LIFE OR DEATH
Part 16: Come a Little Closer
Author's Note: So, didjall like the last chappie? I'm sorry that one took so long to get out. I'm also sorry that this one took forever. I'd kind of rammed my plot into a wall, and I'm trying to remove it from its spot. Pitiful, I know. And also, no I haven't abandoned this story. I will warn you that the end of school is swiftly approaching. I also will remind you that I do not have the internet at my home, so I'll have to improvise somehow if this story is not finished by then. Well, I'm begging y'all to review. Pleeeeease!! *gets down on hands and knees and grovels like she has no shame* I need feedback! Am I doing okay with the characterizations? Does the storyline just suck now? I'll take anything! Anywho, here's the 16th part! *trumpet fanfare*~~Samantha
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Parker felt the sun on her face as she slowly drifted into awareness. She smiled at the warm sensation, her first real smile over nothing in a long time. - Gee, Parker, you're certainly acting weird lately, - she jokingly scolded herself.
The previous night, Jarod had come back. She was still slightly puzzled by the appearance and disappearance of Dr. Sam Beckett, but that was in the past. When she'd made it back to her own bed, her insides were alive with all kinds of emotions. When Jarod had taken over for that brief moment, he'd kissed her! The thought alone sent shivers down her spine. She desperately wanted to talk to him, but she didn't want to scare him off, either. So, she'd made up her mind to keep quiet for a bit.
- Parker, where did the old you go? - asked her voice again, - I've never seen you this way. - She simply shrugged and then stood up. She felt her way towards the door and entered the hallway.
"Hey, Parker," she heard Broots say. She turned her face towards the sound of his voice. "I heard what happened yesterday at the competition. I'm glad you're okay," he murmured. She could hear the kindness in his voice and she smiled.
"Thanks, Broots. How's Debbie?"
"She's doing okay. A little shaken up, but okay. The Centre knows we're here. We're going to have to move. But that's not too terrible. Last night I stayed up looking into a few prospects. We should be out by the end of the month." Parker nodded.
"It would probably be best if we didn't go with you," she commented as she made her way for the coffee pot.
"B-but Parker. . .Debbie would be crushed." Parker put her head down momentarily.
"I know, but if Jarod and I are there with you, the Centre would more than likely find you again." A heavy silence filled the room as Parker poured herself a cup of coffee.
"You're right," he whispered. Another silence settled over the two, but this one wasn't as uncomfortable. Parker took her cup and sat down at the kitchen table. After a short while, she heard Broots leave the room.
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Jarod slowly opened his eyes, and then stretched. He was happy to wake up in his own bed, for once. He got up and walked over to his mirror. He needed a shave. And a haircut.
Sighing, he left his room and headed for the kitchen. Upon reaching it, he noticed Parker sitting by herself at the table. He silently crept into the room, hoping not to startle her.
"Good morning, Jarod," she murmured without even turning her head to him.
"How did you know," he asked in a gruff morning voice while going to the coffee pot.
"It's your footsteps. They have a unique sound that I can pick out. Especially when you've just woken up." She turned her head to where he was and smiled sweetly.
He chuckled as he poured himself a cup. Then he joined Parker at the table. After a few moments, he asked, "Do you think we could go somewhere to talk?" He watched her contemplate.
"What about?"
"The past couple of weeks. I want to make sure I didn't imagine it." Parker nodded. She would have said more, but Debbie chose to enter the kitchen at that moment. It would have to wait.
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Parker inhaled the crisp air, enjoying listening to the geese flying south for the winter. She loved this time of year. She'd never told anyone, because she always had to be "Miss Parker: Ice Queen." But not here. Here, she could be anyone she wanted to be.
Almost like a pretender.
She chuckled silently at the idea, taking in more of the surrounding season.
"Parker?" she heard a deep voice rumble behind her. The sound sent chills down her spine. She turned towards him.
"Yes, Jarod?"
"Is this an okay time to discuss what happened?" She nodded, and she heard him move closer to her. He sat down on the ground. "I don't really know how to begin," he murmured. His voice sounded like his head was downcast.
"I don't really know how to begin, either," she whispered, sitting in the spot where she was previously standing. She felt around until her hand brushed Jarod's. Then she scooted closer to him.
"I--I remember everything that happened. You were going to kill yourself," he said in a tone of disbelief. "It's still hard to comprehend. Also, I wonder why I couldn't have helped you through it. Why did Sam have to do the job for me?"
"I don't know, Jarod." She trained her unseeing eyes downward.
Jarod looked over at her, and took in her beautiful face. He came to realize one thing while he was gone: he loved her. There was no doubt about it anymore. He tentatively reached over and stroked her smooth, pale cheek with one finger. Her sharp intake of breath brought an involuntary smile to his face. She turned more toward him.
"Jarod. . ." she let the sentence linger. He looked into her blinded eyes. He absently noticed that they weren't milky or clouded, but that didn't matter at the moment. The longing in them spoke volumes. He extended his hand and captured her cheek, caressing it like she was a precious jewel. He drew her head to his, and gently kissed her lips. The soft noise that escaped her throat caused his heart to jump in his chest.
After they had separated, he whispered, "I want a relationship with you, Parker." She shook her head, and Jarod stopped breathing momentarily.
"Call me by my name. My real name," she murmured.
He chuckled in relief and ran his fingers through her hair. "All right, Michaela." She nodded slightly, and they kissed once more, putting an end to any conversation.
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One Week Later
Jarod stepped out of the car and walked back into the house. He and Parker were planning to move to Oregon as soon as possible, hopefully at the same time Broots and Debbie would be leaving.
Upon entering the den, he found a scene that he thought he'd never see. Debbie was in the corner, sobbing her heart out, and Parker was storming out of the room. He knelt by the young girl's side and whispered a few comforting words in her ear. Then he headed off in the direction Parker went. He found her in her room, face down on the bed.
"Chaela," he murmured, using his newfound pet-name for her, "what's wrong? She rolled over, promptly gave him the finger, then rolled back over. Sighing, he rubbed his face downward with one hand. Then he knelt beside the bed and placed a hand on her back.
"Buzz off, Lab Rat!" she snapped, trying to move as far away from him as possible.
"Chaela, acting like this is going to get you nowhere. Now, what's wrong?"
There was a long silence before she let out a sob. Then her whole body began to shake with the intensity of her tears. Jarod pulled her into a sitting position, and into his arms. After she had quieted down, she sniffed.
"I don't know if this is going to work, Jarod. I feel so useless. I can't even see you," she whispered.
"Oh, Chaela. My dear, sweet, precious Chaela," Jarod murmured while stroking her hair.
"I'm blind. I can't do anything without tripping, or bumping into something, or someone," she took a shuddering breath, and then said on a wail, "And I'm PMSing!" Jarod made the mistake of chuckling.
"It's not funny, Jarod! My life is hell right now, and all you can do is laugh?!" He immediately sobered up and squeezed her tight to him.
"Chaela, I can understand what you're going through. Well, except for the PMS thing. I'm sorry I laughed. It was totally inappropriate. Now, what do you want to do about it?" She sniffed again as she contemplated the issue.
"I want Sydney," she whimpered against his shoulder like a petulant child. He nodded.
"Then, when we get to Oregon, I'll find him. We'll get Sydney." He rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head. Fairly soon, he felt her body relax, and he knew she'd fallen asleep. Before he picked her up to place her back on the bed, the thought ran through his head that he missed the balls-to-the-wall Parker.
Once she was laying on the bed, he placed the blanket on top of her, and he smoothed the hair from her face. After kissed her forehead, he made for the door. He paused in the portal, wanting to take one last glance at her. But a loud snore interrupted his movements. He slapped a hand to his forehead and stifled a chuckle. He left the room and shut the door, leaving her to her sleep.
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"Jarod, it's been a pleasure having the two of you with us," Broots said while shaking the other man's hand.
"Thank you for letting us stay. And I'm sorry that you two have to uproot and find a new place to live," he whispered. Broots dismissed Jarod with a wave of his hand.
"It was bound to happen some time or another. Now, I know that we're going to have to leave our names behind. At least Debbie's still young enough to see it as an adventure." Jarod nodded. The two men looked over to see Debbie and Miss Parker saying their good-byes. Finally, the two stood up. Parker turned her head in Broots' direction.
"M-Miss Parker," he began.
"Michaela, Broots," she corrected. He swallowed before continuing.
"Michaela, I hope you can see again, someday," he managed in a choked voice, "I wish you luck." She nodded, saying nothing more. Jarod then placed a hand to the small of her back, leading her out the front door to the car.
Once inside the vehicle, they were on their way for Oregon. A new beginning was swiftly materializing in front of the two. However, their dark past was behind them, its presence looming and ominous. They could not escape it that easily.
Part 16: Come a Little Closer
Author's Note: So, didjall like the last chappie? I'm sorry that one took so long to get out. I'm also sorry that this one took forever. I'd kind of rammed my plot into a wall, and I'm trying to remove it from its spot. Pitiful, I know. And also, no I haven't abandoned this story. I will warn you that the end of school is swiftly approaching. I also will remind you that I do not have the internet at my home, so I'll have to improvise somehow if this story is not finished by then. Well, I'm begging y'all to review. Pleeeeease!! *gets down on hands and knees and grovels like she has no shame* I need feedback! Am I doing okay with the characterizations? Does the storyline just suck now? I'll take anything! Anywho, here's the 16th part! *trumpet fanfare*~~Samantha
----------
Parker felt the sun on her face as she slowly drifted into awareness. She smiled at the warm sensation, her first real smile over nothing in a long time. - Gee, Parker, you're certainly acting weird lately, - she jokingly scolded herself.
The previous night, Jarod had come back. She was still slightly puzzled by the appearance and disappearance of Dr. Sam Beckett, but that was in the past. When she'd made it back to her own bed, her insides were alive with all kinds of emotions. When Jarod had taken over for that brief moment, he'd kissed her! The thought alone sent shivers down her spine. She desperately wanted to talk to him, but she didn't want to scare him off, either. So, she'd made up her mind to keep quiet for a bit.
- Parker, where did the old you go? - asked her voice again, - I've never seen you this way. - She simply shrugged and then stood up. She felt her way towards the door and entered the hallway.
"Hey, Parker," she heard Broots say. She turned her face towards the sound of his voice. "I heard what happened yesterday at the competition. I'm glad you're okay," he murmured. She could hear the kindness in his voice and she smiled.
"Thanks, Broots. How's Debbie?"
"She's doing okay. A little shaken up, but okay. The Centre knows we're here. We're going to have to move. But that's not too terrible. Last night I stayed up looking into a few prospects. We should be out by the end of the month." Parker nodded.
"It would probably be best if we didn't go with you," she commented as she made her way for the coffee pot.
"B-but Parker. . .Debbie would be crushed." Parker put her head down momentarily.
"I know, but if Jarod and I are there with you, the Centre would more than likely find you again." A heavy silence filled the room as Parker poured herself a cup of coffee.
"You're right," he whispered. Another silence settled over the two, but this one wasn't as uncomfortable. Parker took her cup and sat down at the kitchen table. After a short while, she heard Broots leave the room.
----------
Jarod slowly opened his eyes, and then stretched. He was happy to wake up in his own bed, for once. He got up and walked over to his mirror. He needed a shave. And a haircut.
Sighing, he left his room and headed for the kitchen. Upon reaching it, he noticed Parker sitting by herself at the table. He silently crept into the room, hoping not to startle her.
"Good morning, Jarod," she murmured without even turning her head to him.
"How did you know," he asked in a gruff morning voice while going to the coffee pot.
"It's your footsteps. They have a unique sound that I can pick out. Especially when you've just woken up." She turned her head to where he was and smiled sweetly.
He chuckled as he poured himself a cup. Then he joined Parker at the table. After a few moments, he asked, "Do you think we could go somewhere to talk?" He watched her contemplate.
"What about?"
"The past couple of weeks. I want to make sure I didn't imagine it." Parker nodded. She would have said more, but Debbie chose to enter the kitchen at that moment. It would have to wait.
----------
Parker inhaled the crisp air, enjoying listening to the geese flying south for the winter. She loved this time of year. She'd never told anyone, because she always had to be "Miss Parker: Ice Queen." But not here. Here, she could be anyone she wanted to be.
Almost like a pretender.
She chuckled silently at the idea, taking in more of the surrounding season.
"Parker?" she heard a deep voice rumble behind her. The sound sent chills down her spine. She turned towards him.
"Yes, Jarod?"
"Is this an okay time to discuss what happened?" She nodded, and she heard him move closer to her. He sat down on the ground. "I don't really know how to begin," he murmured. His voice sounded like his head was downcast.
"I don't really know how to begin, either," she whispered, sitting in the spot where she was previously standing. She felt around until her hand brushed Jarod's. Then she scooted closer to him.
"I--I remember everything that happened. You were going to kill yourself," he said in a tone of disbelief. "It's still hard to comprehend. Also, I wonder why I couldn't have helped you through it. Why did Sam have to do the job for me?"
"I don't know, Jarod." She trained her unseeing eyes downward.
Jarod looked over at her, and took in her beautiful face. He came to realize one thing while he was gone: he loved her. There was no doubt about it anymore. He tentatively reached over and stroked her smooth, pale cheek with one finger. Her sharp intake of breath brought an involuntary smile to his face. She turned more toward him.
"Jarod. . ." she let the sentence linger. He looked into her blinded eyes. He absently noticed that they weren't milky or clouded, but that didn't matter at the moment. The longing in them spoke volumes. He extended his hand and captured her cheek, caressing it like she was a precious jewel. He drew her head to his, and gently kissed her lips. The soft noise that escaped her throat caused his heart to jump in his chest.
After they had separated, he whispered, "I want a relationship with you, Parker." She shook her head, and Jarod stopped breathing momentarily.
"Call me by my name. My real name," she murmured.
He chuckled in relief and ran his fingers through her hair. "All right, Michaela." She nodded slightly, and they kissed once more, putting an end to any conversation.
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One Week Later
Jarod stepped out of the car and walked back into the house. He and Parker were planning to move to Oregon as soon as possible, hopefully at the same time Broots and Debbie would be leaving.
Upon entering the den, he found a scene that he thought he'd never see. Debbie was in the corner, sobbing her heart out, and Parker was storming out of the room. He knelt by the young girl's side and whispered a few comforting words in her ear. Then he headed off in the direction Parker went. He found her in her room, face down on the bed.
"Chaela," he murmured, using his newfound pet-name for her, "what's wrong? She rolled over, promptly gave him the finger, then rolled back over. Sighing, he rubbed his face downward with one hand. Then he knelt beside the bed and placed a hand on her back.
"Buzz off, Lab Rat!" she snapped, trying to move as far away from him as possible.
"Chaela, acting like this is going to get you nowhere. Now, what's wrong?"
There was a long silence before she let out a sob. Then her whole body began to shake with the intensity of her tears. Jarod pulled her into a sitting position, and into his arms. After she had quieted down, she sniffed.
"I don't know if this is going to work, Jarod. I feel so useless. I can't even see you," she whispered.
"Oh, Chaela. My dear, sweet, precious Chaela," Jarod murmured while stroking her hair.
"I'm blind. I can't do anything without tripping, or bumping into something, or someone," she took a shuddering breath, and then said on a wail, "And I'm PMSing!" Jarod made the mistake of chuckling.
"It's not funny, Jarod! My life is hell right now, and all you can do is laugh?!" He immediately sobered up and squeezed her tight to him.
"Chaela, I can understand what you're going through. Well, except for the PMS thing. I'm sorry I laughed. It was totally inappropriate. Now, what do you want to do about it?" She sniffed again as she contemplated the issue.
"I want Sydney," she whimpered against his shoulder like a petulant child. He nodded.
"Then, when we get to Oregon, I'll find him. We'll get Sydney." He rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head. Fairly soon, he felt her body relax, and he knew she'd fallen asleep. Before he picked her up to place her back on the bed, the thought ran through his head that he missed the balls-to-the-wall Parker.
Once she was laying on the bed, he placed the blanket on top of her, and he smoothed the hair from her face. After kissed her forehead, he made for the door. He paused in the portal, wanting to take one last glance at her. But a loud snore interrupted his movements. He slapped a hand to his forehead and stifled a chuckle. He left the room and shut the door, leaving her to her sleep.
----------
"Jarod, it's been a pleasure having the two of you with us," Broots said while shaking the other man's hand.
"Thank you for letting us stay. And I'm sorry that you two have to uproot and find a new place to live," he whispered. Broots dismissed Jarod with a wave of his hand.
"It was bound to happen some time or another. Now, I know that we're going to have to leave our names behind. At least Debbie's still young enough to see it as an adventure." Jarod nodded. The two men looked over to see Debbie and Miss Parker saying their good-byes. Finally, the two stood up. Parker turned her head in Broots' direction.
"M-Miss Parker," he began.
"Michaela, Broots," she corrected. He swallowed before continuing.
"Michaela, I hope you can see again, someday," he managed in a choked voice, "I wish you luck." She nodded, saying nothing more. Jarod then placed a hand to the small of her back, leading her out the front door to the car.
Once inside the vehicle, they were on their way for Oregon. A new beginning was swiftly materializing in front of the two. However, their dark past was behind them, its presence looming and ominous. They could not escape it that easily.