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Post by tigerlily on Jan 31, 2008 13:07:07 GMT -4
Sayid led Emma to Jack's home. She looked around her cautiously, wary of being spotted by Ben, but everything in the village seemed back to normal except for the small group of people preparing the dead body (she could see now that it was Ethan) for burial. Sayid knocked on Jack's door and Juliet answered.
Emma took a step backward. If there was one person on this island she distrusted as much as Ben, it was Juliet. Emma had watched her change loyalties countless times. This was one person who could not be counted on, of this she was sure.
Sayid spoke first. "Juliet, where is Jack? We need his advice."
"He's checking on Mel and the baby. He'll be back shortly. Who is this?" She gestured toward Emma.
Emma remained silent, so Sayid spoke for her. "She is a friend of Desmond's. She knew him before he came to our camp on the beach, and has been looking for him for some time. I told her he hasn't been seen in the village for several months, but she insists Ben knows something about his whereabouts. I thought Jack might be able to help her."
Juliet cracked a sly smile. "And she can't speak for herself?"
Emma glared at Juliet in response, but maintained her silence. "We'll wait for Jack to return," Sayid said. Juliet nodded and let them into the house. They sat awkwardly in the living room, waiting for Jack.
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Post by melissaq9 on Jan 31, 2008 15:24:18 GMT -4
Twenty minutes later Jack and Mel walked into the house. They saw Sayid, Emma and Juliet waiting in silence in the living room.
"What is she doing here?" Emma asked suddenly, not sure about being around this woman. She had, after all, just killed someone.
"She's fine." Jack nodded.
Mel looked at Juliet, "I needed to get out of that house for a bit. I left Bella with Ben."
"Jack, do you really think it's a good idea to have her here?" Sayid asked.
"Mel is welcome in our home any time." Jack shrugged.
Juliet turned to Emma, "Mel is a good friend of ours."
"But she just killed Ethan." Emma said.
Mel visibly flinched when Emma said Ethan's name.
Both Juliet and Jack ignored Emma's comment.
"Jack, Emma is looking for someone. Her and Sayid wanted to talk to you about it." Juliet told him as they moved to sit back down.
Mel stayed where she was, "Who are you looking for, if you don't mind me asking."
Emma glanced at her then to Sayid, "Is she okay?" she asked him.
Sayid sighed, "She is very close to Ben."
Emma nodded, "I'm looking for Desmond Hume."
Mel listened in silence while the other discussed what to do. She didn't say a thing to any of their ideas. Finally she spoke up.
"Emma, I think I may be able to help you."
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Post by tigerlily on Jan 31, 2008 19:03:08 GMT -4
Sayid and Jack had offered to go with Emma to Ben's house - with the two of them to protect her, and Ben caught off guard and cornered, he wouldn't do anything to harm her. He might actually spill some secrets - after all, Ben knew firsthand what Sayid was capable of.
But Emma turned her full attention to Mel, the quiet one who had arrived with Jack, when she finally spoke. Dare she believe what Mel had said? Did she really know something about Desmond's mysterious disappearance?
Emma was desperate to find Desmond; she had to know that he was safe, and that he hadn't forgotten the three blissful weeks they had camped together on the beach before he attempted to leave the island in his sailboat. She nodded. "I'm ready to listen," she responded to Mel.
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Post by benobsessed on Jan 31, 2008 19:05:19 GMT -4
Steph walked back across the fresshly cut grass to her home. She hoped Sophie knew what she was doing. Steph knew first hand how manipulative Ben could be, she also knew that's why all the women in the island loved him so, including herself if she was brutally honest. But that was a long time ago and only she knew about the feelings she once had.
She entered their home and found Josh frantically taking his meds. It pained her to see him like this, even the supposed experts didn't know how to help him. He smiled at her, both of them knowing it was hiding a look of sadness, a look of "why me? what have I ever done that is so wrong? Did I disobey you Jacob in some way?" Both knew in reality, that nothing could really be done, but both had witness miracles before and prayed that this would be another.
Steph had noticed Sayid with an unfamiliar woman, but was too self occuiped to really care. She worried for Sophie and Mel, but beyond that she was self absorbed, desperately trying to find a solution to her problems.
They spent the rest of the evening together, both neither comfortable nor uneasy. They felt in limbo. They were both aware his condition was deteriorating but felt too frightened to discuss it.
Josh felt guilty. He watched as she cooked dinner, cleared the dishes and washed up. He loved her but could never tell her what really happened that day. He smiled to himself..... maybe a dying man should confess his sins he thought, but then decided to erase the "moment of madness" from memory. He reasoned with himslef that what he did was for her, for them.
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Post by melissaq9 on Jan 31, 2008 20:33:37 GMT -4
Mel looked at Emma, she saw the hope that filled her eyes.
"I'm not saying this is a definite but I think it could help you get some information."
"Go on." Emma urged.
Mel thought of the best way to explain without angering Emma. "A while ago, after I first came to the island, Ben sent me on a mission." Mel looked up at Jack and Sayid. "He sent me to infiltrate their camp. I was to gain everyone's trust and make them believe that I had been a captive of Ben and his people. But I was to accomplish something else as well."
"What was it?" Emma asked.
"I was to find Desmond and lead him to become, let's say, emotionally invested in me."
Emma's face paled but Mel she had to continue.
"And it worked. In a sense Desmond became my protector." Mel admitted as her eyes flashed to Sayid since he was the one Desmond had protected her from.
"But why did Ben send you in the first place? What did he want with Desmond?"
"Ben wanted Desmond to care enough for me that he would follow me anywhere on the island. Once he did, Ben staged a kidnapping. Ben's men knocked Desmond out and stole me away. When Desmond came to he told the others what had happened. Michael was already planning on leading them to Ben and Desmond decided to join so he could save me."
"I remember that." Jack said. "Desmond was frantic."
"But he never made that trip with Jack and the others. John Locke called him back at the last minute."
"How could you decieve him like that?" Emma wondered.
"I was following orders."
"Do you always do what Ben tells you to do, no questions asked?"
Mel nodded, "Regrettably, most of the time."
"Listen Emma, I don't know why but Ben wanted Desmond here for a reason. There's a good chance that Ben saw his opportunity and took it when Desmond came with the others."
"Then he knows where Desmond is. We have to go over there, right now!" Emma said forcefully as she stood.
"Wait. Let me talk to Ben first. It shouldn't seem odd that I am asking about him because of our history. If you go barging in there it won't be pretty. You can't force information out of Ben. Sayid, you of all people should know that."
Sayid's eyes darkened at her words but Mel ignored him.
"Give me a day or two?" she asked Emma.
Emma wanted to disagree but finally gave in, "Fine, but if you don't find out anything we are going have to do it the hard way."
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Post by tigerlily on Feb 1, 2008 10:47:14 GMT -4
It was decided that Emma would stay in Sayid's guest bedroom until Mel could report back to her. Ben rarely interacted with Sayid, so it was the best place to conceal her from Ben. She couldn't wait to get away to think on her own; she had a lot to digest. She didn' t like what she had heard one bit. Manipulating Desmond into caring for Mel, and on Ben's orders...it was disgusting, and it worried her quite a bit. What if he still cared for Mel, and had forgotten Emma? The thought sickened her. She felt dizzy.
Emma followed Sayid to his home. He had assumed the role of her protector, and she was grateful for that. He showed her his guest bedroom and left her to her thoughts. It was a sleepless night.
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Post by melissaq9 on Feb 1, 2008 15:56:12 GMT -4
Mel went back to Ben's house with a lot of new questions on her mind. What if Emma was right? What if Ben was keeping Desmond somewhere? And if he was, why?
Mel found Ben on the floor of the living room playing with Bella. Bella lay on her back on a blanket and Ben was making silly faces at her causing her to smile.
Ben didn't notice Mel come in, "You're so good with her."
Ben glanced up and beckoned her closer. Mel sat beside Ben and leaned down to kiss Bella's forehead. "Hi babygirl." she cooed.
"How was your walk?" Ben asked.
"Fine. The fresh air helped."
"They're going to have a service for him at dusk." Ben said as he looked for her reaction.
Mel shook her head, "I've already buried Ethan twice. I can't go through it again."
Ben wrapped his arm around Mel, "I know that you did something incredibly difficult yesterday and I know that you are not okay."
"I'm fine Ben."
"Mel, you're lying. You killed the man that you were in love with. It's understandable. I just wanted to tell you something."
Mel looked up at Ben, she saw his eyes and could tell he was being completley honest, "What is it?"
"I wanted to say thank you."
"You wanted to thank me for killing Ethan?"
"Yes, because if you hadn't this beautiful little girl, our little girl, wouldn't be here today or ever again. So yes, thank you for saving our daughter."
Mel looked down at Bella and felt tears prick her eyes. What Ben said was true. No matter how awful of a person she had become for killing Ethan she had done it to save Bella, and it was worth it.
Ben pulled her close and hugged her tightly before letting her go.
"I know things are going to be difficult in the village."
"People are already eyeing me like I'm going to shoot them too." Mel said.
"I will always be here for you, you know that? No matter what happens between us, or with Sophie, or anyone."
"I know." Mel nodded, "Thanks Ben."
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Post by tigerlily on Feb 1, 2008 19:30:10 GMT -4
Sayid brought breakfast in bed to Emma the next morning - a lovely gesture that made her smile for the first time in months. She liked him. He had a gentle spirit that belied his violent history. She felt safe with him.
"Can I ask you something?" He asked her. Emma nodded as she chewed her bacon.
"If you knew about our camp on the beach, and knew Desmond was with us, why didn't you join us?"
Emma thought for a moment. "I was afraid, mostly. I didn't know who the good guys were. Between your people and the Others, there was so much hostility. Besides, at the time, it was enough for me to watch and know that Desmond was safe with you. I was afraid he wouldn't remember me. Now, I have regrets. And I don't know anything - he could be alive, or dead, or off the island for all I know, and I just have to see him again."
Sayid took Emma's hand. "I lost someone I loved on this island, too. Not too long ago. I think yours will have a happier ending."
Emma sighed. "I really hope so, Sayid."
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Post by melissaq9 on Feb 1, 2008 23:08:56 GMT -4
Mel decided to stay at Ben's with Bella for one more day. She hoped in that time that she would find a good opportunity to ask him about Desmond.
The next night, they were both sitting on the couch reading after they had put Bella to bed. Mel put her book down and looked at Ben. Now seemed like a good time as ever.
"What ever happened to Desmond Ben?" She asked.
Ben looked up from his book and raised his eyebrows. "Why do you ask?"
"I've just been thinking lately about everything that has happened since I came to the island. I was thinking about when you sent me to the beach to coerce Desmond."
"That was a long time ago." Ben said as he removed his glasses and set them on the table in front of them.
"I know." Mel smiled, "I'm just curious I guess. I haven't seen Desmond around here anywhere. I thought he had come with the others but I could be wrong."
"You're not wrong Mel, he came here with them." Ben offered.
"Oh, okay." Mel said trying to sound nonchalant.
Ben moved closer to her and Mel eyed him curiously. Suddenly him arm shot out and grabbed her wrist.
Mel looked at his eyes and saw that they had darkened.
"Now tell me." Ben said as his grip tightened on her wrist, "Why are you really asking about Desmond?"
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Post by fearandloathin on Feb 2, 2008 10:17:10 GMT -4
Zoe's eyes shot open, and dialated in the bright morning sun. From where she lay she had a perfect view of the ocean splashing gently onto the shore, the sky bright blue as ever and the odd seagul flying here and there. She could smell and almost taste salt in the air.
She sat up, her back aching horribly, but not as much from when she had been staying in the jungle. She was covered in sand, despite her efforts with all the blankets she had gathered together, and she had a thunping headache and eye ache from the sun. She squinted her eyes as they were focusing more accuratly to the correct light.
Zoe was hungry, really hungry, and she could tell from the low growling rumbles from her stomache, and thristy from how dry her throat felt. She forced herself up and went to go get a drink of water before going over to one of the self built shelves to pick one of the dharma food packaging. She then trailed back to where she had been sleeping, sat and ate.
Once promptly fed and washed, Zoe noticed Charlie's guitar. She smiled warmly and went over to pick it up. She sat in Charlie's favourite spot and started to play around with it, strumming at the strings, playing no real tune, as she never had learnt to play the guitar. She thought of all the songs Charlie had played to her, her grin widening.
"Promise me you'll stay." Came a voice out of no-where. Zoe looked up and suddenly saw Charlie in front of her. She frowned and set the guitar to one side and stood up, facing him.
"Promise me you'll stay." Charlie repeated.
"Wh-why-what's happening?" Zoe asked.
"You trust me right?" Charlie replied. Zoe nodded. "Then, just promise me, not matter what, you'll stay." He repeated mysteriously.
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Post by melissaq9 on Feb 2, 2008 18:02:13 GMT -4
"You're hurting my wrist." Mel told Ben.
Ben looked down at his hand and tightened it more, "Answer my question."
"I was just curious."
"Don't lie." Ben ordered.
"Fine, I'll tell you!" Mel cried and Ben let go of her.
Mel rubbed her wrist and glared at Ben, "I'll tell you." she repeated, "But I want to see him first."
"Why?" Ben asked.
Mel smirked at Ben, "I think I've been gone too long Ben. Someone needs to keep you in check. Make sure you're not doing anything stupid."
"And that's you?" Ben said as he stood.
Mel nodded, "You know as well as I do. It's me."
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Post by fearandloathin on Feb 2, 2008 22:53:53 GMT -4
Zoe looked Charlie deep into his eyes.
"I trust you." She replied. "I'll stay."
Charlie's serious face then turned into a wide grin.
"Excellent!" He replied and ran off into the jungle.
"WAIT!" Zoe shouted, and ran after him into the jungle. He saw him run, and she tried to keep up, but turning the next corner in the direction she followed and he was gone. She continued to run in hope that she might catch glimpse of him again, but she had to face facts. He left her again.
Zoe sighed, and looked down on the jungle floor and trapsed back to the beach. Then something hit her. Some strange kind of sixth sense, and she looked up. She could see something in the distance, out in the ocean. She squinted her eyes to try and focus on what she was seeing, walking closer along the sand and into the shallow depths of the shore.
Whatever it was, it had a reflection. The sunlight was bouncing off of it and flashing, making it look like it was communicating to her in morse code. Whatever it was, it was coming closer.
For a brief moment, the sunlight stopped bouncing off the mysterious object, and Zoe was able to identify what it was. A boat.
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Post by melissaq9 on Feb 2, 2008 23:40:06 GMT -4
"Get a pack ready then." Ben said as he left the living room.
Mel watched him leave. She wondered why he had reacted the way he had. Why did it agitate him that she had asked about Desmond?
Mel hurried into the nursery and picked up Bella. She went across to Juliet and Jack's house.
"Can you please watch Bella?" Mel asked when Juliet answered the door.
"Sure, what's going on?"
"You remember the talk we all had earlier?"
"About Desmond." Juliet nodded.
"Ben says he is taking me to see him."
Juliet's eyebrow quirked, "Be careful there."
"I will." Mel said as she handed bella over to Juliet. "I'll be back real soon babygirl." she said as she kissed Bella goodbye.
***************************************************
Ben and Mel had been walking for only half an hour when Ben stopped.
"Are we here already?" Mel asked.
"We're where we are meant to be." Ben answered cryptically.
Something in Mel's head finally clicked, "You didn't bring me out here to see Desmond did you?"
"Very perceptive Mel." Ben smirked.
"So why are we out here then?" Mel said as an uneasy feeling came over her.
"We are out here so you can give me some honest answers." Ben said as he came up to her fast and backed her into a tree. He grabbed her arms and pinned them above her.
"What are you doing?" Mel panicked.
"What I know you want me to." Ben said as he ran his fingers across her face and neck.
"Let me go Ben."
"Then tell me why you asked about Desmond."
"I already told you. I was curious. I think you are taking this way too far."
Ben moved very close to her until their faces were nearly touching. "I don't believe you." he whispered. Then he kissed her.
Mel tried to move her face away but Ben wasn't having it. Finally he pulled back.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Mel cried. "You think forcing yourself on me is going to make me tell you anything?"
"Ah, so there is something to tell." Ben laughed as he began to undue the buttons of her shirt.
"Please stop Ben." Mel begged as tears came to her eyes. "I don't want you to do this. This is not you."
Ben pushed open her shirt and gazed down at her appreciatively, "Tell me what I want to know and I'll stop."
Mel shook her head and Ben shrugged. He ran his hand over her shoulder and nudged one side of her shirt off. He was nearly to the other when she couldn't take it anymore.
"There is a woman who came to the village!" she cried. "She came looking for Desmond."
"Who is she?" Ben asked.
"Her name is Emma. She wasn't on the plane. Her boat crashed here."
"Why is she looking for Desmond?" Ben pushed.
"She's in love with him. She knows you've done something with him."
"Hmm." Ben said as he released her arms and stepped back. "Did you tell her about your past with Desmond? I bet she loved that."
Mel glared at Ben. It was clear that he didn't think bad of what he had just done. It was just one more way to get what he wanted. The embarassing part was she was so weak around him she probably would have been with him if he hadn't tried to force her.
Mel stepped forward pulled her hand into a fist and punched Ben in the jaw. She looked at him holding his hand to his mouth and burst into tears. She leaned against the tree and sunk to the ground, burying her head in her hands and crying.
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Post by benlinusisagoodguy on Feb 3, 2008 12:57:47 GMT -4
Sophie was playing with molly when Richard came to see her.
"Hey, you two look like your having fun." he chuckled sitting down on the floor next to them.
"Yes we are." Sophie replied enthuasticly putting her face closer to mollys.
"How are you doing Soph?" he asked. "Are you coping ok?" he asked concerned.
"Of course i am. Besides Ben doesn't even care for us no more. He hasn't even bothered to see his daughter."
"I'm sure he will soon."
Sophie sighed, "I just wish things could be normal for once. I never had such a complicated life till i came here."
"But you do have one good thing after moving here. Molly." Sophie smiled as she looked down at her.
"Can you watch her for me?" she asked. "I need some air."
"Sure."
........................................................
Wandering around the village she saw Mel and Ben coming out of the jungle. Mel looked tearful Ben saw Sophie then told Ben to go home. He headed towards Sophie.
"Wheres Molly?" he asked.
"Inside with Richard. Why?"
"Shouldn't she be with her mother."
"Don't you tell me what to do Ben. You not even seen her since you last came."
"Because you told me to get out and not come back!"
"Grrr" sophie said storming off away from him. With Ben following her.
"If you can't look after her then maybe she should be with me!" Ben said.
"WHAT?" Sophie shrieked. "I'm just taking a walk Ben. Am I not allowed to do that? I have to ask for your permission."
Ben grabbed Sophie wrist and yanked her towards him pulling her close to him. "I want my daughter Sophie!"
"Your not having her." she said fighting her way off him but his grip was getting tighter and tighter.
"I will! Do you understand?" holding her tighter. It reminded Sophie of when he broke her wrists when she first came to the island.
"Your hurting me" she pleaded. Making Ben grip her more. "Yes yes i understand!" she screamed. Making Ben let go.
"Good!" he said before heading off.
Sophie ran home to Richard.
"Sophie whats wrong?" Richard asked.
"I need to get away now. With Molly. Anywhere far away from him."
"Why? Whats happened?"
"He's gonna take her away from me. Please help me Richard."
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Post by benobsessed on Feb 3, 2008 13:22:17 GMT -4
Josh sighed. "They're at it again" he shouted. "She could do so much better than him" he continued.
" I agree" Steph replied. "But, she loves him, and deep down he loves her. He's just too afraid to commit incase he looses her like he did Annie"
Josh moved from the sofa and stood infront of her. He pulled her close to him and kissed her. "Promise me we will never get like that" he said.
"Depends, on if you have any secrets" she replied jokingly.
Josh's expression sank. Did she know the truth? Did she know how many people he himself had killed that day? Josh quickly tried to hide his thoughts with a smile. He knew he had to tell her, but Ben and Richard had made him promise never to tell, what happened that day in 1990 stayed between those involved, no-one else needed to know. He had always told her that he had nothing really to do with it, that what they all did was a response to a threat, a survival, but it wasn't. It was far more than that and he needed to tell her, just as Ben needed to fess up to his secrets.
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