Chapter 16 - Unexpected Visit

Shon woke up before me for two reasons. He was gone, and the smell of breakfast came from the kitchen. I rubbed my eyes sleepily before heading to change and get ready for my working day. I walked down the cold stairs and stretched in the doorway before heading to the island in the kitchen. Reaching for a glass of apple juice Shon poured for me because it was my favorite.

"Find everything you need?" I asked, sipping the sweet applily goodness.

"Yup. Had a good sleep?"

I nodded and sipped again.

"What's the plan for today?" Shon asked, grabbing plates from the cabinets.

"Going to go on a date."

Shon looked confused at me.

"With Aunt Sabine. Want to come?" I was still half asleep as I sat on the island. He nodded as he got the plates ready for us. When he was finished he kissed me before starting to eat. I smiled and did the same. No matter what he says, Shon's cooking was always the best. I hummed as I ate, smiling.

"That good?" Shon asked between bites. I nodded quickly. He patted my head as we ate. Once we were done I did the dishes.

"So about rehiring?" Shon asked like a fox.

"But you have a job, and I don't have school anymore so you don't need to work here."

Shon pouted as I laughed and went to brush my teeth. Shon followed me and did the same. Once we were finished I headed to the store down below to arrange flowers for Aunt Sabine. Shon helped me pick and arrange flowers for her. Once we were finished Shon opened the door, and locked it once I walked out with the flowers in hand. He helped me into his truck and got in, then drove us there. He helped me out and opened the hospital doors for me. We walked to her room and knocked.

"Come in Lily."

We walked in and I gave her the flowers.

"So I'm assuming one of you made a move?"

Shon nodded and kissed my palm.

"And I don't regret it one bit. I'll take great care of her."

"I know, child. You always have so I'm not worried. How are you, Lily?"

"I'm great, and you?"

"I've been better."

She has gotten worse over time. She was paler, and her veins and bones were visible through her skin.

"I'm sure you have." I responded.

"Lily, I think you know what's going to happen."

"Yeah.'' I said quietly, trying not to choke on tears. Shon came to comfort me by holding my hand.

"I assume you do too, child."

Shon nodded.

"Your mother is so proud of you Lily. I know she couldn't see you during your childhood, but she's so proud of you."

I looked up at her. "Even my voice?"

She nodded. "Especially your voice."

"Your voice?" Shon asked.

"Every syren has a voice. They can use it for magic and to do their will. I assume she hasn't used it in front of you."

Shon nodded.

"Well if she does and if you haven't heard it, you'll know how beautiful it sounds."

A tear fell down my cheek. "I don't want you to go yet."

Aunt Sabine reached for my hand. "I'll always be with you."

"How?"

"Because when I leave, you'll become stronger. Next time you change, check your tail okay? I'll be with you."

I nodded as more tears fell down.

"Don't cry Lily." she looked at me with gentle kindness in her eyes.

"You gave me the happiest years of my life, thank you for that."

I held her hand. I could feel the heat leaving her body as Shon wrapped his arms around me.

"You will take care of her and protect her, right child?"

"I'd give up my life for her." Shon answered.

She looked at me and asked the same question, and I gave the same answer. She leaned forward and kissed my forehead before the heartbeat monitor flatlined.

She's gone.

I broke out in sobs and started to shake as Shon held me tighter. I moved and hugged him for comfort as the last family I had had just left me. Shon tried his best because he never saw me like this, I hid all my sadness from him. He hummed and stroked me while rocking as I cried.

Become stronger? What did she mean by that?

I looked at Shon and spoke between sobs, "Shon. I need to get into the water. I want to see my new tail."

He nodded and picked me up and carried me to his truck. He drove me home, then carried me to the ocean. We walked into the water and I transformed. It was magnificent. My tail had gold patterns of vines with leaves that joined the blue to purple to black ombre. I held it up for Shon to see. My seashell also changed to the color of my Aunt's blue eyes, the white pearl accented it perfectly.

Shone picked me up, and I morphed back, and continued to cry. Shon held me close and tight. His warm body and soothing voice slowly calmed me down as he called Ian and Kori to come over as comfort. They came right away and made a party for me to feel better. I thanked them and decided to have a slumber party because they were here anyway and we hadn't had one in a while. They agreed and we continued to party into the night.