Secrets of the Island (Sequel to Mysteries of Mako)

Chapter 4: The Merman Code

~Jasper's POV~

I had met up with Ondina earlier to go for a swim around Mako. At first, we just went around our usual spots, but then she went off in another direction. As I followed her, we swam past a part of the reef I had never seen before. I had to say, it was even better than where we've been already, if that's even possible. After another bit of swimming, we decided to dry off and take a walk around the beach.

"That part of the reef is so beautiful." I say, holding Ondina's hand as we start our walk.

"Mimmi, Sirena, Manoa, and I swim there all the time." She responds. "It's... it's kinda special to us."

"I hope they don't mind you taking me there." I tell her.

"Why would they mind?"

"You have told them about me, haven't you?"

Ondina was silent after that.

"What?" I asked her.

"I just... I haven't thought of a way to make it sound okay." She finally answers.

"Just say 'Jasper and I like each other, so we're together now.' Why complicate it?"

"Because it is complicated. I do want to tell them."

"That's a relief."

"I just need to figure out how."

We then continued to walk in silence until she needed to meet up with the girls, so I made my way to the Cafe.

~Manoa's POV~

I was in the Grotto with Sirena, who was fixing her hair, and Mimmi, who appeared to be working on a potion or spell. I was simply looking through different things, not really sure what to do.

"So what do you think?" Sirena asked us when she was finished.

"What?" Mimmi asked, as she hadn't really been paying attention to what Sirena was doing.

"My new hairstyle? It's for the gig tonight." Sirena says.

"Pretty." Mimmi responds.

"David wants to try a new jazzy soul style for the set tonight, and I need a new look to go with the new music." Sirena explains.

"And a new dress, perhaps?" I add.

"I like the way you think." Sirena says, turning to face me. "Well, I'm off to the Cafe. I'm gonna see what Evie has."

Just as she turned to leave, Ondina entered the Grotto.

"Hi." I greet.

"Where were you?" Mimmi asks.

"Swimming." Ondina answers.

"Why didn't you wake us?" Sirena asked.

"Um... I just needed to get away."

"Again?" I ask.

"I, uh.. I met up with Jasper." Ondina admits.

"Jasper?" Sirena asks, skeptically.

"Yeah, he was out there, too. We had fun." Ondina says.

"Without us?" Mimmi asks.

"There'll be other times."

"Sure."

After that awkward ending, Sirena left to go to the Cafe, and Mimmi went back to what she was doing.