In dribs and drabs the troop arrived. Richie and Barbara first, getting the 'best' room even though every room was facing the water, reef fish metres from our doors. George and Olivia had rocked up to the same ferry launch that took us out to the island.

Pointing out scenery to the kids, I got to know Olivia and Dhani as we faced east, wind whipping our hair, salt water spraying us as the craft rose and splashed down on the ocean swell.

George sat down and took my hand, looking deep into my eyes, searching my soul; he seemed to have an ability, as if to glean all my secrets. I felt as if he understood me even though I never said a word. Perhaps I was mistaken but that is how I felt, maybe it was just all the media stuff I'd read - mystical George and his beliefs. Then he spoke...

"So this is the Samantha we have heard so much about" George smiled at me as he included Olivia in his conversation. "John you didn't say she was so pretty though" George gave me a toothy grin.

"You'll embarrass her and she won't come out to play" John moved to sit beside George, them both considering my face, I reddened.

"I feel like I'm hauled before the Spanish inquisition" I giggled a little and Olivia came and sat beside me.

"Leave the girl alone George, you'll get to know her gradually not under a microscope of stares. Olivia smiled at me and settled a now sleepy Dhani on her lap.

"Hey I can stare. John said so!"

"Did not"

"Did too. You said and I quote 'you wait til you lay your eyes on Sam; no wait- Magic'. That's what he said"

"I don't think he meant so literally, Mr Harrison" I stared back at George and leaned forward, stared a bit longer then pointing at his teeth "you've got a little something in your teeth" I stood and walked to the kids, watching the mainland disappearing from the back of the boat. I could hear John slapping George on the back 'she got ya' and George beginning to laugh after suddenly being self-conscious of his pearly whites.

"You'll keep..." he called back at me, I turned and pretended to scrub my teeth.

**************

John had a cabin with his new best mate, Stephen, and Sean. I was in with Jasmine... although, when the Linda's girls arrived, I was dumped like an old toy. I stared after her as she took off with the girls.

The island staff seemed friendly, we were introduced to the babysitter slash kid entertainers. A daily activity schedule was given out so we all knew where they were all the time.

"Are you sure John. I just thought I was looking after my two and Sean, I could have entertained the girls too... and Dhani."

John leaned across the dining table, beside him sat Paul, Linda and Richie. George was beside me, Olivia to his right, Barbara was just joining us, taking a seat the other side me. "Would you lot tell Magic that no magical nanny duties will be performed by herself this whole trip! I can't get it into her head that she is on holidays too!"

"Oh no Sam you're putting your feet up with the girls and I. All the kids will be off having fun, ALL of them!" Linda squeezed my hand. "Time to get spoilt my luv. It's all sorted"

After Linda impressed on me that all was well, I was under orders to relax. I tried to, it was so hard, I had never had help before and now the children where off having fun, being entertained and cared for without me.

I could see John shaking his head talking quietly to Paul but heard a few words float over ".... I told her that....." Paul responding with a married mans know how "they don't listen mate til another girl tells 'em." I gently kicked John under the table, he grabbed my foot and tickled me, I was in trouble as I tried not to laugh but I was squirming much to Georges amusement as I leaned into him then back squiggling into Barbara.