Disclaimer: Please don't make me say it again! I don't own anyone in this chapter but Keith, Sylvia, the guards, the other prisoners, and the receptionist. See either Chapter 1 or Chapter 2 for the full disclaimer!

Reviews-

Thank you to MagicSwede1965, CrAzYhOrSeGiRl88, Kate, Foxy4ever, and, once again, to DragonRider8 for their reviews!

MagicSwede1965- Thank you for the compliments, Aunt Kim!

CrAzYhOrSeGiRl88- Thank you so much! I'm really happy you like the story and the Creed song I used last chapter! "One Last Breath" is one of my all time favorite songs by Creed, and another Creed song I love is "My Sacrifice," which I'm actually using in the next chapter. Oh, and don't worry, I have decided to write an epilogue!

Kate- I'm planning on writing more, so you don't have to worry!

Foxy4ever- I'm glad you like the story!

DragonRider8- Thanks for reviewing again, and I hope you like this chapter and the next one!

A/N: More reviews! Wow! I am so happy (and a little stunned) at the response this story is receiving. Only two chapters, and it has a total of seven reviews! Seriously, this story has gotten more reviews than some of my other stories have gotten period! I can't get over it; it's absolutely amazing! Especially since I tend to be very critical of my writing, which is most likely because I'm a fifteen-year-old that has trouble believing it's any good. That's the reason why I love receiving reviews! Reviews help to give my confidence level a big boost, and they also give me the motivation I need to continue writing stories.

So, anyway, here's the next chapter. I know I said it would be the chapter where Kate and Jack finally meet, but when I typed the whole thing up, it was really long, and I decided to separate it into two chapters. Kate and Jack do meet in this chapter, but they don't get to talk about anything until next chapter. This is just sort of the chapter where they come together. The chapter also starts with Jack first, then goes to Kate, so no one is confused. In addition, I've obviously never been locked up in prison, so the details concerning Kate might be off. For example, life in prison might not seem as hard as it should be, and for that, I apologize. However, Kate's in a low-security prison, and the set up suits the purpose of the story.

This chapter is dedicated to all of the reviewers, especially DragonRider8, who was the first one to tell me she wanted to see a chapter where Jack and Kate would meet. I hope everyone enjoys it!


Coming Face to Face

Jack awoke in the morning, startled, to the harsh sound of his alarm clock beeping at 5:00 a.m., the usual time he got up to get ready for work. Groaning, he reached out a hand toward the bedside table, and, after fumbling for a few seconds, finally found the device and savagely hit the off button.

As he was about to get out of bed, Jack suddenly remembered that he had the day off. 'I must have forgotten to change the alarm,' he thought, which wasn't too surprising considering how tired he had been the night before. Or was it this morning? Sighing, Jack shook his head, rolled over, and went back to the best sleep he'd gotten in almost a year, even if he had only been sleeping for approximately three hours.

It was almost five hours later when Jack next opened his eyes, this time feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. It felt weird not having to be at work, but it was also strangely relaxing. After getting up, taking a quick shower, and dressing, Jack grabbed some breakfast and headed out into his living room, his mind fully focused on what he was planning to do today.

Although Jack felt excited about seeing Kate, he was also slightly nervous. What if he had waited too long? What if Kate had gotten tired of waiting for him? Sayid, Sun, and even Sawyer had as good as told him that Kate had asked about him and why he hadn't come to visit her. Was he really too late?

Jack finished what was left of his breakfast. Pushing the 'what ifs' aside and walking over to the answering machine that was situated next to his phone, Jack pushed the 'saved messages' button, and waited. If he was going to visit Kate, he needed some information first.

A few seconds passed, and then Sawyer's voice, recorded two weeks after Kate was imprisoned and they had all been rescued from the island, filled the air. "Well howdy there, Jack-o. Just thought ya might wanna know that Freckles is allowed ta have visitors now. Ain't that just swell?" Jack shook his head. The message didn't offer him any help, so he pressed the delete button. He had no idea why he'd even bothered to save that message. Maybe to remind himself that sooner or later he'd have to visit Kate?

Jack waited again, and this time Sayid's voice emerged. Automatically, Jack felt relieved. This message would undoubtedly offer more help. "Hello, Jack. I thought you might like to know that Kate is allowed to have visitors now. Visiting hours are from eleven a.m. to five p.m, and each visit can be no more than an hour long. There is also a lunch break for the prisoners between one p.m. and one thirty p.m., so no visitors are allowed. I know that the times aren't exactly ideal since they probably clash with your work hours, but perhaps you will be able to work something out. I am sure Kate would love to see you."

Eleven a.m. to five p.m. No more than an hour long. If he left for the prison now, he would arrive there a little before twelve. Jack scribbled the information down on a nearby piece of scrap paper and again pushed the delete button.

A robotic voice informed him that he had one more saved message, but Jack pressed the stop button. He knew the last message was just from Hurley, asking him if he knew anything about Locke or Eko's whereabouts and if he was interested in attending a reunion among all of the remaining survivors of Oceanic Flight 815. 'Not all of them,' thought Jack. There was almost no way Kate would be able to attend. After all, she was stuck in prison, and Jack doubted whether even Hurley, with his large amount of money, could find a way for Kate to be allowed to go.

Jack hadn't decided if he wanted to go to the reunion yet anyway, but from what Hurley had said, he had plenty of time to decide. Nothing had been finalized as far as Jack knew, and nothing would be until Hurley was able to track down Eko and Locke. Jack wished his millionaire friend the best of luck. Something told him those two weren't going to be easy to find. Then again, Hurley did have access to the means that would be required in order to locate both Locke and Eko, and he seemed more than determined enough to locate the both of them too.

Turning back to preparing for his visit with Kate, Jack grabbed the paper with the information on it, his car keys, his cell phone, a jacket, and his wallet. Then, after making sure he hadn't forgotten anything, Jack walked out the door, got into his car, and drove toward the prison and Kate.

An hour later, after a drive that had felt like it had lasted for an eternity, Jack's car pulled into the parking lot in front of the prison gate. It was 11:45. Just as Jack had predicted, he had arrived at the prison a little before twelve.

Parking the car in the nearest open space, Jack prepared himself for what he was about to do. Thoughts of how Kate would react plagued his mind, making him even more nervous than he already was. Would she be angry at him for not coming sooner? Upset with him for waiting until almost a year had passed to come visit her? Happy to see him? Relieved that he had finally gotten over his fears and decided to see her? Then again, maybe her reaction would be somewhere in between them all.

Another thought that bothered him was that he hadn't seen Kate in almost a year. Almost a year that she had spent behind bars, in prison. Who knew how much she had changed? Who knew how life in prison had affected her? What if she wasn't the same Kate he remembered? He was afraid she had changed, that things between them wouldn't be the same.

On the island, Kate had attempted to be so strong all of the time. It was rare when she broke down, if ever. Jack could count the number of times he had seen Kate cry on the island on one hand. There was the time when she had admitted to Jack she had killed the man she had loved, after he had questioned her about the small, toy airplane, and then there was the time, right before the first time she had ever kissed him, in the forest. And Jack had also thought that he had caught the sight of tears in her eyes after she had been held at gunpoint by the Others in the forest, where the line they weren't supposed to cross was located. But even when she had cried, Kate had never looked defeated. Confused, regretful, and frightened, maybe. Sad, definitely. In fact, the only time Jack remembered seeing her almost completely defeated was when they had been captured by the Others.

Jack also knew Kate must hate being locked up. Even on the island she hadn't liked the caves, preferring the freedom of the beach. While the beach was wide open, the caves were closed in, secluded. Kate hadn't even enjoyed being stuck in the hatch for too long. If the caves and hatch had been bad, Jack had to wonder just how much worse it must feel to be stuck in a cell smaller and more enclosed than either of them. Kate was strong, that much was true, but prison, even a low security prison like the one Kate was being held in, had a way of taking a toll on even the strongest person, or so Jack had been told. He had to wonder just how well Kate was handling being confined when she had always longed for freedom, even on an island, away from civilization.

Well, Jack guessed he would find out. He was here now. There was no turning back; it was now or never. Taking a deep breath, Jack slowly opened his car door, and, grabbing everything he would need, stepped out, shutting and locking the door behind him. Jack walked towards the gate, all the while feeling apprehensive but determined. The prison loomed in front of him. Reaching the guard stationed beside the gate, Jack politely asked where visitors were supposed to go. The guard responded with directions to the main office, where Jack would need to go to receive a visitors' pass. From there, the guard said, someone would escort him. Jack thanked the guard, and following his directions, headed off to the office.

After finding the office, receiving a pass, and signing in, Jack was asked for the name of the prisoner he would be visiting. "Kate or Katherine Austen," Jack replied.

The receptionist behind the counter nodded, and, motioning to a guard standing nearby, told Jack, "If you will just follow Keith, Mr. Shepherd, he will lead you to the visitation room." Jack nodded, and complied. Keith, a very friendly and somewhat burly man most likely in his mid-forties with amber eyes and short brown hair that was streaked with gray, led him through the halls until they came to a large white door, outside which another guard stood beside it. Once Keith and the guard conversed quietly for a few minutes, the door was opened and Keith led Jack to one of the many tables inside the large, white room.

Quickly Keith explained to Jack, "This is the visitation room used for the well-behaved prisoners who pose less of a threat. Visitation rights are a privilege they get for being good, although the more dangerous prisoners are only allowed to speak with visitors behind glass in another room. All of the prisoners are handcuffed, and there are guards posted outside all of the exits and around the inside of the room." Keith pointed the guards out. "If you need anything, or if you wish to leave early, you just let one of them know. Ms. Austen should be brought in soon." It was a lot to take in, but Jack nodded and thanked Keith, who wished him a nice visit and left.

He had made it. He was inside the prison. Now all he had to do was wait for Kate. Jack let out the breath he hadn't known he had been holding. Since there was nothing else to do, he surveyed the room. The room was entirely white, and there were only two windows. There were a couple of other visitors sitting at tables. Some, like him, appeared to be waiting for the person they had come to see, while others already had a prisoner sitting opposite them.

Suddenly, Jack was distracted from his survey of the surroundings by the sound of the door opening. A guard Jack recognized as Keith stepped into the room, and his gaze went straight to Jack, who he nodded at. It seemed as though Jack's waiting was about to come to an end. Jack barely had time to stand up before a woman in handcuffs was led into the room. A woman with dark, wavy hair and forest green eyes. A woman Jack knew right away. A woman who was none other than Kate.


Meanwhile, at the same time Jack had opened his eyes, startled, to the shrill beeping of his alarm clock...

Kate woke up early to the familiar sound of keys jingling as the door to the cell was unlocked by one of the regular prison guards. Quietly groaning, she, as well as the other women, quickly climbed from their bunks and dressed in silence. Then, Kate and the other prisoners lined up outside the cells for the mandatory daily morning head count. Once the guards were satisfied that all of the inmates were accounted for, they lined the women up into their work groups. The guard in charge of Kate's group led Kate and the nine other women she was with towards the prison library, where they would be working that day. For her part, Kate loved working in the library. It was her favorite room in the prison.

There were three buildings that made up the prison: one building housed the men prisoners, one building housed the women prisoners, and the third was the main building where the visitation rooms, main office, library, and other such facilities were located. Inside each of the two sections/buildings that the inmates lived in, there were two more sections: one for high security prisoners and another for the lower security prisoners. Unlike the high security prisoners, the lower security prisoners were allowed considerably more freedom. These freedoms included anything from being able to work, having free time, getting time outdoors, or even being allowed to have some personal items brought to them by family members or friends. Of course, the items were still thoroughly checked before the prisoners were allowed to bring them to their cells, and there were no weapons, food, drinks, drugs, or cigarettes allowed.

Fortunately for Kate, after her trial, she had been labeled as a low security prisoner, and she had continued to stay that way because of her good behavior. So far, Kate had been able to keep a relatively low profile, meaning that none of the other prisoners had any reason to dislike her. Even the guards had no problem with her. She stayed quiet and generally minded her own business, which seemed to be working since she had avoided getting into any fights and pissing anyone off.

The way Kate saw it was that she had only been sentenced to five years, and after this year came to an end, she just had to get through four more. Many of the other inmates had it a lot worse; some would be imprisoned for twenty years or even life. Kate had gotten off easy, and she was thankful for that. The prosecutors and judge had taken into account that she had been stuck on an island for five years and the circumstances of the crime. It had also helped that she had ended up with one of the best defense lawyers in the country, something she owed to her friends. After Kate had been taken into custody, all of the remaining survivors had come together and contributed whatever money they could, mostly some of the money they received from the already out of business Oceanic Air, and used the funds to hire the lawyer for Kate. She was truly grateful to them for their help, and she wasn't going to pay them back by getting herself into trouble and giving the Parole Board and whoever else a reason to add more time onto her sentence. Plus, if she kept up her good behavior, there was a chance she would be released early.

Before the prisoners were allowed out of the building to walk to and enter into the main building, they were all handcuffed. Once all of the women were cuffed, the guard led them into the main building. A few minutes were spent walking through the halls, and then, finally, the group arrived at the library. The library was a good size for a prison. Located in a spacious room on the first floor of the main prison building, it was packed with tables, chairs, lamps, and shelves and bookcases crammed full with books, a majority of which were donated. There were even some computers, although internet access was restricted and constantly monitored.

Gathering around the guard, the handcuffs were removed, and each prisoner was given a list of assignments. Kate was assigned the task of categorizing and putting away books, and, grabbing a box of new books which had just been dropped off yesterday, she quickly got to work.

Almost three hours into work, and Kate was almost done categorizing all of the new books. Apparently, a large supply had been delivered last night by a book store that was going out of business, or so the librarian told her. While many of the inmates were starting to become tired or bored, Kate didn't mind the work at all. In fact, she found the work relaxing and would give anything to spend the whole day in the library. It was comforting to see so many books, even if many of them reminded her of her friends, and Kate also liked how the work provided her with extra time to think.

The work passed rapidly, and before Kate knew it, it was ten a.m. and time for her free period. During free periods, prisoners could choose to go outside, but Kate usually liked to stay in the library and read or check her e-mail on the internet. Picking up a copy of Watership Down, Kate walked over to her favorite chair, the one she always sat in whenever she came to the library and the one she found to be the most comfortable, and settled in. Kate had never read Watership Down before, but Sawyer had read it while they were on the island and seemed to like it. All she could remember about it was that Sawyer had said it had something to do with rabbits. Kate shrugged. It wasn't the type of book she would regularly read, but it would do for now. 'Besides, it's something to talk about with Sawyer the next time he comes to visit,' she thought, and opening the book, she began to read.

Because of the amount of time Kate often spent in the library, she had grown close with the librarian, Sylvia, an older petite woman, with graying hair pulled back into a bun and bright, blue eyes. Whenever she saw Kate was alone reading a book, Sylvia would make a point to come over and ask her what she was reading, and it was no different today.

Kate's reading was interrupted by a soft but cheery "Hello, Kate." By now, she was used to the ritual and even enjoyed it. Looking up from the book and smiling at Sylvia, Kate returned the greeting. After both had shared the usual pleasantries, Sylvia asked Kate what she was reading. As soon as Kate replied she had decided to try Watership Down, Sylvia smiled widely, nodding. "That was always one of my favorite books to read. It's a classic. Of course, it's a bit boring in the beginning, but once you get past the first couple of chapters, you'll find that it really is a good book," Sylvia shared. "Why did you decide to read it?"

Kate shrugged. "I'd heard of it before, and I knew it was a classic, so I wanted to see if it was any good. One of my friends has read it before too, and he mentioned it was good. I figured the next time he came to visit we could have something new to discuss," Kate answered. Sylvia smiled once again.

"Yes, that's how I choose new books to read sometimes. Well, it's been a pleasure talking to you as usual, Kate. I'm afraid I have to go now, though, since I have some more work to do. Enjoy the book. Remember, if you want to borrow it, you can. Just don't forget to bring it back next time." With that, a goodbye, and a last parting smile, Sylvia turned and walked toward the back of the library, where her office was located. Kate turned back to the book, not in any real hurry to finish it today, knowing she would most likely take Sylvia up on her offer and borrow it as she did most other times.

Four chapters in, Kate had to agree with both Sylvia and Sawyer that the book wasn't that bad. However, she could only read so much of one thing at a time, and she still had to check her e-mail. Putting the book down and resolving to read the rest later, Kate walked over to the computers. After sitting down and turning one on, Kate logged in and waited for her e-mail to load. A couple of seconds passed, and then a message that informed her that she had one new e-mail in her inbox showed up. Clicking on the message, Kate realized it was from Claire and, smiling, began to read.

Dear Kate,

Just thought I'd write to say hi and ask how you are. I hope everything is well.

Did you hear about the reunion? Hurley called us a couple of weeks ago. It seems he's having some trouble finding Eko and Locke, according to Charlie anyway. He wanted to know if either of us had heard from them, especially Charlie, what with him being as close to Eko as he was on the island. Poor guy's really set on having a one-year reunion. I guess it is a big thing, being off the island for a year. It feels like just yesterday we were back on the beach, right after the plane crashed, before everything happened.

Aaron's started Kindergarten. I know he's supposed to be in first grade, but I wanted him to get used to being around other children besides Sun's and Jin's. It's a lot for him to get used to, after all. He's doing remarkably well, considering. Although, he keeps asking about cars. Charlie and I are trying our best to explain why there weren't any on the island. Between him and Marie, who's giving a new meaning to the term 'terrible twos,' we have our hands full. Thank goodness for Rose and Bernard. I don't know what we'd do without them!

Well, I'd best be going before Marie gets into something else. At least Aaron's at Charlie's brother Liam's house, having a play date with Meghan, Charlie's niece. It gives me one less thing to worry about. Take care, Kate!

With love,

Claire, Charlie, & the kids

Kate shook her head, still smiling. She couldn't help but laugh at Aaron's curiosity and Marie making trouble. Claire and Charlie definitely had their hands full, that was for sure. Especially with a two-year-old like Marie running around the house on top of dealing with Aaron, who spent his first five years on the island. At least Marie was only on the island for a year, and she didn't even remember it. 'I miss them so much! And I can't believe Aaron's started Kindergarten! He's getting so big!' Kate thought, remembering when she had helped to deliver him in the jungle on the island.

She wrote a hasty reply and then logged off. An hour had passed since her free period had started. It was now 11:00. She had two more hours to go until lunch. Sighing, Kate padded back to her chair and picked up Watership Down once again. She might as well get some more reading done while she could. There was nothing else to do.

Time flew by in a blur, and soon, Kate had gotten so engrossed in the book that she didn't hear footsteps approaching the chair for the second time that day. "Excuse me, Miss Austen?" Startled and not recognizing the voice, Kate looked up to see a man in a guard's uniform standing in front of her. The guard was none other than Keith, the same guard Jack had met earlier.

Laying her book down, Kate stood up. "Yes?" she asked, hesitantly, trying to think of anything she might have done to warrant a visit from a guard, and during her free period, no less.

"I was told I could find you here. If you would please come with me." Keith said. At seeing Kate's questioning and wary look, Keith hastened to add, "You're not in any trouble. I'm just taking you to the visitation room. It seems you have a visitor." Kate nodded, relieved, and picking up Watership Down from the table beside her, allowed Keith to handcuff her. Then, she followed Keith out of the library and down the halls.

On the way to the visitation room with Keith leading her, Kate thought of who could be visiting her. Sayid came to visit every other week, and since he had visited last week, Kate wasn't due to see him again until next week. Sawyer visited every Thursday, and since today was a Tuesday, not a Thursday, it couldn't be him. So, the only other person it could be was Sun, but that didn't make any sense either. Sun called or e-mailed Kate before she came, and Kate hadn't received any calls or e-mails from her. The only call she had gotten so far this week was from Sawyer, and the only e-mails were from Claire, Sayid, and Hurley. If it wasn't Sawyer, Sayid, or Sun, her only visitors, then who could it be? Kate's curiosity rose.

All too soon, they arrived in front of the door to the visitation room. Keith nodded to the other guarded stationed outside the door, and then he told her to stay there for a moment. Keith opened the door and peered inside. A few seconds later, he motioned for her to follow him into the room, and Kate did as she was instructed.

Stepping into the room, at first glance, Kate did not recognize anyone. Keith directed her to a table she hadn't yet seen, and turning to face the direction he had specified, Kate's eyes widened in shock. She would recognize the man with short, dark hair and dark, brown eyes anywhere. It was Jack. The same Jack who haunted her dreams every night and a majority of her thoughts during the day. The same Jack who Kate had almost given up hope of ever being visited by. He was the one person she had least expected, but he was also the one person who she wanted to see the most. Jack. Jack had finally come.


A/N: Okay, so we're on to the good part in the next chapter, which I'm planning on uploading later today! I hope everyone enjoyed this one. I know it wasn't as exciting as the next chapter will be, but it was necessary for the story. Reviews, even ones filled with criticism (please make it constructive), are appreciated, and as always, thanks for reading!

LostObsession, a.k.a. Ana