Between the Land and the Sea

Chapter FIVE

LORELEI

I opened my eyes to see Charlie’s sphinx-like face staring back at me. I sat up and winced, for my back and shoulders ached, and my legs were stiff and sore. My mind immediately started racing, considering the implications of what I’d seen yesterday. The whole world seemed to shift on its axis as I came to grips with the fact that mermaids really existed. I was forced to believe my own eyes, and it made me wonder what other mysteries lay hidden, waiting to be discovered.

Evie used to say that the most beautiful things in life were also the most mysterious, and I could certainly see how that would apply to mermaids. She would believe me, I thought, but she’d panic if she knew about my accident. I was busy formulating the words I’d use in my head when it occurred to me that I didn’t know one thing about mermaids other than what I’d seen in a Disney cartoon.

I got out of bed gingerly and went for my laptop. Wrapping myself up in my quilt like a giant cocoon, I started to do some serious research. The only problem was that there didn’t seem to be much serious information to be found. I spent the next few hours cruising cyberspace, feverishly reading everything I could find about mermaid legend and lore. Every culture in every part of the world had tales of magical ocean maidens, and all sorts of different powers were ascribed to them.

I heard Abby’s footsteps come down the hall, followed by a soft knock on the door. I closed the computer. “Come in,” I called.

“I just wanted to check in on you before I left for the studio,” she said with concerned eyes.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes Abby,” I said firmly, trying to sound reassuring. “Can we just put this all behind us?”

“I guess so,” she smiled tentatively, “See you this afternoon.” I turned back to my mermaid research until I was interrupted by another knock on the door.

Cruz poked his head in.

“Are you alright?” he asked, “Mom told me what happened.”

“Yeah,” I said, huddling in my quilt. “I think my pride was wounded more than anything else.”

“Megan’s on the way over,” he said, “She’s bringing her guitar this time.”

“Excellent, I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

I got dressed and reached over to scratch Charlie under the chin. What he would think about a half fish, half woman? I smirked at the thought, and kissed him on the top of his furry little head.

When Megan arrived I settled into the comfortable couch with my legs curled under me while Cruz pleaded for her to sing us a song. She’d been creative in coming up with excuses to avoid performing for us, but Cruz had finally cornered her, refusing to let her forget her guitar.

I smiled some encouragement, “It’s just me and Cruz.”

She blushed, and then gathering her courage, pulled up a beanbag, sat down and began strumming on her guitar. She drew a deep breath and launched into a song about heartbreak and sorrow, the notes ringing out high and crystalline. Megan was suddenly beautiful, and the haunting melody she sang echoed against the hardwood floors, resonating throughout the room. I was reminded of the sweet sound of the mermaid’s voice and struggled to blink back involuntary tears. Cruz caught my eye and nodded knowingly. She really was incredibly talented.

“Wow!” I gasped when she finished, “That was amazing! You wrote that song?” She nodded, eyes shining, “Yeah.”

“Cruz wasn’t kidding about your music,” I said seriously, “You should perform in public!

Are there places around here with open mike nights?”

“I dunno,” she said, looking down shyly.

I told her about the clubs in San Francisco Evie used to scout for performers. She was always on the lookout for the newest and most talented musicians to showcase at her parties and charity events, and loved hunting them down for herself. Evie had a good ear, and was responsible for many an up-and-coming artist’s big break.

“I don’t think I’m ready for anything like that,” Megan said, shaking her unruly curls with a terrified look in her eye.

“I think you are,” I pronounced with conviction.

She blushed as red as her hair and stammered out her thanks. We spent the morning talking and I coaxed some more music out of her. The first song was no fluke, and as her confidence rose her voice strengthened. I was even more captivated after her second performance, now certain I was right about her impressive musical talent. I needed to introduce her to Evie.

Cruz told Megan about my near drowning and she repeated Ethan’s warning about keeping an eye out on the waves. Apparently there had been several accidental deaths at the beach over the years, all blamed on high, unpredictable surf and erratic rip currents.

“Cruz and I aren’t real beachy types,” she said with a smirk, “but then again... we’re not really into surfers.”

I cast her a baleful glare.

She returned my gaze mischievously, “Did Ethan really carry you all the way home?” she asked. I nodded, mortified and suddenly flustered.

“Well,” she said seriously, “I suppose that makes it all worthwhile.” Cruz and Megan snickered to each other as I flushed bright red.

“Very funny,” I said with a sour look, “but something else happened yesterday that I didn’t tell anyone.”

I’d felt as though I was going to explode all morning, holding in my thoughts of the strange encounter. The urge to say it out loud kept the news bubbling to the tip of my tongue, threatening me with its intensity. I couldn’t wait any longer. The floodgates burst open and I told them about the mermaid, pouring the whole story out to them, describing the first sighting and finally going into detail about our contact yesterday.

They sat there quietly, taking it all in. Then they exchanged a meaningful glance between them.

“Are you sure you didn’t bump your head or something when you were underwater?” Cruz asked.

Megan chimed in, “You passed out... right? That could cause oxygen deprivation...”

“Are you accusing me of having brain damage?” I asked acerbically, then joking, “Or should I say drain bramage?” They didn’t laugh.

Cruz tried to placate me, “It’s just, you might have gotten knocked out and dreamed it or something...”

I rolled my eyes at him, “I just told you I saw her before the accident,” I said.

“Maybe it was someone playing a trick on you,” Megan reasoned, “Some of those surfer girls can be really mean.”

They spent the better part of an hour trying to explain away my story. The more I insisted that what I saw was real, the more condescending they got. They spoke to me like I was a confused child. Frustrated, I excused myself and went for a walk to calm my rising irritation. I should have known better than to tell anyone. Who in their right mind would believe such a story?

I walked the neighborhood lost in my thoughts, agitated, and without even thinking my feet took me down to the pier leading towards the cement boat. I came upon the lone fisherman leaning against the rail, looking intently into the murky swirling waters. I walked to his side and looked down, puzzled to see nothing. He glanced over at me with a grin, giving me the strangest sensation that he’d been expecting me.

“Good morning,” I said routinely.

“Hello water girl,” he replied, smiling so broadly I thought his lined face would crack, “The water spirits are strong today.” He gestured to the bucket at his feet, overflowing with fish.

I looked down and back up at him, remembering his cryptic remarks at the farmer’s market.

“Really?” I asked, looking out towards the ruins.

“Good fishing,” he said with a wink.

His ancient eyes sparkled impishly, and a surge of excitement passed through me. I don’t know how I knew– but I just did. Grinning triumphantly, I turned and ran back home as fast as my stiff legs could manage.

When I burst into Abby’s little house panting and sporting a maniacal smile, Cruz and Megan started to look more than a little bit nervous.

“Come on!” I barked at them, “Now! She’s down at the ship.” I hustled them out the door and hurried along the path, racing down to the pier with Cruz and Megan trailing behind me.

When I got to the ship I found a couple sitting on the bench, holding hands and kissing. I stood there waiting for Megan and Cruz to catch up, blocking the lovebird’s view. They looked annoyed at my intrusion and reluctantly got up to go, still clinging to one another.

“It’s the love boat,” Megan said when she caught up, and Cruz started laughing. They seemed to think this whole thing was a big joke.

“Come here,” I hissed, waving them over to the chain link fence. I scanned the deck, making sure there was no one else around. Once I was certain the coast was clear, I looked down to see a team of sea lions looking back up at us.

“Sister , come out,” I cried, not knowing what else to call her. A few moments passed and I could hear Cruz and Megan muttering to each other with strange worried looks on their faces.

Suddenly she popped up out of the water in all her full glory.

“Don’t go!” I called out to her, seeing her alarm when she spotted my company. “Please...” she ducked back into the water and just when I thought she was gone for good she appeared right on the other side of the fence. It was the closest that I had been to her since she pulled me out of the water.

She looked shyly at Megan and Cruz, who stood in shock, white knuckles gripping the fence. Then she turned toward me and smiled.

“What’s your name?” I asked her, and then added, “I’m Marina. ”

“Marina, ” she repeated in her singsong voice, “I am Lorelei.”

“Why did you...what...” I stammered. I didn’t know what to ask first.

“Is that your mate? ” she asked, looking toward Cruz. His eyeballs were popping out of his head.

I chuckled, “No, he’s my cousin.”

“Cousin, ” she said, looking confused, “Who is the one with the beautiful hair? ” she asked, smiling at Megan. I looked over to see Megan’s freaked out face. Lorelei turned towards me suddenly, eyes excited.

“I have something, ” she sang in her ringing voice. She flashed another brilliant smile and dove back into the churning sea, giving my skeptical friends another excellent view of her tail.

They looked at me incredulously, vaguely horrified. With a splash she reappeared, only this time she had my binoculars around her slender neck and my bag slung over her shoulder.

“I have your... things, ” she said, wide eyed.

“Could I have my bag back?” I gestured, thinking about my keys. She reached up, and with one graceful motion flung the bag up and over the chain link fence. I bent to pick it up. “You can keep the binoculars,” I added, watching as she looked down and touched them.

“Binoculars, ” she repeated, and smiled radiantly.

At that moment, children’s voices sounded behind us and we turned to see a young mother with two little girls approaching the fence. With one graceful flip of her tail, Lorelei the mermaid disappeared into the waves. The kids ran up to cling to the chain link, squealing with delight as they spotted the basking sea lions. The tired mother parked herself on the bench and settled down with a sigh, obviously planning to stay awhile.

“Come on, let’s go,” I shepherded Cruz and Megan away from the fence, savoring my moment of sweet vindication.

“Holy Crap,” said Megan numbly as we made our way down the pier.

“That was intense,” added Cruz, eyes wide with shock.

I knew how they felt. It was a strange thing indeed to have all of your assumptions about reality turned upside down in a split second.

We came upon the fisherman and I paused for a moment, “Thank you,” I said with a sincere smile.

“What is your name, water girl?” he asked, his deeply lined face holding friendly eyes.

“Marina, and yours?”

“Lue Khang,” he replied.

“Well, Lue Khang,” I said, my smile broadening, “Thanks again.” I pressed my palms together and bowed my forehead to them. I knew this to be a sign of respect from my time in Thailand and I hoped he understood. I turned to leave, “Good luck fishing!” I called over my shoulder with glee.

“Heh, heh, heh,” I could hear his happy chuckle as I rejoined Cruz and Megan.

“Come on guys– let’s go!” I prodded my dazed looking friends, “I’ve been doing some research and have a ton of stuff to show you.”

By the time we made it up the steep stairs Cruz and Megan were getting over the shock and speculating wildly about what it all meant. I was relieved to have someone to talk to about it, and grateful to Lue Khang for tipping me off about her. I wondered exactly what he knew about Lorelei.

When we got home I brought out my laptop and started to excitedly show them all the information that I’d gathered.

“There are lots of stories about how they lure sailors to their deaths,” said Megan ominously, her topaz eyes flashing with the thought of it.

“Yeah,” Cruz said, “But over here, it says that they’ve been known to warn fishermen away from dangerous storms and rescue them from shipwrecks.”

“That’s what’s frustrating,” I griped, “There’s so much contradictory information.”

“I think our mermaid is much too pretty to be the killer type,” said Cruz thoughtfully.

Megan cast him a satirical glance, “Our mermaid?”

“Well, Marina discovered her, but we’re probably the only ones who know she exists!” he sounded mightily impressed with the importance of this, and I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I suspected the old guy fishing knew as well.

We kept on reading mermaid factoids to each other until late in the day. Mermaids were said to have the gift of prophecy, and to be immortal. They were described as both good and evil in a confusing mix of legend and lore. We read that they blessed people who were kind to sea creatures, and were able to bestow creativity and talent. Artists, poets and adventurers claimed to draw inspiration from them.

Lots of stories claimed that they possessed the power to grant wishes, and that their presence signified abundance and protection. They were also known to have the ability to transform, to grow legs and become human at will.

“What if they’re all over the place?” Megan wondered.

“What if she’s the only one?” Cruz countered.

We decided to find out more about her, to determine where she came from and what she was up to. When I reminded them of their initial skepticism, we made a pact to keep her existence a secret.

“We have to be careful, if anyone finds out about her, the scientists might try to dissect her in some laboratory,” said Cruz, his big brown eyes open wide.

Megan scoffed at him, “Seriously Cruz, that’s only in the movies. In the real world the men in the white coats will be coming to take you away if you start talking about seeing mermaids!”

“That’s for sure,” I said, remembering their condescending behavior just a few short hours ago, “I think it’s important that we keep this to ourselves.”

“You know,” said Megan thoughtfully, “She looked a whole lot like you.” Cruz agreed, “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were twins. It’s weird– your eyes are exactly the same.”

I hesitated for a moment, “Yeah, I noticed... I wonder if that’s why she showed herself to me. She thinks she knows me...” I was still a little freaked out about it.

“Marina... why did you call her sister?” Cruz asked solemnly.

“She mistook me for her sister or something, because that’s what she called me... at first,” I said, “At least we know each other’s names now.”

“How’s that?” Cruz asked.

“You heard her,” I said.

“What are you talking about? All she did was make weird sounds.” I was stunned, “Megan, you heard her, right?”

Megan slowly shook her head no, “It sounded like she was gargling or something.”

“No way! You didn’t hear anything she said?” I asked, shocked.

“No, we just saw her hand you your bag.” Cruz said, reaching out for the damp leather tote.

He looked at the label, “Oh my God! It’s a Gucci!” Megan and I laughed at him, but Cruz cocked his head at me with questioning eyes.

“How did she sound to you?” he asked.

“She was definitely talking, but it sounded like singing,” I said, “Like bells ringing.”

“That’s hella weird! How come you hear that and we don’t?” Cruz looked at me skeptically and I just shrugged, as mystified about it as he was.

“Marina, what did she say to you?” asked Megan gravely.

“Well, she asked my name, and she said her name was Lorelei. She asked if Cruz was my mate.”

Megan’s eyes met mine and we cracked up, rolling on the couch laughing.

“Also, she said that your hair is beautiful,” I added, as I sat up wiping my eyes. Clearly pleased, Megan smiled shyly and raised her hand to her curls.

“Then she gave me my bag and I told her to keep the binoculars.”

“We could hear you talk, Marina,” said Cruz, shaking his head in wonder.

“Whoa,” said Megan, suddenly somber as she considered the implications, “This is really huge...”

“That’s what she said!” Cruz retorted, sending them both into spasms of laughter.

“Who’s she?” I asked, causing them renewed hilarity.

“I’m serious,” said Megan after she composed herself, “Marina must have some sort of psychic connection with her.”

“Maybe it’s because she rescued you!” Cruz speculated.

“Or because she touched you,” Megan said, making Cruz shudder.

We all sat and thought about that for a minute but no one could come up with a better explanation.

“You’re just lucky you got your bag back,” said Cruz gravely.

Megan snorted, “Cruz is more impressed with Gucci than he is with a supernatural being!”

“Honey,” Cruz snapped, “Gucci is supernatural!”

The three of us burst into cathartic laughter, all of us forced to accept the fact that there were mysteries in the world that were inconceivable to us until today. Now anything was possible, and knowing that was wonderful, exciting and more than a little scary.

That night I tossed and turned in bed, replaying my conversation with Lorelei in an endless loop. My mind was flooded with mermaid legends and lore. They were said to be the sirens of ancient mythology, and in the stories the siren’s song was dangerous, more often than not resulting in disaster. One of the recurring themes was of their seductive voices making them irresistible. I thought about how the mermaid sounded to me, and I was reminded of a man I once heard playing hand bells on a street in San Francisco.

Evie and I had stopped, transfixed by the glorious resonant tones that seemed to vibrate right through your chest and into your soul. We both stood rooted to the ground until the last ringing note reverberated off the buildings all around us. I could still remember the look on the bell ringer’s face when Evie tipped him lavishly, took me by the hand, and walked away without a word.

Lorelei, I thought, remembering her beautiful voice. How on earth was it that I could hear it when my friends couldn’t? I resolved to find out more as I drifted off to sleep, lulled by the rumble of the surf, dreaming of distant chimes ringing out a beautiful tune.