As You Like It
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen: Suspicion
Morning finally dawned after a long night. Sawyer sat by the shore of the ocean, smoking one of the last cigarets of his second to last pack. Maybe if he kidnapped Sayid he'd tell him how to make something- anything- to smoke from the island. He stared down longily at the empty bottle of water he had been tapping against the sand for nearly an hour, thirsty but not wanting to go to the caves. Sawyer had the feeling that Kate wouldn't keep their secret too long, and didn't want to be the first in Jack's way when he found out. He'd rather let the good doc come looking for him. Quiet footsteps came up behind him, lasting a second or two a step, and judging by the shadow Sawyer could guess that it was Hurley walking by.
Sawyer called, stopping him.
Hurley said, walking up.
Sawyer gave Hurley the empty water bottle.
I'll give ya ten bucks to go refill this, he said.
Hurley looked at the bottle and then smirked.
And what would I do with that? Hurley said. Feed it to the squirrels?Hell, we've gotta get off sometimes, Sawyer said, and when we do, you'll be ten dollars richer than everybody else.Trust me dude, Hurley said with an ironic laugh, when it comes to money, you don't have to worry about me. Sawyer grunted and then added under his breath, not like you couldn't use the walk anyway.
That set off Hurley. He hurled the bottle at Sawyer, hitting him in the shoulder- the one he got shot in.
Get your own damn water.
Sawyer almost regretted his comment as Hurley walked away.
Claire and and Charlie were sitting together, with her baby boy crawling in the sand in front of them. Charlie's guitar lay beside them, and the baby was trying its best to sit on it, playing with the strings in the process.
No no, Claire said to him, swiping him from the ground just before he could get his hand stuck inside the whole, don't play with Uncle Charlie's guitar.
The baby whined but a new toy grabbed its attention: golden earrings Claire had started wearing just a few days ago. Though she had the newborn, Claire didn't feel the exhaustion that most mothers felt. Instead she felt overjoyed at the new light of her life..okay, and maybe a little over protective too.
Are you sure Sun was going to be able to watch him? Claire asked Charlie for the hundredth time that day.
Charlie assured, double positive, but we better get going before she forgets about us.
Claire glared and Charlie laughed.
Don't worry, he said, everything's going to be fine.
He leaned forward and kissed her, a simple gesture but still one Claire couldn't live a day without.
Now come on, Charlie said.
Claire hoisted the baby onto her shoulder and held on tightly to it with one hand and reached up with the other, accepting Charlie's help. They left their baggage at their camp as they walked off, including Charlie guitar, and a deck of tarot cards, and a miniature plane with the flight number on the tail.
On the beach
The sun shown bright, bringing in yet another day on the island, and Charlie couldn't help but to wonder what evil force or obstacle was going to come before them this day. They couldn't seem to leave them alone, especially Jack, who seemed to be a favorite victim of bad karma. The jungle trees swayed lightly with the ocean's breeze, and Charlie glanced towards them, noticing Claire sleeping in the sand beneath them. Like most, Claire varied her resistance, staying at the beach during good weather and caves during bad, and last night had been one of those where she chose to sleep by the ocean. Claire claimed the waves calmed her and helped her sleep. Women.
As much as Charlie tried to refrain from being closer to Claire than she felt comfortable, he always found herself spending more and more time with her each day, and now Charlie couldn't help to wonder if his mind had subconsciously planned for him to take this path on purpose, for it wasn't his original route. He stopped for a moment to watch Claire sleep, noticing how(for once) peaceful and content she looked. Of course, at that moment Claire just had to wake up. She blinked, adjusting to the light, and immediately noticed Charlie standing there.
She said, confused, sitting up on her elbows.
I was uh.. Charlie thought quickly, wondering if you wanted to go find something to eat, but I guess even the Australian queens need their beauty sleep.
Inside his head, Charlie was shouting at himself for sounding like such an idiot. Now she was going to think that he was stalking her or obsessed, not to mention the lined sounded totally ridiculous. However, Claire looked flattered.
she said, but help me up first.Oh, sure, Charlie said and quickly moved over and reached down, easily lifting Claire onto her feet.
Walking into the Jungle
Hurley almost ran smack into Sayid on the way back to the caves, still distraught over Sawyer's comment. He left out a huff, trying to blow it off. Why care what Sawyer thinks anyway?
Sorry dude, Hurley said, backing away.
It's fine, Sayid said, sounding unusually cheerful.
Hurley said, raising an eyebrow.
That's when he noticed a smudge that stood out bright on Sayid's chin..a pink smudge.
Hurley said, laughing, is that lipstick? Sayid said, smiling like an idiot like Charlie sometimes did.
He was either having a hard time not talking about something or was really anxious to talk about it.
Hurley said, pointing, right there.You're lying, Sayid said, blushing.
You slept with Shannon, didn't you? Hurley said, amused.
Once again Hurley couldn't tell if Sayid was wanting to dissolve into a bubble or pull him aside and tell him everything. Of course, the thought came across that it was probably because he was there that Sayid was keeping quiet. He watched tv, Hurley knew that guys loved to talk about this kind of stuff, no matter how wrong it may be.
I don't know what you're talking about, Sayid said firmly, but by the pinkness of his cheeks it was obvious that he was lying.
Whatever dude, Hurley laughed, all I have to say is, it's about time. That whole Shannon/Boone thing was starting to creep me out.They're step-siblings, Sayid informed.
Yeah, well none of the rest of us got let in on that, Hurley said,
As he walked off he continued laughing, leaving Sayid embarrassed as he furiously wiped his chin.
At the caves
The usual bustle of the caves welcomed Charlie and Claire in that morning. The place was like a toy store on Christmas Eve. Early risers were looking for food, chatting, and an occasional few still grumbling about having to spend yet another day on the island, while those who tried to catch a few extra hours of sleep snored away or mumbled various curses at the talkers nearby. A man who was rolling up some kind of blanket muttered a good morning to Charlie as the two past; Claire smiled back, and then elbowed Charlie hard in the ribs for being rude and not greeting anyone.
It's not like I know them, Charlie muttered irritably, rubbing his ribcage, overexagerating the pain.
Claire rolled her eyes and smiled at Kate as she walked up to them, pulling an apprehensive Sun along. Charlie began to wonder just what Claire had dreamed about, and what had gotten her so cheerful all of a sudden after her past few moody days.
Claire greeted, and threw a warning look towards Charlie.
Charlie gave a small wave.
Try this, Kate said, shoving a small brown bowl into Charlie's hands.
Inside the bowl was a reddish-blackish liquidly substance with some kind of green leaves bobbling on the surface. Charlie had to hold back from laughing at thinking that the leaves looked liked they were crying for help, praying to be realized from a spicy life of..whatever it was. He wrinkled his nose, unsure of the liquid, but the anxious looks from the girls(especially Sun's sad, shy smile as she looked down at her feet) egged him on. Taking a deep breath Charlie took a sip of the substance, which turned out to be hot despite the cool bowl. The spiciness of it lingered on his lips as he licked them, contemplating his review. After a moment or two Charlie thought he tasted some kind of carrot like flavoring, but he was sure it was on his imagination.
Not bad, Charlie admitted, and then, just to be sure, those aren't carrots in there, are they?
Kate smiled broadly and squeezed Sun's shoulders.
She said. Told you he'd like it.
Sun's held back smile finally let itself out, and Charlie couldn't help but to feel proud at being the cause. Since Jin's death sun had rarely been seen at all, let alone smiling or laughing.
Well, it's very good, Charlie said, handing back the bowl,
The girls giggled at his English and Charlie grinned along, receiving a few raised eyebrows from passerbyers. Kate's eyes then trailed along the cave wall and then lingered on a particular spot. Curious, Charlie turned around and watched as Kate watched Jack talking to Danielle.
I've got to go, Kate whispered quietly, and rushed out of the caves before saying any goodbyes.
Sun looked back down, once again looking sad and out of place, as if Kate's mood change was her fault.
Well that was a little weird, Claire said, looking after her.
I'm going to go see what's up, Charlie said, putting a hand on Claire's shoulder as he walked out.
Across the caves Jack was having a very hard time trying to get into a conversation with Danielle. She didn't seem capable of standing still and talking for a few moments, like she was a nine year old boy instead of a grown woman. As Jack talked to her she finished getting herself ready, brushing her impossibly tangly hair, sighing in frustration whenever she got to another night.
And Alex hasn't said anything to you at all? Jack asked for the dozenth time.
Danielle said, we don't exactly talk.
Satisfied with her hair now, Danielle reached up and unzipped her backpack, slipping the comb into the pocket.
Maybe you should, Jack suggested, even if it's just hey' or good morning' or-'Get the hell out of my life'? Danielle quoted with a smile. I'm assuming you don't know much about teenage girls. They don't like to talk.
Jack sighed.
If it was serious I'm sure she'd tell, Danielle assured, in the mean time, I don't need help raising my child.Sounds different from what you thought sixteen years ago, Jack said.
He regretted the statement, not meaning to personally insult Danielle. Jack felt bad for her, as he did for Michael when he told him about just meeting up with Walt for the first time since he was a baby.
I've let the past stay in the past, Danielle said, staring coldly at Jack, maybe you should too.
Danielle walked away, leaving Jack to wonder if she meant that with her situation, or an all around personal reference to him. Then again, what could she know?
2001
As Jack pulled into the driveway of his father's house, he noticed a dark green jeep sat next to his father's car. The liscene plate had a college bumper sticker, and it took Jack a moment to recognized it as the one he found his mother at just days ago. After their goodbyes the two hadn't talked, though Sarah woke up two days later to find Jack asleep at the kitchen table, head on phonebook and phone in his hands, as though he had been thinking of calling someone. Jack swore that he remembered doing no such thing. Frowning, Jack parked his SUV and stepped out onto the path to the porch. The knob was locked when he tried it, so Jack had to search for the key on his key ring, and unlock the house himself.
When he entered the house was bright and silent. The early morning's sun peered in through the white blinds over the picture window, ricocheting off the mirror on the far wall. On the table sat a bottle of whine, two glasses, and empty containers of Chinese food. Beside those was the case to the movie Titanic. What a romantic. He thought about leaving while he could, figuring his father would be too drunk to work anyway, but just then a groaning noise came from the couch, and Jack was surprised at himself for not noticing the two sleeping figures under the blanket, one being his father and the other..his mother? The bushy brown hair that rest on his father's shoulder told him his suspicions were correct, and Jack suddenly wished that he had the power to become invisible. Was it not three days ago that Christian stated that he wanted nothing to do with Jack and his mother's reunion?
What time is it? Christian mumbled to no one in particular.
Jack replied.
At the sound of the unexpected voice christian jumped in surprise, nearly tumbling off the couch. Beside him, Jack's mother finally stirred awake, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
What's wrong? She asked, yawning.
Christian said, glaring at Jack as he struggled to get out from under the blankets.
Jack looked away, embarrassed to be there as Christian stepped onto the floor and pulled on the jeans that had been lying on the floor beside the couch. Why was Jack thinking the phrase for old times sake came up last night? Christian then stood and walked with slight difficulty from what Jack was sure was the wine to Jack.
What are you doing here? He hissed furiously.
You told me to pick you up at six-thirty! Jack exclaimed, just as furious. What's she doing here?
Christian sighed and ran a hand through his head.
Look, I thought through the whole reunion thing and figured talking couldn't hurt, Christian said.
And let me guess, said Jack, disgusted, one thing led to another?Just give me a minute to get ready and I'll meat you in the car, Christian said.
Forget it, Jack said, you're not operating under the influence.We only had a few bottles of wine! Christian protested.
A few, right, Jack snorted, seeing right through that lie.
He very well knew that his father had a fully stored liquor cabinet that remained unlocked and was restored every few weeks.
I'll cover for you, Jack offered, go back to bed.
Glancing towards his mother who was now back to an unconscious state on the couch, Jack figured she probably wouldn't want to stay there very long once she realized where she was. At least, he didn't think many people would want to stay at his father's house once sober, especially when it took his father quite a while to get back in a human state.
And call a cab, Jack suggested.
Outside a car sped by, blaring loud rap music that could be heard inside house. Though the base was bareable enough, Christian jumped, covering his head in pain.
On second thought, I'll do it, Jack sighed.
Whatever had happened between him and his mother last night Jack decided then that he didn't want to know, but if every cloud had a silver lining, he'd pay a high price to see what was offered for this one.
In the jungle, 2004
Kate ran straight for five minutes until finally stopping, not for breath, but for the realization that if she went any further, she'd probably run right in Sawyer. It was like being cornered. She didn't know where to turn or who to turn to, and suddenly the world came crashing down on her all in one moment.
Are you all right? Asked a voice behind her, making Kate flinch.
she lied, hiding her eyes, afraid that she'd start crying any minute.
She never used to be like this. Before the island Kate had only cried two or three times, all at the most crucial moments of her life, but now Kate found herself tearing up too often and too easily for her liking, and frankly, it was scaring her. Her walls were coming down hard and fast, and there didn't seem to be much she could do about it, and what all she did do about it backfired in her face.
You sure? Charlie asked, concerned.
Kate thought about it. Maybe getting a little advice wouldn't hurt.
Have you ever done something really bad? Kate started.
Who hasn't? Charlie said, seeming amused at the question coming out of the dramatic moment. Is this about the fugitive thing?
Kate bit her lower lip and looked down.
Charlie muttered.
I mean it, Kate said, looking back up, have you ever done something bad? I mean really, really bad?I crashed this party once, Charlie admitted, couldn't stand the guy. You see, he was going out with a girl named Carrie who..
He saw that Kate didn't seem the least bit amused or interested in the story.
Not really, Charlie finally said.
Whether he was lying or not, Kate didn't question.
He then asked.
Kate looked down. Now or never.
I slept with Sawyer, she admitted quietly.
Charlie exclaimed, eyes wide.
Kate covered his mouth with her hand and shoved him back against the tree near them with ease.
You can't tell anyone! Kate whispered. No one can know. I don't even want you asking Sawyer about it.
Charlie squirmed under her grip and Kate quickly let go, not wanting to seriously hurt him.
Charlie said, I won't, I swear.
Kate nodded a thanks and looked back down to the ground. It was such an embarrassing thing to admit. She wouldn't be surprised if Charlie turn and ran from her right now, God knew he had to be disgusted with her.
Does Jack know? Charlie asked a few seconds later.
Kate shook her head.
But you're going to tell him, right?
She bit her lip trying to hold back the tears again. Kate hated herself just as much as Charlie probably did, and shook her head once more.
Kate, he has to know! Charlie said. You can't keep something like this secret!Well the fugitive thing was working for awhile, Kate said with a forced smile, besides, this isn't exactly something Jack will want to hear.You think? Charlie said.
Kate sighed, Jack doesn't take things like this very well, and for his well being and maybe even in the long run everyone else's, this stays between me, you, and Sawyer.
Kate's eyes narrowed and Charlie sighed.
he mumbled, but I swear when we get off of here I'm creating a tv show, As the Island Turns..what?
Kate was smiling.
You said when we get off', she pointed out.
Hardly anyone still held that kind of hope.
Charlie said thoughtfully, I did.
He looked down at the ground as the moment passed.
he said finally, I promise I won't tell, but if you ever need to talk..I know, Kate said, nodding though she doubted that she'd ever speak about this again with Charlie,
Charlie shrugged sheepishly and then turned back toward the caves.
At the caves
Jack sighed at his failed conversation with Danielle. He glanced over towards Alex's camp in hopes of getting more of a clue as to what was going on, but to his dismay, she wasn't even there. The rest of the residents of the caves moved around Jack as he stood there, waiting for someone to ask for help or maybe even ask him what was wrong, but when neither happened, he turned and went back into his cave to prepare to go looking for Kate again.
The small cave had gotten a little crowded, what with the medical supplies and now Kate's stuff, so things tended to get lost easily, and Jack never expected to go straight into the cave and find what he was looking for. Oddly enough though, this time he did. Just as he was about to cross over to enter the cave Alex slipped out, squeezing in with the moving crowd in a quick flash. Jack waved in and out of the crowd but was too late once he reached the caves. He looked back over the wave of people to find both entrances blocked with people moving in and out, and Alex nowhere to be found. Jack sighed again and stepped into his cave, defeated.
Everything in the caves seemed to be right in the mess where he left it: a few spare t-shirts thrown here and there, and various other items laying around. He walked over to his table of medicine to see if everything still was in place there, and began thumbing through the different meds. Footsteps entered the room behind him, and Jack sighed in relief when he turned to see Kate.
Think God, he said, walking towards her, I was getting worried.
Jack pulled Kate into a hug before she could even greet him, but when he pulled away, Kate pulled him back towards her, kissing him long and hard. She finally broke away and forced a smile at the surprised look on his face. They stared at each other for a moment or two until Kate ended the moment and looked away.
Missed you last night, Jack said, walking back towards the med table.
Sorry, I got caught up at the beach, Kate said, figured you wouldn't want me walking back in the dark so I camped with Claire.I'm being an influence on you, Jack grinned.
A good one, Kate said, smiling back, I just hope I'm not being one on you. Jack teased, but if I ever need to rob a bank in the future, I'll know who to call.
Jack winked, making Kate laugh, and he found himself relieved to hear it.
So what's up? Kate asked, following him over to the makeshift table.
Jack said, Alex has just been acting strange. I think she's..up to something.
Jack stopped at the last moment, noticing something out of place with the meds.
Kate asked, stepping behind him.
She took two narcotics, Jack said, staring at the table in front of him.
What are those? Kate asked, confused.
Like pain relievers, Jack explained, very, very strong pain relievers. They usually have to be injected but I don't she how she could do that unless-She took those injection thingies too? Kate said, holding up a plastic bag that once held them.
Jack sighed, and took the empty bag from Kate, 'the injection thingies'.
He smiled despite the intense moment. Jack looked down at the bag, longing for the answers he didn't have.
I'm sure she's okay, Kate reassured, putting a hand on his arm.
I'll never know, Jack said, angry with himself.
Why couldn't he just get Alex to talk to him? Jack began looking through the medicine again, only to notice more missing supplies.
And she also took.. Jack said, mentally counting the missing supplies, a bottle of aspirin- he shook a bottle of peroxide, and some of this too. Must've had some kind of bottle to store it in-
He turned to Kate.
You didn't see anything at the beach last night, did you? Kate answered truthfully.
Jack remembered Sayid bringing back Alex's backpack saying that she dropped' it, and Sayid's own odd behavior last night, like something wasn't right, and not just the sickness. Something wasn't right, and Jack was determined to find out what he wanted to know.
Author's Note: Okay, truly horrible ending, but I ran out of ideas..I decided it'd all be too much for one chapter. By the way, I really know nothing about drugs. We studied those particular ones a little in one class at school today and I did a quick research to make sure I had my facts right, so sorry if any of it was wrong or is wrong in the future. Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed! You guys rock!
Coming up next, on As You Like It:
As far as I know now, this next chapter's all about Alex, but if I can work in it, someone else will find out about Sawyer and Kate's affair, and Charlie learns what Claire's dream was about.
Thanks again!
Until next time..
October Sky