Just Add Water

Chapter 22

Lucy couldn't sleep a wink that night. She was too busy thinking about what her aunt had said and was worried that she knew her secret. And if she did how did she find out? She had just come here right? She had always been so careful not to get wet in front of other people. Careful not to let anyone see her when she had a tail. Did she slip up? Did Anna get a glimpse of her swimming one day without her knowing? If she did then this was bad. Very bad.

In the morning she didn't eat much at breakfast and when she went walking with Anna she barely said a word. What should say? What could she say? How could she find out if Anna knew her secret without revealing her secret? Also how come her mother never mentioned her once? Her father not mentioning her she understood. He never talked about people he didn't like but why would her mother not say anything?

"Is everything alright dear?" Anna asked her.

"Everything's fine but can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Last night what did you mean by three who keep a secret?"

"I was referring to me and my friends."

"Friends?"

"Yes. There were three of us and we shared the same secret with each other which we always kept."

"Oh I see." Lucy sighed in relief.

"Just like how you and your two friends share the same secret."

Lucy's eyes went wide in panic again.

"Aunt Anna."

"Yes?"

"Do you know something?"

"I know a lot of things."

"No what I mean is do you know...About the secret about me and my friends?"

"Let me answer that with a question of my own. Has your friend Juvia mentioned speaking with a mysterious woman? One who gives her warnings about the full moon?"

"Yes how did you know that? And how do you know Juvia?"

"Because I am that woman." Anna smiled.

"That was you?"

"Yes."

"You know don't you?"

"I think we should discuss this with your friends in a more private area. Like my boat, why don't you call them over? I have tea and cookies."

She didn't have to bribe the girls with sweets because as soon as Lucy told them that her aunt was the woman who had been giving Juvia the warnings, the read head and bluenette immediately went over to meet Lucy on the docks. The three of them were then escorted onto Anna's boat. It was one of those live in boats that sailors and travelers stayed in.

"I do hope you girls like tea cakes there my favorite cookies." Anna said putting a tray of them on to the table where the girls sat.

"They're fine thank you." Juvia said.

"So you're the lady who's been telling us about the full moon?" Erza asked.

"Yes I am. Tell me have you been heeding my warnings?"

"We've tried to." Juvia said.

"I understand, it's not easy to avoid moonlight. Would any of you like some milk with your tea?"

"No thank you." They said.

"Aunt Anna now that we're alone we don't have to tip-toe around the subject anymore." Lucy said. "You know that we're mermaids don't you?"