The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

"Not nearly, Emma." she laughed, but it sounded forced. "I owe you a lot more than that."

  My eyes were bulging right now. "Huh?"

  "I did a lot of stuff to you, Emma. I was just too self-centered to consider that you actually are a person. Now that I've seen you help and be polite to me, after all that I did to you... really showed me how good of a person you really are."

  "Oh... well thanks."

  The rest of the lesson was in silence, until probably the last ten minutes, when we were just allowed to finish up. We could chat a little because apparently we had been 'working well'. I saw tanned arms appear in my vision as they enclosed around my body and squeezed.

  I looked up, coming almost mouth to mouth with Chase. I quickly shook him off and he smirked broadly. He squatted beside me. "Hey."

  "Hello, Chase."

  "How are you?"

  "I'm alright, how are you?" I asked back politely.

  "I'm excellent."

  "I'm not sure if you've met, but Britney, this is Chase, Chase, Britney." He reached out and they shook hands. Suddenly, an idea sparked in my head and I could feel the light bulb actually appear. I began grinning. They both looked at me in confusion.

  "Chase is single." I blurted out, looking at Britney.

  She looked at me like I was crazy. "So?"

  "And so is Britney." I continued like Britney hadn't spoken. "Hey, here's an awesome idea, why don't we go on a double date?"

  "Are you joking?" Britney asked me.

  "Nope." I said, popping the 'p'. "We'll go to the movies!"

  "That sounds good. Tomorrow night?" Chase asked. "I'll pick you up Britney, I just need your address..."

  The bell buzzed and I quickly escaped, letting those two chat. I felt quite proud of myself. I could be... 'Emma Maree Ross. The Love Doctor'. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

  I was on my way to my locker when my phone began buzzing. I fetched it from my pocket and looked at the screen.

  Luke Ross.

  I quickly pressed my thumb on the green 'answer' button and placed it against my ear. "Hello?"

  "Hey." a voice said breathlessly. "No time to talk, I'm out the front."

  "Huh?"

  "Just come out the front. Dad's already rang the school, you can leave."

  "But why-" I began but the phone went dead. I frowned into it. I packed away my stuff and began jogging out to the entrance of the school. I saw Luke's work car parked directly in the main area. I slid into the seat.

  "What's going on?"

  "Mel is awake and Courtney is alive!" he gasped, flooring it. The car squealed as he did a tire spin. I jolted forward, shooting my hands out to protect myself. It then dawned on my slow brain, what he had just said.

  "Oh my God, what!?"

  "She's alive! They both are!"

  Relief flooded through me and a massive grin stretched across my face.

  What a good day this had turned out to be.

  57

  "I'm fine!" Mel snapped angrily, slapping Luke's hand away. "I'm not made out of glass you know!"

  Jason and I exchanged a worried glance. She had been moody and angry ever since we got home from the hospital. Luke had been practically mothering her (no pun intended) and it was driving her up the wall. She had muttered something about purposely slipping next time and now Luke was all angry. Jason raised his eyebrows as they began arguing again. He looked down at his bare wrist and back up at the couple.

  "Oh... look at the time... Emma and I have to... be somewhere." He said with a forced laugh. He reached over, grabbed my hand and pulled me after him. I don't think they even acknowledged the fact that we had left.

  Jason opened the driver side door and I cleared my throat. He glanced over his shoulder and I gave him a pointed stare. With a sigh he sagged his shoulders and went around to the other side of the car. I smiled in triumph and slid in.

  "What is the actual time?" I asked as I backed out of their driveway. I slid the car into first and began driving, swiftly changing the gears when needed so.

  "We have like... forty minutes until we're supposed to meet up with the Gruesome Twosome."

  I snorted at his creative name. "Britney has surprisingly been nice to me and secondly, you should be glad Chase has moved on from me."

  "Still, does he have to go for my ex?" he complained.

  "Well... I sort of set it up." I pointed out, frowning. "I didn't think it would be a big deal."

  "It wouldn't be if it was anyone else but him." he mumbled, glaring out the window. I rolled my eyes at his childish behaviour. We pulled up to my house and I cut the engine. When I entered, I called out my hello to Dad and went straight to my room.

  I grabbed a nice violet dress from my wardrobe and shed my clothes. I felt my skin heat up as Jason's eyes walked all over my body. I looked over at him, my eyebrows raised and my hand planted on my hip.

  "Take a picture, it'll last longer." I joked.

  He smirked at me. He sauntered over, wrapping his arms around my waist. I reached up and pecked my lips against his. I went to back off but he leaned closer, stealing another kiss from me. I slid my arms around the back of his neck.

  "Hey guys, did you want to eat before you go to the movies or after?" I felt Jason groan at the interruption. I felt the cool air rush to me without his hot body pressed up against me. I gulped, sitting up, feeling slightly light headed.

  "Um, after." I called out, trying to act casual.

  "Alrighty."

  I raised my fingers to my lips and trailed them across. They felt red and swollen. I looked over at Jason who was giving me a dirty smirk.

  "Shall we pick up where we left off?"

  "We need to get ready." I said reluctantly.

  "Afterwards?" Jason asked hopefully, his eyes lighting up.

  I couldn't refrain from letting the corners of my mouth twitch. “If you play your cards right."

  He laughed at me, shaking his head. I got up and successfully managed to get my dress on. Jason changed into a nice, light blue top that contrasted perfectly with his eyes. I made him run a comb through his messy hair. I put on some lip gloss and perfume.

  I shoved some of my essentials in my carry purse and looked over at Jason, who was just lazing on my bed, looking up at the ceiling. I went over to him and grabbed both of his hands, hauling him to his feet.

  "Let's go."

  "Yes, ma'am." he saluted.

  I dropped his hands when we exited my room. I went up to Dad and he smiled warmly at me. "You look nice."

  "Thanks." I grinned. I pecked him on his cheek. "Is Rachel coming over tonight?"

  He pursed his lips at me as I slipped up and called her by her first name. I mentally slapped myself. I tended to switch back and forth from her name and what I was supposed to call her. It was just so odd, calling her my mum. I hardly feel like I know her anymore.

  "Yeah, she is."

  "Okay, have fun." I smirked, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively. His cheeks began burning and he cleared his throat uneasily, clearly embarrassed. I laughed, shaking my head at him. "Love you."

  "Love you too."

  "Can I drive this time?" Jason asked. "I hate not driving."

  "Just this once." I sighed, handing him the keys. He grinned at me, jogging over to the driver's seat. I rolled my eyes and followed him. We made it to the movies a couple of minutes before Chase and Britney arrived.

  "Hey." Chase greeted in his loud, accented voice, smothering me with one of his ginormous bear hugs. I gasped as his arms tightened around my rib cage. We both staggered backwards and his grip around me just tightened more.

  "He-llo." I gasped out.

  He let go and threw his hand out to Jason. Jason surveyed it with distaste before shaking it quickly. I smiled at him. At least he made an effort. I smiled politely at Britney. She had a nice, aqua blue dress on and her blonde hair was curled to perfection. Her make-up was flawless, of course and her jeweler exquisite.

  "Hello."

  "Hey, Bri
tney." Jason replied casually. Without much more, we set off to get our tickets. Chase and I lined up to get food. The cinemas were pretty packed tonight. Jason came over and tapped me, gaining my attention.

  "I'm going to go get seats, before they fill up." he told me.

  "Okay, good idea. Did you want a medium coke?"

  "Sounds good." he replied, turning around.

  He took off and Britney had a look of horror on her face. "Oh no you don't Jason. You are the worst seat picker in history!" She quickly jogged after him. I smiled. I was glad they were acting normal with each other.

  I purchased my popcorn and drink, turning around. Chase was right there, smiling at me. "Want a hand, babe?"

  "No, I'm good. Don't call me babe."

  "Why not?" he pouted.

  "Because it's inappropriate." I pursed my lips.

  He grabbed one of the drinks from me, easing the load.

  "Thanks."

  He reached over and grabbed my hand, entwining our fingers. I glanced down in surprise. I was so shocked that he did it. I looked up at him and the look on his face took my breath away. He just looked so innocent. So sincere.

  I noticed the two, a couple of rows down and I dropped his hand. I settled down next to Jason. I looked up at the screen. We were going to be watching Paranormal Activity Four. I hope it wasn't going to be too scary.

  I managed to make it through most of the movie, until near the end. I cried out in surprise, slapping my hands to my face. I cowered away from the screen. I don't think I would have been that scared if I was at home watching it, but it was scarier at the movies.

  "Are you okay?" Jason asked me, concern evident on his face.

  "N-no!" I stammered. "I'm going to go sit outside."

  "I'll come."

  "It's okay, you enjoy the movie." I insisted, getting up.

  I left the cinema with shaky legs. I sat outside, letting the cool air calm me down. I shook my head. It wasn't a good idea to go watch it. I plonked down and cradled my head in my hands. I began rocking back and forth.

  "Hey." an American accented voice said beside me.

  I jumped in fright, pressing my palm to my chest. "Jeeze Chase!"

  "Sorry." he chuckled. "How are you holding up?"

  "I'm okay." I said. "You can go back and enjoy the movie."

  "I'd rather be out here with you."

  I bit my lip and averted my eyes. This 'double date' was supposed to be getting Chase out with someone else. Showing him that Jason and I were happy and that he could be happy with someone else. If you get me?

  "You should be in with your date."

  I looked up and without a moment hesitation, he leaned in. It took till the tips of noses brushed for me to jerk back. I leaped up and shook my head furiously.

  "No, Chase."

  He shot up. "I want you, Emma."

  "We've been through this."

  He cupped my face in his hands. I tried to wriggle from his grip but he was too strong. He leaned in and I pulled back as much as I could. Our lips were almost touching when I heard a throat being cleared.

  He tensed and I took that chance to push him roughly away. I looked over and saw Jason standing there, his eyes glowing. I looked at him and when he looked at me, my blood went cold. I gulped. I was trying to get away!

  He took two strides towards Chase before his fist connected with Chase's nose. His head snapped back and I winced. That would have hurt. He snarled at Jason and lunged, literally tackling him to the ground.

  A couple of people nearby gasped and one man ran up back to the cinema.

  "Jason! Chase! Stop it!" I yelled, but my futile attempts were pointless.

  Britney emerged and gasped, flinging her hand to her mouth. They were wrestling on the ground, taking blows from each other and grunting. A couple of people who worked there ran out, looking alert.

  "If you do not separate in three seconds, the police will be called!" The manager yelled out, waving his phone around. "They're already dialed!"

  Chase stopped fighting straight away and got to his feet. Jason was about to go for another attack and I reached out, reeling him back. He shook my grip from him as though my touch had burned him or something. He glanced at me, his eyes cold, hurt flooding over his features.

  "Jason, it wasn't what it-"

  "Looked like?" he finished for me, laughing without any humor. "If I had been a second later, you would have kissed him!"

  "I tried to get away!" I protested, tears welling in my eyes. The manager was talking to Chase and Britney, but I didn't care at the moment. Jason was my top priority right now. He had an already swelling bruise on his left cheek and a cut on his chin.

  "You must have feelings for him." he said in a flat, emotionless voice. "You must. This isn't the first... or even second time I have caught you with him!"

  "I'm not cheating on you, Jason!" I said in exasperation. "I'm not sneaking behind your back and hooking up with him!"

  "Well, may that be the case, you won't have to sneak around now."

  "Huh?" I blurted in complete confusion.

  "I need a cool down. From you... From this..." he trailed off, his voice coming out broken. "You obviously feel something for him. It will always get in the way of us."

  "No..." I shook my head, my bottom lip quivering, tears openly spilling down my face. I raised my hand out to touch him and he stepped back, shaking his head. "I don't Jason, I don't like him. It's you... It'll always be you."

  "Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't feel something... anything for him."

  "I don't have feel anything..." I began to say, but as soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I was lying. I didn't love him, no, but I had a physical attraction to him which was inevitable.

  He closed his eyes. I saw a tear slide down his face and that was probably the worst thing. I felt myself sob. "Please don't leave. Please."

  "Call James. Or Luke. I'm going home."

  "Jason," my voice came out a whisper. "Please."

  He turned and stormed off towards his car. I buried my face into my hands and began bawling my eyes out. I felt an unbearable weight of sadness pressed down onto my body, crushing my bones. I couldn't stop the flow of tears pour from my face.

  "Are you okay?" Britney asked me with actual concern. This just made me cry harder. You know when you think you're okay, until someone asks you? Then you just lose it. Well, that was what I am experiencing right now, although I had been pretty upset before she asked.

  I just shook my head. "Sorry I r-ruined the night. I have t-to go."

  I walked away from her with stiff legs. She came followed me though. "Why don't you stay the night at my house?"

  I blinked at her, wiping the salty tears from my cheeks. "What?"

  "Why don't you stay at my house?" She repeated, pronouncing her words slowly as if I was stupid. I gaped at her.

  "W-why?"

  "Because your ride just left you?"

  "Oh... but... um..." I floundered.

  "Look, I know we're not best friends, but I still need to make up to you for all the damage I've done to you throughout this past year. Come on."

  I let her tug me after her. I was numb and cold. I felt drained of emotion.

  "Are you ready, Chase?" she asked.

  He just nodded and came up to us. I refused to look at him. I was so angry with him, but most of all, I was angry with myself. I could have tried harder, I could have done anything, but I was too... ugh! I was just so furious I can't even think right now.

  I followed Britney to the car, my head hanging, my shoulders sagged and my eyes stinging from the tears.

  I think Jason and I may have just broken up.

  58

  Melanie Stewart

  I was bored. Out. Of. My. Brain. I hated being pregnant, I hated being stuck at home, but what was worst of all, was when Emma was busy and Luke was at work. My tutor had come earlier today and she seemed to think I was improving. Bleh. Other than her coming, my day had consisted
of absolutely nothing.

  My days seemed to revolve around the same thing, now that I thought about it. I would wake up, make myself and Luke breakfast, lounge around and clean. I was 'banned' from cleaning the porch or anything up high, as it is too 'dangerous' for me with my 'condition'. Yeah, he called having a baby, a condition.

  It made me really angry that I wasn't allowed to do what I want in my house. Just because I'm pregnant, doesn't give everyone the right to treat me like I'm made from glass. I can still do stuff. I can still be independent.

  Argh. Just thinking about it, makes me want to punch something.

  I just wanted to go for a swim and drink some alcohol. But neither was too appealing right now. My bump was growing bigger and bigger as the days go one. I'm about fifteen weeks now. My morning sickness was still strong, and I hated it.

  Smells, tastes and everything was changing. I just wanted Courtney out of me now. Nine months couldn't come any quicker.

  But what I hated more was that Luke wasn't home.

  The time slowly, slowly ticked by and I was growing more impatient by the second. Finally, I was blessed with the sound of a car door closing and footsteps ascending up the path. With a groan, I pushed myself to my feet and made my way to the door.

  He opened it and before he could even take a step inside, I smashed my lips to him. The kiss was hungry with longing. I roughly ran my all hands over him, feeling every inch of muscle he had to provide. I felt quite smug. My boyfriend was hot. He worked out and he was like a machine when he did kick boxing.

  I liked it when my friends would talk in envy about how hot he is. It made me feel good. Except, I hardly caught up with my friends anymore. I was practically banished from school and all social normality. My close friends knew and were sworn to secrecy. It felt weird not waking up for school. It was like I was forced to grow up way too quickly. I was hardly ready to be a mum!

  I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. The more I thought about it, the more scared I became. I needed to be strong. For everyone's sake.

  I felt the familiar tingling sensation break lose in my body and my skin erupted with goose bumps when his tongue slid across my lip. I moved my lips so I was kissing his cheek, jaw bone before returning back to his lips.