Homecoming
Chapter Two

Ten minutes into the walk Charlie found part of himself wishing that he had stayed back at the caves. His throat was sore, his head spun, and he seemed to become more attracted to flies than the other two. Rather or not Jack saw his pain, Charlie didn't know, but Jack didn't act like he did.

So Charlie, Jack said, not being able to stand the silence, why were you on the plane? What were you doing in Australia?

The question caught Charlie off guard. He knew Jack was just trying to keep his mind off of Kate, but still, the question bothered him. Not one single person had asked him why he was on the plane. Not even Claire.

Of all things in the world, Charlie hated airport lines. The line was probably five miles long, he figured, with hundreds of people. In reality, he was fifth in line, but there was a hold up with some Iraqi looking man that seemed to slow down the entire airport. And the Iraqi wasn't taking it well.

I bought these tickets this morning! The man yelled.

He was now struggling against security guards. Charlie glanced over at him, feeling slightly sorry for him. He had never been much of a prejudice. A few people who were already waiting in seats also glanced over at the Iraqi, few sympathetic. A man who looked in his thirties with long, light brown hair, dressed in a business suit, glared at the man from the next line. The man looked absolutely annoyed. Finally, the Iraqi got some kind of compromise with the guards, and sat down to wait. The man in the next line looked as if he was considering another flight, but as the women at the desk called Next!', he hd no choice but to go ahead.

In front of him now was an African-American man who looked extremely uncomfortable and nervous about being there. Who looked like his son stood next to him, clearly not enjoying it either. Charlie managed to give the kid a small smile as the boy looked around, apparently bored with his father.

There was little trouble at the airport for the next few minutes, and he was almost up to the desk when his cellphone rang. Surprised, he flipped it open, not bothering to check the caller id. There were only four people who knew his number, and three of them were on the other side of the world and didn't have the money to call long distance.

He demanded, annoyed.

Charlie, don't do this! A desperate voice said on the other line.

Charlie groaned. Liam had called ten times since he had left his house, and his wife had called three.

Forget it Liam, I'm going, Charlie said, forgetting that he was in line with thirty other people.

They won't even book the band without me! Liam pointed out.

Um, excuse, me, Sir!

Charlie looked up to find at least fifty people and the woman at the front desk looking at him.

I'm sorry Sir, but if you're going to talk, you'll have to step aside, the woman said.

Charlie ignored her.

Forget it, Charlie repeated, I'm going to L.A., with or without you.I'm coming down to the airport right now, Liam said over the phone, we can talk this out. I can get you help-I don't need any help, Liam! Charlie said through gritted teeth.

A few other people in line glared at him, and he knew he was about to lose his place.

I've got to go, Charlie said in a low voice, see you next summer.Charlie, no-!

But Liam was cut off as Charlie slammed the phone shut, stuffing it in his pocket.

Charlie snapped back into reality as a mosquito bit into his arm. He swiped, and missed. Sawyer, who had seemed lost in his own thoughts the entire walk, glared at him. Jack looked back at him, wondering if Charlie had even heard him.

I was visiting my brother, he answered, finally, figuring it would be useless to lie, Liam. He lives in Australia with his wife and kid. I was trying to get him to come with us- my band- to L.A.

Sawyer sighed drastically as if whining, the band talk again?' Jack glared at him.

But none of them were on the plane? Jack said, never remembering Charlie showing any signs recognition to anyone on the manifest.

Charlie said, shaking his head, they were already in California. We got an offer to go on tour with some band, but they wouldn't book us without him.And he didn't want to go? Jack said, surprised.

If someone had offered him a spot on tour with a band, any band, he would've taken it, just to get away from home life, even if he was musically challenged.

It's complicated, Charlie said, looking down.

And he didn't say anymore.

Author's Note: Sorry that was short, just thought that was a good place to end.

Disclaimer: Forgot to do this! This will be the only disclaimer unless I use some kind of quote or song. I don't own Lost! Sorry! I'm only part of the obsessed fan base! I'm a.k.a. OctoberDreamscape at the abc message boards. Okay, so this had nothing to do with disclaiming, but, oh well..

Until next time..

October Sky