Diary of a Mermaid

Theo

Topaz! Topaz! Topaz!

My eyes fly open. Everyone is standing above me. Nemmy is bawling and her tears are falling onto my face.

"Can you sit up?" Steven asks me. I realize that I'm lying on the couch in the family room. I nod and the women put their arms behind my back and help me get my back off the cushions.

"What happened?" I ask.

Steven looks at me, wincing.

I start crying. "Angel, take your sister upstairs." Angel, who's sharp mind can identify a grave situation, wisely takes Nemmy by the hand and leads her upstairs, but Nemmy breaks away and throws herself on top of me.

"Save me!" she wails. "I see the picture on Stevie's telephone. Ray isn't okay! Ray's blood-shirt was in the black room. I don't want my shirt to be a blood-shirt!"

Jaclyn scoops her up and carries her away. Angel leans toward me and says, "I'll take care of her."

I give her hand a little squeeze and say, "Thank you," She smiles and goes off with them.

"We just called ALWASS and they are sending a guard. Well, a guard in training. Theo Dannis is fifteen years old and will be living with us. He'll be particularly your bodyguard. We think that because of your age and gender, you'll be the next target. They already tried a boy. You are the oldest girl. If they are thinking the way we think they are thinking. You are in danger. Peter will be picking Theo up on his way here. They'll be arriving any minute."

"Steven, I'm thirteen! How is a boy two years older than me gonna guard us." I protest.

"He's the best in his class, Topaz. I really think-" He is interrupted by a knock on the door. "We are not done this conversation." I roll my eyes and he gets up and walks to the door.

I hear him open it and say, "Quickly, get it!" The door shuts.

A younger voice says, "Theo Dannis. Nice to meet you."

Then I hear whispers. Finn joins the conversation. "I'm Finn,"

Footsteps are heard leading into the family room.

"Topaz," Steven says. "I'd like you to meet Theo Dannis."

Wow. Theo's cute. Crystal blue eyes, spiked brown hair. But it doesn't matter. He's just my bodyguard. Nothing more.

Unfortunately. No, no, no! Stop it stupid brain! It's just a job. He's getting payed for this!

Wait a minute. This kid is my bodyguard? He's my height!

Great. Just great.