The Mystic Hearts Series

Chapter 71- Keilani

The next day, I'm really nervous to see Amir. I mean... I really want to tell him that I'm a mermaid. That would explain why I couldn't go with him on land yesterday. And I would feel that much closer to him if I could finally tell him this part of myself. He had already been so accepting but... for some reason I felt especially nervous about this...

When he showed up that day, I slowly swam toward the edge of the deep water reluctantly to meet him. He gave me a hesitant smile & I waved nervously.

"Hi..." I say, smiling nervously as he wades over to me.

He smiles & juts his chin out toward me in acknowledgement. "Hey..."

I play with my hands nervously, slowly swimming toward our usual rock, my back facing him. "I... need to tell you something more... it's the reason I couldn't go with you yesterday..."

He looks at me questioningly, eyebrows knit together. He shakes his head. "No, it's ok. You don't have to explain yourself... You... don't have to go places if you don't want to..."

I raise my hand up, turning toward him slowly, frowning slightly. "No... I need to say this..."

He smiles kindly, nodding slowly as he swims closer to me, stopping at our rock. Close, but not too close. Or... not close enough. "Take your time."

I inhale slowly, playing with my fingers. "I... have wanted to tell you this for a long time, but... I was scared &... I didn't know how to tell you... Or if it was safe... Or who you would tell..."

He places his hand gently on my shoulder & I have to stop myself from reflexively leaning into the touch. He smiles slowly, voice soft & understanding. "Hey... it's ok. I won't tell anyone. Not unless you want me to. You can trust me... You know that, right?"

I smile, nodding quickly. "Yeah... yeah! I know..." I feel my face reddening & my arms inching towards him, but I stop myself. I... really want to hug him right now, but... I probably shouldn't. "Ok... here goes... I'm... a mermaid..."

"What."

Oof, the suspense 8I