Diary of a Mermaid

A silly question

Just as I step out of the tub, I hear my ElectroTablet ding with a text. Mom's been texting me off and on since I've been here on land.

I wrap my body and hair in towels and walk to our bedroom.

Mom: Hi Honey! How are you? Is everything going as planned?

I sigh. Steven made us swear not to tell our parents where we are. But he didn't say we couldn't tell them what happened.

Me: Don't freak out, but we were attacked.

Mom: WHAT?! Are you okay???

Me: We're fine, but we had to evacuate the house.

Mom: Where are you? Are you all safe? I saw you called, but had no time to call back.

Me: I'm not allowed to tell you where we are, but we're safe. The call wasn't urgent. Nemmy was just homesick. She threw up.

Mom: Oh no! Is she okay? Is she sick? That's the last straw. I want you all home.

Me: Mom, no. We're safe here. I'm looking out for everyone. I'm being careful. Trust me.

Mom: If you say so. How are the girls?

Me: They're good. Nemmy's gotten a little clingy, though. And Angel doesn't talk as much. But overall, they're fine.

Mom: I'm trusting you to tell me the truth. I've got to go. Work. I'll text you tomorrow, okay?

Me: Okay, love you, Mom.

Mom: Love you, too!

I put down the tablet and sit down on the floor and start to cry. I want to go home. I want to be free. I want to be able to go outside without being afraid of getting kidnapped.

Angel walks into the room. "Why are you crying, Topaz?"

I adjust the towel and wave her over. She sits down beside me. "I'm okay, Sweets. I'm just feeling a little sad."

"Do you miss Mommy and Daddy?"

I nod. "Yeah. And Callio. And Stanley. And Gladys."

"Me too." she says. She leans against me. "I don't wanna be here, Topee. Do you?"

"Now, that's a silly question. Of course I want to be here." I lie. I so lie.

"But don't you wanna go home?"

"A bit." I twirl a lock of her dark hair around with my finger. "But what I want isn't important. When left Paradise Cove, it became my job to look after you and your sister."

She hugs me. "You've been doing a good job."

"Dinner!" Cat calls from the kitchen.

"I'll see you in a bit." I say to Angel as we both stand up. She leaves the room and I change into my clothes.