III. Welcome to America


"There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature." – Jane Austen


America hadn't changed in the slightest. The people still demanded their own personal space, overly excited children were either running around wildly or on leashes. Couples had no hesitance to show extreme affection in public, everything was advertised through sex, violence, or low calories—sometimes all three. Even the air was different from Nigeria. It was snotty, but then it was welcoming in the oddest of ways. It made you feel like you could do anything, no matter how extreme or inappropriate. But then it felt like the entirety of the country would judge you. It was an odd mix of freedom and moral restraint.

Bleach blondes and Prada outfits passed Sheva as she tried to navigate through the airport. She could feel eyes on her from every angle, eyes looking over her face and body. Weaving through the crowd, she kept a firm grip on Fat Marvin's pet carrier, making sure she didn't drop him. The feline had coward to the back of the carrier, freaked out by the busy and hectic crowds.

Breaking free from the rush of people, Sheva and Fat Marvin finally made it to the baggage claim. She watched the rotating belts, displaying a random cluster of luggage. The thing seemed to make Sheva slightly dizzy. So many black, hot pink, Dora the Explorer, and Louis Vuitton bags twirled around and around, seemingly mocking the new comer. Biting her lower lip, she heard her name being called. Turning around, her eyes locked with bright blue eyes.

Claire waved and walked to Sheva with a hop in her step. Her smile was wide, her hairy pulled back into a sloppy ponytail, and a much more sleepy man beside her. Sheva recognized Claire and Leon immediately, despite this being their first time meeting in person. Claire pulled her into big hug when she was close enough.

"You're finally here," she muttered into Sheva's hair. "I've been so excited!"

Giggling, Sheva pulled back to look at her, "Hi Claire. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Oh what are you talking about? We've been talking to each other for years now. It's like we've already met." Claire noticed that she was holding a large carrier and she knew exactly who was in there. Bending down, she looked inside and spoke in a soft voice, "Hi Marvin. It's nice to meet you. Might I say you are quite handsome?" She stood and whispered to Sheva, "And fat."

"He's not fat," she defended the cat, "He's fluffy."

"Uh huh. He's fat."

Sheva acted hurt for herself and Fat Marvin, but she couldn't stop the laugh. Once catching up and calming down about her arrival, Claire and Leon helped Sheva get her luggage.

"Where's the rest of your stuff?" Claire asked, holding one of the three black rolling suitcases.

Sheva held on to Marvin as Leon took the other suitcases. "It's still in Nigeria. Once I find a place, Josh is going to ship it over to me. I don't think the hotel people would appreciate all of my moving boxes in their rooms."

"Hotel?" the redhead inquired. "What are you talking about? You're staying with us."

"Claire, I can't," Sheva explained. "I don't want to impose and I already bought a room."

"Then tell them you couldn't make it. They'll give you a full refund and you'll stay at our place for free."

Sheva held a hand to her chest and shook her head politely. "That's really nice, Claire. But I can't—"

"Just go with it, kid," Leon spoke up. "She'll drag you by the ear if you keep refusing."

Claire nodded sternly, "He's right. Give in, Sheva."

After a small moment of debating, Sheva finally agreed to stay with them. She was truly grateful for their offer. Never once stepping foot in LA, she was a fish out of the pond and having friends was like an ocean for the guppy. They placed her luggage in the trunk of the maroon Ford Explorer and they all climbed into the vehicle. Sheva sat in the back with Fat Marvin, Leon drove and Claire was half in the passenger seat as well as leaning back to talk to Sheva.

"Jill's coming over for dinner tonight," she informed her. "Chris was going to come but something came up. Who knows what he has to do."

Sheva's throat tightened from the name, but recovered quickly. "Probably going to be bench pressing a few school buses," she joked with tingling nerves.

Claire burst out laughing and Leon chuckled, focusing on the road. "Totally," Claire giggled, "And with the kids still in the buses!"

Sheva laughed back but her body was stiff. Even though the conversation was light and humorous, it was still about Chris. She knew she wanted to try to recover their friendship—the little they shared for a short time. Then they slept together and that diminished any miniscule amount of friendship they had. They parted after a day in bed on awkward and guilty terms. Awkward because they both wanted to keep going and stay with each other but Sheva said no more, because of the guilt and fear. She knew that something was happening between him and Jill, or at least something was going to, and she was stepping in the middle of that relationship. She felt like a home wrecker. Then he left for America with Jill and they never spoke again.

She knew it was going to be a challenge to talk to him for both sides. Challenging for her—she was still guilty to have slept with a man that was with someone else. And guilty because she still wanted him. She'd recall that day with him over and over, all day and night. She'd touch herself thinking about it and she longed for his body moving with hers again.

Challenging for him—he was still probably angry with her for pushing him away. And she wouldn't be surprised if he felt that she had used him, even though she didn't. It was going to be a challenge indeed. But she was going to be seeing a lot of him no matter what, and she didn't want any awkward feelings or emotions left in the air. She wanted to talk to him and save whatever friendship could still be there.

"Home, sweet home," Leon said softly, cutting the engine of the car.

Hopping out of the vehicle, Sheva got a good look at her friend's home. It was a brick townhouse with white windows and front door. It looked so charming and cozy, just the way she'd imagine an American home in California to be. Pulling Fat Marvin out with her, she followed Claire into the house.

"Are you sure you don't mind me and Marvin staying here for a few days?" she asked politely.

Leon unlocked the door and rolled her luggage in, going up the flight of stairs to the second floor. Claire closed the door once Sheva walked through the threshold. "Of course we don't mind. Do we Leon?"

From the bottom floor, Sheva could see the handsome blond walk from one room across the hall to another. He just waved and hummed a 'mhm'. Claire rolled her eyes and took Marvin's carrier. "He's tired. The president will probably call any moment needing his assistance."

Setting the carrier on the oak hardwood floors, she let the fat cat out. Marvin slowly stepped out, checking the surroundings with a suspicious eye. He looked up at Sheva and when she blew him a kiss, he stood straighter and started roaming the first floor. Claire grabbed Sheva's hand and started leading her up the stairs, chatting the entire time. They walked into the room that Leon had just walked out of and Sheva's luggage was already neatly set by the door.

"That was nice of Leon," she said, unzipping one of her bags to grab some pajama shorts. It was only around 5AM, but she wanted to get some sleep before the day started. She had a lot ahead of her—finding a new place, getting used to LA, and preparing herself for work.

Claire pulled the blankets on the queen sized bed, setting it for Sheva. "He is nice, isn't he? I think that's why I kept him and finally agreed to go out with him."

Sheva giggled, "Oh please, from what I heard, you were hung over him since Raccoon City."

"Okay, maybe. But I never dared to make anything more of our friendship back then," she murmured, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Leon's a bit of a ladies man. Okay, he's a big ladies man. But it wasn't until Harvardville that I realized how much I cared for him. He started something with Angela Miller, who was very pretty and kind, but I had never felt so much jealousy. I never even felt so jealous of Ada Wong. I think it was because it was so spontaneous and I just felt that we had been friends for so long, and nothing had ever happened. And there he was, kissing a woman he had just met. So once that relationship of his was over, I finally confessed my feelings. It wasn't easy, but I don't regret it."

Sheva had changed into her shorts and was pulling her hair into a ponytail. "I can see he loves you. Hell, I can just feel in the room that he loves you. I'm happy for you Claire. I like Leon, but if he breaks your heart, I'll kick his ass."

Claire laughed and hugged Sheva's shoulders when she sat down next to her. "I'll make sure he knows that. He's got an entire group just waiting to kick his ass. But I don't think anyone could beat Chris to it." She felt her friend stiffen in her hug. Pulling away a little to get a look at her face, Claire frowned when she saw a worrisome expression in her eyes. "Enough about me," she said, trying to break the negative mood. "What have you been doing in Nigeria?"

Sheva sighed and looked at her hands, "Same ole. Go to random places of the world, kill whatever needs to be killed, go back to Nigeria. Rinse and repeat."

Chuckling tiredly, Claire studied her friend. "How about the love life?"

"Blah," Sheva scrunched her nose and shook her head. "Terrible. I go on dates once in a while and I even tried out a relationship for some time. But I just couldn't do it. He wanted more and I just couldn't give him what he wanted. I always thought it was the guy that had trouble with commitment, not the women."

"It happens," Claire said. "I wish I was that way sometimes. I wasn't the type to be in relationships often, but when I was, I was always jumping in head first. I was always so excited to be with someone and a lot of the time I would drive them away. In your case, they drive you away. You're just an independent person and that's a good thing."

Sheva smiled and nodded in response. "Thanks, Claire. I think I'm meant to be single for the rest of my life. And honestly, it sounds better than dealing with some man pulling me around everywhere."

"Alright," the redhead started with some giggles, "Now you sound like the man in the relationship."

Laughing, Sheva had to agree with her. She was always the independent one, never looking for boyfriend potential. Just going with life, and if she found someone attractive, she either let them make the first move or she just went along with life.

"Talking about independent; I think Jill needs to be a little more so," Claire said abruptly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I can tell she's still fragile, but she sticks to Chris because it's safe. Don't tell them I said this. But she needs to lean on more people than just my brother. I can see he's tired and I know they are on the rocks, but they aren't progressing in any way possible. He needs to be more open to letting her go out on her own. I think he feels it's his job to watch over her and protect her, but he's just not the joking, sarcastic asshole I always knew and loved. Now he's just an asshole."

Even though Sheva wasn't too comfortable talking about Chris, she wanted to be there for her friend and let her know that she would listen whenever she needed someone. "I'm sure it's just a rut, Claire. Jill needs some time to process what happened and get used to this kind of life again. Chris will get through whatever he's going through. He has you and probably plenty other people."

"I can see him tearing apart at the seams, Shev. I'm just waiting for him to explode. I think he's trying so hard to help Jill and she doesn't give anything in return, and I know it's hard for him, but I can just see the clock ticking and soon he's going to go over the edge."

Sheva tucked a red lock of hair behind Claire's ear in a motherly fashion. "You care about him so much."

"Of course I do. He's my brother, you know," she replied in a sad voice. It was quiet for a long time, but after a while, Claire's expression turned thoughtful and then her eyes were bright. She looked to Sheva with a small smile. "Maybe you could help, Sheva."

"What?"

"You can help him and me. Maybe talk to him. Let him know that it's okay to consider letting Jill go. I know that sounds mean, but it's the best for both of them. And then when he realizes it's for the better to break it off with her, you and him—"

"Claire," Sheva interrupted her. "I can't do that. For many reasons and you know that."

"Oh c'mon," Claire whined with a childish pout. "I think Jill would be relieved to know that she could be single and independent. It might take a little getting used to for her, but she'll love it. And what happened between you and Chris was more than a one night stand and we both know it meant something, right? C'mon Sheva, admit it."

"No Claire. It was a one night stand and that was it. He and I both know that. I don't know how I'm even going to talk to him at work, let alone on a personal status. I can't get between two people and their relationship and most definitely not Jill's and Chris's. I already did it once and I never felt more guilt."

"Sheva, I wouldn't be asking you this if I could do it myself. But I've tried and neither listened. Jill's too scared to talk to me because I'm Chris's sister and she thinks I'm going to go blab to him about everything. And when I tell Chris to let her go and let her deal with life, he says I'm insensitive and that I don't understand. But it's been over two years! How much time does Jill need to adapt to her life again? And does Chris really think being with her and trying to fix whatever relationship they have will help her? They're both idiots. My brother more than her, but still."

Sheva sighed and rubbed her forehead, "Claire—"

"Just think about it, okay? Jill will be over for dinner tonight and you'll see why I'm asking this of you. Just sleep on it."

Before Sheva could say anymore, Claire was walking out of the room, heading to hers and Leon's. What she had asked of Sheva was something Sheva knew she couldn't do. She was so guilty for just sleeping with Chris—she couldn't get between him and Jill again, no sir. That was their dirty laundry and Sheva had no right getting involved.

Lying down on the bed, she was closing her eyes when she heard a faint 'meow' coming from the first floor. Remembering Fat Marvin, she got up and walked to the top of the staircase. Marvin was sitting at the first stair, just staring at it like it was The Great Wall of China. Growling under her breath, Sheva walked down and picked him up when she made it to the bottom.

Marvin nudged his head under her chin as if it was a thank you. She couldn't believe she was playing taxi with her cat, but he was so sweet and cuddly that she couldn't be mad with him. When she got to her room, she set Fat Marvin on the bed, crawling under the blankets herself. Clicking off the lamp, the fat cat cuddled into her side. As she drifted off, she hated to admit it but she was thinking about Claire's words. She wasn't going to do what her friend asked, but for some reason, she couldn't get the idea out of her head.


Author's note: I have no real idea how long this story will be, but I do know what I want to happen in it. Just not in what order… But do not fear! For the Sarai-inator is here. THAT should have been my penname. The Sarai-inator. I like it.

Justsomegirl17: It had to be something intimate to make them so distant! I'm sure girls are running after him, so I'd imagine he doesn't know how that may come across to the ladies. :P I do know where you stand with them and we stand at the same spot. Yay! Claire is the voice of reason and Leon is just the sneaky, observant one. :D Yeah! I always set them in NYC and I felt we needed a new location, so LA got second dibs. :) Haha, useful is useless! Did I just contradict myself? Well, I am Sarai, so of course I did! Excella was right when she teased Chris about it. Ear plug for all of us, please! It probably is fruity. That'd be so awkward to order at the bar... :o Haha, sexy is stretching it like he is in that uniform! Kidding. ;) Halestorm is on the list. :D Their cover of Gaga's 'Bad Romance' is uh-mazing! Rambling is good for the soul…like chicken soup. Arrivederci, Miss Mai Tai! :)
Lollipop Lolli: Hi Anastasia! The prelude is set later and these chapters that you are reading now lead up to the prelude. So we'll see the build of what happened to Sheva as the goes on. I love your name by the way. Beautiful! :)
wolfspiritqueen: Secrets are the best! :P Sheva has arrived and drama will go down! :)
HolleringHawk65: Haha! Chris is freaking out, Jill is optimistic and Sheva is weary. I loved writing Chris's reaction to Claire's guest last chapter. :)
Sheva Redfield: Yes, having an affair can cause some tension between two people, that's for sure! And of course more will be explained about what happened between Chris and Sheva, I promise. I hope you have a great time in Missouri! I've never been there. The most west I've gone is Las Vegas and the most east is Texas. =/ You make my day by reviewing, thanks. XOXO :) Oh, I did get the guest reviews. They take two days to show up after submitting them. It sucks, but no worries, I got them! Harlem Shake in a moving bus FTW! :)
Mss. KB: I promise the flashback will be good and thorough! I've decided for every two chapters I write, I will update. That should mean like every 4-6 six days. Just so I can push myself to write and get more to you and feed your curiosity! Sheva isn't looking forward to the reunion with Chris, that's for sure, but she most definitely anticipates it. The major confrontation in the beginning of the story will all happen through flashbacks, I think, and then the present will start to develop and lead to the prelude. I think for Jill it'd be good to have a friend like Sheva. I think what Jill feels toward Chris is a security and a place to hide. It'll be explained soon enough. :) I'm so happy you liked the part of Chris recalling that day spent with Sheva. More intenseness to come! Thanks SO much for your kind words, they mean a lot and I love your input and theories, they are fantastic. :) I'll try to write more to get to updating sooner! Hugs and more hugs, XOXO :)
toby7400: You can say that again! This is the perfect situation that's just twisting and building and it's all gonna burst like a shaken soda. Claire and Leon should give relationship advice to everyone.

Happy Memorial Day for people in the states and Happy Monday for everyone elsewhere. The reunion for Chris and Sheva will come in a few chapters, it 'tis coming, my friends. But for the nearer chapter, next time Sheva and Marvin get in a fight (Oh!), she meets a new friend of Claire's (no one terribly exciting), and finally, she sees Jill and sees how much she has changed since Africa. Cannot wait!

-Sarai