The Mermaids' Mate

Chapter 12

I woke up with a pounding headache. I rubbed my heavy, sleepy eyes, trying to adjust to the bright room. Someone had opened up my curtains, letting in the sun.

"Wait, what?!?" I yelled, sitting up. I looked around, and I was back in my room. I scratched my head in confusion. "How in the fuck did I get here?"

"Looks like you're awake." I heard my mom say, opening my door.

"When did I get here? How did I get here?" I asked, laying back down. Getting up so fast like that made my headache ten times worse. "You got any pain medication by any chance?" I groaned, massaging my head.

"Your friend Mike and Amy brought you home around six in the morning." My mother began. I looked at the time; it was a little past 1 pm. "They said you tripped and fell during a hike."

"I did." I lied. "You know how clumsy I am. I'm always tripping and falling."

"You are very clumsy." My mother agreed. "Did you enjoy your little swim?"

"H-how did you know I went for a swim?"

"Did you forget that I, too, am a mermaid? I was born in the sea. I grew up in the sea. My connection to the sea is way stronger than yours. I knew you wouldn't resist going in, so I temporarily blocked your shifting powers."

"You did that? Why?" I should've known it was her. "I didn't know you could even do that."

"There's a lot of things I can do." She said and left. Leaving me wondering what she meant by that. Was my mother capable of taking my mermaid powers away? And why? Were they that bad?

A bottle of pills was on my nightstand, along with a note from Mike. Take one once a day, and stay off your feet.

Thanks, Mike, I said, opening the bottle and taking one. My pounding headache and ankle were worse this morning, but at least the swelling had gone down. I laid back down, waiting for the medication to take effect so I could shower.

As I stared at the ceiling, I realized I had on two shirts. I took the covers off and saw I was wearing an oversized black t-shirt over the tank top Amy gave me. It smelled so good, and it was so warm. What made it even better was knowing it was Damien's shirt. I distinctly recognize his scent. I don't remember how I ended up with it, but I was glad that I did. I only remembered a little of what happened last night after Tasha left. I do remember I fell asleep in Damien's arms.

After an hour of lying on my bed, I noticed the medicine had finally started working, and I could shower peacefully.

I filled the tub with warm water and got in. The water felt pleasant and relaxing. The only thing I regretted was washing Damien's scent off me. But at least I still had his shirt and sweater.

The sound of my phone buzzing brought me back to reality. I sat up in the tub and saw that Amy had texted me. I was glad it was only her and not Bryan.

Hey. Are you doing okay? She texted me.

I'm fine. I am taking a bath! I responded.

Can we come over tomorrow? We need to talk. She replied. Even though she wasn't here, I could tell whatever she wanted to discuss wasn't good. But I had a feeling I knew what-who, more specifically, it was about.

Damien? I texted her.

Yes, Damien. She replied.

Did he reject me? I asked her.

It's better if we talk in person. Tomorrow okay? You need rest. ❤️

How did I end up with Damien's shirt? I texted her, hoping she'll at least answer that question.