"Ginger, I heard about the lessons you've offered to give Gilligan, and I think it's a great idea."

Ginger was startled. Here she'd been trying to think of how to introduce the delicate subject, and her roommate just brought it up without hesitation.

"He told you?" That surprised Ginger, too. Gilligan was so shy about romance, including talking about it, and yet he'd gone running to tell Mary Ann? Ginger couldn't imagine him boasting about it, even to the Skipper, and it seemed extremely unlikely that he'd gloat about it to the farmgirl. It did cross Ginger's mind that Gilligan had wanted to get Mary Ann's approval, either because he respected her opinion and wanted to be sure she didn't think it was immoral, or because he was aware of her crush and didn't want her to feel jealous.

"No, the Skipper did."

That made a little more sense, although Ginger was still surprised that Gilligan had told someone already. But maybe he'd sought the advice of the older, more experienced man, in order to make up his mind. It did seem peculiar that the Skipper then went and told Mary Ann. Maybe he'd thought about her crush on Gilligan and wanted to be sure she was OK with Ginger's offer.

And it seemed she was. Ginger wondered if Gilligan knew that. My, this was complicated! She supposed she should just be grateful that Gilligan hadn't confided in the Professor instead. But at this rate, someone, probably the Skipper, would likely tell him by bedtime.

Ginger hadn't exactly expected to keep her offer a secret, but she had hoped to get a definite yes from Gilligan before having to worry about what, if anything, to tell the others. She realized she should've known better after three years. Word traveled very quickly in their tiny community. Not that there weren't any secrets, but it was challenging to keep the ones there were.

"I'll admit I was a little surprised," Mary Ann continued. "After all, Gilligan is sort of clumsy. But I guess practice makes perfect."

Ginger couldn't get over how frankly Mary Ann was discussing this. Yes, they were alone in their hut, but they'd never really talked about anything like this. To be honest, Ginger would've guessed that her roommate was too prim and/or innocent for this sort of conversation. Clearly, Ginger had underestimated her.

Trying not to blush herself, Ginger said, "I suppose so. And, um, it'll be fun to teach him."

Mary Ann nodded. "I'm sure it will be. In fact, I could help you if you want."

Ginger stared at her. "Help me?"

"Well, I'm not a professional like you are, but I'm not bad for an amateur."

Ginger didn't know if she was more insulted or shocked. What had happened to sweet little Mary Ann? Ginger suddenly felt like she didn't even know her after three years of being inseparable.

Before Ginger could think of a reply, Mary Ann asked, "Why do you look so surprised? After all, you've seen me in action."

"I, I have?"

Mary Ann shook her head. "Don't you remember? In the beauty pageant and when we were the Honeybees. And the time you tried to reform a criminal."

"You made love with Norbert Wiley? And the Mosquitoes? And Gilligan, just so he'd choose you as Miss Castaway?" How had Ginger been oblivious to all that?

Now Mary Ann blushed and stared. "Made love?" she whispered. "What are you talking about?"

"What are you talking about?"

"The dance lessons you're going to give to Gilligan of course," Mary Ann said, more loudly and impatiently.

Ginger understood now, sort of. Either Gilligan had lied to the Skipper, too embarrassed to say what Ginger had really offered, or the Skipper had cleaned it up when telling Mary Ann. "The Skipper said they were dance lessons?"

"Yes, Gilligan was right there but he didn't say a word. I just thought he was embarrassed about being a bad dancer. Oh!" Mary Ann blushed redder as it sunk in, making Ginger blush, too.

Then the Professor knocked and said, "May I come in?"

Ginger tried to pull herself together. "Of course, Professor."

It was an awkward moment to be interrupted, but Ginger didn't exactly want to continue this conversation, at least not just yet. She'd hoped to broach the subject more delicately, but it was too late for that.

"Oh, did you tell her?" The Professor looked surprised, too.

"Uh, no, it seems the Skipper beat me to it." Ginger assumed that the Skipper had told the Professor about "the dance lessons" as well. She hoped he wasn't off reporting to the Howells now.

The Professor looked at her funny. "Uh, I was talking to Mary Ann."

"Uh, no, Professor, I didn't tell her," Mary Ann said. "I figured you'd want to tell her yourself."

Ginger was baffled. What could this possibly be about? Was it good news or bad?

"Well, it is the most amazing discovery. Look!" He took a mangled snake out of his trouser pocket, causing her to scream like she hadn't since her last haunted house movie.