It's not that late at night and Chris left a voice message to Claire when she failed to pick up the call early morning. Most of them are handling some stuff before the holiday break ends. He just said he needs to drive Jill back to her apartment. She wasn't expecting that he wouldn't be back until night though. Not that there is anything wrong with staying up late at night outside. She just has something to tell him and it's has been making her anxious the entire day.
The coffee Claire made has gone cold and doesn't even have the appetite to eat a real meal during the entire day. It's mostly just water and bread. She closes her eyes and massages the back of her neck. She drove Sherry back to her house so that the young girl can handle personal matters in her house and finalize preparations before moving away. If it were up to her, she would just offer her to stay with them but it seems like Raccoon City is not some place that would be healthy for Sherry.
She hears the front door open and can get a small glimpse of Chris entering their house.
"Hey, kiddo. What are you going there?" He says as he gingerly walks towards the kitchen where she is staying at.
"Nothing, just having coffee." She gives him a small smile and shrugs.
The absence of a newly cooked meal's scent at dinner time makes him feel gloomy but he tries to uplift the atmosphere. He pats her head. "Coffee is not enough though, what do you want for dinner? Chef Chris can have a special comeback just for tonight."
She lightly chuckles. The guy just seems like he is walking on air and has been blissful since he has been with Jill. But that is not enough to make her entrust the cooking to him again. However, actually feels guilty and feeling like a nuisance. It's like he can't fully enjoy and savor in his newly found happiness because of the problems she has been having. And here she is going to drop another bomb again.
"So what do you want?" Chris asks again.
"I have something to tell you first." Claire says.
Claire moves closer to Sherry, sits next to her and hugs her. After telling her about what happened in the Guidance Councilor's office, Sherry bursts into tears. Recalling the incident was never easy, much more talking about it with someone.
Claire tries her best to comfort her. Rubbing her hand on her back and whispering words of assurance that everything will be OK soon. She feels Sherry lightly nod her head.
"Why are you so nice to me?" Sherry couldn't help but ask. It all feels surreal. The amount of times she was able to lean on Claire, the support and encouragement she has received and many more. It feels too surreal that she is actually afraid that it might backfire or might disappear out of the blue.
"Because I care." Claire simply answers.
"You saved her Chris." She says as she finishes retelling Sherry's experience to him. "I asked if I could tell that to you and she said it's fine. She only wished she could tell it to you and thank you personally but it's just too much sometimes and she is just a kid."
Chris nods and stays quiet. But deep inside, he just wants to punch Simmons until the old man is unrecognizable. He always tells his players to respect women but it is Simmons who he should be talking to. But talking just can't cut it, no, it's not enough. "Claire, you don't think he is the one who has been forcing all those girls drugged by the Ashfords to . . "
He couldn't finish what he was about to say as he sees the horrified look on his sister's face. His theory is very plausible and his blood starts to boil. If he was trying to be lawful earlier, now he is just someone who they might call as chaotic evil.
"I need to call Barry." Chris says and fishes out his phone.
"Chris, it might be difficult to prove him guilty." Claire takes a deep breath and tries to ease her nerves. Thinking Sherry has already been through a lot, testifying to be sexually abused by the school's guidance council may not be the best next move for Sherry to choose.
He hides the phone again and sighs. "I'll think of something. We'll get that bastard."
She buries her face in her hands and he just sits down next to her. Silence enveloped them as reality strikes. They would be going back to school again this Monday. He places his hand on her shoulder, remembering how she was ecstatic and looking forward to finally work in that school. He has never imagined them plotting how to get their guidance councilor arrested.
"Chris." She lifts her head up then looks at him. "I know have never told you this and I rarely say things when it comes to your social life . . . "
He stares back at her inquisitively.
"But am I very happy for you and Jill. I'm very glad to see you happy" Truth be told she can see his eyes lit up and are filled with joy whenever Jill is around. "I'm just sorry that I'm burdening you with all my shits."
He clicks his tongue and pulls her into a tight hug. "Don't worry about it. We've been looking after each other and that won't change no matter how many other people we meet."
Simmons has been tapping the spacebar and backspace keys alternatively as he is unsure what he should type. The events that happened a few weeks ago escalated quickly and he knows it will get out of hand soon. That bitch Alexia must be crazy revealing both Birkin Doctors like that. She know that's one of the leverage he has on Sherry and Alexia just jeopardized him. It seems like if the Ashfords will go down, he needs to go down as well. The insane bitch doesn't care if the entire school will be closed as long as other people won't get what's supposedly theirs.
He heard that the Principal will resign today though, that would mean he might probably be next in line. But how in the hell will he keep his post? He looks at Sherry Birkin's documents on his table and he frowns again. He clicks his tongue and tries to think how he would be able to keep that girl on a leash and keep her from talking.
He hears a knock on the door. "It's open. Come in."
Helena peeks inside for a moment before entering the office. "Hi, Mr. Simmons."
He clears his throat and gestures her to take a seat. Looks like it's his lucky day, his stress reliever might have just arrived. "This is a surprise. Miss Harper, right?" He nods while looking at her. He has always heard rumors about this girl being a lesbian but seeing her wearing a black skirt, he wouldn't mind what her orientation is as long as he gets a taste of her.
"Yes, sir. I'm sorry. I know you are a busy person and I didn't schedule anything with you prior to going here but I just need to talk to you about something." She nervously tells him as she takes a seat.
"It's alright. This office is a safe and private place." He stands up and walks over to the main door. "So tell me what's your concern?" He locks the door and walks back to his desk.
"My sister Deborah has been sent here a few weeks ago. I know that her grades are not really that good enough and I do apologize if she can't keep up." Helena fiddles with her fingers as she sees him lean on his desk.
"Ah, yes. She won't be able to keep her scholarship if that continues, I needed to intercept." He shrugs and shakes his head. "'I'm not sure if she can still really manage to get her grades back up with her attendance record."
"I know, sorry. But something happened. Something personal and she couldn't focus before but I can assure you that she is doing fine now." She firmly says. Even though she can't explain specifically how her sister has been through and got out of an abusive relationship, she is sure that Deborah can get back on her feet.
"Well, unfortunately, I can't simply rely on your words for assurance alone." Simmons shakes his head once again.
"But she can do it. I will help her as well. I will tutor her from time to time. Maybe I can lessen my working hours at my job and spend more time with her. Please, sir. Let her keep her scholarship." She begs. Knowing very well that Deborah desperately needs that scholarship and they can barely survive day by day. Although she is sure that she can't lessen her working hours, she will probably lessen her sleeping hours but telling Simmons what she said sounds more convincing and believable rather than the latter one.
"You sure you will do anything?" He smirks.
"Yes, definitely! I can help her with special projects and other extra-curricular activities." She confidently answers.
"Well, I'm more of an instant gratification man." He nods and looks at her from head to toe. "Do you mind bending over so that I can see your ass better?"
She froze on her spot as shock and fear envelops her. "What?"
"Don't shout, or else your sister's scholarship goes . . . " he snaps his fingers. "And I have enough reasons to do so, by the way. This is not blackmailing. You went here and offered your service by yourself." He moves away from his desk and grabs her wrist.
She should have listened to her sister a long time ago. Deborah has always told her that she doesn't like how Simmons looks at girls in school. Thinking that her little sister, a freshman, was alone in this office with this man already makes her stomach sick. Deborah told her she just felt uncomfortable when she was being scolded by Simmons and fortunately never told her that he talked inappropriately to her. Helena is very thankful for that alone. At least her sister never felt this afraid. She groans as she gets thrown on to his desk.
At the same time, the doors burst open and Simmons quickly jolts around.
"Derek C Simmons, you are under arrest." Barry barges in the office and handcuffs Simmons's hands behind his back.
"Hold on! For what?! We are just talking in my office. I'm a guidance councilor for goodness sake!" He attempts to plead innocent.
"Child endangerment for starters. Got the evidence, Parker?" Barry asks his teammate.
Simmons looks at the other man who is helping Helena remove some wires around her clothes. "Yes, got in it audio and film. We are good to go." Parker answers and escorts Helena out of the office.
Billy and Rebecca could hear Simmons continue to blabber shits as he gets taken out of his office and Billy just pulls Rebecca closer to him. Wrapping one of his arms around her waist, he sighs. "Police have been visiting this school often."
She clasps her hands around his hand on her waist. "Maybe they will arrest you next time."
"What? Why me?" He chuckle and looks at her.
"I don't know. I'm not sure if it's legal for you to be this gorgeous." They both smile at her remark and starts walking away from the crime scene as she continues her monologue. "This handsome, this understanding, this perfect. It shouldn't be legal."
"OK, I'll buy you handcuffs so you can arrest me by yourself."
Chris has been roaming around the hallways looking for Jill, couldn't contain himself to deliver another good news to her. It is unsure though if it can be classified as a good news since the school's reputation will probably dive down the mud but if it means sending Simmons to prison then it's good enough for him.
Heaven must have heard his prayers as he just bumps into the woman he has been looking for. Entirely feeling elated, he cups her face in his hands and gives her long deep and kiss.
Jill is so surprised that she almost dropped the compass and protractor she fetched from her car earlier. She was halfway about to scream but good thing she realizes that it is Chris. She responds for a moment but then gently pushes him away after a second. "Redfield!" She scolds him then talks in a hushed tone. "We are in the middle of the hallway. What's gotten into you?"
"Oh, right. I'll tell you later." He looks around then grins as he sees the closet where they keep the broken chairs that need to be repaired. He opens the door and enters it, holding on to Jill's hand. "Let me just do something for you"
She raises an eyebrow knowing very well that she is the one who is doing something for him. Not gonna deny that she has been enjoying their bedroom adventures but in a closet? "Seriously?" Last time they explored something new was in the bathroom. She wonders what's has made him high and excited this time.
"Yeah. Just a quick one, please?" He answers and she scrunches her face at how little space they have and how dark it is.
"OK, I've never done it in that kind of place before though." She walks in with him and he closes the door.
"Me neither."
He knows there is a crowd of people with their flip phones and cameras trying to get a sneak of the school's newest suspected criminal. Shouldn't even be considered suspected anymore. When he heard about it from his coach, Piers was so horrified but enraged at the same time that he wanted to rush to Simmons's office and just beat the old disgusting man.
He doesn't need to join the pool of students to understand the scoop. When he knew his friend Helena was safe, he made his way to the parking lot and sat on the bench. Now he is just playing with the pebbles around with the tip of his shoes
"Hey."
It's true what they say, no matter how much you tell yourself or convince yourself that you should forget someone, most of the times all of it will go to waste if you are simply not ready. No matter how angry he thought he was, he misses her more.
"Miss Redfield." He calls her name as he stands up from the bench.
"How are you? You've been absent in my class for a long time." She innocently asks.
He scoffs then manages to lightly laugh it off. Of course, she is still his teacher. She could never get tired of reminding him that. "I wasn't feeling well."
Her expression softens. "I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well recently."
"No, I'm good now." He thinks he is doing good now.
"Yes, Chris told me you finally attended practice yesterday." She pauses and observes him, waits for any comments or violent reaction. Seconds have passed and she speculates that he won't say anything else, she continues. "You didn't attend my class though. You were absent in my class only."
"How do you want me to answer that?" He finally gives up façade. His tone becomes less polite and there is still a hint of pain in his voice. "I just couldn't yet."
"I do understand." She closes her eyes and sighs deeply. As she looks at him, guilt fills her up once again upon remembering the harsh rejection she gave him a few weeks ago. "I'm sorry."
"The thing is, I never even thought twice or blinked when coach asked for my help." It's his turn to exhale deeply, like he is trying to prevent himself to burst. "When it comes to you, I'd come running and help or rescue or anything."
Yesterday, Chris talked to him in private before practice. At first, he thought it's going to be about his scholarship status or grades in geography but no. It's far more serious than that. It's about Simmons. The coach is well aware that Piers is popular among girls and not just flirty girls but also tough girls. Like those who can be one of the boys and just hang. After Chris told him that Simmons has been harassing some students but they need evidence, he was frank about his favor. He needs him to ask one of his friends to work with him and the police. At first, Piers wanted to ask if he is joking but no, his coach was dead serious.
After practice, he could think of one person. It's Helena, not only that he knows she is tough as a cookie, but he also knows that Helena has a younger sister that she would want to be safe at school once she graduates. Therefore, they plotted their plan after school.
"He just said that it would mean a lot to you once bastard goes to jail. Tell me, did he ever lay a finger on you? Because-"
"No, he never did." She immediately cut him off before he could say whatever he is thinking.
"I don't know. If it's you . . . I think I would just dash straight to danger and do whatever it takes to teach him a lesson." He looks at the ground and shakes his head.
She could only watch him for she doesn't know what else to tell him. She questions herself why did she even come looking for him in the first place if she doesn't know what she should tell him.
"It just sucks. I know you will never feel the same way about me no matter what I do." He rubs his palm on his nape. His fingers could feel the slight dampness from his sweat. "At least I tried."
"I have something to tell you." She takes a seat on the bench and pats the space next to her.
"Hi. I know it's early in the morning but I was planning to tell you something since last night."
"What is it?" Steve asks from the other line.
"Chris told me about what you did. It helped us. I wanted to say thank you."
"You're welcome and it's nothing. . . A little white lie. Half-truths."
"Speaking of half-truths" there is a pause in the other line. Too long for his comfort but he still waited. "You haven't been completely honest with me either."
"Regarding about what? I'll tell you anything." He says thinking that she will ask something about his involvement that night.
"Did you attempt to kiss me when you went to my house?"
Now it's his time to pause. He licks his dry lips.
"Silence doesn't always mean 'yes' but in this case I think it is."
He nods even though he knows she can't see him. But he somehow feels that this non-verbal cue will result to another follow-up question.
"How come you didn't tell me anything? Are you even planning to tell me anything at all?"
"I just think that it's just pointless to say something when I know that I won't get the answer or result that I'm hoping for." He knows that being in a relationship is the least of her priory, judging by how much time and effort she puts in her work. That's one of the things he admires about her, her passion.
"Thank you." He could her sniff and exhale deeply. "For being considerate but don't you think keeping your feelings to yourself is too burdensome?"
"And allow you to feel bad for not feeling the same way? I'm good this way." He sighs and chuckles a bit to lighten the tone of their conversation. "I don't regret loving you from afar, it's enough for me to know that I'm a capable of loving someone this way. I think there is nothing wrong with being selfless if it's worth it for the person I love."
"Don't you think you just fell in love with the wrong person?"
"No, I don't. You are not a wrong person, Claire. I think you would never be a wrong person to anyone. It's not that I fell in love with the wrong person but rather I'm a wrong person to someone I fell in love with. And I think that's OK. It's neither of our faults that I'm not enough or right for you."
"Can I ask you one last favor?"
"So what Chris didn't mention is that I just didn't want you to get in trouble. You have Biology with Alexia Ashford, right?" He just nods and eager to know the next part of the story. And so Claire explains how that bitch blackmailed her.
The distance she gradually put between them now makes sense. He only wished he knew earlier so that he could at least spit on that crazy woman's face for ruining his momentum before she was taken by the police.
"Why didn't you just tell me? I would have dealt with it better than that cold-hearted rejection." He leans back and looks at the ground.
"I'm sorry. Even a woman like me can be scared and stupid sometimes." She apologetically looks at him and there was a slight smile that forms in his lips. "I just thought that it would be a better than you dealing with all the drama and crime. "
"But you really don't feel anything for me? None at all?" He doesn't want to sound hopeful. But damn, seeing her after days gone by, those days he rebelled against what his heart wanted to do backfired on him today.
"I rejected you not because I think what you believe in, taking risk, is not worth it. That's just an excuse." She softly smiles at him. "Now, protecting you from a crazy teacher in this school, that's a reason. I may not feel the same way you feel about me but believe me when I say that I admire people who take risks."
Rejection the second time around usually feels worse for others but for him, it's actually a lot better. With their honesty, there is closure and acceptance from both of them. "And I don't regret doing what I did, I don't regret loving you. You enlighten me that it's not the responsibility of the other person to love someone back just because they confessed. Not that I was expecting you to feel the same but there was still a hint of hope. Still, neither of us should feel guilty or bitter. I'm sorry if I ever burdened you with guilt or anything."
She smiles and pulls him into a hug. "You are going to grow up a fine young man."
Now Piers doesn't know when hurt will fade away, he doesn't know when he can look at her and not remember any of the love songs that make him stay up late at night, he doesn't know when he can literally say he moved on and will be able to love someone again. Love someone not the same as how he loves this teacher of his because there can never be the same type of love towards people. He just knows he can start going back to her class and go back to his usual routine.
- Summer Vacation -
"Are you lost?" Leon asks while talking on the phone with Claire.
"No, I am not. I just had a short detour."
"OK. Can't wait to see you."
"Alright, be there in a few minutes."
"Bye." He smiles and hangs up the phone. Claire finally had some spare time and decided to give him a visit in Tall Oaks. He picked the best restaurant for them. Not that fancy since he knows Claire focuses more on the food rather than the ambiance and would want to dress casually. Still, it's not too casual like a fast food or diner. Just a small place with relaxing atmosphere, respectable band singing acoustic at the corner and a small aquarium for decoration at the other. He knows he chose a good seafood restaurant.
Claire enters the place and is assisted by a staff. She smiles awkwardly as she is used to finding a table on her own or ordering through a drive-thru. She chuckles as they reach the table occupied with Leon.
"Leon, you are paying, right?" She immediately asks and skipped greeting him.
"Yes, definitely." He stands up and looks at the two ladies. "You also mentioned you would be introducing someone special to me"
"Yes, this is Sherry." Claire introduces her to him. "I maybe . . . somehow . . . illegally adopted her." The two ladies lightly laugh as they take a seat.
"I see. Ada just went to the wash room. She will be back real quick." He slides the menu to them as he sits down. "So you are the one Claire has been talking about."
"All good things I hope." Sherry politely replies.
"Yes, all the time." He answers then sees Ada arriving and so he stands up. "Here is my girl, Ada."
Claire sees an Asian woman arrive and they greet her.
"Hey, honey." She greets Leon and smiles at the two ladies as she takes a seat. "So I assume you are Claire from Raccoon City?"
"Yes, I am. You look beautiful." Claire's favorite color is red and she has never seen someone wear that color with class and grace like Ada does.
"Oh, thank you. You look gorgeous as well. I like your red jacket." A bit taken aback with the abrupt compliment but managed to keep her composure. She looks at the younger girl next to Claire. "And you, you look great with that short hair. You usually keep it that way?"
Leon gapes at them and was about to ask if he should excuse himself from the table. Their topic spans from hobbies, work and even fashion. He knows a thing or two about what they are talking about but he already feels happy seeing how his ex-girlfriend but good friend is doing well with his current girlfriend. It is rare for such occasion to happen but these girls are as rare as gemstones anyway.
"Thank you. Leon must be very lucky to have you." Claire comments.
"See, Leon? What did I tell you? Even your ex-girlfriend thinks the same" Ada teases her boyfriend and the guy could only grin and shake his head. "So Claire, you mentioned you just decided to take care of Sherry out of the blue. That's very selfless and caring of you. So both of you are staying in Raccoon City?"
"Well, currently we are living with my brother but he and his girlfriend will be moving to Louisiana soon. They decided that since Jill's best friend Rebecca would be moving in with her boyfriend Billy to New York we should leave Raccoon City too. It is not really a place where most of us would want to stay at right now. I'm actually planning to look for a place for me and Sherry since we really don't want to be a third and fourth wheel between my brother and his girlfriend. Just a small place near their house would work for us." Claire explains.
"But a vehicle needs to have four wheels." Ada sarcastically answers. "Leon and I are moving to Washington this coming school year. Leon found a school there and I've been applying to jobs as well. One even accepted me already but I'm still waiting for other opportunities if it will be better and more convenient."
Claire nods then looks at Sherry. She feels like this young girl matured twice within a few months. Sherry might have not finished high school last year but Claire knows not a lot of people would be able to walk in Sherry's shoes. Now she just needs to find a school where she can transfer to and graduate high school this coming school year.
There are a lot of things Claire still needs to think of but one thing is for sure. She doesn't regret taking Sherry under her wing.
Piers frowns and hits Steve's shoulder. "You fucking idiot."
Steve scoffs . "Fuck you, man. You lost."
"Hey, boys. Stop fighting." Helena walks over to them with a pint of ice cream. "What is it this time?"
"Steve was cheating." Piers puts his PSP down the table and starts to open the pint.
"I wasn't." He chuckles and leans back on his chair. After a long day at work, they all agreed to meet up at Helena's place and enjoy a friendly competition while munching ice cream. Steve may only be a part time employee at the school he is teaching at but he'll definitely make his way to the top.
For Helena and Piers, they are just maximizing their summer vacation after graduation because they know that things will get even more rocky once they become college students.
"Hold on, I forgot I still have some leftover chips as well when from last weekend." Helena gets up from her seat and rushes to the kitchen. "Deborah! Come join us down here and stop binge watching rom-com movies alone!"
Steve looks at Helena's direction then back at Piers. "You do realize that she has a thing for you, right?"
Piers slowly nods then starts eating his ice cream.
Steve blinks a few times then knits his eyebrows. "I thought I was the silent-lover and you are the risk-taker."
"I thought so too but I don't understand why I'm scared to confess to her about my feelings." Piers blatantly says.
Steve scratches his head then looks at Helena's direction once again. "Dude, you are doomed."
The two boys just laughs. Just two unlikely friends laughing at the moment and surely not regretting what happened to them that led them to what they are now.
A/N: And that's about it. I hope you peeps enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing about it. As mentioned in the previous chapter I will be on hiatus mode but only until for the holidays. I will be back first Saturday 2021 with the hope of continuing to grow in this platform. Again, if you have time kindly drop by in my profile to check the poll I placed. It would really mean a lot to know the opinion of others when it comes to my 2021 plans. Thank you.