So, as promised, Jarod went home to Miss Parker each and every night.
Sipping his coffee slowing, he watches her every movement around the house he's called home for almost a year. She glances every now and then at him. Something was not quite right and she's felt it for several weeks now, only she was too afraid to ask.
"Nothing's quite the same now." She heard him say. Miss Parker just then could feel her heart break in half. Standing rigidly, she was speechless.
Laying his mug down, he hesitated, seeing her eyes build up with tears, but, he swallowed hard and continued.
"I'm leaving, Parker. I'm leaving you."
Still, she kept quiet, holding on to her chest, as if to stop the pain in her heart.
"I-I was going to send you a letter, but, you deserve more than that. I can't go on like this. I can't take it anymore. This is not the kind of relationship I wanted. I hate being discreet about us, but, then, it boils down to The Centre, doesn't it?"
"So, you're just sailing away? Never to come back? You're just leaving me? I love you!" She cried.
"And you think I don't!" Jarod raised his voice. "But, you love The Centre more," his voice softened.
"That's not fair, Jarod, that's not fair."
"Sweetheart, life's not fair."
"How long, Jarod, how long have you felt like this?" She cried out.
"A while," was his only answer.
"Why? Why are you doing this to me? To us?"
"How many times have you chosen The Centre over me? I'm left without fingers and toes of the countless times you suddenly leave just because there were some sort of crisis at that god forsaken place called The Centre!"
"I love you." Miss Parker caresses his face, only for Jarod to close his eyes and turn away.
"I've pack a few of my belongings while you were at The Centre, again. It's in the trunk of my car. I'll come by, maybe, another time to get the rest."
"Didn't waste time, did you Jarod? I love you," she says tearfully.
He pulled her close, wrapped his arms around her, she held on to him never wanting to let go. He kisses her tenderly and pulled away.
"Goodbye, Melissa. I shall love you forever." Bravely, he walks to the front door, opens it and walks out of her life forever.