Revenge of the Siren's Song

Dale slathers sunscreen on his sunburnt skin.

He doesn’t mind the long working hours in the sun because being a lifeguard for Taniwha Bay Beach gives him everything he needs. He’s paid well and has the best lunches at Seafoodtastic, the shrimp shack right off the bay. He interacts with all the locals and tourists visiting the beach. He gets to save people. Hopefully, it'll impress her.

His favorite part of the day is to watch Abalone Waters read while laying on a towel in the sand, far away from the ocean. Though she hasn’t been around most of the summer, he spots her immediately. He's surprised and thankful to see her again.

Her onyx hair covers her whole back as if it's protecting her skin like sunscreen. Her button nose is pointed down into the pages of her book and he can tell she’s in her own world. The infatuated eyes of wandering walkers, sand sitters, shallow swimmers, and even lifeguards never bother her.

They went to high school together but never spoke. Every time he tried, he’d get nervous and trip over his words. But she’d meet him with a warm smile that would melt his heart. Now they’re graduated and she’s back in town, he promised himself he’d ask her to go with him to the Harmony of the Sea Festival.

Long before Dale Curran’s time, this coastal town was on the verge of becoming a ghost town. The people would fish all day and night but caught nothing. Sometimes, the boats were missing crew members because they'd voluntarily jump overboard after hearing the Song of Death.

The town's historic legends say there was a never-ending war between land and sea that went on for centuries. Until one day, a deal was made. Everyone started taking better care of the environment to help keep the peace. We stopped overfishing and polluting the waters. In return, fish were found in our nets, and the killing stopped. We live in a time of harmony now. This was a lesson we all needed to learn.

Take care of the sea and the sea will take care of us.

The Harmony of the Sea Festival is a way to give thanks for the food and protection that sirens provide. Though most people refer to these sea creatures as mermaids, Dale knew better. He’s heard their song before and barely survived.

Now, he sits on a highchair looking out over the beach and the ocean waves. But he can’t help but look over his shoulder at Aba every few minutes as the first part of his shift passes by.

“Dale, go get some lunch, I’ll take over.”

“Thanks, Trae, don’t mind if I do.”

Trae Swanson also went to school with Dale. He’s tall but skinny as a beanpole. His blonde hair looked light brown from all the sand stuck in it and his skin has a dark tan from working here since junior year. He helped Dale get this job though they weren’t close friends back then. Since graduating though, Trae has been Dale’s only friend.

Trae's timing couldn’t be more perfect as Dale cracks his neck. He shakes and stretches his arms to loosen up.

It's time to make his move.

Aba only moves to turn the page as he walks up. She doesn’t notice Dale until he says something, “Hey Aba, is—uh, is that a good book?” He shifts his hand through his shaggy brown hair waiting as she finds a good stopping point. Placing her bookmark, she looks up at him. Her moon-like glassy blue eyes stare into his as if he is the only other person on the beach.

“Yes.” Her voice is as angelic as ever.

He didn’t think he’d get this far as he tried to say something else, “Um, I was going to— or would you like to—uh, are you hungry? I’m going to Seafoodtastic for lunch.”

Aba closes her book and stands up, shaking the sand out of her towel. She gives Dale a small smile, which feels like a victory to him. "Sure, I could go for some lunch."

As they walk to the shrimp shack, Dale tries to think of something to say. He dusts off the sand from his shirt to keep himself seeming casual and not awkward. He wants to keep the conversation going, "So, how was your summer? Did you go anywhere interesting?"

Aba hesitates. "Not really. I went to visit my grandma for a while, but that's about it."

Dale nods, trying to think of what else to say. But they walk in comfortable silence for a short distance. They arrive at Seafoodtastic, and he holds the door open for her, "What do you feel like eating today?" Aba looks up at the menu on the door. "I think I'll have the shrimp po'boy. What about you?"

"I think I'll have the same," Dale says, trying to hide his smile.

They place their order after finding a table outside. The sun is beating down on them, but the ocean breeze keeps them cool. As they eat, Dale can't help but steal glances at Aba. They keep their conversation lighthearted while they talk about Dale's summer. She's even more beautiful up close, and her laugh sounds like music to his ears. He wants to ask her to the festival this weekend but doesn’t know how yet.

After lunch, they take the long way back to his post. He only has five minutes to spare so he decides to make his move. He can feel his heart beating faster as he works up the courage.

"Aba, I know this might sound out of the blue, but I was wondering if you'd go to the Harmony of the Sea Festival with me on Saturday." He looks down at his hands to not see how she'll react.

Aba doesn't say anything for a moment. The silence stretches for what feels like hours as Dale anticipates his hopes being crushed.

“Do you believe in mermaids?” Her head cocks to the side full of curiosity, “If you met one, why would you say thank you?” Dale’s breath catches in his throat, unsure how to answer.

“I know there are dangerous creatures in the deep. Some are sharks and whales, some are unknown, and some might sing. I know without the guardians, we would starve and run out of money to keep the town going. Swimmers caught in the current wouldn’t safely land on our beaches unexpectedly. And anyone who dares to sail a boat wouldn’t return. That's something to be thankful for. Though, I think if I met one, I might piss myself.”

“So, you’ve heard it?” Aba stops walking but steps closer to Dale, her nose lifting almost touching his. For a second Dale thinks she isn’t looking into his eyes. She’s looking past them into his soul. Could she see what he saw at last year's festival after the town went to sleep?

“I’ve heard... many stories about—uh, mermaids, yes,” He knows that’s not what she meant. “There’s a lot of stories told at the festival. We, uh, could go and listen to them together, if you’re interested?” Eyebrows raise as he’s hopeful she’ll say yes.

“I’m going with Trae.” Punctual and to the point. Dale’s heart shattered into tiny grains that fell and camouflaged into the sand as if he’ll never find the pieces again.

Speak of the devil, “Yo, Dale! Dude your lunch ended like 5 minutes ago. You ready to get back to work?” Trae swung his arm around Aba as if claiming his dominance.

“Yeah, I—uh, I guess I’ll get back to work then.” He turns to walk back to the highchair, feeling lower than dirt. Why hadn’t Trae said anything to him about being with Aba? How long has this been going on for? What about the nights they shared a beer and Dale gushed over his crush? What the hell is happening right now?

As Dale adjusts to his seat, he looks over his shoulder. Trae sits on the sand next to Aba’s towel. She goes back to her book, and he just stares at her.

In Dale’s eyes, Aba deserves the world and only he can give it to her. He growls under his breath in frustration. He’ll do everything in his power to show Abalone Waters that Trae Swanson isn’t worthy of her love like he is.

Dale slathers on more sunscreen as if it’ll help the burn.

He bites a piece of dry skin off his lips and curls into a snarl. He knows exactly how he’ll get his revenge, but he’ll wait until the Harmony of the Sea Festival on Saturday.

Just wait.