CHAPTER 13

That evening, after dinner, Skipper and Lalani took a walk together. They walked in the moonlight down to the lagoon. Sitting on the log together, he gently put his arm around her shoulders. She shivered and then snuggled into his side.

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Then, rubbing her back, he said softly, "I can't leave him, Lalani."

"I know," she said, sniffling a little. "I hoped you could all come to the wedding, but he is too injured."

Skipper nodded. "I would like to see your island, where you live and grew up . . . but I have to be here for him . . . for them."

She nodded sadly as she lay her head on his shoulder. Then turning toward him she reached up and put her hand on his cheek . . . and drew him down into a kiss.

xxxxx

Late that night, Gilligan stirred. He tossed his head back and forth and let out a moan. MaryAnn was collapsed across his feet at the end of the cot. At the first sound he made, she jumped up - instantly awake. She grabbed a damp cloth and wiped his brow.

"Sshhhhhh," she cooed. "It's all right, honey. I'm right here," she whispered.

Gilligan slowly opened his eyes. "MaryAnn?" he muttered, his throat raw and scratchy. "Am I really still alive?"

MaryAnn chuckled softly. "Yes, Sweetie. Nahele and Pilipo pulled you up. You passed out just when they got the harness on you. I'm not going to lie . . . it was close." She laid down next to him and gently put her arm around him. "I was really scared," she admitted as tears slowly trickled down her cheeks.

Gilligan tried to lift his hand to pat her back. He found it extremely painful and dropped his arm back to his side.

"Ouch," he cried. "My arms are killing me," He settled for laying his cheek on the top of her head. "I was scared, too," he whispered back, kissing her head. He snuggled up to her and closed his eyes . . . within moments, he was sleeping again.

MaryAnn lay awake for a long time, though . . . just listening to him breathe beside her. Every so often, another tear would trickle down her cheek, until finally, she dozed off again.

xxxxx

The next morning, the natives were all packing up their belongings and getting ready to head back to their island. Lalani had explained to the castaways that some stormy weather was heading their way, and they wanted to be back on their island before it hit.

Gilligan was awake for the moment, but starting to feel groggy from the tea that Professor had made him. It had some herbs in it to help with pain and infection. He wanted to get up to go say good-bye to Lilo and her family, but Professor wouldn't let him out of bed. Professor had drawn some blinds down so that it was somewhat dark in the hut. Bright sunshine momentarily blinded Gilligan as the door opened.

MaryAnn came in and sat on a stool by his head. She dabbed at his forehead with a damp cloth. "I know you want to say good-bye, honey," she whispered. "They'll come in to see you, a few at a time . . . okay?"

Gilligan nodded, and Professor went to the door and let Kapena and Kalia come in. Kapena softly patted Gilligan's hand in a comforting gesture, and Kalia leaned down and kissed his forehead, murmuring quietly to him. He tried to talk, but his throat was still all raw and scratchy. He smiled and shrugged, apologetically.

After they walked out, Miliani, Ikaia and Akoni came in and quietly said good-bye. Gilligan lifted his hand a few inches off the cot and gave them a small wave. Miliani, too, bent over and kissed his forehead and brushed his bangs back.

Haruki and Lilo came in after them. Gilligan gave Lilo a huge smile and tried to hold his arms out to her. He wanted a hug. She bent over him and wrapped her arms around him gently, and he disappeared. Haruki laughed, then he, too, came over and hugged Gilligan.

Gilligan moved his arm enough to pat his belly and point to Lilo. MaryAnn had told him the good news that the native newlyweds were expecting. Lilo giggled and made a motion to mime holding a baby. She nodded and clapped. Haruki, looking proud, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek.

As they walked out of the hut, Lilo turned around and said, "Onga Bonga, Skeeny Weeny," and she blew him a kiss.

MaryAnn dabbed at his forehead again. She could tell that he was starting to lose focus. Meka, Lalani and Nahele came in. Meka lifted the blanket and moved his bandages to check the stitches. She nodded and smiled her big, toothless smile at Gilligan. Then she motioned and talked to Professor, giving him instructions for Gilligan's care. Lalani translated.

Nahele stood back by the door looking sober. After Meka was done, she patted Gilligan's hand once more and waved good-bye. As she walked out the door, she smiled at her young grandson and gently patted his arm.

He looked a bit sheepish as he watched her leave, then he came over and squatted next to Gilligan and started talking. Lalani sat at the foot of the cot and translated for Gilligan.

"Gilleegan," he (she) said. "I'm sorry that I was rude to you. I saw your pretty lady," and at this, he motioned his head toward MaryAnn and gave her a charming smile, "and I thought that maybe, I could steal her away." He shrugged. "She did not like Nahele . . . she prefers her skinny sailor."

Gilligan smiled and brought the blanket up over his face as he blushed. He lowered the blanket and held out his hand to Nahele to shake it.

"Thanks for pulling me up," he squeaked out. "I'm glad you were up there."

When Lalani translated that, Nahele gave Gilligan a huge smile. "Me, too," he said, as he shook Gilligan's hand. He waved one last time as he walked out the door.

The last ones to come in were Pilipo and Ulani. The two young couples had really grown close over the past couple of days. Ulani hugged MaryAnn and Pilipo sat down on the stool by Gilligan. The two new friends shook hands with sad faces.

Lalani translated as Pilipo gave Gilligan a few last pointers on hunting with his spear. Gilligan nodded and tried to smile. His eyes were growing very heavy, and his side was very sore.

Pilipo said, "Good-bye my friend. We will meet again. I am sorry you cannot come to our wedding."

"Me, too," Gilligan answered sadly.

"But maybe," Pilipo said, slyly, "We can come to yours." He grinned at the girls, and they broke into giggles.

Gilligan raised the blanket over his head again. With a shy giggle, he peeked out at MaryAnn.

After Pilipo and Ulani left the hut, MaryAnn tucked the blanket snugly around her sailor man. Brushing his bangs back, she kissed him.

She wasn't even out the door, and Gilligan was sleeping again.