Chapter 2

Kate just looked at Jack, bewildered. Another twist in the story the island decided to throw at them.

"So, who exactly are all of these people? You can't tell me that after all this time and everything we have gone through and will go through, you and the Others are still roaming this island…"

"Well, not exactly. However, I must tell you something that you both will not appreciate. I cannot tell you anything that is going on in this time. If you know anything, anything, it may change the course of events that has created what we have here."

"So you're not going to tell us anything. You're just going to let us walk around aimlessly and hope we disappear back to where we came from as soon as possible?" Jack procured.

"Yes, for the most part. I just want you to understand that the past events must stay the way they have already happened in order for this future to be the same."

"But couldn't you say that us coming here will cause events to occur they way they have already happened? Or something to that effect…" Kate asked, confusing herself midway. For all she knew, time travel was the same for the future as it was for the past. Since the bomb didn't work to change their lives without crashing onto the island in the first place, then maybe time travel really did occur in terms of a straight line. Maybe no matter what happened, everything will play itself out the way it was supposed to. Or so she thought.

"Yes, that may be true; however, I'd rather not test that theory. I'm doing this for everyone's benefit." Richard answered.

As they talked over what needed to be done in order to avoid any unwanted consequences, a woman with brown, wavy hair, blue eyes, and sun-kissed skin, sauntered up to the three old friends. From the looks of it, she appeared to be around the age of 20.

"Richard….? What is going on? Who are these people? I heard from Kyle and Tom that we had intruders." She looked over them, uncertain what to think or feel.

"Beth these are my friends. They are from the past."

Jack reached out his hand, "Hi, my name is Jack, I'm one of the Oceanic survivors of 815. This is Kate. She was also a survivor." As Beth took their hands in hers, she had a look of dismay on her face. The story of these two strangers was well known by the people in the camp. What they were going to do, would create a new future for the island. A future Beth was a part of.

"It's…um…it's great to meet you. This is…um….quiet a surprise I must say." She looked at Richard, he glared back. His thoughts almost transparent on his never aging face. She could almost sense him saying to her not to speak to them about anything or anyone.

"Well I would love to catch up more, but I was actually just about to head out for a hunt. I'm sure Beth could escort you somewhere to stay. While I don't know how long you will be staying, I'm assuming you would like to have a roof over your head."

"Yes that would be great. We will figure more about this after we get settled." Kate stated, interrupting Jack's hesitance.

"Very good. Now just make sure you don't try to dig too much into what is going on in the future. I hate to affect any of this. Before you leave, Beth, may I have a word?"

As Jack and Kate went to discuss what was going on, Richard pulled Beth to the side. "I know this is difficult and there is a lot you want to know about. However, you know how I feel about this. Try to act normal."

"Gee, thanks for putting your faith in me. I'll act normal." Beth replied sarcastically.

"I knew you could do it." Richard laughed.

"Ok, you two, follow me. There is an abandoned house that you could stay in, for the time being, down the road." Beth kept her distance in front of them. Not wanting to get too involved.

"Thank you. That is very nice. I'm sure we can find our own way though. It doesn't seem like we are that welcomed here. Wouldn't want to ruin the future for you guys. Wouldn't want you to end up somewhere other than this island…"Jack blurted out.

"Jack!" Kate yelled.

Beth looked back, uncertain of what to say. "Suite yourself, you've made it this far, I'm sure you can find your way home." She began to walk away.

"Wait, Beth, no. We are coming with you. I would love to sleep somewhere that doesn't involve dirt and rocks. We will just have to be careful what we ask and what we get involved with."

They walked for awhile and stumbled up to a familiar house. Kate was almost sure that Sawyer had once lived in it when he took on the name "LaFleur". She thought of him briefly. His voice, his touch, his hair. She missed him so much. They were so similar and found each other at the right time. However, she could never say she was in love with him. The timing just worked. He was always there when Jack seemed to disappear. But that was the past. It didn't matter anymore…

As they walked through the front door she saw a picture of them all on orientation day from the 70's. A strange look into the past, which she would have liked to forget about. It didn't help her get closer to finding Claire, and like this future trip, it seemed like a complete waste of time.

"Here you go. There is food in the fridge, and a bedroom upstairs. I'm sorry, there is only one bed. You too will have to share."

They just looked at each other. "That's fine. Nothing I haven't seen before." Kate retorted, shooting a glare at Jack."

"Very well. I'll be in the house over if you need anything, just call. It's pretty quiet around here at night, so you shouldn't have to worry about anything. Good night." And with that Beth walked out the door and traveled to her house.

"Well I guess we should check out the bedroom." Kate said.

"I can just sleep on the couch, it's no problem." Jack said quickly.

"Don't be silly Jack. We can sleep in the same bed together. For goodness sakes, it's not like we haven't been that close before." She said will a sly smile.

And with that, the two ex's got ready for bed and curled under the covers. Both aware of how close the other was to themselves. Avoiding any awkward touching.

This is crazy. Kate thought. I'm still in love with him. All I want to do is be with him. I only wish he felt the same way about me now. I wish our relationship could have worked out differently. He was the one… And with that, Kate drifted off into a soundless sleep.

*And that is chapter two. Sorry if this didn't have much going on, I just have to set up the background of the story. The actual meat of the story will start next chapter.*