Diary of a Mermaid

Are we going to see you again?

Jaclyn is helping me pack my camouflage duffle bag. I'm wearing a plain white long sleeve shirt (the one I had on in the photograph of me Angel, and Nemmy), camouflage pants, and heavy black ankle boots. My hair has been dyed so the orange streaks don't show so I'm not as recognizable while I travel to the base and I'm donning a ponytail. Jaclyn insisted on making me wear mascara and a teeny bit of eyeliner to make me look older and braver.

I've packed rope, my knife belt, a few bottles of water. Theo's in charge of food.

Once we're done packing, I stand up and give Jaclyn a huge hug. "Thank you for everything," I whisper.

She kisses the top of my head. "Stay safe,"

Then I grab the duffle bag, wave goodbye, and head downstairs for the send off.

I see Theo waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I walk down and he puts his arm around me. Everyone else is at the door. I hug Cat and Peter simultaneously. Then I wrap my arms around Finn and Ray. After they've kissed me on the cheek, I squat down and take Angel and Nemmy's hands in mine. "Are we going to see you again?"

I kiss their hands. "I don't think so," Nemmy looks at me in shock. I'm the one that always reassures her. I'm the one that can always boost her spirits. So what I just said scared the living daylights out of her.

I stand back up. "I love you all,"

Then Theo puts his hand on my shoulder. "It's time to go,"

I nod and wave goodbye to all of them. Then I leave the house that's been my home for the past few weeks.

Theo and I get into the car that the ALWASS sent for us. I feel my old life slipping away with every kilometre that we drive.

Finally we pull up to forested area. "Walk one kilometre north-east and you'll find the base." the driver tells us.

We thank him for the lift, hop out of the car, and walk for ten minutes in silence.

"Are you okay?" Theo asks me.

"I guess," I finger the hourglass charm around my neck. "Will we die, Theo?" I blurt out.

"I don't know," he says quietly.

Then we're silent again.