Lost In Paradise

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine's eyes were drawn to Darwin's. She caught her breath as he stared, as if awestruck. He whispered her name, as their gaze locked.

"Catherine, you're beautiful."
A faint pink tinged her cheek, but other than that she did not react, nor did she avert her eyes. For what seemed like long moments, they stood like that, unaware of Darwin's mother who looked knowingly from one to the other.

Her stern voice cut through the silence.

"Did you forget how to knock?"

Darwin glanced over at her and then back to Catherine, as if he could not take his eyes off her.

"You stepped into the pail on your way to the pool this morning or did you bump your head and loose your memory. Get out and find your pail and milk the goat."

Only when she stepped between them did both young people look away, breaking the intimate link that had held them inanimate, but seconds ago.

As Darwin turned and left, Catherine put her hand onto the door post, as if for support. She realised she had been holding her breath and glanced over at Darwin's mother, her eyes showing her confusion. She did not know what had just happened there...

"I'll get dressed... and... then.. I guess I should go back to the hotel and .. .. "

She was intending to say make enquiries, buy suitable clothes, contact friends... but.. she could not quite formulate the thought....

"I..I'll.. be right back..." She all but stammered..
She slipped quickly back into the room, before Darwin's mother could comment.

Hastily she pulled on a pair of faded denim shorts, frayed at the bottom and a white cotton blouse. The outfit was simple, and figure hugging. She brushed her hair out and put it up in a high pony tail. She rubbed her face with the soft cloth still in the bowl of water left out from the night before. Still distracted, Catherine, then pushed her nightdress into her holdall before finally slipping into blue sandals. She did not realise that, whilst her outfit was perfectly adequate for beach wear or island exploration, it was hardly suitable attire for returning to the hotel as she had intentionned.

She paused, gathering her thoughts with effort. Returning to the hotel was a necessity, sensible, the only option, she reasoned. She looked round the room as she walked once more to the door. She was drawn to this place, this family with their informal banter and strange customs, but felt felt an inexplicable unease about staying here much longer... She put out her hand easing open the door once more... remembering how Darwin's face had met her the first time she had ventured out of the room that morning. She refused to acknowledge that she was infact fleeing to the familiarity of the hotel, as an instinctive response to the strange reactions she had experienced that morning.

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Picking up the pail Darwin walked as if in a daze to the goat pen.
Good morning Deidre he said absently hardly even noticing the goat standing there waiting patiently for her feed and her master.

He found the three legged stool and scooping up a bit of grain spread it out in front of Diedre and sat down to begin his chore. It wasn't a chore really as Diedre was gentle and cooperative willing to get rid off the burden of the milk that had built up during the night and Dawin enjoyed the smell of fresh warm milk that streamed out as he carefully pulled each engorged teat.

But his mind was somewhere else this morning. He thought back to that brief moment last night that seemed to last an eternity, when he had stepped into the hut and saw Catherine standing there. He had felt feelings that he had never had before. Why? He wondered, surely the sight of her almost naked body against the light, shouldn't affect him this way. He had seen many naked girls before as it was customary for boys and girls and men and women to bath together and the rituals and ceremonies that his people celebrated included naked dancers. No it wasn't that, he was sure, He was familiar with his body and how it reacted to being in contact with a womans body and the marvelous feelings that were involved in the sampling rituals, but this feeling though similar was not the same. It seemed to come from the center of his spirit.

He thought of his mother, how she had teased him about falling in love, Dariwn shook his head No! he said out loud and Dierdre looked at him balefully seeming to be caught up in his pensiveness.

But then she went back to her feed and Darwin went back to his milking No way he thought, In love with this slip of a girl, shes just a child but then he remembered her silouete in the moring light and shivered, no she was no child but was she a woman or somewhere in between. Well it mattered little to Darwin he surely wasn't in love with her, he liked her and wanted to be her friend and he felt an obligation to take care of her while she was on the Island ... but love.... no way,

He finished his milking and giving Dierde an extra scoop of grain not even knowing why returned to the hut.

Putting his pail on the table he greeted his mama with a hug and said good morning she smiled and nodded toward the door where Catherine was standing
Darwin stepped toward her, his arms extended in genuine affection. His face broke into a grin as he saw she was dressed for their walk along the beach.

Good morning Catherine, he waited for her to step forward as was the custom.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine moved quietly through the door and stopped short. She looked over to see Darwin hugging his mother warmly, a pail of frothy milk discarded casually on the table. She stood awkwardly and closed the door, the sound alerted his mother who in turn drew Darwin's attention to her presence.

Catherine looked at Darwin shyly, but could not help returning the wide grin which appeared on his face at the sight of her. He was so open and ingenuous, so without facade. Not the kind of man she was used to dealing with at all, she acknowledged silently to herself as Darwin stepped towards her.

His hands extended to give the customary hugg as he spoke softly;

"Good Morning Catherine...."

Part of her wanted to move to greet his mother, to avoid being wrapped in his arms, no matter how briefly, but she stepped forward and allowed herself to be enfolded within his strong grasp and held momentarily against his warm body. Her own body trembled, a movement so small she was hopeful that Darwin would not feel her reaction and was sure his mother would notice nothing remarkable.

Knowing the it was "the custom", Catherine wound her own arms around Darwin and clasped him close for a brief, but intimate moment. Releasing him, she smiled, her face mirroring his glowing grin.

"Good Morning Darwin..."

With a glance designed to encompass his mother, she stepped back fractionally.

"I hope I've not held you up...I've no idea what time it is... "
She pinked slightly...
".. and I slept so well..."

She looked over at Darwin. His eyes seemed to be following her every move. Addressing herself to Darwin's mother Catherine spoke politely;

"If you could tell me when the next boat leaves for the mainland, I could go over and book a room until I can get back again... I do hope I've not been a nuisance... I'll get out of your way as soon as I can..."

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwins face fell. He turned away so she wouldn't notice, busying himself with the dishes on the table.

He had felt so much warmth and trust in her embrace, he couldn't understand why she would want to think of leaving so soon. What of their walk hadn't she wanted to spend some time with him. Was she afraid of him, to be with him alone, maybe she felt he would take advantage of her, but why? He had shared his mother and her home with her, he gave her no reason to mistrust him. There must be something else that makes her want to flee this island but what could he do about it.

He must tell her about the tide though, he felt that if he hadn't been so entusiastic at the pier she might have gotten back on the boat and returned from where she came from. So he had to be the one to tell her, but how?

Quickily he turned his face stern and his voice calm and sure he said.

You promised me a walk along the beach this morning, after my mothers kind hospitallity You'd think that You could at least do that for me.

He heard his mother gasp in the back ground Don't be so rude you monster, this girl has a right to do what ever she chooses.

He heard his mother move across the room and the rustle of cloth told him that she was hugging Catherine. he dared not turn around.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

She smiled at Darwin's mother as Darwin busied himself at the table. She returned the smile and Catherine was relieved that she had made it clear that she did not intend to take advantage of the hospitality the woman had initially been forced to extend, but had done so generously.

Darwin's stern and calm voice made her turn in suprise.

"You promised me a walk along the beach this morning, after my mothers kind hospitallity You'd think that You could at least do that for me."

His mother gasped, but Catherine made not a sound. Her face paled in shock at his words. She felt as if she had been slapped in the face. Her face froze into a mask.

"Don't be so rude you monster, this girl has a right to do what ever she chooses."

She felt herself taken into the motherly arms and held affectionately. Somehow that broke through the wall of protection she had thrown up.

Darwin's words hurt.. so much, she was suprised. Tears pricked her eyes and as she was held in that comforting grip they spilled over her cheeks.... she turned her head embarrassed. The stress of the weeks leading up to this trip and the catastrophe of the trip itself catching up with her.

These were the only people who had put her feelings first and now, somehow she had insulted them, well insulted Darwin.. she tried to wriggle free of his mother's grasp to move away, or run out or .. something... but the woman held her firm.

She felt a loving hand moving soothingly across her back and unable to hold them back, she let her tears fall freely, sobbing softly, too emotional now to feel embarrassment ...

 

[afternooner]

Alex

The silence was deafening or so Darwin thought
his back to the two women locked in each others arms. untill her heard what sounded like a sob so quiet he wasn't of what he heard and then as he listened he knew the girl was crying.

Yyes his mother was right he was a monster. a monster to speak so unkindly to any woman much less one he found close and comfortable with. He drew in his breath and turned around.

He needed to make amends, some how to tell her he was sorry and that he had no right to speak so awfully to her and make demands like that.

He spoke his voice shaking a little feeling her pain and wanting to share it with her.
I'll take you to the hotel, Catherine.

Perhaps along the way he cold explain to her. If she saw the lagoon guarded by the rocks, she would understand but how she would deal with it he didn't know. Maybe if his mother came with ... No he must do this alone it was his responsiblity He reached inside his shirt and held the Tahari shell hoping it would help him as it had so many times in the past.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

"I'll take you to the hotel, Catherine. "
His voice was now soft and gentle, but Catherine was having difficulty regaining her composure and merely shook her head.

She drew slowly back from Darwin's mother, having difficulty speaking, she managed to stammer her apologies.

"I..I'm... sorry.. "Apologising for her tears and the rudeness Darwin had accused her of.
"..it's just.. things are.. complicated at the moment.. I..."
She broke off unable to put it all into words...

Catherine drew close to Darwin's mother once more and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

"Thanks for everything... I hope you didn't think I was being rude... I.. just need some fresh air... if you don't mind.. I'll come back for my bags shortly.... "

With an apologetic smile at the kind woman and without raising her eyes to Darwin, she slipped out of the hut, walking away from them towards the ocean ... alone.

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Yes things were complicated, Darwin thought, when her heard her words. too compicated for him to deal with at the moment so he was content to let her go without protesting without interfering. He looked at his mother as he watched Catherine cross the plaza toward the ocean, holding up his hands in resignation.

Let her go she said. simply, she needs to settle what ever shes dealing with on her own. Shes a strong woman she'll be ok.

Darwin had wanted to reply that she was just a girl, but seeing a look in his mothers eye that told him the conversation had finished he shrugged his shoulders and said instead

Have you seen Shakesphere,Mama, Has he run off into the mountains again.

He came home this morning with his tongue dragging on the ground and his tail between his legs. I think he's got a girl friend somewhere She smiled glad to have something else to talk about. He's in back, probably sleeping.

Darwin stepped out and looked for a moment toward the ocean. Catherine had disapeared into the new part of town, gone from his lfe forever.

Why that bothered him he didn't know Many people came and went. Some he never really got to know and some he had felt really close to, but they all had to go and he had gotten used to that. He turned and headed back towards the pool.He whistled and then called.

Shakespere! come here boy! where's mans best friend when you need him.

A border collie bounded out from the trees stopping just short of Darwin, a sheepish look on his face as if to ask permission to greet his friend. Darwin knelt down and as his arms come out, shakespehre jumped into them, licking eagerly at Darwins face.

Sraighening up he said, in a pretended stern voice. We've work to do on that boat today, pal. It'll rot away if we don't scrape some barnacles off.

Side by side they made their way across the plaza, turning to the right towards the area where the native fishing boats and other native vessels were tied up in the lagoon.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine sat on the beach her legs drawn him and a hand across her knees. Her eyes stared, unseeingly at the waves as they bobbed and lapped ashore. The other hand moved to scoop up a handful of sand, letting it pour slowly through her fingers, until empty once more, she repeated the action. The sand flowed softly over and over, the action repeated, an unconscious gesture, strangely comforting as she tried to take control of the turmoil inside her.

That morning and Darwin's hurtful words had been enough, but now this... Why hadn't Darwin told her. She had felt such a fool when she had asked about the next boat out of here! There were worse places to be trapped, but she could not appreciate that yet.

A month! She was trapped here for a month! She was in so much trouble! What would her parents say? Her father would kill her! She brooded, her mind wrestling back and forth, but there was no way to change the facts.

"My birthday..." Oh my God!"
She spoke outloud in her horror.
Thoughts and worries flooded her consciousness and overwhelmed her.

She sunk her head onto her knees, the sand discarded and falling to the ground in a dense shower. Wrapping her arms protectively around herself, she tried to quell the panic that was rapidly taking over. Holding herself tightly she rocked gently, subconsciously in time with the waves, trying to still herself, trying to become calmer...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwin approaced his pride and Joy the Beagle and tried to be excited about getting it ready for another voyage, now he had time he thought, no guest to be responsible for, nothing but his dog and the openness of the ocean.
Maybe they could leave this afternoon yet he'd leave the barnacles for annother time a couple of days at sea would help him forget the girl. why not? he got up and thought about the girl and how bad she needed to get off the island.

And then it hit him! he could help! he knew a little outlet to the sea just enough to let his sail boat slip through. he could take her to the nearest island. In two days at the most maybe a day and a half, if the wind was good. yes he could finally be some help. he looked down the beach toward the new town. there was some one huddled on the beach could it be her. Darwins heart jumped to his throat. he started running, running toward her. Out of breath he stopped, yes, it was her. he looked down at Shakespere yes my friend it is her. He watched. was she getting up did she see him and was she coming towards him or going away.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine heard the footsteps.. quickening and approaching. She turned her head and saw Darwin. Too numb to feel hurt or upset or anger she smiled, the gesture not reaching her eyes this time, unable to blank out the troubled confusion deep inside her.

"Hi..."

She spoke softly... then turned back her eyes fixed on the sea once more.

She did not want to force him to speak to her. She thought wistfully that his mother would be the one to advise her then let her mouth quirk amused. Poor woman, hardly knew her and besides, Catherine didn't usually have a confidante... but... she remembered the hug... Darwin was lucky to have someone so warm as a mother.

"I like your mother..."
She spoke without thinking.. not turning to see if Darwin was moving away from her... assuming he had continued down the beach, Catherine spoke musing to herself;

"I wish she were mine... "

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

I wish she were mine

he heard her say as she looked out to sea he senseed that her mind was miles way wanting to be with her mother. Darwin could hardly keep the good news to himself that he could take her to her mother. but he kept quiet shifting his feet in the sand petting Shakespere.

Hi Catherine His dog at the sound of his voice looked up at Cathrine and whined a greeting pushing his muzzle into Catherines hand.

Darwin laughed Shakespere liked hugs to and he wasn't afraid to ask for one.

Catherine meet Shakespere, Shakespere meet Catherine.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine felt the dog pushing at her and laughed, her face lighting up this time...

"Hello baby..." she crooned cuddling the dog to her..
".. aren't you adorable..?" she played with his ears...

"Catherine meet Shakespere, Shakespere meet Catherine"

"..hello Shakespeare.. "
She spoke to the dog then looked up at Darwin and grinned... "cute name.."

Looking once more at the dog then the sea, Catherine shook herself and stood up.

"Darwin... "
She spoke hesitantly,
"... can I ask a favour... will you help me get my bags back to the hotel... it seems I'm here for a month... "
...she paused and looked at him, her eyes teasing and not accusing...
"... as you well know..! "

She looked over at him waiting to see if he would help her again.

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

But You can't stay in that wretched hotel Catherine.

he thought a moment and then, spit the words out before she could try to stop him. You miss your mother don't you I can tell by the way you look at my Mama. I don't know what brought you to our island but I can get you off it if you want.

My boat is over there, he pointed to a small speck amoung others off in the distance. It's small enough to get to the ocean but large enough to get you back to civilization so you can be with your family.

Seeing her look confusseed he added

At least think about it and please don't go to the hotel right now. there are only strangers there no one like you. My mother would love to have you stay and so would I. You can decide later, what you want to do. Besides it's lunch time and then siesta, no one does anything strenuous during siesta.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

"But You can't stay in that wretched hotel Catherine."

Despite sharing the same misgivings she could not hold back the smile and accompanying giggle at the idea of the "wretched hotel" being the epitome of comfort and luxury, but she knew what he meant.

The next words took her by surprise;

"You miss your mother don't you I can tell by the way you look at my Mama. I don't know what brought you to our island but I can get you off it if you want. My boat is over there. It's small enough to get to the ocean but large enough to get you back to civilization so you can be with your family. "

Just like the first time they had met he rushed on and on, but she was touched by his earnestness and hardly able to believe that he was being so kind after his harsh words that morning.

"At least think about it and please don't go to the hotel right now. there are only strangers there no one like you. My mother would love to have you stay and so would I. You can decide later, what you want to do. Besides it's lunch time and then siesta, no one does anything strenuous during siesta..."

Finally he stopped speaking. The comment about his mother brought a sad smile to her face.

"I don't miss my mother Darwin."
She spoke softly.
"I don't know my mother anymore, much less my father."
She sighed,
".. and if I go back, there's no family waiting for me, just... well-meaning "freinds" ..."
She spoke the word "friends" ironicallly and grimaced.

"When I see your mother, I see what my mom used to be like, when I was little, so little I hardly remember.... "

She smiled as if embarrassed, but felt comfortable having told him.

"I'd like to spend the day with you both.... "
She threw him an impish smile,
"...and we can fight about the rest later...."

She turned to walk along side him back along the beach towards the hut, bending down briefly to pet the attention-seeking little dog.

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

his heart skipped a beat, he would have turned a sumersault or two he was so happy. He wanted to reach out and hug her. but he resisted the temptation after all that she disclosed to him about her parents he felt a little ashamed of treating her the way he did. He couldn't immagine losing his mothers love and even though his father was gone, his spirit was with him every day he only had to touch his Tahari shell to feel his fathers spirit strong and alive.

Yes he said, we can spend the day together I'd like that very much. Hurry now it's almost lunch time. Mama will be pleased to have you back.

Back at the hut he grabbed her hand and shouted to mama,

look what I found down at the beach.

His mother answered from the inside,

More shells and drift wood? not a pot of gold or anything valuable I supose. Wash your hands I've baked some beans and boilled some corn, if you're interested. She poked her head out of the door and seeing Catherine smiled.

I guess you did find something valuable and rushing to Catherine, she gave her a hug.

What about me, Darwin protested and joined them both. feeling like a hero in a fairy tale.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

They strolled along the beach, the little dog barking happily at their heels. The decision was now made and Catherine felt freer. A whole month.. she was going to enjoy it, whatever happened... and then..well..she'd just face what was to come. For once she would do what she wanted.

"Yes, we can spend the day together I'd like that very much. Hurry now it's almost lunch time. Mama will be pleased to have you back. "
Darwin's voice as almost excited as he hurried her back to his home.

Before she had the chance to become shy at her intrusion, Darwin grabbed her hand and shouted to his mother,

"Look what I found down at the beach. "

She could hear the woman's voice scolding from inside the hut;

"More shells and drift wood? not a pot of gold or anything valuable I supose. Wash your hands I've baked some beans and boilled some corn, if you're interested."

Catherine giggled and caught her eye as her head came round the hut door. When she saw Catherine she smiled warmly in return.

"I guess you did find something valuable ..."
Catherine's blush was hidden by the effusive hug she received as once again she was envelopped in those loving arms.

"What about me...?"
She heard Darwin's words before he too joined them in the warm hug. As they drew back she could not help laughing. She looked from son to mother. They were so warm and giving. She felt a surge of gratitude to them for their warmth and hospitality.

"Can I help?" She queried... as she watched them bustling round to prepare the meal.

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

yes you can Darwins mother replied but first wash your hands.

She grined from ear to ear happy to have two people to boss around again.

Darwin lead her around back to show her where the washing basin wasis and handed her the soap.

I'm so happy you decided to stay Catherine he said shyly. Mama is happy too.

He lathered up and then washed his face and hands, and handed her the towel after he had dried his face. He watched as she toweled dry and feeling an urge he couldn't deny put his hands on the sides of her face and leaned forward and kissed her. It was not the kiss of a brother or a friend but a kiss full on her mouth sharing a passion that had welled up from inside him.

He broke away selfconsiously. I'm sorry he said I dont know what came over me.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Darwins mother smiled as she replied;

"Yes you can, but first wash your hands. "
Catherine held back a giggle. The woman was incorrigible and Catherine could not remember the last time she had been spoken to like that, as if she were a wilful child in need of direction.

She followed Darwin to the wash basin and took the soap, washing thoroughly as she used to as a girl, with her mother at first, but then increasingly with the nanny, her mother withdrawing from such mundane tasks.

"I'm so happy you decided to stay Catherine. Mama is happy too. "
She smiled pleased to have her thoughts interrupted.

She watched him washing and took the towel from him moving it to dry her own damp face.

As she lowered the towel, Darwin reached out a hand to touch her cheek, then moved his other hand as Catherine found her face cupped within his gentle grasp. She raised her eyes to him, once again the feeling of an almost hypnotic attraction as their gazes held.

She did not notice that he had moved forward, until she felt his lips meet hers. His kiss was not tentative, his lips moved over hers heatedly kissing deeply as Catherine trembled her mouth soft and yielding letting him taste her passionately.

Catherine swayed slightly as Darwin suddenly drew back. Her face was flushed and she was shocked by how the heat of the embrace had shot through her entire body.

"I'm sorry .. I dont know what came over me."

"That... That's..ok.."
Catherine stammered, uncertainly, again not knowing what had just happened..

"We'd best get back to your mother...."
She spoke softly, an audible tremor in her voice as she smiled shyly at him and moved back towards the hut...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

He said I'm sorry,

but, because of the way that she had responded to his kiss, he knew in fact he was not, for he had felt a heat welling up in her that joined his own. That heat even now as it began to mellow, warmed him the same as his Tahari shell against his heart did, when he touched it.

The fact that he shouldn't have done it was true however he had no right to take something from her without her knowledge and consent.

He had been taught that as a child and when he was old enough to sample, as the custom was called, he learned that when he was impassioned, it was best to control his ardor, to share instead of taking. Even with something as simple as a kiss.

Learning this and then discovering that coming together in mutual consent led to the most joyfull and fulfiling experience a man and woman could have together, he made a point that even though his heart and body were inflamed, he made sure his partner felt the same. And so when Catherine pulled away he understood and accepted her reaction.

Back in the house his mother busy at the stove shows Catherine how to stir the beans, just fast enough to keep them from burning but gentle enough to keep from turning them to mush. She sees him watching her intently ans reminds him that some one has to shuck the corn so he takes the basket out to the goat pen and removing the husks feeds them to Diedre.

Returning to the house he asks his mother if she's going to the dance tonite She answers, shes too ancient for such goings on and besides, there's no man handsome enough for her in the vilage anyway.

Maybe you dont want me there to spoil your fun you gad about. I suppose you'll be dragging some young girl into the pool before it's over.

She stops her chatter realizing that Cahterine is taking all this in and blushes before glaring at him.

Oh Mama if you blush like that tonite I'm sure you'd get invited to the pool quite quickly.

Mam raises a pan up shaking it at Darwin I'm not going I tell you now get out of this house until it's ready to eat.

Darwin bows.

Yes, your majesty your wish is my command.

Before he leaves he looks at Catherine and quickly asks before he loses his nerve.

Will you go to the dance with me tonight, I'll promise not to run off with any one else, he adds glaring back at his mother. not wiating for heranswer surprised himself that he ahd aske he quickly disappears through the door.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine was happy to focus on her task of preparing the beans. Watching and listening to his mother's instructions, Catherine concentrated on the task in hand, totally unaware of Darwin's eyes watching her.

She glances up as Darwin is sent out to tend to the corn. Her grin at the woman's warm hearted bossing flashes across at Darwin and then she turns her attention back to the beans once more.

In his absence Catherine chats with Darwin's mother and tells her she will be staying for the month.

"I'll sort out the hotel booking later," She promises, "I think Darwin will help me get things arranged..."

"All in good time.. in good time.."
His mother says firmly.
"Tonight.. you stay here."
Catherine moves to protest, but the woman is firm.

"You will stay, unless you make us all eat mush!"
She says sternly and Catherine grins and applies herself once more to the task.

Barely looking up as Darwin enters, Catherine continues to stir and stare into the pot, catching his mother's eye and quirking a smile at the threat if she ruin the meal. The joke passes silently between the two women, unseen by Darwin.

Mother and son chat and tease about the dance that night. Catherine looks up at Darwin's mother. She seems youthful and full of spirit.... yes... Catherine could imagine her dancing..

"Maybe you dont want me there to spoil your fun you gad about. I suppose you'll be dragging some young girl into the pool before it's over. "

Catherine looks up and across at Darwin. She'd never considered that he might have a girlfriend or even that he might be married!... She looked at him again... "pulilng a girl into the pool?" - perhaps he was the type her father always took care she had nothing to do with. She knew he would not approve of what she was doing now. Only what he considered the "best" was good enough for his daughter.

She sees his mother blush and hears the tease Darwin throws cheekily across at her. He seems unaffected by his mother's remark. Obviously the events of the dance or none of her concern, but she is strangely... hurt... no.. suprised..she reasons to herself....

The banter continues, but when Catherine looks up Darwin is stood before her.

"Will you go to the dance with me tonight, I'll promise not to run off with any one else..."
As if she'd care what he did... but before she can formulate the thoughts let alone the words, he as gone.

Catherine jumps and hopes she has not ruined the dinner...stirring the beans quickly again, hoping they have not caught on the bottom of the pot, she thinks about Darwin's offer. He must be what papa calls a "very forward young man". His interest in her must be as casual as the young women it appeared he regularly thew in the pool. Going out with him could not hurt, yet, perhaps it was not wise to encourage him ...

Still undecided she continued to stir. Not noticing his mother was strangely silent and watching the emotions and uncertainty playing over Catherine's face....

Catherine looked up drawn back to the present as Darwin's mother moves to rescue the neglected beans...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwins mother watches Catherine, seeing uncertainty in her eyes, she must have led a very protected life she thought. perhaps she should be more carefull about what she says to her. But she cant help herself, if something needs to be said it should be, she surmises.

She looks at Catherine, her eyes are soft with feeling for this girl, wanting to reasure her.

My son is so impetous sometimes but he has a kind heart and a gentle nature, that is why he has so many girls chasing him and yes he chases back but he has yet to find one that he has that special feeling for. One that he wants to share his heart with.

Perhaps you find our ways strange here on the island. We live beneath a steaming volcano and take each day as it comes, considering it a blessing from the gods. And so as we live each day, we take the joy and happiness from it as it comes. And we have learned to share with each other to make that joy and happiness even greater. Now give me that spoon and go call Darwin for lunch. he's back playing with Shakespere no doubt tell him to wash his hands again.

She smiles and runs her fingers through Catherines hair.

So pretty, show me how you fix it sometime.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine looks up as Darwin's mother speaks softly to her;

"My son is so impetous sometimes but he has a kind heart and a gentle nature, that is why he has so many girls chasing him and yes he chases back but he has yet to find one that he has that special feeling for. One that he wants to share his heart with. "

She blushes and looks away as she continues;

"Perhaps you find our ways strange here on the island. We live beneath a steaming volcano and take each day as it comes, considering it a blessing from the gods. And so as we live each day, we take the joy and happiness from it as it comes. And we have learned to share with each other to make that joy and happiness even greater."

Catherine nodded... their life was so different from the life she lived!

Catherine felt a rush of affection for the woman, for her words and for her reassurance.

"Now give me that spoon and go call Darwin for lunch. he's back playing with Shakespere no doubt tell him to wash his hands again. " She instructed.

"oui, maman.." Catherine replied... and then bit her lip... the motherly affection transporting the girl back to times when her mother and her had been close..

Darwin's mother didn't comment. She merely reached out and stroked Catherine's hair;

"So pretty, show me how you fix it sometime."
Catherine flushed with pleasure and made a hasty exit.

Once outside, Catherine ran along to where Darwin was indeed playing with the lively dog.

"Darwin.. your mam says to come in for dinner.. and to wash your hands.... "

Darwin continued to play with Shakespeare...

"Now!....come on... "
She grinned....
"...or I'll tell on you!"

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwin caught up in Catherines exuberance, filcked a little water in her face as he finihed washing. Seeing her blink in surprise he immediatly moved to towel off the wet spot on her cheek which was pink with excitement.

How was it that he felt so carefree and natural around this girl he hardy knew? As if they had grown up together and played as children. He shook his head in amazement and turning quickly ran for the front door.

I'll beat you to the table little one.
Anticipating his action, Catherine moved quickly to block his entrance to the hut. Her eyes twinkled as she said

Say please first.

Please with cream and sugar on it. Darwin answered trying to sound sweet.

Inside they found bowls of beans and steaming corn on the cob covered with butter waiting for them.

They sat down and waited for Mam to join them. She wiped her hands on her apron and her hand went to her chest where her Tahari shell lay beneath her cotton blouse. Sliding her hand beneath the fabric, her hand found and held it. She looked sternly at her son and he followed suit by holding his shell against his bare chest. They both looked at Catherine without realizing she didn't know about their custom, a mixture of the religious training the missionaries long ago had taught them and their own native beliefs, deeply embeded in their minds and hearts for their very begining.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

It was so strange. Catherine and Darwin teased and played like brother and sister. He flicking water at her and she racing him to block his entrance to the hut.

"I'll beat you to the table little one."
His tone held challenge, playfulness and tenderness.... She teased him blocking his way, her eyes danced and laughed as they watched him play the game...

She sat at down. The bowls of beans and hot corn looked delicious. The fayre though simple far excelled anything else she had ever eaten.

The mood became more solemn as Darwin's mother sat with them. Catherine watched as she moved her hand move to grasp something hidden beneath her neckline and turned her head as following a glare, Darwin mirrored the same action. She could clearly see the Tahari shell and knew that he always wore it. She felt their eyes on her and moved her hand to clasp the shell Darwin had presented her only yesterday.

She glanced from mother to son, waiting in respectful silence, wondering what they would do next...?