Hell's Gift

-11-

"Hey, Chris is getting married next week, the man who's basically my brother, remember? Have you decided if you're gonna come?" I raised the question, doubt lacing my voice. My boyfriend of 5 months looked over, rolling his eyes. 

"Remind me why I should again?" He asked. 

"Because we've been together five months. My family will be there and they want to meet you," I replied, a forced smile on my face. 

"Why? So you can tell them everything?" He stood up, moving closer.

I knew what this could lead to, he'd been drinking, and when he'd been drinking, he was not the person I fell for. When we first met, he was the sweetest guy, and was prepared to take things slow. Most of the time he still was. But then he'd drink, and he became something else. Maybe it was because of my past, maybe I was just weak, and stupid, but I stayed with him, tried to help him. I refused to use my powers to fight back, I would just take the hits as they came, even if they came as bruises.

"No. So they can meet you, and know who I've been living with for almost half a year," I repeated, refusing to drop the smile and show him I was losing hope. 

"Sure. How about we go, and you keep your pretty mouth shut. Maybe I'll have a drink or two, and maybe they'll learn of what we share," He was standing right in front of me now, fists clenched as I shook my head. "No? Why not? Come on, flower, tell me." He reaches out, placing a hand on my cheek.

"Because this isn't you. I know you're a good man, Sammy." I whispered, his gaze grew darker. 

"It's just Sam to you, remember?" He hissed. 

"Sam. I just need to let Chris know whether you're coming or not. They've planned it in a short amount of time, so only immediate family and friends are invited, plus their guests." I stepped away, walking towards my phone. 

"Sure, I'll come." I nodded as he said the words, his voice now calm once again, as I typed a message to Chris, letting him know we'll both be coming. All I had to do now was figure out what to wear, I need to find something that would cover the marks. Considering I'd spent almost my whole life staying covered up, it shouldn't be too hard. I often wondered why I stuck around around, but truth is, Sam was good, deep down, I knew there was hope.

The week flew by, and before I knew it, I was getting into my car, waiting for Sam to get buckled in. "We will get there in about half an hour, you good to go?" I looked across at him.

"Perfect, you?" He smiled, and I turned the keys in response, the journey beginning at last. 

"So, let me get this straight again: your brother, your basically brother and sisters, plus, a whole bunch of extremely close friends are gonna be there?" Sam recited the list. 

"Yeah, only a few of Jill's family managed to make it though, half are from Japan and half from France, so booking last minute flights became an issue." I explained, "there may also be a few other faces, depends on who decided to come." 

"Right. You really think they'll like me?" He asked, once again turning into the insecure, kind-hearted man I fell for. 

"Oh, I guarantee they'll act extremely over-protective, I didn't have the smoothest upbringing," I told him, glancing at my satnav and turning the corner. 

"Really? I know you were almost completely raised by your brother but that's it," he continued. 

"Chris and Claire were who I stayed with when Leon was busy with work," I replied, thinking back to the times when my life was admittedly easier, even with Wesker being a threat.