The Mermaid's Mirror

Chapter 15

Lena and Henry developed a nonverbal relationship. When Max was yammering on about cars, they pantomimed snoring. When he whined about how hard his college classes were, they used their thumb and finger to play tiny violins. When Pem giggled over-brightly at some attempt at humor by Max, they rolled their eyes and pretended to vomit.

Sometimes Henry was already plugged into his iPod when Lena climbed in the back seat. Then he just nodded at her and returned his attention to his music. Lena figured there were days when he couldn't even muster up the enthusiasm for mockery.

"Bye," called Lena as she hopped out of the car one afternoon. "Thanks, Max."

"Call me later," said Pem.

"Yep." Lena waved at Henry, who made a "Save me!" face. Giggling, she watched Max drive away, and went into the house.

"You're home early," said her mom.

"Oh," said Lena. She had never told her mom about getting rides home from Max. Lately her mom had arrived home from work later than Lena got home from school, so there was no need to account for her time. But it looked like today was the day. "I got a ride home," she said.

"You did? That's nice," said her mom, frowning at her laptop screen. "Darn it. They've double-booked the lower ballroom that day." She began to tap madly on the keyboard.

"Mom," said Cole. "Let's go to the beach." He was holding his Nerf football.

"Pretty soon, sweetie," said their mom. "I have to fix something for work."

"I'll take him," said Lena.

"Oh, that would be great, honey," said her mom. "I'll try to join you guys when I finish."

"No problem. Come on, bud. Let's beach it."

Cole rocketed out the door, football tucked under his arm like he was running for a goal.

As they strolled down the street, Cole chattered about his most beloved subject. "You know what, Lena?You know who my favorite player is?"

"No."

"Ronde Barber. He's a cornerback. So maybe I'll be a cornerback when I grow up. He holds the record for..."

Lena made sounds that indicated she was listening, although her mind was on surfboards. If she had her own, would she want a long board or a short board?

As they neared the beach parking lot, Lena could see Max's car parked in the lot. The windows were rolled down, and two dark heads leaned close together.

Maybe they're just talking, she thought.

But even at this distance, it was obvious the occupants of that car had not come to the beach to admire the view.

With a jolt, Lena realized that Pem's relationship with Max had made the shift from friendly to physical ... and Pem had not told her.

Thinking back over the past week, Lena felt like smacking her forehead. Pem had become more relaxed in the presence of Max-the-College-Guy, and Lena had figured it was Pem's natural confidence. Now she realized it was because Pem and Max had moved beyond casual rides home, and into parked cars.

"Come on, Coley," she called, and ran down the beach path.

Cole raced after her.

Lena breathed easier once she reached the sand. Wading into the surf, she felt the familiar delicious shock of cold, followed by a feeling of warmth as her skin adjusted to the water temperature. She stood still for a minute while little waves washed over her feet, a constant, hypnotic ebb and flow.

Cole dashed toward a flock of seagulls, scattering them. The birds rose lazily into the air and settled down on the sand again a few yards away.

Lena stared out at the sea for a few minutes. Where are you, mermaid? Then she walked back up the beach and sat down. She dug her toes into the top layer of soft, warm sand and into the chilly layer underneath. She closed her eyes, wondering if she would spend the rest of her life searching the waves for a creature that would never appear again.

"Want to play catch?" called Cole.

Lena opened her eyes. She didn't really want to play catch, but he looked so small and hopeful that she couldn't say no. She grinned up at him, then rolled over quickly, catching him by the knees. He squealed, his legs buckling, and sat down in the sand.

"That's not catch!" He laughed. "That's a tackle."

"I know," said Lena. "Because I'm an awesome football player, and you never knew it."

"You are?" He looked amazed.

She stood up, holding out her hand, and he grabbed it, pulling himself up. "Well, not really. But I'm an excellent tackler. Or wait ... no, I meant TICKLER!" She caught him in her arms and gently took him down to the sand again, tickling him.

He laughed and squirmed. Finally she helped him up, his blond hair full of sand and his cheeks rosy. They tossed the Nerf football back and forth for a while, then Lena said, "Time to head home, bud."

Cole didn't complain, just followed her back up the beach and across the gravel parking lot—which was blissfully free of classic Mustangs. When they reached the sidewalk, Cole took her hand, this time chattering about his teacher, Mr. Neil, and the classroom's hamsters.

As Lena held his hand, she thought, This is what's important. Not elusive sea creatures that are possibly all in my head. A rush of love swept over her, and she squeezed his hand, murmuring, "Really? You might get to bring Nutmeg and Cinnamon home some weekend? That's so cool."

When they got home, their dad's car was in the driveway.

"Dad's home!" cried Cole, and he turned to Lena with wide eyes. "Let's surprise him."

"Okay," said Lena. "We'll sneak in through the garage door instead of the sliding door."

They entered the garage from the side and went to the door leading to the kitchen. Lena turned the knob quietly and eased open the door. She could hear her parents' voices in the family room, but they couldn't see the kitchen door. She tiptoed inside, and Cole followed.

"...not the right time," she heard her dad say.

"Yes, it is. Brian, you can't keep putting it off. It's not fair to her! How do you think Lena's going to feel when she finds out the truth?"

Lena froze when she heard her mom's voice, usually so calm, raised to a cry.

"Allie, I told you I just need a little more time. Don't you think I've had enough going on? Starting a new job, and—"

"You're trying to pretend it's not happening, but it is. We can't go on like this!"

Lena had an overwhelming desire to push Cole back out the door so he wouldn't hear their parents fighting, but he was already standing next to her, his face dismayed. She put her arm around him and said, "It's okay, Coley. They're just having a disagreement. Just like you and Austin do sometimes."

His lower lip trembled. Their parents never fought in front of them.

"Mom," said Lena, stepping into view.

There was a shocked silence.

Mom walked into the kitchen and took note of Cole's expression. "Oh, honey." She put her arms around him. "Sorry you heard that. Dad and I aren't mad. We're just talking."

He clutched her, and she stroked his hair. "Did you and Lena have fun at the beach?"

Cole nodded wordlessly.

Lena looked at her dad. He looked back at her, trying to smile and failing.

What's not fair to me? she thought. What's going on?

"We wanted to surprise Dad," said Cole.

"Good job, bud," said their dad, and he opened his arms. Cole ran to him. Then Dad reached out an arm. "Group hug?" he asked.

Lena walked over to them, and after a moment, Mom followed. The four of them stood holding one another, as if they would never let go.