“The ocean is a lot different from the safety of the pool,” he explained. “Besides their being sea creatures you have to worry about, there are really dangerous currents that merpeople are taught to avoid from their infancy. Also, there are ocean liners, fishing nets, oil spills.”
Tammer’s list grew so quickly, my head spun like a top and he grinned at me.
“All this will be explained to you in time, Morgan. The best thing to do is to start simply – one thing at a time and go from there. For instance, we’d like to give you a choice. You’re entering your senior year, and we wanted to know if you’d like to attend the private school here on the island or if you’d prefer a private tutor.”
A private tutor meant being under house arrest. The last thing I wanted was to be cooped up in the mansion, nice as it was. I wanted to meet new people and make friends.
“I’ll go to school,” I said hastily.
Tammer and Mom nodded. “That’s just fine. We’ll enroll you in the Gulf Stream Academy. I think you’ll really like it. There are many children who attend the school and quite a few families are merpeople. Of course, it’s not known by the humans – we keep that secret safe and mostly keep to our kind. Tiesa’s family comes from a long line of merpeople. She’s a strange girl, but very kind. Her father is one of my best friends.”
“She mentioned that. She said you guys go out fishing a lot.”
He nodded.
“I think it’s time for a celebration!” Mom interrupted. “How about we go out for dinner?”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Tammer added. “Why don’t we get ready now? Would you like that, Morgan?”
I was starving. “That’d be great,” I said.
“Tammer,” I said, and he paused, turning toward me.
“I’m really sorry,” I hesitated. “You know, about being rude to you.”
He nodded. “I know. It’s ok.” Smiling, he turned and followed Mom into their room.
The Shell - that was the name of the restaurant we pulled up to. On the way there, Mom and Tammer explained that this restaurant was the only one that catered to merpeople. It was owned by them, run by them, and most of their customers were merpeople.
Walking into the restaurant was like walking into an underwater fantasy. All that was missing was the water. It was spectacularly beautiful.
Mermaids painted in vibrant colors were carved into the walls. The tables looked as if they were made from mother of pearl, while the seats were giant clamshells complete with soft turquoise cushions. Brightly stocked fish tanks separated each section from each other. Nets filled with starfish, seashells, and seaweed, all sparkling in silver glitter, hung from the ceiling. It was truly decadent.
It also seemed to be a meeting place of all the beautiful people. Everyone was slim, toned and tanned. I looked like a sick grub compared to them and I felt more than uncomfortable. I sank deeper into my shell seat and sucked down some water from a crystal goblet.
“What do you think of the place?” Mom asked excitedly.
“It’s, um…” I paused – what would be the correct adjective?
“I know!” Mom was almost giddy. “It’s beyond words! This is my most favorite place to eat. It’s fantastic!”
“My dearest Elan!” A deep and soothing voice called from behind us and when I turned, I was met by a giant. Seriously, the man had to be close to seven feet tall.
“Vitahl!”
The man kissed Mom’s hand. “So good to see you!”
He moved to Tammer’s side and shook his hand. “How is my most favorite couple?”
“Very good, thank you,” Tammer patted his hand and gestured to me. “This is Elan’s eldest daughter, Morgan.”
Recognition swept over Vitahl’s face and in a moment he was by my side, taking my hand in his and kissing it.
“I have heard so much about you, Morgandy. I am honored to meet you.”
It was a bit much. Honored? It wasn’t as if I’d won the Nobel Peace Prize or anything.
“Nice to meet you,” I said and withdrew my hand.
“For my honored guests, I shall make a fantastic feast,” he continued theatrically and in an instant, had disappeared.
“Isn’t he just the most wonderful man?” Mom was practically swooning. “He’s from France and is the most brilliant chef in Florida!”
“Uh huh,” I said, distracted by a group of people at another table across the restaurant from us. It was the Dartmoth’s. Akin, Herra, and Gavran were looking back at me. An older man who most likely was their father was eating and talking, seemingly unaware they weren’t listening. Herra leaned forward and whispered into Akin’s ear and a nasty smile grew across his face.