Page 100 of Cloud Storm

“I can’t,” I gasp.

“Of course you can, come on. You’re a mermaid after all.”

And this mermaid is going to sink to the bottom, for sure, as if she were made of stone.

Lancelot comes toward me, at a safe and determined pace. I calculate the possibilities; can I take refuge in the room before he catches me?

“Ariel,” he murmurs, when I realize that I’m lost in my own thoughts.

At least here I can breathe, since I wasn’t born with gills.

“Ariel,” he calls again and I turn to see him. “Don’t be afraid, come into the water with me.”

He holds his arm outstretched, inviting me to join him. He’s looking at me with so much love and confidence. I really want to go to him, I really do, but…

What do you have to lose? You know you can trust him.

But this is my life, a leap of trust, and I’m afraid.

Lancelot waves his hands again, beckoning me to join him.

And I let my bathrobe fall. I’m afraid, yes. My life will be in his hands.

One step at a time I can do this, with his help, just as I’ve trusted him in other ways. Feeling free after all.

Feeling free with him.

Never give up!

I don’t jump. I sit on the edge and slowly slide into the water. He’s smiling at me, those eyes full of so much delight.

“You did it,” he praises me. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”

“Oh, watch that mouth, Suit.”

“Let me show you what I can do with this mouth.”

He hugs me and turns with me, making swirls in the water. Laughing, enjoying each other.

Completely in love.

So powerful.

For me, fear hasn’t been a barrier. Not one single time. For me fear means something to defeat. To conquer. I trust Lancelot Hills with my body and soul. I’m sure I will love him forever. I’m a bird spreading its wings, and it’s thanks to him too.

It isn’t long before I realize I’m in my element. Above us the blue sky unfolds, dotted with a few cottony clouds. It is a beautiful day, a perfect day.

A day for us.

I float on my back, with open arms, while the hands of the man I love keep me safe.

“I love you,” he says, looking into my eyes, with a very serious expression.

I tell him that I love him too, more than I thought possible. Now that the dam has opened, the feeling flows like a river seeking its natural channel.

“Marry me,” he whispers and his proposal surprises me so much, that I’m grateful he’s holding onto me, because if not, we would surely end up in the hospital from a fall.

“Why?” I blurt out.

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