The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 5 - My First Boyfriend

Luke is now attached to my side as the rest of the day continues. I keep getting these looks from everyone. But Luke just keeps his shoulders back and tells me to lift my chin up. I can’t help it! I have been trained to avoid attention like this. And here I am walking the halls with the most popular guy in school. I don’t know how to react to any of it. The attention is good but different.

He even walks me to my car and waits for James and Alison to get there. They look at Luke and me with curiosity in their eyes. “See... James, I told you I’d take care of her.”

James just stammers in shock. "Well, you know what we talked about Luke. Remember! You have some double practices coming up. You can't have my sister without something in return.”

Why is my life a gamble with people? This just seems so surreal. I’m in shock that this guy treats me so well.

Luke pipes back. “That I do!” He kisses me on the cheek.

I get annoyed. “Can we not discuss the bid that was just taken out on me. I am right here!"

Luke responds. “I’m sorry about that. I’ll talk with you later, Sandy.”

I see Alison has gone white. I know I am extremely red at this point. That was my first kiss from a boy, even on the cheek. He also did it in front of my siblings. I think I have shocked enough people at school today, including myself. I can't believe this is my life. I like it, I’m just not used to being in the spotlight for good thing.

I obviously knew Luke was going to be talked about at dinner. Especially since he has no shame in showing me off. Going as far as even telling James without me knowing. I still can’t believe he even talked to James about us. What a deal that is? I guess he does want to be with me, if he goes that far. It seems odd but I’ll take it. I feel special.

James pipes up, “Dad! Mom! Sandy has a boyfriend. It’s the new guy Luke, my friend.”

My parents both lifted their heads at the same time.

“Sandy, Is this true? Does he know about your legs?” My dad starts to get upset.

That’s not how I saw this going down. Can’t anyone be happy for me? Why does it have to be about my legs?

I get upset with him. “He has heard the rumors like everyone else, I won’t show him. You want me to be normal, then why is it a problem that I have a boyfriend, like other NORMAL girls, DAD?”

“Watch your tone with me, Sandy! We don’t need anyone getting close to you in a manner that would expose your birthmark. Your mother and I have been doing our best at protecting you from people.”

I have fire in my eyes, “I am tired of everyone thinking I can’t do anything right! It’s time you give me the same chances you give James and Alison. I deserve to feel normal. I’m going to eighteen very soon. I think it’s time I had a chance to explore life more than hiding in my bedroom. And believe me, I can't forget about my lovely mark. I take it everywhere I go.”

My mom pipes up, “I do think this is a very exciting time for you, Honey. Your father is just trying to say you should be careful at the same time. We both want you to enjoy life.”

My mom has been a cheerleader for me since I was a child. Even if it isn’t shown the way I would like.

“Thank you, mom, for being happy for me. I can promise you, I will be careful. Just give me a chance at something normal. I promise Dad, I won’t screw this up.”

My father gives me a look of endearment. I know he won’t admit it, but I’m right. He can't keep me trapped from everyone. This is the same guy he was impressed with the other night. The only change is he's my boyfriend now.

I can’t sleep, I still keep replaying today in my head. It feels like time has stopped, but I want it to be tomorrow.

Well, it seems the hard part may be over with. Telling my family about my first boyfriend. I am glad Luke talked to James. He made it easier on the blow to the family. Alison for once had no words, and I got to stand my ground with some freedom. I have a boyfriend just like normal girls.

I can’t honestly believe this! What should I wear tomorrow? How should I act? Should I go up to Luke, should I wait for him. He kissed me, I think I need practice, is there practice for kissing? I better start carrying mints on me. I need Tasha! This isn't my department, none of this is normal for me. Maybe I'm not meant for normal, I have scales. He won't ever be able to see my legs.

I’m freaking out and it’s almost 1 am. I need my sleep, but how can I sleep when I am completely unsure about how to have a boyfriend. How do I act? Please shut off brain. Please stop! Ughh! That clock is so loud. It’s ticking makes my head hurt. Maybe this is all a joke. Did he really claim me in a day? He won't be after he sees my leg, he will call me a freak. .

I think I got maybe a few hours of sleep last night. I know this because I can’t keep focus. I’m not sure why I worried about last night. I've felt so much worse in my life. I actually have a BOYFRIEND this is a good thing!

I am going to put in some effort on myself today. I think I'll add some blush and lip gloss since Luke wants me to keep my chin up. Wait... Should I wear lip gloss? He might kiss me on the lips. Doesn’t that get on him? How does this whole thing work? I should have listened to Tasha years ago as to how to care for myself. Now I have my first boyfriend explaining this all to me. This is embarrassing? I hope I can make him proud.

I'll have to ask Tasha about some new outfits, how to kiss, even the parts about how I maintain a boyfriend. I hope she will be excited about me caring about my looks. I know she will love that I’m wanting to feel good about myself, that is what she drills into me. Even if I walk with my head down, and don't care. She is always right by my side. I can feel something inside of me changing, and I’m going to embrace it. It feels magical! I wish I had felt this way years ago, but maybe this year will be the best of the last. Something is different and I like it.

I can already hear my mom yelling at me. "Sandy, it's getting late! You have James and Alison waiting on you, and I'm sure Luke is too!" She sure knows how to add in those smart little remarks in. The butterflies are going nuts inside of me now. If I wasn't anxious before, I sure am now.