As the early morning sun shown through the window Wesker finally opened his
eyes. Looking to where Isabel had slept he saw his clothes had been neatly
folded and set out for him. Walking into the bathroom to begin his morning
routine, Wesker noticed fresh towels folded next to the sink. There was
also a new toothbrush and razor set on top of them, Isabel had thought of
everything. Starting to shave Wesker wondered why she hadn't roused him
when she woke.
When Isabel walked into her room with the pile of clothes she had just finished folding she heard the bathroom sink running. So he's finally up the sleepy head. The truth was she hadn't the heart to wake him. Albert had looked peaceful, more so than she had ever seen him. So she had decided to get a head start on chores.
Listening to the sound of the water running in the bathroom and putting the laundry away Isabel could almost believe they were a normal family. Because of what her father had done Isabel always promised herself that was what she would have. Now she knew it wasn't a possibility and it hurt just a little. A small knock from the door pulled her back to reality.
"Come in." She called looking up.
As the door opened she saw it was Claire and she looked nervous.
"I was wondering if you would..." Claire broke off not knowing how to say what was on her mind.
"If I would what?" Isabel asked.
"Well the thing is I was going to talk to everyone today and I was wondering if you would be there." She finished looking at the ground.
Isabel knew it had taken a lot for the young girl to ask that of her. She knew her answer immediately.
"Of course I will. I'll be right by your side the whole time." Isabel answered giving Claire a warm smile.
Claire seemed to relax and after a moment smiled back.
"When were you going to speak to them?" Isabel asked putting the rest of the laundry away.
"I was thinking at breakfast." Claire answered, playing with the button on her blue shirt.
"Okay I'll be out in a few minutes."
Giving Isabel another smile Claire left her to finish her task. She was happy Isabel had agreed to be there although she didn't have any reason too. How could anyone be that forgiving? Claire thought as she walked to the living room. Isabel was an enigma, probably to everyone in the house. Given what had happened to her, she should be resentful and withdrawn but she wasn't. Claire had never known anyone like Isabel, she gave freely of herself and she didn't hold a grudge, although she did have a temper when pushed. Claire hadn't expected Isabel to follow her upstairs. She hadn't expected her to understand either but she had. Isabel hadn't judged Claire she simply stated the facts as she saw them. People like her were definitely rare and Claire was beginning to realize she was glad she had met her.
"Hey sis, are you feeling better this morning." Chris said coming down the stairs. He was dressed in his usual blue jeans and an old S.T.A.R.S. t- shirt that had seen better days.
"Ug don't you have anything other than t-shirts and jeans in your wardrobe?" She asked instead of answering his question.
"Look who's talking Miss over-sized shirt and jeans." He shot back, glad to see her joking again.
"Really I don't see how Jill can look at you in the morning." She replied.
"I'm usually not wearing anything when Jill sees me in the morning." He said with a big grin.
"Okay that was just TMI." Claire said grimacing.
"What the hell is TMI?" He asked still smiling.
"Too much information." Isabel said coming down the hall.
"But thank you for that lovely mental image." She continued.
None of them could help but laugh at that.
"What's so funny?" Jill asked from the stairs. She was dressed in black jeans and a white t-shirt, but didn't look awake.
"You really don't want to know." Isabel said still giggling.
"Okay it's too early to try to figure you guys out." Jill said with a
frown. "I need coffee."
"That does sound good." Chris chimed in.
Ten minutes after the four of them filed into the kitchen Carlos sauntered in.
"You ladies look lovely today." He said giving each of the girls a grin.
Carlos was a natural flirt and they all took it with a grain of salt.
"And you, my friend, look like shit." He said looking at Chris.
"You mean I don't look lovely too." Chris said putting his hands to his face and mock crying.
"Okay now you're just weirding me out man." Carlos said eyeing him.
"Guys breakfast is almost ready would someone go and get Becca and Leon up." Isabel cut through their banter.
"Nah leave Leon sleep, he was up all night on the computer again." Carlos said.
"Well that leaves Becca." Jill said starting to rise from her chair.
"I'll wake her." Carlos said rubbing his hands together with a mischievous glint in his brown eyes.
"Okay." Jill said plopping back into her seat.
Carlos ran up the stairs contemplating all the ways to wake Rebecca, each thought more devious than the last. He quietly opened the door and tip toed into the darkened room, silently giggling to himself. Man this is going to be good. When Carlos was close enough to the bed to grab it, he did and began shaking it.
"Earthquake!" He shouted.
"Ack what?" Rebecca yelled as she sprung to a sitting position.
"Damn it Carlos I was having a really good dream." She said frowning at his smiling face.
"Sweetheart wouldn't you rather have the real thing?" He said crawling into bed next to her.
Lying back down and pulling the covers over her head she replied.
"In YOUR dreams."
"You have to get up breakfast is ready." Carlos stated, pulling at the blanket.
"I'll eat later, let me sleep." Came her grumpy reply.
"Okay you forced me to do this."
With that Carlos gave the blankets a hard tug and before Rebecca could react, had her by the arm and was heaving her over his shoulder. All Rebecca could see was his back as she dangled there. Carlos carried her down to the kitchen this way, with her kicking and cursing him the whole time. When Carlos walked in everyone stopped what they were doing and stared.
"She was being difficult so I had to take drastic measures." He explained with a grin as he set her barefoot on the cold kitchen floor.
"Carlos you are so dead." Rebecca said glaring at him.
"Well I couldn't just let you defile me in your dreams." He said his grin growing wider.
"I said I was having a pleasant dream. That doesn't mean you were in it." She said putting her hands on her hips.
Carlos just raised and eyebrow as if to say no woman's dream could be pleasant without him in it.
"Enough children, breakfast is ready so sit." Isabel's voice rang with authority.
At this Carlos and Rebecca sat as far away from each as they could and began to eat.
As usual Isabel was the first to finish eating and when she finished she placed her plate in the sink and dished one up for Albert. As the rest of the group still ate she made her way back to her room. Albert sat on her bed looking quite bored when she walked in.
"I've brought you breakfast." Isabel said placing the plate on the dresser.
"You are determined to feed me, aren't you?" He asked with a smile.
"Of course, you're my responsibility." She answered earnestly.
The thought of that made Wesker's smile widen. Isabel felt responsible for him it was completely absurd. It was also completely like her.
"You find that amusing." She said becoming annoyed.
"Yes I find that amusing." He said standing up and walking towards her.
"I find it very amusing." He continued lifting his hand to stroke the side of her face, as she had once done to him.
"I'm glad I make you happy." She stated, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"You do." Wesker replied all traces of humor gone.
Before Isabel could reply he continued.
"I'm leaving..."
"But you said you were going to stay a few days." She cut in.
"I was going to say I'm leaving to take care of a few things, but I'll return later this evening."
"Oh, okay. Eat first." She said going to leave.
"Yes ma'am." He said giving her a salute which Isabel missed as she walked out the door.
Everyone was just finishing their food as Isabel walked back into the kitchen. Claire looked like she wanted to say what she needed to, but was afraid. Knowing it was hard for her Isabel walked over to where Claire sat and placed a hand on her shoulder. It seemed to give the girl the courage she needed.
"Everyone I have something I need to say." Claire started.
Everyone looked up at the sound of her voice. Having their attention, she now had no idea how to continue. Isabel never left her side and that helped Claire a great deal with her speech.
"I need to tell every one of you how truly sorry I am." She continued.
"For what?" Carlos asked a perplexed look on his face.
"For the way I've acted, for the way I've treated you." She answered.
"I had some things I needed to work out. Instead of allowing the people who care about me to help I turned away from you. I was a horrible person to the people who cared most about me." She finished.
The group sat in silence, trying to figure out what had brought about this change and what to say next.
"It's okay Claire, but you need to trust us to be there for you." Jill said standing.
"Really Claire we ARE family." Rebecca chimed in.
"Besides what else are we good for." Carlos finished for them.
Each stood and walked over to Claire giving her a hug welcoming her back. When it was Carlos' turn Chris spoke up.
"Oliviera get away from my sister."
Carlos just flipped him the bird and hugged her anyway, giving her a big kiss on the cheek.
"I still need to speak to Leon when he wakes up. So if you could not say anything, I want it to come from me." Claire said after they had finished with their breakfast.
Looking around the table Jill was the one who spoke up.
"Fine with us, just don't wait too long."
"I won't." Claire replied with a smile.
"Well now that everything is settled, some of us still need to get ready for work." Rebecca said glaring at Carlos. She hadn't forgotten she owed him one.
"Who is working today?" Isabel asked.
"Carlos and I work at the repair shop." Chris said putting his dish in the sink.
"I'm due at the hospital at noon." Rebecca said following suite.
"I'm temping at the vet's today." Jill said before getting up and going to the living room.
"I guess that just leaves you, me, HIM, and sleepy head upstairs." Claire said helping clear the rest of the table.
"Actually it' going to be you, me and Mr. sleepy head, Albert went to take care of some things." Isabel answered filling the sink with water and dish soap.
They worked in silence for a few moments before Claire spoke.
"Okay then, do you need any help with anything?"
"There are a few things that if I tried to do everyone would kill me." Isabel replied.
"I really want to clean the floor in the living room, but I can't move the couch by myself." She continued, patting her stomach.
"Yeah, no moving heavy objects for awhile." Claire replied with a grin.
Working together the two girls finished the chores Isabel hadn't been able to do on her own.
For Claire time passed swiftly, it always does when you're facing something you aren't looking forward too. Before she realized it, it was seven p.m. and almost everyone was home, the only two who still hadn't returned were Rebecca and Wesker. Claire still wasn't sure what to say to Leon, she hadn't seen him all day and it was nerve wracking to think she now had to face him. By eight o'clock the only person who still hadn't returned was Wesker and Claire new it was time. She needed to talk to Leon before everyone went to bed.
On the other hand timed seemed to crawl for Isabel, as it always does when you are looking forward to something. She had tried to keep busy and Claire had helped her get things done, but it hadn't been enough to make the time go by faster. Isabel still had things she wanted to know about Albert, things she wanted to tell him, his statement had taken her by surprise today. She wondered if he realized what he had said or if Albert even meant it the way she had taken it. He could have simply meant he found her funny. Isabel wanted him to get back so they could talk, Albert seemed to be taking forever.
Before she knew it Claire was at the door to Leon's room. She gave a swift knock and was rewarded with an
"Enter."
As she opened the door Claire took a quick glance around, she had never been in his room before. There were two full-size beds with a simple night stand between them, on the night stand was a white lamp and on the wall that held the door were two dressers made of some dark wood that matched the nightstand. In front of the window was a desk with a computer on it. The screen gave off the only light in the room and that's were Leon sat, in front of the computer. Suddenly an idea came to her.
"How could you?" She started.
Surprised Leon looked up.
"How could I what? Leon asked wide eyed.
"How could you speak with Isabel about me? It wasn't any of her business." Claire continued, proud of herself for keeping a straight face.
"I'm sorry Claire, I needed to talk to someone and you weren't there." He replied looking down.
Claire's heart broke at the sadness that seemed to surround Leon. She for the first time realized how deep his love for her was, and what she had put him through by pushing him away, she needed to fix this.
"I know and for that I'm sorry." Claire stated, tears filling her eyes.
"What?" He asked looking up.
"I am so sorry for everything I've put you through." She said walking to Leon and kneeled in front of him.
"I want to understand what happened to you." Leon said holding her eyes with his.
"I should have told you and I want to tell you now."
"Then tell me, we have all night."
Claire didn't know where exactly to start. Nothing really mattered but the end of the story. That's what had caused her so much pain, so she decided to start there.
"How much do you know?" She asked after a moment.
"I know it was pretty much like Raccoon, and that you met another survivor. I also know he died before Chris could get to you." Leon answered.
"You're right it was like Raccoon and I did find another survivor."
"His name was Steve Burnside. He helped me get off the island, and if it weren't for me he may still be alive." Claire stated, breaking eye contact and looking at the floor
"Claire you don't know that for sure." Leon broke in.
"He would have had a better chance if he didn't meet me." She replied, still not looking at him.
"You loved him." It wasn't a question.
"Before he died his last words were I love you." Claire kept going. "I didn't return his feelings, I couldn't. All I could do was think about you and how I might never see you again. As he was telling me he loved me all I was thinking of how much I love you."
"Why didn't you tell me any of this?" Leon asked taking her hands in his.
Leon could feel her sorrow as if it was his own. He knew she still blamed herself and always would.
"I felt everything was my fault, I felt like a horrible person and how could you see me any other way." She Answered.
"I could never see you that way." Leon said leaning down to kiss her.
Leon was happy Claire had finally talked to him. Now he could help her heal, he loved her so much it hurt him to see the state Claire was in when Chris brought her back. Leon wanted to tell her now that he loved her, but some how he thought Claire already knew. Tell her anyway idiot. A voice in his head said.
"Claire I love you so much, I would have taken all of your pain if I could have." He said after the kiss.
"I know you would, and that's why I want to stay in here tonight."
"Claire that may not be a good idea." Leon replied looking apprehensive.
"I trust you Leon, you'll be a gentleman." She said smiling at him.
Yeah but I'm not sure I trust myself. Leon already knew he would let her stay.
"You'll have to sleep on Carlos' bed." He said handing her an old R.P.D. t-shirt. "You can wear this and change in the bathroom."
Claire answered him with a smile and kiss, as she went to change for bed.
Carlos had heard Leon and Claire talking through the door and figured they'd be up all night. At first he had planned to just sleep on the couch, but then it hit him that Claire's bed would be empty. Not being able to pass up the chance to devil Rebecca some more Carlos headed for the girl's room. Not bothering to knock he opened the door and walked in, Rebecca was just walking out of the bathroom having changed into her night clothes.
"What the hell are you doing here?" She asked still angry about this morning.
"Claire and Leon are talking so I'm out of a place to sleep." Carlos answered shrugging.
"Well there is a couch in the living room." She stated.
"I'll be damned if I'm sleeping on the couch when there's a perfectly good bed right there." He said pointing at Claire's bed.
"Are you afraid of the temptation I'll present?" He asked lifting an eyebrow.
"Oh brother." She said rolling her eyes.
"Fine get into bed." She finished after a moment.
"Who's yours' or Claire's?" Carlos said flashing a smile.
Rebecca liked Carlos, he was a nice guy and to be honest she had a small crush on him, he was hot, but things were getting out of hand. His jokes and Innuendos were becoming too much to handle. Rebecca knew she wasn't his type and him kidding like this only served to remind her of that daily. It had to stop. Maybe I'll beat him at his own game. She thought walking over to where he stood by the dresser. Rebecca draped her arms around his neck and going up on tiptoe she used her most sultry voice.
"Mine of course."
At this Carlos became nervous, what if Rebecca was serious. She was a cute kid but aside from kidding he really didn't see her that way. Trying to disengage her arms Carlos started to speak, but Rebecca never let him. Grabbing the glass of water that sat on the dresser she unceremoniously dumped the contents on his head.
"You looked a little hot, so I thought I'd cool you off." She said turning and getting into bed.
Carlos not saying a word went into the bathroom to dry off. When he came back out he was naked from the waist up. Seeing the perplexed look on Rebecca's face he smiled.
"Hey you doused me and I'm not sleeping in a wet shirt."
"So would this be a truce?" She asked.
"Yeah, good night Becca." He said tiredly, turning off the light.
"Night." He heard her reply in the dark.
Isabel stood in the kitchen making tea. It was ten o'clock, Albert still hadn't returned and she was beginning to worry. It wasn't that Isabel was afraid he wasn't coming back, because his things were still in her room. She was worried that something had happened to him. Isabel had just sat down in one of the arm chairs, coffee mug in hand when she heard the sounds of a car coming up the drive and saw the flash of head lights through the window. It was a few moments before the front door opened and Albert walked in.
"You took forever." Isabel said rising from her seat and walking over to him.
"It was hardly forever." He countered taking off his glasses.
"It seemed that way, I was starting to worry." She said going up on tiptoe and giving him a quick kiss on the lips.
Wesker hadn't planned on being away so long today, but it had taken time to arrange things the way he wanted. He hadn't meant to worry her, Wesker hadn't even thought about it. The last person who had worried about him had been his mother.
"I'm fine, see I'm all in one piece." He said smiling at her.
"Good because we need to talk." She said taking his hand and leading him to the kitchen.
So many questions raced through her mind. Isabel really didn't know where to begin. Albert probably knew more about her than she did him.
Isabel had him stumped. Wesker had no idea what she was about to spring on him. She looked so serious and tired, he thought about having her put this off until the morning, but he knew her well enough to know she wouldn't.
"I want some information." Isabel stated.
"So this is to be and interrogation." It wasn't a question.
"Yes, I want to know about your past and your family." She answered.
"This means a lot to you doesn't it?" He asked staring into her clear green eyes.
"Yes it does, I want to know about the father of my child." She answered.
"What do you want to know?"
"Tell me about your parents, you already know about mine."
She didn't know why but she had a curiosity about his family what he had been like as a child.
"I never knew my father; he died when I was three." He started.
"What was his name?" She asked
"David."
"My mother raised me alone until my senior year of high school. Half way through the year she became ill, she died of cancer a month before I graduated."
Isabel didn't know what to say. Albert had remained totally emotionless while telling her about his parents, as if it didn't affect him at all. It was sad to her that he went through that at such a young age. Isabel had lost her mother only three years ago in a car accident, but she had her mom in her life for twenty three years. Her father even though he wasn't in her life, was alive.
"You thought a lot of your mother didn't you?" She asked.
"Of course she raised me."
"What happened after you graduated?" She probed deeper.
"I went to college on a full scholarship."
"A year into my studies I was recruited by a company called The Umbrella Corporation."
"I was one of the scientists that worked on a virus called the T- virus."
"You worked on viruses?" She asked distaste showing on her face.
"Yes, I helped develop a particularly nasty virus that could reanimate dead cells, effectively bringing someone back to life, but they weren't human anymore. The closest description I could use that you would understand would be that they became zombies." He answered.
"About half way through developing the T-virus, Umbrella decided I would be of better use to them taking care of problems." He went on with his story.
Wesker could tell Isabel was upset to learn he, like her father was responsible for creating deadly viruses. She wanted to know about him, he didn't see the point of holding anything back. Isabel needed to know who she was with.
"They then transferred me to the Raccoon S.T.A.R.S. department."
"That's were you met Chris, Jill and Rebecca right?" She cut in.
Isabel hadn't realized he had been so involved with the science aspect of the company. She had thought Albert was more of the muscle so to speak. Isabel heard Johnson refer to him as doctor but it hadn't registered.
"Yes, I met them there and betrayed them during a mission to a secret Umbrella lab. Before we went in I injected myself with another little virus a friend developed. After I died I arose as you see me now." He answered honestly
"But you said the company you worked for was HCF." Isabel stated confusion now showing on her face.
"I betrayed Umbrella for better opportunities with HCF, Umbrella thinks I'm dead." He finished.
It took Isabel a minute to comprehend everything. Now that she knew about Albert's past she was almost sorry she had asked. Isabel had become involved with someone who was almost exactly like her father. Could she really let her child be around a man like this? Then Isabel remembered something her mother told her once. She had asked how her mother could have married a man like her father and she had answered, you have to accept people for who they are faults and all, there is no changing them.
"So now that you know the truth when I leave do you want me to come back?" Wesker's voice broke her train of thought.
"It's who you are." Isabel whispered, knowing he could here clearly.
"Am I happy about it? No." She said her voice gaining strength with every word.
"But you accept it?" He asked.
"Yes I accept the fact that you have killed people for no other reason than they were in your way." She answered
"Do I like it? No."
"I accept that it's your past and who you are and that's what you do when you love someone."
"What?" Wesker asked is voice resonating with disbelief.
"I said you have to accept people for who they are." She answered.
Isabel hadn't realized what she said. He knew that much by her answer.
"No to be exact you said that you accept that my past is who I am and that's what you do when you love someone." Wesker said pushing the issue.
It was true, in that instant Isabel knew she loved him with all his faults, with his past. She didn't know why or how. Maybe it was the tenderness Albert showed her and no one else. Isabel was in love with this totally ruthless and brutal man. But he's more than that. Another voice told her. With him you'll always be protected and safe.
"Is it true?" He asked standing and walking around the table to where she sat.
"Yes, Albert Wesker I love with you." She said staring into his cat eyes.
In one sentence she had laid herself open. She had made herself vulnerable to him. It took a lot of courage and Wesker respected her even more for it, but he wasn't sure what to say now. Did she expect to hear the words back? Did he want to say them? His life right now was confusing at best, chaotic at worst. Not for the first time with Isabel was he at a loss.
"I think the rest of this can wait until morning." Isabel said rising from her seat. "I'm tired, and have a lot to think about.
Isabel knew she had taken him by surprise. She had taken herself by surprise. Isabel also knew that her one simple word had changed things. She didn't know how Albert felt, and she didn't think he knew himself. What she was sure of was that time would tell. Isabel decided then that she wasn't going to push Albert for answers she was sure he wasn't ready to give.
Turning off the kitchen light they headed towards Isabel's room. When they came to the couch Wesker paused a moment. He seemed to be trying to decide something.
"If you want to sleep on the couch I won't fight you." Isabel said from his side.
Wesker looked at Isabel as if truly seeing her for the first time. She wasn't pushing him; she didn't expect anything of him. In that moment he realized Isabel never had, she hadn't ever asked anything of him. She had however given him a great deal. Again she was giving Wesker something; Isabel was giving him a choice. It made it easier for him to take her hand in his and walk to their room.
When Isabel walked into her room with the pile of clothes she had just finished folding she heard the bathroom sink running. So he's finally up the sleepy head. The truth was she hadn't the heart to wake him. Albert had looked peaceful, more so than she had ever seen him. So she had decided to get a head start on chores.
Listening to the sound of the water running in the bathroom and putting the laundry away Isabel could almost believe they were a normal family. Because of what her father had done Isabel always promised herself that was what she would have. Now she knew it wasn't a possibility and it hurt just a little. A small knock from the door pulled her back to reality.
"Come in." She called looking up.
As the door opened she saw it was Claire and she looked nervous.
"I was wondering if you would..." Claire broke off not knowing how to say what was on her mind.
"If I would what?" Isabel asked.
"Well the thing is I was going to talk to everyone today and I was wondering if you would be there." She finished looking at the ground.
Isabel knew it had taken a lot for the young girl to ask that of her. She knew her answer immediately.
"Of course I will. I'll be right by your side the whole time." Isabel answered giving Claire a warm smile.
Claire seemed to relax and after a moment smiled back.
"When were you going to speak to them?" Isabel asked putting the rest of the laundry away.
"I was thinking at breakfast." Claire answered, playing with the button on her blue shirt.
"Okay I'll be out in a few minutes."
Giving Isabel another smile Claire left her to finish her task. She was happy Isabel had agreed to be there although she didn't have any reason too. How could anyone be that forgiving? Claire thought as she walked to the living room. Isabel was an enigma, probably to everyone in the house. Given what had happened to her, she should be resentful and withdrawn but she wasn't. Claire had never known anyone like Isabel, she gave freely of herself and she didn't hold a grudge, although she did have a temper when pushed. Claire hadn't expected Isabel to follow her upstairs. She hadn't expected her to understand either but she had. Isabel hadn't judged Claire she simply stated the facts as she saw them. People like her were definitely rare and Claire was beginning to realize she was glad she had met her.
"Hey sis, are you feeling better this morning." Chris said coming down the stairs. He was dressed in his usual blue jeans and an old S.T.A.R.S. t- shirt that had seen better days.
"Ug don't you have anything other than t-shirts and jeans in your wardrobe?" She asked instead of answering his question.
"Look who's talking Miss over-sized shirt and jeans." He shot back, glad to see her joking again.
"Really I don't see how Jill can look at you in the morning." She replied.
"I'm usually not wearing anything when Jill sees me in the morning." He said with a big grin.
"Okay that was just TMI." Claire said grimacing.
"What the hell is TMI?" He asked still smiling.
"Too much information." Isabel said coming down the hall.
"But thank you for that lovely mental image." She continued.
None of them could help but laugh at that.
"What's so funny?" Jill asked from the stairs. She was dressed in black jeans and a white t-shirt, but didn't look awake.
"You really don't want to know." Isabel said still giggling.
"Okay it's too early to try to figure you guys out." Jill said with a
frown. "I need coffee."
"That does sound good." Chris chimed in.
Ten minutes after the four of them filed into the kitchen Carlos sauntered in.
"You ladies look lovely today." He said giving each of the girls a grin.
Carlos was a natural flirt and they all took it with a grain of salt.
"And you, my friend, look like shit." He said looking at Chris.
"You mean I don't look lovely too." Chris said putting his hands to his face and mock crying.
"Okay now you're just weirding me out man." Carlos said eyeing him.
"Guys breakfast is almost ready would someone go and get Becca and Leon up." Isabel cut through their banter.
"Nah leave Leon sleep, he was up all night on the computer again." Carlos said.
"Well that leaves Becca." Jill said starting to rise from her chair.
"I'll wake her." Carlos said rubbing his hands together with a mischievous glint in his brown eyes.
"Okay." Jill said plopping back into her seat.
Carlos ran up the stairs contemplating all the ways to wake Rebecca, each thought more devious than the last. He quietly opened the door and tip toed into the darkened room, silently giggling to himself. Man this is going to be good. When Carlos was close enough to the bed to grab it, he did and began shaking it.
"Earthquake!" He shouted.
"Ack what?" Rebecca yelled as she sprung to a sitting position.
"Damn it Carlos I was having a really good dream." She said frowning at his smiling face.
"Sweetheart wouldn't you rather have the real thing?" He said crawling into bed next to her.
Lying back down and pulling the covers over her head she replied.
"In YOUR dreams."
"You have to get up breakfast is ready." Carlos stated, pulling at the blanket.
"I'll eat later, let me sleep." Came her grumpy reply.
"Okay you forced me to do this."
With that Carlos gave the blankets a hard tug and before Rebecca could react, had her by the arm and was heaving her over his shoulder. All Rebecca could see was his back as she dangled there. Carlos carried her down to the kitchen this way, with her kicking and cursing him the whole time. When Carlos walked in everyone stopped what they were doing and stared.
"She was being difficult so I had to take drastic measures." He explained with a grin as he set her barefoot on the cold kitchen floor.
"Carlos you are so dead." Rebecca said glaring at him.
"Well I couldn't just let you defile me in your dreams." He said his grin growing wider.
"I said I was having a pleasant dream. That doesn't mean you were in it." She said putting her hands on her hips.
Carlos just raised and eyebrow as if to say no woman's dream could be pleasant without him in it.
"Enough children, breakfast is ready so sit." Isabel's voice rang with authority.
At this Carlos and Rebecca sat as far away from each as they could and began to eat.
As usual Isabel was the first to finish eating and when she finished she placed her plate in the sink and dished one up for Albert. As the rest of the group still ate she made her way back to her room. Albert sat on her bed looking quite bored when she walked in.
"I've brought you breakfast." Isabel said placing the plate on the dresser.
"You are determined to feed me, aren't you?" He asked with a smile.
"Of course, you're my responsibility." She answered earnestly.
The thought of that made Wesker's smile widen. Isabel felt responsible for him it was completely absurd. It was also completely like her.
"You find that amusing." She said becoming annoyed.
"Yes I find that amusing." He said standing up and walking towards her.
"I find it very amusing." He continued lifting his hand to stroke the side of her face, as she had once done to him.
"I'm glad I make you happy." She stated, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"You do." Wesker replied all traces of humor gone.
Before Isabel could reply he continued.
"I'm leaving..."
"But you said you were going to stay a few days." She cut in.
"I was going to say I'm leaving to take care of a few things, but I'll return later this evening."
"Oh, okay. Eat first." She said going to leave.
"Yes ma'am." He said giving her a salute which Isabel missed as she walked out the door.
Everyone was just finishing their food as Isabel walked back into the kitchen. Claire looked like she wanted to say what she needed to, but was afraid. Knowing it was hard for her Isabel walked over to where Claire sat and placed a hand on her shoulder. It seemed to give the girl the courage she needed.
"Everyone I have something I need to say." Claire started.
Everyone looked up at the sound of her voice. Having their attention, she now had no idea how to continue. Isabel never left her side and that helped Claire a great deal with her speech.
"I need to tell every one of you how truly sorry I am." She continued.
"For what?" Carlos asked a perplexed look on his face.
"For the way I've acted, for the way I've treated you." She answered.
"I had some things I needed to work out. Instead of allowing the people who care about me to help I turned away from you. I was a horrible person to the people who cared most about me." She finished.
The group sat in silence, trying to figure out what had brought about this change and what to say next.
"It's okay Claire, but you need to trust us to be there for you." Jill said standing.
"Really Claire we ARE family." Rebecca chimed in.
"Besides what else are we good for." Carlos finished for them.
Each stood and walked over to Claire giving her a hug welcoming her back. When it was Carlos' turn Chris spoke up.
"Oliviera get away from my sister."
Carlos just flipped him the bird and hugged her anyway, giving her a big kiss on the cheek.
"I still need to speak to Leon when he wakes up. So if you could not say anything, I want it to come from me." Claire said after they had finished with their breakfast.
Looking around the table Jill was the one who spoke up.
"Fine with us, just don't wait too long."
"I won't." Claire replied with a smile.
"Well now that everything is settled, some of us still need to get ready for work." Rebecca said glaring at Carlos. She hadn't forgotten she owed him one.
"Who is working today?" Isabel asked.
"Carlos and I work at the repair shop." Chris said putting his dish in the sink.
"I'm due at the hospital at noon." Rebecca said following suite.
"I'm temping at the vet's today." Jill said before getting up and going to the living room.
"I guess that just leaves you, me, HIM, and sleepy head upstairs." Claire said helping clear the rest of the table.
"Actually it' going to be you, me and Mr. sleepy head, Albert went to take care of some things." Isabel answered filling the sink with water and dish soap.
They worked in silence for a few moments before Claire spoke.
"Okay then, do you need any help with anything?"
"There are a few things that if I tried to do everyone would kill me." Isabel replied.
"I really want to clean the floor in the living room, but I can't move the couch by myself." She continued, patting her stomach.
"Yeah, no moving heavy objects for awhile." Claire replied with a grin.
Working together the two girls finished the chores Isabel hadn't been able to do on her own.
For Claire time passed swiftly, it always does when you're facing something you aren't looking forward too. Before she realized it, it was seven p.m. and almost everyone was home, the only two who still hadn't returned were Rebecca and Wesker. Claire still wasn't sure what to say to Leon, she hadn't seen him all day and it was nerve wracking to think she now had to face him. By eight o'clock the only person who still hadn't returned was Wesker and Claire new it was time. She needed to talk to Leon before everyone went to bed.
On the other hand timed seemed to crawl for Isabel, as it always does when you are looking forward to something. She had tried to keep busy and Claire had helped her get things done, but it hadn't been enough to make the time go by faster. Isabel still had things she wanted to know about Albert, things she wanted to tell him, his statement had taken her by surprise today. She wondered if he realized what he had said or if Albert even meant it the way she had taken it. He could have simply meant he found her funny. Isabel wanted him to get back so they could talk, Albert seemed to be taking forever.
Before she knew it Claire was at the door to Leon's room. She gave a swift knock and was rewarded with an
"Enter."
As she opened the door Claire took a quick glance around, she had never been in his room before. There were two full-size beds with a simple night stand between them, on the night stand was a white lamp and on the wall that held the door were two dressers made of some dark wood that matched the nightstand. In front of the window was a desk with a computer on it. The screen gave off the only light in the room and that's were Leon sat, in front of the computer. Suddenly an idea came to her.
"How could you?" She started.
Surprised Leon looked up.
"How could I what? Leon asked wide eyed.
"How could you speak with Isabel about me? It wasn't any of her business." Claire continued, proud of herself for keeping a straight face.
"I'm sorry Claire, I needed to talk to someone and you weren't there." He replied looking down.
Claire's heart broke at the sadness that seemed to surround Leon. She for the first time realized how deep his love for her was, and what she had put him through by pushing him away, she needed to fix this.
"I know and for that I'm sorry." Claire stated, tears filling her eyes.
"What?" He asked looking up.
"I am so sorry for everything I've put you through." She said walking to Leon and kneeled in front of him.
"I want to understand what happened to you." Leon said holding her eyes with his.
"I should have told you and I want to tell you now."
"Then tell me, we have all night."
Claire didn't know where exactly to start. Nothing really mattered but the end of the story. That's what had caused her so much pain, so she decided to start there.
"How much do you know?" She asked after a moment.
"I know it was pretty much like Raccoon, and that you met another survivor. I also know he died before Chris could get to you." Leon answered.
"You're right it was like Raccoon and I did find another survivor."
"His name was Steve Burnside. He helped me get off the island, and if it weren't for me he may still be alive." Claire stated, breaking eye contact and looking at the floor
"Claire you don't know that for sure." Leon broke in.
"He would have had a better chance if he didn't meet me." She replied, still not looking at him.
"You loved him." It wasn't a question.
"Before he died his last words were I love you." Claire kept going. "I didn't return his feelings, I couldn't. All I could do was think about you and how I might never see you again. As he was telling me he loved me all I was thinking of how much I love you."
"Why didn't you tell me any of this?" Leon asked taking her hands in his.
Leon could feel her sorrow as if it was his own. He knew she still blamed herself and always would.
"I felt everything was my fault, I felt like a horrible person and how could you see me any other way." She Answered.
"I could never see you that way." Leon said leaning down to kiss her.
Leon was happy Claire had finally talked to him. Now he could help her heal, he loved her so much it hurt him to see the state Claire was in when Chris brought her back. Leon wanted to tell her now that he loved her, but some how he thought Claire already knew. Tell her anyway idiot. A voice in his head said.
"Claire I love you so much, I would have taken all of your pain if I could have." He said after the kiss.
"I know you would, and that's why I want to stay in here tonight."
"Claire that may not be a good idea." Leon replied looking apprehensive.
"I trust you Leon, you'll be a gentleman." She said smiling at him.
Yeah but I'm not sure I trust myself. Leon already knew he would let her stay.
"You'll have to sleep on Carlos' bed." He said handing her an old R.P.D. t-shirt. "You can wear this and change in the bathroom."
Claire answered him with a smile and kiss, as she went to change for bed.
Carlos had heard Leon and Claire talking through the door and figured they'd be up all night. At first he had planned to just sleep on the couch, but then it hit him that Claire's bed would be empty. Not being able to pass up the chance to devil Rebecca some more Carlos headed for the girl's room. Not bothering to knock he opened the door and walked in, Rebecca was just walking out of the bathroom having changed into her night clothes.
"What the hell are you doing here?" She asked still angry about this morning.
"Claire and Leon are talking so I'm out of a place to sleep." Carlos answered shrugging.
"Well there is a couch in the living room." She stated.
"I'll be damned if I'm sleeping on the couch when there's a perfectly good bed right there." He said pointing at Claire's bed.
"Are you afraid of the temptation I'll present?" He asked lifting an eyebrow.
"Oh brother." She said rolling her eyes.
"Fine get into bed." She finished after a moment.
"Who's yours' or Claire's?" Carlos said flashing a smile.
Rebecca liked Carlos, he was a nice guy and to be honest she had a small crush on him, he was hot, but things were getting out of hand. His jokes and Innuendos were becoming too much to handle. Rebecca knew she wasn't his type and him kidding like this only served to remind her of that daily. It had to stop. Maybe I'll beat him at his own game. She thought walking over to where he stood by the dresser. Rebecca draped her arms around his neck and going up on tiptoe she used her most sultry voice.
"Mine of course."
At this Carlos became nervous, what if Rebecca was serious. She was a cute kid but aside from kidding he really didn't see her that way. Trying to disengage her arms Carlos started to speak, but Rebecca never let him. Grabbing the glass of water that sat on the dresser she unceremoniously dumped the contents on his head.
"You looked a little hot, so I thought I'd cool you off." She said turning and getting into bed.
Carlos not saying a word went into the bathroom to dry off. When he came back out he was naked from the waist up. Seeing the perplexed look on Rebecca's face he smiled.
"Hey you doused me and I'm not sleeping in a wet shirt."
"So would this be a truce?" She asked.
"Yeah, good night Becca." He said tiredly, turning off the light.
"Night." He heard her reply in the dark.
Isabel stood in the kitchen making tea. It was ten o'clock, Albert still hadn't returned and she was beginning to worry. It wasn't that Isabel was afraid he wasn't coming back, because his things were still in her room. She was worried that something had happened to him. Isabel had just sat down in one of the arm chairs, coffee mug in hand when she heard the sounds of a car coming up the drive and saw the flash of head lights through the window. It was a few moments before the front door opened and Albert walked in.
"You took forever." Isabel said rising from her seat and walking over to him.
"It was hardly forever." He countered taking off his glasses.
"It seemed that way, I was starting to worry." She said going up on tiptoe and giving him a quick kiss on the lips.
Wesker hadn't planned on being away so long today, but it had taken time to arrange things the way he wanted. He hadn't meant to worry her, Wesker hadn't even thought about it. The last person who had worried about him had been his mother.
"I'm fine, see I'm all in one piece." He said smiling at her.
"Good because we need to talk." She said taking his hand and leading him to the kitchen.
So many questions raced through her mind. Isabel really didn't know where to begin. Albert probably knew more about her than she did him.
Isabel had him stumped. Wesker had no idea what she was about to spring on him. She looked so serious and tired, he thought about having her put this off until the morning, but he knew her well enough to know she wouldn't.
"I want some information." Isabel stated.
"So this is to be and interrogation." It wasn't a question.
"Yes, I want to know about your past and your family." She answered.
"This means a lot to you doesn't it?" He asked staring into her clear green eyes.
"Yes it does, I want to know about the father of my child." She answered.
"What do you want to know?"
"Tell me about your parents, you already know about mine."
She didn't know why but she had a curiosity about his family what he had been like as a child.
"I never knew my father; he died when I was three." He started.
"What was his name?" She asked
"David."
"My mother raised me alone until my senior year of high school. Half way through the year she became ill, she died of cancer a month before I graduated."
Isabel didn't know what to say. Albert had remained totally emotionless while telling her about his parents, as if it didn't affect him at all. It was sad to her that he went through that at such a young age. Isabel had lost her mother only three years ago in a car accident, but she had her mom in her life for twenty three years. Her father even though he wasn't in her life, was alive.
"You thought a lot of your mother didn't you?" She asked.
"Of course she raised me."
"What happened after you graduated?" She probed deeper.
"I went to college on a full scholarship."
"A year into my studies I was recruited by a company called The Umbrella Corporation."
"I was one of the scientists that worked on a virus called the T- virus."
"You worked on viruses?" She asked distaste showing on her face.
"Yes, I helped develop a particularly nasty virus that could reanimate dead cells, effectively bringing someone back to life, but they weren't human anymore. The closest description I could use that you would understand would be that they became zombies." He answered.
"About half way through developing the T-virus, Umbrella decided I would be of better use to them taking care of problems." He went on with his story.
Wesker could tell Isabel was upset to learn he, like her father was responsible for creating deadly viruses. She wanted to know about him, he didn't see the point of holding anything back. Isabel needed to know who she was with.
"They then transferred me to the Raccoon S.T.A.R.S. department."
"That's were you met Chris, Jill and Rebecca right?" She cut in.
Isabel hadn't realized he had been so involved with the science aspect of the company. She had thought Albert was more of the muscle so to speak. Isabel heard Johnson refer to him as doctor but it hadn't registered.
"Yes, I met them there and betrayed them during a mission to a secret Umbrella lab. Before we went in I injected myself with another little virus a friend developed. After I died I arose as you see me now." He answered honestly
"But you said the company you worked for was HCF." Isabel stated confusion now showing on her face.
"I betrayed Umbrella for better opportunities with HCF, Umbrella thinks I'm dead." He finished.
It took Isabel a minute to comprehend everything. Now that she knew about Albert's past she was almost sorry she had asked. Isabel had become involved with someone who was almost exactly like her father. Could she really let her child be around a man like this? Then Isabel remembered something her mother told her once. She had asked how her mother could have married a man like her father and she had answered, you have to accept people for who they are faults and all, there is no changing them.
"So now that you know the truth when I leave do you want me to come back?" Wesker's voice broke her train of thought.
"It's who you are." Isabel whispered, knowing he could here clearly.
"Am I happy about it? No." She said her voice gaining strength with every word.
"But you accept it?" He asked.
"Yes I accept the fact that you have killed people for no other reason than they were in your way." She answered
"Do I like it? No."
"I accept that it's your past and who you are and that's what you do when you love someone."
"What?" Wesker asked is voice resonating with disbelief.
"I said you have to accept people for who they are." She answered.
Isabel hadn't realized what she said. He knew that much by her answer.
"No to be exact you said that you accept that my past is who I am and that's what you do when you love someone." Wesker said pushing the issue.
It was true, in that instant Isabel knew she loved him with all his faults, with his past. She didn't know why or how. Maybe it was the tenderness Albert showed her and no one else. Isabel was in love with this totally ruthless and brutal man. But he's more than that. Another voice told her. With him you'll always be protected and safe.
"Is it true?" He asked standing and walking around the table to where she sat.
"Yes, Albert Wesker I love with you." She said staring into his cat eyes.
In one sentence she had laid herself open. She had made herself vulnerable to him. It took a lot of courage and Wesker respected her even more for it, but he wasn't sure what to say now. Did she expect to hear the words back? Did he want to say them? His life right now was confusing at best, chaotic at worst. Not for the first time with Isabel was he at a loss.
"I think the rest of this can wait until morning." Isabel said rising from her seat. "I'm tired, and have a lot to think about.
Isabel knew she had taken him by surprise. She had taken herself by surprise. Isabel also knew that her one simple word had changed things. She didn't know how Albert felt, and she didn't think he knew himself. What she was sure of was that time would tell. Isabel decided then that she wasn't going to push Albert for answers she was sure he wasn't ready to give.
Turning off the kitchen light they headed towards Isabel's room. When they came to the couch Wesker paused a moment. He seemed to be trying to decide something.
"If you want to sleep on the couch I won't fight you." Isabel said from his side.
Wesker looked at Isabel as if truly seeing her for the first time. She wasn't pushing him; she didn't expect anything of him. In that moment he realized Isabel never had, she hadn't ever asked anything of him. She had however given him a great deal. Again she was giving Wesker something; Isabel was giving him a choice. It made it easier for him to take her hand in his and walk to their room.