Chapter 23- Water Nymphs

Alex sank down beside Shannon. The blonde girl made no sign that she noticed Alex sitting next to her.

"It looks like rain." Alex said conversationally.

Shannon was still unresponsive.

"But that's okay. I like the rain. Don't listen to anyone who says sunshine is pure happiness. Those are people who have obviously never danced in the rain." Alex smiled at Shannon, who continued to ignore her.

The sky darkened and a gentle rain began to fall. The people round them got up and went into their caves. But the two girls stayed where they were, letting the cool rain bounce of their skin.

The rain became steady, fat raindrops. Within seconds, both of them were soaked.

"Alex! Shannon! Get in here before you both freeze to death!"

Alex twisted around to see Jack, looking slightly fuzzy because of the rain, standing in a cave entrance, waving to them.

Alex turned back around, ignoring the doctor's warning.

"See? Jack hasn't had the joy of dancing in the rain either." Alex stood and offered her hand to Shannon. "Come on, let's go. It's fun, I promise."

Shannon raised her eyes to Alex face. She took her hand and Alex hauled her up.

The jungle girl started running, sending sprays of water everywhere when she went through a puddle. Shannon ran after her, smiling.

When they reached the center of the cave camp, Alex grabbed
Shannon's hands and the two spun around, laughing and giggling.

Sayid and Claire watched the two from the shelter of Claire's cozy cave that she shared with Charlie.

"You're lucky, Sayid. Alex is a genuinely kind person. This is the first time that Shannon has smiled, laughed, or even showed emotion since Boone died. Alex saved Shannon's life."

Sayid grinned, watching Alex, who was sparkling with raindrops, twirl and leap through the sheets of rain, with Shannon trying to keep up.

The rain suddenly lifted and the sun came out.

"Look, Shan!" Alex called, panting slightly "A rainbow!"

Shannon turned and gazed in awe at the bright bands of color that were stretched across the sky.

Sayid came out of the cave and stood next to Alex.

"It's beautiful." Alex breathed, still looking at the rainbow.

"Yes, you are." Sayid replied, putting an arm around her.