The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 11 – Family Secrets

After that disturbing information, I still pressed her for even more. I can’t believe Devin, my worst enemy, is a freaking Merman. How dare him?!

I must have had a nasty look on my face because Tasha piped up. “Sandy, don’t fret over Devin. We can get him back if you want, I will make sure he feels what it’s like to be Fish Legs.”

I reply, “It makes me upset, but I’m not going to let him bug me anymore. I’m sure James will have a heart attack when he finds out about Devin, or maybe he already knows. I still don’t know what’s up from down.”

Tasha throws a pillow at me and says, “I promise I’m not lying to you and I will help you through this journey. It’s my job as your friend.”

I know she is the only one helping me out, minus Luke. I saw her patch it’s identical to mine.

“Let’s just move on, now that I know who the other mermaids are. Why aren’t there very many of us in Crestview?”

Tasha looks at me with sadness in her eyes. “It’s not safe on this part of the coast where we live. That’s why my parents take us on vacation every summer. There are sailors on boats that will kill us. They cut off our tails to hang on their walls like we are animals. We leave each summer for the West Coast because it’s safer. There aren't as many sailors in that area. This town is so tiny and filled with humans, it’s safer for us to escape during the summer.”

She continues, “Most of the families that stay here are far and few between. There aren’t many of us left on the East Coast anymore. Most of them moved their families to the West coast to live after we had so many deaths. It’s known to be safer on the West Coast, but not everyone left, including my own family. They wanted to stay here. The families that are here like mine, we all understand the chances we take. We also follow the rules so we don’t blow our cover. Basically, we are a trophy for humans. Instead of being a part of their world, we are hunted and hung. It’s disgusting.”

I jokingly ask, "Can we throw Devin to the Hunters?”

Tasha shakes her head at me and says, “I wish! He does come from a good family, even if he’s a rotten egg at times.”

She starts back up, “Okay, so now that you know all that, and why we keep everything a secret. You have a job to find out if you come from the East or the West coast. You also should find out why you aren’t human, like your family is, that my dear, is the truth that you need to hear. You have always known deep down it’s time for the answers.”

I sit stunned. I know she is right, and that is why I haven’t wanted to talk to my parents. Did they actually know I’m a mermaid? Did my real family give me away? The fear of the truth is paralyzing me before I can even ask. I have to know everything and anything. I look at the time, I’ve been here for a few hours. I think it’s time for me to go home and face the wicked truth.

“Tasha, thank you again for everything. Without your help and push, I might have missed my chance at knowing my heritage. I don’t know what my choice will be, but I need everyone to be honest, so I can have a fair chance at this.”

She looks at me with admiration in her eyes and says. “I’m glad I can help. I just want the best for you. I have since we met, and I always will. Even if I come off a little harsh.”

I hug her with tears in my eyes, knowing without her, my life would not be the way it is.

We say our goodbyes, and I drive home knowing the knot in my stomach is only about to get worse. I pull into our driveway, it looks so perfect from the outside, but the secrets it’s been holding make it feel disturbing. James is outside with Dad, throwing around the football. I’m sure my Mom is inside cleaning something as she always does. I think I’m ready to set the story straight about my life.

I get out of the car and slam the door just hard enough to make my Dad look at me.

I start to yell, “I think it’s time for a family meeting, like inside now! Dad, you and Mom, have a lot of explaining to do!”

James and my Dad looked puzzled. My father looks even a bit worried, as he needs to be it’s his fault, I have felt like a freak of nature. “Meet me inside with Mom and Alison, or I'll start screaming about what I know, in front of all the neighbors.”

I lead the way into the house while yelling for my mother and Alison to meet me in the kitchen.

I sit at the head of the table today, I purposely take my father's seat who looks at me shocked. I am in control, and I want them to not only hear it but to feel it.

Alison rushes in, “What’s going on Sandy? This isn’t like you!”

I look at her and say. “I think you need to sit down and let Mom and Dad do some talking.”

My mom walks in, just as I’m saying that. She starts in, “What on earth am I overhearing? And why are you in your father's chair?” She glances at him as she speaks, but he’s just sitting there stunned waiting on me. She sits down. The power exchange has happened.

I start in, “Now that we are all here, everyone please have a seat. As you can tell, I’m sitting at the head of the table. Because this is all about me and the lies that have been told since I was a child.”

Alison and James look even more puzzled. They keep glancing at our parents, or should I say their parents. The McLane’s are looking very confused and worried. I have a strong feeling they know what I’m about to say and ask. This surge of power flowing through me is stronger than anything I have ever felt before. A perfect mixture of anger, frustration, and the yearning to find out the truth. I have them right where I want.

“Alison and James, I wanted you to be here because you deserve the truth about our parents and my past just like I do. Please, allow Mom and Dad to answer some questions that they have been hiding about me. I know we all deserve to hear this.” I look at them both with compassion.

I dart my eyes back at my mother and father and start back in. “Let's begin, Mr. and Mrs. McLane, you aren’t my biological parents!” My parents both look at each other they know the truth is about to be exposed.

I look at them and yell. “I want the truth and every detail from the moment I was born. Who would like to begin?”

My Mom starts to speak up, but my Dad stops her and he begins. “I think it would be best if I speak up for your mother and our choices.”

He glances at her and she nods. I can see she has tears welling up in her eyes. “Sandy, you are right. We have been lying to you, we aren’t your biological parents!”