It's My Life

Chapter 6 - Holidays

I woke early the next morning, my stomach growling with hunger, my eyes dry and itchy from all the crying the night before. Looking at the clock I saw it was barely 6am, so I went downstairs and opened the fridge, pulling out some leftover chicken Mum had left on a plate for me. That woman knew me too well, I smiled to myself as I ate the cold chicken. I grabbed my towel and blanket and let myself out the back door, the sun already risen on the horizon, and walked down the garden to the bottom gate, closed it behind me silently, and walked down to the beach. I spread my blanket on the ground, along with my towel, and walked into the ocean after looking around to make sure I was alone. The water felt wonderful on my skin, and within seconds I had transformed into my mermaid form, black hair streaming behind me as I swam deeper below the surface, the sun's rays sparkling through the water around me. It felt luxurious, and I allowed my mind to clear of all my worries and thoughts, focusing on just breathing deeply of the briny sea water around me, feeling its nutrients enliven me. It's a hard thing to describe. Imagine not being able to breathe, your muscles aching from not getting what they need, then the first hit of air, the rush of life spreading to your fingertips, to the tips of your toes. I feel that when I enter the water, especially if I don't swim for a few days. Some might go as far as to say I start drowning on the surface, or wilting. Either or.

I swam for an hour, I believe, then started towards shore, feeling rejuvenated and alive. I knew I would be sad for a few more days at least, feeling bad about what I was doing to Tabby, but I had no choice. It would be dangerous to me if I kept that friendship alive. And Dad was right. I'd make more friends at College. I hoped. As my head broke the surface, I did the usual check of the beach to see if I was alone, and was surprised to see a strange man looking down at my towel and blanket, and I quickly ducked under the water as he turned to look around. I counted to thirty and slightly popped my head out of the water so that I could just see the man above the water-line. He was walking away from my things, but I didn't dare move for fear of attracting his attention. He looked a little familiar, but at that moment I couldn't place where I'd seen him before. As he disappeared into the distance, I transformed and, dripping wet, hurried out of the water, grabbed my towel and blanket, and ran for the back gate to my home. I didn't stop moving until the gate was bolted shut and I was on the back porch, my chest heaving. Dad was seated at the kitchen table and looked up as I opened the sliding door.
"Oh, good morning Cass. I thought you were still asleep upstairs." He said, sipping his coffee. I wrapped the towel around myself and headed to the fridge, pulling out a jug of water and pouring myself some.
"Nope. Been up a few hours. I think I slept like the dead." I said, sipping the water. Dad looked up at me.
"Are you all right?" He asked. I put the glass down on the bench and nodded.
"I suppose so. I feel so...so lost at the moment. I miss Tabby, I miss school, I just wish life didn't have to be so hard." I said, sitting down beside him. He put his arm around my shoulders and squeezed gently.
"Sadly that's the way life is. But we get through it. What doesn't destroy us makes us stronger." He said. Looking at his watch, he stood up and picked up his briefcase. "I'll try to get finished at work early, and we'll have dinner together. Just relax today sweetheart, choose your college, and try not to think about all your worries." He added. I stood up too and hugged him, then he left, and I just stood there staring at the closed front door. After a moment I headed upstairs to my room, moving to my closet and opening it, changing clothes. I then brushed my hair and headed downstairs again, this time making a pot of tea. I heard Mum rummaging around upstairs, and checked the clock. It was nearly 9am and, as much as I wished she could stay home, I knew she had work as well. I pulled my acceptance letters to me and opened each one in turn, reading through them, glancing at the brochures. I put each pile aside and looked at another, as Mum entered the kitchen. She came over to me and kissed my head.
"Good morning precious. Are you all right? I would've thought you'd sleep a while, after the long day yesterday." Mum said, pouring herself some tea and sitting down.
"I slept all right, and I'm all right. I went for a swim this morning, and spent time with Dad before he left for work." I said. I remembered the man on the beach, but I didn't think now was the right time to mention him. I didn't want to worry Mum any more than she already was. She looked at me, then at the pile of letters in front of me.
"Finally going to choose your college, are you? Will you be trying to stay local?" Mum asked, sipping her tea. I shrugged.
"Might be wise. I would rather not go too far from home, I'm not ready to be off on my own yet. Don't worry, I'll find the right one, I promise." I said, and sipped from my own mug of tea, picking up a brochure and starting to read it.
"Cassi? Are you listening to me?" I heard, and looked up into my Mum's concerned eyes.
"I'm sorry, Mum. What were you saying?" I asked. Mum sighed.
"It's okay. I was just asking what you were up to today and whether you were going to take it easy. You have had such a hectic few days. Don't tally though on choosing your college. You need to get that in fast. Probably Monday or Tuesday, all right?" She said. I nodded.
"Yes, Mum. I promise it will be sent by Tuesday. You have nothing to worry about." I said, and she smiled with relief.
"Thank you Cass. Well, I should scoot, but I'll see you this evening. Will you get dinner sorted?" She asked, standing up. I nodded.
"Of course. And thank you for the chicken. It was delicious." I said. She laughed.
"I knew you'd need it this morning. Just didn't realise it was needed so early." Mum said. She looked at the clock, then headed to the front door as well. I turned back to the pamphlets, and started reading each one, putting aside the ones that interested me. I put myself into the task, hoping that if I did that, then I wouldn't think about my friends from school. I didn't have anyone's number except Tabby's, and none of them had my number. I felt a tear form, and tried to pull back from it, reading another pamphlet. By lunchtime I had two selected, both nearby. One was closer to the sea, and had an exceptional marine facility, the other did too, but it wasn't close to the sea. I decided on the first one, but I wanted to converse with my parents before any decisions were made. I'd need to get my license if I wanted to attend the one near the sea, as it was nearly a twenty-minute drive to and from the campus. I pulled the phone book to me, checked the listings for the local DMV, and called up to book a test for getting my learners' permit. I knew my parents wouldn't be too happy, but I needed to take charge, and this would help me get my license. It would be the wisest thing to do right now, apart from choosing my college. Suddenly Mum's voice rang through my head, and I moved into the kitchen, getting dinner started so I could finish choosing my college.