Title: Ten Days

Rating: It's rated T because most of the chapters will be. If there will be M content I shall clearly denote that.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the LOST franchise. I just like the characters.

FYI: I have changed bits and pieces of the plot because I only liked Season 1 of the show. So things will be different. This story mainly deals with the characters and their own stories with Season 1 and some Season 2 plot points mixed in. I hope that makes sense.

Updates: I will try and update twice a week. I am a senior in high school so it could be more or less.

Synopsis: Kate has never had it easy, from becoming a single mother to finding that one person who can make her complete. After finally planting her roots and becoming stable on her own, thirty-three year old Kate Austen has finally found that one guy. Taylor 'Tay' Shephard is a thirty-five year old Chicago lawyer that met Kate while running along the shore of lake Michigan. Instantly it seemed as if they were soul mates and nothing could stop them from falling quick and hard. But Tay has been very misleading when it comes to his family. He doesn't want to talk about them or Kate to meet them. But he give in and whisks Kate off to a family reunion and wedding. Kate goes along, anxious and excited, but everything changes when Kate realizes there is one family member of Tay's she already knows and knows well.

Prologue:

It had been four years today since Kate had been crashed onto that god-forsaken piece of land. She had almost forgotten that it was the anniversary because she had finally managed to put that entire one-year of her life behind her. She had finally moved on. It had taken her six months after the rescue.

She wasn't sure how she had managed it, but she had not spent any time in prison. She had been arrested immediately after stepping off the plane once landing in Los Angeles. Twenty-four hours later she was release without so much as an explanation. Maybe her pro bono lawyer had been that talented. But she wasn't going to question their reasoning. She hadn't committed that murder, but she could not deny the bank robbery, the surveillance tapes didn't lie, but she was just happy to be free and get the hell away from everyone from that island, with a few exceptions. The last month had been hell, anticipating the rescue and trying to make amends where needed. Kate was done with them.

She had tried to be done with everyone, but some people didn't want to be done with her. Sawyer for instance seemed to stalk her for weeks after the rescue. He wanted her to elaborate on the brief attraction they had shared on the island. She kindly reminded him that when you think you are going to be on an island for the rest of your life you set your standards lower. He didn't contact her again.

Kate quickly figured out that living in Los Angeles did not work for her. She hated the weather and the people. She hated the city… she despised everything. She moved to Chicago, she had gotten money from Oceanic Airlines for the whole ordeal. Somewhere around 1.3 million dollars. She moved into a studio apartment in the heart of the city and got a job bartending, which surprisingly enough gave her enough money to survive on.

She had managed this change of life while being pregnant. Kate never talked about the father or how it had come about. Her new friends just accepted the fact that Kate was expecting and roughly six months after getting off the island she gave birth to a daughter, Olivia Jane Austen, Livvy to those who knew her best.

If there could be one thing to turn Kate's whole life around it was Olivia. From the moment she held the seven pound eleven ounce baby she knew how her life was supposed to be lived. She put aside the person she had been on the island; the rebel, the stubborn and ruggedly sexy woman. She became grounded and a mom. She was still the same person in some ways and completely different in others.

Kate worked in the bar three days a week, Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday. That alone gave her three thousand a week. It paid to work in the hottest bar in Chicago, the celebrities tipped very well. The nights that Kate did work, a nanny came to watch Olivia. Nanette Marshall was the first real friend Kate had made since the island. She had almost found it hard to trust people, after everything she had been through, who could really blame her.

Everything had been perfect for so long… but there was one thing that was missing. The one thing that every woman waited and longed for. True love, that one guy who made your knees go weak and made everything around you make sense. But one day it happened.

Kate had just dropped Livvy at Nan's apartment (she babysat her for five hours on Tuesday afternoons just to give Kate some free time) and she decided to go for a run. She was running down the shore of Lake Michigan when she had ran into, most literally, into Taylor Shephard. Taylor, Tay to his friends, Shephard was a prominent lawyer in Chicago and Kate had instantly entranced him. It didn't take them very long to fall head over heals, madly in love.

"Come give Mommy a hug," Kate said squatting down so three and a half year old daughter could run into her arms. Livvy wrapped her tiny arms around Kate's neck and told her that she loved her more then anything in the entire world. "Are you going to be good for Nan?"

"Yes," Livvy said shaking her head. She looked behind her at the television program she had been watching. Kate nudged her back towards it and Livvy took off at a run.

Olivia Jane Austen, middle name after Kate's favorite author, was the spiting image of her mother. She had curly brown hair that fell to her shoulders; Kate usually let it hang down with two barrettes pulling some of it out of her face. Livvy's eyes were the most unusual hazel eyes Kate had ever seen. They were all the colors of the ocean, blue, green, and gray, swirled together. She had Kate's sprinkle of freckles across her nose. But her mouth Kate could not take account for.

"I am meeting Tay for lunch and I have to do some shopping," Kate told Nan. It was Tuesday and Kate had been saving all her errands for today. "So I don't think it will take me more then five hours or so. I'll try to be home soon I promised Livvy I would take her to the children's museum on Navy Pier."

"Alright," Nan said walking with Kate to the front door of the very contemporary studio apartment.

Like most apartments everything was on a single floor, but there were several dividers dividing up the sections, the bedroom, which Kate and Olivia shared, the kitchen and dining room and then the living room. It was a large space and the semi openness was perfect for an active two and a half year old.

Kate opened the door to find a man in an all blue suit with 'Chucks Flower Delivery' embroidered across it standing in the hallway. He was holding a dozen yellow roses, Kate's favorite. Kate took them and brought them inside. This was going to make her late for lunch. She took the card out of the bushel and read it. She handed it to Nan who read it and then smiled.

Kate,

It does not seem like a year since I met you.

But I will love you forever.

Tay

Kate felt the color rising in her face, she would never get used to being treated like this. If anyone from the island saw her now they would not recognize her. The girl who had worn nothing but jeans and t-shirts was currently wearing a pair of black pin-stripe pant and a lavender fitted blouse. Her bar tending job required her to wear a black dress that reached her knees but still had a v-cut neckline showing off her cleavage. It didn't bother her, because her costumers were regulars and knew that she was with Tay and if they messed with her he would sue their asses.

"He is going to propose soon," Nan predicting leaning against the counter top her nose divulged into the flowers taking in their scent.

"You think?" inquired Kate. Her heart had just skipped a beat. "I don't understand stand what a man like that sees in me. We might as well be complete opposites."

"But they do say that opposites attract," Nan offered. Kate nodded in agreement and then sighed. "Have fun today."

Kate thanked her and yelled another 'I love you' at Olivia before leaving the house.

It was hard to think this was the life she led now. If you had asked the sixteen-year-old Kate from Iowa if she ever thought this was in her future, she would have said no. Plain and simple… no.

"Hey honey," Tay said standing up as Kate walked towards him through the large open restaurant on one of the upper floors of the Sears Tower.

Taylor Shephard was about six foot three and very fit. He had light brown hair that was styled very professionally and piercing blue eyes that just seemed to draw you in uncontrollably. Despite looking very rich and very stuck up he was very grounded and once you talked to him you would discover his generosity and open-mindedness. Tay had grown up in California, a life filled with country clubs and private schools, but when he had decided to attend the University of Chicago's law school he stayed here.

Tay wrapped his arms around Kate and kissed her deeply. Kate put her hand on the side of his face feeling the chiseled cheekbones and proud chin. He was number three on Chicago's top Bachelors of the previous year and with good reason.

"I almost thought you forgot," he told her honestly as they broke apart and sat across from each other at the fancily set table.

It had taken Kate a while to get used to this fancy life style. The four star dinners instead of McDonalds or Subway. But slowly but surely she had become accustomed to it and good easily mask herself so she looked like she fit.

"Well maybe you shouldn't have sent me flowers," Kate said flirtatiously will looking at her menu. It was in front of her face hiding the pink tinge of her cheeks. She heard Tay give a soft chuckle and then he spoke again.

"But how could I resist when it is our one year anniversary?" he asked her smoothly with his deep sensual voice.

"True," Kate said putting her menu down in front of her. This seemed to be the perfect time to bring up a slight problem she was having with him. "Tay?"

"Hmm?" Tay hummed in reply.

"Don't think you time I meet your family?" Kate asked, "It's not like we are teenagers we are adults and it is starting to bother me. Do they even know about me?"

"Do you think I could resist talking about you?" Tay said flatteringly.

"Baby can you stop with the smooth talking for just a minute," Kate requested.

"Why do you want to meet them?" Tay asked. "Do you know how long it took me to shake my family name and finally establish myself? They are just a bunch of noisy rich people who care way to deeply about other people's personal matters. Kate they aren't our type of people."

"I want to meet them," Kate said persistently, "Even if they hate me or I hate them. I think it's necessary if we want to move forward with our relationship. We do want to move forward right?"

"Of course baby," answered Tay firmly.

"It's important for me to have a strong family bond around Olivia," Kate explained, "I just want her to have the best future possible and that future includes you so don't you think I should meet your family?"

"Well," Tay said his voice drifting off. "There is a ten day family reunion going on in two weeks. It is going to end with my cousins wedding so the whole time before that is just prep time I guess. I am not too sure. But I was invited and I guess we could go if you want."

"Really?" Kate asked excitedly, "That would be amazing baby. But I don't want to force you into anything you don't want too."

"It will be the first time I have seen my parents in three years," Tay said despite the fact that he thoughts were else wear. "But I guess I can deal with that well enough. But you will be meeting everyone. Not just my immediate family."

"I can deal with that," Kate said reaching for Tay's hand from across the table. He laced his fingers through hers and gave it a quick squeeze.

Kate was walking with Tay through the extremely busy LAX airport. They were trying to get the exit to where the limo was waiting for them. Kate had decided against bringing Olivia with them. It tore her heart apart to leave her baby behind. But ten days of complete chaos would probably not be good for the baby. She had left her with Nan and promised to call everyday.

Kate looked in the mirror once in the limo. Her appearance had not changed that much since the island. She looked healthier now. Her hair was several inches past her shoulder and very curly and bouncy. It was all-natural, still giving her that surfer chick hair. She had the same high cheekbones and hazel eyes, same full lips and toned body. Her skin looked healthier now to Kate thought. She thought she had gotten rather gross on the island and now she had a slight glow to her. There was also something in her eyes that sparkled, but that was the sparkle only a mother had. Only someone who had gone through fifteen hours of agony and now had the best gift in the entire universe could have that sparkle.

Kate stared out the window as they drove towards the Shepard manor house. This house had to be huge; it was housing seventy-five relatives, including Tay and Kate. Kate watched as they drove towards Bel-Air. Kate knew instantly when they reached it. The houses were huge; as they drove down the street they seemed to grow larger and larger, until finally the reached it. It was big and white, very white with hundreds of windows. There were people all around, it looked chaotic and suddenly Kate wished she hadn't been so persistent about meeting Tay's family.

"That is Aunt Margot's home," Tay said as he pulled up the cobblestone driveway, "My parents won't be arriving for a couple days. Aunt Margot is my Mom's sister. Margot's son is the one getting married."

"Oh," was all Kate could say as they parked in front of the huge house.

Two intricately carved wooden doors stood before them. Suddenly they flew up and an averagely sized woman stood in the doorway. She had gray hair swept up in a 1940's style. She was wearing a peach colored suit and had a rose pinned to her chest. She was beaming from ear to ear as Tay got out of the car and approached her. He kissed each of her cheeks and then opened the passenger's side door for Kate. Kate stepped out feeling very underdressed. She was wearing a white sundress that had a blue sash cinched at her waist. It went past her knees and she was wearing flip-flops. She didn't realize that this family dressed up every single day.

"Aunt Margot," Tay said taking Kate's hand helping her exit from the car, "This is Kate."

"Hello Kate," Margot said shaking Kate's hand fiercely. "Welcome to our home. Tay told us that you would be coming with him. We are very happy that you came. But where is your daughter?"

"She is in Chicago," Kate said finally finding her voice.

"Aw," Margot said with acted sadness, "Next time you visit make sure you bring her along."

Kate nodded politely as she led Tay and Kate into the house. It was amazing. Amazing and huge. The ceilings seemed higher then the skies, crystal chandeliers dangling from them. There were large oriental rugs on the floors, everything looked expensive. Kate was almost afraid to touch anything.

"Tay I am so happy you are here," Margot repeated for almost the hundredth time. "You never do come to any family event anymore. Is it because all your time is taken up by your new beau?"

"Yes," Tay lied. Kate looked at him harshly. Why didn't he just tell her that he wanted to distance himself from the family name? Don't push this off on her. "That and work. I am a very busy man."

"We are so proud of you Tay," Margot said gushing over her nephew, "And you did it all on your own too. But then again, so did my son, but you two have always been close."

"Where is Jack?" Tay asked Margot.

Kate's head snapped up, she had been looking at the tiger fur she seemed to be standing on when she had heard it; that name. Kate was looking from Margot to Tay and back again madly. Neither one of them seemed to notice the effect that name had had on Kate.

It could be a different Jack Shephard, it was a common enough name. It just couldn't be the same man. But now that Kate did look at Margot, she had the same eye color as Jack… Kate had never been able to forget Jack's eyes. But no… it was impossible, improbable.

"He is outside with Isabelle," Margot said pointing to a pair of white French doors, "Just go out the back, they are decided where exactly in the yard they want to have the wedding. He is going to be so happy that you came Tay."

Tay took Kate's hand and led her towards the doors.

"What does you cousin do?" she choked out her heart beating a thousand beats per minute.

"He is a surgeon," Tay said.

Kate didn't reply, she no longer had a voice. This wasn't happening. This was too much of a coincidence. She was scared. Was it too late to change her mind? She didn't want to meet Tay's family anymore. She wanted to go home.

"Jack!" Tay called across the yard.

Suddenly there he was in front of her. Jack Shephard. He looked good. He was wearing a black t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. He was underdressed like Kate, except he was wearing a pair of black Converse shoes. He was looking right at Kate, she hadn't found the courage to look up at him yet.

Kate looked up at him and met his eyes immediately. She felt a familiar sensation in the pit of her stomach. His eyes were staring into her own. He wasn't smiling, but wasn't frowning either. They both looked so different and so familiar at the same time. Jack looked good, real good, but Kate wasn't going to say anything. She was going to turn and run… run far away as fast as she could. She could not move, her feet were planted to the ground. Jack broke the silence first.

"Hi Kate," he said in his all to proverbial voice.

To be continued…