A/N: Thanks again for the reviews! The project mentioned in this chapter I actually had to do for my senior year.

Chapter 15: Azrt's Projects

"Students. I'm putting you all into groups. It's time for one of my projects!" Dr. Azrt said excitedly as the students groaned. The science teacher's projects always were crazy. If it wasn't egg babies or mole theory day, it was something else nutty.

"This project is required. It's also similar to the egg baby, but it's also very different. Let's put you all into groups. James and Ana, Charlie and Claire, Hugo and Libby, Jack and Kate…" Then Azrt named off other students.

Everyone was OK with their parings, but Hurley was nervous. He liked Libby a lot. Kate gave Jack a smile and he reached over for her hand. Sawyer looked like he didn't care, but Ana looked happy. Then, Charlie and Claire liked working together as a team.

"For one week, each couple, and yes I mean couple, will be married." Everyone gave weird looks. Azrt then held out a box. "This is the "Box of Life". In this box are different life situations like births, divorces, job changes, and anything life could through at you. Each one of you will pick a career and it has to be one you really want to do after high school. You will all have an income and have to spend money wisely."

Claire raised her hand and asked politely, "How exactly does this fit into science sir?"

"Good question Miss. Shepherd. Every senior has to do this. Since I'm your homeroom teacher, I head up your groups. All right. Let's get started."

Later, the students picked their careers, got their budgets, and went to work. The 7 friends met a lunch to discuss it.

"How do you fell Hurley, working with Libby?" Jack asked.

"I finally got to talk to her. So that's a plus." Hurley replied making them all laugh.

"So what is everyone's career?" Claire asked.

"I'm a doctor." Jack started.

"Photographer." Kate replied.

"I own a business." Hurley announced happily.

Charlie was next. "Musician."

"Cop." Ana replied.

"A conartist." Sawyer said putting his hands behind his head.

"What? How is that possible?" Claire asked thinking he was joking.

"Azrt said I could pick anything I want blondie." He replied.

"It's true." Ana said rolling her eyes. "And he's married to a cop."

"I'm just living the dream!" Sawyer smiled cheeky making everyone burst out laughing.

When they all stopped Charlie asked, "What did you put down Claire?"

"Nurse. Dad wants me to be a doctor too, but I'd rather just help out." Claire replied.

"That's great love." Charlie touched her hand making Claire blush.

"Do you guys think it's real?" Hurley asked serious.

"What?" Kate asked.

"The 'Box of Life'! Maybe it predicts thing." Hurley said as Claire's face went bright red. "Think about it. We're all pared off, got jobs we want, it knows I like Libby!"

"You've got to be joking! That's like the Twilight Zone." Jack replied.

"Yeah I was." Hurley laughed, which made Claire relieved. She had drew out of it that she was Charlie were having a baby. Well, it was half true.

That Friday, they all had to write papers about their experiences. Jack and Kate were in his room working on the paper. He watched her typing on the computer and a question came to mind.

"Kate?"

She turned her chair towards him. "Yeah?"

"When we go to college, do you want to live together?" Jack asked nervously.

Kate smiled at him. "Really? What if we don't get into UCLA?"

"I think we will. We're top students, I play football, your pictures are great, and they have a good medical program."

"You've been researching this Jack Shepherd." Kate pointed at him.

"Maybe." Jack teased.

"How did you know I would say yes?" Kate said walking to sit on the bed.

"So that's a yes?"

Kate nodded and Jack kissed her. When they broke it Kate finally told him what she always wanted to say. "I love you Jack."

Jack smiled and said, "I think I've always loved you." This made Kate tear up and they kissed again.

Meanwhile, Claire was in her room getting changed. She was now 4 months pregnant and a lot of her clothes were getting too tight. She pulled out one of her confortable sweatshirts and put it on. Her hair was bothering her so she pulled it up in a ponytail. Charlie was coming over to work on their paper, so she wanted to look good. It's just Charlie. Why do I care so much?

She was also glad she was in her 2nd trimester. That meant her morning sickness was gone. Now she felt butterfly kicks from her baby. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Claire went down the stairs to get the door. "Hey Charlie!" She said as she hugged him.

"Well, I had to see how my wife was doing." This made Claire giggle.

"Come on. I've got my computer ready in my room." Claire led him up the stairs and they said hi to Jack and Kate.

Later as they were working something was bothering Claire. "This is so hard! How are we supposed to manage this baby?" She said in tears.

Charlie was worried. "What's wrong love?" He asked as he touched her shoulder.

"I'm pregnant."

"I know you are. You drew it out of the box."

"No Charlie!" She looked him straight in the eye. "I'm really pregnant. 4 months."

Reasoning dawned on him. "Does anyone know?"

"My parents, Jack, Kate, and the doctors." Claire replied.

Charlie nodded. "So the bloody project must be making you loony. That's understandable. I would feel the same way if I were a woman. Which I'm glad I'm not."

Claire laughed a lot and they felt better. "Thanks Charlie. I just feel like when everyone knows, they'll be scared of me."

"You don't scare me." Charlie smiled at her and hugged her close. Claire was grateful to have a friend like him.

A/N: The next chapter will be on Tuesday. He's a preview of next week:

Christmas; Valentines Day; and a tragic event occurs that changes everything