Fanon:A Sim's Tale: Book 4

Introduction
A Sim's Tale: Book 4 is the fourth entry of A Sim's Tale series. Originally, the story would be called Sirenia: A Sim's Tale Book 4 and would be set in Isla Paradiso and feature all-new characters, including the titular character, Sirenia.

However, I scrapped the idea after I decided to made another new story which will still connected to the first A Sim's Tale trilogy.

The characters from previous A Sim's Tale will be featured, along with a whole new protagonist.

Premise
Once upon a time, there was a small, peaceful town located in the eastern part of SimNation. Everyone said that you could watch the sunset on the top of its valley. However, after Mortimer Goth elected as the town's new mayor, he decided to made few changes to his beloved town. Sunset Valley no more. Now the town known as Pleasantview.

Ten years later, a young photographer arrived in this town...

Featured Characters

 * Bryan Schmidt
 * Christine Redfield

Supporting Characters

 * Joana Delgado
 * Leona Delgado
 * Enrico Delgado
 * Nathaniel Delgado
 * Jean Curtiz
 * Alex Curtiz
 * Daniel Curtiz
 * Chris Redfield
 * Tamera Redfield
 * Lily Redfield
 * Mortimer Goth (To Be Appear Soon)
 * Bella Goth
 * Cassie Goth
 * Charlie Redfield

Atagonist

 * The Pleasantview Killer
 * Mikhaela Rogers

Other Characters

 * John Redfield (death) (flashback only)
 * Sandi French
 * Donald Lucas
 * Marlena Caliente
 * Malika Williams
 * Kevin

Chapter 1: Memory of John Redfield
A lot of things happened in the town once known as Sunset Valley. After Mortimer Goth elected as the town mayor, the town got many changes. Even though some town's landmarks were still existed. After three years hard work, the town eventually had its new face, under a new name: Pleasantview.

One of the town's landmarks which still existed was the Mirabello Plaza. Outside the theater, a 16 years old Christine Redfield was sitting alone on a bench. She looked at her surroundings, waiting for someone.

"It's 05.15 P.M" she said looking at the clock in her Smart Phone. She then tied her long hair in pony tail.

"Sorry I'm late Christine" a voice of another teenage girl heard. Christine's cousin, Joana Delgado. "Where have you been Joana?" Chistine asked.

Joana then took a seat next to Christine. "I'm sorry" Joana said, "Mom asked me to clean my room, so...". "Well no wonder" Christine said, "Aunt Leona is a Neat person after all", Joana only nodded.

Christine Sirenia Redfield was the only daughter of Christoper James Redfield and Tamera Gerardo-Redfield. She inherited both her parents' traits, the good and caring traits from her mother and the charm from her father.

Joana Delgado was the second child and daughter of Enrico Delgado and Leona Redfield-Delgado. She was a year younger than Christine. However, unlike Christine and her brother, Nathaniel Delgado, who inherited some of their parents' traits, Jona inherited none. However, Joana had almost identical face with her mother and aunt, Dr. Jennifer Redfield-Curtiz.

"It's almost been four years isn't it" Christine said.

"Sorry?" Joana said.

"It's almost been four years since grandpa John passed away" Christine said, "Next week we will celebrate his 4th year anniversary of his death". Joana didn't said anything, she only looked at her saddened cousin.

Christine then took something from her pocket, a photo of an elderly John Redfield. "So many good memories with him" Christine said. "You are right" Joana said, "I remember he promised us to took us on a vacation but...".

Both Christine and Joana then became silent for a moment. They remembered how their family saddened when they attended John's funeral four years ago.

Four years ago, Pleasant-Rest Graveyard

"But brother, this is not fair, grandpa promised to take us on vacation once he recovered!" said a 11 years old Joana to her brother Nathaniel. Nathaniel then hugged Joana tightly, trying to comfort her. Meanwhile, a 12 years old Christine didn't said anything, she only watched her grandmother, Lily Redfield, was crying. John's another grandson, Daniel Curtiz was also quiet, didn't said anything.

"Oh John *sob*" Lily said in tears. Lily's twin daughters, Leona and Jean tried to console her. At the other hand, the Redfields' adopted child, Charlie just arrived. Everyone greeted him. "Oh gosh Charlie *sob*" Lily said hugging Charlie, "John, he... he...".



Charlie didn't said anything. He only looked at John's grave. He felt guilty since he couldn't be in his adoptive father's side when he was dying. "Father..." Charlie said in quiet tone. Charlie's ex-wife Sandi was also there, trying to comfort him.

"I will never forget his kindness" one of John's son-in-law, Enrico Delgado said "I knew Mr. Redfield since I was child, a really nice and charismatic man I've ever know". "You are right Enrie..." John's other son-in-law, Alex Curtiz said, "He treated everyone like his own family, that's what I like from him".

Meanwhile, John's daughter-in-Law, Tamera looked at her husband Chris, who was sitting alone on a bench. "Christine, honey" she said calling for her daughter, Christine. "Yes mama?" Christine said. "Would you like to accompany your papa there? I think... you can cheer him up" Tamera asked.

Christine then looked at her father, "Okay mama" she said.



Chris was quiet, he couldn't shed any tears even though he was really sad with John's death. He only frowned, he was reminiscing his conversation with John about the feeling of become a father twelve years ago when Christine was about to born.

"Son, don't be afraid, I'm sure you will be a good father for you child. Just believe in yourself. Just remember, do your best to make your family happy. I believe you can do it" it was what John told to Chris twelve years earlier.

"I will never forget what you taught to me, father" Chris said. "Papa" Christine said approaching Chris, "Why don't you join the others there?". Chris then looked at his daughter. "Papa?" Christine said. Chris then stood up, he approached his daughter, and then hugged her tightly. Christine could heard that her father cried, even though it wasn't loud.

Back to present day.

"So many memories about grandpa John" Christine said. She took another photo from her pocket, this time time a photo of her hugging John. "I really miss him" Christine said. "Me too Christine" Joana said, "Me too".

The two teenage girls then became quiet for a moment. "So.. uh... Where will we go now?" Joana said wiping her tears. "Oh, well, I almost forgot" Christine said "How about the bookstore, the newest issue of fashion magazine is already available there".

"Oh, sure" Joana said. "And after that, let's visit grandma Lily" Christine said. "Yeah, I agree" Joana said smiling.

Chapter 2: Four Years Later
Another four years have passed. A car was parked in front of the cemetery. Dr. Jennifer "Jean" Curtiz was standing in front of John Redfield's grave. "It has been eight years" Jean said to her father's grave, "I miss you dad".

After put a bunch of flowers on John's grave, Jean's smartphone was ringing. "Oh, it's Leona, she's already waiting" she said, "I guess I need to go now". Jean then walked out from the cemetery heading to her car. She then started her car's engine and drove to Pleasantview Community Bar where Leona was waiting.

At the bar, Leona Delgado was sitting at the corner eating a piece of cookie she ordered earlier. Jean entered the bar and greeted her twin sister. "Sorry I'm late" Jean said "I was visiting father's grave". "I see" Leona said.

"So, uh, how's your job?" Jean asked, starting a conversation.

"Ugh, it makes me stressed" Leona answered "Honestly I miss my old days as an athlete, it was more fun". "Well, how long is it since you are retired as an athlete?" Jean asked. "20 years" Leona said "Yeah, 20 years, shortly after I found that I was pregnant with Joana".

After got pregnant with her second child, Joana 20 years ago, Leona decided to retired as an athlete. However, three years after Joana's birth, Leona decided to join sport agent career. She had job to seeking and recruiting many young talented athletes. After more than 20 years worked as a Sport Agent, Leona was starting to bored with her current job.

"Then why don't you just re-join the athletic career? ha ha ha!" Jean said in hilarious tone. "I wished, but I'm old now" Leona said in sarcastic tone "You too". "Well, it couldn't help" Jean said "We are already in our 50s after all". "Hmph, the last time checked myself in front of the mirror, I found there are more wrinkles on my face" Leona frowned. Jean only chuckled, "Sounds like you finally have your mid-life crisis!" she said.

"Anyway, I've got message from Charlie yesterday" Jean said. "Oh really, how is he now? Is he still in Paris?" Leona asked. "Yeah, he said that he wouldn't be able to attend our family's feast party next week" Jean said. "It's so unfortunate" Leona said "Mom really want to meet him". Jean only nodded.

"And, how about Chris?" Leona asked. "Oh, he will join us, finally" Jean said. "So you mean he's already coming back from his tour? Nice!" Leona said excitedly.

"By the way Leona, I slightly worried about my son Daniel" Jean said. "Oh, what happened to him?" Leona asked.

"It looks like he's alienating himself from everyone after his co-workers found out his secret" Jean said. "What secret?" Leona asked. "We just learn about this" Jean said, "Daniel... He confessed that he's gay".

"Oh, Is he bullied by his co-workers for being gay?" Leona asked. "I have no idea" Jean said "I hope not". "Well, Jean you are his mother, you should talk to him" Leona said "Tell him that it's okay for being different with the others". "I think you are right" Jean said.

Meanwhile at the Plaza.

A young adult man was seen sitting alone on the bench reading a newspaper. Apparently, he was seeking for job. "Oh man, I really need a job right now" he said "It has been three days since I'm moving here".

This young man's name was Bryan Schmidt. For three years, he moved from one town to another in order to accomplish his dream to take pictures of many places in SimNation. However, at the same time he arrived in Pleasantview, he started to have financial problem.

"I wised the Doo Peas Corporate Tower there want to hire me as a freelance photographer" he said.

Just before Bryan finished his reading, he heard a scream.

Chapter 3: Lily Redfield
The scream heard from the back alley of the grocery store. Bryan promptly rushed into the back alley and found there was an old woman, around 80s, trying to reach some of her stuffs which fell to the ground. "Ouch... my back's hurt!" she said "My osteoporosis is getting worse!".

Feeling pity with the old woman, Bryan decided to help. "Excuse me, can I help you?" he asked in polite manner. "O-oh, s-sure, I'm having a little trouble here" the old woman said. Bryan helped to brought the old woman's stuffs, it was too heavy for someone on her age.

"Thank you very much young man" she said. "Not a problem ma'am" Bryan said "Anyway, where is your home, maybe I could escort you there". "O-oh, it's not too far from here" she said, "It's in the residential area located in the back of the City Hall".

"Okay, let me escort you there" Bryan said.

Bryan then escorted the old woman to her house located at residential area the back of the City Hall. The old-woman revealed her name was Lily Redfield. She was living alone after her husband passed away and her children had started their own family. Until ten years ago, she originally lived in a house near the beach, but relocated when Mayor Mortimer Goth started his project to expand the town, changing it from Sunset Valley to Pleasantview.

After twenty minutes walking, they arrived at her house. "Thank you for your help son" Lily said "By the way, do you wanna some tea first?". "Uh, well, sure" Bryan said. Bryan then entered the house. It was an average-sized house. For some reason, there was no Tv in it. There were so many photos of Lily and her late husband when they young.



There were also photos of their children, a pair of twin daughters and two sons, which one of them had unusual green colored hair and much darker skin than the others. "Looks like this one is adopted" Bryan thought.

"Wait a second, this man looks familiar" Bryan gazed into picture of a man with brown colored hair. "That's my son, Christoper" Lily said, bringing a cup of tea "But we usually call him Chris, he's a rock star you know". "Christoper? Rock Star? Wait a minute, do you mean Christoper James Redfield!?" Bryan said in surprise, "He is your son!?". Lily only nodded. "Unbelievable, I'm a big fan of your son!" Bryan exclaimed "Is he in this town? Can I meet him?".

"Well, unfortunately, he's still in other town" Lily said "But he will come home today since there will be a family feast party here".

"Oh I see..." Bryan said.

As Bryan looked at the pictures, someone knocked the door. "Oh, looks like we have another guest" Lily said "I will open it".

Chapter 4: Nathaniel Delgado
"Oh, welcome Nathaniel" Lily said greeting a good-looking young man who stood in front of the door. The young man then looked at Bryan who sat at the corner. "Who's that grandma?" Nathaniel asked. "Oh, that man helped me bring my stuffs, he's a nice guy" Lily said "His name is Schmidt, I suppose...". Bryan then stood and approached them. "Hi, my name is Bryan Schmidt" he introduced himself "I... uh... I'm new in this town". "Oh I see" Nathaniel said shaking Bryan's hand. "Name's Nathaniel Delgado, but you can call me Nate, nice to meet you Mr. Schmidt". "Oh, just call me Bryan, because we appear to be in same age after all" Bryan said.

"Well, okay, Nathaniel, what bring you here? Do you need something?" Lily asked. "I'm here to take Joana's cellphone, Apparently she left it here" Nathaniel said. "Oh yeah, so that's Joana's phone" Lily said "Geez she's so careless. Wait here, I will bring it".

Lily then went to her room, leaving Bryan and Nathaniel in the living room.

"So, how long have you been here Bryan?" Nathaniel asked. "Three days" Bryan said. "Oh I see" Nathaniel said "What do you think about Pleasantview?". "Well, I think this town is very beautiful" Bryan said "And also busy at the same time".

"To be honest, I like this town more when it was still Sunset Valley" Nathaniel said "So much memories...". "By the way Nate, I noticed that your name is similar with this town's famous former athlete..." Bryan said "...I believed her name was Leona. Is she..."

"Yes, Leona Anne Delgado is my mother" Nathaniel said. "Whoa, first is Christoper James Redfield and now Leona Delgado, this town almost feel like Bridgeport" Bryan commented in awe "And they are your relatives". "Ha ha ha" Nathaniel laughed "My mother is already retired after all".

"By the way, are you an athlete too?" Bryan asked again. "Yeah, but I'm still in the amateur league" Nathaniel said "Still need years until I promoted to the pro". "Uh-huh" Bryan only nodded.

A minutes later, Lily returned with Joana's cellphone. "Here your sister's cellphone, tell her to not being careless again" Lily said giving the cellphone to Nathaniel. "By the way, why didn't she just come here by herself?" Lily asked.

"She's on a date with her new boyfriend right now and she borrowed my cellphone" Nathaniel said. "Oh dear, why can't she become more like your mother or your father?" Lily said. "Well, her face is almost identical with mom and aunt Jean, so..." Nathaniel said. "That doesn't counted young man" Lily said, slightly upset.

"Uh guys, I think I should go back to my apartment right now" Bryan said cutting their conversation.

"Oh well, Nathaniel, mind if you drive Mr. Schmidt home? His apartment is far enough and it's in the same direction to your hose" Lily said. "What, No no! I appreciate it but, I can go myself" Bryan said. "Well, It's alright Bryan" Nathaniel said, "Let's say this is reward for helping my grandma, I don't mind either".

"Oh, well, if you insist" Bryan said. Lily smiled, "Okay, take care you two!".

At the way to Bryan's apartment. "So Bryan, how about going to the club first and hit some hot chicks there?" Nathaniel said. "Well, I'm not sure" Bryan said. "Come one, I knew a club where hot and beautiful young girls gathered" Nathaniel claimed "The Flamencos, even the club's owners, the Caliente sisters are hot even though they in my mom's age".

"Uh, sorry, maybe next time" Bryan said "Thanks for the offer by the way". "Oh, what happen?" Nathaniel asked. "Well okay" Nathaniel said, "By the way looks like we almost arrive in your apartment". "Oh yeah, you are right" Bryan said.

The car then stopped in front of Bryan's apartment. "Thanks for the ride dude" Bryan said disembarked from the car. "You're welcome" Nathaniel said, "See you later!". After Nathaniel left, Bryan walked into his apartment. He took the elevator to the third floor where his room located.

Arriving in his room, Bryan turned on his laptop and checked his e-mail. One mail was received from the Doo Peas Corporate Tower.

"Dear Mr. Schmidt, we already receive your resume. We found that your experience in photography is very interesting. We will happy to invite you for an interview tomorrow at our office building at 12.00 P.M" the mail said.

"YES!" Bryan exclaimed "Finally I can get money to pay the rent!".

When Bryan about to logged out, a new e-mail received.

"What's this?" Bryan wondered. Bryan then clicked the e-mail. He read it, and became quiet. The e-mail said:


 * "I knew were you live right now. I will come to you soon..."
 * -Your lover, Mikhaela-

Chapter 5: Summer
Today was the first day of summer. Everyone really loved it since the vacation was just few weeks ahead. A middle-aged woman was standing alone in front of the City Hall. She was waiting for someone. She had short-black hair, purple colored eyes, and a mixed between Asian-Arabian-Spanish. Her name was Tamera Gerardo-Redfield.

"Oh, I think she's here!" Tamera exclaimed noticing a cab came up. The cab stopped in front of the City Hall, a young adult woman, with same eye color, but lighter skin and brown hair, disembarked from the cab.

"Mother!" the young woman hugged Tamera tightly.

"Oh Christine baby, I miss you" Tamera said. The person was Tamera and Chris' daughter, Christine. She was just returned from the university for her summer break. "How's college?" Tamera asked.

"Well, yeah sorta... We are very busy" Christine said, "I joined the campus' Newspaper club. "Nice, you are talented to become a reporter after all" Tamera said praising her daughter. "Ha ha thank's mom" Christine said.

"By the way, let's go home, your dad is waiting" Tamera said. "Oh dad's home?" Christine said "I thought he still on tour". "No, he's already home since couple of days ago, so he will be able to join our family feast party in next weekend".

"Oh that's great!" Christine said, "Hey will uncle Charlie join us in the party?" she asked. "Unfortunately no, he's still in France" Tamera said. "Oh, I miss uncle Charlie" Christine frowned.

"Anyway, let's get in to the car, shall we?" Tamera said. Christine only nodded.

At their way home, Christine told Tamera many things happened in her University. Tamera was the main campus reporter of the Newspaper Club. "So uh... How's Vernon?" Tamera asked suddenly, a guy named Vernon who had relationship with her daughter. Christine then sighed and her face became slightly upset. "We broke up" she said.

"Huh? What happened?" Tamera asked.

"He's a @!#$" Christine said, "I mean, who wouldn't mad if you caught your boyfriend slept with your roommate!".

"Well it's okay honey" Tamera said "Your father and I don't like him either".

"..." Christine didn't said anything. "Anyway, have you call Joana?" Tamera asked again. "Oh, not yet" Christine said, "Well, I miss her too, I wonder what's she doing right now...".

The Delgado House

"Great woolly Llamas, Joana!" Leona said in anger "Why are you dressing like this!?".

"Huh? Why? I love this outfit!" Joana said.

Leona was very upset seeing how her daughter, Joana Delgado, dressed herself. The young woman wore a red cropped top covered in dark blue sleeveless leather jacket, dark grey short jean, and stockings, completed with punk-like make up.

"For God sake Joana look at you! Do you ever realize how old you are now!?" Leona said, "You are almost 20 and still dressing like a street-punk-teenager!".

"Okay mom that's enough! I wear whatever I like!" Joana yelled at Leona before leaving her room.

"Hey Joana! Come back here you young lady!" Leona said.

However, Joana didn't listen to her mother. She walked outside the house and went somewhere. From his room upstairs, Nathaniel watched. He only sighed.

"Ugh, what is so wrong with this outfit? This is my favorite style since I was 12!" Joana said, grumbling. "I guess mom's really old-fashioned".

Suddenly, Joana cellphone's was ringing. She took her cellphone and found that she got a message from Christine.

"Oh nice, Christine's here! Finally I have a friend to hang out in The Flamencos tonight!" Joana said in excitement.

Chapter 6: The Package
"Dad I'm home" Christine said moment after she entered her house.

At the sofa, Christine's father, Chris has been waiting. "Welcome back dear" Chris said greeting her daughter "How's your college?".

"Well, it's very busy" Christine said while taking a glass of drink "In the next semester, I have to start to find a subject for my thesis". "Oh I see..." Chris said "How long until you graduated?".

"One or two years, depending on how fast I complete my thesis" Christine said. "Also depending on her credits" Tamera submitted, Christine only nodded.

"By the way, what time is it?" Christine asked.

"It's 09.15 A.M" Chris said looking at his watches.

"Oh I still have time for rest until 04.00 P.M" Christine said "Joana asked me to hang out in The Flamencos".

"Sounds nice" Chris said.

They then became quiet for a moment. "By the way, I'm very tired" Christine said "I think I want to take a nap right now".

"Okay then, have a nice sleep" Tamera said as Christine went in to her bedroom.

"She's already grown up, isn't she?" Chris said looking at her daughter's picture. "Yeah, I couldn't believe she's 20 already" Tamera said, Chris only nodded.

"By the way, have you call Charlie yet?" Tamera asked "Christine really missed him".

"Well, we all miss him too" Chris said "It's been years since he left the town".

Tamera then sighed. "Poor Charlie, after being dumped by Sandi, he also fired from his job as Art teacher" Tamera said. "And now, he traveled around the world and became an Art appraiser" Chris said.

"Speaking about Sandi, how is she now?" Chris asked, "It's been a while since the last time I met her".

"Well she's fine apparently" Tamera said. "She's now living in an Apartment with her new family".

"Hmph, sounds like she finally got a happy family" Chris said in sarcastic tone, Tamera only sighed before she went to the kitchen to made some meals.

Meanwhile at his apartment, Bryan prepared himself to went to the Doo Peas Corporate Tower for his interview. He also seen printed out some of his photographs. "I think it's enough" Bryan thought.

Suddenly, someone knocked his door. Bryan then went to the front door and peeked out from the peephole. A mailman was seen standing in front of his door. Bryan then opened his door, the mailman greeted him.

"Mr. Bryan Schmidt?" the mailman asked.

"Yes?" Bryan answered in confused.

"There's a package for you" The mailman said, giving him a medium sized package.

"From who is it?" Bryan asked again.

"Well, the sender only write her initial" the mailman said. However, from how the mailman described the sender as a her, Bryan could figure out that the sender was a woman. "Don't tell me it was her again" he thought.

"Would you like to sign your name here?" The mailman asked.

"Oh... Okay, sure" Bryan said signing his name.

"Well, have a nice day sir, enjoy your package!" the mailman said before leaving.

Bryan then put the package on the table and opened it. It was a homemade sweater. There was also a letter in there.


 * "My dear Bryan, I will catch you up tomorrow, just wait for me"
 * -Your lover, Mikhaela-

Bryan then sighed. "You don't know when and how to give up, do you? Mikhaela..." he said reading the letter.

Chapter 7: Bella and Cassandra
Bryan arrived at the Corporate Tower, prepared for his interview. "Alright, I'm ready" he said to himself. Just before Bryan entered the building, he saw a young woman standing in front of her car. The red-haired woman looked so confused. "Darn it!" she said put her dirt-covered glasses off.

"Excuse me, can I help you?" Bryan asked. The woman surprised a little "Whoa! You surprised me" she said putting her glasses on. "Oh, I'm sorry" Bryan said "It looks like you are having a problem".

"Yeah" the woman said "I can not start my car, I don't know what happen". Bryan then looked the woman's car. "May I?" Bryan asked. "Sure" the woman said. Bryan then examined it, trying to figure out what was wrong with her car.

After several minutes...

"Miss, I think you should bring your car to the Garage" Bryan said "Some of the machines need to be repaired".

"Oh man..." the woman said. A moment later, another woman appeared from inside the building. A middle-aged woman in a red-dress. Bryan looked at the elder woman and then surprised a little. "Great Llamas, I knew her" Bryan thought "This is Bella Goth, the wife of this town's ex-mayor, Mortimer Goth".

"Cassie, honey, how's your car?" Bella asked to the younger woman. Bryan then realized that the younger woman was Bella's daughter, Cassandra Goth, but she commonly known as Cassie.

"We should take it to the Garage mom" Cassie said. "I see" Bella said. "By the way, this guy was trying to help me" Cassie said about Bryan "He was the one who suggest to bring this car to the Garage".

"Oh, if that so, thank you young man" Bella said thanking Bryan. "What's your name? Are you new in this town?".

"Uh, Bryan Schmidt" Bryan said introducing himself "Nice to meet you.. uh... Mrs. Goth I presume".

"Oh, you know me?" Bella asked again.

"Well, yeah, you and your family are so famous. Almost everyone in SimNation knew about you guys" Bryan said.

"Oh, well, we feel honored" Bella said "By the way, this is my daughter, Cassandra, but you can call her Cassie".

"Oh, nice to meet you" Bryan said "By the way, I need to go inside now. I have an interview".

"Oh okay, good luck then" Bella said, Bryan only nodded before entering the building.

"Bryan Schmidt eh, what a handsome guy" Bella said complimenting Bryan. "Well, yeah, kinda..." Cassie said agreeing with her mother. "Maybe you should date him honey" Bella said jokingly. "Oh mom, he look younger than me" Cassie said "Plus, I was expecting an older man". "Ha ha ha, I'm sure that you will find a right guy for you someday" Bella said again, Cassie only smiled.

12.30 P.M

Christine was waking up from her nap. She was seen reading her favorite novel on her bed. Suddenly, she got a message from her cellphone. It was from Joana. The message said:


 * "Hey cousin, I'm in the Dive Bar right now. Do you wanna come?"
 * -Joana-

"Hmm, the Dive Bar" Christine thought, "Okay why not". She then replied the message, telling Joana that she would be there.

Christine then get up from her bed and looked at the mirror. She still wore glasses and her hair still tied in pony-tail. "Well, time to make over myself" Christine said. Christine then put her glasses off and untied her hair.

She then changed her top with a red tank top and her bottom with a blue tight jean and also styled her medium-long hair. "Hmm, should I wear make up?" Christine thought, "Well maybe a little" she said.

After several minutes...

"Well, Christine Sirenia Redfield, you look so great" Christine said complimenting herself.

Christine then walked out from her room and greeted by Tamera. "Where are you going Christine?" Tamera asked. "I'm going to the Dive Bar" Christine said "Joana is waiting". "Oh okay, take care" Tamera said.

Christine then walked approaching her car. Unknown to her, someone was watching from afar.

Chapter 8: Uncle
“Christine?” a voice heard calling for Christine. Christine then looked at her surrounding, searching for the source of the voice. “Christine, is this really you?” the voice was heard again. Christine looked at her back. A middle-aged man was standing in front of her. Christine gasped.

“Uncle Charlie? Uncle Charlie is that you?” Christine said. The man was none other than Christine’s uncle, Charlie Redfield. Christine then hugged him tightly, “Oh gosh uncle Charlie, I miss you!” she said. “Ha ha, you already grown up” Charlie said “I remember the last time I saw you was Eight years ago”.

“Yeah, during grandpa John’s funeral” Christine said. “By the way, where will you going?” Charlie asked. “Oh, I will go to the Dive Bar, Joana is waiting” Christine answered “After that we will go to the Flamencos”.

“Oh, I see... Speaking about Joana, how is she?” Charlie said. “Well, you won’t believe until you meet her” Christine said. “Uh-huh” Charlie only nodded.

Suddenly, Tamera appeared from inside the house. She was very surprised seeing Charlie there. “Oh my gosh, Charlie” she said. “Hey Tamera, how’re you doin’?” Charlie asked. “I thought you said that you were still in Paris” Tamera said. “Well, I have returned since three days ago” Charlie said “And I’m planning to give you guys a surprise”.

“I see...” Tamera said “It’s good to see you back”.

“By the way, is Chris here? I heard he just return from his tour” Charlie asked. “Y-yeah, but he’s about to go to the Stadium right now, you know, meet and greet with his fans” Tamera said. “Well, can I meet him?” Charlie asked.

“Sure!” Tamera said “Chris will be happy to see you, please come in!”.

“I think I should go now” Christine said “See you later unc!”. Christine then entered her car and drove it to the Dive Bar

Inside the house...

Chris just finished changing his clothes. He was standing in the balcony when Charlie approached him. “Hello bro” Charlie said greeting him. Chris then turned around and surprised to see Charlie, “Charlie? Oh gosh! You are already back from France!?” he exclaimed. “Yeah, long time no see Chris, you’ve changed a lot” Charlie said.

“Aw man, you also changed too” Chris said “How’s Hidden Spring?”.

“I like the town, it’s so quiet and peaceful” Charlie claimed.

Since divorced with Sandi 15 years ago and losing his job, Charlie decided to move to another town to get a new life. Charlie choose to lived in Hidden Springs. He believed that the town would give him a much better life.

Charlie also became a painter and everyone acknowledged his talent. He became a famous painter since then. His recent work was sold 56,000 Simmoleons. Charlie even received many awards from his works.

“I’m glad to hear that you are happy now” Chris said. “Not really” Charlie said “Sometimes I feel so lonely, especially because my son isn’t there”.

“We understand your feeling” Tamera said comforting Charlie. “How long is it since the last time you meet him?” Chris asked. “I don’t know, it’s been too long” Charlie said “He’s probably in college right now, just like Christine”.

“Have you ever call Sandi?” Tamera asked, but Charlie didn’t answer.

“You know Charlie, I always afraid that the reason Sandi divorced you is because she can not accept your identity as an... well.... Imaginary Friend” Chris said.

“No, It’s not” Charlie said “If that was reason she would end our relationship long before we married”. Chris and Tamera didn’t say anything. “Well, actually Sandi was calling me couple of days ago” Tamera said “She was asking about you”. “Really? Are you sure?” Charlie asked. “Yeah...” Tamera said “I think you should call her”. “I don’t know” Charlie said “Is she already re-married?”.

“Yeah, but that’s not a reason to not make a call to her” Tamera said “Plus, if you want to meet your son, you have to call her and ask her permission”.

Charlie then sighed, “I think you are right” he said, “That’s the only way to see my son again”.

Meanwhile...

Bryan was just completing his interview at the Corporate Tower. “Aw yeah, I’m finally get the job!” Bryan yelled in excitement. He was accepted to work as the photographer for the newspaper. Suddenly, Bryan’s stomach was growling. “Oh man, I’m hungry” he said “Hmm I think I should try the restaurant across the street”.

Bryan then about to cross the street, unnoticing a car was moving to his direction. It was Christine’s car. “Hey Look Out!” Christine yelled, honking her car, surprising Bryan. “YAMAGADOODY!” Bryan yelled. Fortunately, Christine hit the brake just in time and stopped her car. Bryan was falling to the ground. The car was just few centimeters in front of him.

Christine then get out from the car. “Oh my gosh, sir are you alright!?” she said in panic “I-I’m sorry! Can you stand up!? Are yo hurt!?”.

“I... I’m okay” Bryan said, he was still shocked. Christine then helped him to stand up. “Oh gosh, I’m terribly sorry” she said “I didn’t see you were there”.

“I-it’s okay miss, don’t worry” Bryan said “It’s my fault too, I attempt to cross the street without watching my surroundings”.

Christine said “Glad if you’re okay” she said “But I think I have to bring you to the hospital since you are in shock, right?”.

“No no no! It’s okay, I’m fine!” Bryan said.

“Are you sure?” Christine asked again.

“Pretty sure” Bryan said, smiling at Christine.

“Um okay, by the way, my name’s Christine, nice to meet you” Christine said introducing herself. “Oh, well, I’m Bryan Schmidt, nice to meet you Christine” Bryan also introduced himself “I’m... uh... new in this town and just get a job here”.

“Oh I see...” Christine said “Are you work in the Newspaper or in the Company?”.

“Well, I’m a photographer for the newspaper” Bryan asked.

“Oh I see... No wonder you have a camera” Christine said.

Suddenly, Bryan’s stomach was trembling again. “Oh excuse me” he said, a little embarassed. “Ha ha, it’s okay” Christine said.

“By the way, I think I should go now, nice to meet you Christine” Bryan said, heading to the restaurant across the street. “Well, okay then, take care!” Christine said waving her hands to Bryan.

Christine then returned to her car. “''Bryan Schmidt eh? He looks so nice''” she thought.

Chapter 9: Ex-Lover
01.45 P.M

After hanging out for a while at the restaurant, Bryan decided to returned to his apartment. He was whistling along the way, expressing his happiness for getting a job. Once arrived at his apartment, he noticed a car was parking at the other side of the street. Bryan examined the car, “That car looks familiar” he thought.

Bryan then proceeded to his room at the third floor. When he arrived in front of his door, he noticed something was wrong. His door was opened a little. Bryan was surprised. “What the heck, I thought I already locked this door!” Bryan exclaimed. Bryan then promptly rushed in to his room.

Bryan then became quiet. In his room right now, there was someone standing in front of him. It was a young adult woman with silver-colored hair and dragon tattoo on her back. The woman then turned around. She looked at Bryan and Smile.

“Hello Bryan” she said in seductive tone.

Bryan then sighed, he looked very upset. “How did you get into my room?” Bryan asked. The woman then put something out from her pocket. “Well, apparently you dropped your key in front of your door” she said showing Bryan’s key “You should be careful next time, my dear”.

Bryan then walked approaching the woman, “Mikhaela, what do you want from me?” he asked.

The woman’s name was Mikhaela Rogers. She and Bryan were once had romantic relationship in the past. However, for some reasons, Bryan decided to end their relationship. Despite this, Mikhaela was apparently still in love with Bryan and tried her best to get Bryan's heart back.

“Why? I’m coming to this town only to meet you baby” Mikhaela said stroking Bryan’s cheek "And actually, I also decided to move to this town only to be with you".

“For God sake Mikhaela, how many time I have to tell you that our relationship is OVER!?” Bryan said in angry tone.

“B-but Bryan, I can not live without you” Mikhaela said, “I-I have spend these whole years to find and meet you!”. Bryan didn’t said anything, he was very upset. He then sit on a sofa, followed by Mikhaela who sit next to him.

“How do you know that I’m living here?” Bryan asked.

"Well, when I was searching for you in Sunlit Tides, I met your old friend and he told me that you already moved to Pleasantview" Mikhaela said "So, since I also have friend living in this town, I was asking her about your whereabouts. She doesn't know about you however, but her boyfriend does"

“What? Who is he?” Bryan asked in confusion. “Well, if I remember correctly, his name is Delgado or something” Mikhaela answered "he told me that you two already met after I shown him your photo, and then he gave me your address".

Bryan then sighed, “Oh, yes, Nathaniel, I met him two or three days ago”.

Mikhaela then smiled, she held Bryan’s hand “Please Bryan, give one more chance...” she said. “Please, I really love you, I promise that I will be a better woman for you”.

Bryan then looked at Mikhaela. “No” he said releasing his hand “I’m sorry Mikhaela, I can’t”. “But why?” Mikhaela frowned. “Why? You asked me why? Do you ever remember what have you done to me!?” Bryan said in high tone "You cheated on me! You even pregnant with someone else! Do you know how hurt my feeling was!?".

“Please, I’m very sorry, I didn’t mean to” Mikhaela said, she was started crying. “I... I have lose my child because of miscarriage back then and I don't want to lose you too, Please!”.

“Listen, I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sorry about your child, but once I said no, I mean it" Bryan claimed, “Since we broke up I have learned anything about you”

“Even before we broke up, there were rumors about you that made me uncomfortable” Bryan claimed.

“That’s not true Bryan, I...” Mikhaela said deffending herself, “Please... I love you”.

Bryan then sighed. “Please, just leave me alone” Bryan said.

Mikhaela then quiet for a moment. “Very well, If you really don’t want to meet me, I will leave now” she said “But, it doesn’t mean that I will give up to win your heart back”. Bryan didn’t said anything. “See you later Bryan, I will be back soon for you” Mikhaela said leaving Bryan’s room.

“She really doesn’t know how to give up” Bryan said. Bryan then stood up, approaching the window. Bryan noticed that Mikhaela was about to enter her car. She looked at Bryan for a moment before entering her car.

“I guess, I have to talk to Nathaniel” Bryan said. He then took his cellphone and dialed Nathaniel’s number.

Several seconds later

“Hello?” Nathaniel said answering the call.

“Nathaniel, it’s me Bryan, where are you now?” Bryan asked.

“Oh, hello Bryan, I’m in home right now” Nathaniel said in the phone “What happened? Is there anything I can help?”.

“No, but I will go to your house right now” Bryan said “There is something I have to tell you”.

“Well okay, you know my adress right?” Nathaniel said again.

“Of course” Bryan said “Don’t go anywhere, I will come soon. This is important!”.

“Oh okay, see you later” Nathaniel said hanging up his cellphone.

Chapter 10: The Truth
Bryan disembarked from the cab in front of the Delgado house. “Keep the change please” he said to the taxi driver before approaching the house. In front of the house, there was Leona who checked for some mails. “Excuse me?” Bryan said. “Yes?” Leona said.

“I’m Nathaniel’s... friend, is Nathaniel home?” Bryan asked politely. “Oh, you must be Bryan, I’ve heard about you from my son” Leona said. “Oh, you must be... Leona Redfield, oh sorry, I mean, Leona Delgado, the former athlete!” Bryan exclaimed “I’ve read everything about you!”. “Ha ha ha, well, yeah, thank you” Leona said “Please come in, my son is inside, he told me that you will come”.

“Thank you Mrs. Delgado” Bryan said, following to Leona inside the house.

At the living room, Nathaniel was seen watching a movie in the tv. “Hey Bryan, come sit! This movie is good, I just borrowed it!” Nathaniel said. Bryan then took a seat next to Nathaniel. Nathaniel then looked at Bryan and noticed that he looked very upset about something.

Nathaniel then took the remote control and paused the movie. “Okay, what’s wrong dude?” Nathaniel asked. “Well, I heard that you were met a woman who asking about me, right?” Bryan asked. “Oh, you mean that Mikhaela girl? Yeah, she actually asked my girlfriend, but when I found that she was looking for you so...” Nathaniel said. “You should not tell her” Bryan said cutting Nathaniel’s sentence.

“Huh? Why? Is she your girlfriend? She claimed herself to be your girlfriend” Nathaniel asked in confusion. “She WAS” Bryan said “Not anymore”. “Wait, she’s NOT your girlfriend anymore?” Nathaniel asked again. “Yes” Bryan said.

“Oh, what happened between you two actually?” Nathaniel asked. Bryan then sighed, “I actually don’t want to remember it but, I think I should tell you” he said. Bryan then told Nathaniel everything about his past relationship with Mikhaela. Starting from when they first met at the university until he ended their relationship. He also told Nathaniel about Mikhaela’s attitude when she came to his apartment.

“Oh man, that’s creepy” Nathaniel said “And, uh, I’m sorry, I have no idea that you actually don’t want to meet her again”. “Well, it couldn’t help, I must face it” Bryan said.

“You boys want some cookies?” Leona said in sudden, offering a plate of cookies she took from the kitchen.

“Oh sure, thanks Mrs. Delgado” Bryan said taking a piece of cookie.

“Just enjoy it, by the way Nathaniel, I’m going to visit the Caliente house now, if Joana return, tell her to clean her room, okay?” Leona said. “Oh, sure, leave it to me” Nathaniel said. “And one more thing” Leona said “I might return home at night, I already store your diner in the refrigerator”.

“Okay mom, I understand, take care!” Nathaniel said.

“Joana? Your sister?” Bryan asked. “Yeah, she’s very rebellious” Nathaniel said “She’s often having argument with mom almost everyday, especially about her appearance”.

“Oh I see...” Bryan said.

Meanwhile at the Curtiz house.

Jean was seen in the living room with her husband, Alex Curtiz. The two were relaxing after returned from their respective jobs. “Aww I’m getting to old” Alex said, feeling a pain on his back. “Careful darling, it might be osteoporosis” Jean said while drinking a cup of tea.

“Oh man, it’s still three years remained until my retirement” Alex said. “Well, but you enjoy yor work, right?” Jean said “Joining military career is always your long time dream”. “Yeah, you are right” Alex said took a seat to Jean. He then took a newspaper on the table.

The couple then became quiet for a moment. “Honey, we need to talk about our son” Jean said.

“Well, okay, what happen?” Alex asked.

“I don’t know if you will be able to accept this” Jean said “But, I... I knew that he was hiding a secret from us and I just found it”.

“Huh? What kind of secret?” Alex asked in confusion.

“Well, you know that some people has, well, different sexual orientation right?” Jean said “Well, I just found that...”.

“Stop right there” Alex said cutting Jean’s sentence “I think I know what you will say”.

“Uh-huh” Jean only nodded.

Alex then sighed, “Daniel is gay, isn’t he?” he said.

“Yes...” Jean said.

“Where is he now?” Alex asked.

“He said that he want to meet someone, he just left thirty minutes ago” Jean said.

In the Karaoke Center.

Daniel Curtiz was seen entering the lot. It was not very crowded, but there were still many people hanging out. Daniel then went to the second floor. He saw a good-looking man with blond hair was sitting at the sofa.

Daniel approached the man and the man greeted him. “S-sorry I’m late, Donald” Daniel said haltingly. The man then held Daniel's hands “It’s okay sweetie, I just came too” he said.

Daniel only smiled and his face turned red. The man’s name was Donald Lucas, Daniel’s secret-boyfriend. He was working as a bartender at The Flamencos. Unlike Daniel, he was very open about his sexual orientation being a gay.

They were already dating for about three years. However, Daniel asked Donald to kept their relationship secret. “So, uh, wanna drink?” Donald said offering a nectar “This is grape, your favorite”. “Sure” Daniel said. Lucas then poured the nectar into glasses.

“For our third anniversary” Donald said in excitement. “Y-Yeah” Daniel said.

Chapter 11: The Flamencos
The Flamencos was the most popular club in Pleasantview. It was founded by the twins, Nina and Dina Caliente. The club itself named after their late father, Flamenco. Dina and Nina were so proud about their business. Today was the club's 25th anniversary.

Christine and Joana just arrived at the club. "Oh yeah, I always love being here" Joana said "I can not wait to greet some of cute boys here". Christine looked at her surroundings, there were so many young people here. "Hey Christine, are you looking for someone?" Joana asked. "No, nothing" Christine answered.

"Well, whatever, let's go the 3rd floor, the boys usually gathered there!" Joana exclaimed, she grabbed Christine's arm and promptly walked approaching the elevator. "Hey Joana, wait!" Christine said. However, as Christine and Joana about to enter the elevator, two young adult women approached them.

"Christine! Joana!" said the dark-skinned girl with brown-curly-medium-length-hair calling for Christine and Joana. The other girl, a light skinned women with short-blond-hair only stood looking at Christine and Joana while enjoying her cigarette, some parts of her body were covered with tattoos.

"Oh gosh! Malika Williams, long time no see!" Christine said hugging the dark-skinned girl, Malika Williams, "How are you now? Gosh look at you now, you've changed!".

"Who are you again?" Joana asked in confusion. "Seriously Joana, you don't recognize me? It's me, Malika" Malika said trying to made Joana remember.

"Oh, you're that Malika, right? The fat Malika?" Joana finally remembered. "Yeah yeah, I know that you don't recognize because I'm no longer fat" Malika said, lightly annoyed.

"If you don't recognize me I will surely punch you in the teeth, Joana" the blond-haired girl said. "Sure, sure, who will forget about the self-proclaimed Queen in our school, Marlene Caliente" Joana said in sarcastic tone.

"It's Marlena, not Marlene!" the blond-haired girl said. Her name was Marlena Caliente, and she was daughter of the club's owner Dina Caliente.

"By the way, do you wanna go to the third floor?" Malika asked. "Yeah, wanna go there together?" Christine asked. "Sure" Malika said "I heard from Marlena that Mrs. Caliente invited a jazz band to perform here, I can not wait!".

"Jazz? Meh, not my taste of music" Joana said "We are here for the boys, Christine needs a new boyfriend".

"Ugh" Christine snorted. "You were having a boyfriend?" Marlena asked. "Yeah, but we already broke-up" Christine said "That guy was a j*rk". Marlena and Malika only nodded, "Well, some boys are j*rk actually" Marlena submitted "Well, what are we waiting for, let's go to the third floor".

The four girls then entered the elevator and heading to the third floor. Arriving in the third floor, they encountered numbers of good-looking guys gathered. "Oh my, look at those handsome boys" Joana said. "Ugh, I think, I need to go to the bathroom" Christine said "You girls go ahead". "Sure, don't be so long okay?" Joana said, but Christine didn't listen as she quickly walked to the bathroom.

In the bathroom, there were two girls having a serious conversation. Christine was unintentionally hearing their conversation. "Have you heard that there was a body found in the old mine?" the black haired girl said. "Yeah, I've heard it!" the other girl with red hair said "It's fourth time already a murder occurred in this town, and the victims are all young girls like us".

"What if the rumor about the Pleasantview murderer is true, I'm scared!" the black haired girl said. "Me too, I wished the cops find and capture the culprit as soon as possible" the red haired girl said before they leaving the bathroom.

"Gosh, it sounds terrible. What will happened with this town?" Christine thought

Chapter 12: Murders in Pleasantview
Lieutenant Enrico Delgado was sitting alone in his office. He typed at his laptop writing a report about the recent investigation of the Pleasantview Murder which we known already happened for the fourth time. “Oh gosh, how could we find the culprit if there are no witnesses or clues?” he thought.

Suddenly, someone was knocking the door. “Come In!” Enrico said. One of his subordinates entered his room. “Sir, Mr. Mortimer Goth is here to meet you” the officer said. “Oh, let him in” Enrico said. A moment later, a man with black fancy outfit entered the room. It was Mortimer Goth. “Well, well, it’s really an honor that Mr. Goth came here” Enrico said shaking Mortimer’s hand.

“Ha ha, don’t be so formal Enrie, we are friend after all” Mortimer said. “By the way, is there anything I can help?" Enrico asked. "Well, uh, it's about the recent murders in our town" Mortimer said, "The citizens begin to worried, especially the women".

"Yeah, I know about that" Enrico said. "My wife also worried about our daughter's safety since she knew that the four victims are all young women around her age" Mortimer said again. "Well, I kind of worried about my daughter too" Enrico claimed "I can only pray for her safety".

"If you need someone to watch your daughter you can tell" Mortimer said "I have hired several men to guard my daughter, maybe I can send one or two to guard your daughter too". "Well thanks, but you don't need to do that" Enrico said, Mortimer only nodded.

"I heard the fourth victim is a High School student, is that true?" Mortimer asked. "Yes, the fourth victim was 17 years old, she was murdered after returning from the Prom, like the others victim, she was strangled to death with some kind of rope or something like that on her neck" Enrico said. "Oh gosh, she was too young..." Mortimer said in surprised tone. "We counted that she killed at 12.00 P.M at the midnight, eight hours before her body found in the alley" Enrico said giving a picture of the victim.

"Will you guys find and capture the culprit?" Mortimer asked. "We will" Enrico answered.

05.30 P.M

Bryan was still in the Delgado house. About few hours ago, he received a message from Mikhaela who claimed that she was in his apartment again. Bryan was getting more upset when Mikhaela attempted to call him numerous time. "Oh man, she really doesn't know how to give up, does she?" Nathaniel commented. "Yeah, this girl is worse than a stalker" Bryan said.

A moment later, someone entered the house, it was Joana, who just returned home. Joana was stunned seeing Bryan in her house. "Oh my..." she said "Brother, why did you never tell me that you have a cute friend like this?". "Huh?" Bryan raised his right eyebrow. Joana then walked approaching him.

"Hello there handsome, my name is Joana" she said in flirty tone "What's your name?". "W-well, I'm Bryan Schmidt, nice to meet y-you" Bryan said haltingly. "Oh my, Bryan Schmidt, a beautiful name for a handsome man like you" Joana said again, still flirting "Tell me Bryan, what kind of drink you...".

"Joana? You left your cellphone in my car again" someone else entered the house, cutting Joana's sentence, It was Christine, she brought Joana's cellphone who left in her car. "Oh, you are..." Bryan surpised. "Oh my" Christine said after seeing Bryan.

"You are Christine right?" Bryan asked. "Uh-huh, and you are, if I recall, Bryan" Christine said. Both Christine and Bryan were recognizing each other. "Wait, you two are knowing each other?" Joana asked in confusion. "Yeah, I met him when I was on my way to get you" Christine said.

"Is the Delgados your friend?" Bryan asked. "Well, they are my cousins actually" Christine said. "For real?" Bryan surprised more "W-what is your family name, Christine?" he asked. "Oh, I haven't tell you?" Christine said with smile on her face "Well, it's Redfield, my full name is Christine Sirenia Redfield".

"Redfield? Is your father's name Christopher James Redfield?" Bryan asked again. "Yes, Christopher James Redfield is my father" Christine answered. "Oh I see..." Bryan said "Y-your father is my...". Suddenly, Bryan's cellphone was ringing again, cutting his sentence. However, this time, it was not from Mikhaela. It was from his boss.

"Yes sir?" Bryan said talking to his boss. "Huh? For real?" he said again in surprised tone. "Okay, I will go to the location right now, I will take some pictures!"

"What happen?" Christine asked.

"My boss said there was a body found in the Crystal Spring, I need to go there to take some pictures for the Newspaper" Bryan said.

"My gosh, a body again? It's the fifth already" Joana said.

"What do you mean with the fifth?" Bryan asked.

"Oh, you don't know yet?" Nathaniel said "Since few months ago, there were murders occurred in this town. All of the victims were young women, strangled to death with a rope or something like that". "And I thought this town was peaceful" Bryan commented. "It used to be peaceful darling" Joana said.

"The Pleasantview murderer" Christine thought "Oh gosh, how could something terrible like this happened in this town?".

Chapter 13: A Warning
11.30 P.M

Bryan was in a cab on his way back to his apartment, just returning from Crystal Springs. “Gosh, a serial killer is on the loose in this town” Bryan thought. As we know that Bryan was asked by his boss to took several photos of the body found in the Crystal Spring. It wasn’t easy for Bryan as several cops tried to prevent him to enter the crime scene until Bryan managed to convince them that he was with the press by calling his boss.

At the crime scene, Bryan met Lieutenant Enrico Delgado. Of course Bryan known that Lieutenant Delgado was the father of Nathaniel and Joana, even though it was the first time he saw him in person. After taking several pictures, Bryan was interviewing Enrico a little. He learned that the police was troubled in finding the killer’s true identity.

At that time, Bryan suddenly felt interested with this case. Bryan asked Enrico if he could help, but his offer was declined since it was job for the police.

“Well, Mr. Delgado was right” Bryan thought “A civilian like me should not be involved, but...”.

After 20 minutes drive, Bryan arrived at his apartment. “Keep the change please” he said to the driver. Bryan then headed to his room and he found something hung on his door knob. It was a plastic bag full with foods inside it. There was also a letter.


 * “Dear Bryan, I’m sorry that I came twice today, I just want to give you these foods for diner, so you wouldn’t be hungry


 * With Love, Mikhaela”.

Bryan only sighed, “Well, I have no choice” he thought “I can keep these for tomorrow after all”.

At the same time at the Delgado house, Enrico was just returning home and greeted by Leona. “Welcome home dear, I have cooked diner for you” Leona said, kissing Enrico. “Oh, thank you” Enrico said. “You look so tired” Leona said while putting Enrico’s coat off “You should take a rest”.

“Yeah, I know” Enrico said “But I need to focus to solve these whole murder cases”.

“I understand that” Leona said, “Everyone in this town is afraid right now, especially parents with a daughter like us”.

“That psycho is still out there and I will never forgive myself if I can not arrest them” Enrico said “This is my responsibility as a Law-Enforcement”.

“Dear, please, you still need rest, don’t push yourself” Leona said, hugging her husband.

Enrico didn’t said anything, he’s only smiled at Leona. “Is Joana already home?” he asked. “Yeah, she’s in her room right now” Leona said. “Maybe I should ask Nathaniel to watch her whenever she go out” Enrico said.

“Well, perhaps” Leona said “But right now, since Christine is home...”. “Oh, Christine is home already?” Enrico asked. “Yeah, she was also here for a while” Leona claimed “She’s on her summer break”. “Well, that’s good” Enrico said, “I think I’ve to visit her and tell her about what happen in this town when she was away, for precaution”. Leona nodded in agreement.

The next day.

At the Redfield house, Chris was seen playing chess with Tamera. “Checkmate!” Tamera said. “Aww snap!” Chris said after he realized that he lost. “Ready for second round?” Tamera asked. Just before Chris could answer, Enrico and Leona arrived in their house.

“Good morning” Enrico said. “Oh, good morning big sis and brother-in-law” Chris said greeting Leona and Enrico “is there anything we can help?”.

“Well, is Christine home? We need to talk” Leona asked.

“Well, Christine is out for jogging with her friends right now, maybe you can wait for her inside?” Tamera said. “Well, of course” Leona said, “This is very important”.

Several minutes later, Christine was finally home, but she wasn’t alone, she was with Malika and Marlena, “See you later Christine!” Malika and Marlena said before leaving Christine in front of her house. “Okay, see you later!” Christine said while wiping her sweat.

“Oh she’s home” Tamera said looking from the window.

Christine then entered her house, “Mom, is my breakfast ready? I’m really... Oh, aunt Leona and Uncle Enrie, good morning” Christine said after seeing her aunt and uncle were in her living room. “Good morning Christine, wow, you look so fit” Leona said complimenting her niece “I can see abs starting to appear in your stomach”. “Ha ha ha, nice one auntie Leona” Christine said, laughing “By the way, what make you two come here?”.

“Well, we are here to tell you about something” Enrico said “This is about your safety”. Christine then raised her left eyebrows, “Oh, okay, I will listen” she said. Enrico then started to tell everything about the Pleasantview Killer to Christine, especially the part about the victims were all women around her age. Christine listened to her uncle solemnly until he finished.

“Yeah, I already heard about that” Christine said “I never expected there is a pyscho hiding somewhere in this town”. “Yeah, glad if you already knew about that” Enrico said, “You should be careful, especially when you go out during the night, make sure you bring friends with you”.

“I understood” Christine said.

They then became quiet for a moment. “Uncle, can I ask you something?” Christine suddenly said. “What is it?” Enrico said.

“Can I help with your investigation?” she asked. “What, no! For god sake no! It’s too dangerous!” Enrico claimed. “But uncle, you do know that I want to be an investigative reporter right?” Christine said “I think...”.

“No, Christine please, I don’ want to put you in danger” Enrico said. “But, uncle I...” Christine still insisted. Enrico and Christine started to had an argument, Leona, Tamera, and Chris couldn’t do anything. “Dear, do something” Tamera said to Chris.

“Christine, please, your uncle was right” Chris said to his daughter “This is case is very serious, we are talking about a murderer who already killed five people”. “I know dad, but...” Christine said.

“Christine, listen to us!” Chris said with high tone “We don’t want something happened to you if you involved!”. Christine couldn’t say anything after being scolded like this.

“Christine honey, please, I understand you only want to help, but just like what your dad and uncle said, this is too dangerous” Tamera said. “Y-yeah, I’m sorry” Christine frowned. “Oh man, this is the second time someone asking to join the investigation” Enrico said.

Christine then looked at Enrico “Who was the first?” she asked. “A guy named Schmidt, he’s a photographer who claimed that he new in this town”. “Oh, I see...” Christine said, an idea suddenly came from her head.

After had a little chat, Enrico and Leona decided to return home. “Take a shower Christine, you are smelly” Tamera jokingly said. “Urgh” Christine snorted. Christine then entered the bathroom and took a shower. After done, she promptly went to her room and dressing up.

She then thinking for a while. She took her cellphone and started searching for someone in her contact list. She stopped at Nathaniel’s name.

“Hello?” Nathaniel said from the phone, his voice tone indicated that he was just awake from his sleep. “Don’t tell me you are overslept again?” Christine said. “Oh, well, yeah, there was a football match last night” Nathaniel said “So I...”.

“Nate, can you tell me the address of Bryan Schmidt’s apartment?” Christine asked in sudden, cutting Nathaniel’s sentences.

Chapter 14: Christine's offer
09.00 A.M, In front of the Corporate Tower.

Bryan was just delivering the pictures he took in the Crime Scene last night, his boss was very impressed with the pictures and gave Bryan his first payment. “Well, I think it’s enough” Bryan said counting the money “Time to go home and take a nap!”.

Bryan then called a taxi and return to his apartment. Arriving at his apartment, Bryan noticed someone was standing in front of the entrance. “Huh, isn’t that Christine?” Bryan thought. The person was none other than Christine. Bryan then disembarked from the cab and approaching her.

“Oh, finally! Hi, good morning Bryan” Christine said greeting him. “What are you doing here?” Bryan asked. “Well, I’m here waiting for you home” Christine said with smile on her face. “Huh? What for?” Bryan became confused “Plus, how did you know... Oh, right, it was from Nathaniel wasn’t it?”. Christine only nodded.

Bryan then looked at the surroundings. “Thank God there is no sign of Mikhaela here...” Bryan said. “Who?” Christine asked. “Oh nothing” Bryan said, “Well, what make you come here?”. “I’ve an offer for you” Christine claimed. “What kind of offer?” Bryan asked again.

“Well, I know that you are interested with the Pleasantview Killer case, aren’t you?” Christine said. “Uh, well, yeah, sort of...” Bryan said. “Listen, if you want to investigate and cover this case, I think we can work together” Christine whispered.

“Huh? Are you serious?” Bryan raised his left eyebrow, but Christine only nodded. Bryan then looked at Christine’s eyes, he could tell that Christine was being serious. “Okay, get in, let’s talk inside” Bryan said.

Bryan brought Christine in to his room. “Whoa, this room is really nice decorated!” Christine said in awe. “Do you wanna drink?” Bryan asked, opening his refrigerator. “Well, if you have a diet coke...” Christine said. “Unfortunately,I don't havey any diet coke, but I have frappe nectar stored here” Bryan claimed. “Oh okay, I like nectar too” Christine said.

Bryan then brought two glasses of nectar. “Aw, delicious!” Christine said enjoying her drink. “So uh, about what you said earlier...” Bryan said starting the conversation. “Oh yes, I almost forgot” Christine said “Well, I knew that you are interested in these whole serial-killer things, I think you and I can work together to investigate this case”.

“Of course we will investigate it with our own way, independently” Christine said “since the police, especially my uncle, won’t allow us to do this since we are not part of Law Enforcement”. “Well, I still have a chance to investigate this case since I’m with the press” Bryan said “but you, well, you are just an ordinary civilian”.

Christine then snorted “Dude, my lifetime wish is to become an investigative reporter once I graduated from college, this is my chance to get my first BIG SCOOP by solving this crime” she said in a little high tone. “What Big Scoop, you are still a student, not a reporter yet” Bryan said. “I’m a reporter in my campus!” Christine claimed. “Just in your campus, not an actual reporter” Bryan said again.

Christine then became annoyed “Do you want to investigate this case or not?” she said pointing her finger to Bryan. “Uh, well, yeah, but...” Bryan said, looking at Christine’s eyes which coldly staring at him, he felt that it would be pointless to argue with her. Bryan then sighed “Well, okay” he said since he didn't have any choice.

Christine then smiled “Glad to hear that, from now on, you and I will be partners, deal?”. “Okay, deal” Bryan said shaking Christine’s hand.

Chapter 15: To The Hospital
“Son, we need to talk” Alex said to Daniel. Daniel then looked at Alex, he felt uncomfortable. “It’s okay son, you no need to be afraid” Jean said persuading him, “Al, I will go to the hospital, I need to deliver this autopsy report” she said.

“Sure, by the way, I also need to go to the base after this, I might home late” Alex claimed. “Okay then, see you guys soon” Jean said leaving the house.

“Okay, son listen, I... Your mother, already told me everything” Alex said starting the conversation “about your secret”. Daniel then snapped “Do you mad at me because I’m a gay?” Daniel asked, he looked so afraid. Alex then sighed, “No son, I ain’t mad, but, yeah, I admit that I was surprised” Alex said. Daniel didn’t said anything.

“Listen Daniel, I won’t talk about your sexuality or something, because I think it’s up to you to embrace it or not” Alex said “I just want to say that just because you are being different, you don’t have to alienate yourself”.

“So, you didn’t mad?” Daniel asked again. “Nope” Alex said, he then took and light his cigarrette “Just like I said, it’s up to you to embrace your sexuallity or not”.

Daniel then smiled, “Thank you dad, I feel slightly better right now” he said.

The hospital.

After delivering the autopsy report, Jean decided to went to cafeteria to get some meals. While enjoying her food, a tall young man with curly sandy hair walked approaching her. “Uh, Dr. Curtiz?” the young man said. “Oh, hello Kevin, is there anything I can help?” Jean said.

The guy’s name was Kevin, he was working as Paramedic in the hospital. “There is someone who want to meet you” Kevin said “She claimed to be your niece”. “Niece? Is it Joana or Christine?” Jean thought, “Oh okay, tell her to come here” Jean said.

Several moments later, Kevin returned with none other than Christine and also an unfamiliar guy—Bryan. “Hello auntie, sorry to disturb you” Christine said hugging Jean. “Oh, Christine my dear, what make you come here? And who is this?” Jean asked. “This is... uh... my friend, Bryan Schmidt” Christine said, intdorucing Bryan. “Oh, it’s an honor to meet you, Dr. Curtiz” Bryan said shaking Jean’s hand “I’ve heard everything about you back then”.

“Hmm, you look familiar” Jean said looking at Bryan. “Huh, have we ever meet?” Bryan asked. “Well, I’m not sure but your face is similar with someone I know in the past, but I couldn’t remember who” Jean claimed. “Oh well, maybe that person has similar face with me, because you know, people said that there are 7 persons who have similar face, right?” Bryan said. “Hmm, perhaps” Jean said again.

“Uh, by the way aunt Jean, can we ask you a permission?” Christine asked. “Sure, what kind of permission?” Jean said. “Would you mind if you show us the profile of the Pleasantview Killer’s victims?” Christine asked.

Jean then snapped, “Huh? What for?” she asked. “Well, Bryan and I decide to investigate these whole Pleasantview Killer things” Christine said “We believe that we could solve this case and expose the killer”.

“No, sorry Christine, I can not do that” Jean said “The profile of the victims is confidential, I can not give it unauthorized people”.

“Oh come on, even though if it just a copy?” Christine said. Jean still said no, it made Christine very disappointed. “Christine, please, just go home, don’t do anything stupid like this” Jean said “This could be dangerous since we are facing a lunatic serial-killer out there”.

“And you, I don’t what’s your purpose dragging my niece into this, but I hope you also not involved, let the police do their job” Jean said. Bryan didn’t said anything, he only could took the blame even though he was the one who dragged by Christine.

“Well, okay then, I think we should go home, sorry to interupt you auntie” Christine said.

Christine and Bryan walked out from hospital. Bryan looked so upset. “Seriously, you were the one who dragged me into this and I was the one who took the blame” he said. “Well, sorry about that” Christine said. “So what now? We can not continue our investigation if we don’t investigate the victims first” Bryan said.

“Actually I have an idea” Christine said. “What is it?” Bryan asked. “We can ask him for help!” Christine exclaimed. Bryan became confused, “Him?” he asked.

“My other cousin, auntie Jean’s son” Christine said “Daniel Curtiz”.

“Are you sure he will help us?” Bryan felt pessimistic.

“Oh he will” Christine said “I will call him now and ask him to meet us now”.

Christine then dialed Daniel’s number. After several seconds, Daniel answered the call. “Hello?” he said on the phone. “Hello Dan, whassup!?” Christine said. “Oh, hey Christine, is there anything I can help?” Daniel asked.

“Well, I’d like to ask you a favor” Christine said “Can we meet today? It’s important”. “Oh, I’m so sorry Christine, I can’t, I have another business today” Daniel said. “What about tomorrow?” Christine asked again. “Well, okay, but I have to work until 2.00 P.M” Daniel said. “Alright tomorrow at 2.30 P.M, we will wait for you in The Green Plaza’s cafe” Christine said.

“You will bring a friend?” Daniel asked. “Well, yeah, we have some kind of... project, and we need your help” Christine said. “Okay if that so, I will see you tomorrow, bye!” Daniel said hanging up his phone, ending their conversation.

Chapter 16: Can you help us?
In the next day at 2.30 P.M, Christine and Bryan were already in a cafe located in the Green Plaza—the most favorite hanging place for the youngsters after the Mirabello Plaza. They were waiting for Daniel who would came to met them as promised yesterday.

Unlike yesterday, Christine wore new outfit and had different hairstyle. "I just bought this outfit" she claimed while styling her hair.

“This place is really beautiful” Bryan said in awe. “This plaza is the coolest hang out place in this town” Christine explained “Originally, this lot was where the Landgraab’s house located in the past, until Malcolm Landgraab decided to move out to another town”.

“He sold this lot, allowing his old mansion to be demolished” Christine continued her explanation “For several years, this place became an empty lot until Mr. Goth—who was the town’s mayor back then—decided to built a new plaza here”.

“I see, and how about the Lounge, the large penthouse, and the movie studio there” Bryan asked pointing at three places located near the Plaza.

“Well, I don’t really know about the movie studio or the Lounge, but I know that penthouse was built by a wealthy businessman from Bridgeport three years ago, personal penthouse apparently” Christine said “The lot itself was originally owned by the Alto family until they sold it and last thing I heard, they...”.

In the middle of the conversation, someone was coming. “Sorry I’m late Christine”. It was Daniel, Christine was calling and asking him to met them in the Green Plaza. “It’s okay Dan, do you want to order something?” Christine said.

“Oh, and you, what’s your name?” Daniel asked to Bryan. “Oh, I’m Bryan Schmidt, nice to meet you, Daniel” Bryan introduced himself. “Nice to meet you too, Bryan, you can call me Dan if you want” Daniel said.

“By the way, what can I do for you guys?” Daniel asked.

“Well, actually...” Christine then told everything to Daniel. About her plan to investigate the Pleasantview Murderer and solve the case along with Bryan. Daniel was very shocked, especially when Christine asked her to sent copies of the victim’s profile.

“Are you crazy!? My mom will kill me if I do that!” Daniel exclaimed.

“Easy Daniel, if you be sneaky, your mom will never find out” Christine said.

“But the files are stored in her personal laptop and protected with password!” Daniel said again “What make you think I could copy and give them to you!?”.

“Well, here, let me tell you how” Christine said. She then whispering something to Daniel, it only made him sighed.

“Ugh, okay, that sounds like a plan” Daniel said “But, still, I don’t like this”.

“So you will help us?” Bryan asked.

Daniel only nodded. “Yay!” Christine beamed in happiness “I knew that we can counting on you!”.

“I think I should go now, I have a promise to meet my, uh, boyfriend” Daniel said looking at the clock. “Boyfriend?” Christine asked. “Oh well, yeah, boyfriend, you understand right?” Daniel said again. “Uh-huh” Christine nodded, apparently understand about Daniel’s situation.

“Well see you later, I will text you if I succeeded to get the copies” Daniel said “I hope...”

4.30 P.M

“Man, I’m very stuffed” Christine said holding her stomach. “I’m broke...” Bryan said “You were eating like a dinosaur!”. “Ha ha ha, sorry about that, you know how girls would react to their favorite foods, right?” Christine said, laughing. Bryan rolled his eyes.

“By the way can I ask you something?” Bryan said. “Sure, go ahead” Christine said. Bryan then walked to the left side of Christine and gazed at her. It made Christine felt uncomfortable.

“Uh, dude, why are you stare at me like that?” she said. “Is that a hickey on your neck?” Bryan asked pointing at the left side of Christine’s neck. Christine then snapped and promptly hide the pink-colored mark on her neck.

“What? No, it’s a birthmark! It’s a BIRTHMARK! I swear!” Christine exclaimed in embarrassment

“Geez, why did everyone always mistakenly this as a hickey?”.

“Oh, sorry, just curious” Bryan said with a smirk shown on his face. “Ugh” Christine snorted.

“By the way, we should go now” Bryan said. Christine only nodded and followed him leaving the Green Plaza. Unknown to them, someone was watching from far. It was none other than Mikhaela.

“What is Bryan doing here? And w-who is that girl?” Mikhaela thought.

Capter 17: Jealously
Two days later, the day of Redfield family feast party was here. At Lily’s house, Tamera was seen helping Lily cooked some meals. Charlie was also here, staying since his arrival in the town. He felt that Lily needed someone who could kept an eye on her since she was living alone.

Later, Someone was knocking the door. “I will open it” Lily said approaching the door. Lily opened the door and found it was Enrico’s father, Bob along with her daughter, actress Anita "Annie" Delgado.

“Oh, welcome Bob and Annie, come in” Lily said inviting them in. “Hey Lily, sorry we are late, we made a visit to the graveyard first” Bob said. “Yeah, it’s okay” Lily said. “I couldn’t believe that we will have a great family feast party again since...” Bob said, he didn’t continue his sentence.

“Yeah, I know, usually John was the one who arranged this party” Lily said “I know without John, Ana, Dieter and Tina here, this party will be so different”. “Yeah, you are right, only you, me, and the Gerardos remained now” Bob said, a little saddened.

“Tamera, have you call Christine yet? I thought you said she would helping us” Charlie said to Tamera. “Don’t worry, Christine said she will join us soon, but she needs to buy some stuffs at the grocery store” Tamera said.

“Anyway, thank you for your help Tamera” Lily said to Tamera.

“Not a problem” Tamera said.

“Uh, mom, is it just me or you look so pale today? Are you sick?” Charlie said noticing that something was wrong with Lily.

“Yeah, I noticed that too” Bob also commented “Are you okay?”.

“Well, I guess because I couldn’t sleep last night” Lily said “I think it because I miss John so much”.

“Oh, I can understand that” Bob said.

At Christine’s house, Christine was prepared herself to went to the grocery store, she changed her clothes into light blue tube top and short jean, she also wore glasses.

“Okay, I guess I have to go now” she said after checking herself on the mirror.

Christine then took her car key and went approaching her car. However, as Christine about to enter her car, someone was calling for her.

“Hey you, STOP RIGHT THERE!”

Christine then looked at the direction where the sound came from. A young adult woman with silver-colored hair was approaching her with anger. “Who’s that?” Christine thought.

The woman was none other than Mikhaela Rogers, looking mad for an unknown reason. Christine looked very confused with the sudden appearance of Mikhaela, whom she just barely met, in front of her.

“Yes, is there anything I can help?” Christine asked.

However, instead of answer, Mikhaela slapped Christine in sudden. Christine was shocked and her glasses almost fell to the ground.

“Hey, what was that for!?” Christine yelled while fixing her glasses, “And who are you anyway!?”.

Mikhaela then pointed at her finger at Christine's face with anger, “Listen @#%$&, I will only give you a warning” she said in high tone “STAY AWAY FROM BRYAN! HE’S MINE!”.

Christine became more confused, “What the hell are you talking about? There is nothing between me and Bryan, we are just... work partner!” she said defending herself.

“Do you think I’m stupid? Now I’m know that what make Bryan neglecting me” Mikhaela said, accusing Christine “YOU ARE STEALING HIM FROM ME!”.

Mikhaela then pushed Christine and made her fell to the ground and then chocked her.

“*koff*, *koff*” Christine was coughing uncontrollably. She couldn’t breath.

“DIE! DIE! DIE!” Mikhaela was still yelling.

Christine was about to lossing her consciousness until...

“STOP IT RIGHT THERE!”

Someone stopped Mikhaela from chocking Christine. She released Christine and looked at the direction of the voice “B-Bryan?” Mikhaela said in surprise.

Christine then looked at her back and saw that Bryan was standing in front of them. “B-Bryan, what are you...?” Chrstine said.

“Christine, Are you alright? Can you stand up?” Bryan said helping Christine. “Y-yeah, thank you” Christine said, still coughing.

Bryan then looked at Mikhaela furiously. “Bryan, I... she” Mikhaela said haltingly. Bryan then walked approaching Mikhaela and slapped her on her face very hard, made her fell to the ground.

Mikhaela was shocked. “What the @$#% are you thinking!?” Bryan said in anger “You almost kill this girl for unknown reason!”.

“For an unknown reason!? She’s trying to steal you from me!” Mikhaela.

“For God sake Mikhaela, how many times I should tell you that our relationship is already over!” Bryan said “And what the heck do you mean by Christine tried to steal me from you? We are just partners!".

“You are lying! I know that she’s the reason you left me! I LOVED YOU AND YOU DID THIS TO ME!” Mikhaela yelled. “Oh God Mikhaela, you are delusioning!” Bryan exclaimed. Mikhaela then stood up, Christine could see that she was now full of hatred. “I HATE YOU!” she yelled before ran away, leaving Christine and Bryan.

Bryan shook his head. He then took his attention to Christine. “Christine, oh gosh, I’m sorry” he said “I’m so sorry”. “Would you mind to explain who was that?” Christine asked.

“Well, I think there is no other choice, I will tell you” Bryan said, he then told Christine everything about his past relationship with Mikhaela from the beginning until what made them broke up.

Christine was speechless, she also felt a little symphathy for Mikhaela after learned that the woman loss her child due to misscariage despite she was attacking her earlier.

“That’s all what happened” Bryan said.

“I... I don’t know what to say” Christine said, "Sorry to hear that" she put her hand on Bryan’s shoulder.

“By the way, I’m about to go to my grandma’s house, wanna join?” Christine asked “I know that you’ve met my grandma, Lily, but you haven’t meet my other relatives, right?”.

“Well, do I have a choice?” Bryan said and thinking, “Yeah, I admit that I was bored at my apartment, maybe I could join”.

“Okay then, let’s get in to the car, I’m sure my relatives would be like to meet you” Christine claimed.

Suddenly, Christine’s cellphone was ringing, it was from Tamera. “Yes mom?” Christine said answered the call.

A moment later...

“Grandma is WHAT!?” Christine said in surprise, Bryan could see that something wrong was happening to Lily. “Okay, okay, I will be in the hospital soon!” she said in panic.

“What’s wrong Christine? Is there something happened with Mrs. Redfield?” Bryan asked.

“My mom said that my grandma was passing out!” Christine said “And she’s now in hospital!”.

-To Be Continued-