Chapter 35: A Public Display
Sara and Dr. Denman walked casually through the back entrance to the Marine Park, away from any onlookers or reporters. Denman quickly headed for an office close to the dolphin area of the Park, still within areas only accessible by staff. Sara just followed behind. Denman worked in the Marine Park, and it was best to let her take the lead. Sara still kept her mind on the incoming demonstration she would give 's what worried her the most.
Sara and Denman entered the office to see a darker skinned man scowling as he sat behind a desk. He was looking downward at a laptop screen in front of him. His eyes moved up when he saw the two enter, and he immediately jumped up in elation. "Oh my god… You're Sara Meyer! The mermaid! Dr. Denman told me you would be coming here today but….Wow to see you in person… This is amazing," he rambled.
"Uh… Thank you?" Sara spoke, quite confused as she shook his hand. She looked up to Denman for explanation.
"Sara, this is Laurie, one of my most trusted associates here at the Marine Park. And Laurie… Well, it appears you already know who Sara is," Denman introduced them.
"Of course. I was just watching the whole press conference. I am definitely impressed by everything. And wow, to actually meet you… That's amazing. As a marine biologist this is huge for the advancement of our field" Laurie stuttered.
"Is everyone going to act like this on meeting me?" Sara asked to Denman.
"It's possible. Better for them to be starstruck rather than fearful or angry," Denman suggested.
"I suppose you're right. I want people to accept me, so I'll take it for now. Ok, what's the plan for today?" Sara asked.
"Well, Laurie has been setting up the main tank that is usually used for Dolphin shows for you. Basically you're going to give two shows. One coming up soon, and the other one about an hour after the first. You hop in, swim around for a bit and show your tail, do whatever you want, you talk about how awesome it is being a mermaid, you get out, dry off, your legs reappear, wave goodbye and that's it." Denman quickly explained. "I would say it isn't too strenuous."
"I guess that doesn't sound so bad," Sara relented. "Might feel good to show how I can swim. The only time people have really seen me in my tail is on the Cafe floor, which was really undignified. That was… I don't want to talk about it."
"Sure surprised the world though," Laurie added. "So many people have been talking about it. Have you checked social media at all?"
"No way. I logged out of all my social media and disappeared off the internet. I don't want to see at all what people are saying about me. It just makes me sick just thinking about it."
"Everyone's going crazy about you! You've become an instant celebrity."
"That's what I feared. Everyone is probably scared and hating me," Sara moaned.
"Are you kidding? So many people love you. You already have a fan club page started with over fifty thousand members!" Laurie raved.
"Really? I… How?" Sara was increasingly bewildered.
"I don't know. You're something the world has not yet seen before," Laurie added. "People had seen mermaids in movies and on tv, probably when they were kids. To see that actually be real makes people think of their childhood again? I don't know."
"But it hasn't been that long since I was revealed. It's been less than a full day... I'm gonna wait much longer than that before I decide if everyone likes me or not," Sara spoke.
Just then, the office door burst open. Sara spun in defensive position anticipating a flood of reporters, only to see Mia and Katy push past and run straight at her. "SARA!" they both shouted and hit her with a massive group hug. Farley stepped in after them, followed by the rest of Team Mako.
Sara began to tear up. "You guys made it," she stated. "I… I'm so glad you all are here."
"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Katy affirmed.
"We watched your whole press conference on TV," Mia added, "You were pretty awesome up there."
Sara moved on to Farley, who stepped up and kiss her passionately, much to the chagrin of her parents. He released her quickly. "I heard what you said about me," he swooned. "I'm glad you tolerate me so much."
"I only spoke what I truly felt," Sara spoke, staring up into his eyes. Sara moved away from Farley and onto her parents, who hugged her close.
"You were so brave today Sara. You looked confident and determined. We couldn't be more proud of you," Karen stated.
"As much as I hate to admit, it was kinda fun," Sara replied. It felt good to have her friends and parents there supporting her. She released her parents and turned to the rest of the group.
Just then, Zane's phone rang. "It's Rikki again. I wonder what she wants," He gulped, placing the phone gently up to his ear. "Hello?"
"WHY THE FUCK IS DENMAN INVOLVED WITH SARA YOU STUPID PIECE OF ABSOLUTE SHITE?!" Rikki screamed into the other end. What followed was a barrage of anger and hatred coming from the other line. Even without being on speaker phone, everyone in the office heard every word, and they all shifted uncomfortably. Sara lost count at how many f-words were shouted by Rikki after the first dozen.
When the tirade subsided, Zane spoke calmly and collectively into the phone. "Would you like to speak to Sara about this? I think she might want to explain a few things. She's the one that trusts Denman." Zane nodded, listening to Rikki, then handed the phone to Sara. "My girlfriend would like a few words with you. Don't worry, she promised not to scream at you."
Sara nervously placed the phone up to her ear. "H-hello?" She stammered, scared of how Rikki might respond.
"So… You're involved with the Devil Doctor herself huh?" Rikki spoke blatantly.
"I'm… assuming you're talking about Dr. Denman…"
"Of course I'm talking about Denman! Who else did you think I'm talking about? Sara, why the hell are you involved with her! You have to know the story of what she did to us!."
"She told me everything. The whole story. Even the first time I met her, when it was pretty clear that telling me that story would make her look evil and terrible. She seemed truly regretful and sorry over what she'd done."
"That's what she wants you to think! She's a manipulative and conniving bitch! You can't trust her!"
"Then why did Emma allow her brother to become her assistant! Oh yeah, I know about Emma Gilbert, and I know what happened to you, her, and Cleo. She forgave Denman enough to let Elliot work for her. Would you like to speak to Elliot? Have him corroborate my story?" Sara blasted.
The line was silent for a moment. Rikki shifted gears. "Alright fine, let's say for all intents and purposes that she has changed and you trust her. How did you meet her? And, why is she your scientific advisor?"
Sara quickly and nervously explained the story about how she was caught by Denman, following with Denman's story of redemption, and how it lead to the present day. Surprisingly, Rikki stayed unusually silent during the entire story. When Sara finished, the line went silent for a moment. "Are you still there?" Sara asked.
"Give Denman the phone," Rikki commanded. "I would like to speak with her."
Sara turned, handing the phone to Denman. "She wants to talk with you," Sara stated anxiously.
Denman gulped. "I had a bad feeling this would be coming eventually," She said, putting the phone up to her ear. For a few minutes, silence continued. Rikki didn't seem to be yelling as the others couldn't hear her. Denman kept nodding and agreeing throughout the entire conversation. Soon, the call seemed to end, as Denman said bye and hung up the phone, handing it back to Zane.
"What did she say?" Katy asked.
"She… will allow us to continue as planned. She doesn't trust me at all, but she knows that Sara trusts me. And… I guess that's good enough for her. However, she did say that if I ever double crossed any of you, she'd boil me alive. Which, I wouldn't doubt at all," Denman explained.
"Sounds like something she'd do," Mia joked.
"Can I please ask who you people are all?" Laurie interrupted.
Everyone turned stunned at him. They had all forgotten everything about him being in the room. Denman seized advantage and pulled him up. "Everyone, this is Laurie. He is my most trusted scientific partner here at the Marine Park," Denman stated. "Laurie, this is our little team. We're all here in support of Sara."
"Are all of you mermaids?" he questioned, surprised look on his face.
"Of course not," Mitch snapped. "Don't try to assume anything about us."
"Whether they are or not, Laurie, nothing spoken in here must leave this room. Do not betray my trust," Denman warned. "Your discretion will be rewarded."
"Wow this is… Wait, then are some of you mermaids at least?" Laurie asked.
"Laurie, don't ask questions you don't want the answers to," Denman added again. "All you need know is that Sara is one, and you and I are going to work with her on the show today."
"Don't condescend to me Linda. I'm a strict professional such as yourself, and not some starstruck fanboy or greedy backstabber. But, I suppose you're right. However, I would like to speak with you after the event if I may."
"And we shall, but for now, the demonstration will begin soon, and we need to prepare," Denman stated.
"What do I need to do now for that?" Sara asked.
"You don't need to do anything yet. They're getting everything prepped out there," Laurie stated, gesturing toward the window. Sara peered outside and gasped. In front of her was a large pool, seemingly normal for dolphin shows. However, beyond that was the stands, crowded with people, mostly journalists, eager to see the mermaid in action. Sara began to feel her knees weaken at the seeing the massive amount of people crowding into the stands. She grabbed the window frame to support herself before strength returned to her legs.
"Oh my god. There are so many people out there right now wanting to see me…" Sara trailed off. "What am I going to do…"
The others rushed to the window as well. "Now this is getting ridiculous," Farley stated.
"No shit sherlock," Laura berated.
"Listen minion, we have to work together on this," Farley fired back. "Plus, it's Mia's job to make the sarcastic comments."
"Yeah. Take that! Wait… What?" Mia spoke.
"Come on. Let's all relax," Blake suggested. "We can't fight among us. Besides this is what we need to do."
"I just hope such a public display of Sara's abilities will lead people to love her. One less thing to worry about," Katy spoke.
"What are the rest of us going to do while Sara's doing her thing out there?" Farley asked.
"The rest of you are going to go to the backstage viewing area," Denman explained. "It'll give you all a clear view of the demonstration without having you hassled by the crowd of journalists. Laurie will guide you there."
Laurie nodded, and he guided the others away toward the viewing room, leaving Denman and Sara alone in the office. Sara solemnly stared out the window as even more patrons crowded into the stands. "Cheer up Sara, They're going to love you," Denman stated.
"Maybe so… I don't know… This whole thing is just too bizarre…" Sara replied.
"And being a mermaid isn't bizarre enough on its own?"
Sara chuckled. "Alright you got me there. How much longer have I got before I'm on?"
"About twenty minutes or so."
Sara nodded. She would be ready.
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Twenty minutes later, Sara steadied herself. It was time. Laurie had returned from delivering the rest of Team Mako to the observation room. Denman stepped up to the main door leading out onto the pool deck. "Ok Sara. This is it. Are you…"
"Yeah whatever. I'm ready. I told you I hate being asked that," Sara responded quickly. "I'm good. Let's fucking do this."
"Ok. Let's go," Denman replied. Sara nodded, and the two of them stepped out of the door and into the blinding sunlight. As soon as they both stepped out onto the deck, the talking stopped, and the entire crowd grew silent. Sara cautiously stepped toward the pool with hundreds of eyes on her. She looked toward Denman hopefully, who grabbed a headset from Laurie and placed it on her head.
"Greetings ladies and gentlemen!" Denman spoke through the headset, magnifying her voice through the speaker system. "It is my privilege to introduce the mermaid, Sara Meyer!" Sara couldn't help but beam as the entire crowd burst into applause and cheers, all for her. She quickly covered her smile and replaced it with a calm demeanor. "Ms. Meyer will now give a demonstration of her abilities."
Feeling courage, Sara placed her hand into the air to quiet the crowd, who stopped the applause short, eager to see what would happen next. Sara returned her gaze to Denman, who nodded at her in response.
Sara gazed out over the water of the pool. Gathering all the strength and courage she could, Sara dove straight into the pool. Under the water, her tail appeared after ten seconds. Ok…. This is it…. Sara thought to herself. Swimming forward toward the edge of the pool closest to the crowd, Sara broke the surface, crawling onto the solid ground. She used her strong core to lift her tail up behind her in full view of the stunned crowd.
For several seconds, the pool was silent as the hundreds of attendees stared at Sara in shock and silence. Then, an enormous and deafening roar of cheers and applause came from the crowd. Sara looked out and saw all the people on their feet, cheering her on while cameras flashed all around her. Sara smiled and waved out at the crowd, who responded with another round of cheers and celebration.
Sara flipped backward into the pool. I might as well show off to everyone. She thought to herself, while simultaneously sending the message telepathically to Mia, Katy, and Farley, knowing it would make them slightly jealous of her. For the next ten minutes, Sara swam around the pool multiple times, showing off her speed and swimming skill. There was even a window near the bottom of the pool where multiple people including several wide-eyed children had crowded around to get a clear view of Sara. She waved at them as she flew past.
Sara had an idea pop into her head. She stayed down toward the bottom of the pool. A red light flashed underneath the water, which was Denman and Zane's way of letting Sara know that she needed to return to the surface. She wanted to try something first.
Steadying herself, she pushed off against the bottom of the pool, and within two tail strokes, she broke the surface, soaring into the air, high above the pool. She peaked at about fifteen feet in the air. Oh shit…. Sara panicked as she began falling toward the pool again. She formed herself into a dive position and shut her eyes!
SPLASH! Sara hit the water with tremendous force. Luckily, she had gotten into the dive position quickly, and instead of taking the brunt of the force, she slid relatively easily back under the surface. A rush of adrenaline hit Sara as she slowly recuperated. I think that's enough excitement for one day. Sara returned to the surface. She took a second to clear her head as she made her way toward the back edge where Denman was waiting, headset in hand.
"That was amazing," Denman whispered to Sara, "That last jump was incredible! How did you manage it?"
"I don't know… I've seen dolphins do it before, so I thought I could do it easily. That landing hurt though," Sara joked. Denman handed the headset to Sara. "What do you want me to do with this?" She asked.
"Talk to the crowd. Say some things," Denman suggested. "They all love you. This will make you seem more human. And don't worry. It's waterproof."
Sara grabbed the headset out of Denman's hand and placed it over her head. "Hello everyone!" She spoke cheerfully into the microphone. The crowd roared with applause and cheers. Sara had to admit that it felt really good. "I want to thank you all for coming out today to witness my abilities." As the crowd cheered around here, even louder than before, Sara began to feel better. For the first time since being revealed, she felt positive about the future.
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