Author's Note: This is set after do No Harm and before Exodus Part 1. Shannon is still mourning Boone and Walt is still being half-ignored by his father. The two find their first real friend on the island in each other. Please R&R!
Chapter One: Starring Shannon as the Babysitter

My hair, face and body felt disgusting. I could feel the grime that had collected on my skin and the clothes that I hadn't gotten around to changing. The mascara that hadn't washed away with my tears clung desperately to the odd eyelash and in the creases under my eyes. I turned my head so that I was facing the tarp wall of a nearby tent, trying to ignore the fact that everyone else was working while I wasn't. This kinda worked; I could still hear them but I couldn't see them.

"Hey, Shannon!"

No, dammit! I'm not interested in helping collect coconuts, spare clothing or whatever the latest 'thing' is. I thought furiously. But I kept it to myself. Hopefully my unknown annoyer would take a hint and hit the road.

"Shannon? You okay?"

"Just peachy, asshole. This is my new grunge look." I snapped, not looking at them. I heard a huff and then the sound of feet walking away. Thank you, God.

"Shannon?" a new voice asked.

GODDAMMIT WHY CAN'T THEY LEAVE ME ALONE? Whirling around, I opened my mouth to cuss out the jerk, but quickly swallowed my words when I saw Walt standing with his dad. I couldn't cuss in front of the kid; I remember how much it sucked when my mom yelled at my dad.

"Sorry, but could you watch Walt for a while? I have to go to the caves, and I don't want him staying alone on the beach." Michael said.

I looked from Michael to Walt. The poor kid was staring at his feet, obviously embarrassed by Michael thinking he couldn't fend for himself on a beach full of friendly people (minus myself and Sawyer. I don't think either one of us knows how to be friendly anymore)

But, despite my finger-to-the-world feeling, I couldn't let Walt be dragged around from person to person like an unwanted fruitcake being re-gifted at Christmas.

"Sure." I said with little to none enthusiasm, even though I really didn't mind the kid that much.

Michael looked relieved. "Thanks, I owe you!" Without saying goodbye to his son, he turned and jogged into the forest.

"So." I said to Walt, who looked like he had a cactus up his butt from the way he was standing there trying so hard not to move or draw attention to himself.

I could tell it was going to be a long, awkward afternoon.