Chapter 3

"I haven’t heard that one before, but it’s good. It’s a good story," Richard says.

Richard stares at Shanna.

A woman appears "Hey you I got your key." says a Thai woman with an umbrella and a flashlight pointed at Richard’s face.

Well I better go, see you Richard. Shanna said.

Wait Shanna, Richard said.

Yes Richard what is it? Shanna said.

Are you mad at me Shanna?

No, why would you think that.

I was wondering could we do what we did on Khao San Road? Richard asked me.

Yes on one condition Richard. You don’t fuck Françoise.

She is with Etienne. Shanna I don’t have a chance.

Yes that is true Richard, but I’ve seen the way you look at her.

All right I won’t fuck her.

Come on Richard it’s raining out here.

He opened the door and they walked in together. The next morning, Richard woke up early. Shanna had gone to pack her things so Richard had a few minutes before they all had to meet at the dock. Richard was drawing the map Daffy had made. He didn’t make it in detail just the main points to get to the island. He was finished. He opened his door jumped over to Zeph and Sammy’s hut slipped the map underneath the door and lied the T-shirt he had borrowed the night before on the ground near the door. The Shirt was the one they had leant him when he got soaked in the rain when he came to talk to Shanna and the gang. Shanna was coming out of her room just as Richard was about to get his sack.

Shanna saw Richard and they went together to the boat. Françoise and Etienne were there already waiting for them.

Okay Richard now he wants 1,200 Baht. Etienne said.

Richard gave what he had which wasn’t much, Shanna gave the rest.

They decided to pay the man when they got to the island that was wise.

The hour and a half boat ride was refreshing, but it made Shanna sick. The other's were fine.

Shanna are you all right? Françoise asked.

Yes Françoise I'm fine. Shanna said.

Shanna had yet to be truthful to them. She wanted to tell them the truth. But the secret she hid from them was big and she had to tell them today.

When the boat approached the shallow waters to the island. They paid and got off the boat. The island was quiet. They decided to camp out on the sand starring at the other island across from them. They didn't want to even think about the big swim ahead of them tomorrow.

Shanna got her sack and put it against her head luckily she had aspirin and bottled water. After that boat trip she needed the aspirin for her headache.

For dinner they had noodles and for dessert they each had a bar of chocolate. Shanna decided it was the right moment to tell them her secret.

Richard, Françoise, Etienne I have something to tell you guys. I have lied to you I am not who you think I am. Shanna said slowly.

What? Richard said.

I am a traveler just like you guys that's true, but I am also a doctor you see I needed a vacation away from my work. Our secret won't get out I promise that on my life. My real name is Shanna Roberts and I am 28 years old.

Wow so how long were you in medical school. Etienne asked her.

5 years. I am a physician. Shanna replied.

Richard I hope you are not mad at me for not telling you.

Mad, I'm not mad just shocked I didn't notice.

What do you mean Richard? Shanna wondered.

Shanna you were either very experienced or learned techniques on the streets.

You knew Richard!

Not really, but I had a feeling something was different about you.

So your not mad at me at all, Richard.

No, Shanna.

What about you two? Shanna directed the question to Françoise and Etienne.

No, were fine at least we can come to you when we need medical advice when were sick. I think I say this for all of us we're glad you're with us Shanna.

Thanks guys I was worried you'd be mad and I would have to leave. Shanna said relieved.

Richard looked at Shanna. He wanted her more than ever he didn't even think of Françoise.

Shanna would you like to come to the beach with me. Richard said.

Sure.

They walked until Françoise and Etienne disappeared in the distance. Shanna looked into Richard's eyes. Richard starred straight into hers. They kissed. Richard brought Shanna down to the sand kissing her madly.

They both had stripped and walked in to the water Shanna dived in first Richard followed. When they approached each other they kissed. Shanna couldn't even feel the water around her she wished this moment could last forever. When they both realized that they were getting cold they swam back to the beach and laid on the sand embraced. Richard didn't take her for granted. He knew at that moment he loved her, but Richard was never faithful to anyone he had been with. Now he would try Shanna was special.

The morning came Richard, Shanna, Françoise and Etienne stood in the water about knee high looking at their target "the mysterious island where the beach was located" 1-2 kilometers away. Each of them were in their swim wear carrying a plastic bag inflated and tied, which carried their valuables and some rations they couldn't carry everything so they left their sacks hidden on the island somewhere, where no one could find them.

Etienne speaks, One kilometer.

Françoise says, two.

Etienne speaks to Richard. "Richard ?"

Richard replies, I don't know - I'm American.

Etienne thinks, So?

We think in miles not kilometers.

So how many miles do you think it is? Etienne asks.

I have no idea, but it looks like a long way.

Too far. Françoise says.

If it's too far then we'll drown. But if we don't try then we'll never know. Richard says.

So let's go. Richard dives into the water.

The others follow.

They are far out to sea now, several hundred meters from the shore.

Richard is in the lead. Shanna is right behind him. Françoise and Etienne are far behind. Richard stops.

Everyone okay. He shouts.

Ok, Richard. Shanna points out.

We're okay. Etienne shouts back.

They all look back from where they started. They were about half way.

A few strokes later.

Richard, I saw a fin! Etienne shouts over the water.

What? Richard said.

A fin.

They all stop to look around.

A shark fin? Richard asks Etienne.

I don't know just a fin. Over there about a hundred meters away.

Big? Richard asks again.

Yes. Etienne responds.

Well what the fuck do you expect me to do about it? Richard said.

Nothing I just thought you should know. Etienne said

Well to be honest, Etienne I would rather have not known about it.

I'm sorry.

A bit fucken too late. Richard said angry.

Richard starts swimming again, but faster. As well as the others.

Etienne starts screaming a few strokes later.

Françoise. Françoise. Etienne shouts.