The Best Thing for Me

  "What do we do now?" I murmured, more to myself then anyone.

  "Kill the b*stard."

  "I mean about Daniel."

  "Oh." he sat down roughly beside me, his face still blotchy and red. "I really thought a good bashing would do the trick."

  "Mm." I replied absently.

  The situation was that my Mum was now dating my enemy’s father. Who may or may not be using her as some sort of plan of revenge or attack on me. Of course this would happen. Just when I was really happy with everything. I let out a frustrated groan and threw myself backwards, staring up at the ceiling.

  There was just so much drama.

  "How did it go?" I blurted as soon as Mel walked through the door. Her eyes scanned her room until they landed on me. A grin stretched across her face and she collapsed beside me.

  "Bad news - I'm definitely pregnant." she began. "But good news is - so far the baby is fine and healthy.”

  “Oh wow.”

  "Yup," she replied, popping the 'p'. "Luke is handling things really well now."

  "That's great, Mel." I beamed.

  Mel had just returned from her first pregnancy check-up. I would have gone, but I didn't want to intrude. Both her parents attended and Luke. I just waited in her room for her to tell me when she came back.

  "I can't drink anymore." she complained, a wrinkle creasing her forehead.

  I smirked. "Sucked in."

  "Suck it."

  "Don't tempt me," I joked.

  She rolled her eyes and slapped me. "That was a very non-Emma-like thing to say. Anyway, how did Jason take the whole: I-pashed-Chase-and-liked-it-thing?"

  "I-I didn't like it!" I stammered, my cheeks burning as I whipped my head to her.

  "Oh yes, that's why you didn't pull away Emma."

  "B-but, I... uhm..."

  "Stress less Princess." she snickered. "I won't tell on you."

  "But you don't understand-"

  "Oh I do. All too well. You have the hots for a certain Americano."

  "I do not!"

  "Uh huh," she nodded, looking very unconvinced. "Right."

  "Mel!"

  "Emma!"

  "Stop it!" I growled, frowning at her.

  "It's the truth though."

  "N-no it's not. Shoosh!"

  "Ooh. You're telling me to 'shoosh'. Pulling out the big guns now aren't we?"

  "Stop it!" I cried, my cheeks flaming red.

  She smirked at me. "You get so worked up."

  "I'm leaving." I stated, standing.

  "Don't be like that," she teased. "Let's go eat."

  "No."

  "Come on."

  She got up as well and latched onto my hand, dragging me behind her. I stomped after her as we began to walk down town. Even though the wind was cool, the weather was overall pretty warm. I inhaled a deep, breath of the fresh air.

  "What do you want it to be?" I asked her quietly.

  "The baby?" she questioned, cocking her head to the side. "A girl."

  I nodded. "I don't think I'd mind what gender I'd have."

  "Fair enough."

  We entered the fish 'n' chip shop. We ordered and lounged out on the medal seats perched near the entrance. Mel leaned back, stretching, her shirt lifting exposing her belly. I gazed at it for a moment. It was just flat. It was hard to believe a little Melanie or Luke was growing inside there. I chewed at my lip, thinking about the whole situation.

  "Don't look at my fat!" she exclaimed.

  I shook my head at her. "It'll get a whole lot worse."

  "Shut up."

  I stuck my tongue out at her childishly. I slurped on my slushy loudly as we waited. We didn't have to wait long before our number was called and I padded up to the counter. I almost choked on my own saliva at who handed me my chips.

  "Daniel?"

  "Ew." he responded, screwing up his face. "What are you doing here?"

  My mouth dropped open slightly. Oh yes, saying 'ew' to someone who he almost tried to sexually assault! Angry thoughts swirled around in my mind and I narrowed my eyes at him.

  "Getting food, Einstein."

  He made a face at me, obviously not enjoying my 'Einstein' comment. His eyes travelled over my body and I felt like slapping his face. How dare he check me out! I wanted to strangle this boy. I was such a hypocrite, telling Jason he couldn't hit anyone when I was really wanting to do that exact thing to someone else.

  "So, the news is you're trying to get revenge on me via Rachel?" I asked casually, running my finger in circular patterns on the bench.

  "W-what!?" Daniel sputtered, staring at me. "How'd you know that?"

  "I have many sources, Daniel." I tsked, feeling a lot bolder then I actually was. "Now, pass me my food. I'm famished."

  Speechlessly, he handed it over.

  "Oh," I said, turning back around. "And if you hurt her in anyway, I'm going to the Police. I have evidence on you buddy. Stuff you don't even want to know about."

  His jaw dropped further, if possible at my bluff as I spun on my heel and exited. Once I was free from his gaze, I exhaled.

  "You would have been so impressed just then!" I cheered to Mel triumphantly. "I lied so fluently."

  "I'm very proud of you." she grinned, raising her hand. After a dorky high-five, we found a spot to sit under the shade of a tree, near the local park. I sat on my folded legs and opened the wrapper, hunting down any crunchy chips.

  "Do you think Daniel will leave me alone now?" I asked hopefully.

  Mel turned to me. "Nope, not a chance."

  I sighed deeply through my nose.

  This was going to be a long year.

  48

  I could almost hear the clock ticking ever so slowly as I sat on my bed, legs folded underneath me, a book planted in my hands. Rachel, well, Mum... was meant to be coming over tonight for some 'bonding' time. I plan to confront her about seeing someone else behind Dad's back.

  After having read the same line about seven times, I gave up on trying to read. With a sigh, I packed the book away and rested back on my pillow, my eyes heavy. I let myself relax for a while, trying to get my mind off the slower-then-a-snail time. I heard a knock and a sing-song voice call out and I bounded from my bed and out to the door. I wrenched open the door, coming face to face with her. A grin lit up her face instantly and she pulled me into a tight hug.

  "Hi honey."

  "Mum," I said stiffly with a nod. I took a step back, breaking contact with her. With a warm smile, she entered, looking around.

  "Is James around?" she questioned.

  "Can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked, avoiding her question and trying to maintain eye contact with her. "In my room, please?"

  "Sure?"

  I inclined my head and she fell into step with me. We entered my room and I shut the door behind me quietly. I leaned back on it with my arms folded. I surveyed her quickly. She had a nice, red top on with some dark jeans. She looked lovely. I took a moment to study her. That was an outfit I would wear.

  "Are you seeing someone else?" I blurted out, going directly to the point.

  Her eyes widened slightly, her lips parted. She stared at me in surprise for a couple of moments, before sighing deeply. "I am."

  I nodded, biting my lip. "Does he know?"

  "No..."

  "Of course he doesn't. Just like the first time, right?" I asked bitterly, anger boiling up inside me to the extent of me wanting to physically hit something. My Dad was a good person and an amazing father. How she could continuously do this to him was infuriating.

  "You don't understand, Emma."

  "Then enlighten me?"

  She pursed her lips at me, shifting her weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably. "This isn't the right time."

  "The right time?" I echoed. "I think it's perfect."

  "Was that you, Rachel?" I heard my Dad's voice filter through. I ground my teeth together when she yelled back.

  "We'll talk about this later."

  "Yes
." I said flatly. "We will."

  She brushed passed me and opened the door, walking away briskly. My upper lip curled slightly as I saw her go and hug him, planting a kiss half on his lips, half on his cheek. I felt my face grow hot and my fists clench.

  But... I didn't have the heart to tell Dad about it. With angry tears in my eyes, I swallowed back a lump in my throat and marched to the kitchen. I took a swig of water and rested onto the counter, relaxing my breathing.

  I just had to repeat the line that everything was going to be alright.

  "Darn," I muttered with a wince. "Go again."

  We twisted knuckles and just as I noticed his hand move, his knuckles crushed down on mine. I yelped, jumping away.

  "Ugh, this is a stupid game." I grumbled.

  Jason smirked. "Just because you lost..."

  "Um, no..."

  "Sure."

  I punched his shoulder lightly and he laughed at me. I had stayed the night at his last night and still hadn't gone home. Rachel had spent the night. I know she was my mum and it was amazing, beyond words, to have her back, but now that she was lying and being secretive again, I was avoiding her like the plague.

  So I was hiding at Jason's.

  "I don't want you to leave, but you must realise you can't avoid Rachel forever."

  "I know, I know." I sighed. "But I'd like to spend time with you."

  "Okay, I know mum isn't home again, but I thought we had a good enough time last night. I didn't think you'd be ready for round two already."

  My cheeks flamed red and I slapped him in the chest. "Jason!"

  His smirk grew. "I like getting you hot and bothered."

  "S-stop it!" I scolded him. "I don't... don't like it!"

  He wrapped an arm around my neck and crushed my face into his chest. "Aw, my little munchkin."

  "Don't call me that!"

  "Why not, munchkin?"

  "I'm going to go now." I deadpanned, getting up.

  I tried to get up but his arms snaked around my hips and reefed me back down. I gasped and he crawled on top of me. "Don't go."

  "Why not?"

  "Because..."

  I arched my neck and pressed my lips briefly on his. "I probably should go. I need to talk to Rachel."

  "When will you be back?" he complained, rolling off me. I sat up and faced him, shrugging.

  "Tomorrow?"

  "Okay." he beamed.

  I smiled at him and gave him a hug. "Bye."

  "See you," he murmured on my neck, sending a shockwave of shivers down my spine. I got up and almost ran out of the room before I let myself not want to leave. I charged up my hill and entered the house.

  "Hey little Chow," I grinned, swooping Charlie up into my arms as he had rushed to the door as he heard my arrival. "You sexy beast."

  I let him down and he began running circles around my feet. I stared at him in amusement before I heard laughing.

  "He sure does get excited when you get home." Rachel said.

  I looked up at her. "Mm."

  "How was your stay at Jason's?"

  "Good." I replied, walking over and resting on the arm of the chair. "How was your night here?"

  "Great."

  "That's good. We still need to talk."

  She sighed, checking over her shoulder. "Not now."

  "Yes now." I snapped, narrowing my arms. "Tell me, or I'm going to Dad."

  She pursed her lips at me again, frowning. "Look, I'm doing this for you."

  "For me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Huh?"

  She sighed again. "Daniel was going to press charges on Luke for the murder of Mark Mayor."

  My heart plummeted into my stomach and my mouth completely dried out.

  "What?" I squawked.

  "So, I'm now "dating" Jacob, his father, to sort of get him off it. Trust me, it's not exactly a fun situation."

  "Oh my God."

  "And what's worse..." she trailed off, her lower lip quivering.

  "What?"

  "He knows all about my witness protection and he's willing to go spread it around town that I'm not exactly... well, dead."

  I felt tears well in my eyes.

  I just can't get a break.

  49

  Jason Mayor

  My hand slapped the end of the pool and with a somersault as I propelled myself forward, concluding my final lap. I had been at the pool for about three hours now. My arms felt like lead and my heart felt heavy inside my chest.

  I just needed to have some quality swimming time. It allowed me to chill out. The feeling of the cool water running across my muscles was pure bliss. I finally finished and with my remaining energy, pushed myself over the edge and collapsed, my chest rising and falling rapidly. If I wasn't so soaked in water, I knew sweat would be positively dripping from my skin.

  "I think you outdid yourself," the gym teacher laughed, squatting beside me. One hand was raised, half-cupping her face in an attempt the shield herself from the sun. She open-mouth chewed on a piece of gum and winked at me, which was slightly creepy. "I really think you need to reconsider joining the relay team."

  "I was going to join, but the position I wanted was filled." I spat, sitting up and using one of the diving blocks for support. I allowed my eyes to drift shut as exhaustion swept over me. My heart was absolutely racing from my intense work out. I have no idea how many laps I did, but it was a fair amount. The most amount I've done in probably... well years, I think.

  "Yes and Arnold transferred schools last week, leaving the free style position open."

  My ears perked up and I opened one eye in interest, liking what I hear. Good old Arnold. He had been a friend of mine. We weren't close exactly, which made it easier when he dogged me. Everyone knows I'm the free style man. It's my thing, you know? And he never wanted to join the team, until I said so. At the try outs, he came in late and beat my time by a couple of seconds. He was so proud. Me... let's just say I was not happy.

  "We've had a meeting and the majority voted you, Jason. We want you on our team. You've improved a lot since try outs."

  I sort of felt like they were using me. They didn't want me when I offered and now that the person they chose over me was gone, I was worthy? I felt like saying no, to keep my pride, but I did really want to join the team. I never had taken swimming seriously until this last year. I had just done it for fun, but now I really enjoyed trying to beat my scores and all that. Also, it brought out the competitive side in me.

  "I'll think about it?" I offered.

  "Okay," she said, slapping my shoulder roughly, jolting my forwards, causing my eyes to snap open. "Get back to me, yeah?"

  "Sure."

  With a head nod, she got up and took off to her next victim. I sat there for a while, just thinking about it. I felt the sun dry up the water droplets on my skin. I heard footsteps and thin, tanned legs appeared in my eye sight.

  "Hey hey," her beautiful voice greeted. Those amazing legs folded and she sat beside me. She leaned over and brushed her soft, pink lips across mine, sending my heart into a slight spasm. "How was your swim?"

  "Great," I answered. I was mostly dry, so I wrapped my arm around her. She squeaked when she felt my wet hair rub against her and I smirked despite myself.

  "Jason!" she protested, trying to wriggle free from my grip.

  "What?" I asked innocently, pinching her cheek. Her face tinged pink and I bit the side of my cheek, to stop myself smiling. She was so cute. "Do you think I should join the relay team?"

  She turned her bright, green orbs to me. "Yes! I think you'd go really well."

  I nodded and sat there allowing my thumb to caress her arm. I absently ran my fingers down her arm as I was deep in thought. "I must admit I would like to have a go at it."

  "You should." she smiled encouragingly. "It would be fun."

  "Hm."

  "Come on, you look exhausted." She got up and pressed her palm against mine, reefing me up beside her. "Let's go get you warm again."

  I p
laced both my arms over her shoulders and leaned on her as she slowly made her way back to the stands, where my bag and towel was. I rested my chin on her shoulder and it bumped up and down with her strides. As she grabbed my stuff, I let myself kiss her neck. She stiffened instantly. I rubbed the sides of her hips and she relaxed back against me. I nipped at the nape of her neck and I heard her sigh.

  "No touching," the gym teacher barked, coming towards us. "Jason, Emma, you should know the rules by now."

  Emma jerked away from me and turned, breaking off the contact. "Yes, ma'am."

  "Get going now." she ordered. I narrowed my eyes at her but decided not to comment. I shuddered a little thinking if I did try out for the relay team and got it, I'd be spending three out of my seven afternoons with her. Two periods a week is enough for me.

  As Emma and I began to make our way back to the car, our arms brushed together and I felt a little bit of electricity spike through my body I wanted to take her to the car... in the back seat. Just as I was thinking about how to go forward with the plan she turned, causing me to bump into her.

  She snaked her arms around my hips and planted a kiss on my lips. "I need to talk to you about something. Something serious. But only if you're not too tired to hear my drama."

  "Please tell me it's what I'm thinking about." I said lightly, trying to ease the worry in her eyes and the wrinkle in her forehead. All this stuff with school and everything really had her down sometimes. I hated seeing her upset. It made me upset too.

  The corners of her mouth twitched as she fought off a smile. "Probably not..."

  "Can it wait?" I asked, running my fingers down her arm again, leaning closer so that our bodies pressed closer together.

  "I'll tell you on the way. I'm driving." she plucked the keys from my bag and threw it in the back seat. I frowned as she smirked, going around and slipping into the driver's seat. Okay, so not what I was hoping for, but anyway.

  She explained what happened to her mum and why she was with Daniel's Dad. My fists curled into balls and I clenched my jaw as the words poured out of her mouth. I death stared the window of my car, positively glowing.