Three Years

Chapter One: Two Weeks

The two weeks that Juliet agreed to stay for was a trial for the entire group. Although most had agreed to stay they needed to see how they would be accepted into the Dharma, and how long could it take Locke anyway?

James was certain Locke would return, if not to rescue the ones he had left behind he would return to the damn island he loved so much. James had nothing to go back for, he might as well stay. He would survive, he always did some how. The others were OK, he had asked Juliet to stay, she was starting to grow on him and he needed someone to get his back. Jin didn't speak English so was no use in most situations, Miles he didn't trust, and Daniel was a wreck. Two weeks should be enough time. Then Juliet wouldn't have to get on the sub, the others would be back and they could sort out the rest when they were all together.

It was never much of a decision for Miles. He wanted to know more about the island, and how could he do that from the sub? This first two weeks he was going to scope out the place and see how much danger he could be in. If it turned out to be useless or dangerous he could just jump on the sub.

Jin was worried Sun would return. He had nothing to return to in the real world. Staying on the island was the only possible way he could ever get back to his wife, so he would stay. Not that he was happy about it. He didn't speak the language and wasn't entirely sure what was going on most of the time.

Daniel didn't care what happened. He just couldn't make himself care any more. He just wanted to mourn and be left alone.

Juliet agreed to stay for two weeks. She just couldn't say no to James when he asked her like that. Part of her hoped John would return and be able to get her back. She wanted to go home so badly, but her need to get off the island was so strong she was willing to give up her chance of getting home just to get away. She offered two weeks, she was curious and what was two more weeks?

The first two weeks were spent on sofa's in the rec room. Juliet and Daniel kept themselves scarce. Both would go on long walks alone, not always returning for meals. Juliet spent the time weighing her options and reading books she had found.

Daniel was hiding, he didn't want to talk and he didn't want to see Charlotte.

James and Miles helped out Horace as much as they could. They wanted to show they were useful and hopefully gain the trust of their hosts so they were in a better position.

Jin helped with whatever the others did, he had no idea what was happening and wanted to keep busy. James found things for them to do, mainly physical manual work. Jin likes this as he was usually so tired by the end of the day he found it easier to sleep.

James didn't like Juliet's disappearing act. He felt responsible for her. He was worried about her being alone out on the island and that the dharma folk wouldn't want her to stay as she wasn't integrating. He didn't care what Daniel did, he creeped him out.

When he confronted her about it she told him she didn't want to get in the way. On the 10th day when they all left the rec room James dragged her with him to help with some gardening.

The four enjoyed each others company throughout the morning, so when they all retreated sweaty and muddy for lunch they were confused that Juliet had disappeared again.

When they returned to digging and planting new flower beds they found Juliet and Daniel already working. Jin noticed Sawyers smile at the sight.

Daniel worked well, but didn't speak. The others found they enjoyed joking and laughing at each other. Jin tried to understand but liked the sound of laughter and banter.

They worked together up until day 14. At the end of the two weeks Horace came into the rec room before breakfast.

He asked if they were ready to go home. The men all looked to James for the answer, who himself was looking at Juliet.

Juliet did not need to look to know they were all waiting for her answer, it was written on Horace's face, who waited patiently for an answer.

Juliet politely told Horace that they would like to stay longer if they could. Horace smiled broadly and clapped his hands together, looking at each in turn as he backed out of the room to make long term arrangements.

Jin understood they were staying, he understood Horace was going to make better arrangements, he thought he understood Sawyer felt responsible for them as a group. It was the smile shared between Sawyer and Juliet he didn't understand.