For a split second Isabel contemplated cleaning the mess on the table up,
before deciding to leave it for Carlos and Rebecca. Checking on Leon and
Claire who had somehow managed to sleep through the minor skirmish that had
made its way through the house Isabel decided to find Albert. Hearing
gunshots and with everyone accounted for she guessed he was outside. With a
final glance at the couple on the couch Isabel went out to find him.
Even as a novice with guns watching Albert Isabel could tell he was good. He seemed so at ease with his firearm. It had taken her a week to be comfortable enough to hold hers. Chris had been very patient with Isabel, encouraging her when she had taken her first shot at the target and completely missed it. He had also shown Isabel how to properly clean and care for her gun. Now she at least hit the target every time.
Wesker hearing footsteps as someone approached looked over to meet their gaze. Realizing it was Isabel he gave a slight smile.
"Did you sleep well?" He asked taking of his sunglasses.
"Yes, very." She answered smiling back.
Isabel wasn't sure what else to say, they seemed to have taken care of all the really important matters in the last few days. All accept the one that lay most heavily on her heart.
Isabel knew he would always be there for the baby, he'd told her that much. What she really wanted to know, what she really wanted was for Albert to love her. When Isabel told him how she felt last night, she'd told herself it didn't matter if Albert didn't return the feeling. Now she realized it was a lie. Isabel wanted him to love her back.
Sensing her hesitation Wesker decided to take control of the conversation.
"You said you've been practicing. Let's see what you can do."
"I left my gun at the house." Isabel replied.
"You can use mine." Wesker stated handing her his gun.
Isabel seemed nervous about practicing in front of him and Wesker didn't understand why, she seemed totally at ease with Redfield. Was she worried he'd be disappointed in her. Isabel had no reason to be, he understood this wasn't who she was and all of this had been forced upon her. Wesker just wanted to make sure for himself that she could handle any situation.
Isabel held the weapon tentatively. Although it looked almost exactly like her 9mm it felt different somehow. Shrugging it off as it just being an unfamiliar gun, Isabel took her position in front of the target and prepared to fire. Lifting the gun up in front of her Isabel noticed her hands trembled slightly. She only hoped Albert hadn't caught it. Taking aim Isabel squeezed off a few shots and was relieved when they hit the target almost dead center. As she was about to fire a few more shots Isabel heard "Well done," In her ear causing Isabel to miss the next one.
"What happened you were doing fairly well?" Wesker asked still standing very close to her.
"You distracted me." She said turning to look at him.
"In combat situations there are distractions, you can't let them effect you. Do you think the enemy is going to let you take five minutes to aim and fire?"
"No but some how I don't think they would distract me like you, or make me as nervous." Isabel said looking at her hands which were still trembling slightly.
"Why do I make you nervous?" He asked placing a hand over hers on the gun, effectively steadying them.
"You're a warrior, it's what your good at and thrive on and you expect perfection."
"Not from you. I know that isn't who you are and that's why I love you."
Isabel was speechless. She hadn't expected Albert to say it and the words had fallen from his lips as naturally as if he were talking about the weather. Albert stood there not moving just looking at Isabel, waiting for her reaction, she could tell. She just didn't know why, she had already told him how she felt, nothing had changed. It was Isabel's turn to be strong and so she closed the space between them, put her arms around Albert's neck and pulled him close in an embrace.
A few months ago having some one tremble in his presence would have given Wesker great satisfaction. It meant he'd done his job well. To see Isabel nervous like that because of him was greatly upsetting. It was then that Wesker was sure how he felt. For the first time in his life Albert Wesker was in love.
For Isabel it was a perfect moment, being in the arms of the man she loved, knowing he loved her back. She wanted to stay this way forever, but Isabel knew she couldn't there were things to be done.
"Is this where you ask me to let you go?" Isabel asked releasing him and smiling.
"No this is where I ask you to let me stay." He answered seriously.
"I didn't mean it that way I was only kidding."
"I know, but I want to make sure you know where I stand."
"Shall we continue practicing then?" Isabel asked turning back to the target.
"If I won't distract you too much." Wesker said with a grin.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." She replied grinning back at him.
Taking aim Isabel hit the target every time and soon she was as comfortable with Albert standing beside her as she was with Chris. They practiced together for an hour before Isabel checking, his watch decided it was time to start the evening meal. Walking back to the house hand in hand with Albert Isabel was the first to speak
"I want you to have dinner with me, with us."
"I don't think that's a good idea. I'm not well liked by them and for good reason." Wesker replied stopping and tugging on her hand so that she too stopped and faced him.
"I don't care your going to have to learn to get along with them and them with you. You guys are going to be around each other if you'll be coming and going."
"I will not have my child growing up torn between its father and its friends. Unless you plan on taking me with you when you leave."
"Absolutely not."
He wasn't angry or upset Isabel could tell he was simply stating a fact.
"Why not?"
"Because you're safer here and as much as I want you with me, I want you safe more."
"Then you have to at least act civil around the others." She said still holding her ground.
"Fine I'll have dinner in the kitchen with everyone." Wesker said with an exasperated sigh.
"Good." Isabel said as they started walking again.
"Do you argue this much with everyone?"
"No, only you. I don't think you've had enough people argue with you, but then again they were probably too afraid of you."
Isabel heard him chuckle at her last statement. She had a sneaking suspicion dinner was going to be very interesting. Isabel only hoped it didn't turn into a disaster.
By the time Carlos got into the house the monopoly game had been picked up and Rebecca was no where to be found. Walking into the living room he noticed that Claire and Leon had woken up and were watching the news.
"Have you guys seen Becca?" he asked.
"Yeah, she seemed pretty upset. She went upstairs." Leon replied.
"Maybe I should go check on her."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Just give her some time." Claire said noticing the guilty look on his face.
Carlos wanted to talk to Rebecca, but not sure what to say he did as Claire suggested and took a seat in on of the arm chairs.
The local news was just ending when Chris and Jill returned arms loaded with groceries.
"You know you guys could help." Chris said when no one got up.
"Nah, you guys look like you got it." Carlos said laughing.
Chris gave him a look that could kill.
"Well get off you lazy ass and help anyway." Jill said almost losing her grip on one of the paper bags.
"As you wish my lady." Carlos said standing and giving her a regal bow.
"Cut the bull and get the rest of the bags out of the car. All three of you." Chris said motioning his head towards the door.
Claire and Leon reluctantly got off the couch and headed towards the door with Carlos.
"See you got us all in trouble with your mouth." Claire said smacking the side of his arm as the walked towards the open trunk of the car.
"That's probably why Rebecca's mad at you. You don't know when to shut up." Leon put in.
Carlos didn't say another word while unloading the bags. He knew he'd catch hell from everyone if they knew what had happened and Carlos didn't feel like being lectured. He was beginning to realize he wanted more than just friendship from Rebecca. She was different from the women he usually favored. Sorry to say he was a walking cliché Carlos liked his women tall, blonde and built. Rebecca wasn't any of those things, but something in him wanted to be with her.
Everyone was working to put away the groceries as Isabel and Wesker walked in the side door. Seeing everyone together Isabel felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her. She knew she would willingly die for these people and she believed they would do the same for her. After three years Isabel had found another family.
"Okay what does everyone want for dinner?" Isabel asked going over to help put things away.
As soon as Isabel asked the question she was sorry. She got four different answers. Jill said chicken, Chris wanted hamburgers, Claire said pizza, and Leon asked for pork chops. After a debating back and forth for awhile chicken won out.
The dinner preparations were uneventful. Everyone but Isabel and Wesker hightailed it to the living room to watch T.V. while Isabel prepared the meal. They'd found out fast that while Isabel was cooking she didn't like too many people in the kitchen. Wesker sat in silence at the kitchen table watching her work.
"Guys dinner is ready." Isabel said as she tried to reach for the serving platter that happened to be out of her reach.
"Here let me get that." Wesker said from right beside her.
Reaching up he easily grabbed the object that was just out of Isabel's reach. Handing her the platter Wesker was surprised when he was rewarded with a peck on the cheek for his efforts.
"What was that for?" He asked amused.
"Oh, for being my hero." Isabel replied with a smile.
Turning back to the table Isabel blushed realizing everyone had seen their display.
"Okay where's Rebecca?" Isabel asked noticing the young girl's absence.
"She's up stairs. She's a little upset right now." Claire answered casting a glance at Carlos.
Handing the plate back to Albert Isabel went to go check on her. Before she could take two steps Wesker had Isabel by the arm.
"I'll go get her. Sit and eat." He said once again handing Isabel the plate and starting towards the door.
Knocking on Rebecca's door Wesker couldn't believe he'd volunteered for this, but he was beginning to realize he'd do anything to make Isabel's life easier. When there was no answer to his knock Wesker spoke through the door.
"Dinner is ready come down and eat."
"I'm not hungry, I'll eat later." Rebecca's muffled voice replied.
"Stop acting like a child and come out and eat." Wesker said finally losing his patience.
"It's none of your business, just go and eat." She replied.
"It is my business when it worries Isabel."
Wesker hadn't realized that their voices had carried to the kitchen and everyone was now standing in the living room watching.
"Why don't you just leave her alone?" Carlos said bounding up the stairs.
Isabel worried something was going to happen followed close behind him. She had seen the look on his face and knew that what ever was wrong with Rebecca he blamed himself. So it stood to reason that he wouldn't let anyone else bully her right now.
"Oliviera this is none of your business." Wesker said turning to look at him.
"The hell it isn't, you can't come in here and bully people." Carlos said standing inches from Wesker's face.
"If you know what's best for you, you'll step back."
"Yeah, what are you going to do if I don't?"
Isabel could tell Albert's patience was at its end. Stepping between them she realized too late Albert had already taken a swing at Carlos.
Wesker barely registered that Isabel had stepped between them. He tried to pull the punch but it was too late. By the time it made contact with Isabel's jaw it had none of its original force but was still enough to knock her unconscious. All Wesker could do was watch in stunned disbelief as she fell back into Carlos who, stunned himself barely caught her.
Wesker had never prayed in his life but all he could think was God let them be okay as he laid her gently on the couch. Running his hand over the angry red mark on Isabel's jaw, Wesker checked to make sure he hadn't broken anything. He hadn't intended to seriously hurt Oliviera, but he wasn't going to be spoken to like that. Wesker never expected Isabel to step in front of him and when he saw what she'd done he'd tried to stop, but it had been too late.
Isabel was unconscious for only a brief time, but to those around her it felt like an eternity. When her eyes finally opened Isabel found herself staring into Albert's concerned face. Looking around the room she saw that everyone mirrored his expression.
"Albert I'm so sorry." Isabel said sitting up.
"You should be it was a stupid thing to do." Wesker answered back.
Now that Wesker knew Isabel was okay anger had started to set in, quickly replacing his worry for her.
"I know it was. I didn't want anyone to get hurt." She said looking at her lap.
"Well you did. You ever do that again and I'll personally take you back to HCF."
Isabel's head shot up at his threat. Getting off the couch and standing toe to toe with him hands on her hips she glared at him.
"You bastard, you wouldn't dare." She said
"Oh, wouldn't I." He replied looking down at her.
"You try that and I'll make you regret it the short amount of time you live."
She knew it was an empty threat, but she wasn't going to be told not to do what she felt was right.
"Besides if you hadn't been and ass and gone off half cocked it wouldn't have happened."
"Stubborn, pig headed woman." Wesker said turning to leave.
"Where the hell are you going? We aren't done with this conversation." She yelled after him as he walked out the front door without another word.
Isabel turned to look at the witnesses to their argument. Still angry she saw the concerned looks mixed with embarrassment at having seen them like that. Isabel could tell they didn't know what to say, most of them had never seen her angry and that made her even more so.
"Instead of standing there like idiots, you could clean up the kitchen." She said before going back to her room, leaving the rest of the group standing there mouths agape.
Even as a novice with guns watching Albert Isabel could tell he was good. He seemed so at ease with his firearm. It had taken her a week to be comfortable enough to hold hers. Chris had been very patient with Isabel, encouraging her when she had taken her first shot at the target and completely missed it. He had also shown Isabel how to properly clean and care for her gun. Now she at least hit the target every time.
Wesker hearing footsteps as someone approached looked over to meet their gaze. Realizing it was Isabel he gave a slight smile.
"Did you sleep well?" He asked taking of his sunglasses.
"Yes, very." She answered smiling back.
Isabel wasn't sure what else to say, they seemed to have taken care of all the really important matters in the last few days. All accept the one that lay most heavily on her heart.
Isabel knew he would always be there for the baby, he'd told her that much. What she really wanted to know, what she really wanted was for Albert to love her. When Isabel told him how she felt last night, she'd told herself it didn't matter if Albert didn't return the feeling. Now she realized it was a lie. Isabel wanted him to love her back.
Sensing her hesitation Wesker decided to take control of the conversation.
"You said you've been practicing. Let's see what you can do."
"I left my gun at the house." Isabel replied.
"You can use mine." Wesker stated handing her his gun.
Isabel seemed nervous about practicing in front of him and Wesker didn't understand why, she seemed totally at ease with Redfield. Was she worried he'd be disappointed in her. Isabel had no reason to be, he understood this wasn't who she was and all of this had been forced upon her. Wesker just wanted to make sure for himself that she could handle any situation.
Isabel held the weapon tentatively. Although it looked almost exactly like her 9mm it felt different somehow. Shrugging it off as it just being an unfamiliar gun, Isabel took her position in front of the target and prepared to fire. Lifting the gun up in front of her Isabel noticed her hands trembled slightly. She only hoped Albert hadn't caught it. Taking aim Isabel squeezed off a few shots and was relieved when they hit the target almost dead center. As she was about to fire a few more shots Isabel heard "Well done," In her ear causing Isabel to miss the next one.
"What happened you were doing fairly well?" Wesker asked still standing very close to her.
"You distracted me." She said turning to look at him.
"In combat situations there are distractions, you can't let them effect you. Do you think the enemy is going to let you take five minutes to aim and fire?"
"No but some how I don't think they would distract me like you, or make me as nervous." Isabel said looking at her hands which were still trembling slightly.
"Why do I make you nervous?" He asked placing a hand over hers on the gun, effectively steadying them.
"You're a warrior, it's what your good at and thrive on and you expect perfection."
"Not from you. I know that isn't who you are and that's why I love you."
Isabel was speechless. She hadn't expected Albert to say it and the words had fallen from his lips as naturally as if he were talking about the weather. Albert stood there not moving just looking at Isabel, waiting for her reaction, she could tell. She just didn't know why, she had already told him how she felt, nothing had changed. It was Isabel's turn to be strong and so she closed the space between them, put her arms around Albert's neck and pulled him close in an embrace.
A few months ago having some one tremble in his presence would have given Wesker great satisfaction. It meant he'd done his job well. To see Isabel nervous like that because of him was greatly upsetting. It was then that Wesker was sure how he felt. For the first time in his life Albert Wesker was in love.
For Isabel it was a perfect moment, being in the arms of the man she loved, knowing he loved her back. She wanted to stay this way forever, but Isabel knew she couldn't there were things to be done.
"Is this where you ask me to let you go?" Isabel asked releasing him and smiling.
"No this is where I ask you to let me stay." He answered seriously.
"I didn't mean it that way I was only kidding."
"I know, but I want to make sure you know where I stand."
"Shall we continue practicing then?" Isabel asked turning back to the target.
"If I won't distract you too much." Wesker said with a grin.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." She replied grinning back at him.
Taking aim Isabel hit the target every time and soon she was as comfortable with Albert standing beside her as she was with Chris. They practiced together for an hour before Isabel checking, his watch decided it was time to start the evening meal. Walking back to the house hand in hand with Albert Isabel was the first to speak
"I want you to have dinner with me, with us."
"I don't think that's a good idea. I'm not well liked by them and for good reason." Wesker replied stopping and tugging on her hand so that she too stopped and faced him.
"I don't care your going to have to learn to get along with them and them with you. You guys are going to be around each other if you'll be coming and going."
"I will not have my child growing up torn between its father and its friends. Unless you plan on taking me with you when you leave."
"Absolutely not."
He wasn't angry or upset Isabel could tell he was simply stating a fact.
"Why not?"
"Because you're safer here and as much as I want you with me, I want you safe more."
"Then you have to at least act civil around the others." She said still holding her ground.
"Fine I'll have dinner in the kitchen with everyone." Wesker said with an exasperated sigh.
"Good." Isabel said as they started walking again.
"Do you argue this much with everyone?"
"No, only you. I don't think you've had enough people argue with you, but then again they were probably too afraid of you."
Isabel heard him chuckle at her last statement. She had a sneaking suspicion dinner was going to be very interesting. Isabel only hoped it didn't turn into a disaster.
By the time Carlos got into the house the monopoly game had been picked up and Rebecca was no where to be found. Walking into the living room he noticed that Claire and Leon had woken up and were watching the news.
"Have you guys seen Becca?" he asked.
"Yeah, she seemed pretty upset. She went upstairs." Leon replied.
"Maybe I should go check on her."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Just give her some time." Claire said noticing the guilty look on his face.
Carlos wanted to talk to Rebecca, but not sure what to say he did as Claire suggested and took a seat in on of the arm chairs.
The local news was just ending when Chris and Jill returned arms loaded with groceries.
"You know you guys could help." Chris said when no one got up.
"Nah, you guys look like you got it." Carlos said laughing.
Chris gave him a look that could kill.
"Well get off you lazy ass and help anyway." Jill said almost losing her grip on one of the paper bags.
"As you wish my lady." Carlos said standing and giving her a regal bow.
"Cut the bull and get the rest of the bags out of the car. All three of you." Chris said motioning his head towards the door.
Claire and Leon reluctantly got off the couch and headed towards the door with Carlos.
"See you got us all in trouble with your mouth." Claire said smacking the side of his arm as the walked towards the open trunk of the car.
"That's probably why Rebecca's mad at you. You don't know when to shut up." Leon put in.
Carlos didn't say another word while unloading the bags. He knew he'd catch hell from everyone if they knew what had happened and Carlos didn't feel like being lectured. He was beginning to realize he wanted more than just friendship from Rebecca. She was different from the women he usually favored. Sorry to say he was a walking cliché Carlos liked his women tall, blonde and built. Rebecca wasn't any of those things, but something in him wanted to be with her.
Everyone was working to put away the groceries as Isabel and Wesker walked in the side door. Seeing everyone together Isabel felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her. She knew she would willingly die for these people and she believed they would do the same for her. After three years Isabel had found another family.
"Okay what does everyone want for dinner?" Isabel asked going over to help put things away.
As soon as Isabel asked the question she was sorry. She got four different answers. Jill said chicken, Chris wanted hamburgers, Claire said pizza, and Leon asked for pork chops. After a debating back and forth for awhile chicken won out.
The dinner preparations were uneventful. Everyone but Isabel and Wesker hightailed it to the living room to watch T.V. while Isabel prepared the meal. They'd found out fast that while Isabel was cooking she didn't like too many people in the kitchen. Wesker sat in silence at the kitchen table watching her work.
"Guys dinner is ready." Isabel said as she tried to reach for the serving platter that happened to be out of her reach.
"Here let me get that." Wesker said from right beside her.
Reaching up he easily grabbed the object that was just out of Isabel's reach. Handing her the platter Wesker was surprised when he was rewarded with a peck on the cheek for his efforts.
"What was that for?" He asked amused.
"Oh, for being my hero." Isabel replied with a smile.
Turning back to the table Isabel blushed realizing everyone had seen their display.
"Okay where's Rebecca?" Isabel asked noticing the young girl's absence.
"She's up stairs. She's a little upset right now." Claire answered casting a glance at Carlos.
Handing the plate back to Albert Isabel went to go check on her. Before she could take two steps Wesker had Isabel by the arm.
"I'll go get her. Sit and eat." He said once again handing Isabel the plate and starting towards the door.
Knocking on Rebecca's door Wesker couldn't believe he'd volunteered for this, but he was beginning to realize he'd do anything to make Isabel's life easier. When there was no answer to his knock Wesker spoke through the door.
"Dinner is ready come down and eat."
"I'm not hungry, I'll eat later." Rebecca's muffled voice replied.
"Stop acting like a child and come out and eat." Wesker said finally losing his patience.
"It's none of your business, just go and eat." She replied.
"It is my business when it worries Isabel."
Wesker hadn't realized that their voices had carried to the kitchen and everyone was now standing in the living room watching.
"Why don't you just leave her alone?" Carlos said bounding up the stairs.
Isabel worried something was going to happen followed close behind him. She had seen the look on his face and knew that what ever was wrong with Rebecca he blamed himself. So it stood to reason that he wouldn't let anyone else bully her right now.
"Oliviera this is none of your business." Wesker said turning to look at him.
"The hell it isn't, you can't come in here and bully people." Carlos said standing inches from Wesker's face.
"If you know what's best for you, you'll step back."
"Yeah, what are you going to do if I don't?"
Isabel could tell Albert's patience was at its end. Stepping between them she realized too late Albert had already taken a swing at Carlos.
Wesker barely registered that Isabel had stepped between them. He tried to pull the punch but it was too late. By the time it made contact with Isabel's jaw it had none of its original force but was still enough to knock her unconscious. All Wesker could do was watch in stunned disbelief as she fell back into Carlos who, stunned himself barely caught her.
Wesker had never prayed in his life but all he could think was God let them be okay as he laid her gently on the couch. Running his hand over the angry red mark on Isabel's jaw, Wesker checked to make sure he hadn't broken anything. He hadn't intended to seriously hurt Oliviera, but he wasn't going to be spoken to like that. Wesker never expected Isabel to step in front of him and when he saw what she'd done he'd tried to stop, but it had been too late.
Isabel was unconscious for only a brief time, but to those around her it felt like an eternity. When her eyes finally opened Isabel found herself staring into Albert's concerned face. Looking around the room she saw that everyone mirrored his expression.
"Albert I'm so sorry." Isabel said sitting up.
"You should be it was a stupid thing to do." Wesker answered back.
Now that Wesker knew Isabel was okay anger had started to set in, quickly replacing his worry for her.
"I know it was. I didn't want anyone to get hurt." She said looking at her lap.
"Well you did. You ever do that again and I'll personally take you back to HCF."
Isabel's head shot up at his threat. Getting off the couch and standing toe to toe with him hands on her hips she glared at him.
"You bastard, you wouldn't dare." She said
"Oh, wouldn't I." He replied looking down at her.
"You try that and I'll make you regret it the short amount of time you live."
She knew it was an empty threat, but she wasn't going to be told not to do what she felt was right.
"Besides if you hadn't been and ass and gone off half cocked it wouldn't have happened."
"Stubborn, pig headed woman." Wesker said turning to leave.
"Where the hell are you going? We aren't done with this conversation." She yelled after him as he walked out the front door without another word.
Isabel turned to look at the witnesses to their argument. Still angry she saw the concerned looks mixed with embarrassment at having seen them like that. Isabel could tell they didn't know what to say, most of them had never seen her angry and that made her even more so.
"Instead of standing there like idiots, you could clean up the kitchen." She said before going back to her room, leaving the rest of the group standing there mouths agape.