Be My Valentine?

8 February

Just like every morning, since they were shipwrecked, the castaways were discussing what their plans for the day were.

The Skipper announced, "Gilligan and I are going to mend some of the nets this morning."

"Yeah, and if we finish real fast, we get to go fishing!" Gilligan said with a little bounce and a smile.

"That's right little buddy."

"It's my turn to wash the dishes but after that I have to practice my acting. I have to be ready for when I get back to Hollywood," said Ginger.

"I have to gather some plants for my research," the Professor said, "Mary Ann since you don't have to wash any dishes today, would you like to come with me? If you have no other plans for the day, of course. We may get lucky and find some new edibles."

"Sure Professor, I don't have anything pressing to do today. Give me a few minutes and I'll be ready to go!"

Everyone stood and moved their separate ways, so they may begin their individual tasks of the day. As Mary Ann entered her hut, she noticed something on her bed. On her pillow, laid a green flower. When she picked it up to admire it, a note fell to the ground. Mary Ann was flattered, yet puzzled, by her mysterious gift. She picked up the note and read.

"Mary Ann,

The many colors of flowers given as a gift have their own unique meanings. Giving a special someone a particular color may convey, without words, thoughts that a shy person often has difficulty verbalizing. I am such a person. I find it very difficult to express what is in my heart so I hope that the colors of these flowers will help you to understand.

This first flower I am giving you is green, which reminds me of you. The color green symbolizes harmony with nature. You adapted to this island quicker and with greater ease than I believe many other people would. I can only deduce that this is because you enjoy and appreciate being outside surrounded by nature."

The note wasn't signed. Who would give me a flower and why? It's not my birthday, that's five months away, she thought to herself. Still puzzled she placed the flower on the table next to her bed. She hid the note under her pillow where Ginger wouldn't find it. Then ran out the door to meet the Professor.

9 February

Mary Ann carried the laundry down to the wash area on what was a cooler morning and under a beautiful, cloudless, sky. As she sat the laundry basket down on the sand her breath caught. On a small table next to the wash tub was another flower, accompanied by yet another note. This time, the flower was blue. She quickly looked up and down the shore, scanned the trees and back up the trail. Hoping to see a clue as to which of her fellow castaways was her secret admirer. When she found none, she picked up the note and read:

"Mary Ann,

I hope you enjoy blue flowers because they also remind me of you. Blue symbolizes tranquility and peace. It is amazing to me that with the loneliness, stress, and frustration of living on this island often brings, how at peace I feel whenever you are near. You have a wonderful outlook on life. The way you are able to find those silver linings in every situation reminds me to not be upset by what we do not have but to appreciate all the small blessings that we do have each day. What I most appreciate each day is your smile."

10 February

Mary Ann walked smoothly into the supply hut to get a basket for gathering vegetables. She almost didn't notice that something was at the bottom of her basket, an orange flower and a note. "What in the world. How did he know I needed a basket today?" She asked aloud.

"Mary Ann,

Orange represents happiness and joy. You spread both every day. Not being able to see your beautiful smile each day would make my time on this island quite unbearable. Also, if I may say so, you look particularly beautiful in orange."

11 February

Mary Ann was taking a couple of hours off to relax, just as she did nearly every Friday afternoon. She would go to the falls to take a leisurely swim, then a shower under the waterfall. All of the other castaways knew this routine and stayed away from the falls to give her privacy. On the rock where she usually laid her towel was a white flower and another note. Mary Ann looked around to see if anyone was around. Again, she saw no one. She sat down on the rock to read the note.

"Mary Ann,

White represents honesty, innocence, purity, and perfection. You may be innocent of the world that Ginger and the Howells come from, but you are not naive. You are the most honest person I know. Have you ever even told a lie? You are perfection in my eyes."

Mary Ann looked all around once again and wondered who was giving her all of these flowers and notes. I hope it's... Mary Ann stopped herself before she thought anymore, shook her head and began taking off her shoes. Ready for her swim.

12 February

Mary Ann had just finished washing the dishes when she noticed a cup that had been left on the table. Next to it lay a lavender flower, and yes, there it was, another note. She did not bother looking around this time. With a smile she picked up the note and read:

Mary Ann,

The color of Lavender represents the delicate, feminine, and old-fashioned. You look delightfully delicate yet work harder than anyone I've ever known. Being old-fashioned is not a bad thing, in my humble opinion. Everything about you is feminine, just looking at you gives me the greatest pleasure each day."

13 February

Mary Ann entered the hut area carrying a basket of berries and went to set them in the kitchen area. Next to the sink area lay a yellow flower with another note. Mary Ann thought, how does he know where I will be every day? I don't know but I believe that I'm enjoying this. Picking up the note she began to read:

"Mary Ann,

Yellow flowers are given to special friends. They represent trust, compassion, respect, happiness, and joy. You are respectful and have a compassionate heart for everyone you meet; even when they may not deserve it. I have, on occasion, trusted you with my most private thoughts and dreams. Just as the sunrise, you spread light and warmth with your happy and joyful personality. You are not only my friend, but you are also my best friend."

14 February

Mary Ann entered her hut after breakfast. Laying on her bed once again was a flower, this time a pink one with the ever-present note.

"Mary Ann,

Pink symbolizes playfulness, sensitivity, gentleness, happiness, and love, all the traits that make a great wife and mother. If I had to pick one color, I believe that pink best describes you. You are always sensitive and gentle with others' feelings. You spread happiness and love to everyone you meet, and you have a playful sense of humor.

Being shipwrecked, we all lose track of our calendar, so I am not sure if you remembered what day today is. It is Valentine's Day. If you feel for me even a fraction of what I feel for you, would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight?

7:00 p.m., at the lagoon.

I pray that you will be there."

Mary Ann's eyes filled with tears, as she held the note to her chest, close to her heart.

Later that day, at nearly 7:00 p.m., Mary Ann nervously approached the lagoon. Looking all around but she saw no one. As she approached the table, she could see it was set for two. Tiki torches close to the table were lit and the radio was playing soft music.

One red flower lay on the table, beside it was her note. With unsteady hands she picked it up and read:

"Mary Ann,

I am so happy you accepted my invitation and hope with all my heart you feel the same as I do. Red represents courage, respect, admiration. I have so much respect and admiration for the person you are and the courage you show each day living on this island.

However, the most important trait red represents is true love. I have no doubt that you have guessed who I am and that I love you. I have loved you for a very long time. Would you be my Valentine? Not just for tonight either, but forever?"

Mary Ann heard slow footsteps of a man behind her, as she held the note to her chest, she took a big breath and slowly turned. Her eyes filled with tears as she tried to smile.

The Professor nervously stood holding a large bouquet, filled with flowers of every color. The Professor cleared his throat. "I'm glad you came."

"So am I" she whispered.

"I hope you're not disappointed."

Mary Ann shook her head, "I was sure it was you, or at least, I was hoping it was you."

The Professor stepped closer, never breaking eye contact, "I know writing you notes is not the conventional way of courting, but I am also certain that you have figured out that I'm not very good at romance."

Mary Ann's smile got bigger, "It was beautiful. I loved each flower and note."

Professor placed the flowers on the table then gently placed his hands on her cheeks, "For you, I'll have to learn how to court properly to show you how I feel."

As soon as his hand touched her cheek electricity ran through Mary Ann. "You are doing wonderful now. It was the most romantic thing I could ever imagine."

The Professor leaned in and gently kissed Mary Ann, "So will you?"

Dazed Mary Ann asked, "will I what?"

Leaning in for another gentle kiss he replied, "Will you be my Valentine?"

Mary Ann smiled and slid her hands around his neck, "Forever."

With that the Professor wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss that Mary Ann felt down to her toes.