The next few weeks were the beginning.
The beginning of the unknown. The beginning of an infinite number of wonderful possibilities.
I don't think I smiled more in my entire life.
I even smiled through tears during the funeral for Tommy. Sadness and happiness intertwined inside me that morning as I remembered the first time he showed me his magic. He'd changed the color of my shirt from purple to green, and when I still didn't believe him, he added tiny wolf heads to the front. I'd laughed so hard, refusing his offers to change the shirt back for me. I still had the changed shirt in one of my drawers. I planned to wear it my first day back at school. And that's exactly what I did, not even noticing the strange looks I got. I'm going to wear it again soon.
Most of the supernaturals who showed up to fight faded back into the shadows of society once things settled down. Many, including Milos, Kayleigh, Emma, Max, Kiara, and Kye, promised to spread my message of acceptance and cooperation. It was nice to know they took my words to heart—that they'd be out there trying to change the world.
Eloise disappeared the day after the battle. I still wasn't sorry to see her go. If I only see her one more time over the course of my life it will be too many. I hope she never has another vision of my future. I prefer to keep it a mystery.
After staying a few extra days for Tommy's funeral and just some much needed relaxing beach days, Bella flew back to Australia. I asked her if she planned on honoring Shira's troublemaking wishes.
"Maybe not how she would expect," she told me. "But, yeah, in my own way, I think I will."
I wanted her to stay longer, but she said her other mermaid friends needed her. I knew she'd be all too happy to help them in whatever way she could. Maybe she'll even end up saving the world.
All the tribe members returned home once the battle was over. Though the losses were minimal, Ryan, my shifting trainer from the tribe, was one of the people who lost his life in the battle, along with one of the immortals from the town and two tribe members I hadn't known. The tribe members were given proper burials back at the tribe. Taz told Fallon she was welcome to come with them, even offering her a position on the council in the tribe. She refused. She claimed she wanted to exercise her freedom and use it to discover the world. But, for now, she decided to continue living with my family. And she said she'll stay at least until she starts college. We'll see how long that lasts.
Instead of simply taking his father's place, Taz held an election in the tribe. He let the people decide who they wanted to lead. The vote ended in a tie. Now, Taz and Fawn work together. According to Fallon, the pair's first move as the new leaders is to put the tribe on the map. They want to make the tribe a real U.S.A. town. With the fence already gone, they're hoping the time for hiding is in the past.
Same goes for my own town. Of course, we're not exactly spreading the word that supernaturals exist, but, after the exposure at the concert and the number of people under Seb's control, it was kind of impossible to keep everything a secret. A majority of the town now knows about the existence of supernaturals. And after learning what Price was really up to, people were more willing to accept us. Life is much easier now because of that.
Grace, Annie, and Connor have fully embraced my and Jet's shapeshifter side. Annie in particular has asked me repeatedly if she can swim with me as a dolphin. Tommy's mother let Connor take Tommy's supernatural encyclopedia. I know he misses his best friend more than anything and Connor's taken it upon himself to take Tommy's place as our human library. Every day at lunch he surprises us with a new fact about a supernatural. It still surprises me how there is still so much we don't know.
A few days after the beach battle, Skye walked in the house and announced to anyone listening that she and Zachary Rubin were officially dating. I asked her if they'd been on a date yet. She was reluctant to admit that no, that hadn't gone on a date, but was quick to point out that neither had Jet and I. She then went on to brag about how she was off the market until Cole asked how much Zach had paid for her and said he'd pay more if she shut up.
Cole decided to drop out of school. After the number of classes he missed, he wasn't going to pass the semester anyway. Still, our parents were beyond pissed. He hasn't told them yet, but he wants to go live in the tribe. Losing his tiger form made him realize how big a part of himself it really is. He wants his life to revolve around that part of him and see if he can help make a difference in the tribe. Though I don't want him to leave, I want to support him the way he's always supported me.
But the best part about being able to relax in my own house was that my father was finally home, and my family was all together again. We're whole. That doesn't mean things are normal. Nowhere near that. But that's okay. I don't want normal anyway. Because, overall, things are just better as they are.
The other day Fallon told me Brad asked her out. They're going on their first official date a week from Saturday. She keeps pestering Brad to tell her where he's taking her, but his mouth remains firmly shut on that topic. I can tell it's driving Fallon nuts. But I can also tell she's really excited. And super happy.
Brad's happy too. I think he smiles more than me these days. Any argument he has with Fallon always ends in laughter. And despite his family losing their whole profession, things are going well at home for him. Brad said his mother and father have been throwing around the idea of starting a school for self-defense. I told him I think it's a great idea, and both Fallon and Jet agree. Fallon even offered to be one of the instructors.
Brad and Nathan officially introduced Jet as their brother, son, and a shapeshifter to the rest of the family. Helen was surprisingly understanding and welcoming of Jet. They're planning entire family dinners every other Sunday night. Deirdre even's been invited to join them, seeing as she and Jet now live together. Jet says that once the awkwardness dies down, he wants me to come too. Hunters and shapeshifters all under one roof. It's incredible. Not perfect, but probably as close as it's going to get.
There is one thing in my that's perfect. Me and Jet. Without life threatening events and power-hungry people out to get us, Jet and I can just be us. Jet can be himself. And I don't have to be Luka or the "one of many forms" or whatever. I'm finally able to be me. And, maybe most importantly, we can be "we" together. Who knows? Maybe we'll have a real date one of these days. Candles, roses, and all.
I peeked at the time on my phone, before stowing it in my pocket.
Crap.
It was already half past three. The weather was absolutely beautiful today. Flowers were in the air, birds sang, the breeze whistled, and the sweet temperature caressed my exposed skin. It was the first spring day we'd had all year. And I wanted to enjoy it. I was enjoying it, but I'd gotten a little carried away coming home from school.
Locking my Jeep, I walked around to the backyard. Jet was waiting for me along the tree line behind my house. "You're late," he said.
"Yeah, sorry," I said, my neck creeping toward my shoulders. "Bella called, she wanted to catch up."
He narrowed his eyes at me. "You're lying."
I know I overdid my shocked expression. "What? I am not," I protested.
"Oh yeah? What'd you two talk about?"
I shrugged. "You know, the usual stuff."
"Like what?"
"Like…uh…girl stuff?"
His face told me he wasn't buying one second of my crap story. I was such a terrible liar.
"Why can I never fool you?"
Jet shook his head, a smirk teasing his lips. Pointing to his head, he said, "Lie detector, remember?"
I groaned and rolled my head around my shoulders. "Of course. Bella didn't call," I relented.
He raised his black eyebrows at me. "So where were you?"
"Fallon and I took the scenic route home."
"It can't be more scenic than our route."
Smiling, I recalled the breathtaking scenes that awaited us. "True." I sighed. "Nothing compares."
I reached for the end of my dress as Jet lifted his t-shirt up and over his head. I pulled my dress off, letting it fall to the ground. The sun was warm on my bare back.
"Just don't stop to smell the roses out there," he teased. "I don't want you too far behind me."
My head snapped up. "What makes you think I'll be behind you?"
He unbuttoned his shorts and tilted his head to one side. "Aren't you usually?"
"I am not," I said quickly, though I struggled to remember a time I had actually won one of our races.
He shrugged his shoulders. "If you say so," he said, "Why don't you prove me wrong?" Dropping his last article of clothing, he shifted into his black wolf.
"I will," I said before shifting as well, my paws needing the dirt.
We didn't need a starting gun for our race. Or a track. One look at each other and we took off. Darting through the trees, I relished in the feeling of the wind blowing my fur. With every step, the ground pushed me further until I felt like, with just one more little shove, I could be soaring instead of running.
Jet was right. I was behind him. But not for long.
His feet glided along like he was walking on air, like this was the easiest thing in the world. Finding the strength and energy within, I forced myself to move faster. Seconds passed, but I was gaining.
Just a little further.
He let out a laugh of a bark before pulling ahead again. No. I was so close! I didn't want to give up. I wouldn't give up.
I lunged for Jet.
And crashed right into him. All four pairs of feet lost contact with the ground as we tumbled. Together, we rolled through dirt and brush and blooming flowers, only stopping when our momentum let us. We landed side by side, our limbs very tangled. The sun shone through the canopy of trees. Strands of Jet's black fur caught the rays and reflected them back at me.
Staring at each other, we shifted back to human form at the same time. Our laughter joined the coos of the birds and the excited rustles of small animals.
I leaned forward and kissed him. He eagerly kissed me back. I hoped the rushing feeling I got in my stomach whenever we kissed never went away. Pulling away, Jet brushed a leaf out of my hair and replaced it with a bright, yellow dandelion.
"I told you I'd win," he bragged.
I glared at him and swung my arm to slap his shoulder, but he caught my wrist and pulled me in for another kiss. I ran my hands over his chest and up to his shoulders. Leaning close, I whispered into his lips, "You haven't won yet."
With a playful shove, I jumped up and shifted, dashing away. He was quick to follow me.
Jet always beat me. He was just naturally faster. But maybe I could actually win this time. Hey, things could change.
After all, I did have a head start.
THE END
Dear Readers (because anyone who's reached this letter or simply read the very 1st chapter is one),
It's time to click that little "Complete" button.
Wow. That's it. That's the end. I can't believe it. I want to take the time to properly thank you, because without any of you this never would have happened. I've been writing stories since first grade, but not once have I finished such an intricate (and long) project. I owe you for that.
Originally, this wasn't going to be a trilogy and Marina wasn't going to be anyone other than a girl who was jealous of Bella. But she grew to be so much more than that and, as she grew, so did her story. I recognize that my connection to the incredible show, "H2O: Just Add Water," that started this trilogy to begin with, has dwindled with each new chapter. To those who wish I incorporated more of the show into my three stories, I understand (this is a fanfiction site) and I'm sorry it didn't work out that way. Marina's story took on a life of its own and, though I tried, Bella's space in it grew smaller and smaller. Despite that, I hope that those of you who stuck with Marina loved reading her thoughts, feelings, and actions as much as I enjoyed writing them.
Right now, I would like to individually thank all my reviewers for this third and final chapter of Marina's story. Each and every one of your reviews had me smiling or nodding in agreement or questioning my writing. You were the ones who reminded me of why some characters belong together (and others don't), of some small details I might have forgotten, of why I love all my characters, and of what I should be excited about. But, most of all, you reminded me why I write, and continue to write, every day. So the biggest thank you to:
CelticH2O
theflashbarryallen
ObsessedwReading
panfan87
BookPaige54
MirkaKaroliina
Heartitude
madeleine123
InGodIstilltrust
Doveflight
RS975950
liveonpurpose
And thank you to all the anons:
the numerous Guests
Uggghhhh
Excited
Lauren
Bluefire
Dreamwings
Docttorwhofan2
Lauren 111
I could never thank you enough for taking the time to read my work and share your opinion. And an extra thank you to any who read and reviewed my first two stories (you helped me get here)! But wait! That's not all! I would also like to thank all those who favorited, followed, or simply clicked on my story to give it a chance. You have all made an impact on these pieces and on me.
Each one of these stories taught me something new about writing and reading. Secrets on the Shore of California taught me to enjoy the ride. Secrets in the Woods of California taught me that not all problems can be solved. And, Secrets Outside of California taught me to trust my characters, to trust the story. I sincerely wish that you were able to take something away from these stories as well. If I ever revise this trilogy to one day publish (hopefully) for real, I will remember all of you. Marina, Jet, Brad, Tommy, Fallon, and all the others will remember that you were the ones who first took interest in their lives. I hope you will remember them.
Love,
Colette
P.S. Sorry for all the sap. I'm feeling sentimental.
