Between the Land and the Sea - By Derrolyn Anderson Page 0,44
of my plan again, and I preferred to avoid his heartfelt pleas. Megan and Cruz were dead-set against my meeting with her; they had no idea why I was being so stubborn. They saw her as the supernatural creature that had nearly killed me and I saw her as the key to unlocking the mystery of my past. I wasn’t about to be swayed by their fears.
I trudged up the stairs with my head down, disappointed. I should have gone to the farmers market, I thought ruefully. I almost ran straight into my worried friends tearing headlong down the stairs.
“Thank God!” Cruz cried dramatically when he saw me, “We thought you were out to sea again!”
“Yeah– Mermaid bait!” Megan said with a grin.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I said glumly, “I didn’t even bring my wetsuit.” This was one logistical problem I needed to work out. I probably couldn’t just strip down to don my wetsuit on the cement boat, even if Lorelei created a distraction. I suppose I could try walking to the water wearing it, but it would be unbearably hot. I could change at the beach and try to hide my clothes, or maybe put them in a bag and take them with me. I remembered how fast Lorelei sped through the water. I was pretty sure I’d need my hands free.
It would be really helpful to have an accomplice. Cruz and Megan were adamantly opposed, and even though I knew they were genuinely concerned for my welfare, I found their constant scolding to be increasingly irritating. The desire to know more about my mother intensified, a glowing ember that burned hotter within me as time passed. I found myself willing to take a reckless chance, despite the promises I had made to Abby, Dad, and Ethan.
I was dreading returning to art class, for now I knew that the rumors about me were flying. I wondered what would happen if I skipped out on it for a few days. The school would probably call Abby, and now that she was finally starting to ease up on me I didn’t want to rock the boat. I couldn’t afford to have any more trouble after winding up in the hospital, for one more event could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, driving my father to send me into a prison-like boarding school.
I couldn’t bear the thought of being forced to leave Aptos with so much unfinished business.
My encounter with Lorelei played over and over in my mind, refusing to leave me in peace. It felt like I was on the verge of something monumental– questions about my mother that had been stifled my whole life started gnawing at me again. I scrutinized Megan and Cruz, for there must be a way to make them cooperate without having to confess everything.
“Come on guys,” I said, “Let’s go home and check out the latest masterpiece.” Cruz had been sewing like a man possessed, refusing to allow anyone into his room. He’d promised to unveil his newest design today, and I was curious, for I’d spotted him slipping in the house with bags of fabric and noticed a change from his typical black color palette. I was eager to see what he’d come up with. The three of us walked home, laughing as Megan teased Cruz about his sudden secrecy.
We plunked down on the couch as Cruz went to retrieve his work. He returned brandishing a hanger held high, eliciting simultaneous gasps from Megan and me. It was a long gown that was unlike anything we’d seen from Cruz before. Ethereally beautiful, it seemed to be floating, suspended in the air like a cloud. It had a fitted strapless bodice that shimmered in the lightest aqua, with a long full skirt that flowed down to the floor, embellished with hundreds of tiny fluttery ruffles. It reflected the colors of a stormy sea, gleaming like iridescent fish scales in shades of pale slate and rich aqua silk. It was a fantasy ball gown, and the mermaid influence was clear.
He stood there, holding the hanger up anxiously, “Well?” Megan and I rushed over for a closer look.
“Cruz, it’s stunning!” I exclaimed.
“You’ve outdone yourself!” Megan cried.
“It’s Lorelei, isn’t it,” I said with a wide smile, “She inspired you!” Cruz smiled shyly, “Will you try it on?”
“Sure,” I said enthusiastically, suddenly inspired myself, “I’ll give you a fashion show!” I took it into my room and slipped it on. It fit as though it was destiny,