The Best Thing for Me

  "Yeah." was all I said.

  She squeezed my shoulder, before I heard her get up and leave.

  I just couldn't get my mind of Emma.

  Emma Ross

  "Oh yeah you got cho' butt whipped!"

  "Did not."

  "Did so."

  "No."

  "Yes."

  "Nu-uh."

  "Yu-uh."

  "Nope."

  "Yup."

  He let out a frustrated sigh, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

  "Such a fluke!"

  "It was not!"

  We had a stare down. His arms were folded and I hugged my blanket closer to me, narrowing my eyes.

  "I demand a rematch."

  "Let's do it." I challenged, trying hard not to smirk.

  Oh yeah. As you can see, I'm back from the hospital. I'm having a few days off school, for 'healing' and observational purposes. I currently was playing a game of Mario-Cart with Luke and he just couldn't handle that I was a lot better than him.

  Victory was sweet.

  After flogging him, yet again, he threw the controller on the ground, standing up.

  "Aw," I cooed. "Want a tissue?"

  He made a growling sound before stomping back to his room. I rolled my eyes. He was such a little boy sometimes. I didn't help the situation, by teasing him, but I just couldn't help myself.

  "I won fair and square, right?" I asked Charlie.

  He lifted his head, stared at me for a moment, before going back to sleep.

  "Yeah, exactly." I nodded.

  I went to get up when my Dad pushed me back down. I jumped in fright, not noticing he had come in. How embarrassing, I'd been talking to the dog. Well, I guess he would be used to it by now. Charlie was practically human. He acted like one.

  "No moving today. Doctor's orders."

  "What about when I have to pee?" I asked, frowning.

  "Some exceptions, then."

  "I'm hungry." I complained, switching subjects.

  Yes, I did realise I sounded like a whiny brat, but tough luck, my head hurts and I had just come back from the hospital for the second time in a few months. I think I had a right to complain.

  "What would you like?" he asked, placing one hand on his hip as he stared down at me. I couldn't help notice he looked tired. He'd been offered a big job and he'd been up all night planning for it. Looking after me wasn't helping. I'd already argued I could look after myself, but he insisted on staying.

  "Um." I went through a list of choices in my head, pausing at an easy option. "Chicken noodles?"

  "Alright."

  I fist-pumped and he rolled his eyes, exiting the lounge room. I sighed, resting back. My head was beginning to hurt again. Not just that slight throb, but where it spreads to the front of my forehead and feels as though it's trickling into the back of my eyes. Obviously time for my pain meds. As if Dad read my thoughts, when he came back, he presented my water and my pills.

  "Thanks," I said gratefully, swallowing them down.

  "You're welcome." he replied with a smile. "Did you want me to put Prison Break on?"

  I blinked at him. "My respect level for you just went up an increasing amount."

  He just laughed, putting a fourth season disc in. I snuggled into the lounge, absently patting Charlie. I couldn't help grinning when the hunk of sexy, known as my celebrity crush, came onto the screen. (Michael, the main star).

  I don't know how it was possible to fall asleep in such an amazing show, but, I did. I woke up to the couch dipping beside me and the sound of a packet being opened. Honey filled my nostrils as I glanced down, noticing honey soy chips hovering under my nose. I ran my eyes up the arm, finding them rest on the eyeliner eyes of my best friend. I grinned instantly, stretching out.

  "Sup!"

  "Did you say soup?" She asked, mimicking my voice.

  My grin dropped and I glared at her. "Don't remind me of one of the many embarrassing stunts I did in front of Jason."

  She rolled her eyes, pinching my cheek with her thumb and finger. "Too cute."

  I made a face and she just laughed. "Anyway. I'm staying the night and wagging school, just for you."

  "Wagging tomorrow?"

  She nodded. "Yup. Well, it's not really wagging since the rents' arranged it."

  "They did?"

  "Yup." she said again, but this time popping the 'p'.

  I frowned. "I don't need a babysitter."

  "Well, you're in recovery, so yes. You do." My frown increased as I stared at her bright grin. "Besides, it's moi you're talking about. We can just hang all day."

  I sighed. "That does sound nice."

  Her grin widened. "There you go."

  I shook my head, facing the T.V again. "Prison Break time?"

  She let out a breath. "Again. Why not?"

  I grinned, re-starting the episode.

  Soon enough though, I was asleep again.

  "Beautiful."

  "Pfft."

  "No seriously. You look really nice."

  "Uh-huh."

  "Just shut up and take the compliment."

  I narrowed my eyes but didn't argue further.

  I quickly brushed my teeth, sparing a glance in the mirror. My hair was curled perfectly, resting down on the edge on my elbows. I had light make-up on, but my eyelashes were long today. I grinned at them. I loved my eyes when Mel did them.

  "Ready to go?"

  "No." The grin on my face dropped instantly.

  "Come on." she ignored me lack of enthusiasm, grabbing my shoulders and guiding me out the front door.

  Yesterday had been good. We'd just hung out, like she said we would. I got another 'make-over' type thing and was pampered non-stop. I have to admit, it was growing on me.

  Another plus, was now, and since Mel had stayed yet another night, I had a lift to school, saving me from walking. Also, if I had any signs of blurry vision or increasing headaches, I was to call Luke, Dad or Mel's parents instantly.

  I'd gotten a lecture this morning. I had just protested I should stay at home, but I was going to fall behind in work if I didn't start attending. I had been grumbling all morning.

  "Earth to Emz?"

  "Huh?" I asked, coming out of my mental rant.

  She frowned. "We're here."

  I looked out, and realised we were indeed parked in front of the school. I sighed. Back yet again. "Oh."

  "Go on," she urged, giving me a gentle push.

  I gave her a quick hug before sliding out of the car. "Thanks Mel. I owe ya."

  She just waved it off. She gave me one last dazzling smile before taking off out of the car park. I hitched my bag further up my shoulders and walked in, keeping my head low. Soon enough, like always, even though I was trying to keep a low profile, it didn't quite happen.

  I ran smack-bang into a heard chest. I re-bounded, crying out in surprise. A hand gripped my arm, rather hard, steadying me. I looked up, seeing glaring eyes meeting mine. He let go of me abruptly, making me stumble backwards.

  "Watch where you're going next time." he growled.

  "Okay..." I said, still confused at his rudeness. "Sorry."

  "You should be." He pushed past me.

  I stared at the back of Daniel, one of the six 'It' boys, as he strode away. I stood there, blinking stupidly. Now, that was just un-called for. He obviously wasn't watching where he was going either. This just added more to my grumbling mood. I stomped over to my table, plopping onto the hard, blue bench that was attached to the school tables.

  "Morning Emma." Penny said brightly. "How's the head?"

  "Morning." I responded. "And eh. It's okay."

  "That was a hard hit." she nodded.

  "Were you there?" I asked.

  "Yeah."

  I narrowed my eyes in paranoia. "Where were you exactly?"

  "In class. I swear I heard the crack though." she said breezily, oblivious to my bristly attitude.

  I studied her closely as she turned and began babbling
to one of other members of the group. I watched her suspiciously. The bell rang, interrupting my thoughts. I stood up, and made my way to my locker. I opened it, seeing a piece of paper stuck inside, on the door. My stomach did a little dip and I swallowed nervously.

  Mark...

  I tore it down and ripped it open.

  Okay, weird.

  I re-read the line a couple of times in my head, to make sure I wasn't making this up.

  ' It's your turn. Surprise me. ;) - J '

  Surprise me?

  As in, when he dragged me into the storage cupboard? He wanted me. Me of all people, to attempt to do something well planned?

  Was he out of his mind?

  Did he not realise how awkward I was?

  Of course something was going to go disastrously wrong.

  I sighed, shoving it deep in my pocket and slamming the door shut. I hurried to my next class, snatching my usual seat in the back. He strolled in. Our eyes met, briefly, and he winked. He kept going, casually, as if that one look didn't send me butterflies. I licked my lips, looking down at the table.

  Me, plan a surprise thing?

  Not a good idea.

  I sighed again. The teacher chose to enter the classroom then, and my thoughts drifted off as I started to take in algebra. The lesson flew by quickly and I was on my way out when he brushed past me and whispered extremely quietly; "Get my message?"

  I looked up and nodded once. He grinned before slinging his bag over his shoulder and walking off with Jeremy. I stared at him, before dragging my eyes to the ground. I felt my face flood with heat, so I made sure my hair covered my face.

  Okay so, I needed to start planning. I should definitely confide in Mel for this. Her plans were more efficient than mine usually. I couldn't help smile a bit though.

  It was kind of exciting.

  Well... I needed to get cracking.

  30

  "Get up."

  "Why?"

  "Because I said so."

  "But I'm so warm."

  "There's no time for that. I need to prepare you."

  "I don't wanna'," I complained, burying my face deeper into my pillow.

  Suddenly, the sheets were ripped from me, the harsh cold morning air replacing it. I opened my eyes, frowning up at my best friend, who only beamed back. Her cheeks were flushed red and her eyes wide and bright. I could only guess she'd snuck into Luke's room this morning.

  "Up. Now."

  I obeyed, but grumbled the entire time. I shuffled into the bathroom, did the usual and slapped some cold water on my face, to help me wake more. I let out a startled gasp as I looked at my reflection. My usual just wavy hair was in full ringlets. I groaned, trudging back out.

  "It's raining, isn't it?"

  "Yup."

  My hair always turned curly when the weather was cold and there were showers. It must only be soft though, I couldn't hear it hitting the roof very loudly. But now that I listened more carefully, I could make out the soft pitters of the rain, as if it were dancing on the roof.

  I had hardly enough time to swallow down my piece of toast before I was being savagely pushed up the stairs, trying not to choke on my food.

  "Settle down." I muttered.

  I passed Charlie on the way. He greeted me with his tail wagging and licking my toes. I did not see the appeal in that, what so ever. He then trotted down the stairs and disappeared.

  "Sit."

  "You're in a bossy mood today," I muttered and she rolled her eyes.

  She applied some foundation, blush, eyeliner, eye shadow and mascara, before allowing me to spare a glance in the mirror. She then curled my hair, more properly then my natural ones. I sat quietly, listen to her ramble.

  We had decided on what I'd do to surprise Jason. We would meet after school, in a town twenty minutes away, underneath a bridge there. We'd sorted it all out. It was really pretty under there. It most often had couples having lunch on the edge of the water. It was pretty deserted on school days though.

  Mel was going to keep watch for any Mark followers. I'd written up a note to inform Jason of this already.

  Once Mel was finished with her 'masterpiece', (yeah, she practically described me as her art work), she drove me to school. She peeled out of the car park and I waltzed in. I sat down at the table, remaining casual and cool. (Well, as much as I can be, you know how I am).

  I slowly walked to my locker once the bell rang, killing time. I wanted the majority of the crowd to have vacated the corridor, before I risked slipping the note into his locker. When there were only a few stragglers lingering, I did the whole speed walk and slip in stealthily.

  I made sure it was definitely his locker, because how embarrassing would that be if I got a random? It wouldn't surprise me if something like that happened, so I had made a mental note of the small graffiti in the right corner about him being 'the man' or something silly like that.

  After that, I hurried to class, slipping into my seat. I kept my head down, after meeting his blue eyes once. I gave a tiny twitch of my lips, indicated a small smile, before averting my gaze, before I ended up in a full-blown grin which could potentially give away everything.

  I barely even listened throughout the lesson. All I could think about what this afternoon and how excited I was. Hopefully the plan would succeed. We'd all be riding in the car together... so hopefully that wouldn't look too suspicious.

  It would have worked better if I had another friend, so we could travel separately but hey, who can you trust these days?

  Mel was going to pick Jason up from one side of the school, and the pick me up from the other. Where she was meant to pick Jason up from was out the back, where no one really goes. So hopefully, not many people will be there.

  I sat down with my pizza and dropped my bag to the ground. I was about to take a bite when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I took it out and read the message.

  'Hey, I got your note. I'll meet her out back. Don't reply, I'm on Jer's phone, but I'll delete the MSG afterward. Love you. xo '

  I tried not to smile, but my face betrayed me. I tried to ignore the bubble of over-whelming happiness in me, as I munched happily on my pizza.

  "How are you today?" I asked Penny. She had her dark ringlets in pony tail, and they rolled down her back. Her livid green eyes turned to me, searching my face. The way she did that, it made me feel over exposed and uncomfortable. She wore a sadistic smile on her face which always made it look as though she knew something about you that she shouldn’t. In this case, it was not good if she did.

  "Well," she replied. "And you?"

  "Yeah pretty good, thanks." I nodded, digging in and finishing my pizza. I gulped it down with some orange juice. I then got out my Math homework book and stared filling out the questions.

  "Have you done week six, page B?" she asked, looking at my sheet.

  "Yep, need help?"

  "Is that okay?"

  "Sure."

  She pulled it out and I ran through it with her. I was decent at Math, but English, as I've mentioned is my forte. I think it is just because I listen and ask questions in Math, that I go okay. I helped her out with the next two pages, before the bell signaled that lunch was over.

  It wasn't until the last lesson that my nerves began to settle in. I bit my lip, just thinking about it. What if something goes wrong?

  What if somebody sees us?

  Panicked thoughts began invading my mind, running through it. Maybe I didn't think this through as much as I thought...

  The bell rang. Too late to back out now. I slowly got up and made my way out the front of the school. I didn't have to wait long before I saw Mel round around the corner, pulling up directly in front of me. I hopped in, giving her a small smile. Hers fell.

  "He didn't cancel, did he?"

  "No, no. I'm just having cold feet." I admitted, hanging my head.

  "Don't worry. We've got it all under control."

  She gave me a big smile, one that was contagious. I coul
dn't help smile back. I sighed.

  "I hope so."

  We went around the back and I ducked down low, as I felt the car dip slightly, indicating the arrival of Jason.

  "Hey," he said easily.

  "Hey Jase." Mel grinned.

  I hunched over in the back, not daring a glance at him. I had to stay like this until we were out of town. She hit the accelerator and soon we were practically at the text down. Finally, I straightened myself out. I stretched.

  "Hey gorgeous," he smiled, looking at me through the mirror.

  "Aw!" Mel cooed before I could respond. "That's just so cute!"

  We both rolled our eyes. "Hey Jason."

  We chatted a bit more, before we both stepped out in the cool, the bridge in sight.

  "So, just ring me when you're ready, yeah?" She said, looking over her shoulder at me.

  "Okay."

  She took off and Jason engulfed me into a bear hug. I couldn't help return the hug with a big grin on my face. I tightened my hold around him, scared that if I let him go I wouldn’t see him again. Eventually we parted and walked hand in hand to the bridge and settled underneath it, the water lapping onto the small borderline of rocks. I watched it, entranced at its beauty. No wonder why it was such a popular destination.

  "How was your day?" he asked, turning towards me.

  I took my time to drink in his features. His blond mop of hair stylishly messy, his blue eyes boring into mine, his soft, red lips that I wanted so desperately against mine.

  "Emma?"

  "What?"

  "I asked how your day was."

  "Oh. It was good. How was yours?"

  "Yeah, pretty sweet."

  "How's your Mum been? And Jenn?"

  "They're good. Dad hasn't been home too much. He's always on call for business, so it's been better. How's your family?"

  "Yeah they're good too."

  "And Charlie?"

  I grinned. "Charlie is just Charlie. Same old."

  We exchanged more chit chat about each other’s lives before he leaned in, brushing his lips against mine. I melted against him, my heart thundering in my chest. I felt my cheeks flood with heat as he pressed me gently, so that I was lying on my back. It stayed at a steady pace before he broke, sitting back up. I joined him. Something caught the corner of my eye and I looked over his shoulder, seeing livid green eyes staring back at me.