinned. It made me all tingly when he called me that.

  He was staying the night at my house, officially, for the first time.

  (Well, according to Luke and Dad. I failed to mention the time they went away. I just don't think it would go down well).

  It was good, not walking. Since I had my injuries, I got lifts. You'd think Dad would have the car fixed by now, but he just uses his work one mostly, and Luke has one from work too, so we don't really need it. Well, according to him.

  "No sleeping in the same bed. The door must be open at ALL times. No underneath blankets. No body fondling of any kind. I swear if you try anything boy, you'll be out on your butt so quick you won't know what hit ya!"

  I rolled my eyes. "Dad, I think he understood the first time you said it."

  Dad's eyes were sharp, as he gave Jason the once over. I tried not to laugh. Jason nodded firmly, as if he was an officer of the law.

  "Yes sir."

  "You can call him James." I said.

  "No. Sir is fine." He barked before striding out of the room. "Luke, keep an eye on them."

  Luke didn't make any response. I was a bit worried about him. Mel assured me he was fine, as he seemed to speak to her more than me, but it didn’t exactly comfort me.

  All of us sat down and watched the first couple of episodes of Prison Break. Dad loved it. I could just watch it all the time and never get over it. It was nice; all of us seating down together, even though no one was speaking. Again.

  It remained pretty uneventful and after that, we retired up to my room. I showered, changed and brushed my teeth.

  "Your turn." I smiled, emerging from my bathroom, wringing my hair into my towel.

  He did the same and I read while I waited. We settled in watching a show he 'had to watch' before we'd go to sleep. It was Bondi Beach. Just as the show ended, Jason stretched. I creepily watched him. I loved when he did it, all his muscles tensed. Especially when he slept in a tight black shirt.

  Emma. Stop. Being. A. Creep.

  I couldn't help it though. My boyfriend was hot and boy, and did I know it.

  "What?" he asked, with a little pout.

 
I grinned. "Nothing."

  "Tell me."

  "Nope." I said, purposely popping the 'P'.

  Tantalisingly slow, he pulled me over to him and began tickling me. If you didn’t know, I was completely, utterly and deathly ticklish. I hyperventilated and sometimes actually did fear that I was going to die, due to lack of oxygen.

  "Stop! It hurts!" I defended breathlessly.

  It didn't hurt that much, but still. I couldn't stop giggling.

  My door was kicked open, (it hadn't been completely shut and yes it actually was kicked open).

  "What is going on in here?" Dad demanded, hands on his hips.

  I glared at him. He was being absolutely ridiculous. "Nothing."

  "Not what I can see. I think it is time for you to go to bed now, Jason."

  Jason shrugged, releasing his grip of me. "Night Em."

  "Good night."

  He winked playfully at me before Dad pushed him out of the room. His face was red from anger, even though he knew nothing serious was going on.

  "Love you." I whispered so quietly, I barely even heard it myself.

  My heart was racing and I ran a shaky hand through my wet hair.

  I just needed to work up the courage to say it to his face.

  Well, I was working on it.

  24

  "He's hot." My Nan nodded approvingly. "Nice job Emma."

  Jason's mouth dropped open. "Did she just say what I think she said?"

  I stifled a giggle. "Yes. I warned you."

  We finally made it to dinner with my Nan. Let's just say she was a character. She was different than most Nan's. You'll see why.

  We finished our dinner which was filled with many inappropriate jokes and comments, mainly all from Nan before we began cleaning up.

  "I'll just pop into the shower quickly. Are you lot right to watch some Vampire Diaries?"

  "Yes Nan." I rolled my eyes.

  We had to watch Vampire Diaries every single time we came over. See what I mean? She was unique, that's for sure.

  "Because that Damon Salvatore." She grinned, waving her hand as a fan. "That boy is fiiine."

  "Oh God Nan, go take your shower!" I exclaimed, shooing her away.

  (She was only about sixty-five, so she wasn't that old at all, really).

  Jason burst out laughing. I flicked him with some water, which was my way of telling him not to encourage her. We were on washing up duty for being 'the youngest here'. He bumped hips with me. Dad cleared his throat, noticing the exchange and I glared at him.

  "Yes?" I asked, annoyed.

  "Oh nothing." Dad replied innocently.

  He lazily continued flicking through his magazine. I watched him with narrowed eyes, really starting to get sick of his attitude. He knew of Mel and Luke’s history, but she was allowed in his room with the door shut. She was allowed to walk around in just swimmers, flirting with Luke. But no, as soon as I have a boy over, it’s the end of the world and Sergeant James comes out to play.

  I exchanged a glance with Jason before I washed the last few items before washing my hands. Nan emerged from the bathroom in navy track suit pants and an Eminem shirt.

  "Where on Earth did you get that?" I laughed, shaking my head incredulously.

  "Online obviously. Emma, get with it." She shuffled past me, slapping Jason on the butt.

  He whirled around in surprise. I burst out laughing again, unable to hold it in this time.

  "The look on your face!" I gasped, clutching my sides.

  "Okay, okay." Dad said, not impressed. "Let's go watch some Vampire Doubts."

  "Vampire Diaries." Nan corrected him harshly.

  "I'm terribly sorry." Dad rolled his eyes. Luke trailed in wordlessly behind us all. He hadn’t spoken at all since we arrived.

  "Nan, do you even know who Eminem is?" I asked in amusement.

  "What a stupid question." she waved me off. "He is that handsome rapper."

  Jason raised his eyebrows at me. I shrugged in reply.

  "Emma, love, get some chocolate?" she asked, settling into her rocking chair, which was perched right in front of her newly bought T.V. This left us all awkwardly sitting to the side, not being able to see properly.

  "Sure. How many squares do you want?" I called over my shoulder, heading into the kitchen.

  "Just bring the whole block."

  I rolled my eyes. Typical.

  We watched three episodes before Dad thought it would be good to part ways.

  "Wait, you need to come see her car!" I laughed, pulling Jason along after me as I stumbled into the two-car garage. "You won't believe it."

  "What's so special about it?" Jason asked, raising an eyebrow, surveying the car.

  "Look at the number plates."

  He blinked at it before bursting out laughing, again. It was a night for laughs, I'll say.

  "That's classic! I need to get a photo to show Mum."

  He got a few snapshots of Nan's number plate. It said: GR4NNYZ.

  Jason pulled me into a hug, planting a lingering kiss on my forehead. He then moved down my cheek and across my jawline. My heart rate picked me as I leaned closer. Our lips met softly at first and then it got deeper. I ran my hands down his defined chest, loving the feel of him underneath my fingertips.

  "You ready or what?" Dad's voice called from the front door.

  We broke apart, breathless.

  "After you," he whispered, gently pushing me.

  I couldn't speak yet. I walked out wordlessly, a grin across my face.

  "Took your time." Dad joked.

  "Yeah sorry, I had to take a photo for Mum." Jason explained, coming around from behind me, all normal.

  "Oh." Dad's expression softened. He gave him a small smile before swinging the keys in his hand and planting a kiss on Nan's cheek.

  "Night Mum."

  "Night dear."

  I did my own part, giving her a one-arm hug and a quick peck on the cheek.

  "See you soon Nan. Have a good one."

  "Yep. Bye Emma, Luke."

  "Jason?" I murmured in reminder, jerking a thumb towards him.

  "Don't you ever learn?" she asked, not bothering to keep her voice low. "You gotta' be mean to keep em' keen!"

  I stared at her blankly and blinked numerous times.

  "Okay. I'm going now."

  She laughed, "See ya, never wanna be ya’."

  We were all laughing by the time we pulled out of her driveway.

  "She always makes my night." I admitted, shaking my head.

  "Mine too. Did you have a good time, Jason?"

  I grinned excitedly at Dad as he was attempting to make conversation. This made up for all his uncalled for comments.

  "Yeah, it was great." Jason smiled. "She's a funny one."

  "I must admit, Vampire Doubts wasn't too bad."

  "Diaries," I corrected.

  "Whatever."

  We went quiet for a while. We then got talking about movies for some reason.

  "Oh yeah, I've heard that's a good one." Jason agreed to something my Dad had said. I hadn't really been listening. "We should go see it tomorrow night, Emma?"

  "Yeah!" I replied.

  "And you could maybe stay the night at mine, if you want."

  "That's be awesome."

  "Um." Dad interrupted, glancing at us both in the mirror. "I'm not sure that's quite a good idea."

  My good mood decreased as all progress Dad just made was back pedaled. I scowled at him, even though he probably couldn't see it in the dark car.

  "Are you serious?"

  "Yes, I don't think I like the fact of you staying at a boy's house."

  "It's Jason, you know him quite well. His Mum is home anyway."

  He pursed his lips. I suppressed an eye roll.

  "I'll think about it."

  "I'm not a kid anymore, Dad." I said, anger etching my voice. "I'm sensible and you know it."

  "I know." he replied.

  It went quiet, again. But this time it was unco
mfortable. Jason started drumming his fingers on his legs, which I had learned was a sign of him being nervous. I reached out for him and tangled his fingers with mine reassuringly.

  I leaned back in my seat and gazed out the window. We finally reach home and steadily drove up the hill. I didn't mind Dad's work car, even though it was a big box-like thing. I wasn't sure of the model or type, or anything like that. It went smoothly though, so that was alright.

  "Good night Jason." Dad said.

  "Good night, thanks for taking me."

  Luke gave him a lazy smile before following Dad inside.

  "So, other than that last bit, it was a good night, yeah?"

  "Yeah." he grinned.

  "And I'll come over tomorrow."

  "Will you?"

  "Yeah. Dad will get over it."

  "Good." He murmured, inching closer to me.

  He cupped my face in his hands, tilting it back so I looked straight into his eyes.

  "I love you, Emma."

  Before I could even think to form a reply, his lips gently met mine. It became deeper and he pressed my back on the car. He lifted me up, resting me on the hood of the car. I tried not to yelp. My ribs screamed at me painfully and I winced.

  "Sorry," he whispered, nibbling my earlobe. "I sometimes forget how fragile you are."

  "I'm not fragile," I whispered back. My voice sounded hoarse and thick compared to his sexy one.

  "Yeah, you're my delicate flower."

  He kissed my neck, his teeth grazing my skin. I gasped in surprise. I felt him smile, kissing my lips one more time, before gently letting me down.

  "Good night babe."

  He then slid into his car and left. My knees wobbled together and I rested heavily back on the car.

  Wow. That boy.

  My heart was still racing. I forced my jellified legs to carry me up the stairs and into the house. I robotically went to my room, showered, ate some more chocolate, kissed Dad night, and hopped into bed. It was like I was on auto-pilot.

  All I remember is a smile spread across my face as I fell into a comfortable, deep sleep.

  "Okay. Yep. Alright, alright. Yes, Dad. No. Yes. I get it!"

  "Repeat it one more time." he said.

  "UGH!" I growled in frustration. "The door must be open at all times. No underneath the blankets. No body fondling, yaddi-yah. I get it. I also got it the time before that. And the time before that. Okay?"