Jack woke up to a silent motel room and a note laying on the table.
   
Jack,

    You use to say 'I dont know' when asked where you were going. At first I thought it was a coverup, just in case, but I soon realized that you meant it. You didn't know, even though you had a plan. We had a plan.

    When we were walking yesterday, I was afraid. I was afraid you'd choose to throw away your opportunity over me. Darling I've been gone for hours now. I don't know where I'm headed but I know that I don't belong in California and Ohio was never truly my home. I'm thinking about traveling and not stopping until I'm too tired (or broke) to continue.    

    But for you Jack, I need you to go to Stanford. I need you to get a good degree and only then, if you even remember me, come back. I love you Jack. I love you more than I think you or anyone can even process so don't think this doesn't hurt me. You're two feet away from me, sleeping soundly, and all I want to do is wake you up and kiss and hug you until neither of us can even breath any longer. I want to feel your fingers massaging my scalp and I want to watch Jaws with you until we memorize each line. I only left because I love you. It sounds so stupid in writing but I left because I need you to succeed.

    Jack, go to Stanford and then come back. I don't know where I'll be but we can stand the test of time. If we are meant to be then we will embrace again no matter what. If we aren't then this will be nothing but a sweet memory. You are everything to me. Please don't forget that.

    However, I need you to get help. Go find a therapist and let them help you. What happened and the guilt, pain and scars you carry are too heavy for just your shoulders. I want you to wake up in the morning and think 'today I will be great'. Jack Mcloughlin, be kind to yourself and those moments you can't, look back on those memories we took and remember what I told you. Maybe someday you wont need them and knowing that, would make me so happy.

    But Jack this is not the end for us. This is only the beginning.
   
    Love,
    Mark

    Taking a deep breath Jack puts the note down as more tears drip down his face. Reaching over for the memories Mark gave Jack he fingers the edge of the first one. It was that stupid selfie Mark took with those hideous sunglasses. He really did look hot in those Jack chuckles bittersweetly and flips over to the next one.

    It was him, with his eyes squeezed shut as he rode the ferries wheel at the sunset. Looking at the photo for the first time Jack realizes how happy he looks. He looks serine. Wiping away tears he continues to flip through the photos.

    The weird Wendy's meal photo.

    A picture of Jack spinning in a field of poppies, a kid like joy spread across his face.

    A random picture of the shovels they used and then Jack comes across the last image.

    A picture he doesn't even remembrance being taken. Him and Marks faces pressed close together as they both give the largest and goofiest smiles. Suddenly everything hits Jack. He might never see Mark again. He left but he left for him.

    More heavy and hot tears soak down Jacks cheeks as he falls to his knees and buries his head into his hands.

    "Dammit Mark!" He screams. "I fucking love you and- an- I" He freezes as the photo flutters down from the desk.

    "For better or for worse?"

    Stopping, Jack picks up the image. The black scribble writing on the back catching his attention. Wiping away his tears with the back of his hand he realizes something... This was for better or for worse.

    For better and he would see Mark after he finishes Stanford. They would grow old together in that field of poppies just outside of Oklahoma. Watching sunrises and kissing under moonlight.

    For worse and Jack would forget Mark and never return. A sinking feeling grows in his chest before he flips over the image again and a sudden realization hits him. All those moments they said those words they both hoped for better but sitting here, alone, Jack knew.

    He knew this wasn't for better or for worse. This was for better because this was just the beginning.

A/N
Stay tuned for my final goodbye and voting on the new Septiplier book I'll write.