Authors: Kelly Coughlin
“I don’t think you should mention that to your mother. You aren’t completely sure you caught everything in their conversation. Your mom could undermine you with her examples that Gaby may actually be losing her grip on reality. The poor girl has been through enough recently.” I nodded solemnly at the last couple of times I had tried to talk to Gaby. She had been in near hysterics.
“Besides,” he continued. “I think it’s about time you get some rest. You have me worried. Most humans would be freaking out if they found out their friends weren’t human, much less if their friends tried to make them into the brutal beasts all of you fear. Incredible. You’re not even scared about it. I can’t help but wonder if I pushed too much of this on you.” His dark brow creased with worry.
I sighed before I answered. “Adam hasn’t been much of a friend to me lately. After everything that I’ve seen and experienced I think it’s incredible that you think I could possibly get some sleep after learning all that!” he chuckled slightly.
“Tonight, consider yourself the safest human alive. Not even Adam would be dumb enough to fly near your window tonight, or any other night as far as I’m concerned.” I couldn’t stifle my gasp.
I pulled out of Ty’s arms. “Do you mean—are you saying that those loud sounds I heard at night were Adam? He can fly, and he has been spying on me? I thought he was the biggest jerk alive. Now he’s also the biggest PERVERT alive too!” My face flushed, as I cringed internally at the thought of Adam peeking in on me. A new wave of anger and embarrassment vice gripped my heart. I turned so my back was towards Ty. My fists burned with a desire to hit something hard.
“No, Amy, no.” Ty’s enchanting voice dazed me, pushing my anger away for the moment. “He didn’t come here to peek at you. He came here to see if I would be here.” I turned to see Ty’s eyes rippled with sadness. He smiled, but it didn’t touch his eyes.
“Now, I will explain myself. Just not tonight. You need some sleep. Patrick and Henry are out on the beach right now, looking for any sign of Adam. Tomorrow, well to be honest with you I’m going to steal you for as long as legally possible before your parents have to call the police.” He smiled his intrepid smile at me. I couldn’t help but grin in return. The prospect of spending a whole day with Ty overpowered any fears of Adam ever coming near me again. Besides the thought of Henry and Patrick patrolling the beach was enough to make me feel much safer. Patrick in his human form terrified me, the thought of him angered and hungry for something more than fish had me absolutely petrified.
I got ready for bed while Ty lingered out on the balcony. The bright light shimmered off the sapphires, highlighting the delicate beauty of the necklace. I had many doubts that it would be enough to ever save me from Adam but I wanted so badly to believe it. I called Ty back in when I was ready. I angled my face away from him, so that he wouldn’t see the embarrassment I felt at having a boy in my room. It crossed many lines that had previously never been crossed with me. I wasn’t sure what to expect with Ty, then again, I never knew what to expect from Ty.
He sat on the edge of my bed as I snuggled into the sheets. I avoided his gaze at all costs, but I couldn’t help but hear him smile. He is actually enjoying my nervousness, isn’t he? I couldn’t help but feel slightly hurt, although my feelings of happiness at having him there outweighed all others. I went to gently take the necklace off because I didn’t want anything to happen to the dainty chain while I was sleeping.
I had barely lifted the necklace an inch off when Ty’s hands suddenly caught both of mine. “What are you doing?” He gasped. He pulled my hands down so that the necklace fell back in place.
“I’m just going to take it off, so nothing happens to it while I’m sleeping. Jeez, calm down Ty.” I said. I tried to reach for it again, but he held both my hands fast in his.
“I don’t think you understand, Amy. The moment that necklace leaves your skin, for anything other than your protection is the moment when we must part.” From the tone of his voice I knew there was no bargaining with him.
“Ty, what is the big deal? I don’t want anything to happen to it. Can’t I just take it off while I sleep?” He shook his head in the negative. I huffed annoyed, until the gravity of his eyes made me look away from his face. “Fine.” I breathed. “But, I think you are being stupid now.”
He surprised me by circling his arms around me, pulling my face into the crevice of his neck. My stomach tingled uncontrollably. “Thank you for understanding Amy. Goodnight my beautiful.” He placed both of his hands on either side of my face. He gently brought his lips down to mine, for the second time today. He left, grinning wickedly. He sat on the balcony while I attempted to sleep, he wouldn’t listen to me when I begged him to stay in my room. He could be so stubborn sometimes. It was hours before I could calm my heart down enough after the kiss, and everything else that passed tonight, to sleep.
14.
The Sunrise Club
That night
my dreams were plagued with images of snapping jaws, jagged talons, and screams. Worst of all, at the end of each horrifying segment all I could see was black malignant water. A harsh scream would follow, and then Mina’s blue eyes would pounce out of the water beckoning me forward. For the sixth time my eyes snapped open to the burning morning of the Florida sun.
“Ugh.” I groaned. It took me a few moments to realize why there was so much light streaming in to my room. As my eyes slowly adjusted the open balcony door came into focus. My first instinct was to panic, until last nights memories came flooding back to me.
“Oh.” I sat upright looking around. I felt the light tap as the necklace swung against my chest from the force of my movements, with that came the realization that everything that happened last night was real. I groaned louder, pulling the covers over my face to block out the sun. I snuggled deeper into the bed when the covers were ripped from my hands.
“Wake up sunshine! Time to rise and shine!” Ty folded the blankets at the edge of my bed. I squirmed in the bright light.
“Go away. Come back in about three hours. I’ll be ready then.” His soft unfettered laugh came from right next to me. I moved back slightly from surprise. Even his movements on land were too fast for me to see.
“Don’t you need to sleep, Ty? Did you get any sleep at all last night?”
He rolled his eyes in an exaggerated movement. “I only need one third as much sleep as you humans do. Otherwise I just stay in one place, that’s more than enough rest for me. Now, I can only keep your mom out of the house for so long.” He couldn’t hide his snide smile. I was curious as to how he had planed to rescue me. Then again, after all that had transpired I wasn’t entirely sure that there wasn’t much Ty and his brothers couldn’t concoct.
“So time for you, gorgeous, to get up so we can get moving.”
I felt two hands slide under my back. He picked me up like a child, being especially careful to protect my head. He placed me on my feet in the bathroom, I wobbled slightly but he caught me easily.
“We can do this one of two ways. You can get ready willingly, or I may just have to climb in there with you. To be honest, I’m kind of hoping for the second one—.” I shoved him out of the bathroom then slammed the door; despite the early morning I felt a grin pulling on the edge of my lips.
The shimmer of the sapphires in the luminescent light caught my attention. I paused to admire the craftsmanship of
my
necklace. It all still seemed so surreal to me, the mythical creatures, the responsibilities, and most of all that Ty could give his heart to me. I wasn’t sure it was all real, but I was willing to hope with all my might.
I got ready quickly with a light shower to remove the last grain of sleep from my body. I was tempted to take the necklace off while showering. I stopped when the vision of Ty bursting through the door popped into my mind. I peeked around the door to make sure Ty was out on the balcony before scampering into my room for a clothes run.
It took me the longest time to decide what I wanted to wear. I could hear Ty huffing in impatience out on the balcony. I generally dressed on mood, which usually makes it easy to pick out clothes. Today was a special case because I didn’t know what type of mood I was in; a strange mix of excitement and dread. I decided on a pale blue t-shirt with khaki shorts. It paled horribly in comparison with Ty’s dark green shirt that only accentuated his eyes. I slapped on foundation and quick eyeliner before telling Ty I was ready.
He dangled my car keys in front of me. “Wow. You look beautiful.” He dropped the keys into my open palm. “It’s time to go.” He quickly pulled me through house, taking slow careful steps for my sake. I looked around for any sign of Mom or Steve. There wasn’t one. The whole house seemed deserted. All the curtains were still drawn, casting the rooms in a pearly gray dawn.
Ty walked over to open the car door for me, as usual. I didn’t get nervous until he slid into the seat next to me. “So, where are we off to?” My tone shook slightly on the last note betraying my anxiety. He chuckled softly to himself.
“To the beach of course.” He answered languidly. He was completely at ease in my car. He fiddled with the radio controls until he found a song he liked. He put down his window letting his dark hair dance in the wind. Occasionally when I rested my hand he would pick up and stroke it between both of his, until I needed it again. Even the slightest brush of his hands gave me chills, it was unnerving.
“Why are we going to the beach? Can’t I just drive you to your condo?” I asked to take my mind off the fact that he was caressing my arm. If I thought about it anymore I was going to crash the car.
“Well we could, but I parked my car there and I think it’s best if you left your car there, just in case any of your mom’s friends see it they won’t suspect anything unusual, versus your car appearing in a condo parking lot with a strange boy. Your parent’s friends would have a field day with that news.” I didn’t want to admit that he was right. This city was so small it was very likely you would run into someone you knew. My parents
friends
would absolutely love to rat out any news of misbehavior just so they could shove it in their faces. Who needs enemies in this city?
I pulled into a narrow alley out of the way of the main view. Ty wouldn’t let me leave until he opened the door for me. I thought we had a silent agreement of our usual friendly appearance in public, so it shocked me when he took my hand in his, right there for everyone to watch.
“You know, Ty you don’t have to hold my hand in public because you feel obligated. It’s okay, I understand.” He stopped so suddenly I had to swerve to avoid crashing into him.
“You really don’t get it do you? After all I’ve put myself through to visit you, after everything that we’ve gone through together, you still doubt that I could care for you, don’t you?” I got the feeling that there was something more in his tone that I didn’t understand. His eyes blazed at me. I looked down, horrifically embarrassed at my own human insecurities. “Unbelievable.” He mumbled.
He pulled me out of the alley onto the sidewalk that ran parallel to the main street. Even though he walked briskly his movements were soft towards me; like he was trying his hardest to show all of his human traits. I tried to focus my attention on the palm trees and open blue sky as people gawked as us, or rather at Ty. He never paid them any heed, though it was impossible not to notice as some of the braver ones even dared turn their heads while we passed. Ty would have definitely been considered an oddity, even in a big city like San Antonio. His striking blue eyes commanded all attention as soon as his gaze was met. He could have made male models feel insecure. I would have felt proud walking hand-in-hand with him had my stomach not been doing cartwheels.
“Your carriage awaits mademoiselle.” He gestured to a black Scion xB. It did suit him in an odd way. He had mentioned a car, but it just seemed silly to believe that he would drive at all. I could only picture him floating freely in the water.
“Mermen drive Scions?” I asked incredulously.
“Of course,” he responded feigning scorn. “Now you can learn what it’s like to ride in a real car, instead of that little wind up toy you drive.”
“Don’t knock my car. At least I have one down here, that’s the important thing. You’re just jealous.” I smiled at him. Ignoring my expression he opened the door for me. Once I was inside he lightly shut the door then strolled to his side.
At first I was a little bit afraid that he might drive like a madman. I never knew what to expect when I was with Ty. I relaxed as he drove slowly, much too slowly. “You’ve been living in this city way too long. You drive like an old man.” I teased. I was going to get back at him for calling my car a toy. I usually would have to agree but it triggered a response to argue back with him; probably just some of my father’s traits showing themselves in me.
“Maybe so.” He agreed. “But, if I have a girl like you in the car next to me then I’m obviously doing something right.” He took one of his hands off the wheel to hold mine. My jaw clenched in response.
Before long he veered off the main road to turn into the parking lot of a very large waterfront complex. My eyes widened in wonder as the parking lot was littered with brand new BMW’s, Mercedes, and I even saw one Ferrari.
“Ty, how do you afford a place like this on just lifeguard salaries? This place looks like it costs a bundle to even get your foot in the door.” His lips pulled back in a mischievous grin.
“They don’t call this the Treasure Coast for nothing. Let’s just say my brothers and I use our capabilities to find many of the ships thought to be lost at sea. We give the museums what they want, for the price that is reasonable to us. Nothing more, I swear I’m not a part of the drug cartel.” I smiled in response. It was reasonable to use their features to survive in the human world.
“Before we go in I just want to say that I apologize for Patrick’s behavior in the past. We’ve talked, and he agrees that he has been unfair in his treatment towards you. I don’t want there to be any misconception that you are not welcome in my home. You will always be welcome there, no matter what.”
By this time we reached the front door of an off white building, about two stories tall. It was encircle by small tropical shrubs framing the doorway. Ty slowly took out his keys, fumbling with them for a moment. He shoved the key into the lock too forcefully, the door groaned in response. He smiled apologetically at his own strength before he turned the keys again, softer this time.
Black.
The door swung open to a reveal a black hole, sucking in all light surrounding it. I was perplexed at first, then frightened as Ty’s hand lightly pushed me forward. “Well, this is it. Home sweet home.” I stumbled in the darkness misjudging the step. “Do you like it?”
“I would like it much better if I could see it, Ty. Why are all the lights off?” I meant it to sound icily but it was smudged slightly by my own fear.
I heard his sudden intake of breath before he sputtered. “Patrick, Henry, you BOTH FORGOT TO TURN THE LIGHTS ON!” I heard loud curses as heavy footsteps thudded to my right followed by a loud click as the bright flash of a ceiling fan illuminated the room.
“Sorry Ty.” Henry’s boyish face appeared standing behind a long grey sofa. “I thought we had it all down. You know I’m not good with human stuff like that.”
I heard Patrick’s harsh laughter coming from a large plush gray chair against the wall, facing the television. “We get everything right except the lights. Perfect. What more can you expect from three clueless Mermen? Hello Amy. You look gorgeous today.” I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Patrick’s sudden change in attitude. He was practically beaming at me.
“Er-thanks. You look great too, all of you. I’m just glad that you are having me over.” I smiled, still slightly baffled at everything. “Tell me something though, how did you miss not having the lights on?” Ty’s livid face contradicted heavily with Patrick’s bemused expression, and Henry’s embarrassed one. The tension choked out all words.
“If your boyfriend doesn’t mind, I’ll explain it to you.” Patrick offered. My feet lifted off the ground while my head spun frantically. Never had Ty been referred to as my
boyfriend
before. I suppose that’s what he is now, but it just felt so trite to call him by that frail human word. He felt like so much more to me, he was my other part that made me whole. Ty grumbled his approval though he still led me to the couch carefully. Henry plopped on my other side but Patrick never moved from his chair. I could feel Ty’s eyes on my face as Patrick groped for the right words to explain their fascinating lives.
“I’m not sure how much Ty explained to you, but I can tell you that we don’t see shapes the way humans do nor lights for that matter. You see, to us dark and light look exactly the same. I would compare it to being in broad daylight all the time without there ever being a change. You might think it sounds like an extra ability. However, it’s one of our many handicaps. We got lucky that you already know about our—condition, so that explaining why the place was darker than ink isn’t really that much of a problem. If you weren’t in on our little secret we would have to make up some elaborate excuse, which gets old after a while.”
“There’s a story among our kind that we weren’t always able to see in dark conditions. It’s rumored that it only developed when your technology developed as well; a cause and effect situation. The further you were able to delve into the ocean, the further we were forced to recede into the darkness. Now, we only thrive in the darkest conditions so that you can’t find our societies. Some of the younger ones have never even seen the sun.” His voice held a tone of despair. I bowed my head in respect. I couldn’t possibly understand their issues because we weren’t equal.
“That doesn’t seem so terrible. Why couldn’t you just tell me that Ty?” I was peeved that I had to find out this secret from his usually spiteful brother.
“Aw, don’t take it personally, Amy. Ty just doesn’t like discussing his nonhuman matters with you because he doesn’t want to freak you out.” Henry’s blue eyes sparkled brighter than his luminescent teeth, from underneath his shaggy hair. I could feel the waves of anger reverberate from Ty at having his fears laid out in front of me.
“You both make me sound like such a baby. I didn’t want her to know that because I felt like I was laying too much on top of her. I didn’t want to push her to her breaking point.” He glared at his brothers maliciously. Ty’s face snapped back to me with a horrified expression.
“I’m sorry that I’ve been so rude. I haven’t even offered you a drink or anything. Can I get you something?”
All the mood changes constantly left me wanting. I was intrigued that I couldn’t keep up, though I was excited with the prospect of their being a day where there would be no more secrets between us, if a couple could survive with no secrets. “No, I’m good thanks.” I looked down shyly. Ty placed his warm slippery hand on mine. I could almost hear him smile at my shyness.
My eyes slowly looked around the large condo. The windows were rimmed with sheer pastel blue curtains that had been pulled back to overlook the ocean. The whole apartment had been painted a nice sea-foam green that complemented nicely with the grey chair and couch that separated the living room from the kitchen. The tabl
es were a light tan color that held an odd assortment of shells, and trinkets washed up from the ocean. All in all it was just the place for three bachelor half-Mermen to live. I stifled a smile.