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Mermista's world seemed to spin in all directions. She stepped back. "I really need a milkshake. Come to Salty Sweet when you're done in here."
Amara looked at her sisters. "I'm going with her." She told them and jogged to catch up with Mermista.
Mermista had ordered a double fudge pineapple and banana split. And also an extra large strawberry milkshake with extra whipped cream. "I'm gonna get so fat . . . but I don't care because I'm sad as hell."
Amara sat across from her with a peach and caramel milkshake with extra whipped cream on hers too.
Mermista spoke with ice cream in her mouth. "Do you need a spoon?"
"You don't want all that for yourself?" Amara laughed. "I can help of course! It looks so good." She went to the counter and grabbed a spoon from the metal utensil cup. She got a big spoonful for herself and ate it.
About seven minutes later Meranda and Marika showed up.
"That is huge." Meranda said looking down at Mermista's desert.
Mermista licked her lips. "It's sooo good!"
Meranda sat beside her and Marika tried to sit on the other side.
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"These booths are not made for pregnant women." Marika complained.
Meranda ran to get her a chair. "Here. Now you can sit down."
"Mermista, talk to us." Marika said, staring at her. "I know you're taking all of this news really hard."
Mermista put down her spoon into her bowl and looked to her right. "I feel like I'm losing everyone I love." She began and then started to cry. "We've been next door to each other forever and now you won't be there."
Amara spoke up. "I'll still be there for a few years. Maybe if I'm still with my girlfriend she'll wanna come live in Salineas."
"You wouldn't want to live in Plumeria?" Meranda asked.
"It's too far from the ocean. I don't know if I'd be happy." Amara told her.
Mermista wiped her tears away. "It's like I'm caught in a whirlpool I can't escape."
"I'm sorry you feel that way. It's not like any of us are moving to Snows." Marika said as the waiter came over.
Mermista had to think. Snows . . .
"Just a vanilla shake for me." Marika told the guy and Meranda got a red velvet flavored coffee.
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"Frosta." Mermista said and they looked at her.
"What about her?" Meranda asked in concern.
Now Mermista was sadder than before. "Have you ever gone to her annual Christmas Hunt?SeaHawk and I were gonna go. We made plans a while back."
Amara wiggled in her seat. "I found out last year about it." Marika and Meranda had no clue what this Christmas Hunt was. "Princess Frosta's family has this amazing carnival themed like event every year. They have loads of food and games."
"Mermista, make up with Sebastian today. This sounds like fun." Meranda said, "These pregnant ladies are so going." She looked at Amara, "When is it?"
"I'll have to check my calendar." Amara said, really excited about going to Snows this winter.
Mermista focused on her sugar rush and said nothing else for now.
A little later on they were all sitting on Mikey's bed in his ship just chatting.
Mermista was rather quiet though.
"The guy's should be back soon." Marika said and tapped a finger on Mermista's left arm. "You thinking about your guy?"
Mermista shook her head. "I was thinking about my mom. Krishell told me that she was pregnant not once but twice. She miscarried at some point before getting pregnant again. I could've had a sibling."
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"Group hug!" Meranda said loudly.
Mermista shrieked as they all embraced her. "Please, personal space!"
Her cousins all let go and sat back down.
"Girl just chill out. You act like someone's gonna hurt you." Marika said, then asked something really personal. "Has anyone ever touched you inappropriately before? Or any kind of abuse?"
Mermista's eyes popped open. "Ew, gosh no. And no I would never let anyone hurt me."
"Abuse is not just physical. Words can hurt just as much." Meranda told her.
Mermista shook her head and sat up better. "I swear I haven't been abused. It's just something inside of me. I just like my personal space unless I want it to be filled."
Amara sighed, "We know you're still super angry inside about the trial. You almost punched a shark the other day."
Mermista nodded and laughed. "He wouldn't leave me alone. I can't help it if he's hungry. I won't hunt for him." She responded and crossed her arms. "You're right I am angry. I always will be. It doesn't matter if that horrible man dies or not my anger will never go away."
Voices came from the top of the stairs. Then Mikey and Figg came down into the room. They were surprised to see all the girl's there.
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"I'm craving pizza." Meranda said and went over to Mikey to kiss him. It was a really quick kiss because he smelled like fish.
"Yeah, let's all go to Sting N Ray's pizza place." Figg said happily, "I'll go tell the others!" He ran back up the stairs.
Mermista just wanted to be alone. "I'm not really hungry. Just go without me."
Amara stuck out her lower lip. "Pwease, Mista, it'll be fun!"
Mermista declined and left Mikey's ship. All eyes were on her as she walked down toward the beach.
"Mermista!" I called out to her. I ran to catch up with her.
Mermista stopped walking, but didn't turn around. "Can I please be alone?" She asked loudly.
I came around to face her. "What's wrong?" Mermista's hands were leaking water. I got scared. "Please don't soak me."
"Fine." She irritably said.
I came a little closer. "Will you please come join us at the pizza place? I mean if you feel up to it. We'll probably be there for a while."
Mermista sighed heavily and looked at the water. "Maybe." She said and walked away.
