The First Merman.

{IX} S'mores.

Vanessa walked next to Adalyn when they stepped out of the supermarket. Adalyn was humming happily to herself as she moved things around in the paper bag, most of it filled with fruit, “You're father just loves my fruit salad. My ma—bless her soul—a way to a man heart is to his stomach.” 

Vanessa face scrunched, “Adalyn, don't say that.”

Adalyn looked at Vanessa, “Nessa, you can't say it wouldn't be fun if I was your step mother. I mean, I helped you become a mermaid. I'll be a great mom.”

“No.” Vanessa said. “Even, my dad seems to be getting closer to Anita. Don't ruin that, he needs to be with her. She's good for him.”

“And I’m not?” she asked, her tone sounding hurt.

“Be with someone your own age.” Vanessa said.

“My own age? They're all buried and long gone from this world.” Adalyn said and Vanessa closed her eyes as she walked for a moment. “What is the real reason why you think I shouldn't be with your father? He's handsome, sweet, kind, and he can make me laugh.”

“His jokes are horrible though.” Vanessa said.

“Him trying is what makes it cute and funny.” she said. “The boys these days are not what I'm looking for. You're father, he is what I'm looking for.”

“And what about Anita?” she asked. “He really likes her.”

“If he didn't think I was your cousin, who'd you really think he'll go for?” she asked. “Her? A plain lady, or me? Beautiful and adventurous?”

Vanessa couldn't believe what she was hearing, but it wasn't very surprising. Mermaids were confident, competitive creatures. Adalyn probably really does believe she can easily push Anita out the way with no trouble. Anita was pretty with pretty short brown hair and even though she's in her mid thirties, she was in great shape. Vanessa wouldn't mark her as a girly girl, more like a tom boy who can tackle and hand cuff criminals. Adalyn looked like a beautiful blonde goddess though and compared to Anita—guys would choose her over Anita.

But that still doesn't mean it's right.

Adalyn gasped, waking Vanessa from her thoughts. She looked up at Adalyn who was looking at the poster on the wall of pharmacy, “I haven't been to a festival in such a long time! And look! There'll be dancing to! Why haven't you told me about this, Nessa?” she asked excitedly and she didn't even let Vanessa answer. “Oh, we have to go! It'll be amazing.”

The Coasta Sirenas festival was next coming up and it's nothing really new to Vanessa. Last time she went was when she fourteen and she went with her aunts family, so it wasn't very fun. Last couple of years she just really didn't have anyone to with. It's been awhile since she gone, that's why she hadn't thought about it.

“We have to go shopping for cute dresses.” Adalyn said as they continued their way back to the house.

“Why?” Vanessa asked.

“It's always important to dress nicely for events.” she said. “I love those modern dresses. Back in my day, we would have locked away in your bedroom if you thought about wearing dresses that short. They're so flowy though and comfortable. I saw one the other day in this shop outside the window and it was white with no straps with a sweetheart neckline and gold belt.”

Vanessa just listened to Adalyn who continued to babble about a simple festival that was nothing new to her. Vanessa can understand how Adalyn could be excited, she did say it's been a long, long time since she's been to one. She hasn't done allot of human things since she has gotten her tail was taken away. Mostly inside the house cleaning and eating. The only time she went out was either with Vanessa or her dad. Nothing in Coasta Sirenas reminded Adalyn of her Coasta Sirenas but a few stores.