"Billy, I hope you won't spend the entirety of your time here fawning over the mermaid," griped Sari. "I'm starting to get jealous."

Billy grinned at her, turning his gaze away from the mermaid. "Don't be, babe. She can't walk or speak English. And I'm not into bestiality, even partially."

Sari glared at him, wrinkling her nose in disgust. "I was joking!"

"So was I," said Billy.

Sari's expression softened as she reached out her hand to pet the mermaid. She cooed as she touched her pale cheek. "I can't blame you," Sari said. "She is really beautiful and enchanting. I'm still awed that I got the chance to meet her. I always wanted to, after hearing all your stories about her."

"I hope you didn't get jealous during those stories as well," Billy joked.

Sari ignored him. "What's her name?"

"Huh?" Billy stared at her.

"She should have a name, shouldn't she?" Sari touched her glistening scales under the murky water.

"I don't think so," said Billy. "I mean, not as far as I know. If I could speak mermaid, she'd probably tell me what her name was. But I can't."

"Maybe we could name her," Sari suggested.

"What?"

"Come on. What's the harm?" said Sari. "We can't just keep calling her Mermaid."

"Well, as long as she isn't offended when it's a different name from the one she has," said Billy. "Are you okay with us naming you?" The mermaid blinked, smiling at him.

"I'll take that as a yes," said Billy. "Hmm, how about... Ariel?"

Sari swatted him. "No."

"Come on. It's a good name," Billy insisted, grinning. "How about Aquata? Or Arista? Or Attina? Or—"

"How do you know the names of all of Ariel's sisters?" Sari groaned.

"The Little Mermaid used to be Sam's favorite movie," Billy pointed out. "I watched it more times than I'd care to admit."

"We aren't naming her any of them," said Sari.

"Alright, then what about... Ursula?" Billy suggested. "Actually, that's probably better. It sounds badass."

"No!" Sari swatted him again. "Forget The Little Mermaid." She stared at the blonde mermaid. "She's so beautiful. And adorable."

"Now I'm jealous," Billy joked.

Sari ignored him. "How about... Genevieve?"

"Huh? Where did that come from?" Billy stared at her.

Sari shrugged. "I don't know. It was the first one that came to mind. What do you think?"

"Uh..." Billy stared into the mermaid's wide, inquisitive eyes. "What about Anneliese?"

"That's pretty too," said Sari. "But I prefer Genevieve."

Whenever Sari said that name, the mermaid's eyes seemed to light up, and she gently splashed water near her, raising her tail to Sari's hand.

"She seems to like that one," noted Billy.

"Okay. Genevieve it is," said Sari, petting her head. Genevieve cooed and smiled at her.

"Aww. I wanted to be the one to name her," complained Billy. "You prefer her name?" He pretended to look hurt, but the mermaid just splashed water near him.

"Hey!" Billy protested, spluttering. "Don't be so rude, Genevieve."

The mermaid smiled again, her face lighting up at the sound of the name.

"She definitely likes that name," said Sari, running her hand through her locks.

Billy grew serious. "We should really try to hide her."

"Yes. I hope nobody saw her," agreed Sari. It was very early in the morning, the pale blue sky streaked with pink. Nobody else was in the water park. The sun was just starting to come up now, casting a warm glow over them and making the murky dark lake gleam.

"She's probably smart enough to stay hidden," said Billy. "Aren't you, girl? I mean, Genevieve."

Genevieve ducked under the water again, the gentle splash sounding loud in the stillness of the early morning.

"See? I told you she was smart," said Billy.

"Billy, I... I just thought of something really horrible," said Sari seriously, clutching his arm.

Billy looked at her. "What is it, honey?"

"What if the people here kidnapped her?" Sari suggested. "Just like the zookeepers wanted to do. Maybe they keep her as an attraction in the water park, for everyone to enjoy."

Billy gasped. "You're right! Why didn't I ever think of that? Oh, that's so horrible." He stared at the lake sadly. "She's been kidnapped again, made an attraction to gawk at again. After all the trouble we went through to free her."

"Should we ask the park managers?" asked Sari.

"No," insisted Billy. "We might be wrong, and if we are, they'll know she's there."

They didn't have to puzzle about it any longer, because just then, they heard footsteps behind them. They froze, their hearts pounding. They were worried about getting into trouble for being there so early, along with the mermaid.

"Oh, hi." The voice didn't sound like a Horror, and they breathed sighs of relief. They turned around to see a man carrying a little girl.

"I didn't expect to see anyone else here so early," he said. "My daughter loves this place. It's one of her favorite in the park."

"Uh... we didn't either," said Billy.

"She doesn't like how loud and crowded it is, though," he said. "That's why we came so early."

"I guess we came for the same reason," said Sari, relaxing a little.

The man walked to the edge of Loch Ness Lake. "She especially likes this lake," he said, bending down and letting her run her hand over the surface of the water, causing her to giggle. His next words made them tense up and panic again.

"Especially the mermaid in it."

"What?" Billy gaped at him, his mouth open. "Mermaid?"

"Oh, you haven't seen her yet?" he said casually. "There's a mermaid in the lake. Kind of misleading, I think, since it's called Loch Ness Lake, but I guess it's their version of the Loch Ness Monster. Ashley loves her. She's so pretty and mystical."

"Pretty mermaid," Ashley giggled.

"She looks really realistic, too," he continued, oblivious to the looks of horror. "Just like a real mermaid. I wouldn't have guessed it was an actor."

"An... actor?" asked Sari, now feeling confused as well as panicked.

"Well, of course she is," he said, as if it was obvious. "Just like everyone else in this park. She's a really good actor, though. The kids love watching her and petting her as she coos to them. It must be hard swimming around in that disgusting pool, though."

"So... you think it's just an attraction?" Billy felt his heartbeat start to slow down.

"Of course it is," he said, giving him an odd look. "I hopes he gets good pay. It can't be an easy job."

"Oh, yeah... you're right," said Billy, calming down slightly, but also feeling saddened. Again, the mermaid was a prisoner, used for entertainment. "We like watching her as well. We even named her."

"Oh, yeah? What name?" he asked. "Ashley likes names. I think she'd want to name her as well."

"Ashley," she giggled, saying her own name.

"Uh... sorry," said Sari uncertainly. "Actually, I came up with her name. It's Genevieve."

"Genevieve, huh? Very pretty name," he said. "Just like the mermaid. I'm Steve, by the way. Steve Boswell. This is my daughter Ashley."

"Hi," said Billy. "I'm William Deep, and this is my wife Sari."

Steve gasped. "The William Deep? The famous undersea explorer?"

"I used to daydream about being one," Billy chuckled. "You can call me Billy, Mr. Boswell."

"Then call me Steve," he said. They shook hands.

"My friend's daughter, Rosemary, saw the mermaid as well," said Steve. "She was shocked, but we visited the park again, and she realized it was just an attraction. Ashley loved her. The mermaid, I mean."

"Well, she's so beautiful," said Sari, desperately hoping she wouldn't pop up again.

"She is," agreed Steve. "The girl playing her must be as well."

Billy felt relieved. The people they had told about the mermaid had promised not to tell anyone, and everyone else in the park thought she was just another attraction. But he was also sad. The mermaid was just a zoo exhibit held captive again, kept to be stared at everyone for entertainment. Was that all she would ever be?

Janessa sat down on the floor of the dungeon of Stagger Inn and spread out her canvas. She knew she probably shouldn't, but she had gotten the inspiration to paint, and she simply had to, even though it was barely dawn. She couldn't do it in her hotel room, afraid of waking others (she knew it was silly and unreasonable, but she didn't want to deal with the embarrassment of someone waking and spotting her even if they didn't comment on it, unless it was Aunt Sara), and she needed inspiration for the particular thing she wanted to paint. So she had crept down to the dungeon and was currently sitting next to the Slime-ing Pool, listening to the water as she spread her paintbrush over the mermaid she was drawing.

Even though she had only seen the mermaid briefly, she felt her emotions take hold of her as they always did as she spread the brush. She was actually glad she hadn't seen her more. She knew Aunt Sara would've wanted to inspect her closely, maybe even have the mermaid in front of her as she painted, to make sure she got her down perfectly, but Janessa didn't care about that. She drew the mermaid how she imagined her.

Janessa jumped as she heard footsteps behind her, streaking the brush and creating a messy stripe across the canvas. Frustrated at being interrupted, both from the painting and the relaxed state of mind she was in, she turned around angrily, only to pause. It was Sam, the boy who had told her and Selena about the mermaid.

"Oh, it's you. Uh, hi," he said sheepishly. "Sorry I interrupted you. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's fine," said Janessa, feeling her annoyance evaporating. She could never stay angry for long.

There was an awkward silence. "Uh... I guess I should leave," said Sam. "Sorry, Janessa. I didn't know someone was here."

"Yeah," said Janessa, relieved. She was about to turn back to her painting when he spoke up again.

"What are you drawing?" Her heart sped up as he walked towards her. "It's really good. You're a natural."

"Thanks," said Janessa meekly, avoiding looking at the painting.

"Is that... the mermaid?" Sam sounded surprised and curious.

Janessa didn't reply. Sam crouched down, eyeing the painting. "It's really good. Not exactly how she looks, but it's great. Wait, you're Sara Kramer's niece, right? I just remembered."

"Yeah," said Janessa meekly. "Thanks."

Sam inspected the painting, making Janessa feel self-conscious. She didn't like people inspecting her work, unless it was Aunt Sara.

"Oh, sorry," said Sam. "I made you do that stripe, didn't I? It's still really good, though. It's a beautiful painting. You have a great talent. Just like your aunt."

"Thanks," said Janessa, feeling herself blushing.

"I got your aunt's autograph," said Sam. "I saw her paintings in a museum once. You must have inherited her talent."

Janessa nodded, feeling flattered by his praise, especially being compared to her aunt and being told she was as good as her. She wanted to flap her hands, but stopped herself, knowing that would make him stare at her. Instead, she clenched them into fists, the way she had seen Aunt Sara do sometimes. It had almost the same effect.

"Uh... I know I should probably leave," said Sam, before pausing. "Oh, wait. You're probably wondering what I'm doing here, aren't you?"

When Janessa didn't reply, he said, "My parents are away in the park this early, checking out the mermaid again. I can't blame them, but I was too tired to come. But then, I wished that I had come. I wanted to see the mermaid again, but it was too late. I couldn't get to sleep, and I couldn't stop thinking about her, so I came down here, where the Slime-ing pool was. My dad tried it out. I had no intention of taking a swim, but I thought it'd... I don't know, simulate the lake the mermaid was in or something?" He blushed. "Oh, that sounds so dorky."

Janessa didn't reply, finally looking at her painting again. Then Sam said, "I guess I don't have to ask why you came here. I guess we both had the mermaid on our mind."

She nodded. He said, "I should probably leave you in peace to do your stuff, but... I really want to see the mermaid, and you're painting her, so..."

Janessa looked at him in surprise. "I'll leave if you want," he said. "Don't want to intrude on you. But I'd really like to watch you paint. You're so good at it. I wanted your aunt to paint something for me as well, but I was too shy to ask. I bet you're as good as her."

"I'm not as good," said Janessa quietly. Usually, she didn't like people watching her paint, but all of his compliments had flattered her. Besides, she had trouble saying no to people. She couldn't refuse him even if she wanted to. She was too meek. "Sure, you can stay."

"Really?" Sam's face lit up. "Thanks, Janessa. You're the best."

Janessa continued painting, feeling self-conscious as Sam watched. She also felt the back of her neck heating up, but that must be from her self-consciousness.

"I think her hair is a little longer," remarked Sam.

Janessa was startled, but added another layer of golden paint. "Oh, this doesn't look too good," she said. "My aunt is way better. She'd draw a perfect replica of the mermaid."

"Your aunt's paintings are more professional," admitted Sam. "But I like your one more. It's more... real. More genuine, somehow. Looking at it, I feel like I can see what you're thinking and feeling." He blushed. "Oh, sorry. That sounded really silly, didn't it?"

"Not really," said Janessa, curling the brush up as she completed the mermaid's hair. "That's why I paint, mostly. I don't like to talk much, so when I paint, I feel like I can express myself."

"I feel the same way about books," said Sam. "I feel like I can be sucked into the story. Like I feel like I can be sucked into your painting."

"I feel the same way," said Janessa, sitting back and observing her work so far. "Sometimes, I wish I could be sucked into the painting. I wish could escape from real life." She blushed. "Does that sound cheesy?"

"Not at all," said Sam. "I don't really feel the same way, though. My parents are always dragging me to places in their jobs. My dad's an undersea explorer, and my mom's an Egyptian archaeologist. I guess it sounds weird, since I read about adventures like that all the time in books, but I don't want to actually experience them. I don't like being on my great-uncle's boat, or in the heat of Egypt with my other great-uncle. It's best to stay in the books, I think."

"Oh, I agree," said Janessa. "Kind of. I don't like being dragged to places either. My parents are always trying to 'encourage' me into things. My sister is talented and can do anything well — except painting, the one thing I'm good at — but I don't like trying new things. Even if it's just a ballet or piano lesson. I only really like painting."

She surprised herself with how much she had talked. She rarely poured her heart out like that, let alone to strangers. But the boy seemed so nice and understanding. He looked at her with a slight, shy smile, making her cheeks heat up.

"I do want to be sucked into paintings, but only so I could escape from everything," she continued. "It's so overwhelming sometimes. All the noise and people and sounds and lights... My paintings seem much more peaceful." She blushed, thinking she had said too much.

"I know how you feel," said Sam. "I only like the ocean at night, when I can hear the waves splashing gently outside in the breeze. It sounds so soothing then. It can lull me to sleep when I'm on my great-uncle's boat."

There was a brief silence as Janessa continued to paint, but it seemed comfortable and natural, rather than awkward like silences involving Janessa usually were. He watched her paint without a further comment, to her relief. She didn't like to be distracted while painting.

"Well, I think I'm just about finished," she said finally, putting down her brush. She chuckled. "If it was my aunt, she'd spend way more time over the painting, making sure it was perfect."

"Well, I'm glad you're not going to," said Sam. "I don't think I could stand watching you paint for so long. Even if you're cute when you paint."

Janessa blushed. Had he really just said that?"

"Uh... why don't you have it?" Janessa suggested. "The painting, I mean."

Sam looked at her. "Really? You mean that?"

"Sure," said Janessa. "You want to see the mermaid, right? Your dad would probably like this painting, too. It can be a memento."

"That's very nice of you," said Sam. "But are you sure you wouldn't like to keep it for yourself?"

"I have plenty of other paintings. Anyway, I think my aunt would be jealous that I managed to paint her before her. She wanted to paint her first," she added jokingly.

"Well, if you're sure," said Sam hesitantly. When she nodded, he smiled at her. "Thanks a lot, Janessa. That's really nice of you."

She helped him take the canvas off. "Be careful," she warned. "It's still wet."

"I'll be very careful," he promised, inspecting the painting.

"The mermaid is really pretty, isn't she?" said Janessa.

"Yeah. Almost as pretty as you," said Sam.

She stared at him, surprised. He started blushing, seeming to realize what he had said. "Uh... bye, Janessa." He waved goodbye to her. "Thanks again. You're really nice, and talented."

Janessa waved goodbye to him, her heart pounding. Then she jumped to her feet and started flapping her hands happily, trying to stop herself from squealing in happiness. She had made a friend. At least, she thought so. And he seemed to like her. No boy liked her before. They all thought she was weird. But he understood her, and had called her cute and pretty and nice and talented. And she really liked him as well. Maybe they would be close.

I was going to do a super long chapter with a bunch of sections, but decided against it. Sam and Janessa are so cute together. The clenching fists thing is something I do. I think I'm trying to prevent myself from flapping, which I used to do.