Chapter Twenty

As told by Dylan Paul and Jackie Stanley

Darya seemed pretty nonchalant when I told her our parents’ verdict. She went on to warn me that I’d have to watch them go at some point, confessing that she’d seen Neptune mourn his father when he died. While I was glad to see there is actually a caring side to her, I reminded her that the main thing would be spending time with them before that happened. She just shrugged and went on her way – I sense an underlying fear of death, if I’m honest. Whether it’s the actual dying or having to watch I’m not sure, but she seems to forget it’s not about how the story ends, it’s making the most of the preceding moments.

Dylan is so romantic – he decided to give me a musical reception when I woke this morning. It’s funny how different the twins are; there seems to be a classic light and dark story going on with these two. While Dylan has an affectionate streak a mile wide and is more receptive of strangers…

… Darya is more intense and constantly grumbles about the people charging through our house. To be honest I don’t blame her, especially with the streakers, but some of these folks are amicable enough if she gives them a chance.

Even Steve gets on well with Edwin, and he’s incredibly shy. Mind you, Edwin seems to have a knack for bringing people out of themselves; Dylan mentioned that he’d worked his magic on him too.

Dylan and I both heaved a sigh of relief when she finally got talking to him.

“Oh, she’s a good enough girl when you give her a chance,” I smiled at Jackie, “Just don’t tick her off!”

Steve found that out too, when she finally felt brave enough to step their relationship up a notch.

I couldn’t help but allow the biggest, soppiest grin to spread across my face as I watched them. I’m a terrible romantic, I’ll freely admit – even when Jackie is usually the one to make the moves.

“Dylan!!”

My smile took on a different manner as I recognised the tone in her voice.

“What is it this time?” I asked, feigning a cracking of the knuckles as I turned to face her.

“Three guesses,” I grumble as I thumb towards the room I recently left, “That thing’s useless!”

Not for me it isn’t! Although the picture that forms in my head every time I fix the shower, as I recall Mum telling me her stories about this very thing, never fails to make me chuckle while I work. I’ve already found out through swimming in the sea, that one thing I didn’t inherit from her was her fish tail. Things would be so awkward if I did – poor woman. Curiously enough, even though she didn’t pass on the scales, she did her amphibian qualities, and both Darya and I tend to add cooking salt to the bath before we use it. Just goes to show; we may look normal, but there’s things like that to serve a reminder of what really lies beneath.

I’m comparatively easy to figure out though. For all her dark attire and gloomy outlook, Darya gets pulled to the easel an awful lot – to the point where she’s now a master artist. I hope Steve knows what he’s getting into with her; she’s a tough one to handle, and I’m saying this as her twin brother.

Just when we were settling nicely in our uni house, the next day we received an unwelcome visitor. Larry the cow mascot showed up, and started flirting with everyone – including me!

Jackie was practising on the easel at the time – it was about then I became grateful that things hadn’t got that heavy between us yet. Steve wasn’t so lucky when Larry tried his luck with Darya.

He was furious! Even though she turned him down, Steve launched into a slapping frenzy – which, I have to admit, I was secretly pleased to see by this point. I’m normally tolerant of the people we meet here, but this cow guy was quickly wearing my patience.

I retreated outside to play catch with Steve, but even there I wasn’t safe. Well, I was, but the same couldn’t be said for Darya. When the flirting didn’t work, he just started shoving people about for no reason – even Dylan!

By now, he had literally pushed me too far.

“That’s it,” I snapped, “I don’t know who you think you are, but this is our home and I’m not going to put up with your crap anymore!”

“In short,” Darya added, “P*** off before I find the steak knife!”

She had more bearing than me; he soon scarpered, thank heavens. But she wasn’t finished.

“Right, Edwin or not, we’re locking the f***ing doors!” she screamed as she marched off.

I nursed my brow as I watched her go. Of course I agreed, but looking between Steve and her after that, I couldn’t help wondering how much damage had really been done.

As the evening drew in, I decided to cool off by having a dig in the front garden. The atmosphere inside was already getting strained, and I had frustrations of my own to work from my system. I knew one thing for sure; if I never saw that cow again it’d be too soon.

Chapter Nineteen

However much we love the ocean, it was nice to get inland for a while. I had my first taste of fishing shortly after we arrived, and already landed a whopper!

The scenery is truly remarkable here. It is so nice to be among the greenery like this, as well as sample the local delicacies.

I grew a little alarmed at the fact that tourists were allowed to play with axes, however. Still, the campground is supervised, so there should be little problem; none of us wish to be murdered after all. I must say though, playing with them is fun!

I was pleasantly surprised to find the tour guide still out in the evening, but I wasn’t complaining. I decided to book us on a nature trail, and made plans to take advantage of the other two while we were there.

I finally got to spend the night in a tent. Although sleeping was the last thing on our minds…

“So this is what it’s like in a tent, eh?” I remarked with a cheeky grin.

Oh, we may be older now, but there’s plenty of life in us yet!

The one mistake we made was to travel during Autumn – up here it’s in the grip of Winter. I needed to thaw out, and Lore needed to make sure she didn’t turn bluer than she already was – I actually grew worried about her, remembering that she’s a cold-blooded creature. We’ll both need to wrap up during our stay here.

That didn’t stop us indulging in a spot of log-rolling though, after it warmed up a little. It was about one-all before we finished – and I noticed that she kept her legs when she fell into the water. Given that she’s living among humans, I have to say that’s a good thing.

I had never experienced a massage before, and I found myself with the wish to learn how it was done. Luckily the masseur was only too happy to teach me, and I started to wonder if we should buy a table once we get back home.

While Lore was learning the art of massage, I tried out the sauna. You wouldn’t think something like this would be beneficial or relaxing, but it’s both. I would recommend it to anyone, although you do need a shower afterwards.

We met with the creature known as Bigfoot later on, and it was my turn to try my hand at fishing. It was a far cry from just diving into the water, but this is much more convenient, and you also get to chat with others partaking in the same activity. The Bigfoot introduced himself as Andre, and was incredibly pleasant.

Wow, look what I caught! I thought we couldn’t catch golden trout with our limited fishing skills, but both Lore and I managed to catch one! This is getting mounted back home without a doubt; to eat it would be sacrilege.

We made a return trip to the spa to recharge a little. Lore needed another massage, while I treated myself to a soak in the spring.

These local people are a curious folk. It was interesting to learn of the different greetings they used though.

We also learned another way to dance. It was another, more seasoned tourist that we found dancing in this way, although a local woman joined us later on.

We visited Andre for a second time, and Teddy decided to kick a little ball between us. Andre was just as good with his feet, and seemed to enjoy the game as much as we did.

Andre grew very interested about my way of life among these humans, and was asking me all sorts of questions. I gave my reasons for leaving the ocean, and admitted that I had led a very fulfilling life since coming to live on dry land.

It was him who asked to come back with us. It seemed he looked up to me as an inspiration or something like that; he saw how content I had become and wanted a taste of that himself. I must admit, it will be refreshing to have around someone who’s in the same position I once was; in fact I’m the one now doing the teaching.

He seemed to settle well enough when we returned home. Teddy was just pleased to have another excuse to remodel the house a little, while I was happy to have a friend who knows how I used to feel when I first stepped ashore.

Chapter Eighteen

I woke before Lore did today, and decided to while away some time digging in the dirt. She found two treasure chests and two maps; I found three maps and a little Tiki idol. Something tells me we’ll need some shelves to put some of these ornaments, like that blue vase I brought with me. It would look better there than on the desk.

We may be old timers now, but that doesn’t stop us having some close time together. Lore’s love of sunbathing paid off too; I wondered how she’d look with a tan.

The triplets grew from kittens to cats today. We’d been wondering whether to keep Oceana…

Ariel…

…or Aquarius. At least this time it’s easy to tell the cats apart, even though Oceana and Aquarius look very similar. He has a thicker coat, and Oceana has a different eye colour.

All three of them are adorable, though. It was only a phone call from a certain young man that decided the matter in the end.

He was very insistent that we kept Aquarius. I had noticed the amount of time he’d spent with him during his teenage years, and Dylan has a way of making it very hard to say no to him.

Believe it or not, I really hate this part. You can’t not get attached to them all, even though you know you have to give some of them away. What I can suggest though, is that Darya takes them in when she leaves. I’m sure she’ll give them a good home, whether or not she stays with Steve.

With the five cats reduced to three, and the twins now away at University, things had quietened down considerably. We had some time to ourselves – a lot of time, and it got me in the mood for a little chat.

“So,” I began, “Any idea what you’d like to do, now we’re alone again?”

“Yes,” I replied, a smile slowly spreading across my lips as I realised my learning wasn’t quite over, “I’d like to see more of this world. I came to learn more about it, but I’ve heard there’s much still yet to see.”

I grinned in reply as I slapped her leg.

“I was hoping you’d say that,” I smiled, “Well, I’ve found these maps, and it’d be a shame to let them go to waste.”

A new found excitement welled within at the prospect as we began to make plans.

“I’ve been thinking, in fact,” I said, “We could do with buying a holiday home somewhere. It’d be nice for the twins to have a proper honeymoon if they get lucky enough.”

I frowned in puzzlement as I turned back to him. With all I’d learnt through the years, it became apparent that I’d missed one or two details.

“What’s a honeymoon?” I asked.

I smiled sadly as the one regret in my life began to rear its head.

“Something we couldn’t manage at the time,” I began carefully, “It’s a traditional holiday for newly-weds. We can certainly afford to treat them, make sure they don’t miss out like we did.”

“That’s a very nice idea,” I smiled, “Maybe we can visit the different areas first, find out which would be the better spot.”

“Now that’s a good idea,” I smiled. As we rose from our seats, I scooped her into my arms as we finalised the little details.

“Have I told you lately that I love you?”

I chuckled into his ear as he pulled me closer.

“Have I told you lately that I love you too?” I grinned in reply.

Raquel has made a habit of inviting herself inside lately. I’m not sure why… although I have the funny feeling it involves a cat called Pisces. I knew I’d forgotten something…

I felt I needed a change of clothes, and thought to buy some more suitable attire for our holiday. Teddy made very subtle hints about sleeping under the stars, bringing up the time I had to sleep in a tent because I couldn’t afford a bed. I did warn him that one didn’t sleep too well in a tent, although I did admit that the experience itself was very pleasant, and worth repeating on the basis that, this time, I had a choice. So we booked a mountain holiday and chose to stay at a campsite.

When I returned from the shops, I called the adoption service so I could deliver my promise to Raquel, and hand over Pisces to her. She and her new cat remained in the house for a while, and on noting the shops were still open, all this talk of cats reminded me of one more thing I needed to do.

Namely buy Aquarius a mate. I chose a Ragdoll I named Amphitrite, after the sea goddess and consort of Poseidon. I learned well of my mistake with Hydra – I will never name a cat after a fierce creature ever again.

Amphi really is a darling, and her laid back manner makes a refreshing change from the hyperactive cats darting about the house. She even gets on well with strange animals – that has to be a good sign.

With everything now taken care of, it was time for us to leave. My lip curled in disdain at the thought of leaving our house in the care of that nanny, but pets are easier to look after than children. Although I hear there’s an intelligent creature in the mountains that is very friendly, and is even open to new surroundings like I was. It would be wonderful to meet with someone else in the same position I started in, and if he wishes to come back with us, so much the better. Since this is but the first of our travels, I would feel far happier letting him stay with the cats next time.

Chapter Seventeen

I might’ve known that was why Darya had such a problem with her outfit. Admittedly it does suit her though. I was just glad to get some proper shoes on my feet and slip into some denim.

I chose a degree in maths, and was met with my first paper. I had barely finished before the phone rang; I nearly jumped out of my chair in anticipation as I knew exactly who it would be. Sure enough, Mum called with their verdict – it was like being back at school and hoping to be picked for the football team, although now it was worse as there was much more at stake.

I squealed in delight when she said they’d picked me! Everyone else was in bed, so I had to hope neither phone nor excited eighteen year old woke them, but I couldn’t help myself! If I had problems sleeping before, there was no chance for me now, I was so happy!

My mouth fell open on the sight of Jackie the next day. She’d fancied a change too, and even in her pyjamas she looked amazing! Not that she needed make-up, but what a difference it made. What with getting to spend some quality time with my parents once we leave, and now with this lovely lady in my life, things really couldn’t get any better. Okay, we’re not officially an item yet, but thankfully I know it’s just a matter of time.

Darya chose to study biology, and got to work on her own paper this morning while I served breakfast. I can understand why Mum likes it so much; in fact she’s been passing on some tasty sounding recipes. I’m looking forward to trying them out, and since I’ve been reading up on cooking already, I can be safe in the knowledge that I won’t poison anybody.

It seems it’s not just Darya and I who enjoy a quiet game of chess. In fact it’s got to the point where we have to bag it before anyone else does. It’s great to challenge someone else though, even with my sister finally playing fair.

Darya moans about the people who keep barging into our house. Although I agree that some, like that coach guy, are definitely unwelcome, I live in hope that they won’t all be that bad. That guy dressed as a llama drove her crackers when he tore into our domain, even though he’s clearly a sports nut like she is.

It did get a little tiresome when he kept chanting the same thing over and over. He kept running through the house looking for an audience, even when it was time for dinner. I just shrugged as I worked, seeing it as a chance to try out Mum’s prawns on a wider audience.

Just like her though, my first attempt reduced them to charcoal. With a guest in the house too; yeah, that was pretty humiliating.

He was good with it though. You could still taste the fish under the overly crispy outer layer, that was the important thing. We ended up in quite a nice chat over dinner while the others were at lectures.

He may have been loud and eager for attention, but he was also likeable and easy to talk to. For someone as quiet as me that has to be a good thing; it’s frustrating not being able to strike up a conversation. I’m hoping this spell at Uni will be able to bring me out of my shell a little, but it’s not easy going.

I finally got a chance to tell Jackie how great she looks tonight. She seems just as modest as me on that front – maybe we can bring out each other. I know one thing for sure though; I’m growing increasingly tired of being asked if I’m meant to have brown or black hair. Time to fix that, I think.

That’s better! Pretty stupid to have to dye your hair the colour you were meant to be born with, but that’s how it goes I guess. I wonder what Mum and Dad are up to these days…