The Sea and The Shells: A Mermaid Story

The Beginning of Something Life Changing (1)

Isabella sat with her feet hanging off the edge of a steep cliff, peering out over the rocky decline into the turquoise waters of Hawaii. The salty aroma of the ocean wafted through the air, as the gentle waves shimmered and danced along the shore. Every time Isabella visited this breathtaking location, she was awestruck by the sheer beauty surrounding her.

The tranquil serenity was soon interrupted by a sudden cell phone ringing. Isabella's friend Sabrina's name showed up on her phone. Sabrina was Isabella's friend since the sixth grade. Isabella's love for surfing and Sabrinas as well bonded them. On a scorching summer day when her surfboard deflated Sabrina had a pump in her bag and from there, Sabrina's bubbly personality fit together with Isabella's sarcastic adventure-seeking personality.

Sabrina answered in her cheerful voice "Hey bells so I just got the perfect opportunity for our summer bucket list!"

Eagerly, Isabella inquired, her excitement barely contained, "Ooh! What is it?"

At the end of freshmen year starting summer Sabrina made Isabella promise to do a list of stuff for the summer to keep the summer interesting. Last summer they had promised to hang out but plans ended before they began.

"There's this new island that Laney was raving about," Sabrina exclaimed. "She =found this sick island! where apparently she saw these super rare fish. And brace yourself, there's even an inactive volcano!" Isabella's fondness for exploration and discovering new locales made this proposition irresistible

"You already know I'm going to say yes! Do you wanna take the pickle?" Isabella asked.

The pickle was no other than her dad's cruiser boat and was painted brightly green. Her dad bought it as a gift for Isabella's mom before he died. Sabrina had come up with the strange nickname.

"I'll meet you at the pier in 30 minutes," Sabrina said before hanging up the phone. Isabella admired the picturesque view of the ocean before departing, attempting to capture a mental image of the sun glistening on the water. Along the way to the pier, Isabella came across Mrs. Blipu's stand selling a variety of fresh tropical fruits. Unable to resist the vibrant colors, Isabella opened her wallet to make a purchase.

Mrs. Blipu smiled waving to Isabella "Hi Mrs Bella what can I get you today? I just got these fresh strawberries imported from Italy. They are simply divine."

Surveying the assortment, Isabella's eyes settled upon a vividly pink dragonfruit, a favorite of both her and Sabrina, boasting both hydration and flavor. "Two dragonfruits, please," she requested.

Mrs. Blipu put the dragon fruit in a brown bag "Where are you going today? Surfing again?
Isabella smiled "Oh actually me and Sabrina are visiting an island to see. Apparently, it has colorful coral and nice views."

Mrs. Blipu frowned "Did you not hear what the lifeguards have been saying?"

Isabella tried to recall seeing any lifeguards on the way but couldn't remember anything.

"No why?"
"Well, Apparently a woman about 37 was swimming in the water and got bit by one of those great whites. It bit her leg off "I'm not sure if she is still alive. But, that's just what I heard."
Isabella gasped "That's terrible. But, I think we will be ok."

Isabella had learned to take Mrs. Blipus's advice with a grain of salt. She was one of the old women who always made up stories. One time she told Isabella that her new boyfriend from France proposed with a 3.2-carat ring. However, it was from a nearby convenience store. Mostly everyone in the town knew about her tendency to fabricate stories.

Mrs. Blipu grabbed the 2 dragon fruits and popped them in a bag. "Bye, sweetie."

Isabella said bye and walked toward the pier. The pickle was sitting in one of the rows of boats and looking rather smell compared to the yachts and speed boats. Sabrina was sitting on the edge playfully dangling her feet into the water.