Beneath Holy Ground

Chapter Twelve- Four Years

Claire's Pov

Warm water felt good against the skin, my shoulders relaxing due to the heat. There were small parts of my body that ached, my mind in shambles for what felt like a rather long while. I had been careless in the past few weeks, I was very much aware of what was happening yet I did little next to nothing.

I escaped Racoon city with Sherry and Leon on the last train and it only felt like yesterday.

If I should express this story publicly I would deem our escape to be a narrow one because we had to fight prior to boarding the last train and immediately after boarding the train. The night of our escape would never leave my mind because even in the midst of escape we fought for our lives. I could remember being tossed against metal by Sherry's mutated father, Leon experiencing similar damages.

A mutated William Birkin tried desperately to ensure that the train never left the city, a terrified twelve year old in the midst of it all.

It was a pity that Sherry lost both parents that night but the little blond girl seemed void of emotions. It was as though she was prepared for the tragedy or her parents were not very present to begin with. I felt horrible, no child should suffer in such a way.

It was ironic for me to think this yet I left her, it was just as heavy as the guilt Leon felt for Ada falling from his hands.

I originally believe Ada died in the city but based on the small conversations I had with Leon he did see her again. I was happy to hear that regardless of the slight jealousy I held when it came to Ada. With the distress on his face the night we left the city it was clear that he was infatuated with the woman.

I wanted to offer comfort more than anything that night but truly I had no idea where to begin. Leon's personality was one that could not easily be pried apart, he was hot and cold. In fact, while he showed concern as we survived together I believe that care was temporary.

He never liked me the way in which I liked him.

Sherry and Leon were rescued by government officials while I went on my own journey, a search to find my brother. It was on that journey I ran into some trouble in Paris, trouble which later led me to being tossed onto Rockford island. Let's just say Umbrella officials were not pleased that a college girl got past high end security so easily.

I could not help but to smile at that thought.

I was still your light tongue college girl, the trouble increasing the moment I set foot on that island. I was elated to be reunited with Christopher but deeply saddened that I lost someone on that island. Similar to Racoon city I met another survivor in the midst of tragedy, a gentleman who gave his life to save me.

His name was Steve; Steve Burnside and while my brother saw him in the midst of turning he never questioned me about him. It could be a result of my brother finding that conversation awkward but as a child he never cared that much about embarrassment. He would openly ask me anything whenever a male was involved.

In fact, I don't believe my brother said anything regarding how close Leon was to him. It led me to the curiosity of Steve being mentioned to my fellow Racoon city survivor. I felt horrible, while Steve was a sweet fellow I did not host romantic feelings.

It was odd to hear him confess love when we only met for mere hours.

I believe my mind was fixated on someone else and it was sour to believe that I was so much of a coward to tell Steve that. It was hard to forget Leon because we faced one of the biggest nightmares together. Leon was elated to learn that I was safe and we met in similar instances after Rockford.

I believe Leon and I could only cross paths in dark conditions. Four years went by rather swiftly and I believe the friendship I had with Leon depleted. It was a year since we last spoke and to some extent I felt as though I was betrayed.

"Hey, even after this nightmare is over I want you to know that I am your forever ear. As soon as you feel comfortable and ready we can talk about it" he stated and I nodded. That was actually really sweet but I believe when this mess was over our lives would have been different.

With all the things Leon and I had been through it was sour to think that he failed to trust me. I was eager to expose the truth and he was eager to shield it when he had evidence in his possession. I believe Leon forgot just how lucky we were to escape the city prior to the city being blown to pieces by the order of the government.

How could he side with the government after the tragedy created, a tragedy they desperately tried to hide?

I ran my fingers through my wet hair the moment I exited the shower. I haven't thought about all that in months yet here I was, creating my very own depression.

I was going to meet my brother after one of his 'big missions', Christopher expressing how much he had a surprise in store. I often enjoyed my brother's surprises, the very last surprise stood to be Chris replacing my motorcycle immediately after we reunited on Rockford island.

Did I have the best big brother or what?

I was happy whenever he was happy and while I had a lot on my mind for that purpose I did not say how I felt. I excitedly accepted his offer despite how lonely and tired I felt in the past few weeks.

I stared at my reflection, I was so deep in work I forgot just how to relax. It was as though my brother and I switched places, he was the outgoing and fun one while I stood to be intensely boring ever since my life returned to 'normal'.

The moment I made it to my bedroom my phone rang, wet fingers caressing the device gently.

"Christopher" I greeted as I dried my hands as best as I possibly could. I switched the hands the phone resided in immediately after and it sounded as though my brother was busy stuffing his face.

"Hey Claire, about tonight can we raincheck?" He asked and I rolled my eyes. Either my brother finally landed a hot date with the woman he talks about so often or he was actually taking an extra shift.

"You really wish to cancel on your favourite sister?" I teased and I could imagine my brother staring at the device in hand with utmost confusion.

"Claire, you are my only sister" he stated and I rolled my eyes. What was in military air? Anyone in the military appeared to be extremely strict.

"I'm kidding, I guess I'll see you soon" I stated before sticking my tongue out as though my brother could actually see me.

"You too kiddo, I'll call you tomorrow and please, stay out of trouble" he promised and I smiled. The Redfield name did not go hunting for trouble, in fact it was trouble that hunted the Redfield's.

"Alright, bye, bye" With that I ended the call and returned to the bathroom. I dried my hair as swiftly as possible, my red hair being done to my signature style.

Bangs and a loose ponytail.

I chewed on my lower lip, for someone who stood to be twenty two years old I felt close to forty. I had no friends nor did I have a boyfriend.

I was beginning to believe I doomed men, Steve lost his life because of me and there were multiple occasions in which Leon almost died. I took a deep breath, I believe after four years of being alone I desired companionship.