Let's Live Like Jack and Sally (Jack Barakat)

Chapter 8: Cancer is a D*ck

“Jack?” I say quietly as I walk into the house. It was a bit too quiet for my liking, and I as starting to freak out. Jack had been acting weird for the past few days, and even for him, it was weird. He was being quiet and distant and walays trying to piss me off. I shrugged it off like it was nothing, but it was still so irritating. As I go into the bedroom, I see a piece of paper taped to the mirror of our vanity dresser.

Becca-

I'm sorry but I have to leave. This apartment is too much for me and I have to be alone. I'm so sorry. It's going to be worth it in the end. I love you.

-Jack

I stare at the note, immediately becoming infuriated at my idiot of a boyfriend. I crumble the note up and throw it at the wall, storming downstairs. I grab my phone and call Zack to talk through what I'm feeling. I plop down on the couch and sigh before Zack picks up.

“Hello?”

“Hey Zack. It's Becca. I need to talk.”

“What's wrong?”

“Jack left. I need to do something before I go insane.”

“Well, there's a breast cancer walk in a hour. Wanna do it?”

“You know what, yes. I do.”

“Come on over in half an hour.”

“Alright.”

I hang up the phone and go get into my black jogging pants, pink and black Nike running shoes and pull on a pink pull-over. I pull my hair into a pony tail and grab my phone. I head out to my car and drive over to Zacks, reminicing about how my mom had breast cancer.

My mom and I may not have the best relationship, but when it comes to Cancer, I stand for her fully. She could have lost her life but luckily, she got a mastectomy. She's been fighting for Breast Cancer ever since.

I get to his house and he comes out in his usual running gear- shorts, Nikes, and a fitted shirt. He climbs in my car and says, “Ready to go?” I nod and say, “I wanna do this for my mom. She had breast cancer, you know. It's approaching the 3rd year that she's been clean.” Zack looks over at me and says, “Really? That's amazing. I mean, not that she had breast cancer but that you're doing this for her.” I smile and say, “Yeah. Let's get going.” Zack nods and we pull off, heading to the football stadium where the 5k was being held at.

Zack and I go register and get our numbers. We get in line, Jack not even coming across my mind. Zack and I begin walking at the start, stopping and talking to the few fans that were running too. I looked over at Zack as I see the couples running to gether. “I'm going to take off. I'll meet you at the end.” I say before taking off. I run and fight through tears as I approach the finish line.

I slow down as I approach the end. I keep my eyes locked on someone with pink and black hair like Jack's had been with the blonde, a pink Ravens jersey, pink leggings and pink sneakers. The person was holding a big bouquet of pink roses and had a giant sign that read, “BECCA MARIE- I LOVE YOU'RE MOM” I smile and stop, beginning to walk because I realized that the name was mine, and the man was Jack, standing with all the pink in the world clothed around him. I walk over to him and smile, tears streaming down my face. He puts down the sign and the flowers and opens his arms up for a hug.

I fall into his grip, his arms wrapping around me. I cry silently into his arms and he holds me. I pull back and say, “Is this why you've been acting stupid the past few days?” He laughs and says, “In fact, yeah. I've been stressed about if the jersey would come in and if Terra could do a spot job at 6 am this morning.” I smile and hug him once more before taking his hand and turning around to meet Zack who had just crossed the finish line. “I found Jack. And I'm perfectly fine now.” I say smiling. Zack nods and says, “Well, I guess I'll leave you two be then. I found Megan so I'll go off with her. Bye guys.” I smile and wave to Megan, his girlfriend, as she approached. They leave and Jack turns to me. “Can we go home now?” I nod and say, “Come on, Pinkie Pie.” He laughs and I pull on his hand, leading him through the tents and groups of activists all the way back to my car.

We drive home silent, only one thing running through my mind- My boyfriend is the best being on the face of the earth. We get inside and Jack pulls on my hand to go upstairs with him.