That woman, the figure that symbolized the utmost discipline and emphasized principles of maturity and respect, was she. Although the correct title would be a guardian, this woman was more like Claire's mother. A strict one at that as she now remembered. However, like a crumbling statue it could be noted that the woman's demeanor had changed drastically. The older woman's brown eyes had watered upon unexpectedly seeing Claire at the door, and without an instant to delay, wrapped the younger woman firmly in her arms.

Claire inhaled profoundly, having been suddenly overwhelmed in emotion, too. Throughout the years, Claire had forgotten how nice it felt to be hugged by someone significant other than her brother, but with this woman it was an act performed much more differently. It was an act by means of an intense and sincere sentiment, a short moment with more importance especially after all this time. Claire of course wasn't just standing there; her arms were wrought tightly around this woman, feeling the warmth that radiated between them.

"Julia…" Claire whispered. She did not forget even after the many times she had tried. Of course, she couldn't, for if she did she'd be forgetting a large part of her life.

Julia separated herself from Claire, yet this time each of her large and calloused hands found a place upon Claire's cheeks. The elder woman gazed at her, tears watering her vision as a rather sad smile began to form on her face. For some reason, this startled Claire. She never remembered Julia being this gushy over seeing her, never remembered sharing such an intimate moment like this. But Claire supposed surrogate mothers were peculiar in their way. Claire simply reciprocated with a smile.

"It's so good to see you alive," Julia chuckled. "Of course you're alive. What matters is that you're well. Come on inside."

It felt strange to be going inside Julia's apartment again, not because of the lengthy hiatus in returning, but of all the positive memories that triggered before Claire's eyes. The quaint kitchen was obviously there, which was a funny thing to observe first. Claire never cooked in this household, never cared to, but after having seen Julia's culinary mannerisms as a kid, Claire did not watch in vain. She remembered herself tipping on her toes as she poked her head in between Julia's arms just to see what the older woman was up to, asking enough questions to drive anyone mad. Claire always complained that the darn counter was too tall, and Chris would make fun of her shortness. It must have been a constant battle dealing with the Redfield siblings, but Julia never said anything. Never even yelled. That was her nature. No burden seemed to be too big for Julia.

The small dining table hadn't changed, but it clearly wasn't how Claire remembered it. A place set for four: Julia, her son Jonathan, Claire and Chris. The fruit centerpieces that Chris used to fool Claire seemed faker than real, the placemats looked less elegant than what they used to. Perhaps it was the older Claire that had learned to minimize the majestic properties in simplistic items the younger Claire used to admire. This whole apartment, which had appeared like a large castle then, had now seemed anything but awe inspiring.

"Why don't you sit down?" Julia asked, sounding more like a stern suggestion than a question, "You want anything to drink?"

"Some water would be nice." Claire sat at the dining table. Her seat had become so cold after so long.

Moments later Julia returned with the water.

Claire smiled down at her glass. "You've kept these. I'd thought you'd change dinnerware by now."

Julia shook her head. Claire noticed the gray hairs that had multiplied a tenfold since long ago. "Nonsense. I like my things old. But if I had known you were coming here I would have bought something prettier."

"No, these are just fine." Claire ran her hand through her hair. She sighed heavily out of sudden grief. "I…I'm sorry to give you such a shock. I should have called to notify or something, it didn't mean to make you sad or anythi—"

"Don't be ridiculous, Claire." Julia said as she placed her hand on top of Claire's affectionately. "I've been wanting to see you again for the longest time ever since you left…"

"…So you found out about Raccoon?"

Julia sighed. "I did. Ever since then, I didn't know if you were alive or dead anymore…"

Claire didn't say anything of the matter, only stared at her untouched glass. She didn't want to retell the events of Raccoon City again; it would only cause pain for the both of them. To think, a visit to another town that would have only lasted two weeks turned out to be at least 5 years. Claire had been so busy those years. Taking care of Sherry, searching for Chris…it would be quite a story coming from her. Whatever the circumstance, Julia had a right to hear what happened.

"You could have had the decency to call me, Claire. Anything. Do you have any idea just how worried I was? Didn't you think I cared?" The older woman's voiced began to quiver. It sounded like she might cry again.

Claire rubbed her temples, as her eyes were clenched shut. She didn't mean to cause this aura of gloom. "I know, I know. I know you wanted to know. I was just…" Claire sighed, "I'm sorry. I should have called you. I know I should have. But so many things have happened, and I'm sure you want me to tell you…"

Julia stared at Claire's distressed frame. "I expect you to."

"I know, but please. Not now. Just not now."

A minute's silence passed between them. "Aren't you going to drink your water?"

"Oh. Yeah." Claire finished the glass and handed it back to Julia. She went to the kitchen and soon returned.

"I assume Chris is fine." Julia said.

Claire shrugged. "Chris is ok…Busy with his job and stuff. He got married 4 months ago."

Claire noticed Julia's hand we're clenched together, pressed against her mouth as if suppressing a cry. Her eyes watered once more. "I'm very happy to hear that." She managed to say.

Great move, Claire, she thought to herself, you didn't tell her about Chris's wedding! Now she's going to cry again!

Julia tried to hide her grief with a chuckle that should have been pitied more than laughed along with. Judging from Julia's eccentric reactions, maybe Claire shouldn't have ever come to this place to impose talking about issues that in the end turned out to be depressing…

"I'm getting worked up for no reason. I'm sorry, Claire." Julia apologized.

"You shouldn't be sorry. I'm the one that messed up." Claire replied.

"I'm really glad you came, Claire. Everyone has missed you, believe it or not. You thought you didn't have friends anymore, did you?"

"For a moment I thought everyone had forgotten about me. It's probably for the better. I mean it's been years, right?"

"You have no idea how wrong you are. You haven't been forgotten…" Julia said. "He especially hasn't forgotten you." She smiled.

Claire frowned. "Who's "he"?"

"You know."

"No, I'm afraid not."

Before Julia could continue, the front door was thrown open revealing a young raven-haired man in some particular uniform. He twirled his keys with his index finger in an arrogant manner and yelled: "Mom, your precious son has arrived! You won't believe what happened to me today!"

He zoomed passed Claire and Julia without making a considerate stop to look at one of the two. Opening the door and entering one of the bedrooms, he continued on. "George is gonna hook me up with a guy who can cut me a deal with one of those cars I've been wanting. You know, that old Ford I've had my eye on. He said he'd made arrangements so I can meet the guy. Once I get the car, oh man, wait till you see what I've got in mind for it. I'm gonna paint it some nice color. Gonna fix it up really good. What color do you think, mom? Blue? Blue is your favorite color, but I think blue isn't very popular nowadays. It's all those metallic sandy colors now, you know, with those crazy names that aren't even real colors people know. Like burnt sienna or something like that. I can't really tell you how it looks like, but you know browns are pretty much all alike.

How about we go out for some dinner, mom? Tonight. On me. Does that sound ok with you? We can go to that restaurant you wanted to go, that one, you know what I'm talking abou—Oh my God…"

As he finished up is truly lengthy, and, yes, quite thorough, monologue, he had been exiting the room with a new set of clothing, ready to take a look at his mother for the first time upon entering. Intentionally or not, instead his eyes landed on Claire, or what probably must have been Claire because it seemed as though, judging by the incredulous look on his face, that he had confronted some type of phantom from his nightmares. He leaned on his hand against the wall as his other rested on his hip. He peered at her closely.

"Claire? Claire Redfield?" Asked he.

Claire nodded wittingly and smiled. "Jonathan."

He gasped in amazement. "Oh man, come here!" He exclaimed as he ran over to her with open arms. They caught themselves in each other's arms and held each other unyieldingly, but no matter how hard they tried, their hug alone could not compensate for their years apart. They swayed as they stood, exchanging friendly words and extended greetings until Claire herself felt she was about to cry from excessive joy. How Jonathan had changed. So much in fact, Claire couldn't believe she was taking to the same person. He was her second brother, her best friend growing up. She hadn't realized how much she missed him until this very moment.

He smiled brilliantly, unleashing his happiness the most he could. "Look at you! My God, you've changed so much!"

Claire smiled just as radiantly. "I should say the same thing to you."

"Oh man, have we got lots to talk about." Jonathan turned to his mother. "I'm gonna take Claire for a ride around town, if you don't mind."

"But she just got here!"

Grabbing his keys and without waiting for a quick or adequate response to his liking, Jonathan grabbed Claire by the arm, dragging her out the door and back outside.

A/N: Wee! There it is! Ch. 3 coming soon!