•Thicker Than Blood•

•Chapter 7•

Even on the drive to the bus stop, Sherry did nothing but stare out the window. Acres upon acres of yellow fields passing her vision. Sometimes there would be cattle in those fields or masses of hay in circular form. Nothing but open field, the occasional rusted truck, or burned down home. Considering the dryness of the climate, it wasn't difficult to start a fatal fire. Though soon, they were on the edge of the nearest town. The truck pulled to the side of the road. Some other kids were already waiting at the stop.

"Here we are!" Claire was the first to jump out of the car, followed by Leon p, who opened the door for Sherry.

The girl stared into space for a moment or two before stepping out of the truck. She crossed her arms over her stomach and looked towards the stop. Another girl stood alone at the stop, fidgeting with the lock on her journal that was tucked in one arm. Sherry hesitated and stepped behind Leon, pushing her hair back with a sigh. Leon kept his attention on her, frowning and bending to her height.

"Hey, listen. If things get too difficult for you here. We won't force you to stay. But, give it a try, okay?" Leon set his hand on her shoulder.

Sherry didn't look at him, gripping her necktie. "I understand..."

"Everything will be fine, have a good day today, kid."

Leon gave her a prompt pat on the shoulder before returning to his usual height. Sherry moved and pushed past him. Claire was already waiting, closer by the bus stop. Sherry picked up her pace and threw her arms around Claire's waist, burying her face against her for a good moment. Seeking comfort from a motherly figure she gained only months ago. Claire understood immediately, wrapping her arms around the smaller girl and rubbing her back.

"You've got this, Sherry..." she paused. "I know what you need."

Sherry looked up and tilted her head as Claire released her. She slid her jacket off her arms and shook it to readjust it. Then, she wrapped it around Sherry's shoulders. Just like she had back in Raccoon City.

"Take my good luck charm with you. I'm sure it'll help." Claire smiled down at her.

Sherry hugged the jacket close against her. It smelled just like Claire. She finally gained a small smile. "Thank you, Claire..."

"Have a good day, Sher.."

With that, Sherry went and stood beside the other girl at the stop. She seemed to hesitate when she saw Sherry approach the stop. She was dressed in a turtleneck and jeans, her hair tied into a half up half down style. She clutched her journal for dear life. Sherry tilted her head and gave a small wave to the other girl. After a moment, she returned it.

"Hey, are you okay?" Sherry asked her. "Are you nervous? It's my first day... if it means anything, I'm pretty nervous too."

The other girl nodded quietly. "I heard we were getting someone new."

Sherry nodded, holding out a hand. "Well, I'm Sherry. Sherry Birkin."

"Genevieve Ovega."

"It's nice to meet you, Genevieve."

After that, Genevieve only gave a small nod again. Although, she seemed a little bit more relaxed now. She looked down the road, where the bus could be seen making its way to the stop. Clearly it was old. Paint was tearing and the yellow was pale from the sun. The bus looked like it had been to hell and back. Sherry shuttered at the sight as the bus rolled up to the stop. Quickly, she looked back at Leon and Claire for just a moment. Looking for some sort of reassurance.

Claire was leaning against Leon's side, arms crossed while she watched the girls. A small present in her face while she gave her a subtle thumbs up. Leon rested one arm over Claire's shoulder, a warm smile on his face too. Sherry's heart warmed at the sight of them. She had never seen parental figures be so close before. Her parents never really showed affection to one another. Always focused on their jobs or arguing. To see two people show genuine care and attention to one another was... such a relief.

"Sherry, come on. It's time to go." Genevieve took her arm, leading her onto the bus.

Sherry gave one last wave to Leon and Claire before following Genevieve onto the bus. There weren't too many kids on the bus yet. A few boys and girls scattered around the seats. Majority sat in the front. Three girls whispered to each other when they spotted Sherry and Genevieve. Though, they looked friendly to Sherry. The boys were snickering amongst themselves, giving friendly seeming waves to the pair. Genevieve paid no attention, continuing to lead Sherry to the back of the bus. She sat at the very end of the rows, next to the window. Sherry placed herself beside her.

"They seem pretty nice." Sherry commented, beginning to feel secure, finally.

"I wouldn't count on that." Genevieve stared out the window, her journal placed in her lap.

"Huh..? What do you mean?"

"Just..." Genevieve sighed. "Be careful, okay?"

Sherry was dumbfounded, raising an eyebrow at her. Though if she did try to ask more questions, the other girl wouldn't respond to her. Confused. Yet again. But, she was used to getting the cold shoulder. At least while she was growing up, that is. Oftentimes, she was left to fend for herself. She looked down at her lap, keeping quiet for the rest of the ride to the school.

Leon and Claire watched while the bus rode off down another road. They said not a word till the old bus was gone completely.

"Seems like she has a friend already." Claire said, hand over her heart.

"That'll do her some good. When do we pick her up?"

"She gets out at 2:30. We can come back then. I took off work so we could both be there when she gets back." Claire said.

Leon laughed just a little. "I'm sure she'll appreciate that."

"She'll appreciate the both of us... it's nice to see a happy family. Especially in her situation." Claire frowned slightly after a moment.

"Hm? You okay?"

"Yeah... just thinking."

"About your brother?"

She merely gave a nod.

"Hey, you know what... I have an idea." Leon turned to face her fully. "When I get back to work tonight, what if I checked the computers? I could see if I can get any logs about him and his whereabouts."

"You'd do that? Is that possible?"

"I'm not sure if I'll be able to reach anyone outside of QuarryBend now... but it's worth a shot."

"...thank you."

With that, Claire wrapped her arms around Leon. For once, she felt open and without hesitation, warm. She held onto him tight, laying her head against his chest. Leon watched her for just a moment, then wrapping his arms around her, resting his head against her as well. After it all, they made it out together. There was a strong sense of care after all that. They'd do just about anything to help each other.