Hello, hello! I'm sorry I took two weeks to upload this chap., but I just wanted it to be perfect, since it's the last one. This is long, but I guess that's fine since it's the grand finale ;)

So, is Kate alive? Brooke really died? What the hell is going on here??

I want to thank you all again for reading, and it'd be great if you let me know if you liked it or hated it, or whatever you want to say. Foxy4ever dear, thanks for being my number one reader, and let me know your impressions please.

I'll let you guys know when I start a new story, maybe I'll try some Jate, who knows?

Thanks again. Farewell... enjoy!

Chapter 52, part II

– I have it…

– Damn it Freckles, if you're going to call me this early and wake me up, at least say good morning…

– Shut up! It's already noon. Now, this is what we're going to do…

– Oh come on! Why don't you just wire me the damn money?!

– Wire the money?! Are you out of your mind?! What if they catch you?! You want to get me involved?!

– Alright! What's your plan then?

– You're heading to Mexico, right? So, I'll see you on the freeway early in the morning. You wait for me at the fourth viewing point, I'll pull over for a minute so you can take the bag with the money and then I'll leave.

– Are you crazy?! What if they're following me? Don't you say you don't want to get involved? Besides, the road's dangerous, especially in the dark…

– You have a better idea?

– Well yeah! Why don't you just tell your hubby to bring me the money? He'll figure something out…

Kate laughed wryly. – Right, I'm sure he'll be dying to help you out…

– He won't do it for me, he'll do it for you, as always…

– I don't think so…

Sawyer threw a smug smile from the other side of the line. – Or maybe you just want to see me…

Kate's face went blank. – You want the money or not? 'Cause you're being difficult, really…

– Of course I want it…

– Then do what I say…

– Fine!

– Fine, I'll see you there at 1:30…

– Kate, wait!

– What?!

– I really think you should tell the doc…

– Man, I don't believe you!

– I mean it! What if he finds out? What if one of the kiddies wakes up in the middle of the night asking for their mommy? How you're going to explain you're not there? You can get into trouble…

– He won't find out… He's having surgery today, he'll be very tired… and it's a one hour thing, tops…

– Why don't you want to tell him? Thought you weren't hiding things from him anymore… –Sawyer said with sarcasm in his voice.

Kate went mute for a moment. – Things are perfect between us right now… I just don't want to upset him with your crap… But, if you're so worried about honesty or anything, why don't you call him and borrow the money from him? –she challenged.

Sawyer sighed and rolled eyes. – Fine, I'll see you there…

Kate hung up and left the telephone booth right when Claire came out from the market. She had forgotten something.

– Okay, now I'm done. –she said smiling. – Were you using that phone? –Claire asked puzzled.

– Oh yeah, I just wanted to wish Jack good luck on the surgery, but I couldn't reach him. –Claire stared at her with a questioning look. – My cell ran out of battery. –Kate completed.

– Oh! You can use mine if you want to try again…

– I asked his secretary to page him, he'll get the message… –she said with a smile.

– Okay, let's get the kids then…

After Kate and Claire picked up the kids at school, they drove home.

– You sure don't want to stay for meal? –Kate asked Claire from her front door.

– I can't, Charlie will be here anytime soon and I have tons of things to do…

– Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then…

– I'll see you tomorrow…

Later on she cooked meal for the kids and helped Jackie with her homework, whilst Brett played with his legos. The day ran out fast, and soon it was time to put them to bed. She made them brush their teeth after feeding them dinner and putting them in their pajamas.

Then she lulled Brett to sleep and placed him gently in his cradle, after kissing sweetly his forehead. Right afterwards she went to her daughter's room.

– Daddy's working late tonight sweetie, so, you want me to read Snow White for you?

Jackie smiled content. – No… I want you to read me the Sleeping Beauty…

– Okay…

Jackie soon fell asleep, lulled by her mother's voice. After that she went to the laundry room and took a black bag with the money she was hiding inside the washing machine. Then she placed it in her SUV.

Afterwards she went to her room and watched some TV, waiting for Jack. She hoped he wouldn't be long. She was nervous, she wanted to be done with Sawyer's thing at last and leave it behind. At 11:00 O'clock, she was almost asleep when she heard Jack's car in the driveway. She went downstairs.

– Hey… –she said from the door, giving him a long tight hug.

– Hey… –he said back, kissing her softly.

– How did it go?

– Good. He'll live. –Jack assured content.

– That's great… You want to… eat something?

Jack shook his head, his eyes almost closing. – I just want to go to bed… –he said, taking her hand and leading her upstairs.

Once at their bedroom, he took off his jacket, then his pants and shirt. He laid on the bed, exhausted.

– I missed you… –Kate whispered in his ear, then started tracing little kisses all over his neck.

– I missed you too… –he replied, not moving a finger.

But she didn't give in. She rolled on him and kissed his lips with passion. He broke the kiss. – My eyes are closing… –he whispered, meaning he was just too tired to make love to her.

– I'll do all the job, I promise. –she said with an impish smile, whilst getting rid of his boxers.

He gave her and indulging smile and gently ran his fingers through her face. – Alright then…

He let Kate seduce him and soon he got into the game. She took off her nightgown and made wild love to him. After they both finished, Jack was panting, as well as her. He laid on his back again and fell asleep almost immediately. She kissed his lips softly and watched him sleep, a satisfying smile on her face. It was fifteen minutes after midnight. It was almost time to go meet Sawyer. She had to drive far from home, so she made sure Jack was really asleep before leaving the bed.

Once he began snoring, she knew he was sleeping deeply. She carefully left the bed and went to the bathroom. She put on the sweatpants and sweatshirt she had hidden beneath the towels and pulled her hair up in a pony tail. Then she put on her sneakers. She left the bathroom tiptoeing. She glanced at Jack and couldn't resist. She approached holding her breath and gave him a sweet little kiss on the lips.

Before going downstairs, she stopped and walked into Brett's room. She gently caressed his hair and kissed his cheek. Then she went to Jackie's room. She kissed her daughter's forehead and placed her stuffed bunny under her arm. When she walked out, Jack was waiting for her.

– You're not going anywhere… –he affirmed with a burning gaze and a low steady voice. He didn't want to wake up the kids.

She froze. Damn it, I shouldn't have kissed him, she thought. She tried to conceal. – Honey, going where? I'm just checking on the kids… –she assured, nervous.

He looked down and stared at her feet with the sneakers on. – I don't care if I have to tie you up and lock you in the closet, but you're not leaving this house…

– What are you talking about? Why would I want to leave? –she asked raising an eyebrow, as if he was talking crazy.

– I know about Sawyer. –he affirmed sternly. He didn't know how, but he just knew.

Kate paralyzed. – What?

– Don't lie to me Kate, I know you're meeting him at the freeway, and you're going to give him your spending money…

– Jack, no, I… –she mumbled, stunned.

– I don't care what you say, you're not going. I'm bringing him the money, and listen to me Kate: don't follow me. If you do, if you come after me, you'll regret it, I know you will. –he affirmed determined.

– No, Jack, please don't go, forget it, you don't have to do it.

But he turned his back and walked away from her. She followed him to the bedroom and watched him getting dressed with his jeans and a T-shirt. – Jack please, I'm sorry… it's not what you think… –But he wasn't listening. – I beg of you, don't leave me! Don't go! –she said frantic. She feared the worst, she thought he'd get into a fight with Sawyer and it would be all her fault.

– We'll talk when I get back. –he snapped to her face. Then he rushed downstairs and went to the garage. He took her SUV, and as he expected, the bag with the money was already there.

The minute she heard the engine getting away, she rushed downstairs too. She looked for his car keys, but they were nowhere. She went to the garage and tried to get in his car, but it was locked. He had taken his keys too, so she couldn't follow him.

Meanwhile, Brooke Julian, Patrick's fiancée, was finishing dinner with her long time friend Marty, who now owned a restaurant in L.A.

– Baby, I can drive to the house, what's the big deal? –she told Patrick through the cell phone.

– Why don't you just wait for me there? I can pick you up, my shift's almost over… –Patrick replied, trying to convince her.

– I can't stay here any longer, the place's closing in about an hour. Besides, I rented a car remember? I'll have to drive even if you meet me here…

– Then come and wait for me…

– God no! I can't stand hospitals. Don't worry baby, I'll see you at the house, okay?

– Fine, but you call me the minute you get there okay?

– Promise…

– Okay, I've got to go, love you…

– Love you too baby…

When she hung up, Marty had already ordered for her a nice dessert, which she ate placidly, still telling her friend everything about her upcoming wedding and the new beautiful house Patrick had gotten for them in Malibu. She was thrilled and couldn't wait to live there.

Soon after she left the restaurant and asked the valet for the car she had rented. She headed to her home-to-be. Though she had been there with Patrick a couple of times, she wasn't familiar with the road yet, and the streets looked different at night.

After some time she was lost. She had missed her exit and the GPS in the car wasn't being very helpful. She had a map, but couldn't quite check it out since she was driving. – Fuck… I don't know where I am…

She called Patrick, but his cell phone was off. He sure was in the OR or something. – Sweetie, you were right, I'm lost, please call me… –she said to the voicemail.

It was 16 minutes after 1:00 am and she still had no idea where she was. She started feeling uneasy. Then she saw in the distance a viewpoint, and a man was standing there outside a car. She bit her lip, but it was her best chance. She decided to pull over and ask for directions.

– Hi, excuse me, I'm trying to get to Malibu but…

But the southern man standing beside her car rolled eyes and cut her off. – Do I look like a damn tourist guide? –he snapped.

Brooke's jaw dropped. And they say we New Yorkers are rude… – Okay then, thanks anyway… –she said indignant.

But Sawyer noticed she was a lost pretty girl and couldn't fight his nature. – Wait! I'm sorry, I'm just… stressed, no offense. –He stated, rising his hands. – Uh… well, you're heading to Mexico now…

– No way!

– Yeah, you're pretty far from Malibu. So, you have to turn back, get out of this freeway in the next exit you see and then follow the road signs that read "Malibu". –he indicated with a smile.

Brooke laughed shortly at his sarcasm. – That's actually a great idea, okay, thank you very much…

– Yeah…

As he saw the hot chick drive away, he glanced at his watch. It was 1:30 sharp, but Kate wasn't there yet. He hoped she hadn't changed her mind.

About 15 minutes later, Brooke was ready to take the exit and leave the freeway. For a second she took her eyes off the road to glance at the mirror and change lanes. When she looked ahead again, she was surprised by a dog in the middle of the road. Trying not to hit it, she darted the wheel abruptly and lost control of the car. She crashed against the road fence and fell in a cliff.

Jack was already late to meet Sawyer when he had to take a detour, since the entrance to the freeway was blocked. It seemed there had been an accident. He cursed in his thoughts and kept going. When he got to the viewing point, he pulled over and waited inside the SUV, unlocking the doors.

– Damn it Freckles! What took you so long? –Sawyer snapped annoyed, opening the door abruptly. He swallowed when he saw Jack inside.

– Get in the car. –Jack ordered.

– And why would I do that?

Jack threw a challenging look. – You want the money?

– Fine…

He got in the car and remained silent, not looking at Jack. Then he spoke. – So, she told you…

Jack smiled wryly, but he let Sawyer believe it. – Listen, Sawyer, 'cause I'm saying this once. Take the damn money and disappear. I don't want to see your face ever again in my life. Stay away from my family and me.

– Or what? –Sawyer dared to ask.

– Or else…

– Are you threatening me?

– Absolutely. You don't want me to tell the police to track this money, do you?

Sawyer looked away. – Son of a bitch… Anyway, I told your wife I'll pay you back as soon as I get back on track…

– Don't bother. Just get a life Sawyer, and leave us alone, for good.

– Well thanks, it was good to see you too doc… –he replied, taking the bag with the money and leaving the SUV, slamming the door behind him. He quickly got in his car and drove away.

Now it was time to have a word with Kate. He felt mad. He was thinking about what he was going to tell her when his cell phone rang. It was Andrea. Doctor Shephard, we have a situation here and Dr. Mills requires your assistance…

– Fine, I'm coming…

He hung up and headed to the hospital. Before he got to the exit on the freeway, he saw the wreckage of a sports car and a lot of patrols and police lines. Somebody had an ugly accident. He had the feeling it had something to do with Andrea's call. He sped up to get to St. Sebastian faster…

When he finally opened his eyes, he got up in panic and looked around. Yes, he was at his bedroom. Yes, nobody was sleeping beside him. God, what an awful nightmare… Everything's fine… Everything's fine… He left the bed and entered the bathroom. He bent over the sink and wetted his face. He took a deep breath, rubbing his eyes, feeling the cold water on his skin. When he straightened up he shouted frightened. He could see Kate in the mirror standing behind him.

– Jack… –she said concerned.

He rubbed his face in despair. – What the hell is wrong with me?! –he mumbled.

– Your friend Marion called… she told me about Patrick's girlfriend… I'm so sorry…

Jack felt an unbearable need to cry. – Where's Jackie?

Kate didn't understand. It seemed like Jack had been changed for another person. He was acting insane, as if he had gone crazy overnight. – She's at school.

– At school? –he asked disconcerted.

– You slept almost a whole day…

He couldn't believe it. He left the bedroom and wandered the house. Yes, he was back in time, and he was not dreaming. The last words he heard from his daughter kept resounding in his head. Sometimes, wishes can come true… But had he wished for this? It didn't make any sense. All he knew was Kate was indeed alive, following him around the house, and now Brooke was dead. That wasn't right at all. He felt an unspeakable pain inside.

He took the phone and called Patrick. He tried the hospital, his cell phone, his home, but there was no reply. Then he called Marion.

– Hello?

– Marion!

– Jack… hey…

– I'm trying to reach Patrick, but I can't find him anywhere…

– Yeah, he left to New York… I'm actually on my way too…

– New York? Why New York?

– Uh, for the funeral, you know… Brooke lived there, remember?

He grimaced. He had forgotten she was from New York, why was that? – Um, listen, I would like to come too…

– Yeah, but that's not a good idea…

– Why not?

– Jack, I kind of always suspected you had a crush on Brooke, but "She's my fiancée, we're getting married on Saturday"? I mean, that was so out of the line…

He went mute. – I… I didn't mean to…

– Yeah, I know… everything was so weird that night… Anyway, I think is better if you stay, let things chill out, you know…

He sighed. – Right…

– So, I'll call you when I get back and we'll talk, okay?

– Okay…

Marion hung up and Jack just stood there. Kate was still watching him with a huge questioning look. Fine, his best friend's fiancée had just died and it was awful, but they still had issues to address, the Sawyer issue, to be exact. She stared at him expectant, but he was still trying to find an explanation to the outrageous reality he was stuck in. – I… I've got to go… –he announced. – I'll go get Jackie.

– But it's not even noon… you're not going to work? –she asked in disbelief.

– No… Listen, I want to spend some time with her, so, don't worry if we're not here right after school, okay? –he said flatly.

– Jack, I…

– I'll see you later. –he said cutting her off.

Before leaving the house he took a quick shower and got dressed. He went to check on Brett. He was still sleeping in his cradle. He held him in his arms and kissed hid head. Then he put him back on the cradle and left.

He got in his car and drove away. He needed to find an explanation to what was happening, but he didn't know where to begin. He had never believed in supernatural things. Even after everything he witnessed and experienced on the island, he still refused to even think sometimes there were things that couldn't be explained. Yet he remembered over and over again what Jackie had told him, right after Brooke returned to him the engagement ring he had given her. If someone had answers to that altered world, it had to be Jackie.

As he kept driving, he started thinking and thinking. Flashes began crossing his mind. That night, when Patrick was launching his first book, he didn't attend the party in the end because Kate told him she wasn't in the mood to go. But you can go if you want, it's okay, she stated, but he thought there was no point in going to a party without his wife. He decided to stay home with her.

Then the next Monday Patrick arrived to the hospital in a thrilling teenage state. He told everybody how he'd ran into his former college roommate and best friend, after losing track of her for quite a while. He said with a huge smile the click had been instant. He was madly in love with her, now he knew, so he'd asked her out and she'd accepted.

Every time Patrick had a date with her, he'd come to the hospital and tell Marion, Derek, Varya and him everything about it. He kept talking nonstop about how cool and sweet she was, how beautiful she was, and so on. They knew all there was to know about her, that she was from New York, worked as a fashion editor for The New York Days, had excellent taste, could cook, her mom was French, her dad and brother were lawyers, even her birthday and favorite color.

Within some time, Patrick had everybody fed up with his excitement. Marion had a secret crush on Patrick, so she didn't enjoy listening about his fabulous girlfriend at all. Yet Jack always found his stories fascinating. He couldn't remember the last time he had been so excited about a woman. He never felt that way with Sarah, and as for Kate, well, he certainly loved her deeply, but their love story had been everything but Hollywood-like. He kind of missed that feeling Patrick was exuding everyday now.

Since she was from New York, Patrick kept traveling almost every weekend to meet her, only to come back and tell more wonderful things about her. Now Jack was his only audience.

– So, when we're going to meet her?

– Soon, she's coming for the Halloween party. You've got to go man, this time you can't miss it.

– But I'm not wearing any costume, I'm telling you. Neither is Kate.

– Whatever man, just come. Yet don't be surprised when you find the cabin all decorated and she pops out with some sophisticated outfit, she loves that shit… –Patrick assured with a foolish smile. – One time, back in college, she dressed like Wonder Woman, and she looked so hot she…

Jack cut him off. – Whoa man! You need to stop… –Jack said with an impish smile.

– What?

– If you keep talking about her like that, someone might want to steal her from you, you make her sound so… desirable… –Jack said.

Patrick nodded in agreement. – She's very desirable, you'll see… and she's all mine. –he affirmed proud. – Well, I've got to check on Mrs. Staten, see you around…

– Fine…

Kate was also aware of Patrick's love story. Jack repeated to her everything he knew, and now it was like their very private soap opera. She was very curious about her, because so far, she seemed to be the quintessence of perfection, according to Patrick.

So they went to the Halloween party, without a costume as promised. Once at the cabin, they knocked and a Phantom of the Opera-dressed Patrick opened the door. – Hey! You made it! –he said thrilled.

– Hey… –Kate said smiling to Patrick.

– Kate, hi! I'm so glad you came, you brought the kids?

– We asked Claire to watch them. –Jack replied.

They walked in and found Derek and Varya already there, actually wearing a costume. Jack looked at Kate and she just shrugged. Then Patrick went on ahead and reached for Brooke, who was sitting on one of the couches having a nice chat with the other guys. – This is Cat Woman here… –he said with a smug smile, taking Brooke by the hand and lifting her up.

She was indeed in a Cat Woman costume. She looked killer. She was young as hell, and indeed beautiful. This time Patrick hadn't exaggerated. Jack felt surprised when he found himself impressed with her. – Hi, I'm Brooke. –she said, shaking Kate's hand, then Jack's.

– Kate, nice to meet you.

– I'm Jack, hi.

She glanced at Patrick. – So you're Jack… –she said curious. She remembered both he and Kate had been on that very well-known plane crash when she was in college. She even remembered the crush she had on Jack for about 5 minutes back then.

He smiled. – As far as I know, yeah…

– Patrick talks about you all the time…

– Oh, sorry about that… –he said with a shy smile.

– You want something to drink? –she asked both.

The rest of the weekend Jack had been watching her discretely. Not only she was beautiful, she also was fun and smart. But the thing that called his attention more was the way she treated Patrick. You could tell from miles away she loved him more than anything in the world. The way she spoke to him, the way she held his hand when she was sitting beside him, the way she ran her fingers through his hair when she thought nobody was watching. He wished someone looked at him that way, like he was the last living man on Earth.

On Sunday, when they were driving home, they were talking about the gathering.

– Well, actually I kind of found a flaw on her… –Kate affirmed.

– Really? –Jack asked in disbelief, raising an eyebrow.

Kate tried to imitate Brooke's husky voice. – Baby, you want more pasta? Baby, can you pass me the salt? Baby, you remember that time when… Baby, baby, baby… Could she be more cheesy or what? I mean, how many times you can call someone "baby"? –she mocked.

– Actually I think that's cute… –he stated.

Her jaw dropped. – You mean you would like to be called baby all the time?

He rolled his eyes behind his sunglasses. – You'd never do that. I'm just saying it's cute…

– Okay fine. I'm jealous, so what? She's gorgeous, she cooks way better than me and she's twenty-fucking-five, I mean, she couldn't be more perfect. And you know what's the worst part?

– What?

– She's so nice I can't even hate her. –She sighed. – I wish I was in my twenties again…

– Hey, don't compare yourself to her… She sure is pretty, but I wouldn't change you for no one… –he affirmed smiling at her.

As time went by, Patrick kept telling him about his relationship as usual, and the more he told him, the more he couldn't help but think about Brooke. He only saw her a couple of times more. One of them was that time when Brooke surprised Patrick and visited him at the hospital. She was trying to find his office to sneak in, when she accidentally crashed into him when she turned left in a hallway.

– God! I'm so sorry! –she said embarrassed.

He recognized her immediately and smiled warmly. – No problem…

– Jack, hey!

– Hi, what you're doing here? –he asked, delighted by her beauty.

– I'm looking for Patrick, is he around?

– I think he's in surgery, he might take long…

– Oh… –she said disappointed.

– I can page him to let him know you're here…

– Thanks, that'd be great… –she said with her signature smile. – Well, it was nice to see you Jack… –she said, shaking his hand.

– Same to me…

As he saw her walking away he felt disgusted at himself. He was checking her out bad. What the hell was wrong with him? She was one of his best friend's girlfriend. Well, he was a man after all, he couldn't fight his nature, he thought, and that chick was damn hot.

– I'll tell you what… –Marion said, cutting his thoughts off, speaking behind him.

He turned around startled by the surprise. – What? –he asked disconcerted.

– Get a divorce, seduce her and then I can marry Patrick… –Jack was stunned, speechless. – Kidding… –Marion said immediately with a wry smile, blinking an eye, then she patted his shoulder and walked away from him.

A couple of months later, Patrick invited him lunch since he wanted to talk to him.

– So, what's this all about? –asked Jack.

– Well, I want to… ask you something…

– Shoot…

He smiled satisfied. – I'm wondering if you'd be my best man.

Jack opened his eyes wide. – You're getting married?

– I hope so. I'm proposing to Brooke this weekend. So, if she says yes, you'll be my best man?

Jack was impressed. Patrick had only been seeing Brooke for some months, and now he wanted to marry her. – Don't you think it's too fast?

– Hell no. I can't wait to live with her again. I've known her forever, so, why wait any longer?

He nodded. – Sure, I'll be your best man.

– Awesome…

– So, how you're going to tell her?

– At her birthday party, I arranged a big surprise for her… –he said thrilled.

– Nice… and you're moving to New York then?

– No, I'm getting a house in Malibu, we're going to live there…

– Wow, that's pretty cool…

– Yeah…

A week later Patrick invited everybody over dinner to announce his engagement. It was a very nice celebration. Brooke looked adorable, and she and Patrick couldn't hide their excitement and happiness. Jack felt terrible, because he just couldn't take her eyes off of her. He didn't understand why, but he actually felt jealous of Patrick. He hated to admit it, but he had a huge crush on Brooke.

That disconcerted him. Not only because he was married, but also because he was supposed to be in love with his wife. He knew he loved Kate, then why he felt so attracted to this girl? He barely knew her. Yes, she was irresistible, but that wasn't enough, couldn't be enough.

As the party went by, he recognized what it was about her. She represented everything he never had the chance to live with Kate. They'd met under the worst circumstances. They never had flowers or chocolates, movies or dinners out, neither dates nor romantic escapades.

On the contrary, they spent most of the time running for their lives, trying to survive, with zillion interferences and misunderstandings around. Then they came back to the real world and were busy adapting to normality again. Besides, they became parents almost immediately. Not that he regretted anything, but he just wanted to feel worshiped by his wife, as Patrick felt by Brooke, and he wanted to feel devotion for Kate as well.

Without him noticing, time flew. He had pulled over outside Jackie's school, and now the classes were over. He felt he was going insane. What were those "memories" in his head? Had his relationship with Brooke been a fantasy? That was impossible. He couldn't have just imagined or day-dreamt the last two and a half years of his life. He couldn't have made up Kate's death, the suffering he went through and then the awakening he experienced with Brooke. Now he just couldn't tell the difference between reality and illusion. It was as if he was entrapped in some kind of limbo.

He walked to the school's entrance and ran into his little daughter.

– Daddy!

– Hey… –he said lifting her up in a long embrace.

– Where's mommy?

– She's at home. But now you and me are having pizza together, how about that? –he suggested his daughter with a soft smile.

– Yeah! –she said thrilled.

He took his daughter to the pizza place she loved. He felt stupid sitting in front of her, thinking about the questions he wanted to ask. She was only a 6 year-old girl. Now she didn't even look as shrewd as he remembered her when she was 8. He shook his head and smiled wryly. He definitely was losing his mind.

– Why are you sad daddy? –she asked, cutting his line of thought.

– You think I'm sad? –The little girl nodded. – No, I'm fine.

– I don't think so…

He went mute. He couldn't help but think Jackie was behind this madness. – Why? –he asked suspicious.

– Your eyes don't glint.

– That's because I'm tired.

But Jackie bit her lip. – It's because of mommy, right?

His eyes opened wider. – Why you say that?

– I know you she was leaving us, but she stayed 'cause you caught her. –Jackie affirmed with a trace of sorrow in her little voice.

That enraged him. Was Kate irresponsible enough to let Jackie see or hear any of her conversations with Sawyer? He took a deep breath. – No sweetie, it's not like that. Your mom was just trying to help this friend she has.

– Then why she didn't tell us?

Yes, she had a point there. – Because she didn't want to bother us. –he justified.

Jackie frowned, she wasn't quite convinced. – She always says we don't have to hide the good things we do.

– Yeah, that's true.

– Then why she hides helping her friend?

He sighed. Man, that kid was smart. – I don't know, she didn't mean to. She made a mistake.

– Don't be sad daddy, I won't hide things from you.

He had to stiffen his tears. – We'll work it out honey, don't worry okay? Now, I'd like you to show me your drawings… –he demanded, thinking the clue to this puzzle was in what Jackie revealed through her paintings.

But the girl looked at him concerned. – I can't draw daddy. I failed at drawing, remember? –she said embarrassed.

He couldn't believe it. He looked at her determined. – Yes you can Jackie, and you can make beautiful drawings, you just have to try. –he assured.

Her eyes glinted. – Can you teach me? –she asked thrilled.

– Sure…

– Cool! –then she threw herself in his dad's arms. – I love you daddy…

– I love you too…

Then he took his daughter to the park, and he played the whole evening with her. Later on they had an ice cream. He still was trying to find a way to put himself together. He couldn't stop thinking about the now dead Brooke. He still loved her and he didn't want her dead. Even if he had imagined all he went through with her, he believed it was not fair to lose her like that. Things were totally fucked up.

They came back home almost at 8:00. Kate was waiting impatient. He barely spoke to her. He put Jackie into bed and read a story for her. But before she went asleep, she told her dad: – I have an idea…

– And what idea is that?

– To teach me drawing. You can draw me a fairy tale and then I try to copy it. You can be the king, and I can be the princess and Brett the prince, and the queen… –she stopped talking.

– Uh-huh… –he said puzzled.

Then she whispered in his ear. – The queen can be someone else if you're still mad at mommy, I won't tell. –she said with a complicity look, blinking an eye.

He couldn't help but laugh. – Okay, we'll work on that. –He offered. Then he kissed his daughter goodnight and tucked her in.

Back in his room, Kate was waiting. He walked in and prepared to go to bed.

– Jack…

– What?

She sighed. – We need to talk…

– Do we?

– Please Jack… I know you're mad at me, but you can't keep ignoring me. Just talk to me…

He looked at her. Well, if that was the reality he was living in, he definitely had to deal with it. – Right. Uh… okay, he's fine, I gave him the money and no, we didn't fight.

– That's not what I want to know…

– Oh really? –he asked sarcastically. – Then what you want to know?

She hesitated. – How did you know? How you knew what was going on?

– He told me…

– What? –she asked in disbelief. – How?

Yes, it was insane, but it was true. – I don't know… He just wanted to… clean up your name, I guess.

– Jack, this is not what you think…

– And what do I think Kate? –he snapped, a burning gaze in his eyes.

She hesitated. – I wasn't cheating on you. I wasn't running away, I swear to God…

– Right, and you think that makes things better?

– What you mean?

– You did something behind my back Kate. It never occurred to you the consequences this could have?

– What consequences? It was just a favor I was doing him…

– Yeah, and what if something had happened to you? What if everything had gone wrong Kate? You think is worth it to compromise your family for a favor?

– No Jack, I… I didn't see it that way… I'm sorry.

– Why you didn't tell me Kate? If you were just being supportive, why hide it from me?

– Because I didn't want to upset you… –she said stifling her tears.

– You didn't want to upset me or yourself?

– What are you talking about?

– Look, Kate. This life is about making decisions. I always knew you stayed with me after the rescue because he left you behind, but still you made a decision. You could've followed him, but you chose to stay with me instead. And you have to stick to your decisions Kate, and give up what you didn't choose. But it seems you always need to leave a door open, so you have the option of going through it whenever you like…

– That's so not true Jack! I stayed with you because I love you! I was just trying to help him out!

– Precisely! Why do you always have to help him out? Why do you always have to look after him? You still have a connection?

– No Jack, you don't understand, it's not like that.

– Then what it is?

– What did you want me to do? He needed help. You wanted me to say no and just let him got to jail or worse?

– And why the hell not?! Why you still care about him Kate? I just need to know…

– I would've done it for anyone!

– Oh come on! That's bullshit. Is it going to be like this forever? Do I have to live knowing that every once in a while he's going to come to you? And then you'll lie to me and do things behind my back?

– Of course not!

– I'm not so sure…

– You know what? That's exactly why I didn't tell you. You don't trust me. If I had told you, you would've got mad at me anyway.

– Yes, you're right. The fact that my wife has this thing for another man sure makes me mad, but at least I'd be aware of it. And I would've supported you in the end, you should know that.

She was speechless. – I don't have a thing for another man Jack! I'm sorry, I never meant to hide anything from you or betray you or make you feel this way. I just made a mistake, and I'm so sorry, please forgive me…

But he was enraged now. – You know what? I'll just sleep on the couch…

– No Jack, please…

He walked away from her and went to the TV studio, ignoring her pleads. None of them could sleep. He kept thinking, trying to find a justification to her behavior, but he couldn't, and she kept replaying in her mind all of his words. She went to him after some hours, in the middle of the night.

– Hey… –she whispered, sitting at his feet on the couch.

He sat up and looked at her, silent. – Please come back to bed. Let's leave all this behind, I promise it will never happen again.

He took a deep breath. – Kate, I've been thinking…um…I need to be on my own some time…

She opened her eyes wide in fear and disbelief. – What you mean?

– I just need to put myself together, think things through…

– Are you saying we're getting separated? –she asked frantic.

– Yes. I think that's the best right now…

– Oh my God, Jack! I don't believe you! You're totally overreacting here! –she said indignant.

– Maybe. But that's just what I need now.

– Jack, please don't do this! I've told you I'm so sorry! I never meant for this to happen! Why you're being so hard on me?!

– You're the one who's hard on me Kate. You know what I'd like? That you wanted to close all the doors you keep open, for me. But I know I'm just not enough, and it's fine, now I understand.

– How can you say that?! You mean everything to me Jack, everything!

– Let's be honest Kate. You know why you didn't tell me about Sawyer? –she was about to answer, but he didn't let her. – Because I would've told you not to help him, and then you would've done it anyway. But above all…

– Above all what?

– You didn't tell me because for a moment, maybe for a fraction of a second, you thought of the possibility of running away with him and leaving everything behind… That's what really bothers me Kate…

She burst into tears. – It's nothing like that Jack. How can you even think it?!

– Because I know you.

– I just made a mistake! Can't you understand it? Why can't you forgive me?!

– You just can't stay put with me Kate, you never did. Sawyer is you open door, and he'll always be.

– No! I don't give a damn about him and I'll prove it to you as long as I live! Just give me the chance… –she begged.

– You don't have to prove anything, you just did…

– I can't believe this! Are you just going to throw away everything we have? After all we've been through?

– You're the one who threw it away.

– This is so unfair! You have to forgive me!

– No Kate, I don't have to forgive you. I've forgiven you so many times before, I can't even remember. That's exactly your problem. You take me so much for granted you always think you can do whatever you want and get away with it. But this time you did it. –He even felt amazed by himself. – This time you just lost me… I ran out of patience…

Now she was sobbing hard. – God Jack, don't say this to me! I love you, damn it! Don't you know that? This is stupid! You can't leave me for something I didn't do!

He saw how vulnerable and broken she was and felt bad, but he was determined. – Listen, Kate… Maybe you didn't mean it, but… –he thought for a second and tried to explain the unexplainable– Maybe I'm going crazy, but something happened to me. I'm not the same anymore. Now I've learnt that I deserve to be with someone who's willing to close all doors for me, who loves me and just me unconditionally. Just the way I once loved you … –he affirmed, remembering what he "had" with Brooke.

– I love you and just you! Why don't you believe me?!

He stood up. – I'll talk to the kids… I'll explain… Just till I figure things out.

Kate couldn't believe it. – Don't leave Jack, please! –she begged, standing behind him and holding him from his waist, her tears wetting his back. – Where are you going anyway?

He threw a bitter smile and turned around to meet her face. – I have this place… I lived there before the plane crash… –her eyes went wider. – I know I never told you and I'm sorry…

– Why you keep it? –she asked disconcerted.

He frowned. – I don't know… Maybe, deep inside, I always knew this could happen… –he said moving away.

Kate was devastated. – Jack, please, think about it. Right now you're angry and upset and it's all my fault. But please, think of everything good we have, think about our family. Just give me one last chance. If you can't do it for me, at least try for the kids…

He stared at her. – Fine, I'll think about it, I promise. –he offered.

She wiped her tears. – Okay… –then she left the room.

The next day, they agreed on telling the kids he was leaving for a work trip, until he made a final decision. Kate insisted and tried to convince him, giving him zillion explanations, countless excuses and asking for forgiveness over and over again. But he just didn't change his mind.

He packed some clothes and his personal effects. Before he left, Jackie looked for him.

– Daddy?

– Hi princess… –he said with some sorrow.

Then she handed him a pink box with ribbons and patches. – Here…

– What's this? –he asked her, opening the box and revealing a bunch of pieces of paper and colored pencils and crayons.

– It's for you to paint my fairy tale. You can do it when you're bored in your trip.

He smiled shortly. If he finally decided to end his marriage with Kate, not living with his kids would definitely be the hardest part of it. – Okay… I promise you'll have it the next time I see you.

With that, he held his daughter tight, making a tremendous effort to not cry. Then he went to see Brett, and kissed him and held him too. Kate had to go downstairs so she wouldn't burst into tears in front of them.

He took his bags and went down too. – Please Jack, don't do this. Forgive me one last time, please… I'll do anything… –Kate pleaded softly, wiping her tears and holding him tight from behind. He turned around and looked for her eyes. He cupped her face and looked at her deeply.

She was trying to read his eyes, but couldn't. She had the saddest look he could remember on her face since he first met her, just like the one she had that night when she told him Brooke was the one. He looked down and then looked back at her, determined. – I forgive you Kate… –he said with true conviction in his heart. Kate's eyes glinted and she threw a big smile. – But I can't stay… –he completed, letting her go and walking away.

He left the house and drove to his apartment. When he went in, he found it ghostly. No track of Brooke or their life together. He felt empty and sad. It was crazy. He came to a conclusion. Even if he had imagined, dreamt or hallucinated what he had with Brooke, it had been wonderful. What he told to Kate was true, he wasn't the same anymore. Now he knew how it felt to be loved like he was the last living man on Earth, and he missed it. He wasn't happy at that moment. He felt confused and lost.

He thought of Kate, of what Jackie told him back in the future about how wishes can come true, but he also thought of what Kate told him, what she meant to him and what they had together. But he felt disappointed in her. He hated that Sawyer had a place in her heart, whatever it was.

After been dwelling about the moment he was in, a doubt came to his mind. What if he really had to choose? What if Kate had been alive when he met Brooke? Or right there where he was, what if Brooke hadn't died? It was a tough decision to make, for his surprise. He thought about it until his head ached.

He ordered some take outs and tried to eat. He felt stuck. Then he saw on the coffee table the box his daughter gave him. He grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil. Then he began drawing the fairy tale Jackie asked. He didn't remember, but he could actually draw. He used simple traces that she could imitate.

He drew his daughter and his son, then he drew himself. Now it was time to draw his queen. He did it without hesitation. He was sure about it, and it was the best and the right thing to do. Once he finished, he looked at the drawing satisfied. It was late. He went to the room and rested on the bed. Weariness made him close his eyes finally.

He woke up abruptly, startled and breathing hard. He looked around and didn't recognize where he was. His heart beat faster. He looked at his left hand. Yes, he was wearing his wedding ring, because he had a beautiful wife and two beautiful kids. He stood up and felt his legs weak. He rushed to the door.

Where the hell he was? He started feeling uneasy. He hated when he felt sick. When he crossed the door, he found Brett. – Hey dad… –he said, looking at him with curiosity. Jack couldn't help but notice his son looked taller. – Hey… –he said with difficulty.

– Mom's outside… –the kid announced.

A shiver ran his body. He went to her. It was freezing, and the light kind of blinded him. When he saw her standing backwards, for a second he felt afraid of the face he'd find. That nightmare again… But once he stood beside her, he smiled widely. She was exactly the person he expected to see.

She looked at him and ran her hand through his face. – Hey… –she said softly.

Then Jackie popped up behind him. – Daddy! You woke up! You've got to see what grandma gave me!

– Give your dad a minute sweetie, he'll be right with you okay? Now go inside, it's really cold here…

He smiled at her, content. – It's never been better to see you, you know?

She frowned, puzzled. – And why's that?

– I had the most stupid, outrageous and crazy dream ever.

– Really? What it was about?

He sighed. – Things were… different.

– Good different?

He shook his head. – Not at all.

– No wonder why you were mumbling and sweating. I was worried to death, Jack. You had one hell of a fever. I just couldn't bring it down. –She complained.

– You took care of me? –he asked with a mischievous smile, holding her tight and breathing on her shoulder.

She held him back. – I always do …

– But what went wrong? I mean, everybody ate the same. Why I was the only one food-poisoned?

– You're not food-poisoned. You just ate like a pig… –She affirmed with an accusing look.

– Did I?

– Oh yeah… –Then she ran her fingers through his hair. – You're feeling better now baby?

He looked at her deeply. – I've never felt better. –he affirmed, and then kissed her deeply. – How about you? Why you're here? It's freezing…

– I can help it, I love this place. And look… don't you love the view?

He caressed her cheek. – Oh yeah… –he affirmed looking at her up and down.

– Brooke! –Vivian yelled from the terrace's entrance. She made both Jack and her jump.

– Mom… –she said startled.

– What the hell are you doing here? –She asked with a scolding tone. – You're 8 months pregnant, for God's sake Brooke! You want to get a cold? And you! –She snapped to Jack– Weren't you like boiling last night? You think it's a good idea to be outside?

Brooke rolled eyes and he laughed shortly, glancing at her. – Sorry Vivian… we're coming.

– Please! –Mrs. Julian demanded with an impatient look.

They had spent New Year's Eve at the Julians' as they had since they got married. That night, after Jackie asked him if he'd do something different if he could go back in time, he went to his room and tried to sleep. Then for the first time, he had a nightmare about Brooke being dead and living in an altered world. When he woke up, he went to Jackie's room to answer her question.

The girl had a confident smile on her face. I knew it, daddy. How you know? Then she handed him one of her drawings. It showed the wedding. 'Cause now I can see Brooke in her wedding dress, she assured content. When Jack left her room, she smiled proudly at herself. Once again, her spell had worked, but she knew this time her mom had helped her big time. Finally her daddy had worked his issues out.

Right after that, he asked Margo to take care of what was left of the moving and to watch the kids. Later on he went straight to the airport. He booked the next flight available.

Once at New York, he went to Brooke's apartment. You took too fucking long!, she complained in tears, her eyes puffed and red, as she threw herself in his arms. He kissed her passionately and almost ripped her clothes off her. Before making love to her, he placed the ring back on her finger. Younever, ever dare to take this off again, okay?

The wedding was splendid. She was so far the most beautiful bride the world had ever seen, and he was the quintessential perfect man and husband. Their life at the Hamptons was great. Jackie, Brett and Margo were absolutely happy living by the sea. Jack soon found a job at the finest hospital there. Claire, Charlie and their kids were doing fine too. And Hurley was now dating Samara, Brooke's assistant. I always had a thing for big guys, she declared when Ilana and Brooke asked her to scoop about it.

Brooke and Ilana retook their plans of becoming independent publishers. One night, on Lance's birthday, Jack was having a nice time at the party, when Ilana went to him.

– Jack …

– Ilana…

– So, now you're married, beautiful wife, beautiful kids…

– Uh-huh… –he mumbled puzzled.

– And I was wondering, how could we improve your life?

– Come on Ilana, you really suck on beating around the bush…

She looked at him with an impish smile. – I was just giving you some anesthesia…

– No need for that, so shoot.

– Okay then. Payback time sweetie…

– Payback time? –he asked sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.

– Oh yeah. You didn't forget yow owe me your wife, technically, right?

He laughed. – Never.

– Fine, so, I guess Brooke told you about the publishing thing.

– Yeah, and money won't be the problem, I told her…

– Oh no honey, of course money's not the problem, I'm aware of that… –she said with a smug look.

He swallowed. – Then?

– We need book material.

– So? –he asked clueless, giving a sip to his glass.

– You're writing down your island memoirs for me…

He almost chocked in his drink. – No I'm not!

– Jackie dear, we need a bestseller, and you are it…

– You are out of your mind! –he assured laughing, not believing his ears.

– Well, that's no secret, but we're not talking about that now. I mean it man, so, when you think you can have a first draft?

He laughed, really amused by her determination. – You have no idea of what you're saying Ilana. Even if I were good at writing, which I'm not, I'd never tell my life to some anonymous readers!

– Why not? You're a myth! –she said with enthusiasm.

– Brooke knows you're asking me this?

– Absolutely not, she'd kick my ass. Come on, I need a smash! What's the big deal?!

– Hey, it's my privacy we're talking about here! –He said in disbelief.

– God, you're so not a rock star!

– Of course not! Charlie is, though, you ask him.

– What are you talking about sweetie? I have. But he's writing about his Drive Shaft days, sort of a Behind the Music thing, but on paper.

– If you want a story about the island, why don't you tell him to do it? He was there too… Hurley was also there…

Ilana rolled her eyes. Then she looked around and lowered her voice. – Jack, it breaks my heart, but Charlie and Hurley sucked on the island, and you know it… I need the real, hardcore stuff! And that's you!

He couldn't help but laugh. – You're insane. I'm not doing it, even if I owed you my ass.

Ilana threw the best puppy eyes she had. – Please!

– Come on, you think I buy your act?-

– Damn it! Come on! If you don't do it, I'll make Brooke ask you, and then you won't get to refuse…

– Brooke will never ask me that, she knows I hate to talk about that…

– Yeah… you're right. She's already told me to fuck off… –she said defeated. – Oh well, screw you both, you can kiss my ass. I'll find my bestseller, I'm telling you, and then you'll beg me to publish what you have to say…

– Will I? –he said mocking.

– You're not being supportive Jackie. You don't want this business to take off and be really successful.

He thought for a moment. – You're right. We need a bestseller, and I think I have an idea…

Some time later, Brooke and Ilana's publishing house launched its first two books: "You All Everybody. The unrevealed story of Drive Shaft", written by Charlie, and "You don't want to win the lottery", by Hugo Reyes, which narrated Hurley's theory and the events concerning his bad luck. Both were really successful and sold million copies. But the huge bestseller was yet to come.

That New Year's Eve when Jack got sick, the awaited book had finally been launched on early December. Brooke was now 8 months pregnant with Jack's third child. Brett, now 6 years old, began calling her mom soon after she married his dad. Jackie, now a beautiful almost 11 year-old girl, never called her mom, but she didn't care. They were more like best friends, and it was great. Both kids were thrilled when they learnt they were having a new brother or sister.

When Jack and Brooke left the terrace to enter the house, Vivian was talking to Margo.

– Can you believe your son? He's there, out in the cold, after that temperature he had last night.

– It's all Brooke's fault. She just can't stay away from that terrace, why's that?

– Oh come on Margo, he was supposed to be at the bedroom. Brooke didn't know he was awake.

– But she shouldn't be out either, it's so cold outside! And she's pregnant!

– Well, she needed some air! She barely slept! She was so worried about Jack. Maybe if he hadn't eaten like that…

– Or maybe it was your shrimps… I told him they tasted funny… –Margo affirmed with an impassive smile.

– Mom! –Jack and Brooke yelled in unison, stunned by how bitchy their mothers were at each other when it came to prove who's "kid" was better or who was right.

– Jack dear… –Margo said. – You're feeling better honey?

– Tell her my shrimps didn't poison you! –Vivian demanded, hysterical.

They looked at each other annoyed. – No Vivian, the shrimps were good. I just ate too much, maybe, I don't know. And I'm feeling better mom, thanks. And no, Brooke's not getting a cold just for staying 10 minutes at the terrace, she has a coat on, and she's just pregnant, not evicted. –he assured.

– You're staying for dinner? –Vivian asked.

– No! –Brooke said shaking her head. – I just want to go home mom, so Jack can get better.

– Fine. Take some food with you, there's plenty. And it's not poisoned! –she said out loud, so Margo could hear her.

– I'm not having that food. –Margo whispered in Jack's ear.

– Okay ladies, time to go. –He announced.

They went to Brooke's former bedroom, where they always stayed when they spent the night with her parents. Jack took a shower and got dressed. Then he helped Brooke, since she was so very pregnant she could barely move. When they were almost ready to leave, he said: – I know what sickened me.

She threw a complicity look. – An overdose of Margo and Vivian? –she joked.

– No, worse. –She threw a questioning look. – I just finished this. –He said, taking a book from the night stand and throwing it on the bed.

She laughed and shook her head. – So? What you think?

– What do I think? Man, 90 percent of it is total bullshit!

– That's exactly what Ilana bet you'd say…

– I mean it! None of that happened, or you really think he's a hero? You believe he risked his life and fought the evil to save everybody's life? Please!

– Baby, if you didn't want this to come out, you should've listened to Ilana. She wanted you to tell the story, but you turned her down. Now don't complain about Sawyer putting himself as the savior.

– But it's so ridiculous! "I swam for miles to rescue the doctor from the Others"? Come on!

Brooke laughed out loud. – It was your idea.

– And now it's a fucking bestseller! Unbelievable! –he said indignant.

– Why you did it Jack? Why you told Ilana to look for him and ask him for the story?

– To take her off my back. And because I owed her and she needed a smash, in her own words.

– Or maybe because "You're about the closest thing I've got to a friend"? –she mocked, referring to the dedication Sawyer made on the book.

– Okay, that's low and not funny at all… –he said.

She looked at him proud. – You did it because he needed the money. You wanted to help him out after all. That's exactly what makes you so great baby.

He looked away, annoyed. – That's not true…

– Well, you always can tell your side of the story and set the record straight. Ilana will sign you in a second, I promise.

– And come second place? You're dreaming… Never happened on the island, and it'll never happen in life… –he said all cocky.

– Then stop whining and just live with it. –She challenged.

He just rolled his eyes.

Back at their home, she put the kids in bed, since Jack was still feeling a little weak from the dehydration the fever caused him. He could hear her voice from Brett's room, reading him a bedtime story. Then he heard her slow footsteps walking to Jackie's room. She stayed there for a while. Sure Jackie was telling her about this boy she liked from her swimming team, which didn't amused him at all.

Finally she got to their bedroom. – She won't tell me…

– What?

– Jackie. She knows what the baby is, and she won't tell me.

– There's this thing, you know, they call it ultrasound? It's the thing, really, you can get to see your baby's gender… –he said mocking.

– I know, but I want her to tell me first, so I can see if she was right… Don't you want to know?

– I want it to be a surprise. When Jackie and Brett were born, I didn't want to know either. –He assured caressing her belly and kissing it softly.

– I feel like a whale. And I still have to wait a whole month. –she said, fed up.

– Well you're certainly the most beautiful curvy whale on the world.

Her jaw dropped and she slapped his shoulder playfully. – You're supposed to tell me I'm not a whale and that I look fantastic, just like in my model days…

He bit his lip. – But then I'd be lying. –he joked.

– That fever really burnt your brain sweetie, I swear.

He laughed and kissed her. – You need some sleep. Your sense of humor has just run out.

She rolled her eyes. – Night baby.

– Night.

Once Brooke fell asleep, he checked on the house as he always did before going to bed. He checked all the doors were properly locked, the windows closed and the stove off. He also checked the alarms and that the kids were under their blankets. He checked that Margo hadn't left her night light on. Then he felt thirsty and went to kitchen to have a glass of water.

He looked around and smiled content. He thought of the question Jackie asked him that time, before he married Brooke. If she asked him again, he'd answer the exact same thing. If he could go back in time, he wouldn't change a thing. After all he had been through, and in spite of the dark times he'd had in his life, now he could stand there convinced it had all been worth it.

Now he had learnt the power of forgiving and been forgiven. He had learnt to let go and to believe in happiness. But above all, he had forgiven himself for all his mistakes and flaws, and embraced what he had learnt through them. He was finally living the life he had chosen to live, and shadows lived no more in his heart.

The end