The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

He groaned, running his other hand over his face. "Why do you do this to me?"

  I shrugged in answer. Grumbling, he slowly rolled out of bed and landed on his feet. He went straight into the bathroom and I heard the water begin to run. I went over to his mirror and double-checked my hair. I was all ready to go. It was just him that was lagging me behind. After a few minutes, he emerged, his wet hair stuck onto his forehead. I sat there, legs folded underneath me, on his bed. He dropped his towel and I gasped, slapping my hands to my face with too much force. My face lit up with heat.

  "Jason!" I cried.

  "What?" he asked innocently.

  "I just saw you naked!"

  "You liked it." he taunted.

  I'm not sure if it's possible, but my face was just turning more red and red by the second. I just wanted to run away and hide. My heart began increasing in pace. I felt like we'd just taken a step up in our relationship.

  "I'm dressed now," he stated bluntly.

  I peeked through my fingers and was relieved to see he actually was dressed. I removed my hands from my face and chewed at my lip nervously. Did he want to see me? I almost turned bright red again at the thought.

  He watched me in amusement. "You do realise that since you're my girlfriend, you're allowed to see me like that?"

  "I-I know," I muttered. "It just took me by surprise."

  "Well, what if we try again..."

  "Please don't!"

  He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're so innocent."

  I scowled. "Yes, I know. Everyone seems to be telling me lately."

  "Let's go downstairs," he suggested, ignoring what I said. "I'm hungry."

  With his lower arm wrapped around my waist, we made our way down to the kitchen. Soon he'd eaten and packed. We were driving smoothly in his car, towards school. Nerves began to bubble up in my stomach the closer we got. I glanced down, my eyes running over my slightly bruised knuckles. As if he could tell, Jason reached over and gently took my wounded hand in his. I smiled over at him, grateful for his tenderness.

  He parked and I slowly got out. I swept my eyes over the area, relief washing through me when I didn't see any of the 'It' crowd lingering nearby. After Jason had lazily slung his arm around my shoulder, we moved towards the school.

  Instantly, we ran into Jason's group and they all cheered, coming over to greet him. I shrunk back and just watched, my back against the wall, my eyes darting around everywhere. I was more than glad when the bell rang. I scuttled into class and Jason collapsed in the chair beside me. He rested his forehead on the desk and sighed.

  "I don't want to be back."

  "I know," I murmured softly, rubbing my hand soothingly along his back. "I'm sorry I made you come. But I'm very grateful."

  "No, it's alright. I'd rather know you're okay."

  He lifted his head and gave me a brief smile which I found myself returning. Chase strolled passed and gave me an over-dramatic head nod. I rolled my eyes and just smiled back in greeting to him. Even if he did annoy me, I'd always try to remain polite with him.

  "Sup babe," he said smoothly.

  "Hello, Chase."

  Jason's head lifted the entire way and he just stared coolly at him, his face impassive. This just caused Chase to beam brightly at him before strutting away to his seat. Which was conveniently right beside mine. Jason's narrowed his eyes, but didn't comment, thankfully. I squeezed his hand and he squeezed back, but never removed his eyes from Chase. I almost laughed.

  Britney chose to enter then and my eyes widened in shock. Her nose was purple and her cheeks blotchy and red. I swallowed, my mouth seeming to go dry. I felt like there wasn't enough oxygen in the classroom suddenly. I began panicking as her eyes narrowed into slits at the sight of me. She took a step towards me and I almost cringed.

  Thankfully, the teacher bustled in, muttering something about spilled coffee and Britney removed her eyes from me and sat down. I let out a breath I hadn't realised I was holding. With twiddling thumbs and apparently irritating foot tapping, I managed to get through the next few lessons without incident. Jason and I had parted ways on sixth period due to different classes. He assured me he'd meet up with me near the gym though, so that was okay. As long as I wasn't attacked on the way.

  I made my way towards the large building, softly whistling to myself when I was shoved to the side. I began stumbling sideways and was pushed back first into the wall. Everything was happening so fast, I couldn't keep up. My head snapped back against the harsh, brick surface. I let out a startled gasp and Daniel stood there, his eyes flashing with anger. His upper lip curled and trembled, as if he was just holding himself together by mere threads. My eyes were wide with fear.

  "You think you can come in here, steal Jason from Britney, make her life hell and then go and hit her? What kind of person are you?" he demanded, punching the brick wall right beside my head. That would have hurt. I shied away from him, whimpering softly. His words then processed in my mind and I lifted my head, meeting his gaze, my anger bubbling to the surface.

  "Are. You. Serious?" I ground out. "I began dating Jason because he was available. I think Britney was the one who made my life hell. I was hospitalised because of her. Because of you. And you're questioning what type of person that I am?"

  I took a step towards him and shoved him in the chest roughly, my lips spread into a thin line and my eyes narrowed. Suddenly, I wasn't so scared. I was angry.

  "You have absolutely no right to be saying that to me, especially when you're the one in the wrong. I think it's about time I go to the Police about you. What's your deal with Britney anyway?" I demanded, poking him so hard I thought I'd broken my finger.

  "I think we both know," he said quietly and dangerously. "That we'd both do anything for family."

  "F-family?" I asked, stunned, my anger coming to an abrupt halt. "What?"

  "You don't know anything!"

  "Help me understand then!" I retorted.

  His jaw was clenching and unclenching, his fists balled up on his sides. I was shaking. I refused to back down though. I met his gaze, feeling my face turn hot from the tension. The air was thick between us. It was like both of us were daring the other one to speak first.

  "You know what?" he asked in a cold, harsh voice.

  I didn't remove my gaze from him once. I tried to calculate what was going on in that big head of his, but I was coming up blank. Swallowing, I responded; "What?"

  "Even though you're lower class, you must be good in the sack." his eyes flashed with an emotion I wasn't sure of. They appeared to be a few shades darker than they were a moment ago. I stepped back uneasily, my back meeting the wall yet again.

  "What do you mean by that?" I asked in bewilderment, completely confused. "What's a sack?"

  He rolled his eyes, chuckling. Slowly he brought his arms up, pressing his palms into the wall. He barricaded me in and I felt my chest begin to rise and fall. My breath was beginning to get hitched in the back of my throat. He leant in closer to me and my eyebrows furrowed together.

  He roughly pinned his body against mine and I squeaked in alarm. He thrust his hips towards me, grinding them against me. I cried out in pain, the rough material of his jeans rubbing against my bare skin. He used his hands to press me against the wall and his lips began sucking mine. I almost gagged. I felt like a vacuum had been attached to me. His tongue slipped into my mouth and without further ado, I bit down.

  "Ack!" he exclaimed, reeling back. Blood began dripping down his lip as he stared at me in shock. I think he was a little stunned I'd be so bold. His shock quickly altered back to his former emotion. "You b*tch!"

  He latched his fingers around my upper arms and squeezed. I began half-sobbing. I knew his grip would leave me with several bruises. I threw my head forward, clipping his forehead. He ignored that and removed one hand, going down to my waist and slipped his fingers underneath the band.

  "Stop it!" I ordered, elbowing him. He grabbed my arms and pinned them over my head he ground his hi
ps on mine again. The friction of material against my exposed skin hurt more than you'd probably think. "Get off me!"

  "What the Hell?" Jason burst out. Daniel dropped his grip instantly and turned to see him. I leant heavily on the side of the Gym, my legs shaking. I could hardly support myself. I hadn't realised how scared I had been. Tears were rolling down my face and my whole body was trembling. I thought I was going to faint again. Jason stormed up to him. I don't think I'd ever seen him look so... murderous. His fists pummeled his face at least three times before I mentally shook myself awake.

  I lunged over and ripped Jason off him by the back of his shirt. "Jason!"

  "I'm going to kill him!" he cried in outrage. "I swear to God!"

  "He's scum," I spat, tugging him back. "He's not worth it."

  Jason's hands fell limp as he failed to lunge at him again, due to my hard grip on him. "Let's just... let's just go. Please."

  I pulled on him, but he didn't budge. The next time I tried, slowly, he began to follow me. We left Daniel in a crying heap on the ground. I couldn't care less about him right now. I slid into the passenger seat. Instead of going to his seat, Jason rounded to me.

  Using his thumb, he wiped my tears gently from my cheek. He ran his fingers down my jaw, down my neck and across my shoulder. They trailed down to where my arm was throbbing. He lifted my shirt sleeve and gazed silently at the red marks. Slowly, he brought his lips to it and kissed the sore spot softly.

  "Are you okay?"

  "Y-yeah..." I stammered, my lips quivering. "I think so."

  Jason inhaled deeply, his eyes closed. "Wait here a minute. I'm going to go finish him off."

  "Don't!"

  He didn't listen to me. He shut the door and locked it. He marched back to where we had just come from. I tried to open the door and almost screamed in rage when I realised he'd put the child lock on. I tried them all four doors and sagged on the back seat, feeling drained.

  I let myself weep for a few minutes, getting it all out of my system. All my mind could do was repeat what happened, over and over in my mind. It was horrible. Not too long later, I heard the click of the doors unlocking. A cool breeze swept over me and I raised my head.

  Jason's hand had blood on it and he grabbed out a dirty towel from underneath his seat. He wiped it clean and sat down, revving up the car.

  "What did you do?" I whispered.

  He turned, looking at me levelly in the eye.

  "He won't be bothering you again."

  I gazed into the mirror, staring idly at the image that looked back. At least I felt worse then I looked, so I could just pretend I was okay. All I wanted to do was sleep, shower, watch Prison Break and snuggle with Charlie. Slowly, I shuffled out of the bathroom to where Jason was sprawled on his bed. He was flexing his fingers back and forth. Bruises and swelling had already formed.

  "You should just stay the night." he suggested yet again. He seemed to not want me to leave his sight. It was like I had a broken arm all over again. I was being treated like I was made of glass.

  I exhaled slowly. "I should probably be home though. I barely see Dad anymore."

  "Can I stay the night then?"

  "That sounds good."

  He got up and began throwing some clothes and items into his old soccer bag. After finishing up, he swung it on his shoulder and informed Miranda of his plan. With a kiss on her cheek, we left her to continue with her piles of work.

  After a comfortably silent car trip over, we made it my house. I exited the vehicle, seeing an unfamiliar car in the driveway. My stomach seemed to dip and fall into the bottom of my legs. Daniel wasn't here to finish me off, was he?

  Jason and I exchanged a brief glance, before trudging towards my house, hand in hand. I opened the door and peered inside. No one came jumping at me, so that was good. Slowly, I crept towards the kitchen. Dad was there, head in hands, crying.

  "D-dad?" I stuttered, dropping onto my knees beside him. "What's wrong?"

  "I just can't believe it."

  "I know," I sighed. He obviously knew about the Daniel thing. "It was really unexpected, but I'm okay."

  "She's alive," he breathed.

  "I'm sure everything will be - wait, what?"

  "Hello, Emma." a familiar voice behind me greeted.

  I slowly turned, seeing my mother, whom smiled warmly back at me.

  She had told him.

  Ah hell. There goes my quiet evening.

  42

  Jason Mayor

  Well... this was awkward. I saw Emma's bright, green eyes widen in realisation as her mother stepped into view. My eyes swiveled over to Rachel. She was a spitting-image of Emma. My eyebrows shot up into my hairline. I couldn't believe it. They were like twins!

  "Mum...?" Emma trailed off, looking bewildered.

  "Hi, honey." she smiled, warmth radiating off her in waves. "How are you?"

  "Confused."

  I bit my cheek to stop myself smiling. She was too cute. My eyes darted between the two girls like I was watching a tennis match. Even though Rachel was quite a bit taller than Emma, they both had smooth, tan skin, long, blonde hair and bright green eyes that could light up an entire city. Rachel hardly even looked like her mother. If I didn't know, I would have assumed the two sisters.

  "As you've probably gathered, I informed James."

  "I see that..." she said slowly. "How is it all going?"

  "It's a lot to take in," James muttered from the table. He hadn't altered his position since we had first entered. He was looking pretty dumbfounded. I felt a bit uncomfortable, actually. It felt as though I was intruding on a family moment. Emma's eyes found mine and she gave me a small smile.

  I gave her a returning smile. I hooked my thumb over my shoulder. I went to go find the bathroom. After standing outside the door for a few minutes, I came back. They were all sitting down. I shifted my weight uncomfortably and leaned on the doorframe, my arms folded across my chest. I didn't really know what to do.

  "Do you want some tea?" Emma asked us all quietly, her eyes skimming over ours but not settling on any. "Or coffee?"

  "No thanks," I mouthed and her mum just shook her head.

  "Tea would be nice." James murmured.

  Emma got up and began bustling around the kitchen. In a few strides I joined her and began helping. I watched her slim, tanned arms whip around as she grabbed the stuff she needed. As she leaned up to get the cups, her shirt lifted, revealing her smooth stomach.

  It was then I noticed red marks and finger nail incisions. My jaw began ticking and my fists began clenching at my side. I can't believe what that b*stard did to her. Well, after a few threatening words and quite a bashing, I think he will leave her alone. I wouldn’t be surprised if he couldn’t walk right now.

  I guess it was bad I didn't feel anything or even call for help. I just bashed him and left him there. I'm sure someone would have found him. It wasn't like the school was completely deserted. There would have been teachers lingering still. I don't even care if I got in trouble. He practically tried to rape her. He was a horrible person. I can't believe I hadn't seen it sooner. I wish Emma had confided in me. I didn't realise all the things he had done to her. If I had, his little tune up would have come a whole lot sooner.

  "What is that?" James asked. He shot up out of his seat. Emma instantly tugged her shirt back down, her eyes darting to mine. They pleaded for me to help her. My mouth opened and closed a few times as I tried to think of something to say. Yet again, I felt myself unsure of how to react.

  "Uhm... nothing?"

  "Doesn't look like it!" he snapped. He lifted her shirt up again and his eyes turned into slits. He spun on his heel, his eyes murderous and they were directed at me. "Did you do this?"

  I raised my eyebrows in disbelief. Did he really think I would do that to her?

  "Dad, I had a run in with an 'It' boy at school and he wasn't too happy with me. Don't worry, Jason got there in time to stop it."

  "And to make sure he won't
do it again." I declared, feeling the corners of my vision turn red with rage at just the thought of that guy.

  "Little b*stard," James muttered. "What's his name? I'll go 'tell' him again."

  "James," I said in a low, quiet voice. I looked him levelly in the eyes. "I took care of it."

  He quirked an eyebrow, but gave me a nod. "Good."

  After pulling Emma to the side and having a quick word with her, we both decided it may be a good time for me to leave. I should get home and spend some time with Mum anyway. I brushed my lips against hers and grabbed my keys.

  As I was driving to my place, I passed Mel's. I glanced over and saw her stepping out of her car, her handbag high on her shoulder. With a head check and my left right indicator on, I did a U-Turn and parked near the curb of her drive way. I jumped out and jogged over to her.

  "Oh, hey Jason." she smiled. "How are you?"

  "I'm alright," I admitted. "Yourself?"

  "I'm great."

  "That's good. Anyway, I was just wondering... well. I need your help."

  "I always love to hear that," she joked, leaning back onto the hood of her car. She tapped the vacant area beside her. "Take a seat in my office, young one."

  With a roll of my eyes, I rested back onto it. "Well, Emma's birthday is in a couple of days and I have no idea what to get her."

  "You have come to the right girl!" she exclaimed, grinning. "Jewelry. Definitely get her jewelry."

  "Okay?"

  "What are you doing tomorrow afternoon? I can help you pick something out, if you'd like."

  "Really?" I asked. "That'd be awesome."

  She smiled. "Okay, great. We should get her something with ruby in it, since that's the colour of her birthstone."

  "Okay, good idea." I agreed.

  "This is going to be so much fun!" she grinned. "I already have her weekend planned."

  "Sure it will be," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "Do you now? And what is that?"

  "Well, on the Friday night, I thought we could arrange for her to have dinner with her Mum and Luke. Like, a place out of town, but something really nice. Then, I'll take her to Dream world on her actual birthday, and we'll spend most of the day there. Then, I was thinking, you could spend time with her Saturday night or Sunday morning."