Sales:Mermaids: Are Real/Script

Siren: My whole life, I've dreamt of water. Not just being in it, or swimming in it... but living in it. Breathing it, tasting it, loving it. And yet, in life, I stay pretty far away from it.

Person:Get off the road!

Siren:Sorry! Mom, next time can you drop me off on the other side?

Tiffany:Sorry, honey.

Siren:Oh... hey!

Girl:So what you're saying is, if I punch you... your bones will break like toothpicks?

Adam: Come on. Yes, that's what I'm saying.

Girl:How about we give it a try?

Siren:Hey! Leave him alone!

Girl:This isn't your fight, Siren. Get out of here.

Siren:You know I can scream loud enough. I'll get Principal Strauss out here in a heart beat.

Girl”So?

Siren:Last I heard, you're one scream away from being expelled.

Girl:Whatever, we were just playing around, right, brittle boy?

Adam:Yeah. Thanks.

Siren:What was all that about?

Adam:Nothing.

Siren:That didn't look like nothing.

Adam: She found out about this. It's a form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. It just means my bones are very fragile.

Siren:Like all the time?

Adam:Every day for the rest of my life. Thanks for stepping in, though.

Crystal:Gross! Stop.

Mrs. Harper: All right, everyone, settle down. First things first, we do have a new student joining our school. Please give a warm welcome to Adam Wiltz. Adam, please stand.

Adam: Hello.

Harper:The floor is yours, introduce yourself

Adam:. I'm Adam.

Crystal:What's wrong with you?

Harper: A better way of asking that question would be... what's different about you?

Crystal:Okay, then what's different about you?

Adam: I have what's called brittle bone disease

Crystal:. Oh, that sucks.

Harper:Crystal!

Adam:No, she's right, it does suck.

Harper:Hayden! We talked about throwing paper! What's something else you threw last time? Was it your sandwich? Are you all done, Adam?

Adam: Uh, yeah.

Harper”All right, well now that you've been properly introduced... let's get back to studying!

Crystal:Okay, don't make friends with the new kid. It's social suicide.

Siren:I don't know, I kind of like him.

HArper:Metamorphosis. A biological process in which an animal... goes through an abrupt change... due to something called differentiation. Now can anyone tell me another animal... that goes through metamorphosis?

Harper: Siren. Siren?

Crystal Mermaids?

Harper: Mermaids aren't real, Crystal. What don't you try something else... like a different type of fish or a caterpillar? Did you know that metamorphosis is a Greek word? Meta is a prefix that means after... What is it, Siren?

Siren:I have to go to the bathroom!

Harper:All right, everyone, settle down. Eyes back up front. You can't control nature.

Woman: Where do you think you're going, young lady? Siren, you get back here!

Woman 2:Oh, hey there, Siren, everything okay?

Tiffany:What are you doing home?

Siren:Nothing, Mom! School is canceled!

Tiffany:What do you mean, it's canceled?

[Siren enters her room]

Tiffany:Siren, are you okay?

Siren: Fine, Mom, just let me be for a minute.

[Siren stares at the water. A knocking is heard]

Siren:I said I needed a minute, Mom!

Crystal: I'm not your mom. Okay, what's going on? I've never seen you break a single rule before. Now you're ditching school?

Siren:You ran out of class after me?

Crystal: No, I went to the bathroom. Duh.

Siren:Cute, you can go home.

Crystal Please, your face has psycho written all over it. So what happened? Did you get your period?

Siren:What? No!

Crystal:Okay, so is it a boy?

Siren:No.

Crystal: Is it that new kid?

Siren:No!

Crystal: A girl? Okay, well, I didn't come all this way to play guessing games. Spill it.

Siren: Okay, sit down.

Crystal:Okay. What are we doing?

[Siren starts using her power and the glass tip over]

Siren: Just wait.

Tiffany: Knock, knock. Mini sandwiches!

Crystal:Yay! You're the best, Mrs. Phillips.

Tiffany:Try to convince Siren of that.

Crystal: I will... if she stops acting like a crazy person.

Tiffany:All right, well, you know, have fun. It's not every day that school gets canceled. What is this? Have a little respect for your room?

Siren:Mom, out!

Tiffany:What? I'm just saying, the solution is less pollution.

Siren:Fish sandwiches

Crystal:. Is something wrong?

Siren: It tastes funny.

Crystal:Since we're not in school, you want to go to the beach?

Siren:Mm, okay.

[she and crystal go outside. Siren is drinking water from her bottle]

Crystal: Whoa! Take it easy on that thing.

Siren: What? I'm thirsty.

Crystal:So, has your mom talked to you about anything lately?

Siren:My mom talks to me about all kinds of things... all the time.

Crystal: Well, anything unusual?

Siren: She gave me a lecture on properly watering the lawn. Is that what you mean?

Crystal:What about your birthday next week? Or your body?

Siren:My body? What are you talking about?

Crystal:Never mind.

Siren:You feel like people are watching us?

Crystal:Well, we are pretty cute.

Siren:Not like 'those two are adorable' kind of stares. More like... psychotic killer kind of stares.

Crystal:Come on, let's go somewhere more quiet.

[She and Siren enter the park]

Crystal: I got you an early birthday gift.

Siren:You didn't have to get me anything.

Crystal:You say that, but you still took it.

[she opens the chest and there was a blue necklace.]

Siren: Wow, it's beautiful!

Crystal:Do you like it?

Siren: I mean, jewelry is not really my thing, but it's very pretty. Thank you.

Crystal: Promise me you'll wear it. Well, put it on!

[Siren puts the necklace around her neck]

Siren: You really don't get me.

Crystal:Well, you look awesome. Keep it on.

[[later that evening Tiffany is showing Siren something]

Tiffany: Hey, I brought you something. I just dug these up. This is pretty.

Siren:Thanks. Crystal got it for me, early birthday gift. Where did you find these?

Tiffany: I was just going through some old boxes. You know how clutter eats up the important stuff. I thought you could put a few of them up on your wall.

Siren:Tell me what she was like?

Tiffany:She was beautiful like you, and she was very kind also like you.

Siren: What else?

Tiffany:She had a laugh. Oh boy, when you would get her going, oh my God. I remember one time, she got an entire room laughing... and I don't even think they knew what was funny.

Siren: If she were alive, do you think she would love me?

Tiffany:She would love you. She does love you... when she protects you in her own way. The day that your mom left us... well, that was the day that I got you. That was the happiest and saddest day of my life... all rolled into one.

Siren:Do you think my dad's out there somewhere?

Tiffany: I don't know, honey. I suppose if he was, I wouldn't have ended up with you, huh?

[Tiffany leaves her room. Siren begins to hear tapping outside. She goes and and adam was throwing pebbles to get her attention. It sometimes hit Siren or Adam]

Siren:Hey!

Adam: Hey, sorry, did I hit you?

Siren:What are you doing here?

Adam: I'm not stalking you or anything, I swear.

Siren:Then what are you doing at my house?

Adam:Can't we take a walk?

Siren:Where?

Adam:I guess I didn't think this through too much. Fine, wait there, I'm coming down.

[Siren goes down stars and unknown to her, the necklace glowed. ]

Siren: Do you want to sit down or something?

Adam:Don't do that.

Siren:Do what?

Adam:Treat me like I'm a special case.

Siren: All right, so we're walking. What?

Adam:Nothing, you're... you're really pretty. [Siren giggles]What?

Siren: Nothing. Thank you.

Adam:Are you laughing at me?

Siren” No, sorry, I laugh when I'm nervous.

Adam:I make you nervous?

Siren:When we're walking alone, yes, a little bit.

Adam:You have nothing to be nervous about me, Siren.

Siren: So why did you move here?

Adam:It's kind of embarrassing.

Siren:Well, now you pretty much have to tell me.

Adam: My dad says he's chasing down a cure for me... but it never gets anywhere. I mean, if he'd asked me, I would have told him not to move.

Siren::Oh, okay.

Adam: Don't... don't take that personally. I just... I feel like I'm a burden sometimes.

Siren:We're kids, we're supposed to be a burden. It's like our right.

Adam: My dad's a bit intense, I guess. I just never know what's real with him. I mean, he's convinced there's a way to really save me... but I don't know, he drove away my mom trying to find a cure.

Siren:My mom's gone, too.

Adam:I'm sorry.

Siren: It's okay, just don't treat me like I'm a special case, either. So, where are we walking?

Adam::Honestly, you're the local. I don't have any idea where any of these paths lead.

Siren:Well then if we follow this path back, it should take me home.

Adam: Okay, yeah, that one I knew.

Siren: Goodnight!

Adam:Goodnight.

Crystal: Hey, wait up. Are you wearing my present?

Siren:Yeah.

Crystal: Good. It wasn't cheap, you know.

Adam:Hey, Siren.

Siren:Hey, Adam.

Adam:That was really fun yesterday.

Siren:Yeah, it was nice.

Adam:I like your necklace. It really catches the light.

Siren:Thanks.

Adam:Anyway, I'll see you around.

Crystal: Siren, stay away from him.

Siren:Why, do you have a crush on him?

Adam: No! I mean, yes. I have a crush on him, so stay away. I'm coming over for dinner tonight, okay?

Siren:I'll have to check with my mom.

Adam: No, you won't, it's happening.

[later Crystal was in Siren’s house while her mother Quinn is talking to Tiffany]

Tiffany:It's my job to tell her when the time is right.

Quinn:Yes, I agree and guess what, it's time.

Crystal: Mom?

Quinn:What? I'm just saying, this is Emerald's daughter... we're talking about and she deserves to know. I mean, look at Crystal. She's known since she could talk.

Tiffany: It's different for you. This is a world that makes sense to you. I'm not one of you.

Quinn:Yes, you are, honey. Emerald chose you. That's good enough, tell Siren.

Siren:[enters]Tell me what?

Quinnn:Hey, honey. Your mom invited us over to have dinner and to talk.

Siren:Talk about what?

Tiffany:Why don't you just come in first and let's eat.

Crystal:Just try not to freak out, okay?

Siren: Saying that's making me freak out.

[later they had dinner]

Siren: Anyone want to tell me what's going on?

Tiffany:This isn't gonna be easy, so I'm just gonna go ahead and say it.

Siren: Say what?

Tiffany: Quinn has something she'd like to tell you

Quinn:. Right... Crystal?

Crystal: Oh... wow... okay, here it goes. So, you know how my mom goes off to work every couple of years... and I come live with you?

Siren:Three years at sea, three years on land. For your job right?

Crystal:Well, she actually goes into the ocean.

Siren: Like on a submarine?

Quinn: Like in the ocean.

Siren:Mom, are you sending me away?

Tiffany:No, baby. I mean, you do have to go into the water for a little bit. Like three years.

Siren: What are you talking about?

Tiffany: Um, you see... half-breed mermaids live three years in the water... and three years on land. And you are a... Could you help me here?

Quinn:Uh... honey, you're a mermaid.

[Siren laughs]

Quin: So is your birth mother. So am I. Quite a few women in this town actually.

Siren:Okay, very funny. Then how come I've never spent like any time in the water then?

Tiffany:Because the change doesn't happen until your 12th birthday. Sweetie?

Siren: Crystal?

Crystal:Mom?

Siren:Joke's over, right? My 12th birthday is this weekend. I'm not prepared for this.

Crystal:Okay, remember how I had to go to summer school... but that school was out of town? They were training me to live in the ocean.

Siren: My birthday is before yours, where's my training?

Tiffany:Your mom made me promise to protect you... and she wanted me to keep all of this secret.

Siren:This would explain why I can control water. I thought I was losing my mind

Quinn:. You can do what?

Siren: Control water. That's a mermaid thing, right?

Crystal: Wait, show us.

[Siren begins to use her power on the glass it slowly begin to move]

Crystal:This is what you were trying to show me yesterday?

Quinn:She showed this to you?

Crystal:Well, tried to. I just thought she was going a little cuckoo.

Quinn:This makes you very unique,

Siren:Siren. Well, I feel unique. Why do you all look so worried?

Quinn:We'll need to discuss this with the others. If you can do this... it's possible that your blood may also have healing powers.

Tiffany:Which would make you very desirable to the Hunters.

Siren:The Hunters? Well, this has been a really great dinner! Thanks for coming over!

[Siren leaves]

Tiffany: Should I go after her?

Quinn:No, honey, just let her process it.

Crystal:[hearing water running]Is she taking a bath?

[in the bathroom siren stars the tub while she look at the mirror]

Siren:[to herself] You'll be okay.

Tiffany: Oh, honey, that's a great idea. You should take a bath and get used to being in the water.

Siren: Leave me alone, Mom!

Quinn: Bye. [she leaves with Crystal]

[in the bath Siren was relaxing in the tub but she notice that her feet were changing. She started to panic before passing out. Tiffany started coming to the bathroom]

Tiffany:Siren, are you okay? Open up! Siren, open up!

[later she was at the hospital]

Quinn:Okay now, sweetie, when she wakes up... let's just go slow with her, okay?

Crystal:Okay.

Quinn:We don't want to overwhelm her. She's had enough for one day.

Crystal:I understand.

Siren:My feet!

Quinn:Hey, hey, you're okay.

Siren:Quinn, where's my mom?

Quinn:You know, she just ran home to grab a few things... but she'll be back very soon. You were out for a bit.

Crystal:Siren, how are you feeling?

Siren:I thought I had a tail. What's happening to me?

Quinn:This is normal, honey, everybody goes through this.

Siren:Everybody does not go through this!

Quinn:Everybody that's like us.

Siren:And how many people is that?

Quinn:Well, I'd say about 10 or so in town... but there are more of us out there.

Siren:Out where?

Quinn:In the ocean and in other towns.

Siren:I want to know the names of the others in town. Why has no one told me this earlier! What do you even eat in the ocean? How do you breathe?

Quin:You are going to develop gills!

Siren:What?

Crystal:Okay, Mom, you're not good at delivering news. Okay, they're not bad. They're actually pretty cool.

Siren:How can I turn this off?

Quinn:A woman's body goes through several changes... at your age, honey.

Siren:This is not puberty!

Quinn:I know, but...

Siren:Is my real mom alive?

Quinn:Yes. She lives in the ocean. This is all a bit hard to explain.

Siren:Can you at least try?

Quinn:Okay, all mermaids have to stay on land until they are 12... and then the half-breeds, they live in the ocean... for three years and on land for three years. They can't control it. But the purebloods, they can go in and out... of the water as they please?

Siren:Wait, my mom could come and get me anytime she wants?

Quinn:It's not that easy, Siren. She's trying to protect you.

Siren: From what?

Crystal:Well, your mom's not just a mermaid. She's the leader.

Siren:My mom's the leader? And I barely know how to swim?

Quinn:Tiffany was keeping you safe, hidden. To her, that meant not telling you all this... until the time was right.

Siren:So she's been lying to me about everything!

Quinn:Shh, honey, not here. Someone might hear us.

Crystal:Yeah, keep the freak out to a minimum.

Nurse:Hi, how are you feeling?

Siren:I would like to rest, please.

Nurse:That's something I can prescribe without the doctor's consent.

Quinn:Okay, Siren, we'll be just down the hall, if you need anything. Send a nurse for us.

Siren:I'm fine.

Crystal:Bye

Nurse:Do you need anything before you go off to slumber land?

Siren:I could use some water.

Nurse:Coming right up.

Quinn:I was sensing some... I don't know... unwillingness to accept the truth.

Crystal:Yeah, there was a little bit of that. Other than being totally freaked out... and hating her mom for lying to her. I think she did okay.

Quinn:Well, she can't stop this. I'm just hoping she allows us to help her through it.

Crystal:Yeah.

Nurse:One cup of sleepy-time water. Hello? Hello? Ms. Phillips?

Gary:You about to throw stones at me?

Siren:No, sir, at your window... but I decided against it before you came out.

Gary:And who are you?

Siren:I'm Siren, Adam's friend.

Gary:Siren Well, that's a curious name.

Siren:It's the only name I've ever had... so it's not very curious to me. Sounds normal, but that might have been true... no matter what they called me.

Gary:Well, he's inside, come around.

Siren:Thank you.

Brodie:So, you're one of Adam's friends. How old are you?

Siren:11, almost 12.

Brodie:Hm, wow, happy almost birthday to you.

Siren:Thank you.

Adam:Siren?

Siren:Sorry, you scared me. I thought maybe since you dropped by on me, I might...

Adam: Drop by also.

Siren:Yeah, but I didn't mean to almost break... your dad's things, though.

Adam:Don't worry about those ships. He's got tons of junk here. I like this one.

Gary:Ah, the wailing stick, it's used to kill large fish. They say the ball at the other end... is used to call them to shore. Its tip can pierce through tough skin. Some fish, the kind that you might read about. Well, some fish, they are quite difficult to catch.

Adam:I didn't really read a lot of books about fish.

Gary:No? Your mom doesn't tell you any stories?

Siren: Are you guys hunters?

Gary:Depends on what's being hunted. That's a tranquilizer gun, it's not for kids.

Adam:Anyway, uh, Siren, what did you need?

Siren:Nothing really... want to go on a walk?

Adam:Dad?

Gary:Sure, take a walk. After all, you have two legs, don't you?

Adam It was nice of you to stop by.

Siren:Yeah?

Adam:Unexpected, but nice.

Siren: Yeah, well, I needed someone to talk to.

Adam:What about?

Siren: I'm gonna sound like a crazy person. You can trust me,

Adam:Siren, I won't freak out.

Siren: People say things like, "I won't freak out." But then once you realize I really do sound crazy... you might feel differently.

Adam:I won't, I promise. Go crazy.

Siren:I'm a mermaid.

Adam:Wait. Are you being serious right now? Okay, I'm starting to get the crazy bit. You know, you were just on two feet and not in the water, so... You're not going into the water, right?

Siren:I'm not a mermaid yet.

Adam:Okay, I'm actually having a hard time telling if you're joking.

Siren:I'm not joking. I'm kind of freaking out, actually. Just tell me I'm crazy. I'd prefer if I were crazy. At least that I can understand.

Adam:So you're a mermaid? Wait, so you're really a mermaid? You know, my dad tells me these stories. Do you have gills?

Siren:Gross! No, I don't have gills.

Adam:Okay, relax. I was just asking. How else do you breathe underwater? Want to go for a swim?

Siren:What kind of stories did your dad tell you?

Adam:They're a bit dark.

Siren:You really know how to cheer a girl up.

Adam::Hey, I'm trying. If it makes you feel any better, my dad's a bit of a nut. Are you okay?

Siren:Just checking for scales.

Adam:Anyway, I want to show you something, come on.

Siren:What is this place? Why are we here?

Adam:My dad got this storage when we moved here. As if our house didn't already have enough junk in it. At least he trusts you with the combo. My mom holds as much information from me as possible. It's actually set to my birthday... so I kind of just figured it out. My dad would kill me if he found out I was taking you here.

Siren:Wow, what exactly does your dad do again?

Adam:You're kind of looking at it. He collects stuff. Nautical stuff. You know, ocean items to folklore-type things.

Siren:Really?

Adam:A lot of things about mermaids actually.

Siren:Is that the reason you moved here? To be close to my kind?

Adam:I guess. It's not like we had a long conversation about it. Here, check this out.

Siren:Mermaids and other Sea... Creatures?

Adam:That's the Wailing Stick.

Siren: It's the one from the drawing.

Adam:He's got a replica in here somewhere.

Siren:Can I see it?

Adam:If I can find it.

Siren:It's lighter than I would've thought.

Adam:My dad said the core is balsa wood... and the outside is something called snake wood. It's supposed to be rare.

Siren:It's beautiful. So are you.

Adam:I'm sorry. You're really pretty. That's what I meant. New shirt?

Siren:New shirt? Come on, we should go. The crystal ball on the end.

Adam:According to the story, if a mermaid sticks that side... in the water, it'll call the other mermaids to her side. It acts sort of like a distress signal.

Siren:One side kills, and one side calls for help? That sounds dangerous.

Adam:It is. That's what makes it a good story. It's just a replica, Siren. Don't worry about it, it's not real.

Siren:Great.

Siren:Mom? Mom, you scared me!

Tiffany:You had me worried sick.

Siren:I've also been worried sick... but about having to live in the ocean. You should have told me earlier, given me time to prepare.

Tiffany:I know. I know that.

Siren:I wish you could be out there with me.

Tiffany:You know what somebody told me once about parenting? They said that it's a series of moments... where you have to let go. I just didn't think I had to let go all at once. I thought I could just sort of loosen my grip.

Siren:Will Crystal be out there with me at some point?

Tiffany:In a few months, you're on different clocks, so to speak.

Siren:I wish I could change my clock to be in sync with hers.

Tiffany:It doesn't really work like that. Here, there's something I should have given you a long time ago. What is it? It's an aerator. It's gonna help you transition from land to sea. You need to keep this on you until you're in the water, okay?

Siren:What do I do with it?

Tiffany:When your gills start to come in, you're going to need to...

Siren:Ew. Yuck!

Tiffany:When they come in, you need to put this on both sides... of your neck like this, okay? To cover them, so that you can breathe. The transition to mermaid the first time, it's slow and...

Siren:Ugly?

Tiffany:Yeah, sure, I was looking for a nicer word, but...

Siren:There's no nice word for ugly. I'm gonna miss you.

Tiffany:I'm going to miss you, too.

Siren:Have you heard of the Wailing Stick?

Tiffany:Where did you hear that?

Siren:Boy at my school, he had all these old books... and his dad had a replica of it in his storage locker.

Tiffany:What boy?

Siren:Just this new kid, Adam Wiltz.

Tiffany:When did he move here?

Siren:I don't know.

Tiffany:How many people did he move here with?

Siren:Why can't we just have a nice moment?

Tiffany: We had a nice moment. Now I'm asking you some very important questions.

Siren:I don't know, I met his dad... but he might have an army living in his basement.

Tiffany:How did you meet his dad? Don't talk to him ever again!

Siren:Fine.T

tiffany:Is that a real fine or a pretend fine? Oh my god, okay. We're gonna talk about this more in the morning, okay?

Siren: Okay.

Tiffany:No more secrets.

Siren:No more secrets.

Tiffany:I don't know, that's all she said... a new boy and his father.

Cori:There's got to me more, right? They are hunters. You know what they want her for?

Tiffany:I know, that's why I called you. I have no useful information, I thought maybe you would.

Cori:Apparently I know less than you.

Tiffany:Maybe we should notify the others.

Cori:I'll take care of it.

Tiffany:I mean, if they're here because they think someone... is gonna change, they can't know who, right?

Siren:Who won't know who?

Tiffany:Good morning, did we wake you up?

Cori:Hey there, fishy.

Tiffany:Cori, ssh!

Cori:Too soon?

Siren:What are you talking about, Mom?

Tiffany:Huh?

Siren:No more secrets.

Tiffany:No more secrets. If these people, these new people are bad people... you know, well, bad people do bad things.

Cori:I know what's going on and that was too vague even for me.

Tiffany:The Wailing Stick. Only two sets of people know about it. One is us, and the other...

Siren:The other side of the stick.

Tiffany:Yeah, exactly, the other side of the stick. The side that wants to hurt you.

Siren: Maybe there's a third kind. People who just collect stuff and hear stories.

Tiffany:That's your innocence speaking. Spend a few years out in the ocean being hunted by sharks... and we can talk about it.

Cori:Tiffany!

Tiffany:Sorry, it's just, it's early... and I have a lot going on in my head right now.

Siren:Who are the others?

Cori:What do you mean?

Siren:You said you'd notify the others.

Cori:The other mermaids.

Siren: it. Who are they?

Tiffany:Why don't you come to the meeting tonight... and find out for yourself?

Siren:Cool.

Crystal:There you are! Okay, what's going on? First you just disappeared right under my nose yesterday... and now my mom's called to your house. She won't even tell me what's going on. She said I'll just get upset.

Adam:Siren! Um, can we talk?

Siren:Sure.

Adam:Not here, somewhere else private.

Siren: Excuse me for a second.

Crystal:Uh, wait, where are you going!

Adam:Listen, Siren, so my dad sat me down yesterday... and he told me the stories. Not so much stories, as history.

Siren:I know.

Adam:My dad said a pureblood could save me... or a half-breed at the time they change. And here I am. Are you guys in on some kind of elaborate joke?

Siren:Me and your dad partnering up to trick you?

Adam:It's more likely than the alternative.

Siren:Barely.

Adam: It's your blood, Siren. I want to help you keep it.

Siren:I can't do anything. My body is changing and I can't stop it. Well, what am I supposed to do?

Adam:My dad, he's hunting you. He just doesn't know it's you yet.

Siren:Well, don't tell him.

Adam:Right, of course... But he's my dad!

Siren:Adam, he'll kill me. You don't know that. Most of the hunters, they're in it more for the science... than to hurt anyone. My dad's just made it personal. Maybe I can reason with him.

Siren:Tell him to choose me over you?

Adam:Okay, I won't say anything.

Siren:All right... I'll do it. I'll make you better, but on my own terms.

Adam:Really?

Siren:Okay, what are your terms? Well, no killing me, that's a term.

Adam:Reasonable, what else?

Siren:Can we talk about this later?

Adam:Yeah. I just feel light-headed. Is it because of the, you know, tail?

Siren:I'll be fine.

Adam:See you around.

Crystal:Are you and lover boy done with your secret side meeting? Siren?[Siren faints] Siren! Siren! Siren, are you okay?

[Adam comes over]

Adam:What did you do to her?

Crystal:I didn't do anything!

[She checks her neck. There were gills coming she quickly pulls the emergency switch. Then she starts searching for something]

Crystal:Where is it? She didn't bring it. Principal Strauss, I need help!

[Principal Strauss appears]

Strauss:What is it, what happened?

Crystal:Metamorphosis? She doesn't have her aerator.

Strauss:All right, let's get her into my office.

Adam:What's an aerator?

Stauruss:This is girls stuff, just stay here. All right, one, two, three.

[they quickly took her to the office where crystal observe the gills]

Crystal:Wow.

Nurse. Do you need help?

Strauss:Could you run down to the medical room... and get us some ice packs?

Nurse:Sure.

Strauss:Lock the door.

Crystal:Wait, but what about the ice packs?

Strauss: Don't need them. Lock the door. This should help. [she puts the aerator on Siren’s neck as she gasps]All right. You're okay now.

Siren:You know what's happening to me?

Strauss:Why do you think I'm always so hard on you?We're gonna have a bit of overlap you and I. I'm off to the water again next year.

Siren:Are all the teachers mermaids?

Strauss: Oh, no, some of them are half-breeds. This is your gills trying to turn water into oxygen. H20? You know, two hydrogens to one oxygen? Hasn't Ms. Harper talked to you all about this?

Crystal:Nope.

Strauss:Oh... I've stressed this so much to her.

Nurse:Hi! I have the ice packs.

Strauss:Great! I'll be right with you. All right, put your scarf thingy on... and we've got to find you some place safe.

Nurse:Ice packs?

Strauss:Everything is fine, you can just take 'em back.

Nurse:Well, if there's really a fire... I'd rather just take them with me outside.

Straruss:You know, that's fine, too.

Nurse:Oh, good!

Straruss:Okay. All right, everyone, false alarm. You can go back inside. All right, come on. Not you, not you. Need to get you someplace safe. Uh, take her to the river room.

Crystal:Okay.

Strauss: Ms. Harper... next week could you please teach hydrogen composition?

Harper: Yes'ums.

Strauss:Thank you.

Siren:What's the river room?

Crystal:Come on, don't worry. It doesn't involve water, if that's what your thinking.

Adam:Dad? Dad?

Kid: Hey! Come back here with my bike! I know where you live! You're my my neighbor!

Siren:Can I see where I'm going now?

Crystal:Okay, but you have to promise me not to freak out.

Siren:I'm already freaking out.

Crystal:Okay, but you can't like scream at me and stuff. It's not my fault things are this way. Okay.

Siren: Okay. Where are we?

Crystal:We're at a water desalination plant.

Siren:Wait, slow down!

Crystal: Come on, we're almost there!

Siren: This place is so weird.

Crystal: Well, it's not the weirdest thing that's happened to you.

Tiffany: Hi! Look, you have your gills.

Siren:Mom, stop, it's embarrassing.

Tiffany: It's not embarrassing. It's something that's happened to every single person here. Except for me.

Siren:Are these all the mermaids in town? I can't believe that sentence just came out of my mouth.

Tiffany:Okay, let's move to the front, there's lots to talk about.

Betty:Congratulations, Siren!

Amber:We're all routing for you.

Linda:So lovely, honey, you've got nothing to be afraid of.

Siren:What's happening?

Tiffany:They're welcoming you, it's tradition.

Siren:Why do I feel so warm?

Tiffany:It's their energy. Isn't it beautiful? Yeah?

Straruss:Welcome to the club, honey. All right, let's get down to business. First order of the day, who's in charge... of the bake sale on Thursday? No, no, no, Betty, that was a joke, sorry. No, we have much more serious business... to discuss here today, ladies. Siren Phillips... has become one of us. She's currently undergoing metamorphosis... which will culminate Saturday on her 12th birthday.

Man:What are you doing in here, kid?

Adam: Um... oh, I'm...

Man:Yeah, that's what I thought, you're coming with me.

Gary:Take your hands off of him! That's my son.

Sorry. Sir, I didn't know. Hey, kid, welcome to your future. Don't mind him. He's harmless. What are you doing here? I was gonna ask you the same thing.

Gary:We found out that there's at least one in town... and she's changing. This is my chance to save you, son.

Adam:Dad, this is crazy, who are all these guys?

Gary:These are the guys that are gonna save your life... catching us a fish.

Adam:I don't want to be saved, not like this. You said yourself, they're human half the time. So what?

Gary: When a caterpillar turns into a butterfly... it's no longer a caterpillar, right?

Adam:I don't know, I guess not. But people appreciate the butterfly, Dad.

Gary:They don't try and kill it. You need to get your head on straight! They are the hunted, we are the hunters! I don't want you blurring that line anymore. You understand me?

Adam:Yes, sir.

Gary:You can do better than that.

Adam:Yes, sir!

Gary:Come on, I want to show you around.

Strauss:All right, so it's settled then. Siren will spend the night in her own home tonight... and then be escorted tomorrow to a safe house... where she will finish her transition into the ocean. Crystal and Ms. Harper will join you. There is still so much we have to show you... and so very little time.

Tiffany:I just want to say... and I know it doesn't feel like it right now... but you're living every little girl's dream. You're officially a mermaid, honey! We're so proud of you.

Siren:What's happening, are they singing?

Tiffany:Wailing. Each mermaid wail is unique. You know how whales have songs and dolphins speak? It's kind of like that.

Gary:What are we looking at here?

Brodie:This is a map of the area. Couple of our guys spotted some women... driving out of town in a hurry. Could be something.

Gary:What's down there?

Brodie:It's a desalination plant.

Gary:That sounds promising.

Brodie:We'll get a team out there.

Adam:So let me get this straight. A group of mermaids are meeting at a what plant... and doing what exactly?

Gary:Not now, Adam.

Adam:But, Dad, I know who it is. I mean, I think I know who's changing.

Gary:You do? How?

Adam:She told me.

Gary: Interesting. She just gave you her identity. Who is it?

Adam:You have to promise not to hurt her.

Gary: Adam, to heal you, I need her blood. She knows. She'll give it willingly... if you can promise her safety.

Gary:I am not giving anybody a chance to back out.

Adam:Then I'm not saying who it is.

Gary: It's the girl who came over to our house, isn't it? Who else is just gonna tell you she's a mermaid?

Adam: Dad, no.

Gary:I'm sorry, son, I'm doing this for you. One day you'll understand. Send a team over to her house.

Brodie:Yes, sir!

Siren:Come in.

Tiffany:Hey there, little swimmer.

Siren:Please don't call me that.:

Tiffany I have some people I want you to meet. This is Amber and Betty... they're both half-breeds like you and Crystal.

Amber: It's an honor to meet you, Siren. Your mother is very important to us.

Betty: And so are you. I'm Betty. I like your room.

Siren:Thanks. What's that you're holding?

Amber:This is a fem stone and it does lots of things... much like your necklace there. This one creates a force field about six feet around us.

Siren:Cool, can I get one that does that?

Tiffany:Maybe when you come back.

Betty:Well, we'll be outside making sure things stay quiet.

Tiffany:How ya feeling?

Siren:I was just thinking, I can't really bring anything with me.

Tiffany:That's true, but it's all going to be here when you come back.

Siren: If I come back.

Tiffany: Don't speak like that.

Siren:You're the one who had me worrying about sharks.

Tiffany:Your tail is going to keep most things away. You're going to swim fast and hit hard... and I'm sure you're going to like the way it feels... once you get used to it.

Siren:And off life support?

Tiffany:Exactly. We're going to take you down tomorrow to the safe house... to complete the change.

Siren:Okay, is it going to take so long each time?

Tiffany:No, it's just the first time. Once your body gets used to the change... it'll just, you know, turn on and off like a light switch!

Siren:Except, I get to choose when to turn on the lights?

Tiffany:I guess I'm not that good at analogies.

Siren: Similes actually.

Tiffany:Okay, well, look who's paying attention at school. It's gonna be beautiful, you'll see. Okay?

Siren:Love you.

Tiffany:Be quiet, they're here, we need to move quickly. You go towards the front, I will go towards the back.

Siren:Mom?

Adam:Siren, get in here!

Tiffany:No! Help!

Brodie:Got one!

Tiffany:Get off of me!

Hunter:Where's the kid?

Brodie: I didn't see! She was headed toward you.

Tiffany::Run, Siren!

Adam:She went towards the back. I'm sorry, I couldn't get her in my condition.

Hunter:This is why we don't bring kids in to do an adult job!

Tiffany:No! Get off of me!

Brodie:What are you doing here?

Adam:I followed. I just wanted to help.

Brodie:You should be at home resting.

Adam:Come on.

Tiffany:No!

Brodie:Hey!

Tiffany:Run, Siren!

Adam:I think we're far enough away now.

Siren:What are they gonna do with my mom? Are they going to hurt her?

Adam:They'll use her for leverage. Try to get you to cave. I don't think they'll hurt her.

Siren:Get me to cave? This whole thing is a fairytale, a folklore! My blood may not even heal you!

Adam:Look at your neck, Siren, you have gills growing there. Does this seem like a fairytale? Once you have changed, the best they can do... is find the location of the other mermaids. Which is pretty useless, if they're half-breeds. They won't hurt her.

Siren:. If they do, I'm gonna...

Adam:Listen! I'm gonna do the best I can to help you guys. I'm so thirsty. Here. Whoa, you weren't kidding.

Siren: I need to go to the river room.

Adam: What's the river room?

Siren:You really don't know much about what's going on, do you?

Adam: Hey, I'm doing the best I can to catch up.

[later on Siren and Adam were outside the water plant]

Adam:So this is the place my dad circled on the map... back at base camp.

Siren:Do they know about the safe house?

Adam:What safe house?

Siren:Good, come on.

Hunter:: Hey, hey, hey..

Adam:. It's... it's me.

Hunter:What are you doing out here?

Adam:I'm Gary's son, I wanted to check this place out... but I wasn't sure if you guys were just a bunch of mermen.

Hunter:Yeah, I recognize you. Come on, I'll show you what we found.

Adam:Yeah, I'm coming.

[the next morning Siren enters the safe house.]

Siren: Is anyone here?

Crystal:Hey, it's just me. Relax. And teachers here, too.

Harper:Hey, Siren, I'm glad you're okay.

Siren:They have my mom, Crystal. They took her.

Crystal:I'm sorry, Siren.

Siren: We have to help her, or at least send someone.

Harper:We will, but you need to rest and be safe. They won't hurt her.

Crystal:That's what she would have wanted, for you to be safe.

Siren:What is this place?

Harper:We call it a safe house... because this is where you come to transition. Sort of like a right of passage. Once you get in the water... it'll take about 30 minutes for your tail to form. It's not as easy or hocus pocus-y... as the fairytales make it out to be.

Crystal: And there's been accidents... where people go to the ocean to change. So this gives you a safe location.

Siren:And once I turn, they'll let my mom go?

Harper:They'll have no use for her then.

Siren:Well, then... let's do this.

Crystal: Why don't you get cleaned up... and then we'll head over to the pool.

Woman: Oh, hey there, ladies! Everything okay?

Brodie: Well, well, well, look what the tide dragged in. Let me guess. You're the leader here on land. But, you're a half-breed. You're not the real leader out there, are you?

Strauss:For a grown man, you sure spend an awful lot of time... studying mermaids, you know?

Brodie:It's my life's work actually. I know all about your kind. So, you here to to negotiate?

Strauss:And Adam, I thought you and Siren had become friends.

Brodie: I said are you here to negotiate?

Struss: I'll speak with the boy, if it's all the same to you.

Brodie:If it's all the same to me, huh? Well that's very kind of you. To be so concerned with what's okay with me. I'll think about that. Get inside.

Gary: Oh, hello... ladies of the ocean.

Strauss:We're not here to waste any time, Gary, where is she?

Gary: That's funny, that's exactly what I was gonna ask you. She's inside. She's safe.

Strauss:You know we'll never give you her location, not yet. Why don't you just let us talk to Tiffany... and see if Siren will give up her blood willingly. Be reasonable.

Gary:If I was reasonable, I wouldn't be doing this... in the first place, now would I?

Strauss:We're willing to make a trade.

Gary: I'm listening.

Strauss: Take me instead, let Tiffany go. If there is anyone who could talk the girl into giving up... willingly, it's her own mother.

Brodie:I don't know, she's pretty. I kind of like having her around.

Strauss:Yeah, that will be enough of that.

Gary: All right, a trade. All right, then. Brodie

Strauss:. Here, walk over to me, darling. Come on, it's all gonna be fine. Just go to Amber. She'll take care of you. How did you find us, anyway?

Gary: It really wasn't that hard. We've been monitoring your chatter in the ocean. Your kind likes to talk a lot, out on the lonely sea. You have 4 hours. After that, this spear will not be so clean. Come back here with the girl.

Tiffany: Where is Siren?

Amber:She is safe and you know where. Go home. We'll be in touch soon.

Tiffany:Wait, we're just gonna leave her here?

Amber:Go home, Tiffany. This isn't the place. There's too many of them here.

Gary: Let her go.

Brodie:Not a chance!

Woman:Oh, hey there, Tiffany, everything okay?

Tiffany:Not really!

[Brodie continued to chase Tiffany to the safe house]

Adam: I-I want to help Siren, please?

[Adam tries to but gets hit on the arm and the bones break completely.]

Adam: It's... it's broken.

Brodie:What are you doing here?

Crystal:Happy Mermaid Day!

Siren:Thank you, it's really pretty.

Crystal: Make a wish. What did you wish for?

Siren:I'm not saying. It ruins the wish.

Crystal: I know what I would wish for. You'll get it soon enough. I also got you this.

Siren: You know what? I could really use a present. Wow. This is beautiful!

Crystal:Being a mermaid comes with a few perks.

Siren: I'm gonna miss you.

Crystal:I'm gonna miss you, too.

Siren:But not as much as I'm gonna miss this bed.

Crystal: I know, right? This place is amazing.

Siren:How do you even sleep in the ocean?

Crystal:Seaweed beds.

Siren:Gross.

Crystal:Well, I know you're gonna do great, Siren.

[later Mrs. Harper and Crystal are at the pool]

Harper: I'm excited. I haven't been around a guppy in a while.

Siren:Um, thank you?

[Siren goes into the pool]

Siren:So I just stand here and a tail forms?

Crystal:Yeah, pretty much. Uh, we're gonna have to work on your form.

Siren:Is it that bad?

Crystal:Well, it's not that good. Let's just put it that way.

[Siren looks at her legs, they are starting to fuse]

Siren:My feet!

Crystal:They're fusing together.

Siren:This is freaking me out.

Crystal:Okay, just stay calm. I mean, it doesn't hurt, right?

Siren:No, it just feels weird. And you're just normal right now?

Crystal:Three years on land and three in the water for us half-breeds. I didn't make the rules. Besides, I haven't even changed yet. Lucky.

Siren:I don't feel so lucky.

[Soon Siren looks at the legs. It transformed into a tail.]

Siren:I have my tail! It's gorgeous!

Crystal:That was quick. Okay, now you're on-board with this whole mermaid thing.

Siren:I can't believe it, it's amazing!

Crystal: Let's see how you swim.

Harper:All right. Now let's try my favorite move. A high jump out of the water.

Siren:A high jump?

Harper:Yeah, you dive under, come up to the surface... and give it two big pushes right before you break... and it feels like your flying. I'd show you, but I don't have my tail right now.

Siren: I don't know.

Crystal: It's okay, Siren, you can do it!

Siren: All right, I'll do it.

[she tries to but it doesn’t work.]

Siren: Mine won't work! What's your problem?!

Harper:Maybe it was three hard pushes before you break.

Crystal:It's okay, it takes some practice. Come on, let's get you to the water.

Siren: How do I get out of the water with this tail?

Crystal: It's fine, we have a wheelchair here... and we have a truck out back.

Harper:Shot gun!

Crystal:Ms. Harper?

Harper:Yeah.

Crystal:You have to drive.

Harper:Oh, yeah.

Crystal: Okay, Siren, it's time.

Tiffany: Is anyone here?

Brodie:What is this place?

Tiffany:It's nothing, it's a second home.

Brodie:You don't have a second home. We looked. Nice pool. This is the mermaid house.

Tiffany:No, it's not.

Brodie:You're a really bad liar. I like that about you. Base, this is Brodie, track me and send a team. We've located the mermaid house.

Gary: Let's search the house. Look for hidden doors, secret rooms, that kind of thing. And somebody start tracking these girls... in case they already left.

Brodie:I found something. There's a truck headed down for the water.

Amber:Stop. She's already changed and you're too late!

Gary:Yeah, do your homework. We've got 'til sunset.

Amber:You think you have until sunset... but no one living has ever caught one of us... at the time we changed.

Gary:Yeah, well let's find out, what do you say?

Amber:Stop! Let 'em through.

Gary:All right, let's load up.

Amber:We've stalled them and the others are already... down by the beach and I'm sure Siren has changed by now.

Tiffany:Let's go to the beach.

Crystal:Ready for this?

Siren:Not really.

Crystal::It's okay, you're gonna do great.

Quinn: I know it's a lot to take in, but just breathe... through your gills.

Harper:And remember what I taught you in class.

Siren:You didn't cover any of this in class.

Harper:Oh, yeah.

Quinn:Okay.

[The four begin to put Siren into the ocean]

Gary:Drop it! You tell her to come back here!

Harper:She can't hear us, she's in the water.

Crystal:You're too late, she's gone.

Harper:She has already fully changed. You lose!

Gary:My project, it will work!

Crystal:She's not your project!

Hunter::You look like you'll be changing pretty soon, won't you?

Brodie:Yeah, I suppose you'll do.[grabs Crystal] Not a pure breed... but you'll just have to give me twice as much blood.

Quinn:Let go of her!

Brodie:Who's this, your mommy?

Crystal:Mom, don't do anything stupid.

QuinnYou took the words right out of my mouth. :Get your hands off my daughter!

Brodie:Or you'll what?

Quinn:If I had my tail...

Adam:Dad?

Gary:Adam? What are you doing here?

Adam:What are you doing? I don't want this.

Gary:Son, this is not the time.

Adam:Is Siren okay? Look at how you're acting? Who do you think is half-human now, you? Or them?

Gary:Adam, just go home! It's not safe for you out here.

Adam:It's not safe for me anywhere, Dad.

Crystal: Mom!

Quinn:It's okay, baby, you're gonna be okay.

Crystal:Let go of me!

Tiffany:Where is Siren?

Adam:Dad?

Quinn:She's fine.

Tiffany:[pushes gary away]Stay away! You're in no position to threaten our children!

Gary:Stand down.

Brodie:Sir! With all do respect... I need one of these things to prove my methods.

Gary:Not like this.

Brodie:To save your son! Sir!

Gary:Let her go!

Quinn:Come here.

Gary:Come on, son, let's go home.

[The men turn to leave but Brodie grabs one of the men's spear to throw at Tiffany.]

Brodie:I want that girl!

Adam:No!

[Adam pushed Tiffany out of the way but got killed when his bones break!]

Gary:ADAM!

Quinn:Tiffany!

Gary:Adam, wake up. Adam, wake up! What did you do?

Brodie:He got in the way! It was his fault, not mine.

Gary:Stay away!

[Tiffany runs over to the staff]

Quinn:Tiffany, what are you doing?

Tiffany:I'm calling her.

[Tiffany runs into the water and uses the staff to call]

Brodie:I'm taking this one back to study. This will not all be for nothing!

Emerald:Stop!

Crystal:Mom!

Gary:My son! My son. Don't... don't touch him.

Siren:Adam! Adam! Adam!

[Siren begins to sing until the bones of Adams body finally heals]

Gary:Oh, Adam! How did you... is he really okay?

Adam:Dad, not too tight.

Gary:Oh, sorry, I don't want to break you.

Adam:Actually, it's okay. I feel... I feel different. I thought you changed.

Siren:I did... turns out I'm a pureblood. I can come and go as I like.

Crystal:Wait, so, you're staying?

Siren:I think I have to go for a while. Learn about this half of my life. Mom?

Tiffany:I'm gonna miss you.

Siren:I'm going to miss you, Mom.

Brodie:This is all very sweet. Very nice, indeed, but there is just one thing. I have spent my whole life studying you things. And I am not leaving here without advancing my career.

Emerald:Not a chance!

Brodie:What are you gonna do? Wash me out into the ocean? You'll take everyone of us out. Including your unchanged. Just give me this one. The rest of you can go.

Siren:Stay away from her!

Brodie:What are you going to do? Make small little waves?

Siren:You're forgetting something about yourself.

Brodie:Oh yeah, what's that?

Siren:Your body is made up of 65% water.

[She used her power and drain Brodie into liquid killing him]

Crystal:Okay, you have to teach me that move.

Siren:I'll be back soon, Mom, I promise.

Tiffany:I'll be waiting for you.

Siren:I'll see you in two months...I guess

Quinn:Come on, sweetie.

[Siren and Emerald return to the sea.]

Siren:My whole life I've dreamt of water. Not just being in it, or swimming in it..but living in it. Breathing it, tasting it, loving it. And now that it's not a dream, I can't imagine living any other way.