Disclaimer: The characters Miss
Parker, Sydney, Jarod, Broots etc.and the fictional Centre, are all property of
MTM, TNT and NBC Productions and used without permission. I'm not making any
money out of this and no infringement is intended.
Plan B
By: Southern Belle
Parker pulled up in her driveway and grabbed a small package from her passenger seat.
"Jarod!" She yelled as she entered the house. When she didn't get an answer she yelled again. She ran into their bedroom with the gift. He came out of the bathroom.
"Hey, you're home. What's all the excitement?"
She met him in the middle of the room, jumped into his arms. "I have something to give you." She gave him a kiss.
"Maybe I should come home more often if you are going to meet me like this." He joked. He carried her to the bed and sat down. "What is it?"
"This." She handed him the package. She moved out of his lap so he could open it.
He tore into the package and pulled out a baby sleeper and a pair of tiny socks.
"What is this?" He stared down at it.
"You're going to be a father." She looked up into his eyes.
"I'm going to be a...."
"A father!" She finished.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. I found out today. I couldn't wait to get home and tell you."
Jarod pulled her back into his lap. She wrapped her arms around him as their lips found each other again.
He yanked back slowly. "I'm going to be a daddy." He said it over and over again. "Can I feel?"
She put his hand over her abdomen.
"A daddy." He smiled from ear to ear.
She pushed him back on the bed. "I love you, Jarod." She kissed him again.
"I love you too." He rolled her over so he was laying on top of her. He kissed her lips then her neck. "Can we celebrate?" He asked.
"Yeah."
"I mean can we 'celebrate'?" He stared down into her eyes and grinned.
"Yes. We can celebrate." She answered as she jerked his shirt off of him.
******
Jarod held her into his arms as he made small circles around her bare shoulder.
"Jarod?" She raised up.
"Mmm." He looked down at her.
"What are we going to do when I start to show?"
"I don't know I haven't thought that far ahead. It still sinking in that I'm going to be a father." He laughed.
"You know my father will be against it unless he finds out he has the next pretender at the Centre."
"I know." He sat up in the bed. "I will march right into your father's office and tell him that I married his daughter and we have created a child out of our love."
"No, be serious."
"I am serious." He faced her.
"And we and our child will grow old in the Centre." She rolled over and faced the other side of the bed. She stared out into the darkness that filled the room.
Jarod laid back down next to her. He placed his head on her shoulder. "Okay, maybe that won't work but I know what will."
"What?" She answered without moving.
"You take me back."
"What?!" She sat up in the bed.
"You heard me."
"Are you crazy?"
"Listen. You turn me in and when I know that you have your freedom from your father I will leave again."
"This is crazy. You are crazy." She got up from the bed, grabbed his shirt off the floor and slipped it over her naked body.
He followed her. "Listen. I have a plan."
"Jarod..."
He placed his fingers over her lips. "Shh...hear me out."
******
Twelve weeks later
Parker stared at her stomach in the mirror. "I hope this works." She whispered as she rubbed it. "Or else your father will need another plan." She grabbed her car keys and headed out.
Parker, Sydney, and Broots came walking into the Centre with Jarod in their custody. They went straight to sub level 4. She pointed to Sam and he made sure that Jarod was locked into his new room.
"Watch him!" She hissed at Sam. Then turn around and headed to her father's office.
"Angel, I heard." He stood up from his chair.
"Daddy." She kissed the older man on the cheek.
"I'm so proud of you. How did you do it?"
"I told you that I would get him."
Lyle walked in. "Don't tell me..."
"Yep. You should learn a thing or too from your sister, Lyle." The chairman hugged his daughter again. "Let's go see our pretender." The trio headed out to the sub level 4.
Lyle circled the wounded pretender like was his next meal. "So, how did you do it?" He replied to his sister.
"It was quite easy. Even a moran could have caught him this time. Oh, I'm sorry Lyle I didn't mean to insult you." She smirked.
"Bitch." He said as his voice began to lower.
"Enough!" Daddy raised his voice. "That's it. I will not have any fighting during our happy celebration."
"I am curious about one thing." Lyle stopped right in front of Jarod. "Why did you let her bring you back?" Lyle's face was inches from Jarod's.
He glanced up. "Look at her. Wouldn't you want to be caught by that instead of a man." Jarod whispered as he stared over Lyle's shoulder at his wife.
Lyle got mad and stormed off. "I can't believe she got to bring him back." He mumbled as made his way down the hall into the elevator.
******
Parker entered her father's office. "Daddy, can we talk?"
"Sure. I always have time for my Angel."
She took a seat across from him. "I have been thinking."
The old man sat back in his chair and crossed his fingers as his elbows rest on the arm rest.
"We had a deal, remember?"
"Yes we did."
"Well, I hoping I could leave right away."
"I was hoping you would stay on."
"My job was to bring Jarod in and that is what I have done."
"I know but..."
"No buts about it. I want to leave. I want to start a life of my own. I feel like I have done you proud. Don't make me feel guilty for leaving."
"Then I guess a deal is a deal."
"Thank you daddy." She rose from her seat.
"When are you planning on leaving?"
"In the next few days. I have some unfinished business to take care of first." She exited.
Raines entered before the door had a chance to shut. "What did she want?"
"Our deal."
"You can't let her leave. She knows to much." He walked up to the desk.
"I know. I will let her think she is going but..."
"Now, that is more like the Mr. Parker I know." Raines interrupted.
******
Parker made her way down to Jarod's new home. She slipped in. "It worked." She whispered toward him.
"I won't believe it until I know you are safe."
She walked up to him, ran her index finger down his jaw. "I'm going to miss you."
"Same here."
"Are the cameras still on us?"
"Yes." He watched it stop when she stood in front of him. "Remember to stick to our plan."
"I will."
"Promise."
"Yes."
"Okay, when you get home you will find a package and everything you will need. Now, go. I'll be fine."
"Then I guess I will have to make this look good. Ready?"
"Yep."
Parker doubled her fist and hit him across the face. "You bastard!" She yelled.
Jarod laughed under his breath as he watched her storm off. "Get away from me and don't come back!" He shouted.
******
Parker arrived at home and opened the package that Jarod had told her about. She found several different passports and plane tickets with different names on them. She also found a note with one baby sock attached to it.
To my wife,
I know it will seem like a long time before we are together again but don't worry. I will be holding you into my arms soon. I want you to hold onto this sock cause when it is back with it's mate we will be together again.
Love always,
Jarod
Parker wiped the tears from her eyes. "I love you." She whispered.
******
Several days later Parker had finally arrived at the destination that Jarod had sent her to. She stared at the house that stood before her. She took a deep breath and went to door and let herself in.
"Home sweet home." She whispered as she walked around the place. She picked up a picture of her and Jarod that was sitting on the table by the door. "I miss you." She ran her fingers over the frame.
"Mrs. Russell?"
She turned around to see a woman standing there with an apron on.
"Who are you?" She asked as she walked up to the elderly woman.
"I'm here to help you out until Jarod arrives." She answered.
"Jarod..."
"I can tell from the look on your face. He didn't tell you about me."
Parker stood there not saying a word.
"I have fresh clothes laid out for you. I also have the bed ready if you are tired. Follow me and I will show you to your room."
Parker followed her down the hallway and into the last room. She entered the bedroom and saw the robe and other another set of clothing laying there.
"I wasn't sure if you would want a bath first or not."
Parker walked around the room. She looked out the window that over looked the road coming to the house. The road looked like it went forever.
"I'll leave you to yourself." The lady turned to leave.
"Wait."
"Yes?"
"What is your name?"
"Martha." She answered with a smile.
"Well, Martha...I'm Melissa. It's a pleasure to meet you." Parker stuck her hand out.
"Melissa, it's nice to finally meet you." She returned the hand shake.
******
Three weeks later
Sydney went down to the room where they were holding Jarod.
"Jarod?" The old man didn't see him.
"I'm over here." He answered.
"Jarod. What have they done to you?" He went to the pretender who was rocking back and forth on the floor.
"I won't do it." He pleaded.
"Do what?" Sydney looked into his black eye.
"Whatever they want. I won't do it."
"Jarod, she made it." He whispered into the young man's ear.
Jarod smiled.
******
Lyle stood in front of his father's desk.
"What do you mean she is gone? How can she be gone just like that?!" The chairman yelled.
"Dad. I don't know. She is just.....gone. Disappeared into thin air."
"She can't disappear like that. No one can." He slammed his fist down on the solid cherry desk.
"Dad, the sweepers have combed the area several times. It's like Jarod was helping her."
"Jarod!" He screamed.
"Yeah."
"Get out!" He pointed toward the door.
Mr. Parker took several deep breaths before he calmed down. "The pretender?" He left his office and entered Jarod's room.
"Look here, Jarod." He yanked the young man up from the floor. "Tell me where my daughter is!"
"How am I suppose to know? I have been locked up in here since I have been back." He jerked loose from the older man.
"I know you know something."
"How am I suppose to know something? She is the enemy." He spat back. He went to the corner.
"Don't mess with me boy!"
Jarod could tell his blood pressure was raising. "Maybe she doesn't want to be found."
"She doesn't want to leave her father." The older man came toward him.
"How do you know?"
"I know my daughter!" He raised his voice.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that." He answered.
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Mr. Parker growled.
"I don't know. Maybe you should ask her, if you can find her." He laughed in the chairman's face.
"Don't laugh at me or I'll...."
"What? Hurt me? You have done that already." He watched as Mr. Parker went to the door. "You know Mr. Parker maybe it is time to let her go."
The man turned and glared at the pretender one more time before storming out.
Jarod laughed again. He stared up at the camera in the corner. "Mr. Parker! Mr. Parker! I thought you had a deal with her." He laughed again. Then he sat back down on his bed.
A few minutes later Sam entered the room with Lyle.
"It's not funny to laugh at my father."
"How about laughing at you?" Jarod stared at the thumbless man.
"It's not allowed either." Lyle doubled his fist and hit him. Lyle turned to Sam. "Get him."
Sam jerked him up and they walked down the hallway. Lyle opened the door. Jarod and Sam entered the sim room.
"You will work in here for the time being."
"Doing what?"
"Go over to the table and you will find out."
Jarod walked over there and saw several things laying on the table. They were directions to different placed in the world.
"What's this?"
"You are going to help us found Miss Parker." Lyle turned away from the pretender. "Sam watch him. If he tries anything, hit him or shot him." Lyle walked out.
Jarod sat down in the table and stared at the items laying there. He heard a something coming from the vent. He turned his head to see Angelo sitting there.
"Jarod sad." He said softly.
Jarod watched Sam as he watched him.
He picked up the pencil and began writing. He tore the paper into pieces. He wadded a small piece up and held it in his hand. He dropped the pencil on the floor and bent down to pick it up.
"What are you doing?" Sam asked as he stood up from his seat.
"I dropped my pencil. Can I get it or do you want to pick it up?" He watched as the sweeper sat back down. Jarod quickly threw the paper toward Angelo. Then he began to write again.
Lyle walked back in. "Anything?" He went to the table.
"Yeah, try this." Jarod shoved some paper at Lyle.
He looked down at it. "You little prick!" He turned to Sam. "Take him back to his room."
As they exited, Angelo reached out and took the paper that Jarod threw at him. He smiled. "Jarod happy." Then he took off in the vents.
******
Lyle entered his father's office.
"Well, any luck?"
"He left this for you." He handed him the paper.
Mr. Parker looked down at it. "Go to hell." It read.
"Damn it! We need to find her."
"Dad, maybe Jarod is right. You did have a deal."
"Get out!" He yelled again.
Lyle quickly left.
******
Two days later
Lyle hurried into his father's office. "Dad, he's gone."
"Who?"
"Jarod. He's gone."
"What do you mean he's gone?"
"Just what I said. He's gone."
"When?"
"Sometime during the night."
"Any leads?"
"No. We have combed the area."
"Why do I have a feeling we have been through this before?" He paused. "Go. Get three sweeper teams. Four if you have too. We need him....ALIVE!"
Parker laid back on the couch. She was getting worried she hasn't heard anything from Jarod. She knew he should have been on his way by now. The older woman entered the room.
"Martha?"
"No. I haven't heard anything."
"How did you know I was going to ask?"
"Because you have been asking since yesterday."
"Oh. I'm just worried. What if he didn't...?"
"Don't talk like that. He will be here when he knows it is safe."
******
Two weeks later
The door bell rang.
"I'll get it." Parker yelled. She hoped it was Jarod. She smiled as she opened the door but then frown when she saw a delivery guy standing there.
"I have a delivery for a Mrs. Russell."
"That's me." She took the package.
"Sign here." He handed her a pen and paper.
"Here you go." She handed it back to him. She quickly tore into the package while she shut the door. She opened it up.
"Was it Jarod?" Martha came into the room.
"No." She was crying.
"What's wrong?"
"This." She pulled out the one tiny baby sock. "He said when the sock find it's mate again we would be together."
The door bell rang again.
"I'll get it." Martha went this time. She opened the door and smiled at the man before her. "Melissa, it's for you."
"You can sign for it." She wiped her tears.
"He won't let me. He said it has to be you."
Parker turned around and head toward the door. "Jarod!" She yelled as she jumped into his arms. "What took you so long?" She pulled back and waited on an explanation.
"I had to make sure it was safe."
"You sure did take your sweet time." Her hands were on her hips.
Jarod could see her swollen belly. "Look at you." He reached for her stomach. "How is my baby?"
"Fine but worried about you too." She took his hand and went to the couch. "How did you get out?"
"The same way I did the first time." He held her into his arms. "I missed you."
"I missed you too." She kissed him. "I love you." She whispered in his ear.
"Not as much as I love you." He held her tighter.
******
Nineteen weeks later
Jarod looked out their bedroom window. He saw the car driving up the road. He found his wife. "Honey, we have visitors."
"Mmm."
"The door is for you."
"Can you get it? I'm getting ready to feed the baby." Parker stared down at her beautiful daughter who was two weeks old.
"No, it's really for you."
"Jarod?"
"Please. Get the door."
"Fine." She held her daughter into her arms as she went to the front door. She opened the door to see Sydney, Broots, Debbie, and Angelo standing there.
"Guys. How did you found us?"
"Jarod left us directions." Sydney entered as he got a hug.
"Angelo?" She hugged them all as they entered one by one.
"Wait. There is someone else." Jarod told her as she began to shut the door.
"Who? I don't see anyone." She looked out.
"Me."
She heard the familiar voice. "Sam?" She couldn't believe he was standing in front of her.
"Are you going to let me in?"
"Sure." She moved over. "Jarod?" She looked surprised.
"Honey, it's okay."
"You haven't told her." Sam replied.
"You know, I'm finding a lot that Jarod hasn't told me." She joined them in the livingroom.
"Let me see her." Debbie asked as she sat down next Parker.
"Here, you can hold her." She handed the baby to Debbie. Then turned back toward Jarod. "Tell me what?" She asked.
"See I helped Sam out a long time ago in one of my pretends and I asked him if would return the favor."
"Which is?" She kept her eyes fixed on Jarod's.
"Protect you."
"Protect me?" She looked surprised again.
"Yeah. If you will remember when we got married Sam showed up at the Centre and became your personal sweeper."
"Yeah. I never really thought about it back then."
"You weren't suppose to. He was there to protect you when I wasn't around."
"Then why didn't you tell me?"
"It was safer that way."
"Safer?"
"The more you knew the more you would have been in danger."
"Oh." She turned to everyone else. "How did you get out?"
"We are all dead." Broots answered.
"Uh?"
"Broots and Debbie had a car accident one night. Sydney took Angelo out in hopes of finding you when the his house blew up with them in it. Sam was killed while chasing me after I escaped again." Jarod answered.
She looked over at him and smiled. "I don't know how you do it but..."
"I'm good." He replied mischievously.
They all laughed. The baby began to cry. "It's dinner time." Parker took her daughter into her arms. "We will be back." She headed out. Jarod watched her leave the room.
"By the way Sydney, your family will be joining us tomorrow."
"Nicholas and Michelle?"
"Yes. I have faked their deaths too. Their plane should be landing in the morning."
"Thank you Jarod." The older man shook his hand.
"You're welcome. Now if only I could find my family."
"You will." Sydney replied.
"We will." Broots said as he pointed over toward his lap top.
"One day at a time." Jarod answered as he watched his friends talk.
******
Jarod knocked on the door.
"Yeah." Parker answered.
"Can I come in?"
"Of course."
Jarod entered the room and stared at his wife feeding their daughter. "You both are beautiful." He said as he walked closer to them.
"Thank you." She smiled up at him.
"I have one more surprise for you."
"Jarod...?"
"You will like this one."
"What is it?"
"I can't tell you." He kissed his baby girl on the head. "Tomorrow. I promise." He walked out.
"What are we going to do with your father?" Parker glanced down at the baby in her arms.
******
Parker woke up early the next morning. She rolled over.
"Jarod?"
"Mmm." He opened his eyes.
"Where is my surprise?"
"Later." He answered.
"No. You said I would get it this morning."
"Later this morning." He rolled over and faced the other direction.
She punched him in the shoulder.
"Ow!"
She got up from the bed and went to check on her daughter. She came back in.
"Where did you go?" Jarod sat up.
"To check on the baby. She is still asleep." She glanced out the window. She saw the car pull up into the yard. "Someone's here." She replied as she headed out.
Jarod smiled as he climbed out of bed and followed her to the door.
She opened the door and stared back at the older man. "Ben?" She questioned.
"Melissa." He hugged her.
"What are you doing here?"
"I couldn't miss this opportunity to stay with my family."
"Surprise!" Jarod came up behind her. "I told you, you would like it."
"Yeah....but..."
"Nothing. He wants to stay with his daughter."
"Ben." She hugged again. "I haven't seen you seen we got married."
"I know. I have got onto my son-in-law for taking you away."
"Follow me. I have something to show you." She took Ben into the baby's room. They walked over to the crib. She picked up her daughter who was now a wake. "Ben, I would like for you to meet your granddaughter." She handed him the baby.
"She is beautiful." He made cooing noises at her. "What is her name?"
"Catherine." She answered.
"I wish her grandma could be here."
"Me too." Parker said as she watched her father play with the baby. Jarod held his wife in his arms as they both enjoyed having their family almost reunited.
The End!