Fins 4 Ur Sins

by Naomi Fraser

  “I don’t understand.”

  Lakyn shuffles a hand through his hair. “Ralph and I discussed the possibility of someone who wants to overthrow my uncle and how they could use sirens and ridiculous laws to do it. They wipe out those with the strongest magic first, and you have some of my power, Ellie. Some part of the sorcerer in you. I’m not sure how much yet.”

  “All the other families were cursed never to transform. You are a descendant of the original sorcerer who cursed the others,” I state flatly. “Only those who aren’t cursed can perform the turn. That means you and your uncle. All the rest can’t do it. That’s why they keep dying. Ralph’s wife would have survived if you’d turned her, but he’d been cursed.”

  Colour fades from Lakyn’s face and he steps back, giving me room, but the cold air contrasts to the magnificent heat of him and I want him close again. “There’s more—I can only change one person.”

  “What? Why?” A thought suddenly occurs to me and I straighten. “One chance is all anyone gets?”

  He nods. “We choose wisely, but normally the other person dies from it. My uncle helps maintain the magical barriers. With him out the way, more sirens and finfolk will be able to come here. Our world is going through some trouble at the moment.” He leans back near my ear again and I tremble. “Listen to me, let’s focus on the stopping the sirens. All the council wants is control, make them believe they have it.”

  “All right.” We continue walking but my knees are weak. I croak out, “Are you having a reception for Ralph?

  “Yes, at the local pub, The Waterloo Hotel. It will be tomorrow.”

  “They have a nice beer garden there,” I say in low tone, my mind completely occupied by everything Lakyn has just told me. Some birthdays make me feel one day older. This one makes me feel like I’ve aged ten years. I’m sixteen today. Sixteen. The past seems a blur and the future an exciting adventure.

  “I’m glad you know more,” he says. “I didn’t want to hurt you at the hospital or the hostel by pushing you away, but I couldn’t stand the idea that something else might happen to you because of me.”

  “I know,” I say softly, reminded of the tortures he must be going through thinking he’s to blame. That’s why he tried to push me away, but knowing the why doesn’t make the action less painful. He saved my life, doing what he thought right no matter he feared losing his life. After my father’s death, I understand life’s worth and how much Lakyn gave up for me.

  Lakyn’s Adam’s apple bobs up and down. “I can’t help feeling so damn guilty about it all,” he grounds out. “Everyone around me lives on borrowed time. I can’t protect you like this. Without my fins, without my magic. Ralph’s death made me realise that. This happened in the sea and it’s happening here. Back at the hospital, I had to list Ralph’s next of kin, but he has none. His wife died. Then I needed to sort out his funeral arrangements. The guys wanted me to go because—well a few of them threw up at the hostel. They’ve never seen what the sirens can do. I have,” he says grimly. “They’re nothing but murderers of the sea.”

  His chin dips to his chest, shoulders hunching like the weight of life is suddenly too much to bear. “I should’ve done more research on the sirens while I had the chance. I just killed them when they took our children. I wonder if all the souls are released afterwards. I’d like to think so.”

  I rub my left hand over his right, not anticipating the immediate warmth spreading through my skin. Tingles shoot up my arm in electric flutters. The smoothness of his palm and slight calluses at his fingertips make me want to hang on. I sigh and slide my hand from his, but he fiercely tightens his grip, threading his fingers through mine.

  It’s still daylight as we wind our way along the road. School is out for the weekend. Darkness falls later in the night during Queensland summers. “Want some good news? Guess what? It’s . . .” My voice trails off as Lakyn brings our entwined fingers closer to his mouth. Tremors curl my toes. The outer rim of his irises turns ultramarine while the inside becomes pure azure. I shake as he lowers his mouth to my knuckles in a tender kiss.

  “No matter what happens, I’m not prepared to lose you. Know that. But if I say you need to leave me—” he swallows, his voice full of pain, and he meets my gaze, “—it’s only so you will survive.” He clasps my hand tighter, and then splays it over his heart as he whispers, “So you must. These sirens may be too strong for me.”

  I nod, but don’t mention the supplies I bought from the shopping centre in case I need to prove his innocence. Or about the pulses of magic I experience while practicing the spells in human form, which will hopefully be stronger when I’m a mermaid. “I don’t think you should walk home by yourself today. Wait at my place for the next bus and catch that. Or my mum can drop you home. We can watch a movie; eat some popcorn while you wait. You know, hang out.”

  “Who’s protecting who here?” he asks, giving my hand a squeeze.

  I answer honestly, “We help each other so we’re both safe.”

  He stops walking and turns to me, a dazed expression in his eyes. “Ellie.” His voice softens. “I know I shouldn’t have turned you, but I believe you may be the greatest gift I ever gave to myself.”

  “You saved my life,” I say roughly, emotion thickening my voice. “Don’t talk about shouldn’ts.”

  We stand there, staring at each other and then he tugs me closer in a hug. I throw my arms around his neck, and he buries his face in my loose coils where I can feel him breathing deeply. I rub my cheek against his warm skin, my hands resting on his shoulders. The tang of the ocean fills my nose, and the more I think about it, I wonder if the smell lives inside his molecules. It must do because all the other finfolk turned human carry the scent of the ocean.

  Wherever he goes, he takes a piece of home with him. His bouts in the sea as a human have been short, and with most of his time spent walking on land, eventually his longing for the sea will fade while mine will grow. His vibration will align to this reality. Just like Finfolk Lore & Transformations described. We’ll grow closer together emotionally, but further apart physically.

  He cups my face and shifts a curl behind my ear. His mouth opens, and a look of yearning crosses his face, while his other hand drops to trace soft patterns on my back.

  I stay rooted to the spot, my heart hammering at the tiny electric jolts racing over my skin. “Come . . . on,” I say, but my tongue tangles the words, distorting them. I grimace and he chuckles.

  We’re almost at the start of my driveway, and the house sits silent and sad in the large yard that stretches far out toward the cliff face. The sun is warm rather than fierce, and the tips of the grass glow orange in the light. I wonder what Mum will say about my late arrival home, considering I’m not even dressed in my school uniform. Yeah, that’s one conversation I can do without.

  The old weatherboard and wooden construction on the lower level is powder blue. The same colour as the back door. No cars are parked on the drive, which makes me think Mum’s still at work. “Mum’s not here. That’s good. No awkward explanations.”

  Lakyn shoots me a quizzical glance. “Why would it be awkward?”

  I shrug and say, “Sometimes Mum asks questions I don’t want to answer.” We walk up the front stairs, and I hate the idea I have to release his hand to dig out the key from my small, black clutch. I love the feel of his skin against mine.

  Lakyn presses a hand on the small of my back, and I smile as I unlock the door and traipse down the dark hallway, my wedges clicking in a hard tap on the floorboards.

  Although it isn’t night yet, the inside is too dim to see anything, and I slide my hand up the wall to switch on the lights.

  People leap out from everywhere, yelling, “SURPRISE!”

  37

  THE WORD ECHOES in the room. No doubt it’s audible in Siberia.

  I stagger, dropping the clutch and then stumble. I grasp the sideboard, but my hands slip from the varnished edge, and my knuckles scrape against the side
of a blue vase.

  A solid arm wraps around my middle and drags me up against a hard chest. There’s pressure on my solar plexus, but it stops my fall. The china vase wobbles and smashes on the floor, erupting into twenty pieces. Finally, the crowd falls silent.

  I cover my eyes with my hands and then widen my fingers to peek through the gaps.

  Everyone bursts into laughter, and the blare of party horns punctuates the sound. A hand rubs my shoulders. Mum shouts, “Happy Birthday,” so I lift my head and remove my hands to the sight of about fifty smartphones recording my every move. Posterity, you suck.

  An arm presses against my middle. Lakyn. His body heat warms my back, offering security amongst the madness. And, damn, he has sharp reflexes. I guess air doesn’t offer as much resistance as water.

  He releases me at the same time Mum drags me in for a hug. I must be saying something, but I can barely hear myself speak over the noise that everyone’s making.

  She laughingly pulls me into the circle of well-wishers.

  Bethany hugs me, squeezes again, then Cal, Alexa, Megan, Jordan, Carla—so many girls from my classes, so many faces, plus guys from the swim team. Most of the girls record everything with their smartphones, looking gorgeous with their in-style clothes, straight hair and makeup. Oh man, I must look a mess.

  They’re here for my birthday.

  I don’t even know this many people.

  A gold banner with, ‘Sixteen’, written in dark blue letters hangs across the timber arch leading into the living room. Flashes go off and I blink, shielding my eyes, but it’s just Mum with her digital camera.

  “Happy birthday to you,” everyone sings in unison. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to Eloise, happy birthday to you. Hip, hip, hooray!”

  Streamers blow out from poppers over the lounges, and I just start shaking and laughing. “This is incredible. Amazing. I had no idea. No idea. You guys are crazy. Mum, thank you.”

  She grins smugly and adjusts her balloon birthday hat over her blonde hair. “You wouldn’t believe what I’ve got planned for you. Go say hello to your friends first, then you’ll see.”

  “Seriously? This is amazing.” I lean over to kiss her cheek, and she moves away, smiling.

  Trays of mini pies, chips and soft drinks fill tables, and balloons bunch up against the windows. Someone turns on the stereo and cranks it all the way up until a deep bass thumps out and the floor vibrates. The room is so full, I can barely move. Another table under a stained-glass window groans with presents, and the scent of vanilla cake, coconut icing and perfume permeates the room.

  Bethany winds through the crowd and pushes a drink into my hand with a wink. “It’s from the punch bowl.” She gestures with a jerk of her chin to a crystal bowl filled with pink liquid. “No alcohol allowed, but I think someone might have snuck something in there.” She laughs.

  I take a cautious sip of the sweet smelling liquid. A sugar hit and intense warmth coats my tongue and then punches the back of my throat. I cough. “Wow.”

  “I know, right? There’s a DJ parked around the back of the house so you wouldn’t see them. All part of the surprise.”

  “No. Really? A DJ?”

  “Get ready to party.” She grins, spins on her black Converse and then struts over in her black leather short shorts and white crop top to a crowd of hot guys. Her hair is straightened and she’s wearing contact lenses.

  The rumble begins deep in Lakyn’s chest, and he’s squeezing my shoulders, his laughter warm against my ear.

  I shoot him a wry glance. “I know. You gotta love her style.”

  “Yours is better,” he says in a low tone.

  A deep rush of pleasure floods my system and I lean back against him.

  Clair and Dana, two popular girls from my form class walk over with their gazes stuck on Lakyn. The look they give me is like I’m yesterday’s news. That piece of toast you left out overnight, then threw in the trash because it had rigor mortis.

  “Hey, Lakyn,” Clair says. “I hope you don’t mind us crashing.”

  “It’s all good,” I tell her since it’s my house and my birthday. “How did you know about the party?”

  “Well, everyone’s been watching the news on TV. I know you haven’t mentioned the reports, but that’s all the girls have been talking about, especially after the reporter showed up and wanted an interview. We all knew it was safe to come then. The guys wanted to see what the big deal was and they’re hoping reporters might show up so they can get their prime time minute of fame.” She rolls her eyes, but her grin proves she’s just as excited by the thought. “A few guys told us about this party, and Bethany let them know. We tried to let you know we were coming. How come you weren’t at school and not answering your Facebook?”

  “What?” Lakyn asks. “Facebook?”

  “Oh.” I scratch my ear, sneaking a glance at Lakyn. If I tell her about Ralph’s funeral, the sirens might make her their next target. And I can’t really reveal that Lakyn doesn’t know anything about Facebook. “Yeah, I had my phone turned off. I was hanging with Lakyn. We went to the shops.”

  “Cool.” She nods, her gaze flicking up to Lakyn as though she were a moth and him, an inferno. “So many people are here.” An underlying hint of surprise tinges her voice. “I can’t wait to see who else shows up.”

  I have the sudden unsettling notion this party might get bigger than I wish.

  Lakyn grabs my free hand and draws it close by his thigh. His eyes gleam as he stares at me. He smiles in a slightly crooked way with a hint of mischief. His dimple is utterly gorgeous. “I have been carrying something around for you. I guess this is the right time.” He pulls his hand out of his pocket and unfurls his fist, revealing two large pearl earrings. “Happy birthday, Ellie,” he murmurs.

  The girls exhale a soft, dreamy sigh beside me, but I don’t look at them and focus on what he holds.

  Light strikes off the luminous white pearls. There’s a simple stone catch that ripples with white light, but the delicacy of the precision is stunning. The catch isn’t like regular catches, it’s a weird tail carving made of stone and a tiny, circular clasp.

  “These aren’t regular earrings,” he looks up and stares at Clair and Dana—hesitates, “you know . . . ?” He whispers into my ear, “They release compounds, oils and acids into your skin, which help ease your transition.”

  “They’re beautiful. How did you get them?” I ask in wonder. I love pearl earrings, and the bigger, the better. No doubt, he’ll tell me more about them when prying ears aren’t listening in.

  “They were a part of my mother’s jewellery collection, handed down from my father’s mother.” Lakyn pauses. “A family heirloom through the male bloodline.”

  I pick up the earrings, though I feel too shy to just put them on without a mirror. My hair is probably tangled after the windy walk home, and my face must be a sight with tears of happiness. I had no idea Mum would go to so much trouble to organise a surprise party or Lakyn would give me such a wonderful gift.

  Lakyn grins at my hesitation, his fingers grazing my palm and then he slides my curls behind my ear. He picks up an earring from my hand and slowly pushes it through my lobe.

  The touch of his fingers almost makes me groan, and I close my eyes, loving his scent, his warmth. The tender touch of his fingertips tell me so much about him. I suppress a longing-filled shiver.

  Another gentle touch and he moves to my left ear, then with expert skill secures the other earring. The brush of his fingertips against my jaw makes me lean into him slightly, my ears full of hot blood.

  I open my eyes to about ten girls, staring at me. I blink and look away.

  Lakyn shifts his legs wider. “They suit you,” he says, satisfaction pouring from his voice. “You glow.”

  My stomach melts with a tingling sensation and my threatening smile finally breaks free. “Thank you. They’re beautiful. I was going to tell you about my birthday on the walk back here, but—”

&nbs
p; He nods and says, “That was your good news. Let’s go outside and see this DJ, Ellie. Enjoy your birthday. You deserve it.”

  We head for the door together, leaving behind a trail of collected sighs. Guys from my form class light sparklers and move outside to the fresh air. It’s still warm, but no longer muggy and a van arrives on the drive. Three men exit and set up a marquee for the DJ.

  Five or six of the girls from different classes at school close in around me. I can’t remember all their names, I’m better with faces. There’s Lisa, and Amanda, but as for the rest I have no idea. The guys join and chat to Lakyn, finally pulling him away to talk about the swim team.

  One of the girls asks me, a glass of punch in her hand, “I didn’t know you spent the entire day with Lakyn. Clair just told us. That would have been a good birthday.” Her mouth twitches at the edges. “Someone’s not going to be happy about that. Ashly’s so jealous of you, you know.”

  I shrug, not wanting to dwell on that and not caring. It’s no one else’s business why Lakyn was with me, and hopefully it stays that way. Two fire barrels light up the yard, lawn chairs surrounding the blaze, and people mill around while a few guys sit on the ground. They laughingly pass around soda cans to the girls on their laps. The DJ starts playing music and a deep thump throbs out over the yard.

  “Do you want a drink?” a girl in a grade above mine asks me. At my nod, she hands over a can, and I take deep swallow. I’m thirsty after my walk, but I immediately cough and press a fist against my mouth.

  “Steady on,” she whispers. “It’s not soft drink.” She angles her head toward my mum and the adults around the marquee. “Don’t let them find out.”

  “Thanks,” I say with a smile and then look up and a few different coloured string lights swaying in the breeze next to the house and along the roof of the marquee.

  “No worries. Can’t have you going without on your birthday.” She smiles and moves off toward a group of girls.