Different: A Markson Story

Chapter 8: Respect

"That concludes practice today. Good work everyone," the instructor said. He turned to Mark and Jackson as the rest of the members began to pack up. "Mark and Jackson, you know what to do." Today marks the first one-on-one practice session Mark is having with Jackson. Mark looked around like a lost puppy. Worry filled his eyes as he watched the other five members gather their things and exit the practice room. They tried to hype him up about the situation earlier, stating that the situation would only benefit Mark by polishing his skills and improving his non-existent relationship with Jackson. But no matter what they said Mark couldn't help but worry. All the other members seemed to get along just fine with Jackson, even telling Mark:

"He's not so bad."

"He's really nice."

"You just need to get to know him." 

Though the members told him this, the vibes between Mark and Jackson always said otherwise. They were total opposites, completely different and Mark was intimidated. He couldn't be an optimist in this situation. Jackson heard Mark talk shit about him. Mark was such an idiot.

Jackson turned and stared at Mark, with a cocky grin on his face. The anxiety and nervousness were written all over Mark's face. The two boys sat on the floor, silence filling the space between them in the was once loud practice room.

Mark tried to think of something to say, but he was not good at starting a conversation. "So, uh, are we gonna practice?" Mark ended up blurting out. 

Jackson chuckled sarcastically. "Well for starters, before we do anything, we have to practice respect," Jackson asserted. Just what did he mean?

"You know I'm better than you. Admit it," Jackson bashfully stated. Mark looked at Jackson in disbelief, flustered at what he said. Jackson scoffed. He stood up and began inching closer and closer to Mark. 

"That's why you're always trying to show off. You're always looking to outdo me. That's why you did the backflip at our audition and made the comment during practice. Right?" Mark was speechless. He couldn't believe Jackson was saying any of this. He wanted to pinch himself as if he was dreaming. But he tried. This was really happening. Jackson was belittling Mark. 

"I'm better than you and you just don't want to admit it to yourself. Well here's a reality check. Jackson is better than Mark and that's why I'm training you! Not the other way around...me training...you! Why? Because I AM BETTER THAN YOU." Jackson stared at Mark while standing over him, only inches away from his face.

Embarrassed and humiliated, Mark ran out of the room tears welling in his soft eyes. He had never expected Jackson to treat him so rudely. He had a feeling Jackson didn't like him, but this attack just cemented his feelings. Jackson hated Mark. His words pierced him and clearly hurt him. Jackson watched him walk off with a smirk on his face. "That'll teach you. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Respect. You don't show me up," he quietly mumbled under his breath.

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I'm sorry Jackson is such a jerk...but it'll get better soon I promise. Just wait a few more chapters. :)