Note: As you know Richard was more uncaring in the movie, but here I wanted to emphasize that Richard is a more caring person, but it doesn’t mean he’s a saint in this story either.
Shanna kissed Richard back then he suddenly pulled away.
What’s wrong, Richard?
Nothing I have to tell Françoise about this before I can do anything.
All right I understand Richard.
Richard and Shanna found Françoise and Etienne talking.
Françoise, Can I speak to you? Richard asked waiting for her answer,
Sure.
As they left Etienne asked.
How’d it go?
Pretty good But he really hasn’t said a word he said he had to tell Françoise first before he did anything. Only time will tell, Etienne. Shanna couldn’t wait to hear his answer.
Meanwhile, Françoise and Richard are talking privately in a secluded area of the woods.
So, what’s this about Richard?
Shanna is pregnant, Françoise.
Well that’s good Etienne is going to be a good daddy.
Wrong Françoise. I am.
What? Françoise couldn’t believe her ears.
Shanna is almost 2 months pregnant and she’s only been with Etienne for 2 weeks the baby’s mine Françoise.
Are you certain, Richard?
Yes.
Well what about us?
I don’t know Françoise. Shanna and I haven’t discussed anything I told her I had to tell you about it first.
Well we all have to get together and discuss what we’re going to do about this baby. And that was true Richard thought.
The next day Françoise, Richard, Shanna and Etienne sat together on the beach.
Well we need to discuss about this baby who’s going first? Shanna asked them.
I will. Françoise raised her hand.
All right Françoise talk.
Well I would like to know if this is your way of getting Richard back?
No Françoise it isn’t I assure you I didn’t want to tell him at all, but after seeing my baby’s father almost lose his life to a shark. I had no choice but to tell him. In fact I had told Etienne that I could be pregnant a while back but I wanted to be sure of it and now that the signs are positive I just had to tell him one way or another.
Are you sure it’s Richard’s Shanna?
Yes Françoise as far as I can tell I got pregnant that night I spent with him back at the Seashell bungalows. I knew he desired you back then and I knew he would go to you I just didn’t count on getting pregnant that night. Shanna should have been mad at that question but she wasn’t.
Anymore questions? Richard do you have anything you would like to ask? She wanted to hear his opinions.
You knew I would go to Françoise, Shanna. Richard was shocked.
Yes, Richard I did even though you promised you wouldn’t. She said sadly.
Okay now that, that is over with what are we going to do? We can stay the way we are or go back to what we use to have. Etienne and I have already discussed it; I just want to know about your thoughts. Shanna looked directly at Richard and Françoise.
Well I wouldn’t want to be in the way of Richard’s child so even though I love him as much as I do I’ll give him up. Françoise muttered sadly.
I know Françoise how much this is tearing you apart, but you don’t have to do this if you don’t want too. Shanna had felt sorry for her.
But what about the baby? Richard asked.
Well Richard you could be there at the delivery and you’ll see it everyday. Shanna didn’t want to be apart from him but if his decision was to stay with Françoise what else could she do.
I love you Shanna and I love Françoise as well, but I don’t want to miss all those father things. I hope you understand Françoise. Richard put it in a polite way of dumping her.
I do, Richard.
Well I guess everything is finished. Shanna said.
I’ll miss you Etienne. Shanna whispered to him.
I knew Richard would come through for you Shanna and I’m happy for you. He really was.
Thanks Etienne. She leaned over and hugged him.
Oh and one more thing before we separate I need to discuss the delivery with you guys. Shanna said.
I am not going to a hospital like a regular person I decided to have it here on the island. She knew what was coming.
What? Are you crazy? They all said.
No, but I need you guys to help me I got it all planned already. Shanna was no fool.
Françoise can heat boiling water and get the blankets. Richard can cut the cord and Etienne can do what ever is left. But I need you guys to do this or the baby and I could die. Do we have a deal? Shanna said not sure of their answer.
I don’t know it sounds too risky? Françoise said too concerned for Shanna and the baby.
It’s true what if something goes wrong? Richard was worried.
It won’t I’m the doctor I’ll instruct you.
All right I’m in said Etienne.
What about you guys? He asked.
All right I guess we could do it. They were still worried.
All right then we can do a drill practice about four to five months from now.
Okay everything is settled then. Shanna said to them.
Shanna got up off the sand. Richard got up first and offered his hand to help her.
I saw that in a movie and I always wanted to do it. I’m going to catch a lot of fish and make sure you eat well.
Thanks for caring Richard. She kissed him a few feet away from Françoise and Etienne.
So how have you been feeling is there any morning sickness?
Yes constantly.
Well I’ll get you some fruit I saw back in the woods.
You don’t have to go out of your way Richard.
I want to Shanna for you and my baby, I don’t wanna see you or the baby unhealthy.
Okay, but before you go and get that fruit come here.
She pressed her lips to his. Shanna was flushed. It had been too long since Richard and her had been together.
Come on let’s get that fruit. She walked off her tempted passion for him.
They walked hand and hand into the woods.
When they approached the fruit tree Richard climbed up and grabbed a few. He threw them down to her and she caught them. Richard climbed down. He had noticed the fruit clenched close to her breasts.
Shanna nipples were visible through her large T-shirt. Richard noticed her reaction when he touched the already firm bud as he grabbed a passion fruit from her.
Shanna closed her eyes as Richard touched her he then continued to pull up her shirt He started to massage her breast and then he pulled one into his mouth. Shanna moaned.
When Shanna opened her eyes she grasped for Richard’s shirt and pulled it off. She proceeded to kiss his neck then she pulled back.
She walked to a clearing where there were no rocks or sticks Richard followed her. Shanna got close to Richard she pulled off his shorts. He did the same to her. As Richard was about to enter her he stopped.
Is this all right? He didn’t know anything about having babies so he had to ask.
Yes Richard don’t worry. She pulled him down to her and started to gyrate her hips.
While Richard proceeded to thrust himself inside her he had noticed that her breasts and her stomach were slightly forming for their unborn child. He continued to love her and from then on he didn’t hesitant one second on.
After their love had been spent Richard thought about things on the way back to the camp. He couldn’t wait until he would hear his son or daughter’s first word. Or to be called daddy. He was looking forward to it. There were obstacles to go through before he could commit himself to Shanna. He knew there was a possibility that he wouldn’t be faithful to her, but he would try his hardest not to fail. And Richard never failed or at least he thought so.
Copyright © 2000 Marcie Soliz
May not be reproduced in whole or in part without author's permission