Jarod stood outside of Zoe's hospital room as her family bade their final goodbye. Her grandmother, sister and brother-in-law gathered around her bed. They were surprised she lasted two more agonizing months.

"Jarod," she whispered.

Slowly he approached her bed, kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Shhh, it will be alright. We're all here. It's okay. You won't be suffering too much longer."

She nodded and smiled. "Promise?" Her face was pale and matched the color of the sheet which covered her frail body. With what little hair she had left was like porcupine needles sticking out of her scalp. There were no remnants of her beautiful curly red hair.

"Yes, I promise," he answered, his voice was hoarse.

"Jarod, go to her. You've always loved her. I've known all along. Do that for me? I want you to be happy. I'll be around to watch over you. Follow your heart."

She weakly caressed his cheek. Jarod laid his hand on hers, closed his eyes and nodded tearfully.

"Thank you for the best days of my life. Bye, Jarod." She told him as she took her last breath.

Miss Parker tried painfully to get her life back in order. Feeling an emptiness in her heart, she never realized how much Jarod was so much a part of her life until he was gone. The only time he had contacted Sydney was to inform him of Zoe's demise three months ago.

The once ice queen fumbled for her car keys unaware of Jarod's presence. She was oblivious to her surroundings and nothing seemed to matter to her anymore. She turned suddenly and dropped her keys when she heard his voice.

"Miss Parker. How are you?" His chocolate colored eyes squinted as the glare of the sun shone directly at him.

"Jarod." She had wanted to give him a hug, but, held back. He stood rigidly.

They stood for a moment, eyes locked. He bent down, picked up her car keys and jingled it in front of her.

"Thank you." She kept at a distance for fear of her emotions breaking down. "How are you, Jarod?"

"A lot has happened, Parker. All these years of running and chasing, the nightmares, at times I had no where to turn. I've lived a tortured life. Oh, but you know that. And then I met Zoe. She made be feel alive. She lived life to the fullest and now she's gone."

"I know, I found out from Sydney. I'm so sorry, Jarod. I'm sorry you lost her. I really mean that. I never meant to cause you any unhappiness. You think I enjoyed running after you?"

Jarod smirked. "Why did you?"

"Because I wasn't thinking about you. I was selfish."

No one spoke and he eyed her from head to toe. "You're very thin. When was the last time you've had a well-balanced meal?"

She shrugged. "I'm fine."

"I can see that," he answered sarcastically. "I should leave now. Unless, you have plans on turning me in."

"No sweepers. You're free to go. You go and find your happiness. You have a warm heart, a good heart, anyone would be a fool to let you go. If you need someone to talk to at times, I'll be here. I won't be going anywhere."

Jarod shook his head. "Since when have you ever been a friend to me, Parker? In times of need, I don't think I could call on you. Can't pick up where we left off when there was nothing to begin with."

"My heart," she hesitated, "it was just misplaced and I felt it breaking when I saw you with someone else. Jarod, I love you."

There. She finally admitted her true feelings to him, but, it was much too late. Where is the music like the movies, where you talk above the music to build suspense? If only this next scene was make believe, like the movies, where everything you have ever known, what to say, what to touch, what to feel have been scripted. But, there was no movie script, only reality.

Jarod was surprised by her candid feelings. There was a time when he had wanted a future with her. Locked up at The Centre, the only thing what keep him alive was the fact that Miss Parker was in his life. He wanted an ordinary life with her, a house with flowers along the white picket fence, children, a boy, a girl with a third one on the way. Miss Parker would be waiting for him each night at the front door, welcoming him with her hands stretched out to him, their youngest running up to him yelling, "Daddy, daddy, carry me." But, it was only a dream and he knows his dreams would never come true when it came to having a life with her.

"I thought you hated me. You know, Miss Parker, I've always loved you. I loved Zoe, but I wasn't in love with her. But, it won' work out. Take care of yourself. Maybe, with a fresh start, you'll find what you're looking for, whatever it may be."

"No, she whispered, don't leave."

Jarod turned and walked away from her. Whatever relationship she's had with him had just ended. It was final.

"Goodbye, Jarod," she said softly knowing broken pieces of her heart would never be mended.

TBC - Chapter 4