Chapter 1
It had been four years since Charlie's flight had crashed on a marooned island. Life seemed pretty peaceful now. They had tiny huts scattered throughout the island. There had been a few marriages including Kate and Jack, and Shannon and Sayid. Jack and Kate had a daughter named Lilah, which meant "of the island". Lilah was now two years old and was as beautiful as ever.
Claire had given birth to a son, whom she named Jacob. She said she just liked the name, she thought it was strong and lovely. Jacob was Charlie's pride and joy. He was now four years old and Charlie felt overjoyed at the thought that he had helped raise him...like a father.
Charlie, Claire, and Jacob lived together in a small hut on the beach not far from Jack and Kate. Kate and Claire were the best of friends, as were Jack and Charlie. Jacob and Lilah loved playing together, their little hats Hurley had made them swished in the breeze.
They were beginning to build up their own civilization. Two babies had been born on the island, soon to be three since Shannon was pregnant. Charlie liked the island life, quiet and solemn. The breeze always whipping around and sound of the crashing waves. It had grown to be home now that rescue was completely out of the question.
Charlie laid back on the beach and gazed at the clouds. It was only morning but last night Charlie didn't get to much sleep owing to fact Locke made him go boar hunting with him.
"Your such a bum," he heard that sweet aussie accent say.
He laughed and looked at Claire who was beaming her 100 watt smile at him. She was wearing her adorable little hat that Charlie loved.
"Oh yeah," Charlie said rising to his feet smiling.
He slung Claire over his shoulder. It wasn't hard since she was only 5'2 and incredibly light. He made his way to the ocean.
"No Charlie, don't you dare," she said, starting to kick and scream.
Alarmed, Jack rushed out of his hut only since Charlie was being silly. He just laughed.
"JACK HELP ME," Claire screamed.
Jack just laughed and watched. Charlie waded into the cool, fresh, water up to his waist. He looked up at Claire.
"Well love, I hope your hot," he laughed, then threw her into the water.
She came up gasping for air.
"Oh, you are so going to pay," she said.
She grabbed Charlie and dunked him into the water. Charlie then dunked her back in return. She laughed and splashed him. They looked like two six year olds in the water splashing each other and dunking each other. They both laughed hysterically until they both called a truce.
They walked back up onto the beach holding hands and laughing. They were sopping wet. Jack just laughed. Claire smiled and went up to Jack.
"I think you need a hug," she said hugging him and getting him soaked.
"CLAIRE!" he screamed.
Kate was beside herself laughing at him and then Charlie and Claire chimed in. Jack just looked at the three of them, pissing themselves laughing. He couldn't help it. He burst out with laughter.
Charlie looked at Claire. She was gorgeous. All wet and shiny, her blonde hair shimmering in the sun, and her blue eyes sparkling. He knew he loved her. But that wasn't enough for him. He thought of the ring he had taken from a less lucky person on the plane. It was a diamond set in gold. he knew Claire would love it, but would she say yes? Would she just think this is just like Thomas, he'll leave me when he can. he knew that wasn't the truth. He would so anything for Claire. She was better then a dream to him. She was a dream who was a reality. Charlie sighed.
"Nah she's been through a lot. Anyway what makes me a step up from Thomas," he thought.
"Something wrong Charlie," Claire said smiling.
Charlie looked up. "Oh no love I'm fine," Charlie said.
"Daddy, Daddy!" Jacob said running up to Charlie said.
"Hey Jakie", Charlie said raising Jacob into the air.
Jacob giggled. Charlie blew a raspberry on Jacob's stomach and he broke out into hysterics.
Claire watched Charlie play with Jacob. She just stood there, watching them. She looked at Charlie with Jacob. Her heart fluttered. He was so great with Jacob. Claire loved to watch them play together. She loved Charlie but what she would never know was if he loved her back. She wondered how she could ever love Thomas after she met Charlie. Charlie was so much sweeter, cuter, not to mention treated her so much better then Thomas ever would. She wondered how she could ever feel this way for a guy. She had never felt it before. In Charlie's presence everything felt safe, loving. and happy. She wondered if Charlie felt the same.