Chapter Five- Seven Years Without Love
Once out of Danielle's underground house, Sayid carried Alex away from it, away from the hurt and sorrow that was her mother's grave.
Upon reaching a clearing, Sayid stopped and gently set Alex down on the ground, crouching beside her. He put his hand into his pocket and drew out the crumpled note. He held it out to Alex.
"Would you like to read it?" he asked her softly. She nodded.
Sayid handed her the piece of tattered paper. Alex unfolded it gingerly and read:
To Whoever Finds Me
My time is over. I have been alone for so long, it's getting tiresome. I am joining Robert and Alex now. Please don't burn or bury me. I never liked the idea of being ashes or covered in dirt. Good Bye.
Danielle Rousseau
Alex let the note fall from her fingers. It fluttered to the ground.
"I loved her." She whispered sadly. "Even though I barely remember her, I loved her." She looked into Sayid's soft, brown eyes. "It just hurts so bad, knowing that she's gone." A few tears trickled down her face. Sayid brushed them away tenderly.
"I know it hurts, Alex. I have felt the same pain you feel now." Sayid proceeded to tellAlex about Nadia. He told her about how he was forced to torture her, about how he helped her escape, and about how two months later, he received word of her recapture and execution.
"The day she died, part of me died with her." Sayid finished quietly.
"Oh, Sayid!" cried Alex, flinging her arms around him. He hugged her tightly. "Oh, Sayid, I am so sorry about Nadia!" Sayid broke the hug, smiling a little sadly at her.
"It was a long time ago." He said.
"But the pain? It hasn't left?" she asked, searching his face. Sayid shook his head, sighing.
"It's been seven years since she was killed." He reached out and stoked Alex's silky hair. "Seven years without love." Alex's face came closer to Sayid's.
"Seven years is a long time." She said in a whisper.
"Yes," Sayid whispered back, leaning forward, "It is." And then he kissed her.