In this excerpt from my new release, Hippie Mermaid, Rosina begs the politician to take her with him.
Enjoy!
Lloyd gently released me. His dark eyes seemed lighter as they gazed at me. “You are troubled.”
I smiled, surprised by his unexpected empathy. “You are different from the others.”
He laughed. “Older, you mean.”
I shook my head. “You’re a better person. Kinder. Gentler.”
“Kind to a fault, according to Evelyn.”
He talked more about his sister than his wife. I found that unusual, but then these humans had many complex relationships. Chambers full of people, talking and laughing about the silliest things. And eating, constantly eating. Whenever she watched the moving images, Aunt Lina would cluck about the wasted food. All I could see was the camaraderie.
“I would have liked a sister.”
He winked. “You will have to procreate several times and surround yourself with a brood of baby mermaids.”
My lips trembled as I recalled my own predicament. The tears fell freely. As I sobbed, I felt him tighten his grip. When the tears subsided, I was able to release the pent-up anger and frustration I felt toward La Bella and Annabella. I focused on the kind human before me. He was the solution, the only solution to my dilemma.
“Tell me what is wrong,” Lloyd said as he detached himself. “And let me help you.”
“Please take me with you,” I said as I waved my hand toward the water. “I must get away before I’m punished—”
“Why would anyone want to punish you?”
He had given me the opening I needed. In a rush of words, I told him everything. Afterward, my tears returned. I had never cried so much before. Mama and Aunt Lina had been quick to chase away my tears. Their over-protectiveness had shielded me and kept me insulated from any strife.
I watched as Lloyd patted his upper garment and took out a small, white cloth. Gently, he wiped away my tears.
He frowned as he pointed to my tail. “How do I take you away?”
I managed a smile. “After I go through the transformation process, I will have legs and all the other body parts your female humans have. But I won’t be able to procreate.”
He muttered, “Thank God for small favors.”
“God? Who is God?” I wondered who else was in this man’s life.
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Joanne Guidoccio 