Disclaimer:

I do not own Lost or any of the brilliant fictional characters from the show. I do however own my two characters of Eric and Genevieve Mendez.

House of the Rising Sun

The following morning proved to give Genevieve one of the biggest migraines she has had up to date. Claire had mumbled in her sleep throughout the night expressing her fear on living on the island; raising a child on the island. Sleep did not come for the woman while she listened to her blonde friend closely, all her worries radiating to Genevieve. Normally fear didn't come easy for the brunette; however she had never been in the situation she was in.

As the sun began rising, Genevieve stopped fighting the need to sleep and sat up. A low sigh sounded as her hands ran over her face before travelling to tie her hair. Silently exiting her tent, Genevieve looked toward the reddening sky. Sunrises were always beautiful to her; the start of a new day, new adventures, new experiences. On the island, there was a promise of new experiences and adventures though one could never tell if they were going to be enjoyable. Nevertheless, it was a promise for a new day.

Genevieve found a spot to peacefully sit while watching the sun rise on the ocean horizon. Bringing her blanket along, the woman sat silently wrapped in the fabric as the morning wind began to stir. In the distance she could hear others begin to wake, tired footsteps on the sand. Genevieve's eyes found Kate's glare in the distance. Shaking her head, the woman looked forward once again, laughter filling her mind. Since that night, Genevieve was faced with the cold shoulder technique and glares from the fugitive the second she had shown up with Jack. What Kate didn't realize was how faithful Gen was to her husband, and though Eric wasn't present, the woman knew he had to be somewhere out in the island searching for her as well.

The woman wasn't sure what the relationship between Jack and Kate were – if there was one. However, Genevieve understands the jealousy Kate must feel whenever she sees Jack conversing and interacting with another woman. What she didn't understand was why Kate felt Genevieve was a threat.

Shrugging things off, Genevieve's mind traveled back to the image being painted in front of her. The sun was half naked to the eye, the ocean still underneath it. The scene was incredible and looked to be beautifully crafted by an artistic hand. Everything seemed to be perfect … that was until she felt another body sitting beside her – Jack's voice ringing in the air.

"You're up early," he voiced, his tone low and tired. Genevieve said nothing. She wasn't sure the purpose of his visit but the last thing she wanted was to have her sunrise ruined by the doctor's orders for the day. "How'd you sleep?" he asked, his knees propped while his arms rested against them. Genevieve's answer was a simple shrug as the woman had no desire to explain Claire's worry. After all, she was a therapist. "Not in the mood to talk, got it." Jack's ability to pick up on Genevieve's actions surprised her, however she was greatly thankful. It was during this time of day when she didn't want to be bothered, but instead be thankful and grateful for the rising sun. Normally the woman would prefer to be alone – probably why a sigh escaped her lips before she averted her gaze.

"Your girlfriend hates that you spend time with me and she hates me for being the one you turn to," Genevieve bluntly revealed. Jack's expression quickly changed to confusion as he turned to look for Kate. And as both sets of eyes found her glaring green ones, Jack realized what Genevieve was saying had to be true.

"She's not my girlfriend," he quickly defended as his eyes moved away from Kate's stare. Genevieve, however, continued looking toward the brunette, watching as Kate walked off.

"Could've fooled me," Gen answered, a smile forming while she suppressed a chuckle. "Look, I don't care what you two have going on, but don't put me in the middle. I'm happily married and Kate needs to know that; we don't need any more animosity between survivors on this island." Jack nodded, obviously confused where the conversation had taken a turn to. Shaking off his concern, Jack turned to Genevieve and sighed.

"Listen, I didn't come over here to debate about whether or not I'm dating Kate; I came over here 'cause I wanted to talk to you about possibly moving to the caves that we found." Raising a brow to the man, Genevieve's mind blanked on her. Moving to the caves would mean she would have given up hope on rescue coming; staying on the beach would allow her to keep an eye out if there was a passing boat or a plane overhead. "I think, since you helped find the cave, you should move in and help around. You do help make decisions with the group and I would feel more comfortable with you helping there."

"Jack…that's like asking me to let go of seeing my family again. That's asking me to give up hope that help will come and we'll be rescued."

"You heard the pilot, Gen. It's going to be a while before they find us or realize where the plane had gone off course. Being out here on the beach is starting to gain a lot of risks; I can't have a friend missing or gone."

"I appreciate you caring," Genevieve started; wondering where and when they're friendship became important to Jack. If it wouldn't had been for Jack's mental breakdown and him seeing his deceased father, Genevieve and the doctor wouldn't have found the cave. Maybe it was at that moment when Jack had Gen by his side when he believed she cared about their friendship as much. In reality, Genevieve didn't care much about their friendship; she cared about getting help and having her time on the island as civil as possible. If Jack were to have done off the deep end, who would've stepped up in his place? "But the logical choice here would be to have you in the caves directing traffic in there and me on the island making sure things are going in order over here. It's basically like having two cities."

As the woman spoke, Jack mulled over her advice. Though she had made complete sense and it was a good idea, Jack felt more comfortable with someone he entrusted fully near. Letting out a sigh, Jack nodded before giving her details on the plans for the day. Once Genevieve understood what Jack was planning, the man stood to his feet and began walking off. Genevieve watched as the group's leader sulked off as he made his way toward Kate. While her eyes slowly fell toward the ground, Genevieve began thinking about Eric. With all the events happening on the island, her husband was the farthest thing on her mind. But while Jack and Kate began gathering their belongings to begin heading to the cave, Genevieve's mind traveled to when the two newlyweds packed for their trip to Australia.

Their smiles and side glances caused Genevieve to shake her head. Although others in the group might have missed the subtle notions of admiration, the psychologist could easily see the way the two looked at each other. However, once Charlie approached them, the woman took her eyes off of them and onto the man who silently sat next to her. "Sawyer," she greeted her voice soft and welcoming. Crow's feet became present as his eyes smiled along with his lips. Greeting her the same way, Sawyer's eyes traveled to the doctor and fugitive before glancing back to the psychologist.

"Such a wide range of occupations we have on this island," he made obvious, Genevieve silent as she began to mentally fight with her thoughts. A part of her fought with wanting to ask what cologne he had found in his hunt that made her heart flutter, but another part of her wouldn't allow to show too much emotion toward the most hated man on the island.

"Yeah," Genevieve agreed, her head nodding. But as she thought about it, Gen realized she didn't know what any of the other survivors did for a living. Besides knowing Jack as the doctor and Kate as a fugitive, Genevieve had no idea what anyone else on the island did as their occupation. This caused the woman to make a mental note to collect that information. "What is it that you want Sawyer?" she asked, finally moving to look toward the man's blue eyes.

A small sarcastic chuckle sounded from his throat as he shook his head. "I can't sit next to a fellow survivor and talk about the weather?" he asked, his face occupied with a large grin.

"If it was anyone else, I probably would believe those words. However, since it's coming from you, I don't necessarily think you came here to talk about the weather." Genevieve finally kept her gaze on Sawyer, her eyes piercing as her voice leaked to a serious tone.

"Okay fine," Sawyer sighed, giving in. "I know the doc will be leaving the beach to go live in the cave. So, I was thinking if you would be my hot Spanish princess and rule the beach with me?"

"Okay, first of all Spanish is a language not an ethnicity. And second, you're a pervert. Why in hell would I want to be your 'princess' of the beach when I'm happily married? Sawyer … and you wonder why people hate you." Just as she was moving to stomp away, Sawyer caught her wrist, holding her back. A loud laugh bellowed from his throat, amusement completely evident in his face.

"Ease up Gen, you're always so uptight. There's no way you're going to survive on this island if you don't take that stick out of your ass."

"You are highly unqualified to determine what belongs in my ass," the woman responded, her eyes rolling. Immediately Sawyer began laughing as Gen realized the words she had said. Joining the man in his laughter, Gen quickly shook her head. "That did not come out at all what I wanted it too."

"You saying that actually made it worse," Sawyer pointed out, his laughter trailing on. The two continued in their giggles until they heard yelling. Looking around, both pair of eyes found the source; Jin and Michael fighting.

"Damn it," Genevieve mumbled under her breath as she pushed herself off the ground. Running toward the two men, Sawyer right behind her, Gen felt her anger rise with every step she took. Michael's son, Walt, continuously yelled for the Korea to leave his father alone, while Sun yelled in her native language for Jin to stop the fighting. Genevieve's arms wrapped around Walt, holding him back from the fight breaking out in front of them, her eyes wide with shock.

There were many moments when sleep would not find Genevieve during the dead of night when the woman would wonder what kind of people she had been stranded with. She knew Kate was a fugitive and Jake was a doctor, however there were over forty other survivors Genevieve knew nothing of. The idea of a murderer in their group scared the woman; or even a rapist. There were many times when Gen would ask herself and analyze Sawyer; contemplating if he were either or. However, as Genevieve watched while Jin held Michael's head under the ocean water, she scolded herself for pointing her metaphoric finger at the man helping Sayid retrieve the Sky Marshal's handcuffs to stop the fighting.

Letting go of the young man, Genevieve and Walt both run toward Michael as he coughed the salt water out from his lungs. Patting his back, the woman's eyes watched while Sawyer pulled the silver handcuffs from his back pocket as Sayid dragged Jin toward the landing near the wreckage. "Over here, now!" Sayid yelled, beckoning Sawyer to where they fastened his wrist to the wreckage. Once they felt safe enough, they backed away from the angered man; all eyes on sun. "What happened?" Sun took a step back from the eyes glued on her; alone and unable to communicate.

-X- -X- -X-

Genevieve stood watching closely with her arms folded across her chest. Her white tank hung loosely against her skin, hitting it lightly as the wind raced against her. The brown curls bounced behind her in all directions, strands occasionally blocking her view of Sayid and Michael raging into an argument. Beside her, Hurley and Sawyer mimicked her stance while their eyes stayed glued as Michael held his son close and Sun stood close to her husband. On occasion, Jin would yell out some angry comments in his native language, but was duly ignored by the rest of the survivors. While the two men fought, Walt continuously looked up toward his father, scared and confused by what was happening.

Hesitantly, Sun rose from her husband's side and spoke. The language was none the survivors understood, however her gestures toward her wrist were loud and clear to Sayid who immediately opposed. "Little louder, Omar, maybe then she'll understand you," Sawyer spoke, his eyes rolling to Sayid's ignorance. While Sun moved back toward her husband, Genevieve noticed a tick in her eye. Keeping her gaze on the Korean woman, Hurley spoke up – inquiring on how long Jin would have to stay out in the hot sun. It was then when Genevieve finally noticed Sun's expression; an expression that clearly showed the psychologist she understood what others were saying.

"Until we figure out exactly what is going on here, we need to punish Jin for almost killing Michael." Snapping out from her analyzing Sun, Genevieve spoke up. "I know a few things about the Korean culture so once I have some time to remember everything I can; maybe I can help figure things out." Eyes were then on the woman who knew once everyone made their decision on where to live eyes would always be on her. "But being stuck on an island does not mean we're savages; keeping him out in the sun could dehydrate him or give him some severe sun poisoning."

"Good! He tried to kill me; punish the ass!" Michael spoke loudly, pointing over to Jin before the Korean man exchanged foreign words of his own. Holding her hands up, Gen shook her head.

"We don't know exactly why he did it. And until we do, we will move him to shade but keep him cuffed. If he is found guilty then we will punish him accordingly." Instantly, Genevieve's voice dipped to authoritative; a woman has to be "bossy" when she has to be. Especially during times like these. While the others nodded in hesitant agreement, Genevieve pointed toward Jin and ordered for him to be moved toward the trees. Turning on her heel, the woman walked toward her usual spot on the beach to meditate on the information she had known about the Korean culture. Sawyer followed close behind her, a smirk smacked on his face while he couldn't help checking out her swinging hips. "Keep those blue eyes off my ass Sawyer," Genevieve hollered, keeping her pace and her body forward.

An audible laugh was heard behind her as Sawyer sped his pace to keep up with her. "What are you thinking about this whole thing?" he asked, his mood instantly changing. Giving him a shrug, Genevieve answered honestly. She had no idea what to make of whatever grudge Jin held against Michael. Gen didn't know everything that was happening on the island, nor did she know about anything Michael could have done to cause Jin to react like that. But the one thing she did know was the same anger every man harbored when someone messed with their possessions and/or woman.

-X- -X- -X-

Since Jin had been relocated to the trees, Genevieve took it upon herself to keep a very close eye on Michael and Walt. With her arms folded, the woman's brown eyes were kept in the direction of Walt as he sat on the beach, staring at the man who almost killed his father from a safe and confrontational distance. The boy sat in silence while the married couple stared out onto the ocean, unaware of the child. However, like every human being who have the sense to feel when there are a pair of eyes on them, Jin looked toward Walt. The two males exchanged glances of anger and bewilderment until Michael appeared, scolding Jin and his son.

"Yeah, nice talking to you too," Michael yelled toward Sun as a sympathetic expression turned away from him. It seemed to Genevieve whatever weird friendship the two had was destroyed by Jin. She watched as Michael shared words with his son and it wasn't long before her eyes fell to the ground. The woman envied the pair; they had someone they knew and loved on the island. Days on the island and still Genevieve was still hurt knowing her husband was still nowhere to be found.

"You're thinking about him again, aren't you?" Sawyer's voice rang behind her as she suddenly felt his body standing close to her. Startled by his words, Genevieve turned to look at him, her brow raised high.

"Excuse me?" she inquired, confused by his question.

"Your eyes glaze over and your lips slightly split open whenever you think about him." For years Genevieve spent her time analyzing everyone around her, it was strange to have someone else pointing out her own actions. "I'm not trying to be a Deby Downer, but if we haven't found anyone else from the plane, I highly doubt we're going to find him." Briefly the woman's eyes fell to the ground before finding Sawyer's blue eyes again.

"Sawyer you might want to have a filter every once in a while," she spoke, trying desperately to mask the pain she was feeling. "You might lose the only person on this island that can tolerate you." And with that, Genevieve began walking away from the man, taking a small trek to her tent. Once inside, Gen fell to the floor. The reality of Eric being deceased was something her mind had been wrestling with for days, but Genevieve refused to accept it.

"Hey, you okay?" Claire's voice came from the entrance which quickly made Genevieve wipe her tears and grab her water bottle. Taking a sip from it, Gen nodded. "Look I know lately we haven't really talked much, but you know I'm still here if you need to talk about him."

"There's nothing to talk about," Gen snapped. Once she realized how harsh her words came out, her face softened. "Claire, I'm sorr-"

"No need, I understand," the blonde responded, a small forgiving smile. "Listen, I was talking to Joanna … that girl you rescued from drowning and she said she needed to speak with you as soon as possible."

"Tell her I'll talk to her as soon as I can; I'm incredibly busy with this whole Jin and Michael thing." Gathering a few things, Genevieve threw them in a bag and swung it over her shoulder. "Thanks Claire." The blonde nodded while her friend walked out of the tent, the sun immediately blinding Gen. Looking around, Genevieve began walking to where she needed to go.

Just as Genevieve was going to make her way over to the Korean couple, she noticed a few familiar faces and Sayid speaking with them. Raising a brow, Genevieve wondered what it was Sayid was telling them about Jin and Michael – especially since he was against allowing Jin to be under the comfort of shade. Just as she was going to B like it to Jin, Jack caught glimpse of her. Beckoning her to wait, Jack quickly wrapped it up with Kate and Sayid before jogging over to her. "Hey, where are you headed?" he asked, a small smile forming.

"Going over to Jin to check up on him; I'm assuming Sayid told you about the whole fight?"

"Yeah he did; this something you have under control?" Jack looked toward Genevieve, a hopeful look in his eye so obvious, Gen shook her head.

"You know, for someone who just yesterday made a huge speech to the survivors about the concept of 'live together, die alone', you sure are quick to make your own civilization in the caves."

"It's our best bet on surviving on this island," Jack spoke in his defense, following the woman as she began walking away toward the Korean couple.

"Our best chance of survival is getting off this island. And getting off this island means keeping us on the beach to keep a look out for airplanes or helicopters or a boat; something that will take us off this shitty island and back home to real civilization. You moving us into the caves is complete suicide and will probably later make a few of us commit suicide."

"It's our only source of fresh water, Gen," Kate spoke, interrupting what Jack was going to say.

"Oh now she speaks to me. Finally have it in your head that Jack and I aren't an item?" Genevieve spoke, her voice dripping with hints of sarcasm. Kate sent a glare her way as a hand found her hip.

"Staying here without food or water? And that isn't suicide to you?"

"At least here there's always hope that we'll get off this island. Besides, there's fishing and we can always bring water bottles down from the caves to have and store. There's always a solution to something that doesn't have to mean giving up hour on this hourglass we call our lives." Jack kept quiet; knowing anything else he would say would be omitted by the feisty female. Genevieve on the other hand gripped tighter on her bag before starting off on her walk toward the Korean couple once again, this time without Jack following close behind her.

Not far from her, Genevieve spotted Sayid – a man who she knew wanted to get off the island as much as she did. Calling him over, Gen stole a glance to Jack who had already made his way to a few castaways, starting his lecture on why they should relocate to the caves. "Yes Gen, what can I do for you?" Sayid asked; his voice pleasant as always. Giving him a brief smile, Genevieve gave him details on what Jack's plan was. Immediately she knew Sayid was against the idea of moving the survivors to the caves in case a rescue ship or plane came looking for them. "What I can do is go around and collect survivors against the idea to keep a tally on who will stay."

"Exactly my idea," Genevieve answered, her lips turning to a smile. With an appreciative nod, the two parted ways. Sayid ventured off to where Gen could tell toward Michael while she took a few steps back. Looking out to her surroundings, Genevieve watched as the group of survivors carried on their day as if it was like any other. Sure, being stranded on an island was probably the worst thing that had happened to her besides losing Eric, but in a sense she knew she would come out of this a stronger and better woman.

-X- -X- -X-

Jack had gone around to everyone on the beach, trying to convince as many people as he could to follow his lead into the jungle to the caves. A few familiar and frequent faces decided to join the doctor, leaving Genevieve mourning on the beach. With her hands laced together, Gen sat in her usual spot by the ocean, a little closer to the water this time. With everything happening on that day – it was a miracle she hadn't poked anyone's eye out with a spork yet. The responsibility of leading a group of survivors was nothing of what she had imagined; harder than she could have guessed. It seemed everyone's concerns were made to be her own and everyone else's problems were her top priority.

The ocean water rose up the beach, hitting Genevieve's toes lightly. The cool water caused a shiver to travel down her spine while her eyes scanned the horizon then around her. Kate stood by the beach farther away to where, in Gen's eyes, she was merely a few inches tall. Approaching her, Sawyer wore his usual mocking smirk as he spoke to her – the obvious look of disgust on Kate's face. If Gen could guess, having the background she did, Sawyer's mere appearance was to stir up some trouble between Kate and the doctor. And this was confirmed as Sawyer's visit hadn't lasted more than two minutes until he began making his way over to where she resided.

Desperately Genevieve hid the smile behind a pensive stare. Giving her a shrug, Sawyer occupied the space beside her as a sigh escaped his lips. "You saw that didn't you?" the man asked, his eyes falling on Genevieve's tangled hands. Giving him a nod, Gen couldn't help but watch as Kate rolled her eyes to the pair, walking off of wet sand and into her tent. "Just some good ol' fashion instigating, Senorita."

"Maybe that's why you don't have many fans on the island, Sawyer," Genevieve pointed out, a small smirk hidden as she moved her face away from him.

"I have you," he spoke, putting a hand on her arm. "That's fan enough for me." A spark of emotions began rising in Genevieve as the heat from Sawyer's hand left an imprint. Gen's eyes found Sawyer's while he smiled. "Who needs these people, right? A lot of the idiots don't know what to do with themselves anyway. And screw the doc and his need for creating a civilization in the caves. If you're staying on the island, that's where I'll be." Though it was coming from the one and only Sawyer, Genevieve felt a sense of security from his words. Flashing a thankful smile, Gen nodded happily.

"Well with that being said, I think it's time to get some food," Gen suggested, getting to her feet. Brushing off the sand from her bottom, Gen watched as Sawyer rose as well. While the two began walking down toward the beach, Genevieve scanned the survivors in their daily day. Far in the distance, Gen noticed Jack and Kate speaking – Kate with a disapproving look. It didn't take long when Jack turned from Kate and began walking off; not before finding Genevieve's stare. Lifting his hand, Jack waved a good-bye to the woman he'd rather have at the caves, but the doctor understood the hope Genevieve held for rescue.

Whether anyone would understand or not, Jack needed to know he was safe on the island they had unfortunately landed on; and the caves, in his opinion, was the best way to survive. Flashing Gen a small smile, Jack turned and began his trek toward his new home.

Author's Note: I want to apologize that the chapters take a little to be posted. Each episode is almost and hour long, so in order to write Genevieve in I have to analyze each episode both watching it and reading the script. But hang in there, I will continue to post chapters! Please review and give me some feedback, please and thank you! xo