CHAPTER FIVE

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About one week later, Miss Parker had found herself a nice hotel room in Blue Cove. Sydney had insisted she'd stay at his place, even Broots had offered his guestroom to her. It was really nice of them, but it wouldn't feel right to depend on anyone that much. She just couldn't do that. But as much as she hated to admit it, she was afraid, if the one who were trying to kill her found her, maybe this time he would succeed.

The sudden knock on her door made her jump. She kicked herself for being so nervous and walked to open.

"Jarod," she couldn't hide the relief in her voice as she realized there was no one who wanted to hurt her. I've missed you Jar.

"Hi… how are you?" Jarod asked softly. If I could only hug her…

"Fine… I think…" Miss Parker mumbled, gesturing for him to come on in.

She walked up to the couch and sat down with Jarod next to her. She glanced at him, thinking of the last time she'd been with him. She'd said she didn't need him, maybe he knew how wrong she had been, maybe he knew she had been lying…

"You don't look fine…"

Miss Parker just looked at him without saying anything.

"I got something for you," Jarod said, giving her a big red box. "Open it!"

Miss Parker did as he said and couldn't help but smile a little as she realized Jarod had bought her clothes.

"How do you know these are my size?" she asked with a small smile on her lips. That's so cute… oh I love you.

"I… didn't… but I think so… I hope so."

"Thank you Jarod… it was… just what I needed."

Jarod smiled at her, slowly reaching out to touch her hurt shoulder.

"Does it hurt much?" he asked.

Miss Parker shook her head. "I've been shot before… it's my head I'm worried about," she mumbled.

Jarod gave her a questioning look.

"I've been having terrible headaches since that day, they said I hit my head when I fell, I have a little gash. But the pain won't go away, I've even passed out a couple of times now and then…" Miss Parker explained.

Now when she thought of if, it was really weird. She had a strange feeling something was wrong, very wrong, but she couldn't figure out what.

"And the thing is, I don't even remember how any of this happened," she added in a low voice.

There was a long silence. "I think the Centre is behind this whole thing, I just wish I knew how and most of all, why," Jarod said angrily.

Miss Parker sighed, she'd thought of that too. But it didn't make any sense, if they wanted her dead, she would definitely be dead by know.

She got up on her feet and walked up to the window. She realized she had been doing that a lot lately.

"If you want to, I can stay here…" Jarod said, just as he had read her mind. She shouldn't have to be alone now… she shouldn't have to be alone at all… poor baby…

"No, I'll be fine," Miss Parker said, still staring out through the window. She was just about to turn and walk back when her head suddenly started to ache again. She pressed her hand against the little gash, but the pain just grew stronger, she moaned. Oh god, help me…

"Are you alright?" Jarod asked worriedly.

"Yeah… just…" was all she managed to say before her legs gave way under her and she collapsed at the floor. Jarod was by her side in a heartbeat. He lifted her up and carried her to the couch.

As he watched her, he couldn't help but be amazed by her beauty. He gently stroked her hair out of her face, caressing her cheek.

"Wake up, baby," he whispered, softly running his fingers through her hair, carefully avoiding the cut right above her temple. He was going to find out what really happened to her, if it was the last thing he'd ever do. He knew something was wrong with this whole picture, and he wasn't going to leave her alone again until he found out what. He just couldn't risk her safety. He cared about her too much to stand by and let them hurt her again. Oh Parker, I love you so much, I wish I could tell you that…

"Jarod?"

He was brought back from his thoughts by her voice. He looked down at her, still letting his fingers do small circles in her hair.

How are you feeling?" he asked softly.

There was a silence; Jarod began wondering if she was going to answer at all.

"As much as I hate to admit it… better… when you're doing that," she said almost inaudibly. Please, don't ever stop.

Jarod smiled. "I'm glad."

"That thing you said before I passed out… did you mean it? That you'll stay?" Don't leave me Jarod…

"If you want me to." Forever.

Miss Parker nodded. She hated herself for being so needy, so weak, but she just couldn't imagine being alone right now. She was scared and in pain. She really wanted Jarod to be there with her, he made her feel safe.

"It feels so strange… this is not a normal headache, this is killing me Jarod… I'm so afraid."

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TBC