The Supernatural Siblings

Chapter Three: Mermaid on Land

Kailiani sat by the window, gazing into the moonlit garden, where silvery beams danced among the leaves. World peace; inner chaos. She cherished her love for Shantel and Michael, and her heart brimmed with affection for her new brothers, Zac and Hunter. Despite the warm embrace of family around her, a persistent shadow loomed—a deep-seated impression of not belonging.

The ocean’s distant call echoed in her mind, its waves crashing against the shore, a haunting lullaby that seemed to pull at her very soul. She longed for the cool caress of seawater against her skin and the exhilarating freedom of gliding through its depths. The company of other mermaids, their laughter mingling with the salty breeze, haunted her thoughts. Her discomfort was palpable; she felt like a helpless fish, suffocating in a strange, restrictive world. The vibrant greens and soft earth of her new life could never replicate the tranquil blues and shimmering sands of the ocean she yearned for.

Restless and unable to find solace in her bed, Kailiani slipped out and padded to the living room. She settled onto the worn couch, curling up with her knees hugged to her chest, as if to protect herself from the weight of her sorrow. Warm tears brimmed in her eyes, threatening to spill over as memories of her former life flooded her mind—the laughter and camaraderie of the mermaid community now seeming a distant dream.

A gentle rustling broke the stillness of the night, pulling her from her thoughts. She looked up to find Shantel framed in the doorway, her mother’s blue eyes shimmering with a mix of love and concern. With measured steps, Shantel approached, her presence a comforting balm against the ache in Kailiani’s heart.

“Can’t sleep?” Shantel asked, sitting down beside her.

Kailiani shook her head, wiping away a tear. “I miss the ocean, Mom,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “I love you and Dad and the boys, but I feel like I don’t belong here. The ocean is calling me, and I don’t know what to do.”

Shantel wrapped an arm around Kailiani, pulling her close. “I understand, sweetheart,” she said softly. “It’s not easy being the only mermaid among supernaturals. You’re family; we love you as you are.

Kailiani sniffled, leaning into her mother’s embrace. “But the boys fit in better,” she said. “Zac is a werewolf, and Hunter is a bear shifter. Their mutual understanding stems from shared land-based experience. But I’m different. I’ll never fit in.”

Shantel’s heart ached for her daughter; a profound sadness settled in her chest. With tender care, she lifted Kailiani’s chin, their eyes meeting in a moment of deep connection. “Kailiani, you are special because of who you are, not despite it,” she said softly, her voice warm and reassuring. Your unique qualities define you, and they are what makes this family strong. We’re mutually dependent.

Kailiani’s gaze dropped, her fingers grazing the iridescent scales that adorned her arm, each one a symbol of her individuality. “But what if I never feel like I belong?” she whispered, vulnerability lacing her words, as shadows of doubt flickered in her expressive eyes.

Shantel smiled; warmth shone in her eyes. “Belonging isn’t about being the same as everyone else,” she said. “It’s about being loved and accepted for who you are. And you, my dear, are loved more than you can imagine.”

Gratitude welled within Kailiani, bringing tears. “Thank you, Mom,” she whispered. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Kailiani,” Shantel replied, hugging her tightly. “And I promise we’ll help you feel more at home. Perhaps more ocean trips, or find other mermaids for friendship. Whatever it takes, we’ll do it together.”

Kailiani nodded, feeling a sense of hope and comfort. She knew that her journey to find her place on land wouldn’t be easy, but with her family’s love and support, she felt ready to face the challenges ahead.

The next weekend, Shantel and Michael took the family to the coast. A seaside day was planned to improve Kailiani’s spirits, as they knew she missed the ocean.

As they reached the shore, Kailiani’s eyes lit up with excitement. She ran towards the ocean, her dark afro hair bouncing with each step. The salty breeze and the sound of the waves gave her a feeling of familiarity and comfort.

Shantel watched her daughter with a smile. “Go on, Kailiani,” she encouraged. “Enjoy the water.”

Kailiani acted promptly. She waded into the ocean, feeling the cool water against her skin. Her scales shimmered in the sunlight, and she felt a feeling of freedom she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Michael set up a picnic area on the sand, while Zac and Hunter played nearby. Shantel joined Kailiani in the water, her presence a comforting reminder she wasn’t alone.

“How does it feel?’ Shantel asked, watching Kailiani swim through the waves.

“It feels amazing,” Kailiani replied, her voice filled with joy. “I missed this so much.”

Shantel nodded, understanding her daughter’s longing. “You know, Kailiani, you can always come back here whenever you need to. You’ll forever carry the ocean within you, as we do.

Kailiani smiled, a warm wave of tranquility washing over her. “Thank you, Mom. I love you,” she said, her voice laced with genuine affection.

“I love you too, sweetheart,” Shantel replied, enveloping her daughter in a comforting embrace that felt like home.

Later that evening, as the flickering flames of the campfire danced in the twilight, casting shadows on their faces, Kailiani found the courage to share her story. “The other mermaids abandoned me,” she started, her voice quivering with a mix of sadness and vulnerability. “They said I was different, that I didn’t belong with them because I wasn’t like them.” Her heart ached as the memories resurfaced, evoking a sense of loneliness that lingered deep within.

Shantel and Michael listened, their hearts breaking for their daughter.

“My mom tried to protect me, but the others wouldn’t accept me,” Kailiani continued. “They said I was a danger to their community. So, my mom brought me to that island and left me there, hoping I would be safe.”

Michael reached out and took Kailiani’s hand. “You are safe now,” he said firmly. “And you are loved. We will always be here for you.”

Kailiani gazed at her family, a warm sense of belonging washing over her like a soft, comforting blanket; this was unlike anything she’d known. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice above the crackling of the fire. “I know I have much to learn about life on land, but with all of you by my side, I believe I can make it.”

Shantel’s smile radiated with pride, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of love and encouragement. “You are stronger than you realize, Kailiani. And remember, we will always stand by you, no matter the hurdles you face.”

As the fire danced with flickering flames and the night sky twinkled with countless stars, the family exchanged stories and bursts of laughter, their connection deepening with each shared moment. Kailiani felt the warmth of their camaraderie wrap around her, reassuring her that her journey was just beginning. Yet, amid the uncertainties that lay ahead, the knowledge that she had a family who loved her filled her heart with hope.

With a renewed sense of determination building in her chest, Kailiani embraced her new life on land, ready to confront whatever challenges awaited her. She was not just a mermaid; she was a cherished daughter and sister. She discovered limitless strength within that undeniable truth.