Mermaids and Cigarets

Chapter 10

Michael briskly paced up and down the sidewalk, Dr. Marlene's words in his head seemingly mocking him. She had given him orders to go around the city and ask if anyone had seen anything. The only thing Michael had going for him was an underwater picture that had come up the night before, on the cameras by the cove.

The sun was shining brightly, with no clouds in sight. The main road would be his first investigation area. It contained the local food market bookstore, shops, a psychic named Glenda who's 'open' sign was only blinking the last three letters, saying, 'pen', and a pier that seemed to stretch to the middle of the ocean. Michael decided his first stop would be the book store, that was right around the corner from the high school. Upon entering the small bookstore a bell chimed, signaling he entered. A sudden memory overwhelmed him and he took in a sharp breath.

It was Christmas, Michael was going to graduate that year from high school. He remembered how his family celebrated, in their old, stone house. He recalled the tree, a huge evergreen, as tall as his father, who limbered about the house with a cup of coffee every Christmas morning. But most of all he remembers the ringing of the bells. The Christmas bells his mother rang all Christmas morning.

"Can I help you?",his memory was broken by a young women's face, maybe his age. He thought she was truly beautiful, with long dark brown hair and even darker eyes to match. Her face was soft, with bright pink cheeks and a small nose that had a sprinkling of freckles. Michael shook his head, realizing he still had not answered her. Dr. Marlene's words echoed in his head. "Yes", he paused taking another glimpse of her face and thin pink lips. Michael then held up the picture Dr. Marlene gave him, feeling embarrassed. "Have you seen this boy?", he wondered.

The picture consisted of a young boy who had a tail. The young girl smirked. "I haven't seen any of those around here sir, but we sure have plenty of books on them, in the back.", She teased. Michael quickly felt his cheeks redden and he folded up the picture quickly, and shoving it in his pocket, he ran out the door. Without saying bye to the brown haired beauty he hoped for, and the chiming bell.
He raced down the street in embarrassment. What was he thinking? He thought to himself. Running a hand through his dark hair he just realized how sweaty he was. He cursed himself for believing Dr. Marlene's exuses of a research project. The picture was still racing through his mind and burning a hole in his pocket. He didn't known if he should believe it or if it was just a hoax. He chased the thought away.

Still embarrassed, he stumbled down the road to the peer, making a sharp left at the beach. Michael thought he could relax here a little, get his priorities straight maybe. Walking up to the bar he bought a beer an as he walked away he thought if this marine career of his was really going to help him prosper. He shook his head as he walked to the end of the pier. Michael didn't want to play games, he was fed up with myths and wanted facts. But one thing still nagged at his mined. What if these things, whatever they are, are real? He wondered.

The pier was full of people, buying rods for fishing, drinking beer , laughing ,hugging,even some kissing. But one couple caught his eye. A girl, maybe 16 and a young man that was maybe a few years older than her sat on the very edge of the pier. The girls legs dangling over the edge, her toes itching for the water. Michael wondered if he would ever be that happy. He finished his beer. He noticed the girl laughed, one that was cheerful and heart filled. Michael felt happy for them and smiled, making up his mind.