The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 6 - I Feel Normal

I pull up to school and Luke is standing right in front of my parking spot! This is a first for me. A guy that greets at my parking spot.

James snorts out, “Looks like Sandy has a greeter, waiting for her.”

I just glare at him.

Alison pipes up, “Give our sister a break, James! I think it’s romantic for him to wait for her, that’s what every girl wants.”

I shockingly spit out in amazement at Alison, “Thank you, I do appreciate you saying that. I’m just as shocked as everyone but he makes me feel special.”

I'm glad she feels the excitement like I do!

Alison replies with such encouragement, “If I had the chance you have Sandy, I would take it and not look back. He is so handsome and smart. I know all the girls talk about him, they are going to envy you. You are special and not how you think, you deserve this. Don’t let James get to you, he’s just jealous that he can’t get a girlfriend.”

James doesn’t say a word, it makes me giggle inside at Alison’s comment. It might be true James doesn’t have girls after him, but then again, he focuses on football or whatever he does. I used to try my best to stay out of his life. It's new to have him in it knowing it's because of my new boyfriend. Luke is so handsome and sweet, I feel so lucky for once.

Luke is at the door pulling it open before I can even put my car in park. If that isn't a bold move, I don't know what is. It sure does make my heart flutter.

“Good Morning the McLane’s! Especially my Sandy.”

I can’t help but smile! He sure is calling me HIS! The dominance is overwhelming but I like it.

Alison is looking at Luke with stars in her eyes. “Hi, Luke. It’s so romantic that you waited for us.”

Luke grabs my hand, “Well thank you, Sandy makes it easy. Would you all like to walk up to school together with us?”

I can’t help but squeeze his hand in excitement, I love this feeling and the power he gives me. “Oh, and Sweetheart, I think you look beautiful today.”

Ahhh! He noticed! I can't stop the smiles.

James just looks at Luke with annoyance. I don’t care, this guy is showing me a feeling I have never felt, my face shows it.

“Well, thank you, Luke, I didn’t do much.”

James can suck it up and be happy for me like Alison is. We walk up to school in a group with Luke leading the way.

I think my dreams are finally coming true! My family actually acknowledging my existence, allowing me to feel normal. I’m shocked at the looks I’m getting today, not even Devin is saying a word he is just standing there, waiting for James dumbfounded at us.

It’s like overnight I went from the school monster to the luckiest girl ever, and everyone is looking at me differently. I don't think I'm going to escape the attention. It just looks more like I am an ordinary teenager. I like the attention. I am part of the school, with the most wanted guy around. Who wouldn't want this attention?

But... I'm not normal and I think maybe that is what's making me feel so conflicted. I know I have a secret that I can't deny, I'm different and I'll never be like everyone else.

Luke walks me to my locker and gives me the sweetest little peck. I can’t control this heart of mine, it's about to burst. I don't know what I going to do if he lays one on my lips.

“I’ll see you at lunch, babe. I think Tasha wants you unless you want me to walk you to class?”

I look over to see her looking at us. “Oh, I think it’s ok if you get to class. I think Tasha and I have this.”

I give him a smirk as he walks away. I can't keep my eyes off of him, he has this way about him, and I'm locked in his trance.

“Seriously, Sandy? He is attached to you.” Tasha says annoyed.

“I don’t know what I did, but I agree, Tasha. He was waiting for me before I had even gotten into the parking lot. I haven’t slept, I keep replaying everything and I don’t know if I can do this!” I completely burst into tears.

She grabs and hugs me tight. “Sandy, I’m sorry, I hate to see you like this. I was just teasing you. I don’t mind seeing you with him. I even noticed a glow about you that I’ve never seen before. I’ve been a jerk to you.”

I completely start sobbing uncontrollably, “Really, because I don’t know what’s going on with my life. I don’t even know how to be a girlfriend. I have all this new pressure on me. I went from being Fish Legs to a new guy, girlfriend! I have never been good enough and I feel like I'm under a microscope now.”

Tasha perks up, “I am such a jerk, I’ll help you out in the boyfriend department. I think I need to be more supportive and not as protective, that’s Luke’s job now.”

I look up at her and smile, “Thank you for everything Tasha.”

“Girl... I’m coming over tonight and I promise I will help you out, even if I have to let you practice kissing me. I won't let you fail” Tasha states in a matter of fact tone.

This is why I love her!

"You'd let me plant one on you?" I giggle at her, hoping she says No.

She winks and replies. "Only for you, but you don't get my tongue."

We fall apart in laughter till my stomach hurts.

After that mental breakdown, the day turned out to be a breeze.

Luke kept his word and made sure to show he wasn't going to be leaving my side. He made it so clear, I could barely escape to even go to the bathroom.

I then get bombarded with the girls in there, that have never once talked to me before. They try to ask me all about Luke, and how I got him. I’m not sure how you ‘get’ someone. I just smiled at them, I feel special and I won't have them bothering me, with mindless questions.

This is the best feeling! Especially after Tasha and I talked I won't let these girls get to me. Alison was right about them. They just want what I have and that's new for everyone.

I’m so excited that Tasha and Luke are getting along. Between the two of them, I can’t help but feel normal.

We all laughed and joked at lunch! To the point everyone was looking at our table, in curiosity.

I can’t wait for tonight’s lesson with Tasha. Luke is going to be in for a surprise, if he liked my little bit of extra effort today, just wait till he sees what a little help from Tasha can do!