Special
Chapter Two

Something wrong? Locke asked Michael after ten minutes of walking to nowhere.

Michael had been unusually quiet, and it wasn't that unnoticeable that he was nervous.

It's just that.. I never usually do this kind of thing, Michael said, turning at the sound of a bird, hunting, I mean.If it makes you feel any better, Locke said, putting a hand on MIchael's shoulder to hold his balanace as he rested, I haven't done this in four years.

Michael stared after him as Locke continued walking.

he muttered under his breath, that makes me feel a lot better.
......

Back at the beach, Walt threw a stick to Vincent, watching as the lab caught it two feet above the ground. The lab ran the stick back to him. As usual, Walt petted him, told the dog he was a good boy, and threw the stick back. All through this, Walt wasn't paying any real attention at all to his four year old dog, but watching the jungle desperately.

Last night he had gone with his dad to the beach. His dad was on water duty, and had to make a second trip, so Hurley agreed to challenge Walt to a backgammon tournament while he was gone. But Michael had never returned..

He was at school when he got the call. Math, second period. It was 10:04 exactly, he remembered. The principle had knocked on the classroom door with a stern face that scared him. His father, Brian, was out in the hall. By the look on Brian's face, Walt didn't even need to ask what had happened. His mother had been dying in the hospital from cancer for the past few months. Without saying anything, silent tears began to stream down Walt's face as he engulfed Brian into a hug. Little did he know a week later he'd be meeting the true father he never knew he had..

You okay?

Walt turned to find Jack watching him, concerned, obviously, that he was out here alone.

he lied, I'm fine.

Jack looked around, wondering if someone was watching Walt.

It's not safe out here, he said, you know, on your own.I'm okay, Walt said, not taking his eyes off the jungle.

Your dad not back yet? Jack could guess by the way Walt hadn't left the spot all day, and his eyes had barely left the jungle, even while playing catch with the dog.

Walt just shook his head.

Don't worry, he'll show up, Jack assured.

Walt said to himself,

Jack paused before speaking again. How was he supposed to talk to a ten year old? The only time he ever saw kids were the few occasions in the hospital. He just wasn't much of a kid person, even if he had been a doctor.

Yeah, well listen, he said, see that women over there, blonde hair?

Walt looked over, and nodded.

That's Elaine. I asked her to keep an eye on you, is that okay?

Walt shrugged. What was he supposed to say, no? Jack just nodded when Walt didn't say anything, and figured it was time for him to leave. It caught him by surprise when Walt called after him.

Walt called.

Jack turned.

What were you doing down here?

That caught Jack off guard. Sure, anyone else could walk from the beach to the caves all day and no one would say a word, but once he went, everyone noticed.

I was just.. checking up on people, Jack lied.

Walt nodded. He could tell Jack was lying, but didn't say anything. In reality, Jack had ended up staying down at the beach all night. It was eleven the last time he looked at his watch, so he had figured it was too late to walk back anyway. He felt bad about lying to the boy, especially over something like that, but as long as Walt wasn't going to say anything, then neither was he.

Well, just hang in there, he said to Walt, who had taken his attention back to the jungle.
......

Michael held Jasmine's hand as they waited in the waiting room of the local hospital. The nurse, Lois, her name was, finally stepped out from the back room a few minutes later. Michael and Jasmine stood as she walked near him.

What is it? Michael said immediately, seeing the doctor's face, Is something wrong?

But after that question, Michael's life turned into a different world..

Michael broke away from his memories as he realized that he had caught up with Locke.

How did Walt's mom die? Locke asked, breaking the silence. If you don't mind me asking.What? No..

He hadn't even known the old man knew.

She had cancer, Michael answered, lung cancer. Locke said, Nah, don't be, Michael said, walking on, I hadn't even talked to her in years.What happened?

Michael didn't answer..

A meeting? Jazz whined. Now? You have to go?

Michael took her arms, looking into her eyes. Jazz was now nine months pregnant, and Michael hated leaving her but..

This is career breaking, baby, he said, holding on to her to help her keep her balance, if I can get this job, think of the money. Think of the baby.

That made Jazz smile. Right now all they had was the small apartment, and not much money. Suddenly her smile faded.

But was if I go into labor?Then I'll be on a plane back here in seconds, he promised.

He leaned over, kissing her.

I love you, he said, gazing into her eyes.

All she could do was smile..
......

MIchael ran through the L.A. hospital halls. In the process, he bumped into a med. student who looked in his late twenties, who was arguing to who looked like his father. His id said Jack Shepherd.

he said, rushing by.

No problem- Jack said over his shoulder, but Michael was already halfway down the halls..

Michael said, stopping suddenly.

Locke stopped as well, watching him.

The memory replayed slowly in his mind..

Of him running down the halls..

Of him running into the med. student..

The id picture and name.. Jack Shepherd..

Slowly, Michael processed his thoughts.

he said, realizing.

What about him? Locke asked.

I've seen him before, Michael explained, at a hospital in L.A., ten years ago. He was student.Small world, Locke shrugged, as if it were nothing.

He was arguing with someone, Michael remembered, I think it was his father.Ask him about it, Locke said, obviously not as creeped out about the coincidence as Michael, but I doubt he'll remember.

Which reminded Michael..

He said suddenly.

Back at the beach, he said, turning around, damn.. I've got to go back.

Just as he turned, the monster sounded again.

What the hell-?

But Locke just smiled.

Author's Note: Thanks for the review! I'm actually finished with , so you might see quicker updates. It's only four chapters. Hope you liked it!

October Sky