Love is a Dangerous Game

Finding Love (5)

After we exited the ocean once more as humans, I spent as much time as I could with my aunt for two whole days, warming up to her. Finally, I confronted her.

“Lorelai, I don’t think it’s a smart idea to see that boy again.”

“I’ll avoid the ocean. We don’t transform for another couple weeks, anyway. Please, at least let me say goodbye.”

“Can’t you write?”

“We have! Please,” I begged her, “then I will continue my life as a siren in harmony. My devotion will go towards the Ocean’s needs. Please, I need to see him again.”

“Why are you so obsessed with this boy? You spent a day together.”

“The most magical day of my life. Call me crazy, but he’s enchanting. I just need to say goodbye...” I breathed.

“Fine. I’ll give you six days. Two are for travel. The rest of your time may be dedicated to him. You will keep in touch with me and stay safe. If you are in any danger, use this.” She held out a lavender polished shell. “This is a device for sirens. If you encounter any real danger, I’ll be there. Simply tap it twice. Those are my conditions.”

And so I left for the village.

I arrived an hour before noon, when the market wasn’t as crowded. Lawrence was already under that tree, waiting for me. I had to hold myself back from running into his arms. We embraced. “I don’t know why, but I haven’t stopped thinking of you.” He breathed into my ear.

“And I couldn’t help but miss you.” He pulled us apart, and held up my chin to look into my eyes. “I’m living with my aunt now. On the coast. It took me a day and a half to travel here.” I laughed. “It was worth it.”

“Come.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me through the trees to our clearing. He picked me up by my hips and swung me around. The cool breeze blew my hair, and the bright sun shone on his eyes. I couldn’t suppress my giggles. He fell onto the grass, very dizzy, and I landed on his chest. We layed there, arms wrapped around each other, staring into one another's eyes. Lawrence asked, “How is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve only just met?” I leaned closer to him, and whispered in his ear,

“Anything is possible when it comes to love.” So, we laid there, eyes closed, my body on top of his, in my sundress and him in his light gray tee shirt and pants.

Suddenly, he sat up with a charming smile on his face. “Oh, I nearly forgot!” He chuckled at himself. “I wanted to show you something.” He helped me up, and pulled me through the tall grass that tickled my toes. He brought me to a beautiful pond, with lily pads, frogs and ducks swimming about. “This is where I used to come with my mother. Now I take my sisters here all the time.”

I smiled. “It is a beautiful pond. I’m sure you made a lot of special memories with her here.” I sighed

“We did.” He turned to me. He held my face with his hands, and looked deeply into my eyes. We were hidden under the shade of another tree, and the tall grass. I nearly stopped myself from letting him kiss me… I was so dangerous. And yet, with Lawrence, I felt ordinary. What made him so wonderful? The strong stranger from the market. From the town I belonged in. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and, on my tiptoes, leaned in. He bent down so I could connect my lips with his. It was magical. It was flawless. It was a kiss any siren would’ve dreamed of. At first, the kiss was very soft, but grew more intense as we held each other. Both of his hands cupped my cheeks, and I hung on to him like my life depended on it.

I had found love. My love. Maybe Lawrence didn’t know it yet, but I loved him, and he loved me. We were made for each other and I knew that. He was the piece that made me complete. My complete human self. I knew, that in this moment, I had found my prince. My soulmate. And I would never leave his side. We broke apart for only a little while. The sound was barely audible, but the world was so silent Lawrence heard me gasp, “Wow.” He smiled the most genuine smile.

He said, “I love you.”

I replied, “But Lawrence that’s impossible. I love you more.”

He opposed and answered, “Anything is possible when It comes to love.” I pulled him closer to me, and we stumbled underneath the tree. We were now laying in the dirt, while time stopped for us. Our lips met once again. Lawrence kissed the corner of my lips, down my chin, then my neck.

I breathed, “I love you so much.” Tears were falling down my cheek now. He looked to me and wiped them away with his thumb.

He frowned. “What is wrong?”

I shuddered. “I don’t want to hurt you, Lawrence. I love you so much, but I can’t…” My voice trailed off, and I began crying.

“Lorelai, I’ve never found a love quite like yours. No matter the circumstances, you won’t hurt me.” He replied softly.

“Lawrence, It’s different. I should’ve never met with you…” I whispered. All of the sudden, I felt a connection with the Ocean. I froze. She was trying to find me. To locate me and take me home.

“Lorelai?”

“Shh.” I turned away, looking for a way out. He was holding me, staring. “Lawrence, we have to leave here. We need to get away, somewhere hidden.”

“Okay.” We stood, still holding each other. “I know just the place, then.” I put my hood back on, and Lawrence led me through the market. We walked alongside a trail of houses, until we reached the outskirts of town. I could feel the ocean calling out to me.