The Absence of Rain
A frustrated Charlie Pace blew his sopping, rain-soaked bangs out of his eyes for the millionth time that day. It had been pouring for three weeks straight, and was showing no sign of letting up anytime soon; the entire group was glum.
He trudged grudgingly across the stormy beach, heading for his tent.
He swore colorfully, wiping the water from his eyes with the sleeve of his sopping shirt. He stormed into his tent, and immediately stripped off his shirt, which was clinging to him like a second skin. He spread it out on the floor, hoping it would dry, and he would be able to put it back on again soon; it was freezing, but it would do no good to wear a wet shirt around.
"Charlie!" Someone called from outside. It was Claire.
"Yeah?" He responded, looking up from his crouched position on the floor to the tent's opening flap.
"Can I come in?" She asked, the majority of her voice being eaten up in the raging wind.
"Yeah."
Claire stepped in gingerly, looking very wet.
"What's up?" Charlie asked, finding her presence welcome, but a bit strange.
Claire's eyes flickered up to the roof, looking as though she were searching for something to say.
"I…," she began, "I got lonely."
Charlie was surprised. Wouldn't she have gone to Shannon or Kate? Why him?
"Well," Charlie ventured, unsure of what to say.
"Could I just…stay here…for a while? Just a few minutes?"
Charlie nodded and motioned to the spot next to him.
"Come share a comfy bit of ground, what's mine is yours."
Claire smiled and walked over to sit next to Charlie.
They sat in silence, and neither one seemed willing to be the one to break it.
Lightning flashed across the cloudy, black sky, sending a brief strobe of brilliant light through the small room.
Charlie and Claire looked at each other simultaneously, then whipped their heads back to stare at the ground.
"Why," Charlie paused. "Why did you come here?"
Claire sighed.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…" She said sadly, standing with a bit of effort due to her largely pregnant belly as she started towards the door.
Charlie jumped up and grabbed her arm gently.
"Wait Claire, I mean, I didn't mean it that way. I was just wondering why you chose me rather than Kate, or, or Shannon." He told her, flustered.
Claire looked down, examining her toes, which seemed to suddenly have become incredibly interesting. After a moment, she looked up to meet Charlie's questioning eyes.
"You make me feel safe Charlie. I like you."
Charlie let the words sink in, then gave a roguish grin.
"I like you too Claire."
Claire smiled and took his hand.
"Let's take a walk," she said cheerily, smiling her brilliant smile.
"I'm up for it," Charlie responded, feeling happier than he had in a long time.
As they stepped out onto the beach, the first thing they noticed was the sun peeking through the dissipating clouds…and the absence of rain.
Probably a stand-alone, but it may be continued if inspiration strikes. Please review!