Part 167: Rising

At the encampment the mood was steady. Everybody had gone back to doing what they were doing before. Most were trying not to think that they had lost yet another person. It was enough for tensions to run high between the survivors. No one knew what to make of John and Jack’s outburst, let alone the doctor saying that Locke was a liar. No one knew what to make of it.

John sat by himself at the beach. He wanted to give Mia space and time to rest. Not to mention the fact that he was rolling in his mind what he had done to Jack. He rubbed his forehead; wondering why he attacked the man. He didn’t forgive what he did to Mia but it wasn’t the Lakota girl he was after, but Locke. Yet what did Locke do? Was he really responsible for Boone’s death? Was he a liar like Jack said? John slowly opened his eyes, hearing footsteps approaching him. He knew these footsteps were unique cause with every step came the stump of a cane. “If you are coming to give me a lecture,” John said to Tony, “Don’t bother. I already regret it.”

“I haven’t come to lecture you, John,” the blind doctor said, sitting down next to him, “Just wanted to come and see if you wanted to talk.”

“About what?”

“About whatever is upsetting you.”

“He shoved Mia aside like she was worthless, Tony! How am I supposed to forgive that?”

“C’mon, John . ..do you REALLY think Jack meant any malicious harm against Mia?”

John paused. The way his friend described it, made it sound like it was indeed a big mistake. The archer shook his head, realizing it was. “No, I don’t that.” He sighed.

“Jack was upset. Nothing more. People react differently during times of stress, irrational. I don’t ask that you forgive him but just think about it from his view.”

“Thanks, Tony,” John whispered.

“Now . .you want to tell me what is really bothering you?” his friend smiled.

John chuckled, rubbing his head. “You see a lot for a blind man.” He smiled.

“So I keep hearing.”

“I was hunting boar all day and all this crap went down. Boone dying, Claire giving birth . . .I know it’s weird Tony but . . .I feel like I wasn’t in the loop.”

“I understand. Back on our beach, we had a smaller community. You always knew what was happening. Here, you don’t.”

“Yeah, that’s it, exactly.”

“John, you might feel you are not wanted but think of the boar you bring back daily. These people may not say Thank You all the time but it doesn’t mean they don’t mean it.”

“Yeah, I know, I guess . . .I just needed to hear it. Thanks, Tony.”

The blind man patted him on the arm, “I’m always there when you need me, brother.”

Tony stood up and began to walk away. He paused and called back to John. “Don’t worry, John” he said, “I am sure something will come up where we will need you the most.”

“Thanks, man.” John smiled.

The archer was incredibly thankful to have Tony as a friend; someone to keep him centered. John felt like he needed to do something. Something to take his mind off of the things that happened. Maybe he would apologize to Jack, maybe he wouldn’t. John stood up and looked at Mia. Shanna was with her; they were eating fruit. He waved to her and she smiled, waving back. The archer then pointed down the beach, telling her that is where he would be. Mia shook her head understanding.

John blew her a kiss and then began to walk down toward the beach. He figured he’d help McKay build the raft for a bit


Kate stayed with Jack as he managed to get some food down. He gulped down his juice, but he wasn’t interested in eating nor resting. He wanted to talk to Locke and get some answers. Then he tried to give Kate the cup back. “Little more.” She urged him.

“No,” he grunted.

“You need to get your blood sugar up.” The brunette said.

“I said, I am fine. I’ve rested okay,” the doctor tried to move.

“Where are you going?”

“To find Locke.”

“And what good would that do?” Jenny asked, turning the corner.

Jack looked at the young girl, disgusted. “What the hell do you want?’

“Just come to see how you were doing.”

The doctor blinked, “Is that a joke?”

“Do I look like I am laughing, Jack?”

“Jenny, this really isn’t the time.” Kate mentioned.

“That was one hell of a grip John put you in, Jack. Maybe next time you’ll think before you react.”

Jack knew what she was talking about. “I didn’t mean to hurt Mia. I just . .I just wanted . . .”

“Yeah, you just wanted to punch Locke and you didn’t care who got in your way. Let me tell you something, buddy. You can’t hurt other people’s girlfriends and expect to get away with it.”

“Jenny, that is enough!” Kate grunted.

“Shut up.” Jenny pointed at her.

“Jenny, this doesn’t concern you . . .” Jack whispered, blinking fast.

“Maybe, it didn’t concern you either. You ever think about that? You ever think Boone’s death was enough that you didn’t have to bring whatever Mia and Locke did into it?”

“Okay, I have taken all the abuse I will get from you,” Jack grunted, trying to get up and then nearly fell over.

“Jack, I strong advise you to sit down.” Kate urged.

“Wha . . .what’s going on now?” he started to slowly lie back.

“I crushed up some sleeping pills, and put them in your juice,” the brunette admitted.

“Why did you . . .you DRUGGED me?” the doctor said in disbelief.

“Yeah,” she sighed.

“Oh,” Jack said, gently closing his eyes, “Okay.”

Jenny giggled, watching Jack pass out. Kate gently stroked his forehead before looking up at the laughing teenager. “Not a bad move, Kate,” Jenny laughed, “Too bad you didn’t give him an overdose.”

“You think this is funny, don’t you?” she grunted.

“Actually . .I think it’s hilarious,” the blonde girl glared at her, “It’s good to see the man finally humbled after all this time.”

Jenny began to walk away. Kate was wondering about the history between the young girl and the man she cared deeply about. The brunette didn’t want to pry but at that moment, she felt she might have to. Jack was suffering from losing Boone and Jenny was just adding salt to the wound.

Kate quickly got up and stormed after the young girl.