7

The monotonous motor of a washing machine blighted the silence within the first level of the house. Pieces of laundry decorated the floor of the room; messily arranged within plastic baskets and indicating weeks of negligence. There were two small piles of clothes that sat waiting to be next and had already been sorted and grouped. Jill adjusted the levers of the dryer and loaded it thereafter. She exited the room after completing the task that she had been performing all morning behind a sigh of great relief as she entered the kitchen from the laundry room that sat adjacent to the pantry. She and Babe were the only souls within the house.

Jill made a sudden pause in front of Lauren's bedroom door - looking inside to see the unmade bed and large masses of sheet music scattered about on the small purple table. She sighed in frustration before entering - she was irritated and had strong, almost compulsive, intentions to straighten up the mess. Babe followed her instinctively as though he had no other choice. The tip of his nose swept about the carpet of the floor as it normally did gathering every scent that he could.

"I swear…she is becoming more and more like Chris." Jill spoke up in sarcasm.

She neatly fixed the covers of the bed and moved onward towards the table that held evidence of musical mayhem. She grabbed all of the sheets and stacked them into a neat pile. On the shelves that decorated one of the walls, she looked to see a small collection of seashells and dream catchers. One caught her eye in particular; it was smaller than the rest and showed obvious signs of its age. She smiled although she had difficulty remembering where Lauren had gotten it from. She swept a finger along a framed picture of Claire in what looked to be a forest. It must've been the day she fell out of the canoe Jill ended the thought behind a crude snicker.

Eventually she made her way up to the second level of the house; the guest room being her next stop. She noticed the bed and how neatly the sheets were fashioned - Claire - she mentioned her name behind a breath of relief. She was impressed, however very tired from a presumably busy morning or perhaps the errand filled afternoon to come. A stack of papers sat atop the surface of the desk. She lifted it and noticed that there were actually two separate stacks – she looked closer, reading the title: In the Eyes of a Guerilla Mercenary – a small side project she had suddenly urged to complete. She looked over the other: A New World of Medicine - The Pulitzer nominated article she had written just a few months ago that gave her inspiration to fire up the side project. She began reading the first paragraph - reacquainting herself with the time she actually sat down to write it. All the stakes that she took to obtain the information left her almost paralyzed as an immense amount of energy was put into completing it. Her mind grew grey with clouds yet somehow she kept forcing herself to remember it - everything. The information, the investigation, and the interview with a person she had left behind so long ago.

[July 09, 2013]

[2 ½ months after Chris' absence. (3 months before the present day)]

My office.

- C.D

A rather vague yet undoubtedly informative note left by the CEO of Publications at the highly appreciative periodical, The Chronicle.

This only meant one thing – a meeting. Jill sighed frustratingly, the last meeting she had with him ended with her rethinking her current career choice – harshly. He cut her down to a stump after she had grown into an astounding sequoia - he forbade her as a frightening lead writer and ordered her to write 'less effective' articles after rejecting one that she had hoped to be printed as a headliner a few years back. So in other words, she was forced to write 'the bullshit columns on the side about hotel hotspots, and the best stores that offered the most discounts, or what celebrity would soon be gracing the town.' She sighed once more – dropping the letter into a small wastebasket that sat beside her desk.

"So let me guess…the Relationship Expert this time…" She walked out of her office.

"Just made it." Lynn stood next to an exorbitant coffee machine as she greeted Jill – it was the fancy kind you'd figured seeing in some sophisticated café. She poured a single cup of regular coffee - stirred in two sugars, added two creams and handed it to her weary superior.

"Thanks…did you know anything about…"

"Yeah…it's a lead article. And in all honesty…" suddenly she stopped at the approach of another writer. "I think he's gonna give it to you." It came out as a whisper amongst the others that passed by and who looked to be heading in the same direction. Jill remained silent, watching as they all followed – one after the other – like a line of ants.

"It's an 'invitation only' type of thing. If you got one of those letters then you're invited." Lynn chuckled as though she were the child who arranged the party's RSVP list.

"Yeah that's good ole' Charlie…I better get in there." Jill started walking through the narrow stretch of cubicles.

She passed each of them - staring longer at the one she called her own during the first year of her employment. Finally, her walk ended at the double doors of the office of Charles Davenport. The heavily detailed engravings indicated not only his wealth, but certainly his importance. She entered.

[The Meeting]

There were at least five people seated - the brown-nosers as she would call them. The early-birds – her favorites to quietly dismember. She remained silent while walking towards an empty seat upon one of three leather sofas within the spacious office. She felt the curious glare of Charles, as he stood against the front of his desk facing all those that attended the private gathering. She sat at the hardened stare of the older – more experienced journalists that obviously didn't receive as much appreciation from the Chief as she. She laughed internally at the jealousy.

He began speaking.

"Alright folks, I understand that most of you are just starting your day…you all must be so very anxious to know why I requested you here…"

"Yeah…we're all very happy to see you too, Charles." The woman to the left of Jill, wearing a tacky yellow and red dress, spoke sarcastically. The others laughed.

Charles glanced at Jill, behind a cunning smile – one that a serial killer offers to their person of interest – that is, to lure them into a situation that they otherwise cannot escape.

"Now then." He continued. "Let's talk about why we are in fact here. Ya see, all of you, I consider my best writers – the only people that I actually give a shit about." He spoke bluntly.

Jill smirked at his sudden yet expected use of profanity.

"You have all proven to me that you are capable of writing incredible articles – the type that have people raving even months after its publication. With that being said, I have discovered a phenomenal project intended for one of you. Yes. One that I believe is capable of grasping the attention of the Pulitzer Committee." He paused while walking towards one of the many large windows of his office on the 96th floor.

"I know many of you have heard about the 'Green Facility' that has just been completed by Azareus Laboratories. If you haven't, allow me to fill you in. It is a massive complex, accurately called a 'dome' with the span of 500,000 feet at its very center – you pretty much could fit a skyscraper inside. It acts as a giant greenhouse – if you will – that has paved the way for a new approach to air and, in the near future, water filtration." He suddenly paused behind excitement while turning towards his audience.

"After the Radical Split, America lost track of pharmaceuticals and overall health in general – this facility is allowing a new start in that field. Its primary focus, like I mentioned before, is cleaner air and water – the reigning aspects of our planet that we have long neglected. This is a big thing. There are already four facilities that have been completed: the first was built 70 miles north of Los Angeles, the second found it's home in Bellevue, Washington, the third in Cloquet, Minnesota, and the fourth and final one – here in Romesville. If you know the nation well, you could figure how beneficial each location of the 'domes' are to the entire country as a whole. With all four facilities, the country (including the Devil's Playground) could see an overall improvement in cleaner air by 98% in two years. We're talking crisp clean air – with almost NO toxins. And eventually the same will be said about water. Azareus is hoping to spread this accomplishment all over the world. Do you know what this means?" he paused again turning from the window and facing the small crowd of attentive journalists.

"More money spent." A male writer spoke, followed by laughter. Jill remained content. Charles noticed.

"Yes. But also a better environment for all citizens of the world. This is life changing…much like the Internet when it first came to be back in the late 80's."

"Hmm…back in the stone age, correct?" A rather outspoken journalist spoke up - her head tilted down at her notes and was crowned by the silky black strands of her hair – her green charismatic eyes veered over black-framed glasses. Laughter encased the room once more – Jill remained an outsider – refraining from laughing. Charles noticed again.

"Not exactly."

"Who was it that thought up this idea…Morris?" the woman wearing the tacky dress spoke once more - enviously, she glared at Jill as the last word escaped her mouth.

"That brings us to the next part of our discussion. The man responsible for this life changing feat goes by the name, Carlos Oliveira."

Jill's eyes shot up at Charles as he continued to speak. It was a name she hadn't heard in quite some time. She never forgot it. Never did she imagine hearing it here – in this setting.

"Who?" she interrupted.

"Carlos Oliveira – the Chief Executive of Azareus' Environmental Division." He answered. "He was the key figure to the success of the vaccinations administered by the corporation back when it first started."

Charles grabbed a small remote that sat on his desk. He clicked a button and a screen lowered from the ceiling in unison with the shades that covered the windows.

"This guy." A large picture of him painted the screen – it was professional, a company photograph - like one fit for an identification card.

Jill stared at it longer than all others. Carlos.

"So…this guy – figured out a way to make the air more breathable huh?" a soft-spoken writer asked. She wore a modest pink dress, her hair pinned into a tight bun – she compulsively waved an ink pen between her index and middle fingers the entire time and she always glanced away bashfully whenever Charles looked at her.

"Yes."

"So how much exactly has been spent on the construction of these so called 'greenhouses'?" the woman with the black glasses spoke up once more. She held up two fingers on each hand to represent a substandard emphasis of the word "greenhouse".

"Oh c'mon - you know billions of taxpayers' dollars are funding them – it doesn't take rocket science to figure that out." The male journalist spoke once more. He was quite arrogant – more than even Charles.

"True. But they are providing cleaner air for those same taxpayers." The soft-spoken woman implied. "I mean – so what if billions are being spent…"

"Oh of course the tree-hugger here would think that." The woman wearing the tacky dress spoke harshly while pointing at the young woman. "We should really be asking how much money he's banking from these so called 'Green Facilities'…"

"Again…another question that does not require rocket science…" the male journalist spoke.

"The material alone probably costs just as much if not more than it does to keep the facility operational…what exactly are they using?" The woman with black glasses asked – disregarding her colleagues' arbitrary remarks.

"I'm glad you asked that. It is called Ticumnite – a new biodegradable material that shares the same aspects of glass - however it is softer, more flexible and it will not crack or shatter like glass giving it more abundance towards a variety of weather conditions."

Charles spoke as he clicked the button of the remote.

The material was displayed in raw rock-strewn form on the big screen, he clicked the button once more and the processed form of the material - in its final glasslike state- was displayed.

"So is it virtually indestructible?" the woman asked once more.

"Nothing is indestructible – everything has a weakness." The woman wearing the tacky dress commented.

"You know…I really love your optimism. It really complements your sense of humor." Jill finally spoke and ended the woman's rampage.

"Alright…let's stay focused here. I'll let the interviewee describe more of the details." Charles spoke as he clicked the button for the final time. The screen and shades ascended into the ceiling all at once and the lights returned to their previously dimmed state.

"Wait a minute…you want us to interview him?" the soft-spoken woman asked behind neurotic eyes.

"One of you will interview him. There have been many press-conferences concerning the facility's operation – all in which he has attended-"

"And your point is?" the woman wearing the tacky dress interrupted.

Charles paused first while staring at her behind hardened eyes. "He's here. This allows us easy access to an interview."

"Isn't he busy…I mean with this new facility and all – will he even have time to arrange an interview?" Jill asked – displaying obvious uncertainty.

"No need to worry." He smiled at her.

"I'm sure we can work something out. Anyway – I want all of you to give me five pages – five pages regarding your thoughts and opinions on air pollution in general – whoever gets it on my desk before 2pm today…"

Charles paused for a brief second while staring up at the clock that hung on the wall - 2pm was only 6 hours away.

"…and I actually like it - the project is yours." The room remained silent for a few seconds after he spoke.

"Any questions?"

"Let me get this straight…you want us to compete for this?" the woman wearing the black glasses asked – somewhat annoyed.

"Well…if you put it that way…"

"What is this, high school?" The woman wearing the tacky dress mumbled under her breath but loud enough for the small group to hear.

They all stood from their seats and began walking towards the door. All of them laughing. Jill approached the door as the soft-spoken woman had just stepped out. She had intentions of slacking for the rest of the day – she in no way wanted the project.

"Jill – hang on a minute. I want to speak to you."

Charles took a seat behind his desk and reached down into one of the drawers. He held a cigar in his right hand and placed a stainless steel cutter onto the cherry-wood surface of his desk. He leaned back and placed the cigar between his lips - seconds later he lit the end and smoke billowed from both it and his mouth.

"What did you think about the meeting?"

"I don't know – it was entertaining. Comical, honestly." The smoke did not bother her.

"Well, I guess I can say the same. I noticed you, and…" he pointed to the seat next to where she sat during the meeting, indicating the place where the woman wearing the tacky dress sat. "…aren't exactly two peas in a pod – if you know what I mean…"

"You noticed that too huh? She still hates me for taking 'her' article - the one about Morris. She was pretty fond of the guy…"

"Do yourself a favor…don't get involved with anyone around here – I've seen jealousy ruin a lot of careers. And honestly…" he took another puff. "I can see it coming to an end very soon for her."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"Ah yes…I can get a little out of myself…I apologize." He smiled charmingly at Jill. He had an attractive face for a man at his age in a 'Clint Eastwood' type of way – even had a bit of his edge, she thought. She sighed impatiently.

"Jill – I want you to do the article."

She laughed.

"I know what I said before…"

"Yeah…that you no longer wanted me working on major projects."

"Your independent research is dangerous – spellbinding, but dangerous Jill – that 'Wounded Eagle' article would've shut this entire newspaper down…and you know that. I couldn't let you write for a while…because I knew you would argue about it until I'd approve its publication. Eventually I would've had to fire you."

"Well…I'm not arguing now." She mentioned behind hidden disappointment purposely aimed at herself. "But I do want to know - if you had already made the decision, then what was the whole point of that meeting?"

"I like to keep things interesting around here. Let's face it Jill – only Lynn and I adore you, everyone else looks at you as they would, shit in a toilet. They are all so blinded by their own 'abilities' and such that they naturally can't even appreciate a damn good writer. I'm sick of the suckasses and brownnosers around here. Half of them only give a damn about getting promotions or raises anyway. You are the only one that will truly write a phenomenal article, and do you know why that is?"

"Enlighten me."

"Because you're no bull-shitter, and you've got passion…I love that about you. You are able to implement that into your writing – something that sets you apart from everyone else for sure."

She smiled only internally knowing that this was true.

"Besides…he requested for you." He took a rather long drag from the cigar – longer than normal. A putrid cloud of solid chalky colored smoke emanated from his mouth soon after.

"He did?"

"Yep."

How did he find me?

"I'm assuming you know each other…in some way."

Jill nodded instead of answering 'no' simply to make the lie seem subtler.

"Well he asked for you – before he even agreed to do the interview."

"Hmm…must've read the article about Morris." She replied behind a clever smirk, knowing well that it were not the reason. "Maybe that won him over – like it did everyone else it seems."

"Maybe so…well..."

"Well – what?"

"What do you say? Yay?"

Jill paused for a moment, her eyes focused out of the window behind his desk at the siding of the building across from his office. Its architecture was composed entirely of steel and glass. She was beginning to figure out the purpose of the meeting.

"I don't think so…it's such short notice. I need more time." She answered - her eyes glanced over at the clock on his wall. She had been in there for a total of forty-five minutes – counting the thirty-minute meeting, yet it felt longer.

"Jilly…c'mon. You're not thinking it fully through. This could mean big things for you – and your reputation."

He stood from his seat and approached her - his arm draped comfortably over her shoulder as he guided her to one of the windows. Together they gazed out at the boundless horizon.

"My reputation?" she asked sarcastically while trying to mask the anger of him speaking to her as though she were his child.

"Well…I know you don't care too much about that."

"I don't care about trying to impress anyone...that even applies to you Charles."

"I know…but I also know that you've been gunning for that Pulitzer – I saw it in your eyes the first day I interviewed you. You have the same determination as he did. Your father."

Jill drifted off in thought as he mentioned the man she had sworn never to think about again. She hated when people compared them. However, today she knew Charles only spoke truth. She was beginning to feel as though this was the only reason why he kept her around – the fact that she reminded him of her father.

"Go for it Jill. Write this article. Bring us another Pulitzer." Charles held a smile that was everything that summed up arrogance. Yet it held promising pride that gave her confidence. Much like her father.

She sighed in submission, realizing that this was in fact her reason for staying. Somehow, she felt a sense of security around him, an aura only recognizable of one man – Richard Valentine. This was the purpose of the meeting…to show how much they both needed this. She in more ways than he would ever understand.

"That's my girl. Take the rest of the day off – research, have a drink or two…or three, relax…we'll talk about the interview tomorrow. You're gonna nail it, I know it." He walked back towards his desk, leaving Jill at the window where she continued to stare drearily out at the passing world. Somehow she felt it would be sooner than she believed.

[The Research]

Carlos. How the hell did you find me after all these years?

Jill sat amongst a few others inside of the bustling Café. It was well off into the afternoon, more and more people entered and she had found herself hiding in the back of the place behind the screen of her laptop – hoping desperately not to be recognized by anyone. A notebook sat close by on the table – the first sheet was scribed with key topics she had wanted to research.

She visited the website of Azareus Labs. In the search engine, she typed his name. Immediately after, a picture flashed onto the screen – that same witty grin painted the face of the man she hadn't seen in almost thirteen years. She sat there briefly in awe, judging by the photograph not much had changed.

And just what have you been up to these days…

The description was very vague and did not mention much pertaining to his life-story – that which she pretty much knew already – there were only highlights of his accomplishments within the corporation given in what looked to be his profile. The most praised being the anticipated success of the Green Facilities. There were several pictures of them - the first and most recent choice titled "Site 424D – Romesville, Arizona". The design of the building was quite immaculate – the structure looked to be something built within a Royal Palace. It closely resembled the Jardin d'hiver – an astounding greenhouse in Brussels. Before this day, she had never known such a place existed. She was so out of tune with what was actually going on within the nation - her main focus being pointed towards her family instead of society.

She leaned back into the chair, her eyes a great distance from the screen. Suddenly, her thoughts hurtled back to the days of the outbreak at Raccoon City. 1998. She and Carlos fought amongst thousands of undead - those who were ruined by the horrendous T-virus – to eventually flee the city before it was wiped off of the face of the Earth. To see him then in such tragedy made her believe that hope was something that had never existed in the first place. To see him now in such a high position proved to her that she was once wrong – hope does still exist. He had changed his life – just as she did.

A sudden buzz interrupted her focus and immediately directed her eyes towards the cell phone that moved in intervals each time it vibrated. It briefly startled her and a few others around as it made its way towards the center of the table. She picked it up and noticed the time – 4:15 pm.

"Shit…" she whispered raucously. She placed the computer as well as the notebook into her bag, grabbed the black currant tea she had been drinking and exited the café.

She arrived at a house nearly three blocks away that belonged to one of few people she had considered to be her friend. A woman by the name of Sheila, Lauren's violin instructor – who agreed to look after her during the weeks in the summertime while Jill worked. It was through Lynn that the two women met.

"So what will it be tonight?" Jill pulled the key out of the ignition while opening the door.

"Whatever's edible…" the girl answered.

They both stepped out of the car and headed into the house.

Lauren passed her mother gleefully, skipping into her room - Jill proceeded into the kitchen. She paused for a few seconds – a routine that arrived at the same time on almost a daily basis. She felt the void of Chris' absence fall beneath the new revelations of Carlos. After almost thirteen years, she hadn't heard anything pertaining his wellbeing – or if he were still fighting – or even alive for that matter. Today it all came crashing back down on her. She sighed uncomfortably behind a nasty pain in her abdomen.

Lasagna – the favorite. It was the simplest and probably one of the only things she truly knew how to make. She removed all ingredients from the shelves and began the task she loved to hate.

"You're going to bed early darlin'…I've got a lot of work to do tonight." Jill mentioned while turning the valves of her bathtub.

"A bath…a read…and then you'll be seeing Z's." she smiled while pouring in bath milk.

"What kind of work, mommy?" she followed Jill out of the bathroom.

"Boring stuff. Research…you know…things that definitely won't interest you."

"Mommy…"

"Yeah?" Jill removed a large teal-colored bath towel from one of the closets within the room - more of them were neatly folded and stored inside.

"Do you miss Daddy?" Lauren's voice held a certain anxiety within it that made Jill realize it was a question that she had been pressing to ask. She was afraid to mention it just as Jill was afraid to answer.

She paused a few moments before speaking. She had finally decided to let him go, she had finally accepted the fact that he was dead and would never come back – she had hoped somewhere within Lauren's innocent mind that she would accept the same. It had been 2 ½ months already without any word from him…

"Of course…of course I do." Jill turned to face the girl who held a cold look of great sadness on her small face. She missed him dearly.

"Everyday." Jill continued and without any effort, she wrapped her arms around her.

"Is he coming back?" The question she had found herself answering everyday.

It was after the first month - May, when Lauren initially asked her. Now going well on three months Jill was still struggling to find the lie that wouldn't confuse the child in any way. She would always reply optimistically 'Yes – he'll be home soon. I know it.' However, today she felt the need to tell the truth – she didn't know when or even if he were coming back.

"I'm not sure honey." Suddenly she felt the words were too harsh. "Your Dad has a lot of work to do overseas…as soon as he is done, I'm sure he will come back home."

Lauren smiled comfortably – as she always did whenever Jill answered her most painful question.

Damn you, Chris. She found herself holding the child tighter – closer to her body. This was all she had left to remember him by.

"Now…let's get you into that bath Scarlet." She smiled while caressing the child's cheek with soft sweeps of her thumb.

Night draped over the land like the darkest of blue velvet. The stars were endless – building vast constellations as far as the naked eye would allow up until the sudden triumph of light pollution that radiated from the inner city. Babe, alone and without complaint, slumped lazily on the porch and would be the only to witness the silent beauty.

The only proof of existing life within the house was that of the office that remained closed for the recent months - as Chris had primarily used it. However tonight Jill felt the need to utilize the space - the only light within the room was of two lamps that sat at opposite ends of each other as well as a smaller one that sat upon the desk. She had selected a fine bottle of wine to go along with a fitting selection of music. Miles Davis' 'Bitches Brew'. She wasn't a big fan of jazz – however she admitted that it kept her focused while writing. Another attribute she exhibited from her father (she remembered he'd listen to it as he planned out his infiltration methods). She was already on her fourth glass and well through the album as she had been researching Carlos for almost three hours since the time she sat down. She came across a great amount of information pertaining to his life – most referring to his new "career", others speaking about the Liberation Front he once commanded. She hadn't found anything that spoke of Raccoon.

Figures.

"Los Intocables", the apparent name of this Liberation Front, was beginning to become a repetitive subject – with every five articles pertaining to the "Green Facilities" came at least three pertaining to the Front. She ignored every chance to investigate, as she wanted to keep focus on what she actually needed for the article. Finally – after great frustration at seeing more of the same topic she clicked on a link: "El Reinado de Los Intocables".

Her eyes scanned over the language as though they fully understood what was being said. She understood it well and that brought back the memory of Carlos teaching her every one that he knew – and how hard it was. It paid off in the end however, like he once said it would.

The article first spoke of the Front's history - he had originally started it back in early 2000, sometime after Jill had left South America. She thought back to that time vividly. She lived down there after the outbreak in Raccoon City. They parted ways with Barry, and the two of them first found refuge in Brazil. She didn't feel the need to come back to the U.S. right away seeing as how she did not have many options and did not know where to go in the first place. He had saved her life and at that time she felt the need to help him in any way that she could, her way of showing great gratitude. Here is where the two of them had once decided to fight the likes of Umbrella, by way of creating a guerilla anti-bio-terrorism group, the first of its kind and one that would pave the way for the many others that followed.

Their mission was to infiltrate Umbrella's many worldwide facilities and shut them down internally thereafter – a great inspiration behind that which she and Chris founded some years later. It took a great amount of time until they finally got things moving – it was probably one of the most challenging times of her life. It wasn't the best time in her life, she openly admits that as well – but many parts of her travels throughout the country had made certain significance on her in general and made up for every obstacle that had ever crossed her path. Throughout their travels they began to realize that the country wasn't so much afflicted by outbreaks, but famine, poverty, and starvation – things that have always existed. It made them realize how the world overlooks such things, while companies such as Umbrella could easily get away with murder.

It spiked anger within in her as it did back then. The article carried on about the Front's (Intocables) success – how by 2001 it had grown to well over 500 members, they saved many villages from all out civil war and even built schools and hospitals for many of those unfortunate places – their force was felt all over South America until its sudden denouement sometime in 2004 where after that, the story seems rather vague and nearly incomplete.

Eventually, she gathered enough courage to open the only write-up she had found pertaining to Raccoon City. It mostly spoke of him and "a few other citizens" who escaped the city before its destruction. Neither she nor Barry were listed amongst those survivors – which made her wonder. She quickly turned grateful after realizing that her true identity had been kept in the dark. Most people within Romesville knew nothing of her past - at first she wasn't sure if she could accept it, but after realizing how simple life were without anyone knowing, she grabbed it with open arms. The articles made her feel cold with death – that which had become her greatest fret. The past had once again began to hunt her, and it all spawn from that day - when she realized Chris wasn't coming back from wherever he was. Exhausted, she turned off the computer, grabbed her notebook, turned off both lights – and Miles. Slowly she walked up the stairs and into her bedroom – the end of the night.

[The Interview]

There were at least fifteen others crammed tightly into the elevator. It annoyed Jill – to the point of insanity. Whenever it stopped at a floor, the doors would open and five or more people would just stand there looking completely ridiculous. Always, at least one of them would try to squeeze in – ultimately knocking the number up to a quick thirty. She was always the last to get off seeing as her office was located ninety-six floors up, it took fifteen minutes for a usual five-minute ride. She hated mornings like these. She sighed in frustration, already she had prepared herself for the abominable migraine headache she would most likely have by the end of the day. It's gonna be one of those days…

She walked towards her office with hopes of not being stopped by anyone – including the only person there that she could tolerate, Lynn. But of course, she predicted accurately that would not happen.

"Jill…" the young woman approached. Her blonde hair tied low into a tight ponytail.

"Morning…what's up?"

"Why didn't you tell me you had an interview this morning?"

"I didn't know I had one..."

"Well…there is someone in your office."

"You let someone into my office without getting their name?"

"He and Charles walked out of the elevator together…they were talking – all chummy and such." Lynn handed her a cup of coffee knowing that it would lift Jill's spirits – she was used to the usual morning grogginess and this was all she knew (at least legally) that would suppress it.

"Charles let him in."

"Him?"

"Yeah…tall, dark...quite hot actually – he's been in there for a while."

"How long?" Jill took a fresh sip and followed it with a hefty gulp.

"Twenty minutes…no longer."

Jill sighed – figuring that it were one of two people, her father or Carlos. Honestly, she didn't know which she would rather it have been yet she sternly knew in her gut that it were the latter of the two. Her father had passed away a long time ago.

"Thanks…"

She gave the knob a gentle twist and slowly pushed the door open. She first noticed his back - he was looking out of the window behind her desk. She entered and was immediately welcomed by the strong scent of tobacco - he wasn't smoking however she could tell that he had some time before she entered. She looked down to the ashtray on her desk and confirmed her assumption.

"It's been a while…" he spoke.

Carlos. Jill remained silent while running all aspects of his voice through her brain.

"Too long I'm afraid." He continued while turning to face her. His eyes held a look of sudden shock. He was amazed at her – the only thing to have changed, in his eyes, was the long length of her hair.

"My…Jill. You haven't changed a bit. You look good." He smiled charmingly. "I love the hair."

She simply stared at him and honestly thought the same, however she didn't speak.

"Lost for words, eh?"

"No…I just really wanted to see if you had changed…" she walked passed him and suddenly turned to face him. "…seems like you haven't."

His personality at least – she thought. He was still very attractive. Very attractive and still had that same confidence she remembered him having and his charming personality always outshined everything.

"Still have that bite I see. How long has it been Jill?" he suddenly took a seat in one of the chairs within the room.

She took a deep breath before answering. "Thirteen years…to be exact."

"Damn. It seems like just yesterday…we were together." He watched as she leaned against the front of her desk. She faced him with a rather cynical smile.

"Fighting – I meant."

He smiled while removing another cigarette from a silver case within the pocket on the inside of his coat. She didn't want to be reminded – he could judge by the timid look on her face.

"Do you mind?"

"Not at all. How have you been?" she suddenly asked him.

He lit the cigarette and pushed a great cloud of smoke out of his mouth soon after. He backed it with that same witty grin she remembered.

"I've been good. And yourself?" He held the cigarette between his thumb and index finger, and extended it at her as he spoke.

"Can't complain." She was stuck interviewing him, Chris was away and perhaps dead, she was obviously losing her mind, and she found herself lost within the haunted realms of her past – really, why would I have anything to complain about?

"Well, like I said, you're looking good. Been taking good care of yourself I see."

He took a second drag – moving his eyes along the curvatures of Jill's slender body beneath the fawn pencil skirt and white blouse she wore. He never imagined seeing her in such composure – the last time he remembered seeing her, she was on edge with a pistol in her hand. Now she stood before him tightly clenching a notebook with a pen within her grasp - he had to admit however, she still looked damn good.

"So…I hear you're working for Azareus now. What's that all about?" she asked – ignoring his advances.

He laughed a bit before answering and followed it with another drag. "What can I say…I needed a job."

She looked at him sharply. It caught him off guard - however he knew that the remark would bother her. That being the reason why he mentioned it in the first place - he always liked to push her buttons. She handed him the ashtray.

"I saw opportunity…and grabbed it. Thanks."

"What do you mean?" She flipped open the notebook and began jotting things down.

"C'mon I know you heard about my certain 'achievement'…the whole reason why I'm here in the first place."

"Enlighten me." She smiled – cynically once again.

"Back in 2006, the T & G strains were ruining America and it's people - in coincidently, the whole basis on why the 'Radical Split' came into motion. I came back during that time, with a new discovery – a flower with the power to end the plague. I moved to Hawaii in 2004, first landing in Haunani, a small town on the western side of the Big Island. My original intent was to look for some of my missing comrades after receiving unexpected news of their whereabouts…"

"Los Intocables." He stared up at her brief interruption.

"So you have done your research…but no. Former members of UBCS."

"What? I thought…you were the only one that survived..." she sat down – interested.

He nodded.

"Apparently, some of them still existed…I got there and learned that they had fallen to the infection, Jill. As did the citizens of the town. There weren't many of them…thank god. Umbrella secretly owned a facility there where they performed numerous experiments with the new strains that had been discovered after the T-virus outbreak. It's also where we performed most of our preliminary training, back when I was a recruit and everything seemed normal – back when I was naive. Like Raccoon, it was the major benefactor on the sleepy town's existence. It was destroyed shortly after Raccoon – both strains were released within and around the facility, as way of preventing anyone from learning of what was really going on there and paradoxically using the town as test subjects. Innocent civilians…sound familiar?"

"So Raccoon wasn't the only city that was destroyed at that time…"

"Unfortunately not. More cities actually…the original focus were small towns that were often disregarded and hardly ever touched by any form of recognition. Raccoon and Haunani were merely the royal flush of ruination thrown by the hand of Umbrella unto the table – the people of the World."

"My God." Jill replied, staring down at the notebook however she could only visualize the horror within the details that she had just acquired. She lifted her gaze back into his.

"So what exactly did you find out down there?"

"…after trekking through the dilapidated city, I entered the facility. Eventually, I found them all…there were at least fifteen of them, their bodies where still somehow preserved – even years after they had died. I can't really explain it. And I know it doesn't make any sense." He paused suddenly – finishing off the rest of the cigarette.

"They were all lying amongst this plant that somehow managed to sustain its vitality and grew elatedly within and around the ruins of the facility – there had to have been thousands of these things. The scent alone was quite strong – it was pleasant yet overpowering and it completely blocked out the odor of decomposition. I had a pretty bad cut on my hand from the steel gate in the entrance – I reached out to grab one of the flowers – I'll never forget this – right as I grabbed it, the wound stopped bleeding and the pain went away." He stared at her for a brief second – simply to gather her reaction.

"So you're saying…it healed you? And them as well for that matter?" she asked while writing.

"I investigated it more…and learned that it was once grown around the Queens Palace on one of the Solomon Islands. The civilians of the island used the flower to treat the terminally ill. It took away anything Jill – scabies, malaria, smallpox, and even worse. I had the idea of testing it against the T and G variants…I managed to get a hold of the T-strain and allowed it to corrupt my body - right as I felt the first signs of the infection I sat within concentrated steam that had the strong essence of the flower. Jill – believe me when I tell you – it is no longer in my body."

"So the Queens Flower was the major component of success in the vaccinations…how does it work?"

"Well – it doesn't necessarily 'take' the virus out of your body. Somehow, the chemical components within the compound inside of the flower breaks down certain receptors within the T-virus, in the human body – weakening it – it makes it so that your body rejects the virus instead of succumbing to it. You get rid of it, as you naturally would say a cold or flu. Without turning into a monster." He smiled humbly.

She had to admit, it was very believable. However, it sounded too good to be true and she knew how those types of things usually ended. She remembered hearing about this sometime ago, but not as in depth however. She didn't know that it were he who offered Azareus the concept that would later boost the corporation into a bustling prosperity.

"Wow…that's…"

"The new world of medicine, Jill. We should be using our resources around us. We have to take care of our planet – it is the only way we will know how to fully take care of ourselves. It offers answers…yet we continue to ignore them. Think about it Jill…with every disease that exists in this world there are hundreds of natural ways to resolve them."

Jill simply smiled at him with hopes of assuring him that she believed everything he confessed although she secretly harbored uncertainty towards it – she had to witness it in order to fully accept its validity.

"So is that the whole reason why you've designed these 'Green Facilities'?"

"Yes. It is. My own survival has inspired me beyond ways you can imagine. I look at myself as an ambassador of this planet."

Jill laughed. He took notice and smiled at her. He missed hearing it.

"I'd rather be that…than…" suddenly he paused.

She knew what he was going to say next. A mercenary – a pawn in bio-terrorism. An awkward chime interrupted the brief silence. Carlos lowered his hand into a hidden pocket and removed a slender phone.

"Damn…looks like I have to cut this short. I have to attend to some things at the 'dome' here. Can we finish this maybe in a couple of hours…actually maybe that won't be a good idea – I'm returning to Hawaii tonight. My flight leaves at six-thirty."

"Hmm…" Jill had .

"Even better…you're the 'I have to see it to believe it' type anyway. You should come with me. I can give you a tour, the history – the works. Anything you want to know."

"Sure…" she really had no other choice.

She wanted to write a damn good article even though she did not want the project in the first place.. This would allow her an in-depth experience and would make one hell of an affect on Charles. Although she acted as though she didn't care, a big part of her truly did.

"Great…well then – let's head out there."

'ROMESVILLE – ARIZONA. SITE LOCATION: 424D-114.

(FORMERLY GREAT DESERT FLATLANDS NAT'L PARK)

PROPERTY OF AZAREUS LABS. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

NEXT EXIT'

"So why all the way out here…why not closer to the city?" Jill asked as she veered out at the passing landscape.

They were driving south, through desert flatlands – heat wavered off of the pavement and indicated the sun's pure smoldering power. She noticed the sign of the exit ramp that lead directly to the destination of the 'Green Facility'. She saw no indications of it at first as she had been facing the opposite direction of its actual location.

"There she is." Carlos spoke.

Jill turned her head. A giant mass was all that she could see - the sunlight reflected off of the glass-like Ticumnite making the structure look as though it were a miniature version of the great orb of light.

"I had it built out here because it is away from society. All of the 'domes' are situated in complete isolation and because of this we are able to work more efficiently." He mentioned as the two of them walked along the extensive entryway.

The path was uniformly lined with fifty flagpoles, all full staff with the State flag of Arizona flickering proudly in the air on each.

They approached the first set of doors – automatically they opened and as the both of them stepped into the small corridor the air pressure changed dramatically for the few seconds that it took for the doors to close. The second set of doors opened thereafter. Jill inhaled and noticed the difference within the air - it was crisper than outside. She found herself taking more exaggerated breaths just to see if she could really recognize the difference. And she did.

"This is the main atrium…where all the magic happens."

Her eyes moved about the massive interior. The ceiling looked as though it was as high up as a skyscraper – at least at its very center. The entire structure was composed of long sturdy beams of solid steel and huge panels of Ticumnite that created parallel diagonal shapes until they became thick vertical support structures at the base. On the inside, the sunlight was not as powerful as she believed it would be after experiencing its full power from the outside.

"Ticumnite has a special ability unlike glass – it is capable of being dimmed. Each panel has can be set to a different intensity - this helps control the strength of the sun's wavelengths that is dispersed amongst the plants. Sometimes we need as much UV light as possible…sometimes we only need a small amount." He mentioned as they continued the tour of the first level.

There was a catwalk that stretched around the entire facility – three of them to be exact - each represented a level that led to numerous offices and storerooms on the outer walls of the facility. In the very center, a very lush garden of many different species of flora that had been kept in excellent condition grew almost to the very top. There were small paths that lead through the lush growth as a way for personnel to fully care for the plants at the root base on the lower level of the facility. A thick sheet of glass surrounded the interior rails of the catwalk on the first level to protect the plants from the constant change of the air pressure from the entrance.

"There are about five levels total – the very top houses our mechanical equipment, mostly pertaining to the dim controls and other important systems. The level beneath that is mostly used for tests – unlike the rest of the floors, it has several bridges that stretch across through the very center of the vegetation up there which allows us the chance to check the health of each plant. If you come closer to the railing – look up and you can see them."

Jill veered through the glass - her eyes shot up at one of the long bridges that had been veiled by a canopy of giant leaves from the taller species of trees. She noticed a few of the scientists that Carlos referred to.

"This is the level beneath that of course. The last two levels are subterranean – the only exception being the one directly beneath this one. Level B1 or the Root Control Room, although it isn't much of a room at all, as you can see is actually much wider than the levels up above. That is where research is done from the root up. There is a sizeable garden that is flourishing down there too."

She weaved her eye through the small mazes of trails that lead through the plants. Only a few scientists where walking around, some only stopping to check beneath the leaves of smaller plants.

"Level B2 – the only level that is fully underground - houses all employee facilities. Lounge, cafeterias, we even have a living quarters for those who want to remain within the facility for an extended amount of time – some even stay for several months."

Honestly, she was amazed. They proceeded to walk along the first level of the facility.

"These offices over here focus primarily on the types of plants we bring in. So far we have over 600 species here…and we are continuing to discover more and more as the days go by."

"How on Earth do you get access to these things? I mean, some – if not most – of these species aren't even American…"

"That's why I brought forward the idea of expanding worldwide. You'd be surprised at how eager most countries are to offer a helping hand in making this planet better for us to live in."

Jill veered into several of the rooms as they passed. There were huge windows beside each door that allowed for all those on the opposite side to see without any form of obstruction. There were at least twenty rooms that lined the walls and each of them seemed to have been in use. At the opposite side of the entrance, there where a line of elevators – four in total. They ended the walk before the very first.

"So I think we should work our way back down…" Carlos mentioned.

He pushed the call button and a few seconds later the second elevator opened.

"After you." He mentioned, slyly he ran his eyes once more over Jill's backside as she walked before him.

"So what do you think so far?" He was hoping to break the unruly silence.

"Sounds like you've outdone yourself." she looked at him with remorse for not taking him seriously.

She couldn't help it – everything sounded pleasant. She still needed to be convinced.

It seemed as though the elevator had made it to the very top floor in a matter of seconds.

"They are all operated by hydraulic power…we only use a small amount of electricity in here – we have to play on the whole green thing, right?" Carlos joked as the doors opened.

The level wasn't as wide as the others due to its position high at almost the very top of the dome. There were sixteen different stations in total that were situated around the catwalk. She stared up into the center of the ceiling and noticed that it were a massive disk composed of the same material as the rest of the facility and looked as though it could be elevated - perhaps this is where the filtration part comes into play, she thought.

"What percentage of electricity does this place actually use?"

"About 15% is electricity…the rest are divided amongst either solar, hydraulic, or wind powered energy."

"What do you use electricity for?"

"Primarily, to keep power within the generators in case of emergency."

They walked over to one of the stations. A warning was etched onto the side: ATTENTION! ALL PERSONNEL ARE RESPONISIBLE FOR CHECKING ALL LEVELS OF WELHAPP AT ALL STATIONS RESPECTIVELY.

"WELHAPP?" Jill asked – curiously.

"Water, Electricity, Light, Heat, Air and Plant Productivity." He answered abruptly.

"Each of these stations is responsible for different things." He opened up a small door on the first and revealed a panel of four different buttons – each was specifically color-coded.

"For instance…all of these are used to operate the watering system. There are activation levers on each floor, however if one or all of them override here is where we would fix the problem. Each button represents the location of each lever."

They moved on to the next station that operated the water temperatures, then on to one that operated the heating and air system, and they spent a great amount of time at one adjacent to that – the lighting/dimming panels. The others all played a part in the welfare of the facility in general. Jill wrote down all that she had learned before pulling out her digtial camera to add to the small collection of photographs she had already obtained. Eventually they made it to the very last station – the one nearest the elevators.

"Now this one – in accordance to the acronym – is responsible for giving us information concerning the welfare of all plants. If some have diseases that cannot be seen externally…we can learn about it by checking here. "

The station like all others had a screen that would normally display the information needed – however unlike the others, it was currently blank and it operated by way of manuscript. Much like a fax machine that simultaneously reads off numbers, formulas, and descriptions of each plant.

"It only responds when there is a problem and also for bi-weekly updates. For some reason, the screen hasn't been functioning correctly…so we had to go back to the stone ages."

"That's really amazing. But I have to ask you, what drove you to design this place?" Jill asked while walking beside him towards the elevators.

"I had aunts who grew gardens…my grandmother had a greenhouse – makeshift – but still it played its part. Ever since, I had always wanted to do something like that. Not exactly what you would expect from someone like me, eh? Especially considering what I ended up becoming after I left my family."

Jill offered a simple smirk - it was hard for her to imagine him having a green thumb and she couldn't recall ever hearing him speak about his family either.

"I look at it as me bringing to life their dreams…the women in my life who raised me. Before I went bad." he held great pride as she could tell within the smile that painted his face.

"I think they would've been more proud of this anyway."

The elevator stopped on the next floor – it hardly felt as though it even moved.

The level was maybe a few feet wider than the top - it carried a somber aura almost as though one were hovering over a tranquil forest. The gargantuan leaves of the tallest trees brushed over the railings. She could tell that out of all floors this would probably be the most memorable for her. Verdant and crisp with vibrancy that proved to her just how well each plant were being taken care of.

"Well as I mentioned before…here is where most tests are done."

"Just what kind of tests…"

"When we say tests we really mean overall care. We study the plants in order to understand the basis of their survival and what allows them to survive for long spans of time. We want to perhaps establish that into medicine." One of the scientist responded as they approached the railing where she was removing withered palm leaves that had been drooping helplessly over the side.

"Eventually…we will be able to add more years onto the lives of the terminally ill as well as those who are perfectly healthy without harsh chemical treatment."

"We have learned so many things about the world in general, simply from studying these plants." Carlos spoke as they crossed one of the bridges. There were two in total.

"So what exactly is he doing?" Jill asked as they approached another scientist who, while bravely standing on the highest post of a tall stepladder, was spraying something onto the bark, branches, and leaves of one of the towering palms.

"He's using a formula we've created called 'P68-A', a water based treatment that helps boost growth and strength. We've been using it since the very first dome's construction. You can really notice the lushness and intensity of green from up here. This formula is quite powerful…I had to get it patented right away."

"So how does this 'formula' affect the atmosphere?" Jill's eyes were still focused up at the scientist careful maneuvers.

Although the ladder was anchored firmly onto the platform, his body hovered out and over the railing. She hoped dearly that he wouldn't make the wrong step, and that she wouldn't see if he did for it was a long plunge all the way down to the bottom.

"Nothing whatsoever…at least in a negative aspect. It's made entirely of natural elements. Like majority of everything in this place."

"When you said it 'boosts the growth and strength'…"

"Let me explain. This formula is packed full of nutrients derived directly from the Earth – the basic things that living creatures need to survive. Through this creation we have managed to find a way to grow plants faster – they are also stronger and capable of handling hardships such as harsh weather conditions, disease, etc."

She wasn't sure if she was comfortable after hearing this. It sounded familiar - too familiar. A serum, that boosts the growth and strength of a living thing – it was by all means interfering with nature. They wanted to implement this into healthcare, which bothered her a little more. She remained content while trying to force herself to believe that perhaps it really wasn't as bad as she was forcing herself to believe.

here we go again

"I know what you're thinking, Jill…"

She turned to face him after she had been staring out of one of the panels that looked out into lower level. They had just finished up the tour of the employee facilities, leaving the Root Control Room for last. He cracked open and handed her a bottle of imported lager from a small refrigerator that sat amongst a slew of cabinets.

"So is this how work gets done here?" she held the bottle towards him behind a shrewd smile.

"Only for our guests…" he smiled confidently.

"…Carlos – I'm not judging you. I think this is an amazing thing that you are doing…it's just…"

"You think it'll end up going sour?" he wondered, as if he truly desired to know the fate of his accomplishment.

"No…I didn't say that…but – don't you ever worry about its future? Where will it go, what will end up happening? Will your ideas really be beneficial in the end?"

"I wonder about that all of the time…but I will not be controlled by fear. I know it's hard for you to see a bright future of medicine…it was hard for me as well at first…but I believe that a new day is upon us now."

"I hope you're right."

They entered the lowest level within the foundation of the building. The bark of the towering monstrosities looked almost mountainous. Their bases were solid, giant in mass, and quite sturdy. Most of them looked wide enough even for a car to pass through.

There were eleven scientists - eight for inspection purposes and three that tended to the garden that Carlos first spoke of. From what she could see it was quite sizeable and housed many different species of fruit, vegetables, and even herbs. They were all in superb condition and grown by use of hydroponics with a major contribution from the recently developed P68-A.

"There is one last thing I want to show you…" Carlos spoke as they carried on through the lower levels.

A row of wind turbines lined the distant horizon and looked as though they were hovering over the water – they played a vital part in the facility's existence as they posed as the underlying source of wind and hydraulic power. There were at least forty from what she could see and the blades of each where spinning in counterclockwise direction – one, however, revolved in the opposite direction. The wind softly swept the loose strands of hair across Jill's face - she noted it was cool amongst the humid desert air. She and Carlos were both standing on a huge balcony that extended from the rear of the dome. It overlooked the vast blue waters of the sea, which stretched onward until it and the sky converged into one.

"…so?"

"What?"

"What do you think?"

"I already told you…I think it's great. Everything about this place – it's perfect. Almost too perfect."

His eyes lingered over her face a little while longer – he knew deep down inside she disapproved of the idea. There was no need for her to even mention anything concerning it. He felt he knew her well enough even if it had been thirteen years, they were partners once.

"I have to go out there and investigate that turbine…this will only take a few minutes."

She watched as he descended the stairs that led down beneath the balcony and into a massive dock. She could overhear him speaking, Spanish, to a dockhand.

"G12 went haywire just a few hours ago – I don't know what caused the glitch. It just started to turn on its own in the opposite direction." The dockhand spoke.

"Has this happened often?"

"It happened once last week. Then again at the beginning of this week, and now."

"What have you been doing to handle the problem?"

"We've rebooted the system altogether. But it doesn't seem to be doing anything. We can't get in there manually, which is why we called you. We need your activation code."

She understood clearly that it would take longer than just a 'few minutes'. She sighed impatiently and rested her head unto her arm on the balcony's edge. Soon she saw a large sailboat shove off at moderate speed towards the turbines – Carlos and two dockhands were on board.

"So do you want to be honest with me now?"

"Excuse me?"

"Well…I figured you didn't want to finish me there – so now that we are back in your territory…let me have it." His smile made his comment more sinister – in a mocking sense.

"You think that I have something bad to say?"

"As far as I can remember…you always liked having the last word?"

"I'm not the same person anymore Carlos…although you continue to convince yourself otherwise." She walked passed him irately.

"I see that you aren't…" his eyes paused at a picture high on Jill's wall. He approached it slowly.

"I see that you aren't the same at all…" he turned to face her. "Is she yours?"

Jill glanced over her shoulder at him, her eyes then focused above onto the picture.

"Yes…her name is Lauren."

"Just Lauren?"

"Yeah - just, Lauren." She shot at him with the force of a twelve gauge. He felt its blow, and as she assumed, he shot back competently.

"Who's the father, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I do, actually."

He smiled as he continued looking at the photographs.

"Oh I see…" his eyes scanned over another. "…Redfield's kid huh?"

Jill did not answer.

"She's beautiful…" he commended.

"Look…I have some important things to take care of right now. And your flight is in two hours…"

"Trying to get rid of me, eh? It's ok Jill…I'll get out of your hair."

He stood before her, offering her a challenging smile. "Things have certainly changed…"

"Yes they have…"

"Hopefully you got what you needed today…"

"Yes. I did. Thank you." She was humble – amongst an unspeakable surge of sudden guilt. "It was good to see you…"

Still standing before her, he lifted her hand and kissed it gently while looking at her through frightfully chilling eyes.

"As always, Ms. Valentine…or is it now Redfield?"

He was mocking her.

"Get out of here!" She nearly shouted at him, but had to refrain as it were still during work hours.

On a normal day, not even that would stop her from letting her temper soar, a certain part of her enjoyed this challenging duel. She knew he would continue, as she hoped he would – Carlos was one to never leave a fight.

"I'm sorry Jill…I didn't mean to offend you. Look, I know I never really had a chance in the first place, but for the record – I regret missing the opportunity. Chris is a very lucky man." He looked at her hand and noticed the pale blemish on the fourth finger of her left hand. Where a ring, he presumed, once was.

"Perhaps too lucky."

"No disrespect Carlos, but my personal life is not your business. What happened in the past should be left there. You and I are different people now with our own lives to live. I have a family, and it is all I care about. You have your career and it should be all that you care about…"

He stood close enough for her to feel the heat radiate from his body. She looked deep into his eyes – those brown eyes that melted every ounce of her waking soul. He wasn't a businessman – he wasn't designed to sit behind a desk and pretend as though the world around him operated in blissful tranquility. He was meant to be on the frontlines – fighting for the things that he strongly believed in.

Like me.

And suddenly, she was tired of pretending. She was tired of hiding – of being normal. Carlos brought about an aura of mutiny, even now that he had completely "converted" from his past. He had the capability of igniting such passion inside of her, whether he were mocking her or revolting beside her. She felt this way every time they were together.

"I wish it were that easy…" he pulled her body closer into an embrace he had missed just as much as he knew she did.

His full lips landed firmly unto hers in the form of a kiss that was deep and passionate. It held solid structure – as did the mercenary. Something that set him aside from every guy that she had ever kissed - even Chris.

She neglected to fight and because of this it grew into a smolder. Carlos ran his hand along her backside - slightly lifting Jill's left leg up against his right. He pushed her body against the desk with great force. She lifted her hands and placed them firmly against his chest attempting to get him off behind weak shoves that honestly demonstrated a natural want for him. If she really wanted him away, he would've been on the floor already – begging for his life.

"Jill." The speakerphone had apparently been set to the highest volume pitch and made her jerk away from Carlos' fervent kiss. Her breaths were labored, as was his. She rested her head against his shoulder realizing where the situation had almost gone.

She reached behind and gently pressed a button. "Yes?"

"Charles on Line 2."

"Alright, I'll take it in a moment. We're just finishing up." She responded into the intercom.

"You have to go." She spoke sharply although the intensity was hidden behind a whisper, while standing from the desk she adjusted the skirt that had been rumpled high - revealing her thighs.

"I see you're still attached to him…even though he's so far from you."

"What makes you think he's not here for me?"

"Jill…I've been neglected for most of my life. I can recognize when it is happening to someone else."

"He isn't neglecting me." Her eyes were weary. He noticed.

Denial.

"Well…you've made your choices…and I have made mine – but I still consider you a very important part of my existence. Whether you want to hear that or not…partner. If you ever need anything, come to Kauai. I live there now. Don't be a stranger." He winked at her before approaching the door.

"Até a próxima vez bonita…" He exited her office.

It was Portuguese. She exhaled and finally she answered the call.

Until next time…

"Good night Scarlet." Jill planted a soft kiss on the girl's forehead while spreading the covers over her body.

"See you in the morning." She switched off the lamp and exited the room soon after.

Back into the office, once again she found herself in the same position as the night before. Now that she had seen him, she desired to know more about his life during those thirteen years that she had not heard from or about him. She had hoped that he wouldn't be as striking as he was, yet on the other hand she openly admitted to a strong desire for a provocative challenge. Her vulnerability had warped her morals and motives into a competitive game of promiscuity. She needed the attention – even if it were inappropriate. He saved her life as she walked the tightrope of death just moments before she became another victim of the infection. It was so long ago and even now she felt as though she still owed him everything.

Nina Simone fit the moment perfectly. The power within her voice and the piano she also mastered poured out in thick harmony through the speakers of Chris' impressive stereo system. Sinnerman has always been a favorite – mostly because Jill's mother used to play it a lot during her childhood. Chris bought the album back when they lived in California after confessing a 'closet-love' for the High Priestess of Soul. She disregarded the thought and replaced it with the horrid reality of his absence. She returned to the article – Carlos' picture painted the screen of the computer.

That kiss. With those lips - their firmness. He always broke into a sudden burst of passion after he'd work up her aggravation. She hadn't felt anything like it in quite sometime.. She remembered it being somewhat special to her – they once fought together – she never really thought to refer to him as a 'partner' simply because she knew there was only one who was worthy enough to fill that position. The only person who was truly her best friend. She rethought the term at this moment – she did feel neglected – she had to admit, Carlos was right.

Neglect was a dark part of her life that she had hoped to avoid yet she knew the inevitability of its reappearance. It's what drove a crippling wedge between the trust she had in her parents. It's what made her hate Wesker, as well as Irons for that matter, and the many others like them. Now she suddenly had begun to feel that very disgust towards the only person she had ever trusted. Chris. And suddenly, that witty grin swept the alleys of her thoughts as she remembered Carlos mentioning this earlier. Her own guilt seemed to fill the void. That same guilt helped her understand just why he brought it up in the first place - she had once neglected him.

Karma.

She rested her fingers onto the keyboard - perhaps she was waiting for a single thought to pass by and for both knowledge and courage to implement it into writing. She glanced over at her notes – those she had documented during the interview. At that moment, they appeared illegible as though she hadn't written it herself. Perhaps it was her conscious punishing her like it had been for the past couple of months. Or maybe it was her frightening desire for the truth on all levels. Most likely, she is taking everything a bit too seriously.

I ran to the Lord…please help me Lord…don't you see my praying…don't you see me down here praying…

The song continued on, pouring through her and intoxicating her as the Petit Sirah she had been drinking. She felt there was no escaping the likes of agony. No matter how long you have been without it, somehow…someway, it finds its way back into your life.

She stood from her seat and made her way towards the door. She walked up the stairs, with a hand placed firmly at the side of her neck in attempt to release the unwanted tension that had built up there. Once in the bedroom, she began searching through a shoebox that had been stashed away in one of the dark corners inside of the closet. Out of it she removed a smaller wooden box. She opened it and removed a few items from it.

She sat with her legs folded in half lotus, behind wishful thoughts that she had continued yoga instead of quitting. After five minutes of wondering how she had made it to this level in her life, a level she had formerly looked down upon, she had successfully rolled herself a spliff and one that she considered her best. Never in her life had she imagined using substances of any kind – however, she felt the need to forget about her grief. It was the only way she'd be able to focus, without any mental distractions whatsoever.

Medication was the only alternative and she disapproved of that even more. She looked over it briefly remembering the day she caught Lynn sparking one inside of her car in the parking lot. She laughed to herself, remembering the embarrassment that washed the young girl's face. She then thought back to the shame that washed over her own as she asked for the number to Lynn's 'friend' just a few days after that.

"Let's hope this helps, Babe."

She returned to the first level of the house.

The music within the office had still been playing. She could hear through the partially opened door. She closed it while hoping that she did not already wake Lauren. Silently, she moved through the living room like a burglar at night. As she passed the child's room she caught a quick glance at her deep slumber – a fourth of her worries had vanished. Babe followed closely behind as she entered the kitchen and then exited out of the back door.

She sat down onto the porch – Babe doing the same beside her. She placed the joint between her lips and with one hand she petted the top of his head.

"Good boy." As of this current time, he rightfully deserved the title as man of the house and she felt no remorse for reclaiming it.

She lit the end several times before she was able to get it to burn on its own. The winds were heavy. Immediately after the first billow of smoke surged from out of her nostrils, she felt the affects swarm her. It was a relaxing, euphoric sensation that soon washed over her entire body as it stifled the booziness that had been perpetuated by the wine. She had never used cannabis before, and made a vow to herself that she would never even consider it – these past months however would mark a major change within Jill's entire being. However, there was also tobacco along with it – which countered the euphoria with a sharp biting edge to the smoke as she took it down. It helped her stop bashing herself for doing something that she could've sworn she'd arrested kids for – back in her police officer days.

I was a police officer.

Damn.

I was a police officer once.

She laughed and continued smoking – thinking to herself while her eyes fell in intense admiration with the ghastly blue moon.

Was I a good cop? Or a horrible one? Babe let out a fierce bark. For a strange reason she felt as though he were answering her thoughts.

Am I am I good person? Or a disgusting one? He stared at her behind confident eyes that benefited her better than her own words.

"Thanks…pup." She smiled, petting his head again – slowly she moved her hand down his back where she gave two hard pats onto his side.

Jill sat in front of the screen once again – ready, her mind focused and steadily arranging the flow of the article. She began by outlining the points she first wanted to make and the order at which she wanted to make them. She primarily used her camera for this more so than her notes, simply because it was much easier for her to implement words from a visual source. Facts where pouring out of her at an immeasurable rate, and before she could realize it she had well over ten pages that had been completed. She called it quits once she had surpassed her goal and narrowly approached the thirty-second page.

This is all I have, Charles.

She saved her work and printed the draft in its final form. The music had long ago ended; she didn't realize it however seeing as how focused into her work - or perhaps Carlos she really was. She exited the room after turning off the computer, lamps, and the inactive stereo. She smiled while checking in one last time on Lauren - soon after, she ventured up the stairs to eventually meet her own slumber.

[The New Deal]

"Here it is."

Jill tossed the paper onto Charles' desk as would an angry officer a file of some vicious criminal before a heated interrogation. Her face was emotionless although she hid a great measure of anguish. He was speaking furiously on the phone to an unlucky soul on the opposite end. He waved her off, behind an obnoxious smile.

"I'll look it over and give you feedback." He spoke amongst his prior conversation with his hand covering the receiving end.

She returned to her office thereafter.

She slowly sat into her seat and relaxed for the time being. Lynn had left a piping hot cup of coffee on her desk – the way she liked it. She was thankful. It hadn't been fifteen minutes before she received a call from Charles - she figured she'd have maybe a few seconds to spare for her sanity.

In this place…never.

"I'll come there." The only thing he said after she answered the phone.

She sighed through staggering frustration and exhaustion after hanging up the phone. She cradled her head onto her hands before she heard the door open. Immediately, she felt the over-confident aura of her "superior" as he approached her desk.

"Jill…darlin' – don't tell me this is it…" he held the stack in his hand.

She looked at him with eyes that moved lazily onto the stack that had made it back onto the surface of her desk. She knew he didn't read it fully through, he merely counted the pages.

"That's all I was able to get from yesterday's interview." She answered calmly.

"I want you to do it again...second times a charm."

"No, Charles…"

"What do you mean no? Jill you're the only person that I trust to do this. This is good…but it isn't good enough."

"Then perhaps you should find someone better to write it."

"You ARE my better writer."

"It's impossible for me to gather any more information at this time."

"Why is that?"

"Because he went back home – he left for Hawaii last night."

"Hmm…" Charles took a seat in front of her desk. "That certainly makes it difficult..."

Jill looked at him, slightly amused and awaiting something clever to leave his speech.

"Looks like you'll be going on an early vacation Jill…you have sunscreen right?"

"Absolutely not…I can't do it. I WON'T do it."

"C'mon only a fool would pass up an opportunity like this." He noticed how the words affected her and quickly countered.

"I didn't mean it like that…look, what is really stopping you from doing this? Be honest with me?"

"I have obligations…like a nine year old that I cannot neglect." She spoke defensively. At least one of us has to be here for her.

"You didn't think I meant for you to leave the angel at home alone now did you? For chrissake Jill – I am a parent myself."

She knew that he was, and remembered the number being up around five or six or perhaps even more - Charles was, by all means, a "man-whore". He moves around like air. Not even god truly knew how many offspring he fathered.

"I'm not paying thousands of dollars just for an interview, I'm sorry."

"Don't be ridiculous Jill. You've never experienced the perks of being a journalist. Especially one that is employed at this place. As far as you should be concerned…it's already taken care of."

She remained silent at first, behind vigorous eyes. She constantly asked herself how and why she had gotten herself into this position and, as always, she'd remind herself that it were her own fault that she attended the very first interview and accepted Charles' offer thereafter. Her problem was she couldn't admit defeat - if she enters Carlos' territory no telling what she would fall victim to. However, there was still a part of her that felt the strain of a void that she had desired to fill with some form of escape. A vacation = BINGO! What made her relax a little more was the fact that Lauren would be by her side.

"I'll send you all the information concerning your reservation, plane tickets, etc. Take the rest of the day to yourself - get a new bathing suit or something. A bikini would be nice. Get the angel a new one as well."

He stood from the seat, smiling at Jill as though he were attempting to make an advance, she knew it was just his way of getting what he wanted. Women often mistook his charm as flirtation – some even going to the extent of filing sexual assault complaints against him. This was only a mechanism he used for manipulation. He mastered it - she had to admit.

"Enjoy first class." He commented before exiting the room.

"You're here awfully early."

Jill stood on the opposite side of the doorframe, smiling almost uncomfortably at Sheila.

"I know…I'm terribly sorry. I should've called."

"Don't be silly…come in. Your timing is actually dead-on, we're making brunch." The woman mentioned as she walked into the small kitchen.

Jill followed closely behind. She looked around and noticed the arrangement of furniture within the crowded space and wondered why this had to have been the smallest room in the house.

"Look who's here, Lauren."

"Mommy?" she yelled and ran for Jill - hopping into her arms as though she hadn't seen her in a long time.

"I got out of work early today. I have some rather…'interesting' news to say the least." Jill looked at Sheila and silently mouthed, "I need to talk to you."

"Lauren, why don't you go and get the sheet music for the recital and let your mom hear what I showed you?" Lauren obeyed and disappeared into one of the rooms of the house.

"Thanks." Jill took a seat upon one of the stools that sat against the bar of the kitchen – the only place to actually sit.

"What's up?" Sheila asked, while emptying freshly squeezed orange juice from a processor into a glass pitcher. She reached down and from a cabinet she removed champagne.

"Mimosa?" she asked, although she was well into pouring Jill a glass.

"Thank You. Ok – what would you if you were given a chance of…a lifetime - you want to take it but many circumstances around it make it rather…depraved."

Sheila only responded silently and behind perplexed eyes. "Depraved, eh? Explain more."

"Charles finally caved in…"

"Ah, it's about time that bastard let you get back to where you belong."

"Psh…I know. This time, it involves an interview – an interview that I have to travel halfway across the world to obtain."

"Doesn't sound too depraved to me."

"The interviewee is a person from my past, a person that…well, I once cared for."

"Oh, now I see where this is going. How long has it been since Lauren's father has been away?"

Jill sighed. "Almost three months. Two and a half to be exact."

"Damn…I can imagine how you are feeling right now."

"Vulnerable?"

"Yeah."

"You think so." She sighed again.

"Without a doubt. That happens to a woman who hasn't had any attention for a while. I'm going through this as we is this guy?"

"A part of my past I had long left behind – and never imagined reappearing…and quite like this. His name…" Suddenly she wasn't sure if she should mention it, but she honestly did not see any harm that would protrude from it.

"Carlos."

"Carlos, huh? Does Chris know of this guy?"

"Yeah. Well sort of. I mean, he knows he exists. But I don't think he really knows anything of our past history."

"Hmmm, a history huh?"

"Yeah…it's a long, drawn-out story." Jill hoped she wouldn't want to know more.

"Well where exactly are you going?"

"Hawaii...the island of Kauai. Charles is paying for it, thank goodness. That's the only thing that provokes me."

"Hot damn! Hawaii? Dude…you better take it."

"You think I should?"

"Hell yeah you should. If you don't…then hell, I will kill you myself and take it! I've never been to Hawaii."

Jill laughed. "How did I know you would react that way? Neither have I."

"Hey if you need me to look after Lauren, you know its no problem."

"Oh there's no need…she's actually coming with me."

"Oh yeah…then definitely go. It'll be good for you and Lauren. The both of you need to experience a good time for a change. It'll help take your mind off of everything. You both deserve it."

Sheila smiled, and placed a platter full of fruit, bacon, three different types cheese, and freshly baked scones on the countertop before her.

"Lauren…food!" she announced out of the kitchen.

Jill sat in deep thought although the conversation had changed. Sheila was right – the both of them needed this, it was the break that she had been praying for. A break from mental anguish, depression, sleepless nights behind days full of despair - even if it meant that she would be confronted by her own battle with loyalty. They had been waiting to see Chris again, yet each day that passed only deepened the wound. Maybe, she thought, karma had finally dispelled.

"So Scarlet...how do you feel about taking a mini-vacation?" Jill spoke as she veered out at the traffic signal that had been flashing yellow.

"Mini-vacation…where?"

"Somewhere warm…lots of beaches…palm trees…mountains…"

"…candy?"

"Yeah…most likely there will be candy…" She laughed. "We're going to Hawaii."

Lauren remained silent at first. Her concentration primarily focused on the newest dream catcher that she had planned to eventually make. She wanted the yarn to be purple – her favorite color and she was quite eager to try a different weaving technique. She sketched it out on a small notebook.

"Cool." She answered slyly.

Jill imagined she'd be either extremely excited or seriously disappointed – Lauren's reaction was somewhere in the middle.

"So I'm assuming that's why we are heading for the mall?" Lauren asked with her eyes still focused down onto the sketchpad on her lap.

Jill glanced over at her – slightly disappointed that the girl figured out the small surprise.

[The Trip]

July 13, 2013 – 2 days later.

Romesville International Airport

"Aloha! Greetings from the Big Island." The title of a simple postcard that looked as though it should've been found at some roadside gas station in the middle of nowhere America, where the only paradise you could ever dream of getting was in fact this small palm sized novelty. It displayed an image of a tranquil beach on what looked to have been a gorgeous day. A wave had just barely made it ashore when the picture was taken - the sun was setting, the sky faded beautifully from purples and blues into deep reds and oranges, while a small group of palm trees posed indefinitely in the foreground and faded into a lush strip amongst the rest of the beach. Her eyes moved over the others on the rack that where also awaiting purchase.

"Mommy!"

Jill looked at Lauren with the postcard still tight within her grasp.

"The plane is boarding."

She replaced the card back onto the shelf and grabbed her luggage - Lauren handled her own. The two of them exited the small shop and soon approached the gate at which their plane had already begun boarding.

"ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS, WE WILL BE ENTERING HAWAIIAN AIRSPACE IN LESS THAN 12 MINUTES. "

Lauren's body scuffled about in the seat adjacent the window - she had been fighting in her sleep to find the position that was most comfortable. A small knitted blanket covered her body – it was warm and thick, as Lynn had intended it to be. Jill glanced over at her - she didn't understand exactly why she felt certain guilt while tracing the girl's face with her eyes at this moment. She couldn't explain why all of a sudden she began thinking of her past, one of the most heart retching times of her life that she had wished never to revisit. Why all of a sudden she loved Lauren a little more now than she did a day…a week…or a month before. She exhaled, closed her eyes and tilted her head against the headrest of the seat.

She reopened them to meet the scenery outside of the window. They where flying in the early evening, around 7:30 pm Hawaiian time - the sun was posted just above the horizon amongst the orange sky. Clouds wavered around the plane and made the approach rather rough. The first thrush abruptly shook all those who had been asleep from their slumber. She looked around at the other passengers and noticed that they were mostly businessmen – suited up, with their briefcases sitting securely on their laps. Streaming thoughts of infidelity and disloyalty painted a vivid assumption of why, with their obnoxiously expensive wrist watches and misplaced wedding rings, they ventured faraway to such a mesmerizing place. To her disappointment, her thoughts helped her to remember her own reasoning for being amongst the estranged men.

Am I any different?

Her eyes caught a quick glance of the Mauna Loa in all its glory and noticed, although they were thousands of feet above, how it still dwarfed the 747 that they were traveling in. This was her first time to the state and she had to admit - she felt as giddy as a child at Christmas upon the sight of it. She had always wanted to visit Hawaii, she only dreamt of visiting the island and she never imagined she'd visit under these very circumstances.

Better than the life threatening kind, I guess.

Ironically, she wondered why she hadn't heard of anything pertaining to an outbreak. Not that she desired such news – it was just something that she had to admit was rather odd. She was thankful nonetheless, seeing as how she had more important things to care for in her current life. She thought, what would it have been like to have had Lauren back during that time after the destruction of Raccoon? They wouldn't have had a chance. Running within a group was one thing, but having an innocent child in your arms made running a lot harder.

"It's ok." She kept whispering to Lauren as she clenched tighter and tighter against her mother's chest as the plane prepared to land.

"ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS, WE ARE PREPARING FOR LANDING. PLEASE ADJUSTS YOUR SEATS INTO THE UPRIGHT POSITION AND MAKE SURE THAT YOUR SEATBEALTS ARE AT A SECURE FASTENED. WE ASK THAT NO ONE ATTEND THE RESTROOMS OR UTILIZE THE CENTER AISLES UNTIL WE HAVE LANDED AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THANK YOU."

Lauren gave Jill's hand a tight squeeze, as the turbulence grew more intense.

"It's ok…we're just landing."

Lauren's body jilted like a bolt of lightning at the sudden thud as the wheels scraped against the runway. Eventually the plane came to a halt, the tension within Lauren's body eased and her grip loosened on Jill's hand.

"See…that wasn't too bad."

Soon after they exited the plane.

The interior of the airport was heavily garnished with flora that was without a doubt native to the island. Flowers pluming with intense color decorated the planters on the floors and ones that had been posted high on the walls. From the wall posts, draped long vines that were accented with stunning orchid flowers. The interior was as massive as several gothic cathedrals, combined - it was godly in its own right. The windows span as high as the ceiling where at the very top the flag of Hawaii draped gloriously down and covered half of each window. The setting sun cast an amber glow throughout the airport and although it had been well into the early evening people moved about as though it were the middle of the day.

Jill stood before the luggage claim as Lauren slouched lazily unto the edge of it. The conveyor belt moved rather slowly and the luggage of all passengers passed before them several times before they recognized their own. Once found, they dragged it, along with their tired bodies towards the entrance. Standing beside the door stood three employees who had been singing and obviously more energetic than all that had passed by. They were dressed in hula attire and kept repeating "Aloha" as people approached. If one responded back in the same way, they were given a beautiful Lei to wear around their neck. Jill could tell simply by the captivation within Lauren's eyes that she wanted to partake in the island tradition.

"Welcome to Kauai – J. REDFEILD."

Lauren was first to notice the man standing at average height holding a sign with her mother's name scribed onto it. He stood besides a continental town car that looked as though it were awaiting the head of some mafia. Jill just loved the smile that painted his face as she approached - she wondered if he'd even realize he were doing it or that he had spelled her name wrong.

"He spelled it wrong Mommy…" Lauren whispered amongst a heedless laugh.

The two of them sat quietly in the backseat as they proceeded along a main road that eventually led to the hotel at which they were staying. The sky had faded into soft bands of pink nearest the horizon and dark blue further out – it was the end of the day. She yawned – a long drawn-out, mentally drained yawn - the type that made your eyes and head feel heavier afterwards.

Lauren had been sleeping since they left the airport and somehow her weariness leaked out and onto Jill - she sat with her head nestled against the door as though it were a plush pillow. Eventually they came to a halt before a gargantuan building that had been nestled within a lush vegetation of palm trees.

Imperial Coral Beachfront Hotel

Jill read the sign that sat in front of a huge fountain that acted as a roundabout at the very entrance. Small water jets shot up from the bottom and cascaded in graceful arcs around two beautifully sculpted raised basins at the very center. Lilly pads trimmed with beautiful lotus flowers decorated the surface of the water and wavered about from the moderate pressure of the jets. A pathway composed entirely of terra cotta stone extended around the fountain and lead to the entrance of the lobby. The building in its entirety looked as if it were designed by an architect of Mediterranean descent - there were lots of windows – smaller post-modern looking ones for the rooms and bigger, more elaborate ones that had been made of color-less stained-glass for the main floor. Two bell towers were harnessed at both ends of the building although, from her point of view, she could only see one bell in the southern tower.

As one would imagine, the interior was just as impressive as the exterior. Most of the fixations were composed of wood that looked as though it had been cared for each day of its existence. In the very center of the lobby-entrance, stood a tank that had been built to resemble a column that was anchored from the ceiling onto the floor - it housed a variety of species of coral and fish from around the world. The lights were set low and the evening sun added to the simplicity of the chilled aura. Slithers of bossa nova music passed through the air from small speakers set high on the ceiling. They had received two additional lei's as they approached the front desk. Lauren loved it.

"Checking in please." Jill's fingers tapped impatiently on the marble countertop – her attempt to keep her excitement at bay.

"May I have your name please?" the older woman wore a tight-lipped smile and looked as though she had been doing it every day since her first day there.

"Yes, Jillian Redfield." It sounded surreal to her – even more so now than it did the day she legally changed it. She hadn't used her full name in a long time, however she figured it was probably the name Charles had given to make the reservation.

She was right.

"Ah yes," the woman spoke after five long minutes of mouse clicks and head nods.

"Room 721…our Executive suite." The woman's smile softened and admittedly helped her to relax a little more, more than even the setting Hawaiian sun.

"Here are two copies of the key. If any of your requests weren't met, don't hesitate to let us know here at the front desk. The elevators are just around the corner there. Enjoy your stay, Mrs. Redfield."

Requests? Jill nodded behind a smile.

They wheeled their luggage through the lobby and up seven floors via the grand elevators – all whilst hoping that the room would be a clear shot upon exit. The entire ride was full of nothing more than silent yawns and the flaccidity of their bodies against the mirrored walls made evident their exhaustion. It finally stopped and it seemed at that moment the both of them gathered an extra pinch of energy that propelled their bodies down the seemingly endless corridor - within one minute they found the room.

The darkness was interrupted by the light that entered from the hallway through the opened door. Jill wrapped her hand around the wall nearest and gently flicked a switch that in turn activated a light at the very center of the room. It was quite a stretch – the room had a large circular foyer of its own and there were three separate rooms surrounding it - a master bedroom, a master bathroom, a small kitchen with an attached breakfast room, and a living room. The bedroom looked to be the first of Lauren's interest as she ran ahead without annotation of any kind. Jill followed closely behind, leaving the heavy luggage by the door.

"Wow mommy…this place is huge!" She leaped unto the bed with what little energy she had managed to gain after exiting the elevator.

"Yeah…it is..."

Jill answered amongst a tired nod - she walked over to the drawn curtains and opened them almost furiously. They were residing on the "setting side" of the hotel - the side that overlooked the beach and the southwestern horizon.

"Check out this view, Scarlet. You thought the bed was great…" the young girl obeyed her mother and stood beside her at the window.

"I kinda miss Babe…" she caught a quick, puzzled glare from Jill that later turned into the same as her own.

"…so do I." Jill mentioned. "Sheila's looking after him though…he's in good hands, don't worry."

"Yeah…I know."

"I know how you feel though." She turned her head back out towards the beach.

" Can we go down there…tomorrow?" Her eyes were promptly directed toward the amber sands that brimmed of serenity and people.

"Yeah…we'll spend the entire day together tomorrow. We can do whatever you want ok." Jill's smile was promising – encouraging.

"Ok. So…what are we gonna eat for dinner tonight?"

"Let's do room service…I'm too tired to go scout for food." Jill walked out of the bedroom while speaking.

She noticed the marble floor and matching ceiling of the foyer, it made her wonder who had resided in the room before - perhaps the Queen of England, maybe a couple of crime bosses, most definitely a slew a celebrities…who really knew? Other than the hotel employees of course…

You've outdone yourself this time…that's for sure Charles…

She walked into the bathroom and took instant notice at the giant whirlpool tub that sat cradled within a sturdy terra cotta stone frame. Directly to its left stood a shower that could comfortably fit two or perhaps three people, next to it the sink, and finally a toilet. All were composed of pure white porcelain that made evident the passion of the person who polished it. The faucets and fixtures were golden and added to the already mythical charm. The living room was just as elegant as the rest of the suite - a massive flat screen television was set high on a wall of sandstone above an impressively crafted fireplace, several expensive sofas were set comfortably around, and coffee tables that looked as though they cost more than the room itself. It was honestly the best hotel room she had ever gotten for free.

"Mommy…I found a menu."

"Nice!"

Her eyes landed onto a small safe-like cabinet within the quaint kitchen. It sat beside a moderate sized refrigerator that had already been stocked with food. She opened the small door, and found every bottle of whiskey she had ever thought to try.

Requests.

"Get behind those ears…"

The sound of splashing water dominated amongst the quiet setting in the rest of the low-lit room. Dirty plates and cups were piled impatiently unto the small cart that once held a meal that could happily feed a family of four. The television flickered about and was set to MTV. It was muted, yet the images portrayed exactly what was being said although it was being wholly ignored.

"Where does hair come from…and why does it grow there…and there?"

A question that seemed to set the control for many more of its nature afterwards.

"You'll understand someday…when you grow up – and become a woman."

Suddenly, the faucet became active. "My hands are all wrinkly…"

"I know…let's get you out of here…" The faucet was once again dormant.

Jill helped Lauren out of the tub with much appreciated assistance from the incredibly soft hotel bath towel. She had wrapped one around herself just a few moments before. She stood behind Lauren while drying the child's hair. The both of them stood before a full size elaborate mirror - Lauren watched as her mother ran a brush through the short strands of her tangled hair. Her eyes ran the course of Jill's face and noted the intensity within her concentration – it was as though she were diffusing a bomb, that's at least what Lauren thought. A tiny snicker made Jill slightly look at the girl's reflection in the mirror.

"What?"

"You look like those people in the movies…you know, when they are about to stop the bomb that is about to blow up an entire country – there's always two cords to choose from, the red or the green."

"Well…it's not that easy in real life, ya know?

"Really?" The child grew interested.

"Yeah. It take a lot more than just that. It's an entire thought process combined with calmed nerves."

Lauren yawned which led Jill to do the same. Soon after they both hit the mattress with full force.

The next day was every bit of delightful as the sun posted high over the distant mountaintops. It was just a little after noon and a somber air of relaxation completely overwhelmed all those who had just recently left behind their normal chaotic lives. The sky was blue and held not a single cloud for miles – its mirror, the ocean, was immense and looked as marvelously inviting as what lie above it.

"Mommy, hurry up!" Lauren took lead as Jill followed behind on the wooden beamed catwalk of the pier that was most likely the entrance to the beach.

"Slow down Scarlet…the ocean isn't going anywhere…"

Lauren truly felt that it was however and hesitated no further in charging full speed ahead towards the massive stretch of water. At first she took minor notice at her mother's demands from afar, and then took careful steps after recognizing the fury within her concern. The catwalk ended with sand that had already begun to absorb heat from the sun – however one would only notice if they were standing still. Lauren had already made it to the edge of the beachfront and submerged her small body into the engulfing waves as Jill crossed the threshold from land onto the beach.

As a mother, she felt threatened– as though the waves were vicious monsters that had easily demolished the girl but as a natural-born free spirit she trusted them. She preferred not to place her feet on the hot sandy surface from memory of its bite instead she found comfort amongst the wooded pier that bordered the length of the beach and separated it from the rest of the island. Her eyes kept their mark on the young girl who kept waving for her mother to join her careless clashes into the water. Jill waved back signaling that she was quite comfortable in her current position but that she was standing by.

"Well-well…I didn't think you would come so soon." The voice startled her, but only because it had briefly interrupted the silence that surrounded her. She recognized it nonetheless, and with that being said she secretly enjoyed its sudden presence. Slowly she turned to face it.

"Surprised?"

"Yeah…I am."

"…and you should be. This is way out of my element." She set her eyes back onto the ocean before continuing to speak.

"But I can deal with it." A sly smirk painted her bare face. He admired it for few seconds before his eyes were broken away from rapidly approaching footsteps.

"Mommy!" Lauren came running, soaked from head to toe, and with what looked to be a midsized conch shell in her hands.

She stopped suddenly at the sight of the stranger standing unseemly close to her mother. A stranger that definitely was not her father, yet she could sense an uncertain bond between them.

"I found this…" she mentioned with less excitement as before. Her eyes were still locked onto Carlos.

"Wow Scarlet…this is beautiful." She commended the child before noticing that her sight had not left the likes of Carlos' face.

"Carlos this is my daughter…Lauren this is Carlos."

Jill watched as he kneeled before the child, eye-level so that she could see straight into his sincere stare. He knew this would be the only way to gain even an ounce of trust, she being Jill's blood and all.

"Well hello there…you know what they do to pretty girls who are visiting the island for the first time?"

"No." she mentioned drily but behind a spark of interest.

"They lei them." He spoke humorously, knowing that he'd have to suffer a deranged stare from Jill.

He draped a beautiful lei made of magnolia around Lauren's neck. "Sorry…I don't seem to have one for you…" he spoke at Jill amongst Lauren's boisterous cackle.

"It's ok…we've been getting lei'd since we left the airport." She smiled. "I've gotten plenty…"

"I bet you have…"

The day had finally begun to pass over and the sun suddenly lacked its brutal force as its post at high noon. She had realized that they were there for at least 3 ½ hours, she and Carlos spending most time together amongst conversation and margaritas until he felt the urge to charge for the beach and join Lauren's cannonball contest – a trait she obviously inherited from her father. She couldn't help but notice the trust within Lauren and how she had offered all of it towards Carlos that quickly regardless of the fact that she didn't know him - something that Jill was honestly more afraid of than actually seeing him. She could also notice her own trust, and how it was beginning to resettle amongst her previous doubts.

"Hey…she's a pretty good swimmer…" Carlos spoke as he and Lauren approached Jill on the dock.

She struggled not to look at the body she hadn't seen for almost thirteen years. The tanned skin that looked the same as she last remembered – time's mark was only that it added more maturity to each and every muscle. Like fine wine. He aged quite gracefully, she thought.

"What can I say…" Lauren spoke arrogantly. "My Daddy was trained by Navy SEALS." She finished which only created an awkward aura between both he and Jill.

Carlos smiled caustically at the mention of the father. Jill recognized it and knew that it would be the weapon he'd used to taunt her later.

"Well Scarlet…we better be making our way back to the room…we should probably get all cleaned up before dinner…" she mentioned.

"That reminds me…I'm having a feast at my house tonight, the two of you should join me."

"Oh I don't want to intrude…besides, I kinda promised Lauren we'd try something native tonight anyway."

"C'mon…trust me…you'll be in for a real treat, Jill. And it's on me."

"Let's do it mommy!"

Jill was hesitant at first, even avoiding eye contact with him however the small request from Lauren helped to solidify the decision that she had already made.

"What time shall we be there?"

"What does it say?"

"50 miles west of Kalaheo. Hibiscus Road to Amarillo Trail, make a right on Amarillo, take that to Ke'e Road where you will make a soft left…"

"And what else?"

"That's all it says."

Lauren responded promptly while her trained eyes coursed the likes of a map. She also held a small napkin with directions vaguely scribed unto it. They were heading straight west from the city in the opposite direction of the resort's location, through the mysteriously ravishing Hawaiian countryside.

"I hope we find it."

The sun was slowly beginning to set while Jill's impatience quickly began to rise as the search for Carlos' presumed living space had seemed almost impossible to find. They had been driving through grassy lands that were bordered by mountains on all sides. It seemed as though they were unreachable at some points - and with that came the horrid feeling of being lost.

"See…Ke'e Road…make a left here…" Lauren pointed out after checking both the sign and the instructions.

"It's about time…we've been on the same road for almost 2 hours…."

Jill obeyed and noticed that they had made a turn into a very dark and narrow path. She turned on the headlights of the rental car that she had lucked into getting on behalf of Charles, and proceeded down the dreary lane.

"I don't know about this Scarlet…are you sure this was the right road?"

"How am I supposed to know? He's your friend…shouldn't you know where he lives anyway?"

"Not this time smart-assassin…" Jill smiled. "I'm just as clueless as you…"

They proceeded through the tree-covered alley until they reached a sharp turn that overlooked a vast valley of more trees. Breathtaking, nonetheless. Lauren stared at the sunset as it left behind only a faint orange band over the horizon. The rest of the sky was heavily adorned by curtains of dark blue and pink clouds.

"When are we gonna get there Mommy?"

After hearing no response she turned to face Jill and after feeling the car come to halt she faced the windshield. Her eyes focused on a colossal building designed mostly of Spanish-Colonial architecture.

"I think we're here." Jill looked down at the address on the instruction sheet and then her eyes focused onto the numbers nailed to the top of the entrance foyer.

There was a small torch anchored beside it so as the numbers could easily be read now that it was dusk.

The two approached the terrace - it was composed of stone and was supported by huge columns. The front door was immaculate all in its own and looked as though the carpenter had to use an entire tree to create it - a beautiful crystal block of glass sat in the very center and there were small fractured images etched onto the surface.

Jill gave the doorbell a soft push.

"He lives here by himself?" Lauren asked.

The door opened seconds later revealing a middle-aged woman. She was short in stature and walked as though her right leg had caused her great pain. She smiled warmly at them both before speaking in a thick accent as though it were of no bother to her.

"You must be Jill and Lauren…it's so nice to finally meet you. Come in!"

Jill flashed a sincere smile before properly greeting the woman.

"Hi, and you are?" She extended a hand at the woman who stood at least three heads shorter.

"Doria, it's very nice to finally meet you." She responded while gazing over at Lauren.

She realized the girl had been looking at her attentively.

Finally? Jill thought.

"I bet you like candy don't you?" she lowered her stature so that she was close to eye level with Lauren.

"Yes, I do." She replied while releasing her grip from Jill's hand. She looked up at her mother with inquiring eyes in hopes to be allowed such privilege before dinner.

"Yeah, it's ok." Jill smiled mentioning to both she and Doria.

At first notice, she didn't realize how massive the room was, in fact it wasn't a room at all – it was merely the foyer that bridged the entrance to the rest of the mansion. They moved along through several corridors until they reached the massive kitchen. A stainless steel industrial sized stove and chef's table occupied the center island - there were several pots and pans that sat on the eyes upon the gas stove and on the countertop sat a cutting board that still held slices of eggplant alongside a sharp knife. The aroma was very delightful, almost gratifying as it drove wonder in both Lauren and Jill's mind of its source.

"May I ask where that is coming from?"

"It was supposed to be a surprise…but what the hell," Doria said while looking at Lauren.

"It's a dish native to the Big Island…roasted hog, with baby corn and a succulent pineapple and eggplant sauce. I'm also grilling some asparagus and zucchini for the side."

Jill was slightly embarrassed after hearing a gripe within her stomach – both she and Lauren were salivating from the description alone. They were very eager to try something different – they both had enough of lasagna.

"That sounds and smells really good." Lauren commented.

"Why thank you." Doria replied while searching through a cupboard full of kilner jars.

She removed one that had been filled with small cream-colored squares that had been wrapped neatly with wax paper. She gave one to Lauren and offered another to Jill.

"Its coconut, almond, and pineapple candy…it's homemade."

It was apparent that Lauren had become instantly addicted.

"This has to be the best candy I have ever tasted in my life." Jill commented honestly.

"I'm glad you like it - help yourself if ever you want more. I try to keep them away from my daughter but she always seems to find them."

Jill felt a little perturbed (although she didn't want to admit it) after running the thought of this woman being perhaps his life partner and with a child, through her head. Their attention was disrupted at the entrance of a young presence.

"Here's my girl now…" Doria met eyes with the girl as she fully entered the kitchen.

"Jill, Lauren, this is Celia. Celia, say hi to our guests."

Celia waved behind a delicate smile - she was a beautiful girl and looked to be around the same age as Lauren. Her shyness was overshadowed by her grace - Lauren took notice of this and felt an unusual connection with the girl, smiling each time their eyes met.

"Dinner should be ready in about twenty more minutes, in the meantime how about we tour the villa?"

"We'd love to." Jill smiled.

Doria led them all through the spacious living room.

Jill took notice at the hanging chandeliers that were set to a very mellow setting. They were made of steel that had been painted black and were securely suspended by reinforced chains. The ceilings were high, and composed entirely of wood. Solid beams stretched from the sidewalls up to the center where they offered great support that closely resembled that of a chapel. There were patio doors and massive windows on each side of the room and in the center sat most of the furniture. At the very head of the room stood a tall fireplace, composed mainly of large stones with a sturdy mantel made of solid wood. A fire continued to flicker about although it had been going for most of the evening and clearly nearing its own extinguishment.

They moved along through the west wing and eventually met the rear of the house. Jill was first to hear Carlos' voice although he was speaking in a foreign language. Italian. It was recognizable from the few words that she could actually understand. Secretly, she enjoyed the sound of every syllable that crossed his lips. Doria knocked on a door that had been closed. Seconds later, Jill could hear the phone being replaced onto the adapter, footsteps approaching the door, and then suddenly it opening to reveal the ever so striking mercenary.

"Done working yourself to death yet?" Doria asked in Spanish.

Carlos looked at Jill, who held a prudent smile.

"Yeah…that was my last business call for the day…" he replied in English.

Only Lauren noticed how long his smile lingered and how willingly her mother embraced it. She thought nothing of it however, behind desire to become closer to Celia.

"Yeah, you say that all of the time. Well, dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes. You think you'll be ready by then?" Doria asked sarcastically.

"Yeah, I just have to finish up some more stuff…" he mentioned before directing his gaze back at Jill.

"How was the drive?"

"It wasn't bad at all…" an intoxicating silence seemed to sweep the air between them, and Doria took notice.

"How about we get everything all set up girls?" she managed to get both Lauren and Celia to fall for the bribe with true intentions of rewarding them with more candy. She smiled at Carlos while guiding the girls towards the direction of the kitchen.

"So…how's everything going with the…business?" Jill wasn't sure if that was what she should call it.

"Same. Nothing new. I was just talking to some partners in Europe. The good news is our ideas are becoming more and more accepted in other countries." He reentered the office as Jill followed close behind.

She found herself gazing over the several pictures that decorated an expensive looking shelf – the kind that are built sturdily into the wall. Next to each picture sat a small trophy-like award. She wasn't sure what the achievements were but she figured they were undoubtedly related to his successes with Azareus.

"Most of those are old. I honestly don't even know why I've kept them."

Ego boosts.

"What?"

"Ego boosts. You know? It's good to look back at your achievements sometimes - it gives you a bit of confidence." Jill smiled, while approaching a 'wall of windows' that overlooked a vast constellation of trees.

"I have a bunch of articles, some that I haven't had published even, I sometimes look back through them and it helps me with newer ones." She wasn't sure why she brought this up.

"I see…well, how about we boosts are egos somewhere other than here? Would you like to see the rest of the house?"

"Sure." At first, she thought he would make a smart remark about her 'writing articles' – she was surprised he neglected the chance, but somehow she felt that he was still being crude in some way.

The rear of the mansion overlooked a small rainforest that descended towards the edge of a cliff that offered an astounding view of the ocean. A path led from the rear terrace down to the very edge that gave into a three hundred foot drop to the surface of the water. They were standing on the highest balcony of Carlos' home, facing out towards nature and all its glory. Jill was overwhelmed from the beauty. It felt insanely natural. She thought to ask why he chose to move here, but clearly, she noticed.

"I've always felt at home here…I can't explain it." He suddenly mentioned. "I'll take you down there someday." He finished, aiming his eyesight at the path hidden below the trees.

Jill said nothing - instead she looked at him, wondering how he had read her thoughts.

"Dinner is ready." Doria appeared out of nowhere it seemed with the good news.

"Before I forget…I wanted to thank you for having us over..."

"It's no problem, Jill. I need the company." Carlos responded behind those deep eyes and that sincere smile. She felt compelled by his stare - it was one that drove carnal thoughts through her mind. It almost felt as though he were undressing her with his eyes.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm sorry, it's just been so long…" he mentioned as the two of them approached the large dining room. "I honestly thought that I would never see you again."

Jill smiled internally - genuinely she felt the same way.

"Look mommy, it's a giant dead pig on the table…." Lauren joked, as though Jill couldn't obviously see for herself.

"No kidding, Scarlet." She mentioned, slightly annoyed - Lauren only stated the obvious whenever she knew something she wasn't originally supposed to know.

Jill figured she probably realized the situation between herself and Carlos – they were 'friends' of some sort – perhaps closer than usual – perhaps in the most deranged and tantalizing way. Lauren gave Carlos the most offensive stare - one that should have raised his upmost concern of her intentions – while she was merely being annoying (like her Dad had told her to be if ever there was anyone who she wasn't wholly sure of).

Thankfully, he didn't notice.

"It'll be much better on the inside…" Doria mentioned as she emerged from the kitchen holding what looked to be a platter full of grilled zucchini and asparagus.

The aroma was overwhelming.

"I hope all of you are starving…this hog weighed in at about 10.5 pounds." She mentioned as she handed Carlos the knife to carve the meat.

Jill gazed at Laruen - through her eyes she gave the unruly 'behave, or else' stare. One that she herself was use to receiving during her own youth. And one she knew would receive the utmost respect. Her eyes then gazed upon the slain flesh as the knife cut into it smoothly.

All elements of the supper where passed around - divided amongst each plate at each accord. Silence seemed to have swept amongst the table as everyone had began eating, leaving only the sound of crackling logs in the small dinning room fire place to fill the air.

"Here's some more candy for you…I hope we get to see you again soon…" Doria spoke as she gave Lauren a hug. She looked at Jill as she was speaking.

"Thank you so much. Dinner was amazing." Jill responded whilst she and Lauren approached the front door of the home thereafter. Carlos was close behind.

She had hoped he mentioned something clever, or anything at all – same as before, he neglected the opportunity. She wanted to admit how uncomfortable she was beginning to feel because of it.

Doria had agreed to lead Jill back into town seeing as how night had fully taken over the island and there weren't any light sources the entire way towards the city. Thankfully, she knew her way around the island with her eyes closed – at least that's how she assured Jill.

"We can finish the interview tomorrow…" Carlos stood near Jill, as she had opened the driver side door. Lauren had already entered the vehicle.

"How did you kno…"

"I figured we didn't have enough time together…it'll be more informative this time…I promise."

"Ok…" she mentioned, wondering how he knew she needed to complete the interview.

"See you later…Thanks again." She answered, suddenly without care.

"Don't mention it…" he winked at her.

Doria set off ahead of Jill and waited for her at the end of the driveway. It almost seemed as though Carlos was standing in the same position, watching as they drove away. Jill veered at the rearview mirror as she proceeded down the long stretch, watching as his reflection grew smaller as she furthered away from the mansion. She let out a sigh of (what should have been) relief, instead she had convinced herself that it was something other than that. It was something that certainly walked the lines of tactlessness.

"What's wrong Mommy?"

"Nothing. I just…" she paused momentarily. Thinking to herself what she should say that wouldn't offend or confuse her dearest Lauren.

"I just miss your father…that's all." although she really did not.

It recently occurred to her just how long a stretch of time thirteen years was and how even so the same feelings can still linger. Those feelings that had been left hidden to rot away with hopes of time abandoning it - the same feelings she ran away from. She missed Carlos, and it took seeing him again for her to realize it. She had grown to love him so long ago and although she left those intense feelings behind she suddenly had become reacquainted with them.

An hour had well passed, Doria had driven Jill to the road that led directly into the city, leaving her to drive the rest of the way – which was only fifty miles due east. Lauren had fallen asleep some time ago, leaving Jill to fend for herself in terms of entertainment. She turned on the radio and was first met with static - she turned the tuner dial and came across a talk station. There was a women's voice speaking about hair care, or something of the like. She turned the dial once more and found a station that played contemporary classical – her favorite genre – if she had to pick one.

Finally.

Jill pulled into the underground parking facility of the hotel. Already, she loathed the drive she would have to take to return to Carlos' home the following day - it was much too long of a drive just to obtain an interview. No. It wasn't only for an interview – and she knew this.

Lauren began coughing as Jill gently lifted her body out of the car. She drew a hand along the child's back as she rested her head onto Jill's shoulder. The garage was massive, spanning the width of the hotel and occupying seven levels below ground. It was just about filled with cars, leaving only the lowermost level with the most unused parking slots.

Jill had made it to the elevators that lead to the hotel lobby.

Upon exit, she noticed that the lobby was far livelier than she had expected. There were small groups of kids – most of them probably eighteen or nineteen. Perhaps on a trip before their graduation - the last time to be completely reckless before they go into college and becoming presumably even more reckless. Jill offered a forged smile as she passed the group, after noticing the young eyes she had captivated from every male that watched as she passed.

Never mind the kid, huh? Jill laughed while entering the elevators that reached the upper levels of the hotel.

Lauren remained as still as a boulder, and started to feel like one as well. Jill used her free hand to slide the key into the door, and her body to push it open. The only light was of the lamp that was located inside of the living room - it offered enough for her to see the path that lead into the bedroom where she intended on getting Lauren.

She removed the child's clothing and properly tucked her in thereafter. She stood at the foot of the bed and looked on as the child continued sleeping. Jill was beginning to feel as she did during the flight, she was hiding something - a definite guilt. However, she battled admitting to herself just what it was.

"Night, Scarlet." She whispered.

"Where are we going?"

You're a lost little girl…

The drive wasn't as bad as the previous night – it was late morning and the sun was nearing its post as noon was approaching. It was clear and ridiculously humid, however it didn't bother Jill one bit as her main focus had surpassed all else and settled upon the completion of her interview.

"Mommy!"

"What?" she was slightly annoyed.

You're a lost little girl…

"Do we have to listen to this? Daddy listens to it all of the time."

"What, you don't like The Doors Scarlet? What station would you prefer?" she asked while tuning the satellite radio to the subsequent stations.

"Anything but this…"

Jill agreed. The song reminded her too much of Chris.

"You still haven't answered my question?"

"Which was…?"

"Where are we going? Back to Carlos' house?"

"….Yeah." Her voice held almost no emotion.

"Why?" Lauren's voice sounded the same. It was intentional on her part however.

"I have to finish some work…he and I…" she paused suddenly. "We have some important things to talk about." Beyond just the interview…she wanted to know about his life during those years that she weren't a part of.

"Oh…o.k." Lauren replied, dryly.

They continued the drive and eventually pulled into the long driveway of Carlos' villa. Doria had been sitting on the front porch step along with Celia and a small chicken that she had been playing with. Lauren grew excited at the sight.

"Hang on a sec Scarlet, I haven't parked yet." Jill ordered, as she heard Lauren unbuckle her seatbelt and attempt to jump out of the car as it were slowly moving closer to the house.

"Aloha! It's good to see you again!" Doria greeted as both Jill and Lauren approached the porch. Lauren had already ran ahead and offered both Doria and Celia a gracious hug.

"This is Rena. I own a coop - Celia has been taking care of her personally since she was a chick."

Lauren immediately became fascinated with Rena and watched closely as she followed Celia's every move.

"I'm sorry it took us a while…"

"Oh its fine, Jill. No worries. I'm just glad the two of you made it safely."

Right as Doria finished speaking Carlos appeared at the front door. He stood smiling cunningly at Jill.

"I'm assuming you're morning is going well." She commented.

"Yes it is. It's going to get even better now." He winked. "I hope you are prepared, it's going to be an adventure."

She wasn't exactly sure what he meant by it. But she was well aware that he had something up his sleeve and she hoped that it were something good.

"I got your message this morning…and I brought the items you suggested." She was referring to the rain boots, bug spray, and water bottle that he had told her to not leave the hotel without. She didn't question him however, which she could even admit was odd.

"Good." He smiled warmly. Once again the awkward silence found its way back into the situation.

"Right, well girls," Doria spoke to both Lauren and Celia. "We better get going. We have an adventure ahead of us as well…"

Doria looked at Jill whom she figured would look concerned, however, she wasn't.

"Come on girls, let's go."

"We should be leaving as well….there is a lot that I want to show you." Carlos had begun walking towards the rear of the home. Jill followed close behind after watching Doria drive off with the girls.

"Where exactly are we going? What do you want to show me?"

"This is the interview right? I figure it's better to show someone then to explain it to them. Sometimes, words just aren't enough."

They approached a large garage that had been nestled at the rear of the house - it looked as though it were built lower than the house in general. Almost as though you had to go underground to access it.

"We're going to the Hanalei Rainforest. That's why I suggested you bring those things…" he smiled as he opened one of the three doors. They each had a handle so that they could be manually opened from the outside.

She wasn't sure how to accept the fact that he had five different cars – each of them imported and more than likely priced higher than the house itself. He walked towards his beloved Land Rover and opened the passenger door.

"Well…you coming?" he asked, smiling (once again) cunningly.

She smiled, laughing to herself internally. So this is what you have become…

She entered the vehicle and he soon after. They set off towards the main road.

The Hanalei Rainforest – one of Kauai's most astonishing secrets occupied at least 30,000 acres of Hawaiian land and offered various species of flora and fauna. The landscape was breathtaking - the trees towered high as skyscrapers and dwarfed the distant mountains. The lush sounds and scents greeted all visitors with humble annotations of its captivating mystery - luring in all those who approached its doorstep.

Carlos had mentioned that the road would end at the 50th mile mark at a town called Lanaki, and warned Jill thereafter that they would be driving off-road the rest of the way.

"It's gonna be a bumpy ride for sure…do you experience any kind of motion sickness?"

She looked at him, knowing that he knew the answer. "I never had motion sickness…I'm surprised you don't remember…" she commented.

"Yeah, I do remember actually...I was just making sure nothing had changed…"

She knew he was making reference to more than just her motion sickness. Ironically, she smiled – taking it as a formal joke.

They had finally arrived.

"Wow…"

"I know…isn't she beautiful?" he turned off the ignition and the two of them exited the vehicle soon after.

They prepared themselves - applying the bug spray sparingly to their clothed bodies and putting on the appropriate shoes for the long hike ahead. Jill put a small backpack onto her back as did Carlos. They smiled at each other, attempting to laugh as they both looked like a pair of scouts.

"This reminds me of my brownie days." She commented, securing the backpack to her torso with two plastic clamps.

"You were a Girl Scout?"

"Nah...It was never my thing, or my mother's for that matter…"

"That's what I thought…It's hard for me to imagine you in those little skirts and berets selling cookies and such." Carlos commented while removing a few more items from the trunk of the vehicle.

"Ok. Let's see: we have a heavy-duty flashlight…" he flipped the switch and noted its intensity.

"A compass…so that we can keep track of where we are…" he placed it along with the flashlight into the backpack.

"Bowie knife…" he pulled it out of its sheath only to make sure its edge were still sharp. And it obviously was.

"You plan on making a kill today with that thing?" Jill asked sarcastically.

"Only if I have to…" he laughed. "I usually bring it in case there are branches and such that block a path or something." He clipped the sheath onto his belt. "But there most certainly are wild animals lurking around in there…trust me, it's good to be prepared for anything."

She noticed that he had also pulled out a compact Smith & Wesson – loaded it and placed it in its holster before clipping that onto his belt as well. She felt a little safer now, she had to admit.

"Anything else we may need to protect ourselves?" Jill asked once more in a sarcastic tone.

"No I think we're pretty good to go…" He replied, shutting all of the doors before finally locking the vehicle. "Shall we?"

"We shall." She smiled – it was corny, or so she thought.

The car was safe in a small alcove just a few feet ahead of where they entered the forest.

"Do you know how the islands came about, Jill?"

"A freak accident, thanks to the Earth." She smiled as her eyes fell in intense infatuation with all that surrounded them. The sounds of the rainforest seemed to overshadow all else, even Carlos' voice at certain points. She hadn't seen such beauty since her time in South America.

"I don't think it was freak or anything. It's just the matter of our planet changing, growing, and creating new life."

They continued walking on one of the through pathways. This one seemed a lot higher than all others, as the valleys below could be easily viewed through the spaces between the vines of the towering plants.

"Here it is…" she could hear Carlos mumbling ahead of her. He had made reference to the secluded waterfall that set nestled within a cavernous gorge. It seemed as though it appeared out of nowhere.

"This is so…beautiful. And it's weird - It's like I've seen it before…" she mentioned as her eyes soared the length of the gorge. It split through the very center of the rainforest and acted perhaps as the main artery that carried the clear waters of the river, at the very bottom of the gorge, through the entire rainforest.

"It's a lot like Venezuela…don't you think?" he asked sincerely.

"Yeah…" she looked at him, once again he had read her mind. "Angel Falls, gosh, it's been so long since I've seen anything like this."

"Yeah…I know." He commented behind an equally sincere smile. It nearly frightened her.

She was awaiting a remark that would burn her for leaving him - again, he spoke nothing of it. His silence however, made it evident that he wanted to.

"Would you like to see more?" he asked, holding out his hand towards her.

She looked at it, and then back into his eyes. She smiled and placed her hand onto his.

"Certainly."

It was starting to feel as though nothing had changed between the two of them – almost as though they were once again on the prowl, trying to save the world together. Obviously, it was far from that kind of scenario. Suddenly Carlos began speaking as they left the awe-inspiring Hanalei Gorge.

"The real reason why I came here…to Hawaii - was to honestly escape what we were originally fighting for. People wanted me dead, Jill - the American government to be precise."

She remained silent and continued walking close behind him.

"Umbrella must've paid someone off to keep track of my whereabouts, seeing as how I truthfully was the last remaining member of U.B.C.S." He turned to look at her, and was met with a curious stare – one that he recognized on Lauren's face the night before as he sat beside Jill at the dinner table.

"You see…after (you left) Los Intocables was destroyed…that's right, destroyed, I had to keep running. There were headhunters – guerilla mercenaries that wanted me dead – I was worth a lot of money dead, and even more alive. South America became an inferno…slowly ripping itself apart with famine, murder, and disease…Umbrella secretly released the Plagas parasite within the village of our home base – after receiving 'permission' from the U.S. government. So I fled to Hawaii, I was damned-near dying – and that's where Doria comes into play. She used to be a witch doctor on the Big Island and she was the one who truly saved me, it was she who found that flower…"

Jill was still silent.

"I learned from Doria that Umbrella knew fully of the flower's existence - they were even the main contributors to its cultivation amongst the Hawaiian Islands…Haunani was her home…."

"What?" she uttered in disbelief.

"Yeah…they knew that someone would discover the Queens Flower…and they pretty much figured out that their time as a powerful company was vastly coming to an end. So other organizations stepped up to the plate and agreed to keep the secret safe…"

"So they used the flower as a way to keep this ruthless game going on…"

"Exactly. And Doria and I were the ones who would keep the game going…by introducing something that would predominantly end the Plague…"

"But it's over now…there haven't been any reports of a single outbreak in years."

"True. But that doesn't mean that there still can't be."

"Yet you still continue to work for a major pharmaceutical company?"

"If that means that I will be saving lives and maintaining peace amongst the world's health, yes Jill."

Jill couldn't help but to smile. At least he was honest…that never changed about him. It intrigued her, as it did fifteen years ago, on that night she escaped Raccoon with him.

"Here it is…the Queen's Flower." The two of them stood before it and all its glory. It was the size of a soccer ball and rich with color. Its aroma was indeed overwhelming as Carlos had mentioned before.

He removed the knife from its sheath and scored the palm of his hand with the sharp edge. Jill was surprised that he had done it and so swiftly. He still had that swift fury. She watched as blood began to gush out of the cut - he flexed his fingers into a fist and reached out over the flower.

"Watch…" he said calmly while masking the pain.

Jill obeyed, and noticed first that the wound had stopped bleeding and that the blood had already begun to coagulate. Carlos kept it there for a few seconds and then he removed a petal from the flower - he applied it directly onto the cut and kept it there for the rest of their time within the forest.

"So…it really does work… Carlos…this is big." She smiled, while scanning through the pictures that she had snapped of the flower as they continued their trek.

"That's not the end of it…just wait a couple of minutes." He smiled while wrapping his hand, the petal still on his palm, within a bandage.

"So wait a minute…all that stuff that you were talking about in my office, wasn't true?"

"Most of it is…I couldn't really explain it to you fully…I had to show you."

"What if I hadn't come down here? I would've had an article with invalid information…"

Carlos didn't say anything. He looked at her behind serious eyes.

"You knew I was coming…you and Charles must have set this up behind my back."

"We didn't set up anything Jill,"

"Then why did you request for me?"

"Because you are the only person who can truly empathize with me on this…you were there…" he stopped himself before getting too worked up. "You and I experienced it firsthand."

Jill looked away. He was right.

"I found out that you were working as a journalist…"

"From who?"

"It doesn't take rocket science to find people Jill…you just have to look in the right places. No one gave up your identity don't worry. Jillian Redfield just kinda seems strange…and I figured you were using it as cover…"

And she truthfully was.

"Strange…huh?" she asked…although she were sincerely asking herself.

He chuckled, walking beside her.

"That was breathtaking…to say the least." Jill mentioned as they approached the hidden vehicle.

"Check this out…" he mentioned as he unraveled the bandage.

His wound had completely healed - without signs of blemish or scarring.

Jill remained silent, yet her eyes were full of wonder and awe.

"Amazing, isn't it?" he held his hand out towards her.

She ran a finger along his palm where the wound was located earlier. Her eyes returned to his, as they did before – full of wonderment.

"This is what Umbrella kept secret, Jill…"

Jill documented it, without mentioning anything.

"Let's head back…before it gets too late." His eyes focused on the massive incoming storm system.

The system had fully covered their portion of the island and already began to unleash endless downpours of rain. The sky became an eerie canvas, covered in dark clouds and in some spaces some that were discolored from the sun in other places. Streaks of lightening, the length of the road, flashed about in colors that Jill hadn't known to exist.

"It's like a monsoon out there…" she mentioned amongst the soft patterned voices of talk radio that had been playing within the car.

"Yeah…this is the first storm of the season…that's how we can tell that it's already starting to change."

"So what are your winters like here?" she asked, as her eyes struggled to focus through the dense wall of rain outside of the passenger window.

"This, basically. Mostly rainstorms…it beats having to shovel snow…that's for sure." He laughed.

She smiled at him warmly.

"Yes…for sure. That is why I love Arizona."

He returned a similar smile.

"Tropical Christmases though…Lauren would love that."

"Last year it reached nearly 90 on Christmas…it was great. But rainy of course."

"But it was 90…I bet that was great." Jill spoke as she removed a bottle of water from her backpack. "We spent last Christmas in Seattle…" she suddenly stopped speaking. Chris wanted to take Lauren on her first ski trip.

"Really? How was it?"

"It was ok…it snowed…a bunch. It kinda reminded me of winter in Raccoon honestly."

Carlos only looked at her, without mentioning anything pertaining to the lost city.

"Sorry…I don't mean to keep bringing it up…"

"What do you mean?"

"Raccoon..."

"It's alright Jill…there's nothing wrong with memories." He spoke as his eyes focused through the windshield and the wipers that were going top speed. "Sometimes, I like to remember the good parts of that city…winter being one of them. Although I have to say…summer was the best time to be in Raccoon."

"Oh of course." Jill agreed. "…there was always so much to do. Everyone was in such good spirits…there was always something to smile about…" Her eyes had gotten lost within the memory. It was almost saddening.

"Yeah…" Carlos mentioned behind a low voice.

Jill looked over at him and noticed that his eyes were, as well, lost inside of the memory, although they were still focused straight ahead. She studied the rest of his body - moving her glare onto the belt that still held the gun holster.

"At least we didn't have to use that." She mentioned while smiling.

"Oh yeah…it's still loaded." He laughed while quickly glaring down at it and then back at the road.

Silence swept about them once more, as it did for majority of the trip. However, it was comfortable…almost inviting.

"Do you ever wonder what it would be like…" he suddenly asked. "…if Raccoon were still there?"

"Sometimes…" she admitted. "But then…" she glared at him once more. "…we probably wouldn't have met…"

He smiled while keeping his eyes on the road.

"Very true. It's crazy to think about it that way…because of tragedy, we met."

"I know. Life is strange…" Jill mentioned before taking another sip of water.

"It definitely is…"

The rain stopped, however the system still hovered over them. Carlos lowered his window and welcomed the humid air into the vehicle.

"It's hotter now…"

"I don't mind it at all…" Jill smiled once more. Carlos took notice.

"This is the most I've seen you smile." He glared over at her. "…ever."

Jill laughed. "I know…I guess there is so much to be happy about now."

"Like what?"

"Being in Hawaii, for one. Seeing the Hanalei Rainforest. Lauren's having a good time…and she's safe…and…."

"And…what?"

She paused before answering. "It's good to see you Carlos…" she smiled.

He laughed. "Ditto, Belleza."

She hadn't heard the name in so long.

"Are you blushing?" he taunted.

"Absolutely not." She mentioned, as she turned her face away from him.

"Look, I want to apologize…" the sudden change in mood caused her to turn and face him once more.

"For what?"

"I feel like I came on too strong that other day…you know, in your office…after I took you to the Dome?"

She revisited the time, and enjoyed passing the thought of his lips pressed against hers through the valleys of her conscious. However, her heart felt heavy as they quickly evolved into fantasies.

"Oh…don't worry about it." She mentioned without looking at him. It was odd for him - this wasn't what he expected her reaction to be. "It was nothing…"

The words came out colder than expected.

That's the Jill I remember.

"It'll be alright…do you still feel any stinging?" Doria was speaking as she submerged a small towel into a basin full of warm water.

"No…" Lauren muttered out amongst emotional angst.

"Don't worry…I've gotten stung by nettle before…" Celia mentioned as she sat near Lauren.

"Nettle?"

"Jellyfish" Celia answered. "At least we are taking care of it right away…we had to wait several hours before we could do anything about mine."

Doria removed a small bottle from one of the cabinets within one of Carlos' many bathrooms.

"What happened?"

"My knee was swollen, and it kept getting worse the longer we waited…" Celia mentioned while holding out her leg to demonstrate. "It hurt so bad…I stopped crying after a while – and eventually we got it treated."

"Why did it take so long?"

"Because we had to get back to our house…my Mommy treated it…"

"This is going to burn a little ok…" Doria placed the towel on soon after she spread some of a very strong astringent onto the wound.

"That wasn't too bad…see…I told you." Celia smiled, as she continued to hold Lauren's hand.

The trust between the girls helped to ease the tension that had accommodated the pain from the 3 inch jellyfish sting on the dorsal portion of Lauren's left hand. The 'good' hand.

"It's looking nasty out there…" Jill mentioned as the vehicle drove slowly into the driveway.

"Yeah…I guess it followed us."

"How bad do you think it's going to get?"

"I don't know, but judging by the size and density of those clouds…I'm thinking really nasty."

It was as though the mountains had given up there title as rulers of the land only to make way for the clouds that poured in dozens as far as one could see. Most of them were of dark grey to almost black pigment, and grew quite ethereal as they accumulated.

"Don't worry…it'll be fine." His eyes held confidence – a certain confidence she had missed seeing. The kind that soldiers held in their eyes - showing the truth of their uncertainty married unconditionally to an esteemed confidence.

She smiled softly and soon noticed that the vehicle had stopped.

The mercenary shut off the ignition and at the same time, a jagged streak of blue lightening flashed across the sky. He turned to look at her with eyes like a wolf staring hot at his dinner. It had been ten minutes and their eyes never broke. It was silent. And the thing that had been burning her all day, she realized, haunted him as well – lightening struck again, and thunder, its faithful companion, followed close behind. It shook every soul and square inch of land below it. Every soul…living or dead. Loving or Hating.

She shook out of the trance. As did he.

"We should probably get inside…" he suggested hoarsely.

She agreed silently.

The door opened and Celia came running to greet the arrival.

"You guys got caught in the rain didn't you?"

"Yep…it's pouring down now…"

Jill's eyes focused onto the car from the doorway. She shut the door soon after.

"I think Mama and I are about to leave…" Celia mentioned as Carlos lifted her into his arms and kissed her gently on the forehead – as he would his own child.

"Yes this is true…we should get heading back…"

"Are you sure? The storm is just about here..."

"We'll be fine…no need to worry. I have to get back and close up the coop…I would've done it earlier, but I didn't think it would rain this hard." Doria entered the lobby while holding a small raincoat – she handed it to Celia.

"We were waiting for you guys…Mom made asparagus soup to go along with the leftover hog from last night…"

"There's still plenty left." Doria spoke at both Jill and Carlos.

"Where's Lauren?" Jill asked, concerned.

"She's in the living room, the poor child. She and Celia were playing at the beach down behind the house, I took my eyes off of them for a quick sec and before I could realize it they were in the water, everything went fine until I heard a loud scream. It was Celia…she was running to tell me that Lauren had gotten hurt. I ran over to her and noticed that she had gotten stung by a sea nettle." Doria confessed as she led Jill into the living room where Lauren had been resting.

"Is she alright?" Jill's voice grew a little concerned.

"I'll let you see for yourself." They entered fully. The movie was still playing on the projector.

Pale Rider. Jill recognized. It was an old favorite.

"Lauren…" she placed a hand on the girl's head and noted the sudden jilt after its contact.

"Mommy…you made it back."

"Yeah…Doria told me about what happened…how are you holding up?"

"I'm ok. Doria put some kind of ointment on it that made it feel better, and Celia helped me wrap it in this bandage." Lauren lifted her hand, displaying the tight fitted bandage.

"That's good…" Jill mentioned behind a sigh. Lauren looked at her behind confused eyes…she thought for certain that her mother would be disappointed in her.

"You aren't mad?" Lauren asked.

"Why would I be mad Scarlet?"

"I don't know…I…I just feel like I've ruined the trip somehow."

"You haven't ruined anything…I'm just glad that you are ok. That is all that matters to me." She gave the girl a tight hug. "Did you have a good time today though?"

"Yeah…we went back to their chicken coop and fed all of the chickens and the baby chicks as well. We made some more candy too. Then we came back here for lunch and went to the beach behind the house afterwards…that's where I got stung."

"Well Lauren…I think we are about to leave." Celia entered the room, all bundled up and ready for the rain.

Lauren stood from the couch and gave her dear new friend a true hug. "I had a good time…" she whispered in her ear. "No matter what…" she then kissed her on the cheek.

Celia grabbed her hand and disappeared from the living room with her, the both of them running towards the staircase that led to the second level. They entered Celia's room.

"Here…" She handed Lauren a small dreamcatcher that had been tied onto two leather cords. "My mama made it for me…she says it gives good luck and prosperity to those who wear it."

Lauren held it in place while Celia tied it unto her neck.

"It's beautiful." She mentioned, looking down at it as her fingers swept across the spider web weaving, the small amethyst crystal that had been the setting stone and marked where the webbing began. There were small beads that hang down from the hoop, they were all purple – Lauren's favorite color.

"It is a symbol for unity - and purple, my favorite color, is a symbol of royalty."

Lauren smiled as she stared down at it for a long time. She turned to face Celia and gave her another hug.

"Take the bandage off tonight, before Lauren goes to bed. I wouldn't give her a bath or anything until the morning as well…the wound should be fully healed by then. Now, are you sure you remember how to get back to the city?" Doria asked as she and Jill entered the kitchen.

Carlos had met them there, holding Doria's coat as well as her purse.

"Yes, I think I'll be ok." She smiled. Mostly at Carlos. She wasn't sure why however.

"Alright…" a loud roar of thunder interrupted her speech and caused everyone in the room to jump in sudden shock.

"You guys better be leaving now…it's not going to get any better…you should probably make it before the rest of the front comes…" Carlos mentioned as he helped her into her coat.

"Yeah…it'll take us 20 minutes to get to home…Are you two gonna be alright?" she asked.

Carlos looked at Jill, deeply, as he did before in the car. "Yeah…I think so…" he smiled at her.

"Alright then…I will see you tomorrow afternoon." She smiled at the both of them. "Goodnight kids." She exited the kitchen. "Celia!" she yelled while entering the lobby.

Seconds later she and Lauren came running down the stairs. Soon Doria and Celia walked out into the downpour as if it did not faze them.

"Doria grew up in the Caribbean…so this is like a sunny day to her." Carlos mentioned as the three of them stood in the massive doorway, watching as Doria's car drove off from the driveway.

"Goddamn…that soup was amazing."

"She is an amazing cook isnt' she?"

"Indeed she is. What would you do if she weren't here cooking for you Carlos?"

"I ask myself that every time she brings out a masterpiece."

He and Jill manned the dishes although there was clearly a dishwasher to handle the burden. Somehow they both felt the need to labor themselves. It was as though they naturally liked working together.

"So…I wanted to apologize to you."

"For what?"

"I kinda feel like I was being a total ass by not taking you seriously after witnessing the dome. I really think it is an amazing thing that you are doing…it's just…"

"What?"

"I'm just so afraid…afraid… of those things happening again…"

He knew what things she was referring to. "I know…so am I, truthfully speaking." He mentioned while drying the last of the dishes, he stacked them into the cupboards overhead.

"But as I mentioned before…it does not control my desire to make the world a better place. I'm still fighting Jill, I'm fighting to make sure that medicine and wellness in general is actually beneficial for the American people…and soon, the entire world….if the universe permits of course."

Jill smiled at him.

"So sometimes…in order to drive the snakes from the pen, you have to jump into the pen with them…" he turned to look at her, behind a cunning smile. He was extremely attractive.

"So with that being said…how about a nice bottle of Marzemino?"

"Uhh…yeah." She mentioned while looking at the stove clock. It was well past 8:30, she was tired and she still had a whole 2 hours to drive before she could even think of getting any shut eye.

But who could say no to a drink…

(who could say no to him)…

"Would you mind grabbing two glasses out of there for me…I'll be right back." He walked into the giant pantry and took a sharp left into a small niche that housed a secret door. It opened to reveal a narrow staircase that descended into a quaint wine cellar.

Jill opened one of the overhead cupboards and removed two large crystal wine glasses. She sat them onto the countertop. Her mind wondered to Lauren and before she could control her legs to begin the cycle of gait, the girl had already entered the kitchen.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing…just waiting for my drink." Jill replied mockingly.

"More wine? Don't you ever get tired of the stuff…it's nasty anyway."

"You'll appreciate it someday…and then you'll understand how wonderful a glass…or two…or three can be."

"Is there anymore of that soup?" Lauren asked as she approached the refrigerator as though it belonged to her.

"Lauren…don't go barging into someone else's refrigerator like that…"

"This isn't someone else…its Carlos…and he said that we can make ourselves comfy…"

What am I going to do with this kid? Jill laughed to herself.

"Alright…it turns out I don't have any Marzemino…I do have a 6 year Nebbiolo and a 3 year old Tinta Miuda that I know you will like."

"Tinta Miuda…" Lauren laughed. "I like how you say that…"

"Are you laughing at my accent?" he asked while approaching her.

"What if I am?"

"Then I will have to…..throw you over my back…" he grabbed her and swiftly lifted her nimble body over his shoulder with one arm. It ironically amazed Jill, when she would normally show discomfort with someone else rough-housing with Lauren. He still had his strength…as was made obvious by the bulge of his bicep muscle.

Lauren let out a loud plexus of laughter and even received a few from Carlos. "Did I hear you mention before that you were hungry….still?"

"Yeah…I'm starving." Lauren managed to speak out amongst a laugh as Carlos had began to tickle her, focusing primarily at the places he knew would get her into submission – the armpits and back.

"I think there is still a little hog and some soup left…we can get that heated up for you."

He lowered her down onto her feet into standing position. Jill grabbed the first bottle of wine – Tinta Miuda – "crescido em Lisboa".

"Imported huh?" she asked as the cork made a subtle "pop" as it sprung from the brim of the bottle.

"That's the only way, Jill." He smiled, as though he had mentioned this before to her.

She remembered the words in that exact fashion…in that exact way. The dark liquid cascaded almost like a dream into the deep bowl of the glass. Jill filled both, ¾'s of the way from the brim.

Carlos was busy handling a small pot of soup over the stove top – he had before placed the remainder of the ham into the powerful oven. "This'll be ready in about 10." He commented after checking on the meat.

Jill walked over to him, holding both glasses of the garnet beauty. She handed him a glass.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome…" she focused her hot stare onto Lauren, where it yielded into a more modest glare. "Isn't there something you need to say…"

"Thank you Carlos."

"Not a problem Princesa." He smiled at her before taking a hefty sip of the wine. He stood beside Jill next to the counter where Lauren sat awaiting her food.

"Why do I have to go to bed now? The two of you are staying up…"

"Because…" Jill paused for a second, unable to find a good answer. "We need to finish the interview…"

"You're still not done yet?" Lauren's voice held wit that Jill often times found annoying. She answered only with her eyes, the usual stare that scolded Lauren without anything being mentioned.

Jill helped Lauren remove some of her clothing, she pulled the covers back on Celia's bed, and Lauren got in.

"It's late Scarlet…and I don't think this rain is going to stop for a while….just get some sleep for a while ok." Jill smiled, tucking the covers beneath Lauren's chin before kissing her forehead gently. "I'll wake you up if it stops tonight."

"Goodnight…"

Lauren watched as the door slowly closed, she turned her body to face the window on the opposite side of the room. The rain pounded against it as though it were determined to enter – however, it was oddly soothing. She loved the rain. She loved the stars even more - tonight, however, the clouds hindered her from seeing them. She sighed and closed her eyes.

Goodnight Daddy…

"How is she feeling…" Carlos asked as Jill entered the sunroom of his kitchen - they had been in there for a while – even before she put Lauren to bed, and like last time he had yet another full glass of wine.

"She's a trooper…that kid…" She returned to her glass and finished what was left. The first bottle was officially done.

"You should open the other…" he smiled at her cunningly, once more.

"You know if I were completely naive…I'd say you were trying to get me drunk." She smiled, revealing wine tarnished teeth.

"And I'd say that you don't mind it…" he took another sip - deeper than before – his eyes remained on her, longer than before.

Her grin gave away her thoughts. …and I'd say, I'm about there already…

"Don't worry Valentine…" he annihilated the rest of his wine – as though it were water. "I'll take proper care of you tonight…" he walked over to the other bottle and opened it.

She felt as though that last statement was meant to affect a more profound part of her…the part that she had kept suppressed for the past couple of months. She knew he meant other things.

He poured them both half full glasses.

"…and what about Lauren…"

"C'mon now…she's in good hands. You know this…"

Of course she did.

"You know…I feel reeeeeally bad, because I told her she couldn't stay up because we had to finish the interview…" another sip.

"Oh really?" he snickered. "Well…there is still a lot that you and I need to discuss – I don't know if it's what Charles would approve of but…"

Jill sighed behind frustration, it interrupted his sentence. "Don't even talk about him…"

"It still appalls me that you have a boss…"

"I know!" she laughed. "…it makes me feel 'normal' I guess. Working again, having to report to someone…" she didn't like the way the end of that sounded. The last time she had to report to someone…they didn't her seriously and she ended up losing everything because of it.

"You are a journalist though…so I mean, you kinda are your own boss…" another sip.

"Yeah…but there are still limitations that I am obligated to carry on my back. My work still has to be approved at some point."

"Hmmmm…" he walked into the pantry once more, this time she followed him.

"What?"

"I know how it is…we will always have someone over us…trying to dictate how things should be done…" he pushed open the door to the wine cellar once more. "Trust me…I know – but what makes us different from them is the fact that we are able to accept what's true. And we don't have a problem with revealing it to the world. Watch your head there, the ceiling's kinda low."

They descended into the cellar.

"We know how to admit these things to ourselves, the truth- which in my opinion is the hardest thing to do. I've traveled a lot, and met so many people but one thing I realized is how easy it is for people to neglect the truth…as though it never existed in the first place. People would actually lie to your face even though you know otherwise."

Jill simply listened, agreeing by only nodding her head. He is so right.

The cellar was larger than what she expected.

"So how do you deal with it Carlos? How do you turn the other cheek?"

"I don't…you can still save the world, Jill – you just have to use their own weapons against them…" They walked into yet another room. A smaller, dim lit room that housed a great amount of wooden cigar boxes. She knew because it reminded her of her Dad's secret closet in the basement of the old house that she grew up in.

"Do you smoke?" he asked, while removing a red box from one of the shelves.

"Sure…I'll have one"

He was honestly shocked…it used to be quite the task to get Jill to even drink – from what he could remember.

"Things have changed Carlos, I told you…" she spoke as he handed her a cigar.

"Especially after you have a child." She lit the end and carefully took in a drag.

He was impressed…the average person knew nothing about properly smoking a cigar…but she did.

"What?" the smoke emanated from her lips..

"Some things haven't changed…you will never cease to amaze me, Jill…"

"Oh please...I smoked my first cigarette when I was 7. It was my Dad's fault though…he was drunk and asked me to get him a smoke…I wanted to try it…so I got one for myself as well. And ironically…I liked it, even at that age."

He lit his end and inhaled a large quantity. It impressed Jill. How could anyone survive a drag as large as that?

"Let's get out of here, before we really kill ourselves…"

Jill laughed, and followed him as they returned to the first level of the house.

They continued smoking out on a patio that sat adjacent to the sunroom. The rain hadn't stopped. Jill was concerned for the safety of them all and the house itself, seeing as how it was built on the very top of a steep cliff.

"Don't worry Jill, I've survived five hurricanes…we'll be fine." He took one last puff.

"What's the worst that could happen?" she asked modestly.

"We could lose power – in which I have a backup generator to keep us nice and dry."

Jill simply smiled at him – taking another sip of the wine.

"Now I'm getting hungry…" She admitted while standing for a stretch. She flexed her arms and arched her back – she then flexed her trunk forward, grasping her ankles with her hands. He watched her.

"Would you like some more hog?" he asked almost mockingly.

"Although it was...amazing, I think I've had enough pork to suffice me for a month."

Carlos laughed. He could definitely agree.

"You have to try this flan that Celia made then…" He stood up and led her back into the kitchen.

Out of the refrigerator, he grabbed a large platter that was covered with a matching porcelain top. It was the most beautiful china she had ever seen. He placed it onto the center countertop and removed the top.

"Oh my goodness…that looks delicious." Jill commented, while her taste buds had began to reawaken.

"So you do still love Flan. That's a relief."

"Are you kidding me? I haven't had any in such a long time. It's surprisingly hard to find in the States. That is, really good Flan."

The fork slit through the creamy custard with ease - she lifted it towards her mouth and held it there for a few seconds. She wanted to gather the sweet scent of caramel. She placed the fork on her lips and slid the piece off with her teeth. She savored the flavor and the delicacy of the custard. It was phenomenal.

"Good stuff, eh?" he asked behind a cunning smile.

"This is the best that I've ever had."

"She's got skills like her mom."

"Yeah, for sure." Jill spoke as she carried on into the indulgence.

She could feel the heat from his eyes – searing painlessly into the flesh of her body as silence surrounded them once again.

"Ya know, I've really missed those blue eyes…"

It caught her off guard and she responded with a sharp stare – as though she were reacting after getting a fist to the face.

"What?"

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. I guess I'm still mingling with the past…" he spoke while smiling at her.

She felt a sudden surge of heat emerge within her frame. She missed him too.

"There's something else I wanted to show you, Jill." He voice was low and sounded as though it were hiding something abstruse - Jill followed him as he began walking out of the kitchen towards the long corridor that led to the remainder of the house.

They entered yet another corridor this time that ended with a staircase leading back down into the bowels of the house. The basement level was dark and very chilly – it was almost like an underground tunnel of some sort, built entirely out of the cliff's stone – it immodestly displayed the strong foundation of the house. It smelt of the Earth – fresh and musky with a hint of ocean water. Carlos had mentioned that he'd only been down there at least twice (counting this particular time) since he settled. She could judge by the lament in his voice that it was a definite reason for this and that brought about a strange aura – almost death-like – and one that she had found too familiar.

"What is this place?" It escaped Jill's lips as a whisper.

"…another cellar…" It was dry, yet his voice was full.

"Geez. Closest Dungeons and Dragons fan, huh?"

Carlos barely smiled as they reached an end. He had set their primary light source, a battery operated lantern, on the ground at his feet. He reached into his jacket and emerged with a heavy set of cackling keys along a large circular ring – the kind that janitors have.

"Damn…how many doors require keys in this house?"

"Every last one Jill."

He commented sans sarcasm. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable again.

They enter.

Although it was undoubtedly dark, she could sense that the room was rather big in size. The air was stale – lifeless. It was a little hard to breathe at first, she realized, from the thick odor of sealed time. She could hear Carlos moving about the room, searching for light I guess… She was grateful and unfortunately growing claustrophobic.

Her eyes widened after they had adjusted to the sudden flash of the lights flickering on. It was a dingy yellow from the years that it had never been used that eventually grew into a stronger white. It didn't matter to her really, seeing as how her focus had been thoroughly distracted by the massive wall of pictures and newspaper clippings.

The room was death silent.

"My God…" Jill walked closer to the wall directly before her.

There had to have been forty columns of papers stacked from the floor and just brushing the ceiling - they were quite old, she could tell, by the tattered edges that faded naturally into a rustic hue. She approached without his say or permission of any kind. She lifted a small heap and flickered it off of her thumb as if they were a deck of cards. She caught quick glimpses of the headlines – most in Spanish and a few in Portuguese - all of them pertained to Los Intocables. She turned to look at him, however she found herself focusing more onto the wall directly behind him. Her curiosity granted her the will to walk closer.

Her eyes scanned every panel – documenting in her mind a very graphic time in history. A time of death and mourning, fear and loathing – a time of running and fighting and never looking back. A time when the past killed, the present died, and the future was questionable.

"You've kept every last one that we took…"

"Yeah…"

"Since…day 1…." She stopped directly before the wall.

"…Yeah."

Damn.

There were at least twelve rows and ten columns of film photographs. Film.

There had to have been over two thousand in the entire room.

"How did you keep them safe all of this time…" Her eyes lingered upon one in particular.

The foreground displayed a large group of individuals standing within the rich alleyways of one of many rainforests within South America. She and Carlos were amongst them - it was taken during one of their first "scouting" trips. (Where they selected individuals who showed interest in joining the rebellion against Bio-terrorism.) They had just recruited a solid camp of thirty brave men and women before the photograph was shot.

"To be truthful with you, I've found myself wondering that…" he stood beside her. His focus set on the same photograph. He smiled at Jill and moved to the next. "I've just kept them close…that's all I can really say."

She looked at him and suddenly - out of the corner of her eye - she spotted a familiar face. Her eyes shot back onto the wall in unison with her hand as it reached out to touch the photograph as though it were her own reflection. She was young and judging by the look on her face, very torn. She held a small child, as a few others stood near a makeshift "square" in a small shanty-like village. It gave off an almost melancholic air.

She gazed upon another, a tranquil photograph taken sometime during her stay in Brazil. She was standing amongst a family who owned a small roadside fruit market. She could remember helping the family move around the country that day, selling (and eating) delicious varieties of fruit. Wrapped around her waist - the bronzed arm of the Aztec King.

She laughed to herself at a thought back to those ancient days when he'd snarl at her for the reference. Upon replacing her eyes onto the photograph she noticed the one beside it were of similar portraiture – and soon she realized that a vast majority of them were.

"I didn't think there were so many of me."

Carlos was silent and it caught her attention. His eyes said more than his lips could – in any language. It was a look one gives when finding something they truly would die for. Oh yes, he still loves this woman. And she was starting to realize it.

"Goddammit, Carlos…" She turned away from him.

"What?" The tone within his voice had begun to flare in response to the sudden downward flux in Jill's mood.

"That was a long time ago…" It was a whisper, yet he understood it clearly.

"I know that. And each day that passes deepens that void" that dagger that I can't seem to pull out of my chest.

"This is why you really wanted me to come here isn't it? To make me feel guilty for leaving…"

Carlos stood with a blank stare - he was silently succumbing to what he didn't want to admit as truth. He wanted her to not only experience guilt but his dread as well.

He suppressed the urge, although it wanted to spring out of him like a geyser.

"No…I wanted…needed to talk to you Jill."

"Well, this is some way of getting your point across…"

It was working. Guilt had found its meal.

"Look I didn't mean to offend you in anyway…I just wanted-"

"Wanted, what?" She only knew one way to keep him from taking over this argument – offense. "You wanted me to come here, to see this and to start thinking about what happened in South America again…"

"No that's not what I wanted at all…" he was bluffing.

"Then what is it Carlos? What is it that you really want with me?"

"I should be asking you that, Jill..."

Her glare was harsh and full of fury. Yet he had one to match.

"Why are you here? Why did you even agree to do this in the first place?"

"I had no fucking choice, really. It was shoved in my face-"

"Bullshit."

"Bullshit?"

"Yeah…bullshit."

Jill laughed while nodding her head in disagreement.

"You and I both know damn well you could have denied this entire thing."

"You don't know my boss..."

"But I know you."

It was so true – she simply couldn't deny it. And so it goes.

"You don't know me..."

"I know you…inside and out, Jill."

He cut a little deeper this time. Now she knew for certain that something was bothering him, something that she had done. His attacks were growing fierce.

"Stop it Carlos. Look I've changed – nothing about me is the same. My priorities and views on life are quite different than before – I am no longer fighting for some meaningless cause."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." Her voice bore an aggravation that only acted as fuel to his fire.

"Well then what are you fighting for, Jill?"

A future.

"What was that?"

"I said a future."

He laughed at her – mockingly. "Right, your…marriage?"

"Why do you keep insisting on insulting my personal life?"

"I'm not insulting you at all Jill…I'm just trying to understand it, is all."

"What's to understand about it Carlos, it's my life anyway. I got pregnant and then decided to get married because I felt it was the best thing for-"

"For you, right?"

"No, for Lauren. I didn't want her to grow up in a household like I did. It was hell for me and I refuse to let her experience that instability. So what if I married Chris, get over it-"

"Get over it?" his voice was sharp yet its tone remained mild.

She could only look at him, in awe at how fast he responded to the very end of that statement. He looked at her as if she was his child and he was disappointed in her for breaking some high expectation he had set for her.

"Jill, trust me. I've tried to get over it. I've tried to get over you. Every single day since that day. Eventually my mind eased and I had forgotten about you for a while – you weren't even a thought in my mind until I recently saw your name and then that's when it all came tumbling down. That's when I started to remember everything."

She sighed in aggravation however it was more so submissive air that escaped her lungs.

"…Fighting next to you, being partners with you…it was something that was so special to me – sharing that bond with a person."

"Carlos…"

"All I cared for Jill, was you. And making it so that you and I could havea future. I had prayed that our rebellion would be a success but honestly, I didn't care whether it did or not. Hell, I didn't even care if the world burned - I had you."

"I'm not your Juliet, ok."

"You're far from that…you're more, Jill. And I know you won't be straight with me about how you feel but-"

"Carlos, I can't do this o.k." Feeling defeated, she did only what she knew in times where the enemy overwhelms you. "I'm going to check on Lauren."

"Running away, as usual."

She froze in her place – did he just, call me out?

"Excuse me?" she turned around.

"That's got some kind of coward written all over it don't you think?"

She stared at him in disbelief – she had to reprocess everything he was saying through her mind several times before she realized that he wanted nothing more than attention. He wanted her attention. He was deliberately picking a fight. Like a child.

"Don't give me that look Jill. You know I'm right."

"I don't know where you get off talking to me as though I am a child and more specifically your child – but I highly suggest that you fix it, because this is not the time for it. I am going to check on my daughter."

"Lauren's fine."

"And you're so sure of this." She knew he was.

"Since the moment she got here Jill, she's been totally content. Now when will you relax?"

"You know I'm having a hard time figuring out where you even came from to begin with but more-so why you decided to come back into my life now and-"

"Why not, I figured?"

"Am I a joke to you?"

"Never."

"Good. Because I hardly find this funny."

She was determined to get out of the room and to return to ground level. He followed her frantic dash, continuing to jab at her with words that she had hoped to never hear from him. By the time they reached the kitchen, things had officially gone from bad to worse.

"Why the hell are you treating me like this Carlos?"

"Because I think I deserve to know…"

"Know what?" her voice grew loud.

"The truth about what happened…about why you left me?"

"Oh my god, Carlos. Seriously? You're still that far back in time?"

"When you're heart is broken, Jill – you look at time a lot differently. You stay there at that moment when it shatters…"

She could definitely relate to that.

"Well I don't know what to say ok…I can't even remember that far back…"

"You expect me to believe that?"

"I don't give a damn what you believe, it was thirteen years ago!"

"But you remember everything that happened afterwards – with Chris."

"Envy isn't your color."

"Oh I'm not jealous Jill. Not right now. You are hiding so much behind those beautiful eyes…it's actually breaking my heart…"

"Fuck you Carlos. Stop acting like you know me…"

"You know how I can tell…you can't even look at me for more than a second. The girl that would look the devil in the eye and spit in his face if he insulted her…"

"You are full of it, you know that. I'm not going to revisit a part of my life that I-"

"…That you turned your back on…" he completed the sentence for her, and he could tell that she didn't like it.

The storm hadn't stopped as she had hoped it would while they were in the time cellar and it seemed to pour harder and more aggressive than before. Thunder shook the Earth as flashes of lightening scattered across the sky.

"You are holding a grudge against me? Is that what this is all about?"

He remained silent amongst her laughs.

"I can't believe this. You want to know why I left? I'll tell you. I wanted change. I wanted something different…I wanted…"

Suddenly she paused. What did she want? She wasn't sure how to finish it and she could tell he was waiting desperately for the rest.

"What did you want?"

"I wanted…I needed to get away."

"Why? Was it, me? Was it something I did?"

"No…not really. It's just..." she found herself at a loss for words - her mind totally scattered.

She knew the true reason.

"It's just what?"

She didn't say a word.

"I'll tell you exactly what it was Jill…that day, I knew something was different about you - you found out that Redfield was still alive, and you left…" But that wasn't all he wanted to say.

"Look I'm sorry that you seem to have some beef with Chris, but I can assure you that is not the-"

"Save it, Jill." He walked away from her, disgusted.

It usually didn't take this long for him to break someone. But of course he had to remind himself of who this someone was. This was without a doubt an emotional battle.

"Who do you think you are?" she asked him in a demanding tone making him turn to face her.

"I'm someone who loved, no loves a woman who can't stop denying the truth…who can't even admit her own issues to herself….and who is openly living a lie."

"FUCK YOU! I am not living a lie! My life is no lie Carlos. I've worked hard to maintain the good life that I live now."

"A good life you say, eh? Well then, why aren't you back home living your good life?"

Jill responded only with her eyes.

"Still not able to answer that one yet I see…" The empty wine bottles were still sitting on the counter where they had left them before their journey into the basement. The alcohol had long ago worn off however.

"You think you live a good life…tell me something, do you honestly feel good about it right now?"

She remained silent.

"I saw it all in your eyes back in your office. You needed this, badly – and that is why you took it without argument."

"Oh I argued."

"Only to hide how badly you wanted this…"

"First you say I need it, now you are saying that I wanted it-"

"Is there really any difference?"

"Yes there is. A need is a necessity - to want is to desire…"

He smiled at her, and nodded – as if she were a naïve child making an ignorant statement.

"No difference…right Jill?" he walked closer to her, closing in like a hawk on the ill-fated prey hoping to flee his deadly talons.

"Don't…" she whispered as he neared her face.

He was right, and she felt giving in would be her only choice. Until she started to think about the girl that slept right above their heads, possibly awake now and hearing every angry word shouted.

"Carlos…that was a long, long time ago. I can't do this with you."

"Yeah, you know what…you're right. You have changed."

She stood defeated, staring at him – her chest ached a familiar pain – heartbreak.

She exhaled and her focus shot down at the floor.

"You know it's a shame, we could have really changed the world together…I know it. And now it's still a burning inferno."

"And you're saying that it's my fault?"

"Not at all. But who knows what the future would've been like had you not left. The both of you…"

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Look, it doesn't matter now Carlos, the world is much better than what it was before - there hasn't been an outbreak in years…"

"But that doesn't mean that they don't still exist."

"Is this the basis of your operations? Paranoia?"

"I'm hardly paranoid. You and I both know the possibilities of a sudden stir-up."

"I'm not worried about that!" Anger smoldered her voice.

"Really, well you sure did act like it a few days ago – back at the dome. You looked at me as if you knew it was going to fail. That's how I know…there is still a part of you that fear its revival – because you know that somewhere in the world…it's happening. You feel it…just like I do."

She felt the truest remorse at this moment. She had hoped that it wouldn't have been that easy to read her feelings. She couldn't deny the fact that she worried every day since the day it all started. It's worse now since she had Lauren and Chris being away currently didn't help at all either.

"You need to understand something - I have priorities – things that are far more important. I am a mother…."

Carlos glared up at her as she said it and the look on his brow showed that he had enough of her rebuttal. Anger had far evolved into something more explosive and the only way he could keep it from erupting from him like an active volcano was to jab her with the sword he had been sharpening over the years of being without her.

"Yeah…of the child that should've been mine…."

She felt lethargic which was attributed from an intense surge of guilt. He had known, all this time, why she truly left.

Jill and Carlos grew quite close during their travels throughout South America, and eventually their bond grew stronger. They assumed partnership and stood by each other's side, bearing undeniable trust for each other. They were intimate as well and that eventually ended with an unwanted outcome. One that Jill felt she could not keep - and didn't. A few days before she found out, she had also come across a report that Carlos obtained about widespread "survivors" who had been affected by the initial outbreak and who wanted nothing more than to uproot the foundation as well as the tributaries that catered to the world's terror (the original intent of she and Carlos' travels – however that immediately changed after they both realized that poverty was yet another threat and in many ways more devastating). One of the survivors being her beloved friend that she had known since high school and whom she fought with during the incident at the Spencer Mansion – Chris Redfield. She took this as an avenue of departure and left promptly (as Carlos slept) for the U.S. to start a proper search.

Jill lived in Florida for several months after that, working odd jobs to pay her rent and way of life until she finally got licit information of Chris' whereabouts. She was more than relieved to know that he escaped Raccoon before the outbreak – he took her advice to a tee back then and left shortly after they had gotten their badges snatched. He somehow managed to settle in Europe (she later learned that it was possible through Barry's reticent connections), where he had already began planning for an anti-Umbrella commission that would later evolve into a rigid faction. She saved up enough money, assumed a different identity, and left for Glasgow, Scotland thereafter. Their reunion marked the start of a new phase in the fight against Bio-terrorism.

The storm seemed as though it was beginning to ease however the winds were still active, animating the still curtains within the heavily moonlit room. The house was silent and tranquil – a very eerie combination to Jill as she had hoped to leave it behind in Arizona. She walked further into the room stopping before an opened window that faced south of the island. She was mesmerized by the reflection of the moonlight as it illuminated off of the lush accumulation of trees behind the house. She could feel its light penetrating her soul – reading every secret she had deep within herself. Especially the one that she had hoped would somehow disappear from her life – one that she openly regrets and apparently is still haunted by.

She turned towards the bed and noted the silence of Lauren's slumber. So peaceful, so innocent. She knew nothing of the angst that stood just twenty feet away or of the reason behind her mother's tears. And her breathing was sound – something that Jill hadn't heard since before Chris left. She was content. Like Carlos said. She approached the bed and plummeted to her knees beside it. Her eyes ran along the angel-like face of the girl - she noted at how closely she resembled Chris – she didn't fully realize it until just now. His nose, his lips and the way they pout when he sleeps. She ran a hand along her forehead, causing the child to shift her body. She then lowered it in hopes to not awaken her - she did not want Lauren seeing her in this current condition. She was broken, more than she had been in the previous months, more than she had ever been in her life - it was deeper than any pain she had felt, for it was strong enough to draw tears.

Crying was something that she hadn't done for a long time, at least since she accepted the decency of her new life. She was still alive after spending years in hell – she bore a beautiful child, by a great man – she was successful - in her mind there should have been no room for remorse of any kind. However, there was a part of her mind that she left unattended. A part that she ignored and left in the dark where she hoped it would fade into nothing. And suddenly she began feeling as she did on the plane – however this time she understood why she felt the greatest sorrow as her eyes lingered upon her child.

She battled the same decision after finding out of her pregnancy with Lauren. Only then, she had an epiphany that taught her the lifesaving affects of moral decisions and that although she looked at herself as a person who fought to save lives, defeating her own seed would eliminate all the good she had ever done and make invalid all of the operations that she had taken part of as well the very purpose of why they were put into action in the first place. She couldn't bring her heart to do something so horrible to Chris, although at that time he didn't know, still - she had done it once to another, and she knew karma would eventually catch up with her. And it certainly has.

Jill lowered her head unto the bed, her arms cradled around to hide the intense grief that took over her being. She wasn't sure if Lauren could hear and at this point she did not care. She needed to let out all of the emotions she had kept locked away – she needed a release. And now she felt was the right time. She lifted her head and was relieved to see Lauren's eyes still at a close. Her arm stretched out towards Lauren and her fingers traced the soft edges of her small hand. She felt horrible admitting to herself that she had more love for her now than she ever had.

What kind of person am I?

Eventually, the tears came to an end. She was no longer overwhelmed with sorrow – yet guilt somehow still had its grip around her – it wasn't as firm as before however. She stood to her feet – ready to move on with life. She felt she had finally made peace with her past. She pressed her lips firmly against Lauren's head, keeping them there for more than a second - absorbing the warmth – the life – that erupted from her resting soul.

The house had taken heed to an unspoken darkness- chilling and death defying. Raindrops returned and grew only to maintain a steady fall – not nearly as powerful as its wrath earlier. Lightening flashed across the sky, as it had been doing the entire evening however, thunder did not follow. The moon peaked through several clouds, illuminating the very edges where they met – the stars however, were covered by the dense blanket of precipitation. A slow wind rolled across the land and its air was cool and somewhat inviting, then suddenly – a disperse of heated air would rush clumsily behind it.

Smoke emitted from a cigarette that had just been lit for the first time as well from the nostrils of a wondering soul that had long ago burnt out. A soul that was empty, amongst a new life full of wealth. A soul that had been left alone, like the ocean that span the entire length of the horizon. Water crashing against the rocks below the cliff was all that this lifeless soul could care to recognize for it symbolized some form of tranquility that he had been searching for his entire life. And just when he thought he found it, he let it slip away.

Carlos sighed behind the thought, frustrated. He hated feeling this way – even more he hated feeling this way for someone who refused to admit and apologize for the hurt they had caused. She's selfish. He thought. Selfish and foolish. It was as though he were a child in kindergarten, complaining about another child that refused to share the crayons with him. He laughed. Feeling foolish himself for thinking such things - he kept reminding himself that it was well over thirteen years ago – too long of a time to nestle a grudge. Especially considering how much he actually cared for her and this is what fed to his anger. He loved her, with the deepest passion. Deeper than he had ever believed he could go with another person. And at the same time…he couldn't blame her for leaving.

Maybe, I pushed her away…

All he had been thinking about was the first time he met her and how he instantly became intrigued. She was as tough as they come, more courageous than any person he had known at that time - her fear only fed her wrath – just the same for him. And what drove the arrow deeper - her survival - the mere fact that she overcame the virus and harnessed a vigorous desire to defeat its cause. It sparked a sudden flame within him and undoubtedly opened his eyes to the dark depths of the hellish grimes that flood the Earth -one thing he couldn't help but thank her for, even to this day. She was a force that he had never encountered and he knew without a doubt she was one to be revered. And at the same time he wished he could forget her, if that were even possible. Another sigh before another drag - he exhaled and let the smoke disperse into the atmosphere.

He could remember the first time they kissed, stranded in a small boat in the center of the Parana River after the dangerous hours beyond midnight. It was his birthday. In the homestead. It was the first sign of a change in their relationship as partners and frankly, the last of whatever innocence they had wanted to keep within their personal relationship.

That memory shifted into their first dinner - the first hot meal they both had in three months. His mouth watered at the memory of how tender and savory the meat was…and how amazing Jill looked. How nicely she tanned after two and half months beneath the Brazilian sun, the depth of her blue eyes amongst her golden skin and the lips he yearned to taste more so than the meal. This then grew into the heated very first time on a desolate beach in Isla Margarita. Her warmth, her scent, her taste…all of these passed through the avenues of his senses – driving goose bumps to stand erect as they did while her fingers glided down the likes of his back in pure ecstatic delight. And he smiled at the thought of each time after that – for they grew even more intense. Then suddenly the memory he once swore to endure suicide if ever revisited, sprung into his mind.

The most intense of their time together was a night that began as this one. The two of them were getting along fine until one dropped a monkey wrench into a box of screwdrivers. Arguments, disagreements where words merely compared to the fury within their debates, often times they grew into more physical bouts of anger - items were often thrown along with ghastly words packed with emotion. Ironically, they never laid a finger upon each other, that is, violently. This night in particular would change that. One small phrase from him was all she needed that sent an impulse to her mind that in turn responded by way of reflex and she realized later, when he glared back at her angrily, that the red imprint on his face was in fact the response of her own rage.

This angered him, immensely. Yet he did not want to hit a woman. He never could. Instead he wanted to do something else, something more gratifying – something that would make her plummet to the ground in defeat. Fighting her involved a different technique. He could remember grabbing her body, firmly – taking her mouth with his own as though it were a ripened melon and she could only respond with her eyes, glazed over heavy with lust. That night, he had her. In every way he wanted her. And she had him - in the sincerest of ways.

He let the cigarette slip from his fingers and into the gaping mouth of the sea.

And he knew the obvious - it didn't take finding the test to figure that out. He felt it back then and in the truest way…he wanted it. He had no idea how to tell her that he loved her – that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her - fighting or whatever it would've been. He was honored to offer his seed to such an amazing person.

Things change.

He wasn't sure how to give her this at one time – but now, he was glad that he didn't. Perhaps it's for the better... He stared down at his hands, his eyes lingering over the small golden band that still, after thirteen years remain in its garnet box. He looked to the horizon once more, lifted his arm and threw it before himself – once and for all releasing the height of his woe.

"No…I don't care what time it is, Charles. I want to leave tomorrow." The voice was angry and very distressed.

"I'm not getting you an emergency flight out, Jill. What is the problem anyway…you've only got two more days there..."

"I…need to get back home." To him, she sounded like a terrified little girl. For a second it made his heart skip a beat.

"I'll see what I can do, Jill." After he sat the phone beside his bed he rolled over and fell back into slumber – saving the request for the morning's errands.

She could feel it. He wasn't going to help her run away from something that she should have settled a long time ago. Why should he? She thought. Running away as usual…

The thought ran through her mind just as Carlos had said it earlier. It was oh so true and that was starting to become more and more evident. She sighed, tossing her phone in her purse irately. Why is this happening to me? She found herself wondering the entire time.

Lightening fluttered about the sky as thunder scurried between each interval like a clumsy child stumbling over their feet in attempt to avoid getting caught. Jill's footsteps where silent, cat-like as she wandered around the gigantic house - she was looking for Carlos, however she did not want him to spot her first.

"Looks like the power's down…" Carlos spoke from behind, however what made her turn to face him was the sound of the flickering light switch.

Blackout.

"I don't think the storm's come to an end either…" He walked further into the house. Jill remained silent, watching him with eyes full of regret.

He stood beside the fireplace, leaning his head against the mantel. It was silent for precisely twenty seconds before he gathered enough courage to speak. She counted.

"I don't hate you, Jill." He turned to her and paused, with forgiving eyes. "So you can stop thinking it." The arrogance within his voice made it seem trivial, however she knew it was deeply sincere.

She smiled at him.

"But…I stand on what I meant…"

Her smile suddenly subsided into an emotionless frown.

"I deserve to know, Jill."

"Why?" her emotions where beginning to flare once more, this time in the form of tears.

"Why do you even care now?"

"Why do I care?" he was becoming frustrated once more. "Jill…how can you be so goddamn nonchalant about this? I guess you've completely turned your back on the cause…"

"The cause?"

"Yeah…life. Life, Jill. Something you've both liberated and destroyed."

"And who are you to judge…who the hell are you to judge?" Her heart was racing.

"I'm not judging you Jill. I'm just speaking what's truth…and that's all I'm asking from you." He walked closer to her.

"No, don't!" she pushed his arm away. Glaring at him behind bloodshot eyes. She inhaled and moved her glare around the room, searching for a place to rest her hot-blooded ailment.

She plummeted onto the nearest sofa, cradling her face. I'm sorry…

"Jill…" she looked up at him.

"I wanted to marry you…I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you..."

"Look…I'm sorry." She suddenly confessed. "I am so sorry for what I did to you Carlos. But we have to move on from the past."

"I can accept that…now I just wanna know why."

She inhaled as much air as she could, and exhaled as she began speaking. "I was afraid…"

"…of what?"

"We couldn't have handled a child back then…"

"Yes we could have-"

"No, we couldn't. You know this." her voice was pensive. "Carlos…we couldn't even handle the poverty issue, let alone the outbreaks. We lucked out of dodging that bullet altogether…but it was only erupting then. I knew it would only get worse – and it did."

"So you felt that you and Chris could handle it?" he fought to hold back emotion.

"Carlos, Chris…Chris is very good friend of mine. I've known him for a long time – the last time I saw him, before the outbreak, was one of the worse days of our lives. Our badges were taken away from us – we were dishonored as officers. Oh and not to mention the fact that we had lost majority of our force including our double crossing leader – who in many ways was one of the contributors to the whole thing anyway."

He remained silent, listening to a part of her life that he never knew.

"That day, I told him to leave Raccoon – I felt it in my gut that something far worse was headed straight our way. Our being sent to that forest – that mansion – was not a coincidence…it wasn't the end."

He kneeled beside the fireplace, placing in fresh logs before standing up to grab the matches.

"I wasn't sure if he took my advice or not…I hadn't heard from him, or anybody for that matter, for weeks…"

Carlos waited until she stopped speaking before he lit a long stemmed match, he threw it at the center where a small basin of flammable oil sat and ignited the logs.

"Please understand…I left, because I could feel it happening all over the world – although it hadn't hit South America yet, I knew it would eventually. I'm not gonna lie, I was ecstatic to find out that he was still alive – in so many ways he's…my best friend." She paused suddenly, falling into a trance where she met the face of Chris – smiling at her as he would if he were really standing before her.

"As a fighter, I know you understand – when you feel it's time to move, you don't hesitate. Well, it was time for me. My dad was a Marine, and he was also a jewel thief, and whenever he'd complete an infiltration method he'd sign the blueprint, Semper Fi."

Semper Fidelis. "Always Faithful." Carlos spoke.

"I used to be fascinated by those things when I was kid believe it or not. But that specific part of them, it stuck to me all of these years. It kind of became a life motto, I guess. I'm faithful to whatever it is that keeps me alive. To the end."

"But now that he's gone…you are bittersweet?"

She was indeed.

"I never truly understood my father, yet I still had a deep love for him-"

"I wasn't talking about him…" She knew this.

"It doesn't matter how I feel about Chris…I'm not really worried about it anymore to be honest with you. Lauren is all I care about right now – he chose to leave it behind, which is his problem…" her temper had begun to flare once more at the thought of his absence.

"I'm sorry…" he noticed and approached her, hoping to get a chance to embrace her - to feel her body up against his again.

"Don't be." It made it out as a disgruntled whisper. She lowered her body back onto the couch - sitting so that she faced the fire. She watched as Carlos paced before her - he was debating whether or not he should take a seat beside her.

"So what do we do now?" He asked.

"I don't know. I don't sleep too well during storms, that is, if another one is coming like you said." It was an attempt to lighten the mood – a failed attempt at that.

"You know what I mean, Jill."

She sighed. "I'm not sure…what else there is to do, Carlos."

He turned and faced her and began walking as though an invisible force had propelled him from behind.

"I have an idea…" he lowered himself before her, as she remained seated on the couch. His eyes gazed deeply into hers for merely five seconds that seemed more or so like twenty minutes. He moved his head towards hers and in response she backed away.

He moved in once more and she slipped through his arms.

"Carlos, stop it. Don't make me do this…"

"Don't make you do what?"

"This. Don't make me fall for you again…"

"I'm not making you, how you feel is genuinely how you feel. Denying it only makes it worse."

"I can't…" Guilt had melted away and left remnants that eventually formed into temptation. Another deadly sin.

She wanted to explore that world at least one more time – the world of desire - she wanted to feel the hunger – the need from someone who adored her. She stood by a window that faced out towards the entryway terrace and took notice that the rain had returned. She wanted to experience that night all over again – the passion, the heat, the amount of times she met her climax and how even then it never was enough. The both of their bodies intertwined like two pieces of yarn braided together - their sweat emanating off of each other's bodies like steam from a locomotive engine. It was a force she hadn't felt in a while – tonight made her realize just how powerful it was and at the same time how much she actually missed it.

She turned to face him before realizing that he had already made his way towards her. There was deep/heated passion within his eyes, she could tell, as he hadn't blinked the entire time it took him to walk across the room. His focus was dead set on his target. Heat surged her entire frame and the closer he got it seemed the harder the rain had began to fall. She closed her eyes, hoping she'd be back home in Arizona - lying in her bed. That all changed as she felt his lips press softly against her own, and slowly – she opened her eyes allowing reality to hit her with the hard facts. His tongue - warm and strong - made its way through her lips and into her mouth, hungrily. She moaned as her hands ran along his shirt, gripping at the fabric as though it were his flesh.

She could feel him guiding her body backward until the wall stopped them from going any further. He moved his hands along the curve of her back, yearning to feel the skin beneath her clothes. His kisses moved from her lips down her jaw line and unto the smooth lanes of Jill's neck – his most favorite part of her body. He grappled the skin between gently clenched teeth whilst receiving harsh gasps from his prey.

"We shouldn't do this…it isn't right…" Jill whispered out amongst labored breaths. Her lips were hyperemic from the intoxicating kiss.

He ignored her plea and continued to pummel her with his appetite. His hands found comfort on the soft mounds of her breasts beneath her shirt. They moved down and around to her backside, where he gave two firm grips to the thick flesh.

"I've missed you so much, Jill." He whispered huskily – while placing his lips back onto her neck.

She didn't answer and she did not fight as he aimed his focus at removing the articles of her clothing.

"Still won't admit it…" he stood behind her, breathing down her neck as he spoke. He gave a light nip to her ear lobe, driving a stifling electric sensation through her body. He tightly embraced her, placing his hands on her stomach and moving amongst her torso.

"It's all right…you'll be saying it by the end of the night…" he assured.

He had managed to unfasten the button of her pants and in response she rested her head upon his shoulder, groping a handful of hair in exultation. His hand slid between the opened space - absorbing the warmth that he had missed.

"I can guarantee that…"

Jill bit her bottom lip to contain both her words and her pleasure - her body was quivering and all she could do was allow it to envelope her completely. She turned her head around and met his hungry lips, this time with a dominant force as she pushed her tongue into his mouth. A moan was all that emanated from him in response while he turned her body to face his. There lips did not separate. The kiss was long and undoubtedly intense – almost like two wild animals fighting for the same meal. Their hands began moving about as though they were frantically searching each other for a threat of some kind. Jill's hands gripped the bottom of his shirt and began sliding beneath it, reacquainting herself with his trunk that held every toned muscle intact. She broke her lips away, staring at him with ravenous eyes as she continued to move her hands upward, tacking the shirt along as well revealing the bronze skin of his chest and abdomen.

He pulled it over his head and off his body for good before offering her a stare more menacing than her own. He captured her lips once more while holding her hands at his chest - feeling the warm energy radiate through her palms and fingers. He left them there and moved his hands through the strands of her hair before supporting the base of her skull. He then ran his hands down her back stopping at her buttocks giving her a firm grip once more before lifting her body against the wall. He smiled obnoxiously in hopes of impressing her with the strength that he maintained over this long span of time. She smiled at him, lustfully, as her fingers traced the angle of his jaw and slowly made its way to his hair.

She wanted to feel what she had truthfully been missing.

"I want you, Valentine." He mentioned with her body still pinned against the wall.

She lowered her face against his, kissing him aggressively. Upon their break, he embraced her face once more.

"You need to get out of these…" he said referring to every piece of clothing that covered her body.

"We can't do this, not here…" she was nervous with strict dread at the possibility of Lauren walking in and seeing them.

"I know a place we can go…" he grabbed her hand and led her through a door that led out to the rear of his home.

"Out there…you mean, out there? In the storm?"

"…Just like old times, right?" he mentioned with the deviance of a child.

He led her out and noted that her focus did not move from the house. She was worrying too much, he thought.

"She's fine, Jill. Don't worry. I bet she's even dreaming now." He assured.

They kissed at exactly the moment they had found a spot not far from the house - in fact it gave for a clear view of the rear however their position could not be visible from the house itself. Jill was slightly relieved – with heavy emphasis on slightly. To further ease her worry, he grabbed her body tighter behind kisses that grew fiercer. She found comfort against the sturdy bark of a palm tree - ultimately, being sandwiched between it and Carlos' brawny musculature. His hands had already invaded her shirt as it had met its fate upon the ground, all before she could even realize. His eyes lingered over her body, the skin, the creamy skin he knew he'd never experience touching again – he lunged for her neck and received it without fight. She shut her eyes at the feeling of his teeth raking against her smooth skin.

He was growing antsy and decided to expand his quest - beginning a path of warm licks down the side of her neck and to the valley of her breast, where he spent a great amount of time exploring. He took her flesh into his mouth while his hand began caressing that which his taste could not. He could feel the vibrations of her moans through her skin, as she no longer inhibited them from escaping her mouth. He moved his lips further down her trunk offering the same treatment to her abdomen before stopping at the very top of her jeans. He stood back onto his feet, his eyes staring down at her with an almost gluttonous stare - he then kissed her with a force to match.

"Jill…" he whispered in between the kiss. "This isn't the place I meant…"

They grabbed what pieces of clothing had been removed and together they walked deeper into the quaint rainforest. The rain was coming down in full force and although the canopies of massive trees looked as though they could offer a great amount of coverage, it was in fact the complete opposite. This increased both Carlos and Jill's walking pace. Finally they arrived, soaked from head to toe, at a small cottage. Upon entry she took notice at the vast amount of boxes that had been stacked in most of the furniture-less spaces inside.

"I use this for more storage…"

How much more storage does one need if living alone in a mansion?

She didn't feel like saying it aloud as to not chill the balmy air between them. She studied the room instead, noting that it actually made for quite a comfortable living space – efficient enough for even two people. It held a small kitchen-like area with a gas powered grill, a sink, and a refrigerator – however it was not plugged in, a moderate sized bathroom, and a bedroom – equipped with a queen sized mattress and frame. She wondered why he hadn't turned on any lights but her wonderment was soon fulfilled as she felt his body move closer to her - through his pants she could feel his excitement that ached to be set free.

"This isn't fair…" she mentioned.

"What's that?"

"The fact that you still have on more clothes than I do…" her smile was sinister, and it increased the heat within his blood.

He engulfed her lips and her hands reflexively clutched his toned back. She melted as she felt his excitement grow more and more robust. He broke away in need of air as well another glimpse of Jill's gorgeous body - her jeans evoked him to finish what he had started out in the forest. He lowered himself back onto his knees aiming to remove the barrier. He took no time in getting them off and away from her body. She braced herself on the edge of a desk as he slowly slid them down her legs. His rough hands explored the warm flesh – they were another part of her that drove him absolutely insane and they were just the way he remembered them being - smooth and irresistible. He glared up at her, making known, without saying a word, what he intended on doing to her tonight. He stood before her and kissed her lips softly while parting her legs with his body - he used his weight to lower her back flat unto the surface of the desk as he broke the kiss. His eyes narrowed deep into hers and all she could feel was his passion pressing hard against her warmth.

He has to come out of those pants…

She secretly loved being teased, and she had once discovered sexually that Carlos was a partner that understood her body language perfectly. He knew how to please her in every way without need of her telling him. For both of them, foreplay was just as important as sex. He reached behind her back and lifted her closer all while fondling the clasp of her bra. With one hand he set her free. She bit her bottom lip while squeezing her legs around him – forcing her hips harder into him. He smiled at her jeeringly with no intentions of giving her what she wanted…just yet. He lowered her back unto the desk although she fought it - he held her in place with his incredibly strong hands.

"You want to fight, huh?" he couldn't have asked it any sexier.

He then kissed her once more, with a tongue that swept every angle of her mouth – swiftly, firmly, slowly, softly – sucking at her tongue and lips like a vampire possessed by the thirst. He was giving her a preview of what she claimed he mastered. And suddenly he was back on his knees – he spread her legs further apart and admired her center - the delectable piece of fruit that was hidden beneath black-laced panties. He was dying to taste her. He moved his tongue up the length of her leg, shifting to kisses at her thigh and the closer he grew to her warmth, the more flesh he consumed with his teeth. He avoided her center and moved in the same direction up the other leg.

Her body quivered allowing more heat to emit from her center. The teasing had ceased and right as she lifted her head to look at him, his mouth had found its place on her warmth through the delicate fabric. He braced her legs with his strong arms pushing her further back onto the desktop. Jill tilted her head against the inferior wall, as a moan escaped from her mouth.

Lauren sprung awake after experiencing an apnea – something she acquired as of recent. She began taking deep breaths, inhaling as much air as her airways would allow, just like her father had taught her incase Jill were never around to give her medicine. Soon, air began to fill her diaphragm and her system began to calm itself. She gazed around the room and eventually met her eyes with the opened window nearest the bed. The moon had moved to a higher post in the sky and no longer covered the room with its radiance. It was already morning, she figured. Everyone was probably asleep.

She turned her body out of the bed, sitting there for a few seconds to catch her bearings - she notices a full glass of water sitting on the small nightstand. Without removing it for a single gasp of air, she finished it in a matter of seconds. She took another deep breath and stood to her feet, waiting to see if she would experience any bought of dizziness. She noticed that her sight was beginning to blur and her hearing starting to fade from crisp to repetitive ringing. Lauren slammed her body back down onto the bed - keeping herself from experiencing vertigo – that's all she needed, a concussion – on top of a jellyfish sting.

"Gah…" she said while holding her head over her knees. She kept taking deep breaths – hearing her father's voice repeat it ever so gently.

"Breathe…just breathe, Lauren…from here…" She could feel the strength within his hand whenever he'd lay it over her belly, showing her the proper way of filling the lungs with air.

These dizzy spells where sudden - something that just showed up one day. She was fine at first - she wasn't having any episodes – but then her father left, and then BAM. Next thing that followed was her waking up on the girls' bathroom floor at school – not sure of what happened prior. Her school nurse says that she is going through "the change", or whatever that was. Her mother was buying into it, or at least she let it seem that way. Maybe that's why she forgot to leave the medicine beside the glass of water.

"Oh well…"

Their bodies emanated a scene fit for a sculptures eye, to depict the most sensuous actions done between a man and woman. The storm muffled the screams that exploded from Jill's mouth as Carlos continued to fill her with all the emotion he had thought he lost. Every single inch of him – she could feel – warm and deep inside, revisiting her gratifying lair.

Her legs were wrapped tightly around his waist, her hands - lost within the thick raven locks of his hair. His face was buried within the flesh of her neck and at every thrust it seemed he would bury it deeper. They had assumed a rhythm that both of their bodies responded to in unison.

All the things Jill had been mentally wrestling no longer received any of her energy, as it all went to the passion that currently enveloped her entire being. Carlos would stop only to look into her eyes and once he'd receive her full attention, he entered deeper.

"This…this is wrong. So wrong…" She fought the feeling of wanting to think about her marriage. She didn't want to think about Chris, or even Lauren. She wanted to feel good – wanted – appreciated.

"…but feels so good. So goddamn good…" he responded back, gripping her body tighter.

Like an enticed bull, Carlos lifted her body from the desktop and carried her over to the bare mattress where they spent the rest of the night. Without inhibition, without guilt, without sorrow or pain.

It was the early slithers of the sun that sprung Jill's body awake. She sat up and remembered back to the day she realized Lauren was an early bird - it happened to be the morning after she brought her home from the hospital. Carlos reflexively grabbed her body and pulled her into an intoxicating kiss.

"Morning breathe…" she whispered behind a sinister smile.

"Morning beautiful…" he mentioned back.

"I have to get back to the house, Lauren…"

"She's fine, Jill." He kissed her once more. But he did agree - they would be better off getting back to the house before the child woke up and saw the two of them scurrying in together as though they weren't doing anything inappropriate. Like a group of high school freshman. They clothed themselves and left.

The house was surprisingly silent. Everything had been left intact as it did the night before - even the empty wine glasses and bottles were still sitting on the counter in the kitchen. Jill was relieved for a brief second - however she couldn't fight the spirit of dread that harbored over her soul. She tipped on the brims of her toes up to the level where Lauren was still asleep, realizing it only through the crack of the door.

"My angel…" she whispered before shutting it.

She walked back down to the main level, back to the living room where Carlos had been sitting – rolling himself a cigarette.

"How is she?"

"She's fine. Sleeping like a bear."

"I told you." He turned to look at her.

Jill let out a dry chuckle.

"What's the matter Belleza?"

"…nothing." She sat on the couch beside him, her eyes staring out of the opened door of the path that led out to the shed.

"Am I a bad person, Carlos?"

He looked over at her, smiling cunningly while finishing up on his perfectly rolled cigarette.

"You are. As I am." He picked up a lighter from the table. "But you are also an amazing person."

Because everything in nature has pure harmony in that way. He had said it once before.

"We aren't human, Jill, if we don't exhibit both good and bad."

He lit the cigarette and expelled the first drag. Jill's eyes traced the course of the smoke that emanated from his nostrils. He noticed and offered it to her.

"Thanks. I needed that." She mentioned after exhaling the smoke through her mouth while looking at it as it sits securely between her index and middle fingers. Although, she was referencing entirely to what he had just said to her.

"Keep it, I'll roll another." He pulled out another small sheet and grabbed a hefty little pile of premium Cuban tobacco. The smell of it alone was enough to satisfy the craving.

"I'll get some coffee started in a bit too."

"I thought I heard you guys down here…" The scratchy voice caught their attention as it crept from the rear of the room.

"Hey Scarlet…how'd you sleep?"

"Like a rock, on steroids."

"What?" Carlos nearly choked on the first drag.

"Yeah…her morning sarcasm, how could I forget to warn you?"

Redfield's kid for sure. He thought. Jill's jokes were never dry.

"Good dreams, right?" Jill stood from the couch, charging her body into a full on stretch where she extended her back – elongating her spine and calling attention to the delicate curve of her trunk.

Carlos watched for a brief second and then looked away smiling.

"Yeah…" she remembered they weren't.

Jill clasped her arms around Lauren's frame and held her close to her body. "That's what I like to hear."

"I think I am going to take a shower." Carlos spoke up.

"Yeah I think we should follow that lead." Jill implied.

"You are more than welcome to use Doria's…I'm sure she has shampoo and such…"

Even though, he would give anything to have her alone with him – water cleansing away the heated night, whilst promoting a turbulent morning.

"Thanks." Jill threw a convincing smile but was hit full force by his.

"Siempre." He mentioned amongst another drag.

"I think we better get going Carlos, it's already getting kinda late. We fly out tomorrow evening. I want to be well rested for that." Charles had actually pulled some strings and set up the flight earlier that morning.

"That's totally understandable. When will I see you again?" He moved in close.

She glares into his eyes and accepts his lips. She had no answer.

"It's fine." He smiled, taking her into another kiss. "I'll just wait and see…"

He released her from his embrace at the sound of Lauren running down the main staircase, by the time she had made it to the lobby Carlos had already moved to the door.

"Thank you for keeping us warm and dry." Lauren mentioned to Carlos.

"Anytime." He smiled.

"Be safe out there. You don't want to get mixed up with the wrong set of people." Jill said as they were walking closer to the car. It sounded childish but he knew she meant every word.

"Likewise."

"Thank you…for everything."

She meant so much within that statement and he certainly felt it. He lifted her hand upon his lips and gently pressed them against the dorsum side of her fingers.

"Adios, mi amor…"

Jill was inside and the door was already closed before she heard anything.

Like the previous day, he stood there and watched her drive away. Perhaps forever. And like before, she watched through the rear-view mirror as his reflection faded into nothing.

The drive back to the hotel didn't seem as vigorous as the first couple of times – but something was definitely different about Jill's mood. Lauren could tell – however she didn't act on her curiosity.

Out of all times for this to happen, the universe felt it beneficial now. A time when Jill has felt the most vulnerable. Two men who had made some of the biggest changes in her life, two men that she loves dearly – both were tugging at her heart as though it were a rope. This wasn't her type of thing – love triangles that is. Those things were always fit for tasteless television daytime talk shows.

The sun had been hiding behind a wide spread blanket of clouds, which didn't seem ironic until they pulled into the hotel parking lot. It had been raining all night, and only the clouds ruled the daytime. Jill felt it was a reflection of what she had been truly feeling on the inside. She decided to pay valet to find a parking space somewhere in the lowest level of the garage after she had noticed a line of white limousines, bridesmaids in lavender, groomsmen in tuxedos with matching trim and a husband and wife that already seemed two sheets to the wind. It was a beautiful party she couldn't deny, yet she felt a little uncomfortable wondering what it would've been like to have one of her own. Weddings certainly wasn't her thing either.

She and Lauren passed the scattered champagne sippers and bar crawlers until they reached the elevator.

"Let's do room service again tonight?" suddenly Lauren asked.

Jill felt relieved - she didn't want the trip to seem like a total waste seeing as they did spend a great majority of the time at Carlos' place. Both she and Lauren were pretty tired – too tired to explore the island on their last night. In all honesty, Jill just wanted to be home.

Jill sat the articles down.

The memories hit her like water to the face from a 500 foot free-fall off of a bridge. Thoughts she never allowed to course her mind since her tainted years as a teenager. She could remember feeling just that a few days after she and Lauren made it back home.

And then, after all of that, she still managed to squeeze out a paper that drove her several notches up the totem pole of respect. Especially from Charles, a person who secretly revered her in the first place.

Jill exited the room at the sound of her cell phone from the bed room. She had left it there by accident when she realized the hefty amount of laundry that needed to be done. Most of it being the fresh batch that Chris emptied out of his…suitcase. She kept contained the fact that all of the clothes were never worn – she cleaned them anyway, like a good wife should.

She entered the room and noticed that it was only an alarm warning her that Lauren needed to be picked up from school.