Growth

Chapter 2: Family

"Hey, Super girl."

Sherry smiled, knowing that the only person who called her by that nickname stood in the doorway. She was glad that Jake Muller was in high spirits too, telling by the tone and the slight smile when he spoke.

The last time she had seen him was soon after her last field mission was completed, just before she hopped on a plane to report the result to headquarters. The goodbye was brief, but he promised to meet her again. She was conflicted whether his timing was bad or impeccable, but she did not want that thought to show.

"It's good to see you again Jake. Come in," Sherry responded.

Jake let himself in Sherry's apartment and scanned the surroundings. He was surprised how homey she made the place, even with the small kitchen connected directly to the lounge room. The positioning of the furniture made a great set up.

There were two stools on the lounge room side of the bench. Although it appeared to not utilize the space, Jake could see that guests would want more bench space for beverages and meals. Instead of more stools, there was an appropriately sized mahogany table with two chairs that weren't opposite each other. Jake noted that the chairs were placed that way because it would be impossible to pull the chair out with a stool too close by. He could imagine the awkwardness of not being directly opposite Sherry, but there was a certain intimacy about the position of the seating that appealed to him. Although he didn't want to figure out the reasoning for that feeling yet.

He looked up, admiring how her entertainment set up. Even though he had noticed the back of the creamy white couch and the decent flat screen television in the corner, his focus was on the huge, black bean bag that was used as a seat to watch T.V. He would seriously love to attempt to perform a front flip onto the bean bag just for fun.

However, his sight picked up a small desk to the right of the couch that had a small plastic Christmas tree with a photo frame near it. The final things he had noticed was there was one room he could see a doorway to and a small hallway he had assumed lead to the bathroom and possibly another room. The lounge room had also lead to a small balcony, but it was already dark and the only things he could see were the city lights.

"This is a pretty cool place. How did you get it?" Jake enquired.

"It would take a little while to explain," Sherry stated, "Anyway, would you like something to drink?"

"Coffee. Two sugars."

"Coming right up."

As Sherry opened the cupboard to retrieve the ingredients, Jake sauntered towards the small table next to the couch. He was curious why she would have a photo frame so close to the base of the little Christmas tree. Perhaps it had people that Sherry wanted to remember, or had spent time with around Christmas.

While Jake grew closer, he glanced back to check if Sherry had her back turned. To his relief, she was, making the coffee he requested. He was afraid she may turn and see that he was probably looking at something too personal for his eyes. But that fear did not deter him from his curiosity.

The twenty one year old carefully picked up the frame to have one of his thoughts confirmed. It was an extremely personal photograph. It was a family portrait of the Birkin family. A younger Sherry was grinning ear to ear between her mother and father. Both her parents were happy too. Everything seemed perfect. But Racoon City took that all away.

Intriguingly, there was a passport sized photo stuck in the corner of the frame. It was of a man, around his mid twenties. He had short brown hair with a thin fringe brushed to the left slightly. He was clean shaven, except for the tiny bit of hair under his bottom lip. The only other feature was his white collared business shirt. From the expressionless appearance of the man, Jake could gather it was an ID photo. Perhaps it was the only photo Sherry had of him.

But who was he? Obviously he was somebody significant in Sherry's life, but how did he impact her life, or what was he? Did he save her from herself? Was he a close friend? Or friend of the family? So many questions ran through Jake's mind, wanting to know who this man was. He quickly peeped over at Sherry, realising she was almost done brewing up his beverage. Maybe he could bring him up a little bit later, as much as he wanted to clear up the mystery swiftly.

Jake placed the frame where he had found it, and turned around, walking towards the kitchen bench. He took a seat on the stool, slouching over the bench slightly. He could smell the fresh aroma of coffee wafting in the air. It was a strong scent, a sign that drink was ready to serve.

As soon as Jake had that thought, Sherry had placed the mug on the bench in front of him, filled with the dark liquid he loved. Despite that it was piping hot, Jake took an impatient sip of his drink. Just from that one taste, he felt the caffeine rush through his body, going straight to his head. He suddenly felt alert, which was exactly what he needed.

He watched Sherry grab her own cup of coffee, with both hands on the mug. Unlike him though, she didn't try her hot drink yet. Instead, she observed him, wondering if she made it good enough for his liking.

"Is it good?" Sherry enquired.

"Yeah, and it's strong too. Thank you," Jake answered with a smile.

"No problem. I kind of had a feeling that you would like a lot of flavour, so I added a bit more coffee to yours."

Jake acknowledged Sherry, and took another quick swig of his drink before speaking again.

"So, what have you been doing since we parted?" Jake asked.

"Well, I haven't been out on the field since. It's because they had to arrange a new supervisor for me and some of the other agents because Simmons is dead, and because my mission with you took a lot longer than expected I was put on desk jobs and further training, psych tests and other things until they consider me for a field mission," Sherry explained.

"When would you be expected to go on another mission?"

"After Christmas. Maybe before New Year's or in January," Sherry answered, "What have you been doing for the past six months?"

"I've been fighting B.O.W.s, and tracking down the hotspots to eliminate them from areas where communities have been wiped out. I try to contain and prevent them from spreading to unaffected areas. I was in the Middle East for a month cleaning up what the BSAA left behind and I was able to save a few lives."

Sherry acknowledged Jake, but she wasn't surprised that he would do such a thing. Risking his own life made Jake feel alive, where an average person would think he was crazy. Sherry could understand how he felt though. She had experienced huge adrenaline rushes when she or another person was in perilous situations during her field missions.

She was glad Jake would be helping others in need, hopefully not asking for too much from those poor people. But judging by his expression, she could tell that he was content with his new work and found something that would enrich his life.

Just as she drank some of her coffee, Jake stated, "You don't sound happy about it."

Sherry lowered her cup after swallowing the hot liquid. She could feel it burning her throat while she thought about her last response to Jake. She didn't think she appeared unpleasant towards Jake and what he had done.

"Oh, I didn't mean to come off like that. I'm really proud of you, but I'm not surprised that you would do something to risk your life," Sherry clarified.

Jake had another mouthful of his drink, then responded, "You had me worried for a second. While I was there, I managed to reunite a boy with his family."

By the tone of his voice, Sherry could tell Jake was feeling emotional about the topic. Remembering the details from his file, he was raised by his mother only, as his father, the notorious Albert Wesker, was planning world domination. She could tell that the family of this boy Jake saved had both his parents alive.

If she could read Jake's mind at this moment, he was probably thinking of his own family and had desired to be raised by both his mother and father. On a level, she could empathise with him, as she had wished her parents were around her more often and that they lived longer. But there was no use in wishing for such an impossible scenario.

"His parents were so happy to see him alive. They hugged him and kissed him all over his face. I was pleased just to watch their reunion, and that I was the one who made it happen. Then... his father let go of him and wrapped his arms around me," Jake continued, his voice becoming emotional, but restrained, "It felt strange being hugged by a father. I've never experienced it before, and I never would be hugged by my father. It left me wanting to help more families that have been affected by bioterrorism, so their children don't suffer what I've been through."

Sherry found Jake's statement ironic. Despite their different backgrounds, environments they were raised in, they both had the same objective that had brought them to this moment. It was easy to see Jake's reasoning, he was raised without a father. His father was one of the main causes of bioterrorism, being the puppet master behind the scenes in most of the attacks up until his death. Albert Wesker didn't really care about Jake, he only cared about world domination and doing whatever he could to reach that goal.

For Jake, feeling his father's love was foreign feeling. At least the hug from that father reinforced Jake's resolve to save more innocent lives affected by bioterrorist attacks. She felt happy to hear his new life made him feel complete.

"What was it like having a father?" Jake enquired.

The twenty seven year old was surprised Jake would be asking her of all people about her father. Even though she did think of her dad just before Jake knocked on her door, she had never really thought what the experience was like. She carefully thought of her answer to Jake, while at the same time, wanted to be true to her own feelings towards her father.

"I'm not the best person to ask about it since it's been a long time since my Dad was alive. But when he was home, he was gentle and loving towards me and Mum. He also taught me about science, and I loved it... until I knew what his experiments. I guess it's always why I was willing to wait for my parents to arrive home after work, even if they came back at around midnight. Even though my father was one of the people involved in creating bio-organic weapons, he was a wonderful father," Sherry replied.

Even though she had spoken so highly of her father, Jake could hear the pain behind those words. It was obvious why, despite that he saw the Christmas tree earlier. Families were allowed to have a break from their busy lives and spend time together.

"I'm glad he treated you well," Jake responded, "It sounds like you really miss your parents around this time of year. They take breaks at Christmas, right?"

"Yeah, that's when we spend the most time with each other. Other than my birthday," Sherry stated dejectedly, "We sat around the table and ate together. Mum and Dad talked to me about the work they were doing, except for the G-Virus, which they kept secret from me. And I used to tell them about school and what I've learned. My father then would expand on anything that was related to science, and talk about future technologies that I would have access to when I grew up. Mum usually stops my father when he speaks way too much on science because she would rather keep her mind off it. They were wonderful memories. It's a shame that it can never happen again."

As soon as she said the last word, it hit her that Jake would've never had experienced Christmas. At least not like the way she could with her family. She immediately felt horrible for blabbing on about how her family did celebrate the holiday season.

"I really shouldn't have said that."

"No, no, no. It was great to hear it. And besides, it doesn't affect me. I've never celebrated Christmas anyway."

"How could it not affect you? Do you ever wonder what it would be like to celebrate it?"

"I haven't had a taste of the Christmas spirit. My mother was too poor to celebrate, and she was always sick. And when I became a mercenary, getting cash after each of our jobs were our Christmas presents. That's why I'm not affected. While you, you've had that experience with your family. And now that you have lost it, you want it back."

Sherry had to admit Jake was right. She did desire to spend a Christmas with her parents again. However, she knew it wasn't possible. The next best thing she had was the Christmas celebration with Chris and Claire and their friends.

Although, before she could talk, Jake had not finished with his speech yet.

"Since then, you probably enjoyed Christmas in someone else's presence."

All of a sudden, Sherry felt her anger rise. From what Jake implied, she could tell who he was talking about. She was aware she never told him this private detail, growing annoyed that he snooped around her apartment while she was busy.

Placing her coffee mug down on the kitchen bench, she leaned forward. Her depressed demeanour transforming into resentment before Jake's eyes.

"Why the hell did you go around my apartment? Were you expecting to find something?" Sherry barked.

"Look, I thought since your parents had died that there was at least somebody else in your life-"

"You saw that photo of him, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but-"

"You had no fucking right! I didn't say you could look at my photos!"

"The photos were on display near your Christmas tree. I doubt that would say to anyone 'don't look at them!'"

Sherry abruptly motioned her hand in the direction of the door aggressively. She had enough of his impoliteness.

"Get out. Now."

"What the hell? I didn't do anything wrong!"

"Yes you did. Drink up your coffee and get the hell out of my apartment!"

"Fine. Merry fucking Christmas, Sherry."

"You too, smartass."

Jake stood up and sculled the rest of his coffee. Slamming the empty mug on the bench, he stormed out of her apartment without another word. Sherry had ignored him completely, sipping her coffee to calm down.

After a few minutes, Sherry had finally finished her beverage. But it had only settled her down slightly. She shut the door that was left open by the man who refused to admit he was in the wrong, irritated by his pride and insensitivity. She couldn't believe that he would disrespect her privacy. After all, she only revealed to him little about her parents during the mission to escort him.

Sherry spun around, quickly moving to the bean bag. Once in front of it, she fell back into its cushiony leather skin and sunk into it. It was the best way for her to relax. But she couldn't help but to look over at the Christmas tree and the portrait standing next to it.

Surely, Jake's visit was very unexpected so it had given her no chance to place the picture in her bedroom. However, she felt that she shouldn't have the photo of her parents and the small portrait of the man in the corner on display like that, especially near a Christmas tree.

The twenty seven year old sighed. She wished she could've controlled her anger better, perhaps attempted to be more understanding of Jake's side of the story. Although, he had no clue what happened after the mission to her.

And Sherry would rather keep it that way. Everyone who knew about it was devastated. But most importantly of all, she was aware it had changed her for the worse.

Author's Notes: That was a fun chapter to write. I'm a little bit apprehensive of the reactions to what happens in the chapter but I'm hoping you'll enjoy it as much as I've had fun writing it.

It's safe to assume Jake's twenty one by late December of 2013. Considering he met Sherry when he was twenty, then they were held for six months until the end of June, his birthday would fall between July and early December.

Jake liking two sugars in his coffee is pretty normal to have. But it can also be a really obscure reference to another video game Jake's voice actor has starred in. I'd like to see if anybody gets it.

Well, I hope you liked this chapter and have time to review it!