Skye
and Paul spent their days walking hand in hand around the island. Often they found a secluded spot where they
felt reasonably sure they were alone and spent time in each other's arms. Evenings were spent in Skye's room where
neither could get enough of the other.
For
three days Skye and Paul were inseparable.
On the fourth day at breakfast the Queen announced, "Andre has
informed me that your boat will be repaired today and you will be able to leave
tomorrow."
The
Queen watched the reactions of all in the room. Bruce and Gene were both eager to get back home. They had enjoyed their time on the island
but Gene was anxious to get back home to all his projects. Bruce needed to get back to rehearsals with
his band. Neither had expected to be
gone for a week. Paul had been quiet
after the announcement. He had a great
time with Skye but it was time to go home.
Maybe he could convince her to come home with him or at least come for a
visit.
*****
Bruce
and Gene headed down to the lagoon for one last swim before leaving. Paul and Skye headed out for their usual
walk. Today their journey led them to
the lagoon.
"Paul."
Gene called out. "Why don't you
and Skye join us? The water is
great."
"Maybe
we will." Paul called back.
A
wave of panic swept through Skye.
"Lets
go swimming." Paul encouraged.
"No! I don't think that would be a good
idea." Skye stammered.
"Oh
come on, it will be fun."
Paul
picked up a struggling Skye and waded out into the lagoon.
"No
Paul, please." Skye pleaded.
Paul
tossed Skye into the lagoon laughing as he did, then Skye hit the water. Skye anxiously looked at Paul.
"Paul…"
Skye swam toward him
"Stay
away from me…what kind of a freak are you?"
Skye's
face fell. She had thought Paul loved
her but the look of horror on his face said more to Skye than words ever
could. Skye slowly sank under the water
and swam toward the ocean. Marshmallow
met her at the entrance to the lagoon and following her mistress they both swam
away.
Gene
and Bruce looked at each other not believing what they had just seen.
"She
really is a mermaid." Bruce finally muttered.
Gene
looked at a still stunned Paul, "Did you know?"
Paul
could only shake his head no.
No
one knew what to say. They left the
lagoon, each for their own reason. Paul
wanted to get away from Skye, but Gene wanted to see Queen Daphne. ‘If Skye was a mermaid then her mother
must be one too.’