GOOD TO YOU
•xoxoxo•
Disclaimer: Resident Evil CAPCOM | Plot by whitemaigexxvii | Song © Troye Sivan
Summary: [AU] Jessica Sherawat: the girlfriend. Jill Valentine: the best friend. The lines were set but it was still breached, and pain is just around the corner. RATED M. Valenfield / Sherafield
•xoxoxo•
Author's Note: Hello, everyone! It's been a tumultuous year, and I can't wait for it to be over. I know I've been gone for more than a year. A lot has happened; some good, but most of it are plain catastrophic. If you wish to know more, you can read my rant later on. In the meantime, please enjoy this chapter. Here's hoping that I don't disappoint after being close to being dead for more than a year. I extend my thanks once more to the wonderful people who has been patient enough with me. Warning, this chapter was not proof-read. Didn't have the chance to.
•xoxoxo•
CHAPTER X
We've been making shades of purple out of red and blue
Sickeningly sweet like honey
Don't need money
All I need is you
•xoxoxo•
FIVE MINUTES TICKED by since she got off the phone with Chris. The silence that ensued veered her mind to when she offered Jill a ride back to the Redfield household, and the time she found out from Claire that her fiancé had fetched said woman from only God knows where whilst she sits inside her car, freezing her ass off, and having to meet his family without him. If we are to put logic and Jessica's past judgments into the equation, this would have been detrimental for Jill in more ways than one. Much to Jessica's surprise, it didn't bother her at all. In fact, she was grateful that the woman turned her offer of a ride down. It gave her ample of time to meet up with Excella and complete her tasks for the day. Everything is slowly falling into its rightful place. The proposal, and seeing Jill's defeated face, was all it took to seal her year off with the most satisfying conclusion; not even Catharine Redfield stands a chance to make that crumble.
Taking a good look at her impeccable appearance using the rearview mirror one last time, Jessica then gathered the gifts she had prepared a few days back before she gracefully excited the car. As she walked towards the pristine, wood fence surrounding the property, she made a mental note to remain respectful to Chris' parents while he's away; although it would be far more amusing to be a little sarcastic to stir things out a bit, but soon decided against it. She's determined to let them know how eager she was to join the family, and the last thing she needed was to be kicked out by an angry matriarch.
Finally stepping foot on the pavement leading up to the Redfield's patio, she saw a woman walking up to her from her peripheral vision. Turning, she instantly came face to face with a brunette woman with bright, curious, blue eyes. Jessica surmised that this could be one of the guests, and she stops as the woman smiled at her as a form of greeting. This is the very first time she has seen this woman, but oddly enough, she bears a striking resemblance to someone she knows, albeit exuding more elegance. Jessica just couldn't poke her finger into it.
When the woman was mere two feet away from her, a soft looking hand extended towards her for a welcoming handshake. Oddly, this gesture made Jessica's tense shoulders relax before taking the hand in hers, shaking it firmly. Smiling back at the woman, a glimpse to the past finally gave Jessica the hint saying that she had met this woman before, but never really had the chance to have a chat with the older woman.
"I believe this to be our very first time ever speaking to each other. You must be Jessica?" The older woman asked; voice smooth as velvet, her body language dripping with a fineness that could rival even those of royal descent, and a softness in those blue eyes that ensnared Jessica's undivided attention.
"That's me."
The sparkle in those cerulean eyes upon her confirmation intensified so much that Jessica had a hard time looking at her, fearing that the glow would potentially blind her. This was a welcome she didn't see coming and this was surely a level of excitement she wished a certain matriarch would greet her with just to make her life easier.
"Welcome, Jessica! Unfortunately, Catharine and James are not home yet, but Claire is here. Let's go inside. I'll make you something nice."
Jessica, still taken aback by how hospitable this woman was, allowed herself to be ushered inside the warmth of the Redfield household. Like a proper host, the woman offered to help her get out of her coat and took the bag of gifts from her hand, before neatly setting it aside. She was then led to the living room where she was greeted by an abundance of Christmas decorations, enough to put the sun to shame. The decorations were too much, yes, but it was still beautifully and systematically placed. It's funny looking back that this was not her first time stepping inside the place, but it was certainly her first time finally feeling at home, not only because of all the Christmas ornaments that were reminding her too much of her childhood, but also because of the woman who warmly invited her in. Her eyes took all the details in, and in did not take long for it to finally land on the youngest member of the Redfield household.
"Hi, Jessica." The red-haired woman greeted with a small smile; blue eyes showing uncertainty.
Claire Redfield was one person Jessica wanted on her side but couldn't really figure out. So far, Jessica pretty much figured out how Catharine and James regarded her relationship with Chris however, Claire's opinion continued to elude her. An enigma that vexed her to this very day. She was aware of how much Claire looked up to Jill, but at the same time, the younger woman respected her enough as Chris' girlfriend to be on speaking terms with her without feeling awkward or unwanted. She wanted to trust Claire's treatment as genuine, but her gut feeling was quick to tell her that she needed to have more interaction with the redhead to make sure. If she fate would have Claire fall to her side, it would be all the better. She mentally shook her head. No. She needs to plan how she would approach the younger woman with precision, as if she were in a field littered with landmines. Gaining this woman's trust is going to be tough, considering how unpredictable Claire was.
Being polite, she walked up to the where the younger woman was in front of the fireplace. "Good to see you again, Claire." She announced. Pushing her luck further with the redhead, she placed her cheek against Claire's in a form of greeting between intimate friends. She felt the woman tense, and that made her pull away. "It's been a while. How's it going?" She added, trying to brush off the woman's clear discomfort.
With an incensed sigh, Claire rolled her eyes. "Finally getting the break I so deserved. Whoever said university was fun should jump off a cliff."
Jessica chuckled, thankful that Claire is reciprocating her attempts at building a decent conversation instead of pulling out her phone and texting away like how most of their usual conversations would go. "You'll get used to it soon enough. Just take it easy for now." It was honestly the most generic piece of advice Jessica could come up with on the fly. She can't even start to fathom the concept of what being a university student feels like even if she tried. After all, she never really had a normal life.
From her peripheral view, the silhouette of the woman from earlier walked towards them, and she couldn't be any more thankful. "I hope I'm not interrupting, but I'd like to know what drink you'd like, Jessica." The woman asked with the sweetest voice reminiscent to that of a mother nursing a sick child.
"Brewed coffee without cream would be nice. Thank you…" Jessica's enthusiastic answer came before trailing off; finally realizing that she did not even ask for the older woman's name.
The woman giggled, a tinge of pink on her already rosy cheeks. "Oh, where are my manners? I am Julie Valentine. I'm Catharine's best friend from high school, and we've been inseparable since."
Then it clicked. Of course, she should have known. Julie is the splitting image of Jill Valentine no matter what angle she chose to look at the woman. She feels dumb not noticing it earlier, and she was slightly take aback by the fact that the reveal did not bother her as much as it would have if she was still harboring that once insurmountable distaste towards Jill. If there was a word that would encapsulate what she feels about how swift she was coping when it comes to Jill meaning less and less with each passing second, she would have it added in a dictionary because 'surprise' was far too overused and underwhelming.
Beaming, Julie turned to address Claire. "How about you, sweetie? Would you like another serving?"
Claire shook her head. "I've had enough hot chocolate for tonight, Auntie. Thank you."
"Alright." Julie then turned to her once more, the delight in those cerulean eyes was further accentuated by that pleasant smile. "I'll be right back with your coffee, darling."
Jessica smiled back and expressed her gratitude before the older woman finally disappeared to where the kitchen was located. Turning back to face Claire, she was amused by how fast and quiet the redhead was able to walk from her place in front of the fireplace to a comfortable portion of the couch whilst typing away on her smartphone like Jessica predicted; leaving them in an unnerving silence.
Hating how unsure she was if it would be best to start another conversation with the youngest Redfield, she decided that looking around would be best for now. As if on cue, her eyes landed on a cluster of picture frames showcased on top of the fireplace's mantle. An assortment of images from Chris and Claire's childhood, birthdays, graduations, and milestones were all immortalized on paper. One by one, she memorized them and strongly wished that she could be a part of the family at an earlier age so she could be by Chris' side.
Seeing Chris' chubby cheeks as he gave a toothy grin towards the camera, to Chris proudly holding up two medals from his graduation day, was making her heart flutter inside her chest. Even at a young age, Chris is attractive and talented, she could not help but wonder what it felt like growing up with him. She can only imagine how fun it would have been just watching him grow into the man that he is now.
"Oh, I remember when that picture was taken." Julie stated, successfully yanking her out of her internal musing. She watched as the older woman touched a frame of what looks like a 4-year-old Chris holding a huge cut of what looks like caramel flavored cake, icing smeared across his face. "That boy always has a sweet tooth." Blue eyes gazed longingly at the memories the picture offered before finally looking at back at her and handing the steaming coffee, in which she eagerly took with a small thank you.
"A testament to old habits dying hard, I guess." She whispered with a small knowing smile before taking a sip from her coffee. The hot liquid travelled down her throat with a calming warmth and that made her taut muscles relax whilst letting a satisfied sigh seep through parted lips. "This tastes good."
"I'm glad you liked it, dear. I want to make sure that you are taken care of why Chris is gone."
Why Jill is so blessed, she has no answer to. However, the more she interacted with Jill's mother, the freshly buried jealousy gets harder and harder to maintain dormant, like a corpse slowly reanimating and clawing its way out of its grave. Surely God has showered that woman with so many gifts that is borderline favoritism. Is there anything else Jill has yet to own before her? Julie is a mother anyone would desire, and Jessica would be stupid not to take advantage of this woman's hospitality and kindness. It's such a shame that she couldn't do the same to Catharine Redfield.
"Honestly, I appreciate that, Mrs. Valentine."
Julie waved a dismissive hand. "The pleasure is mine. And please, Julie is fine." The older woman then gave her arm a small, consoling squeeze. "In the meantime, please have a seat and relax while we wait for Chris to return."
Jessica complied and tried to mimic the elegance Julie displayed with just merely sitting on the couch. She had not realized how sore her calves were until her ass met the soft cushion of the settee, relieving said muscles of all the tension from carrying her body weight. Walking around in heels can really put so much stress on your body and she could not be happier just by finally sitting down.
From her peripheral vision, she can see Claire still typing away at her phone and completely ignoring them. She tried to think of a way to include the redhead in the conversation, before she could though, Claire stood up, pocketing her phone, and addressing Julie. "Hey, Auntie, Mom's almost here. She was asking if you wouldn't mind us starting the preparations."
Julie visibly jolted in her seat before looking at an obviously expensive watch adorning her slender wrist. "Oh! I completely lost track of time." The older woman gasped then went on to face her with an apologetic smile. "I hate that we have to cut our chatter short, Jessica. But I'd better start preparing."
When the brunette stood up, still well-poised, Jessica couldn't help but to be inclined to stand up as well. "I'd love to help out." She offered but was confused when terror flashed across Julie's face.
"Absolutely not, dear. You are a guest and I would be damned if I let you set foot inside that kitchen due to different means other than dining with us." Julie curtly stated before gripping both her shoulders and guiding her back to her seat. "I won't take long." She then looked at Claire. "As for you, sweetie, you are staying here to keep Jessica company."
"But you need help, Auntie—
Julie abruptly placed an immaculately manicured, index finger on the younger woman's lips, halting all protests from ever spilling. "I have Dickson for that, and no more arguments." With that, the brunette walked off to where the kitchen was.
Although visibly upset, Claire sat back down. Jessica was pleased to see that the redhead did not pull out her phone like last time but instead, they were making eye contact. Racking her brain for any conversation starter, her train of thoughts was interrupted when Claire groaned.
"I'm pretty sure it would be far more interesting if we are helping out rather than being stuck here on our ass, doing nothing." Claire mumbled.
"Although I one hundred percent agree with you, I can't find it in me to get bummed out by that kind of energy." Was her reply, taking one final sip from her coffee. "It must be nice having a persona like Mrs. Valentine around all the time."
She could see how her comment took Claire by surprise. She reckoned it is because Claire expected for her to not feel any kind of fondness for the woman who birthed Jill Valentine. She wanted nothing more than to laugh her ass out by how shocking this was for the younger woman. Of course, Claire was no stranger to the animosity she and Jill had harbored for each other. She wondered if this was the same expression Claire had when she confided how she hoped Jill would be joining this time during the conversation they had over the phone earlier.
"I'm going to level with you, Jessica." Claire started, her tone dropping a few notes as her countenance turned humorless. "I don't know if this is just a façade but I'm not stupid. It is not news to me that you're not in good terms with Jill. I would appreciate it if you'd cut the bullshit with me."
To say that Jessica was entertained of how the welcoming mask that Claire wore slowly fall, showing in full display what the redhead really felt about her, would be an understatement. Jessica always prided herself in her skill of knowing when someone is to be trusted. Putting Claire as an enigma was not a mistake, and she was thankful that this interaction finally happened. It was truly impressive how the redhead managed to pull off a stunt this seamless, it almost made her think that she'd be able to have Claire on her side all those months ago. Now, Claire is no longer an enigma but an enemy, just like the rest of the Redfield household.
Leaning back in her seat, the smirk that she was trying so hard to conceal finally projected on her face, as she gave Claire a taste of who she really is. "That offended me a little, Claire. I'm being genuine about Mrs. Valentine and wanting Jill to join us tonight, you know." Crossing her arms, she added, "in fact, I missed Jill so much, we had a little chat earlier."
This seemed to pique Claire's interest, a raised eyebrow and silence were telltale signs that she should continue and further elaborate. "It's only natural that we settle the differences between us before the year ends, don't you think?"
This earned her a scoff from Claire. "I hate how sarcastic that sounds. And I thought I was clear when I said you should cut the bullshit."
She shook her head. "I'm in no way being sarcastic, Claire." Her smirk widens, making it clear that what Claire is seeing now is her what she is, her reality. Leaning in, she started in a whisper, "if I'm being honest, Jill is not worth the effort. You want to know why?"
When Claire did not answer, Jessica smugly scoffed. The curiosity and confusion that she saw in Claire's eyes were enough to let her know that the redhead was still oblivious, and she intends to keep it that way. It was so easy to sate her itch of removing the glove covering her ring-clad hand to show Claire her value to the Redfield family but crushed the need down. It would be a shame if she would not see the reaction of the whole family all at once. So instead of doing that, she quenched the itch by giving Claire a taunting snicker.
"Well, letting you know now will only spoil the fun. So, why don't we park the answer to that question for now?"
"Then I want to let you know that whatever that is," Claire paused and inched closer, their faces only a breath away. "I don't want any trouble tonight. Don't try anything that will make my mom hate you more than she already does." Claire whispered, strained, making it seem like she was giving a warning albeit it came across as a threat.
With every fiber of her being, Jessica does not want to admit that Claire looks intimidating. However, she refused to be threatened. Holding her head high, she mocked. "I assure you Claire, this is going to be a merry night."
The expression on Claire's face told her that the younger woman doubted every single work that left her lips, but she was not concerned because it was more of a promise for her own enjoyment than that of the people around her. She is the one who's going to indulge in every revelation of her triumph. She then gave the redhead a small pat on the shoulder and that made the younger woman back away, as if burned.
Adjusting in her seat once more, Claire started. "Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against you, but I won't deny that—like my mom—I would rather much prefer someone else. For what it is worth, if you really want to be a part of the family, you better be ready for what's about to come." Claire's tone shifted and it almost made her think that the younger woman was concerned for her wellbeing.
As if on cue, they both heard the door open, announcing the arrival of either the Redfield patriarch and matriarch, or Chris and Jill. In all honesty, Jessica was looking forward to having a chat with the former first just so things would be far more interesting the moment Chris and Jill arrive.
"Jul, I'm sorry about the trouble—
It seems like Fate is on her side today, and she is not about to complain.
The whole room went dead silent the moment Jessica's gaze met with the Redfield household matriarch's hazel eyes. Tension is at a steady rise, making Claire draw in an audible breath as Catharine's brows met to form a displeased frown. The amount of self-control she had to sustain to stop herself from laughing out loud just by seeing her soon-to-be mother-in-law's reaction was too much for her psyche. She knew that her presence there without Chris would mean making everyone uncomfortable, and it was so gratifying. Her sadistic side bubbling to the surface.
"Good evening, Jessica. I'm glad that you could make it." Another voice bursts the bubble of toxicity surrounding the three ladies and that was the only time Jessica noticed the Redfield patriarch standing behind his stressed wife.
James Redfield reached out a hand to greet her and she took it for a firm handshake; the pressure of his grip meant more like greeting a business partner rather than welcoming his son's girlfriend.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Redfield. I'm happy to be here." She replied, holding the same tone albeit pulling off the most polite smile she could muster, making her doubt if she was really there for a family gathering. It was funny how this was the same man who she thought she'd never had the chance to meet.
Well, that was 10 years ago.
"Is your brother not home yet?" Came Catharine's annoyed voice, eyes trained strictly on the Claire. The redhead shook her head and that earned a sigh of frustration from the matriarch. "And why is he not with you?" Catharine probed, this time finally acknowledging her presence in the room.
Making sure not to get intimidated, Jessica just smiled. "He picked up Jill from a friend's place."
This information seemed to have pleased the matriarch since the frown marring her face softened. "Finally, some good news." If Catharine failed to make it clear enough who she wanted to end up with her son, this statement surely slapped the reality at Jessica's face.
However, Jessica Sherawat did not care because unbeknownst to Catharine Redfield, she had another thing coming that would surely be worse than a slap to the face.
•xoxoxo•
You don't need to say I love you
To say I love you
•xoxoxo•
"ARE YOU COMING?" Chris called out when she did not make any move to follow him towards the front porch. As if in a daze, she just looked on; her mind trying to cope with the glaring reality that she managed to do the one thing she had dreaded to do that day. And that was to stand in front of the same door with Chris Redfield.
The trip they had at the park was really eye opening to her. It was a brief 30-minute ride, but it was meaningful in a way that shed a new light to their friendship. She might be madly in love with him, but knowing just how much she was valued as a friend gave her a reason to be contented. This new chapter of her life called 'acceptance' is weird. This was not the first acceptance she had ever done in her life and yet it was the most impacting. The sudden shift from realization going to heartbreak and then finally acknowledgement in a matter of a few months was—as an understatement—mind-boggling. She was not prepared for it, much to her chagrin, but she's learning that even after all the events that happened, she will still be able to find the strength in her to stand up and be someone stronger. It still hurts but she's healing. It's an excruciatingly long phase but healing, nonetheless.
It's better than nothing.
"Jill?" His voice rang in her ears and that was enough to snap her out of her stupor.
Like waking up, confused and still disoriented, she looked at him. "What?"
The frown on his face made the process of healing a bit harder as she ached to touch and wipe that look off his handsome face; noting how it does not belong there. Another tear through the heart was felt when she realized that she couldn't. She shouldn't. It was not her position to do so.
Shaking her head, she assured him with the best smile she could muster. "Nothing. It's just…" She trailed off, finally taking a single step forward; slow and deliberate. "It has been a while." She lied, omitting the fact that she had been on that same spot a couple of hours ago. But in a way, it was also the truth. It has really been a while since she stood there with the same nostalgic feeling of being welcomed.
He hummed in agreement. "That's true. You kind of got lost in your own world for a while."
Jill could hear the sadness in his voice as if remembering the time when they were not in good terms. It was a painful stage in their relationship, it's as if the tear was manifesting not only emotionally but also physically. Taking another step, she felt the strange urge to touch him, caress him, and tell him that she was done running, she was done feeling hurt and not doing anything about it, and she was done not embracing acceptance. To tell him that she is ready to let him and what might have been if she was the one in Jessica's position go. To embrace the truth that she was ready to be happy even if it was not with him. To admit to him that she was ready to be the best version of herself.
Instead of acting upon her weakness of wanting to embrace him for the last time, she simply gave his shoulder a light squeeze and assured him with a smile. Just the fact of her refusing the urge of her selfish side is so liberating. It was a small gesture, but it meant so much to her. Although she was taking it slowly, it was still progress.
"Not anymore, Chris." Jill proudly declared. The gush of confidence took her by surprise to a point that she could no longer contain it. Of all the failed attempts of rising back up to her feet, this was the only moment that the shackles of her unhealthy love for Chris, which oppressed her, loosened enough to finally give her a small allowance to breathe. It was pure bliss.
"I'm back." She muttered, more to herself. Maybe it was too early to tell herself that she won't relapse, but she owed it to herself to grasp all of the fragments of her shattered independence as much as she can to build herself back up. She was not about to lose the chance to be better once more. With or without his love.
Though it was not really her intention for him to hear her last statement, she confirmed that he did anyway. That soft smile says it all and with a pat on her head, Chris's feelings translated. Without words, she knew what he wanted to say. He was welcoming her back; like how a big brother would. It was bittersweet but welcomed.
"Let's go. I'm sure they're eager to finally sit with you again." He beckoned, opening the huge, intimidating door for her to step in. The moment she did, the warm familiarity of the Redfield household assaulted her senses and flashbacks of when they were kids, care-free and sheltered, manifested right in front of her eyes.
Her eyes watered as she took small, deliberate steps; basking in the bittersweet nostalgia that was her childhood. She saw Chris reach out for her coat, and it took her a few seconds to react. Chris just chuckled at her and helped her take the heavy clothing off; fully understanding that she was in a trip down memory lane.
"You missed it that much?" He joked and she answered him with an absent-minded nod. It was really weird that she missed this place so much after being away for just a couple of months.
Oh, how immature she had been. She was starting to slowly realize that her actions, though made to protect herself, were selfish. This was an extension of her home. The people residing here are an extension of her family, and yet, she chose to separate herself from it. It was a choice that she regrets now that she's finally inside its warm embrace once more. Chris didn't even know what happened. He didn't know. It was her secret to keep. It was her burden to shoulder. It was her own emotional instability that blinded her that the comfort she was desperately trying to seek was here all along. All those nights crying for a path to salvation led her back here.
She will take this secret to her grave.
Walking further in, Jill made a beeline towards the couch that she once loved to take a nap in. Sinking in that comforting mattress, she released a satisfied sigh. She heard Chris chuckle. "Yep, you did."
"Like I said, it has been a while Chris, so cut me some slack. You know how much I love napping on this couch." She sleepily reminded him. She found herself almost at the verge of jumping into the coaxing arms of sleep, but Chris clapped her awake.
"First thing you do is sleep after being away for months?" Chris raised an eyebrow in which she replied with a shrug. He then rolled his eyes and pulled her away from the fluffy confines of the couch. "Come on, I'm sure they're already looking for you."
Sluggishly, Jill lifted her arm to her face to get a good look at her wristwatch which says 8:24 PM. Mentally agreeing to Chris, albeit still hesitant to leave the sweet embrace of the couch, Jill obliged and allowed him to drag her towards the dining area. Now that she noticed it, it seems quiet and just realizing that Catharine was not there to bombard her with the attention, was enough to strike her as odd.
Rounding the corner to the hallway that leads to the kitchen, she instantly caught sight of her father who has a tray of assorted beverages in his hands. Chris beat her to announcing their presence and her father was quick to greet them by flashing his most delighted grin. Seeing her father again made the side of her eyes water. She really missed him, and that tray did not stop her from wrapping her arms around her father's waist.
"Hi, Dad." She whispered, relieved to see him again, the contents of the tray spilled a little from the impact. However, it seemed like Dickson didn't mind as he was plainly happy to see her again. She felt like a child once more; yearning for her father to protect her from the viciousness that is the real world.
"I'm glad that you can make it this time, sweetie."
Jill flashed him an apologetic look. "I promised, didn't I? I just wanted to keep Rebecca some company for a while. I just wasn't expecting that it will really take a while." She then grabbed two glasses from the tray to help her father with the load, she was surprised that Chris did the same; the way his bicep flexed brought a sinful image in the forefront of her mind. Sucking in a breath, she looked a way and tried to think of something else. "Where's everyone?"
"We decided we'd do something different this time." Her father vaguely replied as they continued to walk, passing the door that leads to the dining area. This confused Jill but just let her father lead them. Chris didn't seem to mind as his eyes were focused on what's up ahead.
They rounded another corner, and in an instant, she came face to face to a door that she remembers leads to the Redfield's backyard. If she was confused before, right now she's at a complete loss. Surely, they don't plan on having diner outside where it's freezing. Her assumptions where confirmed when her father pushed the door open. She was about to voice her thoughts, but all words left, and she felt like she was instantly transported to a different world akin to those of fairies.
Soft lights lined their path towards a night clear tent pitched in the middle of the yard. When she turned her head to fully survey the rest of the yard, she saw the bushes and maple trees dripping with pastel lights varying from blue, pink, and purple, creating this somewhat ethereal glow around the whole yard. It was a huge surprise seeing this space she used to run around in when she was little get turned into something so magical. She's instantly in love with how much effort they all put into this night, thankful that she did not lose to her weakness and miss something so magnificent.
She thought that what they did with the yard was breath-taking until she finally stepped inside the tent, the world stopping around her. She wondered in awe at those bright, tear-shaped lights flowing from the tent's beams, illuminating the space. The intricately placed heaters blasting warmth around them, massaged her whole body and made her sigh in pleasure. She felt her mouth water next when her eyes caught sight of the delicacies laid out in front of her, her stomach rumbling.
"This is—how?" She's in complete astonishment, her brain stopped lacing coherent words. Walking further in, absent-mindedly placing the glasses she had in her hands down the table, she imagined the lights as stars as she reached out. "This is beautiful."
"It was your mother's idea." Dick proudly announced which made caught her by surprise. She had no idea that her mother can be so… creative in a whole other level.
"Do you like it?" She heard the most soothing voice ask behind her and she thought she was going to give herself a whiplash by abruptly looking behind her.
Julie Valentine, clad in a white chiton dress, had her arms stretched out inviting her for a hug in which she gladly accepted, melting in her arms. "I do."
Feeling her mother's chin rest comfortably on to of her head, her mother whispered, "I'm so glad you like it, honey. I missed you."
Jill felt like crying all over again. This is the woman she looks up to and she wants nothing more than to crumble and tell her all the things she had to endure. To open up and tell how she broke her heart. She's confident that Julie knows what to say to her, how to comfort her, how to make her feel that everything is with a reason, but she also had to stop herself from caving.
Not yet.
Pulling away, Jill smiled and when she saw Claire standing not far from her mother, she did not waste time in giving the redhead an embrace. "Hey, Claire." She greeted, elated to see the younger woman again in a much less awkward situation. She felt arms return the gesture as the younger woman squeezed the air out of her lungs. She couldn't believe that just being surrounded by the people who meant so much to her made her look back to that unknown woman who broke her heart—having no fucking idea how to cope—and wanting nothing to do with her.
"Glad to see you again, darling."
"Uncle James!" Jill excitedly exclaimed, extending her free hand to the Redfield patriarch while the other continued to cradle the youngest Redfield.
James, looking equally as excited, enveloped her hand with two dominating hands for a welcoming squeeze. "You look thinner. Have you been taking care of yourself?" She watched James's hazel eyes gave her a one over; making her think if she really did lose weight. It is true that she's been stressed out all those months ago and eating became less of her worries. So yeah, maybe she did forget to take care of herself.
Grinning, she apologetically shook her head. "Is it that bad? I've been preoccupied with school and… other things."
"It makes me feel so proud that you are taking your studies seriously, like always, but it's not an excuse to set yourself aside." Came Dick's disapproving tone, watching her father's face contort with worry.
"Sorry, Dad. I will be more mindful." Was all she could say, a little doubtful herself. She watched as her father give her a lingering look before they all started to claim their seats, with her Uncle James claiming the host's seat and to his right is her mother, then her father, next is her seat, and then the hostess' seat, which was meant for Catharine. Now that she noticed it, the Redfield matriarch was nowhere to be seen. She looked at Chris, who was seated across from her, and then noticed the empty seat between him and Claire.
Remembering what Chris told her about Jessica looking forward to seeing her tonight, it struck her as odd that Chris' girlfriend, and mother, was yet to make an appearance. She's fully aware how Catharine feels about Jessica and it didn't take her long to realize that a confrontation between the two might have happened. Not only that, but Catharine was also always so vocal with how she'd love for Chris to end up with her instead. Knowing what she knows now, Jill just couldn't allow a bitter altercation between both women to happen just because of her. Feeling nervous, she watched Chris pull out his phone, probably checking where Jessica was. Her attention was then grabbed by her mother announcing that she'd be helping Catharine take the remainder of the food out. Seeing this as an opportunity, she stood up and offered to do it herself.
Though seeing the reluctance in her mother's face, she was glad when Julie nodded. And with that, she excused herself.
She tried to keep her cool as she half-walked, half-sprinted, towards the house. Her heart hammered inside her chest once she discovered an empty kitchen. Her breathing stilled while her mind rushed to find another location where they could probably be inside the house. Thinking to check upstairs, she turned, only to come face to face with the same woman she was looking for.
Jessica Sherawat looking equally surprised to see her. "Oh, you're finally here." The woman snarled and before she could say anything, Jessica gripped her wrist to the place where she thinks Catharine is.
•xoxoxo•
Author's Note: I'm finally back! But I don't know how long this creative spurt will continue. Tragedy struck and I had to sort it out during those times that I was not updating. Pandemic happened—you better be staying at home and taking care of yourself—and then I got promoted, although I'm not really sure that it's a good thing since it added more work on my plate. And then recently, if you are on the same country as me, a typhoon struck. Thankfully, we're not in any dire situation but I've been without electricity for a couple of days. If you are reading this, I'm probably at Starbucks, leeching off of their electricity just so I could have this uploaded. I'd be back to my regular routine of stressing out at work and being away again for only god knows how long once the electricity is back up. Pray for me. Again, I want to thank my readers for sticking with me, and to my reviewers for being so nice and so deep with their analysis of this story. I mean, gosh. Your brains are on a different level. I'm glad that my story is impactful to you in some way. I'm just a nerd, sharing my brainchild to strangers on the internet, and it makes me happy knowing that you appreciate what I have to offer. So, I want to thank you again. To my dear friends, L and A, thank you for your support and constant reminding.
Cheeriooo~
•xoxoxo•
Disclaimer: I do not own Resident Evil or any of its characters because CAPCOM owns them! I also do not own the lyrics of the song for him. which was featured here. It is owned by Troye Sivan and co. [November 15, 2020 | 2:23 AM EST]