Nick needs to the daylights shaken out of him. He finally seems to be realizing that he's the bad guy. I know he's 14 and navigating a reality that is new to him but he's obviously never heard the phrase "you can't have your cake and eat it too". Subconsciously, I thinks he knows Noah isn't forever and he wants Jack to just wait in the wings. He's infuriating in this chapter.
This chapter filled me with strong emotions. The sign of a great writer. Thanks and well done!