I know well what I am fleeing from but not what I am in search of. ~Michel de Montaigne
Three
Brennan didn't stop running until she had caught up with Parker. She skidded to a stop, and crashed into him with another hug. She brought her hands up to his head and pulled his head down to her shoulder while stroking his hair.
"I am so sorry Parker," she repeated over and over.
Parker smiled and allowed the woman to have her moment. He knew she was sorry and he felt it wasn't fair to punish either of them with silence.
"It's okay, really." Parker coughed. "You are squeezing me to death."
Brennan pulled back and smiled. She let go and shifted her feet from side to side. "You really have grown up Parker." She patted his shoulder. "Your father would be so proud of you."
Parker blushed and rolled his eyes. "Thanks Bones."
He offered his arm to her and began to walk. They discussed what they had been doing since the last time they had talked. They talked about everything and anything.
They ended up in front of the Royal Diner and stopped. They stood staring at the sign, which had put quite some years on it. Parker turned and smiled.
"I haven't been there, since the last time I went with you and Dad."
Brennan smiled and looked at Parker. "Neither have I."
"So, let's change that," Parker noticed she was hesitant, "in honor of my Dad, of course."
Brennan nodded and they both walked in together. They sat in their usual spot, leaving the space empty where Booth would normally sit. They sat still at first, but eventually ordered and began talking again.
Brennan looked at the young man in front of her and sighed with a sweet sadness. Parker raised an eyebrow and leaned back.
"What?" Parker inquired.
"You look like your father." Brennan's honesty was refreshing, but still she was holding back.
"And?"
Brennan giggled and sat back. "You are your fathers son!" Then her face became serious, "It saddens me that you do not get to see him."
Parker nodded his head and took another fry. "Yeah, I think about him all the time."
"He needed me." Brennan looked out the window. Parker was surprised at the quick change of the conversation.
"He loved you." Parker offered.
"I know." Brenna smiled and folded her hands on the table.
Parker cocked his head and answered, "You do?"
"Yes," she sighed, "Not only did your father prove to me through his actions his love for me, he actually told me once."
"Wow!" Parker sat back with his hand on his forehead. "I never thought he would have the balls to do that!"
"Parker!" Brennan scolded.
"Sorry Bones." He sat for a moment and then leaned forward. "Do you believe in fate?"
Brennan's eyes shot up when she heard her former partner's son ask the question. "No?"
Parker laughed. "That sounded reassuring. I think you do. I think dad brought us together tonight."
"But, your father…I mean…he might be…" Brennan trailed off.
"Dead?" Parker noticed her wince at the word. She simply nodded and looked outside.
"I don't think you believe that." Parker smiled. "You would know if he was dead." Parker leaned forward, "you would feel it in your heart."
Brennan clutched her St. Christopher's medal and pondered Parkers words. "You don't believe he is dead?"
Parker smiled, "You are the one who was waiting for him tonight."
Brennan nodded and smiled.
"And no, I do not believe my father is dead." Parker stretched in his seat.
"Why?" Brennan listened.
"Because he made a promise…he never would make a promise he could not keep." Parker jumped at the vibration from his phone in his pocket.
For the first time, in a long time, Temperance Brennan felt joy. She sighed and was going to start up another conversation, but noticed the complete change from the young man in front of her.
Brennan reached across the table and waited for him to say something.
Parker dropped the phone to the floor, without moving.
"Parker?" Brennan stood up. "Parker, what's wrong?"
He didn't move and grabbed his medal around his neck. "Dad."
Brennan grabbed the phone and saw that it had broke. She grabbed him by his shoulders and turned him to face her. "What about you father?" Brennan's hands began to tremble.
"They found him…" Parker started to shake his head.
"Found him?" Brennan let go of the boy in shock.
The next word was barely above a whisper.
"…alive."
