The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  After some twisting, turning and getting lost twice, we reached the room. Jason knocked but I moved around him and entered. There were numerous doctors and nurses fluttering around in there.

  I watched with wide eyes. One nurse looked up and pursed her lips. "No visitors allowed at the moment."

  "We're family!" Jason declared angrily.

  "They all are, sweetie." she replied, cautiously making her way over as though we were about to blow up or something. She began ushering out, waving her hands rudely in our faces. "You can come back soon."

  "Why not now?" I asked in an almost non-existent voice.

  She gave me a soft look and squeezed my shoulder. "Because we're trying to keep her alive right now."

  My heart sank into my stomach. I'm not sure what my face looked like, but it must have been a little unnerving, because the nurse's eyes darted back to the others in the room. She looked at Jason pleadingly and he nodded.

  He entwined our fingers and pulled me out of the room. "Come on. It's doing Mel no good us disturbing the doctors."

  He had a valid point, so I let him drag me out of the room. I realised then I could hear some angry shouting, echoing down the corridors. I glanced over my shoulder, trying to see what was happening.

  The person who began sprinting down towards us had me do a double take. My eyebrows shot up into my hairline when I noticed Luke barreling towards us, with two security guards loping behind him.

  I can say this now: I never thought I'd see the day.

  Just as Luke almost reached us, he was sling-shot backwards by the guards, falling into a heap on the ground. I gasped as they began restraining him. Why on Earth was he acting like this? I know he was incredibly shaken up, as was I, but I wasn't going out and about, screaming the Hospital down.

  "I NEED TO SEE HER NOW." he bellowed out, causing me to jump in alarm. I exchanged a concerned look with Jason.

  "You're not allowed to!" the security guard barked back.

  Luke began flailing around wildly, trying to be released from their grasp. He began kicking out, getting one in the thigh. The guy gasped and dropped to his knees, his face scrunched up in utter pain. Luke spun around and flipped the other guard over his shoulder. I could see it in his posture he was about to go kick-box on his ass.

  "Luke." my voice broke through the daze he was in. My voice was small and wavered, but it still effectively got his attention. He slowly turned to face me. If it was any other situation, I would be peeing my pants with laughter at the security guard dangling from his shoulder. I sometimes forget how strong Luke is. The other guy was wriggling on the ground in pain, gripping his leg as if his life depended on it. "You know it's what is best for Mel and Courtney that we stay out here."

  "But... but..." he stammered, his eyes wide. He twitched slightly, looking crazy. I walked over to him and raised my hand to his shoulder. Well, as much of his shoulder that I could reach, the security guard took up most of the area.

  "I know." I murmured softly. "I know."

  His chest was rising and falling, his eyes darting all around. He looked back at me and I nodded seriously. With a heavy sigh, he gently lowered the guy to the ground. He ran a hand through his hair, before bending his elbows and wrapping his palms around the back of his neck. He shook his head, his eyes watering.

  "I don't know how to handle this."

  I went over and hugged him. It would have to be the first time I have properly hugged Luke in well... years, I think? I rested my head on his chest and felt him tighten his arms around my lower back. He was so tall that he was completely bent over, but oh well. We stayed like that for a while, just in each other’s embrace, as if that was holding us together.

  I'm not sure how much time had passed, but we finally disentangled from each other and Jason had brought Luke and himself coffees, as I don't drink it. I sat beside Jason in one of the waiting chairs, hand in hand. I was squeezing it so tight my finger nails had begun to viciously rip up his skin.

  I must have dozed off because before I knew it, I was being lightly shaken. I scrunched up my face, my mind all foggy. "A little longer..."

  "Emma," a voice insisted. "Wake up."

  "I don't wanna'," I whined.

  "Emma, come on."

  My eyes slowly opened and I saw white. I squinted before blinking rapidly. I glanced around, the surroundings become more and more clear. I shook my head, trying to think back to where I was. My heart felt heavy when the memories began flooding back to me.

  Mel. Courtney. Hospital.

  I looked over and Jason was staring at me. "The doctor is here."

  I shifted and looked around him, indeed seeing a man in a white coat. He fixed his glasses, so they weren't at the end of his nose and he smiled slightly at me. "Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Stewart."

  "Huh?" I blurted, rubbing my eyes.

  Ms. Stewart?

  Jason nudged me in the side and I glanced at him. He made a face at me. It then dawned on my still-asleep-brain that I was Mel's 'family'. I cleared my throat and gave him a slight smile, that didn't meet my eyes.

  "Oh- er- yes?" I babbled at the same time I heard someone else answer. I caught movement out the corner of my eyes and gasped. I hadn't realised my Dad and Mel's parents had arrived. They were all sitting with Luke in the seats opposite to us. Dad gave me a warm smile and nodded at me.

  I let my eyes roam over Mel's rent's, seeing their pale faces and shaken expressions. Lindsay's always perfectly constructed face was natural, which was rare, and it surprised me how beautiful she was without having her flawless make up and perfectly assigned jeweler on. She glanced over at me, smiled fleetingly and went back to staring at the doctor. I dragged my eyes away from them and gazed at the doctor as well.

  "Melanie will need to stay overnight for observation, but at this current time, is in a steady condition. We advise you all to go home, get cleaned up and have a decent sleep. We will ring you immediately if any changes occur."

  "Are we able to see her?" Lindsay asked.

  He pursed his lips. "I wouldn't advise all of you. Having numerous visitors can be... over-whelming. Also, only for a few moments. She needs to rest."

  Lindsay rose to her feet. "Well I'm definitely going."

  "So am I." Luke declared, standing.

  Everyone then stopped and looked at me. I stood as well and looked back at them all. "I don't need to state whether I am going or not."

  With that, I turned, knowing very well I probably sounded like a brat, but I couldn't care at the moment. I strode to the door and opened it. Mel's head slowly turned and she gave me a lopsided smile.

  "Emz."

  "Mel," I breathed in relief. Hearing her voice was simply amazing. I walked over to her, sitting on the bed. I raised my hand and trailed my fingers down her cheek. "God, you scared the hell out of me, you know?"

  She chuckled slightly and winced. "Yeah, I scared myself."

  "You'll be fine. You're so strong." I whispered, biting my lip as my bottom lip began quivering, letting me know I was close to breaking out into tears. "I want you to know though, I love you."

  "I love you too." she whispered back.

  The door opened and Lindsay entered. I turned back to her and kissed her forehead. "See you soon."

  "Yep."

  With one last smile, I exited. We still didn't know if the baby was alive or not, but I didn't want to ask any questions. I don't think I could handle hearing it if she had lost Courtney. I went back to the waiting room and dad embraced me.

  "How are you holding up?" he asked me.

  "A little better."

  "Can you come home tonight? Rachel will be there."

  "Okay." I agreed. "That would be nice."

  "I'll see you tomorrow, then?" Jason asked, materializing by my side. I retracted myself from Dad and hugged him tightly. Ignoring the fact dad was behind me, I pecked him on the lips.

  "Yeah, tomorrow."

  He gave me a smile, before disappearing out the doors. I let
dad guide me out of the hospital after he had had a few words with Mel's parents. We all piled into the car. Luke was also going to stay tonight. It was going to be nice, literally having our whole family together.

  It was a silent and slightly awkward ride home. I just stared out the window, although I wasn't exactly looking. My chin rested against the palm of my hand and I sighed, my eyes drifting closed. I was drained, both mentally and physically.

  We reached the house and I practically fell out of the car and dragged my feet inside. I reached it and my stomach instantly rumbled upon smelling something delicious. It wafted through the rooms and automatically my legs went in search to find the source.

  I entered the kitchen and my mouth fell open. Mum turned around and smiled warmly at me. She came over and wrapped her arms around me. I just stood there, in slight shock. I knew she was here, but to see her settled into our house and cooking us dinner brought up numerous memories from my childhood.

  Was it strange that I still couldn't comprehend the fact that she was here... and alive?

  She pulled back, her hands still connected to my shoulders. Her face was inches from mine as her eyes began intently searching mine. She obviously wasn't happy with what she found as she reefed me into another rib breaking hug.

  This time, I let myself hug her back. I buried my face into the crook of her shoulder and let myself just be in my mother's embrace. Having her with me... her cooking filling my nose... it made me feel something I couldn't even begin to describe.

  It had been a long day.

  Dad and Luke soon joined us and we all settled down around the table, eating. We had a normal conversation as though we were a normal family. I couldn't help notice the lingering gazes flickering between my parents. I could see the sparks and love in their eyes. It made my stomach swirl. I wonder what had been happening whilst I had been away...

  We all began packing up and mum ushered me to go clean myself up. I glanced down, only noticing now that I still had my school uniform on. It was crumpled, rain struck and slightly dirty. I shrugged but smile gratefully.

  The hot water running down my skin, unknotting my muscles felt heavenly. Nothing was better than having an amazingly warm shower after a rough day. I felt the tears and rain wash from me, as with the dirt and negative energy I was bearing.

  I sighed, stepping out and toweling off. I slipped into some loose shorts and an old hoodie that I had had for about five years now. (Yeah, I have been a size eight even since I was in year seven. I don't think I am ever going to grow).

  I could hardly keep my eyes open as I trudged into my room. I moved back the covers and crawled into bed. I let myself sink into the mattress and my head melted into my ever-so-soft pillow. I felt the exhaustion override my body and I willingly let sleep take over.

  My heart beat was continuously thudding against my chest as I pushed myself harder and faster. My legs pumped underneath me as I propelled myself forward. The sand was flicking up behind me due to the friction between my feet and the sand.

  I felt the hot sun beat down on my skin and sweat was pouring down my forehead and down my back. I felt a thin sheet of sweat spread over my body. My breath was coming out fast and heavy as I could hardly breathe.

  I reached the rock, which was our 'finishing point' and I let myself gradually become slower. When I finally stopped, I doubled over, my hands on my hips. I was completely gasping. My sides were burning and my legs aching. My muscles were complaining to me. I felt like I needed a nice ice bath and a massage.

  I glanced over at Luke, who looked completely at ease. Apparently, he was a lot fitter than me. He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.

  "Weak."

  "Shut - up.' I panted, wiping my forehead with the back of my hand.

  Luke and I had decided to go for a run to release our tension and fear for what was to come. We had visited the hospital, but they had recommended not seeing Mel at the moment. The anger I had felt was so empowering that it had my fingers twitching. I wanted to smack the doctor so hard he wouldn't be able to work for a week.

  I know it was best for her, but anger made it hard to reason with myself.

  We walked back the few kilometers, letting our bodies cool down and for us to re-catch our breath. Well, I needed to anyway; Luke hardly looked like he had broken a sweat. We shed our clothes and allowed ourselves to dip into the water.

  It was really good to spend some bonding time with Luke. It was really good for our relationship to develop more. After we had had our little, heart to heart moment, it seemed as though we had more of an understanding with each other, if that makes sense?

  The cool water felt very refreshing on my hot skin as I dived underneath the water. The water ran over my face and through my long hair, feeling utter bliss. I re-surfaced, wiping the water from my face. I looked up, throwing my head back. Clouds were darted over the sky. It wasn't extremely sunny, but it wasn't cold either. A lot nicer day then the miserable rain we experienced yesterday.

  After we cooled down, Luke and I retired back up to the sand. We toweled off and after going inside for a quick lemon lime and bitters, we parted ways. He dropped me back off home, where I went inside. I was pretty tired from that run, I must admit.

  I heard something knock over and froze. Straining my ears, I could hear sound coming from the lounge room. I slowly walked, as quietly as I could, to find the source. I crept over there and peeped my head around the corner. My mouth fell open in shock.

  Ick!

  I stared with wide eyes as my mum and dad seemed to be getting hot and heavy on the lounge. I couldn't help let out a choked sound. The both sprung apart upon seeing me, guilty expressions plastered on their faces.

  I know I should be glad that they're getting back together, but no child wants to see their mum and dad doing the dirty in the family lounge room.

  “Oh- er -Emma..." Dad fumbled, reefing his shirt over his head. "W-when did you get home?"

  "Unfortunately about a minute ago."

  "Sorry..." They both mumbled simultaneously, exchanging sheepish looks.

  I shook my head at them. "Okay, I'm going to try and forget I may be soiled for the rest of my life and go do something... in my room."

  I spun on my heel and made a beeline for my room. My poor eyes... the things they go through. Seeing Luke and Mel, now dad and mum. A shudder ran down my spine as I thought about it. I couldn't help but make a gagging sound, for dramatic effect.

  I was just texting back Jason when I heard a soft knock at my door. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Rachel standing there. "Can I come in?"

  "Of course."

  She smiled and walked over, sitting adjacent to me on my bed. We were both silent for a few minutes. It was a bit awkward now, after what I had just seen. I twiddled my thumbs, keeping my eyes averted.

  "So..."

  "So..." I echoed.

  "Your father and I are... back together."

  "I see."

  Red blossomed in her cheeks and the corners of my mouth twitched. I could really tell our shared characteristics. It goes from the tanned skin, the long blonde hair (although mine was dyed), the round green eyes and the easily turned-red-cheeks.

  "How do you feel about that?" she asked, gazing at me curiously, studying my every facial expression.

  "I'm glad you've sorted things out."

  She nodded. "I'm glad you feel that way."

  "Yeah." I replied, trying to remove the sight I had been unfortunate enough to witness from my brain. "Anyway, I should probably go shower."

  "Oh... Okay. Yeah."

  We both didn't move for a couple of moments, so I got up and walked across the hall and into the bathroom. I closed the door and leaned backwards.

  Don't get me wrong, I'm super glad to have mum and dad back together, just like old times. It was amazing.

  But... It really just came at the wrong time.

  I really didn't feel like school today. Well, when did I ever? I trudged towards class, my boo
ks pressed to my chest. I felt my shoulder get shoved and my books toppled from my hands, landing in a clatter on the floor.

  A couple of people chuckled around me. I scowled, looking up to see who had done it. I saw Jamie, if you remember her, she was the one who shoved my head into a locker ages ago, standing there. She sneered at me.

  "Watch where you're going, brat."

  "Jamie." Britney's voice clipped. Jamie tensed and looked over at her. "Pick up the books and apologise."

  I think I can say that both Jamie's eyes and mine popped out of their sockets. We looked at each other, dumbfounded. Britney was sticking up for me? In front of actual witness? This had to be some sort of weird dream.

  "You can't be serious..." she trailed off, gaping at her 'leader'.

  "Does it look like I'm joking?" she asked back, her face completely impassive. "Pick them up and apologise."

  Her mouth fell open. A rather large crowd had stopped now to see what was going on. I watched as Jamie slowly bent down and began gathering my books into a pile. I couldn't move; I was so shell-shocked.

  She picked them up and slowly rose, handing them to me. "Sorry I pushed you Emma."

  "Er- no worries?" I replied back, but it came out more of a question.

  Jamie looked back at Britney to see what to do now. Britney nodded in satisfaction. She then looked at me and smiled.

  Yes, Britney Chevaleir just defended me and then smiled.

  I felt my own lopsided smile appear and she turned, walking to class. Conveniently the class where we were now positioned together. Jamie glanced back at me, but not with hatred, just confusion. I just shrugged at her, to tell her I was just as confused as she was, before she turned and followed her group.

  I pushed past the bystanders and piled in with everyone else into the classroom. I collapsed onto the chair beside Britney.

  "Thank you." I said seriously.

  She shrugged casually. "You helped me out, I help you out."

  "So, we're even?"