The next morning when Ilona came downstairs for breakfast, Evey immediately noticed the new jewelry she was sporting. She almost pointed it out, until she looked at Ilona's expression. She was brushing her fingers over the sapphire and her gaze was on Jonathan.
And in her eyes, Evey saw reflected the very same emotion she herself held for Rick.
She decided to keep her revelation to herself. For now.
Meanwhile, Rick was completely oblivious to it all.
One night, a few days later, he and Jonathan had decided to go out for a drink at a local bar. It was there, after a few too many drinks, that Jonathan finally learned Ilona's story.
Rick had ended up spilling his guts to him, his guilt had evidently been building. And so he told him...
When Rick was young, he never knew his father. He had grown up with his mother, step-father, and half-brother. His brother was only 11 months younger than him. They were somewhat close, but over the years there had always been a line between them.
Rick knew that his step-father had always viewed him as his wife's bastard son. His brother was always treated better, even by their mother.
But Rick was fine, his half-brother was the good kid, it left him leeway to be the wild one. And as soon as he turned 15, Rick said goodbye to his little brother and left to travel the world.
He only came back to the states after hearing of their mother's passing. And lo and behold, when he returned it was to find his 18 year old brother married with a 3 year old child. Evidently his kid-brother had gotten in trouble messing around too young.
Just like that Rick had a niece, Ilona. She was a real cute kid, and over the years Rick would return every once in a while to visit his little niece. He always came bearing gifts. And in some deeply buried part of him, he couldn't help but be a little jealous of his little brother's perfect family.
And then he screwed it all up. Ilona must have been 7 or 8. He and his brother had gotten into some argument. It had started off petty, but all too soon, they were drudging up old resentments.
His brother blamed him for not being there for their mom when she was dying. Rick said he was never really part of that family anyway.
Well maybe you shouldn't be part of this one either. His brother had said. As soon as the words left his mouth you could see he regretted it.
And in his anger, Rick agreed. He wouldn't be a part of his brother's perfect little family, they didn't need him. Then he left.
Ten years years went by, until Rick received a letter. It was from the sister of his brother's wife, Ilona's aunt.
To Rick O'Connell,
I have taken in our niece Ilona, after the departing of her mother, my dear sister. Seeing as she is now an orphan with both parents gone, she will need a place to stay. However I will only allow her to stay until she turns 18. After that where she goes is up to you.
-Harriet Marsh.
And that was it.
"It was my first time hearing it. That my little brother was dead. I wrote back confirming that I would take her in. And I asked her how long he had been gone. Nine years. He died a year after that argument. And I never knew."
(A/N): I hope you guys liked it. Thank you again Daere for reviewing! This chapter gives you guys a little more insight into Ilona as well as my interpretation of Rick's background. Please review, every time I see that someone's reviewed I get so happy, it really means a lot to me!
