Chapter 3
After a leisurely meal, the castaways and the professor's parents, Russell and Ruth, lingered in the restaurant. Over their post-dinner cups of coffee, the group talked amongst themselves.
"I knew after a few months they were destined to be together," Mrs. Howell confided to Ruth. "From the beginning, the professor was protective of our Mary Ann. If there were any sign of a storm or danger, you could count on him to always be by her side."
"During the storm that shipwrecked us, the professor didn't leave Mary Ann's side," Ginger added. "His arms were still around her when they eventually fell asleep."
"Goodness," Ruth said as she glanced down the table at her son and future daughter-in-law." Roy has always been willing to help anyone in need, but normally he works on a practical solution to the problem. Emotional support has never been his strong suit."
Mrs. Howell smiled. "You would be very proud of how your son took care of all of us. Of course, he took special care of Mary Ann."
"When we had our dances, they danced exclusively with one another," Ginger said. "Luckily I had Skipper to dance with."
Ruth sat stunned. "I'm surprised, very happy, but surprised. The person you're describing doesn't sound like my son. Roy never had time for dances or anything, even as a child. He only had time for his work."
"I thought that too," Ginger replied. "But as time passed, they spent more and more time together. You could see they had a connection."
"Soon after we were shipwrecked, Mary Ann started helping with his experiments." Mrs. Howell added.
"Really?" Ruth said astounded. "Even I was never allowed in his lab."
"He invented all sorts of things. Many of them to make Mary Ann's work easier." Ginger leaned in. "He also spent hours searching the island, looking for ingredients to make scented soaps, shampoo, or make-up. Anything he thought she might enjoy."
"Of course, Mary Ann looked after the professor too," Mrs. Howell added. "She would not allow him to miss his meals. If the professor worked late Mary Ann took his meal to him and stayed until he finished it."
Mrs. Howell continued. "Since they were both shy with the opposite sex, romantically speaking, their relationship progressed very slowly but it was thrilling to watch it develop."
"It moved a lot faster when they moved into the same hut," Ginger chuckled.
"What? They lived together?"
"Not to worry, Mary Ann is a lady, and the professor was always a gentleman." Mrs. Howell assured Ruth. "Everything was quite proper."
Ginger placed both hands on the table. "Maybe we should start at the beginning. This is one story you are not going to believe, but I swear it is all true. It all started when Gilligan found the eye of the idol..."
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"Oh my, that is some story." Ruth sat speechless for several moments. Slowly a smile came to her face and she chuckled. "The walls of Jericho. Clark Gable. That is one of my favorite pictures."
The professor approached his mother with Mary Ann by his side. "You three look secretive. What have you all been talking about all this time?"
Ruth shrugged her shoulder. "Oh, nothing much, just walls... and trumpets."
"Um, Mother, let me explain," the professor stammered.
After a pause, Mrs. Howell, Ginger, and Ruth burst into laughter.
"It's not what it sounds like."
"Don't worry dear," Ruth patted Roy's arm, "Ginger told me the whole story."
"Thanks, Ginger." the professor exhaled.
"You are most welcome," Ginger chuckled. "You do know, once I'm back in Hollywood, I plan to write about your love story and turn it into a picture. You both can walk the red carpet with me."
"I think that's our cue to leave." The professor took Mary Ann by the hand "We are going to take a walk on the beach. Goodnight, everyone."
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Holding hands the professor and Mary Ann slowly walked along the beach with only the moon lighting their path. The sound of the waves gently rolling onto the shore completed the romantic setting.
Mary Ann spoke quietly. "I'm going to miss living by the ocean, it's been such a big part of my life for the last five years."
"It will take some getting used to."
The professor stopped to pick up a stone. He rubbed off the sand and turned it in his hand a couple of times before throwing it into the water. He watched as if he could see it skimming across the water in the darkness.
"Time has moved so quickly, Mary Ann, that we haven't had the opportunity to discuss a few issues."
"Like what?"
He turned to Mary Ann and gently took both of her hands. "Like engagement rings."
"Oh Roy, I don't need an engagement ring, I just would like a wedding band. I was hoping you would like to wear one too."
"I plan to wear a ring. I want everyone to know that I'm married to the most wonderful woman in the world."
"For a professor, you sure do say the most romantic things."
"I never did until I met you." Roy reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "Mary Ann, I didn't ask you or anyone else about what kind of engagement ring to give you. I don't know anything about rings or what a woman would like, but I did want to pick it out myself. Something that would be meaningful."
He opened the box, took out a ring, and placed it on her finger. "I hope you like it."
"Oh!" Mary Ann exclaimed as she stared at a star sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
"I know it's not a traditional engagement ring. But when I saw it, it reminded me of the countless hours we spent under the stars. It was where I fell in love with you."
Speechless, Mary Ann looked up into his eyes.
"If you'd rather have another ring, we can exchange it tomorrow."
"No. I love it. I couldn't have picked a more perfect ring. Each time I look at it, I'll remember how we fell in love. Those evenings spent stargazing are so precious to me. Thank you, Roy. I'll treasure it always. I love you." Standing on her toes, Mary Ann kissed Roy.