Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:39:21 +0000 (UTC) From: John Subject: Shipwrecked 2 Shipwrecked Warning: The following story is a work of fiction. It never happened, except in the author's imagination. This story contains graphic sex between a teenage boy and an adult man. However, the author does not encourage or condone sex between adults and little children. If you are underage, or this is illegal where you are, you already know what you're supposed to do. Delete this file and find something else to wank off to. If this kind of story turns you off, delete this file and find something else to read. Copyright AmateurishWriter 2019 - The author retains the copyright for this story. Reproducing and/or placing this story on a commercial web site or in print without the authors permission is a violation of that copyright. The use of any character in this story, or any facsimile thereof, is strictly forbidden and a violation of the copyright. Comments to AmateurishWriter@yahoo.com, pro and con and of a constructive nature, will be gratefully received and acknowledged, if possible. Flamers will be ignored. *********************** Please consider helping Nifty with a secure contribution. The Nifty Archive Alliance has been determined to be a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by lay - no tangible goods or services are received in exchange for your donation. *********************** ****************** Dear Readers ****************** As I said just before chapter 25 of another of my stories, M.A.R.C., once again I have been preoccupied and the years have flown by. My apologies to old faithful fans and, hopefully, new readers as well. A lot of water has gone under the bridge and this old body is making it known that it's wearing out and time is limited. However, I'm planning on another couple decades and here's my usual promise; more stories, and not just about John and Kel. Now, let's see if I can keep that promise. ************************************************** (Author's Note to Readers: There is a lot of background information at the beginning of Part One. If you have not read Part One, I ask that you do. That way you might better understand and enjoy the rest of the story. As I said in my note at the beginning of part One; "Getting there is half the fun".) Near the end of Part One I don't know how long I had been asleep when I first heard the children. They were far enough away that I couldn't hear the words much less understand the musical language. The pain was about the same but when I tried to move I found that I had stiffened up and was quite weak. I wanted to look over the fallen palm tree but I couldn't raise myself up enough to even put my hand on top of the log. I gently rolled onto my back again and slowly raised my knees to ease the pain in my lower back. The twinge of pain was too much and I cried out weakly. As the pain subsided, I opened my eyes again and found myself staring into the deepest, darkest, friendliest pair of eyes that I have ever seen. I strained very hard but was only able to mumble. "You ... you're not Friday ... are you?" Then I passed out. Part Two: A very good judge of people Chapter One: A most difficult patient Cool dampness soothed my forehead and a soft cool breeze felt wonderful on my face and chest. There was the smell of freshly roasted meat in the air. And flowers! I smelled sweet flowers on the breeze. I moved my arm and brushed someone as I raised it up to remove whatever was covering my eyes. It was a cool damp cloth. "The man is awake Great Uncle!" I heard the musically accented voice of a boy. And, it was indeed deliciously accented English. I tried to speak but my throat was too dry and my lips burned by the sun. Instead, I turned my gaze to see who had spoken. It was the boy from the beach. The one I saw peering at me over the fallen palm tree. The one with the deepest, darkest, friendliest pair of eyes that I had ever seen. His face was round, the nose slightly flatter than most and the lips were quite a deep dark red. But his almond eyes, they held me, they glistened, they were happy eyes. He put his cool soft hand on my shoulder to keep me from sitting up and spoke quietly but firmly. "You are too tired to get up. You must rest. Drink some of this." He gently tilted my head up and held a wooden cup to my lips. It was sweet and familiar, very familiar. Then it came to me, it was coconut milk and tasted just wonderful. The liquid slid down my parched throat and eased the dryness. I coughed slightly and then croaked. "Thank you." It was all I could get out and then I had to rest. He offered me another sip and I took it eagerly. Then he put the cup aside and took up the damp cloth again and placed it over my forehead. "This will help you to cool." Then he started to apply some salve or cream to my nose, lips, hands, elbows and knees. At least it felt like a salve. The results were immediate. The pain was greatly diminished. "What ... ?" I tried to ask what it was but he gently placed a soft finger on my lips. "No. You rest. It is medicine from Maki (Mac eye)." He was quite assertive for such a little boy. "Who?" I croaked. He laughed and I could hear the tinkling of tiny bells. "You are a most difficult patient. Maki is the Healer. I ran to his house after my Great Uncle and I carried you here from the beach. It is our house. You washed up on the beach. You will be all right but please, I have one question and then you must rest." "Thank you ... ah, I don't know your name." I continued to be a bad patient, I guessed, for this was greeted with a scowl. The boy sighed but smiled a bright dimpled smile. "I am called Kel or Little Kel. This is Old Kel, my Great Uncle." He pointed to where I had not looked before. "Thank you sir. My name is John Fuller." My raspy voice sounded as old as the old man looked. He was ancient looking but smiled broadly back at me and nodded his greeting. The boy touched my shoulder again and I turned back to him. "John Fuller. How many other people were on your boat?" I understood. "No, no. No one." "Not another man?" He persisted. I was impressed by his urgency to know. His concern for maybe saving others. "No one. No, I ... I was alone." The boy was clearly relieved. "Good, that is very good. Now ... " I interrupted by putting my hand on his arm and asked; "How ... how long?" He put a frustrated face on but understood my need for an answer to the question. "Two days. Now, you must rest. Please. I will get my Great Uncle his evening meal and then I will bring some for you ... if you will rest." I think he was near the end of his confidence. His assertiveness was turning to bribery. So, I decided that I had better behave before he took me back to the beach. His Great Uncle got up and, moving with surprising ease despite his apparent age, left the room. It looked like a covered sitting area where he disappeared outside. The boy followed and that's when I realized for the first time that he was naked. Well, I thought, why not. This was indeed the South Pacific. What better, more logical place for children to go naked. On the other hand, I noted that his Great Uncle wore dark blue running shorts. That made me feel better. It meant that there was regular contact with the rest of the world, there was going to be a way home. While he was gone, despite my scraped elbows, I gingerly raised myself up into a slightly higher position and took stock of my condition and surroundings. It looked as though I had scrapes from the coral reef on my knees and hands as well as my elbows. I lay back down and examined my elbows. One was actually cut open but not badly. In a way, I was still lucky ... I guess. My memories hadn't returned as yet but I was sure that Adonis had run up on a reef and I had somehow made it into the lagoon and up onto the beach. My foul weather gear was gone. I was dressed just in my own pair of running shorts which I had been wearing under the hot foul weather gear pants. My t-shirt was gone as well. There was nothing over me but the air was warm and it was good for my injuries. The house, as Kel called it, was somewhere between a hut and a house. The floor was dirt but well packed down and hard, the walls were a combination of thatch and driftwood boards and the roof looked like all thatch with small rafters made from small trees or saplings. It was quite old and I could see in this room that it had been carefully repaired and maintained as needed. There were furnishings too. A small plain chest of drawers, a straight backed chair with an old table and ... oh my, books! I appeared to be lying on some sort of sleeping platform about the size of a full sized bed covered with some old but clean looking blankets. There was no telling what was underneath them but it was actually fairly comfortable. After a few minutes Kel returned with a wooden bowl and the wooden cup that he had given me two sips from earlier. "You are looking better John Fuller. This food will be good for you. You will sleep well with food in your belly." "Thank you Kel." I was very grateful and quite ravenous. "Your English is very good and I see you like books." I took the bowl he offered and looked skeptically at the pieces of cooked meat piled on some greens. He giggled and I heard those tiny bells tinkle again. "The meat is roasted wild pig. The leaves will also be good for you. You should eat it all. Drink all the coconut milk as well. Then you must sleep." I tentatively sniffed the pig and thought of the roast pork I had smelled earlier. Then I nibbled a tiny corner and Kel giggled again. It was wonderful! "This is very good Kel. Did you cook this?" "Cooking is woman's work." He said indignantly. "Kali (Cal ee) cooks for us." "Kali?" I asked. "She is an old woman whose husband died. Great Uncle's wife died as well. He does man's work for her and she does woman's work for us." He sat on the edge of the bed. "The books were my father's. He was the teacher here." I was chewing some of the delicious greens that were covered with drippings from the pork. "Um ... mum ... umm, he was the teacher?" Kel's eyes clouded and filled with tears that didn't quite spill over. "They drowned in a big storm two summers ago." Reaching out as far as I could and softly touching his arm with my finger tips I said, "I'm so sorry Kel. Both your father and mother? So your Great Uncle takes care of you now?" At that, Kel sat up straight and proudly replied, "He did. But now I care for him. He is old and I am of age." "Of age?" "Yes, I am a man since the end of the last summer." Again he straightened up proudly. "How old are you?" I asked, thinking he was ten, maybe eleven. "I will be 14 years in a few months. How old are you?" I was surprised by his age but then remembered that many races in this area of the world were smaller in stature and with other features, such as lack of body hair, that made them look younger. Especially the children. "I was 44 this past spring. Pretty old I guess." I tried to get a better look at him but it had gotten too dark to really see clearly. "That is not old. It is a good age. Great Uncle has seen over 70 years. He wasn't much younger than I am when the Jap men came. But enough talk. It is dark now and you must rest." The food had been very good and, along with the coconut milk, I was indeed feeling much better but very sleepy. "That was very good roast pig Kel and you were right, I am quite sleepy now." He had a proud look as he helped me slide back down on the sleeping platform and showed me how to pull up the cover if I needed it. "I'm not sure, with my injuries, that I will be able to bend and stretch enough to do it." "I must see that Great Uncle is comfortable in his sleeping place. When I come to sleep I will be sure you do not get cold." With that he quietly left the room. Stray thoughts went through my mind but I was half asleep by the time he was gone. "How lucky to be alive. I had no idea how they got me here. I must ask about that in the morning and about what had become of Adonis. Some time later I awoke to the sound of soft breathing. It was too dark to see but something told me that Kel was sleeping nearby. Still later I was jarred awake with an all too real nightmare about running up on a coral reef. I must have made a noise because I felt a gentle touch on my left shoulder and a soft voice said; "You were having a bad dream. Go back to sleep John Fuller." Part Two: A very good judge of people Chapter Two: Everyone is so kind It must have been snowing for days. The windows on the first floor were covered letting in just a dim gray light. The heat must have been off too because even under the covers of my bed I was shivering with the cold. I was going to freeze to death if I didn't do something. Throwing off the covers, I tried to get up but something or someone tried to hold me down. "Great Uncle! Great Uncle! Come help me hold him down. He must stay on the sleeping platform and rest. His fever is high. The poison from the coral has made him very sick!" Again there were hands holding me down. Two sets of hands. The new ones were stronger. I fought. I lashed out and heard a small cry of pain. I heard an old man's voice; "You are all right Little Kel. I can hold him. Run, get the Healer. We must get him a sleeping potion or he will hurt himself." The fever cleared a little from my mind. "I'm sorry." I mumbled. The old man's voice soothed me. "Do not worry John Fuller. The coral has made you sick. You must be calm and sleep. Then you will get well. Kel cares for you strongly. Somehow through the fog of the fever I realized, once again, where I was and calmed down. I tried to see him but everything was a blur. It seemed to be day. Bright sun shown in through the doorway. Then two blurs blocked out the sunlight, one was quite small. A strange deep voice spoke to me. "Drink this please." It was a commanding voice. Someone used to and comfortable with his authority. I drank what once more tasted like coconut milk though slightly bitter. "That is better. You will sleep now and wake up feeling better." Somehow I mumbled my appreciation and received a friendly reassuring hand on the shoulder. Then the fog of the fever, or the potion, asserted itself and I felt myself drift away on a soft cloud. All too soon I slowly opened my eyes to see Old Kel still standing there and the sun streaming in through the doorway. "How do you feel today?" The old man asked. "Today?" I replied. I was confused. I felt much better but could the potion I just drank work so fast and so well? "Where is the Healer? He was just here. I want to thank him." "He was not here." The old man answered with his own look of confusion. I was now quite confused. "Well, then where is Little Kel?" I asked with a touch of exasperation. "He is asleep there beside you." The old man pointed to my left with a soft look of affection and pride. "He is very tired. He has tended you sleeplessly for these two days while you fought the fever." I looked to my left and lying on his stomach motionless, was the boy. His gentle breathing told me that he was sound asleep. The sweet peaceful look on his face brought a lump to my throat. "This child cared for me for two days?" I asked in awe. His Great Uncle straightened himself up with dignity. "My great nephew is a man now and he can do a man's share of work." I reached over and tenderly brushed his hair back from his face. Then I looked back at his Great Uncle and asked. "He must be exhausted, how can I ever repay him? How can I repay you?" The old man just smiled. "You have no debt with us John Fuller, just be kind and gentle with him. While he is a man by his years, he is a child of the heart. He has a child's trust and innocence. The spirits have conspired to bring you two together when you both are in need." I was stunned. This man was, himself, clearly a wise and intelligent man. "Please call me John. John Fuller sounds so formal. What should I call you?" The man nodded. "You may call me Kel. Or Old Kel if you decide to call Little Kel, just Kel. Or, if you like, maybe someday you will call me Great Uncle." I wanted to show my respect to this very dignified gentleman and so I asked; "May I call you Great Uncle now? It has dignity as a title and I wish to show my respect." The man had aged beyond blushing but he was clearly pleased. "I would like that John. Now, Little Kel has instructed me that when you awoke I was to take you for a walk. You may lean on me at first. I am old but I am not weak." I looked back at Little Kel. He looked so sweet, so childlike lying there asleep. I wondered out loud; "Why would a boy take upon himself the full responsibility for the care of a stranger? He must be a very special boy." Old Kel said with great love and pride; "Yes, he is a special one. Do not worry yourself. He will sleep and awake as before, full of youthful excitement for life. Let me help you up now." The effort to rise, turn on the bed and stand took a great amount of energy. Also, there was a great deal of pain. The scrapes had scabbed over and didn't like being disturbed. The bandage of leaves bound on my left elbow slipped down my arm and I saw, for the first time, the healing wound there. It had been bad but was closed up now. Great Uncle took the bandage off saying that the air would do it good. He took my other elbow and helped me to walk outside into the sun. I was very weak so we only went as far as the main path which was about 50 feet from the house. When we turned and started back I saw it for the first time. The house was a rambling structure, added to or changed on more than a few occasions. What looked to be the original house had just two rooms, both entered from the outside through side by side openings in the middle of the front. Between these doors, a wall went to the back thus making two equal sized rooms. I had been in the one to the left. Across the front of the house, as I had suspected, was a sitting area covered by a thatched lean-to sort of roof. There was actually some old wooden furniture there too. Two old rockers, a straight backed chair and a small table. To the right of the two room house was an addition built at 90 degrees and it looked like a combination of a kitchen and a work shed. The front was completely open and I could see that there was a fireplace and chimney made out of what looked to be cut coral blocks. A work table and shelves with some tools occupied the right side and another cleaner table and wooden chair could be seen in the left. We arrived back at the house and Great Uncle guided me to one of the rockers. I sighed as I sat down and he chuckled. "You did well John. You will be just fine I think." He handed me a wooden cup and poured some water into it from a pitcher that was on the table. Then he handed me a small wooden plate with some fruit on it. "Eat. It is important to regain your strength so you can go to the village and meet our people." I must be on the mend for I was curious and asked; "Tell me about this place Great Uncle?" He seemed very pleased that I had asked and proudly set about telling me of his world. "This place is called Malaki Ni (Mal ah key Knee). It is the name of the village and our island. It means white reef in English. We are part of a small group of islands but we do not travel to the other islands much as they are quite far apart." I interrupted, "Are these the Kermadec Islands?" "No. They are far to the south of here." He continued before I could interrupt again and I let him. There would be time enough later. "After the Jappers were run off by the English (I later learned that he meant the Australians and New Zealanders.), they sent church people. They taught us some of the ways of your people and some of your English. My nephew, Little Kel's father, went to one of their schools for a while. Then he came home and shared what he had learned with all of us. He and his wife died in a storm." 'Yes." I interrupted again. "I'm am very sorry. I remember Kel telling me that." "Thank you John." He went on. "There is plenty for us here. Water comes down from the mountain. There are animals for meat. We grow crops and have fruit. It is good. The people here are good. We believe in living by the nature of things. You will see when you meet them. You will like us, I am sure." I was taken by the tone. It sounded so ... I don't know, permanent. I was afraid to ask if and when the next boat was due. I didn't want to offend, to sound unappreciative of their kindness and hospitality. So, I was just polite. "I look forward to regaining my strength and going to the village to meet them." "I think you are a good man John Fuller." He was looking at me with a serious and pleased expression on his aged face. "Little Kel is a very good judge of the nature of people." "You are very kind Great Uncle." I was a bit embarrassed now. After all, these good people may very well have saved my life and certainly shown me great hospitality and were nursing me back to health. "I wonder how Little Kel is? Should we check on him?" "I am sure he is sleeping but I will check if you wish." "Let me." I started to get up and then collapsed back in the chair. "Oh my! I had no idea how weak I am." He got up easily and was back in a moment. "I don't think the boy has moved since you left his side." Then he settled back in his rocker. My curiosity got me asking questions again. "Are there many children and young people in the village?" "In our village which is the largest, there are about 20 up to the age of 16 or 17 years. There are also a few other smaller villages on the island." "Oh, I didn't realize the island was that large." "Yes. If there were no cliffs, it would take a man almost all of two daylights and a night to walk around it." "Does the Healer live nearby? Perhaps I could walk there tomorrow and thank him." I was running out of questions that didn't head me in the direction of asking about my boat or the chances of getting back home soon. I felt that that would be taken as impolite. Well, there was time and I still had most of my strength to get back. As if reading my mind, the old man spoke up. "You are most kind John. And, you are very polite. I am sure you are concerned for your boat. Sadly it has been washed in over the reef and broken up in pieces. It is on the bottom of the lagoon. When you regain your strength, Little Kel will take you there." I wasn't surprised. "Thank you for telling me. I expected that. Has Kel seen her?" "Her?" I laughed. "I know, it is silly but where I come from we refer to boats as 'her' or 'she' because they are graceful and pretty." He smiled. "I think that is very true, sailing boats are beautiful. Kel has not been back to the beach since he found you. His friend Kamiki and his little sister, Lani, have been there. Kamiki has been collecting things for you that have floated up." "I must thank them as well. Everyone is so kind." I yawned. The old man rose to his feet. "I think I have kept you up long enough. You should try to sleep until the evening meal." I got up and for the first time, that I had a memory of, since being onboard Adonis, I had to use a bathroom. "Ah, Great Uncle? Where should I go to ... ah, how shall I say?" I didn't want to use the term bathroom, if they didn't have them, because I didn't want to embarrass anyone. "I have a call of nature." He looked embarrassed anyway. "Forgive me. I should have explained. Out behind the cook house there is a small enclosure. I will help you get there." We hobbled back around the cook house as he called it and I saw the roofless enclosure about two hundred feet away. He helped me inside and then excused himself pointing out a supply of fresh leaves for obvious purposes. It was actually pretty bad. Well, I mean it was an outhouse complete with a board seat with a hole in it. But, lacking modern things like lime or whatever they threw in these things, it really stank. As I took care of business it suddenly occurred to me that someone must have taken care of this for me as I was basically out of it for two and a half to three days. I was able to neatly use the leaves and get myself up and open the door. When I did, the old man was right there to help me. He pointed out a water bucket with a scoop made from a coconut shell. He poured some water over my hands so I could clean them. They dried quickly in the warm air as he helped me to walk back. I had to ask. "Great Uncle, while I was with the fever I must have needed this, ah ... facility ..." He broke in with a rather loud and embarrassing laugh. "The English term is privy or loo but don't trouble yourself with concern John." Pointing at the privy, I added; "Where I come from we call it the outhouse." He laughed again and said that it was a good name. "As I said earlier, Kel cares for you strongly. He took care of all your needs and happily so. It is his nature." Again, that odd choice of words. I had remembered it correctly but then they often used words in an odd sort of way. I chalked it up to their not being that accustomed to using English. On the matter at hand though, I was very grateful to the boy, a bit embarrassed but mostly, I was very impressed with his deep sense of ... not duty for I was not his responsibility. Perhaps it was just an inborn need to do the kind thing. In any event, I was very appreciative and would have to find some adequate way to show it. The walk back around was more difficult. I was quite weak. Once I almost slipped to the ground as my knees buckled. But, the man was true to his words; he may be old but he is strong. He kept me up and moving. "We must get you back to rest." We entered the room where Little Kel was still sound asleep. "I do not wish to wake him." "Do not worry. He is a good sleeper and he is proud to have you share his sleeping place." I stood at the edge of the bed and looked down on the boy. He had rolled to his other side and I saw a small bruise on his arm. I pointed to it. "Did I do this?" The old man looked concerned. "Yes but do not worry. It is small and will fade. He understands that you did not know. It was the fever." I was just prepared to lie back when he spoke again. "Kali will be coming to cook the evening meal. Let me have your pants so she can wash them. They are in need." "I have nothing else ... " He laughed again. "We do not wear clothes often. Mostly when strangers are visiting." He tugged at his shorts. "I am wearing these so as not to frighten you." And then he laughed quite happily at his humor and I joined in. I figured if Little Kel had tended to my bathroom needs while I was down with the fever then I had nothing left to hide. I slipped off my shorts and, holding them out with just two fingers and making a distasteful face, handed them to Old Kel. We both chuckled at my humor. "You rest with Little Kel now John." He turned and ambled from the room still giggling over the two fingered transfer of my pants. I lay down on my back and looked over at Kel. He looked so small and so young. I could not imagine his being nearly 14 or his taking care of me in the way Old Kel had said. I rolled part way onto my side, being careful of my left elbow. He was lying on his right front with his left arm and leg pulled up. The small bruise on his arm looked like it was already fading. I reached over and stroked it tenderly with the back of the fingers on my left hand. He stirred slightly and I pulled my hand back quickly. I was afraid that I had awakened him. It was more comfortable when I rolled back onto my back and I stared up at the rafters and the thatching. There was a soft sound of movement and then a small hand slipped into mine. It was followed by the faintest of whispers; "You must rest John Fuller." I sighed and closed my eyes. Part Two: A very good judge of people Chapter Three: I only do what my heart tells me to do The smell was unmistakable. I smelled roast chicken! My eyes popped open and there was the silliest giggle. It was Little Kel and he was standing next to the sleeping platform with a roast chicken leg in his hand, right under my nose. I couldn't help myself but just had to giggle too. As a first class medic, he was a prankster as well. "You rested very good John Fuller but now you must eat." He appeared to have rested well himself and regained his confident bedside manner. He pointed to the small chest of drawers. "Your shirt is there in a drawer but it is too warm. Here are your clean pants. I will help you with them." I sat up and he held them while I slipped each foot into place. Then he pulled them up to my knees and helped me to stand. As I leaned on his shoulder, he pulled them up the rest of the way being very respectful of my privates. As I was watching his careful efforts to avoid snagging my equipment in my shorts, my gaze slipped over to his own. It was clear that he was well into puberty. I realized that I felt much stronger after resting. So, when my shorts were neatly squared away I sat down again. Little Kel looked concerned and puzzled. It was time to express my thanks to him for all that he had done for me. I took his hands in mine and looked at him from head to toe. His legs were typical for most adolescent boys, slightly longer in proportion to the rest of him indicating some growth still to come. As I noted before, he was clearly well into puberty with a small thin patch of wispy black hair just above his penis. As you would suspect, he was not circumcised and looked to have reached nearly full size with full round but hairless testicles. He was a small boy and so his penis and testicles seemed large for him. However, for a boy his size he had a perfectly proportioned firm round buttocks. He still had some of the little boy belly on him, with a cute inny belly button and small dark brownish pink nipples on his smooth golden chest. As my gaze rose back up into his sweet eyes he smiled brightly and the cutest dimples appeared. There was a knowing twinkle of the imp in his eyes. Just as I met his gaze I realized that I was feeling the beginnings of arousal. That was something that I hadn't thought about since I had left New Zealand. And something I hadn't acted upon since the breakup with my boyfriend. The only memento of that failed relationship had been lost in the lagoon. As I maybe mentioned earlier, it was an old picture of the two of us with looks in our eyes that clearly showed the depth and nature of our relationship, even to the inexperienced. I mentally shook myself back to reality. "What can I do to thank you Kel for all that you have done for me? You saved my life, cared for my wounds and even ... well, kept me clean. You are a fine bo ... ah, young man." He blushed, deeply. "I only do what my heart tells me to do. You have no need to do anything in return. You being here is enough. Come, there is more food and someone to see you." He took me by the hand and led me out to the sitting area. Old Kel and another man got up from where they were sitting. The old man looked very pleased. "Look how well you walk now that you have rested under Little Kel's care." He said it with obvious warm pride in his Great Nephew. Then he introduced me to the man at his side. "John Fuller, this is Kamani (Ka mon knee) the village leader." The man was a strikingly handsome Polynesian man of middle age with every bit of the same dignity that Old Kel radiated. He stretched out his hand for me to shake and bade me welcome. "John Fuller? Welcome to Malaki Ni. We are glad that we have been able to help you. Little Kel's friend Kamiki has gathered many things from your boat. He has tried to dry them and keep the sand from them. When you are well enough he will come and take you to see what he has collected. We would be happy to have you visit the village soon as well." It seemed the gentleman had prepared this as a little welcoming speech. Clearly he took his role quite seriously. He continued. "As you have seen, Little Kel is a very special young man. We are very pleased to see that he has taken to you as he has. It is his nature and he says that it is your nature as well. We hope that you will be as kind and gentle with him as he has been with you. Now, I must go and let you have your evening meal which Kali has prepared so well, as she always does." With that, he said his good evenings, turned on his heal and strode off into the growing darkness of the dusk. I was quite taken aback. Besides our meeting just now and Kamani's greeting and invitation to visit the village, it seemed to me that something else had happened, something important. But, it was all somewhere over my head. Little Kel directed me to one of the rockers. Old Kel sat in the other and the boy ran to the cook house. I watched him go and looked back at Old Kel. "Great Uncle? He may be a man in years here in Malaki Ni but in my world he is still a boy. But, he is more than that too. He is ... well, as you say, he is special." The old man nodded. "You are taken with him then?" I laughed. "Who would not be. You must be very proud. His parents must have been too." He sighed. "Yes. They were very proud of Little Kel. He misses them very much. I think that is part of why he cares for you so much. It is something he could not do for his father." The look of sadness on his face was so out of place. But it passed as quickly as it had come. The boy ran back calling to us. "Kali will come with food for you John Fuller and for Great Uncle!" The old man and I exchanged glances and laughed. The boy had a way of brightening any place that he occupied. He ran over to the left side of my chair and stood beside me on the side where he could see his Great Uncle as well. "There is a chair there Kel. Why don't you sit and rest while you eat? You have worked so hard taking care of me. You deserve the rest." "Oh, I ate before you awoke. I was so hungry after such a long sleep. That chair is for Kali to sit." With that he leaned his naked body against my arm and shoulder and stretched his right arm across the back of my chair. I don't think I can adequately put into words how I interpreted his body language but, well, it was almost possessive. It is, I believe, a common stance that young boys will take-up when they are with an older boy or a man that they have strong feelings for. The heat of his young body began to warm me and I gave in to the feeling of being possessed by this very likable little imp. Presently Kali arrived with a large wooden tray, made from a driftwood board, full of various things to eat. Old Kel stood, as did I, and he introduced us. Dressed, I'm sure for my benefit, in what my Mom would have called a Moo-moo, she was every bit as delightful as every one else that I had so far met. Kind, gracious, friendly but above all, happy and with great dignity. I was beginning to understand that these were all very special people, not just the boy and his great uncle. Kali set the tray down on the table where there was already a large pitcher of fresh water and some wooden cups. Every type of food was on or in a beautifully carved plate or bowl. There was a large plate of chicken pieces laid out over the same green leaves that the roast pig had been on when I ate the first day. The chicken smelled wonderful. Then there was a bowl of some sort of rice. Another plate with what looked sort of like pita bread. Lastly, there was a bowl of an unknown fruit. Kali produced two small square-ish wooden plates and lined them with the leaves. Then she placed a piece of the bread on them with a piece of chicken on top of that and a small portion of rice on the side. She handed one to Old Kel and one to me. Then she served herself. There was no small talk, just slow contemplative chewing. The whole time Little Kel kept his spot leaning his warm little body against my arm. After a few bites of chicken Kali got up and brought over the platter of chicken. "Permit me John Fuller, you must eat more to get well." She put a large piece on my plate and a smaller one on Old Kel's. Then she sat back down. Her voice had the same affect on me as everyone else's. It was like hearing a sweet happy song played on little bells. That is the only way I can describe the sound. The food was very delicious and I complimented her on her cooking. "Kali, your cooking is every bit as good as my Mother's." The moment I finished speaking I felt Little Kel's hand start softly caressing my shoulder. A tingle went up my neck and down my spine. I turned my head and looked at him. He had the most pleased look on his face. I smiled at him and he broke out in the sweetest happy dimpled smile. Kali brought me back to reality, answering my compliment. "Thank you John Fuller. To say I cook like your Mama is very kind. There is plenty." "Thank you Kali but I must save some room for the fruit. What is it?" I was actually concerned that I not over do it but didn't want to worry them. She said a word I didn't catch and mentioned something about tall trees and monkeys, I think. "Little Kel can show you where it grows when you are stronger. He goes up to the falls to bathe sometimes. I think it is his special place. I am sure he will want to show it to you soon." "Let him be Kali," Great Uncle said. "Can't you see he is tired and has slowed his eating?" It was the first and closest thing to a rebuke that I had heard since washing up on the beach. But Kali just smiled and went back to eating her food. Little Kel continued to softly stroke my shoulder and press his chest and stomach against my left arm. I held the plate with my left hand and ate with my right. When I turned a little to speak to him my left arm brushed something firm and warm. He moved back a bit so I couldn't see and looked embarrassed. I quickly turned back and continued eating while I thought about what had just happened. The boy didn't return to his position against my arm but he did keep his hand on my shoulder, though without stroking it. I decided that the boy suffered from the same spontaneous problem that all pubescent boys endure. Most times happily. Sometimes, like now, with embarrassment. When I was finished, Kali collected my plate and passed me the fruit bowl. I took two pieces and took a tentative bite of one. It was warm and sweet and very very juicy. It was really quite good but having been sick, I didn't want to risk a problem with diarrhea. Something I occasionally get when I have too much fruit. Then she handed me a cup of water. It was interesting that they didn't seem to drink while they ate. Finally, she gathered up all the things onto the tray and asked Little Kel to help carry it all back to the cook house. I stretched. "Great Uncle, she is a very good cook." "Yes, she is and has been a big help to us since Little Kel lost his parents. Did he explain?" I wasn't sure which he meant. "You mean about Kali helping? Yes, he did. He explained that she does woman things for you and you do man things for her." I smiled rather awkwardly as Old Kel burst into laughter. "Little Kel does not understand how those words might be heard. He does not yet know all of the ways of men and women." It was too much for me as well and I joined him in his laughing. "As you say Great Uncle, he is a man in some ways but not in others. But, he is a good boy ... er, young man." Old Kel's laughter burst out again at my stumble. "Calling him a boy is all right if you wish. He wont mind. There is not much that you could do to change what he feels for you." Again, there was a reference here that was somehow over my head. Something I was missing. Could he have fixated on me somehow as a father? Was it because I came out of the sea that took his father? I changed the subject. "Do you think that Little Kel's friend ... what was his name? ... Kamiki? Do you think Kamiki could show me tomorrow what he has salvaged of my boat?" He looked thoughtful. "I think that you will be strong enough tomorrow. I will have Little Kel run to Kamiki's house now and arrange it." He called the boy. The boy came running back from the cook house. "Yes, Great Uncle. Is something wrong?" "No, no my great nephew." The old man was still smiling over our good laugh. "I want you to go to Kamiki's house and ask him if he can take John Fuller tomorrow to the beach where he has piled the things from the boat." This excited the boy and he set off at a dead run yelling back; "We will have a great day tomorrow John Fuller!" Great Uncle rose to his feet and stretched. I heard his back creek and then he yawned loudly. "Kali?" He shouted. "We are tired and must rest. Thank you for our supper." "Yes, Kali." I chimed in. "Thank you for a feast!" I rose as well and found that I was indeed gaining strength. But, the food had made me sleepy and I yawned as well. "John Fuller." He chuckled some more. "If Little Kel saw that yawn he would tell you to go and rest." "I think I will go then. Where should I go?" I didn't want to put Little Kel out anymore. "Where?" The old man looked confused. "Where you slept before." "But that is his bed. I'm sure he would like it back." "No John Fuller, it is your bed as well. He wants to share it with you." He again chuckled. "I'm sure you would not enjoy sharing mine as much as Little Kel's and there are only the two beds. Now go and get a good rest. As he says, it will be a great day tomorrow." I yawned again. "Thank you Great Uncle. I will be asleep before I lay my head down." "I will send Little Kel in as soon as he gets back. I hope you rest well." With that he strode into his side of the house with another chuckle. There was a cool breeze and I knew that I would sleep well. I slipped off my shorts and climbed onto the sleeping platform. It was cool enough already for the cover and I pulled it up. My hands, knees and right elbow were healing very quickly in this beautiful climate. My left elbow was as well but as it had been cut worse, it was still sore and quite stiff. So, I lay down staying on my back. I began to wonder what Kamiki had found from Adonis. Even if I found a working cell phone, it was certain there was no tower anywhere near here. But, if there was a working EPIRB ... there was nothing to be accomplished by thinking this now. I closed my eyes and let sleep overtake me. Part Two: A very good judge of people Chapter Four: Hell, they'd probably slit my throat and throw me to the sharks The warm peace of sleep was just creeping up in my mind as I heard a few murmured words from outside the door and then the soft padding of little feet. I kept my eyes closed as Little Kel climbed onto the sleeping platform, lifted the cover and lay down beneath it. He lay there while his breath slowed. I guessed that he had run back from Kamiki's. Finally, when his breathing was quiet, he carefully, so as not to wake me, rolled onto his right side. Though it was pitch dark and my eyes were closed, I could almost feel him looking at me. After a few minutes I felt the cover move and then his hand gently rested on my arm. There was a soft sigh, then quiet and I slept. When I awoke a few hours later Little Kel was snuggled up to my side with his arm across my chest, his head resting on my shoulder and my arm around him. He was sound asleep. I could smell him. He smelled of smoke and roast chicken, of the woods and the sea but mostly he smelled like a boy. A boy who needed a bath. It was not as bad as it sounds though. I kind of liked it. I could not help myself and let out a small chuckle at the thought. He awoke. He did not pull away or act embarrassed or concerned at our close contact. It was as if he wasn't surprised by it. I suspected that he had spent some time slipping into this embrace. He whispered. "You have a lot of fur John Fuller. It is nice." And he slowly ran his fingers through the hair on my chest. My need to take a leak was what had awakened me but now my penis was beginning to have other ideas. He sighed and continued to run his fingers over my hairy chest. Then I noticed a warm stirring down low against my side and I realized that he was getting an erection. My pulsed raced and I tensed up. "What is it?" He asked with concern. "I must go out back and relieve myself. Go back to sleep Kel." I tried not to let my surprise come through in my voice. He sat up. "It is very dark. I will help you." I knew that he was right and I allowed him to guide me to the outhouse. He waited outside and then took his turn before walking back with me. When we got to the sitting area outside the door I stopped. "Go on back to sleep Kel." I wanted to think and in bed with Kel was not the place. "I would like to sit out here for a while." "I will sit with you." I was persistent. "Thank you Kel but I need to be alone for a few minutes to think." For the first time since I saw him look over the fallen palm tree, I saw the happiness drain out of his eyes. I held my hand to his cheek and smiled at him. "I will be all right." I kissed his forehead. He went inside with his shoulders slumping and I sat down in one of the rockers. "What is going on here?" I asked myself. "Has this boy chosen me to replace his father because I came out of the sea? Or is he gay and coming on to me?" I shook my head in utter confusion but my gut told me it was a combination but mainly the latter. I have never been with someone that young. Oh, when I was a boy myself. Yes, I had. But since sometime in college, I haven't been with anyone even as young as 18. At home I would go to jail. Here? Hell, they'd probably slit my throat and throw me to the sharks. I'm crazy if I let this continue. I sat in the cool night air and rocked slowly just thinking. These people have been very kind to me. How could I betray that kindness by taking advantage of a young boy's loneliness and innocence? Tomorrow I will see what they have been able to salvage from Adonis. I will also go to the village and seek out Kamani, the village leader, and Maki, the healer and also spiritual leader, who came with medicine to help me. I will ask them for their help in getting home. I will ask them, as well, for their advice on what I can do for everyone who helped me and particularly for Kel and Great Uncle. It must have been 20 minutes that I quietly rocked and thought. Then I heard someone behind me and looked up to see Old Kel. "You cannot sleep John?" I didn't want to tell him what was on my mind about Little kel so I was evasive. "I guess I slept too much during the day." He was a wise old man and he wouldn't let it go. "There is something troubling you. Can I help?" I decided maybe part of the problem would suffice. "Great Uncle? I am concerned that Little Kel is growing too attached to me. I will go home as soon as I am found. I wonder if the boy thinks that since I came out of the sea like his father was lost in the sea, that I might ... well, do you see what I'm saying?" His eyes focused off across the yard as he thought. When he spoke it was with deep caring for his great nephew. "You are wise to wonder about such things John. There probably is much truth in what you say. He is a very lonely boy. Lonely because he needs a man to care for him. His father is gone and you are here. Let me go in to speak with him." He got up and as he passed behind my chair he gave me a reassuring pat on my shoulder. I heard them talking but it was in their language. Even so, I could sense the gentleness in the old man's tone with the boy. Then he came out again. "The boy will be all right. He understands that you need time to think. But, he needs to know that you are all right. Go in to bed so he can see that you are all right. Get your rest." "Thank you Great Uncle. Sleep well." "And you John Fuller." It was difficult to go back. I was afraid he might want to sleep in my arms like before. I was afraid that I wanted him to. And, I was afraid, as well, that he wouldn't want to. I was so confused by my mixed feelings but I knew I didn't want any trouble. Most of all, I didn't want the boy to be hurt. He was lying on his left side with his back to me. I climbed into bed and sighed as I lay down on my back still being careful of my left elbow. "Are you all right John Fuller?" He spoke. "Yes. Thank you Kel. Are you?" He rolled onto his back. "Yes. Thank you John. Now, you still need your rest." I chuckled and he chuckled back. "John?" "Yes Kel?" "May I hold your hand until I go to sleep?" He was still a boy. As hard as he tried to be the man that his age said he was, he was still a boy. I took his cool soft hand in mine and we drifted off to sleep. Next, Part Three: On Malaki Ni, Little Kel is a man Characters: Malaki Ni (Mal ah key Knee) - Village and Island name meaning White Reef Kel or Little Kel - the boy Old Kel - the boy's Great Uncle, widower Kali (Cal ee) - an old widow woman, Old Kel's friend Leni (Leh Nye) - a villager, Kam's pregnant wife and Kamiki's mother Kam (Cam) - a villager, Leni's husband Kamiki (Cam ee kye) - Kam's son and Kel's friend Lani (La knee) - Leni's daughter Kamani (Ka mon knee) - Village Leader Maki (Mac eye) - Healer and Spiritual Leader Maliki (Mal ee kye) and Miki (My key) - Male couple Alani (Ah la knee) and Kiliki (Key lee key) - Female couple