Ocean's Secret

Finally Free

Esa swam faster than she had in weeks. Leaving those flashing blue and red lights behind was a major relief, but now Esa had something else to worry about, getting Derek back to land.

She had her arms wrapped around his chest tightly, pulling him away from the shore for a distance before surfacing to let him take a breath. 

Derek gasped for air and coughed violently for a few seconds, spewing swallowed water down his chin. Esa held his head down while he coughed, keeping them both above the surface of the water with small flicks of her tail. 

She waited for Derek to regain his balance, and they floated in silence up and down on the soft, warm waves. Esa took a moment to finally look around and realize truly that she was free. A sudden smile split across her face as her blue eyes twinkled with the joy of being home.

Derek wiped his mouth and looked up at her. "Thanks." He spoke, his voice sounding scratchy from the seawater he had consumed. But the gratitude shone in his eyes.

"Thank you, I would be back in a tank if it wasn't for what you did back there." Esa replied, glancing back at land, she was still to close to shore for her own comfort, especially with humans after her. "I've got to drop you off somewhere before I can get out to sea and swim home." She looked over at Derek, he was watching the shore as well.

A sudden sound started up, and Esa watched something in the sky move towards her and Derek. A bright light suddenly poured from the object and began sweeping the dark waters.

"Helicopter... They'll see us." Derek turned his gaze back on Esa urgency shone in the depths of his blue eyes.

"We need to go. Take a deep breath." Esa told him before diving back under the water and veering away from the helicopter, then she doubled back around in the water and headed down the shoreline for about a mile. 

Esa stopped only a few times to let Derek get a fresh breath of air before continuing on, the helicopter could still be seen sweeping the water with an extremely bright light behind them at a distance. But it was beginning to move closer, in the same direction Esa was swimming. She began to feel a bit panicked and moved on quickly.

She dove once again in the deep blue depths and tugged Derek along at a fast speed, the water rushing by her eyes so that all she saw were white frothy bubbles. Esa finally reached a small inlet surrounded by thick plant growth and swam inside slowly, being very careful not to stir up the sandy bottom. 

She let Derek go, and he coughed up more water for a bit, then they swam on together, Esa had to slow down a lot so as not to speed ahead of him, he was already tired, but even the fastest human swimmer on earth couldn't keep up with a mermaid swimming at a leisurely pace. They finally reached a small beach and Derek pulled himself up onto the sand a few feet, dropping down heavily.

He lay there for awhile, gasping. Esa leaned down on her elbows in the shallows near the beach and prayed that the palm trees and thick canopy above would conceal her hiding place from above. The helicopter's blades were giving off such a noise that made it hard for Esa to even think straight. She slipped back down into the water, wanting to feel the sense of security it gave her. 

"They're leaving, don't worry Esa, they won't find us." Derek's voice murmured behind Esa, but he didn't sound completely certain. The trees above began to bend as if being blown by an incredibly strong wind. Esa immediately ducked under the water and darted for shelter under some overhanging plants on the water's edge. 

She saw Derek rolling out of sight farther up on the shore. A bright light split through the trees and Esa knew for certain that the helicopter was right above them. She moved farther back out of sight and hoped Derek was already well hidden, as any movement would attract attention. 

The helicopter lingered for only a moment, then slowly began to move on. Esa let out a breath, realizing she had held it the whole time. Derek was slowly creeping out from under the bushes, he was covered in leaves, dirt, and bark from some sort of tree. 

It might be better to wait here for awhile. Esa thought, sweeping her gaze across the night sky, the palm trees were still swaying from the wind caused by the helicopter.

Esa swam over to Derek and pulled herself up on the beach beside him. He was busy brushing himself off and didn't notice her until she was sitting beside him. They sat in silence for awhile, listening to the helicopter get farther and farther away as the minutes passed. As the night grew silent Esa started wondering what had happened to Brie and Amber. I really hope they got away.

Sounds of a quiet and peaceful night reached her ears and Esa sighed, feeling her muscles relax. "Derek?" She asked, her voice quiet.

"Yes?" 

"Will you tell Brie and Amber I said thank you, again? For helping me?" 

"Yes." 

Esa gazed over at Derek, he was staring at her and she quickly looked away, feeling the heat rising in her face, but relieved to know the darkness concealed her blushing. Suddenly Esa did something no loyal mermaid would ever do, and leaned over in one swift movement to put her lips on Derek's. The kiss was soft and lasted only a few seconds. Then Esa and Derek broke apart, and stared into each other's eyes for just a moment before Esa turned and slipped into the water.

"Thank you." She whispered before diving away. Moving her tail in swift twisting movements, Esa swam quickly and surely back down the inlet and out to sea. She didn't stop once, just continued on at a steady, strong pace, feeling the weakness she had felt for weeks ebbing away, replaced with strength and engery as the ocean washed over her.

She was home.

So as you most likely know, this is the very last chapter to Ocean's Secret. I really enjoyed writing this book and the encouraging comments given to me! Thank you so much you guys!

If you would like to read any of my other books please check out my profile!

~Liberty