Breathing Water

CHAPTER 44

I stand just inside the closed door of what appears to be Shelly's room. Shelly walks to the bed and lays down on her bed. Realizing that I didn't follow she sits up and pats the spot next to her. I nervously take the seat. She wraps her arm around my shoulder. "So, you want to be a marine biologist. Thats an interesting career goal for someone who couldn't swim until a weak ago." She smirks at me.
I giggle and immediately cover my mouth. "Well, I've always loved the ocean and the creatures that inhabit its depths, but Mom always thought it was too dangerous with my asthma." I frown thinking about how its not really an option anymore. "I have to find something new anyway."
"Why?"
"Remember? I sprout a tail at the touch of salt water."
"Then use that to your advantage." I crease my eyebrows in confusion. "I know I said don't tell anyone and you still shouldn't." She pause, lays down, and rethinks her words. "Okay, so you know those water performers that dress up like mermaids to bring awareness to the animals of the ocean?" I just look at her not knowing what she's talking about. "Well, they exist, but any way. You could be one of those you just have a real tail."
I think about what she is saying, lay down next to her, and smile at the idea. "But how would I get started?"
"There's that big aquarium in town. You could talk to them about starting up a mermaid performances thing with you."
"Maybe." I'm not really sure but Shelly seems to be determined.
"We could go together this weekend."
"What about the wedding?"
"Oh its on Saturday, so we can go on Sunday."
"I thought the aquarium was closed on Sundays."
"Well yeah. That way it can be a private meeting and you can even show them your abilities." She turns on side so that she is kind of laying on me. "This is so exciting. We can test how long you can hold your breath and work on a swim routine to show them tomorrow and Friday." She smiles and the leans over and kisses me excitedly. I kiss back. It starts to get intimate just as a thud comes from the wall next to Shelly's door, followed by laughter. Shelly huffs and climbs off her bed. She holds out her hand and says "We should go somewhere to give my parents some privacy." She makes a disgusted face and I take her hand getting off the bed. We walk to her car and once we are both in the vehicle she lights up. "Oh I know what we can do. The swim team is having a beach party."
I smile tentatively. "Sure," I say happily "lets go."
We arrive a short while later and I can see the dim lights in the dark. Shelly and I walk to the large group of high school students. Some are wandering around drunk, others are laying on the sand either passed out or making out. There is also a large group messing around in the water. Some of the people that are just talking up on the beach notice Shelly and I's arrival and glare at me. I shy away from their gaze and hide behind Shelly who immediately turns around. She places a hand on my cheek just as I feel a large arm behind my back and my knees. Suddenly I am being held bridal style five feet above the ground. I look up to see the most unpleasant face of my captor. Mason is scowling down at me. "I must have to punish you into rethinking the way of your heart." I start flailing my legs and hitting his chest with my hands. "How should I punish you?" He looks around and gasps. "How 'bout you go for a swim? Or at least you can try because from what I remember, you don't know how to." I open my mouth in shock and start searching for Shelly in a panic. I see her laying on the ground like she'd been pushed over. Her face is as concerned as I am. No body here can find out about me.