Claire sat on the beach, gazing out at the sparkling, blue ocean. It had been a few days since the crash, and she still didn't know if her baby was OK. The only doctor on the island, Jack, couldn't tell yet, and he was busy tending to other people's wounds.

A Chinese man, or at least who she thought was Chinese, came and sat near Claire. He didn't speak English, so they didn't talk, just sat.

Claire glanced at the man. He face was tired and worn, making him look older than he really was His sleeves were rolled up on his blue collared shirt, and his once-white slacks were now faded and dirty.

"Ow!" Claire exclaimed suddenly. She felt a sharp kick against her ribcage. The man looked over at her and raised an eyebrow.

Claire smiled. "It's kicking! The baby's kicking!" Without warning, she grabbed the man's hand and placed it on her stomach, so he could feel the kick. His brow furrowed, but he managed a wavering smile.

Claire's grin spread from ear-to-ear. "It's OK! It's alive!"

Claire woke up with a start. She felt dizzy, and the cave seemed to be spinning around her. It took a minute for her to recollect. She felt a weird sensation in her lower stomach. A sharp pain made her cry out and lay back down. Claire desperately woke Charlie up.

"Charlie…" She breathed. "Charlie, it's time. The baby's coming. I'm having contractions," She nudged Charlie until he woke up.

Charlie grumbled and rolled over, facing Claire. Rubbing his eyes, he muttered, "What? What is it?"

"Charlie, I'm having contractions! The baby's coming." Claire's breathing became heavier. She remembered something…Jack saying something about an early birth before.

Charlie, understanding the circumstances, leapt to his feet. Of course, he hadn't been prepared for this moment. "OK…." He talked to himself. Then he ran out of the cave and lugged in the suitcase full of medical supplies and grabbed some extra blankets.

"Charlie, you have to get the doctor. You have to get someone." Claire said. Another pain. "Aaaah!" She grabbed Charlie's hand and squeezed it tight until the contraction was over. In her head, Claire timed how far apart each contraction was.

"I can't leave you here, alone. It's in the middle of the night!" Charlie complained.

"I'll be fine. The beach is just down there. Go get someone, please!" Claire said.

Charlie looked at her and then outside, debating on what he should do. "OK…I'll be right back," And he sprinted off into the darkness.

Claire closed her eyes and took a deep breath. All the scary things go away when you sleep, right? She thought. She couldn't fall asleep, though, so she just kept her eyes closed. Every snap of a twig, every crackle of a leaf, she jumped.

Finally, Charlie came back, panting. With him he had a black man, a Korean lady, a little kid, and a tall blonde.

Charlie and the black man rushed around, getting things set up. Claire guessed the black man knew she'd lost her memory, because he introduced himself quickly. "I'm Michael; over there's my son, Walt; the Korean lady is Sun; and the blonde is Shannon. Any of this ring a bell?" He joked. Claire smiled and for some reason, trusted these people.

Shannon and Walt got bottles of water. Sun wet a cloth and put it on Claire's sweaty forehead. The contractions continued, becoming closer and closer together.

Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Michael said, "I think it's coming. It's baby time!" Charlie crouched by Claire, holding her hand and keeping her calm.

Michael cracked his knuckles. "I'm not much of a doctor, but I saw Walt being born, and Sun here seems to be quite of a nurse herself. Alright, Walt, wait outside the cave. Shannon, get more water." Everyone followed Michael's commands.

Sun got more blankets to wrap the baby in. Michael put on some rubber gloves he'd found. "OK, Claire, give me a big push and hold it for 10 seconds." Michael instructed. Claire took a deep breath and pushed.

Charlie counted for her. "1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…10," Claire let out the air and breathed. Sun placed another cool cloth on Claire's forehead.

"I can see a head!" Michael exclaimed. "Alright, same thing. Push!"
"1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…10," Charlie squeezed Claire's hand reassuringly. Claire knew that strangers were delivering her baby, but she didn't care, so long as the baby was healthy.

"The head's out! Come on Claire, another big push!" Michael said.

"Do it for the baby, love," Charlie whispered. Claire nodded and pushed.

Do it for the baby, Claire thought. Do it for the baby.

"Alright, I'm seeing shoulders! A few more pushes should do it," Michael said. Just then, Locke and Boone came back.

"What's going on?" Boone asked.

"I thought you went looking for Jack!" Charlie exclaimed.

"What's it look like? Claire's giving birth!" Michael replied.

There was so much confusion; Claire thought she'd cry with all the stress. Sensing this, Charlie said, "Guys, you have to leave. This is really stressful for her."

Claire pushed again, crying out in pain. "It's out!" Michael exclaimed. Claire lifted her tired head to see her baby boy. He was covered in blood and all that mess, but he was beautiful. He let out a cry.

Charlie cut the umbilical cord. Sun began to wash the baby. Michael pulled off his gloves and said, "Mission accomplished."

Claire smiled and held her baby. Charlie stroked its head. "What will you name it?" Charlie asked. Everyone looked at Claire, waiting for an answer. "Michael," She said, smiling at Michael. "Thanks," He returned.

Claire looked at Charlie. "You pick the middle name," She said. Smiling, Charlie said, "Joseph. Michael Joseph Littleton."
"No," Claire objected. Charlie gave her a confused look. "Michael Joseph Pace," She corrected.