In the Beginning
Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: A Little Bit of Joy

By the time the arrived back to the caves, night had fallen. Jack ushered Alex inside. The entire way back, Alex was silent, and walked as if someone were leading her way with their hands on her shoulders. The cave's atmosphere seemed in a different universe than the rest of the island. It looked like all the survivors were present, though a small group gathered in the center, playing what looked like a board game.

Kerplunk is too a word! Sawyer was arguing. Has no one here ever watched tv?

The castaways burst into laughter.

Oh give it up!

Jack was surprised to see Kate amongst the group, as well as Sayid.

What's going on? Jack asked, approaching.

Alex walked over to a corner where she sat as if someone were forcing her down, and never said another word.

Sawyer's cheating, Kate said, rolling her eyes.

Am not! Sawyer shook his head and jumped up. Forget it.

He left, lighting a cigaret on the way out of the caves.

I thought you were supposed to be out looking for Locke, Jack said, his serious tone standing out against the light atmosphere around him.

And we found him, Kate said, he and Boone are out looking for you two.

She glanced towards Alex.

What happened out there?

Jack glanced around the caves and then in a low voice, told Kate what happened.

Oh my God, she said in response, are you okay?

Jack nodded.

In a sense.

Kate caught him looking towards Alex.

I'm sure she'll be fine, Kate assured.

Any day now! Charlie called to Kate.

Go on, Jack told her and Kate turned, oh wait- Kate turned back around, have you seen Danielle?

Kate shook her head gave Jack a sympathetic smile and squeezed his arm before leaving. Jack sighed and glanced towards Alex again. She sighed heavily, as if announcing a secret code in saying that she wanted attention, or at least someone to talk to.

Two more are alive, Robert said to Danielle he walked up to her, we're looking for Arkov.

Danielle nodded. It had been two hours since their ship wrecked. Only pieces of the vessel had been found, and only a few items of luggage had washed up on shore, along with a few dead bodies. Danielle was now standing on the beach with her arms crossed, looking down into the sand. Robert put his hands on her shoulder.

he said quietly, you okay?

Danielle nodded quickly and whipped a few spare tears from her eyes.

she looked at Robert and then looked around the island they had been stranded on.

The strip of land was fairly large, with numerous hills and mountains that faded into a yellow-orange horizon. A jungle lined the beach, and waves crashed onto a bloody shore.

Where do you think we are? She asked though knowing Robert couldn't have an answer.

Somewhere in the South Pacific, Robert replied, looking around as well, maybe somewhere along the-

A loud roar interrupted their conversation, and both of their heads jerked towards the jungle. Another roar shook the trees and echoed throughout the island.

In the present day, Danielle walked through the dark jungle on the way back to the caves. She wasn't sure where Jack was, but she had enough sense to know that she wouldn't find him alone in the dark.

A tree branched cracked nearby. Danielle's head jerked around, but she saw nothing. Another branch cracked. Just as Danielle was about to turn that way, a hand cupped her mouth and something hard hit her head, knocking her out.

Author's Note: Sorry for the short chapter, but I wanted to get something out tonight. You'll probably get more of these teaser' chapters until this weekend where I'll be able to have more time to write. I'm stalling Danielle's flashbacks on purpose because I know if I rush into writing them, they'll never come out right. I need time to think about them. I'm also sorry this story's taking so long for me to write. It's because of school. haven't been able to stay up late into the night writing. Soon though, I'll have lots more time to write, so I'm hoping this story gets finished before next week. Thanks soooo much for the reviews! You guys rock!

Coming up, on In the Beginning:

The surprise romance comes, and a kidnapping pushes the survivor's nerves and patience.

Thanks again!

Until next time..

+ October Sky