My Mermaid

Forced

Li's POV

Jean said he wanted to tell me something, I smiled and told him to go ahead. I don't know for some reason I had a strange feeling but I listened to him. My smile faded away as soon as those three words escaped his mouth. He must have noticed, I could see he wanted to speak but struggled to form any sentence. I tried to not tear up due to the happiness but I couldn't accept his confession even if I wanted to. 

''You shouldn't. I'm sorry Jean, I really don't feel the same.'' He just looked at me while I continued to speak, the pain and devastation evident on his features. It was a painful moment but I have got no choice. ''Move on Jean. I wanna leave anyway.'' I look ahead of me at the sea again. 

''Don't lie to me, Li...I know you're forcing yourself to say that, you don't mean it. Please, don't say that.'' 

''I am not lying, stop this conversation now. Thanks for taking me out.'' He held my hand while I was saying I am not lying. I tried to pull it away but he didn't let go, instead caressed my hand and squeezed it. It felt good but I, sadly, can't tell him. It's better for him too or else he will get killed too.

''..You're just trying to avoid this, don't do that. And, of course, I'll do more for you-'' His phone rang at that but as soon as he saw the contact, his eyes widened, and I got worried. I hope everything is alright with him. ''Sorry, let me see this.'' I nodded at that, heh Jean, little do you know, if this call hadn't happened then I would have given in already, it's too hard to not be with you.  My heart is aching so badly for you. I was startled at his sudden comment to whatever the person on the other side said, but it was obviously something really bad. I am glad Jean is okay and here.

''You have got to be kidding me! How did that happen?! Damn it.'' He quickly cut the line and turned to me while getting up and pulling me along.

''Li, we need to get going, you aren't safe at all here! They're coming for you!'' Jean spoke and I heard Chief calling out for me to come into the water forever and never ever turn to Jean, and that they don't want to lose me too. I was devasted, I don't want to go away from Jean, my love... 

''No Jean, I do not wish to stay with you, I hope it's clear,'' I said as coldly as I could.

''C'mo-'' I jerked my hand away from him. 

''No Jean, forgive me if you can.'' I pecked him one last time and dived into the water because they were threatening me that they would kill Jean if I didn't hurry up. I didn't look back at him. I know he is shattered right now, but he will move on and feel better soon...I guess. ''LI! LI DON'T LEAVE ME, PLEASE! Y-you promised..'' His voice faded as I went far away. I had this well-designed shirt he once gifted me, it had our initials on it, and it matched perfectly with my tail, I didn't bother to change it then plus...I will always have your last name, I won't go to anyone so I will leave as you asked. I love you too Jean... Everything was like before again, the same routine, except that I was more lonely now, all by myself because it was annoying to do anything or be with anyone, it just frustrated me a lot. I would always think of him, and imagine us together, living a blessed life. Even if it was all the same stuff here at home, where we all mermaids live, it's way too painful. I secretly drew his picture and kept it with me. I would always pretend to talk to him as if he was there with me, telling him everything and saying his possible replies about it as well. I miss you so much Jean, I really do. I hope you're okay out there.