The Best Thing for Me

  "Um, Dad?"

  "You - hit - someone!" he gasped, slapping his knee. "That's great!"

  "Most parents would usually be concerned or something." I pointed out, scratching my forehead. "But of course you find this amusing."

  "I think it's hilarious. Someone as small as you, going up and breaking up something that was pretty much a rape? By hitting someone?"

  I frowned at him. "I work out sometimes."

  He sobered up, but was still smirking at me. "How is the girl? Is she alright?"

  "A bit shaken up, but she will live."

  "That's good then."

  I shook my head at him. "What's for dinner?"

  "Steak."

  "Yum." I grinned.

  "Mel and Luke should be here any minute." he said, glancing down at his watch. With a groan, he stood up and stretched. "Better go set the table."

  He took off towards the kitchen and I turned, looking at Jason. He smiled at me, which I returned instantly. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine. I needed no further encouragement. I wrapped my arms around his neck and crushed him to me.

  Our lips began working together. He ran his hand down my side and all the way down to my thigh. He lifted it slightly so it hooked around his hip. Before I got to the stage where I wouldn't be able to stop, I slowly pulled back.

  "Dad's only in the other room." I said a little breathlessly.

  Jason pouted at me. "That just makes it exciting."

  "Gross!"

  He chuckled at me and slowly leaned back. He gave me a dirty smirk and I slapped his chest. I shook my head at him. Pervert. Before I could scold him, the front door opened. Mel and Luke strode in.

  "Thanks for knocking." I said sarcastically.

  "I used to live here." Luke shrugged.

  "And I never knock." Mel pitched in.

  I rolled my eyes. I guess they did have a valid point. I'm just glad Jason and I stopped before they came. We exchanged a brief look and he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at me. I shook my head in amusement.

  "Later," I mouthed.

  His eyes lit up in excitement and I rolled my eyes again. I got up and went to go help Dad in the kitchen. Soon enough we were all sitting around the table. I dug into my steak almost savagely. I loved this. I grinned when I noticed Dad and Jason deep in discussion. I was glad they were getting along now. It only took Dad a couple of months...

  "Gross, Emma." Luke said, making me realise I was positively beaming whilst I had a full mouth of vegetables and steak in my mouth. I smiled sheepishly and swallowed. Whoops. Mel just shook her head in amusement at me. That reminds me, I should see how she's going. She wasn't too happy last time I spoke with her. We'd been texting obviously, but we hadn't talked about the baby. They were going to the doctor's next week anyway, so that would be good.

  After dinner, we all settled down for a movie. I suggested Prison Break but they all had simultaneously said 'no'. Pfft. They obviously didn't understand the magic. We settled for The Bounty Hunter.

  "Go away." I mumbled when I felt a poke. They poked me again and I groaned, opening my eyes. I looked up at Dad, Mel, Luke and Jason who were all smirking at me. They all stood and I widened my eyes.

  "You were talking in your sleep." Mel grinned.

  I felt my face flush. That was embarrassing. "W-was not!"

  They all looked at each other and burst out laughing. I pursed my lips at them as I clambered to my feet. I glanced at the T.V and was surprised to see the credits rolling. I hadn't even realised I'd closed my eyes.

  "Well, we're off." Luke said. He went over and gave Dad a quick hug. He did the one-arm-shoulder-thing with Jason and much to my annoyance, ruffled my hair. I glared at him under my hair, which was now messily hanging over my face. He gave me a toothy smile, before wrapping an arm around Mel.

  "Thanks for having us over, Dad 2." she smiled.

  "Any time, Mel."

  She beamed at us all, before they turned and left. I looked at Jason and he was looking down at his phone. "Mum's at Jenn's tonight. Wants me over there."

  Oh. I felt a little bit disappointed, hoping he'd stay the night.

  "Oh okay. I'll walk you to your car."

  "Thanks for having me, James."

  "No worries." Dad said politely. He smiled before turning off the T.V and disappearing into the bathroom. I put my hand in Jason's and walked out to the car with him. He gently pressed me against the back door.

  "So... we'll catch up after school tomorrow?" he asked, his eyes dropping to my lips. I bit my lip, just because his eyes were trained there.

  "Sure."

  He grinned and leaned down. His lips met mine. We hooked up for a good few minutes, before he reluctantly let go as his phone vibrated. He sighed. "Guess I have to go."

  "I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled, my lips slightly swollen from the contact. I stood on my tip-toes and brushed my lips to his one last time before he left. "Have a good night."

  "You too." he smiled.

  He released his hold of me and slid into the car. I took a couple of steps back and waved as he backed out. I sighed in content. Everything was perfect at the moment. Mel and Luke were happy, the baby getting closer and closer, which had me super excited. Jason and I were more than perfect right now. We were so happy it made me worry something would have to happen. My family was going great. I grinned and turned around.

  A strangled scream escaped my lips at the sight in front of me. My mouth fell unattractively open. I couldn't believe it. I felt nauseous. Daniel's father had Rachel pressed up against him.

  In the dim light, I could make out a silver blade pressed to her throat. My stomach plummeted to my stomach and I thought I was going to be sick.

  "One more sound from you." he growled, his eyes in slits. "It's bye bye for mummy."

  54

  Oh God.

  What do I do!?

  My heart beat was roaring in my head to the extent I could hardly hear anything. My stomach was churning like a washing machine. I thought I was going to be sick for sure. His eyes were wide with fury and my mum's face as pale as a ghost. I tried to speak, but my voice failed me. I licked my lips, my chest rising and falling at a rapid pace. I cleared my throat and tried again.

  "Okay..." I said, my voice coming out strained and high pitched. "Let's just calm down."

  "Didn't mean to ruin your perfect little night." he spat out. "Although I am curious as to why your own mother wasn't invited."

  "It wasn't exactly a planned dinner." I explained, my eyes trained upon the knife which was currently pressed at the base of my mum's throat. I gulped as he tightened his hold around her. Her eyes were wide with fear. "And besides, because she was dating you, mum and dad aren't exactly besties right now."

  He gave me a dirty smirk, which if I wasn't so scared, I would want to wipe the floor with it. I practically growled at him. How dare he show up to my house, holding my own mother hostage! Anger flared up inside me and I rolled my tongue across my teeth, showing that I was seriously irritated.

  "Oh. It's my fault. That makes me happy." he grinned like a little child that just got presented with an ice cream or some new toy. I gritted my teeth in agitation. My eyes narrowed at him and I made a gesture with my hand to continue on with whatever he wanted. He just gave me a toothy smile and silence lapsed. I exhaled.

  "No wonder Daniel is the way he is." I said, shaking my head, giving him a sympathetic look. "How sad."

  "Don't you dare speak to me like that!" he thundered causing me to jump in alarm. "Have you not realised I'm holding your mother with a knife?"

  "I do see that." I nodded, sounding a lot calmer then I felt. I folded my arms across my chest and stared at him levelly. "So, you were just lurking around in the bushes until I came out?"

  "Lurking is a good word to use." he chuckled.

  I squinted at him. He was screaming at me a second ago and now he's laughing? His mood changes were faster than my blinks. Bipolar maybe... "The reason would be beca
use my son is now expelled because of you!"

  "Because of me?" I echoed in disbelief. "I think you need to reconsider who you're blaming here!"

  "I think it's pretty clear."

  "Well maybe he shouldn't have tried to rape two girls!" I screeched, anger pouring out of me.

  My words were filled with as much venom as I could muster. This was like dealing with Mark all over again! Mark was obsessive, watched me like a hawk and tried to make my life miserable, but he never tried to rape me or rip out my mum's jugular.

  He flinched at me using the word 'rape'. His lips parted slightly. He stood there, gaping at me for a few moments. Okay, so Danny boy and his dad haven't exactly had a heart to heart, I'd say. I smirked upon knowing the full story when he didn't.

  "What? You didn't know that?" I asked, cocking my head to the side, pretending to think about something. "Huh."

  "You're lying." he bit out, anger flashing through his eyes. I kept the smirk on my face and shifted my weight, planting a hand on my hip.

  "Because I'd lie about something like that." I retorted, rolling my eyes. "What did he tell you he was expelled for?"

  "Fighting."

  I chuckled, shaking my head at the excuse. "I guess that would make sense with the hit on the head he received from me."

  "Yes, he said you punched him after he said some words you took the wrong way."

  "Words I took the wrong way? No, I hit him over the head with a plank of wood as he continued to try and rape his stepsister after I kindly told him to stop. I warned him clear as day. And why wouldn't I be expelled then, instead of him?"

  He sucked in a breath of surprise at this information. His mouth opened and closed a few times before and words came out.

  "Britney!?" was all he spluttered.

  "Yes."

  I thought I'd finally got through him, by telling the truth. Acting more confident then I felt actually worked!

  "STOP LYING!" he screamed, causing my mum to whimper. I jumped at his outburst. Okay, so maybe not. My breath was coming out short and fast as I stared at her. He was obviously on thin ice and unfortunately my mum would be the one to feel his 'wrath'.

  "Why don't you ring Principle Harlon and ask him yourself?" I asked, trying to calm him down. I shrugged. "You'll either find out what you want to hear or not."

  He didn't have a reply for that. We stood there, death staring each other for a few moments, before I could hear sirens. He whipped his head to the sound. I rolled my lips into my mouth and felt a sense of relief fill me.

  "You called the cops?"

  "You've been watching my every move. How on earth would I have had the chance to do that?" I asked him like he was stupid. I shook my head at him. He really did have many brains, did he?

  He looked conflicted at what his next move should be. Before he got the chance to decide, the front door opened and I gasped at what I saw.

  "Drop. Her. Now." my Dad's voice bellowed.

  Daniel's father slowly turned around and saw Dad's shotgun aimed right at him. He looked furious that Dad would dare to do such a thing. Dad twitched and took off the safety switch. Daniel's father slowly let go of Mum. Rachel took her chance to sprint up the porch and hide behind Dad. Oh sweet, leave me here why don't you.

  "You will leave my family alone. Got it? I know where you live. I know how to track you down if you run. If I hear you harassing one more of my family, I swear to God I will hunt you down and personally kill you myself."

  My jaw was practically touching the floor now. The anger in my Dad's eyes almost had me cringing. I couldn't believe it was him. His threat was actually scary. With wide eyes, I looked at Daniel's Dad who just stared back. He looked over his shoulder. He glanced back at me and we held each other’s stares for a couple of moments.

  "Touch her, I'll shoot." Dad deadpanned. Yet again, I gaped at him. Holy fudge cakes. I never knew he could be so intimidating.

  In one fluid movement, he took off down the hill and into the slight foresty area that surrounded the bottom of our hill. Dad spun on his heel and took off inside the house, obviously to hide the gun. I was so shocked, I couldn't make my feet move quite yet.

  Blue and red filled my vision and I saw a police car slowly wind up my hill. They parked and three officers leaped out of the car, guns in hands. They began scouting the area and I was completely frozen to the spot.

  "Oh God!" I cried out, swaying slightly, black dots dancing across my vision.

  There were guns everywhere!

  Melanie Stewart

  This was the moment I had been waiting for, for well... thirteen weeks apparently, if you wanted to be exact. I nervously waited for the doctor to do her thing. I put my hand out and sought out Luke's. I entwined our fingers, seeking his comfort.

  "Are you ready to find out?" Doctor Kennedy asked with a kind smile on her face. I exchanged a look with Luke and he nodded at me. He smiled encouragingly and I exhaled deeply, turning back to her. I rolled my lips into my mouth.

  Did I really want to know?

  I thought about it for a few moments, contemplating. I had already made my decision before I came in here, so I didn't have to think about it for too long.

  "I'm ready."

  "It's..." She paused for dramatic effect and I wanted to grab her stethoscope and wring it around her neck. I wanted to know now! "It's..."

  "Just get on with it!" I snapped, irritation lining each word.

  She frowned at my rudeness, but continued. "A girl, congratulations."

  A grin broke out on my face. That's what I had been wanting. I turned to Luke and embraced him in a tight hug.

  "We're having a girl!"

  "Secretly, I was hoping for a boy." he admitted with a sigh. "I wanted to take him out motor bike riding."

  "You can take her out too." I said, pursing my lips. "Man up and be happy, woulddya?"

  "Hmph."

  This afternoon, my mission was to go in search of names. I couldn't be happier that I was going to have a little Mel running around. I was going to get her cute little dresses and shoes. I wonder how old she will be before she masters walking in heels...

  Doctor Kennedy began talking more but I sort of tuned out. I knew what I wanted to know. My baby was girl and she was healthy. That's all that mattered to me. After another half an hour, we were released. As soon as I could, I hit speed dial.

  "Hello?"

  "I'M HAVING A GIRL!" I squealed so loud that probably the patients in comas could probably hear me.

  "Oh my God!" Emma cried out. "How exciting! Name ideas?"

  "I don't know yet! I'm going to go name hunting this afternoon." I explained. "But I have her middle name chosen already."

  "What is it?"

  "Emma." I replied simply.

  "What!?" she shrieked. "Oh my God, you're naming your baby girl half after me!?"

  I grinned into the phone. "I see you're taking it well."

  "This is awesome! She's obviously going to be amazing is she's going to have 'Emma Ross' in her name. Well, when you guys get married."

  I rolled my eyes. Trust Emma to come out with something like that. "Of course."

  "Ah, I'm so excited!"

  I was beaming as I followed Luke out to the car. We slipped in and I pushed away the feeling of being nauseous as much as I could. "How are you holding up from the whole Daniel's dad thing?"

  "Better. Mum's okay, she's spending the next couple of days with Dad, so I'm staying with Jason so they can have some alone time. Guess what!"

  "What?" I asked as Luke pulled out and we began motoring down the road, towards our place on the beach.

  "I got a job!"

  "Ew," I replied, scrunching up my face. "You're going to work?"

  "Yes Mel," she deadpanned and I just knew she'd be rolling her eyes. "Some people have to work to earn money."

  I tsked at her, shaking my head. "Where?"

  "The local super market."

  "Ew."

  "Ew yourself," she laughed. "It'll
be fun. Well, maybe not fun but definitely experience. So how far pregnant are you?"

  "Thirteen weeks."

  "Wow."

  "Yep."

  "Times gone by fast." she commented. I rested my head back on the seat behind and sighed. I couldn't agree more with that.

  "I reckon."

  "Jase-Jason s-stop!" she giggled. "I'm on the... the phone!"

  I pursed my lips. "Tell him hands off until I'm not listening."

  Luke made a disgusted face and I smirked at his reaction. Little did he know she responded the same whenever I mentioned us two doing stuff like that.

  "Look, ha, stop it!" she cried out, giggling like a young girl. "Look, I'm going to have to go Mel, talk soon!"

  I frowned as the line went dead. Shame on her. Who hangs up on their best friend to canoodle with their boyfriend? Okay, most people probably and I've done it, but still. Luke's hand was loosely on the gear stick and I reached over and out his hand in mine.

  He glanced over and I smiled at him. "Thanks for coming today."

  "Of course I'd come."

  "Still." I pointed out. "I'll have to thank you."

  "How are you going to do that?" he asked, his eyes lighting up with excitement. I smirked at his reaction.

  "Hmm. Ice cream?"

  "Maybe, anything else?" he probed.

  "Chocolate?"

  "More..."

  "Oh. I know." I said, grinning.

  "What?"

  "I'll just have to show you."

  He grinned at me and I winked. He suddenly stepped on the accelerator. I tried not to let my smirk widen as I noticed him do this. I glanced over at him again.

  "Why the rush?" I asked innocently.

  "Suddenly, I just can't wait to get home." he breathed, flooring it. I threw my head back and laughed, shaking my head.

  Oh do I have this boy wrapped around my little finger.

  Emma Ross

  "How are you feeling?" Jason murmured, his thumb caressing my cheek as I quickly hung up on Mel. Being reminded of last night, my giggles soon died down. I sighed, leaning into him, seeking his warmth.