Shortly after the skipper left, the lovely farm girl Mary Ann came in. She had something that looked like a chocolate cream pie.
"Hi Gilligan!' the effervescent brunette chirped "Professor said you didn't feel to well so I decided to bring you your favorite—coconut cream pie."
I looked at the pastry a little dubiously, but I was hungry. I took one taste and my mouth was in pure heaven. Pastry chefs in Paris could only hope to do as well.
"This is fantastic!" I exclaimed, "how did you do it"
Mary Ann beamed a smile, "now Gilligan, a girl has to have some secrets. Besides, you know it was my cooking that got me on this island in the first place."
Mary Ann must have seen the puzzled look on my face, because she continued, "here I enter this B and G sugar recipe contest, and my strawberry rhubarb pie wins. I win all-right, a free trip to Hawaii, along with a three hour tour." She laughed and added for emphasis, "A three hour tour."
"Wow," I replied, "I'm surprised you're not bitter."
She quickly regained her cheerfulness. "Gilligan, I believe things happen for a reason. The very fact we survived the storm without any injury is a miracle. And look, we landed on an island that provides well for us. And more importantly we have become like family."
Al snuck in behind me and asked, "I wonder if she believes in kissing cousins?"
I blurted out "Al!"
Mary Ann became very quizzical "who's Al?"
I quickly covered (being used to this by now), "I'll eat half the pie now, and finish the rest later."
Mary Ann suddenly looked concerned, "You must not be feeling very well. I've never seen you not finish a coconut cream pie."
I responded, "I just need a little rest, then I'll be fine."
"OK," replied Mary Ann, but I'll be keeping an eye on you"
After she left Al said "and I'll be keeping an eye on her, and Ginger.
"You really are pushing it, Al," I rebuked my holographic friend.
"Cast away on a deserted Island with two knockouts, you're living everyman's dream." Al retorted.
Al continued, a little more seriously, "I got more information from Ziggy, this guy Gilligan is one of those guys with real dumb luck. Mary Ann was on the money there, the Minnow shouldn't have been able to survive that storm. It took quite a bit of skill and luck to weather through it, and they end up on this stranded on this island. Gilligan and Grumby were shipmates during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Grumby was his captain, and Gilligan had the nickname "lucky". Gilligan had saved Captain Grumby's life from a depth charge that broke loose on deck. After Grumby retired from the Navy, he bought the Minnow and hired Gilligan as a good luck charm."
I added "yeah, I've heard sailors can be superstitious," for the benefit of Al, who had spent over 30 years in a Navy uniform.
Just about then, the professor stopped in, looking quite alarmed. "Gilligan, who are you talking to?" he asked.
I answered, "Don't worry doc, just thinking out loud."
The Professor pressed on, "You're not hearing voices, or seeing things that aren't there."
Al was making faces.
"No, Professor, I'm fine," I said, a little exasperated.
The Professor added, "Head injuries can be tricky, its not like we can take you to the local clinic."
I sighed, "You're right, Professor. I promise to let you know if things get worse."
Al went on with his report, "Hinkley's a certified genius. You'd actually have a lot in common. Who knows what he would contribute if he hadn't spent the prime years of his career trying to make a super-collider from coconuts and palm leaves"
While Al was going on the Professor said, "OK Gilligan, I've got a project that needs my attention. I'll be checking in on you."
