Hi! First would like to say sorry for not getting this out a couple of days
ago for some reason I couldn't log on. Second I would like to thank
Shakahnna, Zarbok, and Veronica Wesker for their continued support. I hope
that I do not disappoint in the future. I would also like to thank Zarbok
for the one up on Wesker's strength, I'll keep that in mind for my next
story if I ever get it written. To Dark Chylde 57 Thank you for your kind
words I hope you like the rest of the story and keep reading. I'm also glad
Shakahnna liked my portrayal of Rebecca, I tried to stay close to the
impressions I got from the games, hope I was close.
Carlos awoke to the sound of a distressed moan coming from where Rebecca lay. He thought he was hearing things and was about to turn over and go back to sleep when she moaned again. This time Rebecca started to mumble something that he couldn't quite make out, it sounded like the word no. Carlos debated on just letting her sleep through it. Besides you don't even know what she's dreaming. Then it happened, she began to thrash about, fighting an imaginary enemy.
Carlos knew he couldn't let Rebecca sleep through her nightmare, so he got out of bed and made his way over to her. As he reached his hand out to shake her awake, Rebecca's fist made contact with his shoulder. Being taken by surprise Carlos stumbled back a few feet before regaining his footing. He never realized she could pack such a punch. Rubbing his shoulder Carlos walked back to try and wake Rebecca again.
"Becca, wake up your having a nightmare." He said shaking her shoulder.
Rebecca's eyes opened and she stared at Carlos blankly for a moment before she answered.
"No shit."
Even though the words were harsh, her voice wasn't and he could tell she was clearly shaken. Carlos' heart went out to Rebecca. She was the youngest in the group and had taken everything that had happened to them hard. In some ways it had been harder for her than Claire, Claire was tough. Rebecca had summed herself up pretty well when she had told Chris she was supposed to be soft she was a medic.
Rebecca didn't want to go back to sleep. She knew the dream would just come back as it did every night, so she decided to get up. As Rebecca began to rise Carlos stepped in front of her.
"Where are you going?" Carlos asked arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Down stairs to watch T.V." She replied.
"You need to sleep." He said sounding like a big brother.
"I can't." Rebecca told him fear apparent on every inch of her face.
Carlos softened his stance at the expression she wore. If he'd had to guess, he'd guess Rebecca had been having these nightmares for awhile. She just hadn't told anyone.
"Yes you can, scoot over." He said gently
"What?" Rebecca asked eyeing him suspiciously.
"I said scoot over."
"Why?"
"Because I'm tired and would like to go back to sleep." Carlos answered exasperated.
Rebecca stared at him a moment then finally inched over until there was a space big enough for him to lie down. Carlos lifted the blankets, sliding into bed next to her and lying on his side he pulled Rebecca close to him.
"Night." He said closing his eyes.
Rebecca didn't think she would be able to sleep with him so close, so she waited a few minutes until it seemed Carlos was once again asleep. When she thought it was safe Rebecca made her move, trying to inch her way to the edge of the bed.
"No, Sleep." Carlos said pulling her closer to him. He wasn't going to let her up, so Rebecca had no choice, she closed her eyes and after a few minutes she too was slumbering.
When Rebecca awoke again the sun was streaming through the window. She was still in Carlos' arms but some how during the night she had turned to face him. Sleeping Carlos looked like a young boy. He always seemed younger than anyone else in the house, and that was because he was always joking, Carlos never seemed to take anything seriously. He looked even younger now. Rebecca couldn't help herself as she looked at his naked chest. That's when she saw a slight bruise on his shoulder, wondering were it had come from Rebecca reached out and ran her fingers over it.
"You did that." Carlos said never opening his eyes.
"So you are awake." Rebecca said surprised.
"People poking at my bruises usually does that." He said finally opening his eyes.
"I did that?" she asked pointing to the mark on his shoulder.
"Yes you did, your kind of strong for being so small." He answered.
Rebecca blushed at that, no one had ever called her strong before. She knew she wasn't as tuff as Claire or Jill and it bothered her. Rebecca was more of a brain than anything, it had taken everything in her to complete the S.T.A.R.S. training, but she had.
"So would you like to tell me what you were dreaming?" He asked finally letting her go and stretching.
"I think you owe me seeing how you beat me up and I had to sleep on the edge of the bed all night." He finished.
"It isn't important, it was just a dream."
"Don't give me that you were afraid to go back to sleep." Carlos said sitting up and leaning against the head board.
"Okay." She said giving in. "The dream was about Billy, ever since Leon discovered that his body was found near that road in the Arkly Mountains I've been dreaming of him."
"We're at the training facility. Billy has his back to me. I put my hand on his shoulder and when he turns around I see he's a carrier. He then comes after me." Rebecca finished looking into Carlos' brown eyes.
"Been there, done that." He stated.
"What?" Rebecca asked.
"I've had those dreams, we all have. Right now you just feel guilty that you didn't go with him. You think if you had gone he may still be alive." He replied
Rebecca was surprised he'd understood that. He was being so serious, he hadn't just shrugged them of as childish nightmares. He had listened and tried to help.
"You know you're smarter than you act." She said smiling at him.
"Of course, if I act too smart everyone will expect it of me." He said unfazed.
"Well now I do." Rebecca replied.
"Oh great." Carlos rolled his eyes.
"Yep." She said punching his arm lightly.
"Ow, Hey no more bruises." He said mock rubbing his arm.
As Rebecca got out of bed Carlos just sat there watching her. She disappeared into the bathroom and after a few minutes she reappeared with his T-shirt.
"It's dry." She said throwing it at him with a smile.
"Now get out so I can change." She finished.
Carlos just smiled about to ask if she wanted any help. Then for the first time since he had met Rebecca he didn't feel like giving her a hard time. Carlos didn't want to joke with her, he wanted to be serious. He didn't know why he felt this way all of the sudden. Carlos wanted her to see him as something more than a jokester, so he decided to just put his shirt on and go when the commotion started in the hallway. Looking at each other He and Rebecca went to see what was going on.
Chris had just stepped out of his and Jill's room when he spied Claire and Leon coming from Leon's room. They were holding hands, smiling at one another and Claire was wearing the same blue shirt and jeans from the day before. To Chris this could only mean one thing.
"Kennedy you're a dead man." Chris yelled anger welling up inside him.
Claire knew the look on Chris' face, she had only seen it once before but that was enough. When she was sixteen a date had become a little too fresh with her and when Chris found out he had beat the kid into a bloody mess. Claire had never seen him that angry before and seeing Chris this way now made her afraid for Leon.
"Chris nothing happened." She said stepping between them.
"My ass nothing happened. You come out of his room wearing clothes from yesterday and nothing happened." He retorted.
By this time the whole house seemed to be out in the hallway. Everyone worried about what Chris was going to do. Chris didn't notice any of them all his attention was locked on to Leon and Claire.
"I slept in Carlos' bed." Claire stated her voice matching the tone and level of his.
"I'm not stupid Claire. Don't treat me like I am."
Chris trusted Leon. He would have trusted him with his life. Chris felt betrayed by a man he considered a friend. Knowing Leon had taken advantage of his little sister made his blood boil.
"Fine, yes we had wild sex all night." Claire finally said exasperated.
Claire watched as Leon's jaw dropped in disbelief at what she just said. On the other hand Chris turned an even deeper shade of red than his already crimson color, if that was possible.
"SON OF A BITCH." Chris yelled lunging for Leon and pulling his fist back ready to take a swing at him.
Claire being in between both of them reacted faster than anyone. She did the only thing she could think of to distract Chris. Balling up her hand Claire threw her punch which connected squarely with his jaw effectively stunning him. It gave Carlos and Jill enough time to get him down the stairs and into the kitchen. Once there they sat him down in one of the chairs and wouldn't allow him to get up.
"My sister just decked me." He said in disbelief.
"You deserved it." Jill reprimanded.
"What?" He said looking at her.
"You heard me. You went off like some wild man before you got all the facts." She replied.
"Damn it he took advantage of my baby sister and I'm trying to protect her."
"No he didn't." Carlos said.
"Yeah right." Chris said still not believing.
"I heard Leon he had her sleep on my bed."
Carlos said crossing his arms over his chest.
"What?" Chris asked.
"I heard them through the door. He told her she would have to sleep in my bed."
"Like I'm really going to believe that." Chris said mimicking Carlos stance.
"Hey believe me or not it's the truth." Carlos shot back.
"Listen to me Chris, you know Leon he wouldn't do something like that." Jill said looking into his eyes.
"You know I'm right." She continued.
Lowering his eyes Chris let out a sigh, in the end he knew they were both right, Leon would never do anything like that especially after all Claire had been through. Chris knew his temper usually got the better of him when it came to protecting Claire, but he was her big brother she was his responsibility. Now that he had time to cool down Chris could see just how wrong he had been.
"Yeah I know you guys are right, I guess I owe them an apology." He said defeated.
It took a few minutes for Leon to get over his shock at what had just happened. He expected Chris to be unhappy about them staying in the same room last night, but Claire had just made matters worse by her little stunt.
"What the hell did you do that for?" He asked Claire in disbelief.
"I had to get it through to him that I'm not a child anymore." She replied.
"Yeah well he didn't come after you." He said still shaken.
"I'm sorry, but he can be so frustrating sometimes. I didn't think he would actually believe me." She finished.
"Well he did. Claire, I love you but please don't ever do that to me again." He said after a moment.
"I won't, I promise." She said with a smile.
By the time Claire and Leon walked into the kitchen Chris' anger had finally subsided. He could tell they were both nervous being around him, wondering what he would do. Leon was the first one to speak.
"Chris nothing happened last night. I love Claire and we want to take it slow."
Chris could tell his young friend was being honest with him and he was starting to feel bad about going off on him. Slowly a grin started to spread on his face, Chris knew his sister was in good hands with Leon. He couldn't believe that he thought Leon would ever take advantage of her. Now he was going have to apologize to them.
"I know. I should have known better." Chris said.
"What?" Claire said disbelievingly.
"I'm trying to say I'm sorry." Chris stated.
Claire had never heard her brother apologize to anyone before. He usually felt he was in the right no matter what. It was refreshing to see this if not a little weird.
"Chris that's not what I want. What I do want is for you to understand that I'm adult." Claire replied
"I know you are Claire, but you're still my little sister." Chris answered.
"I know Chris, but if Leon and I decide to take the next step that's between us." Claire said looking straight into his eyes.
"Yeah, but I don't have to be happy about it, nor do I want to know about it." Chris said.
"Believe me you won't." Leon interjected.
Chris couldn't help but laugh at the apprehensive look on Leon's face.
"Oh, and by the way Claire nice right hook." He said rubbing his jaw and smiling at her.
Chris knew that there might be a slight bruise, but she hadn't done any real damage.
"Hey I learned from the best." She replied with a smile.
Everyone in the room seemed to relax at that. It had been a very tense morning for the household.
"Has anyone seen Isabel?" Rebecca asked looking around the kitchen.
In all the commotion no one had notice Isabel's absence. Now they all wondered why she hadn't shown up when the yelling had started. Isabel was usually the first one to try to smooth things out.
"I'll go check her room." Claire said heading for the hallway.
As soon as Claire knocked on the door it was answered by a clearly upset Isabel.
"Are you alright?" Claire asked concern showing on her face.
"Yes I'm fine." Isabel answered with a smile.
"Are you sure? You don't look it." Claire replied, not quite believing her.
"I was just worried about what was going on and Albert wouldn't let me go see what was happening." Isabel said with a grimace.
Claire smiled at this she was beginning to realize Isabel didn't like being told what to do.
"I never thought I would say this, but he did the right thing." Claire said with a shrug.
"You or the baby could have been hurt."
"I know, but I was still worried. What happened? Isabel asked stepping into the hallway and shutting the door behind her.
"I spent the night in Leon's room and Chris found out. Nothing happened but you know how Chris is." Claire answered.
"So is Leon alive?"
"Yes, we got things settled."
"Good, I'll be out in a few minutes."
"That's cool we were just worried about you."
Isabel just smiled. She wasn't use to having so many people concerned for her well fair. Isabel always had people who cared about her, just not so many in one house.
"I'll make breakfast in a few minutes." Isabel said going back to her room to change.
"Don't worry about it Carlos is making eggs last I heard." Claire said sticking her tongue out in distaste.
"I don't know why guys don't like his omelets they're pretty good." Isabel replied seeing the look on her face.
"Well that proves it you're as crazy as the rest of the people in this house." Claire said smiling again.
"Sometimes I wonder." Isabel said smiling back and going to her room.
Walking back into the kitchen Claire was happy to see things back to normal. Carlos stood at the stove cooking. Rebecca, Jill, Chris, and Leon sat at the table discussing some movie that had just come out. Noticing Claire standing there watching them Leon smiled at her.
"So is she okay?" He asked.
"Yeah, Wesker wouldn't let her come out to see what was going on. He didn't want Isabel or the baby getting hurt." Claire replied.
Rebecca and Chris were the only two who seemed unfazed. Rebecca had a smirk on her face as if something she had suspected was confirmed. Chris simply went on to read the newspaper in front of him. Jill, Carlos and Leon just stared at her as if she had sprouted an extra set of arms. Claire knew they were wondering why he would care either way. Isabel should have told them. Claire wasn't sure what she was going to say now that she had effectively let the cat out of the bag.
"Well I guess that's one mystery solved." Jill said taking a sip of coffee.
"You, Chris and Rebecca don't look too surprised. How long have you known?" She continued.
"A couple of days." Chris and Claire said in unison.
"I've suspected since she arrived. Why else would he have helped her?" Rebecca said picking at the eggs Carlos had just placed in front of her.
Jill was astounded, she never thought the people in this house were any good at keeping secrets, but apparently she had been wrong. What Jill couldn't understand was why Isabel hadn't told her. They had talked about the baby several times and Isabel had told her she thought it was a girl because of a dream she'd had while at the facility. Isabel said she knew it was stupid but it gave her a feeling. Jill had told her she was probably right sometimes you could just tell. Every time they got to close to the subject of whom the father was Isabel changed it. Jill had assumed that it had been too painful because she didn't know if he was alive or not so she hadn't pried. Now Jill wondered how Chris and Claire knew Isabel hadn't told anyone else. Why would she tell them?
"How did you and Claire find out?" Jill asked Chris.
"I don't know how Claire knows, but she let it slip the day HE came back." He answered looking up from the paper.
"I sort of walked in on them kissing the other day." Claire confessed blushing. "We kind of had it out over that. She said some things that made a lot of sense."
"So that's what the sudden change is all about." Chris said smiling. "Leave it to Isabel."
So it wasn't that Isabel felt she could trust them more. Jill thought. Whoa you sound a little jealous there. A voice told her. Maybe I was I thought we were friends but she didn't tell me. Then again she didn't tell anyone really. It made Jill feel a little better that it wasn't that Isabel didn't trust her, she simply hadn't told anyone.
"Do you think she would have told us ever?" She asked any of them.
"I guess we'll never know now. Does it really matter?" Leon asked
"No." Jill answered knowing it was the truth.
After Isabel had spoken with Claire she went back into her room to change, she hadn't meant to sleep in. Isabel was usually up before everyone. She wouldn't consider herself a morning person, but Isabel definitely liked the quiet of the house when everyone was asleep. She had been about to get up when Chris had started yelling. Knowing she was going to rush out and see what was wrong, Albert had swiftly pinned her to the mattress with one arm.
"What ever it is they can resolve it themselves." He told her not moving.
Isabel had tried to push his arm away determined to find out what was wrong, but hadn't been able to move it. Though he wasn't hurting her Albert's grip was like steel. Once Isabel had promised to stay there until everything had blown over he had relaxed his grip. Even though she was now able to move his arm she hadn't and after a few moments Albert moved his arm from a crossed her chest to the swell of her stomach. The baby as if sensing its father's presence had begun to stir. A slight grin had appeared on Albert's face then. Isabel hadn't realized exactly how strong Albert was and she began to wonder if the baby would be also so she had asked.
"Albert will she have your strength?" She said looking into his eyes.
"It's a possibility." Wesker answered.
"It might." He continued over emphasizing the it.
"Are you uncomfortable with the thought you may have a daughter? Isabel asked placing her hand on Albert's and intertwining their fingers.
"I'm uncomfortable with the thought of being a father." He answered looking down at their hands.
"If you aren't sure you can do this then when you leave you shouldn't come back." Isabel stated.
Wesker looked into her eyes. Isabel's voice hadn't been angry when she spoke, she had simply stated a fact. He saw that her eyes glistened with the tears she was holding back. Inching closer to her Wesker tried to figure out how to explain.
"It isn't a matter of not being able to do it. I'm going to be a father." He finally stated. "I'm going to have this little person relying on me to do what is best for him or her. I've only ever had to do what is best for me. Now I have not one but two people relying on me. It isn't just about me anymore. My actions affect you and the baby and I'm not exactly father material."
It had taken a lot for Albert to admit these things Isabel knew. He seemed to keep so much inside, the only emotions she had ever really seen him display were his anger and annoyance. Isabel knew now he was capable of more even if Albert didn't.
"What would you have me tell you?" She had asked.
"Tell me YOU want me to leave and not come back." He replied.
"I'm not letting you off that easy. Leave or stay do so because you want to and for no other reason." Isabel said in a quiet voice tears threatening to fall again.
"I will tell you one thing. You being here right now makes you a better father in my eyes than my own."
With that Isabel had gotten up to answer the knock on the door and Wesker had gone to take a shower.
Wesker came out of the bathroom just in time to see Isabel close the bedroom door.
"What was that all about?" He asked.
"They were worried about me because I didn't show up for breakfast." She answered.
Wesker just nodded at Isabel. Looking into his eyes she wanted to tell him she needed him and she wanted him to be there, but Isabel had promised herself she wouldn't push him in anyway. Then something occurred to her.
"I hope the baby has your eyes they're so unique and beautiful." Isabel said never taking her eyes off his.
Wesker gave a slight laugh of disbelief before speaking.
"It would be better if he or she had yours. Abilities like mine are easy to hide or control. Eye color is a bit harder. It would be easier for him or her to fit in with your eye color." He answered back.
"Besides yours are truly beautiful. Mine are just a bothersome side effect." He added after a moment.
Isabel blushed at the compliment. She knew that to him it was the truth or he wouldn't have said it.
"That doesn't change my mind." She stated.
"You can be a very exasperating woman sometimes." Wesker replied shaking his head.
"Well I try."
"You succeed." He said pulling her into an embrace and kissing her.
Isabel's hands made their way to the top button of Albert's shirt on their own accord. Successfully dealing with that one they began working their way down. By the time she got to the third button Albert was trailing little kisses form her ear to her collarbone. Once there he paused trying to get a grip on himself. After a few heart beats he spoke.
"We can't, they're waiting for you in the kitchen."
"So?" She asked.
"So, you need to get dressed and go out there." He answered straightening up and re-buttoning his shirt.
"Are you sure?"
"No, but go on I'll be out in a little while."
Confused Isabel grabbed some clothes, quickly dressed and went to join everyone in the kitchen.
Everyone was so busy eating and talking that no one noticed Isabel listening to the conversation from the door.
"I can't believe she didn't tell us." Jill said pouring another cup of coffee.
"I can't believe Chris was able to keep it a secret." Rebecca replied. "I mean you hate him more than any of us. I'm surprised you didn't blow your top when you found out."
"I was too surprised to do anything. Now I laugh every time I think about the world having to deal with another little Wesker running around." Chris said smiling.
"I'm sorry you feel that way Chris." Isabel said tears running down her cheeks.
Chris looked at her before she could wipe the tears away, an o shit expression on his face.
"Isabel I didn't..." He started to say.
"You didn't mean for me to hear it." She cut in tears still streaming down her face.
"No I didn't mean it like that. It was a joke, a bad one." He continued. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said it."
Chris stood up and walked over to where Isabel stood and wiped her tears away giving her a hug.
"It's okay. I guess I'm just sensitive about how everyone will treat the baby." She replied.
"It isn't okay I shouldn't have said it. It was mean and hurtful."
"We aren't going to treat you or the baby any differently because of him." Jill spoke up. "We promise."
At that everyone began shaking their heads in agreement. Isabel wasn't sure why but she began crying again.
"I-I have to check on something." She said walking towards the front door, trying to hold back the tears until she reached the front steps where she sat down and started bawling. That's where Rebecca found her still crying.
"What's really wrong?" Rebecca asked.
"Me." Isabel replied. "One moment I'm fine, the next all I want to do is cry and it happens over stupid things too. I've never cried so much in my life." She said starting to cry again.
"It's okay." Rebecca said placing an arm around her.
"No it's not I don't feel like myself."
"Yes it is. It's normal, you're pregnant and your hormones are all messed up. You're allowed to be this way it doesn't mean your weak. No one's going to hold it against you."
"Are you sure?" Isabel asked.
"I'm certain of it. In a few months this will all be over and you'll be your old self again." Rebecca answered. "In the meantime, I need to tell everyone your okay. Chris is in there right now kicking himself."
"He shouldn't be I know he really didn't mean anything by it. I shouldn't have been so harsh with him." Isabel said tears forming again.
"Let me go reassure them, then I'll be back and you can cry on my shoulder as long as you need." Rebecca told her smiling.
As Rebecca dashed inside to tell everyone everything was alright she met Wesker walking to the kitchen.
"She isn't in there. She's outside on the front porch." She told him.
"Why?" He asked concerned.
"I'm afraid the pregnancy has finally gotten the better of her. She's a little weepy right now." Rebecca answered.
"I was just going to tell everyone she's okay then go back out."
"You don't have to I'll talk to her." He said I a brisk tone.
"Sir she doesn't need you to talk to her, she needs someone to just be there, or hold her when she cries." Rebecca replied.
"Chambers I'm not your captain anymore don't call me sir." Wesker said walking towards the front door.
"That was fast." Isabel said when she heard the door open.
When no reply came she turned around. Surprise showing on her face when she saw who stood there.
Wesker just stood there watching Isabel. He could tell she had really been crying not just a few tears, but a flood. He was trying to decide what to say to her. Then Wesker realized Chambers was right. Isabel didn't need some one to talk to her. She needed someone to be there for her, to just hold her when Isabel needed it and he knew then that when he left he would come back again and again to be with her and their child. Sitting down next to Isabel he placed both arms around her.
Laying her head on his chest Isabel could hear his heart beat, strong and steady. She didn't know what to say. Albert hadn't said a word since stepping out on to the porch and she was afraid he had decided not to come back when he left. It will be okay I can handle it. She told herself as she started to tear up again.
Feeling her body begin to shake Wesker could tell she had begun crying again.
"I heard we were a little weepy right now." He said in a gentle tone.
"Rebecca told you?" Isabel asked looking up.
"Yes she did. She didn't seem to think it was too big of a deal."
"It is to me. I can't seem to control it."
"It's alright you don't have to. Just let it all out. We'll stay here as long as you need."
"Really?" She asked
"Really." He replied.
They stayed that way for quite awhile.
Carlos awoke to the sound of a distressed moan coming from where Rebecca lay. He thought he was hearing things and was about to turn over and go back to sleep when she moaned again. This time Rebecca started to mumble something that he couldn't quite make out, it sounded like the word no. Carlos debated on just letting her sleep through it. Besides you don't even know what she's dreaming. Then it happened, she began to thrash about, fighting an imaginary enemy.
Carlos knew he couldn't let Rebecca sleep through her nightmare, so he got out of bed and made his way over to her. As he reached his hand out to shake her awake, Rebecca's fist made contact with his shoulder. Being taken by surprise Carlos stumbled back a few feet before regaining his footing. He never realized she could pack such a punch. Rubbing his shoulder Carlos walked back to try and wake Rebecca again.
"Becca, wake up your having a nightmare." He said shaking her shoulder.
Rebecca's eyes opened and she stared at Carlos blankly for a moment before she answered.
"No shit."
Even though the words were harsh, her voice wasn't and he could tell she was clearly shaken. Carlos' heart went out to Rebecca. She was the youngest in the group and had taken everything that had happened to them hard. In some ways it had been harder for her than Claire, Claire was tough. Rebecca had summed herself up pretty well when she had told Chris she was supposed to be soft she was a medic.
Rebecca didn't want to go back to sleep. She knew the dream would just come back as it did every night, so she decided to get up. As Rebecca began to rise Carlos stepped in front of her.
"Where are you going?" Carlos asked arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Down stairs to watch T.V." She replied.
"You need to sleep." He said sounding like a big brother.
"I can't." Rebecca told him fear apparent on every inch of her face.
Carlos softened his stance at the expression she wore. If he'd had to guess, he'd guess Rebecca had been having these nightmares for awhile. She just hadn't told anyone.
"Yes you can, scoot over." He said gently
"What?" Rebecca asked eyeing him suspiciously.
"I said scoot over."
"Why?"
"Because I'm tired and would like to go back to sleep." Carlos answered exasperated.
Rebecca stared at him a moment then finally inched over until there was a space big enough for him to lie down. Carlos lifted the blankets, sliding into bed next to her and lying on his side he pulled Rebecca close to him.
"Night." He said closing his eyes.
Rebecca didn't think she would be able to sleep with him so close, so she waited a few minutes until it seemed Carlos was once again asleep. When she thought it was safe Rebecca made her move, trying to inch her way to the edge of the bed.
"No, Sleep." Carlos said pulling her closer to him. He wasn't going to let her up, so Rebecca had no choice, she closed her eyes and after a few minutes she too was slumbering.
When Rebecca awoke again the sun was streaming through the window. She was still in Carlos' arms but some how during the night she had turned to face him. Sleeping Carlos looked like a young boy. He always seemed younger than anyone else in the house, and that was because he was always joking, Carlos never seemed to take anything seriously. He looked even younger now. Rebecca couldn't help herself as she looked at his naked chest. That's when she saw a slight bruise on his shoulder, wondering were it had come from Rebecca reached out and ran her fingers over it.
"You did that." Carlos said never opening his eyes.
"So you are awake." Rebecca said surprised.
"People poking at my bruises usually does that." He said finally opening his eyes.
"I did that?" she asked pointing to the mark on his shoulder.
"Yes you did, your kind of strong for being so small." He answered.
Rebecca blushed at that, no one had ever called her strong before. She knew she wasn't as tuff as Claire or Jill and it bothered her. Rebecca was more of a brain than anything, it had taken everything in her to complete the S.T.A.R.S. training, but she had.
"So would you like to tell me what you were dreaming?" He asked finally letting her go and stretching.
"I think you owe me seeing how you beat me up and I had to sleep on the edge of the bed all night." He finished.
"It isn't important, it was just a dream."
"Don't give me that you were afraid to go back to sleep." Carlos said sitting up and leaning against the head board.
"Okay." She said giving in. "The dream was about Billy, ever since Leon discovered that his body was found near that road in the Arkly Mountains I've been dreaming of him."
"We're at the training facility. Billy has his back to me. I put my hand on his shoulder and when he turns around I see he's a carrier. He then comes after me." Rebecca finished looking into Carlos' brown eyes.
"Been there, done that." He stated.
"What?" Rebecca asked.
"I've had those dreams, we all have. Right now you just feel guilty that you didn't go with him. You think if you had gone he may still be alive." He replied
Rebecca was surprised he'd understood that. He was being so serious, he hadn't just shrugged them of as childish nightmares. He had listened and tried to help.
"You know you're smarter than you act." She said smiling at him.
"Of course, if I act too smart everyone will expect it of me." He said unfazed.
"Well now I do." Rebecca replied.
"Oh great." Carlos rolled his eyes.
"Yep." She said punching his arm lightly.
"Ow, Hey no more bruises." He said mock rubbing his arm.
As Rebecca got out of bed Carlos just sat there watching her. She disappeared into the bathroom and after a few minutes she reappeared with his T-shirt.
"It's dry." She said throwing it at him with a smile.
"Now get out so I can change." She finished.
Carlos just smiled about to ask if she wanted any help. Then for the first time since he had met Rebecca he didn't feel like giving her a hard time. Carlos didn't want to joke with her, he wanted to be serious. He didn't know why he felt this way all of the sudden. Carlos wanted her to see him as something more than a jokester, so he decided to just put his shirt on and go when the commotion started in the hallway. Looking at each other He and Rebecca went to see what was going on.
Chris had just stepped out of his and Jill's room when he spied Claire and Leon coming from Leon's room. They were holding hands, smiling at one another and Claire was wearing the same blue shirt and jeans from the day before. To Chris this could only mean one thing.
"Kennedy you're a dead man." Chris yelled anger welling up inside him.
Claire knew the look on Chris' face, she had only seen it once before but that was enough. When she was sixteen a date had become a little too fresh with her and when Chris found out he had beat the kid into a bloody mess. Claire had never seen him that angry before and seeing Chris this way now made her afraid for Leon.
"Chris nothing happened." She said stepping between them.
"My ass nothing happened. You come out of his room wearing clothes from yesterday and nothing happened." He retorted.
By this time the whole house seemed to be out in the hallway. Everyone worried about what Chris was going to do. Chris didn't notice any of them all his attention was locked on to Leon and Claire.
"I slept in Carlos' bed." Claire stated her voice matching the tone and level of his.
"I'm not stupid Claire. Don't treat me like I am."
Chris trusted Leon. He would have trusted him with his life. Chris felt betrayed by a man he considered a friend. Knowing Leon had taken advantage of his little sister made his blood boil.
"Fine, yes we had wild sex all night." Claire finally said exasperated.
Claire watched as Leon's jaw dropped in disbelief at what she just said. On the other hand Chris turned an even deeper shade of red than his already crimson color, if that was possible.
"SON OF A BITCH." Chris yelled lunging for Leon and pulling his fist back ready to take a swing at him.
Claire being in between both of them reacted faster than anyone. She did the only thing she could think of to distract Chris. Balling up her hand Claire threw her punch which connected squarely with his jaw effectively stunning him. It gave Carlos and Jill enough time to get him down the stairs and into the kitchen. Once there they sat him down in one of the chairs and wouldn't allow him to get up.
"My sister just decked me." He said in disbelief.
"You deserved it." Jill reprimanded.
"What?" He said looking at her.
"You heard me. You went off like some wild man before you got all the facts." She replied.
"Damn it he took advantage of my baby sister and I'm trying to protect her."
"No he didn't." Carlos said.
"Yeah right." Chris said still not believing.
"I heard Leon he had her sleep on my bed."
Carlos said crossing his arms over his chest.
"What?" Chris asked.
"I heard them through the door. He told her she would have to sleep in my bed."
"Like I'm really going to believe that." Chris said mimicking Carlos stance.
"Hey believe me or not it's the truth." Carlos shot back.
"Listen to me Chris, you know Leon he wouldn't do something like that." Jill said looking into his eyes.
"You know I'm right." She continued.
Lowering his eyes Chris let out a sigh, in the end he knew they were both right, Leon would never do anything like that especially after all Claire had been through. Chris knew his temper usually got the better of him when it came to protecting Claire, but he was her big brother she was his responsibility. Now that he had time to cool down Chris could see just how wrong he had been.
"Yeah I know you guys are right, I guess I owe them an apology." He said defeated.
It took a few minutes for Leon to get over his shock at what had just happened. He expected Chris to be unhappy about them staying in the same room last night, but Claire had just made matters worse by her little stunt.
"What the hell did you do that for?" He asked Claire in disbelief.
"I had to get it through to him that I'm not a child anymore." She replied.
"Yeah well he didn't come after you." He said still shaken.
"I'm sorry, but he can be so frustrating sometimes. I didn't think he would actually believe me." She finished.
"Well he did. Claire, I love you but please don't ever do that to me again." He said after a moment.
"I won't, I promise." She said with a smile.
By the time Claire and Leon walked into the kitchen Chris' anger had finally subsided. He could tell they were both nervous being around him, wondering what he would do. Leon was the first one to speak.
"Chris nothing happened last night. I love Claire and we want to take it slow."
Chris could tell his young friend was being honest with him and he was starting to feel bad about going off on him. Slowly a grin started to spread on his face, Chris knew his sister was in good hands with Leon. He couldn't believe that he thought Leon would ever take advantage of her. Now he was going have to apologize to them.
"I know. I should have known better." Chris said.
"What?" Claire said disbelievingly.
"I'm trying to say I'm sorry." Chris stated.
Claire had never heard her brother apologize to anyone before. He usually felt he was in the right no matter what. It was refreshing to see this if not a little weird.
"Chris that's not what I want. What I do want is for you to understand that I'm adult." Claire replied
"I know you are Claire, but you're still my little sister." Chris answered.
"I know Chris, but if Leon and I decide to take the next step that's between us." Claire said looking straight into his eyes.
"Yeah, but I don't have to be happy about it, nor do I want to know about it." Chris said.
"Believe me you won't." Leon interjected.
Chris couldn't help but laugh at the apprehensive look on Leon's face.
"Oh, and by the way Claire nice right hook." He said rubbing his jaw and smiling at her.
Chris knew that there might be a slight bruise, but she hadn't done any real damage.
"Hey I learned from the best." She replied with a smile.
Everyone in the room seemed to relax at that. It had been a very tense morning for the household.
"Has anyone seen Isabel?" Rebecca asked looking around the kitchen.
In all the commotion no one had notice Isabel's absence. Now they all wondered why she hadn't shown up when the yelling had started. Isabel was usually the first one to try to smooth things out.
"I'll go check her room." Claire said heading for the hallway.
As soon as Claire knocked on the door it was answered by a clearly upset Isabel.
"Are you alright?" Claire asked concern showing on her face.
"Yes I'm fine." Isabel answered with a smile.
"Are you sure? You don't look it." Claire replied, not quite believing her.
"I was just worried about what was going on and Albert wouldn't let me go see what was happening." Isabel said with a grimace.
Claire smiled at this she was beginning to realize Isabel didn't like being told what to do.
"I never thought I would say this, but he did the right thing." Claire said with a shrug.
"You or the baby could have been hurt."
"I know, but I was still worried. What happened? Isabel asked stepping into the hallway and shutting the door behind her.
"I spent the night in Leon's room and Chris found out. Nothing happened but you know how Chris is." Claire answered.
"So is Leon alive?"
"Yes, we got things settled."
"Good, I'll be out in a few minutes."
"That's cool we were just worried about you."
Isabel just smiled. She wasn't use to having so many people concerned for her well fair. Isabel always had people who cared about her, just not so many in one house.
"I'll make breakfast in a few minutes." Isabel said going back to her room to change.
"Don't worry about it Carlos is making eggs last I heard." Claire said sticking her tongue out in distaste.
"I don't know why guys don't like his omelets they're pretty good." Isabel replied seeing the look on her face.
"Well that proves it you're as crazy as the rest of the people in this house." Claire said smiling again.
"Sometimes I wonder." Isabel said smiling back and going to her room.
Walking back into the kitchen Claire was happy to see things back to normal. Carlos stood at the stove cooking. Rebecca, Jill, Chris, and Leon sat at the table discussing some movie that had just come out. Noticing Claire standing there watching them Leon smiled at her.
"So is she okay?" He asked.
"Yeah, Wesker wouldn't let her come out to see what was going on. He didn't want Isabel or the baby getting hurt." Claire replied.
Rebecca and Chris were the only two who seemed unfazed. Rebecca had a smirk on her face as if something she had suspected was confirmed. Chris simply went on to read the newspaper in front of him. Jill, Carlos and Leon just stared at her as if she had sprouted an extra set of arms. Claire knew they were wondering why he would care either way. Isabel should have told them. Claire wasn't sure what she was going to say now that she had effectively let the cat out of the bag.
"Well I guess that's one mystery solved." Jill said taking a sip of coffee.
"You, Chris and Rebecca don't look too surprised. How long have you known?" She continued.
"A couple of days." Chris and Claire said in unison.
"I've suspected since she arrived. Why else would he have helped her?" Rebecca said picking at the eggs Carlos had just placed in front of her.
Jill was astounded, she never thought the people in this house were any good at keeping secrets, but apparently she had been wrong. What Jill couldn't understand was why Isabel hadn't told her. They had talked about the baby several times and Isabel had told her she thought it was a girl because of a dream she'd had while at the facility. Isabel said she knew it was stupid but it gave her a feeling. Jill had told her she was probably right sometimes you could just tell. Every time they got to close to the subject of whom the father was Isabel changed it. Jill had assumed that it had been too painful because she didn't know if he was alive or not so she hadn't pried. Now Jill wondered how Chris and Claire knew Isabel hadn't told anyone else. Why would she tell them?
"How did you and Claire find out?" Jill asked Chris.
"I don't know how Claire knows, but she let it slip the day HE came back." He answered looking up from the paper.
"I sort of walked in on them kissing the other day." Claire confessed blushing. "We kind of had it out over that. She said some things that made a lot of sense."
"So that's what the sudden change is all about." Chris said smiling. "Leave it to Isabel."
So it wasn't that Isabel felt she could trust them more. Jill thought. Whoa you sound a little jealous there. A voice told her. Maybe I was I thought we were friends but she didn't tell me. Then again she didn't tell anyone really. It made Jill feel a little better that it wasn't that Isabel didn't trust her, she simply hadn't told anyone.
"Do you think she would have told us ever?" She asked any of them.
"I guess we'll never know now. Does it really matter?" Leon asked
"No." Jill answered knowing it was the truth.
After Isabel had spoken with Claire she went back into her room to change, she hadn't meant to sleep in. Isabel was usually up before everyone. She wouldn't consider herself a morning person, but Isabel definitely liked the quiet of the house when everyone was asleep. She had been about to get up when Chris had started yelling. Knowing she was going to rush out and see what was wrong, Albert had swiftly pinned her to the mattress with one arm.
"What ever it is they can resolve it themselves." He told her not moving.
Isabel had tried to push his arm away determined to find out what was wrong, but hadn't been able to move it. Though he wasn't hurting her Albert's grip was like steel. Once Isabel had promised to stay there until everything had blown over he had relaxed his grip. Even though she was now able to move his arm she hadn't and after a few moments Albert moved his arm from a crossed her chest to the swell of her stomach. The baby as if sensing its father's presence had begun to stir. A slight grin had appeared on Albert's face then. Isabel hadn't realized exactly how strong Albert was and she began to wonder if the baby would be also so she had asked.
"Albert will she have your strength?" She said looking into his eyes.
"It's a possibility." Wesker answered.
"It might." He continued over emphasizing the it.
"Are you uncomfortable with the thought you may have a daughter? Isabel asked placing her hand on Albert's and intertwining their fingers.
"I'm uncomfortable with the thought of being a father." He answered looking down at their hands.
"If you aren't sure you can do this then when you leave you shouldn't come back." Isabel stated.
Wesker looked into her eyes. Isabel's voice hadn't been angry when she spoke, she had simply stated a fact. He saw that her eyes glistened with the tears she was holding back. Inching closer to her Wesker tried to figure out how to explain.
"It isn't a matter of not being able to do it. I'm going to be a father." He finally stated. "I'm going to have this little person relying on me to do what is best for him or her. I've only ever had to do what is best for me. Now I have not one but two people relying on me. It isn't just about me anymore. My actions affect you and the baby and I'm not exactly father material."
It had taken a lot for Albert to admit these things Isabel knew. He seemed to keep so much inside, the only emotions she had ever really seen him display were his anger and annoyance. Isabel knew now he was capable of more even if Albert didn't.
"What would you have me tell you?" She had asked.
"Tell me YOU want me to leave and not come back." He replied.
"I'm not letting you off that easy. Leave or stay do so because you want to and for no other reason." Isabel said in a quiet voice tears threatening to fall again.
"I will tell you one thing. You being here right now makes you a better father in my eyes than my own."
With that Isabel had gotten up to answer the knock on the door and Wesker had gone to take a shower.
Wesker came out of the bathroom just in time to see Isabel close the bedroom door.
"What was that all about?" He asked.
"They were worried about me because I didn't show up for breakfast." She answered.
Wesker just nodded at Isabel. Looking into his eyes she wanted to tell him she needed him and she wanted him to be there, but Isabel had promised herself she wouldn't push him in anyway. Then something occurred to her.
"I hope the baby has your eyes they're so unique and beautiful." Isabel said never taking her eyes off his.
Wesker gave a slight laugh of disbelief before speaking.
"It would be better if he or she had yours. Abilities like mine are easy to hide or control. Eye color is a bit harder. It would be easier for him or her to fit in with your eye color." He answered back.
"Besides yours are truly beautiful. Mine are just a bothersome side effect." He added after a moment.
Isabel blushed at the compliment. She knew that to him it was the truth or he wouldn't have said it.
"That doesn't change my mind." She stated.
"You can be a very exasperating woman sometimes." Wesker replied shaking his head.
"Well I try."
"You succeed." He said pulling her into an embrace and kissing her.
Isabel's hands made their way to the top button of Albert's shirt on their own accord. Successfully dealing with that one they began working their way down. By the time she got to the third button Albert was trailing little kisses form her ear to her collarbone. Once there he paused trying to get a grip on himself. After a few heart beats he spoke.
"We can't, they're waiting for you in the kitchen."
"So?" She asked.
"So, you need to get dressed and go out there." He answered straightening up and re-buttoning his shirt.
"Are you sure?"
"No, but go on I'll be out in a little while."
Confused Isabel grabbed some clothes, quickly dressed and went to join everyone in the kitchen.
Everyone was so busy eating and talking that no one noticed Isabel listening to the conversation from the door.
"I can't believe she didn't tell us." Jill said pouring another cup of coffee.
"I can't believe Chris was able to keep it a secret." Rebecca replied. "I mean you hate him more than any of us. I'm surprised you didn't blow your top when you found out."
"I was too surprised to do anything. Now I laugh every time I think about the world having to deal with another little Wesker running around." Chris said smiling.
"I'm sorry you feel that way Chris." Isabel said tears running down her cheeks.
Chris looked at her before she could wipe the tears away, an o shit expression on his face.
"Isabel I didn't..." He started to say.
"You didn't mean for me to hear it." She cut in tears still streaming down her face.
"No I didn't mean it like that. It was a joke, a bad one." He continued. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said it."
Chris stood up and walked over to where Isabel stood and wiped her tears away giving her a hug.
"It's okay. I guess I'm just sensitive about how everyone will treat the baby." She replied.
"It isn't okay I shouldn't have said it. It was mean and hurtful."
"We aren't going to treat you or the baby any differently because of him." Jill spoke up. "We promise."
At that everyone began shaking their heads in agreement. Isabel wasn't sure why but she began crying again.
"I-I have to check on something." She said walking towards the front door, trying to hold back the tears until she reached the front steps where she sat down and started bawling. That's where Rebecca found her still crying.
"What's really wrong?" Rebecca asked.
"Me." Isabel replied. "One moment I'm fine, the next all I want to do is cry and it happens over stupid things too. I've never cried so much in my life." She said starting to cry again.
"It's okay." Rebecca said placing an arm around her.
"No it's not I don't feel like myself."
"Yes it is. It's normal, you're pregnant and your hormones are all messed up. You're allowed to be this way it doesn't mean your weak. No one's going to hold it against you."
"Are you sure?" Isabel asked.
"I'm certain of it. In a few months this will all be over and you'll be your old self again." Rebecca answered. "In the meantime, I need to tell everyone your okay. Chris is in there right now kicking himself."
"He shouldn't be I know he really didn't mean anything by it. I shouldn't have been so harsh with him." Isabel said tears forming again.
"Let me go reassure them, then I'll be back and you can cry on my shoulder as long as you need." Rebecca told her smiling.
As Rebecca dashed inside to tell everyone everything was alright she met Wesker walking to the kitchen.
"She isn't in there. She's outside on the front porch." She told him.
"Why?" He asked concerned.
"I'm afraid the pregnancy has finally gotten the better of her. She's a little weepy right now." Rebecca answered.
"I was just going to tell everyone she's okay then go back out."
"You don't have to I'll talk to her." He said I a brisk tone.
"Sir she doesn't need you to talk to her, she needs someone to just be there, or hold her when she cries." Rebecca replied.
"Chambers I'm not your captain anymore don't call me sir." Wesker said walking towards the front door.
"That was fast." Isabel said when she heard the door open.
When no reply came she turned around. Surprise showing on her face when she saw who stood there.
Wesker just stood there watching Isabel. He could tell she had really been crying not just a few tears, but a flood. He was trying to decide what to say to her. Then Wesker realized Chambers was right. Isabel didn't need some one to talk to her. She needed someone to be there for her, to just hold her when Isabel needed it and he knew then that when he left he would come back again and again to be with her and their child. Sitting down next to Isabel he placed both arms around her.
Laying her head on his chest Isabel could hear his heart beat, strong and steady. She didn't know what to say. Albert hadn't said a word since stepping out on to the porch and she was afraid he had decided not to come back when he left. It will be okay I can handle it. She told herself as she started to tear up again.
Feeling her body begin to shake Wesker could tell she had begun crying again.
"I heard we were a little weepy right now." He said in a gentle tone.
"Rebecca told you?" Isabel asked looking up.
"Yes she did. She didn't seem to think it was too big of a deal."
"It is to me. I can't seem to control it."
"It's alright you don't have to. Just let it all out. We'll stay here as long as you need."
"Really?" She asked
"Really." He replied.
They stayed that way for quite awhile.