A Mermaid Short Story

the trans-fin-mation

Our tails collided together in a swirl of love, our lips never taking a breath to recover from the lack of oxygen that clouded over us. I was embraced in his arms as he was mine, no thoughts and only feelings - I couldn't believe this was finally my time.

Being eighteen, I was a few years off of the age you're supposed to find your soul mate. They said on your sixteenth birthday, you're supposed to find the one that was supposed to sweep you off your feet; their scent, their complexion, the way their skin feels against yours...

During mating season, we're allowed to go onto the surface & transform to legs. Though it was forbidden, this was how a lot of other merfolk from different kingdoms chose to continue on the mermaid genes.

We go to a deserted island that is concerned in trees and grass. Almost no one can see inside of it, but mermaids can swim into the heart of it, giving us a beautiful view of a large clearing. Thus, we planted some vegetables and built houses; however, since humans could one day find us, we only use it the land and our abilities for one thing and that's creating life and birthing it.

I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't notice my sisters, father, and guardsmen circling around us. In fact, I didn't even hear my sisters squeals and awe's even with my mermaid hearing. I was in a trance, so in love.

"Kateryna," My father said.

I broke the kiss in a sweet way, our tails no longer intertwined and my hands removing from his body. At first, Atlas went limp, my heart falling into my stomach but as soon as he did, he popped right back up and looked around. Since we were supernatural, whoever is turned into a mermaid or merman automatically gain the thoughts and knowledge that other merfolk have.

"Atlas, meet my father and my sisters," I looked around for my brother, but he sadly wasn't here.

"I-I-"

He was nervous and of course he was, only a few moments ago he was human and now he's not. Forced the spend and live the rest of his life out here, with no family or friends; just people he didn't know. I felt for him, but I also knew he was for the best.

"You don't have to be shy. I know this can all become really... scary, but it'll be okay," I said.

He took a deep breath, looking around the sea. It was calm and quiet, the clear blue water floating around us as if it was nothing but air. I loved the ocean and everything about it, even the little creatures that lingered in the abyss and the ones who lived on sand with us. He had so much so learn about us and where he will now live, but I knew deep in my heart humans had a hard time transitioning into merfolk, which led me to believe this wouldn't be an easy fight.

"I'm Atlas," he said blankly. 

My smile faded away when he said that, but I held my head high. This was my soulmate and even if he didn't want to be here, he was chosen for me for a reason and I knew I had to keep fighting. Fighting to save him and us, because I was next in line to be Queen and my father ordered me to find someone, even if it wasn't Atlas, and settle down. "We must have an heir in line come spring. If it is not you, it will be your sister." His voice still rung in my head as if it were an annoying ongoing voicemail.

I wanted a normal life like everyone else had, but my faith was almost gone until I met him. His beautiful face was nothing like I had ever seen before and nothing could compare to how intimate I felt whenever we kissed. Being a mermaid, we have to wait for our mates before we are allowed to lose our virginity, and even though some didn't follow that guideline, I did. Throughout high school and all, I never once let myself be "deflowered" by any of the crummy guys here.

At last, something I did right. In my entire life, I had always been the mistake. The one who no one wanted or wanted to be around. I was alone most of my life, only my sisters and dad really ever talked to me and cared for me, but no matter how badly I wanted to fit in and be just like everyone else, I couldn't be. I never will be.

Pain hit my chest and I bit my lip to choke back a sob, but I cleared my throat and began to speak. "You will stay with me in my room. Tomorrow I have some things to do but I will be back before you wake."

He nodded his head, but stayed silent. My father was the next to speak, followed up by my two sisters.

"Kat, we have some things to tell you," He said, his voice gruff.

"But you don't need to worry," Alex chimed in. "Everything will be okay."

I bit my lip and nodded my head. As we headed back to the kingdom, Atlas didn't say one word. I wanted to comfort him and know what was going through his head, but it was no use. He didn't want to be here and I couldn't change his mind, even though I wanted to so badly wanted to. He was his own person with his own free will and I wouldn't be the one to take that from him.

I laid in bed next to him, but we didn't touch. He was fast asleep, his arms laying on his chest as it came up and down. He looked so peaceful and blissful, I almost couldn't stop my hand from running it through his hair. I hoped it wouldn't be like this forever, but I knew it was going to last what felt like eternity. 

I only wish that it wouldn't.