EMBER

IT'S A MERMAID THING

I stare at the water as it washes up on the shore and I have to take a few steps back to try not to get my feet wet. The sky is red as it looks like two worlds coming together as the fiery ball meets the ocean. The wind wips my face, the smell of the salt bringing comfort to me. 

"You miss it don't you?" his voice sounded through the crashing of the water on the rocks.

I don't answer. Maybe I do but we both know that's not a real answer. He comes and stands next to me and I feel his hand take mine. Our fingers interlock and his warm hand in mine brings me comfort too.

"What if I do Aiden?" I say sadly.

I turn to see his reaction but his face is expressionless. He turns also and we are face to face. I look back at the water because looking into his grey eyes would make me want to stay. I can't. I HAVE to go back. I know I do but not right now. The last three months have been amazing. Meeting Aiden was part of that. We clicked right away when we found we had so much in common. Aiden found out last month. The truth that is. That I have a tail. He was freaked, he got over it but that's all he knows that I'm a mermaid. He doesn't know the entire story. I just thought when it was time to leave I would make him forget. One of a mermaid's special talents but I don't want to-

"Em," he releases my hand and takes me by the shoulders, "If you go I'll understand, but don't leave without saying goodbye okay, " I sigh. Damn those grey eyes. 

"Aid-" 

"Em! Thank God!," my sister said appearing in front of us, "you're here..........and who is this?" she asked coyly. I see Aiden blush but that wasn't my priority at the moment.

"Tess! What the hell!" I shouted, "why are you here?" 

"Well......." she said stalling.

"Ummm....permission to speak," Aiden interupted, "how'd you get here?"

"It's a mermaid thing," my sister responded. Oh dear God.

"Tess, answers, NOW!" I shouted again.

"The King awaits your presence, your flower has bloomed your Highness."

"WHAT! NOW!"

"Em," Aiden interrupted again, " 'your highness'......'blooming flower'........please explain?'' Before I could say anything Tess opened her big mouth,

"Em's flower has bloomed, it's time for her to go back, it's time for her to be crowned Queen."