Life's a Beach

[Coopsgirl]

Part One

“Hi fellas what can I get ya?” Emily said to the table of young men from the local college. “How 'bout a kiss?” one of them said playfully. “Sorry pal, the bank's closed” she said smiling. “Okay, we'll just have burgers with the works” he said handing the menus to her as she went back to the counter and shouted the order out to the cook. After her shift, Emily was counting her tips when she heard a commotion going on in the office near the back of the diner. “Is everything alright?” she asked her boss, John Jackson, as she saw him picking up the pieces of broken glass. “Yes everything’s fine, now go on home” he said nervously. Emily could smell alcohol and even though Prohibition was still going strong in 1927, she figured John was having a harmless little nip and she thought no more about it.



The next day as she approached the diner Emily saw a couple of police cars out front and it looked like the place was closed. “What’s going on officer?” she asked. “There’s nothing to see here ma’am so please move along.” “But I work here.” “Not anymore. We have reason to suspect your boss is a bootlegger so for now the place is closed.” Emily turned and walked back to the duplex she rented. She couldn’t afford to be without work so she bought a newspaper and then walked around town trying to find a job. She returned home that evening having had no luck. Her side of the house was dark and when she turned on the lights a man grabbed her from behind and she could feel him put the barrel of gun against her back. “Alright baby doll, here’s the deal” the man said as he put his hand over her mouth. “We’re gonna take a little trip and if you make a peep, I’ll shoot you faster than you can blink, got it?” Emily nodded yes and he let her go and then walked around in front of her. He was a very tall man in his late 30s and the look in his steely blue eyes terrified her.



She lived a few blocks from the harbor in the mid-sized town of Denton on the eastern coast of Florida and the man told her to put her arm around his and stay quiet as they walked along like a happy couple out for a late night stroll. They walked until they reached a small boat and he helped Emily get aboard then he took her to the cabin below and ordered her to sit down on the bed. “Please mister, please let me go” she begged as he got out a rope and moved towards her. Once he got close enough she kicked him in the stomach and then got up to run towards the door. He quickly caught her and threw her down onto the bed tying up her hands and feet and putting a gag on her. “Trust me, this is for your own good.” He left the cabin and a few minutes later, Emily heard the engines start and they began to move out into open waters.



Hours later after she had cried herself to sleep she awoke to find him untying her. Fearful of his intentions she scooted away from him and curled up on the edge of the bed. “What do you want with me, mister? I don’t have any money or anything like that.” “Just calm down, I’m not gonna hurt you” he said sitting on the other end of the bed. “Somebody messed with the guiding equipment and the fuel gauge. We’ve been going in the wrong direction and we’re out of gas” he said through clenched teeth seething with anger. “Can’t you just radio for help?” “That bastard broke it too.” “Who did?” she asked rubbing her wrists that were still burning from twisting in the ropes. “Doesn’t matter now” he mumbled. “I don’t understand any of this” she said about to start crying again. “Your boss is gonna be tried for rum running which carries a pretty stiff penalty. He didn’t want you testifying against him so he hired me to take care of you.” “You mean kill me?” she said slinking back a little further as he nodded in response to her question. “I don’t know anything about any of that.” “Apparently he thought you did. Look, killing dames ain’t my style. I took the job and was going to take you to a friend’s house in Puerto Rico then come back and let the cops know. I guess he thought he’d save some money and trouble and get rid of us both.” “You could have just told me that. Why’d you have to scare me half to death?” she said angrily. “It had to look real in case he was watching.” “What do we do now mister?” she asked. “My name’s Frank so quit calling me mister” he said a little perturbed. “We can’t be too far out of the shipping lanes because we didn’t have that much gas. We just wait and hope someone comes by before we run out of rations.” Emily figured he was telling the truth but she still felt uneasy around him. Unfortunately he was her best hope for survival so she had no choice but to put her trust in him.

[Coopsgirl]

Part 2

The next morning Emily thought her prayers were answered when they saw a cargo ship coming towards them. They were helped on board and at first they were treated very well. Later that night however Frank overheard some of the men talking about their plans to throw him overboard and sell Emily into the North African slave market where they were headed. He snuck around to Emily’s cabin and told her they were leaving. “Why?” she said. “They’re planning to kill me and sell you into slavery so unless that appeals to you, let’s go!” They waited until most of the crew had passed out drunk and then took one of the motored lifeboats and made their escape.

It was another day and a half before they saw land and it came none too soon as they were nearly out of fuel and water. Emily had tried to get him to open up and talk to her while they were searching for land but he had mostly kept quiet. They navigated into a beautiful lagoon and both were relieved to finally stand upon solid ground again.



They walked a little further inland and sat down in the shade of a palm tree. “I’m so thirsty” Emily said weakly. Frank looked around and saw some coconuts lying on the ground near another tree and he used his pocket knife to pierce one of them and he handed it to her. Even though she hated coconuts she drank it dry. He brought the rest of them over and after they had their fill they both lied down and fell asleep in the warm tropical breeze.

After a few hours Emily woke up and decided to take a walk along the beach to look for signs of any other people. When Frank awoke and found her gone, a sense of panic engulfed him for a moment until he turned and saw her off in the distance. “What are you doing?” he said as he caught up to her. “I was just looking around. Did you miss me?” she joked sarcastically. “I think we should stick together until we know what’s going on here” he said. They got back in the boat and circled the island which turned out to be rather small and uninhabited. Deciding to set up camp on the beach near the lagoon where they first came ashore, they unloaded the few provisions the lifeboat had and began sorting through them.

“I’m so glad we got off that ship, thanks again” Emily said. “You’ve been thanking me for two days, I think that’s enough. I did it for myself too” he said trying to take the spotlight off himself as he felt bad that she was in this mess. “I know but still, if you hadn’t found out what they wanted to do to us…” Emily trailed off not wanting to say out loud how horrible it would have been. “Well we’re stuck here now and that’s only slightly better.” As darkness approached the wind changed and Emily who had always been cold natured shivered in the cooler night air. “Here” Frank said unbuttoning his shirt and handing it to her. “Thanks” she said as she wrapped it around her self. She couldn’t help but notice how handsome and strong he was with broad shoulders and an athletic build. Her lovely face and attractive figure were not lost on Frank either as they laid down under the trees and tried to get some sleep.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Three

It was late morning when Emily awoke to the smell of something cooking. Frank had caught a few fish and he was roasting them on a makeshift spit. “That smells good. I’m so hungry” she said as she sat down near the fire. “Here’s your shirt back” she said handing it to him. “Keep it, you’ll get sunburned just wearing that flimsy dress” he said curtly. “What about you?” “I’m used to being outdoors. Here” he said handing her one of the fish on a stick. She just looked at it for a minute and now seeing the scales and head still on it she was having second thoughts about how hungry she was. “Just peel the scales off and eat it” he said seeing her reaction. She did and it wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be. “How’d you catch ‘em?” she asked as she reached for another one. “Just went out there and grabbed ‘em” he said pointing to the lagoon. “You caught these with your hands?” she asked amazed. “Do you see a fishing pole anywhere?” he replied in a smart ass tone as he continued to eat. “How’d you start the fire?” “Why do you have to ask so many questions?” “We’re on an island with basically nothing and you caught fish and started a fire. I don’t think it’s out of line to ask how” she said with a bit of anger in her voice. “Could you just eat and be quiet for maybe five minutes” he said with exasperation. They ate the rest of the fish in silence.

“We need to build some kind of hut so you won’t be out in the sun all day” he said putting out the fire after they were done. “Do you treat all your kidnap victims so cordially?” Emily remarked as they walked further into the trees to gather bamboo stalks and palm fronds. “I already told you hurting dames ain’t my thing. If the plan had gone right you’d be perfectly safe in a nice house in San Juan and I’d be sipping a cool drink on the beach surrounded by beautiful native girls before heading back home. Nobody gets hurt and everybody’s happy. You just better be glad John hired me and not someone else who would have dumped you overboard and not thought twice about it.” Emily had meant the remark as a joke but clearly Frank didn’t take it that way. Instead of trying to clarify and potentially agitate him more, she stayed quiet.

Within a few hours they had built a decent little hut.



“Say, that looks pretty good” Emily said admiring their handiwork. “At the risk of getting my head bit off I’m going to ask another question. How do you know so much about all this stuff?” she asked. “I grew up on a ranch and me and my friends would build forts and go hunting and fishing all the time” he said letting a little bit of a smile form on his lips remembering those fun, carefree days. “I’ve always lived in the city and I wouldn’t know what to do here by myself. I guess it’s a good thing you’re here” she said smiling at him. “Look sister, you’re not really my type so take it easy.”



“Oh get over yourself! I was just trying to be nice since we’re gonna be stuck here for who knows how long” she shouted at him as she turned and walked away.

She walked for a while until she heard what sounded like something bubbling. It was a spring from an aquifer and after she drank several handfuls of the clean, clear water she ran back to the lagoon to tell Frank. He was gathering some clams he had found when he heard her shouting something. “I found freshwater!!” she yelled as she ran to the lifeboat and got the canteen. “Come on!” she said excitedly as he followed after her. She filled the canteen and they took turns drinking heartily from it. “Let’s see what else is around here” he said as they moved on. They found some mango trees and picked several of the fruits and took them back to camp. “I found some clams” Frank said as they walked back to the beach. “Do they have any pearls in ‘em?” she joked. “No, that’s oysters” he said in a very deadpan manner. “Oh yeah, I always get those mixed up” she said feeling stupid.

That night they ate more fish and the clams Frank had found with mangoes for dessert. This time she saw how he started the fire; by rubbing sticks together. After dinner Emily went into her hut to wile away the rest of the evening. She was bored and had wanted to talk but she was getting as much conversation out of Frank as you could get blood out of a stone. She was laying down trying to sleep when she heard a rustling noise outside. She peeked out through one of the palm fronds and she saw Frank standing near the water taking off his clothes. She continued watching his lithe, lanky frame as he walked out into the waves and went for a swim in the bright moonlight. She was very confused at how quickly her feelings towards him had changed. She figured he wasn’t all bad but she also knew he wasn’t exactly her ideal of a knight in shining armor either. She snapped out of her reverie when she saw him walking back toward the shore.



He ran his hands through his hair to get the water out and then put his pants back on and lay down in the boat. Emily’s face burned hot as she also lay back down and went to sleep.

[Coopsgirl]

Part 4

The next afternoon as they were out gathering more clams, they saw a canoe coming toward the lagoon. There were a few other small islands they could see off in the distance and they assumed this is where the men had come from. There were oyster beds just off the shore farther down the beach that they harvested from several times a year one man explained to Frank in broken English he had learned from the missionary on their island. They offered to take Frank and Emily back with them and they both happily accepted the invitation. On the ride back in the canoe, Emily felt a little queasy and Frank put his arm around her to try and make her feel steady. “Your woman?” one of the men asked Frank. “Yes, she’s my woman” he said so they wouldn’t try and take advantage of her.

When they reached their island, one of the men took them to the missionary’s home. “What have we got here?” the older Englishman said as he walked out to greet them. “We were on our way to Puerto Rico on our honeymoon but we had a problem with our instruments and we had to abandon ship when we ran out of fuel. We finally found that little island thank heaven and we’ve been there a couple days” Frank said as he stepped forward to shake the man’s hand. The missionary introduced himself as Richard Cramer and invited them in. He explained that every three months a ship came by delivering supplies and that the last one had just been there a couple of weeks ago. “You’ll be welcome here until it comes back and then they can take you and you can get back home.” “Thank you sir” Frank said with a big, cheery smile. “Yes, thank you very much” Emily said. “You’re welcome my dear” he said sweetly as he patted her hand. He gathered up some things they would need like a razor, soap, a lantern, and some pots and pans. Frank wanted to be off away from everyone else so he continued on with the ruse about them being on their honeymoon when some of the people volunteered to help them build a hut. The natives, feeling sorry for them, tried to make it as nice as they could and they brought them a small table with a couple of chairs and a mattress to sleep on as well. “You look tired, better get some rest” Frank said as he went outside to sleep under the stars.

“If you laugh I swear I’ll smack you” Frank said as Emily found him wearing a sarong the next morning. “Well then smack away” she said giggling at him feeling sure he wouldn’t actually do it. “What happened to your clothes?” she asked. “I washed ‘em. Here’s one for you if want to wash yours” he said giving her the bright red material he got from one of the native women. She took it and went behind the partition separating the kitchen and bedroom areas to change. “Here’s the soap, there’s a spring over there, just walk straight ahead a ways and you can’t miss it” he said pointing to show her. “Nice legs” she said giggling again as she left. Frank shot her a mean look but she didn’t see it as she was already gone.

“It sure feels good to have a bath with actual soap” she said walking back up to the hut. Frank was sitting outside enjoying the mid-morning sun. “I’m happy not to stink anymore” he said. “If it’s any consolation, I couldn’t smell you over my own funk” she said causing him to let out a chuckle. “Oh my gosh! You can laugh” she said sarcastically. “Sure, if something’s funny.” “Why did you tell Mr. Chandler that we were married?” she asked sitting down beside him under the big palm tree. “Don’t go getting your hopes up” he said joking with her. “It was the best way to explain what we were doing out here.” “It couldn’t also be to try and protect my reputation could it?” Frank just smiled a little in response. “You know, deep down, I think you’re just a big old softie” she said smiling. “Yeah, well, let’s just keep that between us.”

Emily’s stomach began to growl so she decided to go find them something for breakfast. “You better let me do it” Frank said as he got up and stretched trying to wake himself back up. “I’m not totally helpless you know” she said as she grabbed a basket and walked off towards the beach. She came back about 20 minutes later with her basket full of clams, mangoes, and coconuts. “That was good” Frank said noting that Emily was a much better cook than he was. “I told you I wasn’t helpless.” “I didn’t say you were. But you just seem like the kind of woman that needs to be taken care of.” “I think everybody needs to be taken care of sometimes, don’t you?” “I guess, I’d rather just take care of myself.” “That’s a good way to end up alone.” “There are worse things than being alone” he said. “Not to me. I’ve been by myself for a long time and it’s no fun” she said with a serious and melancholy tone. “Nice girl like you, don’t you have any family?” he asked. “No, I ran away when I was 15. That was about seven years ago and I’ve been on my own ever since trying to make a better life for myself. I guess I didn’t get very far, working in a rum running diner.” She tried not to cry but she couldn’t help it as a few tears slowly rolled down her face. Frank got up from the table and knelt down beside her, tentatively putting his arms around her. He wasn’t really sure how to comfort her but he tried anyway.

“Is everything okay?” they heard a voice say as they looked up to see a small group of young women standing in the entrance to the hut. “Everything’s fine” Emily said with a smile as she invited them in. “We don’t want to disturb you but we wanted to tell you that tonight we’re having a party for you.” “You’re having a party for us?” Frank asked. “Your honeymoon trip was ruined so we thought we would try and make it up” one of the women said with a sincere smile. “That’s very nice of you, thank you” Emily said shaking her hand. “We’ll come and get you just before it gets dark.”

[Coopsgirl]

Part 5

“I’m starting to like this thing” Frank said as he straightened his sarong while they waited for their escort. “It really brings out your eyes” Emily said laughing noting that the blue in the material matched his eyes. “They are pretty comfy” she said also making sure hers was on straight. It wasn’t too long before a couple of the cutest kids this side of the east coast came for them and led them to the party where everyone was waiting. They had a huge meal and it was the best and most substantial food they had eaten in several days. After dinner, there was music and dancing as the party wore on well into the night. After a few hours one of the elders explained to Frank and Emily that traditionally when a couple was married they would spend their first night together near one of the springs deep in the jungle.
This particular one was considered sacred and by consummating the marriage there, it would guarantee them a fertile union. “Well, we’ve been married for a few weeks already” Frank said nervously. “We would still be honored for you to go” he said with a big smile as everyone at the party made a parade and led them to the spring. When they arrived they found a blanket laid out for them covered with beautiful flowers. They left a torch with them and then hurried back to the village leaving the “newlyweds” alone.

“I guess we’ll just wait here a while and then sneak back to the hut” Frank said as he brushed the flowers away and sat down. “I’m so stuffed I feel like I could sleep for days” Emily said as she lay down next to him. “Me too. Did you see that?!” he said as a shooting star whizzed by overhead. “Yeah, look there’s another one!” she said pointing to the sky. “I like it here, it’s so quiet and peaceful” she said. “It reminds me a little of home” Frank chimed in. “Where’s home?” “Montana.” “Do you ever think of going back there?” “Sometimes. I like travelling around and having fun though” he said with a smirk. “You mean fun with girls?” she said teasing him. He nodded and also laid down folding his hands behind his head. “You said that I wasn’t your type so I’m guessing you like a girl that’s a little wild; you’re probably crazy about flappers huh?” “What red-blooded man isn’t?” he joked. “Maybe that’s why I can’t get a date?” she said chuckling because she wasn’t like those girls at all. “You’ve got everything men like, you just need to show it off a little more; you know let ‘em know you’re interested.” Emily remembered back to that night on the beach when she watched him undress and she thought to herself he also had everything women liked.

The singing of birds woke her up the next morning. At first she smiled while she listened to their lovely song. Then she sat up like a shot when she realized Frank was lying close beside her with his arm around her. “What it is? What’s going on?” he said as he sat up quickly too and rubbed his eyes in the early morning light. “Nothing, I guess we fell asleep here” she said with a nervous expression. “Well, that’s not the end of the world” he said curious as to why she had that funny look on her face. “I know” she said grumpily. “Somebody sure woke up on the wrong side of the blanket. I can’t wait to get back to a real bed. This sleeping on the ground is killing my back” Frank said as he stood up and stretched.

“Ouch, ouch!” Emily said as she hopped up and down on one foot on the way back to their hut. “What it is?” “I stepped on something” she said leaning against a tree trying to see the bottom of her foot. “I’m bleeding!” she said feeling a little woozy at the sight of her own blood. “You gotta get that cleaned up” he said as he picked her up and continued on. “Didn’t you get enough last night?” she said meanly. “What?” he asked confused. “When I woke up you were all over me.” “It wasn’t intentional, believe me” he said as he carried her to the missionary’s house so he could bandage her wound.

“Okay, that should do it” Mr. Chandler said as he finished doctoring her foot. “Just wear your shoes for a couple days to keep the sand out and you should be fine.” “Thanks” she said as she got up and hobbled out the door. “It’s gonna get dirty and infected if you don’t let me carry you” Frank said following along behind her as she continued to refuse his help. “I’m fine, I can do it myself. You don’t like taking care of people anyway so just leave me alone.” Whether she wanted him to or not he picked her up and slung her over his shoulder and took her back home.

“Please put me down now” she said with as little emotion as possible when they reached their hut. “With pleasure” he said tersely as he sat her down at the table and went into the other room and gathered up his stuff. “Where are you going?” “I’m gonna set up my own place on the beach. I’ll be seeing ya” he said as he gave her a wave and moved towards the door. “You’re just gonna leave me here alone?” she said scared to be by herself. “You don’t seem too happy with my company.” “Fine, just go!” “I swear I don’t think I’ll ever understand women. One day you’re nice to me then the next day it’s like I’m worse than the dirt under your feet. I know I’m no Prince Charming but I’ve been damn good to you and you should be thankful that you’re still alive” he yelled at her. “I’m sorry, where are my manners? Thank you so much for kidnapping me at gunpoint and getting us lost at sea!” she said shouting the last part. Frank didn’t have a snarky remark for this and he just looked down at the ground and began to walk away quietly.

“Frank, Frank! I’m sorry” she said as she limped over to the door to catch him before he could leave.



“You better stay off that foot” he said in a caring tone now. Emily stood up on the toes of her good foot and kissed him. “What was that for?” he asked. “Because I like you, you big lug!” she said almost angrily as she turned and walked back towards the table to sit down. “No, you don’t like me, you’re just mixed up over everything’s that’s happened” he said leaning against the opening in the hut. “I know when I like someone and I like you; even though I probably shouldn’t” she said with a huff as she folded her arms together. Frank was quiet for a minute and then he started to chuckle a little. “What?” Emily asked. “You’re so cute when you get mad.” “Go ahead, make fun of me” she said still upset. “I wasn’t making fun of you; you are cute” he said sitting down beside her and gently caressing her cheek. She smiled and he put his arms around her very gently as he pulled her close and softly kissed her.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Six

“Wow, nobody’s ever kissed me like that before” she muttered after their lips parted. “You know, I get that a lot” he said with a smirk. The smile on Emily’s face faded with his comment. “I’m sure you do” she said dejectedly as she pulled away from him and sat back in her chair. “I’m so stupid” he said under his breath as he got up and stormed out. Emily sat there for a long while trying to convince herself that what he said about her only liking him because she was confused was true. She made up her mind that he was no good for her and she was sure that once they got back home they would go their separate ways so there was no point in getting attached. She put on her shoes and went out to pick some flowers to try and cheer up.

While walking through the jungle she saw Frank just up ahead so she turned around to go the other way. “Emily, wait” he said as he joined her. He started to speak but she interrupted before he could say anything. “Sorry about what happened back there. You’re right, I guess I was just lonely and I thought I had feelings for you but I don’t.” “You’re a terrible liar” he said with a little bit of a smile. “I’m sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean to throw those other girls in your face. I do like you and it’s been so long since I’ve been with a decent girl I didn’t know what to say.” He took one of the flowers she was holding and put it behind her ear. “Please don’t say that unless you mean it” she said pitifully as she looked up at him. He put his arms around her waist and hoisted her up so he could kiss her. They heard someone giggling behind them and Frank turned to see a couple of kids watching them. When they saw they had been spotted, the kids ran back to the village still laughing. Frank and Emily laughed too as he set her down and they walked back to their hut hand in hand.

“Come here” he said as he sat down under one of the trees and pulled her down onto his lap. Emily put her arms around his neck and rested her head against his chest which had turned a nice shade of bronze from being out in the sun. Frank wrapped his long arms around her and Emily was surprised at how gentle he could be. “I don’t know why you’d like a guy like me” he said. “You’re not all bad, if you were I wouldn’t like you.” “I think you must bring out my good side, what’s left of it anyway” he said with a laugh. “Have you ever done anything really bad?” she asked nervously as she shifted so she could look at him. “No” he said drawing out the word and saying it almost as if it were a question. “I’ve been making my living as a gambler mostly for about the last 12 years.” “Then why did John think you’d be the right guy to kidnap and kill somebody?” “I’d built myself up a reputation of being a tough guy so people wouldn’t try and pull anything over on me. I didn’t want to have hurt you when I kidnapped you but I was afraid they might be watching and it had to be convincing.” Emily kissed him on the cheek and snuggled back up against him as they spent the rest of the afternoon quietly together.

That night as they were getting ready to go to sleep, Emily decided she was going to let Frank take the mattress so his back wouldn’t bother him. “Absolutely not” he said. “I don’t want you to hurt your back laying on the hard ground, now please just take it.” “No!” “Why are you being so stubborn?” “I’m not stubborn. I’m trying to be a gentleman.” “Well I can’t sleep on it knowing that you’re miserable.” “Oh yes you will missy” he said as he grabbed her by the hand, led her to the mattress and sat her down on it. “Now you stay put and have sweet dreams” he said as he gave her a quick kiss. She grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him towards her to kiss him again. Frank sat down beside her and soon they were both laying back as they continued to kiss. “I better go” he said fearing that things would go too far and knowing that Emily wasn’t that kind of girl. “You don’t have to. There’s enough room for both of us.” “Are you sure?” “Yeah.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek and they lay down side by side. “Frank” she said after a few minutes. “Yeah?” “Will you hold me?” Without another word spoken, he cuddled up close behind her and put his arm around hers holding her hand.

The sun had been up for a couple of hours before Emily awoke. When she did she turned over so she could see Frank. He was still sleeping and as she watched him she thought to herself how strange it was that she should have such strong feelings for a man like him. She traced the outline of his face and jaw with her finger thinking to herself he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. Slowly his eyes blinked open and a smile formed on his lips as he looked back at her. “Good morning” he said. “Good morning, how’s your back?” she asked. “Fine” he said putting his arms around her and pulling her up onto his chest. “Good. I could stay here all day” she replied. “This is nice” he said running his hands through her messy blonde curls. “Ooh don’t, I’m ticklish there” she said as he put his arm back around her waist and brushed against her hip. “You shouldn’t have told me that” he joked as he began tickling her until she could barely breathe. He finally stopped and when he leaned over to kiss her she pushed him away. “Oh come on, just one little kiss.” “You gotta catch me first” she said as she jumped up and ran outside. With his long legs he easily caught up to her and grabbed her so she couldn’t get away. “I caught you so where’s my kiss?” he said with a big smile. She gave him a quick peck on his forehead and then laughed knowing that wasn’t what he wanted. “I mean a real kiss” he said as he leaned towards her and took her breath away with a passionate smooch.

After breakfast they decided to take a walk on the beach. “I’m curious about something you said about being with a decent girl” Emily said as they walked along the shore. Frank smiled as if he was remembering something pleasant and then he began to explain. “I was married once.” “You were?” “Yeah, a long time ago.” “What happened?” she asked. “We’d only been married about three years when she got sick then she passed away.” “I’m sorry” she said as she reached for his hand and held it tight. “You remind me a lot of her” he said as he smiled at Emily. “She had long red hair and brown eyes but you’re both about the same size and your personalities are similar; sweet and nice but you can be feisty sometimes too. Everything changed after she was gone. I just started drifting around. I’d always been good at cards so I joined a few poker tournaments and I won most of ‘em. It was fun for a while just travelling around making easy money.” “It’s not fun anymore?” she asked. “I’m 37 years old and that’s too old to still be acting like a boy, going from woman to woman, city to city. I’ve been wanting to hang it up for a while but I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I did, so I just keep going.” “I know what you mean. I’ve been looking for something better nearly all my life. My dad was a bum and most of the time he wasn’t even around. My momma tried but she couldn’t ever hold down a job for very long because of an accident when she was a teenager. She’d have seizures a lot and she died when I was 15. I stayed with my aunt and uncle for a while but I knew they looked down on me, like I was trash, so I left.” “I think we’re both long overdue for some better times” he said as he bent down to kiss the top of her head and then put his arm around her as they walked on.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Seven

The next couple weeks passed happily as Frank and Emily settled into island living. They were beginning to interact more with some of the natives and enjoyed sharing meals at each other’s homes and Frank especially liked the fishing trips some of the men had taken him on. Emily had fun combing the beach for unusual shells and she had put together quite a lovely collection. Instead of feeling like they were stranded it seemed more like they were on an extended vacation.

“How’s it coming?” Emily said as she brought Frank a cup of water. “I’m nearly finished” he said as he took a break from working on the hammock he was putting up. “You ready to try it out?” he asked a little later when it was done. Emily got on one side and Frank got on the other and they both hopped in at the same time so it wouldn’t flip over. “This is alright” Emily said putting her hands back behind her head knowing that her elbow would poke him in the face. “Hey chickie, get your elbow out of my face” he said trying to shoo it away. “Get you face outta my elbow” she joked back. He took her arm and tried to force it back down and as they were playing the hammock started swaying back and forth threatening to throw them out. “That was close” Emily said with a nervous laugh as she grabbed onto Frank and tried to lay still. “Maybe we better get out” he said. They sat up and tried to get out at the same time but Frank was a little faster on the draw and when his weight was gone it threw Emily back onto the netting and she got hung up in it. “You better quit laughing and help me!” she said through her own laughter as she tried to get her foot untangled. “What am I gonna do with you?” he said acting like he was scolding a child as he helped her get out of it. “I must have been absent the day they taught hammock usage at school” she said brushing her hair back from her face. “I don’t remember that being one of the lessons; not even in college” he said sitting down on the edge of the hammock. “You went to college?” she asked excitedly as she sat down on the ground. “Yeah.” “What’s your degree in?” “Agricultural Science. I wanted to keep up the family tradition of ranching and I did until Clara died. My brother and dad still work it though. I help them out every now and then.” “I would have loved to have gone to college. I didn’t even finish high school” Emily said a little sadly.

Frank stood up and pulled Emily up onto her feet and gave her a hug. “What did I do to deserve this?” she said jokingly. “It just seemed like you needed a hug. I do like taking care of people Emily, well, certain people” he said remembering back to an earlier comment she had made to the contrary. “You like taking care of me?” she said as she looked into his eyes. “Can’t you tell?” he said smiling. She hugged up close to him and was so choked up she couldn’t speak.

About a week later, they were sitting together on the beach one evening when Frank suggested an interesting way to pass the time. “I’ve got a fun idea.” “Yeah, what?” “Let’s go skinny dipping” he said with a big, broad smile. “Frank, I couldn’t! I’d be too embarrassed” she said as her whole face blushed pink. “You’ve got a beautiful figure; you’ve got nothing to be embarrassed about” he said trying to talk her into it. “What if somebody sees us?” “Nobody’s gonna see us, I promise” he said taking her hand and kissing it. “Okay” she said after thinking it over. He slipped off the sarong from around his waist and then helped Emily get hers undone. He took her by the hand and together they ran out into the warm water.

They splashed and swam around for a while and then Emily swam up to him and put her arms around his neck and held him close, so close not even the water could pass between them. “See, I told you it would be alright” he said. “Have you ever done this before?” she asked knowing full well what the answer was. “All the time when I was a kid.” “You haven’t since then?” she asked beginning to giggle. “Did you see me?” he asked suspecting she had. She smiled and nodded and then gave him a quick kiss. “You naughty girl” he said as he picked her up and then dropped her back down in the water. When she came up they were both laughing and then Frank pulled her in for a sweet kiss. It was beginning to get dark so they got out of the water, put their clothes back on and lay down in the sand. “You’re so beautiful” he said as he tucked a lock of wet hair behind her ear. “So are you” she said caressing his face. “Men aren’t beautiful” he said with a grin. “You are” she softly replied as her lips met his.

“You know, lying in sand when you’re wet may not be the best idea” Emily said when they got back to the hut as she tried to brush all the sand off. Frank stood behind her and brushed off her back. He began kissing the back of her neck then he untied her sarong. Emily giggled a little and grabbed it before it could fall. “You don’t have to be so modest, not anymore” he said moving down her neck and kissing her shoulder. As he ran his hands down her arms she could feel her whole body tingle and she let the sarong go as she turned around to kiss him. The feeling of her soft skin pressed against his made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. “Why do I have to be such a nice guy with you?” he said frustratingly as his conscience got the better of him and he picked up her sarong and wrapped it back around her. “Because you are a nice guy” she said smiling.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Eight

Finally the cargo ship that brought the islander’s supplies came by and the captain agreed to take Frank and Emily back with them. Their next destination was their home port in Galveston, Texas and it would take a few days to get there. The first mate agreed to bunk with another crewmember giving the castaways his quarters. It was wonderful to sleep on an actual bed and have running water again. Frank still had his wallet and a little cash so after they docked he bought two train tickets back to Florida.

While they waited in the depot, Frank sent his parents a telegram apologizing for going so long without speaking to them and that he had been out of touch because of a job and he would explain more later. Once they arrived in Denton they went to the bank and Frank withdrew the money Jackson had given him as a down payment on the job and then they went straight to the police station and explained the whole story to them. “When your landlady reported you missing we became suspicious of Mr. Jackson and suspected he might have had something to do with your disappearance. Under interrogation one of his accomplices, Dan Johnson, confessed they hired a man to kill you. When Jackson found out that his pal squealed on him he hung himself in his cell rather than face a longer prison sentence” the police detective explained. “You mean he’s dead?” Emily asked. “Yes ma’am.” “My parents are probably going nuts thinking I’ve turned into a hitman” Frank said assuming they knew his name and had probably located and questioned his family. “We didn’t know your name so don’t worry about that” the detective told Frank and then he continued, “I appreciate you coming by Miss Darrow. Now we can close your missing persons case. Thanks for bringing that money back too.” “It wasn’t mine to keep” Frank said. “Could I get an address from both of you where you can be reached. We’ll need you for Johnson’s trial when it comes up.” “I don’t know where I’m gonna be. I’m sure my house has been rented out by now. I wonder what happened to my stuff?” Emily said turning to Frank. “We collected your belongings as evidence. I’ll get someone to bring it around before you leave.” “We’ll be at the Congress Hotel on 12th street” Frank said and the detective made a note of it.

Emily didn’t have much and all her things fit in one large box. Frank carried it for her as they walked to the hotel which was just two blocks away. “This looks like a nice place” Emily said as they entered the lobby.



“I was staying here before our unexpected vacation” he said as they both chuckled. Emily sat down on one of the sofas as Frank went to talk to the man at the check-in desk. When he left for Puerto Rico, Frank had been paid up for another week and explained that he had been called away on a job and it had lasted longer than he expected and he didn’t had access to a phone or a post office so he was unable to let the hotel know of his whereabouts. The man was very understanding and told Frank that as part of their policy his belongings had been packed and stored with their lost and found. A bellboy retrieved his suitcase and then showed Frank and Emily to their room.

“Just one room?” Emily asked with a grin. “It’s a big room” Frank replied. It was a large room with one section containing a sofa, two chairs and a fancy radio atop a solid white marble table. The bed was on the other side of the room and it was the biggest one Emily had ever seen. It had a beautiful headboard and a length of white silk material draped behind it. “Don’t you like it?” he asked after giving her a couple of minutes to look around. “I love it. It’s like something out a movie.” Frank walked over to Emily who was standing beside the bed and he put his arms around her waist. “Good, I want you to be happy on our honeymoon” he said. “Our honeymoon!?” “Yeah, that was my clumsy way of asking you to marry me.” Emily smiled at him but was speechless.“I love you. Being with you makes me happier than I’ve been in a long time. I don’t want you to get away” he said as he got down on one knee and reached out to hold her hand.



“What do you say, will you be my wife?” he asked hopefully. “Yes” Emily said with a big, broad smile.

They ordered lunch from room service and then took turns showering before heading out to buy some spiffy new clothes. Frank was quite a good card player and as such he had a lot of money socked away in the bank. He bought a new suit and Emily chose a simple but very lovely knee length sleeveless white silk dress and a short veil with orange blossoms on it made of wax. Frank bought her a whole new wardrobe as well along with something extra special, a pearl necklace. Next they went to the City Hall building and got the marriage license. They stopped at a floral shop on the way to the Justice of the Peace and Frank bought a bouquet of pink roses for his bride-to-be. After they slipped the gold bands on each other’s fingers and said their vows, they caught a cab back to the hotel.

“My feet are tired” Emily said as they had stood in line waiting for some time at both the City Hall and the JP’s. She sat down on the bed and took off her shoes and stockings. “Lay back” Frank said and he sat down beside her and then gently rubbed her feet. “That feels better” she said with a sigh. Frank leaned over and kissed his young bride. She smiled at him and took his face in her hands and said, “I’m glad you’re my husband.” “I’m glad you’re my wife” he replied sweetly.

“Are you hungry?” Emily asked running her hand over his bare stomach as it growled. “Yeah, what time is it?” Emily turned over to look at the clock on her nightstand and said, “Almost 7:30.” “You want to go out to eat?” he asked. “I’d rather stay here” she said snuggling up beside him again. “Me too.” Frank got the room service menu from the drawer of his nightstand and they perused it for a bit before making their selections. Emily decided to have a steak with potatoes, green beans, and a slice of cheesecake for dessert. “Have you got room for that much food?” Frank asked teasing her as he tickled her ribs. “Somehow I worked up quite an appetite” she replied with a smirk as she lay back down. Frank put the menu away and took Emily in his arms and kissed her lips, then moved down to her neck and shoulder. His stomach growled again causing them both to laugh. “I better order dinner” he said and he gave her one more kiss on the cheek.

The next morning while still lying in bed Frank shared with Emily his plans for their future. “What would you think about living in Montana?” he asked as he held her hand and entwined his fingers with hers. “You want to go back home?” Emily asked looking up at him. “Yeah. Dad and Dave could always use more help and we can build our own house on the part of the ranch that’s mine.” “That sounds fine to me. I’d love to be close to your family.” “I’ll call home right now and let them know we’re coming” he said happily as he put on his pajamas and then made the call.

“Hi Mom.” “Hello, I got your telegram. We were starting to get a little worried. You don’t usually go quite that long without getting in touch” she said. “I’m sorry. It couldn’t be helped though. I’ve got some good news.” “What is it?” she said excitedly. “First is I’ve decided to come home for good.” “That’s great Frank; best news I’ve heard in years. You’re dad will be happy too. We miss you around here when you’re gone.” “I miss y’all too. I’ve been acting like a dumb, hurt kid for too long.” “Well that’s all in the past now. What other news do you have?” “I’m bringing my wife with me.” “Your wife?!” “Yeah I got married yesterday. Her name is Emily and she’s wonderful. I know you’re gonna love her as much as I do.” “You should have told me to sit down first” his mother said jokingly. “If she’s good enough for you then I know she must be pretty special. When are y’all coming back?” “I don’t know we haven’t decided yet. Hang on” he said as he asked Emily when she’d like to go. “She said anytime so I guess we catch a train later today and we’ll see you in a couple days.” “Okay. Send me a telegram when you know what time you’ll get here and we’ll come and pick you up.” “Okay Mom. I love you.” “I love you too.”

“I better start packing if we’re gonna leave today” Emily said as she got up and put her robe on. “You better call Detective James and let him know where we’ll be.” “I’ll do that right now before I forget” Frank said and he made the call. “I’m going to need a trunk or something for all my new stuff” Emily said as she gathered up the boxes with the clothes, shoes, and hats Frank had bought for her.” “We’ll go get the tickets and then pick one up.” They got a compartment on a train leaving later that afternoon heading for Chicago where they would then change trains and continue on to Helena. After having dinner in the dining car they stood for a few moments in one of the vestibules and watched the sun go down. “I hope you’ll like Montana. It can get bitterly cold in the winter” Frank told her. “I’m excited. I’ve never seen real snow before” “I hope you don’t get sick of it, or me.” Frank squeezed her hand a little tighter as they stood close beside each other. “That won’t ever happen sweetheart” she said as she gave him a kiss. Emily poured them each a glass of champagne and as they toasted their new lives and then watched as the sun slipped behind the horizon.

The End

[maggiejones]

Another great story..... this type of story line would of been rich pickings for the likes of Frank Capra.

[Coopsgirl]

Thanks! Capra is my fave director and he could make just about any kinda of story an interesting film. I've had a few dreams about being stranded on an island with Gary so I had to write a story about it. ;D

[Mrs. Cooper]

You're on a deserted island completely and utterly alone with GARY COOPER. I would so take that as an opportunity to repopulate the earth.
"We're all alone; whaddya' wanna do?"
"Oh, I dunno; repopulate again?"

I'm sorry; I know that's bad, but dang. What a story, Ang. I love it!

[Mrs. Cooper]

He was gathering some clams he had found

Aren't those supposed to be aphrodisiacs, too?

Subtle, my dear sister...subtle

[Mrs. Cooper]

Emily remembered back to that night on the beach when she watched him undress and she thought to herself he also had everything women liked.

[Mrs. Cooper]

the captain agreed to take Frank and Emily back with them.

WHY?!

[Coopsgirl]

Thanks for the feedback Kim. I think I could definitely stay on an island forever with Gary but I guess after a while I would miss modern plumbing and stuff like that!