Once

Chapter 1

Two days earlier...

Shelia and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember. We attend the academy together with many other mers our age. We were constantly getting into trouble together,  just about anything that we could get away with. We always had the other covering our back so we could get away with anything. On this day in particular we were sitting in the great hall with the rest of the students, and feeling particularly mischievous Shelia whispered,

"Hey Serena, let's start a food fight!"

"Okay," I agreed and proceeded to yell, "FOOD FIGHT!"

We each proceeded to fling spoonfuls of food in every direction. 

SPLAT! 

The food met its mark followed by more of the same as others joined in. As food kept flying adults were yelling and swimming around as fast as possible in order to stop the chaos. 

Once the fighting had settled we were all sent to our rooms for the night. The academy I attended was one of the most prestigious in the underwater realm. We were very close to graduation and my 18th birthday! I would soon be an adult and be able to choose the path I would take. 

At the moment I still had no clue which path to choose. There were so many enticing options. I honestly just wanted to enjoy life, but everyone wants to push a career path on you. I want to explore the world and see what all is out there. 

I was lost in thoughts of what was to come when I hear a small tap at my door, I go to open it and Shelia is there holding snacks and a movie. I hug her and invite her in.

"Happy early Birthday!" she exclaims excitedly. 

"Aaaah I'm so excited!" I reply in return.

"I knew tomorrow is your birthday so I thought we could celebrate a bit early and stay up all night watching your favorite movies. We can do our nails and makeup, then maybe we could sneak out..."

" Shelia, you know we have class tomorrow. I'm already almost failing as it is."

"Come on don't be a party pooper... It's your birthday! Chillax and have some fun!"

"Okay let's go have fun!" 

We watched a few movies waiting until everyone was asleep to sneak out to go to parties. Once we were sure everyone was asleep we snuck through the corridors, avoiding the professors who patrolled the corridors at night. We often did this many a night sneaking out to go to parties. We made it to the front door and slowly opened it to avoid anyone hearing us. We crept outside the doors and we were in the clear.

"Where are we going tonight Shelia?" 

"To Andrea's, I heard she is throwing a huge party tonight, and there will be lots of boys!"

Merpeople have mates for life, but many may never find their mates so many of us date and select our own mates. As for me I've never been on a date or had a boyfriend. I have high hopes for finding my mate once I turn 18. You can only find your mate after you become an adult.

We arrive at Andrea's house and the party is already in full swing, with people and booze everywhere. We go in and I immediately make my way to the punch bowl while Shelia goes to chat, I personally am just looking to get wasted.