The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  "Hey Mel," he chuckled, shaking his head.

  They got in a discussion about the trip and the flight, etc., etc. which I had already heard about in the car trip here. Soon after, I was dragged into my room, the door shut securely behind me. She pushed me roughly back onto the bed and I cried out.

  "No excuses. Tell."

  So I did. I didn't leave anything out. She gasped every now and then, but other than that, she didn't interrupt.

  "So. Now we're just trying to sneak around. But, I don't know if it's going to work out." I concluded in a rush, my cheeks tinged pink. She narrowed her eyes, stringing out a long line of swear words. I waited until she had gotten it out of her system.

  "Want me to take him out by the knee caps?" she asked seriously. "I saw Alex do that in Prison Break."

  I grinned at her. Yep. She was definitely my best friend.

  "No," I laughed. "That probably wouldn't help the situation."

  "I want to help though."

  "You already are. By just being here."

  She smiled at me, pulling me into a one armed hug. I buried my face into her collar bone, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness that she was back.

  "Are you okay though?"

  "Yeah. I'm better now."

  We talked more before dinner was served. We were just having pizza tonight. On average, I ate about three pizzas a week. Dad often joked that I was actually going to turn into one. I dug into it savagely. When it came to pizza, I just wasn't rational. We were going to go for a swim, but decided it was a bit too cold tonight. After a long, competitive game of Singstar, Mel retired back to her own place.

  I was definitely a lot happier now.

  I went to sleep feeling like a weight had been lifted from my chest.

  I couldn't keep the pep out of my step.

  Things still sucked with the whole 'not allowed to see Jason so I have to do it stealthily' thing, but at least I could see him. I got my Math test back, the one I hadn't studied for and got a pretty decent mark. I resisted the urge to fist pump. That would have just been embarrassing.

  My day was just getting better and better. I lined up, scoring another pizza. I turned, seeing Jason lined up, a few people down. He winked at me, before talking to Jeremy. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself smiling at him. I went back to my group, suppressing the smile that danced around my lips as much as I could.

  We talked a bit, and I dumped my pizza wrapper into the bin. (Yes I'd had pizza for dinner and now I was having it for lunch. Double score!)

  The next two lessons sailed by. Britney left me alone now since she thought Jason and I were through. She still gave me dirty looks and all that, but nothing like threatening me anymore. In fact, I wasn't harassed by any of the 'It' people, which was odd. Refreshing and relieving, but odd.

  I'd been let out a bit earlier; somehow the class had convinced the prac teacher the ball had gone. It hadn't, but still. I saw Jason walking back to class. I was just skipping down the steps. I glanced around, noticing that most of the people had made a beeline to the canteen. I was about to call out to him, seeing no one was really around the area. I opened my mouth to speak when the hood of my jumper was ripped back.

  My foot had just landed on the ground, were a small puddle of water laid. I slipped backwards, landing hard on the rough stairs. I cried out in pain as my head connected with it.

  Someone stood over me. I squinted, trying to see who it was. A hand was forcefully shoved over my eyes and my mouth. I tried to bite it, but I couldn't. I tried to stay awake, feeling blackness edge my vision. I wasn't sure if that was because of the hand across them, or if it really was just my vision.

  "You slipped, right?" the voice whispered menacingly in my ear before I was punched in the side of the head.

  I gave into the blackness, falling into unconsciousness.

  28

  "Just five more minutes..." I mumbled.

  The persistent shaking was getting seriously irritating. I frowned, trying to slap the person away. My hands weren't really obeying me at the moment though. I wasn't sure why. My head was pounding. I squeezed my eyes tighter shut, as if forcing the pain away.

  "Honestly..." I whispered in protest as the shaking continued. "Five. Minutes."

  "Emma!"

  Reluctantly, I let my eyes drift open. I squinted as numerous faces stared down at me, a mixture of expressions spread on their faces. Some were interested, some concerned, some laughing. I set my mouth in a disapproving line, trying to glare at them.

  What were they staring at?

  The person who had been shaking me let out a breath of relief. I dragged my eyes from the crowd to the face. My eyes widened as they rested on Jason. I then noticed he had his hand, cupped around my face, his thumb caressing my cheek.

  "What happened?" I asked quietly.

  "I think you slipped." he answered.

  I leaned into his hand, seeking his comfort. I don't think I even processed what he had said. I blinked at him for a few moments.

  What had I asked?

  "Move aside please," a bland voice spoke. The swarm of people departed quickly. Jason's hand was removed from my face and I had a flush of cold creep up on me. Black dots were still dancing across my vision as I was placed onto a stretcher. I was wheeled inside a vehicle.

  When did that get here?

  Jason was beside me again, gripping my hand, hard. I tried to talk to him, but my mouth wouldn't work. I swallowed, feeling a lump form in my throat. I was really confused. I let my eyes shut again. We must have hit a bump because my head bounced and I winced in pain. Suddenly, my head was being supported by something.

  That felt nice.

  I sighed deeply, willing myself to faint. Or sleep. Just something to stop the throbbing in my head. I could hear voices around me, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. It sounded like far away buzzing. I licked my lips and let myself fall into a pool of darkness.

  "Your brain bruising hadn't completely healed from your previous accident, hence why you took the blow so heavily today."

  I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of everyone's gazes. I had been hit with a wave of Déjà vu from when I had been in the hospital from the car accident, having the whole crew here with me.

  "Okay." I murmured as the doctor stared at me expectantly, awaiting an answer. "So what does that mean?"

  "Oh it's nothing too major. But you will have to stay overnight for observation. The worst of it will most likely be a headache for up to a few days. Maybe a few weeks, but we don't know if it is that serious."

  I groaned. “A few weeks?”

  He gave me a sympathetic smile. "You'll be fine."

  I nodded and gave him a weak smile. He nodded at me, then at my Dad, before exiting the room. I exhaled a deep breath, leaning back on my uncomfortable hospital pillows, careful not to hit my head.

  "How are you feeling?" Dad asked, coming over to me, worry written on his face.

  "I'm okay."

  I swept my eyes over the room once again. Dad stood there, arms folded, his gaze piercing mine, Luke was sitting, eyes glued on his PSP, (yeah thanks for the support), Mel next to him, hand in hand, and lastly...

  Jason.

  I let my eyes fall down to where his fingers were entwined with mine. My eyes widened as realisation hit my squarely in the chest.

  Jason. Was. Here. Holding my hand. Being couple-like.

  Without a moment of hesitation, I yanked it from his grasp. He looked up in surprise. I swept my eyes coolly over him, before looking at my Dad.

  "Could I just have some quiet for a bit?" I squeaked, my voice coming out higher then I intended.

  "Sure honey." He responded, giving me another concerned look, kissing me on the forehead. Mel and Luke trailed behind him wordlessly but not before Mel threw me a radiant smile before slipping out of the room. I smiled back before turning to stare at Jason, who was hovering awkwardly by my bed.

  I looked at him steadily. "What are yo
u doing here?"

  "What do you mean?" he asked, hurt lacing his voice. He frowned at me in confusion.

  I sighed. "We're meant to be 'apart' Jason. What if your Dad knows you're here?"

  "He doesn't." he assured me, coming over to me. He settled in the chair again, looking at me, squarely in the eyes.

  "Well, if that's so, it doesn't stop my Dad from being curious. And Luke. Oh and Mel. And anyone else who saw you get into the ambulance with me."

  "Friends come and look after friends." he pointed out, his frown deepening, obviously not have thought this through. Of course I was touched him being here, I loved him obviously, but still. We were meant to maintain the 'image' of not being a couple anymore. It had been what we both had agreed on.

  "Yes. Friends. Not ex-boyfriends that I'm meant to be 'cutting all ties' from."

  "So you want me to leave?" He asked coldly, narrowing his eyes, standing slightly straighter.

  "It's not a 'want', Jason. You know that."

  "Do I?" He asked bluntly, coming over and crouching down to me, eye level.

  "Jason-" I began, when the door swung open.

  My heart dropped into my stomach.

  Oh please no.

  "Jason." the voice said, practically dripping ice. "Leave."

  "No," he argued, even though I'm sure if Mark hadn't entered, he would have been out in a huff. I knew we had just been about to have an argument. "Now, Jason."

  He stood, drawing his long figure to his full height, shooting daggers with his eyes. "Is that a threat?"

  "In fact, yes."

  He clicked and as if materialising from thin air, two men stormed in.

  "You've got to be joking," I muttered, staring wide-eyed at the two men.

  This stuff just didn't happen in real life. To me, especially, but here I was, watching uselessly as my (secretly dating) boyfriend was being taken. They both grabbed an arm each, yanking. He was being dragged out, quite forcefully, by the looks of it.

  "Jason!" I cried out, hopelessly.

  Our gazes met before the door was shut, leaving Mark and I in an eerie silence. I gulped, feeling like I had not enough oxygen. Why did I send Dad out again?

  I frantically began searching for that buzzer which called a nurse for help. My fingers settled on it. I was about to press it when fingers enclosed on my wrist. I glanced over, meeting his fist, hovering dangerously close to where I was punched recently.

  "Not a smart idea."

  I froze, fear gripping me. My heart started to increase in pace. When I didn't move, he slowly took the remote from my hand, placing it out of my reach. He sat on the edge of my bed, placing a hand on my knee. I surveyed his hand with distaste, shaking it off in repulsion.

  He chuckled at my reaction. He leaned in closer, my breath hitching in my throat as his own brushed over my skin. He ran a hand down my face. I shivered. Not in desire, but in disgust. I slapped his hand away, glaring.

  "What do you want?" I asked in a low voice, attempting to sound menacing.

  He smirked at me. "I heard you had an accident."

  I blinked at him, something clicking inside my brain.

  Accident...

  The word tumbled around in my head for a few moments before the light bulb lit. A whisper found its way into my mind.

  'You slipped, right?'

  "Hardly was an accident..." I whispered, searching his eyes for answers.

  I had to be being paranoid, right? His smirk grew wider, verifying my suspicions.

  "Are my sources correct?"

  "How would I know?" I snapped, fury bursting through my voice.

  He continued, ignoring me, making my anger grow further. "Are you sneaking around with my son?"

  My mind went into overdrive. What!? How could he possibly know? We hadn't even got to do much 'sneaking around' to start with! I steadied my whirling mind, making sure my breathing was controlled. I had to play it cool. I wiped all emotion from my face. Well, I tried anyway. I wasn't usually good at that type of thing.

  "Does it look like I'd be the type of person to risk my whole family on a fling?"

  His eyebrows raised in surprise. His eyes bored into mine, searching for any hints that I may be lying. I wanted to look away, to crumble, but I knew I couldn't. There was just too much at stake. I kept my eyes on his, showing no expression.

  He narrowed his eyes.

  "If you're lying..." he trailed off threateningly.

  "I'm sure your sources will know." I interrupted. "Okay? I get it."

  "He doesn't seem to." he said, jerking a thumb over his shoulder in the vague direction of the door, obviously speaking of Jason. He didn't even call him by his name.

  "As a matter of fact, I was just kicking him out before you came in."

  His eyebrows were practically swimming in his hairline now. His eyes raked mine, making me feel over exposed. I didn't show this though, in fact, I tilted my head upwards in confidence.

  "You're telling the truth." He stated in astonishment, his mouth hanging slightly open as he focused so intently on searching my face for any clues.

  "Yes." I responded bluntly, giving him no satisfaction of busting me.

  He pulled backwards, finally expanding the distance between us. I didn't dare to barely breathe. I refused to show the relief that washed over me. Finally, he stood up, eyes still on my face.

  "I'm glad we understand each other."

  I remained silent, meeting his eyes, trying not to curl my lip in anger. He nodded curtly, before striding out of the room. I waited a few seconds before letting a whoosh of air out. I buried my face in my hands, on the verge of tears. That man was so horrible! So horrible that he made me horrible! I'd become such a consistent liar, ever since he came into my life. I hated it. I hated it so darn much. I sunk deep into my mattress, closing my eyes, hoping that when they reopened, I'd find this having been all some crazy dream.

  I sneaked them open, only to find myself in the same hospital, the same bed, with the same shaking fear of not knowing what was going to happen.

  How did my life get so complicated so quickly?

  I replayed the previous scene in my head, pausing at the 'accident' part. I now knew for sure that someone definitely pulled me over. I cringed, remembering the fist that was pounded into my head. I shuddered at the thought of what would have happened if I had pressed that button. I wasn't sure if I'd survive such a drastic blow to the head again. Surely it wasn't doing me any favours.

  Definitely. Not. An. Accident. Who could have done it? Obviously someone who doesn't like me.

  Well, that was majority of the school, well, technically most of them didn't know me, but still. It doesn't really narrow down my list of suspects. I sighed in frustration, grabbing fistfuls of my hair, (avoiding any pressure on my head).

  Who could be that twisted, to do that for me? Bribery... a voice said in the back of my mind. I had to agree with it. That could be a very likely case. I closed my eyes again, praying to fall into unconsciousness. This time I wasn't so lucky. Instead, I was gifted with tossing and turning for about three hours.

  I just couldn't get my mind of it.

  Who the fudge cakes had put me in hospital!?

  29

  Jason Mayor

  "Let. Me. Go." I growled as I was viciously yanked on either arm by a pair of burly men. They obviously worked for Mark. (The guy known as my 'father').

  It was a risky move, Mark pulling a stunt like this. Far as he is aware, I didn't know about this arrangement. Well, I would now. Finally, I could confront him. I licked my lips in distaste, just thinking about him. I wanted no ties, no connections to him at all. He was not someone I wanted in my life.

  I kicked out, my foot making contact with one of the guy’s knees. His leg buckled underneath him, causing the grip on my arm to weaken. I swung around, punching the other guy fast in the face. I took off in a sprint, only to be tackled down from back on.

  "Want to try that again, pretty boy?" he smirked at me, squashi
ng me. I sucked in a breath as my chest felt like it was being crushed. I took a few breaths, but I was still surprised my voice came out as calm as it did.

  "If you insist." I kneed him where the sun doesn't shine, pushing him off me. I stomped on his hand, satisfied to hear a crunch, before tearing down the car park of the hospital. I leaped inside my car and burnt rubber, peeling out. I didn't stop flooring it until I reached my sister's house. I legged it inside, slamming the door and locking it.

  I gulped in big breaths. Guilt washed through me as I realised I had been happy with breaking that guys hand. That wasn't like me. But still, it had helped me get away.

  "Jase?" a familiar voice called.

  "Yeah, just me Jenn." I called back. "I just had a run in with Mark."

  It went very quiet before I heard footsteps. She came around, tucking a strand of her mouse brown hair behind her ear. Concern was etched in her face and she studied me for any signs of injuries. She knew nothing good ever came from a sentence involving the word Mark.

  "I'm fine." I insisted. "He had two bodyguard people escort me out of the hospital."

  "Why were you at the hospital?" she asked, her eyebrows raised, the worried look on her face increasing.

  I exhaled slowly. I beckoned her to follow, as I made my way into the lounge room and collapsed on the lounge. I stretched my legs out and closed my eyes. The words tumbled out of my mouth, everything from when Emma slipped.

  Emma...

  She was alone with him. I shuddered. I couldn't go back to help her though. Hopelessness built up inside me. I hated to admit it, but it brought moisture to my eyes.

  "Hey," Jenn said softly. "It's okay. She'll be fine."

  I squeezed my eyes shut. "You reckon so?"

  "Yes. How's the whole non-dating going? Hit you hard, hey?"

  I tensed. I hated lying to her. She was the one person I could trust with absolutely anything, and here I was, lying to her. I'd been conflicted with the choice of telling her or not. It would be a risk anybody else knowing, but I did trust her with all my heart. I just didn't know what to do.