Lost In Paradise

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwin and his mother smiled apreciatively at Catherine as she touched her shell, as if she knew the honor and respect that they were showing the image of their creator.

They closed their eyes and in silence thanked oro for their meal and then added hastily, the sign of the cross in honor of the msssionaries god.

They discussed the coming celebration for the evening. It would be a gayla afair as a young couple in the village was celebrating their wedding and along with the usual monthly tribte to the god of fertility. It would prove to be a momentious occasion.

They glanced occasionally at Catherine, knowing of couse that she wasn't familiar with the details of the coming event but too excited to explain them to her, went on with their animated conversation

Mam, you have to go.

Darwin pleaded. The bride is the daughter of one of your best friends. She'll feel bad if you dont come.

Mam protested but with each excuse she was met by an equally convincing answer from Darwin.

Finally she threw up her hands in defeat Ok you monster, you. I'll go if Catherine will go with too.

But first it is siesta time and I need my rest. it willl be a long night you know and no one dares sneak out early for fear of being talked about.


She smiled and getting up from the table put her hand on Catherines shoulder saying in a softer voice.

It's all right dear, Just think about it during siesta.

Her tone changed in an instant as she said sharply but still smiling to Darwin. get out of here and let us have some piece and quiet.

Darwin smiled back knowing that that was just the way his mother was.He never knew what to expect from her from time to time, but loving her just the same.

Going to his hut he whistled for Shakespere but he was not in sight.

Harump he growled, probably out sampling his new girl friend, he thought and went into his hut for his siesta.

Unbeknownst to him, Shakesphere had followed Catherine into her room and curled up alongside of her in bed.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine ate appreciatively and listened to the talk about the forthcoming celebration. Her mouth twitched as she heard the banter between mother and son.

The words were affectionate, excited, his mother protesting, Darwin persuasive and finally leading to the woman conceding defeat.

"Ok you monster, you. I'll go if Catherine will go with too. "
Catherine looked up. Her eyes troubled, although if his Mother were going, she could attend more as a friend of the family, rather than attend with Darwin...

His mother annouced siesta and got up from the table. Catherine felt reassured as the woman spoke softly;

"It's all right dear, Just think about it during siesta. "
The light touch on her shoulder, assured Catherine that she was under no obligation.

"Get out of here and let us have some piece and quiet."
Her stern words banished Darwin from the hut. Catherine stood watching his departure, wishing he were not leaving, but not stopping to analyse why.

She stepped forward to the door of the hut... looking out to the shore, but unable to stop her eyes following Darwin's retreating sillhouette.

"Come away. It i too hot. You must rest. If we go tonight there will be much dancing.... We will return very late.. rest now.. "

Catherine nodded and turned to hug the woman.

"You are so kind.. thank you... I... "
She broke off unable to put her feelings into words.

"Shhhh..." Darwin's mother spoke touching Catherine's cheek lightly.
She held the Tahari shell and grasped it.
".. you were brought to us... we must all be thankful for the blessings we receive.... it must be so.."

Catherine smiled, not understanding the woman's words, but not wishing to disrespect her traditions and beliefs.

"Now.. go... "
Catherine grinned and slipped into the room as the sharp voice had ordered her to.

Kicking off her sandals and peeling off her shorts she lay on the bed... just in her top and panties... as she stretched she felt a ticklilng sensation on the hand she had hung over the side of the bed.

She started, looking down, fearing some exotic animal had gotten into her room. She giggled as she saw Shakespeare, his tongue flcking out again to lick her hand.

"Shakespeare..! You'll be in trouble if Darwin finds you here.."
Smiling, she stood up and opened the door for the dog to leave, but instead of leaving as she coaxed him, he jumped up onto the bed and curled into a ball... raising his eyes to her....

"Ok... ok.. just a minute.. then you go..."
Catherine scolded affectionately. .. She lay again, the dog moving fractionally closer against her thigh as she stroked the silkiness of the soft ears.. the movement lulling both her and the little creature both dosing peacefully before she had time to insist on his departure...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Day dreaming about the coming ceremony Darwins mind waundered. The sounds of drums and laughter, the sight of pretty girls and hansome men dressed in thier native attire. he loved the stories about how his people used to live before the French had discovered their island.

Darwin wished sometimes he could have lived in those times but realizing he didn't read everything the English teacher had brought from England about history and geography and of course english too. His generation had moved from the french language toEnglish because it was more universal and most of the touriss used it. Sometimes he wished he knew French too as he liked the way it ran over his tongue as he spoke the few words he new like bonjour or como t'allay vous or tres bien mercie.

So this event brought back the past for him and he looked forward to it.

He must have dozed off for when he awoke he saw the sun was strating to set showing it's light below the crack in his door.

He thought of Catherine then and wondered if she went to the celebration would she be unconfortable being there.If his mother was along she'd take care of her he surmised but sometimes his Mam surprised him at these events as she loved to dance and got caught up in the frenzy of the drums.

Thinking of the drums his mind waundered off again until he heard the actual sound of the first drum anouncing the begining of the celebration. Caught up in the excitement, he jumped up and ran to his mothers hut shouting the first drum mam we must get dressed. He rushed into the hut and opening up the trunk that held their ceremonial clothes pulled out his breech cloth and his mothers ti leaf skirt.

Catherine stood in the doorway rubbing her sleepy eyes, his traitor dog beside her.

he stepped forward reached down and without thinking said.

Is this the girlfriend you're sampling now. you Casanova ,

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

The first drum mam!! We must get dressed. !!"
The shout roused Catherine from her sleep.. she stretched and felt the dog still curled up against her... She pulled on her shorts and moved to the door... running a hand through her mussed ponytail... opening the door she looked into the room.

Darwin and his mother were bent over a trunk and both smiled as she appeared, still bleary from sleep at the doorway. Shakespeare bounded forward to welcome his Master.

Bending, Darwin scolded the dog;

"Is this the girlfriend you're sampling now. you Casanova ,"

Catherine giggled at his tone, then looked puzzled.. sampling..? She did not know what it meant... but... chose not to ask at that moment...

She moved closer to where Darwin's mother was rummaging and watched as she pulled out ornate and colourful outfits. Suddenly anxious... she turned to her and asked;

"What should I wear, I'm not sure I have anything suitable,"

Not realising that with that statement she had agreed to accompanying them to the celebration...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwin and his mother still excited about the coming celebration looked up and both exclaimed thats no problem weve got lots to choose from here.

Mam pulled out a ti leaf dress of bright green and yellow fronds tied together at the waist with cord made of cocnut husks,

It's just the right length one I used to wear when I was younger and uh..thiner perhaps.

she held it up to Catherines petite body it fell to just above her ankles.

And heres a lei to match she held out a circular band of colored flowers, pink and yellow, blue and lavender she put it up to Catherines neck holding it to see how it draped across her breasts and circled at her slender waist.

She laughed

of course its artificial. with all that dancing you'll be doing, real ones wouldn't last the night.

There will be a flower for your hair of course. when you enter the plaza.

This is what I'll be wearing.

Darwin exclaimed he pulled out a leather breech cloth. he held it up to him showing her how it draped down in front held by a belt and passing between his legs was looped into the belt again. My father wore it before he joined the spirits.
His face sadened as he spoke the last but he brightened adding he'll be happy to see me wearing it tonite.

They looked at Catherine seeing her face confused and turning pink with embarassment.

Embarasased they looked back and Darwin finding his voice said

we didn't realize you didn't know about our custom to dress like our ancestors did before the mishionaries came. They made us wear more clothes saying it was evil to dress so skimpily this way. But we find no reason not to honor our ancestors by dressing like they did.

and bathing naked in the pool like some young people I know.

His mam added looking sternly at her son.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine watched as the bright clothes were pulled out of the trunk.. green and yellow and natural but long lasting materials.... so beautiful..she touched the fronds gently... the dress would fit her perfectly,the lei too was beautiful... she smiled as they held up the clothes, planning how to dress her, so exotic, exquisite thought Catherine...

Mam pulled out a ti leaf dress of bright green and yellow fronds tied together at the waist with cord made of cocnut husks,

" ... of course its artificial. with all that dancing you'll be doing, real ones wouldn't last the night.
There will be a flower for your hair of course. when you enter the plaza. "
She nodded, wondering if she would be dancing, but did not want to spoil the mood, by insisting she merely spectate...

"This is what I'll be wearing. "
Catherine looked over toward Darwin her eyes roaming over the leather breech cloth... and widening as he held it demonstrating how it would be worn...

"My father wore it before he joined the spirits... he'll be happy to see me wearing it tonite. "

Catherine felt sympathy for Darwin's grief, realising that his father was dead, but blushed as she realised that the outfits to be worn that night were to be .. immodest.. at best...

Darwin's mother first realised Catherine's discomfiture, but it was Darwin who spoke first;

"We didn't realize you didn't know about our custom to dress like our ancestors did before the mishionaries came. They made us wear more clothes saying it was evil to dress so skimpily this way. But we find no reason not to honor our ancestors by dressing like they did... and bathing naked in the pool like some young people I know. "

Catherine's colour deepened..
"ohh.. then.. I... I don't think I should go afterall.. I... "

She stammered, not knowing what to say, but finding the idea of semiclad natives ... disturbing...

"I..I'll leave you to get ready... "

She slipped back into the room, sitting on the bed.. raising her hands to her hot cheeks... she felt foolish and knew she had over reacted, but she had been raised to be very.. proper.. decent.. her parents would have a fit if she attended anything like that....

She glanced at the door... thinking of young people bathing naked. Darwin no doubt would be .. bathing... before the night was out.. well.. not with her he wouldn't....

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

ohh... then... I..I don't think I should be going after all...I

Darwin and mams faces fell. They had been planing on incuding her, not reaizing or considering her feelings. It was so natural for them. A part of the montly cycle of events. A time when they could forget about the tourists as they had their own luau. an imitation event that was just for them and their christian ethics.

I.I'll leave you to get ready

They watched her rush to her room.

They looked at each other for a moment until Darwin finally spoke

Mam,.... please ...

She knew what he wanted as she walked to the bedroom door. Just before she got there, she remarked.

Maybe, my son should take a bath now. she whoshed him from the house.

She entered Catherines room closing the door quietly behind her.

Sitting beside her on the bed she smoothed Carherines hair with her hand and put her arm around her shoulder.

Catherine, please dont be angry with us we were only trying to make you feel at home.

Now, my dear I must tell you something and you must promise notto tell Darwin...at least not until you get to know each other better.

She didn't wait for her answer she knew she had to share this with her now.

All my life I wished that I had had a daughter But the gods did not grant my wish. I hope each cycle it woud happen but my hope was crushed when my husband died.

Dariwn makes me very happy he is a good son but he cannot take the place of the daughter I wished for. I vowed when I lost my husband that I would never marry again I loved him so much... I knew I would never love another man.. I even refused to play the sampling game even though sometimes my body wanted to.

Then one day, the day before you arrived I was walking on the beach. A dove flew over my head not a white dove, but one the color of your hair it flew so close I saw it's eyes they were the darkest deepest brown eyes I had ever seen untill... I saw yours, my dear. I thought it to be an omen, a message from the gods that I was to finally have a daughter with long dark hair and dark flashing eyes.

I dismised it for then, how could it possibly be? I thought until... you came behind my dear son into my hut and then I knew ....

Ttears came to mams eyes and she pulled Catherine into her arms, rocking her like she was her child.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine was sat cross legged on the bed, her sandals kicked off, her head drooped... wondering what she should do or say. She did not hear the door open or notice Darwin's mother until she sat on the bed.

Catherine looked up and smiled shyly. His mother smoothed her hair and wound an arm around her shoulder. Catherine let the woman hold her, relieved that she had not been offended...

"Catherine, please dont be angry with us we were only trying to make you feel at home. "
Catherine opened her mouth to protest, she was not angry, painfully embarrassed.. unsure.. perhaps a bit.. intimidated by their customs... but she could say nothing as the voice continued and Catherine realised from where Darwin got his tendancy to talk without a halt.

"Now, my dear I must tell you something and you must promise notto tell Darwin...at least not until you get to know each other better. "

The touch on her hair continued, soothing her as Catherine listened.

Her eyes widened at the story she told and were filled with questions at the reference once again to sampling...

", the day before you arrived I was walking on the beach. A dove flew over my head not a white dove, but one the color of your hair it flew so close I saw it's eyes they were the darkest deepest brown eyes I had ever seen untill... I saw yours, my dear. I thought it to be an omen, a message from the gods that I was to finally have a daughter with long dark hair and dark flashing eyes.

I dismised it for then, how could it possibly be? I thought until... you came behind my dear son into my hut and then I knew ....

Catherine ifelt herself pulled into the woman's arms and rocked reminding her of how she used to be comforted long ago as a child..when things were so different...

"I..I'm not angry.. how could I be.. you have both been so kind... but... the party.. your traditions.. they are ... strange to me.... "

Catherine broke off... "I.. am not what I seem... you see a simple girl, in need of refuge... you think that I could be as you both... I wish I could.. but.. I have learned to think much differently from you. My family are influential, powerful even and would be so angry if they even knew I were on this island ... "

She paused again, not realising she had confessed to being a "runaway" but more because she did not want Darwin's mother to feel that she felt superior to them in any way! She was simply trying to explain the differences and gently make the woman realise that the dove had been...a coincidence...an accident.. nothing more significant..

Still feeling the arms around her, the grip not loosening.. Catherine whispers;

"Maman.. I wish I could belong ... as a daughter to you and a sister to Darwin... to experience such freedom and love.. but.. "

She sighs sadly,
"... we cannot change how life has shaped us ..."

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Mam holds her in her arms, rocking her, cooing to her as if she was her own child. She smooths her hair and lifts Catherines head gently away from her. Looking deep into her eyes she says softly.
Yes my dear, change is difficult but it is always inevitable. We know that well on this island.

But you are not a child my dear I can tell when I hold you in my arms that you are a woman, full of the wants and needs of a woman. Mostly the need to be on her own, to be independant and able to make decisions for your self. Decisions from your heart and your spirit.

Just have patience with Darwin and I and know that we will do nothing to hurt you or compromise your principles.

She smiles and releasing her hold stands up, her voice and mood changing.

Now if you'll excuse me I've got something to take care of. Right now!

Rushing out of the house she grabs a swimsuit off the clothes line and hurrying behind the hut, Thinking that Darwin is naked in the pool. She throws her hands up in mock disgust, as she sees that he is allready wearing one.

I'll never understand you my child she admonishes him and returns to the hut. Maybe he is getting some sense in that head of his after all she mutters.

Inside she smiles at Catherine.

Why don't you join Darwin in the pool there's plenty of time to plan for the celebration later.
And don't worry he's wearing his swimsuit.

She adds with a knowing grin.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine looked up at the woman as she spoke kindly;

"Yes my dear, change is difficult but it is always inevitable. We know that well on this island.

But you are not a child my dear I can tell when I hold you in my arms that you are a woman, full of the wants and needs of a woman. Mostly the need to be on her own, to be independant and able to make decisions for your self. Decisions from your heart and your spirit. "

Catherine nodded. Yes that is what she had done. She was no hopeless runaway as she had described. She had made a decision to come to this island and then accepted that she would be here for a month, even though Darwin had offered her a way out.. and she would stand by her decision and take whatever consequences there may be.

"Just have patience with Darwin and I and know that we will do nothing to hurt you or compromise your principles. "

Catherine smiled softly and watched Darwin's mother move away from her.

"Now if you'll excuse me I've got something to take care of. Right now! "

Catherine watched puzzled as she sees the woman leave the hut and return quickly afterwards.

"Why don't you join Darwin in the pool there's plenty of time to plan for the celebration later.
And don't worry he's wearing his swimsuit. "

Catherine meets her smile and nods. A swim sounds nice.. and despite her embarrassment it would be good to share some time with him.

As His mom leaves the room, Catherine slips into the suit, and picks up a towel, resolutely banishing images of Darwin frolicing naked with naked girls and slips out of the hut.

She walks silently to the pool and stands unnoticed at first, shyly watching Darwin...

Finally as he turns to her, she smiles and speaks softly..

"hi... "


She adds with a knowing grin.

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwin musing as he sits in the warm soothing water of the pool, becomes reflective thinking about Catherine and her reaction to him and his mothers enthusiasm over the upcoming celebration.

It can't be easy for her, to be thrust into their world, a world so different from hers but she also seemed to be comfortable with them too, only when they started talking about how it used to be did she seem uncomfortable.

That was to be expected, his ancesters had some very unusual customs he smiled to himself, some of them were prety wonderfull too. He became serious again how might look to Catherine. Suddenly he realized that she could leave and spend the rest of the month in the Hotel. Maybe even ask for another guide.

Now in the pool he wishes she would join him. He could be civilized if he wanted to be and knew that there were times when he should. Most of all he doesn't want Caterine to leave. Perhaps he could change just a little bit for her if it would help make her stay.

He looks up to see her standing at the edge of the pool and a lump forms in his throat.

Hi.He answers.

Realizing that she's looking intently at him he blushes.

Recovering enough to speak again he adds softly

I'm glad you're here Catherine.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine smiles as he replies to her greeting.

"i'm glad you're here Catherine.."

The words are simple, but sincere.

"Me too.." she says and knows that she means it.

"Space for me in there...?"
She queries softly, but does not wait for a reply, before slipping the towel from around her waist and sliding into the pool.

"mmm.. lovely..." she smiles at Darwin shyly.

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Felling relieved at Catherines ease at being alone with him, Darwin feels in a playfull mood.

Ducking under the water and swimming easily to the far end of the pooland resufacing he calls to her

It's deeper here and you can feel the undrecurents coming from the underground stream that comes from the hillside tugging at your feet. It's quite safe, and fun besides.

He added, grinning from ear to ear.

Besides, I'm here to rescue you if need be.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine watches Darwin moving to the far end of the pool.

"It's deeper here and you can feel the undrecurents coming from the underground stream that comes from the hillside tugging at your feet. It's quite safe, and fun besides. "

She returns his grin as he teases;

"Besides, I'm here to rescue you if need me."

"Ohh... my hero..."
Catherine does a mock faint and swims underwater out to where Darwin is floating in the pool. She surfaces laughing...

"Somehow I think I can cope... undercurrents feel great though..."
She giggles, then becomes serious,

"Perhaps you've already rescued me, Darwin.."
Her eyes meet his and she changes her mood suddenly.

As a calculated distraction, once again, she submerges, enjoying the natural feel of the water and the currents, so much more refreshing than the pool or the spa she usually swims in at home or in hotels...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Catherines giggles and then seriosness intrugue Darwin making this waterplay even more exciting.
He dives after her and swimming underneath her body comes up in front of her. Her dark hair sparkling wet catches the afternoon sun. Her dark eyes twinkle with the innocence of youth, making Darwin so very happy just to be with her.

His hands reach out to hers. As they are treading in the water their hands join fingers entwined. Raising their hands together they submerge. Darwins eyes are open wide enjoying this new view of her, refracted by the shimmering water.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine feels at ease in the water. As a little girl her maman and her daddy taught her to swim and spent time with her.. it brings back happy memories, a time she felt cherished and carefree... She lets the feelings of security wash over her as she laughs and plays with Darwin.

Under water her body reacts instinctively, but learning for the first time how to move with the currents and ride them. Their unpredictability causing her body to brush against Darwin's, but in her mind she is as a child and all is innocent fun and for a moment she can understand how bathing naked in this pool could be a wonderful experience...

She surfaces and laughs out loud. Her head thrown back and slicked darkly against her neck and shoulders, despite the fact it is in a high ponytail. She bobs back up to the neck in water, her hair fanning outwards.

Her grin is broad as she meets Darwin's gaze. He is close to her, their legs moving to tread water...

"God.. this is wonderful! "
She laughs and lays back letting her body float, breasts buoyed up as she closes her eyes giving a sigh of relaxation.

"I could stay here forever..."
She murmurs to herself...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

As he treads water Darwin watches Catherine floating in front of him and feels his blood rush to his head.

Their child like play had made him feel light headed and giddy but this new feeling was different. Looking at her body shimmering in the crystal water, he realizes that she is not a child but a woman, a very desireable one.

He chides himself for thinking about her in this way, even though he has no defination of how exactly does he feel. He shakes his head to clear the cobwebs of his indecisive mind and...

Sends water splashing all about, some of it in poor Catherines eyes.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

She flounders, gasps then rights herself.

Her look at Darwin is challenging.

"Ok.. you asked for it.."

Without thinking, she flicks water at him, then throws herself in his direction, her body wrapping round his, her hands encircling his head as she pulls it under the water all the while giggling uncontrollably...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwin barely manages to take a deep breath before Catherines body slams up against him and her arms push his head firmly and quickly underwater He can't believe her strength, this little wisp of a girl. but for the moment she has him in her control and Darwin doesn't seem to mind in the least, letting his body relax against hers while he plans his revenge.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine holds Darwin under the water, her arms around his head and her feet kicking gently around his body keeping afloat... as she giggles her hold weakens, but he remains submerged...

She can feel his strong body still squirming beneath her and ensures she is upright and balanced, in case he should fight back...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Now!

Darwin says in his mind as his hands encircle Catherines narrow waist.

He pushes her up. At the same time, he goes down and catching her ankles pushes again. His feet find the bottom just as she is propeled into the air and he crouches pushing himself up to meet her coming down.

Treading water they both begin to giggle and in a moment of shared joy, they share a kiss.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

She squeals as she flies through the air and splashes down again. She feels herself caught up in an embrace and Darwin's lips on her own.

She returns the kiss. It is light and undemanding, yet sensuous... they draw apart and grin...

Catherine's eyes dancing with merriment still, not questionning or objecting to what passed between them... so natural.. so.. right...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Smiling Darwin finds that he is not embarrased about kissing Catherine nor is he sorry it felt so good. Like it was meant to be he touched his Tahari shell silently thanking the gods for this moment.

His smile grew wider as he saw her returning his smile and motioning her toward the edge of the pool, started out ahead of her waiting by the side to take her hand and help her out.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Catherine

Catherine sees Darwin touch his Tahari shell and realises she too is still wearing her shell. She touches it lightly as she makes her way to the edge of the pool.

She takes Darwin's hand and lets him draw her out of the pool. She stands at the side, water droplets running over her body, feeling refreshed..cleansed.. her hand still resting in his, she looks up hearing the sound of drums, people and turns back to Darwin.

"So... what shall I wear tonight then...?"
She asks with a soft smile...

 

[afternooner]

Darwin

Darwin remembers Catherines concern about the native dress and looks at her, searching his mind for an answer.

In her dark eyes he sees innocence and trust innocence he would not violate and trust he would not betray. He takes her hands in his and looking into her dark eyes answers.

Tonite you will be our guest. At mams side no one will fault you for not wearing the native clothing and I too will sit beside you dressed like you. just there to watch the ceremony, not to join in. No one will fault me for that when they see you with me seenig what a beautiful girl I have chosen to be my guest.