The Dilemma of Parker

Chapter24

Richard headed in to the bathroom to see Jaylan sitting in the shower drenched holding onto Parker like she was the most precious gem ever. Parker had her head buried into his chest. "I'll take her to bed" Richard stated before picking up Parker and moving her into the bed and covering her with the blankets. She was shaking but he wasn't sure if it was due to the cold or what. "I promise sweetheart, I won't let them hurt you again" Richard whispered before kissing his daughter on the forehead. He didn't realise how hard it was for Parker and knew this was only getting started. He felt guilty for making her report her step father.

Jaylan, Parker, Richard and William all got themselves ready to attend the funeral. Parker had slept right the way through after her breakdown yesterday. Jaylan had dressed her in a long shirt after he got himself dressed and had held her through the night as she thrashed in her sleep. Parker had gripped onto Jaylan tightly in her sleep and even when he tried to move, she sought him out like he was her connection to the present.

Richard and Will had tried to talk to Parker about it at breakfast but all they got was "I don't want to talk about it". Both didn't want to push the issue and have Parker break down again. William never wanted to hear the sound of his sister break down like that again.

Richard drove them all to the church where the funeral was going to be held. Parker sat in the back holding onto Jaylan's hand staring out the window. She didn't know if she wanted to be there and see everyone. She especially didn't want to see her step father. She didn't even know if the police were going to pursue charges against him and frankly at this point she didn't care. She just wanted to head back to Sydney and forget all about the Jones'.

"I want to change my last name" Parker announced 20 minutes into the drive to the church. "What?" William asked not quiet sure he was hearing Parker right or not. Jaylan was watching Parker closely waiting for the breakdown. "I think that's a great idea Parker. What name do you want to change?" Richard asked.

"Dad, she isn't in the right frame of mind to be making decisions like that" Will whispered. "You know I can hear you!" Parker stated loudly. She didn't need Will to treat her like glass. "I don't want to be connected to that man, it's his last name not mine. I want my last name changed" Parker stated firmly. "We will get Leanne to start the process. What last name would you like?" Richard asked.

"Dad she will have our last name" William stated firmly. "William, that's not your decision. Parker is an adult and she gets to decide" Richard replied pulling into the church car park. "I could use my grandparents last name I guess" Parker mumbled. She actually thought Richard would want her to have his last name and was shocked when he shut Will down. "Parks" Jaylan started seeing the look of disappointment on her face but Parker just shook her head and took a deep breath to try and stop the feeling of abandonment creeping in. She thought no one truely wanted her.

Richard swung around and caught the look on Parker's face and felt horrible. He didn't mean to make her feel upset, he just didn't want her to feel pressured to take his name if she didn't want to. "Parker, I would be honoured if you would use my last name. I didn't want to pressure you into picking my last name. Your name could be Parker Flower and you would still be my daughter. You will always be my daughter and I'll change my last name to whatever you do to prove that" Richard stated.

"Dad, what about me?" William asked. "Well I have to be connected to my favourite daughter" Richard replied smugly. William was horrified, parents were not suppose to have favourites and here his dad was admitting Parker was his favourite. "Dad I can't believe you just said Parker was your favourite" William shrieked causing Parker to laugh, especially when Richard winked at her. "It's not funny Parker" William grumbled. "He said I was his favourite daughter idiot. I am his only daughter" Parker replied.

Richard laughed seeing the sheepish look on William's face. He had tried to distract Parker from what they were about to do and it had worked. He didn't know William would actually play right into it, but he had which only helped to break the tense atmosphere in the car.

Parker took another big breath. "I guess I better get out of the car" Parker mumbled. Jaylan got out of the car first and headed around the car to open the door for Parker who sat looking at her lap. William and a Richard stood right next to Jaylan to show Parker they were there for her.1