Coral Ripley - The Mermaids Dolphin

The mermaid on the sign had a glittering golden tail, long red hair, and a friendly smile. She looked so happy that Emily couldnt help smiling back as she looked up at her.

The Mermaid Caf, Mom read aloud as she came to stand next to Emily, her arms full of boxes. I cant believe its really happening!

Emily grinned. Her mom had wanted to have her own caf for as long as Emily could remember. And when Dad had lost his job a few months ago, the family had decided to move to the seaside and make her dream come true.

Its beautiful, Emily said to Mom. And it was. All the shops on the old cobblestone road were painted pretty pastel colorsminty green, lemon yellow, and sugary pinkbut Emily thought the caf was the prettiest of all, a pale blue that matched the bit of sea she could see twinkling down at the bottom of the hill. It was so different from the big city theyd lived in before.

Coming through! Dad yelled as he staggered over with more boxes. He stopped to plant kisses on both Emilys and Moms cheeks and then went indoors, whistling. Emily hadnt seen him so cheerful in a long time. She was pleased her parents were happybut she couldnt help feeling sad at the same time. Shed left her school, her friends, and everything she knew, back at home. Sandcombe was so pretty, but she didnt know anyone here. How would it ever feel like home?

The mermaid on the caf sign looked down at her kindly. Itll all be fine , she seemed to say. Emily took a deep breath and followed her parents inside.

Our things go in the apartment upstairs, Em, and the cooking stuff goes in the kitchen, Mom directed. I need to start baking and get this caf up and running! Just be careful not to let the cat

An orange blur streaked down the stairs and ran out the front door.

Out, Mom finished.

Sorry! Dad clattered down the stairs, ducking so he didnt hit his head on the old beam.

Dad! Emily exclaimed. Nemo is supposed to stay inside for two weeks so that he can get used to his new home. She couldnt bear it if Nemo got lost.

Emily was too little to remember much about when her parents had adopted her as a toddler, but she had always loved animals, so they had promised her a pet when they officially became a family.

Nemo was old and grumpy now, but he was still her furry best friendwhat if something happened to him?

Im sure hell be fine. I know you still see him as a cute kitten, but he can look after himself. Hes probably terrorizing some seagulls already, Dad said.

Want me to help you look for him? Mom offered.

Its okay, Ill go, Emily said. You continue setting up the caf.

Thanks, darling, Mom said gratefully.

Ill get his bed ready for when he comes home. And yours as well, I suppose, Dad joked.

The bell dinged as Emily went through the front door and Mom squealed with delight. Emily chuckled, then started to make her way down the cobbled street, toward the seafront.

Nemo! she called. She knew Dad was rightNemo was a big, tough, ginger tomcatbut she still worried about him getting lost. What if he was confused, or scared?

The narrow street opened up to a big harbor filled with boats, and a little sandy beach, curved like a crescent moon. As Emily walked along the harbor wall, she peered behind a stack of lobster traps, keeping her eyes out for a flash of orange fur. A girl about her age wearing blue overalls ran up the steps from the beach. Her long dark hair had a red bow in it, and she was carrying flip flops. She stopped in front of Emily, her bare feet covered in sand.

Have you lost something? she asked.

My cat! Emily told her. Hes supposed to stay indoors for two weeks because we just moved here.

Oh no! said the girl sympathetically. Ive always wanted a cat, but my moms allergic. Dont worry, Ill help you look! Im sure well find him.

Thank you! Emily said.

Wheres your new house? the girl asked as they continued along the harbor wall.

My parents bought a caf, the blue one, up there. Emily pointed.

Oh wow, thats amazing! the girl exclaimed. Im Layla. I live up the hill.

Im Emily. Thank you so much for helping.

Its okay, I was only collecting sea glass, Layla said as they walked along, searching for Nemo. She pulled some smooth, cloudy pieces of sea glass out of the pocket of her overalls and showed them to Emily.

You can find different-colored ones, but red is my favorite.

Is that really glass? Emily asked, admiring the subtle colors of the frosted glass gems in Laylas hand.

Glass thats gone into the sea and gotten polished, Layla explained, and then it washes back up on the beach. Its like buried treasure!

Emily smiled.

Mermaid treasure! she added.

She usually felt nervous talking to new people, but Layla was so chatty and friendly she didnt feel awkward at all.

Oooh, yes, mermaid treasure! Layla agreed.

Just then, Emily spotted something moving in the water. Her heart jumped. Surely it couldnt be