I've always been drawn to the sea, I don't know what it is, but there's something about it that makes me want to jump in and explore it and all of its wonders. My mother, Olivia, always told me about creatures unknown to men and women. One of the creatures that fascinate me the most is mermaids.

Some people claim that mermaids are not real, but here's what I say, "You can't believe something until you see it for yourself," Over the years, there had been reports of mermaid sightings, but nobody could confirm if these reports were true. So, people assumed that they were fake. But, I didn't believe them, and over time I started to wonder what it would be like to become a mermaid.

My family thought that I would grow out of that obsession, but over the years, it stayed, and people had to keep reminding me about the difference between fantasy and reality even though I knew what it was. In the summer of my fifteenth year, my parents got called away to the Mortmain Mountains for a business trip. They told me they would be back at the end of summer, and while they were gone, Aunt Kit and Uncle Dewey would be taking care of me.

They owned a large house that was nearby Discovery Beach. It was so beautiful to watch the sunset from the large windows. When I arrived in front of the house, I was excited to spend the summer with my relatives. But, I was also sad that I wouldn't be able to see my parents until September.

"We'll see you soon, okay?" Mother smiled after she kissed my cheek. "Goodbye, Mother and Father, have fun of your trip," I smiled. Mother reached into her purse and pulled out a small square-shaped box. "Here, we want you to have this," Father said. I opened it carefully, and inside I saw a beautiful charm bracelet. Four charms were on a small silver chain, a dolphin, starfish, and two small lockets with my parent's photos inside.

I watched as my parent's car pulled out of the driveway and drove down the street before I headed inside to greet my Aunt and Uncle. "I'm so glad you're staying with us! We've got big plans for this summer!" Uncle Dewey smiled. He was always fun to hang out with, and he was the only family member besides my parents who still supported my fascination with mermaids. "Dewey, be a dear and show Delphine her room? I need to feed Beatrice," Aunt Kit called out from the kitchen. 

"Yes, of course, darling!" He called back. Uncle Dewey led me down a long hallway, and we made a right turn. "This is your room. I hope you like it," he said as he opened the door. When I poked my head inside, I was in awe of the beautiful bedroom they had prepared for me.

"Do you like it?" Uncle Dewey asked as I looked around the room. "It's so beautiful! Thank you!" I answered. After I set my bags down, I ran over to my uncle and hugged him tightly. "We are going to make this the best summer ever, I promise," he smiled. I didn't need his promise for this to be the best summer ever. I just wished that my parents were there to spend it with us.

"Good to know, I'm going to change real quick, and I'm gonna go to Veronica's house and see if she can hang out," I said. He nodded and shut the door behind him, leaving me alone to change into one of my favorite summer outfits, a red tank top, a jean skirt, and a pair of lace-up sandals. One of the nice things about staying with my aunt and uncle was that I could see my best friend Veronica again. Last summer, She and her stepfather had moved into a nicer house in their neighborhood.

"I'm going to hang out with Veronica," I called out to Aunt Kit. "Don't wander too far! Dinner will be ready before you know it," Aunt Kit sighed as I closed the door behind me.