The sky was a glorious blue and the white sand soft as silk. The days went by in a slow,

beautiful haze. Sydney had never been happier. Vacationing in Fiji was one of Vaughn's

better ideas. She looked over at the beach chair next to her and smiled at the occupant.

Vaughn smiled back. Her hand reached down to grab his, but it wasn't there. Vaughn

wasn't there. He was over by that palm tree, searching for something...or someone. A pit

arose in Sydney's stomach. She attempted to call out to Vaughn, to ask him to come back,

but all sound had ceased to flow. The pit gave a swift lurch when Sydney saw the what

monopolized Vaughn's attention. Lauren was walking down the beach, away from them.

Suddenly, he broke into a run after her. Sydney tried to struggle to her feet, but to no avail.

Her body simply wouldn't be moved. She watched in sorrow as Vaughn's silhouette

moved farther down the beach, until he finally disappeared.

A single, silver tear slid down her cheek.

"He's not worth it, Sydney Anne Bristow. Don't you ever cry over the likes of him," said a

smooth British voice. Without looking, she automatically knew who was now sitting

beside her.

"Sark, what are you doing here?"

"You are living a life not worth living."

This was truly laughable. The guy that crawled out from under a rock was telling her that

her life was screwed up.

"Why don't you just tell me all about it?" Did she really just say that?

"Do you really wish me to continue?" asked the voice.

The sun on the beach was so warm and delightful. All her worries were quickly fading in

its rays. Sark could insult her a thousand times over for all she cared. Besides, his musical

accent was delighting her ears.

"Please do."

"What is most important above all?"

"My family and my friends."

"Let's start with your family then. Are you talking of your mother, who manipulated you

and tried to end your life? Or perhaps your father, who has manipulated you as well, lying

when he should be telling the truth? Maybe you mean your sister, who is prophesied to

either kill you or die by your hand?"

The sun wasn't feeling so warm any more. In fact, dark clouds could be seen on the

horizon, slowly making their way toward the island.

"Stop, Sark, just stop."

"And Vaughn. Do you actually think he will always be there for you?"

"I asked you to stop."

"No, he won't. Do you know why?"

"Stop right now before I–"

"Because Lauren has been burned into his memory. She will not fade. I assure you of this

fact."

"Stop!"

Sydney opened her eyes and sat up, ready to deal with–

Her bedroom. She was back in her bedroom, Vaughn asleep next to her.