Jarod stood outside Miss Parker's bedroom window. He watched her sleeping. She looked so beautiful and innocent. He decided to slip in her house, hoping to find some new information about his family. He wasn't sure if she had been honest with him. He moved quietly, trying not to make any noise. He heard a scream from her bedroom. He slipped around the corner to see what was the matter. She woke up hot, sweaty, and catching her breath. While Jarod trying to decide wheather or not he should check on her, he bumped into a table. Hearing a noise she goes for her gun.
"Who's there?" she asked.
Knowing he is caught he comes around the corner, hoping she doesn't shoot, "It's me" he answered.
"Oh, Jarod. You scared me. What are you doing here?" she asked. Laying her gun down on the table and grabbing her silver cigarette case.
"Don't be mad. I was watching you sleep. I thought you would need a guardian angel." he said softly.
She pulls out a cigarette to light it and Jarod says, "No, that is bad for you. Let me sit here and we can talk. What were you screaming about?"
She puts the cigarette and the case back on the table and says, "I just had a bad dream. It will be okay. I am starting to get used to them."
He puts his arm around her and comforts her.
The next morning the sunlight hits her face and she wakes up next to him. She rolls over to see what time it is. Realizing she is late for work, she jumps up to get ready. As she getting ready to leave, she turns and walks back into her bedroom to leave a note. Then reaches over and gives him a kiss.
**********
Walking down the hall before going into her office she meets Sydney and Broots.
"You're late Miss Parker." replied Broots.
"So, sue me Broots. My alarm didn't go off." she replied back hastily. "Any news on Jarod yet?" she asked as they enter her office.
"No, not yet but I have a feeling we will hear from him soon." said Broots.
Sydney asked, "Are you feeling okay? You look tired."
"I'm fine." she replied. "I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Are you still having those nightmares?" Sydney asked with concern in his voice.
"Yes, but they are not as often as they used to be." Parker replied.
**********
Jarod wakes up and sees the note. After he reads it, he calls Sydney. Sydney is sitting at his desk looking over some papers. The phone rings and Sydney answers, "Hello."
"I think I am falling in love. I don't know if that is good. I love her, Sydney. I have always loved her but I don't think she will let anyone close to her. What am I going to do?" replied Jarod.
"That is a hard one Jarod. You will have to show her that you care and maybe she will open up to you." Sydney replied softly hoping know one else was listening to their conversion.
"Thanks Sydney. I hope it works." Jarod said as he hung up the phone.
**********
Miss Parker is sitting in her chair thinking about last night. She calls her house hoping Jarod was still there. The phone rings and he is scared to answer it. He lets it ring and she says to herself, 'I guess he is gone.'
Then her phone rings and she picks it up. "What" she replied.
"You are welcome." Jarod replied sweetly.
"What." she replied again.
"For last night, you are welcome. You know, your note." he replied back.
"Oh, Jarod. I just tried to call you but there was no answer." she whispers softly.
"I didn't know who it was so, I didn't want to chance it. By the way, I hope you didn't mind. I took a shower." Jarod said.
"Jarod, will you be there later?" asked Parker.
"I don't know. I will talk to you later." he answered. "Though, we do have to talk."
"I know. I will talk to you later. I have to go. I am working on bringing you in." she said sweetly. She hangs up the phone.
**********
Broots comes running in her office. "I found Jarod."
"Don't you knock!" she yells at Broots.
"I'm sorry but I thought you would be happy to know I found Jarod." Broots responded.
"Well, where is he, Broots?" Parker asked snappily.
"He was spotted in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a bodyguard for the Tina Turner concert that is coming to the Pyramid this weekend." replied Broots with a smile. He just knew she was going to be happy.
"Good get us on the next plane. I want him, Broots." replied Miss Parker. Thinking to herself, 'that was a close one. I thought he was going to say my place.' "Well, get moving Broots." she said snappily.
"I'm going, I'm going." replied Broots on his way out.
**********
Mr. Raines is relaxing in his room. Gar and Willie come in bringing a letter. After he reads it, he turns to Willie and says, "Bring Miss Parker to me."
Willie leaves to find her.
**********
"Miss Parker, Mr. Raines would like to see you?" replied Willie.
"Not now, I am not in the mood to see that wheezing idiot. Besides I have a plane to catch." Parker responded.
"I think you will want to see this." replied Willie.
"Okay, fine. After you." replied Miss Parker.
**********
"You wanted to see me." Parker said as she entered the curtains.
"Here read this." Raines responded.
"What is it?" Parker asked.
"It is a letter from Jarod." Raines said as he handed the letter to her.
Parker reading the letter, says, "I am on my way there now."
"Good bring him in." Raines said with a wheezing sound.
**********
Parker meets Sydney and Broots at the airport. "Syd, Raines got a letter from St. Judes hospital thanking the Centre for their donation." Parker softly said to Sydney.
"Jarod?" replied Sydney.
"Who else?" replied Parker.
**********
After arriving in Memphis, Parker, Sydney, and Broots get their rooms at the Peabody. Now to find Jarod. They walk around the streets to see what they can find, since the concert is not until tomorrow night.
"Where do we start first?" replied Parker.
"Well, knowing Jarod, I bet he saw all the site. We could start with Mud Island or what about Graceland?" replied Broots.
"Give me a break Broots. You are the one that wants to see Graceland." Parker responded.
"Come on Parker. We could at least try Mud Island, that sounds like Jarod." responded Sydney.
"Okay, fine. We will start there." Parker replied back to Syd.
After going through Mud Island, The Pink Palace, Dixon Art Gallery, and Graceland for Broots, they found nothing. No sign of Jarod what so ever.
"The only place we haven't checked is the zoo." replied Broots.
"If we go to the zoo, I am leaving you there Broots." Parker said sarcastically.
"Come on Parker, leave him alone." replied Sydney. "It has been a long day. Why don't we get something to eat?"
"There is the Hard Rock Cafe, BB King's Blues Club, or Elvis' cafe not far from here." replied Broots.
"I am not going to another Elvis site, Broots." replied Parker with frustration in her voice.
"Okay, fine. I saw a barbecue place up the street. I think it was called Gridley's. What about there?" Broots replied.
"I don't care as long as it isn't Elvis." Parker said.
"That settles it, barbecue it is." replied Sydney.
**********
They get to Gridley's and they order. Parker smells the barbecue and says, "I will be back."
"Where are you going?" asked Broots.
"To the bathroom. Is that all right with you, Broots?" Parker replied back.
Miss Parker makes it to the bathroom just in time. She is thinking, 'What is wrong with me? The smell of barbecue hasn't effected me like that before. I haven't even eaten yet. It must be jet lag, that would explain the tiredness.'
**********
After they have eaten, they return to their rooms. "Guys, I am going to call it a night. We have a busy day tomorrow." replied Parker as she heads for her room.
"Okay," Broots and Sydney said at the same time.
"What is wrong with Miss Parker, Syd? She is not acting herself." Broots asked.
"I don't know but you know Miss Parker, she is never herself." replied Sydney.
**********
The next day she meets them in the lobby.
"Here she comes." Broots whispers to Sydney.
Walking off the elevator with her shades on. She was dressed in her black pants suit, making her look paler that she already was. Coming toward them, she says, "How are we getting into a sold out Tina Turner concert?"
Sydney hands her a white envelope. She pulls out three front row tickets. "I guess Jarod wanted to make sure we were there." she responded.
"I guess so." replied Sydney. "Are you feeling okay?" he asked her.
"I am fine. I have a little jet lag." she responded.
"What are we going to do until the concert." Broots asked.
The Titanic exhibit is in town and at the Pyramid. We could go there so, we can check it out before the concert starts." Sydney replied.
"Good idea." Parker responded.
***********
Sitting on the front row. The curtains opens and the band is playing. The big screen in the center of the stage is showing a video of Tina. Then they hear...
When you say the things you say you gotta mean it and when you do the things you do, it's gotta come from the heart...
The crowd goes wild. Then, Tina comes out on stage moving like never before.
Miss Parker is sitting there listening to the words to the song. She can't help but linger on the opening words. Then she hears...
It's the love you refuse, don't you throw it away...
She wonders where Jarod is. She knows he didn't send her there to find him but to listen to what Tina says.
She doesn't know that he is there watching her every move. Hoping she is listening to the words. He didn't give her tickets for nothing.
As she sits there watching the concert, she feels Jarod sending her a message.
Then she hears...
You don't need to give me reasons I'll understand somethings are best kept secret and you've done all you can I want no recompense Just as much as you can give of yourself if that makes sense
I'll keep it confidential each secret confidential it may come as some surprise but I can stay secret from prying eyes so don't worry, I'll keep it confidential between you and me
Go on tell me that you love me show me you dare...
As the concert comes to a close, there are a couple more songs that she can't get out of her head. The words keep haunting her that she can't sleep.
You must understand that the touch of your hand makes my pulse react that it's only thrill of boy meeting girl opposites attract...What's love got to do with it...It may seem to you that I'm acting confused when you're close to me...
Then she wrestles with the thought...
Everytime I think of you, I always catch my breath And I'm still standing here, and you're miles away And I'm wondering why you left...I hear your name in certain circles And it always makes me smile I spend my time thinking about you and it almost driving me wild...
**********
After a restless night, they arrive back in Blue Cove. Jarod is still out there and she wonders where he could be. Hoping he will be standing outside her bedroom window tonight, watching over her.
**********
The next morning, she walks into Sydney's office.
"Are we alone, Syd?" Parker asked.
"Yes," he replied back.
She walks over to his desk and sits on the corner. "Syd, I have to tell you something." she said as she lend over to him.
"What" he replied back. Not knowing what to say.
"I don't know what I am going to do. I'm pregnant. Nobody can know this. I can't take the chance of Raines taking my baby like he did my twin brother. I can't even tell my father. He can't know about this. What am I going to do?" she said with a scared voice.
About that time Broots walks in singing...
There was a time when I would have followed you to the end of the earth I was willing to share it all with you the love, the hurt I've seen you when your dreams were falling in the dust But I never stopped believing in you I always thought our love was strong enough One you could hold on to...
"Oh, I am sorry. It was a great concert. Was I interrupting something? I can come back later." Broots replied.
"No, no. You might as well know too, but this goes no further. Do you hear me, Broots?" Parker said hateful.
"Yeah, yeah. I hear you." Broots replied.
"I'm pregnant." she told him.
"You're what?" replied Broots surprised. He was thinking 'Wow! How did this happen?'
"What am I going to do, Syd? Nobody can know about this. I am going to have this baby but I can't stay here. I did think of staying here until I start to show then I could ask for time off. What will I tell Raines and where will I go?" she asked with concern in her voice.
"You can stay in my cabin and we will come up with something to tell Raines and your father. Don't worry we will help you all we can, right Broots." replied Sydney as he wonders who the father is but is scared to ask.
"Yeah" he replied. Still stumped with the idea someone slept with Miss Parker.
"Thanks Syd. I knew I could count on you. Well, I have some business to finish. I will catch you later." replied Parker.
She turns to walk out and Broots says, "Great, she will be more hormonal than ever now. I don't know if we can put up with her."
"I heard that Broots." Parker responded back.
"Heard what. I didn't say anything, honest." Broots quickly responded.
She turns and walks back toward Broots. She walks up behind the chair he is sitting in and leans over to him and says, "That's right Broots. I will be worse than ever because I have quit smoking also." she whispers in his ear. She pats him on the head and walks out.
Broots is just happy and relieved that she didn't hit him. Sydney starts laughing and says, "That is our Miss Parker."
**********
She arrives at home and finds a package sitting at her door. She opens it to find all these Tina Turner CD's along with a note.
All the answers that you are looking for can be found here.
Love,
Jarod
She listens to some of the songs and lays down on the bed. Crying, wondering how she is going to pull this off and wondering where he is.
Jarod was standing outside her window, waiting for the sun to go down. Then he slips into her house.
"Is that you, Jarod?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied.
She wipes her face hoping he can't tell she was crying. He enters her bedroom.
"We have to talk." he says.
"Yes, we do." she responded.
"You first." replied Jarod.
"Jarod, I'm pregnant." she said with tears falling down her check.
"I'm going to be a father." Jarod said joyfully.
"Well, no. You are not the father. I have been seeing someone else." she quickly responded.
Jarod knowing that wasn't true said, "Oh, I see. Then will you marry me? The baby will need a father."
"Jarod, you know I can't do that." she responded.
"Why not? I love you Parker and I know you love me. I could tell from the first time we met." Jarod responded back.
"That is not true." she said.
"You know it is. Look I didn't come to fight. I better go. Oh, and I won't give up on you. I have from now until this baby is born to convince you that we belong together." he said as he turns to leave.
"Wait, you know how you said all my answers could be found in those CD's?" she replied.
"Yeah," he replied back with a smile.
"Well, will you stay awhile?" she asked softly.
"You know I will. I will stay as long as you want me to." replied Jarod as he walked over to her and sits besides her about the time a Bon Jovi songs begins to play...
And I'll never let you go cause, There's something I know deep inside You were born to be my baby and I, was made to be your man We got something to believe in even if we don't know where we stand Only God would have know the reasons but I bet He must have had a plan...
"Listen," Jarod said. "This song fits us." She listens to the song and they stay up most of the night talking.
"Jarod, I couldn't ask you to give up on helping people." she responded to him.
"Well, this is my plan. We can get married and raise this baby together. I will continue to help people until we can figure a way to get rid of Raines. You will continue to hunt for me like nothing has changed. By the time we get together, you should be over the Centre and we, together, can turn the Centre into the way it was meant to be not what it has become. Then, we can tell everyone how much we love each other and live happily ever after. What do you think about that?" Jarod responded.
"It is easier said that done." she replied back as she looked into his eyes.
"Think about it. It will work. I want this baby to have a family since neither one of us had much of one." Jarod replied back with a smile then kissed her on the forehead.
**********
A few months have gone by and she knows it won't be long until she will have to leave. She sits at her desk and feels the baby kick. The phones rings, "What" she answered.
"Can you meet me in Memphis for the weekend? You and no one else." responded Jarod.
"Jarod is that you?" she asked with a smile. It has been a while since she has seen him.
"Yeah, so what do you say?" he replied.
"Yes, I will be there. I haven't seen you in forever." Parker replied happily.
"Good, everything you will need is waiting for you at your house. See you there." Jarod said as he hung up the phone.
**********
Before she leaves for Memphis, she has to stop by and see someone. She walks up to the grave and sits down. "Mom, I know it isn't that time of year but I have to tell you something. I am going to have a baby and Jarod is the father. I told him he wasn't because I didn't want to stop him from helping others. But I think he knows the truth. I am falling in love with him and that scares me. I have learned to push people away and I like it that way so, no one gets hurt. I don't know what I am going to do."
She looks down at her watch and says, "I am sorry I have to go. I am meeting Jarod. I will be back soon. I promise."
**********
She arrives in Memphis. She walks into her hotel room and finds a ring box laying on the table. She opens it up and there is a wedding band in it. Jarod comes around the corner and says, "Will you marry me?"
She jumps and turns around. "Jarod, what is this?"
"I told you that I will convince you to marry me. If you don't like that ring how about this one." he said with confidence.
He opens another ring box with a huge diamond in the center of a small band, it has several small diamonds surrounding it. The diamond band connects to the solid gold band.
He says one more time, "Will you marry me?"
She stares at the ring and looks up at him and says, "If we are going to do this, let's get it over with before I change my mind."
"Yes," he says with excitement. "You have made me the happiest man alive. I won't let you down. I promise." Jarod replied back to her.
"Okay, but I think you should know I can't change over night. It will take some time." Parker replied to Jarod.
"I know, but I love you anyway." replied Jarod.
After they say their 'I do's', they go out to eat at the Italian restaurant. Sitting in a dimly lit area so they are not spotted easily, they discuss their future together. Leaving the restaurant, they walk over and sit under a tree across from the Hard Rock Cafe. Jarod says, "I'm sorry your wedding wasn't what you expected. Someday I will make it up to you."
Parker replied, "It doesn't matter as long as you are with the one you love." Holding Jarod's hand, she and says, "I am leaving the Centre for awhile. I am going to stay at Sydney's cabin until the baby comes. No body knows I am pregnant except for you, Sydney, and Broots. I wanted to keep it that way."
"Good, I don't want anyone to harm you or the baby. I will meet you there. You know as much as I want to stay with you I have to keep moving after this weekend." replied Jarod as he is looking at his new wife.
"I know." she replied to him thinking 'I can't believe I am married now'. The baby kicks. "Jarod, feel this." she responded.
"Wow!" he said while touching her stomach. "Mrs. Jarod Russell, you know I will keep in touch a lot more now. I will be there when it is time for the baby to come. I won't let you go through this alone." Jarod responded. "Come on lets go back to our room. You look tired."
Returning to their room, he turns on the radio. Bryan Adams' voice is playing...
I love the way you look tonight with your hair hanging down on your shoulders n' I love the way ya dance your slow sweet tango the way ya wanna do everything but talk and how ya stare at me with those undress me eyes your breath on my body makes me warm inside let's make out...
She looks over at her husband and says, "I love you. Will you hold me?"
Jarod replies, "You know I will. I want you to know that I will do everything I can to make you happy."
She sleeps in his arms the rest of the night, knowing he will be leaving soon.
**********
The next day, they spend together before they go their separate ways. He buys her a long gold chain to wear her wedding ring on, that way it keeps their marriage a secret but also keeps her ring close to her heart. Then he sees her off at the airport. He wanted to make sure she gets there safely even though he is not returning with his wife. They say their good-bye's and she gets on the plane to return to Blue Cove.
**********
Back in Delaware, she keeps her marriage to Jarod a secret. She doesn't even tell Sydney. She knows he will ask questions that she doesn't feel like answering.
Now Jarod is on the run again. They spend all their time searching for him. She knows if they don't catch him, she will always have him close to her, wheather or not the Centre has him or not.
Broots comes into her office and says, "We have Jarod. He was spotted in New York City. Do you want me to get the car ready?"
"Yes, please. That is not far for here, if we leave now we should make in by dark." she replied to Broots.
Sydney, Broots, and Parker leave for New York. As they enter the city, Broots says, "Wow, look at all the lights. This place must never sleep."
They go into a hotel that Jarod was spotted in and found his room. Parker enters the room with her gun in hand, hoping not to shoot him. As they walk through the room they hear a noise.
"LOOK! There he goes Miss Parker." Broots yells at her.
Chasing him down the hall and out into the street, Parker hopes she doesn't catch him. Running down the street with her gun to her side, Jarod runs to Time Square.
"He went down to the subway." Broots says while running behind her.
Getting to the subway, she stops dead in her tracks. She pulls her gun to aim hoping Sydney will stop her before she shoots. Since he often does that. Sydney catches up with her and yells, "Parker, stop. You can't shoot him in the back."
'Ah, just what she wanted to hear.' she said to herself. She lowers her gun and watches him get on the subway. "He got away." she said as she turns to face Sydney. Then, about that time the baby kicks. She reaches down to touch her stomach.
Sydney says, "Are you okay?"
"Yes," she replied. "I think it is time for me to leave for a while."
"I think so too." Sydney replied with concern in his voice.
"Come on, let's go back and see what your boy left us, Syd." Parker replied as she walks off.
They get back to his room and he left behind some Poison, Bon Jovi, and Aerosmith CD's. "There is a note attached." Broots replied.
"I wonder what he means by that." Broots said after reading the note.
"I know what it is means, Broots." replied Parker as she picks up the CD's. "Let's get out of here." she responded.
**********
Returning home Parker looks at the CD's. The phone rings, "What" she responded.
"I'm sorry you missed me. I didn't want you to travel to far to catch me. Have you listened to the CD's yet?" replied Jarod.
"No, I haven't. I just got them out. I am sorry that I missed you too. I am leaving for the cabin tomorrow. When will I see you there?" replied Parker softly.
"Soon. I don't know for sure but I am on my way there. Do me a favor? Listen to the Bon Jovi, Keep the Faith CD track number 4 and 5. I will talk to you later. I love you." replied Jarod softly as he hangs up the phone.
She goes over to the CD player and puts in the CD and plays track number 4...
You want commitment take a look into these eyes They burn with fire, just for you now until the end of time
I would do anything I'd beg, I'd steal, I'd die to have you in these arms tonight...If you were in these arms tonight I'd hold you I'd need you I'd get down on my knees for you and I'd make everything alright If you were in these arms tonight I'd love you I'd please you I'd tell you that I'd never leave you and love you until the end of time If you were in these arms tonight...And we made a promise A promise this world would never blind us...
Then she listens to the next track as it begins to play...
...While we're talking about all the things that I long to believe about the love and the truth and what you mean to me and truth is baby you're all that I need I want to lay you down in a bed of roses For tonite I sleep on a bed of nails I want to be just as close as the Holy Ghost is and lay you down on a bed of roses Well I'm so far way that each step that I take is on my way home A king's ransom in dimes I'd give each night just see through this payphone Still I run out of time or it's hard to get through Till the bird on the wire flies me back to you I'll just close my eyes and whisper, baby blind love is true... When you close your eyes know I'll be thinking about you...For it's you that I'd die to defend...
She falls asleep to dream of him. She knows it won't be long before she will hold him in her arms again.