by Kelly Risser
"It’s so like you, Brigid.” David’s laugh was bitter. He stared at my aunt, his face full of scorn. She was beautiful with her long, dark hair blowing wildly in the wind, swirling around her pale face. Her beauty was only marred by her fury.
“She’s a Halfling.” Brigid’s eyes flashed, and her fingers pulled at the choker around her neck.
“Nonetheless, she is my daughter.” David spoke with authority, his voice full of contempt. “I’ll have you show her nothing but respect.”
“Respect,” Brigid spat. “She doesn’t even know who she is.”
“She will,” David said. “Very soon.”
“Then take her and go.” How quickly Brigid turned from angry to pleading. “Before it’s too late.”
I woke with a start. The sun, a sliver on the horizon, tinted the cloudless sky a deep purple. I studied the patterns of frost on the windows. What woke me up? My breath came out as a visible mist. As much as I loved having a converted porch for a bedroom, it wasn’t too ideal in the winter. My nose was absolutely freezing. The rest of me, however, was toasty warm, thanks to the electric blanket my grandparents gave me for Christmas. At least I didn’t have much longer to deal with it. My parents were coming home from their honeymoon today. Tomorrow, we would be moving to David’s apartment.
A light tapping at the window made me jump. Who was out in this bitter cold?
I sat up, and saw Evan’s face pressed against the glass. I laughed. He looked like a little kid, grinning from ear to ear. Well, he certainly had a way of waking a girl on her birthday.
I cracked the window open just enough so we could talk. The frigid air raised goose bumps across my arms. Grabbing the throw from the end of my bed, I pulled it around me.
“What are you doing here at this hour?” I yawned the last couple of words.
“I have to show you something.” He was annoying when he was so awake and energetic. He didn’t even seem cold. “Quick, get dressed and meet me out front.”
I looked at the clock. “Evan, it’s six am.”
“Meara, hurry up before they’re gone.”
“Before who’s gone?”
“You’ll see.” He started to turn away, and then turned back, giving me a lopsided grin. “Oh, and Meara? Happy birthday!”
I closed and locked the window. Grabbing the first sweater and pair of jeans I could find, I ran to the bathroom to get ready. I tiptoed to the front hall so I wouldn’t wake my grandparents, bundled up, and ran out to meet him.
When I opened the car door, the warm air welcomed me. Once I was situated and buckled in, Evan handed me a Diet Coke. I smiled gratefully.
“Okay. I’m curious,” I said. “What gives?”
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he concentrated on backing out of the driveway. When he kicked it into drive and didn’t answer me, I persisted. “Where are we going?”
“The lighthouse.” He kept his eyes on the road.
“You know, I like the lighthouse as much as the next girl,” I said. “But, why are we going there at this hour?”
“I’d rather show you than explain.”
“Taking lessons from David now?” I teased. He just glanced at me with his eyebrow raised. I gave up and looked out the window. A dreamy orange joined the vibrant pink in the early morning sky.
When we got within a few blocks of the lighthouse, Evan pulled over and parked.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“We’re walking the rest of the way.”
“Isn’t it a bit cold for a stroll?”
“I don’t want to scare them.”
“Scare who?” Who hangs out at the lighthouse, first thing in the morning, in the middle of February? Was there some kind of weird cult in Peggy’s Cove?
“Meara.” Evan took my gloved hand in his and pulled me along. “Come on!”
He broke into a light jog, and I struggled to keep up. What was he so eager to show me? He slowed to a creep as we neared the lighthouse—going into a crouch and placing his finger on his lips to warn me. I nodded and followed his movements. We approached a grouping of rocks, and that was when I heard it—the barks and the wails. My eyes filled; the cries were sad and beautiful all at once.
We passed the grouping and continued to draw nearer to the sound. When we’d walked a few minutes more, Evan stopped beside another rock formation.
“Do you see them?” He raised his arm in my line of vision and pointed toward the rocks about ten feet ahead. As I stared off the point of his finger, my jaw dropped. A group of seals crowded on the rocks, surrounding the largest, who was magnificent in size. Clearly the leader, his voice was the loudest. The others showed him deference and harmonized with his call.
“Why are they here?” I asked.
Evan shrugged, dropped to his knees, and sat back on his heels. Watching him, I realized this was not the first time he witnessed this scene.
“They appear every year on the same day.” He didn’t take his eyes off the seals. “Soon, they’ll dive in the sea.”
“How long have you been coming here?”
He shrugged and kept his eyes on the seals. “I was about fourteen when I first saw them. I was riding my bike past the lighthouse, delivering papers, when I heard their strange call. I sat and watched them until they left. I rode by here every morning, but it wasn’t until February 9th of the following year that they returned.”
“Are you sure?” My chest started to feel heavy. I wondered if Evan could sense my growing dread. Was this my family? Was David among them? Did Evan know?
Evan nodded. “I had that paper route until I graduated from high school this past June. Every year, they were here on February 9th.”
“My birthday.”
“As I got more into oceanography and began to study the habits of the local fauna, I learned how unusual this behavior is. Seals do not hold rituals on rocks for one morning, on the same day, every year.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked at the seals. I noticed the largest one was staring at me. Did his expression look human?
Evan touched my arm. “Meara, are you okay?”
“Sure…why?” I couldn’t take my eyes off the seal.
“You seem quiet. Is something wrong?”
I shook my head. It couldn’t be. He couldn’t be. Was it possible?
“Meara, talk to me,” Evan persisted.
I sighed. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Why don’t you try me?” Evan turned and put his arm around my shoulder. He lifted my chin and kissed me. His lips were cold, but his nose was colder.
I could tell him. I could trust him. He came out in the cold to show me this. I only hoped he wouldn’t get upset that I didn’t tell him sooner. I hung my head and whispered, so quietly he had to lean closer to hear me. “I know who I am, Evan. I know what I am.”
“And,” he said patiently, as if talking to a child. “What are you?”
I pointed at the group, singling out the leader. With an edge of desperation in my voice, I choked out. “Evan, that’s David.”
In the center of the pack, where the largest seal had been, stood my father, wearing an anxious expression. His leather jacket hung open to reveal a blue chambray shirt and blue jeans. On his feet were worn work boots. Where did he get clothes?
He nodded at Evan. Evan nodded back. I looked between Evan and David. What was going on?
“You knew?” I couldn’t disguise the surprise from my voice. Evan blushed.
“I had a hunch,” Evan admitted. “But I didn’t have proof.”
I thought back to Christmas, when I gave him the books. He’d promised to tell me what he thought when he had more information. “When were you going to tell me?”
“Today.” He looked uncomfortable. “That’s why I brought you here.”
I stared at him. I didn’t know what to say. Then again, I hadn’t been completely honest with him either. Evan cleared his throat. “Do you think David will give yo
u answers now?”
We both looked back at the seals. They were sitting on the rock, watching us. David walked toward us. He approached with caution, as if he was afraid we might bolt. That was wise. I would flee if that were an option, if it made any difference.
“I think,” I said to Evan, not taking my eyes off my father. “That we’re best off asking David.”
Once David reached us, he pulled me into a bear hug. His jacket was soft, and his shirt damp. His skin was sweetly scented with brine. I breathed deeply and felt the sudden urge to dive into the ocean. But that was crazy. It had to be freezing cold. I’d probably die within minutes.
David kissed my cheek. “We just got home a few hours ago.”
“Where’s Mom?”
“Asleep, I imagine.”
Were they staying at my grandparents’ house? “I thought Mom’s room was empty when I went by.”
“It is.” David paused. “Your mom’s at our apartment in Halifax.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what to ask or say. I stared at my shoes, then glanced between Evan and David.
David held out his hand to Evan. “Evan.”
“David.” Evan shook David’s hand firmly.
My father turned back to me. His eyes crinkled at the corners as his words lilted. Could he control his accent? “I suppose you want some answers?”
When I nodded, he said, “Then, you’ll get them, but first, let’s go warm up. I could use a mug of coffee.”
I looked back at the other seals. They watched us cautiously. “What about them?”
David turned and nodded to the group. One by one, they dove into the sea. “They’ll be fine. This weather doesn’t bother us.”
“But you just said…”
“Warming up is for your sake. You’re turning blue, you know, and the coffee, well, that’s a weakness of mine.”
“Oh.”
“Evan,” David said. “Can you drop us off at the house?”
“Uh, sure.” Evan sounded disappointed. I was sure he thought that David would let him listen in too. I was relieved. I was going to learn more about who, or what, I was and, as much as I loved Evan, I wasn’t ready to share that.
Evan dropped us off in front of my grandparents’ house. David got out and went to stand on the porch. To give us privacy, I think.
“Thank you for taking me,” I said. I suddenly felt shy, like I was doing something wrong, but I wasn’t, was I? Was it wrong to want to discover what I was alone?
“Will you call me later?”
“Of course,” I said. At least he didn’t make me promise to tell him everything. Katie would have.
“I love you.” His lips lingered on mine briefly before he opened my car door, and the cold bit my skin.
“I love you, too.” I closed the door but didn’t look back at him. Running up the stairs, I let David into the house. I smelled the coffee brewing before I even saw the lights on in the kitchen.
“They’re awake,” I whispered to David. I hung my coat, and he closed the door behind us.
“It’s okay,” he said. “We can talk in your room.”
My grandmother ran into the hallway, looking worried. “Where were you, Meara? I was so worried…” She broke off as she noticed David. She took a step back. “David! Where’s Sharon? Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine, Mary. Everything is fine. When I left Sharon, she was sleeping. I thought it would be nice to surprise Meara on her birthday.” He smiled down at me. “I plan to take her back to the apartment to see her mother.”
“But where have you been?” My grandmother glanced at me. Her voice was weak, and she looked confused.
“She’s been here, of course, sleeping.” David’s voice deepened. I hadn’t noticed its musical quality before. I blinked and shook my head.
“Oh…of course.” Grandma’s brow smoothed, and her eyes lit up. “What a lovely idea to surprise Sharon! And this will be the first birthday Meara spends with both parents. How wonderful!”
She clapped her hands together and ushered us into the kitchen. “Come have some hot chocolate and coffee before you head out.”
I followed my grandmother into the kitchen, but the last thing I wanted was to sit and visit. I wanted answers, and I wanted them before David changed his mind.
I looked back at David. “We won’t stay long,” he mouthed. “Don’t worry.”
I was surprised that the table was empty. “Where’s Grandpa?”
Grandma made a noise. “Oh, he’s not feeling well this morning. Poor dear. I think he’s got a touch of the flu.”
“I hope he feels better,” I said lamely, not knowing what else to say.
My grandmother patted my hand as she set my hot chocolate in front of me. “That’s sweet of you to say. I’m sure rest is all he needs.”
The chocolate burned my tongue, but I drank it fast anyway. David smirked over his coffee mug.
Grandma Mary brought her own mug over and sat down. “How was your trip?”
“Lovely.” David smiled at her. “But we’re happy to be home.”
“How’s Sharon feeling?”
David reached across and squeezed my grandmother’s hand. “Good. I think her doctors will be pleased.”
“Should I grab my things then?” I didn’t want to interrupt the moment they were having, but then again, I was ready to leave. Speaking of leaving, how were we going to get to Halifax? Where was David’s car?
“Just a few things, Meara.” David didn’t take his eyes off Grandma. “We’ll come back to get the rest later.”
In my room, I pulled my suitcase out from under my bed. I packed about a week’s worth of clothes, my makeup, and a hairbrush. On impulse, I added a few books and the picture of Mom.
“I’m ready.” I crossed to the table and hugged my grandmother. “Bye Grandma.”
“See you soon, dear.” She smiled at me. “Happy Birthday, too.”
David hugged my grandmother as well. “Give our best to Jamie, Mary.”
David took my suitcase from me. “Ready, Meara?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I heard him chuckle as he walked toward the front door. I bundled up, while he waited. He hadn’t taken his coat off. “How are we getting there?”
“My car, of course.”
“But, where is it?”
He opened the front door. His car was idling in front of the house.
“How did it get here?” I asked, once we were outside. The door closed behind us.
“Your aunt dropped it off.”
I squinted at the car as we approached it. “There’s no one in there.”
“I imagine not. Brigid is not one for socializing.”
“Where’d she go?”
He set the suitcase down and opened my door for me. “Don’t worry about Brigid. She takes care of herself.”
I heard him open the trunk and put my suitcase in before going around to his side. He adjusted the mirrors, and then looked at me.
“Are you ready?”
My eyes widened. “For what?”
He laughed. “To go to your new home, of course.”
“I thought we were going to talk,” I mumbled, sliding down in my seat.
“We can talk as we drive,” he said. He backed down the driveway and out onto the road. Then, he spoke again. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“You’re a Selkie.”
“Yes.”
“What does that make me?” I asked.
“Half-Selkie?” His lips twitched, but he didn’t take his eyes off the road.
“This isn’t funny, David.” Could he ever give me a straight answer? “I’m serious. What does this all mean?”
He sighed. “To be honest, I’m not exactly sure what it will mean to you. I can tell you what it’s like to be a Selkie, but Halflings, such as yourself, well, you each experience things a bit differently.”
“There are more like me?”
“Yes, although it’s not as common as it use
d to be.” He looked at me briefly before turning back to the road. “There are less of us who are pure of blood. As time goes on, many have turned against mingling with humans, attempting to preserve the purity of our species.”
“What about your family?” I asked.
He looked at me pointedly. “Obviously, I am of a different opinion.”
I felt my cheeks burn. “Oh, yeah.”
“When I met your mother, it didn’t matter to me that she wasn’t Selkie. I only knew that I loved her. That was all that mattered then, and it’s all that matters now.”
I knew how much David loved my mom. I didn’t doubt his sincerity at all. I thought about the seals that surrounded him this morning. “Who were the other seals? Were my aunts there?”
“Your aunts were there, and some others from our clan.”
“Clan?” Like a tribe? Was that how Selkies lived?
“Yes. Our family.”
It was like pulling teeth to get him to talk, even when he was willing to give me answers. “Why’d you come here?”
“For you and your mom, of course.”
“So, I’m a Selkie?” I just wanted to hear him say it.
“You’re not a Selkie yet,” David said. “You haven’t Changed.”
There it was again. The big C word.
“How does that happen?” I asked.
He answered my question with one of his own. “Have you felt the pull of the sea?”
I thought about the voices calling to me, the swell of the waves, and the salty deliciousness. Just this morning, I wanted to jump in after smelling him. “Y-yes.”
“If you follow it, if you jump in,” he said gravely, “you will Change. You will become Selkie.”
“B-but, I’ve been in lakes before, and nothing has ever happened.”
“A lake is not the sea, Meara. Freshwater does not affect us.”
“If I change, will I be able to be human again?” I thought of all the times that I almost gave into the temptation to jump in.
“You may take human form,” David said, and I felt myself relax before he added, “But you’ll never be human again, unless you destroy your seal skin.”
“What?”
“If you’re Selkie, Meara, the rules apply to you. If Selkies live amongst humans for more than one year, we lose our ways, our power.”
“So I can live with humans for a few months at a time?” I knew my voice sounded whiny, but I didn’t care.
“Of course,” he conceded. “For short periods of time.”
“You mentioned there was good news?” I crossed my arms and slumped against the seat again.
David laughed. He seemed relieved to get the worst of it out in the open. “I did, indeed.” He looked at me speculatively. “Although this is the part where I can’t say how you will be affected.”
“So the bad definitely applies to me, but the good you’re not sure,” I muttered. “Figures.”
“Oh, plenty of the good applies to you. You’ll be able to swim fast. You’ll never worry about drowning or freezing in the ocean.”
“So, you’re telling me I can compete in the Olympics?” I tried to make a joke of it, but David just frowned at me. “I’m kidding, of course.”
He didn’t say anything. I thought that maybe I confused him. When I realized he wasn’t going to say anything until I did, I asked, “Is that it? Super-swimming power?”
“Of course not.” Now he sounded impatient. “Selkies are known for the power of seduction. Almost all of us can influence human emotion. Some can control the weather, others can heal the sick or wounded…”
“Is that what you’re doing?” I interrupted. I thought of Mom and how much better she seemed lately. Was David healing her?
“No, Meara,” David said, his voice soft. “I know what you’re thinking. I can heal a wound, not a plague like cancer.”
“Oh,” I said. We lapsed into silence. David’s eyes remained on the road. I thought about how Mom acted when David was around. She had more energy, her movements fluid and not stiff. “You’re taking away her pain.”
“Some of it,” David admitted. “I can’t erase it, but I can transfer it. Take it on as my own. If I could cure her, I would. Since I can’t…well, I can at least make her comfortable.”
“Thank you.” I reached across and covered his hand with my own. For the first time, I was grateful that David was in our lives.