In the Glass

Chapter 2

I'm back in the tank now. I hear people congratulating Shelly for getting me to talk, because "she totally knew the gentle approach would work." I swim around and twirl now that no kids are staring in on me, face pressed against the glass, expecting me to dance. I see a hand in the water, jerking around, trying to get my attention. I swim upward and realize it's the blonde intern. I pop my head out of the water, flattening the curls, and wipe the water off my face. I see that everyone has left the room.
"It's pretty lonely in the tank, you could at least put a dolphin in there with me," I tell the boy, surprising myself. I decide he's okay to talk to, since he doesn't have a needle or clipboard. The boy is totally shocked I'm talking to him, and he looks really scared. It's kinda funny.
"You can talk to Dolphins?" I can see him thinking this over in his head and I try not to laugh.
"No, but they make very good pets. They're really smart and loyal." I just can't shut up can i?
"Oh. Well I'm supposed to be giving you food, but no one is sure what you eat."
"One human will do fine," I say.
His face goes pale.
"I'm kidding. We merpeople aren't too picky. Really anything you have will work."
The blonde boy nods and walks away. He brings back something I've only seen once more, but it was broken and wet. I'm not sure what's it called.
"A cheeseburger," he says as if he read my mind. I grab the burger and stuff it in my mouth, desperate for food. I can feel my eyes widen.
"It's... It's tashee!" I tell the boy.
"Tashee?" He raises his light eyebrows.
"Tashee, like amazing or awesome, cool," I tell him in between bites. He laughs, but only slightly.
"What's your name?"
"Um, Grayson."
"Grayson. I like it." I've finished my burger now and I'm ready to sleep. "Goodbye, Grayson." I dive backwards, back into the water flipping my red tail as I go under. I barely hear him say bye as I swim to the bottom of the tank.