(Our episode title is also a great Carly Simon song.—tmw.)
Eric Anderson couldn't get over the oddity of it all.
Usually he loved third period Science and always hated it when the class was over, because he wanted to learn more.
But today, he hated how the minutes seemed to be dragging on, because the end of third period meant Freshman lunch and he'd finally be able to see his girlfriend/fiance Julie Stovall, the wonderful were-mermaid who had his heart just as much as he had hers.
When the bell finally rang to signal the class change, it was all Eric could do to keep from leaping out of his seat, racing to his locker to change books, and then running to the school cafeteria to meet his true love.
Only the risk of a teacher citing him, causing Eric to receive a conduct demerit or worse: after school detention stopped him, because he also wanted nothing to delay their daily after school walk home together.
Reluctantly moving at a more normal speed, as he approached the cafeteria, there she was waiting for him.
The vision of loveliness. His Queen of the Sea, and his heart.
"Hi Julie," said Eric, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "You will not believe how much I've missed you so far today!"
"At least as much as I've missed you, probably," surmised Julie. "I talked to another were-mermaid between classes. She said her older sister had the same problem with her beau, but while they learned to cope, they weren't able to completely control the longing between them until they got married," revealed Julie, as Eric held open the door for her.
"Well, I guess we've got to learn to cope too, because our shared dreams say we don't get married until in between high school graduation and starting college, which is still a good 4 years away," pointed out Eric, as they got in line for their meals.
"I know. Mom texted me that Dad's supposed to be home within another hour or two at the most, and he wants all of us together for dinner, especially because he wants to see your scales," explained Julie.
"Then I hope he's happy with just Stage 2 at the most, because I don't have any swim trunks with me," replied Eric, as they paid for their lunches.
"You're still thinking like a normal, but that's okay since you just had you're first transformation over the weekend. Just kick off your shoes and socks, roll up your pants legs a bit and change," said Julie, as they went to find seats. "But apparently blue-green scales are unique amongst us, which is no surprise considering how special I think you are," she added, before Eric held her chair for her.
"You know how I feel about you too, my Sea Jewel," said Eric, sitting down next to her. "Now tell me all about your day so far."
MEANWHILE...
Melissa Stovall was beside herself. She had kept herself busy preparing. A casserole was now sitting in the fridge that only needed to be put in a preheated oven when the time came.
The dining room table was set for four: the Stovalls and their future son-in-law Eric Anderson.
She fussed over getting both the fresh water pool in the backyard and the master bedroom ready for her happy reunion with Martin.
Melissa even fussed and preened over her appearance in the mirror once more. She was wearing a very skin tight dress with absolutely nothing underneath.
All she needed now was for her loving husband to walk in the front door so she could leap into his arms and give him the first of many passionate kisses to make up for lost time.
She tried explaining it to me this morning over breakfast, but I wonder if this is how Julie feels being away from Eric before they see each other again? wondered Melissa, while peeking out the living room window, anxious to see any sign of her husband's car approaching their house.
Then she heard a noise, but saw it was only the mail truck drawing near with today's deliveries.
Calm down girl! she chastised herself. The 10 year gap before you finally accepted his marriage proposal was worse than this. Surely you can wait another hour or so.
And except for a brief stop to refuel, Martin Stovall was driving home.
Anxious to see his wife as much as she was to see him.
Curious as to whether or not Eric Anderson really did have blue-green scales as the newest were-merman of Moon Lake, and at the moment completely in the dark as to the single pearl necklace his daughter Julie wore proudly around her neck to signify her engagement to Eric.