Guided by the Heart.
By Durtii Pheengurnaillzz
THE PAST
Kicked out of the air force. He was almost glad that his parents were dead right then. If they found out, they'd turn over in their graves. His little sis Claire didn't bug him all morning about it. Rather she was quiet, and understanding about the situation. Truly it was difficult, because this was his future, and he didn't know where else to go. He was sitting in the bar and handed Claire a Heineken. That was the beauty of this Racoon City place that they had just moved to. They really didn't care who was underage either. He took a quick pour, breathed out, and dumped his head back on the table. The drink wasn't helping him at all.
" Chris? Are you okay?"
" Ah you should know that one by now. I'm screwed. I'm literally screwed. Don't know where else to get a job now because this was my game. You know. This was my thing, and I failed at it. If I was going to find a career, I would've wanted it to be something that I knew I could do well and go on for the rest of my life, but now....I dont know."
" I'm here. Don't worry. Even if we have to find the cheapest thing in this town we'll work together. We'll get through this."
Chris Redfield had lived under the luxuries of mom and dad's care, food, and bill paying for a long time. He never trusted his own self judgement, but in the air force he experienced a full change. It was in the military that he had learned to shoot when before his folks would never even touch a gun. He never would have guessed that they would have fallen out of his life so quickly and he'd be left with absolutely nothing to support him, very little money or knowledge of this town, and a VERY uncertain future. Maybe if it wasn't his job to look after Claire before her first year of college was coming it wouldn't be so frightening, and if it wasn't for that 'kick-ass' scholarship, the tuition would kill' em both.
" Chris..What the hell do we do now? We're all alone in our parents house, and there's no one to take care of it."
" We'll have to call Aunt Wendy they were already planning to move in so they can help with rent."
" But it's not enough money, and with our cousins it's so many mouths to feed...oh my God..were gonna starve. Damn court martial. Damn judges. You told them the truth didn't you!?"
" Of course I did, and I learned the hard way how to never be present during a crime. I still wonder how being present gets me accused of being accessory to jacking an F-16 ? It's the craziest fuckin' thing I've heard in my life." He moaned out lightly, and dumped his head back on the table. Burrowed up like a groundhog.
" We'll make it. God's blessings come swift."
" Yeah. I just wish something'd happen right now you know? I could use that."
His dad was a truck driver for Umbrella products. He used to deliver fruits to groceries across America's backroads, but ever since the family moved up north it was smaller goods, and smaller trucks. Chris, and Claire's mother had also gotten into the Umbrella hype that surrounded the town because working in any sort of job for them was pretty good pay. She worked in one of the latest Umbrella installed pharamacy stores. Even though the family didn't make much, the kids were good. They would be able to hold their own in the future. If only they could see what remained of the family these days.
Barry Burton had been instructed by his captain to look for new recruits. He looked over at the crying kid in the corner with the dark brown hair, and tears cascading out of his eyes. Some girl who looked like a high school junior or senior (Five years older than his kids) was patting his back.
" Hmph. That same old kid who was on TV about the F-16 case? What a wimp. and he's supposed to be the guy that Wesker wants?" But when he saw his training records he wasn't scoffing any longer.
" Holy Mother of.....100% either somebody mistyped his stats or he shoots almost better than me!...But that's not possible! I'm the greatest!" He scratched his beard. He had heard the entire conversation at Redfield's table. He remembered how the Security Guard at the Atlanta Olympics bombing in '96 felt when everybody got on his case, but there were a few people that gave HIM a chance. Lots of people heard the evidence and just knew that the witness was lying in Redfield's case. This guy needed a chance too.
" Excuse me? How you doing this fine evening my young man?"
" What? You want an autograph too?" Chris indicated to the group of college jerks who insulted him earlier, and were still laughing about it back at their tables. Guzzling booze, and making funny drawings on his front page newspaper picture.
" No. I just saw your training records, and I must say I'm jealous. I'm only getting older, and you've (by a miracle) shot ahead of the greatest cops that Racoon City has to offer. So I thought I might be able to help you out. How'd you like to come on board with us?"
" A blessing!" Claire wiped away her tears perking up with a smile and shook her older brother." You see? He heard!" Chris didn't do anything but stare wide eyed at the man. He thought for a very long time, then formed a suspicious gesture on his face.
" Hmmm...I don't believe you. What's in it for me?"
"Salary huh? A cop doesn't have it too bad, and plus you'll be working with our special unit Tactics and Rescue. We get even more than first day blue shirts. We'll go over everything at Racoon station if you want to come tommorow. You'll head back to academy. It's only just to see what you're made of so it'll be over soon. We're well aware of your skill."
" You serious ?" Chris was still staring up at this savior. This santa claus dressed in SWAT team gear who shone down upon him with love, and gave him a super gift. A good job.
" I...I..II I..I-" He couldn't get a single word out
" I'll call you tommorow. Listen kid, don't worry bout the air force crap. We here in this city are making equal opportunities for everyone okay? If you went to prison you'd have a lot of us at the gates waving signs and protesting for your freedom. Now here's your chance to rebound son. I'll help you any way I can."
" Th-th-thank you mister." His face still in awe he lowered his head closed his eyes. covering them with his left hand as he shook with disbelief. Claire got up, went over to his side of the table and squeeze-hugged him. Beaming with victory, and happiness.
Diary.
All the shitty stuff I said about this town...I take it back. This place loves you! Even in such hard times you can still find a job here. Aunt Wendy just moved in Thursday, and already her kids were running all over the house causing trouble. I warned them I'd lock them up in the basement like I did years ago at a birthday party back in my middle school days, but I didn't have to.
Now that I've got a second chance I'll dominate. I'll be the saint of the police force. I'll never give anyone a chance to discredit me ever again. and I'm already going to S.T.A.R.S! That's the King Kong of Racoon Police. Some people years ago went to the FBI from there. No lies.
The girls around here are pretty nice, but they're all sophisticated college chicks coming back from MiT or Harvard. Too high class for me. My super intellect spawns from wisdom in machine technology, and combat tactics. I would say video games too, but I guess that doesn't count. I haven't got to play anything in ages too. Well...wish me luck. I'm going to an interview with this Captain Wesker dude. I'll try to be as enlightening as possible so I've got everybody's prayers. Peace out.
When Jill came out of Wesker's office. She pinned up against the door breathing heavily. It wasn't confirmed, but she sure could see his face, and it was saying that she got the job. The interview felt so simple. A good thing she didn't tell the WHOLE truth.
Past work experience you ask? Past work experience? Well gee...I'm a professional thief and impulsive pickpocket who has a bad habit. Any further, and I would've gone for the clockman diamond. I used to wash dishes on a boat when my father got started. It..pretty much runs in the family.
It would sound horrible, but she actually felt like letting somebody know about this corruption that she felt within. But technology, and repairs was her real game. Well it wasn't her real game it was just her 'acceptable to society' game. Straightening her suit jacket, blouse, and skirt she slung on her purse. High heels marching and clip-clopping proudly through the halls. She either felt like she was an instant millionaire or like one of those women in the Herbal Essence commercials. A pair of uniformed cops whistled at her, and tipped their hats then kept on walking and laughing when she stuck out her tongue at them. They could tell that she just came out of big man Wesker's office. She was thinking.... Nyah Nyahh. I've got a better salary than yooouu.
The day we met.
Burton was having a party. His wife was in the back yard serving drinks by the pool. Chris and Claire played blackjack at the dining room table celebrating sucess. The veterans of the classic Bravo team initiating the newbies with nuggies, rigged card matches, and puns till you puked. Only the leader, the heavy muscled Enrico Marini had a real cool sense of humor. Since it wasn't a late night show, and there was no drumroll Chris and Claire topped every punch line off with a burp.
" See? They're family already!" Enrico exclaimed proudly, and the entire Bravo team broke down laughing.
" Let's see how long you can go for." Brad Vickers suddenly let out
" All right..you want the mega burp? Stand back." Chris adressed the challenge
Rebecca and Jill were already in the pool dive bombing in and splashing each other in an immature sea skirmish of tossed water. Laughing. Horny old Forest of Bravo team had his cam corder ready to catch a good shot of the new girl's ass as she dove in. It was only funny for a few seconds. He didn't see her walk in right behind
" Hey Forest. Whacha up to?" Rebecca tapped him on the back.
" Can't a man test out his new electronic goods without a police investigation-hey wheres my-?"
" The new sony model." Jill examined it." Can I keep it?"
" Gimme the cam corder." Forest was getting antsy
" I can't. Means much to me. Besides. Becky was taking a shine to you. If you fancied me It'd make her mad. See ya." She smiled, and hummed a little tune to herself as she walked off.
Forest cowered against the wall. Rebecca was on the warpath
It was at dinnertime when he was out in the front yard gazing at the sunset. Sitting on the grass. Jill watched from the window. She'd shook hands with everyone, and was pretty sure about not getting into close relations with any of these people. The guys were friendly but obviously attracted to her. Not Forest. He was waay too horny, and weird too. Not Enrico because his build scared the daylights out of her. Couldn't get him angry. Brad could care less because he already had a girl, and most everybody else. Maybe even the other guy who was on the news about the F- 16. That other girl who was a head shorter than him was probably his-
" Oh. I didn't introduce you to Chris did I?" Barry's wife (I forgot what the pocket novels called her so let's just say Patricia) Patricia nudged her.
" The guy from the court case?"
" Yeah. He could've gone to prison but even a court who overlooked the details of the incident decided at least not to lock him up. He and the rest of his family didn't have anywhere else to go. Barry said that when he offered him the job his eyes lit up just like a kid getting their dream present at Christmas. From what I've seen today he's a real gentleman. He only gives wise talk when the boys are around you know?"
" Are you suggesting something?" Jill gave her the 'excuse me' look .
" Me? No. Go and say Hi." (Don't even try to fake. I know you're interested.) She thought
He was laid out on the grass. Hands covering the back of his head. One knee hung over the other about to fall asleep, but he could feel when that shadow fell over him and he woke up. Greeted instantly by her cute smiling little face, her beautiful blue eyes. Her hair fell over on top of him, and had him fighting to stop an incoming sneeze. She placed her finger to his nose gently, and stopped it instantly. " Hi."
" Uh...hello?" Chris responded
Forest was still watching from the window. Goodness gracious. She was bending over to talk to the new guy Chris, and watched her from behind. What an ass she had, and the short shorts , and the way that bra couldn't hide the great size of those boobies. She had one heck of a body. All that jelly, and no toast. (SOMEBODY sure must've made a stop at some fashion place before coming here.) he thought. Oh come on now, she's sitting next to the new guy. What do you have to do to get respect? Be kicked out of the air force these days? You lucky sunva-
"Forest, you pervert. Cut it out." Rebecca's voice from the kitchen
"Sorry but I don't date little school girls like you." he answered back
" Did you ever stop and think about how we don't deserve the badges were getting?" Jill looked directly at Chris. You and your friends smuggled smokes, and canned your secret operations just to not get caught, and...I'm a professional thief."
" Yeah. I'd say this was the number one miracle of our lives." Chris agreed. " Were police officers now. This doesn't happen everyday."
" It's just amazing. We're like...the last people on the planet you could ever trust." Jill agreed
" Well hey were not bank robbers or anything. Were just given a second chance right?" Chris asked
" Yeah. I think this'll be the most serious thing I've ever done. Or one of em." She giggled when he mentioned bank robbers. They kept on joking all evening. They talked more about the past, and where they came from
"...And that was the day dad told me that a woman's best tool of theivery was her look."
" No lie there. I'd probably be dumb and let her run off with my car if she was sexy enough."
" You think I was good enough at conning?" She asked which really meant. Was I beautiful enough to convince? Or do you find me hot? Chris knew that one. He answered casually
" Sure. You would've probably run away with my house if it was me." Chris added to top off the cake. She was coming to him. At first out of sympathy then out of some common bond or coincedence between their upside down lives. She laughed saying that she could just imagine it happening.
"I like you. You got a good sense of humor." she said. Almost out of nowhere, but he didn't panic
" I like you too. You're a good listener."
Dates were a rarity between work, but they happened. The first kiss happened when Jill was on the firing range alone in the room, and Chris went over to help.
"You good at shooting a magnum?"
" I never tried anything high caliber before. I'm just a technician. This thing'll probably go flying out of my hands, and I'll go sailing into the wall just like that cricket gun from Men in Black."
" Did Barry?-"
" Yep." she nodded her head.
" Don't take lessons from him until you're ready. He's a total firepower freak. He'll have you breaking your wrist on his guns. I'll help you. Try this." He handed her his 9 millimeter beretta 92F just like that
" If you hit the bullseye, then it's yours to keep."
" But what about your standard-"
" The department handgun's at home. This is an extra." Maybe it was the way his supporting hands felt guiding her. Maybe it was the calm in his voice. But it had been a few months, and they were becoming deeper than friends.
Chris guided her hands with his own. His arms wrapped around her to hold up her own. The back of her body presed against him to hold her in case the shot went off too wild. He never got to touch any girl like that.
" Steady..easy.. You want to hold onto it really tight. Squeeze the trigger. Don't pull. Get ready for the recoil and try to bring it up quick again." The touching had her impassioned in an indescribable way. He was in the back complimenting her while she just shot, and shot. Whenever he was near. She would always freeze up, but in his arms she melted, and let him guide her. She had been waiting for a long time to just come out with her feelings but was held back by embarassment wondering if he felt the same.
" Hey..what do you know? You nailed it. Good job."
" T-thanks." She said nervously " You didn't have to help."
" Oh that's nothing. I'll always give you a hand if you need it, but from what I'm seeing, you'll be Annie Oakley by tommorow if you keep it up ." There was something in her eyes that she didn't hide, and just seeing it felt strange. She gave him a look that she never gave anyone ever before. A look as though she was under Cupid's spell. Was she waiting to tell him something all this time?
" Chris why do you always break your own legs for me all the time? Is it something about me?"
" Oh God here it comes. What do I tell her? " he thought. He was just starting to get a hard-on, and he didn't even know why this time.
" Because you're my friend. Friends help each other right? You helped me learn how to talk to Wesker." he looked for the perfect excuse.
"That was just a little favor, but I feel like I'm just covered with gifts by you, and."
" You want me to stop?" Chris didn't know where it was going
" No. It's just that I never said 'thank you'."
" Eh? Could you run that by me again?"
" He had heard stories, and she knew what HER version of 'thanking close friends' was.
Her gentle hands placed on his cheeks as she brought her face closer to his. She didn't put her face up and expect a kiss she went and gave it all. At first Chris was confused, but he couldn't very well draw back away from her so he brought her as close to him as he possibly could. He stretched out one foot and kicked the door shut. The lock went on and he turned back to face her seeing her smile.
" You wanna discuss this a bit more. A bit more..physical perhaps?"
" You read my mind." Jill smiled
THE PRESENT
Chris had grown a lot older and a lot wiser. He finally had his sister by his side. He had one more reunion to take care of. There he was out in the woods waiting by the old Mercedes that sat out in the wood clearing. The parking lot was empty and it rained down hard. Claire sat with him. They used to talk about how they would get through the very next school day, and now they were actually talking about things they should not have even had to talk about. They were disscussing the destruction of the most powerful pharmaceutical company in the world. It was big material. They were supposed to be innocent kids wondering when Korn's new album was coming. Or if the Detroit RedWings would have a bad season just for once in their measley existence. Even if it was only fair that they won all the time.
Claire sat by the car next to Chris on the wet pavement in the empty lot. She put her hand on his shoulder. Just then it made him realize again how great it was for family to reunite. For her and him to be together braving whatever dangers that came together.
" We used to worry about little things like screwing up on midterms. Remember that stuff? Back in middle school?" he asked
" Oh yeah, and you copied answers from Pete?"
" Still can't believe the teacher caught me. The setup was so perfect. I did everything right."
Claire laughed " Teacher always hated you."
They leaned their heads against each other. The first time they were able to relax in a long time.
They had slept for hours until the sound of the whirring helicopter instantly woke them both. Chris took out his glock and told Claire to get in the car.
" I'll check this one. Just relax. If anything comes your way you know the deal. Umbrella's probably gone fishing for the Ashfords and know what happened to them and Wesker by now."
It was an Umbrella helicopter with what was left of the scratched insignia on the side. Chris waited with his 9mm, expecting a battalion to come pouring out. After what he'd been through, an army couldn't scare him.
But it wasn't an army that came out of that door.
He rarely ever saw her dressing sexy but when she did 'whoo doggie!'. In that tube top that just made her boobs come through that thing. and from the small miniskirt it made her waistline something to really show.
Not only did you come back. You came back HOT. For me? You gotta be kiddin. Aw Jill, you remembered my birthday. He laughed thinking about it.
She slipped on her first few steps but quickly regained herself. Her boots slid on the wet pavement, but she walked. They were squeaking under the feel of the rain. She pushed her hair to the side to actually see if it was him. she remembered being the gentle light hearted person who stole on the side only acting mean when her daddy told her it was necessary. Then remembering how Chris taught her to be a real warrior. How she became independent, and strong she became with his encouragement. She wanted to run up to him, and tell him just how much she learned. That she did it. She survived. She actually did it. And run she did.
Chris saftied, and holstered his gun slowly and stretched his hands out walking slowly towards her. He had no more tears left to cry but he looked like he was gonna weep
" Chris!" she yelled.
He waved his hands gesturing as if to say " That's it. Come to papa."
She ran into his arms in a jump, locking her soft legs around him pressing her drenched body against his own as she hugged him like crazy crying and going on about how much she missed him.
" Jill? Jill? Jill."
"Please don't ever leave me alone again."
" Aw I spent so much time bringing out your warrior side, and you simply went, and threw her away. Look at you." Chris kidded
" How bout I slap you to show you she's still here." She joked, but her mood didn't show it.
" Forget about it. I mean hey. Were alive right? Come on. This is a time for rejoice Jill. Aww poor baby I'm sorry." He held her tighter. Kissing her cheeks where he could see tears.
From that point she buried her head under his neck. He stroked her hair. There they stayed until he joked enough to cheer her back up again. He still couldn't believe that she was actually alive. Thinking about it made him unable to contain his joy. He then lifted her up and swung her around through the air like a child. She enjoyed every second of it and came back to the same position as he brought her close again.
" Good girl. I'm sorry I didn't come before. We're safe now okay?"
They french kissed for an EXTREMELY long time. Giving tongue and closing their eyes as if in a trance. Chris put his head against Jill's until his arms grew tired holding her, and he set her down on the pavement. They continued locking lips until the rain went from hard to drizzle. Claire drove by. searching trough the rain for the nearest inn. She swore it was close by somewhere, but the hard rain, and thunder wasn't making it any easier to find.
" Oh...my..God. I thought that S.T.A.R.S. would never reunite. I mean were fugitives now, but we've got each other. Barry, and Rebecca are still alive, but Brad....."
" I heard." Chris's voice was a lot softer now. The poor kid was so scared. He just didn't deserve to die, but it happened in the worst way. Jill had wittnessed it with her own two eyes. That bastard Tyrant had kiled one of his family. They weren't going to get away with it any more.
" I remember how often I would tease chickenheart. Jill?"
" Yeah?"
"... Was he brave out there?"
" He had his moments when the attack started, but as more people started dying... he lost it. It drove the both of us crazy you know? Seeing it happen. Now I know that it was a miracle that brought me here today."
" It'll stay that way forever." Chris put his hand on hers." They can shoot at us. Or send monsters to kill us, and our friends but you know what I learned? We're all still alive in our spirit and determination. Even whenever I doze off I see him alive. I saw Bravo team. I saw...all of us." Jill's memories of the entire S.T.A.R.S team photo was still fresh in her mind. She missed the entire force being together. She missed all her friends and what they had as a great team (excluding Wesker of course) Had it not been for Umbrella ,everyone would still be alive, but then. They would not have met each other. Most importantly, she would have never met Chris.
" You look a bit down Jilly. Cheer up pal." He lifted up her chin and she looked deep into his eyes. Whatever happened, they still had each other nonetheless.
By Durtii Pheengurnaillzz
THE PAST
Kicked out of the air force. He was almost glad that his parents were dead right then. If they found out, they'd turn over in their graves. His little sis Claire didn't bug him all morning about it. Rather she was quiet, and understanding about the situation. Truly it was difficult, because this was his future, and he didn't know where else to go. He was sitting in the bar and handed Claire a Heineken. That was the beauty of this Racoon City place that they had just moved to. They really didn't care who was underage either. He took a quick pour, breathed out, and dumped his head back on the table. The drink wasn't helping him at all.
" Chris? Are you okay?"
" Ah you should know that one by now. I'm screwed. I'm literally screwed. Don't know where else to get a job now because this was my game. You know. This was my thing, and I failed at it. If I was going to find a career, I would've wanted it to be something that I knew I could do well and go on for the rest of my life, but now....I dont know."
" I'm here. Don't worry. Even if we have to find the cheapest thing in this town we'll work together. We'll get through this."
Chris Redfield had lived under the luxuries of mom and dad's care, food, and bill paying for a long time. He never trusted his own self judgement, but in the air force he experienced a full change. It was in the military that he had learned to shoot when before his folks would never even touch a gun. He never would have guessed that they would have fallen out of his life so quickly and he'd be left with absolutely nothing to support him, very little money or knowledge of this town, and a VERY uncertain future. Maybe if it wasn't his job to look after Claire before her first year of college was coming it wouldn't be so frightening, and if it wasn't for that 'kick-ass' scholarship, the tuition would kill' em both.
" Chris..What the hell do we do now? We're all alone in our parents house, and there's no one to take care of it."
" We'll have to call Aunt Wendy they were already planning to move in so they can help with rent."
" But it's not enough money, and with our cousins it's so many mouths to feed...oh my God..were gonna starve. Damn court martial. Damn judges. You told them the truth didn't you!?"
" Of course I did, and I learned the hard way how to never be present during a crime. I still wonder how being present gets me accused of being accessory to jacking an F-16 ? It's the craziest fuckin' thing I've heard in my life." He moaned out lightly, and dumped his head back on the table. Burrowed up like a groundhog.
" We'll make it. God's blessings come swift."
" Yeah. I just wish something'd happen right now you know? I could use that."
His dad was a truck driver for Umbrella products. He used to deliver fruits to groceries across America's backroads, but ever since the family moved up north it was smaller goods, and smaller trucks. Chris, and Claire's mother had also gotten into the Umbrella hype that surrounded the town because working in any sort of job for them was pretty good pay. She worked in one of the latest Umbrella installed pharamacy stores. Even though the family didn't make much, the kids were good. They would be able to hold their own in the future. If only they could see what remained of the family these days.
Barry Burton had been instructed by his captain to look for new recruits. He looked over at the crying kid in the corner with the dark brown hair, and tears cascading out of his eyes. Some girl who looked like a high school junior or senior (Five years older than his kids) was patting his back.
" Hmph. That same old kid who was on TV about the F-16 case? What a wimp. and he's supposed to be the guy that Wesker wants?" But when he saw his training records he wasn't scoffing any longer.
" Holy Mother of.....100% either somebody mistyped his stats or he shoots almost better than me!...But that's not possible! I'm the greatest!" He scratched his beard. He had heard the entire conversation at Redfield's table. He remembered how the Security Guard at the Atlanta Olympics bombing in '96 felt when everybody got on his case, but there were a few people that gave HIM a chance. Lots of people heard the evidence and just knew that the witness was lying in Redfield's case. This guy needed a chance too.
" Excuse me? How you doing this fine evening my young man?"
" What? You want an autograph too?" Chris indicated to the group of college jerks who insulted him earlier, and were still laughing about it back at their tables. Guzzling booze, and making funny drawings on his front page newspaper picture.
" No. I just saw your training records, and I must say I'm jealous. I'm only getting older, and you've (by a miracle) shot ahead of the greatest cops that Racoon City has to offer. So I thought I might be able to help you out. How'd you like to come on board with us?"
" A blessing!" Claire wiped away her tears perking up with a smile and shook her older brother." You see? He heard!" Chris didn't do anything but stare wide eyed at the man. He thought for a very long time, then formed a suspicious gesture on his face.
" Hmmm...I don't believe you. What's in it for me?"
"Salary huh? A cop doesn't have it too bad, and plus you'll be working with our special unit Tactics and Rescue. We get even more than first day blue shirts. We'll go over everything at Racoon station if you want to come tommorow. You'll head back to academy. It's only just to see what you're made of so it'll be over soon. We're well aware of your skill."
" You serious ?" Chris was still staring up at this savior. This santa claus dressed in SWAT team gear who shone down upon him with love, and gave him a super gift. A good job.
" I...I..II I..I-" He couldn't get a single word out
" I'll call you tommorow. Listen kid, don't worry bout the air force crap. We here in this city are making equal opportunities for everyone okay? If you went to prison you'd have a lot of us at the gates waving signs and protesting for your freedom. Now here's your chance to rebound son. I'll help you any way I can."
" Th-th-thank you mister." His face still in awe he lowered his head closed his eyes. covering them with his left hand as he shook with disbelief. Claire got up, went over to his side of the table and squeeze-hugged him. Beaming with victory, and happiness.
Diary.
All the shitty stuff I said about this town...I take it back. This place loves you! Even in such hard times you can still find a job here. Aunt Wendy just moved in Thursday, and already her kids were running all over the house causing trouble. I warned them I'd lock them up in the basement like I did years ago at a birthday party back in my middle school days, but I didn't have to.
Now that I've got a second chance I'll dominate. I'll be the saint of the police force. I'll never give anyone a chance to discredit me ever again. and I'm already going to S.T.A.R.S! That's the King Kong of Racoon Police. Some people years ago went to the FBI from there. No lies.
The girls around here are pretty nice, but they're all sophisticated college chicks coming back from MiT or Harvard. Too high class for me. My super intellect spawns from wisdom in machine technology, and combat tactics. I would say video games too, but I guess that doesn't count. I haven't got to play anything in ages too. Well...wish me luck. I'm going to an interview with this Captain Wesker dude. I'll try to be as enlightening as possible so I've got everybody's prayers. Peace out.
When Jill came out of Wesker's office. She pinned up against the door breathing heavily. It wasn't confirmed, but she sure could see his face, and it was saying that she got the job. The interview felt so simple. A good thing she didn't tell the WHOLE truth.
Past work experience you ask? Past work experience? Well gee...I'm a professional thief and impulsive pickpocket who has a bad habit. Any further, and I would've gone for the clockman diamond. I used to wash dishes on a boat when my father got started. It..pretty much runs in the family.
It would sound horrible, but she actually felt like letting somebody know about this corruption that she felt within. But technology, and repairs was her real game. Well it wasn't her real game it was just her 'acceptable to society' game. Straightening her suit jacket, blouse, and skirt she slung on her purse. High heels marching and clip-clopping proudly through the halls. She either felt like she was an instant millionaire or like one of those women in the Herbal Essence commercials. A pair of uniformed cops whistled at her, and tipped their hats then kept on walking and laughing when she stuck out her tongue at them. They could tell that she just came out of big man Wesker's office. She was thinking.... Nyah Nyahh. I've got a better salary than yooouu.
The day we met.
Burton was having a party. His wife was in the back yard serving drinks by the pool. Chris and Claire played blackjack at the dining room table celebrating sucess. The veterans of the classic Bravo team initiating the newbies with nuggies, rigged card matches, and puns till you puked. Only the leader, the heavy muscled Enrico Marini had a real cool sense of humor. Since it wasn't a late night show, and there was no drumroll Chris and Claire topped every punch line off with a burp.
" See? They're family already!" Enrico exclaimed proudly, and the entire Bravo team broke down laughing.
" Let's see how long you can go for." Brad Vickers suddenly let out
" All right..you want the mega burp? Stand back." Chris adressed the challenge
Rebecca and Jill were already in the pool dive bombing in and splashing each other in an immature sea skirmish of tossed water. Laughing. Horny old Forest of Bravo team had his cam corder ready to catch a good shot of the new girl's ass as she dove in. It was only funny for a few seconds. He didn't see her walk in right behind
" Hey Forest. Whacha up to?" Rebecca tapped him on the back.
" Can't a man test out his new electronic goods without a police investigation-hey wheres my-?"
" The new sony model." Jill examined it." Can I keep it?"
" Gimme the cam corder." Forest was getting antsy
" I can't. Means much to me. Besides. Becky was taking a shine to you. If you fancied me It'd make her mad. See ya." She smiled, and hummed a little tune to herself as she walked off.
Forest cowered against the wall. Rebecca was on the warpath
It was at dinnertime when he was out in the front yard gazing at the sunset. Sitting on the grass. Jill watched from the window. She'd shook hands with everyone, and was pretty sure about not getting into close relations with any of these people. The guys were friendly but obviously attracted to her. Not Forest. He was waay too horny, and weird too. Not Enrico because his build scared the daylights out of her. Couldn't get him angry. Brad could care less because he already had a girl, and most everybody else. Maybe even the other guy who was on the news about the F- 16. That other girl who was a head shorter than him was probably his-
" Oh. I didn't introduce you to Chris did I?" Barry's wife (I forgot what the pocket novels called her so let's just say Patricia) Patricia nudged her.
" The guy from the court case?"
" Yeah. He could've gone to prison but even a court who overlooked the details of the incident decided at least not to lock him up. He and the rest of his family didn't have anywhere else to go. Barry said that when he offered him the job his eyes lit up just like a kid getting their dream present at Christmas. From what I've seen today he's a real gentleman. He only gives wise talk when the boys are around you know?"
" Are you suggesting something?" Jill gave her the 'excuse me' look .
" Me? No. Go and say Hi." (Don't even try to fake. I know you're interested.) She thought
He was laid out on the grass. Hands covering the back of his head. One knee hung over the other about to fall asleep, but he could feel when that shadow fell over him and he woke up. Greeted instantly by her cute smiling little face, her beautiful blue eyes. Her hair fell over on top of him, and had him fighting to stop an incoming sneeze. She placed her finger to his nose gently, and stopped it instantly. " Hi."
" Uh...hello?" Chris responded
Forest was still watching from the window. Goodness gracious. She was bending over to talk to the new guy Chris, and watched her from behind. What an ass she had, and the short shorts , and the way that bra couldn't hide the great size of those boobies. She had one heck of a body. All that jelly, and no toast. (SOMEBODY sure must've made a stop at some fashion place before coming here.) he thought. Oh come on now, she's sitting next to the new guy. What do you have to do to get respect? Be kicked out of the air force these days? You lucky sunva-
"Forest, you pervert. Cut it out." Rebecca's voice from the kitchen
"Sorry but I don't date little school girls like you." he answered back
" Did you ever stop and think about how we don't deserve the badges were getting?" Jill looked directly at Chris. You and your friends smuggled smokes, and canned your secret operations just to not get caught, and...I'm a professional thief."
" Yeah. I'd say this was the number one miracle of our lives." Chris agreed. " Were police officers now. This doesn't happen everyday."
" It's just amazing. We're like...the last people on the planet you could ever trust." Jill agreed
" Well hey were not bank robbers or anything. Were just given a second chance right?" Chris asked
" Yeah. I think this'll be the most serious thing I've ever done. Or one of em." She giggled when he mentioned bank robbers. They kept on joking all evening. They talked more about the past, and where they came from
"...And that was the day dad told me that a woman's best tool of theivery was her look."
" No lie there. I'd probably be dumb and let her run off with my car if she was sexy enough."
" You think I was good enough at conning?" She asked which really meant. Was I beautiful enough to convince? Or do you find me hot? Chris knew that one. He answered casually
" Sure. You would've probably run away with my house if it was me." Chris added to top off the cake. She was coming to him. At first out of sympathy then out of some common bond or coincedence between their upside down lives. She laughed saying that she could just imagine it happening.
"I like you. You got a good sense of humor." she said. Almost out of nowhere, but he didn't panic
" I like you too. You're a good listener."
Dates were a rarity between work, but they happened. The first kiss happened when Jill was on the firing range alone in the room, and Chris went over to help.
"You good at shooting a magnum?"
" I never tried anything high caliber before. I'm just a technician. This thing'll probably go flying out of my hands, and I'll go sailing into the wall just like that cricket gun from Men in Black."
" Did Barry?-"
" Yep." she nodded her head.
" Don't take lessons from him until you're ready. He's a total firepower freak. He'll have you breaking your wrist on his guns. I'll help you. Try this." He handed her his 9 millimeter beretta 92F just like that
" If you hit the bullseye, then it's yours to keep."
" But what about your standard-"
" The department handgun's at home. This is an extra." Maybe it was the way his supporting hands felt guiding her. Maybe it was the calm in his voice. But it had been a few months, and they were becoming deeper than friends.
Chris guided her hands with his own. His arms wrapped around her to hold up her own. The back of her body presed against him to hold her in case the shot went off too wild. He never got to touch any girl like that.
" Steady..easy.. You want to hold onto it really tight. Squeeze the trigger. Don't pull. Get ready for the recoil and try to bring it up quick again." The touching had her impassioned in an indescribable way. He was in the back complimenting her while she just shot, and shot. Whenever he was near. She would always freeze up, but in his arms she melted, and let him guide her. She had been waiting for a long time to just come out with her feelings but was held back by embarassment wondering if he felt the same.
" Hey..what do you know? You nailed it. Good job."
" T-thanks." She said nervously " You didn't have to help."
" Oh that's nothing. I'll always give you a hand if you need it, but from what I'm seeing, you'll be Annie Oakley by tommorow if you keep it up ." There was something in her eyes that she didn't hide, and just seeing it felt strange. She gave him a look that she never gave anyone ever before. A look as though she was under Cupid's spell. Was she waiting to tell him something all this time?
" Chris why do you always break your own legs for me all the time? Is it something about me?"
" Oh God here it comes. What do I tell her? " he thought. He was just starting to get a hard-on, and he didn't even know why this time.
" Because you're my friend. Friends help each other right? You helped me learn how to talk to Wesker." he looked for the perfect excuse.
"That was just a little favor, but I feel like I'm just covered with gifts by you, and."
" You want me to stop?" Chris didn't know where it was going
" No. It's just that I never said 'thank you'."
" Eh? Could you run that by me again?"
" He had heard stories, and she knew what HER version of 'thanking close friends' was.
Her gentle hands placed on his cheeks as she brought her face closer to his. She didn't put her face up and expect a kiss she went and gave it all. At first Chris was confused, but he couldn't very well draw back away from her so he brought her as close to him as he possibly could. He stretched out one foot and kicked the door shut. The lock went on and he turned back to face her seeing her smile.
" You wanna discuss this a bit more. A bit more..physical perhaps?"
" You read my mind." Jill smiled
THE PRESENT
Chris had grown a lot older and a lot wiser. He finally had his sister by his side. He had one more reunion to take care of. There he was out in the woods waiting by the old Mercedes that sat out in the wood clearing. The parking lot was empty and it rained down hard. Claire sat with him. They used to talk about how they would get through the very next school day, and now they were actually talking about things they should not have even had to talk about. They were disscussing the destruction of the most powerful pharmaceutical company in the world. It was big material. They were supposed to be innocent kids wondering when Korn's new album was coming. Or if the Detroit RedWings would have a bad season just for once in their measley existence. Even if it was only fair that they won all the time.
Claire sat by the car next to Chris on the wet pavement in the empty lot. She put her hand on his shoulder. Just then it made him realize again how great it was for family to reunite. For her and him to be together braving whatever dangers that came together.
" We used to worry about little things like screwing up on midterms. Remember that stuff? Back in middle school?" he asked
" Oh yeah, and you copied answers from Pete?"
" Still can't believe the teacher caught me. The setup was so perfect. I did everything right."
Claire laughed " Teacher always hated you."
They leaned their heads against each other. The first time they were able to relax in a long time.
They had slept for hours until the sound of the whirring helicopter instantly woke them both. Chris took out his glock and told Claire to get in the car.
" I'll check this one. Just relax. If anything comes your way you know the deal. Umbrella's probably gone fishing for the Ashfords and know what happened to them and Wesker by now."
It was an Umbrella helicopter with what was left of the scratched insignia on the side. Chris waited with his 9mm, expecting a battalion to come pouring out. After what he'd been through, an army couldn't scare him.
But it wasn't an army that came out of that door.
He rarely ever saw her dressing sexy but when she did 'whoo doggie!'. In that tube top that just made her boobs come through that thing. and from the small miniskirt it made her waistline something to really show.
Not only did you come back. You came back HOT. For me? You gotta be kiddin. Aw Jill, you remembered my birthday. He laughed thinking about it.
She slipped on her first few steps but quickly regained herself. Her boots slid on the wet pavement, but she walked. They were squeaking under the feel of the rain. She pushed her hair to the side to actually see if it was him. she remembered being the gentle light hearted person who stole on the side only acting mean when her daddy told her it was necessary. Then remembering how Chris taught her to be a real warrior. How she became independent, and strong she became with his encouragement. She wanted to run up to him, and tell him just how much she learned. That she did it. She survived. She actually did it. And run she did.
Chris saftied, and holstered his gun slowly and stretched his hands out walking slowly towards her. He had no more tears left to cry but he looked like he was gonna weep
" Chris!" she yelled.
He waved his hands gesturing as if to say " That's it. Come to papa."
She ran into his arms in a jump, locking her soft legs around him pressing her drenched body against his own as she hugged him like crazy crying and going on about how much she missed him.
" Jill? Jill? Jill."
"Please don't ever leave me alone again."
" Aw I spent so much time bringing out your warrior side, and you simply went, and threw her away. Look at you." Chris kidded
" How bout I slap you to show you she's still here." She joked, but her mood didn't show it.
" Forget about it. I mean hey. Were alive right? Come on. This is a time for rejoice Jill. Aww poor baby I'm sorry." He held her tighter. Kissing her cheeks where he could see tears.
From that point she buried her head under his neck. He stroked her hair. There they stayed until he joked enough to cheer her back up again. He still couldn't believe that she was actually alive. Thinking about it made him unable to contain his joy. He then lifted her up and swung her around through the air like a child. She enjoyed every second of it and came back to the same position as he brought her close again.
" Good girl. I'm sorry I didn't come before. We're safe now okay?"
They french kissed for an EXTREMELY long time. Giving tongue and closing their eyes as if in a trance. Chris put his head against Jill's until his arms grew tired holding her, and he set her down on the pavement. They continued locking lips until the rain went from hard to drizzle. Claire drove by. searching trough the rain for the nearest inn. She swore it was close by somewhere, but the hard rain, and thunder wasn't making it any easier to find.
" Oh...my..God. I thought that S.T.A.R.S. would never reunite. I mean were fugitives now, but we've got each other. Barry, and Rebecca are still alive, but Brad....."
" I heard." Chris's voice was a lot softer now. The poor kid was so scared. He just didn't deserve to die, but it happened in the worst way. Jill had wittnessed it with her own two eyes. That bastard Tyrant had kiled one of his family. They weren't going to get away with it any more.
" I remember how often I would tease chickenheart. Jill?"
" Yeah?"
"... Was he brave out there?"
" He had his moments when the attack started, but as more people started dying... he lost it. It drove the both of us crazy you know? Seeing it happen. Now I know that it was a miracle that brought me here today."
" It'll stay that way forever." Chris put his hand on hers." They can shoot at us. Or send monsters to kill us, and our friends but you know what I learned? We're all still alive in our spirit and determination. Even whenever I doze off I see him alive. I saw Bravo team. I saw...all of us." Jill's memories of the entire S.T.A.R.S team photo was still fresh in her mind. She missed the entire force being together. She missed all her friends and what they had as a great team (excluding Wesker of course) Had it not been for Umbrella ,everyone would still be alive, but then. They would not have met each other. Most importantly, she would have never met Chris.
" You look a bit down Jilly. Cheer up pal." He lifted up her chin and she looked deep into his eyes. Whatever happened, they still had each other nonetheless.
