Nine
1015 Words
My head whirled as I tried to process what happened. Not only had I met Michael's parents, who mysteriously showed up on the eve of their daughter's wedding, but that I had confessed that I loved Michael. I knew I loved him, as insane as it sounds, but the deep uncontrollable and unmistakable love swept my feet from under me so quickly that somehow it was hard to believe all of this was real. True, the rational part of my brain still knew that I technically have known him for mere days but I know who he truly is. He is kind, thoughtful, and patient. Our views and values were completely aligned, and although we were two different species, I was willing to make this work.
I want to try to be better, for him and for my family. I want to be strong; to be the stubborn and fearless woman I was supposed to be, not afraid of the ocean and escape to the safety of a home far away from loved ones. Forever to continue this cycle of fear believing I was safe in the confinements of my home. I knew my therapist was right: I needed to change, to face my fears head on, and lean on the support of others.
But, I refuse to hurt those I love while I healed, and if need be, I would find myself. I hoped I wouldn't have to push them away.
And I still wasn't exactly sure how things worked with his kind, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
But I knew that logistically, it wouldn't go down too well if we up and got married to someone we "just" met. We would need to take things slow, go on dates, spend time together. But how would we do that if we lived four hours away? I still have to pay off my home in Carthage and I wouldn't ask him to move states to be with me. I couldn't do that, I wouldn't do that. I wasn't exactly sure if I was ready to live near the coast yet.
"Lottie?"
I blinked, realizing that I was still holding onto Michael, his eyes etched in worry as he tried to figure out what was bothering me.
"Lucie, are you alright?"
"Uh, um, yeah I'm fine." I paused, tucking a strand of my auburn hair out of my eyes, and taking a few steps away from him, "Wait, did you just call me Lucie?"
"Yeah, do you like it?" He grinned, " I think it's cute."
I couldn't help but smile back at him, "You can call me whatever you want." I paused, "We should probably get back, everyone's probably wondering where we went."
"You're probably right." He commented, entwining our fingers together as we made our way back inside. "I know it's a lot to take in at once. I know you must be nervous and overwhelmed and I'm sorry that I sprung everything on you. I- I wish I could have gone about everything differently." I looked up at him, was he blaming himself?
"Don't."
"What? What do you mean don't?"
"Don't blame yourself for something you have no control over. The connection between us, maybe not entirely as slow as what normal people go through but the thing is it will always be different. And that's what makes it unique. I want to make this work, but I also need to get over my fear because the last thing I want to do is hurt you and it wouldn't be fair to you if I'm a mess and I-" I paused, taking in a shaky breath as I felt my salty tears stream down my cheek. "I just, I don't want to hurt you Michael."
I watched as he stood in front of me, staring into my eyes as his eyes flickered from blue and green. And then he began to walk towards me, slowly and cautiously. Cupping my cheek in his hand, he wiped the fallen tear from my face as I stared back at him.
"You could never hurt me. And we will think of something, these things take time and I'm willing to wait and help you in any way that I can."
"But what happens when we both go home in two days? What then? I don't think I'm ready to live on the coast and I definitely don't want to force you to stay with me. I still need to pay off my house and we still need to talk about how we're going to work on what we have and what you are and-"
"Hey, hey, Lucie, It's okay. One thing at a time." I nodded, wiping my face as I leaned into him, feeling my worries melt away, that was until I heard my cousin from across the room.
"Lucie? What do you mean Lucie?"
I looked up, seeing my cousin Emmy from across the way. Hey fiery red hair billowing out around her, her eyes filled with intrigue and confusion.
"Are you two a thing now? You've only known each other for three days!"
"Hey Em." I said, letting go of Michael, "We were um-" I trailed off, unable to think of what to say.
"We were just talking." Michael added, turning towards my cousin who made her way towards us.
"Uh huh, sure, you were "talking". So, how long have you two been seeing each other?" She looked us over, knowingly, "It can't have been long, after all, Mandy just introduced you two."
"Em, can we talk about this later?" I asked, about to walk back downstairs, "We really need to get back."
"He's your mate isn't he."
"Wh-what?" My mouth fell open, I couldn't believe what she said, "What do you mean mate?"
I could feel Michael's nervousness beside me and I could barely hold myself together. How did she know I was his mate?
"You know what I mean Loretta because I am like Michael and Amanda." She paused, "Joshua, my birth dad, was a merman."
"What!"
I couldn't believe this, wouldn't my parent's have known? Why did they not tell us? How come I never knew?
Why are there so many merpeople in my life?
- Writer
