Illusions of the island *A LOST fanfic*

Chapter 42: 'Loneliness becomes me'

Juliet felt terrible that she'd had to stay late at work, but that baby needed her, and Laura had almost bled out. She was dog-tired, but she knew she couldn't sleep until she at least talked to Hayley first. Making her way down the hallway, she knocked on Hayley's door.

"Hay, it's me baby girl. Can I come in?"

She heard movement behind the door and then it quickly opened, revealing the contents of the room. Juliet was amazed at all the things Hayley had in her room. She had redecorated several times, but this time it was elaborate. Juliet frowned when she saw what was draped around her shoulders.

"Hayley where did you find that flag?"

Hayley kept it around her and sat back down on her bed.

"Grandma Isabel's flag? Found it in a box in the attic. I thought it would be neat to have it. Besides, I feel closer to her when I have it close to me."

Juliet motioned for Hayley to hand her the flag and she handed it to her mother without complaint.

"This is not a toy Hay. This is a national symbol. Your great-grandma made a lot of sacrifices when she came to this country. This was in a hand-carved trunk, wasn't it?"

Hayley nodded and fingered the delicate fabric.

"Yes. You always said be proud of who you are mama. Can we go and visit where grandma was born?"

Juliet shook her head no and sat down on the edge of Hayley's bed.

"Sorry Hay. Unfortunately, at the moment, we can't go to Cuba. Someday we will. But not now. I'm sorry."

Sighing, Hayley looked down at the old and frayed Cuban flag in her mother's hands.

"I wonder what it must have been like for grandma before she came here."

Juliet smiled and kissed Hayley's forehead.

"I'll tell you what Hay, tomorrow while we're making your dance costume, I'll tell you some stories grandma told me growing up. About the island. How does that sound?"

Hayley nodded and got under the covers.

"I'd like that mama. Cara and I were talking while you were at work and she said she wants a little sister. She's tired of being the baby. She wants to be the big sister for a change."

Juliet smiled and ran a hand over Hayley's forehead.

"We'll have to talk about it with your dad ok? In the meantime, it's time for bed. It's really late."

Hayley nodded and shut her lamp off. Juliet closed Hayley's door and went to check on Cara. She was fast sleep with her door open slightly. Finally entering the room she shared with James, she got undressed and climbed into bed. She trailed a finger down his left ear and James opened his eyes. A quiet smile spread over his face.

"Hey gorgeous. What took ya so long?"

Juliet's eyes were half-closed when she answered.

"Had a problem with the last woman who went into labor. The baby's leg got tangled in the umbilical cord, hell of a time getting her unstuck, but they're both going to make it. Hayley told me Cara wants a little sister. What do you think James? You think we can handle another little one in the house?"

James chuckled and pulled Juliet closer.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow..."

James pulling Juliet into a kiss didn't let go of her for a minute or two.

To Be Continued...