Chapter Six.
*
One day later.
Lydia's apartment.
*
Lyle, Miss Parker and Jarod sat in the living room, waiting to hear something from Broots. One day had passed and now they were really worried. Something must have happened to her. It wasn't like Lydia to just disappear like that. Jarod was sure she had been the one he'd heard that day when he escaped. With a deep sigh, he gave Miss Parker a look. She had curled up in the corned of the couch, sleeping. Jarod smiled sadly. He wondered what was going to happen now. How would they be able to help Lydia without getting captured themselves? What if he'd stayed there? Maybe he could have found a way to help her. He should have stayed. If anything happened to her, it would be his fault.
All of the sudden, a shrill signal from the phone sounded, startling Jarod and Lyle, who both stared at it with big eyes. Miss Parker awoke with a start. She sat up, giving Jarod a frightened look.
"It's just the phone." Jarod mumbled. He got up on his feet and walked to answer.
"Hello?" He said.
"Jarod...it's me, Broots.I'm sorry I didn't call earlier.it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.but."
"It's okay.just tell me what you found out." Jarod interrupted.
There was a silence.
"They.They have Lydia.and Ehhm.And it seems like they forced her to tell them where we are.and that was yesterday.they could be here any minute."
"Oh my god." Jarod said seriously. He gave Lyle a troubled look. What the hell were they going to do? He was just about to continue talking when there was someone banging hard on the door.
"OPEN THE DOOR!"
All three stared at it in shock.
"They're here!" Jarod quickly hung up. He gave the door a terrified look.
"Jarod.what's going on.?" Miss Parker asked in a trembling voice.
"The Centre forced Lydia to tell about us.they're here!"
"No.Oh god.what are we going to do!"
Without saying anything Jarod ran up to the balcony, looking down at the street. He didn't see any sweepers there. All of them were probably right outside the door. He knew they had to do something, and that fast. Really fast.
"Jarod.save Parker.I'll be alright." Lyle said. Jarod looked at him. Then he hurried into the bedroom, searching for something to use as a rope. Climbing down was the only way.
"No, Lyle they will kill you, you take Parker.I'm too valuable.they won't hurt me." Jarod said as he came back.
Lyle seemed to think for a while, finally he nodded.
"Jarod no.don't leave me.what if I'll never see you again." Miss Parker said as tears started to fall. "Please." She sniveled.
"I'll be okay.I promise.I'll find you. Just go!"
"I can't let you stay.I can't lose you Jarod.I love you." Miss Parker said, wrapping her arms around him, refusing to let go.
"I love you to Lesley.Now go." He said, pushing her away. Seeing the pain in Miss Parker's eyes almost broke his heart. But he knew he had to force her. He just hoped he wouldn't lie, that he would be able to escape.
Lyle dragged Miss Parker out to the balcony and was forced to scream at her to get her to do what she was supposed to do. Crying, Miss Parker slowly managed to get down the so called rope. Lyle followed her, leaving Jarod staring after them. Just as they got down to the ground, He saw a sweeper team coming running around the corner. Miss Parker and Lyle did their best to get away from them. Suddenly a loud crash sounded. Jarod spun around and saw a sweeper team running into the room.
*
"Lyle.I can't run anymore.I'm tired and my stomach hurts." Miss Parker gasped, trying desperately to keep her pace up.
"You have to!" Lyle said. He glanced at her. She really seemed tired. She was breathing very hard and she had one hand pressed against her stomach. Lyle could see in her face that she was in pain. He felt sorry for her; she really shouldn't run like this in her condition. Of course she was tired.
"You can make it.just hold on!"
"NO!"
Now Lyle was really scared. What if Miss Parker really didn't have the strength? What if the sweepers got her? He quickly looked back; the sweeper's started to come closer and closer. He increased his pace, there was no way he would let them capture him. He was a little surprised they hadn't tried to shoot him yet. They should have. Considering they almost managed to kill him before. Why would they let him live? He turned his head to look at Miss Parker. Suddenly he realized she wasn't next to him any longer.
"Miss Parker!?" He shouted.
There was no answer. He slowed down and turned to see what happened. What he saw almost made him faint. He gasped, staring at his sister's lifeless body in shock. First he was unsure of what had happened. Had she collapsed or had they done something. As he saw the sweepers' smug smiles, he knew.
"You bastard! What did you do with her!?" He screamed almost frantically. She couldn't be dead. She just couldn't!
"Don't worry Lyle.She's too valuable." A sweeper said in a cold voice. Lyle looked around nervously. What was he going to do? The best thing would be to escape while he still had the chance. But could he really leave Miss Parker? No, he couldn't let the Centre take her. She would never be able to handle that. Not after everything she had been through. He had to stay and risk his own life. That was the only way. For one moment, Lyle couldn't help but blame Lydia. If she hadn't told Raines, none of this would be happening. Dammit, didn't she know what she was doing to them? Damn her! Suddenly he saw the sweeper raise his gun. Lyle flinched, but didn't move. He gave Miss Parker a look. She was still lying on the ground, motionless. Why did they want her? Why was she important to them? He just didn't understand. All of the sudden he realized. They wanted her baby. That had to be the reason. He looked back at the sweeper. He had his gun pointed straight at him now. Lyle made a trembling sigh. This was the end. This time they would succeed. He would die and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Suddenly a gunshot sounded. Lyle closed his eyes, waiting to feel the bullet cut through his flesh. To his surprise, nothing happened. Then another shot was fired. And two more. Lyle opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was the sweeper, lying on the ground. Then he spotted Sam and Jarod. He stared at them in shock.
"Are you okay Lyle!?" Sam asked as he hurried up to him. Lyle only managed to nod. He was breathing hard and his body was trembling. "I thought I would die." He mumbled.
"Yeah.So did I." Sam said bitterly.
"Parker.?" Lyle asked.
"She's okay.they used a tranquilizer gun."
Lyle sighed with relief. He slowly walked up to Jarod who was kneeling next to Miss Parker. Sam followed. Jarod looked up at them with sad eyes.
"We need to get away from here." Sam said with a sigh. Both Jarod and Lyle nodded.
"The apartment is not safe.Any ideas?" Lyle said.
"The hotel?" Sam said.
"They can find us there." Jarod said without taking his eyes from Miss Parker. He gently stroked her hair out of her face. He felt so sorry for her. Like what happened to her wasn't enough. And now this, he didn't understand. What had she done to deserve this? Why would everything happen to her? To them? It was so unfair.
"The sweepers are dead!" Sam replied.
"We don't know if there was only one team."
"What about Lydia's workplace?" Lyle asked.
Sam and Jarod gave him puzzled looks. Lyle told them about the news station.
Sam gave him a doubting look. "Are you sure we can go there?" He asked.
"No.But we can't stay here."
"Lyle is right.let's go!" Jarod demanded. He carefully took Miss Parker in his arms and lifted her up. He was a little surprised of how heavy she had got. He sighed unhappily. Poor Parker.
*
MEANWHILE.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE, DELAWARE.
MR PARKER'S OFFICE.
*
"Shouldn't she wake up soon?" Mr. Parker asked Raines, who was sitting next to him.
"I don't know.maybe the drug lasted longer than we thought." Raines wheezed, without taking his eyes off the screen. He smiled evilly at the woman lying on the floor. Her light hair was spread out like a Gloria around her head.
Mr. Parker nodded. "Maybe it's for the best.we don't want her to cause any trouble. Right?" He said callously.
"Yeah.Like she could.She may be Miss Parker's sister. But she hasn't got her courage. "
They sat there for a while, watching Lydia. Suddenly she started to move. They could hear her mumbling something in her sleep. She continued moving; soon her motions became more violent, like she was having a nightmare.
"Don't hit me.please.NO!"
Mr. Parker gave Raines a questioning look. Raines just shrugged.
"NO.Daddy.I don't want to.don't hit me.please!"
"Stop.Daddy you're hurting me.no, please.GET OFF ME!"
"She's not dreaming.am I right?" Mr. Parker asked.
It took a while before Raines answered. "I'm not sure, there's a big possibility she did experienced it." He said.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I know her so called family wasn't exactly known to be saints. He 'father' has been convicted thrice for assault and sexual abuse." Raines explained.
Mr. Parker just nodded. Didn't know what else to say. In silence they both turned their attention back to Lydia.
"Isn't it ironic? She, Miss Parker and Lyle are a perfect match. All of them have been victims of almost the same thing." Mr. Parker said after a while.
"Yeah.They're pathetic."
*
ABOUT A HALF AN HOUR LATER.
NEW YORK
THE NEWS STATION.
*
Jarod sat on the floor next to Miss Parker, who was stretched out on the couch in Will's office. He held her cold hand in his, praying she would be alright when she awoke. Sam stood in the doorway, silently talking to Will.
"Thank you for letting us borrow your room." Sam nearly whispered.
"As long as it's used for something good.it's okay.I hope she'll be okay." Will whispered back. None of them knew why they were whispering, but it seemed right. And besides, they didn't want to disturb. "I still can't believe Lydia has a twin-sister." He added.
"Yeah.And I can't believe Miss Parker have." Sam smiled. His smile faded away as he remembered what Jarod told him. How could he reveal the news about Lydia the best way? He couldn't tell about the Centre, and he didn't want to upset anyone more than necessary.
At the same time, Lyle, without any problems was telling Kipp about what happened.
*
ABOUT ONE HOUR LATER.
LYDIA'S APARTMENT.
*
"I shouldn't have left her."Jarod said for about the fifth time.
"Jarod.it's okay. No one can find her there. You know it's the safest place." Sam said.
"What if she wakes up and there's only strangers around her." Jarod continued.
"She shouldn't."
Jarod sighed. Of course, he knew it was the best thing to leave Miss Parker with Will and the others. She was safe there. But he couldn't help but wish he'd stayed with her. He also knew it would take much less time to pack if there were more people doing it. And they really needed to get away from there as soon as possible. Before a new sweeper team showed up. They probably wouldn't have the same luck next time.
"You're right." He said with a sigh.
"How the hell am I supposed to know what to pack for Lydia!" Lyle suddenly exclaimed.
"It doesn't matter.just take something." Jarod said, rather irritated. Like it wasn't enough he had to spent the whole days with him, he had to ask so dumb questions too.
With a sigh, Lyle returned to what he was doing.
"So where are we going?" Sam asked.
Jarod just shook his head and shrugged.
Sam made a deep sigh. Why did everything have to be so hard?
*
MEANWHILE.
THE NEWS STATION.
*
Miss Parker slowly became aware of someone talking. The voices sounded to be far away and muffled. She felt pain, but couldn't decide where it hurt. Gradually she heard the voices closer and more clearly. She opened her eyes. First everything was blurred. She blinked a couple of times. She moaned as she realized she had a headache. She bit by bit began to get to a sitting position. Suddenly her stomach started to ache. With a groan she collapsed back at the couch. She warily tried to massage her belly to get rid of the pain. Just then she heard a voice talking to her.
She looked up and saw a man she didn't recognise standing next to her. She inhaled sharply, trying to get as far away from him as possible.
"It's okay.Miss Parker.I won't hurt you." The man said.
"Where am I? Who are you? Where is Jarod?" Miss Parker asked, a few tears escaped her eyes.
"He didn't think you would wake up so soon.he's alright, I promise." The man started with the question he thought she would be most pleased to hear. Then he informed her about where she was.
"My name is Will...I'm Lydia's boss." He finished.
Miss Parker relaxed a little, but was still scared.
"Is it anything I can do for you?" Will asked.
Miss Parker seemed to think for a while. "Do you have any painkillers?" She finally asked.
"Sure, I'll be right back!" Will left the room. Miss Parker closed her eyes.
"Hey there.I heard you're awake!" Startled by the sound, Miss Parker opened her eyes and gave the person standing in the doorway an alarmed look.
"Sorry.I didn't mean to scare you.are you alright?"
"You're Kipp? Right?" Miss Parker asked tiredly.
Kipp nodded. "I heard what happened to Lydia.I wish I could help you and your friends to save her." He said as he walked up to the couch and sat down on the armrest.
Miss Parker didn't say anything. She just gave the man looking down at her an unhappy look.
"You're pregnant! Is it Jarod's!?"
Miss Parker whimpered. Why did he have to notice that? "No." She said miserably.
First Kipp was confused. Then he remembered what he'd heard Lydia and her talk about. "Oh no.I'm so sorry." He whispered.
"Yeah.Me too." Miss Parker said, struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.
"Kipp.leave Miss Parker alone.she must be tired." Will said as he re- entered the room with a glass of water and a painkiller. He walked up to her.
"No, it's okay.thank you."
"Oh, you know each other?"
"Kind of." Kipp said. With a smile Will left, leaving Miss Parker and Kipp alone. Kipp was just about to talk when he realized Miss Parker had fallen asleep. He gave her a surprised look. He then took the now empty glass from her and walked out of the room.
*
FOUR HOURS LATER
SOMEWHERE ON THE ROAD.
*
All of them had managed to pack their stuff and were heading for Cleveland- Ohio as a temporary stop, to rest before continuing the next day. Hopefully they had decided where to go and could take an airplane. Sydney was driving his black BMW. Broots sat in the passenger-seat; Debbie and Angelo were seated in the back seat. Sam followed them in Lydia's silver-gray car. Lyle sat next to him and Miss Parker and Jarod in the back seat.
"Don't worry Lesley.everything is going to be fine." Jarod said softly. Miss Parker gave him a doubting look. How could it be okay?
"When we get there, I can fix an appointment for you to do an abortion.I mean if you want to?"
Miss Parker nodded. "If it's okay with you." She mumbled.
"Of course it is.I know how hard it will be for you to have that baby.I'm just glad if you can get rid of it.then when we're both are ready.we can have our own child."
Miss Parker gave him a slight smile. "I love you." She said almost inaudibly.
"I love you too" Jarod whispered, putting his arms around Miss Parker, pulling her close. She leaned her head against him. Almost immediately she'd fallen asleep.
*
EARLY NEXT MORNING.
*
The sun was just about to rise. The company was already on their way to the airport. After a lot of discussing they had decided to go to Arizona. Jarod had told them about a family he knew. Who owned a ranch about one hour outside of Phoenix. He was sure they would be welcome to live in some of their rental cottages.
*
SEVERAL HOURS LATER.
OUTSIDE OF PHOENIX - ARIZONA.
SILVER-MOON RANCH.
*
Miss Parker and the others were waiting in their new navy-blue Jeep while Jarod was talking to the owner Mr. Ridge Dorsey and his wife Megan. Debbie and Angelo, who sat in the back, looked at the surroundings with big eyes. Wherever they looked they saw mountains, cactuses and sand. But also grass- covered pastures at which horses in different colors went. As they looked in the other direction there were two big stables. A little further away there were three small wooden cabins next to each other. A small white bridge over a pouring creek was separating them from the corrals. It was so beautiful. And the air was really hot. Suddenly Jarod's voice interrupted their thoughts. Debbie looked at him. "Can we stay here?" She asked, hoping the answer would be a 'yes'. She actually liked this place. It seemed cool.
"Yes. We can stay as long as we like.the cabin's are ours!" Jarod said with a grin. Debbie gave him a big smile.
Jarod got into the car and they slowly headed for their new homes. It took a while before they could agree how they would split up. There were three cabins. And together they were nine persons. After a while they agreed to let Jarod and Miss Parker taking the cabin which was located closest to the creek. And when they managed to save Lydia, she would be living there too. Lyle, Sam and Sydney would stay in the middle cabin. Broots, Debbie and Angelo in the third.
Lyle walked up to the Jeep for about the seventh time. He didn't understand how much things they managed to bring. Neither did he understand how they managed to get everything into the car. It really was a mystery. He stopped for a while, surveying the landscape. He didn't know how to feel. Being at a place like this, somehow reminded him of the place he grew up. It was kind of scary. Lyle shrugged those creepy thoughts off and grabbed one of the last bags. As he was about to walk back into the small house. He heard a female voice. He turned around. The first thing he saw was a huge black horse. He let his gaze wander upwards 'till he spotted a blond woman smiling down at him. He gave the horse a frightened look and backed away a little.
"He won't bite!" The woman laughed. Lyle gave her a doubting look. "What about kick?" He asked. The woman smiled.
"Don't worry.Thunder won't hurt you." The woman giggled. "Oh, I'm sorry.I should introduce myself.I'm Tess. Ridge's daughter.I just came to welcome you and your friends to our ranch.I hope you'll have a good time here!" She continued. Lyle relaxed a little. He returned Tess' smile. "My name is Lyle." He said. Without taking his eyes of the stallion, he walked a little closer.
"Thank you.I think we're gonna love this place." He lied. He didn't want to disappoint the woman. But he doubted he could ever get used to living like this.
"Good.I gotta go.see you later!"
"Yeah.See ya."
The woman turned her horse and galloped away over the grass. Lyle shivered as he heard the horse's hoofs against the wood of the bridge. Regardless that spooky feeling, he also felt something he'd never felt before. Not what he could remember anyway. It was like he couldn't take his eyes of 'her'. He didn't know what it was, but Tess had really caught his interest. She seemed so happy, so free, with her long light hair streaming in the wind as her horse ran along the river, towards the stables. He kept watching her. Suddenly he was snapped out of his thoughts by a voice behind him. He spun around and saw Jarod standing there, smirking.
"What?!" He snapped.
"You're starting to sound like Miss Parker." Jarod said.
Lyle rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He sighed.
"So Lyle.I didn't know you were afraid of horses.or did you just pretend so sweet Tess would feel sorry for you?"
"You bastard!"
"She's a nice girl." Jarod hinted. Lyle gave him an evil glare. Then he grabbed the bag he realized he'd dropped and walked into the cabin without looking back.
Jarod did the same. When he entered his and Miss Parker's bedroom he saw Miss Parker walking around the room placing her stuff in the wardrobes. Jarod smiled.
"Hi.Are you feeling better?" He asked. Miss Parker stopped and gave him a warm look. She nodded.
"Yeah, I think so.maybe everything can work out.I don't think the Centre can find us here. Do you?"
Jarod shook his head.
"The only thing that bothers me is Lydia.what if they hurt her?" Miss Parker said in a low voice.
"We're gonna find a way to save her." Jarod assured.
Miss Parker walked up to the bed and sat down.
"Lesley.We have to talk." Jarod started. Miss Parker gave him a puzzled look. What was wrong? Why did he sound so serious? She made a trembling nod. Maybe it was stupid thinking that things were going to get better. Maybe she'd been dumb and naive the whole time. As she saw Jarod look at her in silence, she got really scared. What if he had got tired of her? What if he actually didn't like her anymore and had decided to leave her?
"What is it?" She tried to sound normal but only managed a whisper.
Jarod walked up to the bed and sat down next to Miss Parker. "I know you want me stay with you, but I think." He started but got interrupted by Miss Parker inhaling sharply. She started at Jarod as tears started to fall. Jarod gave her a surprised look. He didn't understand. How could she react so strong without even knowing what he was about to say?
"I understand.I knew it was too good to be true." Miss Parker sobbed. How could Jarod do this to her? She'd actually though he would always be there for her. Now she realized how stupid she'd been.
"Honey.don't cry.it's okay.." Jarod said, taking her in his arms. He was confused. What did she mean?
"Lesley.listen to me.I think it's for the best if I'll leave you here.and."
"But Jarod I need you.Please don't leave me." Miss Parker pleaded. What was she going to do? She couldn't imagine a life without him. She couldn't live without him. She just couldn't!
"I have to."
"Why? Don't you love me anymore? Is it because I am pregnant?" Miss Parker cried.
Suddenly Jarod realized they weren't talking about the same thing. She actually thought he would leave her, forever. How could she think that?
"Oh my god, Parker.I didn't mean it like that.Honey.I would never desert you.I'm talking about saving Lydia.I have to go to the Centre.that's what I mean." He explained.
Miss Parker stared at him dumbly. She wiped away her tears, but couldn't stop snivelling.
"Oh." She only managed to say.
"I'm sorry.I should have said in another way."
"I just overreacted.I don't know what's wrong with me." Miss Parker whispered.
"There's nothing wrong with you.It's just hormones." Jarod said softly.
Miss Parker smiled sadly. "Are you sure you can save her? What if you'll get caught? You have to come back."
Jarod nodded. "I'll be careful.I'm gonna talk to Broots or Sam, I haven't decided who yet.but I'm not going to go alone.don't worry Lesley, it will work."
*
NEXT DAY.
*
Miss Parker and the rest of the company except Jarod and Sam who were on their way to Delaware were gathered in Broots cabin, waiting impatiently for Jarod to call. Broots was waiting by his laptop, preparing to hack into the Centre's system for possible help.
All of the sudden a cell phone rang. All of them checked their phones before realizing it was Miss Parker's. She quickly picked it up from her pocket and flipped it open to answer.
"Jarod?" She asked, hoping desperately he would have arrived to Blue Cove without any complications.
"Is this Miss. Lesley Parker?" An uncertain voice asked.
"Ehhh, Yeah.sorry." Miss Parker said.
"I'm calling from the state hospital - Phoenix. Concerning the abortion you have an appointment for. We've just got a cancellation, and are wondering if you would like to come already today?"
"Today?"
"Yes, or else you have to wait over three weeks."
Miss Parker looked at the others for help. What was she going to say? She didn't want to go there alone, not without Jarod.
"Sis, what's wrong?" Lyle asked as he saw the look of panic in her eyes. "The hospital wants me to come today..." Miss Parker whispered.
"Well, that's great.go for it!"
"I don't want to alone?"
"It's okay.I'll go with you."
Miss Parker gave her brother a doubting look. She didn't know how to feel. Did she really want him there with her?
"Miss.are you there?" The woman in the phone asked. Miss Parker could hear the impatience in her voice.
"Yes.I want to get this over with. I'll be there today." She finally said. Her voice was trembling slightly as she spoke.
Right after she'd hung up the cell rang again. "Hello?" Miss Parker answered. Her voice still sounded shaky.
"Honey are you okay?" Miss Parker sighed with relief as she heard Jarod's deep voice.
"Yeah.Jarod.I'm going to do the abortion today.I'm scared, what if it won't work?" There was a silence. Miss Parker guessed Jarod was as shocked as she was by hearing that it would take place so soon.
"But I thought.."
Miss Parker interrupted him. "No.someone changed her mind." She said. She could hear Jarod sigh.
"I wish I could be there for you.But I'll promise you.nothing can go wrong.you don't have to worry."
There was another silence.
"But they have to do a surgery."
"I know Lesley.I'm so sorry that you have to go through that alone."
"It's okay.it's not your fault.Lyle will come with me.I won't be alone." Miss Parker said. Even though she didn't want anything more badly that to have Jarod with her, she didn't want him to feel bad. She decided to not let him know how she really felt.
"Good.And Les, don't forget that I love you.and when I.we'll, come back, everything are going to be fine.finally we can be happy.far away from the Centre and all the evil that comes from it..Now, you have to let me talk to Broots."
"Okay.I love you too.and Jarod, be careful, don't get yourself caught.I need you.bye..."
Before Jarod had a chance to speak, Miss Parker gave the phone to Broots. Nervously she glanced at her watch. It was only four hours left. She was really scared about going to the hospital. Somehow, she had his strange feeling that something was wrong, terribly wrong. Usually when she had those feelings, they were right. Miss Parker took a deep trembling breath. What could possibly go wrong? She tried to convince herself that it wouldn't. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get that chilling feeling out of her mind. Instead she tried to focus on Broots. One thing she didn't doubt was that together with Jarod they would be able to get Lydia out of there, without any problems. She knew they could outwit Raines and her father.
*
ABOUT A HALF AN HOUR LATER.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE, DELAWARE.
SL-13
*
Lydia was still lying on the floor. She was conscious, but too tired to move. As she laid there she suddenly heard the sound of footsteps coming closer and closer. Slowly she looked up.
"Hello Lyd." A raspy voice said. Lydia let out a small gasp as she heard the nickname she'd been called a long time ago. "That's what he called you, isn't it?"
Lydia didn't say anything. She little by little managed to get into a sitting position, leaning her back against the cold wall.
With a grin, the man she remembered as Raines, walked into the cell and forced her to get to her feet. Then he dragged her out of there. Lydia didn't dare anything else but to do as he said. Raines took her through the long dark corridors, towards the elevator. Their path ended up at what she guessed was his office. With a shove, Raines pushed her down in the chair. With his gun pointed at her, he walked up to the DSA player and hit the start button. A recorded image of Lydia in the cell appeared. Lydia watched it, shocked. Now when she saw it, everything came back to her. She remembered her so called dream.
"Please.I don't want to watch." She begged as tears were brimming in her eyes.
"Painful? Isn't it?" Raines wheezed.
Lydia didn't bother to reply. She looked down at her lap as a few tears escaped her eyes.
"Keep your eyes at the screen!" Raines wheezed, waving the gun.
Lydia gave it a terrified look, and then she unwillingly turned her gaze to watch.
"I don't want to remember." She whispered. Why did this happen? Why now? She thought she'd done quite a good job forgetting it. Or maybe denying was a better word. As she heard her own fear, she thought of Miss Parker. Now she really understood what she was going through. Not until now, she truly realized how she must have felt.how she must be feeling. She just didn't know what was most horrible. Being raped by an invisible stranger, or by your own father. All of the sudden she was snapped out of her thoughts as something she guessed was a fire alarm sounding. She looked around, she looked at Raines. He seemed frightened. Was it possible that someone as evil as he could feel fear? The alarm continued. Sweepers and other staff did their best to search through the building. After a little while they found what they were searching for in SL-3. None of them noticed two men dressed like firemen, hiding, in the rest of the group of fire-fighters trying to extinguish the fire that grew bigger and bigger by the second.
*
LATER THAT DAY.
THE STATE HOSPITAL.
*
Lyle stared at the doctor as if he was crazy. He didn't understand. What kind of incompetent morons could claim that his sister wasn't pregnant? What the hell was wrong with them? Lyle didn't know what to do, he wanted to scream at them, he wanted to hit them. He'd spent more than two hours of nervous pacing, waiting to hear that the surgery went well. But instead he got the news that there was no baby. He just didn't get it. How was it possible?! Suddenly as out of nowhere, a thought struck him. He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again as he realized how dumb it would sound. What the hell, it didn't matter. He decided to go for it.
"Her baby is invisible! That's why you couldn't find it. You have to believe me."
The doctor gave him a confused look. "Invisible?" He asked. It was obvious he didn't believe a world of what Lyle said.
"Yes! Just get rid of that fucking brat!"
"If you don't calm down I will have to ask the security to arrest you."
Lyle gave him an evil glare, but decided to take it easy. What kind of support would he be if he ended up in custody?
"I'm sorry.it's just so frustrating to know that my sister is really depressed by having to carry this baby. And you are telling me you can't do anything." Lyle said, surprisingly calm.
"I'm sorry.but she does not HAVE a baby.we did everything we could. A surgery like that would make it impossible to miss a fetus more than four months old. I'm really sorry."
Lyle sighed miserably. What was he going to do? He couldn't just let this happen? He thought of Miss Parker. It was crazy, now because of this she would be forced to keep the baby. He felt so sorry for her. How would he be able to tell her? She would be devastated.
*
To be continued.
*
One day later.
Lydia's apartment.
*
Lyle, Miss Parker and Jarod sat in the living room, waiting to hear something from Broots. One day had passed and now they were really worried. Something must have happened to her. It wasn't like Lydia to just disappear like that. Jarod was sure she had been the one he'd heard that day when he escaped. With a deep sigh, he gave Miss Parker a look. She had curled up in the corned of the couch, sleeping. Jarod smiled sadly. He wondered what was going to happen now. How would they be able to help Lydia without getting captured themselves? What if he'd stayed there? Maybe he could have found a way to help her. He should have stayed. If anything happened to her, it would be his fault.
All of the sudden, a shrill signal from the phone sounded, startling Jarod and Lyle, who both stared at it with big eyes. Miss Parker awoke with a start. She sat up, giving Jarod a frightened look.
"It's just the phone." Jarod mumbled. He got up on his feet and walked to answer.
"Hello?" He said.
"Jarod...it's me, Broots.I'm sorry I didn't call earlier.it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.but."
"It's okay.just tell me what you found out." Jarod interrupted.
There was a silence.
"They.They have Lydia.and Ehhm.And it seems like they forced her to tell them where we are.and that was yesterday.they could be here any minute."
"Oh my god." Jarod said seriously. He gave Lyle a troubled look. What the hell were they going to do? He was just about to continue talking when there was someone banging hard on the door.
"OPEN THE DOOR!"
All three stared at it in shock.
"They're here!" Jarod quickly hung up. He gave the door a terrified look.
"Jarod.what's going on.?" Miss Parker asked in a trembling voice.
"The Centre forced Lydia to tell about us.they're here!"
"No.Oh god.what are we going to do!"
Without saying anything Jarod ran up to the balcony, looking down at the street. He didn't see any sweepers there. All of them were probably right outside the door. He knew they had to do something, and that fast. Really fast.
"Jarod.save Parker.I'll be alright." Lyle said. Jarod looked at him. Then he hurried into the bedroom, searching for something to use as a rope. Climbing down was the only way.
"No, Lyle they will kill you, you take Parker.I'm too valuable.they won't hurt me." Jarod said as he came back.
Lyle seemed to think for a while, finally he nodded.
"Jarod no.don't leave me.what if I'll never see you again." Miss Parker said as tears started to fall. "Please." She sniveled.
"I'll be okay.I promise.I'll find you. Just go!"
"I can't let you stay.I can't lose you Jarod.I love you." Miss Parker said, wrapping her arms around him, refusing to let go.
"I love you to Lesley.Now go." He said, pushing her away. Seeing the pain in Miss Parker's eyes almost broke his heart. But he knew he had to force her. He just hoped he wouldn't lie, that he would be able to escape.
Lyle dragged Miss Parker out to the balcony and was forced to scream at her to get her to do what she was supposed to do. Crying, Miss Parker slowly managed to get down the so called rope. Lyle followed her, leaving Jarod staring after them. Just as they got down to the ground, He saw a sweeper team coming running around the corner. Miss Parker and Lyle did their best to get away from them. Suddenly a loud crash sounded. Jarod spun around and saw a sweeper team running into the room.
*
"Lyle.I can't run anymore.I'm tired and my stomach hurts." Miss Parker gasped, trying desperately to keep her pace up.
"You have to!" Lyle said. He glanced at her. She really seemed tired. She was breathing very hard and she had one hand pressed against her stomach. Lyle could see in her face that she was in pain. He felt sorry for her; she really shouldn't run like this in her condition. Of course she was tired.
"You can make it.just hold on!"
"NO!"
Now Lyle was really scared. What if Miss Parker really didn't have the strength? What if the sweepers got her? He quickly looked back; the sweeper's started to come closer and closer. He increased his pace, there was no way he would let them capture him. He was a little surprised they hadn't tried to shoot him yet. They should have. Considering they almost managed to kill him before. Why would they let him live? He turned his head to look at Miss Parker. Suddenly he realized she wasn't next to him any longer.
"Miss Parker!?" He shouted.
There was no answer. He slowed down and turned to see what happened. What he saw almost made him faint. He gasped, staring at his sister's lifeless body in shock. First he was unsure of what had happened. Had she collapsed or had they done something. As he saw the sweepers' smug smiles, he knew.
"You bastard! What did you do with her!?" He screamed almost frantically. She couldn't be dead. She just couldn't!
"Don't worry Lyle.She's too valuable." A sweeper said in a cold voice. Lyle looked around nervously. What was he going to do? The best thing would be to escape while he still had the chance. But could he really leave Miss Parker? No, he couldn't let the Centre take her. She would never be able to handle that. Not after everything she had been through. He had to stay and risk his own life. That was the only way. For one moment, Lyle couldn't help but blame Lydia. If she hadn't told Raines, none of this would be happening. Dammit, didn't she know what she was doing to them? Damn her! Suddenly he saw the sweeper raise his gun. Lyle flinched, but didn't move. He gave Miss Parker a look. She was still lying on the ground, motionless. Why did they want her? Why was she important to them? He just didn't understand. All of the sudden he realized. They wanted her baby. That had to be the reason. He looked back at the sweeper. He had his gun pointed straight at him now. Lyle made a trembling sigh. This was the end. This time they would succeed. He would die and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Suddenly a gunshot sounded. Lyle closed his eyes, waiting to feel the bullet cut through his flesh. To his surprise, nothing happened. Then another shot was fired. And two more. Lyle opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was the sweeper, lying on the ground. Then he spotted Sam and Jarod. He stared at them in shock.
"Are you okay Lyle!?" Sam asked as he hurried up to him. Lyle only managed to nod. He was breathing hard and his body was trembling. "I thought I would die." He mumbled.
"Yeah.So did I." Sam said bitterly.
"Parker.?" Lyle asked.
"She's okay.they used a tranquilizer gun."
Lyle sighed with relief. He slowly walked up to Jarod who was kneeling next to Miss Parker. Sam followed. Jarod looked up at them with sad eyes.
"We need to get away from here." Sam said with a sigh. Both Jarod and Lyle nodded.
"The apartment is not safe.Any ideas?" Lyle said.
"The hotel?" Sam said.
"They can find us there." Jarod said without taking his eyes from Miss Parker. He gently stroked her hair out of her face. He felt so sorry for her. Like what happened to her wasn't enough. And now this, he didn't understand. What had she done to deserve this? Why would everything happen to her? To them? It was so unfair.
"The sweepers are dead!" Sam replied.
"We don't know if there was only one team."
"What about Lydia's workplace?" Lyle asked.
Sam and Jarod gave him puzzled looks. Lyle told them about the news station.
Sam gave him a doubting look. "Are you sure we can go there?" He asked.
"No.But we can't stay here."
"Lyle is right.let's go!" Jarod demanded. He carefully took Miss Parker in his arms and lifted her up. He was a little surprised of how heavy she had got. He sighed unhappily. Poor Parker.
*
MEANWHILE.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE, DELAWARE.
MR PARKER'S OFFICE.
*
"Shouldn't she wake up soon?" Mr. Parker asked Raines, who was sitting next to him.
"I don't know.maybe the drug lasted longer than we thought." Raines wheezed, without taking his eyes off the screen. He smiled evilly at the woman lying on the floor. Her light hair was spread out like a Gloria around her head.
Mr. Parker nodded. "Maybe it's for the best.we don't want her to cause any trouble. Right?" He said callously.
"Yeah.Like she could.She may be Miss Parker's sister. But she hasn't got her courage. "
They sat there for a while, watching Lydia. Suddenly she started to move. They could hear her mumbling something in her sleep. She continued moving; soon her motions became more violent, like she was having a nightmare.
"Don't hit me.please.NO!"
Mr. Parker gave Raines a questioning look. Raines just shrugged.
"NO.Daddy.I don't want to.don't hit me.please!"
"Stop.Daddy you're hurting me.no, please.GET OFF ME!"
"She's not dreaming.am I right?" Mr. Parker asked.
It took a while before Raines answered. "I'm not sure, there's a big possibility she did experienced it." He said.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I know her so called family wasn't exactly known to be saints. He 'father' has been convicted thrice for assault and sexual abuse." Raines explained.
Mr. Parker just nodded. Didn't know what else to say. In silence they both turned their attention back to Lydia.
"Isn't it ironic? She, Miss Parker and Lyle are a perfect match. All of them have been victims of almost the same thing." Mr. Parker said after a while.
"Yeah.They're pathetic."
*
ABOUT A HALF AN HOUR LATER.
NEW YORK
THE NEWS STATION.
*
Jarod sat on the floor next to Miss Parker, who was stretched out on the couch in Will's office. He held her cold hand in his, praying she would be alright when she awoke. Sam stood in the doorway, silently talking to Will.
"Thank you for letting us borrow your room." Sam nearly whispered.
"As long as it's used for something good.it's okay.I hope she'll be okay." Will whispered back. None of them knew why they were whispering, but it seemed right. And besides, they didn't want to disturb. "I still can't believe Lydia has a twin-sister." He added.
"Yeah.And I can't believe Miss Parker have." Sam smiled. His smile faded away as he remembered what Jarod told him. How could he reveal the news about Lydia the best way? He couldn't tell about the Centre, and he didn't want to upset anyone more than necessary.
At the same time, Lyle, without any problems was telling Kipp about what happened.
*
ABOUT ONE HOUR LATER.
LYDIA'S APARTMENT.
*
"I shouldn't have left her."Jarod said for about the fifth time.
"Jarod.it's okay. No one can find her there. You know it's the safest place." Sam said.
"What if she wakes up and there's only strangers around her." Jarod continued.
"She shouldn't."
Jarod sighed. Of course, he knew it was the best thing to leave Miss Parker with Will and the others. She was safe there. But he couldn't help but wish he'd stayed with her. He also knew it would take much less time to pack if there were more people doing it. And they really needed to get away from there as soon as possible. Before a new sweeper team showed up. They probably wouldn't have the same luck next time.
"You're right." He said with a sigh.
"How the hell am I supposed to know what to pack for Lydia!" Lyle suddenly exclaimed.
"It doesn't matter.just take something." Jarod said, rather irritated. Like it wasn't enough he had to spent the whole days with him, he had to ask so dumb questions too.
With a sigh, Lyle returned to what he was doing.
"So where are we going?" Sam asked.
Jarod just shook his head and shrugged.
Sam made a deep sigh. Why did everything have to be so hard?
*
MEANWHILE.
THE NEWS STATION.
*
Miss Parker slowly became aware of someone talking. The voices sounded to be far away and muffled. She felt pain, but couldn't decide where it hurt. Gradually she heard the voices closer and more clearly. She opened her eyes. First everything was blurred. She blinked a couple of times. She moaned as she realized she had a headache. She bit by bit began to get to a sitting position. Suddenly her stomach started to ache. With a groan she collapsed back at the couch. She warily tried to massage her belly to get rid of the pain. Just then she heard a voice talking to her.
She looked up and saw a man she didn't recognise standing next to her. She inhaled sharply, trying to get as far away from him as possible.
"It's okay.Miss Parker.I won't hurt you." The man said.
"Where am I? Who are you? Where is Jarod?" Miss Parker asked, a few tears escaped her eyes.
"He didn't think you would wake up so soon.he's alright, I promise." The man started with the question he thought she would be most pleased to hear. Then he informed her about where she was.
"My name is Will...I'm Lydia's boss." He finished.
Miss Parker relaxed a little, but was still scared.
"Is it anything I can do for you?" Will asked.
Miss Parker seemed to think for a while. "Do you have any painkillers?" She finally asked.
"Sure, I'll be right back!" Will left the room. Miss Parker closed her eyes.
"Hey there.I heard you're awake!" Startled by the sound, Miss Parker opened her eyes and gave the person standing in the doorway an alarmed look.
"Sorry.I didn't mean to scare you.are you alright?"
"You're Kipp? Right?" Miss Parker asked tiredly.
Kipp nodded. "I heard what happened to Lydia.I wish I could help you and your friends to save her." He said as he walked up to the couch and sat down on the armrest.
Miss Parker didn't say anything. She just gave the man looking down at her an unhappy look.
"You're pregnant! Is it Jarod's!?"
Miss Parker whimpered. Why did he have to notice that? "No." She said miserably.
First Kipp was confused. Then he remembered what he'd heard Lydia and her talk about. "Oh no.I'm so sorry." He whispered.
"Yeah.Me too." Miss Parker said, struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.
"Kipp.leave Miss Parker alone.she must be tired." Will said as he re- entered the room with a glass of water and a painkiller. He walked up to her.
"No, it's okay.thank you."
"Oh, you know each other?"
"Kind of." Kipp said. With a smile Will left, leaving Miss Parker and Kipp alone. Kipp was just about to talk when he realized Miss Parker had fallen asleep. He gave her a surprised look. He then took the now empty glass from her and walked out of the room.
*
FOUR HOURS LATER
SOMEWHERE ON THE ROAD.
*
All of them had managed to pack their stuff and were heading for Cleveland- Ohio as a temporary stop, to rest before continuing the next day. Hopefully they had decided where to go and could take an airplane. Sydney was driving his black BMW. Broots sat in the passenger-seat; Debbie and Angelo were seated in the back seat. Sam followed them in Lydia's silver-gray car. Lyle sat next to him and Miss Parker and Jarod in the back seat.
"Don't worry Lesley.everything is going to be fine." Jarod said softly. Miss Parker gave him a doubting look. How could it be okay?
"When we get there, I can fix an appointment for you to do an abortion.I mean if you want to?"
Miss Parker nodded. "If it's okay with you." She mumbled.
"Of course it is.I know how hard it will be for you to have that baby.I'm just glad if you can get rid of it.then when we're both are ready.we can have our own child."
Miss Parker gave him a slight smile. "I love you." She said almost inaudibly.
"I love you too" Jarod whispered, putting his arms around Miss Parker, pulling her close. She leaned her head against him. Almost immediately she'd fallen asleep.
*
EARLY NEXT MORNING.
*
The sun was just about to rise. The company was already on their way to the airport. After a lot of discussing they had decided to go to Arizona. Jarod had told them about a family he knew. Who owned a ranch about one hour outside of Phoenix. He was sure they would be welcome to live in some of their rental cottages.
*
SEVERAL HOURS LATER.
OUTSIDE OF PHOENIX - ARIZONA.
SILVER-MOON RANCH.
*
Miss Parker and the others were waiting in their new navy-blue Jeep while Jarod was talking to the owner Mr. Ridge Dorsey and his wife Megan. Debbie and Angelo, who sat in the back, looked at the surroundings with big eyes. Wherever they looked they saw mountains, cactuses and sand. But also grass- covered pastures at which horses in different colors went. As they looked in the other direction there were two big stables. A little further away there were three small wooden cabins next to each other. A small white bridge over a pouring creek was separating them from the corrals. It was so beautiful. And the air was really hot. Suddenly Jarod's voice interrupted their thoughts. Debbie looked at him. "Can we stay here?" She asked, hoping the answer would be a 'yes'. She actually liked this place. It seemed cool.
"Yes. We can stay as long as we like.the cabin's are ours!" Jarod said with a grin. Debbie gave him a big smile.
Jarod got into the car and they slowly headed for their new homes. It took a while before they could agree how they would split up. There were three cabins. And together they were nine persons. After a while they agreed to let Jarod and Miss Parker taking the cabin which was located closest to the creek. And when they managed to save Lydia, she would be living there too. Lyle, Sam and Sydney would stay in the middle cabin. Broots, Debbie and Angelo in the third.
Lyle walked up to the Jeep for about the seventh time. He didn't understand how much things they managed to bring. Neither did he understand how they managed to get everything into the car. It really was a mystery. He stopped for a while, surveying the landscape. He didn't know how to feel. Being at a place like this, somehow reminded him of the place he grew up. It was kind of scary. Lyle shrugged those creepy thoughts off and grabbed one of the last bags. As he was about to walk back into the small house. He heard a female voice. He turned around. The first thing he saw was a huge black horse. He let his gaze wander upwards 'till he spotted a blond woman smiling down at him. He gave the horse a frightened look and backed away a little.
"He won't bite!" The woman laughed. Lyle gave her a doubting look. "What about kick?" He asked. The woman smiled.
"Don't worry.Thunder won't hurt you." The woman giggled. "Oh, I'm sorry.I should introduce myself.I'm Tess. Ridge's daughter.I just came to welcome you and your friends to our ranch.I hope you'll have a good time here!" She continued. Lyle relaxed a little. He returned Tess' smile. "My name is Lyle." He said. Without taking his eyes of the stallion, he walked a little closer.
"Thank you.I think we're gonna love this place." He lied. He didn't want to disappoint the woman. But he doubted he could ever get used to living like this.
"Good.I gotta go.see you later!"
"Yeah.See ya."
The woman turned her horse and galloped away over the grass. Lyle shivered as he heard the horse's hoofs against the wood of the bridge. Regardless that spooky feeling, he also felt something he'd never felt before. Not what he could remember anyway. It was like he couldn't take his eyes of 'her'. He didn't know what it was, but Tess had really caught his interest. She seemed so happy, so free, with her long light hair streaming in the wind as her horse ran along the river, towards the stables. He kept watching her. Suddenly he was snapped out of his thoughts by a voice behind him. He spun around and saw Jarod standing there, smirking.
"What?!" He snapped.
"You're starting to sound like Miss Parker." Jarod said.
Lyle rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He sighed.
"So Lyle.I didn't know you were afraid of horses.or did you just pretend so sweet Tess would feel sorry for you?"
"You bastard!"
"She's a nice girl." Jarod hinted. Lyle gave him an evil glare. Then he grabbed the bag he realized he'd dropped and walked into the cabin without looking back.
Jarod did the same. When he entered his and Miss Parker's bedroom he saw Miss Parker walking around the room placing her stuff in the wardrobes. Jarod smiled.
"Hi.Are you feeling better?" He asked. Miss Parker stopped and gave him a warm look. She nodded.
"Yeah, I think so.maybe everything can work out.I don't think the Centre can find us here. Do you?"
Jarod shook his head.
"The only thing that bothers me is Lydia.what if they hurt her?" Miss Parker said in a low voice.
"We're gonna find a way to save her." Jarod assured.
Miss Parker walked up to the bed and sat down.
"Lesley.We have to talk." Jarod started. Miss Parker gave him a puzzled look. What was wrong? Why did he sound so serious? She made a trembling nod. Maybe it was stupid thinking that things were going to get better. Maybe she'd been dumb and naive the whole time. As she saw Jarod look at her in silence, she got really scared. What if he had got tired of her? What if he actually didn't like her anymore and had decided to leave her?
"What is it?" She tried to sound normal but only managed a whisper.
Jarod walked up to the bed and sat down next to Miss Parker. "I know you want me stay with you, but I think." He started but got interrupted by Miss Parker inhaling sharply. She started at Jarod as tears started to fall. Jarod gave her a surprised look. He didn't understand. How could she react so strong without even knowing what he was about to say?
"I understand.I knew it was too good to be true." Miss Parker sobbed. How could Jarod do this to her? She'd actually though he would always be there for her. Now she realized how stupid she'd been.
"Honey.don't cry.it's okay.." Jarod said, taking her in his arms. He was confused. What did she mean?
"Lesley.listen to me.I think it's for the best if I'll leave you here.and."
"But Jarod I need you.Please don't leave me." Miss Parker pleaded. What was she going to do? She couldn't imagine a life without him. She couldn't live without him. She just couldn't!
"I have to."
"Why? Don't you love me anymore? Is it because I am pregnant?" Miss Parker cried.
Suddenly Jarod realized they weren't talking about the same thing. She actually thought he would leave her, forever. How could she think that?
"Oh my god, Parker.I didn't mean it like that.Honey.I would never desert you.I'm talking about saving Lydia.I have to go to the Centre.that's what I mean." He explained.
Miss Parker stared at him dumbly. She wiped away her tears, but couldn't stop snivelling.
"Oh." She only managed to say.
"I'm sorry.I should have said in another way."
"I just overreacted.I don't know what's wrong with me." Miss Parker whispered.
"There's nothing wrong with you.It's just hormones." Jarod said softly.
Miss Parker smiled sadly. "Are you sure you can save her? What if you'll get caught? You have to come back."
Jarod nodded. "I'll be careful.I'm gonna talk to Broots or Sam, I haven't decided who yet.but I'm not going to go alone.don't worry Lesley, it will work."
*
NEXT DAY.
*
Miss Parker and the rest of the company except Jarod and Sam who were on their way to Delaware were gathered in Broots cabin, waiting impatiently for Jarod to call. Broots was waiting by his laptop, preparing to hack into the Centre's system for possible help.
All of the sudden a cell phone rang. All of them checked their phones before realizing it was Miss Parker's. She quickly picked it up from her pocket and flipped it open to answer.
"Jarod?" She asked, hoping desperately he would have arrived to Blue Cove without any complications.
"Is this Miss. Lesley Parker?" An uncertain voice asked.
"Ehhh, Yeah.sorry." Miss Parker said.
"I'm calling from the state hospital - Phoenix. Concerning the abortion you have an appointment for. We've just got a cancellation, and are wondering if you would like to come already today?"
"Today?"
"Yes, or else you have to wait over three weeks."
Miss Parker looked at the others for help. What was she going to say? She didn't want to go there alone, not without Jarod.
"Sis, what's wrong?" Lyle asked as he saw the look of panic in her eyes. "The hospital wants me to come today..." Miss Parker whispered.
"Well, that's great.go for it!"
"I don't want to alone?"
"It's okay.I'll go with you."
Miss Parker gave her brother a doubting look. She didn't know how to feel. Did she really want him there with her?
"Miss.are you there?" The woman in the phone asked. Miss Parker could hear the impatience in her voice.
"Yes.I want to get this over with. I'll be there today." She finally said. Her voice was trembling slightly as she spoke.
Right after she'd hung up the cell rang again. "Hello?" Miss Parker answered. Her voice still sounded shaky.
"Honey are you okay?" Miss Parker sighed with relief as she heard Jarod's deep voice.
"Yeah.Jarod.I'm going to do the abortion today.I'm scared, what if it won't work?" There was a silence. Miss Parker guessed Jarod was as shocked as she was by hearing that it would take place so soon.
"But I thought.."
Miss Parker interrupted him. "No.someone changed her mind." She said. She could hear Jarod sigh.
"I wish I could be there for you.But I'll promise you.nothing can go wrong.you don't have to worry."
There was another silence.
"But they have to do a surgery."
"I know Lesley.I'm so sorry that you have to go through that alone."
"It's okay.it's not your fault.Lyle will come with me.I won't be alone." Miss Parker said. Even though she didn't want anything more badly that to have Jarod with her, she didn't want him to feel bad. She decided to not let him know how she really felt.
"Good.And Les, don't forget that I love you.and when I.we'll, come back, everything are going to be fine.finally we can be happy.far away from the Centre and all the evil that comes from it..Now, you have to let me talk to Broots."
"Okay.I love you too.and Jarod, be careful, don't get yourself caught.I need you.bye..."
Before Jarod had a chance to speak, Miss Parker gave the phone to Broots. Nervously she glanced at her watch. It was only four hours left. She was really scared about going to the hospital. Somehow, she had his strange feeling that something was wrong, terribly wrong. Usually when she had those feelings, they were right. Miss Parker took a deep trembling breath. What could possibly go wrong? She tried to convince herself that it wouldn't. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get that chilling feeling out of her mind. Instead she tried to focus on Broots. One thing she didn't doubt was that together with Jarod they would be able to get Lydia out of there, without any problems. She knew they could outwit Raines and her father.
*
ABOUT A HALF AN HOUR LATER.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE, DELAWARE.
SL-13
*
Lydia was still lying on the floor. She was conscious, but too tired to move. As she laid there she suddenly heard the sound of footsteps coming closer and closer. Slowly she looked up.
"Hello Lyd." A raspy voice said. Lydia let out a small gasp as she heard the nickname she'd been called a long time ago. "That's what he called you, isn't it?"
Lydia didn't say anything. She little by little managed to get into a sitting position, leaning her back against the cold wall.
With a grin, the man she remembered as Raines, walked into the cell and forced her to get to her feet. Then he dragged her out of there. Lydia didn't dare anything else but to do as he said. Raines took her through the long dark corridors, towards the elevator. Their path ended up at what she guessed was his office. With a shove, Raines pushed her down in the chair. With his gun pointed at her, he walked up to the DSA player and hit the start button. A recorded image of Lydia in the cell appeared. Lydia watched it, shocked. Now when she saw it, everything came back to her. She remembered her so called dream.
"Please.I don't want to watch." She begged as tears were brimming in her eyes.
"Painful? Isn't it?" Raines wheezed.
Lydia didn't bother to reply. She looked down at her lap as a few tears escaped her eyes.
"Keep your eyes at the screen!" Raines wheezed, waving the gun.
Lydia gave it a terrified look, and then she unwillingly turned her gaze to watch.
"I don't want to remember." She whispered. Why did this happen? Why now? She thought she'd done quite a good job forgetting it. Or maybe denying was a better word. As she heard her own fear, she thought of Miss Parker. Now she really understood what she was going through. Not until now, she truly realized how she must have felt.how she must be feeling. She just didn't know what was most horrible. Being raped by an invisible stranger, or by your own father. All of the sudden she was snapped out of her thoughts as something she guessed was a fire alarm sounding. She looked around, she looked at Raines. He seemed frightened. Was it possible that someone as evil as he could feel fear? The alarm continued. Sweepers and other staff did their best to search through the building. After a little while they found what they were searching for in SL-3. None of them noticed two men dressed like firemen, hiding, in the rest of the group of fire-fighters trying to extinguish the fire that grew bigger and bigger by the second.
*
LATER THAT DAY.
THE STATE HOSPITAL.
*
Lyle stared at the doctor as if he was crazy. He didn't understand. What kind of incompetent morons could claim that his sister wasn't pregnant? What the hell was wrong with them? Lyle didn't know what to do, he wanted to scream at them, he wanted to hit them. He'd spent more than two hours of nervous pacing, waiting to hear that the surgery went well. But instead he got the news that there was no baby. He just didn't get it. How was it possible?! Suddenly as out of nowhere, a thought struck him. He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again as he realized how dumb it would sound. What the hell, it didn't matter. He decided to go for it.
"Her baby is invisible! That's why you couldn't find it. You have to believe me."
The doctor gave him a confused look. "Invisible?" He asked. It was obvious he didn't believe a world of what Lyle said.
"Yes! Just get rid of that fucking brat!"
"If you don't calm down I will have to ask the security to arrest you."
Lyle gave him an evil glare, but decided to take it easy. What kind of support would he be if he ended up in custody?
"I'm sorry.it's just so frustrating to know that my sister is really depressed by having to carry this baby. And you are telling me you can't do anything." Lyle said, surprisingly calm.
"I'm sorry.but she does not HAVE a baby.we did everything we could. A surgery like that would make it impossible to miss a fetus more than four months old. I'm really sorry."
Lyle sighed miserably. What was he going to do? He couldn't just let this happen? He thought of Miss Parker. It was crazy, now because of this she would be forced to keep the baby. He felt so sorry for her. How would he be able to tell her? She would be devastated.
*
To be continued.