Chapter 19-1
Searching For Mermaids
Part 2
Mom and I calculated that we had about one hundred miles to go. Dad confirmed it by saying when we saw nothing but blue we had arrived at our destination. Dad was right once more, than we went over our last hill. All we saw was nothing, but the biggest lake we had ever seen as the sun gave a spectacular view. Mom was breathless, taking several pictures. Dad said. "Wait until you see the sunset. It would blow your mind. And if that doesn't put you over the top then the sunrises will."
Dad told me to follow him as we all got back into the truck. Mom and I kept staring at the lake that looked more like the ocean, saying over and over how big it was. I had to agree it was as if the world had dropped off and left nothing but the mountains and all that blue. Dad had me follow as we made our way down to a cabin that looked over the lake and was set back into the evergreens. Mom and I smiled when we saw the sign which said nudist beach. Not only had Dad given us the best family retreat, but he also did it with style. Mom's mouth fell open when she saw the cabin in the woods and our own private beach with miles upon miles of white sand in either direction. Dad put his arms around her and carried her up the stairs and into the cabin.
Even though the cabin hadn't been used in a while, it was still breathtaking. Dad wasted no time turning on the power and the water and ran the water until it had cycled through. The cabin had an enormous fireplace and large living room and a kitchen off to the side with a dining room Mom could die for. All the bedrooms were upstairs, a master bedroom and two more besides, with an enormous bathroom that held the biggest shower I had ever seen and a large tub that was the size of a small pool. It also had a washer and dryer and clothesline outside.
Mom wasted no time opening every window in the house and stepped out onto the wooden deck that led down to the beach with a boathouse on the side of the large pier. She sighed, looking over the railing at the view that would take your breath away. Then sighed when reality came back to remind her we needed to clean and unpack before we could even relax. Mom put on a determined face and set us to our tasks, having Dad and I bring in the supplies. Telling us where she wanted them. She quickly took off the sheet covers off the furniture and went to work, making it a home.
Dad had entrusted me with the task of caring for the horses, their hooves clattering against the worn wooden floor as I opened the creaky barn door with a heavy pull of the large, weathered pin. The salty ocean breeze wafted through, mingling with the earthy scent of hay and manure.
Excitement filled the air as Sparky, our energetic horse, pranced around the beach, his hooves kicking up sand with a soft thud. The sound of my baby brother's giggles echoed along with the squawks of seagulls as they fluttered away from his playful chase. Jason, our older brother, joined in the pursuit, their footsteps crunching against the shoreline.
Amidst the commotion, Mom's voice carried over the sound of crashing waves, her words laced with concern, urging the boys to stay within sight. Jared, our older sibling, was sent out to ensure their safety. The aroma of sunscreen and salty sea mingled with the distant smell of grilled food, beckoning us closer to the water.
After unloading our belongings and tending to the animals, exhaustion gave way to anticipation. Mom and I, the last to shed our clothes, felt the cool breeze on our skin as we raced each other towards the water, the sand warm beneath our feet.
As the day drew to a close, we gathered on the deck, our eyes fixed on the breathtaking sunset. The sun slowly descended, casting vibrant hues across the sky, a kaleidoscope of colors that left us breathless. Dad's smile stretched from ear to ear, a reflection of our own joy. It seemed impossible to imagine a happier moment.
Throughout our stay, encounters with other people were rare, their presence a novelty. Occasionally, they would wave or stop by, their nakedness a testament to their comfort in their own skin. Dad and Mom sought their guidance, learning about the area. Although their nudity made us slightly uneasy, we appreciated their willingness to help.
After dinner, Dad unveiled his plans for our time here, handing each of us a pamphlet detailing the array of activities available. The scent of fresh ink lingered on the pages as we perused the options - canoeing, horseback riding, volleyball, and spider-ball, a unique game that involved walking on hands while moving a beach ball across the sand. And, of course, swimming.
For Mom, there was a nearby town where she could explore a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other curiosities. The possibilities seemed endless, and we yearned to experience it all. Dad left the decision in our hands. However, tonight, he had something special planned - a cozy family evening, a rarity in our busy lives.
As we settled in, I carefully selected a hymn from the book, its aged pages rustling beneath my fingertips. The room fell silent as Jared offered a heartfelt prayer. Dad surprised us by opening an old book, its pages yellowed with time, unveiling a story we had never heard before.Like most stories, it started. "Not long ago I was a young fisherman, who had the sea in my veins and the wind in my hair; I was told when the sun rose or the sunset that I would see mermaids walk into the land of my forefathers. My old Pap said when he first discovered this small town of Dreegin he had learned that when the sun rose mermaids would sometimes walk out of the lake of mirrors and would return from once, they came when the sunset each night.
"Some say it was a curse by the king of the sea known as Poseidon, only to live on land during the day and water by night. When they returned to the lake, if you listen closely, you could hear them singing their great sorrow of missing the sea their true home."
Dad looked up, his eyes scanning the horizon, and put his fingers to his lips, as if trying to silence the bustling sounds around us. He placed one hand behind his ears, straining to catch even the faintest notes of the mermaids' song. The air was thick with anticipation.
"When you hear the song," Dad continued, his voice filled with mystery, "you are compelled to walk into the lake." His words hung in the air, mingling with the gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of nearby trees.
But my Pap had given me a warning. He had told me that each night, as the enchanting melody reached these very shores, it became harder to resist the irresistible temptation. The scent of the lake wafted towards us, a delicate blend of freshwater and earthy musk.
As the moon began to rise, casting a silvery glow over the landscape, I could feel a tingle of unease creeping up my spine. Dad's story seemed more real now, more tangible. The sand beneath my feet felt cool and grainy, like a thousand tiny pebbles massaging my soles.
Pap's gaze shifted; his eyes fixated on the vast expanse of water before us. Slowly, he bent down and shined his flashlight on the sand, revealing mysterious imprints. I squinted, trying to make sense of the peculiar footprints that seemed to lead only towards the water. The sound of waves crashing against the shore filled my ears, drowning out any other noise.
I frantically searched for a second set of footprints, desperately seeking evidence that would debunk this fantastical tale. But my efforts proved futile as I ran up and down the beach, my heart pounding in my chest. All I found were more footprints, leading towards the lake, but none leading away from it.
The next morning, I rose with the sun, determined to continue my search. The scent of salt hung in the air, mixing with the crispness of dawn. As I stepped onto the shore, my feet sinking into the damp sand, I found the footprints once again. Only this time, they led out of the lake, as if mocking my disbelief.
Days turned into nights, and I remained on the shores, my senses heightened, waiting for a glimpse of the mythical creatures. The sound of the wind whispering through the reeds echoed in my ears, as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation.
In that moment, I had forgotten the warning my Pap had given me. I stood at my post, my eyes fixed on the shimmering lake, oblivious to the world around me. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore became a lullaby, soothing me into a trance-like state. The moon was full as it cast its shadow upon me. I heard music that was so compelling that it filled my very soul.
"By the time I remembered what my Pap said it was already too late as my head slipped below the water. I screamed, watching my body transform into a mermaid. I splashed like a fish dying on the shore until a young woman found me and held me in her arms, leading me out further into the lake. Now I too have been cursed, and I leave you a warning that if you hear the cries and are compelled. I would suggest you leave before you to become trapped like me."
Dad closed the book and set it in front of us and, waiting for the right moment, said. "Now my dear sons I too leave you this warning. That if you search and find footprints that only lead to the lake. I suggest you cover your ears and run as far away as you can, and I have been told that once you hear the cries. It is already too late; you can never go far enough. Until you are compelled to return to the lake or go mad trying to escape it. That only way to stop the madness of their cries … will only stop when you become one of them. So be warned boys, when we are here the very people you meet could be mermaids."
Jason asked a question that was all going through our minds. "Dad, are the people we met today mermaids? Is that why they don't wear clothes like we do when we are not skinny dipping?" Dad left the questions hanging in the air as he looked at his watch telling us it was time for bed. We all kneeled for family prayer, ending our family home evening.
The first thought that went through my head was Dad and his mermaids. Quickly climbed into bed with my three brothers, considering it just felt right as I put my arms around them. Dad smiled at Mom, and he gave us each a kiss goodnight, telling us how much they loved us. Sparky took his spot at the foot of the bed. You would think it was his job to watch over us, and maybe it was. Or when the opportunity comes, he takes it rather than being tied up outside. He, too, rather share the same bed as his family. What he doesn't know is that he is protecting me from my nightmares. Which is why Mom and Dad had allowed it. In either case, like me, he is right where he belongs.
I had resin early that Thursday morning just before sunrise, wanting to run along the shores of our lake. Mom greeted me telling me breakfast would be ready in an hour. I nodded and said I was going for a run, giving her a kiss and hug as she gently padded my bare bottom. The fact Mom was only wearing an apron said it all. Dad had explained the rules regarding the nudist colony that lived here. When you meet other nudists that it is quite rude if you don't comply with their form of living, stating the fact to them you are shy or you are embarrassed by seeing them living in their carefree lifestyle. Dad put it bluntly. When you arrive at the swimming pool and all you see are people not wearing swimsuits, and you are. Then you stick out like a sore thumb.
Sparky always went with me when I went for a run and was as excited to go as I was. Dad was on the deck reading his scriptures and had already conformed to the living style here. He waved to me and told me to have a good run and asked if I would like to go canoeing later after breakfast. I yelled back that it sounded like fun and continued on down the beach. I hadn't gone more than a mile or two when I saw three very beautiful girls coming out of the water; my eyes and body betrayed me as I halted to a complete stop, taking in their exquisite bodies. I stood there speechless as they walked towards me. I shivered, feeling the goosebumps on my skin. It was as if I had never seen a naked woman before, which I had countless times to the point I didn't really see their nakedness.
I watched as they grew closer, and the first thing I noticed was they all looked alike as if they were twins or in this case triplets; having the same golden hair, and the same deep blue eyes that sparkled strangely in the light. All three were just as beautiful as the others all the about the same ages as me. I stood there trying to catch my breath and found that I had lost my tongue, for I couldn't utter a single syllable. They called to me, and my body answered as if was in a trance, placing one foot into the water and the next as if I was walking in my sleep. I tried to shake the feeling, but the more I tried the more I wanted to be near them. The water had reached my knees before I was able to stop from going in further.
They each smiled at me, and that smiled compelled me to go towards them, but with great effort, I stood where I was, watching as they came closer. Almost in unison, they said. "You are one the Rothwell boys that are staying at the Benson cabin not far from here?" I nodded as I was trying to loosen my tongue. I tried not to look down at my member, knowing it was stiffening. I watched their eyes looking towards it and roamed my body like a meal to be had. It got even worse when they smiled at me and my very hard member, watching their eyes as it pointed towards them like a compass. I wanted to hide. I wanted to slip into the water so they couldn't see it. Mom and Dad's words echoed in my mind. 'Son, it's ok, it's part of you and it's beautiful, nothing to be ashamed of when it happens.'
I did my best to ignore it, knowing if I hid it now; it would just draw more attention to it. I offered my hand and shakily said: "Yes, we're spending the week here, my name is Eric." Again they smiled this time they were looking at my arousal. Well, I hoped not. I did my best not to pay attention to the fact that I was naked. Yeah right, I thought, considering I was completely naked on a beach with three naked girls, three beautiful naked girls looking at my very naked body.
It was hard not to roam my eyes over their gorgeous naked bodies. Fearing if I did, the part of me that I was trying to ignore would grow even stiffer. Thinking, man, I wish I was wearing trunks. I could feel my face blushing as they noticed my eyes staring at them. I quickly brought my eyes back to their faces, hoping that I hadn't embarrassed them by looking at them as if they were a steak dinner and I was about to devour them whole or I was a boy in heat drooling.
Isza (eye-zah), the woman to the right, corrected my clumsy pronunciation of her name with a playful giggle. The second sister on the left told me her name was Fauna, and the middle sister introduced herself as Nora.
They asked me where we were from, and I said. "Highland, Utah." Telling me they never heard of it. I said it is about nine hundred miles from here. It was like telling them I lived on the moon, and I am the alien visiting the planet.
Man, I felt like a dork. I excused myself before I embarrassed myself even further said. "It was nice to meet you, but I need to get back before my Dad comes looking for me and my dog Sparky."
I was about to turn away when Isza placed her hand on my shoulder and slowly let it drop as it slid softly down my shoulder and down my back. Feeling her hand as it grazed my bare butt, and just for I moment, I thought it lingered there. She said. "We are having a barbecue at our cabin. We would love to have you, and your very cute brothers join us." I didn't say no, nor did I say yes. I blushed and hightailed it out of there. Yet I still heard them giggle. "He's so cute." I blushed and kept going not daring to look back.
Dad smiled when he saw me and said. "Meet any mermaids on your run, son?" I blushed, and that answered his question. Once inside, I quickly put on some trunks, hoping to hide the fact that I was still aroused. What I really needed was a cold shower. Mom had me help set the table on the deck for breakfast not wanting to waste a moment of the view. Like Dad said I stuck out like a sore thumb being the only one in trunks. Mom and Dad said nothing about it regarding it. Just grinned, as if he already knew what had happened. He confirmed it when he said. "Mother, our son here met his first mermaid."
I corrected him, feeling the blush rise to my cheeks. "Actually, there were three, three girls. Not mermaids, Dad, and they invited us to a Barbecue."
Mom said. "I hoped you accepted the invitation."
I blushed even redder said as I stuttered, "I didn't say I wouldn't, or we wouldn't come." I whispered. "Actually, I said nothing and ran."
Mom sighed, leaned over and kissed me on the cheek, whispering. "A cold shower won't help you, son." Mom gazed down at my trunks, seeing the bulge I was trying so badly to hide.
Dad grinned as he followed Mom's eyes to my trunks. I squirmed uncomfortably, sliding closer to the table praying. "Please go down, please go down." Mom giggled and kissed my cheek and asked me if I at least got their names.
I nodded that I did and took a bite of my food. Mom and Dad waited as I sat there feeling very uncomfortable not realizing I had forgotten the question, with my mind not where it should be. I sat down with my fork on the plate, and asked politely if I could be excused. Dad told me I could, and I said thanks and hightailed it out of there, only to have Dad tell me. "Son, a cold shower is not going to help. Trust me." I nodded understood and decided I would take one, anyway.
Dad and Mom were right. I had been in the shower for almost an hour and it still kept stiffing up every time I thought of them coming out of the water. After another half hour trying hard to concentrate on something else, like a hymn or a piece of music I had been practicing. I cursed at it, wishing I had put a sock on the door and dealt with it the other way. Watching Mom and Dad walk in. Dad turned off the shower, shaking his head, noticing it was still very stiff, so stiff I could hang a white flag on it, and waved it, announcing my surrender. I wasn't embarrassed having Mom and Dad see it. I was ashamed of the fact it was still there. I wanted to cry as I sat down on the toilet seat and put my head in my hands.
Mom rubbed my back, telling me that there was nothing wrong with the feelings I was feeling. All it stated was the girls were beautiful and when a boy like me finds them attractive. Nature takes its course.
I nodded said. "Mom, I know all about the birds and the bees and then some." I was about to say something else when Jared came in and said there were some people downstairs asking for me by name. I groaned and reached for my trunks only to have Dad toss them to the other side of the room. Reminding me of my manners and how rude it would be if I insulted them and their lifestyle. Placed his arms around my shoulders. There was nothing I could do. Mom and Dad were right if I put an on a pair of trunks. I would not only embarrass myself, but I would also embarrass them and Mom and Dad.
When I came down the stairs, there they were, standing in our living room. Naked as the day they were born and just as pretty. Dad smiled at me and whispered. "Well, Karen, I now know for sure our son Eric is not gay."
Mom took the lead by introducing us said. "We haven't formally met. I am Karen and this is my husband, Robert Rothwell." Mom said and shook the girl's parent's hands and Dad does likewise. "And these are my boys, Jared. Jason and this little tike are Jonathan. Your daughters have already met my son Eric and have left a quiet impression on him. Thanks, Mom, just what I needed was more attention to my so-called problem. The only good thing was by some miracle it was no longer stiff — well, mostly.
In return, they introduced themselves to us as Beth and Ted Rock-water, and the three daughters Isza, Fauna, Nora and their two boys, Peter and Henry. Jared and Jason's ages twelve to nine. Henry being the youngest. Both boys having the same deep green eyes and light brown hair as the rest of their family, so light that it could be almost called blond.
Dad offered them a seat while Mom brought out a plate of cookies and a pitcher of lemonade. Just like my brothers they nearly woofed down the cookies. Mom patting them on the head telling them there are plenty more where those came from. Having their parents apologize for their manners. Mom shrugged it off and said. "No need to apologize. I know my boys and they are always hungry."
Dad got right to the point like he always does said. "I understand from my son Eric that we have been invited to a Barbecue."
Mr. Rock-water nodded said. "That it was his understanding as well. Yet according to his three daughters flustered the poor boy so bad at delivering our invitation, they didn't get an answer, and he ran off so fast that we didn't have time to meet him. Weren't even sure he would come and bring his family with him and had a feeling that in some way they must have insulted him and wanted to apologize by coming here and re-invite him and your family."
I blushed and tried to look elsewhere, anywhere, but for the three daughters. Mrs. Rock-water said, "Dear, it's not the boy's fault for being overwhelmed by three beautiful girls that he couldn't think straight." I reached over and put her hand above my knee almost touching my insignificant problem, well in my case big problem.
She only smiled when she noticed it giving a light pat on my knee almost grazing my problem when she took it away and told me she was glad that I found her daughter so attractive. That it caused such affection, quite common for boys my age. I blinked when she said that. It was like asking me if I wanted to have sex with them.
Dad cleared his throat, noticing how uncomfortable I was, but unlike me, he didn't show that it bothered him he was nearly full of arousal. Dad simply brought back the topic of the Barbecue said. "Our son Eric and our family are more than happy to accept the invitation and we apologize for his rudeness and are in the process of acquainting our boys with the local customs when it comes to the opposite sex."
Mom asked if there was anything they would like us to bring, like a tossed salad or dessert. Mrs. Rock-Water told her either was fine, considering it was a neighborhood Barbecue, and it was their turn to sponsor it, giving her the time to come.
Dad stood and so did his member, having Mom and Mrs. Rock-water smile noticing it and mine when I stood up. Unlike me, Dad paid no attention to it and shook hands with everyone, and he and Mom walked them to the door. When they got to the door, Mrs. Rock-water quickly leaned in, kissed Dad on both cheeks, and hugged him, said. "Thank you for sharing your affection with us. It's so hard to understand why there are not more people like you and your sons willing to share yourselves with us."
Dad blushed but kept his composure and returned the affection by kissing her on both cheeks hugged her back and did the same to her husband and his daughters and kneeled down and did the same to their sons. Mom did the same as Dad. Even though I didn't like the idea, I did it exactly as Dad and Mom had told me, and my brothers noticed that Jared had the same problem as I did. But I was able to do it by replacing their images with my sisters Kerry and Jody and Mom.
By telling myself it's no different from hugging them or my brothers. But we all had to do it to keep from insulting our guests. Dad had explained to us it is customary when meeting people here that we show affection openly by touch as if we were still fully clothed. That it is rude when you don't return the same affection. Yet it still didn't help my situation.