Lamera Monique 

“Myth” 

“There was a “Myth”. A myth, for those who indeed don’t know, is something unreal, maybe even untrue. Though, this “Myth” was found to be true. Found to be covered up by a lie. This was no unicorn; however, it was something big. Something we shall name… Arion.” 

Chapter 1 

“Ocean” 

I always awoke early. To the smell of smoke from next door’s morning grill. I hated them. They always burnt their food and would always be the ones to knock on a new neighbor’s door, bringing them burnt biscuits. The new neighbor never came out again – honestly, I think the disgusting dry biscuits killed them. Though, I don’t pay much attention to the next-door neighbor. The only reason I talk to them is so I can be on their good side, and they’ll let me go through their backyard to get to the beach. I would say it’s selfish, but it’s absolutely worth it, don’t blame me. I sat up in bed pushing back the covers and not even daring to look outside until I made my bed. I changed into shorts and a silky soft pink shirt, I even felt like wearing my ring today- I’m not engaged or married to anyone. It’s my simple way of getting guys to back off. I’ll say it’s worked though. I put on my sandals and go to my closed room door putting my hand on the doorknob.  

Wait, just a second before I open the door…Did I brush my hair? 

I groan at the realization that I hadn’t and stomped impatiently to my bathroom to do so – along with washing my face and brushing my teeth. I’m not going to lie – I checked myself out in the mirror for about ten minutes straight before finally going to my closed door again and finally turning the knob and walking out.  

I ate a leftover ham and cheese sandwich from yesterday’s beach visit when I heard a door creak open and sneaking footsteps gaining on me from behind where I sat in the kitchen.  

“Going out again Mera?” 

I turned around to catch my roommate before she rustled with my newly brushed hair. I give her a stern glance, stopping her from doing her predicted attack. 

“Good morning Hinata, and yes, I am going out.” I said it half gracefully since I knew she was going to ruin my hair…and I knew her next question before she even opened her mouth. 

“Ocean?” 

“Yeah, you know it. Why do you ask?” 

She looked at me bored and said,” Because you’re always going there. Can’t you get over the fact that he’s not coming back?” 

I had a… Lover. 

“He” is who Hinata is speaking of. This ring I wear gives me a reminder that maybe he will come back. His name was Dorian. I confessed and… Well, he said he’d loved me too, yet the next day he disappeared. I go to the beach just hoping he’ll come back. Hinata never liked him for some odd reason – I guess it’s why she’s so annoyed I spend so much time on a beach waiting for someone who vanished over 3 years ago. I feel she knows something I don’t. I admit there was always something off about him, but I never dared to ask. I only get more annoyed. 

“Why do you always nag me about going to see if he came back. You never know. Maybe he will.”  

“He isn’t!”  

I flinch at her sudden outburst. Wondering why she is so sure he isn’t going to come back. It only made me more irritated with her. I don’t even know why she bothers to stop me from going, knowing I won’t obey. 

“You know Hinata, I have no clue why you are so interested – or suspicious maybe, but you need to back off.” 

“Because Dorian is NOT who you think he is, he –” 

“Oh, not this again. Do not say ‘He isn’t trustworthy’ again. I hate all your negativity towards him. Maybe that’s why he downright left me.” 

“Mera –” 

“Don’t say anything else. I’ll be back by 6. Don’t wait for me.” 

I storm out annoyed.  

Making my way through next doors back yard, taking my short cut, and then, on my way to the beach to see the ocean. I sat on the sand and snatched up my journal. 

Lamera Monique 

“It’s been 3 years, 7 months and 14 days now ever sense Dorian vanished. I admit, I miss him. I’m starting to think Hinata is right. Maybe I was delusional and imagined he’d said he loved me too when I confessed. Though, I think I come here just because this is where I’d confessed my love for him. Hinata is getting more and more controlling about me coming to the beach. I don’t know what’s gotten into her. She goes out all the time, and I don’t nag her about it. I really need to talk to her about that. She’s got to back down because I won’t stop visiting here even if it kills me.”  

I stare at the ring and then something in my gut just starts to tighten as I try not to cry. I start to stare out at the ocean and speak out loud as if I’m speaking to ‘Him’. 

“Where are you Dorian… I miss you. I don’t even know why I speak to the ocean, but maybe it’ll one day bring you my messages.” 

I didn’t even notice I was sobbing until the salty taste touched my lips. It’s been so long sense he’d vanished the missing posters even came down. They just assume my love is truly dead. I deny it, but what if they’re right? I wrap my arms around my knees and sob to myself till I get tired and just fall asleep on the beach.  

I dreamt of when I first met him.  

10 years ago. I was only 9 years old when my parents were arguing. I would always be so scared and would get made fun of. I was pushed in the mud that day at a nearby playground by some older kids. Now that I think about it, I saw myself as a rabbit on that cold rainy day, yet, instead of my nose shivering with fear, my whole scrawny body was. Mostly from fear. I tasted my own blood that day as they pummeled me deeper into the mud. 

That day was the first time I was ever defended by anyone. He pushed them off me, cursing at them. Held out his strong hand at my shivering rabbit form.  

“You okay?”  

Were his first words to me once I gave in and took his hand, and he pulled me up. I’ve never felt so safe, but, when he was present something in me felt so protected. I couldn’t speak right away – I think that’s why he kept staring at me with his concerned hazel eyes. I was shaking still, but nodded, since I couldn’t get the words out of my hollow stomach.  

“Good, good, good, good, you’re sure you are okay? You took all of those punches, and you are so covered with mud. I can take you to your parents, where –” 

“No!” 

“What?” 

I didn’t notice I even said anything but then faced my fear of socializing and spoke.  

“My parents… are… fighting. I don’t want to go home and listen to it. Yes… I am okay.” 

“You know, it’s okay if you cry.” 

How did he know I wanted to cry for feeling so weak – or embarrassed or just for my body hurting? I have no idea. I didn’t even know him, he didn’t know me either, yet he pulled me into a hug, and I just couldn’t keep it together anymore, and let out my pained cry that day.  

I gasped awake and noticed it was 8. I grumble under my breath and get up, shaking and brushing sand off of my body. I snatch up the bag I brought that consisted of my journal and other things. It was a small moment but then I heard a sound so guttural even the ground rumbled. I was going towards the ocean, drawn to that sound when a hand grabbed my shoulder. I yelped not knowing who it was as I was torn away from the sound and was now facing Hinata.  

Her face was furious, but when she blinked it was her normal bossy look. 

“You said you’d be back by 6. It’s 8. What are you doing?!” 

“Dang it Hinata! Jeez, sorry I overslept. Calm down, it’s not like I was kidnapped. You aren’t my mom Hinata!” 

“You can’t swim! Why even get close to the water!?” 

“It’s an ocean. It’s not like I can’t stand on the shore!” 

“You fell the last time a wave hit you and you were drowning in the deeper part of the ocean because it dragged you in –” 

“That was years ago Hinata!” 

“And? What if it happens again?! I told you not to let your intrusive thoughts take over you.” 

I snap my eyes to her before pushing her off me. 

“Just because my dead mother told you to look out for me doesn’t mean you can control me.” 

“Mera –” 

I turn my back to her. 

“My mother was always stuck arguing with my dad. I guess it’s no wonder I’m not used to listening.” 

“Mera… You don’t come here just for him, do you?” 

I snap my head to the side and glance at her before looking down at the sandy surface.  

“No. My mom had a soft spot for the ocean and would just go to it to burn off steam after fighting with my father. I admit, her place of relaxation is… quite the charmer.” 

She steps closer and positions herself Infront of me and takes my hand with concern and a less bossy looking face. 

“I’m sorry Mera… But if I really do seem controlling, I’m just trying to keep you safe like she told me to before she passed. She did love you. She just never got the time to show it.” 

She hugged me and I started to feel tears falling from my face. Sadness, a contrast to my previous frustration. 

“You think so?” 

She squeezed tighter. I hugged back after I asked my question. 

“Yeah. I think she loved you so much, Lamera.” 

To be continued…