This chapter is for those of you who've patiently waited for a little romance. It might be cut short, but there will be more soon. Reviews help make it sooner. It's like a form of payment. Lol
Chapter 7
They had spent most of the morning doing exactly as he promised: nothing. Juliet had felt a little better after breakfast, a shower, and a few more flashes of a certain person's dimples. They meandered around Dharmaville and watched the people go about their daily activities. They got a few stares from some folks who were still suspicious about their presence. Most of them were nice however, and they even got a dinner invitation when they ran into Amy.
Now it was late afternoon. James had left Juliet in a hammock earlier. While she caught up on some much needed rest, he had gone to talk to Horace about possibly staying for awhile longer. He was surprised to find that Horace was not only receptive to the idea, but almost enthusiastic. After the run in with Richard, Horace was starting to respect this Mr. James LaFleur.
Feeling genuinely happy, he walked back to the barracks in search of Juliet. He spotted her, leaning against a tree, reading. She had traded her nature book for Great Expectations. He stood at a distance watching her. Her hair seemed to glow in the afternoon sun, despite the dark clouds moving in. She looked so peaceful for once. He felt like it might be rude to interrupt her, but he also couldn't resist the chance to be near her.
She suddenly felt a presence standing next to her. She knew who it was without looking and was secretly glad he had come back to join her. He was relieved when she stopped reading and looked up at him with a welcome smile. She silently invited him to sit down by patting the ground next to her. He took the invitation without a moment's hesitation. They didn't look at each other, but just sat smiling.
"Feeling better?"
She gave him a sideways smile and a nod in reply. It was sort of a lie. She did feel a little better, but her mind was still filled with so many worries.
He saw through her lie and called her on it. "You sure?"
She smirked at his knowing question. Since when could he read her mind? She sighed before finally speaking.
"I am feeling a little bit better..."
"BUT?" He knew it was coming.
She grinned at his prodding, but couldn't stop the tears from forming in her eyes. "But...I hate this place," she whispered.
He put a hand on hers as she continued to speak slowly. "And as much as I hate it, I can't leave. Not now. Even if there were a way for me to leave and find my sister now or years from now...she wouldn't recognize me."
He was confused. "What?"
"I'm a monster. This place...how could I ever explain the things I've done? I've lied countless times. I helped Ben do horrible things to people. I'm a...murderer." She could barely get the last part out.
He cringed at her words, but felt compelled to reassure her. "It's not that simple Juliet. You had reasons. She would understand if you explained. Everyone deserves a second chance."
"Do they James?" It came out angrier than she intended. She had felt so guilty for so long and suddenly the idea of a happy ending to all this didn't seem possible.
Her anger stung because he wasn't sure if everyone did deserve a second chance, especially himself. He looked away, with his own feelings of guilt renewed.
She saw his reaction, and suddenly realized that her words might be hurtful. She shook her head. "I didn't mean you James."
He continued to avoid eye contact. "It's okay Juliet."
She felt even guiltier now. She lay her head on his shoulder, in a gesture of apology. It took him a bit off guard.
"Look Juliet..." His voice came out husky and more serious than before. "I have to believe that people can change their path. For so long I thought I could only be one thing...but this island, everything that's happened...if it's all in vain what the hell's the point? You know? I mean maybe we're both here for a reason, like Locke said. Maybe this is our second chance."
She nodded into his arm. "Maybe." She wanted to believe him.
"And for the record, I consider you my hero...not a murderer. If it weren't for you, I'd of been dead a few times now."
She muffled a giggle. "Guess I've always got your back."
He at smiled at her words.
"I'm sorry for acting like such a girl." She honestly felt embarrassed at all the show of emotion. "You're just annoyingly good at listening." He laughed at her accusation.
"Hey, That's what I'm here for." His playful tone had come back.
A tear slipped down her cheek and they sat there a while longer, until the dark clouds that had moved overhead started to sprinkle down on them. Suddenly James climbed to his feet and put out his hand to help her up.
"So are we going to Amy's for dinner or are we gonna sit here like a couple of mopey saps and get wet?"
She didn't answer, but instead moved to wrap her arms around him and whispered in his ear.
"Thank you."
She pulled back for a second and looked at him intently. Her gaze seemed to pierce right through him.
"Don't mention it." He played it cool, but his heart was racing.
"You're a good man James." She pulled him forward to kiss him on the forehead. She had intended for it to be a quick thank you, but when her lips made contact with his skin they both became acutely aware of a surge of electricity between them.
Neither of them could breathe and she shuddered when her bright blue gaze reached his now darkened eyes. Suddenly, he hungrily captured her mouth with his, and she accepted with equal vigor. They both grabbed at one another, bodies entangled, as if they couldn't get close enough. Her hands found their way to his hair. He moaned, when he suddenly felt her tongue wrestle his. He had a strong grip at the waist of her jeans and kept pulling her closer. The rain grew heavier around them. And she suddenly pulled away, with a whimper.
He held her in an embrace as they both stared at each other, trying to catch their breath. She looked frightened and he tried to reassure her with his eyes. When that didn't work, he captured her mouth again, while backing her into the tree.
Her mind raced, as she fought against losing control. For a second he wondered what might happen if someone saw them, but he was more focused on showing her his new found feelings towards her. Finally her brain won out and she pushed him away.
"I don't think we should do this." The voice didn't sound like her own.
"Why the hell not?" He was quick to protest. He let her pull away from the kiss, but he still had her pinned to the tree. She only looked at him with pleading eyes. Her mind couldn't form an argument. He grunted as he stepped aside, releasing her. She turned to walk away, but he grabbed her arm.
"Wait, can't we talk about this?"
"I'm sorry James." She was panicking and stumbled over her words. I...I just need time to think. I'm sorry. I'll see you later."
She pulled her arm away. He stood there getting soaked as he watched her run back towards house. His mind raced and he could still feel her mouth on his own. He let out another groan, before heading back inside. As he made his way slowly in the pouring rain, a laugh welled up inside him. "Okay then!" At that moment he felt like Gene Kelley in Singing in the Rain. Good thing there weren't any lamp posts in Dharmaville, or he might start tap dancing.
