Paige is shaken awake, "Mm what? Mom."

Isabelle whispers "You have to go."

Paige rubs her eyes "What? Dad changed his mind?"

Isabelle shakes her head "No. You need a parents permission to leave. I give you permission. You have a week..."

A mans voice cuts the air "Two weeks."

Paige asks "What?"

Nick informs "I had two weeks. It's only fair to give you the same amount of time. You will take Caleb with you and your mother."

Paige shrieks "What? No way."

Nick crosses his arms "Your mother has knowledge of mainland living."

Isabelle adds "You will have two days on your own then I will join you."

Nick hands over a pearl "It will turn green immediately after your tail turns into a set of legs.. Every day it will turn a lighter shade of green until it goes yellow, then it will turn a deeper shade of yellow until it goes red. When it gets to the darkest shade of red you need to be back in the water."

Taking some clay he turns it into a bracelet securing the pearl in the middle. Nick slips it on Paige's wrist shrinking it so it won't fall off he heats it until it is strong.

Nick informs "Now you can't lose the pearl. The band will change colours with the pearl so if you don't notice the pearls colour you will notice the bands. I can't have your life being constantly put in danger so you two can meet. The mainland is safer. Go before I change my mind."

Paige hugs her father "Thank you dad."

Nick hugs her back "Be safe. Please."

Isabelle reassures "I will make sure she is."

Nick grumbles "It will be two days until you join her. How can I be sure she will be safe for those two days?"

Nick turns to see Paige quickly swimming away "You told me to go before you change your mind. I know you will change your mind soon."

Nick shakes his "How does that child know me so well?"

Isabelle puts her hand on his shoulder "She is your child."


Paige shivers blinking her eyes open "Ah. I'm naked."

Caleb sits up "What? Quick find something to cover yourself up with."

Paige covers herself in the sand looking around frantically "What do we do? I can't walk around naked. Can I?"

A voice answers "No you can't. That isn't considered naked here."

Paige turns smiling when she sees her friend "Hi."

Emily smiles back "Hi. What are you doing here?"

Paige reaches for what Emily has in her hands "I came to get to know you. The way we were meeting before is really dangerous."

Emily wraps the towel around Paige "Can you stand?"

Paige bites her lip "I haven't tried yet. I'm kind of scared to."

Emily comforts "I'll catch you if you fall."

Paige tries to stand the sand covering her falling away. Paige wobbles starting to fall back to the ground.

Emily catches and steadies her "A lot different then your tail."

Paige looks around for eavesdroppers seeing a blonde standing a few feet away staring at Caleb.

Emily follows Paige's eyes "That's my friend Hanna. At five in the morning we both got the urge to come to the beach. We found you two."

Paige looks at Caleb holding out her hand "It's not so bad."

Caleb takes Paige's hand trying to stand. When Caleb starts to fall and pull Paige down Emily steadies her so she can steady Caleb.

Hanna comes up wrapping her arm around Caleb's waist "I got you. Lets get you out of the cold."

When the four try to move Caleb and Paige stumble.

Emily advises "One foot in front of the other. Right, left, right, left." When Paige starts walking Emily praises "Good job. Keep it up. Right, left. We are almost at the car."

Paige furrows her brow "What's a car?"

Emily explains "It's a gas powered transportation device. It's used when your destination is a far distance and using your feet is not possible."

Paige questions "Why can't you use your feet? Is there something wrong with them?"

Emily shakes her head "No there is nothing wrong with them. Well some people have problems with them. Like if there is an accident and they break a leg or their back and can't use them anymore. When we get home you can read about it. My dad has the whole Encyclopaedia Britannica. It's a series of books that has a whole bunch of information in them. Transportation is part of it."


Emily helps Paige into the car and puts the seat belt on. Paige pulls at it "What is this for?"

Emily gets in on the drivers side "It holds you in place so you don't get hurt if we hit something."

Paige's eyes widen "We could hit something? This doesn't seem very safe. I would rather walk."

Caleb agrees "I like that idea. Can we walk? I don't care how far it is as long as we get there safe."

Emily takes Paige's hand "It will be okay. This is safe. I am a careful driver."

Paige nods "Okay. We will try your way.

When Emily starts the car Paige jumps "What is that? Is it supposed to make that noise? We are all going to die."

Paige goes to open the door "I can't open the contraption. I'm trapped. I'm going to die. I don't want to die. This was a bad idea."

Finally the door opens Paige tries to get out but her seat belt stops her "Ah. This strap has got me. It's choking me. I can't move. This is worse then getting trapped in a net."

Emily gets out of the car kneeling in front of Paige "It's okay Paige. You're okay. Breathe. In and out. Calm down. I know you're scared but I wouldn't ask you to do anything that could hurt. I would never intentionally hurt you. You are safe."

Paige looks into Emily's eyes finding the truth dancing in them "I am safe."

Emily nods "You are safe."

Paige nods "Okay let's try this again."

Emily stands up closing the door and getting in the drivers seat. Emily looks over at Paige "You ready?"

Paige closes her eyes "Yeah."

Emily puts the car in drive and pulls out of her spot. Paige keeps her eyes closed tightly repeating You are safe over and over.

Emily announces "I'm going to take your hand. So when you feel something touch you it's me, okay?"

Paige opens her eyes "Don't you need to hold that circle with both hands?"

Emily looks at the wheel then back at Paige "Okay. We are almost home."

Paige closes her eyes again continuing her You are safe repetition.


Emily pulls up to the house "We are here. It's okay to open your eyes now."

Paige opens her eyes looking at a two story white house "This is your house. It's big."

Emily gets out of the car opening Paige's door "There's a button beside you that will release your seatbelt."

Paige looks beside her at the button pushing it "It's that easy?"

Emily confirms "It's that easy."

Emily offers her hand to help Paige out of the car. Paige takes it stepping out of the car and tripping on the curb.

Emily catches her "There's a step there. Lift your feet."

Paige looks down lifting her feet up and stepping over the curb "Why do they put that there? Do they like making people fall here?"

Emily shakes her head "No. It's so cars don't drive up here."

Paige whispers "Oh. Cars sound dangerous."

Emily bites the inside of her cheek "They are if you don't use them properly. You just have to pay attention to your surroundings."

Paige pouts "I didn't do that. I had my eyes closed the whole time."

Emily squeezes Paige's hand "It's okay. That was your first time in a car. You'll get used to it."

Paige's eyes widen "I have to get back in that thing?"

Emily purses her lips to fight the smile "Not yet. Let's get you settled first."

Paige examines Emily's face "You're trying not to smile. Why? I've seen you smile. It's beautiful. Don't hide it."

Emily blushes looking down.

Paige tilts her head "Why are you doing that? Did I say something wrong?"

Emily shakes her head "No. That was nice."

Paige smiles "Okay. I'm glad I didn't hurt you. That would have been bad. I'd have to throw myself back into the water."

Emily whines "No don't do that. I'd like to get to know you. How long are you here for?"

Paige answers "Two weeks."

Emily frowns "That isn't that long. Why can't we have longer?"

Paige informs "That's how long my dad got. I didn't want to ask for more time because he was really reluctant to let me come in the first place."

Emily nods "Okay. We will have to make the best of our time then."


Emily walks them into the house "Dad are you home?"

A male voice calls out "Kitchen kiddo."

Paige whispers "Who is Kiddo?"

Emily leads her to the kitchen "Hi dad. What are you making?"

Wayne looks up "Who are your friends?"

Paige reaches her hand out "I am Paige. How are you?"

Wayne takes the hand "I'm Wayne. I am good. How are you?"

Paige shrugs "I'm okay. Trying to get used to my legs and cars. They are very dangerous machines."

Wayne raises an eyebrow "Getting used to your legs?"

Paige nods "Yeah. They are quite new to me."

Wayne furrows his brow "New?"

Paige tilts her head, Why is he acting like this? "Yeah. I live in the sea. Being on sturdy ground is new to me."

Wayne ah's "Oh. You have sea legs. Don't worry you'll get used to it. It happens to me after I come back from sailing. It's a whole new balancing game."

Paige smiles "I'm glad. It probably looks bad if I'm wobbling everywhere. Never been in a car before so that was kind of scary."

Wayne nods "Yeah they keep everything close to the docks so there was really no reason for a car. You just get the supplies you need then off you go again."

Paige bites her lip looking at Emily for help.

Emily asks "Paige isn't here for very long, two weeks. Can she stay with us?"

Paige adds "I won't be any trouble."

Wayne looks her over then at Caleb "What about the boy? Is he staying too?"

Hanna answers "No. He will be staying with me. My mom is away."

Wayne crosses his arms "I don't know how I feel about you staying in that house alone with a strange boy. They both can stay here where I can make sure there is no shenanigans."

Paige comforts "Oh I assure you sir we will be on our best behaviour."

Caleb holds out his hand "I'm Caleb. I'm Paige's neighbour."

Wayne nods "Another sea dog. I bet you have some great stories."

Caleb and Paige look at each other, Paige bites her lip "I'm not sure we can talk about our life out there. Sorry."

Wayne raises his eyebrows "Are you two secret agents? Should I be worried for my daughters life?"

Paige shakes her head "No. I mean no harm. We mean no harm."

Wayne crosses his arms "I will be the judge of that. I'm watching both of you."

Caleb and Paige both respond "Yes sir."

Wayne heads to the basement "I can set you two up in the basement. Follow me I'll show you."

Paige and Caleb follow the man into the basement where two couches form an L facing a TV "Nice setup. What's that black rectangular thing?"

Wayne wears a baffled expression "Does the boat you live on not have a TV?"

Paige furrows her brow "Boat? What Boat?"

Wayne glares "You said you lived on the sea. I do not like being lied to. Start telling the truth. NOW."

Paige stumbles backward "In the sea. I live in the sea. I'm a mermaid. When we are born there is a pendant made. It is cast out to find our mates. When we turn sixteen we go looking for it. It took me two years but I found it. It's around your daughters neck. I swear I mean you no harm."

Wayne turns red with rage "That is the most absurd story I have ever heard. You two are a bunch of conniving little rats."

Paige takes a deep breath "Sir that is an awfully elaborate story to come up with on the fly. Especially when you are this frightening. I respect you and this house if you move out of the way we will leave. I thank you for your hospitality. I am sorry to have upset you."

Wayne stumbles backwards baffled by Paige's words "I. This is unbelievable. Mermaids are a myth."


Paige sits on one of the couches 'Father I need help.' A quick response comes 'I know. I have been watching. Your first encounter with a car was quite comical. Is there a bathtub near by?'

Paige looks at Wayne "Do you have a bathtub?"

Wayne shakes his head to clear his mind "Um yes. Upstairs. Why?"

Paige states "I assure you sir mermaids are real. If you allow me to use your bathtub I can show you."

Wayne sighs "Follow me."

Wayne leads them to the bathtub. Paige is directed 'Sit in the tub.' Paige does as she is told. Caleb turns the water on guessing that this is the next step. Paige is told 'Put the bracelet under the water.' Paige does so. The bracelet turns a blue green and Paige's feet turn into her usual tail.

Wayne's eyes widen "Holy sweet mother."

Paige takes the bracelet out of the water and her tail turns back into feet.

Paige explains "I don't know why my pendant chose Emily but I am here to find out. I won't without your permission sir. Like I said I respect you. Your daughter is very precious to you. I haven't been here that long and I can see that. Please sir may I get to know your daughter?"

Wayne looks at her "We need to get you something more suitable to wear. You can not be walking around in a bikini. Is Caleb a merman?"

Caleb shakes his head "No. I am a dolphin. I'm not sure if I can show you but if I were able to I would need something bigger than your bathtub."

Wayne laughs "I'll take your word for it. Caleb you look to be the same size as me I will borrow you some clothes. Paige you might fit Emily's."

Paige looks at him puzzled "You're okay with this. Why?"

Wayne informs "I have seen a lot in my years, this is by far the most strange. When Emily was little she asked me if she could have a mermaid, I said yes. Now that she has the opportunity I will not stand in the way. I am a man of my word. Even if it is words that were only said to feed my daughters imagination. Don't go telling people you're a mermaid though they won't be as understanding as me."

Paige bites her lip "I honestly had no intention on telling you, yet. When you said you didn't like being lied to I didn't want to ruin any chances I had. I know the story is outrageous but I had to tell the truth."

Wayne smiles "That is very honourable Paige. You have earned brownie points. Those are a good thing."

Paige nods "Sweet. Uh how do I get out of here?"

Wayne holds out his hands, Paige takes them and he hoists her out of the tub not letting go until she is stable.


Wayne walks behind Paige as she walks down the stairs "We have got to get you walking better. Today we are going to work on that. Tomorrow you go out on the town."

Paige squeaks "I won't have to get in the car again will I?"

Wayne sighs "Yes you will. I will drive that way Emily can comfort you while we are on the road. It will be fine Paige."

Paige swallows hard whispering "Okay."

Once they are downstairs Wayne stands down the hall holding his arms in front himself "Okay. Walk to me. I will catch you if you start to fall."

Paige starts to walk stumbling every couple steps. Wayne stays true to his word and catches Paige when she starts to fall. After about a dozen attempts Paige is walking steadily.

Wayne claps "Good job. I'm proud of you Paige. You learned that fast."

Paige smiles proudly "Thank you sir. I really appreciate your help."

Wayne waves her off "Oh don't worry about it Paige. Please call me Wayne. This sir business makes me feel old. I keep looking for my father."

Paige looks around "Is he here?"

Wayne frowns shaking his head "No unfortunately he has passed away. It's been a few years now."

Paige gasps "Oh I am so sorry."

Wayne puts his hand on her shoulder "It's okay Paige. It has been a long day why don't you go to bed? I can see you are tired. Emily do you have something for Paige to wear?"

Emily nods "Yeah. I will go get it. Do you want pants or shorts?"

Paige hums in thought "Pants. If you have."

Emily goes up stairs coming back with pants and a shirt "Here you go. There is a powder room right there."

Paige furrows her brow "You have a room just for powder?"

Emily laughs "Sorry. No. It's a room with a toilet and sink. We call it a powder room because it doesn't have a bath or shower."

Paige looks down shamefully "Oh."

Emily raises her face up "Hey it's okay. This is all new to you you're still learning. Don't feel bad. I shouldn't have laughed."

Paige smiles softly "It's a nice laugh."

Emily blushes "Thank you."

Paige strokes Emily's cheek "You're welcome."

Paige turns away going into the powder room and changing quickly "The tag is itchy."

Emily gets scissors from the drawer cutting off the tag "Is that better?"

Paige nods "Thank you."

Wayne clears his throat "Okay bed time. Be careful on the stairs hold onto the railing. I'll be down with a couple blankets in a bit."

Paige holds the railing slowly descending the stairs.

Emily comes down stairs with a blanket "I asked dad if I could bring the blanket down."

Paige lies down on one of the couches.

Emily unfolds the blanket draping it over Paige "Good night," and kisses her forehead.

Paige blushes "Good night."


Paige closes her eyes to sleep just as a whirring starts "What was that?"

Caleb whispers "I don't know."

A creak comes from the stairs "What's that? Is somewhere there?"

A clang then a hiss comes from behind her "I don't like this."

Caleb announces "Neither do I. Try to ignore it."

Paige kicks her feet letting out a scream "Something touched me."

Caleb sits up "What is it?"

Paige whimpers "I don't know. I think it's gone though. How do we sleep with all this noise?"

Paige closes her eyes tightly her heart starting to race. Outside dark clouds roll in quickly. A crash of thunder fills the air. Then rain begins to pour down. A flash of lightning followed by another crash of thunder. Then suddenly the whirring, hissing and clanging stop. Paige breathes a sigh of relief her exhaustion setting in and sleep washing over her.