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this is kinda a filler chapter.. hope its not too bad..
Chapter Four – Reaching the Sunshine
The rain had started pouring down heavily. Jack had taken the lead, Kate with Maya was just a few steps behind and Lucy walked on a secure distance from both of them.
Kate was having a bit of a struggle carrying the toddler, afraid of the consequences if she tripped and fell to the ground. She wasn't worried about herself, she'd get a bruise at the top and considering the fact that Jack would pamper her, would actually make it worth getting hurt.
But to stumble right now could have a deadly outcome. Kate had no idea how much a 2 year old body could withstand, but it probably wasn't much. Just holding the little girl made her feel like she needed to protect her. Wrapping her arms tighter around Maya, Kate took a couple of quick steps and caught up with Jack.
Walking side by side, Jack took every chance he had to glance over at the brunette. She looked very concentrated, but at the same time weary. He knew a toddler didn't weight very much, but he also knew it was enough to be a saddle on Kate.
He saw in the corner of his eye how Kate suddenly lost her balance, stumbling on the uneven ground. He instantly reached out and steadied her with his arms. "You ok?" He asked concerned, noticing the terrified look on her face.
Taking a deep breath, Kate nodded. "Maybe you should carry her" Kate said quietly, gazing down at the sleeping girl in her arms.
Jack gave her a reassuring smile. "I don't think she could be any safer than she is right now."
Kate's head snapped up at his comment, giving him a stern look. Didn't he just see that she had almost tripped? If it hadn't been for him, she probably would have, bringing Maya with her to the ground. The little girl was anything but safe with her.
Kate felt Jack place his hand on her left one, which was resting protectively on Maya's back. The soft touch of his hand made it hard for Kate to focus on what he was saying. But the second Jack started to lean forward, dangerously close to her face, she snapped out of it.
"She's not going to get hurt." Jack whispered, squeezing her hand gently before turning around, pacing down the path again.
She hated how he put her up on a pedestal, making her into something she wasn't. Kate wished that he would just accept who she was, realizing that she wasn't the saint he so badly wanted her to be.
The walk back felt eternal. Jack wasn't sure if it was the rain or the children that was slowing them down. Either way he couldn't wait to get back to the dry hatch.
Jack glanced behind him, noticing that Lucy was straggling again. Considering if he was walking too fast, he stopped for a minute, giving Lucy a chance to catch up.
He watched Kate as she carefully shifted the toddler's weight. Maya had fallen asleep almost instantly after Kate had picked her up from the ground. Jack had noticed that both the children looked exhausted and he could feel the doctor in him starting to run preliminary diagnosis on their conditions.
He reached forward with one of his hands and let his fingers gently run over the sleeping child's cheek. "At least someone's comfortable" Jack said softly, letting his eyes travel from the child up to Kate's face. He hadn't really noticed before, but the resemblance between Kate and Maya was remarkable.
Jack glanced down, realizing that Lucy had indeed caught up with them now and was standing just a few feet away, watching them closely.
Kate exchanging a quick look with Jack as they started walking again, once more with the doctor taking the lead. It didn't take long before the girl was getting behind again. Kate turned around a few times giving Lucy sympathetic looks as they kept walking through the rain.
Kate slowed down her own pace, making Jack turn his head around, as soon as he realized her close presence had disappeared. Giving Kate an understanding look, Jack started walking again, now much slower.
"How did you get to this island, Lucy?" Kate asked carefully, glancing behind her, at the now soaked girl.
"Landed here" She answered quietly, trying to walk faster to catch up with the two adults.
"You landed here? With a plane?" Jack asked inquiringly.
Lucy didn't answer, forcing Jack to try with a new question. "How long ago?" His voice was a bit softer now, hoping that the girl would trust him enough to at least say something back.
When there was no answer, Kate glanced behind her again making sure that Lucy was still following them.
"I don't know. Lots of days…" Lucy suddenly answered hesitantly, biting slightly on the inside of her cheek.
"Is Maya your little sister?" Kate tried, already feeling pretty sure about the answer.
"Yes" Lucy replied, almost suspiciously fast.
"Are your parents here too?" Jack asked curiously.
Once more there was no answer, making Jack start thinking that she maybe didn't hear him over the rain.
Kate had started to turn around frequently, making sure Lucy was still there. Every time the girl looked more and more exhausted, walking slower and slower. Kate carefully shifted Maya in her arms, getting one of her hands free. Taking a few quick steps, she caught up with Jack and placed her hand gently on his shoulder, making him stop abrupt.
"Are you tired Lucy?" Kate asked concerned as she turned to the 5 year old. Realizing what a stupid question it was, Kate almost let out a chuckle.
Lucy walked a few more steps before she stopped. She glanced up at Kate with tear-filled eyes before she shamefully looked down at the ground.
"I can carry you for a while if you want to?" Jack offered softly.
Lucy looked unsure and glanced over at Kate, who was still holding Maya close. Shaking her head slowly, she turned her gaze back to the ground.
Jack turned to Kate, giving her a devastated look. He hated the fact that the young girl seemed almost scared of him. Kate returned his distressed look with an understanding expression on her face. Taking a few steps closer to Lucy, he kneeled down on the ground in front of her.
"Lucy…" His voice was gently, hoping to get the girls attention.
Lucy tilted her head up, looking apprehensively at the man as he spoke. Jack noticed that the tears on her cheeks, mixing with the rain, which had been pouring down on them constantly for the last hour.
"You don't have to be afraid" Jack said comfortingly, carefully placing a hand on each side of the girl.
Letting out a sob, Lucy once more let her eyes fall to the ground. "I'm sorry" her voice was just a whisper, full of shame.
"Hey don't be sorry, you haven't done anything wrong" Jack told her gently, bringing her closer in to a hug, a bit surprised that she didn't pull back.
Lucy started crying the second the protective arms embraced her. Jack guessed it was probably out of exhaustion as he felt her body turn almost lifeless in his arms, forcing him support her body weight.
Jack carefully lifted her up and Lucy wrapped her legs around his waist and placed her arms securely around his neck.
Standing back up, he gave Kate a pleased smile before they continued to walk again.
..dont be scared, just press that little purple button ;)
