starting block, I mentally prepared myself for the all-consuming race.

"Swimmers, take your marks."

I bent over and gripped the starting block with both hands, fingering the bottom like an outlaw would finger his gun in a showdown.

I can do this.

Narrowing my eyes, I focused on the translucent turquoise water below. The thick black line on the bottom of the pool was visible as a fluctuating geometric design.

Bring it on.

Just before the buzzer sounded, Mom's words from this morning flashed through my mind: "Don't worry about anyone else. Focus on yourself and your swimming. When you leave this pool you should have no regrets. Just do your mermaid thing and win like you always do."

I closed my eyes and smiled. Though I didn't have my tail, I still had my speed. Mom was right—I would just have to do my mermaid thing.

I pushed off the starting block and flew through the air. Within milliseconds, I hit the water and dove beneath the surface, my legs automatically breaking out into a dolphin kick.

The race was on.

Thank you so much for reading, voting, and commenting! I hope you enjoyed the story, tagging along with Rayne on her adventures, puzzling over the mystery of her tail, and rooting for her during her swim meets.

Here's another big thank-you to all my dedicated readers! I couldn't have done it without you!

God bless,
Summer

SEQUEL: I'm sorry, but I do not have any plans for a sequel at the moment.  Feel free to check out my other completed novels instead!