Mine By Harrieth H. Mbunda

T H R E E

As morning arrived, Bluey found herself waking up on a new bed. As she tried to move, a hand held her down and a deep voice said, "Piccolina, please stay." She couldn't find her voice and was surprised to see a man with blue hair beside her. She realized that this room was enchanting and luxurious, far from the hospital or her bed.

She lifted her body, but the hand on her waist kept her in place. She wanted to escape, but her voice remained silent. Lost in her gloomy world, she watched the ocean waves play, evoking memories she couldn't express.

Beside her, the man with blue hair was asleep, and though she couldn't understand who he was, it didn't matter to her. She chose to keep it hidden. However, the future had other plans for her. After some time, exhaustion took over, and she slowly drifted off to sleep, all the while Azureus silently watched her, ensuring she was attached to him. A perfect smile curved on his face, and the electric shocks made him happy, knowing that his life was fulfilled. He silently vowed to protect her heart, soul, and mind—his fragile little mate.

Azureus was aware of her ethnicity—she was a light-skinned black girl with cute skin tags around her neck and black dot spots on her right cheek and fingers. Her body, with well-shaped legs, large breasts, and a curvaceous figure, caught his attention. Her hair, tied up in a bun, showcased her Type B curls. Azureus found her immensely captivating and could watch her for eternity. He moved her closer to him, and together they drifted off into the dreamland.

In the morning, Bluey opened her eyes to the sunlight streaming in. As she stretched, she heard heavy footsteps and saw the man with blue hair wearing a white T-shirt and blue slacks. He moved around the room, and she observed him and his imposing figure. She chose to look away and focused on the morning waves chasing the ocean waters. Suddenly, a hand touched her face. She flinched, expecting pain, but this touch felt different—it was warm and safe. She realized it was better to say nothing, fearing that this man might turn out like everyone else. She had learned the hard way and wasn't ready to repeat her past mistakes.

"It's okay, just look into my eyes," Azureus said as he watched her flinch from his touch. However, she stayed, showing some improvement. Slowly, he lifted her face to make her face him. Her black eyes were mesmerizing, and he smiled as he greeted her, "Morning, Piccolina. Don't be afraid. I won't harm you. Welcome to my home. I am Azureus." Bluey observed him, searching for faults, and eventually nodded in response.

Azureus extended his hand, and Bluey took it. He showed her around the room, giving her privacy while she used the bathroom. During that time, he found clothes for her to wear—a light blue shirt, dark blue sweatpants, and his boxers since she had no underwear. After making his selections, he left the room. Upon seeing the clothes, Bluey chose to wear the shirt and boxers since the sweatpants were too large for her legs to handle, considering their significant height difference—she was 5'1" while he was 7'7".

After some time, Azureus found Bluey sitting on the sofa, watching the waves. He admired her in his shirt, and as he approached the window, he struck up a conversation with her. Although she responded with nods, it was progress. He invited her for breakfast, and she chose only tea and white rice since she didn't eat fish or vegetables. Azureus watched her silently as she ate. When she finished, she took her cup and plate to clean them and smiled as a thank you. He nodded in acknowledgment but noticed that she didn't touch the veggies and fish. He made a mental note to ask her about it.

To his surprise, he saw her still watching the ocean from his window. He smiled as he noticed her leaning against it, appreciating the view.

Days went by, and Bluey became more comfortable with Azureus. They spent time together, communicating silently. After a few months, one day, she found the courage to say thank you for the food with her own voice. Azureus was taken aback but smiled. He dropped his fork, hugged her, and curiously asked, "What's your name, Piccolina?"

Shyly, she replied, "I am Bluey Kim Harley." Azureus was astonished, as he never expected to learn her name. Deep down, he knew she was beginning to trust him, and he had been patient with her. What surprised him the most was that he had never allowed anyone into his house until she was healed enough. But today, he decided to tell her where she was going before going out with her because she was in a world of Mer people.

"Please, come sit with me, Bluey," he said with a smile, gesturing towards the couch. Then he began to explain, "I don't want to trigger your past, but this is a wonderful place, the world of Mer people of the oceans. You are in my Blue Waters realm, where we are made up of mermen, mermaids, and some humans. You were thrown into our world during a heavy war, and you hit me like a tornado. I caught hold of you, and that's when I felt the electric shocks between us. I rushed you to my medical chambers, and although I was devastated to learn that they inflicted pain on you, I was happy to find you in time. I am thousands of years old, and I couldn't believe that the gods blessed me with such a gift. So, please, as we go outside, don't be surprised to find half-human, half-fish beings." He chuckled, not wanting to make her cry, but he spoke the truth.

"Azureus, thank you for everything. I am..." Bluey struggled to find the words, but he swiftly picked her up and hugged her, allowing her to melt into his chest. "Don't speak until you're ready. But today, my love, let's go outside and meet the oceans and my people, okay?"

And so, their days began, with Azureus slowly winning her heart.