Temporarilymisplaced - Yeah. She should have. But where's the drama in that? x]
Lostcandy - I'm glad you liked the cave scene. And don't worry...the test might be making a reappearance. LOST: Guest starring - Kate's Pregnancy Test. xP
Famous4it - Oh wow. Sounds awesome. Hope you have fun there. Can't wait for you to get back tho! I'm glad you like reviewing, 'cause I really value your comments. ^-^
Northern Wolf - Here's your next update. Fortunately, I don't think Jack was trying to be selfish by setting off the bomb. Kate'll kill him before he does it this time. x]
Boo2ubam - I hope you have lots of fun. I'll miss you and your reviews while you're gone.
Jess - And what certain S1 scene would that be? Honestly, I'm not sure when the ring will make another important appearance, but I'd like your input about when it should, if you don't mind! =] I have many many plans for the Jaby. I already have gender and name picked out. I just hope people stick around for awhile...bc it will be awhile. I plan on going thru S1 - S5 before I go off really on my own with events. Unless I get some great idea, of course.
I've been wondering this for awhile but been too lazy to look it up. What does OTP stand for? -blush- Haha.
Anon - It couldn't possibly be Jate w/out a happy ending. =DDD Happiness is just kinda...far in the future for them.
Sorry this chapter is very short and light. If it helps, I'm like...spinning with excitement over the next chapter! Prepare yourselves. Haha. Should be up tomorrow sometime. =]
"Back for your things?" I wandered over to Jack's old shelter on the beach, watching as he gathered his belongings. "I could…help you carry things if you want me to."
"I got it." He was stuffing as much as he could into his backpack and it looked ready to explode open. "Thanks for the offer though."
I hesitated. "Are you mad at me?"
There was a moment of silence that caused my heart to twist in fear. "No," he answered finally. "Kate, I'm…I just don't understand why you won't come with me. Us."
My shoes suddenly became more interesting to look at than his face. "Jack, I don't want to play house." Again, I thought.
"Right." He nodded his head and stood. "I'd just feel better if you were at the caves. You aren't still sick, are you?"
I glanced up, watching him swing his backpack over one of his shoulders. "No." Technically, it wasn't a lie. "I'm fine." Now that was a lie. "Can I tell you something?" My breath hitched in my throat and I began shifting from one foot to the other, staring past him.
"Sure." He nodded his head. "You can tell me anything."
"After you left to go to the caves," I started. "I…I found out..."
"Well, howdy, Doc." Sawyer dropped a suitcase in front of Jack's shelter and grinned. "Freckles." He winked.
"…that Sawyer was moving into your shelter," I finished with a mumble. Well, so much for that. I shot Sawyer a look, but he didn't seem to care. Why would he?
"That's alright," Jack answered. "Not like I'll be staying here anymore. I'll talk to you later."
I turned and watched him walk off then glared at Sawyer. "You are the biggest ass I have ever met." That was a lie too, but it felt good to say.
"Kate!" Sayid came jogging up to me, more of his devices in hand. "I think I may have got it working. Could you give us a hand?"
I glanced at him. "Actually, I already have things to do. But I'm sure Sawyer would love to help."
"I'd love to do what?" Sawyer replied, raising his eyebrows. "As much as I enjoy thinking I'm doing good for humanity, I don't plan on blowing up the island in an act of terrorism with the same guy who crashed our plane."
I crossed my arms. "It must be exhausting."
"What's that?" Sawyer replied.
"Living like a parasite," I answered. "Always taking and never giving."
He smirked. "Well, you got me pegged, don't ya?"
"Do what Sayid asks you to." I turned to Sayid. "I'm really sorry." He nodded his head and I walked off, making my way over to Michael, catching him just before he stepped into the jungle. "Hey!"
He turned, placing his hand on Walt's shoulder to stop him from walking. "Hey. What's up?"
"I heard you're into construction." I smiled when he nodded, but didn't wait for him to start explaining. "The one cave looked a little unsteady. I was hoping you could check all the caves out before anyone really moves in."
"Yeah. Sure." He paused as I began to walk off. "Hey! How'd you know I was into construction?"
"Thanks, Michael!" I called back to him, hurrying back down the beach.
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"Do you think the test could have been wrong? Who knows how long it's been in that cupboard." I sat on the couch in the hatch, bouncing Charlie on my legs. I found myself craving to be around him, and fortunately, Penny didn't seem to mind. She actually seemed a bit glad for the break.
"Why is it such a tragedy? Look how much you love Charlie. You obviously were an excellent mother to Aaron." She leaned against the arm on the opposite end of the couch from me.
I cringed at Aaron's name. "The baby belongs to Jack," I answered. "That's the tragedy. How am I supposed to tell him? 'I know you haven't known me very long and we never had sex, but I'm pregnant with your baby. Oh, how did that happen? We really had sex in your future which would technically be my past.' That'll go over real well."
"Don't tell him then." Penny shook her head. "If you want to get technical…"
"I am being technical. This baby is technically Jack's kid. What if something goes wrong? Who knows what effects time travel could have on it." I rubbed my forehead then moved Charlie off my lap and sat him on the couch between us.
"I really don't know what to tell you, Kate." By the look on her face, I could tell she felt sorry for me. "Is there anything Desmond or I could do for you?"
I sighed and shook my head, getting to my feet. "I just want to go home with Jack and Aaron. I'm going to start heading back to the beach now. I don't want people to keep wondering where I am. They're bound to get suspicious."
"Alright." Penny scooped up Charlie then stood and patted me on the shoulder. "Be careful."
"I will."
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"So how are things going for you?"
I spun around, nearly tripping over a tree root. "Jesus! You scared me!" I placed my hand on my chest, coming face to face with Jacob.
"I wouldn't exactly compare myself to Jesus, but whatever you feel comfortable calling me, Eve," He said with a smirk, leaning against a tree.
I pointed a finger at him. "First of all, my name is Kate. You want to say it with me? Kate."
"I think I'll stick to Eve. If that's first of all, what's second?" Jacob took a few steps away from the tree, smiling at me.
I frowned and looked down. "I've been thinking."
"Oh? About the baby?"
I glanced up quickly, wondering how he knew. "Well about that. But also about Jack's body in the cave." I paused and scratched my arm. "You said the island was a place for second chances. So if that was Jack's body in the cave and when I was here before we found two bodies, whose bodies were those?"
"Second chances." He sighed exasperatedly. "Third chances. What difference does it make?"
"Third chances?" If I heard right, I must have really been a screw up to have to be going through this a third time. "Why don't I remember the time before that?"
"Does Jack remember the time before this?"
"So, I died too the first time?" That was just great. Not.
"Spot on." Jacob smiled again. "I was just checking up on you." He walked away.
"Hey! Hey, wait! I have more questions for you!" He vanished, but I kept yelling. "Jacob!"
"Who the hell is Jacob?"
I jumped and spun around again to be facing Sawyer. "What is with you people?!" I settled down. "He was on the plane," I lied.
Sawyer snorted. "Jack? Jacob?" He paused. "Would it help if I told you my name was James?" He grinned that smile that only he could do, his dimples drawing me in.
I cracked up for a few seconds. "No," I replied, shaking my head, trying to hold back more laughter. "No, I don't think so." I slapped his arm. "Let's get back to the beach."