It was Caroline, my best friend since grade school; and, now that I think about it, kind of a fan of mermaids. I had hoped not to run into anyone I knew before I had more of an explanation of my situation, least of all her. I would have dove back into the ocean on the spot, except, she was looking straight at me!
“Melissa!” She shouted. “I haven’t seen you all day and I was worried. I saw your car in the parking lot, and I searched frantically before finding your clothes here. How long have you been here?”
“Uh, all day apparently.” I said hesitantly.
“Is something wrong?” Caroline asked.
“No, nothing’s wrong.”
“Don’t give me that, I know you too well, something’s definitely up; and what’s with the makeup? That style’s not your style.”
“Apparently… it is now.” There was no getting around it. I had to tell her. “Actually, this isn’t makeup at all.”
”What are you talking about?”
I trod water until I got to a rock big enough to seat two. “Sit down here and I’ll explain everything.”
Caroline did as I asked. “So, what’s up?”
“What I’m about to show you MUST stay between us, got it?”
”O…kay.” Caroline was clearly uneasy of the situation, but she’s never admit to being afraid.
I hoisted myself onto the rock, revealing my glistening metallic lavender fishtail. Caroline’s eyes grew wider than I’d ever seen them upon realizing that this wasn’t a costume. “I’m still me Caroline; just a… mer-me.”
“H-how did this happen?” Caroline asked, her hand on her chest, trying t o calm her racing heart.
I explained everything; Serenity, the kiss; all of it. “I just hope Serenity can help, or at least elaborate on it.” I finished.
“So, it was the kiss that made you a mermaid; that’s all?” Caroline asked.
“Near as I can tell, yes.”