There were dresses scattered all about the hut as Ginger tried to find what she deemed the "perfect one". It was important she looked her absolute best. The Professor needed to be completely taken with her. So much that he would not be able to resist taking her in his arms and….She sighed thinking about it. Her mind turned back to her task at hand. Finding that perfect gown. She was half tempted to just wear her orange one again but decided against it. No she had to wear something different. Then she thought of something. She did have another orange dress. A very pretty one at that. It had a v-strap that went around her neck and had a low cut back. Very elegant it was. Yes that was the one. The Professor would surely…No it wasn't good enough! Damn she wished she was back home! She could slip on down to Raphael's. He always had the perfect gown for every occasion! Well she wasn't there. She was here on the island so she had to make a decision. Digging deeper into her wardrobe she found something. A stunning red number.
It was more expensive than her other gowns so she did not wear it very much. But this was a special occasion. Yes this red satin off the shoulder number was just right! It even had a slit in the skirt to show off her leg.
Ginger happily gathered up her clothes and carefully placed them back in her little closet.
It was then Mary Ann came in followed by Mrs. Howell. The movie star smiled seeing them. "Good you are both here." She said. "I need your help getting ready for the cotillion."
"Certainly dear." Mrs. Howell said. She then noted the gown sitting on Ginger's bed. "How lovely." She commented. "I don't believe I have seen that one before."
"Oh I don't like to wear it a lot as it was pretty expensive. Didn't want to get it ruined. But I'm making an exception for tonight."
Mary Ann grinned. "Oh? You're making an exception? That wouldn't have anything to do with the Professor would it?"
Ginger smiled to herself her cheeks turning a faint blush. "I just want to look good."
"Yeah." Mary Ann said knowingly. "For the Professor."
"You going to stand there and be a brat or are you gonna help me?" Ginger retorted.
Mary Ann and Mrs. Howell helped the movie star with her hair. They washed it in that special shampoo made for Ginger by the Professor. Her red locks then were dried with a small hair dyer that was powered by a foot pedal. It took a while but the results were good. Her red mane was brushed to a shine. She decided to wear it down not telling the other two women that it was just in case the Professor felt the need to run his fingers through it.
The two women then helped zip the movie star into her elegant gown. Ginger was pleased with her appearance. Yes the Professor was going to love her she knew it.
She then helped Mary Ann decide on a dress. It proved to be more difficult as the farm girl did not have any fancy gowns. Ginger's wouldn't fit her as the movie star was taller. The redhead did get an idea of altering one of them. She took her pink dress and cut off the sleeves. She and Mrs. Howell then ran it through the sewing machine to shorten the hem. The millionaire's wife took some costume jewelry she had and sewed it around the collar adding the perfect touch. Ginger swept the farm girl's brunette locks up into a french bun.
Mary Ann looked at her reflection pleased. She felt very glamorous and sophisticated. Mrs. Howell had allowed her to wear her diamond earrings and she was thrilled. Never had she worn real diamonds before. It made her feel so grown up! Oh won't Gilligan just die when he sees her!
Mary Ann and Ginger then went to help Mrs. Howell with her attire for the evening. They picked out a stunning light gold dress that complimented her blonde hair perfectly. Ginger lent Mrs. Howell her fur stole which added just the right touch. Mary Ann put a gold clip in her hair and applied her make-up. Both younger women believed the socialite looked beautiful and Mr. Howell would just fall over himself for her.
Later on Ginger was back at her own hut and she sprayed on some perfume. She wanted to wait to apply it so that it would be fresh on her skin and the Professor would…Ginger giggled to herself. He was not going to be able to contain himself. Not a chance! There was a knock at the hut door and Ginger smiled smoothing out her gown. "Come in Professor." She said in a breathy tone.
The door opened and the Professor stepped in and paused. He could not believe the vision that was before him. Never before did he ever see her look so...he wasn't sure if he had the correct adjective. "You look…stunning." He managed to get out. His eyes traveled up her entire body resting upon her mystifying green emerald eyes.
"Thank you Professor." Ginger said giving him a smoky look before sauntering over to him. "Are those for me?" She asked to the flowers in his hands.
The academic then recalled he had picked them for her. "Oh…um…yes…" He stammered. "I thought…"
"You are so thoughtful." She said taking the bouquet and putting them in a vase. Ginger then went back to him and placed a kiss on his cheek. "How wonderful of you to bring me flowers."
He could do nothing but stare at the most gorgeous woman he had ever known. All he wished to do was forget the party and…He then cleared this throat. "Um…shall we go?"
Ginger giggled and intertwined her arm into his and they walked out of the hut together.
The pair arrived to see Mary Ann standing with Gilligan trying to pin a corsage on her dress that he made. He was having a bit of a hard time but the farm girl did not appear to have a care in the world. It was enough for her that the sailor went through that trouble for her. She was still basking in the many many compliments Gilligan gave her about her attire. Saying she looked glamorous and if she was in Hollywood she could give Ginger a run for her money! Then he made her promise that she wouldn't tell Ginger he said that cause he didn't want the movie star's feelings hurt. This endeared him to Mary Ann even more and she swore her lips were sealed.
Alana was beaming from ear to ear as she listened to the Skipper tell her all about this Naval ball he attended years ago. How everyone wore their best uniform and all the women looked sensational. Alana remarked she was sure he was the most handsome Naval officer there! She wished she was there to see him in his uniform. He certainly must have looked dashing! The sea captain was glowing from her many compliments. He remarked that she would have outshined all the other females at the ball.
Mr. Howell started the music by putting on a Dean Martin record. He took Lovey's hand to begin the dancing. The millionaire declared his wife a most ravishing beauty and would always be the most beautiful woman in any room or island for that matter. He always liked that gown on her and he thought the stole made her look more refined.
He was proud that she was his.
The Professor led Ginger out to the dance area. The movie star placed her hand on his shoulder as he held her other hand in his. She felt just like Cinderella dancing with Prince Charming. The only difference was she didn't need to flee at midnight. She could stay right there with him. His other hand was around her waist and he could not but help pulling her in closer. Ginger wrapped both her arms around him and he then placed his other arm around her trim body. The dance continued on with the two gazing in one another's eyes. Ginger's heart was pounding in her chest praying that he would lean in for a kiss. That he would whisper to her that he loved her and he was her loving secret admirer.
The scent of the starlet's perfume had completely cast a spell on Roy Hinkley. It always did. He somehow managed to lose himself whenever that fragrance was in the air around him. It was seductive to say the least. He could breathe it in forever. He pulled her in tighter and soon his face was in her neck. Not be able to help himself he began nuzzling her skin. This delighted Ginger to say the least. A thrill went though her and she squealed to herself. "Professor…" She whispered. "Professor…"
He pulled away and gazed back into her lovely eyes. Ginger looked at him with heat in her eyes her lips pouted. Roy swallowed unsure of what to do. He wished to kiss those very lips. More than anything he wanted to experience their taste. Suddenly he stopped analyzing and slowly leaned in his lips just barely touching hers. The movie star's pulse raced and the kiss then deepened a bit. The Professor let go and Ginger was left breathless. Never had she had a kiss quite like that. Not ever. No man compared to the Professor. It was magic. Pure magic. Ginger smiled and rested her head against him as he held her close.
Mary Ann watched with a smile as Gilligan tasted the punch she had made up from the fruit of the island. "Mmmm." He said as he swallowed. "This is great juice. Sweet."
"I'm glad you like it." The farm girl said. "I was afraid I would make it too sweet."
"It's perfectly sweet. Just like you." He grinned.
Mary Ann blushed and a huge smile spread across her face. "Oh Gilligan!" She said pressing her lips to his and then let go. "You are the best guy ever!" She then hugged him tight. "I …..Gilligan….I love you."
The sailor was stunned for a minute then spoke. "You love me?"
"I do." She said letting go. "I do! I love you! You are so sweet and kind and just everything I could ever want!"
Gilligan was speechless. He never…girls didn't think…."You…You mean that?"
"Of course I mean it! Gilligan don't you think the same of me?" She asked her brown eyes filled with hope.
"I like you a lot Mary Ann. You were always nice to me and…I like spending time with you. You are the sweetest girl I had ever known. I….Would you…Well would you be…my girlfriend?"
"I would like that very much!" The farm girl declared. "I would love to be your girlfriend!"
"Really?" He said happily.
"Really!" She said kissing him again.
Out on the dance floor Alana apologized to the Skipper for being a bit clumsy. "I so sorry. I not used to this type of dancing…"
"Don't worry about it." The sea captain said. "I know I'm not the best dancer in the world either. Some of it is my fault. I haven't really danced that much lately."
Alana giggled. "You do better with our traditional dance on our island. I teach you. It very simple." She stepped away and moved her arms about and swayed her hips."See…easy.."
Skipper shook his head. "I don't think I have quite the grace you do." He remarked. "You are wonderful. I think I would just rather watch you."
Alana smiled and then went back to their dancing. Her father the king was dancing with Mrs. Howell while Mr. Howell went to find some new music.
Everyone was having a grand time especially Ginger. The Professor had kissed her a few more times and the movie star felt like she was floating on air. The pair moved away from the party and headed to the jungle for a walk. Ginger didn't say much she was just enjoying the company. A part of her was hoping this would be when the Professor would finally confess to writing her those letters. How happy she would be! Her eyes went to the dark sky filled with stars. "It's pretty at night isn't it?" She asked of him.
"Yes it is rather lovely." He agreed. "One of the benefits to living here."
Ginger nodded. "Yeah I don't get to experience this back home in Hollywood. What about you? You see this back in Ohio?"
Roy shrugged. "I can't say for sure. I spent most of my time in the library doing research. Many late nights pouring over texts."
The movie star shook her head and tsked him. "Professor you need to learn to appreciate the beauty of nature not just study it. Just look at that beautiful moon." She said pointing to the big rock in the sky.
He nodded. "It's quite a sight." His head turned to her. "Just like you." He said not able to help himself. "You are quite…you look beautiful in the moonlight."
"Professor." She giggled. "You are turning into quite a charmer…"
The man of science wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her passionately. Everything was blocked out except how she made him feel. He needed her. He wanted her. His lips sought out her soft neck and Ginger clutched him tightly. "Professor…"
The academic began kissing her ear and then said softly. "You may refer to me as Roy." He said.
"Okay Roy…" She purred. "I think you are the most wonderful man in the world. Kiss me again."
His mouth pressed back on hers his hand raked through her red hair. He let go and looked into her eyes. "You are so beautiful."
"Roy…"
"I…Ginger….I.."
"What is it? Darling tell me.." Ginger said hoping to encourage him to spill his secret.
"I can't imagine that you would…I mean I know I'm not Cary Grant or Gregory Peck but if there is any way you could..."
"Oh Roy." The movie star exclaimed. "Of course I would…"
She did not get to finish that thought as a loud clap of thunder boomed. A flash of lightening it. The Professor took her hand as the rain began to fall and tried to steer her to the nearest cave. They finally found one and headed inside. The rain started pouring down harder and they had ventured deeper inside.
Finally they found a good spot and sat down on a rock. The Professor had some matches in his pocket and he was able to find a stick to light. He placed it in a small pocket in the wall so the cave would be illuminated. Ginger's dress was soaked and she was none to happy. "I guess this is ruined." She sighed.
"I'm sorry Ginger." He said.
"Oh it's not your fault. Maybe it will be okay once it's dry." She said pulling the skirt in hopes to try and dry it. She began to shiver and the Professor took off his jacket and then unbuttoned his shirt peeling it off. He then handed it to her. "Here." He said. "This is dry. It will help keep you warm."
The movie star thanked him and wrapped it around her shoulders. She looked around and then something hit her. This was just like her dream. Butterflies were in her stomach wondering if this would turn out to be anything like it.