FIC: Anger Management

[aricadavidson]

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Anger Management
by Kara B.

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A Pretender Ficlet

Rating: PG

Summary: Jarod and Miss Parker – with the line "I'm pretty sure that's not what you're supposed to use that for."

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"What?" Miss Parker snapped as she answered her phone.

"I'm pretty sure that's not what you're supposed to use that for."

"Jarod..." She gave a long sigh. "What are you talking about."

"Your cellphone. Phones are meant to be used as devices of communication... not to snap at everyone." he said innocently.

"I am communicating."

"Actually you and I both know you're not. You're trying to avoid it."

"And why would I do something like that Jarod?"

"Because you're afraid. Afraid to actually care about someone. Afraid for someone to care about you." He refrained from mentioning Thomas but knew it was on both of their minds.

"I'm not afraid of anything Jarod. Except maybe going out of my mind trying to unravel your little games."

"It's not healthy to shut everyone out."

"Since you're so concerned about my health Jarod, why don't you come back home? Spare me another ulcer."

"The Centre is not and never will be my home. I would think you would feel the same way... after Faith and Timmy, and your mother."

"Leave my mother out of this!"

"We're not that different, you and I." He paused. "If the Centre is such heartache, why don't you leave? You could go anywhere. We could even travel together," he offered.

"And you would trust me?"

"You once told me that I was your best friend..." Jarod replied. "Think about it." He hung up the phone.

Miss Parker sighed, then noticed a shiny metal circle sitting on her desk. Popping it into the DSA player, she went back to a time right after her mother died.

She sat in a room in the Centre crying.

"Miss Parker?" a young Jarod asked softly. "Are you alright?"

She shivered. "Everyone's leaving. Everyone's gone. Timmy and Faith... and now my mom... And my dad's never around anymore..."

"I'm sorry about your mom," Jarod responded softly.

"Thank you," she whispered back. "The only one who's always here is you. You're my best friend..."


Miss Parker sighed as she turned off the DSA player. "I wish I could Jarod, but I can't go there yet... Maybe someday... Maybe someday things will be different."

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