Tipping the Scales

1. Pebble Springs

I made my way down the cobblestone path and through the trees. On the other side, I emerged from the forestation to find the springs - strangely, there was no wind there. The springs were even more beautiful than the gardens. The moon's reflection on the water was breathtaking and I found myself fascinatingly staring for a long time. There were quite a few little springs, a few medium sized ones and one very big one that was partially hidden behind a giant wall of stone. Large rocks and pebbles - hence the name - were randomly sitting in between the springs. It felt like the water was calling me, so I slowly walked over to one of the little springs that was closest to me. I took my shoes and bag off and placed them on a nearby rock. I casually waded into the water, feeling the water enchanting me. I climbed over some rocks and made my way into other pools until I finally came to the big one. I wanted to stay and swim in there forever. A few years ago, someone had nearly drowned in the big spring but I wasn't letting that stop me from lying there and floating on my back. The water was so calm and inviting, I just couldn't resist it. Then, the moonlight reflected off something and I saw it glint in the corner of my eye. I paddled over to a rock and found the thing that had caught my eye. A large golden fish-like scale was lying on the rock. I picked it up and felt its smooth, shiny texture. But somehow it slipped and cut my finger - I didn't think it was that sharp! The scale fell into the pool and I quickly yanked my finger away. After that, I didn't want to be in the springs anymore so I got out, put my shoes on and grabbed my bag and walked out of the gardens rather quickly.

As I hurried back down the cobblestone path, I examined my finger - the slice had left a rather large cut on my right index finger, but for some strange reason it wasn't bleeding. I thought it odd that a thing so small and beautiful could leave such a nasty mark. That was going to scar. I actually ran home then. It wasn't that I was terrified, it was just... I don't know. I wanted to go home. When I came to my street, I slowed and took deep breaths. I knew what was awaiting me at home - an angry confrontation probably. As I arrived at my front door, I hesitated then slowly got my keys out and unlocked the door. Dad was sitting on the lounge looking worried. I closed the door behind me. I must've looked a mess to him - sopping wet with a giant cut on my finger. He got up and came over to me with his arms crossed.

"Where have you been, Hazel?" he asked me.

"Nowhere," I answered softly.

"Don't lie to me. I've been up all night worried about you! It's quarter to ten!"

Was it really that late? I hadn't realised - I must've spent ages in the pool!

"Where's Mum?"

"She's in bed. She doesn't know. Why are you all wet?"

"I just... fell in a pool."

"What pool?"

"The town pool."

"What were you doing there?"

"That's where I was all afternoon."

"I thought you went over to Matilda's house."

"I did. Then we went there for a swim."

"The pool closes at six."

He had me there. He knew I was lying all along, and I knew he knew.

"Where were you really, Hazel? I called the Lennox's and Julie said you left at seven-thirty."

I finally gave in. I bent the truth a little, but I didn't lie about where I was. "Okay, fine! I accidentally walked into Avocado Gardens and I soon found myself at the springs. I was hot, so I decided to have a dip."

"The springs!? You know they're dangerous to swim in, by yourself, AT NIGHT."

"I know, Dad, I'm sorry!"

"I even sent Constable Ryan out looking for you."

"I know, I saw."

"Don't ever do that again."

"I won't. I swear Dad. I'm really tired, can I go to bed?"

"Okay. Good night. I love you."

Before I went upstairs I grabbed a Band-Aid for my cut.

"Get up now, Hazel!" yelled Mum. I grumbled something back to her. This was the usual morning routine of getting me out of bed. I was still tired, but Mum never seemed to understand it. I woke up that morning in a grumpy mood. It was Monday, which meant that I had to go to school. I took my Band-Aid off for a look and was surprised - the cut was no longer there and there wasn't even a scar! After more shouts from downstairs, I eventually went down to have some breakfast, but was confronted by some questions and secret looks from Dad.

"Did you have a nice time at Matilda's yesterday?" Mum asked me at the table. I hesitated a bit before answering.

"Yeah... it was great," I replied. Dad gave me a look and I was grateful that he hadn't told her.

"I didn't hear you come in, what time did you get home?"

I was stumped here. I didn't know what time she'd gone to bed, so I couldn't make up a time in case she was still up then.

"Just after eight," Dad rescued me. I smiled at him as if to say thank you.

"That late? What were you doing?"

Ha, later than that! If only she knew what I was doing.

"She was probably out with her boyfriend," my brother kindly offered.

"Your boyfriend? Since when have you had a boyfriend?"

"I don't, Mum. Zeke's just stirring the pot." I gave him the hairy eyeball.

"Well I think it's time the two of you hurried up and got ready."

I then went upstairs to get organised for school. The first stop was the bathroom, where I went to brush my teeth. This is where it got weird. I turned the tap on and put my toothbrush under the running water. As expected, my hand got wet and before I knew it, I was transforming into something. I felt strangely tingly all over and I suddenly turned into water for a split second before flopping on the ground. My little six-year-old sister just happened to walk past the bathroom at that moment and see me. I managed to reach over and close the door quickly, but not before I heard her screaming, "Mum, mum, Hazel's got a tail!" I didn't even know that at that point! I looked at my body, which now adorned a fish-like tail covered in scales, exactly the same as the one that had cut me the night before. My legs and feet were gone. My immediate reaction was a shriek.

"What is it?" my brother - the one at the breakfast table - asked through the door.

"Nothing! Just a spider..." I lied. I heard him laugh.

I didn't know how to get rid of it. I yanked a towel off the rack and dried my hand. That seemed to do it. All of a sudden I was lying on the floor, back to normal again. I was still in shock. I stood up and leaned on the bench, looking into the mirror. Then I finally realised...

"I'm a mermaid."