Moonlight Transformation: The Story of Luke

Chapter 11

"D-Dad?!" He gasped listening again.

I'm so sorry Luke. The voice sounded shaky.

Tears filling Luke's eyes. "Oh my god, you're
really coming" Luke smiled to himself. He stopped his playlist, listening for his father to speak again.
I never got to see you enter this world. It's unfair. The voice said with a hint of sorrow.
How was it possible to miss someone you just met. Luke thought.
"I know, it's okay, my Uncle, he did great making me...human-rounded?" Luke said chuckling.
Silva did an amazing job speeding up the process, I need to bring you home to finish it with the clan. Julian said sternly.
Luke was silent. It's permanent...right? Luke asked.

Julian also was silent.

Yes.

Knots twisted in Luke's stomach.

You could die, I managed to find you before things got worse. Julian said softly.

"But my Uncle, my cousin, my friends." Luke said with tears

"I know, but I won't lose you. Not again. Julian said. Luke nodded.
"I want to finish this conversation when I see you in a couple of days. Julian said cheerfully.

Luke smiled. "Yes, please, I would love that."
Both men were silent.

Luke groaned and submerged himself in the overfilled tub but turned up his music to max, to drown out his thoughts.
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Daniel boiled the water while Sophia heated up a jar of pasta sauce. She crossed her arms, staring at the microwave.
"Dad what's really going on with Luke?" Sophia asked softly.
Daniel wiped his hands, he kept his eyes on the still calm water on the stove.
He turned and smiled.
"Luke is having flare ups darling. He gets it from grandpa. Luckily I never got it." He chuckled.
Sophia looked at him skeptical.
"Hmm and why is he always in the bathroom? Why does he stink of sea water. I took a shower and found remnants of sea salt on the walls of the tub." She said staring at the ground.
Daniel rubbed his neck.
"Sophia, I will tell you but you have to be open minded about this." Daniel said softly.
"Open minded about what?" She said alarmed.
The pot was bubbling more.
"That Luke isn't your brother."
"So he's adopted."
"Yes, but I'm his uncle."
"You said you were an only child..."
"Technically I am now but I had a sister."
"An aunt? Did she get flare ups?"
"In a way..."
The pot shook, steam flowing out from the top.
"Dad just tell me. Luke is scaring me." Sophia said with concern in her eyes. She looked at him.
Daniel stared at her face. He sighed.
"Sophia, Luke is turning into a merman."

Sophia stared at him then busted out laughing.
Daniel crossed his arms rolling his eyes.
"No really dad, what's wrong with Luke?" She asked catching her breath.

Daniel was silent.

"Geez you're really keeping this joke up huh." Sophia said. She looked upstairs.

"Go see him, it'll prove my point." Daniel said shrugging.

Sophia hesitated.
"This is stupid." She scoffed and made her way upstairs.
Daniel ignored the water, watching and waiting for Sophia's reaction.

Sophia made it to the top of the stairs. She slowly walked past baby photos of Luke with HER mother.

My cousin.

She approached the bathroom door, knocking.
__________________________________
Luke sat up, hearing the knock. He paused his music, listening again.
"Dad? You can come in." Luke said softly leaning against the wall of the tub.
The door silently opened.
He expected Daniel to come in but found his cousin staring at him with wide saucers.
Attempting to cover himself, he pulled the curtains back.
Holy shit. Sophia whispered walking towards him.
"It's uh, a rash?" Luke said chuckling.
"Dad's not entirely crazy." Sophia said taking a breath and looking at the gills on his neck.

Luke sighed, "yeah, not so much." He chuckled moving the curtain.
Sophia came closer, she stared at his webbed hands and feet. The blue scales.
"You're like an alien." She said sitting on the toliet.
Luke rolled his eyes.
"Thanks...I know it's a lot to take in." He said softly and looked away.
"So what's going to happen to you?" She asked looking at gills again
"My dad...my actual dad is coming here. He's going to bring me home." Luke said softly.
"Take you away from us!?" She exclaimed
"I don't have choice. My body is trying to transform but is rejecting it because I'm half human. I'll die Sophia." Luke said grimly
Sophia was silent.
"Will I see you again?" She asked with tears. Luke stared at her face, tears welling.
He smiled and nodded. "Of course. You're still my sister. I just want to be with my dad, get to know him." He said smiling. She tried to give me a smile but it was faint.
Luke leaned over and grabbed a towel. He then hoisted himself out, and sat on the floor, drying off.
"I think I'd like to eat dinner with my family tonight." He smiled. Sophia cried and fell to the ground, hugging him.
Luke gasped, but hugged her back, crying also.
"You're still part of my life." He said smiling.
Sophia nodded. "Your aunt was a mermaid, she probably would've loved you." He said smiling.
Sophia smiled back. She then stood up, wiping her arms.
"You're like gross and slimy. She laughed. Both siblings laughed as Luke changed back to human.