The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  "I'm alright."

  With a few more calming breaths, I leaned in and brushed my lips against his. Taking that as my answer, he wrapped his arms around me and held me close. One hand began roaming my body and the other just kept holding my close. The intensity of the kiss was such an adrenaline rush. A much preferable one than the giant drop, I can tell you that.

  My fingers got tangled and lost in his mop of blonde hair, and he ripped his shirt off, sending it flying across the other side of the tent. My breath hitched in my throat as he pulled mine off as well. Before I had time to think about it, he was kissing me again.

  Soon, there was no clothing between us and I was almost hyperventilating. He broke and let his eyes travel over my body. My insides squirmed as he did so.

  I focused on remaining calm, even though my entire body was shaking. He smiled and leaned in. His lips began making rotating circles on my skin, sending shudders down my spine.

  He placed his hands on my hips, his thumbs making patterns on them. I was letting him dominate this completely, since he was more experienced than me. He gently pushed me back, so that I was now back first onto the mattress. He lied down and stroked my face, his body pressed against mine. His body heat poured into me, mingling with my own.

  "Are you sure you're ready?"

  With one, last final deep breath, I closed my eyes. "I'm ready."

  "Do you feel different?" Mel asked as her interrogation continued.

  I sighed, resting my forehead onto my knees. "I guess? I feel more confident, if that makes sense."

  "Perfectly," she nodded. "So... how was it?"

  "Good."

  "That's all I get?" she deadpanned. "Good?"

  "Well, at first it sort of hurt," I admitted. "But when I relaxed, it was a lot better."

  "Oh, good good. Was he gentle about it?"

  "He was great," I said, sighing in content. "He was perfect."

  "I'm so proud of you, Emma." she grinned.

  I rolled my eyes. "It's not like I won a trophy or anything."

  "You have to admit it's a big deal." she pointed out.

  "Mm."

  "So, when are you going to do it again?"

  "Mel!"

  "What?" she asked innocently. "Wait, how many times did you?"

  "W-what?" I asked, my heart picking up speed. "Uhm, it's personal."

  "Oh my goodness, you did it more than once!"

  "Uhm, no...?"

  "Emma!"

  "I'm going now." I stated flatly.

  I grabbed my phone, pocketing it. She laughed at me as I flushed a deep crimson. "Don't leave!"

  "I don't want to discuss it anymore!"

  "Then let's go do something." she suggested.

  "Like what?"

  "Well, it's warm enough to go to the beach."

  "It's too cold to swim," I said, wrinkling my nose. "I'll freeze."

  "We'll sunbake."

  "That's really bad for you." I stated flatly.

  "We won't be out for long."

  "Okay, well I'm going to go get some fresh air."

  "I'll be out in a second."

  With a nod, I skipped down the stairs and opened the door. I strolled down the pathway, planning to go sit on the bench close by, when I heard footsteps ascend after me. I turned in time to see tanned arms flailing towards me. I stumbled backwards and hit the neighbor’s fence. Bright, blue eyes stared back at me.

  "You're not going anywhere."

  44

  "Let go of me," I stated calmly, even though my heart was pounding a million miles per minute inside my chest. My hands had turned clammy as I tried to pry her fingers from my flesh.

  "You think you can hit me and get away with it?" she hissed, those blue eyes narrowing so that they were almost into slits. Her blonde hair was perfectly straightened and her make-up completely pristine, of course. I just wanted to smack her for looking so perfect. I know I had a natural tan and pretty good skin, but I was short and small. Admittedly, my chest area wasn't exactly impressive. I envied her looks, but definitely not her personality.

  "Please, let go of me." I repeated.

  "You think you're so good now that you've got Jason wrapped around your un-manicured finger, but let me tell you, you're nowhere near being close to one of us."

  "Why would I want to be like you?" I snorted, yanking my arm from her grip. "And secondly, you need to stop assuming what I think because you really do have no idea about who I am or what I'm like. All you care about is social status, Prada bags and shoes. You really need to grow up and learn about things in the real world. High school will end soon and then what? Where will your life go? Oh, that's right, I'm sure your Daddy will make sure you get the top education, right? But what happens to people such as myself? When I get out of this crappy town, where will I go? I don't have an endless bank account just waiting for me to use."

  "Shut up," she snapped, rolling her eyes. "You go on talking about me not knowing anything about you when it's completely opposite."

  "Oh really?" I deadpanned.

  "Enough." she barked, shoving me so that my back, yet again, banged into the fence behind me. "I'm so, so sick of you being around!"

  She brought her fist up and I cringed away, mentally kicking myself when a soft whimper escaped my lips. Except the blow I expected, didn't come. I slowly opened my eyes and realised Britney now wasn't in front of me. Instead, pressed up against the fence like myself. My eyes widened when I saw Mel jab her lower arm into her throat.

  "Get off me!" she cried, bringing up her knee. Mel easily dodged it and pressed harder onto her throat.

  "Please," she scoffed. "You fight like a three year old."

  "Mel, she isn't worth it."

  "Actually," she said breezily, buoyantly flipping her golden hair over her shoulder. "I think she is."

  She socked her in the jaw, which caused Britney to stagger sideways. Mel reefed her back, slamming her up on the fence again. "Touch Emma again and I swear to God you will regret it. Leave. Her. Alone. You're not the only one with a wealthy, powerful father."

  After one last jab, she released her and grabbed my wrist. She pulled me after her. I was a little too stunned to speak. It was until we were almost at the beach before I planted my feet, whirling around.

  "Holy crap," I breathed.

  "I was pretty bad a*s then," Mel grinned. She raised her hand for a high-five and I slapped my palm to her.

  "You were awesome!"

  "Why thank you," she smiled, doing a courtesy.

  We began moving again and I shook my head, throwing it back in laughter. "I can't believe you did that!"

  "I can."

  I removed my shoes and felt the sand in between my toes. I inhaled a deep, breath of the salty air and smiled out to the rolling in waves. "I know it's horrible what you... we did, but I really hope she doesn't bother me anymore."

  "Me either. I wasn't lying about my Father being powerful."

  "I know you weren't."

  It was nearing mid-day and the sun was directly overhead. Even though the wind was cool, the heat of the sun was enough to keep us warm. I planted my butt down and Mel followed beside me. I laid back, so that I gazing up at the white, altostratus clouds.

  "So, you enjoyed your birthday?" she asked me after silence had lapsed for a couple of minutes. I smiled, bringing my hand up to allow my fingers to curl around my wrist, where my gold, ruby bracelet was.

  "It was amazing. Thank you so much."

  "You're welcome. I'm just glad you had a nice time."

  "Best birthday so far." I beamed.

  "I'm glad." she smiled, propping herself onto her elbows. "So, what did you want to do the rest of the day?"

  "Tanning sounds nice right now," I admitted, lifting my shirt so that my stomach was exposed to the sunshine. "Just for a little while anyway."

  "Okay."

  We lazed around on the beach for a while, before taking a half-an-hour walk. It was nearing afternoon when I arrived home. I was met
with the sound of Charlie's toenails clipping on the floor. He bolted towards me and I swept him up into my arms and planted a kiss on his head.

  "Little Chow!" I greeted with a grin. "What's up, brother?"

  After giving me a sloppy, lick on the cheek, (yuck!), I let him down and made a beeline for my room. I checked my phone and replied back to Jason's text message. After using the bathroom, I heard muffled voices out the back. Following the sound, I found myself in our garage.

  "Nan!" I exclaimed. Well, this was a pleasant surprise.

  "Sup bro," she replied, raising her knuckles. I rolled my eyes at her and bumped mine against hers. Trust Nan to greet as such.

  "Nothing much, yo."

  "Deece."

  I bit my cheek to stop myself smiling. She was actually such a crack up. "So, what's the hap?"

  "She popped in for a visit." Dad explained, emerging from the other side of our car, smiling lazily at me.

  "Ye ye," she said, nodding her head slowly. I shook my head at her before jogging to the back fridge and popping open a Coke can. I downed about half of it before I removed it from my mouth. It felt quite refreshing.

  "Where's Luke?"

  Dad shrugged. "He was going for a run then to Mel's I think?"

  "Oh okay." I nodded. "Are you staying for dinner, Nan?"

  "Well, since you're practically begging." she replied. I rolled my eyes at her. "Is that handsome, young Jason coming over?"

  I looked pointedly at Dad. "Depends..."

  He sighed deeply through his nose. "Fine, but he's not staying the night."

  "Why not?"

  He looked at me steadily. "It'd be nice to actually spend some time with you. Alone."

  "Can we watch Prison Break?"

  He gave me a flat stare. "How can you not be over watching that already?"

  "We've been through this. I can never get over it!"

  He pinched the skin between his eyes and sighed, again. "Alright."

  "Great. Sounds like a plan."

  "Now that's settled, let's go watch some Vampire Diaries." Nan grinned, bumping hips with mine. "I used to love Damon, but now I'm thinking Stefan is pretty smoking..."

  "Oh Nan," I groaned, face-palming myself.

  This would be a long night.

  "I won."

  "No you didn't."

  "Yes!"

  "No!"

  "Fair and square!"

  "You cheated!"

  I sighed in exasperation, throwing my hands in the air. "How could I possibly have cheated? You dealt the cards!"

  "You... you just did." Luke replied moodily, folding his arms across the chest. "You always do it."

  "You mean I always win..."

  "No!"

  "Yes!"

  "You guys are worse than kids," Jason muttered, shaking his head.

  Even though he hadn't stayed the night, he came over in the morning anyway. Dinner had been nice last night and it was good to spend some one on one time with Dad. It had been a while since I had had the opportunity.

  "It's just because he is a sore loser."

  "I am not!"

  "You are so!"

  "Want to take this outside?" he growled.

  "Bring it!"

  We both stood up, death staring each other, chests rising and falling dramatically. Jason stood as well, raising his hands in a peace signal. "Woah, chill out guys."

  "Not until she admits she cheated."

  "Not until he admits he lost!" I challenged, jutting out my chin stubbornly.

  "Let's just play a new game?" Jason suggested, obviously trying to mellow the situation. "Uno is just not working out..."

  "I'm out," Luke muttered. "I'm going for a run."

  "Fine with me." I snapped.

  After glowering at me, he stomped out of the lounge room. I shook my head. "He's so immature."

  Jason just raised his eyebrows. "I'm not responding to that."

  "You're meant to be on my side."

  "There are no sides..."

  I narrowed my eyes and he sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry. You won fair and square. He is the immature one."

  "Thank you." I grinned smugly. I stretched out, groaning. "What do you want to do?"

  "Go for a walk?"

  "Sure."

  I grabbed my jacket and shrugged it on. I followed him out and he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, his warmth seeping into me. I snuggled into the crook of his neck. He stopped and brought his lips to mine. His hands rested on my hips and I reached up, wrapping my arms around his neck. He pressed our bodies together and his hand got lower until it rested on my bottom.

  A throat cleared and we sprung apart as though water had been thrown on us. I smiled sheepishly when Dad stood there, looking awfully awkward. "Jason, I think it'd be a good time for you to go."

  "Ah, sure..." he replied uncertainly, rubbing the back of his neck, exchanging a glance with me.

  "I'll walk you." I offered. "I need to stretch my legs."

  Dad frowned but didn't comment. We walked passed him and when he was out of sight, he grabbed my hand, interlacing his fingers with mine. "I wish your Dad hadn't interrupted."

  "Me too."

  He pecked my cheek which set of a set of tingles to slowly run down my spine. We slowly strolled towards his place. Upon getting there I rested back onto his letter box as he leant down so that both of his arms were either side of me. He brushed his lips against mine, before they moved to my forehead.

  "I'll see you at school?"

  "S-sure..." I trailed off, clearing my throat. I smiled up at him and be gave me a returning, lope-sided one. My smile wavered. He just looked so gorgeous when he did that.

  "Bye."

  "See you."

  As he went inside, shutting the door behind him, I turned and made my way to Mel's. I was softly whistling under my breath as I practically skipped my way there. Without knocking, I entered her mansion. I waved at her parents who were snuggling in the lounge room. After receiving a smile back, I jogged up the stairs. I straight away went to their upstairs bathroom. I was busting. It wasn't until I was washing my hand that I saw it. The pregnancy test. Curious, I leant down and removed it from the bin. I stared at it with wide eyes.

  Wow...

  I turned the tap off and slowly walked into Mel's room, my eyes glued to the little box. I pushed open her door and walked in.

  "Oh my goodness Mel, I think your mum is pregnant!" I gasped, looking up to witness her reaction. I noticed her wearing only track pants and a bra. Her eyes were puffy and her nose red. She bit her lip, tears flowing down her face. Her hand rested against her stomach.

  "Emma..." she trailed off with a shaky, broken voice. "I think I'm pregnant."

  45

  I was absolutely speechless.

  My mouth opened and closed numerous times without any words coming out. Her words bounced around in my head and I looked down at the little box in my hands again. I flickered my eyes back to her, completely flabbergasted.

  "Oh my God." Was the genius response I came up with.

  "What the hell am I going to do?" Mel burst out, her knees buckling underneath her, causing her to collapse onto the bed into a crumpled heap. I slowly shut the door behind me, still a little dumbfounded. Almost robot-like, I walked in the direction of the bed and sat stiffly down beside her.

  "I-Is..." I tried, but my voice went a little too high and squeaky for my liking. I cleared my throat and tried again, "Is Luke the father?"

  "I assume so," she sniffled, her nose bright red. "I've only slept with one other guy since mucking around with Luke and that was months ago."

  I raised my hand and squeezed her upper arm softly. "You'll be okay."

  A sob tore from her throat and I cradled her to me instantly. It wasn't like she was just crying. No, that wouldn't begin to explain what she sounded like. It was chest-wracking lamentation. She buried her face into the crook of my neck and I rubbed her back soothingly. I wish I could absorb all the overbearing grief from her a
nd deposit it elsewhere. I had no idea what comforting words I could say to even begin to try and calm her. I was freaking out and it wasn't even me in the situation.

  "I can't have a baby!" she cried, reeling back and raking her fingers through her hair frantically. "I'm too emotionally unstable for that!"

  I chewed at my lip, tears filling my eyes. I felt desperation and unbearable sadness wash through me. Mel would be an amazing mother, but not at this age. She had barely even lived her life yet! There was still so much for her to do!

  “I know I can financially support myself, but Luke isn't mature enough to have a kid! He is going to flip when I tell him."

  No sarcastic thoughts whizzed through my head at the mention of Luke's immaturity. I knew she was right. This was going to be a very difficult situation. I wiped at my cheeks and blinked furiously. The last thing she needed was me to have a mental breakdown. It wasn't even me enduring this for Goodness sake! But Mel was my best friend. Whatever troubles she went through, I was there, by her side, supporting her the entire way.

  This time was absolutely no different.

  "So... so you only found out today then?" I said, trying to make my voice as unwavering as I could manage. It was harder than it sounds. My voice always betrayed me, letting my emotions leak into it.

  "Yeah, basically a few minutes before you came over."

  I ran my fingers over my face, rubbing my eyes. I massaged my temples as though that would help me think of something appropriate to say. With a heavy sighed, I hung my head so that my forehead rested on my knees.

  "You do realise what you have to do."

  "Please don't say it," she whispered brokenly. "Please don't."

  I raised my head and gave her a small, sad smile.

  "You need to tell your parents."

  I fiddled with my fingers as I nervously waited outside the lounge room. Currently, Mel was informing them. I had heard her Father shout and a large bang that had made me cringe. I almost had entered, but had second thoughts. This was a private, family moment, even though I practically was a part of the family, I didn't want to intrude.

  I could hear crying filtering through, underneath the door too. I sighed, taking a step out and into the cold, fresh afternoon air. It hit me hard, making me shiver and hug myself, trying to contain at least some of body heat. I rolled my lips into my mouth as I looked around there perfectly manicured lawn and perfectly lined hedges. So many times I had dreamed to live here. To live in this life. To be Melanie Stewart.