heart strings

chapter 17

Mark's POV
Jack had been really distant ever since we came back from the hospital episode. I was constantly worried that he found out, I guess he just suspected I was lying.
I couldn't turn back I was in too deep.
I messed everything up and I couldn't fix it, that fucking sucks.
I ran my hands through my hair. I couldn't worry about that now, I was behind on videos.
Time to make up some lame excuse as to why I haven't uploaded. I don't want them worrying.
I hadn't even started to record when my cell phone rang.
It was Ryan.
I casually picked up the phone.
"Hey man, what's up?"
"Mark. I need you to come down to South Carolina as soon as you can."
The seriousness in his tone made me freeze.
"What, why?"
"Daniel's mom died the other day."
That's right, she had been sick ever since Daniel died. My heart sank. That poor family.
I rubbed my eyes.
"Ok," I paused and sighed. "Ok, I'll fly out tonight."
"Thanks, it's been rough."
"See you soon."
"Yea... thanks Mark I appreciate it."
I gave a tired smile.
"Welcome Ryan."
I sank back in my chair and tossed my phone onto my bed.
Jack was not going to be very happy about this, I could feel it.
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I walked down the stairs, my heart thumping
"Jack? Honey? I have something important you should know."
Jack slowly walked out of the kitchen and met me at the bottom of the stairs. He folded his arms.
"Oh do you now?" Jack said, coming off as very salty.
I internally groaned
Jack's POV
It's about damn time he told me. I rolled my eyes.
"Yes Mark?" I said, the saltiness oozing out.
Mark cleared his throat. "Well, I have to go to South Carolina for a while because..."
He paused.
"Daniel's mom died and Ryan wants me there."
Mark looked up at me worriedly.
I felt frustrated, angry, and sad.
Frustrated that he was so cute and that I had to be mad at him. Damn it.
Angry that he still wouldn't tell me what the fuck was actually wrong with him.
And sad that Daniel's mom died. The poor family, my heart goes out to them.
I sighed.
"Fine, whatever. When are you leaving?"
Mark ran his hands through his hair. "Tonight, you going to be ok for about a week with Trina?"
He thinks I can't handle it? That dick bag I can handle myself just fine. Fuck you.
I gritted my teeth.
"Yes. You should probably get ready to go."
Well, at least he'll be gone and I can finally get some damn answers around here.
Mark's POV
I know it could be hard to take care of a kid by yourself, and I was usually worried about leaving Jack alone for a long period of time because, well, you know.
But I know he can handle it. 
He was still mad at me though, that much I know.
Jack stalked away. I sighed.
How long until you love me again? I don't have that long of a life anyway.