Chapter Two

For disclaimer, see Chapter One. Anywho, on with the story…

Once inside, the three held their breaths. The house was immaculate, decorated beautifully with wonderful works of art, plush carpets, and cozy furniture. They all walked into the living room, still in admiration, and sat down. Parker chose a white plushy chair, which she sank into when she sat down. Sydney and Broots choose a comfortable couch across from her. Jarod remained standing, leaning slightly against the wall in front of a large untouched stone fireplace.

"What do you think?" he asked with a slight soft chuckle.

"Wow." Said Broots, looking around the room.

"This is absolutely beautiful Jarod." Parker said with a smile, her eyes gleaming with happiness.

Inside, Jarod melted as he saw her smile. He knew it had been a long, long time since she smiled just for being happy.

"I agree with them. This house is exquisite. Did you pay with Centre money?" Sydney said.

The corners of Jarod's mouth turned up. "Of course. But it's only a small price compared to what the Centre did to me."

The others nodding, Parker and Sydney understanding more personally than Broots.

"Would you like a tour?" Jarod asked them.

They nodded and stood. The Pretender led them out of the living room and into the kitchen. The space was huge, with all the utilities at one end and a big circular table at the other. About twenty feet away, there was a sliding glass door that led out to a large wooden back porch. The group stepped out onto the porch. To the left, there was a hot tub built into the porch. Straight ahead, there was a large space of grass, which was surrounded by the thick forest.

When they went inside, Jarod led them up the T- staircase, which had three plush guestrooms down to the right of the hallway, then they entered the master bedroom. Just the feeling Parker got when she entered the room took her breath away. There was a king-size bed up against the right wall. Across the room, there was a small TV on top of an oak dresser.

"And this ends the tour." Jarod said in a tour guide tone.

They all left the upstairs and went into the living room. Parker once again chose the plushy chair. This time, Jarod perched on the left arm of the chair. Sydney and Broots both sat back down on the couch. They all sat in semi-uncomfortable silence.

Broots cleared his throat. "Um…what are we, gonna do?"

"We're going back to the Centre." Parker said, "Without Jarod." She rested her head on his thigh.

Jarod smiled and wove his hand into her dark hair. Sydney and Broots exchanged looks.

"What's your problem?" Parker demanded.

"Nothing, Miss Parker." Sydney said with a small smile.

"Lair."

"Umm…are you and Jarod…uh involved?"

"No." she said. Not yet anyway. She added silently.

Her eyes traveled up to Jarod's face and new that he was thinking the same thing. They smiled.

"We have to get going soon if the Centre is going to believe that we did not find Jarod." Sydney said a few minutes later.

Parker sighed, lifted her head, and got up followed by Jarod, Sydney, and Broots. The group made their way to the door.

"Are you going to be staying here?" Sydney asked his Pretender.

"Yes. Until I find another person in need."

The three smiled. Sydney and Broots exchanged another look and went to the rental car, leaving Parker and Jarod to talk.

"When I get back to the Centre, I'm demanding a vacation." She told Jarod, "Then I'm coming back to you."

The Pretender smiled happily. "I can't wait." He kissed her cheek.

"Bye Jarod." Parker said, sounding slightly sad.

"Bye Michealina." He replied. I love you.

TBC… As always, Please R&R.