The Best Thing for Me

by Lauren Jackson

  I abruptly sat down, my butt connecting with the porch steps. I rested my head onto one of the stumps supporting the roof. It was an overcast day with cumulonimbus' threatening to disenthrall and unleash a mass of water onto us.

  My phone began sending vibration sensations through my jeans and onto my leg. I fished it out and didn't bother looking at the Caller I.D. "Hello?"

  "Hey babe," Jason's cheery voice greeted me. "What's up?"

  I exhaled deeply, using my vacant hand to pinch the skin between my eyes. "You have no idea."

  "Huh?"

  "I think Mel's pregnant."

  Silence. That's what met me. I licked my dry lips and awaited his response, tapping the heel of my foot on the step. It seemed like several minutes, before he uttered a reply.

  "Are you serious?"

  "It's not like I would joke about something like this." I said pointedly with a frown. What a stupid question to ask.

  "Wow," he breathed and I could visualise in my mind him running a hand through his hair, making it stand even more sexily then it already had been. "How is she holding up?"

  "Terribly. She's telling her parents now."

  He let out a low whistle. "That's heavy."

  "I reckon."

  "Is er- it, Luke's?" he mumbled.

  "I think so, yeah."

  "I would laugh if this situation wasn't so serious."

  A flicker of a smile danced across my lips as I rolled my eyes at him, even though I was aware he couldn't see me. "I probably would too. Like it’s Luke."

  "Yeah."

  Silence lapsed once more and I fiddled with a loose thread on my jeans. "Imagine if this was us, Jason."

  The other end of the phone went eerily silent and I felt my heart begin to pick up in pace. I probably shouldn't have said anything, but it was true. What if something did happen? I would have no idea how our future would play out. Well, Dad would probably lock me up and do some horrible things to Jason... but anyway.

  "I think you'd make an amazing mother." he stated, surprising me. My eyebrows shot up and once again, I was rendered speechless.

  "I-er-umm what?"

  "I said you'd make an amazing mother. I do hope we have kids one day. I'd love to be a parent. Especially with you."

  My heart melted into my stomach and my legs felt weak, which had me thinking I was lucky I was already sitting down. I smiled into the phone and tears threatened to escape. "W-wow Jason. That's really... really sweet of you to say. I'd love to have kids with you too."

  "Just not right now..."

  "Yeah, obviously." I said in a duh voice, but I smiled nonetheless. The thought of children had never actually crossed my mind. Now that I was... well, you know, sexually active, I probably should be broadening my thinking patterns to have a sort of idea about stuff like this. If that even makes any sense.

  "I was hoping we could hang but I guess Mel needs you more than I do. Will you be free later?"

  "Mm. Well, I'll have to see, but if I am, what do you have planned?"

  "Well, I have the house alone. Mum's going to some Penthouse 'Girl's night out' with some her friends for two nights. I was hoping you could come and stay with me."

  My stomach did a little dip at the mention of us being alone in his house. I swallowed and licked my lips again.

  "O-oh. Yeah, that sounds good. We'll just have to tell my Dad Miranda is home though or he won't let me."

  "Oh yeah. Good thinking."

  "I hate lying to him." I sighed. "But he's so darn over-protective. He has to realise I'm not a little girl anymore."

  Just as Jason was replying, the door open and I turned, seeing Mel emerge. Her eyes were wet and puffy still. Her cheeks were red and tear stained.

  "Hey look, I have to go. I'll get back to you about tonight." I hung up and pocketed my phone. I shot up and took two steps, wrapping her into my embrace. I hugged her to me and I felt her tears fall onto my shoulder, but I didn't mind.

  "Dad is so angry." she whispered dejectedly. "He won't... He won't even look at me."

  "He'll come around," I assured her. "It's a lot to take in right now. How's your mum?"

  "She's freaking out a little, but I know she'll support me."

  "Your Dad will too."

  "I wanted to stay the night, but I think I'm grounded. I see you have plans though."

  "That was only if we didn't."

  "You're a good friend, Emma. I'm lucky to have you." she smiled, squeezing my shoulders.

  "No, I'm lucky to have you."

  "Whatever," she scoffed. She then sighed, resuming her depressed look. "I better go tell Luke."

  "Let's go then." I linked arms with her and dragged her alongside with me. After a few minutes of light chatter, even though I was just trying to distract her from her own thoughts. We soon reached my house. Luke sat there, sprawled on the lounge, playing his Play Station. We exchanged a look and she took in a deep breath.

  "Want me to be there?" I offered quietly.

  "Thanks, but I should tell him myself. You go to Jason's."

  "But-"

  "Just go, I'm fine."

  I looked at her skeptically, but wrapped her into another hug, squeezing her hard, as though that would ensure me that she still in one piece. Reluctantly, I let go. I lightly punched her shoulder.

  "Chin up."

  "Stay in school," she finished for me, rolling her eyes.

  With one last smile, I turned and began to make my way to my room, throwing a bunch of my stuff into my bag. I called out to Dad and informed him of where I would me. I ran out before I could catch his reply and practically jogged to Jason's.

  I didn't knock as I entered. I climbed the stairs and knocked on his room door. His loud, pulsing music died away and the door was flung open. He beamed at me and pressed his lips to mine. He curled his two pointer fingers around the belt area of my jeans and tugged me inside. I tripped into him, my chest smashing against his. He smirked down at me and pressed his lips to my neck, his teeth grazing my skin.

  I felt my breath get hitched in my throat. I shouldn't have come here. This boy made me feel all this strange emotions. I wasn't sure if I could handle feeling like this. Instead of deepening the intimate moment, I hugged myself to him.

  "Just hold me for a while." I murmured into him, burying my face into his chest, allowing his warmth to seep into me.

  "Are you alright?"

  "Yeah. I'm just so worried about Mel."

  "She's probably one of the strongest people I've ever met. I promise you, she will be fine."

  "I know she will." I spoke quietly. "But I'm still scared for her."

  "You need to take a long, relaxing bubble bath."

  "That sounds..." I trailed off, imagining it in my mind. "Amazing right now."

  "Let's go do it then."

  "Let's?"

  "I want one too."

  My eyes widened as he suggestion slowly sunk into my head. He wanted to have a bath. With me. As in... together. I gulped as he began shedding his clothes and walking into the bathroom. I nervously bit my lip and began furiously playing with my fingers. He emerged back out, only with a towel hung loosely around his hips.

  "Look, I even wore a towel out because I know how you get. Come on, let's go. I'm cold."

  Wordlessly, I followed him in. I made him turn the other way as I undressed and lowered myself into the hot water. I hissed, retracting my foot back. "Jeeze, how hot do you want it?"

  "I like things steamy," he smirked, winking at me. I felt myself flush as his eyes roamed. I sucked in a breath and let myself slide in. I cringed at the heat of the water. After a few moments, I relaxed and rested back. After a few awkward moments of trying to both squeeze in, we arranged a win-win situation with his legs glued to the left, and mine to the right. His hand rested on my knee, his thumb making patterns on it. I let myself sink down enough so that my face dunked in it. I slowly came up, grinning.

  "I love baths."

  "I love baths with you."
/>   I felt my cheeks tinge pink so I went under the water again. His fingers walked further up my leg and I went down more and more, as if trying to hide from him. I heard him chuckle, even though it sounded far away and distant. I submerged and he was shaking his head at me. I smiled sheepishly back and we just began chatting for ages. Well, it felt like ages, really it was about thirty minutes. Anyway, the water had turned cold and we decided it was time to retreat into a toastier destination.

  I slipped into my navy track pants and my over-sized grey Prison break shirt and crawled into his bed, snuggling beside him. I had convinced him to put the Notebook on, even though he had grumbled and complained. I had offered him some chocolate which changed his attitude pretty quickly. I settled under the covers as he turned it on. He crawled in beside me and I snuggled up against him. As soon as he started Jason rolled his eyes.

  "This is lame."

  "Is not!" I exclaimed defensively, slapping his chest. "Just watch it."

  He grumbled and gently rubbed his chest, where I had smacked him. He frowned at the T.V. Soon enough, he got over his broodiness and actually began watching it. I glanced up at him near the end and his eyes were moist.

  "You're crying!"

  "No I'm not!" he cried.

  "That's so cute."

  "Men aren't cute!"

  "You are." He folded his arms across his chest moodily and I sniggered at him. I returned back to the screen and tuned in. It was practically at the end anyway.

  After the movie had officially ended, he flicked it off and faced me. I pressed my lips to his and that's where it started. I boldly forced myself to push him over and I straddled him. I felt his lips pull into a smirk and I trailed down his jawline, to his neck. I felt his breath began to come out fast as I nibbled is earlobe. All of a sudden, I was slammed on my back, his hot breath on my face.

  "Don't do that to me." He breathed.

  "Why not?" I asked innocently, smirking myself a little.

  I liked that I could make him feel that way as well. It would be unfair if I was the only one who had to suffer those feelings. He made a sound somewhat relating to a growl and smashed his lips to mine almost savagely. I squeaked at the sudden intensity and he lifted my shirt, yanked it over my head and literally catapulted it to the other side of the room. His lips were everywhere. My own lips, my neck, my arms, my stomach. It was all happening so fast. It was like the world was ending tomorrow and we needed each other now or it would be too late.

  "I love you Emma Maree Ross." Were the last words I heard, before I felt myself float into utter bliss.

  46

  Melanie Stewart

  Even though my head was jammed between my knees, my palms slapped to my ears and my eyes squeezed shut tightly, I could still hear his angry shouts and the furniture being smashed. I cringed as I heard something drop and the ground shudder slightly. I was paralysed to the spot. I was afraid. Not of him hurting me, no. More of the destruction he was capable of.

  After a couple of minutes of this, it came to an abrupt silence. Slowly, I removed my hands and sat up, peering around. Luke stood there, chest rising and fall rapidly. Sweat beading down his forehead and dripped down onto his chin. I swallowed a dry lump that had seemed to lodge itself in my throat. With slightly shaky legs, I rose to my full height, trying to act calm and collected, but I must admit it was challenging.

  "I'm glad you're taking this so well." I stated flatly, tilting my chin so that I seemed more defensive. I narrowed my eyes at him, daring him to start freaking out again. Did he not realise it was a big deal for me as well?

  I couldn't help think he was being a little selfish. Yeah, his life would change a lot, but it wasn't like the thing was growing inside him! My anger was slowly beginning to boil to the surface and my hands balled into fists.

  "Well, this is a lot to take in," he snapped back at me, kicking the ground as emphasis. He swore loudly, spinning on his heel and throwing his fist into his wall, shouting in outrage. I let out a groan of frustration, wanting to cry in anger. I was also tempted to stamp my foot, but my guess would be that it would just make me look childish.

  "Is it?" I replied coldly, laughing without any humor, trying to act better then I felt. "Sorry, I didn't realise that me being pregnant would be a lot to take in."

  He ran a hand over his face and groaned. "Sorry."

  I didn't reply. I turned to the wall and death stared it, with my arms folded across my chest. My mind was in a scattered mess right now. I was absolutely freaking out. I wish Luke took this as maturely as Emma had. Once again, I felt a pang of envy towards my best friend. She had a loving family and the most beautiful and understanding boyfriend anybody could ask for. If Emma hadn't had him first, I would have had Jason locked down under my littler finger in a matter of seconds.

  Luke and I... well, we weren't labelled. We weren't going out. We hung out a lot, yes, and mucked around frequently, but it wasn't serious. We'd never been on a proper date or said 'I love you' to each other. It just wasn't like that. It was light and carefree. Obviously a little too carefree.

  "Come here." he uttered quietly.

  I didn't move. I kept my face stony as I glared at the wall. He took two strides and wrapped his strong arms around me. I felt myself sag into him. More tears began running down my cheeks and buried my face into his chest. I just needed him to hold me. He rubbed his hand over my back for quite a while and I just cried. He pulled back and gently pressed his lips to mine. I felt the familiar, little flutter in the bottom of my stomach. No boy had made me feel like this, which was why I was so attracted to him. It wasn't like he even tried, if you know what I mean?

  "It will be okay."

  "Will it?" I whispered, not even bothering to wipe the tears away. He nodded and gave me a faint smile.

  "Emma knows?"

  "Yeah." I replied, resting my head on his shoulder.

  "I need to tell Dad."

  "Why don't we together?" I suggested in a mumble, surprising myself as the words tumbled out of my mouth. I wasn't too keen on the idea, but it would sound better coming from the both of us, right? It would seem more responsible. More mature.

  "He might not go as ballistic with you there."

  "Let's hope not..."

  He grabbed my hand and I felt a small, weary smile stretch across my face. Hand in hand, we walked out of his room together, bracing for the worst.

  Emma Ross

  I strode through the front door, Jason trailing behind me. I turned, giving him a quick, light kiss, before entering the lounge room. We took one step when I could hear an explosion. Okay, not a literal one, but verbally. Dad, was going ballistic at someone...

  "HOW COULD YOU BE SO IRRESPONSIBLE?" his voice thundered. My eyes widened as it dawned on me that Luke must have told him what was going on. This was not good. I halted, causing Jason to run into me.

  "Ouch," he muttered.

  "Shh!" I whispered urgently. "Go back, go back!"

  "Emma, is that you?" I heard a voice yell, not changing tone. Which meant he must have been really mad.

  "Go, go, go!"

  We pushed the door open and I grabbed Jason's upper arm, dragging him along with me. We jogged to his car and quickly exited my driveway. I let out a breath of relief. I wanted to be there for Mel, but woah, Dad was absolutely furious. I didn't want to be in the middle of it. Having Jason there would have been worse. I only just got him okay-ish with him being around so much.

  "Sorry about that. I didn't want him to see you."

  "Fair enough. I didn't want to intrude anyway." he murmured quietly, understanding what I meant. He did a head check and pulled into the right lane, over-taking someone. I glanced over and my jaw hit the floor. My mother was there. In the next car, laughing and lightly hitting the driver. Flirting...?

  My eyes popped out of my head when I saw a man in the driver's seat. His face was in a position, making it impossible for me to see. I frowned deeply. I was hoping Dad and she had been working things out.
I bit my lip as I watched the two. She looked really happy, chatting away to this stranger.

  Jason put the left indicator on and moved in front of them, blocking my view. I grumbled at losing sight of them. I needed to find out who that mysterious man was! And why on Earth Rachel was with him.

  "What is it?" Jason asked me, giving me a confused look, obviously noticing my slightly abnormal behaviour.

  "I just saw Rach-Mum." I corrected myself. I was still getting used to the whole my-mum-is-alive thing. "With a man. I think they were flirting."

  "Oh..." Jason trailed off awkwardly, giving me a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry."

  I blinked furiously. I refuse to let any tears spill. I needed to not make any assumptions. They might have just been old friends. Yeah, that sounds alright...

  "I was really hoping Dad and her would try and sort things out." I sighed deeply. "I guess not."

  "Hey," he said gently, nudging me in the shoulder. "It might not be as bad as you think."

  "Hmm?"

  "Well, maybe they're just not meant to be together."

  "Doesn't give her a right to stick around and flirt with other guys!" I burst out angrily. "Don't defend her."

  "Look," he said with a sigh. "I'm not taking sides or anything, but I'm just trying to tell you from her point of view."

  "And how would you know what she's thinking?"

  "I'm not-"

  "Look, they aren't your parents. They're mine. Just stay out of it, please." I pleaded, trying not to fully snap. My parents were a touchy subject. It was like poking an open wound that wasn't completely healed yet.

  "I was just trying to help..."

  I looked out of the window. "Can you drop me back home?"

  "Don't be like this."