He finally said it, those three little words. She thought certainly she had imagined it, until Jarod repeated himself.
"I love you, Parker."
He stood still as if unsure of what to do next.
Miss Parker smiled. "Okay. Isn't this the part you're suppose to take me in your arms, hold me tight and we share a kiss?" She waited, but he made no move towards her.
"It's best not to, I wouldn't be able to stop myself."
"And it would be so bad?"
"Just because I admitted my love for you does not change anything. I can't be with you, Parker. I won't."
"If this is your way of showing someone you love them, I'd hate to be your enemy. Then, why even say you love me?"
"I do. I just don't want you to think I'm walking away because I didn't love you. It's because I do."
"You're walking away because you love me?" She spoke in a whisper.
"Yes."
"Because you love me?" Her voice grew louder.
"You don't understand. I..."
"Yes, I don't understand," she snapped at him.
"Parker, I'll always love you. Hey, you were the one who gave me my first kiss."
"I really don't give a hoot because I don't seem to love you at this very instant! I'm tired and, and...look, just leave, alright? If that's what you want, just leave! I won't beg, I won't cry. I won't stop you. I can't force you to do something you don't want, I have no more tears left to cry over you! I guess it was never meant to be."
"You'll always be in my heart, Parker." He leaned forward to peck her on her cheek, but she turned away quickly.
"No need to. I'm a big girl." She pushed him back and held her head up high. "Parkers don't cry," she told him coldly and stared at him heartlessly.
An unwelcome ringing of her telephone caused her to swear. "Shit!"
Jarod spoke calmly. "Why don't you get that."
"And why don't you disappear right now!" She pointed to the front door and gestured him to leave. "Please go." Her voiced softened.
Miss Parker turned abruptly, grabbed the telephone and hollered into the mouthpiece.
"What?"
Maybe it was some sort of premonition but, something made Jarod linger on while she answered her phonecall.
"Quit your babbling, Broots. You always seem to find the most inopportune time to call. What is it now?" Their was silence, then she cried out.
"No! Where? He is going to be alright, isn't he?"
She dropped the phone and froze into a trance.
"Parker? What's wrong? Parker? What is it?"
"Broots says...Sydney, he's, he's suffered a heart attack. My--my keys. Need to get to him." She paced the floor from one end to the other looking for her car keys.
Jarod grabbed it off the entrance table. "Let's go," he yelled.
The drive to the hospital was silent. Miss Parker stared straight ahead onto the road, her hands was in a folded position as if praying. Jarod glanced at her and gently touched her thigh.
"He'll be alright," he tried to comfort her all the while not believing it himself. Parker inched her way close to him, hooked her arm on his and closed her eyes.
The two found themselves walking quickly through the hospital corridor being led by a young nurse and into Sydney's room. As they entered, they could barely make out any movement of him breathing. Sitting in a chair along side the psychiatrist was a crying Broots. Debbie gently stroked Sydney's forehead as if to ease the pain of the massive heart attack he suffered.
Jarod's eyes roamed around the room, then stared at the beeping monitor reading his heart rate. Tears slowly ran down his face for the man he's loved and trusted for the past thirty plus years.
Miss Parker took hold of Sydney's hand and squeezed it lightly. He opened his eyes, looked around and smiled.
"Melissa. Maybe now we can quit the formality. I've known you as a child. Somewhere in that heart of yours, still lies that little lost girl looking for love. Don't turn away from it or you'll live a life of loneliness and regrets. You are full of love, don't be afraid to share it with someone. In my eyes, you will always be like a daughter to me. Thank you for being with me through the end."
"Shhh, Sydney, you need your rest, sleep now and I'll be here when you awaken." Miss Parker's tears moistened her face. "I love you, Sydney."
"Ah, Broots, my dear friend, thank you for everything. The Centre would be nothing without your expertise. You've raised a wonderful daughter. Take good care of her. And Debbie, you'll grow up to be a fine young woman, someone your father will be very proud of."
"Hey, Sydney," Broots forced a smile on his face. "You'll be fine."
Debbie leaned her head on Sydney's shoulder and hugged him lightly as tears rolled slowly down her flawless face.
The pretender stood at the foot of his bed as Sydney motioned to him.
"Jarod," he whispered. "You're here. However did you know? I was afraid you weren't going to make it for my final goodbye. Sit, my boy."
Obediently, he sat and gripped Sydney's hand tightly.
"I'm so sorry for not saying it to you earlier, but, I do love you. I've always loved you ever since you joined me at The Centre. I've regretted a lot of things. I cheated you on so many father-son activities, like fishing. I never took you fishing. I'm so very sorry."
"No need to be sorry about anything. If it wasn't for you, I would have never survived being locked up. And I thank you."
"Who taught you how to tie a tie?"
"You did," Jarod answered as he weeped. He laid his head next to Sydney's. "You did, Sydney." And they both cried.
Miss Parker comforted Jarod, her hands rested on his shoulder, then gently ran her fingers lightly on the back of his neck.
"Jarod?"
He raised his head to look at his mentor and felt the pain in his heart as he watched him slowly deteriorate.
"Remember the father's day card and Curious George?"
Jarod nodded wiping his tears away, then Sydney's.
"I've kept it all these years. I've always treasured it. Thank you, my son. Be safe and I hope you find what you are looking for."
"I love you, Sydney. Don't leave me. Please don't leave me."
"Melissa and Jarod, the greatest thing is to love and to be loved in return. Remember that."
Sydney looked around the room at each and everyone as if it was for one last time.
"Adieu, my loves."
TBC - Chapter 6