Heart of Shell (The Mercrutian Chronicles Book 1) (2 page)

His chestnut brown hair fell below his jaw line in soft shiny strands. His eyes were the same deep blue as his siblings, but something about them shimmered in the light,  flickering with green and making them appear teal. His face was handsome in the model sort of way, but rugged, with a strong jawline and dark brows. His shoulders were broad and his build -muscular despite being only a few years my senior- made me feel a bit too small in comparison.

Clearly, he had already undergone his transcendence. His eyes moved over me slowly and I had a gripping fear that my girlish frame of bones would displease him. If it did, he gave no indication, not even a flicker in his eye suggested disappointment.

“
Yes she does,” he spoke, in a resonant and rich voice that drew a shiver down my spine. Then he added, without batting an eyelash, “I accept her as my betrothed.”

My body twitched up, straightening as I watched his parents faces fill with pure joy and astonishment. Not so much astonishment at me, for they didn’t look at me as other parents had, but more in the sense of satisfaction that their son had finally chosen another Mer – at last. Their faces were riddled with relief.

I looked at my parents suddenly unsure of what to do. They met my glances encouragingly and had they been able to, I’m sure they would have shouted for me that I gladly accepted Merrick too. They had been waiting a long time for this day as well, but it was my choice. I would have to say the words.

My voice seemed to fail me and I pulled my book closer to my chest, both hands now gripping the paperback cover. My breath was hot and came out ragged. All eyes in the room fell upon me, awaiting the words they longed to hear. I looked at Merrick again.

What was it about me that made him decide so quickly? We hadn’t even spoken a word alone, which was customary. He didn’t look bored, or like he was joking. I had no idea what his motive was, yet, I knew a chance like this would not come again. Should I not take this opportunity I might end up an old sea hag or even worse a siren. My mouth wanted to twist in thought before speaking, but my silence had already been too much. The added gesture might insult the Mer-god of a male standing before me.

“I accept Merrick as my betrothed,” I said. The words sticky in my mouth like honey. His arms, which had crossed in the interim of waiting, fell to his sides with relief, the tension in his flexing muscles faded.

I couldn’t believe that he had picked me and I stood there waiting for someone to say ‘Surprise it’s a pre-birthday joke!’ or better yet, for me to wake up from a ridiculous dream. It didn’t happen though, and the rest of the visit was filled with customary pleasantries. Our parents spoke about a few minor things like the due date for our marriage, which had thankfully been set for our early twenties and not our late teens as many parents usually advocated. They discussed whether or not we would each attend college.

Merrick and I did not exchange a single word, but when my father spoke on my behalf, stating that I would definitely be studying further after high school, Merrick’s eyes lit up with a twinge of amusement and looked over at me. I sensed it was approval, but it was hard to tell without watching him closer. I did not want to let on that I desperately wanted to examine him.

We left not long after that, and after eating supper that night, I felt emotionally drained. Peeling off my black dress I folded it on top of my laundry pile and crawled into bed. The same book I had brought with me to the Price’s that day was firmly clasped in between my fingers while my eyes wandered over the pages. I didn’t read- could not- simply looked at the words while my mind hazed over thoughts of Merrick. I would one day be his wife, and the thought had sent jolts of feeling through me: first excitement; then apprehension; and then, complete fear.

When would I see him again? Would we have a chance to actually speak? What were his likes and dislikes? Did he read books?

My body was anxious and my mind weary, but I had to sleep since the next day would be my first day of school. I let the book fall from my hands and turned to make a muffled scream into my pillow. I prayed that the following day would be a good one, since this one had been completely unnerving
.

The house had already
been cleaned and assembled, most of the boxes unpacked and organized. My parents’ telekinetic powers always helped them accomplish things quickly. Telekinesis was popular among the science Mers and was something I had yet to experience. I wanted to be capable of the same talent and had anticipated its arrival any day since I was ten. The same age each of my parents discovered their powers. Now at thirteen I accepted that perhaps it might never happen.

My parents worked long hours, they always had. They went in early and came home late, especially more recently. Now that I was older they knew I could fend for myself and I honestly didn’t mind the time to be alone.

I woke early from a fitful sleep. The night had me filled with dreams. Over and over, I saw Merrick's mouth stretched in a wide smile. At one point, we were sitting on a rock by the shore watching a moonlit sky. He then beckoned for me to join him in the water running towards its rushing roar. Before I knew it, he was swimming out into the inky black waves; rays of light from the moon cascading down over the ripples. He transformed into the most breathtaking Merman I had ever seen. I watched his shimmering scales flicker against the surface of the water, fog lifting off the water from the heat in his body. The essence emanating from him pulled me to him. Projected outside of myself, I watched as I ran to him laughing, my body slowly shifting to scales when my feet grew wet. I glimmered as I ran further over the silver sand and my hair was long and silken. I dove into the waves swimming quickly after him while he called my name; and just before I reached him, I woke.

I sighed, surprised I had even dreamed, with so few hours of true rest. At least the extra time had allowed me to soak in the bath for longer. I sank beneath the surface for as long as I could, blowing bubbles one at a time for them to float to the surface. When at last I knew my time was running short and I needed to leave the house, I begrudgingly got out and towelled off.

Once dressed in my blue jeans and plain black sweater I glanced in the mirror before throwing on my black scarf, coat, and gloves. I slipped on my boots and walked out the door, locking it behind me. The cooler outdoor air greeted me freshly.

I had always disliked
school, despite my good grades and ability to blend into the crowds unseen. There was something about being closed off in small rooms with a bunch of other people my age, all frustrated, or eager, or nonchalant that made me uneasy with which vibe I should adopt myself. I usually ended up with the overachievers, simply because I was generally calm and no one else would accept me as their own.

I walked down to the bus stop and waited. There were two girls there who were busy staring at their phones while texting. I smiled at them and they nodded back before I was once again ignored. A sporty looking red car drove speedily around the bend and then jerked to slow down. I spotted Rayne as she deftly pulled the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. It was a full car, Pearl and Coral were seated in the back with a male Mer that I assumed was the betrothed of one of them. Merrick had shotgun in front; his eyes locked onto me through the glass. Rayne rolled the window down with a quick press of a button and as soon as Merrick was revealed in plain sight, instantly the girls behind me could be heard giggling. My instincts would have had me groaning at them, but instead I smiled politely leaning towards the car.

“
Hey!” Rayne said, “Hop in!”

“
Ummmm,” I said my face twisting in confusion. “There’s no room,” I said with a light laugh.

“
You can sit on Merrick’s lap. We have to drop Coral off at middle school anyway, so you can sit in the back after.” She replied as if all had been solved. The girls behind me had gasped in shock.

His expression didn’t change, there was no disgust or annoyance, but he hadn’t opened the door and gestured me onto his lap. Plus there was the concern of safety.

“
She doesn’t want to Raynestorm,” Merrick replied, his rich voice even and matter of fact.

“
Don’t call me that Merbear!” She said with a swat at his arm.

The yellow school bus pulled in front of the stop and I gestured toward it with my hand. “It’s ok the bus is here. See you at school!” I didn’t give her time to protest. I waved goodbye and ran up the steps before the doors closed.

“
Well you’re new!” The driver exclaimed, his eyes brightening with his smile.

“
Hi, I’m Anya,” I said offering my hand. He took it and shook it firmly.

“
Pleased to meet you miss. I’m Rodney, your bus driver. Help yourself to a seat.”

“
Thanks,” I said hoping I had not been too awkward. I sat in the next available place sinking into the squeaky leatherette upholstered cushion. The drive was scenic and the blur of trees and pebbled beaches were breathtaking. The warmth of the fall leaves in orange, yellow, and red stood out against the sparkling blue surface on the coves glinting white above the teal depths. Even the rocky beaches were stained with similar autumn tones and dotted with rust coloured algae and rich green and mustard seaweed. The beauty had me feeling awakened and inspired, ready for more exploration of my new home.

The bus arrived at
school well after the Prices did. As I walked up, I spotted their car parked in the lot, but they were nowhere to be seen. I kind of wished that I had gone with them. It would have been nice to have arrived on my first day with friends, but it was too late now.

The school was an impressive building. By its architecture, it had been built in more recent years. The long wall of windows and steel were modern, and it was interesting to watch people move in the reflective surface. It was a smaller high school of about a four hundred students. It felt cold though, institutional as most schools always had. It was easy enough to navigate though and my first few classes went by quickly.

All of the teachers instantly recognized me as the new girl. They were kind though, and thankfully my science teacher had sat me next to a girl named Leah. She was friendly and invited me to sit with her and her friend, Evelyn, at lunch time. I was grateful for her kindness as I had no idea if I would even see the Mers at lunch. It would also save me the awkward, “Can I sit with you?” conversation, which had happened to me countless times before. I hadn’t seen the Mers all day, probably since they were all in older grades.

The cafeteria was like any other school cafeteria, and even before Leah, Evelyn and I were seated, I could see why the Mers probably wouldn’t come here and why they were nowhere in sight. The lights were too bright, and the dull buzz of the sound speaker was a droning annoyance. It was modern and very spacious, but something about it was grating to my inner Mermaid. 

By the end of the day I was truly ready to go home. Other than introductions and discussing what I had understood of the material I had missed, not much had been accomplished in any of my classes. It turned out that I hadn’t missed much and would be able to pick  things up rather quickly, but I still couldn’t wait to curl up with a good book on my window seat. I took the bus home, again unable to find the Mers and not wanting to assume the offer would be made for a drive home.

By mid-week the
overwhelming newness of everything had finally dulled to routine. Evelyn and Leah invited me to go shopping with them for the Christmas formal coming up in December. They asked me if I planned to go, but being new to the school and not liking to wear dresses I wasn't sure just yet. Apparently shopping early was the best way to ensure no one else had the same dress, which to me didn't seem like it would be the end of the world.

Leah’s mom had driven us to Bayer’s Lake to check out the outlets there and we were trekking from store to store in search of something suitable for their sparkling personalities. 

“
What about purple?” Evelyn held up a purple dress with a black lace overlay. It was actually really pretty,  with a sweetheart neckline on the dress underneath. She could tell I liked it, but I merely shrugged feeling that I definitely did not have the figure to fill it out. It might look like a bag on me, even in the smallest size. I was definitely not keen on attending, but then I thought about Merrick and wondered if he would be going to the school dance. If he went though, would he even want to dance with me?

Evelyn passed the sales associate her items and slipped into a fitting room. I sighed waiting outside while Leah joined her in the fun, trying on garments in an adjacent room.

“
I don't really think I am going to go to the dance, you guys,” I said while they wrestled into their gowns.

Leah gasped, coming out of the fitting room. Her short auburn curls bobbed as she jerked back.

“No! You have to come!” She grabbed my arm. Her pale green eyes intensified as they fixated on me. She was wearing a knee length teal dress which had a halter neckline and a jewelled collar. It looked magnificent on her.

Evelyn came out of her room and pushed her black glasses higher onto the bridge of her nose, her long black hair was pulled high in a bun and it looked cute with the strapless plum coloured dress she wore. It was set off by her beige complexion and dark brown eyes like mine.

“
I wish you would come with us Anya, but I understand if you don't want to.” She smiled at me and then continued, “what do you think?” She asked in a singsong voice. She seemed to be ignoring Leah's outburst and her button nose wrinkled in sympathy for me. She and I were very relaxed, so we seemed to even out Leah's intense emotions.

“
I think it looks great,” I said.

“
Oh I'm so jealous of your complexions, you two,” Leah said with a pout.

My first instinct was to laugh since her expression was so dramatically martyred, but instead I was sympathetic.

“
You have beautiful skin,” I said to her.

“
Yeah, but you two have a natural tan all year long. I have to go to a tanning bed for that and even then, I burn first before I get just a little bit darker.”

Evelyn shook her head laughing. “Yeah well maybe in the next lifetime your mom will be Filipino.”

Leah stuck her tongue out at her. The thought of a tanning bed made me want to squirm. Anything that would dry me out would be unpleasant.

“
What's your mix Anya?” Evelyn asked shifting the dress and trying on a necklace the sales woman had brought over.

“
My father is from India. My mother is from Russia.” I felt like we were bonding over our parentage and it was actually pretty fun to be sharing these tidbits about myself that no one usually cared to ask.

“
Nice, but you were born in Canada right?” Evie said. I nodded.

Leah sighed. “Your dad looks like Oded Fehr. Dreamy!”

“
How do you know what my dad looks like?” I asked surprised by her proclamation.

Leah was playing with her curls, messily placing them atop her head as she spoke.
“
My mom owns the bakery in Upper Tantallon and he stopped there the other day. I knew he was your dad immediately. It was pretty clear once he said, my daughter Anya loves chocolate.”

“Oh,” I said with a smile, “yeah, I guess my dad's a good looking guy.” Both of my parents were very attractive... and then there was me. I couldn't help but glance in the mirrors in front of me and wish that I looked more like a Mermaid. I took a seat and flipped through a nearby magazine to keep myself distracted.

In the next hour they must have each tried on over half a dozen dresses, but when they were finished they had finally found their choices. Leah ended up with a robin's egg blue halter dress, similar to her first choice while Evelyn opted for a notched orange strapless dress. Even though I hadn't bought anything for myself I still managed to walk out of the store with a shopping high. Part of me was a little convinced that
just maybe
school dances could become my sort of thing.