CHAPTER NINE.
*
SILVER MOON RANCH. ARIZONA. JAROD'S CABIN.
*
Miss Parker was still sitting at the bed, holding Jarod's hand. She couldn't explain how, but when he performed the SIM, she was able to feel the strong emotions of passion and love they shared that night. She wished she had the same ability as Jarod, to actually see and experience it. She couldn't help but let out a sigh of happiness, this was so good, she felt all warm inside just by thinking of what they did. And to be honest, that wasn't the only place she got warm! Miss Parker smiled to herself, she leaned her head against Jarod's shoulder, enjoying the closeness.
A while later, when Jarod had finished the SIM, and had recovered from the wave of feelings, he slowly turned to Miss Parker. As he saw her smile at him, as he saw the look in her eyes, he realized she knew. She had felt it!
"God, Jarod I wish we could have remembered that! Maybe things could have been different," Miss Parker said.
Jarod nodded.
"Maybe if I had known I was pregnant with your baby, I would have come with you, and... and Dane would never had got the chance to rape me," she continued.
"Yes, but no matter what happened in our pasts, the future is what we're gonna focus at, right? I'm not asking to forget, but to move on..."
Miss Parker smiled. "I know."
Jarod was quiet for a while; he looked down at his lap.
"Jarod? What?" Miss Parker asked as she saw his strange behavior.
Jarod smiled. He looked up at her.
"I... I think I need to ask you something..." he said nervously.
Miss Parker gave him a questioning look. This was strange, Jarod was never nervous, what was he up to?
"Wait there!" Jarod got up on his feet and after a while he returned to the bedroom. He walked up to Miss Parker with a big smile on his lips. He knelt in front of her, taking her hand.
"Lesley, I've always known our lives had a bigger meaning than, I run and you chase. And now when we have found out what it is, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, to make you happy and be by your side no matter what happens," Jarod paused and just looked at his girlfriend. She was smiling down at him, the biggest smile he had ever seen.
"What I am trying to say is... Lesley, will you marry me?"
Miss Parker was stunned. She had realized what he was up to when he started his speech, but still the words came as a shock. She was unable to speak and all she could do was smile. She didn't know how long she had been sitting there, staring at him, as she saw Jarod starting to look nervous again, she suddenly realized he was still waiting for her to answer.
"Yes! Oh my god! Yes! I would love to," she said.
Jarod gave her a big smile, and then he brought out a small red box, opened it and took up a big ring of gold. Miss Parker couldn't help but gasp as he slid it onto her ring finger.
"It's so beautiful!" she nearly whispered.
"Not as beautiful as you are, I love you."
"I love you too..."
Jarod smiled. He warily hugged Miss Parker, careful to not awake Angie who was still sleeping in her arms.
"I can't wait to tell the others!" Miss Parker said happily.
"Then let's go!"
*
THE NEXT DAY. DOWNTOWN – PHOENIX.
*
"Is it okay if I leave you here for a while, there's something I have to do." Jarod said.
Miss Parker smiled at him. "Sure! We'll wait here," she said, still smiling. Jarod gave her a hug before leaving the two women and the baby in the park.
"I can't believe you two are getting married!"
Miss Parker gave her sister a big smile.
"To be honest, I can't believe it either!" she laughed.
Slowly they started to walk. Lydia couldn't help but smile as she saw Angie sleeping in her mother's arms. They looked so beautiful together. She wondered if she would ever experience the same happiness. She'd always wanted to have a baby, but never found someone to have it with. Her smile grew even bigger as she thought of Kipp; maybe he could make her dream come true.
Suddenly the silence was cut off by something that sounded like a airplane or a chopper. Lydia looked around a saw two black choppers flying in circles above. She gave them a confused look.
"Lesley... what is..." she became quiet as she saw the terrified look Miss Parker gave the choppers. Just the look on her face made her realize they were in big trouble. The Centre had found them!
"Lydia! We have to get away from here!" Miss Parker screamed. By now, Angie had woken up and was crying loudly.
Before they had time to react the choppers landed, and a bunch of sweepers got out. Miss Parker and Lydia did their best to get away from them, but wasn't fast enough. The sweepers were shouting something, but no one paid attention to what. Miss Parker quickly turned her head to see how close they were. The sight was terrifying, wherever she looked, there were sweepers. All of the sudden she bumped into something. Before she had time to get away, two strong hands grabbed Angie and abruptly snatched her out of Miss Parker's arms. The baby was crying and Miss Parker did everything she could to help her. But the sweeper quickly handed her to another sweeper. Miss Parker screamed, desperately trying to reach her. The sweepers drew their guns, ready to get rid of the hysterical woman.
"PARKER!" Lydia screamed, even though she wanted Angie to be safe, she couldn't let Miss Parker get herself killed. She took hold of Miss Parker's arm and dragged her backwards. If she made it to behind the trees, maybe they could avoid getting shot. That was their only chance.
All of the sudden gunshots sounded, Lydia was too scared to pay attention to where they came from. All she saw was sweepers, falling to the ground. The sweeper holding Angie, ran towards the chopper, some the others followed him.
Miss Parker tried everything to get away from Lydia's firm grip. She just couldn't let them take Angie! Without thinking, she hit her sister's face hard. For a while, her grip around her arm loosened. But before Miss Parker had a chance to run, Lydia caught her, holding her back, trying to get away from the sweepers with the weapons.
"LET ME GO!" Miss Parker screamed, fighting Lydia's hold of her.
"NO!" Lydia screamed back.
"ANGIE!!"
Miss Parker didn't listen to her. She was screaming and tears were streaming down her cheeks as Lydia dragged her further and further away. The bullets the sweepers fired just only missed them as they managed to take cover behind the trees. Suddenly the sound of a chopper sounded. Miss Parker looked up and saw the black thing leave the place. She no longer had the strength to fight. Crying, she sank to the ground.
"Angie...I'm so sorry..." she sobbed out.
Lydia sat down next to her sister, taking her in her arms.
"Lesley, I'm sorry... But I couldn't let you get yourself killed," she whispered.
"How could you! It's your fault that she's gone... I could have saved her...I..." Miss Parker's voice trailed off.
"No,"
"What am I going to do... I can't stand the thought that the Centre will raise her..."
"It's never gonna happen... we will save her," Lydia said, trying to comfort Miss Parker.
"How am I going to tell Jarod...he will be so mad at me... he will hate me."
Lydia was just going to speak, when a dark voice interrupted.
"I'm not mad."
The Parker's looked up and saw Jarod looking down at them.
"Oh Jarod...I'm so sorry... I couldn't do anyhing, they just took her, they tried to shoot us...I'm sorry, please forgive me..." Miss Parker cried, she didn't notice the smile on Jarod's face.
"Shhh, honey. It's okay...it's okay," he soothed.
"How can you say that! Our baby is gone!" Miss Parker almost screamed.
First then, she noticed the small body he was cradling to his chest. Miss Parker stared at him in shock. Slowly she got up on her feet.
"Angie? Jarod? How did you do that?" she whispered.
"I shot the bastards, some of them got away," Jarod explained.
Miss Parker let out a sigh of relief. She felt her legs getting weak, but forced herself to stand. Lydia noticed and got up to stand next to her, putting her arm around her waist.
Miss Parker gave her a weak smile.
"Honey, will you hold her...i have to..."
Miss Parker gave him a puzzled look, but gladly took Angie in her arms.
While Miss Parker had all her attention turned on her baby, Lydia turned to Jarod.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"No..." Jarod mumbled.
"Wh...oh my god! You're shot! Jarod you have to get to a hospital," she gasped as she suddenly saw the blood leaking from his shoulder.
Jarod nodded.
*
A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER.
*
"Jarod, I'm sorry. I was just so happy to have Angie back. How are you feeling?" Miss Parker asked concerned. She warily glanced at her fiancé while walking through the corridors of the hospital. She felt really bad about the way she had acted. She hadn't even noticed that he was hurt.
"Don't worry about me honey. I'm going to be aright. I just want to go home, and....I'm afraid I can't use my arm in the next couples of days. The stitches need to heal a little..." Jarod said.
"I'm just glad you are okay, I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you...any of you."
"I know. I love you."
Miss Parker smiled. "I love you too..." she whispered.
"Hey! Do you want to get home or not!" Lydia said, giving the others a impatient look. She looked down at the baby who was beginning to squirm in her arms.
"I bet someone is hungry, " she smiled. Miss Parker's face lit up as she realized they were talking about Angie.
"Yeah! Let's go home, And....Lyd, I'm sorry about this...I know you want to say goodbye to Kipp before he leaves for New York," she said.
There was a silence.
"Yes, I wish he could stay... I never realized I was in love with him, and when I finally do, we can't be together..." Lydia said.
"Sis, you will be together, he loves you...he will just go back for while, I'm sure he will!" Miss Parker said softly. "Don't be sad..." she added.
Lydia gave her a small smile. "Thanks," she said.
"What for? After everything you have done for me, don't you think you deserve some kindness in return?" Miss Parker smiled.
"Hmmm, good point!"
*
LATER. SILVER-MOON RANCH.
*
"Kipp, will you ever come back?"
Kipp gave his girlfriend a sad look. How could she even doubt he would? Didn't she know how much she meant to him?
"Of course Lydia, I could never stand the though of being away from you," he said.
Lydia gave him a small smile. "I'm gonna miss you," she said.
"I'm gonna miss you too."
Lydia just looked at him; she didn't know what to say. Slowly she turned her gaze to the ground. She took a deep trembling breath. Kipp placed his arms around her and pulled her close, in an effort of comforting her.
"It's just for a while honey, I love you." He held her a long time before finally pulling away. Lydia gave him a unhappy look, knowing this meant he had to go.
"I have to..."
"I know," Lydia interrupted. "Just go before you'll miss your flight," she said.
Kipp nodded. He gave Lydia a kiss goodbye before he picked up his bag and turned to leave.
Lydia watched him go. She felt tears brim in her eyes as she saw the car drive off. Even though she tried to hold back the tears, a few escaped her eyes as she walked back to her cabin. He had just left, and she already felt lonely. What was she going to do? How was she going to learn to live without him?
*
MEANWHILE. SYDNEY'S CABIN.
*
Lyle, Sam and Sydney were sitting by the table, discussing the latest event, caused by the Centre. It had to be an end to all this, the Centre couldn't keep hurting them. And the constant fear they were living in was making them crazy. Especially now when the Centre knew where they were. It was only a matter of time before they would try again. And maybe that time they would succeed.
"As I said earlier, we have to bring the Centre down, and make sure those bastards spend the rest of their lives behind bars," Lyle said.
The other men agreed.
"I know someone who can help us; he is involved with the CIA..." Sam said, giving the others a look of triumph.
Sydney smiled. "Call him, or what do you say Lyle?" he asked.
"Sure, it's worth a try."
"What do you say about keeping this a secret until it's ready, it will be a perfect surprise," Sam asked.
"Or a perfect wedding gift for Jarod and Lesley! What could be better than the news about the Centre's downfall?" Lyle said with a big smile.
*
ABOUT THREE HOURS LATER. MISS PARKER'S CABIN.
*
Lydia was standing in front of the window, silently watching her sister and Jarod sitting by the creek. She couldn't help but smile as she saw how comfortable they seemed with each other. How close they were. Her smile grew bigger as she looked at Angie who was sleeping in her pram. They really were a happy family, and of course, if anyone deserved to be happy, it was Miss Parker and Jarod. After everything they had been through in their lives, they really deserved it!
Suddenly the TV caught her attention. She walked up to the small apparatus and turned the volume up. It was the news, and a blond woman was talking about something that had happened. Lydia shifted her weight, impatiently waiting for the woman cut to the case.
"We have just found out about an airplane accident. The flight from Phoenix to New York has crashed, so far there are no survivors. We'll get back to you with more information as soon as possible...."
The woman continued talking but Lydia didn't hear a word of what she was saying. She felt her legs getting weak and managed to make it to the couch before they gave way under her. She couldn't believe it, the plane had crashed? Kipp was dead? If he only had stayed, then this wouldn't have happened. Lydia's eyes filled with hot tears as she thought of him, about what happened. The TV-woman once again informed about the crash, but Lydia couldn't bring herself to watch. She buried her face in her hands, trying to not think of it.
"Sis! Have you seen Angie's...." Miss Parker cut herself off as she saw her sister. Slowly she walked up to the couch, not taking her eyes off Lydia.
"Have something happened?" she asked confused.
Lydia just nodded.
"Is it Kipp?" Miss Parker asked. When Lydia didn't answer, she continued. "I know how it feels... but you have to believe it, he will come back," she said softly.
"NO!! He will never come back!"
"What are..." Miss Parker's voice trailed off as she laid eyes on the TV. She gasped.
"Is that..."
"Yes," Lydia whispered, starting to cry.
"Oh my god, I can't believe it." Miss Parker stared at the TV in shock. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, turning to her sister.
"He's dead Lesley... he's gone..." Lydia cried.
"I'm sorry," Miss Parker repeated. Without saying anything she put her arms around Lydia, pulling her close to her. Sobbing, Lydia wrapped her arms around Miss Parker, burying her face in her hair. Miss Parker didn't know what to say, she just sat there, holding her sister as she cried. She couldn't help but think of herself in this position, it was the same now, only this time she was the one who comforted.
"How will I ever get through this?" Lydia sobbed out.
"I don't know..." Miss Parker answered honestly. "I know how much it hurts, but it's easier with time. I don't know how, but I managed to get over Tommy," she continued.
"Did you love him?"
"Yes, deeply..."
"I'm sorry, this is nothing in comparison to what you have been through... I'm sorry," Lydia sniveled. She tried to pull away, but Miss Parker didn't let go.
"You don't have to do that. It's okay," she whispered.
Lydia relaxed and leaned against Miss Parker, softly weeping.
*
"Les? What is taking you so long? Angie is hungry!"
Miss Parker looked up and saw Jarod walking into the room carrying the baby.
"Lesley? What's wrong?" he asked as he saw the sisters locked in a tight hug.
Miss Parker threw a meaning look at the TV. Jarod turned his gaze to see what she meant. As it was only sport, he gave Miss Parker a confused look. Why would Lydia cry over the sport? Was that sad?
Miss Parker almost wanted to laugh as she saw his puzzled look. She realized it wasn't the news anymore.
"Kipp's plane crashed," she said in a low voice.
"You don't need to whisper, it's not like I don't know about it," Lydia sobbed.
Miss Parker didn't say anything; she didn't know why, but she felt extremely dumb. She gave Jarod a sad look. He returned the look, and then glanced at Lydia. By looking at her, he knew he didn't have to ask about survivors, it was obvious Kipp was dead.
"Lydia, I'm so sorry," he said.
Slowly, Lydia pulled away. She gave Miss Parker a tearful look.
"Can I hold her? She always makes me happy," she sniveled, eyeing the little girl. Miss Parker smiled.
"Of course," she said softly. Jarod walked up to the sisters and sat down next to Lydia. Carefully he handed the baby to her. Lydia just as carefully placed her in her arms, cradling her to her chest. A few tears ran down her cheeks, landing on Angie's head.
*
To be continued.
*
SILVER MOON RANCH. ARIZONA. JAROD'S CABIN.
*
Miss Parker was still sitting at the bed, holding Jarod's hand. She couldn't explain how, but when he performed the SIM, she was able to feel the strong emotions of passion and love they shared that night. She wished she had the same ability as Jarod, to actually see and experience it. She couldn't help but let out a sigh of happiness, this was so good, she felt all warm inside just by thinking of what they did. And to be honest, that wasn't the only place she got warm! Miss Parker smiled to herself, she leaned her head against Jarod's shoulder, enjoying the closeness.
A while later, when Jarod had finished the SIM, and had recovered from the wave of feelings, he slowly turned to Miss Parker. As he saw her smile at him, as he saw the look in her eyes, he realized she knew. She had felt it!
"God, Jarod I wish we could have remembered that! Maybe things could have been different," Miss Parker said.
Jarod nodded.
"Maybe if I had known I was pregnant with your baby, I would have come with you, and... and Dane would never had got the chance to rape me," she continued.
"Yes, but no matter what happened in our pasts, the future is what we're gonna focus at, right? I'm not asking to forget, but to move on..."
Miss Parker smiled. "I know."
Jarod was quiet for a while; he looked down at his lap.
"Jarod? What?" Miss Parker asked as she saw his strange behavior.
Jarod smiled. He looked up at her.
"I... I think I need to ask you something..." he said nervously.
Miss Parker gave him a questioning look. This was strange, Jarod was never nervous, what was he up to?
"Wait there!" Jarod got up on his feet and after a while he returned to the bedroom. He walked up to Miss Parker with a big smile on his lips. He knelt in front of her, taking her hand.
"Lesley, I've always known our lives had a bigger meaning than, I run and you chase. And now when we have found out what it is, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, to make you happy and be by your side no matter what happens," Jarod paused and just looked at his girlfriend. She was smiling down at him, the biggest smile he had ever seen.
"What I am trying to say is... Lesley, will you marry me?"
Miss Parker was stunned. She had realized what he was up to when he started his speech, but still the words came as a shock. She was unable to speak and all she could do was smile. She didn't know how long she had been sitting there, staring at him, as she saw Jarod starting to look nervous again, she suddenly realized he was still waiting for her to answer.
"Yes! Oh my god! Yes! I would love to," she said.
Jarod gave her a big smile, and then he brought out a small red box, opened it and took up a big ring of gold. Miss Parker couldn't help but gasp as he slid it onto her ring finger.
"It's so beautiful!" she nearly whispered.
"Not as beautiful as you are, I love you."
"I love you too..."
Jarod smiled. He warily hugged Miss Parker, careful to not awake Angie who was still sleeping in her arms.
"I can't wait to tell the others!" Miss Parker said happily.
"Then let's go!"
*
THE NEXT DAY. DOWNTOWN – PHOENIX.
*
"Is it okay if I leave you here for a while, there's something I have to do." Jarod said.
Miss Parker smiled at him. "Sure! We'll wait here," she said, still smiling. Jarod gave her a hug before leaving the two women and the baby in the park.
"I can't believe you two are getting married!"
Miss Parker gave her sister a big smile.
"To be honest, I can't believe it either!" she laughed.
Slowly they started to walk. Lydia couldn't help but smile as she saw Angie sleeping in her mother's arms. They looked so beautiful together. She wondered if she would ever experience the same happiness. She'd always wanted to have a baby, but never found someone to have it with. Her smile grew even bigger as she thought of Kipp; maybe he could make her dream come true.
Suddenly the silence was cut off by something that sounded like a airplane or a chopper. Lydia looked around a saw two black choppers flying in circles above. She gave them a confused look.
"Lesley... what is..." she became quiet as she saw the terrified look Miss Parker gave the choppers. Just the look on her face made her realize they were in big trouble. The Centre had found them!
"Lydia! We have to get away from here!" Miss Parker screamed. By now, Angie had woken up and was crying loudly.
Before they had time to react the choppers landed, and a bunch of sweepers got out. Miss Parker and Lydia did their best to get away from them, but wasn't fast enough. The sweepers were shouting something, but no one paid attention to what. Miss Parker quickly turned her head to see how close they were. The sight was terrifying, wherever she looked, there were sweepers. All of the sudden she bumped into something. Before she had time to get away, two strong hands grabbed Angie and abruptly snatched her out of Miss Parker's arms. The baby was crying and Miss Parker did everything she could to help her. But the sweeper quickly handed her to another sweeper. Miss Parker screamed, desperately trying to reach her. The sweepers drew their guns, ready to get rid of the hysterical woman.
"PARKER!" Lydia screamed, even though she wanted Angie to be safe, she couldn't let Miss Parker get herself killed. She took hold of Miss Parker's arm and dragged her backwards. If she made it to behind the trees, maybe they could avoid getting shot. That was their only chance.
All of the sudden gunshots sounded, Lydia was too scared to pay attention to where they came from. All she saw was sweepers, falling to the ground. The sweeper holding Angie, ran towards the chopper, some the others followed him.
Miss Parker tried everything to get away from Lydia's firm grip. She just couldn't let them take Angie! Without thinking, she hit her sister's face hard. For a while, her grip around her arm loosened. But before Miss Parker had a chance to run, Lydia caught her, holding her back, trying to get away from the sweepers with the weapons.
"LET ME GO!" Miss Parker screamed, fighting Lydia's hold of her.
"NO!" Lydia screamed back.
"ANGIE!!"
Miss Parker didn't listen to her. She was screaming and tears were streaming down her cheeks as Lydia dragged her further and further away. The bullets the sweepers fired just only missed them as they managed to take cover behind the trees. Suddenly the sound of a chopper sounded. Miss Parker looked up and saw the black thing leave the place. She no longer had the strength to fight. Crying, she sank to the ground.
"Angie...I'm so sorry..." she sobbed out.
Lydia sat down next to her sister, taking her in her arms.
"Lesley, I'm sorry... But I couldn't let you get yourself killed," she whispered.
"How could you! It's your fault that she's gone... I could have saved her...I..." Miss Parker's voice trailed off.
"No,"
"What am I going to do... I can't stand the thought that the Centre will raise her..."
"It's never gonna happen... we will save her," Lydia said, trying to comfort Miss Parker.
"How am I going to tell Jarod...he will be so mad at me... he will hate me."
Lydia was just going to speak, when a dark voice interrupted.
"I'm not mad."
The Parker's looked up and saw Jarod looking down at them.
"Oh Jarod...I'm so sorry... I couldn't do anyhing, they just took her, they tried to shoot us...I'm sorry, please forgive me..." Miss Parker cried, she didn't notice the smile on Jarod's face.
"Shhh, honey. It's okay...it's okay," he soothed.
"How can you say that! Our baby is gone!" Miss Parker almost screamed.
First then, she noticed the small body he was cradling to his chest. Miss Parker stared at him in shock. Slowly she got up on her feet.
"Angie? Jarod? How did you do that?" she whispered.
"I shot the bastards, some of them got away," Jarod explained.
Miss Parker let out a sigh of relief. She felt her legs getting weak, but forced herself to stand. Lydia noticed and got up to stand next to her, putting her arm around her waist.
Miss Parker gave her a weak smile.
"Honey, will you hold her...i have to..."
Miss Parker gave him a puzzled look, but gladly took Angie in her arms.
While Miss Parker had all her attention turned on her baby, Lydia turned to Jarod.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"No..." Jarod mumbled.
"Wh...oh my god! You're shot! Jarod you have to get to a hospital," she gasped as she suddenly saw the blood leaking from his shoulder.
Jarod nodded.
*
A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER.
*
"Jarod, I'm sorry. I was just so happy to have Angie back. How are you feeling?" Miss Parker asked concerned. She warily glanced at her fiancé while walking through the corridors of the hospital. She felt really bad about the way she had acted. She hadn't even noticed that he was hurt.
"Don't worry about me honey. I'm going to be aright. I just want to go home, and....I'm afraid I can't use my arm in the next couples of days. The stitches need to heal a little..." Jarod said.
"I'm just glad you are okay, I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you...any of you."
"I know. I love you."
Miss Parker smiled. "I love you too..." she whispered.
"Hey! Do you want to get home or not!" Lydia said, giving the others a impatient look. She looked down at the baby who was beginning to squirm in her arms.
"I bet someone is hungry, " she smiled. Miss Parker's face lit up as she realized they were talking about Angie.
"Yeah! Let's go home, And....Lyd, I'm sorry about this...I know you want to say goodbye to Kipp before he leaves for New York," she said.
There was a silence.
"Yes, I wish he could stay... I never realized I was in love with him, and when I finally do, we can't be together..." Lydia said.
"Sis, you will be together, he loves you...he will just go back for while, I'm sure he will!" Miss Parker said softly. "Don't be sad..." she added.
Lydia gave her a small smile. "Thanks," she said.
"What for? After everything you have done for me, don't you think you deserve some kindness in return?" Miss Parker smiled.
"Hmmm, good point!"
*
LATER. SILVER-MOON RANCH.
*
"Kipp, will you ever come back?"
Kipp gave his girlfriend a sad look. How could she even doubt he would? Didn't she know how much she meant to him?
"Of course Lydia, I could never stand the though of being away from you," he said.
Lydia gave him a small smile. "I'm gonna miss you," she said.
"I'm gonna miss you too."
Lydia just looked at him; she didn't know what to say. Slowly she turned her gaze to the ground. She took a deep trembling breath. Kipp placed his arms around her and pulled her close, in an effort of comforting her.
"It's just for a while honey, I love you." He held her a long time before finally pulling away. Lydia gave him a unhappy look, knowing this meant he had to go.
"I have to..."
"I know," Lydia interrupted. "Just go before you'll miss your flight," she said.
Kipp nodded. He gave Lydia a kiss goodbye before he picked up his bag and turned to leave.
Lydia watched him go. She felt tears brim in her eyes as she saw the car drive off. Even though she tried to hold back the tears, a few escaped her eyes as she walked back to her cabin. He had just left, and she already felt lonely. What was she going to do? How was she going to learn to live without him?
*
MEANWHILE. SYDNEY'S CABIN.
*
Lyle, Sam and Sydney were sitting by the table, discussing the latest event, caused by the Centre. It had to be an end to all this, the Centre couldn't keep hurting them. And the constant fear they were living in was making them crazy. Especially now when the Centre knew where they were. It was only a matter of time before they would try again. And maybe that time they would succeed.
"As I said earlier, we have to bring the Centre down, and make sure those bastards spend the rest of their lives behind bars," Lyle said.
The other men agreed.
"I know someone who can help us; he is involved with the CIA..." Sam said, giving the others a look of triumph.
Sydney smiled. "Call him, or what do you say Lyle?" he asked.
"Sure, it's worth a try."
"What do you say about keeping this a secret until it's ready, it will be a perfect surprise," Sam asked.
"Or a perfect wedding gift for Jarod and Lesley! What could be better than the news about the Centre's downfall?" Lyle said with a big smile.
*
ABOUT THREE HOURS LATER. MISS PARKER'S CABIN.
*
Lydia was standing in front of the window, silently watching her sister and Jarod sitting by the creek. She couldn't help but smile as she saw how comfortable they seemed with each other. How close they were. Her smile grew bigger as she looked at Angie who was sleeping in her pram. They really were a happy family, and of course, if anyone deserved to be happy, it was Miss Parker and Jarod. After everything they had been through in their lives, they really deserved it!
Suddenly the TV caught her attention. She walked up to the small apparatus and turned the volume up. It was the news, and a blond woman was talking about something that had happened. Lydia shifted her weight, impatiently waiting for the woman cut to the case.
"We have just found out about an airplane accident. The flight from Phoenix to New York has crashed, so far there are no survivors. We'll get back to you with more information as soon as possible...."
The woman continued talking but Lydia didn't hear a word of what she was saying. She felt her legs getting weak and managed to make it to the couch before they gave way under her. She couldn't believe it, the plane had crashed? Kipp was dead? If he only had stayed, then this wouldn't have happened. Lydia's eyes filled with hot tears as she thought of him, about what happened. The TV-woman once again informed about the crash, but Lydia couldn't bring herself to watch. She buried her face in her hands, trying to not think of it.
"Sis! Have you seen Angie's...." Miss Parker cut herself off as she saw her sister. Slowly she walked up to the couch, not taking her eyes off Lydia.
"Have something happened?" she asked confused.
Lydia just nodded.
"Is it Kipp?" Miss Parker asked. When Lydia didn't answer, she continued. "I know how it feels... but you have to believe it, he will come back," she said softly.
"NO!! He will never come back!"
"What are..." Miss Parker's voice trailed off as she laid eyes on the TV. She gasped.
"Is that..."
"Yes," Lydia whispered, starting to cry.
"Oh my god, I can't believe it." Miss Parker stared at the TV in shock. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, turning to her sister.
"He's dead Lesley... he's gone..." Lydia cried.
"I'm sorry," Miss Parker repeated. Without saying anything she put her arms around Lydia, pulling her close to her. Sobbing, Lydia wrapped her arms around Miss Parker, burying her face in her hair. Miss Parker didn't know what to say, she just sat there, holding her sister as she cried. She couldn't help but think of herself in this position, it was the same now, only this time she was the one who comforted.
"How will I ever get through this?" Lydia sobbed out.
"I don't know..." Miss Parker answered honestly. "I know how much it hurts, but it's easier with time. I don't know how, but I managed to get over Tommy," she continued.
"Did you love him?"
"Yes, deeply..."
"I'm sorry, this is nothing in comparison to what you have been through... I'm sorry," Lydia sniveled. She tried to pull away, but Miss Parker didn't let go.
"You don't have to do that. It's okay," she whispered.
Lydia relaxed and leaned against Miss Parker, softly weeping.
*
"Les? What is taking you so long? Angie is hungry!"
Miss Parker looked up and saw Jarod walking into the room carrying the baby.
"Lesley? What's wrong?" he asked as he saw the sisters locked in a tight hug.
Miss Parker threw a meaning look at the TV. Jarod turned his gaze to see what she meant. As it was only sport, he gave Miss Parker a confused look. Why would Lydia cry over the sport? Was that sad?
Miss Parker almost wanted to laugh as she saw his puzzled look. She realized it wasn't the news anymore.
"Kipp's plane crashed," she said in a low voice.
"You don't need to whisper, it's not like I don't know about it," Lydia sobbed.
Miss Parker didn't say anything; she didn't know why, but she felt extremely dumb. She gave Jarod a sad look. He returned the look, and then glanced at Lydia. By looking at her, he knew he didn't have to ask about survivors, it was obvious Kipp was dead.
"Lydia, I'm so sorry," he said.
Slowly, Lydia pulled away. She gave Miss Parker a tearful look.
"Can I hold her? She always makes me happy," she sniveled, eyeing the little girl. Miss Parker smiled.
"Of course," she said softly. Jarod walked up to the sisters and sat down next to Lydia. Carefully he handed the baby to her. Lydia just as carefully placed her in her arms, cradling her to her chest. A few tears ran down her cheeks, landing on Angie's head.
*
To be continued.