Present

Jill was looking out at the window, lost in her thoughts. They had been driving for at least three hours now, neither of them said anything the whole time. The silence was heavy.

"I'm sorry," he finally said, calmly.

She turned to him and frowned, wondering what he was apologizing for. He had not moved, his attention focused on the road.

"For what…?" she questioned him.

"I'm sorry, for everything I did to you…" he let out with his usual emotionless tone.

She was speechless… The few times she heard him apologize was to her, and in very rare and intense occasions.

His hand slid on top of hers, squeezing it softly.

"I'm sincerely sorry" he said, his voice calm, his gaze on the road.

She wondered if she should trust him; wondered if he was not playing with her. She searched for any emotions on his features, but it was of no use. His composure was serious, calm, cold…

"Why now…?"

"I don't know," he said still emotionless.

"You're sorry for what exactly?" she questioned him seriously.

"For lying to you, for betraying you. I'm sorry it hurt you."

"I appreciate your concern, but, what about the others? Do you regret what you did? Do you feel bad about the death of my teammates?"

He stayed silent, emotionless.

"It isn't about me Wesker, it's about the fact you're a completely different person than you pretended to be… You're cruel, heartless and unmerciful…", she said hopeless.

Still silent.

"So, do you regret what you did ?"

"I regret hurting you."

She felt the tears coming, but winked them away. As much as she wished he was a different person, it eased her pain knowing he regretted causing grief to her.

"And betraying me?", she asked vulnerable.

"Yes…"

"Why…?"

"You know why."

More tears came, but this time she could not fight them.

"I never wanted to hurt you."

"Albert…" she let out softly.

He finally looked at her, almost emotionless. However, if she looked deeper, his glance did look apologetic, in his own way.

"Should I trust you?" she whispered, tears running down her cheeks.

He stayed silent for a moment, almost wondering himself. He finally nodded.

"Albert…?"

"Yes, dear heart?" he asked softly.

"Take me in your arms please…" she asked, still vulnerable.

He quickly stopped the car on the side of the road, and then unfastened his seatbelt. She had already unfastened hers. He reached under her legs and back, and then lifted her up, carefully avoiding hitting her ankle on anything. He sat her on his lap, trying to find the most comfortable position for her. Slowly, she laid her head on his shoulder, wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms closed around her, warmly welcoming her sudden affection.

She did not forgive him, she did not excuse him, but just this time, just now, she will willingly ask him to hold her, she will accept his affection… Just this very moment, she will forget what he has done… She will let her heart take the place of her conscience…