Disclaimer: The Pretender and all its characters are the property of NBC. No copyright infridgement intended. As usual, the idea and words of this story are mine

The Great Sacrifice

by Tamar Richardson

He had been staring at her all day. Jarod longed to tell Ms. Parker how he felt. He had been taken back to the Centre and was trapped. He would get out, but not yet. He wanted to talk to Ms. Parker, but couldn't find the nerve to go up to her.

"Why don't you just go over there and stare right at her?" a voice called from behind.

"Hmm?"

Sydney laid his hand on Jarod's shoulder, "It's difficult being alone in the world. You should tell her, before it's too late."

"Were you ever in love, Sydney? In love so very much that it hurt?"

"Yes," he replied. "I've talked to Angelo."

"And?"

"Tomorrow night. I suggest you talk to her before then."

Jarod nodded. He probably wouldn't. He wasn't sure what he was scared of. This was Ms. Parker, they had grown up together. It didn't make sense. Nothing ever seemed to make sense.

**********

"Where's Angelo?" Jarod whispered.

Sydney sat down by Jarod, "I don't know."

As if on cue, a metal grate clanged to the floor. Angelo emerged, but he wasn't alone. "What do you want? What is it you wanted to show me?" Ms. Parker said. She stopped and stared at Jarod. "You're trying to escape."

"Yes," he nodded.

"It's my job to stop you, of course."

"I understand."

She pulled out her gun and aimed it at him. "Follow me."

He walked towards her. She grabbed his arm as he walked by. In a very soft voice, she whispered in his ear, "I'm sorry. I love you, too." And the two walked off.

Enraged, Sydney turned towards Angelo, "Why did you do that?"

"They love. They need them."

So simple the words were, but so true they rang.