Takes place the same time as the previous chapter.
Jack - Come on Charlie.
Charlie – Coming (catches up with Jack) Sorry I'm here now. So what are we upto then?
Jack – Need to collect dome more fruit.
Ah the joys of island life said Charlie sarcastically.
They reach the clearing and pick the fruit. When this is done they walk back, when Jack decides to stop for a moment. Charlie's mind is clearly elsewhere and Jack notices this.
Jack – She'll be fine Charlie.
A startled Charlie – Sorry what?
Jack – Claire.. she'll be fine, she's with Kate.
I wasn't thinking about Claire replied Charlie.
Ok sure said Jack not wanting to press the issue.
Charlie - …. Ok fine, I was thinking about Claire.
Jack looks at him and smiles.
She'll be fine repeats Jack.
I'm not so sure stated a concerned Charlie. She's having trouble sleeping. The nightmares, im worried about her.
Jack - I know, but as long as we are there for her, she'll be ok.
Charlie – Maybe (pauses for a minute) Jack can I ask you something?
Jack – Sure
Charlie – umm…..
Spit it out Charlie said Jack
Charlie – I can't…. I don't know now to say it.
Jack – Your like Claire don't you?
Charlie stays quiet but just looks at Jack
Jack – Thought so
Charlie – You did?
Charlie ever since we crashed here, you have done nothing but make sure Claire has been ok, feeling comfortable, eating well. You two have been inseparable responded Jack.
Charlie – Its just …. When we crashed she had no one to help her, so I did. Thing is we get on so well and I can be Charlie around her, not Charlie Pace Rock Star.
Jack – That's good, makes things easier.
Charlie – The problem is, the last few days have just made me even more concerned about her.
Jack - I know, im worried too but she'll be ok with all of us around.
Charlie – Don't worry, I don't plan on leaving her on her own much….
Jack – That's what I thought… but you need to tell her.
Charlie – Tell her what?
What you've just told me, about liking her replied Jack.
Charlie – Don't be bloody stupid, I can't do that, she'll hate me.
Jack – Don't be so sure about that!
Charlie – What are you on about? … you mean…..?
Of course that's what I mean said Jack. Its obvious to everyone Charlie, she likes you as much as you like her.
Jack, I cant, she'll think…. Replied Charlie.
Jack - She won't think anything.. just talk to her.
Charlie – Maybe, but not before she's had the baby. I don't want to upset her, incase….
Just don't take too long about it Charlie advised Jack. Come on lets get back to camp and check on those two.
Charlie – That sounds like a plan I like.
Charlie and Jack carry on back to the caves, with Charlie thinking about what Jack has just said to him.