Chapter seven.
*
TWO HOURS LATER.
THE STATE HOSPITAL.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA.
*
"Dammit! How could this happen? Damn them!"
"Lyle?"
Lyle immediately became quiet. He gave his sister a look. He hadn't known she was awake. He hoped she hadn't heard what he'd said. Of course he had to tell her the truth, but he needed to find the best way for it. With a small smile he got up on his feet and walked over to her. Warily, he sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Why didn't you tell me you were awake? How are you feeling?" Lyle asked as he took her hand in his. He gave her a nervous look. How was he going to tell her? He wished Jarod had been there. He knew Parker wanted Jarod to be there.
"I don't know.I'm tired. But I'm also relieved.Now maybe I will be able to forget and go on with my life."
Lyle swallowed hard. Shit! He had to tell her. He took a deep breath. "Ehhm.there's something that I have to tell you." He said.
Miss Parker gave him a confused look. She could see he looked extremely troubled.
"What is it?" She asked.
"It's..it's about the baby.."
"Lyle. Please. I don't want to talk about that... It's gone now.I want to forget."
Lyle gave her a sad look. She really thought things were going to be alright. He felt so sorry for her. With a deep sigh, Lyle started talking. "Miss Parker.you're gonna hear this anyway, so it can as might as well be me telling you." He said. "The doctors couldn't.Your baby is."Lyle paused. "It's invisible.they didn't do the abortion." Lyle finally managed to say.
Miss Parker stared at him, stunned.
"I'm so sorry.I tried to convince them, but they refused to believe me.I'm sorry."
"Oh my god..." Miss Parker whispered. "All of this.for nothing.I'm gonna have scar all over my stomach, for nothing!"
"I don't think the scar is your main problem." Lyle said a little puzzled. How could she be thinking of that now?
Miss Parker didn't say anything. "I know..Oh god. what am I going to do?" Miss Parker closed her eyes to prevent the tears from falling, but failed. She opened them again and with tears streaming down her cheeks she looked at her brother.
"Lesley..I'm sorry.is there anything I can do for you?" Lyle said softly.
Miss Parker shook her head. "I wish Jarod was here." She managed to say before she broke down, crying. Lyle looked at her, shocked. He had tried to prepare for the worse. And he knew his sister would react strongly. But still, her breakdown shocked him. He didn't know what to do. He knew there was noting he could say to comfort her that would matter.
"I know." Lyle whispered. He held Miss Parker's hand in his, gently squeezing it. His next hand slowly and soothingly ran through her hair. He knew the best thing was to let her cry. It would help her to feel better afterwards, when she'd calmed down.
*
ABOUT THREE HOURS LATER.
SILVER-MOON RANCH.
JAROD'S CABIN.
*
"Lydia. How are you feeling? Are you alright?" Sydney walked into the small house and sat down next to her on the couch. Lydia didn't look up.
"Lydia!" Sydney said again.
With a sigh, Lydia slowly turned her head to look at the man. She nodded. "I'm okay." She said in a low voice.
Sydney could see that she was lying. He didn't know what but he knew it was something else than her visit at the Centre that bothered her, he just wished he knew what.
"Listen, neither of us blames you for what happened. It wasn't your fault.you had no choice but to tell him. Do you believe me?"
"I don't know, I shouldn't have told him. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, none of us are hurt. Don't think of it, okay."
"How can I not? I could have got some of you killed. What if the sweepers." Lydia's voice trailed off.
Sydney hushed her. "Just forget it." He whispered.
"Maybe you can forgive me, but what about the others? Lyle must hate me, and Jarod would never speak to me again if I did something to hurt Parker. And of course, I can't blame him."
Sydney sighed. "I promise you. They're not mad. Believe me." Sydney assured her. Lydia gave him a small smile.
"I hope you're right."
Suddenly Jarod's voice interrupted. Both Sydney and Lydia turned their heads to look at him.
"Syd, Lydia. Do you want to go with me to the hospital?" Jarod asked as he re-entered the room.
It took a while before anyone answered. "No, Not now. Tell her I'm sorry." Lydia whispered. She looked down at her lap. A few tears escaped her eyes. She really wanted to be there for her sister, but she knew she wouldn't be able to handle it, not after her time at the Centre. Miss Parker would only remind her even more of what once happened to her.
Jarod gave Sydney a puzzled look.
"Go Jarod, I'll stay with Lydia."
Jarod nodded. He gave Lydia a concerned look, and then he walked out of the cabin. He headed for the car he'd borrowed from Ridge.
Inside, Sydney tried to make Lydia open up to him.
"Why don't you want to meet Miss Parker? Something else happened, right? Lydia, you can talk to me. Trust me."
Lydia took a deep trembling breath. Maybe it was better if she told someone. And somehow, she felt like she could trust Sydney. "It's about my past, Raines made me remember." She started.
Sydney waited patiently for her to continue.
"When I was young, my father." Lydia paused. "He used to hit me and. He forced me to have sex with him." Lydia couldn't say the last words without getting tears in her eyes.
"I didn't remember any of it, not until Raines.ruined everything." She whispered.
When she was ready, she slowly looked up and into Sydney's understanding eyes.
"I'm sorry, but sometimes it's good to let the repressed come up. If you want me to, I'll be happy to help you. You can talk to me as much as you want."
"So you're gonna be my shrink now?"
"No Lydia, I'll be your friend."
Lydia smiled slightly. "Thank you." She said.
Sydney nodded. "That's why you didn't want to see Parker." He stated.
Lydia nodded. "I'm an idiot. It's not her fault that I happened to remember my childhood. What if she thinks I don't care anymore?"
"She will understand when you'll tell her."
"I don't know it I am going to tell her."
"Don't you think she deserves that? She trusted you.and then you hardly knew each other."
Lydia sighed. He was right. Of course he was right. She thought of that night when she'd found her sister crying on her bed. That had been right after the rape, and still she'd trusted her enough to let her know. Lydia knew she had to tell her, to trust her.
"You're right."
*
THE STATE HOSPITAL.
*
As Jarod entered the room he saw Lyle sitting in a chair close to Miss Parker's bed. With a quick glance at her sleeping form, he walked up to Lyle.
"Lydia is okay, I came here as soon as I could. Is she okay?"
It took a while before Lyle answered. "No.She's everything but okay." He said unhappily. As he spoke, he could see the fear in the other man's eyes. With a deep sigh he told Jarod about what had happened.
Jarod stared at him in shock. Then he turned his head to look at Miss Parker.
"I can't believe it. It's just too fucking crazy!" He said angrily. Lyle agreed.
Jarod walked up to Miss Parker and sat down at the bed, careful to not wake her, he took her hand in his. He turned his head to Lyle and in a sad voice he asked. "How long does she have to stay here?"
"I think they said about two weeks. So her cut will heal."
Jarod nodded. With a deep sigh, he turned his attention back to Miss Parker.
"I'm so sorry honey." He whispered as he gently stroked her face, sweeping away her hair. Miss Parker moved in her sleep, but didn't wake up.
"Lyle, Are you sure there's nothing we can do?" Without saying anything Lyle just nodded. Jarod sighed. He didn't understand, how could everything go so wrong?
"Listen. I'm gonna stay with her. Take the car back to the ranch."
Lyle gave the other man a confused look.
"I'm staying with her; I'm not going back until she's ready. The others will understand."
Lyle nodded. "I'll be back tomorrow." Lyle gave his sister a long look before turning around and leaving the room.
"Lyle!" Lyle stopped in the doorway as he heard his name. He turned his head to look at Jarod.
"Take care of Lydia.Something is wrong. Please, be nice to her."
Lyle nodded. "Of course." With those words Lyle left. Jarod turned to Miss Parker again.
*
FIVE MONTHS LATER.
SILVER-MOON RANCH.
*
"Do you mind if I join you!?" Lyle's voice made the four persons playing around in the water stop and look up.
"No, not at all Lyle! But you know they bade their horses in this creek, don't you?" Debbie said with a smile. She started to laugh as she saw the look on Lyle's face. Angelo and her other two friends laughed as well. Ridge's and Megan's fourteen years old children and Debbie had almost immediately become friends. Now, they spent the whole days together, playing or riding horses.
"What the hell!" Lyle said and dived into the water. Just as he got his head over the surface of the water, he saw Tess standing there, looking down at him. With a big smile she let go of Thunder and began to take off her clothes. She giggled as she saw Lyles shocked expression. With only her underwear on, Tess jumped into the water. She swam up to Lyle, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Hi.why are you so shocked? It's not like you haven't seen my like this before!" She purred.
Lyle smiled. "Are you just going the leave him there?" He said, glancing at the horse.
"Yes! He won't go anywhere!" She said, kissing Lyle's lips. Lyle relaxed and enjoyed being close to his girlfriend.
*
Miss Parker and Jarod sat by the shore, their feet in the cool water. "Look at them, they're so happy." Miss Parker said.
Jarod turned his head to Miss Parker. "Yes." He said.
"I'm glad Lyle found someone.he deserves that."
Jarod just nodded. "Les. It's really hot out here, why don't we join the others. a bath would do you good."
Miss Parker shook her head. Jarod gave her a sad look. He knew she was always thinking of the baby. And of course, how would she be able to not think of it. She was in her ninth month now, and her stomach was very big.
"Lesley. I just want you to have fun for a while." Jarod took a hand full of water in his hand and splashed it in Miss Parker's face. She couldn't help but smile.
"I know Jarod. but I can't."
Jarod interrupted her. "No one will laugh at you, it's okay, this is our friends. they all know. You don't have to worry about anything." Without warning, Jarod slid into the water, dragging Miss Parker with him. With a scream, she collapsed against Jarod's chest.
"Why did you do that!" She yelled.
"I told you. this is fun!" Jarod smiled. He helped Miss Parker to take off her thin summer-dress.
"It's okay. You look beautiful." He said soothingly as he saw Miss Parker's uncomfortable look.
"Yeah right. I look like a fucking hippo!"
"I don't care if you look like an elephant.I love you, and that's all that matters."
Miss Parker gave him a small smile. "I'm warning you Jarod.I cannot swim like this, so if you don't want me to drown, you have hold me." She stated.
"Really. what if I'll test you?" Jarod smirked.
"You wouldn't dare! If you drop me I swear I'll kill you!" Miss Parker snarled.
Jarod just laughed. "I won't drop you.but I can do.this." Jarod said, letting go of Miss Parker. He backed away.
"You bastard!!" Miss Parker yelled. Water splashed all around her as she was trying to find a way to float. "Jarod!! Pick me up dammit!!" She screamed, both with rage and fear. The other people stopped and looked at her. But soon continued what they were doing, knowing that Jarod was just playing with her.
Jarod swam up to her and placed an arm around her. "Better?" He asked innocently.
"Are you trying to kill me?!" She gasped. Being mad at Jarod didn't work quite long. She started to laugh. "Don't think you can get away with this that easy!" Miss Parker violently pushed him away. Before Jarod had a chance to realize what happened, Miss Parker attacked him, holding him down. Now it was Jarod's turn to splash, trying desperately to get his head over the surface of the water. After a while he managed to gain an advantage over Miss Parker. With a scream she was pushed backwards, she didn't manage to get control over her body and unwillingly sank under the water. When Jarod realized what had happened he quickly picked her up, holding her. She coughed, trying to get the water out of her lungs.
"Sorry.Are you okay?" Jarod asked worriedly.
Miss Parker was just about to answer when another coughing fit interrupted her.
"I'm fine!" Miss Parker managed to say before she continued coughing.
"What's going on? Is she okay?" Jarod looked up as he heard the voice. He saw Lydia looking at her sister with concern written all over her face.
"She just swallowed a lot of water." Jarod assured her.
"Oh.Listen, I'm gonna talk to Syd.don't interrupt!"
"Sure. I'm glad Sydney can help you."
"Yeah!! I'm feeling a lot better!" Lydia said with a smile. She looked at Miss Parker a while before heading for Sydney's cabin. Jarod turned his attention back to Miss Parker. She had stopped coughing and was resting her head tiredly against Jarod's shoulder. Her body was trembling slightly. Jarod didn't know if it was because of cold, exhaustion, or fear. But he though it would be a good idea to let her rest.
"C'mon.Let's get out of here." Without arguing, Miss Parker let Jarod help her out of the water. They walked back into their small house. Jarod helped Miss Parker to dry herself, and then he followed her to the bedroom. After a lot of arguing he managed to talk her into it. And Miss Parker slowly lay down onto the bed.
"Honey.get some sleep, I'll stay with you."
Miss Parker gave him a smile. "How am I going to be able to take care of an invisible child?" She asked.
Jarod was quiet for a while as he wondered what to answer. "We'll solve that, I'll help you as much as I can.it's going to be alright" He finally said.
"I wish it had been a normal baby.that it had been yours."
"I know. "
"I feel sorry for her.she can't help that she was created. What am I going to tell her? That I never wanted her? That I did everything I could to get rid of her, and was devastated when it didn't work. it's not her fault." Miss Parker said as a couple of tears found their way down her cheek.
"How do you know it's a she?"
"I just know."
Jarod nodded slowly. "Les, it's not your fault either. It's understandable that you didn't want her, no one can blame you, every woman would have felt the same. Don't feel bad." He said softly.
"You're right. What would I do without you?"
*
MEANWHILE.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE, DELAWARE.
RAINES OFFICE.
*
"I'm telling you, I want Jarod and that baby alive. Do whatever you have to, and kill the others. We don't want anyone to talk between their mouths." Raines wheezed angrily. The sweepers nodded nervously.
"Yes Mr. Raines." One of them said shyly.
"It has gone five months since they disappeared from New York, we haven't found a trace of them.and neither have Mark.." Another sweeper said bravely. Raines shot him an evil glare.
"Mark! That idiot is even worse than Broots was!" He snarled. "Find them, NOW!"
The sweepers didn't dare to argue. Silently they left the office.
*
NEXT DAY.
SILVER-MOON RANCH.
OUTSIDE OF PHOENIX, ARIZONA.
*
"Excuse me! Where can I find Lydia Weston? I know she lives here."
Ridge turned around and looked at the younger man. He gave him a puzzled look. "Weston? There's no Weston here." He said, continuing brushing his chestnut mare.
"Yes it is!"
With a sigh, Ridge once again turned to face the other man. "Did you say Lydia?" He asked.
"Yes!"
"The only Lydia that lives on this ranch is called Parker, not Weston." He explained.
"That's okay too!! Where can I find her?"
With a confused look on his face, Ridge pointed at the small cottages next to the river.
"Thank you very much!"
*
Lydia and Miss Parker were slowly walking along the creek, talking. It was a beautiful day. The sun shone, making the sand under their bare feet almost too hot to contact. On distance they could see the horses strolling, seemingly enjoying the weather. Lydia had gladly been wearing only a bikini, but with sympathy for her sister, she averted that temptation and wore a thin white silk dress. She wondered if Miss Parker understood she did it for her. Probably not. Lydia smiled. Living at the ranch was so nice, so relaxing. Strangely, she didn't miss her old life at all. She had though she would miss it. But this was so much better. The only thing she missed was. Lydia stopped dead in her tracks.
"Oh my god! What is he doing here?!!" She gasped. She stared at the man coming towards her, stunned. Miss Parker gave her a confused look. Then she realized what Lydia was looking at.
"How did he find us?" She said.
Lydia was too shocked to answer. She just kept staring at him.
"Hi Lydia!! I thought it was time to visit? Are you okay?!"
"Kipp, oh my god!" Without thinking she ran up to him and hugged him. Shocked by her greeting, Kipp took one step backwards. Soon he recovered from the shock and gave Lydia a big smile.
"You missed me that much?" He asked.
Lydia was stunned. She couldn't believe she had just done that. She'd actually hugged him, just like that! She ignored his question.
"What are you doing here? How did you find us?" By now, Lydia had started to become more than a little suspicious.
"Well, Lyle helped me a little."
"Lyle?"
"Yeah, we had a little talk before you left.exchanging phone-numbers and things like that."
"Why would." Lydia started but got interrupted by Miss Parker.
"Did you tell Lyle about. that.?" She asked. Kipp nodded. "Oh by the way, Hi Miss Parker. nice to meet you." Kipp said, feeling a little dumb about not even saying 'hi'.
"Hi." Miss Parker saw Kipp eyeing her belly. "Don't mention it." She said, before he had a chance to talk.
Kipp just nodded.
"What is going on here? Something I don't know?" Lydia asked suspiciously.
"Yeah. I think Kipp wants to tell you something." Miss Parker said. She gave her sister a meaning look. Suddenly Lydia realized what this was all about. She inhaled sharply, staring at Kipp. She couldn't believe it. He'd travelled all the way here just to tell her he loved her? She was amazed. No one had ever done that for her.
"Ehhm, Lydia. Miss Parker is right; I have to tell you something. I've wanted to tell you this a long time, but I never found the right moment. I, ehm" Kipp paused. "I love you." He said in a low voice. Even though Lydia had known what he was about to say, she was shocked. She felt her stomach doing flip flops. She closed her eyes to calm down. She was surprised of how good it felt to hear him saying that. How was it possible that those three words could do this to her? She hadn't been more nervous in a long time.
"Lydia, I need to know, do you share those feelings? Or do you want me to go?"
Lydia didn't know what do either do or say. She looked at Miss Parker for advice.
"Listen Sis, I know how hard it is to express emotions. But if you really feel something for Kipp, let him know. You know how mine and Jarod's relationship were before I told him the truth, follow your heart" Miss Parker whispered. Lydia nodded nervously. She gave Kipp a small smile.
"I think. I think I love you too." Her voice trembled as she spoke. With a smile, Kipp took up the box he had wanted to give her a long time from his pocket and handed it over to Lydia.
"I bought this for you. Just as I sign that I care about you."
Lydia slowly opened the box. She inhaled sharply as she spotted the necklace. "Oh my god! Thank you."
"You like it?"
Lydia nodded. "I love it!" After a moment of hesitation, she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I have been longing for this moment." She whispered.
"Guys? Do you wanna accompany me back to our cabin?" Miss Parker asked. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.but I'm." Miss Parker moaned loudly.
"What's wrong?" Lydia asked worriedly.
"It's just my stomach."
"Of course. Let's go" Lydia said. As they walked she kept an eye at her sister. Quickly she glanced at Kipp, who walked on Miss Parker's other side. Suddenly Miss Parker let out a small scream. She clutched her stomach.
"I need to sit down!" She breathed.
Lydia looked around and found a stone big enough to sit at. Slowly she escorted Miss Parker to it. "Do you want me to get Jarod?" She asked.
Miss Parker shook her head. "No, it's not big deal.I'll be fine." She answered. Lydia gave her a doubtful look. Miss Parker continued moaning. Both Lydia and Kipp got more and more uncomfortable. Something wasn't right.
"Lesley.you should get back to the house. Do you think you can walk?"
Miss Parker nodded. "Help me."
They'd just managed to get back to the cabin and placed Miss Parker on her bed, when she suddenly let out a loud scream. She was pressing both her hands hard against her stomach, and she was screaming and moaning non stop. Lydia could tell she was in great pain.
"Jarod!" Lydia shouted. "Kipp! Go get Jarod!"
"Lesley, honey.I'm here." Lydia said, stroking her sister's sweat-covered face. She brushed away a strand of her damp hair.
"Lydia, I think I'm gonna have the baby." Miss Parker gasped.
*
After about five hours of labours. And with Lydia, Jarod, Lyle and the rest of her friends supporting and helping her, Miss Parker managed to give birth to a baby, which by all means was invisible. But as the hours passed, the new-born slowly started to shimmer, turning more and more into a visible creature.
"Hey! Someone!!!" Debbie who was sitting next to the sleeping form in the small bed, wheezed.
Lyle walked up to her.
"Look. the baby!" Debbie whispered.
"My god." Lyle stared at it with big eyes. It really looked like it was going to be visible. Lyle looked at the others. Lydia and Jarod was sitting with Miss Parker at the bed. The rest of the company were in the small living room. Lyle smiled. He didn't want to disturb, he decided to tell them about the baby later. Instead he whispered some words to Debbie, then silently leaving the room.
*
"Miss Parker, how are you feeling?" Miss Parker turned her head to look at the younger one.
"I'm just tired.thank you Debbie." She said in a weak voice.
Debbie smiled. "Your baby is not invisible anymore. She said.
"What!" Miss Parker tried to get up. But immediately collapsed back down onto her back. She let out a loud moan.
"Honey, you need to rest." Jarod said softly.
"It still hurts." Miss Parker whimpered.
"That's normal honey. "Lydia soothed.
"I want to see her."
Lydia got up on her feet. She returned with the baby. "Here she is." She said, carefully placing the baby in its mother's arms. Miss Parker looked at the baby with big eyes. She had never been this close to a baby before. And she could never have imagined herself in this situation. She couldn't help but smile as she saw the tiny girl look at her with curious eyes, which had the same color as her own blue ones.
"I can't believe she's alright. She shouldn't be. Considering the weird kinship with me being both her mother and grandmother.and she's also born more then three weeks earlier than she should." Miss Parker said in a low voice.
Jarod nodded slowly. "Yeah, you're right." He said thoughtfully.
"What if she's not Dane's?" Lydia asked.
Miss Parker was quiet for a while. "She is. even though I've desperately tried to tell myself that she's not.she is, and she always will be." She said as tears started to roll down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry honey."
"Does she have a name?" Miss Parker looked up and saw Sam, Sydney and Broots standing in the doorway.
"Hell no! I haven't thought of that yet."
"I'm sorry Parker. I shouldn't disturb you; I just wanted to see her." Sam said.
"No, it's okay."
"She's cute. just like her mother." Sam immediately regretted saying that. He quietly cursed out. Shit! Why did he say something stupid like that? Miss Parker blushed. She turned her gaze to avoid looking at Sam.
"I have to apologise for that. I don't know why I said it." Sam said rather embarrassed.
"No, it's just me being emotional, don't worry." Miss Parker finally said. Sam gave her a shy smile.
After a while of talking, Sydney, Broots, Debbie and Sam left the room again. Later Lydia left as well, letting Miss Parker and Jarod have some peace and quiet.
*
Jarod watched Miss Parker sleep. The baby was still lying in her arms. He couldn't help but smile, they looked so beautiful together. He reached out to gently touch the little girls head. She squirmed in her sleep. Jarod whispered calming words and soon she was lying unmoving on her mother's chest. As Jarod looked at the baby, he saw the same characteristic features in her tiny face as in Miss Parker's. His smile grew bigger. Considering the circumstances he couldn't help but like the little girl. He just hoped Miss Parker could learn to love her as well. Of course, he couldn't blame her if she wouldn't.
All the time Jarod kept asking himself the same question. How was it possible that the baby could be visible? And why now? She hadn't been when Miss Parker tried to do the abortion, neither when she was born. So why now? That was a mystery he just couldn't solve.
Suddenly as out of nowhere, a thought struck him. He recalled that day about three weeks before he got caught by the Centre. He had been on his pretend as a night watchman at a warehouse somewhere outside of Delaware. He remembered the look on her face as she'd found him there. And her slow, threatening movements as she'd walked up to him with her gun drawn. He remembered her scream as she suddenly collapsed at the floor. Then everything was blurred. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't recall what had happened next. Jarod gasped. Was it possible that they. He gave Miss Parker a look of disbelief. How could it be possible to not remember a thing like that? Jarod slowly shook his head. What did really happen that night..
*
TO BE CONTINUED.
*
TWO HOURS LATER.
THE STATE HOSPITAL.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA.
*
"Dammit! How could this happen? Damn them!"
"Lyle?"
Lyle immediately became quiet. He gave his sister a look. He hadn't known she was awake. He hoped she hadn't heard what he'd said. Of course he had to tell her the truth, but he needed to find the best way for it. With a small smile he got up on his feet and walked over to her. Warily, he sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Why didn't you tell me you were awake? How are you feeling?" Lyle asked as he took her hand in his. He gave her a nervous look. How was he going to tell her? He wished Jarod had been there. He knew Parker wanted Jarod to be there.
"I don't know.I'm tired. But I'm also relieved.Now maybe I will be able to forget and go on with my life."
Lyle swallowed hard. Shit! He had to tell her. He took a deep breath. "Ehhm.there's something that I have to tell you." He said.
Miss Parker gave him a confused look. She could see he looked extremely troubled.
"What is it?" She asked.
"It's..it's about the baby.."
"Lyle. Please. I don't want to talk about that... It's gone now.I want to forget."
Lyle gave her a sad look. She really thought things were going to be alright. He felt so sorry for her. With a deep sigh, Lyle started talking. "Miss Parker.you're gonna hear this anyway, so it can as might as well be me telling you." He said. "The doctors couldn't.Your baby is."Lyle paused. "It's invisible.they didn't do the abortion." Lyle finally managed to say.
Miss Parker stared at him, stunned.
"I'm so sorry.I tried to convince them, but they refused to believe me.I'm sorry."
"Oh my god..." Miss Parker whispered. "All of this.for nothing.I'm gonna have scar all over my stomach, for nothing!"
"I don't think the scar is your main problem." Lyle said a little puzzled. How could she be thinking of that now?
Miss Parker didn't say anything. "I know..Oh god. what am I going to do?" Miss Parker closed her eyes to prevent the tears from falling, but failed. She opened them again and with tears streaming down her cheeks she looked at her brother.
"Lesley..I'm sorry.is there anything I can do for you?" Lyle said softly.
Miss Parker shook her head. "I wish Jarod was here." She managed to say before she broke down, crying. Lyle looked at her, shocked. He had tried to prepare for the worse. And he knew his sister would react strongly. But still, her breakdown shocked him. He didn't know what to do. He knew there was noting he could say to comfort her that would matter.
"I know." Lyle whispered. He held Miss Parker's hand in his, gently squeezing it. His next hand slowly and soothingly ran through her hair. He knew the best thing was to let her cry. It would help her to feel better afterwards, when she'd calmed down.
*
ABOUT THREE HOURS LATER.
SILVER-MOON RANCH.
JAROD'S CABIN.
*
"Lydia. How are you feeling? Are you alright?" Sydney walked into the small house and sat down next to her on the couch. Lydia didn't look up.
"Lydia!" Sydney said again.
With a sigh, Lydia slowly turned her head to look at the man. She nodded. "I'm okay." She said in a low voice.
Sydney could see that she was lying. He didn't know what but he knew it was something else than her visit at the Centre that bothered her, he just wished he knew what.
"Listen, neither of us blames you for what happened. It wasn't your fault.you had no choice but to tell him. Do you believe me?"
"I don't know, I shouldn't have told him. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, none of us are hurt. Don't think of it, okay."
"How can I not? I could have got some of you killed. What if the sweepers." Lydia's voice trailed off.
Sydney hushed her. "Just forget it." He whispered.
"Maybe you can forgive me, but what about the others? Lyle must hate me, and Jarod would never speak to me again if I did something to hurt Parker. And of course, I can't blame him."
Sydney sighed. "I promise you. They're not mad. Believe me." Sydney assured her. Lydia gave him a small smile.
"I hope you're right."
Suddenly Jarod's voice interrupted. Both Sydney and Lydia turned their heads to look at him.
"Syd, Lydia. Do you want to go with me to the hospital?" Jarod asked as he re-entered the room.
It took a while before anyone answered. "No, Not now. Tell her I'm sorry." Lydia whispered. She looked down at her lap. A few tears escaped her eyes. She really wanted to be there for her sister, but she knew she wouldn't be able to handle it, not after her time at the Centre. Miss Parker would only remind her even more of what once happened to her.
Jarod gave Sydney a puzzled look.
"Go Jarod, I'll stay with Lydia."
Jarod nodded. He gave Lydia a concerned look, and then he walked out of the cabin. He headed for the car he'd borrowed from Ridge.
Inside, Sydney tried to make Lydia open up to him.
"Why don't you want to meet Miss Parker? Something else happened, right? Lydia, you can talk to me. Trust me."
Lydia took a deep trembling breath. Maybe it was better if she told someone. And somehow, she felt like she could trust Sydney. "It's about my past, Raines made me remember." She started.
Sydney waited patiently for her to continue.
"When I was young, my father." Lydia paused. "He used to hit me and. He forced me to have sex with him." Lydia couldn't say the last words without getting tears in her eyes.
"I didn't remember any of it, not until Raines.ruined everything." She whispered.
When she was ready, she slowly looked up and into Sydney's understanding eyes.
"I'm sorry, but sometimes it's good to let the repressed come up. If you want me to, I'll be happy to help you. You can talk to me as much as you want."
"So you're gonna be my shrink now?"
"No Lydia, I'll be your friend."
Lydia smiled slightly. "Thank you." She said.
Sydney nodded. "That's why you didn't want to see Parker." He stated.
Lydia nodded. "I'm an idiot. It's not her fault that I happened to remember my childhood. What if she thinks I don't care anymore?"
"She will understand when you'll tell her."
"I don't know it I am going to tell her."
"Don't you think she deserves that? She trusted you.and then you hardly knew each other."
Lydia sighed. He was right. Of course he was right. She thought of that night when she'd found her sister crying on her bed. That had been right after the rape, and still she'd trusted her enough to let her know. Lydia knew she had to tell her, to trust her.
"You're right."
*
THE STATE HOSPITAL.
*
As Jarod entered the room he saw Lyle sitting in a chair close to Miss Parker's bed. With a quick glance at her sleeping form, he walked up to Lyle.
"Lydia is okay, I came here as soon as I could. Is she okay?"
It took a while before Lyle answered. "No.She's everything but okay." He said unhappily. As he spoke, he could see the fear in the other man's eyes. With a deep sigh he told Jarod about what had happened.
Jarod stared at him in shock. Then he turned his head to look at Miss Parker.
"I can't believe it. It's just too fucking crazy!" He said angrily. Lyle agreed.
Jarod walked up to Miss Parker and sat down at the bed, careful to not wake her, he took her hand in his. He turned his head to Lyle and in a sad voice he asked. "How long does she have to stay here?"
"I think they said about two weeks. So her cut will heal."
Jarod nodded. With a deep sigh, he turned his attention back to Miss Parker.
"I'm so sorry honey." He whispered as he gently stroked her face, sweeping away her hair. Miss Parker moved in her sleep, but didn't wake up.
"Lyle, Are you sure there's nothing we can do?" Without saying anything Lyle just nodded. Jarod sighed. He didn't understand, how could everything go so wrong?
"Listen. I'm gonna stay with her. Take the car back to the ranch."
Lyle gave the other man a confused look.
"I'm staying with her; I'm not going back until she's ready. The others will understand."
Lyle nodded. "I'll be back tomorrow." Lyle gave his sister a long look before turning around and leaving the room.
"Lyle!" Lyle stopped in the doorway as he heard his name. He turned his head to look at Jarod.
"Take care of Lydia.Something is wrong. Please, be nice to her."
Lyle nodded. "Of course." With those words Lyle left. Jarod turned to Miss Parker again.
*
FIVE MONTHS LATER.
SILVER-MOON RANCH.
*
"Do you mind if I join you!?" Lyle's voice made the four persons playing around in the water stop and look up.
"No, not at all Lyle! But you know they bade their horses in this creek, don't you?" Debbie said with a smile. She started to laugh as she saw the look on Lyle's face. Angelo and her other two friends laughed as well. Ridge's and Megan's fourteen years old children and Debbie had almost immediately become friends. Now, they spent the whole days together, playing or riding horses.
"What the hell!" Lyle said and dived into the water. Just as he got his head over the surface of the water, he saw Tess standing there, looking down at him. With a big smile she let go of Thunder and began to take off her clothes. She giggled as she saw Lyles shocked expression. With only her underwear on, Tess jumped into the water. She swam up to Lyle, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Hi.why are you so shocked? It's not like you haven't seen my like this before!" She purred.
Lyle smiled. "Are you just going the leave him there?" He said, glancing at the horse.
"Yes! He won't go anywhere!" She said, kissing Lyle's lips. Lyle relaxed and enjoyed being close to his girlfriend.
*
Miss Parker and Jarod sat by the shore, their feet in the cool water. "Look at them, they're so happy." Miss Parker said.
Jarod turned his head to Miss Parker. "Yes." He said.
"I'm glad Lyle found someone.he deserves that."
Jarod just nodded. "Les. It's really hot out here, why don't we join the others. a bath would do you good."
Miss Parker shook her head. Jarod gave her a sad look. He knew she was always thinking of the baby. And of course, how would she be able to not think of it. She was in her ninth month now, and her stomach was very big.
"Lesley. I just want you to have fun for a while." Jarod took a hand full of water in his hand and splashed it in Miss Parker's face. She couldn't help but smile.
"I know Jarod. but I can't."
Jarod interrupted her. "No one will laugh at you, it's okay, this is our friends. they all know. You don't have to worry about anything." Without warning, Jarod slid into the water, dragging Miss Parker with him. With a scream, she collapsed against Jarod's chest.
"Why did you do that!" She yelled.
"I told you. this is fun!" Jarod smiled. He helped Miss Parker to take off her thin summer-dress.
"It's okay. You look beautiful." He said soothingly as he saw Miss Parker's uncomfortable look.
"Yeah right. I look like a fucking hippo!"
"I don't care if you look like an elephant.I love you, and that's all that matters."
Miss Parker gave him a small smile. "I'm warning you Jarod.I cannot swim like this, so if you don't want me to drown, you have hold me." She stated.
"Really. what if I'll test you?" Jarod smirked.
"You wouldn't dare! If you drop me I swear I'll kill you!" Miss Parker snarled.
Jarod just laughed. "I won't drop you.but I can do.this." Jarod said, letting go of Miss Parker. He backed away.
"You bastard!!" Miss Parker yelled. Water splashed all around her as she was trying to find a way to float. "Jarod!! Pick me up dammit!!" She screamed, both with rage and fear. The other people stopped and looked at her. But soon continued what they were doing, knowing that Jarod was just playing with her.
Jarod swam up to her and placed an arm around her. "Better?" He asked innocently.
"Are you trying to kill me?!" She gasped. Being mad at Jarod didn't work quite long. She started to laugh. "Don't think you can get away with this that easy!" Miss Parker violently pushed him away. Before Jarod had a chance to realize what happened, Miss Parker attacked him, holding him down. Now it was Jarod's turn to splash, trying desperately to get his head over the surface of the water. After a while he managed to gain an advantage over Miss Parker. With a scream she was pushed backwards, she didn't manage to get control over her body and unwillingly sank under the water. When Jarod realized what had happened he quickly picked her up, holding her. She coughed, trying to get the water out of her lungs.
"Sorry.Are you okay?" Jarod asked worriedly.
Miss Parker was just about to answer when another coughing fit interrupted her.
"I'm fine!" Miss Parker managed to say before she continued coughing.
"What's going on? Is she okay?" Jarod looked up as he heard the voice. He saw Lydia looking at her sister with concern written all over her face.
"She just swallowed a lot of water." Jarod assured her.
"Oh.Listen, I'm gonna talk to Syd.don't interrupt!"
"Sure. I'm glad Sydney can help you."
"Yeah!! I'm feeling a lot better!" Lydia said with a smile. She looked at Miss Parker a while before heading for Sydney's cabin. Jarod turned his attention back to Miss Parker. She had stopped coughing and was resting her head tiredly against Jarod's shoulder. Her body was trembling slightly. Jarod didn't know if it was because of cold, exhaustion, or fear. But he though it would be a good idea to let her rest.
"C'mon.Let's get out of here." Without arguing, Miss Parker let Jarod help her out of the water. They walked back into their small house. Jarod helped Miss Parker to dry herself, and then he followed her to the bedroom. After a lot of arguing he managed to talk her into it. And Miss Parker slowly lay down onto the bed.
"Honey.get some sleep, I'll stay with you."
Miss Parker gave him a smile. "How am I going to be able to take care of an invisible child?" She asked.
Jarod was quiet for a while as he wondered what to answer. "We'll solve that, I'll help you as much as I can.it's going to be alright" He finally said.
"I wish it had been a normal baby.that it had been yours."
"I know. "
"I feel sorry for her.she can't help that she was created. What am I going to tell her? That I never wanted her? That I did everything I could to get rid of her, and was devastated when it didn't work. it's not her fault." Miss Parker said as a couple of tears found their way down her cheek.
"How do you know it's a she?"
"I just know."
Jarod nodded slowly. "Les, it's not your fault either. It's understandable that you didn't want her, no one can blame you, every woman would have felt the same. Don't feel bad." He said softly.
"You're right. What would I do without you?"
*
MEANWHILE.
THE CENTRE - BLUE COVE, DELAWARE.
RAINES OFFICE.
*
"I'm telling you, I want Jarod and that baby alive. Do whatever you have to, and kill the others. We don't want anyone to talk between their mouths." Raines wheezed angrily. The sweepers nodded nervously.
"Yes Mr. Raines." One of them said shyly.
"It has gone five months since they disappeared from New York, we haven't found a trace of them.and neither have Mark.." Another sweeper said bravely. Raines shot him an evil glare.
"Mark! That idiot is even worse than Broots was!" He snarled. "Find them, NOW!"
The sweepers didn't dare to argue. Silently they left the office.
*
NEXT DAY.
SILVER-MOON RANCH.
OUTSIDE OF PHOENIX, ARIZONA.
*
"Excuse me! Where can I find Lydia Weston? I know she lives here."
Ridge turned around and looked at the younger man. He gave him a puzzled look. "Weston? There's no Weston here." He said, continuing brushing his chestnut mare.
"Yes it is!"
With a sigh, Ridge once again turned to face the other man. "Did you say Lydia?" He asked.
"Yes!"
"The only Lydia that lives on this ranch is called Parker, not Weston." He explained.
"That's okay too!! Where can I find her?"
With a confused look on his face, Ridge pointed at the small cottages next to the river.
"Thank you very much!"
*
Lydia and Miss Parker were slowly walking along the creek, talking. It was a beautiful day. The sun shone, making the sand under their bare feet almost too hot to contact. On distance they could see the horses strolling, seemingly enjoying the weather. Lydia had gladly been wearing only a bikini, but with sympathy for her sister, she averted that temptation and wore a thin white silk dress. She wondered if Miss Parker understood she did it for her. Probably not. Lydia smiled. Living at the ranch was so nice, so relaxing. Strangely, she didn't miss her old life at all. She had though she would miss it. But this was so much better. The only thing she missed was. Lydia stopped dead in her tracks.
"Oh my god! What is he doing here?!!" She gasped. She stared at the man coming towards her, stunned. Miss Parker gave her a confused look. Then she realized what Lydia was looking at.
"How did he find us?" She said.
Lydia was too shocked to answer. She just kept staring at him.
"Hi Lydia!! I thought it was time to visit? Are you okay?!"
"Kipp, oh my god!" Without thinking she ran up to him and hugged him. Shocked by her greeting, Kipp took one step backwards. Soon he recovered from the shock and gave Lydia a big smile.
"You missed me that much?" He asked.
Lydia was stunned. She couldn't believe she had just done that. She'd actually hugged him, just like that! She ignored his question.
"What are you doing here? How did you find us?" By now, Lydia had started to become more than a little suspicious.
"Well, Lyle helped me a little."
"Lyle?"
"Yeah, we had a little talk before you left.exchanging phone-numbers and things like that."
"Why would." Lydia started but got interrupted by Miss Parker.
"Did you tell Lyle about. that.?" She asked. Kipp nodded. "Oh by the way, Hi Miss Parker. nice to meet you." Kipp said, feeling a little dumb about not even saying 'hi'.
"Hi." Miss Parker saw Kipp eyeing her belly. "Don't mention it." She said, before he had a chance to talk.
Kipp just nodded.
"What is going on here? Something I don't know?" Lydia asked suspiciously.
"Yeah. I think Kipp wants to tell you something." Miss Parker said. She gave her sister a meaning look. Suddenly Lydia realized what this was all about. She inhaled sharply, staring at Kipp. She couldn't believe it. He'd travelled all the way here just to tell her he loved her? She was amazed. No one had ever done that for her.
"Ehhm, Lydia. Miss Parker is right; I have to tell you something. I've wanted to tell you this a long time, but I never found the right moment. I, ehm" Kipp paused. "I love you." He said in a low voice. Even though Lydia had known what he was about to say, she was shocked. She felt her stomach doing flip flops. She closed her eyes to calm down. She was surprised of how good it felt to hear him saying that. How was it possible that those three words could do this to her? She hadn't been more nervous in a long time.
"Lydia, I need to know, do you share those feelings? Or do you want me to go?"
Lydia didn't know what do either do or say. She looked at Miss Parker for advice.
"Listen Sis, I know how hard it is to express emotions. But if you really feel something for Kipp, let him know. You know how mine and Jarod's relationship were before I told him the truth, follow your heart" Miss Parker whispered. Lydia nodded nervously. She gave Kipp a small smile.
"I think. I think I love you too." Her voice trembled as she spoke. With a smile, Kipp took up the box he had wanted to give her a long time from his pocket and handed it over to Lydia.
"I bought this for you. Just as I sign that I care about you."
Lydia slowly opened the box. She inhaled sharply as she spotted the necklace. "Oh my god! Thank you."
"You like it?"
Lydia nodded. "I love it!" After a moment of hesitation, she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I have been longing for this moment." She whispered.
"Guys? Do you wanna accompany me back to our cabin?" Miss Parker asked. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.but I'm." Miss Parker moaned loudly.
"What's wrong?" Lydia asked worriedly.
"It's just my stomach."
"Of course. Let's go" Lydia said. As they walked she kept an eye at her sister. Quickly she glanced at Kipp, who walked on Miss Parker's other side. Suddenly Miss Parker let out a small scream. She clutched her stomach.
"I need to sit down!" She breathed.
Lydia looked around and found a stone big enough to sit at. Slowly she escorted Miss Parker to it. "Do you want me to get Jarod?" She asked.
Miss Parker shook her head. "No, it's not big deal.I'll be fine." She answered. Lydia gave her a doubtful look. Miss Parker continued moaning. Both Lydia and Kipp got more and more uncomfortable. Something wasn't right.
"Lesley.you should get back to the house. Do you think you can walk?"
Miss Parker nodded. "Help me."
They'd just managed to get back to the cabin and placed Miss Parker on her bed, when she suddenly let out a loud scream. She was pressing both her hands hard against her stomach, and she was screaming and moaning non stop. Lydia could tell she was in great pain.
"Jarod!" Lydia shouted. "Kipp! Go get Jarod!"
"Lesley, honey.I'm here." Lydia said, stroking her sister's sweat-covered face. She brushed away a strand of her damp hair.
"Lydia, I think I'm gonna have the baby." Miss Parker gasped.
*
After about five hours of labours. And with Lydia, Jarod, Lyle and the rest of her friends supporting and helping her, Miss Parker managed to give birth to a baby, which by all means was invisible. But as the hours passed, the new-born slowly started to shimmer, turning more and more into a visible creature.
"Hey! Someone!!!" Debbie who was sitting next to the sleeping form in the small bed, wheezed.
Lyle walked up to her.
"Look. the baby!" Debbie whispered.
"My god." Lyle stared at it with big eyes. It really looked like it was going to be visible. Lyle looked at the others. Lydia and Jarod was sitting with Miss Parker at the bed. The rest of the company were in the small living room. Lyle smiled. He didn't want to disturb, he decided to tell them about the baby later. Instead he whispered some words to Debbie, then silently leaving the room.
*
"Miss Parker, how are you feeling?" Miss Parker turned her head to look at the younger one.
"I'm just tired.thank you Debbie." She said in a weak voice.
Debbie smiled. "Your baby is not invisible anymore. She said.
"What!" Miss Parker tried to get up. But immediately collapsed back down onto her back. She let out a loud moan.
"Honey, you need to rest." Jarod said softly.
"It still hurts." Miss Parker whimpered.
"That's normal honey. "Lydia soothed.
"I want to see her."
Lydia got up on her feet. She returned with the baby. "Here she is." She said, carefully placing the baby in its mother's arms. Miss Parker looked at the baby with big eyes. She had never been this close to a baby before. And she could never have imagined herself in this situation. She couldn't help but smile as she saw the tiny girl look at her with curious eyes, which had the same color as her own blue ones.
"I can't believe she's alright. She shouldn't be. Considering the weird kinship with me being both her mother and grandmother.and she's also born more then three weeks earlier than she should." Miss Parker said in a low voice.
Jarod nodded slowly. "Yeah, you're right." He said thoughtfully.
"What if she's not Dane's?" Lydia asked.
Miss Parker was quiet for a while. "She is. even though I've desperately tried to tell myself that she's not.she is, and she always will be." She said as tears started to roll down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry honey."
"Does she have a name?" Miss Parker looked up and saw Sam, Sydney and Broots standing in the doorway.
"Hell no! I haven't thought of that yet."
"I'm sorry Parker. I shouldn't disturb you; I just wanted to see her." Sam said.
"No, it's okay."
"She's cute. just like her mother." Sam immediately regretted saying that. He quietly cursed out. Shit! Why did he say something stupid like that? Miss Parker blushed. She turned her gaze to avoid looking at Sam.
"I have to apologise for that. I don't know why I said it." Sam said rather embarrassed.
"No, it's just me being emotional, don't worry." Miss Parker finally said. Sam gave her a shy smile.
After a while of talking, Sydney, Broots, Debbie and Sam left the room again. Later Lydia left as well, letting Miss Parker and Jarod have some peace and quiet.
*
Jarod watched Miss Parker sleep. The baby was still lying in her arms. He couldn't help but smile, they looked so beautiful together. He reached out to gently touch the little girls head. She squirmed in her sleep. Jarod whispered calming words and soon she was lying unmoving on her mother's chest. As Jarod looked at the baby, he saw the same characteristic features in her tiny face as in Miss Parker's. His smile grew bigger. Considering the circumstances he couldn't help but like the little girl. He just hoped Miss Parker could learn to love her as well. Of course, he couldn't blame her if she wouldn't.
All the time Jarod kept asking himself the same question. How was it possible that the baby could be visible? And why now? She hadn't been when Miss Parker tried to do the abortion, neither when she was born. So why now? That was a mystery he just couldn't solve.
Suddenly as out of nowhere, a thought struck him. He recalled that day about three weeks before he got caught by the Centre. He had been on his pretend as a night watchman at a warehouse somewhere outside of Delaware. He remembered the look on her face as she'd found him there. And her slow, threatening movements as she'd walked up to him with her gun drawn. He remembered her scream as she suddenly collapsed at the floor. Then everything was blurred. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't recall what had happened next. Jarod gasped. Was it possible that they. He gave Miss Parker a look of disbelief. How could it be possible to not remember a thing like that? Jarod slowly shook his head. What did really happen that night..
*
TO BE CONTINUED.