||Chapter Twenty One|| Bad news

                                    

                                          
 Mark's POV:
                          
It had been two days since Jack met my mum, and it was mid January. I had called him in the days after but he was busy and always out so I couldn't physically see him. It was a Saturday and I was catching up on some Biology homework at the dining table while my mum searched for jobs on the internet. I had pages from one of my textbooks spread out on the table in front of me and was trying to focus but the words kept drifting over the sheet. I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples. I got up from the chair and told my mum I was going out.
                          
My phone started vibrating in my pocket and i pulled it out, answering the call.
                          
Hello?
                          
Hey Mark, I have some news.
                          
Jack sounded upset and his voice was wobbling. I felt my heart break a little bit.
                          
Jack? What's wrong? 
                          
Meet me down by the lake. I'll tell you then.
                          
I said goodbye and locked my phone, heading to the door to pull my coat on. I stepped outside, locking the door behind me and slid into the seat of my car. Wondering what the matter could be, I drove down towards the forest and parked up in a lay-by. I rubbed my hands together as a bitter wind rustled through the trees. Stepping through the woods, I thought about all of the time I had spent here with Jack, in the shack, in the summer house. It was full of memories, some good and some terrible.
                          
I could see Jack through the trees as I trudged over the hard ground. He was staring blankly out into the lake as he had many times before. When he saw me approaching, he rushed over and pulled me into a hug, his hand on the back on my neck, in my hair.
                          
I pulled him away gently and saw the tears in his eyes.
                          
"Hey, Jack. Babe what's wrong?"
                          
He looked at me sadly and I pulled him back into my arms, rubbing his back. He smiled weakly and began to speak.
                          
"I, we have to go back to Ireland, our apartment deal runs out in a couple of days, I'm so sorry."
                          
I turned away from him and ran my hand through my hair. He reached out tentatively and placed a hand on my arm. "I'd do anything to stay with you." He whispered lovingly.
                          
"How long have you known." I said, facing him again as he stared at me with his piercing blue eyes. 
                          
"Only this morning."
                          
"Will I see you again?" I asked, grabbing hold of his hand.
                          
Jack placed my hand on my chest and brought his lips to mine. Our lips joined until they parted for a shaking breath. "I hope so." I held the back of his head against my shoulder and rested my nose in his hair.
                          
"I'll miss you so much." I murmured, rubbing his back caringly
                          
"I'll miss you too." He spoke into my chest, not wanting to move from our hug. I kissed his head, savouring every moment. We stood in a fearful embrace for a long time, breathing fog into the cold air, not wanting to let each other go.
                          
When he finally removed his head from my shoulder, he stroked the side of my face softly.
                          
"Thank you so much. For being my boyfriend and for everything." A single tear slipped down his cheek and I kissed it away, every movement delicate and stretched out.
                          
I smiled as my vision blurred with tears. "It was my pleasure, my beautiful Irish boy." I whispered, bringing my forehead against his. We paused there a moment, our breath mingling in the morning sun. I looked up at him and our eyes met, I could see the sorrow and pain. After one final hug, we walked hand in hand back to his house. For the rest of the day, I help him slowly pack his bag, kissing his tears every time he stopped to think about what was happening. Throughout the afternoon, he friends came to say goodbye. Bob and Wade came with sad smiles, wishing him good luck and touching my arm on the way out, knowing how hard it would be for me to see Jack go. Ryan came with half hearted jokes to lighten the mood and Matt with touching words and small gifts. Wiishu and Felix came last, full of apologies and help with the packing. Felix pulled me into a hug when everyone was busy and told me that he'd always be there whenever I missed Jack.