The Risks

September: Chapter 25

Rebecca had answered all our immediate questions, although none of her answers were very good ones. Not that they were too suspicious, just that they weren't very helpful. She claimed to not know the answers to most of our questions. She'd been "gone too long" or "Deacon wouldn't tell her".

"Can I have something to eat?" She asked after some hours of questioning.

Raleigh hopped up immediately and went into the kitchen to prepare her something.

Rebecca glanced at me, then looked back to Parker. "I appreciate you taking me in. I know it must have been a tough decision, all things considered. But I knew you would. That's just the kind of man you are. So kind-hearted."

There was another "kind" comment. I found myself rolling my eyes. I felt like I was missing something. Exactly how much time had they spent together in the Zone?

"I know this is a little awkward," she continued, smiling at him. "I shouldn't really be asking you any favors. I mean, I've seen you naked, Parker. What more could I possibly want?"

I ground my teeth together, and turned my tactically empty gaze to Parker who gazed back at me with a cautious look. Oh, I was missing something alright. Seemed like Parker was really struggling at the Zone while I was in custody. A fire burned in my chest. Hot and painful. Jealous. I was jealous. I didn't know how to react. I didn't want either of them to see how upset –how betrayed- I felt, but my eyes began to sting as tears threatened.

I took a deep breath and stood, then I turned and started toward the hallway.

"Claire, wait," Parker called, following me.

His fingers wrapped around my wrist to stop me. I spun quickly, clenching my fist and punched him right in his stupid, perfect jaw. The sound was loud in the quiet room. For a moment, he kept his eyes on the floor, a hand slowly coming up to touch his jaw. Then he turned his head and stared at me with hurt eyes, his mouth open just slightly. He was stunned. And frankly, so was I. My knuckles ached and I thought with sudden dismay, so this is what it feels like to be on the other end.

I turned and retreated down the hallway, leaving Parker, Rebecca and Raleigh staring after me.

...

A few days passed. I didn't speak to anyone. I avoided Parker at all costs.

"Can I ask you something?" I heard Rebecca ask Parker one night.

Raleigh had fallen asleep early and Parker was putting out the fire in the fireplace. I'd left my bedroom to use the restroom at the end of the hallway when I'd heard her speak. I hesitated by the mouth of the hallway, out of sight.

"What?" Parker's voice was impatient, like he didn't really want to respond.

"Are you attracted to me?"

I took a step further back. Maybe I didn't want to be listening to this conversation.

I heard Parker sigh. "Why are you asking me this?"

"Because it's been bothering me," she whined.

"I think I made it very clear that I'm not interested," Parker said.

"Because you're not attracted to me or because of her?" There was a short silence and then Rebecca's voice sounded full of understanding. "I never even had a chance, did I?"

My heart seemed to stop completely and I waited –leaning closer- for a response, but there was none.

"I should have guessed that it was her," Rebecca continued. "After that scene you made at the party and punching Lyons in the face it should have been obvious. But I was still thrown off by being rejected. No one's turned me down before."