JILL

She had been insecure. She couldn't figure out what was going on with her, but she knew she wasn't the same. She was having a great time with mom and dad in the ranch. It brought her back to her peaceful childhood memories. She sometimes wished so hard she could go back in time and start all over again. Why had she chosen to be an agent anyway?

Chris had called from a different number to her mom's new private cell phone. He called himself Joe. She laughed when she heard his voice. It was always good to hear his voice. She loved him so much; he was definitely the best friend she had ever had. She asked him about his new girl without mentioning her name and he had answered she was doing fine. He was in love and thinking of a new start for his life. But he had some things to solve first. She knew what he was talking about. He had called to tell her he would be showing up anytime. She said she would always be right there waiting.

She was very glad he had finally found his way in love. She could tell by the tone of his voice that he was emerged in happiness. She wondered when she would feel the same. She also wondered when she would have the guts to show up to Carl and show him she was alive. She feared he would have a heart attack, though. Ha ha. He would definitely think she was a ghost.

Who was that man always circling the ranch in the morning? Before she could go there and talk to him, he would have disappeared. The doctors would come every day at 10 o'clock sharp. They would examine her, collect blood samples every other day, and give her some medication. They would never say a word to her and she didn't know what was going on.

If only she knew…

Chris and Sheva were easily adapting to their new lives as a couple. The rest of the week went as fast as a comet. They would always be together after work, shifting places. He wanted to ask her to move in, but that could look suspicious to BSAA. He also wanted her to have her own privacy for a while, until he completely embraced her life as a whole.

They would go home and eat together everyday. They would run and exercise together; he helped her with her workout, training her, as a partner would do. She was getting better each day. Then they would shower and make love. He just couldn't get enough of her. He wondered if sex was a release for him. Emotionally and psychologically. He couldn't think of anything else during their lovemaking. It would take him out of his frustrated world and lead him to a path he had never been traced before.

They had decided to visit Jill that Saturday morning. Sheva happily prepared something for her, an African coconut cake. She hoped Jill would like it. Chris admired Sheva for being so caring with people and always trying to make them feel better. They knew they could be watched there, so they would be extra careful before talking about anything related to the BSAA. They would focus on her, her feelings, her health. He needed to see with his eyes that his long term partner was fine.

JILL

Jill was reading a book in the balcony when she spotted that good-looking couple walking towards her. Chris was wearing a white shirt, jeans, and sunglasses. Always handsome, she thought. Sheva wore a flowered mini dress, a light beige sweater, and sunglasses too. Her hair was tied up beautifully. They looked like those famous couples on magazines' covers. Her heart was filled with happiness. My friends.

Chris opened his arms widely and she hugged him tight, as if she hadn't seen him for other two years. She also hugged Sheva emotionally and, surprised, thanked her for the cake. What a sweetie pie!

'I'm so happy you guys are here today. Chris, you know this ranch well. But I have to show Sheva around. Come, Shev.'

Sheva was enchanted by the magnitude of her parents' ranch. She could definitely tell Jill came from a rich family. There were horses, goats, and some other small animals. But it was also very comfortable, not as rustic as a farm. There was a lake nearby and Jill intently invited them to go there.

'We could go on a boat ride. It feels good to talk and listen to the sound of water.'

Chris was expecting that. He knew she was smart and would soon come up with an idea about talking to them privately. Water could block any bugs. My girl, he thought.

'Keep smiling.' She said as she and Chris rowed the boat. 'So,' she continued, 'how have you guys been?'

'Great, Jill, as you might already know,' Sheva replied, 'but we're here to know about you.'

'I'm a little worried,' she said with a huge smile on her face. 'Wow, it feels funny to talk smiling.' She chuckled. 'Well,' she continued, 'things haven't changed yet. I have no idea of what is going on and they won't let me know yet.'

'Jill, I'm doing what I can.' Chris said, worried.

'Smile.' She intervened. 'There's a man who always comes around in the morning and then leaves. I guess he's just trying to make sure I'm still here. I don't want to go anywhere because I know I might be followed.'

'Have you talked to Carl yet?' Chris asked.

She raised her head down and lifted it up right away after realizing she could be watched.

'We haven't talked yet. He doesn't know.'

'Jill, he needs to know you're alive. This isn't fair to him.'

'It's not fair to me, either, Chris. But I don't want to involve him in this crazy mess. Let's wait till it gets better.'

'It may take a while, Jill. Still, the guy has the right to know.'

'Chris, I hate you sometimes', she smiled.

'He's right, Jill,' Sheva continued, 'I'd be really mad at Chris if he disappeared and was alive somewhere without telling me. If you want, we can let him know but tell him to stay far.'

Jill smiled at her innocence and goodwill.

'He won't be far, Sheva. There'll be nothing that will keep him away from me. Chris knows how we were back then.'

'Yeah, I know', Chris responded. 'But he can be cautious. He's smart.'

'Chris, drop it.' Jill alerted him, still with a smile on her face.

'No, partner. I won't drop it. You sacrificed your life for me. If you hadn't thrown Wesker down the window, I'd be dead right now. So I owe you my life. And I'll fix yours no matter what it costs.'

'He's right, Jill. And I'll help my partner', Sheva winked naughtily.

'Ugh! I can't deal with one Chris, now I have his clone to drive me nuts!'

They all laughed together. Jill was really shaken with all that had been said, including about Carl. Damn, she missed him so much. Chris noticed the look in her eyes and gave her a warm hug, whispering in her ear. 'It'll be fine, honey. You'll see. We'll figure out.'

She had tears in her eyes but kept smiling. She was also so happy to have them around. She was blessing Chris all the time for having picked an amazing girl.

'Chris, the only reason why I don't hate you right now is because the best thing you've ever done in your life was choosing this preciosity. Sheva, you had to see the type of women he picked before…'

'Shit… there she goes again.' Chris complained.

'Well, we all make mistakes at some point, right?' Sheva commented, smiling.

Chris was inside talking to Jill's parents. They liked him very much. At some point, they were praying that Chris and Jill would be together. But they knew Jill was too sure of herself sometimes, in a very proud way, and that would probably set them apart later.

Jill sat with Sheva by the water, as they watched the sun set peacefully.

'Sheva, I want to thank you.'

'Why? You've thanked me enough in Africa, Jill. We're even now.' Sheva smiled.

'I thank you first for making him so happy. He's glooming, Sheva, I've never seen him like that.' Jill said cheerily. 'And I thank you for supporting him… in his… decisions and thoughts.'

Sheva got what she meant.

Jill was feeling nice and happy, but Sheva noticed that sometimes she was a little bit uneasy. She guesses she knew why.

'Jill,' Sheva called her attention. 'I know about Chris's past.' She didn't want to mention that she knew they had something before.

'Oh… Do you know about… that?' Jill looked in her eyes eagerly.

Sheva smiled.

'Yes, and I don't care. Trust me.'

Jill let out a sigh of relief.

'I thought once you knew you wouldn't be so supportive… but you are. You're so nice.'

'Well, what happened stays in the past. There was no me in his life back then. Why should I care? I trust him and I trust you too. You can even keep him for yourself as long as you want if you need. I won't mind.'

Jill laughed at her sense of humor.

'But Jill… Just between us. Give Carl a chance.' She hopefully looked into Jill's eyes.

'I'll see, Sheva. I do miss him. I heard he divorced. So at least he has no kids or wife around.'

'Maybe life is smiling at you now.'

'I don't know… Sometimes I think I'm paying for what I did to him, you know. He was always so nice and I was cold and insecure. He gave me a ring and I never cared to wear it. I wish I could go back in time.'

'Maybe he doesn't see you that way, Jill.'

'Yeah… I know how he will react when he sees me, Sheva. He's the most passionate man I've ever seen. Very different from me. I'm a little bit secluded and I keep to myself most of the time. But that man…' She sighed… 'Woo… If he saw me, he would come right to my arms and find the closest place where he could lock me in and take off my clothes.'

'Wow. That sounds great…'

Jill smiled maliciously.

'Well, you know, two years with no 'that' can really make you lose your mind.'

They burst out laughing. They shared intimacy secrets and stories as if they were best friends. Jill talked openly to Sheva about Carl, and Sheva thought that was really good for her. She was finally getting out of her shell and more willing to face her past. Jill asked Sheva teasingly how she was dealing with Chris's 'talent' and she told her jokily that she hadn't had one night of rest since they hooked up for the first time.

They laughed louder and louder like two teenage girls who skipped a class. Chris looked at them curiously from the window. What the hell are they talking about? He cockily assumed. Well, either men or penises. He felt happy to see them so engaged. He loved them with all his heart and he prayed that God would give him what he needed to protect them. He also prayed that Jill and Carl could finally get back together. He would find a way to tell him. She wouldn't forgive him if he was such an intruder, but he didn't care.

Chris was driving back home at dusk. Wow, the day went so fast, he thought. Sheva peacefully slept beside him and he could see her breathing rising up and down on her chest. He never felt so grateful in his whole life.

He woke her up in the parking lot, gently kissing her lower lip. She opened her beautiful hazel eyes.

'Great way to wake up…' She smiled, still a little drowsy. 'Is it morning yet?'

'Nah. Evening. And it will be a long night as far as I'm concerned.'

Sheva laughed as he lifted her up and carried her back home, not caring if anyone was watching. There was only him there. And he was taking her to paradise.

Thanks for all your reviews guys. There is one more chapter left, Sheva's Journal. I thought it could be a great ending for our story. I decided to add this chapter because I like Jill and wanted to describe her point of view as well, but the chapters may not seem very connected. But I am very happy with my last chapter, just need to work on some details. ;)