Disclaimer: I do not own resident evil, it's characters or any other material currently under copyright that may appear in this story.
Author's Note: This story is what I would call a "Slant Sequel" to another story I wrote called "Raccoon County High". I say slat sequel because I'm going to make sure to include explanations that alleviate the need to read that story. The only thing you need to know is that pretty much all the characters went to high school together in the early nineteen nineties. This is a complete retooling of the entire resident evil storyline focusing on minor characters. You'll have to read on to get anymore information then that.
Chapter 1: Owners of the Lonely Hearts
Joey rested his hand on the top of the trailblazer's steering wheel. Taking a long drag from his cigarette he stared out at the field of vision his headlights afforded. Bordered on both sides by tall pine trees, the roads hadn't changed much so far. They had clearly been repaved and widened since he'd been here, but the route was the same, long and winding.
Twisting the radio dial from station to station he wondered how much wouldn't have changed in five years. Five years. He thought. Even though he knew it to be true it seemed unreal that he'd been away from Raccoon city that long. Been away from home that long. Joey corrected himself mentally. He paused on a familiar frequency when a voice started up.
"Well I guess that's it for the season folks." An unfamiliar voice said. "The Raccoon High Wildcats lost in overtime against the Trighton Raptors. That'll end the season with a record of twenty-six and nine with a finish in the sweet sixteen of the single A tournament. This is Sammy Meed and stay tuned for the full post game show."
Joey clicked the radio off and sighed. It is that time of year isn't it. Forcing away memories he didn't want to have right now, Joey pressed his foot a little harder on the gas pedal. A few minutes later around a sharp curve was a sign, both familiar and unfamiliar. It was in the same place where it had always been, but instead of "Welcome to Raccoon County" the sign now read "Welcome to Raccoon City: Home of the Umbrella Corporation".
Joey felt his muscles tighten as a wave of anger at Umbrella washed over him. Tamping it down he focused on the fast approaching city lights. What would've changed in the half decade he'd been away. The answer was apparent from well beyond the city limits, everything.
What had once been a sleepy country town had boomed into a small midwestern city. Once only the library and courthouse had stood taller then one story, now three and four story buildings seemed to be the norm. The sidewalks hummed with people, laughing as they celebrated the start of the weekend despite the still chilly March air.
In different circumstances Joey might have been saddened at what had happened to his home town. Given what he'd returned to do though. No. Joey stopped himself. I'll have to deal with that soon enough... Not yet. Pulling into the parking lot of a familiar building Joey parked. The sign above the door read "The Excellent Cafe". The name appeared to be the only thing that had changed. Joey entered to find the same diner modeled after a nineteen fifties dairy bar.
"Hi, my names Kate and I'll be your server, can I start you off with a drink?" the friendly dark haired girl asked as Joey took a seat at a corner booth.
"Coffee, black please." Joey said, rubbing his eyes he readjusted his red bandana.
"Do I know you?" Kate asked, not bothering to scribble down the coffee on her note pad.
"Doubt it" Joey said. "This is my first time here in a long time."
"Huh, well I'll get that coffee for you while you have a look at the menu."
Joey perused the menu and decided on a club sandwich and french fries. He'd just raised his cup of coffee to his lips when a newspaper slapped down in front of him. The picture on the front was unmistakable. Looking up at Kate, Joey took a sip.
"I knew you looked too familiar!" Kate said, her voice frothing with excitement. "It's you! You're Joey Frost, point guard of the Unforgetables!" Glancing around the rest of the diner Joey motioned for the girl to join him at the table. Luckily no one in the sparsely populated dining room seemed to notice her excitement.
"Yeah, I am."
"I was there. At the championship game! That was so cool how you gave Richard those free throws."
"You've a good memory." Joey said, unsure how to react. "You don't hardly look old enough to have been there though."
"I was a freshmen." Kate said, smiling.
"So that would put you in the class of ninety-five" Joey said. "So what on earth are you doing here?"
"Eh, I did three semesters of college and now I'm taking some time off to earn some money and reconsider what I want to do... So, you're just getting back into town, do you have a place to stay?" Joey had to give her credit. She did a good job at making the question seem like idle curiosity.
"I've made arrangements." Joey said, readjusting his fingers to emphasize the gold ring on his left hand. Catching site of it Kate seemed disappointed. Pushing the newspaper toward him she stood up.
"You want anything besides coffee?" After placing his order Joey pulled the paper toward him but Kate spoke again. "Hey my shifts over in about half an hour. Mind if I come back and chat? Just curious what you've been up to" she hastened to add. "You all are still a topic of gossip around town."
"Fine by me" Joey said. As she walked away Joey stared at the picture on the front page.
Though he'd seen it a thousand times before he still smiled. A photo of their entire high school crew in their cap and gowns on the steps in front of the school. The headline read "The Unforgetables: Five Years On". Joey started reading the column.
'To long time residents of Raccoon City this month marks the celebration of a great moment in history. Five years ago, in the midst of swirling adversity, injuries and the death of a student dear to their hearts, the Unforgetables managed to win the final Colorado State Basketball tournament played before the beginning of the division era. Overcoming three number one seeds, an unprecedented feat in and of itself the Wildcats faced no less then four schools with at least four times their enrollment. The discouraging numbers'
Joey unfolded the news paper to the corresponding page to continue reading and gasped at the accompanying pictures. One was of the team in their uniforms with Coach Burton. Another was from his Junior year and showed Rebecca Chambers, Jill Valentine, Sherry Birkin and Claire Redfield all sitting on steel bleachers sticking their tongues out at the camera. The final one was the one that made his breath catch. It was of his team, standing at their final four game, wearing black jerseys with the name "Birkin" on them. His eyes burned as bad memories rose from the depths of his mind. Pushing them away Joey scanned the page and found the article.
'weren't the only things plaguing our young friends. They also contended with the mid-season loss of their point guard(picture A far right) Richard Alken, to an injury stemming from an automobile accident that also nearly ended the life of his girlfriend Rebecca Chambers(Photo B second from the left). Things only seemed to go downhill from there for a time. Within a month nearly all the starting roster had been benched after a string of losses and, most tragic of all. At the end of January Sherry Birkin(photo B far left) was killed in an automobile accident involving a drunk driver. The black jersey's featured in photo C were worn by the team to commemorate her and her all too short life.
However the season marched on and we all know how that ended. The only questions is, where are the Unforgetables now? That turns out to be a question with a lot of answers. Everyone knows Forest Spayer played four years of college basketball at the University of Kentucky(where he helped win the schools sixth national championship in 1996) and is currently playing professional basketball in Japan.'
Joey smiled at the thought of Forest in Japan trying to figure out what his teammates wanted him to do on the court. Kate brought his food and he ate as he continued reading.
'Outside of him, no one else from the team appears to have continued in athletics. Chris Redfield and Billy Coen are both serving active duty in the air force and marines respectively, though their exact deployment is unknown. Richard Alken earned an Associates of Art's and Science's in Criminal Justice from Delta Tech and is now one of Raccoon Cities finest. The final member of the group turns out to be the most elusive. Best known for giving two of his free throw shots(stemming from a technical foul from the opposing team) to Richard Alken in the title game, despite the former point guard not having played a minute in months due to injury, Joey Frost along with his parents seems to have vanished into thin air. The once proud Frost's, pillars of Raccoon and Joey Frost the towns favorite son are nowhere to be found. After graduating high school Joey left to spend time in California before attending UCLA. Robert and Amie Frost departed shortly there after to resume research involving viral vectoring in Denver.'
Joey felt another pang in his gut at the mention of his parents. This is all their fault. Joey told himself, and no matter how he thought about it that fact didn't seem to change. That was for another night though. Tonight wasn't a night to deal with that issue.
'Wherever they've landed I think I speak for all of Raccoon when I say we wish them well. A final note to anyone who followed the season. The fate of three young ladies may be of interest as they were quite instrumental in making that magical season what it was. Rebecca Chambers(photo B second from the left) is currently a first responder at Raccoon General, where she has worked since 1995. Claire Redfield is in college at the University of Colorado and Jill Valentine, much like the Frost's has disappeared without a trace.'
Joey stared at the last paragraph. Rebecca's an EMT? No way. He thought, folding up the news paper and pushing it away. Joey finished his food and was about to reach for his wallet when Kate dropped into the seat opposite him.
"So, read anything you didn't know?" Kate asked, glancing at the wrinkled newspaper.
"Yeah, pretty much all the fates of my teammates." Joey said, gulping the last of his coffee. "We never kept in touch the way we said we would."
"That seems to be the case with most bands of high school friends."
"Seems so... Listen I've gotta get going, but can you do me a favor?" Joey said, feeling slightly sick at the idea of being bombarded with questions about his parents and life since leaving Raccoon.
"I guess so" Kate said, sounding curious.
"Get out of this town. As soon as you can, leave." Joey said.
"What?" Kate said in a voice that mixed shock and disbelief.
"This place is no good anymore... You seem nice, don't let this town-" Joey broke off. "Just trust me, this place is toxic."
Joey stood and pulled a twenty dollar bill from his wallet. He bid Kate a goodnight as he placed it on the table and headed outside. Whether it was his bizarre behavior or the nearly two hundred percent tip he'd left her, she was too stunned to follow.
Joey climbed into his trailblazer and started the engine. He fingered the wallet sized photo he kept next to his speedometer. The motionless forms in the photo forever smiling back at him. His eyes burning again, Joey slammed the door and gritted his teeth.
It was time to get to his hotel and get some sleep, the next few weeks were going to be busy. Joey gave one last swear as he shifted into reverse and looked in the mirror. God how he missed his old Trans Am.
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
The wind ruffled Rebecca's short auburn hair as she sipped on her coffee. Looking around the hospital court yard she scratched her head and adjusted her raybans. The neat square stone area was nearly deserted. Despite the bright sunshine the air remained too cold for most people. It was honestly too cold for her liking, but it meant she could be alone for a while.
"Another day in the life" Rebecca said, sighing before nibbling on her sandwich. A short distance away the hospitals front doors opened but she paid no attention. If there was anything urgent they would page her.
The week hadn't been bad so far, but after two years as an emergency medical technician, what had once been exciting and almost fun had become nearly mundane. Just a couple more years. She thought, staring at the ground. The thought seemed like wishful thinking to her.
"Howdy stranger" said a familiar voice. Rebecca looked up to see Barry Burton of all people standing a few feet away.
"Coach" Rebecca said, hopping down off the small stone wall she had been sitting on.
"I never coached you, and in any case I'm retired from that... I'm just Barry to you now."
Rebecca chuckled as Barry drew her into a one armed hug. She hadn't seen Coach Bur, Barry, since the year she graduated high school. Since before- Rebecca pushed the thought away, determined to enjoy seeing a friendly face.
"So what brings you here Barry?"
"Just a check up" Barry said. "That old fart Cody wants me on medicine for my blood pressure."
"Sucks" Rebecca said laughing. "He told me last time I need to gain weight or I'm gonna start having nutrient deficiencies."
"I see you're taking that order seriously" Barry said, eying Rebecca's half eaten peanut butter sandwich and cup of coffee. "Why don't you come have lunch with me? I'll get you something at Old Town."
"You don't have to-"
"Nonsense!" Barry said jovially. "I'm an old pensioner now. I'm supposed to spend money recklessly."
Rebecca considered arguing, but a burger and fries from Old Town was too good of an offer to pass up. It took only ten minutes to walk the short distance to the restaurant and find an empty table. Rebecca removed her sunglasses and slipped them inside the chest pocket of her blue EMT uniform. After placing their orders Barry clasped his hands in front of him, resting his elbows on the table.
"How are you holding up girl?" Barry asked, in the kindest voice Rebecca had ever heard him use.
"I take it you're familiar with my... Situation?" Rebecca asked.
"Not really, everything I've heard was third or fourth hand. What happened to Mady and Alex?" Normally Rebecca refused any attempt by people to find out about the fates of her parents and younger sister, but Barry had been their friend to some extent and Rebecca thought he was asking because he genuinely cared about her.
"My Mom was never the same after Christy was born." Rebecca began. At moments like this Rebecca was glad she never wore makeup to work. "She'd get real sad some times, then she'd be normal for a while or at least that's what my Dad said. I was away at school by then... I'm ashamed to say that was part of the reason I didn't come home more. She'd always been devoutly catholic but after Christy it became an obsession."
"I take it you didn't share her beliefs?" Barry asked.
"No" Rebecca said, her tone flat. "Then at the end of February two years ago my Dad left for some kind of conference in Los Angeles and Christy got sick. Some kind of viral pneumonia."
"Oh my" Barry said, gasping.
"They put her in the hospital and umm" Rebecca bowed her head, staring at her hands folded in her lap. The tears stinging her eyes. "She didn't make it... And... And the same night all that happened my Dad was murdered." Barry sat in stunned silence.
"I'd... I'd heard rumors but I thought it was just a rumor..."
"Mugging gone wrong... Or that's what the detectives said anyway. Case's been cold pretty much front he start."
"No words can describe-"
"After that, I came home from school" Rebecca plowed on. "I finished up my sophomore year going to campus twice a week while I tried to help my Mom hold it together but... I came home one night that June and... And..." Rebecca bit her lip to stop a wail of pain from escaping her. "And she was dead... She took too many of some sleeping pills the doctor gave her. The coroner ruled it accidental."
"Becca" Barry said, his voice shaky. "You went through this all alone?"
"Well, I've still got Tommy" Rebecca said, lifting her head and grinning. "After that it was goodbye college and hello taking care of baby brother." Rebecca hoped she didn't sound bitter. She didn't resent her brother or her parents for that matter. This wasn't their fault, but she'd never been sure how her voice should sound when she told that part of the story.
"And you can do that on what an EMT makes?" Barry asked, surprised.
"My parents both had 401K's, savings, life insurance and we get my Dad's pension from Umbrella until Tommy turns twenty-one... I do the EMT thing more to keep myself busy then because I need the money." The waitress delivered their food but Barry still sat stunned.
"So" Rebecca said, picking up her burger. "That's all I've got for masterpiece theater."
"That's a lot more then any young woman would have to bare." Rebecca shrugged.
"What choice do I have. The only living family I've got is one aunt and she's been in failing health since before all this happened. It was either put off school or dump my kid brother in an orphanage."
"That's just... Terrible" Barry said.
"Tommy graduates next spring... After that I'm selling the house and we're both going to school somewhere. There's nothing left for us here anymore."
"That sounds like a fine idea." Barry said, pushing away the plate with his untouched food. "Well I'm sorry I made you go through all of that."
"It's okay" Rebecca said, finishing her own food. "Talking about it helps but, I can't stand the way some people look at me when I do."
"Well... I'm afraid I don't have a story of misery to match. I retired from teaching after the ninety-five school year. Now I'm working for the RPD trying to help them resurrect this chapter of the STARS program."
"How are you girls?" Rebecca asked, pondering how old Barry was. Teachers retirement could start after twenty years, but she knew he'd been in the military during Vietnam.
"They're great, my oldest will be a freshmen next year!" Barry said, some of the despair leaving his face. They chatted for a few more minutes while the waitress brought Barry the check. "Say, would you wanna have a drink with me and a buddy of mine on Friday night?"
"A buddy?" Rebecca asked, suspicious.
"Young fella with the RPD, I think you'd like him." Barry said, busying himself with signing the check.
"Barry, I'm trying to get out of this place not put down roots." Rebecca said, laughing slightly.
"I asked you to have a drink with me and a friend, not if you were okay with me arranging a damn marriage!" Barry said, though it came out more as a grunt.
"Well" Rebecca said, laughing harder now. "I don't work Friday so I guess it couldn't hurt. Say Molly Mallones around nine?" Barry affirmed that that would be good and they both stood to leave.
Before she could say anything, Barry drew her into a tight embrace. It wasn't a friendly hug like the one he'd given her outside the hospital, this was stiffer and more paternal.
"You listen here" Barry said, releasing her. "From now on if you need anything, you come to me. Whether it's an ear, advice, help with a problem, you can call any time. Day or night."
Rebecca smiled at him. A high school teacher she hadn't spoken to or even thought of in nearly half a decade had just offered to give her any help she needed. Most people saw the boom that the umbrella plant had brought as a good thing. Even Rebecca had to admit it was. In all the chaos, expansion and growth however, this was what had been lost. A good person, trying to help another good person, just because it was the right thing to do. She nodded.
"I will, and the same goes for you, Barry." With that, Rebecca put on her aviators and began the walk back to the hospital.
Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed this chapter and whether you did or not please lave a review to tell me why. I welcome all feedback as I cannot improve as a writer without it.