The Mystic Hearts Series

Chapter 70- Keilani

I don't know what to do after Amir leaves. I mean... did he just ask me out? Or was I just reading too much into things? Because... I don't think I would mind so much if he asked me out... but I obviously can't go because it'd be out of the water &... then he'd discover that I was a mermaid...

But didn't we agree to try to be more honest with each other? &... I really do want to tell him...

I swim from near the cliff to the mangroves not too far from here, where the pod usually hangs. I let out a high pitched click in the water, using the unique pattern for my favorite dad. This is the way we usually communicate from a long distance. The sound travels fast in the water, where we most often are, much like dolphins, our vocal chords slightly different than humans', along with our obvious fish tails, gills & lungs, internal & external ears, & other differences...

I wait a moment before hearing his reply, my click, & I know he's on his way. I ease down against a mangrove root, trying to seem relaxed, though I have no idea how this conversation will go.

A few minutes later, he arrives, brows creased & a hesitant smile on his face. "Hi, Kau'i."

"Hi, Papa." I smile nervously & he edges closer, putting a hand on my shoulder comfortingly.

"What is it? You usually spend your afternoons alone now, so-"

I take a deep breath. "-I met a boy..."

His eyebrows raise. "Oh, wow. That's nice, hun. Is he just a friend or...?"

I look at the water's edge hesitantly. "Y-...well... At the moment, yes... But I kinda want him to be more...?"

He smiles slyly. "Ah, you got boy trouble then~"

I chuckle embarrassedly. "Yeah, I guess... See, I really like him & I think he asked me out, but... I can't go because it's on land-"

He raises a hand & I tense, falling silent. "-Wait... Is he a... human boy?" I nod slowly. He sighs, but doesn't seem angry. "Ok... That's fine, just... don't tell your father until it gets serious &... make sure the kid doesn't threaten the safety of the pod, ok?" I nod vigorously & he pats me on the head lovingly. "Ok, good. Because I'd... hate to move... I mean... this area has plenty of fish & hiding places, but isn't too far to see the scenery or people watch from afar... & you did say you were finally making a friend..."

I smile, relieved. "Ok. Thanks, Papa."

He smiles lovingly, hugging me for a moment. "No problem. Talk to me anytime you need anything, pumpkin... Now if you don't mind me... I should probably help wrangle up some dinner... Coming?"

I grin, swimming to follow him. "Yeah! You know I wouldn't miss a hunt!"

Oof, Keilani's dads still don't know that she's trans :/... But at least they support her liking guys, I guess? Hopefully they'll accept her when she does tell them...