Sydney's House

It had been two weeks since Sydney had checked the clone into a psychiatric hospital in the care of a dear friend and colleague. She was finally safe from herself and from the Centre. He hoped that in time, she would recover, but he didn't know if it was even possible. The damage that had been inflicted upon her psyche over the years was massive. It was sad to think that she might never be free.

Raines and Mr. Parker had tried to coerce him into acknowledging that the clone was alive, but Sydney admitted nothing. He repeatedly told them that the clone had been killed that day in the basement. He knew they hadn't bought it, but he didn't care. In the end, Mr. Parker convinced Raines to let it go, and he told Sydney to take as much time as he needed to recover physically before returning to work.

And in all the time, there had been not a word from Miss Parker. He shook his head. She was stubborn if nothing else; stubborn and so very much like her mother. Sydney still missed Catherine. So many years had passed, so much had transpired, but he felt the void of her friendship. He could only smile slightly; Parker would seek him out when she was ready, and until then, he would have to wait.

He was jolted from his thoughts by the doorbell. He rose and slowly made his way to the door. He opened it, and there she stood.

Miss Parker....this is a surprise.

We need to talk.

He nodded, Of course. Come in.

She brushed past him and he closed the door. Following her into the living room, he observed the tension in her body. Sydney braced himself; whatever was coming, it wasn't going to pleasant.

Can I get you anything, Miss Parker?

She turned on him in anger, Can you get me anything? No, you can't. Unless of course you'd like to give me a little dose of the truth. How about that, Sydney? Think you can manage it? The deep brown eyes just looked at her calmly, and her tirade continued. I didn't think so. You've never been interested in being honest with me, have you? Every time I think there can't be anything more, I uncover yet one more lie you've told me.

I didn't lie to you, Parker.

The hell you didn't. When I first brought up Sl-24, you said nothing. What do you call that?

An omission to protect you.

Is that what you've been telling yourself all these years? You just keep things from me in order to protect me? How convenient for you. She stopped pacing and stood very close to him, Let's just call it what it is, Sydney. You lie to me. You've done it my entire life, and you're still doing it. God only knows what other dirty little secrets you have locked up in your head. And you know what? I don't care anymore. Do you hear me? I don't care. I don't care what more you know, what you do, nor where you go, so long as you stay away from me. Got it? Just stay away from me. I don't need you. She brushed past him heading toward the door, Go play with your clone.

He grabbed her hard by the arm, spinning her back around to face him. She jerked her arm out of his hand and instinctively grabbed him by the lapel, pulling him into her.

This what you want, Sydney? A fight? I'm not afraid of you.

His breath was soft against her lips, I know you're not. I never wanted you to be.

It was a simple statement, and it stung her. She blinked at him, swallowing hard. It had never occurred to her before that moment. She had grown up afraid of all of them: Raines, her father, the sweepers, the cleaners....the Centre. Her mother had been the only one she trusted, until they took her away. And then it had been Sydney. He had been gentle and giving, and was there when she needed him. Slowly, Parker let go of him, the fight drained from her. She turned away, and looked out the window.

He didn't approach her, but stood in the center of the room, his hands in his pockets. His voice was as soft as she had ever heard it.

What do you think Raines would have done if I had told you about the clone?

My father wouldn't have let him kill me, if that's what you're implying....

It is not.

Then what's your point?

There are worse things you can do to people than kill them. You don't know what Raines is capable of--

She turned to him once more in anger, --Oh? I don't? I think I do.

He remained calm and gentle, his eyes looking softly into hers, There were......things that went on, Parker.....experiments that you can't begin to imagine.

She frowned slightly. The round orbs of chestnut looked haunted by images only he could see. Parker took a few steps toward him.

What are you saying, Sydney?

Raines wouldn't have killed you, nor Jarod, but.....

His voice died out with the memory, and he looked away, his eyes filling up with tears.

Then the nickel dropped for her, But he threatened to use us for experiments.

His voice was shaking from the memory, To prove that he wasn't bluffing, he-- Angelo. I couldn't save him. I couldn't save any of them.

Parker moved close to him, But he never got me or Jarod.

No, he didn't.

She caressed his face with her hand, What else?

He moved away from the softness of her touch, the guilt of his complicity, overwhelming him.

I knew that Jarod wasn't my child, and I was reasonably sure that Angelo wasn't.... but I was never sure about you.

B negative blood type.....but that doesn't prove paternity.

His voice was almost a whisper, I know, but he planted a doubt....

And it was enough to control you. A slight frown creased her brow, Sydney, DNA panels are conclusive now. You could have run any number of tests--

The look on his face stopped her short.

Oh my God, you did run a test.

His eyes dropped to the floor, ashamed. There was an awkward silence in the room. Parker's heart pounded against her chest, and drawing breath was suddenly difficult. It seemed like an eternity passed before he spoke again, and when he did, his timbre was tinged with sadness.

We're not related through blood.

Then why protect me?

He smiled at her, Blood no longer matters.

The honesty of his words hit Parker hard, and even though she fought against them, tears spilled down her cheeks.

Damn it, Sydney.

He pulled her into his arms, pressing her tightly against him. Parker buried her face into the crook of his neck, holding onto him as if she might never let go. His strength made her feel safe. And in that moment, she realized the silent enemy that stalked each of them wasn't some unknown assailant; it wasn't the Centre. It was simply doubts and fears that they allowed to take control of reason. At least it was an enemy that in time, could be conquered.

the end