Title: The Time of Your Life
Rating: PG, but there will probably be more mature content in later chapters
Disclaimer: Neither the characters nor the music used in this fic belong to me
Summary: Brought together by their own difficult childhoods, Jack and Kate gain strength from each other. But when their feelings get in the way, will it be enough to break them apart? Or does love really triumph over all?
A/N: Ideas for this fic have been running around in my head for a while now and I finally decided to write them down. I know this chapter is really short, but I wanted to take a poll before I can finish the next part. One more thing, for the purpose of this fic, let's say Jack and Kate are only a year apart in age; if I used their real age difference (almost 11 years), none of these chapters would be possible. I ended up making Jack younger instead of making Kate older, because I thought it would be more fun that way. But most of the ages in this fic are just approximations anyway, with a little help from Lostpedia. ;)
Prologue: The Party
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
~Green Day, Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
July 8, 1981
"Happy birthday," called a voice from across the room.
Jack turned away from the gathering of relatives crowded around him to watch his mother carry a fancy white birthday cake into the dining room. She placed it on the table gently and lit the few elegant candles on top before calling everyone over.
"Sit here, Jack," she told him, helping him into the chair at the head of the table where his father usually sat.
He gazed up at her in wonder. "But won't Dad be – "
Booming laughter from behind cut him off. Christian Shephard patted his son's shoulder affectionately.
"Of course I'm not mad, son. It's your birthday, you deserve to be the center of attention. I think you can handle sitting in my chair for one day, huh?" The rest of the guests chuckled in amusement but Jack's face flushed a deep red as he shrank away from the hand still clenched around his shoulder.
"Well, don't keep everyone waiting. Blow out the candles, Jack," Christian said forcefully, ignoring his wife's reproachful stare.
"Don't forget to make a wish," Margo added.
Jack took a deep breath and, leaning down so his nose was almost touching the icing, he blew as hard as he could, all the while thinking of nothing but his wish; the one thing he wanted more than anything else in the world. He was concentrating so hard that he barely heard everyone clapping politely for him.
It was only when his father bent down and whispered in his ear, "Happy fifth birthday, kiddo," that Jack looked up. But he didn't see his mother smiling proudly at him, nor did he pay attention to the congratulatory wishes from his aunts and uncles. All Jack noticed was the tinkling sound of ice in his father's cup and the strong smell of scotch on his breath, and his heart sunk when he realized his wish hadn't come true at all.
So, now for the poll. My question is whether or not you would like me to add any other Losties to this fic. Kate will make her appearance in a few chapters, but I'm not quite sure who else to include. If you have any suggestions or requests, I would love to hear them. I really need some answers before I can post the next chapter. Thanks. :)