Chapter Eight: Another woman
Jack stared at the test results, he needed to somehow alter the results incase Lyla or anyone else got their hands on them. Creating a false set of results wouldn't work. Anyone could spot the difference between a false blood test result and a real blood test result on paper.
He groaned, there was one option that set his mind whirring. He could take his own blood sample and put it in Kate's file.
Afterall, Christian Shepherd was father to both him and Claire, so the odds of Aaron having his blood type looked good...at this stage, anything was worth a shot.
Jack was fully alert as he approached the nurses' room, he pushed the door open, it was 1:30pm, she was probably on a break. The room was empty, Jack locked the door behind him, casting a glance at the door, he looked at the injection kit. He rolled up his sleeves, piercing the vein in his left arm, he took some blood. The crimson liquid filled the syringe rapidly. Jack quickly pulled the tube containing his blood off the needle and put it in a paper bag. He cautiously left the nurses room, ensuring everything was the way it had been before he entered it.
He took the sample bag and placed it on reception, he smiled at the elderly nurse, 'Hey Karen, I need this to be tested and returned to my desk by 4pm the latest...'
Karen smiled at the charming doctor, 'Not a problem.'
Jack turned around, he felt Lyla watching him from the operating theatre, he walked passed it without looking in.
Jack felt a wave of relief spread over him, Kate and Aaron were safe for now. He had to be more careful with who he let into his life. For the first time since Kate had contacted him, Jack felt the urge to get drunk. Running a hand through his hair, he entered his office, the chief of medicine paid Jack much more than he paid the other surgeons, and due to the publicity Jack's plane crash had gotten the hospital, Carter had even given Jack an office with a minibar. Jack remembered finding the mini-bar an amusing thought, seeing as Doctors weren't allowed to drink on the premises or when they were on call. But today, the mini-bar offered him an escape from his worries. He opened the drink carrying small, fridge and reached in, pulling out a bottle of vodka. He pulled off the lid and began taking large swigs. The bittersweet feeling was almost refreshing, a knock at the door grabbed his attention-
'Jack...' Jack stared at Sarah, his ex-wife.
'Sarah?' Her eyes landed on the bottle, she furrowed her brow for a moment, Jack put the bottle away.
'My shift just ended...' He lied.
Sarah nodded, buying into his lie, Jack studied her, 'what're you doing here?'
Sarah let out a soft sigh, 'he left me.'
Jack looked at her, his mind went blank for a moment, she meant the man she had left Jack for, had left her.
'I'm sorry to hear that.'
Sarah smiled sadly, 'He won custody of my child too.'
Jack gave her a tender look, 'I really am sorry Sarah.'
Sarah nodded, her composure began to crack, 'I'm sorry, I don't know why I came to see you-I just, I don't know what to do...' she said softly, Jack groaned internally, he hated watching people cry, much to his secret detesting, Sarah broke into tears, 'I have no where to stay, he took everything and just...took off.'
Jack watched her sob, he knew it would be inappropriate of him to hug her, but he couldn't stand there and watch her break. He walked over to his ex-wife and held her close as she sobbed in his arms. Why did troubled women have a way of finding him...?
Jack softly whispered, 'you can stay at mine until you find yourself a place?'
Sarah looked up at him, her voice was tender, for the first time since walking out on him, she looked at him adoringly, 'thank you so much, I didn't know who else to turn to...'
Jack glanced back at his mini-bar, he wondered if Carter would allow him to purchase a bigger mini-bar.
End chapter Eight:
Chapter Nine; A Pleasant Surprise
Kate glanced at the ceiling, she could hear Aaron's feet pounding along the corridor upstairs and into his bedroom, he was playing with his toys. When Kate was new to being a mother, she couldn't let him out of her sight for a second, but now that she had settled into being his mother, she found it easier to have a little faith.
She ran a hand through her hair as she glanced at her watch, Jack was running afew minutes late. He called her after work yesterday, asking if she wanted to go somewhere with him for the weekend. Kate hadn't even hesitated, maybe this was what they needed; some time alone together, some time away from motherhood, work, and the day to day problems life threw at them.
The nanny had arrived and was sorting through the fridge to make Aaron something to eat.
Jack had asked Kate to dress casually, she had chosen a pair of jeans and a tanktop, reminiscent of the Kate she used to be, she smiled as someone knocked at the front door.
Kate grinned as she opened it, preparing to see Jack.
'Hey...I thought you'd forgotten...'
'How can I ever forget you...?' Kevin asked her, she stared at Kevin. His dark hair was shorter, but his sincere eyes were still the same. He studied her.
Kate went to shut the door-but he put his hand against the doorframe. He was wearing a black button down shirt and jeans, there was no doubt about it, he looked good.
Kate avoided his gaze, afraid of the feelings he might stir inside her.
'Leave me alone Kevin.'
Kevin smiled sadly, 'you left without even telling me your real name.'
Kate met his eyes, her voice made her sound stronger than she really was, 'You fell in love with a different person. That wasn't me.'
Kevin's eyes searched hers, 'Wasn't it?'
Kate tore her eyes from his, she shook her head, 'please leave.'
Kevin shook his head, 'Monica-'
'It's Kate.'
Kevin nodded, flustered, 'Look, Kate...just...' he sighed, 'I'd really like to know you...' Kate felt her heart soften as she watched him, he raised his shoulders and placed his hands in his front pockets as he gave her a hopeful look, 'you know, just...grab a coffee or a drink sometime...'
Kate looked at him sadly, 'I'm seeing someone else.'
It didn't seem to put him off, Kate gazed at him, it was his stubbornness that she had fallen for to begin with, 'I'm not leaving till you take my number,' he took his hands out of his pockets, 'I think you owe me that much.'
Kate stared at him, she smiled slightly, 'You haven't changed one bit.'
Kevin smiled sweetly, 'It took me weeks to find you.'
Kate scolded her heart for fluttering as she watched him, her eyes drifted to the card in his hand. Jack would be here any moment, Kevin offered, 'Take the card-and I'll leave, I don't care what you do with it-just as long as I know I did my part...' he gave her a soft smile, 'as long as I know I tried.' After considering his offer, she took the card.
He gave her a genuine smile, Kate smiled at him nostalgically.
Kate watched as Kevin walked away, surprised by how pleasant some surprises were in life. She looked to her right as she noticed Jack walking towards her, he was dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, he had sunglasses on as he approached her.
'Hey...' he grinned at her, 'you ready?'
Kate nodded, taking in how attractive he looked, she smiled slightly as she noticed the old neighbour pause mid-stitch to take in the sight.
Kate accidentally glanced in Kevin's direction as he walked away, Jack followed her gaze, furrowing his brow he asked, 'who's that?'
'No one.'
Jack smiled at her, 'shall we go?'
Kate smiled at him, 'yeah. Let me just grab my backpack.'
Jack nodded as Kate led him into the house. Jack sat on a stool at the kitchen table as Kate grabbed her backpack off the couch, Jack glanced at her through his sunglasses. That was one aspect of sunglasses he enjoyed, the way he could gaze at her all she wanted and she'd never know, because she couldn't see his eyes.
Kate frowned at him with an amused smile on her face as she tied back her hair, 'you checking me out?'
Jack broke into a grin as he quipped, 'If I was checking you out, you'd know it.'
Kate grinned at him, she felt her heart warm. She walked over to him, he took the backpack from her, swinging it over his shoulder, he smiled at her charmingly.
'Have you sorted Aaron out?'
Kate nodded, 'yeah, the nanny's gonna watch him for the weekend,' she glanced at him, 'so you cancelled work to take me to this mysterious place huh?'
Jack grinned, 'what makes you think it's 'mysterious'?'
Kate shrugged, 'you haven't told me where we're going, therefore-mysterious.' She nodded decidedly.
Jack pecked her on the lips making her heart skip a beat as she broke into a coy smile.
Jack turned on his heel and strolled out of the door, he called back to her without looking at her, 'I'm taking you to the farm house I grew up in.'
Kate raised an eyebrow as she followed him.
She just had to ask, 'you? A cowboy?'
Jack swirled around, throwing her a cocky grin.
He had decided to forget Sarah and Lyla for the weekend, he had decided to just be who he loved being, and he could only be that guy when he was with Kate. She bought out the best side of him and his happiest. Not to mention, he owed this much to her, she deserved to know him better.
Kate climbed into the front passenger seat as Jack tossed the backpack into the trunk of the jeep, before slamming the trunk shut his eyes lingered on the alcohol packed cooler he was taking with them, he Picked up a blanket and threw it over the inconspicuous cooler. Hopefully Kate wouldn't notice it.
End chapter eight:
Chapter Nine: The trouble with being Honest
Kate grinned at Jack as he drove along the highway, 'you're not serious?'
Jack shook his head, 'it's true...I ended up getting dragged around that farm with my feet tied to the rope that was tied to a horse.'
Kate laughed, 'Wow, you're that bad at horse riding huh?'
Jack smirked, 'honestly? A week after my bruised ankles were better-I got back on the horse-literally...and learnt to ride, now I love riding horses...'
Kate rolled her eyes, 'show off,' she mumbled.
Jack smirked, 'you ever ridden a horse?'
Kate smiled. 'nope-and I don't intend on learning, so...don't even offer.'
Jack fell silent, somewhat disappointed. Kate laughed at his childish reaction.
'Are you sulking?'
Jack frowned, 'No.'
Kate looked at his cellphone as it glinted and vibrated.
'You've got a call...'
Jack sighed, 'I'm driving-can you answer it for me?'
Kate nodded, she picked it up, she looked at the display, 'Sarah calling.' She flipped open the phone and held it to her ear, 'hello, Jack's cellphone...'
Kate glanced at Jack as she spoke into the cell, 'okay, I'll let him know. Alright, thanks. Bye.'
Jack looked at her, 'was it the hospital?'
Kate pursed her lips, forming a tight smile, 'it was Sarah...'
Jack straightened, 'what did she say?'
Kate put his phone in the dashboard, 'oh...just that, she's glad you never moved the spare key after she left you...' Jack winced as Kate continued, her voice sounded soft, but the tone was unimpressed, 'oh and she's finished moving her stuff in.'
Jack nodded, Kate sat in silence for a few minutes.
She paused, 'So let me get this straight...you go out drinking with Lyla, you live with your ex-wife, Sarah...' Jack groaned as she continued, 'and you're seeing me?'
Jack winced, 'yeah I guess...'
Kate smiled, 'pull over.'
Jack gave her a look, 'Kate.'
Kate looked at him innocently, 'There's something I need to do-pull over.'
Jack sighed as he gave in, pulling over he turned to face Kate.
Kate slapped him over the head, looking satisfied, she leaned back into her seat.
'Okay, you can keep driving.'
Jack stared at her with a dumbfounded expression on his face. After collecting his thoughts he explained, 'Kate...she needs a place to stay-it's temporary-'
Kate shot him a look, 'and out of all the thousands of buildings and apartment blocks-she just HAPPENED to choose yours?'
Jack looked at her, 'her husband left her-'
Kate shook her head at him, 'the woman who left you for someone else, just had a taste of her own medicine, and you're letting her back into your life? And do NOT get me started on your little drinking buddy...'
Jack didn't respond, he wasn't going to rise to the bait. He wasn't going to let this ruin the entire weekend. Instead, he coolly turned the ignition on and began driving.
But Kate continued, 'so how does this work? This whole-'live with one, drink with one, sleep with one' gig you got goin on? Does it work for you?'
Jack glared at her, 'You know what...We're not having this conversation-'
Kate mumbled, 'Jack Shepherd, 'hero, leader, cheat'.'
Jack pulled over, causing the jeep to swerve slightly, he glared at Kate, 'you know I would never cheat on you Kate.'
Kate studied him, she had to admit, she was being a little harsh, but she just didn't like sharing the love of her life with two other women.
'What's the deal with you and Lyla?'
Jack turned on the ignition and began driving again, 'She needed my help when she started at the hospital...she had a drinking problem,' Kate studied Jack as he spoke, 'Life can be tough as a doctor you know, whenever you lose a patient-that feeling of-of guilt, of loss,' he smiled sadly, 'of failing, you never get used to it.' Kate smiled at him softly as he spoke sincerely, 'so Lyla and I made a promise that whenever one of us lost a patient, we'd grab a drink.'
'That night at your apartment?'
Jack nodded, 'Lyla had lost a patient,' Kate nodded, feeling relieved at hearing that there was nothing more between Jack and Lyla, unfortunately for Kate-she wasn't prepared for the next part of his answer, 'and we hooked up once, but we were both drunk.'
Kate felt as if she'd been slapped across the face, he had slept with another woman over the last three months??
Keeping her composure she asked, 'when?'
Jack gave Kate a slight frown as he noticed her crestfallen expression, 'Kate-I was drunk- and upset-'
Kate felt a pang of anger raging through her veins, 'was it the night you asked me to meet you at a bar and I said no because I wasn't ready to face you?'
Jack felt a familiar feeling of guilt slithering through his mind, 'Kate-'
'It was wasn't it?'
Jack didn't answer, Kate shook her head, she fell silent, the initial glint in her eyes had vanished.
Jack drove silently as they sat in a heavy air of anger and regret. He glanced at Kate, he couldn't stand seeing her upset.
'Kate...' he took a hand off the steering wheel and reached out to her arm, she flinched, pulling away immediately. He got the message loud and clear, he stared ahead of him as he returned to driving silently.
Flashback: That night: Three months ago;
Kate fought back tears as she spoke to Jack on the phone, 'Please-I don't want to see you just yet...'
'Kate, Please...' Kate closed her eyes, wishing he wasn't drunk.
'You have to stop drinking Jack-you need to get a grip.'
Jack's voice sounded stubborn and desperate, 'I need to see you, I-'
'I'm not ready...' her voice cracked, she took in a deep breath, trying to stay in control of her emotions. They hadn't faced eachother properly since she lost the baby, and she needed more time. Her heart ached in her chest, urging her to agree to see him, she loved him more than she wanted to and it was driving her insane. After he shut her out when she lost the baby, she had done everything she could to shut him out in return. Seeing him only made her remember, and until she could look him in the eyes with love and not accusation, she wasn't ready.
'Jack, I'm sorry.'
'Kate-don't do this, please-'
Kate hung up on him.
Lenny's bar:
Jack slammed the phone onto the hook, he turned around, his eyes searching for Lyla, he felt rage and passion searing through his veins.
Fine, if she doesn't want me. I don't want her.
He stalked towards Lyla, who gave him a sultry smile, he took her hand, placing a handful of notes on the bar, he drunkenly led Lyla out of the bar, 'come on...let's get outta here.'
Lyla gladly followed.
Kate's house:
Kate smiled politely at the nanny, as the nanny walked down the hallway and into Aaron's room, Kate locked the bathroom door. A wave of defeat filled her heart as she broke into quiet sobs, she pressed her forehead against the cool wooden door as she reached her knees. She cried softly, wishing she didn't love Jack, wishing she had never been pregnant, wishing she didn't need him the way she did and wishing she didn't hate herself for being so weak and so afraid to let him in. The pain of what could have been if they had wanted to have the baby haunted her constantly.
End flashback:
End chapter Nine
Chapter Ten: Decision
Jack pulled up into the drive way of the secluded farm, Kate was speechless, this place was beautiful, an old wooden manor sat ahead of the driveway, it was surrounded by lush green grass. The forest lay 100yards behind the manor, it looked like something out of a painting.
Kate turned to Jack, wanting to tell him how beautiful this place was, but she fell silent.
Without saying a word, he climbed out of the jeep and walked over to the trunk, popping it open, he pulled out the backpacks.
His voice sounded distant as he said, 'Come on, I'll show you around the manor...'
Kate nodded as she followed Jack, 'hey...'
Jack stopped walking and threw her a questioning look.
Kate looked down for a moment, her heart felt heavy.
'Jack...I think we rushed into this again, you know...' he looked down as she spoke his mind, maybe neither of them were truly ready for eachother, their passions aside, they hadn't been sensible with this. Not to mention it wasn't fair on Aaron for Jack to be in and out of Aaron's life whenever they changed their minds on the spur of the moment.
Kate looked at him, 'Maybe we should just...'
Jack studied her, 'Kate,' Kate shook her head, not wanting him to argue.
'I mean-you and Lyla...and now Sarah's moving in with you-I just...its alot...you know.'
Jack sighed, 'I'm sorry you feel that way.'
Kate nodded, 'me too.' They both stood in an awkward silence. 'Now what?'
Jack looked at her, 'what do you wanna do?'
She smiled slightly, 'I wanna stay. I wanna get to know you better.'
She wanted to make sense of her feelings for Jack.
Jack seemed to cheer up alittle, 'okay...' he nodded, 'so where does that leave us?'
Kate gazed at him longingly, 'I don't know.'
Jack nodded, he cast his eyes to the ground, not wanting Kate to see the disappointment on his face.
Kate looked away as Jack tried to hide his disappointment, it was no use, she knew him and she knew he was disappointed, but she was disappointed in him. She was hurt, the night he had slept with Lyla, Kate had spent the night crying in the bathroom alone.
Jack shook his head slightly, 'But I love you.'
Kate felt a lump forming in her throat as she gulped, her words struggled to leave her, 'I know, I know it doesn't make alot of sense...'
Jack frowned, looking confused and annoyed, 'so what-we're just gonna be friends for now?'
Kate shook her head, 'Its not possible for us to be just friends Jack, and we both know it. I don't know what we are.' The tension between them was heavy now, attempting to lighten the mood, Kate offered, 'But you know what? There's no rush...let's just...get to know eachother and take it from there...'
Jack nodded, 'one step at a time,' he offered her a small smile.
Kate smiled back, 'exactly.'
End chapter ten:
Chapter Eleven: Trust
Kate laughed at Jack as he glared at the horse that had tossed him aside, the white horse gallantly galloped past Jack, circling him as he trained his eyes on it. Kate watched from behind the fence, there was no way she was getting on that horse.
'Having trouble?' She quipped, Jack shot her a look. Kate fought back a smile, she found his stubborn attitude adorable. 'If its any consolation, I've never seen a guy look as cute as you did when being flung off a horse...' she stifled a laugh, Jack gave her another look. He turned and faced the horse he was yet to name.
There was a determination in Jack's eyes, feeling the adrenaline pulsing through his veins, he waited for the exact moment, slightly bending his knees, he braced himself as the horse approached him, charging towards him-as it brushed passed him-he leapt and grabbed the reigns, slowing it down as he dug his heels into the ground, letting out a grunt as he strained with effort, Jack launched himself onto the horse, taming it.
Kate blinked as she realised she had just lost the bet they made, if Jack managed to tame the horse, he could name it and she would cook dinner, if he had failed, she'd name it and he'd cook dinner.
Jack climbed off the horse, throwing Kate a smirk as he approached her, he smugly asked, 'so what ya cooking?'
Kate smirked, 'I don't know, I was thinking something with cyanide?'
Jack laughed, 'That's sweet.'
Kate gave him a look, he grinned, she was just like him when it came to personal pride. Kate was a sore loser.
She handed him a bottle of water, Jack gladly accepted the bottle, he chugged it down in afew gulps as they walked side by side down a small paved path.
Kate looked at him, 'what're you gonna name the horse?'
Jack smiled, 'well, it's stubborn, bad tempered, a fast runner, pretty unstable...how does 'Kate' sound to you?'
Kate glared at him, 'that horse is a MALE.'
Jack furrowed his brow, 'you have a point-'
'Actually, I think you'll find, that's exactly what I don't have...' She smirked at him, as he grinned at her.
'I'm gonna name it Flash.'
Kate looked very amused, 'You're gonna name it 'Flash'? what are you? 12?'
Jack smiled, 'sometimes...'
Kate rolled her eyes, 'name it...something like-'
'Ivan?'
Kate laughed, 'Ivan? Are you serious?'
Jack fell silent, Kate bit her lip, after a moment she gave him a shrug, 'You know what? 'Flash' is fine.'
Jack glared at her, Kate slowed down in her steps as she noticed a beautiful black horse in the stable.
'Is she yours?'
Jack nodded, 'yeah, her name's 'Misty'...she kinda turned up one day afew years ago...'
Kate stared at the horse, remembering the same horse she had seen on the island, remembering the horse that had toyed with her fate before the island.
'Why did you keep her?'
Jack gazed at the horse, 'I don't know, I just...I was captivated by her, she stunning, come here...'
Kate followed Jack as he entered the stable, he stroked the horse, 'look at her eyes.'
Kate studied the horse's eyes, they were a dark but strong green, Kate smiled slightly as she stroked it.
'she's beautiful...'
Jack nodded, 'yeah, she's the only horse I've come across that actually likes me.'
Kate grinned at him, his eyes met hers. Knowing they chose not to be together suddenly made them want to be together even more. Jack's eyes searched hers, looking for a signal, but Kate quickly looked away, Jack turned back to Misty, giving her one more stroke, he turned to Kate.
'We'll grab some food out of the jeep, I think its gonna rain soon, we should head back to the manor...'
As they stepped out of the stable, it began to rain heavily.
Kate frowned through the rain as she looked at Jack, 'SOON? It's gonna rain 'soon' huh?'
Jack gave her a grin as they got soaked, 'come on!' He began to run down the path, Kate followed, she couldn't help but laugh as he grinned in the rain. She didn't know he liked the rain too.
Jack almost slipped in the rain, he reached his knees, Kate ran to him, grinning, she pulled him up with both her hands, he gave her a grateful smile. She was shivering now, 'it's f-freezing out here! Let's get the food and get inside!'
Jack nodded in return, Kate gave him a playful push and ran towards the car, leaving him in her wake-Jack smirked, 'that's not a good idea!' he warned as he searched his pockets, 'I've got the...' he trailed off as he noticed he no longer had the keys.
'KATE?!'
Kate felt triumphant as her feet pounded the path, she skidded to a halt opposite the trunk, Jack caught up, 'that wasn't fair...'
Kate smirked at him, 'oh please...You let down your guard, you should know better...besides, that's what you get for making me lose the bet.'
Jack frowned, 'I get my keys stolen?'
Kate nodded, 'exactly. You know I like driving, so I'm driving us back tomorrow.'
Jack frowned, 'but I love driving...'
Kate smiled sympathetically, 'But you use the word loosely don't you think?'
Jack gave her an offended look, 'when have I ever used the word Love loosely?'
Kate smiled, 'hmm...I don't know...that time on the beach, 'I love Johnny Cash-''
'The MAN was a LEGEND Kate!' he argued passionately, Kate continued, 'The time you said you loved chocolate spread...?'
Not as much as peanut butter.' He mumbled weakly, Kate rolled her eyes as she popped open the trunk. Jack froze as her eyes immediately landed on the cooler, 'hey, what's in there?'
Jack shook his head, 'nothing-it's just-'
It was too late, Kate had popped it open. He had never seen her look so disappointed in him as her eyes drifted from the alcohol to him.
Jack looked down, 'Kate...'
'I thought you had stopped drinking.' She asked as she tried to maintain her composure, afraid of letting him realise how sad his addiction made her.
'I never said that to you...'
Kate looked at him, she had expected more from him, especially after the way he had struggled with it in the past.
'Kate...I'm trying-I just bought it with me incase I need it...' he explained, Kate shook her head, she grabbed the groceries as she slammed the trunk shut. She tossed him the keys, their playful moment was over. Jack sighed as he looked at the keys in his hands. The cold rain water made him shiver slightly as Kate headed inside.
The next morning:
Kate strolled downstairs to the couch where Jack had gone to sleep the previous night after a very silent dinner. She looked to the table to find that the keys had gone.
She walked into the room, her eyes landed on the couch, Jack was also gone. A sense of alarm filled her mind as she looked out the window, she jogged out of the manor, 'Jack...?'
There was no response, she felt a wave of relief as she saw that the jeep was still there.
She ran to the jeep door, she peered inside, Jack wasn't there.
'Jack...? Where are you...?'
She found herself wondering if everything was okay, her heart pounded in her chest as she searched for him restlessly.
The Lake:
Jack stood on the bank of the lake, he gazed at the water, the cooler was lying open behind him, enough was enough. Kate was right, if he wanted her, he'd have to earn her love. He knew he was stronger than this, he knew he could overcome his drinking problem. He just loved how good it felt to numb his senses and lose control. He loved how cathartic it felt.
But if it came down to picking between Kate Austen and his drink...he'd pick Kate, no doubt about it. He grabbed a few bottles, turning, he swung them into the lake, watching them drown as they sunk to the bottom. He picked up afew more, tossing them into the lake again, he smiled, it actually felt good to be making the right choice for once. He grabbed the remaining bottles, he tossed three into the lake without hesitating. His eyes lingered on the last bottle, it glinted in the sunlight, he smiled at it as he touched the side, shaking his head, he put in all his effort and hurled it into the lake.
He grinned at the splash it made, suddenly he felt light, suddenly he felt genuine. He lay back onto the grass, letting out a breath. He found himself smiling contently, blissfully unaware that Kate had witnessed his actions.
He closed his eyes, enjoying the sunlight caressing his skin, he took in a deep breath and lay still on the grass. He heard a slight rustling besides him, he didn't move. He knew it was her without having to check.
Her voice was soft, 'Hey...you had me worried.'
Jack turned onto his side and faced her, 'Sorry.'
Kate smiled at him, 'how do you feel?'
Jack glanced at the empty cooler as it lay open.
'Hopeful.'
Kate smiled at him as she quipped with a relieved tone, 'there's the guy I fell for on the island...'
Jack broke into a smile, 'Yeah?'
Kate nodded, she couldn't help but grin at his happy expression.
'I missed this version of you...the headstrong version, the righteous pain in the butt version...' Jack laughed at her attempt to be sweet, 'the version that doesn't NEED to drink to be okay...'
Jack lay flat on his back again, 'I can't decide if I prefer rain or sun...'
Kate lay flat on her back, 'Rain, its always the rain...'
'why's that?'
Kate smirked, 'Rain is hot.'
Jack grinned at her, was she referring to the first time they had made out?
Jack asked, 'and why is rain hot?'
Kate smirked at him as she turned to face him as they lay opposite her.
'Because, there was this guy and this girl, who had had one hell of a time on this island-but things kept going wrong, and the girl thought the guy had changed his mind about he felt...and one night, after meeting him, he was walking her to her house when it started to rain.'
Jack laughed, 'really?'
Kate nodded, 'oh yeah, true story, and she decided enough was enough and asked him then and there how he felt about her...'
'what'd he say?'
Kate blushed, 'nothing, he took her into his arms and kissed her.'
Jack shook his head, disagreeing, 'no, he didn't JUST kiss her.'
Kate frowned at him, Jack continued, 'he kissed the HELL out of her...'
Kate scoffed, 'please, it was nothing she couldn't handle-'
'That's not how it looked at the time-'
'Oh please-you weren't even there-'
Jack fell silent.
Kate laughed, 'I was kidding.'
Jack stared up at the clouds, 'you're not funny Austen.'
Kate grinned, 'you sound like my dad.'
'Okay, that's just creepy.'
Kate laughed, 'no, it's a good thing...it means you're one of the good guys.'
She rested her head on his chest as they lay in a playful bliss under the gentle sun by the lake.
Not drinking again was a promise he intended on keeping with all his heart. The only thing he had ever really needed was lying besides him and he loved that.
As Kate lay against Jack, she couldn't help but wonder how long this happy phase would last...she hoped Jack understood the weight of words as she asked him, 'You done with the drinking?'
Jack nodded, 'Yeah,' Kate nodded, he added, 'I Promise.'
Kate's eyes met his, she felt a sense of relief and hope in her heart as a small smile reached her lips.
End chapter Eleven:
Chapter Twelve: Tying up loose ends
Kate waved at Aaron as the nursery teacher led him inside, he looked so eager, she couldn't help but smile. Once Aaron was out of sight, she urged herself to get in her car and go home, but couldn't bring herself to leave. She remembered her first day at the nursery and she remembered how much she hated it, but Aaron seemed to have fit in with it just fine.
Kate reluctantly climbed into the driver seat, as she watched the nursery building. Maybe Aaron needed her? What if he needed a nap and she wasn't there? What if...Kate pressed her forehead against the steering wheel as she realised something. She needed him more than he needed her.
Her cellphone rang, she picked it up, lifting to her ear, she answered, 'Hello?'
'Hey...' She smiled at the sound of Jack's voice.
'Hey yourself...' she replied.
'What're you doing right now?'
Kate sighed, 'wishing Aaron needed me...'
There was a pause on the phone, then Jack quipped. 'He's moved out and gone to university already?'
Kate sarcastically replied, 'you're so funny.'
Jack chuckled at her annoyed tone, 'Where are you?'
'Sitting in my car outside the nursery...you know, he doesn't cry when I'm not around?'
'Kate-the ONLY time he cries is when he's hungry or ill...'
'But still,' Kate mumbled, she wanted Aaron to need her.
It was as if Jack read her mind when he added, 'He does need you Kate. If it wasn't for you, who knows where he'd be. He loves you.'
Kate smiled, 'I hope you're right.'
'I am.' Jack said without an ounce of doubt in his voice.
'You know, that's kinda what I like about you, the whole 'glass half full' thing...'
She could almost hear him smiling at the memory of their time on the island, 'there's a glass?'
Kate paused, 'Jack...I've been thinking...Aaron's 3 years old now, and...I can't keep lying to him...I think I might tell him that I'm not his mother when he's older...'
Jack seemed to pause, 'why're you thinking so far ahead Kate?'
Kate shrugged as she felt a shiver run down her spine, 'I don't know...lately, when I look at him, I'm reminded of what we lost on the island...I'm reminded of Claire...'
Jack fell silent as Kate awaited his response.
'Jack?'
After a moment, Jack spoke softly, 'I've been having these dreams...about the island Kate.'
It was Kate's turn to fall silent.
'Kate?'
'I'm here. Look, we shouldn't talk over the phone about...that.'
There was another pause.
'Do you wanna come to my place?' Jack asked.
'Sure...you home now?'
'not yet,' Jack replied, 'but you know where my hide-a-key is...make yourself at home. I'll see you in an hour?'
'You sure?'
Jack laughed, 'What's the worst that can happen...?'
Kate smiled, 'alright, I'll see you later.'
She hung up on him, Jack smiled as he looked at the phone, it felt good to be able to confide in her again. The island was the one thing he knew that they could only ever tell eachother. Ben had prohibited them from even talking about it over the phone. Jack and Kate had thought Ben was just paranoid, but Ben hadn't told them the whole story.
'Hello Doctor...'
Jack turned on his heel at the sound of Lyla's sultry tone.
'Uh Lyla, hey...' he smiled politely at her, then attempted to walk past her, but she stood infront him, cutting him off.
'where're you goin?'
Jack ran a hand through his hair, 'My shift just finished...'
Lyla nodded as she studied him, 'where were you this weekend, your cellphone was off.'
Jack nodded, he had turned his cellphone off after Sarah's phonecall.
'I was with someone.'
Lyla furrowed her brow as she looked at him expectantly, but he wasn't planning on saying Kate's name. Lyla was unstable and he knew this, there was no way he'd throw gas on the fire.
Jack tried to step past her again, but she stepped closer than before making Jack step back. His eyes drifted from her sharp eyes to her body, she was one of those women who would look stunning in any outfit, even if it was just a pair of scrubs. He looked away.
'Wanna grab a drink?'
Jack shook his head, 'I don't drink anymore.'
Lyla looked momentarily stunned, 'what?'
Jack nodded, 'I quit.'
'Why?'
'There are other ways to handle your problems Lyla, like facing them, or finding someone you can confide in. Drinking doesn't fix anything, it just temporarily numbs you to it.'
Lyla studied him, 'Did Kate persuade you to stop drinking?'
Jack didn't answer as Lyla studied him, 'she's changing you Jack-' Jack let out a sigh as Lyla continued, 'why can't you see that? She's controlling you-'
Jack levelled her with a look, 'No she isn't-'
Lyla smirked at him, 'so it IS her...?' Jack fell silent, 'she's the one you're doing this for? What's she giving up for you? Can you tell me that?'
Jack brushed past Lyla, enough was enough.
But Lyla followed him, 'There was a pregnant woman on your flight.'
Jack stopped walking.
Lyla continued, satisfied she had his attention, 'What happened to her?'
Jack felt his throat go dry, 'she died.'
'What happened to her baby?'
Jack turned around to face her as she gave him a calculating smile, 'Because I was going through some records that I accidentally stumbled upon.' Jack felt his heart sinking as he realised what would happen to Lyla. Ben would probably hire someone to kill her if he found out. Jack suddenly became aware of someone watching them from afar, Jack turned to Lyla.
'Lyla...I'm warning you, you need to stop searching files you're not authorised to search-if someone finds out what you're doing-'
'Don't you wanna hear what I found?'
Jack fell silent.
'This pregnant woman, even though your testimonies said she survived the crash initially, and died afew weeks afterwards. Their weren't any bodies that matched her bloodtype. What happened to her body Jack? A better question-did she have blonde hair and blue eyes? Just like...what's his name...'Aaron'?'
Jack stared at Lyla, he gritted his teeth, 'what are you suggesting Lyla?'
Lyla smiled, he knew what she was suggesting, that Kate had stolen Aaron.
'The timelines don't fit Lyla...Aaron's three years old-' Lyla's face fell for a moment.
She looked at him, 'I've been doing some research Jack.'
Jack felt sick, 'really?'
Lyla smiled at him, 'And there's alot of stuff that doesn't match up...and I'm pretty sure there's a newspaper out there that wouldn't mind hearing about the inconsistencies the government left out of your report...' Jack stared at her, she had a smirk on her lips, 'so, how about that drink?' She offered. Jack gulped, she knew she had him, he reluctantly nodded.
At Jack's apartment, Kate lifted the plant outside the door, picking up the key, she unlocked the apartment door.
'Hello?'
There was no reply, Kate walked into the apartment, her eyes scanned the spacious apartment. The last time she was here, there weren't this many plants. She froze in her steps as she remembered that Sarah was living with Jack now-Kate hurriedly headed for the door, afraid that she might have to face Sarah, the ex wife.
'Hey there...'
Kate winced as she heard a warm voice, she turned around to see a beautiful blonde, who was dressed in jeans and a blouse greeting her. The blonde looked just as uncomfortable as Kate.
Sarah extended her hand, 'Sarah, Jack's ex-wife.'
Kate nodded, 'I know, I'm Kate...Jack's...' she trailed off, Sarah shook her hand, 'I know.'
The two women stood in silence as they sized eachother up, Sarah was similar to Juliet in the way she carried herself and the way she spoke. Not to mention, she was blonde.
Sarah studied Kate. She didn't know Jack was into brunettes, but after seeing Kate-she could see why he had fallen for her.
'He should be home soon.'
Kate nodded, 'yeah?' She asked, trying to make small talk. Kate knew he'd be home soon too, but preferred not to sit an awkward silence.
'Make yourself at home, I'm only crashing here for a month I hope...I've found an apartment...so I should be out of your hair pretty soon.'
Kate smiled, 'Hey, if Jack doesn't mind having you around, neither do I.' She said, trying her best to sound sincere.
Lyla took a swig from the glass, she grinned at Jack, who looked very uncomfortable.
'What's the matter?'
Jack shook his head, 'nothing.'
Lyla studied him, she sat up, irritated by his lack of interest in her.
'You know Jack...I know you're not a good guy deep down, I've seen the dark side of you,' she smiled as she gazed at him, 'the carefree side of you, the wild side...'
Jack looked at the water bottle he had ordered, it was empty and he was feeling nervous.
'Hey Lenny,' the bartender looked at Jack with a welcoming smile.
'Yeah?'
'Can I get another water?'
'Coming right up. You going clean huh?' He quipped.
Jack smiled, Lyla smirked at Lenny, 'Yeah, he's cleaning up for that chick he hooked up with-the one who was on the plane-right Jack...? the ex-murderer?'
Jack turned to Lyla, throwing her a furious look. That was it. He leaned closer to her, 'You know what Lyla...Screw you.'
With that, he grabbed his jacket and stormed off, not seeing Sayid sitting at table in the corner.
Sayid spoke into his phone, 'I see her. He just left...I'll take care of it.'
Sayid studied the loose end he had to tie up for Ben. She was beautiful, that always made it more tragic.
The drunken crowd didn't see the gun in Sayid's pocket glinting in the dimly lit bar as he approached the brunette.
'Hey there...he a friend of yours?' He asked, nodding in the direction of Jack, who had just left.
Lyla checked out the dark stranger, 'not tonight...I'm Lyla...' she put out a hand to Sayid, Sayid smiled at her as he kissed it charmingly.
'I'm the guy you won't remember tomorrow morning.'
Lyla laughed, 'you're that sure of yourself, huh?'
Sayid grinned at the drunk woman, if she had been sober, she would have seen the tragic look in his eyes, she would have seen his reluctance for what he was about to do to her.
'meet me in the Ladies room in two minutes...' she whispered against his ear, she strutted away, Sayid watched her go. Finishing her drink, he closed his eyes for a moment. Why was this so easy?
He glanced at his watch, climbing to his feet, he walked towards the ladies room, his fingers traced the gun in his pocket. He felt a familiar sensation of coldness, as he prepared to numb himself for what he was about to do.
He opened the door, Lyla was the only woman inside, she was leaning against the wall, a smile on her face as he approached her.
'You shouldn't invite strangers to follow you...' he said.
Lyla grinned, dropping her handbag onto the floor, she walked towards him. Sayid raised an eyebrow as Lyla grabbed his collar and kissed him, his eyes landed on her handbag. That was what he was here for. After he killed her, he'd return to Ben with the files and evidence she had gathered over the weekend. Sayid pulled away, he whispered, 'Wrong place, wrong guy.'
He pressed the gun against her forehead, as he covered her mouth with his hands. Her eyes widened with panic, Lyla began to bite down on his hand, he shoved her against the wall. He hated that he had to do this, and he hated that she would never know why she was murdered. But he had to do it. He owed it to his friends to protect them. If he didn't do it, Ben would.
He closed his eyes as he felt her struggle against him, chaotic thoughts flooding her mind, she writhed against him, he pulled the trigger and suddenly the chaos in her mind was filled with silence.
He pulled out a handkerchief, wiping the blood from the tip of the silencer, he tossed the handkerchief aside. Casting one last look at the body on the floor, he took in the look of horror in her eyes, another image that's only purpose was to haunt him.
Lyla was dead.
Sayid crouched as he picked up the handbag, he rifled through it, opening files with Kate, Aaron and the oceanic 6's names on them. He removed the papers and folded them putting them in his pocket.
Sayid walked out of the ladies room, the bartender glanced at him, not surprised to see a man leaving the ladies room. He gave Sayid a smile, Sayid nodded at the unsuspecting bartender politely and strolled out of the bar.
Lenny smiled, it was just another night at work. He watched another woman climb to her feet and drunkenly approach the ladies restroom, the same one the man had just walked out of. Lenny didn't think anything of it, people would do, what people would do. And in his experience, drunk people would do it, wherever they could, he grinned as he wiped a glass clean. He heard the woman scream.
The glass smashed to the floor as Lenny let go of it and ran towards the Ladies room, the distressed woman ran out of the room and straight into him, she threw up at Lenny's feet as he headed for the room.
He burst in through the doors. He stared at the vacant eyes that met him.
Lyla Carter lay dead on the restroom floor. She had a bullet wound on her forehead.
Lenny stared at the sight in horror.
End chapter twelve: