The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  I blinked a couple of times, before slowly nodding. She sighed through her nose. She glanced over her shoulder at some paramedics who were fluttering beside one of the ambulances that had located themselves there. "Guys, we need to take her to hospital and stitch her up. Her wound is deep."

  I hardly even realised I was being lifted onto the stretch bed. I hadn't even noticed it rolling towards me. It was as though I was a zombie. I just laid there. All I could see in my mind was the life draining from his eyes. The looked of pain on his face. The sound of Daniel's broken screams, echoing viciously around inside my head as if gnawing its way out through my skin. Eating me up inside.

  He was a bad man, yes, but no one deserved to die like that. I stared up at the ceiling of the ambulance, just thinking. I was so deep in thought that it literally only felt like seconds until we reached the hospital.

  I was wheeled into a room. I heard them talking and I looked down, seeing the blood. I felt queasy and the urge to vomit was getting stronger. I squeezed my eyes shut, as I just know, these stitches were going to kill.

  THREE HOURS EARLIER

  "Emma, I know you've been through a lot," the Officer said to me in a slow, deep voice. "But you need to answer as much as you can. Where were you coming from when you walked passed the house?"

  "From Britney Chevalier's." I forced out, trying to make my mouth work. It was as though parts of my face weren't responding to my commands.

  Relief flashed across his eyes as he finally got a solid answer from me. He began scribbling down on his note book. I kind of wish I could see what he was writing in there. He had been taking notes ever since I sat down, about half an hour ago. "And why were you there?"

  "Because we went to the movies and I stayed the night at her house." I answered almost robotically. My voice was bland and my face expressionless. I couldn't smile. I couldn't hardly move. I just felt like a talking statue.

  "Okay and why were you walking passed the house?"

  "Because I pass it on the way to mine."

  "Okay. Did you hear anything or see anything before he captured you?"

  "No." I said bluntly. "It all happened really fast."

  "Alright." he sighed. "I guess you can go. Your Father is out waiting for you. We managed to retrieve your shopping bags."

  Ha, my shopping bags. They were the least of my worries right now. I guess it was thoughtful though for them to grab them, throughout all the commotion that we all endured through. I nodded at him.

  "Okay."

  He gave me one last worried look, before he stood and led me to his office door. He swung it open and I walked out, with stiff legs. As soon as I was in Dad's sight, he engulfed me with a bear hug. He ran his hands through my hair, tightening his grip.

  "Thank God you're okay." he croaked out.

  After what felt like an eon, he let me go. When I took a step back as new, tanned arms hooked themselves around me. I was over whelmed with the smell of perfume. Long blonde hair filled my vision and I closed my eyes, just inhaling.

  Mum.

  I felt myself hug her tightly back. I buried my face into the crook of her neck. We stayed like that for a long time, before slowly releasing each other. Dad wrapped a secure arm around my shoulder and guided me out to the car, as if afraid I was going to have a mental break down or start running around, screaming.

  They were speaking to me, but I wasn't listening. I rested my forehead on the cool glass of the window and just watched the surroundings fly by. I shook my head. I can't believe what I went through today.

  And I didn't even have Jason with me to make me feel better.

  NOW

  I just stared up at the ceiling. I knew sleep wouldn't come to me tonight. I was just too wired. I just kept replaying the scene over and over in my head. I guess, him passing away, would save him from spending the time, just locked up in prison for the rest of his life, but still. It was an absolute terrible way to go.

  Daniel will have to endure it, yeah, but he won't have half the time his father would have had. He will make it out and still have a life to live. I ran my hands over my face. I just can't believe all this has happened.

  I was once just a simple, ordinary girl, who didn't have much drama in her life, other than the occasional mishap with the school bullies. Now, I was dating one of the most popular boys at school, I had been blackmailed, almost raped, threatened to be killed, my family has been put in stake, my best friend is pregnant, my mum is still alive, my brother killed someone and God only knows what else.

  My life was like a raging roller coaster that didn't seem to have a final destination. I sighed deeply, letting out a frustrated groan. Not being with Jason was like I was slowly being killed. I couldn't wait another minute to not speak to him.

  But, I need him to be on his game tomorrow. I can't have him being upset and unfocused because of me. Swimming really means a lot to him. I couldn't let him down like that. He was a part of team. It would affect all of them.

  I let my eyelids slowly flutter shut. Eventually, I fell into a very uncomfortable and restless sleep, where I tossed and turned literally all night.

  Well, I guess it was technically morning now.

  Melanie Stewart

  I slipped the black dress on over my body and did a pivot in the mirror. I was satisfied that my baby bump didn't show too drastically. I could always trust black to hug my curves and make me look slim. Luke and I were going on a romantic date, to mark being, well I guess not exactly going out, but being... together, for a year and a half.

  I pinned my gold earrings through my ears and smeared some lip gloss across my lips. I had my hair up in a messy, but stylish bun, with two bits of hair down, framing my face and curled. I had make-up on and slight heels.

  It was getting harder and harder to walk in heels, but I had wedges on, so it wasn't as bad. I smiled into my reflection. I looked good. Actually, I looked better than good. I sprayed some perfume on me, before grabbing my carry purse and going out to the lounge.

  It was very rare that I was ready before Luke. I took the opportunity, to be a smart ass. "Oh come on Luke, Christmas is coming!"

  I heard a grunt for a reply and sniggered. He always got riled up when I was sarcastic to him. It was hilarious.

  I had spent all this morning with Emma. She was recovering. We had a Prison Break marathon and went through a jar of Nutella. She was coping better after just doing some good old stuff that she loves. She was happier now that she would get to talk to Jason today, as he apparently has a swimming comp or something.

  I was surprised to hear his comp was so late. It was about two o'clock now. We were going out for an early dinner. There was this lovely restaurant that served all day, so we were going there. We wanted to be home tonight.

  I'm sure you can put two and two together right now.

  I heard footsteps and looked over my shoulder, seeing Luke appear in a tuxedo. He had a white shirt underneath and even a black tie. He looked very handsome. His jaw went slack and his eyes widened.

  "You... you look..." he spluttered, stepping closer to me, his eyes scrutinising me. I felt like I was under a microscope, at the way his eyes were roaming all over me.

  "I look?" I prompted, smirking, knowing he was pretty much lost for words.

  "Amazing." he murmured, his eyes travelling all over my body.

  "Thanks. You don't scrub up too bad yourself." I joked, the flirtatious smirk still planted on my face. I couldn't wipe it off.

  He grinned, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me to him. He planted a lingering kiss on my lips, which had me almost begging for more. He pulled back, way too soon, and entwined our fingers together.

  We made our way out to the car and too my utter shock, Luke came around and opened the passenger door for me. I raised my eyebrows at him.

  "Since when are you such a gentleman?"

  "Ever since you became my beautiful girlfriend." he replied, kissing my cheek.

  I felt my cheeks blossom
and my stomach do a swirl. I wanted to do a dance with happiness. We'd definitely been through our ups and downs, but we always sorted it out. And, we had the best make up sex ever, so it was almost worth the fight.

  I slid into the car and smiled up at him. He gently shut the door and walked around, sidling into the driver's seat. I glanced out the window at the bright, blue sky. It was such a perfect day. He started the car and I reached over, squeezing his knee.

  "Thanks for taking me out tonight. It means a lot."

  "Anything for you." he replied cheesily.

  I grinned and we backed out. It took a few minutes to get to the restaurant. When we arrived, Luke jumped out of the car and literally sprinted to the other side, just to open the door for me. I burst out laughing at the gesture.

  I couldn't believe him! He was just too cute.

  I grinned again, getting out. I hadn't felt this happy in ages. At the rate I was going, my cheeks were going to be sore tonight. I wrapped my arms around him, before we went anywhere else. I kissed the corner of his mouth before stepping back. I linked arms with him and we headed inside.

  "We have reservations, right?" I asked, double checking.

  "We do," Luke confirmed. He then opened his big mouth and decided to ruin the moment. "Oh, I've got to pee."

  "Classy." I muttered as he began jogging off to the right somewhere. I shook my head, watching him go. I walked up to the man at the front, behind his little podium and smiled politely. "Hi, is there a reservation for Luke Ross? Or it might be under Melanie Stewart?"

  "There is." the man nodded, after trailing his finger down his list and staring for a few moments. A smile slowly crept over his face. "You're positioned at table seven."

  "Thank you." I replied, slightly confused.

  I made my way over and smiled as it was right beside the window. I sat down and glanced out at the water as we had a full, frontal view of the river. I smiled. What a perfect spot to have gotten. It was just adding to my perfect day.

  I heard a slight grunt and looked over as Luke collapsed down onto the chair. We didn't waste any time ordering, knowing that if we didn't straight away, our food would take forever to come. The service was quite quick actually and we were served soon after ordering.

  I took a slurp of my lemonade and stared in envy as Luke took a sip of beer. I wish I could drink alcohol. It sucked. There really were negatives to being pregnant. Oh well, I'm sure it will all be worth it, when my beautiful baby girl will be born.

  It wasn't until I was almost finished my food that I started to become worried. I began to notice a change in Luke's behaviour. He was starting to act awfully strange. His face was blotchy and red, as though he was sweating. His hands were trembling and he kept averting his eyes, not looking at me in the eye.

  "Are you okay?" I murmured, chewing my lip, worry beginning to creep up my back and make the hairs on my arms stand.

  "W-what? Oh, fine..." he trailed off, tapping his knee on the table, making the entire thing shudder slightly. I pursed my lips at him. He picked up his fork, twirling it awkwardly in his hand and fumbled it, causing it to topple to the ground. He let out a nervous laugh and bent to retrieve. I frowned at him.

  Why was he being so weird?

  It then began to fall in place. Instead of returning back to his seat, he appeared beside me, on one knee. I gasped loudly, my hand flying to my mouth. My heart beat began to increase in pace as realisation dawned on me.

  "M-Melanie Stewart..." he stammered nervously, his entire hands shaking. "I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life loving and looking after you. W-will you do me the honour in-in becoming my... my wife?"

  My mouth fell open. I couldn't believe this! Me, Melanie Stewart, being a married woman? At the age of eighteen!? But, I guess I was also pregnant, so that was just as much of a commitment, if not more.

  My mouth became dry and my hands slightly clammy. He looked so gorgeous, being so nervous. I bit my lip and just nodded, words failing me. A grin broke out on his face and relief flooded visibly into him.

  He opened the velvet box and a sparkling, diamond ring could be seen. A couple of people who were watching the scene let out 'ooh' and 'ahh' at the sight of it. He slid it onto my finger and I got down onto my knees in front of him.

  I let my belly bump his and he didn't hesitate to run his hands on it, before bending down and whispering a few words to Courtney. He gently kissed my belly a couple of times, before straightening back up.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck, smiling at him. Our noses brushed together and I leaned forward, pressing my lips firmly to his. I broke the kiss and stared back at him, unable to wipe the Cheshire grin off my face.

  "I love you too, Luke." I said in a rush. "I would love to become your wife."

  I don't think this boy could grin any wider. He tightened his grip around me and just hugged me, kissing me on my cheek, jaw and down my neck, sending waves of pleasure, rolling down my back and through my entire body.

  "I love you so much, Mel." he murmured against my ear, grazing his teeth across my skin. I tilted my head back, letting out a ragged breath. I tightened the hug, burying my face into his shoulder, inhaling his scent.

  I smiled into his shoulder. "I love you too baby."

  It felt as though my life was beginning to fall into place.

  Emma Ross

  I just finished putting my applying my make up on to go out and visit Jason, when my phone began vibrating loudly, causing me to jump in alarm. I quickly put down my mascara bottle and back into my little bag, before I dived onto my bed and did a ninja-like roll.

  "Yellow?" I colourfully answered. (Get it?)

  "I'M GETTING MARRIED!"

  I stared up at my ceiling for a few moments, processing what Mel had just said to me. Silence lapsed for about a full minute before my sluggish brain could form a sentence. Or, a word, rather.

  "What?"

  "LUKE PROPOSED AND NOW WE'RE ENGAGED!"

  "What?"

  "WILL YOU BE MY MAID OF HONOUR?"

  I blinked a couple of times. "Y-you're getting m-married?"

  "YES!"

  "Oh my goodness." I whispered, my eyes wide. "Holy... wow... congratulations!"

  "I know, I know!" she squealed excitedly. "Ah, I'm so excited!"

  "Wow, that's so great, Mel!" I grinned into the phone, feeling happiness spread through my stomach and up into my chest.

  This definitely brightened up my day. After running a small errand, I was going to head over to Jason's River Comp and pledge myself to him. Well, I haven't actually got a speech planned, but I'm hoping the magic words will come to my mind when I need them.

  Hah. Wishful thinking there.

  "Yeah!" she squeaked. "I can't believe it! Maid of Honour?"

  "Like you even have to ask!"

  She let out a bubble of laughter, sounding happier then she had in months. She had been so upset and down lately, it was really refreshing to see her so cheerful.

  "How did your parents respond?" I questioned.

  "Dunno', heading there now!"

  "Oh, well, good luck!"

  "Thanks babe." she replied. "Okay, talk soon. Good luck with Jason!"

  "I'll need it." I muttered.

  "Love ya!"

  "Love you too," I laughed, shaking my head at her.

  I don't think I have ever heard my best friend so happy. She sounded ecstatic. I can't believe Luke was man enough to propose! I was so proud of him. I shook my head and glanced in the mirror. You start to feel old when your friends start to become pregnant and married.

  Okay, so only one friend, but still. I adjusted my top, and gave myself a once over. I had my hair in a high pony tail, so it fell in between my shoulders blades. I had a tight, red top on the hugged my curves and just some denim shorts.

  I slipped on shoes and called out to Dad where I was going. I shut the door behind me and began my walk. I went straight down to the beach, where the hot sun beat down on my shoulders. I raised my hand,
so that my fingers cupped and rested on my forehead, in attempt to shield my eyes from the scorching sun, as I scanned across the sand. I saw a figure jogging. Bingo.

  I began running like a maniac down to the beach and was relieved to see it was who I was looking for. I ran in front of him and squarely planted my feet. He skidded to a stop, causing sand to spray behind him as he avoided colliding with me by mere inches. He raised his eyebrows at me and his hands.

  "Emma?" his American accented voice asked me.

  I reached up and slapped my palm to his face before he could utter another word. The crack echoed around us and he staggered sideways from the sudden impact. He let out a cry of shock. He did a little head shake, as though clearing away some of the shock and looked at me with wide eyes.

  "What the hell!?" he gasped out. His cheek was now sashed with a bright, red hand mark. I almost felt smug at how bad ass I was there.

  "Option one; You continue to make my life miserable and lose me as a friend forever." I said firmly, talking as though I hadn't heard him or just physically abused him.

  "But I-" he began but I interrupted him, raising my hand in a 'stop' signal.

  "Option two; You man up, ask Britney out on a proper date, you get over this weird thing with me, you let me be happy with my life and we remain friends."

  "Can I speak now?"

  "Go for it."

  "Why did you slap me?" He asked me, hurt showing in his eyes.

  I pursed my lips at him. "Because you were an ass to me last time and ever since my life has been horrible. Not meaning to be dramatic, but it's true. Not just with Jason either, if that's what you're thinking."

  He rubbed the back of his neck and dropped his eyes. "I know I was. I'm sorry."

  "Thank you." I said with an understanding nod, appreciating his apology. "What do you think about Britney?"

  "Well, she is pretty hot."

  "Uh huh?" I prompted, rolling my hands in a 'keep going' gesture.