Swim Away (Mermaid)

Chapter Forty-Two

"I was thinking," I spoke, even though I told Asher I was going to sleep for sure this time, "how is Noah going to remember anything, if I keep the magic part of his life away? That's an important part of his life. Maybe that's why he doesn't remember?"

I turned over and saw Asher lying on the table. His eyes fixed on the ceiling, making it clear that he couldn't fall asleep either. His gray eyes did not waver. It seemed as though he was sleeping with his eyes open.

"You know why we can't tell him," he replied.

I did know. Someone who had no knowledge of our world might not believe and probably think we were crazy. Noah was more like his old self, but the energy he used to have was a lot less. I couldn't tell if that changed because of the magic within him, or he was too busy trying to make sense of everything.

"Asher, do you think Selena might be after us again? I mean after me." I couldn't shake the image of Selena creating an ice blade out of water, then trying to stab me with it. I should've killed her when I had the chance.

"Probably. Could be either training or coming this way as we speak. I think it would've been a smart move to have sacrificed her for the spell. Kind of surprised you still have some heart in you."

"I'm not a heartless bitch." I mumbled.

"Not yet."

I shook my head.

I could tell it wasn't something easy for Asher to have to go through forbidden magic. Although he only helped me, it still impacted him in some way. I felt bad, but Noah shouldn't of died.

"Thanks for helping me. I know this is a lot, and- I- thank you." I didn't remember ever thanking him for everything he had done for me. Even if he annoyed me, he was still there for me. Who would've thought I would be hanging around the guy I thought was a bad guy?

He smiled, "always."

There was silence for a couple of minutes, but I broke it.

"I can't sleep," I sighed.

"I see that. But I need to rest. We're near Sara's city, and I plan to find her book tomorrow."

"That table looks really uncomfortable, you should take the couch." I suggested, moving over to make some space. Noah was on the other couch, and I was on the bigger one.

"No, I'm fine. You rest." He turned around, facing his back toward me. "Goodnight."

"Asher, I can't sleep knowing you can't sleep on that." I moved to one side and kept my eyes on him. He didn't budge. "Don't make me use my magic on you."

"Go ahead," he replied, testing me.

"Fine, you can have that uncomfortable table, and I'll have this nice, soft couch." I went back to lying on it, since from the looks of it, Asher wasn't going to move from his spot.

About ten minutes went by, and I was still awake. I heard a low mumble from Asher as he turned around, and his eyes landed on mine. He muttered a curse word and sat up.

"Do I still have that offer?" He asked.

I nodded, and moved over to give him space. He came and sat on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position for himself. Once he got settled, I tried to find my comfy spot.

"See, isn't this much better?"

"Shut up."

I turned around then opened my eyes when my hand did not feel the couch. I looked down at my hand to see it was pressed against Asher's chest.