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He’s not going to be er

I pull in a deep breath and let it out slowly as I see his car pull into h school last week It was a proud e party

And we’re supposed to leave for New York City together in two days

"Hey, baby," he says with his signature naughty grin as he ?"

"Yes," I reply and bury ht be the last ti?" He pulls away and studies my face He knows me too damn well "M?"

"I don’t think you should co off a Band Aid

He blinks and frowns "What are you talking about? We’ve been talking about this for the past year"

"I know, it’s just…" I push h my hair and barely hold on to my sanity "I need to concentrate on dance, Mark"

"Okay" He shakes his head like he just doesn’t get it "Why the change of heart?"

"I’ve been thinking about this for a while, but I just didn’t kno to tell you"

"How long?"

"A few months," I whisper Since the dayabout Mark and yelled atto be in New York

"Months?" He rubs his fingers over his ins to look a little panicked "Mer, where is this coape at him like he’s lost his marbles "You know I love you so much it hurts!"

"Then why?"

"Because I have to concentrate on dance, Mark This is going to be the hardest thing I ever do The days are super long, and it’s so co I’ll just be in the way?" He props his hands on his hips and glares at me and I feel the first tear fall

"You’ll be a distraction that I can’t afford, M" I take a step to hi him with my eyes to understand, but he steps away

"I don’t want to do the long distance thing, Meredith"

"I don’t either" It’s a whisper, and his face pales when he realizes what, exactly thisit off?"

"I love you, Mark"

"But you’re breaking it off"

"I just think that we’re so young, and I have to focus on dance"

He takes another step away, blinking blindly, and I know I’ainst the world," he spits out

"Mark, coh" He stops and stares at me as I cry, tears in his own eyes "Good luck to you, Meredith"

With that he shakes his head and leaves, and I run inside to findheard our conversation

"Moirl," she coos "I’m so sorry for both of you"

"What did I just do?" I a mother

"You made an adult decision, baby But I know it hurts you And it hurts him too"

"I love him so much"

"I know you do"