The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 15 - The Water Calls Me

I’m not sure why he said that. She really isn’t a bad person. I guess, if he doesn’t want me to talk to her, I won’t. 

He wasn’t the one to get upset and trip her. I miss my friend, but I don’t even know why she is acting like this. Luke seems to be mad as we walk to my car, I’m not sure if it’s at me, or Tasha. I am going to make up for her being the bully.  

“Luke, I know you're upset, and you have every right to be. Did you want to catch a movie tonight and hang out at the beach?”

 I use my puppy dog eyes to see if it will help, and it does, he replies. “I think that is exactly what I need. I don’t want you leaving my side.”

 He grabs me for a kiss and my heart races. I just can’t get enough of him. I pull away, but only slightly to say, “Good, pick me up later.” And before we could go back to our kiss, James throws his bag at us. We all laugh as he walks up. 

Luke smugly tells James, “As always, I’ll be seeing you soon. Sandy and I are going out.” 

James laughs and says, “I’m not surprised. You both are together all the time, but I don’t mind. I heard what Tasha did to you today. She is crazy, and always has been, she has most people fooled though.”

 Luke straightens up and goes cold. “Yeah, that freak is on a power trip. And if she doesn’t watch it, I’m going to do something about it.” 

I look shocked at Luke and so do James and Alison. I've never heard Luke have that tone.

I chime in. “You won’t be doing anything! Just be the bigger person, she is a girl!” 

He rolls his eyes at me and says, “No worries, I was just playing. I wouldn’t do anything.” 

He gives a kiss and walks away like he didn't say anything.  

James looks at me and starts getting upset. “Let the guy be, Sandy! He’s helping you and she did start it. Stop protecting someone that hurts you. She literally tripped him, she is lucky!”

 I can’t help but get angry also. “You have no idea of what you're talking about, she's the only one that has been there for me. I can't even say that about you or Alison. I’m giving her space, not dropping her as a friend, so get over yourself.” 

I get into the car and slam it shut.  I will not have everyone at Tasha’s throat because she is mad at me. I was in the wrong also. I will fix this, all I just need time.  James and Alison followed my lead into the car, and no words were spoken on the ride home.

Luke is over before I know it, to pick me up for the evening. I am glad we can be alone so we can talk about Tasha. He needs to understand her place in my life. 

 As soon as we get to the car, I start in. “I know that today was bad, and I know you are stressed, but please stop with the hate talk about Tasha. She is confused, and you need to be the bigger guy.” 

I look him up and down with a grin. He notices me looking and starts laughing. “I will. I will if you give me more looks like that!”

 I start to blush but try to stop myself, and I can’t, so I soak up the moment with him.  

I don’t think we watched much of the movie he paid for, it ended in a complete and utter make-out session. I didn’t know movies could be that entertaining. When the lights popped on, I was shocked to see many of the couples doing the same as us. I guess this is where everyone goes during the week for a make-out session. My parents would kill us if they knew what we were doing, and I imagine the other couple's parents would agree. I love learning all about the dating scene and being apart of it.

We finally get untangled and leave for the beach. 

I can’t help but feel more confident with Luke after the movie. We don’t talk on the way to the beach, instead, he keeps focused on the road. I don’t want to bug him with mindless talk anyway, I just want to make him feel better. 

He parks the car when we get to the beach and looks at me and says. “Thank you for a nice evening after the day I needed it.”

 I reply softly, "Isn't that my job as your girlfriend? I don’t have much practice but I hope I’m doing this right.”

 He leans in and kisses me before he says, “This is exactly what a girlfriend does. Let’s get down to the beach and walk it before I have to get you home.”

 My heart races at his answer, he turns so many emotions on for me.  

I let him lead the way as we walk, I can’t help but admire the water. It’s like it calls my name but can it? Are there mermaids swimming in there? Is Tasha really telling the truth? How will I know if I can’t talk with her? Do I really even want to know after what she did to Luke?  

Luke must have seen my confusion and speaks up, “Hey beautiful, what is going on in your head?”

 I shake out of my daze. “Oh, yeah I’m sorry after what my parents said about me being left on the beach by my biological parents, it just feels different here.  Like it calls me or something.  They never actually took me here when I was a kid.”  

“I can believe that it makes you want to learn more or have questions about your past, but I don’t think it calls you... I mean that sounds like that mermaid crap that crazy Tasha put in your head. She can make anyone crazy!”

 I snap back at him. “I’m not crazy! I don’t know who I am, but I’m not crazy, so cut it with the mermaid talk yourself. Why do you bring it up?”

 I didn’t even realize, what had just come out of my mouth, but now I wonder.

 He replies in a softer tone, “I didn’t say you were crazy, I said Tasha is. I brought up the mermaids because your family was worried about you that night and I worry that Tasha is setting you up.”

 I smirkingly reply, “Did they tell you I have a birthmark that my parents can’t explain, and Tasha has one too?” 

He doesn’t look shocked. “No, I heard the stupid rumors about you being fish legs. Do you really have scales on your legs, I want to see?”