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remember thinking how odd they looked
compared to Alec. I wondered then if he might be adopted and I was right. So it
makes sense that they are Enchanters and he is not.
    My throat feels heavy, hard to swallow. I
try to find the words to say, but I’m rendered speechless in this moment. I
still haven’t had time to think about what all of this means. I’m part of the
same secret club as Alec’s parents and he is an outsider.
    I’m saved because Mr. Stone speaks first.
I notice now that his eyes are wide, searching mine, and there’s something
almost fearful in his expression. “Kat. We wanted to welcome you to the
community. We only recently announced ourselves…”
    I look to Mrs. Stone, and she has the
same look in her eye as she searches my face. I wonder if they’re worried that
I’ll tell Alec about this. Don’t they know the rules? I am sworn to secrecy
just as they are. If anyone has the choice to tell him, it’s them, but I get
the sneaking suspicion that they have no intention of telling Alec.
    “Mr. and Mrs. Stone,” I say the words
carefully, just as I would pluck a delicate flower. “Thank you. I must say, it
was a surprise to see you both here today. I had no idea.”
    Their expressions give away their
discomfort and as I think about Alec again my mind feels heavy with guilt, knowing
immediately that this is yet another secret that I must keep from him.
    Mr. Stone speaks up again but I cut him
off before he can say anything.
    “You don’t have to ask. I won’t mention
anything to Alec.” As I say the words I see their shoulders relax and relief
flood their faces. Mrs. Stone’s eyes appear watery and I turn away, unable to
look at her.
    My stomach is already in knots. I know
that as hard as it is for me to keep these secrets from Alec, it must be a
million times harder for his parents.
    “Thank you, Kat.” Mrs. Stone’s words
sound choked.
    There’s nothing else to say.
    I stand in the hallway of the meeting
center, waiting for Charlotte and Rose to say their goodbyes so that we can
leave. After the run-in with Alec’s parents, I’m doing everything possible to
avoid everyone. I just want to go home.
    I see Marabella exit the ballroom first,
followed by the rest of her sisters except one. Looks like Arabella is still
making conversation with Rose. Arabella seems to be the ringleader of the
group, and she seems to have a familiarity with Rose that confuses me.
    A smile spreads across Marabella’s face
and I’m surprised when she pulls me in for a hug. “It was so nice to meet you,
Kat. We’ve known about you for a long time. Rose and our father have been good
friends since they were teenagers.”
    My eyes widen. “Oh, really?”
    Their eyes brighten with identical
sparkles, as if a light shines from their insides-out. They really are
beautiful. “You should come visit us some time. Our father would love to meet
you.”
    I remember Arabella telling me that they
are from a place called Weeki Wachee. I’m not sure it’s a place I’d ever think
to go, but I smile. “Yes, definitely.”
    “Here,” Latuana pulls herself forward and
hands me a thick half sheet of paper. On it is a photo of the six girls
submerged in water as their hair swims above them, but it’s their mermaid tails
that catch my attention.
    UNDER THE SEA MERMAID SHOW
    Well that makes sense. They are
entertainers. That explains the thick long hair, perfectly manicured nails, and
flawless skin—the same traits that I’ve had since my Enchantment. I look
back up at the girls. Sort of.
    “So Weeki Wachee is another Solstice
community?”
    The girl’s laughter is like a musical
instrument strumming a series of notes in perfect unison. “Not exactly.”
    I wait for them to tell me what I don’t
know when Rose exits the Ballroom with Arabella. They hug and Arabella heads
toward us. Rose gestures to me that she’ll just be a minute.
    “Well,” I say impatiently. The last thing
I need is another secret. “What type