In the Beginning
(A Very Lost Christmas)
Chapter Two


Chapter two: Clinging

So how does a doctor like you get in shape to go on a hike like this? Kate asked playfully, smiling with her arms crossed as she walked behind Jack.

He grins and bares it, Jack replied with a smirk.

Thought so, Kate said a-matter-of-factly.

The rain had come in an hour into their hike in a misty shower, leaving a damp path for the couple to climb, but also a bright ray of sunshine through the jungle leaves that warmed their arms from the day's cool chill.

Looks like we've got another cliff to climb, Jack noted as they reached their second peak of the day.

Able to move at a fast pace with just the two of them, Jack and Kate had covered a majority of the mountain's parameter in just a few hours. Kate looked up at the mountain above them and then stepped on a ledge.

Jack said quickly and held onto her waist to help Kate up.

Kate glared at him, and Jack's hands dropped faster than lightening. For the next ten minutes Kate and Jack fought the rocks and jagged edges, though five minutes later they were still only halfway to the top. Jack collapsed on a rock that stuck out of the mountain. Pulling Kate down with him, Jack heaved a haggard breath, and uncapped a bottle of water from his backpack.

Not as strong as we think we are, huh? Kate teased.

Jack mumbled, and leaned back against the cliff.

A few small pebbles fell to the ground, but Jack and Kate ignored them as they sat together in silence.

Any reason in particular why you're risking your life to find a distress signal that's probably not even there? Kate asked a few minutes later.

Jack gazed into the soft sun: it wasn't too bright, but still drew a pretty picture.

Because I want to be able to brag about being there to save your life, Jack joked.

Come on, Kate hit him in the shoulder, I'm serious.

Glancing down at his wrist, Jack noticed that his watch(which he still put on out of habit every morning) was working again. The time read three thirty and to his surprise, the date was December twenty-fourth: Christmas Eve.

he said, suddenly very awake and alert, it's Christmas.

Kate looked at him.

You didn't know? She raised an eyebrow.

Jack's eyes met hers. You knew?Well yeah, Kate rolled her eyes, I mean, we've been on the island what, three months now? Why didn't you know?It's not cold, Jack pointed out, pouting.

We're on an island, Kate said with a snort.

Shrugging, Jack looked back out to the setting sun. No wonder the days seemed shorter. Kate glanced above her at the mountain and sighed.

We should have left earlier, she sounded disappointed, now we won't even be able to begin hiking again. We'll have to make camp after we get to the top. Jack stated, enthusiastically,

Kate slapped him again and laughed. Suddenly dozens of tiny pebbles shattered the rock below them. Jack shielded his head and Kate did the same, but as soon as it started, it ended.

Maybe we should get moving, Jack suggested, already standing up.

Kate agreed.

Once again they started up the mountain, but this time it was tougher, than possible, as they had to avoid constant falling rocks. Grabbing Kate's hand, Jack pulled her up with him as they stepped onto another ledge, except this time, the rock beneath them collapsed abruptly, leaving Jack and Kate hanging off the side, Jack clinging to the rock above them, and Kate clinging to Jack.

Author's Note: Sorry for the wait, I haven't had much time write. Sorry for the shortness, but I really liked that literal cliffhanger(crazyhorsegirl88 told me to do it!), so I made adjustments. Plus otherwise, another chapter might not be up for days. I'll try and get another up soon, and I really want this done by Monday because I won't be able to write because of school(scrowls). Thanks for all the reviews! You guys rock!

Coming up next on, In the Beginning:

(note: in this story, the bold before the summary is the chapter title)

The Far Side of the Mountain: What's black, white, and red(read) all over? I dunno(Sawyer: I do! The newspaper!), but the night's black, a safe is white(is in this case, anyway), and blood is red, and it's all in the next chapter. Things aren't going to get any better for our(most of our..) favorite couple.

Thanks again!

Until next time..

+ October Sky