The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  I quickly registered and filled out the forms I needed to. It all happened so quickly. One moment I was on my way to the prison and what felt like seconds later, I was sitting down at a table, nervously waiting to see the man that almost raped me five years ago.

  To say I didn't know what to expect, would be an understatement. I began twiddling my thumbs as I awaited his arrival. I bit my lip and looked around. I saw figure out of the corner of my eye and snapped my head to see who it was.

  Daniel.

  My body seemed to go cold as I took him in. If I thought my mouth was dry before, it was ten times worse now. My heart beat began to get faster and louder. I wiped my clammy hands on my jeans and forced a small smile.

  His face showed a mixture of utter shock and confusion. He slowly made his way over and sat in front of me. He looked quite different from the Daniel I once knew. He had a ragged, half shaven beard, that sort of made him look attractive, but in a bad boy kind of way.

  His usual bright eyes were full. He had a scar, etched into his eyebrow, a perfect arch from his hair line to near his eye. I swallowed a lump that seemed to lodge itself in my throat. His eyes were so flat... it was scary. He opened his mouth the say something but no words came out. We just stared at each other for a while. It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable, it was just... strange.

  In my head, this idea seemed good. Now that I was actually here, seeing him, I wasn't so sure. I should have rehearsed some sort of speech or something. Anything to prevent this odd, not knowing what to say feeling from spreading.

  "Hi, Daniel." I managed to croak out.

  He didn't reply. His lips were slightly parted and his eyes were wide and observant. I licked my lips, trying to moisten them again.

  "H-how are you?" I asked quietly.

  Again, he didn't reply.

  His mouth opened wider a fraction, but that was the only response I received, except him blinking occasionally. We sat there, in silence, once more. Just staring, each not knowing what to say to the other.

  "Okay, maybe this was a bad idea." I muttered, glancing away from him. "Sorry."

  I began to stand up but his hand shot out. His fingers enclosed around my wrist, successfully stopping me from moving. His hands felt rough on my skin. I glanced down. His skin was dry and cracked.

  "Daniel, hands off." A security guard barked. After a few moments of hesitation, he slid his hand away from me. I slowly sank down to my chair. The officer pressed his hands on the table and leaned down, staring at Daniel. His eyes flickered to the guard, before darting away. The guard then chose to look at me. "Problem, ma'am?"

  "No, no problem, thank you though." I said, smiling up at him politely. He nodded, before turning and walking back to where he had previously been positioned. I slowly turned my head back to Daniel.

  So, he didn't want me to leave?

  "Want to know something?" he asked me, his voice hoarse and raspy. I flinched at the blank, monotone voice. Daniel raised his hand on his throat, rubbing it as though he was in some sort of pain. I raised my eyebrows at the gesture. He cleared his throat a few times and coughed slightly.

  Slowly, I nodded.

  "I haven't spoken a word for four years."

  I laughed slightly, without much humor. (It seemed the appropriate response). When his face didn't change, the brief smile on my face faded. He hadn't spoken for four years? Was that even possible? I stared at him with surprise for a few moments. Or minutes, rather. Imagine me trying not to talk for that long. I would absolutely go mental.

  "What do you do when people come to visit you?" I questioned, cocking my head to the side with confusion.

  "You're the only one who has." His voice was hoarse and croaky. I had to take a moment to actually process his words, as they were hard to hear. My mouth fell open. Oh my goodness. How sad was that? Not one person ever came to see him. I felt my eyes water and I reached my hand up, swiping at my eyes. He gave me a puzzled look. He began to look uncomfortable.

  "W-why are you crying?" he stuttered in bewilderment.

  "T-that's just... just really sad." I said, my eyes beginning to sting. I coughed slightly and wiped at my eyes again.

  "Jesus," he muttered, running a hand through his greasy, ratty hair. "You've always been a weird one."

  I frowned at the term he used, but didn't bother saying anything on it. I guess it's just a blessing that he was speaking at all. "You don't talk to other... people in here?"

  "If you knew them, you wouldn't either."

  I nibbled at my lip. "On Prison Break there are some good ones."

  He just stared at me flatly and I scratched my forehead. Okay, he probably hasn't seen the show then...

  "Are you mad at me?" I asked, deciding to change subjects.

  "I was." he said, leaning back in his chair, never breaking eye contact with me. "But, I've had a lot of time to think in here. So much time to realise how messed up I was."

  I didn't know how to reply to that, so I didn't. When silence yet again lapsed, it was his turn to ask a question.

  "Why did you come?"

  "I... have trouble sleeping at night sometimes. I always think about you and how we left many issues unresolved. I thought we might be able to... try and move on or something. I don't know."

  He blinked at me. "Move on?"

  "Yeah..." I trailed off nervously.

  "If it wasn't for you, my father would be alive."

  "Actually, you're the one who targeted me in the first place," I snapped back without hesitation. "If you had left me alone, we never would have ended up in a situation like this."

  He groaned, running his hands roughly over his face. "I know, argh, you're giving me a migraine."

  I huffed, folding my arms across my chest.

  "Look, we're both on the wrong I guess."

  I bit my tongue in order to say that I don't think I really did much wrong, but I thought that wouldn't be a good idea. I just nodded.

  "I'm sorry. For everything."

  "I'm sorry too," he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck. "I made your life miserable."

  "Yeah."

  "Well, that's in the past now, right?" he asked.

  "Yeah, it is." I said. "I'm not looking to become best friends with you or whatever, but I wanted us to have an understanding."

  "We've both matured a lot. We're different now."

  "Yeah, I agree on that."

  He brought his hand forward. I did too and we shook hands. The guard sighed and came over to us. "Hands please."

  We both flipped over to our palms as he examined them. He searched around and once he was satisfied we weren't trading substances or whatever, he nodded and disappeared again.

  "Well, it was nice... talking to you, Daniel." I said, rising again. This time I was successful. He rose as well.

  "Will you come back?"

  His question threw me off guard. I hadn't thought about that. I thought seeing him alone would be enough to send me back home and to never come back. I honestly didn't think this trip would be successful, but hey, it was worth a try.

  "Do you want me to?"

  "I think I would... like that?" he said but it came out more of a question.

  "Well Daniel, if that's what you want, I'll come back." I said with a small smile. "If you're lucky, I might even bake you something."

  His eyes lit up. "Really?"

  A full smile stretched onto my face. "Really."

  "Wow... thanks Emma. I really thought you would hate me."

  "I thought you would hate me too."

  "Alright guys, time is up." the Guard said, clapping his hands. "Say your goodbyes please."

  I bit my lip. "Well, I shall see you soon."

  He nodded at me. "Okay."

  With a last, small smile, I turned and left.

  Resolving issues with that man, really took a burdening weight off my shoulders.

  "ARE YOU CRAZY WOMAN?!" Mel's voice raged at me, while she slapped me upside the head. I yelped out in surpris
e, waving her away from me.

  "Mel!"

  "I cannot believe you went to see Daniel!"

  "But I-"

  "Without me!"

  I stopped, a smile forming on my face. "Oh... ha."

  "Nothing funny about it." she replied moodily, her voice dropping back to its usual pitch. "And you waited to tell me after you got back. What kind of best friend are you?"

  "Mel," I said, frowning. "It was something I needed to do on my own."

  "A phone call wouldn't have hurt."

  "Sorry."

  "Sure you are."

  "Well, we sorted things out. I left with no grudges or regrets."

  "Want a medal?"

  "Mel." I said flatly, crossing my arms across my chest. "Can you get over yourself and be a little supportive for me?"

  "I don't know, that's asking a massive favour." she sighed dramatically.

  I rolled my eyes at her. I opened my mouth to retort, when I heard light footsteps. I turned my head, seeing Courtney, Mel's beautiful little girl, running towards me, her arms over her head, waving hysterically.

  "AUNTY EMMA!" she cried out.

  I stood up and threw my arms out. She ran into my and I lifted her, spinning her around. I stopped and let my arms wrap around her. I smiled at her as she beamed back. She had blonde, curly ringlets and round, bright blue eyes.

  She was stunning already.

  "Hey, how are you going, Courtney? Alright?" I asked her, bringing my hand up and softly poking her on the nose.

  She laughed out loud, her cheeks rosy red. "I'm good!"

  "That's good."

  "Did you eat your carrots sticks?" Mel asked, coming over and looking at her. Her eyes studied her face.

  Courtney looked at me and I gasped in over dramatic shock. "Don't tell me you forgot, Court!"

  "Oopsie..."

  "Courtney." Melanie said in a firm voice. "You know you need to eat your carrot sticks or you can't watch Despicable Me."

  "Nooo!"

  "Courtney." she said in a warning tone and her face fell.

  "Yes, mum."

  "Now go and eat them please. They're on the bench."

  She nodded and I slowly let her down. She quickly ran off. I'm not sure why, but kids seemed to run everywhere. I just don't have the energy to do that anymore.

  "Anyway, I better go." I said with a sigh, turning and looking at my best friend. "I should go spend some time with Jase. I'll see you tomorrow."

  "Love ya," she said, wrapping her slim arms around my neck. I returned the hug instantly.

  "Love you too."

  I turned and sang out goodbye to Courtney, before I skipped down the steps. I slid into my car, (yeah, I have my own now), before I started the engine. I slid my sunglasses up the bridge of my nose and adjusted my mirror. When I looked up, a scream left my lips.

  "AAAAAAH!"

  "Hey," he replied casually, sprawling across my back seat like he owned it. "What's up, Em?"

  "Chase," I sighed through my nose. "Why do you make it a habit to sneak into my car? It's getting weird."

  "You like me weird."

  I pursed my lips and he smirked at me.

  "Where is Britney?" I asked, deciding on changing the subject.

  "At the gym. I'm supposed to meet her there, so we can walk home together."

  "So... aren't you supposed to be there?"

  "I wanted to stop in for a chat with you first."

  "And now that you have..." I trailed off.

  "Want to give me a lift?"

  I rolled my eyes. "I guess so."

  "Yay!" he burst out.

  As you can see, five years later, Chase still hasn't matured. He sat in the middle of the back seat, and put his seat belt on, like a good little boy. I backed out and took a different route, so I was heading towards the gym.

  I pulled into the car park and turned off the engine, getting out. Chase did the same and quirked an eyebrow at me.

  "Hm?"

  "Well, I'm going to come in and say hi." I told him in a duh tone. I walked in and smiled to Barnie, the guy who owns the Gym. "Hey Barnie. I'm just stopping in to say hi to a friend, I'm not going to be staying long."

  "That's fine Emma. How's Jason? Haven't seen him in for a couple of days." he replied back, wiping down the bench with sanitiser.

  "Business is pretty busy at the moment, but I'm sure he'll come around soon."

  "He better," he joked.

  I smiled up at him, before I heard my name get called. Well, shouted. I looked over and saw Britney. She sprinted at me, wrapping her arms around me tightly. She squeezed me and I sucked in a breath of surprise.

  "I know I'm sweaty, but I don't care," she laughed, stepping back.

  Over the years, Britney and I have gotten really close actually. We weren't best friends like Mel and I were, but we were good friends. We hung out a fair bit. Chase and her were living together in town. They seemed pretty happy with each other. (I still like to remind them that it was my, Emma Ross, The Love Doctor skills that had them still together).

  "That's okay," I grinned. "I had to give this dag a lift over here as he ambushed me in my car. Again."

  She rolled her eyes. "Doesn't surprise me."

  "Are you going to tell her?" Chase asked, materialising by our side. He quickly pecked her lips, before stepping back.

  "I'd rather not just dump it all on her at once, Chase." she frowned.

  "Tell me what?"

  "Well..."

  "We're moving to America." Chase grinned, hooking two thumbs up. "She has shown me around Australia, so I'm going to show her America."

  "Oh my God!" I cried out. "Are you serious?"

  "Yep. I have already applied for some jobs over there." she told me, smiling.

  "Wow! When are you moving?"

  "Umm, that's the thing..."

  "Two weeks." Chase butted in, beaming.

  Britney sighed at him. My jaw dropped. I looked in between the both of them. They were moving across the world in two weeks?

  "But..." I trailed off, my eyes beginning to water. "T-that's really soon..."

  "Aw, Emma!" Britney said, wrapping me up in her embrace again. "I'll still talk to you all the time! We can Skype."

  "But it won't be the same!" I said, tears welling up.

  "You're going to make me cry now," Britney said, wiping the corners of her eyes. She had changed so much in the past few years. She had changed from her so called 'friends' and finally stood up to her mum. She was a really good person now, with good friends and a boyfriend who adored her.

  "I'm going to have to throw you a 'going away' party!"

  "Oh, a party!" Chase said, fist-pumping. "Can I come? Pretty please?"

  "It would be your party, idiot." Britney laughed, a tear sliding down her cheek.

  I smiled at the two. "Ugh, I'm going to miss you both so much."

  "Let's not think about it!" she said, waving it off. "We have a party to plan!"

  "Yeah we do!" I grinned. "I'll go start making reservations now!"

  She laughed. "Okay, sounds good."

  "Can we get some ice cream on the way home?" Chase asked, completely changing the subject. "I'm hungry."

  Britney and I exchanged a look before rolling our eyes.

  "I'll leave you two to it." I said.

  "Okay, I'll see you soon."

  "Alright," I laughed, hugging them both once more, before I turned to leave. I hopped back in my car and let myself just sit there for a few moments. I know I'd still talk to them a lot, but it wouldn't be the same. I was really going to miss Britney.

  I wiped my eyes and exhaled, starting up the car. I rolled my lips into my mouth and drove off, back home. I wonder what Jason would think about this. I pulled into the driveway and removed the sunnies from my face.

  What a hectic day, it had been. First, I had gone and visited the man that once had made my life miserable and we were actually okay. Now, one of my closest friends were moving across the world.

&
nbsp; I got out, taking a few calming breaths. Jason would be glad to hear Daniel and I are okay with each other now. Well, not exactly okay, but we were one step closer than we were yesterday, that's for sure. I took two steps on the porch, before being swept off my feet.

  Literally.

  Jason swiped me up, bridal style, locking lips with me. I hadn't even realised he was there. I wrapped my arms around his neck, responding instantly, surprised at this greeting.

  I pulled back, grinning. "Okay?"

  He slowly lowered me down, without a word. I quirked an eyebrow and then he did something that made my heart drop. He slowly sunk down onto one knee. I gasped. Really? He was doing this right now?

  "Emma..."

  "YES, YES, YES!!!" I squealed, jumping up and down, clapping my hands together enthusiastically. I was so excited!

  "I haven't asked you yet..."

  "ARGH!" I screamed, jogging on the spot and jumping up and down like a child. "Okay, quick ask so we can celebrate!"

  He laughed, rolling his eyes. He opened the little box that was clutched in his hand. "Will you marry me, Emma?"

  "AH!" I grabbed his shirt and hauled him to his feet. I smashed my lips to his roughly, tangling my fingers in his hair. I crushed my body to his, feeling ecstasy spike through my body. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes, Jason."

  He smiled at me, cupping my face. "I love you."

  "I love you!"

  He wrapped his arms around my waist and I rested my chin onto his shoulder. I squeezed him tightly, letting my excitement pour into him. Okay, I thought this day had been hectic before Jason had proposed to me.

  Ah, now I would be getting married! I would have to call Mel, as soon as possible. We'll need to make arrangements. I began already running ideas through my head.

  "Oh, it went well with Daniel, by the way." I told him, pulling back so I could look into his eyes. "I'm going to keep visiting him."

  "Can I come with you?" he asked, surprising me even more. He pulled the ring out from the box and it slid easily down my finger. I bit my lip, feeling giddy. I had always thought about this day. I never thought it would come so soon!