The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 27 - If Only She Was a Mermaid

That trip might have been silent. But, the tension in the air was still heavy from the night before. I don't know what was said after Alison walked out of the room. I don’t care it was all to much for me anyway.

After many long hours, we finally make it to Luke’s. We are all scrambling around the SUV to make some space so Luke can climb out. I wiggle myself free to say goodbye to him, as he grabs his bags.

He waves to my family and even smiles at James. He really is adorable, even after that horrible trip. He was very concerned about me and making sure I felt protected. I love how he treats me.

Luke pulls me in for a kiss and whispers in my ear. “I’m only a phone call away. I want to be here for you. I know you feel lost and I would too, babe.” He hugs me tighter before he begins again. “We just have to get through Christmas break with the families. Then, everything will all go back to normal. It’s us against the world. Just know I’m not going anywhere, I’m here to protect you. Even if it's from your brother. You know, he doesn't scare me.”

He puffs up his shoulders to show his masculinity, which makes me want him more. He is my protector.

I lean in more towards him to feel his heartbeat, it makes my heart race even faster. He makes me feel safe. I know he will protect me from anything.

But from who is the question? Especially, if Tasha and Devin think he’s the one I need protecting from. I don’t believe that anymore, after what Maggie had said. It sounded like I needed protection way before I met him. There has to be a reason, especially if my real father just left me on the shore. These mermaids are so confusing.

I admit to him. “I’ll be fine. I promise. I’m going to unpack and then I’m going to bed. I do believe, I’m safe here from whatever I need protecting from. I swear!”

I giggle as I say. “Even if that's my brother, I can take him on.”

I give him one last kiss before he heads into his house.

I smile as he walks away. I am one lucky girl. He loves me even when I’m a pain. I'm certainly not easy to deal with, especially lately.

I happily crawl back into the truck, knowing I will be home soon. I’ll be able to figure out all this new information and hopefully ease my nerves. I hope I won’t have any more issues like last night. I need a night to think. I’ve been so busy trying to find answers to questions I don’t even understand.I don’t think I could take any more of it, without exploding again.

Thankfully the rest of the ride home was just as quiet as before and quicker. Not even my parents said a word. I think they know what happened last night. I hope I don’t hear a lecture because I’m tired of not having a voice.

I most certainly had a bit of a run around at Coral Beach. Thankfully, I think I have enough to find out much more about my past. I have a beach, a name, and my father who supposedly left me on the beach for protection. I think that’s a really good start. Tasha has to know something with all this information. I’m so excited to see her.

As I am in my room thinking about everything and unpacking. I have a knock on my door.

“Come in!” I yell.

I look over to see my mom, with her hand behind her back and a smirk on her face.

“I have something for you. I picked it up while we were at Coral Beach.” She says as she reaches out with a mermaid figurine in her hand.

The mermaid is stunning. She's sitting on a rock while her tail hangs off. Her expression is as if she is pondering life. It was diligently carved out of driftwood, you can tell it was handmade. Every detail is exactly the way I would imagine a true mermaid would look like.

I sputter out in confusion. “This is the most beautiful mermaid I have ever seen! Thank you so much! I thought you and dad didn’t believe in mermaids? I'm confused! I thought it was crazy of me to believe in that?”

“I never said I didn’t like them. Why do you think I made your father go after we got married? I have loved them since I was a child. I believe it’s only fitting you get a piece of your home. That town is known for its love of mermaids. This also is an early Christmas present for you. Your father isn't even opposed to mermaids. He just doesn't want you believing that you are one. I think it is a truly beautiful idea, but it isn't true. You may not be a mermaid in real life, but to me, you’re my little mermaid. The beautiful baby I found in the sand."

I gratefully reply. “I love you, and everything you and dad have done for me. I can't imagine the stress of adopting me as a child, and everything you went through, just for me to feel loved.”

This is my chance to ask her if she believes me?

“But... Between you and me. You really don't think I could be one? I mean... I do have scales, and I was found on a beach. I know it sounds crazy and I’m not! I promise.” I ask, in hopes she doesn’t get mad at me.

She grabs me in for a hug, and I embrace her love. I don’t know where I'd be without her unconditional love. Her amazing understanding of me wanting to know about my past. I know she would accept that I’m actually a mermaid if she would go this far for me. I wish she would believe.

She giggles at me before she gets up to leave. “No. Only in our sweetest dreams, my dear. I love you so much! I knew from the moment I saw you, you belonged to us. Please don't you ever think twice about being a mermaid, even with some silly birthmark. It just isn’t possible. You’re completely normal. I’m gonna leave you to settle in. I know I could use a glass of wine and my bed. I wanted you to have that before I went to sleep. Good night sweetheart.”

She blows me a kiss before closing the door behind her.

She knows exactly what to say and do. I could see her being a mermaid, and a wonderful one at that. If only she was my mermaid mother. I’m grateful to have her as a human mom though. So, I can't complain. I just wish I could tell them the truth without being crazy. She just won't believe it.

I finally get everything unpacked and lay down for the night. My body feels tired, but I can still feel the energy from the pearl or it’s me. I don’t actually know at this point. I need to ask Tasha about this energy.

I know Alison will help me out. I can tell her I'm visiting Luke, and I don't want to tell James. That will make it so much easier. Alison seems to be very understanding. Even if she doesn't believe I'm a mermaid. She will at least help me out. I'm glad we had time to bond on the trip. Maybe I shouldn’t lie to her after all, she deserves some truth.