Chapter Four

When I got home, I was weak and dizzy. My vision was blurry and my ears rung. I dropped my bag on my bedroom floor and fell onto my bed, huffing. Even when I wasn't moving, my room spun. I felt like I was dried up. I pulled a bottle of water from my bag and chugged it. It still wasn't enough. I staggered into the kitchen and broke open the new case of bottled water, drinking every one. The empty bottles piled around me quickly. What was going on? Why was I still thirsty? My vision blurred, the ringing in my ears becoming a deafening noise. This was my end. I could feel my body go limp, but I couldn't see, feel, or move. Everything was black.

* ~~ * ~~ * ~~ *

"Mary! She has to go into the ocean!" A man yelled.

"Her mother said keep her away as long as possible!" Replied a woman. It sounded like my aunt and uncle. I felt drops of water on my face, the coldness making me flinch.

"She's dying, Mary!" My uncle yelled again. I opened my eyes, looking up at my aunt. "Can't you see that?!"

"Jason, I need more water salt water." She wasn't looking at me.

"Keeping here from who she is was a bad idea. She's been dying for two years." My uncle was frowning as he paced back and forth. "We made her believe the ocean was dangerous."

"It is dangerous." My aunt protested. She looked down at me. "She's awake!" My uncle rushed to my side, taking my hand. I realized I was in my room after a long moment.

"Oh, honey!" he kissed my hand.

"Who's dying and who am I supposed to be?" My voice was soft. I was afraid that I had whispered too quietly and would have to repeat. I could hear rain pounding on the roof. My aunt and uncle looked at each other.

"We have to tell her. It's time." He told her. She looked conflicted then sighed.

"Blake, it started hundreds of years ago. Every woman in our family, at the age of 16, develops... a secret." She started. "As long as we refresh our... secret, we can live on land and in the water."

"In the water?" I frowned, confused.

"Many years ago, a queen of the ocean had a child with a man of the land. An act against the law. That child lived in the ocean and on the land. When he had a daughter, she too had this ability." She explained.

"Like... a mermaid?"

"Yes, but just listen." She shushed me. "In direct bloodline of the queen, the children developed numerous abilities that allowed them to live in the water and on land. But you, you are different. Your mother, my sister, is like us. Your father was a king of the sea." She paused.

"In our family, only the women have the secret and because both of your parents are of the sea, or mostly, you have more of this secret. You are a princess, Blake." I heard the front door open, rain pouring outside. The door closed and Jason walked in holding a large bowl. He was soaking wet.

"What about Jason? He has a secret, too." I frowned at him. He placed the bowl on the table next to my aunt and sighed.

"My mother was a queen and my father is of the land. I am a half-breed. My parents weren't supposed to meet but they did and had me." Jason told me. "I go out and save people who are in danger in the ocean. I can communicate with the life there as well."

"Are we related?" I feared the question because I didn't want to be in love with someone I was related to.

"No. We are from two different oceans."

"How long have you known this... secret about me?" I felt anger creeping up in me.

"I was told a of hours ago when you were found on the kitchen floor." He looked at my aunt and uncle. I sighed, closing my eyes weakly.

"In order for her to live, she has to go into the ocean." My uncle stated.

"We can't protect her there. I'm too old to fight and teach her." My aunt replied. There was fear in her voice.

"I can teach her." Jason responded. I looked at him.

"She isn't like you. Legend says that a descendent of Poseidon's daughter will marry a king who will bare a child of no legs once entered upon the water. She will be a mermaid!" My aunt sniffled.

"It also says the child will harness abilities beyond compare. Including the ability to have legs under water." Jason added. "I will teach her everything I know AND keep her safe."