In the Beginning
Chapter Three
(singing) One is the loneliest number that you'll ever know..
Chapter Three: The Coconut Boy
Jack had held his breath for so long he was sure he'd pass out any seconds.
Do not, began the man, tell anyone anything you heard, saw, found, or will see.
Neither answered for fear of what would happen if they did. The three stood for a few moments in silence until Kate took action. She kneed behind her in an attempt to knock the man but failed. Jack backed her up, surprising her by kicking the man in the ribs, sending him falling sideways. The man didn't move. Both Jack and Kate knew he couldn't be dead and Kate secretly hoped not, for Jack's sake. Kate glanced at Jack and then, without asking for approval, bent down beside the man, who appeared unconscious. He wasn't. The man's right arm shot up and grabbed Kate's neck. Both Jack and Kate had failed to notice the man's gun hadn't fallen with the kick. He now held a tight grip to Kate's neck and pointed the gun at her cheek.
He asked, smug.
Kate stared at him with eyes of hatred.
Jack and Kate found themselves being led at gunpoint through the night to a campsite, already set up for them.
the man ordered.
Neither had gotten a good look at him, for once they had been ordered to put there hands on their heads, the man had walked behind them. Naturally Jack and Kate moved to the same side of the campfire, but their captor caught this right off.
the shadow of his gun shook, you over there- he pointed to Kate and ushered her to the right with the butt of his gun, and you over there.
Jack threw Kate an apologetic glance as he was led to the other side of the campfire. This was the first time he caught a good glimpse of their captor. He had long gray hair and a haggard face, warn from many years of what could have been war, but Jack suspected it was from too much time in seclusion on a deserted isle. He became worried that he too would look like this one day.
Obeying the demands, Jack and Kate sat down, their hands still over their heads.
Give me your bags, was their next demand.
The couple exchanged unsure glances, but obeyed, passing their bags with one hand. The man took Kate's bag first. He fished through it, smiling to himself at at items he was apparently pleased about. Then he took out her plane. Kate's face darkened and Jack made an immediate grab for it. In result he was hit back by the gun as the weapon was slung into his chest, knocking the breath out of him. Jack narrowly missed tumbling into the fire before recovering himself, regaining his breath back, though the pain in his chest remained momentarily.
Too much fun for me, the old man muttered, throwing Kate's bag aside after tossing the plane back into the bag.
Kate let out a quiet sigh of relief as the man began unzipping Jack's pack- right at the pocket where his hidden gun lay. He took it out and smiled as if he had discovered the winning lottery numbers. Kate's eyes turned to Jack, confused yet furious.
Looks like I hit jackpot, he grinned mischievously, now I have one- he aimed the gun at Jack, for each of you.
A loud popped echoed through the air, followed by a whistle and a sharp pain through Jack's left arm. Jack crashed to the ground beside him and barely heard the yell that followed his fall. Just as he felt himself black out, Jack was being shaken and help up by..Alex.
Where'd you come from? He tried to ask, but the sound came out weak and muffled.
Brushing Alex off, Jack sat up on his own, though his arm felt heavy. He took a moment to look at it, and was thankful that he saw a few drops of blood fall from his upper arm: he had just been chipped, not shot.
Did I get him? Alex was asking.
She and Kate were bent over the body.
Kate shook her head, hand me the gun.
Alex watched the two women work with fascination. They were working like two natural born criminals, though he was only sure that one was one.
this time it was Alex's turn to shake her head, I can handle it.No, I've got it-
Alex shoved Kate off her. Kate glared.
Help Jack, Alex told her, get him back to the caves.
Kate looked doubtful.
Get him to the caves, Alex repeated through gritted teeth.
Glancing to their former captor Kate saw that he was waking up, and knew that they had to move fast. Alex was right, she did have to get Jack to the caves. Moving any slower out here wasn't an option. Kate began to help Jack stand up, though he insisted the entire time that he didn't need the assistance. They were halfway down the path when they heard a gasp and then groan. Neither could be sure if the man was dead or not, but didn't linger to figure out.
(space)
An hour later they still hadn't made it back to the caves. Kate was beginning to get impatient with herself. She was worried about Jack, who told her repeatedly that he was okay.
I wish there was just something that would remind us of where we are- a sudden sound of rushing water drew Kate's attention away, wait- I know this place!
The entire trip back- or to where they thought was back- Jack had walked with his head hung to the ground, never saying a word. She had loan him a spare shirt to wrap around the wound as a temporary bandage, and it seemed to be working, for the bleeding had stopped. But now Jack looked up, curious and confused, as he was pulled by Kate with his good arm down a trail that led to what was soon to be found as a waterfall.
A waterfall? Jack said, echoing his thoughts.
Kate sounded excited as he pulled him towards it. Sawyer and I found it. Jack muttered, what is this, like a hand-me-down vacation spot?No, but it'll work for a while, come here.
Kate drug him towards the edge where she sat him down, and began unwrapping the temporary bandage.
She dipped the shirt into the water and wiped it on the wound. Jack winced, but didn't protest as she continued to clean it. Kate began to rewrap the wound but Jack grabbed her hand, stopping her.
I'll do that part, he said with a grateful smile.
Ten minutes later Kate was sitting on the edge of the pool, her knees drawn to her chest, though her look wasn't distant but pleasant, like she was right where she wanted to be.
You don't think Alex will get mad, do you? Jack asked when the moment grew too quiet for his liking. The whole go to the caves thing'.Oh, you heard that? Kate asked, not taking her eyes of the waterfall.
The flow of liquid glistened in the moonlight, and the sound echoed one after another into the pool below them.
I don't know, Jack continued, smiling like he knew something Kate didn't, we might be playing with fate here.Or maybe, Kate spun around so that she was facing Jack from where she was sitting, this is exactly how she wanted it to be.
Only staring at each other a moment, they leaned in together, and Kate let her lips brush against Jack's, which she found to be chapped slightly from the sun. They broke apart.
You know, Jack said, his smile lingering, all we need now is mistletoe.Or a substitute, Kate teased as she tore off a handful of grass and dangled it over their heads.
Jack laughed and knocked the blade of grass out of her hands, sending it flying with the wind, and just kissed her.
(space)
Thirty minutes later the couple arrived back at the caves. Charlie was the first to greet their return.
Hey, Jack! Charlie seemed excited about something. Just the man that I was looking for.
He shoved a large, round, object into Jack's arms, apparently not noticing the bandage around his left. Jack held up the object, first glancing at Charlie, and then forcing himself to look down at what he held in his hands. It was a coconut. Carved into the coconut was something that looked strangely like a face. Jack waved a hand, trying to find the words to say.
he felt Kate watching him from the side, what the hell is this?
Charlie's smile widen, if possible.
It's you! Charlie exclaimed.
He took the coconut from Jack.
The eyes? Nose? Charlie looked disappointed. Maybe I should work on the ears..
Kate snorted from behind Jack, who looked unimpressed.
Not that I don't um.. Jack cleared his throat, appreciate this and all, but what's this for?You know, Christmas! Jack figured he should've known. Or Hanukah or Kwanzaa or whatever it is you celebrate..I don't celebrate anything, Jack said flatly and then changed the subject, have you seen Sayid?
Charlie seemed unwilling to let go of the subject of his present to Jack, but went ahead with it anyway.
Charlie said, I haven't seen Sayid anywhere. No one has. It's like he's-Right here, Sayid finished, walking in from the side with Boone.
Sayid and Boone said a quick goodbye and Sayid walked over to Jack.
What's going on? He asked, suddenly taking on a serious tone.
I need to get together two groups, once again, Jack could feel Kate watching him and he knew he'd hear nothing later but why she didn't know of his plans. One to look for Walt, Michael, and Jin, and another to look for the ones that attacked them. Sayid said.
Jack began moving towards his caves to restock supplies.
I..I can't explain, Jack said, shaking his head, but just..go.How do we know what the attackers look like? Sayid asked, deciding not to pressure Jack into an explanation.
Jack noticed Sawyer entering the caves and heading to the waterfall. He pointed.
Ask Sawyer.And you? Jack hadn't really thought about himself. I'm going to look for Alex. Kate made sure to tug on his right arm, not left, I don't think that's such a-Let Sayid go to find Locke, he told her, once they do, they can split up into groups, but I want you to stay here and round up everyone. Convince them to stay at the caves for the night. Whatever it takes. Kate shook her head, I'm going with Sayid.
Looking at Kate, Jack knew that there was no talking her out of it, no matter how much he wanted to protect her. He sighed.
Fine, but I want you to go look for the ones who attacked the raft, Jack eyed Kate, trying to get her to understand what he meat.
Kate seemed to understand, but she looked a little doubtful.
With Sawyer?
That was the dreaded question. Jack didn't like the idea of Kate being with Sawyer alone. Not that he didn't trust Kate, he didn't trust Sawyer.
Jack shook his head.
Jack, you've got to let this go!His arm, Jack reminded her, thankful for the excuse, he just needs to be careful. Tell him to stay here.
Jack turned back to Sayid, who had been listening to their entire conversation, and begin taking the gun case key off his neck and handed it to Sayid.
Go to the gun case, he told him, there are five guns. Split them up between groups and leave an extra here at the caves. Be careful who you give it to and make sure they know how to use it.
Sayid nodded and went off to do so.
I'm coming.
Jack and Kate turned. Danielle had been listening the whole time.
No Danielle, Jack shook his head, I'm fine. The more people that can stay here, safe, the better.How do you know that we're safer here than out there? Danielle tested, stepping forward.
Jack didn't have an answer. He looked to the ground.
She's my daughter, Danielle reminded him in a flat tone.
Jack looked up.
All right, Jack agreed.
Danielle nodded, and walked off. It was then that Jack noticed he was still holding the coconut model of himself between his right arm and armpit. Kate smiled.
I'll take it, she said, doing so, and besides- she held it up, as if comparing the intimate object to Jack, I think it's cute.