Between the Land and the Sea - By Derrolyn Anderson Page 0,31

him, wiping my eyes.

He just stood there at my bedside, looking down at me.

“Look,” I said firmly, “I’m just a stupid idiotic girl who can’t swim. Nothing more. I’m only upset about some... family issues.” I stared back at him directly, “It’s personal. Period.” He looked surprised, and backed up a few steps.

“I’m sorry, I was just...” he turned to leave, looking back, “I’ll see you at school.” I watched him retreat, listening as his footsteps faded off into the distance.

Alone again, I turned my face into the pillow and cried myself to sleep.

CHAPTER SEVEN

LUE KHANG

Abby showed up at the hospital early the next morning. She brought me my phone and made me promise to call Dad. She was relieved that I looked more alert after a good night’s sleep, and I really did feel much better. I was starting to come to terms with my bizarre situation. We met with the doctor, and after a little more eyelash batting on my part, he agreed I could be released by the end of the day. Abby left me a few books and some fresh fruit, and set out for the yoga studio.

I called my father and explained that I was in the hospital after an accidental fall from the pier, leaving out just a few details. He was horrified, and swore bitterly that he should have sent me to a boarding school. I promised I’d be careful, insisting that it wasn’t anyone’s fault but mine. He made me agree to take swimming lessons, blaming himself for my lack of skills. I wanted to ask him about my mother, but I simply could not find the words.

I asked him how his work was going and as he spoke I could tell he was filled with optimism. It made me miss him terribly, nostalgic for a childhood spent watching him immersed in his work. Perhaps he didn’t want to paint too pretty a picture, for he was quick to point out how harsh life was there, particularly for the women.

“If we can improve their lives, maybe they’ll consider educating their daughters,” he said.

“They’re just so terribly poor.”

“I miss you dad,” was all I could tell him.

“I’ll be back before you know it,” he replied.

After school, Cruz and Megan arrived with giant greasy hamburgers and shakes from the local burger spot. They were full of good humor and jokes about hospital food. It was a relief to be around people who didn’t treat me like I was made of glass. I scarfed down a burger and we speculated about how horrified Abby would be.

“She would think we were murdering the poor cows,” Cruz griped.

Megan daintily wiped the sides of her mouth and proclaimed, “It’s an interesting paradox, for if we didn’t eat cows there would be no cows. Man only breeds them to suit his desire.” She smirked, “We must eat the cows to save the cows,” she said with mock seriousness.

“What about the bulls?” I asked.

“You’re full of bull!” said Cruz, his mouth full.

We laughed at each other, and as I finished eating Megan and Cruz bantered back and forth, joking about my misadventure. I almost choked on my milkshake, making me laugh even harder.

Spending time with Cruz and Megan was the best medicine; I could feel my strength return as they made goofy jokes and bad puns about mermaids, raising my spirits. I pushed Lorelei’s confusing words into the back of my mind– I would be home on my own for an entire week, and there would be plenty of time to try and find out more.

They told me what went on at school, about how all the kids were gossiping about “that girl” who nearly drowned twice. Apparently, some of the surfers who had seen Ethan pull me out of the ocean were spreading rumors about me.

“I guess they jumped to conclusions,” Megan smirked.

“That’s not funny!” said Cruz, laughing anyway as Megan pantomimed a drum roll.

“Oh God,” I moaned sarcastically, “Now I really can’t wait to start school on Monday.”

“In all seriousness, I think we have bigger fish to fry,” said Cruz, “You need to stay away from that mermaid.” He shook his head incredulously, “I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth.”

Megan and I laughed at the expression on Cruz’s face but he was serious.

“You nearly died, Marina. I don’t think that’s a laughing matter.”

“Yeah, you might not be so lucky next time,” said Megan darkly.

“I want to find out more,” I tossed my head defiantly,