The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 4 - Who Cares What They Say

I sure do feel special this morning. I had to shake myself because I thought last night was a dream. I have an explanation about Luke for Tasha, but I fear she isn’t going to like it.

I crash back into my comfy bed just thinking about today hurts. I don’t want to have to explain myself to anyone. I enjoy this feeling, and I don’t want to hear another bad word about Luke. He made me feel normal for once, that it was ok for me to finally be myself. Whoever that may be. I just know I don’t want to be Fish Legs my whole life. I know, I have to face Tasha, and I get to see Luke, this should be interesting. I think I might be sick... It’s all so crazy to think and why can’t they just like each other!

Tasha smacks her hand on my locker. “Ok, details on last night!”

I look at her with hearts in my eyes. “It was better than I thought. He is sweet and seems to be very apologetic about what he did at his last school. I mean, I did ask him about it. And he explained it wasn't him who leaked the video, he did record it Tasha, but didn’t post it!”

She looks at me like I'm dumb and replies. “Sandy, are you just going to believe everything he says, just for some attention?”

My jaw dropped to the floor. I knew she could be mean but how dare her.

I exclaim. “Tasha Ceewater!! I can see we don’t agree! I do understand! I might like the attention, because for once in my entire life I feel normal, and that’s because he makes me feel that way! You might protect me, but it is time for me to learn my way, and have some gosh darn faith in me. You're treating me like a baby.”

She squeaks out. “I’m sorry you are right, I might be a little overprotective, but it's only for your good. I don’t know everything, so I will trust you this time. It’s only fair! But please be on your guard, I don’t want you to get hurt.”

I smile in relief. “Oh, I will! Just give me some room and trust.”

She grabs me and whispers sweetly. “Only for my best friend, but I will slice him if he hurts you in any way.”

Whew!! I’m glad that’s over with!

I hurry and say. “Let’s get to class before we are late Tasha.”

One down and my family left to go. I’m sure if that’s how Tasha handled me getting attention. I can only imagine what the McLane’s will say about their daughter having a new guy friend around. This is getting interesting, but I am grateful for Tasha, at least giving me a chance even after knowing he was part of a scandal.

I can’t focus today on anything, my mind is racing. I haven’t seen Luke yet today. He made sure to get my attention before the date, and of course, now he disappeared. I don't think I should have gotten my hopes up with him. Or maybe he’s sick? I have to wait until the last hour of school. It’s killing me inside! I have so many emotions in my head, along with Tasha’s voice telling me I’m just about the attention. Maybe she is right, I am a freak of nature. Maybe, I shouldn’t put anyone else into my horrid mess of a life. Well, it’s almost time for lunch and that means the halfway point of my day. I need a break! Tasha has been stuck to me more than ever today. I think she is also wondering about our good friend Luke.

I escape Tasha, and I decide I would skip the lunchroom today. I wasn’t in the mood anymore. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but these ‘normal’ emotions are getting to me. I’m not used to being this flustered over a boy.

Luke screams from down the hall near the lunchroom. “Sandy! “Where are you going? The lunchroom is this way!”

As he points to the cafeteria door.

Well, all that negative talk and trying to run just didn’t work out. I secretly grin and head back to the guy, who makes me feel like I’m floating on air. What a trance he has me in!

“Where were you headed?” He asks me as I get closer to him.

I reply. “I was going to get some fresh air, it’s been a weird kind of day.”

He looks concerned. “How so?”

“I did what we talked about and told Tasha.”

He exclaims. “Well... What did she say?”

“She said, she trusted me enough to trust you.” I smile bigger than I have ever at him.

“I’m glad she approves of me.”

I cutely smile at him and exclaim. “I didn’t say all that! She’s giving you a chance, just like me. But, I still wouldn’t think you're in the clear with her just yet. And we still have James and my sister Alison to tell if you want to hang out with me. I can't lie to them and I'm sure they will find out.”

Luke responds so strongly. “Sandy, I don’t think that will be a problem, I already told James about liking you.”

Wait, What? Did he just say he LIKED me and he talked to my brother about it!

“What did my brother say, Mr?” As I softly punch his arm.

Luke grabs my hand and says, “I told him the truth, I didn’t care what others thought of you. That if he wanted to be my friend, he would have to accept the fact that I am going to be in your life too and I can protect you. James and I made a deal, he says I have to put in some more hours with practice and I get the green flag for you to my girl.”

He squeezes my hand and my heart is racing. Did he just call me his girl?!? “Ok, Mr. Got it all worked out!”

I giggle, “This is a first for me, and I’m not sure about all this, aren’t we going fast?”

Luke laughs harder than I have ever heard him before. “You need to trust me, and I can tell this is all new to you. I won’t let you down. I mean if you do like me, Sandy, Right?”

Before I could even think my mouth spits out, “Of course I do!”

He pulls me in for a hug and I can feel every bone in my body melt into him, if this is love, I sure do feel it.

“Let’s get over to the table with Tasha, I can feel her looking at us.”

He waits for a second more before he releases me but grabs my hand and in we go. I can’t help but have a grin from ear to ear.

I think I feel the entire school looking at me. I know Luke feels it too, He’s now got his arm wrapped around my waist. I guess I am his girl, he seems proud. I’m not sure how I feel about this kind of attention, I need Tasha and there she is waiting for me

. She exclaims in an annoyed tone, “Well look at the two Love Birds now, took you long enough!”

“Sorry. I didn’t even want to be here. Luke dragged me back.”

“I did see our little jailbird trying to escape, and I made sure she came back to us,” Luke tells Tasha in the sweetest tone.

Tasha smugly states. “Well, what are we going to do with our girl, Luke? I should be thanking you, but I won’t give you that credit yet.”

I grin at the fact that the two of them are comically bickering about me. I don’t think would have ever expected this outcome. The senior year seems to be looking up for me.

“Ok, guys I am sitting right here. I just needed air but you both got me now.”