The Siren's Flute

The Beginning

"Why are you so slow? Are you a turtle?!" exclaimed Rita out of irritation from my slow walking. I just laughed at her. We are on the way to the public library here in the city. She said we're going to start finding new information about my condition and the flute also, today.

She is really determined to find a solution for me. Such a good friend of mine. Anyways, when we're already inside the library, Rita directly went to the mythology section and I just followed her.

The thought of possibly finding a solution to my situation makes me really excited but as you all know, hope is such a cruel thing. So, I decided not to expect a lot from this. However, if there really is a solution for my situation, I would be ecstatic.

We read books about sirens and other stuff related to it. There were some interesting infos but, nothing about a flute.

"Um... I don't think the flute thing is true." I told Rita after hours of reading and scanning.

"Don't be lazy. We still have a lot of books to read." she flatly dismissed me. Okaaayyyy...

I'm lowkey pissed.

I rolled my eyes at her secretly and went back to reading. After a while, she spoke. "Lucy. Have you tried swimming under the sea?"

My eyes squinted at her question. I mean, I know she knows the answer to that. "Uh, duh. You know I've never been to beaches or whatsoever." I curtly said.

Yes. I've never been to one. Specifically, I have never been to any large bodies of water. My mom does not want me to and I kinda agree to it. I don't know, I just feel like it's a good decision.

"Right? Why don't you try swimming in to one?" she asks.

I shrugged at her question and answered, "I can try but, when?"

"This weekend. I'll be the one to ask for permission from your mom. Just prepare some clothes." she said full of determination.

I shook my head out of admiration. "Okay... mom." I teased.

I did not ask her any further questions about why did she asked to go to a beach. I know she knows what she's doing and I trust her.

After that day, we waited—or more like Rita waited— earnestly for the weekend to come. As usual, my nights were painful. And because of it, I am lying if I say that I was not expecting just for a tiny bit. I just can't help it. This must be what you call desperation.

Indeed, I am desperate.

Weekend finally came and Rita and I are now at my house' front door bidding farewell to my mom. Thankfully, she allowed me to go. I thought she wouldn't because she was the one does not want me to be anywhere near the sea.

We took an uber to get to DeLaura beach. And to be honest, me being shookt is an understatement. Like, I'm high-key sure that I look like a 5-year old kid whose just seen a beautiful sea for the first time.

The scenery was beyond my expectation. And I don't know but, I feel complete. I have already forgotten about my pains. It's very surreal.

I mean, I've seen pictures but, seeing this in real life is different. It hits different.

"Lucy! Hello?!" I was snapped out of my trance by Rita. "What are you doing? Let's go." she said so impatiently. I almost argue with her if not for the beautiful scenery infront of me.

I followed her behind. I don't know where we're going but, the destined location seems pretty far because we've been walking like 30 minutes now. I can only spot a few people here. It's very empty unlike the place where we stopped at earlier.

When Rita finally stopped, were already in a place with not a single soul and was surrounded by big rocks. The waves in this part, too, are particularly huge.

"Are you planning to die?" I asked her after I checked out the entire place. It was really deserted. I even shouted to find out if somebody could hear me but to no avail.

"Are you crazy? Why would I want to die, stupid." she insulted. Like she's not crazy, too!

"Then why are we here?" I inquired ignoring her saltiness.

"Duh. For you to swim." she flatly said.

"Why here? There were other nicer spots than here." I complained. Childish, yes, but, is she really expecting me to be fine with it and just jump into the roaring sea? Tell me she's insane.

"Do you want to be found out? There are no deserted place other than here." she answered and I understood her point. However, I still think this is too much. Even though I'm a siren, I've never swam on a sea as a siren before. This is literally my first time.

I do not even know if I could swim. "Rita, what if I'll drown? This is literally my first time. This is different from my salt bath at home." I told her honestly. She was silent for a moment, contemplating about what I had just said.

"Then first, try swimming just a few meters ahead of the shore. It won't be too deep so you'll be able to handle yourself. Also, I'll come with you incase something happens." I just nodded at her and then started my way towards the sea.

I did not submerged myself immediately. I took my time adjusting to the waters surrounding me. It was actually heavy and the waves were very strong, too.

The moment I submerged myself fully, I did not open my eyes yet. Instead, I steadied myself and started breathing underwater. The moment I have adjusted, I opened my eyes and it felt... it felt like I've finally come to where I am supposed to be.

It's almost the same as living on the surface of the Eart. The only difference is that I can feel the sea hugging me.

Without even knowing, I was already swimming underwater. Exploring. Enjoying. It felt like I was under a spell at the time.

"Something's wrong..." A thought occurred to me. That's when I finally stopped. However, it was too late. I was too late. I am now in the middle of the sea. Dark blue water surrounded me and I can't see the seafloor.

"I must get out of here..." I thought.

I did not waste any time. I started swimming back to the seashore. To be honest, I'm not really sure if I'm taking the right direction. But I can feel it. My instincts are telling me to get out of here as fast as I can.

I was swimming frantically when I felt a stinging pain on my lower limbs.

"Ahhhhh..." I shouted in pain in my mind. It was a kind of pain that I have never felt before. I was unable to swim any longer.

The pain was spreading throughout my entire body. I panicked. "Please..." I thought.

"Rita. Help me... Mom, help me." is what came into my mind.

Right after, I felt an excruciating pain in my chest. My heart beated so fast, my head was pounding really hard. "I can't breathe!..."

"No... no, no." I thought as I continue to struggle.

Then something pulled my feet down. "Ahhh" I shouted loudly, now using with my mouth. It did not matter If I'm choking from the water or not. I was desperate for my life but, it was futile...

As I was already at the deepest point of the waters.