Disclaimer: Resident Evil is property of Capcom. This story is my property.
Side Notes: This story takes place several years after Umbrella's fall. Dates in reference to the RE timeline are guessed on. Background information for main characters is a cross between the games and the S. D. Perry novels.
Story Of UsBy: Striker
Chapter 11- Perfect Day
Present.
"Our wedding day was the best day of my life." Jill sighed. "It was so perfect."
"It must have taken them days to decorate the church." Chris added.
"I'm glad you managed to get my father out of prison for the day." Jill said.
Chris smiled. "I figured that he should be there. I had to go through a lot of trouble to get him released for the day."
"And I appreciated that very much." Jill stared out the window, her smile getting bigger. "I was so nervous when I was getting ready. It didn't help having all my friends trying to coach me."
"I didn't have an easier time." Chris said. "Leon and the other guys were just as bad. And the sister didn't help any. I honestly thought I was going to forget what to say."
"At least we got through it." Jill said.
Chris nodded. "And like you said, it was perfect."
Monroe, North Carolina. August 14, 2003.
It was eleven in the morning. The birds chirped happily outside the church, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. Jill stared nervously into the full–sized mirror as Kathy and Rebecca finished adjusting her dress. She took a deep breath as she flexed her hands. "Are you two done yet? I'm beginning to feel like a mannequin."
Kathy stepped back and admired her handiwork. "You look just as beautiful as I did when I got married."
"There." Rebecca stood back next to Kathy. "That dress looks great on you. I can't wait till I get married."
"So are you and Carlos going to get married?" Kathy asked.
"Someday." Rebecca replied, staring dreamingly at the ceiling.
Jill looked herself over. The dress was a traditional white dress, complete with the lace and frills. She had on long white gloves that ran up to her elbows and white high-heel shoes covered in glitter. Her hair was tied up in an elaborate brand that ran around her head. Her makeup had been applied several hours beforehand. She had put on the right amount of lipstick, blush, mascara, and eye shadow. All in all she looked perfect.
"Are you going to stare at yourself all day?" Jill turned to see Claire smirking at her. "If you ask me you're way too tense." Claire, as well as the other women in the room, was dressed in light blue bridesmaid dresses. Claire was the Maid of Honor for the main reason that it was her brother's wedding.
"You'll feel the same way when it's your wedding." Jill replied.
Claire chuckled. "Loosen up Jill, it'll all be over before you know it. Besides, I don't know how but Chris got your dad out of the pen just for today. That should help you calm down a little."
Jill smiled. "I'm sure it will. I just want this to go smoothly. I've read a lot of horror stories about what has happened at weddings."
"Half those stories aren't true." Claire said.
"I know." Jill said. "I'm just so nervous."
"Don't worry Jill." Sherry said. "You'll be OK."
"Yeah," Polly added, "you look great."
Moira nodded in agreement. "You look just like mom in her wedding pictures."
"Thanks guys." Jill said. ""I'm glad I have friends like you."
Lily smiled mischievously. "Wait until you see what we're going to throw at you on the way out of the church."
"I hope it's not rice." Jill said.
"So do I." Rebecca said, a look of horror on her face. "If you do when the birds eat the rice it'll expand in their stomachs and the birds will explode."
"No, Claire corrected, giving Rebecca a weird look. "We won't be throwing rice because we don't want anyone to slip and break their necks. We have something much better."
Jill shuddered at the thought of what it could be. Suddenly a man entered the room. When Jill saw who it was her face lit up. "DAD!"
"We better leave." Kathy said. "We have to get the men and take our places." The women hurryingly left the room, leaving Jill and her father alone.
Jill gave her father a hug. "Hi dad, I'm glad you're here."
"You should thank Chris." Dick said. "He's the one who got me here. I'm also glad that you're not calling my by my first name anymore."
"You'll have to thank Chris for that too." Jill said.
Dick looked over his daughter. "You look just like your mother. Dania you have been proud of you."
"I wish she was here." Jill said. "I miss her so much."
"I'm sure she's looking down from heaven right now." Dick replied. "I'm glad you finally found someone. I was beginning to wonder if my little girl would ever get married."
Jill looked at her father. Dick looked great for a man in his late forties, early fifties. His hair was beginning to gray but aside from that he looked to be in great shape. "I see time in prison hasn't worn you down."
Dick laughed. "You'd be surprised what kind of exercise program they have there. Well, we better get set. The ceremony should be starting soon." Together, father and daughter prepared for the walk down the aisle.
Meanwhile Chris was in another room, pulling on his collar. "Man, I feel like I'm choking."
"You know that thing is designed to shrink the more you tug at it." Leon said.
Chris turned to his sister's boyfriend. "Don't start with me now."
"Settle down children." Barry said. He, like all the other men, was in a tuxedo. Chris had made Barry the best man, even though Claire suggested strongly that it should be Leon. Chris did explain why he wanted Barry to be the best man, seeing as how if Barry had never gotten him to join S.T.A.R.S. that he would never have met Jill. After a lengthy argument, Chris won out. "So how do you feel?" Barry asked.
"Like I'm going to pass out." Chris replied.
"Don't worry." Carlos said. "All you have to do is say two little words when you're asked to speak. I do."
Ark walked over and patted Chris on the back. "It's not like you're going to forget them?"
Chris turned to Ark. "I'm afraid I will."
"I knew we should have given the boy some tranquilizers." Leon said.
"I don't think that would help." Chris said.
"You'll do fine." Lott said. "At least, that's what Ark told me to say."
Ark chuckled in embarrassment. "It's funny what kids say, huh?"
Barry turned to Chris. "Just try to relax. I felt the same way when I married Kathy. The day will be over before you know it."
"Man, I can't wait to see what Jill's going to look like." Chris said. "She must be beautiful."
"She is." Claire said, barging in.
"Hey, this is the men's room." Leon said. "No women allowed."
"Maybe she's the stripper?" Ark jokingly asked. The three glares her got from Chris, Claire, and Leon made him freeze. "Forget I said anything."
Carlos walked over to Ark and slapped him on the back. "Good call. Anyway, I'm wondering what Becky's going to look like."
"I can't wait to see Sherry." Lott blurted out. "Oops."
Leon chuckled. "Looks like someone has a little crush."
"I wouldn't call it little." Ark said. "I'd say it's big."
Claire cleared her throat and got everyone's attention. "As much as I'd love to sit here and chat we have a wedding to take care of. Everyone else is waiting. Let's go."
Leon saluted Claire. "Sir, yes Sir."
The group began to file out of the room. Barry and Chris were the last to leave.
"You ready?" Barry asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Chris replied. "I just wish my parents were here to see this."
"They're probably watching from heaven right now, as are our other friends." Barry said. "I'm sure they're all watching."
The church was decorated from top to bottom. Big, white bows were set on every pew. The alter was surrounded by roses, tulips, and other flowers. Colored banners hung from the ceiling and colorful decorations were hung on the wall. The church was packed with family and friends, most of which were involved in fighting Umbrella. Chris stood at the right side of the alter trying to suppress the panic. The men were behind him and the women were at the other end of the alter. Chris took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Hang in there champ." Leon said. "Only three more rounds to go."
Chris smiled at Leon's comment and looked over at his sister. She smiled at him and winked. Chris nodded back and turned towards the rear doors. Soon the familiar brides music started. All attention turned to the back of the church as Jill and her father walked down the aisle Chris was taken back by how lovely Jill looked in her dress. Through her veil he could tell that she was smiling. He saw that Dick was smiling too, proud of his daughter. Suddenly all of Chris' worries vanished as he watched Jill approach him.
Jill felt like the happiest woman alive as she neared the alter. Her heart was pounding with excitement. In a few minutes she would be Chris' wife and they would be bound together forever. All her fears and doubts disappeared as she got closer to the alter. She was oblivious to the others looking at her. All she focused on was Chris.
Soon Chris and Jill were standing face to face. They went through the ring part of the ceremony, and then the priest began to recite the vows to the couple, starting with Chris. However, both Chris and Jill were lost in each other's gaze, only half-listening. When the priest finished Chris said, "I do." The priest then began to recite the vows for Jill. Jill also said "I do."
"If there is anyone here that has reason for these two to not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace." Finally the moment that both of them were waiting for came. "I now pronounce you man and wife." The priest said. "You may kiss the bride."
Chris lifted the veil and stared into Jill's eyes. Jill did the same, beaming as Chris let go of the veil and let it fall behind her head. They then kissed each other to the applauds from all present. The exit precession then began, with the bride and groom at the front. Claire and Leon followed, closely followed by Barry and Kathy, Carlos and Rebecca, Sherry and Lott, Ark and Moira, and finally Dick and Polly. As soon as Chris and Jill exited the front door a couple of dozen people were lined up.
"HIT IT!" One of the people yelled. Suddenly the crowd fired silly string into the air. The precession was covered by a wall of foam.
Chris turned back to his sister. "Silly string?"
"Hey, it's better than rice." Claire replied.
Chris and Jill bolted for the waiting limo and hopped in. "See you at the reception." Jill called as she closed the door. The limo took off, the words "JUST MARRIED" written on the rear windshield.
Claire shoveled in the last piece of her cake. "God that was good. I think I'll have another piece."
"Didn't you read the sign?" Leon asked. "Limit one per customer."
"They have several cakes." Claire replied. "Besides, I don't think Chris would mind. Right?"
Chris gave his sister a sly smirk. "Sorry sis, you should have made that piece last." He and his friends were gathered around a large table in the corner of the reception hall. Everyone was present, except for Carlos and Rebecca, who were dancing. Lott and Sherry were also dancing together, as Moira and Polly with some other boys.
"How can you eat so much and eat so fast?" Leon asked. "Sometimes I feel like I'm dating a garbage disposal."
"Two words, high metabolism." Claire replied.
"Two words, hog troth." Ark said. "How many trips did you make to the buffet table again?"
Leon held up eight fingers. "At least eight. Even Barry didn't eat that much."
"Well excuse me." Claire said.
Barry chuckled. "I can't wait to see you two get married."
"You two will probably drive each other crazy." Kathy added.
"We already do." Leon replied.
"So how does it feel like to be Mr. And Mrs. Redfield?" Ark asked.
Jill smiled. "Just great. Too bad we had to wait this long."
"I'm just glad my daughter found the right man." Dick said. "And I'm grad I was able to be at my daughter's wedding."
Jill turned to Chris. "So just how did you get my father out of prison?"
Chris scratched the side of his face. "Well, during our visits I got to be friends with one of the wardens. I basically asked if Dick could be released for his little girls wedding. After about a half hour we made a deal. Dick could attend our wedding if he promised to return after it was over. And if he ran, I would be held responsible and take his place."
Jill turned from her husband to her father. "Good thing you didn't run."
"I didn't want you two to have to spend your honeymoon on opposite sides of a piece of glass." Dick said. "Besides, three more years and I'm a free man."
"They reduced your sentence?" Jill asked.
Dick nodded. Good behavior."
"Well there's some good news." Barry said.
"Hey, you two better get ready if you're going to make your flight." Claire said. "It leaves at four. You have an hour to get to the airport."
"Where to?" Chris asked.
"We all chipped in and got you a four day vacation to the Bahamas." Ark said. "Thought it would be the perfect place for a honeymoon."
"Thanks guys." Chris said. He turned to Jill. "We better get going."
Jill nodded and got up. "Oh dad, how are you going to get back to prison?"
"I need to be at the airport in Charlotte by ten." Dick replied.
Barry waved his hand. "Don't worry, I'll get him there."
"Thanks." Jill said. With that, Chris and Jill left the reception to leave for the airport.
It was seven-thirty by the time the newlyweds got to their hotel. The sun was beginning to set into the ocean as clouds began to cover the sky. Chris opened the door to their room scoped up Jill. He carried her into the room and set her down on the bed, giving her a kiss. "I'll get the luggage."
Jill smiled and looked at her ring. Finally she was married at twenty-eight to a man she had been with for six years. "Finally." She whispered to herself. She got up off the bed and looked around the room. The honeymoon suite was huge, with a large bed with red sheets. A sliding glass door opened out onto a private deck with hot tube. A large bathroom had everything, including a whirlpool in the corner. She stared out the window at the beach. She heard Chris lug in the final suitcase. "This is beautiful." Jill said.
"Not as beautiful as you." Chris said. She gently kissed her and looked outside. "Well, what do you want to do?"
"I was thinking about a romantic walk along the beach and then coming back here." Jill replied.
Chris turned to Jill and smiled. "I like your thinking." He turned back to the beach and noticed how dark the sky was getting. "It's getting dark out. I wonder why?"
His question was answered by the steady sound of rain falling outside. It started slowly at first, but increased in speed until it was pouring.
"You got to be kidding me." Jill said. "It's raining."
Chris sighed. "Looks like do romantic walk."
"What are we going to do now?" Jill asked.
"Well," Chris started, "this is our honeymoon." He wrapped his arms around Jill. "And this is our wedding night. I'm sure we can find something to do."
Jill smiled as she wrapped her arms around Chris. "I suppose we can."
The newlyweds began to kiss as the rain continued to fall outside.
Present.
"It rained the entire time we were there." Jill said.
"It did finally stop raining the last day we were there." Chris corrected. "And we made good use of it."
"We didn't let the other days go to waste either." Jill said. "I still remember splashing around in the hot tube in the rain. The other people must have thought we were crazy."
"The other guys did say it would be the perfect trip." Chris said. "They were right."
"That whole day was perfect." Jill said. "Standing at the alter with you is something I'll remember for the rest of my life. I couldn't have asked for anything more special than that."
"And that's one thing no one can ever take away from us." Chris said.
Author's Comments: Ah, how beautiful. Despite some initial jitters Chris and Jill got through their wedding with no problems. Also, it may have rained during their honeymoon, but that didn't stop the two from having a good time. And what about the others comments before the wedding ceremony? I guess the advice helped a little. And finally Jill's dad was able to attend his daughter's wedding. It wouldn't be a proper wedding without family. Too bad Chris' parents weren't alive to see this, but they were there in spirit. A few things, I've only been to one wedding in my whole life, so I may have gotten the procedure mixed up. Second, the story about the birds and rice is an urban legend that I read about in a book.
In the final chapter of this story it's a special time for Chris and Jill. Chris has something planned and it's going to be great. Find out what it is and what the special occasion is in Story of Us: Chapter 12- Special Anniversary.
