You don’t really need to read TRUCE 1--I only made small referencesto it.

Author’s note: MUSH, MUSH, AND MORE MUSH. You non-shippers can turnback now...YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
 

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING

The darkened halls of the Centre gave Miss Parker chills as she headedto her office. The emptiness and coldness of the place vibrated her verysoul, giving her second thoughts about her plans. But to save another fromthis tomb was warming her heart. The truce she made with Jarod a coupleof days ago lightened her spirits. She picked up a few things from heroffice and as she headed out the door, her cell phone rang.

"What?" she answered, but it was lacking her normal venom.

"Merry Christmas, Miss Parker," Jarod greeted.

The sound of his voice put a smile on her lips and her heart flutteredjust a little. She dismissed the feeling as nerves.

"Merry Christmas to you, too, Jarod," she greeted back with sincerity.There was no need for pretense or built walls.

"I found my family. Not all, just my father and JJ," He said simply,without gloating, maybe even feeling a little sadness for her.

"I’m happy for you, Jarod, really."

"Thank you. What are you doing for the holidays?"

"I’ve quit hosting a pity party and decided to do something about it."

"Oh? And what would that be?" Jarod asked, relieved that she was goingto be fine.

"I’m taking Angelo to my house and I’m going to treat him to a niceChristmas--complete with a Christmas tree and presents. Do you think he’lllike that?"

Jarod smiled. "He would love it! Miss Parker..." Jarod paused, as ifwanting to ask her something but not finding the words.

Miss Parker felt his uneasiness and smiled at the thought of finallyquenching the Pretender’s smugness. "I have to go, Jarod. I have a millionthings to get done. I was hoping you’d call, so I’m glad you did. I wasgoing to ask you for a Christmas truce, as friends of course, but sinceyou found your family, I’m sure you’d rather spend the day with them."

"Thank you for the offer, Miss Parker. Say hello to Angelo for me."

"Tell JJ I think about him and wish I could see him again."

"Merry Christmas, Miss Parker."

"Merry Christmas, Jarod." Miss Parker heard the click on the other endand she held the phone to her face a little longer, savoring the memoryof the smooth voice that lingered on her mind.

Miss Parker traveled the halls again looking for Angelo. She rememberedhis favored spot and she crouched down at a vent calling out his name.Angelo appeared before her, unsure of why she was there.

She smiled at him and his countenance lightened as if he was recollectingtheir younger days of friendship.

"I’m taking you away for a couple of days, Angelo," she whispered cautiously.

"Angelo can’t leave the Centre," he uttered with concern.

"Don’t worry, it’ll be alright. I have some things I have to get donethen I’ll come back for you. Be ready by 8:00 o’clock tonight."

Angelo nodded, trusting his friend.

"What are you doing, Miss Parker?" an accusing voice sounded behindher. Miss Parker was startled and she hit her head on the top of the vent.She replaced the vent cover and she stood up calmly, facing the questioningface of Mr. Raines.

"I’m looking for a rat," she gritted out, "and I found one," givinghim a sneer as she walked passed him.

"Merry Christmas, Miss Parker," Raines called out.

"Ho, Ho, Ho," she responded dryly.

"Poor lonely girl," Raines muttered under his breath.

************

Angelo looked around Miss Parker’s house nervously, feeling misplacedin a home filled with beautiful Christmas decorations--a sight that isso foreign to him. Miss Parker showed him the tree with presents underneath.Angelo clapped for joy, happy like a little child in a toyland. Miss Parker’sheart went out to him. For so many years, Angelo was deprived of the simplejoys in life. She smiled victoriously at the little happiness she couldgive him.

A knock on the door made both of them freeze, a pang of panic creepingupon them. Miss Parker reached for her gun and she ordered Angelo to gointo the kitchen and wait quietly. She peered through the window on thedoor to see who was calling. All she could see were two big boxes, concealingtwo delivery boys.

"What do you want?" Miss Parker asked curiously.

"We have packages for a Miss Parker?" a muffled voice came from behindthe box.

"Fine," she said, opening the door slowly and returning her gun behindher back, but still remaining alert, "Come in and set them down on thefloor," she said, straining to see the deliverers faces. The two set theboxes on the floor and stood to face Miss Parker. She was speechless, Jarodand JJ were standing in front of her, both smiling. She didn’t realizeshe was staring at JJ until Jarod spoke.

"Miss Parker, I believe you two have met?"

"Nice to see you again, Miss Parker." JJ said politely, extending hishand, nervous at the long awaited reunion. She didn’t make a move, juststood there and stared, trying to sort out emotions in her head and heart.

"I hope the offer still stands," Jarod said, trying to ease the tension,prodding her to react.

"Yes, of course," she smiled, shaking herself from the trance, huggingJJ tightly. The young man wasn’t sure at first how to react, then he lethimself get lost in her warm embrace, inhaling her sweet smell, huggingher in return.

"I can’t believe you’re here!" she cupped JJ’s face, smiling in pleasure."Angelo!" she called out to him.

Angelo scurried from the kitchen and stopped abruptly when he saw thevisitors. He gasped in momentary shock, then smiled a broad smile, a recognitionof friends. He rushed toward them and shook their hands excitedly. "Twofriends," he said with gladness. Jarod reached out to him and hugged him."Good to see you again, Angelo."

"Angelo," Miss Parker motioned for him to focus on her, "why don’t youtake JJ to the kitchen and show him where the food is."

"Food?" JJ asked in expectation.

"Come," Angelo urged. JJ followed blindly, unable to hold in his excitement.

Just when Miss Parker turned to Jarod, he walked away and attemptedto follow Angelo as well.

"Where are you going?" Miss Parker asked.

"To get some food before those two eat everything," Jarod grinned.

"Oh," Miss Parker said, disappointment trailing in her voice, followingJarod toward the kitchen.

"Oops, I forgot something," Jarod announced, stopping mid stride, MissParker almost running into him. He turned around, grabbed Miss Parker bythe waist, kissed her sweetly and tenderly, which she accepted readily."Merry Christmas, Miss Parker," he breathe out, sending shivers up herspine.

"Go, get some food," she smiled, "I think you’ll find Mr. Gonzalez outdidhimself with what he made for me."

"Mr. Gonzalez?" Jarod asked.

"Yes, I called him and he whipped us some holiday cheer. I flew outthere this morning and picked them up. He finally found a name for thatspecial heart-shaped bread he offered us. He called it, ‘Parker’s heart’,"Miss Parker beamed with pride and appreciation.

Jarod took her hand and they headed to the kitchen.

They pushed the french doors open and were amused at the sight of Angeloand JJ wide-eyed with pleasure at the spread of food on the counter. Thetwo were tasting everything in sight and enjoying every bite. Jarod joinedin their excitement and sat on a stool by the counter. "Wow, everythinglooks wonderful."

"Everything IS wonderful," JJ exclaimed as he took another bite.

Miss Parker walked behind Jarod, rubbing his back and resting her handon his shoulder. She stood behind him and draped her other arm on his othershoulder and rested her chin on it. When did she become so comfortablewith him? She didn’t care. It felt right. "Well? What do you think?"

"Mmmmmm, this is good," Jarod commented.

"Thank you, Miss Parker," JJ said sincerely, touched by her generosity.

They ate for a little while, chatting about nothing, talking about everything.A rule was made that no one was to mention the Centre or the past.

"You two have had enough," she ordered lightly, "You’re going to getsick if you eat any more."

Angelo and JJ pouted a little but obeyed her.

"That goes the same for you," she warned Jarod. He nodded, right beforehe snuck another piece of jelly-filled sweet bread and sticking in hismouth quickly.

"Miss Parker," JJ interrupted, "can Angelo and I put the presents webrought under the tree?"

"Yes, of course."

Angelo and JJ walked, almost skipping, out of the kitchen.

Jarod turned around and trapped Miss Parker between his legs, wrappinghis arms around her waist. Miss Parker hugged his neck tightly, "I’m soglad you and JJ are here," she said.

"Why?" Jarod asked, pulling back so he can look into her eyes.

"Because I needed a friend."

"A kissing friend, I hope," Jarod smirked.

"Oh, absolutely." They kissed tenderly, passionately, both enjoyingthe taste of each other’s lips. Their passion for each other increasingbut obvious to both it needed controlling. Miss Parker peeled away andlooked intently into Jarod’s eyes, communicating and pleading with herown eyes that there are some things she needs to sort out and wants totake things slowly. Jarod gave her a smile, letting her know he understoodand will honor her wishes. Miss Parker hugged him around the neck in gratitude,"Thank you," she whispered.

"It won’t be easy," he confessed.

"I know and I’m sorry."

"Don’t be sorry."

They embraced for a little while longer, content with each other.

"It’s late, we better get to bed," Miss Parker noticed the mischiefin Jarod’s eyes and she gave him a warning look. "Separately," she emphasizedplayfully.

***************

Miss Parker awoke with a jolt, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. Shedarted her eyes, trying to get accustomed to the darkness. 3:55 a.m. Adreadful feeling pierced her being. She grabbed her gun and cautiouslymade her way out of her bedroom. She checked Jarod’s room and from whatshe could see with the dim light of the clock, the bed was empty. Her handshook in panic and fear, her mind racing and she were unable to think.She quickly opened the room where Angelo and JJ should be and she felther heart stop. They were gone, too. "No," she cried silently. "Please,not again," she pleaded to anyone who might be able to ease her pain. Sheheard a noise downstairs and she headed there, her gun drawn in front ofher, determined to protect and avenge. She saw a light in the kitchen andshe kicked the doors open. She froze. Her gun extended in front of her,her eyes blurred by tears.

"Miss Parker!" JJ cried in distress. Angelo cowered in fear. Jarod turnedhis head and was shocked at the sight of Miss Parker pointing a gun atthem.

Miss Parker shook herself out of it and lowered her eyes to the gun.The tears fell furiously and she backed away quickly. "I’m sorry," shecried, running out of the kitchen, discarding her gun. Jarod motioned forJJ and Angelo to stay and he ran after her.

"Parker!" Jarod called out. Miss Parker stopped but didn’t turn aroundto face him. She sobbed in her hands, her body trembling.

"Come here," Jarod consoled, turning her around and enveloping her withhis strong arms, letting her cry on his chest.

"I-I thought I slept through it again," she struggled to say.

"Slept through what?"

*************

"When I found Thomas.." She paused, haunted by the vision of Thomasdead on
her porch.

"I understand," Jarod said. Miss Parker calmed, relieved that she didn’thave to explain everything , and relieved that everyone was fine.

"I’m sorry for over-reacting," she apologized, continuing to hold onto Jarod, soothed by his steady heartbeat on her cheek.

"And I’m sorry for giving you a scare like that," Jarod said, somehowecstatic she cared that much.

Miss Parker’s head shot up, a worried look on her face "Oh no! JJ andAngelo! I have to explain!" She tried to untangle herself from Jarod andrush to the kitchen but Jarod held on to her to stop her.

"Don’t worry about them, I’ll take care of it. Why don’t you go backto bed and I’ll make sure those two do the same. Then I’ll come by andcheck in before I hit the sack, too. Okay?" Jarod smiled.

Miss Parker nodded and headed back up the stairs, turning back one lasttime, just to make sure.

***********

Jarod tapped lightly on the door, pushing it open slowly. He peekedin to find Miss Parker sitting up on the bed, staring off in the distance,lost in thought.

Jarod slipped in quietly so not to startle her. "Hi," he greeted gently.Miss Parker looked up at him and smiled. Jarod sat on the edge of the bed.Miss Parker scooted over to make room for him. "Are you alright?" Jarodasked concerned.

"I’m fine."

"What’s really wrong, Parker?" Jarod asked softly.

Miss Parker let out a soft, sad laugh and looked down on Jarod’s handthat rested near her thigh. "It scares me that..." she paused and gentlyrubbed his arm. "It scares me that I care so much for Angelo, for JJ."

Jarod lifted her chin and saw the tears, not quite understanding herfears.

"And for you," she said in an almost inaudible whisper.

Jarod held her tightly. Miss Parker found comfort and peace in his arms.It really did scare her--the feelings, the deep connection, the bond. Shewasn’t taught to feel gentleness and concern--especially for Jarod. Buton this special moment, this special day, she was going to let her heartwin the war.

****************

Jarod woke with Miss Parker still cradled in his arms. He hadn’t expectedto spend the rest of the night in the same bed with her, but he couldn’tlet her go. He needed her as much as she needed him. He heard noises downthe hall and concluded that Angelo and JJ must be up and scurrying downto open presents. Miss Parker stirred and nuzzled deeper into his form.

"I think the boys are awake," Jarod said.

"Uh, hmn," Miss Parker mumbled.

"It’s Christmas morning, Parker. Time to open presents!" Jarod announcedas he slipped off the bed, but not before kissing her on the top of thehead. "I’ll see you downstairs."

Miss Parker’s body collapsed gently as Jarod vacated the bed, her faceburied in the covers, her form unwilling to get up. After a few moments,she, too, crawled off the bed, slipped on her robe, and headed downstairs.

She found JJ and Angelo half buried in the presents by the tree andJarod reclined on the floor, leaning on the edge of the couch, smilinga very amused smile. Miss Parker came around the couch and nestled herselfon the floor. Jarod guided her so that she sat between his legs. She leanedinto him, feeling his stubbled chin against her temple. They both sat,shaking their head at the two excited boys that ripped into the gift-wrappedboxes. JJ scrambled toward the couple, not even bothering to get up, butcrawled toward them with a present in his hand. "We got something for you,Miss Parker!"

"For me?"

"Open it!"

Miss Parker hurriedly ripped the paper and with wide-eyed wonder heldup a brand new pair of ice skates.

"Jarod said there’s a pond not too far from here. We thought it wouldbe fun to go. Say you’ll go. Please?" JJ begged.

"Of course I’ll go."

"Yeah! We got Angelo a pair, too. This is great! This is the best Christmas,ever!" JJ exclaimed. He scurried off again to examine and marvel at thegifts he received from Jarod and to join Angelo in his delight.

"It’s been so long since I’ve gone ice skating. I hope I still rememberhow." Miss Parker voiced worriedly.

"I’m sure you’ll do better than I will. Ice skating is one pretend Ihaven’t had the opportunity to experience," Jarod confessed.

"I’m stunned," Miss Parker said, "something Jarod is not good at? I’mgoing to take full advantage of this!"

"Yeah, yeah." Jarod said dryly as he reached behind him to pull outa small package. "I have something for you." He said as he held the beautifulgift in front of her.

She took it gently in her hands and carefully unwrapped it. Her eyesblurred at the beauty of what was inside. She fingered the necklace andadmired it. "It’s beautiful," she whispered, "where did you get it?"

"I worked at a sapphire mine once."

"You made this?"

"I worked at a jewelry shop, too."

"I love it," she said, motioning for him to put it around her neck.She fingered it one last time before turning her head to give Jarod a kiss."Thank you."

Miss Parker turned her body halfway so that she straddled Jarod’s oneleg. She wrapped her arms around his neck and touched her forehead withhis. "I didn’t get you anything," she said regretfully.

"What you’ve done for JJ and me is more than I could ever ask for. JJis right. This IS the best Christmas ever," he smiled, kissing her tenderly.

Angelo and JJ saw the moment between the two and decided to give themtime alone. They got up quietly and headed to the kitchen to eat some morefood.

The kisses they shared became more intense. Miss Parker crossed herlegs to ease the sensation and Jarod pulled her in closer, pressing hisarousal against her side. He kissed her neck and she savored the heat ofhis breath on her skin. Jarod pulled away quickly and apologized. "I’msorry, I shouldn’t."

Miss Parker smiled and let out a merry laugh and kissed him again. Angeloand JJ emerged from the kitchen and announced it was time to go skating.

"Can we go now? Please?" JJ pleaded.

Miss Parker and Jarod looked over at the two with the pathetic, beggingfaces and conceded.

"Alright," Miss Parker said. "Let’s get changed and head to the pond."

"Right on!" JJ exclaimed.

Miss Parker and Jarod looked at each other bewilderedly. "Right on?"They questioned each other, smiling at the phrase that came out of JJ’smouth.

They all emerged from their rooms dressed warmly for the outing. JJand Angelo ran downstairs to wait for Jarod and Miss Parker.

"You ready?" Jarod asked Miss Parker as he met her in the hallway.

"I’m ready for this." She grabbed him by the neck and kissed him passionately.He returned the kiss with equal fervor, pressing her against the wall.Then she slowly broke the kiss and slipped out from under his grasp andheaded down the stairs, leaving him still puckered and wanting. She turnedback with a teasing smile and reached out for his hand. Jarod clasped herhand and just shook his head.

******

On the way back from the pond, Miss Parker walked with JJ ahead of Jarodand Angelo. JJ took in everything she said and thoroughly enjoyed her company.

"Watch this, JJ. And when I say run, you’d better run," she said playfully.She *accidentally* dropped a glove and when she bent down to pick it up,she scooped up a handful of snow and formed it into a ball as she stood.

"What did you make?" JJ asked curiously.

"It’s called a snowball," she whispered. She pivoted quickly and threwthe snow, hitting Jarod squarely on the chest. "Now, run!!!"

Jarod was stunned momentarily and with narrowed eyes and a smirk onhis face, he ran after the two. Angelo followed closely behind, also sportinga mischievous grin.

Miss Parker grabbed JJ and crouched behind a big rock, frantically formingsnowballs, getting ready to pelt Jarod and Angelo when they ran towardthem. As Miss Parker and JJ stood to launch their assault, they were greetedwith silence. Angelo and Jarod were nowhere to be found.

"Oh damn," she muttered.

"What?" JJ uttered in distress.

"Jarod is an expert in jungle tactics and Angelo is an expert in hiding,"she explained, looking around for any sign of them. "We’d better skedaddle,cause we are doomed. Go!"

JJ ran as fast as he can toward the house. Miss Parker gathered herskates and headed toward the house herself. But before she can make a step,Jarod tackled her, sending them to the ground in a heap. Jarod pinned herdown with his body, holding her wrists above her head.

"Did you think you’d get away with that?" he asked menacingly.

"What are you going to do to me?" Miss Parker asked, smiling nervously.

"For starters, this," and he kissed her, freeing her arms and they wrappedaround his neck instantly.

"For enders, this," and he stuffed a handful of snow down her back andquickly ran off, leaving her screaming in shock and threats of revenge.

The three boys stood by the house with their hands behind their back,waiting for her. Miss Parker approached them in disbelief.

"You wouldn’t dare!" she gasped.

"We dare," Jarod announced. He and Angelo threw snowballs at her. JJon the other hand, threw the snow at Jarod and Angelo, gaining him approvalfrom Miss Parker. After their all-out big snowball fight, they went intothe house exhausted and laughing.

******

They played games, ate, and watched old movies. There were times MissParker complained at the unfairness of playing games with three geniuses.And when Angelo and Jarod paired up against her and JJ, they didn’t standa chance of beating the empath and the experienced Pretender.

About 11 p.m., they finally got tired and headed off to bed.

"Good night," Miss Parker whispered as she kissed Jarod’s cheek. Beforehe could react, Miss Parker was out of his embrace and headed to her room.Disappointed a little, alright, A LOT, Jarod sighed and went into his ownroom.

Jarod stood on the side of the bed arranging his things with his backto the door, clad only in his boxer shorts, when three quick knocks came.Without turning around, he called out, "Come in, JJ" He heard the dooropen and close.

"What do you need, little bro..," turning around and stopping in mid-sentencewhen he saw Miss Parker standing there.

"Oh, I thought you were JJ," he stammered. Jarod was stunned. He wasunable to move, his brain was not functioning, and his insides were ina whirlwind. He stared at her in awe as she walked slowly toward him. Herrobe gapped, the satin string untying as she moved, revealing gently herlong, gorgeous legs. The midnight black teddy she wore hung gently on herperfect body.

"I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable," she said, her voiceteasing and seductive. Jarod could only nod. She stood in front him andran her hands up his arm. She paused a little, holding his shoulders beforerunning her hands back down his arms and guiding them to wrap around herwaist, not once breaking eye contact. He smiled at her goofily, wonderingwhat she was up to, and hoping really hard it was something he wants herto be up to. He didn’t make an aggressive move...just waited for her. Shechuckled at his expression and slowly, so painfully slow, brought her faceclose to his.

"Merry Christmas," she breathe out. She kissed him gently on the lips,sending shivers up and down his spine. He took his cue, his heart beatingout of control, and he held her tightly in his arms, kissing her tenderlyand passionately.

In the other room JJ and Angelo lay on their back staring at the ceilingwhen the computer interrupted their thoughts.

"You have a video phone call," it announced.

JJ rushed to the computer and accessed the call.

"Dad!" he exclaimed.

"Hello, JJ," Major Charles greeted. "Where’s Jarod?"

"I’ll go get him," JJ said hastily and ran out the door toward Jarod’sroom.

The tapping on the door and the calling of Jarod’s name interruptedtheir romantic moment.

Jarod struggled to break free of Miss Parker’s longing kiss and warmembrace, his whole being resisting, but the urgency in JJ’s voice gnawedat him. He opened the door slightly, concealing Miss Parker behind himand the door. She held his one hand and caressed his back with her otherhand.

"What’s wrong?" Jarod asked.

"Dad’s on a video call. He want’s to talk to us," JJ said hurridly.

Miss Parker patted him on the back to urge him to take the call.

"I’ll be there in a minute," Jarod said as he shut the door. "I’m sorry,"he apologized.

"Go, mustn’t keep the Major waiting," Miss Parker said lightly, tryingto conceal her disappointment.

Jarod kissed her quickly on the lips before heading down the hall.

Jarod sat at the computer and greeted his father. "Dad! You left soquickly. Is it about Mom and Emily?"

"Yes, son. I think I found some clues about your mother’s whereabouts.I’ll need you and JJ to meet me as soon as you can. How soon can you behere?"

JJ peered over Jarod’s shoulder, wide eyed with expectation. "I’ll packnow and we’ll leave right away. Right Jarod?" JJ asked.

"Yes, of course. We’re only a few hours away, dad." Jarod answered hesitantly.Miss Parker stood in the doorway, saddened by the fact the Jarod and JJwere leaving.

"Fine, son," the Major stated. "You know where to find me. I’ll seeyou in a few hours."

Jarod terminated the call and sat there silently while JJ scurried aroundthe room gathering his things. Jarod finally stood up and walked to whereMiss Parker was standing. He didn’t know how or what to feel. He was excitedabout maybe finding his mother, but crushed that he has to leave the womanthat he’s starting to deeply care about. And not just that, she was readyto share her feelings and show how much she cared, too. That’s such a bigstep for her. The timing was definitely not in his favor. He took her handand led her back to his room so he can pack before JJ finishes.

Miss Parker watched as Jarod put his things in his bag. There were nowords to say and there were no hiding their disappointments and sadness.Miss Parker finally made a move toward him and touched his arm, makinghim stop packing. She caressed his face with the palm of her hands. Hegrasped her wrists and kissed each palm gently. Miss Parker smiled at himwith understanding. "You know where I live. Just don’t stay away too long."

"I couldn’t if I tried," Jarod said, "I’ll call you."

Miss Parker laughed a little, receiving a confused look from Jarod.

"What’s so amusing?" he asked.

"If that came from anyone else, I’d shoot him for giving me a sorryline. But coming from you, I know you’re serious," she said smiling.

"Of course, I’m serious," he said.

"I know."

Miss Parker kissed him sweetly on the lips and they hugged each othertightly.

Jarod pulled away, his face beaming. "New Year’s Eve. I have plans ifyou’re interested."

"Just you and me?" Miss Parker asked.

"Just you and me. I’ll let you know where and when."

"Are you giving me any clues?"

"Nope." Jarod said playfully.

Miss Parker pouted and Jarod kissed her again. They broke free and headeddownstairs where JJ was waiting.

"Goodbye Miss Parker," JJ said, reaching out to her to hug her. MissParker hugged him back eagerly. "Thank you for everything,"

"You’re welcome, JJ. Come see me again soon?"

JJ’s eye’s gleamed and his smile was broad. "You betcha, Miss P.!!"

After hugs and goodbye’s, JJ and Jarod disappeared into the night. MissParker couldn’t sleep so she and Angelo cleaned up to erase any evidenceof Jarod and JJ being there.

"Daughter sad and happy at the same time." Angelo noticed. He smiledat that last comment and went to his room after they finished their task.Miss Parker lay on the bed fingering the necklace Jarod gave her and closedher eyes, wishing for only good dreams to come.

Part 3
 
 
 

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