Author's Note: Sorry for the absence. It's been so long since I've updated last. So, here you go...the final chapter.

Jarod wiped the tears which trickled down his face. "I did nothing. I stood there, gazing at her pale face, wishing, remembering of days gone by, and hoping of days ahead...our future. But, I did nothing."

Sydney laid a comforting hand on the pretender's shoulder. "Jarod, they did all they could."

"What good am I? A genius? I can be anyone I want to be, anything I want to do. But, I couldn't save her. What good am I here? To anyone?" He wiped his tears with his hands.

Broots and Debbie comforted each other outside Miss Parker's hospital room. Sydney and Jarod remained inside to be with the "Ice Queen" for the final moments before being taken away.

Jarod touched her lifeless hand. "Ice Queen, indeed. She's cold to the touch," he said, releasing her hand.

The psychiatrist stood on the opposite side of the bed. "Miss Parker had been strong enough to sign a DNR form."

"What did the hospital staff do? Shove that piece of paper in front of her face?" Jarod raised his voice.

"Jarod." Sydney said. "She's gone. It was her choice."

"To die? What about me? What about me?" he pointed to himself. "Wasn't it my choice? I would have taken care of her." He stared at her lifeless body. "Didn't you think I would have wanted to care for you? I'm not like "daddy"! I would have stayed with you! Loved you! What were you thinking of?"

"Jarod, my boy, lower your voice."

"Are you at peace now? I hope you're aware that I'm not! You were my life, my world!" Jarod cried, joining Sydney alongside of him.

"No more pain and suffering," Sydney said, tears rolled down his cheeks. "I've known her since she was a little girl. She was the daughter I never had. So many memories of her seem to flow through my mind at this moment."

"Memories...I won't ever erase memories of our days together...never," Jarod whispered. "Never."

Debbie walked into the room with Broots behind her. "Jarod, is it alright if I read to Miss Parker?" she asked, hugging the hardcover of "Little Women".

Jarod simply nodded. Everyone gathered around Miss Parker's bed. Debbie pulled up a chair, turning slowly to the first chapter of the book.

"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

"It's so dreadful to be poor," sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.

"I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all," added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

"We've got Father and Mother and each other," said Beth contentedly from her corner.

"Oh, Miss Parker, but we won't have you," Debbie sniffled. "We won't have you on Christmas or on any other occasion." The little girl closed her book. She laid her head on the bed, silent tears slowly rolled down her face. "I'll miss you and I love you, Miss Parker."

When I come to the end of the road,

and the sun has set for me.

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little—but not too long,

and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that was once shared.

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.

It's all a part of the master's plan, a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know.

Bear your sorrow in good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

The End

Author's Note: Miss Me, But Let Me Go - (Author - Robyn Rancman)