Chapter 2:

House of Wesker

A week had gone by since Claire and I settled into our cozy little home in London, England. Marlowe's father, whose name I had yet to learn at the time [another strange fact I could add to the list for the man], had allowed me a week to get cozy in the new town before my official interview with him. I appreciated it too because I was ready to be latched to Claire by the hip for a while until my 'Caution - New Surroundings' alerts died down a bit.

I came to realize that a week surely wasn't enough time when I received a phone call from Marlowe's dad [who left a message on my cell - finally telling me that his name was Albert Wesker]. He said he expected me present at his manor on Monday at noon sharp.

"Do you want me to come with you or something?" Claire asked me Saturday evening as we toured our neighborhood once again - for my sake. "You seem nervous."

"I'm fine!" I lied, giggling to ease her. I wasn't helpless or super needy but I was indeed nervous about all of this. "...but if you wanted to come along with me anyway, I'm okay with that." I was almost begging her.

She grinned almost like the Cheshire cat towards me, "I knew it!" she laughed heartily, embarrassing me. "I understand though, this would be your first time out of the country right?"

I nodded, "Yeah, don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying this so far! The sights are unforgettable..." I smiled to her. "I'm... just a bit nervous about this interview. I mean, it isn't too soon? What if I mess up?"

She shook her head at me, silent for a moment as our footsteps echoed along the concrete. It was the only sound to be heard during at that time. It was evening time but wasn't too late. In the U.S, I would assume it to be near 8 pm but Claire insisted that I start learning military time as per custom. Okay, so that would mean it's like 20:00.

"You'll do fine, Sher. I know you will." she finally spoke, looking at me with warm cerulean blue eyes. "You came here for the experience, just like I have. So, even if this doesn't work out, you have time to try anything you please."

I grinned and held my head high as we turned around the corner for the third time and neared our residence. A tall and comfy looking semi-detached house [two houses side by side / together] that was adorable inside and out. Claire reminded me over and over to remember the distinct colors, blue and white so that I wouldn't get lost.

Throughout the week we had done this, getting an idea of our neighborhood from every which angle possible. We'd taken a subway trip to another area on Wednesday after our first few days of mapping, just to test ourselves. We'd caught the subway during the afternoon and didn't return home until dark...

After much struggle we finally were able to learn this place without issue. For now, we'd just gotten back from heading into a diner for dinner that was just a couple blocks away. Besides Wednesday, we had never been out much during the evening so I asked Claire could we tour the area once again so that I could see the night sights and be aware of how everything looked under different radiance.

As we closed in on the front door, our new neighbor [living in the other part of terrace] peeked out her curtain and waved to us. She was a sweet older lady who greeted us affectionately on our first day. Her name was Marjorie Huttles, or Nanna Huttles as we were told to call her.

Claire and I waved back to her with a smile and entered our home.

As I hung up our coats, Claire removed her shoes and walked further into the house to flick on some lights. She lit up the kitchen, hallway and a moment later, the living room. I followed behind her for a moment, and then walked up a small flight of stairs and into my room.

Beep, Beep.

My cell was dying fast, I simply had to plug it in or the sound would drive me nuts.

The abode was amazing. To say I was grateful to Claire's TerraSave employers would be an understatement. The inside was perfect with its modern English decor; even my room was exquisite with its light pastel colors, elegant bedding and furniture that almost seemed antique. I loved everything about the place, from its fancy getup to the delightful wood scent that came from the floors.

"Sherry!" Claire called from downstairs.

I plugged my phone into an outlet beside my full sized bed and exited my room to go to her.

Once downstairs, she and I sat down in the living room in front of the television, stuffing our faces with some of the leftovers we brought back with us from the diner. They had cake there and well, I love cake.

"Okay, I'll come with you tomorrow."

I stopped cramming my mouth to look at her. "Really?" it sounded more like 'Bweally?'.

"Yep." she said with a smile on her face as she flipped through the TV channels.

"I appreciate it. Apparently it's on the other side of the city... " I made a face. "What's more is Mr. Wesker is kind of creepy..."

"You sure you wanna work for a creeper?"

I shivered. "Course not! But... I mean, I've only met him once. He might be nicer than I think..."

"We'll just have to see, huh?"

Claire escorted me to the Wesker residence. We arrived a little early, 11:34 to be exact.

The house wasn't far from where Claire and I were staying but it did require us to catch a couple buses through the busy areas as it was in a district that from what I observed was almost like the U.S suburbs. It was very easy to spot too; it was one of the biggest houses on the block.

Claire and I walked side by side to the manor. It was a lovely house, definitely for wealthy persons. I began to wonder exactly what job did Mr. Wesker work to have a home of such high quality.

It was simply colored [beige], made of brick from what I could see and stood not too far off the ground. There looked to be three floors - if not including a possible basement and maybe an attic. There were many windows along the house and with the bright day - I was surprised to see light shaded drapes closed. The front twin doors were the same color as the curtains shielding the windows. A large yard surrounded the house, green grass was freshly cut and aligning the yard was a driveway entrance that stretched towards and around the house, including the attached garage.

"Nice place, maybe I could work here." Claire said almost too seriously. "I was a nanny once, remember?"

"You have a job - let me have this one!"

Taking a deep breath, I stepped onto the front step and knocked softly with the door knocker three times. I remembered we were early but I was just trying to a make a good impression on my [hopefully] new boss.

"Ready?" Claire whispered, giving me a comforting back rub.

"Y-Yeah... I think."

After a good moment, the door opened up and there stood Mr. Wesker, still clad in all black and rocking the same shades as I saw him wear before - a whole week ago. He looked me up and down, a small half smile slowly began to grace his mysterious features. "Miss Birkin, how lovely that you've made it - early too."

I simpered a bit. "U-Um yes, I'm sorry, is that a bad?" I cursed myself for being so nervous.

"No, it's perfectly fine." he looked to Claire, "Hello, I don't believe we've met?"

I turned to her; she was eyeing him strangely and I felt dread overcome me. "Um, this is Claire. She was once my guardian until I got older but we're still very close - she walked me here and - "

Claire cut me off before I began to ramble, "Claire Redfield, nice to meet you, Mr. Wesker." I was grateful she was being respectful - Claire wasn't very good with strange guys.

She held out her hand to him and he shook it courteously. "Please, come inside."

I gave Claire's other hand a squeeze before we entered, signaling my gratitude to her. I could tell by her biting her lip that she was really holding back.

The inside of the house was even more amazing than the outside! The living room was just inside the door, couches lined up in front of a large fireplace, unlit at the time. The walls were littered with large photos of landscapes and other decorations, a large chandelier hung elegantly from the ceiling. A square glass coffee table was centered by the couches.

Some feet away was a long set of spiral stairs and a hallway that seemed to lead to some pretty big rooms and I could make out a stretch of tall glass down that hall that was probably the portal to the backyard.

Across from the staircase was a pair of wooden double doors with exquisite doorknobs. I looked towards Mr. Wesker and noticed that along the same wall as the couches, there was another hallway, it looked a bit narrower than the one before us.

"Wow..." Claire and I chorused and we looked at each other, grinning. I felt an itch to go exploring just like I had when Claire and I first arrived at our abode.

Mr. Wesker chuckled and walked ahead of us, instructing us to follow him towards the narrow hallway closest to us. "Come, we will discuss these matters in my study."

We eagerly followed, admiring every detail of the estate along the way.

His study was more like a freaking library! The room was surrounded by bookshelves and even had a second floor with even more books. Claire and I just gazed in awe; our mouths were open the entire time.

"Come, my desk room is just this way."

We followed behind him, the sounds of our boots echoed as we stepped along the glossy wooden floors. I nearly slipped as we entered his office. Thank goodness Claire caught me before I fell. I blushed as I almost tugged her down with me.

His desk room was rectangular in shape but not small or too large. A leather loveseat was before his neat and organized wooden desk, a small unlit lamp lay beside stacked folders and books of a genre I wasn't sure. The room was brightly lit by the early morning sun, the light coming from the glass roof hovering above.

Mr. Wesker moved behind his desk and beckoned to us the loveseat. "Please, sit." we obliged and he sat in his own office chair. "Now, before you begin with questions, allow me to answer a few for you - to give you some background on myself and my family."

Claire and I listened quietly from our spot.

"My family and I tend to travel quite often, most of the time back and forth between the States and here in England. This is a temporary place of residence that we tend to come to every fall season - for business related endeavors. We are Americans and I'm assuming that you are as well?" I nodded. "Hmm, moving on."

"Should you accept this job you will be traveling along with us quite a bit as your responsibility will be to look out for my son. However, there is even more to this job than just that I am afraid."

Traveling babysitter job? I felt excited but I was anxious to hear more.

"We are a moderately sized family, consisting of myself, my wife Stephanie, and my two boys - Jake and the little one you've already met, Marlowe."

The idea of taking care of two kids sounded very difficult...

"My wife is ill I'm afraid, so she is upstairs in her room and unable to do much. As for my son, Jake, he is 20 years of age and very rebellious - therefore, not much help at all. But he does come through every blue moon, still, the activities of his personal life aren't child friendly."

Phew, Jake's 20 which means I'm only looking out for Marlowe. I thought to myself, but something about the other son got my mind to wonder briefly until Mr. Wesker spoke once more.

"Therefore, I am in need of not only a nanny, but a housekeeper and cook. Are you willing to do this?"

I nodded slowly, thinking about the times I'd cleaned up at the coffee shop and helped Brad make pastries and sweets. How hard could it be? "Sure, I don't mind."

He nodded. "Since we aren't a very large family, this shouldn't be too difficult. Stephanie has a nurse who stops by once a day to check on her condition so you don't have to worry much about her, except with meal plans because you will have to take the food to her. Jake is barely home as he's always out and about doing something, in the event that he is here at the house it is mostly to visit Stephanie and see Marlowe. Don't be surprised if majority of the time after he mingles with his mother he spends it in the den or the bar downstairs in the basement."

"You have a bar here?" Claire asked almost too excitedly.

Mr. Wesker smirked, he was oddly handsome then, even with the glasses. "Yes and I would be honored to show you whenever you like."

Is he... Is he flirting with Claire...?

"Oh no!" Claire giggled, "I mean, I like wine as much as the next person but I really shouldn't drink. I'm really extra when I drink."

"It's true." I added to tease her.

"Ah, well, that's interesting." his gaze came to me once again, "Before I go on about Marlowe, I feel a need to ask you about yourself Miss Birkin. Tell me, have you worked with children before?"

"No," I answered honestly, "But I'm willing to do whatever I can for Marlowe and your family, Mr. Wesker."

"He's quite taken with you. In fact, he talks about you almost excessively."

"Wow... Really? I'm glad to hear!" I blushed with a smile.

Claire grinned, "She talks about Marlowe a lot too. Hasn't stopped since we've arrived."

A ghost of a smile came to Mr. Wesker's face again, "How about cooking and cleaning? Are you capable?"

"I'm a great cleaner. I worked at a coffee shop before coming here and all I did was serve customers, clean and I even made desserts for them whenever the help was needed."

"Good to know. Marlowe will be a handful with his willfulness and unlimited amount of energy. I imagine since you've worked such a busy life serving caffeine lovers you're quite plentiful with energy yourself, yes?"

I nodded once - quite stiffly too as I started remembering my moments of sleeping on the job. I definitely couldn't do that with a 3 year-old boy. "... I'm pretty active..."

"If it isn't too private, may I ask what happened at your previous job? What I mean to say is, why did you stop working there?"

I paused, thinking things over. I couldn't tell him about the pay, I couldn't tell him about my landlord... what could I say? "Um, well, I just wanted to try something different. So I came here with Claire."

"Hm, how old are you, Miss Birkin?"

"I am 22."

"Last question, would you be willing to accept this job - living in this home with Marlowe and my family?"

My jaw almost hit the floor. "You mean-" I looked at Claire, she was just as shocked as me.

"Yes. Would you be willing to be a live-in Nanny and housekeeper for my family?"

I looked at Claire, anxious to answer. That would be a big decision. I just moved here with Claire! "Wow... I..." I looked back and forth from Mr. Wesker to my dumbfounded friend and former guardian. "Um, Claire...? What do you think?"

I jumped as she pinched me. "You better accept this offer Sher! Do it!" she suddenly started shouting at me, and then shaking me. "Look at this opportunity - you dare question me about your future?!"

"C-Claire!"

"He has bar, Sherry! A bar!"

"Claire!"

"Miss Redfield...?"

Claire let me go instantly and giggled. "S-Sorry... it's just, I'm really rooting for her, ya know and I - "

"Should she accept, you're free to stop by and enjoy the bar." I saw Claire's eyes light up like stars.

A second later, both pairs of eyes were on me. Claire looked a little too desperate, but Mr. Wesker was calm as always. I was really feeling pressured but I told myself to relax and breath over and over. I needed a moment to think but I was feeling overwhelmed by the new proposal.

"Craziness aside, Sher, it's up to you." Claire said gently, snapping me out of my thoughts. She rested a hand on my shoulder. "I'm with you no matter what."

"I don't know. I mean, I'll have to go back to the house and pack. We just moved there - you'll be there alone -"

"Sherry, I would've been there alone if you hadn't had come with me in the first place." she laughed a bit. "That doesn't bother me and I would never try to hold you back from pursuing your own path with anything, you know that. Besides, you're not that far away from me. We can visit each other, right Mr. Wesker?"

He nodded, waiting patiently for my answer.

"You sure you're okay with this?" I whispered softly.

"Don't worry about me. Think about yourself. Think about why you came with me in the first place."

I lowered my head in thought. She was right, I came here for opportunities and this one was a fantastic one. I had to weigh the options here.

- Wait, there are no other options! It's either take the job with a cute, awesome kid and fantastic house, or go back with Claire to hear her rage about me denying her the right to drink wine -

"I'll do it."

We spent the rest of the morning transporting my things into the Wesker home. Mr. Wesker was kind enough to drive us to the house Claire and I shared and he waited patiently as I packed, kissed Claire goodbye [who was very close to drunk as Mr. Wesker kept his promise to give her a glass of wine] and then I left with him once again to return to my new home.

When we returned, I met Mrs. Wesker's nurse, Rebecca Chambers. She was small and petite with short chestnut colored hair and bright green eyes. She was very nice, she even seemed quite familiar with Mr. Wesker, more so than normal. I assumed they probably worked together for a while.

Marlowe was due home from his Head Start program at 14:00 [2:00pm], once his brother Jake picked him up. Mr. Wesker brought it to my attention that sometimes Jake would grab them both a bite to eat before returning home so that would probably leave me with an extra hour before they arrived.

I spent the time waiting for Marlowe by moving my things into the room Wesker assigned me. It was a moderately sized and simple room but the view it provided was fantastic. The view came from the windows in the room. They were taller than me, in two different corners of the room. The good news was that I still had a spot to dress where I could be away from the window and possible peeping toms [because the curtains where quite transparent - sheer unfortunately].

I had a full-sized bed on a wooden bedframe of antique design. Decorated by red and white sheets and a quilted comforter, there was a pretty and beautiful butterfly of the same colors embroidered on the comforter. A circular and white fluffy carpet was on the floor, a dresser and chest aligned on the wall and beside the bed was a nightstand with a small lamp.

It was comfy in here. I really liked the room.

While walking around the room, I happened to peer through the windows. I could see the backyard had patio, some tables and what looked like a fountain beyond the different colors of leaves and leafless trees.

I made a mental note to go out there sometime once the weather was warm. At the moment the skies had begun to darken again, typical October weather. There was a rain coming, the skies and rustling - stirring leaves in the escalating breeze were evidence of that.

I heard footsteps behind me and I turned away from the window to see Mr. Wesker about to walk past my door, a folder full of papers within his hands. His gaze was firmly on them. He stopped in front of my doorway.

"Marlowe should be here soon," he began, his eyes never looked up to me.

"I… I'm ready for him," I think…

"Hm, do you like your room?"

I smiled. "Yes, it's lovely and has a beautiful view."

"Excellent, I made sure to give you a room that was on the first floor as you will find yourself here very often. You're responsible for making sure that this house is the image of perfection - each of these rooms is to be cleaned as frequently as possible. I will not tolerate uncleanliness in this home."

I began to fidget with my sleeves, the pressure was on…

"I tend to have guests spontaneously and quite often – that said, I'm sure you can understand why cleanliness is especially important to me?"

"Yes, Mr. Wesker." Oh boy… this won't be easy at all.

"Moving on, I expect breakfast completed at 6:00 [6:00am] every day – no later."

"Yes sir."

"In the kitchen you will find a notepad beside the calendar that has directions to Marlowe's school, as well as some emergency numbers including my own, Mrs. Chambers, and Jake. Every morning, I will have a note written for you detailing what I would prefer you do during the present day, on top of the usual cleaning and I will expect them completed by the time I arrive home from work."

"As for Marlowe, he goes to Head Start on Mondays and Thursdays. His clothes should be laid out and ready for him when he wakes up at 6:00 to prevent the early morning circus he may cause. You are to have a lunch packed for him every morning before you take him to school at 10:00 [10:00am]."

"I'm assuming you have a driver's license and that it isn't littered with felonies?"

"Yes I do and of course not sir," I laughed, "I'm a law abiding citizen!" he didn't laugh, nor look at me, so I shut my mouth instantly.

"Good." he said.

"May I ask why, sir?"

"Just in case." he said plainly. "When you return here in the morning, you should begin an early morning cleaning regime. The front room has a closet beside the fireplace, full of cleaning supplies – you should use them to your advantage. Your regime should include making each of the beds, cleaning the bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting – the likes. When it comes to food preparations, you already know breakfast, as for lunch, it should be prepared by noon – unless it's a weekday that Marlowe or myself aren't here. In that case, you simply need to ask Mrs. Chambers about Stephanie's appetite and work according to that, or see what Jake would like as he is also of your concern."

Oh boy, a 20 year old male with an endless amount of demands... please don't let him be a jerk...

"Okay, I understand sir."

"As for dinner, there are cook books available for you to experiment with and feel free to be creative with breakfast and lunch using the books as well. For anything that you would like to prepare, you are free to. While the refrigerator is full of groceries, you may have to visit the market a little down the street to collect any little necessities. A wallet of funding will be provided for you with an amount of your choosing – say a good $260 a day?"

260 bucks a day for groceries? Wow – I wonder what's my pay going to be?! "Isn't that a bit much?"

"Not at all, 260 is the equivalent of close to 200 euros here. Besides, it's yours to use to provide food for my family. I will supply the wallet to you by tomorrow, as for today you'll have to work with what's available, understood?"

"Yes sir."

"Also… make sure you are always presentable." I blushed, feeling self-conscious, did he think I looked rough? "You're a pretty thing, but when we have guests – I expect you to show your lady side. You can do that, yes?"

Great, my boss thinks I look like a boy… I sighed. "Understood, sir."

"Daddy!" the sudden sound of a young voice alerted us both. Marlowe's home!

"We'll discuss matters such as your pay another time." he turned to leave but stopped. "Before I forget, as this is your residence now as well, you are free to enjoy anything you please as long as you have finished with your duties by the time you decide to indulge yourself."

Sounds delightful. "Thank you, sir."

"Also, be sure to schedule some time with Marlowe each day to teach him and educate him. It's very vital that he excels. Very vital." with that he left out.

Huh, déjà vu. Almost like a flashback moment to my own childhood…

Immediately after his exit, I sprang into action - but not before making sure I looked presentable. I straightened up my hair in the window reflection as well as my clothes. I was wearing a light blue sweater that hung loosely over my shoulders but clung to my body lightly, my black tank top beneath concealed my bra straps much to my relief, and I wore black skinny jeans that stopped just above my ankle boots. Feeling comfortable, I took a deep breath and stepped out into the hallway, glad that my room wasn't too far from the front entrance.

"Marlowe, I hope you behaved yourself today." Mr. Wesker spoke.

"I did, daddy."

"Damn, would it kill you to say – Oh, I don't know, hey kid, how was your day?" another voice came, deeper, almost like Mr. Wesker but it had more youth to it.

I almost kicked myself; I totally forgot about the older brother. I wanted to make a good first impression with him too so things wouldn't be awkward. Please, please let him be sensible and not the type to overwork me...

I peeked around the stairway and stood there, quite nervous. I saw Marlowe's small figure standing beside a man wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and boots. Almost identical in fashion to Mr. Wesker, but the jeans were dark-blue in color at least. He was the same height as Mr. Wesker too, but the hair was different; auburn and styled in a buzz-cut.

"Jake, your comments are irrelevant." I now knew what 'Jake' looked like, well, at least his silhouette.

"Tch, typical."

I didn't know what to say, so I just walked towards them quietly, fidgeting with my sweater sleeves again. They were facing each other, Marlowe was innocently looking back and forth between them obviously confused. The tension was overwhelming from the two older Wesker's, I was almost afraid to speak to them.

Mr. Wesker noticed me first as Jake had his back to me. "Ah, Miss Birkin, just in time."

Marlowe turned instantly to me and my heart jumped when I saw his face brighten up like a ray of sunshine. He immediately raced to me and I crouched down just in time to give him a big hug.

"Sherry-Berry!"

"Mar-Mar!" I couldn't help but think about how much the song At Last really would've been perfect for a moment like this...

Marlowe laughed in my arms. "Why are you here?"

"Your dad invited me here!" I smiled giving him a big kiss on the forehead. "Are you happy to see me?" he nodded and I squished him against me once again. "I'm happy to see you too, Mar."

"So, who's the babe?" I felt my face heat up a little as I looked up from Marlowe and got a good look at Jake.

He was intimidating to look at, especially with the long scar going down the side of his face. He had sharp blue-grey eyes and great cheek bone structure. Despite the intense and dangerous aura that radiated off of him, I couldn't help but notice that there was a novel type of handsomeness to him.

He looks…good. I turned away then, I refused ogle at him – especially while he was looking right at me, but I was gushing inside because he called me a 'babe'. Does he think I'm attractive…? Stop it Sherry... Stop it! You have to be a professional!

"This is Marlowe's nanny and our new housekeeper, Sherry Birkin." Mr. Wesker answered, gesturing to me with the papers he still kept in his hand.

"Nanny and the maid?" he smirked at me, looking me over. I stood up with Marlowe in my arms. "Well, looks like things just got interesting." he winked at me and I shivered a little.

I don't know how to feel right now… Flattered? Annoyed? Maybe I should ignore it – he's probably just teasing me. So much for a sensible guy - great, he's going to try bullying me...

"She will be living here, Jake." Mr. Wesker spoke firmly. "I expect you to treat her with respect and behave yourself - something you should do more often."

Jake frowned then, "Hmph," he looked away from me, towards his father. "I'm going to see mom," he said, and then his eyes darkened. "Something you should do more often." with that, he breezed past Marlowe and myself, and started up the staircase.

"Bye Jake!" Marlowe called.

"See ya later, little guy."

We watched him disappear into the hallway upstairs and everything was quiet around us, but only for a moment.

Someone's got daddy troubles… I glanced back at Mr. Wesker, he was back into the staring contest again with his papers. Déjà vu…

"… I … I didn't even get to introduce myself properly." I joked trying to ease tension that suddenly surfaced. I was curious as to what both men had meant by something you should do more often but I figured it was a bad time and I was the newbie anyway, I had no right to start asking questions so soon.

"Never mind him," Mr. Wesker said. "I expect dinner prepared by 18:00 [6:00pm], no later Miss Birkin." Like his son, he too walked away – to his study no doubt.

Anything in particular, Mr. Wesker? Jeez, a little eye contact never hurt either. I frowned to myself and released a breath I didn't know I was holding. Guess I'll have to be creative… no big deal right?

Marlowe and I stood there in silence for moments until we could hear rain begin to fall outside. My arm started to cramp and I shifted him in my arms. He wasn't heavy but he certainly wasn't a lightweight.

"Nanny Bear," I blinked at him and smiled. "Can I call you Nanny Bear?"

"Sure," I kissed him on the cheek. "Can I call you Ma-Ma?"

"I like Mar." he pouted.

"What's wrong with Ma-Ma?"

"I'm not a momma and I'm not a girl!"

I laughed and let him down to the wooden floors. So cute… "Okay, Mar. You want to help me in the kitchen? We can make dinner and then I'll make us some tasty treats!"

"I like peanut butter cookies. Can we make those?" he beamed at me as I helped him out of his coat. It wasn't the same one as on the plane. It was an actual autumn coat.

Perhaps Jake dressed him? The poor child looked to almost suffocate because of Mr. Wesker.

"Sure…I'll have to look up a recipe on my phone and make them from scratch using the materials provided…" I was talking more to myself than him.

"Okay," he grinned then yawned cutely. "…Sleepy…"

I ruffled his short blonde hair and took his small hand in mine. "Okay, but first, I need a favor… I need your help finding the kitchen." I blushed, a little embarrassed that I'd forgot to ask Mr. Wesker for a tour of the house. "After that, I promise I'll tuck you in for a little nap, alright?"

"Sleepy…" he stretched his arms up at me. I wondered for a moment if maybe he was too old to like being carried so much but the thought was gone as quick as it came.

I scooped him up, his coat thrown over one of my arms. "I know, but I need your help, please?"

"Okay." he mumbled sleepily.

He directed me up the spiral stairs and through the halls upstairs. There were many rooms. Passing by one room, I heard a voice that sounded a lot like Jake's and another that was softer, weaker. Most likely it was his mother, Stephanie. I hadn't had a chance to meet her. I fancied after I put Marlowe to sleep and started some sort of dinner, I would try and squeeze some time in to speak with her. I felt it was common courtesy to meet everyone in the manor.

"Right here." he mumbled finally, three doors away from where I heard Jake and Mrs. Wesker.

Opening the door, I walked inside and let him down onto his feet. His room was about the same size as mine but colored in shades of blue while mine was white. Decorated in boyish charm, the only thing it was missing was a race car bed. He had toys strewn all over, race cars, action figures and I even made out a couple unfinished building blocks.

Obviously he plays a lot.

I helped him change from his jeans and shirt and into some adorable footie pajamas with monkeys on it that he tried to fight with me over. I would never understand the problem kids have with footie pj's. They were a favorite of mine – I even had a pair – more like three pairs…

"I look like a bear." he fussed.

I pinched his cheek, "I have a pair I could wear too. Want me to wear mine so you won't be the only one like a bear?"

He nodded with puffed cheeks, then added : "You are a bear, Nanny Bear." he said simply and climbed into his bed. "Sleepy..."

I helped him get tucked in and kissed his forehead. I could vaguely remember some of the lessons on kids that Claire made me go over while we got settled in. She mentioned how it was normal for kids around his age to be tired after being out and about. I figured I'd let him rest and once he woke up, I'd work with what I could – following his lead.

It wasn't until a good three minutes later that I remembered I needed help finding the kitchen… and I'd just put my tour guide to sleep.

I smacked my forehead and groaned quietly. Guess I'll have to find it myself…

I exited the room as quietly as I could, leaving a crack in it in case he woke up and came looking for me. I wondered out into the halls, further down towards a large window and it was a dead end. The window gave a decent view of the front yard surprisingly. As I looked out, I noticed someone who looked a lot like Mr. Wesker out there, loading briefcases into his truck before getting in the driver's seat and backing out of the driveway moments later. I couldn't see very well with the rain coming down outside but I was almost sure…

What the…?

I turned around and raced to the end of the hall, down the spiral stairs and to the front door where I could better see the face behind the wheel of the truck. It was Mr. Wesker – where was he off to? I stood there long after he'd left, confused.

He could've at least shown me where the kitchen was before he left!

I felt so alone suddenly. The house was quiet and dark, the rain outside was light but loud. I stood there by the door, leaning against one of the sofas nearby, debating my next choice of action. Did I dare to wonder off into this house and get lost? Can a girl really get lost in a house? A mansion maybe…

"Guess I better give it a shot…" I said aloud and walked a straight path, passed the stairs, and then passed my bedroom.

I noticed a very large bathroom was right beside my room. It looked like a sauna was in there too. I had to stop myself from going inside – what is it about bathrooms that gave it a magnetic pull? Fighting the pull, I walked a bit farther and found a set of double doors with thin wood and glass windows. Peeking in, I could see inside was maybe a game lounge, the room was made up entirely of wooden structures, three large televisions hung from different corners of the room and there were multiple trophies, pictures of football and basketball related knickknacks. There was a pool table, couches and tables with tall chairs for seating.

I might have to check this room out too. I felt giddy but moved along.

I turned around and found my target – the kitchen. It was an open area with an island and like most of the house, wood finishes but it was accompanied by granite counter tops. There was a large black French door refrigerator against the wall, beside it a long granite counter of light color.

Along the opposite wall was a built-in microwave and below that an oven. They even had an old fashioned bread maker! I could also see the calendar and emergency numbers, just like Mr. Wesker had said.

I better not blow up this kitchen… The house was way too gorgeous. I'd better be very careful.

The kitchen was directly connected with the living room; I assumed now that this was the living room, the front room must have been a sitting room. Now that I thought about it, there wasn't a television out there... On the other side of the island, there were more couches, coffee tables and another large television sitting high in the corner. There was a large circular glass table nearby with five chairs. It seemed the dining room, kitchen and living room were combined – in a tasteful way I might add.

There was a set of tall glass windows and doors in the back area where I could see the rain pouring down in the backyard patio vicinity. I walked over and saw a string attached to the very tall grommet-like curtains that were drawn back. After making sure the door was locked [it was a sliding door], I pulled the string, closing off the back of the house with the curtains. The sun was no longer out so they needn't be open anymore.

I walked back to the kitchen area and observed everything about the room. From the endless amounts of cabinets, to the countless knife blocks, and even the spot where the hairnets and aprons were neatly folded.

I decided on something simple after looking through the refrigerator a good few times. I decided to make a stew that I made often with Claire whenever Leon was coming by. He loved it – I hoped they would too.

After putting a hairnet on, tying on an apron, and washing my hands, I started pulling out some veggies, pots and pans.

Here goes… everything!

As I started cutting up some celery, I heard the sound of a door open and shut nearby. Peeking around the corner, I noticed it was none other than Jake entering the lounge – or the den as Mr. Wesker would put it. I was tempted to ask him if he knew where his father had headed but decided against it. They didn't seem to get along well.

I knew that feeling pretty well.

I walked back into the kitchen but not before noticing Jake had flicked on one of the big screens in the room. The very first Fast and the Furious movie – my favorite movie ever – came onto the screen in amazing HD.

Now I really wanna go in there… But it would have to wait. My mind wondered to Mrs. Wesker upstairs in her room. As I dropped some vegetables into a pot, I made a mental note to pay her a visit and introduce myself.

Hopefully she's the sensible one...

A/N: EDITED/UPDATED (09/15/2013)

Corrected typos and spelling errors. :)

-Vio