Gilligan stood there with wide eyes unsure of what he was supposed to do. He did not wish to fight this young native man on the other hand he surely didn't want to lose Mary Ann! Finally he spoke. "I…I can't fight you. I don't want to fight you."
Maliko smiled. "Then young lady mine!" He declared.
"No!" Gilligan said quickly. "No..Mary Ann-mine. She's with me. We are together."
Mary Ann spoke. "Gilligan doesn't wish to fight you and I don't want to be your bride. I love Gilligan. Please…just go away. There isn't going to be a fight and I'm not going to…"
"We fight." The young warrior said sternly. "It is the way of the tribe."
The farm girl was getting irritated. "I don't care what the way of your tribe is, we are not…we don't do those things."
"You insult tribe!" Maliko roared.
Gilligan looked around helplessly. His eyes came upon Mr. Howell and he pleaded with the old man to come get them out of this jam. The millionaire hurried over. "What seems to be the trouble here?"
"I want young lady." The male native said. "Wish her to be my bride."
Mr. Howell tsked and shook his head. "I'm sorry my good man but the young lady is spoken for. Perhaps you could find another who…."
"No." barked Maliko. "We fight. I fight this man for her hand. She be my bride."
Mary Ann was getting restless and grabbed Gilligan's arm. "Please do something Gilligan."
The young sailor gathered himself and stood bravely in front of Mailko. "Mary Ann is my girl. I'm not going to let you take her from me. So you just…"
"We fight!" Maliko exclaimed getting into his fighting pose.
Gilligan's eyes bugged out. He felt like running away but his feet would not move plus he knew that he couldn't disappoint Mary Ann. What would she think him fleeing like a coward?
Mrs. Howell caught wind of what was happening and rushed over to Kimmo. "Please sir you have to do something! This young man wishes to fight Gilligan for Mary Ann!"
Kimmo nodded. "Yes it is old tradition. It our tribe when there are two suitors they fight for the hand of the young lady. Whoever win gets young lady."
Lovey gasped. "To the death?"
"No not till death." Kimmo replied. "Just till one is clear loser. It is the way of our tribe."
Gilligan spoke in a shaky voice. "But but I can't fight him…I don't want to…"
Maliko made a move towards the sailor who jumped. They circled around and around and Gilligan tried talking to him. "Listen I'm sure there are plenty of nice…tribe girls who would be happy to be your bride….Yikes!" He said jumping out of the way of the tribal fighter who now had a weapon in his hands.
Mary Ann quickly tossed one to the sailor as it was clear there was no way out of this unless Gilligan actually fought. The sailor grabbed it and then stared down his opponent. "You are not getting my Mary Ann." He got a look of determination on his face and charged Maliko he came at him so fast at the tribal fighter didn't know what happened and he fell to the ground.
Mary Ann cheered. "You did it! You did it Gilligan!"
The first mate grinned. "I'm mighty Gilligan!" He said raising his arms in triumph.
Mary Ann giggled and gave him a kiss. "My hero."
Maliko sulked in defeat. "You win." He said. "You keep girl. I lose. As always."
Gilligan walked over to him. "It's okay. I'll bet another will come along real soon. You know I know this nice tribal girl named Kalani…"
Mary Ann couldn't help but laugh as Gilligan told the tale of the native girl who he saved from drowning and became his servant. What a time that was! If she was being honest she was a tad jealous of the girl. Well maybe more than a tad…okay she downright couldn't stand her. She pretty much felt the same way Ginger did when that awful Erika Tiffany showed up. The only thing was Ginger laid a deep passionate kiss on the Professor to change his mind. She Mary Ann should have done that with Gilligan. Well it didn't matter now. She had her adorable sailor and she was never letting him go. Not ever. And if that Kalani ever showed up again...well she best watch out!
Jungle
Princess Rose found Kawan sitting alone on a giant rock. "Hello." She greeted.
He looked up. "Rose." He stated. "What are you doing here? I thought you believed me to be evil and vicious."
"Kawan." The princess began. "Your actions were evil and vicious. That nice man could have died and you would have been the cause of it. That sweet sea captain would have died as well if Kianna hadn't brought that antidote. You looked up that nice girl and that nice young man in a cave. You sealed that dear couple in a cave. That was wrong. Yes I know you thought that Ginger was me. I understand all that. But Kawan they said she wasn't. Why couldn't you believe that?"
The warrior was silent for a minute or two before he spoke. "I didn't want to believe anything else. When I heard your ship was attacked and…you were believed to be lost at sea. I never felt such pain. Tremendous pain..right here." He said pounding on his bronze chest. "Then then one day someone say they spotted a woman on island that looked like you. They were so sure it was you….we go investigate and….I was certain the gods had returned you to me. I was sure of it. My beloved princess was brought back to me. When they said it wasn't you….I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it."
"Yes you didn't want to believe it." Rose sighed. "You wanted Ginger to be me. But she wasn't. She was Ginger. Not me. You were wrong. And because of that people almost lost their lives. What would have happened if Mary Ann and Gilligan hadn't gotten free? What would have happened if you had actually killed that Professor and then I appeared? What comfort would that have been to Ginger? She would have lost the man she loved. You would have inflicted pain upon her heart."
Kawan said nothing. He had no words to defend his actions.
"I do not know if I can be with a man like you." Rose continued. "You…you are a brave fighter. You have come to the aid of my father many times. And you have protected me. I thought you were the most courageous man I had ever known. I wanted to be your bride. I wanted to have your children. Now….Now I'm not sure sure."
Kawan turned his head. "What you saying?"
"I'm saying Kawan that you are not the man I had believed you to be. There is a side of you that frightens me. Your anger towards Kianna earlier. You almost killed her too. I do not know if I can trust you." The Princess stood up. "I do not know if I ever can love you again."
Kawan jumped up. "No Rose..please…I beg you…I promise that…."
Rose shook her head. "It is too late Kawan. My mind is made up. I will tell my father that I no longer wish to be your bride. I am sorry but that is my decision. Farewell." With that she turned and walked away.
Kawan called out to her. "Rose! Rose!" His efforts were in vain as she disappeared into the jungle. He sat back down not believe what occurred. Rose is leaving him! Leaving him! How could this be so! Why! Why!
Kianna appeared in the path and carefully approached him. "Kawan."
He looked up. "What you want?" He snapped.
"Kawan I heard what Rose said. I am sorry." She said gently. "I know how you loved her."
"Like you care." He scoffed. "You probably happy. You think I vicious and evil like she does."
The young woman sat next to him. "I do not believe it is in you to be evil. I know you had truly believed Ginger to be Rose. I know that you thought you were protecting her. But Kawan you weren't. You were hurting others. Rose is correct. You could have killed the Professor. The Skipper could have died. This is not like you Kawan. You are a good man. I know you are. You saved me when I was just a kid. You dragged me out of that water. You have nice woman take me in and treat me like her own daughter. I respected you and admired your bravery. I wish I could be brave like you. But what you did. It was wrong and I think you know this."
"Maybe. I suppose the gods are disappointed in me now." He said.
Kianna shook her head. "No Kawan. No gods. One God. He loves you. No matter what He loves you."
Kawan laughed he shook his head. "You talking that nonsense that some of Rose's people were speaking of. About that man Jesus."
"Jesus is real." Kianna stated. "Jesus loves you Kawan. He loves all of us. You have to accept him. You have to believe in him. God forgives your sins Kawan. He doesn't lord them over you. He doesn't throw them back in your face. He forgives you because he loves you."
"How you know this?" He said. "How you know it's true?"
"I read in Bible that was given to me. I believe it with all my heart. Jesus is the answer Kawan. Let him in your heart. You will find much happiness." Kianna said.
"Perhaps maybe you show me this…Bible." He said.
"I will." Kianna said. "Come…I show you the ways of Jesus."
Kawan nodded and followed her back to the camp.
Next Morning
Ginger laid in the Professor's arms the next morning enjoying the kisses he was placing down her neck. "Professor.." She grinned. "I need to get up."
"No. No. You don't." He said in between kisses.
"I…I have to…go." She said trying to push him away but failing.
"No…You stay here…right here with me. I don't want you running off with Cary Grant or Rock Hudson or Gregory Peck." He said holding her tighter. "You are mine. All mine.
"Hmmm…darling those men couldn't hold a candle to you.." She said reaching up and running her fingers through his sandy hair. "I love you. They could never ever do to me what you do darling." She placed her hand behind his head bringing him back for another kiss.
The two were engaged in their deep passionate kiss when suddenly the door to the hut opened and Gilligan came rushing in. "Professor! Professor!" He exclaimed.
Ginger let out a small scream. "Gilligan!" She screeched.
Gilligan noticed the two and his eyes went wide. "Oh….Ginger…Oh I'm sorry!' He shut his eyes and tried to make his way out of the hut, running into the walls before finally finding his way out the door going on about how he swore he didn't see anything. Honest.
The Professor looked at Ginger. "Well I think our romantic morning has come to an end." He said. The two got up out of the bed. Ginger threw on her dress from the day before and hurried out of hut. The Professor dressed and walked out of the hut finding Gilligan standing there with a red face feeling embarrassed.
"I'm sorry Professor." He said apologetically. "I didn't know….I didn't mean to…"
"That's quite alright Gilligan." He said knowing Gilligan didn't mean to interrupt the romantic moment with Ginger. "What did you want to see me about?"
"Oh.." said Gilligan. "I wanted to tell you that Princess Rose is heading back to her kingdom to tell the news to her father about Kawan."
"I'm not at all surprised about that. I had a feeling she was going to decide against being his bride. I take it he's not too happy about this."
Gilligan shook his head. "No I don't think he took it too well but Rose tells me that Kianna spoke to him last night. He seemed to be in better spirits today. Still down about Rose but he seems more at peace. That's what Rose said."
"Well I hope he learned his lesson." The Professor said crossing his arms. "Did Princess Rose say when she will return?"
"She said she will be back in one month. She apologized for it being longer than we would like but she gave her word she would be back." Gilligan said.
The Professor sighed. "Well yes it is longer than we would hope for but at least we know that we will be rescued so it gives us something to look forward to."
"Yeah I can't wait to get back home with Mary Ann and start our lives together."
"You and Mary Ann?" Roy said raising his eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Uh…well…you see Professor." Gilligan stammered turning red again. "Me and Mary Ann…well…um…"
The Professor held up his hand indicating he understood. "I get it Gilligan. And I am happy for you."
"Thank you Professor." Gilligan said relieved he didn't have to explain further. He then changed the subject. "I'm also glad the Skipper is okay now. Kawan had poisoned him and well if Kianna hadn't shown up with that antidote…I don't want to think about it."
"Well we won't have to. We will all be off this island soon enough."
Girls's hut
Ginger hummed to herself as she freshened up and found a dress to wear.
Mary Ann smiled at her roommate. "You are certainly in a good mood."
"I'm happy. Very happy." Ginger said with a dreamy look on her face. "The Professor is….wonderful. I love him so much."
Mary Ann laughed. "I knew you loved him. It was so obvious."
"It was?" asked Ginger.
"Yes. Let's start with the way you could make him do anything for you. You got the man to go walking into the lagoon to see if that was Gilligan breathing through that reed. You got him to go into that cave to look for the eye of the idol because it would make you happy. And let's not forget the long record breaking kiss in our movie. Also if I recall, it was after you um "showed him how to kiss" that he decided he didn't want to marry Erika Tiffany Smith. When the Professor said you to that time that you didn't look like you were suffering from a deficiency of anything, your eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Face it Ginger. You weren't very subtle."
"And." continued Mary Ann. "I remember when I had told you all I had a boyfriend and you all heard on the radio that he married another girl. You convinced the men to pretend to be interested in me."
"Yeah so what. I was just trying to help you." Ginger pointed out.
"Sure you were. Wanted to help me. That's why you had to be his coach and teach him about romance. I'm surprised you didn't kiss him. You know Gilligan told me that the Professor's words were "I have never shown the slightest romantic interest in Mary Ann."
"What's your point?" asked a blushing Ginger.
"My point is that he said I have never shown the slightest romantic interest in Mary Ann. Not I have never shown the slightest romantic interest in you or Mary Ann. Just Mary Ann." The farm girl said. "Face it. You were thrilled he said that and you couldn't wait to get him alone so he could declare he was madly in love with you."
"Oh yeah." Ginger said with a grin. "Let me ask you something."
"What?" asked Mary Ann .
"Just how did you end up in that cave with Gilligan in the first place?" The redhead asked having a suspicion about just what the goings on in the cave were.
Mary Ann's cheeks turned crimson. "Um….Um…."
"What exactly were you two doing in that cave?" pressed Ginger.
"Uh..well….I….Um…." stammered Mary Ann.
"Well?" Ginger asked crossing her arms. "Spill it."
Mary Ann threw her hands down in defeat. "Okay….alright…I'm in love with Gilligan."
Ginger smiled. "Ah ha!" She said. "I knew it!"
"You did?"
"Mary Ann you weren't exactly subtle in hiding it either. You remember when you and Gilligan made Duke think you were an item?"
"Yes." replied Mary Ann. "So?"
"So? I remember the look on your face when we returned back to our huts. Your exact words.." Ginger put her hands to her heart for emphasis. "I got to kiss Gilligan."
"Oh hush up." Mary Ann said with a smile.
"Let's face it Mary Ann." laughed Ginger. "I think we were both pretty bad at hiding it."
"I think you are right." Mary Ann agreed with a laugh.
Ginger went back to her make-up when Mary Ann spoke up again. "Ginger…can I ask you something?"
"Sure." replied Ginger applying her mascara.
"Why didn't you tell the Professor earlier about your feelings? I mean I think it was pretty clear he was crazy about you."
Ginger put her make up down. "It was and it wasn't. I mean I got the feeling sometimes he was interested and sometimes I wondered. I wanted to make sure he did but then in the end…I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to tell him and find out how he truly felt about me. Why didn't you tell Gilligan?"
Mary Ann sat down. "I don't know…You know how Gilligan is….I didn't want to scare him off or anything. I didn't want to tell him I love him only to have him get all flustered and nervous and runaway. But when he told me that he did love me…I…I was so happy."
"I'm happy for you." said Ginger. "But what are you going to do when we get back home?"
"What do you mean?" asked Mary Ann.
"I mean..you live in Kansas. Gilligan lives elsewhere."
"Oh..well we talked about that. I'm going back home with him." explained Mary Ann.
Ginger raised her eyes. "You are?"
"Yeah…why not? Something wrong with that?" The brunette frowned.
"I didn't say there was anything wrong with that Mary Ann it's just…well don't you want to be with your friends and family? I mean it's different for me and Roy are getting married…" Ginger stopped when she realized what she said.
"Married! You and the Professor are…" Mary Ann smiled.
"Yes." Ginger said clasping her hands. "Roy asked me and I said yes!"
"Oh I'm so happy for you." Mary Ann said hugging her. She then let go thinking about what the redhead pointed out before. "You know something I think you have a point."
"You do?"
Mary Ann sighed. "My family is going to think it's crazy. They don't know anything about Gilligan and will be shocked. You are right. I do want to see my family and my friends…don't get me wrong…I miss them like crazy but…I can't stay in Kansas. I love Gilligan and I want to be with him. It's not like I can't ever see my family. I can visit them and they can visit me."
"I understand that but you know when you get back they are going to want you around for a long time. They haven't seen you in so long."
"I…I guess I didn't think of that." said Mary Ann forlornly. "Maybe I shouldn't…."
"No Mary Ann." said Ginger get up from her vanity table and sitting on the bed next to the brunette. "I don't mean to dissuade you. I'm just trying to prepare you for what may happen with your family. They don't know Gilligan. They will find it strange that you would want to be with him."
"I know." said Mary Ann. "But I'm just going to have to be firm. I love them. I do. My mother, my father….but I also love Gilligan and I cannot sacrifice my happiness. I won't do it."
Ginger smiled. "I'm proud of you. You stick to your guns. I know it won't be easy. They haven't lived out here on this island all this time like we have. It will be hard for them to grasp but you will need to do it. Stay strong."
"I will." said Mary Ann. She then turned her head to Ginger. "You know…" She said tearing up. "I'm going to miss you…You've…you've been like a sister to me…"
"I won't be a stranger." said Ginger hugging her. "I promise. You can come see me anytime you want."
Mary Ann sniffed and looked up. "You mean it?"
"Of course I do. You've been like a sister to me. You've been my best friend here. I love you."
"Oh Ginger…I love you too!" Mary Ann said hugging her.
Ginger returned her hug and then let go as she stood up. "Okay…now no more tears. We are leaving this island and are going to be with the men we love! "
Mary Ann wiped her tears and smiled. "You're right! We are going home and starting new lives. With Gilligan and with the Professor!"
"We sure are!" Ginger declared. "Wonderful happy lives with wonderful men! I can't wait to show off my darling Roy! Won't everyone be green with envy when they see me with my handsome Professor."
"Yes." Mary Ann nodded. "And Gilligan and I will be the talk of Kansas!"
The Professor's hut (Later)
Ginger opened the door and found the Professor working on making some more of that antidote for Skipper in case it was needed as he was still a little weak. It was better to be safe then sorry. The redhead knew her Professor was efficient and liked to be prepared. That was her darling Roy. The starlet grinned watching him determined to pick up where they were before Gilligan had interrupted the moment. She slowly walked in and put her arms around him from behind. "You want to smell my perfume again?" She asked as she nipped at his ear.
The Professor smiled remembering that time he was so enchanted by her exotic perfume he couldn't help but nuzzling her neck. "You still keep it behind your ears?" He asked turning to face her.
"And other places.." Ginger said purring.
"Like…" asked an intrigued Professor.
"Why don't you find out…" She said pressing herself against him.
Knowing how pointless it was to try and resist her, the Professor gave in and kissed her moist luscious lips. His hands wandering over her body. His hand was about to pull down the zipper of her dress when Mrs. Howell came bursting in. "Oh there you are Professor!" She exclaimed.
The couple was startled and broke away. The Professor sighed and then spoke politely to their visitor. "Yes Mrs. Howell?"
"Can you come take a look at the Skipper?"
"Isn't he feeling better?" asked a concerned Professor.
"Oh he is…but I just want to make sure he will be able to make the trip home next month. He is still a little weak and I just want to be certain." explained the older woman.
The Professor looked from Mrs. Howell to Ginger who at the moment seemed much more interesting than checking in on the old sailor when he was probably just fine. "Mrs. Howell." He replied. "You were a nurse asssitant. I'm sure that you can ascertain if he can make the trip. I trust your judgment."
"But but Professor…"
He picked up his medical book. "Here." He said handing her the book. "Take this…this will help you."
Mrs. Howell nodded. "Oh thank you Professor." She said as she hurried out of the hut.
"One thing I'm not going to miss." said the Professor as he pulled Ginger back in closer. "Is people running into my hut at all hours with every problem imaginable."
Ginger giggled. "You never minded when I would barge in." She said.
"You my dear were always a welcome sight." He said as he leaned in placing a kiss on her he began kissing her, the door to the hut opened again. He looked at the intruder who turned out to be Mr. Howell with irritation. "Whatever it is…figure it out yourself. I'm busy."
"But I just wanted…"
The Professor walked over to the older man and gently pushed him out. "I said I'm busy. Good day." With that he shut the door and put a chair against it to prevent any more interruptions He walked back to Ginger once again taking her back in his arms. "Where were we?"
"Right about here…" Ginger said bringing her lips to his.
The Lagoon
Mary Ann sat with Gilligan watching the ripples on the water as he held her. "I had a talk with Ginger." She said.
"What about?" asked Gilligan.
"I told her about us."
"Oh."
"She said something to me that I never thought of."
"What was that?"
"About me going home with you."
"Oh." said Gilligan looking down. "She thinks it's a bad idea."
"Oh no Gilligan." Mary Ann said quickly. "It's not that. She thinks it's great. It's just…well she said my family may not understand. She is right. I mean we have been stuck on this island for a long time. They will want me to be with them. You understand don't you?"
"Yeah I do. My family will want to see me too. And Skinny Mulligan."
"No Gilligan." said Mary Ann. "I mean…they will want me to stay in Kansas."
"Stay in Kansas?" said Gilligan hurt. "You mean you changed your mind?"
"Oh no no I didn't change my mind. I still want to go home with you. But Ginger made a good point. My family doesn't know you. They aren't going to understand that I want to be with you. I'm going to have a tough job explaining to them all of this."
"But you love me? Won't they understand that?"
Mary Ann smiled. "They will understand me loving you….it's just…well being on this island was a life changing experience…for us all. My family is going to have a tough time adjusting to the fact I'm not the same Mary Ann."
"You mean you were a different Mary Ann?" asked a confused Gilligan.
Mary Ann laughed. "In a manner of speaking…I suppose I was. I was a typical farm girl. I had a family who loved and protected me then I got stuck on this island. I had to survive on my own."
"You weren't on your own Mary Ann. You had the six of us."
"Yes I did but I mean I had to adjust on my own…without my family doting on me. I had to learn to live with people who were strangers. Had to learn to trust them. It wasn't easy. I grew up a little on this island. I learned something about myself. I am a lot stronger than I knew I was. And I found you. I found real love. I never told you this…but I was almost engaged to a boy back home. His name was Royce Milton. He was a very nice boy. Very polite but…I never really…I don't think I actually loved him. It just seemed like I should be. My family sort of pushed me to him saying how perfect he was but I didn't think he was. I liked him as a person but I never felt those feelings for him. That's why I went to Hawaii. I needed time away. Time to clear my head. I saw an ad in the paper for a three hour trip in on the SS Minnow and I thought it would be fun. Little did I know...it would lead me to finding a man that I really love. You."
Mary Ann put her arms around Gilligan softly kissing his lips. He held her tightly to him returning his kiss.
Kawan stood in the jungle watching the scene. He thought about what Kianna had told him last night. And he thought about the things she showed him in the Bible. How even King David was weak and had an adulterous affair with Bathsheba but God still loved him. No one in the Bible was perfect except for Jesus. They all stumbled. But God never turned his back on them. Perhaps that would be true of him as well.
