From her spot inside her tent, Claire could see most of the beach. It was middle of the morning and everyone was bustling about as usual, but her gaze alternated between two people on opposite sides of the beach. She marveled at the fact that Charlie and Desmond were so different, yet fate had now intertwined their lives, although that could be said for many on this island as well.

Claire watched Charlie as he and Hurley sat talking near Hurleys tent. Charlie had his guitar and was playing random songs as he and Hurley talked. She shifted Aaron in her arms as she watched. Charlie had always been so good to them. He had been her first friend on the island. They had quickly grown close. At one time, she had thought that someday maybe it would be more than friendship, but then Charlie had started acting really weird, especially toward Aaron, and she had felt like he was using heroin again. She distanced herself and broke off their friendship. She didnt need that in her life, but especially didnt need that around Aaron.

He finally cleaned up his act though and had slowly gained her trust and friendship back, but the chance for more had been lost and she knew it would never grow beyond friendship. She cared about him deeply though and treasured their friendship. Aaron would never meet his real father even if they did get off this island, so she was happy that Charlie had cleaned up and could be a good male role model for him.

Her gaze moved to the other side of the beach and fell once again upon Desmond. She hadnt quite figured him out yet. He was a bit of an enigma, although knowing about his flashes had unraveled some of the mystery. Desmond was quiet and tended to keep to himself. She seemed to be the exception though. After sharing his secret with her, she had seen quite a bit of him. He would stop by her tent and check on her and Aaron, staying to chat for a while. They were forming an easy friendship. Claire always got tingles when he was around and deep down knew she was beginning to feel more than just friendship for him. But she had seen the picture of Penny that day and tried her hardest to push these developing feelings away. The fact that he was so good with Aaron didnt help her push those feelings away either.

He had had a few more flashes about Charlie as the days had gone by and had shared them with her. He had been successful in holding death off, but he didnt know how much longer he could keep it up. Anyone could see how it was wearing him down. Claire had urged him to tell Charlie. She hoped maybe that would help take some of the weight off his shoulders. Suddenly Desmond stood up and Claire was shaken out of her thoughts. She watched him stand up and dust the sand off his jeans, throw his backpack over his shoulder and start off toward Charlie. He looked at Claire over his shoulder and she blushed. How long had he known she was watching him?

She could see Desmond walking over to Charlie. Claire smiled down at Aaron and sighed. Maybe this will take some of the weight off his shoulders. When she looked back up, she saw them arguing. She was too far away to hear what had happened, but she could tell they were in the middle of a heated argument. She sat, watching, waiting, and wondering. Suddenly Desmond threw his hands up in the air and stormed off. He stomped up the beach past his tent out toward the jungle. He never looked Claires way. She could tell he was mad, but there was something else too.

Claire shifted Aaron to her hip and struggled to her feet, wanting to go find Desmond and see what had happened. She looked up and saw Charlie heading her way. She turned back in the direction Desmond had headed, but he was out of sight now. She was worried about him. Charlie was still headed toward her tent, maybe talking to him would help her put the pieces together and figure out where Desmond had gone.

Charlie approached the tent with both a miffed and curious look on his face. Charlie, what happened with you and Desmond?

Charlies look changed to one of hurt. He told me about the bloody visions hes been having. Why didnt you tell me, Claire?

What, what do you mean me tell you? Claire didnt think Desmond would mention her knowing, but it seemed like he had.

Charlie sighed. I know you knew about them. It didnt take much to figure it out, the way you two have had your bloody heads together lately?

Yeah, I knew, but I didnt feel like it was my place to tell you. I felt like he needed to be the one to do it. Theyre his visions after all.

Charlie nodded his head. What she was saying did make sense. Do you believe him Claire? Do you really think hes changing my future?

Claire sighed as she thought about what he was saying. Yeah, I do Charlie. I believe him.

Charlie nodded his head accepting what she was saying. Then he asked her something she never expected to hear. You have feelings for him too, dont you?

Claires mouth was slightly ajar. She had only just admitted to herself that she had feelings for him. Was she that transparent? And if she was did he know too?

Charlie took her moment of silence as a yes. I thought so, he said sounding a little disappointed. Im not going to pretend that I didnt wish it was me you had those feelings for, but I want you to be happy Claire.

Claire really wasnt certain what to say. Thanks Charlie. But even if I do have feelings for him, I dont think he feels the same about me.

Charlie laughed. He does Claire, trust me on that one. I called him on it. Could tell by the way he looks at you. Anyway, I didnt know what to think about his visions. Didnt believe him or didnt want to. It frustrated him that I wouldnt believe him. We argued and he stormed off. Charlie tickled Aaron and smiled. He heard Hurley calling his name. Yeah, mate, Im coming. He said his goodbyes to Claire and Aaron and left her to her thoughts.

Claire was a bit worried at the way Desmond had stormed across the beach not looking at her as he passed. She decided she needed to find him. They had a lot to talk about. Claire asked Sun if she would watch Aaron and she headed off in the last direction she last saw Desmond headed.