Read Online Into the Deep by Missy Fleming - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Missy Fleming
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water?”
A nervous laugh bubbles up. “Where do you want me to start? Last time I turned into a mermaid I was attacked by an angry horde of eels. Up until that point it was amazing, but then I was told a merwitch might have sent the eels to hurt me.”
Her expression is full of patience and understanding, which melts the tension sitting across my shoulders. She brushes a strand of hair out of her face as she speaks.
“There are many dangers in the oceans these days. I won’t lie and say you’re not smart for being apprehensive. But I’m here and so are two guards from the palace.” I jerk at the word “palace.” That’s an interesting piece of news. “You’re safe with us if you want to try again.”
Hesitation seizes me in its grip. My body is straining to dip under the soothing waters. Galina swims close and lays her hand on my leg. I hold very still so she can’t notice that it isn’t real.
“What else is holding you back?” she whispers.
“I’m afraid if I turn into a mermaid, even with the dangers, I’ll never want to be human again.” There, I stated my biggest fear.
She cups my cheek and it pulls a few tears from me. “You will always have your human nature inside you. Mer are half-human after all. You grew up in a world so different from ours, but it will be with you forever and allow you to observe things in a new light.”
I nod, soothed by her words. She confirmed what I held as my deepest hope—that I could remain part of two worlds. Gathering my courage, I say, “Okay, I’ll do it.”
Joy softens her features. “I’m so happy to hear that. We have a lot to talk about. I’ll feel better if you’re out of the rain and not shivering.”
She sinks as I stand to strip off my clothes and remove my leg. Unlike before, when I inched down as slowly as possible, I leap in an effortless dive. It’s full of a grace I never knew I possessed.
The instant I’m completely underwater, I’ve already changed. I’m practically overwhelmed by the force of contentment and relief. God, I missed this. I execute a few twists and flips, then swim over to where Galina watches me with delight.
“I guess I don’t have to worry about you taking too long to master your new form. You are a quick learner, like your father.” Her brows knit together. “But why did you hide the fact you’re missing a leg?”
This sobers me, throwing a damper on my joy. I should have guessed she’d notice and am honest with her. “Look at you. You’re perfect. I felt embarrassed to be meeting you for the first time as myself, as scarred.”
“Oh, my sweet child, you’ll always be lovely to me. Are you curious to know what I see? I see a brave girl who must have dealt with terrible adversity. How did it happen?”
I consider my answer for a moment, suddenly very protective of my mom. I can’t admit to my grandmother that she was out searching for Stavros when I was hurt. It feels like a breach of trust. No matter what I long for, Galina is a stranger. So, I simply say, “A shark attack. I was six.”
Horror skitters across her expression and she reaches out to touch my arm. “I can imagine how scary that was. Are you positive you’re ready for this? You’ve witnessed more than most how unforgiving the sea can be.”
I nod stiffly. What I’m not ready for is talking about it. “Please, don’t tell him.” My plea comes out in a strangled whisper.
“But why?”
“If I ever have the chance to meet my father, I want him to see me like this and not with pity. Besides, I’d rather be the one who explains it to him.”
“He’d never look at you with pity, but I understand. I promise. This is your tale to recount, so I will leave it to you.”
Movement catches my attention, distracting me. Near the mouth of the small bay we’re in are two mermen—I guess that’s what they’re called. One thing is for certain. They are hot.
The older merman is big and muscular. His arms and chest are hard, flat,
A nervous laugh bubbles up. “Where do you want me to start? Last time I turned into a mermaid I was attacked by an angry horde of eels. Up until that point it was amazing, but then I was told a merwitch might have sent the eels to hurt me.”
Her expression is full of patience and understanding, which melts the tension sitting across my shoulders. She brushes a strand of hair out of her face as she speaks.
“There are many dangers in the oceans these days. I won’t lie and say you’re not smart for being apprehensive. But I’m here and so are two guards from the palace.” I jerk at the word “palace.” That’s an interesting piece of news. “You’re safe with us if you want to try again.”
Hesitation seizes me in its grip. My body is straining to dip under the soothing waters. Galina swims close and lays her hand on my leg. I hold very still so she can’t notice that it isn’t real.
“What else is holding you back?” she whispers.
“I’m afraid if I turn into a mermaid, even with the dangers, I’ll never want to be human again.” There, I stated my biggest fear.
She cups my cheek and it pulls a few tears from me. “You will always have your human nature inside you. Mer are half-human after all. You grew up in a world so different from ours, but it will be with you forever and allow you to observe things in a new light.”
I nod, soothed by her words. She confirmed what I held as my deepest hope—that I could remain part of two worlds. Gathering my courage, I say, “Okay, I’ll do it.”
Joy softens her features. “I’m so happy to hear that. We have a lot to talk about. I’ll feel better if you’re out of the rain and not shivering.”
She sinks as I stand to strip off my clothes and remove my leg. Unlike before, when I inched down as slowly as possible, I leap in an effortless dive. It’s full of a grace I never knew I possessed.
The instant I’m completely underwater, I’ve already changed. I’m practically overwhelmed by the force of contentment and relief. God, I missed this. I execute a few twists and flips, then swim over to where Galina watches me with delight.
“I guess I don’t have to worry about you taking too long to master your new form. You are a quick learner, like your father.” Her brows knit together. “But why did you hide the fact you’re missing a leg?”
This sobers me, throwing a damper on my joy. I should have guessed she’d notice and am honest with her. “Look at you. You’re perfect. I felt embarrassed to be meeting you for the first time as myself, as scarred.”
“Oh, my sweet child, you’ll always be lovely to me. Are you curious to know what I see? I see a brave girl who must have dealt with terrible adversity. How did it happen?”
I consider my answer for a moment, suddenly very protective of my mom. I can’t admit to my grandmother that she was out searching for Stavros when I was hurt. It feels like a breach of trust. No matter what I long for, Galina is a stranger. So, I simply say, “A shark attack. I was six.”
Horror skitters across her expression and she reaches out to touch my arm. “I can imagine how scary that was. Are you positive you’re ready for this? You’ve witnessed more than most how unforgiving the sea can be.”
I nod stiffly. What I’m not ready for is talking about it. “Please, don’t tell him.” My plea comes out in a strangled whisper.
“But why?”
“If I ever have the chance to meet my father, I want him to see me like this and not with pity. Besides, I’d rather be the one who explains it to him.”
“He’d never look at you with pity, but I understand. I promise. This is your tale to recount, so I will leave it to you.”
Movement catches my attention, distracting me. Near the mouth of the small bay we’re in are two mermen—I guess that’s what they’re called. One thing is for certain. They are hot.
The older merman is big and muscular. His arms and chest are hard, flat,
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