The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  "What?" I snapped in frustration.

  "You didn't answer my question."

  I frowned, thinking back to what he asked, having not really listened. "Well... there's the beach."

  I turned back around, gluing my eyes to one of the sausage rolls there. I licked my lips in anticipation.

  "Any nudes?"

  "W-what?" I stammered, whipping my head back around.

  He rolled his eyes. "I asked if there were any nude beaches."

  "Uhm..."

  "Hold on, let me re-word that." he cleared his throat, projecting his voice louder. "Is there a nude beach that you like to attend?"

  "N-no!" I stuttered again, my face flaming. I felt eyes on me and ducked my head in complete embarrassment and horror. He had such a big mouth! I couldn't believe he had just asked me that

  "Back off buddy," a low voice threatened.

  I glanced up, to see Jason there, his piercing blue eyes shooting daggers at Chase. He was tense and standing stiffly. Chase just smirked, quirking one of his eyebrows.

  "What's up? We're not dating." he smiled smugly. "Yet."

  Jason made a sound in the back of his throat, reminding me of a somewhat growl. I almost squeaked at the accumulating tension.

  "Jason, it's okay." I said quietly, stepping in between the two. "Nothing is going on between us. Thank you though."

  He nodded once, his jaw clenched, then grabbed his lunch and marched away. A sigh left my lips as I watched him leave. I need to have a few words to him so I explain exactly what was happening.

  "Ex?" Chase guessed, giving me a lopsided grin. This caused him to have a dimple in his left cheek. He looked adorable. I shook my head, not wanting to have these thoughts about him.

  "Mhm." I mumbled distractedly.

  No way would I admit to this new guy that I was secretly dating Jason. For all I knew he knew Mark!

  "Want to talk about it?"

  "No."

  I stared at him suspiciously. He just grinned brightly at me, whistling. He rocked backward and forward on his feet. I frowned, turning back to the front, my head reeling with scenarios.

  "Do you know Mark?" I asked, turning around.

  He kept his face neutral for a few moments, challenging my stare back. I sucked in a breath. I think he did.

  "Who?" he asked casually.

  "Oh great." I snapped turning back to the front. "How much did he pay you?"

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Don't you dare stand here and lie to me!" I hissed, positively seething.

  He stared at me, startled. I ordered, snagged my pizza from the bench and stormed away. The sausage rolls were lost from my mind as soon as I saw the last slice of heaven.

  "Emma-"

  "Shut the hell up and get away from me!"

  Tears welled in my eyes and I wrenched my arm from his grasp. I went out the back, where no one else went and cried. I sobbed uncontrollably into my tucked up knees. This was not how someone should live. Not long after, I heard footsteps and a soft thud, indicated someone sitting beside me. I didn't raise my head. I was dreading that it was Chase. Please be Jason...

  I peeked, seeing dark, tanned skinned and purple converse shoes. (They were awesome shoes too, not that I was going to admit that to him). Disappointment washed through me and I ground my teeth together, snapping my eyes shut again. I didn't want to see him.

  "Emma..." he murmured softly.

  "Go away."

  "I don't know what made you so upset..." he trailed off.

  "I think you do."

  "Who's Mike?"

  "Mark." I snapped, lifting my head and meeting his eyes. "And I'm pretty sure you know."

  He stared at me for a few moments. God only knew what I looked like. I could feel my eyes were puffy and my cheeks tear stained. My lips felt swollen and my mouth hot.

  "I don't." He replied, without a hint of dishonesty.

  "Really?"

  "Really."

  I sighed deeply through my nose and sunk my head into my knees again, suddenly feeling exhausted. All I wanted to do was sleep.

  "Are you okay?"

  "Not really."

  We lapsed into an awkward silence. I had never heard the guy be so serious. Even if I'd only met him, technically twice, I felt like I knew his personality quite well. He seemed like a joker. Someone who was always sarcastic and playful. Seeing this side of him was rather alarming.

  I still had a hint of paranoia, that he did have something to do with Mark. I just couldn't shake the feeling off.

  "Here," he said softly. He stood up and I just knew his hand was hovering, awaiting for my own to grasp it. I exhaled slowly, lifting my eyes once more. I swallowed deeply and used his hand to help myself clamber up. He gave me a small smile, but I only stared at him stonily. I couldn't get my face to form a smile just yet.

  "Want to go home?"

  "Yeah."

  "Skip?"

  "I'll go to the office."

  "Okay."

  I let him tug me, barely even acknowledging that our hands were entwined together. I didn't really care at the moment. I had no butterflies or nervousness like I did with Jason. At the moment, I just felt numb with shock and a little bit of fear.

  Fear of Mark Mayor.

  The doors of the Office were pushed open and I was dragged behind Chase. He smiled charmingly at the lady sitting at the desk, typing away furiously on the computer. She smiled warmly back at him, still typing. I had always wanted to do that.

  "My friend here is really sick." he explained, the lie rolling of his tongue so smoothly, that even I had to glance up and look at him. He was a good liar. Which could mean...

  "Oh darling, are you okay?" she asked in concern. "Need me to ring someone?"

  "What?" I asked stupidly, staring at her. The words then processed in my mind and I shook my head, as if clearing my thoughts. "Oh, yeah. Could you ring my brother Luke? I have the number here..."

  "Well, this is my cue." Chase said cheerfully, blowing me an affectionate kiss. This just made me grimace. At least there are no other students around to witness it. "I hope you feel better soon, Emma."

  "Er- thanks," I said with a frown, not taking my eyes off him.

  He smirked at me before exiting. I stared after him in utter confusion. He was a really hard person to read. Soon enough, Luke had arrived at school, scowling. His work car pulled up to a steady stop and I hurried over to it, seeing the sky was rolling with clouds. All I needed was rain to make my day better. Not.

  "In," he said shortly.

  "There was no need to say that..." I pointed out, planting my butt squarely in the passenger seat and snuggling backwards, feeling better at getting away from school. "I was already getting in."

  He stomped on the accelerator and we lurched forwards. I stared uneasily at him. He was obviously in a mood. I resisted an eye roll. We made it to our house safely and I shuffled out.

  "Thanks Luke." I replied over my shoulder.

  I glimpsed him nod once before backing out and leaving. I sighed and made my way inside. He hadn't even asked if I was alright. Well, that's Luke for you. I dressed myself into my comfortable clothes, grabbed my Nutella jar and set up my T.V. I watched the second season of Prison Break, going into full relaxation mode. Both Chase and Mark, temporarily, lost from my mind. I was so caught up in the show that I hadn't even heard Dad's car come up the driveway. Charlie's growl had informed me of his arrival. I glanced at the door as it busted open.

  "Emma?" he asked, startled, pausing his step. His eyebrows were raised in question, taking in my sprawl on the lounge.

  "Hey." I replied with a weary smile.

  I recapped a different version of the story to him. I'd just said I was feeling sick and Luke drove me home.

  "Are you alright? You do remember I have those guests coming over..."

  "Oh crap!" I cried. "I completely forgot!"

  "Well... they're coming in two hours."

  I shot up. "I haven't got anyth
ing for dinner!"

  "Don't worry, I got off work early this afternoon. Let's go shopping."

  I nodded and trailed behind him, biting my lip.

  Great.

  This was just adding to my pleasant mood.

  Dinner was practically ready and so was I. I ran my fingers through my hair and put on some lip gloss. I'd failed to ask who exactly it was coming over, all I knew was it was the people who hired Dad for that big job he was doing.

  I had on some dark fitting jeans and a red, plain top, with three-quarter length sleeves. It was nice, but not really dressy or anything. My hair was in waves down to my elbows and my make-up done lightly. Luke had come home and with a few words from Dad, seemed to be in a better state of mind.

  He looked smart, wearing a light blue shirt with dark jeans. The shirt made his jade green eyes dazzle and stand out. I had wanted to invite Mel over, but had run out of time. I heard the door knock and I panicked a bit. I didn't exactly want to endure hours of company. All I wanted to do was have a hot shower and go to bed. I was tired and grumpy.

  "Emma?" Dad called from somewhere. I knew exactly what he was going to ask and pinched my forehead between my thumb and fore finger. "Can you get that?"

  I sighed angrily and trudged to the door. I flung it open and put on a bright, false smile. I almost doubled over with whom stood there.

  You have got to be kidding me!

  33

  I did a double take. Seriously? Was God trying to punish me or something? I must have done something bad in another life...

  "Hey!" He grinned at me, his smile so wide it showed me two rows off perfectly straight, white teeth. I almost visibly shuddered away, because he was just too cheery right now. I rolled my tongue across my teeth. His smile just seemed to grow.

  I gritted my teeth together in irritation. "What are you doing here?"

  "I'm here for dinner!"

  I opened my mouth to bark back a retort, but was pulled up short when a tall, tan lady materialised beside him. She had rosy red cheeks and curly blonde hair. Following her, another tanned man with blonde hair, eerily alike to Chase, appeared.

  They were a really pretty family...

  "Hi there!" the lady beamed, smiling, causing her cherry, red coated lips to stretch across her face. I forced my own small smile. "I'm Julie, this is Andrew and Chase. Emma, is it?"

  All I could do was nod, my eyes still wide in shock.

  "Nice to meet you Emma."

  "Y-you too." I choked out, my teeth still ground together.

  "Actually Mum, Emma and I are best friends." Chase beamed, coming over and standing by my side. "She showed me around school."

  She arched an eyebrow, smirking, looking between us two. Her face was like an open book. She obviously thought something was going on between us. That was so not the case!

  "Oh? I see. Well that's nice that you two already know each other."

  "Yeah, isn't it?" Chase replied, positively beaming. He stepped closer to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

  I shrugged it off instantly and stepped back. "Would you like to come in?"

  "Most certainly." The man spoke formally. He made a gesture with his hand, like a pure gentleman. I almost smiled again. "After you, Julie."

  She smiled warmly as she passed, Andrew trailing behind her. Dad chose to save me then and began speaking to the two. Unfortunately, Chase lingered behind. I ignored the fact by turning and storming away. I wonder where his sister was, whom he thought was me when he terrified me that night.

  "Emma, wait!" Chase called out. I heard him jogging behind me, but I didn't care.

  I strode into my room and shut the door. I began pacing, wringing out my hair in frustration. I was feeling sick and I didn't want to deal with this tonight. The door opened and closed softly.

  "Leave, please." I ground out.

  "What? No."

  I sighed heavily, placing a hand on my forehead, my headache returning. Chase was just too damn hot. I hated it. Why did he have to be overly nice and good looking? Well, pretend nice? I wasn't sure anymore. All I knew was that I needed a good twelve hour sleep. I glanced up. He was wearing dark, fitting jeans and a nice white shirt. His tanned skin matched it perfectly. His surfer, blond hair combed neatly.

  "I'm sorry, but are you not happy with me?" he asked slowly, confusion evident behind his eyes. My head began throbbing again and I scrunched up my face. I ran my fingers across my forehead, feeling my head pulsate underneath them.

  "I think that's obvious..." I trailed off.

  "I don't understand why though?"

  "Because you're working for Mark!" I burst out angrily, stamping my foot in emphasis. I winced at the pain in my head. "Do you not realise how hurt I felt? Even if I didn't know you for long, you didn't muck around. You targeted me straight away! And now you're at my house! Are you just using my Dad? Seriously, this is my life we're talking about. Not just me dating somebody, okay? This goes way beyond that, Chase."

  He stared at me, surprised at my outburst. My face was hot and tears threatened to spill down my face. I took a few calming breaths and began pacing again. I just needed to relax, breathe and focus. I'd be fine.

  "I didn't realise..."

  "Realise what exactly?" I snapped.

  Okay, relaxed is out of the question.

  "Well... when Mark asked me-"

  "So he did?" I asked, incredulously. "You lied to me?"

  He ignored me and continued as though I had never said anything. "But I never realised. He didn't inform me of the whole story. He just said you were causing trouble for his son and I was meant to distract you."

  My heart stuttered and I shook my head. "I can't believe this."

  "I'll stop." he said. "I promise Emma-"

  "I can't do this."

  "Emma-"

  I brushed passed him and began to stride through the house, literally like there was no tomorrow. My legs pumped underneath me as I pushed myself to go faster.

  "Emma?" Dad asked. "Where are you going?"

  "I'm so sorry, Dad." I said, tears running down my cheeks now. I couldn't do anything to stop them. "I'm sorry, I just can't."

  Chase's parents looked extremely uncomfortable, but Julie had a mixture of concern on her face. I turned on my heel and left. I slammed the door and practically ran down the hill, furious. It didn't take him long to admit it. I found myself barging through Mel's door and stomping up the stairs. I kicked the door open, (okay, not literally, but I was tempted and collapsed on her bed.

  "Um, aren't you meant to be at that dinner you forgot to invite me to?" Mel asked, not even looking up at me.

  "Chase is there."

  "Oh!" she said, perking up. "The new, hot guy? Damn."

  "He's working for Mark."

  "He's so... wait, what?" she exclaimed, her eyebrows shooting up into her hairline. I sighed in frustration.

  "You heard me."

  "Are you serious? Do you know for sure?" she gasped.

  "Yes." I nodded slowly. "He admitted it."

  "Crap..." she muttered, her eyes as wide as saucepans.

  "I know."

  "I think it's time to go to the Police about this Emma. This is becoming harassment. Like, more than it already was."

  "You know what? I think I will."

  "You will!?" She echoed in disbelief. I don't think she actually thought I'd agree to that. Her eyes were practically bulging right now.

  "Yep."

  "Are you sure?" Mel said. "That was just a suggestion..."

  "A good one. I need to go talk to Jason."

  "Emma-"

  "See ya'."

  I left as quickly as I had entered. I rang Jason's mobile and he answered within four rings, which I was thankful for.

  "Hello? Emma?"

  "Hey, where are you?"

  "I'm at Jeremy's. Mum's away, so it's just Mark at home."

  "Oh..."

  "Why's that?"

  "No reason. Have fun, bye."

&nb
sp; "Emma-"

  I hung up.

  I was really cutting a lot of people off today, but I didn’t care in the moment.

  I shook my head. I needed to do this. Taking a big breath, I collapsed to the ground. I placed my throbbing head into my hands, exhaling deeply. I was just so confused, upset and angry. I felt like I was going to blow up into a thousand pieces. I knew what I needed to do. But, it just depends on if I have the guts... Somewhere in the back of my mind, I registered my phone ringing, but I ignored it. I couldn't answer and explain right now. I had too much on my already aching mind.

  I stood up, with jellified legs. I could do it. I need to do it.

  With yet another deep breath, I walked boldly to Jason's house.

  Okay, this was a bad idea.

  A very bad and stupid idea.

  My fist was hovering awkwardly in front of his door. I couldn't do it. I let my arm fall to my side limply. I took a few steps back and turned around, chickening out. No way could I confront him! I needed to just go to the Police. Let them sort this out. My anger was just running me at the moment. Coming here was a mistake. It was at that precise moment I heard the click of the door opening...

  "Oh? What do we have here?" the voice I dreaded so much asked me, as if I was an insect he'd found underneath his shoe.

  I turned around, glaring at him so intensely, my eyes hurt. It was almost as though my vision was tinted red at the edges.

  "Someone's not happy..." he chuckled, lightly crossing his arms over his chest, smirking at me. The look of me, so upset, had him almost ecstatic.

  "I've just had enough!" I screamed, even frightening myself.

  He took a few steps back in surprise. I got up in his face and shoved him. He toppled over backwards and landed in a sprawl. He blinked at me in shock, his eyes wide. If I hadn't been so worked up, him falling over would have been hilarious.