36 Chapter Thirty-Five

Aiden's POV

I miss Bambina. How can I not? Her phone and clothes all sit where she had left them. I haven't found her yet. I usually go to the park every night. Not tonight though. Tonight is the night I'm moving on. I have to. Its an unhealthy habit to wait for the mermaid that's never coming back.

I'm actually going out to a party with Kelsie and Alex. Kelsie said she had to do some laundry first so it'll be afterwards. Darcy and I made up of course. I told her I wasn't interested in her that way. She then asked me if I loved Bambina. I lied and told her no. She didn't seem to believe me, though.

Now my mom doesn't have to worry about us ruining her wedding plans.

Darcy and I don't hang out like we did before. I miss our friendship, sure, but she's the reason Bambina is gone. She had to have seen her behind me. She wanted to get rid of Bambina. I don't know why but I'm going to find out.

No. Actually, that doesn't sound like giving up when that's what I'm supposed to be doing. Alex keeps telling me its time to move on. He doesn't even know half of the truth but Kelsie and I have agreed to keep it secret. Kelsie is all I have left to talk to.

I take a quick shower and pull on some jean pants and a black shirt. After pulling on my socks and shoes, I head downstairs where Alex is waiting.

"Kelsie said she'd be here in like ten minutes." Alex says as I check my phone for the millionth time today.

I nod in acknowledgement. "Sounds good. I'm about to make a sandwich. Want one?"

He puts his hand over his heart with a grin. "You know me so well."

I roll my eyes but make two sandwiches. By the time we are done, there's a knock at the door. I open it quickly to reveal Kelsie. She looked happy in a way.

"What's up, Kels?" I ask her first although Alex seemed to be wondering the same thing.

She looked back at me and her grin grew. "I know where she is. I mean not really but I know where she works."

She didn't say her name but I knew the she that Kelsie was talking about. Wait work?

"Did she... Umm, did she break the curse?" I forced myself to ask.

She shakes her head. "No. She said she's just enjoying what little time she has left."

We sit in silence for a few moments before Kelsie jumps up, ready to go.

"Enough with the sad stuff. Let's get going." Alex says while grabbing Kelsie's hand.

Why did she have to tell me she knew where bambina was working? On the night I've decided to move on at that. How can I move on when I know that there's still a chance?

A chance at being with the girl I love.

Event with her on my mind, I promised Kelsie and Alex I'd have fun tonight. I didn't drink too much but enough to decide I wanted to go to the park. I know she wouldn't be there. God knows I've checked every night for the past two months. But, I just want to be close to her. What better place than the place we met?If I have to give up, it can wait til tomorrow.

I hung out with Kelsie and Alex until midnight. That's when I decided I was ready for the disappointment. I've been drinking so I know driving is out of the question. Unfortunately, that means I'll take longer before I'll get to the park.

Honestly, I thought it would take longer than it actually did. When I get there, I look over at the swings because I heard the sound of the rusted chain squeaking. The blonde hair that I saw next made my heart stop when I noticed it had to be her.

I wanted to say something, anything, but I must be imagining all of this. After all, I am under the influence. I walk closer, hoping she doesn't disappear like the countless times she has before.

"Bambina?" I ask barely above a whisper. She couldn't hear me, my voice was so low. "Bambi?" I call out a bit louder.

She stops swinging and the swing slows to a stop before she turns her head to look over at me. She was so beautiful. Even more so than before if that's even possible. But even now, I'm still convinced its only my imagination.

"What are you doing here?" I ask her suddenly. It was stupid to ask that and I instantly regretted it but two months she's been M.I.A. so I was only wondering.

She furrows her eyebrows, for sure mad about my question.

"It's a public park. Last time I checked you don't own it and I'm allowed to be here if I want to be. Besides I've come here since well before I even met you." She snaps at me with a slight eye roll that made her so cute.

I chuckle, causing her to narrow her eyes.

"Whatever, Aiden. I was just leaving anyway." Bambina tells me standing up.

I run up and quickly grab her wrist. "No, Bambi. Please don't go."

She looks up in my eyes and I know at that moment I could kiss her for the rest of my life. But, its not time for that. She most definitely hates my whole being. At least until she knows that I didn't lie to her. I've never liked Darcy. Its always been Bambina.

"I can't stay. I have to be back in the water..."

"By dawn. I know." I smile because I already know this. Its only been two months. Like I'd forget about her growing a fin.

She nods slowly. "Yes, but I also told my boyfriend that I'd meet him in our usual spot."

"Boyfriend?" I ask, my heart breaking into pieces.

Bambina nods slowly as she looks down.

"I've come to terms with not being able to break the curse. So, I've decided to give Aquarius a chance."

"Aquarius? Like the zodiac sign?"

"I don't know what that means but if its insulting, keep it to yourself. I should get going before it gets too early." Bambina says as she turns away.

"I miss you, Bambi. Can we please talk?" I call out after her.

She barely even turns her head to look at me but, she does speak.

"I'll meet you at our usual spot."