The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 24 - Maggie the Mermaid

Alison is pulling at my shirt as I stand there, shocked. Who is Anahita? I look over to see the boys watching us, and my parents, are nowhere to be found. I can’t believe my ears. She’s admitted to being a mermaid.

I look back at the old woman with the umbrella and reply. “Maggie, I’m really not Anahita. My name is Sandy. I am interested in learning about mermaids.”

“I know who you are, and you must leave. You were left in the sand, years ago here. A delightful young couple found you.” Maggie replies.

I can feel Alison loosen her grip on me. She must have relaxed, hearing this woman knows our family. I’m want answers if she was here the night I was left.

“Maggie, did you see who left me here?” I ask her in hope that she will have my answer.

She croaks out, “Anahita, you aren't supposed to be here, they will find you."

This lady is driving me nuts. I want answers.

I get louder as I speak. “Maggie! Please, tell me if you saw who left me here!”

She looks at me, with her dazed over green eyes, and yet again says. “Anahita, you aren't supposed to be here, they will find you."

Alison starts to giggle at me, as I’m getting frustrated at this old woman. She won’t say anything other than some Anahita crap!

Alison grabs my hand and says. “I’m sorry we bothered you, Maggie. You are so sweet! My sister just thought you might know something. Please, have a good day!”

Maggie doesn’t say a thing, she just goes blank on us. Almost like we aren’t even here.

Alison practically drags me away from the old lady. I can’t help but keep my eye on her. What was up with that?

I need answers. Why did she say all that? Who is Anahita, and why does she need to leave the beach? But how does she know our parents? I can’t wait to talk with them about this. I finally found someone who was there that night. She could have answers about why they left me.

Luke and James walk up to us, and Alison spits it out. “You guys wouldn’t believe what this creepy old lady said to us. She called Sandy, Anahita! Then she warned her to leave the beach.”

James chimes in, “She doesn’t look like she’s all there. I’m sure she can tell you some funny s**t though.”

I interject in her defense. “Hey! She said she met our parents the night I was found! She might have seen who left me! This could be...

Alison stops me midsentence. “She said, she was a mermaid! Sandy! Can we take her seriously? Let’s ask our parents before you go crazy over an old lady, with creepy eyes.”

I look to Luke for support, he doesn’t say much. He just stands there next to me, with a grin on his face. I can’t tell what he’s thinking. Why is he so calm about this? Does any of this seem normal? I’m just freaking out.

I nudge Luke. “Do you think I’m crazy for wanting answers?” I look up at him, hoping he is on my side.

“Honestly... She’s an old bat and she's a crazy one. Did you really think you’d get answers?” He puts his arm around my waist. I think I got my answer from him. He thinks this is silly, just like James.

I huff!

Knowing they wouldn’t understand. I can’t make them or I look crazy.

My parents finally walk up to us.

I right away spout out at them. “Look over there! See that old lady with the umbrella! She said she was here the night you both found me. Alison and I talked with her. Well, as best as we could.”

My parents look at her and then smile. My mom starts to explain. “Yes. That very kind woman was sitting right there, the night we found you. I think her name was. Umm... Maggie. Yes, Maggie! She sat with us many nights. That's why I check for that certain bench. I will never forget it and it’s how I know where you were found by us.

My mom waves to her and Maggie waves back.

I get excited, “Well... Did she say who left me? She had to have seen something!”

My dad laughs as he pipes in. “Believe me, we asked her many times! She told us every time we would ask, that she didn’t see anything other than us walking and finding an innocent baby. She was questioned by others, including the police. She said she only saw us pick you up from the sand.”

He looks over to my mom with love in his eyes and begins again. “She is a wonderful person and pushed for us to be your parents. She probably doesn’t remember that much though, dear... She has only gotten older over the years. Yet she still has an umbrella and seems just as out of it.”

“She called me Anahita! She also told me to leave the beach with you guys!” I try to make my point with them, as I stand firm with my conviction.

My dad just shrugs, as my mom explains. “She called you Anahita when you were a baby also. I can’t explain how she remembered you, but you are special. She told us that. I never understood that name either, and why she called you that. She doesn’t really explain much. When we legally adopted you. I wanted you to be named after the sand. I know it’s cheesy, but’s it’s where we found you.”

Are they both in denial of this, I can’t believe this? This lady must know more than she is letting on. I am Anahita. Whoever that girl is? This is crazy! And they are acting like it’s not a big deal! It’s not a pet name.

I look over to Alison for help, she was right next to me and creeped out. I nudge her to speak, but she just looks down at the ground.

“So, what about the danger I’m in?” I ask hoping they have an answer.

My dad explains in a very concerned manner. “She said the same thing back then. We worried for you then, just as we do now. Why do you think I don’t like you showing your patch?”

I look up at Luke. He’s hearing all of this, and I haven’t shown him my patch. He looks very amused by all of it. I can tell his wheels are turning, and I hope not in a bad way.

Luke whispers in my ear, "I promise, I won't let anyone hurt you. You need to trust me." He winks at my dad to reassure him.

I shouldn't have brought him along. He is going to want to see my patch after this whole fiasco. He knows all about Maggie and my real name. This is all crazy, and I need someone who will understand me.

If my dad and James trust him, maybe I should show him my patch. It's aching just standing here. I need to leave this beach since I'm not getting the answers, I need. Just a silly name, from an old lady who has lost her mind. She completely ignored my questions and at her age, I can’t blame her. I’m just disappointed.