Bachelor Jarod chapter seven.

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AN/ Griffenvamp, I heard you were wondering about the Centre. I think I said it in the first chapter, but that was quite a long time ago so… well, I have decided that it won't be live broadcast, because there will be some trouble then. People will get the chance to see it on TV when the whole thing is over. Which means the Centre will find out eventually! They think MP is on a vacation. Only Debbie knows the truth. Thank you for pointing this out, and thank you for the review!

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-- O'Donnell --

-- Now it's time for another rose ceremony, who will be chosen and who will be sent home, broken hearted? --

O'Donnell stood there for a while, watching the women's nervous faces. When Jarod entered the room, everyone turned their attention to him.

"Jarod, when you're ready," O'Donnell said, backing away.

Jarod looked at the ladies. "Today I had to make the hardest decision in my life, but whatever happens tonight, I want all of you to now that you've made my life a little richer, just by being a part of it. You are all very special…" shit, how am I gonna do this?

Jarod picked up the first rose.

"Maria." When she walked up to him with that smile on her lips, he knew he couldn't send her home. He had really started to like that woman. He gave her a hug before he let her walk back to her place next to Miss Parker.

He picked up the second rose. "Lydia." He liked Lydia a lot and was happy when she was happy. When he put his arms around her, he felt like they were the only ones in the room.

Lydia went to stand with the others and Jarod picked up the last rose and stared at the women. His mind was racing. He had been sure of what he had to do; he had to choose the one he could see a future with. But now, when the two of them stood in front of him, he started to hesitate. How couldn't he send her home? He loved her…

He had made his decision. He had chosen Lexi. He had chosen to break Miss Parker's heart. He didn't see a future with her, even though he desperately wanted to. How could he trust her after everything they'd been through? How could he trust she would do as she'd said, come with him, leave the Centre… he just didn't know she really meant it.

But as he saw her anxious look, it was almost like she understood what he was thinking. He saw the pain in her eyes. She was struggling to not cry. Did she know? I'm so sorry Parker…

Jarod's mind screamed at him to say Lexi's name. But his heart said something different.

Jarod turned to look at O'Donnell.

"I need a little more time," he said in a low voice.

O'Donnell nodded, and gestured for Jarod to leave the room. Jarod gladly did. He couldn't face them now. He just needed a couple of minutes.

Miss Parker stared after him. She turned away from the others, biting her lower lip hard. God, he was going to send her home. She could feel it… Don't do this to me, I love you…

"Andi?" Maria's voice was soft as she spoke.

Miss Parker slowly turned around.

"Are you okay?"

"No," Miss Parker confessed. "He's gonna pick Lexi, I know he will," she whispered and a single tear slipped down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away.

Maria didn't say anything; instead she gave Miss Parker a hug.

The silence was broken by O'Donnell's voice. The women turned to look at him and Jarod again.

Maria stayed next to Miss Parker, letting her know she was her friend.

Jarod once again picked up the last rose and watched the women with sad eyes.

He took a deep breath. "Andi."

Miss Parker couldn't believe what she'd just heard. She walked up to Jarod, her legs were trembling.

Jarod didn't say anything, he just hugged her tight. Oh I love you baby, how would I be able to let you go?

Miss Parker wrapped her arms around him, now tears started to run down her cheeks, this time out of joy and relief. But as she held him, she could feel something was wrong, he was tense. She pulled away and looked at him, gathering all her strength.

"You didn't want to choose me did you?" she whispered. Don't you care about me?

Jarod didn't say anything.

"Jarod!"

"Yes Andi, I did, that's what scares me so much. I had made up my mind, I was going to pick Lexi," he confessed. "But I couldn't, I had to follow my heart, whatever that may lead," he said.

Miss Parker nodded. She wasn't mad, she understood him completely now. Of course he couldn't trust her. But she really meant it when she told him she would come with him. She would leave the Centre if he just wanted her.

"I know I'm not easy to be around, but I meant everything I told you earlier. You have to believe me," Miss Parker whispered and new tears slowly found their way down her cheeks. She hated herself for crying like this. But she couldn't help it.

Jarod didn't say anything; Miss Parker gave up and walked back to Maria. She looked at Jarod, and when she saw the look he gave her, she realized he didn't need to say anything, she already knew how much he cared about her.

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Jarod walked up to Lexi. "I'm sorry," he started. "I…"

Lexi cut him off. "I don't need your apologize," she snapped. Why J? I thought you liked me…

"Lexi, I hate the fact that I hurt you, you are a wonderful person, but I had to follow my heart," Jarod said gently.

Lexi nodded. "Well, all I can say is, you made the wrong decision J, but it's up to you," Lexi gave him one last look before walking away from him. You made a huge mistake.

Jarod looked at her sadly. He did like her, but it also felt like the connection between them wasn't right.

Jarod had followed his heart. And it said he was making the right decision. He just hoped he could trust his feelings right now, even more, that he could trust Miss Parker. Because that's what it's all about – trust…

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TBC