"Hey, not me." I reached out to give his arm a reassuring pat. "I promise not to freak out on you. If anything, I think it's kind of cool."
"Thanks." He relaxed visibly at my words. "I knew you were part of the supernatural world, so I figured it was only a matter of time before you figured out what I am. When I decided to just pull the bandage off and show you, I wasn’t sure how it’d go. This definitely turned out better than I thought."
"Anytime," I said with a smile, feeling an unexpected sense of camaraderie with my half-mermaid neighbor. I blinked, still processing the fact that Wade was part mermaid. "So, are the mermaids here nicer?" I asked, my tone cautious.
"Kinder than some of the others, at least," Wade said with a small smile. "They're more accepting of half-humans like me. That's why I chose to live here. The merfolk in other areas can be quite cruel to those they consider impure." His expression darkened at the memory.
As we continued our leisurely swim back to shore, I tried to focus on the sensation of the water against my skin. It was cool and refreshing, each gentle wave kissing my body as if to remind me of its presence. The salty tang of the sea filled my nostrils, while the distant cries of seagulls echoed in my ears. Somehow, the ocean seemed to hold a new sense of wonder now that I knew more about the magical creatures living beneath its surface.
"So, what do you do for a living?" I asked curiously, eager to learn more about my enigmatic neighbor.
"Ah, well, I'm a professor of zoology," Wade replied, then chuckled. "But it's probably more accurate to say I specialize in supernatural creatures. I've always had a deep love for animals, both ordinary and extraordinary."
"Wow," I murmured, genuinely impressed. "That sounds fascinating. And fitting, considering your unique background."
"Thanks," he said, his cheeks flushing slightly. "It's not a typical career path, but it's one I've come to cherish. I think there's so much we can learn from the natural world, especially when it comes to beings that straddle the line between myth and reality."
The saltwater stung my lips as I smiled at the thought of Wade being a specialist in supernatural creatures. It seemed like such an unexpected twist, but then again, life had a way of surprising you when you least expected it. The sun was setting, castinga warm golden glow on the water's surface and making our surroundings even more magical.
"Okay, so you're basically the Indiana Jones of the paranormal world," I joked, paddling alongside him. "Or should I say Aquaman? Either way, it's pretty awesome."
Wade chuckled, his laughter harmonizing with the gentle lapping of waves against our bodies. "I wouldn't go that far, but I do enjoy my work. There's something incredibly rewarding about uncovering the mysteries of the natural world."
As we continued toward the shore, I couldn't help but think about how well-suited he was for Beth. She had always been passionate about animals and their welfare, and here was a man who not only shared her interests but lived them in such a unique way. I knew Beth would appreciate his gentleness and understanding, qualities that had been painfully absent from her previous relationships.
"Hey, uh..." I hesitated, unsure of how to approach the subject. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he said, giving me an encouraging nod.
"Well, it's just, what do you think about Beth?" I ventured, trying to sound casual while I gauged his reaction.
Wade's expression softened, and he appeared lost in thought for a moment. "Beth is an amazing person. She's kindhearted, compassionate, and has a genuine love for animals.”
My jaw dropped. He was right… but how did he know? “You picked that all up from just a couple of run-ins with her?”
His eyes twinkled. “I’m not human, remember?”
“Fair enough.”
He gave me a funny look. “Why do you ask?"
"Um, no reason really. Just curious." My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, hoping my question didn't give away too much.
We swam in silence for a few more moments before Wade turned to me, his curiosity clearly piqued. "If you don't mind my asking, what's Beth's story? I mean, she seems to have this incredible connection with animals, but I've sensed that there's more to her than meets the eye."
I hesitated, not wanting to betray my friend's trust. But perhaps it could help bring them closer together. "Well, Beth has always had a special way with animals, particularly those that have been through difficult situations. She's rescued and nursed countless creatures back to health."
"Really?" Wade's eyes widened with admiration. "That's amazing."
"Yep. She's pretty incredible," I agreed, my chest swelling with pride for my friend. "Some of the animals she's cared for have required gentle handling after being previously mistreated. She just gets them, you know?"
Wade nodded thoughtfully, and I could tell that my words had struck a chord. "It sounds like she has a true gift. I can only imagine how rewarding her work must be."
"Definitely." I smiled at the thought of my friend. As we swam the last few yards to shore, I couldn't shake the feeling that something special was brewing between Beth and Wade. If anyone deserved happiness, it was these two kind souls. And astheir friend, I hoped that their paths would intertwine in ways they never imagined possible.
The sand squished between my toes as Wade, and I finally reached the shore. Daniel and Beth waited for us, arms crossed and expressions less than thrilled. As much as I tried to quell the bubbling guilt in my stomach, I couldn't help but feel like I had just been caught with my hand in the cookie jar.
"Hey, you two," I greeted them, trying to sound casual and not-at-all-like-I-was-just-swimming-with-a-half-mermaid-next-door-neighbor. Wade, on the other hand, was busy covering his front with one hand as he awkwardly clambered out of the water. While Daniel and I politely looked away, I caught Beth sneaking a peek at the goods.
