The Mermaid Tale "If I Could Stand"

Staying Still

I followed Alessandro through his beautiful home. He said he would paint me. The only thing is that I did not know what painting really was, but that it was lovely. His whole house was filled with them. He told me his parents were always on business trips so he had the house to himself for the most part.

"This is the room filled with my best works." He says opening the large white door.

I gasped at the glory and beauty. On the side was the painting of a beautiful tree. On the other side I saw a painting of the entire earth.

"These are so unique....and pretty." I say softly

"Look at this one."

I turn around and in the center of the large room was a pairing of recognition. It was a painting where I could see myself in. It was a girl in the ocean leaning on a rock. My eyes widened at the memory. That girl was once me....he saw me.

"Who..is that?" I say acting like I had no idea what it was.

"I'm not exactly sure. I'm not exactly sure if it was just a figment of my imagination or a real person. You see, I saw it a couple weeks back, and I've been in completed wonder about it. In a way she is very odd, but so beautiful. I don't think she was real."

My stomach turned at his words, but I maintained to keep a firm smile. He glanced at me for a moment with a skeptical look.

"You know something."

"No I don't." I say quickly.

The awkwardness between us was there for a split second.

"I didn't mean you knew something, but I was about to speak on a subject."

"I'm sorry I was confused."

"Well, I guess I should start your painting."

He walks to the corner of the room and studies me for a couple of seconds. I spin around and he chuckles.

"No need for that my Fiore."

I blush at the word. He pulls out a large big white canva. He puts on his glasses and opens up his shirt a bit. I'm confused with his actions but I suppose that it was something humans did.

"I want you to sit on the piano." He says pointing over to a large black thing.

I walk over to it, and I try and jump on top of it, but I keep falling.

"Here I'll help."

My face heats up as his body comes near mine. I shiver at his warm breath. He lifts me up and I'm resting on the piano.

"Do you want me to lay down?"

"No no no...just sit with your legs crossed."

He stands far back for a couple seconds and studies me. I smile big and wide but he cringe.

"Don't smile though. Frown."

"What is frown?"

He looks at me and laughs.

"That's funny Anastasia."