Melissa Stovall was at her desk, hard at work overseeing Stovall Systems, her computer company, when her personal cellphone rang.
She smiled upon seeing who was calling. "Hi honey. What's up?"
"How are you doing today?" asked her husband, Martin Stovall.
"Great, considering I've been pregnant less than 72 hours," she replied, thinking back over the whirlwind experience after the Halloween party Saturday night.
"The reason I'm calling is that I'd like to take you and Julie out to dinner tonight and celebrate our impending blessed event."
"That'd be nice. Does the invite include Eric too?"
"Of course, if he's available and has his parents' permission to come with us. Why shouldn't it? Eric's family, or will be soon enough."
"No reason. It's just that I would like some... private time. Just the two of us, before I get too far along and don't want to go out or... anything," explained Melissa.
"I see," said Martin. "What about an intimate weekend for two at our cabin by the lake before the end of this year?"
"I'd love that."
"Good, but what do we do about Julie?"
"I think she's old enough to take care of herself. Besides, she'll be in great company," answered Melissa, thinking about their daughter's relationship with Eric Anderson.
"That does raise one question that's been in the back of my mind this morning. Since you're going to have another baby now, Julie and Eric won't get the wrong idea and—"
"I seriously doubt that," Melissa Stovall hastily replied. "Besides being too wrapped up in each other as it is, both of them keep talking about those prophecy dreams they've shared and don't want to do anything to upset their future of getting married after high school graduation, but not have children until after they both finish college and start on their careers."
"Good. But I still don't completely understand where they got the names from. Eric Junior is easy enough to comprehend, but Melinda? I've checked my side of the family reef and there's no one in it by that name."
"Mine neither," replied his wife.
"Anyway, Eric's a good kid and I do trust both him and our daughter, but as a father..."
"I understand honey. Sometimes you can be such a worry wart, but don't worry. You won't be a grandfather before you're supposed to." Then Melissa sighed. "I'm just glad that when Julie found her true love, she wasn't dumb enough to take 10 years to recognize that."
"I didn't mean to upset you dear. You know I waited for you, and would have waited as long as it took."
"I know, my love."
As a were-mermaid, Melissa Stovall knew that Love At First Sight and True Love were proven scientific concepts, at least among the mers. But back when she was just a plain, normal human being, she was more interested in establishing her business and getting her career off the ground rather than what her heart said upon first meeting Martin Stovall when she passed through Moon Lake on her way to Seattle. So it was a long decade before she finally said "Yes," to his marriage proposal, wed the man of her dreams and joined were society herself.
Martin had done his best to alleviate her regrets since, but that lost time between them still bothered Melissa to this day, although she wasn't as vocal about her private shame as in years past.
"Well, until tonight darling."
MEANWHILE...
Eric Anderson was nervous as he entered the Moon Lake High School Cafeteria.
Except for an occasional glance in the hallways, Freshmen Lunch was the only time he got to see his fiance Julie Stovall this semester.
Provided she still wants to marry me, was the dark thought that entered his mind as he got lunch.
Sitting down in their favorite spot, Eric was happy to see the love of his life as Julie entered the cafeteria, but his heart sank as he saw Arthur Curtis right beside her.
DAMN! Eric silently cursed, growing to hate the sight of the other were-merman that he was fast considering a rival for Julie's love.
"Hi honey," said Julie with a smile, as she sat down next to him. The fact that Arthur sat on the other side of Eric wasn't lost on him as Julie said, "We need to talk."
Eric slowly put his utensils down, pushed his tray away from him, and then turned to face Julie. "You're going to dump me for Arthur, aren't you?"
"What? No!" exclaimed Julie, shocked that Eric could even think such a dire thing. "I love you, our future, and all this represents," she said, pointing to the single pearl necklace she proudly wore around her neck, the were-mer equivalent of an engagement ring.
"Then..." began Eric, "what about him?" he asked, pointing to Arthur.
"First, I want to apologize for being too caught up in that Social Studies project to have time for you," began Julie. "What little chance we get to see each other during the school day is too precious as it is. Hopefully when the Spring Semester starts in January after Winter Break, we might actually have a class or two together. Secondly, I want to apologize for not having much Skype time with you last night. I was too wrapped up talking to Arthur about our oral report that's due Friday that we talked well into the time the two of us usually have online, and dad called bedtime before we had a chance to really chat."
"Really?" asked Eric, feeling his heart start to soar again.
"Really. You're my merman, and I'm you're mermaid. Now and forever you silly goose," said Julie with a smile.
"I want to apologize to you too Eric," began Arthur.
"Oh?" asked Eric, turning to look at the boy beside him.
"Yes. Until today, I didn't know that you and Julie were engaged, and as a fellow were-mer I respect that. I'm just sorry that I occupied too much of Julie's time, although it was for a school project," said Arthur, deciding it best not to mention that he was hoping something could develop between him and Julie before he found out about her engagement.
"Also, I'd like to be your friend. If you'd let me," offered Arthur.
"What? Sure," said Eric, before the two boys shook hands.
Then Eric leaned back a bit so he could see both of them and said, "I owe both of you an apology too. I've never been in love before," he said, facing Julie, "so when you came along," he said, facing Arthur, "I honestly didn't know what to think at first, but obviously what did enter my mind was totally wrong."
Facing Julie again, Eric added, "This is still very new to me, my Jewel, but you are the most precious and wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, and I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my life by your side and treasuring every moment we have together."
"Oh... E-Eric," sobbed Julie, before she started crying.
Eric wasn't sure what to do until Arthur handed him a couple of paper napkins from the table dispenser, which Eric quickly gave to Julie.
As Julie dried her eyes, Arthur said, "You two are very lucky to have each other."
"What? You don't have someone?" asked Eric.
"No," replied Arthur. "Every were-mer hopes to meet that special someone they'll be sharing the rest of their life with, but unfortunately there is no set time that happens. You two should be thankful to have found each other when you did."
"I am," said Eric, looking at Julie again.
"So am I," replied Julie, smiling at Eric. "Now then, let me go grab some lunch and—"
And that was when the bell rang, signalling the end of Freshmen Lunch.
"Here, take what you want from this," said Eric, offering them his practically untouched tray.
Julie grabbed the slice of pizza while Arthur took the brownie.
"Tell you what," began Arthur as they started to leave the school cafeteria. "What if we stop by the convenience store after school and grab something to go. My treat."
The newfound friendly trio agreed, but as they walked out the door, Spencer Lawson approached.
"Hiya Eric. How's it hanging Stud?" she asked with a smile, before passing them to enter the cafeteria for Sophomore Lunch.
"Err... Eric," began Julie, watching the older girl walk away.
"Definitely something we need to talk about," admitted Eric.