The Ocean's Call: Part One | ✔

Part Twenty Four

After what feels like an already crazy day, I remind myself some more crazy is coming later tonight. I'm going swimming with not just one mermaid but two and a merman as well. I can't wait until nana knows about Harley and I can't wait to see Alex's reaction when he finds out about me. I should do that sooner rather than later.

*

It's almost seven pm and mum is tipsy. She's giggling like a little schoolgirl fawning over dad while we all try to play cards. Nana is getting louder in volume, has been for the last hour as she keeps knocking back drinks. Jack disappeared not long ago to go see Louisa but not before he gave the new couple his words of wisdom to a good relationship and a good hug.

Harley is blending into the family with ease, it feels like she's been apart of the scenery for years. I'm very happy for the two of them. Alex hasn't stopped smiling all night, in fact I think he's been smiling ever since I saw him earlier today. He's clearly smitten with Harley because whenever she gets up to get a drink or go to the bathroom, he's up and follows her.

Mum and dad give me heaps every time it happens. Nana goes off into a story about dad being the same way about mum when they were younger. I've had a ball sitting back and watching everyone interacting all night. I never realised how much love was around me before.

"I need a refill. Anyone?" Harley pushes out of her chair.

Not even two seconds later Alex is up. "I'll help."

Mum and dad start whispering to each other, probably getting ready to tease them on their way into the house. Nana collects the cards and starts shuffling to play another round of poker. "Oh Jeffery, Jeffery I thought of the perfect gift for Alex for his next birthday." Mum shouts even though we're all right here.

She giggles several times before she can get the rest of her joke out, but Alex and Harley are already well into the house and out of ear shot. "I swear to god if you say a leash." Nana warns her, sending mum into a hiccup giggling spiral.

Dad laughs with her for a moment before he snaps into full serious mode. "I think we're cut off." He mutters.

Nana snorts. "Lightweights."

"You ready for bed dear?" dad asks mum who's giggles slowly dissolve as she thinks about his question.

"I'm ready for you."

I gag, covering my ears up as dad opens his mouth to retort back to her. They wave me off as they stand up and giggle their way inside like their teenagers. "So gross." Alex shudders as he steps out onto the back deck.

"Might have to sleep in the shed tonight if I want a peaceful sleep." Nana jokes as Harley and Alex sit back down.

I groan. "Eww stop!"

"It's perfectly natural, Isla." Nana mutters. Even across the table Alex looks as horrified as I'm sure my face is looking too.

"It is not natural for kids to know their parents still do it."

"But it is perfectly normal." She shrugs, dealing hands for the four of us.

Alex takes a length sip of his drink. "Doesn't mean I want to know."

"Ditto." I nod, waiting for my hand to be dealt.

Harley shrugs. "I think it's nice to know they still love each other deeply, you know? Gives you something to look forward too." She nudges Alex in the arm.

I expect my brother to complain but he just nods, smiling at his girlfriend. Ugh, I've lost him to the lovers. "Can we stop talking about my parents having sex?" I complain.

Nana grins, lifting her hand up to her face. "Sounds like someone else needs to get laid."

I gasp. "Nana!"

"No! I draw the line there!" Alex yells loudly, pointing at nana with a warning look. Harley laughs with nana as I try my best to ignore them. I think nana has gone beyond too much to drink, she doesn't have a filter anymore.

"It's seven thirty people." I mumble, organising my cards. I feel like no one has been able to hold their liquor tonight. My phone lights up on the table next to my chips. Austin's name dances on the screen.

Nana claps her hands. "Ah your prayers have been answered!" she yells.

"Oh my god." I grumble mortified that nana is praising the lord that her granddaughter might get laid, and the fact Austin called instead of texting like I told him to. Double mortified. I grab my phone and run down the steps before I even think about answering the call.

I put the phone to my ear and continue walking towards the beach. "I thought I told you not to call."

His laugh hitting my ear through the phone sends a wave of giddiness through me. "I told you I wanted to hear your voice."

I bite my lip. "How was work? You're finished now yeah?"

"Got an hour to go. I just wanted to tell you we're heading to Main Beach after work. Do you want to meet at the large rock near your family's beach?"

I look over at the very rock he's talking about. "Sure. I um invited Harley to join us, I spoke to her about being a mermaid."

"Oh cool, I'll let Anya know she's coming. How was dinner?"

"Everything went very well. My family already loved her, now they adore her. She's practically one of us now." I look over my shoulder at the shenanigans going on the deck. Nana must be telling a story because she's making very exaggerated arm movements.

"That's good, I'm glad you're having a good night."

"It's about to get even better, I'm looking forward to going for a night swim." I walk over to the jetty and start walking towards the boat.

"It's going to be a lot of fun."

"It is."

I listen to the sound of his soft breathing through the phone, mingled with the noise of the bar muffled in the background. I wonder what tonight would've been like if he'd come. Him meeting my parents and learning whether they like him or not. I think my dad would pretend he doesn't like him to start with before warming up like the big softie he is. mum, I really have no idea if she'd like him or not. I already know that nana likes him. Or at least she acts like she does.

I wonder what his parents would be like to meet. And his sisters. Especially his dad though, he looks up to his dad a lot. I'd love to meet the man behind the stories he's told me so far.

"I got to go, Isla but I'll see you soon. I'll text when we're almost there." Austin pulls me out of my thoughts of meeting the parents.

I shake my head clear of the thoughts. "Okay, have fun. See you soon."

"Bye."

"Bye." I pull my phone away from my ear, watching the call disconnect.

I put my phone in my pocket and look out at the water glistening under the moonlight. It's a full moon tonight, the entire ocean looks beautiful off the end of the jetty. I drop down to sit at the end of the jetty, dangling my feet in the water.

The water is cool but nice. I move my legs back and forth through the water, grabbing my phone back out to text Emily.

Lots to tell you tomorrow. I'm going for a night swim tonight. – Isla

I've just locked my phone when it dings, signalling her reply. I didn't expect her to message back so soon. I thought she'd be busy.

I can't wait. Excited to official meet your merman on Saturday 😉 – Emily

I grin, looking back at the moon streaming its bright light over the water. everything looks so calm and peaceful tonight. How crazy is it that there is an entire world beneath the surface?

**