A Mermaid's Kiss

by Katie Holland

  “First, I’m going to get something to eat and then I’m going to find something to watch on Netflix. I’ll probably head to bed early. I’m not used to this schedule yet.”

  Karma checked the time. “He should be here soon. Do you want to wait with me downstairs?”

  “Sure.” I grabbed my key and went with Karma.

  Travis was as hot as she said he was. I smiled to myself when they started walking to his car, he didn’t stand a chance.

  I went to the closest place to eat and got some dinner. When I was done, I headed back to the dorm and I found a movie I wanted to watch. When it was over, I looked at the time. It was only 9:00, but I was tired and had to be at practice in the morning. I changed into my PJ’s and crawled into bed with my eReader.

  Chapter 12

  Major

  We were sitting around playing video games after class on Tuesday, when my phone rang. I looked at the display. It was my mom again

  “Dude, answer it,” Bodie said. “That’s the third time she’s called. You can’t ignore her forever. You don’t want her coming down here.”

  I loved my mom, but I wasn’t planning on checking in with her every day. But Bodie was right, she would come down here if I didn’t answer.

  “Hi mom,” I said.

  “Oh Major, I’m so glad you answered.”

  She didn’t sound like herself. “What’s wrong?”

  “You’re grandpa Bill has been taken to the hospital. I think he’s had a heart attack. I wanted you to know that I’m heading to Fresno to stay with my mom.”

  “Is he going to be okay?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll know more when I can talk to the doctor.”

  “Do you need me to take you there?”

  “No, I’ll get Jimmy to drive me there.”

  “Good. Let me know when you get there.”

  “I will. Bye honey.”

  “By mom.”

  I hung up feeling like a dick. I should have answered the phone the first time she called. Mom was a total daddy’s girl. She was going to be devastated if something was to happen to her dad.

  “Everything okay man?” Chad asked.

  “My mom’s dad might have had a heart attack.”

  “That sucks,” he said.

  That about summed it up. There wasn’t much else to say about it so I went back to playing the game, but my head wasn’t really in it. The conversation with mom had me thinking, about Kayleigh of all things. She had me pegged as an asshole from the start, and I was beginning to wonder if she was right.

  I thought about how worried she looked when she talked about losing her scholarship, and here I was bitching to my parents about them “making” me go to school. I’d never had to struggle for anything in my life and honestly never thought about if other people had to or not. I’d grown up in a wealthy family surrounded by wealthy friends. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I was kind of acting like a spoiled brat, which pissed me off.

  I needed to get out of this room. I dropped my controller and went to my room to change into workout clothes. I left without saying anything to the guys and went to the campus gym. My hands curled around the weights I was holding and I took out what I was feeling on my body. I was angry at myself, and angry at my parents for allowing my behavior all these years. I worked until my body felt weak. I looked up and saw Kayleigh running on the track. I put the weights down and went over to her.

  “This is all you’re fault,” I yelled at her.

  I could tell I scared her but right then I didn’t care. I stormed off and headed to my truck. I needed to clear my head before I went back to the dorm.

  Chapter 13

  Kayleigh

  “What the hell was that all about?” Karma asked, stopping beside me on the track.

  “I have no idea,” I admitted.

  “Did you do something to piss him off?”

  “Not that I know of. I haven’t even seen him today.”

  “Maybe he’s got PMS,” Karma said with a smile.

  “Or maybe he’s just an asshole like I’ve been telling you. Let’s forget about him and finish our run.”

  We ran another few laps around the track. I tried my best to put Major out of my mind, but I kept replaying what he said. It didn’t make any sense. I didn’t know him well enough for him to be that mad at me.

  I wasn’t sure what to expect in English the next morning. Was Major going to be nice or a dick, or maybe not even show at all? And then I wondered why I was even thinking about him. I needed to stop thinking about him and focus on school and swimming-- those were the two things that were going to benefit me in life, not some random guy.

  Karma and I took the same seats as Monday and waited for the professor to get there. It seemed like 9:00 was too early for him too.

  I was getting my laptop set up when Karma nudged me with her elbow. I looked to where she was looking and saw that Major had come to class, but decided to sit somewhere else. He still looked mad.

  “I wonder what crawled up his ass and died,” Karma said.

  “Who cares. Just forget about him. He can be an ass all he wants, as long as it’s away from me.”

  The professor chose that moment to enter the room and start class. I was relieved to have something else to think about.

  The day was going smoothly. I started the reading for English and managed to get through a full class of Algebra before my stomach growled. I packed up my bag and went to have lunch. Once again, just as I sat down to eat, Wes found me. He asked if he could sit with me and I agreed. I needed something to take my mind off my last class.

  “So, how are classes going?” he asked.

  “Okay, I guess. It’s going to be a very hectic semester between school and swimming.”

  “How many classes are you taking?”

  “Five. You?”

  “Same. But, I know a lot of athletes that only take four and graduate in five years instead of four.”

  “I think I’d rather do it this way,” I said. I was getting better at small talk. Yay for me.

  “So,” he said, “I was wondering if I could ask you on a date?”

  Shit, Karma was right. Don’t panic Kayleigh, you can handle this. “Um, that’s really nice of you but I don’t date anyone I’m on a team with. Actually, I don’t really date at all.”

  “I see.” He sounded disappointed. “Oh well, can’t blame a guy for trying,” he said, and his smile was back. “Is it still okay if I eat with you?”

  “Of course. You’re one of the very few people I know here.”

  We talked until it was time for me to get to class. Now that the awkward part was out of the way he seemed a lot easier to talk to. I was hoping we could at least be friends.

  When I got to Computer Science I was kind of dreading Major’s arrival. Where we sat on Monday had been our assigned seats for the year. The class was full so if Major came to class, he had to sit beside me.

  Just before class started he slid into his chair. I didn’t acknowledge him and was going to pretend he wasn’t there. I had to pay attention if I was going to pass this class, and wasn’t going to let his bad mood interfere with my grades.

  By the time class was over, it had been the longest fifty minutes of my life. Major kept bouncing his leg up and down, which I found very distracting when I was trying to understand what the professor was talking about. I was glad when he left as soon as the class was done.

  The rest of the week continued in much the same way. Practice, classes, practice, and dinner. The only thing different from the first day was that we now had homework. Karma went on another date with Travis. She must really like him because she hardly ever gave a guy a second date.

  Friday afternoon came and I was happy to not have practice. I planned on going back to the dorm, getting in my PJ’s, and relaxing; but Karma had different plans. Travis was taking her to a party and she wanted me to come with them. I really didn’t want to go, but I agreed to make Karma happy
. I was hoping it was close so I’d be able to walk home.

  I should have known better when I finally gave in, that what I wanted to wear wasn’t going to cut it with Karma. She did my makeup and hair, then picked out my outfit. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a total shut-in. I just didn’t go out very often. My swim schedule usually prevented me from doing much.

  When she was done I looked in the mirror. “You do good work,” I told her, liking what I saw.

  “I know,” she said grinning. “Now let’s get our fine looking asses downstairs and get our party on.”

  I rolled my eyes at her but followed her out the door. Travis was just walking up when we opened the front door. Karma officially introduced us then it was off to the party.

  As it turned out, I had a little bit of luck on my side. The party was only two buildings away at another dorm. The front door was propped open, and you could hear the music as we got close. People were everywhere. A makeshift dance floor had been created and there was even a DJ set up against one wall. Someone tried to hand me a cup full of a brown liquid, but I refused and so did Karma. She might like to party, but she never needed alcohol to have a good time.

  I shooed Karma and Travis onto the dance floor. Just because I didn’t want to be out there didn’t mean she shouldn’t have fun.

  I promised Karma I would stay for at least an hour, so I went looking for a place to get comfortable. I’d thought about bringing my eReader, but I couldn’t figure out how to hide it in this outfit.

  I was walking around when I saw Major. He had his arm around some girl and their lips were locked together. They really needed to get a room. Just as I was about to look away, his eyes caught mine and I swear he winked at me. Disgusted, I turned around and decided to find Karma. I shouldn’t have let her talk me into coming at all.

  I made my way through the crowd and found her and Travis still on the dance floor. From the looks of things, they needed to get a room, too.

  “Karma,” I yelled over the music and tapped her on the shoulder. “I’m leaving,” I said, when I had her attention. The look on my face must have been enough because she didn’t even argue. She offered for them to walk me home, but it was less than a block and I told her I’d be fine.

  I gave her a hug and started for the front door. It took me longer than it should have due to the volume of people crowded into the small space. I was positive the number of people had doubled in the fifteen minutes since we got here.

  When I finally made it outside I felt like I could breathe again. I wasn’t really all that fond of crowds like that. I started walking when I heard my name. I figured someone was trying to get the attention, of someone else named Kayleigh, so I kept walking.

  “Kayleigh, wait up.” I heard, and this time I knew who it was.

  I turned around fully prepared to give Major a piece of my mind, but the first words that came out of his mouth stopped me.

  “I’m sorry,” he said.

  “Did I hear you right?” I know it was a bitchy thing to say, but I was still irritated with him.

  He smiled. “Yes, I said I’m sorry. I’ve been acting like a dick this week and I want to apologize. I was mad at myself and I took it out on you,” he said sincerely.

  The last thing I expected tonight was an apology from Major. But since he was man enough to give it to me, I guess I had to be woman enough to accept it.

  “Thank you. Apology accepted. You should get back to the party,” I said, and started walking again. He fell into step beside me. “What are you doing?”

  “Making sure you get home safe. You are heading back to your dorm, right?”

  I nodded. “I’ll be fine, it’s just right there,” I said, pointing to the building.

  “I know, but I’m still going to make sure you get there.”

  I gave up and started walking again.

  “You look really hot tonight, Kayleigh,” he told me.

  “Um, thanks I guess.”

  “Why do you go to parties when you clearly don’t want to be there?” he asked.

  “I promised Karma I would go. She’s trying to get me to be more social.”

  “You don’t like people?”

  “I’m just shy so it’s hard for me to talk to people. I kind of keep to myself most of the time. I made Karma a deal that I would try and talk to more people if she stopped bugging me about it. This was me trying to hold up my end of the deal.”

  “So why did you leave the party so early then?”

  “Honestly, because I saw you. I didn’t feel like putting up with any of your shit so I left.”

  “Sorry about that. Do you want to go back? I mean, now that I’m not going to be a dick,” he said smiling.

  I had to smile back. “No. I really just want to put on my PJ’s, watch a movie, and relax.”

  We were back at my dorm. “Thanks for walking me. So, does this mean we’re still on for Sunday?”

  “Yes, it does. Oh wait, can I have your number? You know, in case something comes up and one of us can’t make it,” he said, taking out his phone.

  That seemed logical so I gave him my phone number.

  “I’ll text you so you can save my number, too. Good night Kayleigh.”

  I watched him walk away. I went from wanting nothing to do with him thirty minutes ago, to giving him my phone number and wondered exactly how that had happened.

  Chapter 14

  Major

  I walked away from Kayleigh feeling much better than I had when I got to the party. I hadn’t had any intention of apologizing to her, but when I saw the look she gave me as I was making out with that chick, I wanted to make things better. And now I had her number, so I texted her as promised.

  Me: This is Major. You should dress like that more often.

  I waited for her reply. I was sure it was going to be something that would make me smile. My phone dinged and I read the text. I was right about the smile. I loved getting under her skin.

  Kayleigh: Do you have a problem with my yoga pants?

  Me: Nope, in fact, I love your yoga pants. They show off your ass.

  Kayleigh: Why are you looking at my ass?

  Me: Because I can

  I knew I had a stupid grin on my face. It was just so fun and I never knew what she was going to say. I don’t think I’d ever had a woman, other than my mother, be so honest with me.

  “Hey, fucker, where’d you go?” Bodie said, as I walked back up to the dorm.

  “Needed some fresh air,” I lied.

  “What happened to that chick who was all over you?”

  “I lost interest.” And that was the truth. As soon as I saw Kayleigh looking at me I wanted nothing to do with the chick pawing at me.

  “You lost interest? Are you fucking serious? She was totally a sure thing,” Bodie said, looking at me like I’d lost my mind. Maybe I had.

  I just shrugged. I really didn’t know what to tell him. But I needed to start acting like myself again so he’d stop asking questions. “Let’s get back in there, I have a bet to win,” I said.

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” he said. “You’re going down.” Bodie slapped me on the back and we went into the party.

  Bodie shoved a cup in my hand. I took a drink and looked around. There were a lot of chicks here that I’m sure would let me fuck them, but for some reason that just didn’t appeal to me tonight.

  About twenty minutes later I’d had enough. “Hey man,” I said to Bodie, “I feel like shit. I think I’m going to our room.”

  I didn’t wait for him to say anything and I headed to the elevator. When I got up to our room I kicked my shoes off and looked at the time, it was only 10:45. I’m not sure the last time I’d been home this early on a Friday night. I wondered what Kayleigh was doing and decided to text her.

  Me: What are you doing?

  Kayleigh: Who is this? Surely this can’t be Major. He’s supposed to be partying right now.

  That made me laugh.

  Me: I’m done
with the party tonight

  Kayleigh: Why?

  Me: I just wasn’t feeling it

  Kayleigh: You were sure “feeling” something earlier

  Me: Jealous?

  Kayleigh: Hardly

  Me: I think you were

  Kayleigh: Not even close

  Me: You never answered me

  Kayleigh: I was watching Netflix

  Me: What show?

  Kayleigh: What does it matter?

  Me: Trying to get to know you better. Are you watching something you don’t want to tell me about?

  Kayleigh: No

  Me: Then tell me

  Kayleigh: Fine. I’m watching Thor.

  Me: Really?

  Kayleigh: Yes. Chris Hemsworth is drool-worthy.

  Me: Wow, now you’re objectifying men. I thought you were better than that.

  Kayleigh: Not when it comes to Thor

  I actually laughed out loud.

  Me: I like your brutal honesty

  Kayleigh: You might be the only one

  Me: You said you are shy, you don’t seem very shy to me

  Kayleigh: Normally, I am

  Me: But not with me

  Kayleigh: It would seem that way. Probably because I assumed you were a douchebag.

  Me: Ouch!

  Kayleigh: Not apologizing

  Me: Well you’re kinda right, but I’m trying to change my ways

  Kayleigh: Like texting me instead of sticking your dick in some random girl

  Me: Yeah, like that

  Me: How do you know I’m not doing that right now? Maybe I have some girl tied to my bed and I’m fucking her and texting you.

  Kayleigh: Gross! Not what I wanted to picture. And that would make you the ultimate asshole dick douche.

  Me: I guess it’s good that I’m not doing that then

  Kayleigh: Yep, that would have totally negated your apology earlier

  Kayleigh: I’m going to have to go to bed now. Have practice at 8 am and I need my beauty sleep.

  Me: Ok. Good night my honest and shy friend.