The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 20 - One More Day

I only have one more day before the trip, and I am so nervous. I've been trying to keep busy, but my mind goes back to mermaids. Then back to what if I’m just a human adopted kid, like my parents tell me. In a way, it still helps to know something.

It’s so weird to think that Tasha would show me the same spot, and for Devin to tell me he's changed. I want to believe it, but I keep getting stopped.

Luke has been extremely annoying lately. I’m not sure what’s gotten into him, but he won’t talk about the trip with me. He just keeps saying nothing will change. I really feel alone these days. My parents are busy planning everything that they haven’t talked to me much. I know we will have time on the trip, but it’s killing me inside.

I see Tasha walk into the restroom. I have a moment, I’m going to sneak in and ask her for advice. I walk over to the door, but before I even come close, I hear...

“Sandy!”

I know that voice... Really?

I look back and begrudgingly reply. “Yes, Luke! I was just going into the ladies' room.”

He walks over to me and says. “Oh, well can it wait? I wanted a kiss before you left me?”

I quickly kiss him, hoping I didn’t miss my chance. He holds me for longer than I want. I let go and quickly turn around to go straight for the door, as Tasha walks out...

I look at her and say, “Hey!”

She turns the other way like I didn’t say anything. I can’t believe her! She won’t even say hi to me? I know Luke is still watching, so I’ll go in, even though I don’t have to pee. This is a cruel joke and I keep setting myself up. I need a break from him so, I’m going to hide for a minute. I want to cry from all this.

I walk in the restroom and see in pink lipstick smeared all over the mirror. I know that shade of color, the softness in the pink, it's almost neutral. It’s Tasha’s!

It’s her writing for sure...

SANDY! YOU’RE NOT SAFE! DO NOT TELL LUKE! MEET ME AT THE BEACH AT 10 pm!

What? I thought she hated me! I’m so confused! Why can’t I tell Luke? If I'm not safe, I need him!

My heart starts racing out of my chest, I can’t take this. Who is am I supposed to be afraid of?

I guess this is the way she wants it. I’ll finally be able to learn more about mermaids, so I need to do it.

I can’t help but breakdown in sobs as I clutch the paper towel dispenser. I know I have to wipe this crap off so know ones see’s it! I can’t believe this is my life, cleaning off lipstick notes from my best friend, hiding in a bathroom from my own boyfriend! And now I’m in danger...

I can’t do this! I sit in my sorrows, till I find the strength to wipe off the writing, and thankfully it didn’t take too long.

I make it to my last class and sit as far from Tasha as possible. I don’t understand why she would write that and walk out, ignoring me. Did she see me following her? Is this some kind of joke? I don’t think my life is. I am tired of everyone walking around, treating me like a naive child.

If I would have known from an early age that I was adopted, I might not have as many questions.

Luke keeps his eye on me. I try to act normal. Well, as normal as I can be. He doesn’t seem irritated, so that’s good sign.

I just have to sneak out tonight and meet Tasha, she knows we can’t get caught.

I am anxious to see where this goes. I leave for my trip tomorrow, and I do need to pack, that should keep my mind busy.

Finally, 10 pm rolls around. I can hear my parents in their room. I know everyone is still up, but they don’t check-in after I close my door for the night. I never realized how it would benefit me in times like these. I climb out my window, to the ledge of the roof. My only luck is to jump and grab the branch. I don’t like this idea, but it’s the only way and thankfully I do weigh much.

I surprisingly don’t fall far. My plan worked out. I’m not sure how I’m getting back in though. It can’t be the way I came down, I’m not tall enough.

I get down to the beach, as soon as I can, and she’s there waiting for me.

I’m ready for a talk whatever it maybe hopefully it's not all about Luke!

She motions for me to sit down before she begins. “I already know what you want to say, and I will answer you after you listen to me first.”

She glares at me before I nod for her to go on.

“You think I hate you and I don’t. I am protecting something you will soon be learning about, either way. I won’t be there, but Luke will. Luke’s parents are fishermen, and Devin found out the real reason for their move... Luke found out who the mermaids were at his last school and made it public. Which then lead to the disappearance of a few mermaid families. His family never was under investigation because he was locked up. But it doesn’t mean he doesn’t know about us. He could be planning to hurt you. His family does have a past. Have you ever met them?”

What is she saying to me she lost me at Luke knows about mermaids...? Why would Devin be involved? She is being crazy!

I shout at her. “Really? I’m supposed to listen, to this? You have Devin in on it too now I see! No, I haven’t met his parents! He always comes over to my house. Please, don’t think you know it all!”

She looks at me scared and starts to tremble. I’ve never seen her like this.

She barely gets out. “I’m not scared of very many things but Luke is one. We have a mermaid soul, and it connects us with others. That’s why you and Devin even have a tie to each other. He actually cares for you and he’s scared because Luke knows we are mermaids. All of us. That's why you felt power this year, you found the mermaid part of you! It wasn’t because of a human. Yes, he helped, I’ll give him that!”

She shrugs and begins again. “We can’t take the chance of us getting hurt and especially you. Luke is very close to your heart, but if he sees your leg, we all might die.”

I look at her stunned and spout off. “I just don’t understand! I’m with my parents they will protect me. He really cares about me!”

She gasps at me. “They can’t if they don’t believe you! They think I’m crazy for telling you about our kind.”

She continues on, “This is about your safety and ours. If he must go, then don’t let on you believe in anything you may find out, if you do find out anything.”

I didn’t think this would be our conversation! But I did! It's all about Luke...I'll keep my word to her though, it’s the right thing to do. He doesn’t want to hear about mermaids anyway.

I look at her blankly in response. “I can do that! Did Devin tell you, I was found at Coral Beach?”

Her eyes light up in excitement. I miss these days with her so much.

She responds in glee. “That is the most sacred beach! Whoever left you there, must have had a very good reason! I will have to ask my parents about that! They are glad you want to know about mermaids.

I can’t help but grin from ear to ear, with her around. She drives me crazy but I love her! I grab her and give her a huge bear hug.

“I needed this, and I won’t tell Luke. I don’t believe he’d harm us, but I don’t need him affecting my mermaid search. I want the truth. I do believe I am a mermaid. I have felt the water call out to me.”

She holds me tighter, and whispers, “You need to learn this one without him, your soul will lead you. Please protect yourself from him and your patch.”