Laura's POV

Last night, I didn't sleep very well at all. I woke up around midnight in tears again, hyperventilating from that blood-curdling nightmare for the fifth day in a row now; only getting a few hours of sleep this time. I was lucky enough to not wake anybody up in the middle of the night with my petrified screams, saving me from all the embarrassment that situation would've brought out. Because of my vile nightmare, I was so terrified to the point where I didn't want to fall back asleep. Knowing I would have that dreadful dream again.

In order to keep myself occupied for the time being, I sat up in my bed and rolled over, grabbed my smartphone off the end table next to me. I turned on my cellular device and sent Tyler a quick text, hoping that he wasn't already asleep so I would have someone to talk to.

———————————————
From: Laura
To: Tyler (Tylerific)
12:07am

Hey T bone, you awake or no?
———————————————

Not even a minute later, Tyler texted me back, responding to my question. Prompting a small smile to decorate my lips.

———————————————
From: Tyler (Tylerific)
To: Laura
12:07am

Yeah, I was just about to hit the hay. Aren't you supposed to be in bed?
———————————————

I yawned momentarily; swiftly moved my thumbs along the keyboard, texting him back.

———————————————
From: Laura
To: Tyler (Tylerific)
12:08am

I am, Tyler, but I can't sleep. 😩
———————————————

After a minute or so passed, Tyler sent me a text message. Asking me a question this time.

———————————————
From: Tyler (Tylerific)
To: Laura
12:09am

Did you have that nightmare again?
———————————————

I let out a tensed sigh, relaxing my shoulders before texting him back. Answering his second question.

———————————————
From: Laura
To: Tyler (Tylerific)
12:10am

Yeah. . . 😞 For the fifth day in a row now. 😖😢
———————————————

Shortly after replying to him, Tyler sent me another text message again, asking me another question.

——————————————
From: Tyler (Tylerific)
To: Laura
12:11am

Have you told anyone else about your nightmares? Or am I the only one aware of them?
———————————————

I took a long, deep breath, as I texted him back.

———————————————
From: Laura
To: Tyler (Tylerific)
12:12am

No Tyler, I haven't told anyone else about them yet. However, it didn't take long for my stepdad, Leon, to find out about my night terrors when he had to wake me up twice during the plane ride. It wasn't exactly easy to convince him that I was fine. I highly doubt that Leon believed a single word I said, but I'm still glad he didn't inquire further about it and backed off.
———————————————

Right after answering Tyler's question again, he sent me another text message.

———————————————
From: Tyler (Tylerific)
To: Laura
12:13am

You know that they're all gonna figure it out eventually, Laura. But I totally understand where you're coming from. You're not ready to open up to them about that night or the nightmares yet. The fact that you've chosen to tell me about it, even though the details weren't very explicit, you're still making good progress during your recuperation. Taking baby steps. Despite how much you've been taking your time. Laura, I don't expect you to tell me or anyone else everything at once, just take your time. Alright? 😘👍
———————————————

I let out a heartfelt chuckle; a smile curling onto my lips all while I texted Tyler back.

———————————————
From: Laura
To: Tyler (Tylerific)
12:15am

What would I do without you Tyler? ☺️ 💓
———————————————

Soon after, I received another text message from my boyfriend.

———————————————
From: Tyler (Tylerific)
To: Laura
12:16am

Binge watch "Supernatural" on Netflix, snack on York Peppermint Patties, and daydream about good old Dean Winchester 24/7. 😏
———————————————

My eyes went round; giggling and shaking my head in amusement all while texting Ty Ty back.

———————————————
From: Laura
To: Tyler (Tylerific)
12:17am

You know me way too damn well... 😂😝😘
———————————————

Right after sending Tyler that text message, he immediately sent me one last message.

———————————————
From: Tyler (Tylerific)
To: Laura
12:18am

Indeed I do. . . 😂😂😂 Listen Laura, I would really love to stay and chat, but I gotta go before Piers catches me being awake past my curfew. Bye Lari! 👋😘💞
———————————————

This isn't the first time that Tyler and I have stayed up late; texting one another until three or four in the morning, usually with Emile as well during the weekends most of the time. While I often take the necessary precautions to ensure that I don't get caught red handed, Tyler isn't exactly as sneaky and swift like I am. Em on the other hand, normally she doesn't have to worry about getting caught since her parents are workaholics, only home during the morning.

On average, Tyler would get caught in the act at least two times per week; eighty percent of the time by his mother. Normally she would let it slide, since the two of us were well acquainted with one another in an amicable manner. His Dad and brother on the other hand, they're a whole another story. Especially Piers; as bullheaded and resolute like his veteran of a father.

I wasn't even surprised in the slightest when my phone began to vibrate unremittingly, pulsating in the palm of my hand. As I glanced down at my cellular device, I saw that I had an incoming call from Tyler, his phone number appearing on the screen. Already knowing who it actually was, I answered it, holding the device against my hear.

"Why hello Piers," I greeted him, a mischievous grin curling onto my lips. "What is it that you need to discuss with me for you to call me at this particular hour?" I inquired, using an innocent tone of voice.

"What are you doing up at this time of night, Laura?" Piers questioned me, with a stern tone of voice.

"I could ask you the same thing," I pointed out, resting one leg on top of the other.

"That's not the point though, smartass."

"Then what is, Mr. Nivans?" I asked him.

"It's late, Laura. It's past midnight for crying out loud."

I let out a weary yawned, stretching one arm out above my head whilst using the other to hold the phone next to my ear. "No shit sherlock! You think I didn't already know that?"

Piers groaned aloud on the other line, without a doubt shaking his head before telling me, "Look Laura, you should be fast sleeping by now, getting much needed rest. Dreaming about your favorite boy bands and whatever TV show crushes you admire in la-la land like normal teenagers do. Not pulling an all nighter just after recently being discharged from the hospital," He reminded me, an indication that the BSAA sniper isn't aware of my nightmare fest.

"I appreciate your concern Piers, trying to look out for me like the big brother you are, but I'm fine. The first couple of days since being discharged from the hospital have been rough, I'm not gonna lie about that. I just need some space, that's all. I'm not gonna do anything stupid right now like running away or slitting my wrist with a sharp knife. Piers, you know that isn't like me. You're well aware of that because you've known me for over ten years," I justified over the phone, using a frank tone of voice.

Piers let out a troubled sigh, then replied, "Okay Laura, fine. I'll give you your space, only on one condition."

I raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"

"You have to try to get some rest, sleep for at least for a couple hours or so if not the rest of the night. Okay?"

"Okay, I can promise that I can try, but there aren't no guarantees that I actually will," I stated.

"Alright, good night Laura."

"Good night, Piers. Bye." I hung up on him, leaning over and setting my phone on top of the end table.

***

"Morning Laura," Aunt Jill greeted me, as I lazily walked into the kitchen while she was preparing a cup of tea for herself. She was sporting a blue, oversized t-shirt, and a pair of grey pajama shorts; her long, brown hair was up in a low ponytail.

"Morning Aunt Jill," I responded back, before stretching my arms and yawning gaudily. "How'd you sleep?"

"I slept pretty good," Jill turned around, facing me as she held her tea-filled mug. "What about you?"

I sighed, shaking my head at while right as I yawned aloud again. "I'll take as a 'no.' And if I didn't know any better, I'd say you look like a vampire." She gestured towards my pale colored skin, the dark circles around my eyes, and the rest of my features that show signs of sleep deprivation.

I lightly chuckled at her comment. "Huh, I've been called worse." I leaned my upper body against the far end of the granite kitchen island, resting my elbows on the counter top. "Anyway, where's Uncle Chris and Nathan? I haven't seen neither of them at all ever since I woke up."

"Nathan's at preschool, I just got back from dropping him off." The brunette treaded towards my way, halting to the right of me. Once Aunt Jill pulled back one of the bar stools positioned next to the kitchen island, she sat down on it, crossing one slender leg over the other. "As for Chris, he left for work at 5:30 this morning, and won't be back until around nine o'clock," Jill responded, taking a sip out of her mug then setting it down on top of the polished surface of the kitchen island.

The instant Aunt Jill set her tea-filled mug down, I caught a tiny whiff of it; the honeyed fragrance of ginger instantly filling my nostrils. "Is that ginger tea I smell?"

"Indeed it is," She answered, glancing my way. "Would you like some? I can make a cup of it for you if you would like."

Normally, I would've declined her generous offer, saying I could prepare some myself. However, that wasn't the case this time. 1) None of my wounds on my abdomen or my limbs have completely healed yet, and they still really hurt like a bitch. I was lucky enough to walk down the staircase without tripping or losing my balance. And 2) I haven't had a good night's rest in over four days. I can barely keep my eyes open! Despite how much I wanted to brew up my own cup of tea, I needed to take it easily, whether I liked it or not.

"Sure, it wouldn't hurt to have a cup of it," I answered, grabbing the closest bar stool next to me and sitting down.

"Alright then, one cup of ginger tea coming right up," Jill said aloud, standing up off her seat before strolling into the kitchen to prepare a cup of ginger tea for me.

***

"So Laura, I'm wandering about something." Jill and I sat down on opposite ends of the L-shaped couch, holding each of our cups filled with ginger tea.

"About what, Aunt Jill?" I inhaled a waft of the steaming drink, before taking a small sip out of it.

"About you. I want to become more acquainted with you and get to know you better, Laura." My eyes slightly widened. "I do realize we had just met each other last night, and I was hoping we could have some one on one girl talk since we're the only ones here."

"What is it exactly you want to know about me?" I questioned her; my grip tightening around the green BSAA mug in my hands.

"Well for starters, what was your life like back then?" Jill inquired, her icy blue eyes meeting my electric blue ones. "But if you aren't comfortable sharing any of the specifics with me, it's okay. You don't have to."

"No, it's fine. I actually want to, on one condition though."

"And that is?"

"For every question you ask me, I get to ask you one as well. However, the only rule is that they can't be too personal or pertaining to what happened in Seattle ten days ago. That way, it makes it fair between us," I stated, glancing up at her then took another sip out of my mug.

"Alright, it's a deal." The brunette nodded her head at me, acknowledging me as she took another drink of out her mug. "So tell me, what was your life like back then?"

I set my mug down onto the coffee table, folding my hands on my lap before shifting my gaze back up at my aunt. "Back then, my life was much more elementary yet toilsome. Everything was normal then-a-days: It wasn't long after I was born that I was adopted, taken in by my adoptive parents Marco Rose and Beatrice Rose, loved unconditionally and perfectly cared for by them eve since I was an infant.

I was a clever, sharp-witted, straight A student throughout my entire education, regarded as a child prodigy, and always the top of my class. And I still am. Even though I'm technically supposed to be a sophomore in college right now. Then I had my best friends, Tyler Nivans and Emile Grayson, sticking by me side every step of the way. Always there for me whenever I needed them.

However, my life wasn't always so carefree, merry, or grand as it sounds. For the last two years, ever since my adoptive father's death, my adoptive mother went into a deep state of depression up until her death. Resorting to drinking herself into oblivion in order to numb all the torment and despair generated from his death, no caring in the slightest how I felt during those dreadful two years.

Still, that wasn't even the worst of it. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always gotten bullied and picked on by other kids in school. I've been harassed, persecuted, abused, pushed, punched, and hounded by countless other adolescents my age. When I told my teachers about the daily harassment, you know what they did? Nothing. Absolutely fucking nothing to remedy the situation.

Except for only one though, Ms. Chen, my former kindergarten substitute teacher was the only one who actually had decency to aide me and put a stop to the persistent bullying. The rest of them just told me the exact same thing. Ignore any of them if they try to do it again. And I did for some time, until they started to physically abuse me. Tripping me, pushing me to the ground, and kicking and pummeling me until I couldn't take it anymore.

When I started to fight back against the maltreatment, instead of the bullies getting in trouble for their actions, I would always be the one to get punished for defending myself. This prompted a lot of problems between my parents and the school administrators, precipitating me to change schools often. My father would always get into arguments with the principal; he hated how they weren't doing anything about it. Letting me endure such harsh treatment from fellow students on a day-to-day basis. Most of the time my mother would scold me for getting into fights with other kids, even though at that time I was trying to protect myself.

Whenever I went to school, the classroom was the temporary haven, and the playground became the battlefield. I was pretty much on my own at that point, until I met Emile and Tyler when I was six-years-old. Despite how much the two of them envied me for my intellectual capacity and my prepossessing appearance like everyone else, they were the only ones who had the decency to stand up to the bullies for me when I did the same for them.

I would've gotten into huge trouble one day if it weren't for Tyler and Emile, sticking up for me the way they did so my parents wouldn't find out that I went all karate kid on the bullies awhile back. From that day on, the three of us became the closest of friends. We always loved to hang out and casually chat with one another, whether it was at school, the mall, Emile's house, etc, just doing what friends normally do."

By the end of my long ass speech, Jill's icy, blue eyes were partially widened. Her jaw practically hanging and her plump lips were slightly agape. "Seriously?!"

"Seriously," I acknowledged her, before taking a drink of tea from my mug.

Aunt Jill sat up from the couch. "Why the hell would they let that happen? Why would they let you endure such hostility and aggression from a young age?! To you of all people!" Jill demanded to know, using a furious tone of voice.

"Jealousy. Because of pure jealousy," I answered, with a blunt tone of voice. "All of them greatly envied me. From my advanced intellect to my good looks."

Jill steadily sat back down on the couch. "If that were to ever happen to Nathan while he's at school, I would immediately stomp on over there and beat the shit out of all of the teachers who wouldn't shield my son from bullies just because he was different from everyone else." Upon realizing what she'd said, Jill apologized straight away.

"Shit, I'm sorry. Laura, I didn't mean it that way—"

"I know," I cut her off. "It's fine, you don't have to apologize. I'm not offended, I understand what you were trying to say." I take another sip of my ginger tea, my grip around the coffee cup tightening slightly.

I sighed, taking a deep breath to remain calm. Ever since I came face to face with my biological father during that night of my sixteenth birthday, my mind has been plagued with countless questions. Numerous questions about him, his past, his persona, his history with my mother and her brother, how he's been keeping tabs on Alex and I, especially why being his daughter makes me both a target and special at the same time.

I redirected my gaze down at my cup, gazing at the black BSAA logo on it. 'Should I ask Jill about him or no? There's no way in hell I'm gonna ask Uncle Chris about my father, 'cause that conversation wouldn't end very well for neither of us. One part of me wants to ask Jill about Wesker, but the other part doesn't want to at the same time. God, this is so frustrating...' I thought to myself, having a mental debate with myself.

"What's wrong, Laura?" Aunt Jill inquired, sensing the sudden shift of tension between us.

I glanced up from my mug, shifting my gaze over at my aunt. "There's something I really want and don't want to ask you."

"What's holding you back?"

"The fact that it's about someone, rather something. Someone that Uncle Chris isn't particularly fond of."

Jill's ice blue eyes went round; the room fell silent within a matter of seconds. "It's about your father, isn't it?"

I steadily nodded my head at her.

"I totally can understand why you want to ask me rather than Christopher." She adjusted herself on the couch, setting her mug down on the coffee table and folding her hands on her lap. "I know you want to know more about your father, Laura. That's completely understandable, still, there are some things are that best left unknown. The truth you seek isn't exactly pretty. However, I will tell you this: Wesker has done countless unforgivable things; committed a number of heinous crimes against humanity. Including almost initiating a world wide viral pandemic throughout the entire world itself. When I look into your eyes Laura, I don't see the very man behind your existence, I see you. Only you. Not your resemblance to your father. Not whose blood is flowing through your veins. I see the strong-minded, ardent, independent young woman that you are. Not the type of person everyone that expects to you to be, the kind of person you want to be."

"Really Aunt Jill? Do you mean that?"

She nodded her head. "Really, I mean every single word, Laura. Your mother would want the same for you."

A gleeful smile curled into my lips; the corners of my mouth slightly quirking down as jovial memories of Mom raced through my mind.

"My turn now," Jill started off, picking up her mug and taking a sip out of it. "What's your favorite rock band?"

"That's simple, Evanescence," I responded. "Honestly, I don't like any of today's music. I swear, the music industry has gone to shit."

"That I to agree with you there," Jill added.

"Alright, my turn to ask. How far along are you in your pregnancy?" I asked her, gesturing towards her extended stomach.

"About 22 weeks along, in the middle of my second trimester," She replied using a joyful tone of voice. Jill held her mug with one hand, while using the other to rub her growing belly. "So I don't have to deal with morning sickness anymore, and I'm starting to feel the baby move more often. However, my pregnancy hormones will eventually go into overdrive, making me more emotional than ever before. So be prepared if I easily get pissy or depressed." Jill warned me, leaning over and placing her mug on the coffee table before resting her other hand on her stomach.

"Note taken." I set my mug down on the coffee table for a brief moment, adjusting myself on the couch then grabbed ahold of my drink again.

"Okay, my turn again," Aunt Jill announced, right before asking, "How did you meet your friends, Emile and Tyler?"

"Oh," I chuckled to myself. "That's a long story. It all started ten years ago, back in Seattle."

***Flashback***

October 5th, 2005
| 2:40pm |

***3rd POV**

It was a sunny Sunday afternoon in early autumn. The wind was blowing at a steadily pace, sweeping the majority of the scarlet colored leaves that overlaid the ground along the vast field of virescent grass within East Queen Anne Playground. Giving off a cool breeze in the surrounding area. The powder blue colored sky was partly cloudy, not covering the enormous, radiant sun.

A wide array of people were out and about in the afternoon, all dressed soundly for the chilly weather. Countless couples were walking along cement pathways, arm in arm all while chatting with one another and enjoying their valued time together. Numerous parents were sitting at the park benches and watching their children from afar, gossiping with other nearby parents whilst all of the young boys and girls played gaily on the playground set. A myriad of friends were having picnics a throughout the vast, grassy field, playing football, tossing a frisbee each other, and relishing not only their lunches but also their time with one another.

Among the enormous crowd of people, Marco Rose and his wife Beatrice were treading along the pathway towards the playground, with six-year-old Laura walking between them and holding onto each of their gloved hands. The young girl was wearing an azure blue overcoat over her black turtle neck, black leggings, a pair of small, grey boots, and a tiny black beret that partially covered the top of small head of lengthy, blonde, curly hair. Laura carried her mini, black, leather purse by its strap, fastened over her shoulder and hanging off her against her hip.

"Since my adoptive father had just arrived home from his deployment and was on vacation at that time, we decided to spend that afternoon at my favorite playground. The East Queen Anne playground."

While the little, jovial family was passing by the playground, one of their friends spotted them strolling along the pathway hand-in-hand and called out. Waving her hand over at them. "Hey Beatrice! Marco! Over here!"

Turning both of their heads towards their left, Marco and Beatrice concurrently spot their friend Trinity Nivans, along with her husband, Charles, and their eldest son, Piers. The three of them were sitting down at one of the park benched, watching seven-year-old Tyler Nivans and his play date, six-year-old Emile Grayson, playing at the monkey bars together. The instant Marco and Bea recognized their life long friends, the couple turned around and began making their way towards them, with little Laura picking up speed behind them when her eyes landed on her handsome crush sitting beside his Mom on the bench.

"The moment my eyes landed on Piers, my heart began to palpitate more rapidly, practically beating out of my chest. Back when I was younger, I used to have a crush on him; a very big one."

"Piers!" Laura let of her mother and father's hands and dashed towards Piers's direction at the speed of light; a beaming smile curling onto her lips.

Piers stood up from the bench, glancing down at little Laura as she charged towards him. "Well isn't it my little Briar Rose." Right when Laura reached the young man, Piers instantly scooped the six-year-old girl in his arms, spinning her around him a couple times then tossed her into the air. The young girl giggled and laughed merrily, as Piers caught her just in time; holding her heedfully in his arms against his hip.

"I missed you so much, Piers! It's been far too long since we've seen each other," Laura commented, wrapping her tiny arms around the eighteen-year-old man's neck and resting her chin on top of his right shoulder.

The military academy graduate didn't have a care in the world about her abnormally sophisticated vocabulary and grammar usage, already used to her exceptionally mature and levelheaded behavior. "I missed you too, kiddo."

While Piers and Laura were catching up with each other, Mrs. Rose treaded over towards Mrs. Nivans, approaching her all while their husbands were sharing a few brief words with one another.

"Hey Trinity, how've you been?" Bea inquired, as Trinity stood up from her seat and tucking a strand of her short, ash brown hair behind her ear just before hugging her friend for a moment.

"I've been doing good, just spending some quality time with our wonderful son, Piers, before leaves us and heads across the country due to his upcoming military deployment," Mrs. Nivans replied with an overjoyed tone of voice, catching Piers's and Laura's attention as the two of them glanced in their direction.

"Mom, there's no need to brag about my graduation anymore," Piers started off, a bit annoyed that his mother hasn't stop boasting about it for the past week. Laura lifted her head of the young man's shoulder, peering over at the eighteen-year-old's mother. "I know you and Dad are very proud of me and all, but it's starting to get old," He complained with a miffed tone of voice.

"Now Piers, let your mother crow all she wants," Mr. Nivans told the young man, gaining his son's and Laura's attention at the same time right as Piers set Laura down back onto her own two feet. The little girl wrapping his miniature fingers around the young man's rather muscly hand, holding onto it. "It's not everyday that you graduate from such an elite, prodigious military school as the very top of your entire class. No matter what, your mother and I will be always proud of all of your accomplishments, son." Charles stated, using an overbearing tone of voice.

"Damn straight we are, honey," Mrs. Nivans added, forgetting momentarily about little Laura's presence.

"Trinity!" Beatrice gasped. "I told you to watch your tongue when you're around Laura, remember? My little girl just turned six and I don't need her picking up on any swear words just yet."

"Relax babe, there's no need to get worked up just yet," Marco stated, mollifying his wife by rubbing her back in a caring manner. "We know our daughter better than anyone, she's more mature and grown-up than the majority of kids her age. She knows better than that."

"Damn straight I do," Laura quietly mumbled to herself, immediately catching her mother's attention.

"What did you say sweetheart?" The copper blonde woman inquired, eyeing her young daughter.

"I was just saying to myself that Dad's right. In case you forgot, I'm not like any normal children my age," Laura easily prevaricated, while Piers's Dad was trying to muffle his inaudible laughter. After hearing what the six-year-old had whispered to herself just seconds ago. Laura may be able to fool her parents, but she can't deftly fool him.

"See? Even she agrees with me. So, there's nothing to worry about," Mr. Rose reassured his wife, gaining a small smile from her. Indicating that beast within her has been tamed, for now.

Laura huddled next to Piers, rubbing her shivering arms as the winds picked up speed, not going unnoticed by her parents or Mr. and Mrs. Nivans and their eldest son. Suddenly, an idea came to Piers's mind. "You know what sounds good right now? Starbucks. Who's up for it?"

"Me! I want definitely want a grande hot chocolate," Laura instantly answered.

"So do Tyler and I!" Emile yelled from on top of the slide. "We want hot chocolate too!"

"You can definitely count the two of us in, one strawberry and crème frappuccino for Trin and one cafe latte for me, " Beatrice replied, gesturing towards herself and Trinity.

"Make that seven, both of us will take a café americano," Marco added.

"Wait, if we go who'll watch the kids?" Beatrice questioned Piers.

"Don't worry, I'll stay behind and watch Laura, Tyler, and Emile as long as I get an americano as well, " He responded.

"Then drinks are on me," Charles declared. Turning around and beginning to head towards the parking lot with his wife, glancing back at Beatrice for a moment. Knowing how much of a worry wart she can be, he reassured her, "Don't worry fusspot, Laura will be perfectly fine in Piers's hands as long as he's looking after her and the other two kids too."

"I know, Charles. Do don't need to remind me," Mrs. Rose told him, as herself and her husband were walking right behind them. Following them towards the parking lot."

***

"Higher, Piers! Higher!" Laura commanded, squealing and giggling with joy as Piers kept pushing her higher and higher on the swing set.

"After my adoptive parents and his Mom and Dad left to go get some drinks from Starbucks, Piers was pushing me on the swing set, 'cause I asked him to. All while Tyler and Emile were still playing on the playground, repeatedly going down the plastic slides."

As the young man was doing so, his cellphone began to ring continuously in his jean pocket. Piers walked to the side of the swing set, digging out his flip phone and answering it. "Hello?"

Laura immediately noticed Piers off to side, talking to someone on the phone as she stopped swinging her legs back and forth prompting the swing she was sitting on to come to a halt.

"Hey Blake, what's up?" Piers asked his boyfriend, as Laura silently listened in on their conversation.

"Here? Where?" The eighteen-year-old man glanced all around him, then said to him. "Seriously dude? I can't." Piers groaned for a moment, pinching the bridge of his nose before saying. "Fine, but only for five minutes and that's it? If my parents find out that I left the kids alone and unsupervised, they'll have my head for this... See you soon, bye." He hung up, turning around and glancing at Laura as she eyed him in a suspicious manner.

"Let me guess, sneaking off to see your boyfriend again?" Laura questioned him, using a sassy tone of voice. It didn't take very long for her to figure it out.

Piers's eyes widened straightaway. "Yes, but only for a few minutes. I won't be gone for long."

"But you promised both of our parents that you would look after us. If want me to keep them from finding out about this, I'm gonna need a favor in return then." Laura crossed her arms over her chest, a mischievous smirk curling onto her lips.

The military graduate sighed. "Alright, what do you want?"

"Whenever someone needs a favor from me, in exchange I'm gonna want something in return from them. Being just a six-year-old girl, I wanted what every little kid craves."

"Skittles, a large bag of skittles," She demanded. "Not any of those crappy fun-sized bags or I will spill the beans." Laura turned her head, gazing in Piers's direction as she held her tiny, intricate hand out to him. "So, do we have a deal?"

"Yeah, we have a deal." Piers kneeled down next to the little girl, shaking her hand for a brief moment before standing up and walking over towards the enormous field of grass, where Blake's waiting for him.

As Piers disappeared from her range of sight, Laura picked up sounds of Emile abruptly screaming and howling out in utter pain. Coming from the play area far behind her. Laura hastily stood up from the swing and turned around, peering over at the playground as Emile laid helplessly at the end of the set of slides in the enormous pile of wood chips. Countless tears trickled down the little girl's cheek, non-stop wails of agony slipped through her lips; clutching ahold of her bleeding knee while Tyler was kneeling down beside her fallen form.

"Are you okay, Emile?"

The ravenette shook her head. "No... Oscar pushed me off as I was about to slide down the slide..." Emile sniffled, wiping away the tears with the sleeve of her zip up hoodie.

"Can you stand?" Tyler asked his friend, only for her to shake her head again.

He then wrapped one of Emile's arms over his shoulder, heedfully helping his injured friend up off the ground all while two other boys stood on top of the piece of playground equipment, gazing at the two of them and snickering among themselves in a roguish manner. The fact that none of the adults that were nearby, besides a few kids, hadn't noticed what had just occurred utterly perplexed little Laura. Making the young blonde girl wonder if any of the grown-ups were turning a blind eye, or they were just that stupid and oblivious as they appeared to be.

It didn't take very long for Laura to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together and deduce what had just happened, including who were the ones responsible for such an atrocious act of harassment. The culprits at fault, Oscar Shields and Jackson Ross, were well-known to tyrannize and hound most of the kids at their school, managing to cover their tracks as well before teachers or other grown-ups could find out about their egregious activities.

"The instant I was able to figure out what they did, it was high time for me to intervene."

'Enough is enough, those two have gone too far and it's time to give them a taste of their own medicine.'  Laura thought to herself, standing up from her swing and treading towards Emile and Tyler, as the very miscreants were making their way towards them as well.

"Awww... Has the little girl fall and can't get up like most old ladies?" Oscar jeered, just as he and Jackson approached the two of them.

Tyler glared at the two boys, his brown eyes narrowing; frowning at the two boys as Emile stood using her non-injured leg, leaning her body against her friend and holding onto him for support. "What's your problem you jerk? Can you not see that you have caused enough trouble as it is?"

"Maybe if your friend had moved out of the way like we asked, she would not have tumbled from the top of the playground and hurt yourself like that," Jack sneered, taking a step forward; getting up in their faces. "I would go if I were you. If you don't go crying to your mommy and daddy like the weaklings you are, there will be a lot more where came from." The little boy held up his gloved fist, clenching it in front of them.

"Leave them alone!"

The four of them concurrently turned around, glancing at Laura right when she approached them. The blonde raised her arm and using it to separate Tyler and Emile from Jack and Oscar, stepping in between them as Tyler took a few steps back; lugging Emile closely at his side.

"Look who it is... It's the little, blonde brat," Oscar catcalled, standing up on his tippy toes and tower over the young girl. If it weren't for Laura being "3 '6.5, over two inches taller than both of the six-year-old boys, Oscar wouldn't have looked as intimidating as he appeared to be.

"I could the same thing about you, you ignorant scapegrace," Laura remarked, adjusting the strap of her purse over her shoulder.

"Scapegrace? Is that best you can come up with?" Jack ridiculed, stepping closer and standing right beside Oscar.

"How about you drop the shenanigans and I will show you." Laura removed the strap of her purse from over her shoulder, tossed over to the side near Tyler's feet. 'I promised Dad that I wouldn't do this; but when push comes to shove, the only way to settle this manner the right way is to fight back. Good thing we are gonna settle his manner behind the playground, the area is enclosed countess trees and bushes so no one is gonna notice what has yet to come.'  Laura thought to herself.

"If it is a fight you want, then it is a fight you will get." Oscar instantly took another step forward, raising his balled fist in the air and throwing a punch in Laura's direction. Only for the blonde girl to easily predict his move and swiftly catch his clenched fist with her gloved hand like her adoptive father taught her, the boy's fist just inches from her perfectly chiseled cheek; steadily twisting his wrist and digging her keen nails into the boy's skin a fierce manner. Oscar cried out in pain, the agonizing sensation overwhelming the young boy on the spot.

Right when Laura was about to twist Oscar's arm behind his back, Jack came up from behind her and clasped his arms around the girl's waist, pulling her away from his friend. After waiting a few seconds, Laura briskly moved her head back, whacking Jack in the face and dazing for a moment as he pushed away the blonde girl to clutch his bleeding nose.

Laura landed harshly on her side, her body landing on a couple of a malformed rocks sitting on the ground. She bit back a pang-filled scream, her teeth slightly puncturing the outside of her bottom lip, prompting it to start bleeding. As the young girl steadily stood up, a rock rapidly collided with her forehead, impacting the tender flesh and causing a bruise to form. Another rock hit her in stomach, another one hit her in her shoulder, until a down pour of rocks were being thrown at her by the two shabby boys. Raining down on her like a heavy storm.

Laura held up her arms in front of her, shielding herself from the constant shower of rocks being poured her way. Despite the severity of situation, that wasn't what surprised Laura though. Tyler suddenly stood far in front of Laura, using himself as a temporary shield in order to safeguard the young girl from the rocky onslaught. The young girl's vibrant blue eyes widened at the sight in front of her; her lips parting partially, her jaw hanging slight open.

This was indeed an outstanding revelation to Laura, considering the fact that she was bullied almost on a daily basis. How she's usually alone, defending herself all the time. Not one person in her life so far had stood up for her like Tyler was doing so at this very moment. Up until now...

"I couldn't believe my eyes; I thought they were playing tricks on me. You have now idea how shocked I was in that moment. "

"Hey!" The five of them consecutively turned their heads around, all of their eyes landing on Piers; the young man currently making his way rapidly towards them. Indignation clouding his youthful features.

"Crap! Let's get out of here!" Both Oscar and Jack dropped the rocks they were holding in their hands onto the ground, before taking off in the opposite direction.

By the time Piers reached Laura, Tyler, and Emile, the two boys were long gone, leaving behind all bruises and cuts they've inflicted upon all three of the children. Piers glanced over at Emile, sitting on the ground with a bloody knee, then shifted his gaze at Laura and Tyler. Taking note of their lacerations and contusions caking their faces.

"What the hell happened here!?!" Piers demanded, eyeing the three of them at the same.

Laura stepped forward, nominating herself to explain the situation to the military graduate. "While you were busy making out with your boyfriend behind one of the trees," She began, eyeing the fresh hickey on the side of his neck. "Tyler, Emile, and I were being picked on by a couple of bullies. Since you were preoccupied for the moment, I had to step up and deal with them."

"I was telling Piers the truth, being completely honest about what had happened. Only to be reprimanded for my so-called 'wrongdoings'."

"By fighting them?" Piers crossed his arm over his chest, recalling small tidbits of the scene he observed from afar.

"They pushed Emile off the top of the playground, hurting her in the process! Did you think I was just gonna stand by and let them get away with it—?!"

"Laura!" He abruptly cut her off, precipitating the blonde girl to fall silent within seconds. "Even though they were being mean toward the three of you, that doesn't mean that gives you the right to get physical with them. That's unexceptable, you know better than that." Laura pressed her lips together, silencing her need to cry as tears began to swell in the blonde girl's eyes. Going unnoticed only by Tyler's older brother.

Piers began to dig around in his jean pocket pulling out his cell phone. Right as he was about to dial Marco's number, Emile abruptly stood up and dashed towards Piers's direction, briskly grabbing the flip phone out of his hand before standing beside Laura and Tyler. Her scraped knee shaking and twitching persistently, as she stood in front of the military graduate.

"As if I wasn't surprised enough, Emile stood up for me as well. Snatching Piers's phone before he could get ahold of my adoptive parents."

"If you tattletale on Laura, Tyler and I will tell your mommy and daddy that you left us alone when you weren't supposed to! And how you were hugging and kissing your boyfriend too," Emile threatened, her grip around the flip phone in her tiny hand tightening in anger.

"Yeah! What she said," Tyler added, motioning towards Em.

'Oh boy...' Piers thought to himself, carefully pondering about his choices. He could tell Marco and Beatrice about Laura's brawl with the bullies, only for Emile and Tyler to speak out against him, revealing the reason why he let such a thing happen. Getting himself in more trouble as well. And knowing his father, Piers would be severely punished; court-martial style.

The only way to keep quiet about the incident and for Piers not to get in trouble was to zip his lips, not say a single word about what happened. It's the least the young man could do for her, he owed her that much, especially since he was the one who had let this happen in the first place. And he still owed her a massive bag of skittles...

"Okay, okay." Piers walked over towards Laura, kneeling down in front of her. That's when he finally noticed how red and puffy her eyes were; tears that were trickling down her cheeks. Augmenting the pang of guilt that was already swelling in his chest. "I'm really sorry that I raised my voice at you, Laura. I didn't mean to scare you like the way I did. Despite your actions, I still went out of line for yelling at you like that. It was wrong for me to do so. I want you to know that I don't see you just as a friend; more as a little sister. So that's why I tend to be overprotective of you sometime times." Piers lifted his right hand, his thumb momentarily rubbing away the numerous tears that were brimming in the corners of the little girl's eyes.

Laura sniffled, using her tiny gloved hand to wipe away her remaining tears. "Really?"

Piers nodded his head. "Really."

"Since that day, our relationship had been amended greatly for the better; fabricating the beginning of our close friendship."

Laura abruptly hugged Piers, wrapping her slender arms around Mr. Nivans's chest; resting her chin on top of his right shoulder. She then pulled away from him, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Do you pinky promise not to tell Mommy or Daddy, or even your parents?" Laura questioned him, eyeing him with her vibrant blue eyes as she held out her pinky finger.

Piers sighed, relaxing his shoulders. "Alright, I pinky promise not to tell. I'll keep my lips zipped." He grasped Laura's pinky with his before he turned around, standing back up. "Now can I please have my phone back, Emile?" Piers held out his hand towards Emile, waiting for her to give him back his flip phone.

Em narrowed her eyes at Piers, contemplating whether it would be best or not to hand over the military graduate his cell phone after promising he wouldn't say a word about it.

"It is okay, Emile. You can give it back to him now," Tyler told her, glancing her way. His heartening choice of words reassuring the little raven-haired girl of most of her doubts.

Easy giving in, Emile directed her gaze towards Piers once again, raising her arm and holding his cell phone out to him. The young man stepped forward, grabbing his cellular device from the little girl, glaring at him the entire time.

"Okay, now let's get the three of you cleaned up before they come back."

"Already on it," Laura announced, about to grab her tiny tote off the ground when Tyler beat her to it.

Using his bruised hand, he picked up the blue colored purse off the ground, stepping forward and and holding it out towards Laura. She glanced up from her purse at Tyler; convivial smile decorating his lips, then gazed back down her tote.

"Thank you," She said to him with a sincere tone of voice, smiling gaily as she took her purse from him. The blonde girl unzipped her purse, taking out a small bandaid.

"Your welcome," He replied back, before shoving his hands back in his coat pockets as Laura placed the bandaid over the tiny cut on his forehead. "My name is Tyler by the way."

"And I'm Emile," The ravenette introduced herself as well, faltering beside Tyler.

"For the first time in my life, I was no longer alone. I had people who I could trust and rely on. Two important people that I can finally call my friends."

"I'm Laura, it's nice to meet you Emile and Tyler," She responded back with a shy tone of voice; her eyes traveling towards Emile's injured knee. The one and a half inch laceration partially oozed with blood, dribbling from the open cut down her leg, staining her skinny jeans.

"Emile, your knee... It needs to be cleaned and bandaged before they get back." Laura pulled out her miniature first aid kit from her tote, opening it and taking some butterfly stitches, an alcohol wipe, and a massive bandaid. The blonde quickly recalling how to treat a minor laceration properly; just like how her father taught her in case she got hurt and there aren't any medical personnel around to help her. "Do you want me to do it for you or no? I completely understand if you don't want me to—"

"Please do, Lari," Em suddenly cut Laura off, prompting the blonde girl's eyes to widen. "If my Mommy and Daddy find out about this, they are gonna take me to see a doctor, and I hate doctors." Emile walked lamely towards a massive rock located behind Tyler, sitting down on top of it.

"Sure thing." Laura strolled over to Em, kneeling down in front of her. Beginning to treat the bloody laceration on her friend's knee.

***End of Flashback***

Laura's POV

"From that point on ten years ago, Tyler, Em, and I have stuck through thick and thin together. Always there for one another—enjoying each other's company whenever we can."

Jill lightly chuckled to herself, partially covering her mouth with her free hand then took a sip out of her mug. I raised an eyebrow at her, wondering what's bringing about such laughter.

"What's so funny?"

"I didn't know that you used to have such a huge crush on Piers," She answered, then let out another amused chuckle. "What makes it more funny is the fact that you're currently dating his little brother."

My eyes went round, as I turned away for a moment, my cheeks heating up and turning bright red. "Shut up," I muttered in a low tone, bringing the coffee mug to my lips and taking another drink out of it.

I redirected my gaze back at Aunt Jill. "How do you know about that anyway?"

"Ever since Chris arrived back home from Seattle, one of the things he wouldn't stop complaining about was you dating Tyler. How you're too young to be in relationship, he was also trying to come up with legitimate accuses on why you two shouldn't be together and what not. That's just him being overly protective of you 'cause he was the same way your mother, Claire, when they were much younger." She responded, maintaining eye contact with me. "Personally, I don't see any problem with you dating Piers's little brother, as long as the guy knows how to treat you right."

"Alright, my turn to ask another question," I started off, adjusting myself on the couch. "Have you ever watched 'Supernatural'?"

Jill shook her head. "I've heard about the show a number of times from Claire, but I've never watched it before."

My eyes went completely round; my jaw dropping at her statement. "You've never seen Supernatural?! Not once!?"

"Nope," Aunt Jill replied, a guilty smile curling onto her lips. "Your Mom is a hardcore Supernatural fan, like you. She tried more than once to get me addicted to the show, attempting to make me watch a few of the first episodes from season one. However, thanks to balancing between my motherly responsibilities and part-time job as a BSAA counselor, I'd never had time to. I've been as busy as a bee with taking care of Nathan."

"Do you have to work today?"

"No, I have the whole day off. I only work during Tuesdays and Thursdays."

I grinned to myself than immediately sat up, setting my mug down on top of the coffee table before sprinting out of the living room, feeling the rush of adrenaline whilst zooming upstairs towards my bedroom. Once I've gotten my Supernatural season 1 CD case from my suitcase, I hurried out of my room and scurry back downstairs, hustling back into the living room as I plopped my bottom back on the couch. With my CD case in hand.

"Then let's watch some of season one. We have the whole day just to sit back and relax, so we need to take full advantage of that; the doctor even said to take it easy for the next three to four weeks. No intense exercising, only lots of bed rest. There's no better way to do so than to have a Supernatural marathon," I declared, smiling broadly to myself as Jill nodded her head and remained silent. Not uttering a single word of disagreement.

Chris's POV

Upon arriving at my house, I instantly pulled up into the driveway, parking my dark green pickup truck in the cement parking space next to Jill's blue 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The instant I turned off the truck's engine, turning the key and sliding it out of the ignition, I unbuckled my seat belt and opened the truck door. Closing it behind as soon as I hopped out of it.

Upon entering the house and locking the door behind me, I amble into the dimly lit living room, spotting Jill and Laura laying down on the couch. Each of them had blankets tucked up to their waists and pillows cushioned underneath, as two of them were watching Supernatural. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. 'Why am I not surprised... Should've known Laura is be a fan of that TV show, same as Claire.'

The instant Jill noticed my presence, she smiled, gesturing me to be quiet before pointing over at Laura. I glanced over the couch, my eyes landing on my niece whilst she slept peacefully. Her chest slowly expanding and contracting with each breath she took.

"How long has Laura been sleeping?" I inquired, silently strolling around the couch and coffee table, approaching my wife.

"Not very long, for about an hour or so." I kneel down in front of her, cupping her cheek for a moment and pecking her soft, plump lips.

"How was your day, Jill?" I asked her, placing one hand on her stomach, stroking it.

"It was alright, Laura made me binge watch the entire first season of Supernatural all day today," She told me, stretching her arms.

I let out an amused chuckle. "That must've been fun." I shifted my gaze down at Jill's baby belly.

"Hey there munchkin, this is your Daddy speaking." Using my hand to tenderly strike her stomach. "I hope you weren't giving your Mommy too much trouble today little buddy." I pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Jill's belly.

"There's something else too, Chris," Jill added. "She asked me about her father earlier today."

My eyes went completely round right away. "Why the hell would Laura ask about him?"

"Isn't it obvious, Christopher?"

"Yeah, but there's no need for her to know anything else about him. Okay? I just don't understand why she would ask about him to begin with." I pointed out.

"Well I do," Jill started off. "For the past sixteen years, Laura's been left in the dark about her origin; her very genesis. Only to recently find out that her biological father is actually a notorious bioterrorist. Who also happens to be our arch nemesis. And that Claire had given her up for adoption a long time ago in order to protect her from this kind of life; a never-ending war between those who want to protect humanity and those who want to destroy it. We can't hide the truth from her forever, Christopher. If we do, Laura will eventually end up looking for answers on her own. Remember back in 1998 when you, Barry, and Rebecca went to Europe to investigate Umbrella's illegal activities without telling her?"

I nodded my head at Jill, acknowledging her. I remember it all very well. As much as it pained me back then to not mention a single thing to Claire, I did it to protect her, keeping her in the dark for her own safety. 'And look how well that turned out...' My little sister ended up going to Raccoon City right when the T-Virus had spread all throughout the city, finding out about Umbrella's illicit biological weapons research and development and getting herself more involved than she needed to be. Just like when Laura went into the Seattle research facility with Piers and I to look for Claire...

"Then we shouldn't keep Laura in the dark for any longer." Jill clasped my calloused hand, gripping it with her slender fingers. "Please Chris, for the sake of her health and well-being, don't hide the truth from her. She has a right to know."

"I'll admit, you do have a valid point. However, Laura's only sixteen, a minor. She's still recovering from that whole ordeal. But... I will make an exceptional for her case."

A contented smile decorating her lips. "You know what you can do tomorrow while we're at work? Give Laura a tour of the complex. When she was younger, Laura told me earlier how she always wanted to work for the BSAA. I know that you usually have a busy schedule throughout the day, but I would really appreciate it if you would take the time to do that for her. This way, it would give the two of you more time to bound together."

"That sounds like a plan, Stan."