Swim Away (Mermaid)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

I had been swimming around for a really long time. I didn't even know how long I'd been down there, but I was actually enjoying myself. Which was a feeling I had lost when I became a mermaid. But being underwater right now and seeing the beautiful sight before me, made me happier about swimming than it ever did before. How in an instant my feelings about being in the ocean changed. It might've been the disappearance of the flame or the newly postive energy flowing through me.

I spotted other mermaids that were swimming nearby, but they didn't pay any attention to me. They mostly swam in groups and not a single one was alone like me. Even in the ocean world I was a loner. But I was new and maybe it would be different for me down here.

I kind of wanted to try and speak to one of the mermaids, but I felt too shy to. Not a single one noticed me and it felt weird to just go up to one of them and start a conversation.

I came to a halt when I lost sight of the other mermaids and sea creatures. Had I ventured out too far? Obviously, most of the ocean was unrecognizable and barely ever knew where exactly I was. All I knew was if I turned and swam back I would be back to shore. I hoped.

I thought about heading back but something was pulling me forward. I made up my mind and flapped my tail ahead. The area was still clear as to why, I had no clue.

Suddenly, I felt a jolt and had no idea how I got pushed back. I swam back, but slowly this time. I brought my hand out before me and when I reached it, I felt that jolt again.

It was as if an invisible wall had been placed here. I wondered why.

Though, the fact that it looked abandoned meant it was a place to keep away from.

There were so much I didn't know about the mermaid world. Sometimes I wished I knew more about this side of my life, but other times it was best kept a secret.

Would I really want to know anymore?

The information the journal gave me was not reassuring at all. It had only doubled my negative thoughts. It brought worry and sorrow. Even if one problem was gone, there were many more to face and I could only hope it would pass as easily as the previous one. But nothing was ever that easy.

I swam back to shore, seeing all the fish, dolphins, and many other sea creatures around me. It left me with good vibes, except when I realized none of the mermaids were out swimming when I swam back. Maybe there was some cerfew. The mermaid world seemed strict from what I knew and I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.

I dragged myself out of the water, making sure I was far from it. Waiting for my tail to dry was something I really hated. There was nothing else I could do, so I dropped my head on my arms. I closed my eyes and tried to relax, but the sunlight disappeared. That caused me to open my eyes.

"Why are you just laying here?"

"Don't you know? I don't have the power to burn my tail off." I sighed, turning over to look at the crystal blue tail.

"Sorry," she said. "Anything I can do to help?"

I burst out laughing, "you?! Help me? Yeah, right!"

"Lara, I'm being serious," she folded her arms and frowned.

"Actually, there is something you can do." Though, it wasn't what she was expecting. I forced the water to hit her body and she fell over as her tail appeared. "Know how it feels to be stuck like this. Not everything comes easy."

"Fine, whatever you want."

Somehow I felt bad. I didn't know why. But wasn't this what she deserved?

It felt wrong. Really wrong.

I shouldn't even go down to her level and that level, technically didn't exist anymore. Now, I was looking more like the bully. It felt odd to think through my dark choices, the flame did not allow this. It would only fire itself up more. I shivered at the thought of how horrible the outcome could've been if the flame was still inside me.

I sighed, "wait, Selena, I really need a towel. Can you find one?" I still wasn't ready to forgive her.

"Yeah, okay," she replied. She turned over and focused all her energy on her tail. I couldn't help but notice something.

"Wait!" She looked over at me as her tail faded away. "You have a shell bra. And I don't." I looked down at my chest which was covered in the sand.

"Yeah, and your fin is bigger and wider than mine. I've seen that not all mermaids are alike and each are different. It's like different races, it's just where your mermaid line comes from." Great, it sounded like my fin was fat.

I thought back to my swim and tried to remember the details of the other mermaids. Most of them had shell bras, and the tail design always differed. Whether it was the color, shape, or size. "But from what I've seen none of them are close to mine."

"Should probably get you that towel." She backed away and headed on her mission to find a towel. A few minutes later, she came back with some random towel she found. "Quick! Before they realize it's gone!" Selena was screaming at me while I tried to dry my tail as fast as I could.

"Okay!" I shouted, exactly then my tail disappeared and I jumped up, throwing the towel at her.

She ran back and returned the towel. I met up with her there and I couldn't help but thank her. Selena smiled and I walked away, shaking my head.

I unlocked the door to my home and caught my dad sitting on the couch, watching tv. I plopped on the couch next to him.

"Hey, Lara," my dad greeted. "How was your day?"

"I went swimming for a bit, it was actually really nice. I haven't enjoyed swimming like that in quite awhile." I was about to tell my dad that the flame was gone, but I didn't feel want to talk about it. Even if it was good news.

"That's good. There's so much to explore. I hope you get to see every beautiful part of the sea," Dad smiled.

"Me too," I whispered. "Anyway, what movie are you watching?" I asked, unsure of what was playing on the screen.

"You wouldn't be into it. I lost interest quick." He grabbed the remote and handed it to me. "You can change the channel."

I took the remote, "I'll find a movie we both like." I started flipping through channels until I found something my dad and I were both interested in.

We started laughing and talking as we got more into the movie. I loved spending time with my dad. It seemed like we were unable to have days like this as often as we use to.

After the movie my dad went to his room, but before he went, he told he wouldn't be here in the morning. I didn't reply, already knowing that.

As I lay in my bed, I thought of Noah. I missed him and I knew he would be back soon. He would hopefully bring back good news. I could only hope. As I got more sleepy, my mind began playing scenes in my head.

I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

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So I realize this chapter took me some time and I tried my best. I realize how long it is taking me to post my chapters and hopefully I'll be able to update once a week or once in two weeks instead of the two/three months wait you guys had to go through.

This includes either Abducted or Swim Away. It's a little harder to update both so soon. But like I said I'm going to try :)

Thank you for reading!

I would love to hear what you guys think of the story so far! :)

Do you think Noah will bring good or bad news?