CHARLIE Howard was a ‘real-real’ sweet-man. He saw beauty in every woman he met, and was usually not shy about showing it. He’d had many flings, countless affairs and a few near misses. Those had occurred when he had been confronted by an angry husband or disgruntled boyfriend.
He was good-looking, of mixed race, quite muscular and full of confidence and charm. A mere smile from him would sometimes cause women to blush and look away. He was enjoying life, and had a few women to help him do that. What more could he ask for? (Maybe another woman!) Weekends were Charlie’s time to go after, and catch new prizes. He’d usually visit a popular bar in the next village and keep a sharp eye out for new prospects. This Saturday night was not going well. Of the few women that visited the bar, most he had ‘known’ and wasn’t interested in. The others were older and bolder, something that Charlie never liked. By 11:30pm, he was nearly drunk. He shrugged his shoulders and stood up. Maybe next time, he mused.
As he walked home along the lonely side-line dam, Charlie noticed that it was lit up by moonlight. Though he was a bit drunk, he could still appreciate the raw beauty of the countryside. Charlie sang as he walked, feeling happy despite not catching a new girl.
He saw someone ahead of him and ran to catch up. Probably a friend from the village, and good company home. As he neared the person, he realized it was a woman. His mood got even better. Stopping alongside her, Charlie looked into the most beautiful face he had ever seen. His breath caught in his throat, and for the first time that he could remember, he was a bit lost for words.
Putting on his best smile and pouring all the charm he could muster, he began to make his usual advances.
“Goodnight beautiful.” No reply. Only a slight smile that encouraged him, and he continued.
“Are you from around here?” A slight nod and a smile made Charlie’s heart skip and dance.
“I’m Charlie; what’s your name?” No reply. Charlie continued to press on.

By this time, they had approached and passed the dam leading to the small village of Ruby Gardens. Charlie wasn’t interested in going home; his focus was the enthralling beauty at his side.
“At least tell me your name,” Charlie probed. Nothing.
“Are you from GT?” Charlie searched his brain for some way to win this grand prize. He wasn’t going home until he’d at least gotten some response.
This situation was so unusual. He never had any such difficulties with his past conquests. This was a big challenge that he just had to win. He was not one to offer gifts. In the past, he had been showered with them from his willing and generous girls. He would give her his chain. It was pure gold and very expensive, but Charlie was willing to part with it in order to win this woman over.
They were approaching the Koker that regulated water flow from the sideline trench to the river. He glanced around him quickly. As far as he knew, there were no houses in this area. He removed the chain from his neck and offered it to her. This was greeted with a beautiful smile, and for the first time, she turned and looked directly at him.
Charlie’s world stood still. He was gazing into the most stunning eyes ever. He stepped nearer and reached for her hand. It felt cold and strangely clammy. Charlie was puzzled, but not for long. It was a cold night, and her dress was of thin silky material. She ought to feel cold.
As he held her hand, he realized that she had an object in them. Looking down, he saw a small shiny comb. Charlie tried to focus. Something here wasn’t adding up. He released her hand and watched in awe as she began slowly combing her hair. The moonlight glistened off her waist- long black hair, and she smiled invitingly at the confused ‘Lover-Boy’. Somewhere in his foggy brain was a story with a few similar features, but try as he might, he just couldn’t recall it.
The woman beckoned Charlie and he advanced, disregarding all his doubts. All his efforts were about to pay off. As he neared her, he reached for her waist, but she deftly sidestepped and moved to stand on the Koker. Charlie tried not to get irritated. He stepped closer and leaned in for his first kiss. A wisp of rank fishiness assailed his nose and he jerked back. It was that movement that saved his life.
In a flash, the beautiful face was transformed into an ugly, evil mask and she tried to grab Charlie’s hand. He stumbled backwards, landing on his butt and watched in horror as she dived overboard. Charlie ran up to the Koker and looked over. There in the water was his beautiful companion, but with two noticeable differences. She was butt naked, and instead of a pair of legs there was a huge scaly tail. Charlie gawked at this, and then his brain kicked in. “Fair Maid! Water Muma!”
The creature gestured for Charlie to join her, but by this time, he was completely sober. Charlie made it home faster than Usain could say “Bolt!”