Free Derrolyn Anderson - [Marinas Tales #1] - Between The Land And The Sea by Derrolyn Anderson

floating on a surfboard in a brilliant blue green ocean, looking into Ethan’s face as he drifted along beside me. The sun was shining brightly, reflecting on the rippling water. As we rose and fell with the regular swells he smiled at me, and I laughed with joy.

CHAPTER FIVE
LORELEI
    I opened my eyes to see Charlie’s sphinx-like face staring back at me. I sat up and winced, for my back and shoulders ached, and my legs were stiff and sore. My mind immediately started racing, considering the implications of what I’d seen yesterday. The whole world seemed to shift on its axis as I came to grips with the fact that mermaids really existed. I was forced to believe my own eyes, and it made me wonder what other mysteries lay hidden, waiting to be discovered.
    Evie used to say that the most beautiful things in life were also the most mysterious, and I could certainly see how that would apply to mermaids. She would believe me, I thought, but she’d panic if she knew about my accident. I was busy formulating the words I’d use in my head when it occurred to me that I didn’t know one thing about mermaids other than what I’d seen in a Disney cartoon.
    I got out of bed gingerly and went for my laptop. Wrapping myself up in my quilt like a giant cocoon, I started to do some serious research. The only problem was that there didn’t seem to be much serious information to be found. I spent the next few hours cruising cyberspace, feverishly reading everything I could find about mermaid legend and lore. Every culture in every part of the world had tales of magical ocean maidens, and all sorts of different powers were ascribed to them.
    I heard Abby’s footsteps come down the hall, followed by a soft knock on the door. I closed the computer. “Come in,” I called.
    “I just wanted to check in on you before I left for the studio,” she said with concerned eyes.
    “Are you okay?”
    “Yes Abby,” I said firmly, trying to sound reassuring. “Can we just put this all behind us?”
    “I guess so,” she smiled tentatively, “See you this afternoon.” I turned back to my mermaid research until I was interrupted by another knock on the door.
    Cruz poked his head in.
    “Are you alright?” he asked, “Mom told me what happened.”

    “Yeah,” I said, huddling in my quilt. “I think my pride was wounded more than anything else.”
    “Megan’s on the way over,” he said, “She’s bringing her guitar this time.”
    “Excellent, I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
    I got dressed and reached over to scratch Charlie under the chin. What he would think about a half fish, half woman? I smirked at the thought, and kissed him on the top of his furry little head.
    When Megan arrived I settled into the comfortable couch with my legs curled under me while Cruz pleaded for her to sing us a song. She’d been creative in coming up with excuses to avoid performing for us, but Cruz had finally cornered her, refusing to let her forget her guitar.
    I smiled some encouragement, “It’s just me and Cruz.”
    She blushed, and then gathering her courage, pulled up a beanbag, sat down and began strumming on her guitar. She drew a deep breath and launched into a song about heartbreak and sorrow, the notes ringing out high and crystalline. Megan was suddenly beautiful, and the haunting melody she sang echoed against the hardwood floors, resonating throughout the room. I was reminded of the sweet sound of the mermaid’s voice and struggled to blink back involuntary tears. Cruz caught my eye and nodded knowingly. She really was incredibly talented.
    “Wow!” I gasped when she finished, “That was amazing! You wrote that song?” She nodded, eyes shining, “Yeah.”
    “Cruz wasn’t kidding about your music,” I said seriously, “You should perform in public!
    Are there places around here with open mike nights?”
    “I dunno,” she said, looking down shyly.
    I told her about the clubs in San Francisco Evie used to scout for performers.