THE SWEET SOUND OF THE OCEAN. "my friendly foe"

I could be seen sleeping like a baby but soon got disturbed by the bright morning sun ray that shone directly into my eyes . " Turn off the light please . " I groaned covering my eye with my left arm and reaching out for the lamp with my right hand then I realized it was morning . " Arrgghh , why ! " I screamed rolling over and placing my pillow on my head . " Get up and clean up this room then come downstairs for breakfast ." I heard my mum's (Jane )voice and I quickly sat up on the bed moving slowly to the edge . " Good morning mum ." I said giving her a hug . " Morning sweetie " she said pecking my forehead . " Happy birthday. " she said again . Yeah that's right , today is my birthday .... just incase you are confused let me fill you in a bit , so I'm Sofia and I'm sixteen today , I live with my mum in London . well from what I've heard my dad died the same day I was born , he was involved in a car accident and died instantly . My mum works as a banker and I won't say we are rich neither will I say we are poor but our life's going great , anyway back to the present . " Awwn you remembered " I hugged her even tighter . " Of course , how can I forget , look I know you said you don't want a party but I still have a little fun planned out for us " . " Well mum , i had plans with Sandra but if you want to hang out no problem I could reschedule it " I smiled . " No , you should do whatever you want , it's your day okay " she cupped my face. " You should get your room cleaned up and come down for breakfast " she smiled and left . " Okay mum " I said while making attempt to clean the room . I had already finished cleaning up my room , I rushed to the bathroom and quickly get into the tub filled with water , I so much enjoy bubble bath that I can spend the whole day in the tub but today I've got plans . I rushed back to my room wrapped up in my purple towel , in a blink of an eye I was fully dressed , I walked to my mirror. " at least I've got some time to admire myself " I was dressed in a free short purple gown that was right above my knee and it had my favourite flower roses designed on the right side of the dress. I combed my soft long blonde hair and let it sit freely on my back and shoulders as I tucked the left side behind my ear . I wasn't short neither was I tall but I guess I have a perfect height for my age . I rushed downstairs to see my mum seated by the table eating and I couldn't help but just admire her beauty , her curly hair packed up in a neat tight bun . she was wearing a blue suit and skirt , she looked so graceful . I sat down opposite her and began to eat . " Where will you guys go ?"she asked breaking the silence in the room . " We haven't decided yet " I replied stuffing my mouth with some pasta , which I was about to chock but I didn't stop . " Would you like to go to the beach ? ." " Yeah , why not " I said as I began to smile . " I think you are ready to know the secret ." " What secret ?" " About our family " I smiled dropping my fork and moving closer to the edge of the chair . " Sofia today is your dad's sixteenth anniversary , let me tell u a little story first " the expression on her face suddenly changed to complete sadness . When I was pregnant with you in my womb , I kept seeing things like visions about your dad laying on the floor lifelessly with broken car glasses around him and I usually warned him to be careful ." she pause as if pondering on how to say the next words as tears gathered in her eyes . " When it was time for you to come into the world I couldn't tell him because I was scared and was trying to protect him , but he found out anyway and drove me to the hospital " she smiled but it could be clearly seen that her smile contains pain and sadness . I stood up and walked to her wrapping my hands around her arm trying to console her and that was when she let the tears flow freely down her cheek . " I gave birth to you and was asked to stay till the next day so he went back to get me somethings ... it was on his way back he had an accident and died " " I'm so sorry mum " she looked at me directly in the eyes as she gently move some strands of hair from my face and placed it behind my ear . " Don't be sorry , it was never your fault " she smiled . "oh dear, today is a good day,I shouldn't spoil it by crying like this" she chuckled loudly making me laugh " So about the secret " " Yes !" I screamed , when it comes to secret I'm all ears, like who doesn't like secret , that person is a complete weirdo. " I'm a seer , all my families have different abilities " her smile getting brighter. "mum I'm sixteen now , you can't lie to me with fairytale and expect me to believe ". I went back to sit and continued eating. she kept staring at me with no expression on her face. " wait are you serious ?" I asked when I realized she wasn't joking. " of course I'm serious " I frowned my brows trying to believe her. " But I don't have any ability , isn't it supposed to be a family thing. "well you have gotten to the age so let's hope for the best " she took her fork from the table and continued eating. " yeah right ... so I'm going to have a super power like making snow flakes and throwing fire ball " I chuckled mockingly " I will believe it when I see prove " she sighed clearly disappointed then she brought out a little box from her bag and slide it on the table till it got to my side. " happy birthday sweetie ,this is a little something from me ,even though you don't want to hang out with your mum " she scoffed sarcastically and I laughed. " mum it's not like that ..." "oh I know and it's fine ...open it up " she smiled and I became curious. I took it into my hands and opened it up , I couldn't help but smile and tears begin to cloud up in my eyes. "mum ...I ... you ... oh my , thank you so much " I stood up and ran to her giving her a hug. "anything for you... turn around let me put it on you " she took the sliver necklace withe my name boldly written on it , she wore it fore and I smiled facing her. " Thanks mum " " Anything for you my ...." she got interrupted by the beeping sound from her phone " time for work, gotta run , don't forget to do the dishes and my credit card is in my room, spend wisely love you bye " she blew me a kiss and walked away , I stared at her until her shadow faded away completely. " special ability , mum really doesn't know how to lie " I shook my head in disbelief. Few hours later I got to the beach with my best friend Sandra. we have been friends for about six years now , she's a fun , caring and heartwarming person. well judging from what she has told me , her parents aren't rich neither are they poor and I also haven't gotten the chance to meet them yet . she claims that they are always on one business trip or another , she is always alone in her house which gives us more time to hang out especially now that we are on a three months vacation away from school. so we laid out our mat , put on the sunscreen and laid under the sun. * * * * * * * * * * * * P • O • V - My House My mum ( Jane ) was in her office , working on her computer when she heard a buzzing sound from her phone. she picked it up from her desk to see the caller Id , It was her younger sister Esther. she swipe the green icon and touched the speaker before placing it back on the desk . " hey Esther , how have you been " " very fine ,how are you guys as well " " oh never better " " that's great ... uh is Sofia with you , I have been trying to reach her but she's not picking up " Jane frowned . " No she went to the beach " " oh great,I'm also on my way to the beach , I guess I will just say hi to her there " " sure take care " " thanks and you too " Jane smiled and hang up , she stared at my picture on her phone before going back to work , she took a deep breath and exhale sharply . P • O • V - The Beach I could hear the sweet sound coming from the ocean , so I stood up from my mat and went closer , my body was moving uncomfortably . It was more like the ocean was calling me and I couldn't resist the sweet song it sang to me . I kept moving closer until I was in the ocean completely , my body felt strange and my legs were heavy ,so I looked down to figure out why . my bikini was no longer on me , my legs were no longer there what could be seen was a beautiful long purple tail with wide fin . I was scared and confused , I opened my mouth to scream but all that came out was air bubbles . I felt frustrated and then an idea popped into my head " if I could meet Sandra she would know what to do or cause a distraction that will help me leave the beach " I thought as I gradually smile . And I began struggling to swim , not that I am a bad swimmer but I never knew how to swim with a tail . I managed to get to the top before I was out of breath , because I wasn't really sure if I could actually breath underwater and I'm not ready to risk my life just to find out . I got to the top gasping as much air as possible but then the worse happened . I saw people diving into the ocean and I had to swim back immediately trying to avoid being seen by anyone . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Esther arrived at the beach and her car came to halt not too far from the ocean , she turned off the engine and got down , she was wearing a shift short dress and her hair bouncing on her shoulders with every steps she took . the wind blew her hair slightly from her shoulders as it floats in the air , she removed some strands of hair from her face and placed it behind her ear . she walked around the beach for a while in search of me but she found Sandra instead . she leaned closer reaching out her hands to Sandra's shoulder . " wake up Sandra " "hmm what do you want ? " Sandra replied half awake . "where is Sofia? " "I don't know" she rolled over to make herself comfortable . "What do you mean " Esther got hold of her and shook her harder , this time it completely woke her up . " so ... where is Sofia " Sandra looked at the other side of the mat . "I think she might have gone to get a drink or something " "well then , why don't you help me check the lemonade stand while I look for her around here , I don't have much time I need to talk to her as soon as possible " Esther faked a smile as she stare at Sandra sleepy and confused face . Sandra stood up and walked towards the lemonade stand . "how am I supposed to find her here " she muttered to herself as she saw the light ng and crowded line , she sighed and began searching . Esther search for a while and decided to take a break , she stood a few feet away from the ocean ,with her gaze fixed closely on it as if it was communicating with her . she smiled and was about to turn away when the wave caught her attention she looked closely and noticed a head and a tail coming out and going back into the ocean ,she kept looking on till she realized it was me . she inhaled sharply. "calm it's her first time , but you help is needed to get her out safely " Esther said and a mighty wave began , a wave strong enough to drown an expert swimmer but around me nothing was moving . "shark ! ,shark ! run " Esther scream as loud as she could , making attempt to run so others could follow . few people ran while the courageous ones stayed back looking at the ocean . she groan feeling annoyed ,then she whispered something and closed her eyes . two giant whale began swimming to land ,they all began to run without looking back . she smiled , took off her clothes and dived into the ocean, I could see someone but I wasn't sure who it was . I saw her legs stitched up together , her leg's light skin color changed to a shiny blue tail which matches her eyeball she flapped her tail up and down to enhance her move faster . I saw the person moving closer to me , I could hear hear my own heartbeat so loud and fast , I try taking a closer look but water filled my eyes before I could blink and look again she was in front of me my spirit almost jumped out through my mouth and I realized it was Esther . she grabbed me by the arm and swim back to the land . our tail touch the ground and transformed back to legs I could not believe my eyes . " did I just turn into a mermaid ? , was that a real tail ? , what just happened ?" all these questions came flooding into my head I didn't even get the chance to realize that we were n***d until Esther reached for her clothes and immediately put them on then she went to her car and came back shortly with a blanket in her hand she covered me with it and robbed to my shoulder . " are you okay ?" she asks trying to make me warm "how can I be " I said when I finally found my words " don't worry you get used to it come on let's get you home " she helped me get up and walk to her car she started the engine and zoomed off . POV my house Jane came back from work early and could be seen seated comfortably on the sofa both legs crossed on the center table with a mouth filled with cookies which she accompanied with a glass of orange juice. and her attention fixed on a movie display on the huge TV hanged firmly on the interior wall. the peaceful moment soon go ruined by the arrival of me and Esther I barged into the house like a policeman who has come to arrest the g**g of thieves, i threw my small hand back on the dining table and went straight up to my room without altering a single word to my mom what she told me earlier today was true and I'm not ready to face her now at least I have to clear my head first. Jane stood up surprised by the presence of the person that came in afterward "Esther wow I wasn't expecting you though" she said moving close to Esther as she swallowed the cookie " well sis we need to talk but you might want to sit down first" they both made their way to the sofa while jane offered Esther some cookie. "Sofia is a mermaid" finally spoke after swallowing the well chewed cookies. "goodness that's a good news,but I still don't understand,I'm a seer and also her mother so she's supposed to become a seer to right?" "you know it doesn't work like that I'm a mermaid and none of my kids are mermaid" "I guess you're right but I hope no one so when she transformed" "no one did,I made a distraction that made everyone run for their lives" Jane laughed "so tell me what happened" Esther moved forward on her seat "okay so I arrived at the beach"she began to narrate everything to my mom Esther came upstairs to my room to have a little chit chat before she leaves "hey are you in there" I had a her voice alongside with a soft knock on the door I came down from my bed reluctantly which have been lying on since forever and open the door. she opened her mouth with her expression mixed with both shock and surprise I'm very sure she was staring at my hair it looked so crazy and tangled. "hey" I said as I walked back to the bed to sit. "Soo how are you doing?" she asked and she sat on the bed beside me. "I'm fine" I replied looking at the floor. "I hope you are not taking this too hard on yourself?" she tried untangling my hair but her efforts were futile so she just let go. "nope I'm all good" I said in a sarcastic manner "Sofia talk to me,tell me what's the problem" 'but I really don't understand...why didn't I get something cool like my mom but instead I became a fish I'm basically an animal when my friend find out about this I'm done" I finally kept quiet when I was out of breath "no no no don't say that you are not an animal neither are you a fish and secondly you can't let anyone find out about this or else it would be trouble" she smiled as if an idea bulb was turned on in her head. "it's actually fun breathing underwater" she said breaking the silence in the room. "i guess" I reply with disinterest "when you are ready I can take your deep into the ocean,introduce you to other mermaids" "they are more mermaids?" I looked at her "of course you think it's just me and you" I sighed and looked away "do you want to think about it first" I nodded keeping my gaze away "sure take your time just know that I'm here for you and I love you" "I love you too" she gave me a comforting hug and stood up "I should head home now,you cousins are already missing me" I smiled "tell them I said hi" "sure see you soon"she left and close the door behind her I took a deep breath and exhale sharply then fall hard onto my bed facing the window and covering myself in my duvet. almost immediately I had my door open I turned over to see Jane walking towards me she sat down beside me and began to stroke my hair softly. I smiled weakly as I close my eye to enjoy the moment. " you look really scared,do you want to talk about it" I sat up and look at her directly in the eyes "Mom I'm a...a fish" I said between tears "my love you are not a fish,you are way better than that" she spoke,her voice feeling the room with so much comfort and love but it wasn't enough to convince me. "you know I wanted my ability to be related to water but instead I became a seer,don't cry" she wiped my teary eyes "being a mermaid is really cool and you will get to do other things then breathing underwater,like your auntie Esther she can command fishes and control Waters isn't that cool?" "it is, thanks I feel much better now" l laid on her lap. "oh here's your phone the left it on the dining table and it's been ringing" I collected the phone to check who called me "seven missed calls" I was surprised when I saw the caller ID "oh no Sandra we last saw each other at the beach" I placed my hand on my head trying to think. "then call her back I'm sure she's worried sick"I was about to call her when her call came in,I swept the green icon then placed it on my ear "hi Sandy" "hi?, really?,is that all you have to say... first of all where are you"she asked almost yell. "I'm at home" "thank goodness,what happened to you at the beach?" I sat up wondering why she asked that question "wha...what do you mean" I found myself stammering "well your auntie came to the beach, we were looking all over for you and then sharks attack and I saw Esther holding you in the ocean". "what else did you see?" "that was all I saw someone pushed me and I fell really hard on the floor and I got some sand in my eyes ,I can't see really see well right now" "oh that's relief" I held my chest and release the breath I never knew I was holding. "what do you mean by relief?" she said making bunny ears with her hand even if I can't see her I know exactly what she's doing right now. "did you know how worried I was and how the hell did you get into the middle of the ocean in the first place" she yelled "uh I just wanted to swim and cool off I'm sorry for making you worry I promise it never happen again" "better!, you're forgiven...so I have good news I got invited to Debbie pool party and she asked me to invite you" " my goodness,did you say Debbie I'm so there" "I'm glad to hear that...oh Sophia my mom needs me,talk to you later" "sure"I hanged up and pulled my gaze away from my phone to look at my mom. "mom you wouldn't believe it I got invited to Debbie pool party" I smile brightly "the most coolest,popular,beautiful and I will say she's the richest or well second richest in school" my smile got even brighter and I looked into her eyes. "wo wo wo you really like hyping that girl don't ya" "of course it gives me a greater chance of becoming popular" "well I'm happy for you sweetie but you know you can't go right?" she sat down properly relaxing more on the bed. "what...what uh could you say that again it's sounded like you said I can't go" I faked a laugh "yeah you heard me right it's way to dangerous because it's a pool party not birthday party or any other party you can easily get exposed by a drop of water so understand me, you need to be careful" yes mom I understand but I will not swim and I will not go near the pool and I will..." "enough!" she yelled looking angry I was a bit scared but I didn't want to show it I look away,my eye bags were filled with tears "all I'm trying to do is protect you if anyone finds out about this you will be turned into lab rat" she half yelled and took a deep breath afterward. "please listen to me I know a lot that you don't I know how people can be sweetie..." " I got it mom "I interrupted her squeezing my dress tightly she sighed and looked away and look back at me. "get some rest we will talk in the morning good night dear I love you" "yeah same here" I said and laid on the bed backing her, she stood up and left shutting the door behind her "protecting me? she's trying to cage me because of some stupid ability" i felt like screaming at that moment so I turned over and screamed into my pillow. my mom who was still standing by the door heard me scream, she placed her hand on her chest and closed her eyes trying to hold back her tears she's sniffed as she walked away slowly. the gentle morning breeze blew lightly to the trees making them do their dance and birds singing their wonderful songs making the melody more suitable for the day. I laid peacefully on the bed with my duvet covering only my tommy and my pillow was under my right leg I don't really know how it got there. I heard a buzzing sound from my phone I didn't want to wake up at the moment so I try to turning over. unfortunately for me I was already at the end,I fell fac flat on the floor I jumped up looking left and right in search of who pushed me and that was when I realized that I just fell from the bed. I groaned in pain as I swinged my head forcefully trying to move aside The strand of hair on my face. I laid down on the bed again,I shot my eyes trying to fall asleep when I heard the buzzing sound again. i reluctantly open my eyes, picked up my phone check the color ID and swipe the green icon before placing it on my ear. "hello good morning" I rubbed my eyes "good morning girl what's up" "nothing why are you calling this early" "early? this is nine in the morning" "oh" I checked the screen of my phone to confirm "oh I guess I overslept" both laugh "so girl I would like us to have a movie night today at your place, there is this new k-drama I so badly want to see and I want us to watch it together" "yeah sure I guess it would be really fun, I will try and get everything ready" " sounds great see you later bye" I hang up came down from my bed and went to the bathroom. after brushing my teeth I got into the bathtub and turned on the tap, immediately the water touched my skin I transformed into a mermaid with my tail sticking out of the bathtub. it was shocking and had to believe but it's right in front of me I have no choice but to accept my fate. " I should be able to breathe underwater, after all I'm a mermaid" i thought as I sank to the bottom, I took a deep breath then took my head out of the water and smirk. that went on and on till I started getting hungry so I decided to end my practical and get dressed before heading downstairs. on my way I checked my mom's room but she wasn't there, I could remember clearly the argument we have the previous night and I felt so sad I just wanted to apologize. I got downstairs and still could not find her so I went to the garden as expected I saw my mom seated under the huge umbrella we had in our backyard. sipping from a glass of orange juice every once in a while "good morning mom" I said as I drew a chair closer to her and sat down "morning" her gaze not leaving the sky. "Mom I'm sorry for making you raise your voice yesterday. "I just want you to be safe that's all" "mom you've said that like a thousand times already but hear me out I just..." " beep beep" I got interrupted my mom's phone was ringing I picked it up from the table and handed it over to her. after a while of speaking on the phone she gave the phone to me. " your auntie Esther wants to speak with you" I hesitated before collecting the phone "good morning auntie" "morning dear... so about our little discussion, have you made up your mind?" I looked at my mom who already has a sad expression on her face,I sighed. "yes,yes I have....I will go to the ocean with you,how about tomorrow?" my mom smiled revealing her white perfectly set teeth,obviously Esther had already told her about it.