Chapter 3

Emma's P.O.V

I stroked Lucky's flank. She was a beautiful mare.

"All ready," Ash said standing up straight. He had just finished tacking up Rebel for himself.

"Do you need help mounting, Em?" he asked.

"I'm fine," I replied sweetly. He gave me a look of disbelief.

"Really Ash, I think I can do it this time," I replied. He put his hands up.

"Go ahead then,"

I felt his eyes on me intently as I placed one foot in the stirrup to hoist myself up onto Lucky's back. I lost my balance. Why me? Ash caught me and pushed me back up until I was settled in the saddle. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Well that was close Em," he said with a smirk.

"Maybe I need a little more practice," I giggled, "Thanks Ash. On the bright side, it was better than last time, yeah?"

"Yeah," he chuckled in agreement.

We rode side by side through the countryside. I looked over at my boyfriend's features. He saw me looking at him and smiled. I grinned in response. He looked so…in the zone. It's the same look of contentment I have when I'm swimming.

"Hey Em, I'll race you to that knoll over there," he shouted to me before kicking Rebel into a gallop.

"Hey!" I exclaimed and hurriedly tried to catch up. I caught up. He was laughing at the determined stare on my face. I blushed; he had obviously slowed down considerably – he was the seasoned horse rider. In the last few paces he passed me.

We dismounted and I tackled him to the ground. "No fair!" I shouted, "You could have given me a head start,"

"Would that have really helped?" he laughed. I scowled trying not to laugh. Giggles eventually took me over as I realised the ridiculousness of our state on the ground. I went to get up but he pulled my arm so again I landed on top of him, pulling me into a kiss.

He pulled himself reluctantly away and tethered the horses to a nearby tree. They were happy grazing. He took my hand as he sat down. This moment was perfect. Our eyes locked and he leaned in to kiss me. Of course, there had to be a sun shower. The moment our lips touched, the drizzle rained from the sky. I pulled away abruptly.

"What is it? It's just a little rain," he said trying to kiss me again.

"Ash! I'm a mermaid." I exclaimed and jumped up. Standing up was a bad idea. It had been ten seconds. He almost didn't catch me because he was so awed- again- by my transformation. He let out a gasp as he caught my weight – it wasn't what he was expecting. I giggled.

He laid me gently on the ground. "You really are beautiful you know," he said. I blushed. He was so sweet. I leant over and kissed him.

"So what do we do about your tail?" he asked.

"Unfortunately, we have to wait." I said.

OoOoO

Ash's P.O.V

There was something about her as a mermaid that turned me on. All I could think of was how beautiful she was. Soon she returned to her human form.

We rode back to the stables. Along the way, I caught her looking at me, or analysing me – I didn't really mind of course. As we were brushing the horses down, I asked her.

"Have you been analysing me?" She blushed in response.

"I guess," she admitted, "I was just thinking how connected you looked to the horses, like I am to the sea,"

"So you weren't checking me out?" I asked cheekily.

"Well, I can't say I didn't," she replied. We laughed.

OoOoO

"Ash honey," Mum called.

"Yeah?" I replied from my room.

"Come and look at this," she said. I got up reluctantly from my PlayStation and went into the lounge.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Your father just brought it upstairs - this is Grandma Julia's stuff that remains. We need to sort through it and pick what we want to keep. We really need more space in the garage. Could you sort it for me hun?"

I sighed. I guess it wouldn't take too long, "Sure, Mum,"

OoOoO

Taking the stuff up to my room I began to sort through it all. Assorted ornaments, letters, jewellery and antique boxes were in the boxes. I put one heavy tin box on my bed – I wanted to look at it later. Soon, I had everything in piles. I had never known too much about my mysterious Grandma Julia. She was estranged from the family of her own choice. My dad was bitter about it saying she was an 'Old Bat' but Mum was more sympathetic. Julia always seemed so…magical. She moved to Tasmania when I was ten and didn't really see her again. I personally think our family should have made more of an effort. She moved back to Brisbane only a few years ago and I visited frequently. She always told me stories of her youth, but in a vague, mysterious manner. I loved her and wished I could have got to know her better. She passed away before I could. I picked up the tin box again. On the lid was carved a 'J' accompanied by a small mermaid shape. Very pretty. Of course it was locked. I looked through the letters, many were from a Louise or Gracie, others from my Grandfather. I couldn't wait to find out all I could about her.

A/N: Hey everyone :D Sorry that again it has been so long. Nearer the end of the year, everything gets so hectic as I say in every A/N. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to stick with me. A Fishy Tale will be updated next, I cannot promise a date however, hopefully not too long.

Thanks very very much to everyone who sticks with me. Thanks very much for reviewing liveonpurpose, Charm96, Eggs and Ham, ashray4, Quillcox, xmangal, Lauren, XxRaindr0pxX and my very close, personal friend k8sastar.

Thanks everyone :D

-Krystalslazz