Crystal

Kate knew. She knew things like these because she had a sense for these things. Like when her mother hid her birthday presents the day before and Kate would always manage to find them.

She pulled absent-mindedly at the bright orange tank she wore and reclined against the tree, looking at the three of them on the beach. The man was playing with the baby and Kate felt her heart sigh when she imagined him playing like that with their children.

Kate didn't hate the girl but was always jealous of the way Claire exhumed that look of innocence – albeit tainted - despite everything. The Australian had been through hell and back after being kidnapped, taken by mysterious people who had tried to hurt her unborn baby. She had been rescued by the French woman's daughter and then, she and Kate herself had found the Station…

Claire laughed at something Sawyer said and Aaron gurgled cheerfully as he snuggled into one of Shannon's ice-cream coloured shirts that have been cut up as a blanket. It was warm, very warm and yet Sawyer snuggled closer to the blonde who responded by resting her head on his shoulder.

Kate felt the slight onset of tears and she held them back, not wanting either of the survivors to see her cry.

The two of them gazed out over the ocean, watching the blue turn clear and shimmering, light turquoise then navy and then into the distance. Then Sawyer's hand slipped into Claire's and she squeezed it appreciatively.

"Hey, Kate!" A big booming voice behind her called and the brunette bolted, trying to stop the person calling before her cover was blown. The two of them turned to see only the faint crackle of leaves underfoot.

Kate was half looking back at where the couple where when she smacked into something solid. Arms reached out for her and she found herself being supported by Hurley.

"Whoa, Kate, slow down." The friendly man looked the woman up and down, taking in her dishevelled appearance and red eyes.

"You okay?"

Kate sniffed, "Yeah, just fine. What was It you wanted?"

"I just wondering if you wanted to play golf."

"Hurley, I…" Kate drawled off and turned back looking at the clearing.

"I know, Kate." Hurley said and Kate turned to him. "It's hard but we have to…" Kate knew he was just coming to terms with Libby.

Kate looked at her friend and for once, she let her guard down. Every emotion she had bottled up came flooding out like a burst dam. She cried into Hurley's dark green tee and he held her gently.

"Thanks, Hurley." She said, after the two of them shared a hug. She really needed that.

"Come on," Hurley said, casually wrapping a friendly arm around her shoulders, "I'm so gonna beat your skinny ass at golf."

Kate laughed and slapped his arm playfully in mock shock. For that moment, she let herself be. She was finally happy for Sawyer and Claire. They were meant to be and that was as clear as crystal.

She leaned closer to Hurley and a small smile crept across her lips.

And a single thought flew across her mind…

Oh, she was SO going to beat Hurley.

Fin