Chapter 29: Chapter 29

"Hey, what about going to the movies?" Mark suggests trying to brighten the mood.

I stand up and walk to one of my boxes that is still filled with items. "I have the movie in my possession." As a result of crying, I am still experiencing some tremors. I go ahead and grab the movie. "Can You See It?" Mark asks.

"Yup, there's another movie that my dad and I watched quite a bit," I said. I say as I join Mark back on the bed after putting the movie in the player. "Hey, would you mind getting some water for me, please?" I ask Mark.

He nods. That was left behind by him. I turn my attention towards it. I'm on the fence about sending Charlie an SMS about it. It is common knowledge that he barred me on my phone, but I am aware that he did not block Mark. I guess I have no choice but to do it; I have to send him a message. I greet him with a "Hello, Charlie. I just wanted to let you know that Alyanna is starting her chemotherapy today, and that I believe she would really like for you to be there for it. If you feel like it, come on over."

"Have you begun watching the movie without me?" Mark yells from the foyer when the door is opened.

I hastily replaced his phone in the same spot it had been before. Arriving now is Mark. "Nah, it's simply the title screen," the person replied. I say smiling. I'm completely set to see the movie and respond to any questions you have about it. Mark merely rolls his eyes before pressing the play button.

Mark's line of questioning continues throughout the entirety of the film, and some of the topics covered include: why didn't the person listen in the first place?, what the kid had to do with it?, and who was behind the overall plan?

I didn't respond to any of the questions. I have merely suggested that he view the film.

You indicated that you were prepared to respond to the questions I posed. Mark uses my own words as a weapon against me.

"At the conclusion of the film, I will respond to any questions that you may have. The movie is incredibly fantastic, and I don't want to give anything away about it. I'm saying this while crossing my arms.

"Alright I'll just look it up." Mark makes the statement while pulling out his phone.

"Oh no you don't!" I tell him that I will take the phone away from him and keep it out of his reach.

It's yours to keep! He indicates that he is reaching for it.

"No way!" To get away from Mark, I recommend jumping to your feet and running out the door.

"I'm going to get you!" Mark yells as he pursues me in the car.

"In your wildest imagination!" I propose that we travel to the opposite side of the island. We're on opposing ends.

I'll soon have my phone in my possession again. Mark remarks with an arrogant tone and a smug expression on his face.

"Like I said. You. Will. See. Me. In. Your. Dreams." I taunt.

Mark sprints off to one side of the island, and I take off in the opposite direction. As soon as Mark makes his way over the island and joins me on my side, I understand that I have made a mistake. I get so frustrated that I bolt for the couch.

Mark chases after me and hits me with his fist, knocking me against the couch and causing him to collapse on top of me. "I've got you in my sights now." Mark is reaching for my hand to grab his phone, and I hear him saying something.

Because I am pinned under him, I am unable to move. No, I wouldn't do it. The fact that he is standing so close to me is really unnerving. I have a habit of biting my lower lip whenever I'm anxious like this, and that's exactly what I'm doing right now.

I can feel Mark creeping closer to me all the time. Our lips are really close to touching. Almost. The operative word here is almost.

Our gaze is fixed upon one other until I hear the door being unlocked and Jackson Mark's best man enters the room. Throughout that time, our eyes are locked.

"Hi buddy. I'm so sorry, crap. I'll be back at a later time." He says as he turns around and walks toward the entrance.

Mark is knocked to the ground as a result of my pushing him off of me. "No. We were just watching a movie, so everything is OK." I recommend pausing the movie in the living room and heading back into the bedroom where it was started.

"So, tell me, why are you even here?" Mark inquires of him as to when I will re-emerge.

"Uh. I wanted to stop over and give my best friend a quick hello. He fakes. It is not something he is really good at.

"Are you kidding me? What could possibly be the explanation?" Mark asks him.

"Don't get mad, ok?" Jackson asks. Mark confirms with a nod that he won't be there. "Your mom requested me to come over to give you the news that you need to report to work today." He adds that they are practically decreasing in size.

"Okay, you can tell him that I won't be going in," she replied. Mark mutters something while gritting his teeth.

"Mark, you can go. I will inquire about Abby and Maya's availability to attend the event. It's no big deal." I informed him about it.

"This is a really serious matter." He says, as he turns to face me. "I really wish I could be there."

There will be further opportunities for plenary sessions. You are welcome to just drop me off at my father's house while you are on your way. I was still interested in going there. After that, either Abby or Maya can come pick me up from there. I try to talk sense into him.

He then asks, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Now go get ready. The movie can be viewed at a later time." I recommend shoving him in the direction of the room.

"How did I become lucky?" While he's kissing my forehead, he murmurs something to me.

As Mark goes, I'm left alone with Jackson, who always smiles creepily at me. "Jackson, how are you doing?" I ask him.

"Yeah. Everything is perfect. Did you chop your hair?" He inquires while maintaining his sinister grin.

"Yeah. Like it?" I ask.

"Yes, it looks fantastic on you. So it seems that things are shifting around here, doesn't it? What I mean is that you're going to be moving in, and you have an appointment." Jackson drags on. Oh no. Is he thinking the same thing that I believe he is thinking? "So, when exactly is this major shift going to take place?" He requests that we not be discreet.

"Oh. No, no, no. Jackson, I'm not pregnant." I came so close to yelling.

"What?" Mark inquires as he exits the room while displaying an anxious expression. He is doing a good job of acting as though he has only recently discovered that he is going to be a father.

"I'm not pregnant I promise." Now it's my turn to reassure Mark.

"But if you're not going to an ultrasound visit, then why does Mark want to be there for you?" Jackson asks.

"Because..." I had mixed feelings about staring at Mark. He just shrugs. "Because I have my first chemotherapy session today." I tell him.

Jackson enquires "For what?" with a look of complete bewilderment on his face.

"Jake, she has cancer," he said. Mark says for me.

"Oh Alyanna." Jackson encircles me in a bear embrace and tells me. "My sincere apologies."

"Don't worry about it, Jake. I'm doing fine, actually. " I respond while making an effort to get away from him. "Oh Jake. I'm having trouble breathing." I say while tapping his shoulder as if I were about to call time. He shifts his position and brushes off his suit. Hence, we need to move on. I'll see you later Jake." I then make a statement, and Mark and I walk out the door.

"We'll catch up with you at the office." While we are leaving the apartment, Mark adds, "Half smiling at you," which is directed toward him.

While Mark and I make our way to the residents' exit, Jake makes his way to the exit for visitors. "If Maya finds out you're wearing that, she'll definitely kill you." Mark inquires as we start our journey in the car.

"Probably. When she comes to pick me up, it's highly possible that she'll have a different outfit on. She has an uncomfortable level of familiarity with me. I say. It's strange that Mark would have that opinion.

Mark's only response is a single "ahh."

"Don't really have anything to say?" I asked.

"Is it really that clear?" He asks while creating an odd expression on his face.

I chuckle. "All you said was Ahh. As though you had only recently acknowledged it."

"I'm not as excellent as I thought I was," the speaker said.

"No you're not." To state it unequivocally:

"Hey! It was a cruel remark! It is offensive what Mark says.

"Well look we're here." I say while pointing to the house where my dad lives. I can already make out the cars belonging to Maya and Abby. "It is not necessary for you to come in. They will annoy you to no end. I am currently collecting my belongings.

"Alright." I had to exit the vehicle. "Hey, let me know about the difference in your outfit," the man said. Mark recommends lowering the window slightly.

Before going into the home, I acknowledge his presence by giving him a thumbs up.

"Hello?" I scream out as soon as I get inside.

"Hello Alyanna." Abby says this as she waddles over to say hello to me. "How was Hawaii?" She inquires.

"Excellent, with the exception of the obvious."

"Oh my god! I am so sorry that I did not remember to say it earlier. She extends her apologies.

"Oh don't apologize. Just put the blame on the pregnancy." I will speak out for her. "Thanks." Hello, Abby says as she enters the room to offer me a hug.

"Is that yet another complication associated with the pregnancy?" I ask her. Her expression is one of bewilderment. You didn't give me a hug right away, but you did it just now. I gave out a tiny laugh.

"Wow. This foggy thinking that comes with pregnancy is really starting to get to me. She laughs in the same way as I do.

"Whatcha laughing at?" Maya inquires as she descends the staircase.

"Brain fog" caused by pregnancy. We both say it at the same moment, Abby and I.

"Alright," she says, indicating that she is still perplexed. She inquires, "Are you all set to go?"

"I'm as prepared as I'm ever going to be." My recommendation is that you follow them out to the car.

The first five minutes of the ride are spent in complete silence before I break the silence. "Jackson was under the impression that I was pregnant." I say it too quickly.

They both inquire at the same time, "What?"

"Mark never stopped talking about how much he wanted to be there, and he immediately assumed that I was pregnant." I have elaborated.

"Wait a minute, are we talking about the most eligible bachelor in the world?" Maya's question comes in a little bit late. "Yes. Also, he is Mark's closest friend. I say.

"Is he without a partner?" Maya asks.

"No, he is not single; he has a girlfriend; do you recall that from the wedding?" I would like for you to recall that moment.

"Nope I was far too busy hitting on all of the men who did not have rings on at the time. Maya admits.

"We're here." Abby says parking. Suddenly it went quiet.

Shall we enter the building? Maya asks awkwardly.

"We really ought to, but I'd rather not." But despite what I say, I still get out of the car.

A vibration is being sent to me from my phone.

Mark: I'm about to enter a tedious and lengthy meeting that will be held following.

I smile as we step inside. I sent him a response before heading to the check-in counter.

Alyanna: Just got here, see you later.

I really want to tell him that I love him, but since we're communicating over text, I'm afraid that he won't take it well. I just can't take that kind of emotional pain right now. I have no idea whether it is available to anyone at any moment. That is something that no one should ever have to go through, but unfortunately, that is the world that we live in. Humans are born, they can die, they go on, they can be injured, they can hate, love, ignore, and believe. So many feelings are thrown at us by life.