Tania Sanchez can barely juggle studying for SAT's and training for the biggest surfing competition of her life. Her one escape involves fantasizing about living as a mermaid. It's not until she wipes out on her board and is rescued by one that she...
Tania cracked one eye open, and instantly regretted it.
Her head pounded, and her muscles screamed. She shifted on the spongy bed, slowly realizing she was laying in a layer of moss. Water lapped gently from a nearby opening, reflecting on the jagged stone walls.
"Helia? Caleb?"
It was silly to think they'd be there, but Tania also thought her surroundings silly, too.
"Hello."
There was the strange, musical voice again, but now Tania was actually able to put a face to it. Only, the face didn't make sense. It had all the makings of a handsome man: angled cheek bones, straight nose, full mouth. Yet, scarlet skin completed his look. At first, she thought maybe he was badly sunburned, but the distribution was too even for that.
The handsome scarlet man waded in the pool opening, his skin being the most disconcerting thing about him.
"Who are you?"
Tania held off on asking, what are you?, as she didn't want to upset the red-skinned stranger holding her in a cave.
"I am Deloros."
Like Doritos.
Tania bit back some giggles, staved off by a growling stomach. She didn't think it was loud, but Deloros shot her a concerned look. He reached for a small object, tossing it to her.
"Sustenance."
It landed with a crinkle at her side. Gingerly, she picked it up and turned over the blue rectanglar package she recognized from her childhood.
"Rice Krispy Treat." She felt ridiculous holding it. "Thanks."
He nodded. "Sustenance."
Tania unwrapped the treat, conscious of the noise echoing in the small chamber, but hungry as hell. She devoured the small square in seconds.
"Sustenance?" Deloros held out another treat.
Tania shook her head, swallowing hard. "Thanks, though," she said, wiping her mouth. "Are we..." she gulped, fully realizing that she might be screwed. "...waiting out the storm?"
"I am not certain what 'screwed' means, but I will not hurt you."
Tania clapped a hand over her mouth.
You can hear me?!
Deloros grinned. If Tania hadn't been so freaked, his grin would've melted her. As it was, it just creeped her out all the more. Her eyes darted around, searching for an exit but seeing none.
The only way out is to swim. It is a long way, but I will help you.
She decided to answer aloud because she wanted him out of her head.
"Help me how?"
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