CHAPTER SEVEN

SECRET SWIMMING PLANS

When Mervyn walked back into the kitchen, Jonny burst out laughing.

‘Look at you walking!’ he said. ‘When a minute ago you had a …’

‘Shhh!’ said Mervyn. ‘I think we should keep this quiet. I don’t want to attract attention. I’ve only just arrived on land!’

‘Is that why you’ve never ridden a bike?’ Jonny asked. ‘Bikes don’t work in the sea!’

Mervyn nodded.

‘And is that why you didn’t want to go swimming?’

‘Yes, as soon as my legs get properly wet, I turn into a merboy,’ Mervyn said. ‘Feels weird, though, this whole walking about on legs thing. I’m used to swimming everywhere.’

‘Well, let’s go swimming!’ said Jonny. ‘We must be able to find water somewhere. The leisure centre is out – too public …’

‘Could we go to the sea?’ Mervyn asked. ‘I’d love to see it again. It’s the only home I’ve ever known. My parents put me on Sibling Swap because they wanted me to try life on dry land. They kept going on about all the opportunities up here. It’s great here, isn’t it? Houses and bikes and you, of course, my new brother. I know I’ll get used to it, it’s just all so different to the sea …’

‘It takes a while to get to the beach in the car,’ said Jonny. ‘And I can’t drive. I’m too young. Maybe tomorrow? I could ask my mum. Perhaps we could try the pond on the Common for now. It’s a bit brown, usually with a few plastic bottles floating in it. Plus, the ducks might give you a funny look.’

‘How deep is it?’ Mervyn asked.

‘Pretty deep. There’s a sign next to it saying DEEP WATER, so it’s deep enough for a DEEP WATER sign.’

‘Great!’ said Mervyn. ‘When can we go?’

Jonny looked out of the window and then at the clock.

‘In about an hour, when the light starts to fade and there’s nobody about,’ he said. ‘The perfect time for some outdoor, not-strictly-allowed-but-never-mind merboy swimming fun! Whoop!’