On a flat rock, Luke had arranged a smorgasbord of tantalizing treats. Using giant leaves as platters, he had piled up mounds of colorful berries and fruits, freshly cooked meat and coconuts for drinks. They sat around the rock.
Mr. K swayed, as if to music only he could hear. "I heard someone's getting old. Happy Birthday, Luke and Lucy."
"Thank you," they said in unison.
Hunter stared at the food, and his stomach growled loudly. "Thanks, Luke, and Happy Birthday, you two. You know, I'd like to make a toast." He lifted a coconut. "To Luke and Lucy. I'm so glad I met you guys, even if it was in a dirty smelly jungle full of blood-sucking bugs. You've been great friends, and though I haven't known you long, I've seen the bond you two possess. It's honest, painful at times, but so worth it. And I appreciate that you've let me into your tight circle. Thank you. Truly, thank you. As vicious mosquitoes suck the blood out of you, may you have a wonderful future."
Mr. K hit some of his branches against the ground, clapping. Luke joined in too.
Hunter sat back down. "Okay, okay, everyone, just drink up and forget how I embarrassed myself just now."
Everyone laughed and dug into their food. Lucy bit into the meat and sighed. "Bro, this food is to die for. Seriously. So good!"
"Thanks, Luce. Do you want to know where I got the meat?"
Both Lucy and Hunter shook their heads. "No!"
Luke rolled his eyes. "You guys are wusses. Don't worry, it's not moth."
"Okay, I'll bite," said Hunter. "What is it?"
Luke grinned. "I found a pigeon, or it kind of looked like a pigeon—a bird, anyway. I used a handmade slingshot to bring it down, then cooked it over the fire."
Hunter shoved another piece into his mouth, and Lucy picked up a bite and sniffed it. "I just hope it's not mutated and causing some crazy reaction in our system right now."
Mr. K's branches shook. "I think you're safe. Enjoy your birthday meal."
Lucy looked at Hunter, then Luke, as they started talking about bugs and reptiles. She smiled and popped a berry into her mouth. It was so good to see them getting along. She just hoped it was sincere and not an act to make her feel better on her birthday.
The three of them finished up the food and leaned back, full and happy. Luke clapped his hands once to get everyone's attention. "Lucy, we have to do our song."
Oh, crap. She glanced at Hunter then shook her head. "No. Not now."
Luke pouted. "Yes now. We have to. It's tradition."
Hunter nudged her shoulder. "I want to hear it."
Mr. K swatted her head with a branch. "So do I."
"See? It's three against one." Luke made his puppy dog eyes. "Please, Luce? For me?"
She shrugged in defeat. "Fine."
"Yes!" Luke pumped the air like he'd won something big. "Okay, ready? One, two, three."
Lucy cleared her throat and sang "La, la, la, la, la," in counterpoint as Luke started in on the melody. "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Lucy. Happy Birthday to you." His rich tenor voice spilled into the valley, carried on the wind like a sigh. When Luke finished his part, he sang counterpoint while Lucy did the "Happy Birthday, dear Luke" part. She sang contralto, and their voices wove together like a musical tapestry. She sang pretty well, but Luke had the real gift.
They sang the last "Happy Birthday" in two-part harmony. When they finished, everyone sat still, mesmerized.
Hunter broke the silence by clapping, a look of awe on his face. "Wow. If Bon Jovi ever did a Happy Birthday cover, that'd be it. Scratch that, they'd do a cover of your song, and it wouldn't be half as good."
Luke bowed. "Thank you." He punched Lucy lightly. "See? I told you we should have started a band."
"Was that before or after we started going on assignments?" asked Lucy in a sarcastic but playful manner.
Mr. K clapped with his branches. "Impressive! Luke, now I see why you kept taking those music courses instead of art. You've actually got some talent, young man."
"Thanks, Mr. K, I appreciate it. Now, who wants to have some fun?"
Hunter and Lucy raised their hands. Mr. K raised a limb.
Luke rubbed his hands together and grinned devilishly. "Perfect. Mr. K, would you please?"
"Certainly."
Mr. K's branches moved away, revealing the lake. As Luke started undressing, leaving only his boxer shorts on, one of the branches came down in front of him.
"What are you doing?" asked Lucy.
"Just watch. Mr. K and I worked this out late last night." The branch moved itself into Luke's hands. He grabbed it and held on tight.