He had found it. The perfect spot to hide her away until he could repair his boat. Amidst the friendly, tall palm trees and familiar foliage lay what appeared to be an ordinary patch of moss. Little did the castaways know that, if stepped on you would fall straight through. Twenty feet below the island's surface was a small cave. If someone were to fall in they would normally be able to climb out the way they came in, but seeing this fault Wiley had hacked away the vines that hung along the walls. It was dark, and cold with no comfort for whomever had the unfortunate chance of spending one second down there. As far as Wiley was concerned there was only one way out. Him.

QQQ

"Supper time! Come and get it!" Mary Ann said as she removed the soup from the pot it was in and began pouring it into a serving bowl.

"Mmmm! Looks great I want seconds!" Gilligan grabbed a spoon and sat down, looking like a puppy awaiting his owner to give him a treat.

Skipper strolled up behind Gilligan and crossed his arms over his barrel chest. "Gilligan you don't even know what it is yet!"

"You're right Skipper. Make that thirds." He tucked his napkin under his chin. In response, Mary Ann giggled and sat the soup on the table.

"Someone's hungry tonight." Mary Ann gave him a sweet smile and sat beside her closest friend on the island. He tried to grab for the ladle, but Mary Ann swatted him hand away. Defeated, Gilligan recoiled and sat patiently waiting for the others. The Skipper was next to comment on Gilligan's sudden need for nourishment.

"Yeah Little Buddy, why do you have two stomachs all of a sudden?" He took his usual place at the head of the table. Before Gilligan had a chance to respond the Howells walked up, arm in arm.

"Did I hear the dinner bell? Smells absolutely divine, dear." Said Mrs. Howell like she was talking to a small child. Her husband pulled the chair out for her, then sat down himself.

"Thank you, Mrs. Howell. It's something new. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. I also added the new herbs the professor found the other day. It's supposed to add a bit of spice to it."

"Did I hear someone speaking of the Capsicum annuum?"

"Professor my boy, English!" Commanded Mr. Howell.

"Capsicum annuum is the scientific name for pepper. It's not exactly the same, but I believe it is a sub group of it. I assure you all; it is completely safe to eat."

Everyone nodded their head in agreement; no one ever challenged the Professor. Once, when Skipper dared to argue with him, things got out of hand. Things were said that shouldn't have been said, and before long someone got hurt. Not physically, just their ego. Plates were passes, dinner was served. The Skipper was the first to notice that their red headed companion was not to be found.

"Say, where's Ginger?"

"I'm not too sure Skipper. I was out here preparing supper and I saw her take off in that direction." Mary Ann gestured toward the path that led to the beach.

"Did she say anything to you?" Asked Skipper.

"No, she seemed kinda upset. But you know how Ginger is, makes something small into something big. I'm sure she's on her way back now." Mary Ann stabbed her Portobello mushroom with her fork and began eating.

"Ha! Actors! They're all the same." Mr. Howell paused, "Pass the mushrooms, Lovey."

"Sorry I'm late everybody. I lost track of time collecting sea shells. I'm going to make a necklace out of them. Won't it be the most?" Ginger smiled and sat next to Mary Ann. "You'll help me with it won't you, Mary Ann?"

"Sure, Ginger. But only if you collect enough shells for me, too." Mary Ann served her friend soup and dinner went on.

The cool tropical air wafted through their camp, making the already delicious meal even more enjoyable. Promises were made to search the shore for more shells tomorrow after breakfast. The idea of developing their own jewelry line even came up. The Skipper looked around at his passengers and crew. What a wonderful group of people, he thought. These people have become my family. Mary Ann is like a little sister to me, and Mr. Howell well, he's the annoying older brother I never had. And Ginger, well, she's something else alright. He caught her eye and she rewarded him with a smile. Ginger went back to her conversation with Mary Ann; she must have said something funny, because Mary Ann laughed out loud. He sat back and listened to their small talk. Smiles and laughter joined the early evening sounds of crickets and birds. Yes sir, we may be dysfunctional; but we sure are a family.