Chapter 1
Kate
"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart"
June 2006
Katherine Anne Austin was waiting in line at In N' Out, her son Aaron in her arms. It was a Wednesday afternoon and Aaron, like all three year olds, had demanded a milkshake by whining and complaining until Kate finally gave in. After waiting fifteen minutes they finally reached the front of the line.
"What kind of milkshake do you want, Aaron?" Kate asked.
"Happy meal!" Aaron's voice was full of joy.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but they don't have happy meals here."
"But I want one!" Aaron protested, his voice seeming to reach all across the restaurant. They had started to draw the attention of the people around them and Kate looked around nervously. "Okay, honey." Kate then proceeded to order a burger, fries, and a small chocolate milkshake. She walked to a corner and waited for their order. She had just started to check how much time had passed by looking on her phone when she heard a familiar voice next to her. Kate turned to look for the source of the voice. At the table nearest to her was sitting none other than Benjamin Linus.
"Did you hear me, Kate? Honestly, you should just give the kid a happy meal," Ben seemed to be completely serious, despite the fact that he was talking about happy meals. Kate was silent with shock. "You there, Kate? Are you in there?"
"Wha-," Kate stuttered, "How? Why the hell are you here?" Kate was stuttering with surprise and anger.
"I was hungry. You want a fry, Kate? Maybe if you ate more comfort food you wouldn't go around yelling at people." Ben wasn't smiling but his voice seemed to betray him.
"Order number forty-two!" the cashier called. Kate ran up to get her order and then stormed out, without looking back at Ben.
"Well goodbye to you too," Ben muttered into his food.
"Mommy who was that?" Aaron asked with the curiosity only little kids have. They had just gotten into the car and Kate was trying to diffuse her anger.
"Nobody important, honey," Kate wanted nothing more to forget this whole visit and the less Aaron knew the safer he was.