The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 3 - This is Awkward

I don’t know what to wear! I've never been asked on a date with a boy. Is this a date? Or is it just Coffee? I don’t know what to think! I definitely can’t wear anything that will show my legs.

So, I go for a nice pair of nice fitted jeans. They make my butt look good, and well, I have that top my Mom bought me that I never wear.

Oh Lordy, this is too much! Just looking at myself, I don’t feel me. I’m just going to wear my normal black tee. I have a million, and I can’t go wrong with that. I also don’t want him thinking I’m just going to pawn over him. Casual it is! I will at least brush my hair and put some lip gloss on. It never hurts to apply a little, as Tasha reminds me. This all would come naturally for her, she always looks her best. She helps me from time to time. Because let’s be real, I need all the help I can get. I take one last look and spin of myself. I am me! Take it or leave it!

I get downstairs, “Mom! Dad!”

I can hear my mom in the kitchen. “Yes, Sandy!”

“Mom, I’m going to Toasties with Tasha for dinner. I'll be back later.”

“Ok dear, tell Tasha I say hello.”

That was the easiest lie I've ever told. Maybe it's because Tasha is my only friend, and she’s the only one I leave the house for. Oh well, it worked!

I get to Toasties before Luke. Which I like. I feel more comfortable when I'm prepared, he makes me nervous.

There he is! Walking in, with such amazing blue eyes looking straight into my soul. The broad shoulders and a grin that makes me melt inside.

He greets me at the table. “Hi, Sandy! Thanks for meeting me again. I’m really glad you said yes.”

“Thanks for the invite Luke, I don’t think I’m the best choice though. I’m wanting to move away from this town.”

He looks shocked. “Why would you say that? You’re special and people should appreciate that!”

Wait... What? He called me special! Oh, he most certainly knows! I can’t even get a word to come out of my mouth.

He keeps looking at me, I don’t have words. I just glare at this point.

Luke starts stammering, “I mean, I don’t think you are a monster like Devin says you..."

My jaw drops.

"Oh No! I'm making this worse Sandy. I can tell.”

He can tell I’m heated now! Maybe it’s my eyes surging in anger at him. “Please do tell!”

He continues on. “I just meant. I don’t think you are a monster! I like that you are special. And I don’t care what people think or say about you, even if it’s true.”

“Is that what you said, Luke... Before you destroyed your old classmates publicly? Because Tasha and I know all about you bullying the other kids, and getting kicked out of Shades High!”

Luke has tears in his eyes as he responds. “It wasn’t what you think. I know it all sounds bad, Sandy. But it’s not what you think. We were all playing around and recording our most embarrassing moments. I happened to have the camera, and the tapes were taken by another student and posted. I promise you, those were my friends. I feel horrible."

He takes in a deep breathe of air before he continues. "I was wrong in recording, but I didn’t publish them. I’m not that guy! Yes, I was expelled because the tapes were of very personal matters. And I was behind the camera, but I never meant for anything that big to happen. I regret everything those were my friends. Which is why I’m starting fresh here. And to be honest, when I heard about you, I wanted a second chance to be a better person. I want to protect you, Sandy. I do not want to hurt you.”

I'm pretty sure my mouth is wide open in shock at this point. “Luke, I don’t need protection. I want to escape this town. This isn’t my home I don’t know where home is, but it isn’t here. I have never fit in, and don’t plan on it anytime soon.”

He smiles at me and states. “Then at the very least, let me be your friend!”

“Fine... But if you try anything sneaky, I’ll destroy you worse than you did the kids at Shades High. Believe me, Tasha will help, she isn’t a fan of you.”

He seems shocked, “Is that how you found out about my last school? Through Tasha?”

“Yes, Luke. She has been there for me when no one else was. She won’t have anyone hurt me, and people respect her. I couldn’t ask for a better friend!”

It’s an awkward bit of silence after that conversation. And we haven’t even ordered. I need to get out of here. How can I make a great escape without him noticing?

“Sandy, you look like you are about to run. Do you want to leave we can take a walk? I think we both need some air.”

Did he just read my mind!

I couldn’t agree more, so I shake my head in agreement.

Once we get outside he says. “Let’s walk down to the beach and see the waves.”

I try and relax as best as possible. It helps Luke grabs my hand and squeezes it, an electric spark went through my body with his gentle touch. It seemed to calm me, I won’t lie. Maybe he was telling the truth? We walked quietly to the beach it was relaxing and comforting, I haven’t felt this normal in my entire life.

He finds the perfect spot. I don’t come to the beach often. I can’t really show my legs. So what’s the point?

But, it’s mesmerizing and breathtaking!

The waves are ambiently crashing against the shoreline, the smell of salt is in the air, and the heat coming off the soft sand makes my toes slide right through it. I've been missing out on the most amazing beauty of the earth. The sun is glowing radiant orange, and pink as it’s setting. I think I could call this home I feel safe.

“Sandy. You haven’t said much? Are you ok?”

“Yes, Luke, I’m just enjoying the beauty at the moment.”

He pulls me close to him, my heart starts beating out of my chest. His arm is now wrapped around me, a feeling unknown to me but so comforting. Luke looks me in the eyes with his piercing blue eyes.

“I’m glad you are relaxing and get to enjoy this, you deserve this more than anyone.”

I’m not kidding if there were fireworks this would be the perfect moment to have them going.

“Thank you for being honest with me Luke, you have made me feel better about the kind of person you are.” I can't help but smile at him.

He softly says. “I promise I’m not the monster you think I am.”

I lean into him more and just embrace the moment. “Well. I guess, we can be two monsters together and rule the world.”

We both laugh and it's truly magical!

“Well, you’re going to need to calm your friend Tasha and hang out with me, because I want that, and I know you do too.”

I don’t want this moment to be over, he’s right. I don’t want to wake up from this dream. Did he just ask me to ditch Tasha? I think she will be fine after I tell her about my amazing night.

“If I’m happy, I’m sure she will be too.”

He grabs my hand and pulls me up, “Then let’s get you back home, and I’ll make sure this last year will be a blast for you!”

Something tells me he will that’s for sure. He has already made my night I’m seeing hearts and I can’t control it, I think this is what it feels like to have a crush.