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Chapter Twenty-One
AQUARIANS CARE ABOUT THE PLANET
Maris
Mermaid laughter and human jealousy seem to be the key ingredients to making the jug give us the next clue. A bead of blue glittery writing appeared after our day at the beach on the inside of the jug pieces. Mermaids cry tears of joy when sailors shout distress calls of ahoy.
I’m not sure I would be happy to hear someone’s suffering, but I tried to make the pieces fit. It seems me being who I am—a mermaid—and Kasper being who he is—a human—is important to solving the mystery. Actually, I’m beginning to feel like we’re fulfilling a prophecy. I’ve read about them in books but never imagined I could be part of one.
“I think we should go see the oracle,” I say to Kasper.
“You spoke of her when we first met, so I’m guessing she lives under the sea. Are you forgetting I’m not a merman? How are you going to explain that?” he asks.
Mermaids aren’t fond of humans, and I doubt my father will be understanding.
“We’ll avoid everyone but her.”
“Do you really think we can do that? And what if she tells your father?”
“If our destiny is to rebuild the Aquarius jug, she won’t want to stand in our way.”
“Do you think it’s fate that brought us together?”
“Don’t you?”
“I didn’t believe there was a plan for the universe until I met you.” He runs his arm down my shoulder, and warmth spreads through me from his touch. I lean in to kiss his lips, wanting to keep hold of this feeling for a little longer.
“Let’s go save the world,” I say, although I don’t want to wake up from this warm, fuzzy feeling.
He frowns but recovers quickly. “Come on, then.”
“Wait. What was that look for?”
“It was nothing.”
I playfully pout. “I thought you were always real with me.”
He rubs his arm then looks into my eyes. “I don’t want to, but I’m falling for you, Maris.”
Butterflies circle in my stomach. He’s the first person to say something like that to me, and the feeling is reciprocated. “I really like you too.”
Our lips touch again and we kiss deeper. His tongue massages mine while his hand caresses my cheek. He pulls me close with more need, and it feels like this could be our last intimate moment. We’re from different worlds, and that’s not going to change, but we have the here and now.
Once we’ve said goodbye to Owen, we make our way back to the dock near the beach. “Don’t look, but I think those two guys are following us,” Kasper says.
“Do you think they’re the police?”
“They don’t seem to be, but I’m not sure who else could be after us. I doubt they’d send a plain-clothed officer to watch over me unless they want to catch me in the act of mischief.”
“How are we going to lose them?”
“We’ll have to find somewhere to hide until they leave. Two people disappearing into the ocean will look suspicious.”
“Should we weave in and out of the crowds until we’re out of sight long enough to hide?”
“Yes. I think we should split up, then you slip onto one of the boats as soon as you can. I’ll circle back around and catch up with you.”
Kasper starts to run, and I take off in a different direction. It quickly becomes apparent he isn’t the target. The men are following me, and I have to get away. Pushing myself, I run as fast as I can. A raised stone on the path trips me, and I twist my ankle. Hopping, I try to keep moving forward. Kasper’s behind the two guys speeding towards me.
