I was happily swimming in a turquoise ocean, surrounded by dolphins that were leaping and twirling all around me in the water. I skimmed across the ocean floor, past the broken columns of an ancient civilization. I surfaced, and the warm rays of the sun washed over me...
I woke up alone in a hospital room. I sucked in a deep breath, blinked and craned my neck to look around. I had a splitting headache, and my whole body felt weak and tired. I raised my left arm and saw that there were tubes taped on the back of my hand leading to a bag of fluid on a metal stand. I felt nauseous. A sudden wave of clarity swept over me. The water, the buoy, and Lorelei’s face flashed through my mind as I started to come to my senses. My last memory was of... Oh... My... God! I froze for a moment, trying to remember to breathe, fighting back the sickness.
The door opened and Abby walked in. She looked tired and distressed. When she saw my eyes were open she rushed over to my side.
“Oh Marina, are you awake?” she asked with a quavering voice.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I lied. I forced a weak smile, wanting to make her feel better. She perched on the edge of the bed and studied my face.
“Tell me what happened,” she said somberly, her eyes full of pain. I thought fast, and came up with an excuse.
“I was leaning over the side of the ship… to look at some sea lions. I must have gone too far...” She wasn’t buying it. “I’m not a swimmer,” I added.
“Marina,” she took a deep breath, “Are you unhappy here?” She looked like she was going to cry.
“Oh, Abby, you know I love it here!” I said, sitting up in bed and hugging her. She smiled tremulously, and I could tell she knew I was being truthful. Just then Cruz came through the door, followed by Megan.
“Hi guys,” I waved my right hand, afraid to even look at the tubes coming out of the other one.
“I’ll be right back– I need to go see the doctor,” Abby kissed my cheek and left.
“What the hell happened?” asked Cruz.
“Did she do this?” asked Megan, her eyes blazing fiercely. They sat on either side of me and I told them everything I remembered, except the last little bit. I wasn’t ready to share it.
“You know, they drown sailors on purpose,” Megan said, her voice tight with indignation.
Her cynical nature made her suspect the worst and she was angry. I was touched that she cared so much.
“No, no,” I protested, patting her hand, “It was like she forgot, or she simply didn’t know.
She’s kind of like a little kid, honestly...”
“Are you okay?” asked Cruz.
“I’m alive,” I said, wincing at the splitting pain in my head when I focused my eyes.
“You’re lucky,” Megan intoned ominously.
I rolled my eyes at her, eliciting a fresh wave of head-pounding agony, “Anyway, what happened after that– how did I get here?”
Cruz explained that some beach goers found me lying on the sand with blue lips. “They freaked out, thinking you were dead,” he said solemnly. “A nurse came by and realized you still had a pulse– they rushed you here in an ambulance.” He swallowed hard, “Mom was so worried when you didn’t make it home she had everyone she knew out looking for you.”
“Even Ethan was out looking,” Megan added meaningfully.
Cruz went on to tell me how I was near death, well under ninety degrees, when they received me.
“They thought you were a goner,” he said.
I groaned, “Your mom thinks I tried to kill myself.”
Megan went on to explain that they’d found my bag at the end of the cement ship and thought that I must have jumped. Worst of all, I’d been out of it for well over twenty-four hours and we’d all missed the first day of school. It was the talk of the town.
Abby hurried back into the room, a bespectacled snowy haired physician in tow.
“Well, young lady, you sure had us worried,” said the doctor with false cheeriness.
I smiled reassuringly, aware they were watching me for signs of suicidal tendencies.
“Thank you so much for all of your help,” I said brightly. “I can’t believe how clumsy I am!”
“You’re very lucky they brought you here in time,” he said sternly.
I looked at him with limpid eyes, “You saved my life,” I said breathily, remembering how Evie laid on the charm when she really wanted something from someone. To my amazement it worked.
“It’s all in a day’s work, my dear,” he said, puffing up with self-importance.
Abby and the doctor seemed reasonably satisfied with my performance. They herded Megan and Cruz out the door and explained that I would be staying another day or two for
“observation”. It had been arranged for me to start school the following Monday, giving me a full week to recover. The doctor bustled out, leaving me alone with Abby.
“Please, please don’t tell dad,” I begged her.
“I can’t promise that,” she said. “But I’ll let you call and tell him what happened.”
“Fair enough,” I replied.
She wanted to stay the night but I told her she should go home. I was all of a sudden weary and wanted to be left alone. She reluctantly agreed and said she’d be back first thing in the morning. She kissed me again on both cheeks and left.
I really was tired, and I rolled over on my side, turning away from the door, finally alone to face the truth. Unbidden tears stung my eyes and rolled down my cheeks as I recalled what Lorelei had said about my mother. How else could I understand Lorelei when Megan and Cruz couldn’t? According to Lorelei, the mother I had so often wondered about was one of them– a mermaid. Just thinking it made me feel faint, but somehow I knew with every fiber of my being that it was the truth.
In my research, I’d found many tales of mermaids who’d fallen in love with handsome young men. They gave up their lives in the ocean and split their tails apart in searing agony to be with their lovers, who often disappointed them. Could I be the product of such a union?
The crushing sorrow that overcame me was utterly devastating. I was in a strange bed, completely alone, my body racked with involuntary sobs. I mourned for my mother, and for my father who couldn’t even bear to think about her. I was lost in my grief for the things that I had never had.
I felt a hand on my back.
Startled, I sat bolt upright and turned to look into Ethan’s worried blue eyes. I couldn’t run and I didn’t know what to say, so I twisted around and lay back down, gasping for air like a fish out of water.
“Marina,” he said haltingly, “I know sometimes it feels hopeless...” his voice was gentle,
“and you think you’ll never feel happy ever again, and I– I just want you to know that you can always talk to me. I understand how–”
“Stop!” I blurted out, horrified, “I did not try to... hurt myself.” I sat back up and looked at him, wiping my eyes.
He just stood there at my bedside, looking down at me.
“Look,” I said firmly, “I’m just a stupid idiotic girl who can’t swim. Nothing more. I’m only upset about some... family issues.” I stared back at him directly, “It’s personal. Period.” He looked surprised, and backed up a few steps.
“I’m sorry, I was just...” he turned to leave, looking back, “I’ll see you at school.” I watched him retreat, listening as his footsteps faded off into the distance.
Alone again, I turned my face into the pillow and cried myself to sleep.
CHAPTER SEVEN
LUE KHANG
Abby showed up at the hospital early the next morning. She brought me my phone and made me promise to call Dad. She was relieved that I looked more alert after a good night’s sleep, and I really did feel much better. I was starting to come to terms with my bizarre situation. We met with the doctor, and after a little more eyelash batting on my part, he agreed I could be released by the end of the day. Abby left me a few books and some fresh fruit, and set out for the yoga studio.
I called my father and explained that I was in the hospital after an accidental fall from the pier, leaving out just a few details. He was horrified, and swore bitterly that he should have sent me to a boarding school. I promised I’d be careful, insisting that it wasn’t anyone’s fault but mine. He made me agree to take swimming lessons, blaming himself for my lack of skills. I wanted to ask him about my mother, but I simply could not find the words.
I asked him how his work was going and as he spoke I could tell he was filled with optimism. It made me miss him terribly, nostalgic for a childhood spent watching him immersed in his work. Perhaps he didn’t want to paint too pretty a picture, for he was quick to point out how harsh life was there, particularly for the women.
“If we can improve their lives, maybe they’ll consider educating their daughters,” he said.
“They’re just so terribly poor.”
“I miss you dad,” was all I could tell him.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” he replied.
After school, Cruz and Megan arrived with giant greasy hamburgers and shakes from the local burger spot. They were full of good humor and jokes about hospital food. It was a relief to be around people who didn’t treat me like I was made of glass. I scarfed down a burger and we speculated about how horrified Abby would be.
“She would think we were murdering the poor cows,” Cruz griped.
Megan daintily wiped the sides of her mouth and proclaimed, “It’s an interesting paradox, for if we didn’t eat cows there would be no cows. Man only breeds them to suit his desire.” She smirked, “We must eat the cows to save the cows,” she said with mock seriousness.
“What about the bulls?” I asked.
“You’re full of bull!” said Cruz, his mouth full.
We laughed at each other, and as I finished eating Megan and Cruz bantered back and forth, joking about my misadventure. I almost choked on my milkshake, making me laugh even harder.
Spending time with Cruz and Megan was the best medicine; I could feel my strength return as they made goofy jokes and bad puns about mermaids, raising my spirits. I pushed Lorelei’s confusing words into the back of my mind– I would be home on my own for an entire week, and there would be plenty of time to try and find out more.
They told me what went on at school, about how all the kids were gossiping about “that girl” who nearly drowned twice. Apparently, some of the surfers who had seen Ethan pull me out of the ocean were spreading rumors about me.
“I guess they jumped to conclusions,” Megan smirked.
“That’s not funny!” said Cruz, laughing anyway as Megan pantomimed a drum roll.
“Oh God,” I moaned sarcastically, “Now I really can’t wait to start school on Monday.”
“In all seriousness, I think we have bigger fish to fry,” said Cruz, “You need to stay away from that mermaid.” He shook his head incredulously, “I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth.”
Megan and I laughed at the expression on Cruz’s face but he was serious.
“You nearly died, Marina. I don’t think that’s a laughing matter.”
“Yeah, you might not be so lucky next time,” said Megan darkly.
“I want to find out more,” I tossed my head defiantly, “She didn’t try to hurt me on purpose–
there must be a safe way I can talk with her again.”
“Are you nuts?” asked Cruz, exasperated.
“You don’t know the half of it,” I said, thinking about Lorelei’s words.
“You’d have to be crazy to go anywhere near her!” he gasped.
“Don’t worry about me– I’ll be fine,” I said with conviction, and I truly believed it, for even after my near death experience I still wasn’t afraid of Lorelei. She was the only one I knew who would tell me more about my mother. Besides, she might actually be part of my family and she deserved the benefit of the doubt. I was somehow certain she wouldn’t hurt me... at least not intentionally. I simply needed to be a little more careful.
I thought about how effortlessly she had propelled me through the water, and remembering how strong she was sent a chill down my spine. It ended right where my tail would have started if I were one of them. Cruz and Megan got up to leave.
“Could you please take the evidence? I asked, gesturing towards the paper sack and burger wrappers.
“You look better already with some meat in you,” said Megan, and Cruz almost fell over in hysterics. I could hear him teasing Megan and laughing all the way down the hallway.
Later that afternoon Abby arrived to pick me up. We checked out at the nurse’s station and I was forced to ride down the elevator in a wheelchair. I felt like an even bigger fool than ever and was thankful no one from the high school was around to witness the spectacle. I told Abby that I’d promised Dad I’d take swimming lessons and she seemed relieved when I told her that he wasn’t angry.
I said I’d prefer to swim in the sea because I couldn’t stand the chemical smell and taste of chlorine. I actually liked the silky feel of the saltwater, at least when I wasn’t choking on it.
Abby agreed that I should learn to swim in the ocean, since I didn’t just nearly drown in a pool.
We made plans to go look for a used wetsuit at the local flea market.
I avoided the beach for the rest of the week, and Abby kept a watchful eye on me. She took me along with her to the yoga studio, and I joined in on her classes or sat and read quietly in the corner. On Sunday morning she insisted that I go with her to the farmer’s market; I didn’t argue.
I was going to have to show my face in public sometime, and it was a nice day.
Aunt Evie always said it was better to be over-dressed than underdressed; she also said that looking good was the greatest revenge. I was determined to put my best foot forward and hold my head up high. If I did happen to run into any gossiping high schoolers I was going to look put together.
Flipping through the hangers I chose the stunning turquoise sundress Evie had given me the day I came to Aptos. I slipped on a pair of glorious new golden sandals with delicate woven straps that circled my ankles. I studied my reflection in the mirror and saw that Evie had chosen well again. I put on some liner to enhance my eyes, fluffed up my hair and stood up straight. I looked like an older and more confident version of me. I decided to call Evie tonight to catch up.
We got to the market and spent some time strolling around outdoors in the bright sunshine.
My spirits lifted, and I began to feel better about everything. Abby said she had some business with Ethan and she’d find me later. I was happy to skip that stand, feeling even more embarrassed than ever after our exchange in the hospital. I realized that he was just trying to be nice, but knowing he thought I was suicidal aggravated me.
I wandered around, smelling the flowers, pinching the herbs and picking out the most delicious late summer fruit. I came to the stand with all the Asian vegetables and stopped to inspect the unusual variety. I recognized baby bok choy, long asparagus beans and some funny little white eggplants. I sniffed at some unfamiliar herbs, thinking Abby might enjoy trying some new ingredients. A figure came from around the back of the stand and I glanced up into a familiar wizened old face.
“Hello Lue Khang,” I said with a friendly smile, “Did you grow all of this?” He nodded, pointing up to a sign that read “Khang Farms” dangling from the awning.
“Well, I haven’t seen some of this stuff in a long time,” I smiled.
“Ah,” he said, “You like this? Come, come.” He beckoned for me to follow him behind the stand and I trailed after him, curious. There was a small umbrella table with some chairs where couple of market workers were seated, taking a lunch break. A panel truck stacked with crates and boxes of produce had a hot plate sitting on the tailgate that held a pot of something that smelled heavenly. I realized that I had skipped breakfast that morning and was hungry.
“Try my fish soup,” said Lue with a gracious smile, “My s
pecial family recipe.” I smiled back at him gratefully, “Sure,” I said, “Thank you.” He ladled each of us a bowl, and taking them in his gnarled hands, gestured for me to follow him out to the table. I decided to ask him what he knew about Lorelei.
As we rounded the corner I recognized the men at the table. It was Ethan, along with a tall good looking boy I had seen surfing along with him. Great, I thought, fighting to keep my composure even as my heart started racing.
“Sit down,” Lue commanded, as he pulled out a chair. There was nothing to do but comply.
“This is my grandson, Long,” said Lue, “and my best worker, Ethan.” Their eyes bugged out of their heads as I carefully slid into the chair. I would imagine that I was the last person Ethan expected to see as he sat down to lunch and I almost felt sorry for startling him.
“This is my good friend Marina,” Lue said, “She’s a lucky water girl.” Ethan’s jaw dropped and I felt my cheeks flush with blood. I noticed how he pulled back and sat up straight in his chair, regarding me intently.
“How do you know my Grand-pop?” asked Long, bewildered.
Lue injected, “She brings luck to the fishermen,” gesturing to the soup. He turned and winked at me as I squirmed in my chair.
“She’s a water girl alright, but I don’t know how lucky she is!” said Long, looking at Ethan and laughing. Ethan didn’t look amused.
Lue snapped something at him in a language I didn’t understand and Long excused himself, looking down as he skulked away.
Lue turned to Ethan, “She has strong water spirits in her. They call to her.” Ethan stared at me curiously, making me even more uncomfortable. Lue turned to me and ordered, “Eat!” I tasted the soup and it was wonderful, fragrant with lemon grass and herbs.
“It’s delicious,” I said, turning my attention to Lue, “It reminds me of a dish I had at a market very much like this... only it was on a river,” I said with a little smile, thinking about the time my dad and I visited the floating market.
Derrolyn Anderson - [Marinas Tales #1] - Between The Land And The Sea Page 8