Chapter 11
The next day, Jarod sat in Grant Park, waiting for Agent Sidney Bristow. He licked an ice cream cone.
He had left Abigail with Ethan, in an undisclosed location. In case this whole thing did not turn out of be on the up and up, his daughter would be safe.
Jarod found he couldn't finish the cone, and stood up to throw it away in a nearby trash receptacle. He looked around for his 'cousin', Sidney Bristow.
He had hacked into the CIA database, before they left Alaska. But it didn't tell him very much about her. Like what it was like growing up thinking her mother was dead. Or worse yet, growing up knowing your mother was a traitor to your country.
Jarod had also found a Jack Bristow listed, and through a little research, discovered that he was Sidney's father. Jarod couldn't imagine how betrayed Jack must've felt, when he discovered that all he had been to his wife, was an 'assignment'.
Which made him think about his own parents. Margaret and Charles. Margaret, or Marina Derevko. His father never spoke much about his relationship with his mother. Jarod wondered if his father knew about his mother's supposed double life, and that was the true reason they were not together? Or was it something else?
Jarod was so engrossed in his thoughts, that he never saw his cousin coming. He was more than a bit startled, when she plopped down next to him, dressed in jogging gear.
'I like ice-cream.' she said.
'I do too. Chocolate or Vanilla?' Jarod asked.
Sidney smiled. This code word exchange Jarod had insisted on, really was kind of stupid!
'Chocolate.' she answered, smothering a laugh. Jarod smiled at her.
'What?' he asked, feeling his guard go down.
'Nothing. I'm glad you trusted me enough to come. Everything is going to be alright. But I need to fill you in. My superiors are waiting at O'Hare with a special plane, to bring yourself and Abigail to a safehouse. We will find a way to help your daughter.'
'So what does that make Abigail to you?' Jarod asked, still smiling. He couldn't help thinking she was young to be a CIA agent.
Sidney was a bit thrown off by the question. She wasn't completely convinced they were related. Her doubts must've shown in her face.
'Sidney, I've met your mother. Believe me, I was wary myself. That is until she gave me information, specifically a disc, that showed your mother, and my mother, getting their assignments.'
Sidney stared at him.
'You mean our fathers, right?'
Jarod had heard a quaver in her voice. He also heard hurt and bitterness. Jarod touched her hand. Sidney was startled, but did not pull away.
'I know that you want answers as well. It seems everyone in our family does. We'll find them.'
Sidney looked down at his hand on hers. She then looked up at him and nodded, a little overwhelmed by the moment. For years, she had just had her father, and they had just become close. Now she may, or may not, have more family. Cousins. Jarod.
But if it turned out that her mother was lying, Sidney could live with it. She was used to being disappointed by her. But she did not think Jarod would be able to stand it.
Sidney pulled her hand away and stood up.
'Let's go get Abigail, then we'll be off, okay?'
Jarod nodded.
'My brother is taking care of her.'
Sidney raised a brow.
'Brother? Oh, you mean Ethan?'
'You've done your research.' Jarod noted.
Sidney nodded.
'We will bring that place down. In fact, there is a raid planned for the day after tomorrow. It will soon be over.'
Jarod's eyes widened! That soon? God, was it possible they could all begin to live normal lives?
'Jarod, that place won't survive with the spotlight on it. That's how they've managed to stay so powerful all of these years. This stuff that they're doing...it will end.'
'But if my daughter dies, my nightmare will just be beginning.'
'She won't, Jarod.'
'Does Ms. Parker know? Have you seen her?'
Sidney reached back and pulled on her ponytail.
'Jarod, there is a lot you don't know. We need to pick up Abigail and get to the plane, okay?'
Jarod didn't like the sound of that, but he said nothing, putting his fate into his cousin's hands.
'Oh, by the way, Sydney will be waiting for us on the plane.'
Jarod stood rooted in place.
'I thought you said he was at a safehouse or something?'
'Jarod, he insisted. He wants to help your daughter and explain about...'
'About what, Sidney? There is something else that's been kept from me, isn't there?'
Sidney nodded.
'All I will tell you, is that it concerns some DSA's we found...and the clone the Centre tried to make of you.'
Jarod squinted at her.
'What DSA's? These are one's I've never seen?'
'Jarod, we'll explain it all when we're safe in the sky, okay?'
Jarod nodded and began following after her. He wasn't going to get his explanation in this park. So the sooner they got to the plane, the better.
****
Ms. Parker sat at a table in her bedroom, and put another DSA into her laptop. She touched her hair, as she watched the missing pieces of her past again.
****
JAROD AND MS. PARKER DSA #2
It was after school again, when Ms. Parker walked down the now familiar hallway towards Jarod's room.
School had been absolute torture that day! Then again, sitting still was torture for her. She was in love, and wanted everyone to know it! That and school would be letting out for the summer soon. And she knew her father wanted to send her to Europe for the summer. She did not want to go, and her mind was constantly thinking of ways to stay here...in this building, to be near Jarod.
But there was something deep inside her, that told her that she couldn't say anything about Jarod, to her father. And it angered her. For with each day that she attended that school, she realized that nothing about her life was normal. And it was not normal for Jarod to be here. It was not normal that she couldn't let everyone know that he was her boyfriend.
So engrossed she was in those thoughts, that she didn't see Sydney, and ran smack into him!
'Oh...Sydney, I didn't see you there.'
'I can see that, Ms. Parker. Why are you down here?'
Sydney's gaze was probing, but Ms. Parker stood her ground.
'I didn't do so well on my homework. I think I just need more help.' she answered.
Sydney folded his arms.
'And this 'help' that you need, does it have to come from Jarod? I could help you.'
Ms. Parker struggled to keep her expression neutral. She liked Sydney, she really did, but he was the last person she wanted to spend any time with!
'Ms. Parker,' Sydney interrupted her thoughts, 'your father has told me that your grades are worse, not better. And it leads me to believe, that Jarod has not been of any help to you whatsoever. That and...and for some reason, his work is lagging as well.''
Ms. Parker cut her eyes away shiftily.
'What do you mean?'
'What I mean, young lady, is that Jarod is distracted. And I think you're the reason.'
'Me?'
'Yes, you, Ms. Parker. Look, I know that Jarod and you have always been friends, but as he gets older, the work he does for us becomes more important. And surely you have outside friends that you want to socialize with...'
Ms. Parker sneered at him. She had been doing that a lot lately, when she didn't get her way. She didn't know where it came from.
'Jarod is helping me do my homework, Sydney, that's all. I need his help and I WANT it! Now, are you going to let me by, or do I have to tell my father that you stopped me from getting tutoring?'
Sydney stepped aside. Somehow, he suspected that if Ms. Parker told her father about the incident, he wouldn't quite see it her way. But, Jarod had so little companionship...and the two of them together were relatively harmless.
Ms. Parker walked to Jarod's open door, then looked back at Sydney. He was already walking off. Ms. Parker stepped into the room and hit the panel that closed and locked it.
Jarod was standing in front of a model of something, and had turned to see who had entered. His eyes lit up, as they always seemed to when he saw her. Ms. Parker dropped her back pack on the floor and ran into his waiting arms.
Their affair had been going on, everyday after school, for three weeks straight. Ms. Parker didn't know how they were so lucky, as to not have Sydney come back and look for Jarod, or be disturbed by any other interruptions, but they never were.
And now, Jarod was quite the skilled lover. But for Ms. Parker, in many ways, it was not the lovemaking itself, that was the best part of being with Jarod. It was the time they spent afterwards, talking.
On this particular day, their lovemaking was especially frenzied, as if they both sensed that their times together may ending. After, Ms. Parker lay on her stomach, with her head hanging off of the end of the bed. Jarod was stroking her hair and back.
Ms. Parker stretched, and managed to grab onto her backpack that she had dropped when she came into the room. She pulled it towards her, then unzipped it, and pulled out her yearbook. She then turned over and sat up. Jarod did as well.
'What's that?' he asked.
'My yearbook. You always say that you wished you could see these people I'm always talking about. I thought I'd bring them to you.'
Jarod took the book from her and opened it, his eyes wide with wonderment. Ms. Parker watched his face carefully, as he began to read aloud and look at faces. His eyes then widened, and he pointed at something.
'Who is this?' he asked, looking at her, his expression quizzical.
Ms. Parker looked at what he was pointing at. Jarod had found, on the first couple of pages, pictures of that year's Homecoming week. On one of the days, the dress-up theme that day had been 'Opposite Sex' day. She looked at Jarod.
'His name is Dave...Dave Cogskill.'
'Well, yes, I see that at the bottom here. But it is clear that he is a boy, yet, he looks kind of like a girl.'
Ms. Parker burst out laughing! Jarod still seemed puzzled. She then stopped laughing. How could he understand any of that? Not with being locked away down here.
Ms. Parker propped herself up on her elbow and pointed.
'He is a boy. He just dressed up like that for Homecoming.'
'Homecoming'?' Jarod repeated.
Ms. Parker nodded.
'Yes...it's when people that graduated, can come back to see a football game...or look around the school.'
Jarod just stared at her, uncomprehending.
'And these people do this because they loved the school? Or they miss it?'
Ms. Parker shrugged.
'I guess. I know I'm not ever going back to visit that pit again. And that guy is a creep.'
Jarod looked down at the book again.
'This Dave?'
Ms. Parker nodded, reaching over to turn the page. She didn't want to talk about Dave Cogskill or anyone else from the stupid school anymore! Her intention in bringing the yearbook to Jarod, was to try and share where she was during the day, with him. But instead, she felt as if it was encroaching on her time with him.
But Jarod pulled the book out of her reach and sat up. He then smiled teasingly at her.
'Why is this Dave boy a creep?'
Ms. Parker shrugged.
'He just is. Let's not talk about him.'
But Jarod rested a hand against her face. He sensed this 'Dave' person, had hurt Ms. Parker in someway. And even though he was powerless to do anything about it, he wanted her to know that he was sorry about it.
But, Jarod had also known Ms. Parker most of his life. And when she didn't want to talk about something, there was no prying it out of her, until she was ready. His hand moved from her face, to her hand, which he then squeezed.
'Okay.' was all he said, then began turning the pages of the yearbook again. Ms. Parker, for her part, did not think Jarod would understand that she had done the same thing with Dave, that they had been doing for three weeks now. It was just better left alone.
'Jarod?'
'Hmmm?' he asked, still looking at the pictures. He was looking for one of Ms. Parker.
'Summer is coming up...that means I won't be going to school everyday.'
Jarod stopped looking at the yearbook and smiled at her.
'I know that. You'll be spending all summer here. We can be together even more.'
Ms. Parker reached out and touched his face.
'My father wants to send me away...to Europe.'
Jarod said nothing, then took the yearbook and flung it across the room! Ms. Parker jumped up off of the bed, but did not bother to cover herself. Neither did Jarod.
'Jarod, I don't want to go!'
'Then don't!' he begged. He stood up as well and touched her bare shoulders. This place...the Centre, was lonely and oppressive enough as it was. He had no family, with the exception of Sydney. Angelo would visit him sometimes, by vent. But other than those two, Ms. Parker, had always been the one bright spot in this place. He had loved her the moment he had first saw her, through that glass, all those years ago. And now, like his parents and family, she was going to disappear from his life as well.
'Jarod...I've thought of a plan! I'm going to tell my father that I want to work here...to get to learn the ropes of the Centre. I can be with you, if we do it this way.'
Jarod said nothing, but nodded. Somehow, in the back of his mind, he didn't think it was a good idea for her to get more entrenched in this place. But, if it was the only way they could be together, then that was the way it had to be, he guessed.
Jarod pulled her into his arms, holding on to her tightly. Ms. Parker returned his embrace. They stood there, in his room, naked, holding one another.
****
Ms. Parker barely heard the doorbell, as she stared, transfixed by the image of herself and Jarod, so young...and during such a heartbreaking, intimate moment. It was as almost as if she knew what the younger version of herself had been thinking and feeling. Jarod's thoughts were written all over his face, as well.
What had happened?! Someone had been watching them the whole time, obviously, or else there would be no recording of this! Why were these memories erased from her and Jarod's minds? Who had ordered them to be completely brainwashed like this? For some reason, her growing relationship with Jarod had been cut short. It had also been cut from her memory. Why? Because he was a Pretender? Because she had distracted him from his purpose for the Centre? Why?
Ms. Parker prayed it had not been the man she had known as her father, that had been responsible for this! And worse yet, there were more DSA's to look through! And viewing just one, was like watching a movie of one's own life. A tragic one. Ms. Parker always came out of it, completely forgetting her surroundings.
The doorbell rung again. Ms. Parker slammed the laptop shut violently, then went to the door and whipped it open. It was Irina Derevko. Ms. Parker took a deep breath.
'What do you want?' Ms. Parker snapped tiredly.
Irina peered at her.
'May I come in?'
'You will anyway!' Ms. Parker snapped sarcastically, before turning and walking into her living-room. Irina closed the door and followed her. Her eyes fell upon the laptop.
'Have you been watching them?' she asked Ms. Parker.
Ms. Parker jerked her head around to look at her.
'Have I been watching what?' she asked in a low, threatening tone.
Irina dropped her purse.
'I've said this before, I have no interest in hurting Jarod or Abigail. I can help you keep them safe. I can also help you deal with Arvin Sloane.'
'Really? And how do you expect to do that? And why would you?'
Irina walked up to Ms. Parker, until she was up in her face.
'If I haven't said this before, then I'll say it now. The Centre, and their objectives, don't even begin to interest me. There is no real power there.'
'And a woman like you, one that has run a billion dollar crime syndicate, couldn't be bothered with a measly think tank, could you?'
Irina smiled.
'Don't be insulted.'
'I'm not. I just want to know why you're bothering me.'
Irina opened up her purse and pulled out a vial.
'This is the drug that was used on you, back when you were a teenager, and the night of your 'accident'.'
Ms. Parker tried to make a grab for it, but Irina snatched it away!
'Time is running out for me, dear. My daughter, Sidney, has gotten in contact with Jarod. He has something in his possession, that will tell me where my sister is.'
Ms. Parker eyed her. She didn't like any of this! Why the hell was Irina Derevko so desperate to find Jarod's mother?! Derevko was a known assassin, and Ms. Parker refused to believe it was because she wanted a 'sisterly' reunion! Jarod would be devastated, if he lead his 'aunt' to his mother, only for her to be killed!
'So you know that Sidney isn't brainwashed?' Ms. Parker asked carefully.
'I know everything, more than you, or Sloane, will ever know. Jarod will probably be shown those DSA's. When he contacts you, or better yet, when Sidney tells you about what's going on, you make it CLEAR, that he needs to get in contact with me. Do you understand?'
Ms. Parker tossed her hair, then raised a brow.
'I understand. Though I am curious about what you said about Sloane?'
'He's ordering your wedding dress as we speak. It's white. I told him I didn't think you were the type.'
Ms. Parker grinned!
'How perceptive of you!' she smirked.
Irina then handed her the vial.
'Given in small doses, like in liquor, coffee and food, this can make a person think that time has passed...that things have happened, that never did...if you know what I mean.'
Ms. Parker did, better than anyone else would know. She took the vial from Irina. Irina turned to leave, then stopped.
'Tell Jarod to get in contact with me. If he does not on his own, he'll just make it harder for himself...and Abigail.'
Ms. Parker's eyes grew wide, and she walked up to Irina.
'What the hell does that mean?! One minute you're telling me you're not going to hurt Jarod and my daughter, the next minute you're threatening them?!'
Irina turned to face her.
'Tell him to call me, Ms. Parker.' was all that Irina Derevko said, as she turned and walked out of the door. Ms. Parker stared after her, then looked at the vial in her hand.
The next day, Jarod sat in Grant Park, waiting for Agent Sidney Bristow. He licked an ice cream cone.
He had left Abigail with Ethan, in an undisclosed location. In case this whole thing did not turn out of be on the up and up, his daughter would be safe.
Jarod found he couldn't finish the cone, and stood up to throw it away in a nearby trash receptacle. He looked around for his 'cousin', Sidney Bristow.
He had hacked into the CIA database, before they left Alaska. But it didn't tell him very much about her. Like what it was like growing up thinking her mother was dead. Or worse yet, growing up knowing your mother was a traitor to your country.
Jarod had also found a Jack Bristow listed, and through a little research, discovered that he was Sidney's father. Jarod couldn't imagine how betrayed Jack must've felt, when he discovered that all he had been to his wife, was an 'assignment'.
Which made him think about his own parents. Margaret and Charles. Margaret, or Marina Derevko. His father never spoke much about his relationship with his mother. Jarod wondered if his father knew about his mother's supposed double life, and that was the true reason they were not together? Or was it something else?
Jarod was so engrossed in his thoughts, that he never saw his cousin coming. He was more than a bit startled, when she plopped down next to him, dressed in jogging gear.
'I like ice-cream.' she said.
'I do too. Chocolate or Vanilla?' Jarod asked.
Sidney smiled. This code word exchange Jarod had insisted on, really was kind of stupid!
'Chocolate.' she answered, smothering a laugh. Jarod smiled at her.
'What?' he asked, feeling his guard go down.
'Nothing. I'm glad you trusted me enough to come. Everything is going to be alright. But I need to fill you in. My superiors are waiting at O'Hare with a special plane, to bring yourself and Abigail to a safehouse. We will find a way to help your daughter.'
'So what does that make Abigail to you?' Jarod asked, still smiling. He couldn't help thinking she was young to be a CIA agent.
Sidney was a bit thrown off by the question. She wasn't completely convinced they were related. Her doubts must've shown in her face.
'Sidney, I've met your mother. Believe me, I was wary myself. That is until she gave me information, specifically a disc, that showed your mother, and my mother, getting their assignments.'
Sidney stared at him.
'You mean our fathers, right?'
Jarod had heard a quaver in her voice. He also heard hurt and bitterness. Jarod touched her hand. Sidney was startled, but did not pull away.
'I know that you want answers as well. It seems everyone in our family does. We'll find them.'
Sidney looked down at his hand on hers. She then looked up at him and nodded, a little overwhelmed by the moment. For years, she had just had her father, and they had just become close. Now she may, or may not, have more family. Cousins. Jarod.
But if it turned out that her mother was lying, Sidney could live with it. She was used to being disappointed by her. But she did not think Jarod would be able to stand it.
Sidney pulled her hand away and stood up.
'Let's go get Abigail, then we'll be off, okay?'
Jarod nodded.
'My brother is taking care of her.'
Sidney raised a brow.
'Brother? Oh, you mean Ethan?'
'You've done your research.' Jarod noted.
Sidney nodded.
'We will bring that place down. In fact, there is a raid planned for the day after tomorrow. It will soon be over.'
Jarod's eyes widened! That soon? God, was it possible they could all begin to live normal lives?
'Jarod, that place won't survive with the spotlight on it. That's how they've managed to stay so powerful all of these years. This stuff that they're doing...it will end.'
'But if my daughter dies, my nightmare will just be beginning.'
'She won't, Jarod.'
'Does Ms. Parker know? Have you seen her?'
Sidney reached back and pulled on her ponytail.
'Jarod, there is a lot you don't know. We need to pick up Abigail and get to the plane, okay?'
Jarod didn't like the sound of that, but he said nothing, putting his fate into his cousin's hands.
'Oh, by the way, Sydney will be waiting for us on the plane.'
Jarod stood rooted in place.
'I thought you said he was at a safehouse or something?'
'Jarod, he insisted. He wants to help your daughter and explain about...'
'About what, Sidney? There is something else that's been kept from me, isn't there?'
Sidney nodded.
'All I will tell you, is that it concerns some DSA's we found...and the clone the Centre tried to make of you.'
Jarod squinted at her.
'What DSA's? These are one's I've never seen?'
'Jarod, we'll explain it all when we're safe in the sky, okay?'
Jarod nodded and began following after her. He wasn't going to get his explanation in this park. So the sooner they got to the plane, the better.
****
Ms. Parker sat at a table in her bedroom, and put another DSA into her laptop. She touched her hair, as she watched the missing pieces of her past again.
****
JAROD AND MS. PARKER DSA #2
It was after school again, when Ms. Parker walked down the now familiar hallway towards Jarod's room.
School had been absolute torture that day! Then again, sitting still was torture for her. She was in love, and wanted everyone to know it! That and school would be letting out for the summer soon. And she knew her father wanted to send her to Europe for the summer. She did not want to go, and her mind was constantly thinking of ways to stay here...in this building, to be near Jarod.
But there was something deep inside her, that told her that she couldn't say anything about Jarod, to her father. And it angered her. For with each day that she attended that school, she realized that nothing about her life was normal. And it was not normal for Jarod to be here. It was not normal that she couldn't let everyone know that he was her boyfriend.
So engrossed she was in those thoughts, that she didn't see Sydney, and ran smack into him!
'Oh...Sydney, I didn't see you there.'
'I can see that, Ms. Parker. Why are you down here?'
Sydney's gaze was probing, but Ms. Parker stood her ground.
'I didn't do so well on my homework. I think I just need more help.' she answered.
Sydney folded his arms.
'And this 'help' that you need, does it have to come from Jarod? I could help you.'
Ms. Parker struggled to keep her expression neutral. She liked Sydney, she really did, but he was the last person she wanted to spend any time with!
'Ms. Parker,' Sydney interrupted her thoughts, 'your father has told me that your grades are worse, not better. And it leads me to believe, that Jarod has not been of any help to you whatsoever. That and...and for some reason, his work is lagging as well.''
Ms. Parker cut her eyes away shiftily.
'What do you mean?'
'What I mean, young lady, is that Jarod is distracted. And I think you're the reason.'
'Me?'
'Yes, you, Ms. Parker. Look, I know that Jarod and you have always been friends, but as he gets older, the work he does for us becomes more important. And surely you have outside friends that you want to socialize with...'
Ms. Parker sneered at him. She had been doing that a lot lately, when she didn't get her way. She didn't know where it came from.
'Jarod is helping me do my homework, Sydney, that's all. I need his help and I WANT it! Now, are you going to let me by, or do I have to tell my father that you stopped me from getting tutoring?'
Sydney stepped aside. Somehow, he suspected that if Ms. Parker told her father about the incident, he wouldn't quite see it her way. But, Jarod had so little companionship...and the two of them together were relatively harmless.
Ms. Parker walked to Jarod's open door, then looked back at Sydney. He was already walking off. Ms. Parker stepped into the room and hit the panel that closed and locked it.
Jarod was standing in front of a model of something, and had turned to see who had entered. His eyes lit up, as they always seemed to when he saw her. Ms. Parker dropped her back pack on the floor and ran into his waiting arms.
Their affair had been going on, everyday after school, for three weeks straight. Ms. Parker didn't know how they were so lucky, as to not have Sydney come back and look for Jarod, or be disturbed by any other interruptions, but they never were.
And now, Jarod was quite the skilled lover. But for Ms. Parker, in many ways, it was not the lovemaking itself, that was the best part of being with Jarod. It was the time they spent afterwards, talking.
On this particular day, their lovemaking was especially frenzied, as if they both sensed that their times together may ending. After, Ms. Parker lay on her stomach, with her head hanging off of the end of the bed. Jarod was stroking her hair and back.
Ms. Parker stretched, and managed to grab onto her backpack that she had dropped when she came into the room. She pulled it towards her, then unzipped it, and pulled out her yearbook. She then turned over and sat up. Jarod did as well.
'What's that?' he asked.
'My yearbook. You always say that you wished you could see these people I'm always talking about. I thought I'd bring them to you.'
Jarod took the book from her and opened it, his eyes wide with wonderment. Ms. Parker watched his face carefully, as he began to read aloud and look at faces. His eyes then widened, and he pointed at something.
'Who is this?' he asked, looking at her, his expression quizzical.
Ms. Parker looked at what he was pointing at. Jarod had found, on the first couple of pages, pictures of that year's Homecoming week. On one of the days, the dress-up theme that day had been 'Opposite Sex' day. She looked at Jarod.
'His name is Dave...Dave Cogskill.'
'Well, yes, I see that at the bottom here. But it is clear that he is a boy, yet, he looks kind of like a girl.'
Ms. Parker burst out laughing! Jarod still seemed puzzled. She then stopped laughing. How could he understand any of that? Not with being locked away down here.
Ms. Parker propped herself up on her elbow and pointed.
'He is a boy. He just dressed up like that for Homecoming.'
'Homecoming'?' Jarod repeated.
Ms. Parker nodded.
'Yes...it's when people that graduated, can come back to see a football game...or look around the school.'
Jarod just stared at her, uncomprehending.
'And these people do this because they loved the school? Or they miss it?'
Ms. Parker shrugged.
'I guess. I know I'm not ever going back to visit that pit again. And that guy is a creep.'
Jarod looked down at the book again.
'This Dave?'
Ms. Parker nodded, reaching over to turn the page. She didn't want to talk about Dave Cogskill or anyone else from the stupid school anymore! Her intention in bringing the yearbook to Jarod, was to try and share where she was during the day, with him. But instead, she felt as if it was encroaching on her time with him.
But Jarod pulled the book out of her reach and sat up. He then smiled teasingly at her.
'Why is this Dave boy a creep?'
Ms. Parker shrugged.
'He just is. Let's not talk about him.'
But Jarod rested a hand against her face. He sensed this 'Dave' person, had hurt Ms. Parker in someway. And even though he was powerless to do anything about it, he wanted her to know that he was sorry about it.
But, Jarod had also known Ms. Parker most of his life. And when she didn't want to talk about something, there was no prying it out of her, until she was ready. His hand moved from her face, to her hand, which he then squeezed.
'Okay.' was all he said, then began turning the pages of the yearbook again. Ms. Parker, for her part, did not think Jarod would understand that she had done the same thing with Dave, that they had been doing for three weeks now. It was just better left alone.
'Jarod?'
'Hmmm?' he asked, still looking at the pictures. He was looking for one of Ms. Parker.
'Summer is coming up...that means I won't be going to school everyday.'
Jarod stopped looking at the yearbook and smiled at her.
'I know that. You'll be spending all summer here. We can be together even more.'
Ms. Parker reached out and touched his face.
'My father wants to send me away...to Europe.'
Jarod said nothing, then took the yearbook and flung it across the room! Ms. Parker jumped up off of the bed, but did not bother to cover herself. Neither did Jarod.
'Jarod, I don't want to go!'
'Then don't!' he begged. He stood up as well and touched her bare shoulders. This place...the Centre, was lonely and oppressive enough as it was. He had no family, with the exception of Sydney. Angelo would visit him sometimes, by vent. But other than those two, Ms. Parker, had always been the one bright spot in this place. He had loved her the moment he had first saw her, through that glass, all those years ago. And now, like his parents and family, she was going to disappear from his life as well.
'Jarod...I've thought of a plan! I'm going to tell my father that I want to work here...to get to learn the ropes of the Centre. I can be with you, if we do it this way.'
Jarod said nothing, but nodded. Somehow, in the back of his mind, he didn't think it was a good idea for her to get more entrenched in this place. But, if it was the only way they could be together, then that was the way it had to be, he guessed.
Jarod pulled her into his arms, holding on to her tightly. Ms. Parker returned his embrace. They stood there, in his room, naked, holding one another.
****
Ms. Parker barely heard the doorbell, as she stared, transfixed by the image of herself and Jarod, so young...and during such a heartbreaking, intimate moment. It was as almost as if she knew what the younger version of herself had been thinking and feeling. Jarod's thoughts were written all over his face, as well.
What had happened?! Someone had been watching them the whole time, obviously, or else there would be no recording of this! Why were these memories erased from her and Jarod's minds? Who had ordered them to be completely brainwashed like this? For some reason, her growing relationship with Jarod had been cut short. It had also been cut from her memory. Why? Because he was a Pretender? Because she had distracted him from his purpose for the Centre? Why?
Ms. Parker prayed it had not been the man she had known as her father, that had been responsible for this! And worse yet, there were more DSA's to look through! And viewing just one, was like watching a movie of one's own life. A tragic one. Ms. Parker always came out of it, completely forgetting her surroundings.
The doorbell rung again. Ms. Parker slammed the laptop shut violently, then went to the door and whipped it open. It was Irina Derevko. Ms. Parker took a deep breath.
'What do you want?' Ms. Parker snapped tiredly.
Irina peered at her.
'May I come in?'
'You will anyway!' Ms. Parker snapped sarcastically, before turning and walking into her living-room. Irina closed the door and followed her. Her eyes fell upon the laptop.
'Have you been watching them?' she asked Ms. Parker.
Ms. Parker jerked her head around to look at her.
'Have I been watching what?' she asked in a low, threatening tone.
Irina dropped her purse.
'I've said this before, I have no interest in hurting Jarod or Abigail. I can help you keep them safe. I can also help you deal with Arvin Sloane.'
'Really? And how do you expect to do that? And why would you?'
Irina walked up to Ms. Parker, until she was up in her face.
'If I haven't said this before, then I'll say it now. The Centre, and their objectives, don't even begin to interest me. There is no real power there.'
'And a woman like you, one that has run a billion dollar crime syndicate, couldn't be bothered with a measly think tank, could you?'
Irina smiled.
'Don't be insulted.'
'I'm not. I just want to know why you're bothering me.'
Irina opened up her purse and pulled out a vial.
'This is the drug that was used on you, back when you were a teenager, and the night of your 'accident'.'
Ms. Parker tried to make a grab for it, but Irina snatched it away!
'Time is running out for me, dear. My daughter, Sidney, has gotten in contact with Jarod. He has something in his possession, that will tell me where my sister is.'
Ms. Parker eyed her. She didn't like any of this! Why the hell was Irina Derevko so desperate to find Jarod's mother?! Derevko was a known assassin, and Ms. Parker refused to believe it was because she wanted a 'sisterly' reunion! Jarod would be devastated, if he lead his 'aunt' to his mother, only for her to be killed!
'So you know that Sidney isn't brainwashed?' Ms. Parker asked carefully.
'I know everything, more than you, or Sloane, will ever know. Jarod will probably be shown those DSA's. When he contacts you, or better yet, when Sidney tells you about what's going on, you make it CLEAR, that he needs to get in contact with me. Do you understand?'
Ms. Parker tossed her hair, then raised a brow.
'I understand. Though I am curious about what you said about Sloane?'
'He's ordering your wedding dress as we speak. It's white. I told him I didn't think you were the type.'
Ms. Parker grinned!
'How perceptive of you!' she smirked.
Irina then handed her the vial.
'Given in small doses, like in liquor, coffee and food, this can make a person think that time has passed...that things have happened, that never did...if you know what I mean.'
Ms. Parker did, better than anyone else would know. She took the vial from Irina. Irina turned to leave, then stopped.
'Tell Jarod to get in contact with me. If he does not on his own, he'll just make it harder for himself...and Abigail.'
Ms. Parker's eyes grew wide, and she walked up to Irina.
'What the hell does that mean?! One minute you're telling me you're not going to hurt Jarod and my daughter, the next minute you're threatening them?!'
Irina turned to face her.
'Tell him to call me, Ms. Parker.' was all that Irina Derevko said, as she turned and walked out of the door. Ms. Parker stared after her, then looked at the vial in her hand.