Kal, Male, 36

	- Narrator, disaster survivor and castaway

	- 6'1, 190lbs, straight, shoulder-length dark-brown hair

Bailey, Female, 13

	- Disaster survivor and castaway

	- 5'3, 115lbs, golden-brown tanned skin, shoulder-length light yellow-brown sun-streaked hair

Keekah, Female, 14

	- daughter of Manu, sister of Hakee and Mie, cousin of Poln

	- 5'4, 130lbs, mocha-brown skin, waist-length mostly-straight black hair

Gale, Female, 42

	- Survivor on Isla Gale

	- 5'5, 130lbs, dark tanned skin, waist-length dark reddish-brown hair

Manu, Female, 31

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, mother of Keekah, Hakee, and Mie, aunt of Poln

	- 5'5, 150lbs, mocha-brown skin, butt-length straight black hair

Hakee, Female, 17
 
	- Survivor from Hahonoko, daughter of Manu, sister of Keekah and Mie, cousin of Poln

	- 5'9, 150lbs, mocha-brown skin, butt-length straight black hair

Mie, Female, 11

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, daughter of Manu, sister of Keekah and Hakee, cousin of Poln

	- 4'7, 85lbs, mocha-brown skin, shoulder-length wavy black hair

Poln, Male, 10

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, nephew of Manu, cousin of Keekah, Hakee, and Mie

	- 4'7, 100lbs, mocha-brown skin, short, wavy dark-brown hair

Hona, Female, 28

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, friend of Manu

	- 5'2, 155lbs, dark-brown skin, shoulder-length wavy dark-brown hair

Tok, Male, 34

	- Survivor from Hahonoko, friend of Manu

	- 6'3, 205lbs, brown skin, shoulder-length wavy dark-brown hair

Amy, Female, 15

	- Stowaway from California

	- 5'6, 115lbs, pale skin, shoulder-length straight black hair

Throughout the night I woke from time to time. At some point I turned over and held Amy to me. I wanted her to feel my love even if she wasn't awake. I hated hurting her, hated that in my desire for Hakee I'd forgotten to ensure Amy was comfortable. I'd gotten so used to testing Bailey's mood, and accepting that Keekah drew no lines that she made me aware of, that I never considered Amy's feelings. I thought that the multiple relationships I maintained always meant there was room for more.

Amy liked being my new girlfriend, me her new boyfriend. And I intended to let her know I liked that, too. Through the night, I touched her, kissed her skin, was careful not to wake her. I heard the wind pick up and move around to blow from the East, sending sheets of rain against our boat. It made a nice soundscape as my fifteen-year old lover sighed in her sleep to my touches.

I woke to Bailey's hands reaching over Keekah to stroke my face. I blinked awake, on my back, smiled at her and saw in her eyes her love. She'd been so good to me, accepted so much about our relationship, taken in my thoughts on polyamory and found that she enjoyed sharing others as much as I did.

I stroked her face and let my hand trail down to her stomach, circling it, wondered when I would notice her belly grow. Amy stirred then, leaned in for a long kiss, a sleepy smile on her face. She rose quietly and kissed Bailey lovingly. Keekah's eyes worked open, and we all shared our lips with her.

Amy said, “I slept great last night... feel really refreshed. Think I'll see if the fire needs rousing. Lots to do today.” She helped Keekah rise and the two left Bailey and I alone in the cabin.

My young wife settled into my arms and we talked. She said, “Amy ok? I think she was mad about Hakee, then you talked to her and she seemed ok.”

“Yeah, she's jealous. I never thought to talk to her like I do you... about the boundaries... I should have. I apologized. She deserves every respect I give you and Keekah.”

“She does... that's only fair. I didn't see it, either, I should have. So what will you do about Hakee.”

I exhaled and thought a moment. “I'll just have to tell her how things are. Amy is really enjoying being my 'new girlfriend,' and I don't think there's room right now for Hakee. Not really sure how to say that, I guess, especially since I'll need Gale or Keekah to translate for me.”

Bailey kissed my forehead, said, “I love you, Kal. I know you'll do the best thing for everyone. Come. Let's go bathe and find some food.”

The day set out to be a big one. We expected to have the tree garden complete, and planned to spend at least a couple of days together as a group, bringing back what wood we could carry from the site, relaxing often. Even Keekah was feeling able to move enough to come with us that day.

After sharing a bath with Bailey, we joined the others to eat breakfast and carry the next-to-last load of trees to the site. I had no chance to talk to Hakee during the morning, but she cast eyes in my direction several times, looked at me for attention that I didn't return. I felt horrible. It was a tough spot to be in, and one I created myself.

Bailey, Amy, Manu, and I returned twice to the camp to get the last two trees, carrying stretchers full of cut wood to the camp. Early afternoon saw the last tree rise erect and tall, just as the light rain finally tapered off and stopped. The sun never quite broke through the thin clouds, but the day warmed a bit just before mid-afternoon set in.

I took opportunities to hold hands with Amy, talked to her quietly, play edwith her by telling jokes, letting her smack my ass, stealing kisses whenever I could. It really melted her again, and I felt like she came back to where we'd been before Hakee. I did the same with Bailey, really, holding hands, kissing, holding her in slow moments. Hakee looked at me longingly, a mild hurt on her face, as she watched me with Amy and Bailey. It tore at me to not respond to her.

It wasn't easy to balance, but I would never complain, despite the situation with Hakee. I was surrounded by smart women who wanted my attention, and deserved to have it. I made sure Amy and Bailey knew how special I felt that they showed me such an amazing desire for my love and my company, and I longed to do the same for Hakee.

We talked during rests about Bailey's pregnancy. Amy asked, “thinking names, yet?”

Bailey shook her head, said, “nah. We don't want to decide yet. We won't know the sex til it's born, so why bother picking names?”

Amy replied, “I dunno, I think I'd want to pick a boy name and a girl name, that way, you'd know what to call them.”

Bailey eyed me a moment, “not yet, I think. Let's let me get into this a ways first... you know...”

I nodded and held my hand on her stomach, said, “can't wait, Kitten. Can't wait. You'll be growing bigger in a few weeks, can't wait to see that on you. Pregnant women are very sexy.”

She laughed, said, “that's our perv, even finds the preggers sexy.”

“Seriously. Something about it. Very sexy.”

“I dunno. I always thought they looked gross... guess I'll see what you do when I get all big and gross.”

We made a few trips to the site and back to camp carrying the rest of the wood while Hona led Mie, Poln, and Hakee in packing down the tree bases and ensuring we'd caught all the spots of rust on the trunks. Late afternoon had the group feeling tired but very satisfied by our hard work.

I had the chance to talk to Gale privately and I needed her advice. I explained the situation with Amy and Hakee, and how I thought I should handle the beautiful, giggling seventeen-year old. She thought a moment before responding. “I wondered when we might run into this, and I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier. First, you and Amy ok?”

“Yeah, great. We talked it out and I could feel her back to normal today. I won't let that happen again.”

“Then that leaves Hakee and how to talk to her. Hmmm... Kal, accept that she's going to be hurt... disappointed... so just say the truth. I'll help you by translating, try to soften it for her, you know?”

“I feel like a dick, Gale. Really, I feel like a dick. She's a pretty girl who just wants my attention. I enjoyed being with her but she deserves more than I can give her right now. I feel like a dick.”

“Don't. Well, do, I guess, if it keeps you from hurting Amy or Hakee more than you have to. Tell you what. I know Tok thinks she's pretty. He says she's more like a daughter to him, so he's resisted being attracted to her... Not suggesting to replace you, but he and I are in a good place, maybe she might enjoy his company, too.”

“That feels all wrong, Gale. I mean, it was me she wanted. If she wanted to spend time with Tok, why didn't she?”

“Because, unlike you, he doesn't smile at her batting eyes, or move closer when she giggles. If he had, do you doubt she would have come closer herself?”

“No, you're right. You're right. I take the responsibility for this, I know I caused it by letting those things make me want to kiss her, and more. I guess I'm addicted to playful young women.”

“And not so young, I've seen you watching my ass when I walk away.”

“Too true... say, walk away and come back so I can do that again.”

She laughed and gave me a few steps, jiggling her butt cheeks before leaning into me for a kiss.

I said, “Ok... talk to Tok, see what he thinks. Don't just throw it out there when we talk to her, it should be a separate thing, but at least feel him out for his attraction for her.”

“I will.”

“Tonight. I want to talk to her tonight.”

We ate together around the fire, and I tried not to notice that Hakee looked at me regularly with questioning eyes. I avoided her, mostly, maybe smiled her way once or twice but tried not to encourage anything further. Amy seemed not to notice Hakee's attention to me, and we enjoyed a warm meal of snails, mushrooms, and more of the cherry-plums crushed into a bit of flour and cinnamon, then fried in coconut oil.

Hakee left the fire after a bit and disappeared in her hut. Gale looked at me as if to ask if this was a good time for our talk. I nodded, spoke softly to Amy and Bailey, told them, “I'm going to go talk to Hakee with Gale. Be back soon.” I kissed them and entered the shelter.

Hakee and Keekah were there, and as Gale fell in behind me, they both turned to me. Keekah grinned, Hakee's face tightened. I sat next to Gale, wondered if we should ask Keekah to leave. Gale shook her head when I asked. I started, “Hakee, sweet woman, you are a treasure that any man would be happy to discover.” I groaned to myself at how stupid I sounded. “I am a lucky man, to have been with you, enjoyed you while you enjoyed me. I will treasure that always.”

I paused to let Gale translate and look at me again. “Right now... my life is one pulled in many directions, all of them I treasure as well. My wife Bailey, your dear sister Keekah, and my new companion Amy. All sweet women that I love dearly.”

Gale finished, paused, let me continue, “I think you are wonderful, and maybe someday, I can be pulled in your direction again. Right now... Please don't cry.”

Hakee's tears were streaming and her face reddened. Keekah hugged her, watched me as I spoke. “Hakee, I promise you I never meant to hurt you or lead you on. I think I can love you, you are very easy to love, but right now... I have to grow my relationships with Bailey, and Keekah, and Amy.”

I hated what I said, hated what it sounded like to say it, hated that Gale had to find a way to soften it and expected she did her best. I felt like a real dick. I'd led her on, not knowing it would come to this, but responsible for encouraging her to seek me out and enjoy moments with me. I'd taken her virginity. Here I was, telling her I couldn't be with her, and it hurt her. I felt sick.

I grew silent while she sobbed into Keekah's chest. Gale looked sad, too.

Keekah spoke quietly to her a moment, her words soft, though I didn't understand the meaning. She went on and on, and Hakee's tears began to dry, her face brightened a bit. She sobbed less and less, finally leaning straight and wiping her eyes. She said something, finally, and Gale told me, “she says 'ok'. She knows you have Bailey, Keekah, and Amy. She wants to be with you, hoped there was rom for her, even just a little, but she understands now. She will stop teasing you.”

“Teasing me? Oh, sweet Hakee. No, I am so sorry for leading you on. You did nothing wrong, no, nothing wrong. I am to blame. I am responsible. You showed me affection and I encouraged you to continue.”

When she heard me, she gave me a weak smile, said through Gale, “One day, then. One day, maybe you will have room for me, too.”

I felt like it was the best it could have ended. I still felt like an asshole, and I hated to see the young woman cry and hurt. Gale rose and took my hand, and Keekah hobbled out after me. Amy and Bailey looked up from where they talked together around the fire, and their eyes stared as the three of us talked quietly.

Gale asked, “what did you say to your sister?”

“I remind her about our village. How many share others. How they can only share with so many. I tell about first time I see Kowl, want him for me. He with Bailey. She his. I tell her it take time before Kowl with me. That I knew Bailey was first, pri-merry. That I was second. I accept that and love him. Take his love when he give it. He give me enough. More than enough. I told her that Amy the same. New. Kowl need make her ok first. Later, maybe he find room to love her. Now, she need wait. Kowl love her, I say, I know this. In his way.”

I nodded and continued to feel bad for Hakee. Keekah frowned and motioned me to hold her. I did, hugged her, tried not to knock her off balance. She said to me, “No worry, Kowl. She ok. She just lonely. Hona not had time much lately. Not time much. Hakee lonely. I try, but she need someone who love her, not just want her body. Hona love her, in her way. She love her, but not love her way she want. She ok. She be ok. I stay with her this night.”

She held me as tight as she could, kissed my cheek. I felt like a child being comforted by a sympathetic parent. She kissed my other cheek, then went back into the shelter with Hakee.

Gale took my hand, promised to talk to Tok about her, see if he might want to explore a relationship with the young woman.

Everyone else away in bed, I slunk to the fire and sat with Bailey and Amy. I was quiet a moment before Bailey took my hand, asked, “everything ok, Kal?”

“Yeah, I guess it is ok. She... she understands now, she understands.”

Amy looked concerned, sat on my lap sideways, put her arm around me. “She ok? I could try to talk to her...”

“She's ok. Feel free to talk to her, but she's accepted that she isn't my girlfriend like she wants. She just needs some time.”

“Ok.” Amy looked down, said with a small voice, “sorry, Kal. I never meant to cause a problem...”

“No, Sweetie, no. You did nothing wrong. You can't help how you feel, and you were honest with me about it. You did the right thing. I've learned my mistake, and I won't hurt you or her again. It will be ok. I promise. We'll all work on it, ok?”

“Ok.” I kissed her and pulled Bailey in close, kissed the thirteen-year old as well. They pulled me to bed and I somehow managed to swallow my emotions and fall asleep.

- - -

I woke in the night to feel Amy's lips on my cock. It felt wonderful to harden in her mouth. Bailey was stroking my hair and touching my face. She kissed me, and for a while, the two of them made me forget my guilt of the previous day. Amy sucked me softly, using her fingers to hold the base of my penis as she moved her lips up and down.

It took only moments to feel my cum bubbling up, filled her mouth quickly. She swallowed as she sucked, let me finish against her tongue. She made no sound as her mouth pulled off my penis and she joined lips with Bailey, letting my young wife taste my seed on Amy's lips. The two kissed just a moment before settling on either side of me.

They fell asleep again before I did. I stared blankly the dark room, felt guilt all over. I'd been the one to screw up with Amy, yet she was the one that wanted to give me pleasure so I'd feel better. It worked for a few minutes, until I came in her mouth, then my guilt for the pain I'd caused Hakee washed over me and kept me up much of the night.