WATER SPLASH:MERMAID ADVENTURE

h 15

coastal gem in the Sunmere State of Velmara. Clara sat with he

ating its transformation from a proud monarchy to a thriving federal republic in 1832. Now, the

e the park gates, its blue, gold, and white str

, though smaller, w

creams, and endless chatter as they celebrate

nto the University of Antares," Clara said,

that drew a few amused glances from

lding her arms. "Tol

laughed like kids, caught

cing for a long wait, but the University of Antares, the most prestigious school in Stormcove and one of t

We need to shout it from the rooftops," Monica sa

ost it online," Annali

oonlight," Monica added, til

tly. "The moon is

"It will be." She'd always felt a strange conne

think you were some kind of moon w

dramatically.

Annalise teased, barel

dropped. "Tha

urst into laughter,

yfully. "Hey, I'm jus

ne. If I'm the maid, then yo

hen narrowed her

ara doubled over, struggling to

ble!" Clara wheezed,

ed her back unti

ded into a comf

iversity will be like. My dad says the first year

t won't be easy, bu

ff. My parents are doing everything they can to pa

ut applying for scholarships. If I get one

hanged a quick glance b

You're hardworking and bril

scholarship is just around the corner,"

led. "Thanks, you tw

ree. "Whatever happens, we stick

know what's even better than j

a asked, til

Annalise and I are offici

em seemed to buzz

since high school. Normally, first-year students aren't allowed on the university tea

the swimming circuit. Their skills had earned them a special invitation to represent Antares at th

letting you both compete," Cl

her! Antares used to be

you win that many competitions, they h

ghter, the joy of their

ile. "University is going to be amazing. New

Romance? Is that al

h a smirk. "Don't act li

eyes. "Unlike you,

tion could go on forever. But deep do

lly. "I just hope my pa

ise exchanged i

nica, you're fifteen. Shouldn't a boy

red but st

wrong? Or can't you handle

he'd known her friends since junior high at Vernisa

ften mistook her reserved nature for arrogance, but Clara knew better. Beneath her tough exterior, Annalise was fie

ttention, she had a charm that made her impossible to dislike. But her hopeless romantic stre

ime, t

s dif

ca had fallen for someone, an

was Maxwe

cond-year student at th

n riding his bicycle down the street when Monica, caught off guard, s

, concern flashing across h

e asked, his voic

naged a nod, her

, apologetic smile

couldn't stop th

e thought she'd ne

inter

m at Light

her sur

ognize

er record of short-li

it wasn't j

somethi

hing