Off The Coasts Of Ireland (Septiplier)

~ Chapter 29 ~

I felt my heart flop violently like a fish without water as my gaze swept across the crowding Merrow, closer they would inch their way to me as they got more enticed. "Y-you mean... Your the merboy?" A younger merman asked nervously in the group, scratching his head with a quivering hand as he avoided my gaze. "Yes I am." I said truthfully, I closed my eyes as I gave out a shameful sigh.

All I can hope now is that they won't suddenly just change their minds and not want me here anymore because of what happened in the past. I wouldn't blame them if they did, I was the merman who ruined their peaceful lives on the islands in Galway after all... I deserve to be punished... Though at the same time, the back of my mind wished strongly for them to accept me, then maybe I could see my parents! If they are here...

"I swore he looked familiar! His green hair reminded me of someone!" A distant mermaid wailed from the distance knowingly. I felt anxiety wrap itself around me as I saw all the Merrows' eyes gaze sharply on me. I could tell by the faint pain resting in their gazes they were all thinking of that moment years ago, when their lives would be changed forever. Everything they ever knew then wouldn't matter and they would need to set out for a new home far away from humans to make sure no one would ever get hurt.

I scrunched my eyes as I felt my breath become caught in my throat, I need to clear things up before anyone dismisses Mark and I! I can't loose the chance to meet my parents and the life Mark and I have been dreaming of having under the sea! I could feel my heart crack from the mere thought of coming so close to meeting my parents, only to squander it and never see them.

I swallowed harshly as I raised my gaze and attempted to meet the eyes of the Merrow, it was harder of a task said than done as I toke a wobbling breath. "I-I just want to say this before anyone says anything: I'm sorry for everything I caused when I was younger..." I tried to make my voice strong and clear, unfortunately it hinted my nervousness too obviously. It echoed through the gorge, sweeping over the silent Merrow. I made the effort to keep my head held high but no matter how much courage I could contain, I felt my head droop more and more with guilt. "I...I guess I wasn't thinking a-and I'm so sorry you all had to go through so much because of something I did. I'm sorry. Please don't make Mark and I leave, I'm so sorry. I wish things could have been different." I stared down at my chest by the end, my heart thrashed with intensity as I made my gaze travel upwards. I was expecting a caterwauling of voices demanding for Mark and I to leave immediately, but instead, something unusual happened.

Surprisingly, all the Merrow were in silence, not one dared to move. Some had tears forming in their eyes as they gazed down to me from their darkened hiding spots within the caverns, trembling mouths and drooped expressions traveled throughout the Merrow as their eyes dimly glittered sorrowfully in the lurking shadows. Many of them looked as if they forgot the fact I caused them all that pain so many years ago, they glanced at me with care and sympathy. A gentle flap of Karla's golden tail broke the uneasy silence as she came up to me face to face. Her aging wrinkles became more pronounced as a soft smile eased along her lips and genuineness appeared in her green eyes, almost identical to her daughter, Signe's. "Jack, it's ok. We're ok. What's done is done, we can move on." She concluded as her eyes calmly scanned the Merrow-infested gorge, she saw their sympathetic faces and it made a smile beam on her own face. She suddenly rested a hand on my shoulders promptly as her eyes met mine. "The most important thing right now is for you to see your parents! If your the merboy, then you must be Meara's kid! Oh how she will be so delighted to see you again!" She chuckled with a sweet voice layered richly with age.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see many of the Merrows' faces wince from the mention of the name Meara. The caring and sympathy that once drowned each face was completely wiped away and replaced quickly with depression. Their mouths drooped deeply down while their eyes hollowed with sadness. A weird feeling grew inside my stomach hauntingly as I felt myself grow more concern, questions began to swirl inside my whirling mind. Was there something wrong with her? Was there something these Merrow aren't telling me? Is she dead? I had no idea how to respond the demanding questions urging in my mind to be answered, I decided promptly to ignore it. Maybe there wasn't anything wrong, maybe I'm just getting myself worked up... A doubtful voice still whispered in the back of my mind, taunting me and reminding me firstly of the fears I still kept. I hope there is nothing wrong with my mom...