Episode: Sundown

IV.

Sayid has always been good at putting pieces together, fragments to make a whole. He painstakingly fits the last shard of glass into the vase and holds the sculpture back to admire his work. Just like a puzzle. The front door then opens and his attention is drawn to it.

Nadia enters looking worn down but still gorgeous. Her hair is grimy and her eyes are lassoed by dark circles like she's been awake all night. However, Sayid doubts that she has ever not looked entirely beautiful in her life.

Her gaze is immediately drawn to the reassembled vase. "What..."

"We had an unfortunate incident," Sayid says as he places it down gently and holds his breath, "involving a boomerang." He slowly removes his hands and gives a satisfied nod as the pile of glue and glass doesn't shatter instantly apart. "My apologies."

She just sighs and tosses her purse on the couch. "What time did the kids go to bed?"

"About two hours ago," Sayid replies and stands. He makes his way over to offer his comfort. It's well received.

Nadia sinks into his firm grasp and closes her eyes. After spending all night in a hospital waiting room it feels like pure bliss. His cologne smells like a tonic compared to that of antiseptics. But suddenly an expression of worry quickly covers her face. "What did you tell them?"

"That daddy had an accident but is going to be fine." If only convincing himself was as easy. She looks relieved though and that's enough to relieve Sayid.

"He is still recovering from surgery but he's awake," Nadia says and pulls back from the embrace. "Did he tell you about the loan?"

Sayid frowns as her body slips out from his arms. She looks radiant tonight, like an angel. He just wants to hold her forever. However, he knows that he can't.

"Look," he shakes his head while he speaks, "I have money, I can..."

"No!" Nadia curtly interrupts. "This is Omer's responsibility, he brought this on himself."

Sayid was just being courteous and is glad to be let off the hook. If he actually did possess the money he would have given it to the men himself long ago. He feels rotten but Omer is the farthest thing from his mind. Nadia slips out of her jacket and the moonlight seems to enhance her natural beauty, illuminating her body with a pale glow.

"Nadia," he speaks with a shaken voice, "come with me."

"Come with you? Where? Away?" One question after another, all making his fantasy seem less like a possible reality.

"Yes, away!" He shouts passionately. "Somewhere safe, somewhere safe with me!"

"You're only saying that because you want to protect me!"

Sayid moves in for an embrace but again she pulls back. He grimaces. "And you're only saying that because you don't know these men. They are dangerous, they've done terrible things!"

"And you haven't?"

Like a dagger. But he knows it's true. Sayid retreats back and clasps his face in contemplation.

"Why didn't you want to be with me," she asks, "you carry around my picture."

Sayid looks up flustered and opens his mouth to explain but Nadia cuts him off.

"Why did you push me towards your brother?"

"For the past twelve yeas I've been trying to wash my hands of all the terrible things I've done. I thought that... I thought that I didn't deserve you."

It's convincing and Sayid's been saying it for so long that he's starting to believe it. But it's an excuse and they both know it, even if they won't admit it.

Nadia shakes her head. "It's too late, my place is by Omer."