Jarod knocked softly.

"Come in," she answered behind the closed door. Miss Parker sat up, brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs.

He nervously shuffled his feet at the foot of the bed. She held her breath. Her heart skipped a beat.

He pointed to the closet. "Excuse me. Uh, extra pillow and blanket in there."

She watched him as he hesitated, unsure if the reason he came in was to actually get what he needed, a pillow and blanket, or what he wanted, her.

"Sorry to bother you." He swallowed hard.

"You're not a bother."

Again, he pointed to the closet. "I'd better get my things." But still, he hesitated. "It's in there."

"I know, so you've said." Her eyes twinkled.

Hurriedly, Jarod grabbed his items.

"Parker?"

"Yes?"

There was a moment of absolute tension, a moment on the brink of having said or done something that might be regrettable or unforgettable the very next day. She kept herself from the hope that he might somehow, someway surface his long awaited feelings for her. Jarod didn't know how to put it into words, he knew he couldn't, he wanted to say so much and even if she understood, it would be too awkward. All he needed was to have her pull out her Smith and Wesson. There were so many things he needed to say to her. Afraid it might not be reciprocated, he chose silence, for now anyway. He anticipated another slap on his face. He turned and headed out of the room.

Her heart sank.

He stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Sleep tight, Miss Parker." He then, closed the door.

JMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMPJMP

Tears dripped down her face. Forgotten memories of Jarod flashed through her mind. They were destined to a life together. Once, he called her heartless. Why was it then, she stood in front of his casket and mourned painfully. She stared at his lifeless body. He laid peacefully. His life ended abruptly. She bent down and whispered "I love you". When he died, she was left with the devastation which came with losing someone that had always been a part of her life. Left with the sudden fear of loneliness, she cried sorrowfully at the knowledge of also being alone. Her heart rigidly broke in half as if a lance had severely pierced through it. She bade goodbye to "The Pretender".

Startled, Jarod had fallen off of the sofa as her screams woke him. He nearly kicked the door opened, found Miss Parker in an upright position, her arms hugged her pillow tightly and what seemed like a waterfall, were tears, as it rushed down her face. He jumped into bed and gently held her. He slipped his arms around her back and pulled her towards him. "Hey, it's okay. You're dreaming. It's alright. Shh."

Miss Parker hung on to Jarod like a child hanging on for comfort to a gigantic stuffed animal. It took several minutes before she calmed down, then pulled away. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm fine. Just fine." Yet, she shook.

"You're trembling." He reached for her. She clutched his hand and brought it close to her heart. "You want to tell me about it? Your nightmares?"

She shook her head.

"You cried again earlier this morning in your sleep. What is it? Tell me what's scaring you."

With his hand cupped in hers, she wiped her face. She was unable to stop the leakage in her crystalline blue eyes which was filled with tears. "Nothing," she answered almost child-like.

"You don't want to talk about it?" Jarod spoke in a soothing tone. "No?"

"No." Her voice cracked as she answered.

"Okay. Why don't you try and go back to sleep? I'll just be in the living room. Call me if you need anything." He caressed her face.

Miss Parker sniffled and nodded. Yet, when Jarod moved to leave, she pushed him gently on the bed, found comfort as she laid her head on his chest, her arms wrapped around his neck.

"The nightmares," she whispered.

"Parker." I'll never let anything happen to you. He felt her tears on his bare skin and sighed softly. Tightly, he cuddled her and stroked her back in an upward and downward movement. She raised her head to him. Tenderly, he kissed her forehead.

"What nightmares?" He held her close and rocked her like a baby who needed to be tended to after a bad night's dream.

She had taken in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled. It seemed like a realistic encounter of their lives, but, she only shook her head in response to his query. After several seconds, she repeated. "Nightmares". Parker paused for a moment, looked at him, but was unable to say anything else. He'd always been a part of her life and she could not see it any other way.

"Are you alright?" His cinnamon-colored eyes looked down at her. He watched her in concern, but, she remained silent. He sensed that she needed reassurance. "Nothing's going to happen to you." There was a feeling of silent perfect understanding between them.

It's not me I'm afraid of. It's you. Just hold me close and don't let go.

"Are you alright?" He again asked.

I am now. No words crossed her quivering lips.

"Parker, do you want me here with you tonight?"

She embraced him tighter, as if he would suddenly let go. She felt the safety of his arms. Her heart only had so much room for love and affection. It was meant for Jarod. She had never been so sure about anything in her life.

TBC - Chapter 5