Illusions of the island *A LOST fanfic*

Chapter 37: A certain twist of fate

"So she's mine?"

Juliet looked at James and let out a somewhat sarcastic laugh.

"DNA doesn't lie James. Of course Hayley's our daughter. I know these things. I'm a doctor and I do work in a research facility."

James wrapped his arms around Juliet's waist and kissed the back of her neck.

"No, my beautiful wife works as the head of the research facility at the University of Florida. You know, you could just stay home, you don't need to work..."

Rolling her eyes at James, Juliet slapped his chest playfully and shook her head.

"Sounds tempting, but I've got new breakthroughs to discover and lots of babies to bring into the world. My plate is full. Besides, today isn't about me. Mother's Day already came and went. It's your day James. Go and play hide and seek with Hayley. She loves to play."

Opening up the den door, Juliet watched as Hayley fell over. She'd been listening at the door.

"I'm an experiment?"

Juliet felt a horrified expression flash across her face.

"No baby. Come here. You are not an experiment. Listen to me, Aunt Rachel was having some problems having a baby, so mommy helped her out."

Hayley furrowed her eyebrows, Juliet wanted to laugh. That was all her.

"Was it because Aunt Rachel was sick?"

Juliet nodded and hid her tears from her daughter.

"Yes. But Aunt Rachel is all better. That was a very long time ago. Before you were born. I have an idea, what don't you and daddy go play a game of tag in the backyard?"

Hayley nodded a little unsure of herself and filed out of the den, James following just behind her. Juliet brought up the rear. When James and Hayley got outside Juliet sat and watched from the door frame. Hayley stopped chasing James for a moment and called out to her mother.

"How come Cara isn't playing with us?"

Juliet frowned and shook her head.

"She has a really bad cold. She can't play outside right now. Right now she has to stay in bed and eat soup."

Hayley took a breath and nodded seriously.

"Ok."

Juliet knew that was all her. She watched as James and Hayley raced around the backyard. Then she saw James tag Hayley and she howled with laughter when he picked her up, swinging her around.

"Gotcha little genius! Ok. Daddy needs to rest for a minute. He's outta shape."

Giggling, Juliet watched as James playfully collapsed onto the grass and stared up at the sky.

"...And the prince and princess lived happily ever after. The end..."

Cara sat straighter in her bed, and squirmed a bit.

"Another story daddy."

James shook his head no.

"Not tonight sweet girl. You need some sleep. Sleepin' will help you get better."

His mind wandered to his own parents. He'd never had a loving set of parents growing up. Now that he had his own family, he felt that sometimes he couldn't give them everything. He felt like a failure. But the three words Hayley said next made him think differently.

"Happy Father's day daddy."

To Be Continued...