The Concept Game, Volume #2

You and Mark are two peas in a pod. You've been attached to the hip basically since birth and you were certain nothing could ruin your friendship.

That was until they stepped into Mark's life.

Mark met someone during an awkward encounter but somehow managed to save himself and got their number. He was so excited about this and expressed his joy to you, saying that you are invited to the future wedding.

"Dude, you just met this person. Don't start this talk about weddings yet."

"Oh so you can do it but I can't?" You pursed your lips together at his question, not enjoying the fact that he called you out.

"You know what...carry on then." You said in defeat.

"That's what I thought." He said with a smirk. You rolled your eyes at him as he continued on about what season would be the best to have a wedding in.

Days, weeks and months went by and Mark is clearly head over heels for this person. He was always texting them or talking to them on the phone. It didn't really bother you at first as you were happy that he had a crush on someone. It started to become a problem however when he started making that person his number one priority.

It got to the point that even his parents were concerned about him. You were over at his house to watch a movie (that he wanted to watch mind you) and when he saw that his crush was calling, he rushed out of the living room and headed into his room. You let out a sigh as you sunk deeper into the couch. Your eyes were barely focused on the screen when his parents came and sat on either side of you.

"____, maybe you could give us an answer since Mark seems to brush it off every time we ask but what has got him glued to his phone so badly?" His mother asked.

"Well Mrs. Lee, he met someone recently and they have a death grip on his heart." You said with a sigh, shaking your head.

"Ah, young love. He reminds me of myself when I was his age." His father said.

"Really Mr. Lee?" You asked curiously.

"Mhm, I was like this when I first met his mother."

"That's so cute!" You replied with a smile

"He was really obsessed with me back then, always giving me little gifts and such." Mrs. Lee said in a teasing tone.

"I sure was obsessed then and I still am now." Your smile grew wider at his answer.

"Thanks for telling us ____, he wouldn't let up on an answer." She said.

"Although I am a bit worried for you." He said. You turned to him, asking him what he means.

"I'm afraid he might do what I also did when I was pursuing his mom. I was so wrapped up trying to get to her that I ditched my closest friends at that time." He responded with a frown, which made you frown.

"We would hate to see you two not being friends anymore." His mom said, putting her hand on your shoulder.

"Yeah...I would hate that too." You said softly, fiddling with your thumbs.

"Regardless of what happens, you'll always be welcome here whether he likes it or not." His dad said, nudging you slightly. You giggled at his statement, knowing that at least you'll always have his parents by your side.

You've been thinking about what his dad said for the past few days and it sits in the front of your mind whenever you see Mark. Currently, you two were hanging out in the playground that you always went to as kids. You two were on the swings when you heard that ringtone you've grown to hate. Not to your surprise, Mark answers the phone immediately. You continue to swing as he gets up from the seat, looking guility. You already know what he's about to ask you and this time you've had enough.

"They really need me right now, can I take a rain check?" He started, both of you asking the question in unison. He furrowed his eyebrows as you come to a stop on the swing.

"How many more rain checks are you going to ask for Mark?" You asked, done with the constant rain checks.

"I don't ask for a lot." He said dismissively.

"Really? Alright then, riddle me this: when was the last time we hung out?" You challenged.

"Last-"

"Without interruption." You added, cutting him off. He stood there in silence, thinking about it. He frowned, realizing he can't recall anything.

"At least we still each other ____."

"We barely do. We used to be together all the time now I'm lucky if I even see you for half an hour."

"You're acting like I can't be friends with other people." He said, crossing his arms across his chest.

"I never said you can't but you're prioritizing them like they're a God. You practically worship they walk on." You said, matching his stance.

"I found someone who makes me happy and shows interest in me and you're saying I'm prioritizing them?" He said defensively.

"Yes! Because you are! If I wasn't in the picture, you'd be spending every waking moment with them. Let's face it, we're not what we used to be Mark." You said, chest huffing in anger.

"And maybe that's for the best." He said, glaring at you. You stared at him stunned at his statement.

"You know what, fine....be that way," You said getting closer to him, "but never try to make amends with me after they make you into an even bigger fool than you already are." You left the park without another word to him, not even turning around to get one last look at him.

Instead of going straight home, you went to his house and broke the news to his parents. They exchanged sad looks with one another, understanding the situation at hand. They reassured you that you made the right choice and they still love you the same. After that brief talk, you went home and laid in your bed. Staring at the ceiling, memories of you and Mark started to paint itself as your eyes started to get teary. You sat up and wiped your eyes, grabbing your phone and blocking him everywhere possible. You were angry beyond compare but you were going to have to adjust to life without the other pea in the pod.