Epilogue

"Salty! What are you doing out here?"

Things have gotten quiet for us lately. Teodor and Maya are as happy as ever, Palmira's making new friends, Santana's getting older...

But I can't help but think something's wrong with Salty. Ever since that day, he's not been himself.

"Huh? Oh, hey, Matty! I'm just thinking..."

"About what?"

Chapter 27: Riding a New Wave

"So I hope it's no problem that we were here a while. I wasn't sure how you felt about festivals, and today they were pretty empty..."

"I'm not bothered in the least! It's nice to see what humans like to do for fun."

I hope the others are all right. It's been hours, and I just now got a message from Matteo. He said that he had good news for us when he got back.

That can only mean he found Palmira! Now I just need to know if Salty's all right.

"How about you go and see if there's anything else you want to try here?" I figure if Maya gets a handle of land, it'll be better for her. I don't know what her limits are when it comes to hydration, and-

"Teodor? Is that you?"

Chapter 26: Turning the Tides

How'd I know this was the place?

Call it a gut feeling. Something just told me to look here.

Weird thing is, this could've been where I wasted my life away. At least until I met Teodor.

I owe that guy a lot. If it weren't for him, who knows what would've happened with me.

To be honest, I didn't want to come back here, but I need to know if she's here. I promised Teodor that I'd keep an eye on Palmira, and damned if I'm going back on my word.

Chapter 25: Wipe Out

I told this scumbag not to mess with Dorry.

And what did he do? He fucking messed with Dorry!

There is no way I'm going to let him get away with this.

Ah, hell, I can practically hear that jackass taunting me across the ocean. He seems to have forgotten that that's where I came from.

If ever there were a time that I needed to rely on the sea, this is it. And I know it's a long shot, but I think that I can take that risk.

Whatever I'm going to deal with after this, fine. I'll deal with it. But right now...

Chapter 24: Confrontation

"Sleep well, Maya?"

"I certainly did! I never knew human's beds could be so comfortable." So far, this relationship has gotten off to a great start. Maya listens to me, always contributes to the conversation, and a lot of other amazing things.

Really, I think I can get over Florita after all. And so far, Maya and Salty have been behaving.

"Um, Teodor...Were you expecting company today?"

"No, why?"

"There's someone waiting outside. A man."

Chapter 23: Into the Night

"Uncle Matteo? Are Daddy and his new girlfriend gonna get married?" 

"That's hard to say, chica. They do seem to like each other a lot. And so far he's said he's not regretting it." 

"But what if they do?" 

"I wouldn't worry about it too much right now, Palmira. For now, let's just focus on your homework." 

Daddy's got a new girlfriend. But I wanted him and Mommy to get back together. I don't hate Maya, but...

Does Mommy know? Should I find her and tell her? Will Alfonso show me where she lives? 

I think I should try it. 

Chapter 22: Oceans of Love

I can't describe how happy I am to see my two little girls playing together. Palmira doesn't seemed bothered in the least that Santana's an alien child.

She's gotten so used to her baby sister, that I can't help but smile every time I see them having fun together.

That said, I'm worried about the two of them having a mother figure. Matteo and Salty get along great with them, but it just isn't the same.

And lately, the guys have been suggesting I find a new love in my life. Well, actually, it was Salty that mainly suggested the idea.

He stated that if I at least gave love another chance, he'd find someone he knew was single.

"She's a mermaid, obviously. That cool with you?" The face he made, I could've sworn it hurt him to bring up the idea. Salty's never really gotten along with the rest of the Merfolk, he said.

I didn't want to. But at the same time, I didn't want to come off as rude by turning down the idea. So I took his advice.

He said the best way to contact her was via letter. And I think I can do that.

Chapter 21: Lost in Blue

"Hey, what's this eyesore?"

"This is where I used to live." I told Teodor that I had some business to take care of today. And, well, Salty decided to tag along.

I can't tell if this was a good idea or not. I can already feel the memories coming back.

Chapter 20: Reeling in the Big One

Been a while since I actually went fishing. It's kind of hard to get used to after so long.

I got to get a feel for everything again. It's a nice little pastime, and I haven't had enough time to devote to it lately. The kids have been keeping me busy, though.

Hopefully they'll appreciate sushi. Well, I don't know if Salty would enjoy it, or if he took it as an insult.

He and Teodor were talking about something weird earlier before I left.

Chapter 19: Search

I don't understand.

I know some girls' parents divorce when they're still young, but Daddy never tells me about what happened to Mommy.

He only says, "Mommy left us for someone else." He never says anything else about it. I like living with Daddy, and Uncle Matteo, and Uncle Salty, but...

Sometimes I wish I had Mommy here.

Why won't anyone tell me why she left? Was it because of me? Someone has to know why.

Chapter 18: Full Circle

What's gotten into Salty and Matteo lately?

Salty never wants to go swimming with me anymore, and I'd really appreciate his help sometimes.

I don't even want to go scuba-diving at night without him. Actually, I have to coax him into coming with me. It used to be the other way around.

Now, granted, it's not like I come home empty-handed. But I really appreciate the companionship.

And not only that, it's...Well, it seems like those two are spending a lot more time together lately. I know Palmira is older and doesn't really need Matteo to watch her, but...

Chapter 17: Down Beat

(Note: I somehow managed to regain access to my original Gmail account, which, while good, presents a new set of problems, being that I was in the process of moving the stories onto Tumblr.)

(So...I am unsure as to what I should do at this point.)

My boys don't want to play with me anymore, it feels like. Is it 'cause I don't live underwater anymore? Is that it? Just because Daddy don't live with them, it means he can't visit them, either?

I can only play with a couple of them. What gives? Normally I can get a lot of them to come see me. I don't know if it's my fault, or if something happened to the others, or what.

But what I do know is that it's pretty lonely without the others.

Chapter 16: Culture Blending

"Hey kid, you know it's not Spooky Day, right? Well, I guess I'll give you some candy, anyway. Don't want you to leave empty-handed."

There isn't any snow anymore, but the night's still kinda cold. It really doesn't help that it's a full moon on Love Day. So there's all sorts of weirdos out roaming.

I really hope that kid is okay on the way home.

Chapter 15: Love in Bloom

"Where are we going, Daddy?"

"Well, you know that resort I run with Uncle Matteo and Uncle Salty? Apparently, it's gotten so good, we've gotten the deed to an island."

"I don't get how that works."

"I don't get it either, mija."

Today was the weekend, and due to circumstances I didn't expect, we've gotten our own island. Not entirely sure what we're supposed to do with it, but I can't say no to free things.

Well, it really wasn't free. It was earned, but it stands.

From what Matteo told me of it, it's beautiful. But I had to see for myself.

I let Palmira keep an eye on Santana while I look around, see what's all here, and...

Chapter 14: Birthday Blues

(Note: Santana is the name of the alien child Teodor had in the game.)

The months have flown by. It seems like only yesterday Palmira came into the world. Matteo was right. They do grow up too fast.

"Uh oh, Palmira! Guess what day it is!"

I think she knows. She can't form a completely coherent response, but I bet she knows.

As happy as I am for her, I still can't help but think this whole thing is bittersweet. This is Palmira's first birthday without her mother here to celebrate it with us.

We do have Matteo and Salty instead, but it's not really the same. I guess I'm still not over Florita leaving me just yet.

I know I should be, but it's just so hard to move on. I keep thinking she's going to come back, but I know that isn't going to happen.

But I guess when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. And not squeeze them into people's eyes like Salty keeps wanting to say.

I'll have to explain to Palmira why Mommy's isn't here, though.

But otherwise, it's time to blow out candles.

I just have to accept that Florita's gone. But can Palmira? I mean, Florita pretty much left when her daughter needed her the most.

I don't want to be bitter. I'm trying not to be bitter. But it's hard.

Not to mention that I don't want to burden the guys with my love life anymore. They've heard how much of a loser I am when it comes to this sort of thing.

They don't hold it against me, but I doubt they want to hear it anymore.

For now, I just want to celebrate my daughter's birthdays.

And I figure Palmira isn't too happy with having to share her birthday with her sister Santana.

At least, we're guessing that's what that means. But if she's upset, she didn't say anything about it.

If anything, it meant a chance to get more birthday cake.

I still can't really wrap my head around the idea of an alien baby. Santana is my child all the same, though. She is just as much my daughter as Palmira is.

It's weird to have a green child, but that's beside the point. None of us have a problem with it.

And Santana is just like any other toddler at that age.

One day she'll wonder why she looks different to big sister Palmira, and I'll have to explain it to her. But for now, both of my daughters are older.

I have that, so I'm happy. For now, anyway.

(End of Chapter 14.)

Chapter 13: Cold Weather, Warm Heart

"All right, Palmira. Now try to stay on your feet, and walk towards me, all right?"

I don't like to be reminded of this. She's already learning how to walk.

I know it's inevitable, but I'm getting all worked up over it.

"Aye, Carumba, they grow up so fast..."

"Aw, don't cry, Matteo. It's a part of growing up, you know?"

I know that. But it still blows. Won't be long before she won't need me anymore. I guess it means just as much to me as it does to Teodor.

Chapter 12: Salt-Free

So according to Dorry and Matty, we got a new roommate.

Funny, I ain't too broke up over a baby stealing my spot as the newest recruit.

But then again, I doubt she can do much at this point, besides eat, cry, and shit everywhere. On the other hand, that's probably what she wants me to think.

Who knows with alien babies. That's what they say she is. And she's green, so she's either that or a defective Smurf.

Chapter 11: Green around the Gills

"Hey, Salty's been really quiet since the other night. Think something's wrong?"

"If it is, he's not saying anything. He was muttering like crazy when he got back, though. He seemed real pissed about something."

"Wonder what."

A lot of weird things have been happening lately. It's not just Salty, either.

"Come to think of it, where'd you go last night?"

"You know, I can't remember."

For whatever reason, I know I went out to the store to buy things for dinner, then I saw bright lights, and then...I don't remember anything after that.

Chapter 10: Alto Hits Fever Pitch

So Dorry and Matty are still riding my ass about the supposed "scare" I had the other day. It's like the more I tell them not to worry, the more they worry.

I hate that. I never got any sympathy from the other Merjerks, so what am I supposed to do now that I actually do?

Tonight I told them I'd check out the resort for them. It was under the pretense that I'd swim there, but really, I just needed to get away from the two of them.

From what little I knew of humans, I know that I hate being pitied. By human standards, I'm a jerk. I get it. It's the same in the world of the Merfolk. To them, I'm the defective fuck-up.

What's worse, though? Being hated, or being pitied? I'm honestly not too sure.

But for now, I can at least be away from them for a little while.

Chapter 9: Cold Snap

So according to Dorry and Matty, the resort thing they got going on is doing great.

They said something about how the profits are increasing. I don't know, I'm not an expert on that.

But whenever I ain't helping Dorry out with diving, he's at the resort. This time, Matty went with him to help out.

So they stuck me with babysitting duty for 'Mira. Could've sworn that was Matty's duty, but...eh.

As of right now, she ain't getting into trouble. So I figured I'd help with the chores.

Chapter 8: A Real Treasure, ain't he?

"Salty, how am I going to communicate with you down there? Even in a suit, it'd be hard to hear."

"Eh, don't worry about it. Either talk with your hands, or e...enun...ci...Talk real loud and clear."

It's the first time I've gone diving with Salty since he's moved in with us. He asked me if that were really a good idea, given that I can't be underwater as long as he can.

I told him it wasn't a problem. If anything, he'd give me a few pointers.

"But," he told me, "don't come crying to me when you're suffering from the bends."

Nasty comment or not, he's still good at this.

Chapter 7: Suite and Salty

"Some place you got here, Dorry!"

Here I thought I'd go diving to look for things to sell...and I ended up finding a merman. And to be honest, he's kind of a jerk.

Well, I guess I shouldn't call him that. He is foul-mouthed and crass, but I don't think he's doing it on purpose.

Or maybe he is, and I don't know it yet.

"So, uh...you looking for roommates?" And there it is.

Chapter 6: Encounter of the Mer-Kind

Not used to getting visitors in my turf.

Especially not human ones. I take it some unlucky bastard got lost down here? That, or he's more than a little stupid.

"Psst. Hey. Hey, buddy."

But I figure I should be polite. So far, it doesn't look like he's bothered any of my boys.

"Hello? You deaf? Hey!"

Am I really that scary? Come on. I just want to know why this two-legged sack of meat decided to show up and take my shit.

Chapter 5: Forever Fortunate

It's been about a month now since Matteo and I bought this resort.

Like he said, it's in dire need of some work, but somebody has to do it. And at least this way, I can learn about this business.

We've had some business already. Not a whole lot, but that's to be expected. Not like this place was going to become a five-star hotel overnight.

But we're getting there. Whenever I go diving, Matteo and Palmira keep an eye on the place. He says it's coming along nicely.

Chapter 4: Resorting to the alternative

"All right, little lady. You go ahead and crawl around the room. I gotta talk to your daddy."

Yeah, the place is kind of a run-down dump. But it's got potential. And nobody really wants to bother with it, so maybe Teodor can do something with it himself.

From what he's told me, this is a decent opportunity.

"So what do you think, Teodor?"

"I don't know...It kind of smells funny. Is it supposed to be like that?"

"Wouldn't know. I usually don't spend the night in one of these." Not that I'd really want to, but still.

"Are they really trying to auction this place off? Sounds like they're practically giving it away."

"It's because they are." How desperate does somebody got to be to give an entire location resort for free? You'd think there'd be a catch. So far, besides the bad shape it's in, I haven't seen it.

"They are?"

"Yup. I think you could do great things with this place, hombre." It'd take a lot of work, but I think he could do it. "For one, you'd set prices decent."

"Well, define decent."

"I've seen the prices at one of the other resorts. Seriously, es un robo. If you took this, maybe you could fix it up to be just as good as those other places.

"You think so?"

"I know so. What do you say? Think you can give this whole resort business a try?"

Teodor might not be able to do this all by himself, though. But hey, it's not like I'm not going to help him. He can do his thing, and I can keep an eye on the place while watching Palmira.

But it's up to him.

"Well, after I got my original resort plans yanked out from under me, I suppose it's best to start somewhere."

"I'll do it!"

"All right! Let's find the main office, sign papers, and the place is ours!"

(End of Chapter 4.)

Chapter 3: Diving Deep

"So what are we doing here, Matteo?" 

For reasons I'm at least curious about, we're standing in front of the business corporation. Normally I wouldn't go near the place, given the guy I'm not fond of works there, but...

Matteo said that he's got an idea for helping me. I should at least hear him out.

Chapter 2: Parental Issues

I'm not in this for money.

I'm really not. I know it ain't a cushy job, but it isn't like I'm demanding half of Teodor's paycheck.

He isn't much older than me, and he's already been through a lot.

Can't say I blame him. He's doing what he thinks is best for his daughter. I don't know what his plans are, but I ain't one to judge what people do.

And he told me everything. He didn't leave out any details whatsoever.

Chapter 1: Meet the Nanny

Maybe I wasn't detailed enough.

Maybe I could've asked for some basic qualifications. Like, basic child care or something.

Now if someone does respond to the ad, I may end up with some random sleazeball. No one I'd want near Palmira.

Ay, soy muy estúpido. I didn't think this through.

This is just so nerve-wracking. It's always been me to look after Palmira. Now I have to ask someone else to do it for me.

And I don't have time to take it back, because I heard the doorbell just now.

It could be anybody. Probably some teenager pulling a prank, a known criminal, or even...

Him?

Prologue

Alright, look:

I know for a fact that I'm not perfect. I know that I'm going to make mistakes. I even know I can be gullible.

But at least I try to be a good person. At least I don't steal everything of value from someone else, and be a jerk about it.

Well, I shouldn't say everything. I did lose my wife and my resort plans...

But I still have my little girl. I still have some cash left over. In fact, there's a good amount of cash I got from selling the house Florita and I lived in. So for now, we're good there.

Problem is, I have no idea how I'm going to support the both of us in the long run.

Eventually, that money's going to run out, and then I don't know what I'm going to do.

Actually, no, that's not entirely true. I do know what I can do. But I can't bring Palmira with me if I do.

If I do decide to go with my plans, I'd have to hire a nanny. But who exactly in this island city is going to take up a full-time job of watching a toddler?

Aye, carumba, my chances of finding such a person are slim.

...But maybe it's worth a try. I mean, who knows. Maybe for once things will look up for me.

It could be worse. I could've ended up on the streets, for all I know. At the least, I owe this to Palmira.

What could I possibly tell her? 'Sorry, Mommy's left us for a guy that ruined Daddy's life.'? So, at least, she can have someone who can take care of her.

Now how do I put up ads online? There's a site for that, I think.

I just gotta tell myself: I'm doing this for Palmira. I may not be able to spend a lot of time with her after this, but I want to make sure she'll be cared for.

That being said, I wonder who in town is willing to do this sort of thing...

(End of Prologue.)