Chapter 1
Charlie sat on the beach, staring at the ocean. He was lost in thought, simply watching the waves crash and dance on the golden sand, before being sucked back into the glittering blue. His knees hugged to his chest, he was alone. He heard the crunching of footsteps on sand behind him. Warily, he turned and glanced over his shoulder. A tall man with dark skin stood before him, staring down silently.
"Echo?" Charlie questioned.
The man made no move. Slightly confused, Charlie stood.
"Echo, what's wrong, man?" he questioned again. Instead of replying, Echo simply held up his hand. Right in the center of his palm was a huge, red eye. It blinked, the crimson iris rolling around lazily.
"Claire says she needs it. Go." the priest said grimly. He then slowly backed up, until he melted into the dense forest.
--
"Heya, Freckles, why don't you toss me one of them mangos?" Sawyer grunted from his cool spot in the shade. Kate gave a snort.
"What makes you think I'd do that, huh?" but, despite her comment, she tossed one in his direction anyway, or rather,
chucked one at him. Sawyer jerked his head out of the fruits path, narrowly avoiding a face-full of mango.
"What the hell!" he screeched, obviously annoyed. Kate giggled and continued on her way, a load of fruit cradeled in her arms. She stopped at random intervals, handing people the red fruits. As she continued down the beach, she saw a dark figure walking at a brisk pace toward her. She stopped to stare at him, realizing that it was Charlie. He had the hood of his black sweater shading his face. 'He must be after Claire again,' Kate thought, slightly paniced. She made her way over to Claire's area, finding the blonde woman gently roning to her baby.
"Claire, I think Charlie's gonna try somehing," she warned, slightly out of breath.
"What?" Claire responded, slightly confused. "I thought Locke took care o him.
"Apparently not. He's on his way over." Kate pointed down the beach, and, sure enough, Charile could be seen walking with a furious pace in their direction. The two women stood, watching, silently and motionlessl preparing themselves.
Suddenly, he stopped, still relativly far from the camp. He turned around, and continued his brisk trudge the way he had just came.
"What on earth...?" Kate muttered to herself, confused. "Is he...pacing?"