Chapter 22: An Unpleasant Task

******The Next Day******

Parker woke up Sunday morning knowing what had to happen. She'd thought about her friends who were in serious relationships. Veronica, Mac, Jazmin, and even Daisy were completely in love with their boyfriends. For a while, Parker had been convinced she was the same as them. Now, however, she knew she was deceiving herself. If Piz was really the love of her life, there would be no thoughts of another man or room in her heart for another. It wasn't even about Duncan so much as herself. She did a lot of soul-searching, and she realized that Piz was her first true boyfriend. After her humiliation and rape her first semester at Neptune, she'd latched on to Logan, thinking that she'd found someone to take away the pain. She'd been foolish and self-centered, never noticing Logan was kind but only in love with Veronica. The fact that she'd been surprised that he was beating up Piz over her should've been a clue that she lived in denial.

Now she was older, and she hoped more self-aware. However, she'd clung to Piz even as Duncan had showered her with his love and affection. Loyalty meant so much to her, and Piz had fit all the things she'd wanted in a boyfriend. The idea that he wasn't the one never truly occurred to her. His coming back to Neptune just for her had fulfilled some half-forgotten romantic fantasy. Logan had sacrificed so much for Veronica, and it touched Parker deeply that Piz was willing to make a sacrifice just to be near her. She did have real love and affection for him.

But would it be enough to build a life with? Could she ever marry a man that honestly didn't inspire 100% of her devotion? Those were the thoughts that had kept her up all night. It wasn't about choosing Duncan over Piz or Piz over Duncan. It was about whether or not she had enough love for Piz to be committed in a long-distance relationship.

The dream she'd had made everything crystal clear.

Flashback

The dream seemed to be set in the future. She wasn't in college nor was she roommates with Mac or Daisy. Instead, she walked into an elegant two-story house that reminded her somewhat of her childhood home. It was filled with warmth. No one was home, but she felt eager to cook dinner. She went into the kitchen of her dreams (literally her dream kitchen) and began the preparations, humming to herself.

She was draining pasta when a voice called out, "Honey, we're home!"

"I'm in the kitchen!" she called back.

A minute later, she felt large hands move around her waist and a soft kiss dropped on the nape of her neck. She smiled and eagerly turned into the man's arms.

"I missed you," she said softly as she looked into the eyes of the man that she knew was her husband and father to her children. A deep love filled her as she gazed up at him.

"I missed you, too," he replied, kissing her.

A squeal and laugh interrupted the sweet moment. She turned in her husband's arms to see Dick holding their youngest daughter upside down.

"She owes me five dollars! She claims to be broke, but I know if I shake her, money is bound to fall out!" Dick said, gleefully.

Lily sat at the counter snickering. She was obviously a teenager and utterly beautiful.

"She spent her allowance on candy," Lily informed him.

Dick put the child down. Then he got out his wallet, giving the girl twenty dollars. "DK is obviously cheap if you have to use your own money for candy!" he proclaimed.

While Duncan protested the claim, Parker smiled warmly. Then their son called for her, distracting her.

End of Flashback

The dream had ended with her helping their middle child with his homework. She'd woken up with a strong sense of loss. The family she'd seen in her dream had seemed so real. It was clear that her subconscious had already worked out how she really felt. Piz was not the man of her dreams. He was not the man she truly wanted to build a life and have a family with.

She sat up in bed, looking down at Piz, warmth filled her. He was a good man. However, it wasn't right to hold onto him and keep him from someone that would love him as passionately as he deserved.

A few hours later, they went to breakfast at IHOP. He was chatting about his idea for a segment. His enthusiasm made her smile.

"Piz, I'm so glad you came back to California. I don't think I've ever seen you so happy and excited," she said.

Piz grinned. "That's because I don't know that I've ever been. I have you, sunshine, and a dream job with a perfect partner," he said happily.

Parker frowned, not wanting to hurt him. There was no point in dragging it out. "Piz, I don't think we should keep seeing each other," she said.

Piz looked stunned. "What?"

"I think you need to focus on what's going on in Los Angeles. It's the right fit for you. I love you, but I don't think I love you enough to make a long-distance relationship work for two more years," she said.

Piz frowned. "Is this because I had to go help Skye on Valentine's?" he asked.

"No, not really," she said. "I do, though, suspect you and Skye could be much more than partners if you wanted to, but this isn't about her. It's about the fact that even though I miss you, my world doesn't stop without you in it."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Piz asked, trying to not overreact.

"It means that if you and I were as in love as some of our friends, this would be harder. It shouldn't be so easy to only see each other on weekends—if that," she said honestly.

Her words surprised Piz. "But we love each other and make each other happy," he said. "I mean, that's what I thought anyway."

"Yes, that's true," she assured him, reaching for his hand. "But I want more than that. Don't you? I want to feel like a part of me is missing without you there. But I don't."

Her words stung, but he thought about it. He'd been so busy since he'd moved to L. A. He missed her, but sometimes—if he was honest—he did have to force himself to call her. It wasn't that he didn't want to talk to her—he always did. But sometimes it did seem like more than a chore.

"I guess," he mumbled, looking away. Why does he keep failing at relationships? He thought Parker was the one. How did he get it wrong again?

Parker didn't want him focusing on Duncan or thinking it was all about him, so she decided not to mention what she'd come to realize. "I don't know how to live my life without you being a part of it," she admitted. "But I think we should try. We should try and see how we feel. If we both feel miserable, then maybe I'm wrong. But if we find that the pain fades faster than we thought it would, then maybe I'm right."

"You don't love me anymore?" Piz asked, trying to keep his composure.

Parker failed and tears coursed down her cheeks. "I do love you. I can't imagine not ever loving you," she said honestly. "But I want a love that consumes me so much that I can't think of anything or anyone else."

Piz stared at her a moment before asking what he didn't really want to hear. "It's Duncan, isn't it?" he asked.

Parker waved her hand dismissively. "Not the way you're thinking. I'll be honest. The fact that from the moment I met him, I felt something for him even though I was in love with you bothers me," she shared. "The kiss in Las Vegas shouldn't have ever happened if you really owned all of my heart because I'm not a cheater. Loyalty is too important to me, and yet I found myself in that situation. I know when I dated him, he wasn't completely in my heart either because we never had sex. I couldn't let you go. I'm just one big mess!"

Although he was hurt and a bit angry, his affection for her didn't waver. "No, you're not," he defended. "You're wonderful, and I can't believe you're not the one for me."

"I'm sorry, Piz," she said regretfully. "I hope you can forgive me."

Piz moved out of his seat across from here and sat next to her, putting his arm around her and pulling her close. "There's nothing to forgive. You're just being honest, and I could never hate you," he said honestly. "We'll get through this."

"Will you stay my friend?" she asked hopefully.

"Always," he said, trying not to cry. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe if they stopped seeing each other for a while, they'd both be miserable.

A small voice inside of him, though, wasn't convinced.

*****Sunday Afternoon*****

Thea drove her parents to the airport. They'd had brunch with her grandparents and Wallace. Wallace, however, had a game tomorrow and had homework to do. He'd been reluctant to leave. Thea assured him that her parents would not be offended if he didn't go to the airport with them.

"I'm so glad you guys came!" Thea said, smiling at her dad as he parked her car in airport parking.

"We had a great time, honey," he assured her. "Your friends were so nice."

"And fun," her mom added happily. "They were all intelligent with a great sense of humor. Exactly the kind of friends I always wanted for you."

"I have made a few friends at the sorority," she told her mom.

"I know, sweetie. But having a boyfriend who's got friends you like a lot is important. The people who influence him will often influence you, too," her mom said.

"You know Wallace was so nervous about meeting you guys," Thea said, smiling. That was still hard for her to wrap her mind around. "It's funny 'cause he is so confident and self-assured. I've never seen him insecure. That's usually me!"

"And he's the one reassuring you," Kat observed with a knowing smile.

"Yes. He's so good to me," Thea admitted.

Her dad draped his arm around her as he pulled his bag with the other hand. They began walking toward the parking lot elevators. "I liked him a lot," her dad said.

"I knew you would!" Thea said pleased.

"I will admit, though, that I didn't think you'd go for a jock," her dad said in bemusement.

"Does that bother you? He's smart, Dad. But he is funny and kind and had so much integrity," Thea said earnestly. "Veronica says they have to protect him sometimes from the ugliness that happens to them. His roommate turning into a rapist really messed with his head. He's still seeing a counselor. Not as much now, but he still goes."

"That says a lot about him," Nick said. "It takes a strong man to admit he needs help." He and his wife were more than satisfied that Thea's boyfriend was the kind of man they wanted for their first born.

"It's clear that he gets a lot from his mom. Alicia seemed very sensible and fierce," Kat said in admiration.

"I look forward to meeting his father on our next visit," Nick said.

"Can you bring everyone when school gets out? We can go to Disneyland or something," Thea said hopefully. She missed her siblings. Holiday visits weren't enough for her. She was close to every one of them.

"Junior would love that," Kat said. Thea's youngest brother was six and named after their father. He was a real pistol. Thea leaving for school had been upsetting for him because she had been his main babysitter from the moment he'd been born.

"If your friends are serious about a trip with Borders over spring break, give them my email address," Nick said.

"I will," Thea said. "I think Mac and Dick were the most interested. I bet Jason with want to go, too. He's always look for a way to make his application to law school more attractive,"

"That young man is a planner," Nick said in approval. Thea told her parents everything about her life and her friends. Thea reconnecting with two friends from Chicago had been a nice surprise. Her mother knew about her former crush and had been relieved that Thea had so easily put it aside. Jason would not have been a good match because Thea wouldn't have flourished with a guy like him as they were too similar.

"I wish you could stay longer and meet all of them," Thea said.

"Next time, sweetie," Kat replied. "I'm so pleased you've met so many nice people. We weren't sure being so far from home was the best option for you."

"But you've always been smarter than us and knew your own mind," her dad said proudly.

"It was the right choice," Thea said. "I enjoy my classes, and the girls are really nice in my sorority. Meeting Wallace, though, has been the best thing. I didn't think there would ever be a guy like him for me. He's so patient with me. He didn't rush me. He never pressures me to do anything I'm not ready for nor does he expect me to be like other girls. He doesn't resent the time I spend with my studies. Normally, he studies with me. He's just perfect. I love him so much!"

Kat's eyes filled with tears at her daughter's starry-eyed confession. Thea had already shared with her about the loss of virginity and how sweet Wallace had been. They'd agreed that her dad would continue in his belief that she was a virgin until her wedding night. However, Thea's mom had been her best friend all her life, and she couldn't imagine not telling her mother about the most important thing that had ever happened to her.

She moved to hug Thea, unable to express how happy it made her to see her sweet, brilliant wallflower finally blossom. Her happiness made her radiant.

Nick cleared his throat, overcome with emotion. "We are so proud of our beautiful, brilliant daughter," he said, taking his turn hugging her.

"I love you both," Thea said, emotional at the goodbye they couldn't put off. "Call me when you get home."

"We will, sweetie. Remember, we are a phone call away," Kat said. She turned and reached for her husband's hand. He said goodbye and grabbed his suitcase while Kat grabbed hers.

Thea watched them walk toward the security line, sad to see them go, but she was happy their visit was such a success.

*****Sunday Night*****

Trina returned from her short scouting trip to New York full of good news. She'd found a location. One that the Goldsmiths were pleased with. They had a house in New York and knew the area even better than Trina.

"It's in Manhattan," Trina shared, telling them all about it.

"So when do you think you'll be moving?" Veronica asked, feeling dread.

"Probably this spring. Maybe May," she said, knowing how Veronica felt.

"So soon," Veronica murmured, looking down at Richie, who was playing with a set of plastic keys and putting them in his mouth.

"Would you guys be willing to keep Richie here until classes start in the fall?" Trina asked. "Mary will help, and I'll come home every weekend. I just will be really busy, and I don't want him to feel neglected or put him in daycare."

Veronica was startled as a thought occurred to her. "So what do you plan on doing with him when you get the business up and running? The person in charge can't take her baby to work. That would not be a good precedent."

"Actually, I can. I'll just hire an assistant with childcare experience and make it a part of their job description," Trina said smugly.

"Good idea," Logan said in approval.

"But you're starting a new business. Should you be so distracted?" Veronica asked doubtfully.

Trina frowned. "I don't consider my son a distraction," she said.

"Veronica's got a point, Trina. Daycare can be a good option for some. Or a nanny. That'd be better. Less contact with germy kids," Logan said.

"So does this mean you don't want me to leave him with you for the summer?" Trina asked.

"Of course, we'll take care of him," Veronica said. "We were talking about taking a summer trip with Doctor Without Borders with Thea's dad, but that's not a big deal."

"You can still do that," Trina said. "Mother Mary can watch him if you guys need a break. She's upset that I'm moving and would be glad to spend extra time with him."

"Are you surprised?" Logan asked bluntly.

Trina sighed. "No. But I hate that you all are so upset," Trina said. "I know that this is going to be a good move for me. You'll see Richie all the time. I'll make sure of that."

"We'll come to New York, too," Logan assured her.

"Have you considered asking Mary to move with you to New York?" Veronica suggested. "She's got a job that is easy to replace. You can pay her to be his nanny. Who'd be better than his own grandmother?"

Trina smiled. "I hadn't thought of that! I can ask her. I'm not sure she'll accept money from me, though. She still feels bad about the adoption thing. You know, about giving me up," Trina said.

"You grew up rich and spoiled. She should get over that!" Logan said with a snicker.

"Maybe you should just agree to pay her the same amount she makes now. She'd be comfortable with that," Veronica said.

"New York is more expensive. She needs more," Trina said doubtfully.

"Well, if she's living with you, then that will save her money. A lot since it's so expensive to rent," Veronica said.

"Yeah, most of those upper Eastsiders have live-in nannies," Logan pointed out. "Just tell her that."

Veronica reached down to pick up Richie. "I don't want him to move, but I understand wanting more for your life," she admitted. She kissed Richie, who gurgled and smiled at her.

"We'd be glad to keep Richie whenever you need," Logan assured his sister. "If we go on a trip, it wouldn't be more than a week or two."

"Okay, then, it's settled," Trina said with satisfaction.

"I guess it is," Logan said, looking at Veronica.

Veronica worked hard to appear supportive. She didn't want Richie to be so far away, and it was going to break her heart when he left.

******The Next Day******

Ryan had Brad pick him up a bit early for school. He wanted to talk to him about Lauren before school started. He'd thought about it all weekend. He knew Lauren was shy when it came to guys. He knew that she'd probably be upset with him for talking to Brad. However, he couldn't take a chance that Brad would unknowingly hurt Lauren. Brad was a good guy, and he felt a certain way about girls. He had no intention of dating or leading on any girls. Ryan knew this, so he wanted to make sure Lauren didn't become an accidental casualty.

"Hey, man," Brad said when Ryan got into the car.

"Good morning," Ryan said. "Will you stop at the donut shop? I didn't get any breakfast."

"Not a problem," Brad said. He drove down the place they liked that was two blocks from the school.

They got their breakfast and two small coffees and sat at a table.

"I wanted to talk to you about something before we got to school," Ryan said.

"Shoot," Brad said, looking expectantly at him.

"What I'm going to tell you is kind of personal about someone I care about, so I need you to keep it to yourself and not embarrass her," Ryan warned.

"You want to tell me something about Lauren?" Brad guessed correctly.

"Yes. I know you're a good guy, so I expect you to tread carefully with her and not hurt her," Ryan warned.

"Of course! I like Lauren. She's cool. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her," Brad assured him.

"Even if you found out that she really likes you?" Ryan asked.

"What?" Brad asked in surprise.

"She told me that she's had a thing for you since you were in first grade and rescued her from some bully," Ryan shared. He hoped Lauren would forgive him.

"Seriously?" Brad asked. He'd flirted outrageously with Lauren only because he thought she was safe. He never dreamed she'd take him seriously.

"Yes," Ryan said.

"Does she think I've been serious with the flirting? I'd not laid it on so thick if I'd known she really liked me," Brad said with a grimace. Lauren was a sweetheart and Brad admired her immensely. She'd beat cancer and stilled smiled every day. Because she was like Ryan's sister, Brad watched out for her. He genuinely cared about her. Too much to date her for real.

"I know. That's why I'm telling you now," Ryan said. "Back off without hurting her."

"So what is she thinking?" Brad asked.

"She knows how you are. She doesn't think you really like her, but she does like that you don't treat her like she's just some lame cancer girl," Ryan said.

Brad frowned. "Who treats her like that?" he asked, annoyed that some other guy hurt her feelings by making her feel something was wrong with her because she had cancer.

"She says everybody—especially guys. Except for us," Ryan said.

"Our school is full of idiots," Brad said in disgust.

"Yeah, I know," Ryan said. "Just be cool."

Brad nodded. "I will. Don't worry," he said. He drunk down the coffee. "You ready?"

Ryan nodded. He felt better now that he talked to Brad. Brad wasn't like the other 09er douchebags in the school. He knew how to treat people. Even though he didn't do relationships, he wasn't like Dick or Logan were reputed to be in high school. He didn't go around seducing girls and then dropping them. Actually, Ryan wasn't even sure Brad had ever had sex. He was pretty private about those kinds of things.

When they got to school, Lauren was at her locker. Both boys stopped and said hi. Brad grinned and kept it casual.

"I'll see you guys at lunch," Brad said.

"See you," Lauren said. When he left, she turned to Ryan. "Did you say anything?"

"About what?" Ryan asked, trying to play dumb.

"You know what!" Lauren said in annoyance. She knew Ryan would open his big fat mouth. Brad didn't seem much different, but Lauren still felt humiliated. Now he'd feel even sorrier for her. Couldn't she ever catch a break?

"Don't worry, Lauren. He's cool. He thinks your cool, too. He likes you," Ryan said.

"Just not enough to seriously date me," Lauren said knowingly.

Ryan put his hand on her shoulder. "It's nothing personal. If he was going to date anyone seriously, I'm sure you'd be his first choice," Ryan said, realizing that was probably true. He frowned a moment thinking about it. Was he okay with that?

"Gee, thanks," Lauren said dryly. She blinked, her eyes were so itchy. She'd woken up with them very dry and her throat hurting. She took a sip of the water bottle in her locker.

"So how are you feeling today?" Ryan asked, not forgetting her dizziness yesterday.

"I've not fainted again if that's what you're concerned about," Lauren said. "But I do have a sore throat. I think I'm coming down with a cold or flu."

"Is that okay? Are you still taking those meds to keep your body healthy?" Ryan asked.

"Do you meant the anti-rejection meds?" Lauren asked. "That was to keep my body from rejecting Mac's morrow. It doesn't keep me from getting a cold."

"Too bad," Ryan said with a grin.

Lauren slammed her locker and glared at him. "I'm mad at you," she informed him.

"Yeah, I know. How long?" he asked.

"At least until the end of the day," she said with a sniff. Then she stalked off.

Ryan grinned after her. She could never stay mad at him.

At lunch, she was sitting with one of her friends when Ryan and Brad came and joined them.

"Where's your girlfriend?" Lauren asked Ryan.

"She got detention for being late again to math," Ryan said. "I ordered her something. I'll take it to her when it gets here."

Brad took his normal spot next to Ryan, which had him diagonal from Lauren. He decided the best way to put her at ease was to talk to her like he normally would.

Lauren relaxed slightly when Brad behaved normally. Ten minutes later, their food arrived. Once again, Ryan forgot to order drinks.

"You're fired," Brad said to him.

"I got all the food orders right. Who cares about the drinks? Go get us something from the vending machines," Ryan told him.

"Why don't you? You're the one who forgot to order them!" Brad said.

"'Cause I have to take my hungry girl her lunch!" Ryan said smugly. "She's on a water kick, so she won't want a soda."

"Fine," Brad grumbled.

Ryan grinned as he grabbed a bag and headed to the detention room.

"I'll come with you. My mouth has been cottony the past few days. I'm always thirsty," Lauren complained.

She decided that she'd be brave for once and tackle the unpleasant task of being honest with Brad. When they walked into the school, she stopped and faced him. No one was around. "I know Ryan told you that I like you," she said carefully. Her stomach had giant frogs in it, but she ignored them. She could do this.

Brad blinked, not expecting that. "Ah, yeah," he said, clearly uncomfortable. "I like you, you know? A lot. More than any other girl I know. You're, like, my favorite girl!"

Lauren smiled. That did mean a lot to her. "Thanks. I just don't want you to feel weird. I get it. I know who you are. Maybe someday you'll be ready to have a girlfriend. I can't promise to wait for you, though. I think I'm pretty great. Eventually, some guy will figure that out, too," she said smugly. "It'll be your loss!"

Brad grinned. "You're probably right!" He threw an arm around her shoulder like he normally did. "I'll be pining away for you while some other dude gets you!" He gave a dramatic sigh.

"It'll serve you right!" Lauren said with a pout.

Brad found her utterly adorable and for one moment he regretted his belief. He gazed at her while trying to shake the regret.

Lauren's heart sped up as Brad looked at her in a way that he never had before. Then he shook his head, a look of bemusement coming over him.

"Let's get you a drink," he said easily, guiding her toward the Coke machine.

For a second, Lauren felt disappointed. However, as Brad continued to smile and chat easily with her, she figured being his favorite girl was a good beginning.

******Chapter End******