Markson - The Unexpected Journey

Chapter 7

Jackson's point of view

Mark looked down at my hand that he is holding and back up to me again. He let go of my hand with one hand and kept holding it with other. He looked me in the eyes while biting his lip. I felt weird, a good weird but still weird. Mark placed his hand on my shoulder as I looked at it rest on my shirt, "Jackson." He mumbled, my head swiftly turned back to him. I felt his hand quickly move to the back of my neck as he pulled me closer to his face.

Mark's soft lips pressed on mine ever so gently.

I froze with my eyes open, I don't know how to respond to this. I felt my heart beat out of my chest as I was overwhelmed by emotion but gave in, I kissed him back. He squeezed my hand as he realised that I gave into him and released some of the pressure off the back of my neck. I knew I could pull away at this moment but I didn't, I didn't want to.

After a few moments of perfect harmony, I pulled away from him, removing my hand from his. "Mark, I'm not sure about this." I spoke unknowing what to say, he sat there as if something just clicked with in us. Mark wrapped his arms around me, "J-just, p-please don't leave me." His grip became tighter, I couldn't say no, I wanted to in my thoughts but what my heart thought was different.

I'm straight though, I can't think like this. What will my parents think? I can't date Mark. "Mark, I-" my phone started ringing. Mark pulled away from me. "Mother, great timing." I mumbled to myself. "Hi mum, what's up?" I replied. "Well, I have a problem sweetie. You are really going to hate me for this..." "Mum, what have you done?" I asked nervously as I looked at Mark. "You know I have a rich friend and I promised you that I'd always let you do what you like with your life." mother replied. "Yeah? What about it?" I questioned. "Well, she tried to get a arranged marriage. Her daughter and you."

I opened my mouth, "Mum! What did you tell her?" I whined. "I kind of told her that you are... Gay and you have a boyfriend. So you soon need a boyfriend or at least fake it with someone." My jaw dropped as she said that. "Anyway, I have to go. Please don't hate me son!" And she hung up just like that.

Mark looked at me puzzled, "What's wrong?" "Mum just got me out of an arranged marriage but by doing that, she told the woman that I am gay and I have a boyfriend." I buried my face into my hands but I felt a warm, cosy hug as Mark's arms are around me. He pulled away from me, grabbed my face with both of his hands and pressed his lips against mine slowly pushing me back onto the sofa.

For some reason, I kissed him back. We made out for a few minutes before I realised what we were doing. "Wait, Mark, I-" I started but immediately he started to get off me, "I know what you are going to say, 'this isn't right' or 'you are too much of an embarrassment for me'. That's just what I do, ruin everyone's lives!" Mark chanted as he started to walk away to the front door.

I threw myself off the sofa and ran towards the door after him, "Mark, I-" "Forget it Jackson!" Mark interrupted in an frustrated voice while walking out the door. "Mark!" I whined running out the door onto the path. Mark kept walking, I couldn't bring myself to stop him. My emotions are so conflicted.

After a couple minutes, I slipped my shoes on and decided to run after him. I sprinted down the street where he stood in front of some people from our class. They inspected him as he has cuts and bruises all over him with his arm in a sling. I saw him in a panic as he didn't really know what to do. "Mark!" I shouted. The people from school turned to look at me as I ran towards them.

"Jackson, what are you doing out? You called in sick but you look fine." one spoke with their face scrunched up. I caught my breath back, "I'm looking after Mark. He was in an accident a few days ago." "So that's why you were not in school. Are you two dating or something?" One of the girls spoke. Mark's eyes reverted down, as if he did something terrible but I noticed him.

"Does it really matter? He's staying at my place as he doesn't have anywhere else to go. Mind your own business would you?" I stated. I didn't want to admit to Mark anything until I had organised my thoughts. I grabbed Mark's wrist and dragged him back home as they group staired. I heard one say in the background, "Jackson's straight and he is all mine, you girls can get off his back so i can have him all to myself." the girl laughed with a overconfident tone.

I stopped and let go of Mark's hand as I realised what I really wanted: the group is still staring. "Is this how you want to say you want to date me? Do you want the whole world to know?" I said with anger, I didn't know how to react, I'm just so angry. "I'm not your toy Mark, I am a person! I-"

Mark's hand clutched the back of my neck, his lips press against mine once again and moved his body closer to mine within a instant. I could feel the love pouring out of him. On the other hand, I could sense the judgement echoing off the group, I couldn't care less in this moment. Honestly, I'm happy being with Mark.

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Yes, I know what you are thinking, "Squishy! Why is this chapter so short?" I have been studying.

Anyway, thanks for reading.

Please let me know what your thoughts and feeling are so far.