Fault lines

Chapter 8 : Collision

—-

I'm quiet, you're not

You make a first impression

But I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind

Even the best fall down sometime

Even the wrong words seem to rhyme

Out of the doubt that fills my mind

I somehow find

You and I collide

Howie Day, Collide

—-

Chapter 8: Collision

One of the things Juliet missed most about living in the States, besides more or less everything, was the chance to experience cooler weather. She didn't like the cold, but there was nothing quite like a crisp, fall day. They didn't get that kind of weather often in Miami, but when they did, she'd throw on a sweater, drink hot chocolate, and snuggle up with a good book.

Here on the island, the weather was usually hot, warm, or less warm. She only owned one sweater and she only got to pull it out after the sun went down, and even then, the air would be so muggy she didn't usually keep it on for too long. She was pleasantly surprised when she woke up one morning and actually felt goosebumps on her arms as she got ready for work. Her jumpsuit felt cozy rather than suffocating, and she smiled so hard that by the time she stepped out onto her porch and drank in the early morning air, her cheeks were cramping.

It was Friday night in early October, and tonight was the first of three 'Freaky Friday Movie Nights.' Juliet had initially laughed at the title Horace had come up with when he eagerly presented the idea to them at dinner a few weeks ago, but he'd only narrowed his eyes questioningly at her in response. She felt James kick her under the table with his good foot and it was then she realized the movie must not have come out yet. Time travel really was a bitch.

She could hardly wait for the showing, though. Juliet loved horror films, and they were starting strong tonight with 'Rosemary's Baby.' On her way to work, she saw Amy directing several people as they carried various pieces of furniture into the rec room. It had been so long since she'd seen a movie, let alone a movie on a projector, that she felt like a kid at Christmas. She realized she couldn't get through the work day fast enough. It felt good to have something to look forward to.

"Hey, Amy!" Juliet called, and approached the flustered redhead. "Nice clipboard," she teased, and Amy shot her a harried look.

"Hi, Juliet. On your way in?"

"Yep. Thought I'd come see how things were coming along." She peaked her head into the rec room. A couple of the work men were putting up the projector screen, stretching out the flat, white canvas and making sure the poles weren't crooked.

"It's going okay, I think. I just hope everyone has fun, you know?" Amy scanned her clipboard and whispered to herself under her breath.

"It's going to be fine," Juliet assured her, using the voice she'd used so many times with worried patients. "Horace said everyone really likes Halloween around here." Including Juliet.

If anyone were to ask, Juliet would say that Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday (as it was the mature, adult thing to say), but deep down, it had always been Halloween. It wasn't because she cared that much about dressing up or trick-or-treating, though she and Rachel had certainly enjoyed that as children. It was because of all the events leading up to the holiday, like pumpkin carving, scary movie screenings, and hayrides. It was one of her deepest secrets; she didn't think adults were supposed to care that much for a cultural holiday surrounding witchcraft and demons, and dressing up to beg for candy. But she really did love it, and looked forward to it every year prior to being on the island. During her time with the Others, there were no children, so the holiday passed by without acknowledgment.