Disclaimer: PRETENDER = NOT AQUA'S ... say it again ... PRETENDER = NOT AQUA'S.
AN: Hey! I finally figured out why I'm getting no feedback! So, now you can actually review without it being signed. Sorry everyone!
Learning to Run Again
Part 13: Change of View
Aqua
Jarod sat silently in the chair across from Sydney's still form contemplating the recent events that had lead him here. Suddenly remembering Molly, he reached for the never absent laptop lying next to the bed. Once The Centre Mainframe had been tapped into, Jarod began to swim through the records until he finally found one that could lead somewhere. Code named Crystal, the file slowly leaked out of The Centre's careful lock and into Jarod's vision.
*****
"Lyle!" An urgent female voice greeted through the hazy static of the cell phone.
"What," was his blunt reply.
"Hmm, taking tips from your sister?" Brigette replied, "I hope that doesn't mean that you're bound to run off with one of our little projects."
"Would you get to the point?" Lyle requested of his stepmother.
"Someone is downloading a file to an outside source from The Centre Mainframe. Its code named Crystal. I'm certain it has to be Jarod."
"Its always Jarod!" Lyle barked into the receiver from his temporary bed.
"Well, why does he want this one?" she allowed the words to slip out sarcastically with a bitter smile and a sweet voice.
"How should I know? I'm the one lying in a recovery ward! I think you should get out into the real world and do something useful for once," he sneered.
"You can't speak to your stepmommy like that. And besides, I'm not the smart one who got himself shot by his own sister and missed when he returned fire."
"Its not my fault that Sydney got in the way," he moaned as a jolt of pain surged through his body.
"I'll find out about Crystal. You hurry up and get well, quickly," she demanded.
"Easier said than done. I was shot in the chest and my arm. The bullet almost punctured a lung, so you're lucky I'm alive."
"Oh how blessed I am."
The phone went dead and Lyle allowed his head to sink into the release of his pillow. It was always Jarod and Parker's fault. Always.
*****
"What exactly happened to that man? Who is he anyway?" Molly asked the balding man.
Broots sat down on the cranberry scarlet couch beside the inquiring blonde, "His name is Sydney. He basically raised Jarod and Miss Parker himself. Jarod told me that the bullet hit one of his kidney's. With enough rest, the other kidney will take over and he should get better- well, uh, if he comes out of his coma."
"Refuge," Molly muttered, "He was their refuge, their safety."
"Yeah," Broots replied absentmindedly, "have you seen Debbie?"
"Who?"
"Oh, sorry. Uh, my daughter, Debbie, is here, too."
"Oh, I see."
"But I see her even clearer, Broots."
Broots jumped up and turned to see Miss Parker climbing silently down the oak steps, "M-Miss Parker."
"She's upstairs in the first bedroom, Broots."
"Th-thanks, Miss Parker," Broots returned before disappearing upstairs in search of his daughter.
Miss Parker sat down slowly, cautiously, in the seat that Broots had previously occupied. She sighed before looking into Molly's penetrating blue eyes, "I'm sorry for what you've had to put up with recently. Its just that Sydney- mmph," she stopped herself and then began again, "Sydney is very important to my life and Jarod's. Uh-"
Molly interfered, sensing her discomfort, "It's all right to be emotional Miss Parker. And as for the lack of attention I've received, I am perfectly all right and used to that. I know how much you care about Sydney. He deserves as much attention as you can give him."
"Thanks. I really-"
"Parker, I need you," Jarod burst into the room.
"Can't this wait?" Parker growled.
"Not unless you think The Centre will."
She stared at him for a second then turned back to Molly as Jarod lead her away, "Molly, I'm really sorry. I'll come back to see you again."
"I'm not going anywhere," Molly replied in understanding.
Miss Parker, half way out the room, halted in her movements. A memory flashed back through her mind to years ago when she had been led out of a room by Jarod when The Centre was coming for them. She had told her sister, Faith, that she would be back. Now, the same words were coming out of her mouth, for she had met someone who could easily become a friend of hers. She smiled one of those rare smiles of hers before continuing down the hall to Sydney's room where Jarod was busy digging through is bag.
"What?"
"Still with your Centre lingo, Miss Parker?"
"Only when I want something," she returned calmly before sitting down in the chair and grasping Sydney's warm hand.
"What is it you want then?" Jarod asked as he stood up to reveal many tools tumbling out of his hands onto the table next to Miss Parker.
"Answers. What do you want, Jarod?"
"I'll give you a hint; it starts with a 'T,'" he revealed, grinning knowingly.
"Jarod! Even when we aren't enemies you have to fill my head with mind games! Just tell me," she replied, completely exasperated with his immaturity.
"If we aren't enemies, what are we, Parker?"
"Tell me," she snarled. Jarod grinned. Every time she did this, she reminded him of a crouching panther, or maybe even a hawk.
"Okay, it ends with an 'r-a-c-k-i-n-g d-e-v-i-c-e,'"
"Oh, Jesus, Jarod. Can they find us?"
"Yes," he replied in complete seriousness, "and they will if I don't get them out."
"Okay," Miss Parker agreed, pulling her sleeve up so that the area was clear for Jarod to operate, "then get it out, Wonder Boy." Feeling the cool sensation of alcohol on skin, she shivered as Jarod expertly began the procedure.
"This will help with the pain," he said while injecting something into her slowly and gently, "there's something I need to tell you, Parker."
She waited for him to continue, uncharacteristically patient and apprehensive.
"I was hunting through The Centre's archives and I found some relevant information that you definitely need to see," He took a breath, never stopping throughout the medical procedure, "There was a project, Crystal. It- it pertains to Molly. There's really no easy way to explain this to you."
"You mean you haven't gotten used to delivering me bad news yet, Jarod?" Parker said in mock surprise, a grin smeared across her face. Jarod remained silent. "What is it?"
Jarod took a breath deep from within his soul. Rounding up all of his courage, his fingers halted their graceful movements and his eyes met hers.
"Faith. Do you remember Faith?" he asked her.
"Of course I remember her," she replied calmly.
"Your father told you that she was your sister, and you had no idea."
"What are you getting at, Jarod?" she inquired slowly.
"I think you know, Parker."
"Molly? Molly can't- she can't be my..."
"She is, Parker," he carefully grasped her hands. Her eyes were wide images of a calm and stunned ocean, deep sapphire jewels. "Molly is your sister."
*****
The third step up creaked under Broots' shaky form as he journeyed to the second level of the little cabin. The scent of cedar, the worn look of the wood paneling, and the fresh feeling of wood floorboards all reminded Broots of home. Not his home, just of home. He had always been a suburban boy himself. Having grown up in fear of the lunch-stealing playground bully, its seemed as if he lived his entire life in fear. The light pouring in through the windows was enough for Broots to find the first oak door as Miss Parker had said. Cautiously grasping the tired door knob, complete with keyhole, he slowly pushed the door open releasing a piercing shriek of protest from the browning hinges. His daughter's face looked up in complete annoyance.
"What?" his little girl said.
"Maybe you shouldn't have further contact with Miss Parker," he pondered aloud, hearing the springs of the bed defy the burden of more weight as he sat down next to Debbie on the little quilt-covered bed.
Debbie remained silent, so Broots continued, "Do you wanta talk about it?"
"There's nothing to talk about," she replied, scooting back up against the wall as she did so.
"I think there is. What's bothering you, Sweetie?"
"You should know what's bothering me. I already told you."
"And, Honey, I've tried to explain this to you," he watched as her hope faded when he started to feed her the same old worn out lines. Leaning forward, surprisingly confident, he whispered, "Listen, Honey. I don't want to worry you. I just- I just need for you to try and understand."
"I can't do that anymore," she muttered.
"All right. I'll try and tell you as much as I can, okay? I don't know all of the truth either, but I'll do my best."
"Thank-you, Daddy."
The four walls were now bearing the burden of a demented and twisted story. Debbie's innocent eyes widened as she listened in awe at what her father was telling her and her view of the world changed.
*****
"I can't believe it, Jarod. I just can't believe it," Miss Parker stated then one finger instantly sealing her lips. She released her index finger and began after catching her breath and wiping the moisture from her eyes, "Do- do you think, Jarod, that anyone else knows? Like- like my father?" Her last words came out in a whisper and Jarod pitied her like he never had before. This was going to be the worst news to break to the fragile woman. Fragile.
"Parker," Jarod's gaze shifted to the ground but returned, "other people do know."
"Like who?" she asked hesitantly.
Jarod shifted uncomfortably under her intense stare, "Raines, Cox."
"That's not all is it?"
"Your father."
A tear crept down her face, clinging gently to her cheek before plunging into infinity. She started trembling slightly and sealed her eyes slowly, unable to halt the flow of salty water.
Jarod grasped her hand. That hand that had held a gun to his face too many times to count, even for a genius. He stroked the same thumb that had been dislocated when they escaped together in Florida. With his other hand, he caressed the same forearm that had previously been bloodstained in the Dover Bank, "I'm sorry, Parker."
"How could he not tell me?" she sputtered out.
"I don't know how anyone at The Centre could do anything they do. But I do know that this doesn't need to be a bad thing, Parker. Maybe this means that you can make up for the time that you lost with Faith. Or maybe, it can just be a chance for you to have a sister. Not a dying sister, Faith. Now you have an innocent sister who will need your guidance. Molly has never left The Centre, and she's going to need your help. This could be a great thing for you and Molly, Parker," he encouraged her with a soft smile, "neither of you have to be alone, now."
Miss Parker simply stared at Jarod, slowly absorbing all that he had just told her. In an ironic way, he was right. This could be a good thing. If she wanted it to be.
"It is a good thing for us, Jarod, but now I know that I can't trust my father anymore," she reminded him.
"Parker," his voice soaked in disappointment, "did you really ever have that?"
"I-" she began, but Jarod's knowing look halted her protests. She sighed, "guess not, but it was always nice to think that I did."
"I don't think you really enjoyed living a lie. I know I certainly haven't."
"Uh, Jarod, are you finished with my shoulder?" she inquired, quickly changing the subject. Jarod, noticing this, nodded. "Good, because, no offense, but I really just really need to be alone for a while. Okay?"
Once again nodding, "Go ahead, Parker. I can get Mol-, uh Broots to help me finish getting my chip out."
Miss Parker nodded and rose to her feet. Carefully letting her hand linger on his before heading to the door, she turned back once reaching the door. "Thank-you, Jarod," she whispered, her hands clutching either side of the door frame to stop their trembling. Jarod smiled slightly in return and watched her disappear.
*****
Mr Parker growled at the inefficiency of his people. If he didn't get his little girl back then everyone would suffer. Little girl indeed. It was becoming more and more difficult to call Miss Parker his little girl, but it could be called force of habit. She was gone. Jarod was gone. Molly was gone. And more than likely, the three of them were together. Those three together meant danger. Danger for The Centre and danger for him. They hadn't been found and the monitor following the tracking devices which had been implanted in hopes of keeping them here forever had suddenly fallen off of he map. Wherever they had went, their tracks had been covered well. Even that computer technician and his daughter were gone. The file transfer that Briggite had warned him of was most certainly Jarod. Jarod had a knack for finding out things that he had no business knowing.
Mr Parker stood up as Cox and his son ambled into his office, "Can I do something for the two of you?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact you can," Cox announced, clasping his hands together sophisticatedly as he did so, "we need some information."
When Mr Parker remained silent, Lyle strolled up to his desk placing hands on both sides, leaning over, and enunciating each word as if he were a preschooler, "About Molly."
"How does Lyle know about Molly? Cox, you had strict orders that this project was of highest confidentiality," Mr Parker barked.
"I needed his help and besides the fact, this will be an ultimate test of loyalty towards The Centre, and you," he added at the end.
Mr Parker sighed, "What kind of information are you talking about?"
"We need every bit of information about Molly in order to track her down."
"I thought that you, Cox, and Raines were going to track her down, while Lyle and Briggite found Jarod and my daughter."
"Yes, well, those lines still stand, but as long as Molly, Jarod, and Miss Parker are found, why does it matter?" Lyle coaxed, unwilling to be left out of the conversation.
"I suppose. Do Briggite and Raines know of this new 'arrangement,' Lyle?"
"Well not per say," he strained out.
"I see. Well, I will make sure that the files are sent directly to you, Cox."
"Thank-you, Sir," Cox nodded with a deep glint in his eyes.
"But what about me, D-" Lyle cut in before they were dismissed.
"The files will be sent to Cox," he blurted out, "good day."
Lyle opened his mouth in protest but quickly decided against it. Turning, the two left the room in silence, accepting their dismissal.
Mr Parker watched as he and Cox disappeared through the two frosted glass doors. If only Lyle knew the secret of Molly. Things would slowly collapse from there like pulling the bottom card from within a card house. This would not pose well for Mr Parker. He dismissed the farfetched thought, not liking this change of view.
Learning to Run Again
Part 14: Refuge
Aqua
A light whipped rain created a peaceful mist and everything green surrounding the little cabin was now bursting with the color of a lush green that would make anyone just want to recline and wrap themselves in its purity and refuge. Every leaf was coated in a heart of thick dew drops. Crickets' chirping made a musical melody of peace leaving a restless longing to relish in its beauty forever. The mountains' great body imbedded into the earth left a hungry sense of permanence. All these elements created an inviting utopia for all those with clouded souls to retreat to. How fitting it was for the woman swinging gently on the back porch swing. Her hair webbed with a mist of beaded droplets was draped carelessly over her shoulder and her eyes, distant as the moon overhead, were mirroring the color of the lakes' vast waters. Deep in contemplation, she softly hummed a tune she remembered her mother practicing while preparing their food, doing the chores, or combing her hair. She remembered asking her mother what the song was and her reply had been that she didn't know. It had always been in her head though, and it had always been the most mystical and magical tune she'd ever heard. "Beautiful," she had said, "just like my daughter." Miss Parker smiled as the memory faded and she was left with an image of her mother, wearing soft pink, tickling her own young form. She wondered if her mother had ever known that she had two daughters. One of which had been prisoner within the very walls she had grown up in. Well, maybe they both had.
Parker stood up and stretching her limbs and began the descent towards the little dock against the lake. Virginia sure was gorgeous. The mountains were so peaceful and she felt like she and the others in the cabin were the only people who had ever existed. There was no Centre anymore. All she needed was right here, well almost everything she needed. She needed her family. Family. She did have a sister here, technically, but she hardly knew her. Finally reaching the edge of the dock, she sat down, gingerly letting her legs swing back and forth like a carefree little girl.
"What happens now?" she muttered, tossing a stone into the deadly still water.
"Well, I was hoping we could work together on that one."
Parker whipped her head around and saw the blonde standing innocently with both hands clasped in front of her. "Molly," she started, "I'm not angry. Not at you."
"I know," she said, sitting her thin form next to Miss Parker, "You're mad at your father aren't you?"
"Our father," Parker reassured her, "can I ask you something, Molly?"
"Of course," Molly's cool blue eyes were full of a candle lit warmth.
"Well, my- our half-brother, Ethan, hears my mother's voice," she paused, letting it soak in, "who's voice do you hear?"
Molly stuttered out, "I- I kinda thought it was you-"
"I knew it. You hear her voice, too. She sounds just like me-" Parker cut in, but was abruptly cut off by her sister.
"No. I don't hear her voice. I wish I could though."
"Then," Parker's face was thick with emotions, "who do you hear?"
"Our other sister."
*****
Broots stood behind the island in the kitchen and tossed Debbie an apple. Giggling, the young girl had obviously forgiven her father, and though she hadn't enjoyed hearing about The Centre's "amazing feats," she was glad she knew. No more secrets. Broots was also more carefree than usual. He no longer had to bear the burden of hiding something from the most special person in his life, not to mention the fact that he was free of The Centre for the time being. Placing the apple next to one of five plates, Debbie grinned as her father launched another one at her. When all places had an apple and a glass of milk, Debbie and Broots started making sandwiches with the scarce rations that they had in their cabinets and refrigerator. The two were rather enjoying this playing house. It seemed as if they were all one big family. Jarod walked in and smiled. Leaning against the door frame, he watched in content as the family lived the great American dream.
Debbie, still giggling, looked up to see a stranger standing in the doorway. Her innocent eyes filled with fear, "Daddy."
Broots looked up to see Jarod staring at him expectantly. Realizing he was supposed to explain his presence to his daughter he said, "Oh, Debbie, this is Jarod. Remember?"
Obviously Jarod was surprised to know that Debbie already knew who he was when the child nodded and stared at him openmouthed from her seat at the table. Her eyes were fearful, not of Jarod, but of the things that had been done to this man. Yet, even with this uncertainty apparent in Debbie, Jarod remained silent, allowing her to speak and accept him first. Previous experiences with children had taught him this, and he had learned much from the way Sydney had handled him when he was a boy.
"Hi, Jarod," she began, "Daddy told me about you."
Jarod grinned and crouched down to her level, "Hello, Debbie. If you're nervous, well, I understand. A young boy about your age was a little nervous when he met me as well."
"I'm not nervous," she stated with teenage confidence and pride.
Jarod laughed and resumed standing, "Ooh food. Good I'm starving."
"When was the last time you ate?" Broots asked while tossing a bag of chips on the table which Debbie immediately opened and started dividing out portions.
"Um, some time before I met with Miss Parker," he replied casually.
"What?!" Broots blurted out in shock, "what about Miss Parker?"
"I'd approximate around the same." Jarod popped a Dorito into his mouth. His eyebrows rose and smiled, "These are very good. What are they?" Debbie lifted the bag and Jarod read, "Dor-ih-to's."
"No," Debbie said, "it's Dor-E-to's."
"Oh," Jarod replied, pondering something in the genuine mind of his. Whether it was about Dorito's or nuclear physics, neither Broots nor Debbie was sure. Now, Debbie understood what her father had meant when he told her that Jarod was naive to the world and had experienced very few things that normal people would take for granted.
"Hey, Debbie," Jarod announced, "why don't you go find Molly and Parker. I haven't seen them in a while."
"Okay," Debbie agreed before skipping off happily. This was like a nice vacation to her.
Jarod smiled, "You're really blessed, Broots."
"I know. I'm really lucky to have her," Jarod's face saddened, "oh, I'm sorry Jarod. I forgot. I mean- I didn't forget, it just slip-"
"Broots, it's okay," Jarod nodded at the man's embarrassment. Then he sighed, "you just get lonely sometimes. Like- like its never going to really end. Like, its not possible for me."
"I think its possible for everyone."
"I'm glad someone has an optimistic view. I try to, but its challenging. Anyway, I don't want to burden you with my problems."
"Its not a burden. I mean, I don't have anything else to do here," Broots said, shrugging.
"Well, you could start with putting dirty silverware where they belong," Miss Parker stated, walking into the room with a charged authority, even in the middle of the secluded wilderness.
"I-I'm s-sorry, Miss P-Parker," the shaken man sputtered out.
Miss Parker flashed a true happy smile, not an amused smile.
"I was just kidding, Broots. So, Jarod, what's not a burden?" she said, bending over, her face in front of Jarod's.
Jarod looked at her skeptically, "Nothing, Parker."
"I don't think it was nothing. I think you are lying."
"Me lie to you?" Jarod placed a hand over his heart in mock surprise.
Parker scrunched her face up and nodded her head mockingly as well, "Imagine that, Wonder Boy."
'Wonder Boy' remained silent.
"Not giving? Oh well," she consented, swinging herself into the next chair, "what's for lunch?"
"Wonder Boy?" Debbie questioned.
"I don't think Jarod's for lunch, Deb," Parker contradicted. They laughed, while Jarod put on a face of annoyance.
"Very funny," he congratulated, "it is peanut butter sandwiches, apples, milk, and Dorito's."
"Milk? I have to drink milk?"
"Yes, Parker, you have to drink that disgusting liquid from a cow."
Parker stuck her tongue out and Jarod's eyebrows rose cynically.
"Enough of the bantering, children. Eat your lunches peacefully," Broots said, sitting down along with Debbie and Molly.
Parker stared at him in offense, "I've officially stepped into Mr. Rogers's neighborhood."
"No, this is Shady Oak, Virginia isn't it?" Molly contradicted.
"Never mind," Parker propped her head on the table and sighed.
Molly looked at Jarod who simply shrugged his shoulders.
*****
Cox had left for home twenty minutes ago. The beam of light swayed from side to side over the document being read. The blue eyes scanned it with precision and speed. Stopping his reading, Lyle shoved the folder back into the drawer. Remaining in the plush leather seat, he held one hand to his face and contemplated how he could use this data to his benefit. It seemed that Crystal was even more 'personal' than he had believed it to be. It was no wonder that Mr Parker hadn't allowed him to read them. Mr Parker. This was his fault. Mr Parker. Mr Parker. He sprang out of his seat and flew out the door in an angry cloud of revenge.
*****
"Daughter close. Close to heart. Jarod, Daughter, healing. Molly healing."
Though the office had remained dark, it didn't stop the ghostly figure always lurking in the vents from seeing its occupant. Lyle hadn't gone completely unseen. Pulling off the cover, Angelo made his way over to the desk and after a few moments of searching, pulled out a plastic disk. After retreating to his refuge, he downloaded the files in it and pressed 'send.'
Learning to Run Again
Part 15: The Stormy Season
Aqua
"I can't believe this house only sleeps five," Parker grumbled. Molly and Broots sat on the couch parallel to her love seat. Propping her feet up on the coffee table, she looked around at the dimly lit room. There were two lamps shining and the flames of the fireplace were casting a dancing shadow on the ceiling. Hypnotized by their enchanting movements, Parker forgot she wasn't alone.
"Well, we weren't exactly planning for Molly to be with us," Broots countered. Miss Parker jolted back to realty. She had actually been in a rather good mood since junk stuffing, as she had called it, or Heaven, as Jarod and Molly called it, or lunch, as Broots and Debbie called it.
"I'm sorry," Molly confessed.
"Molly, this isn't your fault," Parker told her softly, then her voice grew fierce, "Its Broots' fault!"
Broots eyes bulged at the accusing finger in his voice, "But I- I-"
"You have said enough, Broots!"
"But-"
"At! You are the one who will be sleeping on the couch tonight Mr.," Parker quieted his protests with a wagging finger while his mouth hung open, "Molly I'm definitely going to need to teach you a few things."
"What do you mean?" her smooth voice replied to Parker's crisp one.
"For being my sister, you're awful quiet and reserved. That's definitely not going to help you in life."
"Well, what will?" Molly inquired innocently.
"Tomorrow, I'll teach you everything you need to know," Parker grinning, winked at her new friend. New sister. Sister. Family.
Molly smiled, completely pleased with how this was going. She had assumed that Parker would hate her. She had assumed wrong. At that moment, Jarod walked into the room.
"Sydney is doing fine. He's not yet conscious, but he's okay." Jarod watched for their reaction.
"Thank God," Broots said and Molly nodded in agreement. Miss Parker remained silent, but Jarod knew she was secretly rejoicing inside. She felt it a duty to conceal these emotions.
"Broots, where's Debbie?" Jarod asked, sitting down next to Miss Parker.
"In bed. It's," Broots checked his watch, "9:30."
"Broots," Parker jolted upright in her seat, clutching a hand to her heart with a voice of alarm, "you can tell time?"
"Parker," Jarod warned parentally. Parker rolled her eyes at him like a child, but he just smirked at her loss.
"Jarod, where's your cell phone?" she asked calmly.
"Why?" he replied bluntly
"I need it," she returned just as blunt, avoiding his curious eyes. He cocked his head and waited patiently. She would give first. "To call my father," she blurted out. Jarod's eyebrows rose a notch.
"Why do you want to talk to him?" he said in sour disgust as if she'd just said she wanted to go lick a slug clean.
"None of your business, Jarod. Why is it that you always think that it is?"
"Because you're going to kill yourself or someone you care about one of these days because of your ignorance to the truth," he answered in typical stubborn fashion. Jarod was irritated with this woman who constantly stood by and watching as the ones she loved died. He wasn't about to let her fall for Centre trickery again.
Miss Parker was obviously shocked at Jarod's outburst. He had never raised his voice to her like that before. She was used to being the angry one, in charge. She scowled at him and leaned forward, their faces inches apart, like a rattle snake preparing to attack its prey, "I do know the truth. You can't keep telling me what to do."
Jarod stood up and ran a hand through his hair quickly, shaking his head he said, "You know the truth that they want you to know. You have lived your life accepting it and its all a lie. You are living a lie, Parker!"
Also jumping out of her seat Parker pointed a finger at his chest and looked up into angry eyes that she had never seen directed at her before, always the Centre, "Unlike you. Right, Jarod?"
"I may have lived a lie as well, but at least I can accept it, and try to move on."
"You can't stop me from communicating with my family!"
Broots and Molly sat spellbound, watching the fight. Neither had ever seen the two quarrel like this before. Molly especially had seen each to be caring, respectable people. Broots edged closer to the back of his seat as the two duked it out in front of him. The odds of who would win were undeterminable. Jarod certainly knew what he was talking about and how to deliver it, he was a lawyer on more than one occasion. He's a pretender! Then again, Miss Parker had the sharp frosty edge of a razor, ready to attack. She was a fighter, he was a thinker.
All right, twenty bucks on Parker, he thought.
"Your family? You honestly think that Mr Parker and Lyle are your family? Your father," Jarod emphasized this word with hands quoting each syllable, "orders you dead and your brother attempts to carry out the order. That's not family, Parker. Your family is right here!"
Broots could nearly see the smoke coming out her ears now. She was fuming. All right, the money is on Jarod.
"Don't you dare start me on family matters! I'm not the one who has endangered what little family that I've even met!"
Uh oh, Broots thought, that one definitely hurt. Right, back to betting on Parker.
The anger on Jarod's face dissipated slightly and overwhelming distress replaced it. Swallowing hard he looked into her cold eyes, "I can't believe you just said that."
"Well, I did. And its the truth," she crossed her arms challengingly.
The fury flared up in Jarod once again, "I wouldn't have to endanger my family if it weren't for The Centre. And for your information, the only member of my family that I have yet to meet is my mother. And I would have met her too if it weren't for The Centre. You people are heartless!"
"You people," she said raising a brow, "we agreed that I was no longer a part of that."
"Well, maybe I was wrong," he whispered before stalking towards the door.
Parker grabbed him by the shirt and whipped him back around, "You have to let me speak with my father."
"And get us all killed? Sorry, Parker. That wasn't on the agenda."
"Jarod, I have never hurt any of you!"
"Tell that to Sydney. He's now lying in a coma because of you trusting the wrong people. And its not the first time you've done this to him!" he protested.
"This was not my fault. It is Ly-"
"Your family. Right? Well, Parker, I hate to break it to you, but all of the people who love you most are right here. Your family is staring you right in the face." There were tears in her eyes when she watched a fuzzy Jarod leave the room.
Broots sighed, he had never been much of a gambler.
*****
"Oh goody! You got the files!" Briggite clapped her hands together when Lyle entered the room with a grim, accusative look on his face and threw the files in front of her.
"Did you know?" he said.
"Know what, Love?"
"What's in those files. Not about Molly."
"Oh, I know what you're talking about. He made me promise him to not tell you-"
"He?"
"Your father he-"
"My father," Lyle laughed, "how appropriate is that?"
"You'll get over it," she rolled her eyes and spun around in the twisting leather chair.
"I feel as if I'm beginning to understand Jarod's constant whining."
"Don't ever say that again," she chastised.
"Why?"
"It will get you killed. Simple as that," she said while popping a red lolli pop out of her mouth.
"Listen," Lyle demanded ferociously, "I'm sick of you and your innocent little school girl routine. I want the truth and I want it now. How long have you known?"
"Since I had the baby," she muttered.
"Wait a minute. But it can't-"
"It? I'll have you know that that baby has a name," she directed him with an accusing finger.
"I was never informed," Lyle crossed his arms, staring at the abstract paintings littering Mr Parker's office.
"His name is Cade."
"Cade? What kind of a name is Cade?" he laughed.
"A respectable one. Cade McHale."
"Cade McHale Parker. I'm glad to know you got so creative naming your kid."
"Oh, I wasn't the one who named him."
"Then who?"
"Mr Raines and Mr Cox did," she muttered, clearly embarrassed that she hadn't been allowed to name him.
"Why would they name him? Its not their kid."
"Well, they are the overseers of the project."
"What project?" Lyle inquired.
"You know," Briggite stood and paced to the door, "I think you've heard enough. Have a good day, Love."
Lyle was left in the office alone, right when things were starting to get interesting. Cade? Well, it wasn't really a bad name, but making Briggite think it was was more than satisfying. Actually, he thought it was kind of neat. There were plenty of worse names. Earl. Eugene. Edgar. What was it with the 'E' names? Frank. Frank Parker! That one made him laugh out loud.
"Something funny, Mr Lyle?" a wheezing voice echoed.
Lyle grimaced and then turned around to see Raines, in perfect poise, staring at him with absolutely no emotion leaking into his eyes.
"What is this project of yours and Cox's with Cade?"
Raines inhaled, never once blinking or losing eye contact, "I don't have the vaguest idea of what you're talking about. Cade is Mr Parker and Briggite's baby. We simply spend time with him every now and then."
"Yeah, right. Spending quality time with the youngster, keeps your heart warm and bubbly as champagne I bet, Raines."
"Its none of your business."
"My brother is my business," Lyle forced the words out.
"Then ask your father, not me," Raines left the room, oxygen tank caboosing behind.
Once again alone, Lyle took a deep breath, straightened his navy blue tie, and smoothed his suit before departing as well.
AN: Make my day and give me some juicy feedback/RR!
Aquagirl157@cs.com
AN: Hey! I finally figured out why I'm getting no feedback! So, now you can actually review without it being signed. Sorry everyone!
Learning to Run Again
Part 13: Change of View
Aqua
Jarod sat silently in the chair across from Sydney's still form contemplating the recent events that had lead him here. Suddenly remembering Molly, he reached for the never absent laptop lying next to the bed. Once The Centre Mainframe had been tapped into, Jarod began to swim through the records until he finally found one that could lead somewhere. Code named Crystal, the file slowly leaked out of The Centre's careful lock and into Jarod's vision.
*****
"Lyle!" An urgent female voice greeted through the hazy static of the cell phone.
"What," was his blunt reply.
"Hmm, taking tips from your sister?" Brigette replied, "I hope that doesn't mean that you're bound to run off with one of our little projects."
"Would you get to the point?" Lyle requested of his stepmother.
"Someone is downloading a file to an outside source from The Centre Mainframe. Its code named Crystal. I'm certain it has to be Jarod."
"Its always Jarod!" Lyle barked into the receiver from his temporary bed.
"Well, why does he want this one?" she allowed the words to slip out sarcastically with a bitter smile and a sweet voice.
"How should I know? I'm the one lying in a recovery ward! I think you should get out into the real world and do something useful for once," he sneered.
"You can't speak to your stepmommy like that. And besides, I'm not the smart one who got himself shot by his own sister and missed when he returned fire."
"Its not my fault that Sydney got in the way," he moaned as a jolt of pain surged through his body.
"I'll find out about Crystal. You hurry up and get well, quickly," she demanded.
"Easier said than done. I was shot in the chest and my arm. The bullet almost punctured a lung, so you're lucky I'm alive."
"Oh how blessed I am."
The phone went dead and Lyle allowed his head to sink into the release of his pillow. It was always Jarod and Parker's fault. Always.
*****
"What exactly happened to that man? Who is he anyway?" Molly asked the balding man.
Broots sat down on the cranberry scarlet couch beside the inquiring blonde, "His name is Sydney. He basically raised Jarod and Miss Parker himself. Jarod told me that the bullet hit one of his kidney's. With enough rest, the other kidney will take over and he should get better- well, uh, if he comes out of his coma."
"Refuge," Molly muttered, "He was their refuge, their safety."
"Yeah," Broots replied absentmindedly, "have you seen Debbie?"
"Who?"
"Oh, sorry. Uh, my daughter, Debbie, is here, too."
"Oh, I see."
"But I see her even clearer, Broots."
Broots jumped up and turned to see Miss Parker climbing silently down the oak steps, "M-Miss Parker."
"She's upstairs in the first bedroom, Broots."
"Th-thanks, Miss Parker," Broots returned before disappearing upstairs in search of his daughter.
Miss Parker sat down slowly, cautiously, in the seat that Broots had previously occupied. She sighed before looking into Molly's penetrating blue eyes, "I'm sorry for what you've had to put up with recently. Its just that Sydney- mmph," she stopped herself and then began again, "Sydney is very important to my life and Jarod's. Uh-"
Molly interfered, sensing her discomfort, "It's all right to be emotional Miss Parker. And as for the lack of attention I've received, I am perfectly all right and used to that. I know how much you care about Sydney. He deserves as much attention as you can give him."
"Thanks. I really-"
"Parker, I need you," Jarod burst into the room.
"Can't this wait?" Parker growled.
"Not unless you think The Centre will."
She stared at him for a second then turned back to Molly as Jarod lead her away, "Molly, I'm really sorry. I'll come back to see you again."
"I'm not going anywhere," Molly replied in understanding.
Miss Parker, half way out the room, halted in her movements. A memory flashed back through her mind to years ago when she had been led out of a room by Jarod when The Centre was coming for them. She had told her sister, Faith, that she would be back. Now, the same words were coming out of her mouth, for she had met someone who could easily become a friend of hers. She smiled one of those rare smiles of hers before continuing down the hall to Sydney's room where Jarod was busy digging through is bag.
"What?"
"Still with your Centre lingo, Miss Parker?"
"Only when I want something," she returned calmly before sitting down in the chair and grasping Sydney's warm hand.
"What is it you want then?" Jarod asked as he stood up to reveal many tools tumbling out of his hands onto the table next to Miss Parker.
"Answers. What do you want, Jarod?"
"I'll give you a hint; it starts with a 'T,'" he revealed, grinning knowingly.
"Jarod! Even when we aren't enemies you have to fill my head with mind games! Just tell me," she replied, completely exasperated with his immaturity.
"If we aren't enemies, what are we, Parker?"
"Tell me," she snarled. Jarod grinned. Every time she did this, she reminded him of a crouching panther, or maybe even a hawk.
"Okay, it ends with an 'r-a-c-k-i-n-g d-e-v-i-c-e,'"
"Oh, Jesus, Jarod. Can they find us?"
"Yes," he replied in complete seriousness, "and they will if I don't get them out."
"Okay," Miss Parker agreed, pulling her sleeve up so that the area was clear for Jarod to operate, "then get it out, Wonder Boy." Feeling the cool sensation of alcohol on skin, she shivered as Jarod expertly began the procedure.
"This will help with the pain," he said while injecting something into her slowly and gently, "there's something I need to tell you, Parker."
She waited for him to continue, uncharacteristically patient and apprehensive.
"I was hunting through The Centre's archives and I found some relevant information that you definitely need to see," He took a breath, never stopping throughout the medical procedure, "There was a project, Crystal. It- it pertains to Molly. There's really no easy way to explain this to you."
"You mean you haven't gotten used to delivering me bad news yet, Jarod?" Parker said in mock surprise, a grin smeared across her face. Jarod remained silent. "What is it?"
Jarod took a breath deep from within his soul. Rounding up all of his courage, his fingers halted their graceful movements and his eyes met hers.
"Faith. Do you remember Faith?" he asked her.
"Of course I remember her," she replied calmly.
"Your father told you that she was your sister, and you had no idea."
"What are you getting at, Jarod?" she inquired slowly.
"I think you know, Parker."
"Molly? Molly can't- she can't be my..."
"She is, Parker," he carefully grasped her hands. Her eyes were wide images of a calm and stunned ocean, deep sapphire jewels. "Molly is your sister."
*****
The third step up creaked under Broots' shaky form as he journeyed to the second level of the little cabin. The scent of cedar, the worn look of the wood paneling, and the fresh feeling of wood floorboards all reminded Broots of home. Not his home, just of home. He had always been a suburban boy himself. Having grown up in fear of the lunch-stealing playground bully, its seemed as if he lived his entire life in fear. The light pouring in through the windows was enough for Broots to find the first oak door as Miss Parker had said. Cautiously grasping the tired door knob, complete with keyhole, he slowly pushed the door open releasing a piercing shriek of protest from the browning hinges. His daughter's face looked up in complete annoyance.
"What?" his little girl said.
"Maybe you shouldn't have further contact with Miss Parker," he pondered aloud, hearing the springs of the bed defy the burden of more weight as he sat down next to Debbie on the little quilt-covered bed.
Debbie remained silent, so Broots continued, "Do you wanta talk about it?"
"There's nothing to talk about," she replied, scooting back up against the wall as she did so.
"I think there is. What's bothering you, Sweetie?"
"You should know what's bothering me. I already told you."
"And, Honey, I've tried to explain this to you," he watched as her hope faded when he started to feed her the same old worn out lines. Leaning forward, surprisingly confident, he whispered, "Listen, Honey. I don't want to worry you. I just- I just need for you to try and understand."
"I can't do that anymore," she muttered.
"All right. I'll try and tell you as much as I can, okay? I don't know all of the truth either, but I'll do my best."
"Thank-you, Daddy."
The four walls were now bearing the burden of a demented and twisted story. Debbie's innocent eyes widened as she listened in awe at what her father was telling her and her view of the world changed.
*****
"I can't believe it, Jarod. I just can't believe it," Miss Parker stated then one finger instantly sealing her lips. She released her index finger and began after catching her breath and wiping the moisture from her eyes, "Do- do you think, Jarod, that anyone else knows? Like- like my father?" Her last words came out in a whisper and Jarod pitied her like he never had before. This was going to be the worst news to break to the fragile woman. Fragile.
"Parker," Jarod's gaze shifted to the ground but returned, "other people do know."
"Like who?" she asked hesitantly.
Jarod shifted uncomfortably under her intense stare, "Raines, Cox."
"That's not all is it?"
"Your father."
A tear crept down her face, clinging gently to her cheek before plunging into infinity. She started trembling slightly and sealed her eyes slowly, unable to halt the flow of salty water.
Jarod grasped her hand. That hand that had held a gun to his face too many times to count, even for a genius. He stroked the same thumb that had been dislocated when they escaped together in Florida. With his other hand, he caressed the same forearm that had previously been bloodstained in the Dover Bank, "I'm sorry, Parker."
"How could he not tell me?" she sputtered out.
"I don't know how anyone at The Centre could do anything they do. But I do know that this doesn't need to be a bad thing, Parker. Maybe this means that you can make up for the time that you lost with Faith. Or maybe, it can just be a chance for you to have a sister. Not a dying sister, Faith. Now you have an innocent sister who will need your guidance. Molly has never left The Centre, and she's going to need your help. This could be a great thing for you and Molly, Parker," he encouraged her with a soft smile, "neither of you have to be alone, now."
Miss Parker simply stared at Jarod, slowly absorbing all that he had just told her. In an ironic way, he was right. This could be a good thing. If she wanted it to be.
"It is a good thing for us, Jarod, but now I know that I can't trust my father anymore," she reminded him.
"Parker," his voice soaked in disappointment, "did you really ever have that?"
"I-" she began, but Jarod's knowing look halted her protests. She sighed, "guess not, but it was always nice to think that I did."
"I don't think you really enjoyed living a lie. I know I certainly haven't."
"Uh, Jarod, are you finished with my shoulder?" she inquired, quickly changing the subject. Jarod, noticing this, nodded. "Good, because, no offense, but I really just really need to be alone for a while. Okay?"
Once again nodding, "Go ahead, Parker. I can get Mol-, uh Broots to help me finish getting my chip out."
Miss Parker nodded and rose to her feet. Carefully letting her hand linger on his before heading to the door, she turned back once reaching the door. "Thank-you, Jarod," she whispered, her hands clutching either side of the door frame to stop their trembling. Jarod smiled slightly in return and watched her disappear.
*****
Mr Parker growled at the inefficiency of his people. If he didn't get his little girl back then everyone would suffer. Little girl indeed. It was becoming more and more difficult to call Miss Parker his little girl, but it could be called force of habit. She was gone. Jarod was gone. Molly was gone. And more than likely, the three of them were together. Those three together meant danger. Danger for The Centre and danger for him. They hadn't been found and the monitor following the tracking devices which had been implanted in hopes of keeping them here forever had suddenly fallen off of he map. Wherever they had went, their tracks had been covered well. Even that computer technician and his daughter were gone. The file transfer that Briggite had warned him of was most certainly Jarod. Jarod had a knack for finding out things that he had no business knowing.
Mr Parker stood up as Cox and his son ambled into his office, "Can I do something for the two of you?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact you can," Cox announced, clasping his hands together sophisticatedly as he did so, "we need some information."
When Mr Parker remained silent, Lyle strolled up to his desk placing hands on both sides, leaning over, and enunciating each word as if he were a preschooler, "About Molly."
"How does Lyle know about Molly? Cox, you had strict orders that this project was of highest confidentiality," Mr Parker barked.
"I needed his help and besides the fact, this will be an ultimate test of loyalty towards The Centre, and you," he added at the end.
Mr Parker sighed, "What kind of information are you talking about?"
"We need every bit of information about Molly in order to track her down."
"I thought that you, Cox, and Raines were going to track her down, while Lyle and Briggite found Jarod and my daughter."
"Yes, well, those lines still stand, but as long as Molly, Jarod, and Miss Parker are found, why does it matter?" Lyle coaxed, unwilling to be left out of the conversation.
"I suppose. Do Briggite and Raines know of this new 'arrangement,' Lyle?"
"Well not per say," he strained out.
"I see. Well, I will make sure that the files are sent directly to you, Cox."
"Thank-you, Sir," Cox nodded with a deep glint in his eyes.
"But what about me, D-" Lyle cut in before they were dismissed.
"The files will be sent to Cox," he blurted out, "good day."
Lyle opened his mouth in protest but quickly decided against it. Turning, the two left the room in silence, accepting their dismissal.
Mr Parker watched as he and Cox disappeared through the two frosted glass doors. If only Lyle knew the secret of Molly. Things would slowly collapse from there like pulling the bottom card from within a card house. This would not pose well for Mr Parker. He dismissed the farfetched thought, not liking this change of view.
Learning to Run Again
Part 14: Refuge
Aqua
A light whipped rain created a peaceful mist and everything green surrounding the little cabin was now bursting with the color of a lush green that would make anyone just want to recline and wrap themselves in its purity and refuge. Every leaf was coated in a heart of thick dew drops. Crickets' chirping made a musical melody of peace leaving a restless longing to relish in its beauty forever. The mountains' great body imbedded into the earth left a hungry sense of permanence. All these elements created an inviting utopia for all those with clouded souls to retreat to. How fitting it was for the woman swinging gently on the back porch swing. Her hair webbed with a mist of beaded droplets was draped carelessly over her shoulder and her eyes, distant as the moon overhead, were mirroring the color of the lakes' vast waters. Deep in contemplation, she softly hummed a tune she remembered her mother practicing while preparing their food, doing the chores, or combing her hair. She remembered asking her mother what the song was and her reply had been that she didn't know. It had always been in her head though, and it had always been the most mystical and magical tune she'd ever heard. "Beautiful," she had said, "just like my daughter." Miss Parker smiled as the memory faded and she was left with an image of her mother, wearing soft pink, tickling her own young form. She wondered if her mother had ever known that she had two daughters. One of which had been prisoner within the very walls she had grown up in. Well, maybe they both had.
Parker stood up and stretching her limbs and began the descent towards the little dock against the lake. Virginia sure was gorgeous. The mountains were so peaceful and she felt like she and the others in the cabin were the only people who had ever existed. There was no Centre anymore. All she needed was right here, well almost everything she needed. She needed her family. Family. She did have a sister here, technically, but she hardly knew her. Finally reaching the edge of the dock, she sat down, gingerly letting her legs swing back and forth like a carefree little girl.
"What happens now?" she muttered, tossing a stone into the deadly still water.
"Well, I was hoping we could work together on that one."
Parker whipped her head around and saw the blonde standing innocently with both hands clasped in front of her. "Molly," she started, "I'm not angry. Not at you."
"I know," she said, sitting her thin form next to Miss Parker, "You're mad at your father aren't you?"
"Our father," Parker reassured her, "can I ask you something, Molly?"
"Of course," Molly's cool blue eyes were full of a candle lit warmth.
"Well, my- our half-brother, Ethan, hears my mother's voice," she paused, letting it soak in, "who's voice do you hear?"
Molly stuttered out, "I- I kinda thought it was you-"
"I knew it. You hear her voice, too. She sounds just like me-" Parker cut in, but was abruptly cut off by her sister.
"No. I don't hear her voice. I wish I could though."
"Then," Parker's face was thick with emotions, "who do you hear?"
"Our other sister."
*****
Broots stood behind the island in the kitchen and tossed Debbie an apple. Giggling, the young girl had obviously forgiven her father, and though she hadn't enjoyed hearing about The Centre's "amazing feats," she was glad she knew. No more secrets. Broots was also more carefree than usual. He no longer had to bear the burden of hiding something from the most special person in his life, not to mention the fact that he was free of The Centre for the time being. Placing the apple next to one of five plates, Debbie grinned as her father launched another one at her. When all places had an apple and a glass of milk, Debbie and Broots started making sandwiches with the scarce rations that they had in their cabinets and refrigerator. The two were rather enjoying this playing house. It seemed as if they were all one big family. Jarod walked in and smiled. Leaning against the door frame, he watched in content as the family lived the great American dream.
Debbie, still giggling, looked up to see a stranger standing in the doorway. Her innocent eyes filled with fear, "Daddy."
Broots looked up to see Jarod staring at him expectantly. Realizing he was supposed to explain his presence to his daughter he said, "Oh, Debbie, this is Jarod. Remember?"
Obviously Jarod was surprised to know that Debbie already knew who he was when the child nodded and stared at him openmouthed from her seat at the table. Her eyes were fearful, not of Jarod, but of the things that had been done to this man. Yet, even with this uncertainty apparent in Debbie, Jarod remained silent, allowing her to speak and accept him first. Previous experiences with children had taught him this, and he had learned much from the way Sydney had handled him when he was a boy.
"Hi, Jarod," she began, "Daddy told me about you."
Jarod grinned and crouched down to her level, "Hello, Debbie. If you're nervous, well, I understand. A young boy about your age was a little nervous when he met me as well."
"I'm not nervous," she stated with teenage confidence and pride.
Jarod laughed and resumed standing, "Ooh food. Good I'm starving."
"When was the last time you ate?" Broots asked while tossing a bag of chips on the table which Debbie immediately opened and started dividing out portions.
"Um, some time before I met with Miss Parker," he replied casually.
"What?!" Broots blurted out in shock, "what about Miss Parker?"
"I'd approximate around the same." Jarod popped a Dorito into his mouth. His eyebrows rose and smiled, "These are very good. What are they?" Debbie lifted the bag and Jarod read, "Dor-ih-to's."
"No," Debbie said, "it's Dor-E-to's."
"Oh," Jarod replied, pondering something in the genuine mind of his. Whether it was about Dorito's or nuclear physics, neither Broots nor Debbie was sure. Now, Debbie understood what her father had meant when he told her that Jarod was naive to the world and had experienced very few things that normal people would take for granted.
"Hey, Debbie," Jarod announced, "why don't you go find Molly and Parker. I haven't seen them in a while."
"Okay," Debbie agreed before skipping off happily. This was like a nice vacation to her.
Jarod smiled, "You're really blessed, Broots."
"I know. I'm really lucky to have her," Jarod's face saddened, "oh, I'm sorry Jarod. I forgot. I mean- I didn't forget, it just slip-"
"Broots, it's okay," Jarod nodded at the man's embarrassment. Then he sighed, "you just get lonely sometimes. Like- like its never going to really end. Like, its not possible for me."
"I think its possible for everyone."
"I'm glad someone has an optimistic view. I try to, but its challenging. Anyway, I don't want to burden you with my problems."
"Its not a burden. I mean, I don't have anything else to do here," Broots said, shrugging.
"Well, you could start with putting dirty silverware where they belong," Miss Parker stated, walking into the room with a charged authority, even in the middle of the secluded wilderness.
"I-I'm s-sorry, Miss P-Parker," the shaken man sputtered out.
Miss Parker flashed a true happy smile, not an amused smile.
"I was just kidding, Broots. So, Jarod, what's not a burden?" she said, bending over, her face in front of Jarod's.
Jarod looked at her skeptically, "Nothing, Parker."
"I don't think it was nothing. I think you are lying."
"Me lie to you?" Jarod placed a hand over his heart in mock surprise.
Parker scrunched her face up and nodded her head mockingly as well, "Imagine that, Wonder Boy."
'Wonder Boy' remained silent.
"Not giving? Oh well," she consented, swinging herself into the next chair, "what's for lunch?"
"Wonder Boy?" Debbie questioned.
"I don't think Jarod's for lunch, Deb," Parker contradicted. They laughed, while Jarod put on a face of annoyance.
"Very funny," he congratulated, "it is peanut butter sandwiches, apples, milk, and Dorito's."
"Milk? I have to drink milk?"
"Yes, Parker, you have to drink that disgusting liquid from a cow."
Parker stuck her tongue out and Jarod's eyebrows rose cynically.
"Enough of the bantering, children. Eat your lunches peacefully," Broots said, sitting down along with Debbie and Molly.
Parker stared at him in offense, "I've officially stepped into Mr. Rogers's neighborhood."
"No, this is Shady Oak, Virginia isn't it?" Molly contradicted.
"Never mind," Parker propped her head on the table and sighed.
Molly looked at Jarod who simply shrugged his shoulders.
*****
Cox had left for home twenty minutes ago. The beam of light swayed from side to side over the document being read. The blue eyes scanned it with precision and speed. Stopping his reading, Lyle shoved the folder back into the drawer. Remaining in the plush leather seat, he held one hand to his face and contemplated how he could use this data to his benefit. It seemed that Crystal was even more 'personal' than he had believed it to be. It was no wonder that Mr Parker hadn't allowed him to read them. Mr Parker. This was his fault. Mr Parker. Mr Parker. He sprang out of his seat and flew out the door in an angry cloud of revenge.
*****
"Daughter close. Close to heart. Jarod, Daughter, healing. Molly healing."
Though the office had remained dark, it didn't stop the ghostly figure always lurking in the vents from seeing its occupant. Lyle hadn't gone completely unseen. Pulling off the cover, Angelo made his way over to the desk and after a few moments of searching, pulled out a plastic disk. After retreating to his refuge, he downloaded the files in it and pressed 'send.'
Learning to Run Again
Part 15: The Stormy Season
Aqua
"I can't believe this house only sleeps five," Parker grumbled. Molly and Broots sat on the couch parallel to her love seat. Propping her feet up on the coffee table, she looked around at the dimly lit room. There were two lamps shining and the flames of the fireplace were casting a dancing shadow on the ceiling. Hypnotized by their enchanting movements, Parker forgot she wasn't alone.
"Well, we weren't exactly planning for Molly to be with us," Broots countered. Miss Parker jolted back to realty. She had actually been in a rather good mood since junk stuffing, as she had called it, or Heaven, as Jarod and Molly called it, or lunch, as Broots and Debbie called it.
"I'm sorry," Molly confessed.
"Molly, this isn't your fault," Parker told her softly, then her voice grew fierce, "Its Broots' fault!"
Broots eyes bulged at the accusing finger in his voice, "But I- I-"
"You have said enough, Broots!"
"But-"
"At! You are the one who will be sleeping on the couch tonight Mr.," Parker quieted his protests with a wagging finger while his mouth hung open, "Molly I'm definitely going to need to teach you a few things."
"What do you mean?" her smooth voice replied to Parker's crisp one.
"For being my sister, you're awful quiet and reserved. That's definitely not going to help you in life."
"Well, what will?" Molly inquired innocently.
"Tomorrow, I'll teach you everything you need to know," Parker grinning, winked at her new friend. New sister. Sister. Family.
Molly smiled, completely pleased with how this was going. She had assumed that Parker would hate her. She had assumed wrong. At that moment, Jarod walked into the room.
"Sydney is doing fine. He's not yet conscious, but he's okay." Jarod watched for their reaction.
"Thank God," Broots said and Molly nodded in agreement. Miss Parker remained silent, but Jarod knew she was secretly rejoicing inside. She felt it a duty to conceal these emotions.
"Broots, where's Debbie?" Jarod asked, sitting down next to Miss Parker.
"In bed. It's," Broots checked his watch, "9:30."
"Broots," Parker jolted upright in her seat, clutching a hand to her heart with a voice of alarm, "you can tell time?"
"Parker," Jarod warned parentally. Parker rolled her eyes at him like a child, but he just smirked at her loss.
"Jarod, where's your cell phone?" she asked calmly.
"Why?" he replied bluntly
"I need it," she returned just as blunt, avoiding his curious eyes. He cocked his head and waited patiently. She would give first. "To call my father," she blurted out. Jarod's eyebrows rose a notch.
"Why do you want to talk to him?" he said in sour disgust as if she'd just said she wanted to go lick a slug clean.
"None of your business, Jarod. Why is it that you always think that it is?"
"Because you're going to kill yourself or someone you care about one of these days because of your ignorance to the truth," he answered in typical stubborn fashion. Jarod was irritated with this woman who constantly stood by and watching as the ones she loved died. He wasn't about to let her fall for Centre trickery again.
Miss Parker was obviously shocked at Jarod's outburst. He had never raised his voice to her like that before. She was used to being the angry one, in charge. She scowled at him and leaned forward, their faces inches apart, like a rattle snake preparing to attack its prey, "I do know the truth. You can't keep telling me what to do."
Jarod stood up and ran a hand through his hair quickly, shaking his head he said, "You know the truth that they want you to know. You have lived your life accepting it and its all a lie. You are living a lie, Parker!"
Also jumping out of her seat Parker pointed a finger at his chest and looked up into angry eyes that she had never seen directed at her before, always the Centre, "Unlike you. Right, Jarod?"
"I may have lived a lie as well, but at least I can accept it, and try to move on."
"You can't stop me from communicating with my family!"
Broots and Molly sat spellbound, watching the fight. Neither had ever seen the two quarrel like this before. Molly especially had seen each to be caring, respectable people. Broots edged closer to the back of his seat as the two duked it out in front of him. The odds of who would win were undeterminable. Jarod certainly knew what he was talking about and how to deliver it, he was a lawyer on more than one occasion. He's a pretender! Then again, Miss Parker had the sharp frosty edge of a razor, ready to attack. She was a fighter, he was a thinker.
All right, twenty bucks on Parker, he thought.
"Your family? You honestly think that Mr Parker and Lyle are your family? Your father," Jarod emphasized this word with hands quoting each syllable, "orders you dead and your brother attempts to carry out the order. That's not family, Parker. Your family is right here!"
Broots could nearly see the smoke coming out her ears now. She was fuming. All right, the money is on Jarod.
"Don't you dare start me on family matters! I'm not the one who has endangered what little family that I've even met!"
Uh oh, Broots thought, that one definitely hurt. Right, back to betting on Parker.
The anger on Jarod's face dissipated slightly and overwhelming distress replaced it. Swallowing hard he looked into her cold eyes, "I can't believe you just said that."
"Well, I did. And its the truth," she crossed her arms challengingly.
The fury flared up in Jarod once again, "I wouldn't have to endanger my family if it weren't for The Centre. And for your information, the only member of my family that I have yet to meet is my mother. And I would have met her too if it weren't for The Centre. You people are heartless!"
"You people," she said raising a brow, "we agreed that I was no longer a part of that."
"Well, maybe I was wrong," he whispered before stalking towards the door.
Parker grabbed him by the shirt and whipped him back around, "You have to let me speak with my father."
"And get us all killed? Sorry, Parker. That wasn't on the agenda."
"Jarod, I have never hurt any of you!"
"Tell that to Sydney. He's now lying in a coma because of you trusting the wrong people. And its not the first time you've done this to him!" he protested.
"This was not my fault. It is Ly-"
"Your family. Right? Well, Parker, I hate to break it to you, but all of the people who love you most are right here. Your family is staring you right in the face." There were tears in her eyes when she watched a fuzzy Jarod leave the room.
Broots sighed, he had never been much of a gambler.
*****
"Oh goody! You got the files!" Briggite clapped her hands together when Lyle entered the room with a grim, accusative look on his face and threw the files in front of her.
"Did you know?" he said.
"Know what, Love?"
"What's in those files. Not about Molly."
"Oh, I know what you're talking about. He made me promise him to not tell you-"
"He?"
"Your father he-"
"My father," Lyle laughed, "how appropriate is that?"
"You'll get over it," she rolled her eyes and spun around in the twisting leather chair.
"I feel as if I'm beginning to understand Jarod's constant whining."
"Don't ever say that again," she chastised.
"Why?"
"It will get you killed. Simple as that," she said while popping a red lolli pop out of her mouth.
"Listen," Lyle demanded ferociously, "I'm sick of you and your innocent little school girl routine. I want the truth and I want it now. How long have you known?"
"Since I had the baby," she muttered.
"Wait a minute. But it can't-"
"It? I'll have you know that that baby has a name," she directed him with an accusing finger.
"I was never informed," Lyle crossed his arms, staring at the abstract paintings littering Mr Parker's office.
"His name is Cade."
"Cade? What kind of a name is Cade?" he laughed.
"A respectable one. Cade McHale."
"Cade McHale Parker. I'm glad to know you got so creative naming your kid."
"Oh, I wasn't the one who named him."
"Then who?"
"Mr Raines and Mr Cox did," she muttered, clearly embarrassed that she hadn't been allowed to name him.
"Why would they name him? Its not their kid."
"Well, they are the overseers of the project."
"What project?" Lyle inquired.
"You know," Briggite stood and paced to the door, "I think you've heard enough. Have a good day, Love."
Lyle was left in the office alone, right when things were starting to get interesting. Cade? Well, it wasn't really a bad name, but making Briggite think it was was more than satisfying. Actually, he thought it was kind of neat. There were plenty of worse names. Earl. Eugene. Edgar. What was it with the 'E' names? Frank. Frank Parker! That one made him laugh out loud.
"Something funny, Mr Lyle?" a wheezing voice echoed.
Lyle grimaced and then turned around to see Raines, in perfect poise, staring at him with absolutely no emotion leaking into his eyes.
"What is this project of yours and Cox's with Cade?"
Raines inhaled, never once blinking or losing eye contact, "I don't have the vaguest idea of what you're talking about. Cade is Mr Parker and Briggite's baby. We simply spend time with him every now and then."
"Yeah, right. Spending quality time with the youngster, keeps your heart warm and bubbly as champagne I bet, Raines."
"Its none of your business."
"My brother is my business," Lyle forced the words out.
"Then ask your father, not me," Raines left the room, oxygen tank caboosing behind.
Once again alone, Lyle took a deep breath, straightened his navy blue tie, and smoothed his suit before departing as well.
AN: Make my day and give me some juicy feedback/RR!
Aquagirl157@cs.com