𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 | 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧

10 - surprise

-> merliah

Nothing much has happened today but Grayson seems more nervous now around me. Every time I try to talk to him he always avoids eye contact and keeps it short. And every time I accidentally touch him, he panics and scrubs it off.

I decided to finally confront Grayson during Lunch. I sat beside Stefanie, Ethan, Alex, and Andrew.

"Hey guys." I began munching my food.

They don't respond.

Guess it wasn't just Grayson, everyone seems to be avoiding me today.

"Guys?"

"Ok."

They didn't push me away or anything, we just quietly ate together. Once I was done, I just decided to go the bathroom since they weren't talking to me anyway.

- classroom

Time's been so slow. Since usually my friends are talking, everything seems so quiet. I felt horrible. I didn't do anything wrong!

I felt a glitter tear stream down my cheek. I just wanted to know what was happening. But now I'm being overdramatic crying.

Out of nowhere, Stef gives me a tissue since she's right beside me. She didn't make any eye contact and went back to her seat.

-

School finally ended with me having a really bad day. I sighed and went to my car. I wanted to go home. To Oceana.

I drove to the cafe near the ocean and went to the parking lot and exited. I looked to the edge of the ocean then back to the cafe. I jumped and sat on the ledge.

3

2

1

"Happy Birthday Merliah!"

I turn around to see Stef, Gray, Ethan, Alex, Andrew, Talya, Mom, and a few other friends.

oh yeah, it's my birthday today.

I see the cake Grayson was holding and smiled. He smiled back.

"Happy Birthday Liah."

I smile and blew out the candles making everyone clap.

"Is this why you guys were ignoring me?" I crossed my arms.

"Yup!" Ethan smiles sheepishly, swaying back and forth.

I gave everyone hugs and sat down on of the tables.

"Honestly I forgot it was my birthday." I laughed quietly.

"I'm sorry for making you cry Liah." Stef puts her hand on my shoulder.

I grab her arm, "It's fine. I get it."

Andrew's eyes widened, "You were?"

"Yeah, but I was being overdramatic." I laugh.

"Well then, let's eat!" Talya says.

The waiter serves us food, not seafood of course. They were mostly burgers and pastas, my favorites.

"How did you guys know?"

"Talya of course."

It's so weird to see my mom in human form. She's so busy underwater making merilia - crystals that give life to the ocean. That's what keeps the mermaids and creatures life.

"It's getting late, I'm going ahead." Stefanie grabs her purse, gives a goodbye and one last happy birthday to me, then leaves the cafe.

Everyone goes ahead which leaves me and Grayson alone beside the ocean.

"Hey." He chuckled as he shyly rubs his right arm.

"Hi." I reply back.

"So um I was wondering.."

"Could you? No, Um Will you? No!"

I laugh which makes Grayson exhale deeply.

"wouldyouliketodateme?"

I stare at him with no expression. "Grayson speak slower."

"Would you like to date me? I mean its fine if you don't want-"

"No Grayson," I interrupt. "I'd like to." I smile.

He smiles back and sighs in relief. He hugs me tight and gives me a kiss on top of my head.

"I like you, way before. Did you know that?" He asks shyly.

"Yeah, always knew."

His eyes widened making me laugh.

"I'm kidding."

He holds his hand near his heart dramatically,
"Oh thank God."

It gets quiet for a while, almost becoming awkward.

"So, um I'll see you in school tomorrow?" He smiles.

"Yeah."

"Bye liah." He hugs me again and goes to his car.

"Bye."

i have to tell him my secret now.