No Escape

The next morning, after waking up from countless dreams involving Boone, Shannon resolved to continue on living her life the way it had been before. First and foremost that involved no longer avoiding her stepbrother, but keeping the same relationship they had had before Sydney…however challenging that may be. While more than anything Shannon enjoyed her dreams, waking up to an empty bed that minutes before had held Boone was starting to get to her.

Her resolution, however, was put to the test when she stepped out onto the sunny beach, only to spot Boone twenty feet away talking with Charlie.

He knew she was watching him. She could tell he knew; and yet she continued to do so. She was oblivious to the burning sun on her bare shoulders and neck, and the breeze whipping her blonde hair into her face. She just stood there before her tent, watching Boone until Charlie waved and walked down the beach to see Claire.

As soon as Charlie was gone, Boone turned to Shannon and stared her straight in the eyes. It took all her resistance not to break their gaze as Boone began to walk towards her, his feet leaving small dips in the sand where they had previously rested.

Boone didn't stop until he was a foot away. His face was emotionless.

"Why were you watching me?" He asked her.

Shannon swore inwardly as she felt a pink tinge spread to her cheeks.

"What, like you think I was watching you?" She asked arrogantly.

Boone rolled his eyes.

"You did seem to be facing in my general direction with, you know, your eyes open." He countered.

Shannon's façade dropped and she broke eye contact with him.

"Look, Boone, just…it was nothing."

Boone nodded frankly.

"Right." He began, finality in his tone. "Just like Sydney."

Shannon felt her stomach drop as he spoke. That night had been everything.

But she couldn't tell him that.

Boone turned and started to walk away, just as Shannon spoke softly, barely even a whisper.

"Boone."

He turned his head halfway back to her, unwilling to meet her eyes.

"Boone don't."

Boone turned back to Shannon, ready to leave at any moment.

"What do you want me to do Shannon? What do you want me to say? We made a mistake, okay?"

Shannon spoke before he could turn away, her voice quiet, but harsh.

"Is that what it was? A mistake? Do you know how many years of our lives led up to that moment? Maybe it was wrong, but that doesn't make it a mistake."

Boone looked at her, his expression unreadable.

"What was it then?" He asked her.

Shannon looked him straight in the eyes, her gaze strong and unwavering.

"I think that's up to us to decide."