The Mermaid in Me

Chapter 18 - I'll Find a Way

As the weeks pass, Tasha stays distant. I catch her every so often looking at me, and I wonder how bad of a friend I am to her. But then Luke shows me why I’m ok. He makes sure I'm always taken care of.

I don’t understand why I’m so attracted to him even with his attitude being so forceful and confrontational? I seem to be in love with it or the power I feel from him.

Do mermaids give you this power or is it a boy who believed in me after he heard what people were saying?

I still wonder if mermaids are real, especially since my parents said they found me on Coral Beach, while they were planning our trip.

I was found on a beach in the sand, it seems weird to think I wouldn’t be a mermaid. I just want some answers and I’m spinning my wheels going absolutely nowhere.

Luke did seem curious as to why Tasha is buddies with Devin. He isn’t fond of him either, for good reasons, he hates what Devin did to me! I hate Devin, but I don’t think as much as Luke.

I heard them yelling in the hall a few weeks ago about something. When I confronted Luke about it, he told me not to worry, he was doing his job, as a boyfriend. I didn't understand what that meant from him, but it all makes me wonder about mermaids now even more.

I found James in the hall after that. “James, I need to ask you something?”

“You must need something if you’re looking for me at school! We do live together.” He replies annoyed.

I laugh at him knowing it could wait, but I wanted to know now.

“I know but I love being able to reach out whenever I can now that I’m Luke’s girlfriend and you can be seen with me.”

I batt my eyelashes at him and continue. “Have you noticed Devin acting differently? I see he’s been hanging out with Tasha lately. I’m just curious on your end.”

James is quick to respond. “Yeah, that crazy girl has gotten to him! He doesn’t care about football anymore. She seems to be a real influence on him. Luke overheard your name come out of Devin’s mouth and about killed him.”

He gives me the look of shame as he continues. “We all still don’t know what he said about you, but I think you should really enjoy having Luke by your side. Stay away from that girl!”

I spout out, “I am very thankful for Luke so shut up! I was just curious and she was a great friend at one time, just like Devin was to you.”

James just rolls his eyes and walks away. I know he’s upset about Devin, that’s why I did want to know his point of view. I knew he wouldn’t say much, but I got enough to question why they are talking about me, it really bugs me.

I think I know why Devin is acting funny but I want to know why those two are talking me. I can’t tell anyone about Devin and Tasha, its not like my word really counts. I should say something to Devin if Tasha won’t help. I might be able to talk with Devin about mermaids. I’m not afraid of him and his silly words. If he’s a mermaid, it’s time I busted him out and not as he did with me. I want answers before I go on this trip! If Tasha won’t help, I’ll go to everyone she called out, starting with Devin.

I’ve been trying to find a good time to talk with Devin without Tasha and it hasn’t been easy. Then my luck gets worse.

Luke notices me in the hall, starring at Devin, and starts shouting at me. “Why are you so into him? Do you like him? You asked me the other day about him! Is it because you’re cheating on me?”

I can’t believe my ears, “What do you mean? I noticed the same change as everyone else in Devin!”

I can feel my blood pressure rising as I continue on. “You think I would really go behind your back with the guy who named me Fish Legs?”

He puffs up with fierceness, “I don’t know. Would you? Tell me you haven’t been looking at him?”

I squeak out in shock. “I noticed he was hanging out with Tasha, and I was curious. That's all I promise! I'm sorry for making you think I would ever leave you, for him,”

He leans down kisses me, and whispers in my ear. “Of course, you wouldn’t. He broke you down as Tasha did, I’m helping you out!” I lean my head against his chest.

I hate that he would even think, that I would like Devin.

“Luke, I would never. I’m sorry again.” Let’s just get to class before we are late.

I guess I will make sure my conversation with Devin is a secret then, and not in front of a soul. Luke isn’t making this any easier than Tasha is. I really hope Devin won’t shrug me off. I imagine he has got his tail now since he’s not the same. I mean if that’s what really happens with mermaids. His birthday was just two weeks ago, I’ve caught him looking at me also. I want and deserve to know the truth about mermaids if they are real. If all that talk Tasha was saying was true.

Luke and I spend our days connected more than normal now. He seems very suspicious of me. It doesn't stop me as I plan my sneak attack on Devin, I have questions that need answers. I think if I time it right, I can run into him before lunch and pretend I am just waiting there for Luke, it may work out. I don’t see any harm in bumping into someone by accident, and that way Luke won’t be insecure. My parents just adore Luke and he will be with us on our trip. So, I don’t want to give him any more ideas about me liking someone else.

I happen to find the perfect time. I escape class early, just before Luke normally waits for me, to go to lunch. I use the typical bathroom card and hide in there till the bell rings. I grab my books and run out as soon as the bell rings. I stop in front of the entrance of the cafeteria and wait for Devin. I see him coming, and he doesn't have Tasha with him. I gather up my confidence and walk straight into him like a brick wall.

I pick up my head and look at him like I didn't know he was there.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you with everyone around." I can feel a lump in my throat, but I can't stop now.

He glares at me. "Are you sure of that?"