Part 356: Night time in Vegas

January 12th, 2005

The weekend in Vegas had begun. The group had boarded all their new vehicles and made their sojourn to the city of Neon Lights. They all checked in at the Gold Coast Hotel ; off the strip but it had the best rates. Most had gotten private rooms. Tony and Marita had their own room, likewise with John and Mia. Taylor and McKay got their private room just like Shannon and Sayid. After Seth and Tanya got their private room, the remaining group in their party ; Mandy, Alexander, Shanna, Flower and Andra got what they lovingly referred to as the “party” room. They’ve spent the majority of the time snacking, listening to music, reading and especially, watching movies. Mandy giggled uncontrollably when they walked into the room and the first thing Alexander did was hug the TV.

Later in the day, Shanna and Mandy took the lost kids on a scenic tour around Vegas; namely the local mall. Shannon and Sayid decided to tag along; considering they were not there to get married, simply to be with their friends. It had then come to the time to shop for rings.

The small corner shop was one of hundreds in Las Vegas. Mia held onto John’s arm as they started to browse the counter to the left of the store. “What kind of ring does my lady want?” the archer asked.

“I’m not fancy, John,” the young woman smiled, “Get me something simple.”

“Then simple it shall be.” He smiled.

“I like mine simple too, Tony,” Marita said, “You want just a gold band?”

“That’ll be fine, sweetie.” The blind man kissed her on the cheek.

“I, however, want the most glamorous thing I can find.” Taylor said, making everybody laugh.

“I swear she will be the end of my wallet,” McKay chuckled, “But I love her just the same.”

“Awwww, thank you, baby,” she hugged him.

“What confuses the hell out of me,” Seth said, as he let Tanya browse the rings, “ Once you two are married, are you STILL gonna call him McKay, Taylor?”

“Duh, of course I will. I hate his first name.”

McKay wasn’t insulted; it just made him laugh even harder. Tanya giggled at their new friends reaction. As she browsed the selections, Mia scooted over to Tanya. The blonde surfer laughed as she hugged the Lakota girl; growing to be great friends with her in the past few weeks. “Found something yet?” Tanya asked.

“They are getting it crafted now,” she smiled, “Have you and Seth decided on a place to get married?”

“Seth is going to surprise me,” she said, tucking her hair behind her ear, “ All he would tell me is that it will be wedding I will always remember.”

“If I know Seth, then it will be.” She said, kissing her on the cheek.


After the group got their rings, they went outside in the parking lot. It had become the moment for the couples to break apart. They each hugged and kissed their loved ones. “So, where are you girls going again?” asked Seth.

“SHOPPING!!” Taylor said, leaping up with joy.

“Oy,” Tony smirked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Don’t worry, Tony,” Marita cooed her fiancé, “I promise I won’t buy enough stuff to fill up our loft.”

“Well, considering we are about to hit the casinos, I guess I can’t judge on the act of throwing money away.”

The girls then bid their farewells and jumped into the four door Avalanche that belonged to Seth but gave to Tanya. The men then piled into their own vehicle to head to the slot machines, poker tables, and other gambling fun and games.


One they had arrived back at the Gold Coast, McKay immediately went to get himself cleared into the Texas Hold’em games. Seth then said he was going to go upstairs to the game room; where there were pool tables and cabinet style video games. “I heard they got a classic Tempest game up there,” he laughed, “I haven’t played one of those since I was a kid.”

“I can’t believe we are in Vegas and you don’t even want to play the slots?” John said in amazement.

“Sorry, John,” the young singer smirked as he started to walk away, “ I only gamble with my life; never with my money.”

Tony laughed at the statement; wondering if they could ever escape what the Island meant to them and their lives. They were thankful to get away from that place and get on with their lives. Even being in a fantastic place like Las Vegas couldn’t compare to the wonders of the Island. “How about it, Tony?” John laughed, “You want to try the slots or browse the souvenir shops?”

“Hard to say,” Tony smirked, “What time we meeting for lunch?”

“We’ll be heading to the Port of Call in about an hour.” John looked at his watch.

“Then I say let’s browse the souvenir shop. It’s safer.”

“All right, man,” the archer laughed, “Be right back. I gotta run to the bathroom.”

Tony shook his head as John headed off to take care of his business. The blind man then slowly walked down the steps and into the gaming area. He had to filter out the noise of the slot machines as they collided all around him. He continued to walk around, as one cocktail waitress asked if she could help him somewhere. The blind doctor politely declined. He felt toward another slot machine and yet another cocktail waitress asked if she could help him get somewhere. Tony was starting to get amused; where they helping him cause he was blind or where they helping him cause he was handsome AND blind; as Marita would say? He didn’t know but truly didn’t care. He felt of a nearby slot machine and could smell the cigarette of someone smoking nearby. “Hello,” Tony said to the stranger, “You mind if I stand here while I wait for my friend?”

“Whateva floats your boat, buddy,” the man said in a gruff voice.

Tony smirked at the cliché. If there were two placed old people would frequent, it was Florida and Las Vegas. He couldn’t judge the man; he was seriously considering spending his older years here as well. Why not choose a fun place? The old man pulled the slot and then a bang popped near Tony’s legs. The blind man tilted his head curiously at the machine. Why would it make such a noise? The old man then pulled the slot lever again and then a loud thud echoed at the bottom of the machine. Within seconds, coins began to spill out down below. The old man laughed as he started to grab them and fill up his complimentary cup to carry them in. Everyone around was clapping for the old man, except Tony. The blind man held up his stick and then started to tap the bottom of the slot. The heavy noise was no longer there; replaced with a hollow sound. “Whoa.” Tony whispered to himself.

He then started to feel around the other slot machines. He started to walk down the row of the machines, tapping them at the bottom. Most of them were hollow. Then he stopped at one that had the exact same heavy sound. He felt around and then made sure no one was at the machine. “TONY!” John called, “What, are you trying to get to the buffet before it’s time?”

“Hey, John, you got a quarter?” Tony immediately asked.

“You want to play the slots, Tony?”

“Kinda. I want you to play . .THIS one.” He pointed.

“M’okay,” the archer said, pulling the coin out of his pocket and then inserting it into the machine.

John then pulled the lever non-chantantly. He wasn’t expecting to win. That’s probably why his head started to swim when he saw 3 Lemons appear on the dial and then a burst of coins erupted down below. “HOLY SHI . ..” the archer then dropped to his knees, grabbing the large quantity of quarters,” Tony, did you . . .how did you know?”

“Oh, my god, “ The blind man chuckled.

“Tony, did you find a way to beat the slot machines?”

“Keep your voice down!” he grunted with a smile.

“I can’t believe this,” the archer started to giggle like a child on Christmas ; stuffing his pants with the abundance of coins.

“Let’s head to the souvenir shop after all, John, “ the blind doctor smiled, “We’re going to need some velvet bags.”


McKay walked out of the card players room. He went in with 200 dollars and came out with 100. He was thankful to have even that, but luckily was because he won it back. The bald man checked his watch, seeing as it was time to meet his friends at the Port of Call Buffet. He started to walk toward the back of the hotel, through the slot machines and on his way. As he did, he ran into Seth along the way. “Hey, McKay,” Seth said, holding a small bag, “ how did you do at the tables?”

“I was lucky I kept my shirt on,” he joked, “What’s in the plastic bags?”

“Souvenirs and little stuffed animals I got from the claw machine in the arcade,” he smiled, “I may not have won money but I’ve had fun.”

“Hey, that’s all that matters.”

“Tony and John already at the buffet place?”

“We’re about to find out.”

The older man and his younger friend reached the line to enter the buffet area. They told the lady helping people get seated their friends may already be there. Seth tapped him on the shoulder, pointing to a table in the distance. John and Tony were indeed already there. The two friends began to walk toward and as they got closer, they saw something that made them confused. Tony was leisurely sipping on one of two cokes near him while John was counting out large stacks of money. “John, what’s going on?” McKay gasped.

“Four hundred and 12, four hundred and thirteen.” The archer whispered.

“John, where did you get all this money?” Seth asked.

“Shut up, man, I am losing count,” he abruptly told him.

“Have a seat, fellas,” Tony motioned, “I’ll tell you the secret of our success,”

John finally put the stack of money down into the pile he wanted. “His success,” he smiled, “All I did was pull the lever.”

“The slots?” Seth then pointed at the stacks of money and the velvet bags, “You got all that . . .FROM THE SLOTS???”

“Okay, this I got to hear.” McKay leaned forward.

“Well, It’s by happen stance that I discovered this, “ Tony said, “ Slot machines are designed to take money. However, they have to give back money on occasion, otherwise people wouldn’t stop playing them. As I have learned, there is a thick sound, like a heavy occupancy at the bottom of the slot machines, cause it’s the money tray getting ready to dump it’s payload.”

“Are you serious?” Seth gasped.

“When I tap at the bottom of a slot machine, I can feel it there. Most of them have a hollow sound at the bottom cause the tray is not ready. It’s going to dump it’s payload but it’s not random and it’s not luck. It’s designed to dump it at a certain interval after a certain number of plays have been made.”

“That . .is remarkable.” The Australian laughed.

“So how much money did you guys win?” the younger of the group asked.

“Just over three grand,” John smiled.

He then took one of the piles of money and slide it over to McKay. He took the second pile and then slid it over to Seth. “Wedding presents, gentlemen,” the archer laughed, “Blow it all on your wives to be.”

“Oh, guys,” Seth said, taking the money.

“I could not have asked for better friends,” McKay smiled, taking the money.

“Now that business is out of the way,” Tony stood up, “Let’s eat. We got to have a full stomach for our little shindig tonight.”


Later in the evening, McKay gently twisted his tie around. It had been a while since he tied bow ties but he wasn’t out of practice from all the times he played chaperone back when he was a teacher. Alexander came into the bathroom and pointed toward his tie. “It doesn’t look like yours.” He said.

“I know, son,” he turned, laughing, “let me get that for you.”

McKay then began to tie his tie for him. Alexander felt weird wearing the suit ; it was too cramp and too constrictive. However, he knew it would make Mandy happy for him to wear it. “There ya go,” he smiled.

Alexander looked at himself in the mirror. He felt so small next to the men who had rescued him the Island. He respected and practically revered them. Seeing as he was able to look like McKay, made him feel all the more special. “Thank you, Uncle McKay.” He smiled.

“My pleasure,” he said, patting him on the back, “Now lets go get the rest of the guys.”

The older man and his younger companion left the room. They walked down to the hallway and then spotted Sayid coming toward them. He smiled as he showed off his own tuxedo and having his hair tied back in a pony tail. “Look at the outback guide and his wild Tarzan prodigy,” he joked, “You two look almost respectable.”

They laughed as they proceeded to go toward the elevator to retrieve the remaining three men in their party. They got in and where joined by Seth. He laughed, inviting them in and pretending to be the elevator man. After two floors, they got off on where John and Tony should be. They walked as a group toward Tony’s room and knocked on the door. “Tony, you all set?” McKay called.

“Yeah, come in,” the blind man responded.

McKay opened the door and to his surprise, John was in there as well. What made the scene more amusing was that John was sitting on a chair and Tony had his hands around his throat, tying his tie for him. “Don’t laugh, McKay,” the archer warned.

“Shut up, John,” Tony said, “I am almost done.”

“Oh, the humanity,” Sayid chuckled, “He needed a blind man to tie his tie for him?”

“Hah, hah,” the archer scoffed back.

“There. Got it.” The blind doctor responded.

John stood up and checked in the mirror. Sure enough, Tony had tied a perfect tie. The archer just shrugged his shoulder in disbelief; believing more laughter from his friends. Tony smiled, picking up his cane and holding out his hand. “Let’s go, seeing eye dog,” he told John.

“If you weren’t my best friend, I’d kill you,” he smirked, placing Tony’s hand on his shoulder.

The group of men then proceeded down toward the elevator. The ladies had already gotten dressed and left, making the men wait down in the lobby till they were gone. They were going to wait for a while and then make sure they arrived at the ballroom at a certain. It was the men’s job to get their first. McKay smirked as the elevator went down.

They weren’t in the habit of disappointing their women.


After a drive through standard Las Vegas traffic, they arrived the White Room; showroom and ballroom. A small group of people were already there, mingling about with their parties and dancing. The group of friends made their way through the entrance, then down the curving stairway. Sayid then looked around for the ladies but did not spot them in the crowd. “They are not here yet,” he mentioned.

“Women like to be fashionably late for certain occasions,” Tony smiled, “I am sure this is normal.”

Alexander looked at the giant ballroom and the people dancing. He stared at them closely, watching their moments. Before this afternoon, he didn’t even know what dancing was. Two young ladies walked by him, giggling. He smiled and straightened his jacket. He walked back over to the group of men, waiting for their girls to arrive. “I think I am one of the beautiful people.” Alexander told them.

The grown man stared at him and within seconds, their mouths curved into smiles. Most didn’t say anything; as they wanted to laugh at what the lost boy said. Sayid just continued to smile, shaking his head. Tony hook his head and held his mouth, trying not to laugh. Seth walked up to him and placed his hand on the young boy’s shoulder. “Well, then you must be,” he smiled.

Alexander then looked up with wild eyes. “Shannon,” he whispered.

The group turned around and looked at the blonde up at the top of the entrance. She smiled down at them, basking in a silver laced dress with matching coat. Sayid blinked; for a second thinking he was seeing an angel. The tall blonde then turned around and then waited for three other girls to come in. Right behind her was Andra, Flower and Shanna. They all giggled as they walked down the stairway. Alexander was flabbergasted at seeing his tribal sisters so pretty. Seth smirked at his favorite redhead as she came down the stairs, wearing a dark red dress that matched her beautiful pale skin. “You look great tonight, Shanna,” he kissed her on the cheek.

“And I don’t think I’ve ever seen you more handsome.” She smiled.

“Where’s Tanya and Mia?” he asked.

His good friend said nothing; merely turned back toward the door. Taylor then came in wearing a sparkling black dress and still wet hair. McKay felt his heart beating out his chest as he watched her descend the stairs. John then looked up and saw Mia. She was helping Tanya down the stairs. She was basked in light blue turquoise ; very similar to the lovely stones of her home down region. John smiled brightly; thinking she looked like a Lakota princess. Seth looked at Tanya in her gold dress and definitely felt like the luckiest man in the world.

Shortly there after Mandy came out wearing a form fitting red dress. She stopped by the railing and looked down at Alexander. The wild boy saw her and froze for a brief second. The young blonde smiled at him, almost feeling loved by his infatuation. Seth looked up at her and winked. Then he reached over and closed Alexander’s mouth for him; realizing he was drooling. Mandy laughed at the sight. “Where is Marita?” asked Tony.

“Don’t worry, Tony,” Mia touched his arm, “You’ll be impressed, I know you will.”

John then looked up and saw Marita entered the establishment. Mandy took her hand as they both walked down the stairs. She was wearing a gleaming dress of silver and gold. Her hair was up in a perm and her makeup made it seem like she was glowing. John patted Tony on the shoulder. “Tony, I wish I could give you my eyes for one night.” He told him.

“It’s like that?” the blind man said in anticipation.

“It’s like that.” His archer friend agreed.

The blind man then felt the gentle hands of his love touch his arms to let him know she was with him. Tony leaned over and then gently smelled of her neck; inhaling her perfume scent of Chanel deeply. As he did that maneuver, Marita could easily smell the Stetson cologne on his neck. She gasped, touching her chest, almost feeling herself swooning. “Now that we are all here,” McKay smiled at his friends, “The dance floor beckons.”


It had been over an hour and the group had been dancing off and on during that time. Marita laughed as her and Tony enjoyed Tango dancing. During the spectacle of it, most of the surrounding dancers stopped to watch them. They marveled at their stile when they realized Tony was blind.

Later during the Waltz, Mandy and Alexander were dancing. Mandy was thinking she was going to show him the moves but to her surprised and mild shock; he already knew them. “How did you learn the Waltz, Alexander?” she giggled, “Did McKay teach you?”

“No, I watch and learn,” he pointed toward the other dancing.

“Oh, my god, “ the young So-Cal girl whispered, thinking Seth’s photographic reflexes were hard enough to grasp.

After the Waltz, the band started to play a slow tune. Seth then swallowed the remaining of his punch and then stood up. He held out his hand toward Tanya. “They are finally playing our song,” he smiled.

“What?” the girl said, “Seth, I don’t think I should.”

“Yes, you should. We’ll go slow.”

“But . .I might need my cane . .”

“I’ll be your cane.”

“Seth, I-“

“Baby, this is me we are talking about,” he stared into her eyes, “Do you really think I am going to let you fall?”

Tanya paused for a second. She knew he never would. She held onto his arm as he guided her out to the dance floor. The young man then pulled her close and held her too him. Tanya took a deep breath and slowly closed her eyes. She smiled as she leaned on his shoulder, silently thanking God that she had Seth in her life. She never dreamed, since the assault, she would ever be on the dance floor again.

Shannon walked over and helped Andra up from her chair. Sayid smiled, taking her hand. The young French girl giggled, as the Iraqi held her close as they danced on the dance floor. Mandy aided Alexander in dancing with Flower and McKay even took a turn to dance with Shanna. Mia held John close; placing her head into his chest and listening to the rhythm of his heart beat. The archer reached his chin on her head, with his eyes closed, swaying from side to side.

Marita held onto Tony as they swayed to the soft music. The Latina gently rubbed her hands up and down his shoulder blades. “You look handsome tonight,” she whispered.

“And I know, you look like a goddess.” He replied.

Marita raised her head and looked at him, gently stroking his cheek. “One day, you’ll be able to see me, Tony,” she told him.

“I know, hon. And right now, I don’t need my heart to have eyes.”

Marita smiled; smiling at his poetic way of telling her he loved her. “Tomorrow, I will be Marita Largo,” she smiled, “I can’t wait.”

“Four weddings in one day,” Tony chuckled, “It should be an interesting day,”