“Sure monkey chop, but don’t forget to do it when you get out. This can get infected very easily if you don’t take care of it.”
“Where are Denise and Kathy?” Adrienne asked when she noticed they were not part of the group.
“Well Kathy decided to keep Denise company since she didn’t feel very comfortable coming with us. Seems she is still a little upset about what Hayden said yesterday.” Leigh said with a giggle.
A smirk made its way across Adrienne’s face. “Oh I am gonna got get the peroxide.” She said as she quickly left the room.
“What did I say to Denise?” I really don’t remember talking to her yesterday.” I was perplexed.
“You don’t remember it because you were semi-conscious and talking out of your head.” Myra patted me on the shoulder. “You didn’t offend us but Denise was a little put off.” The entire room broke out in raucous laughter.
“Come on ya’ll, for the love of Pete tell me what I said.”
Adrienne returned to the room looking a little guilty. She knew I wanted to choke her for leaving this tidbit out. She gave me a sheepish grin.
“We couldn’t understand most of what you said, but we were able to make out you saying she was a ho, and you wished a fruit bat would eat her.” Leigh said between snorts of laughter.
I couldn’t hold back I laughed right along with them in my embarrassment. Well at least I didn’t voice what I really felt about her. There were words that would make a sailor blush running through my mind when I thought about that woman.
After the gang left us to go to their nightly routine of skinny-dipping, Adrienne helped me into the bath. “This is not how I wanted you to see me naked for the first time.” I sighed as she gingerly washed my back, which sustained most of the damage from my fall.
“Actually, this is not the first time I have seen you naked.” Adrienne admitted.
“It was dark the night we skinny dipped you didn’t see much.”
“No, I saw you naked when they admitted you into the hospital last night. They had stripped you of your wet swimsuit, and covered you with a blanket when you were brought in. When you woke up and started screaming about the snake, you jerked the blanket off and half of the ER got a prime view.”
“Oh this just gets worse by the minute! Please tell me. Did I bust out into a chorus of show tunes at any time?”
Adrienne lost all composure and burst into tears laughing. I simply sat there starring at her angrily till she regained herself. Maybe now Carla and her linebacker girlfriend had forgiven me and I could safely return to the states. I was never going to live this down.
Reinvigorated by my bath, I decided to reward Adrienne with a well-deserved backrub. She lay across the bed as I rubbed her back and arms down with lotion. Her soft moans reminded me of the pervious day before that devil in a snakeskin paid me a visit. As arousing as it was I could not physically do anything about it, because even my hair still ached. Soft snores stirred me from my ponderings and I looked down to find Adrienne already asleep.
The next morning I felt much better and spent quality time with Saber while Adrienne slept. “Next time I go anywhere on this island you will have to accompany me and protect me from the slimy kind.” I said as I stroked his orange fur. He purred delightedly from all the attention.
Adrienne and I dressed and went to the dinning room to have breakfast with the girls. Denise glared at me when we entered the room and then ignored me through the meal. This pleased me greatly.
“So Hayden tell us the truth. Did you pass out when you saw Adrienne’s breasts for the first time, and blame it on the snake? Allison asked before the room broke out into hysterical laughter.
“They are they loveliest pair I have seen in a long time.” I retorted, but I didn’t actually pass out till I touched them.
“Well we have to agree with you there, because we all saw them!” Roslyn said laughing hysterically.
I had never seen Adrienne turn that shade of red before. I was glad she was taking it on the chin right along with me. We could barely eat from all of the jokes being thrown at us.
In the heat of the day most of the gang went down to the beach to swim. Shelby and Myra joined Adrienne and I in the bar. “Adrienne I have been thinking about the view of the beach from the guest cottages.” I said as I sipped my tea.
Adrienne glanced at me as if I were insane. “There is no view. It’s all grown up with banana trees and brush. We have always been afraid to cut it because of erosion.
“That’s precisely what I am talking about. The view from the bluff is magnificent and shouldn’t be obstructed. I think we can get rid of some of the higher brush and trees, and plant something in there that will live in that sandy soil that will be low profile. That way the guests will have a view of the water.” I said as I drew little sketches on a napkin.
Adrienne nodded “We will have to wait till our guests go home before undertaking a task like that. I agree though, it would add to the beauty of the Inn.”
“Since you guys brought it up, Myra and I would like to talk to you about staying on here for a few more weeks. Of course we will pay for our cottage, and help you with the land clearing should you agree.” Shelby said to my surprise.
“Wont you be expected to return to your practice Shelby?” Adrienne asked, also surprised by the change of events.
“That’s the other thing we would like to discuss with you. I have grown tired of my practice back home. I have been considering retiring for a while, but I am nowhere near retirement age. Myra and I have been very frugal with our spending and have managed to pay off all of our debts. The other day when Hayden got hurt, it made me think about how wonderful it would be to open a practice here. I could feel like I was truly helping people again.”
“Speaking for myself and I am sure Hayden feels the same, we would love to have you here but I am sure you have noticed that much of the island is impoverished and probably cannot sustain much. Our medical clinic struggles to keep up with the demands as it is.”
For the first time Myra spoke up. “Shelby and I have discussed that too. When we return to the States, we plan on seeing what we can do for additional funding. We know a few doctors who are excellent at organizing fund raising compaigns for other countries who need help in updating their medical programs.”
“It seems like you two have definitely thought this over, and from your many visits to the island you seem to know what you are getting in to. I will do whatever I can to help make this happen. Besides, I can’t imagine two people I would enjoy more living on this island. Don’t even consider trying to pay us for the extended stay. If you help us with the land clearing then consider your debt paid.” Adrienne said with a grin.
After a friendly argument about debts, they decided to agree to Adrienne’s offer. I was thrilled to have them stay with us. Aside from the fact it was comforting to have a physician on hand, I was happy to have their company as well.
Chapter 6
I spent the remainder of the day hobbling around gathering up the supplies I thought we would need to undertake my project. Since Adrienne would let me do little else. The gang decided to take it easy and hang around the Inn, so I took full advantage of the van, and went into New Bight the islands biggest town looking for a few of the remaining supplies.
Saber accompanied me and did well on the ride, which was unusual for a cat. He lay across my lap as I drove, and behaved as though he had been riding in a vehicle for years. I managed to find something resembling a hardware store, leaving Saber to sleep on the drivers seat. I left all of the windows down and he seemed contented as the breeze tousled his orange fur.
The little store was a cross between a hardware and grocery store. I found a few things that would help us out but not much. The owner of the place was happy to show me around and when I told him I was Gloria’s niece, he treated me like family.
He looked me over and asked. “What happened to you? Why all the scratches and bruises?”
<
br /> I told him about the incident at Boiling Hole. I left out the part about me ravaging Adrienne just prior to the snakebite. His eyes widened as I relayed the details.
“The Holes are very bad things. Never good to go there, you are lucky to be alive.” He said as he rang up my purchases. Many people have disappeared in the holes don’t go back.
After making a new friend Saber and I headed back to the Inn. I was eager to get started on the land-clearing project. I had a mental picture of how I wanted it to look, and wanted to get my hands in the dirt once again.
When I arrived at the Inn I was surprised to see Hank the pirate in the bar with Adrienne. What was even more surprising he helped me unload the supplies. When I told him all about my project he mumbled something about having a fishing trip planned. No loss there, I didn’t want to spend any more time around him than I had to, especially down wind.
I grabbed an iced tea and decided to relax and smoke a cigarette before finding out what the wild tribe was up to. When I was fully relaxed and enjoying the solitude, Shelby rounded the corner and proclaimed I was just the person she wanted to see.
“Hiya Monkey Chop!” This was her pet name for me, and I took it well since I had no idea what a monkey chop was. “Let me have a look at the bite.” She said as she prepared to pull the bandage off. “Hayden this is awfully red, have you been keeping it clean and keeping the ointment on it?”
“Adrienne has been following me around with peroxide and antibiotic ointment since it happened. I don’t think we can get it any cleaner.” I said as she poked around on it causing me to wince in pain.
“You’re a very active woman Monkey Chop. I think you need to take it easy for a couple of days. I would strongly suggest that you do not try fooling around with clearing that land until this looks better.”
“I agree.” Adrienne said as she came back into the bar. Besides, you know we cannot do anything till our guests leave. I don’t think any of the girls want to spend the remainder of their vacation in a construction zone.
I pouted; sulked, sucked my thumb, and those two would not relent. I had been put on a short leash and there was nothing I could do about it. To make matters worse I couldn’t even drown my sorrows in rum, because of the antibiotics.
Adrienne tried to cheer me up, and under any other circumstances it would have worked. She ran her fingers through my hair and whispered seductively in my ear. “Why don’t you and I go back to my cottage and finish what we started the other day?”
I looked into those sexy blue eyes and I felt tears filling my own. “Adrienne I cant.” I whimpered pitifully. “Where exactly did you put that medicine for the yeast infection the nurse said I was sure to get? Something is not right south of the belly button.” I said as I laid my head on her shoulder.
I could feel her body trembling with laughter, but she fought it valiantly trying to be supportive of my newly acquired condition. “Lets go back to my cottage and I will help you take your medicine.”
“Oh hell no! That’s one thing a girl has to do by herself. Adrienne laughed so hard that she couldn’t catch her breath. This day sucked!
Aside from Denise ruffling my feathers and my little mishap we enjoyed our guests and the two weeks passed quickly. The day before they were to leave they decided to hang around the Inn and spend time with us. A sadness hung in the air. For them it was because tomorrow they would return to their everyday lives, and live with the fact that two of their group would still be enjoying the island. For us it was because good friends would be leaving and it would be another year before they returned.
That afternoon it was decided we would go down to the beach and play volleyball. Couples would be divided to play on opposing teams. My team was blessed with Denise.
I honestly did my best to behave, but when she made a remark about Adrienne’s cleavage that she knew I was sure to hear my blood began to boil. It was my turn to serve, and I could feel my hackles begin to rise as I noticed Denise was directly in front of Adrienne at the net. I knew deep down in my soul where her eyes lay, and so I did it.
I threw the ball up and let it drop a little lower than I should for a serve. I hit that ball with all that I was. It connected with my intended target when it nailed Denise in the back of the head. I of course should have won an academy award when I pretended to apologize and beg her forgiveness. I blamed it all on my goofiness.
Adrienne couldn’t even look at me. I could tell that she was valiantly fighting the urge to laugh. Leigh however, didn’t even try to disguise it. She laughed for fifteen minutes straight. Once having to call time so she could catch her breath. Needless to say, the rest of the gang made it a point to stay between Denise and I.
Dinner that evening was special. There was no big fanfare we all sat around the table laughing at the events of the past week. Shelby and Myra took repeated jabs for abandoning the group and staying behind on the island. We of course spent the remainder of the evening in the bar, drinking and dancing.
I didn’t care to dance so, I decided to stay behind the bar and serve drinks. I had no rhythm. Hell I got confused during sex! Nevertheless, when a slow song came on Adrienne pulled me out onto the floor with her.
The next morning we all got up early and had breakfast before the sun rose. Adrienne and I were both shocked to see our under garments that turned up missing the first night we skinny-dipped hanging all over the bar. Each of the twelve had signed them and left them out for the world to see. After a round of fierce ribbing we hugged them all with the exception of one. Adrienne and I waved as the vans rolled out of site.
We were exhausted. Adrienne and I walked back to our cottages both deciding that we were going back to sleep before beginning the task of preparing the Inn for the next group of guests. “Do you think you can behave yourself if I nap with you?” Adrienne asked as we made our way through the courtyard.
“I can assure you that you will be perfectly safe wise ass. I am exhausted. I replied with a grin.
We returned to my cottage where Adrienne, Saber and I climbed into bed. It was a little too warm to cuddle so we compromised by holding hands while we slept. Saber designated himself as chaperone and curled up between us. We slept soundly for two hours before the heat started to make us uncomfortable.
Neither of us wanted to go to the trouble of bathing again just to go out and sweat, so we rolled out of bed and prepared to work. It was a good thing we decided to forego bathing, because Hank met us in the courtyard and told us he cut the water off at the main line. We had a leak in the main sewer line between the bar and the laundry cottage. Iris noticed water pooling that morning when she came to prepare breakfast and sent for Hank.
It was odd to see a pirate with a monkey wrench. I couldn’t help but stare as he gave us the run down on what he thought the repairs would run in the most colorful way. “The old pipe is complete shit. We are gonna have to dig a damn trench and replace the entire son of a bitch. There is another leak where the line goes into the laundry cottage and some poor bastard smaller than my big ass is gonna have to nut up and climb into the hole I dug and repair the main fitting.
I looked around for a small bastard smaller than Hank and came up with zip. Time was of the essence and since I did have some limited plumbing experience from landscaping I reluctantly volunteered. Adrienne was not keen on the idea, but like me she knew we didn’t have much of a choice.
As luck would have it, Shelby and Myra had chosen this day to venture out and take a tour of the islands medical facility. First a small group of us started to dig up the old sewer line. The crew was made up of an odd mixture. There was a pirate, Adrienne, myself and a heavy set black woman that threw dirt like there was no tomorrow. Whatever we were paying Iris it wasn’t enough. She went through that ground like a giant mole on speed.
It took us the better part of the day to dig up the old line, but we managed. Then we laid the pipe for the new line. When it came time to connect the new pipe to the line connecting to the cottage I
wanted to cry. I have no idea why he did it, but Hank dug a huge and relatively deep hole around where the two pipes connected.
It was there that I learned that the old saying was in fact true. “Shit rolls down hill.” Whatever managed to pass through the old pipe was in that hole. I managed to find an old piece of wood and placed it over the hole. I knelt on the wood and was able to reach where I needed to work. I am not sure why Hank didn’t think of this, but I assumed he hated me and wanted me knee deep in crap.
By the time I had finished sealing the fittings I was drooling like a dog, and was fighting the urge not to throw up. Adrienne and Iris were kind enough to fix Hank and I a glass of iced tea. I sat in the courtyard and sipped it till my nausea passed, and it was there that I decided that I really didn’t like Hank.
“Hank, you repaired that line last year when it leaked near the laundry cottage. Why is it leaking again already?” Adrienne asked.
Hank shrugged. “Bad fitting I guess.
I don’t know a whole lot about plumbing but that answer sounded very weak. I suspected shotty workmanship. I kept my suspicions to myself though, because Hank the pirate was still holding the pipe wrench.
We shut down the kitchen and bar for the night. Fortunately, we were able to cut the water back on and take showers. Iris had the night off and Adrienne and I decided to have dinner at another Inn operated by a friend of hers.
We took the Jeep that Hank used predominately to get around in, and to my surprise the bugs from hell that I encountered when I first arrived on the island had decided to stay in for the evening. Dinner at the other Inn was good but it did not compare to Iris’s cooking.
“Adrienne, do we pay Iris well?” I asked as I prepared to attack the cheesecake I ordered for desert.
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