Jack returned exhausted from his water-bearing trip back and forth to the beach. There never seemed to be a moment of rest on this island. If it wasn't one thing it was another. Heavily dropping his backpack onto the ground, he was immediately rebuked by a soft "Shhh."
Turning around, Jack saw the two people on the island usually busier than he was. Only this time they were unusually quiet. Charlie sat with his back against the cave wall quietly playing with Aaron in his lap. At almost three, Aaron was quite the handful. Hurley had once remarked that out of all the survivors, he was most glad Charlie was still around. No one else had the energy to keep up with Claire's son, not even Claire herself.
Smiling, Jack bent down to Charlie's level. "Rough day?"
Charlie snorted. "When are they not, Jack?" A grin spread over his face and he murmured. "We've been learning to count, haven't we, Turnip?" Aaron gave a small nod as his dad picked up each of his toes. "One piggy, two piggy..."
Jack could tell Aaron was nearly asleep. The child was now resting his head against his dad's chest, his eyes nearly closed, his thumb in his mouth. Charlie looked about to pass out himself. Trying not to laugh as he stood up to walk away, Jack commented, "Charlie, if this one wears you out so much, can you imagine what it would be like with two?"
Almost inaudible, Charlie sighed. "I'd love another one."
Jack stopped short. Charlie and Claire had been together for awhile, nearly two years. It was surprising they hadn't yet conceived a new life. Even if birth control was available on the island, Charlie had once mentioned that they didn't want to use it. Something about Catholic tenets and children being blessings from God. Jack knew Charlie had returned strongly to his faith, even if Claire didn't agree with it.
Looking back, he saw his friend slump back farther against the wall. "I mean, it's not like we haven't been trying. The problem obviously isn't with Claire." Pausing, Charlie seemed hesitant to continue. "I wonder if I screwed things up with the drugs. Maybe the Lord doesn't think I've properly repented my sins." He took a heavy breath and continued, "Maybe I can't repent for my sins."
Jack sighed. "Look, Charlie. I'm the last one to talk to about faith. I can tell you this, though. No one has had a child on this island either, and it's not like people are avoiding sex. Look at Sun and Jin. They should have had one by now as well." Glancing around to make sure no one else heard him, Jack finally admitted, "I think there's something about the island."
"No kidding, Sherlock." Charlie smiled. "Didn't we tell you that, oh, a couple years ago?"
Jack chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you did." To reassure him, "Charlie, it's probably nothing. When the time is right, it'll happen. If the island's going to allow anyone to have a child, I can't imagine it being anyone other than you and Claire. It's always going after the two of you. Must be for some reason."
That earned him an exasperated look from his friend. "Easy for you to say. You try being bait once in a while."
"No thanks. I'll leave that up to you, you're so good at it. My job's just to make sure someone's around to save your neck," Jack kidded. "In the meantime, I suggest you just enjoy what little time you already manage to find with each other." Pointing at the deceptively peaceful little boy in Charlie's arms, "Another monster like that one is just going to make it impossible."
The rocker laughed. "Thanks, Doc."
"You're welcome." Rolling his eyes, Jack grinned. "Just don't bug me about this again. I've got enough to do around here without worrying about your reproductive system."