A/N: Thanks everyone for the great reviews, I appreciate it greatly. Well, here's another chapter. I own no Lost people.

Chapter 8: The Real Man Inside Him

Slowly but surely, Isabella began to improve. She could walk and talk, though she conserved her energy for needed operations. She still couldn't see Cecilia, though Sawyer and her began a friendship. They were connected by Cecilia. He had told her about his life before the island. She loved it when he would tell her world history facts and he read to her every night. He hadn't fallen "in" love with her, but he loved her like he had loved his mother. She was so caring and compassionate, even to his worst memories, she understood him.

" Your not so bad as you think you are, Sawyer." She said one morning, as Sawyer waked her around the campsite. Sawyer smiled.

" That's what Kate said." Isabella patted his shoulder.

" Honey, you've been raised a rebel, but your problem is you care about people!" She said. He nodded. She looked up at him after he was silent.

" What is it, between you and Kate, Sawyer?" She asked in a motherly tone. Sawyer shrugged. What was is? That was the question.

" I really don't know, I... yeah." He broke off. Isabella smiled as Sawyer opened the tent flap for her and followed her in.

" I don't mean to be pushy, but do you like her, Sawyer?" Sawyer bit his bottom lip in question. Oh yes! Of course he did! He took a deep breathe and nodded.

" I do, a lot." He said, lowering his voice and sitting down opposite Isabella. He put his head in his hands. To his surprise, Isabella smiled brightly.

' Oh Sawyer, why don't you tell her? Your on an island with 40 other people, its not the world you have to compete with, just 20 some men." She said. Sawyer looked up.

" Yeah, but what about Jack? He's like the perfect man?" Again, Isabella smiled.

" Oh honey, you're a bit blind when it comes to love, pardon me for saying. Jack and my dear Samara have taken a liking to each other, quite a bit, in fact. And Sawyer, you are the perfect man." Sawyer looked up.

" Uh, I've told you my story, Isabella, I'm far from it, I'm not even a responsible real man, I'm just a stupid boy who let my childhood get the best of me." Isabella shook her head.

' No Sawyer, No. You saw your mother get murdered. And well, this is were my baby comes in. A real man would have take responsibility for Cecilia. You went above and beyond, you cared and continue to care for her. You've just got to show that to Kate." Sawyer sighed.

" Easier said then done. Well, I'd better go help with the fishing, I'll see you later." He hugged the frail woman and departed.

No later then 5 minutes, there was a rustle at the tent flap, and Kate walked in. She was carrying a bunch of wild daisies.

" Hello Isabella, Cecilia wanted me to bring these for you." She walked in further and took and half empty water bottle off the floor and placed the flowers in it.

" So, how are you doing?" Isabella smiled.

" Quite better, honey, quite better." She said. Kate sat down.

" Is it ok if I ask you something?' Kate asked. Isabella looked up.

" Sure."

" OK, I...um..I wanted to know...if" Isabella gave a small chuckle.

" You wanted to ask me about Sawyer." Kate looked up, sharply.

" NO! I mean yes. I just wanted to ask you if he ever says anything about..me." She asked.

" Well, its not my place to reenact it, but yes dear, he was mentioned you quite a few times. Why do you ask?" Kate looked at her feet.

" I think I like him. It happened after Cecilia arrived, it was like he changed, but not really changed.."

" It was like he began to show what he felt on the inside and take away his old swagger that was the result of a abysmal childhood?" Kate stared.

" How did you know I was going to say that?' Kate asked. Isabella smiled.

" Because that is what Sawyer has done. He has become the man he was on the inside. The that cares about people."

" Yeah! That's it! But, does he like me?" Isabella smiled.

" Go ask him, he'll tell you." Kate nodded.

" I think I will."

Cliffhanger? But not bad one. Please Review, It encourages me to write faster! Thanx!