The sky was still dark when I got out of bed. Pulling my suit on, I put my hair up and made my way down to the garage where we kept our boards. I past by my sister’s room, and knocked softly on the door. She came out shortly after wearing an amazing orange bikini. Her smile was probably as big as mine, let’s just hope the surf is good by morning.

***

I positioned myself straighter on my board, as I pushed up into a sitting position. The water was cool, not freezing, just cool. I looked back at my sister, who was paddling behind me. I waited a moment for her to catch up before positioning back on my stomach and continued forward towards the larger waves. But then I looked back, Cassie wasn't there. She was nowhere. A hand tugged at my leg, ripping the leash attached to my ankle off and pulled me into the sea. No matter how much I tugged, or kicked, the thing wouldn't let go.

I screamed. This is the tenth time. I’ve had the same dream, the same memory. I opened my eyes, wanting the rocks to magically turn into my bedroom. But they couldn't. I was being held captive by the one thing that shouldn’t be real: a merman.

                    ONE YEAR EARLIER

“Sam! Wait for me!” I yelled, trying to catch up to her.

I heard her laugh over the waves. I shook my head and pushed forward, diving underneath an incoming wave to keep myself from wiping out. I surfaced quickly and continued to paddle.

I finally reached her and sat up on my board.

I turned to glare at her, “You are no fair.”

Her green eyes were filled with laughter as she said, “You caught up with me didn’t you?”

“But still, tripping me before we head out is dangerous. You are lucky I didn't get hurt, or anyone else for that matter.”

She wiped her tangled red hair out of her eyes while she said matter-of-factly, “You need to take a chill pill London. Besides, that was harmless.”

“Uh huh.”

“Good afternoon ladies!” James called from behind us. We both turned to look at our best friend.

“What happened to your hair?”

“Oh yeah, dad put some overly strong gel in it and now it won't come out. And now it looks like I’m going to one of Gatsby’s parties.”

“Who is Gatsby?” Sam inquired.

“Who is Gatsby? Who is GATSBY? Are you serious? You’ve known me for how long Samantha?”

“Gosh, I’m sorry I don't know who Gatsby is.”She said, “You both need to take some chill pills.”

“London, you know who Gatsby is right?”

“Of course. Gatsby, Jay Gatsby. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.”

“Yes! I have a friend who’s read it!”

“Actually, I’ve never read it. I’ve wanted to, I’ve just never had the time.”

“What! That’s it. You both are reading it with me.”

“Dang it! London, see what you did!” Samantha faked being mad, I laughed, and soon we were all laughing.

I missed those days with my friends. If only we could have seen it coming, maybe then none of this could have happened. One could only wish. But I can't wish anymore, my fate is sealed with the sea.