Chapter 8: Problems

Kate walked through the jungle trying to avoid Ana Lucia at the beach. She really didn't want to see her, or anyone else for that matter. Weaving her way through the trees she felt like she was on the run again, hiding for the police.

Just at that moment she stopped dead behind a tree as she seen Ana heading in the direction of the hatch. She watched her go with a look of determination on her face. It was like they were playing a game of cat and mouse and Ana was on the hunt.

Kate decided with Ana gone it was safe to return to the beach. On her way to the camp she bumped into Jack, who had a look of concern on his face.

"Hey, what's that look for?" asked Kate trying to force a smile.

"Nothing. Just…Ana was asking questions about you." said Jack.

After hearing this Kate started to feel angry about the whole situation. Ana was going behind her back trying to dig up dirt and Kate didn't like it.

"What did you tell her?" asked Kate.

"Nothing."

Kate breathed a sigh of relief. Now that she was sure Ana didn't know what she had done, Kate felt like she had some control of her life back and no longer feared seeing Ana Lucia.

"Thank you." said Kate as she continued her way to the beach.

"I didn't do it for you, Kate." said Jack.

Kate turned round to see Jack starting at her with intense eyes.

"Then why did you do it?" said Kate.

"Do you know what Ana will do if she finds out you were the one who was with the marshal? I've got enough problems with Locke and the Others without having to worry about you two as well." said Jack.

"She'll find out sooner or later, Jack. And when she does it'll be my problem not yours."

Kate finished her sentence and began to walk away again; she wasn't in the mood to argue with Jack. But Jack wasn't letting the argument go.

"Really?" said Jack

"Yes." said Kate.

Jack voice was beginning to rise and Kate could see him begining to get more worked up as the conversation progressed.

"Every problem you've had on this island has been my problem, Kate. The marshals case, your kidnapping…" said Jack.

"I thought we agreed that I made a mistake…"

As Kate began to talk she realised that this argument had nothing to do with her kidnapping or Ana. It was the kiss. Suddenly ever thing started to dawn on Kate.

"But that isn't what this is about, is it Jack? We both you know why your really angry with me. Why you've been ignoring me, treating me like I'm just another survivor for you to take care of." said Kate, now almost shouting.

She was getting more and more angry that Jack was acting the way he was just because she ran after she kissed him. Of course she understood that he was upset, but to treat her like he was, you would have thought she had done something much worse.

Jack didn't say anything he simply stood looking around the jungle while Kate stood trembling from shouting.

"So, you can go on ignoring me and pretending nothing happened if that's what you want. But you can't keep making me feel guilty, if your not gonna talk to me." said Kate.

Jack finally looked at Kate. Of course he was mad at her for running; he couldn't help it, he felt used again. Something inside him told him it was easier if he was angry. Easy if he was mad at her.

Kate stared at Jack begging inside that he would say something. Instead he turned and walked away leaving Kate standing alone, watching him go.

Some Kate/Jack tension there! What'd you think?