Hey y'all. Sorry these chapters take so long to come out, I'm busy with school and it's been so long since I wrote this story I generally don't have much of a feel for it anymore. Glad to know people are enjoying it though, hope you enjoy this chapter too.

Chapter Four – Melody's POV

I felt like I was on cloud nine.

Sitting there with Lila's hand in mine, having experienced my very first kiss with someone I actually cared about. Even if it was just for a minute I didn't feel confused about my emotions for Lila, they just felt right. Everything about being with her felt so right.

"I hate to do this," Lila broke the silence as I looked over to the beautiful girl, "but I really should get going."

"Oh, that's alright." I manage to let go of her hand, wanting to hold it forever. "I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Yeah, of course." She hesitated a bit, but then leaned in and kissed me again. And once again, it felt absolutely amazing. Just having her lips on mine was more than I could've ever dreamed of. "Bye Melody."

I watched as she swam off into the ocean, the echo of her humming fading the further she got. I sighed happily, everything starting to process in my mind. I wasn't sure if I was going to tell anyone, what would I even say? It wasn't like any of this was normal, girls were supposed to be with guys. It's just the way it goes.

But nothing was really sinking in. I swam back up to the surface and took in a deep breath of fresh air. Once I hit the beach I transformed back into a human girl, running and getting changed back into the clothes I left on the beach. I didn't know what I was going to do for the rest of the day, but if that was how it started I was hoping it would continue to be an amazing day.

That night I sat down for dinner with my parents. I tried to keep normal, but I really hadn't stopped smiling since the morning with Lila.

"You seem a lot more cheerful today." Dad pointed out.

"Yeah… The talk with mom last night really helped to clear my head." I smiled at my mom as she smiled back to me.

"I'm glad to hear it. Think you'll be up for the festival tomorrow?" Mom asked me as I tilted my head.

"Festival?"

"Yes, the music festival under the sea. Your grandpa is in charge of it, you said you wanted to go last week." She reminded me. "Do you still want to go?"

I thought for a minute. I had been to a music festival once before when I was thirteen. It was a lot of fun, listening to the fish and some of the mermaids singing and making beautiful music. None of them really sounded as good as Lila though.

"Would you mind if I brought someone?"

My mom paused, probably remembering the conversation from last night. "Alright. Who would you be bringing?"

"My friend Lila."

It might not have been the name my mom was expecting, I think she was expecting a boy after yesterday. She raised an eyebrow before taking another bite of food. At least I could tell her we were just friends. "I've never heard of this girl before."

"Just met her not too long ago. She's nice." I admitted, "I know she likes music… It won't be a problem if she comes will it?"

"No, I'd like to meet her." My mom was always open to people, she was warm and kind to everyone she met. That in no way meant that I wasn't worried about her finding out about Lila and me.

Maybe I should've just told her.

"Alright. Thanks mom." I put down my fork and knife as a servant came and took away my empty plate. "Think I might go out to the beach for a bit."

"At this time? You know we don't like you swimming when it gets this dark." Dad told me.

"I know. I won't swim. Just want to dip my feet in the water." I looked up at him and mom. "I'll be fine, really."

"Alright, well don't stay out too long." My mom smiled. I ran over and gave her and dad a quick hug before running off towards the palace entrance.

I went out to the ocean and dipped my feet in the cold water. Even though I hadn't transformed into a mermaid, the ocean still felt like home.

A familiar head of blond hair popped up in front of me. Another mermaid, Kayla. I'd known her for years, one of the first people I'd met after becoming a mermaid. "Hey Kayla, how are you?"

"I'm… Well I need to talk to you." She says, staying far enough so that she wasn't in the very shallow water.

"What's going on?" I asked and walked a little closer, the water now up past my ankles.

I could see her hesitate and look away from me. "Look, it's probably just some stupid rumor and I don't want you to worry about it… But some guy's been going around saying he saw you kissing some girl out past the reef. I told him to shut up and stop spreading rumors but… Is it just a rumor?"

I wasn't even listening to her after she said a guy was telling people about me and Lila. I almost fell back into the water but managed to keep my balance.

My heart almost stopped, but somehow I managed to keep it beating.

End of chapter! Hope you enjoy it!