PART FOUR
JUNE 29TH
Rachel opened her eyes and let out the long a sigh of a pleased woman. She reached out behind her to touch Jarod, but the bed was empty. She quickly turned over and sat up.
"DAMN IT JAROD" she said, and reached out and punched his pillow just as the door opened.
"OOOH, I'm glad that I got up early..that looks like it would've hurt."
"Jarod!" she said surprised. He flashed her his coy smile.
"You thought I left didn't you?"
"UH..no I didn't."
Jarod laughed and said "get up, breakfast is here."
Rachel joined him in the livingroom. "Here" Jarod said placing a doughnut like thing covered with powdered sugar in front of her. "They're called beignets, they're very good" he said as he took a bite. She laughed to herself. Rachel now understood why Jarod seemed so amused by little things. He was never allowed to be a child, to play, to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. In many wasy he was still growing up.
Rachel finished her breakfast, stood up and kissed him and said "I'm gonna go take a shower". And went off into the bathroom.
Jarod went to his laptop to check his e mail. He was hoping to hear from his father or from Ethan. It had been months since he'd seen or heard from either one. Jarod knew his father could take care of himself, but the years of torment and mental abuse bu Mr. Raines had left Ethan vulnerable. Jarod had taught him to listen to the voices, not fight them, but he still feared for his safety.
Jarod had even lost contact with his sister Wmily who had been recovering at the Sisters of St. Catherine's Church, after Lyle had thrown her out of a third story window at the Philadelphia Examiner. Emily had left without saying anything to the sisters. So, once again, Jarod was alone. He let out a frustrated sigh, and closed his laptop. He only hoped that Major Charles had found them both. Ethan needed family and nurturing perhaps even more than he did. Jarod got up and took clean clothes out of his beg, he'd shower after Rachel was done. They had a long day ahead of them.
"Jarod???" Rachel called from the shower. "I forgot my shampoo, would you bring it to me?" He walked over to her things and dug it out of her suitcase. He turned toward the door and smiled, he wouldn't wait until she was done after all.