Kendra's father looked at her mother quizzically. "This is about her..."
"Yes, dear, it is." She took a deep breath. "Kendra, your father...he's been a true father to you and a true husband to me. We're a family. And I did give birth to you. But Dave...he's not your biological father."
Kendra looked at her mother in shock. Then to her father. "Dad? You knew this all along?"
Dave nodded. "I did. But I've always loved you like you were my own. You never suspected anything so we weren't going to tell you until you were an adult."
"Who is my biological father? Where is he?"
"I know who, but not where. I haven't seen him since you were concieved. It was shortly before I met your father. I was on vacation. Great beachfront hotel. I met a man: a real charmer with great looks that treated me like a princess. He was probably at least 10 years older than me, but I didn't care. One thing lead to another and...well, you know. I didn't find out until after I was home from vacation and I had no way to contact him again."
"But what about that would make you think I could be a mermaid?"
"The last night we spent together, as we were drifting off to sleep in each other's arms, he told that he had been a merman prince once and wanted to know if I would be his queen some day. I laughed. I didn't think he was serious. We'd both been drinking alot so I didn't think anything of it. But someone tells you something so unusual like that you never really forget it. He never offered to prove it, I never asked him to, and he was gone the next day."
"What was his name? Did you ever try to find him?"
"His name was Rick. We never got to last names so I didn't have much to go on."
Everyone sat in silence as Kendra tried to process this revelation. April gently took Kendra's hand in hers for support and gave her a comforting squeeze.
Finally Kendra's mother spoke again. "I know this is alot for you. If you need to leave and spend some time dealing with it, I understand. I'm sorry we never told you before, but we thought it was for your own good and didn't want to worry or upset you."
Dave nodded. "I agree with your mother. Take the time you need. Just remember that we both love you."
Kendra slowly rose, as did April. Her parents stood as well. Kendra hugged them both. "I need some time to deal with this. I love you mom. I love you dad."
Kendra's parents turned to April. Her father extended a hand. "It was nice to meet you, young lady. I wish it could have been under less stressful circumstances. Just don't hurt my little girl, okay?"
"Yes, sir" replied April. She hugged Kendra's mom.
Kendra and April both left, making the slow walk to April's car and not saying anything. As they got in, April finally spoke.
"Do you still want to go back to Lisa's?"
Kendra suddenly made a realization. "Oh god."
"What?"
"My mom's story. Charming older man named Rick claiming to be a merman prince? I think Lisa is my father!"
April and Kendra looked at each other in stunned silence.