by Angel Leya
“Yeah. Kelly will wear you out if you let her. Did you like her?”
“She was nice,” I said, my smile fading a little.
“What?” Vince asked as he hopped onto the deck, situating himself on a towel. I grabbed his arms, dragging him to the pool. It was an awkward arrangement, but it was the only way I could help him across the deck.
He slid into the pool, and I sat on the rim, pulling my dress to my knees so that it wouldn’t get wet. I wore the same dress Kelly brought me that morning. She said it looked better on me anyway.
“So, what’s wrong?” Vince asked again.
I sighed. “Nothing. I just— I think Kelly likes you.”
Vince laughed. “Tell me something new.”
I tugged on a lock of hair. “Don’t you care? If you keep your tail, you’d never see her again.”
Vince shrugged. “She’s nice, but I’ve never thought of her that way.”
“You kissed her.”
“Yeah, and I was drunk when I did it. What’s this all about, anyway?” Vince leaned back, staring at me.
My heart caught in my throat. Why did I care? Was it really about trying to convince him to stay on land, or was there something else?
I shook my head. “It’s nothing. I just want to make sure you know what you’d be giving up to keep that tail.”
Vince grinned, leaning forward. “Oh, is that all?”
I blushed, looking away.
“How about you? What would you be giving up to stay on land?”
“Nothing.”
“Really? No family or friends . . . or boyfriends?”
“No. My parents died when I was thirteen, and though I love the Mer in my pod, I never got close to any of them. Besides, I couldn’t go back, even if I wanted to.” I rubbed my arm, shivering as the wind gusted by.
“I’m sorry.”
We listened to the sloshing water for a while, staring at the stars. The sea would always be a part of me, no matter what form I took. I didn’t know what tomorrow evening would bring, but I didn’t want to risk going back without fulfilling a life-long dream.
I pulled on a curl, swishing my feet in the water. “Vince?”
“Yeah?”
“Is there any way you could get me to land? Like, real land, with trees and flowers and grass and dirt.”
“Of course! Bring me my cell phone and I’ll arrange it with Hank. You can go first thing in the morning and be back in plenty of time to meet with Francine.”
“Thanks.” I sighed. “I don’t want to talk to that nasty reporter, but I suppose that’s why I got legs in the first place.”
“You know, you could skip the interview. We could swim away together and no one would know where we were or what happened to us.”
I shook my head. “No. I have to do the interview to keep my people safe. Besides, I want to keep these legs, remember?”
Vince pulled his lips in, watching me as I stood.
“Well, I should go get your phone and turn in for the night.”
“Skye?” Vince called as I crossed the deck.
I stopped, turning to face him. “Yeah?”
“You can keep your legs.”
My jaw dropped. Was he really going to give up his tail that easy? “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. They look pretty good on you, and you kind of deserve them.”
“Wow . . . Thanks!”
I skipped away, my heart fluttering. I wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight.
THE NEXT MORNING WAS better than the last. I was up with the sunrise, and sat by the pool, watching the colors bloom.
It wasn’t long before Phil arrived to dock the boat. Once ashore, Hank met me, driving a sleek black car, and I was on my way to the park. I hated that Vince had to swim alone again today, but at least it would be the last time.
At the park, I took my shoes off. The pale pink ballet flats were comfortable, but I wanted to feel the cool grass between my toes. Crisp green grass and leaves were offset by rich brown trees and soft gray stone paths. A circular fountain thrust streams of water through the air, catching sunlight and casting rainbows. A clean, earthy scent filled my nose, sharp tangy notes underneath.
Emotion welled up as I took it all in, and I took off, sprinting through the park. The wind caught my dress, the fabric pressing into my body, flapping edges tickling my arms and neck. I could only imagine what the humans thought as I sped by, their faces contorted in various expressions, ranging from disapproval to amusement.
Exhausted, I dropped to the ground, rolling over to see the sky. It seemed bluer than ever, birds soaring by all atwitter.
Laying there panting, I laughed. This was what humanity was. This is what I had dreamed of. I hadn’t experienced the whole world yet, but I had time. I wanted to visit all those amazing pictures on the internet. I wanted to feel every sensation, drink in every scent.
I just had to get that reporter out of the way first.
Rolling over, I attempted to stand, but my legs stiffened. Why did this keep happening? I thought I had mastered my limbs, but apparently I needed a little more time.
As the muscles relaxed, I stretched my legs, bending my ankles and knees.
“Do you need help?” a man asked. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet.
I laughed, brushing the dirt and grass off. “Thanks. Not sure what happened there.”
“You probably got a cramp. Happens to me all the time when I start trying to exercise. Not that you look like you’re dressed for it, or need to.”
The man smiled, dark hair falling in his twinkling eyes. He looked to be my age, the black suit he wore adorned by a bright blue tie. He stared at me, and I blushed.
“Thanks. I just love all the grass.”
“Me too, though I don’t usually go running through it. My name’s Roger.” He held out his hand and I took it.
“I’m Skye.”
“Nice to meet you, Skye. So, do you come to the park often?”
“No. It’s my first time here. You?”
“Every day for lunch, which is what I’m getting ready to do now. Want to join me?”
I glanced at Hank, who gestured to his watch. “I can’t. I have somewhere I’ve got to be.”
“That’s too bad. Do you think I might see you tomorrow?”
I smiled. “I’d say there’s a pretty good chance.”
“Well, then it was nice meeting you.”
“Nice meeting you, too.” I waved as I bounded away. Land just got a little better.
Chapter 13: Unsettled
As Francine walked up, her windblown chestnut curls swirling around her face, I couldn’t help but cringe. Vince told me she had a reputation for aggressively pursuing sensational stories, and my own experience only served to deepen my misgivings. Would this story be to her liking? I didn’t know, but we had to try.
I stood, and the smug smile on Francine’s face faded. She didn’t miss a step, though, as she made her way up the ramp. Phil, her cameraman, followed.
“Where should we set up for the interview?” Francine asked as she neared.
“I was thinking on the back deck.” This was also Vince’s idea. He knew Francine would be looking for a nice location for the interview.
Francine nodded, and I led the way. It only took a few minutes for Phil to set up. I sat as we waited, a tight, half smile plastered on my face. Francine pulled out a mirror and began retouching her makeup. My hand drifted to my neck, and I soon began fidgeting with my hair and clothes.
“Where’s the playboy?” she asked, staring at her reflection.
“Vince? Oh, he’s out . . . playing, I guess.” Vince wanted to make an appearance with his tail, but I worried that might complicate our story. Better to keep things simple.
Phil held up three fingers, retracting them one by one. He shot his pointer finger at Francine, and the red light began flashing. Francine’s face lit, her smile cloying, and she threw her shoulders back.
“I’m here
with Skye, the woman who was photographed in a tank inside the Boyd mansion looking remarkably like a mermaid. As you can see, she has no fins or flippers. Skye, can you tell us what happened?”
“It was all part of a trick—” I shook my head, “—I mean, prank that Vince wanted to play. It got out of hand. When the maid found us, she was convinced I was really a mermaid. Vince couldn’t convince her otherwise. Then the pictures got leaked to the media. It all blew up from there.”
“You and Vince were seen running away, and you clearly had a tail. Are you telling me that on that day you were just dressed up to look like a mermaid?”
“Of course. As you can see, I’m not a mermaid. See? Legs and feet, just like the other humans.” A quick, high-pitched laugh escaped my drying throat, and I tried to smile.
“If this little stunt wasn’t intended to fool the general public, then why not set the record straight sooner?”
I looked down at my pretty pink toenails peeping out of silver pumps and took a breath. “We had some urgent matters to attend to,” I mumbled.
“I’m sorry, but you were going to handle urgent matters on a boat in a mermaid suit?” Francine leaned in, a smirk spreading across her face.
My heart began racing. “Well, no. I—”
“You could have taken that tail off at any moment. Was there some other motivation for this little ‘prank’ of yours?”
“No! I—”
“What exactly is your relationship with Vince? Did he pay you to pose as a mermaid?”
“No. I— I—” I stood there sputtering, trying to find a plausible answer to her rapid-fire questions. Vince had coached me on what to say, but nerves chased away everything we rehearsed.
At the end of the dock I spotted Vince’s head bobbing. He flashed me a smile and thumbs up. My mouth hung open. What was he doing here?
Francine spun around as Vince plunged back into the water. “Was that Vince?”
“I don’t think so . . .”
Francine’s eyes narrowed. Making her way to the edge of the deck, she motioned for Phil to follow. She scanned the water, but after a few moments, came back.
“I thought I saw him,” Francine said, pushing her hair back.
I laughed a little too loudly, and Francine’s eyebrow cocked.
“Tell me, Skye, how is it that you were able to create such a convincing picture? Was there any photo manipulation involved.”
“No?” I recalled the news report where I first saw my picture. They couldn’t tell if it was real or not. No seemed like the safest answer. My skin cooled as the wind blew over a sheen of sweat. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold up.
“Your tail is very convincing. Can you tell us more about how it was crafted?”
“No idea. Vince just bought it for me.”
“And who made your getup?”
“I’m not sure.”
Francine’s brows shot up. “Surely an artist with that kind of talent would want you to divulge such information. I know the public is looking for an explanation.”
“I’m sorry. You’ll just have to talk to Vince when you get the chance.”
Francine sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. “Well, if you get the information of the artist, feel free to pass it on so we can publicize it. One more question.”
I held my breath and waited.
“You want people to believe that this was all some elaborate prank, that you had no intention of deceiving the public. Can you explain your actions and why it took so long to come forward with the truth?”
I turned red, letting a sigh out. “I’m sorry. I just don’t have the answers you’re looking for. It’s all a terrible mistake and I’m sorry it went so far.”
Francine turned to the camera. “There you have it: the true story of Vince and Skye and the photo that made the public believe in mermaids. This is Francine Crawford, bringing you the hard-hitting truth.”
Francine turned to begin packing things up when it happened.
My legs tingled. I tried to move, but the muscles stiffened. I fell to the deck, my legs sticking out awkwardly. Francine and Phil spun around to see what was happening.
Then the tremors came, my heart racing nearly as fast as my mind. “Why?” I called out, my voice high and weak. My breath became short and rasping and I squeezed my eyes shut. How much longer would it last? Sea King, let it pass.
“Phil come get this,” Francine said, stooping beside me. “Skye, this looks exactly like the spasms we’ve seen Vince go through. Do you have the same disease?”
I groaned, rolling over so that my back was to the camera. Though in the open air, it felt as if I were in the depths where the pressure can crush your very bones.
“Skye? Can we get a response?” Francine continued. The sound of her voice faded into the background as I withdrew into the recesses of my mind.
After what seemed like forever, my legs stilled. I opened my eyes, blinking against the sunlight. A tear ran down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away. So this was how Vince felt. Humiliated. Helpless. Ashamed. Taking a deep breath, I stood.
“Sorry,” I murmured, my face red.
“Can you comment on what just happened?” Francine asked, sticking the microphone in front of my face.
I sighed. “Vince and I connected over the disease. That’s how we met.”
“And this mutual understanding – did it play any part in your decision to deceive the public?”
I couldn’t take it anymore. This woman had no sense of compassion. I just wanted her to leave.
“I have bad legs, and suddenly I’m a bad person?” I asked, my voice shaking. “Is that how it is? Fine. You know what? I wanted everyone to believe in mermaids. I wanted people to believe in the impossible, so when they found out it wasn’t true, they would suffer like I had. Is that what you want to hear? Is it?” I was screeching, my body trembling. “You two need to leave. Now!”
Phil looked at Francine, who nodded, that evil smirk plastered to her face. “I think that should do it. Let’s go, Phil.”
The couple of minutes it took to pack up and get off the boat were almost more than I could bear. I bit my lip to keep from crying. I wasn’t sure if I had done enough to keep the Mer safe, but time was nearly up. There was nothing more I could do.
That awful woman and her cameraman finally out of sight, I fell to the deck and began sobbing. I was human, but this was not the fairy tale outcome I had always hoped for.
There was a splash at the end of the deck and I looked up to see Vince. One look at me and he hopped onto the deck, making his way to my side. He threw his wet arms around me, and I curled into him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Francine—” I blubbered. “—and then my legs—” I gestured at my legs and then the deck.
“Oh, no. Did your legs stop working? Like mine do?”
I nodded, sniffing. “And then I told Francine that we played the mermaid prank on purpose and she thinks I’m awful, but she’s the awful one.”
Vince chuckled. “I wish I’d seen that. I’m sure you did fine. She believes that you’re a human, right?”
“Yeah.” Dying sobs stuttered my breathing.
“Then it’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay.”
Fresh tears spilled over my cheeks. If everything would be okay, then why didn’t I feel like that?
Chapter 14: Decided
The sun sank, and I could feel the weight of my decision bearing down on me. I sat on the end of the deck, Vince bobbing by my feet.
“Have you decided?” Vince asked, slinging his wet hair back.
I nodded. Vince’s eyebrows arched. It was a hard decision. I still wanted legs more than anything, but the price was too high. After talking to Vince, I found out that his condition had been getting steadily worse. Incontinence wasn’t far behind, and there was a good chance I wouldn’t live past fifty. It seemed like such a short time to be human, especially when I considered that much of it would be spent in a
wheelchair.
“I know what you’re probably thinking,” I began, looking at my feet as they swished back and forth in the water.
The beautiful shoes had proved unkind to my feet, and there were red marks where they had dug into the skin. I sighed.
“I doubt it,” he said, flashing a brilliant smile.
“You’re expecting me to want to stay on land.”
“No. I was actually thinking about how pretty you looked.” A snort escaped, my expression wry. “No. It’s true. I was also thinking about how hard of a decision this must be for you. It’s easy for me. I want a tail. Land holds nothing for me. My parents couldn’t care less. I don’t have friends. Most of all, my legs are failing me. I don’t want to live like that.”
I bit my lip. “Vince, I—”
“But I would, you know. I would live like that if you wanted me to. We could grow old and feeble together. It might not be so difficult if I could share my misery with someone else . . . someone like you.”
I smiled, though I still didn’t look at him. “Maybe not. I have to wonder, though, why did you take me in the first place?”
“I told you, I wanted to impress my dad.”
“Yes, but I don’t believe that’s everything. Why did you take me?”
Vince searched for words, a struggle in his eyes. “It’s just that, I felt like we had a connection. I . . . I didn’t want to let that go.”
I gazed at Vince, searching my own heart. What did I feel? I spent so much time being angry at him, distrusting his motives, but was there something else motivating me.
I gazed at the water. “I met someone at the park.”
Vince’s face darkened. “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. He seemed pretty nice.”
“Nicer than me?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t kidnap me, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
Vince snorted. “There will always be that, won’t there?”
“I don’t know.” Could I forgive him? But I already had. Somewhere along the way, he had made up for his wrongs. Kindness had won out over selfishness. Even now, he was determined to put my wishes first, letting me choose between land and sea.