~*The Fourth*~ Chapter 6

Chapter 6

As each day passed Françoise, Etienne and Richard learned to hunt for food in the sea. Shanna on the other hand had talked to Sal. They had discussed on building another hut for medical purposes. Shanna didn't want to hide her secret from this community because she wanted to contribute her services as a means of being part of the community. Everyone had his or her job and this was Shanna's "Beach Community M.D." Now that they had a doctor all they needed was medical supplies at least the basics the other stuff would have to wait. As it turned out Richard was quite the fisherman. Both Shanna and Richard were in envy of the community, but they all got along perfectly. Half of the time Shanna was with Bugs the local carpenter discussing the layout of the hut. Richard saw Shanna but not as often as he would have liked to he missed her dearly. His eyes started to wonder on to Françoise. Françoise could feel the attraction too. She wanted Richard just as much. Lately Shanna had felt a little off. Something was wrong and she felt it. Richard had often kissed her goodnight without wanting to have sex with her. She wasn't dumb she knew what was going on. The next day everything continued as it regularly did. Richard and Etienne cut the overgrown leaves in the jungle. And Shanna and Françoise continued to be friends. That night a special occasion was taking place the initiation into the community. Since Keaty was the last to arrive he had the pleasure of making three marks on Etienne's arm and putting blue powder into the wound. The tattoo signified that they were now a part of the community permanently. Etienne did it for Françoise, Françoise did it for Richard and Richard did it for Shanna. They were all happy, but things were about to change Shanna had been feeling sick lately and she knew why a baby was about to be born into the community, but Shanna refused to tell Richard because he was now with Françoise. While Shanna lie in Etienne arm's she talked to him. They had been somewhat forced together. However, they made each other feel good at lonely times.

Etienne. She said.

Yes Shanna. Etienne said drowsy from sleep.

I have something to tell you, but I don't want you telling anyone what I'm about to tell you.

Okay what is it? Etienne wondered what it could be.

I'm pregnant I don't know for sure, but I know I have skipped a month so you must never tell Richard. Okay

I won't say a thing. It's your decision.

Thanks Etienne

It's all right love. Come here. He hugged her closely to his chest.

She lied back down with Etienne and starred at Richard and Françoise from across the room. She wanted Richard back, but she didn't want to tell him anything until she knew for sure.

A few days later Shanna got sicker. She tried to hide it along with her belly. Suddenly commotion stirred as Gregorio comes in the main hut complaining about a tooth. He wanted to go to the main land for a dentist Sal told him "No, out of the question." Before Bugs had pulled the tooth Shanna offered a little bit of morphine for the pain. After that the tooth was pulled without a problem. Gregorio was glad Shanna was there at times like these. Then, everyone went about his or her business.

The next morning it was raining. They all sat starring out at the beach. Christo explained to the new members of the community about hunting for fish in the rain.

Christo explained,

The problem is seeing the fish. With the rain and poor light they are very difficult to catch. It could last for days. Sometimes we get very hungry.

Richard decided he wasn't going to starve he gets the snorkel and mask from Christo and proceeds to the shore. He swims out, but can't really see anything. He ducks under the water again and comes up nothing. He looks to the shore he sees people calling out to him but he can't seem to hear them. Then he sees what they were talking about. A shark. Shanna was scared to death that the father of her child would soon be dead.

At dinner…

Richard survived the shark attack he explained his story to the community. Although Bugs could be counted on to put in his opinion of the whole thing. Richard hated him, but not enough to confront him. He just shined him on. He lied down with Françoise. Shanna walked out of the hut crying. Etienne followed. Shanna saw Etienne follow her she ran to him.

My love what is wrong?

It's just that the father of my child almost died today and he's in there hugging her. He doesn't care about me anymore does he, Etienne?

I don't know how he feels about you. But if you need someone I'll be there.

Thank you Etienne.

Anytime love. He kissed her passionately.

Etienne one more question actually it is more like a proposal.

Okay, tell me.

You I mean will you be the father of this child if Richard doesn't want it.

Gee, I don't know Shanna I really think you should tell Richard.

Tell Richard what? Françoise came out of the hut.

Nothing Françoise.

Come on tell me what's the secret you could always tell me.

Françoise this is between Richard and I.

Is he with you again Shanna?

No, Françoise but I must speak to him if that's all right with you.

Sure. Go ahead.

Thanks.

No problem.

Shanna went in search of Richard. She found him talking to Keaty.

Richard

Yeah

Can I talk to you in private?

Sure

Follow me. Shanna directed.

He followed closely behind her.

What's this about Shanna?

Congratulations, Richard.

Thanks.

No I'm not talking about today.

Then what are you talking about?

I'm talking about you being a father.

Françoise is pregnant?

No, Richard I am. His face dropped.

Are you sure?

Yes, Richard all the signs point to yes.

I don't know what to say.

You don't have to say anything, Richard.

I'm going to have this child. If you want to be a part of his or her life then fine if not then okay. But this child will be born I just wanted to tell you.

How far along are you?

One month almost 2.

He walked up to Shanna looked into her eyes and kissed her with a tear in his eye.

Back | Next