So pleased to see that people are reading my story. Please do leave me a review if you get a minute as I would love to know what you think.

On the morning of the fifth day since Richard left (yes I was counting), I lazily sat out on the porch, enjoying my morning cup of tea in the sun, when he appeared. I saw him from a distance, strolling casually towards the house, dressed in his usual shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a bag slung over his shoulder. I had been so lonely that part of me wanted to run over and throw my arms round him, though I didn't want to scare him off so stopped myself. I gave him a big smile though as he reached the porch. He smiled back at me.

"You look happier." He remarked.

"Well the sun is out". Was all I could feebly come back with.

I was dying to ask him what had come out of his meeting with Jacob but I didn't want to jump on him straight away.

"How was your trip?" Maybe I could get it out of him in a roundabout way.

"Tiring" was his short reply.

He disappeared into his house much to my dismay, but then reappeared after 20 minutes, fresh out the shower, dressed more casually than I had seen him before in lounge pants and a t-shirt, drinking a glass of fresh juice.

"Want one?" He offered.

"Sure!" I smiled back.

He went and fetched a second glass for me and sat down. We made small talk for a while. I told him about all the books i'd read and he seemed very impressed. I went and got some banana bread that I had made the day before and he devoured it. I tried not to throw too many questions about the island at him, I didn't want him to think I was just using to him to gain information, but he seemed in quite an open mood and I learned various things. There were various old Dharma Stations dotted around the island which his people used as bases, though the barracks were the main living quarters. There was a second, smaller island nearby where one of the stations was. The people here came from various backgrounds, but were all likeminded and all committed to protecting the island from outsiders. They had arrived at different times by submarine, but once here did not leave. Going back to the "outside world" wasn't an option under normal circumstances, so they were only bought here if it was certain that they would want to stay. My heart sank a little at hearing this. If they were reluctant to let their own people leave then why would they let me. There were 50 - 60 or so of them on the island, plus a small number of contacts back in the outside world (mainly US based I think) that were in on the secret. Most islanders lived at the barracks, and a small number, including Richard lived a more wild existence in a tented community that travelled to different parts of the island. Richard maintained his house at the barracks as well though, as he was frequently needed here by Ben to do whatever it was they did day to day. He wasn't clear exactly where the island was, but did say that it was deep in the pacific, and far away from the path of any passing boats. Richard was less forthcoming about his background, and gave very vague answers when I asked how he had come to be here, but did confirm that it had been many, many years. Eventually I became impatient and asked the question that had been on my mind since he had first got back.

"So what did Jacob say, about me?"

"He didn't exactly give a straight answer." Richard replied sheepishly. "I know you wanted me to come back and tell you exactly whats in store for you but I don't have much information to give you unfortunately. What I am sure of though is that he bought you here for a reason, and I have no doubt that the reason will eventually become clear. In the meantime though, I know it's not what you want to hear, but you will need to stay put. Jacob is a complicated man, but I have the utmost faith in him."

I didn't know how to feel about this. At least my life was safe in that there were no plans to do away with me. But it meant I was stuck here in this, almost prison-like scenario indefinitely. It was a beautiful desert island - an idyllic way of living almost, but I wasn't getting to do and see any of nice bits. I couldn't go to the beach or hike around the mountains.

Seeing my face drop, Richard tried his best to make me feel better.

"I'll talk to Ben, he could find you a role here, something to keep you busy, something you will enjoy. People will feel differently about you if they know you're here to stay. Theres a nice girl called Juliette that I think you could get on well with. She hasn't been here long so doesn't know many people either. She's works over on Hydra Island most of the time but often comes back here."

I softened a bit. It wasn't a hopeless situation for me. I had nothing I was missing back home, and at least I was alive, I kept reminding myself.

"I guess it would really help if I had more freedom. If I wasn't confined to the barracks. If I could go walking on the beach and hiking in the mountains. Though I guess they don't trust me not to try and escape." I put to him. He paused, clearly thinking how to let me down gently.

"That's probably going to be difficult. It's not just to do with them not trusting you. It wouldn't be safe to go wandering round the island on your own. You're unfamiliar with the place and you're inexperience. The island can be a dangerous place. It's complicated and I can't go into it now, but trust me, there is danger out there, and I wouldn't want you getting hurt." I considered his answer, then thought back to my trek through the jungle when I first came here.

"That smoke monster?" I asked. Richard looked at me surprised.

"Have you seen it?" He asked. So I told him about what had happened, and my very narrow escape. I hadn't mentioned it to anyone before now in case they thought I was stark raving mad.

"Well thats exactly the kind of thing i'm talking about, and the reason you have to be so careful. Like I said, you are clearly here for a reason, so we need to protect you and stop you from coming into harms way. That thing can't get into the barracks, thats what the perimeter security fence is for."

I was quite touched about his concern for me, and that he was clearly protective of me, so decided to let the matter drop. I quickly made up my mind to make the most of a bad situation, for now anyway. I would see how it went. I'd see if I could adapt to living on this island.

We chatted for a while longer, and then Richard retired into his house. He had been up all night travelling back so was tired and needed to sleep. I decided to cook something nice for dinner later. Maybe he would join me if he wasn't too busy. I would ask him anyway.