When Mike had returned, he found that Lily had gone off to take a nap. While she slept, he cleaned and prepared his snake over the fire. He sliced some pineapple, and stewed some papayas in a pot of boiling water. He stuck the necklace in his pocket. When Lily awoke, she was surprised to find dinner already made.
"Happy birthday, Lily," Mike said as he kissed her on the cheek.
"Oh, this looks wonderful," Lily said as she admired the food on the clay plates.
"Eat up, there is plenty," Mike said. Lily took a bite of her meat and she pondered the strange taste.
"What is this?" Lily asked.
"Take a guess," Mike said with a smile.
"Well, it's sweet like crab or lobster, but I know it's not any of those. Is it turtle?" She asked.
"Nope," Mike replied.
"It's not a poor defenseless bird I hope," Lily said concerned.
"No," Mike said with a sigh.
"Well, what is it?" Lily asked.
"It's snake," Mike said calmly, just as if he had told her it was hamburger.
"Snake!" Lily screamed as she tossed the plate off her lap.
"Oh Lily, it's dead for heavens sake. We don't have very many choices around here," Mike said.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything. It's just if you had told me four months ago that I would be eating snake, I would have thought you were crazy," Lily said with a laugh.
"Four months ago you thought I was a pest too. I hope that has changed," Mike said.
"It has, and I'm sorry I was so rotten to you and your friends. To be honest, I thought you were quite cute when you sang to me. If I had tried to talk to you, Derreck would have really let me have it. My parent's would have thought I lost my mind if I had associated with you. Well, they're not here now. I almost feel guilty because I don't miss them as much as I think I should," Lily said.
"Are you saying you're content here?" Mike asked.
"In a way, yes. I don't have any pressure on me. I have no one to live up to and no standards to meet. Most of all, I don't ever have to be Derreck's wife," Lily said.
"Then why did you ever agree to marry him?" Mike asked.
"I use to love him, but then I became distant when he became jealous and possesive. My stomach churned ever time he kissed me. I stayed engaged because my parents were so set on me marrying him. I would always have the good life, or their version of it," Lily said with a tear.
"I have something for you," Mike said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace. "Happy birthday my sweet Lily." He placed the beads around her neck and very gently kissed her on the lips.
"Thank you Mike. I think this just might be the best birthday present I've ever gotten," Lily said, as she returned his kiss.
"Don't you worry, Lily," Mike said as he lifted her chin and looked into her eyes, "even if we do get back home, you'll never have to marry Derreck. I swear I'll protect you from him."
"I'm sure you will. You look like you don't take nothing off of nobody," Lily said with a giggle.
"No, I truly don't. Besides, I ain't giving you up to nobody. I love you, and now I know how it feels to be really rich," Mike said, as he kissed her one more time.