This chapter isn't as long or dramatic as my previous chapters, but it's got it's elements. Hope of of you enjoy as you have been. Thanks for all your gracious reviews. You all are too kind : )


Trying to Improve

The day after a press conference was held to discuss things about the survivors and the island. Everyone showed up, but not all of them stayed that long. Sayid left after the introductions. He really wasn't interested in talking about Shannon or any other questions. Sun left when her sister and her family announced they were heading back to their house.

The rest of them stayed and answered questions to best of their knowledge. A lot of questions were about how they survived. Each of them answered their own questions, but most were directed to Claire and Charlie about having to deal with raising Christopher and their sudden engagement that they chose to announce on national television.

All the others pertained to Jack and how he dealt with the pressures of being the only doctor and leader. He expressed his downfalls and high points, but most of his willingness to do it all again if he had to. Then he turned to Kate and expressed how without her he wouldn't have made it. Quickly questions came up about a relationship and both passed it off blushing. Kate thought Jack might use his marriage as an excuse seeing Sarah's angry face in the crowd, but to her dismay he kept it quiet.

After all the prodding questions a representative from Oceanic stepped up and tried to answer questions to the reasons the crash the best he could. Nobody seemed to really know what happened. Things got even more odd when questions on the whereabouts of the island and why it took so long came up. It was odd in the fact that they refused to answer the questions. Even the ones the survivors asked. It seemed almost like a cover up.

Life tried to go back to normal after that. If there was a normal compared to life on a creepy island. Most of the survivors stayed close together feeling too weird to be too far apart. All of them were in driving distance of each other except Sayid and Locke.

The day they all said goodbye Sayid tried to stay out of the way. He simply packed up his things and left. Only leaving them with a number where they could reach them with details about the wedding. After that no one heard from him for days. They had no idea what he was up to.

Locke went out into the great southwest. He bought a ranch out in Kingman, Arizona. He had put some money away in a savings account before he went off to Australia to do the walkabout. When he got back it was all still waiting for him. So he decided to take a crazy opportunity and go and buy a ranch.

Hurley started all the other survivors off by giving each of them a share of his lottery winnings. A 2.2 million dollar share. Something to help each of them get their lives started again. Seeing how besides Locke, he was the only one that had money waiting for him to do so.

He of course moved into a house with his mother and brother high in the Hollywood hills down the street from all the celebrities. He quickly got a job working with an Internet company putting out warnings about airplane safety.

Claire and Charlie with the help of Hurley moved into a beautiful two-story house in Pasadena. They were going to live in LA, but decided they wanted to bring Christopher and their new baby up in the suburbs like every normal family.

Liam promised Charlie from the moment they saw each other again that he would get back with Driveshaft. After the plane went down albums skyrocketed through the roof and fans demanded a reunion tour when Charlie was found out to be alive. Charlie and Liam agreed to the tour along with the other members only on one condition. That it was in the states and that they started and ended on the west coast so he could be closer to Claire and Christopher.

Claire followed Charlie around as a typical rock star wife. Taking over as a decorator and mother of the band. She was they every step of the way as they planned the tour. Morning sickness or not. She wanted to be there for Charlie. But there were also the plans of their wedding. Which they wanted to be as soon as possible for two reasons. The tour was in three months and she wanted their baby to have a legitimate family.

Sun went to live with her family. She was going through an emotional issue with the loss of her husband and the baby on the way. She didn't know how to feel. But she kept her sprits up by helping Claire with the wedding and anything else she could come up with. They became the expectant mothers club.

Jack laid low for a week or two and slowly got back into the routine of being a doctor. Quickly he began to feel the differences of saving lives in the real world and on island. It was harder on the island. It was harder saving the lives of people you knew and grew to love then saving the lives of complete strangers. While he was trying to make a new life for himself he bought a beautiful beach house in Long beach. He was part of a secluded community where all the pristine doctors of the region lived. He really didn't pay attention to them and they didn't to him. He was happy to alone for once.

Then there was the divorce. It was so hard on him. Sarah was trying to drag him through the mud by saying he was unsafe to be by himself after being on that island. She tried declaring that he was insane, but it was too clear to the court and everyone around him her supported him that he was saner then she was. Still he held his head high and tried his best to get through it all the time in the back of his mind he questioned his reasoning and Sarah's. He began to wonder if his mother had anything to do with her insanity plea.

Kate was the one out of all of them that had the most trouble. Well beside Jack. She had the problem of clearing her name. It began with court hearings and fines. She spent most of her time in courtrooms. So much time that she had to stay with Charlie and Claire. She didn't have time to get a job or find a home. She had the money from Hurley, but no time.

In the time that she did have she was tagging along with the expectant mothers and consoling Jack, who she bumped into a lot when she was in court. It was quiet odd how their hearings were where in the same buildings on the same days. When he was in she sat behind him and when it was her turn he was there like he said he would be.

She spent a week and a half in and out of court. She was finally order to 90 hours of community service, which she got rid of in a week's time. After that she found her self and apartment on the outskirts of LA. She was ten miles from Jack in Long Beach and not even five from Charlie, Claire, Hurley and Sun. Seeing how she was Christopher's godmother and practically Charlie and Claire's sister she wanted to be close.

She finally got a job after her week of community service. She ended up picking a Barns and Noble. She stacked books for a living. How interesting, she thought. Well it was better then being in bars. And like everyone she loved around her promised her, things were working out.

Still everyone had their suspicions. Nothing was being answered about the island. No whereabouts. There was a statement released about how they crashed. It was said that it was simply an engine failure. Everyone on the plane knew there was no way an engine failure cause the plane to fall apart like it did. Some were even convinced there was no explanation and that there would never be one.

Everyone was beginning to wonder if this was all a conspiracy with Oceanic. No one seemed to know anything. Soon questions weren't being answered. It all began to die down within a month. After that the survivors were all left wondering. Wondering why the plane crashed, where they were, why it took so long, and most of all why them.

Nearly two months after coming back to LA…

"You too look so cute with all your baby stuff." Kate cooed walking up to Claire and Sun as she walked into the bookstore.

"You like?" Claire asked modeling her latest maternity outfit.

"Yeah." Kate smiled.

'And who is this handsome little man?" Kate asked taking Christopher from Claire.

Putting him on her hip she began to play with his hands as he laughed playfully.

"Charlie put his in that horrible get up." Claire wined pulling at the blue and white baseball uniform Christopher wore.

"No it's cute." Kate assured her joining her in messing with the fabric.

Kate adjusted him on her hip as she walked up to another employee. A woman named Nancy who could've been Shannon's twin. She was the same height with the same chin length blonde hair. And the same attitude.

"Nancy I'm going on my break." Kate announced.

The woman turned around with a snotty look on her face, but it soon turned as she saw Christopher.

"Oh is this your son?" She asked tickling Christopher on the nose.

Christopher quickly began fussy with this new person. It was usual for him to do so. His pediatrician expressed that since his first months of development were on island he lacks the skills of getting used too different faces. It wasn't anything to worry about and he was supposed to grow out of it.

"No he's my friend's." Kate said pointing to Claire as she waved from behind Kate.

"Ohh…." Nancy sighed as he face dropped.

"Well don't be long on your break. Wednesdays are our busiest days." She warned taking as look to each of them and then turning back to walk away.

Kate rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath as she turned to Sun and Claire.

"She's a bit of a bitch…" Claire whispered looking over Kate's shoulder.

"I have to agree Kate, she's got an attitude problem." Sun chimed in.

"Well she reminds me a lot of Shannon in an odd way." Kate exclaimed joining them in watching Nancy set books at the right degree on their display stands.

The tree watched her for a second thinking about Kate's comparison

"Shannon was no where near that anal or bitchy." Claire giggled.

Kate and Sun turned to her. The three busted into laughter as they walked over to the couch area next to the coffee shop. The minute Kate sat down with Christopher in her lap Claire handed her a piece of paper.

"What's this?' She questioned looking it over.

"Directions to the wedding boutique the fittings are Saturday." Claire explained.

"Saturday. When's the wedding?"

"Next Saturday and the baby shower is Friday night." Claire explained.

"Thanks for telling me. I'll have to clear it with miss snooty pants over there when you guys leave."

"What if she won't let you?' Sun asked.

"Yeah what if they won't let you?" Claire wined.

"I mean you're my maid of honor and my baby's godmother. What in the hell am I going to do if you're not the-"

"Don't worry." Kate said resting her hand Claire's leg.

"I'll be there."

Claire felt pressure come off her shoulders. She had been so carefree about planning all of the parties and the wedding she forgot to make sure it was ok with everyone.

"Now I want to see what adorable baby stuff you two must have spent hours shopping for." Kate ordered with a huge smile.

Both girls seemed to jump at the order. Picking up their bags they began to pull out beautiful clothes and everything else baby wise. They were both seemed to be happy with their pregnancies.

Jack walked down the hallway towards his office. Well it wasn't exactly his office it was his fathers old office. The one he had had before he was expelled from the hospital. The beautifully huge office with window views of the whole city. When Christian died they didn't have any idea what to do with it. Then when Jack went down in the plane crash they were lost. But when Jack came back they decided it best he have it.

It had been a long day for him as he walked through those hallow hallways. That morning he had signed his divorce papers then he sent them on to be signed by Sarah. Hopefully she got the idea and wouldn't drag it out anymore.

He still had three hours a head of him. Three hours for anything to happen. A car accident or and fire. Anything. This wasn't how he remembered it. It was different. It was different without his dad by his side. Now he had the whole load on his shoulders. He didn't even have Kate by his side helping him save people. This was more alone then he wanted to be.

"Dr. Sheppard."

He looked up from his daze he was walking in. Glancing over he saw a nurse in front of him.

"These are Billy Matson's x-rays. Radiology wants your opinion on them." She said handing him a folder.

"Thanks Marsha." He smiled heading towards the door of his father's office.

Opening the door he began to look into the folder. Marsha began down the hallway, but turned around.

"Oh and Dr. Sheppard someone called for you while you were downstairs." Marsha announced.

"Who called?" Jack questioned.

"Greg didn't say. They left a message on your machine."

"Thanks." Jack said as he turned and walked into the office.

Closing the door behind him he slowly made his way over to the desk. Looking around the room he tired to get the constant thought of his father out of his head. It was hard. Everything around him reminded him of what happened.

Turning the chair around he fell back into it. Sinking into his leather surroundings he felt rested. Turning he looked over the desk to the phone. It was blinking red telling him there was a message waiting. He was reluctant to check it. A part of him was afraid that it was Sarah trying to get her way out of the divorce again. Then again it could be something important.

Letting his hand drop to the desk he rested it there for a second. Still questioning it. The more he stared at it the more he wanted to push that button. So he did. A he let his finger off the button Charlie's voice relieved him.

"Hey where the bloody hell of you been?"

"You're going to work yourself to death man."

"Still going through that divorce thing? Kate told us how it's been going. Hope it works out."

"Anyways the tux fittings are Saturday at some boutique on Sunset. It's called "The Happy Day." So just be there at two. See ya."

Pushing the button again Jack at back in his seat. A smile came to his face just hearing someone else's voice besides a Judge, Sarah's, the hospital staff, and the one of his dad's yelling in his head. He was also flattered that Charlie had asked him to be his best man. It was something he had never done.

Still that wasn't enough to take away his depression of that day. After looking over the divorce papers for hours that morning he was in a slump. Nothing could have cheered him up until he looked over his desk. Over the pictures atop it.

The pictures of all of them the day they split up. There was one with all of them crowed around each other, one of Sayid, Locke, and Hurley. One of Charlie and Claire holding Christopher between them. Then there was the one that made his day. The one of him and Kate. He stood with her in his arms as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. They all pushed him to do it and he thought what the hell.

A smile came over his face thinking about how happy she was when she was done with her community service, but she didn't gloat. Instead she sat behind him with Claire in that courtroom. She stayed with him even know Sarah was trying her hardest to make her feel uncomfortable with those glares. He'd never forget her support.

He hadn't seen her in two weeks. Every since she got the job at the bookstore she never had any time. Truth was he never had anytime to go and see her. He suddenly felt like he had to. He missed her smile. Plus he wanted to tell her about the divorce. Put her at ease.

Maybe going to see her at seven o'clock at night wasn't the best thing. Maybe a phone call. Again he hesitated with the thought.

What if she wasn't home?

What if she didn't want to talk?

Why was he having this much self-doubt?

Was it because it was Kate?

Of course it was. He felt different about her now. He had felt different every since he found her in that ditch four months before. Then when he nearly killed her he realized he didn't know what to do without her. When she got so broken up over Sarah he didn't know how to react.

Did she feel the same way?

He had no idea. She seemed like something was there and he thought once he it called it off with his wife there would be something, but nothing happen. Well nothing had happened yet. Maybe he could start something. Maybe all call could do that.

Glancing over to their picture he felt nervous. For some odd reason he did. Taking a deep breath he pushed all that out and picked up the phone. Dialing her number he realized he didn't know what to say.

Kate sighed as she closed her apartment door behind her. Rolling her neck she slid her purse down her shoulder. Walking Through the dinning room she threw her purse along with her keys to the table. As they landed with a bang she turned and headed down the hallway to her bedroom.

Coming into the room she switched on her light. Immediately she saw a message on her machine that sat atop her dresser. Hitting the button Claire voice filled her room.

"Just wanted to make sure you got home safe. Call me."

Kate had to laugh. This was an every night thing. Claire was always worried about her. But she rolled it off as she pulled her hair down and walked into her closet. As she picked out her nightwear another voice on the machine caught her attention.

"Hi Kate it's Jack."

Peeking her head out of the closet she listened to the message.

"Just wanted to call and see how you're doing. Hope the job is going well cause mine sucks. Just isn't fun if your not being chased by some monster or stitching someone up."

She had to laugh at his comment.

"Anyways hope you doing well. I guess call me whenever. Bye."

She stood for a second. He sounded depressed to her. Not himself. The divorce was her first guess. It was really getting to him. She never remembered her divorce going like this. Maybe that was because both parties wanted out.

Lowering her head she turned back and continued getting dressed. Coming out dressed in flannel sweat pants and a wife beater she turned off her light. Walking over to her bed she collapsed onto it's black surface. It had been long day.

Lying there she stared up to the ceiling wondering why he had called. He had every right to, but the tone in his voice seemed desperate and lonely. She hoped he was ok, but didn't know for sure. The thought nearly kept her from sleeping. Maybe a phone call would change it. Looking to the clock on her wall she realized a call wouldn't be right. Not at 11 o'clock at night. Maybe she'd go see him tomorrow. Turning over she made her decision. She was going to see him tomorrow.

The next day was a longer one for Kate. There were two book signings within two hours of each other. It was a mad house. All the little kids and teenagers running about and her having to clean up after them. It was insane. Luckily by the end of the day it calmed down.

Now she only had four hours left. She hadn't taking a break all day, but she was going to take one right after she was done putting the new books on the selves.

"Do you know where I could find a book on how to survive on an island?"

That voice stopped her. A smile grew across her face as she turned around. There stood Jack.

"Jack!" She called wrapping her arms around him.

"Miss me?"

All she could do was smile as she pulled back. Standing there the two looked each other up and down. He looked good dressed in jeans and a vintage t-shirt. She looked beautiful in her uniform with her hair pulled back in a bun. A sense of rightness filled them. They were both so glad to see each other.

They quickly sparked up a conversation when they sat down at a table in the coffee shop.

"So did you get my message?" He asked.

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you call me?" He fake wined

"Well though you'd be in bed by midnight when I got home."

"Midnight?" He questioned.

"Yeah they work me to death here…" She began as she looked around them.

Turning to him she leaned over the table and he took the cue to do the same.

"I think they're being told to by my parole officer. He really doesn't like me." She joked.

"Thought you were done with that whole paying for what you did thing."

"Well I still have to be a good little girl."

"That shouldn't be hard to pull off." He smiled.

She had to blush as she looked away.

"I'm glad to see everything is working out."

"Enough about me." Kate exclaimed.

"What has to good doctor been up too?"

"Just signed my divorce papers yesterday. Got news she signed hers today." He announced.

"Really?"

He nodded his head slowly looking away like she had.

"I'm happy it's done."

He said nothing to her kind words. He didn't really know what to say. She saw this and thought that maybe he was having doubts about it.

"Are you ok Jack?" She questioned.

Turning back to her he saw that worry in her eyes. It was a different kind of worry then he had seen back on the island. This wasn't scared worried. This was emotional worry.

"Yeah. I really feel free now." He smiled.

She felt free with his words. Hopefully he wasn't covering something up, but he was. He was covering up the fact that it was getting harder and harder for him to sit there and not leaned over the table to kiss her. He was trying to get up the guts to try and ask her out, but how do you ask someone whose life you saved more then once out? He had no clue.

Yes he had saved Sarah's life and gotten married to her. This was different. This was Kate. The woman he knew so much internally about, but knew nothing externally about her. He had no idea about her favorite food or her first love. He had no idea about her childhood or why she was on the run. How do you spend none months with a person and not know this? It's simple. When you spend all that time trying to survive you really don't have time to talk.

The one thing he did know is she was coy about love. He remembered that night in the cave when they were drinking. He had asked her if she had ever been in love and she didn't want to answer. They ended up kissing. That was the best kiss he had ever had and it was because he knew he had broken down a wall with her. He helped her let him in. Into a part of herself that maybe no one had ever seen.

What about his own walls? His was rejection. He was afraid to be let down like he had his whole life. By his father, the man who was supposed to guide him, but instead pushed him to the breaking point. By his mother, the woman who was supposed to nurture him, but instead blamed him for everything. Then there of course Sarah. His wife. She was supposed to love him not use him.

He had been let down and rejected by everyone who was supposed to love him. He was afraid of this with Kate. He was afraid if he asked her she'd reject him. But she was different then the other people in his life. He didn't expect her to love him and he didn't need her to. He just needed her to let him love her.

All these thoughts going through his mind seemed to take hours up, but it was a mere forty seconds that they consumed.

"I'm glad this hasn't torn you down." Kate sighed.

As his eyes floated back to her from the clock he got the urge to open his mouth and actually go for it. Instead he was interrupted. Kate's awaiting face turned and looked up to a woman as she came up.

"Kate you need to get back to work." Nancy warned walking away from the table.

"Ok." Kate sighed rolling her eyes.

"What were you going to say?" She asked looking back to Jack.

What was he going to say? He couldn't remember. The thought was so spontaneous that it slipped his mind.

"It's time for me to go. Got an early shift tomorrow." He lied with smile to cover it up.

"Yeah I better get back to work before she goes off."

The two got up and stood looking around awkwardly.

"I'll walk you out." Kate announced heading after Jack.

The LA night was cool. The stars were out, but it was hard to see them under the blinding parking lot lights. With the night calming the energy between the two was nervous. They both had something on their minds.

Jack still pushed himself to say something to her, but he couldn't. He had been to that moment once and didn't know how to bring himself back to it.

Kate followed behind him wondering what was up with him. Back in the store he was so distant yet so close. It was odd.

"It was nice seeing you." He smiled awkwardly.

She came up to him under his terrified stare and wrapped her arms around his neck. Pulling him close to her she took him in. It seemed to be what both of them needed. A gesture to break the odd tension between them.

With her arms around him he really began to push himself more. Still he couldn't utter the words. So instead he wrapped his arms around her and held her.

"I'm glad your happy Jack.' She whispered pulling back.

"Thank you."

"Well goodnight." She smiled touching his arm.

"You too."

With that he turned and headed towards his SUV.

"See you Saturday." She yelled after him.

He turned and waved back to her as he got to his SUV. As he drove off she watched after him. When she couldn't see him anymore she let out a breath she had been holding sense she wrapped her arms around him.

She felt relived that he had come and seen her cause she would have never been able to go and see him. She would have worked herself up with expectations and feelings. Feelings she still had even know she shouldn't.

Why shouldn't she have them, she thought.

He's not married anymore. It is perfectly fine for her to feel that way. Or was it. It was more hope then feelings, but still they were there. It was hope that something might happen between them. Something might spark.

She knew it wasn't going to happen. He was going through a hard time with the divorce and she could see he still had something for Sarah. Otherwise he wouldn't be so down.

Still if it was all over and he was really happy she couldn't do it. She couldn't let someone in again. Let someone love her the way Tom did. She didn't have the strength or willpower. It was just something that seemed too much for her.

Taking a deep breath to clear her head she turned around and walked back into the store. The rest of the night she worked in a daze. A daze of what has been and what might be.

Saturday came quicker than anyone expected.

"Oh Claire you are so beautiful!" Sun cooed.

Claire came out in a beautiful white strapless gown. It was stiff around the chest with a floral bead design. It puffed out under the chest and flowed down into the skirt that just touched the floor.

"I picked this out cause it hides my stomach." Claire explained messing with the material.

"What stomach?" Kate asked shaking her head.

"Come on I'm almost four months pregnant…"

"It doesn't matter. Your getting married and your having a baby. You can't be anymore beautiful." Kate tried to cheer her up.

"She's right." Sun assured her.

"Thanks you guys." Claire smiled wrapping her arms around both of them.

"Now it's your turns." Claire announced pulling away.

She walked over and picked up two pale yellow silk dressed. Turning around she got a huge smile on her face as she handed the two their dresses.

"Go and try them on."

On the other side of the wall the boys were trying on their tuxes. His best man Jack, Hurley his groomsman, Locke who was going to walk Claire down the isle, and little Christopher who was just there, joined Charlie.

"We all look smashing." Charlie laughed looking to all of them.

"Smashing?' Hurley questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah it's like handsome, but British."

"Dude you guys have some weird words."

"Well I'm so sorry I'm not American." Charlie growled as he headed towards Hurley.

"Hey." Jack exclaimed walking between them.

They both looked to Jack and then to each other.

"Sorry." Charlie sighed.

"It's ok dude. I'm sorry too." Hurley smiled.

"Friends?" Charlie questioned putting his arms out for a hug.

"Friends." Hurley replied picking him up.

As he sat Charlie back on the floor he realized something was missing.

"Where's Christopher?"

"Right here." Locke exclaimed walking in.

He had Christopher in his arms all dressed up in a suit and tie. Seeing him Charlie was at a loss for words.

"He's so…."

"Handsome." Hurley inputted finishing his sentence.

"Yeah." Charlie said taking the boy in his arms.

"Look at his little suit. I didn't know they made suits this small."

Their moment was broken when they heard the girls having a moment of their own. Their squeals and giggles could be heard through the wall.

"Sounds like they're having fun." Jack laughed.

"Too much fun." Charlie remarked heading for the door.

He wanted to see what was going on. As soon as he opened the door Jack caught it. Preventing him from seeing anything.

"What the hell are you doing?" Charlie questioned.

"If Claire's in her wedding dress you're not allowed to see her."

"Fine." Charlie huffed.

Charlie turned away and Jack opened the door. He stuck his head out and looked down the hall. Before he could see anything Charlie was pulling him back in.

"Kate could be wearing her bridesmaid dress and you're not allowed to see." He snickered.

"Who the hell made up that rule?" Jack questioned.

"I don't know about you two, but I ain't ever heard any rule about the groomsmen taking a peak." Hurley announced racing for the door.

As soon as he opened it the other two were right behind them rules or not. Peaking their heads out the door they came to see a sight they had never seen.

The three girls all dressed up and twirling around the room. The three men stood silent watching them.

Claire in her wedding dress amazed Charlie. His eyes went wide and followed her every move as she danced around. The sunlight coming from the window hit her body in all three right places. Accenting her best features and truly highlighting her growing stomach.

Jack saw Claire, but instantly turned to Kate. He was in aw of how beautiful she was in her pale yellow dress. She didn't dance like Claire, but her face was lit up as she giggled at the other's antics. He had never seen her in a dress before and was glad this was his first time.

Hurley didn't focus on one of them. He watched all three. Smiling to himself. Still he didn't have the thoughts of love in his head like the other two. He saw more of the beauty of course. They were like sisters to him and he wasn't going to think about them in a different way.

"Well…." Charlie sighed pulling away from the sight.

"I think I have had enough for one day." He said turning back into the room completely in a daze

"Yeah lets go pay for these." Hurley suggested pulling away next.

Jack stayed for a moment watching Kate. She looked so beautiful in that moment. But the moment was broken as Claire saw him and quickly closed the door. Snapping from his daze he heard Charlie calling him back into the room.

All were ready to go. The guys walked out of their room the moment the girls did. Claire went after Charlie as they headed to the clerk to pay for the dresses and tuxes. Sun followed Locke and Hurley down the hall. Hurley commenting her and making her blush the whole way.

When Jack came out he stopped. Glancing down towards the girl's fitting room he saw Kate. Alone. She was gathering her things. Maybe this was a time to go and talk to her. Get the guts up to ask her out. He had been practicing what to say the whole week knowing they'd see each other that day.

Following her with his eyes he questioned himself again.

Was it the right thing to do?

He didn't have an answer for that question. But what better way to find out then to try. With a deep breath he began down the hall.

Kate gathered her things reading to leave. She didn't have to go into work that day so she was going to go home and sleep the rest of the day away. Cleaning up everything she didn't notice she was being watched until she walked past the mirror and saw him. Surprised for a moment she turned around to see him standing in the doorway.

"Jack?" She questioned.

He simply smiled.

"You looked beautiful in that dress."

"Thank you.' She blushed turning away.

Coming into the room he walked over and began to help her. She glanced up and caught his eyes. The look between the two was electric. So intense that they had to look away.

"So…."

Kate was trying to make conversation, but it appeared to be too hard. She couldn't think of anything to say to him. The silence after her words began awkward.

"Did you guys umm…have fun playing dress up?' She asked trying to think of something to say.

Jack knew that wasn't what she wanted to say.

"Yeah." He replied going along with her attempt.

"That's good."

It became silent. This time it wasn't one of those enjoyed silences between the two of them. It was odd. They both wanted to say something, but couldn't find the courage or words. It had never been this hard to talk to one another.

Kate walked away from him and hung a hanger up in the small closet. Walking back past him his hand came up to her arm to stop her.

"Kate…" He called.

She slowly turned around hearing the odd tone of his voice. She had never heard it before.

"Yeah?"

"I need to ask you something."

"Ok." She said urging him to continue.

Swallowing hard he prepared to spill his guts. He started off looking towards the ground.

"I was wondering if…there could be something between us?" He asked in a soft tone as his eyes came up to meet her in a timid stare.

Her eyes became wide with his question. What did he mean? She knew what he meant she just needed to know if he was serious. Is she wasn't just hearing these words for her own good.

"Between us how?"

Jack never thought it would be this hard. He had so many thoughts going through his head. All telling him to say those or that, but he could only listen to one of them.

"Like a relationship."

She had no idea what to say. This is was she wanted wasn't it? She wanted to be with Jack. All these times she had questioned if he felt the same and now she knew. But oddly enough she couldn't make up her mind.

"Jack…I don't-"

He wasn't going to take no for an answer. Actually he just didn't want to. He had built up this strength to ask her and he didn't want it to be for nothing. He didn't want to be rejected.

"Kate I'm just saying we could tr-"

"No Jack." She whispered closing her eyes.

She couldn't do it. No matter how much she tried to tear down every wall she built they weren't all going to come down in that instant. She couldn't let him in right then.

He froze. Her words fell upon him like a ton of bricks. He didn't know what to do or say.

"Why not?"

"Because I can't let you in."

"I've tried Jack, but I'm just not ready." She began to explain.

She had no idea why she was saying this. Why she was telling him this. It was breaking his heart. Why couldn't she have just turned away? Cause that would have hurt him more then a lame explanation.

"I've been hurt too many time-"

"I won't hurt you." He exclaimed as he held back oncoming tears.

"You don't know that Jack. None of them did. They all said the same thing."

"Do you think I haven't been hurt too? I just got divorced from my wife." He said trying to justify with her.

"I know that Jack, but that's not the same kind of hurt. You felt free after that." She said sniffing back tears as she turned away from him.

"Kate…" He said trying to turn her back to him.

"I have to go." She whispered pulling away from him.

He let go of her and stood still as he watched her. Watched her pick up her things and head out the door. He could hear her hears she tired to hide as she walked out of the room leaving him there in confusion.

That wasn't how it was supposed to go. She was supposed to say yes. Or at least that was what he wanted her to say. Instead he was again rejected like he had feared.

"Dammit!" He yelled slamming his fist into the wall.