Owen of Atlantis

4: So Longs, and Goodbyes

I walked back to class and sat down. Mrs. Peterson has started class and they were talking about compound sentences. Just what juniors in high school should be learning about. I rolled my eyes. Both my legs were itching now. I hear the ring of the intercom coming on. "Owen Vincent, please come to the office for dismissal." I grabbed my bag and go into the office to see Caroline signing papers. The office secretary look at me and gave me a sad smile, "I heard you're moving. I wish you luck with your future Owen, we'll miss you." I gave her a weird look. Caroline looked at me, "let's go bud." We walked out to her car. I looked at her, "what's going on?"
"There's something I need to tell you, but Ken should be here." She started the car. My legs were itching so badly at this point. When we arrived home, we went inside and she sat me down. "Ken get in here." Moments later, he walks in. "Is it time?"
"It's time," she said sadly. I started to get worried. "Time? What? What's happening?!" They sat down. Ken smiled, "Owen, your mother and I were very close friends for a long time. She left you with us." I gave him a confused look, "I thought you took me out of foster care." Ken shook his head, "we had to tell you this, we didn't know for sure if you were one of them. Your mother was human, we hoped you would be too."
"What are you talking about?" I was scared. "Owen, your fathers a Naiad." I screamed, "A MERMAID, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING." They were joking, mermaids aren't real. My legs were itching worse. My converse got tight around the ankles. "What's happening to me?" Caroline sighed, "you're changing. It's almost time for you to go home."
"Go home? I am home," I said. Caroline shook her head, "not anymore. Come on, we have to get you down to the beach." I stood up. I felt weak. We got into the car and drove to the beach. We walked to quiet spot. Everyone was at work or school, the beach was quiet, empty. "Take your shoes and pants off hon," Caroline said. "What? Right here?" I questioned. "Yes" she said. I took my shoes off. There were blue fin type things coming out of my ankles. I took off my pants. Both of my legs were covered in the blue scales now. "Take off your shirt too," Ken asked. I did as he said. I suddenly felt a longing for the water. I turned towards the ocean. It was pulling me in. "Go" Caroline said, tearing up. "I can't, where am I supposed to go?" I asked. "Go to Atlantis. It's near South-West Morocco. It's a 3,000 mile journey," Ken said. Thanks for the directions, Ken. My fear grew. They hugged me tight. "Go now. We love you. We always will. Your dad will be in Atlantis. Goodbye." I turned towards the ocean. I begin walking. Right at the edge, I turn around. They have gone. I tear up. "What am I doing?" I think to myself. The ocean is calling. I feel it in my bones. I walk into the water until I waist deep. I see a light around my ankles. Then I feel a sharp pain. Everything goes black.