Chapter 2

No Hope

When Max awoke he found him and the others safe on stable ground. While lying there Max thought he might as well be dead being so he didn’t have a clue where they where. He slowly got up and looked around at the strange sights. He turned to the others who where just getting up from the terrible night, drifts of broken wood from the boat came in from the tides that washed them ashore. Max reached out and hugged his dad as he got up. Everyone was alright, for now that is, who knew what lay within the island’s woods.

Pete yelled as he gartered himself up once more, “WHY ME!” he kept yelling.

Peg chided him, “There’s no use in yelling. We’re stuck here. We might as well make the best of it.”

Pistol ran close to Peg as the wind blew. Max thought how could anyone make that best of this? This was bad turning into worst right before they’re very eyes. He helped PJ and Bobby up from the sand as they all took a look around at their strange new home.

“I hungry!” Pistol complained, being use to her morning breakfast time.

They all turned to one another, all asking one another “what now?”. Max was so worried he didn’t even really think of the hunger that was building up inside him. Bobby grabbed a stick and went towards the tide and saw a fish, in deploration he jammed the stick in the water in hop to catch a fish. Max sighed as Pete through his hands up in the air, “That’s it where all gonna die!”

Max didn’t want to think that, but it seemed he had no choice, no food, no shelter, no telling where they where, he had to face it, Pete was right. Max looked around for his dad who had seemed to have gone off. He was happy when he spotted him on a nearby bluff. Max walked towards Goofy slowly who was sitting with his head in his hands. Max reached out and touched him on the shoulder to comfort him. Goofy looked up at him with tears in his eyes. Max sighed “There’s no hope, is there?” he said looking into his dad’s eyes. Goofy shook his head, “No” he answered, “Doesn’t look that way.”

Max looked out to the water and knew he’d rather be any place then here, then where they were, even if that meet going back to his boring, old home in Spoonerville. At this point any place would be better than here.

Chapter 3

Food and a Fire

After a few minutes of grief they both went back down and joined the others who where still trying to catch a fish, jabbing the sticks in the water and pulling them out only to find them bare. Max grabbed a stick and took out his knife which was still wet from the storm and carved a nice fine point at the end and jabbed the stick in the water in hope to catch a fish.

They went on like this for a few hours, Max feed up with this method finally threw the stick aside and drove into the water and grabbed a fish. Everyone stopped jabbing and looked at him, with his hair pasted against his forehead, his clothes now drenched in wet which clung ageist his slim body the fish still trying to wiggle lose in his hands. They all began to laugh and praise him as Pete then tried to start a fire to cook the fish. Here we go again Max thought, we got food, now how are we going to cook it?

Pete grumbled as he tried to rube two sticks together in hopes to cause a spark. Goofy joined him in hope to get some sort of heat to cook the fish, which now lay dead on land. Max walked along the shore with PJ and Bobby picking up sorts of driftwood that washed up by the tides that rolled in.

“I know the first thing I’m gonna do if I ever get off this island,” Bobby said throwing aside a rock.

“What?” Max asked curious to know.

“I’m going to a nice little restante where they serve cheese and order a couple of cheese burgers with a side of chilli cheese fries,” he grinned.

PJ smiled, “I think that’s just your stomach talking Bobby.”

They all began to laugh as they walked back with the driftwood back to the place where Pete and Goofy where giving up on ever getting a fire going. They sat the driftwood down next to Pistol who was playing with an old magnifying glass that Peg gave her to make her stop thinking about her huger. Max turned to Goofy who looked at him with no luck in his eyes. Max sat down with PJ and Bobby, who where talking about food which was making him realize just how hungry he was. Pete threw the sticks down and walked away stomping his feet while Peg ran over to comfort him. Goofy sat down next to Max trying to think, the sun beating down upon they’re heads. They could always eat fish raw? But the thoughts of food poisoning crossed his mind from science class. He looked over towards Pistol who now had her magnifying glass over a piece of driftwood they brought in just a few minutes ago.

PJ shook his head, “What is she doing?”

Suddenly steam started to rise up from the driftwood and suddenly a fire arose from the driftwood, Pistol jumped up and ran around as the fire grew stronger. “Looky! Looky!” Pistol screamed admiring the flames. Soon everyone jumped up and praised her accomplishment as Pete placed the fish carefully over the fire.

Thought this meet they would have to keep on feeding the fire to last til nighttime, it was just good right now to have food.

Chapter 4

A New Home On The Island

That night as they all sat around the fire sung and warm, Pete announced that they’d try to see what was left of his boat, he figured since they all got washed up ashore that it couldn’t be too far from where they where.

“Well have to build shelter,” Peg added as she tossed another piece of driftwood into the fire.

The thought had never came to Max, shelter. Though it was nice to be under the stars they would have to have a place for those unexpected rains, which occur quite unexpectedly on islands. He went closer to Goofy who was almost sound asleep from the long day they encountered.

That night all was silent as Max heard the sound of far off winds that blown through the trees. He prayed that it wouldn’t rain until they got they’re shelter built. But he had also heard of unanswered prayers as well. Max didn’t know what was in store for them these next few days, but it couldn’t be good. Soon Max fell fast asleep under the stars.

Chapter 5

All Gone

Max got up early that morning, even before the sun. He looked around and sighed realizing this wasn’t a dream, thought he wished it was. He got up and looked around once more. Today was the day that they went out to search for Pete’s boat, or more less what was left of Pete’s boat. The sun began to shine and soon the others arose from they’re sleeping place. Pete was his same cheerful self as he was any of these mornings, “Why do we have to go out to the stupid sea to look for my beautiful smashed, haven’t even payed for it yet boat...” he mumbled as he got up.

Goofy, Max and the others began to build the boat as Pete went along the shore looking to see which way they’d set out. When it was finally finished they stood back in wonder, wondering what would become of them out in the dangerous sea. All the boys jumped on the raft ready for adventure, Goofy came in next, Pistol tried to tag along to but Peg made her stay behind, “Rafting is no thing for a young lady to be doing,” Peg told her as she turned to Pete.

“What about you?” Pete asked Peg. “Who’s going to watch out for you two girls while we’re gone.”

“I’ll stay!” Bobby said at once trying to get out of work.

Peg sighed, “No, that’s fine. Go on, you’ll need all the help you can get. Well be fine Dimple Buns.”

“If your sure...” Pete said..

Pete kissed his wife and daughter before he entered the raft. As Max smiled as he watched them. He wondered what it must feel to be in love like that. As thoughts pondered his mind the raft began to drift into the sea. Who knows what will await them?

Max was enjoying the nice cool breeze when suddenly he heard everyone begin to shout about. Max opened his eyes, and there before him he saw the boat, though it didn’t look to much like a boat it was a boat. They entered near the rock and tied the raft to the boat as they all carefully got out and looked at something that was once great all gone to ruin.

Max sighed, “I can’t believe it.”

“It looks like a hot dog,” Bobby commended looking at it’s structure.

Pete began to cry as Goofy ran over to comfort him, “Gone!” Pete cried. “Everything gone!”

PJ went over to his dad, “It’s okay dad... we won’t need a boat anymore.”

Pete gave PJ a look that made PJ go back towards Max and Bobby and took another look at the boat in ruin. “Well...” he started. “We better get to work.”

They all began to work grabbing straps of wood, clothing that was still good, and a few utensils from the boat that could still be used. Once they where finished they began to head back towards the island. There they all where with everything they would need to start they’re new lives, this wasn’t going to be easy.

Chapter 6

Tiger Eyes

While the men were coming back from their mission, Peg and Pistol were sitting quietly eating ripe bananas they found nearby. The island was quiet that day, and the waves where peaceful. Peg smiled as she watched Pistol chase a monkey coming down from a nearby tree. It would go one way and she’d go another. Everything was peaceful and good.

“Mom,” Pistol said coming back after being defeated be the monkey. “When is daddy and the others coming back?”

Peg smiled, “Very soon Pistol, very soon.”

Pistol smiled at her mother, “You know just about everything, don’t you mom?”

Peg smiled and began to laugh, “I don’t know about that Pistol.”

As they enjoyed the sun they suddenly hear a noise coming out from the bushes, it sounded like a low growl. Peg kept Pistol close as the growl seem to become louder, and suddenly turned into a roar. Two, big green eyes popped out among the bushes along with a strong powerful body covered with dark long strips from head to tail.

“Big kitty!” Pistol cried as her eyes looked at the tiger with fear.

The tiger slowly drew nearer to them, their hearts pounding so hard that they could feel their pulse within their throats which grew more rapid. Peg knew that there was nothing she could do to scare it off, she couldn’t scream for there was no one there to answer. Suddenly she wished she would of went with the men and boys where it was safe.

“GET BACK!” Peg screamed. But the tiger wouldn’t let it’s eyes off them, it only drew closer with it’s big green eyes darting like sharp knifes into their souls.

Pistol threw a rock hitting the tiger, but it only made it more angry, it’s roar becoming more deep and powerful.

Well Peg became more determined, she wouldn’t let this old tiger push her around, “OKAY! BUSTER! YOU GO BACK!” The tiger growled but she just continued screaming, “GO BACK! GO BACK!” Peg kept on screaming, her loud voice hurting the tiger’s sensitive ears and drawing it back into the cover of the island. Defeated the tiger gave one last roar and went back to its home.

Pistol hugged her mother, “You sure showed him mom!”

Peg smiled, “I had experience.”

Chapter 7

Coco and the Tree House

When the men all returned Pistol told about how Peg scared off the big tiger and how she chased a monkey around. Goofy looked at Peg with big eyes, “Wow!” he said turning to Pete, “You got yourself quite some woman there Petey.”

Pete smiles as he starts to unload the cargo with the boys. Max was actually happy to be on the safely on the island once more asa he gathered the cargo and placed it on the sandy beach. Goofy helped in take the heavy things out that he couldn’t do alone.

“So Pete, where is our new house gonna be built?” Max asked in wonder.

Pete shrugged, “Beats me.” he turns to Peg.

“Anywhere as long as there are no tigers!” she said still shaken up a little.

They all began to laugh, even Peg. So there home would have to be tiger proof, but what else?

“It should have plenty of room,” Bobby said. “Cause even though I like ya all, I need my space!”

The all agreed with that one, especially Max who couldn’t count the times that Goofy had peeked in his room unaware.

“I think it should be in a tree!” Pistol cried.

They all laughed a little at her childish fancy. Who would live in a tree house? Though it might not be so bad, there wouldn’t be as many intruders. Though he doubt that they would find a regular house burglar in this island. “That’s not such a bad idea Pistol.” he said smiling. “In fact, I kinda like it.”

Everyone turned to Max in shock, even Pistol who just thought she was being cute. “Think about it,” he said. “It’s better than on ground, though we’d need stairs of some sort.”

Everyone pondered the idea for a moment and begin to think of all the possibilities and advantages of living in a tree house.

“It sounds cool enough,” PJ smiled.

“We can make all sorts of neat things with it,” Bobby said. “Like my own room!” the idea sounded neat to him being so he had to share a room with his little brother Jason, whom he may never see again.

“There’d be plenty of space,” Goofy smiled.

“And no tigers,” said Peg relived.

“The it’s settled,” Pete said.

It took awhile but by sunset they had found the perfect spot for their new home. The tree was large with big strong branches, it was a nice, strong, sturdy tree. They all smiled at this. Pete gave a big yawn before settling down, “I think it’s time to sleep.”

Goofy gives a big yawn as well, “That doesn’t sound like such a bad idea Petey.”

Max smiles as he settles down on a soft pile of grass. He looked up at the stars with wonder, only God knew what would be in store for them these next few days ahead.

***

The next morning Max woke up to see the sun beginning to rise over the trees, he heard the lovebirds singing a happy song as he got up to investigate his new home. He turned around, the others where still asleep then began to climb the tree branch by branch. When he got to the top he could see everything, or at least it looked that way, he leaned on a nearby branch and gave a soft sigh as the sun began to rise.

Meanwhile the others were waking from a glorious night of sleep. Goofy got up and looked around to see that Max wasn’t accounted for. He called out, “MAX!”

Everyone else began calling as well, so Max decided he’d better get down before his dad got a heart attack. Max climbed down slowly and surprised his dad.

“Here I am,” he said in a calm voice which made Goofy jump.

When Goofy saw him he held him close, “Don’t ever scare me like that again. Ya here?”

Max nodded as he looked into his dad’s understanding eyes.

“Well... what are we waiting for!? Let’s get started!” Pete said all ready to work.

They all started to work hammering and cutting large trees. By noon almost half the house was built. Peg looked at the house and smiled, “I needs rails! I’m not going to be sleeping in a tree that doesn’t have rails!”

“But dumpling dip...” Pete started. “We’re almost finished.”

“Well if you want us to be safe you’ll put rails on,” Peg said giving Pete the evil eye.

Max didn’t want to argue with Peg, he knew how angry she could get, and if she could scare off a tiger, Lord knows what she could do to them, “Sure thing Mrs. P!” He blurted out.

The others all looked at him. Bobby whispered, “Dude! Are you crazy? We’re almost finished.”

Goof whispered Bobby, “You know what she did to that tiger...”

Bobby gulped, “OKAY! LET’S GET THOSE RAILS DONE!”

 So they all set to work once more putting on rails and walls. Max was almost finished with his side when suddenly he was distracted by Pete who was yelling at a little monkey. “GET AWAY YOU STUPID MONKEY!”

Max giggled at this and continued working, when suddenly he felt something rubbing through his hair. He looked up and saw two bright yellow eyes. It was the monkey that had been pestering Pete. “Hey get off!” Max said shooing the monkey off his head. But the monkey would just laugh and tease Max, so Max continued working trying to ignore it but it just wouldn’t stop. This made Max work faster than he’d ever worked before and soon he was finished with all his tasks and was finished with the house almost complete. The monkey still clinging to his shoulder as he climbed down from the tree to join the others.

Peg smiled, “You worked really hard to get those rails on, thank you Max.”

Max smiled as he tried to get the monkey off him. PJ grinned, “Looks like you made a new friend Max.”

They all laughed as Max removed the monkey from his shoulder and placed it on the ground where it ran back to him and grabbed onto his leg.

“Looks like you have a pet son,” Goofy grinned at Max.

Max didn’t think this was funny having a monkey who clung on him. He decided to be nice to the monkey, “Will you please get off.”

The monkey obeyed and let it’s grip off Max and backed up a step. Max bent down and petted the monkey on the head, “Good monkey.”

Pistol ran over to the monkey to pet it, “What ya going to name him?”

Max looked at the monkey, he wasn’t very big, he had a long tail and brown fur, Max smiled and looked at Pistol and the monkey, “Coco.” he finally said.

Pistol smiled as the monkey leaped into Max’s arms. Coco, he thought to himself, he liked the sound of that.

Chapter 8

Lost and Found

The next morning Max woke up to Coco picking through his hair. He got up and looked up at the tree house which was almost complete and smiled the others had awaken as well and were getting ready to finish the house. Max looked over him and could see PJ and Bobby fussing over where they should put the table Goofy made, Peg was trying to get Pistol to take a bath with the supply of soap they found off the boat. He turned to Pete who was searching around everywhere for something he lost, “Where is it! Okay! Who took it!”

“Now clam down Petey,” Goofy said. “Just what are you looking for anyway?”

“My watch! Timex!” Pete said. “It was only watch that still worked after we washed up on this island and it’s gone!”

Max went over to Pete, Coco following, “I’m sure well find it somewhere, Mr. P.” He assured him.

Pete looked at him then he looked at Coco, whom he never liked, “I bet it was that monkey! He stole my watch.”

Max grabbed Coco and held him close, “Coco wouldn’t do such a thing!” Max argued.

“Well why is it that the minute he came into camp the watch was missing!?” Pete asked looking strait at Max.

Max looked down knowing that even if Coco didn’t steal it that he couldn’t prove his innocents unless he found the watch. Coco squirmed out of Max’s arms and ran into the trees. “Coco!” he called.

Goofy made him stay, “Let him go.” he said. “We got a house to finish.

Building the house wasn’t as fun without Coco. His tasks seemed to last forever. When it was finally time for a break the house was almost finish except for the roof. Max decided he’d looked for Coco instead of eating.

As he went deeper into the unfamiliar island he heard strange sounds of binds and cheeps. Max knew he wouldn’t be lost as long as he could see the tree house so he continued on calling out for Coco searching every tree to see if he could spot him. “Where could he be?” Max said to himself as he continued his search.

Max began to give up the search and started back towards the camp when he heard a reselling noise in the bushes. Max turned around, “Coco?” he followed the noise and peeked out through the bushes. He couldn’t believe his eyes, there stood the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. She looked up at him with soft golden brown eyes and light-tan complected skin, her hair was tied back in a tight bun, with a flower in her hair, her dress was like a sheet that coved all but a bit of her shoulders and arms. “Wow...” Max said not able to take his eyes off her for a moment. She looked at him and backed away, Max stopped her, “Wait!” he said making a signal to stop. She stopped.

“Well this is interesting,” Max said to himself. “What do I...” he looked at her once again she gave him a curious glance and smiled making him go into a daze. How could he speak to her? For all he knows her language might not have even been discovered. But it wouldn’t hurt to try English, “Do you understand me?” he asked. She glanced at him and nodded, this made Max relieved, “Good. Well... what to say?” he looked at her once again. “You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” he blurted out without even thinking. Her eyes grew big. “Bad,” Max thought to himself, “Well that was a stupid first thing to say to you. I mean you are beautiful... but maybe I should of said something, like hi or even introduced myself, or your...” she placed the tips of her fingers on his mouth and smiled.

“Roxanne,” she said softy.

“I’m Max,” he said not able to look her straight in the eye without babbling. Max didn’t know what else to say. Here he was with a entirely new feeling that he hadn’t felt before, he didn’t know what it was, but he liked it. All he figured if it could make him forget about what he was doing out there, it must be pretty powerful. “Would you like to go back with me?” he asked softly.

Roxanne smiled and took him by the hand as they went back to camp.

Chapter 9

Any Place Else But Here

As they walked together, neither said a word to each other. They kept exchanging glances only to turn away once again. When Max returned with her everyone looked at him shocked and amazed. Goofy rushed over to Max.

“Where have you been!” Goofy cried.

Max had almost forgot the whole reason why he left but he decided to forget to the details, “This is Roxanne,” he said.

PJ and Bobby gave her an odd look Pete was just annoyed.

“Oh!” Peg said. “She’s perfect. Come with me, and let’s get you into some proper clothes.” Peg loved to treat all girls or young women like little dolls, she took her by the hand. Leading her into the house which was now complete, Roxanne touched Max cheek and smiled as she followed Peg into the house, Max sighed as he watched her go in love struck. PJ and Bobby both looked at him.

“On all the islands, in all the world, she had to walk into yours Maxie,” PJ said giggling.

“You know bro,” Bobby said leaning his elbow on Max’s shoulder. “You never liked any of those lovely ladies in Spoonerville and yet you fall for some average chick on a island!?”

Max shook his head and began to wheedle on a piece of driftwood.

Night feel and soon it was dinner time, Pete had some fish roasting on the grill Goofy helping him, while PJ and Bobby where playing checkers with the board lined out on the sand, using small pieces of driftwood that Max had craved as checkers.

Everything stopped when Peg came out smiling with Pistol at her side. Everyone stopped at looked as Roxanne came out dressed in something that Peg had made for her, her shoulders were still bare but covered by her long red-orange hair that was now down past them. She was more than beautiful Max thought to himself now, but he couldn’t find any better word that could describe her right at that moment, that place in time. PJ and Bobby looked at her then looked at each other, “GIRL!” They said running towards to help her down the stairs pushing and shoving each other.

As PJ and Bobby where acting like fools Max walked up to Roxanne and put out his hand, she smiled as she placed her hand in his and walked down the stairs gazing at him. PJ let Bobby out of his headlock as they both noticed Max walking her to the fire. Peg smiled.

“What’s the matter with him?” Pistol asked looking at Max.

“It’s about time,” Peg said as she walked Pistol towards the fire.

“About time for what?” Pistol asked. “Did daddy get his watch back? What do you mean mommy?”

Roxanne sat down as Max went across to sit next to his dad who smiled at him knowingly. PJ and Bobby sat on both sides of Roxanne while Peg and Pistol sat next to Pete.

“Did you find Coco yet?” Goofy asked Max. Coco, Max thought, he’d totally forgot why he even went out there in the first place. Poor Coco was out there probably still waiting for Max to find him. He looked at Roxanne who was annoyed by PJ and Bobby fighting over who’d get to talk to her first, she looked up at him and smiled, he smiled back, Goofy grinned and looked at Peg who was grinning as well, Pistol and Pete still trying to figure what was going on.

As it got darker Goofy began to drum on a piece of driftwood, Peg began to dance with Pete while Bobby began to dance with Roxanne, then PJ, then Bobby again, it was quite as show, Pistol giggled sitting next to Max who got up while PJ and Bobby where fighting. Roxanne smiled.

“May I cut in?” he asked giving a little bow. Roxanne smiled as they began to dance.

“I’d thought you’d never cut in,” Roxanne said. “I hate to say it, but your friends are... well... what you call jerks.”

Max grinned, “How do you know that I’m not just like them?”

Roxanne smiled and drew closer to Max, “Cause you treat me with respect, like a human.”

Max looked into her eyes, “Your so beautiful,” he said once again.

Roxanne smiled, “You already said that once...” she leaned her head against his shoulder. “But I suppose since your cute...” she said playfully.

Max grinned, “Did I ever tell you your wonderful!”

Roxanne blushed, “No, but I like it.” She said as they began to walk along the sandy beach.

Peg smiled at Goofy, “Do you think we should interrupt them?”

“No,” Goofy said smiling back. “They’re okay.”

“I don’t believe it,” said PJ. “How is it that he gets the girl?”

“Ah, come on Peej,” Bobby said. “Look at them, they’re meet to be bro.”

Pistol nodded, “I agree with Bobby.”

Bobby grinned, “Hey PJ, mind if I dance with your sis?”

“It’s fine, see if I care,” PJ said.

Soon the chilly night wind began rolling in Max looked at Roxanne and then looked around, he could see that Pistol had already gone off to bed along with Pete and Peg. Bobby and PJ where on the steps almost half asleep. He couldn’t find his dad anywhere. He turned once again to Roxanne, “It’s late,” he finally concluded.

Roxanne smiled as she drew near him to give him a kiss. Max did not object to this and came closer when suddenly...

“A-yuck! Hi ya son!” Goofy said startling the two.

“Is it that late?” Max asked still holding Roxanne’s hand.

Goof nodded as they all walked back to the tree house, “Say goodnight Maxie.”

Max turned to Roxanne, “Goodnight.”

Roxanne smiled and touched him on the cheek before she went upstairs, and then turned back, “Goodnight.”

Max smiled, he knew he wouldn’t rather be anywhere else but right here at this moment. Who knew you could find love on an island?

Chapter 10

Coco Returns Proving His Innocents

That morning Max woke up happier than he’d ever been before, even in Spoonerville. Max got up and went down stairs to join Goofy while the others were still asleep.

“You look happy,” Goofy said pouring Max a cup of hot water.

“What can I say...” Max said smiling. “I’m in love.”

Goofy suddenly spilt his water shocking Max, “LOVE!” Goofy said surprised. “Your only seventeen! You can’t be in love!”

“Dad I’m almost eighteen, I’m almost old enough to get married,” Max said.

“And I could tell you when your turning eighteen if your monkey wouldn’t have stolen my watch!” Pete said coming down stairs in a hurry.

“Don’t bring Coco into this!” Max argued. “He wouldn’t be missing if it wasn’t for your yelling.” Then Max smiled, “And I thank you! If it wasn’t for you I’d never had to go out to find Coco then I wouldn’t of meet the love of my life! So thank you Mr. P!”

“What?” Goofy said.

“What?” Pete said shocked by what Max said he began to lose his balance and tumble to the ground. Max and Goofy rushed to help him.

“Petey, are you okay?” Goofy asked worried.

Suddenly the others came out to see what all the commotion was about.

“Ouch!” Pete cried as he tried to get up.

“Don’t move!” Peg said as she went to take a look at it, “I think you just twisted your ankle, but it never hurts to check.”

Peg was right his ankle was twisted. With the help of Goofy, Max, PJ, and Bobby, they all got Pete up to his bed.

“Now you stay here dimple buns,” said Peg. “And don’t get up for anything, understand.”

Pete was pleased with this for he got to be waited on hand and foot by the others. Unfortunately, this meant more work for Max and the other men with Pete down. Max sighed as he began to walk to the shore to try to catch some fish for breakfast, Roxanne went with him.

“So how long have you been on this island?” Max asked.

“About three months,” Roxanne said.

“Alone?” Max asked shocked.

“No,” Roxanne answered. “Pirates captured my father about a month ago.”

“Still...” Max startled that anyone could be alone on an island that long.. “That’s an awful long time to be alone on an island.”

Roxanne shrugged as Max began to fish. When they returned Pete was already in high command and his babyish wines. Max handed the fish to Goofy who began to cook them. “How’s Mr. P doing?” he asked.

“Ah... he’s fine... he’s just being a big baby right now,” Goofy giggled as he turned to Roxanne. “Roxanne, Peg needs your help in the house.”

“Okay,” Roxanne said as she put her hand through Max’s hair and waved.

Max sheepishly waved back as she went in, Goofy gave him a look, “You know you can’t marry her yet..”

Max was annoyed by this, “I never said I was going to marry her!” he thought for a moment and smiled, “At least not yet.”

Goofy sighed at his son’s romantic pursuits as he continued to cook the fish.

Max was helping his dad when suddenly something jumped on his back. Max jumped, “Ahh!!! Get it!” he yelled trying to get the thing off his back. Goofy trying to see what it is while watching it squirm. Suddenly it climbed on his head and looked at Max with it’s big yellow eyes. “Coco!” he said happily holding the monkey close.

Coco smiled and jumped down from Max’s shoulder and ran towards where Pete was laying in the tree house. “Uh oh,” Max and Goofy said looking at each other as they followed Coco who went towards Pete. Peg saw Coco and smiled, “Looks like you have a visitor Petey.”

Pete grumbled when he saw Coco, “What do you want ya, little thief.”

Coco placed the watch by Pete’s hand and back away. Pete picked the watch up and examined it to see if there was any damage, he looked at Coco, then at Max, “You’ll be able to get married in about two months,” he grinned as he began to laugh. Coco even laughed, this showed that all was good and settled on the island.

Chapter 11

Talk About Marriage

Days pasted as they all began to enjoy the island a little more. Pete’s ankle was almost better and there where no worriers whatsoever, except for Goofy’s who was turning into a complete nutcase over the fact of Max even mentioning the fact he was in love with Roxanne whom he’s only know for almost two weeks. The more Max thought about marriage, the more he became enlighten to the fact that he loved Roxanne, everything about her, in fact the more Goofy would say about the two the more it made him feel like running off somewhere and getting married to the girl of his dreams. But where could you run being on an island, nowhere really he thought to himself as he and Roxanne where walking on the shore hand-in-hand.

“What are you thinking about?” Roxanne asked him as they suddenly stopped.

Max sighed and decided to tell her the truth, “About getting away from here,” he started out. “About getting away from this island the two of us together as husband and wife.”

Roxanne’s eyes grew big in excitement, “Really?” she said, trying not to sound to excited.

“I love you,” Max said the words just shifted gently into the breeze.

Roxanne placed her head on Max’s shoulder as she looked up at him and said, “I love you too...” she paused for a moment, “but how can we get married.”

“That’s what I was thinking,” Max said as he let out another sigh. “But when we are married... heck! I don’t know what I’ll do, but make it the best I can for you.”

Roxanne grinned, “You haven’t told your dad how you felt about marriage, have you?”

“Not a word,” he said grinning as the two walked slowly back to the tree house without saying a word.

Chapter 12

Visitors

Night time fell over the island once again, all was quiet on, even Coco was still on Max’s back as the breeze hit the walls and came through the cracks sending a chill across his spine. All was perfect, Max thought to himself as he laid there. He turned to see PJ and Bobby playing checkers once again, this time Bobby was the winner, he smiled to himself as he left his room to go out walking.

Max snuck over to Roxanne’s dorm and knocked quietly not to wake Pistol. She opened the door and smiled as they went off on the beach walking in the moonlight. The moon was full that night, almost felt as bright as the stars weren’t quite as bright but still as beautiful as they’ve been for the last hundred years and before.

Max turned to Roxanne and smiled as they walked along quietly without a word spoken. Once again they drew nearer towards one another, in they’re attempt to kiss but were interrupted by a bright light in the distance, Max strained his eyes to see the figure that was moving closer to the island, “IT’S A SHIP!” he yelled as he carried Roxanne back to the tree house and woke up everyone, “IT’S A SHIP! IT’S A SHIP! COMING TO RESCUE US! COME ON! COME ON!”

They all rushed to the shore and all looked at the ship with wonder and amazement, they where all happy when all of a sudden Roxanne pulled Max aside, “Max, that’s not help! It’s pirates! The same pirates who kidnaped my father! RUN!” she yelled.

“Why?!” Pete asked. “Are you crazy! This is our ticket out of here!”

Max held Roxanne close as he pulled Pete by the arm, “Our ticket out of life! Pirates!”

Pete peered as he saw the flag his eyes grew wide as he told the others to make a run for it while he ran himself. They all rushed to the tree house and lit out all the candles until everything was dark. Max peeked out the window, there he saw two figures in the distance, one was tall and slim and the other was tall and husky, the shadows drew nearer as they all held their breath in hopes not to be captured.

The tall figure came towards the tree house and looked up, he gave a devilish smile as he told his right hand man to come, he pointed to the tree house and began to laugh along with his right hand man. Soon others joined them and gathered around. Max could now here the conversation going on among the pirates.

“Gentlemen,” the slim pirate said. “This is what we’re fighting for... this is what we sailed all this time to see...”

His right hand man looked puzzled, “Some kiddie’s tree house?”

The slim pirate became mad, “No you idiot! This land! It’s the perfect place to hide our drugs until we can ship them into America once again.”

“When will that be?” another asked.

The slim pirate gave a devilish smile once again, “Very soon my friend, very soon...” he paused for a moment, “Well what are we doing here! I’m getting my new boots dirty! Let’s move!”

“When are we coming back?” his right hand man asked.

The slim pirate looked at the moon and then turned to the others, “Next full moon... NOW LET’S GO! My socks are getting all sweaty!”

They all went out of sight, Max knew they needed to do something and quick. They where no longer the only ones on this island.

Chapter 13

Forbidden Love

“What are we going to do?” Peg asked.

“There’s only one thing we can do,” Goofy said. “Fight them.”

“BLAST THEM INTO SMITHEREENS!” Pete yelled, Peg trying to hush him.

Max held Roxanne close during this conversation, PJ grinned knowingly, “You two where out again last night, weren’t you?” he whispered. Max hushed him when his dad turned around.

“You where what!?” he yelled.

“Just walking,” Max said incidently.

Goofy shook his head as Peg tried to clam him down, “Goofy its okay.” she kept on saying.

Bobby lifted his shades up from his eyes, “Wow!” he started. “So it’s official... you two are a couple.” sighs. “Ah... to be young and in love.”

“IN LOVE!” Goofy shouted the word just triggered into his mind like a bullet. “You can’t be in love! It’s not right!”

“Goofy,” Peg said in a clam voice. “They’re almost eighteen, it’s perfectly natural for them to have feelings like this, and besides...”

Pistol popped up from her sleepiness, “Are Max and Roxanne really going to get married!?” she asked. “COOL!”

“O’ no they’re not!” Goofy snapped.

Max got up, “O’ yes we are!”

Roxanne tried to clam Max down, “Max... this isn’t a good time to be arguing about this right now, don’t you think?”

“Your not getting married and that’s that!” Goofy yelled. “End of discussion!”

“Well of course they can’t get married right now...” Bobby sighed. “They have to have a preacher guy to marry them!”

Goofy waved his finger at Bobby, “Don’t you get into this one.”

“Oh great!” Max shouted enthusiastically. “Privates are coming to attack the island and all your worried about is something Roxanne and I won’t be able to do until we get off this island!”

Pete began to laugh along with PJ, “Oh this is a show!”

Goofy went around back and forth until he could think no more, “Alright! That’s it! I forbid you two from ever seeing each other, unless it’s to work, eat, or prepare!”

“But dad...” Max began.

“That’s finial!” Goofy shouted. “Now let everyone go to sleep! We have a lot to do tomorrow.”

They all went to their rooms silently Max looked up once again at Roxanne she looked at him, the two where silent, there was nothing to say, they where forbidden to love one another just as Romeo and Juliet where in Shakespeare. All their plans and dreams where ruin due to one walk on the beach and the pirates who soon planned to come back and destroy them all.

Chapter 14

Being Prepared For The Worst

Days pasted and Max and Roxanne haven’t spoke to each other for days. They’d constantly glance at each other only to turn away when someone walked by. Max had never felt so helpless in his life, he wanted to run over towards Roxanne and squeeze he tight and tell her he loved her once more. Roxanne glanced at him once again and smiled, he loved that smiled more than everything else into the world.

Max continued working on traps to capture the pirates and stop them from ruling over the island. Max knew that this was the difference between life and death. He thought for along time of how things had changed so quicky over a short period of time. First they where set off corse by a storm that sent them to this island, then they had to build a new home on the island knowing that they might never get off this island, during the process of the house he got a pet monkey Coco and fell in love with a beautiful girl Roxanne. These thoughts pondered Max while he was working they have had to endure so much in so little time and yet they have over come all this and more ever since. Max wished his dad would except the fact that he and Roxanne were in love, but it just didn’t seem to work that way, always something in the way he thought once again, always.

Max walked towards his dad slowly he had to tell his dad how he really felt and that he wasn’t going to listen to him, “Dad,” Max started.

Goofy looked up from the trench he was covering, “Yes Son.”

Max smiled and then spoke, “I... I...” he didn’t know if he could do it, he just didn’t, I mean this is my dad he thought, the same man that brought me up to what I am today, he thought, but then he also remembered that his dad had also brought him up to stand up for what he believed in and with that came, “I love Roxanne, and you can’t tell me anything that would change my mind. I know how I feel dad. And what I feel is that you’ve been treating me and Roxanne unfairly for loving each other in a way I never knew it was possible for me to feel. I love her dad, and...”

Goofy looked up at Max angrily. Max had never seen his dad so angry in his life, he knew he was in trouble but continued to speak, “We’re getting married as soon as we get off this island,” he finished. “Which we may never get off of so there’s no need for you to be worried that we’d go off and do something stupid at this time.”

Goofy gave Max an angry glare and pointed out to where Max needed to work next, Max obeyed for he knew he was in trouble, deep trouble.

Chapter 15

The Meeting Between Men And Boys

After that day Max and Goofy hardly spoke to each other. They kept their distance hoping that they could work it out somehow between their silence. Max spent most of his time with Coco being so he was forbidden from seeing Roxanne.

“I’ll tell you Coco. Things where going pretty good,” Max started. “I actually was beginning to like it here, until the pirates came that is.”

Coco was an great listener, he seemed to understand what Max was going threw, even though he really didn’t probably have a clue what anything was really about he was still there for Max.

Soon PJ and Bobby entered the room.

“What’s up bro, haven’t seen you around lately?” Bobby said.

“Yeah, man,” PJ said. “I mean every time we’ve been seeing you was either when you where working or walking along the beach with Coco.”

Max shook his head, “I’m alright. It’s just... dad and I haven’t been seeing it eye to eye lately and... well ever since Roxanne and I have been forbidden to see each other, it’s been...”

“Difficult,” PJ finished. “We all know how you feel about her man.”

“And how she feels about you,” Bobby continued.

Max smiled, “Thanks. Why are you guys up here any ways.”

PJ rolled his eyes, “My dad called a meeting about the pirates attacking the island.”

Max nodded, “We can’t blast them, you know? Well at least not with the weapons we got.”

PJ and Bobby both agreed that they’re battle plan wasn’t the best, but what could they do? It wasn’t like they really where trained for this... but they had to do something, somehow, someway.

PJ and Bobby began to play checkers with Max watching as PJ was once again creaming Bobby, except this time Bobby had no EZ Cheese and Coco was surmising through his hair, he was also now in love and Goofy and him weren’t speaking to each other. This just wasn’t the same, nothing would ever be the same.

When Pete and Goofy came in they all gathered around in the small room which was only meet to fit three. Pete began to speak, “It’s our job to protect the women and ourselves against those pirates,” he began. “Any Ideas?”

They all looked at one another with blank looks when Max broke the silence, “We could make bombs of some sort,” he said the others nodding.

“I have plenty of gun pounder leftover from my boat,” Pete said. “That’s a really good idea kid... how did you think of it?”

 “Swiss Family Robinson,” Max grinned as the others began to laugh, even his dad was laughing. He’d have to admit it was the first time they’d all laughed in days and it felt good.

“Those pits that Max and Mr. G dug are pretty cool,” Bobby said. “Now all we need is some snakes and tigers to put in them.”

“NO TIGERS!” Peg yelled from the other room, the word still shaking her up quite a bit.

They all began to laugh once more. So they thought of their plan now they had to get it ready for the pirates.

Chapter 16

Secret Meeting

While Max was working on the coconut bombs he found himself thinking constantly about Roxanne, it has been a over a week since they’ve been forbidden to see each other. Max looked up and saw her smiling at him as she went into the tangle of palm trees, he looked down and saw that he was almost done with his coconuts. He quickly finished the last one and went out to get some more, “DAD! I’M GONNA GATHER SOME MORE COCONUTS! OKAY!”

“OKAY!” Goofy called back while he was still working on his bunch of coconuts.

“Perfect,” Max thought to himself as he went in the same way Roxanne had. He searched around for her.

“Max!” she shouted happily as she ran into his arms. “I missed you.”

Max was happy to hear that he held her tight, never had he been so happy to see someone as he was to see Roxanne right at this moment. He looked into her eyes once again and said, “I love you.”

Roxanne smiled as she laid her head against his shoulder as they walked along slowly with no interruptions whatsoever. Max was shocked by the fact that he was going against his dad’s will, but this was love, true love. Not the love you fill for a friend but the love you feel for that special someone whom you could marry, and spend the rest of your life with. Dad just doesn’t understand that, Max thought to himself as they continued to walk along together.

“We better get back,” Roxanne said realizing how long they’ve been there.

Max smiled at glanced at her once again, she smiled and looked up at him, “I love you,” he said once again, like he’d never said it before.

“I love you too,” Roxanne said glancing back at him.

Max waited while Roxanne walked back alone. While he waited he gathered as many coconuts as he could to make it seem like he’d been gathering the hole time. This was against his dad’s will, then how come it seemed so right?

Chapter 17

Looking Back On Life

Weeks pasted since the pirates last visit and everyone had hoped that there was a chance that they may not come back or had forgotten where the island was. But if they knew, they might be able to find out where they where and how to get back. But there wasn’t too much chance of that, that was the sort of things that only happened in Disney movies Max supposed, but there was always hope.

Today was Max’s birthday, eighteen, and no one had even thought about it, not even him. He could imagine how Spoonerville would be all decorated for Halloween being so his birthday was not to far from those holidays that certain people considered legal. Max thought that you should get a day off from school if it where anything legal. Max sighed as he continued his work, man have those years passed by like flying colors, eighteen... and he’d haven’t even finished school yet! Though you’d really need it on an island, the only thing that prepared you for this was something like the army of navy Max could think, or even Survivor, Max giggled at the thought of those people going through all that trouble just to win a million dollars, at least they got to go home. Now home didn’t seem like such a bad place to be. He pictured himself walking by the stores and sights with Roxanne, a dream that was now more pleasant being so Roxanne was in the picture.

It’s funny how one moment in time could change your life forever one day could make a whole new start for somebody. That one instant when you know your going to find that special someone you’d been waiting for your whole life! Max had never considered those facts before, but once he thought about them they seemed pretty amazing.

Max looked up and saw his dad grin, “What’s so funny?” he asked not knowing what his dad was up to.

Goofy continued to grin, the smile never leaving his face for once second. Max just shook his head and continued to work, that was the first time that he and his dad had ever spoken, that haven’t been hurtful or just planing. This is a good sign, Max thought to himself as he covered the last trench with palm tree leaves. He looked up once again but this time Goofy was no where in sight. He looked around, Pete and Peg where walking the beach together, Bobby and PJ where once again playing checkers, and Pistol was watching Coco while Max was doing his work, he saw Roxanne once again and sighed. She smiled and went into the palms the same way she did the other day, Max grinned and went after her. When he found her she was sitting under at tree looking up at the sky, Max stood there and watched her for a moment as her eyes traced the clouds, and the wind blew her hair out of her face. She looked at him and smiled once again, “What are you standing there for? Sit,” she said.

Max walked over and sat next to her, “I love you,” he said once again not even thinking about what he was saying. Roxanne smiled as she lay her head on his shoulder and looked up at the sky once again. This was the best birthday ever, he thought to himself as they just sat there and watched the sun go down into the sky.

“I never felt this way about anyone,” Roxanne said breaking the silence. “I never thought I could love or care for someone the way I care about you.”

Max smiled, “Hey, miracles happen,” he said. “Who knew you could find love on an island? Nor the fact that he or she could know how they felt about someone the first second they saw them.” This interested Max, being so he thought that instant love was only something that happened in books or movies, something that he never thought could ever happen to him, not even in a million years. “Someday we’ll get married,” he finally said. “and ain’t no one gonna stop us either!”

Roxanne giggled, “Your sweet,” she said. “but I don’t think it will be that easy.” she continued as she surprisingly kissed him on the cheek. Max’s eyes grew big, nothing had ever felt so soft, nor as peasant as that kissed felt. It was the softest touch he’d ever felt, something that had more power than the most beautiful words in the world. That feeling would never be replaced.

Chapter 18

Faults Alarm

KABOOM! The sound woke Max up suddenly, he lay there strait up, scaring Coco under the bed, “Pirates!” he whispered to himself. “PIRATES!” he yelled walking up everyone, “PIRATES!”

Everyone arose from their beds at once, Pistol most excited by the wake up call. They went to the shore and looked out, weapons ready. They all stood there in silence when they heard KABOOM! once again. Max looked up and saw a streak of lighting fill the sky, they all gave a sigh of relief. “Sorry,” Max apologized to them all.

“It’s okay,” Goofy said. “It’s good to know someone’s alert.”

They all went back to bed with the thought of pirates on they’re mind. Max went back to bed and laid there for along time before sleep reentered his mind with Coco laying on his stomach, rain began to fall as he finally got up enough courage to fall back asleep with the peaceful thought of Roxanne in his dreams.

Chapter 19

BOY?!

“Full moon tonight,” Pete said as they all sat around the fire that cool morning.

“TONIGHT!” Max said shocked. They knew they all had to endure the pirates sooner or latter, but now! This was unbelievable, who knew what they where facing up against, of corse by the way their leader sounded it might not be too hard to fight them. He looked up at Roxanne and smiled, she smiled back, they knew that everyone was watching, but they didn’t care, not one bit. “So how are we going to fight them?” Max asked just to be sure.

“Whatever it takes!” Pete said.

His father looked at him and smiled, “It’s gonna be okay Maxie, they’re probably too doped up to fight us anyhow.” Max hoped he was right with his reassuring smile he knew he had to trust his dad, and the others, they all where depending upon one another, they had to stick together. He hugged Coco tightly as Pete talked about fighting the pirates and how they’d be heros when the battle was over, Max became nervous then ever, he knew how to fight but the way Pete was talking killing. Peg noticed that Max was uncomfortable with this.

“Pete! Stop it!” Peg said. “Your scaring Max! The poor boy!” Max was mad,. BOY! He wasn’t a boy anymore, not even at teenager, he was eighteen, A MAN!

“BOY!” Pete said. “He’s not a BOY! He’s a man is what he is!” Pete argued as he punched Max on the shoulder. Max now being put in the spotlight was now embarrassed, in front of PJ, Bobby, and even Roxanne, surely she wouldn’t want to marry some BOY! Max had enough with this and went out into the jungle where he could be alone with all his thoughts and worries, he sat there for the longest time with Coco on his shoulder. Max was too much in a mood where he didn’t want to talk to anyone not even a monkey.

“Can you believe it Coco!” he said. “A BOY! I’m nothing but a child! This sticks!” he yelled as Coco gently stroked Max’s thick black hair, he looked by his side expecting to see Coco but instead it was Roxanne gazing into his deep brown eyes. He smiled, “I’m sorry. I’m just sick...”

“Of being treated like a child,” Roxanne finished. “I understand, that you want to be treated like a man when it comes to your decisions in life.”

“I’d just wish they’d see that you and I where met be together,” Max said.

“Someday,” Roxanne said. “But probably not today.”

Max smiled as the two walked back together to the camp.

Chapter 20

The Explosion

As Max walked back with Roxanne he couldn’t help but feel anything but love right then and there. They stopped for a moment and glanced at each other, Roxanne looking deeply into Max’s deep brown eyes. They drew nearer once more to kiss but where interrupted by the sound of a cannon.

Pirates! Max thought as he and Roxanne glanced up and rushed back towards the camp where there where Goofy, Pete, PJ, Bobby, Peg, and Pistol preparing for the worst. Goofy saw that Max and Roxanne where holding hands.

“You two where...” Goofy started but Peg stopped him.

“It doesn’t matter now!” She cried as she held Pistol close. “The pirates are here!”

Pete nervously looked around everyone counting on him to give the orders.

“Don’t look at me!” Pete said as he grabbed a few riffles and handed one to everyone. “If you see a pirate, shoot!”

Max looked down at the gun that Pete had handed him, what Pete was literary saying was kill. Roxanne put her hand on Max’s shoulder and hugged him. “It’s going to be okay,” she said. Max smiled and hoped she was right, for in a few minutes could change everything.

Chapter 21

The Battle

Max clenched his riffle in his hands as Coco jumped on his shoulder with a few coconut bombs. Roxanne and the other women went into the shelter which they had prepared. Suddenly Max heard foot steps, he climbed into the tree house with the other men. Goofy saw him and looked down once more, still not really speaking to each other. The battle wasn’t just with the pirates it was also between him and his father he just then realized. Max looked at PJ who gave a sheepish smile as he too waited for the pirates to arrive. “There coming.” Pete said as two shadows drew near.

Max saw the slim pirate once more with his right hand man at his side. “Tank!” he said his right hand man stopping. “Listen... hear that?”

Oh no, Max thought, they heard us as the slim pirate continued to just listen, “Silence...” he said.

“And that’s exactly as we want it, isn’t it Bradley,” Tank said grinning.

“Yes,” Bradley said giving a devilish grin. “Exactly... So if you hear anything...” he started handing Tank a riffle. “Shoot it!” Tank returned the devilish grin as they headed back towards shore to get the others.

Max knew not to move. One flinch and he’d be blasted. This really made Max wish that he could have a moment to make peace with everyone... especially his father... by the way it looked he wasn’t going to get married now.