Wammyman: Wow, I'm sure glad I was able to update this fast. I'm trying really hard this summer to make time for my fanfics. Wherever my life takes me I want to at least finish all the stories I have in progress (though I would love to write more stories and hope to do so). I'm just sorry that I'm posting another short chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Mermaid Melody.

Chapter 12

Later that day, Masahiro rolled up to the house on his motorcycle. With the first step off, he felt the sweet relief of freedom. After a hard day of work, Masahiro was looking forward to spending time with his wife and son, who had just mended their relationship.

"I'm home," announced the man of the house as he entered.

"Hey Dad," said Michio from the living room.

"Welcome home Dear," greeted Rina from the kitchen. To make sure that his family was no longer divided by hatred, Masahiro went into the living room.

On the couch was Michio gazing through a newspaper while lying on his back.

"Michio," said Masahiro to get his son's attention.

"Yeah," replied the boy leaning his head back causing him to see his father upside-down.

"What are you doing?"

"Waiting for dinner. Mom wants to surprise us." After taking a sigh of relief, Masahiro asked: "Why are you reading the newspaper?"

"Because Mom said I can't watch T.V. or play video games for a month because of how I acted."

"Oh, alright then," said Masahiro.

"Dinner's ready," announced Rina popping her head in.

Once the boys were seated in the dining area, Rina brought in prepared plates for everyone. These plates carried mashed potatoes, peas and chicken tenders. Michio was a bit nervous since he never tried his mother's cooking before. Despite this, he picked up his silver fork, and dug right in. The mashed potatoes were quite pale. Along his tongue Michio felt two lumps within the thick goop. He also tasted a hint of saltiness. The tiny green peas had a bitter vegetable flavor and were very soft. The skin on the chicken tenders was crunchy and a little spicy. Michio's teeth easily tore through the white meat. The meat itself, however, had little flavor.

"So," asked Rina a little anxious, "how is it?" Michio swallowed some chicken and replied: "it's good."

"So, Michio," asked the father with some potatoes on his fork, "you know about Mom's little secret, right?" The son nodded.

"So everything's fine now, right," asked Masahiro? Michio nodded again.

"Good," said Masahiro before he resumed eating. Upon looking at his mother, Michio noticed her pointing her head toward Masahiro and lipping: "Tell him." Michio nodded.

"Hey, Dad," he began to say.

"M-hm," sounded the father with his mouth full.

"Today Mom took me to the beach," continued the son.

"That sounds fun," replied Masahiro before shoving more mashed potatoes in his mouth.

"And I found out that I can breathe underwater," Michio finished quickly. Masahiro spat his food out hard enough to make it hit the wall across the room.

"What," he screamed.

"It's true," replied Rina, "I saw it myself." Masahiro took a minute to calm down.

"Well," the father finally said, "I guess you are your mother's son."

"He sure is," replied Rina with a smile.

"Speaking of which," said Michio, "Mom, I'd like to ask you something."

"Okay, shoot," said Rina before encasing more chicken in her mouth. Michio took a deep breath then asked: "Can I see your castle?" Rina had a hard time swallowing her chicken after hearing that.

"You want to visit my kingdom," asked Rina surprised.

"Well, yeah," the son answered. The mermaid thought about it for a minute then said: "If we leave tomorrow, we should make it to a festival my kingdom is having."

"Alright," replied Michio, "let's go."

"But you should know," warned Rina, "that it takes three days to get there, the festival is for one day, and it will take another three days to get back."

"I'm fine with that," said Michio.

"That means this trip will take up most of your break," translated Masahiro.

"I understand," replied Michio with a nod. The parents went into the living room to quietly discuss the matter in private. Michio's heart raced until his parents returned.

"Well Michio," Rina finally said, "we'll leave first thing in the morning." Michio grinned with much delight.

Wammyman: I hope you liked this chapter. You can decide for yourselves whether or not Rina is a good cook. Personally I…(notices Rina standing behind with a frying pan)…think she's a great cook (gets patted on head by Rina before she leaves). I'll try to get the next chapter out as soon as I can. I promise it will be longer. Please review so that I know people are still reading and enjoying this story. Thanks.