A New Perspective

This story is dedicated to my daughter Laura, who kept saying how cute Ben and Annie were in The Man Behind the Curtain, and inspired me to write this flashback.

The swing wouldn’t let her fly any higher. She tried pumping her legs harder, but knew this was as high as she could fly for now. At fifteen, she really was much too old to be swinging like a clock’s pendulum on steroids. But he was late, as usual, so now was her time to fly.

They always met here whether it was a scheduled or spontaneous date. One could say the swing set had become their special place. She gave him his birthday present on that swing set that first year he came to the island. Several months later, Ben reciprocated. The swing set had heard all their childhood secrets and had watched them share their first kiss; it was their special place.

She put her legs straight out and lay back as far as she could while still holding on, and let the wind whip through her long brown hair. As she came to a stop, she sat up ready to do it all over again; but saw him coming down the incline toward her. Wearing his white Dharma polo and khaki’s, his brown bag over his shoulder; Ben wasn’t a traditionally handsome young man. But she knew from the first time she met him and gave him an Apollo bar; they had a connection which superseded appearances and went directly to their souls.

Too late, she now worried about how messed up her hair had gotten while swinging. She tried to tame it as he approached. Neither said anything as he sat on the swing. A cursory glance around assured they were alone and they stole a quick kiss.

“You were visiting with Richard again?” Annie whispered, even though no one was around to hear.

“Yes.” Ben took his brown bag off his shoulder and started rummaging through it. He pulled out an Apollo bar. Holding it up for Annie to see, he asked, “Would you like to share?”

Annie was in awe. “Where did you get one of those? My Mom said the commissary was out til the next supply drop.”

“When your Dad runs supplies to other stations, there is usually opportunity to acquire items I may need in the future.” Looking triumphant, Ben broke the candy bar into two pieces, handing her the noticeably larger piece.

“Thank you, Ben. You really know how to make a girl feel special.” Annie watched Ben blush and smile the certain way he did whenever she teased him. They savored the chocolate nutty confection in a companionable silence.

“Are you guys still trying to figure out a way for Dharma and the hostiles to be able to live peacefully together?” Annie asked after licking her fingers clean.

“That’s what we are working toward, Annie. I’ve told you, Richard thinks I could be the person to take care of the issues between the two groups. But the time isn’t right now. Richard assures me, I will know when the time is right.”

“I’m so proud of you, Ben. I know you’ll be able to solve the differences.” Annie took Ben’s hand. “By the way, we have to read chapters one through five in Watership Down. I covered for you with Olivia. She asked where you were after lunch and I told her, you know, your father.”

“Well, at least he is good for an excuse to get out of class.” Ben hung his head; but recovered swiftly, giving Annie a quick small smile.

She hooked her ankle around his and bumped their swings together. It was a diversionary tactic; Annie knew she needed those when Ben’s father came up in conversation. Everyone in the compound knew his father was a drunk; but Annie sensed it went much deeper than being a drunk as far as Ben was concerned. When the time was right, Annie was confident Ben would tell her everything.

Ben bumped his swing back and Annie bumped hers a little harder. Ben changed tactics and launched a full on attack of tickling. Soon Ben’s father was forgotten amidst all the laughter.

A dark haired boy and girl were having a contest to see who could swing higher.

Annie watched the children from the door of their home. How long had it been since she and Ben had visited their special place? It felt like years. Ben came up behind Annie, pulled her long brown hair aside, and nuzzled that sensitive spot right behind her ear; Ben knew all her weaknesses.

“I’ve got to catch the ferry; my shift is starting over at the Hydra station soon.”

“So what are you doing standing here looking out the door?” Ben put his arms around her.

“Reminiscing.” Annie paused and sighed. “You’ll feed and water Scarlett and Rhett and give them some time to hop around the backyard while I am at work?” It was a question and a statement.

“Yes, dear. Every day.”

Annie turned in Ben’s arms to face him. “I’m tired of leaving you for days at a time and going to work at the Hydra Station. Let’s start our family so I can stay here, with you and our baby.” Annie absentmindedly played with Ben’s collar.

Ben kissed her on the forehead. “We need to wait til the time is right, Annie. We’ve been over this before.” Ben gave her that small quick smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes; that smile she’d seen many times before; that smile that meant this conversation was over.

“I am not ready to end this discussion, Benjamin Linus. Maybe I think the time is right. Doesn’t that count for anything?”

“You do appreciate that I understand how things work on this island. I want for you to change your attitude…”

“My attitude?” Annie interrupted, hand on her hip.

“Okay…not your attitude…your, uh, perspective. Your work at the Hydra is important. Everyone says you have a special ability with the animals. The animals don’t respond to anyone as well as they do to you. And we will have a family in time. I promise.” Ben was holding her by the shoulders, trying to read her face.

Annie sighed and gave him a half hearted smile. “This discussion will be continued in a few days when I come home.”

“Good.” Ben nodded quickly. “Now, where is your bag? I’ll walk you to the ferry.”

“I’ll get it. There are a few things I need to take care of. I’ll be right out.” The drab olive green Dharma duffel bag sat on their bed. She unzipped the front pocket and rummaged around finding her Dharma birth control pills. Popping out the next three pills, she took them into the bathroom and flushed them down the toilet.

“That ends that discussion.” Annie thought to herself while putting the container back in her duffel bag. She threw the bag over her shoulder and headed to the front door.

“Ready to go?” Ben took the bag from her.

“Yep.” Annie smiled at Ben. She was ready to go; and she even had a new perspective to take with her.