The Mermaid's Mirror by L. K. Madigan Page A

turned and waved at the other surfers.
    "I can't believe how you rock at this," said Ani. "It takes some people years to get good at surfing. It's almost like you anticipate the way the wave is going to move! You really only need me for maybe one more lesson."
    "Wow, are you kidding?"
    "Not kidding. Next week we'll try a different spot."
    "Magic's?" asked Lena.
    Ani stood still in the water. "No, not Magic's," she said, giving Lena an odd look. "Magic's is only for advanced surfers, and even then, it's dangerous. The shorebreak comes up out of the deep water and lands hard on the sand. It's not a nice, gradual shorebreak. Besides ... why would you want to surf at Magic's?"
    So I can see the mermaid,
thought Lena. "Why wouldn't I?" she said. "I mean, if I ever got to be a really good surfer."
    "Isn't that where your father almost...?"
    "What?" said Lena.
    "Not to mention—" Ani broke off quickly.
    Lena stared. "Not to mention what?"
    Ani glanced back at the shore. "I think we should call it a day. Why don't we dry off?"
    "Wait. What were you going to say?"
    Ani refused to answer. "Nothing. Really. Let's get out."

CHAPTER 15
    Lena and Henry developed a nonverbal relationship. When Max was yammering on about cars, they pantomimed snoring. When he whined about how hard his college classes were, they used their thumb and finger to play tiny violins. When Pem giggled over-brightly at some attempt at humor by Max, they rolled their eyes and pretended to vomit.
    Sometimes Henry was already plugged into his iPod when Lena climbed in the back seat. Then he just nodded at her and returned his attention to his music. Lena figured there were days when he couldn't even muster up the enthusiasm for mockery.
    "Bye," called Lena as she hopped out of the car one afternoon. "Thanks, Max."
    "Call me later," said Pem.
    "Yep." Lena waved at Henry, who made a "Save me!" face. Giggling, she watched Max drive away, and went into the house.
    "You're home early," said her mom.
    "Oh," said Lena. She had never told her mom about getting rides home from Max. Lately her mom had arrived home from work later than Lena got home from school, so there was no need to account for her time. But it looked like today was the day. "I got a ride home," she said.
    "You did? That's nice," said her mom, frowning at her laptop screen. "Darn it. They've double-booked the lower ballroom that day." She began to tap madly on the keyboard.
    "Mom," said Cole. "Let's go to the beach." He was holding his Nerf football.
    "Pretty soon, sweetie," said their mom. "I have to fix something for work."
    "I'll take him," said Lena.
    "Oh, that would be great, honey," said her mom. "I'll try to join you guys when I finish."
    "No problem. Come on, bud. Let's beach it."
    Cole rocketed out the door, football tucked under his arm like he was running for a goal.
    As they strolled down the street, Cole chattered about his most beloved subject. "You know what, Lena?You know who my favorite player is?"
    "No."
    "Ronde Barber. He's a cornerback. So maybe I'll be a cornerback when I grow up. He holds the record for..."
    Lena made sounds that indicated she was listening, although her mind was on surfboards. If she had her own, would she want a long board or a short board?
    As they neared the beach parking lot, Lena could see Max's car parked in the lot. The windows were rolled down, and two dark heads leaned close together.
    Maybe they're just talking,
she thought.
    But even at this distance, it was obvious the occupants of that car had not come to the beach to admire the view.
    With a jolt, Lena realized that Pem's relationship with Max had made the shift from friendly to physical ... and Pem had not told her.
    Thinking back over the past week, Lena felt like smacking her forehead. Pem had become more relaxed in the presence of Max-the-College-Guy, and Lena had figured it was Pem's natural confidence. Now she realized it was because Pem and Max had moved beyond casual rides home, and into
parked