Chapter 12

"Happy birthday, Melody."

Melody opened an eye in surprise. "It's not my birthday TODAY..." Melody began.

"No?" Jim asked in surprise. "Then I guess your birthday presents, cake and other stuff will just have to..."

"Cake? Presents?"

Melody leapt out of bed and ran downstairs as Jim chuckled.

"Mommy!" She called out. "Did the spell extend? Was I asleep for a couple more days?"

Ariel picked up her daughter. "No, sweetie." She began. "Since Daddy won't be around for your fifth birthday, we decided to have a party to celebrate."

"Really?" Melody asked, her eyes shimmering.

"Of course!" Jim replied, coming up from behind his daughter and placing a birthday crown on her. "Today, you are the birthday queen. Now hurry up and get dressed."

Melody squealed in excitement and ran upstairs.

"Thank you..." Ariel began.

"For what?" Jim asked, surprised.

Ariel shrugged. "I was worried you would miss her fifth birthday... Thank you for this."

Jim sadly smiled. "I've already missed so much... I can't miss anymore."

Ariel sadly looked over at Jim. "If only..." She began.

"If only?"

"If only we had more time with you... If only I hadn't abandoned you that day five years ago..."

Jim looked away. He didn't realize the prospect of BOTH of them leaving killed him so much.

"Ariel..." He began.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Melody ran into the room, twirling.

"You look so beautiful!" Ariel giggled.

Melody had let her hair down, was wearing a pink dress, and still had the crown on. As she twirled again, Jim noticed she was wearing the stick on earrings.

"Let's go!" Melody squealed. "My first birthday with Daddy... I can't wait!"

At that, Morph popped out, wearing a party hat. "Birthday! Birthday!" he replied.

Jim laughed. "I guess the lady has spoken."

Ariel took Melody by the hand and the three of them headed out.

"Now," Ariel began, "as it's not your official birthday just yet, don't expect anything extravagant, but that doesn't mean we won't spoil you a little bit, okay?"

"Okay." Melody replied.

"That being said..." Jim added, "Anyone up for the carnival?"

"The carnival?" Ariel asked in surprise, "in her dress?"

"I brought a change of clothing." Jim replied, "Let's have some fun!"

"Can we, mommy?" Melody asked.

"I don't see why not." Ariel replied.

"YAY!" Melody squealed.

Ariel lead Melody to a bathroom where she could change into the t-shirt and shorts Jim found. "They were mine when I was her age." He explained, then they headed to the carnival where Melody spent most of the day on the roller coasters, Ferris wheel and g-force rides.

"She's just as crazy as we were..." Ariel commented, watching as Melody went on the roller coaster again.

"I wouldn't have had it any other way." Jim replied.

"Jim?" Ariel began.

"Hmm?"

"I trust, once Melody and I are back to being mermaids, you'll still visit?"

"How?" Jim asked, "If I try, I'll drown."

"It'll be like when we were teenagers, you would meet by the beach, and I would come get her after a couple hours."

Jim shrugged. "I do want to see more of her."

"Then it's settled." Ariel smiled reassuringly at him.

Jim still felt slightly hollow. "Is there no way to make you stay human?"

Ariel looked away. "There is one way, but it is impossible. Melody and I are just going to enjoy our time on land."

"But..."

"Mom! Daddy!"

Ariel and Jim turned to see Melody scampering over.

"How many more tickets do you have?" Ariel asked.

"I've used them all up." Melody replied.

"In that case, how about dinner. Your choice?" Jim began.

"Pizza?" Melody asked.

The three of them headed over to a small pizza joint where Jim ordered three personalized pizzas.

"I've never had pizza before..." Melody said to Jim. "But the Dopplars told me it was so good, I just had to taste."

After the pizza was served, and Melody had her first bite, ("very good... We should bring it down to Atlantica!"), the three headed home.

Once they got home, Jim pulled out the cake. It was a special lemon vanilla cake that Sarah made only for special occasions.

"Happy Birthday, sweetheart." He said, placing it in front of her.

Melody concentrated hard, making a wish, before blowing out the candles in one breath amidst her parent's applause.

Ariel grabbed the knife and cut the cake. This day was one of the greatest days ever.

"Shame this has to end..." Ariel thought, serving an extra large piece to her daughter.

Jim on the other hand pulled out a small package and handed it to Melody, who immediately tore it open. Out fell a tiny gold necklace with a locket shaped like a star.

"Open it." Jim urged.

Melody nervously cracked it open and a beam of light shone out. Inside the light was a small figurine of Jim, Ariel and Melody. Melody was clapping as her parents were dancing.

Immediately, Melody's eyes welled up with tears.

"With this..." Jim began, "You'll never forget your time on land."

Melody ran over and gave Jim a hug, her little body shaking as she cried. After a few more festivities, Melody was sent to bed.

"I don't think I've ever seen her so happy..." Ariel began, clearing the table. "That necklace wasn't too expensive?"

"Nah," Jim replied. "B.E.N. owed me a favour."

Once the kitchen was clean, Jim headed to the radio and quietly turned it on. A nice slow song was playing.

"One last dance?" Jim asked.

"I thought you didn't dance." Ariel replied, eyebrow raised.

Jim shrugged. "I can make an exception."

He took her by the hand and lead her to the living room. Very slowly, they began to dance. Unlike the time at the Silver Moonbeam, there was no awkwardness, or contempt, just gentleness and... love. Unspoken love between exes.

Without thinking, Ariel rested her head on Jim's chest, listening to his heartbeat. It felt like... home.

Jim on the other hand was amazed at how... natural this felt. It wasn't like two exes dancing, it felt more like two long lost lovers reuniting.

Eventually the song ended.

'Just do it.' his mind screamed. 'Kiss her!'

Jim leaned in, when a loud crash snapped them back into reality and the pink blob scurried to them, snickering.

"Morph!" Jim scolded.

"I'll go check on Melody." Ariel replied, running upstairs.

That night, as the two of them lay in bed, Ariel fell asleep instantly, but Jim found it impossible to.

Turning to Ariel, he sadly whispered "I love you... Please don't leave me."