Hi! This is a lovely new chapter here! Loving the reviews as always, but...
3 REVIEWS LEFT UNTIL 300!
And remember, the 300th reviewer gets the big chapter dedication, as well as an epic chapter!
Also, the 29th passed and I'm 17! So, feel free to write anything for for the big occasion! (I'm also learning how to drive!)
ENJOY!
Previously...
(Marana)
As I sat down at the window of my sister's bedroom, I couldn't help but stare outside of the window as the rain poured down. It was thundering behind the dark, gray clouds and I almost smiled in satisfaction, almost as if I created this downpour personally. The once warm day was leaving water vapors on my window and I felt myself smile at the turbulent weather.
...
Annette gave me an incredulous look. "Of course I am! I'm not missing my own daughter's first singing performance! What kind of mother would I be!?"
One that didn't deserve the right to carry my sister for 9 months.
...
As I sat down at the window of my sister's bedroom, I couldn't help but stare outside of the window as the rain poured down. It was thundering behind the dark, gray clouds and I almost smiled in satisfaction, almost as if I created this downpour personally. The once warm day was leaving water vapors on my window and I felt myself smile at the turbulent weather.
...
(Charlotte)
I snuggled into his arms as we kept walking. So much has changed after in a year and definitely for the better. Emma and her spent a lot of time together, on and off land, Cleo and I have managed to set aside their differences and become friends, and Rikki didn't hate her anymore and seemed to like her more. They weren't exactly best friend, but more like close acquaintances.
And her relationship with Lewis was at its strongest. At first, it hurt when he eventually admitted that he was only with me to get over Cleo. Even if part of me had always known that, the truth still hurt. But eventually, we worked past it. I had my trust issues and he had his, and then came a time we broke up and I let him be with Cleo.
But that ended differently: Instead of staying with her, Lewis still chose me. ME! He had learned to like me, and eventually, he fell in love me.
...
A bitter, eerie feeling spread across my body. I was a chilly feeling, almost as if I was stuck in a cold storm in the middle of the ocean. I couldn't breath and my lungs felt like they were suffocating and it all just felt wrong. Just so, so wrong.
I started hyperventilating and looking around, absolutely sure someone was watching me. I get feels and chills whenever I felt this, but now it was like I was being watched. Prey being stalked by a predator.
...
"Char, if you think someone knows about you or is getting pretty close to it, I...I high advise that you tell the girls. This wouldn't be their first rodeo. They've thwart people before. Hell, they even stopped Kim from finding out and she had massive evidence to support her claim!" he joked.
...
Dear God, what would I do without this guy?
...
(Coves)
Those who've earned the right to be called a Mother have been known to do everything in their power to protect their child, regardless of whether is was the right thing to do or not. Would Annette call the Coves crazy and try to hide Charlotte away? Would she even believe they were telling the truth? What if Marana realizes Annette is on to her and decides to harm her?
...
Laguna nodded. "I don't feel comfortable asking two land-dwellers to enter our world unknowingly to get close to Marana. That mermaid has gotten smarter over the years than I thought. First, it was the water creature or creation or, as Charlotte calls it, the 'Water Snake', which was created years beyond its time. Then, it was luring Charlotte to the moon pool that changed her and demonstrating her control over it. And the next one was destroying Charlotte's peace of mind and making her see those awful things that never happened. And now, the final hammer to the nail: She's taken possession over her and her body! Please tell me Karen- no, enlighten me- on how bringing in possibly 2-3 innocent humans into our world makes it any better? Or yet, tell me what lie we should tell them!?"
...
"Hey, Jonathan's back."
Back at the Coves' Residence...
Laguna's POV
When Jonathan came in, heavily drenched from head to toe, he quickly ushered inside Ms. Williams and Mr. Byrnes, who were also sporting raincoats for this dreary weather.
Mr. Byrnes looked around my home and whistled. "Wow, I've known you guys for nearly three years and this is the first time I've been invited to your place. Sweet!"
I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes as he gave Brendan a high-five. But the atmosphere itself stopped my grandson from giving it full-heartedly.
I saw Ms. Williams glare at him. "And I don't think that's a good thing. Seriously, my mother will kill me for lying if she finds out I lied about where I was going!"
"And what's more important: Your mom or your best friend!?" Brendan stated harshly.
"Brendan!" Karen scolded.
I looked to see Ms. Williams surprised by the animosity before recovering. "You're right. I was called because you guys said you needed my help. I don't know what this idot here has to give-"
"HEY!" Riley interjected.
"-but if I can help bring my best friend back, let me in," she finished.
I looked back at Karen and she gave me a knowing look. We needed to do this.
"Alright, take a seat in the living room please," Karen instructed, "Brendan, take their coats."
"But mom!" he whined.
"No buts, Mister!" Karen demanded, glaring at her son who mumbled incoherently under his breath. Ms. Williams shrugged off her floral-patterned raincoat while Mr. Byrnes just threw it at him before joining the rest of my family in the living room.
There was at least 2 couches and a loveseat that circled a wooden table with a TV in front of them. The two teens sat on the opposite side of us, albeit sat apart from each other.
"So," Mr. Byrnes started, "you guys called us about Charlotte. And in case you're asking if her behavior has gotten any better, then the answer is No."
And then Ms. Williams elaborated. "After the...incident, Char got her revenge pretty quickly on those involved. Including me-"
"With good reason," he interjected.
"-SHUT UP! Anyways, we were all told to come to the principal's office and, of course we were nervous that Charlotte ratted on us, which we totally deserved. But when we first walked into the office, we didn't see him. Instead, there was a not on the desk saying: PAYBACK'S A BITCH! oxoxox Charlotte. I was probably one of the few that ran out of the room before, like, a hundred balloons fell from the ceiling and hit the others. That balloons weren't exactly hot water, but it was hot enough for them to get the message. And it turns out, according to the receptionist, the Principal was nowhere near his office all day nor did she call for us.
Charlotte is taking this revenge waaaayyyy too far."
My eyes widened. This had Marana written all over it. Of course, her retaliation at the said incident wasn't going to be the last one.
"Was anyone hurt?" Karen asked.
"No, but a lot of bruised egos happened," Ms. Williams retorted, "so, why am I here with the idiot?"
Mr. Byrnes gave her a rather harsh glare before I decided to answer.
"You're here because we need your help. We think you two are the only people who can get through to Charlotte," I said.
There, it was now out in the open.
But the two teens looked at me as if I told them the Secret.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" they exclaimed simultaneously. This caused everyone, but me, to jump in surprise.
"No, no way! If it was just me, I would be on board full-heartedly! But she caused all this and you want her to bring Charlotte back from the Dark Side?" Riley exclaimed in ridicule, "Laguna, are you out of your mind!?"
Before I could answer, Ms. Williams practically shot up and slapped him upside the head.
"OWW! What the Hell was that for?!" he screamed while rubbing the back of his head.
"First off: NEVER ask a woman if she's lost her mind!" Alaine exclaimed. "And secondly, as much as I second that motion, I want to at least hear her reasoning!"
My eyes widened for a second before allowing a hidden smile to form. Perhaps there was more to her relationship to the mermaid that I believed.
"We need both of your help. You two are the closest people she has, and perhaps you could break through to her," Karen said.
"Well, if you want to get close and personal, I'm sure her mom could arrange some arrangement," Riley stated.
Me and Karen glanced at each other. Though we have discussed this back and forth, with me finally admitting that Annette might be brought into the fold, that didn't mean we- well, I- were going to tell her. But that doesn't mean we wouldn't be keeping an eye on her. From my experience, Marana was anything but merciful towards any of the women that gave birth to Ane'lie in the past.
"Well, we haven't. Besides, as much as we see Charlotte like she was one of our own, it felt...easier to let her parent her daughter. Let her try to get through to her," I said as the lie went smoothly through my lips.
Yes, that was the pitiful cover story my family and I came up with in case one of them asked. And, of course, Karen was against it.
I caught Ms. Williams looking at me with a doubtful look on her face. I realized that she knew I was lying and was possibly wondering why.
I saw Mr. Byrnes give me the same look and sighed internally. Charlotte's choice of friends always seemed more perceptive than I thought. Mermaids were one thing. Humans who could see through lies were another.
"Alright," the eighteen year old boy states, raising his hand, "I give. I'll help you guys. Admittingly, Charlotte's been avoiding me anyways and I've been trying to get her to agree to another date."
Ms. Williams snorted. "Oh really? How bad was the first one?"
He glared at her. "Maybe if you hadn't been such a bitch, you'd know. It actually ended quite better than I thought: She kissed me."
Ms. Williams' eyes widened and she looked down. Maybe she was learning that a lot of things happened in her 'absence'.
Hearing a groan, I turned to see Jonathan getting up and he clearly looked annoyed. He hated teenage drama with a passion.
"Alright, Riley, you're in. Now what about you, Alaine? This will be harder since you'll be doing a lot of groveling to get back into Charlotte's good graces," he stated, bluntly telling the truth.
She looked up and gave him a determined look. "I'll do whatever it takes to get my best friend back. I did enough damage to cause this. I need to fix this!"
I felt Karen sigh beside me and I knew what she was thinking. If only this girl knew just how badly the situation was and that it wasn't her fault.
Entirely.
We still needed to get the bases down, and along with that, find Charlotte and discovery/stop Marana's plans.
Or whichever comes first.
"Alright, but before we start, I have one request," Ms. Williams stated.
I caught Jonathan looking up, annoyed.
"Oh really? And what would that be?" he asked, his tone mixed with sarcasm and seriousness. I could sense my daughter's urge to not slap her husband.
"I want to know why Charlotte is acting this way? I need to know what happened," Ms. Williams stated confidently.
My eyes widened at the request.
My family was looking at each other, now worried about how to go with this. Karen would obviously object to the idea, especially Jonathan, and Brendan definitely going to tell his "unofficial" mermaid sister's human friend that she was somehow possessed by her evil sister that she had in another life.
Luckily, I had a plan should either have our human friends' asked.
"Well, you see," I started reluctantly, "Charlotte is like, well, she's family, even though others are...non-receipting to it."
I couldn't help but glare at Jonathan as I get to that part. Even he knew what I meant, judging by his head looking down to the ground.
I started up again. "Anyways, I started noticing that she was upset for a while. At fist, she looked, '"Down in the dumps"', as you kids say. It was small, like she'd be staring into space. And after that, she progress at work started to slow. She was wasn't paying attention to orders, bumping into the customers, getting the orders wrong. Just things that wasn't normal about her.
Anyways, around the time of your...disagreement, Charlotte started to change. Her attitude changed from nice and honest to did pleasant and rude. Then, she started getting coming to work less and less and less. I tried calling her phone and Karen tried to arrange for her to come see us and when she did, she resigned from her job. Well, she came to Paradise on her on, but she still surprised me. She pointed out some things that I hadn't realized she felt and when I tried to get through to her, I realized how much she's changed.
And after that, I did my research, went through some of our little heart-to-hearts, I discovered what happened."
Ms. Williams and Mr. Byrnes held their breaths and I decided to spare them.
"She was going through a Depression. Suggesting that she told either of you of her past, then you'd know that Charlotte has a lot of demons in her closet. Ones that can resurface at any moment and hurt her. And the sad part is: We can't protect her from it, even if we took her side.
My guess is that she's reverting to her old-self. The one that is mean, ruthless, and uncaring for just as long as she gets her way. I know this isn't her, you know that this isn't her, an I'm sure her mother knows, if she knew what happened. But my point is that Charlotte's whole attitude started with her Depression coming back, and though your fight may have added fire to the feul, Ms. Williams, it was not your fault."
There was a pause in the room. A silence so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. I knew my family, with the exception of Karen, didn't know the story I created. But as much as I hated to admit it, having a mermaid's memories, a depressed one's to be exact, has its perks.
Ms. Williams had probably one of the most heartbreaking, guilty looks I'd ever seen, Charlotte to top it the most. I didn't say it was her fault, but some feelings just don't and knowing guilt where it's due eventually comes off.
"Alright, but we need a plan. Who's going to volunteer first?" Brendan asked, breaking the tension-filled silence.
Ms. Williams came back to us at this. "Easy. Look at the one idiot that she actually tolerates!"
I dropped my head and was forced, along with the rest of my family, to stare at Mr. Riley Byrnes, who looked as confused as ever.
"What?" he asked, not knowing what he had just gotten himself into.
Charlotte's mindscape...
Charlotte's POV
I stayed in my room for the remainder of the day since my little 'accident'.
After I tried to salvage what was left of our time, I could practically see the gears shifting in Lewis's head. I knew he still wanted me to tell the girls because the bitter feelings I've had.
But after all I've been through, I didn't want things to go sour. Especially on my special day.
Speaking of which, I pulled out my phone and called Emma to see what's up. It rang for a few minutes before I heard her answer:
"Hello?"
I smiled. "Hey, Em, what's up?"
"Nothing much. Well maybe?" I said, but more like it came out as a question.
"Hey, what's the matter?" she asked.
"Well...what exactly are you and the girls planning on Mako?" I asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Unless you mean about meeting up, sure," she stated.
"Emma, the jig is up! Lewis spilt that you guys are doing something for the anniversary!" I exclaimed while giving myself a small smile.
I heard a sigh from the other side.
"I know Rikki threatened him, that's for sure. But leave it to him to at least hint it," she retorted before explaining, "I can't exactly ell you what it is. But, We're going through something special. Obviously you weren't changed around the same time we were, but let's just say that we planned on doing something...magical tonight. And it may or may not have something to do with you getting over your moon spell. "
My eyes widened and I felt sheepish. The girls had nearly a year to get over their moon spells, and I haven't quite mastered mine yet.
"Oh, is there anything else?" I asked.
"No, and nothing else!" I could practically hear the triumphant smirk forming on her face.
"Oh, come on!" I laughed. "There has to be something you can tell me!"
"Nope! MY lips are sealed until the very night of your anniversary!" Emma said cheekily through the phone.
"You made on emphasis on 'my'! I can call Cleo and ask her!" I exclaimed.
"And I'll call her on speed dial and let her know not to say a word! She's not as suckered up as you think!"
We both ended up bursting out in laughter. True, but I could have a hundred ways to get Cleo talking.
I was just about to ask something when suddenly...the feeling came back. It came over me so quickly that I dropped the phone to the floor and instantly curled myself into a ball. I found myself rocking back and forth as the feeling of dread coursed through my body, as if it was trying to spread its misery right through my internal systems. I felt a headache coming on, along with nausea and the faint urge to cry my heart out.
It was suffocating me again, as if it was trying to drown me in a world full of pain and sorrow and heartache all mashed up into one and no one could save me from it. What was this? Why did I feel this way?
"Char! Char! Charlotte, can you hear me!? Come on, answer me!" I faintly heard Emma's plies from the floor. I tried to get my bearings back together and took deep breaths, slow and steady, as that was what Lewis told me to do the other day in case I had another attack such as this.
I steadied myself and stopped rocking, closing my eyes. I could do this, I could do this. Just breath in and out.
In...
Out...
In...
Out...
In...
Out...
In...
Out...
I did this at least 8 more times before opening my eyes and looking around. I was still in my bedroom.
And the feeling of dread was slowly leaving my systems.
I really needed to get...whatever is happening to me, under control.
I was brought out of my musings when I realized that Emma was now practically screaming from the other side of the phone on my floor. Quickly, I picked it up and held it to my ear, answering.
"Hey, look, I'm so sorry I did that. Something...strange came over me and I dropped the phone for a second," I explained.
It was silent from the other side until Emma answered back.
"Is it the same attacks that you've been having?" she asked. My eyes widened.
"Wait! How did you know about those?! I never told-...I am going to kill Lewis!" I stated with a vengeance. I can't believe he told the girls!
"He only told me and that was a mistake!" Emma defended. "He was worried about you, I bumped into him on the way home, and well... He ended up exploding and telling me everything that happened."
I groaned and fell on my pillow. Seriously, if he cracks that easily, it's no wonder he can keep the Secret!
"Don't worry. He was the same way with Cleo. He's just worried about you," she said, trying to cheer me up. "He's just trying to be a good boyfriend. besides, you should have seen the look on his face when he realized how much he said!"
When putting it that way, imagining Lewis staring at Emma, completely wide-eyed and flabbergasted, brought a smile to my face.
"That sounds like Lewis," I stated before frowning again, "but he still shouldn't have told like that. I didn't want anyone to worry!"
"But at the very least: Do you think someone knows your secret?" Emma asked, concerned.
"In all honesty: No. When I have these attacks, it's like someone's watching me and making me feel horrible from the inside. At first, it was like a guilty conscience, like I was doing something I had no business doing. Then, the more I had them, the more painful they got. Not physical pain, but emotional pain. Almost as if somethings wrong, I know what it is, but I just don't know what is wrong," I explained as best as I could.
I was barely scratching the surface of what these attacks felt like, though. Yes, at first, I felt guilty for no reason. But then I felt sad and depressed and I was spiraling down to the edge of my own misery. These feelings started to match the symptoms of a Depression and that where the trail goes cold.
I didn't see any reason for me to be depressed. Not at all.
"Charlotte, maybe you're having anxiety or some case of paranoia. Hell, you've been around Rikki long enough that you might've caught hers!" Emma laughed nervously.
I started to laugh to. "Maybe, but it just didn't feel right. Almost... almost as if something is wrong. Like I did something wrong," I admitted.
And with that feeling, I ransacked everything I could have done and tried to see exactly what I did to make me feel this way.
"Char, I really wished I knew what to say o make you feel better. Paranoia seems like the most logical answer, and I know you and the others had a rocky start, but I don't know what to say," Emma sympathized. I felt guilty about that. I didn't want to make one of my own friends feel so low.
"Don't worry," I started, the lie already forming from my mouth, "I'll get over it eventually. Maybe I just need to spend a little alone time, painting or something. Just do whatever you guys are planning for my anniversary and I'll get better. Ok?"
I gave myself a fake smile, but I knew it was all a lie. Something didn't feel right and I didn't know what.
At Valencia High...
Marana's POV
I pulled myself back from the mindscape and scowled.
Ane'lie's started to wake up. She's no where near close to it. But that didn't mean that there weren't stepping stones that she was on.
I was going to have to stop checking in on her so frequently and get working ahead on my plans. And in the process, work on finding ways to keep Ane'lie occupied until everything was over. There's no way I was allowing her to wake up!
The young mermaid deserved it.
But that didn't mean I was going to let her find out what I had planned. She let me in with a wish and I granted it. Now, I had to do my part.
Closing the locker in its place, I walked down the hallways while ignoring the whispers from those pathetic humans behind me. Ugh, once again, I'm am reminded as to why humans are such a nuisance!
Just as I swore heard something rather unflattering and was about to call out the person who said it, one minute, I'm on the floor...
...And the next minute, I was on the ground with Riley Byrnes laying on top of me.
In my most calmest manners, I stated, "Riley?"
"Yes?" he answered.
I gave a fake smile. "Do me a favor and please get the hell off of me!"
Seeing the surprised look on his face, he did as he was told and helped me off the floor. He was a little too much into my personal space by dusting me off, but I allowed him to permit.
"So, I'm getting straight to the point: I'm making you dinner tonight!" he announced, tucking his hands into his pocket with a confident smirk on his face.
"And I'm getting straight to the point: No," I stated as I started t walk away. "Riley, I've told you before that I didn't want to go on another date."
He caught up to me. "Well, it is a date, per say, but you don't have to get dressed to go anywhere fancy. It's just me coming over and making you dinner. Clean, cut, and clear."
I gave the land-boy an annoyed look. "And what if I don't want you to come over?"
"Easy: I'll tell your mother my plans and I'm sure she'll leave us alone for the night, with the requirements that we don't end up anywhere near your bedroom or- preferably- your bed," He said, a cocky gleam in his eyes that made me want to wipe that happy smirk off his face.
I swear, first a weak land-boy, then an egotistic one, next up, a lowly boy-toy, and now a cocky one. By All that is Holy, where exactly did Ane'lie get her taste in suitors!?
"This is just another pathetic way for you to make me your date to the dance, isn't it?" I asked suspiciously.
He threw his hands up in surrender. "Nope. Just dinner between you and me. A few kisses here and there, but just dinner. I'll work on that dance date later on. So, will you allow me to fix you dinner?"
I did an eye-scan over him. Admittingly, I found Ane'lie relentless suitor funny. He wasn't exactly weak like the first one, nor abusive as the other. And he didn't come off too strong either. He was an enigma that drew her in, yet she resisted...to a fault.
Maybe playing with him some more would make it interesting.
Alright," I gave in, "Just 1 date. One. But screw it up forget about dating me all together because I won't be interested!"
Just when I thought I had him, he gave me that confident smirk and I detected a little mischievous in his eyes.
"Don't worry, Mademoiselle, you won't be regretting it."