Time does fly, Isabel thought as she finished drying the last dish. It had
been three months since Albert had dropped her on the group's doorstep. In
three months so much had changed, most of all her figure. As she looked
down at her ever-growing stomach Isabel still had a hard time believing
that her child grew there. A couple of days ago she could have sworn she
felt a movement. It had helped everything seem more real.
Other things had changed also Isabel had started out with only two friends, Carlos and Rebecca but after three months the only person who still didn't really talk to her was Claire. Jill had been kind from the beginning, but now they were becoming good friends. Chris had changed a little more gradually, he still wasn't happy about the whole Albert issue but he was friendly, and even kidded with her. He almost treated her like Rebecca or Claire, Almost. Leon had been pleasant with her, but it was hard for him. Isabel knew the more they talked the more distant Claire became with him. She couldn't allow that to happen it wasn't fair. Claire, now Claire was another issue in the months since Isabel had arrived she hadn't spoken more than a few words to her. Claire hadn't been down right mean, but she had been cold to her.
"What am I going to do about her?" She spoke to her child, a habit she had picked up lately.
"There is nothing you can do." A male voice said from behind her.
Isabel turned to see Leon standing there in jeans and a white t-shirt.
"Claire is Claire, once she gets something in her head there is no stopping it." He finished with a shrug.
"I'm not worried about me." Isabel stated.
"It isn't fair to you I see how she treats you when you talk to me."
"She isn't who she used to be." He explained. "What happened on Rockfort Island and the Antarctic changed her. Claire feels she could have done something to save Steve. She cared about him, and she blames the Ashfords and Wesker for his loss, but she most of all blames herself."
Leon paused as if he thought he'd said too much, but after a moment he continued.
"The Claire I knew is buried in there somewhere, and we are all just waiting for her to dig her way out."
"Do you think your love is strong enough to help her?" Isabel had a way of getting to the heart of things.
Isabel knew she was right when she saw the look on Leon's face.
"How did you know?" He asked mildly stunned that she had seen the truth.
"The way you look at her, the way you interact with her when you think no one is looking."
"I didn't think I was that obvious." Leon stated blushing.
"You aren't I've just had time to see how everyone interacts with each other." Isabel said with a smile.
"I know it isn't right the way she treats you either, but you came in here with the wrong escort."
"I know, but she'll have to get over it at some point."
"I'm sure she will it'll just take time."
Leon hadn't known what to make of Isabel when she arrived on their doorstep. Everyone had been stunned that Wesker would help anyone. From the stories Leon had been told about the man it seemed it would be unlikely he would do anything that didn't gain him something. Why Wesker did it still remained a mystery to everyone, but for the most part they had all accepted her.
Isabel had been shy and quiet around everyone except Carlos and Rebecca the first month. It was almost as if she expected someone to throw her out if she said the wrong thing. The house had been full of tension for awhile, until one day Chris and Jill had an argument. It wasn't anything serious, Jill and Chris had argued before, and everyone was used to it. They usually cooled off in a couple of hours, but it had really upset Isabel. Leon had been in the kitchen with Chris when Isabel had come in to talk to him. She told Chris that she wouldn't allow herself to cause disharmony between two people who were clearly in love and that she wished to leave. Chris was so shocked he didn't know what to say. Everyone had thought Isabel distant, because she was wrapped up in her own problems, and no one blamed her for it, with all that had happened. Leon realized that day that, she cared more about other people's problems than her own. In the end Chris wouldn't allow her to leave, and he promised that he would apologize to Jill for being an "ass" as he put it. He also asked Isabel to forgive him. Leon was able to tell that was the last thing she expected. Isabel told Chris there was nothing to forgive, that she owed them a great deal and didn't know how she would ever repay them. Since that day Leon had watched Isabel become an integral part of their little family.
"Is everyone going to be here for dinner?" Isabel felt it was time to change the subject. She wasn't sure what to do about Claire and she didn't want to upset Leon further.
"I think so." Leon said glad to talk about something else also.
"Good I'll make pot roast."
Isabel had taken over the house duties, since she wasn't able to work. Everyone had provided for and taken care of her and she found a way of paying them back, it wasn't much but it was the best Isabel could do. She cooked, cleaned and did the laundry, it was an unspoken agreement but it worked well. The only problem was on any given day she was bombarded with "Isabel have you seen my lucky t-shirt?" or "where did you put my sneakers?" Mainly from Chris and Carlos, but Leon even though he was much more organized sometimes couldn't find something and of course he too came to her. Rebecca and Jill on the other hand became accustomed to her system fairly quickly and had no problem finding things. As for Claire, she probably wouldn't have asked where the bandages were if she were bleeding to death.
At that moment Chris walked into the kitchen wearing jeans and his favorite blue t-shirt.
"Hey Izzy have you seen my baseball cap?"
Isabel just ignored him, as she chopped the carrots for the roast. He knew she disliked to be called that, yet seemed to find it necessary to do so.
"Okay, Isabel have you seen my cap?" He repeated like a child that had been scolded.
"Did you look next to the front door on the coat rack?" She answered with a question.
"Man I feel sorry for Jill if she's going to have to take care of you like that." Leon stated as he walked out the side door into the yard.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Chris asked.
Still working on the dinner preparations Isabel answered.
"It means Christopher Redfield that you're a grown man, and should know where your things are."
"Hey I knew where it was until you moved it." He said defensively.
"I cleaned the living room and picked it up off the TV." Isabel corrected.
"Okay I give." He said throwing his hands in the air admitting defeat.
"Are you ready for some target practice before dinner?" He added.
Chris had wanted to teach Isabel how to use a gun for emergencies. She was very sure that she didn't want to be in any emergency that required a gun, but he had been adamant about it. Every couple of days he took Isabel out back to a field they had set up for practice. She didn't like guns, but she had become very adept with hers, at first Isabel wore it wherever she went. As her stomach had grown that had become impossible, so now she kept it within arms reach most of the time. At this very moment it was lying under a dishtowel on the counter next to the cutting board.
"In a few minutes, just let me get the roast into the pressure cooker." She said uncovering the gun.
For some reason the gun made Isabel think of Albert. He was always on her mind, usually just near the surface. It didn't take much to remind Isabel of him, a smell a word spoken the right way almost anything. She always worried the same thing if Albert was okay, how he was doing? The truth was Isabel missed him. She missed his voice, the way Albert looked at her when they were alone, and the gentle way he had held her when she cried. Late at night while lying awake Isabel wondered if it would ever be safe enough for him to return. Lately some disturbing thoughts had pushed their way in. What if Albert was glad to be rid of her, of them? What if he, like her father deemed them a mistake, one he didn't want to be around? Maybe he figured he had paid his due by letting her live and he would never be back, it had been three months after all. Isabel always pushed these thought aside, however it was becoming harder to do so with each passing day.
Isabel had started to daydream also, about the baby and what he or she would look like. What it would be like to see Albert Wesker with his child, how he would interact with him or her. Would he be distant or loving? What would they be like as a family? Isabel was starting to think these were questions she would never know the answer to. As she was thinking these thoughts Isabel noticed that Chris had retrieved his cap from the living room and was waiting patiently by the door.
"Do you think he's okay?" She asked with some trepidation.
Isabel made a conscious effort not to bring Albert up in front of them, but she needed to ask. She saw the expression on Chris' face darken and it was a few minutes before he answered.
"I don't know. What Wesker deserves to have happen to him and what does are two different things. The world would be a better place without him in it."
"I'm sorry." Isabel said as she lowered her head and fought back the tears threatening to fall.
"No, I'm sorry I know he helped get you out." Chris fumbled for the words as he walked toward her. "But he's done some pretty bad things."
"I-I Know." Isabel was as much at a loss for words as Chris was.
"You really care if he's alright, don't you?" Chris was now a few inches from her.
"Yes, he's the baby's father." Isabel let the words slip out.
She didn't know what to expect from Chris, she thought he might be angry or repulsed by this information.
"I'm not sure exactly what's between us. I'm not sure what I feel towards him and I definitely don't know what he feels, sometimes I think the only emotion he knows is anger." She continued after a moment.
"Tell me the truth did he force himself on you?" Chris asked, bracing himself for the answer.
"No he didn't." Isabel didn't know how else to explain it. She did notice that Chris relaxed at her answer.
"I don't know why he let me go or why he helped me at all, would a child really matter to him?"
Chris wanted to be angry with Isabel for not telling them this bit of information, but he couldn't, the hopelessly sad expression she wore and the way her shoulders were slumped made all the anger he should have felt disappear. Isabel was young and for her to go through what she had was criminal, and he realized that for him to put her through anymore for something so trivial as who the baby's father was would make him as bad as the people who had put her in this situation. He would be as bad as HCF.
"Listen I'm not as good at this stuff as Jill, and I kind of wish she were here right now, but here goes. You must have seen something in him that the rest of us don't. I will never trust or like him again, but we can't choose who we love."
Isabel looked up at this and saw that Chris had a kind expression on his face.
"I don't know if I love him, that's the thing when we slept together it wasn't love, and that upsets me. You must think I'm a horrible person."
"Not really, I do however think you at least care for him. And to answer your other question, you and the baby must matter to him or you wouldn't be here, you'd be some experiment by now."
"Yeah I guess your right." Isabel said mustering up a smile.
"I was wondering if you could not tell anyone else for right now, I don't think I could face them if they took it badly. I think Rebecca has guessed about Albert, but she hasn't said anything." She finished lowering her eyes again.
"I don't think they will, but it's your call I won't say anything until your ready."
Isabel couldn't help herself, she impulsively gave Chris a hug. After a moments hesitation he tentatively returned it. She hadn't expected him to understand, but he had and now she felt closer to him.
"Well what do we have here?" Came a familiar voice from the side door.
At the sound of the voice they separated. Isabel's face lit up as she saw the owner. She almost didn't believe her eyes.
"Albert?" Was all she could say.
For so long she had thought of this moment, now she almost didn't believe it was happening. All Isabel could do was stare at him. Albert's hair was just the same as when he had left combed straight back slightly spiked, he wore the same glasses, but he was no longer in uniform instead he wore a black button down long sleeve shirt and black jeans with black hiking boots.
"I'll be out back when you're ready for practice." Chris' voice broke the spell Isabel was under. At that he walked towards the door Wesker was standing in and as Chris pushed past him in a low voice he spoke.
"You should have been here."
With that he was out the door.
Left alone in the kitchen, neither Isabel or Wesker spoke. After a few moments it was Wesker that broke the silence.
"I guess they know then."
"No, Chris just found out." Isabel said unsure if he would be angry or not.
"Are you really back?" She asked still in disbelief.
"Yes." He said a smile creeping on to his face.
How little she knew, Wesker had thought about her everyday wanting to be with her. He knew she had been safer while he was gone.
"So what is this practice?" Wesker said taking off his sunglasses.
Isabel instinctively looked at her gun lying on the kitchen counter. Wesker followed her gaze with his until it too came to the firearm.
"Good, Redfield may not be as stupid as I give him credit for." Wesker said taking his eyes off the gun and once again staring at Isabel. "Of course he was the best marksman in the entire S.T.A.R.S. he'd be a good teacher."
"He's pretty patient with me, and that's saying a lot. I hate that thing." Isabel stated as she turned to put the roast on the stove.
Isabel hadn't seemed much different from when Wesker had left. Her golden brown hair was a bit longer just past her shoulders her green eyes just as clear and beautiful. In profile though Wesker was able to see just how much their child had grown. Yes he had known Isabel was pregnant, but to actually see the evidence of it was startling to him. Wesker could no longer think about the baby in the abstract. His child was real and growing inside Isabel.
"Albert did you hear me?" Isabel asked with a slightly annoyed look on her face.
At that he snapped out of his thoughts, realizing she had spoken and he had missed it.
"Are you staying this time?" She asked again.
"No." He stated dully.
The annoyed look she wore a few moments ago rapidly became one of anger.
"Damn you, why did you even come back?" Isabel's voice became louder with every word.
"Listen to me Isabel, it still isn't safe." Wesker said as he started to walk towards her.
Isabel's raised voice had attracted the attention of Carlos and Jill as they walked in the front door with the groceries. They headed to the kitchen immediately, setting the bags on the table Carlos stepped directly into Wesker's path.
"I don't know what you're doing here, but if you think your taking Isabel back to that place your wrong." Carlos was already reaching for the gun concealed under his shirt.
"It isn't like that." Isabel said stilling his movement with her hand on his arm.
Carlos wasn't backing down and Isabel knew there was going to be trouble if she didn't get him out of the way fast. She shot a pleading look at Jill who had remained calm, but ready for action if the need occurred.
"Carlos he isn't taking her anywhere, not with all of us here." Jill spoke up.
At this Carlos relaxed a bit and stepped out of the way.
"Fine if you need anything Isabel, we'll be in the living room," he stated never taking his eyes off Wesker.
Grudgingly Carlos followed Jill into the living room, but Wesker heard him say.
"No wonder he wears those sunglasses all the time, his eyes are freakish."
After a few minutes the news came on. Wesker looked at Isabel.
"It's nice to see they've taken to you." He said with a humorless smile on his lips.
"They are very good to me given the circumstances." She replied
To be quite honest the whole incident had embarrassed her. Carlos had just been keeping his promise, but she wasn't used to having to be protected.
"Did you mean it that I shouldn't have come back?" He asked looking uncharacteristically hurt.
"No." Isabel answered with an exasperated sigh. "It's just that it's been three months when will it be safe enough?"
"Given what I've found out it may never be safe. Three weeks ago your father resurfaced with the finished virus. He's selling it to the highest bidder and HCF doesn't take kindly to things like that from its employees." He answered.
"What are they going to do?" She asked.
"They're looking for you. They figure they can use you as a bargaining chip."
"So basically it's the virus for me."
"Yes, he's too well hidden to just take him out but with the right bait it's possible."
It took a few moments for Isabel to process this, she knew her father was capable of a lot of things but to ransom a deadly virus to the highest bidder was unspeakable. It made her want to vomit, all of the sudden she felt light headed, dizzy and her knees started to give out under her. Isabel grabbed the counter for support, Wesker by her side in an instant with his arm around her waist for support, a very worried expression on his face. He guided her to the kitchen table where he sat her down on one of the chairs.
"I'm going to get Chambers." When Albert spoke Isabel could hear the worry in his voice.
"No, I'm okay it just turned my stomach." She said trying to assure him of what he clearly didn't believe.
"I'll be okay, I promise." She said with a weak smile.
Kneeling in front of her Wesker reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair out of her face.
"If I had known it would affect you like this I wouldn't have told you."
"No, I need to know what I'm up against. How do you know all this?" She asked
"One of my former co-workers caught up with me. Before I dealt with him, we had a discussion. That's why I can't stay. They've tracked me down once they'll do so again."
"How soon are you leaving?" Isabel asked a defeated expression on her face.
"This evening, late." He answered.
"You know their plan won't work." Isabel said after a moment, looking into his eyes.
"What do you mean?" Wesker asked.
"I mean my father won't bargain for me."
"Of course he would, what parent wouldn't?"
"My father. To him I'm a mistake." She retorted looking at where her child grew. "He left when I was twelve. He said he had never wanted a child and that I was a mistake that he couldn't persuade my mother to get rid of. So he left and I haven't heard or seen him since, he doesn't care about me."
At this Isabel stood up grabbed her gun and walked out the side door to the firing range.
As Isabel walked towards Chris she felt tears begin to form in her eyes, she quickly wiped them away. She thought she was beyond caring about what had happened so long ago, but having told Albert about a part of her past had opened an old wound.
"Are you alright?" Chris asked with a worried look on his face.
"I'm fine it's just old memories." Isabel said being as vague as she could. She wasn't ready to explain everything again.
"Are you sure?" He still looked a little worried.
"Yeah, let's get to practicing." She said.
Isabel didn't want to think about anything right now, she knew it would take all her concentration to get through target practice and for that she was grateful.
Wesker stood a hundred yards away from where Isabel and Chris were practicing, but he could see the target she was aiming at as clear as if he were a few feet in front of it. Isabel was in deep concentration all of it on her target. She had left him standing in the kitchen were it had taken several minutes to digest what she had told him. Wesker knew she had never told anyone about her father and now he knew why she hadn't told him about their child. It was a scar she would carry with her always. With Isabel's mother dead and her father gone she really had no family.
Something caught Wesker's eye as his last thought faded. Isabel was laughing at something Redfield had said and her eyes sparkled like jewels when she smiled. Wesker had never really seen her laugh, of course he had never given her anything to laugh at. Wesker watched her intently for awhile, Redfield had just taken his cap off and placed it squarely on her head as they began walking towards the house. Maybe she does have a family. He thought watching Isabel, as she got to the door she suddenly looked in his direction having sensed him watching her. Isabel began to walk towards him, and Wesker met her half way, she still had the smile on her face which seemed to grow as she neared him.
"What is the smile for?" He asked.
"Well while I was practicing the baby moved and I told Chris. We started talking about babies and he made a comment about you changing diapers. He said he just couldn't see you changing them and now I have this mental picture of you trying to change the baby."
After a moment Isabel smile faded.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have joked about that." She said looking at his expressionless face. "You probably won't be here."
Isabel was such a confusing creature, one minute strong and stubborn the next fragile and scared. When she was being stubborn Wesker had no problem leaving her to take care of herself, he knew she was able. When Isabel was like this so small and fragile something inside Wesker wanted to take care of her, to protect her and not leave her side.
"I'm not leaving you, I promise." He said taking off his sunglasses and looking directly in her eyes. "I will be here."
"I know." Was all she said as she took his hand and led him to the house through the fading light of the late fall evening.
As they walked toward the house Wesker stopped at his jeep to pull out a black duffle bag.
"I'm going to take a shower." He said as they walked into the house.
"What about dinner?" Isabel questioned.
"I'll eat later." He answered walking to her room.
While Albert was showering Isabel began to dish up everyone's plate. She knew the reason he had chosen to shower instead of eat, he wasn't accepted by them. After everyone was seated and Isabel had eaten, she fixed a plate for Albert and took it to her room.
Walking into the room and placing the food on the night stand she heard the shower shut off. A few minutes later Albert walked out of the bathroom clad only in a towel. His hair was a mess and standing on end, it made him look much younger than his thirty eight years. To Isabel he looked charming.
"I brought something to eat." Isabel said blushing slightly.
"Thanks, I'll eat in a few minutes." He said stepping closer to the pile of clothes on the bed. "I've decided to stay for few days."
"I thought it wasn't safe enough." Isabel said surprise showing on her face.
"I think I can risk a day or two."
Isabel just smiled at him. Is this why I chose to stay? So I could see her smile. Sometime while he was in shower he had decided to stay. It wasn't logical Isabel was safe and being well taken care of, but he wanted to be there.
Isabel couldn't believe it, Albert was staying a few days, for some reason that information made her extremely happy. Maybe it was because if he were here she at least knew he was okay. There were so many things she wanted to ask Albert, to know about him. They had never really talked about anything personal. Yes he knew about her father and she knew his mother's name but that was about all.
At that moment the baby decided to kick and it kept kicking. Without thinking about it Isabel grabbed Albert's hand and placed it on her stomach.
"Here, feel she's been kicking all day." She stated.
"She?" He replied lifting an eyebrow.
"Or he." Isabel added.
They stood that way for a while. Wesker was amazed it felt so natural, nothing forced, just to stand there feeling his child move around. Isabel was the one who broke the stillness as she moved closer to him, put her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was a long deep kiss and Wesker had just moved his arms around to her back to pull her even closer when suddenly the bedroom door opened.
"Chris said..." Was all Claire got out as she walked through the door.
Surprised, both Isabel and Wesker stepped back and looked at Claire who wore angry expression.
"I knew you couldn't be trusted." She raged. "You're nothing but a whore. Stay away from me."
Claire raced out the door and up the stairs to her room. She was so upset she didn't realize she hadn't locked the door. Isabel stood there stunned for a few moments.
"I have to speak to her." Isabel said as she left the room closing the door behind her.
As she made her way up the steps she pondered what she should say. Then Isabel realized this wasn't her fault she hadn't done anything wrong. By the time she reached Claire's room she was angry. As Isabel opened the door to the room Claire looked up. She didn't give Claire a chance to speak.
"GROW UP!"
"What?" Claire asked shocked.
"I said grow up, I don't deserve to be talked to like that and I won't stand for it," She said the level of her voice rising with her anger, "You run around here like you're the only one who matters, and you hurt the people who care the most about you. If that's not something a child would do I don't know what is."
"This isn't any of your business. You walk in here with HIM and expect us to accept you." Claire shot back.
"I've made my choices." Isabel started to say but at that moment Albert walked through the door.
It had taken him a few minutes to get dressed and make his way up to Claire's room. Wesker wasn't about to have Isabel upset by this. When he walked in Isabel and Claire stood facing each other. Isabel had her hands on her hips and Claire stood with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Claire threw him a hateful glance as he walked in the room.
"So I guess he's here to shut me up." Claire spat.
At this Isabel turned to Wesker with a scowl.
"You need to go." She spoke.
"The hell I will, I'm not letting you get upset over her." He stated pointing to Claire.
"Albert Wesker, I said to get the hell out and I meant it. I can handle this and you aren't helping." Isabel retorted walking towards him.
She grabbed his elbow and walked him out the door. When Albert was firmly in the hallway Isabel shut the door on whatever he was about to say and turned back to Claire.
Claire was shocked at what had happened. Wesker wasn't the type of man who would let anyone order him out of a room, but he had just let Isabel do exactly that. He had actually let her push him out the door.
"Yes I've made choices and I have to deal with the consequences." Isabel continued where she had left off.
"So am I supposed to feel sorry for you because you got knocked up by him?" Claire asked motioning towards the door.
"No, that's the difference between us. I don't expect or want anyone to feel sorry for me."
"And you're saying I do."
"Yes, and you had better look long and hard at the choices your making right now, before you loose the people who love you."
"It's too late for that." Claire said her voice breaking.
Isabel was about to say it isn't when she realized she wasn't talking about the people down stairs.
"You mean Steve, Right?" She asked softening, her anger finally spent.
"Yes, he's dead and it's my fault." Claire said trying to fight back tears now.
"If I hadn't been looking for Chris, I wouldn't have been captured. We would have never met and he would have gotten off the Island." She finished.
Isabel walked over to Claire and wrapped her arms around her.
"Don't-Don't touch me." Claire said before she finally broke down and let the tears fall.
As Isabel gently stroked her hair she spoke.
"It wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known what was going to happen. I know you lost someone you loved but you have people who love you and are worried about you."
"I-I didn't love him, not like that anyway." Claire replied lifting her head from Isabel's shoulder. "I cared about him, he was a nice guy but I wasn't in love with him."
"And you feel guilty about that?" Isabel prodded.
"Yes, before he died he told me he loved me, but I couldn't return that feeling."
"That's okay too, your brother told me once we can't choose who we love. Chris loves you very much and so does Leon."
"I know." Was all Claire could say.
"I also know that Albert was involved with what happened, but I can't change that. I know you hate him, but you shouldn't judge me on his past." Isabel said.
"Do you love him?" Claire asked.
"I'm not sure, I think I may, when he's here it feels right. Given what has happened to me because of him and his company I should hate him, but my situation is very complex right now." Isabel said releasing Claire, now that her tears had subsided.
Claire looked around the room not sure what to say she felt relief for the first time in a long time. She guessed crying had helped. Claire hadn't cried since the day Steve had died, she hadn't let herself.
"I've totally messed up everything haven't I?" Claire said wiping away the last tear.
"Not really, when people love you they are willing to forgive. They all care about you."
"Isabel I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I understand. Now you just have to forgive yourself. You should go talk to Leon. He's in love with you, you know."
"How could he be? I've been so horrible to him." Claire said looking at the floor.
"He knew you would come back to them, and he thinks your worth waiting for."
Claire smiled at this the first smile she had given in a long time.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I think you have to mend a few fences as do I." Isabel said turning to leave.
"You mean with HIM right?" Claire asked.
"Yes I don't think he's too happy with me right now."
"Hey he let you push him out the door, I don't think anyone else could have done that and lived." Claire said her smile growing wider.
"You must have some kind of control over him." She said shaking her head.
"I don't know about that I think Albert was just surprised." Isabel said opening the door.
"Isabel, thank you."
"You're welcome Claire." Isabel said as she shut the door behind her.
Wesker had contemplated marching back into the room for a moment, but had decided Isabel wouldn't appreciate it very much. So he had made his way back to her room to await the outcome. It had given Wesker time to think about what would have happened if Redfield's sister hadn't interrupted, it had seemed to be heading toward the bed. Would they have stopped? Would he have been able to remain in control of himself? It seemed to be something Wesker was incapable of around Isabel. She had wanted it too he was sure of it. Of course Isabel had started the kiss, but she hadn't fought when he had pulled her closer. In the end Wesker decided it was a good thing they had been stopped. It would only have lead to more confusion for both of them.
Isabel wasn't sure what to expect from Albert when she walked into the room. She was sure he would be angry, that she could handle. Isabel just hoped he hadn't changed his mind again and decided to leave. As she walked into the bedroom she saw Albert standing there with his sunglasses on, never a good sign in her mind.
"I'm sorry." Isabel said looking at where her feet would have been if she could have seen them. "It's just that with you in the room she became more agitated. She wouldn't have listened to anything I said."
"And did she listen to you?" He asked
"Yes, I think things will settle down now."
"Albert are you angry at me for throwing you out?"
"No, just worried. I think you have had enough upset for one day." He said finally taking the sunglasses off.
"I know but it had to be done." She said with a little sigh.
Isabel had to admit she was tired, it had been a long day. She wanted to ask if he would still stay, but she was afraid of the answer. Isabel wanted Albert to hold her again. It had felt right being in his arms like that. She too wondered what would have happened if they hadn't been interrupted. Isabel was also wondering where Albert was going to sleep. She assumed he would stay with her the bed was big enough and she didn't mind. Albert couldn't sleep in his car.
"I think I should get ready for bed I am kind of tired." Isabel said pulling a night gown out of her dresser. "What side of the bed do you want?"
"I'm going to sleep on the couch." Wesker replied.
"You can't everyone's still in the living room. The bed's big enough for the both of us."
"No, I think it's best if I sleep on the couch."
"Okay." Isabel said trying to mask the disappointment in her voice as she went to change in the bathroom.
Sitting in her room Claire was trying to decide how to talk to everyone. In the end she decided Chris would be the easiest person to start with, so she made her way to the kitchen. Chris and Carlos were clearing the table when Claire walked in.
"Chris can I talk to you?" Claire asked from the doorway.
"Sure." He said not looking up from the table.
"I mean alone." She replied.
At this Chris looked up think something serious was wrong.
"Hey Carlos can you give us a minute?" He asked his friend.
"Yeah, I'm out of here." Carlos said heading to the living room to join Rebecca and Jill on the couch.
"I am so sorry for the way I've acted." Claire said tears starting to form again.
"Claire..." He started to speak.
"No let me finish, I've been acting horrible to everyone."
"Claire it's okay." Chris broke in.
"No it isn't, I had a problem and I took it out on everyone." She replied.
"You've been through more than anyone should have." Chris said.
"That isn't an excuse. Everyone in this house had been through the same thing. I just want you to know that I'm sorry and I love you big bro." she finished.
"Do you want to talk about what was bothering you." He asked.
"Not yet, I have some more apologizing to do first, but soon."
"Okay, when ever you're ready." Chris said going back to cleaning the table. He didn't want to push her for more information than she was willing to give.
Feeling much better about everything Claire walked over to her big brother and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. Now she knew she would have to speak with Leon and the others. Claire wasn't sure what she was going to say to any of them. Knowing that Leon loved her made her feel weird, but in a good way. She just hoped it wasn't too late to fix what she had done.
Chris was happy to hear her call him big bro again. She hadn't done that in nearly a year. They hadn't spoken really in that time, they use to talk about all kinds of things, but since the Antarctic Claire had shut herself off from everyone. It seemed now that she was making her way back.
As Chris was about to leave the kitchen he decided to do the dishes. Usually Isabel did them but she seemed so tire this evening he didn't want to bother her with them. It didn't take long to wash, dry and put them away and when he was finished he decided he would turn in. It had been a long weird day. When Chris walked into the living room he noticed Claire wasn't to be found.
"Hey isn't Claire with you guys." He asked
"No she went upstairs." Rebecca replied still watching the movie.
"Did she say anything to you?" He asked perplexed.
"Not really she said something about talking to us tomorrow." Rebecca answered again this time looking at him.
"Why is there something wrong?" Jill asked a concern showing on her face.
"No just wondering." He replied.
"Are you going to watch the movie with us?" Rebecca asked turning back to the TV.
"No, I'm tired I'm just going to hit the sack." He replied.
"That sounds like a good idea, I'll go with you." Jill said getting up from the couch.
"No stay and watch your movie."
"I don't want to wake you up when I come in, and besides I'm tired too. I won't make it through the whole thing."
"Okay." Chris said giving up as they made their way up to the bedroom.
"You know, I'm tired." Rebecca said yawning. "I'm going to bed too."
With Rebecca, Chris and Jill gone Carlos decided he too would head upstairs. Moments after he shut the door to the room he and Leon shared Wesker made his way to the couch, pillow and blanket in hand. While Isabel had changed in the bathroom so had he, into a black T-shirt and sweat pants. As he arranged himself on the couch Wesker wondered if he would be able to sleep it wasn't something that came easily anymore, he didn't need as much as a normal person.
When Isabel awoke it was still dark. Looking at the clock on the night stand, she realized it was only Three A.M. Ever since she had hit the fourth month mark in her pregnancy she hadn't been able to sleep the night through. She had to make several trips to the bathroom, which is exactly what she had to do now. Grumbling she made her way there.
As she turned off the bathroom light Isabel started to make her way back to bed, but for some reason halfway there she found herself detouring to the living room. She wasn't sure why, but Isabel wanted to check on Albert. As she walked into the living room she saw his sleeping form stretched out on the couch one hand flung over his head and he had kicked off his blanket. It was chilly so Isabel decided to re-cover him. As she was pulling the blanket up to his chest lightning fast Albert hand grabbed her wrist. A moment later his eyes opened.
"God you're beautiful." He said staring at her.
Isabel didn't know what to say nor do she just returned his stare. After another moment she placed her free hand on his. Albert's grip loosened and her arm fell free. With that she gently tugged at his hand and he lifted himself off the couch, never saying a word Albert followed Isabel back to her bedroom. As she got back into bed, Albert pulled her close, that's how they fell back to sleep, her in his arms.
Other things had changed also Isabel had started out with only two friends, Carlos and Rebecca but after three months the only person who still didn't really talk to her was Claire. Jill had been kind from the beginning, but now they were becoming good friends. Chris had changed a little more gradually, he still wasn't happy about the whole Albert issue but he was friendly, and even kidded with her. He almost treated her like Rebecca or Claire, Almost. Leon had been pleasant with her, but it was hard for him. Isabel knew the more they talked the more distant Claire became with him. She couldn't allow that to happen it wasn't fair. Claire, now Claire was another issue in the months since Isabel had arrived she hadn't spoken more than a few words to her. Claire hadn't been down right mean, but she had been cold to her.
"What am I going to do about her?" She spoke to her child, a habit she had picked up lately.
"There is nothing you can do." A male voice said from behind her.
Isabel turned to see Leon standing there in jeans and a white t-shirt.
"Claire is Claire, once she gets something in her head there is no stopping it." He finished with a shrug.
"I'm not worried about me." Isabel stated.
"It isn't fair to you I see how she treats you when you talk to me."
"She isn't who she used to be." He explained. "What happened on Rockfort Island and the Antarctic changed her. Claire feels she could have done something to save Steve. She cared about him, and she blames the Ashfords and Wesker for his loss, but she most of all blames herself."
Leon paused as if he thought he'd said too much, but after a moment he continued.
"The Claire I knew is buried in there somewhere, and we are all just waiting for her to dig her way out."
"Do you think your love is strong enough to help her?" Isabel had a way of getting to the heart of things.
Isabel knew she was right when she saw the look on Leon's face.
"How did you know?" He asked mildly stunned that she had seen the truth.
"The way you look at her, the way you interact with her when you think no one is looking."
"I didn't think I was that obvious." Leon stated blushing.
"You aren't I've just had time to see how everyone interacts with each other." Isabel said with a smile.
"I know it isn't right the way she treats you either, but you came in here with the wrong escort."
"I know, but she'll have to get over it at some point."
"I'm sure she will it'll just take time."
Leon hadn't known what to make of Isabel when she arrived on their doorstep. Everyone had been stunned that Wesker would help anyone. From the stories Leon had been told about the man it seemed it would be unlikely he would do anything that didn't gain him something. Why Wesker did it still remained a mystery to everyone, but for the most part they had all accepted her.
Isabel had been shy and quiet around everyone except Carlos and Rebecca the first month. It was almost as if she expected someone to throw her out if she said the wrong thing. The house had been full of tension for awhile, until one day Chris and Jill had an argument. It wasn't anything serious, Jill and Chris had argued before, and everyone was used to it. They usually cooled off in a couple of hours, but it had really upset Isabel. Leon had been in the kitchen with Chris when Isabel had come in to talk to him. She told Chris that she wouldn't allow herself to cause disharmony between two people who were clearly in love and that she wished to leave. Chris was so shocked he didn't know what to say. Everyone had thought Isabel distant, because she was wrapped up in her own problems, and no one blamed her for it, with all that had happened. Leon realized that day that, she cared more about other people's problems than her own. In the end Chris wouldn't allow her to leave, and he promised that he would apologize to Jill for being an "ass" as he put it. He also asked Isabel to forgive him. Leon was able to tell that was the last thing she expected. Isabel told Chris there was nothing to forgive, that she owed them a great deal and didn't know how she would ever repay them. Since that day Leon had watched Isabel become an integral part of their little family.
"Is everyone going to be here for dinner?" Isabel felt it was time to change the subject. She wasn't sure what to do about Claire and she didn't want to upset Leon further.
"I think so." Leon said glad to talk about something else also.
"Good I'll make pot roast."
Isabel had taken over the house duties, since she wasn't able to work. Everyone had provided for and taken care of her and she found a way of paying them back, it wasn't much but it was the best Isabel could do. She cooked, cleaned and did the laundry, it was an unspoken agreement but it worked well. The only problem was on any given day she was bombarded with "Isabel have you seen my lucky t-shirt?" or "where did you put my sneakers?" Mainly from Chris and Carlos, but Leon even though he was much more organized sometimes couldn't find something and of course he too came to her. Rebecca and Jill on the other hand became accustomed to her system fairly quickly and had no problem finding things. As for Claire, she probably wouldn't have asked where the bandages were if she were bleeding to death.
At that moment Chris walked into the kitchen wearing jeans and his favorite blue t-shirt.
"Hey Izzy have you seen my baseball cap?"
Isabel just ignored him, as she chopped the carrots for the roast. He knew she disliked to be called that, yet seemed to find it necessary to do so.
"Okay, Isabel have you seen my cap?" He repeated like a child that had been scolded.
"Did you look next to the front door on the coat rack?" She answered with a question.
"Man I feel sorry for Jill if she's going to have to take care of you like that." Leon stated as he walked out the side door into the yard.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Chris asked.
Still working on the dinner preparations Isabel answered.
"It means Christopher Redfield that you're a grown man, and should know where your things are."
"Hey I knew where it was until you moved it." He said defensively.
"I cleaned the living room and picked it up off the TV." Isabel corrected.
"Okay I give." He said throwing his hands in the air admitting defeat.
"Are you ready for some target practice before dinner?" He added.
Chris had wanted to teach Isabel how to use a gun for emergencies. She was very sure that she didn't want to be in any emergency that required a gun, but he had been adamant about it. Every couple of days he took Isabel out back to a field they had set up for practice. She didn't like guns, but she had become very adept with hers, at first Isabel wore it wherever she went. As her stomach had grown that had become impossible, so now she kept it within arms reach most of the time. At this very moment it was lying under a dishtowel on the counter next to the cutting board.
"In a few minutes, just let me get the roast into the pressure cooker." She said uncovering the gun.
For some reason the gun made Isabel think of Albert. He was always on her mind, usually just near the surface. It didn't take much to remind Isabel of him, a smell a word spoken the right way almost anything. She always worried the same thing if Albert was okay, how he was doing? The truth was Isabel missed him. She missed his voice, the way Albert looked at her when they were alone, and the gentle way he had held her when she cried. Late at night while lying awake Isabel wondered if it would ever be safe enough for him to return. Lately some disturbing thoughts had pushed their way in. What if Albert was glad to be rid of her, of them? What if he, like her father deemed them a mistake, one he didn't want to be around? Maybe he figured he had paid his due by letting her live and he would never be back, it had been three months after all. Isabel always pushed these thought aside, however it was becoming harder to do so with each passing day.
Isabel had started to daydream also, about the baby and what he or she would look like. What it would be like to see Albert Wesker with his child, how he would interact with him or her. Would he be distant or loving? What would they be like as a family? Isabel was starting to think these were questions she would never know the answer to. As she was thinking these thoughts Isabel noticed that Chris had retrieved his cap from the living room and was waiting patiently by the door.
"Do you think he's okay?" She asked with some trepidation.
Isabel made a conscious effort not to bring Albert up in front of them, but she needed to ask. She saw the expression on Chris' face darken and it was a few minutes before he answered.
"I don't know. What Wesker deserves to have happen to him and what does are two different things. The world would be a better place without him in it."
"I'm sorry." Isabel said as she lowered her head and fought back the tears threatening to fall.
"No, I'm sorry I know he helped get you out." Chris fumbled for the words as he walked toward her. "But he's done some pretty bad things."
"I-I Know." Isabel was as much at a loss for words as Chris was.
"You really care if he's alright, don't you?" Chris was now a few inches from her.
"Yes, he's the baby's father." Isabel let the words slip out.
She didn't know what to expect from Chris, she thought he might be angry or repulsed by this information.
"I'm not sure exactly what's between us. I'm not sure what I feel towards him and I definitely don't know what he feels, sometimes I think the only emotion he knows is anger." She continued after a moment.
"Tell me the truth did he force himself on you?" Chris asked, bracing himself for the answer.
"No he didn't." Isabel didn't know how else to explain it. She did notice that Chris relaxed at her answer.
"I don't know why he let me go or why he helped me at all, would a child really matter to him?"
Chris wanted to be angry with Isabel for not telling them this bit of information, but he couldn't, the hopelessly sad expression she wore and the way her shoulders were slumped made all the anger he should have felt disappear. Isabel was young and for her to go through what she had was criminal, and he realized that for him to put her through anymore for something so trivial as who the baby's father was would make him as bad as the people who had put her in this situation. He would be as bad as HCF.
"Listen I'm not as good at this stuff as Jill, and I kind of wish she were here right now, but here goes. You must have seen something in him that the rest of us don't. I will never trust or like him again, but we can't choose who we love."
Isabel looked up at this and saw that Chris had a kind expression on his face.
"I don't know if I love him, that's the thing when we slept together it wasn't love, and that upsets me. You must think I'm a horrible person."
"Not really, I do however think you at least care for him. And to answer your other question, you and the baby must matter to him or you wouldn't be here, you'd be some experiment by now."
"Yeah I guess your right." Isabel said mustering up a smile.
"I was wondering if you could not tell anyone else for right now, I don't think I could face them if they took it badly. I think Rebecca has guessed about Albert, but she hasn't said anything." She finished lowering her eyes again.
"I don't think they will, but it's your call I won't say anything until your ready."
Isabel couldn't help herself, she impulsively gave Chris a hug. After a moments hesitation he tentatively returned it. She hadn't expected him to understand, but he had and now she felt closer to him.
"Well what do we have here?" Came a familiar voice from the side door.
At the sound of the voice they separated. Isabel's face lit up as she saw the owner. She almost didn't believe her eyes.
"Albert?" Was all she could say.
For so long she had thought of this moment, now she almost didn't believe it was happening. All Isabel could do was stare at him. Albert's hair was just the same as when he had left combed straight back slightly spiked, he wore the same glasses, but he was no longer in uniform instead he wore a black button down long sleeve shirt and black jeans with black hiking boots.
"I'll be out back when you're ready for practice." Chris' voice broke the spell Isabel was under. At that he walked towards the door Wesker was standing in and as Chris pushed past him in a low voice he spoke.
"You should have been here."
With that he was out the door.
Left alone in the kitchen, neither Isabel or Wesker spoke. After a few moments it was Wesker that broke the silence.
"I guess they know then."
"No, Chris just found out." Isabel said unsure if he would be angry or not.
"Are you really back?" She asked still in disbelief.
"Yes." He said a smile creeping on to his face.
How little she knew, Wesker had thought about her everyday wanting to be with her. He knew she had been safer while he was gone.
"So what is this practice?" Wesker said taking off his sunglasses.
Isabel instinctively looked at her gun lying on the kitchen counter. Wesker followed her gaze with his until it too came to the firearm.
"Good, Redfield may not be as stupid as I give him credit for." Wesker said taking his eyes off the gun and once again staring at Isabel. "Of course he was the best marksman in the entire S.T.A.R.S. he'd be a good teacher."
"He's pretty patient with me, and that's saying a lot. I hate that thing." Isabel stated as she turned to put the roast on the stove.
Isabel hadn't seemed much different from when Wesker had left. Her golden brown hair was a bit longer just past her shoulders her green eyes just as clear and beautiful. In profile though Wesker was able to see just how much their child had grown. Yes he had known Isabel was pregnant, but to actually see the evidence of it was startling to him. Wesker could no longer think about the baby in the abstract. His child was real and growing inside Isabel.
"Albert did you hear me?" Isabel asked with a slightly annoyed look on her face.
At that he snapped out of his thoughts, realizing she had spoken and he had missed it.
"Are you staying this time?" She asked again.
"No." He stated dully.
The annoyed look she wore a few moments ago rapidly became one of anger.
"Damn you, why did you even come back?" Isabel's voice became louder with every word.
"Listen to me Isabel, it still isn't safe." Wesker said as he started to walk towards her.
Isabel's raised voice had attracted the attention of Carlos and Jill as they walked in the front door with the groceries. They headed to the kitchen immediately, setting the bags on the table Carlos stepped directly into Wesker's path.
"I don't know what you're doing here, but if you think your taking Isabel back to that place your wrong." Carlos was already reaching for the gun concealed under his shirt.
"It isn't like that." Isabel said stilling his movement with her hand on his arm.
Carlos wasn't backing down and Isabel knew there was going to be trouble if she didn't get him out of the way fast. She shot a pleading look at Jill who had remained calm, but ready for action if the need occurred.
"Carlos he isn't taking her anywhere, not with all of us here." Jill spoke up.
At this Carlos relaxed a bit and stepped out of the way.
"Fine if you need anything Isabel, we'll be in the living room," he stated never taking his eyes off Wesker.
Grudgingly Carlos followed Jill into the living room, but Wesker heard him say.
"No wonder he wears those sunglasses all the time, his eyes are freakish."
After a few minutes the news came on. Wesker looked at Isabel.
"It's nice to see they've taken to you." He said with a humorless smile on his lips.
"They are very good to me given the circumstances." She replied
To be quite honest the whole incident had embarrassed her. Carlos had just been keeping his promise, but she wasn't used to having to be protected.
"Did you mean it that I shouldn't have come back?" He asked looking uncharacteristically hurt.
"No." Isabel answered with an exasperated sigh. "It's just that it's been three months when will it be safe enough?"
"Given what I've found out it may never be safe. Three weeks ago your father resurfaced with the finished virus. He's selling it to the highest bidder and HCF doesn't take kindly to things like that from its employees." He answered.
"What are they going to do?" She asked.
"They're looking for you. They figure they can use you as a bargaining chip."
"So basically it's the virus for me."
"Yes, he's too well hidden to just take him out but with the right bait it's possible."
It took a few moments for Isabel to process this, she knew her father was capable of a lot of things but to ransom a deadly virus to the highest bidder was unspeakable. It made her want to vomit, all of the sudden she felt light headed, dizzy and her knees started to give out under her. Isabel grabbed the counter for support, Wesker by her side in an instant with his arm around her waist for support, a very worried expression on his face. He guided her to the kitchen table where he sat her down on one of the chairs.
"I'm going to get Chambers." When Albert spoke Isabel could hear the worry in his voice.
"No, I'm okay it just turned my stomach." She said trying to assure him of what he clearly didn't believe.
"I'll be okay, I promise." She said with a weak smile.
Kneeling in front of her Wesker reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair out of her face.
"If I had known it would affect you like this I wouldn't have told you."
"No, I need to know what I'm up against. How do you know all this?" She asked
"One of my former co-workers caught up with me. Before I dealt with him, we had a discussion. That's why I can't stay. They've tracked me down once they'll do so again."
"How soon are you leaving?" Isabel asked a defeated expression on her face.
"This evening, late." He answered.
"You know their plan won't work." Isabel said after a moment, looking into his eyes.
"What do you mean?" Wesker asked.
"I mean my father won't bargain for me."
"Of course he would, what parent wouldn't?"
"My father. To him I'm a mistake." She retorted looking at where her child grew. "He left when I was twelve. He said he had never wanted a child and that I was a mistake that he couldn't persuade my mother to get rid of. So he left and I haven't heard or seen him since, he doesn't care about me."
At this Isabel stood up grabbed her gun and walked out the side door to the firing range.
As Isabel walked towards Chris she felt tears begin to form in her eyes, she quickly wiped them away. She thought she was beyond caring about what had happened so long ago, but having told Albert about a part of her past had opened an old wound.
"Are you alright?" Chris asked with a worried look on his face.
"I'm fine it's just old memories." Isabel said being as vague as she could. She wasn't ready to explain everything again.
"Are you sure?" He still looked a little worried.
"Yeah, let's get to practicing." She said.
Isabel didn't want to think about anything right now, she knew it would take all her concentration to get through target practice and for that she was grateful.
Wesker stood a hundred yards away from where Isabel and Chris were practicing, but he could see the target she was aiming at as clear as if he were a few feet in front of it. Isabel was in deep concentration all of it on her target. She had left him standing in the kitchen were it had taken several minutes to digest what she had told him. Wesker knew she had never told anyone about her father and now he knew why she hadn't told him about their child. It was a scar she would carry with her always. With Isabel's mother dead and her father gone she really had no family.
Something caught Wesker's eye as his last thought faded. Isabel was laughing at something Redfield had said and her eyes sparkled like jewels when she smiled. Wesker had never really seen her laugh, of course he had never given her anything to laugh at. Wesker watched her intently for awhile, Redfield had just taken his cap off and placed it squarely on her head as they began walking towards the house. Maybe she does have a family. He thought watching Isabel, as she got to the door she suddenly looked in his direction having sensed him watching her. Isabel began to walk towards him, and Wesker met her half way, she still had the smile on her face which seemed to grow as she neared him.
"What is the smile for?" He asked.
"Well while I was practicing the baby moved and I told Chris. We started talking about babies and he made a comment about you changing diapers. He said he just couldn't see you changing them and now I have this mental picture of you trying to change the baby."
After a moment Isabel smile faded.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have joked about that." She said looking at his expressionless face. "You probably won't be here."
Isabel was such a confusing creature, one minute strong and stubborn the next fragile and scared. When she was being stubborn Wesker had no problem leaving her to take care of herself, he knew she was able. When Isabel was like this so small and fragile something inside Wesker wanted to take care of her, to protect her and not leave her side.
"I'm not leaving you, I promise." He said taking off his sunglasses and looking directly in her eyes. "I will be here."
"I know." Was all she said as she took his hand and led him to the house through the fading light of the late fall evening.
As they walked toward the house Wesker stopped at his jeep to pull out a black duffle bag.
"I'm going to take a shower." He said as they walked into the house.
"What about dinner?" Isabel questioned.
"I'll eat later." He answered walking to her room.
While Albert was showering Isabel began to dish up everyone's plate. She knew the reason he had chosen to shower instead of eat, he wasn't accepted by them. After everyone was seated and Isabel had eaten, she fixed a plate for Albert and took it to her room.
Walking into the room and placing the food on the night stand she heard the shower shut off. A few minutes later Albert walked out of the bathroom clad only in a towel. His hair was a mess and standing on end, it made him look much younger than his thirty eight years. To Isabel he looked charming.
"I brought something to eat." Isabel said blushing slightly.
"Thanks, I'll eat in a few minutes." He said stepping closer to the pile of clothes on the bed. "I've decided to stay for few days."
"I thought it wasn't safe enough." Isabel said surprise showing on her face.
"I think I can risk a day or two."
Isabel just smiled at him. Is this why I chose to stay? So I could see her smile. Sometime while he was in shower he had decided to stay. It wasn't logical Isabel was safe and being well taken care of, but he wanted to be there.
Isabel couldn't believe it, Albert was staying a few days, for some reason that information made her extremely happy. Maybe it was because if he were here she at least knew he was okay. There were so many things she wanted to ask Albert, to know about him. They had never really talked about anything personal. Yes he knew about her father and she knew his mother's name but that was about all.
At that moment the baby decided to kick and it kept kicking. Without thinking about it Isabel grabbed Albert's hand and placed it on her stomach.
"Here, feel she's been kicking all day." She stated.
"She?" He replied lifting an eyebrow.
"Or he." Isabel added.
They stood that way for a while. Wesker was amazed it felt so natural, nothing forced, just to stand there feeling his child move around. Isabel was the one who broke the stillness as she moved closer to him, put her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was a long deep kiss and Wesker had just moved his arms around to her back to pull her even closer when suddenly the bedroom door opened.
"Chris said..." Was all Claire got out as she walked through the door.
Surprised, both Isabel and Wesker stepped back and looked at Claire who wore angry expression.
"I knew you couldn't be trusted." She raged. "You're nothing but a whore. Stay away from me."
Claire raced out the door and up the stairs to her room. She was so upset she didn't realize she hadn't locked the door. Isabel stood there stunned for a few moments.
"I have to speak to her." Isabel said as she left the room closing the door behind her.
As she made her way up the steps she pondered what she should say. Then Isabel realized this wasn't her fault she hadn't done anything wrong. By the time she reached Claire's room she was angry. As Isabel opened the door to the room Claire looked up. She didn't give Claire a chance to speak.
"GROW UP!"
"What?" Claire asked shocked.
"I said grow up, I don't deserve to be talked to like that and I won't stand for it," She said the level of her voice rising with her anger, "You run around here like you're the only one who matters, and you hurt the people who care the most about you. If that's not something a child would do I don't know what is."
"This isn't any of your business. You walk in here with HIM and expect us to accept you." Claire shot back.
"I've made my choices." Isabel started to say but at that moment Albert walked through the door.
It had taken him a few minutes to get dressed and make his way up to Claire's room. Wesker wasn't about to have Isabel upset by this. When he walked in Isabel and Claire stood facing each other. Isabel had her hands on her hips and Claire stood with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Claire threw him a hateful glance as he walked in the room.
"So I guess he's here to shut me up." Claire spat.
At this Isabel turned to Wesker with a scowl.
"You need to go." She spoke.
"The hell I will, I'm not letting you get upset over her." He stated pointing to Claire.
"Albert Wesker, I said to get the hell out and I meant it. I can handle this and you aren't helping." Isabel retorted walking towards him.
She grabbed his elbow and walked him out the door. When Albert was firmly in the hallway Isabel shut the door on whatever he was about to say and turned back to Claire.
Claire was shocked at what had happened. Wesker wasn't the type of man who would let anyone order him out of a room, but he had just let Isabel do exactly that. He had actually let her push him out the door.
"Yes I've made choices and I have to deal with the consequences." Isabel continued where she had left off.
"So am I supposed to feel sorry for you because you got knocked up by him?" Claire asked motioning towards the door.
"No, that's the difference between us. I don't expect or want anyone to feel sorry for me."
"And you're saying I do."
"Yes, and you had better look long and hard at the choices your making right now, before you loose the people who love you."
"It's too late for that." Claire said her voice breaking.
Isabel was about to say it isn't when she realized she wasn't talking about the people down stairs.
"You mean Steve, Right?" She asked softening, her anger finally spent.
"Yes, he's dead and it's my fault." Claire said trying to fight back tears now.
"If I hadn't been looking for Chris, I wouldn't have been captured. We would have never met and he would have gotten off the Island." She finished.
Isabel walked over to Claire and wrapped her arms around her.
"Don't-Don't touch me." Claire said before she finally broke down and let the tears fall.
As Isabel gently stroked her hair she spoke.
"It wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known what was going to happen. I know you lost someone you loved but you have people who love you and are worried about you."
"I-I didn't love him, not like that anyway." Claire replied lifting her head from Isabel's shoulder. "I cared about him, he was a nice guy but I wasn't in love with him."
"And you feel guilty about that?" Isabel prodded.
"Yes, before he died he told me he loved me, but I couldn't return that feeling."
"That's okay too, your brother told me once we can't choose who we love. Chris loves you very much and so does Leon."
"I know." Was all Claire could say.
"I also know that Albert was involved with what happened, but I can't change that. I know you hate him, but you shouldn't judge me on his past." Isabel said.
"Do you love him?" Claire asked.
"I'm not sure, I think I may, when he's here it feels right. Given what has happened to me because of him and his company I should hate him, but my situation is very complex right now." Isabel said releasing Claire, now that her tears had subsided.
Claire looked around the room not sure what to say she felt relief for the first time in a long time. She guessed crying had helped. Claire hadn't cried since the day Steve had died, she hadn't let herself.
"I've totally messed up everything haven't I?" Claire said wiping away the last tear.
"Not really, when people love you they are willing to forgive. They all care about you."
"Isabel I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I understand. Now you just have to forgive yourself. You should go talk to Leon. He's in love with you, you know."
"How could he be? I've been so horrible to him." Claire said looking at the floor.
"He knew you would come back to them, and he thinks your worth waiting for."
Claire smiled at this the first smile she had given in a long time.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I think you have to mend a few fences as do I." Isabel said turning to leave.
"You mean with HIM right?" Claire asked.
"Yes I don't think he's too happy with me right now."
"Hey he let you push him out the door, I don't think anyone else could have done that and lived." Claire said her smile growing wider.
"You must have some kind of control over him." She said shaking her head.
"I don't know about that I think Albert was just surprised." Isabel said opening the door.
"Isabel, thank you."
"You're welcome Claire." Isabel said as she shut the door behind her.
Wesker had contemplated marching back into the room for a moment, but had decided Isabel wouldn't appreciate it very much. So he had made his way back to her room to await the outcome. It had given Wesker time to think about what would have happened if Redfield's sister hadn't interrupted, it had seemed to be heading toward the bed. Would they have stopped? Would he have been able to remain in control of himself? It seemed to be something Wesker was incapable of around Isabel. She had wanted it too he was sure of it. Of course Isabel had started the kiss, but she hadn't fought when he had pulled her closer. In the end Wesker decided it was a good thing they had been stopped. It would only have lead to more confusion for both of them.
Isabel wasn't sure what to expect from Albert when she walked into the room. She was sure he would be angry, that she could handle. Isabel just hoped he hadn't changed his mind again and decided to leave. As she walked into the bedroom she saw Albert standing there with his sunglasses on, never a good sign in her mind.
"I'm sorry." Isabel said looking at where her feet would have been if she could have seen them. "It's just that with you in the room she became more agitated. She wouldn't have listened to anything I said."
"And did she listen to you?" He asked
"Yes, I think things will settle down now."
"Albert are you angry at me for throwing you out?"
"No, just worried. I think you have had enough upset for one day." He said finally taking the sunglasses off.
"I know but it had to be done." She said with a little sigh.
Isabel had to admit she was tired, it had been a long day. She wanted to ask if he would still stay, but she was afraid of the answer. Isabel wanted Albert to hold her again. It had felt right being in his arms like that. She too wondered what would have happened if they hadn't been interrupted. Isabel was also wondering where Albert was going to sleep. She assumed he would stay with her the bed was big enough and she didn't mind. Albert couldn't sleep in his car.
"I think I should get ready for bed I am kind of tired." Isabel said pulling a night gown out of her dresser. "What side of the bed do you want?"
"I'm going to sleep on the couch." Wesker replied.
"You can't everyone's still in the living room. The bed's big enough for the both of us."
"No, I think it's best if I sleep on the couch."
"Okay." Isabel said trying to mask the disappointment in her voice as she went to change in the bathroom.
Sitting in her room Claire was trying to decide how to talk to everyone. In the end she decided Chris would be the easiest person to start with, so she made her way to the kitchen. Chris and Carlos were clearing the table when Claire walked in.
"Chris can I talk to you?" Claire asked from the doorway.
"Sure." He said not looking up from the table.
"I mean alone." She replied.
At this Chris looked up think something serious was wrong.
"Hey Carlos can you give us a minute?" He asked his friend.
"Yeah, I'm out of here." Carlos said heading to the living room to join Rebecca and Jill on the couch.
"I am so sorry for the way I've acted." Claire said tears starting to form again.
"Claire..." He started to speak.
"No let me finish, I've been acting horrible to everyone."
"Claire it's okay." Chris broke in.
"No it isn't, I had a problem and I took it out on everyone." She replied.
"You've been through more than anyone should have." Chris said.
"That isn't an excuse. Everyone in this house had been through the same thing. I just want you to know that I'm sorry and I love you big bro." she finished.
"Do you want to talk about what was bothering you." He asked.
"Not yet, I have some more apologizing to do first, but soon."
"Okay, when ever you're ready." Chris said going back to cleaning the table. He didn't want to push her for more information than she was willing to give.
Feeling much better about everything Claire walked over to her big brother and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. Now she knew she would have to speak with Leon and the others. Claire wasn't sure what she was going to say to any of them. Knowing that Leon loved her made her feel weird, but in a good way. She just hoped it wasn't too late to fix what she had done.
Chris was happy to hear her call him big bro again. She hadn't done that in nearly a year. They hadn't spoken really in that time, they use to talk about all kinds of things, but since the Antarctic Claire had shut herself off from everyone. It seemed now that she was making her way back.
As Chris was about to leave the kitchen he decided to do the dishes. Usually Isabel did them but she seemed so tire this evening he didn't want to bother her with them. It didn't take long to wash, dry and put them away and when he was finished he decided he would turn in. It had been a long weird day. When Chris walked into the living room he noticed Claire wasn't to be found.
"Hey isn't Claire with you guys." He asked
"No she went upstairs." Rebecca replied still watching the movie.
"Did she say anything to you?" He asked perplexed.
"Not really she said something about talking to us tomorrow." Rebecca answered again this time looking at him.
"Why is there something wrong?" Jill asked a concern showing on her face.
"No just wondering." He replied.
"Are you going to watch the movie with us?" Rebecca asked turning back to the TV.
"No, I'm tired I'm just going to hit the sack." He replied.
"That sounds like a good idea, I'll go with you." Jill said getting up from the couch.
"No stay and watch your movie."
"I don't want to wake you up when I come in, and besides I'm tired too. I won't make it through the whole thing."
"Okay." Chris said giving up as they made their way up to the bedroom.
"You know, I'm tired." Rebecca said yawning. "I'm going to bed too."
With Rebecca, Chris and Jill gone Carlos decided he too would head upstairs. Moments after he shut the door to the room he and Leon shared Wesker made his way to the couch, pillow and blanket in hand. While Isabel had changed in the bathroom so had he, into a black T-shirt and sweat pants. As he arranged himself on the couch Wesker wondered if he would be able to sleep it wasn't something that came easily anymore, he didn't need as much as a normal person.
When Isabel awoke it was still dark. Looking at the clock on the night stand, she realized it was only Three A.M. Ever since she had hit the fourth month mark in her pregnancy she hadn't been able to sleep the night through. She had to make several trips to the bathroom, which is exactly what she had to do now. Grumbling she made her way there.
As she turned off the bathroom light Isabel started to make her way back to bed, but for some reason halfway there she found herself detouring to the living room. She wasn't sure why, but Isabel wanted to check on Albert. As she walked into the living room she saw his sleeping form stretched out on the couch one hand flung over his head and he had kicked off his blanket. It was chilly so Isabel decided to re-cover him. As she was pulling the blanket up to his chest lightning fast Albert hand grabbed her wrist. A moment later his eyes opened.
"God you're beautiful." He said staring at her.
Isabel didn't know what to say nor do she just returned his stare. After another moment she placed her free hand on his. Albert's grip loosened and her arm fell free. With that she gently tugged at his hand and he lifted himself off the couch, never saying a word Albert followed Isabel back to her bedroom. As she got back into bed, Albert pulled her close, that's how they fell back to sleep, her in his arms.