Mako Mermaids: Rita Santos' Daughter

Chapter 6

Rita's POV:
Wow. My Caitlan is 9 months old! Unfortunately her development is delayed slightly, she hasn't started talking or crawling yet. Premature babies usually have development delays but it's heartbreaking to be honest - especially when we go on our play dates with the Blakeleys. Zac crawls everywhere, and I see the sadness and determination in Caitlan's face, she tries so hard to crawl but hasn't managed it yet and I know it upsets her, I know she will crawl when she's ready.

It's lovely out so we're sat on the balcony, I've brought Caitlan's playmat out for her. I sat on my chair smiling at my baby girl laughing and her little arms and legs flailing about. She rolled over on her belly, I knew she was going to try crawling again. As soon as she moved her hand, she fell forwards. Caitlan's little lip quivered before she started crying. I instantly scooped her up in my arms. "Oh darling it's ok." I rocked her slightly and wiped her tears. I noticed a small bump on Caitlan's head from where she fell. "Oh dear. Let's get you sorted baby girl." I whispered.

I got a flannel and took Caitlan down to the Cavern. As soon as we got in I laid Caitlan on my chest, wet the flannel and rested it on her head. I could hear her quietly sobbing in pain. "I know baby girl, I know. Mummy's not going anywhere." I planted a kiss on her little head. If the bump doesn't go down I'm going to have Doctor Blakeley come over. I heard something but I thought I imagined it. Then I heard it again. "Mama" Caitlan whispered. I felt my heart well up. I would have spun her around in the water happily but I don't want my baby girl to feel worse. "That's right sweetheart. Mama's here." I whispered. Caitlan cuddled closer into my chest.

Caitlan unfortunately didn't settle so after the swim I called Doctor Blakeley. He came straight over. "What's happened?" He asked. "Caitlan attempted to crawl but fell and hit her head. She has quite a bump, I have put a wet flannel on her head and it has gone down but it's still quite big. She's just not really herself." I told him. Doctor Blakeley checked Caitlan over, which was difficult as she kept cuddling closer to me. "It seems Caitlan is slightly concussed. All she needs is a couple days of rest and she'll be absolutely fine. Make sure she keeps hydrated and doesn't attempt to crawl again for a while. When she is ready, she will crawl." Doctor Blakeley smiled and left.

After I locked the door, I sat on the sofa. I faced Caitlan towards me. "What are we going to do with you my wee starfish? You're too precious." I stroked Caitlan's cheek with my thumb. "Mamamama" Caitlan whispered before cuddling into me. I felt a tear fall down my cheek as I wrapped my arms around my baby girl.

Thankfully Caitlan still had a good appetite and had her milk. But she wasn't her cheery self. We were laid in bed, Caitlan laying next to me. Caitlan's tiny hand wrapped around my thumb.

Caitlan was back to her cheery mischievous self a couple days later. We've mainly been relaxing, cuddles with Mummy and floating about in the Cavern for hours. We didn't go for a swim in the ocean as I didn't want Caitlan to feel worse: at least everything we need is close by whilst swimming in the Cavern. I know Caitlan will crawl when she's ready, I'm in no rush of course as I don't want my little starfish to grow up so quickly. Nevertheless, she'll never be too big or too old to have cuddles with Mummy.

This is a wee bit of a short one but I hope y'all like it!