Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from the television show "The Pretender."  They belong to Steve Long Mitchell, Craig W. Sickel, and TNT.

Leaving it all behind part 27

Broots residence

One week later

Opening up her new computer, Debbie puts it in the same spot as her old one.  Hearing J.J. and Jarod playing basketball outside from her window, Debbie goes over and slams the window shut.  

After putting all the hardware together, Debbie turns on her computer.   As it warms up, she goes downstairs to get a soda.  Hearing the doorbell ring, she opens the door to find Emily standing there.  "Dad, it's your friend." 

Glaring at Emily, Debbie swiftly leaves the room, heading upstairs.  Closing the door, glancing at her computer screen, Debbie struggles not to laugh out loud.   There on the computer screen was a message from Miss Parker.

He's an idiot, but he's my idiot!

Gasping, Debbie smiles as she walks over to her new computer.  Clinking on her mailbox icon.  Debbie reads the latest from Miss Parker and company.   Writing a short message to her, Debbie informs Miss Parker that her father is engaged to Emily Russell, Jarod's sister.  That everyone in the Russell family knew but they felt that she wouldn't be able to handle it so they didn't tell her.  This bright idea was Dr. Green's.  Debbie wrote that her father and her where finally talking again, since Broots promised to do something extra special for her birthday.  Oh and the Russell family is having a good time talking to someone named: ICEQUEEN on line.  Finishing the letter off with her grade of A+.  Debbie sent it on its way.

Russell Family Driveway

Bouncing the ball, J.J. looks up at Debbie's window.  She has to talk to me sometime. Looking over his shoulder, he goes for a jump shot.  Which Jarod easily intercepts, and tries for a shot of his own.

Hearing something slam shut, J.J. and Jarod look up to see Debbie's window now closed.  Seeing J.J. defeated look, Jarod shakes his head.  "If she is anything like Miss Parker, she'll forgive you in about three weeks."

"Maybe, but will she also forgive her father too."

Confused, Jarod looks questionably at J.J. "What are you talking about?"

"Debbie, she found out about Emily and Broots's engagement.  And she didn't take it well."

"Oh damn," mutters Jarod.  "I knew Broots should have told her."

"Too late now," mutters J.J. as he makes his shot.  "Looks like I win this round."

Parker's Place

Later that night

Sitting down at her computer Miss Parker contemplates weather or not Debbie has gotten her computer yet.  She will love the new programs that Angelo has installed in it. Sighing deeply, well only one way to find out.  Clicking on her mailbox icon, Miss Parker finds that she does indeed have mail from Debbie.

Opening up the mail, she quickly reads Debbie's short letter.  Getting stuck when she recognizes her own instant icon.  I have been talking to Jarod this whole time?  How the hell could I have not known this?  Suddenly her instant message pops up.

PezHead: Hey you there?

Pausing, Miss Parker can't seem to make up her mind weather or not to write back.  Swallowing hard, and with shaking hands Miss Parker writes back.

IceQueen: Yes

PezHead: having a bad day?

IceQueen: Not really, just got a nasty shock, you

PezHead: I'm not really having a bad day, just frustrating day

Rising her eyebrow, frustrating day really!

IceQueen: What happened?

PezHead: Got a lead on my mother, but so far it hasn't lead me to her.

IceQueen: A lead is good news, right?

PezHead: Yes. I just want her found already

Glancing at the clock in the corner of her computer screen, Miss Parker realizes that once again she has talked to Jarod for over three hours.  This is a strange habit. One I really should break. 

IceQueen: It's late I need to go.

PezHead: Yes it is late.  Talk to you tomm?

Glaring at the screen, Miss Parker smirks; I have the upper hand in this!  I know who he is!

IceQueen: Sure if you're on…Night

Jarod signs heavily, as he watches IceQueen log off.  I wish I could meet this person.  They have been so helpful to everyone in my family. Hearing footsteps approaching his room, Jarod smiles as Ethan opens the door.

"Hey is IceQueen on," asks Ethan.

"Just logged off," comments Jarod.  "We should be talking sometime tomorrow, if you need to talk to her."

"Yeah I do," mutters Ethan.  "Come get me when she is on, ok?"

"Sure," laughs Jarod.

Broots residence

Day of Debbie's birthday

Sitting at the kitchen table all dressed up, Debbie glances at the clock on the wall.  He's late. Could be traffic? Should I call his cell-phone? Taking a deep breath, Debbie walks over to the phone. As she pits it up, it rings.

"Hello."

"Hey Debbie," laughs Mandy.  "Happy B-day.  I was wondering what you're plans are?"

"Well I'm suppose to go out with my father, but he's not here yet," answers Debbie, starting to feel depressed.  "I was thinking of calling his cell."

"Do that, he could be stuck in traffic," replies Mandy.  "It's horrible out an the freeway."

"Really," asks Debbie.

"Yeah its on the news," laughs Mandy.  "If he can't make it, come over to my house.  Then we can head over to Devil's he would love to celebrate your birthday."

"Ok," laughs Debbie felling better.  "I'll call you if he can't make it."

"Do that, and again Happy B-day!"

Hanging up the phone, Debbie quickly picks it up again.  Dialing her father's cell phone number, Debbie takes a deep breath.  Listening to it ring, Debbie is slightly confused when it switches over to voice mail.  Debating weather or not to leave a message, she hangs up instead.

Dialing her father's work number, she asks the operator to transfer her over to his extension.    Listening to it ring, then switch over to voice mail.  Where is he? Should I call over to the Russell house?  Hanging up the phone, Debbie picks it up and tries her fathers cell phone one more time.  After three rings, her father answers.

"Hello."

"Hey Dad," gushes Debbie.  "Where are you?"

"I'm on a date with Emily right now Debbie," replies Broots.  "Is this important?"

"I don't know, why don't you tell me," asks Debbie.  "You were…"

Cutting her off, "Look Debbie, I don't have time for your temper tantrums.  I'll see you at home."  With that Broots hangs up.   Looking at the phone in shock, Debbie slowly hangs it up.  Blinking hard as the room gets blurry, Debbie makes her way up to her room.  Picking up her cell-phone her hits her speed dial.

"Hello."

"Miss Parker," cries Debbie.  "I really need to see you."

"Debbie, what's the matter," asks Miss Parker.  "Debbie is everything all right?"

"No," croaks out Debbie.  "Is there anyway I can see you."

"Yes," states Miss Parker.  "Meet me at Sorrel's.  I'm almost there now.  Do you know where that is?"

"Yes."

"Can you get there in one piece?"

"Yes, I can," gasps Debbie trying not to completely break down.  "I'll be there as soon as I can."