CHAPTER 4

Skipper followed Lalani and Kalia through the jungle back to the beach. As they walked, he couldn't help but notice the pleasant sway in Lalani's hips. He figured she was doing that on purpose . . . and he didn't mind at all.

The women chatted away in the natives' tongue. Occasionally, one of them would look back at him with a smile. He strongly suspected that they were discussing him. At first, he was a bit embarrassed. But after he watched the way they were smiling at him, he found himself feeling rather flattered. He had made up his mind that the next time Lalani turned to look back at him, he would wink. He figured a little flirting couldn't hurt.

She was starting to turn back his way again. He watched her closely. Just when her eyes met his, a smile on her face, he smiled . . . and tripped over a root. That was a Gilligan move, he thought to himself. He caught himself before falling all the way down. Looking back at Lalani, he saw her trying to hide her smile.

"Are you . . . okay?" she asked.

"Yes, more embarrassed than hurt," he admitted with a chuckle. That's what I get for trying to be suave, he thought.

Kalia looked back at them and said something to Lalani as she pointed into the jungle. They could see Haruki, Ikaia and Nahele in the distance collecting fruit in a basket. Kalia headed off through the jungle to join them.

"Kalia said that we can get the eating plates. She has gone to watch over the youngsters," Lalani said with a smile. She seemed happy enough to be on her own with Skipper.

"You're little tribe has done well here," she said, as she turned to him. They walked side by side.

"Yes, well . . . we've certainly had our challenges, but things have settled into a nice little routine," he answered.

She nodded. "And Gilleegan and MaryAnn are so sweet together," she added. "It's good that he didn't marry Lilo."

"That's true. Lilo and Haruki look happy enough," he replied.

Lalani nodded, then looked thoughtful. "What about the teacher and the woman with red hair? Are they . . . together?"

"Ginger and Professor. Yes, they have been spending a lot of time together." Skipper scowled a bit.

Lalani caught his expression. "With all these couples on the island, you must get lonely," she said gently, placing her hand on his arm.

He looked down into her eyes and gulped. "Is it that obvious?" he asked. "I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes . . ."

"I know how you feel," she said. "Many years ago, I married a handsome young warrior named Aleka. We had Ulani. We were very happy. Then three seasons ago, Aleka was killed. He and Pilipo were out hunting and a boar attacked him. He would have survived the injuries, but they were near a . . . a cliff. He was on the edge. Pilipo couldn't hold him."

"I . . . I'm so sorry," Skipper said. "I . . . I don't know what to say."

Lalani shrugged with a sad face. "I have learned to live without him. But now . . . Kapena wants me to take a new husband. Once Ulani and Pilipo are joined, I must take a new mate." She sighed. "There is Akoni, who is young for me. Back on our island, there is Kana, too. He has a wife, but is willing to take me as a second wife. He is old and toothless."

She looked up at Skipper. "My . . ." She scowled as she searched for the right word. "My . . . choices are not many."

Skipper tipped his hat back and scratched his head. "That's awful," he said to her. Then he realized that they had reached the beach where the tribe's canoes were.

Lalani shrugged as she led him to each canoe. They got out little sacks filled with provisions. Taking two of the larger fishing nets, she set the provisions into them, making them easier to carry. She handed one sack to Skipper and slung the other over her shoulder.

As they started to walk back into the jungle, he looked down at Lalani. "So you're in a bit of a predicament, aren't you?" he asked.

She looked up at him and nodded. "Ulani and Pilipo will have their joining ceremony at the next full moon. After that, if I haven't chosen a new mate, Kapena will choose one for me."

"I . . . I don't know what to say," he stammered. "I'm sorry."

Lalani shrugged. "Life has many surprises. When Kalia told me of your little tribe, I was curious. Then she told me of the handsome man with laughing eyes the color of the sky." She paused to let the words sink in. Then she added, "This trip was my idea."

They walked a while without talking. As they were approaching the clearing, Skipper looked down at her and asked, "So, are you happy you came?"

Lalani kept walking with a smile on her face. As she stepped out of the jungle, she turned back to him and said, "Yes."