One year later
"Richard?"
Richard and Kate were sitting on the front porch of their home in the old Dharma village. Even though they only stayed there a few months out of the year, almost everyone was slowly rebuilding it and making it their own. With the sub no longer there, the threat of anyone ever coming was low. Still, everyone kept close watch. Most of the time they moved about the island like creatures of habit. Kate in fact enjoyed staying in the tents in the jungle or beaches, somehow living that way felt more real, and more free.
Today was a beautiful spring morning. Almost everyone were either relaxing or simply going about the morning in a very laid back and relaxed state. A group had gone out hunting with Locke, as a few of the others stayed around the grounds and simply sunbathed or walked around. The heat was slowly coming up today and the comforting breeze that was blowing by the trees would shortly end. One thing Kate loved about these people was how laid back and simple they were. The village was hardly used and most of them were inside the houses playing cards or sleeping in.
This morning Kate and Richard had gone out on the porch after a long night of passionate love making. As they dressed Richard joked that finally she of all people would finally be the one to kill him. Laughing, she threw her shirt at him before they took their coffee and sat out watching the peaceful morning come. Both were in old fashion wooden rocking chairs and looking out at the beautiful land. Richard remarked that perhaps later on the two of them would go to his favorite spot on the island and sit out on the hill taking in the view. At this moment, the two sat in silence side by side. Their coffee mugs at their feet as they slowly rocked back and forth, their hands held.
With Richard, things were different. She had never met a man like him and knew there wasn't another one around. Thinking of all her past failed relationships, going all the way back to her marriage with Kevin. She knew her biggest problem was that deep down inside she really just wanted to be taken care of. Someone to grow old with, someone to trust and to believe in her. She knew her life had been one big mess until now, and thought the closest she had came to finding this before Richard was with Desmond. But sadly he was in love with someone else.
Her marriage with Richard was special. In fact this past year she had finally been convinced that maybe everything she had thought was real…from them getting off the island, to Sydney, and then the bomb had really all been just a dream. Whatever had happened was now faded and drifting away. Her memories of her life here and with Richard had taken over. She had finally found happiness.
There was no more danger, no more horrible thoughts. Just peace.
She had searched the island like she had promised herself she would. In fact two whole weeks went by in which finally Kate came back to their camp empty handed. Looking at Locke she understood. They had been left alone.
After that she began to remember more and slowly began to fall back into place with her life here.
Richard was her husband and was completely crazy about her. He was still very mysterious and left Kate wondering half of the time…but as a husband he was wonderful. Never before in her entire life had she met someone who was so understanding and kind. Just being with him made her feel safe.
She felt as though she was falling in love for the second time all over again.
He was gentle, smart, and interesting. Just watching him made Kate enthralled. He was the second in command and liked it that way. Locke was their leader and seemed himself happy with the life he had finally been given. Kate now viewed him differently and saw him as one of her friends.
They all answered to Jacob, who was still unseen. Whenever Kate asked about him Richard simply smirked.
"Jacob has been here longer then me, he's in charge of everything…and watches over us."
As much as Kate didn't understand it, she watched everything fold out as though it was perfectly normal. Locke often spoke for Jacob, but Kate could see something behind his eyes. As if he was waiting for something.
They lived simple, yet happy life's on the island, and was never disturbed. Somehow they did what was best for them and the island. Experiments, and drama along the camp didn't seem important. It was just them, a close knit family who just lived their life's without asking questions.
Kate was interested, but decided for once not to question it. She was happy and didn't want that to change.
So life went on.
Kate and Richard were now in love, more in love then Kate ever thought she could be with Desmond. Somehow every second she looked at him her stomach would go into knots and butterflies would dance inside of her. She felt like a teenager again.
She was also given a sign of respect being Richard's wife, even though Richard and her acted like everyone else and wanted to be treated the same.
Kate now had friends, kind people who she lived with every day.
Being married and living on this island had finally given Kate something to go forward with. If this was reality, then the last three years had simply been a dream. She was now here and she was with Richard. Their marriage was a simple one. In fact Kate found it funny on how uneasy Richard acted, as if he hadn't really been used to being married nor with a woman in this kind of relationship. If he had…like he said, it had been long ago. Kate physically was the one who had the most energy when it came to sex. Now knowing Richard was her husband, she nearly almost every night was at him. Either when he was at his desk looking over maps or files, or simply drifting off to sleep, Kate would put her arms around him and begin kissing him down his chest. Most times Richard would simply just laugh or tell her that he either needed to get some work none or get some sleep. But as always this was ignored and before both knew it they were collapsed on either the bed or floor gasping for air. Richard was beyond suspired one night when Kate attempted oral while they two were sitting at his favorite spot over looking the island.
Slightly nervous and jumping, Richard looked at Kate trying not to laugh.
"Whoa…what are you…"
"Shut up Richard."
Kate said with a sly look on her face before pushing him down into the grass.
Kate found Richard very attractive, and enjoyed being his wife. The two acted like best friends and for the most part were always around each other. Richard now believed since she was his wife she had a right to know what was going on whenever Locke wanted to speak with him about moving the camps.
The only two things Kate was left in the dark in was Jacob, and Richard's past life.
Kate grew to slowly get used to her life with the others and love it. She had friends now, good friends and she seemed very welcomed. There wasn't anything to worry about anymore.
It was just her and Richard.
They always walked around the island together as Richard showed her around. The last time Kate visited the original camp, she kneeled down by her old tent before looking up at Richard who watched her. Getting up, Kate rested her head on Richard's shoulder and finally said it.
"I love you."
Since then, she hadn't been back to the camp, or anything that reminded her of the past. Kate remembered walking past their small makeshift cemetery and looking at the graves of her friends. It was true, it really was the present. Glancing at the part of surf in which she once stood in bleeding as Jack ran over to her, shivers went over her body. She held Richard's hand tighter as they walked away.
She wouldn't think of the past anymore.
Instead she just went wherever her people went. She didn't ask questions, she simply just lived and was happy that she was with people who cared for her.
He spoke Latin, and had began teaching her it. He also began showing her how to fire a gun the proper way.
Most nights Richard and her would simply lay out together and look at the stars. Richard knew all the stars names, and claimed it was something he learned from being out at sea.
Whenever they were around each other they playfully flirted or teased each other. Most of the time Richard would pick Kate up as she got giggling and put her over his shoulder until she begged him to put her down, her stomach hurting from laughing so hard.
Often Locke would watch the two walking around together, either at their camps or the village. Kate would always walk backwards in front of Richard, teasing him and making him smile. Next thing he knew the two would be cracking up while grabbing and trickling each other.
One of the others who was standing beside Locke smiled watching the two.
"He's crazy about her."
"Umm."
"Would hate to see how he would be if anything happened to her."
Locke glanced over, it was the same exact thing Jacob had said in the cabin just a week or so ago.
Now, she found herself a year later sitting next to her husband. Remembering a few months back, while the two were taking a bath together, Kate noticed a strange tattoo symbol on Richard's stomach and chest. Asking him what they meant, he simply told her they were old.
Now she had to ask the thing that had been bothering her.
He looked at her after she said his name. Thinking of a way to start, she held his hand tighter.
"Richard, you know I love you. It's been a hard year to adjust…but I finally know this is where I belong, and that you mean the world to me."
Richard softly smiled.
"And I love you."
Bringing their hands up, he kissed hers.
Kate smiled.
"Richard, you're a very confusing man…but a very kind one at that. You're my husband and I think as you're wife I deserve the right to know something."
Richard eyes fixed on her.
"About what?"
"You're age…why don't you age?"
Richard looked at her, it had been a subject that had much been avoided. Richard look a deep breath.
"I told you. Jacob made me this way."
"Yes, but why?"
"Kate, I would tell you everything…but I can't. Not even Locke knows. Whatever happened, his between Jacob and me."
"You said you came from the Black Rock?"
Richard nodded before Kate squeezed his hand.
"Richard, just answer me this…before…it happened, how old were you?"
Richard looked at her.
"I was thirty-nine years old."
Kate nodded.
"Richard, I don't know if you've thought of this yet…but it's worried me. For whatever reason you don't age…you've must of seen a lot of people come and go in you're time."
"That's right."
"Then, you must realize that as I get older, you're just going to stay thirty-nine. Has this happened before? You find someone you love and they simply just die of old age as you stand back and watch?"
Richard gazed at her, his face now looked troubled as Kate went on.
"Richard, if you can't age…then you can't die right?"
"Kate…"
"No, then…I'll just keep getting older while you stay the same…have you thought of this?"
"Every day since I've laid eyes on you."
Kate didn't say anything.
"Kate…that is something I'm trying to take care of with Jacob…just give it time."
"But Richard, I don't wanna live forever, you know that don't you?"
Richard looked at her before nodding.
"I do…but like I said just give me time. I'll figure something out."
"Are you willing to do this, for me?"
Richard looked at her.
"More then you know."
"Richard, there's another thing…something that's been on my mind."
"Yeah?"
Kate bit down on her bottom lip and sighed. She still didn't have an answer for the first question that concerned her the most. Finally she took a deep breath and went on.
"Children."
Richard blinked.
"What?"
"Children. I don't necessarily want them. After…well my two miscarriages on the island, and…well those memories of me having my daughter has really changed my outlook. I understand the problems women have here with being pregnant. Juliet told me. I know women die when their pregnant and so doesn't the baby if it's conceived here. I guess I wanted to ask you if you've ever had any if you're lifetime?"
Richard looked at her.
"Once."
"You did?"
"Right before I left on the Black Rock. I had a wife back then, a very beautiful one who was very young. Too young maybe, she died in childbirth and so didn't my son. I buried them with my own hands before going on that voyage. I've never spoken about this to anyone until now."
Kate felt her heart swell, she loved Richard even more and hated to see that pain behind his eyes. How could he stand living with himself after all these long lonely years.
"Richard, I'm happy here…and I'll do anything you want. If you do decide if you want children, then maybe there's a way we could leave the island for a brief period of time and…"
"Kate…"
Kate stopped as Richard looked at her, almost as if his eyes were in pain.
"Kate, you're my everything…I'm never going to risk loosing you…no matter what."
Just then Locke walked over eating an apple.
"Richard?"
Both looked over, caught off guard as Locke stopped looking up at them from the lawn.
"Sorry I hope I wasn't…"
Richard quickly stood, Kate could tell he was uncomfortable.
"You weren't…what is it?"
"I need to speak with you. Have a second?"
Richard quickly glanced down at Kate before nodding.
"Of course I do…"
Leaving her, Kate watched the two men walk away. Sighing, Kate hiked her knees up to her chest and took a deep breath. Of course she finally fell in love with a man who didn't age, and was deadly afraid of loosing her.
Thinking of Sydney, she sighed.
That night Kate sat up in bed with a sketchpad. She slowly wrote these numbers over and over again.
4 8 15 18 23 42
Kate sat back, sighing as the fan above her slowly circled. The windows were open and the curtains were slowly being blown back and forth. Crickets were chirping in the background.
Just then Richard came in, looking half suspire she was still awake.
"Hi…"
Kate looked up before folding the sketchpad.
"Hey…"
Richard went over to the dresser before unbuttoning his shirt, Kate could clearly see his hands were shaking. Never before had Kate seen him like this.
"Richard?"
Richard turned as he took his shirt off.
"Are you okay?"
"Of course."
Richard forced a smile before Kate sat up more, looking straight over at him.
"Everything okay?"
"With what?"
"Locke, did he say something?"
"Oh, no…just talking about the loose polar bear still on the jungle. He wants to send a hunting party."
"That's it?"
Richard nodded as Kate's eyes went over to those two old tattoos on her husband's chest and stomach.
"I hope I didn't upset you earlier, asking those questions…it's just, I love you Richard and I need to know."
Richard then turned towards her before quickly going over, Kate nearly screamed as he reached down and strongly took her by her shoulders and lifted her up to eye-level with him.
"Don't ever talk about getting pregnant on this island Kate, do you hear me?"
"Richard you're hurting me…"
But Richard's grip tightened, his face just inches from hers.
"There's no way we can leave the island, so don't you ever think of that again. Understand!"
"Richard…"
Kate suddenly felt scared, and saw Richard's eyes was scared as well. His face got very close to hers.
"I've searched too long to finally find you…I'm not going to have something take you away from me…"
His voice was slowly breaking up. Kate gulped before tears began to come in her eyes.
"Richard! Let go!"
But Richard wouldn't. Finally Kate cried the thing she had been trying her hardest to keep secret for the last two weeks. Something she wasn't positive of, and too scared to bring up to Richard. She had no idea how he would react, most of all like this.
"I'm pregnant Richard!"
Richard froze, right away his hands letting go of Kate as she nearly fell backwards onto the bed. Kate's eyes welled up with tears as she stared up at his stunned face.
"You're…what?"
"I'm not sure! I was waiting to tell you since I was scared…I know what happens to pregnant women here and I was terrified I might loose it early. I didn't want to scare you! I'm sorry!"
"You're…"
Richard was speechless, all the color out of his richly tanned face was now gone. Kate looked up at him, fighting back tears. Up until then their life's had been perfect. They had been so much in love without even a care of the world. Kate was forgetting, and looking forward to their future together.
Just last month Kate remembered the two of them making love in one of their tents that faced the beach. How she laid on top of him smiling down and thinking strangely how handsome he was. In fact every single part of him was. She remembered him kissing her, and how strongly he held onto her.
Then…she was late.
Kate thought nothing of it. In fact as odd as it sounded she didn't think that could happen with someone like Richard.
But she had noticed how careful Richard had been for the past year. There was a whole week each month in which he clearly put his foot down about not making love. This drove Kate crazy even though she never put two and two together. He always made excuses that he had business to do with Locke and spent most of those nights out of their house or tent. Somehow as stupid as it was, Kate never thought anything of it.
Now she knew. He was making sure this wouldn't happen.
But of course it did, it was just a matter of time.
Kate remembered the time she told Desmond in the jungle nearly four years ago. How excited his eyes got and how he kneeled down in front of her and nuzzled his head against her perfectly flat stomach.
Now this was different, beyond different.
Richard stood back, his eyes angry.
"How…did this happen?"
"I think for a man your age Richard you would know by now."
Richard glared at her before putting his hand to the side of his face were stubble was growing in. Slowly he paced back and forth.
"I'll talk with Jacob, see if you could leave the island…yeah I'll do that…'
He was muttering to himself, not making any sense. Kate felt sick.
"Richard! Please look at me!"
Richard looked at her, scared out of his mind.
"There has to be some way I can leave…maybe with you. Once we're off the island maybe nothing will happen. We could come back and…"
Richard looked as if he was about to faint, quickly he sat down beside her, she saw his hands were shaking badly.
Kate looked at him, unsure of what to say next.
"Richard?"
Richard looked at her, upset and outraged.
"If Jacob won't let us off the island, you're taking care of this."
"What are you talking about?"
Richard looked at her.
"You know what."
"Jesus Richard, you want me to abort it?"
"I'll do it myself, I'm not having anything happen to you."
"Richard!"
"You know what will happen! It will kill you!"
"Richard stop!"
Richard quickly got up before Kate could say another word, grabbing his shirt he left her alone for the first time. Sitting on the bed, Kate burst into tears and covered her face. More then anything now she wished Desmond was here.
Storming outside, Richard saw Locke leaning against one of the trees eating another apple. As unsure as he had been with Locke being their leader, he was suspired on what a good job he had been doing. Much better then Ben. Locke was natural at it and very approachable. Also whenever Richard took him out to the cabin, Locke would sometimes spend hours in there before coming out. Richard knew Locke clearly hadn't seen Jacob yet, but had heard him. Within time those two would finally meet.
Everyone was all ready in their cabins, sleeping. Crickets filled the night air and stars sparkled in the sky. Walking over to Locke, he knew his face clearly showed he was beyond upset.
"Something bothering you Richard? I heard yelling."
Richard's hand were slightly shaking, he tried to control himself but he was clearly nervous and scared.
"Locke, I need you to take me to Jacob."
"Can't you go yourself."
"I haven't gone to see him myself in a very long time, I need you."
"For what? Has something happened?"
Richard just stared at Locke before taking a deep breath.
"I need to speak with him, something very important."
Locke studied him before nodding.
"It's about Kate isn't it."
Richard nodded.
"Tell me something Richard, was it really all just a dream? Did the bomb never go off?"
"Locke I don't have time to talk about this…"
"Then why don't you tell me why we're going to visit Jacob in the middle of the night."
"Kate…she's…"
He struggled with the words, for the first time in his very long life scared.
"She's pregnant."
Locke just looked at him.
"She's what?"
"Pregnant…I don't know how it happened, I've been so careful…"
"Careful or not Richard, with there not being any birth control on the island you knew this would soon or a later happen…I mean you're man and wife."
Richard shook his head.
"I just need to talk with him."
"You're scared…because pregnant women on the island die, don't they?"
"They do."
"And why is that Richard? I'm sure in the past…even during your early years here there were pregnant women. That would maybe explain how half of our people are here in the first place."
"Ben…when Ben killed everyone in Dharma village in the early 90's…the purge."
"The what?"
"Ben released a toxic gas that spread through the island in just a matter of minutes. It killed everyone who wasn't wearing protective gas masks, which were our people and Ben himself. He did this to show us that he was no longer part of them. That they were the ones who came to our island and raped it for all it was worth. He took care of our problem and proved himself…becoming our leader."
"And this was something Jacob wanted."
"What do you think?"
Locke nodded.
"So…since then the pregnancy problems started?"
"Any woman who conceived on the island who die somewhere in their second trimester. It's happened to plenty of us, most of our women."
"And the babies?"
"They die as well. Ben was more then concerned with this problem and that's when he became to rebuild the Dharma village. Converting scientist and trying to research on why it and happening and how it could get fixed."
"And you didn't approve?"
"I could see his point. He was scared we would die off. Besides the people we brought to the island, we're all originals. Jacob and I didn't think that it was important…that he was putting his own fears before the island."
"But Claire and Sun…"
"Claire conceived off the island. That's why Ben's people took her to study her and the baby."
"Ben's people…you didn't have any part in this?"
"I did, but I knew it wasn't right. As for Sun, she left the island before giving birth. That's one of the many reasons Ben wanted me to get Juliet on the island…so she could try to fix it."
"And Jacob had no say?"
"He did, but he said there were different reasons why he wanted her on the island. I just took orders."
"So the reproductive capability on this island is fatal?"
Richard shook his head
"Not the reproductive part…that's…how can I say it? Enhanced, males on the island multiply their sperm count five times the normal way. That's why we were having so many deaths."
"And you act surprised that you got Kate pregnant?"
"John…I was careful. I never know I of all people could do it. I mean look at me!"
"You're still a man Richard, aging or not."
Richard's eyes fixed on Locke's.
"I just need to speak with him."
"Richard, these are a lot of facts…but Kate has all ready suffered a miscarriage, two in fact and both times she concaved on the island. "
"Right, but the second time she lost the baby due to trauma. Please Locke, I'm scared."
Locke blinked, he never heard Richard say this before.
"I'm terrified something is going to happen to my wife, please."
Sighing, Locke nodded before walking over to the torch bin and grabbing one. Lighting it, he looked at Richard's face.
"What exactly are you going to ask him? You don't think Jacob can fix this can you?"
"He can do something, let's go."
Together the two left the village and went into the jungle.
When Richard returned, nearly one in the morning. Kate sat up in the darkness of the bedroom still awake. She couldn't sleep. Whenever she shut her eyes horrible dreams came. He slowly opened the door and looked at her.
He had been crying.
Kate had never seen him cry before.
"Richard?"
Richard silently shut the door before coming over. He sat down on the edge of the bed as moonlight drifted in from the window.
"He won't let you leave."
"What?"
"He won't…I tried everything but he told me nobody can ever leave the island again. If they do they can never come back."
"Then we'll go…just the two of us. We don't need this island!"
"You don't."
"What?"
"Kate…I can leave the island, but not for long. Let's just say this place is the reason why I keep living and looking the way I do. Within time…everything catches up with me. At least that's what Jacob said. In fact…the times I have left, I feel sick…horrible in fact. But the second I set foot back here I feel better."
"I'm not leaving without you Richard."
"No…I tried telling him that you would go, even if I couldn't…and he said no. Nobody leaves anymore…he wants you to stay."
"Did you explain…"
Richard nodded.
"He didn't seem to care. He told me this pregnancy happened for a reason between us and that we have nothing to worry about. That you need to have this baby…"
"What?"
Richard looked at her helpless.
"I tried to tell him, but he said the island wouldn't do anything to you or the baby."
"Well can I at least try to talk with him…"
Richard shook his head.
"The only people who can see him is me and whoever is the leader."
"Then we'll try to explain this to Locke, he's our friend…he can help us…"
Richard shook his head.
"I all ready did. He came with me in fact…he tried to talk to Jacob but he won't listen anymore. Once he has something in his mind that's it."
Richard then opened his shirt to show Kate three long horrible slash marks across his chest.
Kate gasped before going closer to him.
"Oh Jesus! Who did this to you?!"
Richard tried to take deep breaths, he was sweating and the scratches looked bloody and raggered. The blood was getting sticky and clothing against his chest. Kate right away jumped up and flipped on the overhead light. Richard was clearly in pain and trying to take shallow breaths. Kate right away went open, ripping the rest of his shirt open and letting it fall off his shoulders. Richard looked up at her.
"We went to the cabin…I tried everything, and then I got angry I started screaming…that's when everything began flying around and these happened. Locke pushed me out of there and stayed in for another minuite before leaving. He told me I had a choice to make."
"What?"
Tears were now in Kate's eyes as she looked him over.
"Either Jacob could make you like me…and nothing would happen."
Kate looked at Richard shocked. As much as she loved him, she never thought she would live forever. Never age, and watch all the people she cared for and loved die. Still…Richard would be that way. Which would mean it would just be the two of them. Forever on this island. But the thought of being here for eternity seemed horrible. As much as her beliefs were mixed, if there was such thing as life after death…would she give it up? The thought of being like Richard terrified her.
Kate looked stunned as Richard went on.
"I asked if I could be turned back…that's what I was talking about earlier. I knew you would age…get older and then one day die leaving me alone. I was thinking of asking Jacob since I finally found someone…and that I've been this way for so long that he could turn me back. That we could die together…like normal people."
"No Richard…"
"That's what I wanted, but when I asked he told me simply no. That I needed to stay this way."
"What is this some sort of punishment?"
"Worse…but he told me he could make you like me, then we wouldn't have to worry."
"So you can't die Richard? Is that it?"
"No…I can die…at least that's what Jacob told me before, but I'm not sure…
"Then why even change me if I can too?"
"The risk wouldn't be as great, you would be protected. Jacob promised me if that's what we wanted."
"Did you ask if the baby would be that way?"
Richard shook his head.
"All I care about is you Kate, I was trying to figure something out."
"So he won't let me leave the island, and he told you I need to have this baby…that nothing will happen to me if I do. And if you're scared of loosing me…not only because of this, but in death he offered to make me like you?"
"Please Kate, I begged, I feel on my knees and begged. I know something horrible will happen if you have this baby, it will kill you."
Kate shook her head.
"What did Locke say?"
"He tried to stick up for me. I brought him to the cabin and he asked, that's when Jacob started answering me and that's when I got cut. When Locke came out later he told me that I really didn't have a choice in the matter. I could either put my trust in Jacob's hands and believe you'll be all right…or I could go against him. He told me you wouldn't be able to leave the island…that I got to have faith that you were going to be okay. Locke then told me that Richard said if I was so scared of really loosing you…then he could make you just like me. I know that's not what you want Kate, but it's what he said."
"So he won't help us?"
Richard shook his head.
"He also said if I try to abort the baby…you'll die."
Kate's eyes widened.
"What?"
"He told me this was supposed to happen. That everything was going to be all right if we believed it."
"What kind of person is that Jacob anyways. You tell me he's the reason why everything happens. You told me he rules and takes care of the island, telling Locke and yourself what to do…but have you ever questioned him?"
"Every day Kate…every day."
"Why did he make you this way Richard? Why?"
"Kate…"
"Enough with the secrets! I can't take this anymore!"
Richard looked at her, his blood dripping down his chest.
"Kate…I haven't gotten hurt like this in years…this is the first time in awhile that it hurts like this. I think Jacob is serious. I really do think he wants to test us."
Kate shook her head, she felt as though she was going crazy.
"What if everything is going to be okay? What if I have the baby and nothing happens…what if Jacob was right?"
Richard looked up at her.
"I don't wanna loose you."
"But if nothing happens. Maybe Jacob is right, maybe this is finally the island's chance to start over."
"Now of all times? An why risk you? Why not anyone else?"
"Because you're special Richard. I think he knows that."
"You're sounding just as crazy as Locke now…"
"Richard, I've seen some unexplainable things happen here…counting yourself. The only thing I'm sure of is that Jacob is telling the truth. We can't leave the island, and if you try to kill the baby I'll die."
"How can you know that?"
"Because even though I've never seen Jacob, from the look in your eyes he's very real. And you're scared."
"But…"
"Richard, maybe it's going to be all right. Maybe I'll be fine and so won't the baby. I really don't see why Jacob would lie to you."
"You don't know him Kate, and neither does Locke. Jacob does things like this."
"But why to you?"
"Because he knows how much I love you…and the only way to be certain that you'll be okay is to have him make you like me."
Richard's eyes were pleading, but Kate shook her head.
"I love you Richard, but I couldn't…"
"But, we'll be together…"
"And never age? Spend forever on this island? Richard I'm sure you've wanted to die plenty of times. This isn't a gift…it's a curse! Why did you even ask Jacob in the first place to turn you back…to make you normal?"
"Kate…"
"Because you know everyone dies…and you no longer wanted to be alone."
"But we'll be together…"
"And the baby? Richard as much as you hate this…it's our baby."
"No, it's something that will kill you."
"Stop talking that way. Maybe Jacob was right, maybe it did happen for a reason."
"Stop saying that!"
Richard snapped. Kate stood back, hands on her hips.
"All I know is that we're alone in this. And if there's a chance nothing will happen, then I'm going to take it. There's no other way."
"But you'll die…"
"You don't know that Richard. It's our only choice and I don't…and I really mean this…I don't ever want to be changed like you. I love you Richard and I would spent eternity with you…but not like this."
Silent tears fell down Richard's face as he stared up at her. Kate then shook his hand and lead him into the living room. Sitting him on the couch she grabbed a bowl of water and a rag before coming back and sitting down beside him. Gently dipping the rag in the water, she slowly cleaned Richard's scratches. Richard hissed at first from the pain as sweat rolled down his face. Slowly he began to relax and sat back as Kate finished.
"I want to see Jacob."
Richard looked at her.
"What?"
"Jacob, I want to see him."
"I told you Kate, you can't…"
"I know you're lying…and I want to at least speak with him. If you love me you'll do this."
"Not even Locke has seen him in person."
"Then we'll have to just keep this a secret."
"He won't change his mind Kate."
"Well, I have a few questions for him. And I want them answered."
Richard then looked down at his chest, the bleeding had stopped and Kate sat beside him on the couch. Then, Richard grabbed her hand, yanking her to stand up.
"Richard…"
He pulled her towards the front door.
"I want to make sure first."
"But Richard wait…"
But Richard pulled her out the front door and into the darkness of the night. Nearly stumbling down the stairs behind him, Kate begged Richard to stop this. His fingers dug into her arm as he lead her onto to one of the stations around the village. One was an old medical bay that hadn't been used in years.
"Richard please stop!"
But he wasn't listening, instead he walked towards it yanking Kate behind him like a child. Finally they went inside.
"Richard let go!"
Richard made her sit down hard on a dusty stool while he violently began yanking open metal draws. From the noise he was making Kate wondered why anyone hadn't been woken up yet and check outside. Instead she sat there in the darkness before the dusty room was faintly lit. Richard threw down an old fashion silver zip lighter and lit one of the lanterns. The light that was given off was faint and creepy.
Kate didn't know what to do next. Instead she sat there until Richard came storming over with a few things in his hands. He slammed them down on the table beside him making her jump.
"Richard what are you doing?"
Instead of answering, he handed her what looked to be a small box. Kate took a second to have her eyes adjust to the wording on the box.
Pregnancy Test.
Kate's eyes drifted up, slightly confused.
"Richard what is this?"
"It's a pregnancy test…there's plenty of them from Juliet's research. Take it."
"But Richard I told you I'm almost positive…"
"Positive isn't enough for me, now go take it."
Kate saw how scared he was, his hands were still shaking and his eyes seemed completely outraged. Thinking back at the two weeks in which Kate kept this overwhelming news all to herself. She was usually regular, but remembering the two other times with Desmond she knew right away once she was late. She had felt a little funny the other day waking up, but she still thought it was far too early for morning sickness. She knew the risks of being pregnant on the island, and how there wasn't any younger Others because of it. She knew Juliet's research and how they could never figure out what was causing this. Thinking back at her two miscarries, one in which she couldn't even remember…Kate decided to wait. She wanted to hear Richard's thoughts on this. If he wanted children or not. She was still so amazed by how wonderful he was and the fact he didn't age puzzled her. She decided she would slowly bring it up and see how Richard would react. After that…she hoped they could figure it out.
"Richard…"
"Take it Kate, do it now."
She saw his voice was raising and breaking up. Taking a deep breath Kate nodded before getting up and going across the room towards the bathrooms. She remembered she was the same room she gave blood for little Ben after he had been shot.
Richard meanwhile nervously waited, pacing back and forth in the flickering light. Minutes later Kate came back with the small plastic stick in which Richard grabbed from her hands before she could even walk fully out the door.
"It takes a few minutes…"
Richard rushed over to the lantern and held the plastic stick up to the light waiting. Kate meanwhile crossed her arms trying her hardest not to cry. Walking over she placed one of her hands on Richard's back.
"Richard please…"
Richard then dropped the test. Kate could see over his shoulder what it said.
Positive.
Richard stood up, not facing her. Kate shifted from one foot to the other before touching him again.
"Richard?"
Richard turned, he looked stunned.
Kate then put her arms around him, looking him straight in the eye.
"Take me to Jacob."'
Richard looked at Kate, for once completely helpless before he gently took her hand and the two left the medical bay. Taking a torch, the two started out towards the beach.
"Might take a few hours, you okay to walk?"
Kate nodded before Richard looked down and saw the bruises on her arm from him grabbing her. He looked ashamed.
"I'm so sorry Kate."
Kate reached up touching the side of his face.
"It's okay…you're just scared."
Richard nodded before leading her off into the darkness. They walked for a good hour, first starting off in the jungle before reaching the beach. Waves kept crashing in, making everything seem much more peaceful. Richard and Kate walked hand and hand letting the light of their torch lead them. Walking along the sand, Kate finally looked up at him.
"Do you believe Jacob?"
Richard looked at her.
"What?"
"Him saying I'll be okay. Do you believe it?"
"I don't know what to believe Kate…"
Nodding she decided that was the last of the questions she would ask. It had been a horrible night and she just wanted it to end. She had seen a different side of Richard, a side that showed how much he truly loved her and wanted to protect her. She wanted so badly to know who this Jacob was…and why he had done whatever he did to Richard. She wanted to know so many things…
Instead she just kept walking with him. Knowing once she finally met Jacob, she might get some answers.
Walking with him, Kate looked out at the ocean and wondered where her friends were. Most of all Desmond. She wished that all this madness would finally stop. That for once she could just find peace and happiness. Looking at Richard she sighed.
Shortly before dawn they stopped.
"What is it?"
Richard pointed to a crumbling foot of a giant stature. It faced the water and gave Kate a very uneasy feeling just looking at it.
Richard pointed, lowering the torch.
"This is where Jacob lives."
"I thought he lived in that cabin you and Locke always go to."
"That's where Jacob's voice can be heard…this is where he lives."
"And nobody besides you have been here?"
Richard nodded.
"Come on, stay behind me."
Kate followed, feeling for the first time since early on last year completely terrified. She hated herself for getting pregnant. Somehow during her many years of hard luck a mistake didn't happen once. Now on this island three times? She hated herself at that exact moment and just wished her and Richard could be left alone. She didn't believe Jacob when he said they wouldn't be allowed to hurt the baby.
Holding her hand tighter, Richard lead her up some uneven rocks before stopping at the statue's wall. Leaning against it, Richard had Kate hold the torch before pressing in.
The stone moved, revealing a door. Kate sucked in a breath as Richard held her hand again and lead her in.