Disclaimer: Don't own it, never did.
Learning to Run Again
Part 4: Escape
Aqua
"Miss Parker, I think you should come with me."
After the revelation from her father, Miss Parker had fled to the elevator outside of his office. Watching the glass button glow instantly after she pressed it, she turned to face the athletic sweeper, Wille.
"Well maybe you need to alter the way you think."
"I have strict orders, Miss Parker."
"From who?" she said in an innocent voice with her head slightly cocked to the left.
"Miss Parker please come with me immediatly." Wille insisted. The elevator doors parted with an echoing bing. Miss Parker stepped into the small room and turned to see Willie reaching for his gun, but she was quicker. Pulling her 9 mm out of its holster, she flicked the safety off and pulled the trigger all in one smooth motion. A shot echoed through the corridors as Wille collapsed to the floor clutching his right leg.
"I don't have time for this." Miss Parker proclaimed as the doors closed.
*****
Sydney sat in his office reading Broots' report on Jarod's latest clue. It looked like another dead end. Whether this was good or bad news, Sydney wasn't sure. He wanted Jarod to be free, but he was concerned about how long his prodigy would last out in the real world. Although it was dangerous out there, he knew The Centre was an even greater threat to the young Pretender. God only knew what would happen if Jarod was captured. At the mercy of Lyle, Cox, and Raines, Sydney wasn't sure if Jarod could bounce back like he always did. This time would be different. Security would be tighter, punishment would be increasingly severe, and he was certain that there would be plenty of evil experiments that would involve his incredible pupil. Sydney was shaken out of his thought process as his phone alerted him to an insistent caller.
"This is Sydney."
"Have you ever eaten a S'more Sydney?" responded the familiar voice of his escaped prodigy.
"Hello Jarod. And yes, I believe I have tried one on occasion. Why do you ask?"
"Well, a chatty teenager I recently helped named Jessica, showed me how to make one. They are quite intriquing," Sydney could hear chewing on the other side, "And symbolic, too."
"How are they symbolic, Jarod?"
"You have to work at the crunchy outside to get to the sweet inside just like life. Work hard to get that sweet reward."
"I never thought about it like that." 'Then again who does, but Jarod?' he added in his own mind.
"I hope we all get our payment eventually."
"As do I, Jarod."
Suddenly, Sydney heard a gunshot and a yelp of pain. It seemed to be coming from the elevator on the right.
"Sydney! What was that?!" Jarod demanded.
"I'm not sure Jarod. It sounded like a handgun. The only one I know who would carry one that small is- is Miss Parker!" Sydney said as he replayed his thoughts to Jarod.
"Go see what happened Sydney. I'll call you back soon."
"Alright Jar-" But the line was already dead. Sydney raced out of his office and ran down the corridor pretty fast for a man of his age. When he reached the elevator, he saw the doors closing and a flash of brunette hair. Miss Parker was just leaving. Hearing small groans of agony below him Sydney knelt down onto the cool marble floor next to the injured sweeper. "Willie, what happened?"
"Miss Parker refused to come with me and then she drew her weapon and shot me! I was only following orders."
"Hmmm. I'm sure you were," Sydney muttered. Pulling out his cell phone, he called the Renewal Wing and explained that there was an injured sweeper on SL 21. Sighing, he hoped Miss Parker knew what she was doing, whatever that was.
*****
Sinking into the corner of the tiny elevator, Miss Parker clutched the silver railings until her knuckles turned pale. Opening her eyes slightly she caught a glance of two bullet holes above her. Closing her eyes once again, she thought about her mother. She would have wanted her to leave this place years ago, but better late than never. Not quite sure of what to do, she searched the walls as if they held all of her answers and maybe a map to paradise. Almost to ground level, she took a deep breath, smoothed her slacks, tucked her hair back and straightened her back to one of control. The doors opened, revealing a group of about two dozen computer technicians and sweepers. Keeping a straight cold face, she swept past them all and slid through the double doors toward the rest of the world. The cool night air whipped at her face. She had never noticed the fact that their were no lights between the Centre and its parking garage. Wondering if this was a plus or not, Miss Parker stalked toward her dark vehicle. Grasping the handle, she let go of a silent breath she hadn't even realized she had been holding.
"Not so fast, Sis," an unemotional voice whispered. Shuddering slightly at the chill in his voice, Parker turned to face her twin.
"I'm not in the mood, Lyle."
"Neither am I. You know the rules, and you broke them."
"All I want to do is go home and relax for once, but your damn sweeper got in my way!" Miss Parker protested.
"Right. Miss Parker, the greatest workaholic ever known, wanted to call it quits early tonight. And she found this so vitally important, that she decided to put a bullet in one of my best sweepers. I'll believe that as soon as you believe Mom commited suicide." Parker's face hardened as she thrusted Lyle up against her car and jammed her gun below his chin.
"Don't you dare ever speak of my mother in front of me again."
"Our mother," he replied.
"You just had to get in the way, Lyle," she said shaking her head as she did so. Flipping her gun vertically she made sure that Lyle would not be following her. The bullet penitrated his knee cap, and he hollered in pain. While he was distracted, she pulled his gun out, collected the bullets, and threw the remains into the darkest corner she could make out. Opening her car door, she sank into her tan leather seat in a cloud of relief. Before starting the ignition, Parker closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Pulling out of the parking space, her conscience reminded her not to run over Lyle as she fled for her life.
*****
Flinging her oak door open to her suttle home, Miss Parker rushed to her bedroom to grab a few things before setting off to- well wherever she was going. Whisking the closet doors open, she grabbed a few of her scarcly seen comfortable outfits.
"Don't forget shoes. Those heels will never do if you're going to be on the run," a familiar voice reminded her.
"Jarod! What the hell are you doing here!?" she demanded as she turned toward his dark figure. She threw some of her things including the clothes, some necessites, a folder full of her collection of Centre lies, and her silver-framed photo of her mother and the young girl she used to be.
"Well I figured you would need help. I am the master of the running-for-your-life game," Jarod replied matter-of-factly.
"I don't need your help, Jarod. How did you even know?"
"I was on the phone with Sydney when we heard you fire. I figured out the rest on my own."
"You're so intelligent," she remarked, "But in case you havn't realized this little tid bit, sweepers are going to be pounding my front door down any minute! And unless you have a wish to return to The Centre as well, I'll need you to let me handle this, alone!"
"No can do, Parker," Jarod replied as his right eyebrow rose in amusement. Suddenly, screeching of tires broke the sarcastic remark he was about to deliver. "I think you do, and will, because our guests have arrived!" He hopped off the bed and grabbed Parker's suitcase. Sliding the window open he ushered Parker to go first, but stopped when he noticed how frightened she looked. "Don't worry," he grinned, "This is the fun part. Come on Parker."
"I don't know why you think this is the fun part," she said as she slithered out the window. She caught her bag as Jarod threw it down before hopping out himself.
"Because now, we can laugh at how predictable and entertaining Lyle's ignorant sweepers really are. Follow me," he said as they tramped into the woods.
"Where are we going?" Parker asked.
"Shhhh. Just a minute."
She watched him in awe. For the first time, she was seeing how it was that Jarod manipulated her on each attempt to capture him. The sickening part was that it seemed so simple and easy for him. She watched the churning of details mixing together in his mind until she knew he had reached his conclusion. This felt like cheating before the end of the puzzle, but she realized that she had switched sides on this little game. And that was a scary thought. After about ten minutes of walking in silence, Jarod started pressing the indiglow button on his gold watch. Unless he was trying to alert all of the animals to their presence, Parker had no idea what he was doing.
"Jarod-"
"Hush Parker. We're almost there."
After another five minutes, she saw something flash at the bottom of a thick tree trunk. It was the reflection of Jarod's watch off of a small piece of reflective tape.
"Alright, Parker. We turn left here."
Five minutes passed and Jarod stopped and abruptly turned around. Miss Parker was still looking back for stray sweepers, so she ran right into him. Staring up at him in shock, she took a step back and said, "Well Wonderboy, looks like you knew what you were doing after all. Now I know how you got by me for all those years, pretty clever."
"Well, I'll take that as a compliment coming from you, Miss Parker. Come on, let's get out of here," Jarod replied as he opened the driver's door.
"Hey! Who says you get to drive?"
"I do, considering that you don't know where we're going."
Parker reluctantly gave in and sat in the passenger seat after throwing her bag into the back. The engine started and she looked around them seeing nothing but darkness. There was no way that they could drive out of here without knocking a tree or two down. The car backed up deeper and deeper back into the woods.
"Come on, let me take the wheel, Jarod. We're not going to get anywhere like this."
"Patience never was one of your greatest virtues, Parker," he answered as they pulled onto the highway. She let an exhasparated sigh flow into the air.
"So where exactly are we going Columbus?" she said after a few moments driven in silence.
"I'm not sure."
"What?! You wouldn't let me drive because I didn't know where we were going, and now you're 'not sure' where we are going," she sighed again and then added in a perky voice, "This is going to be such fun." Jarod chuckled under his breath.
"Where do you want to go, Miss Parker?"
"A place with a bed, a hotel. Preferably one that has earned some stars, Jarod. We are not going to one of those ratty dumps that you've dragged me through over the years."
"They hold some very nice and interesting people you know. Don't judge a book by its cover, Parker. I didn't with you."
"I'm not here for a morality lecture. If I had wanted one of those I could have hung around at The Centre a little longer for one of Frued's little intellectual talks."
"Well here's a hotel, Parker. Acceptable?"
After a careful look over she said, "As long as there is no beach behind it. I'm not in the mood to watch and/or talk about a sea of waves either."
Jarod smiled, opened the door, and set off to rent a room. Parker was two steps behind carrying her bag as they walked throught the doors.
"Yes, I'd like to rent a room please," Jarod began.
The clerk put down his magazine and took his glasses off as he inspected the two guests. It was as though he thought he needed to make sure they were trustworty of renting one of his rooms. He replied in a raspy voice, "Mmmm, what did you say there, son. I was reading."
"Umm yes. We'd like a room for the night."
"Oh, well I only have one room left so thats a good thing. You must be married."
Both of them looked at each other. Their eyes were laughing hysterically.
"Not hardly," Jarod replied, "We're just friends."
"What did you say, son. I think you were mumbling."
"We're just friends, sir," Jarod said loudly and clearly. Parker had turned her back to them and appeared to be coughing, but Jarod knew she was only stifling her laughter.
"Oh well, here you go," he said as he handed him a key, "Its room eight. I think." He paused and looked over his records. "Yes, room eight. Enjoy your stay."
"Thank you."
The two walked out and Parker burst out laughing. Her eyes were full of tears by the time they got to room eight. Jarod tried to unlock the door, but failed miserably.
"Let me do it," Parker said as she took the card and flicked it in and out again until the light turned green. One eyebrow rose mockingly.
"Oh be quiet, Parker. I could have done it."
"A genius just hates to lose," she said as she threw her bag onto the bed.
"Hey who says you get the bed. I'm the one who is taking you in remember."
"Yes, but you are the one who got to drive," she winked, "I'm sure the couch is comfortable enough."
"Parker!" But she was already in the bathroom. He sat down on the couch slowly and then started to laugh. Once he had stopped, he popped a PEZ into his mouth and flicked the news on, still grinning.
Learning to Run Again
Part 5: Together
Aqua
A new Miss Parker stepped out of the hotel bathroom she had just occupied for the last 45 minutes. Her face was visible with no reminisce of make up to shield it. The white tank top matched her silk cranberry bottoms and the fluffy white towel clung to her dark hair protecting her from the droplets that promised to drip down her face. Flinging her old suit onto a nearby chair she began to talk over the news program that was playing in the background.
"Jarod, how long are we going to be staying here?" she said as she flipped the towel off of her hair and started the tedious task of combing through it. When there was no reply, she looked over to the couch and sighed as she stared at Jarod's sleeping form. His arms were crossed and his head leaned onto his right shoulder as he took deep steady breaths. "Well, that's just great," she said to herself, "At least he isn't on the bed." She pulled back the tacky covers on her full size bed, fluffed her pillow, and flicked off the TV before she stretched and sank into the springy bed. It wasn't quite what she preferred, but it would have to do. She closed her eyes and for the first time since her mother died, she felt safe as she drifted off to sleep.
*****
Sydney woke in the morning after a rest of two hours. He couldn't sleep at all when he didn't know where Miss Parker was or if she was even alive. Jarod had never called him back so he was completely in the dark on this one. His telephone suddenly sprang to life.
"Jarod?!"
"Uh uh no. Broots."
"Oh, forgive me Broots. I've been expecting a call from Jarod for some time now. Have you heard anything about Miss Parker?"
"No, that's why I called you. Lyle was found in the parking garage with a bullet in his kneecap and he insists that Miss Parker did it. Mr. Parker told me to continue with the search because she would be back soon. I'm not so sure, Syd."
"I agree. She was dead serious, and that's a dangerous mode for Miss Parker."
"I'll call you if I hear anything new."
"Thank you Broots."
Sighing, he went to the kitchen to try and prepare some breakfast.
*****
Jarod strained his eyes as he felt the sunshine warm his face. Sitting up, he stretched and scanned the room. His eyes landed on the bed on his left; it was vacant. Adrenaline surged through his veins as he quickly paced to the bathroom. It was empty as well. He suddenly felt a chill as wind graced the back of his neck.
"Well, you're finally up, Sleeping Beauty."
"Parker, don't you ever do that again! You scared me half to death. Where were you?"
"Didn't know you cared."
"Of course I care, that's why I'm helping you," he replied in confusion.
"I was just being sarcastic, Jarod. And I was getting some food. I got sick of waiting for you. It's 10:30 you know."
"Really? I guess I just needed to catch up on my sleep. I slept really well for once."
"Yea, me too. When was the last time you slept?"
"Ummm," he paused to think, "about five days ago, wait I took an hour nap two days ago. Does that count?"
"No. Now help me eat some of this food."
"Any Pop-tarts?" Jarod asked hopefully. Miss Parker rolled her eyes.
"FYI, this is real food, not the junk that you've lived on," she answered as she pulled out muffins, bagels, and coffee from the take-out bag.
"FYI?"
"For your information."
"Oh," he said as he inspected the muffins, "and these are?"
"Banana nut muffins. And those are blueberry," she said as she indulged in her first sip of coffee, the only reason she got up in the mornings. Jarod nibbled on one of the blueberry ones before taking an enormous bite. "Good grief, Jarod! You act like you've eaten nothing for days but PEZ!" His eyes shifted to a picture of an old ship above the bed. "Jarod, you need to take care of yourself you know."
"Just like you? I didn't know you cared," he mimicked her with a sly grin.
"Well, I'll see you in a few hours. Don't run off on me again, Frankenboy," Parker replied as if she'd heard nothing.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Shopping."
"What?!"
"Shopping, you know when people go to a store, publicly run by about a dozen mindless monkeys who couldn't find you the correct size if their life depended on it, and purchase various items including articles of clothing and makeup-" she was cut off by Jarod as he interrupted her babbling.
"Yea, I know what shopping is, Parker. What I don't know is why you need to go."
"I didn't have time to grab everything I needed when the welcome wagon decided to crash our little party. I'll need some cash," she said, holding out her hand for collection. Jarod sighed and handed her what looked like a credit card from the inside of his brown leather wallet.
"Don't go crazy," Jarod informed her.
"Now why would I do that with your money?"
"Not my money. Its simply courtesy of The Centre. They owe us anyway," he replied with a cocky smile.
"Even better. See ya."
"Oh and by the way, Parker. You can refrain from buying the make up," he added with a grin, "you look much better without it." She rolled her eyes, so he guessed that that was out of the question. It was worth a shot. Watching her disappear through the door, he sat down on the ruffled bed and pulled out his cell phone. Pressing speed dial number two, he held the phone to his ear and waited patiently.
"This is Sydney."
"At the Centre already, Sydney?"
"Jarod! I've been waiting for you to call. Where is Miss Parker? Is she all right?"
"She's her usual Miss Parker self. What else could you expect?"
"You called her?"
"FYI, she is with me," Jarod replied matter-of-factly, "well, technically, she is not with me. She left to go buy some clothes and whatever else she buys."
"With you?!" Sydney started laughing, "I can only imagine what must be happening. How are you handling her?"
"Fine. She's not as tough and evil as people make her out to be. If you just a look a little deeper, she's simply another victim of The Centre."
"Does she plan to return?"
"I don't think so. I hope not. That place is destroying her, Sydney. I can protect her when she's here."
"She doesn't like to be protected, Jarod. You know that."
"Sometimes people have to do things they don't want to."
"I suppose so, Jarod. Good luck."
"Thanks, I just hope hope this will last, for both our sakes."
Back at Blue Cove, Sydney silently agreed as the tone hummed in his ears. Miss Parker and Jarod working together? The hope of this new prosperity was enough to keep Sydney and Broots working in hopes that someday soon, the saga that they had all created long ago when Jarod and Miss Parker were born and when he had began working here. If anyone could put an end to The Centre, it was Jarod and Miss Parker. Together.
Learning to Run Again
Part 6: Danger
Aqua
Jarod stepped out of the humid bathroom to the words of his laptop. "You've got mail." Curious, Jarod raked a hand through his damp hair and ambled over to his computer. Clicking the flashing mailbox, he wondered who could have sent him a message as the hourglass refilled itself again and again. When the message finally made its appearance, he leaned forward and read:
Friend must help Daughter. Danger.
Son and Daddy angry. Want to hurt daughter.
Hurry.
CJ
There was no mistaking who had sent this cryptic message, but what it meant, Jarod wasn't sure. Daughter was obviously Parker as he was Friend. Apparantly Miss Parker was in danger and he needed to help her. She hadn't said where she was going, but he had to try. He gathered their stuff and returned the key to their room. Hopping into the midnight blue car they had made their escape in only a night ago, he reached for his phone.
"This is Sydney," answered the accented voice.
"Sydney-"
"Why Jarod, twice in one day. I'm shocked."
"I have good reason. I recieved a warning from Angelo that said Miss Parker was in grave danger. I have to find out what is going on. Get Broots to check the mainframe for any plans they might have on what they're going to try to do to Parker."
"I'll see what I can find out. Make sure you find her in time, Jarod."
"I will find her," he said firmly before hanging up.
When Jarod finally saw signs of human life, he stopped at the nearest, most expensive, store that he could find. Bursting through the doors like a convict on the run, he went to the nearest cashier he could find. The teenager was wearing a baseball cap backwards hiding his fake blonde highlights. The nametag he wore said Nick on it in large capital letters.
"Excuse me, sir, have you seen a tall brunette lately? Very ummm- demanding woman."
"Umm... yea," he responded, "She was here."
"Well, is she still here?" Jarod asked exasparated, "It's very important that I find her. It could be a matter of life or death."
"Really? Cool." Jarod stared in shock as the boy continued, "What are you a cop or something?"
"That's not important. Please, I don't have much time."
"I remember her coming in and I couldn't find her the right size that she wanted. She started yelling, but I forget what she was sayin'. She was hot," he droned on.
"Do you remember her leaving?"
"No."
"Thanks, I think" Jarod replied as he started into the store. Heading to the vast supply of women's clothing, he stopped short when he saw a brunette over some racks, but it wasn't Parker. He started to become desperate as he reached the end of the women's department. An idea suddenly popped into his head though. Turning around, he waltzed to the changing rooms and stopped right outside the entry. Listening for voices, he made sure no one was watching him as he slipped in. All of the rooms were vacant. Frustrated, Jarod made his way to the back of the store. The red exit sign flashed invitingly. Figuring he had nothing better to try, he made his way out the door.
"No, Jarod!"
He heard the voice of Parker, and tried to find its source but couldn't. Where was she?
"Run, Jarod!"
"Where are you, Parker?!" He had to find a way to get to her, wherever she was.
A batch of sweepers suddenly appeared around him headed by Raines and Lyle. But it was Cox's voice that Jarod heard.
"I knew you would come for Parker. You're too predictable when someone is in need," Cox said from the roof where another three sweepers were guarding Miss Parker. Jarod's face was cluttered with a cloud of disbelief and fear. It was a trap. The whole thing had been a trap and Parker was the bait for him. The Centre finally knew how to catch him. Parker.
"Welcome back home, Jarod," Raines greeted the Pretender with an evil grin.
"I'm not going anywhere with you," Jarod informed him.
"Oh, but how wrong you are," Lyle replied, "We have many brand new uses for you."
"Cooked up some new ways to exploit me, Lyle?"
"As a matter-of-fact, yes we have. I wouldn't call it exploiting persay."
"What would you call it? Imprisonment, experimentation?"
"We have a right to do whatever we want to do to our property," Raines filled in.
"No," Jarod muttered as he instinctivly backed away from his enemies, but only to back in to Sam and another extremly tall sweeper with red hair. Jarod was grabbed by his elbows and shoulders as he made an attempt to break free of his capturers.
"Jarod! Don't just stand there like you've got gas! Get the hell out of there!" Parker ordered.
"Shutup!" Said the sweeper on her right before forcing a heavy blow to her stomach. She sank to the ground moaning. Jarod instantly stopped his movements.
"Parker," he whispered under his breath as he stared up at the chaos on the roof. Realization finally kicked in as he realized that this was it. He was going back to The Centre. Closing his eyes, he dropped to his knees as a blow identical to Miss Parker's impacted. The sweepers dragged his limp body to where Raines and Lyle stood smiling. Jarod looked up into their cold eyes and shook his head, "You can't do this."
"Too late, Jarod. Your little game is over."
Dropping his head in misery, Jarod looked down at his feet. He had let Parker down. He had let himself down. This was his fault that Parker was going to have to go back to The Centre. The sweepers dragged him to the black town car. Though he could have carried himself there physically, he could never have forced himself to go internally. He was shoved into the car after Lyle stepped in majestically and he felt them wrestle Parker into the seat next to him a moment later. Raines, Cox, and Sam parked themselves across from the trio. Jarod and Parker exchanged solemn looks before they watched freedom fade away in the distance.
AN: Much more already written! Feedback/RR please! Aquagirl157@cs.com
Learning to Run Again
Part 4: Escape
Aqua
"Miss Parker, I think you should come with me."
After the revelation from her father, Miss Parker had fled to the elevator outside of his office. Watching the glass button glow instantly after she pressed it, she turned to face the athletic sweeper, Wille.
"Well maybe you need to alter the way you think."
"I have strict orders, Miss Parker."
"From who?" she said in an innocent voice with her head slightly cocked to the left.
"Miss Parker please come with me immediatly." Wille insisted. The elevator doors parted with an echoing bing. Miss Parker stepped into the small room and turned to see Willie reaching for his gun, but she was quicker. Pulling her 9 mm out of its holster, she flicked the safety off and pulled the trigger all in one smooth motion. A shot echoed through the corridors as Wille collapsed to the floor clutching his right leg.
"I don't have time for this." Miss Parker proclaimed as the doors closed.
*****
Sydney sat in his office reading Broots' report on Jarod's latest clue. It looked like another dead end. Whether this was good or bad news, Sydney wasn't sure. He wanted Jarod to be free, but he was concerned about how long his prodigy would last out in the real world. Although it was dangerous out there, he knew The Centre was an even greater threat to the young Pretender. God only knew what would happen if Jarod was captured. At the mercy of Lyle, Cox, and Raines, Sydney wasn't sure if Jarod could bounce back like he always did. This time would be different. Security would be tighter, punishment would be increasingly severe, and he was certain that there would be plenty of evil experiments that would involve his incredible pupil. Sydney was shaken out of his thought process as his phone alerted him to an insistent caller.
"This is Sydney."
"Have you ever eaten a S'more Sydney?" responded the familiar voice of his escaped prodigy.
"Hello Jarod. And yes, I believe I have tried one on occasion. Why do you ask?"
"Well, a chatty teenager I recently helped named Jessica, showed me how to make one. They are quite intriquing," Sydney could hear chewing on the other side, "And symbolic, too."
"How are they symbolic, Jarod?"
"You have to work at the crunchy outside to get to the sweet inside just like life. Work hard to get that sweet reward."
"I never thought about it like that." 'Then again who does, but Jarod?' he added in his own mind.
"I hope we all get our payment eventually."
"As do I, Jarod."
Suddenly, Sydney heard a gunshot and a yelp of pain. It seemed to be coming from the elevator on the right.
"Sydney! What was that?!" Jarod demanded.
"I'm not sure Jarod. It sounded like a handgun. The only one I know who would carry one that small is- is Miss Parker!" Sydney said as he replayed his thoughts to Jarod.
"Go see what happened Sydney. I'll call you back soon."
"Alright Jar-" But the line was already dead. Sydney raced out of his office and ran down the corridor pretty fast for a man of his age. When he reached the elevator, he saw the doors closing and a flash of brunette hair. Miss Parker was just leaving. Hearing small groans of agony below him Sydney knelt down onto the cool marble floor next to the injured sweeper. "Willie, what happened?"
"Miss Parker refused to come with me and then she drew her weapon and shot me! I was only following orders."
"Hmmm. I'm sure you were," Sydney muttered. Pulling out his cell phone, he called the Renewal Wing and explained that there was an injured sweeper on SL 21. Sighing, he hoped Miss Parker knew what she was doing, whatever that was.
*****
Sinking into the corner of the tiny elevator, Miss Parker clutched the silver railings until her knuckles turned pale. Opening her eyes slightly she caught a glance of two bullet holes above her. Closing her eyes once again, she thought about her mother. She would have wanted her to leave this place years ago, but better late than never. Not quite sure of what to do, she searched the walls as if they held all of her answers and maybe a map to paradise. Almost to ground level, she took a deep breath, smoothed her slacks, tucked her hair back and straightened her back to one of control. The doors opened, revealing a group of about two dozen computer technicians and sweepers. Keeping a straight cold face, she swept past them all and slid through the double doors toward the rest of the world. The cool night air whipped at her face. She had never noticed the fact that their were no lights between the Centre and its parking garage. Wondering if this was a plus or not, Miss Parker stalked toward her dark vehicle. Grasping the handle, she let go of a silent breath she hadn't even realized she had been holding.
"Not so fast, Sis," an unemotional voice whispered. Shuddering slightly at the chill in his voice, Parker turned to face her twin.
"I'm not in the mood, Lyle."
"Neither am I. You know the rules, and you broke them."
"All I want to do is go home and relax for once, but your damn sweeper got in my way!" Miss Parker protested.
"Right. Miss Parker, the greatest workaholic ever known, wanted to call it quits early tonight. And she found this so vitally important, that she decided to put a bullet in one of my best sweepers. I'll believe that as soon as you believe Mom commited suicide." Parker's face hardened as she thrusted Lyle up against her car and jammed her gun below his chin.
"Don't you dare ever speak of my mother in front of me again."
"Our mother," he replied.
"You just had to get in the way, Lyle," she said shaking her head as she did so. Flipping her gun vertically she made sure that Lyle would not be following her. The bullet penitrated his knee cap, and he hollered in pain. While he was distracted, she pulled his gun out, collected the bullets, and threw the remains into the darkest corner she could make out. Opening her car door, she sank into her tan leather seat in a cloud of relief. Before starting the ignition, Parker closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Pulling out of the parking space, her conscience reminded her not to run over Lyle as she fled for her life.
*****
Flinging her oak door open to her suttle home, Miss Parker rushed to her bedroom to grab a few things before setting off to- well wherever she was going. Whisking the closet doors open, she grabbed a few of her scarcly seen comfortable outfits.
"Don't forget shoes. Those heels will never do if you're going to be on the run," a familiar voice reminded her.
"Jarod! What the hell are you doing here!?" she demanded as she turned toward his dark figure. She threw some of her things including the clothes, some necessites, a folder full of her collection of Centre lies, and her silver-framed photo of her mother and the young girl she used to be.
"Well I figured you would need help. I am the master of the running-for-your-life game," Jarod replied matter-of-factly.
"I don't need your help, Jarod. How did you even know?"
"I was on the phone with Sydney when we heard you fire. I figured out the rest on my own."
"You're so intelligent," she remarked, "But in case you havn't realized this little tid bit, sweepers are going to be pounding my front door down any minute! And unless you have a wish to return to The Centre as well, I'll need you to let me handle this, alone!"
"No can do, Parker," Jarod replied as his right eyebrow rose in amusement. Suddenly, screeching of tires broke the sarcastic remark he was about to deliver. "I think you do, and will, because our guests have arrived!" He hopped off the bed and grabbed Parker's suitcase. Sliding the window open he ushered Parker to go first, but stopped when he noticed how frightened she looked. "Don't worry," he grinned, "This is the fun part. Come on Parker."
"I don't know why you think this is the fun part," she said as she slithered out the window. She caught her bag as Jarod threw it down before hopping out himself.
"Because now, we can laugh at how predictable and entertaining Lyle's ignorant sweepers really are. Follow me," he said as they tramped into the woods.
"Where are we going?" Parker asked.
"Shhhh. Just a minute."
She watched him in awe. For the first time, she was seeing how it was that Jarod manipulated her on each attempt to capture him. The sickening part was that it seemed so simple and easy for him. She watched the churning of details mixing together in his mind until she knew he had reached his conclusion. This felt like cheating before the end of the puzzle, but she realized that she had switched sides on this little game. And that was a scary thought. After about ten minutes of walking in silence, Jarod started pressing the indiglow button on his gold watch. Unless he was trying to alert all of the animals to their presence, Parker had no idea what he was doing.
"Jarod-"
"Hush Parker. We're almost there."
After another five minutes, she saw something flash at the bottom of a thick tree trunk. It was the reflection of Jarod's watch off of a small piece of reflective tape.
"Alright, Parker. We turn left here."
Five minutes passed and Jarod stopped and abruptly turned around. Miss Parker was still looking back for stray sweepers, so she ran right into him. Staring up at him in shock, she took a step back and said, "Well Wonderboy, looks like you knew what you were doing after all. Now I know how you got by me for all those years, pretty clever."
"Well, I'll take that as a compliment coming from you, Miss Parker. Come on, let's get out of here," Jarod replied as he opened the driver's door.
"Hey! Who says you get to drive?"
"I do, considering that you don't know where we're going."
Parker reluctantly gave in and sat in the passenger seat after throwing her bag into the back. The engine started and she looked around them seeing nothing but darkness. There was no way that they could drive out of here without knocking a tree or two down. The car backed up deeper and deeper back into the woods.
"Come on, let me take the wheel, Jarod. We're not going to get anywhere like this."
"Patience never was one of your greatest virtues, Parker," he answered as they pulled onto the highway. She let an exhasparated sigh flow into the air.
"So where exactly are we going Columbus?" she said after a few moments driven in silence.
"I'm not sure."
"What?! You wouldn't let me drive because I didn't know where we were going, and now you're 'not sure' where we are going," she sighed again and then added in a perky voice, "This is going to be such fun." Jarod chuckled under his breath.
"Where do you want to go, Miss Parker?"
"A place with a bed, a hotel. Preferably one that has earned some stars, Jarod. We are not going to one of those ratty dumps that you've dragged me through over the years."
"They hold some very nice and interesting people you know. Don't judge a book by its cover, Parker. I didn't with you."
"I'm not here for a morality lecture. If I had wanted one of those I could have hung around at The Centre a little longer for one of Frued's little intellectual talks."
"Well here's a hotel, Parker. Acceptable?"
After a careful look over she said, "As long as there is no beach behind it. I'm not in the mood to watch and/or talk about a sea of waves either."
Jarod smiled, opened the door, and set off to rent a room. Parker was two steps behind carrying her bag as they walked throught the doors.
"Yes, I'd like to rent a room please," Jarod began.
The clerk put down his magazine and took his glasses off as he inspected the two guests. It was as though he thought he needed to make sure they were trustworty of renting one of his rooms. He replied in a raspy voice, "Mmmm, what did you say there, son. I was reading."
"Umm yes. We'd like a room for the night."
"Oh, well I only have one room left so thats a good thing. You must be married."
Both of them looked at each other. Their eyes were laughing hysterically.
"Not hardly," Jarod replied, "We're just friends."
"What did you say, son. I think you were mumbling."
"We're just friends, sir," Jarod said loudly and clearly. Parker had turned her back to them and appeared to be coughing, but Jarod knew she was only stifling her laughter.
"Oh well, here you go," he said as he handed him a key, "Its room eight. I think." He paused and looked over his records. "Yes, room eight. Enjoy your stay."
"Thank you."
The two walked out and Parker burst out laughing. Her eyes were full of tears by the time they got to room eight. Jarod tried to unlock the door, but failed miserably.
"Let me do it," Parker said as she took the card and flicked it in and out again until the light turned green. One eyebrow rose mockingly.
"Oh be quiet, Parker. I could have done it."
"A genius just hates to lose," she said as she threw her bag onto the bed.
"Hey who says you get the bed. I'm the one who is taking you in remember."
"Yes, but you are the one who got to drive," she winked, "I'm sure the couch is comfortable enough."
"Parker!" But she was already in the bathroom. He sat down on the couch slowly and then started to laugh. Once he had stopped, he popped a PEZ into his mouth and flicked the news on, still grinning.
Learning to Run Again
Part 5: Together
Aqua
A new Miss Parker stepped out of the hotel bathroom she had just occupied for the last 45 minutes. Her face was visible with no reminisce of make up to shield it. The white tank top matched her silk cranberry bottoms and the fluffy white towel clung to her dark hair protecting her from the droplets that promised to drip down her face. Flinging her old suit onto a nearby chair she began to talk over the news program that was playing in the background.
"Jarod, how long are we going to be staying here?" she said as she flipped the towel off of her hair and started the tedious task of combing through it. When there was no reply, she looked over to the couch and sighed as she stared at Jarod's sleeping form. His arms were crossed and his head leaned onto his right shoulder as he took deep steady breaths. "Well, that's just great," she said to herself, "At least he isn't on the bed." She pulled back the tacky covers on her full size bed, fluffed her pillow, and flicked off the TV before she stretched and sank into the springy bed. It wasn't quite what she preferred, but it would have to do. She closed her eyes and for the first time since her mother died, she felt safe as she drifted off to sleep.
*****
Sydney woke in the morning after a rest of two hours. He couldn't sleep at all when he didn't know where Miss Parker was or if she was even alive. Jarod had never called him back so he was completely in the dark on this one. His telephone suddenly sprang to life.
"Jarod?!"
"Uh uh no. Broots."
"Oh, forgive me Broots. I've been expecting a call from Jarod for some time now. Have you heard anything about Miss Parker?"
"No, that's why I called you. Lyle was found in the parking garage with a bullet in his kneecap and he insists that Miss Parker did it. Mr. Parker told me to continue with the search because she would be back soon. I'm not so sure, Syd."
"I agree. She was dead serious, and that's a dangerous mode for Miss Parker."
"I'll call you if I hear anything new."
"Thank you Broots."
Sighing, he went to the kitchen to try and prepare some breakfast.
*****
Jarod strained his eyes as he felt the sunshine warm his face. Sitting up, he stretched and scanned the room. His eyes landed on the bed on his left; it was vacant. Adrenaline surged through his veins as he quickly paced to the bathroom. It was empty as well. He suddenly felt a chill as wind graced the back of his neck.
"Well, you're finally up, Sleeping Beauty."
"Parker, don't you ever do that again! You scared me half to death. Where were you?"
"Didn't know you cared."
"Of course I care, that's why I'm helping you," he replied in confusion.
"I was just being sarcastic, Jarod. And I was getting some food. I got sick of waiting for you. It's 10:30 you know."
"Really? I guess I just needed to catch up on my sleep. I slept really well for once."
"Yea, me too. When was the last time you slept?"
"Ummm," he paused to think, "about five days ago, wait I took an hour nap two days ago. Does that count?"
"No. Now help me eat some of this food."
"Any Pop-tarts?" Jarod asked hopefully. Miss Parker rolled her eyes.
"FYI, this is real food, not the junk that you've lived on," she answered as she pulled out muffins, bagels, and coffee from the take-out bag.
"FYI?"
"For your information."
"Oh," he said as he inspected the muffins, "and these are?"
"Banana nut muffins. And those are blueberry," she said as she indulged in her first sip of coffee, the only reason she got up in the mornings. Jarod nibbled on one of the blueberry ones before taking an enormous bite. "Good grief, Jarod! You act like you've eaten nothing for days but PEZ!" His eyes shifted to a picture of an old ship above the bed. "Jarod, you need to take care of yourself you know."
"Just like you? I didn't know you cared," he mimicked her with a sly grin.
"Well, I'll see you in a few hours. Don't run off on me again, Frankenboy," Parker replied as if she'd heard nothing.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Shopping."
"What?!"
"Shopping, you know when people go to a store, publicly run by about a dozen mindless monkeys who couldn't find you the correct size if their life depended on it, and purchase various items including articles of clothing and makeup-" she was cut off by Jarod as he interrupted her babbling.
"Yea, I know what shopping is, Parker. What I don't know is why you need to go."
"I didn't have time to grab everything I needed when the welcome wagon decided to crash our little party. I'll need some cash," she said, holding out her hand for collection. Jarod sighed and handed her what looked like a credit card from the inside of his brown leather wallet.
"Don't go crazy," Jarod informed her.
"Now why would I do that with your money?"
"Not my money. Its simply courtesy of The Centre. They owe us anyway," he replied with a cocky smile.
"Even better. See ya."
"Oh and by the way, Parker. You can refrain from buying the make up," he added with a grin, "you look much better without it." She rolled her eyes, so he guessed that that was out of the question. It was worth a shot. Watching her disappear through the door, he sat down on the ruffled bed and pulled out his cell phone. Pressing speed dial number two, he held the phone to his ear and waited patiently.
"This is Sydney."
"At the Centre already, Sydney?"
"Jarod! I've been waiting for you to call. Where is Miss Parker? Is she all right?"
"She's her usual Miss Parker self. What else could you expect?"
"You called her?"
"FYI, she is with me," Jarod replied matter-of-factly, "well, technically, she is not with me. She left to go buy some clothes and whatever else she buys."
"With you?!" Sydney started laughing, "I can only imagine what must be happening. How are you handling her?"
"Fine. She's not as tough and evil as people make her out to be. If you just a look a little deeper, she's simply another victim of The Centre."
"Does she plan to return?"
"I don't think so. I hope not. That place is destroying her, Sydney. I can protect her when she's here."
"She doesn't like to be protected, Jarod. You know that."
"Sometimes people have to do things they don't want to."
"I suppose so, Jarod. Good luck."
"Thanks, I just hope hope this will last, for both our sakes."
Back at Blue Cove, Sydney silently agreed as the tone hummed in his ears. Miss Parker and Jarod working together? The hope of this new prosperity was enough to keep Sydney and Broots working in hopes that someday soon, the saga that they had all created long ago when Jarod and Miss Parker were born and when he had began working here. If anyone could put an end to The Centre, it was Jarod and Miss Parker. Together.
Learning to Run Again
Part 6: Danger
Aqua
Jarod stepped out of the humid bathroom to the words of his laptop. "You've got mail." Curious, Jarod raked a hand through his damp hair and ambled over to his computer. Clicking the flashing mailbox, he wondered who could have sent him a message as the hourglass refilled itself again and again. When the message finally made its appearance, he leaned forward and read:
Friend must help Daughter. Danger.
Son and Daddy angry. Want to hurt daughter.
Hurry.
CJ
There was no mistaking who had sent this cryptic message, but what it meant, Jarod wasn't sure. Daughter was obviously Parker as he was Friend. Apparantly Miss Parker was in danger and he needed to help her. She hadn't said where she was going, but he had to try. He gathered their stuff and returned the key to their room. Hopping into the midnight blue car they had made their escape in only a night ago, he reached for his phone.
"This is Sydney," answered the accented voice.
"Sydney-"
"Why Jarod, twice in one day. I'm shocked."
"I have good reason. I recieved a warning from Angelo that said Miss Parker was in grave danger. I have to find out what is going on. Get Broots to check the mainframe for any plans they might have on what they're going to try to do to Parker."
"I'll see what I can find out. Make sure you find her in time, Jarod."
"I will find her," he said firmly before hanging up.
When Jarod finally saw signs of human life, he stopped at the nearest, most expensive, store that he could find. Bursting through the doors like a convict on the run, he went to the nearest cashier he could find. The teenager was wearing a baseball cap backwards hiding his fake blonde highlights. The nametag he wore said Nick on it in large capital letters.
"Excuse me, sir, have you seen a tall brunette lately? Very ummm- demanding woman."
"Umm... yea," he responded, "She was here."
"Well, is she still here?" Jarod asked exasparated, "It's very important that I find her. It could be a matter of life or death."
"Really? Cool." Jarod stared in shock as the boy continued, "What are you a cop or something?"
"That's not important. Please, I don't have much time."
"I remember her coming in and I couldn't find her the right size that she wanted. She started yelling, but I forget what she was sayin'. She was hot," he droned on.
"Do you remember her leaving?"
"No."
"Thanks, I think" Jarod replied as he started into the store. Heading to the vast supply of women's clothing, he stopped short when he saw a brunette over some racks, but it wasn't Parker. He started to become desperate as he reached the end of the women's department. An idea suddenly popped into his head though. Turning around, he waltzed to the changing rooms and stopped right outside the entry. Listening for voices, he made sure no one was watching him as he slipped in. All of the rooms were vacant. Frustrated, Jarod made his way to the back of the store. The red exit sign flashed invitingly. Figuring he had nothing better to try, he made his way out the door.
"No, Jarod!"
He heard the voice of Parker, and tried to find its source but couldn't. Where was she?
"Run, Jarod!"
"Where are you, Parker?!" He had to find a way to get to her, wherever she was.
A batch of sweepers suddenly appeared around him headed by Raines and Lyle. But it was Cox's voice that Jarod heard.
"I knew you would come for Parker. You're too predictable when someone is in need," Cox said from the roof where another three sweepers were guarding Miss Parker. Jarod's face was cluttered with a cloud of disbelief and fear. It was a trap. The whole thing had been a trap and Parker was the bait for him. The Centre finally knew how to catch him. Parker.
"Welcome back home, Jarod," Raines greeted the Pretender with an evil grin.
"I'm not going anywhere with you," Jarod informed him.
"Oh, but how wrong you are," Lyle replied, "We have many brand new uses for you."
"Cooked up some new ways to exploit me, Lyle?"
"As a matter-of-fact, yes we have. I wouldn't call it exploiting persay."
"What would you call it? Imprisonment, experimentation?"
"We have a right to do whatever we want to do to our property," Raines filled in.
"No," Jarod muttered as he instinctivly backed away from his enemies, but only to back in to Sam and another extremly tall sweeper with red hair. Jarod was grabbed by his elbows and shoulders as he made an attempt to break free of his capturers.
"Jarod! Don't just stand there like you've got gas! Get the hell out of there!" Parker ordered.
"Shutup!" Said the sweeper on her right before forcing a heavy blow to her stomach. She sank to the ground moaning. Jarod instantly stopped his movements.
"Parker," he whispered under his breath as he stared up at the chaos on the roof. Realization finally kicked in as he realized that this was it. He was going back to The Centre. Closing his eyes, he dropped to his knees as a blow identical to Miss Parker's impacted. The sweepers dragged his limp body to where Raines and Lyle stood smiling. Jarod looked up into their cold eyes and shook his head, "You can't do this."
"Too late, Jarod. Your little game is over."
Dropping his head in misery, Jarod looked down at his feet. He had let Parker down. He had let himself down. This was his fault that Parker was going to have to go back to The Centre. The sweepers dragged him to the black town car. Though he could have carried himself there physically, he could never have forced himself to go internally. He was shoved into the car after Lyle stepped in majestically and he felt them wrestle Parker into the seat next to him a moment later. Raines, Cox, and Sam parked themselves across from the trio. Jarod and Parker exchanged solemn looks before they watched freedom fade away in the distance.
AN: Much more already written! Feedback/RR please! Aquagirl157@cs.com