Act Four

'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter

And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet."

But you were everything to me; I was beggin' you, "Please don't go."

Love Story, Taylor Swift

—-

James felt like he weighed a thousand pounds as he tramped through the jungle, lost in a daze. He was hot and sticky from the island humidity, and his bag was digging uncomfortably into his shoulder.

Jack was dead. But so was Ben.

Everything had changed. In a matter of ten minutes, everything was different now.

He couldn't go back to the beach camp, not after what had happened. They'd looked at him like he'd been a secret, undercover Other all along. The horror and betrayal in their eyes would be something that would likely haunt James forever, and he had no interest in seeing more of the aftermath of his decision to pursue Juliet.

He'd been warned. First by Jack, then by Ben. And now look at him. Heeding neither dead man's warning.

James needed to find Juliet. Now. But he didn't even know where to start. He couldn't go back to Otherton – their people would be on high alert, and they'd probably shoot first and ask questions later. Furthermore, how the hell was he supposed to tell her what happened? How could he possibly survive the sight of the light dimming in her eyes when he told her he'd killed someone? He wasn't sure it mattered that Ben had been her warden, the person she hated most on this entire island, maybe in the entire world.

Juliet was good. Surely, she wouldn't want to be with him anymore. Not after he'd gotten the doc killed, too. This was all his goddamn fault.

(He thought once more of the people he'd left behind on the beach. Their light was gone now, too, and James never wanted to see anguish like that again.)

There was only one place he could think of to go. Somewhere secluded, somewhere he could find a place to hide, if need be.

He adjusted his direction, aiming for the waterfall. The place he thought of as 'theirs' now. He didn't know what else to do, and this plan was better than no plan. It certainly beat wandering aimlessly with no fresh water and no safe resting place.

He arrived quicker than he'd expected to. Perhaps his feet had been guiding him here, all along. Perhaps he knew, on some level, that Juliet would know to come here. He certainly hoped she did.

He hadn't been resting with his feet in the water for long, pant legs rolled up on his calves, when he heard what sounded like an elephant barreling through the jungle. He cursed, and rose unsteadily to his feet, gun aimed and on high alert, when he saw a young kid - no older than 16, 17 - skid to a halt with his hands up.

"Whoa, whoa!" the kid said, and his wide eyes locked on the weapon aimed right at him.

"Who're you?" James growled, body fizzling with tension.

"I'm a friend! Name's Karl. Juliet sent me, I swear!" Karl shouted and took a half step backwards in fear.

James swore again and lowered his gun, his heart skittering in his chest at the mention of her name. "Is she okay?" he breathed, and his whole body sagged as the tension leeched into the grassy ground beneath his bare feet.

Karl nodded, finally lowering his arms. "She's fine. But we have a meeting soon that I have to get back to." He stepped forward. "She wanted me to find you, said you'd probably be here. She couldn't get away, but she wanted me to tell you to come to her house tonight, when it gets dark."

"What about the Others?" James asked, bewildered by her request. He couldn't help but wonder if it was a trap, and Karl wasn't a 'friend' after all.

"No one'll notice after it gets dark - there's too much going on. She said to tell you to come the way you did before, whatever that means."

So Juliet really did send the kid after all. She was the only one who knew he'd visited her, both days and also a lifetime ago, it seemed. "Why couldn't she come out here herself?"

Karl frowned. "We're all meeting soon, but right now… Tom's questioning her about whatever stuff she's involved with. You, I guess."

James's breathing hitched and his hands began to tingle. That feeling of slow panic overwhelmed his nerves, as if he were seeing a cop car lingering just a little too long and a little too closely behind his vehicle. "What do you mean? Who's Tom?" he asked slowly, and lowered his voice.

"Tom's nice, I suppose - he's nothing like Danny or Ryan. And she didn't seem worried, if that helps at all. But I guess Ryan spilled the beans about Ben confronting you about her, and Tom wanted to ask her about it."

"The hell do you know about that?" James retorted, his fear ramping higher and higher with each revelation. Ben knew about them, but now others did too. How long would it take for the whole damn village to find out?

"Our people aren't supposed to mix, you know. I'm guessing Ben found out about you two?" Karl asked. James sneered in response, but said nothing. Encouraged by his silence, Karl continued. "Look, I get it. I'm in a… complicated relationship, too." He tried to offer an encouraging smile. "Ben's done some evil things. Trust me, I'm not complaining about what you did."

"That why you took the job as messenger boy, Chachi?"

Karl frowned, not understanding. "Look, Juliet's helped me a lot, okay? I know she wouldn't have sent me out here if it wasn't important. But you're asking too many questions and I gotta go back before they find out I'm gone."

James ran a hand through his hair. "Tell her…" he started, and then sighed. "Tell her I'll be there." He wasn't sure what Juliet was thinking, asking him to step into the lion's den. Especially a lion's den starved for fresh meat, and with a vendetta to boot. But like Karl said, she wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important.

What did he really have to lose at this point?

(Now that he knew her, what kind of life would he have if she wasn't in it?)

"I'll tell her," Karl assured, and turned to run back to his camp. He paused, doubling back, and added, "Be careful. Stay in the shadows. There's cameras, but they're pretty big and hard to miss. You'll see 'em."

"Thanks, kid," James nodded, and then Karl was gone. He knew about the cameras already, but it was kind of the kid to remind him.

James rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck from side to side, trying to force himself to relax. The sun was low in the sky, and night would come soon. In the meantime, he needed to bide his time before following Juliet's request. He sat back down and pulled a granola bar from his bag. He wasn't hungry, but he needed to keep his energy up.

He had a hell of a long night ahead of him; of that, James was certain.

—-

Juliet paced in her bedroom. All the lights in the house were off except one lamp on her nightstand. All the doors and windows were locked, except the one she was pacing in front of. It was just past ten. James should have been here by now.

Karl had only given her the briefest of nods when he saw her in the rec room earlier today. He'd been a few minutes late, but no one seemed to notice or care. Of that, Juliet was grateful. She'd helped him and Alex sneak around a time or two, but she wasn't wholly sure he wouldn't rat her out if it came down to it.

The meeting had gone as she'd expected. Tom had been the one to announce that Ben was dead, and a hush fell over the crowd, like everyone's very breath had been stolen from the depths of their lungs. Then, almost all at once, pandemonium was unleashed.

People cried. People shouted, demanding answers. And many people simply turned to their neighbor in shock, wondering aloud how this was going to impact their lives here on the island.

But Juliet and Karl? They were practically numb. They didn't know how to feel. So they sat there quietly, eyes wide and bodies still from contemplation. (Juliet couldn't help but wonder if they were the only ones who felt a little lighter now, or if Ben had other enemies, hidden amongst the small community.)

Karl couldn't show his relief, of course. He held onto a bleary-eyed Alex, who'd been told in private earlier. She looked absent, but clung to Karl like he was her life support. Because it hadn't mattered how much Ben and Alex had fought – he was still the one who'd raised her. He was still her father.

In her bedroom, Juliet was starting to get antsy. With each passing minute, she felt her heart rate steadily increase. What if he'd gotten cold feet? What if he'd tried to come, but he'd gotten caught? What if –

But there – a soft knock came from the window. Juliet pushed her hands against the pane and lifted it. James was huddled outside in the dark, ducking down as if that alone would help him avoid detection. She stuck her hand outside, her fingers grasping his soft, worn t-shirt, and helped tug him inside.

He looked a bit bedraggled, so Juliet ran her hands up and down what parts of him she could, feeling around for injury. She needed to touch him to convince herself that he was truly okay.

"I'm alright, I'm alright," he murmured, and pulled her in for a bone-crushing hug. She breathed him in, inhaling his smoky scent, now tinged with the salt of his sweat, and she could feel her stress level coming down now that he was finally here.

He melted her, from the inside out. No one else had ever had that kind of instantaneous effect on her.

He only let go of her in order to reach behind him and firmly shut the window. He pulled the curtains shut, and his entire body seemed to sag with relief.

"You okay?" he asked. Juliet nodded, releasing a heavy breath.

It was quiet between them, but not awkward. Juliet reached out to take his hand with her left, and used her right to trace the lines on his face. She pushed his hair out of his eyes, tucking the longer strands behind his ears. She rubbed some dirt off his cheek and delicately placed the pad of her thumb on his full bottom lip. James closed his eyes, savoring the moment, savoring her touch.

"Feels good not to be lookin' over my shoulder," he said softly, and just the sound of his voice warmed her chest. He was here. He was safe. When his eyes opened, they were a dark, stormy blue.

"Thank you for coming."

James huffed a light chuckle. "Thanks for lettin' me crash here." He finally looked around her room, and Juliet couldn't help but feel a little bare. This was the first time she'd ever let him in her space like this. Watching him look around felt like watching him inspect her from the inside out. "You, uh, mind if I take a shower? I just feel kinda…" He didn't have to finish. Juliet understood. He'd had a hell of a day.

Part of her wanted to ask him, right then and there, whether he'd done it on purpose. But what if the truth hurt? He'd come all this way… For now, she decided she'd give him the benefit of the doubt. He was human, and she loved him. She wanted to take care of him; delay the inevitable conversation that might make or break what she envisioned happening next.

"Sure," she answered with a kind smile. "It's around the corner, to the left. I'll get you a toothbrush and make you a sandwich, too. You hungry?"

James's eyebrows raised and he nodded, "You're an angel, you know that?" He planted a firm kiss to her temple and followed her instructions to the bathroom.

As promised, she laid out toothpaste and a new toothbrush on the bathroom sink while he showered. She was half-tempted to pull back the curtain and take a peak, but despite the fact that she was certain he wouldn't care, she forced herself to respect that boundary. Then, she laid out some clean clothes she thought would fit him (her extra large sweatpants she wore when she was on her period, and an oversized t-shirt she slept in by itself when it was too hot), and gathered up the dirty clothes from the bathroom floor. She'd thrown them in the washer and had just started making his sandwich when he came out, timid, but seemingly relaxed. His wet hair was slicked back like a 50s greaser, and the v-neck of her shirt showed off his tanned, hairless chest.

"I feel like a new man," he said, voice low, as if still concerned someone might hear him from one of the other houses.

Juliet grinned, and slathered the mustard messily on the bread. She was heavily distracted by how well he cleaned up, and wearing her clothes, no less. It was… alarmingly hot, to say the least.

"I'm sure you do," she agreed, and placed two slices of cheddar cheese on the turkey sandwich. She didn't have any lettuce or tomato, but she was sure he wouldn't mind. "Here. Eat up." She handed him the plate, shyly, like it was some kind of peace offering.

He took it, fingers grazing across hers. "Thanks. Looks really damn good."

"I can make another, if you want it?" But James shook his head.

"Nah. One's good. Thanks."

She smiled and tilted her head to the side, signaling for him to follow her back to her bedroom. It was the most isolated room at the back of the house, and she'd have more time to hide him if someone came knocking. This situation was too delicate not to be strategic.

Juliet sat at the head of the bed, knees tucked up to her chest, and he sat on the side, both feet planted firmly on the floor.

She watched him eat his sandwich, giving him a moment before asking the question that had been weighing on her like a concrete brick. "What happened, James?" She was so quiet, so delicate in the way that she asked him, but the question still seemed to wrap around his neck, pulling him down until he slouched over the plate in his lap.

"It's a long story," he sighed, and took another small bite of his sandwich. "You go first. What happened with Tom?"

Juliet frowned. Karl must have told him. "He just asked what Ben was going on about. I told him I'd seen you in the jungle, near our territory the other day. That nothing happened, but that Ben must have just been… concerned for me. Jealous, maybe. I think I was able to convince him it was nothing."

"And before that?"

She swallowed, her concern rising at the way he refused to meet her eyes. "Well… I overheard Ryan on the walkie, earlier today. He said they killed one of your people." James flinched, and Juliet rested her chin on her knee. As if the bones and muscles of her legs could form a barrier, protecting her heart from whatever it was he had to say next. "He also said Ben was killed, James. They think you did it."

James sniffed, and shoved the rest of the sandwich in his mouth. He chewed for a long time, taking his time, mulling over his next words. When he swallowed, Juliet held her breath, steeling herself.

"That's 'cause I did."

One. Two. Three long, painful seconds passed, before Juliet asked, "...on purpose?"

James shook his head and put the plate on her dresser. He stared down into his lap, lost in the memory. "He came to the beach, tellin' me to stay away from you. He knew, Juliet. He saw us. I guess… I guess he followed you, after seein' you on one of the damn cameras."

"But I was careful –"

"I guess not careful enough," James snipped, then sighed. He cracked his knuckles nervously. "He got mad. Told me to stay away. I said I wouldn't. Then one of those goons pulled out a gun, and one of my people… our leader," he said the word with such spite, Juliet's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "He pulled out a gun, too. Told 'em to clear off. Next thing I know, we're all fightin'." He shook his head, eyes closed as if replaying the scene like a movie in his head. "Ben was taunting him, tellin' him he knew he wouldn't do shit. And maybe… maybe Jack was tired of it. I think he was gonna shoot him, Juliet, but then one of the goons shot first."

"They killed him?" Juliet whispered, but again James shook his head.

"Not at first. We all tussled a bit, then next thing I know, Kate's wailin' and everything's out of fuckin' control. I grabbed my bag and I just… I just left." His voice cracked, and Juliet could see the misery all over James's face.

"It wasn't your fault," she assured, but his red-rimmed eyes cut to hers.

"Like hell it ain't!" he snapped, before reining in his volume. He needed to be careful. He couldn't be heard. "He was there at the camp 'cause he saw us. He… he feels - felt - like he owned you."

Juliet closed her eyes and rested her forehead on her knees. "I know," she whispered. She was all too aware of Ben's obsession. She'd tried to warm James, hadn't she?

"I was pissed. I guess I was – I was scared," James breathed, and lowered his head into his hands, his elbows on his thighs. "I wanted to fuckin' kill him. I just wanted revenge, Juliet. I needed him to pay for what he'd done." Then he raised his head, looking her way. She met his eyes, almost too afraid to see the emotion bubbling to the surface there. "Jack was our only doctor. He was our leader. The fuck're they gonna do, now that he's dead?"

"I don't know…" she whispered, because she didn't. In the back of her mind she wondered: what would her people do without Ben? How much would really change in his absence?

Then James continued. "I followed him, tracked him out into the jungle where I was gonna kill him. I wanted to, Juliet. I had my gun out. I thought - I thought I was defendin' you. I thought I was standin' up for my people, gettin' back at him for Jack, but then…"

"Then…?"

James took in a rattling breath, as if his whole body were trembling. "I couldn't do it," he whispered, so low Juliet had to strain to hear him. "I couldn't kill him. I couldn't on the beach, when I wanted to. Then I couldn't in the jungle, neither. And I think he knew that. He knew I was a fuckin' coward. Then he just - he tried to get the gun away from me, and we fought over it, and then it just…" He stared up at the ceiling, perplexed. "It went off. And he was just… dead."

The relief flooding through Juliet's body was enough to propel her forward. She sat behind James, her legs on either side of him. She rested her cheek against the middle of his shoulder blades and wrapped her arms around the front of his chest.

It wasn't his fault. It had been an accident. Sure, he'd had the gun out, but he wasn't a killer. He'd hesitated, and that spoke volumes.

He wasn't a killer.

"It sounds like it was an accident, James," she murmured against the warmth of his body. He seemed to melt like soft serve against her hold, his back curving forward with the weight of her acceptance.

"You're not… you don't…?" he murmured, dismay evident in his voice. "But I killed him."

Understanding dawned on Juliet, then. It shoved against her ribcage, her love for him swelling outwards.

He was worried about what she'd think. He wasn't trying to defend himself, because he felt responsible either way. He truly thought he was a killer.

"It was an accident," she said again, more insistent this time, for both of their sakes. "Both Jack and Ben. Neither death was your fault." And if they were, she almost added, they'd be just as much her fault, too. She didn't need that kind of burden on her conscience.

James stood, vacating the warm spot between her legs and breaking free from her arms. He turned and faced her, hands on his hips. "Jack died 'cause of us, Juliet," he croaked. "I was seein' red. I went after Ben 'cause of how he talked about you, and now he's dead too. It don't matter that he pulled the gun from me. I still had it out. I wanted to shoot the bastard."

Juliet stood, shaking with the effort. Her hands rested on James's tight shoulders. "But you didn't," she reminded him, slowly but firmly. "I am sorry about Jack. He didn't deserve this. But we didn't shoot him. We didn't send Ben out there. He did that on his own, because he's possessive and he's evil and he's psychotic." Her volume rose with each word, pitch getting higher and higher. Even now, in death, he still found ways to anger her, rile her up. He'd embarrassed her, going to the beach camp like that. He'd torn James apart, gotten someone killed, and destroyed the morale of every single person in that camp.

She usually tried keeping respect for the dead, but in this case, Ben's actions made it damn near impossible not to spit on his grave.

He leaned in close, as if her words were lassoing him in. "I just feel…" he whispered, and his voice cracked. He shook his head, lips moving in an attempt to form the words.

"You may feel remorse, and sadness, but that doesn't mean you're responsible, James." She leaned up on her tiptoes, pulling his forehead down to touch hers. "You are a good man. And besides, none of that matters right now. You're here, with me. And I don't –" She inhaled a shaky breath. The reality of what their lives had become was pressing down on her from all sides, making it harder and harder to breathe. She refused to accept any blame for this turn of events, and she was done talking about it.

She licked her lips. "I don't know what tomorrow will bring. For now, though… can we just be together?"

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her hair. "Of course, baby. Whatever you want."

She looked up at him, pressing her hands to either side of his face. His eyes seemed lighter somehow, though she couldn't explain why. Like stormy skies meeting a sliver of sunrise. "I want you to kiss me, James."

He smirked, and lowered his mouth until it hovered just inches away from her own. "You got it, Blondie."

His kiss warmed her inside, like hot chocolate on a cold day. Her body loosened as he pulled her flush against him, and they both let out contented sighs.

They were going to figure this out. They had to.

—-

Dawn seemed to come quickly the next morning, the first of the day's rays lightening Juliets's bedroom to a soft, pale grey. She inhaled deeply as she woke, blinking and squinting at the clock on her nightstand.

James's arm was heavy around her middle. His stiff morning wood was pressed against her backside, and she moved against it in an effort to better see the time. It was just after six in the morning.

"Mmm," he groaned, and tightened his grip around her middle. He breathed heavily against the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. "Mornin' already?" he asked, and the rumble in his chest vibrated against her back.

Juliet frowned. It had come too fast. She wasn't ready to let him go. (Would she ever be?) "Yeah."

After a beat, he shifted away from her. She let out a dissatisfied noise. "Guess I should get goin', huh?" He sniffed and rubbed a hand roughly across his face. "Don't want no repeat of last time."

Juliet knew he was right. God, she knew. But she missed him already and he was still here, lying beside her. How would she feel when he finally left?

Wanting to save the last vestiges of her morning, she suggested softly, "Just a little while longer?" It certainly beat 'please don't go.'

She rolled over, facing him directly. His heat steeped into her muscles, her bones, her very soul. His eyes were a bright, light green this morning. "Ain't ya worried 'bout, ya know, us gettin' caught?"

Of course she was. But she was still half asleep, and she just wanted a few more minutes to savor this. She wasn't sure when she'd get it again. "Just five more minutes," she whispered, and pressed her lips softly to his. He groaned his assent, and wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair with one hand.

Five minutes passed; a kiss here and there, a touch of skin, a whisper of assurance. It was over far too soon, and James had to find it in himself to be the bigger person here. If it were up to Juliet, she'd lock him in her bedroom for the rest of time. But it wasn't safe. They'd already tested the limits, with him staying the full night.

He went to the bathroom and she grabbed his clothes from the dryer, where she'd put them just before she'd gone to bed. She pressed the clothes to her face, wondering if they still smelled like him. But they didn't. If they had, she might've just kept them for herself.

He changed into them beside her bed, not bothering to hide from her loving, albeit sad gaze. When he was finished, Juliet reached into the closet and handed him a small duffel bag. He'd told her last night that he still had her supplies from before, but had left them hidden near the waterfall, just in case he'd have to run. "I know I already gave you stuff, but… well, here's more stuff," she finished lamely, and he took the bag from her limp hold. He set it on the ground beside him and pulled her into a warm hug.

"I know you don't want me to go. I don't wanna go, either. But hey…" He wove his fingers through her hair to hold the back of her head. "If this ends up bein' my last day on earth, I sure am glad I started it by wakin' up next to you."

Juliet squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her face more firmly against his shoulder. She bit her lip to keep from crying. "I feel the same way, James," she whispered against his shirt, and squeezed him so hard, it felt like they were merging into one.

Last day on earth. The reality of their situation hit her hard, and she realized that it was growing lighter and lighter by the second outside. Security would likely start sweeping the grounds soon.

Reluctantly, she let go, disentangling herself from his hold. "You should go," she relented, and it felt like giving up. He gave her one last, lingering kiss before throwing the duffel on his shoulder.

With one foot out the window, he looked over his shoulder and said, "We'll figure somethin' out. I'll see ya again soon, okay? Just send the kid if you can't get away. Have him meet me at the creek, the one that connects to the waterfall. It's more secluded; it ain't out in the open."

"I know where it is," she agreed with a nod, and peered around him to ensure no one was nearby. "Be careful, okay?"

James's face looked pale, and grim. "I will," he promised, but Juliet could tell he was scared.

She kissed his cheek, and then he left. She watched as he hunched down low, sneaking behind the houses til he hit the treeline. She craned her neck as far as it would go until she couldn't see him anymore. She felt her stomach bottom out the moment he left her sight.

She couldn't help but wonder if he was telling the truth. If he truly believed he'd see her soon.

She hoped to God he was right.

—-

Later that day, Juliet received a heavy, urgent knock on the door. She answered it, hair still dripping wet from her recent shower. She pressed the towel into the ends, trying to soak up the water, and came face to face with a scowling Ryan.

She sucked in a breath. "Ryan," she inhaled, knowing her tone betrayed her surprise.

"Juliet," he responded in greeting, sounding none-too-pleased to see her. "We've decided to move everyone to the temple. Effective immediately."

Juliet's stomach contorted into a pretzel shape. No, she thought miserably. No no no. She'd never get away. She'd never see James again. "Wait, w-what?" she breathed, practically stuttering in time with her racing heart.

"Richard came to see us last night. It's Jacob's decision." He didn't seem too pleased by this direction.

"I don't understand –"

"And you don't have to. It doesn't change the outcome. We leave in three hours. Have your things packed." Ryan moved to leave, but Juliet's hand reached out and grabbed his arm.

"I'm not going," she breathed, and it felt important. It felt… powerful. She was both defiant and she was righteous. She was rebelling, but it didn't feel so dangerous anymore. Ben wasn't here to stop her.

He yanked out of her grasp. "Yes, you are. I don't care if you were Ben's little pet or not, getting away with whatever shit he decided to allow. You're going with us. It's what he would have ordered." The way he ran a finger along the gun tucked into his pants spoke volumes. She'd go, or there would be consequences.

"Ryan, Ben's gone! There's no reason for me to stay here, you know this. I don't belong here!" He turned and started walking away. Juliet's desperation grew higher and higher with every slapping step on the sidewalk. "I just want to go home!" she shouted, and Ryan stopped, before whirling around, brazen anger evident on his face.

"The island is your home, Dr. Burke. It's about time you finally get used to it." In the air left behind in his wake, she heard him utter under his breath, "Because you are never fucking leaving."

Juliet's jaw dropped, but not as low as her spirit. She really thought things would improve if Ben were to die, but it seemed like his minions were more than happy with keeping the status quo in his absence. She didn't know why she hadn't seen that coming. She didn't know why they cared so much, what they had against her.

Her face fell, followed by the towel, dropping to the floor from her loose grip. Across the lawn, she saw Amelia speaking with Sharon. She had a loose pack slung over her bony shoulders, and she was grinning.

Her obvious joy felt like a betrayal. Juliet had no one to turn to. No one was on her side.

All around the grassy lawn, people milled about, looking Stepfordian and robotic. Those who did wear a smile on their face looked practically giddy, despite the heavy news they'd received the day prior. It seemed she was the last to hear of their plans to completely abandon their houses in favor of a temple most of them had never seen before.

Why? Because once you went, you never came back.

There was nothing utopian about this society at all. She didn't know what was wrong with everyone. Why they took orders so easily, without question. Why they weren't even remotely interested in going back to their old lives.

Juliet closed the door, feeling alone and adrift. Her hair dripped water onto her soft, pale pink cotton shirt. Numbly, she picked up the towel and meandered back to her bedroom.

She didn't know what to do.

She had run out of time.

She refused to go to the temple. There was no way; her freedom would be completely stripped away, in the name of some man she'd never even met before. Only Richard ever spoke to Jacob - not even Ben - according to what she'd once overheard.

And then… an idea sparked in her mind. Just the remnants, like the scent of a lingering perfume long after its wearer had left the room. She tried to grasp at the edges, form the idea into something solid, something clear, but it was still just slightly out of reach.

Determination overtook her. She'd figure out the details later, she thought, and she went to work. She pulled out the bag she always had packed with the bare essentials, and decided she'd add more to it: Food, water, toiletries. It already contained clothes and survival tools.

She'd rather die than go to the temple with everyone else. But she didn't want to leave James alone. Not without a fight. She'd find a way to sneak out of here, a way to find him. They'd hide, they'd figure it out.

And if they were eventually caught? Oh well. She'd rather die with him than be with these people any longer.

She took a deep, steadying breath. It was finally time for Juliet to break away from the Others, once and for all.

—-

It wasn't suspicious for Juliet to leave her house with a bag in her hand. Most people were. They rushed around like wet ants, going this way and that, bringing stuff out of their houses in a kind of frenzy Juliet wasn't used to seeing.

It was almost time to go. Of course they were rushing now.

Juliet had spotted Karl from her window. She walked leisurely over to him, as he sat on Ben's front porch steps. He looked subdued, unlike the rest of the colony. "Hey," she said, trying to sound cheerful. She was anything but.

"Hey," he said back, nodding once in her direction. She sat next to him on the stoop, bag deposited at her side.

"How's Alex?" she asked.

Karl shrugged. "Fine, I guess. Seems okay."

Juliet tried to purse her lips into a soft smile. "That's good. Yeah. That's good."

Karl looked over at her, squinting in the late afternoon sunlight. "You gonna tell me why you made me go give him that message, now?" His tone was serious, and it caught Juliet off-guard.

She scoffed at the implication that she'd made him do anything. "You owe me, Karl. I was just cashing in a favor." Karl shrugged, nonplussed. "And if you must know…" she said, lowering her voice. "I love him. We love each other, I think. And he didn't mean to do what he did. It was an accident."

Karl looked out over the sea of his neighbors, feigning disinterest, in case anyone was watching. "I take it he came last night, then?"

"He did. Thank you." He shrugged again. Juliet inhaled deeply through her nose before adding, "You and Alex aren't the only ones forbidden from loving who they love."

"Nothing stopping us now," he snickered, then purposely smoothed his expression. There was no need to draw attention to themselves.

"You're right. James… though he didn't mean to, he did us all a favor, I suppose."

"Maybe not Alex, though."

Juliet couldn't help but click her tongue. "No. I suppose not Alex."

They were quiet for a moment before Juliet finally worked up the courage to ask him for what she needed. She'd been certain he'd do it, at first, but now she wasn't so sure. "Listen, Karl…" She cleared her throat. "I can't go. With you guys, to the temple. I just - I just can't."

He turned to look at her. "But everyone has to."

"I know. I know. But… this place… it's not my home. I lived elsewhere, once, remember?" Karl nodded. She'd regaled him and Alex of stories of Miami - of buildings so tall you had to crane your neck to see. Of streets lined with murals of all colors and art styles, complemented by the sweet aroma of fried doughnuts and cuban restaurants. They'd never heard of such a place, until Juliet.

"But how will you get back there?"

Juliet ran a hand over her frizzy hair, tangling her fingers through the knots. "I don't know. Maybe I won't. But I do know that those that go to the temple never seem to leave. Surely, you've noticed?" Karl shrugged. "Look… They're never going to let me go. Ryan said so. And I don't belong here. Plus, given what James has done…" She shook her head. "There's no way he'll ever be allowed to come with me. You know how painful it is, being separated from the one you love."

"But Juliet… if you run, they'll find you. And then they'll kill him. Why do you think he has a better shot of getting you home than we do?"

She tried not to let it bother her – his use of the word 'we.' She ignored his second question. She didn't have an answer for it, anyway.

"I know all that, Karl. Which is why… I need you to do me one more favor, before you go. Then I promise, you'll never hear from me again."

He looked skeptical, and a little downcast. Juliet had been like a big sister to him and Alex both. He seemed unsure about whether he should oblige her, if it meant losing her completely. But with Ben gone, Juliet finally felt hope again. Hope that, somehow, someday, with James's help, she may make it back to the States. And if not? Well - at least they'd have each other.

There was no better life than living it with the one you love.

"Just tell me what I gotta do," Karl sighed, and bumped Juliet's knee with his own. He was a good kid. Alex was lucky to have him.

Before she could open her mouth to respond, a shadow fell over them. It was Ryan, walking past.

"Tick tock, Dr. Burke," he jeered, and snickered mercilessly before continuing on.

Juliet felt like she had been doused in ice. "Don't let him get to you," Karl murmured, and shot a withering glare in Ryan's direction.

"I know." She straightened her spine, going over the plan once more in her head. She'd ironed out the details to the best of her ability, and she was pretty sure she knew a way out of this. She took a deep breath. "I'd rather die than stay with these people, Karl. Alex… she needs you. But she doesn't need me. I know - I know it'll be different, without Ben around. They'll leave you alone, I'm sure of it. You're both one of them."

"And you're not." It was more a statement than a question, but Juliet nodded nonetheless.

(It was funny in a way, how she'd found a kindred spirit in this kid. Once, Amelia had been her closest friend on the island. Now, it seemed the misfits Alex and Karl were like the little siblings she never had. She felt like she could rely on them, and they'd help her with anything. She was going to miss them, when they were gone.)

"I'm going to do something… a little crazy. And I need you to get word to James, okay? He'll be near where you found him last time, but further along the creek."

Karl nodded. "I can do that. What's the plan?"

And so she told him, low and inconspicuously. How she needed the Others to think she was dead, or else she'd never be truly free. How James needed to know the plan, so he didn't worry. How she needed to get inside Ben's house, without anyone noticing, as soon as possible. He had something she needed.

He listened with rapt attention, a somber frown on his face. "This sounds like… a lot. I hope you know what you're doing."

He was right, of course. A lot could go wrong. She wasn't an expert in this kind of thing, but what other choice did she have? She had less than an hour before Ryan started rounding everyone up. It was about belief, not facts. She just had to grab their attention and make them buy in to her demise.

Without, of course, actually killing herself. That would be the tricky part.

And then, when all was said and done, Karl would sneak away. Alex would cover for him, should anyone notice he was gone, and then he'd loop back up with the group as soon as the message was delivered. Juliet would go herself, but she needed to stay out of sight for as long as possible. The group would be walking in the same direction Juliet would need to go in to get to James, and she couldn't risk being seen.

What she lacked in confidence, she made up for with enthusiasm. She'd be with James again soon. She just had a few more things to do before she left.

She was almost free; she could practically taste it.

—-

Juliet put the last of her bags in the dense outcropping of bushes a couple dozen yards behind her house. She wiped her hands on her jeans, her entire body beginning to tremble in nervous anticipation.

She'd played her part, trudging along at the back of the line of travelers before doubling back to the deserted village. The group should be cresting the first hill any moment now. She needed to time it just right.

With a mournful cavern inside her chest, growing steadily by the minute, Juliet couldn't help but look at her house, in all its simple glory. It had been her refuge for three years, cradling her like a baby when she had no one else to lean on. It provided safety, and comfort, and was always there for her when she needed to be alone.

She hoped to God she was doing the right thing here.

But what other choice did she have?

The answer was none.

Leaving the Others meant leaving their resources, their supplies. Leaving her home meant trying to remember how to survive out in the wild, in the crazy island weather. It meant no regular showers, no air conditioning, no comforts. (Her heart went out to the Oceanic survivors. She felt ashamed, at her difficulty saying goodbye to what they hadn't had in months.)

But had she thought this all the way through?

Did it even matter now?

What's done is done, she told herself, and tried to steel herself against the rising tide of panic threatening to drown her.

She said a final, gut-wrenching goodbye to her home, followed by a silent prayer that she'd see James again soon, before pulling out the lighter from her pocket.

She'd lined her bedroom and the hallway with enough C4 from Ben's reserves that the blast should take down the whole house. With trembling, numb fingers, she lit the fuse, tossed the brick into her opened window, and ran like hell.

Only – she wasn't fast enough. The fuse was too short, and ate up the flame faster than she'd predicted it would.

The resounding blast was so loud it was deafening, and the last thing Juliet felt before losing complete consciousness was heat at her back, and a pressure at the base of her neck.

James's face was at the forefront of her mind.

—-

Karl and Alex ran up to Ryan and Danny, huffing and sweating and out of breath. "Wait!" Alex called, and the men turned with complete agitation written on their faces.

"What?" Ryan asked, out of patience.

"It's Juliet!" Alex said, and gulped down more air.

Ryan froze, as did some of the others. "What about Juliet?" He craned his neck around, trying to see if she was still walking in the back.

"She changed her mind," Karl warned. "She said – she said she isn't going anywhere. Said she'd rather die than be with us."

"Die?" Ryan scoffed, and rolled his eyes. "She's just being melodramatic."

"She's not," Alex interjected. "She told Karl and me that she was going to kill herself. That she couldn't go on living like this anymore."

"She what?" hissed Ryan, and he took two full steps before a loud boom echoed through the valley.

The group ducked, covering their heads, their ears. Wide eyed, many of them rushed around the trees to the edge of the hill, hands shielding their eyes from the setting sun.

Juliet's house was engulfed in flames.

"What the fuck," Ryan breathed, and Danny shoved him to the side to get a better look.

"What a fucking bitch," he said, and shook his head in disbelief. "We should have just left her behind from the start, Ryan! Now look what she's done!"

"That wasn't what Ben would have wanted! He said Jacob wants us all to stick together!"

"Where the fuck did she get explosives, Alex?" Danny screamed, ignoring Ryan and turning her way. Alex played the part - she let out a few loose tears now that she had his attention.

"Juliet's dead… Oh my god…"

Karl tried to put his arms around her, but Danny shoved him aside. "I asked you a question!"

"I don't know! I guess… I –"

"WHERE, Alex?"

Alex let out a strangled sob, and pressed her shirtsleeves against her eyes. "My dad had some, okay?"

Ryan, still gaping, stepped forward. "She got 'em from Ben?"

"She must have known where they were! I don't know!" Because of course, Alex wouldn't admit she'd been the only one to know the code to the safe.

Whispers rose up from the group. They were eavesdropping, and who could blame them? This was supposed to be an easy trip. No one could have predicted this was going to happen. None of them knew how unhappy Juliet was.

In the back of the line, Amelia stood, bag on the ground, hands hanging loosely at her sides. Her eyes were wide and watery, and she looked precariously unbalanced, as white as a sheet.

"Alex, go help Amelia. Karl, you stay with me," Ryan ordered. "We can't stay here. We need to get to the temple by nightfall. Juliet made her choice."

"Good riddance, I say," Danny said under his breath, and it took everything in Alex not to punch him right in the kidney. She didn't know why the men hated Juliet so much, but it broke her heart a little bit to hear them treat her this way.

"I wanna know exactly what happened," Ryan said under his breath to Karl, and yanked the young man forward.

He tried not to panic, but a few worried glances over his shoulder told him Alex was panicking too. They were supposed to go tell James about Juliet's plan. But he wouldn't be able to get away now, not with Ryan grilling him, making him stay by him.

His window of opportunity was almost closed. First, he was supposed to direct their attention to Juliet's house. Then, while everyone was dealing with the news, he was supposed to sneak away.

The fury in Ryan's eyes threw the entire rest of the plan out the window. It was in Jacob's hands now, Karl thought, and he hoped Juliet was able to find James soon.

He glanced back one more time at a wild-eyed Alex and shook his head ever so softly. She nodded. She understood. There was nothing they could do now.