The Woman from the Plane [Lost Fanfiction]

Chapter 5: One of Them

Valerie returned to the house just as Juliet was leaving. She could see Ben through the window, cleaning up in the kitchen.

She smiled curtly at Juliet, expecting to avoid a conversation. Juliet reached out and grabbed her wrist.

"Thank you," she said.

"Why?"

"He's different—I'm not quite sure, exactly—you've changed him."

"I haven't done anything, honestly," Valerie said, shaking her head.

"I think you've put him in his place," she said, laughing. "Someone needed to do it."

Valerie smiled and glanced back at Ben. She could tell that he'd positioned himself to hear the conversation. "Maybe."

"You don't know him like I do," Juliet explained. "He's not usually this easygoing."

Valerie chuckled. "Oh, I know." She opened the front door and stepped inside, still laughing to herself. "Have a good night, Juliet."

"What was that about?" Ben asked as she stepped into the kitchen.

She picked a piece of cold chicken from the carving board and ate it slowly—savoring every bite.

"I don't know what you said to her, but she doesn't hate you anymore—not as much, anyway."

"I gave her a little leash."

"What a tasteful analogy."

"You know what I mean."

Valerie raised her eyebrows at him and took another piece of chicken. "It's even good cold," she announced as she chewed, and walked out of the kitchen.

***

The next morning, Ben stopped Alex before she could head out the door. He'd tried his best to put that awful dream out of his mind, but he'd had it several times since, and hadn't been able to shake it.

He'd told her that they were going to gather information on the survivors—that some of them may be of interest to Jacob. This was partially true, of course. He hadn't told her about the tumor—she didn't need to worry.

"Alexandra."

"What?" she answered, obviously annoyed.

"I'm leaving today—we won't be back for some time."

"I know."

"I just want—" he hesitated.

"What?" she said again, rolling her eyes at him.

He frowned. The words were hard for him to say. "I want you to know that everything I do, I've done to keep you safe. I know you hate me for it—but I just want to protect you."

"I don't hate you," she replied quickly.

"Listen, I've never been a very good father, but—"

"That's not true, dad," she interrupted, stepping closer to him. "I just wish you would trust me. I'm not a little kid anymore—I'm good at a lot of things. I can handle myself."

He nodded, a bit misty-eyed.

"Oh my god, are you crying?"

"Of course not," he lied, and hugged her tightly. She hugged him back.

"Why are you being so weird?" she asked, pulling away. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing—I just don't know when I'll be back. And I want you to stay safe."