Chapter 19

After the first week of spending time in the hatch with Lauren, Aaron had learned to sleep through the alarm, as long as the button was pushed in the first two minutes. After two minutes of sounding, the alarm would start blaring much louder than before, and that would wake him up. Kate paced around the cool space of the living room, thankful the sun was no longer beating down on the babe. His sun burn was fading, and the evaporated milk was plumping him up, he somehow had grown into a proper one month old baby. Jack was impressed and cautiously optimistic, and Kate allowed herself a sense of peace. Lauren was right, Aaron was a fighter.

The alarm began to beep, and Lauren jogged from the pantry to the computer to press the button. Kate joined her in the geodome and watched as she entered the numbers. 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42, execute. The computer was ancient, but Kate supposed it did what it needed to, though what that was, Kate wasn't sure.

"Do you need help in the pantry? What are you doing?"

"Just organizing, I'm okay! Do you need help with Aaron?"

"No, I was actually going to go back to the beach and find Jack. If I get Aaron to sleep, could I leave him here with you?"

"Sure, could you actually bring Jack back with you? I need to talk to him about a few things…"

"Is everything okay?"

"Yep, I wanted to give him the first aid kit, but I found a couple bottles of prescription medication that are probably expired, I didn't know what to do with them, and I didn't see the point of hauling all this stuff to the beach."

"I'll bring him, we'll be back in a couple hours."

Kate went to the living room, where they had set up a little pen for Aaron. Couch cushions lined the area, and inside there were blankets and pillows padding the floor. Kate nestled Aaron onto the pile of blankets, he fussed for a moment and Kate shushed him. Eventually, he quieted down, and Kate walked out of the hatch.

Outside in the jungle, Kate felt like she could breathe again. No matter what kind of shelter enclosed her on this island, she felt imprisoned. But amongst the green of the leaves and the smell of earth, Kate felt like she was home. Home… a feeling Kate had never really known. Sure she lived in the same house all throughout her childhood, but it never encapsulated what home should feel like. Maybe that's why she blew it up, but only Kate knew exactly why she did it.

Kate started for the beach camp, it took almost an hour to get there. As she stomped through the vines and brush, the wind seemed to pick up speed. Kate looked up to see angry black clouds gathering overhead. Great… rain. Kate picked up her pace, but the storm was already starting. The wind, which had been calm when she had exited the hatch's side entrance, was blowing heavily through the canopy. The rush of air through the trees sounded distinctly like someone muttering under their breath. Whispers surrounded Kate and she tried to hear what they were saying, but the words were nonsense, almost backwards sounding. The clearing Kate stood in seemed to shrink, but she took off running towards the beach before it could swallow her. Sprinting through the trees, Kate felt silly. It was just a storm, not dangerous enough to warrant her running through the jungle. But nonetheless, Kate's goosebumps urged her forward, the hair on the back of her neck was at attention and her heart raced faster than her feet. When the stitch in her side forced her to stop, the rain pelted her, but the whispers ceased. Kate laughed at herself. It was just the wind, calm down. But Kate couldn't help the feeling that somebody was watching her.

****Flashback****

Kate drove the speed limit, careful not to draw any attention to her stolen vehicle. She had been driving for four hours, and she still had a few to go. There was no reason for Cassidy to be in L.A., she just had a baby. But when she sent the last letter, Kate knew that's where she was and after the close call in Sacramento, Kate needed help. It was near midnight, and Kate needed gas, so she pulled into a station and filled up.

Kate had dyed her hair light red and with all of her freckles, it looked natural, especially after she got a perm. Right now, it was tied back into a low ponytail, the curls spilling across her back and over her shoulder. Aside from that, Kate wore heavy eyeliner and fake lashes to supplement her disguise. From a distance, she was unrecognizable, but Kate could still see her true self in the mirror, and that worried her. Edward knew her well, and it wouldn't matter how much makeup she wore, he would see through her.

When she pulled out of the gas station, she noticed a police officer monitoring speeds. Kate drove past going 3 under the limit, and prayed that nobody had reported the car stolen yet. When she looked into her rearview, the cruiser stayed put. Kate exhaled and pushed the speedometer up, as well as the radio. She knew it would be unlikely to find a decent country station in California, but after spinning the dial, her ears eventually heard the sweet, sad sound of Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and she was satisfied.

At 2:00 AM, Kate pulled into a cozy subdivision, and parked down an alleyway. The letter's return address was from 8150 Rutherford Avenue, just two streets away. Kate pulled her hood up, but let her red curly hair peek out. She began to walk down the sidewalk, looking at the Easter decorations all over everyone's yards. Kate realized it was Sunday now, but having been on the run for so long, she had no idea whether it was Easter or not. Lilies lined the path, and Kate gagged. She hated floral fragrances, though she could appreciate the beauty of a flower. Nothing about Easter appealed to Kate. Jesus was a con artist, the bunny was creepy, and the chocolate was objectively the worst. Not to mention the pastels. So when Kate walked up the driveway of 8150, she was relieved that Cassidy had spared her from the onslaught of decor. No flowers, no crosses, no giant eggs, only a simple cardboard cut-out of a bunny. Kate walked around the side of the house and peered through the windows. Kitchen, living room, office, Kate scanned for her friend. Eventually, Kate found the bedroom window and saw Cassidy laying on her side, with a bassinet next to the bed. Kate pushed against the window, and it slid up. She popped the screen out, and ducked inside.

"Cassidy!" Kate whispered quietly, praying she wouldn't wake up the baby. When Cassidy only snored, Kate tapped her gently on the shoulder, "Cassidy!"

She sat up crazily, flailing her arms and throwing the comforter, "Who- wha- huh?" She rubbed her eyes and turned the lamp on, "Kate?"

Cassidy's eyes widened and she immediately reached forward and pulled Kate into a hug. Kate returned the embrace and in that moment, the anxiety faded. With Cassidy's warm arms holding her, Kate remembered that life was more than running. How desperately she wished she could stay here in Cassidy's bed, telling her anything and everything about all she'd been through. The light illuminated Cassidy, who looked radiant. Being a new mom clearly suited her. Despite a little bedhead, Kate could tell her hair was soft and smooth. There were no circles under her eyes, the way most new moms are portrayed, and she was even wearing a cute nightgown. It warmed Kate's heart to see her friend doing so well.

"I need your help," Kate whispered.

"You don't have to whisper, she's a sound sleeper. What's going on? How did you know I was here?"

Kate held up the envelope with her address on it. Cassidy smacked her own forehead.

"I have to go to Australia," Kate said in a low tone. Cassidy's eyes widened, clearly taken aback.

"Why Australia?"

"It's far away, and I'm tired of hiding. I had a close call in Sacramento."

"Kate, you're never going to be able to stop hiding," Cassidy had never let go of Kate's hand, and she brushed her thumb across Kate's knuckles. Kate enjoyed the warmth of her hand, and squeezed it.

"I know that, but at least in Australia I won't be constantly looking over my shoulder. I'll only have to do it sometimes," Kate tried to give a cheeky smile, but a yawn broke through.

"Oh Kate, tell me you didn't drive all the way from Sacramento tonight?"

Kate narrowed her eyes and Cassidy tsked.

"Well, I would say you can sleep in the guest bedroom, but the bed has a ton of crap on it. I was trying to unpack and organize Clementine's clothes by size but I ran out of steam. You can sleep in here with me or the couch. Clem sleeps pretty much through the night, but occasionally she'll wake up, so it's up to you."

"Would you mind if I shower? I hid behind a dumpster today and I still smell like garbage."

"Go for it, it's right through there," Cassidy pointed towards the en suite bathroom, "I'll grab some clothes for you, though I might have to dig to find anything that's not maternity."

Kate smiled and looked into the bassinet by the bed. Clementine was sleeping peacefully, despite the stream of light from the lamp cascading across her face. She was only 8 weeks old, but she had chunky cheeks. Kate thought she was the prettiest baby she'd seen, but she hadn't seen that many babies.

Kate went into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and stepped in. The steamy water enveloped her, and Kate let her muscles relax under the showerhead's stream. The day had been very long, and Kate finally felt safe. I can't stay here… Kate thought about the fantasy life she could have if she stayed. Hiding in the house all the time, caring for Clementine. Kate almost wanted to bolt out of the shower just thinking about it. No, there was no way Kate could stay. Despite the desire Kate felt in heart when she saw Cassidy asleep next to Clementine's bassinet, it would never work.

Kate lathered the soap and began washing herself, pleased with the heat of the water, and the amount of time it stayed hot. She thought about her plan next. After the bank robbery, she had enough money to get to Australia, it was about getting the documents to get her on the plane. Cassidy had a little history with forgery, not enough to make Kate a passport, but enough to know someone who could. But logistically, Kate didn't know if she should fly to Australia from the United States, or to go to Canada first and fly from there. The Canada plan held a lot of risks: more checkpoints and unknown security measures at the airport, but Edward was unlikely to find her there. How did he find me today?

After washing all the suds off her skin, Kate begrudgingly turned off the water and stepped out to towel off. The bathroom was full of steam, the mirror entirely fogged up. She waved her hands around in the air, cursing herself for forgetting to turn on the vent. Eventually, the steam dissipated, and Kate could actually get dry. The whole process of showering took her about 45 minutes, and when she exited the bathroom, Cassidy was passed out on the bed, with a pile of folded clothes laying on the chair next to the bathroom door. Kate dressed herself in the cozy pajamas Cassidy had picked out and snuggled into the bed. Cassidy rolled over slightly and they were face to face for a minute. She smelled like lavender.

****Flashback Ends****

Kate found Jack on the beach, tending to Charlie, who purportedly had the flu. Kate approached them, and they stopped their conversation.

"Hey, you okay?" Kate asked Charlie, who had red circles under his eyes.

"I'm fine, where's the baby?"

"He's with Lauren at the hatch."

"Right. Well, cheers," he walked away.

Kate looked at Jack, "What was that about?"

"Doctor-patient confidentiality," Jack shrugged.

"Well, do you want to take a walk with me back to the hatch?"

"Sure, want some mango?"

"Sure."

The two walked lazily down the beach to Jack's tent so he could grab his pack. Kate allowed herself to flirt a little. She really liked Jack, she depended on him, and without him she didn't know what she would do. Yet, all her life she had felt like men were the cause of most problems. Jack was stubborn, but Kate decided as they were walking down the beach, that she trusted him completely. His smile gave her butterflies, and his leadership and care for others just reinforced her crush, though Kate was nervous her feelings were more than a crush.

Kate veered them off the beach, and into the jungle. She told him about her trip from the hatch, and the weird storm with the whisper winds. Jack didn't really respond, but Kate figured it was because he had no explanation. After an hour of walking, they reached the side entrance to the hatch and found the door swinging wide open.