Chapter 26: From This Moment
Disclaimer: The song lyrics belong to Shania Twain and all other artists that sing that song.
Authors Note: Due to recent events of season two, there will be no change to the story. The story is strictly based on the fabulous events of season one.
Kate looked down at her left hand again, and twirled the ring around her finger. She looked up at Jack whose face was blank as he watched her. She stepped forward and put her arms around his neck, she kissed him deeply. Behind them, Sawyer walked into the room in his pajamas and reading glasses. He smiled in a un-Sawyer like manner and walked up the stairs relieved. Kate and Jack broke apart and Jack took her hand and kissed it.
"We need to talk," said Kate pulling her hand back slightly, "We really need to work things out."
Jack nodded knowing Kate was right. They walked out onto the back patio and sat down on the porch swing close together. Kate rested her head on Jack's chest and waited for him to speak first… when he didn't, she decided to.
"Jack," said Kate sitting up so she could face him, "We do really need to talk."
"I know," said Jack, "I just don't know where to begin…sorry isn't enough. I just want to start over."
"We can't start over Jack…we can't just forget the past. We don't need to talk about what happened in L.A.," said Kate taking Jack's hand, "We need to talk about everything…everything that happened to us in the last year."
Jack again said nothing, but just looked away.
"Jack!" said Kate becoming frustrated, "If you don't talk to me how do you expect us to work anything out." Kate pulled on Jack's sleeve to make him look at her. Jack turned around, tears falling softly on his cheeks; Kate wiped them away with her sleeve. "I've never seen a guy cry so much."
Jack laughed softly.
"I'm sorry," he repeated for about the third time that night, "For everything, not just the reunion…for leaving you alone to go look for Locke…and for not being there for you when Sayid died. People always told me that things happened for a reason…I never believed that…but when I met you…I knew that everyone had been right. I love you so much Kate."
"I know Jack," said Kate truthfully, "But sometimes it feels like you don't trust me."
"I do trust you," said Jack, "But everything that happened made me so protective…when Sawyer came it made it worse. I knew you guys had a bond…you guys were friends…and I was jealous…"
"Thank you," said Kate.
"What?" asked Jack confused.
"For being jealous," said Kate. "And I'm sorry I ran away form you…when I should have stayed and talked to you."
Kate rested her head on Jack's chest again. Jack leaned back so they both were laying down on the swing. Kate turned on her side so Jack was holding her closely. Jack reached forward and tucked Kate's hair behind her ear… He kissed the top of her head softly. Then whispered in her ear…
"I love you Kate."
"I love you too Jack."
Kate closed her eyes and fell asleep in Jack's arms.
Kate walked through the jungle quickly. She had been out trying to collect any type of fruit. Since everyone had agreed to blow up the food in the hatch…the food situation had become scarce. Kate continued to walk but stopped suddenly when she heard the snapping of a twig behind her. She began walking again…this time more quickly…but stopped when she heard the mysterious sound again. She could hear something running…it was coming closer and closer to her. Kate dropped her bag and ran as fast as she could until she tripped over a root and began rolling down hill. She hill she saw who had been chasing her…Vincent looked down at her panting. He ran down the hill to Kate and began licking her face. Kate laughed at her own stupidity and petted the yellow lab.
"Hey Kate," said someone behind her.
Kate turned around to see Jack standing there wet and shirtless. Kate smiled at him and got 'that feeling' in her stomach…the one she had been getting lately when she saw Jack. Jack walked over to her and gave her a hand up.
"What were you running from?" asked Jack.
"The dog," said Kate slightly embarrassed, "I thought it was someone else."
"Like the Sawyer-monster?" asked Jack in a fake spooky voice. Kate laughed so loud that is rang through the jungle. She quickly covered her mouth. Jack laughed even harder.
I was wondering," said Jack putting his shirt on, "If you would like to have dinner with me…alone?"
"Like a date?" asked Kate.
"I guess so," said Jack. He and Kate had been eating together since they arrived on the island…but not alone.
"Okay," said Kate smiling.
"Awesome," said Jack who was excited like a high school boy, "I'll pick you up at you tent."
Kate laughed as Jack walked away from her in the jungle. Kate stood there for a moment and then ran towards the beach…since Jack was going towards the caves…only one thought crossed Kate's mind… "What the hell should I wear?"
An hour later Jack walked up towards Kate's tent to find Kate inside brushing her hair. She had borrowed some nice clothes from Shannon and the only hairbrush on the island. Jack walked in and Kate turned around to see that Jack had also cleaned up.
Jack led Kate through the jungle as the sun began to set. He was leading Kate to a place borrowed from Sayid. Kate could see the lit torches through the leaves…but was still shocked with how beautiful the island could look. As the reached the beach Kate removed her shoes…they walked towards a blanket where some food was laid out.
"There's not a lot," said Jack, "But it's what I could find."
"It's wonderful, Jack," said Kate softly, "Thank you."
Kate didn't sit down but instead turned around to face Jack. She could see the light from the torches flickering in his eyes. She steeped on her toes and kissed Jack for only the second time in three months. Jack put his arms around her waist and held her close to him.
Jack opened his eyes to find Kate no longer next to him. He sat up quickly, afraid that she might have left again. Jack began to look for her. He finally spotted her standing next to the man-made lake that bordered their backyard. Kate was standing there in sweat pants and a sweat shirt. Jack got up and walked towards Kate. As he reached her, she took a drink form a cup she was holding.
"Standing here makes me feel like we are back on the island," said Kate whose eyes were glossy from staring at the water.
Jack looked at the water in front of them. The lake was only forty feet across and not very deep. It didn't even have the deep blue color of the ocean water…it was murky green.
"Do you wish we were never rescued?" asked Jack slightly afraid of the answer.
"No," said Kate turning her head to look at him, "Because then I wouldn't be married to you."
Kate looked down at her cup of coffee again. Jack took his finger and lifted her chin up. He bent down and kissed her softly. Kate dropped the cup into the soft grass below and put her arms around Jack, falling in love with him all over again.
From this moment life has begun…
From this moment you are the one…
Right beside you is where I belong…
From this moment on…
From this moment I have been blessed…
I live only for your happiness…
And for your love I give my last breath…
From this moment on…
I give my hand to you with all my heart…
I can't wait my life with you, can't wait to start…
You and I will never be apart…
My dreams came true…
Because of you…