A Mermaid's Swim Away

Dark Waters

The once light sands were dark with fear. Sharks surrounded the island and I was not going to let them keep me here.
I walk along the shore, putting my gold necklace on.
As I did so, I felt myself being lifted into the air as water swirled around me, then I sank to the shallow waters with my pink and gold speckled tail.
As I swam the waters became clearer and a brighter blue, to where I could see my white hair glowing around me, and I could see the closer I was to freedom.

Then a hand yanked me back.
"Estelle, you can't leave, father would never want to see you again."

The waters turn a dark blue again
I turn to look at my sister, rolling my eyes, "This island is a prison."

Emily sighs, rubbing her forehead, "He wants you, being the oldest sister, to marry Devin."

I fake gag, "He is not meant to be with me." I pull out of Emily's grasp and swim as fast as I can, reaching the other side of the shore, leaving the borders of the kingdom.

Emily looks at me with a pained expression, "If you are going to leave, at least let me gather things you may need."

I nod my head and stay where I am, "When will you be back?" I ask

Emily shakes her head, "We will be back after dinner, that's when I can talk to Rosella."

I swim backwards, "Rosella?"

Rosella is my step sister who ran from home to follow a sea witch, but when that sea witch died, Rosella gained all of her magic and spell books.
We used to be best friends, but then she left.

Emily motions for me to swim with her and I hesitantly follow.

——

Dinner was normal but when Emily started speaking the room grew quiet.

"Father I must tell you something."

Panic flowed through me and I sat up straight, eying Emily with warning.

I knew I couldn't trust her, she's a goody two shoes and can't keep a secret to save her life. I love you Sis but don't do this.

"Me and Estelle are going to visit Rosella."

The room gasped

Father coughed, "And why is that?"

"Well, you see," Emily says looking over to me, "Estelle needs a healing potion."

I raise one eyebrow in confusion

"What, are you hurt Estelle?"

I look to Father and back to Emily

Emily sighs, "It's not physical pain, but emotional. She finally agreed to marry Devin, but she needs a love potion because she only wants to marry if she falls in love."

I roll my eyes

"Is this true?" Father asks and I nod my head
"Very well, but you know I can send someone else to get the potion."

I throw my hand, "It'll be more fun if we go together, me and Emily."

He nods smiling, "Alright, be back before the sunsets, you can leave after dinner."

———

"I'm gonna miss y'all." I say rubbing my littlest sisters hair

"Bring me some kind thingamabobber!" My twin says giving me a tight hug
"I think they call them souvenirs Claire."

Emily appears at the doorway, "You ready?" I nod
Giving all five of my sisters a hug and grabbing my shoulder purse, we then set off.

———

The water feels colder to my skin as we swim further from the kingdom and nearer to Rosellas cave.

When I see Rosella I smile, and she smiles back
"How are you?"

Emily stays behind, "I'm gonna make sure nobody is coming near."

I nod

"Rose, I miss you, but I need your help."

Rosella's smile turns into a frown, "Estelle, please don't ask for more potions."

I roll my eyes, "You won't get in trouble for giving me anything, listen. I am leaving, I'm going to the Crystal Shores."

Rosella turns to look at me, "It's so dangerous."

I nod my head, "I know, but at least I'll be happy, I don't want to marry some boy I'm not in love with and live underwater my whole life, there's so much more." I say throwing my hands around me as I spin

She laughs lightly, "You are so dramatic."

I smile, "Me?" And laugh, "Pshh!"

"There is no way I'm giving you any more potions." Rosella says crossing her arms

————

"Thank you so so so much again!" I say putting the spells in my bag

She rolls her eyes, "Remember the condition!"

I nod smiling, "Yes, bring you back a handsome man who owns a boat."

She laughs, "And that's not a joke Stell, I'm serious. I'm going to finally leave this cave once you come back."

I smile and give her a hug, "You are the best!"

"I know I am."

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Thanks for reading chapter 1! Leave comments and vote!!! Thank you @Kironta - you wanted me to write another mermaid story so here it is!
enjoy!!

-Reesie