TITLE: Nice is Good
Author: Rachel
Keywords: Jarod/Miss Parker Strong Friendship
Rated: G/PG Miss Parker says "Damn" a lot!
Disclaimer: I own nothing that concerns the Pretender...just the right to
fantasize and write stories for my own enjoyment and hopefully for other’s
enjoyment, too. Please do not sue. Thank you
Author’s note: This might seem like your typical Jarod-Miss
Parker-get-stuck-somewhere-and-get-their-feelings-sorted-out-and-get-all-lovey-dovey
story, but I assure you, it’s more than that! There’s actually a plot.
Please give me feedback! I’m begging!!! Good or bad, tell me...just don’t
flame with bad words, that would hoit my feelings.
******
The dark clouds matched her mood. Miss Parker glanced up to the sky as if to dare it to make the first move. This is it. This lead on Jarod is her ticket to freedom. She walked into the Ranger Station and demanded attention without saying a word.
"Hi," she greeted with fake sweetness, fully aware of the curious looks she was getting.
"Can I help you, Miss?" The people in the room wondered what a well-dressed, stylish woman like this was doing in the middle of the Oregon wilderness.
"I’m looking for Jarod," she said with determination. Everyone seemed to relax at the mention of Jarod’s name.
"Well, Miss, why didn’t you say so? He’s hibernating at a cabin in the woods."
"Will you just point me to the general direction?" The snickering and snorting in the background made Miss Parker glare around in anger.
"What?!" she asked in exasperation.
"You drive to the trailhead about a mile and a half from here, then you have to hike two miles in to get to the cabin," one of the Rangers offered politely.
Miss Parker sighed, almost sounding defeated and the rangers were somewhat sympathetic.
"So you’re telling me that this outfit and shoes won’t get me there?" she commented, pointing to her stiletto shoes.
They shook their head in unison. "It’s pretty rough terrain, ma’am."
"Damn. I was so looking forward to seeing him, too," she muttered sarcastically, but some took her tone as serious and honest. Something inside her betrayed her again.
"There’s an extra pair of hiding boots and pants and a jacket if you’d like to use them," one of the Rangers said, holding the items up. Miss Parker stared at the outfit, unsure of what to do. She might have been nauseated by the forest green color. The rangers stood around in expectation, waiting to see what the brunette will do.
"Give them here," she demanded lightly, holding out her hand.
"You’d better hurry, ma’am, if you’re going to get there without getting soaked. There’s a storm coming and the area becomes more hazardous."
"I’ll draw you a map."
"Thank you, I mean it," Miss Parker said sincerely.
Miss Parker then smirked and glanced around the room with an eyebrow raised. "Some of you don’t think I’ll make it, do you?"
"You’ll make it," they said confidently.
Miss Parker was in disbelief. "How can you be so sure?"
"We’re sure of Jarod. I’ll radio him to let him know you’re coming."
"No!" Miss Parker protested. "Don’t let him know. I want it to be surprise," she said mischievously. Scratch the idea of them being confident in her making it.
"Ma’am, it’s not an easy hike..."
"I can handle it," she cut off, "not a word to Jarod until I get there. Capiche?"
What is Jarod into? They all thought. But they weren’t about to interfere. Jarod has made it clear that his business is his business. They like him too much to be nosy about his affairs. They were all curious, though, how this tall, beautiful, intimidating woman fit into his complicated and mysterious life.
Miss Parker grumbled back to her car at the thought of walking two miles and especially about wearing those hideous boots and gaudy pants.
*******
"Should we let Jarod know?"
"We’ll give her two hours and then we’ll inform Jarod."
"Good enough."
*******
Miss Parker parked her car at the trailhead and put on her gear. She checked her cell phone and nothing...no signal. She shut it close and threw it on the seat. She was glad she made the choice of going alone...to have Broots and Sydney gawking in disbelief would only be awaste of time. She didn’t care if Jarod say her looking so unfashionable. He’ll only be looking at the barrel of her gun anyway. Besides, she has had enough of his cockiness, thinking he knows everything about her. This should put a little kink in his perception of her. The clouds began to spit drops of rain and Miss Parker glared at the sky again.
*********
Miss Parker drudged through the dirt. At first it was an easily hiked path, but the map showed a deviance from the trail. The ground was becoming muddy by the rain. She kept moving. She can do this. Jarod is going to be sorry he messed with her. For almost two miles she endured the rocks, the fallen trees, the mud, and practically scaling the side of a cliff. She was making good time. The rain was beating harder now and lightning lit the wilderness. The thunder made her nervous, always did. She saw the faint outline of the cabin just a few hundred yards away and she smiled victoriously. She wasn’t quite sure now what she anticipated for: a warm, dry place; the look on Jarod’s face when she barged in on him; or a warm, dry place...warm and dry is good. She quickened her step and as she jumped the last crevice, her foot slipped and she missed her destination. She slid down the side of the hill, feet first, uncontrollably, for 15 feet and landed on a big rock. On her way down, a branch ripped through her pant leg and through the skin of her calf, sending a surge of pain up her leg and through her body. She tried to scamper up the ledge but couldn’t get a firm grip.
"Damn!!!" she screamed in total frustration. "THIS IS NOT HAPPENING!!"
She weighed out her options. She had none...or at least she couldn’t think of one. She sat on the rock and cautiously looked over the ledge, thankful the boulder kept her from going further down the ravine. Her leg throbbed and her pant leg was soaked in blood. She was glad she sat down because her head was feeling a little light. What is she going to do now? She thought of an option but refused to acknowledge it. There was no way she was giving in to that. She’ll stay here all night and all day if she has to until she thinks of another solution.
*******
Jarod was finally beginning to relax. This was definitely a good idea. He stared at the crackling fire and listened to the rain beat on the roof of the cabin. He was enjoying the peace until a radio call interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in, Jarod. Jar...in" the radio blurted, the reception sporadic.
"Jarod here, over."
"Jarod, radio silence might be necessary....days until we fix...weather is breaking...over."
"I understand, over."
"How was...surprise?"
"What? Over"
"...woman...tall, dark-haired...see you? Over"
"Repeat? Over." Jarod was beginning to have a sick feeling. Did he say a tall, dark-haired woman was coming to see him?
"Did she make it? ...left main station...hours ago. Over."
"No. but I’ll take care of it."
"Take care, Jarod. Over and out."
Why was he panicking? Panicking may be too strong. Over-anxious might be a better word. No. Panicking is more fitting. Thoughts flooded his mind. What was she doing? Better question was, where is she? What if she’s badly hurt? What if she’s not hurt and nearby and soon HE’LL be badly hurt?
"This is NOT happening!" he uttered in frustration. Now he has to go out in the cold, wet rain to look for her. He didn’t mind *rescuing* her, but if she’s fine and is here just to threaten to take him back, his is not going to be happy. And the thought of having to put up with her attitude and stubbornness, well that’s too much for a guy on vacation.
******
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! I hate you, Jarod!" Miss Parker ranted toward his general direction. She stood up grunting and removed her gun from her holster. She fired three shots in the in the air and sat back down to wait.
In a few minutes, Miss Parker heard rustling on top. "Are you alright?" she heard him ask. She tilted her back to see Jarod hovering above her.
"I’m fine," she grumbled.
"Toss me your gun."
She stood up slowly and looked up, unsure if she really heard him correctly. "You want me to do what?"
"I said, throw me your gun."
"No way!"
"You either give me your gun or I leave you down there." Jarod was getting impatient. "What’s it gonna be, Miss Parker?"
"Fine! Here!" she said angrily.
"I said throw it to me, not AT me!"
"Just get me out of here."
Jarod disappeared momentarily and in a few minutes a rope hung down on the side. Miss Parker grabbed it and began her ascend to the top. With her hurt leg it was tougher than she anticipated, but she kept at it. Jarod reached out for her to take his hand but she refused it. He sighed heavily, wondering why he’s even helping her. Stubborn woman. Miss Parker crawled up to the top on her own and stood up, buckling slightly when she put pressure on her injured leg. Jarod noticed this and was immediately concerned. "I thought you said you were fine?" he asked as he gathered up the rope.
"It’s just a small cut," she replied defensively, waiting for him to lead the way. He didn’t want to turn his back on her but he knew she wouldn’t allow him to see her incapable. He walked ahead and Miss Parker followed limping, wincing at every step.
"Jarod?"
"Yeah?" He asked without turning around, but something in her voice made him worry a little.
"I think I’m going to...pass out." Jarod turned around quickly and caught her before she hit the ground. He carried her the rest of the way, somewhat relieved of her current condition. He scolded himself for the unkind thought about someone else’s discomfort and misfortune, but what the hey, he did come out here for a little peace and quiet. When she comes to, he can forget about his planned R and R.