WATER SPLASH : MERMAID ADVENTURE

CHAPTER ONE March 30, 2014. “I find it unbelievable. So happy we all got accepted into the University of Antares; this is the best news of the year,” Clara said, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. The sun cast golden hues over Harts Park, where she sat with her two best friends. It had been an afternoon of laughter, screams, and endless chatter, their voices carrying across the open space. Celebrating their long-awaited acceptance letters. The news of their university acceptance had shaken them to their core, filling their hearts with uncontainable excitement. Monica let out a high-pitched scream, drawing a few amused glances from passersby in the park. “Best news of the year!” Annalise smirked. “Told you we had a shot.” The three girls had spent the entire afternoon celebrating—laughing, shouting, even twirling in circles like children. Clara never expected to gain admission so quickly. She had applied to several universities, preparing herself for a long wait. But the University of Antares—the most prestigious university in their town—had sent her an acceptance letter earlier that day. A dream come true. “I don’t think we should keep this good news to ourselves; we should announce it to the world,” Monica said excitedly, tossing her curly black hair over her shoulder. “I planned to do that,” Annalise replied smoothly, her usual confidence lacing her voice. “Let’s celebrate right under the moonlight,” Monica added, tilting her head toward the sky. Clara chuckled. “The moon isn’t even out yet.” Monica tilted her head, watching the sky as if willing it to appear. “It will be.” Her eyes scanned the soft blue expanse, hoping for a glimpse of the moon. She had always been fascinated by it, often claiming she felt a mysterious connection to the celestial body. Annalise smirked. “I have no doubt that you were some kind of moon warrior in your past life.” Monica turned to her with an exaggerated gasp. “You think so?” “Or maybe… a maid,” Annalise added, barely suppressing a laugh. Monica’s jaw dropped. “That’s not fair!” Clara and Annalise erupted into laughter, unable to hold back their amusement. Annalise playfully shrugged. “Hey, I’m just being honest.” Monica crossed her arms. “Fine. If I were a maid, then I think you were my daughter.” Annalise froze, then narrowed her eyes. “Oh, really?” Monica smirked in satisfaction as Clara doubled over, struggling to breathe between her laughs. Clara clapped her hands, laughing so hard she could barely breathe. “You two are impossible!” she wheezed. Her friends patted her back until she finally calmed down, taking deep, steady breaths. The laughter settled into a comfortable silence. Clara leaned back on her elbows. “I wonder what university will be like. My dad says the first years have it rough. If I slack off, I might get dropped from university.” Annalise nodded. “It won’t be easy, but we’ll handle it.” She paused, her smile faltering slightly. “I can’t afford to slack off. My parents are doing their best to pay my tuition, but it’s tough on them. If I fail, I’ll be disappointing them.” Her voice grew quieter. “Sometimes I wonder if I should just start looking for scholarship opportunities. If I find one, it would really help take the pressure off my parents.” Annalise and Monica exchanged a quick glance before immediately responding. “Clara, you won’t slack off. You’re one of the most hardworking people I know,” Annalise said firmly. “Exactly! You’ll ace this, and I bet you’ll get a scholarship in no time,” Monica added, nudging Clara’s shoulder. Clara sighed but smiled. “Thanks, guys. It means a lot.” Annalise leaned her back against a tree. “Well, whatever happens, we stick together. That’s what matters.” Monica suddenly grinned. “And you know what’s even better than just being students at Antares?” “What?” Clara asked, tilting her head. Monica’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Annalise and I are now officially part of Team Antares!” At those words, the surrounding air buzzed with energy. From high school, they trained under coach Humphrey, one of the University of Antares’ top swimming instructors. Normally, first-year students aren’t allowed to join the university team, but Coach Humphrey put in a good word for them. Because they were exceptional swimmers. They dominated regional and national competitions back in high school, their names whispered with admiration across the swimming circuit. Their skills have earned them a special invitation to represent Antares at the upcoming Tri-University Swimming Competition. The first first-year students to ever do so. “I still can’t believe they’re letting you both compete,” Clara admitted, shaking her head in disbelief. Monica beamed. “Me neither! And to think Antares used to be so strict about this…” Annalise smirked proudly. “Well, when you win so many competitions, they have no choice but to make an exception.” The three of them burst into laughter, the joy of their achievement settling in. Monica had a dreamy look on her face. “University is going to be amazing. New faces, new experiences… maybe even romance.” Annalise scoffed. “Romance? Is that all you think about?” Monica turned to her with a smirk. “Don’t act like you’re not interested.” Annalise rolled her eyes. “Unlike you, I have priorities.” Clara chuckled, knowing this conversation could go on forever. But deep down, she understood Monica’s excitement. Monica suddenly sighed dramatically. “But I hope my parents will allow me to date,” she said, a dreamy look crossing her face. Clara and Annalise turned to her in disbelief. Annalise shot her a look. “Do you want to date? Don’t you think having a boyfriend should be the least of your priorities? By the way, you’re just fifteen.” Monica glared at her without saying a word. “What?” Annalise raised a brow. “Did I say something wrong? Or you just can’t handle the truth?” Annalise challenged. Clara quickly stepped in before the teasing turned into an argument. She had been friends with Monica and Annalise since junior high at Vernisa High School, long enough to understand their personalities. Annalise is sharp-witted, headstrong, quick-tempered and sometimes intimidating. She is known to have truth issues, which makes her keep her circle small. In her words "it is better to have a few loyal friends than many fake ones." People often mistook her reserved nature for arrogance, but Clara knew better. Deep down, Annalise cares—just not in the overly expressive way Monica did. Beneath her tough exterior, Annalise is fiercely loyal, determined, and brutally honest—above all—an exceptional swimmer. She had been training since childhood, a skill she had mastered since the age of four. Her talent was unmatched, earning her the nickname “Aqua Girl.” Monica, on the other hand, is warm and full of life. Bright, beautiful, and always the center of attention, she have a charm that made her impossible to dislike. However, her hopeless romantic streak was legendary—sixty-eight crushes in high school, none lasting more than a month. This time, though… It was different. For the first time ever, Monica had fallen for someone, and the feelings weren’t fading. His name was Maxwell Addison. A sixteen-year-old second-year student at the University of Antares. Their first encounter had been completely accidental. Maxwell had been riding his bicycle down the street when Monica, caught off guard, stepped in his path. In her effort to dodge him, she slipped and fell. Maxwell had stopped immediately, concern flashing across his face as he helped her up. “Are you okay?” he had asked, his voice deep and smooth. Monica had barely managed a nod, her heart pounding. He had smiled at her—a small, apologetic smile—before riding off. And yet, Monica couldn’t stop thinking about him. Then, just when she thought she’d never see him again… Fate intervened. She saw him at Lightwood’s Café. And to her surprise… He recognized her. And just like that, her record of short-lived crushes was broken. This time, it wasn’t just a crush. It was something more. Something real.