M.E. Rhines - Splash

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SPLASH

Copyright 2018 M.E. Rhines

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-63422-315-7

Cover Design by: Marya Heidel

Typography by: Courtney Knight

Editing by: Kelly Risser

Photo Credits:

fotolia/tverdohlib fotolia/yellowj

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S he was furious, that much was certain. With a violent rage, the ocean lobbed her waves at me, churning and toiling the polluted sands of the beach until the ground disintegrated from under my toes. I stumbled, catching myself just before the surf sucked me in, along with the submerging earth.

Forceful wind whipped at my neck, as if pushing me forward and edging me back home. The amulet dangling at my chest glinted in the moonlight, shining a beacon into the water. I lifted a trembling finger and peeled a salt-soaked strand of white hair from my cheek.

What has you screaming so? I whispered to the bits of froth and tiny whirlpools around me. In all the years I lived in the ocean, never once could I recall her so angry. Even when Pauline and I defied nature, plucking ourselves from the waters cocoon and choosing the land over her, she never struck with such venom.

I withdrew from the stinging whitecaps, seeking the safe haven of dry land. Staying in the water, even to my knees, wasnt safe. She would have me, if given the chance, and my sister would be left to wonder my fate.

We would send for Angelique, I decided. One of the porpoises in the area would fetch her if we asked. Our only ocean-bound sister would explain, even if she was still cross. It was her duty to report our kingdoms happenings, and I trusted she wouldnt falter in that responsibility.

In the meantime, I had my own pressing issues at hand. Decisions were to be made, and wondering at the mighty waves wouldnt make them go away.

Heading up the beach, I followed the pathway to our back porch with sluggish steps. Flashes of lights shone through the windows, slicing through the darkness and sending rocks to the pit of my stomach. The television was on, which meant Pauline was awake and waiting. As soon as I cracked the sliding glass door she would see my soiled clothes and start asking questions.

I was supposed to be on a date, not going for a swim.

By the time I creaked open the screen door and began dusting the sand from my bare feet, the living room lights flipped on. I groaned, pressing the heels of my palms against my eyes.

Sparkling violet eyes welcomed me as I stepped inside, and Paulines sly smile spread across her face. So, was I right? Did he ask you?

She gleamed at me, expecting an answer, but my blasted human knees wobbled. Overcome with woozy weakness, I leaned back, resting my weight against the glass. Heat splashed across my cheeks, eliciting beads of sweat to pepper my brow.

Fawna. Pauline gasped, reaching out for me. Are you all right? Youre soaked.

A simple shake of the head was the most I could manage. Using her remarkable strength, my sister wedged herself under my arm and helped me hobble toward the sofa. Once I was seated, she grabbed a glass of water from the coffee table and thrust it into my shaking hand.

Here. Take a drink and a breath. Whats going on? Why are you all wet?

The cool liquid saturated the scorching heat in my throat, banishing my panic into submission. For the moment, at least. When I was sure I could stomach the words, I uttered, He asked me.

Her face brightened once more, the wide smile returning. Thats wonderful!

Im not so sure it is, Pauline. I told him I had to think about it.

You have to think about it? Randy is perfect for you. He makes you so happy, doesnt he?

Of course he does.

Hes always so kind to you.

I know.

Doting over your comfort, making sure youre pleased, he treats you like a princess, even without knowing you are one.

Yes, yes. I tilted my head back, resting the back of my hand over my forehead. All that and more. Randy is my perfect catch.

He adores you. Sebastian, too.

At the statement, I swallowed hard. He didnt just adore me and my baby, he loved us, true and pure. I saw it in his eyes every time he beheld mine. But then, the longer I gazed into his eyes, the sooner the smoky grey haze would morph into the soft green of Genes, reminding me of what I had lost.

Of what I had done.

Randy was my opportunity at a second chance. I should be thrilled, but my heart was still too broken to bask in the blessing of it. In truth, I wasnt certain I deserved such happiness.

My guilt, however, was not something I would burden my youngest sister with.

I gestured toward my knees and chuckled. There are a few things he should know before we marry, is there not? Hes already started to question why I wont remove this bulky necklace.

So you tell him.

Pauline, you know as well as I do that it isnt that simple.

If he loves you, hell accept you for all of you.

Im not sure its fair to expect him to just accept the fact that the woman hes been dating for the last year is half-fish.

Her cheeks splotched pink, and she pressed her lips into a hard line. Youre a mermaid, not a fish, and yes, it is fair. Eddie loves me despite our differences.

Eddie was unfortunate enough to find himself transplanted into our world. Mother forced him to witness the beauty along with the chaos.

Well, not exactly. I was the one who kissed him. It was my fault, but I wont apologize for it. It brought us together.

Patting her hand with my own, I smiled. Im pleased it worked out for you. My situation, however, is much different.

Do you love him?

Of course I love him.

Then I dont see a difference.