It Must Be Love

Chapter 3: Our Sacred Spot

Jennifer

Mark never answered my text, but I went to our spot just in case he read it.

When I got there, it looked exactly as I remembered. It was right outside of Greenville High by the big pond and underneath one of the many trees.

The beautiful California air was smooth and warm. The leaves were all growing back just in time for spring, and I felt like this was just another one of our usual meet ups we had in 8th grade.

I'd been waiting for 20 minutes when Marcus showed up.

"Hey, sorry I had to get out of this thing with Sienna." He said, panting.

"Oh, you mean she actually let you out of her sight?" I replied.

He gave me a look. The kind he used to give me whenever I made him angry. This was not a good way to start us talking after such a long period of time.

"Look, I'm sorry. I know you love Sienna. I didn't mean to be a bitch.." I apologized.

"Why exactly did you want me to come down here?"

"I know something is wrong Mark... I can see it. I know we've been distant, but I can tell you need someone. I can tell you need me."

"It's not your job to be there for me anymore." He said.

I stood there shocked. What was that even supposed to mean? It's not my job? I knew that we grew apart, but I had no idea he hated me.

"It's not my job? Whoever said I was hired to be your best friend, we both chose to have it that way." I replied with an equally angry tone.

"Ever since Sienna and I became a couple, you've been nothing but silent! I don't hate you Jen, I just wish you were there more."

"Well I'm here now! I'm ready to talk, to be that best friend again... If you're willing to be mine."

"Fine. If you must know... My mom was just diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. Jen, she doesn't have much time."

My ears and just heard one of the things I'd hoped to never face. A woman I knew so well... A woman that was like my second mother, was dying.

"Marcus... I'm so sorry... What did Sienna say?" I asked with tears in my eyes.

"Sienna doesn't know. I don't think I'm going to tell her..." He replied.

"Well, why not? Don't you tell each other everything?"

"Hahaha, nah. I'm breaking up with her tomorrow, actually."

"What?! Why?!" I asked.

"Because of this..."

What happened next was not only totally unexpected, but totally wrong.

A kiss from my best friend had just been planted on my lips, and I didn't know what else to do... Except kiss back.