Rita's POV
I set a steaming bowl of water on the floor by Sirena's feet. The three girls are sitting on the couch quietly. "Sirena, dip you're feet in there," I order gently, drawing the thick blue curtains shut, blocking out the rest of the world. I turn back to face them, sitting down in the armchair. Sirena gently ease her feet into the hot water, her fin forming. "How's it feel?"
"Okay I guess," she mumbles, "still sore though."
"The water will help. Warm water has a tendency to draw out stiffness or pain in muscles. Just relax and you'll be fine," I explain. Sirena nods and leans her head back against the couch.
Lyla stands abruptly. "This isn't right," she snaps. "I'm sick of it. I'm sick of school, I'm sick of this house and this place, I'm tired of worrying and looking over my shoulder. I'm especially sick of having to constantly worry about if I'm okay to go for a swim." Sirena stares at her lap and Nixie bites her lip, but neither of them offers a response. Their silence is an indication that they agree.
I sigh. "I know, none of this is enjoyable. You girls have been through so much, and you've held up better than I expected you too."
"I want to go home," Sirena whispers. Nixie nods.
"We can't Sirena, it's too soon."
"Its been several months already," Nixie objects. "What's the problem?"
"You know full well why we can't go back. Dr. Taylor will not have let this go that quickly. We need to lay low."
"How do we know she hasn't left the area? If she knows what's good for her she'd have taken off,' Lyla argues.
"Perhaps I should give the center a call. See what's going on down there," I ponder.
"Speak to Diana you mean?"
"Yes Nixie. There's a good chance she'll know whether or not it's safe to return," I reply.
"Can I call her?" Nixie inquires eagerly. I shake my head.
"It's better if I do it. I'm only calling to get information; I'm going to be as fast as possible."
"Oh." She leans back against the couch. Her fingers tracing over the tacky floral designs on the arms of the ivy green couch. The giant pink rose blossoms are blooming across the fabric.
"You girls had best go and finish your school work. There's tuna salad and smoked salmon in the fridge when you get hungry. I have work to mark and then I'm going to make the call. Sirena, be careful not to strain your ankle. If it's still swollen tomorrow, you can stay home, I don't want you to hurt yourself. Stay inside tonight alright?" Sirena nods. Lyla sighs and shrugs.
"I guess," Nixie says, chewing her bottom lip. I rise from the armchair and head upstairs.
I work through the assignments of my grade eleven class and then the grade twelve's.
After an hour or so I drop my pen with a sigh and bury my head in my hands. I'd forgotten how undesirable marking is; not only tedious work, but time consuming as well. After a moment I glance over at the phone sitting on my nightstand. I reach over and grab it, crossing my legs, cradling it in my lab and staring at it. With a brief hesitation I dial out the number.
Diana's POV
I glance at the clock on the wall. Seven ten. Just under an hour before closing time. Today has been exceedingly slow. There have been few patrons milling about the center, most of the rescue animals have been released or are on the mend. There's no need for me in my old field and there isn't even any paper work to do as manager.
Remind me to get myself a good book for times like these.
The phone rings and I jump, startled by the break in the silence. I pick it up and hold the receiver to my ear.
"Hello?"
"Hello Dr. Evans," Comes the reply. The voice is a little hesitant, but I recognize it. I brighten slightly.
"Miss Santos, it's good to hear from you," I reply. "How is everyone?"
"Alright. The girls are more than a little homesick and frankly so am I. Sirena had a slight incident today, but nothing serious. Other than that, we're fine. So how's your center doing?"
"Really good actually. I didn't get the chance to thank you. Those coins saved the whole facility."
"Don't worry about it, I'm glad some of them finally went to good use," there's a slight hesitation on the line. "How are things there?"
"Everything's run smoothly since the reopening," I reply.
A pause. "That isn't exactly what I meant," Rita states dryly.
"Oh. You want to know if the commotion has died down. Most of it has actually. Most people waved Janice's story about mermaids as a hallucination from hitting her head when the tank broke," I begin. "But Janice is still determined. She lost a lot of her credibility and she's furious. She's been poking around, waiting for me to slip up or something…" I trail off.
"So returning at the moment is definitely out of the question," Rita states.
"I don't know… I don't think it's something Janice will ever forget and her new job has her teaching at the local college. Returning might be a risk in general."
"I was afraid you'd say that."
"Well, maybe give it another month or so and see what happens. I can keep you updated if you give me some contact information," I offer.
"I would appreciate that," she admits. I grab a pen and a sticky note and jot down the information she gives.
"I'll let you know if anything changes," I promise her, before hanging up the phone. I lean back in my chair. I wonder where they are and how they're doing.
I frown. I barely knew her for two weeks, yet it feels so strange not being able to go up and see her every day. I miss Nixie's sarcastic humor and stubborn attitude. I miss her pranks and jokes and her smile.
I honestly feel like I've lost another child. I grew so attached to her that I feel strange and sad now that she's gone.
"I suppose Janice knew what she was talking about when she told me to be careful of getting emotionally hurt," I mutter to myself.
Suddenly there's a bunch of yelling and footsteps echo down the hall. I rise from my chair, concerned. Sarah barges, the door banging loudly against the wall. Her face is flustered and her eyes are wide.
"We've got to go," she states, her voice frantic. "We've got a rescue to perform and it sounds really bad. You have to come, but I don't think you're going to like it."
Another chapter done and we're finally going to see some actually interesting stuff happen in the next chapter. I think my updating time is improving… though that may fluctuate with school, bear with me. You guys are beyond amazing. I feel so honored with how much attention this story is getting already. To all the people who reviewed, favorited, followed, or even just took the time to read this, know that you are all wonderful and you brighten my day. As always, comments are greatly appreciated, I always like to know what you think and how I can improve the story or my writing for your enjoyment. Thanks. J
-Mermaid
