Love is a Dangerous Game

Happiness (15)

Kathy explained that I was correct, and that the only two ways we could nurse Lawrence back to health, is if the ocean were to seal us as one, wholly one, or the option I disliked. Erase his memory of ever knowing me or loving me. Then I would continue serving the ocean, and living the miserable life she promised me.

The ocean would be difficult to convince, but Kathy agreed to help Lawrence and I live a life together.

It was difficult. We practically dragged Lawrence down to the pond. He was so, so sick. Thankfully, my brother stayed to help, as well as Kathy, and we called my aunt using the shells. Turns out Kathy carried one with her, too.

Lawrence and I entered the pond, ankle deep, and I held him up as Kathy and my aunt spoke with the ocean. They both explained Lawrence was dying, and I that I would continue to grow weak without him. That I would fail to serve her if he were to die. It took a lot of begging and pleading, until the ocean answered, Yes. I will help you. But you will all continue to serve me. That’s the deal.

It was almost as pleasant as a wedding would be, except for the fact that Lawrence was so close to death’s door. I held Lawrence up the whole time, and kept him from slipping away from me. The ocean spoke:

You made the choice to fall in love, to seal the curse from all above, to risk the death of this sweet boy, and live the life a human would.

So now we seal you, man and girl, together, your souls are now one. You shall live in joy, but still serve me, as a SIREN.

Automatically, at the sound of those words, I could literally feel the weight lifted off my shoulders. Lawrence stood tall, and held my hands with easily acquired strength. He was no longer dying. I thanked the ocean profusely, though I was still a siren, but I could live a life with Lawrence now. The ocean took away my sentence. Despite the times of the month when I lived in the ocean’s waves, the rest of my time would be spent with my love, Lawrence. He held me close to him, and pecked my lips slightly. Faith, Kathy, and even my brother applauded as if we were just vowed as husband and wife.

My aunt surprised us with a beach house a couple blocks away from hers. It was close enough to the ocean, and the village. Both of our homes.

“It’s beautiful!” I gasped. Lawrence and I dropped our suitcases and ran inside. He picked me up and spun me around, and around, and around. Then he set me down with ease, and fell on one knee. I stood, staring at him in shock. He then took out a brown velvet box, and presented me with the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’d ever seen. An engagement ring. I brought my hands up to my mouth when he said, “Lorelai, I love you, and can’t imagine a life without you. Now that our souls are one, will you marry me?”

I jumped onto his knee and kissed his face saying, “Yes! I will marry you, Lawrence! Yes.” He then placed the ring on my finger, and pulled my down on top of him. We stared into each other’s eyes intently, holding each other's faces in our hands. “I love you Lawrence.” I whispered.

“I love you more.”

“Impossible.” I leaned down, and our lips met. He pulled me closer, never letting go. The kiss grew more intense as we sat up, and held each other.

Then we parted for a moment and he whispered, “I told you I was willing to risk it.” He smiled. I then pulled him in again. There we were, sitting on the floor of our new home, now engaged, having one of the most magical moments I’ve ever experienced. I kissed the corner of his lips, down his chin, and up again, then we parted. I smiled and said, “I’m glad you were willing to risk it, Lawrence.” He cupped my cheeks and pulled me in . We broke for only a breath, and I whispered, “Because love is a dangerous game.”