Waterworks (H2O Just Add Water) 🌊

78. Graduation

I woke up early to get to the airport. After learning of Emma's arrival, Fiona offered to drive me to pick her up.

"You set to see your globetrotting mate, Zo?" Fiona smiled at me after I was dressed and ready to go.

"Sure am," I nodded, a thrill of anticipation running through me. "The others are gonna be over the moon to see her again."

Cleo texted me to meet at the boat shed during the drive to Brisbane. I replied that I was helping Fiona with something and would be there soon.

"They don't know Em's coming," I told my stepmom. "I wanted it to be a surprise, especially since we would all graduate together."

"That'll be extra special," Fiona nodded in agreement. "There's also gonna be this astronomical event this evening. A comet will pass over, and we're in the right location for a front row seating."

"Awesome." I tried to sound ecstatic though knowing the truth about it.

"Your dad and I thought about heading down to the beach to watch the comet tonight with your gran and gramps. It's the perfect place for viewing it. You're welcome to join us if you don't have other plans."

"Thanks for the offer. Since tomorrow's graduation, the girls and I plan on having a sleepover."

"No worries. My mates and I also had a sleepover the day before our graduation. Just be sure not to be late for your ceremony."

"Will do."

🌊

After arriving at the airport, my stomach was in knots. I texted Emma that we had arrived. Fiona and I waited in the arrivals section and kept an eye out for my best friend. I found myself smiling and giggling as Emma made an appearance.

"Hey! Em!" I grinned big as I rushed over and hugged her.

"Zoey!" Emma smiled as she, too, hugged me back. "It feels so good to be home again."

I introduced her to Fiona, who drove us to Grandma and Grandpa's place.

"So, are your folks coming?" I wondered as we drove back to the Gold Coast.

"They'll be arriving later this evening," Emma answered. "And  able to see us graduate."

Knowing my stepmom wasn't aware of the secret, Emma and I decided to wait to talk further. She let her parents know that she landed and was with me. The Gilberts had decided Emma would fly back solo so she could prep for the graduation ceremony. 

After dropping Emma's bag off at the house and being greeted by my grandparents, we headed out to meet with the others. Even though Emma seemed jetlagged, she was eager to see Cleo and Rikki again and see Bella in person. Also, I was able to give her the fifth crystal. Emma thought it was beautiful, especially since the crystal came from the cavern and the other girls and I wore matching necklaces. She ended up wearing it after taking off the locket she still wore.

During the walk, I informed Emma of the comet after she mentioned finding out about it on the news. After adding that the comet would enter the atmosphere and not pass over, she figured I was dead serious about it.

I led Emma to the boat shed. Before going in, I had her wait until I gave her the gesture to enter.

"Hey, sorry if I'm late," I apologized to Cleo who along with Bella and Will were looking up some information about the comet.

"No worries," Cleo assured me. "Everything okay with Fiona?"

"Yeah."

I gestured at Emma to get inside. Once she made an appearance, Cleo gasped and hugged her long-time best friend.