Jessica's Point of View
While I was in the mermaid princess' room, some mermen carried a new clam bed and placed it with the others. "Welcome, to our kingdom, miss," One of the mermen greeted as they left. I assumed that the new bed was mine, so I sat in it.
Arista came into the room. "Hey, how are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm fine," I smiled.
"You seem sad," Arista commented.
"Is it that obvious? I just miss my family," I sighed.
"So why are you here?" Arista wondered.
"It's-" I paused, unsure of what to say. "Complicated."
"Oh. I don't understand, but I'm glad you're here. You really helped us out when our mom died. I always wanted to return the favor," Arista smiled.
"I'm very grateful. I just wish things could have been different. I did some things because I felt like I had to, and now I'm in this mess- Oh, forgive me for rambling on. That's all in the past now. I'm glad that I can spend time with all of you," I commented.
"I was going to go for a swim around the market. Do you want to come?" Arista offered.
"Thanks, Arista, but I think I'm going to stay here for a while," I replied.
"Okay then. I'll see you later, Jess," Arista said before she left. I was alone with my thoughts. I was glad that we were underwater because if I were on land, I was sure that tears would have lined my cheeks. I wasn't sure what I wanted at that point. I got what I had asked for. I was able to leave the organization. There was a part of me that hated how bittersweet everything had turned out.