Follow the Stars Home by Melanie Anne, admin
Follow the Stars Home by Melanie Anne

Disclaimer: Once again, I don't own the characters of the Pretender. The character of Paulie is mine so if you want to use him, treat him well. That's all. Oh, and please don't sue me.

Note: I got the idea for this from two sources. One was a movie on the Hallmark Channel called 'Follow the Stars Home' (yes I'm using the title without permission - don't tell!) and the other is a boy in my church. To the real Paulie, this story is for you. Special thanks must go to my beta readers: Marlen and Mary Eve. I am eternally grateful for your input.



Follow the Stars Home



Miss Parker swore, hanging up as Sydney walked into her office.

"You know, that lab rat of yours really annoys me," she said, not looking up.

She did look up when Sydney didn't jump to Jarod's defense as he usually did.

"Syd? You okay?" she asked, trying not to sound too concerned. It wouldn't do for anyone to think she had grown feelings somewhere along the line.

Wordlessly he dropped a folder onto the desk and walked over to the window. Parker opened the folder and a photograph of a young boy fell out. She picked it up and smiled. The boy had brown hair and freckles across his nose.

His eyes are the same color as Jarod's, she thought disinterestedly. What a cute kid.

"Who is he, Syd?" Curiosity got the better of her and she had to ask.

"His name is…was Paul."

Parker didn't like how that sounded.

"Was?"

"He was originally assigned to me because…well, that's not important. But Raines got hold of him and…did what he did to Timmy…Angelo." He turned to face Parker and she noticed he was crying. "He was almost as intelligent as Jarod and now he's just like Angelo."

Parker looked at the photograph again and was suddenly struck by an unwelcome memory.

"Jarod, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Miss Parker asked.

"It's…it's Timmy."

"What about him?"

"There is no more Timmy," Raines interrupted, motioning two sweepers to take Jarod back to his room.

"What?" Parker asked.

"His name is Angelo."

She looked at the boy standing behind Raines and then looked back at Raines, defiantly putting her hands on her hips.

"You can't do that! I'll tell Sydney!"

Raines laughed.

"Dear child, there is nothing he can do."

"Well, then I'll tell my mother!" she cried, storming off.


"He did it again," Parker whispered. "I can't believe he did it again."

"Such a waste," Sydney said, shaking his head.

"How old is he?"

"Five."

Parker closed her eyes. Only five years old.

"Where is he now?"

"I don't know. He disappeared into the air vents. He could be anywhere."

"Why don't you go home, Syd. I'll call if we need you," she suggested, knowing how attached Sydney was to all the children he worked with and how devastated he must be.

He was touched by her gesture. There's hope for you yet, he thought.

"Thank you, Miss Parker."

And then he was gone and she was left alone with her thoughts.

Oh, Mama! When will it stop? Why is Raines still being allowed to play God? I'm sorry, Timmy. Jarod and I said we'd never let it happen again but we did. Somebody should just shoot Raines and put an end to his evil once and for all.

Her decision made, she stood and checked the clip in her gun. It was full. She headed to the Renewal wing and ignoring Raines' secretary's protests, burst into his office. She drew her gun, her aim steady.

"Angel, what are you doing?" Mr. Parker asked, sounding almost amused.

"Do you know what he did?" she hissed, her tone venomous.

"How did you find out?" Raines didn't sound scared, only mildly curious.

"Did you really expect to keep it from Sydney? He was assigned to the boy. What the hell were you thinking? Wasn't frying Timmy's brain bad enough?"

"Angelo," Raines corrected.

"Thanks to you," Parker spat.

"Angel, what's the problem?" her father asked.

"Daddy, he's just a kid. And now he's going to spend the rest of his life like Angelo, roaming around in the air vents."

"Why, Miss Parker, I didn't realize you had feelings," Raines said, smiling.

She lifted her gun and took it off safety. Raines visibly paled.

"Now, now, Angel. That won't help him."

Parker turned back to her father, a seed of suspicion growing in her mind.

"Did you know about this?"

Mr. Parker shrugged apologetically.

"Raines assured us the treatment would work this time."

She shook her head and lowered the gun.

"I can't believe this, Daddy. I've had enough. This place makes me sick!"

Spinning around, she left, trying to keep her façade of control in place as she returned to her office. Her phone rang.

"What?"

"Have you thought about what I said?" came Jarod's voice. He was the last person she wanted to hear from just then.

"Not now, Jarod."

"Tick tock, Miss Parker. What do you think will happen to you when the Triumvirate decides you've had enough chances to catch me?"

"Jarod, please. I'm not in the mood for your mind games."

"Rumor has it that right now they're discussing your future. Doesn't that worry you?"

"Right now I could care less. Okay? Just leave me alone."

She hung up, fuming. Usually Jarod's calls didn't bother her this much but deep down she was worried. What if the Triumvirate decides to replace me?

She pushed open her office door to find Angelo and the boy - what's his name? Paul? - huddled on her couch. Quickly shutting her door she slowly walked towards them.

"Angelo?"

"Afraid…Paulie very afraid."

"It's okay," she lied. "He'll be okay."

"No…not without…you…will you…love him?"

"What? Angelo, I can't look after him. I'm here all the time."

"Needs mother," Angelo insisted.

Yeah, me and him both.

Angelo reached out and grabbed her wrist. She was surprised at the strength of his grip. Realizing he was hurting her he immediately let go and dropped his head.

"Hey, it's okay," Parker said. She sat down beside Angelo and put a hand on his shoulder, trying to convey that she wasn't mad at him. Paul crawled onto her lap and she wrapped her arms protectively around him. Angelo picked up the almost imperceptible shift in her attitude and smiled.

"Good, good…love him."

"Angelo-" she protested, still holding Paul.

"Be mother." And then Angelo was gone, disappearing into the maze of air vents.

Parker sighed.

'Be mother.' Be a mother? Be my mother? Won't that please Daddy? The last thing he wants is for me to be anything like Mama! What am I going to do? I can't let him go back to Raines but I can't keep him either. What would you do, Mama?

Parker was suddenly aware that Paul's breathing had slowed and he seemed to be sleeping. She brushed his hair away from his forehead, not realizing she was smiling.

I could be a mother, couldn't I?

 

Just then Mr. Parker and Raines entered, both looking tense.

"Congratulations for finding him, Angel."

"Was there something you wanted?" Parker asked, keeping her voice even so as not to disturb Paul.

"We need to get the boy back to his room," Raines said.

"No!" Parker's grip tightened. Suddenly she didn't want him taken away from her.

"Angel-"

"What good is he to you now? Let me take him. I'll look after him."

"Be reasonable, Angel. Then who would look for Jarod?"

"Lyle can do that. You know he's been itching to catch Jarod since before he lost his thumb."

"Miss Parker, your mother cared too much about the Centre's children and look what good that did her-"

"Shut up, Raines! Daddy, please?"

Raines and Mr. Parker looked at each other, neither sure how to deal with this unexpected complication. Eventually Mr. Parker spoke.

"We'll see, Angel. I can't give you an answer now. Sam!"

The sweeper entered and took Paul away from Parker. As soon as he left Parker's arms he woke up and started screaming.

"Daddy-"

The men ignored her and walked down the corridor, leaving her alone again. Hearing Paul's screams echo down the corridor, she curled up into a ball and cried herself into a dreamless sleep. In the early hours of the morning her phone rang.

"What, Jarod?"

"Hey! How'd you know it was me?"

I'll be damned, he actually sounds pleased!

"You're the only one foolish enough to call at this time of night…morning…whatever!"

"Ah, did I wake you?"

"What do you want?"

"Have you given any more thought to-"

"No. Now go away."

She hung up again and stood, stretching. I guess now's as good a time as any to go home.

She picked up the photograph of Paul and put it in her bag, thinking it unwise to leave it at the Centre where it would undoubtedly disappear.

*

"Angel, I'm sorry about last night."

Mr. Parker stood in front of his daughter's desk; she sat in her chair, staring past him.

"Angel?"

"I really don't want to see you right now."

"Are you cross with me?"

She stared at him incredulously. He doesn't have a clue! What did you see in him, Mama?

"I've, uh, discussed the, uh, situation with the Triumvirate. They've agreed to let you take the boy."

"What about Jarod?" Her voice practically dripped with acid.

"Well, uh, they've reviewed your progress and they thought that maybe Lyle might have more success."

Parker tried not to let her excitement show as she asked, "What's the catch?"

"There is no catch," Mr. Parker said too quickly but Parker decided to let it slide.

"Thank you. Can I see him now? Will he come with me today?"

"If that's what you want."

"It is," she said, already on her way out. Her father watched her leave, a little sad at how much like Catherine she was proving to be. At least she's not on a crusade for every Centre child, he thought, though that gave him little relief.

*

Parker approached the tiny figure huddled on the bed. She was unaware that Angelo was watching approvingly from the air vent.

"Paul? Do you remember me? It's Miss Parker."

He looked up at the sound of her voice and smiled. She smiled back.

This is good. He knows me, that's good, right?

"Paul-"

"Paulie!" he said and she was taken aback.

"Okay…Paulie. I'm going to be your new mommy. Would you like that?"

"Mama."

"Yeah," she smiled, suddenly feeling a rush of warmth at the word. "We're going home now."

"Mama," Paulie said again.

Parker picked him up and held him; suddenly sure that she was doing the right thing and knowing that she loved him already. She carried him out the room and all the way up to her office, ignoring the stares that other Centre employees were giving her. Sydney was waiting in her office. He was as surprised as everyone else to see the Ice Queen with a child on her hip.

"Miss Parker, is that-"

"Yes. Paulie, do you remember Uncle Syd?" Parker asked softly.

Paulie nodded and Sydney raised an eyebrow. He wasn't sure he'd ever heard Parker use that gentle a tone before.

"What's going on?"

"Paulie's coming to live with me," she stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"What? How did you manage that?"

Parker smiled. "Really, Syd, you should know by now that I always get my way."

Broots burst in, startling Paulie who buried his face in Parker's neck.

"M-miss Parker, I-" He stopped short, staring in disbelief. "Uh…umm…."

"Yes?" Parker made no reference to Paulie and Broots began to wonder if he wasn't hallucinating.

"I…uh, we have a lead on Jarod," he mumbled.

"That's nice. Tell Lyle, he's in charge," Parker replied.

"L-l-lyle?"

"Yes. I've…moved on in life. Seeya, boys," she walked out smiling. "Oh, Broots?"

"Yes, Miss Parker?"

"Do you think Debbie would mind coming over to play with Paulie every now and then?"

Broots was struggling to reconcile this Miss Parker with the one he'd always known, and to a certain extent, feared. This new Miss Parker seemed very human. She actually seemed scared that he would refuse her request.

"Uh, I'm sure it'd be fine."

"Great." She turned away.

"Miss Parker, your mother would be proud," Sydney said.

"Thank you," she whispered inaudibly as the door closed behind her.

Broots turned wide-eyed to Sydney.

"What's going on?"

"I think she's finally decided to listen to her heart," the older man replied with a smile.

*

"This is the living-room. See, here's the TV. I'll show you how it works later, okay? And in here, we have the kitchen. This is the bathroom and here's my bedroom. And this is going to be your bedroom."

Paulie looked around Parker's guestroom, smiling and muttering to himself.

"We'll go pick out some new wallpaper for you tomorrow, okay? And I'll get you some new clothes as well," Parker continued. "Do you want to see outside?"

He didn't respond so she took his hand and led him out. He sat on the grass, running his fingers through it.

"Yeah, I know it's long. I'll get it cut sometime this week."

Say something, do something! Are you even listening to me?

He looked up and smiled and she realized that this was probably the first time he'd ever seen grass. She wondered how long he'd been at the Centre and made a mental note to ask Sydney.

"Hey, do you like it here?" she asked softly.

Paulie saw the rabbit hutch and ran towards it, poking his fingers through the chicken wire. Parker sat next to him.

"This is a bunny rabbit. His name is Jarod."

"Jad," Paulie said.

"Yeah, would you like to hold him?"

Parker opened the hutch and gently placed the rabbit in Paulie's arms. He looked at Parker in amazement and let out a laugh.

She smiled.

I can't believe I love you already.

Paulie placed the rabbit back in the hutch, imitating Parker's earlier movements exactly. Then he climbed into her arms and laid his head on her shoulder.

"Mama."

She bit her lip, blinking hard to keep the tears at bay. They sat like that for hours, just holding each other, Parker wishing that the moment would never end.

*

Parker was cooking dinner and had left Paulie in front of the TV watching Cartoon Network. The phone rang.

"What?"

"Where were you today?" Jarod demanded. He sounded cross.

"At home."

His tone changed. "Oh, are you sick?"

"No."

"So why weren't you with the others? Why was Lyle there?"

"Believe it or not, Jarod, my life doesn't revolve around you. I had more important things to do today." She turned the heat on the stove down and started grating some cheese.

"Like what? What are you doing now?"

"I'm cooking."

"What?! You never cook. Do you have someone over?"

Are you jealous, Jarod? What the hell, I'll let you stew.

"Yeah, I do." She peeked into the living room to check on Paulie and smiled to see how engrossed he was in Cow and Chicken.

"What does Daddy have to say about that?"

"Where are you going with this? Is there a reason you called? I mean, besides to annoy me."

There was silence from Jarod's end of the line and Parker sighed.

"What?"

"Are you mad at me?" He sounded hurt and Parker felt guilty.

"No, no I'm not. Lyle's in charge of bringing you back now. I'm out."

"What?"

"Weren't you warning me about this very thing just the other day?"

"Yeah, but…they just let you leave? Just like that?"

"Just like that."

He was silent again, not believing her. It's gotta be a trap.

"Don't worry about me, okay? You can't always be right," Parker teased.

"I guess…what are you cooking anyway?"

"Macaroni cheese."

"Macaroni cheese? That's hardly romantic!"

"Who said anything about a date?" Parker hung up before he could reply, smiling. For once, she'd got the last word.

*

"Sydney."

"Is Parker really not part of the team anymore?" Jarod asked.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"It's not for me to say. Maybe they feel Lyle would do a better job."

"She's free then?"

"As free as she wants to be." Sydney's cryptic answer didn't help ease Jarod's mind.

"But she's safe?" he pressed.

"Yes, I believe so."

"Jarod, you sound disappointed. Is something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing. Thing's are just different now. It's a different game. I didn't know the rules had changed, that's all."

"A game you don't want to play?" Sydney guessed.

"I- No. Not really."

"You know, you've always had the means to disappear completely. Why didn't you?" Sydney finally asked the question that had been on his mind since they began chasing him.

"I…I don't know, Syd. Uh, can I ask you a question?"

"Yes, of course."

"Uh, does Par- I mean Miss Parker, is she, uh, seeing anyone?"

*

Paulie tugged at Parker's hand and pointed to a toyshop across the street.

"Do you want to have a look?" she asked.

He pointed again and she picked up him, looking carefully both ways before crossing the street.

"Here we are." She set him down and let him lead her around. He was fascinated by everything and it was a painful reminder for Parker that the Centre didn't believe in spoiling children with toys. Paulie picked out a stuffed white rabbit, saying "Jad" and handed it to Parker.

"Do you want this? Say please."

"Pl-ase," he repeated carefully.

"Okay. Anything else?"

Parker stood at the counter paying when Paulie started crying and clung to her leg, muttering to himself. She picked him up and took the packet from the cashier.

"Is he retarded?" the teenager asked.

Parker glared at the girl. Leaving her cowering behind the till, she decided that there would be no more visits to that particular toyshop in the near future. Paulie calmed down as soon as Parker let him hold the rabbit but she was no longer in the mood for shopping.

*

"Broots, I need a favor."

"Miss Parker! How are you? How's Paulie?" Broots was too scared of her to admit it, but he missed having her around. It wasn't the same with Lyle and Jarod's 'gifts' were less frequent now that he wasn't sending them to her.

"Oh, good. Things are good. Umm…would you mind coming over to help me wallpaper Paulie's room? I'd have asked Syd, but you know, he's not the wallpapering type. And besides, I thought Debbie could come over too and watch Paulie while we worked. We'll get pizza or something and-"

"Sure," he cut her off. "When?"

"Umm…Saturday, so Debbie's not at school?" she suggested.
"Okay. She'll be glad to see you again."

"Thanks, Broots. I owe you one."

Broots turned to Sydney in shock.

"Syd, she's a different woman!"

*

Mr. Parker, Raines and Lyle sat on one side of the boardroom table. The three members of the Triumvirate sat on the other.

"How is the chase going?"

"Well, Jarod's proving to be more elusive now that he knows Miss Parker is no longer part of the team," Lyle said.

"Mr. Parker, do you really think he will be drawn out this way?"

"Yes. He and my daughter were friends," he said with distaste, "and I'm sure he still feels attached to her. He will seek her out, I'm certain of it."

"When Jarod is caught, what will happen to the boy?" Raines asked.

"That is yet to be decided. Mr. Parker, Mr. Lyle, you may go. Dr. Raines, we have one more thing we would like to discuss with you."

*

Broots glanced from Parker to Paulie, swallowing nervously. What have I gotten myself into?

"Hi, Broots. Thanks for coming. Hi, Debbie!"

"Miss Parker!" Debbie gave her a hug and Broots almost shouted "Don't!", knowing from experience Parker's reaction to unwanted contact. His eyes widened in amazement as Parker returned the hug.

"Paulie, this is Uncle Broots and this is his daughter, Debbie. Say hi."

He looked at the strangers shyly until Debbie spoke.

"Hi, Paulie."

"Uh, hi," Broots said.

"Deb-bie. Uncle Boots." Paulie looked up at Parker to see if he'd got the names right. When she smiled he relaxed and smiled as well.

"Paulie, why don't you go show Debbie where we keep Jarod?" Parker suggested. "Debbie, if he gets too much just yell for me."

"Okay, Miss Parker. Come, Paulie." She held out her hand and he took it unhesitatingly.

"Jarod?" Broots couldn't help asking.

"He's a rabbit. Don't ask."

Broots was still scared enough of her not to.

Hours later when the wallpapering was finished, they sat in Parker's living room eating pizza. Paulie was enjoying it most of all, mainly because he'd been denied such luxuries in the Centre.

"He's a good kid," Broots said, watching him and Debbie trying to feed each other with their eyes closed. Both children had pizza smeared all over their faces.

"Yeah. He's so smart. I guess Raines didn't fry his brains as badly as everyone thought."

"You're a good mom."

She smiled wryly. "Thanks. It's nothing like I expected. But he makes it easy. And he likes Debbie. Thank you for bringing her. I'm really glad he has a friend."

I can't believe you're the same Miss Parker who was so mean and cold to everyone at the Centre. Now I see what Jarod's been trying so hard to get you to resurrect, Broots thought.

"Can I ask you another favor?" Parker asked, shocking Broots again. "Could you find out when Paulie's birthday is?"

*

Parker was trying to decipher a cupcake recipe when her phone rang.

"Hello?" she asked, practicing her phone etiquette. Paulie had answered the phone the previous day with a "What?" and Parker decided she needed to set a better example.

"Parker? Is that you?" Jarod asked, confused.

"Yes. Why? Who were you expecting?"

"Why the 'Miss Manners' act? Do you have company?" he fished.

"Why do you care?" She smiled as she found a baking tray hidden in the recesses of her kitchen cupboard. "Aha!"

"What are you doing?"

"Baking."

"Why the sudden domesticity, Parker?"

What is the matter with you? Parker thought. If you want to play like that, fine!

"Oh, I read somewhere that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach," she purred innocently.

Jarod hung up and Parker allowed herself to laugh. He's jealous! She felt strangely pleased to realize that, but then caught herself. Parker! It's Jarod!

"Mama?" Paulie walked in clutching a toy rabbit. Every time Parker took him shopping he insisted on coming home with a different stuffed rabbit and had accumulated quite a collection, all named 'Jad'.

"What's up?"

He looked at her with big eyes and began chewing on Jad's ear.

"No, no, sweetie. Don't do that. Here, have some yogurt." She lifted him up onto the kitchen table and took a carton of strawberry yogurt out of the fridge.

"Do you want the car or the train?" she asked, referring to their eating game.

"Car."

"Okay…here comes the car…vroom!" She trailed the spoon around in the air and he giggled, then opened his mouth.

I love you so much, she thought.

*

Jarod sat outside Parker's house, debating whether or not to go inside. He could see that the TV was still on and saw Parker lying on the couch. She looked like she was asleep. As quietly as he could, he picked the lock on the front door and slipped inside.

What are you doing here? She'll shoot you if she wakes up and catches you here!

He switched the TV off and was so focused on her that he didn't see the Lego lying on the floor, or the toy rabbit at the end of the couch. Tiptoeing closer, he crouched in front of her, taking a good look at her for the first time in ages.

You look well. You look…happy. And you're more beautiful than ever.

He couldn't help himself, he reached out and touched her hair, knowing all the while that he was playing with fire just by being there. Yet he knew that nothing on earth could make him leave.

Parker, I'm confused. You're not chasing me anymore but I can't stop thinking about you. I still want to be sending you things and I want to see you wherever I am and I don't know why. I've never felt this way about anyone else but I can't figure out what it means. I mean, it's pretty clear that you have someone else in your life. I don't even know what I'm doing here.

He picked her up gently, trying not to wake her as he carried her to her bedroom. He was halfway up the stairs when Paulie, in the midst of a nightmare, started screaming.

Jarod froze.

Parker opened her eyes and some part of her brain registered that she was in Jarod's arms and she couldn't figure out why. But she was more concerned about Paulie and pushing Jarod aside, she ran to Paulie's room. Jarod followed her, very confused.

His jaw dropped at what he saw.

Parker cradled Paulie in her arms, whispering to him, trying to calm him down.

"It's okay, sweetie. Mama's here now. It's okay. Shh…don’t be scared."

Jarod looked around the room, realizing suddenly that Paulie lived here - toys on the floor, the Brer Rabbit wallpaper, the Bugs Bunny bedding, signs that this was the child's bedroom. He felt like an idiot.

She was cooking for the kid! That's who she meant by company.

And underneath this relief was the unshakeable knowledge that Jarod's feelings for her hadn't changed. Rather, it allowed him to admit that he had been jealous but he wasn't ready to think about why.

"Do you want coffee?" Parker asked softly. Paulie had gone back to sleep and she half-closed his door, leaving the night-light on.

Jarod nodded and asked, "Who's that?"

"Paulie. He was Sydney's case but then Raines got hold of him and now he's…sort of like Angelo is, only not so severely…damaged," she finished, for want of a better word.

"How did he end up with you?"

"Do you remember us swearing that we'd never let Raines hurt anybody like he hurt Ti- Angelo ever again?"

"Yeah," Jarod said sadly. Parker had sneaked into his room the same night they had found out that their friend was gone and they had spoken about what Raines had done. She had cried in his arms. It was something he would never forget.

"We failed. But I'm going to make it up to him. He's going to be loved and he's going to have friends and the chance to live a normal life. He already has a friend," she said proudly. "How many sugars?"

"Four."

"Four? You'll rot your brain with that much sugar. What are you smiling at?"

"You. You're already sounding like a mother."

She was unexpectedly pleased at his remark and smiled.

"So they just let you leave with him?" Jarod was curious as to how Parker had been allowed to bring home a Centre project. The recesses of his mind whispered that it was an elaborate trap, but he had seen the way Parker had treated Paulie and he knew she wasn't faking it.

"Yeah. I suggested Lyle would do a better job of catching you and I guess they know that I won't risk anything as long as Paulie's with me. They still pay my salary, I think it's to let me know that they're still watching."

"What's to stop you from calling in a sweeper team right now? After all, I'm right here. Unarmed. Practically at your mercy."

"I told you, I'm not on the chase anymore. Besides, the noise would wake Paulie." She grinned. "Hey, it's almost morning anyway. If you stick around I'll introduce you to him when he wakes up."

Jarod, just like Broots had been days earlier, was astounded at the changes he saw in Parker and started wondering if it was the Centre that had held them back all these years.

Whoa, Jarod! Holding us back from what?

"Sure. What's on TV?"

"Aliens, I think. I started watching but I guess I fell asleep."

"Ugh. No thanks. Don't horrors give you nightmares?"

"I can handle monsters from outer space. It's the human ones that give me bad dreams."

Jarod had nothing to say to that, knowing it was true for both of them.

"There's always Cartoon Network," Parker offered and promptly decided that it was worth sitting through painful reruns just to see Jarod smile.

*

"Dada?"

The voice woke both Jarod and Parker, who suddenly realized that they were lying in the couch in a very compromising position. Springing apart, they turned their attention to Paulie.

"Morning, sweetie."

"Hi, Paulie," Jarod said, wondering if Parker had heard what Paulie had said.

"Umm…Paulie, this is your Uncle Jarod." How do I explain to him why he found us lying together? No wonder he came to the conclusion he did.

Paulie shook his head.

"Dada," he insisted.

Parker frowned. "I'm sorry. He's usually better with names." Yeah, and he's slightly empathic too. Maybe he's just picking up on what you're thinking.

"It's okay," Jarod said, secretly treasuring the thought of being Paulie's 'dada' to Parker's 'mama'. That would make them family.

Family.

Jarod's favorite word.

"You hungry?" Parker asked him and he looked up and smiled. What I wouldn't give to hear those words from you every single day.

*

Sydney was strangely quiet when Broots went to greet him and he thought at first that something was wrong with Parker. Sydney put his mind at rest.

"Raines is dead."

"What?" Broots couldn't believe it. Raines had developed the annoying habit of cheating death, time and again.

"Apparently the Triumvirate was less than thrilled about who the subject of his tests was."

"Paulie?"

"Yes."

"Why? I mean, they didn't have a problem with Angelo."

"Paulie was born here. They had big plans for him and Raines destroyed any chance of those plans coming to fruition. They're going to have to start everything from scratch, which is going to be very difficult. Paulie was the only success."

"You mean, they created him?" Broots was horrified.

Sydney nodded grimly.

*

"Hello, Daddy."

"Angel! It's so good to hear from you. How is everything? How is the boy?"

"Good. Things are good. I'm actually thinking of taking him on a little vacation next week, for his birthday."

Mr. Parker didn't like the sound of that. He wanted her nearby, where he could step in and take control if necessary.

"Oh, Angel, aren't you tired of the whole mothering thing yet?"

"It's not a 'thing,' Daddy," she said coldly. "This is my life now."

She hung up before her father had the chance to find out where she intended going. He glanced at the memo on his desk announcing Raines' death and promptly forgot all about his daughter.

*

Parker sat quietly on her couch, still holding her phone. She could hardly believe what Sydney had just told her. It seemed too good to be true. A part of her wished that she had been to one to end Raines' miserable existence but it was drowned out by the unshakeable relief that he was finally dead.

A hundred miles away, Jarod was feeling similar emotions. Finally, Raines had gotten what he deserved.

*

Paulie couldn't contain his excitement as he watched Parker load their bags into the car. He clutched his favorite Jad tightly and mumbled nonsense into its ears. Parker buckled him into his seat and then they were on their way. Paulie stared out the window, enraptured with the passing scenery.

After driving for hours Parker eventually pulled in at a truck stop and diner, looking around for Jarod. Not seeing him, she led Paulie inside but he resisted, wanting to stay outside and look at the trucks.

"Later," she promised. "Aren't you hungry?"

He nodded and licked his lips.

Jarod still hadn't materialized by the time they had finished their meal and Parker was ready to give up and go on without him. She wasn't even entirely sure why she had invited him to join them, telling herself that it was for Paulie's sake. Just as she finished wiping Paulie's face clean of tomato sauce, a red-haired waitress approached their table.

"Miss Parker?"

She looked up, instantly on edge.

"Can I help you?"

"My name is Hannah. I'm a friend of Jarod's. This must be Paulie," the woman said, taking a seat opposite Parker. She took in Parker's appearance and suddenly realized that she had no hope whatsoever with Jarod. Not with competition like Parker.

"Yes." Parker was still wary.

"Oh, sorry. I have a message for you from Jarod. He said to tell you to go ahead without him. Something came up and he'll meet you at Ben's."

Parker decided it was safe to let her guard down slightly.

"Paulie, say hi to Hannah. She's Jarod's friend."

"Dada?" Despite Parker's frequent attempts, Paulie refused to refer to Jarod as anything other than 'Dada' and Parker was beginning to think he was thinking in the right direction. How often had she imagined herself and Jarod married with children of their own?

"He's gorgeous," Hannah said. "He's got your eyes, the shape, I mean. Of course, they're the same color as Jarod's. And he's got your cheekbones and Jarod's nose. He's gonna be a real heartbreaker one day."

Parker looked at Paulie again, trying to see him with fresh eyes. Was this woman right? Was it so obvious to a stranger what nobody else had picked up?

"Thank you," she whispered, in shock. Are you really mine, Paulie?

"Was he always like this?" Hannah asked.

"Uh, no. No…there was an accident recently. It happened then."

"That's a shame. I don't know how you manage. Still, I suppose Jarod's a great help."

"Umm…things have been difficult-"

"Oh, I understand. You guys drifted apart after the accident 'cause he couldn't deal with his emotions? That's why you're travelling apart?" Hannah guessed.

Parker didn't know what to say.

"Umm…yeah, something like that."

Hannah smiled sympathetically and to Parker's dismay, offered her advice.

"Well, if you want my opinion, hang on to Jarod. He's a great guy and I'm sure things'd be easier if he was around. He loves you, you've got a great kid and it'd be an awful shame to let all that go to waste. Oh, would you look at that! My break's over. Well, it was nice meeting you. Take care of that kid and take care of yourself."

Parker watched her walk away and get back to work as if nothing had happened. As if you haven't just changed my life, she thought.

*

Ben met them at the car.

"Ben!" Parker hugged him. "It's so good to see you again!"

"You are looking more and more like your mother every time I see you," Ben said.

"Paulie, this is Uncle Ben. Come say hi."

"'Lo, Ben."

"Hi, Paulie. Hey, I bet you're hungry after driving all this way, huh?"

Paulie nodded, shy again.

"Well, do you think your mother would mind too much if we had some ice cream?"

Paulie's face lit up. He loved ice cream. He looked at Parker and she didn't have the heart to refuse. She nodded.

"You're looking happier," Ben commented later that night.

"I am. It's no understatement to say that the Centre was the worst thing that ever happened to me."

"But you're still not completely free of it," Ben said sadly.

"This is as free as it gets."

"Your mother would be so proud of you, you know."

There was silence for a while as Parker struggled to regain control of her emotions.

"I think of her a lot lately," she admitted softly.

"Me too. She was…a remarkable woman."

"Yeah…. Ben, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

She took a deep breath. Now was the time to voice her suspicions.

"Does Paulie look like me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, do you think there's a chance that he's really mine? That he could have been…created without my knowledge?"

"I wouldn't put anything past the Centre."

*

She rolled onto her side, smiling at the man who lay next to her. He returned her smile and pulled her towards him, bending her neck slightly so that it was easier for him to kiss her. She slid her hands under the bedsheets, hearing him groan with pleasure. He broke the kiss, moving his mouth to her neck, giving her goosebumps. It was her turn to moan as his hands began to wander-

"Morning, sleepyhead!" Jarod tickled Parker and she groaned, sitting up, the dream still fresh in her mind's eye. Paulie stood in the doorway, giggling uncontrollably.

Parker glared at Jarod.

"What? You're not glad to see me?" he asked.

Ummm…am I? I don't know. Yes? No? Stop smiling at me like that! You look so nice, I like your new haircut. Are you happy to see me? If you only knew what I was dreaming about…mmm….

"Hey, yoo-hoo! Any one in there?" Jarod asked.

Parker smiled.

"Mama," Paulie said and the two adults turned to look at him.

"What is it?" Parker asked.

"Jad's hungry," Paulie said.

"Who's Jad?" Jarod whispered.

"The rabbit," Parker whispered back. Speaking normally, she said, "Do you remember where the kitchen is, Paulie?"

He nodded.

"Good boy, why don't you go down there so long. I'll be there in a minute."

Paulie smiled and disappeared, leaving Jarod and Parker alone.

"Umm, I'm glad you could make it," Parker said.

"I'm glad you invited me," Jarod replied.

"Why are you late?" She wasn't angry, just curious.

"It's a surprise, you'll find out tomorrow."

"I hate surprises."

"You'll like this one. Trust me."

"Right…umm, are you planning on getting off me?"

Jarod blushed and jumped up. He'd forgotten that he was sitting on Parker.

"Sorry," he mumbled. "I'll meet you in the kitchen."

He disappeared as quickly as Paulie had and Parker got out of bed, stretching lazily. This is definitely going to be an interesting vacation, she thought, smiling.

*

"He's a great kid, Parker. You're a wonderful mother."

Jarod and Parker were watching Paulie play with Ben's dogs. They were still puppies and Paulie seemed to be loving every minute of them lick and jump all over him.

"I just wish I'd known him before Raines….you know, I'd never dreamed I'd actually be sitting here like this."

"What? Watching your child play?" Jarod asked.

"No. Sitting on a porch swing, drinking coffee with the man I used to hunt across America."

"It beats having you chase me," Jarod said with a smile.

"Yes, it does," Parker agreed.

The two settled into a companionable silence, enjoying each other's company, each sensing that the other had let a barrier come down.

Ben noticed them from the kitchen window and smiled, humming to himself. Soon, Catherine, he thought. Soon.

*

"You haven't told him yet, have you?"

Parker looked up at Ben and shook her head, smiling sadly.

"How can I? I don't know that it's true and you know how much family means to him…I don't want to bring it up and then have it not be true."

Ben sat on the porch steps beside her.

"Your mother and I used to sit out here and look at the stars. She knew the names of all of them."

Parker leaned her head on Ben's shoulder, grateful for this chance to learn more about her mother.

"You're so much like her, you know," Ben continued. "You want it to be true, don't you?"

"The thought has crossed my mind," Parker admitted.

"Why don't you go for it? It's so obvious that that the two of you have feelings for each other."

"Do you really think the Centre would let us have a life together?" She laughed bitterly.

"You could be free. He could give you your freedom," Ben insisted.

Parker stood up, the conversation was heading in directions she didn't want it to take. At the door she turned around and said, "His family is the most important thing in his life. He'll never let go until he finds them."

Ben sighed, wanting to go after her and shake some sense into her. He let her go, knowing she needed to find peace on her own.

"You're wrong, Parker. You're all the family he needs."

*

Parker woke up smiling. It was Paulie's birthday today and she wanted to make it really special for him. Knowing he was probably already awake, she went straight downstairs. Not expecting company, she was still wearing her pajamas and hearing voices coming from the kitchen, she turned to go back upstairs when a voice cried out, "Miss Parker!"

She turned to face Debbie Broots who stood in the kitchen doorway.

"Hey," Parker said, wondering who else was there and wishing she'd at least put a dressing gown on. Her attire wasn't indecent but - be honest with yourself, Parker! - she had bought it for Jarod's benefit, even if only to frustrate him further. So it was more revealing than she would have liked for a morning encounter with her former co-workers.

"Miss Parker! Hi- wow!"

"Hello, Broots," she sighed. "It's good to see you too. Good morning, Syd."

Sydney just smiled.

You know me too well, Syd. Now stop thinking what you're thinking. Nothing's happened!

"Mama!"

"Hey, kiddo. Happy birthday!"

"Birth-day."

"Yes, that's right. Can you tell me how old you are today?"

He nodded, a huge grin plastered across his face. "Six."

"That's right!" Parker kissed him and he hugged her.

"His speech is improving," Sydney remarked. "You're good for him."

"Anything's better than the Centre. When did you guys arrive?"

"This morning," Debbie said. "We drove all night so we could be here specially for Paulie's birthday. Can I fetch the present now, Daddy? Please?"

"You've got your hands full there," Ben chuckled. Paulie laughed too. He couldn't help himself. When other people laughed he had to join in.

"Dada!" he squealed and seconds later, Jarod walked in. Sydney and Broots didn't know about Paulie's penchat for calling Jarod 'Dada' and they both shot Parker puzzled looks. She wasn't paying attention. Jarod wore only his boxers and Parker couldn't take her eyes off him. He was likewise smitten with her and echoed Broots' earlier comment.

"Wow."

Well, the outfit worked, Parker.

There was silence until Debbie returned.

"Uncle Jarod!"

"Hey."

"Umm…why don't you and Jarod go get dressed and we'll put breakfast together. Parker? Are you listening?" Ben asked, trying not to laugh.

"Hmm…yeah."

She practically ran up the stairs, her head buzzing.

What just happened there? If it had been us alone…stop!! Focus. It's Paulie's day today.

She would have been fine then, except Jarod knocked on her door. She let him in, still speechless.

And then she was in his arms and they were on her bed.

Oh…this is heaven…I've died and gone to heaven…wait…stop…. She knew if she didn't stop then that she'd be lost.

"Jarod, wait-" she murmured against his throat.

"I've waited my whole life."

Well, I can't argue with that, can I?

"Jarod, please. We shouldn't. Not now. Paulie-"

That was as far as she got.

*

"What's for breakfast?" Debbie asked Ben.

"Everything."

"How can you have everything for breakfast?" She giggled.

"Well, Parker's not a big breakfast eater so she just has toast and coffee. Paulie loves cereal and Jarod has a thing for Poptarts. I'm an egg-and-bacon man, myself. That just about covers everything," Ben explained.

"Deb-bie. Come look." Paulie tugged at Debbie's arm and she followed him outside. He wanted her to help him pick flowers.

Sydney and Broots finished bringing in their luggage and returned to the kitchen.

"Those guys are taking a long time," Broots commented.

Ben smiled.

"What's going on?" Sydney asked. "Since when is Jarod 'Dada'?"

"Parker said that he called Jarod 'Dada' the first time he met him and she can't convince him otherwise. As for what happened earlier…well, it's been coming for a long time. You could have cut the tension with a knife."

Sydney was silent, puzzling over this new development.

*

Parker returned downstairs first, refusing to meet the very curious gazes of her friends. Paulie flew into her arms.

"I'm six," he announced proudly.

"Yes, you are."

Something in his gaze was making Parker feel slightly uncomfortable. What do you know? She wondered. Aloud, she asked, "Paulie, is everything okay?"

He nodded, smiling happily and his smile grew even wider when he saw Jarod walk down the stairs.

"It's good to see you two looking more…awake," Ben couldn't resist commenting, causing Jarod to blush and Parker to glare at him.

Debbie, not quite understanding the subtext, decided she was bored. "I'm hungry," she stated. "Can we eat now?"

*

"Miss Parker, what happened there this morning?" Sydney asked. "Does Paulie think that Jarod is his father?"

Parker looked away from Sydney and out onto the lawn where Jarod was entertaining Debbie and Paulie.

"He's always called him that. Before I even introduced them to each other. Paulie seems to…know things, like this morning, for instance, he knew when Jarod was going to come into the kitchen."

"Are you saying Jarod is Paulie's father?" Sydney asked slowly, wanting to be sure he was understanding correctly.

Parker shrugged. "I don't know. The other day this complete stranger commented on how much he resembled me and Jarod."

"Have you tested-"

She shook her head and turned her attention back to the activity on the lawn.

"I'm so confused, Syd. I don't know what to do."

"You should listen to your heart, Parker. That way you'll never go wrong."

Parker smiled, her eyes on Jarod. "That's easier said than done."

*
"Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Paulie,
Happy birthday to you!"

"Blow out the candles," Parker prompted and Paulie took a deep breath and managed to blow out half. Then he hopped off the chair and began unwrapping his presents while Parker cut and handed out the cake.

"Hey, Paulie, don't you want some cake?"

He shook his head, thoroughly engrossed in his toys.

"It's ice cream cake…."

Paulie looked up, grinning. "Please," he said.

Parker knelt beside him and helped him eat without making too much of a mess on Ben's carpet.

"More, please," he asked and Parker walked back to the table where she was ambushed by Jarod.

"Can we talk?" he asked, speaking in a low voice.

"Not now," she replied.

Jarod grabbed her arm as she was about to turn away and she looked into his eyes, surprised by what she saw there.

"Oh, hell," she growled and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him.

Paulie looked up from the pile of presents for a moment, smiled, and went back to playing. Broots dropped his bowl in shock and Ben and Sydney could only stare, one with satisfaction and the other in shock.

*

Paulie clutched Jad tightly in one hand and with the other he stroked a baby black and whit rabbit. Normally skittish, the animal sensed no threat from Paulie and was content to sit with him and Debbie. She was watching this with delight, knowing that there was something special about Paulie. She finished her cooldrink and went in search of a dustbin, leaving Paulie and the rabbit alone. A trio of boys, all aged twelve or so, took advantage of Debbie's absence and approached Paulie. The rabbit scampered away and Paulie turned around to see what had frightened it.

"Hey, kid!" The leader of the group addressed him. "What's the matter with you?"

Paulie didn't respond.

"Why'd you bring a stuffed rabbit to a bunny park anyway? Are you still a baby?"

There was still no response from Paulie. He looked at them with big eyes, scared, but not knowing where to run.

Parker and Jarod sat on a bench talking. At one point in their conversation he reached across and touched her hand lightly, just savoring the feel of her and was pleasantly surprised when she turned her palm up and entwined her fingers with his. He lost his train of thought.

Debbie was walking back to Paulie and she saw the boys before she heard them. One of them grabbed Jad away from Paulie, causing him to cry out. Another started chanting, "RE-TARD! RE-TARD! YOU'RE A STUPID RE-TARD!"

"Stop it!" Debbie screamed, running now. "Leave him alone!"

Parker and Jarod looked up, saw what was happening and started running too. Debbie beat them there.

"Leave him alone," she commanded.

"What? Are you, like, his sister?" the boy holding Jad asked, cocky and arrogant.

"Give the rabbit back," Debbie said calmly.

"What are you gonna do if he doesn't?" the leader asked, also cocky.

Debbie just smiled.

"You're just a girl. Why should we be scared of you?" the leader continued.

Debbie drew back her fist and punched him in the nose. He fell to the ground, his nose starting to bleed and, smiling again, Debbie turned to the boy holding Jad. He handed him to Paulie. Debbie took Paulie's hand and led him away. Turning back to face the boys she said, "I'm not the one you should be scared of. His mother has a gun." She tilted her head towards Parker and the boys ran away.

Parker and Jarod had seen everything and despite her worry over Paulie, she couldn't help but feel proud of Debbie.

"I'm sorry, Miss Parker, Uncle Jarod, I was only gone for a minute-" she began explaining when they reached the adults. Parker picked up Paulie and he clung to her.

"Hey, it's okay," Jarod said. "He's fine."

"It's not your fault, Debbie."

"But-"

"Hey, you more than made up for it with punch. I'm proud."

"Really, Miss P? You're not mad at me?"

"No, I'm not mad at you?"

Debbie smiled, relieved. "So I can still play with Paulie?"

"Of course."

"What did you say to those boys, anyway?" Jarod was dying to know.

Debbie grinned mischievously. "I just told them I wasn't the one they should be scared of. I mean, how do I know for sure you don't carry a gun anymore?"

Jarod laughed. "She's been spending far too much time with you, Parker!"

Paulie lifted his head and smiled, first at Parker, then at Debbie and Jarod. Content that they were all happy again, he lay his head down and promptly fell asleep.

*

Parker sat on the porch steps, again looking at the stars. Jarod had insisted on putting Paulie to bed and she had given in. Knowing that Jarod loved Paulie as much as she did and that Paulie loved Jarod as much as he loved her, she had decided to tell Jarod what Hannah had brought to life in her mind. She suspected it was true, that Paulie really was their child but she couldn't find it in her heart to hate the Centre for creating him. She loved him too much and had surprised herself by forgiving them. How could she be angry when they had given her the most important thing in her life?

"Hey!" Jarod sat next to her, startling her out of her reverie.

"Is he asleep?"

"Yeah, him and the six toy rabbits he insisted on having in bed with him. What is it with him and rabbits anyway?" Jarod chuckled.

Parker leaned against Jarod, laying her head on his shoulder. "The first animal he ever saw was the rabbit you gave me."

"Why does he call them all Jad?"

"Uh, my rabbit's name is Jarod. He just couldn't pronounce it properly. He battles with his 'r's. Haven't you noticed how he calls Broots, Boots…."

Jarod was surprised that she had named the rabbit after him. She cared all along!

"Today was nice. It felt like we were a family," Jarod interrupted her. "At least, that's the kind of thing I imagine families do…going to bunny parks, I mean."

Now, Parker! Tell him now!

"Umm…have you ever thought about what you'd do if you never found your family?"

He gave her a strange look. "I have to find them."

"Well, what about if you found an unexpected family member?"

"I'd be thrilled. You know how much family means to me, Parker."

"Do you know that the Centre created Paulie? That he was born there?"

"Why are you changing the subject?"

"I'm not," she said quietly.

Jarod looked at her with a puzzled frown and then the full meaning of her words hit him.

"You mean - he's my…my son?" he whispered in shock.

"Our son," she corrected. "I think."

"When…what…why haven't you said anything before?"

She shrugged. "I only started thinking about the possibility when Hannah, that waitress friend of yours, told me how much Paulie resembled the two of us."

Jarod stood suddenly and went back inside. Parker rose.

"Jarod, where are you going?"

He didn't answer and she followed him to Paulie's room. He knelt beside the bed, looking at Paulie. He stroked Paulie's hair, carefully studying each of his features. Parker was surprised that he hadn't woken.

"I want it to be true," she whispered.

Jarod looked at her, tears in his eyes. "You want it to be true that the Centre created him to be used as a lab rat?" He chose his words deliberately, reminding her of what she used to refer to him as.

She shook her head. "I want it to be true that he's ours." She knelt beside him, taking his hands in hers. "They thought that he'd be their perfect Pretender. They thought they'd won when he was born. But they lost. We've won. We have him and we have each other."

"Do you mean that?"

Parker nodded and Jarod pulled her into his arms to kiss her.

In his sleep, Paulie smiled.

*

"D you really have to go so soon?" Parker asked, helping carry luggage to Sydney's car.

"The powers that be will get suspicious if Broots and I are gone any longer. You should think about going back soon too."

"I know, Syd," she sighed. "It's just…."

"Jarod?" Sydney guessed.

Parker nodded. "Everything's changed."

Sydney gave her a sad smile and hugged her. "You are your mother's child."

"Thank you."

"I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too. You know, I wish my father had been more like you."

He hugged her tighter and she blinked back tears.

"Where will you go?"

"I don't know yet."

Broots and Debbie walked out carrying the last of their luggage. Jarod, Paulie and Ben came and stood next to the car.

"Hey, Debbie, will you look after my rabbit?"

"Sure, Miss P."

With that, everybody hugged each other and said their farewells. Debbie kissed Paulie's cheek, causing him to giggle and turn bright red which was much the same reaction that Broots had when Parker kissed him. When they left, Ben took Paulie inside, leaving Parker and Jarod alone.

"What now, cowboy?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"I have a present for you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny box. "Will you wear this for me?"

Parker slid the silver ring with its three tiny diamonds onto her finger and whispered, "Yes."

*

The first thing Sydney did on returning to work was to see Angelo. Angelo was happy. He took one look at Sydney and knew that his two childhood friends had finally found happiness.

"Angelo, did you know that Paulie was their child?" Sydney whispered, not wanting to be overheard.

Angelo smiled. "Angelo know."

"Thank you." Thank you for finding the way to release her and to bring them together.

"Excuse me, Dr. Green," a sweeper interrupted. "Mr. Parker would like to see you in his office."

Sydney smiled a farewell to Angelo and silently followed the sweeper. Mr. Parker and Lyle were waiting for him.

"How was your vacation?"

"Good."

"How is the boy?"

"The same," Sydney lied. "He'll never be useful as a Pretender."

"You're absolutely certain?"

"Yes."

"Very well, thank you. Consider that particular project closed. Enjoy your day."

Just like that, Sydney was dismissed. It was only when he was in his office that he realized that Mr. Parker had not even asked how Miss Parker was. He doesn't even care! Then he smiled, Paulie's file was closed. The Centre didn't want him anymore!

*

Seven months later…

Paulie sat entranced in front of the Christmas tree. He and Jarod were decorating it under Parker's supervision. It would be their first Christmas as a family and they had chosen to spend it at Lake Catherine.

"He's getting big," Sydney said to Parker. She spun around and hugged him.

"Syd! I'm so glad you made it!"

"Uncle Syd!" Paulie shouted, running to greet him. "Where's Debbie?"

Sydney looked at Parker, amazed. "His speech-"

"He gets a lot of practice," she laughed wryly.

Debbie and Broots entered, followed by Ben and Paulie dragged Debbie outside to play in the snow.

"There!" Jarod said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "It's finished."

Parker moved next to him and slipped her arm around his waist. The five adults looked happily at each other, silently thanking God for allowing them to meet again. Ben made a slight coughing noise and pointed out that Parker and Jarod were standing under the mistletoe. As they kissed each other, the sound of the children's laughter could be heard from outside.

It was the sound of home.

*****

FINIS


Please send feedback! This story took forever to finish and I'm dying to know what you think!

PrincessMel@fanfix.zzn.com

 

 



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