The Challenge as presented at the Fan Fiction Challenge at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ffchallange/
I have another challenge for all you Pretender fans. This one may not be as
simple as my others but it's definitely more interesting. PLUS now non
shippers (if there are any) can take part for once. Here are the ideas.
1) Jarod is sitting outside Miss. Parkers house. This is where you guys come
in. Why is he sitting outside her house? Is he waiting for her to get home? Is
he waiting for her to make a choice? Is he waiting for her to finish packing
so they can run off together? You tell me. Just write a story about it.
Doesn't have to have be a JMP romance but it would be nice.
2) Jarod is doing some thinking. Where is he? What is he thinking? Is he
talking to someone? Is someone there with him? Is he staring at someone
or just off into space? You tell me. Just write a story about it. AGAIN this
Doesn't have to have be a JMP romance.
3) CREATE YOUR OWN STORY IDEA
************************
"WATCHING"
A Pretender Fanfic (Response to Mickey's Challenge re Jarod Sitting
on Ms Parker's Porch)
Classification: MP/J Story
Author: Gatecaptain
Feedback to: katew@clara.co.uk
Rating PG (Second part R - mild language)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. They are
owned by NBC.
Archiving: Wherever you want but ask first!
*************************************************************
As the night drew closer, late evening shadows merged, casting dark
pools around the solitary house. A street-light burned brightly some
fifty yards away, but made little inroads into the deepening gloom
which seemed to envelope both the house and the lone figure who sat
patiently amongst the shadows, his back against the doorframe.
The figure merged into the darkness, his dark clothing
indistinguishable in the gathering gloom, his head bowed, hiding his
features from anyone who might cast an idle glance towards the
house. But no one glanced either at the house or the lone watcher,
the drivers of the few vehicles which had sped by, unaware of his
patient vigil.
For a moment the shadows around the watcher seemed to twist and
writhe, as he flexed his cramped limbs, a hand reached up to
massage a neck that had stiffened in the chill evening breeze that
drifted lazily around the house. Suddenly the figure became taught,
his head jerking towards the sound of an approaching vehicle. The
watcher allowed a brief smile to pass across his handsome face, he
recognized the sound of the expensive car, slowing as it approached
the house. Powerful headlights bathed the building in bright white
light, causing the watcher to pull further into the shadows. The car
was expertly turned into the driveway, brakes applied and the engine
stilled. Moments later the driver's door opened. The watcher grinned,
the car's internal lighting sufficient to allow him a view of pair of long
elegant legs emerging from the car, closely followed by the rest of the
driver's perfect body. Tall, slim, immaculately dressed, the beautiful
woman dipped to grab her bag from inside the car, her impossibly
short skirt creeping even higher. Casually activating the car's door
lock, she started walking towards the front porch. The house-keys
were already in her hand as she stepped up to the door; a touch on
her key fob and the porch light switched itself on.
"Neat" murmured the watcher as he rose from the shadows tilting his
head towards the now angry woman who attempted to withdraw the
weapon concealed inside her purse. Anticipating her move, the
watcher's hand shot out, firmly grasping her slim elegant wrist.
"God damn it Jarod that hurts."
"Sorry Miss Parker, but I'm not quite ready for you to put a bullet in
me," answered the watcher as he dipped his own hand inside the
purse, withdrawing the weapon and then pushing it firmly into the
pocket of his black leather jacket.
"I don't give a damn whether you're ready or not, one of these days I'll
put a bullet right between you're eyes" Miss Parker's annoyance clear
as she practically spat out the words. In truth she was equally as mad
at herself for allowing Jarod to disarm her, as she was with him for
suddenly appearing out of the gloom.
Jarod merely grinned at her, " Not going to happen, you've had plenty
of chances but you never take them, now why exactly is that Miss
Parker? Why am I standing here alive on your front porch when
you've had a dozen chances to kill me over these last few years?
Maybe you're heart's not really in it!"
"My heart's my own affair Lab Rat, and why the hell are you standing
on my porch anyway?" Growled Miss Parker, as she finally got around
to inserting the key in the lock and opening the door. Glancing at him,
she stepped inside the hallway, a curt jerk of her head, the only
indication that he was to follow.
Angrily throwing her purse and jacket onto the hall table, Miss Parker
headed straight for the lounge and the walnut veneered cabinet near
the window, tugging open the door she pulled out a full bottle of
scotch.
"Don't start about my drinking! It's been a lousy day, I'm tired, pissed
and now you show up on my door step, I deserve a drink," she
growled, tossing him a look of defiance.
Jarod followed her into the kitchen, shaking his head, "Hey don't let
me stop you, in fact I might just join you, if I get offered a drink that is!"
Turning towards him, Miss Parker scowled, then swiftly thrust a glass
into hand and pored him a generous measure of Scotch before filling
her own glass.
"You want ice?" she queried heading towards the refrigerator.
"Sure" replied Jarod, taking the bowl of ice cubes offered by Miss
Parker.
Pushing past him, she made her way back into the lounge, kicking off
her shoes she sat on the couch, pulling her legs under her. She
glanced back towards the kitchen; Jarod was leaning against the
doorframe, slowly sipping the expensive liquor.
"Oh for Pete's sake come and sit down," commanded Miss Parker,
before taking a generous swallow of the fiery liquid.
To her surprise Jarod joined her on the couch, his back resting
against the arm, he gazed at her, a gentle smile oh his face.
"Don't do that!" she rasped, finishing off the liquor and placing the
empty glass on a side table that stood conveniently near the couch.
Jarod looked puzzled, "Do what?"
"That smile thing, the one that says 'I know what you're thinking'. As if
you know anything about me!" Her retort was accompanied by a scowl
in his direction.
"Not true Miss Parker, I know a lot about you, maybe even things you
don't know yourself!" Jarod replied gently, the smile never leaving his
face.
Parker was about to make an angry retort, but stopped short of yelling
at him, the truth of his words hitting home. Jarod had learned so many
secrets about her and her so called 'family' over the last few years
that she sometimes wondered if he did know her better than herself.
"Only because you hide from the 'real' you!" he murmured.
"What... the hell.." She began.
"You were thinking maybe I know you better than yourself."
Angrily running her fingers through her hair she glared at him, leaning
forward so that there was only a few inches between them, "And
don't you dare read my mind, you son of a bitch, I ought to throw you
out on you're sorry ass"
"Well that's a whole lot better than putting a bullet between my eyes, I
really think we're making progress here Miss Parker," answered
Jarod, his voice a perfect mimicry of Sydney's.
She didn't answer, her arm flew towards him, fist clenched, only
Jarod's swift reactions saved him from the blow, his own upraised arm
deflecting the punch away from his face.
"You ever thought of anger management classes Parker?" he asked
grinning at her obvious disappointment at her failure to hit him.
"I damn well wouldn't need to get angry if you'd just stay out of my
life!" she yelled, slipping off the couch she headed back into the
kitchen, taking her empty glass with her.
She tilted the bottle of scotch, pouring out an even more generous
measure than previously. Putting down the bottle she grasped the
glass in her strong slim fingers, only to find even stronger fingers
clasping her own, preventing her lifting the glass from the counter.
"No more booze Parker, only makes you angrier, plus you'll start
another ulcer if you keep drinking that amount." Jarod felt her stiffen,
the hand beneath his own struggling to free itself from his grasp. He
let her
struggle for a few moments,
"It's OK Parker, you don't have to do this, you're not on your own,
there are people who care about you; it doesn't have to be this way."
She didn't know if it was his words or her own desire to stop fighting,
but her struggles ceased, allowing herself to lean back against his
body standing firmly behind her.
"God Jarod who the hell cares about me? My so called brother would
rape and murder me given half a chance, my 'father' would stand and
watch Raines's goons drag me away to god alone knows where, and
then there's good old Bridget, my 'evil step-mother' who is behind
every lousy attempt to undermine my position at the Centre, so just
who the hell actually gives a damn about me?"
Jarod allowed himself the luxury of holding her for a few moments
longer before gently turning her so she faced him.
"Well there's Sydney for starters, he loves you as if you were his own
daughter, then poor old Broots, he's been 'crazy' about you from day
one, his daughter adores you and thinks you're 'mega cool', Sam, who
despite the fact he's a Centre Sweeper, would die for you, Angelo
worships the ground you walk on."
The old Miss Parker appeared for a moment, "And that's it!"
"You want more?"
"You bet you're ass I do Mr. Genius!"
"Well now let me see, there's the guy with the weight problem and bad
breath at the gas station, the skinny bus boy at the grocery store, oh
and the big blond gal at the dry cleaners, always figured she's like to
get to know you better.." He tailed off; his laughter cut short, a swift
poke in the ribs, making him gasp for breath.
"Ouch Parker that hurt!"
"Serves you right, funny man," she retorted swinging round to stalk
out of the kitchen towards the lounge.
He called after her, "Oh almost forgot, there's one more."
"She glanced over her shoulder, "Oh don't tell me the twelve year old
paper-boy has the hots for me too!"
He feigned surprise "He has? Well guess I missed that one!"
Shaking her head she replied, "OK, I'm buying, who is the 'one more.'
A sigh escaped her lips as she muttered to herself, "God Parker,
you're losing it!"
She almost missed his quite reply. "Me"
She stopped in her tracks, wondering if she'd heard him correctly. But
that single word kept repeating itself, echoing around her brain until
she couldn't hear or think of anything else. She turned; anger suffused
her face,
"You miserable son of a bitch, is that all you know how to do, play
games with people, a few cryptic words then disappear. Who the hell
gave you the right to make fun of me?"
Her response took Jarod completely by surprise; he'd expected
disbelief, followed by her usual needle sharp wit, a caustic remark to
answer his single word! The intensity of her anger caught him off
guard and for a few seconds he could say nothing, merely gazing at
her in total shock. Finally he found his voice, his own words tinged
with anger, "Damn it Parker what the hell is wrong with you, I tell you
I care about you
and you come at me with all guns blazing, I don't know why I even
bother anymore, for a so called genius, I must be the dumbest man on
this planet. What the f*** is so wrong with being cared for?"
She continued to glare at him, unwilling to believe he was sincere,
"Why the hell would you care for me Jarod, I've spent the last three
years trying to kill you or drag you back to that hell-hole you escaped
from. Damn it Jarod you have to hate me for that if nothing else."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Jarod took two quick strides, bringing
him within touching distance of Parker. He gripped her shoulders,
perhaps a little too tightly as she grimaced painfully.
"Parker what in god's name have they done to you? I could never
hate you." He paused then bent forward till his own forehead rested
against hers, his fingers relaxing their grip on her shoulders. Allowing
his own anger to dissipate he continued; his voice little more than a
gentle whisper.
"Why! Because you're still my best friend, you're the one good thing
that happened to me in that hell on earth. You know something
Parker you are even more of a victim of the Centre than I am. I always
knew I was nothing more than a lab rat to them, but you Parker; they
give you the illusion of freedom, but you're cage has different kind of
bars, made from promises they'll never keep. You have to know that
Parker, they've killed to keep you in that cage, first your mother, then
Thomas. Maybe Sydney or Broots will be
next, anyone who gets close to you will become an obstacle they will
remove." He stopped for a few moments, trying to see if his words
were having any impact at all.
"I'm not like them, Parker, uncaring, unfeeling, without pity or love."
He felt her shoulder begin to shake, her voice barely audible as she
sobbed, "But what if I am Jarod? What if I'm just like my father, Lyle
and Raines, would you still care then?"
He didn't answer, but pulled her into his arms, holding her as her
control finally slipped. The dampness of her tears soaked the thin
cotton of his T Shirt; her taut fingers gripped the edges of his jacket.
He gently stroked her back, whispering words of comfort, until finally
her tears ceased. She pulled away from him slightly, brushing a hand
across her tear-stained face. Jarod ran the back of his fingers across
her cheek,
leaning in towards her, "You're not like them, Parker, you never could
be, you're too much you're mother's daughter for that to ever happen."
She stared at him, almost desperate to believe him.
"You don't know how much I want that to be true Jarod, but I've been
the Centre's lackey for too long, maybe there's no way back for me."
She told him, an edge of desperation creeping in to her hushed tones.
"Lackey be dammed Parker, you're still YOU. YOU threatened to kill
Lyle if he ever hurt Broots or Debbie, YOU protect Angelo from
Raines, YOU hide Sydney's links with me, YOU won't kill me. You
played the Centre's game but you never belonged to them, believe
that Parker if you believe nothing else."
A small smile crossed her features, a little of the old Miss Parker spirit
returning, "I did all that? But maybe I did it all to trap you Jarod, did
you think of that? Ensnaring my Pretender with a façade of 'caring'
so I can finally deliver him to the Centre."
"Bullshit!" retorted Jarod giving her one final hug before releasing her.
They both stood for a few moments, exchanging intense looks, before
their eyes parted, embarrassed at the shared exchange, of the
moments of intimacy. Parker made the first move, returning to take
her place on the couch, Jarod joined her dropping his jacket on the
floor, a dull thud signaling the presence of Parker's gun, still in the
pocket.
The minutes passed as an uncomfortable silence ensued, each
pondering the revelations made earlier. Parker finally broke the
silence,
"Do you ever think either of us will ever have a normal life?"
"I hope so Parker, I really hope so. Right now neither of us have a life
at all, I run around trying to atone for the harm I did with the Sims,
knowing that I can never undo the misery inflicted on so many by the
Centre, knowing that it was my brain, my efforts that allowed them to
do so."
She covered his hand with her own, the gesture lasting only a second
before she withdrew her touch.
"Jarod, none of that was your fault, you never had a choice. You don't
have to keep playing Super Saviour, you could just disappear and
start over again, we both know you could do it if you really wanted,
neither the Centre or myself would ever be able to find you." She told
him, her voice devoid of its usual sarcasm.
"Easier said than done Parker, its not just me I have to think about, I
need to cover the tracks of all those who are close to me, my family,
Sydney, Broots, Debbie; and you Parker, what will I do about you if I
disappear?" He answered as he moved closer, his palm cupping her
chin gently as he gazed intently, waiting for her reply.
Despite his uncomfortable scrutiny, she did not push him away; she
somehow knew that his question and her reply to it was important,
maybe more important than anything they'd said to each other before.
"I won't try and find you Jarod."
"But what if I want you to find me Miss Parker? What'll I do then?"
She drew back, letting his hand fall onto his thigh, "Damn it Jarod,
don't go there, I can't deal with that right now, I can't allow anyone to
get close to me, you said it yourself, the Centre wants me all to
themselves, I
won't be responsible for anyone else's death." She pushed herself
from the couch, ready to move away from him, but was stopped as his
hand gripped her wrist, tugging gently till she resumed her place next
to him.
"Not good enough Parker, I'm already the Centre's number one target,
so that excuse won't fly. Tell me the real reason why you want to push
me away Miss Parker, what is it that scares you about the thought of
us being something other than the hunter and the hunted?"
She didn't want to reply, every fibre of her being screamed, "Don't go
there" but his eyes held her own, silently demanding an answer to his
question.
"I'd screw things up Jarod, I always do, even with Thomas, I knew I'd
screw up sooner or later. I'd hurt you Jarod, I wouldn't want too, but I
would, I can't help myself. I don't want the responsibility that goes
with a
relationship right now. I'm scared that if I let you into my life, I'll
become vulnerable, I'll lose my edge, then they'd win, Raines, Lyle
and the rest they'd take you back, make you suffer all over again. I
can't be
responsible for that Jarod, don't ask me too, not now."
He remained silent, analysing what she'd said, recognising her fears,
her insecurities, wanting to overcome them, but realising now was not
the time to push. He was here with her now, he'd watched her, now
he'd wait for her, until she was ready to let him in, it wasn't what he'd
wanted but it was
enough, she hadn't said 'never', she'd said 'not now'.
Finis
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ffchallange/
I have another challenge for all you Pretender fans. This one may not be as
simple as my others but it's definitely more interesting. PLUS now non
shippers (if there are any) can take part for once. Here are the ideas.
1) Jarod is sitting outside Miss. Parkers house. This is where you guys come
in. Why is he sitting outside her house? Is he waiting for her to get home? Is
he waiting for her to make a choice? Is he waiting for her to finish packing
so they can run off together? You tell me. Just write a story about it.
Doesn't have to have be a JMP romance but it would be nice.
2) Jarod is doing some thinking. Where is he? What is he thinking? Is he
talking to someone? Is someone there with him? Is he staring at someone
or just off into space? You tell me. Just write a story about it. AGAIN this
Doesn't have to have be a JMP romance.
3) CREATE YOUR OWN STORY IDEA
************************
"WATCHING"
A Pretender Fanfic (Response to Mickey's Challenge re Jarod Sitting
on Ms Parker's Porch)
Classification: MP/J Story
Author: Gatecaptain
Feedback to: katew@clara.co.uk
Rating PG (Second part R - mild language)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. They are
owned by NBC.
Archiving: Wherever you want but ask first!
*************************************************************
As the night drew closer, late evening shadows merged, casting dark
pools around the solitary house. A street-light burned brightly some
fifty yards away, but made little inroads into the deepening gloom
which seemed to envelope both the house and the lone figure who sat
patiently amongst the shadows, his back against the doorframe.
The figure merged into the darkness, his dark clothing
indistinguishable in the gathering gloom, his head bowed, hiding his
features from anyone who might cast an idle glance towards the
house. But no one glanced either at the house or the lone watcher,
the drivers of the few vehicles which had sped by, unaware of his
patient vigil.
For a moment the shadows around the watcher seemed to twist and
writhe, as he flexed his cramped limbs, a hand reached up to
massage a neck that had stiffened in the chill evening breeze that
drifted lazily around the house. Suddenly the figure became taught,
his head jerking towards the sound of an approaching vehicle. The
watcher allowed a brief smile to pass across his handsome face, he
recognized the sound of the expensive car, slowing as it approached
the house. Powerful headlights bathed the building in bright white
light, causing the watcher to pull further into the shadows. The car
was expertly turned into the driveway, brakes applied and the engine
stilled. Moments later the driver's door opened. The watcher grinned,
the car's internal lighting sufficient to allow him a view of pair of long
elegant legs emerging from the car, closely followed by the rest of the
driver's perfect body. Tall, slim, immaculately dressed, the beautiful
woman dipped to grab her bag from inside the car, her impossibly
short skirt creeping even higher. Casually activating the car's door
lock, she started walking towards the front porch. The house-keys
were already in her hand as she stepped up to the door; a touch on
her key fob and the porch light switched itself on.
"Neat" murmured the watcher as he rose from the shadows tilting his
head towards the now angry woman who attempted to withdraw the
weapon concealed inside her purse. Anticipating her move, the
watcher's hand shot out, firmly grasping her slim elegant wrist.
"God damn it Jarod that hurts."
"Sorry Miss Parker, but I'm not quite ready for you to put a bullet in
me," answered the watcher as he dipped his own hand inside the
purse, withdrawing the weapon and then pushing it firmly into the
pocket of his black leather jacket.
"I don't give a damn whether you're ready or not, one of these days I'll
put a bullet right between you're eyes" Miss Parker's annoyance clear
as she practically spat out the words. In truth she was equally as mad
at herself for allowing Jarod to disarm her, as she was with him for
suddenly appearing out of the gloom.
Jarod merely grinned at her, " Not going to happen, you've had plenty
of chances but you never take them, now why exactly is that Miss
Parker? Why am I standing here alive on your front porch when
you've had a dozen chances to kill me over these last few years?
Maybe you're heart's not really in it!"
"My heart's my own affair Lab Rat, and why the hell are you standing
on my porch anyway?" Growled Miss Parker, as she finally got around
to inserting the key in the lock and opening the door. Glancing at him,
she stepped inside the hallway, a curt jerk of her head, the only
indication that he was to follow.
Angrily throwing her purse and jacket onto the hall table, Miss Parker
headed straight for the lounge and the walnut veneered cabinet near
the window, tugging open the door she pulled out a full bottle of
scotch.
"Don't start about my drinking! It's been a lousy day, I'm tired, pissed
and now you show up on my door step, I deserve a drink," she
growled, tossing him a look of defiance.
Jarod followed her into the kitchen, shaking his head, "Hey don't let
me stop you, in fact I might just join you, if I get offered a drink that is!"
Turning towards him, Miss Parker scowled, then swiftly thrust a glass
into hand and pored him a generous measure of Scotch before filling
her own glass.
"You want ice?" she queried heading towards the refrigerator.
"Sure" replied Jarod, taking the bowl of ice cubes offered by Miss
Parker.
Pushing past him, she made her way back into the lounge, kicking off
her shoes she sat on the couch, pulling her legs under her. She
glanced back towards the kitchen; Jarod was leaning against the
doorframe, slowly sipping the expensive liquor.
"Oh for Pete's sake come and sit down," commanded Miss Parker,
before taking a generous swallow of the fiery liquid.
To her surprise Jarod joined her on the couch, his back resting
against the arm, he gazed at her, a gentle smile oh his face.
"Don't do that!" she rasped, finishing off the liquor and placing the
empty glass on a side table that stood conveniently near the couch.
Jarod looked puzzled, "Do what?"
"That smile thing, the one that says 'I know what you're thinking'. As if
you know anything about me!" Her retort was accompanied by a scowl
in his direction.
"Not true Miss Parker, I know a lot about you, maybe even things you
don't know yourself!" Jarod replied gently, the smile never leaving his
face.
Parker was about to make an angry retort, but stopped short of yelling
at him, the truth of his words hitting home. Jarod had learned so many
secrets about her and her so called 'family' over the last few years
that she sometimes wondered if he did know her better than herself.
"Only because you hide from the 'real' you!" he murmured.
"What... the hell.." She began.
"You were thinking maybe I know you better than yourself."
Angrily running her fingers through her hair she glared at him, leaning
forward so that there was only a few inches between them, "And
don't you dare read my mind, you son of a bitch, I ought to throw you
out on you're sorry ass"
"Well that's a whole lot better than putting a bullet between my eyes, I
really think we're making progress here Miss Parker," answered
Jarod, his voice a perfect mimicry of Sydney's.
She didn't answer, her arm flew towards him, fist clenched, only
Jarod's swift reactions saved him from the blow, his own upraised arm
deflecting the punch away from his face.
"You ever thought of anger management classes Parker?" he asked
grinning at her obvious disappointment at her failure to hit him.
"I damn well wouldn't need to get angry if you'd just stay out of my
life!" she yelled, slipping off the couch she headed back into the
kitchen, taking her empty glass with her.
She tilted the bottle of scotch, pouring out an even more generous
measure than previously. Putting down the bottle she grasped the
glass in her strong slim fingers, only to find even stronger fingers
clasping her own, preventing her lifting the glass from the counter.
"No more booze Parker, only makes you angrier, plus you'll start
another ulcer if you keep drinking that amount." Jarod felt her stiffen,
the hand beneath his own struggling to free itself from his grasp. He
let her
struggle for a few moments,
"It's OK Parker, you don't have to do this, you're not on your own,
there are people who care about you; it doesn't have to be this way."
She didn't know if it was his words or her own desire to stop fighting,
but her struggles ceased, allowing herself to lean back against his
body standing firmly behind her.
"God Jarod who the hell cares about me? My so called brother would
rape and murder me given half a chance, my 'father' would stand and
watch Raines's goons drag me away to god alone knows where, and
then there's good old Bridget, my 'evil step-mother' who is behind
every lousy attempt to undermine my position at the Centre, so just
who the hell actually gives a damn about me?"
Jarod allowed himself the luxury of holding her for a few moments
longer before gently turning her so she faced him.
"Well there's Sydney for starters, he loves you as if you were his own
daughter, then poor old Broots, he's been 'crazy' about you from day
one, his daughter adores you and thinks you're 'mega cool', Sam, who
despite the fact he's a Centre Sweeper, would die for you, Angelo
worships the ground you walk on."
The old Miss Parker appeared for a moment, "And that's it!"
"You want more?"
"You bet you're ass I do Mr. Genius!"
"Well now let me see, there's the guy with the weight problem and bad
breath at the gas station, the skinny bus boy at the grocery store, oh
and the big blond gal at the dry cleaners, always figured she's like to
get to know you better.." He tailed off; his laughter cut short, a swift
poke in the ribs, making him gasp for breath.
"Ouch Parker that hurt!"
"Serves you right, funny man," she retorted swinging round to stalk
out of the kitchen towards the lounge.
He called after her, "Oh almost forgot, there's one more."
"She glanced over her shoulder, "Oh don't tell me the twelve year old
paper-boy has the hots for me too!"
He feigned surprise "He has? Well guess I missed that one!"
Shaking her head she replied, "OK, I'm buying, who is the 'one more.'
A sigh escaped her lips as she muttered to herself, "God Parker,
you're losing it!"
She almost missed his quite reply. "Me"
She stopped in her tracks, wondering if she'd heard him correctly. But
that single word kept repeating itself, echoing around her brain until
she couldn't hear or think of anything else. She turned; anger suffused
her face,
"You miserable son of a bitch, is that all you know how to do, play
games with people, a few cryptic words then disappear. Who the hell
gave you the right to make fun of me?"
Her response took Jarod completely by surprise; he'd expected
disbelief, followed by her usual needle sharp wit, a caustic remark to
answer his single word! The intensity of her anger caught him off
guard and for a few seconds he could say nothing, merely gazing at
her in total shock. Finally he found his voice, his own words tinged
with anger, "Damn it Parker what the hell is wrong with you, I tell you
I care about you
and you come at me with all guns blazing, I don't know why I even
bother anymore, for a so called genius, I must be the dumbest man on
this planet. What the f*** is so wrong with being cared for?"
She continued to glare at him, unwilling to believe he was sincere,
"Why the hell would you care for me Jarod, I've spent the last three
years trying to kill you or drag you back to that hell-hole you escaped
from. Damn it Jarod you have to hate me for that if nothing else."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Jarod took two quick strides, bringing
him within touching distance of Parker. He gripped her shoulders,
perhaps a little too tightly as she grimaced painfully.
"Parker what in god's name have they done to you? I could never
hate you." He paused then bent forward till his own forehead rested
against hers, his fingers relaxing their grip on her shoulders. Allowing
his own anger to dissipate he continued; his voice little more than a
gentle whisper.
"Why! Because you're still my best friend, you're the one good thing
that happened to me in that hell on earth. You know something
Parker you are even more of a victim of the Centre than I am. I always
knew I was nothing more than a lab rat to them, but you Parker; they
give you the illusion of freedom, but you're cage has different kind of
bars, made from promises they'll never keep. You have to know that
Parker, they've killed to keep you in that cage, first your mother, then
Thomas. Maybe Sydney or Broots will be
next, anyone who gets close to you will become an obstacle they will
remove." He stopped for a few moments, trying to see if his words
were having any impact at all.
"I'm not like them, Parker, uncaring, unfeeling, without pity or love."
He felt her shoulder begin to shake, her voice barely audible as she
sobbed, "But what if I am Jarod? What if I'm just like my father, Lyle
and Raines, would you still care then?"
He didn't answer, but pulled her into his arms, holding her as her
control finally slipped. The dampness of her tears soaked the thin
cotton of his T Shirt; her taut fingers gripped the edges of his jacket.
He gently stroked her back, whispering words of comfort, until finally
her tears ceased. She pulled away from him slightly, brushing a hand
across her tear-stained face. Jarod ran the back of his fingers across
her cheek,
leaning in towards her, "You're not like them, Parker, you never could
be, you're too much you're mother's daughter for that to ever happen."
She stared at him, almost desperate to believe him.
"You don't know how much I want that to be true Jarod, but I've been
the Centre's lackey for too long, maybe there's no way back for me."
She told him, an edge of desperation creeping in to her hushed tones.
"Lackey be dammed Parker, you're still YOU. YOU threatened to kill
Lyle if he ever hurt Broots or Debbie, YOU protect Angelo from
Raines, YOU hide Sydney's links with me, YOU won't kill me. You
played the Centre's game but you never belonged to them, believe
that Parker if you believe nothing else."
A small smile crossed her features, a little of the old Miss Parker spirit
returning, "I did all that? But maybe I did it all to trap you Jarod, did
you think of that? Ensnaring my Pretender with a façade of 'caring'
so I can finally deliver him to the Centre."
"Bullshit!" retorted Jarod giving her one final hug before releasing her.
They both stood for a few moments, exchanging intense looks, before
their eyes parted, embarrassed at the shared exchange, of the
moments of intimacy. Parker made the first move, returning to take
her place on the couch, Jarod joined her dropping his jacket on the
floor, a dull thud signaling the presence of Parker's gun, still in the
pocket.
The minutes passed as an uncomfortable silence ensued, each
pondering the revelations made earlier. Parker finally broke the
silence,
"Do you ever think either of us will ever have a normal life?"
"I hope so Parker, I really hope so. Right now neither of us have a life
at all, I run around trying to atone for the harm I did with the Sims,
knowing that I can never undo the misery inflicted on so many by the
Centre, knowing that it was my brain, my efforts that allowed them to
do so."
She covered his hand with her own, the gesture lasting only a second
before she withdrew her touch.
"Jarod, none of that was your fault, you never had a choice. You don't
have to keep playing Super Saviour, you could just disappear and
start over again, we both know you could do it if you really wanted,
neither the Centre or myself would ever be able to find you." She told
him, her voice devoid of its usual sarcasm.
"Easier said than done Parker, its not just me I have to think about, I
need to cover the tracks of all those who are close to me, my family,
Sydney, Broots, Debbie; and you Parker, what will I do about you if I
disappear?" He answered as he moved closer, his palm cupping her
chin gently as he gazed intently, waiting for her reply.
Despite his uncomfortable scrutiny, she did not push him away; she
somehow knew that his question and her reply to it was important,
maybe more important than anything they'd said to each other before.
"I won't try and find you Jarod."
"But what if I want you to find me Miss Parker? What'll I do then?"
She drew back, letting his hand fall onto his thigh, "Damn it Jarod,
don't go there, I can't deal with that right now, I can't allow anyone to
get close to me, you said it yourself, the Centre wants me all to
themselves, I
won't be responsible for anyone else's death." She pushed herself
from the couch, ready to move away from him, but was stopped as his
hand gripped her wrist, tugging gently till she resumed her place next
to him.
"Not good enough Parker, I'm already the Centre's number one target,
so that excuse won't fly. Tell me the real reason why you want to push
me away Miss Parker, what is it that scares you about the thought of
us being something other than the hunter and the hunted?"
She didn't want to reply, every fibre of her being screamed, "Don't go
there" but his eyes held her own, silently demanding an answer to his
question.
"I'd screw things up Jarod, I always do, even with Thomas, I knew I'd
screw up sooner or later. I'd hurt you Jarod, I wouldn't want too, but I
would, I can't help myself. I don't want the responsibility that goes
with a
relationship right now. I'm scared that if I let you into my life, I'll
become vulnerable, I'll lose my edge, then they'd win, Raines, Lyle
and the rest they'd take you back, make you suffer all over again. I
can't be
responsible for that Jarod, don't ask me too, not now."
He remained silent, analysing what she'd said, recognising her fears,
her insecurities, wanting to overcome them, but realising now was not
the time to push. He was here with her now, he'd watched her, now
he'd wait for her, until she was ready to let him in, it wasn't what he'd
wanted but it was
enough, she hadn't said 'never', she'd said 'not now'.
Finis