The Mermaid Tale "If I Could Stand"

Paradise

Authors Note: Hey guys! It's been awhile. I tried to make a longer chapter today since I've been gone for so long. School had me busy. I love this song that I placed with the chapter. I think it talks about life. Which of course is perfect for this book. When I hear this song it makes me think of my story. Enjoy! I'm probably gonna update again also, because I'm enjoying the story a lot!

My tiny toes graze the grass as the sun beamed on my cheeks, and the small wind blew through my bright red hair. There was certainly something magical and peaceful about nature on earth. I had realized that ever since I became a human I hadn't spent enough time enjoying the world. My feet had not touched the ground in joy. I wanted this and I have to appreciate every moment just incase something were to happen, like it all being washed away.

  "Anastasia?"

I turn around and I'm surprised by the guest. Alessandro again. We always seemed to meet in strange places nowadays.

"Oh...hey" I say in a hoarse whisper.

His sudden surprise made me nervous, and my palms started to sweat.

  "Beautiful day isn't it?" He says smiling.

I admire his beautiful dark silky hair.  He could be a black panther or maybe even a sting ray. I saw those creatures in the ocean rarely. He was rare just like a sting ray to me.

"It is so lovely."

"Well, what brings you here?"

I smile to myself.

"I just enjoy nature. What brings you here?"

"I guess you didn't notice my painting materials."

I look up again and my eyes meet his canvas and paintbrushes. He had so many devices. He had rulers and protractors, and paint colors everywhere. He was a lot smarter than he seemed.

"Sorry, that was a dumb question..."

"It's alright, we all make mistakes."

My nose scrunches up when the sun hits my skin again. It burns, so I tuck my hair under my straw hat and I lay on my back. This was getting awkward. Neither of us spoke. He was busy and I was sweating my life out trying to avoid staring at him for too long.

"Do you like swimming?" He asks.

"No." I quickly say.

"Why? That's very unusual."

"Well, I have a fear of water."

He chuckles.

"Why do you have a fear of water?"

"Well, because I almost drowned in it when I was younger." I lied.

He stares at me for a moment and his lips frown.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I guess you could say you have a phobia."

"Yes! I'm aquaphobic!" I say aloud to avoid any further discussion on the topic.

He jumps at my outburst.

"Sorry, a bit too loud."

He flips over his paint board and my eyes are stunned. It was me laying on the grass with my straw hat guarding the sun out my eyes and my red dress was scattered on the grass.

"Oh my....how did you paint so fast?"

"Any talent becomes easy after you've been practicing for years and years. Eventually, you use your soul to commit to it. I paint from soul and beauty not from stress or trying to be perfect. It's all about passion."