A Merman's Tale

Fates: Chapter Forty-Seven

Seirra

Walking home with Marge last night was filled with both hope and regret.

We did not know what was in store for us and it was obvious with the way Marge walked slowly- taking in everything she could see as if she was trying to remember every single detail of her surroundings-that even though she was happy to be with me in Aquania, she was going to regret leaving everything behind.

"No matter what happens," I blurted out, "I will always be here for you."

I lifted her hand and brought it to my lips. Somehow, I felt the need to always assure her that she will not be facing the unknown without me.

"I know," she replied with a smile. "It's probably the biggest reason why I am not scared of going."

"I'm glad."

We reached Books and Covers and as I waited for a light to open in her home above the bookstore, I finally found myself smiling with peace of mind.

She went to the window and finally waved me goodnight. 

In a few hours, everything will no longer be the same.

*****

I woke up with a start.

It might have been because I did not get enough sleep but it took some time before I could remember that there was nothing wrong with waking up in my room.

I dressed comfortably, knowing that it did not matter what I wore. In Aquania, clothing did not exist. Wearing charms and jewelry was what separates normal days from special ones.

The sun was already up but there was time before noon. I promised Erwann we would leave Grasveld Aisles this morning.

I arrived at Books and Covers but it was closed.

Before I could ring the bell, however, Marge was already opening the door.

"Where's Amanda?" 

"She came in earlier but before either of us could say anything, I broke down and just ended up crying in her arms."

Now that she said it, I could finally recognize how puffy and red Margaret's eyes were. Naturally, I pulled her inside and gave her a hug. 

"And then?"

"She kept asking if I was alright but I knew I couldn't tell her what was happening." She sniffed again but went on, "In the end, she just told me that the reasons didn't matter. She decided to close the shop and told me to wait for her while she did the groceries. She said she'll cook for us both just to make sure I'd feel alright by the end of the day."

She openly cried now and my arms tightened around her.

"She left and I knew that was the last time I would see her. She has become like a sister. I'm truly going to miss her."

I ran my hand through her back and then released her. 

"You know she won't remember you once you become a mermaid, don't you?" When she nodded, "But you won't forget her?" She nodded again. "Then it's alright. Her life here will be okay-she will be the owner of the bookshop, I'm sure-and you will always have memories of her to remind you of happy times. It's fine, Marge."

"I know. I think it's just so difficult at first but when I get used to it, then it'll be alright," she replied, taking a deep breath so she can finally calm down. "I prepared breakfast. Can we eat first, before we leave?"

It will be a totally normal gesture and I agreed. She was savoring every moment of her life on land.

We finished breakfast long before Amanda came back from her chores.