Chapter 6:

The Middle Ground

When I was dropped off at the Wesker home [Jake as well], there wasn't much shock - except on Claire and Piers part but by that time everyone else had been taken home. Apparently, Steve and Helena had already known I worked for Jake - he'd told Steve right before he'd come to find me in the abandoned area I had hidden in. Helena on the other hand confessed that she'd known even before that.

He told her the first day he met me.

Claire was shocked that I'd never told her but when I explained that I had tried to earlier and she accepted that. Piers on the other hand was stunned that I was a nanny - maid. He and Helena then went on a tangent about how lucky Jake was to have me.

Jake seemed to disagree.

For some reason he was firmly under the impression that I worked solely for his father - like I listened to him above everyone else.

True, he employed me and I obeyed his demands but what was with Jake [and formerly Mrs. Stephanie] assuming I worshipped the ground he walked on - or that I was under his wing all times of day?

If anything I was a servant to Marlowe, though I willingly tended to the little teddy bear.

I had tried to explain to Jake that I worked for everyone - not just one or two people in the home - but everyone.

He didn't seem to believe me and that really hurt. Things at that time had taken a gloomy turn until Steve and not surprisingly, Claire started making sex jokes about me being a kinky maid waiting for Jake's every command. Piers and Helena had started this earlier and joined in again for a very heated discussion.

There was so many ideas exchanged about it that when I got out of the limo with Jake, I was cherry faced again. He on the other hand had a frown - he seemed annoyed by the jokes.

He truly was one of the most moody men I'd ever encountered. One minute he was teasing me and being flirty - the next he was capricious and detached.

Once the limo left us alone, we entered the house and it was 5 in the morning. I was off for the day so I figured I would sleep until 10:00 [10:00am] and then start breakfast.

Before I could alert Mrs. Stephanie and Chambers of my arrival and breakfast plans, I asked Jake for his jacket so I could hang it in the front closet for him.

I was shocked when he pinned me to the wall with hands on either side of my head. His words were firm, his eyes cold, and he scared me - this time I didn't feel anything but animosity from him...

"Not a word of any of this to my mother, Rebecca, or Marlowe - capiche?" he'd said it so harshly, I couldn't speak. I only nodded.

As he walked away, I wondered did he hate me or something.

I was growing tired of the mixed signals and I was even more tired of stressing myself trying to figure things out. I just wished we could try and communicate on a steady basis. At least that way we could get to know each other, gain some understanding of one another's feelings and hopefully - just hopefully...

We could at least become friends.

I woke up at 10 and still felt exhausted. I could've really used the extra hours of sleep but even on my 'day off', I still had cooking and cleaning duties.

So, I got up that morning, showered, dressed and started breakfast like usual. I made Mrs. Stephanie and Chambers some pancakes and bacon, which I took up to their rooms on the fancy rolling tray Mr. Wesker had kept conveniently in the corner of the kitchen for me to utilize. It was a chore to get up the stairs but as Claire would call it - it was a labor of love...

After taking them breakfast, I returned downstairs and went to find Jake. I had to make sure he was hungry before I started making his plate [the food was already prepared] as sometimes he would up and leave without it and I would sit around contemplating throwing the good food away or eating it myself.

I couldn't afford to keep eating his food. I was afraid I would start gaining weight and being heavy with a young child running around wasn't good for me I imagined.

Jake had a room, in fact, besides Mr. Wesker, his room was the most beautiful in the home. That said, Jake never slept there - he always slept in the lounge it seemed - or he could very well have been sleeping down in the bar area [Mr. Wesker told me it was a lot more rooms down there but he kept the door locked to keep Marlowe from being exposed to alcoholic beverages. He also kept me out - as he said and I quote "A good nanny doesn't drink - there's no need for you to go down there, Miss Birkin.".].

I always wondered what it looked like down there but I was afraid Mr. Wesker would shout at me if I asked. Then again, it wasn't the only room in the home that Mr. Wesker kept locked. There were the double doors in the front area - across from the spiral staircase and he also kept his study locked when he wasn't home. I figured there must have been a pretty good reason he locked these doors - I wouldn't pry further, some people needed privacy.

The front room twin doors weren't always locked - unlike the basement and his study. However, the only ones who had the key to these areas were Jake and Mr. Wesker himself. I'd been through the area before, the first room was a large and formal dining room with a long table and plenty of seats. There was an air of old British royalty to it, old-fashioned animal head decorations hung above a fireplace, the room had a consistent color scheme of red and white and the floors were marble pattern.

If one were to keep going and pass through the dining room, there was a music room in the same vicinity. It was gorgeous with its many well-known art portraits, the pleasant window view and the large grand piano in the center. I had no clue who would play it but I wouldn't mind learning.

Past the music room was another hallway that led to four rooms, one was Jake's, the other was the one Mr. Wesker shared with Mrs. Stephanie before she became sick, there was another bathroom and the last door was to be Mar's once he got older. There was also a conservatory at the back of the house that was accessed through a set of thin almost plastic doors.

The Wesker home was more than just fancy - it was big. Very big. It seemed I would discover a new part to the house almost every day.

The only places I had yet to explore were the attic and the basement. I wanted to see the basement more than anything. I wasn't a drinker but I wouldn't have minded checking the bar out.

He did say it's your day off and you're free to do whatever you like - as long as you clean up...

With a sneaky grin, I opened the lounge door quietly, shutting it behind myself. Push came to shove, I would simply explain to anyone who questioned me that I was looking for Jake to ask about his breakfast and had to find him.

The door was unlocked and I confirming in my head that Jake was surely down there. Just as I was about open the door, it swung open and I fell forwards, crashing painfully against Jake's hard chest.

"Ow..." my voice came out muffled against his grey t-shirt.

"You lose something?" he asked, sarcastic too but his arms were around me. I felt my face heat up.

"Good morning, Jake." I greeted as I backed away from him, shaking off the tingles he'd given me. "I was coming to get you about breakfast. You hungry?"

"Starved." he grumbled out and with a gentle push to my back, he ushered me out of the lounge and towards the kitchen.

"Great! I'll make your plate." I was relieved. I wouldn't be gaining any extra carbs today. As I turned away to the kitchen's island center, I began to make his plate, my back was to him. "Please, have a seat - I'll have it done in a second."

I heard him move towards one of the couches in the living room area. "It's dark in here..." he noted, almost like he was displeased.

"I haven't opened the curtains yet, sorry." I brought him his plate. He wasn't sitting at the table like I'd hoped but it would have to do. "I could draw them now, if you like?"

He raised a brow to me. "Why does it matter to you?"

I rolled my eyes and placed my hands on my hips. "I work for you too, Jake - remember?"

He frowned. "You keep telling yourself that." he started to eat quietly.

I sighed and walked away, gripping the curtains draw-string in my hands and then I started to pull them open as I walked across the living room and all the way to the dining room area.

It was raining outside. It looked like we were in for another day full of showers. I stared out into the backyard, the leaves were really starting to fall from the trees now. They were all over and it looked very pretty.

"That didn't help much," Jake stated dryly. "One hell of a dark day."

"Great weather for sleeping, though." I said softly, more to myself than him but he heard me.

"Yeah, well your boss isn't here today - you may as well sleep the day away."

I sighed. "Just because Mr. Wesker isn't home doesn't mean I don't have responsibilities, Jake. I still have to take care of Mrs. Stephanie and you - this is an around the clock job - but I don't mind it. I like it even." I smiled.

"You mean you like the cash." I prayed for patience with him. He was so enticing last night, today he was being a big fat jerk.

I just didn't get him. He was just so inconsistent, his personality was spontaneous but I wasn't so sure it was in the positive way. Usually, I appreciated unpredictable behavior - but Jake just made me feel uncomfortable. I didn't know how to talk to him, how to deal with him, or how to feel about him.

What's wrong with you, Jake? Why are you suddenly being so mean?

"You're being really mean, Jake." I whispered.

He was gazing at me and he shook his head. "No. I'm just telling it like I see it. You're in need of cash, so you work here. That simple."

"How do you know that I'm chasing money?" I pressed, I was losing my patience.

"You're not denying it."

Shut up Jake. Shut up because I want to hit you right now. "I'm not some money hungry wretch, Jake." I retorted, my voice cracked a bit. "Sure - I'm getting paid but I was hired because your little brother and I have a bond, we're friends despite the age difference."

"Is that why you accepted the job or is that what you're telling yourself?" he asked me, casually - as if he were talking about the weather. I was taken aback by him. His demeanor was so much like his father's suddenly and that displeased me.

But even Mr. Wesker's nicer to me than Jake's being right now. Sure, he's lackluster and not the friendliest person - but at least he never made assumptions about me.

Flashbacks of Mrs. Stephanie accusing me of being a mistress struck me. Ironic, Mr. Wesker and Marlowe - two total opposites were the ones who didn't label me as anything - except as the nanny and housekeeper - my job!

"You have no right to make assumptions about me." I spoke slowly but I was resolute. I meant it. He had no God given right to judge me.

Especially not since he's made such reckless decisions! At least I give a damn and don't risk my life knowing I have family members who love me! He's lucky to even have family who love him!

I simply couldn't believe he was judging me so wickedly when he wasn't anything close to perfect. True, I didn't know his motives for fighting but he knew damn well as much as I did that he was putting himself in danger every single time he went to fight. I was sure that was how he got the scar on his cheek.

He stood up and approached me slowly - challenging me. "If my father didn't pony up the dough for you - you wouldn't be here. There's no way a girl like you would stick around cleaning and shit unless he promised you a large wad of cash."

I felt tears stinging my eyes. "How dare you?" I whispered, staring him dead in the eye. I was so hurt, I couldn't back away from him - I wasn't afraid of him then, I wanted to hit him so badly. "You don't even know me - if you did, you wouldn't dare accuse me of something so immoral!" I was crying now, I didn't care.

He was silent now, his eyes had widened a bit too. It was as if I'd punched him in the face. I wanted to hit him, just knock him out with my fist.

"How could you?" I asked, shaking uncontrollably. "Why would you? What have I ever done to you to make you assume things about me?" I looked away, wiping my tears. I was so hurt. So hurt. "Here I was... thinking we were..."

Maybe going to become friends...

I really wasn't sure why I felt so emotional when it came to him. I had handled things so well with Mrs. Stephanie - but Jake did things to me. He took away my sense of calm every single time and seemed to replace it with something else. Some sort of feeling I wasn't familiar with.

I wanted to be around him and talk to him - to be close to him like Helena was, if not closer. I had never felt this way about anyone before.

I hated how he could break my walls down and get a reaction from me. I never liked drama, I wasn't good with heated situations. I liked to have security in my life because I didn't always have it.

Jake was everything I wasn't. We were total opposites - how on earth were we going to manage living among each other if we couldn't get along?

The same way as before - he does his thing, I do mine.

Jake's expression wasn't easy for me to understand at that moment, he just gazed at me, his eyes full of many emotions. He reached for me, "Sherry..." I yanked his hand from my upper arm and backed away.

"N-No, please just don't." I shook my head at him. He looked like he felt remorse but I was just too conflicted to try and dwell on it. "I get it, okay? I-I get it that you don't trust me." I wiped away another tear.

He had no idea how much his words hurt me. One of the reasons I left my parents was because they were a bunch of rich, vain pricks! So he took it upon himself to be spiteful and conclusive about my motives - and he was utterly wrong at that! How dare he? How could he even say such a nasty thing about me? He didn't know me!

He doesn't know me!

That's just it, Sherry. He doesn't know you...

Maybe he's trying to get to know you.

Well if this is his way of trying to learn about me - he's got to do a lot better than make assumptions of me!

My mind was in shambles, I was beyond confused.

I was so tired of people assuming I was a certain way. When I was in school, kids assumed I was some rich, nerdy girl that was spoiled and could get whatever I wanted. Mrs. Stephanie had assumed I was having relations with her husband. My parents assumed I would grow up to become just like them - they expected me to accept my life the way it was - lonely, friendless but wealthy.

They were wrong.

They all were wrong about me.

Now, Jake was assuming I was only here for the money.

Sure, I was still trying to save up to go to college but I honestly forgot all about that until I had received my paycheck from Mr. Wesker the other day. I had stored that money away for the later cause.

Money was necessary to live but I would be damned if I was to be judged for having needs and getting a job.

After the night I'd just gone through with everyone, I had become more at peace with my own strength and character. I was one heck of a girl to make it through the things I'd been through and I refused to let anyone - including Jake - make me feel like I was wrong for trying to be the best person I could be over something as petty as money.

I was sticking with his family for personal reasons and it sure as hell didn't revolve around money.

I wish I could tell him who I am - a girl who never gives up no matter what. I keep trying to do better and become better, I don't want to hold on to my past anymore, I want to let it go.

I won't stop until I've moved on. Until I've found peace within myself.

I felt awful for becoming such a train wreck suddenly. I told myself I would calm down, try to be more patient instead of getting so emotional.

I would be more lenient with him, let him see me for who I really was. Even though I was sure it would take a long, long time.

"Sherry, look I'm sorry, okay?" his tone was gentle, full of regret. I was still hurting, but I had to relax and give him a chance.

"It's okay, Jake." I breathed out. I took his empty plate from him and I sniffed choking up the rest of my tears, and then swiftly turned away, making my way for the kitchen to clean up the mess I'd made while making breakfast.

"You're mad at me." he said, following behind me.

I began to make a water to wash the dishes, all the while I started loading the ones that would fit into the dishwasher. "Jake, I just - I would really appreciate it if you wouldn't label me without actually getting to know me." I turned to him. "That's something that's happened way too often in my life and I've never liked it - especially if the assumptions made about me are a complete contradiction to my character."

I returned to tidying up the kitchen then. He stood behind me for a moment then mumbled something. Shortly afterwards, he left the kitchen and disappeared into the lounge.

I hated it all at that moment. I hated that he didn't even ask me about myself. I hated that we had such a dispute. I hated that we didn't understand each other. I hated that we weren't getting along.

But most of all, I hated that he didn't trust me.

It was 16:00 [4:00pm] and I leaned lightly against the dryer in the laundry room. I was on my final load of clothing for the day, socks. All that was left was for me to retrieve them from the washing machine and then I would spread them out across the table center to dry. Usually, I would return the next day and fold them up once they had dried and distribute them to the owners.

I had been doing laundry since around noon. I washed all the bed sheets from each room and while they ran through the machines I would provide new ones for each bed. After the sheets were hung up to dry, I worked on the clothes, the socks were always my final load for the week.

I peeked out the small window above the dryer and noticed how dark it was getting outside. It was quite unnerving, it wasn't very late in the day - that meant the cause was surely a terrible storm to come.

The washing machine chimed it had completed its cycle and I removed the socks from it and then placed them onto the center table. I shut the washer's door with a small click and felt relieved to be done for the day.

The laundry room was very tiny and directly underneath the spiral stairs. It contained two sets of washing machines and dryers side by side and parallel to each other against the walls. Between the two was a nice sized table that I would use for folding [in this case socks]. It was a grey room, the only source of light came from a light bulb on the ceiling above the folding table. There was a pile of empty baskets in both corners around the entrance to the room. I had neatly folded and clean sheets in one basket - these were to be put in the closet with my cleaning supplies [but they were to be placed on the shelves closest to the top].

I bent over and scooped the basket of sheets into my arms. I exited the room, flicking off the light as I did and shutting the thin door behind me. Afterwards, the placed the sheets in their assigned location and dusted off my hands.

A job well done - for a girl on her day off.

I squealed to myself - I had made plans to try out the sauna in the bathroom and I was damn sure about to do it. I had been waiting for my moment and there couldn't have been a more perfect time.

Mrs. Chambers was upstairs with Mrs. Stephanie - both were enjoying a movie in Mrs. Stephanie's room. I couldn't quite remember the title but it sounded very dramatic.

Jake was also gone, he had left after lunch, he never told me where he was going but I didn't really want to dwell on it anyway. I wanted peace and quiet for once and finally I was about to get it.

I couldn't wait to just relax and light some candles for myself. I was going to chill - even if it killed me!

"Sherry!"

I froze. I was just passing the staircase when the sound of Mrs. Chambers voice echoed through the quiet and darkening house. I waited for a brief second - unsure if I had imagined it or not.

The call came again.

I bolted up the stairs, my heart pounding as I reached the top.

I raced into Mrs. Stephanie's room and I felt as if my heart were about to stop. Mrs. Stephanie was in the middle of a fit of coughs. She was gasping dramatically as Mrs. Chambers was nearby the bed. She was on the floor, shuffling through her large black bag, looking for something.

Oh my God... Oh my God!

"Hang in there, Stephanie!" she shouted, turning to me with panic all over her pretty face. "Sherry! Oh, thank God!"

"What's going on?!" I cried out, coming up to the frantic nurse.

"She had started choking on some food but I helped her cough it up." I noticed there was a discarded chicken bone on the edge of the bed. "I was looking for the one thing I know could help but I felt her forehead and it seems there's a fever involved now!"

I looked back and forth between the two women, anxious to help. "What do you need me to do?"

"Grab some towels, a bowl of cold water, and hurry back in here okay?" she instructed and I was out the door in an instant.

I was only gone a moment and when I returned, Mrs. Stephanie's coughing had ceased but she was sweating and moaning as she laid on the bed. Mrs. Chambers was right beside her, dabbing her forehead with a piece of the blanket on her bed.

"Here!" I handed the bowl of water to her. I knew what the towels were for, so I placed the towels in the water before I came in.

"Thank you," Mrs. Chambers laid one of the cool towels over the ill woman's head and she groaned in response.

"Surely there's more we can do." I cried, shaking. She looked awful. She was in complete and utter misery, her eyes were closed and sweat caused her hair to cling to her face.

"Yes, there is..." Mrs. Chambers started and looked to me. "Sherry, I need you to do me another favor."

"Anything!" I assured.

"I would do it myself," she removed the towel and placed another there instead. "But I must stay here with her in case this gets worse... Sherry, please, I need you to call Jake and have him hurry. I hate to trouble him – but he'll surely come to help his mother. Tell him his mother needs him!"

There's no way Jake can make it here in time to get her what she needs - whatever that may be... "Please, what does she need? I can get it for her! There's a pharmacy down the street!"

"I really hate to put you through so much trouble." she explained. "Besides, there's a storm coming - you could get caught in it!"

"Please, don't worry about me!" I shouted. "I'll do whatever I can - just tell me."

"Miss Sherry - "

"Please!" I cried. "There's no way Jake can make it here in time! I could get there and back before the storm gets bad - I know I can!"

She hesitated and after a moment she nodded to me and reached into her bag, took out a notepad and scribbled onto it. Beside her, Mrs. Stephanie gasped and her breathing was slowly evening. I shivered as she handed me the note.

"She has asthma, Sherry. Her problem may not be from her asthma but just in case - I need to have an inhaler here for her. Unfortunately, I don't have an extra inhaler on me." she looked upset with herself - I could tell she wished she had brought one with her. "Sherry, you're going to have to run to the pharmacy and retrieve one for me - you understand?"

"O-Okay!"

"Thank you, here's some money." she handed me a couple bills. "Just hand the pharmacist that note and they should know exactly which kind you're looking for."

I looked at the note and stuffed both it and the money into my jean pocket. "Okay, I'll go get it and be back soon!"

As I left the room, I saw Mrs. Chambers replace the towel once again and Mrs. Stephanie coughed once more. I said a quiet prayer that she would be okay until I returned.

I grabbed my green raincoat and boots from my room and raced out the front door. It was drizzling now, the skies were very dark and thunder rumbled. I would be racing through the coming storm to help her.

I said I would do anything for this family and I wasn't about to quit now - just because of a storm. No, I was going to see this through.

I wouldn't give up, I just couldn't.

I'd retrieved the inhaler and was on my way back. The storm was vicious now. I hid the bag containing the medicine inside of my coat and shrieked as a powerful wind blew, tossing me into someone's parked car. I felt embarrassed when the alarm was set off and jogged quickly out of sight.

As a violent downpour started, I consistently ducked and hid behind anything I could to avoid getting hurt. I felt like an idiot. It didn't matter how tough I was, it didn't mean I was invincible - my willpower wouldn't allow me to beat a storm.

Just like Jake has said yesterday...

"You shouldn't be here." Maybe I shouldn't be...

"It's dangerous and you know it." Yeah well, someone has to help her...

"It's not about being tough, weak or any shit like that. It's an ugly world out here."

He was right... By God he was right.

I was being reckless too. I was being reckless by assuming I could do anything - even fight a damn storm.

I'm really no different than he is.

I felt tears come to my eyes. Here I was, alone once again - this time I was trapped in a storm. I was only gone for eight minutes since I'd run to the pharmacy but I was taking way too long trying to get back.

This was crazy.

I felt awful.

I should have called Jake. I should have trusted him to come for his mother. I should have trusted him.

My eyes widened... Oh my God... I really am no different than he is! He doesn't trust me... and I... I don't trust him...

This realization hit me hard. I was being judgmental of Jake – I was thinking of him as some sort of selfish jerk and that was definitely out of his character. This man took care of Marlowe before I came around. He also is the same man who brought flowers and spent time with his ailing mother.

Of course he would have come for his mother – he loves her. Mrs. Stephanie told me that before – he was a nice guy behind that tough persona. Just because I hadn't seen much of the nicer side of him didn't mean he wasn't a great person.

I was judging and making assumptions about him just like he'd done me. I was no different than he was. I wanted to get to know him, but things never seemed to work. I just didn't know how to talk to him – what to say to him.

I don't know him. I haven't given myself a chance to get to know him.

I felt miserable. Here I was - because of my distrust of him, I had put not only my own safety in jeopardy but I had also put Mrs. Stephanie's life on the line. She was counting on me and I was about to fail because I couldn't bring myself to trust her son.

The wind howled and blew me once again. I hit a wall and cried out in pain. I kept stepping against the storm, I was maybe a couple minutes away from the house. I had to try. I had to. I wouldn't give up – I couldn't!

But I was scared.

Last time I was alone and scared – Jake found me. He came for me. How could I have forgotten?

He and I hadn't spoken since our dispute in the kitchen earlier in the day and at the time, I wasn't really up for talking to him. I was so unsure of myself when he was involved. I couldn't figure out why but something was drawing me to him in a manner that was totally foreign to me.

I just wasn't sure what I wanted from him or what he wanted from me.

But now I… I know what I want. I think I truly understand now…

I wanted his trust and I wanted to trust him. I wanted us to meet at some sort of middle ground. That would make me happy.

I screamed and I hugged another wall to get away from flying objects in the storm. "Oh no!" I wailed, and then made a break for some sort of cover and crouched down behind a building's sign. There were other people running now too. Everyone was anxious to get to safety.

If I make it back, I owe everyone an apology. Mrs. Stephanie, Mrs. Chambers, and Jake. I just hope I make it back to the house in time to help Mrs. Stephanie – I can't bear the thought to being the cause of her…

I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting back tears again. "What can I do? What can I do?" I said over and over to myself. I clung to that sign for dear life. "God… this is all my fault… I'm so sorry everyone. I'm sorry…"

I knew I wasn't going to make it back in time.

"Sherry!" my eyes widened and I froze completely.

No way... No freaking way... I'm dreaming - I'm dreaming!

I listened again, waiting to see if I had imagined it. I didn't. The voice called out to me again – It was coming from the street.

There he was. It was Jake. In an all-black car, leaning out the window shouting to me.

"No way…" I whispered, lowered my head and shut my eyes again. I just couldn't believe it – there was no way he would find me in this storm… "No way…"

"Hang on – I'm coming!" I heard him shout to me.

I lifted my head and I watched unmoving as he got out of the car and raced up to me. I gasped, staring in disbelief as he pulled me against him for a moment.

He's really here. Jake's here...

"You alright?" he asked me, wiping my tears away gently. I was too stunned to even respond. "Don't cry anymore, I'll get you home, okay?" I eyed his scar and my head laid against his cheek as he carried me bridal style to the car.

He must be my guardian angel. He has to be. I mean, what are the odds he would find me - twice now?

His words were just like before when we walked through darkness to make our way to the bay yesterday - to Claire and the rest. Now we were about to same, though this time to get back to Mrs. Chambers and Mrs. Stephanie.

As he laid me on the passenger's seat, I watched him get in the driver's side and we made our way home. I felt myself smiling, truly smiling at him.

I was ready to meet him at the middle ground. I was ready to explore my feelings for him because suddenly –

I trusted him. I trusted him with every fiber of my being.

Whenever I need help... he finds me.

He would do anything to keep me safe - I could feel it.

And I'd do anything for him - I hoped he could feel that.

"What were you doing out in the storm?" he asked his eyes flashing, he was angry, rightfully so. "Are you crazy? You trying to get killed?! What if I hadn't found you?!"

But you did, thank you, Jake.

"J-Jake please - your mother -" I pulled out the inhaler and watched as his eyes widened.

Jake and I raced inside the house and up the stairs. We hadn't said anything to each other since I'd shown the inhaler.

We reached Mrs. Stephanie's room and practically forced it into Mrs. Chambers hands. She stopped us at the door and held her index finger up to her lips to silence our barrage of questions. She gestured us towards the stairs, away from the room.

"Shh," she whispered. "She's fine now."

"What the hell happened?" Jake demanded, he was furious.

Mrs. Chambers remained calm. "Jake, she's fine alright? She just had another attack - but she's fine now, she's calmed down and is simply sleeping."

"What exactly was wrong?" I asked, breathlessly.

"Well, she recovered shortly after you left, Sherry. Luckily it wasn't an asthma attack." Mrs. Chambers explained. "Remember when I told you she had started choking earlier - "

"Choking?!" Jake interrupted, concerned.

Mrs. Chamber's held up her hand. "We were eating some chicken Sherry had prepared. The movie we were watching took a dramatic turn and started some sort of reaction from her. She started choking - I helped her of course."

I saw Jake, relax the tension in his shoulders and I itched to put a hand on his shoulder but resisted. "So... what happened?" I asked.

"When she'd begun choking, she had panicked enough that it made her feel faint. That's why she was breathing unsteady and broke out in a cold sweat. Once she realized she was going to be alright, she slowly relaxed and told me she wanted to nap. I checked her over a couple times and then gave her the okay to rest."

I shed tears, of relief of course. She was alright, that was wonderful to know. "Thank God, thank God," I repeated over and over. "Is… this normal for her?" I wondered.

"Yeah..." Jake answered, not looking at me. He faced the floor, his eyes were shut and he looked very upset. He and I both were soaking wet from the rain that fell outside - the fact that he was wet made him look all the more troubled.

Come on, Sherry - don't be shy, comfort him. He needs the support.

I took in a deep breath and touched his hand, very gently. He looked at me, he was in pain - I could both see and feel it. I grasped his hand in mine and gave it a squeeze.

To my amazement, he squeezed back.

"Stephanie doesn't take well to stress," Mrs. Chambers explained with a sad sigh. "It weakens her to frightening levels. We all try our best to keep her without stress as much as possible."

"Is there anything I can do?" I asked, looking back and forth from her to Jake.

"You've done enough Sherry." she said with a sad smile. "I'm sorry for sending you out in this weather."

"No - please, I volunteered." I saw Jake's gaze on me and I felt tears threatening to come again. "I-I'm sorry. I wanted to help - but I have to admit it was very stupid of me. The storm outside was dangerous - I risked so much. In the event that I was unable to return... Mrs. Stephanie -"

"Sherry - "

"Please!" I cried, tears falling, I'd even begun to squeeze Jake's hand harder. "I should've called Jake like you asked - but I panicked. I tried to handle this on my own - like I always do. I always try to handle things myself and this time my persistence just put me in peril. I'm so sorry... I'm so, so sorry..." I was shaking. I was wet, cold and miserable.

"It's okay, Sherry. It's okay. You're one brave girl and I understand." Mrs. Chambers said. "Please, go get changed into something dry. You could get very sick." she cupped my face and smiled at me.

"O-Okay..." I whispered.

"You too Jake, you don't need a cold either."

I looked at Jake - he still hadn't released my hand and he'd never stopped observing me. He was hurting just like I was. I wanted to stay with him. I wanted him to stay with me.

"Come on, Jake." I spoke weakly. "I'll find us something to put on."

"Right." was all he said.

Mrs. Chambers gave us another warm smile, thanked us for our troubles and then left to look after Mrs. Stephanie again. Jake and I stood there for a moment, hand in hand, soaking the wooden floors beneath our feet.

I gave him a small tug and led him down the stairs, he followed behind me without issue.

We were very quiet around each other. I removed my raincoat but my clothes were still wet and clinging to me. I walked into the laundry room and found him a clean white t-shirt and a pair of sweats. He took them from me, thanking me softly and walked towards the bathroom.

"Jake," I whispered. He stopped. "I'll take your wet clothes and hang them to dry in here, okay?"

He nodded and walked in the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. I removed my wet clothes in the laundry room, stood in just my bra and panties as I hung them to dry. I left out of the room and went into my own. I found a white robe with snow green clouds on it to put on until Jake was finished showering in the next room. I also needed one. I had rain water among other things all over me.

Fifteen minutes later Jake emerged from the bathroom, dry and smelling wonderfully of spices. He came to my door and knocked three times. When I opened the door, he handed me the wet clothes he'd worn. He was kind enough to put them onto a hanger for me to hook anywhere in the laundry room.

"Thank you, Jake." I took them from him and gave him a small smile. I walked into the laundry room for a moment to hang his clothes and mine up to dry. I would wash them in the morning.

"Did you need anything? I could... make you a snack or something." I said, meekly. I expected him to be angry with me for my foolishness earlier. I endangered his mother.

"I... ran you a bath water."

...What? Did I just hear him right?

"...What?"

"I ran you a bath water." he said slower. I was shocked. "You... deserve one - don't you think?"

"Oh my God - Jake, you don't have to do anything for me - "

"I know... but you'll do anything for me, won't you?"

So you can feel it.

I was over the moon. I was stunned. He was being so kind, so considerate - I didn't know how to respond. I felt like I didn't deserve it.

He picked me up suddenly and carried me to the bathroom, despite my protests. I had my arms wrapped tightly around his neck, he was so tall...

"Jake!" I whined and he lowered me to the floor then. I looked at the tub full of hot water and bubbles and felt blush come to my face. "Jake, you really didn't have -"

"It's alright," he said dismissively. "Just get in, relax and enjoy. We can talk later." he turned to exit and I grabbed his hand instantly.

"Thank you, Jake." For the bath, for saving me... for everything.

He smirked at me and tapped my nose with his index finger. "Don't sweat it - we'll talk later, okay?"

I nodded eagerly. "I won't take long."

"Take as long as you need." with that he left and shut the door behind him.

He was kind enough to light the small fireplace. It provided most of the light in the room - besides the fixtures over the sink.

I sighed blissfully and walked over to the tub. I stuck my index finger into the water and tested the temperature. It was perfect. I removed my robe, stepped in and felt myself unwind. It wasn't long after that I felt myself succumbing to exhaustion.

I had dosed off in the tub, for how long – I wasn't really sure but when I heard knocking at the door – I noticed something was off in the bathroom. It was strangely darker than I remembered. The fireplace was still lit but I noticed the sink lights were off.

"Nanny lady – you alright in there?" it was Jake at the door.

"I'm fine, why?" I answered, confused. I could have sworn he told me I could stay in as long as I liked…

"The storm just knocked the power out," he stated and the sudden absence of the fixture lights made sense. "Stay in there, I'm gonna go get check on my mom and Rebecca, then I'll bring you a candle, alright?"

"Okay, thanks!" I sank back down in the water and noticed I was close to pruning. I must have been in for a while…

A couple minutes passed and I stepped out of the bath, pulling the plug to let the water out. I had suds all over me and I needed to wash my hair. I figured I would jump in the shower for a couple minutes to get rid of the suds and rain in my hair.

Once I rinsed my strawberry shampoo from my hair, I was just about to step out when I noticed the fireplace was no longer lit and the room was completely dark. I couldn't see a thing.

"Jake!" I called out and heard footsteps approach the door.

"I'm here – uh, you dressed?"

I felt my face grow very hot. "N-No… the fire's out in here – I can't get to the robes - I can't see."

He was quiet for a long moment, finally he coughed. "Erm, I could bring this candle in there for ya – long as you don't mind me seeing you naked." his voice was deep and he was teasing me.

I gasped, embarrassed but quickly composed myself – he was not about to start flirting with me again! "If you could just stand inside the room – with your back turned, I could grab a robe and we can be on our way."

"Fine." I heard him say and the door opened.

I saw light from his candle come in and I blushed. He was right there. Right in front of the shower – I was at a loss now. There was no way he wouldn't see me naked, unless he really was kind enough to not look at me.

I slid the shower door open, peeking out before I exited. His back was to me, the candle was on the sink. Relieved, I thanked him quietly and covered myself with my arms. I noticed pile of clean towels were sitting along the side of the tub.

I needed to dry off but I was anxious to get out of Jake's vision. His back was still to me from what I could see but something about him being there just made me feel strange. I felt hot again too.

"How long does it take to get a robe on?"

I blushed. "I've almost got it." I headed towards the towels and to my dismay, I slipped on the robe I'd worn.

I cried out and shut my eyes waiting for my body to hit the floor.

I didn't. Instead, I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me and instantly I was crushed against a hard body I'd grown familiar with.

I was still naked.

Oh my God… I'm going to die of embarrassment.

I looked up and my eyes met his. His expression was unreadable as he observed my face. I was grateful he broke my fall, but I really didn't want to be so close to him without clothes on.

Especially not when I was feeling so hot.

Gosh… his body feels so wonderful…

I blushed and tried to pull away but his arms were firmly around me, he was crushing my chest against his. I wiggled against him, I wasn't sure why. I didn't want him to let go. I wanted him to hold me longer. I liked the feeling of his hard chest against my breasts.

Bad Sherry, bad!

"J-Jake…" I whimpered, he squeezed me tighter. "You're hurting me."

His eyes were smoky now, the candle light made him look just amazing. "You're so soft, naughty girl…" his voice was gentle and husky like when he caught me outside the fight club. He wasn't teasing me though, he wasn't grinning – his expression was demure.

Why was he calling me that name again?

"J-Jake," I tried to pull away again. Something was wrong, I was feeling so oddly. I felt like rubbing against him and my legs were getting weak. "Jake please…"

"I know… just let me –" whatever he was about to say, he stopped himself and released me slowly, his gaze went to the ceiling. "I'll be outside." he turned swiftly and left, leaving the candle on the sink for me.

What just happened – and why do I want him to come back and hold me?

The craziest part about all of this was that I wanted to press against him again and I didn't want to do it dressed.

I walked into the kitchen, candle in hand. I'd put on a robe some time ago but I needed some time to cool off before I saw Jake again. I was so ready to do something I had never done before and I knew I needed to chill before I did something out of character.

I saw him on the couch in the living room area, the fireplace was lit and he had an old fashioned lantern sitting on the coffee table. He had one arm slung over the back of the couch, the other rested on his lap, he stared out at the storm through the tall glass windows.

"I could shut the curtains if you like." I said slowly. He turned to me as I approached and shook his head. "You sure?" he nodded.

I was relieved. I loved to watch the rain when someone was around me, but not so much when I was alone.

"Can I sit?" I asked when I was beside him. The couch was small but I was cold and wanted to get closer to him.

"Sure," he whispered. I sat down slowly, setting my candle on the table, then leaned back against the seat. I was both shocked and in a world of bliss when he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, bringing me closer to him.

He felt so warm, I sighed contently as I brought my knees up to my chest and leaned against him. "Thank you." I whispered.

"So," he started casually. "You always been so autonomous? You know, never wanting to ask for help?"

I sighed, it was time to start talking. He was interested – that meant he really wanted to learn about me. "I was a pretty lonely child. My parents were always too busy for me – more concerned with their money and jobs to even worry about me. Growing up, I was expected to handle all of my problems myself – so I did. I relied on no one and it didn't much anyway, I had no one to rely on."

"You didn't have any friends?" he asked.

I laughed bitterly. "Not in the slightest. I was a loner, my parents always told me I was too good for others. I didn't think so, but I didn't have anyone to call a friend at the time so I just accepted my life the way it was. I was kept isolated and away from the world."

I sighed. "My life was that way for technically 18 years, so as a result it's not very easy for me to get close to others or rely on them – I don't really know how. Halfway through high school, I realized my parents would never provide me with the support I longed for. After I realized that, I started to talk to others more but no matter what, I've always been awkward with making friends."

"But, I did meet two very wonderful people – whom I trust and love without issue. Leon and Claire, the ones who saved me from loneliness. But even to this day, I'm not very comfortable leaning on them. I always feel like a burden if I do, even though they've told me over and over that I'm foolish to think that way."

"I'm just not used to people caring for me – I was always on my own, making my own decisions. I guess I'm still stuck in the mindset that I have to be strong for myself, like if I start to show weakness everyone will turn away from me – like my parents did. I still haven't gotten past that."

"What happened to your parents?" Jake asked, he was trembling and I wasn't sure why.

"I left the household after high school so I'm really not sure…"

"I'm… sorry." he breathed and I felt his arm tighten around my shoulder.

I smiled as he looked at me. I knew he finally understood why I was so upset earlier. "Don't be, my past is painful to deal with, but I didn't walk away from it with nothing." he shifted, listening but he seemed troubled, I gave his hand a squeeze. "It's okay, Jake. It's not like I made it easy for you to get to know me."

"That's because, well, it just seems like my father always has your attention." I sighed, he was being bitter again – jealous maybe? But, why would he be?

"Mr. Wesker's cold to me, Jake. Our daily interaction consists of him giving me an order and then he's on his way." I chuckled at how sad it sounded.

"I barely spend a minute with the man - even on weekends. He doesn't hold conversations with me, and he damn sure doesn't find me attractive," I noticed I really caught his attention then. I smiled at him. "Jake, your father doesn't even compliment me - heh, he told me that I looked like a little boy on my first day!" I giggled.

"But I'm still here. I've stayed here a whole two weeks before he even mentioned a paycheck to me. Hell - I forgot I was supposed to be getting paid!" I laughed and I saw him offer me a small smile in return. "I'm just so grateful to come here, have experiences and actually get a job. After being locked away for so long, this is all like a dream sometimes." I felt tears come to my eyes – gosh, I hated getting so emotional.

"Jake, I don't care for the money. I'm much too attached to Marlowe. My goal was and still is to make him happy and do right by him. He's the reason I'm here. It's because of that little teddy bear that I have this job, this life... and he's also a reason why I smile."

"Because, you two are so much alike." he acknowledged and leaned his head back on the couch, eyes to the ceiling.

I leered him, grateful for his patience and understanding. "Yes, that's why."

Jake shook his head then exhaled dramatically. "Man, I'm such a jerk." he gave me a look of penitence. "Jeez, I'm sorry for making you cry earlier. It won't happen again."

"I'm sorry too." I admitted. "I'm sorry for not calling you about your mother – I'm sorry for being stupid -"

"You're not stupid and if you are, you're no more of an idiot than I am. I should have been here – don't blame yourself for everything. Especially, when you're not at fault."

"But Jake –"

"I mean it."

I nodded, defeated. "I also wanted to apologize for being so extra earlier, instead of just telling you about myself in the first place."

"I'm stubborn," he chuckled. "I wouldn't have listened much, I guess I needed to see for myself – how genuine you really are. I'm not home much to really to see the real you."

"I don't know much about you for the same reason. All I could ever want is just to get to know you."

He snorted. "No you don't, trust me. I'm one messed up dude."

"Can't be anymore messed up than I am." I challenged with a grin. "Come on, it couldn't hurt to be friends – right?"

"Us – friends? That's cute. What makes you think we could be friends?" he teased me and tried to look serious.

Because we can be, stupid.

I giggled. "You don't like me, Jake?"

"I kind of do."

I poked his side. "Does this mean you like me enough to stop assuming I'm your dad's right wing woman and I'm plotting against you just for a paycheck?"

He smirked and shut his eyes. "Yeah, it does."

"Does this also mean you'll let me do my job and help you – serve you without the nasty attitude?"

"Only if you'll let me help you in return." we met eyes once again.

"How?" I asked, quietly.

"You go out of your way to help other people, yet you won't accept help. Tell you what, if you learn to trust me and let me help you – I won't question your morals ever again."

I nodded. "Okay, I guess this means we'll both have to trust each other."

"Yep." he smirked, and then laid his head back once more. I rested my head against his shoulder. "By the way," he started. "If you left your parents after high school, where did you go?"

"I stayed with my mentors and surrogate parents. Leon and Claire – they were the first people to actually show me that I didn't have to accept being lonely. They saved me from it and I'm so grateful to them that I just want to live up to their example – never giving up, no matter how grim things may seem." I smiled.

"Hm, wait - Claire's that redheaded girl Steve is love with, right?"

"Yeah, that's her but he –Steve loves her?" I was shocked. "They only met a couple weeks ago, how could he love her so quickly – how can you tell?

"I recognize emotions pretty easy, besides – he's so obvious. Then again, that Piers guy that you were so cozy with is too." Jake snorted.

I poked him. "Leave Piers alone – he was close to me because he was my boyfriend for the evening."

The look on Jake's face was priceless. If I didn't know any better – I'd say he was jealous. "Boyfriend?"

I grinned. It was my turn to tease him. "Yep, until Helena showed up and stole him from me. It broke my heart but once she started flirting with me and Sheva and I got close – I guess you could say we became a foursome!" I laughed.

He pulled me into a headlock, I wasn't expecting that. He ruffled my hair with his fist. "I didn't know you liked chicks, Supergirl." he let me go and laughed at me.

Supergirl? Another nickname?

"Why are you calling me Supergirl?" I asked, curious.

"Because, you're truly something." I blushed, a big grin coming to my face. "You're just chuck full of surprises."

"I'm not that amazing." I mumbled.

"Hmph. Don't get me wrong, you're still my naughty girl – but you're also my sweet girl." he pinched my cheeks and I fought weakly against him. "I just packed everything into one. You're the whole package – you're Supergirl."

"You're crazy." I laughed. "Can I give you a nickname?"

"No."

"Jake!" I pouted.

"That's my job." he said solemnly. "Oh and by the way – you look nothing like a boy." he looked me up and down. "You're quite supple, nice and supple." he licked his lips.

I wanted to hug him but slap him all the same for looking at me like I was food. I was flattered that he found me attractive and relieved we were finally friends. I wasn't sure if he wanted anything serious with me, I told myself I would wait and see what the future offered. I wouldn't make any assumptions about Jake, he was pretty fun to be around – albeit a bully for being aggressive with me, knowing I was smaller than him.

Memories of what happened in the bathroom flooded my mind. I finally had Jake's trust but remembering what happened between us, I couldn't help but feel like I wasn't satisfied. I wanted something else, I wanted to be closer to Jake than anyone else.

One step at a time, Sherry. One step at a time.

But just what is the next step for Jake and me…?

I shook my head. I wouldn't worry about it. As long as he flirted like this and stayed around me, for the moment, I would be content.

Just then, the power came back on and the house was lit up once again with lights.

"Hmm, fun's over." Jake announced almost bored, and then hopped up from the couch. He put out the fires on both the lantern and candle. "Guess I'll go see what's on TV."

I watched him head for the lounge. "U-Um, wait!" He looked at me with a raised brow. "Mind if I come with you?"

He smirked. "Not at all, just make me a couple sandwiches and fetch me a soda first."

I waited anxiously at the door – my heart was coming home! Finally, he was coming home!

Jake was beside me, leaning against the wall. He sent me a couple of odd looks, I didn't care. I knew I looked like a loyal, doting wife awaiting her husband's return from war or something – but I didn't care. I hadn't seen Marlowe in a couple days. I missed my little headache and sunshine.

The door opened and there he was with Mr. Wesker. As soon as he saw me, he raced over and jumped into my arms. I hugged him up, until he saw Jake and abandoned me. I didn't mind, I thought his love for Jake was adorable.

While watching the two brothers exchange hugs, I didn't miss the glow that Mar had just because Jake was there. I wasn't sure if Jake noticed.

The events over the past few days woke me up in more ways than I could've ever imagined. In particular, I'd come to realize I couldn't handle everything on my own and there was nothing wrong with asking for help.

I need Jake's help to keep Marlowe happy.

A/N: Longest. Chapter. Ever. [Should I have split it?]

Sorry I took so long with this chapter. I had to put one of my dogs to sleep over the weekend and I've been trying hard to cope with it. I'm feeling a bit better but I've still got finals and crap trying to stress me. [This is also why I haven't been responding to PM's these past couple days. I've been trying to give myself a chance to be a peace with it – I had the dog for 11 years, she was like a child ya know? I was 10 years old when I got her…]

I hope you guys/girls enjoyed the chap, this chapter and the next are focused on Jake and Sherry becoming more comfortable with each other. There's a lot going to be revealed next chapter. I hope you're ready to learn one of the secrets of the Wesker men! There are quite a few and now that Sherry is finally friends with Jake there's more to be revealed.

Sorry for the lack of romance too. They're going to have more moments soon but yeah, the development needs to happen first.

If you have any questions or concerns or notice any typos – feel free to let me know, I appreciate it.

See ya soon!

-Vio