"Come on". I heard Jill saying as I continued to watch Claire disappear from sight. I couldn't help it, she just looked so...

I jumped as Jill's hand curled tightly around my wrist tugging me along to follow. Recluctantly I followed her and Chris to a small table, seeing nothing of Claire after that.

"You don't mind do yah"? Chris said loudly, drawing a few sideway glances at him. "I mean since I am the brother of the bride and giving her away, I should have a little say in who sits here right"? He said irritably as he waved a small place card in front of one of the waiter's faces. The man quickly recoiled, disappearing before Chris had a chance to bark at him again.

"Yeah go ahead Redfield, make a scene, Claire would love that". Jill said releasing my hand as she lowered herself gracefully onto her seat.

"I don't care what any of these people think". Chris said gruffly, jerking out his chair before dropping into it.

Jill rolled her eyes, turning toward me slowly. "Leon." She whispered as Chris leaned foward slightly. "Not to be rude but.. What are you doing here"? She said as Chris scoffed.

"He got an invitation remember"? He said as Jill shook her head.

"I don't reme-"

"It probably wasn't the best thing to do.." I whispered leaning back in my own seat, staring down at the glimmering silverware. "Coming here". I glanced at Jill as she shrugged and Chris remained silent.

"I mean... It's just.." She struggled, pressing her hand over mine. "Are you sure you really want to be here"?

I shrugged, my eyes dancing over the cloth napkin. I couldn't bring myself to look at Jill.. She was one person with the exception of Claire, who could easily read my expression and know what I was really thinking. Maybe it was less to do with her character than her being a woman.. Or maybe not since she used the same technique on Chris. Then again he was madly in love with her.. Sickeningly in love with her..

"He wants to be here.. For Claire." Chris said as Jill looked at him sharply.

"Are you sure this doesn't have anything to do with you? We all know how you feel about Mark". She said as Chris frowned deeply.

"She's making a mistake." He said through clenched teeth as he looked at her. "I know it.. My sister is just doing something stupid-"

"Like getting married? There's nothing wrong with him! He's a perfectly acceptable man to anyone who has given him half a chance, unlike you"! Jill hissed as Chris opened his mouth to argue.

"Look.. Can we just not.. You know". I muttered as Jill nodded slowly, her eyes softening as she looked at me. Pity. That's what she was feeling toward me. Probably thinking I was a whipped dog who came back chasing after his favorite bone that another dog was now enjoying. I hate when people pity me.

"Alright". Jill said drumming her fingers on the table. "I'm sorry Leon.. It's not like I'm not happy to see you.. I really am". She whispered as I nodded.

"I know.. I didn't expect myself to show up let alone did anyone else.. It's fine".

"Okay". She said softly, glancing back at Chris as she brushed her fingers over her hair. "So do you know anything? About what is going to be happening"?

I shook my head numbly as she continued.

"There's going to be a week long retreat out at Mark's property.. Everyone in the bridal party is going to be there-"

"But I'm not-" I said as Chris shook his head quickly.

"But you're a friend.. Actually more than that, to Claire.. And you'll be going up there with Jill and I so-"

"Chris". Jill said quickly before continuing calmly. "I know how you feel Chris.. Honestly I do. I don't understand it but I accept it.. But there will be no hijinks, this is Claire's day".

"Yeah. Yeah.. I'm not in high school Jill". Chris said leaning back as he looked up at the ceiling.

"Oh yes because you can lace up your boots all by your little self". Jill teased as Chris rolled his eyes, trying hard not to smile.

"I'm just saying.. With you here.." He glanced at me smoothly as Jill looked at me as well. "Might give my sister some.. Perspective."

I barely heard anything he said, because some force drew my attention away. A wire pulled on my ear, tugging my head in the opposite direction toward the far end of the room.

Claire was standing beside Donahue, shaking hands and smiling brightly at each of the guests who came up to her. Her eyes ticked up in my direction, softened, and then turned back to one of the men speaking to her.

It was probably just me, but she seemed sad to me, standing there shaking hands of strangers. She looked out of place next to the confident Donahue, who was smiling and soaking up all the attention. His all American features made him look less like a politician and more like a Ralph Lauren model. And Claire.. She just looked like she'd rather be anywhere but there.

If you ever feel like letting go, I won't let you fall.

This is probably why Chris didn't like Mark.. Because he was making his sister into something she wasn't..

She wasn't an emotionless wife of a senator, standing at her husband's side, grinning fakely as he talked.

Claire was independent and witty, full of opinions and determination.. No way she'd let herself be overshadowed by anyone, much less Mr. USA over there..

I vaguely heard Jill speaking to me, and turned to face her. The three of us talked for a little bit, but again I felt that force pulling my attention away. I stole a glance back in Claire's direction to find that she was missing.

I searched the crowd for a moment, catching a glimpse of her as she passed through one of the back doors.

"I'll be back". I muttered to Jill and Chris as I glided to my feet. I walked quickly away, moving along the wall toward the door that she had gone through. The force pulled me along, making my desination easy to find.

As I passed through the door and out into a small hallway, I glanced around. I turned left, walking quickly down the hall to a set of double doors leading out to a small balcony. Then I saw her.

I stared through the glass as her as she stood leaning against the railing. The light above her hair made her hair shine in many facets of color that was in stark contrast to her pale skin.

Carefully I placed my hand on the handle, pushing the door open slowly.

Time seemed to stop, and we were caught in slow motion. Her head spun slowly around as her shoulders stiffened. Her hair flitted down her back, revealing her shoulder blades. Her hand dropped to her side as she turned completely around, her eyes falling immediately on my face.

"Hey". I said as she stared at me silently.

You're never gonna be alone.

"Hey". She said softly as her lip quivered.