(Untitled)

[dr_juliet_burke]

Juliet is sitting on the dock, cross-legged, watching the sun set. She's spent the last few days being more uneasy and upset than she had in a while. She knew exactly why, of course. She knew how badly she had upset Ben. And she felt awful about it.

And then there was what the Smoke Monster had said to her. Maybe he was right about everything.

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[gingercharlotte]

Charlotte is feeling lonely tonight, and decides to take a walk, her legs leading her down to the water, where she sees Juliet sitting on the dock. She stops, shoving her hands in her pockets. Juliet looks sad. Maybe she doesn't want company. Or maybe she'd like to talk? Charlotte isn't sure what kind of company she'll be tonight, but at least she would be better than nobody. And Charlotte would like some company tonight, too. For one thing, she needs to decide what to tell Dan about the declaration he made to Richard Alpert. He certainly deserves an answer.

Clearing her mind for the moment, she walks down the dock towards Juliet.

Mind if I join you?

[dr_juliet_burke]

Ana Lucia has left, and it's getting darker. She's not expecting someone to show up, and she's all the more startled when it's Charlotte. She smiles softly.

Hey. Not at all.

Juliet moves over a little.

Everything okay?

[gingercharlotte]

Charlotte sits beside Juliet, letting her legs dangle over the edge.

Yeah, everything's okay. Taking a little time to get used to everyone being...here. But how are you? You look sad.

[dr_juliet_burke]

Juliet nods her head a little.

It can take some time getting used to this place. If you need anything just let one of us know.

At this Juliet lets out a sigh, leaning back on her hands.

Maybe a bit sad, yeah. I guess I have my moments.

[gingercharlotte]

Charlotte looks over at her sympathetically.

If you need anything, let me know. You were good to us when we were...jumping. I remember that much. So I'm here if you want to talk, okay?

Charlotte hesitates, looking down at the dark water, then up at Juliet again, her eyes wide.

Juliet, how do you know when you're in love?

[dr_juliet_burke]

Juliet is touched, and pats Charlotte's knee softly.

Thank you, Charlotte, I'll remember that.

She's a bit thrown off by this next question, and blinks a bit.

In love! Oh. Why... why do you ask, if you don't mind me asking?

[gingercharlotte]

Oh...I guess you weren't there, were you, when Dan told Richard Alpert he was in love with me? It...shocked me. I thought he was just saying it, at first. But he insists that he meant it. I...I couldn't think of a thing to say. I was just...overwhelmed. I...left before I gave him any sort of answer...because...

Charlotte throws up her hands, confused and frustrated with herself.

...because I didn't understand what I was feeling, and I thought there would be plenty of time to sort it out.

[dr_juliet_burke]

Juliet's smile is bittersweet.

We always seem to think we have enough time to do the things we want. I guess it takes dying to learn we don't. I just wish I hadn't learned the hard way.

So what do you feel now?

[gingercharlotte]

Tears come to Charlotte's eyes, surprising her most of all.

What do I feel now? I miss him. I miss him so much. It hurts that I can't be with him. I feel empty; as if part of me is missing. Is that love?

[dr_juliet_burke]

Juliet feels a pang of sadness for Charlotte, and reaches out tentatively and gives her hand a squeeze.

It... it sounds like it to me. I'm so sorry you're hurting. It's not the most wonderful feeling in the world, is it? Being separated from someone you care so much about.

[gingercharlotte]

Charlotte squeezes back, a tear streaming down her cheek.

Dan is wonderful, you know? He's smart, everyone knows that. But he's also gentle and kind and so much more than most people realize. He just keeps it inside.

She smiles, wiping her eyes.

Listen to me. I sound so foolish, don't I, Juliet?

[dr_juliet_burke]

You don't sound foolish. You sound like you love him. There's nothing foolish about love.

She chuckles a bit.

I sound like a poem. Or a greeting card.

[gingercharlotte]

I suppose I do. I suppose I always did.

Charlotte is pensive for a moment, staring into the water.

But I suppose it doesn't matter. He probably doesn't even remember me.

[dr_juliet_burke]

Juliet tilts her head, furrowing her brow.

Why do you think this?

[gingercharlotte]

Charlotte shrugs, a self-loathing look on her face.

I never gave him an answer, maybe he got tired of waiting.

[dr_juliet_burke]

Juliet is silent for a moment.

Do you know what happened to all of us after... after we lost you?