Meanwhile, the trio on the surface had managed to row themselves out of the rapidly disappearing whirlpool. “That disappeared awfully fast,” Maple commented as they made their way to shore.
“More of Ruth's magic, probably,” Betty grumbled.
The storm was winding down, even as they found their way to land. Betty helped Scott and Maple drag the boat onto the beach near the cove. Eugenia and Mr. Foley ran right over to them the moment they appeared.
“Thank goodness you're all right!” Foley was eating a plate filled to the brim with steamed clams. “They moved the rest of the party into the main boathouse when the storm came in. What were all of you doing out there in that weather, anyway?”
“It's a long story.” Betty looked up as she heard singing – four male voices in perfect harmony, and one small, sweet female voice. She took Scott's hand and smiled at him. “Let's go meet my family. I think they have something for you.”
They hurried towards the sheltered cove. Betty's family was gathered near the edge of the beach. Hilary held out a familiar green bottle. “We found something that belongs to your friend there, Betty.” She made a face. “Ruth was nasty and wouldn't give it back. We...dealt with her. She won't bother us anymore.”
“Thank you, Hilary.” Betty turned to Scott, even as her other human friends stared at the merfolk in shock. “Scott, open your mouth.” Betty grinned. “More than usual. I need to give you your voice back.”
Scott raised an eyebrow but did as he was told. Betty uncapped the bottle. The green light flowed from the lip and into Scott's throat. He rubbed his neck, coughing. Betty thumped his back. “Oww. That hurts!” He finally put his arms around Betty. “Thanks for savin' me, Betty Betty Betty. Not only are you one heck of a brave girl,” he nodded at the half-fish, half-human creatures behind him, “but you come from an amazing family.”
“Scott, it was me,” Betty said quickly. “I rescued you when your ship sank a few weeks ago. I wanted to tell you a hundred times, but I gave Hilary my hair and voice in order to get legs.”
“I shouldn't have done it to her.” Hilary shook her head. “I've learned my lesson. From now on, my magic will be strictly for impressing a crowd at a theater, not causing harm.”
Mackie swam as close to Scott as he could. “I'm her father, son.” He shook Scott's hand. “She's my oldest girl, and I love her. You take care of her now.”
“I will.” He took Betty into his arms. “I meant what I said earlier, Betty. I want to court you. I don't care if you're a fish or a human or anything in between. I love you. I want to show you the world.”
“Oh Scott...” Everyone sighed as they kissed. Jeff tapped Hilary on the shoulder and gave her a deep kiss as well. Enid giggled as her brothers kissed her cheeks. Gertrude just hugged Mackie, smiling with pride. Maple put her arms around Eugenia and Mr. Foley, but her eye was on Doug. She didn't think he was bad-looking, for a half-fish guy.
“Well, Hilary?” Betty smiled at her. “Do I have a soul now?”
“Yes and no.” She shook her head. “You were only able to kiss Scott for a few seconds during twilight, but what you two just did now redressed the balance somewhat.” Her concerned look became a grin. “It was enough to make you half-human. When you're on land, you're human. When you're in water, you'll have your tail and be able to visit us.”
“Really?” Betty gave Hilary a huge hug. “Thank you, Hilary!”
“You're welcome, dear.” She gave her a small smirk and put an arm around Jeff. “You helped get rid of a particularly pesky rival of mine. I owe you one.”
Betty hugged her father and grandmother. “I'll miss you, darling.” Gertrude smiled, nodding at the four who stood behind her. “But I think you're in good hands up here.”
Scott put an arm around Betty. “We need to get you back to the house. If you keep walking around in your underwear, you may end up joining the witch in jail.” He laughed and swept her into his arms. “Let's go get wet, my little mermaid.” Everyone sighed as they kissed again, the moonlight illuminating the five as they made their way down the beach to the boathouse.
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