Waterworks (H2O Just Add Water) 🌊

34. Wrong Side of the Tracks

After helping Grandma run some errands, I met up with Patrick just as he finished his shift at the lifeguard tower. Rikki was meeting up with Zane. I felt guilty for not saying anything to Cleo and Emma about the two together since I had promised Rikki that I wouldn't tell them. 

"So, what's been new with you Zo?" Patrick wondered as we walked towards the mall.

"Well you know, school, work, hanging out with friends, helping my grandma with some errands and other stuff," I shrugged.

"What other stuff?"

"Has anyone told you something and asked you not to tell others about it?"

"Yeah, for sure. That's trust and that the person sees you as a trusted mate."

It made sense why Rikki opened up to me a bit about her background. As we all got to know each other, she told me some things that she never said to either Cleo or Emma.

"Whatever is going on, you can tell me whenever you feel ready," Patrick assured me.

That would soon involve telling him about the reason why I try to avoid any contact with water at all times. 

🌊

Later, I arrived at the cafe to find Cleo and Emma seated at the counter.

"Zoey, have you seen Rikki?" Cleo wondered.

"Did she tell you something?" Emma asked.

I felt uncomfortable with answering them after having promised Rikki. The other girls were aware that Rikki often told me a lot of things since they sometimes could be critical about it.

Just then, Rikki entered the cafe.

"Hey, stranger," Cleo smiled at her, "Long time no see."

"Where have you been hiding?" Emma wondered.

"Oh, you know. Here and there," Rikki shrugged.

I gave her an expression as if to tell her that I never said anything to Cleo and Emma about her and Zane together.

"We've been here and there, haven't seen you," Emma pointed out.

"Started to think you found three other mermaids to hang out with," Cleo grinned at Rikki.

I could tell Rikki didn't want to tell us anything yet. It would only be whenever she felt ready. And, I wasn't pushing it.

The bamboo curtains opened up revealing another customer. Rikki glanced over at the entrance. I turned there and saw Zane had entered inside.

"Listen guys, I've gotta go," Rikki turned back to us.

"You just got here," Cleo reminded her.

"Sorry about that."

Rikki headed out at that moment.

"What is with her?" Cleo asked us and then glanced at me, "Did Rikki tell you anything, Zoey?"

"That's for Rikki to tell you guys, not me," I answered.

Lewis came over to our table informing us that he saw Rikki and Zane together wondering what was up with them. Like the other girls, Lewis asked me if Rikki told me something. I refused to say anything to him.

🌊

The next day, I went out swimming in the open water solo. Even though it was nice having the other girls at my side, sometimes it felt good to be alone for a while. I checked on the dugongs and the calf, like always, hugged me whenever I showed up.