The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

"I am so, so sick of you! I want to just- UGH!" I groaned loudly in frustration, my hands raking through my hair blindly. "I shouldn't have come here. I'm going to the Police, Mark. I'm over it. Threaten me all you want, but my decision is final."

  "Oh no you don't!" he barked as I took off down the stairs. I felt my hair being pulled back and I cried out in alarm. I felt my neck crack and I winced in pain.

  I was spun around and slapped hard in the face, which had me stumbling sideways. He grabbed my shoulders, his fingers biting into my flesh. It dug so deep that I knew I'd get a definite bruise from it. His face was so close, his hot breath fanned my face. My face stung so much and I had tears falling down my face. I bit my lip to stop myself from whimpering.

  "I will seriously injure you if you tell the Police." he said in a low, murderous voice. "I will take you down, Emma. Mark. My. Word."

  I cringed at the proximity of him. I was afraid he'd hit me again. I took a deep breath, overcoming my fear. I met his gaze.

  "Okay," I said quietly. I wasn't scared anymore. Now, I was just angry. "Good for you. I'll be going now."

  I took one step and his fingers latched onto my throat. I let out a strangled scream. I kicked out, getting him in the knee. His leg buckled from underneath him. I was never much of a fighter, but I knew I should take that as an advantage. I sprinted for dear life away from him. I tripped and stumbled a few times, but continued.

  "EMMA ROSS YOU GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!" He bellowed from behind me. I sprinted across the road, making sure I was in between gaps of cars. There didn't seem to be that many out, but still. I didn't want to get hit or anything. My family already had bad run-ins with cars, no pun intended.

  "EMMA!" The voice thundered so loudly, I flinched, turning, momentarily forgetting that he was trying to catch me. From then on, it seemed as though everything happened in slow motion. The car was heading straight towards where he would be in a few, mere steps. I opened my mouth the warn him, but nothing came out. I saw it happen. I knew it would happen.

  Just as he was about to get off the road, the car connected with him. I jumped at the loud bang. He rolled across the rooftop and landed with a sickening thud on the hard, bitumen road. A scream built up in my throat at the sight of everything, but again, nothing came out. Screeching tires could be heard and black dots danced across my vision. I felt like I was going to faint, but I held onto consciousness.

  I did the only thing I could think of.

  I ran.

  34

  I forced my legs to run beneath me, as I sprinted as far away as I could. I had lost count of time. It felt like I had been running for about twenty minutes. I stumbled again, after numerous times, but this time I couldn't get up. I cried out in pain as my chin connected with the harsh ground.

  I rolled to my side, gasping for breath. The fall having completely winded me. I began rocking back and forth, my whole body trembling. Tears gushed down my face so rapidly, I thought there was a possibility I could drown. All I could see in my mind was the accident.

  That horrific, horrible, traumatic accident that I had cowardly run away from.

  What was wrong with me?

  Even if it was Mark Mayor, my most loathed enemy, was hit, I should have done all I could to help him. It was very unlike me to run away from something like that, and here I was, running. Well, not exactly at the moment. My mouth watered and I knew I was going to be sick. I slowly crawled onto my hands and knees, just before I threw up everywhere. It was disgusting. Bits got in my hair and I collapsed, yet again on my side, dry heaving.

  My eyes stung ridiculously as more tears seemed to flow out of them. I didn't bother wiping them away anymore. It was no use. I was beginning to think they were never ending. Slowly, with very shaky legs, I got up into standing position.

  I had to find Jason.

  I thundered up the stairway in her house, silently thanking God that I didn't run into her parents. Imagine that! I wouldn't be able to begin to explain myself to them. I took the stairs two at time, I was in that much of a rush. I wrenched the door open and who stood there surprised me.

  Both Mel and Jason.

  They turned, staring at me in surprise. I swear Jason's mouth was almost on the floor. I knew I looked terrible. I felt even worse.

  "Oh my God!" Mel cried, being the first to break the tension-filled silence. "What happened to you!?"

  My whole body sagged and my legs collapsed out from underneath me. Both of them swooped over to me, lifting my limp body up.

  "...Is that vomit?" Mel asked, wrinkling up her nose.

  "Yeah." I whispered, my voice cracking, causing me to hiccup. Mel exchanged a look with Jason, concern etched on both their faces.

  "What happened?" Jason asked, his voice low and quiet. "Did Mark do something?"

  He studied me closely and sucked in a deep breath.

  "Did he hit you?"

  Absently, my hand raised to my cheek and my cool fingers met the swelling. I winced at the touch. I was going to have a nasty bruise from where he hit me.

  "Yes." I nodded. "And then the car hit him."

  "What?" Jason asked, making it out I had said a joke.

  I sank to the ground again, my legs unable to support me any longer. "I know it was stupid, but I thought if I told him I'd go to the Police, he'd stop..."

  The silence was almost deafening and I continued slowly, my whole body shaky again. "And then he threatened me again and hit me. I ran across the road to get away from him..."

  "Go on..." Mel urged quietly after I fell silent for several moments.

  "And then a car came out of nowhere..." I said, my eyes filling up again. "And it hit him and like the coward I am I ran away! I didn't even help him! I didn’t even stay to see if he was okay!"

  "Why would you?" Jason asked, making me snap my head to his in surprise. "After he has practically ruined your life, why would you?"

  "Because he is your Father, Jason."

  He buried his face into his hands. "I have to go find Mum."

  "Jason..."

  "Don't." he said, standing up. "Don't you dare blame yourself. It wasn't like you were in the car. I just... I just need time."

  He then strode out of the room. After I stared at the doorway, where he disappeared from, I broke down again.

  "Hey," Mel said. "Go shower. You must feel like Hell."

  I nodded weakly and dragged my feet towards her shower. I peeled off my clothes and glimpsed at myself in the mirror.

  My long hair was a knotted mess, trailing down my back. My eyes were ringed red and puffy. My cheeks were red and tear stained. One cheek was about double the size of the other and tinged purple. My lips were red and swollen as well. Did I mention I had vomit on my chin and in my hair?

  I stepped into the shower, the hot water stinging my skin, as my body was so cold from the harsh weather outside. I reeled backwards, my back slamming into the cool tiles behind me. I placed a hand over my still frantically beating heart. I turned down the heat and hesitantly stepped back in again.

  This time, I was successful.

  After a long, needed shower, I stepped out and wrapped my body into a soft, white towel. The material felt nice on my skin. When I emerged, feeling like a totally new person, Mel had clothes piled on her bed for me. I gave her a small, grateful smile and dressed quickly, not bothering to go back into the closure of the bathroom. We were best friends after all.

  "It wasn't your fault, Emz."

  "He could have survived if I stayed. I could have at least called the Ambulance!"

  "I'm sure the driver did as soon as possible, Emma. If you stayed, you would have had to undergo interviews, statements and all that sort of stuff. Do you think you could have handled it, after what you witnessed?"

  I didn't respond, in the back of my mind, I knew she was right, but I couldn't accept it. If he passed away, it would practically be on my shoulders. His blood would be on my hands.

  "I'm going to call your Dad and tell him you're alright, ok
ay?"

  "O-okay."

  I slowly sat on the bed and she collapsed beside me, her iPhone pressed against her ear. She waited patiently for him to answer.

  "Hi James, it's Mel. Sorry to interrupt your dinner, but I just wanted to inform you that Emma's okay. She's at my place. She doesn't really get along with Chase and she's really sick. She apologises for ditching."

  She paused as he responded and she nodded. The corners of my mouth twitched. She had to realise he couldn't see her.

  "She's asleep at the moment. Yeah, she's out of it. Tell Luke to come back home because she's fine. Okay, thanks Dad two. Bye!"

  She hung up and threw her phone onto the covers.

  "Apparently Luke's been out looking for you."

  "He has?" I asked, sitting up in surprise.

  She nodded. "James is going to ring him though."

  I didn't reply.

  "Come on, go to sleep. You look exhausted."

  "I have to go see Jason." I replied stubbornly.

  "No, you will sleep and then go see Jason."

  She peeled back the covers and I sunk into her soft, mattress. She flicked off her light and crawled in beside me. She hugged me and I remained to lay there, stiffly.

  "Love you Emma."

  "Love you too."

  I closed my eyes slowly. I didn't think I'd be able to sleep after seeing what I did today, but I found exhaustion beating me and practically fell into a coma.

  I stared at his tensed back, awaiting any type of response from him. He sighed, running a hand through his hair and turning to face me. It was very visibly obvious that he was stressing out. Well, who wouldn't be?

  "It's not your fault."

  "Yes it is!" I cried, my eyes filling up with tears again. "Of course it is my fault! If I hadn't gone there, it never would have happened and-"

  "Shh," he murmured quietly, cutting me off by silencing me with his finger against my lips. "It isn't, okay? Stop blaming yourself."

  "It's hard not to!"

  "I know."

  I sagged against him as he wrapped me in his embrace. He rested his chin on the top of my head and I buried my face in his chest, trying to refrain from breaking down again.

  "Of course, my Dad who is your enemy gets hit by a car and you're the one that's sad."

  "You're sad too!" I huffed, drawing back and mock-glaring at him. "Don't pretend you’re not."

  "Of course I am, even if he is a twit, he's still my Dad. But it doesn't change the fact that he used to try to hit me whenever he was home or take my girlfriend away from me. Or he just wasn't there for us to begin with."

  "I know, but-"

  "No buts. Can we just... can we just talking about something else?"

  I nodded and sat heavily down on the seat. I wrinkled my nose at the smell of the place. It smelt of sickness and disease. He collapsed beside me, placing his head into his hands. I stared at him in silence, for a few minutes, biting my lip. I wasn't sure what to say. I wasn't exactly known for my well used words. I usually just blurted out random and awkward things that don't relate to the subject being spoken.

  "I wonder how my Mum's doing." he said quietly. "She hasn't arrived here yet. I told her almost an hour ago."

  "Maybe she's just too shaken up to come," I murmured. "It must be a hard thing to hear."

  "I guess you're right."

  "Of course I am," I joked, trying to lighten up the mood. He didn't crack a smile, so I dropped mine instantly, knowing my bad jokes wouldn't be successful at the moment. Well, were they ever?

  Soon enough, Jason's mother walked through the doors. Her skin was pale and her hair a mess. She still walked with her head held high and her back straightened, but her shoulders were sagged and her eyes tinged red. Jason stood instantly and they hugged each other tightly.

  I felt like I was intruding on family time and slowly began to slink away. I didn't get far before Jason beckoned me over. They both took turns in hugging me and each other, crying. I stood there not knowing what to say and awkwardly patting their backs. Doors could be heard opening and we all looked over, letting each other step out of the others embrace.

  "Miranda Mayor?" The Doctor inquired.

  "Yes." I said, speaking in behalf of the Mayor's as they both just blinked at him as if he was an alien from a different planet.

  "He's suffered a lot of internal injuries and a severe brain bruising. It isn't looking good at the moment to be truthful, but the good news is, he is alive."

  "I don't know if that's a good thing," Jason muttered.

  Miranda nudged him in the side and gave him a disapproving look. "He may have been a horrible man, but he was still your Father. Don't be so disrespectful."

  "Sorry, Ma." Jason muttered again, casting his eyes downwards.

  "May I speak with you?" The Doctor asked. He had half a bald head and whatever hair he did have, was greying. He had kind eyes and a wide smile though. "When you've got a moment, Miranda."

  She nodded slowly and walked after him. Jason and I watched the two in silence. He exhaled a deep and steady breath, turning to face me.

  "Is it horrible to feel disappointed he isn't dead?"

  Instead of responding, I sighed deeply through my nose.

  We weren't free just yet.

  35

  The car trip home from the hospital was eerily silent. I kept opening my mouth to speak, but I had no words to say. I absently tapped my fingers on my jeans and stared out the window. It was overcast and drizzling, seeming to reflect the mood everyone was in.

  It was hard to explain what Jason and Miranda were feeling actually. They were happy one minute, and then they'd just space out. They were obviously upset about everything, but he caused so much trouble in their life, they seem like they're sort of hoping he'd die. I know they'd feel horrible admitting it, but I knew it was true. I wouldn't judge them on that. I'm seemingly in the same boat.

  I sighed deeply. We drove passed the entrance up my hill and I raised my eyebrows at Jason. I had been under the impression I was going home. Clearly that was not going to be the case. I cleared my throat, gaining attention from the two.

  He shook his head at me in answer. "I want you to stay the night."

  "I don't have my things..." I pointed out, furrowing my eyebrows together. I'd assumed that wanted to have some family time. I didn't want to intrude on them, especially with all they're going through.

  "Oh."

  "I'll stop by quickly then." Miranda said over her shoulder quietly, her voice strained.

  I nodded but remained quiet. Her eyes were a little teary, but other than that, you could hardly tell what was going on with her. I stopped staring and cast my eyes downwards. We turned around and headed up my hill steadily. She came to a smooth halt out the front of my place. She cut the engine and the car did a slight shudder as it turned off.

  "I'll just be a sec..." I said, trailing off, undoing my seat belt.

  It went so fast that the silver buckle chipped my chin. I jumped back at the collision and Jason just rolled his eyes at me in amusement. Of course I'd embarrass myself again in front of him. I always seemed to do something stupid when he was around.

  I jumped out of the car and hurried inside, not wanting to make them wait any longer than necessary. All they wanted to do was probably go home. Also, they both saw me get smacked by the seat belt, so, yeah. I didn't want to exactly linger around.

  "Nice to see you, daughter." Dad called.

  "Hey," I replied, rushing past him. I began throwing clothes into a bag and my essentials. I heard his footsteps stop at my door way. I glanced up. He leant on my door frame, frowning, arms folded. He gave me the 'look', causing me to pause.

  "You going somewhere?"

  "Yeah, Jason's."

  "Thanks for asking," he said sarcastically. "And what if I don't want you to?"

  "Dad, they're going through a really tough time at the moment. Have you not been watching the news?"

  "No?" He asked, raising his ey
ebrows. "What's happened?"

  "Jason's Dad was hit by a car. He's in the hospital at the moment. I think he's in a coma."

  "Oh my God." he said, dropping his hands. "I had no idea..."

  I shrugged. "It happened yesterday. I thought it might have been in the paper. I wonder if they know who was driving..."

  I finished grabbing my stuff and flung the bag around my shoulder. I pecked him on the cheek and gave him a quick hug, not waiting for a response to my question. "Love you, Dad."

  "Love you too, Emma."

  I nodded once at him before running back out of the house. "Tell Luke I said bye!"

  "He's not home."

  I paused, half-turning back to him. "Where is he?"

  He shrugged, looking slightly clueless. "He went looking for you and didn't come back. Stayed at a friend’s."

  "Oh." I said lamely. "How was the rest of your dinner?"

  "Alright."

  "Okay, well, talk soon. And sorry again for leaving."

  "Mhm." He mumbled, clearly still not impressed with my sudden departure.

  I slid into the car, a little breathless. Jason smiled at me, reaching for my hand. He gave it a squeeze and I smiled at him. All I wanted to do was snuggle up against him. The car trip home was yet again, silent. We pulled up and Jason grabbed my bags.

  "I can take them."

  "So can I," he responded, snatching them before I could. My fingers enclosed around the air. I rolled my eyes at him.

  "Okay. Thanks."

  I trailed after him into their extravagant house. I couldn't help gaze around in awe every time I was here. It was just simply amazing. I didn't get much time to gawk though, as I hurried after him into his room.

  Without a word, he pulled me to him and wrapped his long arms around me. Instantly, I returned the hug, burying my face into his chest. I inhaled his scent, sighing in content. I'd missed being couple-like with him so much. His grip tightened around me as he pulled me closer. We just stayed like that, in each other’s embrace for quite a few moments. We didn't need to communicate at the moment. I know he needs time, so I let him. He moved, pressing his lips soft on my cheek, before digging his jaw into the crook of my shoulder. I turned my head slightly, burying myself deeper into him, letting his warmth seep into me.