•Thicker Than Blood•

•Chapter 6•

It had been six months since the three moved onto the plot of land. Claire and Leon now had their names on the property. The gas and electricity were finally turned on and the place was more fixed up than ever! Over the months, they had fixed the broken windows and got proper supplies. The bed actually had a frame and it was starting to feel like a normal home once again. The chickens were healthy and laying eggs in the area Claire set up for them in the barn.

Not only had they fixed up the house and started working on the barn itself. Leon had managed to get his job back, transferred to the QuarryBend Police Department. They were already low staffed due to the population of the town. So, he fit in well already. He was gone most nights while Claire was home. Claire took a job as a training mechanic. While she was working during the day, Leon was home. While Leon was away at night, Claire was home. Sherry was never truly alone in the house.

Though, they had managed to work a deal. Some legal exceptions had to be made, given their situation with Raccoon City. Leon and Claire were able to place themselves as Sherry's legal guardian. While they searched for any family she may have had, they would take care of her. Not only this, but she was going to be enrolled into a public school. The bus stop was a decent way from the home, though Claire would take her to the bus stop on her way to work each morning when the time came.

Coincidentally, today was meant to be Sherry's first day of school. The air had grown warmer. It was March now, summer was just around the corner. They figured they could at least get her familiarized with the school. Give her some placement tests and decide where she was in school, considering they didn't have records of her previous education based on their situation. Needless to say, Sherry was already nervous to start her education again. Nervous to meet new people. Nervous to be without Claire and or Leon at a time. It was 5:30 in the morning.

Claire was already outside, picking up the eggs the chickens had laid that week while she spread out the seed for the hens to eat. Leon decided to come home early that night. He started earlier in the day and got home late enough to be there when Sherrybset off on her first day of school. While Claire maintained the outside chores, Leon gently knocked on Sherry's door. There wasn't a response. Quietly, the door clicked open and he made his way to her bedside.

"Sherry, it's time to wake up." He knelt beside her bed, gently nudging her with his hand.

A groan could be heard while she turned on her side, facing away from Leon. This earned a chuckle from the cop.

"Come on, it's time to get ready." Without second thought, he scooped up the little girl into his arms.

"I don't want to go.." Sherry whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning into his shoulder.

"I know you don't. But, hey. You might make some friends. It could be fun for all you know." Leon carefully set her down for a moment. "I'll make you some breakfast. Come down when you're dressed and ready."

Sherry gave a small nod while Leon made his way to the door. He smiled at her before shutting the door. He already knew how she liked her eggs and her toast. He went down to the kitchen to start that for her. Meanwhile, Sherry dressed herself in the same outfit she arrived at that house in. Long grayish skirt, stockings, white button up underneath a blue flannel vest. She picked up the blue ribbon she always wore and tied it neatly around her neck, letting it hang off the collar of her shirt.

With a sigh, she turned and went downstairs. Leon was at the stove, making some scrambled eggs for her while Claire made the toast. She already had the grape jelly out, ready to put it on the warmed bread when it was ready. Leon sprinkled cheese into the eggs before putting it on the plate for Sherry. Not only that, but he put some grapes on the side for her. Just as Claire finished putting jelly on the toast, he also placed that on the plate.

"Here we go. Eat up, kiddo. We'll have to leave soon." Leon told her, setting the plate in front of her.

"Good plan. Hey, you okay, Sher? You don't look too thrilled." Claire pointed out, setting a cup of orange juice beside the plate for her.

"Would anyone be thrilled about going to school? I mean... what if I don't fit in?" Sherry questioned.

"You're a smart young girl, Sherry. I'm sure you'll do just fine." Claire moved around the table to comb her fingers through Sherry's hair in a soothing fashion.

"I hope so..." Sherry trailed off, taking a bite of her eggs.

She didn't seem super convinced. Claire maintained a frown, standing up and taking a few steps back. Leon looked over towards her, giving a nod, and heading down the hallway. Claire took a moment, watching Sherry before heading after Leon. He stood at the end of the hall, leaning against the wall. Claire crossed her arms over her stomach and rocked back on her heels, staring at the wall beside him.

"How can we be sure this is a good idea?"she asked suddenly.

"Well, we can't. We just have to see how it all plays out." Leon responded.

"What if she ends up hurt? I mean, she was one of the only survivors from Raccoon City. Her parents died right in front of her. Poor girl is traumatized."

"Listen, it's worth a shot. If something bad happens, we'll be there for her. If something bad happens, we can find an alternative. She'll be okay. She has us to look out for her."

"I just hope this is the right decision..."

Claire laid her head to the side, closing her eyes with a frown. Leon looked up and reached an arm out, gripping her shoulder. A warm smile crossed his lips and he nodded to her.

"Everything will be alright, Claire. I'll make sure of it. Trust me."

Claire hesitated a minute before laying her hand over his.

"Fine, alright. I trust you."

They lingered for a moment, just until Sherry came down the hall with her backpack on. She glanced at them for just a moment, eyes flicking from their faces, to their hands, to their faces again. Claire chuckled under her breath and took a step away from Leon. Heading to the door, she opened it for the both of them.

"Well, ready to go?"

"I guess so."