Influenza
Chapter Eight
Disclaimer: was written by Sarah McLachan.
Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
I'm going back to the start
-The Scientist Coldplay
The castaways stared after Alex until she disappeared into the jungle. Jack immediately made to go after her, but Kate put a hand out to stop him.
You shouldn't, she said quietly, looking down at the golden sand below them.
I'll go, Sayid volunteered, stepping up.
He had lifted Locke off the ground, but shoved him away, as if he were some insect.
Danielle said, looking away distantly when all heads turned her direction.
Danielle, no, Jack said, shaking her head.
She's my daughter, Danielle pointed out firmly,and besides, I know where to look.
She readjusted the rifle that no one had notice was on her shoulder, and took off into the jungle, following Alex's path.
Ever since the raft left, Sun had spent night and day, staring out to the ocean, fearing that if she took her eye off the horizon one minute, all she had ever had and could have with Jin would be lost.
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
Shannon paced the sand near her tent, waiting for Sayid to come back from..whever it was he went everyday. A sick feeling came over her as she thought of all Sayid could be doing out there, all the people he could be with. She knew this was ridiculous, they were on a deserted island for God's sake! But still, the thought of being lied to made Shannon feel queasy, but she let that feeling slide as a figure walked up to her. Hopeful, she turned around, smile on her face, only to find that it was Boone who was approaching her. Her smile faded as he greeted her.
There's always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
he said softly, and she did the same, hey, have you seen Sayid? Shannon repeated, slightly surprised. No- why?No reason.
It was clearly a lie, and before Boone could walk away, Shannon reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him.
she began softly, but he just jerked away, and continued walking to..well, she couldn't be sure where he was headed.
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
As wrong as he knew it was, Sayid couldn't help but to continue reading Boone's journal, finding an odd fascination in the excerpts that made no sense to him, no matter what way he interpreted it. Turning the page, he saw that he was nearing the end, dates ranging from week two to six of the crash.
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
Boone met up with Locke back at the hatch, and was surprised to find that Locke had actually fallen asleep against one of the hatch's wall. With a smirk Boone activated the system that he had grown to know as well as the internet, and watched as the island came to life before him.
Alex ran until her legs felt like jelly beneath her, and she stopped at a seashore, one she had never visited. With a cry of rage, Alex kicked furiously at the sand. Some of it flew back against the wind and sprinkled her eyes with dust, but she paid no attention as hot tears began to pour over them. Crossing her arms and holding her chest tight, Alex stared out over the horizon, mad at the world, mad at herself, mad at the damn island..
Spinning around and almost losing her balance, Alex was shocked but not that surprised to find that she had been followed by her mother, who was approaching her as if she were afraid of what alex might do or say if she moved quicker.
What the hell do you want? Alex demanded threateningly.
Come back with me, Danielle said softly, I don't want you out here on your own.Since when do you give a damn about me? Alex shouted over the rain that had just begun falling.
Alex exclaimed before Danielle could finished. If you cared about me, I wouldn't be here right now! If you cared about me, you wouldn't have gotten on that boat sixteen years ago!You don't know- but Danielle was failed once more.
I do know! Alex shouted. I know that it's not fair. It's just-not-fair!
Alex hid her face as she sobbed, embarrassed and unused to expressing this kind of emotion.
This is about your friend, isn't it? Danielle asked carefully, studying Alex. Alex jabbed an accusing finger towards Danielle. Don't talk about him. You don't know anything-I know-Anything about that! Alex finished. Face it, you are a horrible mother and it shows- look how I turned out! So why don't you just leave me the hell alone?
A look of shock came over Danielle's face, soon changing to hurt and then pain. She stared at Alex, as if expecting her to immediately turn around and apologize. She didn't. Danielle pursed her lips, as if trying to keep from crying herself, and then turned around, walking back into the jungle, silently.
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
Shannon placed her hands playfully around Sayid's eyes after finding him in the caves. She caught a glimpse of what he was reading, and saw that it was Boone's journal. Just before Sayid closed to put it out of view, Shannon saw what he had been so interested in: a picture. A drawing. A drawing of a little girl with haunting eyes and blood running down the side of her face.
Down in the hatch, Boone was leaning against the wall opposite Locke, listening to Shannon and Sayid's conversation through another program he had discovered.
I'm still worried about him, Shannon was saying.
It sounded as if he were listening into a phone conversation.
If something's wrong, he'll tell you, Sayid assured her softly.
Boone closed his eyes. They were talking about him. His mistakes. His past. nothing he had ever told either one of them.
I dunno- Shannon said doubtfully.
Trust me, Sayid replied.
And the conversation ended.
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
August 1996
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
Kate cried softly as Tom walked towards the packed car she was sitting in.
He asked, leaning into the passenger side window. What's going on? You've been out here all morning.
Kate just continued sobbing. They were now staying in Maine, in a house that stood at the end of a long dirt road; a vacation home near a lake.
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
He asked softly, getting in the car.
Once in the seat beside her, Tom stroked Kate's hair, pulling it out of her pale face, and cupped his hand in her chin, turning it towards him.
I can't do this, she said softly.
Can't do- can't do what? Tom shook his head, confused.
They had gotten married soon after the proposal, and one of Tom's closest friends performed the ceremony, swearing on his life that he wouldn't go to the authorities.
I..I have to go, Kate whispered.
Tom said, horrified. No, Kate-Tom, just-No Kate! Tom said, a bit louder than he meant to. You can't- Kate cried, glaring fiercely at him.
Tom was clearly trying to think of an excuse, this isn't you.Then tell me, Tom, Kate said, trying to keep herself together, who am I? Tom was having a hard time thinking, I don't know, Kate! I don't know, because you've never told me a single thing about you!That's not true! Kate shouted desperately.
All my life has been about you! Tom was acting as though this was a confession he had been waiting to make for years. Protecting you, taking care of you, and I've never known why! For the first time since Kate had known him, Tom looked to be on the verge of tears. My dad died when I was thirteen, but all you cared about was making sure that you still had a place in my house to sleep!If you hate me so much, Kate began and bit her quivering lower lip before continuing, then get out of the car!
Tom just stared at Kate, incredulous.
Get out! Kate yelled.
She hadn't really expected Tom to get out of the car, but when he did, there was no turning back.
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
She called after him, praying he'd turn around.
No luck.
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees
Kate drew in a deep breath as she walked up to Jack, who was now back at the caves, and staring deeply into the waterfall before him. She sat down beside him and didn't speak until he interrupted the silence.
I'm sorry, he said, barely above a whisper.
It's not your fault, Kate whispered back.
Yes it is, Jack said, a little forcefully.
When he turned to look at her, Kate saw that Jack's eyes were apologetic, along with the tone of his voice.
I shouldn't of come on so hard, Jack finished.
Kate didn't reply because secretly, she had been thinking the same thing all evening, until she finally pulled herself together long enough to attempt another conversation with Jack.
But Kate, Jack continued softly, if you ever wanted to know anything about me, you could've just asked, and the offer still stands.
Taking this as an opportunity and seeing that Jack looked like he almost wanted to confess, Kate asked the question she already knew the answer too.
Who's Sarah? She asked, and returned his look.
But she was too late. Jack had already turned his gaze to the ground.
She was my ex-wife, Jack stated quietly, and that girl you saw in the picture? She's my daughter.
Jack's voice began breaking, and it was suddenly all to much for Kate.
Jack, don't-
She didn't need to here the story twice, even if Jack was ready to confess.
In the arms of an angel
She told me she had an affair, Jack blinked back tears, but she just wanted to get away..
Fly away from here
She didn't think would've been a good father, Jack continued, despite Kate's protest, so she kept her from me. She never knew. And now she wants to file a restraining order and all this custody mess..
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
Guess I got lucky, huh? Jack said, giving Kate an ironic smile.
Don't say that, Kate said, shaking her head, I'm sure you would've-You don't know me, it was Jack's turn to shake his head as he looked away distantly, the old me.
It was quiet for a few moments until Kate couldn't take it anymore.
You know, she said thoughtfully, this honesty thing runs to ways, so if you ever-Who's Tom? Jack asked so quickly, Kate found herself taken aback.
But Kate stuck to her promise.
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
Tom is- Kate looked down to avoid Jack's questionable eyes.
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
Tom is- Kate bit her lip to stop from crying.
She felt an arm wrap around her shoulders and she was soon leaning into Jack's chest, feeling hopeless. Kate admitted it. She wasn't as strong as Jack. She wasn't able to tell the truth like he was. She just couldn't do it.
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
Author's Note: How incredibly cheesy, I know. Okay, a HUGE thanks goes to Crazyhorsegirl88 for all her help with this story. (hugs) The help is much appreciated and a lot of things wouldn't of happened had it not been for her suggestions and insight. For example, the slap scene. Also, thanks to all you guys for reviewing! You guys rock!
Next story, A Night To Remember(working title):
With a second rafties' return and warnings of others' who are set on revenge, a manhunt begins as well as a frantic search for three missing castaways, and flashbacks recall a similar night sixteen years earlier. Danielle-centric.
Thanks again and hope to see you guys then!
Until next time..
+ October Sky