99 Steps

Step 39: Stand Strong

With the move, Jack got a room-mate, best friend, a job, and a few texts.

Hopper and him had grown very close over the past week or so, and Jack enjoyed their relationship because there was no pressure to "heal". Instead it was like what Jack imaged college would be like, except going to work instead of classes. The two watched Netflix and ate primarily junk food, going to work for most of the day, coming home and doing it again.

Mark hadn't been a thought on Jack's mind more than about 4 times. He couldn't let it bother him though, sure, his words seemed heart broken, but he had friends to fall back on. Jack convinced himself Mark was just fine without him, and he didn't think about it again. Until his phone buzzed Friday night when Hopper left the couch to use the bathroom.

I'm sorry, I don't know what I could have done differently, but I have to know you're doing okay. Please just answer me, Jack.

Jack looked at the text, analyzing each word, trying to keep his previous mindset. His phone buzzed again in his hand.

I'm a mess without you. Funny how that is, isn't it? You were sent to me for help and you decided the timer was up and then left, and I'm all alone but at the same time I'm stressed out by everyone asking me how I am. Just... I don't know what. I miss you so damn much, baby boy. I miss laying with you and listening to music a little too loud all night. I miss looking at all your tattoos, and your beautiful blue eyes, and you. Please just talk to me.

Hopper came back into the living room, stopping suddenly when she saw Jack staring at his phone screen, tearing up. "What's wrong?" She sat down next to him, offering her support.

"I just," Jack's voice cracked, tears rolling down his cheek. He handed her his phone, looking to his hands, "I think I really ruined him, I didn't even do anything. He's the..." Jack was grateful he didn't have to finish his statement about Mark making the relationship miserable, but he wasn't very excited to see Mark was calling him either. Hopper looked to him, and back to the screen. Jack answered the call and brought the phone to his ear.

"Jack?" Mark sounded so tired, and so hurt. "Hello?"

Jack opened his mouth, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything.

"Jack, I really want to talk to you, please don't hurt me like this." Listening to him talk in longer phrases, Jack could hear his words slightly slurring together.

"Are you drunk?"

"Jack, I never did anything to deserve this, please just tell me why you did."

"You are drunk, aren't you?"

"Please. Why?"

"I couldn't stand you anymore. You know exactly when you fucked up. Don't act like you're innocent." Jack suddenly felt stupid for crying moments before. Mark was just drunk and trying to make him feel bad about his choice.

"Jack, come on, baby boy. Don't be like that."

"Mark, I'm going to hang up the phone and I don't want to hear from you again, got it?"

"Please, don't. I love you so much, we were supposed to buy our own house."

"Goodbye, Mark." Jack hung up the phone, looking to his pink haired friend. He gave a weak smile, and Hopper wrapped him in a hug.

"You're so brave Jack, holy shit."

"Tell me why I don't feel it then. I just feel like an ass."

"Sometimes the right thing is the worst thing to do, but you did it, and I bet you're really going to be glad you did in the long run."

The two sat the rest of the night, in a much dimmer mood than a few minutes prior. Jack was glad how differently Hopper was from anyone he knew before, yet so similar to everyone.

Ayyyye
Shitty end to a shitty filler, written at 2am
Also no song but just listen to ??? 
I don't like self promo but there's a hint to the end of this book in my other book if you're interested