Chapter Seven:

The Things People Tell Me

It was nine o'clock when Jack got everyone together in the caves. It took him three hours to gather everyone up. Jack wiped away sweat that had gathered on his forehead.

"Everyone, listen up. We've got a problem."

The noise of the groups reaction to hearing what Jack said was overbearing.

"EVERYONE LISTEN UP!" Yelled Kate. She turned to look at Jack and gave him a small smile showing her dimples that Sawyer happened to like.

He gave a nod and looked at the crowd that was concentrating on him. "We need to all stay together. There's something coming. I don't know what it is yet, but it's something big. And we need to stay together as best as possible. Because if we don't, we're not going to make it. Also, refrain from getting into any arguments. We're here together and we're not leaving this cave until morning. I need volunteers for look out. Any takers?"

Everyone turned to look at each other wondering who'd be brave enough to sit outside the cave and watch out for whatever was coming. Sawyer raised his hand and relieving a sly smirk. Then one by one, slowly, people began putting up their arms volunteering.

"Alright, thanks. Meet me up here for look-out shifts. The rest of you, please get comfortable, we're going to be here for a long time. There's no need to panic."

Locke made his way to Jack. "No need to panic? Jack you and I both know if something's coming for us, we're not going to be prepared."

"You're a man of hope and faith Locke. They need hope right? Hope that their going to make it through the night."

Locke smiled, he remembered. "I'm going to help with look-out to, you knew that though. I'm the only one here handy with a knife." He smirked, "I did kill some boars."

"Well I had something else in mind for you Locke. I hope you're willing to help me out. I figure you and me should go maybe.. Half a mile away from the cave. Just in case we see it before they do we can hopefully stop whatever it is. If not one of us can make it back to camp quicker."

Locke nodded in agreement.

"I'm going with you Jack." Kate said pulling on Jack's arm.

"No, you need to stay here with Sun. She needs help with anything medical. I need for you to be here. Just in case there's a medical emergency." He looked down, "And in case I don't come back."

"Jack?"

"I'm not sure what's out there but I'm going to find out. And I want you to stay here just in case I don't make it."

Kate slowly nodded. She knew she couldn't talk him out of it. "Alright, Jack." She sighed. "But before you go?"

Jack looked back at her after putting on his backpack. "Yeah?"

Kate leaned up and gave Jack a firm kiss on the lips. "I just want you to know that…"

"Know what, Kate?"

"Good luck."

Sawyer saw the kiss and shrugged, "Freckles and the Doc. What a love connection. I bet good old Chuck Woolery would be proud." He smirked and turned back to look at Abigail who remained tied up. "So firecracker, what is it that's coming for us? You never told Doc."

She didn't move her head to look at him. "I did tell him."

"Then you mind filling in me sweet cheeks?"

"The others."

"Oh I remember them. Guess you really can't when they shoot you in the arm and try to sleep with you." He motioned to her. "What's your deal though, why are you so terrified of 'em? Afraid of family reunions? I guess in your case it could be a lot like inbreeds. Cause I figure your group of friends ain't that big. Not to mention, I bet ya'll are related in some way."

She turned her head to look at him. "They're not going to be happy to see me, no."

"And why's that?"
"Because I told them that I care for you and your friends."

"You do?"

"Yes, that's why I came back to warn you about the others."

"This is your way of warning us?"

"I figured this would be the only way to tell you and make you believe me."

"And yet, for some reason peaches I don't seem to want to believe you."

"That's fine. Whatever."

"What about the French lady? Why'd you torture her? Taking her son and all?"

"I was six at the time." She shook her head, "I was new to the island."

"So.. You arrived.. With the French woman?"

"Yes. I was with my grandfather. My grandfather and her, not to mention about five others that went on the expedition. We were studying something, I don't remember keep in mind I was only six. So I was mostly concerned with toys and games rather than what my grandfather did. All I remember, is being on the island. I remember being chased by.. Danielle. She killed my Grandfather because she claimed he had went insane. She chased after me to kill me as well." She sighed, "My grandfather wanted this to be a chance to start over. After he realized we couldn't leave the island. We tried everything, nothing worked." She looked back at Sawyer. "The others found me in the woods. Took me back and taught me everything I know. And ever since a year ago I've been grateful for it."

"And what happened then?"

"This guy, he took over. Shot and killed the man in charge because he didn't think the way he was running us was right. So he took over and he was the one who started sending people to investigate the crash. He told us to do anything possible to get to know everyone. Didn't expect to meet someone like you. Someone just like me."

"Weird how that works out, huh?" He stood up and started to walk away. Before he went to far he turned around, "Liar."