Hope Anew

Chapter 6: Start Spreading the News

"Hey," Hope walked over to Shannon's shelter later in the day, to find her lazing outside in the sun. "You must be feeling better."

"Yeah," Shannon said, opening her eyes behind her sunglasses. "How about you – did you get your appointment with Jack?"

"Yeah, he says things are fine." Hope said honestly, taking a seat next to Shannon. She wanted to tell her friend the truth, but was worried about her reaction. "So, what do you want to do today?"

Shannon smiled grimly, "Well, I'm not really up for much in this state."

"You'll be fine in a few days," Hope laughed, "Stop trying to dramatise it!"

Shannon laughed and shrugged in defeat, "Okay, so I just don't feel like doing much. How about manicures and catching up? It's been a while since we talked."

"I know," Hope said apologetically. "I've had a lot on my mind, you know?"

Shannon nodded calmly, "And now?"

"Now…?" Hope sighed, "Still a lot, but I think it's going to be okay."

Shannon smiled encouragingly, and Hope smiled back.

"So," Hope said, rising to go into Shannon's shelter, "where do I find the materials for a manicure?"

"My bag's the one on the left," Shannon called from her place on the sand, "Check the small compartment in the front."

"Got it," Hope emerged from the shelter holding a small makeup bag, full to the brim with beautifying paraphernalia. She sat back in her place, Shannon dug out two files, and both women started filing their nails into shape.

"A deserted island really isn't a great place for nail care," Shannon said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"You can't be that disappointed with things," Hope laughed, "You've got it pretty good here."

Shannon raised her eyebrows as though waiting for elaboration, as Hope noticed Sayid walking towards them.

"Well, him for one thing." Hope said with a smile, causing Shannon to turn and look.

"Ladies," Sayid greeted them, kissing Shannon lightly and sitting by her other side.

"I came to check on you," he said to Shannon, "but I can see that you are in good company."

Hope looked nervous; she felt that this was the best time to tell Shannon about the baby. Sayid was here to calm her if need be; and if things got really bad, at least she couldn't run far with an injured foot.

Hope took a deep breath and spoke, "Shannon, I have to tell you something."

Shannon looked surprised, but Sayid's expression remained calm. He had faith that Shannon would be happy with the news.

"I don't know how to tell you," Hope admitted.

Shannon's face shifted to concerned, and Hope took another deep breath.

"I'm going to have a baby," Hope said quickly, trying to gauge Shannon's reaction. "Boone's baby."

Shannon looked confused for a moment, as though she was doing complex mathematics in her head and the numbers weren't working out. Then her face broke into a huge smile, and she leaned over as far as she could while still sitting, to hug Hope emphatically.

"I can't believe this!" she shrieked. "I'm so happy for you! This is amazing! Sayid, isn't this incredible?"

She turned to look at Sayid, whose face never betrayed that he had already heard the news.

"A miracle," he said softly, repeating what he had said to her in the caves.

Hope laughed with relief. "I'm so glad that you're happy! I didn't know what you'd think," she admitted.

Shannon frowned, "Why not?"

"Because you and Boone were really close," Hope said. "I know that things are different now than when we first landed here," she gestured towards Sayid, indicating her current relationship, "but still, I wondered…"

Shannon looked a little taken aback.

"I'm sorry," Hope continued, "We're friends – I should have known that you'd be happy for me."

"Of course I am," Shannon smiled. "I'm just happy that you're happy."

"I was a little shocked at first," Hope admitted. "I cried a lot and generally freaked out," she smiled, "but I'm feeling much better about it all now. I'm happy."

Shannon grinned from ear to ear, overjoyed for her friend. "You should go and tell Boone," she suggested.

"I plan to," Hope said. "I want to give it a day or two to really sink in – I'm still pretty…"

"Messed up?" Shannon supplied.

"Yeah," Hope smiled in a resigned way. "I only found out for sure today – you're the first to know – so I want to live with it for a little while first."

"Sure," Shannon smiled, deciding not to push any more.

"Wow," Hope said, lying back on the sand. "It feels really good to say – I'm going to have a baby!"

Shannon laughed at her good naturedness. It had been a while since they had seen her like this. Sayid laughed too, but Hope saw a faraway look in his eyes, and wondered if he was looking forward to having children of his own one day.

"It's wonderful, Hope." Shannon said happily.

"Thanks, Shan. Thanks for being so great."

"So, are we keeping this a secret?" Sayid asked innocently, though Hope knew he was kidding her for berating him about secrecy a few nights before.

"No," Hope said confidently, "it's not a secret. You can tell anyone you like – but I'd like to tell Boone myself."

Shannon nodded in agreement. "I guess that's fair," she said, "as long as I can tell anyone else – I love having the newest gossip."

"Plus, it'll keep you busy while you're sitting here for the next few days," Hope smiled.

Shannon laughed, and then stopped abruptly. "I just had a thought," she said. "What about story time? I can't miss it just to sit here on my ass."

Hope looked up at Sayid, who smiled graciously.

"Then I shall have to carry you," he said with an affectionate kiss to Shannon's head.

Hope felt a sharp stab of sorrow in her chest, and smiled sadly at the pair.

"I better go, you guys," she said quietly. "I told Walt yesterday that I'd try and watch some of his golf game today – I don't want to miss it."

"Okay," Shannon said, "I guess we'll see you tonight then."

"For sure," Hope gave them each a hug, and stood to leave.

As she walked away towards the caves, Hope's eyes strayed towards Boone's makeshift grave. It wouldn't be long before she would have to visit him; and she found that even in a life that was threatened at every turn by monsters and memories; talking to Boone again was the one thing that truly terrified her.